Israeli Arab Mayor Prefers Swiss Democracy

In an interview published online by Haaretz (http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/features/head-to-head-arabeh-mayor-omar-nasser-do-you-agree-with-netanyahu-that-arabs-live-better-here-than-elsewhere-1.364104), the Israeli Arab mayor of Arabeh, Omar Nasser, claims that it was disgraceful for the U.S. Congress to applaud Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and derides Israeli democracy:

"The prime minister chose to compare democracy in Israel to the Arab world. But if he is so proud of democracy in Israel, then why doesn't he compare it to democracy in Canada or in Sweden or in Switzerland?"

Oh, yes, the blessings of democracy for Muslims in Switzerland. . . .

Apparently, Mr. Nasser has forgotten, or has chosen not to remind the readership of Haaretz, that in November 2009, 57.5% of Swiss voters decided to ban the future construction of minarets, i.e. mosque prayer towers (see: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/30/world/europe/30swiss.html).

Elsewhere in Europe, a new French law recently barred Muslim women from wearing niqabs (face veils) and burqas (outerwear that covers the entire body except the eyes and hands) in public (see: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/apr/11/france-bans-burqa-and-niqab).

Can you imagine how the world would react if Israel were to enact such legislation?

Yes, Mayor Nasser, the grass is always greener on the other side.