Riots in the West

There was some talk about the difference between the French and Anglo-Saxon models of integration after the riots in France last month. The main thrust (including by some in the Turkish press) was the success of the Anglo-Saxon model. Of course these claims were the result of the short memories. The issue of color is well known in the USA, most recently expressed in the New Orleans disaster response. Britain has had its share of race riots, most recently Bradford in 2001 (one should remember the Brixton riots in 1981, and the great song by the Clash "Guns of Brixton"). And now, the other Anglo-Saxon country, Australia, is having race riots. In general, the reaction to the September 11 events showed the thin veneer of toleration in many of the Anglo-Saxon countries.

Non-western countries, including Turkey, should look into their own approaches to build a more democratic and inclusive societies. This requires a honest look into its own traditions and history and its reflections in the current environment, also an open mind to learn from the positive and negative experiences of other societies including the Western ones.