Eck on Denial of Tariq Ramadan by Homeland Security

September 4, 2004

Source: The Boston Globe

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2004/09/04/why_exclude_a_muslim_voice/

On September 4, 2004 The Boston Globe provided an editorial by Diana Eck on the denied entry of Muslim scholar Tariq Ramadan into the US. Such efforts, according to Eck, limit the possibilities for healthy social and religious dialogue between Muslim's and the West. Eck writes, "Ramadan's voice is distinctive, challenging Muslims in Europe and the United States to claim the universal principles of Islam and yet let go of their defensive minority consciousness and be active citizens of the nations in which they live... Ramadan also challenges Muslims and non-Muslims to serious dialogue, to the give and take of a real relationship so badly needed in the world... To bar Ramadan sends a signal of paranoia. The most progressive, engaged, dialogical voices are essential to the robust discussion of issues. How can America encourage 'the voices of moderation and tolerance and pluralism within the Muslim world' when, because of fearful ignorance, we insult and exclude them?"