A mosque for Athens
There should be no second thoughts regarding the construction of an Islamic place of worship in Athens and this long-delayed project must finally go ahead.
In fact, the construction of a mosque for the Greek capital’s Muslim community is mandated by the country’s Constitution, as well as international treaties and European Union regulations. The provision allowing building work to go ahead was also approved by a strong majority in Parliament.
Sure, there are also symbolic reasons why Greece’s foot-dragging must stop. The fact is that by bringing this project to a conclusion, the country will be in a better position to protect its interests.
Athens would be much better off with an official place for Muslims to worship at than with the dozens of makeshift – and illegal – mosques that it has today, which could potentially provide fertile ground for extremist elements.
