A number of policy-makers from around Europe and elsewhere have commented that the successful integration of Muslims into their respective countries will continue to be a critical issue for decades. This December 2004 report, authored by David Masci, addresses that very subject, and is part of the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life publication series. In the work, Masci suggests that Muslim immigration into Europe poses special challenges, largely due to the fact that most nations in Europe are constructed around a population with a common ethnicity. Masci also suggests that another possible crossroads involves the proposed (and highly debated) entry of Turkey into the European Union. While formal talks with Ankara are scheduled to begin in 2005, Masci goes on to suggest that the argument about Turkey's entrance into the EU could be problematic due to the fact that recent polls show that majorities in many European countries remain opposed to Turkish accession. This report is definitely worth a look, particularly to those people with an interest in immigration and strategies of effective assimilation.
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