translated by Alice Beste

Refugees should not be blamed for the Paris attacks

The perverse logic of the actions of the terrorist group calling itself the ’ Islamic State ’ provokes fear and helplessness in the societies that are subjected to their attacks. In Europe after the attacks of Friday the 13th November in Paris, hopelessness and fatalism were the dominant emotions. Following days of shock and mourning, the most probable reaction by French society (and Europe) will be intense discussion and intolerant and xenophobic practices against immigrants and refugees living on the continent – the majority of whom, it is important to emphasise, are Syrians, Iraqis and Afghans who have fled their countries as a result of the same terrorist group.