Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey have done more than their share when it comes to caring for the refugees of the Syrian conflict. Where are the other Islamic nations when it comes to welcoming those migrants whose culture is closer to theirs than to Europe’s and whose faith often arouses the denomination, even in official communiqués, of “our brothers?” Why have Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt, Morocco, Kuwait and the Emirates remained on the sidelines? (Pakistan can be given a pass, because it already is overwhelmed with refugees from Afghanistan.)
If those countries could be shamed, or induced (the ones which receive substantial Western aid), to open their doors to the migrants, not only would it be fitting, considering that the conflicts raging in that part of the world are fueled by political rivalries among Islamic states, and would alleviate the crisis in Europe, but it also would help separate the migrants who are genuine refugees, who face only death and destruction at home and would welcome any haven, from those who are economically motivated, dazzled by a perception of northern European wealth and opportunity, who have joined the refugee juggernaut but would not acquiesce to being settled elsewhere than in the prosperous West.
If those countries could be shamed, or induced (the ones which receive substantial Western aid), to open their doors to the migrants, not only would it be fitting, considering that the conflicts raging in that part of the world are fueled by political rivalries among Islamic states, and would alleviate the crisis in Europe, but it also would help separate the migrants who are genuine refugees, who face only death and destruction at home and would welcome any haven, from those who are economically motivated, dazzled by a perception of northern European wealth and opportunity, who have joined the refugee juggernaut but would not acquiesce to being settled elsewhere than in the prosperous West.
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