The Putin Popularity Score
Is Vladimir Putin a new breed of postmodern, post-communist populist or an old-style dictator in democratic clothing? It’s a question currently being debated with even more urgency as the investigation widens into the bizarre poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko, a former Soviet spy and outspoken critic of the Russian president.
Europeans Debate the Scarf and the Veil
Government leaders in the Netherlands reignited the debate over veils and head scarves when they announced plans for legislation that would ban the full-face veil. A Pew survey found that European publics are divided on head scarf bans.
The French-Muslim Connection
When Muslim youths rioted in French suburbs last year, critics were quick to fault the French assimilation model. But recent findings suggest that the French can claim some success.
In Great Britain, Muslims Worry About Islamic Extremism
Even before British authorities announced they had thwarted a terrorist plot to blow up airplanes, many people in Britain – including Muslims – were very concerned about Islamic extremism.
Muslims in Europe
Muslims living in Europe worry about their future, and many say they have had a bad experience as a result of their religion or ethnicity. But Muslims there do not generally believe most Europeans are hostile toward people of their faith.
Russia’s Weakened Democratic Embrace
As concerns grow over the state of Russia’s democracy, recent polling by the Pew Global Attitudes Project finds an erosion of support for democracy among the Russian people.
