Europe is facing a quickly growing muslim minority. How democracy and this minority will cope is a question with historical and worldwide implications. But the responsibility for that is not yet widely acknowledged. And until now, the book market wasn't a help that often.

How many books and articles have been written about muslims and their building political elites in europe on the basis of historical or political speculation? I think, too many. For a long time I longed for one that was a) based on sound political sciences instead of wishful thinking (pro or contra Islam) and b) helpful in practical questions.
Jytte Klausen (from the Center for European Studies, Brandeis University, Boston) did it! Herself from Danish origin, she did the nearest thing: not just reading and surmising, but traveling time and again to the different European countries, staying for some time in the larger ones, speaking with competent muslims and non-muslims alike (in mosques and families as well as in universities and parliaments) and flanking all that with empirical questionaires and interviews.

In reading, you learn about the emergence of the new "muslim elite" in Europe, chances as well as hindrances and dangers - and all that in a comprehensive and comparative perspective, which has apparently grown and won through the workplaces in the US and different European countries.

And the fifth Amazon-star goes for style. The book is not just sound and interesting, but also good to read - you kind of join the travels and interviews, and you enjoy it. A must-read for people who see the european and global demographic and democratic challenges!