The conflict with Islam has, after all, existed throughout European history.

The fundamental issue, when it comes to Europe's future, will be whether and how we manage to transfer the ideals that once made Europe great - especially its Christian roots - into today's changed world. No one wants to return to the Middle Ages.

The scientific and societal achievements of the modern age are undisputable. But after the French Revolution, modernity increasingly emancipated itself from Christian roots, thereby becoming rootless itself.

Those who are unprepared to demonstrate tolerance cannot expect or even demand tolerance for themselves.

There is no such thing as one Islam. The Koran is ambiguous and Islam is not a monolithic entity.

Europe sees itself as a liberal-minded society. It has no desire to be, nor can it be, a "Christian club.

Islam developed in opposition to orthodox Christianity from the very start, and it considers itself superior to Christianity. So far, it has only been tolerant in places where it is in the minority.