Immigration Crisis, getting what we deserve? Options

[Andy Capp]

Anyone feel that the current much reported immigration issue is an example of doing something when we shouldn't (Iraq) and not doing something when we should (Syria)? Or is is this a more complex and multifaceted issue. People see what an open society we have compared to their own lot and want a taste of it too? An unintended consequence of an open boarder policy?

[Simon Kirby]

Anyone feel that the current much reported immigration issue is an example of doing something when we shouldn't (Iraq) and not doing something when we should (Syria)? Or is is this a more complex and multifaceted issue.

No, you were right first time. We went into Iraq on the knowingly false pretext of "weapons of mass destruction" when the sound military and humanitarian analysis was that regime change would likely destabilise the region and cause more suffering than it solved, and that a US-led regime change would further alienate the Muslim world against the West.

The suffering of the people fleeing Syria is appalling, and the callousness with which we call these refugees "immigrants", so that we don't think about their children drowning on the shores of the Adriatic but can focus instead on the benefit-scrounging avoided, will be one of those defining horrors which people will read about 100 years from now with incredulity.

[Andy Capp]

No, you were right first time. We went into Iraq on the knowingly false pretext of "weapons of mass destruction" when the sound military and humanitarian analysis was that regime change would likely destabilise the region and cause more suffering than it solved, and that a US-led regime change would further alienate the Muslim world against the West.

The suffering of the people fleeing Syria is appalling, and the callousness with which we call these refugees "immigrants", so that we don't think about their children drowning on the shores of the Adriatic but can focus instead on the benefit-scrounging avoided, will be one of those defining horrors which people will read about 100 years from now with incredulity.

Immigration is just my 'cover all' reference.

My feeling is that it is more about cultural and religious distrust than benefits (although I'm sure benefits is a part of it too). I think post 911 and attitudes to Islam in the west has put back cultural integration by some margin. I can't help but think that if it was a 'developed' community seeking sanctuary, that things might be a little different.

Of course, all this doesn't help in the Monster Raving Tory's quest to cut benefit bills and the impending EU referendum, etc.

Another factor might be the perception that recent immigration has been too great.

[Berkshirelad]

attitudes to Islam in the west has put back cultural integration by some margin.

Part of the problem, IMO, is the lack of cultural integration.

We have "Multiculturalism" which means no integration; instead series of enclaves of non-integrated peoples each doing their own thing and demanding parity.