Iranian students are being systematically discriminated against by the Norwegian government. This is a closed minded approach that goes against long term European interests.

Conservative and nationalist blocks have successfully politicized Euro-elections. The other parties must clearly profile what they want to pursue and what re-arrange within the EU, to stand any chance of providing a home for citizens who have ample reason to grumble. Euro-elections landscape, 2014.

The founding fathers of the European Union had the citizen in mind, which makes European citizenship a centrepiece of Europe’s narrative. However, in these days of crisis, the civilizing mission of the EU rings hollow in view of its democratic deficit.

Visitors to the Amsterdam Museum are now met with the immodest claim that tolerance is part and parcel of the “Amsterdam DNA”. The concept of tolerance as understood now, and in bygone decades, needs critical interrogation if we are to advance a good society for all.

Iranian students in ‘sensitive’ studies should not be seen as posing a threat. They are usually not secretive nuclear scientists, but scientists, artists, architects, economists. These students, amongst the brightest minds from Iran, find themselves caught up in a broader xenophobic context.

The Dutch government has presented a proposal to amend the Nationality Act 2003 to Parliament. The proposed amendment seeks to block dual nationality to Dutch citizens and to individuals who wish to become Dutch in order to 'purify Dutch nationality'.