[Cyph0n]

A place that doesn't have a Muslim registry? My current goal is Sweden, if I can find a suitable research position in my field after I graduate.

Worst case scenario, I can go back to my home country Tunisia. I'm proud that Tunisia is making progress towards becoming the Middle East's first post-Arab Spring success story.

For now, I'm happy in the US. It's a great country and I'm proud to be an American :)

[aikah]

> My current goal is Sweden,

I fail to understand why a Muslim would think Sweden is more welcoming toward the Islamic culture and than the US. It isn't. People need to stop thinking Northern European countries as havens of tolerance and multiculturalism. Because aside from England, they are not. Especially Sweden and Denmark.

[Cyph0n]

Currently, perhaps not, what with the refugee crisis and all. I still think it's not as bad as you describe it; I know of several Muslims who live there and really like it. But if the US ends up continuing on this path, I think Sweden would be a great option.

[charlesism]

Wouldn't Canada make more sense? Weather's no worse.

[Cyph0n]

Yep, that's also a great option, but I like the proximity of Sweden to Europe and to my country of origin Tunisia. It makes visiting family much less of a hassle.

[charlesism]

If I were muslim, Canada would be my first choice. Europe seems to be revisiting the 1930's at the moment.

[internaut]

You are surely trolling us or are splendidly unaware of what is going on in Europe.

[Cyph0n]

I'm not trolling, but I'm not sure I follow. I know that some European countries are embracing the far-right, but I have not heard anything about Sweden specifically.

[internaut]

The kindest thing I can say is that the relationship between Muslims and Europe is beyond troubled. You're in a bubble.

Without self identifying as a Muslim, go to a random variety of forums and ask the question "What is the future of Europe and Islam" or just "Europe and Muslims" in search engines.

https://encrypted.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Europe%20and%20M...

[charlesism]

Sweden has accepted more muslim immigrants than most countries in Europe, and there are a lot of Swedes who aren't happy about it. There was an incident last year where a gang ran through the Stockholm train station randomly beating immigrants. I haven't been there for a couple years, but things sound pretty tense.

[drinchev]

> As a Muslim American

Well this is kinda contradicting. Are you Tunisian or American?

If I were american ( I'm not ) I would probably either fight against a law in a democratic way ( elections, groups, protests, etc. ) or obey it.

Leaving a country, because you don't agree with a law is not a significant reason for me.

[Cyph0n]

I'm a citizen of both countries.

Obviously, that's what democracy is for. But if the laws are passed and the damage is done, I would choose to leave; in a sense, that is my form of protesting. I refuse to contribute to a society that has decided - by rule of law - that I'm not welcome because of my beliefs.

[dominotw]

> Are you Tunisian or American?

Tunisia allows Dual citizenship, afaik.

[dominotw]

Wait.. you want to go back to a country where women cannot travel without their husband's permission because some state tried to pass a law against head scarves. I am guessing you are a man?

[Cyph0n]

You're very skilled at drawing hasty conclusions, it seems!

I said that I will probably leave the US if the trend of anti-Islam policies continues, not solely because of the proposed headscarf ban.

And nowhere did I state that Tunisia is perfect. It still is a fledgling democracy after all, and there is much left to do to get there. But this doesn't mean I wouldn't live there if I had no other option.

[dominotw]

>I will probably leave the US if the trend of anti-Islam policies continues, not solely because of the proposed headscarf ban.

Sorry didn't mean it to be a 'gotcha' comment. I am just surprised that you would even propose Tunisia. US would have to propose and pass hundreds of absurd laws against women/Muslims to get anywhere close to Tunisia. Do you really believe US is going down the path which would lead to banning Muslim women from public sphere. Would you still go back to Tunisia if you were a woman?

You act so surprised at proposed head scarf ban( which did not pass even in red Georgia) yet you see nothing wrong with Tunisians trying to ban Islamic political parties[1].

http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2016/09/07/...

[Cyph0n]

> I am just surprised that you would even propose Tunisia.

In case you missed it, I am a Tunisian myself, so it's only natural that one of my options is Tunisia.

Do you have something against Tunisia in particular, or what exactly? You seem to be personally offended that someone would consider living in Tunisia, which is quite odd to be honest. Tunisia is way ahead of virtually any other Middle Eastern country.

> Would you still go back to Tunisia if you were a woman?

Tunisia is one of the best countries in the Middle East when it comes to women's rights. It is ranked 46th in the world when it comes to gender equality. We have around 30% female participation in parliament. Women have had the right to vote since Tunisia's independence from France in 1956. Abortion was legalized in 1965, almost a decade before the US. Female birth control was legalized in '62. I can continue if you like ;)

Are you mixing up Tunisia and Saudi Arabia?

And by the way, I visit Tunisia every summer, so it's not like I've been away for years or something.

> you see nothing wrong with Tunisians trying to ban Islamic political parties

Tunisia is in a very sensitive spot right now. Domestic terrorism and extremism is a huge threat right now. Two political figures have been assassinated since the revolution. The government is therefore trying its best to control potential threats.

[dominotw]

Not wanting to contribute to a country that actively discriminates against you is totally understandable. Hopefully it won't get to that point here in the states, hopefully we can remain welcoming to people from everywhere. Thanks for your patient responses.

[jwhitlark]

I would suggest switching states before switching countries.

[Cyph0n]

Yes, that's a reasonable step 1.