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Germany proposes short-term jobs for half a million Syrian refugees

45 Comments
By KARIN LAUB

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I still find it very interesting that people in the Middle East are taught from birth that the West is decadent and that the infidels who inhabit the West are worthless and deserve to die. Yet they are pouring into our countries expected to be taken care of because where they are from are such backwards hellholes. It seems to me that Muslim/Islamic pride should be evident by them saying we will take care of Muslim brothers and sisters. That doesn't happen. On the one hand they revile, hate and slander us; on the other, they want us to take care of them . Paradoxical to me

12 ( +15 / -3 )

Germany is becoming a sad state of affairs.

7 ( +8 / -1 )

" Jordan has only let in several dozen Syrians a day, citing concerns that Islamic State extremists will try to enter Jordan posing as refugees. "

...which is ouf course quite reasonable, seeing that ISIS is actually saying exactly this. Meanwhile, in Europe, our brilliant leaders are telling us that none of those unchecked millions have ISIS affiliations.

Crazy Joe:

" I still find it very interesting that people in the Middle East are taught from birth that the West is decadent and that the infidels who inhabit the West are worthless and deserve to die. Yet they are pouring into our countries "

No contradiction. Check out "hijra"... the islamic concept of moving to other countries and submit them under islam. You are supposed be rewarded highly in paradise for this. And now we are seeing a hijra on truly biblical, or rather koranic, proportions.

7 ( +9 / -2 )

I still find it very interesting that people in the Middle East are taught from birth that the West is decadent and that the infidels who inhabit the West are worthless and deserve to die. Yet they are pouring into our countries expected to be taken care of because where they are from are such backwards hellholes. It seems to me that Muslim/Islamic pride should be evident by them saying we will take care of Muslim brothers and sisters. That doesn't happen. On the one hand they revile, hate and slander us; on the other, they want us to take care of them . Paradoxical to me

Excellent point.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

The Arab world is broken. Who broke it? extremists preaching hate in the name of religion and corrupt political leaders/dictators stealing the wealth from the poor. mix the two together and you get the middle east of today, long before the west even set foot there.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

"Jordan has only let in several dozen Syrians a day, citing concerns that Islamic State extremists will try to enter Jordan posing as refugees."

Jordan's policymakers are clearly more intelligent and informed than the irresponsible buffoons in charge of refugee/migration policy in western European countries.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Most of the Middle East still does construction with hand made bricks, reeds and river mud silt as cement. I think Germany is a bit beyond that! When looking at so many places in the Middle East online, outside of the downtown areas usually in only one major city per country, there seems to be a lack of civility and caring for one's neighborhoods as evidenced by the garbage filled streets.

I cannot see them finding jobs for the 500,000

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Strangerland:

" Discriminating against Muslims because of the small portion of extremists is bigotry. "

But nobody wants to "discriminate against muslims". How many times have you brought up this strawman already? The issue is islamic ideology. And the fact the majority of nominal muslims do not actively promote it does not make it OK, just as the fact the majority of Nazi party members were ordinary people does not make Nazism OK.

You are just rephrasing the same non-argument again. Why?

4 ( +6 / -2 )

What a stupid idea. They came for welfare benefits, not work.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

I still find it interesting that US white nationalists are taught from birth that people who are different from them are worthless and deserve to die. (Notice I also used no quantifiers, just made an absolute statement.)

You are talking about a very small minority.

You do realise, of course, that white Christians are not the majority worldwide. Maybe that's why white Christian extremists need so many guns.

No, it's because we have the 2nd amendment which gives us the right. Also many Americans are hunters, gun enthusiasts, collectors and want them for protection, so what's wrong with that?

Maybe that's why they support presidential candidates like Rubio, Cruz or Trump who want the US's many paranoiacs to continue to fear ethnic and religious differences.

Sad that so many white US American extremists can only perceive differences through myopic lenses.

The same can be said about people that want to pigeonhole all Whites as being racists when the overwhelming majority are not, if they were, Obama would have never made it to the White House, Condoleezza Rice wouldn't have made defense secretary, no Colin Powell and Dr. Ben Carson would never have been able to run as a GOP candidate.

I'd suggest you leave your home in Kansas and travel the world,

They have THE best barbecue in the world!

but no doubt that would be too scary for you to have to leave your people and your guns behind. If you really want to see decadence, go to Dubai. Yes: my comments are extreme in response to your extreme comments.

What are yo talking about? Dude.....

Yeah but these same, hundreds of thousands of Syrians, are making life for hard for citizens of their host country. Look at what the Germans must endure.

Germany is a mess, a complete mess, they should have never taken in so many refugees. Crime has gone up, the same with rape and it's becoming a serious problems for many of them to assimilate. The bad thing is, it's only going to get worse. Germany should have only given them financial aid and kept them out of the country.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

What a stupid idea. They came to escape their war-destroyed country, not for welfare benefits.

Very stupid. First, a very sizeable part of these "Syrians" is not Syrians at all. Because of the media attention to the Syrian conflict Syrians are treated more favorable during refugee / benefits applications, and a lot of Iraqis, Afghanis or even North Africans without documents claim to by Syrians.

Second, if all these migrants are only worried about fleeing from war, then why all of them go to Germany (or Sweden and Norway), why not to stay at peaceful Greece or Italy, the first country they arrive? Very simple: welfare benefits, Germany and Nordic countries are generous with it.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

let's look more into that

OK, let's look. And what we see in this article? "In the second quarter of 2015, the percentage of Syrian asylum seekers is almost exactly the same – just under 19 per cent"; "we don’t have any reliable breakdown of how many Syrians are among the people filmed arriving on the coast of Greece in boats or cramming themselves into trains in central Europe", You really think you prove your claim?

More jingoist garbage

When liberals run out of arguments they call you jingoist. Very primitive.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Wow.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

They came to escape their war-destroyed country, not for welfare benefits.

Not all refugees are well educated and skilled. Even highly skilled professional will be struggled to get a good job in Germany or France. For example, Syrian Engineer or Doctor will not become German Engineer or Doctor overnight. In the long term, some of them will make it. Not all of them! Because they are not good in German or English. Many humanitarian immigrants are on welfare not only in EU but also North America and Japan.

Some will end up driving Uber Taxi because Germany has already oversupplied with Engineers and Technicians. Germany can not afford to employ them forever unless there is the market for their goods and services. Mostly new immigrants will end up with some disappointments.

Some immigrants will get resentment over their adopted nations. Not everything will be wines and roses in Germany or US or Japan or any part of the world. In the western nations, Governments will give special treatment to the refugees. They will not starve and sick and being bullied. However getting the good job is beyond the control of the authority. They are on their owns for the competition. Comparing with their homelands, western governments are very generous, welcoming and friendly to them.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Some will end up driving Uber Taxi

LoL . . . .Uber is already shady. Sounds like an awful scenario. Sexually aggressive islamic Uber taxi drivers giving rides to German females? Germany is already a mess, but now could become notorious for gang-rapes like in India.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

No they don't

No problem, cling to your illusions. I prefer not idealistic beliefs, but facts:

< http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3240010/Number-refugees-arriving-Europe-soars-85-year-just-one-five-war-torn-Syria.html>

while I'm sure you are correct short-term, it's not like people don't also think long term.

And national leaders should think long term. Merkel is digging Germany's grave, the Cologne incident is just a beginning.

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adding that participants would be paid about 300 euros ($325) a month.

Peanuts! Some people are grossing about $325 a day. Heck- illegal immigrants in the US make more than that.

Hundreds of thousands of Syrians have reached Europe, many heading to Germany, because the cuts made life in host countries increasingly difficult.

Yeah but these same, hundreds of thousands of Syrians, are making life for hard for citizens of their host country. Look at what the Germans must endure.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

I thought we'd put this lie to rest. It's been shown to be wrong.

Reports from Germany and Sweden suggest your illusions are very wrong.

Stay in Greece - a company on the verge of economic collapse

Those who really flee from war glad to be in any country where is no war. And you prefer to omit Italy, a country definitely not on the verge of economic collapse. And what about Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary and other countries these migrants bulldozed their way through to Germany? These guys are very choosey sufferers.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

PTownsend:

" I still find it interesting that US white nationalists are taught from birth that people who are different from them are worthless and deserve to die. (Notice I also used no quantifiers, just made an absolute statement.) "

Actually, that is what muslims learn in fundamentalist madarassas and mosques. I don´t know about those "US white nationalists" whoever they are, but I take your word for it. Now, if that is an issue for you, why is fundamentalist islam not?

1 ( +3 / -2 )

"Once the Arabic world was the mediator of philosophy, culture and science. Arabic or, more generally, Semitic words and symbols still bear witness: Algebra, abacus, algorithm, alkali, azimuth, almanac, Indo-Arabic numerals, you name it. May be there is a hope that history may turn one day."

I think it's going to be a long time in coming if it arrives. A documentary in the UK reported on aMuslim school in the UK ( one of the least religious countries around ) and found students believing the Koran to be an infallible book of science and any findings which contradict it must be in error. That's in the UK. It doesn't take much imagination to envisage education in the Middle East. Is it any wonder these countries are backward?

This is unacceptable in Europe. I don't want to see any child educated in this manner in Europe and European people should make this clear. No to nonsense taught in schools, no to monstrosities like Sharia courts or any other affront to a civilised country.

Europe is not some ignorant, theocratic hellhole like Saudi Arabia or the stage of a GOP candidates' debate.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

CrazyJoe

The Arab world is broken.

Who broke it?

0 ( +8 / -8 )

@PTownsend White christians aside what do you think of Germany's proposal?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@Mazzda @PTownsend White christians aside what do you think of Germany's proposal?

If German leaders choose to afford it, that's their decision. If they see value will be added to their country, great. German leaders opened their doors to a lot of people and are trying to find ways to gain from the situation. If your point was I was off topic, you're right: I sent my message in response to a bigoted statement.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Germany proposes creating up to 500,000 short-term jobs to help Syrian refugees survive in overburdened Middle Eastern host countries

0 ( +0 / -0 )

“It’s called cash for work, to employ Syrian refugees, but also unemployed Jordanians ... in building schools, infrastructure,”

German engineering and "know how" I hope. Horray! Let the West lead the way!

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

I already said my claim was unsupported. I provided the link to show the reality

Then thank you for supporting my claim against yours.

When conservatives have their jingoism pointed out, they call you primitive

Do you know the meaning of the word you use with such enthusiasm? Check Wiki for starters: "Jingoism is patriotism in the form of aggressive foreign policy". And I'm not German, I live in Tokyo. May be now you understand why I call your debating tactics primitive.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Once the Arabic world was the mediator of philosophy, culture and science. Arabic or, more generally, Semitic words and symbols still bear witness: Algebra, abacus, algorithm, alkali, azimuth, almanac, Indo-Arabic numerals, you name it. May be there is a hope that history may turn one day.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

The real question here should be, "What actually is civilization?"

Does it not change from generation to generation? There is only one civilization that has survived since Abraham and the one god theory. Lookup Kaplan and you will see. All other civilizations are doomed to pass.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

The "small portion of muslims" is irrelevant.

It's entirely relevant for this reason:

Most people counted as "muslims" are not actively studying the ideology, and are only "muslim" because of birth (with no option of leaving islam, keep in mind islamic apostesy laws).

Discriminating against Muslims because of the small portion of extremists is bigotry.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

"Fact is, ISIS et al want to submit the whole world under Shariah, and scary number of muslims (a vast majority in some countries, see the Pew poll) agrees with that goal. And THAT is the problem. And that is why ISIS attracts so many followers.

So can we finally bury this "the vast peaceful majority" non-argument? It is really getting old."

There are many Muslims, the majority in some countries, who want to live under barbaric religious laws. It doesn't follow that we can bury "the vast peaceful majority" argument. If the Muslims I mentioned stated they would use or sanction military force to achieve their dream of backwardness and ignorance, you'd have a point. Otherwise your post makes no sense. I'll criticise Islam or any other religion all day long but your argument just won't do.

You also do have to admit that there are Christian headbangers in the US who either don't recognise the separation of church and state or would tear it down faster than you could say Jerry Falwell. Are they as cracked as the Muslim radicals? I'd say yes. Are they as dangerous? I'd say no.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

@WilliB

Unless you have a definition of 'peaceful' that I'm not aware of, your argument makes absolutely no sense. You said organizations like the Muslim Brotherhood disagree with ISIS on tactics ( violence ). I fail to see how this group which you said is not using violence proves that we can bury the "peaceful majority" idea. Give me examples of groups either espousing violence or using violence numbering in what must reach hundreds of millions to prove your point.

A trash argument not worthy of you.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

What a stupid idea.

Very stupid...

The article is about aid to those in the immediate vicinity of Syria to build schools and infrastructure.

One wonders then, why the "keep them away from us! brigade" is so shrill in attacking this initiative.

The "only good injun is a dead injun" mentality of yesteryear is alive and well, it seems.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

@WilliB Now, if that is an issue for you, why is fundamentalist islam not?

I think extremism of any sort, especially the Daesh, AlShebab, AlQaeda etal variety, is the greatest threat to life on the planet. I know first hand how frightening these groups are. But I also know first hand that they represent a small portion of Muslims. Fundamental extremism of any sort is an issue for me. Have you read about the US white extremists who attacked US property and were involved in a fatal shootout? If you are a US citizen and live in the US, I think you should worry more about those US Mormon and other Christian extremists and their fellow militia men. Let the Islamic nations settle their own problems. Let European nations solve their own problems.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Black SabbathJAN. 27, 2016 - 08:32AM JST CrazyJoe

The Arab world is broken.

Who broke it?

Was their ever peaceful stability? When in history?

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

PTownsend:

" I think extremism of any sort, especially the Daesh, AlShebab, AlQaeda etal variety, is the greatest threat to life on the planet. I know first hand how frightening these groups are. But I also know first hand that they represent a small portion of Muslims. "

The "small portion of muslims" is irrelevant. Most people counted as "muslims" are not actively studying the ideology, and are only "muslim" because of birth (with no option of leaving islam, keep in mind islamic apostesy laws). But with the same argument you can dismiss any ideology (most nominal Nazi party members were not concentration camp guards, so the ideology is OK?)

Fact is, ISIS et al want to submit the whole world under Shariah, and scary number of muslims (a vast majority in some countries, see the Pew poll) agrees with that goal. And THAT is the problem. And that is why ISIS attracts so many followers.

So can we finally bury this "the vast peaceful majority" non-argument? It is really getting old.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Jimizo:

" There are many Muslims, the majority in some countries, who want to live under barbaric religious laws. It doesn't follow that we can bury "the vast peaceful majority" argument. "

Oh yes, it does. As you admit yourself.

" If the Muslims I mentioned stated they would use or sanction military force to achieve their dream of backwardness and ignorance, you'd have a point. "

I disagree. The violence of ISIS is just a tactic. The Muslim Brotherhood with their suits and neckties and PR campaigns disagree with ISIS on tactics, but not on the goal. The Muslim Brotherhood and its front organizations (like CAIR) want to use our own system and demographics to submit our societies under Shariah law. In the event, I find the current islamic mass invasion of Europe much more dangerous to our civilization than ISIS can ever be, do you seriously disagree?

Strangeland:

" There's this guy, maybe you've heard of him, his name is Trump? He's a fairly influential bloke right now in the United States of Crazy, and he most definitely wants to discriminate against Muslims - he's saying that they all should be denied entry into the US based purely on their religion. "

I do not think he phrased it exactly like this. If he did, well I disagree with him, so what is your point? We are not discussing Trump here.

" Christianity can be twisted to be just as extreme as Islam. "

Maybe in theory, but I do not see that in reality. I do not see concepts like Shariah law, Dhimmitude, Jihad, and Martyrdom in current Christianity. And that existed than surely it should be discussed, and I very much doubt you try to stop the discussions with endless repetitions that we must not offend the "vast peaceful majority of Christians", our would you?

I think you made my point here, thank you.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

I do not think he phrased it exactly like this.

He wants to out a ban on Muslims entering the US. That's exactly how he phrased it.

If he did, well I disagree with him, so what is your point? We are not discussing Trump here.

Maybe not, but the arguments you are making are the exact same ones that those who would discriminate against Muslims are making. I'm not going to not debate it simply because you don't want to state the same argument.

Maybe in theory, but I do not see that in reality

And the reality is that the overwhelmingly massive number of Muslims are not extremists. Same reality.

I very much doubt you try to stop the discussions with endless repetitions that we must not offend the "vast peaceful majority of Christians", our would you?

I would protest the discrimination of all Christians due to the actions of a few, if need be.

And I don't care about causing offence - I care about discrimination.

If you want to criticize the nasty parts of Islam, go ahead - I do it myself. There are some messed up things in that religion. But if you want to criticize all of Islam for the actions and beliefs of a few, that's when I pipe up.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

I can only wonder how the citizens of Germany feel about all that $$$ being taken out of thier pockets.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

nobody wants to "discriminate against muslims". How many times have you brought up this strawman already

There's this guy, maybe you've heard of him, his name is Trump? He's a fairly influential bloke right now in the United States of Crazy, and he most definitely wants to discriminate against Muslims - he's saying that they all should be denied entry into the US based purely on their religion. And he has many, many supporters, even here on this site.

So sorry, but it's not a straw man whatsoever. It's very real.

And the fact the majority of nominal muslims do not actively promote it does not make it OK, just as the fact the majority of Nazi party members were ordinary people does not make Nazism OK.

Christianity can be twisted to be just as extreme as Islam. Yet you don't see people calling for a ban on Christians to the USA. The reason why? Because we all know that the problem is people who twist the religion. Same as Islam.

You are just rephrasing the same non-argument again. Why?

Because you obviously didn't get it the other times.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

What a stupid idea. They came for welfare benefits, not work.

What a stupid idea. They came to escape their war-destroyed country, not for welfare benefits.

-4 ( +4 / -8 )

Islam will move through Europe and attach to the muslims in Western China. Does not bother me.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

a very sizeable part of these "Syrians" is not Syrians at all

I thought we'd put this lie to rest. It's been shown to be wrong.

if all these migrants are only worried about fleeing from war, then why all of them go to Germany (or Sweden and Norway), why not to stay at peaceful Greece or Italy, the first country they arrive?

Stay in Greece - a company on the verge of economic collapse, or go to Germany - a prosperous country with a strong economy. Not a hard decision is it.

-6 ( +2 / -8 )

Reports from Germany and Sweden suggest your illusions are very wrong.

No they don't.

Those who really flee from war glad to be in any country where is no war.

How do you know? Have you had to flee from a war? And while I'm sure you are correct short-term, it's not like people don't also think long term.

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

No problem, cling to your illusions. I prefer not idealistic beliefs, but facts:

Actually, I was just showing how words mean nothing, by counteracting your unsupported claim, with my own. Now that you've finally supported your claim, let's look more into that: http://blogs.channel4.com/factcheck/factcheck-migrants-syria/21625

And national leaders should think long term. Merkel is digging Germany's grave, the Cologne incident is just a beginning.

More jingoist garbage.

-7 ( +1 / -8 )

@Crazy I still find it very interesting that people in the Middle East are taught from birth that the West is decadent and that the infidels who inhabit the West are worthless and deserve to die.

I still find it interesting that US white nationalists are taught from birth that people who are different from them are worthless and deserve to die. (Notice I also used no quantifiers, just made an absolute statement.) You do realise, of course, that white Christians are not the majority worldwide. Maybe that's why white Christian extremists need so many guns. Maybe that's why they support presidential candidates like Rubio, Cruz or Trump who want the US's many paranoiacs to continue to fear ethnic and religious differences. Sad that so many white US American extremists can only perceive differences through myopic lenses. I'd suggest you leave your home in Kansas and travel the world, but no doubt that would be too scary for you to have to leave your people and your guns behind. If you really want to see decadence, go to Dubai. Yes: my comments are extreme in response to your extreme comments.

-9 ( +1 / -10 )

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