Matter of reciprocity

Submitted by Debanjan Banerjee (India), May 25, 2009 at 12:27

Dr. Pipes,

I believe that you support the right of Non-Muslims to freely enter and reside in Mecca and Medina. But at the same time as a matter of reciprocity do you support the idea that Muslims should also be allowed to freely visit and reside in places like al-Andalucia (modern Spain),Jerusalem and Vatican .

I would also like to mention that there are certain Hindu temples in India(i.e. the temples in Puri,Varanasi etc) where Muslims are not allowed to enter. I would love to know your views on this issue .

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Daniel Pipes replies:

I respect the Saudi right to restrict residence, as I do the Spanish, Israeli, and Vatican rights to do likewise.

What I do find astonishing - and suspect others will too - is the total exclusion of non-Muslims from two cities in the Hijaz in the 21st century.

If one wants to draw parallels, imagine the reaction if the Catholic Church tried doing this in Rome or the Israeli government in Jerusalem!