Wanted: “German” Imams

The German government plans to enlist imams educated at German universities to improve the integration and ‘success’ of its young Muslims. The move follows impassioned debate over why so many Muslims ‘fail’ in the country — in school, at work and in society. One of the key reasons is that many of the Imams come from abroad and have enough trouble integrating themselves. Criminologist Christian Pfeiffer says the more devout Muslim youth also tend to be more isolated from German society. “Anyone who hopes to change this, has to start with the imams.”