Sweden is severely criticized by Muslims and diplomatic relations with several countries have been damaged after the recent Koran burnings. According to Mohammad Fazlhashemi, professor of Islamic theology at Uppsala University, the most important thing for resolving the conflict is that the government does not focus on the reactions abroad, but instead listens to the Muslim population in Sweden. Not least because the reactions in other countries often have to do with their internal political conflicts.
"There are internal political showdowns and a competition to show that you are the government or group that best protects Islam and the Koran.
"Nuance the debate"
But if it is to work, the Swedish government needs to act quickly, says Fazlhashemi.
"It's better to try to deal with this today instead of waiting and seeing. To address the issue, take the initiative and nuance the debate. The longer you wait, others step in and try to create the agenda," he says.
Compare with the cartoons of Muhammad
He compares this to how similar crises have been handled in the past. In the 00s, cartoons of Muhammad in Denmark led to sanctions and violence. Lars Vilks' roundabout dogs in Sweden depicting the prophet Muhammad aroused similar protests.
In Denmark, the conflict escalated after the prime minister dismissed all criticism and refused to meet ambassadors from Muslim countries. The Swedish government Reinfeldt saw that it was not working and instead handled the situation through a more open dialogue, says Fazlhashemi.
"By inviting representatives of Muslim communities and organizations here in Sweden and having a dialogue with them, you do not allow this to be abused by countries that have nothing to do with this," says Fazlhashemi.