Last week I spent a few days with family, friends and startups in Germany. When I was at my parents we watched a television debate about Islam, religious freedom and German society. I was struck by the stark contrast to most political debates on US television. The debate had five participants, including the head of one of the largest Muslim organizations in Germany, several German politicians, as well as an outspoken critic of radical Islam. The tone remained civil at all times and the partic...

Last week I spent a few days with family, friends and startups in Germany. When I was at my parents we watched a television debate about Islam, religious freedom and German society. I was struck by the stark contrast to most political debates on US television. The debate had five participants, including the head of one of the largest Muslim organizations in Germany, several German politicians, as well as an outspoken critic of radical Islam. The tone remained civil at all times and the partic...