What we need now is a “narrative of dialogue and coexistence.”

The terror attack on the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, though not surprising, is yet another blow to Europe’s multiculturalism.

The murderers, who are alleged Islamist terrorists, once again pose pertinent questions to those who believe in a free and pluralistic society.

It is a difference of worldviews, between secular Europe and extremist Muslims.

The former takes freedom of “all expression” for granted while the latter can’t tolerate any offense to the revered figures of their faith. There is a need for deeper dialogue between the two worldviews. Presently, the two are juxtaposed into a “narrative of clashes.”

What we need is a “narrative of dialogue and coexistence.”

Islamist terrorists, who are certainly a minority, have taken the world hostage and have closed every door of open dialogue. Terrorists aside, no Muslim can appreciate having their revered religious figures demonized. The overwhelming majority of Muslims are no doubt peaceful but acts like the demeaning of sacred figures are exploited by the terrorists to their advantage.

If terrorist attacks continue in Europe there is a real fear of retribution.

Zubair Torwali is Director of the Institute for Education & Development in Swat. Email: ztorwali@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @zubairtorwali. Read other articles by Zubair.