one might ask what an English historian is doing weighing in on the placement of an American Mosque.
Americans have never treated the destruction of the Twin Towers as a purely personal issue which concerned only themselves.
In fact, they have always been very keen that it should be seen as the day "which changed the world". Likewise they were very keen the whole world should join them in the "War on Terrorism" which they launched after the attack.
It is therefore perfectly reasonable that any issues concerning "hallowed Ground Zero" should be subject to international and public debate.
And of course it should also be remembered the US insists on offering itself to the whole world as an example of unbridled freedom, tolerance, and democracy.
The very fact that senior politicians are even debating whether or not to allow individuals to freely practice their religion without restriction, is yet another example which seriously challenges this claim.
It also challenges the claim which they have always made to the whole world that the War on Terrorism was not a "war against Islam". Clearly a great many people in the US see it as precisely that.
I have always liked Schama on TV. I could never find history interesting at school, but I find his programmes which are in essence the same topics, truly riveting. Top bloke imo. And all the more so now I know that he is prepared to defend the rights of Muslims in the US……not something which every Jew is prepared to do.