France’s decision to ban the burka and other full-body robes worn by Muslim fundamentalists presents a quandary for classical liberals. On the one hand, the burka is a symbol of female submission, even enslavement; it is a flagrant blow against female emancipation and equality. On the other hand, banning the burka is a violation of the principle of religious freedom. But however one comes down on this contentious issue, the fact that France is taking such robust and controversial action against Muslim fundamentalists should put to rest the fears of those who fret (overmuch, in my opinion) about the “death” of old Europe and the birth of “Eurabia.” As I have argued before, such fears rest on alarmist demographic projections that are unlikely to come true. And they ignore Europe’s continuing vitality. Yes, Europeans are averse to the use of force — at least abroad. But they can be quite tough in cracking down on terrorism and other problems on the home front. Europeans are not going to commit cultural suicide. The burka ban, whatever one thinks of it, is a sign of how old Europe is asserting its identity in the face of immigration from the Muslim world.