What is wrong with the Islamic world?

[Remiel]

Looking at the quotes taken from Mahathir Mohammed, and then some of the comments, it seems to me that some people are missing the point. International trade is making the governments of those oil producing Muslim countries rich, but since they employ foreigners to do all the work and production for them, and their government programs for distributing wealth is abysmal, most of the population is in effect living in poverty because they are not being employed in the production of their countries exports. Without the numbers, I can only generallize, but I think that is by far a better analysis than advocating more trade to solve their problems.

[myata]

It'd take a PhD to correctly evaluate the state of affairs in all countries of Islamic world and another few to argue all the controversies. But just from the air, those that we hear on the news most often in the context of deep crisis would be: 1) Palestinian territories; 2) Afganistan; 3) (most recently) Iraq. It's hard to not see the pattern.

And sure, there probably are other causes as well.

[HighVoltage123]

It's called FANATICISM...

[Figleaf]

What's wrong with the Islamic world? Hmmm. The easiet way to answer is to change the question slightly:

What would be wrong with the Islamic world, even if we don't count problems imposed by 'the West'?

Bearing in mind that the Islamic world is quite diverse, here is my list of problems that appear prevalent among them:

-over-emphasis on an archaic superstitious worldview in the form of religious faith;

-inefficient socio-economic coordination and integration systems;

-inefficient social rigidities (e.g. classism, low status of women);

-inadequacy of built infrastructure and human capital; and

-deficient governance and accountability.

[August1991]

Bump.

[sharkman]

In light of the several revolutions that have taken place this issue is more pressing than ever. But the repressive religion is a big factor.

[Moonlight Graham]

I don't know if the problem is Arab or Muslim...So, let me switch to 'Arab World' instead of 'Muslim World'.)

Iran isn't Arab and they seem just as f'ed up.

[Guest American Woman]

Iran isn't Arab and they seem just as f'ed up.

And then there's Pakistan and Afghanistan .....

[Michael Hardner]

In light of the several revolutions that have taken place this issue is more pressing than ever. But the repressive religion is a big factor.

At best, it's hard to say. There are lots of other countries without that particular religion where the powers that be manipulate people to their own ends.

[August1991]

At best, it's hard to say. There are lots of other countries without that particular religion where the powers that be manipulate people to their own ends.

India is a "democracy". China is prospering. Neither Chinese nor Indians threaten to kill Westerners.

In general, Westerners do not fear Hindus, Confucious, people with Oriental features or women wearing sarees. South America? No problem. Sub-saharan Africa? Too often, people there live under dictators, except South Africa and maybe Benin. But they're no threat to Western Civilization.

In this 21st century, the only culture/people who threaten the Civilized West are radical, fanatical Muslims who place bombs among us or hijack our planes and fly them into big buildings, killing thousands of us.

----

Maybe we Westerners should focus our attention on Wahabites instead of Islam.

Edited December 31, 2011 by August1991

[Moonlight Graham]

Maybe we Westerners should focus our attention on Wahabites instead of Islam.

Bin Laden wasn't Wahhabi. Al-Qaeda was founded on the basis of Qutbism, a form of radical Islamism.

We should focus on radical, violent Muslims, not Muslims in general. Just as we should be weary of radical, violent Christians, not Christians generally.

[dre]

Maybe we Westerners should focus our attention on Wahabites instead of Islam.

Maybe we Westerners should focus our attention on our bleak economic future, and our failure to take prudent steps to maintain our place in the world (education, health, infrastructure, a viable business plan for the future, etc).

[DogOnPorch]

Maybe we Westerners should focus our attention on our bleak economic future, and our failure to take prudent steps to maintain our place in the world (education, health, infrastructure, a viable business plan for the future, etc).

Ramp up immigration from the Middle East!

[Scotty]

I find it quite interesting to read this earlier discussion, or at least, the first six or seven pages of it from 2004. The issues posed by the Islamic world are a recurring theme here, but on looking back seven years I note a level of debate rarely seen in 2011. No insults, no sneering and mocking tone, no obscenities, no personal attacks or put-downs. I presume this site was more actively moderated back then to produce such a high level of debate...

Edited December 31, 2011 by Scotty

[August1991]

Bin Laden wasn't Wahhabi. Al-Qaeda was founded on the basis of Qutbism, a form of radical Islamism.

We should focus on radical, violent Muslims, not Muslims in general. Just as we should be weary of radical, violent Christians, not Christians generally.

Call it what you want, Bin Laden was a product of Wahabi Islam.

As to "radical, violent Christians", they are not a threat to Western Civilization.

First, we civilized westerners dealt with the radical Christians several centuries ago. (NDLR: Civilized people in the Middle East have not dealt with radical Muslims.)

Second, MG, you are engaging in a naive application of Enlightenment thought: In the 1700s, enlightened progressives wanted the State to treat everyone the same. In the 2100s, you think foolishly that it is "progessive" if we treat every belief the same. Sorry, you're wrong. Voltaire had nothing but ridicule for people of backward beliefs.

Radical Islam, however it's called, is a far greater threat to western civilization than radical Christianity.

Edited January 1, 2012 by August1991