Islam and Democracy
The reaction of the Muslim world to the cartoons published in several European countries has raised issues of freedom of expression, and whether, even under provocation, demonstrations advocating murder and incitement to terrorism are acceptable.
Perhaps, however, it can also yield some insight into the situation in Iraq. The West sees democracy as the ultimate form of government. We think we know best, but are we trying to foist our own principles on people who have different values?
Recent events illustrate that those of the Muslim faith place their religion and what they see as the law of God above anything man may advocate, and see them as more influential in their lives than western-style politics.
While the people of Iraq were probably pleased to be rid of Saddam Hussein, do they really want democracy, or would they rather be governed by their religious leaders whom they see as the agents of a much higher authority?
DAN PAPWORTH
The Meadows
Torryburn, Fife
I think Mr Papworth is profoundly wrong. However, let us assume for a moment that he is right and that Muslims - as a group, not as individuals - are
"... people who have different values."Maybe. However, it appears that he is content to assume that those different values include the feeling that
... demonstrations advocating murder and incitement to terrorism ...are acceptable and that
their religious leaders whom they see as the agents of a much higher authorityare better suited to be their leaders. I think that is rather patronising.
Further, if he really does believe that this is the case, what would be his views on the ability of
"... people who have different values "to integrate into our secular democracy where, errm....., we at least have the freedom to debate
whether, even under provocation, demonstrations advocating murder and incitement to terrorism are acceptable.He can't have it both ways.
7 comments:
Sure, he can have it both ways, oh mighty General one, since liberals can always have it both ways. Such is life.
And how would he explain the embracing of the right to vote "imposed" by the West upon Iraqis?
Yep, yep, agree 'n' all that. Quite ludicrous.
Can I use this comment to tell you about my band?
Er, I've tried about three different FTP thingymabobs to get my stuff on the web, and none have worked. So I decided to set up a kinda phony email address to put songs onto.
There's only three there the now, due to the 10Mb attachment limit and the fact that it takes a wee while for the emails to send, and one of our best songs seems to have disappeared.
But if you'd like to listen log in with these details:
kingston.music@googlemail.com
Password: Kingston
And I'll endeavour to add more songs, and possibly get an FTP program to work, and host my file somewhere else.
Tell me what you think.
actually - the password's all lowercase. *hits self*
I'm sure all the Homosexuals in Iraq would be delighted to be ruled by religious leaders.
It appears that democracy finds it hard to take deep roots in backward an poor societies, but that does not mean it isn't better than the Fascists and Commies that often take root in such places.
akakakakakky:
"since liberals can always have it both ways. "
Not when I'm in charge they can't. Come the revolution....
ninme,
Quite. I am reminded of rather nice "free markets" comparison to immigration.
Lebanon to Oz: Several hundred thousand
Oz to Lebanon: About 4 people.
Which looks like the sort of society that people would like to have?
Huldah:
Disgusting cultural imperialism. Duh!
John East:
" Tony Blair wants it both ways."
With luck, T Blair will indeed get it both ways. Just not quite with the interpretation of "both ways" that he might have liked.
New Screen Name/BdJ:
That's a bit off topic and looks like a shameless plug to me. There's a reason that I don't have Google Ads on this page...
eu-serf,
Not sure if I have ever formally welcomed you to Infinitives Unsplit. If not, consider your self welcomed. Tea is in the cupboard on the left and you are at liberty to put your feet up in front of the fire so long as you get a log in from outside. There's a good chap.
re Homosexuals: quite.
Same goes for rape victims. Only more so.
"
It appears that democracy finds it hard to take deep roots in backward an poor societies, ..."
Other way round, old chap: societies/countries are poor and backward because democracy has not taken root, not the other way round.
"but that does not mean it isn't better than the Fascists and Commies that often take root in such places."
Same deal, fascists and commies can only take root in places where there is no commitment to democracy or rather, the key institutions and freedoms are not defended with blood and treasure if/when necessary.
Actually I am being churlish. You are quite correct that once the commies or fascists are in place, they can only stay in power by the use of vicious oppression to prevent the freedom of speech that would undermine them.
What's the reason you don't have google ads? They're hardly big flashing banners that get in the way of your blog's experience, and could earn you a wee bit of cash for nothing.
What particular principle do you hold against that?
As for the post - I suppose it's a bit of both. I want people actually to hear our stuff so that a) they can tell us how much it sucks/rocks and b) if it rocks, people will be made aware and drawn to this fact.
Pride factors it it as does money (in the longer term view). As I want to pursue a career in the music industry with my bandmates.
No-one outside of a hundred or so in Glasgow have heard our stuff. All have had quite positive reactions to us, which, yeah, is heightening my enthusiasm to let people outwith the current circle hear us.
Slightly shamless-pluggy approach - perhaps.
Is it a flogging offence?
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