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![]() Why are Western officials hesitant to talk to moderate Islamists ?
What exactly do Western governments and policymakers want from Islamists, i.e. individuals and groups who believe that their system of government should be based on Islamic
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Friday, November 9,2007 15:50 | |||||||
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What exactly do Western governments and policymakers want from Islamists, i.e. individuals and groups who believe that their system of government should be based on Islamic principles? As a moderateIslamist keen to build bridges of understanding and communication withdifferent people in the West and elsewhere, I find it difficult toanswer this question. Over the past couple of decades, a moderate discourse has developed within political Islam, reconciling Islamic teachings with modern life after decades of stagnation and resulting in Islamically acceptable solutions for several contentious issues.
Whereas intellectuals and think-tanks have been keen to pursue opportunities for dialogue with moderate Islamists, very few state officials have shown interest in joining such discussions despite having participated in many lectures and talks about them. I understand that Western policymakers have security concerns in mind when dealing with Islamists.
In fact, this diversity within political Islam should encourage Western policymakers to deal with moderate groups, whose empowerment could significantly undermine the radicals" contention that the doors for peaceful reform are closed. I also understand that some Western democracy activists are sceptical of the Islamic democratic sentiment, and are still afraid of the concept of "one man, one vote, one time," which suggests that if Islamic politicians are democratically elected to government, they will make sure no other party is provided that same opportunity after them.
Some Western policymakers and civil society advocates are also worried about political Islam"s attitude toward human rights and civil liberties. Of course, Western and Muslim states will not agree on every issue.
Contemporary moderate Islamic politicians fully endorse democracy,support freedom of the press, and believe in equality as the basis of citizenship. One should not judge the Islamists" stance on human rights by assessing the attitudes of some right-wing Islamic groups. I find it very difficult to understand what makes Western governments,unlike civil society organizations, sceptical about engaging in healthy dialogue with moderate Islamists.
Western government officials should respond positively to the positive steps taken by moderate Islamists. By shunning dialogue with the moderate voices of political Islam, Western governments are gradually handing victory to the radicals both they and moderate Islamic politicians are keen to undermine.
* Published in the LEBANON DAILY STAR on November 9, 2007. Ibrahim El Houdaiby is a board member of IkhwanWeb.com, the Muslim Brotherhood"s (Ikhwan) official English-language Web site and is working toward an MA in Islamic studies. This commentary is published in collaboration with the Common Ground News Service |
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Posted in Islamic Movements , Islamic Issues , Political Islam Studies |
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