Are Moderate Muslims The Solution?
June 17th, 2008 by Sarah
Steven Cook at Foreign Policy’s blog does not believe that encouraging moderate Islam is part of the solution to Mid East conflict. “Not only is it impossible to agree on a working definition of the word ‘moderate,’ but there is scant evidence that extremists really do moderate once they assume power.” Rather, policymakers should focus on identifying those who can contribute pragmatic solutions to the many problems we confront in the region, “moderate” or not.”
Marwan Muasher, author of “The Arab Center,” sees moderates as a key to success, but addresses their challenges in an interview with Foreign Policy. “Moderates on peace are not moderates on other issues of concern to Arab citizens, such as political reform, governance, and cultural diversity, and moderates on reform are not also always moderates on peace. For the Arab center to hold, it needs to apply moderation across the board.”
Posted in Political Islam, US foreign policy, Uncategorized |
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June 17th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Well one practical distinction is whether the a group uses violence as a tool of politics, either against the government or against its domestic rivals. (Not that violent revolution is never appropriate, the U.S. had one after all, but it is certainly immoderate).
Of course, non-violent groups aren’t always available, but where they are and where they’ve got popular support they’re certainly worth encouraging.