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| Terror Networks & Islam |
| Fighting for the Soul of Islam |
| 2005-10-06 |
| Frontpage Interviewâs guest today is Radwan A. Masmoudi, the Founder and President of the Center of the Study of Islam & Democracy FP: Mr. Masmoudi, welcome to Frontpage Interview. Masmoudi: Thank you, Jamie. It is a pleasure to be with you. FP: So first things first, what are the main goals and objectives of the Center of the Study of Islam & Democracy? Masmoudi: The main objectives of CSID are to contribute to the promotion of democracy, good governance, freedom, and human rights in the Arab and Muslim world. As American Muslims we have been monitoring the situation in the Muslim world, and especially the Arab world (which represents about 20% of the Muslim world) with great frustration and concern. Despite enormous wealth, human capital and natural resources, Arab and Muslim countries rank at the bottom of the development scale. Poverty and corruption are rising, and unemployment is very high (between 20 and 40% depending on the country). Furthermore, a majority of the 300 Million Arabs are under the age of 21, so these statistics are bound to get much worse in the next 5 to 10 years. Millions of young Arabs and Muslims are growing with a sense of loss and despair, with no hope for a better future. They are not allowed to criticize their government, and if they do want to become active or involved, they find that all avenues for peaceful activism are shut down. This is an environment that can only encourage violence and extremism, and unless we can turn things around, will lead necessarily to further worsening of the situation. This is a serious threat not only to the Arab and Muslim world, but also to the entire planet as Muslims represent 1.4 billion people on earth and are the majority in over 65 countries. In my opinion, democracy is the only solution to this disastrous situation as it will put people in charge of their own destiny, and give them the means and the tools to improve their conditions and live a dignified life, the way our creator has intended for us all to live. ... FP: So you believe Islam can be compatible with our notion of democracy? If so, why do we have no real democracies in the Islamic world? Masmoudi: Yes, Islam is compatible with democracy and can be interpreted in a way that supports democratic values and principles. Unfortunately, Islam (like all other religions) can also be interpreted in a way that it becomes compatible and supportive of oppression and tyranny. ... FP: Can Islam be secular? For instance, modernity and democracy can only exist in society if women are given full rights, equality and all forms of self-determination, including sexual self-determination. If women cannot have such rights then they cannot truly be free and society cannot truly be free in the Western notion of freedom. Comment? ... FP: OK just a second, letâs narrow in on this issue. Overall, as you stated earlier, you believe that Sharia can be modernized and updated. How exactly does one âmodernizeâ stonings and amputations? Once you allow freedom and individualism and everything that must come with it (i.e. womenâs sexual self-determination) Sharia law must by necessity be totally negated, no? ... Full interview at link. |
| Posted by:ed |
| #1 Fighting for nothing. |
| Posted by: Shipman 2005-10-06 18:12 |