The extremists are losing but the modernisers aren't yet winning
James Forsyth 2:35pm
Tom Friedman’s analysis of where the war on terror stands in the New York Times today is well worth reading. Here’s the crux of his argument:
Friedman is right that the extremists have largely had their chance because of the failings of so many governments across the Muslim world. However, the medieval agenda of the extremists is too extreme to maintain popular support for long. But the extremists will only stop having opportunities, when these governments become more responsive and accountable to their peoples.“it is obvious that everywhere they have won or seized power, the Islamists — in Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Algeria, Lebanon or Gaza — have overplayed their hands, dragged their societies into useless wars or engaged in nihilistic violence that today is producing a broad backlash from mainstream Muslims.
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The only way to really dry up their support, though, is for the Arab and Muslim modernists to actually implement better ideas by producing less corrupt and more consensual governance, with better schools, more economic opportunities and a vision of Islam that is perceived as authentic yet embracing of modernity. That is where “our” allies in Egypt, Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan have so consistently failed. Until that happens, the Islamist radicals will be bankrupt, but not out of business.”
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Steve.W
July 26th, 2009 3:47pm Report this commentFriedman says of the extremists ”Having lost the argument, though, the radicals still hang on thanks to gun barrels and oil barrels — and they can for a while”.
But Friedman is talking about Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Algeria, Lebanon and Gaza.
Had he paid a trip to the UK he would have seen Lord Ahmed got Jacqui Smith to back down over the visit of Geert Wilders by just a simple bluff.
adrian drummond
July 26th, 2009 5:10pm Report this commentYes, and it's also a pity that some western governments - ours in particular - aren't 'more responsive and accountable to their peoples'. In other words, Lisbon Treaty, Iraq war etc...
Antonis H
July 26th, 2009 5:27pm Report this commentutter tosh from both Friedman and Forsyth. google honour killings in UK, Canada, Germany etc., and see it for yourself.
The extremists are winning but you cannot see that can you? (male stupidity, I guess)
Florence Nightingale
July 26th, 2009 7:59pm Report this commentThey are winning in Britain.
graham
July 26th, 2009 8:26pm Report this commentIn all these places their authority arises from the end of an AK47. The idea that support requires the majority view is nonsense. The gun wins every time. Democratic process?...forget it for ever if they get more then the critical mass they need .
Alf Tupper C.R.O.F.
July 26th, 2009 8:52pm Report this commentThere is such a thing as an extremist moderniser.
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