DEMOCRACY AND RELIGION IN THE MODERN MIDDLE EAST

Seth WardUniversity of Wyoming

University of Shanghai

MIDDLE EAST

HTTP://UPLOAD.WIKIMEDIA.ORG/WIKIPEDIA/COMMONS/E/EE/DEMOCRACY_INDEX_2011.PNG

QUR’AN: SHURA 42:38, 3:159 "Those who hearken to their Lord, and establish

regular Prayer; who (conduct) their affairs by mutual consultation among themselves; who spend out of what We bestow on them for Sustenance" [are praised] 

Thus it is due to mercy from God that you deal with them gently, and had you been rough, hard hearted, they would certainly have dispersed from around you; pardon them therefore and ask pardon for them, and take counsel with them in the affair; so when you have decided, then place your trust in God; surely God loves those who trust.

SUNNI AND SHI’I

“fi al-ard khalifa” Sunna of the Prophet Wilaya “appointment” Prophetic tradition / Charismatic leaders

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/08/Dhulfiqar.svg

LEBANON

Parliament of Lebanon Seat Allocation

Confession Before Taif After Taif

Maronite 30 34

Greek Orthodox 11 14

Greek Catholic 6 8

Armenian Orthodox

4 5

Armenian Catholic 1 1

Protestant 1 1

Other Christians 1 1

Total Christians 54 64

Sunni 20 27

Shi'ite 19 27

Alawite 0 2

Druze 6 8

Total Muslims 45 64

Total 99 128

SYRIA

74% Sunni, 12% Alawi, 9% Christian, and 3% Druze.

90%  Muslim, 9% Christian, Arab Christians, Assyrians and Armenians.  

Kurds (9%), Assyrians, Armenians, Turkmens and Circassians (1%)  Arab (90%)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mideaststrategy/5670411858/

QUESTIONS?

How come Muslims in the United States profess to be such great citizens and do not castigate Islamic fascists?Are Christians tolerated in Iran or do they have to be undercover?Are women going to be included in Democracy?What is the speaker’s particular joy and can he speak in a Middle Eastern Language? Can you give a perspective on the new democracy emerging in Egypt?

MORE QUESTIONS

Democracy and religion in the US –why is this so different?