Democracy and Islamic Countries

[Frey]

I do not pretend to be an expert on democracy and the Islamic world, but I do know that several Islamic states exist as democracies. One of the most notable is the Republic of Turkey, where 99.8% of its population is Muslim.

Because of its geographic location, Turkey bridges eastern and western cultures. As a result, the vastly Muslim population is ruled by a secular, democratic government (it is a bit interesting to note that the only way Turkey stayed democratic is through the help of its military which is viewed as a guard dog of sorts...ousting threats to the democracy from groups who were viewed as too pro-Islamic...).

With this being said, are the fledgling democracies in the Middle East going to survive while they are neighbored by countries such as Syria and Iran, both of which are state sponsors of terrorism? I think it could be very easy for the idea of democracy to be lost between the sounds of gunfire and bombing.

[TF Admin]

Iran is NEXT on the list. And if Syria doesn't stop interfering, they may get a taste of some medicine as well. I have read that many Iranians cannot stand their president, but the Ayatollah's run the country in much secrecy and the President is literally just a figure head. I believe we will see some strategic airstrikes within the next 24 months.

It will be US led and probably involve Israel as either a staging point, or more likely they will help. I'm sure they would be glad too...hehe.

If Iran gets a fully working nuke, I believe they will launch it ASAP at Israel. No questions asked, just launch it right at Tel Aviv. Whether it hits or not, WWIII will happen and Iran and Syria will be nothing but gigantic sheets of glass. Democracy has a hard time getting started if all the people of a country are turned to ash.

TF

[granny2young]

I am afraid you are sadly correct TF.

[zipzam]

first, great job of pointing out the fact that not all islams want to blow up the united states. honestly, that's like judging all christians by the actions of jessie jackson, oral roberts, jim baker, etc.

frey said:

I think it could be very easy for the idea of democracy to be lost between the sounds of gunfire and bombing.

on to this part...
what if turkey is threatened too much by the surrounding countries b/c they are a democracy. should the U.S. step in?

[Frey]

Turkey has existed as a democracy since 1923. It, for the most part, is very friendly to America and western ideas. The U.S., because of this friendship, would come to its aid (though, if you remember, Turkey would not allow the U.S. to attack Iran from its borders), but I really do not think they would have that problem. It has a well-organized military willing to fight to keep its government secular, unlike Iraq and Afghanistan. However, just because Turkey's military has defended those western secular ideas of government does not mean it will always do it. The western world is still viewed by most Islamic countries, including Turkey, as immoral, so their ideas could become immoral also.