Contemporary Political Islam

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that a synthesis of democratic and Islamic values is required for a practical and workable form of representative government. The author points out that Islam is not just another ideology; it is a faith and as such can motivate people to act politically while also transcending politics. The paper stresses that political Islam is not Islamist democracy, governed exclusively by Islamic law. The author comments that, in Afghanistan, the Taliban, an extreme type of political Islam, took over and did not lose control until American bombs dropped as punishment for harboring Osama Bin Laden. The paper iterates that political Islam, in its democratic infancy, is struggling to distinguish itself from both the fundamentalists and the Islamists. The author underscores that most Muslims believe that America does not have fundamental flaws; it has just failed to live up to the ideals it so strongly advocates.

Table of Contents
The Evolution and Growth of Political Islam
Islamic Experiences with Democracy
The Future Prospect and Promises of Political Islam

From the Paper:

"Algeria, in 1989, provided one of the first experiences with Islamic democracy. After years of a socialist-military regime, Algeria's sole political party, the Front de Liberation National (FLN) acquiesced to young Algerians protesting for fundamental rights and political change. In June 1990 the FLN allowed the first open elections to take place. The Front Islamique du Salut (FIS), and Islamic party, came more or less out of nowhere to capture 62% of the vote. The FLN, which could boast of liberating Algeria from the French, captured only 28%."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Noah Feldman, After Jihad, The Resilience of Islam. New York, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2003.
• Quote from Secretary of State Edward Djerejian justifying the suppression of democratic elections.

More papers on Contemporary Political Islam:

• Analytical Essay # 134223 : "Expansion of Islam into India"
• Research Paper # 5257 : "Black Muslims and Nation of Islam"
• Analytical Essay # 64418 : "Islam and Gender"

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