A frank discussion: why are so many middle eastern countries' muslims

[rainy]

so violent? Why are so many ok with the killing and maiming of women? Why are so many so strict in their religious beliefs to the point of stoning people for blasphemy? I have tried to defend muslim's in middle eastern countries to my father on many occasions saying that because so many powerful countries want their natural resources they keep democracy from happening there which allows the more fundamental elements to keep power but it just sounds not so true that so many people can be kept down by so few. Women can't drive, leave the house etc..... I know most of the middle east is not that way but way to much of it is. I can't defend it anymore unless you guys can help me have a better understanding. This is not about knowing how evil my own country is because that does not excuse other countries atrosities.

[Marr]

1. Religious fundamentalists comprise the power structure in several middle eastern countries.

We have the same kinds of people here, but they don't have nearly the same amount of control. If they did, we'd probably be doing similar things here.

[badtoworse]

2. Kicked. Many here seem to be willing to just look the other way.

But I agree with you - many of the things that are routinely done in those countries truly are atrocious. Christians are frequently excoriated on this site for their position on same sex marriage, but only rarely is it pointed out that homosexuality itself is a capital offense in many of these countries.

[kestrel91316]

14. We "look the other way" because we, the United States, do not own or run

those other countries.

Did Christ not admonish us to remove the log from our own eye before presuming to remove the dust mote from another man's eye??

We have plenty to fix in this country before we go trying to force our will upon other countries. And we do NOT run the world. Nobody died and made the President King of Earth.

Multiple edits because I need a cup of effin' coffee.

[CJCRANE]

3. It does come back to American politics somewhat

because today's brand of muslim fundamentalism was promoted by US policies in Pakistan and Afghanistan in the 80s which helped create the mujahideen which then became the Taliban and al-Qaeda.

Muslim fundamentalism hasn't always been so strong. This has only happened in the last couple of decades. Before that there was arab nationalism and socialism.

If you look at our so-called enemies like (previously) Saddam and Gaddafi, they were socialists and very much against muslim fundamentalism. The same thing with Assad in Syria.

[badtoworse]

4. That's baloney

I worked in the Middle East back in the 70's. They were doing the same things then.

[CJCRANE]

5. Which part of the Middle East?

Are you not aware of the war against the Soviets in Afghanistan in the 80s?

I'm not saying muslim fundamentalism didn't exist, I'm not just saying it's increased dramatically in the last couple of decades.

And BTW ever heard of Iran/Contra?

[badtoworse]

6. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iraq.

[CJCRANE]

12. I agree tha Saudi Arabia and Kuwait

are pretty conservative and that these problems exist.

But it's important to realize that people are fighting for their rights over there. Even in Saudi Arabia women are starting to stand up for their rights. They've got further to go and it'll take longer but they've started the journey.

[rainy]

9. this is what I was thinking but I have a hard time finding articles about it.

If you can supply me with some interesting links I would have more info in debates.

[CJCRANE]

10. I think it's probably more useful to look at the Arab Spring...

It's true that there are religious fundamentalists and hardcore conservatives in the ME but that's not the whole story.

There are all sorts of different people who want the same freedoms we have. There are kids who want to play in rock bands, would-be artists and movie directors etc. etc.

Most of them don't want to live under religious rules just like we don't but just like here the conservatives are the plurality (but not the majority). The liberals and other groups haven't had time to get their acts together. Hopefully they will (and we will).

[CJCRANE]

7. If you look at thepost-revolution societies in Tunisia, Libya and Egypt

they're fighting the same battles we are: Liberals vs conservatives, moderates vs fundamentalists.

IMO it's no coincidence that muslim fundamentalism increased in the ME at the same time christian fundamentalism increased in America and the West. It's much easier to keep people riled up and angry against someone else if they follow authoritarian rules.

[Zalatix]

8. 2 words: Youth Bulge

[bemildred]

11. We seem to have our share of mass killings right here at home, eh?

So why should anybody else be different?

[bhikkhu]

13. Do you have anything to substantiate the premise?

Without numbers about violence in muslim countries, its just a fox-style talking point. We see violence on tv, so we assume violence.

I couldn't find anything in the little time I have this morning, except this: http://www.gallup.com/poll/156236/latin-americans-least-likely-worldwide-feel-safe.aspx

...which is more or less unremarkable as far as the middle east goes.

[Tom Ripley]

15. It's their Abrahamic heritage

[TeamPooka]

16. When "Christians" stop killing doctors in churches they can denounce Muslims

oh yeah and they have to stop killing Sikhs in their temples too.

[uponit7771]

17. +1