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Is democracy posible in any of the islamic countries ?

Democracy derives from the idea of free speech and freedom of thought. In an area where religion is held to be higher then freedom of speech and any non-comformance to religion is practicaly a death sentence. Is Democracy even posible in these countries? " Islam has never favoured democratic tendencies..." Hurgronje [277] " The Democratic system that is predominant in the world is not a suitable system for the peoples of our region... The system of free elections is not suitable to our country" King Fahd of Saudi Arabia

Public Comments

1. Palestine, and Lebanon, but the USA didn't like the result.
2. Possible? Maybe. Likely? Nope. Any of the United States' business? Not at all.
3. well if the citizens of USA think they are free living in a democratic society, they need to take their blinders off.. You are only as free as the government allows you.. YOu think you are, but you really are controlled.. There is no "free" absolute free society.. Everything would get out of hand if that were so.
4. Can a human breathe water? No.
5. No. That's why we have to force it on them.
6. I think so, it's just going to be harder and take longer time than with most other religions.
7. Democracy is a great system for any country. An Islamic democracy may not be like what we are used to in the West. Democracy can be a system where the minority is oppressed by the will of the majority unless rights are constitutionally protected. If it is the will of the majority the country could practice Islamic Law, etc.
8. Yes, they have a democracy in Iran, an Islamic democracy. Of course the King of Saudi Arabia didn't want a democracy there! In a democracy, speech can still be free in some respects, but restricted in others. Even in the US, there are limits. Consider Athens, the first democracy. They executed Socrates for his teachings!
9. i don't think Democracy is poUSible in ANY cAuntry nowadays.
10. To be blunt, no. To the people of these regions, their beliefs and values are identical to the ones of their religion, and it's been this way for centuries. We can't simply force it on them, as they will reject it, and it won't matter how many nukes the US has. If the US is as democratic as it says it is, then how come we aren't tolerant enough to accept that this is their way of life? If the people are okay with the way they live, should we really interfere? Democracy isn't possible, because the majority are okay with the way things are right now. If there isn't a need for change, there won't be.
11. Zurvan - Good question. Democracy is based, whether people want to admit it or not, on Judeo - Christian ethics. I believe Democracy will not work in Islamic countries of the Middle East. Because of the reasons you stated above.
12. no, democracy i not compatible with Islam
13. No!!!!! These people do not want democracy. They wouldn't know what to do with it. They have always had Sheiks, Princes, Holy men to lead them. They must be told what to do and how to do it. Trying to make them into democratic nations is waste of time, money and more importantly, lives of Americans.