There are those who question whether democracy is feasible in the Muslim world -- I am not among them. Islam is not at odds with democracy any more than any other religion. Religion and democracy can coexist symbiotically as long as they remain separate. Indeed, a functional, just and free democracy is fundamentally predicated upon freedom, of which religious freedom is essential. Just ask Socrates. He was executed in 399 B.C. in a democratic Athens. His crime: espousing religious ideas contrary to those officially established by the State. Democracy is broken and corrupt when devoid of religious freedom.
The Muslim world is slowly experiencing democratization; however, these Islamic "democracies" have illustrated the precariousness of a government imbued with religion. Some of these countries even spiral into civil war because they claim to want democracy, yet they reject the freedoms on which a democracy is founded. Muslim "democracies" have helped pro-terrorism extremists gain power, notably Hamas in Gaza and the West Bank and Wahhabist sympathizers in Saudi Arabia. Muslim "democracies" have blatantly impeded the religious freedom of their citizens. For example, the American-established "democracy" in Afghanistan is currently prosecuting a man for converting to Christianity, a crime punishable by death. Both Koranic law and freedom of religion are embedded in Afghanistan's constitution; however, it seems that Koranic law has played the trump card.
Worst of all, theological civil war is breaking out in Iraq -- no matter what the self-delusional Bush Administration claims. Part of the problem is that Iraq's constitution also codifies Koranic law, exacerbating the conflict between Shiite and Sunni Muslims vying for power. This situation exists, in part, because religion has been allowed a central place in political life. Therefore, it seems inevitable that political conflict would devolve into a religious conflict between age-old enemies. Had religion been left to the choice of individuals -- as a free democracy requires -- perhaps Iraq would not be in this perilous position.
Islam is not in opposition to democracy any more than Judaism or Christianity are. As this is the case, I offer words of warning to the United States and Israel as well. Neither of these democracies is in danger quite like those of the Muslim world, yet those instances when religion creeps into politics still pose a threat to democracy. In recent years, American politics have witnessed the rising power of the conservative, religious right. These Christian fundamentalists are attempting to impose their religious beliefs on others, and that is where they have crossed the line. I am advocating the separation between church and state; I believe each person has the right to decide what he or she believes. Therefore, Christian fundamentalists have every right to lead their lives as they see fit -- but not to tell me how to lead mine.
Examples abound; one in particular comes to mind: South Dakota's ban on abortion. The vast majority of American citizens believe that abortion ought to be legal in cases where the health of the mother is at risk or in instances of rape and incest. The South Dakota law banning abortion does not protect these rights. This is an example of religiously motivated politicians imposing their beliefs on others. Abortion is a matter of civil liberties: a matter of personal privacy and religious freedom.
Israel does have an established state religion, unlike the United States, but much like the Muslim democracies. There is a difference, however: Israeli politics and citizens are largely secular. For the most part, Israel does not impose its state-sponsored religion on its citizenry. And yet, there are cases in which this is not true, and they too are pernicious for democracy, liberty and even peace. The small Orthodox Jewish minority wields disproportionate power due to the dynamics of Israel's parliamentary system (a ruling coalition often requires the support of Orthodox parties). They have used this power to promulgate their pro-settlement ideology: all of the Holy Land must belong to Israel and death awaits any who stand in their way (former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated by a member of the religious right in 1995 because he attempted to give up land to the Palestinians in order to make peace). They impose their religious beliefs on others, which is detrimental to Israel's democracy and chances for peace.
It is never a good thing for religion to have a prominent role in the public life of a democracy. Therefore, as we seek to spread democracy around the world -- a good plan when executed through peaceful means -- we must not settle for a democracy devoid of religious freedom. Perhaps an "Islamic democracy" is not possible, but surely a Muslim country can achieve democracy. We must hope that the Muslim world can be convinced that by accepting a democracy that separates religion and government they can have both democracy and religion -- America and Israel take note.
