I lived and worked in Egypt for a couple of years (Mubarak years) and got into a discussion with an Egyptian Copt in my office. He maintained that democracy was impossible in a Muslim country because all decisions were finally arbited by Islamic authorities. and 'free and fair' elections would be undermined by factional disputes. I responded that real democracy is only partly about elections, but more importantly about what happens between elections. Independent judiciaries, free press and speech, civilian control of the military, and economic policies that reduce excessive income inequality are as important as the actual elections. l think these are perfectly possible in an Islamic country.
I lived and worked in Egypt for a couple of years (Mubarak years) and got into a discussion with an Egyptian Copt in my office. He maintained that democracy was impossible in a Muslim country because all decisions were finally arbited by Islamic authorities. and 'free and fair' elections would be undermined by factional disputes. I responded that real democracy is only partly about elections, but more importantly about what happens between elections. Independent judiciaries, free press and speech, civilian control of the military, and economic policies that reduce excessive income inequality are as important as the actual elections. l think these are perfectly possible in an Islamic country.
Bravo Greg
Very glad you wrote this — timely and important reminder
Well said. Thank you!