Interesting look at democracy

Your analysis of democracy was interesting and helpful (Crescent, April 2010). There is much confusion among Muslims about the true nature of democracy and while your coverage did not cover all possible angles, it provided enough insights for any perceptive observer to understand how the democratic game is played between the same elite groups for power. Your analogy of mice voting for a white cat instead of black is very apt.

   While the dilemma of Muslims living in the West is acute, it is in the Muslim world that its true significance is felt at a more profound level. Many Islamic movements are barred from participation in the political process so they hitch onto the idea that if they make enough noise about lack of democracy, they would be allowed to participate in elections and would easily win to come to power to implement Islam from the top. This is the trap into which the Islamic Salvation Front in Algeria fell, continues to trip the Jama‘at-e Islami in Pakistan, and the Ikhwan in Egypt.

   Muslim activists often ask: what is the alternative? The simple answer is: Islamic revolution but this is easier said than done. Since Muslims do not see a charismatic figure leading them through the maze of traps, they lose focus, interest or both. On numerous occasions Muslim activists have admitted that in the absence of any clear strategy to bring about an Islamic revolution, they are forced to adopt the electoral route. Unless Muslims adopt a clearer understanding of the issues, they will continue to end up in the blind alleys of electoral politics that only benefit the elites. 

 
 

America, a society of nuts

Tahir Mustafa’s article, “Reality of the American material dream” (Crescent, April 2010) should be compulsory reading for every parent chasing the American dream. Let us face it: most of came to North America to improve our material existence. The question is: has the price been worth it in when viewed against the backdrop of our children’s alienation from Islamic values and the divide that has been created between parents and children?

   True, many Muslim youth have turned to Islam with sincerity but the numbers lost to dunya are equally challenging. Further, when people are gripped by materialism, spirituality takes a back seat. Many Muslims in America do not see the contradiction in their behavior when they flaunt their wealth while at the same time putting on an aura of taqwa. For a committed Muslim, modest and moderate living should be the norm, not the exception. The price of materialism is evident in the mental disorders so many young people suffer in the US. Muslims are not exempt from such stresses.

 
 
 

Hamid Karzai’s plight

I feel sorry for Afghan President Hamid Karzai. He is a pathetic figure, alienated from his people because he has joined the West’s dollar crusade but the West treats him with even greater disdain. Puppets can expect no better but America’s criticism of Karzai is insulting. While Amer-ica and its allies control disbursement of funds in Afghanistan and have many warlords on their payroll, they demand that Karzai should end corruption. How? He does not have authority over more than a few blocks in Kabul; so how can he control the warlords? His best option is to carry out his recent threat and join the Taliban. This would not be the first time for him; provided, of course, the Taliban are prepared to accept him.

 
 
 

Neocons back?

The very thought of neocons coming back sends a chill down our spines. The rise in the number of militias is truly frightening. America has never faced a serious threat from outside but it is quite capable of tearing itself apart internally. With hundreds of millions of guns in people’s hands, America is on the verge of a civil war egged on by the likes of Palin and Limbaugh. Let Americans fight among themselves but my fear is that this wrath will be turned against Muslims, already the most demonized community.

 
 

Darfur crisis

I have grave doubt about whether the West would allow the crisis in Darfur to be resolved amicably. While it is good to read that Chad has finally agreed to settle the matter and some Darfurian groups have also seen the error of their ways, the West is a different matter. It is no secret that the entire Darfur campaign is Zionist financed and instigated. Their aim is to destabilize the largest Muslim country in Africa so that they will continue to have influence through their puppets. Sudan needs to handle the situation tactfully.