The Greater Middle East Initiative and democracy in Muslim states: A Turkish perspective

This article takes issue with the Greater Middle East Initiative launched by the U.S. administration and endorsed by the G-8 leaders at the Sea Island Summit, June 2004. It also discusses the problem of democracy and modernity in Muslim societies. The article argues that the U.S. initiative came short of meeting the requirements Of promoting democracy in Muslim countries as it lacks a "carrot and stick" approach in respect of the existing regimes. Then, it disagrees with the prevalent views in the West on the incompatibility of Islam with democracy and Muslims being in fierce opposition to modernity. After presenting practical examples showing that Islam is conducive to democracy, the article concludes by emphasizing the need for dialogue with the Muslim masses. If the United States and the G-8 leaders want democracy to prevail in the Muslim world, as they publicly declared, then they must stand by it. They must engage in the "genuine co-operation," that they promise. It is obvious that there is not much use in cooperation with the existing autocrats. They would be better advised to engage in "genuine co-operation" with the masses. For this, there is a need to come to terms with Islam and with the compatibility of Islam and democracy. What I mean by genuine cooperation and coming to terms with Islam is that the Westerners need to view Islam and the Muslims from the inside. They should show respect for the sensibilities of the Muslim masses.