Is Reconciliation Still Possible?

In the post-World War II Middle East, there already have been over ten major wars. And, with the United States struggling in Iraq as violence reaches an all-time high, relations with the west are as poor as ever. Abbas Amanat lays out five major reasons why Islamic Extremism is worse than ever. Many Westerners argue that it is the Middle East's own fault for not being able to modernize, but is a lack of modernization the only thing stopping good relations between the Middle East and the west.

To state it simply, it's not. One must first consider the history of the situation in order to verify guesses. Religion is probably the single most important factor in this situation. With Islamic extremism again taking a firm hold of Muslim society, conflict has never been more prevalent in the region. Five major wars had been fought with Israel since Amanat wrote his commentary on the "Reinvention of Islamic Extremism," and arguably another has been fought with Hamas since then. Israel was granted its "Zionist" land by the west despite the Palestinians occupying the region. Amanat argues that Israel is the west's foothold in the Middle East and the center of its operations.

Secondly, Middle Easterners look down on the "lifestyles" of the west. As western culture has been exported to the Middle East and even consumed much of its their own culture, Muslims are embracing leaders that reject modernization in the fashion of the west. They look to political figures such as Osama Bin Laden to lead them in the "right" direction.

To further the problems facing the Middle East, suicide bombing has become an outlet for those who cannot stand the modernization. They look to their leaders for advice at the cost of their own life. However, it is at least understandable, as they believe with all their hearts that they are doing the right thing. Their mindset is different then those of the west and must have amazing self-control to sacrifice everything for another man's words. But is it really that hard of a choice when one believes his Imam speaks the word of God, Allah himself.

With the surge of Islamic radicalism since the end of World War II and the creation of the "Zionist" regime, problems have never been as rampant as they are today. Successful dialogue has never been this difficult or necessary for the idealist's view of world peace. Currently the west is waging a war against and ideal, which essentially is an impossible war to win. How can you fight a war against civilians? The west must realize that peace must be made and military presence withdrawn. Dialogue must be opened, but this is not a problem that can be solved by talking to leaders. If one gives up his ways, three up and coming Imams will take his place. It must be waged in the mosques and churches all around the world. People must open their eyes to their own racism, and they must embrace those who are different. Each priest and Imam must welcome "infidels" into their society. This war cannot be won with diplomacy or soldiers, it must be won through a grassroots campaign targeting the heart of the country: its people.