The Dangerous And Deepening Divide Between Islamic World, West

Clockwise from top left: Protesters in Tahrir Square in Cairo; Demonstrators marching through Habib Bourguiba Avenue in Tunis; Political dissidents in Sana'a; Protesters gathering in Pearl Roundabout in Manama; Mass demonstration in Douma; Demonstrators in Bayda. Wikipedia

Dangerous And Deepening Divide Between Islamic World, West -- Peter Apps, Reuters

* Religion not the only cause of confrontation
* Close ties with U.S. seen as liablity now -analyst
* Arab Spring not as beneficial to West as had been hoped

WASHINGTON, Sept 23 (Reuters)- For those who believe in a clash of civilizations between the Islamic world and Western democracy, the last few weeks must seem like final confirmation of their theory.

Even those who reject the term as loaded and simplistic speak sadly of a perhaps catastrophic failure of understanding between Americans in particular and many Muslims.

The outrage and violence over a crude film ridiculing the Prophet Mohammad points to a chasm between Western free speech and individualism and the sensitivities of some Muslims over what they see as a campaign of humiliation.

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My Comment: What's my take .... the Arab Spring and the elections that have followed have proven to be a blessing to Islamist movements. Through the ballot box they have been able to convince the rural, poor, and deeply religious voters that Western democracy and Western secularism should be disregarded and a more Islamic approach be adopted. Pushing the argument that a more Islamic society will not only solve the deep economic problems that exists in these nations, but it will also address perceived injustices and a sense of victimization .... has touched a nerve .... and in elections .... their vote. The question that is now on everyone's mind is .... can the Islamists deliver, and if not .... will they be willing to relinquish power if they are defeated in future elections. I guess only time will tell.