What is happening in the Middle East? Only dictators have power. Is splitting up religious & political interests needed?

To the Western mind, especially to those who live in societies and cultures long-acquainted with he idea of separation of religious institutions and secular government both in theory and in practice, it may be difficult to understand that in cultures where religion and politics are inextricably enmeshed, the notion of separating the two is not only difficult to conceive of, but often considered to be unthinkable and undesirable. The range of "reality frameworks" that human beings can internalize and use to interpret the world can be so radically different that it can be very difficult to fully appreciate the implications of a framework that is radically different from one's own.It is easy to say, "They need to create that separation of government and religion that will allow them to "advance" in terms of human rights and integrate more fully with the international community," but then, we need to consider historical, cultural, religious, and political reasons why this is extremely difficult or unlikely. And it takes quite a lot of learning and consideration to understand.

It also takes a VERY open mind. And although I do not in ANY WAY condone violence, we need to also go through the trouble to understand why VERY small numbers of Muslims who take up acts of terrorism target the West. And, why other Muslims may sympathize with that while not taking an active role.

There are reasons, which lie both in the past and in the current situation of international relations and policy with regards to Western nations towards various countries in the Islamic world and also Israel. Israel and the Palestinians and the recent history that lies there is a major factor, and there are far too many other issues to elaborate on here. Needless to say, it is a highly complex issue.

Ootskahooooonya 56 months ago.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.