[telaquapacky]

There's a good article in a recent news mag I read, an interview with a prominent Egyptian ( the magazine is not within reach now, but I'll give the reference when I can).

One of the things this man said that I thought was most insightful and intriguing, was that while the west is trying to foster democracy in the Arab countries, their rulers are threatened by it. Since 9-11 they have allowed 9-11 and America's over-reaction to it foment radical Islam and terrorism, because if democracy takes hold, they'll lose their power. He believes there is a silent majority of moderate Muslims who want peace and democracy, and liberal reforms- particularly with regards to the treatment of women. Better treatment of women always translates into better education and standards of living.

The other thing he said is what we all know. Poverty and frustration seems to feed radical Islam. Their biggest hatred against the west has to do with our presence in their "holy land" and the presence of the nation of Israel. To the radicals, we are an alliance of infidels.

The writer also pointed up that there were two kinds of Islam in those countries- one that applies to the rich, and another entirely different one that applies to the poor. The rich have secret get-aways where they can live in a comparitively sensuous, world-loving western style; whereas the poor have a deeply devout but bitter, hardscrabble existence that makes them sick of the world and long desperately for a heavenly reward.