How to Resolve the Religious and Political Conflict between the West and the Middle East - Essay Example

 The conflicts have been so fierce and complex that they have confounded rational peace discourse. One of the most prominent attempts to approach these concerns has been proposed by Amr Hamzawy. Hamzawy contends that modern Islamists follow principles of democratic order, the rule of law, human rights, and are against violence. Nonetheless, these individuals find themselves in a continual battle with more extreme forces. Hamzawy argues that if the United States and Europe hope to establish democracy in the region they must work with more representative ‘moderate’ Islamic groups.

Many Western conceptions of the Middle Eastern world are the direct product of extremism, leaving a skewed paradigm in the view of Western society. A general examination of Arab culture reveals that there is a deep-rooted sense of respect, virtue, and wellness. In terms of mathematics Arab culture is recognized as the first to implement the ‘zero’ as a functional tool ("Adc").

When one considers that one of the cornerstone elements of Western society is mathematics and engineering, it is not a stretch to say that Arab insights are woven into the very fabric of modern Western existence. Another prominent contribution Arab’s made to society is through geography and navigation elements. Indeed, the world’s earliest geographical and navigational charts were developed during the medieval period as Arabians built on inventions established by the Egyptians. Similar to mathematics, one considers that there is an essential quality to these developments that places intimately links Arab culture with the West.

One considers that there are many elements in Islamic literature that point towards a functioning democratic order. Consider Lyo who writes, “Few had any doubts that God had sent the earthquake to punish Antioch for its wanton and profligate ways” (Lyon, p. 1). While such a statement can function as a metaphor for a modernist critique of capitalism, it also demonstrates a strong commitment to moral virtue. The core of Hamzawy’s argument then is to find the moderate Islamists, harness their moral virtue, and fit it structurally into a democratic order.