Introduction
Secularization refers to the process through which institutions lose their religious, traditional and social practices. As the world moves into the new dispensation, societies tend to shun their traditional and religious practices overtime. Every state including both developed and developing ones have experienced metamorphosis in their attempt to march into the new political world. With the people’s changing social as well as political organization, traditional set ups and structures have become irrelevant. This paper takes a critical look at secularization process as has been experienced by three Middle East countries i.e. Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Lebanon. (Willem van Kemenade, 1995)
The Middle East countries refer to the most unstable in terms of development, both social and political. In fact, the rising of Iran and Iraq as powerful manufacturers of weapons of mass destruction and drastic outburst of Islam in the Middle East have been seen by the western nations as a possible emergence of another super power. This has actually been exacerbated by secularization for the last fifty years in the Middle East. (Richard, 2006)
Secularization in the Middle East
Lebanon
Today Lebanon still remains the most adverse among the countries in the Middle East with numerous sub tribe communities as Sunni, Shia, Christian, and Druze population. Most of the scholars admit that Lebanon is more secular than other Muslims in their own country. The studies reveal that Muslims in Lebanon do not actually value Islam as a religion as other Muslims in countries like Pakistan, Morocco, Turkey and Indonesia. Secularism is quite important for the country, because it means democratization for it. The political powers have signed an agreement in December 1985 which called for the secularization of Lebanon’s political life (according to this agreement, the militia were disbanded and the powers were transferred to the Prime Minister). Modern scholars still see secularism as a salvation for the country.
Israel
Secularization in Israel took place in three main periods. During the last third period (late 1950s), people’s ideas about their state started to be shaped on the basis of their understanding and perception of religious symbols. In the 1970s there emerged such a notion as civil religion, and namely this type of religion was affected by secularization. Secularization in Israel was initiated by Zionist movement; it resulted in Israeli religion spreading far beyond the bounds of the state. After the war (around 1967) and the occupation of certain territories of the state, it was hard for Israeli people to maintain their Diasporas, which resulted in the polarization of religion between public and private sectors of the institutional order.
Turkey
Turkey is one of the few countries in the world that has experienced the highest number of political coups. The opposing theories taken by different leaders who belong to different political affiliations, and fueled by secularizations has made Turkey to under go long periods of political instability. Ranging from coups to civil unrests within the last fifty years, Turkey has distinguished itself conspicuously as a nation that can manage both Islam and democracy having voted AKP party. (Mary’s, 2002)
The political fracas that has hitherto been synonymous with Turkey has often been triggered by the differences that emerge between the ruling class that seem to adopt democracy and the opposition side constituting mainly the Turkish origins who are viewed as staunch supporters of secularization. The enduring effort is much more than that. It is a major confrontation between Islamic democracy and secular totalitarianism. This makes it deterministic not only for Turkey but for the future of democracy in the whole Islamic world. (Cem, 2009)
“Big Power” policies effect on the Middle East 1850-Present
Big Powers have always been interested in the Middle East. In the 1950s, this area remained the only one with which the Soviets were not satisfied. Its satisfaction with the area closer to 1975 totally depended on the USA. The latter, however, demanded the Middle East to reconcile with the policy of France the cooperation with which could significantly develop the region. These misunderstandings between Big Powers and the Middle East resulted in numerous economic sanctions which further led to diseases, hunger, deaths, and underdevelopment. “Big Power” policies made the region rather resentful towards the West, especially, towards the United States.
Effects of the Cold War on the Middle East
The Cold War has also produced an enormous effect on the Middle East. The end of the Civil War freed the region from the intervention of other countries into its social and political life. Together with this, it gave rise to nationalism (for instance, the newly appointed Iran leader exiled Khomeini who led a revolt against him). One more effect of the Civil War on the Middle East was the beginning of hatred between these two regions which resulted in numerous conflicts, acts of terrorism, and deaths of innocent civilian people.
Conclusion
Secularization and civilization clashes are matters of national interests. Many conflicts around the world are either a result of differences in civilization or economic resources. A great balance needs to be achieved between the largest world’s religions and the existing political ruling classes. If this is done then there is no doubt that peace would be achieved.
References
Cem. Coups in Turkey over Last 50 Years. 2009.
Mary’s,.The Cold War and the Middle East from 1945 to 2001. 2002. Web.
Richard W. Lebanon’s Muslims: Relatively Secular and Pro-Christian. 2006. Web.
Willem van Kemenade.China, Hong Kong, Taiwan Inc: The Dynamic of a New Empire Alfred K. Knopf, New York, 1995.