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It is one of the ironies in international relations today, that the reaction to the possible re-emergence of the Caliphate is one of the few matters that unites both left and right.This despite the fact that Islamic political parties are wiping the board in elections in places like Palestine, Egypt, Iraq and Lebanon. For the neoconservatives the establishment of the Caliphate has been juxtaposed with a nihilist state that will send the region back to the backwardness of the 7th century. Indeed one of the reasons for remaining in Iraq given by Donald Rumsfeld has been to prevent Iraq from degenerating into such a Caliphate. For the neoconservatives the key problem with the Caliphate is that it would represent an implacable opponent to western foreign policy in the region.They may cite reasons such as human rights, but as Guantanomo Bay,Abu Ghraib and 'extraordinary rendition' have proved support for human rights is hardly absolute.
Therefore for the following reasons western citizens should consider whether their opposition to the Caliphate is really in their long term interest- Firstly the Caliphate will pursue an effective anti-imperialism strategy in the Muslim world and will oppose any foreign state who seek to usurp the regions resources. For example the Caliphates policy would be to ensure oil is publicly owned, foreign bases are removed and that compound interest on foreign debt is ended.
- The Caliphate though not a product of enlightenment principles has a distinct representative, accountable and elected political system. In opinion poll after opinion poll Muslims support a greater role for Islam in the political arena, a natural extension therefore of the commitment to self determination.
- The Caliphate believes opposition to torture, having a rule of law and just treatment of minorities are absolutes. It also believes that trade policy and environmental protection should be decided through international cooperation not through the principle of might is right.
- The Caliphate would have a deep commitment to solve the regions poverty, illiteracy and health deficits. Its opposition to free market capitalism is based on capitalism's inane inability to justly distribute resources.
- Future wars against Syria and Iran would be unlikely if the Caliphate is present due to the achievement of a balance of power in the region.The Caliphate will bring greater geo-political stability to the region characterised by dictatorships, foreign occupations and ethnic distrust.
- The Caliphate will promote a set of core values which will encourage strong families, communities and will seek to achieve a balance between spiritual, moral values on the one hand with seeking material gains on the other.
- The Caliphate would not be a return to a 7th century medieval entity but a forward looking, technologically proficient society aimed at addressing the holistic affairs of all its citizens regardless of religion, colour, race or gender.
Of course there will be major differences that people in the west will have with the Caliphate (these are well documented), but the current status quo in the Muslim world is equally unacceptable and unstable.The only viable alternative to western chaotic control (as Iraq has proved) is a revival of an indigenous model of governance consistent with the beliefs of the people living in the region.As Hamas's crushing victory has demonstrated, the desire for Islamic political rule is an unstoppable force in the region.Western citizens therefore needs to make a strategic choice, continue to oppose the Muslim world's aspirations for independence and justice or reject the neoconservatives mendacious opposition to the re-emergence of the Caliphate.
In this issue of New Civilisation we discuss some of the myths surrounding the Caliphate and also how it fits in in the overall 'battle of ideas.' This is relevant because some of the biggest issues facing the world today have their roots in what happens in the Muslim world.Whether it be energy, demographics, religion vs. secularism, immigration, the War on Terror, anti-Americanism, regional integration or the strength of the international system, all will be impacted by the political currents in the Muslim
world.
Robert F Kennedy said in 1966:There is a Chinese curse which says, 'May he live in interesting times'. Like it or not, we live in interesting times...
Indeed we do.
Sajjad Khan
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