Future Of Freedom

Future Of Freedom

The Future of Freedom
By: Fareed Zakaria

In chapter 4, “The Islamic Exception,” Zakaria points out that only 28% of Middle

Eastern countries can be described as free or partly free. He suggests that it is important to

maintain an autocratic style of government in the Middle East. He believes that elections

would produce radical, Islamic fundamentalist such as Osama bin Laden. Zakaria further

explains the relationship between Islam and democracy as well as the rise of Islamic

fundamentalism.

To support his ideas, Zakaria points out the emir of Kuwait. With American

encouragement, the emir of Kuwait proposed giving women the right to vote; however, the

democratically elected parliament, filled with Islamic fundamentalist, rejected his proposal. He

further explains how religious conservatives rejected King Abdullah of Jordon's initiative to

allow women to drive. He says, “ A similar dynamic is evident elsewhere in the Arab world …

Monarchs are more liberal than the societies over which they reign” (pg. 120). Therefore, he

concludes that as things are now, an autocratic government, it should remain. If elections

were to be held, Zakaria believes, “It would be, as the saw has it, one man, one vote, one time”

(pg. 121).

Zakaria points out that “The real problem lies not in the Muslim world but in the Middle

East” (pg. 127). There are over 1.2 billion Muslims in the world, only 260 million live in the

Middle East. Indonesia, the most populous Muslim county, has maintain a secular government

since its in independence in 1949. Furthermore, Zakaria mentions Pakistan, Bangladesh, and

India who has all been a part of a democracy and elected women as prime minister. Even

Afghanistan has given rights to women prior to its downfall. He states, “If there is a

fundamental incompatibility between Islam and democracy, 800 million Muslims seem

unaware” (pg. 127).  

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