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Why Modernity Is Incompatible with Political Islam

(Politico) Charles Hill - Political Islam's purpose is not only to be incompatible with modernity but also to oppose it, demolish it and replace it in every regard. The modern world may be summarized as a series of intellectual movements, institutional achievements and generally accepted ideas that across the span of the past three or four centuries have slowly shaped a basically workable and common international order. Political Islam considers the modern international system incompatible. First, the concept of the state is itself at odds with Islamist views. As one fighter with ISIS forces said, "We are opposed to countries." Second, democracy can be interpreted in Islamist terms as an abomination to the faith in that it requires legislation on behalf of a sovereign people, whereas Islamists must adhere to Sharia law alone. Prof. Charles Hill, a career foreign service officer, is the Diplomat-in-Residence and a lecturer in International Studies at Yale University.
2015-01-20 00:00:00
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