Author: Ammar

A Syrian dreamer & dissident, not necessarily in that order.

Notes on Extremism and Modernization

The Salon of Madame Geoffrin - an example of the activities that shaped French Enlightenment in the 19th Century.
The Salon of Madame Geoffrin – an example of the activities that shaped French Enlightenment in the 19th Century.

The answer to the extremism prevalent in Muslim communities around the world will not come from any allegedly “enlightened” or “moderate” set of religious scholars, but from the average Muslims’ changing attitude towards religiosity. Historical precedents have indeed shown that the religious establishment has often to play catchup with the people in this matter. In the meantime, however, establishment figures, motivated by a variety of ideological and parochial considerations, will often lead the fight against modernization using the pulpits and whatever social, economic and political institutions under their control.

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Random Observations on Some Recent Developments

A Scene from Dr. Strangelove.
A Scene from Dr. Strangelove.

Iran

Iran will never give up its nuclear program. To them, having nuclear capabilities and a few warheads and missiles on the side is meant tom inoculate them against foreign dabbling. Iranian officials believe that, unlike Saudi Arabia whose breakup will come largely due to mismanagement on part of the ruling establishment, the only way the Iranian establishment they could face serious domestic troubles will come as a result of clandestine activities supported by Western governments. Having nuclear weapons will prevent that possibility, so they think, even as American drones and intelligence operations are busy destabilizing Pakistan, which has long been a nuclear power.

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Notes on the Paris Attacks

Charlie Hebdo's new cover image.
Charlie Hebdo’s new cover image.
  • All so-called Abrahamic religions have an embedded element of disdain towards all other faith systems, one that has been clearly and unambiguously articulated in their various holy books as well as by a huge assortment of their favorite scholars and clerics, one that colors popular attitudes and feeds popular stereotypes, even among the self-declared secular segments, and inspires rejection, condescension and downright hate among a select few.

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Middle East Institute hosts “Syria – A Fire Within”

The Middle East Institute hosted on November 12, 2014, a screening of the documentary “Syria – A Fire Within.” The event was well-attended and featured a discussion with me afterwards. The podcast can be founded here.