a difference of opinion
S: I’m surprised that Western democracies do not reject the absolute dictatorships of the Gulf region. Is it because they are too rich and generate resources for the West?
A: Well, it has been the centuries old tradition of these areas. Democracy is not successful everywhere and you have to admit that the people of these areas are relatively content with the form of government they are being ruled by.
S: Do you think the people are really content or they have been suppressed for centuries by the kingdoms that having been ruling them.
A: Look, the Arab spring failed to produce any worthwhile results. Look at the case of Egypt. Democracy couldn’t last for even a year and was overthrown. The people weren’t strong enough to make democracy last. It is the culture and level of suppression by the ruling elite that wins after all. The West has their own economic interests at the forefront and they are too mean to let go of the status quo.
S: Why don’t the Muslim democracies then try to bring the people of these areas out of the quagmire?
A: In general, the Muslims have a propensity to like despots but I still believe they should have come out openly in favor of the masses at the time of the Arab Spring, their silence however presents a perplexing situation.
S: Listen, unfortunately, most of the Muslim majority countries which are being ruled under democratic façade are economically so weak that they shy away to express their sympathies for their suppressed Muslim brothers.
A: Isn’t it a sin?