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Islam and Democracy, Is a Clash of Civilizations Inevitable

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I fear that this dvd may not appeal to a large number of people, due to its lack of luster, comedy, etc. It's not a movie or a documentary, it's a lecture disc. Its lack of flash notwithstanding, the content is absolutely incredible and anyone with even a passing interest in America's relationship with the Islamic world would enjoy this dvd if they gave it a chance.

Noah Feldman and Hamza Husef each deliver outstanding comentary on the topic, and while their lectures move in somewhat different directions, the overall theme is the same: A clash of civilizations is not inevitable, but it is possible if actors on both sides do not act to avoid it.

The lectures aren't filled with overly academic jargon or theory. I showed this dvd to my Political Science 102 class this spring (mostly freshmen) and they all enjoyed and grasped the material. The two academics speak with urgency and clarity that should appeal to most level headed people, regardless of political ideology. Unless you're some partisan hack like Al Franken or Ann Coulter, both of whom make political discourse in this country worse by the way, I think you'll come away from this dvd with a clearer understanding of what we need to do about this important issue.

A thought-provoking discussion by two of America's leading scholars on Islam and the West, Noah Feldman and Hamza Yusuf come together to discuss the future of democracy and Islam in the US and around the globe.

In the 1st part, Dr. Feldman shows how the fundamental concepts of democracy match many of the fundamental concepts of Islam and Islamic law. Feldman is an advisor to American government in its current activities in Iraq, and in particular the role of democracy in the U.S. "democritazation" of Iraq. He emphasizes hope in the belief that the power to avert disaster lies with each one of us.


Then Hamza Yusuf gives an observation of the current hypocrises of western "democratic reform" plan. He challenges the West to be fair when approaching Islam and Muslim nations in general. He uses many proven examples, such as Guantanamo Bay, to show how a double-standard will weaken peoples' trust in the promises of Western powers. Hamza also explores how tyrannical despotism has came about in the Muslim world at the hands of western governments. In a very clear and coherent manner, he challenges both Muslims and non-Muslims to come together to avoid a "crash of civilizations."

In the third part, Feldman and Yusuf sit down to take questions from the audience and show that the West and Islam are really compatible if both properly adhere to truth and mutual respect and justice.

This amazaing DVD shows that it is possible to talk about even the most "touchy" political topics and come to common terms if one speaks honestly, instead of avoiding the confrontation.

I bough this dvd after hearing Hamza Yusuf lecture on Friday at my local mosque. It was money well spent. There are problems in America that need the help of Islam to fix them. I recommend this to any American that would like to understand Islam a little better. You will walk away enlightened after watching these men speak.

Go here to listen to lectures by Hamza Yusuf for a preview

lightuponlight.com

distortion, distortion and more distortion in the media! This scholarly piece really showcases the underlying "distortion" and major misconceptions of about Islam and where it stands next to Western Democratic values.

I really hope that people also give a chance to other similar forums of discussion of islam and democracy:

Silent No More: Confronting America's False Images of Islam
After Jihad by Noah Feldman

This particular discussion really places everything in the "today's mideast situation" and what can happen if US Policy makers don't embrace immediate changes.