Presently Moslems in the Middle East are influenced by an idea that education and technology is a Western plot designed to undermine Islam. In some cases, people believe that it is inherent in anything modern that by engaging in modern experiences will undermine belief in Islam. Countries in the Middle East defeat themselves and their future by imagining their present technological inferiority as a positive cultural identity. Islam has in the past created modernity for the world and led with technology and social innovation in art, science and medicine. In an earlier period, Ibn Khaldun argued that the Moorish kingdom of Spain had once led the world with science, but the kingdom declined when the rulers concentrated favor on philology and literature. Bin Laden and his ideology is holding Islam back. If Moslems wish to compete with the West they must accomplish what Kemal Ataturk did for Turkey. Strangely, so-called conservatives in Turkey are attempting to undo what Ataturk has provided them. The result most likely will be the weakness that characterizes other Moslem nations.
A long history of creativity and development of both technology and social institutions in mainly Moslem states in the Middle Ages proved Islam was compatible with education and modernity. Today Moslems have their back to that past of glory and learning, in ignorant self-betrayal and see themselves as the image of a European medievalism, not an Arabic one. Before the creation of the nation of Israel the Jewish heritage was one of great learning, of sacrifice and of incredible contributions to science, art and music. Today Israel defines the Jewish heritage as one of terror, oppression and cruelty. No nation in history as endured long with such a path.
The future lies in technology and learning, today the Israeli rightwing threatens with the weapons of the 20th century, tomorrow's weapons are yet to be created. One of these will be new forms of energy, technology to produce cheap clean water, to revitalize the soil and the protect from disease. Moslems need to look beyond today's narrow focus and see that the way to independence and security lies in knowledge and skill. The form of government must be changed to allow for a political system that will reform the life of the masses, create wealth and a future for youth.
Many forces are at work to undermine the effective nature of societies where Moslems make up a majority of the population. A general lack of social cohesion is present, resulting in such social strife that democratic action is near impossible and this results in nations were oligarchies rule. This is certainly at odds with the words of the Prophet. Unity should characterize the nations of Islam. Along with unity there should be open and free debate and democratic institutions. Nowhere in the Koran do we find a framework for anything but freedom and unity, therefore democracy should typify Islam. If al Qaida was devoted to the Koran would they not be building democracy instead of creating terror? The question that haunts the Middle East today is not the existence of Israel but the survival of Islam. Bin Laden seems to be arguing, from his privileged upbringing, that the youth of Islam is incapable of competing in the world stage except as warriors. His path is already one of defeat and ruin. Today China rises to the leading edge of the world with all eyes at its success and example. China has challenged America and demonstrated that it is its equal in every way. The contrast cannot be lost on the nations of Islam. They can follow the path of Ataturk and China or that of Israel. The choice is clear.