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Электронное приложение к журналу «Международная жизнь»
Author : A. Podtserob
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
UNTIL THE EARLY 1960S, modern political Islam
did not have much influence in the Arab world or in
the Middle East. There was an ongoing conflict in the
region between nationalists, who were supported by
the Soviet Union, and conservative regimes, which
were supported by the West. Over time, radical move-
ments managed to build a political consensus to
strengthen their influence. However, the gradual esca-
lation of insoluble problems triggered the onset of the
destruction of political nationalism. In addition, radical public trends outwardly emulated Eu-
ropean radicalism.
As a result, popular religious-political culture developed over time. Despite the colonial character
of the policy of Western powers, Islam not only remained but was employed by adherents to
the Islamic religion as a tool in the liberation struggle during the period of the domination of
Western European states. The preservation of Islamic legal norms was a factor in Islamic reli-
gious influence. This phenomenon can also be related to the consolidation of traditionalist cul-
ture arising from religious consciousness.
The processes of the politicization of Islam are of an international character. At present, politi-
cized Islamic religion has become an important component of the world order, and it will - to
some extent or other - predetermine the development of humankind in the future. Islam's trans-
formation into this kind of force is also facilitated by the fact that Iran, the countries of the
Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, Algeria, and Libya are oil suppliers to the international market; Morocco,
Western Sahara and Tunisia export phosphates, and countries of the region are a bridge linking
Western Europe with Asia and Africa. Immigrants from Muslim countries
have started moving to European countries. Furthermore, some Muslim states are a major tourist
attraction.
It is noteworthy that the Koran pays special attention to war. It describes in detail how to act in
combat and explains the importance of military discipline and the predestination of death.
Adherence to Islamic norms has both positive and negative aspects. There is a danger of sup-
pressing the spirit of resistance to psychological violence, social evils, and economic oppression
based on the recognition of the existing situation. There is a clear danger of collusion between
politicians and clergy, governed by the pursuit of gain. In addition, there is a risk originating
from the totalitarian principle of the clergy and characteristic of dogmatists who erect insur-
mountable barriers between people.
However, all recipes for building an Islamic state have failed or are about to fail. And that is
hardly surprising, because it is impossible to adjust the Muslim community, which was created
Political Aspects of Modern Islam