What is the most effective way for Western Non-Muslims to promote secularism in the Middle East?

Answer 1

Answer 1

The most effective way for Western Non-Muslims to promote secularism in the Middle East is to embrace democracy.

Answer 2

There are a number of key things that Westerners can do to promote secularism in the Middle East and, unlike the view put forward in Answer 1, blindly supporting "democracy" wherever it shows up is not one of them. In fact, the increased blind support of democracies has lead to a surge of Islamism in the Middle East, which is the exact opposite of secularism.

1) Carrots and Sticks: Money and economic success are difficult to come by in the Middle East. If you petition your governments to reward countries like Morocco and Tunisia that have embraced secularism by improving their abilities to trade (by removing tariffs or providing subsidies) or increasing cultural exchanges, you can show that secularizing the country leads to clear economic benefits. Conversely, strongly Islamist regimes, such as Iran and Saudi Arabia should be economically ostracized to weaken them and push their populations to support a more economically viable model.

2) Support Arab Liberals: Many human rights advocates in the Middle East note with sadness that most Westerners hear the words "oppression" or "imperialist" and immediately assume that the speaker is some beleaguered minority who should be allowed to have power. Of course, many of these individuals will turn right around and repress everyone else if they had the chance. Instead, listen closely to the message advocated by these people and only support those like Moncef Marzouki or Sheikh Ayad Jamal ad-Din who honestly wish to combat human rights abuses. Additionally, support Arab writers and artists, especially those who challenge the status quo and invigorate Arab culture with vitality instead of decrying their works as "culturally offensive".

3) Argue the Merits of Secularism: When you meet Middle Easterners, via the internet or face to face, making compelling arguments as to how people benefit when religion is not forced on people by autocratic rulers.