Our Relationship to Democracy

The article discusses the lack of political accountability and cultural repression in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. The author highlights events such as the invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan, the rise of the Taliban, and the formation of ISIS, which have caused irreparable damage to the affected regions. The author argues that it is necessary to be critical of the homogenization of an entire religion or region, and to acknowledge the diversity of experiences and identities within Muslim countries. The article emphasises the need to understand Muslim women's and men's writings in their own words, about their religious and political beliefs, practices, and perspectives. The author calls for dismantling outdated Orientalist myths and avoiding painting an overly romantic picture of the East. The article stresses that a blanket ban on Muslim immigrants or refugees is oblivious to the aspirations of distinct individuals and societies, and can exacerbate cultural and religious fanaticism. The perpetuation of a politics that creates cultural myopia and monocultural identities in a diverse society like the United States would be detrimental domestically and internationally. Finally, the author asserts that it is imperative to pay attention to the intricacies of history to prevent it from repeating itself. This article was previously published in Daily Times on 19 January, 2018 (https://dailytimes.com.pk/183905/our-relationship-to-democracy/).