Is Liberalism the way to reform the Middle East?, Islamic Ideology, NewAgeIslam.com

Islamic Ideology

Is Liberalism the way to reform the Middle East?

By Yemen Times Staff

In Yemen, for example, where religious and tribal sheikhs have great influence over the population, citizens do not understand or accept Liberalism with an open mind. Many people think that such a philosophy will threaten their way of life, and political authorities are afraid of having their power revoked through the popularization of Liberalism. Yemen does not have a free economy, since most of its business enterprises are in some way tied to the state. Obstacles such as corruption and a high unemployment rate prevent the economy from becoming a free entity with local and international investments flowing in from around the world like so many of the neighboring gulf countries. But with that economic freedom come social trends and customs from outside – something that both citizens and politicians in the region fear.

http://newageislam.com/is-liberalism-the-way-to-reform-the-middle-east?/islamic-ideology/d/55