Al Nakhlah, Spring 2006
The Fletcher School Journal for Issues Related to SouthWest Asia and Islamic Civilization
"Islam Versus the West" and the Political Thought of AbdolKarim Soroush
By Hassan Abbas
Abstract
The crux of Soroush's argument is that there is no shame in choosing to maintain or abondon certain elements of one's culture on the basis of investigation, insight and critical enquiry. He aggressively makes a case for rational choice in the world of ideas.
From Conclusion: The internal crisis in the Muslim world, both in Muslim majority states and in the Muslim communities in the West, is more grave and complex. In this context, AbdolKarim Soroush’s views and analysis are cogent, logical, and highly relevant. Extremist forces in the Muslim world can only be defeated if progressive forces both in the West and in the Islamic world cooperate to tackle the issue through dialogue and constructive engagement. A partnership is required. A unilateral campaign by the West to win the hearts and minds of Muslims without listening to their concerns or enlisting their aid will not succeed. Moreover, America should keep in mind that democracy can be promoted, supported, and nurtured, but not enforced or imposed. That is the only way to overpower mutual mistrust, which sadly seems to be on the ascendant these days. In this sphere, AbdolKarim Soroush provides a valuable framework for progressive forces in the Muslim world.
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4 comments:
His book "Reason, Freedom and Democracy" (title from memory) is worth reading. It is small and easy to read, but contains interesting ideas. Is there an urdu translation available in Pakistan?
Yes, thats an excellent book, but to my knowledge there is no urdu translation available.
Soroush's articles/interviews both in persian and English language are available at:
http://www.drsoroush.com/
I didn't think there was a translation. Every day I read countless columns and articles about the influence of Mullas in Pakistan. Why do we expect anything different when even a fairly small book such as Dr. Soroush's hasn't been translated to a language most Pakistanis understand? The mullahs (crazy ones) keep on building madrasahs, political parties, social networks; while the 'liberals' say nice words in foreign languages and expect the natives to fall in line. Intellectual masterbation...nothing more.
I partly agree with your assessment. In this case, Soroush, an Iranian scholar wrote this collection of essays in Persian language and later it was translated into English. In case of Pakistan, many progressive works have started getting published in Urdu, but you are right - ost of important works are in English. My guess is that many members of the ruling elite in Pakistan read these English books but are not impressed ofcourse from any criticism of what they are doing.
Thanks.
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