Assuming among those who have followed the events in the Middle East know the likelihood of all this ending badly is probably even money at this point. Islamism is very much a part of the populace. It is organic with deep roots dating back to the 7th century and a fresh set of legs starting in the 20th century. As such, political Islam should be judged more by its existence and impulse than from only its electoral successes. That alone is why we look on these events with a certain amount of guarded optimism.
At any rate, why do so many Americans watch and wonder how all of this will turn out? Many of us are aware of the uncertainty that lies ahead. Still we find it inspiring to see the oppressed kick back at their oppressor. It is a part of our national DNA and the cornerstone to our nation’s history. That is what our nationalism is made of. It is an optimistic creed centered on respect for lawful institutions, individual freedoms, and constitutional law.
We can see these ideas expressed in our core values:
- An unchanging doctrine expressing the ideals of liberty, democracy, the rule of law and opportunity.
- A strong emphasis on the value of life, the pursuit of happiness, and the bright, shining opportunities of the future.
- An image — a fixture in the minds of all Americans — of a land that flourishes in promise and prosperity.
- A heritage of glorified moral values and a sense of destiny.
Some like to call this American version of nationalism civic nationalism. But maybe we should beg to differ. Most Americans do not see these values and beliefs fit solely for those inside our borders. America has always taken great pride in their core values and generally recognizes them as universally applicable.
Unfortunately, after having said all of that, a healthy dose of realism should also be considered. Because we have seen far too many times that our ideas around life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness contrasts greatly with the other nations of the world and none more so than those in the Middle East. While we express universalistic ideals such as Democracy, Rule of Law, and the Marketplace, the states of the Middle East see their destiny along the lines of Ethnicity, Religion, Language, Geography and History. As a result, they are disproportionally militarized, regressive, corrupt and declining.
Thusly, this is the point at which our two civilizations diverge and why we watch and wonder instead of cheer and support.
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