Heroes

I've been back in the USA since May, but have only sporadically reflected on my experience in the Middle East over the last year and a half, when I spent several months in both Egypt and Israel, and had the opportunity for interspersed trips to Turkey, Jordan, Syria, and Tunisia. Since then, events have continued to unfold rapidly in the region. Two key dramas are playing out that will have far-reaching ripple effects: Israel vs. Iran, and Syria vs. Syria. In addition, the Arab Spring has led to the rise of Islamist movements, organizations dedicated to bringing Islamic teaching overtly into the political sphere, to power in Egypt and Tunisia. The US has had difficulty finding who to support, to what level, and to what specific end in each situation.

One commentator I'm paying attention to as the situation in the Middle East evolves is Ed Husain, a British, Muslim scholar. I read his book The Islamist  as a student in Egypt, and he became a hero of mine. A self-described ex-extremist, he advocates a version of Islam that is compatible with the principles of human freedom. 

Another commentator, whom I had the opportunity to meet in Turkey, is Mustafa Akyol, a Turkish journalist who, like Husain, is strongly religious but also strongly anti-tyranny. He also has become a hero for me. 

Both of these people impressed me with their dedication to Islam, but also their willingness to view the state of the Islamic world with honesty. They want to see Islam, or the understanding of Islam that many people espouse, change. Crucially, the source for this change comes from within Islam itself, from the Qu'ran and other sources. According to Husain and Akyol, key precepts such as the value of human life and religious freedom have been lost amidst a dedication to other, minor parts of the Qu'ranic message. I wholeheartedly wish these two heroes of mine, like-minded Muslims, and people of all faiths with a dedication to preserving respect for the dignity of human life, success in their work.