Citation

Kibble DG. Stud. Conflict Terrorism 1996; 19(4): 353-364.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1996, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10576109608436015

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article begins by examining some possible flashpoints in the Middle East where fundamentalist Islamic groups might seem to represent a threat: Iran, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia are examined along with other countries. If a fundamentalist interpretation of the Qur'an is taken and the teachings of certain fundamentalist Islamic leaders are examined, the conclusion is made in this article that fundamentalist Islam does appear to represent a threat in theory. Since in practice, however, fundamentalist Islam actually represents a broad spectrum of religious and political beliefs, much of which rejects violence, it is concluded that, although what is termed as fundamentalist Islam in theory represents a threat, in practice it does not. Were fundamentalist groups to take political power in some areas of the Middle East, the article goes on to suggest that this, too, should not necessarily be seen as a threat: Many are beginning to see such a development as a possible step on the road to democracy.

Language: en