The rise of the Muslim middle classes is irresistible October 01, 2013 12:10 AM By Shahid Javed Burki The Daily Star The Muslim world’s current turmoil has one key cause that is rooted in neither religious ideology nor sectarian struggle. In Egypt, Syria, Tunisia and Turkey, rapidly growing and increasingly assertive middle classes want a say in politics and greater economic opportunity. Modern communication – in particular the extensive use of social media – has enabled this rising middle class not only to find its voice, but also to have its voice heard. In asserting themselves, middle-class Muslims are guided by no particular political philosophy or religious preference. The street protests in Cairo over the past 30 months clearly reflect the political preferences of middle-class youth. The protests first forced out former President Hosni Mubarak, because his regime was failing to meet their demands; and their judgment of the Muslim Brotherhood’s subsequent administration was equally harsh, culminating in former President Mohammad Morsi’s removal from power. Read more: dailystar.lb/Opinion/Commentary/2013/Oct-01/233105-the-rise-of-the-muslim-middle-classes-is-irresistible.ashx#ixzz2gSbfMlL2 (The Daily Star :: Lebanon News :: dailystar.lb)
Posted on: Tue, 01 Oct 2013 09:19:41 +0000
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