POLS 157 Chapter : Conclusion from What Went Wrong, Bernard Lewis:
19 Jan 2020
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Document Summary
In the 20th century it became obvious that the lands of islam had become poor, weak and ignorant: dominance of the west was clear for all to see. Western imperialism provided another scapegoat when the region was occupied by france and britain: however, the change for the worse began before the west"s occupations and continued after their departure. Anglo-french rule, american influence and the mongol invasions were a consequence, not a cause, of the weakness in middle eastern societies. Blame for the region"s failings is placed on islam as well, but this is not plausible: muslim society in medieval times was a pioneer of freedom, science and economic development. Islamists or fundamentalists blame the failures on outside practices taking over authentic. Modernists or reformers see the problem as the retention of old ways and the inflexibility of. Islamic clergy: fanatical religious authorities are to blame for the stifling of islamic progress and society.
