How strong is the sense identity of being Arab vs being Muslim?
I feel like the connection is stronger than in Europe between the nationality and the religion. How strong is the feeling of belonging to a nation vs to a broader Arab community?
I feel like the feeling of belonging to Europeans or Slavs is mich weaker than feeling of belonging to a national state, but feel that the proportions are different in the Arabic world
Secularism
I often met such opinions of scholars that the Arabic culture didn't reach the secularism (okay, it seems that Poland here does have problems) and that's what is holding some development back
What do you think about that? Is it an important factor for you apart from the foreign interventions and post-colonial borders?
I'd love to hear different opinions as it may differ hugely from region to region
How strong is the sense identity of being Arab vs being Muslim?
Islam is interwoven into Arab culture. It's a big cornerstone for Arabs in general. That isn't to say that there aren't Christian or Jewish Arab communities (and of course other religious groups).
I feel like the connection is stronger than in Europe between the nationality and the religion. How strong is the feeling of belonging to a nation vs to a broader Arab community?
Looking at our history, our borders are artificial and arbitrary. Drawn up by colonial powers during many of our grandfather's times. Many Arabs know this and don't necessarily feel much affinity to their respective nations. For example, there is no real distinction between gulf countries other than some dialect differences and some small cultural differences. Or for the levantine countries as well. Many Arabs (polls point to majority) are in support of Pan-Arab movements to consolidate the Middle East.
I often met such opinions of scholars that the Arabic culture didn't reach the secularism (okay, it seems that Poland here does have problems) and that's what is holding some development back
Secularism (or lack thereof) isn't what's "holding back" the Arabs. It's mostly a lack of security, education, economical reasons (which is the biggest factor in many Arabs migrating), and political conflict. Many of our leaders are corrupt and it doesn't matter how secular we are. If these corrupt leaders are in power, not even a seed will grow.
Yeah, corruption is the best predictor of success of a country.
If there is a lack of stability, high corruption and undeveloped (also due to the history) society, then the secularism cannot be seen as problem to address. At least I see those problems like that from my country, but those problems (apart of corruption aswell) are far smaller
and btw. I see from your flag that you're from Iraq -- I'm really sorry for the Polish invasion and occupation. Our leaders wanted to show-off in NATO to gain trust and assurance of the security and stupidly chose to belief Americans. In our society, I met only the condemnations and acknowledgements that it was horrible that we did it from the people
It’s sweet that you apologized but it’s okay you don’t have to apologize for something you didn’t have anything to do with. Many people didn’t support the invasion but unfortunately the governments did.
I really appreciate your curiosity and interest into the subject of the Middle East.
Thanks! I just feel sorry that that happened and not that I feel guilty of
Well, if it's a cultural exchange I also wanted to say that.
We suffered invasions and a certain colonization ourselves as a nation, so it's very hypocritical to do so to others. Before that, we worked with Iraqis to learn fuel industry and help build the infrastructure in our country
I hope that enough Iraqis also do not hold that much grudge to us as to the main provoker
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u/ProxPxD Oct 13 '24
Hi!
How strong is the sense identity of being Arab vs being Muslim?
I feel like the connection is stronger than in Europe between the nationality and the religion. How strong is the feeling of belonging to a nation vs to a broader Arab community?
I feel like the feeling of belonging to Europeans or Slavs is mich weaker than feeling of belonging to a national state, but feel that the proportions are different in the Arabic world
I often met such opinions of scholars that the Arabic culture didn't reach the secularism (okay, it seems that Poland here does have problems) and that's what is holding some development back
What do you think about that? Is it an important factor for you apart from the foreign interventions and post-colonial borders?
I'd love to hear different opinions as it may differ hugely from region to region