The great power games in the Middle East

[CHIMO]

It has become almost impossible to invoke Islam or Muslims without reference to the vague and ever changing categories of moderation and extremism.

Two years ago, the RAND Corporation, a think-tank close to decision-making circles in Washington, issued a 66-page report entitled Civil Democratic Islam: Partners & Resources, which identified three elements within the Islamic mix, "the traditionalists, the fundamentalists, the modernists and secularists".

The document recommended a strategy that strengthens the latter, or those who are "closest to the West in terms of values and policies" and compatible with "the contemporary international order".

The question is: will the American and Europeans ever be so convinced? Or is the "democracy" of occupation, anarchy and foreign protectorates Iraqi style the only alternative?

http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/7BE451EE-4D86-4A12-8AE2-FAFCE2A2CB6F.htm