Product Description
Since the Islamic revolution in Iran in 1979, many Middle Eastern analysts have come to view Islamism as the wave of the future in Arab politics. However, the post-revolution revival of Islamism as a significant political opposition in Arab societies has not resulted in the widespread emergence of Islamic regimes. Ibrahim A. Karawan argues that, although Islamists - both political and militant - are likely to remain a relevant opposition force, it is not a foregone conclusion that their influence will be decisive in shaping the Middle East's political landscape. He asserts that Islamist groups have stagnated in the face of fragmentation, political over-extension, effective state strategies and the poor performance of self-proclaimed Islamic regimes. As a result, Islamists are likely to remain a relevant opposition force, but their influence will probably not be decisive.
About the Author
Dr Ibrahim A. Karawan is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA. He was Senior Fellow for Middle East Security at the IISS from 1995-1997
