Podcast
Questions and Answers
What significant event is associated with Jamal Khashoggi in the context of democracy and Islam?
What significant event is associated with Jamal Khashoggi in the context of democracy and Islam?
Which major event in the Arab world indicated a shift towards support for democracy?
Which major event in the Arab world indicated a shift towards support for democracy?
What was one of the reactions of Salafis towards democracy mentioned?
What was one of the reactions of Salafis towards democracy mentioned?
What was a notable sign of the people's readiness for democratic change in the Arab world?
What was a notable sign of the people's readiness for democratic change in the Arab world?
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What contrasting situation is presented regarding elections in the Arab world?
What contrasting situation is presented regarding elections in the Arab world?
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What aspect of modernity is Saudi Arabia struggling with according to Khashoggi?
What aspect of modernity is Saudi Arabia struggling with according to Khashoggi?
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How is the religious establishment's influence changing in Saudi society?
How is the religious establishment's influence changing in Saudi society?
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What stance do some Arab citizens today have on democracy, based on Khashoggi's observations?
What stance do some Arab citizens today have on democracy, based on Khashoggi's observations?
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Study Notes
Jamal Khashoggi's Keynote Speech
- Khashoggi was keynote speaker at a conference organized by the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Denver and the Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy.
- Khashoggi emphasized the relevance of democracy and Islam in Saudi Arabia, where these issues are significant.
- Historically, Saudi officials countered democracy by arguing incompatibility with Islam.
- The Arab Spring marked a shift, with widespread support for democratic change from Arab youth and Islamists, including some Salafis.
- Though some Salafis opposed democracy, viewing it as un-Islamic ("kufr").
- The 2012 elections in Tunisia and Egypt showcased the Arab world's fervent participation in democratic processes and inclusion of Islamist parties.
- Khashoggi contrasted these democratic elections with modern-day sham elections in Egypt and other Arab countries.
- Saudi Arabia currently faces challenges of modernization, including embracing cinema, art, entertainment, gender equality, and openness to the world, alongside rejecting extremism.
- The power of the religious establishment over social life is gradually decreasing.
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Description
Explore the key themes from Jamal Khashoggi's keynote speech on democracy and Islam in Saudi Arabia. He highlights the historical resistance to democracy by Saudi officials and discusses the Arab Spring's impact on democratic aspirations in the region. Khashoggi contrasts the democratic processes in Tunisia and Egypt with the current political landscape in Saudi Arabia.