Islam and democracy: Elite political attitudes and the democratization process in the Arab region

In this study I examine the questions: "What are elite political attitudes toward the democratization process in the Arab region?" and "What factors, internal and external, have influenced such attitudes?" I address these questions by using two basic data collection techniques: documentary analysis and elite interviews.; One of the main conclusions is that moderate Islamists in Egypt (the Muslim Brotherhood and the would-be Al-Wasat party) and liberal Islamist reformers in Saudi Arabia have genuine, comprehensive reform agendas that combine Islam and democracy. The aspired-for system would implement procedures of democracy and maintain all values and freedoms---all of which are fundamental aspects of Islam. The aspired-for state is civic, not religious, and would be ruled by civilian politicians, not religious leaders.; The official reform agendas in Egypt and Saudi Arabia are controlled and limited. They do not allow the emergence of new, independent powers that can challenge the incumbents. In turn, Egypt's opposition forces, including Islamists, agree on a liberal, comprehensive, gradual reform agenda. In Saudi Arabia, liberal Islamist reformers believe that any reform should be from within the country, should preserve the country's Islamic orientation, and should eliminate intolerant elements of peoples' understanding of Islam.; The governments as well as reformers in the two countries oppose any American interference in the reform process. In addition, reformers in Egypt and Saudi Arabia believe that external pressure should not be an excuse to delay reform, and that settling the Palestinian issue should not be a prerequisite for launching over-due reforms.; The regime's failures in the economic and social spheres, their lack of legitimacy, the September 11 attacks and U.S. pressure to democratize the Arab countries have influenced the ongoing reform processes in the two countries, accelerating their march toward democracy. Nevertheless, the regimes' superiority over their opponents and all societal forces enable the regimes to weaken political opponents and restrain any possible competitors.