The Middle East contains countries that are struggling with different issues because of their dedication to Islam. The issues that would be analysed to highlight how life is in the Middle East are in categories of crime, education, and technology.
On the issue of crime, the article by BBC on an execution of eight Bangladeshis in Saudi Arabia, (2011), showed how extreme crimes are handled in the country. The eight had committed a crime of killing an Egyptian citizen in the capital Riyadh. Despite the Bangladeshi authorities making numerous efforts to save them, it in vain where the law in Bangladesh also advocated for a death sentence in a similar crime. The issue was that the death penalty in Saudi Arabia was seen inhumane since it was carried out by beheading. It was also learned that the King cannot pardon a murderer, but the victim’s family member can forgive in exchange of blood money.
In my opinion, I believe that murder is best punished by a similar fate even though beheading seems extreme and barbaric. The death sentence should be carried out through an electric chair or a gas chamber. Furthermore, I also agree that if a crime is carried in a Muslim nation, then it has to be punished on the same nation.
The second article is also by BBC and explains how “Syria seized communication devices from terrorist groups” in 2011. The article highlights usage of technology in Syria by terrorists. The authorities in the country arrested armed terrorists who used gadgets having highly advanced communication systems. The group had with them also satellite phones consisting Iridium. The system is rare and must be approved by the ministry of defence for someone to have it. The article posits that the existence of such technology signifies the backing of diplomats or countries to terrorists against Syria.
In my opinion, this is the reality in many Middle East nations that are in conflict. Most of the enemies of the states must have the same technological devices to fight the government in place. Without advanced technologies, terrorists would be easily defeated. In addition, I am also convinced that neighbouring countries have various interests in the country, including local enemies with connections who would go out of their way to aid these terrorists overthrow current governments.
The third article s by Chehabi and reviews the impact of Islam religion on education in Iran (153-155). In the article, the author stipulates that all political systems use the public education system to spread their beliefs. The republic of Iran is one such country and the political system has put a lot of effort in ending the anti-Islamic education system. Therefore, literatures, many educators dismissed, and universities closed for three years to create “Cultural Revolution” in the educational system. Teachers who would be hired were retrained in courses that emphasized theology and Islam, and gender relations were made sure to adhere to Islam teachings.
In my opinion, I disagree with what is happening in Iran in reference to basing the education system to Islam religion. This is a dangerous trend and will make it hard for scholars to have free will, be innovative, and think critically in solving problems in the society.
In analyzing the three articles it is evident that issues being faced by people in the Middle East are different from those experienced by Christians in the West. In the first case, the death penalty is being eradicated in the list of punishments. Apart from a few states in the US like Texas, the maximum punishment is life imprisonment. Similarly, in the second article, the Middle East faces threats from Terrorist who have advanced gadgets which is not the case in West nations. In the West, the government is always on top in terms of having latest gadgets in combating terrorists. Lastly, in the third article it is evident that the West is different where the education system is always liberal and independent of religion.
Works cited
Chehabi, Houchang E. "The Impact of Religious Factors on Educational Change in Iran: Islam in Policy and Islam in Practice." Insight Turkey 11.1 (2009): 153-5. ABI/INFORM Complete. Web. 7 Feb. 2012.
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"Execution of Eight Bangladeshis in Saudi Arabia Not Illogical - Official." BBC Monitoring South Asia: n/a. ABI/INFORM Complete. Oct 16 2011. Web. 7 Feb. 2012 .
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"Syria Seizes Communication Devices from "Terrorist Groups"." BBC Monitoring Middle East: n/a. ABI/INFORM Complete. Nov 16 2011. Web. 7 Feb. 2012 .
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