Destiny Disrupted: A History of the World Through Islamic Eyes

Between 1950 and 2001, the Islamic world underwent significant political and social transformations, influenced by regional conflicts and global geopolitics. The Six-Day War of 1967 marked a pivotal moment, reshaping the Middle East’s political landscape. The war led to the demise of Nasser’s secular modernism in Egypt and the rise of more radical and sometimes militaristic ideologies, such as the Ba’ath Party in Syria and Iraq.

Post-war, the Palestine Liberation Organization gained prominence, reflecting a shift toward self-reliance among Palestinians. This period also saw the rise of political Islam, with groups like the Muslim Brotherhood expanding their influence. The defeat of secular forces like Nasser catalyzed this shift, as disillusioned citizens sought alternatives. Wahhabi ideology, backed by Saudi wealth and US arms, spread its influence across the Muslim world.

The aftermath of the Six-Day War also brought about a reevaluation of the US’s role in the Middle East. Incidents like the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)-led coup against Iran’s prime minister in 1953, Mohammad Mosaddeq, and the US’s support for dictatorial regimes cast it in a negative light, contributing to anti-Western sentiments. The oil embargo of 1973 by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) nations revealed the strategic importance of oil and reshaped global economic and political dynamics. However, the newfound wealth of the region led to a cultural and economic divide within Muslim societies, separating a modern, globalized elite from the traditional populace.

The 1980s and 1990s saw the decline of secular modernists across the Islamic world. The Iranian Revolution of 1979 established a theocratic regime, setting a precedent for religious governance. In Afghanistan, the withdrawal of Soviet forces after a prolonged war left a power vacuum that groups like the Taliban filled, influenced by jihadist ideology. The culmination of these tensions and conflicts was evident in the events of September 11, 2001. The attacks marked a clash of narratives and signaled that global conflicts and ideological battles were far from over, contradicting the notion that history had reached its end with the triumph of liberal democracy.

A convergence of two distinct narratives characterized the period after 9/11, representing the interplay between Western and Islamic perspectives on global events. President Bush’s response to the attacks, framing the fight against terrorism within the historical context of defending freedom and democracy, echoed familiar themes in American and Western history. However, this narrative seemed disconnected from the worldview of militant Islamist extremists, whose discourse centers on discipline versus decadence and moral purity versus corruption, reflecting a historical context of Western dominance and its perceived cultural consequences in Islamic societies.

The mismatch in narratives is evident in the West’s approach to combating terrorism, often seeking a nation-state as the adversary, leading to military interventions in countries like Iraq. However, this approach overlooks the nature of modern terrorism, which does not align with traditional nation-state conflicts. Consequently, despite military efforts, terrorism persists, indicating a misalignment in understanding and addressing the root causes. Moreover, the Western perspective often views democratic institutions and secular values as universal remedies, overlooking the complexity and diversity within Islamic societies. For instance, the concept of democracy, when imposed externally, may not resonate with local cultural and social dynamics, as seen in Afghanistan, where voting was not successful.

The divergence in perspectives is not just about religious beliefs but extends to broader social, cultural, and political frameworks. Islam, like the West, encompasses a wide range of narratives, including religious beliefs, social projects, cultural artifacts, and historical experiences. Understanding this complexity is crucial for creating meaningful dialogue and addressing the underlying tensions between the Islamic world and the West. The conflict is not merely a clash of civilizations or the result of fundamentalist ideologies; instead, it reflects the friction caused by intersecting world histories with distinct narratives and assumptions. Recognizing and respecting these diverse narratives is essential for building a universal human community and navigating the complexities of the modern world.