Social Issues in Islamic Countries
Selected Research, Commentary and Testimony
In Bahrain, Democracy in Action or Just Divide and Rule? — Dec. 15, 2006
Shiite and Sunni Islamist candidates dominated Bahrain's late November parliamentary elections — winning a combined total of 29 out of 40 seats — leading some observers to warn of a polarized Parliament where civility and legislative action would fall victim to sectarian mudslinging. Others predicted a tenuous detente, where the two sides would avoid divisive issues such as anti-Shiite discrimination and constitutional amendments and collaborate instead on consolidating social conservatism. In either case the ultimate victor seems to be the monarchy, writes Fred Wehrey.
Today's Wars Are Less About Ideas Than Extreme Tribalism — Mar. 27, 2006
Western strategists and policymakers should stop talking about a clash of civilizations and focus on the real problem: extreme tribalism. Recent events - riots in many nations protesting cartoons of the prophet Muhammad, Sunni-Shiite warring in Iraq, the Taliban resurgence in Afghanistan - confirm that the West is not in a clash with Islam. Instead, Islam, which is a civilizing force, has fallen under the sway of Islamists who are a tribalizing force, writes David Ronfeldt.
Vision for a Successful Palestine — Dec. 14, 2005
The path toward creation of a Palestinian state continues its zigzag course, but can still reach its goal. There was progress when a border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt opened under Palestinian control for the first time Nov. 25. But a suicide bombing that killed five Israelis in Netanya Dec. 5 led Israel to suspend talks to allow bus convoys linking Gaza and the West Bank, writes Michael Rich.
The Bomber Behind the Veil — Dec. 13, 2005
Two recent attacks by female suicide bombers have put the world on notice that Muslim women are playing an increasingly important role in this form of terrorism. Understanding what motivates such women is a vital first step in seeking ways to combat this deadly trend, writes Farhana Ali.
Assimilating Immigrants in France — Nov. 14, 2005
France's stringent policies on assimilation have led to predictable failures with the new wave of Muslim immigrants from North Africa, as witnessed in the recent riots. A comparison with U.S. immigration history and policies suggest avenues for improvement.
Moderate and Radical Islam — Nov. 3, 2005
The willingness to use or justify violence to attain political objectives is one element of what separates radical from moderate Muslims—a very important element, but only one element nonetheless. This is why in our study we take a broader view of what constitutes radical Islam. We contend that, in order to confront Islamist terrorism effectively, there is a need to address the ideological aspect of radicalization, said Angel Rabasa in testimony presented to the House Armed Services Committee Defense Review Terrorism and Radical Islam Gap Panel.
A Future Beyond a Funeral — Aug. 5, 2005
The West must do a better job of bringing opportunity and dignity to these Muslim youths. If we can't, the terrorists will continue to prey upon such vulnerable young people, convincing them that the path to glory and dignity lies along the road of suicide bombings and explosive devices. It seems obvious that the success of the terrorist movement rests on the vulnerability of youth worldwide. In military parlance, halting this trend would be considered the deep fight, writes Ed O'Connell.
Palestinians Need More Cash — Jul. 7, 2005
President George W. Bush's pledge at his meeting in May with the Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas, to provide $50 million in direct support for the Palestinian Authority is symbolically important, but needs to be 100 times larger to have a real impact, writes Robert E. Hunter.
Lessons to Be Learned from Conflicts in Bosnia, Kosovo and Afghanistan — Jun. 28, 2005
Iraq's elections gave Shia and Kurdish leaders democratic legitimacy, but they further marginalized Sunnis. As a result, the still rising tide of violence in Iraq has taken on an increasingly sectarian character. The Shia and Kurdish communities can prevail in this conflict as long as they stick together. Between them, they represent three-quarters of Iraq's population. They also have the support of both the United States and Iran, but the Sunni minority is also receiving support from neighboring Sunni societies, like Saudi Arabia and Syria. This sort of externally sponsored competition is a formula for long, bloody civil war, says James Dobbins.
Infrastructure Arc Would Help Future Palestinian State Succeed — May 16, 2005
A landmark rail, highway and infrastructure link between the West Bank and Gaza would open the door to dramatic new development, giving Palestinians new access to jobs, food, water, education, health care, housing and public services.
Full Document 
Research Brief 
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Transportation and Infrastructure Research Area
Opium and Democracy — May 4, 2005
When Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice stood beside Afghan President Hamid Karzai, she made an enlightened statement about cutting Afghanistan's opium production, saying: “It is a problem that took a while to develop, and it will take time to end the problem,” write Peter Reuter and Victoria Greenfield.
Helping a Palestinian State Succeed — Apr. 27, 2005
Creating a Palestinian state poses myriad political, economic, social, and environmental challenges. Overcoming these obstacles requires a comprehensive plan for nation-building and a design to meet the population's infrastructure needs.
Promoting Justice — Mar. 22, 2005
Nearly everyone who grew up in the United States can remember reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in school, ending with the words “with liberty and justice for all.” Now as the United States seeks to fulfill President Bush's commitment to promote freedom and liberty around the world, promoting “justice for all” is vitally important as well, writes David Aaron.
Unavoidable Clash of Islam and the West? — Jan. 23, 2005
In theory, there is no clash of civilizations, because there are no unalloyed civilizations. Asian and transatlantic societies harbor differences in values, beliefs and habits among and between themselves. The Muslim world is no less varied. Indonesian Muslims scarcely resemble their Saudi co-religionists, despite their attachment to the same scripture. Indonesian and Malaysian political parties are essentially moderate, while Saudi governance is constrained by an ultra-conservative clerical establishment. Women have far greater rights in Turkey and Qatar than in Yemen. Religion in Syria is not a big factor in domestic law and government policy, but is decisive in Sudan. And, on a bigger scale, Shiite and Sunni Muslims in many places even dispute the authenticity of the others' religious commitment, writes Steven Simon.
Aiding Moderate Muslims Can Reduce Support for Extremists — Dec. 15, 2004
America and its allies can reduce support for radical Islam and terrorism — and improve relations with the Muslim world — by supporting moderate Muslims and social, economic and educational reforms in Muslim nations.
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Research Brief
News Release
International Affairs Research Area
Social Studies: 21st Century Tribes — Dec. 12, 2004
In Afghanistan and Iraq, the United States is fighting virulent tribalism as much as Islamic fundamentalism. Salafi and Wahhabi teachings calling for jihad against infidels, fatwas from clerics justifying the murder of noncombatants and ultimatums from Sunni insurgents who behead captives all are expressions of extreme tribalism more than Islam, writes David Ronfeldt.
Understanding Middle Eastern Youth — Jul. 19, 2004
What forces shape attitudes and aspirations of young people in the Middle East? The RAND Initiative for Middle Eastern Youth aims to answer this question and help future generations achieve better lives.
Farouk El-Baz Joins RAND-Qatar Policy Institute Board — June 7, 2004
Dr. Farouk El-Baz, who is a research professor and director of the Center for Remote Sensing at Boston University and a former science adviser to the president of Egypt, has joined the RAND-Qatar Policy Institute Board of Overseers, the institute announced.
Countering Radical Islam Through Understanding
The U.S. can counter the destabilizing forces of radical Islam by better understanding the spectrum of Muslim views—views that separates allies from adversaries.
Full Document News Release (March 2004)
Sesame Street Comes to Afghanistan
An adapted version of the TV program Sesame Street will be shown in schools and elsewhere in Afghanistan as part of an educational outreach effort prepared by Sesame Workshop and RAND.
News Release 
Read More (April 2004)
Tackling Social Policy Issues in the Middle East
RAND's Center for Middle East Public Policy, in conjunction with RAND Education, has embarked on a major research effort aimed at rehabilitating K-12 education in the Middle East.
News Release Read More (2003)
The Information Revolution in the Middle East and North Africa
Few countries of the Middle East and North Africa will fully enjoy an information revolution in the coming decade, according to this report.
Full Document (2003)
Malaysia After Mahathir
A RAND analyst offers informal insight into what the future might hold after Malaysia's Mahathir retires: Mahathir's departure would not result in a fundamental change to current diplomatic or defense relations between Malaysia and the United States in the short term.
Read More (2003)
Issues Affecting Internet Use in Afghanistan and Developing Countries in the Middle East
Proposes a two-step approach to testing the feasibility of enhanced Internet access in Afghanistan and developing countries in the Middle East.
Full Document (2002)
Southeast Asia After 9/11: Regional Trends and U.S. Interests
In testimony before the Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific of the House International Relations Committee, Angel Rabasa focuses on threats to the security and stability of Southeast Asia, including internal threats from radical Islamic networks.
Congressional Testimony (2001)
Indonesia's Transformation and the Stability of Southeast Asia
Transformation in Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim-majority state, could lead to the consolidation of democracy, to the return to authoritarianism or military rule, to radical Islamic rule, or to violent disintegration; this report examines the trends and dynamics that are driving Indonesia's transformation.
Full Document (2001)
Turkish Society and Foreign Policy in Troubled Times
The evolution of Turkish society and politics in the coming years will be the leading variable in determining where Turkey fits in the international system.
Conference Proceedings (2001)
International Conference Explores the Global Course of the Information Revolution
A conference in 2000 addressed the political, economic, and social consequences of the information revolution. Results from a breakout session included an assessment of the impact of the information revolution on the predominantly Islamic cultures of the Gulf Arab countries plus Iran.
Conference Proceedings (2000)
Security Implications of Demographic Factors in the Middle East
Sheds light on the security relevance of particular demographic trends in this region.
Workshop Proceedings (2000)
Family Planning Services Limit Abortion: Evidence from Bangladesh
Analyzes experimental data on contraception and abortion in two areas of the rural Bangladeshi subdistrict Matlab.
Full Document | News Release (2001)
Population Growth in Egypt: A Continuing Policy Challenge
Examines current trends and suggests that population growth should still concern Egyptian policymakers.
Full Document (2000)
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