Mass Action and Islamic Fundamentalism: The Revolt of the Brooms

Abstract

Just when we appear to be on the brink of a stable world order, the Middle East has erupted with violence. Muslims are calling out for the overthrow of corrupt regimes and the institution of the Sharia, the just rule of the Prophet Muhammad. This trend is tied to anger at the failure of ambitious modernization programs, which the lower classes had been led to believe would better their lives. In reaction, they have turned their backs, not only on Marxism, but capitalism as well. This study argues that the failure of U.S. policymakers to recognize the economic basis of this revolt is jeopardizing our vital interests in the area, particularly in the oil-rich Persian Gulf.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 20, 1992
Accession Number
ADA249320

Entities

People

  • Stephen C. Pelletiere

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Arabia
  • Availability
  • Classification
  • Communities
  • European Communities
  • Governments
  • Local Governments
  • Middle East
  • National Politics
  • National Security
  • Persian Gulf
  • Political Science
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Security
  • United States
  • Universities
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • Nuclear Non-Proliferation and International Security
  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.