Publication

This paper explores the rise of political and radical Islam throughout the Muslim world. The author examines the reasons commonly attributed to the rise of Islamic jihadism in the Middle East and also assess the radicalization of Asian Muslim communities. The paper states that various regional conflicts have created large cadres of committed jihadis and unresolved conflicts have likewise contributed to the growth of Islamic radicalism across Asia. The author explains how well-organized and well-funded radical groups have exploited the absence of ideological alternatives and the declining social security of large Muslim population groups in the Middle East and Asia. The paper states that western aid has traditionally failed to provide long-term change and has usually only contributed to short-term security initiatives in South Asia.