Is the Middle East an example to follow, by not allowing abortionist, feminist, LGBT and progressive movements to proliferate?

[Anonymous]

[nightdrot]

This is a short answer and an easy one. Of course not. However, not because the issues that the questioner cites are not controversial and involve important issues of philosophy and morality. Rather because, in the states of the Middle East - and not just in the Middle East - those questions are decided by diktat and not by open political debate.

The notion of virtue is that it is CHOSEN. An individual or a society looks at the question of, for example, abortion, reflects upon it and decides what is the right course. In a democracy, it is then left to the society to address these questions - in the media, in political debate, in the courts, in the schools, in government and in a thousand other venues, formal and informal, and establishes a rule or a law as appropriate.

This is not what happens in the Middle East - to cite that example. The rule is imposed regardless of what course the society may choose. It may be that - for example - the United Arab Emirates is a seething hotbed of pro-choicers. That view, in my view, would be a mistake. However, because a different outcome is attained by means other than moral choice - in effect, by fiat - it does not then become virtuous.

Good things may flow from fiat. Bad things may equally flow from choice. See also the pro-choicers in the United States who seek to impose their will by violence. They are, in their way, the Middle East of pro-choice.

The point is that, in terms of a society a moral society is one that chooses morality. Having it imposed simply hides the real truth - the rot below the surface. Alternatively, it suppresses virtue. Either is not a good outcome.

As the 18th century British statesman and political philosopher put it, "The effect of liberty to individuals is that they may do as they please. We ought see what it will please them to do before we risk congratulations." To which Burke added. "The true principles of politics are those of morality enlarged." This is the advantage of democracy. That it allows the discussion of right and wrong. Not that it assures that right will always prevail.

[Typhon_]

I'll use this as an opportunity to clear up any misconceptions about women treatment in islam, NO the way they treat women doesn't represent islam as a whole, and that needs a total reform in the middle east, as for abortionist I agree with them for not allowing it as long as it doesn't pose a threat to the mother's health wether mentally or physically (such as illnesses and rape victims), other than those the baby isn't the one to blame for their mother being a whore, and as for the lgtv+ community, stone them.

[Guy13]

The Muslim Law is underpinned and fed by its Theology. So, how they treat women line up perfectly with Quran and Hadith. And, it is the same in central and SE Asia...

[Anonymous]

The Middle East in not an example to follow in any sense. Women are treated like s*** there, if you're gay your life is over. Plus, children more specifically little girls have no rights.
I'm glad that there are still places that are not like that.

[Anonymous]

Feminist is fine. I understand you're brain washed by silly YouTube video conspiracies and Alex Jones conspiracy theories but there is really nothing wrong with women having the right to vote. We're you rejected by a girl and you want to get back at her? It's okay man somethings you can't fix in life but you can fix yourself. You can work your social skills focus on your passions and enjoy life. What's sitting around watching reading anti feminism all day going to get you? Do you feel any better or do you feel a rage in heart towards people never did anything to you?

[BCA6010]

Have you ever actually been to the Middle East? The whole region is a dystopian hellhole with some countries slightly less sh*t than others. I would take even some of the poorest countries in Africa (that I've been to) over the Middle East (with the apprehensive possible exception of Israel) any day of the week.

This sounds like the tunnel-visioned mindset of a single-issue voter.

[Zeus_66]

Interesting question, because there has been so much change in the region. Maybe just not as fast as you'd like to see it. And homosexuality (though banned widely) occurs. But depending on how is occurs is what constitutes illegality or not.

[MountAverage]

I love statements like these for how they perfectly expose the ideological parallels between western right-wingers and Islamists.

[Asker]

In fact, I am ultra right wing and I adore Islamic extremists.

[MountAverage]

I wish all western Fascists were as honest about their beliefs as you are.

Why am I the only one here you're responding to? Weird.

[Asker]

In fact, I am also a fascist.

[MountAverage]

You must have misread what I said. I meant I wish all western Fascists - like YOU - were as upfront about their beliefs as you.

And you still have only replied to me and no one else. What's going on?

[Asker]

The ultra-rightists are usually anti-Islam, I, as a young ultra-rightist, know that Islam and the ultra-right must go hand in hand to kill progressivism and feminism.

[MountAverage]

Yes, they usually are anti-Islam, because they don't recognize the huge similarities.

[Paul09]

AlI can say is, religions ruin lives. A form of dictatorship. No need for that. Which blows my mind when those women move, the still wear the oppressing clothing. Still are treated badly by their husbands.

[JohnK123]

@anon girl who answered…. What rights do kids have anyways? Besides the right to education

[WhiteBoyChill]

In a way. But its also a shitty part of the world to live and they got muslims

[Anonymous]

No. Google Berge Khalifah poop truck. It's a good analogy for the entire middle east.

[CloudMassacre]

If that’s the things you want, sure

[jimmy2]

Yes they would kill them

[lofii]

Yes.