P/P/103. The possibilities for a democratic rule in the Middle East

The paper seeks to answer the question, whether or not democracy can take root in the Middle East. Defining the concept of 'democracy' the author states that western style democracy is not the only type of democracy introducing the notion of 'Arab democracy'. Economic, cultural and religious barriers to democratic changes are outlined. These are rooted in control-based modes of production that create hegemony of classes and ideologies, and in the political and legal heritage if Islam. Case studies of Bahrain and Iran are conducted to illustrate the situation in the Middle East.