GRAHAM E. FULLER

Some scholars who examine its core writings proclaim Islam to be incompatible with democracy, as if any religion in its origins was about democracy at all.

The true test of any Islamic party comes when it gains office by the ballot box and must then adhere while in power to the democratic norms it touted in opposition. History unfortunately gives few precedents here.

Ironically, even as Westerners feel threatened by Islam, most in the Muslim world feel themselves besieged by the West.

Ironically, even as Westerners feel threatened by Islam, most in the Muslim world feel themselves besieged by the West.

Some scholars who examine its core writings proclaim Islam to be incompatible with democracy, as if any religion in its origins was about democracy at all.

The true test of any Islamic party comes when it gains office by the ballot box and must then adhere while in power to the democratic norms it touted in opposition. History unfortunately gives few precedents here.