Signs of hope

10 years ago humanity froze before the images of the planes crashing into New York’s Twin Towers. Thus began a new decade in West-East relations. Many observers even predicted the dawn of a clash of civilizations. Maria Chiara Biagioni, on behalf of SIR Europe, asked Adnane Mokrani, Muslim theologian, Professor at the Pontifical Gregorian University, to draw a balance of the past decade in the light of recent events in Muslim countries. How did history change since September 11 2001? “I think that after ten years since the terror attack on the Twin Towers we finally received a collective, general response on the part of Arab Muslim populations. This response concretized in the Arab Spring, which involved the peoples of Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Syria and Yemen. With these popular revolts carried out in the name of democracy and human rights, the Arab Muslim world found the strength to reject the terrorist plans of Bin Laden and Al Qaida, aimed at creating a global, Manichean conflict between Good and Evil, between the West and the East, between Christianity and Islam. That project was also conceived to prompt young people to join the waves of terrorist violence. Instead, youths decided to undertake the path of a peaceful, civil and human struggle for democracy, human rights, the dignity of the human person, equality, labour and social rights, which are universal values. They constitute the ethical grounds shared by young people worldwide”.Do you really believe that Bin Laden’s plan has been discarded? “Yes. In fact, Bin Laden was dead even before being killed, since this massive, peaceful and popular response that involved several countries of the Arab world in such a large geographic region, is extremely significant”. Still, in many parts of the Arab world fundamentalism continues to thrive. Now the problem at stake is that power shouldn’t end up in the hands of fundamentalist groups? “In my analysis I see an epochal change. It will be a long, slow process, dotted with difficulties and challenges, but a decisive step has been made, and thus change is an ongoing process. Now we must continue developing the path we had undertaken. There are difficult cases such as Pakistan, unfortunately marred by one mistake after another. However, also in this case, and despite the difficulties, I have faith that also in Pakistan positive Islamic forces are committed in the creation of a better future”. Which mistakes shouldn’t absolutely be made in Arab countries?“First of all, media recurring association of Islam and terrorism should stop once and for all, since this generalized prejudice paradoxically serves the cause of the terrorists. It’s also important to step up and encourage dialogue at all levels. Thirdly, it is necessary to develop solidarity relations with Muslim societies, with the forces that are working for the establishment of peace and democracy, and not abandon the new realities that are coming to the fore, but rather help them convey signs and messages of hope”.In your opinion, is the Muslim Arab world ready for a democratic transformation? “You learn as you go along. We cannot expect changes to take place from one day to the next. There is the need for an assumption of responsibility, for serious and deep work. There isn’t an absolute maturity. There are principles, values and positive elements in the Islamic faith that enable the creation of a democratic State and a civil society. I am against a certain form of pessimism that identifies an intrinsic contradiction in the Islam-and-democracy concept. This understanding creates an existential and essential obstacle separating faith and reason, Islam and the political realm, whereas we need a more moderate and realistic approach that will take into account the positive aspects of Islamic culture and will try to develop it”. Could European Islam give a contribution?“Of course. European Muslims are major cultural mediators in the relations between the two shores of the Mediterranean. They enjoy a certain degree of freedom of expression, education and research, and especially given the ongoing transition phase, they can contribute with ideas and proposals along with an in-depth debate aimed at resolving current problems”. How do you imagine the new decade that is dawning? “I see that the great choc that we experienced ten years ago, please God could become an opportunity for the world, to review our situation and plan a new future. To me faith is hope and to be a man of faith means to believe that the Divine Mercy will descend upon these peoples guiding them towards transformation”.