Events Detail

How Should the U.S. Respond

 to the Prospect of Islamist Governments?

March 25, 2011

12:00 - 2:00 PM

With the fall of governments in Egypt and Tunisia and unrest in Libya, Yemen, Bahrain, and Oman, policymakers are considering the future political landscape in these and other Middle Eastern countries. Recent press reports indicate that the Obama administration is preparing for the prospect of Islamist governments. 

 Shea, Fradkin, Mirahmadi, and Husain

Is it possible to work with Islamist groups to further democracy in the Middle East? To what extent should the United States accept the rise of Islamist political forces? What will be the interplay between Islam and democratic ideals? Would Islamist-led governments accept women and non-Muslims as equal under the law? Would they allow freedom of religion and expression?

Panelists included:

Ed Husain, Senior Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations

Hedieh Mirahmadi, President, World Organization for Resource Development

Hillel Fradkin, Senior Fellow and Director, Center on Islam, Democracy and the Future of the Muslim World, Hudson Institute

Moderator: Nina Shea, Senior Fellow and Director, Center for Religious Freedom, Hudson Institute

Betsy and Walter Stern Conference Center

Hudson Institute

1015 15th Street, NW

Sixth Floor

Washington, DC 20005