.... But there is another reason for concern: What if elected Islamist parties impose laws that curb individual freedoms, like banning alcohol or executing converts, all with popular support? What if democracy does not serve liberty?
This question is seldom asked in the West, where democracy is often seen as synonymous with liberalism. However, as Fareed Zakaria warned in his 2003 book, “The Future of Freedom,” there are illiberal democracies, too, where the majority’s power isn’t checked by constitutional liberalism and the rights and freedoms of all citizens are not secured. The real debate, therefore, is whether Islam is compatible with liberalism. [The New York Times] Read more
