Potential

Submitted by James Jones (New Zealand), Aug 27, 2007 at 00:47

If the West (focusing solely on Europe) is indeed in decline, its arguable that it has been so for the best part of the 20th Century...with, for example, the 2 most destructive wars of all time, and of course the Holocaust. The West then has been in a state of slow decline for a considerable time (the US for instance may be same, if the fact that it is adding to its deficit by 2 billion dollars a day is any indication - unlike other empires which usually operate from a position of economic strength) and I dont see this changing any time soon - least not hypocritical and foolish comments about returning to religion!

The greater possibility is that in time, Islam will positively transform Europe (as it played a vital role in doing between the 9th and 11th centuries AD) and we, or our children or our grandchildren, will live to see a new renaissance of civilization moulded by Islam as European influence releases centuries of pent up potential - as did the original Muslim community to the Arabian tribes who would later form a High Culture.

The Human civilization is not synonymous with Western civilization. The story goes on in different forms.

Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".