Arab politicians in Latin America

Submitted by Prashant, Feb 9, 2019 at 21:17

Dear Dr Pipes,

I did some research on the immigration of people from ME to Latin America. I will cite a reference at the end of this article. I found some interesting facts:

-- Some of the immigrants from ME to Latin America were actually duped by shipping companies; they took a boat for 'America' but on arrival found that they were in Latin America. Quite possible in the 19th century.

-- Many of the original Arab immigrants were Christians who were escaping religious persecution in the ME but some of them were Muslims as well.

-- Both Christian and Muslim immigrants (to Latin American nations) went through different forms of conversions. Christians converted to Latin American branches of Christianity and some Muslims became Christians.

-- The article that I read stated that around the beginning of the last century many of the immigrants gave up their language (Arabic) and integrated with the local society.

-- The Islamic population is Latin America is low. I believe that percentage of Muslims in most Latin American countries is 1%. So in terms of Islamic demographic behavior patterns, Muslims in Latin America are in their 'ideal minority' phase.

-- The best thing that I found was that whatever Islam is present in Latin America mostly traveled to there in exactly the form in which religions should travel. It seems Lain America did not see any Islamic violence and colonialism. Most Muslim immigrants to Latin America originated in somewhat mixed societies (Lebanon) and were not a part of the army or entourage of an invading king.

-- Apparently, ME immigrants to Latin America were neither too welcome nor too unwelcome. Most of them became traders and businessmen. Traders often get rich and so some of them became very rich. Money follows politics. This might explain why Arabs in Latin America are so successful in politics as well.

What be the exact history and ethnography of Arabic people in Latin America, their history is fascinating and than you for giving me a reason to read more about them.

ref: Arabs in Latin America: https://www.thenation.com/article/arabs-latin-america/

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".