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Arab politicians in Latin America

Reader comment on item: Muslims and Ethnic Arabs in Central and South American Politics
in response to reader comment: Regarding Michel Temer

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/

Submitting....

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Reader comments (12) on this item

Title Commenter Date Thread
Ismael Jacinto Haiek: Arab-Islamic anti Semite in Argentina [757 words]Jorge del carmenAug 5, 2020 16:34259843
Regarding Michel Temer [24 words]FabioMay 13, 2016 12:12229449
Arab politicians in Latin America [349 words]PrashantFeb 9, 2019 21:17229449
The amazing history of the Christians from the Middle East in Central and South America and Tacos al Pastor! [333 words]dhimmi no moreFeb 13, 2019 12:21229449
In deed the richest man [51 words]Ugoh SanchezDec 7, 2009 16:21165477
2Are they arabs? [124 words]G.VishvasJul 12, 2007 12:06103515
Arabs in Latin America [29 words]EliasJul 9, 2007 00:56103271
No Number but prediction. [892 words]YnnatchkahJul 21, 2007 13:00103271
1as long as they are not muslims, its fine [47 words]ASJul 8, 2007 16:06103248
1Most of these are Lebanese Maronites who hate Muslims [22 words]JJJul 26, 2007 13:52103248
Poor in Mexico. [284 words]YnnatchkahJul 5, 2007 19:50103055
More Facts [1272 words]Danny brevadoJul 5, 2007 03:15102996

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