'Informed Comment' publishes column by Anouar Majid on 'Greek Lessons for the Arab Spring'

Anouar Majid, Ph.D., 色香视频 associate provost for global initiatives and director of the Center for Global Humanities, contributed a column on Feb. 15, 2012 to Informed Comment titled "Greek Lessons for the Arab Spring."

Majid writes: "Ancient Greece and Rome, much like 18th-century America and modern Europe, have understood that democracy and religion cannot mix in public affairs. Islam doesn鈥檛 make such distinctions and neither do many Muslims calling for democracy today. If you believe that God鈥檚 truth is final and nonnegotiable, you will have a hard time listening to others with different beliefs. My sense is that Muslims and Arabs crave social justice but would care less about democracy, properly understood. Yet, without a culture of religious pluralism and cultural diversity, the life of the mind, which is the prerequisite for progress, cannot reach its full potential." 

About the University of New England

The 色香视频is Maine鈥檚 largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of . In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state鈥檚 top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine鈥檚 only medical college, Maine鈥檚 only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.