What is the Future of Political Islam? Examining Egypt and Turkey

Egypt's tourism industry is being crippled by social conflicts

Political Islam is showing its face in Egypt and Turkey. Unrest, riots, a clampdown on civil society and journalists in jail are only the tip of the iceberg in the growing polarization between various groupings within complex societies.

Both Turkey and Egypt have dynamic cultural industries including recording artists, television and acting. The influence of these industries spreads far beyond the geographical boundaries. The world is watching closely.

Tourism in Turkey influences a large percentage of its GDP

What is the future of political Islam, given the experience in Egypt, Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Syria? Democracy, which was supposed to take root with the "Arab Spring" and the long period of economic stability in Turkey, is being sorely tested.

Egypt is preparing for future elections and there is ongoing fear that the process will not be smooth. Will the military take the helm once again, this time through elections?

Turkey also faces elections this year. First municipal elections will take place and some pundits forecast the election of a mayor in Ankara who will not represent the governing AK Party's candidate. The recent defection of eight AK Party members in Parliament, with the forecast of "others about to resign as well" represents a threat to the Prime Minister's popularity.

Ongoing conflicts generate a fear that the Turkish government is going to dominate the justice system, "which would be a step backwards"|, according to the European Union.

This article from Al Monitor looks beneath the surface of daily "news events" to examine the future of democracy in just two of the region's complex societies.

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