Islam [1]: 'Conflict with democracy' centres on non-Muslims' status [Excerpts]

Syrian philosopher Sadik Al-Azm believes that while "there exists a conflict between Islam [1], in its original form, and democracy, this problem can be solved easily".

"To do this Islam [1] needs to jettison certain laws, first and foremost the concept of 'ahl al-dhimma' the so-called 'protected' status granted to followers of the only two other religions recognised by Muslims - Judaism and Christianity," Al-Azm said in an interview with Adnkronos International (AKI).

In practice, ahl al-dhimma, which is gaining popularity in an increasingly Islamised Iraq, allows non-Muslims, and only Christians and Jews at that, to follow their religion, while effectively stripping them of their political rights and privileges.

http://www.adnkronos.com/AKI/English/Religion/?id=1.0.1150011786 [2]

[TBC: While some make take the words of Sadik Al-Azm as offering hope for change in Islam [1], it is worth noting that he is known as the "Apostate of Damascus."]