Comparison of the Role of Religion in Politics in Syria and Egypt Between 2000 and 2014
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FACULTY OF SOCIAL STUDIES Comparison of the Role of Religion in Politics in Syria and Egypt between 2000 and 2014 Bachelor's Thesis ANJANETTE JIANNA UMALI Supervisor: Mgr. et Mgr. Vladimír Bízik Department of International Relations and European Studies International Relations and European Politics Brno 2020 Bibliographic Record Author: Anjanette Jianna Umali Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University Department of International Relations and European Studies Title of Thesis: Comparison of the Role of Religion in Politics in Syria and Egypt between 2000 and 2014 Degree Programme: International Relations and European Politics Supervisor: Mgr. et Mgr. Vladimír Bízik Academic Year: 2020 Number of Pages: 53 Keywords: Egypt, Syria, Middle East, Religion, Islam, Islamism, Political Islam, Political System COMPARISON OF THE ROLE OF RELIGION IN POLITICS IN SYRIA AND EGYPT BETWEEN 2000 AND 2014 Abstract This research paper describes the effect and role of religion in political systems, using a comparative study of Syria and Egypt between the years of 2000 to 2014. The thesis will briefly examine literature related to the topic; then, it will talk about the political background and landscape of both states, which will show how religion is involved in the respective countries’ political scene, and how religion and its role has changed over time. It will compare the countries’ similarities and differences, and answer whether or not laws and politics have changed in comparison to the religious groups’ roles and beliefs. 2 Statutory Declaration I hereby declare that I have written the submitted Bachelor's Thesis concerning the topic of Comparison of the Role of Religion in Politics in Syria and Egypt between 2000 and 2014 independently. All the sources used for the purpose of finishing this thesis have been adequately referenced and are listed in the Bibliography. In Brno 24 August 2020 ....................................... Anjanette Jianna Umali TABLE OF CONTENTS 5 Table of Contents List of Terms and Acronyms 7 1 Introduction 9 2 Research Question and Methodology 11 2.1 Research Question ......................................................................................... 11 2.2 Case Selection ................................................................................................... 11 2.3 Methodology ..................................................................................................... 12 3 Literature Review 13 4 Syria 17 4.1 Demography ...................................................................................................... 17 4.2 Religion in Syria .............................................................................................. 17 4.3 Background on the Political Scene in Syria ........................................ 20 5 Egypt 28 5.1 Demography ...................................................................................................... 28 5.2 Religion in Egypt ............................................................................................. 28 5.3 Background on the Political Scene in Egypt ...................................... 29 6 Comparative Study Outcomes 42 7 Conclusion 44 Bibliography 45 5 LIST OF TERMS AND ACRONYMS 7 List of Terms and Acronyms Arab Nationalism – An ideology which celebrates Arab culture and unity FJP – Freedom and Justice Party Islamism – Politicised Islam, which aims for the establishment of a religious state which uses Sharia law MB – Muslim Brotherhood NPF – National Progressive Front Pan-Arabism – An ideology which aims for a political unification of Arabic-speaking countries Pan-Islamism – An ideology calling for solidarity among all Muslims Salafism – A strictly orthodox form of Sunni Islamism SCAF – Supreme Council of the Egyptian Armed Forces Sharia Law – Islamic law, based on the Quran and Sunnah (the sayings and teachings of Prophet Muhammad) Sultanism – An absolute and highly personalistic authority, wherein the regime retaliates against those who oppose it, and represses civil society 7 1 Introduction The Middle East is a region whose location spans from Western Asia, all the way to North Africa. The region is known to be separated from Europe by the Mediterranean Sea, though a part of Turkey is also considered to be in the Middle East. A region filled with rich history, it is no wonder that the area is home to a population with mixed backgrounds — not only in terms of racial attributes, but also in terms of religion and culture. Though it can be narrowed down to three main religions — namely Christianity, Islam, and Judaism — the Middle East has a much more complex list of religious beliefs than that. The aforementioned monotheistic religions all have numerous sects, with its followers being more likely to be found in certain states and regions in the Middle East’s vast area. With this in mind, it is inevitable that religion can play a large and important role in society, and in the political scene. The role of religion in politics is seemingly embedded in the Middle East's structure. Taking a look at the history of the area — specifically the Ottoman Empire's governmental system — religion was the key element in shaping the government systems of the region. With a history deeply rooted in religion, and a society with strong ties to traditional ideas and values, it is no surprise that many turn to religious teachings and ideas as an aid in decision making. Not only are decisions by common laymen affected by this, but also, politicians are not untouched by the ideas of religion. With that being said, there are some states which apply religious laws or guidelines onto their own policies and laws, propagated by governmental institutions. This, in turn, affects society, and what can be considered to be acceptable in it, may it be in terms of laws and rules, or in terms of societal norms and mindsets. 9 In a highly globalised and growing world, all states' decisions matter. Although, not all may realise that religion plays a highly important role in Middle Eastern politics, which consequently plays a role in global affairs. The thesis will explain the research question and the methodology to be used, as well as justifications for it. After exploring literature available on the topic at hand, the thesis will map out the political backgrounds and political parties involved in both Syria and Egypt. The thesis will then discuss the political developments between 2000 and 2014, and will attempt to analyse the connection of religion and politics. 10 2 Research Question and Methodology The massive region is not invulnerable to political and social problems. Keeping in mind that the Middle East is an ever-changing region filled with people following different religions and its different sects, this thesis will be focusing on the states of Egypt and Syria. Specifically, it will be examining the role of religion in the respective countries, especially in the area of politics. 2.1 Research Question The main question is as follows: “What is the role of religion in the political systems of Syria and Egypt between the years 2000-2014?” This thesis will aim to answer the aforementioned question by making a comparative study between Syria and Egypt — chosen due to some similarities and striking differences in various aspects within a state and society. After giving overviews of both states in terms of religion and politics, an analysis will be made on how much of an extent religion has changed or influenced the political landscape in both countries during the set timeline. Furthermore, it will also show how the ideas and beliefs of religious groups differ or coincide with the different political development in the chosen states. 2.2 Case Selection Comparing these two states allows us to have an insight on the role of religion in political systems in the region. Though it may be easy to choose states which are considered to be highly influential in the region in terms of politics and religious beliefs, such as the Islamic Republic of Iran, or Saudi Arabia, choosing Syria and Egypt allows us to investigate more. This is because the role of religion in their politics and political systems are considerably less prominent to the public eye, as they are not powerhouses for Sunni or Shia Islam within the region – which Saudi and Iran are considered to be. 11 Furthermore, Syria and Egypt have both experienced the Arab Spring, and have had different political developments and outcomes, including revolutions, conflict, and political violence. The difference in development caused by the Arab Spring poses as an interesting turn of events to investigate, along with the role of religion in their political systems. 2.3 Methodology Regarding the methodology, this thesis will be applying a comparative case study. This is because case studies are perfectly suited for answering research questions that incorporate “how” or “why”, which this thesis is aiming to do.1 The reason why a case study method would be used is due to the fact that both countries respectively have their own deep history and rich culture — which inevitably seeps into their society — thus, being present in their politics, too. It would be unreasonable to diminish their importance as states and societies with numbers as the sole type of data used in this thesis. However, there will be some quantitative data presented as well, in cases which require more context or background, such as presenting and explaining demography. Together, both qualitative and quantitative data can provide