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Without attempting to undercut anything said here, I do think it's important to recognize that Aceh's interpretation of shariah is not particularly useful for the international Islamists. Aceh has had little use for Qaeda-style Islamism, and even Hizb-ut Tahrir has made little headway there. You'd think -- since HuT's big thing is the international establishment of shariah law -- that they'd be a natural for Aceh, but aside from holding small meetings, they don't have much power. Aceh is insular, and not interested in conforming to the international Islamist vision. HuT is prominent in Jakarta, as are the other groups more amenable to al Qaeda's vision (say FPI, the 'Defenders of Islam Front').
Aceh's version of shariah is worrisome on its own, but it is a particular expression of the local culture. They don't like outsiders much, whether they're from the central government or from Hizb-ut Tahrir. For example, a very important part of the culture in Aceh is a kind of shadow play, which is frowned upon by the international Islamists because it uses something akin to 'created forms,' which as you know Muslims supposedly aren't supposed to use in art. Also, Aceh's local shariah establishment has been pushing to include government corruption as well as lesser forms of stealing; and has refused to cut off hands of the poor who steal, though it is technically permitted to do so. Aceh's establishment views the endemic poverty in Aceh province as being something of an excuse for thieves.
It's therefore not really "Taliban-like" except that both are making use of shariah in some way. There are problems native to shariah, but it is good to see the two situations as separate. The Taliban were easily wrapped into international Islamist movements, and readily gave shelter to them and learned from them. Aceh doesn't, and isn't likely to do so in the future. Insofar as international Islamist radicals are a problem in Indonesia (and they are), it's in Jakarta and in Abu Bakar Bashir's home territory.
Grim |
09.19.06 - 9:38 am | #
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Piglito's article is very useful. Shari'ah can work great harm to human development and to the economy. I have analyzed this in my book, "The Muslim Economic Trap: Muslim Customs and Beliefs that Stifle Economic Growth."
Carol Fuller |
Homepage |
04.22.09 - 11:35 am | #
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