Since the events of 9/11, America again views itself in a conflict of values similar to the Cold War, which witnessed the triumph of freedom and democracy over the threats of fascism and communism. The United States' current National Security Strategy (NSS) prepossess to counter the growth of radical Islam through the promotion of human rights and freedom by the process of democratization throughout the world. This paper examines the premise that 'universal human rights', as the basis for democracy, is compatible with Islamic culture and is therefore a sound strategy for combating the spread of 'Islamic fundamentalism' within the Muslim world. This strategy presupposes that there is a universal set of Human Rights that are acceptable and transferable to all peoples. In order for democratization to succeed the concept of individual human rights must exist. Plainly stated, the NSS presumes first, that Islam is the peaceful religion that can embrace democracy but has been influenced by extremists, and if given the opportunity Muslim people will choose freedom over tyranny. Are these presuppositions true or simply a Western culture heuristic. The question of universal human rights and its compatibility to Islamic culture becomes critical to the democratization strategy.
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