TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
What can Muslim countries be proud of?
In the teachings of Islam, helping each other is a must, but contrarily, has never been done by the Muslims. It is ironically being practiced by others, who interpret the teachings of the Quran themselves.
Change text size
Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone
Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
Conservative Muslims join an early-morning prayer during the 212 " reunion" at the National Monument (Monas) square, Central Jakarta, on Monday. (JP/Donny Fernando)
T
he European Union and the United States have become dominating powers globally. The influence of the EU and US is widespread, strong and evident and their military capabilities are impeccable, especially with the formation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
On the other side of the world, there is another block of countries that has adopted the socialist or communist ideology. Despite the fact that we cannot accept their ideology and belief system, these countries have proven historically to be great in dominating their people through the “doctrine” of their struggle.
The dissolution of the Soviet Union gave birth to eight independent countries, but Russia remained very strong and firm, by dominating people’s way of thinking. The country also managed to become a great nation of military might and economic stance.
Meanwhile, Mao Tze Tung, who led the Long March alongside his comrades, succeeded in uniting China. Despite adopting a strong communist ideology that we, again, are not able to agree with, Mao and his associates managed to unite the Chinese people under one republic with the exception of Taiwan.
As we can witness in this century, China emerged as an economic and military superpower. Historically, Mao managed to unite the Chinese despite the use of brute force.
China’s progress and power have led to other great countries like Japan and South Korea to approach them despite warnings by the US. Japan and South Korea are slowly changing their direction by building a close relationship with China while remaining close allies of the US and European countries.
The same can be said about North Korea. With the military threats in hand, Japan and South Korea are approaching the country through dialogue.
