After two dark centuries of nerve-wreaking and head-breaking nature, the Muslim countries experienced a period of hope and expectations, onward from the middle of the 20th century, when one after another, they broke the shackles of western dominance and became independent. But the second half of the 20th century also was full of ups and downs. Dictators and autocrats, the inheritors of colonialism, ruled with iron fists and subjugated the Muslim masses not allowing them to utilise their capabilities. Democracy was never given a chance to shape the destiny of the Ummah.
Iraq-Iran war, Russian intervention in Afghanistan, military rule in Pakistan, breakup of Pakistan and creation of Bangladesh, fits of instability in Bangladesh, successive regimes of Pharaonic rulers in Egypt, worst atrocities in Syria, Israeli occupation and attacks on Palestinians and occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan by the US marked the last few decades.
The Arab Spring of 2011 raised new hopes in the Middle East which represents an important segment of the Muslim world. But alas, the internal weaknesses of the Ummah and the external conspiracies have turned it into a dark winter.
Recent years have seen the emergence of Turkey as a key player in the world Muslim affairs. To quote a Turkish intellectual, who recently visited India, Turkey can prove to be the strongest citadel of Islam and is ready to play its constructive role. Turkey reduced its dependence on the west, freed itself from the military generals, re-established democratic institutions, gained economic independence, freed itself from the Israeli influence and started playing a positive role in the affairs of the Muslim countries.
But it appears that the west is in no mood to allow Turkey to play its desired role. It is under great pressure from different corners. Its annual $8 billion export to Syria is stalled. Trade amounting to $13 billion to the Middle East and Europe through Syrian territory is limping. Egypt’s Sisi has suspended its lucrative trade pact with Turkey, which was signed during President Morsi’s rule. America is pressurising Turkey to toe its line and not pursue its independent policies towards Muslim countries, which many encourage them to come out of the western influence.
It seems that hard times are ahead for Turkey and it may not be able to play a proactive role in the Muslim world to free them from the western influence. Meanwhile, Erdogan is walking with great care not to be sucked in the conflict in neighbouring Syria and Iraq. This strong citadel of Islamic world requires utmost prudence, sagacity and diplomacy.