A Critical Book ReviewCivil Society and Democracy in the Middle East

This book follows political development in the Middle East. After World WarII at the time of U.S. investments in Europe and third world countries, development became a subject of study in social science.  According to Modernization Theories, political development should follows economic and cultural development.Mostly at this phase, Islamic societies resist development because of its secular, humanist and experimental sciences bases.  Thereby, development confronts challenges in Islamic countries.  Articles of this book explain hardships of liberal democracy in Islamic countries and suggest some solutions.  They believe there should be negotiations between I.R.Iran and U.S., the top powers of the region, in order to avoidconflicts. Other suggestions are interpretation of religious texts according to liberal principles, promotion of gender equality and enhancement of women's' participation in social life.