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RIZ KHAN
The rise of the Muslim middle class
Will this phenomenon affect prospects for peace in the Middle East?
Last Modified: 11 Nov 2009 09:23

Watch part two

The economic influence of the Muslim middle class is growing rapidly.

But is it enough to transform the often-rocky relationship between the Islamic world and the West? 

International security organisations often focus their resources on fighting the threat of Islamic fundamentalism.

But some say that behind the scenes, upwardly mobile Muslim entrepreneurs and their expanding base of consumers are providing the much-needed stability and prosperity that could ultimately extinguish any appetite for extremism.

Today we ask, how is the rise of the Muslim middle class affecting prospects for peace in the Middle East? 

Joining Riz in Washington is Vali Nasr, a professor of International Politics at Tufts University, a senior adviser to the US special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan, Richard Holbrooke, and author of the new book Forces of Fortune - the Rise of the New Muslim Middle Class and What It Will Mean for Our World.

This episode of the Riz Khan show aired from Tuesday, November 10, 2009.

Source:
Al Jazeera
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