Secularism on the increase in Iraq

An authoritative survey of Iraqi attitudes shows that over the last two years, Iraqi political values have become more secular and nationalistic, even though attitudes toward Americans have deteriorated, according to surveys of nationally representative samples of the population conducted in November 2004 and April 2006.

Mansoor Moaddel, a sociologist at Eastern Michigan University argues that Iraqis' increasing attachment to national identity and increasing support for secular discourse may support the formation of a modern and democratic political order. Moreover, since the support for secular attitudes has gained considerable ground among the Sunnis, al-Qaeda may find it more difficult to recruit among this group in Iraq.

Hat Tip: Harry’s Place