I agree with you there. I personally believe that a true Islamic society can only come about when secularism is adopted. It is only when government unconditionally accepts the right of each individual to carve out their own belief that a true egalitarian islamic society can arise. Islam can only be spread if it makes it way into people's hearts. And it can only do that if it isn't imposed.

Unfortunately most islamic soceities are those where kids still receive corporal punishment in school. These societies believe in the stick more than the carrot. It is only natural that they should extend this social norm to their belief system also. Which is what they do.

ANyhow the muslim world truly IS at a cross roads. COuntless interpretations of Islam exist and it is practiced in innumerable ways. TO create cohesion within the muslim community requires that each sect or sub-sect accepts the right of the other to understand,preach and practice the religion as they see fit. THis will mean an end to the "righteous by force" tactic employed currently ( and previously by christianity also).

This in turn means that the community as a whole is capable of dialogue with non-muslims. If you can accept ONE differing opinion you can accept them all.

Of course this change also can only come if the socio-economic conditions of these nations develops to such an extent that they are capable of change and capable of understanding that things can only be taught by dialogue and debate.. never by force.

Many things must fall together, but i have only the brightest of hopes