Kartajan

Disagree on following counts:

1. Pan-Islamism is as often touted by post-independence proteges of former Colonial and Imperial powers as it is by the enemies of Colonial and Imperial powers. Usually the proteges were more influential in the new countries - through higher education, high representation in armed forces, generous foreign aid in their favor etc.

2. The majority of the Islamic states happily sided with the anti-Communist, ex-Colonial/Imperial powers during Cold War. I.E. they were perfectly willing to bend their supposed anti-Colonial/Imperial principles when it suited them, but now they think its a solid shield to hide behind as they manouvere in their own essentially neo-imperialist schemes?

3. Pre-Colonial/Imperial Islamic world was as much characterized by Imperialistic tendencies as it was later. Recognize the Ottoman, Mughal and Safavid Empires? Well, there were just as many anti-Imperialist revolts in their troublesome provinces as it was when European imperialists who ruled.

If 19th Century European Imperialists are to be blamed for anything, its in carelessly empowering 11th Century fanatics with 20th and 21st Century weapons (literal and figurative).