Minorities in the Middle East: Integration or Autonomy

Minorities in the Middle East: Integration or Autonomy?

The path toward integration of minorities has never been easy. Perhaps the single most important step is to enact a form of legislation that allows the members of a minority group to enjoy equal political, economic, and cultural rights. This, however, may not necessarily mean absolute autonomy, which is likely to pose a threat to the host countryʹs national cohesion and stability. Both the political regime and the minority groups should initiate necessary steps to pave the way toward eventual integration—if not assimilation. Ultimately, however, their integration should be pursued not just for its own sake, but as a fundamental means toward achieving social justice and equal rights for all the members of the society irrespective of ethnic, religious, cultural, social, or political status.