state question of religion

Essay from the year 2008 in the subject Politics - Region: Near East, Near Orient, grade: 1,0, Muhlenberg College, course: The Modern Middle East, language: English, abstract: In the modern Middle East, political questions often seem to be tied closely to religious concerns. This occurs especially in the development of independent states in the 20th century, when capable and strong governments had to be formed. The question how to in- or exclude religions from the government and political affairs is a hot topic, and displays a huge influence of religion even on the state structures. The essay does discuss what impact the question on religion has on certain modern Middle Eastern states. Therefore, a comparison between Iran, Israel, and Lebanon is made.