Muslim_Ummah

ECONOMIC PROGRESSION OF MUSLIM UMMAH In the current global environment, strength and power potential of any country or region is directly associated to its, economic strength, prosperity and self reliance. On the contrary, most of the Muslim countries, despite possessing vast natural resources and huge reservoir of human resource, mostly form part of third world. This bleak situation needs to be addressed through a focused approach driven by common economic interest of all Muslims, through a comprehensive policy framework ensuring economic unity. However, trends of global economy, regionalism, political influences, disproportionate wealth among member states and divergent economies could be termed as some of the hurdles in this wake. Nexus to above, analyze the economic potentials of Muslim Ummah in the world economic order to highlight the possibilities of joint economic progression, along with a framework for overcoming the foreseeable obstacles. JOINT ECONOMIC PROGRESSION OF MUSLIM UMMAH Introduction * 1. The Muslim countries vary greatly in their economic structure, but still all Muslim countries fall within the category of developing countries even though some of them are relatively rich while others are extremely poor. Most of these countries , particularly the poorer ones, like other developing countries, are also beset with a number of extremely difficult problems. One of these problems is their macroeconomic imbalance reflected in high rates of unemployment, inflation, excessive balance of payments deficits, continued exchange rate depreciation and heavy debt burden. The other problem is the extreme inequality of income and wealth among the different classes of each country, as well as between different Muslim countries. Consequently, while even the basic needs of considerable portions of the population remain unsatisfied, the rich and the upper middle class live in great affluence. This tends to corrode the fabric of social solidarity and serves as one of the prime causes of socio – political instability. * 2. Given this scenario, what is indispensable for the Muslim countries is not just a reasonably high rate of growth in aggregate output. They also need to substantially reduce their macroeconomic imbalances and inequalities, even the continued growth of output and the socio political health and stability of these countries will, in the ultimate be seriously jeopardized. The Muslim countries like all other developing countries are, therefore, looking for a development strategy that would help them accelerate growth and reduce instability. As Michael Camdessus, the former managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has clearly emphasized:- * “Economies that suffers from rampant inflation, large budget deficits, pervasive trade restrictions, misaligned exchange rates, unrealistic interest rates, heavy external debt and repeated bouts of capital flight cannot and do not grow rapidly for any sustained period of time”. * 3. The major challenge that confronts the Islamic world is of economic reconstruction which should be in consonance with the basic teachings of Islam and as well as ideology. At the same time it should also commensurate with the requirements of the global economy. Muslim countries are blessed with vast natural resources, minerals and wealth. There is a need to exploit and avail them properly. A strong industrial base with state of the art equipment, modern machinery, technologically advanced techniques and good communication infrastructure are considered mandatory in this regard. Judicious planning and hard work is required so that future generations of the Ummah receive a befitting legacy. In this paper an attempt has been made to identify the economic problems confronting the Muslim Ummah, a frame work to resolve their mutual disputes and how can economic integration be achieved among Muslim Ummah. * * * * Aim 4. To analyse economic potentials of Muslim Ummah in world economic order with a view to highlighting framework of joint economic progression and suggest measures to overcome obstacles in achieving joint economic progression. Scope 5. The scope of this paper is as under:- a. Part I - Power/Economic Potentials Of Muslim Ummah b. Part II - Impediments in Joint Economic Progression Of Muslim Ummah c. Part III - Islamic Common Market – A Concept for Joint Economic Progression of Muslim Ummah d. Part IV - Recommendations PART I power/economic POTENTIALS OF MUSLIM UMMAH Power Potential of the Muslim World 6. Area and Population. The Muslim World stretches over vast expense of nearly eleven million sq miles, distributed over 57 Muslim countries almost continuously from Morocco to Indonesia, embracing fifth of world’s population (1.3 billion). 30% of Muslims live in the Indian Subcontinent, 20 % in Sub-Saharan Africa, 17% in Southeast Asia, 18% in the Arab world, 10% in the Soviet Union and China. Turkey, Iran and Afghanistan comprise 10% of the non-Arab Middle East. Although there are Muslim minorities in almost every area including Latin America and Australia, they are most numerous in the Soviet Union, India, and Central Africa. There are approximately 5 million Muslims in the United States”. The Muslim population of 330 million live as minority in every non Muslim nation in the world, 20 million (rapidly fluctuating number) refugees are scattered in the world. 7. The Geo Strategic Significance. The Geo strategic significance lies in its inherent ability to control the most of the land, sea and air routes linking the four continents of Asia, Africa, Europe and Australia. It constitutes the southern flank of three of the most powerful groups or nations, the ex Soviet Republic State, People’s Republic of China and Western Europe. The few narrow passages in the Afro Asian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea which are the arteries of international trade are in the hands of the Muslim world which has the capability of choking these points, if it so chooses, can interfere with international trade. Economic Potentials 8. Natural Resources. Mineral resources constitute a major factor of power of the Muslim World. It is endowed with numerous assets, following are a few major indicators of Mineral Resources of the Muslim World:- a. 70% of the world’s oil and 49% of the world’s gas reserves. a. Morocco is the second largest producer of phosphates in the world. b. Mauritania has the richest grade iron ore deposits. c. 21% of world uranium deposits, totaling 6421 tons annually. e. The forests of Sumatra can meet the timber demands of the entire world; In spite of these vast natural treasures much of the Muslim World remains economically poor because of non-utilization or under utilization of these resources. 9. Agriculture. Of all the natural resources, productive topsoil is the most valuable because its many products are essential for a stable economy. Muslims have rather limited fertile areas mainly in Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Egypt and Sudan, yet they produce 70% of world’s natural rubber, 90% of jute, 65% of palm oil, 85% of gum arable and 67% of spices. Although bulk of the Muslim population is engaged in agriculture, dependence on rain due to inadequate water resources, low labour productivity, obsolete farming techniques, lack of scientific know-how and capital make the Muslim World a food deficit region. Despite its extensive area only 11% of the land is under cultivation and the average production is less than one-fourth of the world average. 10. Livestock and Sea Food. Approximately 21% of the world’s sheep and cattle are found in the Muslim countries, which also possess vast pasture-lands. However, the animal production remains low due to disease and poor farming techniques. Meat production and consequently consumption remain well below the average world standards. Despite their long coastlines, the fresh fish catch of the Muslim states accounts only for 7.5% of the world. 11. Industries in the Muslim World. The state of industries in the Muslim world was not satisfactory at the turn of the century. The contemporary regimes are sensitive to the problem and trying to solve it. Libya, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are conscious of the fleeting nature of the temporary oil boom. Muslim countries are rapidly setting up armament industries. Pakistan ordinance factory employs a labour force of approximately 40,000 and pushing its arms sale in the international market. Egypt , Iraq and Turkey also have a developed defence industries base. Malaysia and Indonesia have taken the cue from the neighboring economic giants and are excelling in the electronics industry. 12. Food. Despite all the enumerated factors the Muslim world is suffering from food shortage and still, malnutrition is widely rampant. On the other hand , hinterlands are subject to the vagaries of weather. Large animal herds have been decimated in the Sahel area as a result of the drought like Pakistan in 2001. Under the present circumstances, the Muslim world is dependent upon the West for its food supply. 13. Sea Routes. There are numerous sea routes passing through the world of Islam. Traditional quest for trade and spreading Islamic faith enabled Muslims to develop land sea routes. Stagnation in the scientific development and piracy sponsored by Europe drove the Muslims out of the seas. Presently the Muslim world is trying to improve upon its maritime facilities. Landlocked countries have little initiative in their hands. The number of merchant vessels is grossly inadequate for the Islamic world. 14. Communication Infrastructure. Roads and Railways remain to be an important factor in determining the economic potential. Earnest efforts are being made to develop the communication infrastructure in the area. Jordan has developed a good system of roads. Nevertheless, in most countries the interior areas continue to suffer from bad roads. The circular highway of Afghanistan provided considerable relief to the inhabitants but the war again converted it into deplorable condition. In Pakistan Indus highway and Motor way linking Gawadar and Central Asian Republics will serve the economic as well as the strategic interests of the country. Most railways had been built by the colonial masters. Little has been added in terms of railway tracks in the post independence era. PART II IMPEDIMENTS IN JOINT ECONOMIC PROGRESSION OF MUSLIM UMMAH 15. Industrial Base. The Islamic World is generally non-industrialized and none of the Muslim states has yet achieved the standards to be able to compete in the world markets except Malaysia and Indonesia. Some progress seems to have been made, particularly by Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Indonesia, Turkey and Pakistan, however the Muslims generally remain producers of consumer goods. This led to dependence and exploitation of Muslim countries resources by western powers. Muslim countries are still without a strong industrial base required for economic prosperity and development. 16. Economic Dependence. The oil has restored economic stability amongst the oil exporting countries but the economic condition of the rest of the Muslims is amongst the poorest in the world. To stabilize their economies, they are accepting loans but this amounts to adding up to their debt servicing liabilities, while finding short term solutions to their economic problems. Resultantly most of the Muslim countries are under the clutches of International monetary organizations and are unable to make free economic policies. 17. Self Centered Leadership. One of the greatest handicaps of contemporary Islamic World is that by and large, the ruling elite is egocentric, lacks vision of future and is unable to provide a common bondage to Muslim Ummah. They are driven by their personal land marks, vested interests and an ambition to remain firmly nestled in the power through any means. Unless the leadership comes out of the strangleholds of personal whims and strives for collective objectives, Muslim Ummah will continue facing dilemmas. * 18. Military potential. The Muslim countries constitute a vital geo-strategic and geopolitical area of the world. Their standing armed forces are larger than the combined forces of NATO and Warsaw Pact countries. Due to lack of indigenous defense production capacity and geopolitical compulsions, these forces are equipped with a vast variety of equipment from the USA, Russia, Britain and Western Europe. These countries supply equipment on their own terms and resort to blockade even at the time of need ultimately exploiting this weakness of Muslim countries. * 19. Underdeveloped Human Resources. Human resources have both quantitative and qualitative aspects. Shortage of labor in sparsely populated countries may be a handicap, but in most under-developed countries, including Pakistan, the problem is of population pressure leading to unemployment of a high proportion of the people (children below 15 years of age) who consume but do not contribute much to production. Qualitatively speaking, the labor force in Muslim countries are mostly illiterate and unskilled and are not up to the mark in physical health and energy needed for developmental activities. * 20. Brain Drain. The Ummah continues to lose intellectual brains in the fields of engineering, medicine, chemistry, physics, agricultural technology and other fields. These scholars are lost to the favour of the countries to which Muslim intellectuals emigrate in search of higher standards of aesthetic amenities and work prospects for the family. Arab doctors form 30% of America's medical practitioners, while 18% of its engineers and 10% of its biologists are also Arab. Progressive States have 92% of Intellectuals, Only 8% of the latter Exist in Developing Countries. This brain drain is a major handicap for Muslim countries to exploit their resources towards economic uplift of people. 21. The Media. The media not only serves to be the people's informational source but it also serves as a symbol of power in this cyber age. Muslim countries lack in this field as most of international media is controlled by the west. Presently a distinctly anti fundamentalist theme is being projected to dissuade Muslim intellectuals from returning to their roots. The pornographic invasion has shaken the roots of the Islamic values. Concurrently, crime waves continue to lash the Islamic society. 22. Illiteracy and Underdevelopment in the Field of Science and Technology. Literacy rate of Muslim World is far behind the developed nations and correspondingly Muslims lag far behind in the field of Science and Technology from the west despite being the source of many prominent scientific discoveries for the west. The danger is that having missed the industrial revolution, they may also miss the current IT (Information Technology) revolution which has ushered in the knowledge-based era. 23. Disunity. The major cause of Muslim World in annals of history and today is disunity and political disharmony amongst them. Non representative governments, Intolerance and regional affiliations are the primary causes of the economic crises. 24. Joint Political Forum. OIC being the only joint forum for the Muslim countries was established 40 years ago. However, it has miserably failed to provide a viable platform towards political as well as economic worth while gains for the Ummah. 25. Joint Economic Forum. Islamic Development Bank represents the only joint economic body amongst the world which has failed to provide any worthwhile contribution towards the economic development of the poor countries. 26. Governance. This is one of the most critical challenges being faced by the Muslims. We need to be clear about what kind of political system we aspire for. Not more than fifty years from the time of the Prophet (s) (PBUH), the institutional structure at the highest level of the Muslim society was dislodged from its true Islamic anchor. As a consequence, history has witnessed despotic rulers: Amirs, Kings, Sultans, and military dictators who only worked to prolong their rule instead to work for economic prosperity of their people. 27. Huge Power Asymmetry. Huge Asymmetry exists between the west and the Muslim World in terms of economy, trade, education, science and technology. Our inability becomes evident in terms of per capita income, global share in markets, trade and defence capability, Muslims are clearly behind. Due to this power asymmetry, we see the persecution and discrimination of Muslims minorities and Muslim states. The details are attach as Annex A. 28. Educational Crisis. In the last four hundred years, one can see steady progress of western nations in the fields of education and research. Unfortunately, Muslims are quite behind in both these fields to an extent that they are unable to cope with challenges of the modern world. The details are attach as Annex B. 29. Rise of Fanaticism and Image of Islam. Extremism, fanaticism and militarism in the Muslim world are not a new phenomenon. Since quite long, unrest in a section of Muslims could be seen because of what they call policy of discrimination by the west. The failure of ruling elites in various Muslim countries to successfully cope up with socio economic grievances of their population resulted into the rise of Muslim fanaticism. 30. Resource Utilization. Our ability to utilize our resources is a huge challenge. We have great resources for economic development; our ability to unite them and channel them in one direction is very weak which is a main hurdle for economic integration of Muslim Ummah. 31. Globalization. The Islamic World has successfully dealt with the external Ideological challenges. 21st century heralds the challenge to its culture and economy as never seen before. Globalization, fuelled by the rapid and revolutionary developments in the information technology has threatened to subjugate the Islamic world. part III iSLAMIC COMMON MARKET- A CONCEPT FOR joint ECONOMIC progression OF MUSLIM UMMAH 32. Western powers would never allow the developing world specially the Muslims to achieve any worthwhile economic success in the present capitalist system to economy, which only allows prosperity to the developed world and keeps the poor countries under the clutches of organizations like International Monetary Fund (IMF). At present, there is no formal economic cooperation among Muslim Countries in any form. OIC too, has failed so far, to promote trade and economic prosperity among the Muslim Countries. Therefore there is a need to find a solution to the economic woes of the Muslim World. Common Islamic Market is one such concept which promises to address the economic issues of the Muslim World. The Concept 33. The Islamic countries comprise of a noteworthy number of the world’s population and face numerous problems. Most of such problems are rooted in economic, political and cultural hegemony. The thought of establishing a common market among the Islamic countries (ICM) is a kind of natural reaction with the purpose of reducing the apparent hegemony and the problems resulting from it. This thought, especially in the past years, has been strengthened on the basis of common belief, cultural, ideological and regional similarities among these countries. 34. If the economic cooperation of the Islamic countries is called a common market, we can indicate one of the five main forms of the economic unity, each of which possesses special characteristics. That is why it should be made clear, while indicating the economic cooperation between these countries, which form is borne in mind. In the historical perspective, economic unity has been seen in the following forms:- a. Free Trade Zone. It includes trade freedom among the member countries enjoying various tariffs as compared to other countries. b. Customs Union. It envisages establishment of complete trade freedom among the member countries enjoying common custom tariffs by the members as compared to the non-members. c. Common Market. It facilitates trade freedom among the member countries enjoying common tariffs as compared to non-members and the transportation of production factors among these countries becomes possible. d. Economic Union. It includes trade freedom, the transportation of production factors among the countries. Coordination in adopting domestic economic and tariff policies before the non-member countries. e. Complete Economic Coalition. In addition to the settlement of the previously mentioned conditions, a common unified monetary unit and financial policies are established among the members. 35. Paying attention to the brief discussion mentioned above illustrates that each form is more complete than the previous one. To cite an example, a free trade zone and customs union should be considered as the first and the second stages for achieving the stage of establishment of a common market. In fact past experience shows that the establishment of a common market all at once is impossible, and the fourth and the fifth stages come next in a longer duration of time. From the economic viewpoint, selecting any one of the unity forms as the final aim depends on the positive results gained by considering the necessity of the Islamic countries economic coalition and also taking into account the conditions and the preparedness of these countries. Future Strategy 36. In the face of a number of obstacles, it appears that it would be better to start with objectives more modest than complete integration, which nevertheless should remain as a long-term objective. It can be envisaged instantly but cannot be materialized overnight. It not only requires a basic decision for its establishment but also demands a consensus of opinion on the part of all Muslim countries. Following paragraphs propose phase-wise sequence of the establishment of the ICM and its modalities. a. Phase 1 – Study Group. A study group should be formulated comprising experts on economics from all Muslim countries to study and give detailed recommendations on the following aspects:- (1) Feasibility of division of Muslim countries into different zones for facilitating trade. A suggested distribution of the Muslim countries in five zones is as under :- (a) South East Asian countries including Bangladesh. (b) Pakistan, Central Asian States, Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey. (c) All Middle Eastern countries. (d) All countries in the African continent including Egypt. (2) Thoroughly study the statistics of Muslim countries’ industrial, agricultural, and mineral wealth in order to ascertain the avenues of mutual cooperation. (3) Study the Tariff conditions of Muslims countries with a view of lessening their rigour towards one another. b. Phase 2 – Common Market Secretariat. It is imperative that as a stepping-stone a Central Secretariat of the Common Market is set up in a country to be mutually agreed by all Muslim countries. Minister of trade or a Minister of Common Market so appointed for the secretariat may represent each member state on the secretariat. It will serve as the principle seat of the ICM controlling, monitoring, operating the system, organization, structure, trading transactions within the approved norms and standards. The proposed Secretariat will also maintain the central mechanism of interstate balance of payments. It will serve as a Clearance House for all payments and settlements with the trading partners on behalf of the member state. c. Phase 3 – Identification of Complementary Markets. There already exists a forum under the auspices of the OIC, a Committee on Economic and Commercial Co-operation (COMCEC), which is the most suitable avenue for the identification of complementary commodity markets. The COMCEC, through regular meetings attended by the economy ministers has also convened ministerial meetings in the areas of Agriculture, Industry, Transport, Communications, Energy, Technical Cooperation, Infrastructure and Public Works. This process shall enable the member states to redirect their exports within the ICM on the terms and conditions to be mutually agreed. d. Phase 4 – ICM as a Monopolistic Platform. The underlying principle of a common market requires formation of a monopolistic economic platform in order to complete in the international market. The enlargement of European Union, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, the World Trade Organization are powerful monopolistic platforms and pose a major economic threat to the Muslim countries. It is high time that the Muslim countries must redefines their priorities and plans in forming a strong monopolistic platform before the situation gets out of their control. e. Phase 5 – Common Payments Mechanism. In this context, the role of ICM is envisaged to be vital in terms of mutual cooperation and redress. First and foremost, the Muslim states should pool their external reserves in the ICM reserves. Thus all receipts and payments for trade within and outside the ICM should be met from the ICM reserves. This will indeed strengthen the financial base of the ICM group instead of individual competitors. ICM will act as the major buyer and seller of merchandise in the international markets that can change the spectrum of balance of payments of its members. Here the Islamic Development Bank, can takeover all the banking operations of the ICM and serve as the common bank of the Islamic world in terms of all economic transactions within the member states and outside the ICM. f. Phase 6 – Resource Gap Compensations Fund. It will neither be possible or advisable to launch the ICM as a free-trade zone because of apparent resources gap in the case of majority of Muslim states. The free-trade zone within the ICM may be achieved in a phased manner over a period of 10 years. In the first 5 years, tariffs may be slashed up to 25 percent and in the next two and a half years, these may further be slashed to 50 percent. The ICM may thus establish a common “Resource Gap Compensation Fund” in order to off-set the apparent resource gap for disadvantaged member states. g. Phase 7 – Common Investment Pool. The establishment of an ICM will not be meaningful unless the Muslim states industrialize themselves with forward linkages among themselves, for which pool of resources is a necessary condition. While the idea of an ICM is given serious consideration, it is imperative that the Muslim states set up a Common Investment Pool. A concerted decision in this direction will enable the ICM member states to off-set their savings-investment gaps which otherwise are bridged by inviting direct and indirect foreign investment from the western world. h. Phase 8 – Common ICM Currency. The European Union has launched its common currency Euro and has now emerged to be a leading competitor of the US dollar. The principle of common currency is eventually a pre-requisite for the survival of a union. The ICM, once established and strengthened, will have to seriously look forward in launching its common currency like the Euro. Launching of Islamic Countries’ Currency Unit (ICCU) is considered quite imperative. part Iv RECOMMENDATIONS 37. Realistic recommendations to achieve Economic integration of Muslim Ummah are vital. Given the volatility of the Muslim World, their effective application demands utmost sincerity, conviction, commitment and caution from every relevant person or authority. Following are certain measures recommended for the economic unity and progress of Muslim Ummah. 38. Self Realization. As a pre-requisite and to make efforts to make the Muslim World stronger it is essential that every country should take immediate steps to eradicate illiteracy, ignorance, poverty, disease, injustice, maladministration and make its citizens feel that they will have a fair deal. All Muslims states must endeavour to have a progressive outlook focusing on the welfare of their people. 39. Socio-Economic Development. Economic strength is the corner stone of international politics in the present day environment of Globalization. Therefore the focus of all efforts must be centered on socio-economic development of the Muslims around the globe. The efforts should focus upon the cooperation in the fields of Food, Agriculture, Energy, Trade, Basic Industry, Transport, Communication, etc. The steps recommended to be initiated are:- a. Role of OIC. OIC with all its failures remains to be the only joint forum with the Muslim World. Any other attempts to forge new alliances would take even more time to nurture into viable and thriving organizations. Therefore it is essential for us to utilize the existing forum and make necessary amends to address the failures of the OIC in the lines of European Union. Focusing upon the economic uplift of its members and break the chains of dependence upon the present capitalist system to economy, which only allows prosperity to the developed world and keeps the poor countries under the clutches of organizations like International Monetary Fund. b. Establishment of Islamic Common Market. The establishment of Islamic Common Market in a world of economic integration is not only indispensable but also desirable. The resource power and natural endowments enjoyed by the Muslim World needs to be pooled together to serve as an effective economic weapon and a source of strength. A detailed strategy has already been covered earlier in Part III. c. Economic and Trade Cooperation. Muslim countries are plagued either by affluence or extreme poverty. Sharing of wealth; skill and expertise can improve their collective economic predicament. A detailed study must be carried out to explore the avenues of cooperation to reap the benefits of each others strengths and neutralize the weaknesses. d. The World Muslim Bank. Islamic Development Bank has achieved little in the past years due to its limited scope. Therefore it is suggested that this bank should be renamed as “The World Muslim Bank” (WMB) which will remain under the umbrella of the OIC. However it will be run by a board of governors elected from the member countries. All Muslim countries should finance it and specially the Oil rich countries to encourage their entrepreneurs to withdraw their assets gradually from the western banks and deposit it with WMB. The bank will look forward to performing following important roles:- (1) Meet most of the aid and loan requirements of Muslim World, thus preventing them from getting into debt with World Bank or IMF. (2) To shelter and rescue Muslim Countries who are entangled in foreign debts and can no more take loans for development. (3) Shall invite demand for aid from Muslim Countries for development and welfare projects. (4) Shall provide banking facilities to all Muslim countries and facilitate / control business and trade amongst them. (5) Shall work as an Industry and its depositors shall share its profits and losses equitably. (6) Shall facilitate the adoption of a single currency by all the members of OIC as recommended in the final stage of Islamic Common market. 40. Improvement of Mass Media. The world has undergone a revolution of information technology and communication systems. Media has helped to shrink the world. It has attained a significant place and has gained a central position in the paradigms of power. At present all powerful media is in the control of the west and is being controlled by the Jews. OIC has an Islamic News Agency as a specialist body but it has failed to attain any worth while headway. It is suggested that this agency be upgraded to the status of an “Islamic Broad Casting Association”. Leading broadcasting agencies of all the member states should be a member of this organization. Al Jazera, Geo TV and ARY TV are excellent additions to the Muslim media. An effort must be thus made to finance the leading Channels in every region in order to make them compete with the western media. 41. Human Resource Development. Human resource development would include the inculcation of correct attitudes and aspirations, development of character and personality. Education (Malaysian Education Model can serve as a beacon for all the Islamic Countries) and training producing skills needed for different activities. Promotion of knowledge, research, evolution of mechanisms for responsible and creative participation by the common people in key developmental activities, in decision making at all levels and finally in sharing the fruits of development. 42. Development in Science and Technology. As Science and Technology are fundamentally important to keep pace in the race of development, Muslim countries should promote cooperation and interaction in these areas. Muslim countries should put their joint efforts in order to develop their technological know-how in the productive areas of their economy and initiate some basic research if possible. 43. Non Confrontational Policy / Attitude. Ever since the collapse of communism the western think tanks have perceived Muslims World as the only potential threat to them. The idea has been reinforced by the extremist elements in the post September Eleven scenario. The west would never allow this threat to materialize into a Danger for them and would make all efforts to foil this attempt. Therefore there is a need to adopt a non confrontational policy in pursuance of our goals. Conclusion * 44. Muslim Ummah has a tremendous reservoir of human, material and natural resources and owing to our geo-strategic location; we can regain our lost glory. Lacks of unity and self interest have been primarily responsible for the apathy of the Muslims today. Now, there is a sense of realization that Muslims have been a tool in the hands of the western powers but the realization is still infant and is still far from producing concrete steps and measure for the progress of the Ummah, nevertheless it is a source of encouragement. Therefore we need to relentlessly follow the path of unity and economic prosperity for a better tomorrow for our future generations. Annex A DETAILS OF GDP/CAPITA AND EXPORTS/IMPORTS OF MUSLIM COUNTRIES   Country | GDP (PPP)   | GDP / Capita (PPP)   | Exports   | Imports   |  Turkey | 902,053,000,000 | 12,628 | 116,490,000,000 | 145,200,000,000 |  Indonesia | 845,600,000,000 | 4,616 | 118,400,000,000 | 86,240,000,000 |  Iran | 610,000,000,000 | 9,900 | 65,420,000,000 | 42,500,000,000 |  Pakistan | 475,600,000,000 | 3,100 | 14,850,000,000 | 21,260,000,000 |  Saudi Arabia | 446,000,000,000 | 33,500 | 165,000,000,000 | 44,930,000,000 |  Bangladesh | 330,600,000,000 | 2,200 | 9,372,000,000 | 12,970,000,000 |  Egypt | 304,300,000,000 | 3,900 | 14,330,000,000 | 24,100,000,000 |  Malaysia | 357,900,000,000 | 14,400 | 169,100,000,000 | 132,700,000,000 |  Algeria | 235,500,000,000 | 7,200 | 49,590,000,000 | 22,530,000,000 |  Nigeria | 175,500,000,000 | 1,400 | 52,160,000,000 | 25,950,000,000 |  Morocco | 135,100,000,000 | 4,100 | 9,472,000,000 | 18,150,000,000 |  Kazakhstan | 125,300,000,000 | 8,300 | 30,090,000,000 | 17,510,000,000 |  United Arab Emirates | 115,800,000,000 | 45,200 | 103,100,000,000 | 60,150,000,000 |  Iraq | 94,100,000,000 | 1,800 | 17,780,000,000 | 19,570,000,000 |  Sudan | 85,890,000,000 | 2,100 | 6,989,000,000 | 5,028,000,000 |  Tunisia | 82,850,000,000 | 8,200 | 10,300,000,000 | 12,860,000,000 |  Syria | 71,420,000,000 | 3,900 | 6,344,000,000 | 5,973,000,000 |  Libya | 68,000,000,000 | 11,800 | 30,790,000,000 | 10,820,000,000 |  Uzbekistan | 50,310,000,000 | 1,900 | 5,000,000,000 | 3,800,000,000 |  Uganda | 47,760,000,000 | 1,800 | 768,000,000 | 1,608,000,000 |  Kuwait | 47,360,000,000 | 20,300 | 44,430,000,000 | 12,230,000,000 |  Azerbaijan | 42,990,000,000 | 5,400 | 6,117,000,000 | 4,656,000,000 |  Oman | 40,390,000,000 | 13,500 | 19,010,000,000 | 8,709,000,000 |  Cameroon | 39,750,000,000 | 2,300 | 3,236,000,000 | 2,514,000,000 |  Turkmenistan | 39,140,000,000 | 7,900 | 4,700,000,000 | 4,175,000,000 |  Côte d'Ivoire | 27,580,000,000 | 1,600 | 6,490,000,000 | 4,759,000,000 |  Jordan | 26,850,000,000 | 4,700 | 4,226,000,000 | 8,681,000,000 |  Mozambique | 26,180,000,000 | 1,300 | 1,690,000,000 | 2,041,000,000 |  Qatar | 25,100,000,000 | 31,397 | 24,900,000,000 | 6,706,000,000 |  Lebanon | 22,780,000,000 | 6,000 | 1,782,000,000 | 8,855,000,000 |  Afghanistan | 21,500,000,000 | 800 | 471,000,000 | 3,870,000,000 |  Senegal | 20,570,000,000 | 1,800 | 1,526,000,000 | 2,405,000,000 |  Yemen | 19,360,000,000 | 900 | 6,387,000,000 | 4,190,000,000 |  Albania | 18,870,000,000 | 5,300 | 650,100,000 | 2,473,000,000 |  Guinea | 18,650,000,000 | 2,000 | 612,100,000 | 680,000,000 |  Burkina Faso | 16,660,000,000 | 1,200 | 395,000,000 | 992,000,000 |  Bahrain | 15,900,000,000 | 23,100 | 11,170,000,000 | 7,830,000,000 |  Chad | 13,980,000,000 | 1,400 | 3,016,000,000 | 749,100,000 |  Mali | 13,610,000,000 | 1,200 | 323,000,000 | 1,858,000,000 |  Niger | 11,590,000,000 | 1,000 | 222,000,000 | 588,000,000 |  Kyrgyzstan | 10,080,000,000 | 2,000 | 759,000,000 | 937,400,000 |  Gabon | 9,739,000,000 | 7,000 | 5,813,000,000 | 1,533,000,000 |  Togo | 8,802,000,000 | 1,600 | 768,000,000 | 1,047,000,000 |  Tajikistan | 8,617,000,000 | 1,200 | 950,000,000 | 1,250,000,000 |  Benin | 8,419,000,000 | 1,100 | 826,900,000 | 1,043,000,000 |  Mauritania | 6,901,000,000 | 2,200 | 784,000,000 | 1,124,000,000 |  Brunei | 6,842,000,000 | 23,600 | 4,514,000,000 | 1,641,000,000 |  Sierra Leone | 4,939,000,000 | 800 | 185,000,000 | 531,000,000 |  Somalia | 4,809,000,000 | 600 | 241,000,000 | 576,000,000 |  Guyana | 3,439,000,000 | 4,500 | 587,200,000 | 681,600,000 |  Gambia | 3,034,000,000 | 1,900 | 140,300,000 | 197,000,000 |  Suriname | 2,893,000,000 | 6,600 | 881,000,000 | 750,000,000 |  Maldives | 1,250,000,000 | 3,900 | 123,000,000 | 567,000,000 |  Guinea-Bissau | 1,171,000,000 | 800 | 116,000,000 | 176,000,000 |  Djibouti | 619,000,000 | 1,000 | 250,000,000 | 987,000,000 |  Comoros | 441,000,000 | 600 | 34,000,000 | 115,000,000 |  Russia | 2,076,000,000,000 | 14,600 | 365,000,0000,000 | 260,400,000,000 |  Thailand | 519,000,000,000 | 8,000 | 143,100,000,000 | 121,900,000,000 |  Bosnia | 29,890,000,000 | 6,600 | 3,923,000,000 | 9,294,000,000 |  Central African Republic | 3,101,000,000 | 700 | 146,700,000 | 237,300,000 |  Northern Cyprus | - | - | - | - |  Palestinian Authority | - | - | - | - |  OIC | 7,740,495,000,000 | - | 1,392,910,600,000 | 933,746,100,000 |  Arab League | 2,323,453,000,000 | | | | % of World | 12.77% | - | 13.47% | 9.03% | Annex B SCIENTIFICALLY PRODUCTIVE ISLAMIC COUNTRIES Rank | Country | 10-yr Publications | Top Discipline | 1 | Turkey | 82,407 | Surgery | 2 | Egypt | 27,723 | Applied Mathematics | 3 | Iran | 19,114 | Chemistry | 4 | Saudi Arabia | 17,472 | Gen - Internal Medicine | 5 | Malaysia | 10,674 | Crystallography | 6 | Morocco | 10,113 | Physical Chemistry | 7 | Nigeria | 9,105 | Food Science & Technology | 8 | Pakistan | 7,832 | Plant Sciences | 9 | Jordan | 6,384 | Chemical Engineering | 10 | Kuwait | 5,930 | Gen - Internal Medicine | MOST PRODUCTIVE ISLAMIC UNIVERSITIES Rank | University | Country | Publications | 1 | University Hacettepe | Turkey | 8,979 | 2 | University Istanbul | Turkey | 6,488 | 3 | Ankara University | Turkey | 5,982 | 4 | Cairo University | Egypt | 4,977 | 5 | Kuwait University | Kuwait | 4,495 | 6 | King Saud University | Saudi Arabia | 4,336 | 7 | Middle Eastern Technical U. | Turkey | 4,215 | 8 | Gazi University | Turkey | 3,652 | 9 | Istabul Technical U. | Turkey | 3,452 | 10 | Ege University | Turkey | 3,336 | 11 | King Fahd University | Saudi Arabia | 3,323 | 12 | Ains Shams University | Egypt | 3,129 | 13 | University Malaya | Malaysia | 2,862 | 14 | National Research Center | Egypt | 2,651 | 15 | Alexandria University | Egypt | 2,628 | 16 | American University Beirut | Lebanon | 2,568 | 17 | Ataturk University | Turkey | 2,535 | 18 | United Arab Emirates U. | UAE | 2,478 | 19 | Mansoura University | Egypt | 2,439 | 20 | King Faisal Research Center | Saudi Arabia | 2,434 | 21 | University Sains Malaysia | Malaysia | 2,402 | 22 | Dokuz Eylul University | Turkey | 2,389 | 23 | Uzbek Academy of Science | Uzbekistan | 2,169 | 24 | Cukurova University | Turkey | 2,026 | 25 | University of Tehran | Iran | 1,962 | BIBLIOGRAPHY Books 1. 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