Throughout history, the military successes and failures of various civilizations have often hinged on their technological prowess. For many Muslim-majority nations, a recurring theme in their military defeats has been their inability to match the technological advancements of their adversaries, particularly in the realm of air power. This technological gap has repeatedly left these nations vulnerable to defeat, as exemplified by the Ottoman loss of Palestine, the Six-Day War, the Iraq War, and NATO’s bombing campaign in Libya.

The Ottoman Loss of Palestine

During World War I, the Ottoman Empire, which controlled vast territories including Palestine, faced the technologically superior forces of the British Empire. The British made extensive use of modern air power, reconnaissance planes, and coordinated ground assaults to outmaneuver and defeat Ottoman forces. The campaign led by General Edmund Allenby saw the effective use of air superiority, contributing significantly to the fall of Jerusalem in 1917 and the eventual capture of Palestine. Another was the support of 40,000 Egyptian troops, which questions the Islamic theology that enabled Muslims in assisting the British in capturing their very own holy land.

The Six-Day War

The 1967 Six-Day War between Israel and a coalition of Arab states, including Egypt, Jordan, and Syria, is another stark example. Israel’s decisive victory was largely attributed to its air superiority. On the first day of the war, Israel launched Operation Focus, a preemptive air strike that destroyed the majority of the Egyptian Air Force while it was still on the ground. This crippling blow ensured Israeli dominance in the skies, allowing them to conduct operations with impunity and rapidly defeat their adversaries.

The Iraq War

In the 2003 invasion of Iraq, the U.S.-led coalition leveraged overwhelming technological superiority, particularly in air power. The coalition’s use of precision-guided munitions, stealth aircraft, and comprehensive air supremacy rendered the Iraqi military virtually defenseless. The initial shock and awe campaign saw the destruction of key military targets and infrastructure, effectively crippling Iraq’s ability to mount a meaningful defense.

NATO’s Bombing of Libya

In 2011, NATO intervened in Libya’s civil war with a sustained bombing campaign that ultimately led to the downfall of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime. NATO’s air strikes systematically dismantled Libya’s air defenses and military capabilities. The inability of Libyan forces to counter these technologically advanced air assaults highlighted once again the critical importance of air power in modern warfare.

The Root Cause: Despotism and Institutional Weakness

The recurring defeats faced by Muslim-majority armies in modern history can be traced back to deeper systemic issues, particularly the prevalence of despotism. Authoritarian regimes often stifle innovation and technological development due to their inherently repressive nature. The absence of democratic institutions and accountability creates an environment where corruption thrives, and merit-based advancements are hindered.

The alliance between Salafi or Wahhabi ideology and despotic regimes is evident in the lack of critique and reform within many Muslim-majority countries. Wahhabism, which is latently alive under Salafism, places emphasis on obedience to authority, and has often translated into tacit support for tyrannical rulers. This apathy towards despots undermines efforts to address widespread human rights violations.

One of the most harrowing examples of this is the 2002 incident in Saudi Arabia, where 14 schoolgirls died in a fire because the religious police prevented them from leaving the burning building due to their lack of proper Islamic dress. This tragic event, which is a direct result from the form of Islam dominant in the country is unfortunately forgotten or ignored by Muslims today. This highlights the extent to which extreme adherence to Wahhabi principles can override basic human compassion and the right to life.

Modern research consistently has shown that environments marked by injustice and lack of freedom suppress creativity and innovation. Individuals in such societies often lack the motivation to engage in creative and scientific endeavors, as their efforts are unlikely to be rewarded or may even be punished. This psychological suppression is detrimental to the development of robust institutions capable of producing cutting-edge technology and military advancements.

The Need for Democratic Structures

To bridge this technological gap, it is vital for Muslim-majority nations to embrace democratic reforms, inherently developed through the rich intellectual history of Islam. Democratic institutions foster transparency, accountability, and meritocracy, which are essential for nurturing innovation and technological development. Ensuring justice and respect for individual dignity can unlock the creative potential of the populace, leading to the establishment of institutions capable of developing and sustaining advanced technologies, including those critical for military defense.

The technological shortcomings of Muslim-majority armies are not merely a matter of material deficiency but are deeply rooted in the political and social structures of these nations. Embracing democratic principles and fostering environments that encourage innovation and respect for human dignity are crucial steps towards reversing this trend and ensuring a more secure and technologically advanced future.