ABSTRACT
The introduction of the Internet in the Middle East and the wider Muslim world has caused both new problems and possibilities. On the one hand, the Internet has been viewed as an important tool for establishing democracy and opening up political and theological discussion. The fact that more people can be engaged in such debates and even challenge the political and religious order is presented as a prerequisite for establishing democracy. On the other hand, it is evident that both politicians and the ulama' may perceive this development as a difficult and even dangerous phenomenon that should be countered. Even though authoritarian regimes might have different reasons for hindering the new media, ulama' too may feel threatened by the possibility that they might lose control of their authority to interpret the religious tradition. While some ulama' are very critical of the Internet, others are more positive and open to the potential of the technology.
