yakov_a_jerkov. Reasons for this shift away from religion (read: Islam) in MENA come down to 3 imo:
1- Advent of Internet. It’s easier for many to find material debating/deconstructing religious beliefs. Also easier to connect with other non-religious/atheist ppl, de-stigmatizing the label.
2- ISIS backlash. Even tho ISIS used an extreme version of Islamic teachings, many were disillusioned by religion as a whole, fairly or not.
3- Arab Spring. Old frameworks of authority collapsed or been put under serious scrutiny: patriarchy, govs, & by extension religion.
