ties that bind culture and politics are so called sexual politics or more importantly the honor within the clan and also the perceived threat of Westernization. This climate of unpredictability has allowed for a rise in nationalist sentiment. In the following section, I will outline the aspects of cultural association seen in Egypt which are responsible for unrest.Cultural Factors in EgyptThe rapid modernization of society, which was supported by Sadats regime in Egypt, led to Islamic revival in the form of religious networks which seek to preserve traditional culture. These networks can have either a stabilizing or destabilizing effect, depending on conditions and intent. Guilain Denoeux (138-139) defines these networks more clearly, classifying them as double-edged or radical Utopian, the latter being solely destabilizing and the former having either effect depending upon certain conditions. In light of modernization, these networks seek to provide a sense of brotherhood in a climate of drastic change.In the case of Egypt, the jamaat islamiyya and the Takfir wal-Hijra in combination were successful in disrupting and inevitably overthrowing Sadats regime. This was done through political assassinations and the assassination of Sadat himself. The new regime has put the strict enforcement of Islamic values, morality, and codes of behavior high on its list of priorities., according to Denoeux. In the subsequent section, I will relay a similar situation in Iran which involves similar networks.Cultural Factors in IranIn Iran, to counteract the insurgent tide of Western dominated government, there arose a number of religious and culturally-based networks. These networks, as well as being a way for Muslims to combat the imposing advance of Western culture, were an interconnected mode for disseminating information to the people providing additional strength and security within the prevailing Islamic culture. Networks such as the hayat-e ...
