We are all looking for a way to define ourselves; a way to understand whom it is that we are in the world. Often, we try to create identities for ourselves by looking at the ways in which we are different from other people. This by itself is not necessarily bad, for it is true that all people are in some ways unique and there is nothing inherently wrong in feeling that way if unique. However, the unfortunate side of such a tendency is that humans tend to define themselves not only as different from their neighbors but as better than them, which leads to much of the violence and grief that exists in the world.
             This paper examines the phenomenon of Islamic fundamentalism in Egypt and Iran; comparing the effects that fundamentalism has had on these two countries. It tries to justify whether or not the resurgence of Islam has benefited or hindered these countries when it comes to religion in politics and if Islamic fundamentalism is the answer for these countries. All over the Middle East there are fundamentalist groups who are fighting for the return of the "traditional" Islamic religion, untainted by Western ideologies and modernization.
             Islamic fundamentalism can be seen as a threat by the Western societies, because they promote two completely different ideologies. The West is a capitalistic society that believes in freedom, equality, and modernization and embraces change as being a good thing. Islamic fundamentalism wants to return to and replicate the past having no tolerance for any change of its norms. It promotes the return of the Koran and wants Islam to be the religion and the political regime of its society. They see the West as a bad influence, introducing new ideas and ways of life into their society that go against what they believe.
             Many fundamentalist leaders have had the best education, enjoy responsible positions in society, and are adept at harnessing the latest technology to propagate their views and...