4th annual conference of the Middle East Dialogue of Valdai International Discussion Club, titled “Islam in Politics: Ideology or Pragmatism?”, has started in Marrakesh, Morocco.

One of the invited speakers for the conference is Damir Hayretdinov, candidate of historical sciences, rector of Moscow Islamic University.

According to the organizers, the attendees will discuss the effects of legitimization and integration of Islamic parties into national political systems as the result of transformations of the last two years in the Middle East. Russian and foreign experts will analyze possible evolution of new regimes and political forces in the region and discuss possible threats that may arise from increased sectarian and inter-confessional tensions in the region, as well as potential conflict between religious and secular forces.

Some special time will be dedicated to discussion of the role of external factors and the influence of the current burst of political Islam on Russia's Muslim community and Russia's relations with new political players.