Freemasonry in the Orient: A School of Democracy, Now Banned Across Most Arab States

A fire at the Freemason center in Zurich has raised suspicions of arson, prompting questions about possible motives. The incident has brought renewed attention to Freemasonry, a secret society that remains a target of conspiracy theories and is still condemned by the Catholic Church. Historically, Freemasonry played a significant role in the Orient as a school for democratic ideas, but today lodges are banned in most Arab countries. The article explores the paradox of Freemasonry's past influence in the region versus its current prohibition, linking the Zurich fire to broader tensions surrounding the organization.