BALI, Indonesia — A bad idea can sometimes illuminate the darkest landscape of truth with brilliant flair in a way that mere fact cannot. Consider, for example, the idea that Islam is incompatible with democracy. It's a really bad idea, but it can serve a very good purpose.
For starters, the proposition of Islamic incompatibility with democracy can motivate the most moderate and courteous Muslim to abandon his cool demeanor and mount a defense of his religion and culture with passion and conviction.
That's exactly what happened here when the incomparable and charismatic Anwar Ibrahim took the floor at "The Asian Century Begins," a three-day conference organized by the International Association of Political Consultants.