Religion & Sectarianism: Islam's Many Reformations
After bin Laden: Al-Qaeda's Relevance Post Osama
Osama bin Laden's death is only the latest confirmation of al-Qaeda's weakened relevance, and of terrorism's
Peter King's Islamophobia
Peter King's islamophobia, couched as a hearing on "Muslim radicalization" in the United States, should not command the respect implied by a U.S. congressional committee hearing.
The Anti-Sharia Law Movement in the United States
Sharia Law, David Yerushalmi and who's behind the Anti-Sharia law movement in the United States.
What Are Hama Rules?
Hama Rules is an expression coined by Thomas Friedman to describe Syria's ruthless repression of dissent, emanating from Hafez el Assad's massacre in Muslim Brotherhood-controlled Hama in February 1982.
The Difference Between Alawites and Sunnis in Syria
Are the differences between Alawites and Sunnis doctrinal or political? Read about the Alawite beliefs, their place in the Syrian regime, and their alleged links to Iran.
False Fears and Shameless Pandering in Opposition to Ground Z…
Opposition to the mosque at ground zero in New York is grounded in false fears and shameless chauvinism by the likes of Newt Gingrich and Sarah Palin.
Islamists and the Arab Spring Uprisings
The Arab Spring uprisings in 2011 unleashed great political change in the Middle East. Did Islamist groups participate in the protests? How did they get involved, and how have they benefited from the changes?
Salafism in the Middle East
Salafis are ultra-conservative Islamists advocating a religious revival in Muslim societies. What are the origins of their thought? Are all Muslims in the Middle East Salafis? Whas is their connection to Al Qaeda?
An overview of Sunni-Shiite hotspots in the Middle East, and what is driving...
An overview of Sunni-Shiite hotspots in the Middle East, and what is driving the tension.
What is Blasphemy in Islam
The concept of blasphemy in Islam is contentious, because the holy scriptures offer no unequivocal guidance on the issue.
What Is the Shiite Crescent?
The Shiite Crescent is a contentious notion of an emerging alliance of Shiite political forces in the Middle East, backed by a resurgent Iran, with the specific aim of countering the Sunni Arab, US-backed states such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan.
Who Are the Islamists?
Islamism is probably the most powerful political force in the Middle East today. Where does this ideology come from, and how does it relate to Islam?
Is Sharia Law a Threat to the United States and the West?
A movement to "ban" Sharial law is sweeping the United States. Hysteria? Stereotype? Justifiable prevention? You decide.
Should the Burqa Be Banned? - Burqa Bans and Western Society
From France to Egypt to Turkey, Islamic face-coverings (call them burqas, niqabs, chadors or whatever else) are under assault. Should they be banned?
Allahu Akbar - Are the Terms Allahu Akbar Fighting Words?
Are the Terms Allahu Akbar Fighting Words? Isn't it offensive to equate the words, as some do, with terrorism and jihadism?
The Muhammad Cartoons: Complete Set
The original set of Muhammad cartoons images that exploded in controversy in 2006, after publication in Denmark's Jyllands-Posten newspaper.
Melkite - Melkites
Brief definition and history of the Melkites (eastern-church Catholics) of the Middle East.
Can Ayatollah Khomeini's Revolution Survive? - Religion and Reality i…
Striking contradictions undermine the roots of Ayatollah Khomeini's Iranian Revolution, not least of which the joining of temporal (or political) and spiritual leadership under one "Supreme Leader." Can the revolution survive without force?
Who Are Egypt's Copts and Coptic Christians?
Brief explanation and history of Egypt's Copts and Coptic Christians, minus the misconceptions and misapplications of the terms.
Official Web Site of A Common Word
138 Muslim scholars, clerics and intellectuals have unanimously come together to declare common grounds between Christianity and Islam, with an open letter to the world's churches. Every denomination and school of thought in Islam is represented, as is every major Islamic country. This is the movement's Web site.
How to Understand Islam
A review essay by Malise Ruthven, author of several books on Islam, covering several new books on Islam and secularism, Islam's ongoing reformation, and the anti-Islamism of Ayaan Hirsi Ali.
Ground Zero Mosque: Should It Be Built? - Does a Mosque Belong Near G…
The proposal to build a $100 million, 13-story mosque two blocks from ground zero is provoking heated reactions. Should the mosque be built there?
Middle East Response to “Innocence of Islam” Film
A film depicting Prophet Mohammed in an unfavorable light triggered the worst anti-Western unrest in the Middle East since the Mohammed’s cartoons controversy in 2005. Read who's behind the protests.
Saudi Arabia's Dismal Human Rights and Civil Liberties Record
Saudi Arabia's human rights record, along with its civil liberties record, continues to be dismal.
What Is the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar?
Description and brief history and purpose of the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar, designed by I.M. Pei