Religion

Why 9/11 was good for religion

Source: The Guardian Author: Andrew Brown 9/11 strengthened fundamentalism in every global faith – and in atheism too. But it has also led to backlashes against these doctrines wherever they have appeared. In Islam there have been positive developments. The attacks were repeatedly and clearly condemned by Muslim leaders all […]

Islam in Indonesia: A Scholar’s View

Jakarta Globe: Lydia Tomkiw Historian Michael Laffan’s new book explores the influences of trade, travel and traditions on the spread of Islam in Indonesia. Historian, author and professor Michael Laffan studied Indonesian in high school in Australia before going on to study Arabic in college. Laffan wanted to connect the […]

When Is a Martyr a Martyr?

Source: Qantara Ten years after the attacks of 11 September 2001, international media need an East–West consensus – and not just with regard to the usage of key terms. Common standards and ethical norms are indispensable for reporting in crisis situations. A commentary by Loay Mudhoon   How can international […]

Demonizing Muslims: To what end?

Source / Courtesy: Globe and Mail Why do certain media choose to offer platforms to those who spread malicious lies and instill fear about Muslims? Do they agree with those sentiments? Is it to influence their government’s policies on multiculturalism, immigration or laws banning Muslim institutions and practices? Is it […]

Levantism finds its place in modern Israel

Co-editor of a new collection of writings of the Egyptian-born Jewish writer Jacqueline Shohet Kahanoff, who believed Israel would never find peace until it recognized that it was in the Middle East………. She spent time in New York (earning a journalism degree at Columbia University ) and in Paris, before […]