In The News

The Legacy of the Silk Road

Valerie Hansen January 25, 2013
Modern-day diplomats in Asia and beyond envision reviving the Silk Road, an ancient network of routes crisscrossing the continent for trade and security. But Valerie Hansen, author and professor of history at Yale University points, out that trade was not the primary purpose of the network. “Instead, the Silk Road changed history, largely because the people who managed to travel along part or all...

The Counterintuitive Jihad

Abukar Arman November 29, 2012
The concept of jihad is debated by many and largely misunderstood or misinterpreted by those seeking to drive a wedge between Islam and the West. In setting out guidelines for adherents of the faith, the Prophet Mohammed was intent on transforming society in the 7th century, eliminating ignorance and developing a common code for conduct. Abukar Arman, Somalia special envoy to the United States,...

Middle East Protests: A Salafist Trap

Fawaz A. Gerges September 19, 2012
Modern Salafi beliefs emerged from a reform-oriented movement of the late 19th century. The movement eventually became more conservative, evolving into multiple forms. Evidence suggests that a small group of ultraconservative Salafis may have hijacked protests over an obscure, anti-Islamic film and orchestrated attacks on US embassies in the Middle East. “The Salafis are spearheading a drive to...

Is Islam to Blame for Freedom Deficit in Middle East?

Riaz Hassan July 5, 2012
The fury of the Arab Spring, with widespread demands for freedom quickly followed by a re-emergence of authoritarian ways, has renewed debate about Islam and democracy in the Middle East, notes sociologist Riaz Hassan. Circa 1000 AD, the Middle East represented 10 percent of global GDP, as compared to Europe’s 9 percent – religious powers in both regions protected elites and the status quo. Seven...

Syrian Conflict Promises Toxic Outcome – Part II

Dilip Hiro June 28, 2012
Underlying unrest and conflict in Syria and elsewhere in the Middle East is sectarian divide. In Syria, Alawites, a Shia sub-sect, rule over a population that’s 70 percent Sunni. Sunni-run Qatar and Saudi Arabia supply weapons to Syrian rebels, mostly Sunni, even while hoping to keep their own sizable Shia populations at bay. War in Syria poses regional dangers, and in the second article of a two...

Where Will the Muslim Brotherhood Take Egypt’s Economy?

Mohamed El Dahshan February 6, 2012
The Muslim Brotherhood is Egypt’s largest opposition group, so it’s no surprise that its political arm, the Freedom and Justice Party, secured nearly half the votes in parliamentary elections. Campaign rhetoric proposed alcohol restrictions, gender-segregated beaches, and revision of Egypt’s peace treaty with Israel. Ready to step into power, Islamists already have more pressing matters: an...

Neighbors Eye Iraq’s Sectarian Rift With Unease

Angus McDowall, Parisa Hafezi December 27, 2011
No one can say what might have eventually happened had the US not invaded Iraq and removed despot Saddam Hussein. Now shown the exit door by Iraqi leaders, US troops leave Iraq even as the entire Middle East is in tumult. In Egypt, Bahrain, Tunisia, Syria, and other countries, citizens seek representative governments, while politicians are bitterly divided over secular and Islamist policies, as...