In The News

Islamic Bond Decree Cripples Sukuk, Imperils Projects

Haris Anwar September 5, 2008
Strict interpretation of Islamic law discourages interest payments associated with debt. Banks in fast-growing areas of the Middle East, like Dubai, created a special group of bonds – or sukuk market – described as Shariah-compliant, which allow payment through the exchange of assets rather than money. Bonds, as instruments of debt, raise capital and spur development of property, and unlike...

A Book Too Hot Off The Presses

Michelle Boorstein August 25, 2008
After the 9/11 attacks, a newspaper reporter in Montana became intrigued with the history of Islam and set out to write a book about Mohammed and his wives. During the course of her research, she became convinced that the Prophet “supported more rights for women than do many of his modern followers,” writes Michelle Boorstein for the Washington Post. The book, “The Jewel of Medina, is a...

Violence Spreads After Kashmir Shrine Siege

Rhys Blakely August 8, 2008
Kashmir, a subject of dispute for nuclear powers India and Pakistan since both states gained independence in 1947, is the home for a growing separatist movement by majority Muslims who would like to shake off Indian rule in that region. Hindu-Muslim clashes increased since June, when Kashmir government leaders backed away from a decision to give 40 acres of forestland to a Hindu shrine. Hindu...

The Paradox of Muslim Weakness

Sadanand Dhume May 27, 2008
Seven years after 9/11, views on the Islamist threat remain polarized and both are flawed, argues journalist and author Sadanand Dhume: The right overplays the danger to Europe and the United States, while the left underestimates its impact on Muslim-majority countries. Ironically, the very patterns of weakness in Muslim societies strengthen minority Islamists, among the most organized and...

People of Faith Seek New Dialogue on Immigration

Jim Wallis May 9, 2008
Illegal immigration is a hot-button topic in the US presidential election: Voters in some states key for the US presidential election demand immigration reform; farmers need workers willing to plant or harvest crops on a seasonal basis; communities worry about paying for public services to undocumented workers; and ethnic and religious groups demand compassion. Meanwhile, politicians drag their...

How to Win in Iraq Without Losing to Iran

Dilip Hiro April 11, 2008
The US approach on stabilizing Iraq has often been criticized as being too cavalier for failing to take into consideration the region’s history or political and religious make-up. US foreign policy contributed to the current catch-22, contends author Dilip Hiro. As a result, the US confronts two basic choices: ongoing costly intervention, which could trigger increasing discontent among US voters...

Vatican Updates List of Mortal Sins for Globalization Era

Dmitry Sudakov March 13, 2008
Many religions share the same goals, preventing harm to others or society, and their doctrines label the deliberate transgressions of moral law or religious teaching as sins. After 14 centuries, the Roman Catholic Church has updated its list of serious sins – adding pollution, genetic engineering, obscene riches, drug addiction, abortion, pedophilia and social injustice to the 6th century list of...