In The News

A Leaner, Meaner Jihad

Scott Atran March 16, 2004
Although the culprits behind last week's Madrid bombings have yet to be identified, it seems that most fingers are pointing to Islamic jihadists. In this op-ed article, Scott Atran argues that America's fight against terrorism is like Hercules' fight against the Hydra – each time one head is cut off, new heads spring forth to continue the battle. Contrary to many people's...

After the Train Bombs, a Political Bombshell

March 15, 2004
The ruling People's Party in Spain lost yesterday's election to the opposition Socialists – a result that would have been unthinkable just a week ago. Last Thursday's train bombings, which killed 200 people and wounded almost 1500 more, disrupted all political predictions. As evidence emerged that the bombings may have been planned by al-Qaeda-related operatives and not Basque...

Balancing Reactions

Gihan Shahine March 1, 2004
Across the Mediterranean from France, Muslims and Christians alike are showing their distaste for the new French ban on "conspicuous" religious symbols in the schools. French politicians have decided that Muslim headscarves, Jewish yarmulkes, and "large" Christian crosses have no place within its secular schools. Muslim and other religious activists disagree. To truly live...

We Need a Common Strategy

Romano Prodi February 18, 2004
In recent years, the European Union has grappled with waves of violent anti-Semitic attacks. This, combined with the anger some Europeans feel over Israel's policies, has turned relations with Jewish citizens into a tense conflict. In this Financial Times editorial, Romano Prodi – president of the European Commission – calls for concrete action against intolerance. This week leading public...

Lessons from an Unpunished Crime in Pakistan

Michael Krepon February 9, 2004
When A. Q. Khan, the 'father of Pakistan's nuclear bomb', spoke publicly last week, he urged the world to believe that only he - not his president or his country's government - was responsible for selling technology and know-how to aspiring bomb makers in Libya, North Korea, and Iran. Yet despite Khan's best efforts, says nuclear arms expert Michael Krepon, his story...

Job Description for the Next Pope

R. Scott Appleby February 3, 2004
Historian R. Scott Appleby believes the Catholic Church must ensure the next Pope fulfills a broad range of qualifications, not least of which is the ability to redefine the Church's understanding of current issues. Specifically, three challenges will confront the next Pope, and indeed the Catholic Church. Increased secularization, "indifferent or hostile to religious faith,"...

Immigrants Shouldn't Act like Dracula's 'Undead'

Sunanda K. Datta-Ray February 3, 2004
In a provocative essay, Sunanda K. Datta-Ray, a researcher at the Institute of South-east Asian Studies, argues that the sympathetic worldwide response to the proposed French ban on religious symbols in schools highlights the development of the "globalization of protest" and social movements. Improved communications and the rapid flow of ideas, ideologies and people across national...