Western Muslims & the Future of Islam- Tariq Ramadan
One word describes Tariq Ramadan’s "Western Muslims and the Future of Islam": Seductive. He reinterprets fundamental Islamic principles to alleviate what he sees as a serious shortcoming in Europe’s and America’s Muslim populations- that of non-integration. Perhaps, reinterpretation is too strong a word, because he takes care not to move too much outside orthodoxy. He [...]
All things being equal
With the closure of Prince Sultan Airbase, Saudi Arabia has been left without American air cover since 2003. Little wonder that Iraq looms large in the kingdom’s sights. With a Shia majority and recent moves toward federalism, Iraq looks set to become the new borders of Iran. This, coupled with an alleged nuclear program, horrifies [...]
A scholar breaks rank
Recent developments in Saudi Arabia bring some light to an already dark era:
Sheikh Abd Al-Muhsin Al-’Abikan, advisor to the Saudi Justice Ministry and member of the Saudi Shura Council, adopts some very interesting positions:
- He scorns the use of the J word in Iraq:
“There is a difference between Jihad for the sake of defense which [...]
Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahhab
In researching this short biography, I was astonished at the wealth of material that is available online, but it soon became clear that the people who write about him come from two solid archetypes; both at opposite ends of the spectrum.
Those who loathe Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahhab are guilty of including too many [...]
Peace with Jews irritate some
For a country that has been more hostile to Israel in the past than many Arab countries, recent developments in Pakistan must alarm extremists. Pakistan is no ordinary Muslim country. Most Middle-Eastern regimes view Pakistan as a Sunni counterbalance to Shia Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Saudi Arabia, especially, has been
quietly gnawing over Iran’s alleged nuclear [...]
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