Changing demographics might derail peace
God’s Warriors Are Multiplying Much of religious fundamentalism’s political strength derives from fundamentalists’ increasing share of the population. This demographic shift is occurring not only in the Muslim world, but also in Israel.
Israel has been slowly evolving from a culturally Jewish democracy into a religiously dominated one. Israel’s Haredi ultra-orthodox religious community, for example, is growing [...]
Dancing in Saudi Arabia- Sheikh Obaikan’s view
Saudi sheikh in wedding dance row A prominent Saudi cleric (al-Obaikan) has publicly criticised religious hardliners after it was suggested he behaved improperly when he danced at a wedding. … The Sheikh confirmed to an Arabic newspaper that he did take part in the dance but quoted many stories of the Prophet’s life to argue that there was [...]
Axis of Evil- Redundant?
The Extremists Unbound
The pattern of policymaking in the Middle East, as it was defined since President Bush’s “axis if evil” speech of January 2002, is undergoing a momentous change of direction. Bush’s foreign-policy paradigm of an alliance of “moderates” to defeat the “extremists” – a model too enthusiastically seconded by an unimaginative Israeli leadership and [...]
Atheletes compete with hijab
I have nothing but respect for the women athletes who are wearing their hijabs at the Olympics
A lot of rubbish is talked about the hijab. Since France banned girls from wearing them in schools in 2004, there has been a steady stream of media stories and comment suggesting that Britain should do the same. Feminist [...]
Counting Muslims not an easy task
Muslim census a difficult count
A new census of Muslim congregations is reviving controversies over how many Muslims are in the USA, how they are counted and why it matters.
For minority religious groups, particularly Muslims and Jews, higher numbers can mean enhanced social and political clout in the U.S. public square. … The first census in 2000 counted [...]
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