Writing Worth Reading
Writing Worth Reading
Image by sdhaddow on Flickr
Islam is the world's fastest growing religion. Some of the world's most militant groups claim to be acting in the name of Islam, although many of their victims are Muslim. Read interviews with Islamic experts and delve into our selection of articles to find out more
Thoughtful essay that asks whether the two religions that frequently appear locked in an inevitable clash of civilizations in fact share more than has often been thought
Examination of Western responses to Muslim scholars such as Ayaan Hirsi Ali. Should she be defended as a 'classic example of a persecuted dissident intellectual' or criticised by the likes of Buruma and Garton-Ash?
Comprehensive demographic study of 200 plus countries. Finds that there are 1.57 billion Muslims living in the world today, representing 23% of an estimated 2009 world population of 6.8 billion. Essential backgrounder
Examines divide between al-Qaeda and the Muslim Brotherhood. At the core 'lies a clash between two different conceptions of jihad and its purposes under contemporary circumstances'
Exploration of Prevent initiative aimed at inoculating young muslims against violent extremism in the UK. Controversial and not always successful. Accused of being a 'spying operation' by some
Argues for acceptance of political Islam in the West. But is a complex situation, 'Islamists often challenge liberals by advocating social norms and political agendas that run against the historical tenets of liberalism'
An Al Qaeda mastermind questions terrorism and rejects violence in the name of Islam - written from fax sent from Tora Prison, Egypt. Fascinating exploration of factionalism amongst the jihadis
Renowned academic and philosopher Tariq Ramadan, argues that Muslim teachings have a lot to offer when it comes to bringing personal values into public life and how best to live together
Succinctly argues that vast majority of Europe's 15-20 million Muslims have nothing to do with radical Islamism and are struggling hard to fit in, not opt out. Particular focus on France
Argues that Turkey is a beacon of hope for those who insist that Islam and liberal democracy are quite compatible and also looks to other countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia
Factual overview of Sharia law. Associated with good governance but prone to abuse from militants
Academic article that attempts to answer 'the riddle of the Arab democracy deficit' which 'requires dispensing with assumptions that cannot stand the test of evidence'
2001 piece but still very relevant on whether the failure of Islamic states is the fault of Islam? Ian Buruma, Fred Halliday, Abdelwahab El-Affendi, Merryl Wyn Davies, Roger Scruton, Sami Zubaida, Iqbal Asaria discuss
Somewhat tired but still highly relevant debate on the peacefulness of Islam. Option to read or watch video of debate - gets a little feisty!
The believers in Islamic mysticism embrace a personal approach to their faith and a different outlook on how to run their country’s government
Waziristan, headquarters of Islamist terror, has repelled outsiders for centuries. Now the Pakistani government is making a determined effort to control the place
'From the terrible Algerian slaughter, and its terrible silence, comes this small tale, told by an officer of the special forces who broke with “Le Pouvoir” of his own country and sought asylum in France'
A leaked memo, arguing that the state's anti-terrorism strategy should involve tackling nonviolent Islamism, is wide of the mark
The longer the US stays, the more Iraq's former civic identity di
