South Asia
The Politics of Religious Minorities in Muslim-Majority States: Old Challenges and New Trends
Ziya Meral Monday, 13 June 2011
Socio-political factors have influenced the treatment of non-Muslims living in Muslim-majority states. Four historical eras demonstrate the evolving nature of how non-Muslim minorities have been treated by their Muslim rulers.
Ambiguities of Apostasy and the Repression of Muslim Dissent
Abdullah Saeed Monday, 13 June 2011
Early Islam acknowledged religious diversity and offered protections for people of other religions. Today, laws against apostasy and blasphemy are used to suppress religious dissent, thwart political opposition, harass intellectuals, and incite acts of violence.
Read more: Ambiguities of Apostasy and the Repression of Muslim Dissent
Blasphemy Laws in Muslim-majority Countries
Asma Uddin Monday, 13 June 2011
In Pakistan, Indonesia, and Egypt, blasphemy laws appease rather than control violent extremists and create a culture of impunity, where increasingly egregious crimes are committed with little or no consequences for the perpetrators.
Read more: Blasphemy Laws in Muslim-majority Countries
Exporting Blasphemy Restrictions: The Organization of the Islamic Conference and the United Nations
Paul Marshall Monday, 13 June 2011
In the United Nations Human Rights Commission, the 57 members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) have campaigned to ban criticism of Islam or Islamic governments through a resolution titled "Combating Defamation of Religions." [FREE]
A Case Study of Foreign Aid and Religion in Dalit Societal Advancement
Tracy Piersma Thursday, 8 July 2010
The Irulas and Punjabi Dalits provide an interesting case study on the importance of religion for community identity. While the Irulas now root their identity in socio-economic advancement, the Punjabi Dalits have centered their identity on a new religion.
Read more: A Case Study of Foreign Aid and Religion in Dalit Societal Advancement
Radically Nonviolent Islam? Abdul Ghaffar Khan and his Muslim Army of Peace
Kelly Allen Wednesday, 6 May 2009
Abdul Ghaffar Khan's nonviolent army promoted social reform and education among the Pashtun people in Pakistan. Khan's commitment to nonviolence was rooted in Islam, and his example is relevant today.
Read more: Radically Nonviolent Islam? Abdul Ghaffar Khan and his Muslim Army of Peace
A Strategy for Hearts and Minds in South and Central Asia
Peter Nasuti, Philip Reiner, Joshua White Monday, 1 September 2008
For effective strategy in South and Central Asia, the U.S. will have to integrate its policies on religious freedom, public diplomacy, and counterinsurgency—and take religious factors into account.
Read more: A Strategy for Hearts and Minds in South and Central Asia
Pakistan's New Frontier
Joshua White Wednesday, 5 March 2008
CFIA Research Fellow Joshua T. White, who recently took part in a U.S.-sponsored election observer delegation to Pakistan, writes in the Wall Street Journal - Asia on Pakistan's religious politics.
Read more: Pakistan's New Frontier
How to Dismantle a Peace Deal on Pakistan's Frontier
Rebecca Haines Thursday, 1 March 2007
Chronic neglect has weakened security and stability on Pakistan's Frontier, and attempting to cow frustration now with indiscriminate displays of military strength will further undermine stability.
Read more: How to Dismantle a Peace Deal on Pakistan's Frontier
From the Editor: The Neo-Fundamentals
Dennis Hoover Thursday, 1 March 2007
Rather than seeking to "reform" Islam, the West should consider ways to maximize the values of respect and inclusivity within Islam. [FREE]
Read more: From the Editor: The Neo-Fundamentals
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