Islam vs. Islamism: The Birth of Totalitarian Theology

Islamist terrorists and theocrats hold beliefs quite different from those of ordinary Muslims. But where does radical Islamism originate from? In the 20th century, the world faced two major totalitarian threats, one in the form of fascism that was spearheaded by Nazi Germany, and the other in the form of communism, spearheaded by the Soviet […] Read more

Lebanon’s Syrian Refugees Face An Uncertain Future

While Assad prepares for a post-war order, Syrian refugees in Lebanon face an uncertain future, making their presence even more precarious. Driving north from Lebanon ́s capital Beirut, we reach the Bekaa Valley and its biggest city, Baalbeck. Fields and small villages along the road dominate the scenery. Beyond the mountain range to our right, […] Read more

Pride is a Safe Place for LGBT people of Muslim Heritage – A response to Al-Kadhi In The Guardian

Pride is an important, welcoming place for LGBT people of Muslim heritage, including liberal Muslims and ex-Muslims. Amrou Al-Kadhi’s article in The Guardian paints a bleak picture of London Pride. It contains inaccurate citations of placards and, more menacingly, erases the bastion of hope and progress that the parade symbolises for many LGBT people of Muslim heritage. Life […] Read more

Andrés Manuel López Obrador: A Mexican Donald Trump?

Mexico is set to vote in left-wing populist Andrés Manuel López Obrador in its election on Sunday, who has been likened to Donald Trump by some observers. Mexico’s federal elections, scheduled for July 1, comes at an important moment for the nation. The incumbent Industrial Revolution Party (PRI) are struggling in the polls and are […] Read more