How not to make Europe great again
A new alliance of Italian, Polish and Hungarian far-right parties promises a renaissance that will make Europe great and Christian again. The trouble is the original Renaissance was not Christian, and Europe has never been better.
Read MoreHow not to fight extremism in America
A sudden lurch from ignoring or underplaying the threat of right-wing extremism in America to treating white crusaders like jihadis and QAnon like al-Qaeda will set off the insurgency timebomb rather than defuse it.
Read MoreWhen Muslims make merry at Christmas
For Western Muslims, Christmas is just outside their doorsteps. For some, Christmas even skips merrily in from the cold and crosses the threshold into their homes
Read MoreThe curious case of the Islamophobe who became a Muslim
Rather than being like a vegetarian who suddenly becomes a carnivore, a former Islamophobic politician’s conversion to Islam is more akin to a committed soda beverage drinker switching from Coca Cola to Pepsi.
Read MoreMerry Muslims at Christmas
Despite fears of an anti-Christmas jihad, many ordinary Muslims enjoy getting into the spirit of the season.
Read MoreBad blood or blood libel: When is criticism of Israel anti-Semitic?
While critics of Israel can be anti-Semitic, many who criticise Israel harbour a deep respect of and love for Jews. Similarly, supporting the Jewish state is not necessarily a manifestation of philo-Semitism and can stem from anti-Semitic motives.
Read MoreWhat does being a Muslim actually mean?
In much of the world, ‘Muslim’ is often used as a marker of ethnic origin rather than of religion. This must change.
Read MoreFor drinkers, Ramadan brings a special kind of thirst
Ramadan is the time of year when hundreds of millions of Muslims around the world abstain from food or drink. But one group of fasters suffers a special variety of thirst this time of year: Muslims who drink alcohol.
Read MoreBernard Lewis and the non-existent clash of civilisations
Bernard Lewis was the orientalist scholar of choice for American neo-conservatives. His dangerous ‘clash of civilisations’ theory was not only wrong but caused enormous damage in the Middle East.
Read MoreEgyptian atheists: Caught between Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
Atheists in Egypt have been enjoying greater public acceptance, but their increased visibility has also resulted in controversy, shrill panic and a growing tide of prosecutions.
Read More
