The tragic consequences of Gaza’s endless catch-22s
Israel will not lift its blockade of Gaza until Hamas is removed from power, but Hamas will not fall so long as there is a blockade. This is just one of the many tragic, circular paradoxes in which Gaza is entrapped.
Read MoreBeyond belief: Arab atheists and their quest for acceptance amid intolerance
Atheists are amongst the most marginalised and persecuted minorities in the Arab world. Despite the risks atheists face from the state and vigilantes, atheism has become more visible and vocal in recent years, leading to greater public understanding and tolerance.
Read MoreThe unlikely demonisation of Salman Rushdie
Salman Rushdie made a very unlikely target for the fury of conservative Muslims, which is why the opportunistic fatwa issued by a Khomeini in serious decline took the novelist and the world by surprise.
Read MoreThe truth about Islamic reformations
Islam needs a reformation for Muslim societies to develop and prosper, is one of those rare convictions shared by both Islamophiles and Islamophobes. Tunisia has done just that: radically reformed its brand of Islam and established a vibrant democracy to boot, yet prosperity eludes it. Why?
Read MoreISIS and the mash of civilisations
Counterintuitive as it may sound, ISIS is proof that the clash of civilisations is a myth. The reality is that interests clash, while cultures mix.
Read MoreThe Middle East’s new century
As the Middle East stumbles perilously close to its own “world war”, seeds of change are already sprouting hopes of a better century ahead.
Read MoreOne year on: Gazans feel the pain of being abandoned by Egypt
Although the Israeli siege hurts Gazans more materially, the Egyptian blockade is more painful emotionally. It is also counterproductive.
Read MoreA ‘War on Error’ against radical anti-Islam
Given how many New Atheists, Christian fundamentalists and neo-cons share a distorted view of Islam and Muslims, it’s high time for a War on Error
Read MoreThe caliphate illusion: “Restoring” what never was
The tyranny of Arab secular dictators and destructive Western hegemony combined to enable ISIS to “restore” a brutal caliphate which never existed.
Read MoreThe forgotten clash within civilisations
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the clash of civilisations theory, but Samuel P Huntington was wrong.
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