UNDERSTANDING LEBANON’S POLITICAL CRISIS
Lebanon’s multi-layered political crisis is getting worse by the day. The sheer range of security and political threats confronting the country – from the rise of shadowy extremist groups to the ever-widening rift between pro-government and opposition forces – is cited as proof that the small country’s complex demographic mosaic may once again (as it did during 1975-1990) succumb to Civil War. However, as the lead article of this month’s Islamism Digest argues, talk of Civil War is exaggerated, and often exploited by pro-American forces in the country to discredit the Hezbollah-led opposition. The solution to Lebanon’s interlinked (yet distinct) set of political crises lies in accepting the need for wide-ranging constitutional, electoral and other political reforms.
THE NEFA FOUNDATION: THE LATEST ASSAULT ON THE MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD
Islamism Digest pays close attention to events and processes linked to the international Muslim Brotherhood movement. This month we take a close look at the emergence of the Nine Eleven Finding Answers Foundation in the United States and its attempts to position the Muslim Brotherhood into the centre of the terrorism debate. Whilst research and critical enquiry are the life-blood of a healthy and vibrant journalistic and academic community, the type of Muslim Brotherhood-related “research” favoured by the NEFA Foundation inflicts injury on the journalistic and academic process. An honest and comprehensive debate on the Muslim Brotherhood can only take place if this small (albeit highly influential) group of self-appointed “experts” desists from monopolising the discourse.
CRITIQUING BRITISH COUNTER-TERRORISM POLICY: INTERVIEW WITH FAROOQ BAJWA
In this detailed and wide-ranging interview, Dr. Farooq Bajwa, a leading solicitor and international relations expert, critically comments on the British government’s legislation-centric approach towards counter-terrorism. Dr. Bajwa also discusses other issues in the community, including representation, the problems associated with leadership and capacity deficit and the true extent of youth radicalisation.
ISLAM AND EUROPE: IBRAHIM EL-ZAYYAT DISCUSSES THE FUTURE
In this second instalment of a two-part interview prominent German Muslim leader Ibrahim El-Zayyat talks at length about efforts aimed at promoting a distinct European Muslim identity and the challenges facing those who are trying to build pan-European Islamic organisations.
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