Book Review: Islam and the Future of Tolerance
A secularist and a former Islamist come together to debate the causes of extremism, dissect the nuances of how the West understands Islam, and discuss possible means of encouraging tolerance.
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Writings on the Wall: The Texts Governing the Islamic State
If religion, as many scholars argue, is inherently neutral — neither violent nor peaceful — how can an “Islamic state” be so committed to such violent acts?
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Can Syria Be Whole Again?
Some suspect that the partition plan is a Russian idea, and the United States is simply following along. It is also uncertain how the recent withdrawal of Russian forces will affect the ceasefire.
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2016 Bombings Across the Globe: How ISIS Has Grown in Scope
Considering the sheer volume of these bombings, the details can get lost in the news cycle, here is the Envoy’s briefing on 2016 bombings with casualties above 20.
Read MoreSyrian Ceasefire Begins, A Shaky Peace Holds
The peace was a welcome sign for many in the war-torn country. Key rebel cities like Aleppo and Homs hosted new protests against the Assad regime, with the slogan, “The Revolution Continues.”
Read MoreKremlin Seeks to Compete with Washington for Global Leadership
After several instances of cooperation with the United States in Afghanistan, the Russian government has decided to withdraw any further assistance to the United States or the U.S.-backed Afghan government, according to the New York Times.
Read MoreRussian Engineers Renegotiate Syrian Business Deal with ISIS
The Tuweinan gas facility, located about 60 miles southwest of the de-facto ISIS capital of Mosul, is an example of the renegotiation of Russo-Syrian business deals with the Islamic State.
Read More37 Killed in Ankara Bombing, the Third Attack in Six Months
In the third deadly terror attack in Turkey in the past 6 months, at least 37 people were killed in a car bombing in Kizilay Square, Ankara on March 13. The explosives used in the attacks were “packed with pellets and nails to cause maximum damage” according to a security official.
Read MoreMosul Dam at Risk of Failure
Former chief engineer Nasrat Adamo stated that the level of maintenance needed to shore up the flaws in the dam basically evaporated after its occupation by the Islamic State in the summer 2014. “The machines for grouting have been looted. There is no cement supply. They can do nothing… All we can do is hold our hearts.”
Read MoreEgypt Cracks Down on Dissenters Near Anniversary of Arab Spring
Security around Tahrir Square, the iconic center of the 2011 political demonstrations and revolt, has since been increased. The government has appointed clerics to preach against public dissent. Some remaining activists and human rights organizers have gone in to hiding. To date, Sisi has jailed over one thousand political critics.
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