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Shawwal, 14242003-12-01

Crescent International Vol. 32, No. 15

Book Review

Sympathetic essays on ‘modernizing Islam’ illustrate realities of the carrot and the stick

Laila Juma

Modernizing Islam: Religion in the Public Sphere in Europe and the Middle East by John L. Esposito and Francios Burgat (editor). Pub: Hurst & Co., London, 2003. Pp: 278. Pbk: £16.50 / US$24.00.​

Book Review

New edition of a classic work on the zionist problem

Masood Alam Ansari

The Gun and the Olive Branch: The Roots of Violence in the Middle East (Third Edition) by David Hirst. Pub: Nation Books, New York, 2003. Pp: 626. Pbk: US$17.95.

Editorials

Iraq and Palestine, Riyadh and Istanbul – the limits of hard power

Crescent International

In political science, power is defined as the ability to achieve a desired outcome; to translate’s one will into reality. Power is recognised as having various aspects, which theorists have described in various ways. Some distinguish between the "power to do" something and "power over" others...

Editorials

Why Iran might be wise to build the nuclear bomb

Crescent International

The tortuous saga of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’s inspection of Iran’s nuclear program finally reached a conclusion of sorts on November 25, when it was announced that the powers represented on the body and of the UN Security Council had agreed the text of a new resolution accepting the conclusions of an IAEA report on Iran’s nuclear program...

Features

Imam Khamenei’s khutbah on the US’s plans for the Middle East

Sayyid Ali Khamenei

​In his jum’a khutbah on November 14, IMAM SAYYID ALI KHAMENEI discusses the US’s policies in the Middle East. Here we report his comments.

Features

Islam, culture and identity: towards an understanding of culture

Yusuf Al-Khabbaz

​YUSUF AL-KHABBAZ discusses modern and traditional Islamic ways of understanding culture, with particular reference to the challenges facing Muslims in today’s global, multicultural and West-dominated society.

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Islamic Movement

Egyptian regime demonstrates the uses and abuses of repentance

Mohamed Yehia

In October the Egyptian authorities released several hundred political detainees, out of the many thousands that it is estimated to hold. Those who were released included the so-called "historical leaders" of the Gama’ah Islamiyya (Islamic Group), who were nearing the end of the 25-year prison sentences they were given in connection with the assassination of Anwar Sadat in 1981.

Occupied Arab World

Hizbullah driving a hard deal to free hostages held by Israelis

Tahir Mahmoud

Last month’s announcement that Israel has agreed to a "prisoner" exchange with Hizbullah again highlights the deviousness of the zionists: Israel has kidnapped scores of Lebanese and other activists and held them hostage, while Hizbullah has captured Israeli soldiers in battle.

Occupied Arab World

US forced to change approach as Iraqis step up resistance

Ahmad Musa

When the history of the US occupation of Iraq is written, November 2003 may well come to be recognised as a turning point, a month in which a number of developments took place indicating the US’s increasing desperation in the face of determined and increasing Iraqi resistance to its presence in Iraq.

Occupied Arab World

House of Saud in crisis after Riyadh bombings and under American pressure

Waseem Shehzad

Differences over internal policy have emerged into the open among the usually secretive members of the House of Saud, who have until now maintained a facade of unity in times of crisis.

Reflections

The need to reassert true Islamic political culture and values

Zafar Bangash

Two ideas have dominated American thinking for the last decade: Francis Fukuyama's ‘End of History’ and Samuel Huntington's ‘Clash of Civilizations.’ They provide alternative understandings of contemporary history, Fukuyama proclaiming the triumph of the West...

South-East Asia

Malaysia’s new premier facing hard task following Mahathir

Abdar Rahman Koya

Riding high after his speech at the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) summit in October, Malaysia’s Dr Mahathir Mohamad finally kept his promise by stepping down after 22 years in power. He seems to have followed the advice from his mother...

World

Oil still the major US strategic consideration in Central Asia

M. R. Abdullah

When the US declared its intention to overthrow the Taliban government in Afghanistan after the attacks on New York and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, there were knowing smiles among those familiar with the US oil industry’s long interest in the region. Two years later, a great deal has changed.

World

US encouraging increasing relations between zionist Israel and BJP-ruled India

Qazi Umar

Indian prime minister A. B. Vajpayee has tried to dispel fears in the Arab world about India’s military ties with Israel; he says that India’s cooperation with Tel Aviv will not "dilute" its relations with the Arab countries.

World

Cracks appearing in Pakistan’s military regime as people demand democracy and Islam

Zafar Bangash

Oscillating between comedy and farce, the Pakistani political scene has never been dull, but has resulted in terrible consequences for the hapless Pakistanis. An assorted array of charlatans and crooks, claiming to be on a messianic mission to usher in prosperity, have driven the masses into ever-deeper despair.

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