Beirut during this time of the year is sheer magic. The weather is fantastic and my stay at the American University of Beirut (AUB) for four nights was just enchanting. I had the good fortune to stay on campus as the guest of the AUB provost, Professor Ahmad Dallal,... read more →
Apr
02
Mar
22
Robert Fisk: Right across the Arab world, freedom is now a prospect - Robert Fisk, Commentators - The Independent.
Mar
20
On Saturday several Duke faculty, including yours truly were interviewed by the renowned television host of the Charlie Rose Show. I was interviewed with my sociology colleague Jen'nan Read. The interviews will be aired later but here are a... read more →
Mar
20
UPDATE The new vice-chancellor of Darul Uloom Deoband, Mawlana Ghulam Vastanvi enjoyed some reprieve, when the Trustees of the century old seminary in India delegated a committee of inquiry to evaluate the VC's controversial statements made in the Indian media. In the aftermath of the controversy fueled by his comments... read more →
Mar
03
Another Pakistani politician, this time a Christian cabinet minister was slain by an assassin's bullet. Shahbaz Bhatti, 41, was ambushed and killed because he campaigned for the country's blasphemy laws to be amended or abolished. Clearly, passions are running high about the mere suggestion that the laws be amended. Punjab... read more →