Religion in 2011: revolutionary and conservative 3 Jan 2012 Religion in 2011 was seen in dramatic revolutions but also in less sensational events and developments that suggest its continued influence in politics and society.
Book: sociologists seeks to explain the dearth of extremist Muslim terrorism 31 Aug 2011 A new book is unique among the steady stream of books on terrorism and Islam in devoting most of its pages to how Islamic extremists have been most ineffective and unpopular in their attacks both against the West and fellow Muslim societies, writes Richard Cimino in this review.
Tajikistan: the influence of migration on religion 22 Aug 2011 Large-scale seasonal and international labour migration and the stark social and economic changes that it causes affect both the perception and practice of Islam in ways that challenge the usual fixation on 'religious radicalisation'.
Religion and debt crisis: American Christians divided on crisis and spending cuts 17 Aug 2011 As the world watched the U.S. government deadlocked over raising the debt ceiling in early August, America' s Christians had their own standoff on the issue and the impending spending cuts that resulted in the creation of two opposing declarations and pressure groups.
Saudi Arabia: the religious dimension of dissent 10 Aug 2011 Six months after the start of the so-called Arab Spring which has witnessed revolutions, uprisings and even a full-fledged Civil War in no less than six Arab countries, there is no sign yet that the spirit of protest and revolt is about to reach the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
United States: anti-Islamist activists find political support and new opposition following Norway killings 9 Aug 2011 The recent killings in Norway by Anders Breivik and the attempt to explain his motivations and influences has thrust a group of American anti-Islamist activists and writers into the spotlight. This network of activists and bloggers has been increasingly influential in shaping the attitudes and discourse of Republican politicians and the conservative media in the U.S.
