Tag: Politics

Talks

Video: Christian Scholar Examines Prophet Muhammad’s Covenants and Pluralism

Dr. Craig Considine2 Comments

Dr. Craig Considine speaks at the 5th annual Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies. The Forum, led by Sheikhs Abdallah bin Bayyah and Hamza Yusuf, was titled “Alliance of Virtues: An Opportunity for Global Peace.” Dr. Considine spoke on a panel titled “Covenants, Treaties, the Nation State and Muslims in the Global Order.” The host…… Continue reading Video: Christian Scholar Examines Prophet Muhammad’s Covenants and Pluralism

Politics

The Muslim Nation as a Civic Nation

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Scholars have dedicated much time and effort to unpack the various kinds of nation-building projects, but the distinction between “civic nation” versus “ethnic nation” is perhaps the most widely-employed conceptual building block in the study of nationhood and national identity. While these types of nations share common elements like historical territory and common culture, they…… Continue reading The Muslim Nation as a Civic Nation

Books

Islam, Race, and Pluralism in Diaspora: Experiences of Young Pakistani Men in Boston and Dublin

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One afternoon in the summer of 2013, I sat down with a young Ahmadi American Muslim of Pakistani descent. He told me an unsettling story, one that touches on some of the most pressing issues of the post-9/11 era. The young man, henceforth “Muhammad,” was traveling on an Amtrak train along the East Coast. Sitting…… Continue reading Islam, Race, and Pluralism in Diaspora: Experiences of Young Pakistani Men in Boston and Dublin

Politics

These Anti-Sharia Protests Are Based on Lies and Conspiracy Theories

Dr. Craig Considine14 Comments

A brief word about these anti-sharia protests happening tomorrow across 28 cities in the U.S.. In short, these protests are totally bogus. The facts show that so-called infiltration of sharia in the American legal system is a non-existent problem or threat. To date, there is not a single Muslim organization calling for sharia to trump the…… Continue reading These Anti-Sharia Protests Are Based on Lies and Conspiracy Theories

Politics

Fact-check – “Radical Islamic Terrorism” Poses a Very Small Threat to America

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President Trump tweeted yesterday that “The threat from radical Islamic terrorism is very real, just look at what is happening in Europe and the Middle East.” His comment suggests that “radical Islamic terrorism” is the greatest threat to the United States and that his administration will take steps to eradicate this danger from the world. The tweet…… Continue reading Fact-check – “Radical Islamic Terrorism” Poses a Very Small Threat to America

Politics

Prominent Organization Lists Trump as Threat To Human Rights

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Human Rights Watch, a prominent American-founded international non-governmental organization that conducts research and advocacy on human rights, has recently published an article on the threat that President-elect Donald Trump’s administration poses to human rights. The organization said in a 687-page report: “Donald Trump’s election as US president after a campaign fomenting hatred and intolerance, and the rising influence…… Continue reading Prominent Organization Lists Trump as Threat To Human Rights

Outreach

Rice University Discussion to Break Stereotypes of Muslim Americans

Dr. Craig Considine2 Comments

One word – Islamophobia – captures Donald Trump’s rise to the top of the American political scene. Over the course of the last year, Trump has called for the following: a “total and complete shutdown” of Muslims entering the United States; closure of mosques; possibly putting Muslims in internment camps; and “absolutely” requiring Muslims to…… Continue reading Rice University Discussion to Break Stereotypes of Muslim Americans

Quoted · Work

Cited in “Trump’s Failure on ‘Heeby Jobbies'”

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

A new CNN piece by Dean Obeidallah cites my article “Saluting Muslim American Patriots.” Obeidallah wrote the following: Muslims fought to establish this nation, serving in the Revolutionary Army, fighting alongside George Washington, according to sociologist, Craig Considine, who assayed Muslims’ contributions in war in an article for the Huffington Post. The most famous was Peter Buckminster,…… Continue reading Cited in “Trump’s Failure on ‘Heeby Jobbies'”

Politics · Religion · Sociology

Dear America – Check Your Christian Privilege

Dr. Craig Considine4 Comments

A few months ago, when I was teaching Sociology of Religion at Rice University, the topic of Ted Cruz and Christian privilege came up in our classroom. In response to questions about his commitment to conservatism, Cruz stated: “I’m a Christian first, American second, conservative third and Republican forth. I’ll tell ya, there are a whole…… Continue reading Dear America – Check Your Christian Privilege

Islamophobia · Video

Video: “Islam Isn’t a Race”, But Islamophobia is Racism

Dr. Craig Considine3 Comments

The following lecture, which I broadcasted first on Periscope, is based on my recent article, “Muslims Aren’t A Race, So I Can’t Be Racist. Right? Wrong”. I argue that although Islam is not a race, Islamophobia should be treated as a form of racism.

Politics

Jewish Extremists Torch One of Christendom’s Most Important Churches

Dr. Craig Considine11 Comments

Here’s another important story getting hardly – if any attention – in media. On an erly Thursday morning in June 2015, “Jewish extremists” torched the Church of the Multiplication in Tabgha, near the Sea of Galilee in Israel. The arsonists wrote graffiti in Hebrew on that walls that read, “Pagans” and “False idols will be…… Continue reading Jewish Extremists Torch One of Christendom’s Most Important Churches

Politics

Muslims Aren’t A Race, So I Can’t Be Racist. Right? Wrong.

Dr. Craig Considine11 Comments

“Nonsense.” That is what people say when I accuse them of being racist. Their argument goes something like this: “Muslims are not even a race, so how the hell could I even be racist? You’re an idiot.” Because Muslims are not a race, people believe that any type of violence or oppression directed towards them…… Continue reading Muslims Aren’t A Race, So I Can’t Be Racist. Right? Wrong.

Politics

Why Forgiving the Boston Bomber is the Right Thing to Do

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In Massachusetts federal court yesterday, Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokar Tsarnaev apologized to the victims and families that have been impacted by the bombs he set off. Tsarnaev, who is waiting his death sentence, stated: “I am sorry for the lives that I’ve taken, for the suffering that I’ve caused you, for the damage that I’ve done.…… Continue reading Why Forgiving the Boston Bomber is the Right Thing to Do

Politics

Mind Control and the Impending “Islamic Attack” on US Malls

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Interfaith

Muslims in Libya Forget Muhammad’s Letter to Christian Monks at Mt. Sinai

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

*Note: This article, published in the Huffington Post on October 20th, 2013, is relevant in light of the recent attack by Muslims in Libya, where 20 Coptic Christians were killed because of their religious background. While the article is placed in an Egyptian context, it can easily apply to the situation in Libya.  One issue often discussed on…… Continue reading Muslims in Libya Forget Muhammad’s Letter to Christian Monks at Mt. Sinai

Politics

FOX News Headlines Are Why White, Angry, Non-Muslim Men Go on Killing Sprees in America

Dr. Craig Considine2 Comments

The FOX News headline pictured above is why white, angry, non-Muslim men in the US men go on killing sprees against Muslims living in America. It’s why they burn mosques down to the ground. Throwing loaded terms like “global jihad,” “growing terror,” and “Muslim world” into the same headline is an impressive feat of propaganda. The…… Continue reading FOX News Headlines Are Why White, Angry, Non-Muslim Men Go on Killing Sprees in America

Politics

An Unlikely Connection Between the Prophet Muhammad and George Washington

Dr. Craig Considine2 Comments

Published on Huffington Post (January 1st, 2013) In seventh century Arabia, a middle-aged man had a vision to create a new religious and social order for a largely pagan and tribal society. The man, Muhammad, told his band of followers to behave wisely and civilly. “The best among you,” he said, “are those who have…… Continue reading An Unlikely Connection Between the Prophet Muhammad and George Washington

Politics

The Spectacular Achievements of U.S. Propaganda Against Islam: A Review of Noam Chomsky’s “Media Control”

Dr. Craig Considine3 Comments

What role does the media play in contemporary politics? This question is at the heart of Dr. Noam Chomsky’s book Media Control: The Spectacular Achievements of Propaganda (published by Seven Stories). Although first published in 1991, Chomsky’s book remains timeless and pertinent. Since 9/11, the US government has fed Americans propaganda that portrays Muslims as “boogeymen,” a…… Continue reading The Spectacular Achievements of U.S. Propaganda Against Islam: A Review of Noam Chomsky’s “Media Control”

Islamic State · Politics

How and Why the US Reinvaded Iraq in 2014/2015

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

Chuck Hagel, US Defense Secretary, said in an interview last week that Washington might send American ground troops to Iraq to help “turn back” the Islamic State’s (IS) advancement in Syria and Iraq. To be specific, Hagel stated, “I think [the situation] may require a forward deployment of some of our troops … I would say we’re not there…… Continue reading How and Why the US Reinvaded Iraq in 2014/2015

History · Politics

Yes, Muslims are the New Jews of Europe

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They cause anger, social panic, and fear. We have been told that their culture is overwhelming and that they are breeders of terrorists and other types of criminals. People claim that they must be crushed before “we” lose “our” way of life. I am talking about two groups – Jews of 20th century Europe and…… Continue reading Yes, Muslims are the New Jews of Europe

Politics

The Sexualization of Torture: An American Obsession

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In recent years researchers have highlighted the US government’s use of sexual humiliation as a form of torture. For example, this article highlights how children were sodomized in front of women by American terrorists at Abu Ghraib, and this piece looks at how American officials ordered prostitutes to menstruate on so-called “terrorists,” also at Abu Ghraib. Several thought-provoking questions come out of these…… Continue reading The Sexualization of Torture: An American Obsession

Politics

When Hagel Warned Obama of New World Order

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Journalist Bob Woodward writes: In the first months of the Obama presidency in 2009, Chuck Hagel, who had just finished two terms as a U.S. senator, went to the White House to visit with the friend he had made during the four years they overlapped in the Senate. So, President Obama asked, what do you…… Continue reading When Hagel Warned Obama of New World Order

Politics

Obama’s Hypocrisy and Ferguson

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Quoted

Propaganda

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Islamic State

First Civilians Killed in “War on Islamic State” – Expect More in Future

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US missiles “targeting IS” in the town of Kafr Diryan destroyed two residential areas, killing 27 people, most of whom were civilians. According to a report by Al Jazeera (from Truth Revolt): “The locals say that this is the first time that they were attacked by missiles since the outbreak of Syrian revolution. The paradox,…… Continue reading First Civilians Killed in “War on Islamic State” – Expect More in Future

Politics

“Washington is a War Capital … the US is a War State”

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A few passages from Kirt Nimmo at Global Research “The Real Network of Death – ISIS Atrocities Pale When Compared to those of the U.S. Masters of War” As Tom Engelhardt notes, “Washington is a war capital” and “the United States is a war state.” It is the “norm for us is to be at war…… Continue reading “Washington is a War Capital … the US is a War State”

News

This is What War Propaganda Looks Like

Dr. Craig Considine2 Comments

An important video especially in light of the mass-hysteria surrounding IS and other militant groups in Iraq and Syria. CNN is pushing out sensational coverage which may not be entirely honest. In some cases, its coverage may be utterly fabricated. As they say, history repeats itself. Via SynergyCreek: Charles Jaco is seen here committing fraud as he reports…… Continue reading This is What War Propaganda Looks Like

Islamic State · Politics

Iran Doubts the US’s Intention to Obliterate Islamic State

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The commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard is on record stating, “We have serious doubts that the US’s intention is to obliterate (Islamic State).” A spokeswoman from Iran’s foreign ministry echoed this argument, stating, “The pronounced goals of this coalition in the fight against terrorism are inconsistent with certain past and present deeds of its main…… Continue reading Iran Doubts the US’s Intention to Obliterate Islamic State

Politics

Who Controls the Information You Put Into Your Mind?

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History

Never Forget the Native American 9/11

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The destruction of the indigenous people of modern day North America had much to do with the implementation of the policy of ethnic cleansing. Ethnic cleansing is the systematic forced removal of ethnic or religious groups from a given territory with the intent of making it ethnically or religiously homogeneous. The forces applied may be…… Continue reading Never Forget the Native American 9/11

Politics

Ron Paul: They Hate Us Because of Our Global Military Footprint

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During the Sept. 12, 2011, Republican presidential debate in Tampa, Ron Paul  — a staunch advocate of limited government and a more modest military footprint — offered a surprising statistic about the reach of the US armed forces. In fact, the US’s military footprint is more extensive than Paul had thought. Read about it at Politifact.…… Continue reading Ron Paul: They Hate Us Because of Our Global Military Footprint

Work

The Islamic State: The Mother of All “Blowback” for the U.S. Government

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Blowback is unintended consequences of a covert operation that are suffered by the aggressor. To the civilians suffering the blowback of covert operations, the effect typically manifests itself as “random” acts of political violence without a discernible, direct cause; because the public—in whose name the intelligence agency acted—are unaware of the effected secret attacks that…… Continue reading The Islamic State: The Mother of All “Blowback” for the U.S. Government

Politics

NY Times Suggests C.I.A. Helped Create Islamic State

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

Here’s a New York Times article, “Arms Airlift to Syria Rebels Expands, With Aid From C.I.A..”, published right as the U.S. and Saudi Arabian governments were leading the charge to topple Bashar Al Assad in Syria. Everybody knows that the American/Saudi tag-team is more concerned with Iran than any other player in the region. Assad…… Continue reading NY Times Suggests C.I.A. Helped Create Islamic State

Politics

Video: Retired Lt. General Admits U.S. Helped Build Islamic State

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More and more information coming out suggesting that Islamic State is a little puppet for the U.S.’s geopolitical interests. And this was shown on Fox News. That’s a little mind boggling in itself …

Politics

Why Aren’t IS and Al-Qaeda Attacking Israel?

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Why does Israel not share the concern it has over Palestinians, Iranians, Syrians, and Lebanese with al-Nusra, ISIS, and al-Qaeda? Why do these groups wage jihad against Israel’s enemies but not against Israel itself? Indeed, this curious fact was also raised by Nabil Na’eem, the former al-Qaeda commander who recently gave an interview to Al-Maydeen…… Continue reading Why Aren’t IS and Al-Qaeda Attacking Israel?

Politics

U.S. Soldier Who Fought in Afghanistan Reflects on Ferguson

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Politics

New Princeton Study Says U.S. is Not a Democracy, But an Oligarchy

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Who governs? Who really rules? To what extent is the broad body of U.S. citizens sovereign, semi-sovereign, or largely powerless? These questions were posed by researchers Martin Gilens and Benjamin I. Page, who argue in their new study that over the past few decades America’s political system has slowly transformed from a democracy into an oligarchy, where wealthy…… Continue reading New Princeton Study Says U.S. is Not a Democracy, But an Oligarchy

Politics

Must Watch Speech by David Norris, Member of Seanad Éireann (Irish Senate), on Israel’s Attack on Gaza

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David Norris, a member of Seanad Eireann (the Irish Senate), gave a powerful speech in which he condemns Israel’s latest attack on Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. I had the pleasure of meeting Senator Norris in 2011 when he chaired the launch of the Trinity College Journal of Postgraduate Studies, which I had edited. His…… Continue reading Must Watch Speech by David Norris, Member of Seanad Éireann (Irish Senate), on Israel’s Attack on Gaza

Politics

Former US Representative: “Israel Steals Gazan Land Under the Guise of Security ‘Buffer Zone'”

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Dennis Kucinich, former US Representative from Ohio, published a piece in The Guardian which argues that Israel’s latest attack on Palestinians in the Gaza Strip is not about “security” but rather a “land grab.” Kucinich provides a little insight into what is really happening in Gaza: There is a land grab going on. The Israeli prime…… Continue reading Former US Representative: “Israel Steals Gazan Land Under the Guise of Security ‘Buffer Zone'”

Politics

Politician in Turkey Calls on Turkish Women to Stop Laughing in Public, Calling it “Immoral”.

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First of all, HAHAHAHA and LOL. In all seriousness though, this story is no laughing matter. Telling any person, let alone a woman, not to laugh in public is inhumane and stripping an individual of some of the joys of life including humor and friendship. Imagine how strange and miserable life would be without laughter. Imagine that there…… Continue reading Politician in Turkey Calls on Turkish Women to Stop Laughing in Public, Calling it “Immoral”.

Irish Diaspora

Irish Diaspora May Get the Right to Vote in Irish Elections

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New legislation initiated by Jimmy Deenihan, the Junior Minister for the Irish Diaspora, will allow Irish passport holders living in diaspora to vote in Irish elections. Irish Central reports: The matter of voting rights at home for the hundreds of thousands who have left Ireland in recent years has been a constant matter of protest among…… Continue reading Irish Diaspora May Get the Right to Vote in Irish Elections

Politics

Irish Government Gives €500k in Emergency Funding to Gaza

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The Irish government has pledged funding of €500,000 for the United Nations’ emergency appeal for families affected by the conflict in Gaza. The funding will provide food, shelter and healthcare to thousands of families, many of whom have had to flee their homes. Foreign Affairs minister Charlie Flanagan said: ‘I totally condemn the major escalation…… Continue reading Irish Government Gives €500k in Emergency Funding to Gaza

Politics

An Irish Perspective for the Palestinian People

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I must say, the Irish people I have been speaking to over the last few days are so passionate about the situation in Palestine. Not sure what it is, if it’s Ireland’s history of being oppressed by a ruthless foreign invader, or if it’s just the compassion of the Irish people. Nevertheless their stance on…… Continue reading An Irish Perspective for the Palestinian People

Politics

Forget their Different Methods of Madness, ISIS and US Military Can Both be Brutal

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Don’t let the coverage of the media trick you into thinking that ISIS is somehow more brutal than the US military. Who cares about their different methods of madness, whether it’s an “execution style” gun to the head or a bomb which drops depleted uranium on civilians. All of these acts are outrageous. Both ISIS rebels and American military…… Continue reading Forget their Different Methods of Madness, ISIS and US Military Can Both be Brutal

Politics

Negligent Pakistani Government Displaces 455,000 People With Reckless Military Adventure

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A mass exodus of Pakistanis is now underway in North Waziristan after the Pakistani army launched a massive operation against militants who oppose the state. The Pakistani army has called its operation “The Strike of the Prophet’s Sword.” I think Muhammad would be insulted that the army has used his name in an offensive that has…… Continue reading Negligent Pakistani Government Displaces 455,000 People With Reckless Military Adventure

Sociology

Ethnic Vs. Civic Nations: A Comparison Between England, Ireland, and the United States

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Jonathan Freedland’s article in the Guardian on English identity discusses the differences between the “ethno-nation” which is defined by “blood and soil” and the “civic nation” which is defined by egalitarian values and democratic institutions. These two types of competing national identities are also discussed in my PhD dissertation which focuses on the experiences of young first- and second-generation Pakistani…… Continue reading Ethnic Vs. Civic Nations: A Comparison Between England, Ireland, and the United States

Sociology

How Can Ireland, a Country with a History of Forced Migration and Oppression, Treat Refugees so Poorly?

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment
Politics

The Problem with Banning the Burqa

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

When I was recently invited to speak at a debate at University College of Cork in Ireland on banning the burqa, I was a bit hesitant to accept the call to participate. I, for one, am not a woman, nor am I Muslim. Speaking on an issue that focuses specifically on Muslim women seemed to…… Continue reading The Problem with Banning the Burqa

Politics

Backlash follows Catholic Online’s misleading headline on “closure” of Vatican Embassy

Dr. Craig Considine2 Comments

Catholic Online, a leading news source for Catholics in the US and abroad, recently created the headline “Obama orders closure of Vatican Embassy.” This headline is misleading, overtly political, and even dangerous as it helps reproduce the myths that President Obama is anti-Catholic and that he is also a Muslim. Catholic Online forgot this quintessential point…… Continue reading Backlash follows Catholic Online’s misleading headline on “closure” of Vatican Embassy

Religion

What Europe’s Far-Right Parties Can Learn From Islam

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

By Craig Considine Today’s far-right parties in Europe, such as the National Front in France and the Party for Freedom in Holland, are surging in popularity and calling for legal bans on veils, mosques, minarets, sha’ria, and even the outright expulsion of Muslims from the continent. In short, the far-right perceives Muslims as “inassimilable” and…… Continue reading What Europe’s Far-Right Parties Can Learn From Islam