Monday, April 27, 2009 15:19 - GMT

John Berwick - The New York Times

John Berwick writes that Pope Benedict XVI's mistakes have led to misunderstandings between Muslims amongst other groups in the world. Berwick gives the example of  Benedict XVI's comment after 9/11 that 'there might be a correlation between the subordinate role of reason in Islam and the violence committed in its name.' Even though this comment was intended to encourage interfaith dialogue, it sparked outrage and led to the burnings of Catholic churches in the West Bank. Berwick later writes that this was one of many instances where Benefict XVI's statements led to unintended consequences. 

Wednesday, April 22, 2009 16:30 - GMT

Gary Bauer - The Christian Science Monitor

Gary Bauer writes that in the current islamophobic environment where extremists are constantly on the news, school textbooks ' should affirm the piety and charity practiced by hundreds of millions of Muslims around the world, an acknowledgement that should be extended to Christians as well.' Bauer raises his conern for the misinterprations of Islam that are occuring through the American education system. He proposes that 'change will come only when teachers' and parents' voices are heard.'

Tuesday, March 24, 2009 03:06 - GMT

Sana Khorshid - Middle East Times

Sara Khorshid speaks out against the pre-conceived associations of her background and identity as an Arab woman. She explains that she is often ‘subjected to the same list of topics and questions concerning religion and culture’ such as polygamy, domestic violence, female circumcision and women’s oppression. She also states that ‘I am sick of Muslims being put in a position that compels them to apologize for their own value system, whether or not they condemn the practice.’

Monday, March 23, 2009 22:14 - GMT

Eric Heinze - The Daily Star - Lebanon

From the simple question of “Is Aristotle compatible with Islam?” Queen Mary University of London professor, Eric Heinze, explains to his audience how today’s Muslim students are more eager to learn and understand like Aristotle, and how tomorrow’s world is a mixture of science and religion, reason and faith, West and Islam.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009 16:49 - GMT

Mona Eltahawy - Viewpoints Special Edition

Marking the 30^th anniversary of the Egyptian-Israeli Camp David peace treaty this March 26^th, award-winning journalist Mona Eltahawy writes about the effects that this treaty has on Arab and Israeli generations today. While the children of Camp David have as much anger and frustration as those generations before, the internet and blogosphere seem to be walking along Anwar al-Sadat’s path for peace.

John Berwick writes that Pope Benedict XVI's mistakes have led to misunderstandings between Muslims amongst other groups in the world. Berwick gives the example of  Benedict XVI's comment after 9/11 that 'there might be a correlation between the subordinate role of reason in Islam and the violence committed in its name.' Even though this comment was intended to encourage interfaith dialogue, it sparked outrage and led to the burnings of Catholic churches in the West Bank. Berwick later writes that this was one of many instances where Benefict XVI's statements led to unintended consequences.