BOOK EXCERPT by Vali Nasr (W.W. Norton & Company, 2006) It is clear today that America cannot take comfort in an imagined future for the Middle East, and cannot force the realization of that future. Such an approach guided the … More →

August 11, 2006

Read correspondent Lucky Severson’s August 7, 2006 interview in Washington, D.C. with Vali Nasr, a professor in the Department of National Security Affairs at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. More →

August 10, 2006

While many diplomats have traditionally held a very secular outlook on their work, Albright argues that decision makers need to do a better job of understanding religion’s role in the world. More →

May 19, 2006

Historically, in most religious traditions, suicide has been considered a sin. In light of this, many survivors have felt religiously stranded. How can their faith help them heal when that same faith may fault their loved one for the act of suicide? More →

October 21, 2005

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. “Fasting, for me, is a constant prayer that you’re engaged in throughout the day. For 12 hours or more, you’re praying,” says Zuleqa Husain, a young American Muslim. More →

October 14, 2005

In Darfur, in western Sudan, a perfect storm of religious, racial, political, military, and environmental conflicts produced warnings of a humanitarian disaster. But that has been averted for now by a massive relief effort. The situation is still dangerous, especially because of marauding fighters called the Janjaweed, but refugees are being cared for. More →

May 13, 2005

Today, there are about 800 Internet dating sites, among them those catering specifically to men and women of many religious faiths. All you need to do to find that special someone is log on. More →

February 11, 2005

As Iraqis get ready to elect a new parliament and write a new constitution, we discuss the role of religion in Iraq with Fawaz Gerges, a professor of international affairs and Middle Eastern studies at Sarah Lawrence College in New York. More →

January 28, 2005

Due to the Qur’an’s ban on all forms of idolatry, Islamic artists have specialized in beautiful writing, intricate designs, and rich materials and colors. More →

November 5, 2004

  BOB ABERNETHY, anchor: As Muslims in the U.S. and around the world observe the holy month of Ramadan until mid-November, we wondered what it is like to fast during daylight hours for a month — eating and drinking nothing, … More →

October 29, 2004