Rizwan Mustafa reflects upon his 2015 PhD field work in Pakistan: after some recent discussions with Pakistani counter-terrorism officials, it became clear that they considered religion to be a primary cause of violent radicalism. Yet religion can act as a guide to moral virtue, so it is not obvious how the state can function without it. Can there be a middle ground between religious extremism and secularism?
Can women make a greater contribution to the global economy? Given the social disadvantages that women face around the world, the obvious answer is yes. Yet even when all things appear equal, in the view of Marcia Devlin, Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Federation University Australia, women are still under-utilised and under-appreciated in the business world.
In this first part of the two part commentary Jon Kofas argues: The education system is supposed to impart ideals and knowledge into a state’s citizens, however, the modern university system appears to be broken and incapable of serving its traditional role in society. This is partly because of a crisis in access opportunities, and partly because universities have become revenue driven. It did not have to be this way.
In this piece, Shahariar Sadat–an advocate of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh argues that the nationhood of Bangladesh and the identity of its people are at a crisis point because of the recent spate of inexplicable violence. This exposition is an attempt to argue that Bangladesh is historically welcoming to foreigners and its population have always demonstrated exceptional religious tolerance.
Simon Leitch argues that It took the better part of two presidencies to come into the public domain but, at last, the classified 28 pages of the 9/11 report have been released. In one of the worst kept secrets on Capitol Hill, the Report pointed to strong Saudi connections with the hijackings and jihadist movements. Don’t worry though – they’re our allies!
Shakib Chowdhury, the lead vocal of a Bangladeshi progressive rock band argues that being a Muslim is about doing good, having faith in God, and believing in the message and the Messenger. ISIS and groups like it take the easy path – the path of self-righteous killing – but the harder path is to build something, show tolerance, and keep the faith.
Alochonaa (Dialogue) 