2012 U.S.-Islamic World Forum Publications
The continued sweeping political transformations in the region through the Arab Spring coupled with a continued lack of understanding and malignment of Islam in the U.S., signifies that the importance of bridging the relationship between the U.S. and global Muslim communities remains as vital as ever.
The 2012 U.S.-Islamic World Forum, convened by the Project on U.S. Relations with the Islamic World in partnership with the State of Qatar, brought together key leaders from the U.S. and global Muslim communities to discuss a range of issues of strategic importance and mutual interest. Part of the forum is also dedicated to convening different thematic working groups to explore a specific issue in depth through research, analysis and discussion both prior to and during the forum.
The 2012 U.S. Islamic World Forum working group findings and recommendations, in addition to Peter Mandaville’s paper, Religion and Political Civility, explore different challenges facing global Muslim communities and evaluates the role of the U.S. in facing these issues.
Between Interference and Assistance: The Politics of International Support in Egypt, Tunisia, and Libya
Shadi Hamid, Director of Research, Brookings Doha Center and Fellow, Saban Center for Middle East Policy
Salman Shaikh, Director, Brookings Doha Center and Fellow, Saban Center for Middle East Policy
Leading the Brookings Doha Center’s second “Transitions Dialogue,” Salman Shaikh and Shadi Hamid discuss shared lessons from Tunisia, Egypt and Libya by gathering a diverse group of mainstream Islamists, Salafis, liberals, and leftists, along with U.S. and European officials, to examine issues of economic recovery, civil society development, regional security, and the role of the U.S. and other international actors. Read more »
Compassion: An Urgent Global Imperative
Karen Armstrong, Author and Historian of Religion; Founder, the Charter for Compassion
In 2008, the Charter for Compassion initiated a dialogue on how global religious leaders could build a global network of compassionate religious communities. Karen Armstrong and international religious activists and leaders developed a succinct guide to explain what a compassionate synagogue, church, temple, or mosque would look like in the 21st century and how to restore compassion to its rightful place as the test of true spirituality and the heart of religious and moral life. Read more »
Developing New Mechanisms to Promote the Charitable Sector
Dean Dilley, Senior Partner, Patton Boggs LLP
Elizabeth Ryan, Associate, Patton Boggs LLC
An important national security priority for every country is preventing the diversion of charitable assets for illegal purposes. Dean Dilley and Elizabeth Ryan convened key stakeholders to consider the challenges to philanthropic giving, particularly Muslim charities, and to develop practical solutions. Read more »
Water Challenges and Cooperative Response in the Middle East and North Africa
David Michel, Director, Environmental Security Program, Stimson Center
Amit Pandya, Lawyer and Author
Syed Iqbal Hasnain, Consultant, Stimson Center
Russell Sticklor, Research Associate with the Environmental Security Program, Stimson Center
Sreya Panuganti, Environmental Security Intern, Stimson Center
With the Middle East struggling to manage scarce water resources, it has become crucial for the region to bolster collaborative alternatives. David Michel, Syed Iqbal Hasnain, and Amit Pandya illuminate the water governance policy options available to the region by examining three case studies: the Tigris-Euphrates basin, the Nile basin, and a side-by-side consideration of water stewardship in Yemen and Oman. Read more »
Religion and Political Civility
Peter Mandaville, Nonresident Senior Fellow, Project on U.S. Relations with the Islamic World
As communities revise their basic political rules and shape new political institutions, some of the most complex and vexing questions regard religion and what role it should play. Peter Mandaville examines how the full rights of all citizens can be ensured, particularly those in the minority, and who ultimately has the authority to determine the boundaries of citizenship. Read more»