Foreign Policy and the Establishment of Religion

by Paul R. Pillar The opening line of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution bans any law “respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” It is no accident that this prohibition has pride of place… Continue Reading

Islam and Environmentalism

by Austin Bodetti Across the Global South, community leaders, politicians, and scientists are wrestling with how to rally their compatriots to combat climate change and prepare their countries for the dangers of environmental degradation. In several corners of the Muslim… Continue Reading

Hawks Clamoring to Attack Iran

by Emile Nakhleh As Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, National Security Advisor John Bolton, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Saudi crown prince and de facto ruler Mohammad bin Salman clamor for a war against Iran,… Continue Reading

China Drafts Restrictions for All Religions

by James M. Dorsey China intends to extend aspects of its crackdown on Islam in the north-western province of Xinjiang to all religions as is evident from the publication of proposed restrictive guidelines for online religious activity. The guidelines, according to… Continue Reading

Pompeo, Religion, and Regime Change in Iran

by Esfandyar Batmanghelidj In his brief stint as CIA director, Mike Pompeo brought God to Langley. At least that’s how it felt it to many in the intelligence community. According to Foreign Policy, Pompeo attended “weekly Bible studies held in… Continue Reading