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More on Engaging the Muslim World

In light of Sen. Kerry’s upcoming Senate hearings, I thought I would link to some recent reports on the topic that might provide some useful background. Islamic Peacemaking Since 9/11 Changing Course: A New Direction for U.S. Relations with the Muslim World (Change the Story is the result of this report) The Doha Compact – New Directions: America and the Muslim World Mightier than the Sword: Arts and Culture in the U.S.-Muslim World Relationship Strengthening America: The Civic and Political Integration of Muslim Americans A Strategic Look at U.S.-Muslim World Relations

Interview on NPR on Riyaaz Qawwali

I was recently interviewed on NPR about Riyaaz Qawwali, a group out of Austin, TX. Hussein Rashid, a professor of religion at Hofstra University, says that many qawwaliartists working in South Asia today have limited themselves. He believes this American group is bringing the music back to its roots.  “You know, I think there’s been so much concern about what is Islam, and what isn’t, politically speaking and artistically speaking,” Rashid says, “that there’s been a push in modern qawwali to actually sanitize it and make it very sterile — and almost rule-bound — rather than ecstatic and devotional. For me, I think…

Forgive Student Loan Debt

Forgive Student Loan Debt. Forgiving the student loan debt of all Americans will have an immediate stimulative effect on our economy. With the stroke of the President's pen, millions of Americans would suddenly have hundreds, or in some cases, thousands of extra dollars in their pockets each and every month with which to spend on ailing sectors of the economy. As consumer spending increases, businesses will begin to hire, jobs will be created and a new era of innovation, entrepreneurship and prosperity will be ushered in for all. A rising tide does, in fact, lift all boats – forgiving student…