The Sydney Morning Herald contacted me for a comment on former judge Anthony Whealy's suggestion to imprison terrorists and terrorist advocates indefinitely till proven de-radicalised. A short quote from my interview can be read here. Yet I wish to explain my strong objection, as a scholar whom knows well the process of radicalisation within prison, against that advice. First allow me to... Continue Reading →
Should Muslims Apologise for Muslim Terrorists?
The debate, particularly in Australia, about whether Muslims should apologise or not for the acts of terrorism of some individuals whom are identified or identify themselves as Muslims, is in full spin. Recently a Twitter hashtag was developed where Muslims started to apologise for everything you may imagine. Some, during conversations with me, expressed their... Continue Reading →
Not all children are the same – some are collateral damage
President Barack Obama, looked terribly distressed at the vigil to commemorate the victims, twenty of whom were children. Obama's words, as well as his emotions, were sincere. He said The majority of those who died today were children, beautiful little kids between the ages of five and ten years old..They had their entire lives ahead of... Continue Reading →
UN resolutions, Palestine, Israel and trimming the tree: when fear of demography matters
Today many Palestinians and people believing in justice and the right to self-determination are celebrating the overwhelming vote to recognise Palestine as a non-member state. This was a clear message that the world (or at least the UN represented world) sent to the US, Israel and allies that enough is enough. Indeed, had the UN been a real... Continue Reading →
Announcing the Study Contemporary Muslim Lives Research Hub at Macquarie University
As director, I am pleased to inform you that today the website for the Study Contemporary Muslim Lives Research Hub at Macquarie University was officially launched. Study Contemporary Muslim Lives (SCML) is a research hub based within the Department of Anthropology at Macquarie University. It undertakes research on social, cultural and political aspects of contemporary... Continue Reading →