05/08/2008 - THE TWO CRESCENTS OF ISLAM - THEOLOGICAL DIFFERENCES OR IDENTITY POLITICS?

This week on Radio Intifada we will be discussing the Two sides of Islam. The war in Iraq has brought forth a new comprehension of Sectarianism to the West. But, do we really understand this contemporary clash of identity? Who are the Sunni's and who are the Shia's? How do they differ? How are they similar? Is the strife fueled by theology and history or is it a struggle of power, subjugation and Freedom? Can Arab unity counteract foreign intrigue in this regional conflict?

We'll also explore the similarities and differences between Sunni and Shia women, the Quran's doctrine on treatment of women and misconceptions of Islam in a Western society.

Our guest are:

Dr. John Esposito: A professor of Religion and International Affairs, Professor of Islamic Studies and Founding director of the Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding at Georgetown University. He is the editor-in-Chief of the four-volume, The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern Islamic World. He has authored more than thirty books including; Holy War: Terror in the Name of Islam, The Islamic Threat: Myth or Reality?, Islam and Politics, and his latest book, Who Speaks for Islam?

Edina Lekovic: Spokeswoman for The American Muslim Community and the Communications director for The Muslim Public Affairs Council.

Fatma Saleh: The author of, A New Perspective: Women in Islam.

Program produced and hosted by Lucy Der-Tavitian, SWANA (South and West Asia and North Africa) Collective