The morally laden question “What went wrong with Islam” is usually associated with Bernard Lewis and has gained seeming relevance in the wake of 9/11. Interestingly however, the question has a... Show moreThe morally laden question “What went wrong with Islam” is usually associated with Bernard Lewis and has gained seeming relevance in the wake of 9/11. Interestingly however, the question has a fairly long tradition in the Muslim world as well. This article dissects the question’s rhetorical qualities through a discussion of its invocation by late nineteenth century Arab reformers. The analysis reveals that, both then and now, asking the question functions to preclude further inquiries, to silence disagreeing voices, and to strategically boost the agendas of the questioner. Show less
The dominant narrative dealing with crimes of violence against Muslim women in both the Europe and the Middle East employs strikingly similar strategies, motifs, and symbols, especially when it... Show moreThe dominant narrative dealing with crimes of violence against Muslim women in both the Europe and the Middle East employs strikingly similar strategies, motifs, and symbols, especially when it comes to the issue of rape. Such similarities beg the question: to what extent is the discourse on rape part of the problem of acts of violence against women? Show less
