Russia is the new front for militant Islam

As Russia deepens its involvement in Syria, it risks more than a military quagmire. Its intervention exacerbates a growing domestic threat, one that could destabilize the whole country. A new brand of radical Islam is rising in Russia, fueled by Russian fighters eager to perpetrate acts of terror at home.

Even a decade ago, the scope and depth of this emerging terrorist network would have seemed inconceivable. While Russia has suffered its share of domestic terrorism, those crimes were largely perpetrated by Chechen fighters based in the North Caucasus region. When Moscow declared an end to its counterterrorism operations in Chechnya in 2009, it suggested that the threat of radical violence had been largely contained.

An open letter to all Nigerians

In his address to the members of the Christian Legislators Fellowship of Nigeria at their 6th Annual Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, October 22, in Abuja, President Muhammadu Buhari is quoted to have said:

“The time has come for Nigeria to have godly leaders in a permanently changing world. Change, though usually resisted, is the most constant component of life. Thus the need of a Godly leader in our ever changing world cannot be over- emphasized. Whenever God’s people have been without godly leadership, the result has been disastrous.”(The Nation).

With this statement, Mr. President has given an indication of what he expects of all he has invited to participate in his government specifically and Nigerians in general. In a private audience with him last July, this writer, after listening to him speak on the state of the nation prayed for him this prayer, “Allah shi taya ka riko” and he responded very quickly: “Allah shi taya mu riko”! Meaning: Mr. President, may God assist you in this mission” to which he responded, “ May God help us in this assignment”. Again, it is clear, this is a mission of rescue and restoration to decency in which all Nigerians are invited to participate. All who have been studying the body language of President Buhari would have seen that he is committed to zero tolerance for corruption from all those who are in this government and believe that it is their turn to loot the wealth of this nation and enrich themselves. So, Mr. President has made his clarion call, let Nigerians say, ‘amen’ in whatever language but be prepared to live it out!

‘Islam Is a Doctrine Spawned in Hell’: Pastor Set to Go on Trial After Fiery Sermon Calling Islam ‘Satanic’

An evangelical pastor in Northern Ireland who is going on trial next month after calling Islam “satanic” and “spawned in hell” during a 2014 sermon is imploring his countrymen to support his right to free speech.

“Again I appeal to every born-again child of God and every true servant of God to support me in my coming trial, by your presence and prayers, regarding the issue of free speech, freedom of conscience and ‘lawful’ liberty,” Pastor James McConnell recently wrote on his website.

Senegal leader calls for 'tolerant Islam' across Africa

Senegal's President Macky Sall has called for African countries to promote a "tolerant Islam" and share intelligence to combat jihadist groups, while acknowledging recent arrests of preachers.

"We must develop a philosophical and theological discourse, training imams with a sense of a tolerant Islam," he said, speaking late Monday at the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in the Senegalese capital.

Political Islam and the Sunni – Shiite divide (What drives ISIS?)

Emile Nakhleh, research professor and coordinator of National Security Programs at the University of New Mexico will talk on Wednesday, Nov. 11 at noon in the Communication & Journalism Building, Room 256.

His talk will focus on political Islam, the Sunni-Shiite divide, the continuing threats from ISIS and the factors that drive it, as well as its apparent resiliency. The presentation will also address the sources of radical Sunni Islamic ideology and the ensuing sectarian conflicts that are causing havoc and destruction in the region. He will also examine the changing Middle East power realignments in light of the Iran nuclear deal and the re-integration of Iran in the international community.