January 25, 2020 Philip C Johnson, Ph.D. http://www.globalnext.org Saudi Arabia has always been a bit of a conundrum. Hosting Islam’s two holiest sites, Mecca and Medina, she holds considerable influence over the religious lives of 1.8 billion Muslims. Saudi’s significant regional rival is another Muslim nation - the Islamic Republic of Iran (a Shiite Muslim … Continue reading Can Saudi Arabia be Trusted in 2020?
Tag: Islam
9/11 Turns Eighteen
September 11, 2019 Philip C Johnson, Ph.D. http://www.globalnext.org It’s September 11th again and we’ve come upon the 18th anniversary of the horrific events that occurred at the hands of 19 al-Qaeda members back in 2001. Eighteen years. If this anniversary were a person, he or she would be old enough to vote. Old enough to … Continue reading 9/11 Turns Eighteen
You are a Racist
July 14, 2019 Philip C. Johnson, Ph.D. http://www.globalnext.org That’s right - more than likely, you are a racist and it’s about time I confirmed that for you. And let me be unambiguous: You are “at least” a racist and possibly homophobic, Islamophobic, transphobic and xenophobic. But the “R” word is the easiest and most efficient … Continue reading You are a Racist
Christchurch Mosque Massacre: Tragedy, Blame and the Death of Free Speech
March 22, 2019 Philip Johnson, Ph.D. http://www.globalnext.org A lot of people have asked me about my thoughts regarding the Christchurch Mosque Massacre of March 15th. I have a lot of thoughts. Even more questions. And I shared a few predictions with Global Next's students regarding what I thought would be the aftermath of this event. … Continue reading Christchurch Mosque Massacre: Tragedy, Blame and the Death of Free Speech
Global Roundup – December 2018: Part 2 – European Nationalism and Pakistan’s Blasphemy Laws
As 2018 winds down, here are two more global issues that matter - Growing nationalism in Europe and the draconian Islamic blasphemy laws in Pakistan - most recently in the case of Asia Bibi. It's your world: Be informed.
9/11: Seventeen Years Later, the World Continues to Change
September 11, 2018 Phil Johnson, Ph.D. http://www.globalnext.org Again, it’s the anniversary of 9/11. The 17th anniversary to be exact. It is sobering to think of how many years have already passed since the horrific events of 9/11 when Muslim terrorists hijacked commercial airplanes and attacked New York City and Washington, D.C. Nearly 3000 people were … Continue reading 9/11: Seventeen Years Later, the World Continues to Change
Global Snapshots: Spring 2018
By Phil Johnson, Ph.D. March 24, 2018 http://www.globalnext.org Greetings Globalnexters - this season of study-abroad conferences and research is going by like a whirlwind - so I thought I’d stop for a moment and share some insights and impressions from the places that Global Next has found itself in the last few weeks. Here are … Continue reading Global Snapshots: Spring 2018
Radicalizing Uzbeks?
Phil Johnson, Ph.D. January 25, 2018 http://www.globalnext.org OK, admit it - you aren’t exactly sure where Uzbekistan is. It’s OK, you’re not alone. Collectively, we’ve pretty much ignored this part of the world with the notable exception of Afghanistan. But 2017 put Uzbekistan front and center with a spate of terror attacks all purportedly committed by … Continue reading Radicalizing Uzbeks?
A “Son of Raqqah” Shares: From the Heart of ISIS
September 8, 2016 Phil Johnson, Ph.D. Global Next, LLC http://www.globalnext.org For a number of years I have have known and worked with a man who calls Al-Raqqah, Syria his home. Yes, the place of the headquarters of ISIS. This “son of Raqqah” is a man with whom I am well-acquainted and in turn is well-acquainted … Continue reading A “Son of Raqqah” Shares: From the Heart of ISIS
Mass Shooting in Orlando: I’ve got a few questions, do you?
Phil Johnson, Ph.D. June 15, 2016 Summary: What Happened? On June 12, Omar Mateen, an American citizen of Afghan decent went into the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida and murdered 49 people and wounded 53 more. He did it in the name of Allah. He did it in solidarity with ISIS. He threatened further attacks from … Continue reading Mass Shooting in Orlando: I’ve got a few questions, do you?