Secularism
Neither Islamism nor Secularism
The world is worried about the jihadism of Syria’s new leaders, but the world may be missing the point. Whether the state is religious or secular, Syria needs a strong society, not a strongman.
The Folkloric Stories Behind Kurdish Secularism
Even though Kurds produced many legends in Islamic history, like Saladin, contemporary Kurds invoke folkloric figures and battles. The central role of these legends explains the secularism of Kurdish resistance and why Islamism has not gained ground among Kurds today
Apologists Call Assad Secular. Assad Tells Syrians Otherwise
“What is the difference between a human and an animal?” Assad said. “Humans have feelings and animals have feelings. … Humans speak and parrots speak … animals have brains and they learn. … The difference between a human and an animal is just one thing that human beings have: creed.”
Where Laïcité Collides with Islam
Behind the French legal code separating state and religion, and why Emmanuel Macron's attempt to incorporate Islam into it is provoking anger among Muslims.