Muslims

International reaction to Gaza siege has exposed the growing rift between the West and the Global South

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, November 8, 2023

But the numbers tell only half the story; equally significant was the way the votes fell.

Key Points: 
  • But the numbers tell only half the story; equally significant was the way the votes fell.
  • Those voting against the resolution included the United States and four members of the European Union.
  • Meanwhile, about 45 members abstained – including 15 members of the EU, plus the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Japan.
  • But they have been joined by the leaders of Brazil, South Africa and other Global South nations in taking a firm stand.
  • While the U.S. has used the word genocide in relation to Russia’s action in Ukraine, the Biden administration has pointedly said the term doesn’t apply to current events in Gaza.

The Global South’s coming of age

  • The growing influence of China and the fallout of the war in Ukraine – in which many Global South countries have remained neutral – has upended international relations.
  • And 2023 has been the year that has seen the coming of age of this more assertive Global South.
  • In August, Johannesburg hosted a summit of the BRICS group – a bloc that consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – during which 21 countries from across the Global South applied to join.
  • In contrast, the Group of Seven leading economies, or G7, represents less than 10% of the world’s population and 30% of the global economy.
  • The question is, can the BRICS+ – and more generally the Global South – do likewise given that it includes an array of countries with very different political and economic systems?

Latin America’s pushback

  • Historically, many African and Asian nations have tended to support the Palestinian cause – Indonesia does not even recognize the state of Israel.
  • But perhaps more surprising has been the strong reaction in Latin America to Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Western denialism

  • The voting patterns of Western representatives at the U.N. suggest the answer is “no.” In turn, this only adds to the general discontent across the developing world with the current structure of the U.N. Security Council and its lack of representativeness.
  • The fact that no country from Africa or Latin America is among the permanent members that enjoy veto power – compared with Western Europe, which is represented by both France and the U.K. – has long been a source of irritation in the Global South.
  • Western commentators and analysts from think tanks in London and Washington even contend that the very term “Global South” should not be used – with much of the criticism against the term directed at its alleged imprecision, but also because it would contribute to greater international polarization.
  • And no amount of Western denialism will be able to block it.


Jorge Heine does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Sarah Jama's censure: Making people feel uncomfortable is part of the job

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, November 7, 2023

The NDP’s disciplinary response and the removal of her from caucus cannot be separated from the current climate.

Key Points: 
  • The NDP’s disciplinary response and the removal of her from caucus cannot be separated from the current climate.
  • It is right in the middle of a nationwide Islamophobic backlash, where scores of others are also experiencing a wide range of institutional discipline.
  • But this wasn’t enough for the Progressive Conservative government, who put forward a motion the next week to censure her.

Controversy is nothing new

  • For Jama, a Black disabled Muslim woman of Somali heritage, controversy is nothing new.
  • As Jama has said: “Mak[ing] people feel uncomfortable” has always been part of her work.

Climate of Islamophobia

  • To understand this surge, it’s crucial to recognize the influence of the “Islamophobia Industry” in Canada.
  • Sociologist Jasmin Zine, a noted authority on Islamophobia, delineates this industry as a conglomerate of media outlets, political figures, far-right, white nationalist groups and Islamophobia influencers and ideologues, among others, fostering an environment where harmful stereotypes of Muslims as innately provocative and violent become commonplace.
  • Read more:
    How Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism are manufactured through disinformation

    This racialization lumps more than a billion Muslims into an undifferentiated mass, exploited by public discourse that sensationalizes violent narratives, devoid of geopolitical context or history.

Examples of anti-Black Islamophobia


Navigating the multiple forms of jeopardy faced by Black Muslim women means simultaneously surviving both interpersonal and structural anti-Blackness and Islamophobia. Anti-Black, hate-motivated Islamophobia is often directed at women. Here are some examples:
Feminist geographer Délice Mugabo explains: “anti-Black Islamophobia” is the exclusion of Black people from the category of the human and Muslims from the category of the citizen. Consequently, fidelity to the nation, and constitution as a person is readily up for interrogation.

Read more:
CSIS targeting of Canadian Muslims reveals the importance of addressing institutional Islamophobia

The trouble ‘they’ cause

  • In practice, this double jeopardy leaves Black Muslim communities suspended, saddled with heightened vulnerabilities, and often erased from dominant discourses surrounding both anti-Blackness and Islamophobia.
  • There are few grounds available to provoke so called “trouble.” Trouble is disorder, disturbance, violation of expectations, norms and values.
  • As a Black Muslim, you’re already seen as trouble incarnated.

Interconnected liberation

  • However, just as oppression is interconnected, so is liberation.
  • Jama made her first public appearance at a peace protest this past weekend in Toronto.


Nadiya Nur Ali has received funding from The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). She is also affiliated with the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM).

Egypt's strongman president faces election amid economic slump and popular anger over inaction on Gaza

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the former military strongman who seized power in 2013 amid the turbulent fallout of the Arab Spring, faces a general election in December.

Key Points: 
  • Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the former military strongman who seized power in 2013 amid the turbulent fallout of the Arab Spring, faces a general election in December.
  • Beset by economic woes and with a political and humanitarian catastrophe unfolding on his country’s border, it will be an election fraught with risks.
  • In July 2013, Sisi removed Morsi from power and won 96% of the vote the following year in an election which drew widespread international criticism.
  • Compounding this economic crisis have been several rounds of currency devaluation and an incoming mandated International Monetary Fund bailout.
  • Sisi has dealt so badly with Egypt’s economic problems in recent years it has left him vulnerable.

War on the doorstep

  • With the war in Gaza on Sisi’s doorstep, the regime faces a difficult balancing act.
  • The image of thousands of Gazans dying while Egypt’s Rafah border stays closed could be very harmful for the regime.
  • Egypt has been party to the 16-year-long Israeli blockade of Gaza, enforcing tight controls on the border crossing at Rafah.
  • He has attracted widespread criticism from opponents who say his administration has been organising staged protests to piggyback on public sympathy for Palestinians as the death toll from Israel’s war on the Gaza Strip rises.


Dr Gillian Kennedy received previously funding from the Leverhulme Foundation.

Matt Zemon to Host Transformative Stories Panel at Wonderland Conference

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, November 2, 2023

Miami, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - November 2, 2023) - The upcoming Wonderland Conference, renowned for its innovative discourse on psychedelic medicine, longevity, and mental health, will feature a panel led by Matt Zemon, MSc on November 10th at 5:00 PM at The Explore Stage.

Key Points: 
  • Miami, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - November 2, 2023) - The upcoming Wonderland Conference, renowned for its innovative discourse on psychedelic medicine, longevity, and mental health, will feature a panel led by Matt Zemon, MSc on November 10th at 5:00 PM at The Explore Stage.
  • Titled "Transformative Stories," the panel seeks to share and "normalize" the sharing of personal journeys within the realm of psychedelic experiences, emphasizing the therapeutic and transformative aspects of these powerful and ancient medicines.
  • Tracey Tee: The trailblazing founder of Moms on Mushrooms, Tracey's transformative journey from adversities to advocacy has made national headlines.
  • For more information about this session or to register for the conference, visit the Wonderland Conference website .

EqualityX Names Aaisha Hamid of Alliant Insurance Services One of the 50 Most Influential Muslims in the Americas

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, November 2, 2023

Aaisha Hamid, Assistant Vice President and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Manager with Alliant Insurance Services , has been named one of the Top 50 Influential Muslims in the Americas by EqualityX .

Key Points: 
  • Aaisha Hamid, Assistant Vice President and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Manager with Alliant Insurance Services , has been named one of the Top 50 Influential Muslims in the Americas by EqualityX .
  • The awards program honors individuals whose work has brought distinction to Muslim communities and enhanced the reputation of Muslims across Europe and the U.S.
    “This is a great honor for Aaisha and for Alliant,” said Lilian Vanvieldt, Alliant’s Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer.
  • EqualityX was established to celebrate outstanding Muslim talent and champion the achievements of inclusive Muslim employers.
  • The organization’s Influential Muslims lists recognize professionals leading and shaping debates both within their chosen field and beyond.

Meeting with the Right Prime Minister of Canada on the Rise in Islamophobia and Protecting Civil Liberties

Retrieved on: 
Friday, November 3, 2023

OTTAWA, ON, Nov. 3, 2023 /CNW/ - This week, I met with the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, to discuss the spike in Islamophobia, and to share the concerns and fears of Canadian Muslims.

Key Points: 
  • OTTAWA, ON, Nov. 3, 2023 /CNW/ - This week, I met with the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, to discuss the spike in Islamophobia, and to share the concerns and fears of Canadian Muslims.
  • They are urging the Canadian government to call for an immediate ceasefire, and to play a role of peace in the region.
  • These constructive discussions with the Prime Minister have been both necessary and urgent.
  • My office is focused on protecting the human rights, civil liberties, and democratic freedoms of Canadian Muslims.

TD donates $250,000 toward community support programs aimed at combatting discrimination and hate

Retrieved on: 
Monday, October 30, 2023

TORONTO, Oct. 30, 2023 /CNW/ - Today TD announced a donation of $250,000 to support efforts to help combat discrimination and hate in our communities through educational programs in Canada and the US.

Key Points: 
  • TORONTO, Oct. 30, 2023 /CNW/ - Today TD announced a donation of $250,000 to support efforts to help combat discrimination and hate in our communities through educational programs in Canada and the US.
  • UJA partners with key Jewish agencies to ensure that meaningful, impactful programs are in place to serve the diverse and vibrant Jewish community.
  • Funds will go toward supporting education programs, advocacy and research efforts, and community mobilization to deepen the fight against antisemitism.
  • Funds will go toward supporting education and training programs to promote greater understanding about Islam and Muslim cultures.

Taliban: why China wants them as a friend and not as a foe

Retrieved on: 
Friday, October 27, 2023

Interim Afghan minister for commerce Haji Nooruddin Azizi even talked about the Taliban’s desire for Afghanistan to join the BRI.

Key Points: 
  • Interim Afghan minister for commerce Haji Nooruddin Azizi even talked about the Taliban’s desire for Afghanistan to join the BRI.
  • The idea of an Islamist group such as the Taliban allying with the nominally secular and communist China might appear surprising.
  • It is also part of a deepening of ties between China and many Islamic nations in recent years.
  • These would threaten Chinese interests in central Asia and China’s western border regions, which have become pivotal for the BRI.

China’s ties with Islamic world

  • The Taliban’s presence at the BRI summit also demonstrates China’s growing ties with the Islamic world, which has drawn notable attention in recent years.
  • It was also involved in the agreement to add several Islamic nations to the Brics (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) partnership.
  • The initial gains from China’s efforts to portray itself as a friend to the Islamic world could be seen in how a UK-led statement condemning China’s policies in Xinjiang, mainly attracted the support of western nations, but very few Islamic nations.


Tom Harper does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

imo introduces Umrah Guide feature for Muslims worldwide

Retrieved on: 
Friday, October 27, 2023

DHAKA, Bangladesh, Oct. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With a vision to make the process of Umrah easier for Muslims around the world, the globally popular instant messaging platform, imo, has integrated an Umrah Guide feature within its app earlier this month. With an array of sub-features, this new addition is designed to help pilgrims with information regarding the Umrah processes through Umrah tips, location based services, communication opportunities  for pilgrims, and more.

Key Points: 
  • Additionally, many first timers and even regulars happen to miss or be unaware of parts of the process, seeking details on how to perform Umrah or Hajj accurately—as a solution, imo has introduced the Umrah Guide feature specifically designed for Muslims embarking on the Journey Makkah to perform Umrah.
  • The features within the Umrah Guide include Umrah Smart Assistant, Explanation of Umrah, Step-by-step, Umrah Location Guide, Location Sharing with Family, and International Calling Service that is suitable for weak networks, allowing users to save data while making voice and video calls free of charge.
  • To utilize these features, the user needs to find the Umrah service channel on the imo App and click on it to enter the Umrah Guide.
  • In the Umrah Guide, the Umrah Map is displayed at the top, and the corresponding Umrah Steps are shown at the bottom.

Despite its inflammatory rhetoric, Iran is unlikely to attack Israel. Here's why

Retrieved on: 
Friday, October 27, 2023

Iran has warned Israel of severe consequences from “multiple fronts” if it does not halt its relentless bombardment of the Gaza Strip.

Key Points: 
  • Iran has warned Israel of severe consequences from “multiple fronts” if it does not halt its relentless bombardment of the Gaza Strip.
  • This warning is widely interpreted as a declaration of intent for Iran to enter the conflict via its allies and proxies.

Military and political repercussions

  • As a result, Iran has been maintaining a difficult balance between its ideological rhetoric and political expediency.
  • Anti-Israel and anti-US venom is a staple of political discourse for the hardline faction that governs Iran under Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Ebrahim Raisi.
  • Not only could there be an Israeli military retaliation on Iranian facilities, but also political repercussions for a regime increasingly unpopular with its own citizens.
  • Given this, a military confrontation with Israel could have unpredictable political consequences for the regime.

A hostage of its own rhetoric

  • After the US assassination of celebrated war hero Qassem Soleimani in January 2020, for example, Iranian authorities were enraged and promised “harsh retaliation”.
  • Iran is a hostage of its own inflammatory rhetoric.
  • Just because Iran has trained and sponsored Hezbollah, we cannot automatically assume Tehran has full control over all of its levers.
  • Read more:
    With Iran purportedly capable of making a nuclear bomb in a matter of months, what will its leaders do next?


Shahram Akbarzadeh has received funding from Australian Research Council and Gerda Henkel Foundation. He is a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at Middle East Council on Global Affairs (Doha).