Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: In a previous paper, the authors argued that the emerging religious conflict in the Middle East between the West and the Islamic world is following a pattern similar to that of other historically intractable religious conflicts (i.e. Ireland). These conflicts, however, are not truly religious in nature. In contrast to Huntington’s arguments regarding the Clash of Civilizations, the authors have argued that clashes over policy (political, social, and economic) bring out the cultural and religious differences in society. In other words, these groups are not clashing because of their religious differences. Rather, their religious differences are being emphasized because of clashes over policy. In this paper, the argument is extended and applied to the developing clash between Sunni and Shiite groups in Iraq specifically and the region generally. The paper concludes by evaluating a number of policy alternatives for alleviating this tension, including power sharing and partition. As these groups continue to battle over their roles in the new Iraq (and Middle East), religion provides a powerful tool for drawing the line between “us” and “them”. The warning is issued that, unless proper steps are taken soon, these divisions will become increasingly immutable and religious-based, thereby eliminating (or at least minimizing) the potential for future solutions.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: I use original survey data collected in Lebanon and Yemen to examine the effect of intrasectarian elite competition for constituent votes, or the lack thereof, on patron-client relationships.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This paper develops a theory of radicalization based on models of belief acquisition from social and cognitive neuroscience. It then applies the model to the examination of 30 Anarchist and 30 Jihadi profiles.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This study examines the policies toward Islam in four post-Soviet Sunni Muslim states�Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan�and how those policies have evolved since these states� independence in response to the growing challenge of militant Islam. While each state�s policy toward Islam is unique there are some striking similarities between the four sets of policies examined in this study. While the official policy of all of these states as enshrined in their laws and constitutions is separation of religion and state their actual policy in practice is to support a specific form of Islam, either directly or thorough proxies, and repress any manifestation of Islam which does not fall within the bounds of the officially supported version of the religion. In fact, it is arguable that the separation of religion and state policies of these states focus on preventing religion from influencing the state rather than preventing the state from influencing religion. A brief comparison between these states and 43 other Muslim states shows that this policy is common among other Muslim states and that between 1990 and 2002 this policy has become more popular and prominent among the world�s Muslim states.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: What explains the divergent fates of Turkish Sunni and Iranian Shi?i clergy? I point out how the doctrinal differences contributed to this outcome and to both clergies? different reactions to the secularization of the State.