Behind every security issue - national or international - are cultural, economic and social factors that need to be considered when tackling the problem. In the case of global terrorism, a better understanding and more open dialog about the religion of Islam itself is vital.
In this vein, two critical writers, famous atheist Sam Harris and former radical Maajid Nawaz have achieved a remarkable feat: A true, respectful, and deep discussion of one of the most polarizing issues of our time.
In an extension of their new book, Islam and the Future of Tolerance, Harris and Nawaz sat down with with me at the Harvard Kennedy School to unpack some pressing questions: Is Islam a religion of peace or war? Is it amenable to reform? Why do so many Muslims seem drawn to extremism? What do words like Islamism, jihadism, and fundamentalism mean in today’s world?
