News and Analysis (11/7/16)

“[T]he World Justice Project’s rule of law index placed Turkey 99th of 113 countries, just behind Iran and Myanmar. It has reclaimed its place as the world’s main jailer of journalists.” Some analysts now fear to be quoted …

• Is Turkey Still a Democracy? (BBC)

… “authorities have arrested 37,000 people, … closed down more than 200 media outlets and publishing houses, more than 100 universities and hospitals, and expelled 100,000 teachers, academics and civil servants”:

• President ErdoÄŸan Is Now Targeting Anyone Who Doesn’t Support Him (Guardian)

“[B]ecause of their high concentration in key swing states such as Ohio, Florida and Michigan[, Muslims] … could help decide the outcome of an election, community organizers say”:

• In Rejection of Anti-Islam Political Talk, Muslims Are Gearing Up to Vote (NorthJersey.com)

Skepticism surrounds the appointment of an ambassador to Saudi Arabia to a commission on the Muslim Brotherhood that overlooks such important things as its deposition by military coup and “subsequent repression of its supporters”…

• Foreign Office Criticised by MPs over ‘Misguided’ Report into Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood (Telegraph)

… and a “report criticises the Foreign Office for using the term to describe both groups that embrace “democratic principles and liberal values” and others that instead hold ‘intolerant, extremist views’”:

• Many ‘Political Islam’ Movements Share Our Values, Say MPs (Independent)

“Kurdish-led Syrian forces backed by the U.S. … [are] clashing with the extremists north of the Syrian city and warning neighboring Turkey not to interfere in the operation”:

• Syria: Kurds Begin Assault on Islamic State Capital (Christian Science Monitor)

In MUSLIM GIRL: A Coming of Age, Amani Al-Khatahtbeh delovers a “potent message …, a skillful unraveling of the myth of the submissive Muslim woman and a timely introduction to … kids who bear the destructive burden of” 9/11:

• They’ll Blame Us: Growing Up Muslim After 9/11 (NY Times)

The leader of the women’s group “said that rather than following the clerics, Muslims should abide by what is written in the Quran. This would also ensure that there is no tinkering with the basic spirit of the Muslim Personal Law”:

• Triple Talaq: Muslim Women’s Body Slams AIMPLB Signature Drive as Move to Mislead (FirstPost)

“[I]nstant triple talaq, which is called Talaq-i-Bid’ah, is the biggest sin in Islam. In the era of Hazrat Umar, a man giving such divorce was punished with 50 lashes. Today, the practice continues but lashes have disappeared”:

• ‘Instant Triple Talaq Is a Social Disaster … Muslim Society Wants Change but Muslim Personal Law Board Biggest Hurdle’ (Times of India)

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