Yesterday I appeared on Colliding Worldviews, hosted by Tony Gurule. Although the episode is titled "Christian Persecution and Islamic Extremism," we discussed a number of other related topics, past and present, and all relevant for today. The one-hour long interview follows: Colliding Worldviews: “Christian Persecution & Islamic Extremism” (Ep. 13) from Tony … [Read more...]
Seize Saudi Oil, Solve World Problems
WND Would you like to know how the United States can virtually eliminate global Islamic terrorism and world hunger with one stroke? Seize the oil wells of Saudi Arabia. If this sounds preposterous and unethical—“the U.S. doesn’t go on the offensive and it certainly doesn’t ‘steal’ other peoples’ natural resources, especially its allies!”—consider some facts: First, … [Read more...]
Force and Fanaticism: Wahhabism in Saudi Arabia and Beyond
Note: The following is a book review of Force and Fanaticism: Wahhabism in Saudi Arabia and Beyond, by Simon Ross Valentine. A shorter version of the review first appeared in the Middle East Quarterly (Fall, 2016, vol. 23, no. 4). Valentine, a British Methodist pastor and teacher who taught in Saudi Arabia, has written a useful book about the desert kingdom. Most interesting … [Read more...]
Saudis Arrest and Deport 27 Christians for ‘Conducting Christian Prayers’
Coptic Solidarity Saudi Arabian officials recently arrested 27 Christians—among them several women and children—for the crime of "conducting Christian prayers" and being "in possession of Bibles," reports Arab media. The group of Christians, most if not all of whom were Lebanese nationals, were celebrating a Virgin Mary feast day when authorities stormed their … [Read more...]
The West Lies Down Before Saudi Lies
FrontPage Magazine Saudi Arabia—the world’s greatest hypocrite—is at it again. On February 12, 2016, the Munich Security Conference (MSC) was held. It’s described as “the world's largest gathering of its kind”; “the most important independent forum for the exchange of views by international security policy decision-makers,” where “about 350 senior figures from more … [Read more...]