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Why Study Philanthropy? – conversations in philanthropy #6
Many people are asking me this question these days. While it may seem rhetorical, the answer is as plan at the question : because it matters. Private philanthropy in the U.S is in the range of around $ 316.23 billion from individuals, corporations and foundations. This is more than the combined GDP of Nepal, Sri…
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Book Review: Interventions – A life in War and Peace – Kofi Annan with Nader Mousavizadeh
As the civil war in Syria rages on, with close to 90,000 people having died so far, and United Nations Special Envoy Lakhdhar Brahimi having admitted failure of his mission, the notion of a UN or international “intervention,” seems to be all but dead. While there is a glimmer of hope in the situation, with…
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Can Turkey, Egypt become “modern?”
The ongoing contestations, protests and debates in Egypt, Turkey between the people and the leaders is being framed as one of clash of modernity vs. traditionalism. Enough ink has been spilled trying to explain how the Islamists (read those who believe there is space for Islam in the public sphere) are harmful, retrograde and generally…
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Book Review: How to Read a Book – Mortimer Adler and Charles Van Doren
Here is a classic that will help you become a better reader, and as a result, a better thinker. How to Read a Book – A Classic guide to Intelligent Reading by Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren is bound to make you re-evaluate your reading habits. No matter what level of reading you…
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Why study charitable giving? : Challenges and opportunities in the field of Islamic Philanthropic studies.
One of the projects that is occupying most of my waking hours involves studying charity. Yes, you read that right, charity as in giving, philanthropy, Zakat, Tzedakah – call it what you want. In particular, I am focused on studying Islamic philanthropy, globally. The reason for studying charity among Muslims: the staggering potential that it…
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The Gatekeepers : A frighteningly good film
Either by chance or design, I am watching films related to the Palestinian situation these days. And increasingly, these are being produced by Israelis or joint collaboration between…
