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# Habits of the Heart
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## Posts
- [Can Technology Humanize Us?](https://sabithkhan.com/can-technology-humanize-us/) - Or Is It Doomed to Dehumanize Us Forever? In his book Team Human, Doug Rushkoff paints a dire picture of our current predicament: “Autonomous technologies, runaway markets, and weaponized media seem to have overturned civil society, paralyzing our ability to think constructively, connect meaningfully, or act purposefully. It feels as if civilization itself were on the From Rwanda to Gaza, technology has been weaponized to fuel and deny genocide. This post explores the complicity of Big Tech, historical parallels, and Doug Rushkoff's call to reclaim our humanity before it's too late.
- [Rashomon effect and understanding geopolitics in 2026: How to make sense of the world](https://sabithkhan.com/rashomon-effect-and-understanding-geopolitics-in-2026-how-to-make-sense-of-the-world/) - We live in a post-modern world, where truth, with a certainty of 100% is very hard to establish, if not impossible. In a world of ubiquitous AI, seeing is not believing. We are also in a media context (in the USA and much of the West) where serious questioning of government propaganda is rare, if
- [My Summer Reading List – 2025](https://sabithkhan.com/my-summer-reading-list-2025/) - Every summer I share some of the best books I’ve read (or that are on my reading list). This year, I am sharing a list that is a bit different, one based on concepts/ ideas that are relevant, to understand, rather than recency of publication. Here goes: Welfare: book - Arguments for Welfare. Paul Spicker:
- [Harvard University and the question of why nonprofits get tax exemption](https://sabithkhan.com/harvard-university-and-the-question-of-why-nonprofits-get-tax-exemption/) - The recent fracas between the Trump administration and Harvard University, over free speech has brought forth many questions to fore. The question of role of institutions of higher ed in our society, the limits of free speech and dissent and the limits of government interference in research efforts. The question of why universities should
- [Interview with Dr. K.T. Connor on ethics and public life ](https://sabithkhan.com/interview-with-dr-k-t-connor-on-ethics-and-public-life/) - Dr. K.T. Connor was a Senior Adjunct Professor with the MPPA program until recently, for over a decade and brings a wealth of experience in ethics, business as well as public leadership. She served as the Managing Director of Applied Axiometrics. She is the head of a virtual collaboration of consultants using decision-theory-based assessments in
- [On being mentored by the inimitable Akumal Ramachander](https://sabithkhan.com/on-being-mentored-by-the-inimitable-akumal-ramachander/) - One of my mentors, someone who had a substantial impact on my life and career passed away a few weeks ago, in Bangalore, India. Akumal Ramachander was a public intellectual, an art promoter and one of the most well-read and educated people I have met. He was persistent, fearless and inimitable. There are mentors who
- [Disaster philanthropy – Three lessons on giving](https://sabithkhan.com/disaster-philanthropy-three-lessons-on-giving/) - More than a decade and half ago, when I was in grad school, at the Maxwell School of Syracuse University, I took a class with Catherine Bertini, the former Executive Director of the World Food Program. One of the things that stayed with me, from that class is the first and perhaps the most basic
- [What does it mean to run an “efficient,” government?: Some quick thoughts…: Part 1](https://sabithkhan.com/what-does-it-mean-to-run-an-efficient-government-some-quick-thoughts-part-1/) - Efficiency is good when you are ordering a pack of batteries on Amazon (which I did, just a few hours ago), but not when you are seeking better social outcomes like greater inclusion, democracy or economic justice/protection. Efficiency has an angle of lean. A direction, a purpose and a vision. When we say we want
- [What Will AI Bring us ?](https://sabithkhan.com/what-will-ai-bring-us/) - The 2024 Nobel Prizes in Physics and Chemistry had AI as a central focus. However, as much as this marks a landmark phase of recognition of this new set of technologies, the age old question of “what this tech will bring us”, comes up. As it turns out, we don’t have any accurate answer to
- [What is Leadership in the local context – Interview with PJ Gagajena, Assistant City Manager, City of Moorpark](https://sabithkhan.com/what-is-leadership-in-the-local-context-interview-with-pj-gagajena-assistant-city-manager-city-of-moorpark/) - 1. What does leadership mean, in a local government context? Leadership in a local government context means guiding and inspiring a community toward achieving common goals. It involves setting a vision, making strategic decisions, and fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness. Local government leaders engage closely with various stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and
- [Leadership in local government - What does it mean?](https://sabithkhan.com/leadership-in-local-government-what-does-it-mean/) - Leadership at the local government level doesnt get much attention. Often, we read about and discuss national or state level decision making. However, as we know, or should know, leadership at the local government is extremely crucial and can make the difference between a great city and a mediocre one. I am lucky to know
- [ Books you should read this summer, to understand our world…](https://sabithkhan.com/books-you-should-read-this-summer-to-understand-our-world/) - If you have been paying attention to what is going on in our world, you will realize that a LOT has changed in the past year. Both domestically as well as internationally, politics, society and social movements have thrown a lot of surprises (and disappointments) that have called into question the role of institutions, individuals Here's a summer reading list, if you are looking for books to read. #books #world #USA #Gaza #Islam
- [ADL is no longer “generally reliable” source of information, Wikipedia editors say. Why that matters.](https://sabithkhan.com/adl-is-no-longer-generally-reliable-source-of-information-wikipedia-editors-say-why-that-matters/) - As someone who teaches research methods, one of the key issues my students learn, in the first two weeks is identifying reliable sources of information. In the literature review stage, the goal is to identify sources of information – either government, private or even individual, that could be considered “reliable.” My own method of teaching
- [Should local governments get involved in global issues?](https://sabithkhan.com/should-local-governments-get-involved-in-global-issues/) - During a recent commute from home to work, I tuned into LAist, and heard a question that prompted me to bring it up, more than once, with several people. It is this: Should local governments get involved or weigh in, on global issues? This was prompted by the City of Pasadena’s resolution of Ceasefire in
- [Separating myths from realities about undocumented migrants](https://sabithkhan.com/separating-myths-from-realities-about-undocumented-migrants/) - Undocumented workers contribute close to 500 billion USD in terms of economic output in CA
- [Is Hi-net worth philanthropy good for our society?](https://sabithkhan.com/is-hi-net-worth-philanthropy-good-for-our-society/) - They say a rich man’s joke is always funny and his/her ideas for public issues are always spot on. I say a rich man’s (policy) ideas are not always good for everyone. Many a time, actually, a rich philanthropist / giver’s ideas can actually work against public good. Don’t believe me? Look at various examples
- [How to teach difficult topics in times of crisis](https://sabithkhan.com/how-to-teach-difficult-topics-in-times-of-crisis/) - We are going through a crisis in Israel/ Palestine that could have global repercussions, if it is not contained, very soon. The scale, proportion and intensity of this “war” is unprecedented, with the situation on the ground changing day to day. These discussions (and similar ones) are likely to find their way into the class How to teach difficult topics in the class room, without losing your students. This post helps you break down some strategies.
- [What is the role of intellectuals in our social media driven world?](https://sabithkhan.com/what-is-the-role-of-intellectuals-in-our-social-media-driven-world/) - What is the role of intellectuals in our world? A world that is almost anti-intellectual in its orientation – in the sense of being ephemeral, with fleeting attention spans, where the loudest – and most powerful voice – wins. I came across this speech by Dr.Edward Said, one of the leading Arab intellectuals whose book
- [Travel, conversations and learning – How being part of conversations can shape your educational/ professional future](https://sabithkhan.com/travel-conversations-and-learning-how-being-part-of-conversations-can-shape-your-educational-professional-future/) - We often think of travel as movement. Physical movement to see people, places or attend events. But have you ever considered travel as a conversation? A conversation to enter a new space, a new way of thinking and new way of experiencing life? This is what I realized during my recent trips with my students.
- [Raise and Rise – Funding sources for your startup in the era of digital transformation & blockchain – Victoria Silchenko, Ph.D. (Book Review)](https://sabithkhan.com/raise-and-rise-funding-sources-for-your-startup-in-the-era-of-digital-transformation-blockchain-victoria-silchenko-ph-d-book-review/) - Raise and Rise is a book that promises to “change your perspective on venture financing and possibly life,” as Victoria Silchenko promises. For those who don’t have the time to read through this review, and want a TLDR version of this review: Yes, she lives up to the promise. She offers a critical view of
- [Top 6 things you should do, if you travel for adventure](https://sabithkhan.com/top-6-things-you-should-do-if-you-travel-for-adventure/) - Ever wondered what you should do, if you travel to an off- the path destination? I had similar thoughts as I planned my trip to Ecuador, a country that actually has pretty good travel infrastructure. However, given that we were going to be hiking and part of the trip was going to be in rural
- [How does tourism promote development? – Part 2](https://sabithkhan.com/how-does-tourism-promote-development-part-2/) - Two models of eco-tourism The past ten days have been extremely educational for many reasons, one of them being in increasing my understanding of eco-tourism. I traveled to Ecuador and witnessed first-hand two models of eco-tourism that are markedly different, but offer incredible insights into how this form of tourism can aid in development as
- [How does tourism promote human development?](https://sabithkhan.com/how-does-tourism-promote-human-development/) - As someone who is new to understanding tourism and its impact on human development, I came across an academic article that asks the question which is quite literally the chicken and egg situation: which comes first, tourism or development and does one lead to the other, even though they may be correlated, at times?
- [Does tourism help with human development?A closer look.](https://sabithkhan.com/does-tourism-help-with-human-developmenta-closer-look/) - Cheesemaking at a micro enterprise As someone who is new to understanding tourism and its impact on human development, I came across an academic article that asks the question which is quite literally the chicken and egg situation: which comes first, tourism or development and does one lead to the other, even though they may
- [To be a good teacher, be a student.](https://sabithkhan.com/to-be-a-good-teacher-be-a-student/) - Here’s a paradox in learning that I have come to understand, at a deeper level: to be an effective teacher, one must be a student. What does it mean? It means that learning never stops and to effectively embody what it means to teach, one must continuously humble oneself, keep an open mind and challenge
- [What is the case for the Direct Trade model? - Part 2](https://sabithkhan.com/what-is-the-case-for-the-direct-trade-model-part-2/) - Fairtrade is not the panacea it was meant to be. As more and more consumers and researchers realize this truth, we are left grasping for straws. “What do we do then, to ensure that our trade is ethical, benefits the manufacturers/ growers, more than the suppliers,” is a legitimate question to ask. @tlalipani
- [How to help the people of Syria and Turkey – without breaking rules around U.S. Sanctions?](https://sabithkhan.com/how-to-help-the-people-of-syria-and-turkey-without-breaking-rules-around-u-s-sanctions/) - By now, it is increasingly becoming clear that the earthquake that impacted Syria and Turkey on 6 February, is a massive humanitarian disaster. This crisis like others in war-torn and conflict zones is unique in that American aid cannot reach the potential beneficiaries, with ease. For those Americans who want to donate to NGOs, or
- [Why more grad students should study/ travel abroad in 2023](https://sabithkhan.com/why-more-grad-students-should-study-travel-abroad-in-2023/) - I took a small group of students to Tijuana, Mexico in December 2022. We visited the “most dangerous city in the world,” and a city that is often associated with crime, violence and all negative stereotypes, to learn about migration and the “migrant crisis.”
- [Five reasons you should join a professional association](https://sabithkhan.com/five-reasons-you-should-join-a-professional-association/) - Students and colleagues who know me know that I am an advocate for joining professional associations. I am a member of several of them, ARNOVA, ASPA, SAJA, among others. As a grad student, I initially was reluctant and during my master’s program didn’t really see the value of joining one. But once I started my
- [Why bother with Direct Trade?](https://sabithkhan.com/why-bother-with-direct-trade/) - Is Direct trade – a model for fairer trade? What does direct trade mean? In simple terms, it means buying directly from the producer. In the world of small batch production – crafts, arts or even food commodities, produced by small producers, often there are many middle-men/ women, who are part of the supply chain.
- [Why we need to reframe development](https://sabithkhan.com/why-we-need-to-reframe-development/) - Experts in the space of international development agree that defining "development" and the processes that help us do it are difficult. For starters, one of the definitions of development is "the reduction of poverty and achievement of Millennium Development Goals." Other scholars and practitioners have used other definitions, but the spirit remains similar. Amartya Sen,
- [What is Development – And why does it matter?](https://sabithkhan.com/what-is-development-and-why-does-it-matter/) - I am teaching a course during the summer term, which I have titled “Understanding development,” a class I developed over the past year or so. This is my second time teaching it and during each class, I try to challenge students about a conception of “development” they have, whether it is local or global.
- [What is cultural humility](https://sabithkhan.com/what-is-cultural-humility/) - You may have heard the term “cultural humility,” being used in conversations and wondered “what on earth is that,?”. I was one of those people too, and was instructed in its usage a few weeks ago, by a staff member at Casa Alitas, an NGO that works with asylum seekers and refugees. As Christy
- [Have you learnt your crisis communications lessons, yet?](https://sabithkhan.com/have-you-learnt-your-crisis-communications-lessons-yet/) - Covid-19, economic recession of 2008, 9/11 attacks and a great many other events should have taught us one thing: crisis management. I firmly believe that if you have been paying attention to these events then you’d have picked up at least a few lessons in crisis management/ communications along the way. If you haven’t, no
- [Amidst the Chaos and social strife lets ask "What would Gandhi do?"](https://sabithkhan.com/amidst-the-chaos-and-social-strife-asking-ourselves-what-would-gandhi-do/) - For those scholars and activists who are following India, there is not much good news coming out of the subcontinent. Day after day, there are reports of riots, planned attacks on minorities and institutional corruption that has forced many democracy watchers to downgrade India’s standing as a democracy. Amidst the silence of the leaders of
- [Do Sanctions work? : What have we learnt from past actions](https://sabithkhan.com/do-sanctions-work-what-have-we-learnt-from-past-actions/) - I recall coming across this question in grad school, almost 12 years ago. The professor who taught a course on the UN and its role in development posed this question to all of us. The class, consisted of about 20 or so young, idealistic students from around the world with varying understandings of sanctions –
- [What is really at stake in Ukraine?](https://sabithkhan.com/what-is-really-at-stake-in-ukraine/) - As the war in Ukraine rages on, there is much anger, anxiety and fear around the world. The popular consensus among media and experts seems to be that the fault is entirely that of Russia. It is certainly true that Mr. Putin instigated the current aggression against its neighbor. However, as a few scholars have
- [How real is the Social change in Saudi Arabia?](https://sabithkhan.com/how-real-is-the-social-change-saudi-arabia/) - I visited the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after nearly four years. My first visit was in 2017, when I was invited to speak at a national conference at the King Fahd University, Dammam. It was my first visit to the country, despite having traveled to neighboring countries a few times. The visit this time, in
- [What is the best way to address your professor/ colleague in an academic setting?](https://sabithkhan.com/what-is-the-best-way-to-address-your-professor-colleague-in-an-academic-setting/) - I have made my fair share of faux-pas when it comes to addressing people, in an academic setting. So, based on over a decade of experience living, working and surviving American academia, here are a few tips for you, to navigate this complicated landscape. I’ll just focus on the seemingly innocuous topic of how to
- [The world is doomed as a result of climate change – what will we do about it?](https://sabithkhan.com/the-verdict-on-climate-change-is-out-what-will-we-do-about-it/) - On a recent trip that I took recently, I turned on the screen on the airplane and watched Before the Flood, a well-made documentary, narrated by Leonardo Di Caprio. The documentary is a summary of what we already know : We are screwed. From a climate-change perspective, we are already well past the stage
- [How the Italian army fooled us all during WWII](https://sabithkhan.com/how-the-italian-army-fooled-us-all-during-wwii/) - “You can’t do too well if you are creative or very imaginative, in Washington DC,” said the senior member of a Congressional staff who I was meeting in the nation’s capital. This was a few years ago, when I had just finished my Master’s degree and was managing a small nonprofit. I was the
- [Why are most Afghans who are fleeing, going to neighboring countries?](https://sabithkhan.com/how-are-afghanistans-neighboring-countries-dealing-with-the-afghan-refugee-crisis/) - Did you know that a majority of the refugees from the Middle East live in the region? Lebanon & Jordan host millions of people who have fled war, conflict or other disasters. There are an estimated 1.5 million Syrians in Lebanon, for example. In Pakistan, the story is similar : about three million Afghans reside
- [Barter is alive and well in Oaxaca, Mexico](https://sabithkhan.com/barter-is-alive-and-well-in-oaxaca-mexico/) - How are artisans and craftspeople in Mexico surviving the pandemic? Here is a discovery that I made, based on one interview in Oaxaca, Mexico. I know that for a scientifically reliable insight, a sample size of one is not considered reliable. However, indulge me, as I share one remarkable insight into how artisans and crafts
- [Corruption in the public sector - What do we know](https://sabithkhan.com/corruption-in-the-public-sector-what-do-we-know/) - I am moderating this webinar on June 29, 2021. Join us to learn more. Share this with your friends, as the event is open to all and free! The American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) is proud to partner with its South Asian Section for Public Administration (SASPA) to present a BookTalk: Corruption in the Public
- [Here's how to Make America relevant again!](https://sabithkhan.com/heres-how-to-make-america-relevant-again/) - Is America’s standing in the world getting better, with President Biden at the helm? Initial data seems to suggest that this hasn’t yet happened. However, not all is lost. One of the ways that this can be accelerated is through vaccine diplomacy. As a recent media report pointed out, the commitment by the US to
- [What you don't know about Tipu Sultan's connection to July 4th (and the wars with the British)](https://sabithkhan.com/what-you-dont-know-about-tipu-sultans-connection-to-july-4th-and-the-wars-with-the-british/) - Part 1 “If the Sultan of Mysore had had a bit more luck, George Washington might be known as the Haider Ali of North America,” writes Blake Smith, a professor at the University of Chicago. Who is Haider Ali? You may be wondering. And why are we comparing him to the Founding father of the
- [What is Environmental Justice?](https://sabithkhan.com/what-is-environmental-justice/) - ~Jacqueline Phelps Pursuant to state law, environmental justice means “the fair treatment of people of all races, cultures, and incomes with respect to the development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.” (California Government Code, 2019). Many of us understand why the consideration of environmental justice in decision-making processes is essential, and
- [How should we think about “development”?](https://sabithkhan.com/what-it-is-to-understanding-development/) - I conceptualized a new course this term, to make up for the study abroad course that I could not offer. I ambitiously called it “understanding development,” keeping in mind the idea that we would discuss what this term means and what we should do about it. The reaction from students so far is pretty positive
- [MPPA Newsletter - Spring 2021](https://sabithkhan.com/mppa-newsletter-spring-2021/) - Spring 2021 Message from the Director Director's Note Sabith Khan, Ph.D. Welcome to yet another Spring term, The Spring of 2021 is one of the multiple promises - the promise of cure, the promise of economic recovery, and the promise of unity. And like all promises, this season depends on us upholding our end of
- [Resistance to mask-wearing: Can wearing masks be seen as not macho enough/“effeminate” behavior?](https://sabithkhan.com/resistance-to-mask-wearing-seen-as-not-macho-enough-effeminate-behavior/) - The latest issue of Administrative Theory and Praxis has an interesting article titled “Street-level bureaucrats under COVID-19: Police Officers responses in constrained settings,” by Rafael Alcadipani, Sandra Cabral, Alan Fernandes, and Gabriela Lotta. They point out, based on inductive qualitative analysis that in a major Brazilian metropolitan area, conflicts concerning political, occupational culture, and material
- [How to tackle disinformation – the single biggest challenge of public administration?](https://sabithkhan.com/how-to-tackle-disinformation-the-single-biggest-challenge-of-public-administration/) - ~ Sabith Khan, PhD Imagine being in a once in a century pandemic. And miraculously, a group of scientists discovers a vaccine that actually works, all in a matter of months. Then, the vaccine starts to roll out. But there is one problem: a good segment of the population refuses to take it. This imaginary
- [Statistical Literacy and Public Policies](https://sabithkhan.com/statistical-literacy-and-public-policies/) - Dr. Gustavo Lara-Gonzalez Public policies describe the action of the government. This action is in response to issues brought by the public before the public officials. The response of the government is by enacting laws and regulations. Thus, the government is a manufacturer of public policies. The aim of public or private policy has two
- [How We Overcame the Fear of the COVID-19 Vaccine](https://sabithkhan.com/how-we-overcame-the-fear-of-the-covid-19-vaccine/) - ~Leonard Casiple The COVID-19 pandemic response has upended the very essence of humanity by constraining social interaction, mandating indoor seclusion, and making us flinch at the thought of outdoor bustle. Even the elegance of the lingering waft of perfume and cologne has been supplanted by the shock of quickly-dissipating rubbing alcohol and sanitizers. Every connection
- [Will philanthropy by the rich save us?](https://sabithkhan.com/will-philanthropy-by-hi-networth-giving-save-us/) - Mackenzie Scott’s giving away of $4 bn made news last week, as this was one of the most generous examples of giving by an ultra-rich person, this year. It is admirable that she has given this money away, even though there are very many criticisms of this phenomenon of hi-networth giving. Her problem is pretty
- [How do we find better leaders to lead us through crises?](https://sabithkhan.com/leading-through-crisis/) - The Atlantic published an interesting article recently about the secret for Germany’s success in tackling the COVID-19 crisis: A scientist at the helm of political affairs, Chancellor Angela Merkle. This is an interesting argument to ponder. Why have countries/ regions that have scientists/technocrats as leaders done well, while those run by run-of-the-mill politicians done badly?
- [How are Digital Platforms Being Used by Fire Departments During the 2020 Wildfire Season?](https://sabithkhan.com/role-of-digital-platforms-during-the-2020-wildfire-season/) - ~ Erin Niemi As California fire season has already been off to a record-setting start, fire departments all across California have been active online in order to alert the public. As of Oct. 5, in this 2020 wildfire season, there have been over 8,000 wildfires and a growing total of over 4 million acres burned,
- [The Impact of the COVID-19 Crisis on Remittance Flow to Cuba: A Glance at the Use of Digital Platforms](https://sabithkhan.com/the-impact-of-the-covid-19-crisis-on-remittance-flow-to-cuba-a-glance-at-the-use-of-digital-platforms/) - Denisse Delgado Public Policy Ph.D. student UMass Boston During the COVID-19 crisis, Mexico and the Dominican Republic have been experiencing an unexpected increase in the remittance transactions. However, most of the countries in Latin America and the Caribbean saw a sharp decline in their remittance receipts in April, before they began to rebound in June
- [How to be an anti-racist: How to craft policies that promote equity](https://sabithkhan.com/how-to-be-an-anti-racist-how-to-craft-policies-that-promote-equity/) - Can public policies be racist? Can they disadvantage certain racial and ethnic groups while advantaging others? Yes, that is certainly what has happened in our country, for a very long time, argues Ibram X Kendi, in his book How to be an anti-racist. Given the moment of time we are in, with police violence on
- [Is virtual international education worth it?](https://sabithkhan.com/is-virtual-international-education-worth-it/) - By Roman Yavich, MPA The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a massive disruption to the entire education system. As with any crisis, this difficult and tragic situation has also brought an opportunity for change. In international education this change is the acceleration of the trend toward virtual programs. Is Virtual Study Abroad an Oxymoron? Virtual study
- [How to do deep work and be more productive](https://sabithkhan.com/how-to-do-deep-work-and-be-more-productive/) - One of the hallmarks of our age is that we are in an age of attention. Our global economy is based on attention and there are billions of dollars at stake at grabbing your attention. Yes, yours! Whether you use it, to make your life holistic, meaningful or you fritter it away on responding to
- [Is democratic choice impossible?](https://sabithkhan.com/is-america-really-a-democracy/) - How to pick a solution that satisfies everyone? This problem has faced (and continues to face) all of us. Should we all wear a mask or not? Should this be enforced? Go on vacation during a pandemic – or not? There seems to be a struggle among Americans to answer such basic questions. While a
- [Should you let your cat wander, if it bullies other cats?](https://sabithkhan.com/should-you-let-your-cat-wander-if-it-bullies-other-cats/) - Kwame Appaiah, Professor of Philosophy poses a question that should be relevant to all of us, cat owners or not: Should you let your (bullying) cat wander? Is his freedom more important than the rights of other cats, to live in peace? This is a question that seems to have become relevant as we discuss
- [COVID-19 in Asia – Lessons learned](https://sabithkhan.com/lessons-learned-from-covid-19-in-asia/) - On Monday, June 22, the Cal Lutheran School of Management hosted Dr. Rafiq Dossani from the RAND Corporation, Santa Monica on challenges and impacts on healthcare and economy, and lessons learned from COVID-19 in Asia. Some key highlights from Dr. Dossani’s talk : Regime type doesn’t matter, as much as the level of trust. The
- [Should we take down Christopher Columbus’s statues?](https://sabithkhan.com/should-we-take-down-christopher-columbuss-statues/) - With the ongoing protests surrounding equality for Black and colored people, around the world; the question of monuments (including statutes) has come up, rather forcefully. Should we continue celebrating Christopher Columbus, who treated the Native Americans cruelly? Should we celebrate his ‘discovery’ of the Americas as a great event or something that took away much
- [How can public servants help promote equity and justice?](https://sabithkhan.com/how-can-public-servants-help-promote-equality-and-justice-george-floyd/) - With the recent protests against the killing of George Floyd, the focus is back on a segment of the population that is at the heart of this issue: the public servant. The police force is part of the machinery that has been, is, and will be a part of our daily lives, whether we like
- [Does giving free money work?](https://sabithkhan.com/does-giving-free-money-work/) - One of my students in my Nonprofit Management class pointed out 'Give a man a Fish' by James Ferguson on the (controversial) idea of a universal basic income (UBI). This has been an ongoing debate in the world of development studies. The premise is simple : Give the poor enough money so they don't have
- [Two Americans in Ecuador](https://sabithkhan.com/two-americans-in-ecuador/) - While the American political apparatus is busy withdrawing itself from the world, I met two incredible Americans who have not only spent their energies, but also their time trying to make Ecuador a better place. Just last week I was in Quito, the country's capital to visit Sun Mountain, an organization founded by Scott Solberg, an
- [Insights into refugee resettlement in Germany](https://sabithkhan.com/insights-into-refugee-resettlement-in-germany/) - Last week, I was in Munich, attending a conference organized by the Institut fur Politisch Bildung, a German think-tank and Virginia Tech (my alma mater). The three day visit was overwhelmingly positive, except for a visit to the Dachau Concentration camp, which left me drained, emotionally. Regardless, here is a quick synopsis of some of
- [Leveraging Higher Ed policy for digital access in times of COVID-19](https://sabithkhan.com/leveraging-higher-ed-policy-for-digital-access-in-times-of-covid-19/) - Preface With the COVID-19 crisis dominating our consciousness and shutting down public life, including schools, universities, and other commercial activities, there is a fear that this may impact universities and institutions of higher education, adversely. In this context, there is growing recognition of the power of digital technologies in learning and many institutes of higher
- [Removing bottlenecks to flow of remittances should be a top priority during COVID-19: Policy Brief](https://sabithkhan.com/removing-bottlenecks-to-flow-of-remittances-should-be-a-top-priority-during-covid-19-policy-brief/) - Summary With close to $500 billion of remittances flowing around the world, the phenomenon of remittances as a force for community development and individual empowerment cannot be ignored. Remittances impact the lives of almost a billion people, worldwide. While the flow of money during the best of times is constrained by various policy initiatives and
- [Things You Need To Know About Public Leadership And the Role Of Communications Today](https://sabithkhan.com/things-you-need-to-know-about-public-leadership-and-the-role-of-communications-today/) - "Public leadership and the role of communications today," Aniisu Verghese talks about his journey to becoming a communications expert and his take on how he thinks effective leaders should communicate. Views expressed in this blog are personal. 1. Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about yourself? Thank you for the opportunity to
- [Giving in unprecedented times in the Middle East](https://sabithkhan.com/giving-in-unprecedented-times-in-the-middle-east/) - Saif Khan Charities, nonprofit organizations, and businesses are providing financial aid, distributing medical supplies, and raising awareness in unprecedented times in the Middle East in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Outlined below are some important initiatives in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia The Saudi Food Bank “Eta'am,” the first of its kind
- [Is healthcare a privilege or a birthright?](https://sabithkhan.com/is-healthcare-a-privilege-or-a-birthright/) - COVID-19 has altered the answer to that question forever, making a case that it is actually both. This pandemic has caused changes in just about every aspect of life. Through a government lens, it has pushed states to ask and define what is “essential”. There has also been a challenge identifying to what extent, the
- [Coronavirus: How can we keep remittances flowing?](https://sabithkhan.com/how-can-we-keep-remittances-flowing-during-covid-19-by-dilip-ratha/) - The World Bank is projecting the largest decline in remittances in history, due to COVID-19. On April 23, 2020, The World Bank hosted a webinar with Dr. Dilip Ratha, Chief Economist Remittances unit at the bank on how we could keep remittances flowing. Here is an abridged version of the webinar. Q: Can you give
- [Maintaining National Cohesion During A Drawn-out Pandemic](https://sabithkhan.com/maintaining-national-cohesion-during-covid-19-pandemic/) - The localized crisis causes distressing discord to a community. Widespread catastrophe creates agonizing chaos in any region. If not managed carefully, long-term chaos will knock the wind out of our sails and destroy national cohesion. Noble response to the novel COVID-19. Public administrators, police officers, firefighters, paramedics, medical staff, sanitation workers, long-haul truckers, local delivery
- [Habits of the Heart featured in top 40 blogs on philanthropy](https://sabithkhan.com/top-40-blogs-on-philanthropy/) - I am happy to announce that this blog, Habits of the Heart, which focuses on philanthropy and public policy is featured as one of the top 40 blogs on philanthropy on https://blog.feedspot.com/philanthropy_blogs/ While this is a privilege and honor, I would like to hear from you, the reader, what topics you’d like to read more
- [Note from a Gallegly Fellow: Hope Ramos](https://sabithkhan.com/note-from-a-gallegly-fellow-hope-ramos/) - Hello, readers of the MPPA Blog! I hope everyone is staying safe and keeping healthy during these times. My name is Hope Ramos and I am currently in my fourth term with the MPPA program at California Lutheran University and I am also the 2019-2020 Gallegly Fellow! There have been so many opportunities that I
- [Innovative solutions to travel policy challenge in Canada](https://sabithkhan.com/innovative-solutions-to-travel-policy-challenge-in-canada/) - John Marroquin The Republic of Canada is known for having some of the strictest laws for immigration and visitation for foreign nationals who have been convicted of driving under the influence (DUI), or equivalent misconduct in their respective countries. With the steadily rising number of tourists year by year and the number of foreign nationals
- [Dalai Lama: Achieving world peace through inner peace](https://sabithkhan.com/dalai-lama-world-peace-through-inner-peace/) - On the west lawn of the US Capitol Hill, this Saturday, people celebrated something very unique: Peace. With the spiritual leader Dalai Lama leading the dialogue, it turned out to be one of the most inspiring talks that I have heard in a long time. His key message was this: We can achieve world peace
- [There are over 50 words for Love in Arabic language, while English has only 12 – Dr. Fatima Mernissi](https://sabithkhan.com/over-50-words-for-love-in-arabic-while-english-has-only-12/) - Scholars and intellectuals form a community – no matter where they live; their learning and seeking of truth unites them in a bond that is hard to break. This was the philosophy that Ibn Battuta lived by, and I put this to test recently. True to my old habit, I tried to read up as
- [What is going on, in India?](https://sabithkhan.com/what-is-going-on-in-india/) - An elderly American gentleman asked me that question, just last week. And I summed it up neatly as quite simply : the struggle between those who want to keep India a secular republic (which the constitution guarantees) and those who want to turn into a Hindu nation. Source : The week.in This explanation captures, in
- [Insiders and Outsiders](https://sabithkhan.com/insiders-and-outsiders/) - In a recent exchange about the Israel-Palestine issue with a friend, he informed me that as an ‘outsider’ to an issue, I couldn’t fully appreciate it. As someone who has academically studied this issue, I do have strong convictions. As a fellow human being, I have sympathies. Finally, as an intellectual, I believe that I have
- [Can celebrity philanthropy be harmful?](https://sabithkhan.com/can-celebrity-philanthropy-be-harmful/) - Remember the ads in which Angelina Jolie comes out and shames the world for ignoring the plight of refugees? Or the Bono concert for helping AIDS victims? While each of them has done incredible good in the world, there is an argument out there; and it is a fairly strong one that goes like this:
- [Is the 'American mythos' in need of revision?](https://sabithkhan.com/is-the-american-mythos-in-need-of-revision/) - I am writing this on the second day of election results, that have shaken the country; rather badly. With the election of Donald Trump, Washington D.C., is in mourning. It looks and feels like almost all of the country is at the precipice of something. Mainstream media are still coming to terms with what this
- [How to make a political statement by learning Spanish](https://sabithkhan.com/learning-spanish-in-times-of-trump/) - We are living in interesting times. Times when xenophobia, racism, and suspicion of the ‘other’ are going mainstream, at least at the level of political rhetoric. While one can excuse this as the misguided logic leading up to the primaries, one cannot ignore the amount of confusion this is causing- both domestically and across the
- [What does the 500 Mexican Peso Currency say about Mexico?](https://sabithkhan.com/500-in-mexican-money-about-mexico/) - We celebrated Thanksgiving in Mexico City. A combination of a cheap flight ticket, an invitation from my wife’s friend to visit and a general curiosity to explore the world took us there. Among the few things I noticed was the abundant and never-ending cultural offerings that the city (and may I add, the country itself)
- [Do we need to re-think the definition of Tradition?](https://sabithkhan.com/do-we-need-to-rethink-the-definition-of-tradition/) - In International Relations, Development theory as well as cultural analysis, often one hears that ‘tradition’ ideas are evil, and must be gotten rid of, on our way to ‘modernity.’ Indeed, if one looks at the development of the West, on is way to Enlightenment in the 17th and 18th centuries, much of the tension was
- [How to travel like Ibn Battuta?](https://sabithkhan.com/how-to-travel-like-ibn-battuta/) - Ibn Battuta is one of my heroes. He is what Americans would call 'badass'. He sits well on top of the list of people I have admired and loved – for their generosity of spirit, sense of adventure, or sheer bravery. What started as the journey of a 20 yr old man to go to
- [Beyond the Melting Pot?](https://sabithkhan.com/beyond-the-melting-pot/) - The recent Coca Cola ad during the Super Bowl stirred up quite a controversy. While most of the negative reaction to the ad was misplaced racism, the ad did bring up an important question that for the most part, went un-examined: that of the myth of America as the land of opportunities and a place
- [New Year Resolution: Top 12 books for Charity and Philanthropy](https://sabithkhan.com/new-year-reading-list-top-12-books-in-charity-and-philanthropy/) - Keeping up the tradition of recommending books to read in the upcoming New Year, here is my list of top twelve books for 2014– all focused on Charity and Philanthropy. For starters, the two words don’t mean the same. Hopefully, by the time you are done with the 12 books, you will know the difference.
- [Book Review: Thomas Jefferson’s Qur’an by Denise A. Spellberg](https://sabithkhan.com/book-review-thomas-jeffersons-quran-by-denise-a-spellberg/) - If the only thing you learn from this book is that the founding fathers had the wisdom to use Islam as a test case, to set the limits of tolerance in America, then that’d be sufficient. Denise Spellberg: Thomas Jefferson’s Qur’an is a well-researched book, that locates the debates during the time (and before) Jefferson
- [Is American Philanthropy exceptional?](https://sabithkhan.com/american-philanthropy/) - Is American philanthropy exceptional? As the most generous country in the world (by some counts) is the U.S. unique in the way that it advocates and practices charity? While the U.S. remains one of the most creative, dynamic, and trendsetting countries when it comes to charitable giving, is it true that unique? On the surface,
- [Studying Muslim Philanthropy in America – Conversations in Philanthropy #4](https://sabithkhan.com/studying-muslim-philanthropy-in-america/) - As a student of philanthropy and specifically, Muslim/ Arab American giving, I am constantly struck by how little information there is, on the various aspects of giving. Despite a formidable 1400 years of history, there are not even 14 books that deal with the social, cultural, economic aspects of giving among Muslims, in a scholarly
- [Book Review: How to Read a Book - Mortimer Adler and Charles Van Doren](https://sabithkhan.com/adler-and-van-doren-how-to-read-a-book/) - 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
- [Book review: A Free and Ordered Space – A.Bartlett Giamatti](https://sabithkhan.com/book-review-a-free-and-ordered-space-a-bartlett-giamatti/) - While it is not fashionable to review old books, there can be exceptions. Or rather, there should be exceptions for classics – they should be read, reviewed and discussed- time and again. Giamatti’s “ A free and Ordered Space” is one such book. This book, first published in 1988 is one man’s vision of higher
- [Book review: Before European Hegemony Summary](https://sabithkhan.com/before-european-hegemony-summary/) - In what is certainly one of the most well-written books on Geo-politics of the 13th and 14th centuries that I have read, Janet Abu-Lughod makes a compelling argument that the world-system of that century gave rise to the European Hegemony of the 16th century and there were several factors responsible for it. Key among them
- [More Charity and less Philanthropy?](https://sabithkhan.com/more-charity-and-less-philanthropy/) - Do we need more ‘Charity’ (unorganized, personal giving) and less of ‘philanthropy’ (organized, scientific philanthropy)? While scholarship in the last 25 years of so indicates that there is a growing trend towards philanthropy, we are witnessing new arguments that what we need is really more ‘charity’. Bureaucratized and ‘scientific’ ways of giving don’t really work.
- [Film Review - 5 Broken Cameras](https://sabithkhan.com/film-review-5-broken-cameras/) - I recently watched “5 Broken Cameras[1],” a docu-film made by Palestinian farmer Emad Burnat and Israeli co-director Guy Davidi. This is a powerful documentary shot entirely by Burnat, and chronicles the struggles and tribulations of the Palestinian civilians in the village of Bil’in, which is made ‘secure’ by a fence, so that the Israelis do
- [ACCESS: A model for Arab-American Philanthropy? Conversations in Philanthropy # 3](https://sabithkhan.com/arab-american-models/) - I first heard of the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) through someone I know in Washington D.C. She introduced me to Maha Freij, their Deputy Executive Director a few weeks ago, as I was researching for a paper on ethnic giving and community-based philanthropy. A short visit to Dearborn, MI just
- [What kind of philanthropy do we need, in these times?](https://sabithkhan.com/what-kind-of-philanthropy-do-we-need-in-these-times/) - In the past few weeks, I have received multiple requests for donations, mainly from nonprofits and individuals I know. The requests are for the upkeep of operations, providing essential services, etc. and reflect the need for solidarity, that is much needed in these times. Notions of charity, philanthropy, and volunteering are making a comeback in
- [How should you manage a crisis?](https://sabithkhan.com/how-should-you-manage-a-crisis/) - Lessons from crisis management & communication campaigns - Part 1 I just heard from a colleague that entire malls are being shut down and people are stocking up food and supplies, in California. The Coronavirus scare is getting real as the State of California has declared an emergency. For sure, this seems to be a
- [Frontline Workers & Stress: COVID-19 Reminds Us to Pay Attention to What Matters](https://sabithkhan.com/covid-19-causes-stress-to-frontline-workers/) - Crawford Coates A recent study out in the Journal of the American Medical Association surveyed 1,257 healthcare workers in China who worked on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic response. It finds a significant number of those surveyed experiencing symptoms of distress, including depression, anxiety, and insomnia.[1] The closer to the epicenter of the pandemic,
- [Six tips to be a successful online student](https://sabithkhan.com/six-tips-to-be-a-successful-online-student/) - With the sudden change in school and college schedules, with the COVID-19 situation, most institutions in the U.S. are going towards online education. Many are scrambling to make this transition, while those who are better prepared are doing virtual classes smoothly. There seem to be multiple resources for teachers on how to teach better, however;
- [So, you want to get a Ph.D ?](https://sabithkhan.com/so-you-want-to-get-a-phd/) - About half a dozen friends have reached out to me, over the last two and half years since I have been in a Ph.D program (in the U.S.) to ask me what it is like. While it is impossible to fully describe what it is to be a full-time student, and the joys of going
- [What role do U.S. foundations play abroad?](https://sabithkhan.com/what-role-do-usa-foundations-play-abroad/) - The role of American foundations - those that dole out money to causes - has been controversial for a long time. For those who know the history, it is a well-known fact that private foundations arose from the wealth of wealthy industrialists, who wanted to use their wealth for 'common good.' The 'Robber barons' of
- [How can charity and philanthropy help during COVID-19 crisis](https://sabithkhan.com/how-can-charity-and-philanthropy-help-during-covid-19-crisis/) - I accidentally came across a short video on twitter by Chef Jose Andres. Chef Andres shared a recipe of a simple lentil soup and also a message: feed others with what you have. Feed your own family, feed the people around you. This simple message resonated with me, both as an educator and as someone
- [Why study charitable giving? : Challenges and opportunities in the field of Islamic Philanthropic studies.](https://sabithkhan.com/why-study-charitable-giving-challenges-and-opportunities-in-the-field-of-islamic-philanthropic-stud/) - 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
- ["The boundary of political discourse, unfortunately, is around 4.6% taxes"](https://sabithkhan.com/the-boundary-of-political-discourse-unfortunately-is-around-4-6-taxes/) - “The boundary of political discourse today unfortunately is around 4.6% taxes “ – Jeffrey Sachs, Special Advisor to UN Secretary General and Professor of Economics at Columbia Uni. In a talk which offered a crash-course in economic history of the modern US, and gave a glimpse into the implications of the current administration’s policies in
- [Government mandated shutdowns are making a case for welfare](https://sabithkhan.com/government-mandated-shutdowns-are-making-a-case-for-welfare/) - With talks of some sort of welfare mechanism for millions of Americans doing the rounds, it looks like Universal Basic Income (UBI) is having a moment of spotlight. Let us not forget that it had its moment during the Democratic Primaries, with Andrew Yang making it his signature policy. Welfare policies are making a comeback
- [Innovations in money transfer and remittances](https://sabithkhan.com/innovations-in-money-transfer-and-remittances/) - The past few weeks have been filled with conferences. I was in Mexico City for a conference organized by CEMLA on remittances in Latin America and a meeting there lead me to another conference in Miami, this time the IMTC conference. Founded by Hugo Cuevas Mohr, the IMTC conferences are where practitioners, bankers and technology
- [Do we need whistleblowers?](https://sabithkhan.com/do-we-need-whistleblowers/) - The recent scandal with Ukraine and Mr.Trump is one of the dozens of ethical (and legal) scandals that we have seen. Scandal after scandal, it seems like the word scandal is losing its steam. However, this one has a new twist : there is a whistleblower involved. The American legacy of whistleblowing goes far back,
- [Hi-networth giving in America : a symptom of another gilded age?](https://sabithkhan.com/hi-networth-giving-in-america-a-symptom-of-another-gilded-age/) - Felicity Huffman's sentencing to 14 days in jail this week could be a turning point in American charity. It is among the few indictments of a rich person who used their money or influence to gain an advantage for them/their family. But a change in American attitudes towards charity and a turning point? How so,
- [Honesty, hardwork and the academic life](https://sabithkhan.com/honesty-hardwork-and-the-academic-life/) - New York Times published this article recently that talked about writing companies offering essays, academic papers and the like, as services to American college students. I have seen examples of this in my own classroom, though have been handicapped in proving that this work is completely written by someone else. This goes to the heart
- [Race to lead](https://sabithkhan.com/race-to-lead/) - I received a report in my mailbox today titled 'Race to lead' which deals with the issue of challenges that leaders of color face, in the nonprofit sector, in the U.S. Many of the issues highlighted in the report are quite familiar to me : lack of funding, board of directors not taking you seriously.
- [On leadership...](https://sabithkhan.com/on-leadership/) - I am teaching a course on Nonprofit Leadership this summer. This is a strange time to be talking about leadership, given that we are witnessing so much chaos around the world and those who are supposed to be 'leading' are doing anything but lead. Consider the world of business, which has become the focus of
- [Sermon at a mosque after Christ Church attack](https://sabithkhan.com/sermon-at-a-mosque-after-christ-church-attack/) - I attended the Jumm'ah prayers at the Masjid Al-Taqwa in Altadena. Here is an abridged version of the sermon. The Imam read out a message from a family in the neighborhood. They had left a card as well : “We stand with you on this sorrowful day, we hope you can find some peace.” -
- [Mission impossible? - Part 1](https://sabithkhan.com/mission-impossible-part-1/) - The recent news of the John Allen Chau, the American missionary who was killed by tribals in India's Andaman Islands prompted a lot of writing. Much ink has been spilled and many perspectives shared. One perspective suggests that since his actions - of wanting to spread Christianity- are part of the older narrative of wanting
- [Work - Do we need to redefine it?](https://sabithkhan.com/work-do-we-need-to-redefine-it/) - I finished teaching Public Administration Theory class this week (for a 11 week term)and one of the themes in this course was 'The Future of PA'. Given the talk of Artificial Intelligence and challenges of governance, I touched upon the issue of work and how that is likely to change, in the future. With more
- [Government & the future of welfare in a world of AI](https://sabithkhan.com/government-the-future-of-welfare-in-a-world-of-ai/) - Earlier this year, PK Agarwal, a well-respected technocrat from California was a keynote speaker at the American Society for Public Administration’s conference. Among other issues, he talked about how the future of government will change. Using e-services as an example, he illustrated how customer centric work will be the norm in government agencies. He also
- [On social entrepreneurship...](https://sabithkhan.com/on-social-entrepreneurship/) - A few months ago, I had a conversation with someone at a university, who runs an entrepreneurship center. During our conversation, I brought up social entrepreneurship, stewardship etc. ideas that are becoming mainstream. He argued that there is no such distinctions are artificial. All entrepreneurship is about creating value and social change. So, by this
- [On Remittances...](https://sabithkhan.com/on-remittances/) - Recently, I spoke at the local Rotary Club in the Oxnard area. I shared some data and a few insights, gained from my research on this phenomenon. More than $466 billion were sent from countries around the world. This number, which the World Bank estimates to be a slight improvement over the previous year, is
- [The New American Community?](https://sabithkhan.com/the-new-american-community-2/) - I am working on a project, that could potentially become larger than what it is currently. The central idea is to map out how philanthropy is shaping community : An idea I have argued for, in my dissertation. Given that the past year or so has been spectacularly chaotic, both socially and politically in the
- [Civil society in Saudi Arabia?](https://sabithkhan.com/civil-society-in-saudi-arabia/) - Earlier this month, government officials, nonprofit professionals and donors got together at one of the most important gathering of nonprofit leaders in Saudi Arabia. If discussions there are any indication, the kingdom may be in for a major overhaul. Hosted by the Center of Excellence in Development of Nonprofit Organizations at the King Fahd University,
- [News from ARNOVA 2017](https://sabithkhan.com/news-from-arnova-2017/) - This year's ARNOVA was held in Grand Rapids, MI. As someone who has been a regular for the past five years, I was excited for this year's conference also because I released a co-authored book (with Dr.Shariq Siddiqui) and also won the ARNOVA-Al Subaei Arab Philanthropy award. The book is available for purchase here. While
- [Small kindnesses, big impact](https://sabithkhan.com/small-kindnesses-big-impact/) - I watched the movie Sultan and the Saint over the weekend at the Bayan Claremont Graduate School of Theology in Claremont. While the movie was quite well made and it has a strong message of interfaith dialogue and courage, the point that stuck to me was not the central message; but rather a peripheral one
- [America's philanthropy problem?](https://sabithkhan.com/americas-philanthropy-problem/) - A debate that is becoming salient, over the past few years is if philanthropic foundations are becoming powerful by the day? A recent article in The Huffington Post points this out. The writer points out, correctly, that Jeff Bezos solicited ideas for his philanthropy, just a few days before the purchase of Whole Foods. PR
- [The trinity of nonprofit sector: Time to revisit some assumptions?](https://sabithkhan.com/the-trinity-of-nonprofit-sector-time-to-revisit-some-assumptions/) - The trinity of transparency, accountability and efficiency are also at play in the world of public health. In the book Governing Global Health by Chelsea Clinton and Devi Sridhar, that I am reading now, this theme comes up time and again. They both argue that among the various organizations that they have studied in the
- [Big data, small data...](https://sabithkhan.com/big-data-small-data/) - I work with small data primarily. This means that my research is largely interpretive, qualitative. However, I recently conducted a national survey of faith-based schools (for a book that is due to be released in Fall 2017) and used that in conjunction with semi-structured interviews. While the tension between qualitative and quantitative researchers remains -
- [Does transparency in philanthropy matter?](https://sabithkhan.com/does-transparency-in-philanthropy-matter/) - David Fahrenthold won the Pulitzer for reporting this year, for reporting on Donald J Trump Foundation, the current President's charity. His entry into this subject is interesting, as he points out in this video. Transparency, accountability and efficiency are the new trinity of philanthropy it seems. With greater calls for accountability and transparency, the American
- [Does philanthropy need to be re-framed?](https://sabithkhan.com/does-philanthropy-need-to-be-re-framed/) - When we use terms like philanthropy, usually it means giving away of the money by the wealthy to those who are well off. In recent times, this notion has come to be challenged. While the billionaires give money to causes both locally and internationally, it is often with a lot of fanfare and publicity. On
- [Are corporations going to save America?](https://sabithkhan.com/are-corporations-going-to-save-america/) - With the recent Executive Order banning entry of people from seven Middle Eastern countries, the nation is in uproar. This order also includes refugees, who were fleeing violence and oppression in Syria, among other countries. The fact that several companies such as Lyft and Starbucks have stepped up and spoken out against this order is
- [Is American philanthropy exceptional?](https://sabithkhan.com/is-american-philanthropy-exceptional-2/) - In discussions I have had with some friends in the past few weeks, a theme has emerged. This theme is one of how Americans view their own giving or philanthropy. While a friend suggested that Americans viewed their own philanthropic practices as being exceptional, it is worthwhile to see if this is true or not.
- [Generosity of the Poor - II : African Americans in Antebellum America](https://sabithkhan.com/generosity-of-the-poor-ii-african-americans-in-antebellum-america/) - Continuing the theme from my previous post, here are some more observations on charity by the poor, but this time; from the U.S. I came across an unusual story by Dr. Kambiz Ghaneabassiri, who is a professor at Reed College, USA. In his book, A History of Islam in America, he talks about the charity
- [Generosity of the poor](https://sabithkhan.com/generosity-of-the-poor/) - A few days ago, we visited a village in South India. As part of our travels in Karnataka, we planned day trip to Tumkur district, where my uncle is from. We drove for about an hour from Bangalore, the IT capital of India; my hometown to Tumkur, stopping on the way to drink fresh coconut
- [Charity in Qatar - how distinctive?](https://sabithkhan.com/charity-in-qatar-how-distinctive/) - I am in Doha, Qatar, visiting for the first time. While the tiny Arab country is literally a dot on the map, for those from larger countries such as India or the U.S., Qatar punches way beyond its weight in international affairs of the Middle East, and arguably the world. For starters, Qatar is one
- [Nonprofit accountability - what does it mean?](https://sabithkhan.com/nonprofit-accountability-what-does-it-mean/) - Just last week, I taught a short class, as part of a visit to a Mid-western university. I chose the topic of nonprofit accountability and how it is conceptualized. I shared this paper by Alnoor Ebrahim, where he argues that nonprofits must focus on strategy driven forms of accountability that help organizations achieve their missions,
- [How will the new administration and its policies impact the Nonprofit sector?](https://sabithkhan.com/how-will-the-new-administration-and-its-policies-impact-the-nonprofit-sector/) - I recently attended the ARNOVA Conference, the annual conference of ARNOVA, a leading organization that is dedicated to research of the Voluntary and Nonprofit sector. As one of the most important convenings of its kind; this conference brings together both scholars and practitioners from around the world. This year, there were close to 1000 attendees,
- [The New American Community?](https://sabithkhan.com/the-new-american-community/) - I recorded my first professional style talk today. This series of talks called ARNOVA Talks is styled after the famous ( or rather infamous) TED Talks, that many love and others loathe. Those who love it, love it because it helps one present really complex research or work in a manner that is understandable, relatable
- ["What about public service?" you ask...](https://sabithkhan.com/what-about-public-service-you-ask/) - When it comes to the discourse of charity, philanthropy and 'doing good' most people don't consider working for the government, in a 'public service' role as being particularly altruistic. But consider this : Most public servants ( whether working for federal government, state or even a nonprofit) make much less salary than a comparably educated
- [If not for profit, for what?](https://sabithkhan.com/if-not-for-profit-for-what/) - I sat next to an older gentleman on my flight from D.C. to Atlanta, GA. While he was quite in the beginning and was absorbed in his newspapers, a quick smile and conversation started him talking. And despite his strong southern accent – he was from Alabama – we managed to discuss a lot of
- [Does Bill Gates's philanthropy make a difference?](https://sabithkhan.com/does-bill-gatess-philanthropy-make-a-difference/) - I have been reading about the philanthropy of the super-rich or the Hi-Networth individuals ( HNW) as they are called. The media celebrates wealthy people, and their acts. As the saying goes, a wealthy's man's joke is always funny and few question the 'good works' of the super-wealthy. With the 'Giving Pledge' and similar initiatives,
- [An artist as philanthropist : Umm Kulthum as an exemplar](https://sabithkhan.com/an-artist-as-philanthropist-umm-kulthum-as-an-exemplar/) - For those who know Umm Kulthum , the Egyptian singer and iconoclast, they are also familiar with her role in rallying the entire Arab world together, in times of great need. Her role as the 'voice of Egypt' is well known. Not so well known may be her role as a philanthropist. We recently
- [How to measure what matters : Nonprofit management 101](https://sabithkhan.com/how-to-measure-what-matters-nonprofit-management-101/) - The nonprofit industry is obsessed with one thing : measurement. For those who do research or are involved in actual program delivery in the nonprofit sector, this desire to ‘measure spoons’ as Alnoor Ebrahim, a Harvard University professor calls it, can translate into a variety of things. There are a great many metrics that are
- [How to fix the world – Use your head or heart?](https://sabithkhan.com/how-to-fix-the-world-use-your-head-or-heart/) - Climate change. Refugee crisis. Unemployment. Poverty. Think of these issues or any other countless ‘wicked’ problems and if you are reasonable, like most people; one question sounds in your head: “Do we know all the facts?”. Do we know the ‘right’ approach to fix these issues? While the ‘facts’ are available to address and solve
- [How the US Congress can make friends and help people](https://sabithkhan.com/is-foreign-aid-nothing-but-charity/) - What is the role of US Aid in developing contexts?
- [What is wrong with the 'Islam and the West' discourse](https://sabithkhan.com/what-is-wrong-with-the-islam-and-the-west-discourse/) - First things first : I am happy that Sadiq Khan is the Mayor of London. Nothing could be cooler than having someone who shares your last name become the Mayor of a global city. This incident has been commented upon, quite a lot. Well meaning people point out that this is an indication that the
- [Do politicians and bureaucrats need to be creative?](https://sabithkhan.com/do-politicians-and-bureaucrats-need-to-be-creative/) - While it is not a good idea for accountants to be creative with balance sheets - and that can quickly escalate into trouble for everyone - I have been reading and discussing with people, the idea that politicians and bureaucrats need to be creative. Just 'following the rule book' will not help us solve the
- [Has social media made us lazy?](https://sabithkhan.com/has-social-media-made-us-lazy/) - I have been thinking about social media and how it has made us lazy. Yes, social media allows us to sit on our backsides, click a few cat pictures (potentially cats in distress) and makes us feel like we have ‘saved the world’. Or if you are a bit more gifted, perhaps you’ll write about
- [How to make academic work relevant?](https://sabithkhan.com/how-to-make-academic-work-relevant/) - It costs about a million dollars to produce a Ph.D, in the U.S. One of my mentors shared this interesting fact, as I was about to finish my doctoral education. While I was trying to finish a decently-written dissertation, this fact kept nagging me. I had to justify that million dollar investment made on me
- [Do we need theory?](https://sabithkhan.com/do-we-need-theory/) - Of late, I have been having a lot of conversations with people in the nonprofit sector. And one clear divide I am noticing is between those who ‘do’ stuff and those who ‘think’ about stuff and theorize about it. The assumption is that those who can, do and those who don’t, teach. You may have
- [Three models of immigration - which one will win?](https://sabithkhan.com/three-models-of-immigration-which-one-will-win/) - I attended the last lecture of 'Immigration Law and Policy,' a class I audited this semester at Georgetown Law School. As someone who is interested in Law, Policy and Immigration issues, I got a lot out of this class. As a wrap up, Prof. Andy Schoenholtz reminded the class that the U.S. has followed (and
- [Should Government be run like a business?](https://sabithkhan.com/should-government-be-run-like-a-business/) - Should government be run like a business? We grappled with this question, during our Master of Public administration (MPA) degree at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs in 2011, the year I graduated. It was a question that was as relevant then, as it is today – with a certain presidential candidate arguing
- [Are we witnessing the end of ‘community’?](https://sabithkhan.com/are-we-witnessing-the-end-of-community/) - Is the word ‘community’ meaningless? Are we living in the most ‘individualistic’ moment in American history? Given the debates about how unequal we have become, as a country; do we just need a ‘each man on his own’ mindset or do traditional systems such as family, neighbors have any relevance in our lives? I ask
- [Man and Superman](https://sabithkhan.com/man-and-superman/) - By many measures, authoritarianism is on the rise. Both in the U.S. and across Europe. Let’s not even talk about the Middle East, because unfortunately, there is no good news coming from there – at least for now. Globally, are we witnessing a growth of authoritarianism? A cursory glance at the ongoing developments in the
- [How to (or NOT to) talk to your kids (or grandkids) about ISIS at the Thanksgiving dinner](https://sabithkhan.com/how-to-or-not-to-talk-to-your-kids-or-grandkids-about-isis-at-the-thanksgiving-dinner/) - As I was disembarking from my flight from Atlanta to D.C. earlier this week, I overheard an older woman talk to someone seated next to her ‘I don’t know how to explain ISIS to my grand kids. I want to tell them they are animals…with their evil intent, but I love animals; so can bring
- [Should nonprofit pay be based on performance? No, says leading expert.](https://sabithkhan.com/should-nonprofits-pay-be-based-on-performance-no-says-leading-expert/) - "If Supreme court judges were to be paid for their 'performance' then we would surely have a higher conviction rate. The same can be said of institutions of education where incentives are given purely on 'results'" pointed out Prof. Burton Weisbrod, during the plenary session of ARNOVA 's 2015 Annual conference, held at the historic Palmer
- [Should the real ‘war’ be against lazy thinking and bad English?](https://sabithkhan.com/should-the-real-war-be-against-lazy-thinking-and-bad-english/) - As early as 1946, George Orwell argued that English language is facing a ‘decline’ of sorts. In his essay Politics and the English Language, Orwell pointed out that English writing in his age – and I would argue, even in our age – suffers from two main problems, i.e., staleness of imagery and lack of
- [The problem with the question : ‘Is Islam a Violent Religion’](https://sabithkhan.com/the-problem-with-the-question-is-islam-a-violent-religion/) - As a young scholar, I am amazed at how easily such a question can be posed towards Islam and Muslims, without second thought – as if it is the most normal and banal question that one can ask – indeed, many of my close friends and associates have asked me this question, in the past.
- [Can Philanthropy help fix the refugee crisis?](https://sabithkhan.com/can-philanthropy-help-fix-the-refugee-crisis/) - Beyond the headlines, the noise and clamor that we hear about immigration is a rather simple question: How will we welcome the stranger? The one who is unknown, perhaps vulnerable? The question of refugees is also ultimately about us, especially those living in countries where refugees come to. The U.S, Europe and the Gulf nations
- [Two jobs I Could Never have....like ever!](https://sabithkhan.com/two-jobs-i-could-never-have-like-ever/) - I dropped off my wife, who is a Catholic, to her colleague’s house on the morning of Sept 23, at 4 am. Together, they, along with a few other colleagues were going to meet the Pope and the President at the White House. On my way back, I was thinking to myself: Those are the
- [Creating a positive 'identity' for refugees?](https://sabithkhan.com/creating-a-positive-identity-for-refugees/) - In most media discourses, Refugees are constructed as pathological creatures. The entire discourse of refugees and their plight is portrayed as something of a 'problem to be fixed.' While it is true that most refugees are in need of desperate help and do, over a short period of time, burden the economy of any host
- [Renewing Islam through service?](https://sabithkhan.com/renewing-islam-through-service/) - Popular discourses about Islam don’t normally include the ‘service’ component of the faith. Even though Islam considers charity to be central part of faith. Charity is very broadly defined in Islamic terms – for instance, there are prophetic Hadith that suggest that even a kind word or smile to a stranger can be considered an
- ["Where there is learning, there is change."](https://sabithkhan.com/where-there-is-learning-there-is-change/) - With election season making immigration and immigrants a hot-button issue, the question of their education has not come up, in a substantive way. On the contrary, there is much noise and talking points about the supposed ‘burden’ that immigrants pose to the American economy. In this insightful interview, we talk with an expert on this
- [Is religious nationalism relevant today?](https://sabithkhan.com/is-religious-nationalism-relevant-today/) - Is Zionism relevant today? Or for that matter Hindutva or Islamism? Whether it is India, with its ruling party – the BJP, which has a strong Hindu revivalist motif or Egypt, where the Muslim Brotherhood was ousted from power, after a debacle of sorts, religion and religious parties continue to challenge our understanding of politics
- ["Where are you from" and other questions](https://sabithkhan.com/where-are-you-from-and-other-questions/) - In the U.S., 'Where are you from' can be a loaded question. It took me a while to realize this. It could range from : a) genuine curiosity about your origins b) ignorance about who you are OR c) An arrogant assumption that you are an 'outsider,' even if you are more 'native' than the person
- [Indian hospitality, American lives](https://sabithkhan.com/indian-hospitality-american-lives/) - As I am saying my good byes to people in Blacksburg, where I currently live, and moving to NoVA, I ran into an old acquaintance of mine. This professor of religion –the son of American Methodist priests was born in India – and knows Telugu, among other Indian languages. We got talking about a mutual
- [The Anatomy of Arrogance: How to understand the Donald Trump phenomenon](https://sabithkhan.com/the-anatomy-of-arrogance-how-to-understand-the-donald-trump-phenomenon/) - Pride is one of the cardinal sins, but in today's America it seems to have become a virtue. If Donald Trump's rhetoric is anything to go by, and the reaction he is getting from his 'fans,' then this 'sin,' seems to be the way to win elections. In the language of culture studies, this absolute
- [Are you an Insider or an outsider?](https://sabithkhan.com/are-you-an-insider-or-an-outsider/) - Do you have to be an American to write about America, or a Black person to write about African American issues? Or a Christian to write about Christianity? These questions get asked, quite often, especially in academic circles. While the general academic rule of thumb, or the ‘mood’ in academia today is that this is
- [Should you give ‘Directly,’ for impact? Lessons from my mom’s charitable experiments](https://sabithkhan.com/should-you-give-directly-for-impact-lessons-from-my-moms-charitable-experiments/) - What is the best way to help people? Is it to let the market forces determine who should survive and who should sink, or should there be intervention from the state or other players? How should philanthropy be directed towards individuals and communities? These questions have neither clear-cut answers, nor a good way of being
- [Do we need accurate data about Nonprofits in the US ?](https://sabithkhan.com/do-we-need-accurate-data-about-nonprofits-in-the-us/) - Last weekend, I attended a conference / brainstorm hosted by the American University, in partnership with the Urban Institute. Titled 'Nonprofit Panel Data Symposium,' the two day event attracted some of the top brains in the country, working in the nonprofit/ civil society sector. As a young scholar who is interested in the sector and
- [Do we Need to Re-examine the History of Humanitarian Aid?](https://sabithkhan.com/do-we-need-to-re-examine-the-history-of-humanitarian-aid/) - I recently came across an article about the Ottoman Empire’s aid to Ireland during the great Potato Famine[i] in the 1840s. The article points out that the Ottoman sultan, Sultan Khaleefah Abdul-Majid I declared his intention to send £10,000 to aid Ireland's farmers. However, the British did not like this idea and even forced the
- [When Indians pretended to be ‘White’: Conflation of race and identity as a very ‘American’ phenomenon](https://sabithkhan.com/when-indians-pretended-to-be-white-conflation-of-race-and-identity-as-a-very-american-phenomenon/) - In early 20th century, when immigration laws excluded Asians from immigrating to the U.S., some creative Indians claimed they were indeed White, when they landed on the U.S. shores. They were landless laborers, who had landed on the shores of California, looking for work and were surprised to find themselves in this predicament. Kambiz Ghaneabassiri
- [How to tell someone they are wrong](https://sabithkhan.com/how-to-tell-someone-they-are-wrong/) - I got into an argument with a friend just yesterday. The topic was U.S. Foreign policy in the Middle East. While I do have strong ideas about this issue, so did my friend - who is a Veteran. We had a few strong exchanges and clarified our positions, in no uncertain terms. But after my
- [Ten Commandments for an International Relations Professional](https://sabithkhan.com/ten-commandments-for-an-international-relations-professional/) - I received an email from a relative in India, requesting me to speak with his niece, who is considering grad school in the U.S. She wants to specialize in International Relations. This is perhaps the fifth or so request I have received in the last year. So, I thought of writing a blog post for
- [Philanthropy: Where Marxism and Islam agree](https://sabithkhan.com/philanthropy-where-marxism-and-islam-agree/) - Marxism can be considered the exact mirror opposite of Islamic values, when it comes to ideas of materialism. On surface, this statement seems true. While Karl Marx’s idea of society can be considered purely materialistic, and his notions of political economy deeply rooted in notions of wealth, Islam is a more egalitarian and ‘socialist’ system,
- [Development: For whom and why?](https://sabithkhan.com/development-for-whom-and-why/) - Over the last two weeks, I have had a few interesting discussions on 'development,' both in the context of local community development and international development. One can see conflation of security discourses, humanitarian and related concerns in each of these debates. The dominant narrative about ‘development,’ in the context of Asia and Africa seems to
- [Singapore, Dubai and the limits of Freedom?](https://sabithkhan.com/singapore-dubai-and-the-limits-of-freedom/) - ON March 23rd, the founder of modern day Singapore – Lee Kuan Yew died – and with him, an era of change and reform in Singapore passed. While the man is remembered for ‘building’ Singapore, he is also known as the man who brought into sharp focus the idea of ‘tradition’ and ‘Asian values’. The
- [Religious Freedom laws in the U.S. : Freedoms used to justify discrimination?](https://sabithkhan.com/when-freedom-is-used-to-justify-un-freedoms/) - I taught my students about the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), a law that is being used to pass similar laws in various states in the U.S. The most controversial case involves a similar law in Indiana. The contours of the case point to the idea that private businesses can discriminate against LGBT couples. But
- [Social Development in India – What do We Know?](https://sabithkhan.com/social-development-in-india-what-do-we-know/) - I met Dr. Abusaleh Shariff about a year ago, through a common friend. We kept in touch and promised to connect the next time I was going to be in D.C. It turned out that I was able to meet him just yesterday and spent a good hour chatting about various initiatives at the US
- [An All-American narrative that fails on many fronts: Why Hollywood can do better](https://sabithkhan.com/an-all-american-narrative-that-fails-on-many-fronts-why-hollywood-can-do-better/) - I watched 'American Sniper' last night, to see what the fuss is all about. The first thing that struck me is that the narrative of the film is so simple minded: us versus them, that it could only appeal to the uber-patriotic, All-American gun-trotting rednecks. Yes, this is about a war and also about the
- ["We Are All…. – Fill in the Blank" - Guest post by Dr. Noam Chomsky](https://sabithkhan.com/we-are-all-fill-in-the-blank-guest-post-by-dr-noam-chomsky/) - Yes, we got Chomsky's thoughts on this issue! Read on...
- [Does Islam need ‘reform’?](https://sabithkhan.com/does-islam-need-reform/) - I am truly upset and angry that more than 12 people have died because of some vile cartoons. It should not have been, but it is so. I think the important task for people in France now, as well as around the world is to come to terms with it and deal with the aftermath.
- [Do Scholars have a social responsibility?](https://sabithkhan.com/do-scholars-have-a-social-responsibility/) - The amount of b&%* shit that I see in the ‘public domain’ on a regular basis makes me want to cry. Really.I am researching Islam in the U.S. and one can only imagine the amount of non-sense that there is, out there, along with genuine, credible scholarship. I would hazard a guess that at least
- [Why focus on praxis, rather than on thought?](https://sabithkhan.com/why-focus-on-praxis-rather-than-on-thought/) - In the study of religion, is ‘thought’ more important than the everyday reality of those who practice religion? By 'thought' I include all the teachings, conceptions of 'ideal society' and life that every religion teaches. This is a hard question to answer, as ‘orthodoxy’ and ‘orthopraxy’ are two sides of the same coin, but in
- [Top ten books I read this year](https://sabithkhan.com/top-ten-books-i-read-this-year/) - I read a lot of books this year. Like a LOT. Part of the reason is that I am preparing for my prelim exams (part of the PhD process) where you prove to your committee that you know your stuff. Additionally, I presented a few papers at a few conferences, many of them outside my
- [Is God a White Racist?](https://sabithkhan.com/is-god-a-white-racist/) - Since Michael Brown’s shooting in Ferguson, there has been a renewed national conversation about race in America. While most thoughtful analysts agree that there is a wide racial divide in the country, no one has come up with a definitive answer as to how to solve it. Despite decades of government, non-government and civil society
- [Is there a ‘rational’ way to Discuss Immigration Reform?](https://sabithkhan.com/is-there-a-rational-way-to-discuss-immigration-reform/) - America is a country that equally loves and hates immigration. With public opinion on this issue being divided, it does not look Americans will reach a consensus on what is good for the country, anytime soon. If history is any indicator, then this question has not been settled in the last three hundred years. So,
- [The Fall of Journalism and Rise of PR?](https://sabithkhan.com/fall-of-journalism-and-rise-of-pr/) - Are we witnessing the fall of journalism and rise of PR? I find myself asking this question, quite often. As a former Public Relations man, I can spot a plug, a media story that is promoting either a product, a person or an organization – off a mile – and unfortunately, this seems to be
- [Why you should be Skeptical of Media Pundits’ Commentary](https://sabithkhan.com/why-you-should-be-skeptical-of-media-pundits-commentary/) - Are the pundits (or experts) on TV actually making us more ignorant? I am starting to wonder if all this explosion of ‘experts’ around us is really helping us understand the complex issues in front of us, or are they ‘dumbing down’ things, in order to reach us, and in essence not really helping us
- [How to write about Islam?](https://sabithkhan.com/how-to-write-about-islam/) - Amidst all the noise about the end of the world scenarios being portrayed as a result of ISIS conquest of parts of Iraq and Syria and equally banal assertions that Islam is somehow inherently violent, and needs ‘reformation’, the common man out there is left confused. As someone studying Islam in America, I am at
- [Why Gandhi is Relevant in 2014](https://sabithkhan.com/why-gandhi-is-relevant-in-2014/) - Indians around the world celebrated Gandhi Jayanthi on October 2, his birth anniversary. It is a solemn day, often marked by social gatherings, politicians saying something banal about Gandhi’s life and legacy and talk-show hosts debating his life. While the question whether Gandhi’s life lessons are relevant is taken seriously by few, a vast majority
- [How Not to Think of Lobbies in America](https://sabithkhan.com/how-not-to-think-of-lobbies-in-america/) - How does one think about a special interest group? Are they the ‘tail wagging the dog’? Or more realistically, just power-brokers who are go-in-betweens, managing perceptions, raising money and buying out influence, for those who they work? The answer is something in between. While I don’t agree that lobbies are all powerful, they do wield
- [Two models of Community Engagement – Co-optation or Exclusion?](https://sabithkhan.com/two-models-of-community-engagement-co-optation-or-exclusion/) - Hamza Yusuf is arguably the most well-known American Muslim (after Muhammad Ali- the former heavyweight boxing champion) alive. As a spiritual leader, his influence goes beyond the Muslim community to the White House, and the Obama administration. He enjoys wide influence (and receives some criticism) but overall, he is a respected man, who is seen
- [What can Islam offer to the World? Part 1](https://sabithkhan.com/what-can-islam-offer-to-the-world-part-1/) - Most often, when journalists write about Islam, it is in connection with something negative. As Edward Said argued, many years ago in Orientalism, there is a tendency in the Western academia and media to focus on the stereotypes of Islam and the Muslim world, at the expense of the ‘reality’ that exists in the Muslim
- [Why argue against a $100 million campaign?](https://sabithkhan.com/why-argue-against-a-100-million-campaign/) - I don’t believe in kicking puppies. On the other hand, I believe that every worth cause, irrespective of geography, political affiliation should be supported. But when there is an egregious over-display of marketing tactics, brain-numbing imitation and exhortation to do acts of ‘charity’, I believe it is time to step back and question the premise
- [Is the global chai shop out of currency?](https://sabithkhan.com/is-the-global-chai-shop-out-of-currency/) - I wrote this three days ago, at Jeddah Airport, waiting for the connecting flight to Chennai. Half awake and half asleep, I am conscious of the hundreds of people around me – possibly thousands, who are anxiously waiting to leave the Airport and reach their destination. I see a fleet of Saudi Arabian Aircraft waiting
- [Musings on Amtrak: Seth Meyers, Lynchburg and my travel disability](https://sabithkhan.com/musings-on-amtrak-seth-meyers-lynchburg-and-my-travel-disability/) - I am off to India by way of Morocco. This is a modest attempt at following one of my heroes – Ibn Battuta – a Moroccan traveler and scholar, who lived in the 14th century. Why is he my hero? for that you must watch this fascinating talk. In short, this scholar-traveler did about 73,000
- [Lessons in Foreign Policy from Food Cart Vendors](https://sabithkhan.com/lessons-in-foreign-policy-from-food-cart-vendors/) - “Cairo, very good city. You go there?” queried the young Egyptian juice vendor, as I was attempting to buy a mixed berry juice, while waiting for my turn to enter the National September 11 Memorial Museum. Another food cart vendor, who was a Syrian pointed out the similarities in spices in India and the Arab
- [Music and the Mullahs – can the twain meet?](https://sabithkhan.com/music-and-the-mullahs-can-the-twain-meet-2/) - The debates about the use of music in Islamic practices specifically and music as entertainment are perhaps as old as Islam itself. These debates are not new reminds a scholar of Amnan Shiloah (1997). In the absence of clear injunctions about music in the Qur’an, secondary texts such as Hadith and other texts written by
- [Can democracy take root in the Arab world?](https://sabithkhan.com/can-democracy-take-root-in-the-muslim-world/) - As Syria burns, Iraq implodes and Tunisia and Libya struggle to democratize, one question remains central to framing discussions of participatory governance – Is democracy possible in the ‘Muslim world’? Is democracy an ‘internal wound,’ that has been left to fester for too long, within the Arab/Muslim world, as Moroccan scholar Fatima Mernissi argues? She
- [Hyper-patriotism in the heart of Manhattan: My visit to the 9/11 memorial](https://sabithkhan.com/hyper-patriotism-amidst-hyper-capitalism-meet-under-one-roof-my-visit-to-the-911-memorial/) - I visited the National September 11 Museum, more out of curiosity, rather than any sense of wanting to know more about the tragedy that struck the U.S. on September 11, 2001. While most of us know the facts – enough to know the bad guys, the heroism of the people involved and the reactions from
- [Interview with Arjen De Wit, PhD Candidate from VU University, Amsterdam](https://sabithkhan.com/interview-with-arjen-de-wit-phd-candidate-from-vu-university-amsterdam/) - Interview with a young scholar, Arjen De Wit, who is participating in the 2014 Social Impact Fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania, which, incidentally, I am a part of too! I decided to interview Arjen about his research on philanthropy in the Netherlands, USA and any insights he has about the role of philanthropy in
- [The Art of the Steal and lessons in philanthropy](https://sabithkhan.com/the-art-of-the-steal-and-lessons-in-philanthropy/) - I watched The Art of the Steal, a documentary about the Barnes Foundation, possibly the greatest private collection of modern art in the world, last night. It was my fourth time watching it and each time I see it, with a different set of friends, I am reminded of a few lessons in philanthropy. But
- [Can the ‘Golden Age of Philanthropy’ Transform America?](https://sabithkhan.com/can-the-golden-age-of-philanthropy-transform-america/) - As I visited Indianapolis last week to attend the ARNOVA Young Leaders Forum, I met some of the people from Lilly School of Philanthropy, the world’s first school of philanthropy. While the two day meeting was meant as a professional development opportunity, it also served as a way for the young leaders – most of
- [What is missing in Brunei’s Shari'ah adoption story](https://sabithkhan.com/what-is-missing-in-the-story-about-bruneis-adoption-of-shariah/) - “Our school is correct, but it may be wrong; the school of those who disagree with us is wrong, but it may be right.” – Islamic Juristic aphorism (quoted in The Story of the Qur’an by Ingrid Mattson. P.207). The quote above captures the general attitude among Islamic legal scholars, when it comes to legal
- [Are Youth in America becoming more Materialistic?](https://sabithkhan.com/are-youth-in-america-becoming-more-materialistic/) - In the Mecca of Capitalism that the U.S. is, it may perhaps be inappropriate to ask: Are young Americans becoming more materialistic? As I read David Brook’s column The Streamlined Life in the New York Times, just two days ago, this question is addressed, quite directly and his argument seems to suggest that indeed they
- [What can Wall Street learn from Islamic banks?](https://sabithkhan.com/what-can-wall-street-learn-from-islamic-banks/) - Over the past two weeks ago, I attended the annual meeting of the Association of American Geographers in Tampa, FL and also presented at the Global Donors Forum, organized by the World Congress of Muslim Philanthropists in Washington D.C. While these two events brought together very different groups of scholars and practitioners, the panels on
- [Two visions of India ?](https://sabithkhan.com/inclusive-growth-and-the-upcoming-indian-national-elections/) - Having spent my teen years in post-economic liberalization India of the 1990s’, I have seen the growth and transformation of my home-country over the last two decades. My hometown of Bangalore transformed from a sleepy ‘pensioner’s paradise’, as it was known to become a booming ‘Silicon Valley’ of India. All in a matter of less
- [How Can Geography Help us Understand Philanthropy?](https://sabithkhan.com/how-can-geography-help-us-understand-philanthropy/) - I attended the annual meeting of the Association of American Geographers (AAG) in Tampa, FL last week. As the premier go-to meeting of its kind, this conference brings together some of the brightest minds in the world, every year. And this was evident in the two panels on philanthropy that were organized. Covering a wide
- [What the Religious Right in America can teach us about Pluralism](https://sabithkhan.com/what-the-religious-right-in-america-can-teach-us-about-pluralism/) - Religion in the public sphere has not always been problematic, as American history demonstrates. Clergy have taken both the ‘liberal’ and ‘conservative’ positions when it comes to issues such as civil rights, anti-war protests etc. This is seen as in the 1960s, when the clergy lead demonstrations for civil rights while in the 1980s they
- [How can Zakat help Syrian Refugees?](https://sabithkhan.com/how-can-zakat-help-syrian-refugees/) - The ongoing Syrian Civil War is pegged to be the largest humanitarian disaster since the Cold War. A recent New York Times article quoted United Nations Organizations officials making an appeal for an unprecedented $5bn towards relief and rehabilitation, even as the fighting goes on. Given that most of the victims of the crisis are
- [Which History Should We Remember?](https://sabithkhan.com/which-history-should-we-remember/) - Anwar Congo comes across as a fairly normal man - Until he starts to describe his sadistic ways of killing innocent people. He is the protagonist of an Oscar nominated documentary The Act of Killing, a film making, for depicting the 1965 Indonesian purge of Communists. An estimated one million people were killed during that
- [Should We Get Rid Of The ‘Southern Mystique’?](https://sabithkhan.com/should-we-get-rid-of-the-southern-mystique/) - There’s an old joke I heard in India, that the Southerners tell about the Northerners (I am a Southerner, from the city of Bangalore) and it goes: The only culture up North is ‘Agri’ culture. While seemingly innocuous and said as light-hearted banter, it does capture the stereotypes South Indians have about the Northerners. The
- [What a 19th century French Aristocrat can teach us about America](https://sabithkhan.com/book-review-democracy-in-america-by-alexis-de-tocqueville/) - This is perhaps the most cited book in the world. I have seen it cited even when there is no need to do so, because the aura of quoting Tocqueville, the 19th century French aristocrat is irresistible. With his magnum opus Democracy in America, written after his visit to America in the 1830s’, Tocqueville
- [Should we all be Cosmopolitans Now?](https://sabithkhan.com/should-we-all-be-cosmopolitans-now/) - The idea of being a ‘Cosmopolitan’ or a citizen of the world is not new and one can trace its emergence as a philosophy to the Stoics, who lived during the second and third century B.C. The most famous of them is Marcus Aurelius, whose Meditations has become a classic. The idea of not belonging
- [Is Philanthropy losing its ‘meaning’?](https://sabithkhan.com/is-philanthropy-losing-its-meaning/) - There are various conceptions of philanthropy in American society. While some view philanthropy as a religious obligation, giving their time, treasure and talent to the Church or religious institution, others view it as a ‘social relation’, one that binds people to one another says Paul Schervish, in his paper Philanthropy as a Social Relation. Increasingly,
- [What is ‘Big data’ and does it tell us anything?](https://sabithkhan.com/what-is-big-data-and-does-it-tell-us-anything/) - Consider this: almost every important story these days is accompanied by a chart, an info graphic or a detailed econometric analysis that even the creators of the graphic don’t fully understand. It is filled with ‘Big data’, the buzz word these days. So, what is ‘Big data’ and why are we so obsessed with it?
- [Is “God Bless America” problematic ?](https://sabithkhan.com/is-god-bless-america-problematic/) - “We observe today not a victory of party but a celebration of freedom-symbolizing an end as well as a beginning-signifying renewal as well as change. For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly a century and three quarters ago.” – John F Kennedy, Inaugural Address, January
- [Can you Save Tigers by Eating More Chocolate? : A critique of consumer philanthropy](https://sabithkhan.com/can-you-save-tigers-by-eating-more-chocolate/) - The dominant discourse of philanthropy these days (both in the developed and developing world) is one of ‘marketized philanthropy’ or ‘consumption philanthropy,’ that tries to convince us that we can really save tigers by consuming a particular brand of chocolate. While proponents of this view point to the decreasing role of governments, and are calling
- [Ibn Battuta, Malcolm X and the tradition of student travelers in Islam](https://sabithkhan.com/ibn-battuta-malcolm-x-and-the-tradition-of-student-travelers-in-islam/) - Rihla, or traveling to seek knowledge is an Islamic tradition, whose roots extend as far as the Prophet Muhammad himself, who prioritized learning and knowledge. His famous Hadith “Learning is from the cradle to grave” has inspired billions of people to travel, seek knowledge, over the last 1400 years of Islamic history. This tradition of
- [American Muslims – A Racial, Ethnic or Religious group?](https://sabithkhan.com/american-muslims-a-racial-ethnic-or-religious-group/) - Are American Muslims a racial,ethnic or religious group? While this may seem like a rhetorical question, the very definition of who a ‘Muslim’ is in the U.S. has undergone a remarkable transformation in the last four decades. In other words, the transformation of American Muslims as a category from a racial group – in the
- [Egypt and the Challenge of Islam in the Public Sphere](https://sabithkhan.com/egypt-and-the-challenges-of-islam-in-the-public-sphere/) - "Know that you can have three sorts of relations with princes, governors and oppressors. The first and worst is that you visit them, the second and better is that they visit you, and the third and surest that you stay far from them, so that neither you see them nor they see you." - Abu
- [Do We Need a New Civil Rights Movement for Religion?](https://sabithkhan.com/do-we-need-a-new-civil-rights-movement-for-religion/) - As we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday this week, it is relevant to ask: Has religion taken the place of race in American society? What I mean by this is whether the taboos and other aspects associated with race in the 1960s and earlier have started to be associated with religion. While Dr.
- [Want to fix America’s education? Focus on parents](https://sabithkhan.com/want-to-fix-americas-education-focus-on-parents/) - Almost everyday, we read about a new report or another, comparing America’s poor education performance, as compared to the rest of the world. And almost always the comparisons bring up the usual suspects: poor infrastructure, lower education funding and lack of involvement from the parents in their children’s success. While all these are valid and
- [A Life of Reinvention – Malcolm X: Book review](https://sabithkhan.com/a-life-of-reinvention-malcolm-x-book-review/) - Is America a ‘melting pot’ today? Has Martin Luther King’s dream of a post-racial society come true? Or are we still closer to the America that Malcom X saw, one that is segregated, racist and inherently unequal? While the answers to these are not simple and certainly not easy, looking closely at the inequality
- [Is there a 'God Problem' in the West?](https://sabithkhan.com/492-2/) - Is there a ‘God Problem’ in Western societies? Given the rise of the atheist movement, best exemplified by people such as Christopher Hitchens, Daniel C. Dennett, Richard Dawkins and other famous celebrities who make a living dissing religion; the question is: Do they have a point when they say that religion makes no sense and
- [Saraswati in America?](https://sabithkhan.com/saraswati-in-america/) - “You know, each time I walk into the New York Public Library, I feel the presence of Saraswati, the goddess of learning.” That was Akumal Ramachander, a mentor and a dear friend, calling from Bangalore, to wish me for the New Year. We had spoken a few weeks ago when he was visiting. We spoke
- [A New Year Wish – Charity and Justice for all](https://sabithkhan.com/a-new-year-wish-charity-and-justice-for-all/) - It is that time of the year when everyone is reaching out to everyone else, to seek support for their causes. Financial support, in-kind support, volunteer time, all of it is kosher. If you work in the nonprofit sector, you’d know. There are many things that are wrong with our world and activists, religious leaders,
- [Religion in the Public Sphere – Good, Bad or Ugly?](https://sabithkhan.com/religion-in-the-public-sphere-good-bad-or-ugly/) - With Christmas, ‘War on Christmas’ and ‘Creeping Shariah’ dominating our headlines, it looks like religion is making a comeback in public discourse. Unfortunately, it seems to be for the wrong reasons – barring the Pope’s recent gestures of reconciliation with homosexuals and other minorities. But that doesn’t stop his critics from painting him as
- [Of Fundamentalism(s) and Mangoes – Review of Andrew Sullivan’s The Conservative Soul](https://sabithkhan.com/of-fundamentalisms-and-mangoes-review-of-andrew-sullivans-the-conservative-soul/) - I finally read The Conservative Soul. I had borrowed this book more than three months ago from the library and it was sitting on my book shelf, before I decided to dig into it, to write a white paper on political theory. Given that most of my professors are Marxists, ex-Marxists or Liberals of some
- [Do we really need nonprofits in America? : Five arguments for the sector’s existence](https://sabithkhan.com/do-we-really-need-nonprofits-in-america-five-arguments-for-the-sectors-existence/) - Are nonprofit organizations redundant? Can the for-profit sector solve all our problems and usher in a world where poverty, disease and deprivation are things of the past? I read an article on the Forbes website yesterday that argued for dismantling of the nonprofit sector. This piece by Mr. Freedman sought to show, using two
- [Travelers’ tips from Ibn Battuta – A fourteenth century itinerant traveler](https://sabithkhan.com/travelers-tips-from-ibn-battuta-14th-century-itinerant-traveler/) - If someone has traveled over 70,000 miles in the 14th century, by land and sea; one can safely assume that this person knows a thing or two about travel and life, in general. Added to this, if one happens to be a religious scholar, who has access to Sultans and Princes around the world, then
- [Not everything that can be Counted Counts, and Not Everything that Counts can be Counted: Notes from ARNOVA, 2013](https://sabithkhan.com/not-everything-that-can-be-counted-counts-and-not-everything-that-counts-can-be-counted-notes-from-arnova-2013/) - I left Hartford, CT on Saturday after three grueling days of intense thinking and engagement at the 42nd Annual Association for Research on Non-profit and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA), the Mecca for nonprofit theorists and practitioners. For over four decades the organization has been the meeting ground for anyone interested and engaged in this sphere.
- [In God’s Land: Triumph of faith over facts](https://sabithkhan.com/in-gods-land-triumph-of-faith-over-facts/) - Pankaj Rishi Kumar’s In God’s Land is a dystopian tale set in Tamilnadu, South India. While it brings together history, discourse of development and progress, there is an underlying tale that is not visible, even after watching the film in its entirety. This is one of the “land grab mafia” involving the local Vanamamalai Temple
- [Are the Saudis getting something right?](https://sabithkhan.com/are-the-saudis-getting-something-right/) - Are the Saudis getting something right, in terms of their foreign policy, both in the MENA region and around the world? Or is it all a big mess, much like American foreign policy in the region? In a recent article in the TIME magazine, Farid Zakaria[i] pointed out that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s foreign
- [How to overcome cultural barriers to philanthropy?](https://sabithkhan.com/how-to-overcome-cultural-barriers-to-philanthropy/) - Doing good is not easy. In today’s globalized world, where different values, norms, cultural attitudes towards life are coming together and interacting there is bound to be friction, misunderstanding when it comes to what it means to do good, and the intentionality of the acts themselves. In the field of philanthropy, this is markedly so,
- [My mother and the politics of giving directly](https://sabithkhan.com/my-mother-and-the-politics-of-giving-directly/) - Ever since I learnt that money has value and it can buy things that can satisfy human needs, I have seen my mother (who lives in India) and uncle (who lives in the U.S) give money to my other poorer relatives. While in some cases these relatives have abused their trust, in many others, there
- [“We create Food for The Soul through Theatre”](https://sabithkhan.com/we-create-food-for-the-soul-through-theatre/) - “I have been doing theatre for a number of years in conflict zones, and have been asked more than once why they should support our work, when people don’t have enough to eat. Shouldn’t basic needs be prioritized over art? My reply is that we create food for the soul. Our work creates hope and
- [“As researchers, you are all artists, not just reporters of facts” – Dr. John Cameron, ISS](https://sabithkhan.com/as-researchers-you-are-all-artists-not-just-reporters-of-facts-dr-john-cameron-iss/) - I presented my paper on Arab Diaspora giving at the 11th development dialogue, hosted by the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS), Erasmus University, Rotterdam on October 10, 11 in The Hague, Netherlands. The student conference brought together 120 young researchers from across the world and despite the numbers, two regions of the world were
- [Teaching kids about Philanthropy – Talk about it or show how it is done?](https://sabithkhan.com/teaching-kids-about-philanthropy-talk-about-it-or-show-how-it-is-done/) - On a recent trip to Dearborn, MI, this summer, I witnessed what could be considered the only model of teaching philanthropy for young Arab Americans. I met the team from the Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP), an organizational affiliate of ACCESS in Dearborn, MI, the largest Arab-American philanthropic organization in the country. Titled
- [Is philanthropy inherently undemocratic?](https://sabithkhan.com/is-philanthropy-inherently-undemocratic/) - I am reading Peter Frumkin’s Strategic Giving, a must read for anyone interested in understanding the current debates in the field of philanthropy and also teaching a course on Governance and civil society in the U.S. Together, these two sources are shaping my ideas about democracy, civic engagement and political theory. I will discuss the
- [Khalil Gibran on Giving](https://sabithkhan.com/khalil-gibran-on-giving/) - Giving chapter V , from "The Prophet," Khalil Gibran Then said a rich man, "Speak to us of Giving." And he answered: You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give. For what are your possessions but things you keep and guard for
- [What is the role of religion in philanthropic giving?](https://sabithkhan.com/what-is-the-role-of-religion-in-philanthropic-giving/) - A report I read recently claimed that British Muslims are more generous than all other faith communities in the U.K. The report said: “Followers of Islam gave an average of $567 compared to Jewish givers who donated around $412, according to the survey of just over 4,000 people in the U.K. Christians gave considerably less.
- [My experience as a dictator](https://sabithkhan.com/what-i-learnt-from-being-a-dictator/) - I was a dictator for half a day during a simulation in a Public Administration and Democracy course I took at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, where I was finishing up my MPA in 2010. I volunteered to be the General of a fictitious state, ‘Kush,’ which is landlocked between the mongrelized
- [Innovations in Philanthropy: Community Foundations and Faith-based organizations undergoing a radical shift](https://sabithkhan.com/390-2/) - “There hasn’t been any ‘innovation’ in Islamic philanthropy in the last 1400 years,” said Reza Aslan, a scholar of religion and founder of ‘Zakatability,’ a startup that is aiming at efficient zakat distribution through online technologies. His organization is all set to change this, using a combination of traditional norms and modern technologies. While one
- [Food Security Bill in India: Debating welfare in a Neoliberal India](https://sabithkhan.com/food-security-bill-in-india-debating-welfare-in-a-neoliberal-india/) - The Food Security Bill 2013 passed the lower rung of India’s parliament – the Lok Sabha recently and is on its way to becoming law, once it is authorized by the Upper House and the President. While the opposition sees this as yet another tactic by the ruling Congress party to garner popular support, reminiscent
- [Interfaith work and Philanthropy – a faith-based revolution or a pragmatic innovation?](https://sabithkhan.com/interfaith-work-and-philanthropy-a-faith-based-revolution-or-a-pragmatic-innovation/) - “ We did not hear the term “Abrahamic faiths,” until about ten years ago. This term is not only a great leap forward in terms of interfaith work, but also a radical shift in how people are looking at each other’s faith,” said William Enright, the Director of Lake Institute for Faith and Giving, Indianapolis.
- [What is High Net worth Giving and why does it matter?](https://sabithkhan.com/what-is-high-net-worth-giving-and-why-does-it-matter/) - While the Warren Buffetts and Bill Gates of the world pledge billions to solve problems that face our world, media outlets write about their foundations, and possibly do a few follow up stories. Often, these High Net worth Gifts are either squarely criticized or lauded as the best thing that the super-rich can do. But
- [Dinner with an M.B. supporter- Democracy in the Middle East (DIME) #1](https://sabithkhan.com/dinner-with-an-m-b-supporter-democracy-in-the-middle-east-dime-1/) - As everyone was preparing for the end of Ramadhan in the U.S, I was busy moving into a new apartment, close to the mosque on North Main Street in Blacksburg. Among other things, this new location gives me access to the mosque and also a grocery store. I am thankful for this, and to test
- [" Jamsetji Tata established his philanthropic foundation in India before even that of Carnegie," - John Godfrey.](https://sabithkhan.com/jamsetji-tata-established-his-philanthropic-foundation-in-india-before-even-that-of-carnegie-john-godfrey/) - John Godfrey is a PhD Candidate at the Swinburne University of Technology, Australia, exploring High Net Worth Philanthropy in India. In this short interview, he explains how he got interested in studying Philanthropy in India, its dimensions – social, cultural and religions and how, if at all, it differs from Western notions of giving.
- [If you are university educated, be sure to thank the 11th century Iranians! - Conversations in philanthropy #7](https://sabithkhan.com/if-you-are-university-educated-be-sure-to-thank-the-11th-century-iranians-conversations-in-philanthropy-7/) - If you are college educated, have attended a traditional university, as we know it; anywhere in the world – then inadvertently you have benefited from a system that was pioneered in Iran in the 10th and 11th century, as part of the system of Islamic Philanthropy, i.e., the Waqf, or endowment (Arjomand 114). While it
- [Why Study Philanthropy? - conversations in philanthropy #6](https://sabithkhan.com/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
- [Is diversity bad for fund-raising? – Conversations in Philanthropy #5](https://sabithkhan.com/is-diversity-bad-for-fund-raising-conversations-in-philanthropy-5/) - Is diversity bad for fund-raising? Conventional wisdom says so. This is because of the difficulty in getting diverse group of people to agree on what is a “common good” and also the high transaction costs involved, in terms of time spent due to language and cultural barriers[i]. Anft quotes federal income tax data to point
- [Rambam’s reminder during Ramadhan – Conversations in Philanthropy # 2](https://sabithkhan.com/rambams-reminder-during-ramadhan-conversations-in-philanthropy-2/) - Rabbi Maimonides, or Rambam as he is popularly known was one of the foremost Jewish scholar, who lived in Islamic Spain in the 13th century. He was born in Cordoba, present day Spain, during the Almoravid Empire in 11135 AD and died in Egypt in December 1204. He was a Rabbi, preacher, physician. Rambam is
- [“ I am a devoted follower of Jesus, the man. Not Jesus, the Son of God” – Reza Aslan.](https://sabithkhan.com/i-am-a-devoted-follower-of-jesus-the-man-not-jesus-the-son-of-god-reza-aslan/) - Reza Aslan, Ph.D. is the well-known author of No god but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam, which has been translated into thirteen languages, and named one of the 100 most important books of the last decade. He is on the faculty at the University of California, Riverside, and is a contributing editor for The
- [Political Institutions and Stability in Egypt: Can the Egyptians pull it off?](https://sabithkhan.com/political-institutions-and-stability-in-egypt-can-the-egyptians-pull-it-off/) - Much ink has been spilled since the start of the Arab Spring and the turn towards democratization in the Middle East and North Africa, but it turns out that we are still not too clear about the direction the region is headed towards. Despite all the scholarly insights, punditry and 24/7 news analysis and satire,
- [Conversations in Philanthropy - # 1](https://sabithkhan.com/conversations-in-philanthropy-1/) - I arrived in Indianapolis almost two weeks ago, for a research internship at the School of Philanthropy, Indiana University in Indianapolis ( IUPUI). Since my arrival, it has been an intense foray into the world of Philanthropy and almost every experience is directly or indirectly related to philanthropy. I am
- [Book Review: Interventions – A life in War and Peace – Kofi Annan with Nader Mousavizadeh](https://sabithkhan.com/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
- [Can Turkey, Egypt become “modern?”](https://sabithkhan.com/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
- [Can there be “ethics of dissent”?](https://sabithkhan.com/can-there-be-ethics-of-dissent/) - The most recent “leaks” involving the National Security Agency by Edward Snowden, the Booze Allen Hamilton employee goes to the heart of one of the debates in Public Administration: the perennial tension between democracy and bureaucracy. Snowden acted in a very democratic manner, calling into question the actions of the very agency that employed him,
- [The Gatekeepers : A frighteningly good film](https://sabithkhan.com/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 Israelis
- [Why you don’t need so much “breaking news”](https://sabithkhan.com/why-you-dont-need-so-much-breaking-news/) - I read an interesting article on Guardian critiquing novelist Rolf Dobelli’s ideas that reading news can be dangerous for you. The kind of “breaking,” “live,” news that characterizes much of our experience these days is not very helpful and at worst, actually can be harmful to your well-being His argument is that real insight and
- [Two stories, one common emotion](https://sabithkhan.com/two-stories-one-common-emotion/) - The recent bomb blasts in Boston has fixated everyone around the world and the game of speculation about “who did it,” is still on. No matter who did it, the fact that the bombs were aimed at civilians makes is worthy of condemnation and rightly so, all right thinking people have come forward to do
- [“We Need to Heal the World Through our Work,” - Father Joseph Philippe](https://sabithkhan.com/we-need-to-heal-the-world-through-our-work-father-joseph-philippe/) - Passover this year was unusual in many respects. While I am not Jewish and don’t observe the day, nor do most of the people at Virginia Tech; an unlikely visitor reminded us of the key message of Passover- Freedom and Liberation. This visitor was Father Joseph Philippe from the University of Fondwa, Fondwa, Haiti. He
- [“Inter-faith dialogue isn’t inter-faith agreement” – Rabbi Rachel Kahn-Troster, Truah](https://sabithkhan.com/inter-faith-dialogue-isnt-inter-faith-agreement-rabbi-rachel-kahn-troster-truah/) - Q : Can you tell us about yourself and your organizational affiliation?RR: Truah and Rabbis for Human Rights, North America are the same organization, as we changed our name in January this year. I am a conservative Rabbi and the Director of North-American programs. We also do work on issues in Israel and West bank
- [The university as a politically contested space](https://sabithkhan.com/the-university-as-a-politically-contested-space/) - Two events in the recent past helped me gain some insights into how politically contested a university campus can be. This political nature of American campuses is not new, but offers opportunities for students to engage, deliberate about issues that they are passionate about and can be seen as a positive factor in one’s education.
- [Why you should get a PhD and the importance of being "productively stupid"](https://sabithkhan.com/why-you-should-get-a-phd-and-the-importance-of-being-productively-stupid/) - I feel privileged to be in a Ph.D program, with a world-renowned adviser and a fairly new department( which means I have a lot of flexibility to study and explore my area of interest) in a way that would be impossible in a more established set-up. The past six months that I have been in my program have
- [Is this the beginning of the end for the traditional University system ?](https://sabithkhan.com/is-this-the-beginning-of-the-end-for-the-traditional-university-system/) - I am actually registered in two courses on a website which is part of the “Massive Open Online Courses,” ( MOOC) system so called because they are free and online – and offered by some of the best-known universities in the world . With Stanford University, Duke university and others joining in, a class-room of
- [Is soccer a religion?](https://sabithkhan.com/is-soccer-a-religion/) - This is not meant as a rhetorical question, but a rather serious one. Is Soccer a religion? What makes it one, and if not, why? There are several reasons why one can argue for Soccer ( or football) as you call it, to be classified as religion. “Religion,” which comes from the Latin root “Religio,”
- [Will 2013 be the year of the drone?](https://sabithkhan.com/will-2013-be-the-year-of-the-drone/) - Will 2013 be the year of the drone? This is a question that may define the Af-Pak policy and perhaps how the rhetoric of “Global War on Terror” ( GWOT) is shaped in the months ahead. With over 3228 people dead in the drone strikes, of whom about 881 are estimated to be civilians, this
- [Ten books you must read in 2013](https://sabithkhan.com/ten-books-you-must-read-in-2013/) - A friend recently asked me for a book recommendation, and I rattled off a few titles, and felt good about the recommendations I had just made. But on reflection, I realized that I hadn't suggested the BEST books to read, given the paucity of time that we all have. So, if your interests are in the area
- [Zen and the art of dying ? De-constructing the cultural norms and aesthetics of death talk](https://sabithkhan.com/zen-and-the-art-of-dying-de-constructing-the-cultural-norms-and-aesthetics-of-death-talk/) - “When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to live “ – Marcus Aurelius. I want you to reflect on this positive, life-enforcing thought before I get into discussing death. Close your eyes for a minute and take the
- [Join us in our fund-raising campaign...make a donation !](https://sabithkhan.com/join-us-in-our-fund-raising-campaign-make-a-donation/) - MENASA was incorporated in October 2011 and has successfully executed a number of events that have connected emerging leaders in the US with those in Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (ME, NA, SA). We are thrilled with our early successes, but are eager to expand programming and host even more events. To fuel this expansion,
- [Reflection on the nature of leadership : beyond presidential debates and rhetoric](https://sabithkhan.com/reflection-on-the-nature-of-leadership-beyond-presidential-debates-and-rhetoric/) - The presidential debate in the U.S on Wednesday brought home some issues about leadership. I personally feel the debate was made out to be more about style than substance, but some analysts have rightly pointed out that despite calls by most media pundits that Romney “won” the debate, the last word is not out,
- [Guns, media and the semantics of covering violence](https://sabithkhan.com/guns-media-and-the-semantics-of-covering-violence/) - As I trolled down my Face Book updates today, I read about the shooting in Oakcreek, Wisconsin. Unfortunate as the news was, I tried to get more in-depth coverage of this and went onto Twitter and saw many news items from friends. There were some who were already analyzing the news, some commentators were writing
- [](https://sabithkhan.com/183-2/)
- [De-constructing Muslim charity](https://sabithkhan.com/de-constructing-muslim-charity-10/) - How do Muslims give ? This may be a simple question to ask, but a rather complicated one to de-construct. While Charity and giving are one of the five pillars of Islam, the notions of giving among Muslims ( in the USA) are rather complicated, as I am discovering.First off, the notion of who is
- [Between a Church and a hard place](https://sabithkhan.com/between-a-church-and-a-hard-place/) - I am reading a LOT of stuff related to religion these days. This is partly a professional hazard, as I have started working for Muslim Public Service Network and also a personal quest to de-construct the manner in which religion is shaping public discourse in the US. Religion has always fascinated me, partly because I
- [The Good Fight - Hard lessons from Searchlight to Washington](https://sabithkhan.com/the-good-fight-hard-lessons-from-searchlight-to-washington/) - While it is never a good idea to review a book before fully reading it, I will make an exception - only this time. I am reading "The Good Fight: Hard lessons from Searchlight to Washington," by Senator Harry Reid, the Senate Minority Leader. It is a book written plainly, told passionately and shows a
- [Does India need a good liberal arts education ?](https://sabithkhan.com/does-india-need-a-good-liberal-arts-education/) - Let’s face it : there are very few good liberal arts schools in India. By few I mean, a handful – perhaps less than a dozen world-class institutions which produce scholars who make a dent globally and students who are “well-rounded”, and aware of the various disciplines that help one critique, analyze life in all
- [I love my editors - I really do...](https://sabithkhan.com/i-love-my-editors-i-really-do/) - On Valentines day, I thought I should write about love. Though I don't like the extravagant, "in your face" kind of expression of this sublime emotion, I think there is a place for all things. And there is also a manner in which one can, subtly display this. I reserve this display for some people, and
- [The year that was : My top ten list of 2011](https://sabithkhan.com/the-year-that-was-my-top-ten-list-of-2011/) - The New Year has a strange effect on people, it seems. Most of us tend to feel happy ( while some of us sulk) at the thought of a New Year. Well, I am happy, by most measures; even if life is a bit harsh, and not “perfect”. Looking back at 2011, I do feel
- [Top American leaders...](https://sabithkhan.com/top-american-leaders/) - In a discussion on the role of leadership in the US, hosted by Washington Post yesterday; Nick Kristoff, NY Times columnist and Dr Ahmed Zewail, Nobel Laureate in physics discuss leadership and how they got to be leaders themselves . Here are some key points : Nick Kristoff : _ How did the inner fire awaken
- [Saudi Arabia considers plan to restrain expat remittances](https://sabithkhan.com/saudi-arabia-considers-plan-to-restrain-expat-remittances/) - Akbar Ponani | Nov 26, 2011, 07.05PM IST JEDDAH (SAUDI ARABIA): Saudi Arabia is seriously thinking of imposing some kind of curbs on the huge amount flowing out through expatriate employees in the country. It may suggest a limit in foreign workers' remittance out of the country in which they constitute nearly one third of population. Concern over expats'
- [“What the whole world wants is a good job. That is one of the single biggest discoveries Gallup has ever made” – Jim Clifton, Gallup Chairman and CEO](https://sabithkhan.com/what-the-whole-world-wants-is-a-good-job-that-is-one-of-the-single-biggest-discoveries-gallup-has-ever-made-jim-clifton-gallup-chairman-and-ceo/) - Are we witnessing a shift in global migration patterns ? “What the whole world wants is a good job. That is one of the single biggest discoveries Gallup has ever made” – Jim Clifton, Gallup Chairman and CEO Here is a completely subjective observation: I think global migration patterns are shifting. In a BIG WAY.
- [“Mysticism can be the common factor which makes dialogue between religions possible” - Prof. Shafa Elmirzana and Prof. John Esposito discuss Christian-Muslim dialogue at Rumi Forum](https://sabithkhan.com/mysticism-can-be-the-common-factor-which-makes-dialogue-between-religions-possible-prof-shafa-elmirzana-and-prof-john-esposito-discuss-christian-muslim-dialogue-at-ru/) - Nose-diving straight into the intricacies of Christian and Muslim religious traditions, theologies, Prof. Shafa Elmirzana, of the Alwaleed bin Talal center for Muslim-Christian understanding at Georgetown university explained the historical origins of Christian-Muslim dialogue from the time of Meister Eckhart and Ibn Al-Arabi. She was speaking at an event organized by the Rumi Forum in
- [Amid population boom, India hopes for ‘demographic dividend’ but fears disaster - Washington Post](https://sabithkhan.com/amid-population-boom-india-hopes-for-demographic-dividend-but-fears-disaster-washington-post/) - Amid population boom, India hopes for ‘demographic dividend’ but fears disaster - Washington Post.
- [Nonprofit outlook : Where’s the light at the end of the tunnel ?](https://sabithkhan.com/nonprofit-outlook-wheres-the-light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel/) - Nonprofit outlook : Where’s the light at the end of the tunnel ? Is there a new normal for nonprofits ? What is the role of government in regulating and working with non-profits ? What does a movement such as Anti-wall Street represent to us as a society ? These and other questions formed part
- [An interview with myself: On "Citizen of Paradise", a travel book of love and hope – Sabith khan](https://sabithkhan.com/an-interview-with-myself-on-citizen-of-paradise-a-travel-book-of-love-and-hope-sabith-khan/) - Who or what is the Citizen of Paradise ? What prompted you to write it ? Sabith khan : The Citizen of Paradise, is a novel. A work of fiction, which can be considered a “travel book of love”, because it is about movement, of the protagonist, both physically and emotionally. It is a
- [My Wish list on India’s Independence Day](https://sabithkhan.com/my-wish-list-on-indias-independence-day/) - What do I wish for my country on its Independence day ( Aug 15th ?). Well, a few things come to mind - as I look at my country from the outside. Having lived outside the country for over 4 yrs now, I have firmly established myself as a Non-Resident Indian ( some would
- [5 Lessons for Norway from India’s model of multi-culturalism](https://sabithkhan.com/5-lessons-for-norway-from-indias-model-of-multi-culturalism/) - What can Norway learn from India ? Well, not much, some would argue. Norway is among the richest countries in the world while India is home to more poor people ( 421 million poor people) than the entire continent of Africa put together[i] (400 million). Despite the obvious and glaring differences, there are similar challenges
- [MENASA ?](https://sabithkhan.com/menasa/) - The Acronym dictionary defines MENASA as - Middle East, North Africa and South Asia. When you google it, MENSA throws up. Not a very smart acronym, this one. But try harder, and you will find the definition for it. A new acronym. A fad. A smart ( and pretentious) way to club together groups of
- [The challenge of writing about India](https://sabithkhan.com/the-challenge-of-writing-about-india/) - An impossibly hard task – how do people do it ? I will start with a confession : This blog post is one of the hardest that I have written so far. Not because I don’t know much about my country of origin, but precisely because of it. India is such a complex, vast, diverse
- [Is this really a social media revolution ?](https://sabithkhan.com/is-this-really-a-social-media-revolution/) - Is this really a social media revolution ? “Egypt is on the lower end of face book penetration in the Arab world at 7.66 per cent, whereas the UAE, at the highest, is at 50 per cent” says a recent report on social media usage by the Dubai School of Government ( DSG). Having managed
- [A heady week ahead for Middle East peace - time for the US to act ?](https://sabithkhan.com/a-heady-week-ahead-for-middle-east-peace-time-for-the-us-to-act/) - With President’s speeches out of the way, there seems to be much to look forward to this coming week in the realm of Middle East peace. The first speech on thursday, which failed to live up to the expectations of Cairo speech, is seen by most analysts as damp, weak and ineffectual. The second speech
- [Q and A with Riz Khan, Anchor at Al –Jazeera English](https://sabithkhan.com/q-and-a-with-riz-khan-anchor-at-al-jazeera-english/) - It is not everyday that you get to meet your childhood hero. To me, Riz Khan has always been a role-model and continues to do the kind of work that I would love to do, though in a different format. Even though I am a bit star-struck by him, I managed an interview about an
- [Today, I became an Indian – yet again.](https://sabithkhan.com/today-i-became-an-indian-yet-again/) - 2 April 2011 is a historic day in my life. India has won the Cricket world cup today and I am a new revert. A revert to being completely and truly Indian. There are few things that can define an Indian identity. To be an Indian in the year 2011, it would seem reasonable to
- [To plan or not to plan - that is the question.](https://sabithkhan.com/to-plan-or-not-to-plan-that-is-the-question/) - "Long term planning" is a dreary word in my dictionary. I have always loathed thinking about what my life / the world will look like in 5 yrs time. The very idea of a "five year plan" conjures up images of India's socialist misadventures, which led to a country trapped in a time-warp; to be
- [Non-hierarchical news gathering the new wave sweeping journalism ?](https://sabithkhan.com/non-hierarchical-news-gathering-the-new-wave-sweeping-journalism/) - In an interesting discussion, which brought together the stalwarts of journalism in Washington DC, as well as some member of other new media, several issues were discussed - including, but not limited to the Arab "social media revolutions", the democratisation of news across the Middle East and also questions of access. The keynote speaker at
- [Battle of intelligence vs intellect](https://sabithkhan.com/battle-of-intelligence-vs-intellect/) - While investigating the role of spoilers in the Middle East peace process, I started off with the rather objective and fair assumption that the lobbies in Washington DC are skewed positively in one direction. That is to say, the Israeli lobbies are so powerful and influential that they dominate the discourse on the issue and
- [Discussion with Daniel Bar Tal, Middle East peace talks and the Israeli public](https://sabithkhan.com/discussion-with-daniel-bar-tal-middle-east-peace-talks-and-the-israeli-public/) - Dr Daneil Bar Tal, Branco Weiss Professor of Research in Child Development and Education at School of Education, Tel Aviv University visited Maxwell School of Syracuse university last week for a two day lecture tour, during which he spoke with us, during a moderated panel discussion.I got to spend quality time with him, talking to
- [Hello world!](https://sabithkhan.com/hello-world/) - Hello All, This is my second attempt at serious blogging, the first one resulted in a failure. Well, not really. I do write at www.riseofpr.blogspot.com, but not with the seriousness and regularity that i would like to. Signing up for Digital Democracy, a course at Syracuse University has pushed me to start this blog, which
## Pages
- [Current Reads](https://sabithkhan.com/current-reads/) - Anatomy of Fascism - Robert O Paxton This is a book everyone must read, to recognize fascism around us. As someone who is interested in history and the history of the present moment, I find this book scary but also a timely warning. Go get a copy, today! Be Very Afraid – Robert Wuthnow “For
- [About Me](https://sabithkhan.com/about-me/) - I am an academic and social entrepreneur based in California. As a Program Director and Assistant Professor, I write and teach about philanthropy, public policy, and public leadership. While my professional experience spans nonprofit management, research, and communications; I like to combine my passions to work on projects that are both meaningful and high-impact. I am
- [Photos](https://sabithkhan.com/photos/) - Colors - where do they come from? Have you ever wondered where the color on the clothes you wear, comes from? A recent trip to Oaxaca, Mexico revealed some hidden techniques of coloring clothes - natural dyes, made from Cochinilla, Indigo and flowers - all locally sourced. With covid-19 and disruption of supply chains locally,
- [Social change in KSA?](https://sabithkhan.com/social-change-in-ksa/)
- [Resources](https://sabithkhan.com/resources/) - Here are some resources that I use regularly to stay up to date on issues of philanthropy, nonprofits, leadership, and public policy. Candid – Formerly Foundation Center – A great resource for databases, training and other resources for folks working in the nonprofit sector - https://candid.org/Giving USA – Annual report of giving in the U.S.
- [Books and Publications](https://sabithkhan.com/books-and-publications/) - Book Manuscripts 1. Khan, S and Siddiqui, S. (2017). Islamic Education in the United States and the Evolution of Muslim Nonprofit Institutions. Edward Elgar Publishing Inc. Reviewed in Voluntas. Bhati, A. Voluntas (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11266-018-00084-2Reviewed in Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly. Alrebh, A. Spring 2019. DOI: 10.1177/0899764019833643Reviewed in Nonprofit Policy Forum, Spring 2019. Mohammed Abdelaziz. 2. Khan, S & Merritt, D. (2020). Remittances and International Aid.
- [Newsletter](https://sabithkhan.com/newsletter/)
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## Tags
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