In so many parts of the Islamic world today, worsening tensions between Sunni and Shi'a have shown us graphically just how atomised those societies have become. As communities have grown ever more alienated from one another, so the meaning of the "other" in Arab and Islamic culture has expanded, as the Tunisian writer and Saleh Bechir put it.

Gamal al-Banna discusses the Egyptian Constitution`s second article, which regards Islam as the religion of the state and Arabic as its official language.

Gamal al-Banna discusses the Egyptian Constitution`s second article, which regards Islam as the religion of the state and Arabic as its official language.

Gamal al-Banna considers the human as an essential element for the revitalization of Islam.

Gamal al-Banna considers the human as an essential element for the revitalization of Islam.

Gamal al-Banna criticizes Saudi courts because of the conservative way they follow when handling issues that involve women.

Gamal al-Banna criticizes Saudi courts because of the conservative way they follow when handling issues that involve women.

Gamal al-Banna discusses adultery within the framework of Islam.

Gamal al-Banna discusses adultery within the framework of Islam.

Gamal al-Banna regards the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt as a group that deserves recognition from the government.

Gamal al-Banna regards the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt as a group that deserves recognition from the government.

But in today's world, the Middle East is better known for being the world's biggest source of political upheaval and violence, that has not only plagued the region's people but is now threatening global security. The term "terrorism," which is yet to gain a globally accepted definition, has become a common term associated with developments in the Middle East, and, more ominously, linked to people originating from that mainly Muslim part of the world.

Gamal al-Banna argues that both the ritual prayer and alms tax are obligatory in Islam and not only the former as some believe.

Gamal al-Banna argues that both the ritual prayer and alms tax are obligatory in Islam and not only the former as some believe.

Gamal al-Banna responds to Dr. Abdelmouti Bayoumi`s views on Islamic reasoning.

Gamal al-Banna responds to Dr. Abdelmouti Bayoumi`s views on Islamic reasoning.

In denouncing torture, Gamal al-Banna contends that instead of debating the issue of the veil in Egypt, people should focus on torture, which is a regular practice in the country.

In denouncing torture, Gamal al-Banna contends that instead of debating the issue of the veil in Egypt, people should focus on torture, which is a regular practice in the country.

Achraf Abdel Kader defends Al-Afif al-Akhdar against those who attacked him on the issue of "The Ignorant in the Life of the Prophet."

It is true that on the current world stage we can see elements of a "clash of civilizations" between Islam and the West. However, a more serious (if slowly emerging) clash of competing visions for the future is unfolding within Arab and Islamic civilization.

It remains to be said that the fate of women in the prisons of the Iranian Islamic Revolution is worse than the fate of men. It is not necessarily because women are less resistant and less tolerant to torture, but because women are considered from the theological perspective of the Iranian regime to be an element of seduction, and their bodies a place of evil and impurity. The torture of a woman's body may take the form of rape. Despite the necessity of secrecy that imposes itself in these cases, some women political prisoners have dared to speak up in their memoirs about the torture and rape they were subjected to.

It remains to be said that the fate of women in the prisons of the Iranian Islamic Revolution is worse than the fate of men. It is not necessarily because women are less resistant and less tolerant to torture, but because women are considered from the theological perspective of the Iranian regime to be an element of seduction, and their bodies a place of evil and impurity. The torture of a woman's body may take the form of rape. Despite the necessity of secrecy that imposes itself in these cases, some women political prisoners have dared to speak up in their memoirs about the torture and rape they were subjected to.