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Who Speaks for Islam?: 'Authenticity' and the Interpretation of Islamic Law in America's War on Terror

Nelson, Matthew J.

Authors



Abstract

Recognising that America's response to the events of 11 September would do well to maintain a sharp distinction between the ‘war on terror’ and a war ‘against Islam’, this article argues that American diplomatic rhetoric would benefit from an explicit effort to engage ‘frameworks of legitimacy’ within Islam, including the terms of Islamic jurisprudence and Islamic legal debate. The article examines the merits of such an approach in the context of several recent diplomatic dilemmas, including the Jyllens-Posten cartoon controversy. It concludes with an assessment of the American (domestic) political environment within which this approach tends to encounter its most ardent critics.

Citation

Nelson, M. J. (2007). Who Speaks for Islam?: 'Authenticity' and the Interpretation of Islamic Law in America's War on Terror. Australian Journal of International Affairs, 61(2), 247-66. https://doi.org/10.1080/10357710701358386

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Feb 28, 2007
Online Publication Date May 22, 2007
Publication Date May 22, 2007
Deposit Date Jun 25, 2008
Journal Australian Journal of International Affairs
Print ISSN 1035-7718
Electronic ISSN 1465-332X
Publisher Taylor and Francis Group
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 61
Issue 2
Pages 247-66
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/10357710701358386