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EDITORIAL

The Escalation of Conflict in the Middle East

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The recent flare-up of violence between Israel, Gaza, and Lebanon marks another dark chapter in the long-standing conflict that has gripped the Middle East. The latest round of hostilities, characterized by Israel’s military operations and Iran’s aggressive missile response, underscores a tragic cycle of violence driven by deep-seated geopolitical tensions, territorial disputes, and the plight of civilian populations caught in the crossfire.

Context of the Iranian Attack on Israel

The ballistic missile assault by Iran on October 2nd represents a significant escalation in hostilities. This action was a direct retaliation for Israel’s targeted strikes against key leaders of Hezbollah and Hamas, including the controversial killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah. Iranian officials have characterized this attack not only as a defensive measure but also as a necessary response to what they perceive as escalating Israeli aggression across the region. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s authorization of the strike illustrates Iran’s frustration and determination to project military strength amid perceived threats.

Previously, Iranian responses to Israeli provocations had been measured, often aiming to avoid further escalation. However, the accumulation of Israeli attacks and the rhetoric from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggesting a desire to shift the regional balance of power has pushed Iran’s leadership towards a more aggressive posture. The shift from symbolic to tangible military retaliation indicates a critical turning point, marking Iran’s readiness to engage in military conflict if deemed necessary.

Motivations Behind Iran’s Retaliation

Iran’s decision to retaliate stems from several intertwined factors. The assassinations of prominent Hamas and Hezbollah leaders have stirred sentiments of urgency and frustration within Iran. The Iranian leadership, particularly hardliners, viewed previous restraint as a miscalculation that only emboldened Israeli actions. The latest military strike signals not only a reaction to immediate threats but also an assertion of Iran’s role as a leader within the so-called “axis of resistance” against perceived Western and Israeli hegemony.

This changing dynamic indicates a broader willingness within Tehran to adopt more confrontational tactics, demonstrating that the previous deterrent effect of potential broader conflict no longer holds the same sway. As Iran solidifies its position in the region, it risks further alienating itself from diplomatic avenues and exacerbating the already tense atmosphere.

The Role of the United States and Geopolitical Dynamics

Amid these developments, the unwavering support of the United States for Israel plays a critical role. The US response to Iran’s missile strikes, characterized by missile interceptions and dismissive rhetoric from President Joe Biden, further illustrates the complexities of US-Israel relations. This alliance, often viewed through the lens of Western double standards, feeds into the narrative of oppression felt by many in the Muslim world, where US actions are seen as part of a broader pattern of destabilization.

Moreover, the historical context of NATO’s military interventions in Muslim-majority countries adds another layer of animosity toward Western powers. Iran’s increasing hostility is partly fueled by perceptions of bias and injustice perpetuated by the West, particularly in its support of Israeli military operations.

The Challenge of Unity in the Muslim World

In the face of escalating violence, the question arises: why has the Muslim world not formed a unified military response to counter Israeli actions? The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), a body with the potential to marshal considerable resources and manpower, has historically been unable to overcome internal divisions and differing national interests to create an effective military coalition.

Fragmentation, ideological differences, and varying degrees of alignment with Western powers have hindered the formation of a cohesive response to Israeli aggression. The absence of a robust defense mechanism leaves Muslim populations vulnerable to external threats while Israel continues to benefit from military superiority and diplomatic backing from Western nations.

Toward a Path of Peace

For any hope of achieving lasting peace in the region, a re-evaluation of global power dynamics is crucial, especially regarding the US’s role and its steadfast support for Israel. Additionally, Muslim countries must confront their internal divisions and prioritize collective action over individual national interests to effectively safeguard their rights and address external aggressions.

As the cycle of violence continues to unfold, the humanitarian impact on civilians in Gaza, Lebanon, and Israel grows increasingly dire. A commitment to dialogue, diplomacy, and a genuine reassessment of strategies is essential if the region is to break free from the tragic cycle of conflict and move toward a more stable and just future for all its inhabitants.


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EDITORIAL

The Illusion of Inclusion: Why Davos Fails the Developing World

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Each year, the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos assembles the world’s most powerful leaders—government officials, corporate executives, and influential policymakers—to discuss the future of the global economy. With its elite gatherings and grand rhetoric, Davos projects itself as a platform for shaping a more inclusive and sustainable world. Yet, beneath the surface, a fundamental question remains: how does Davos truly serve the interests of the developing world, especially Africa?

For decades, Davos has been a stage for promoting globalization, technological innovation, and financial integration. However, the interests of the Global South – Africa, Latin America, and much of Asia – often take a back seat to the priorities of developed economies. The agenda is dominated by topics like artificial intelligence, climate change, and financial stability, which, while crucial, are typically framed through the lens of Western economic models and corporate priorities.

Africa and other developing regions rarely set the agenda at Davos; they remain largely passive participants in a conversation that profoundly affects their economic futures. Decisions about debt restructuring, trade policies, and technological investments are made in rooms where African leaders have limited influence. This structural imbalance reflects a deeper issue – the persistence of an economic order that prioritizes Western financial and corporate interests over the developmental aspirations of the Global South.

Despite its claims of global inclusivity, Davos continues to reinforce economic structures that disadvantage developing nations. Three major areas of concern stand out:

  1. Debt and Financial Dependency

African nations continue to struggle with unsustainable debt, much of it owed to Western financial institutions. While Davos discussions often highlight debt restructuring, they fail to address the fundamental flaws of the global financial system – flaws that keep African economies trapped in cycles of dependency. The absence of genuine structural reforms ensures that the developing world remains financially subordinate to Western creditors.

  1. Climate Hypocrisy

Developed nations at Davos aggressively push for green transitions, often pressuring African countries to abandon fossil fuels. Yet, they provide little funding or technology transfer to help Africa transition on its own terms. While Western economies continue benefiting from decades of industrial carbon emissions, African nations – rich in natural resources – face restrictions that limit their ability to harness their own energy wealth. This selective environmental advocacy reveals a glaring hypocrisy: Africa is expected to comply with sustainability mandates without receiving adequate support for alternative energy development.

  1. Trade and Economic Policies Favoring Corporations over Sovereignty

Davos promotes free trade agreements and investment policies that overwhelmingly benefit multinational corporations. African nations, in turn, find their local industries sidelined by powerful Western firms that dictate market terms. The promise of globalization, rather than fostering true economic inclusion, has largely reinforced Africa’s position as an exporter of raw materials and an importer of expensive finished goods—perpetuating economic stagnation.

The dominant economic models promoted at Davos-rooted in neoliberal capitalism – prioritize profit maximization, financial speculation, and corporate interests over ethical governance and social well-being. This is where the Islamic economic paradigm offers a moral and practical alternative.

  1. Ethical Finance over Speculative Capitalism

Islamic finance promotes risk-sharing and prohibits exploitative financial instruments such as interest (riba). If global economic policies were more aligned with these principles, developing nations could break free from debt dependency and adopt financial models that encourage shared prosperity.

  1. Sustainable Development over Profit-Driven Growth

Islamic economics emphasizes Maslaha (public interest) and Tawheed (unity of purpose), ensuring that economic policies serve humanity rather than corporate greed. A global economic system built on these principles would prioritize sustainability, ethical trade, and community welfare over sheer GDP growth.

  1. Economic Justice over Corporate Domination

Islamic economics champions Zakat (wealth redistribution) and Waqf (social endowments), offering an alternative to the exploitative financial models that dominate Davos. If African economies structured their development around these principles, they could foster self-reliance instead of remaining dependent on Western institutions.

Davos, in its current form, does not represent the interests of Africa or the developing world. It remains an exclusive club where global elites set the rules of the economic game—rules that have historically kept developing nations at the margins.

It is time for Africa and the Islamic world to spearhead a new kind of global economic dialogue—one that prioritizes justice, ethical finance, and true economic sovereignty.

The rise of the Islamic economy, along with Africa’s growing economic and demographic strength, presents an opportunity to build a model of economic governance rooted in fairness, sustainability, and self-reliance. Instead of looking to Davos for solutions, African and Islamic economic leaders must chart their own path—one grounded in ethical economics, financial sovereignty, and global equity.

For decades, Davos has positioned itself as the world’s premier economic think tank, but its impact on the developing world remains limited. The Islamic economic model offers a compelling alternative—one that is not only more just and sustainable but also more resilient against the excesses of speculative capitalism.

Rather than waiting for Davos to acknowledge its concerns, the Global South must seize the initiative. It is time to move beyond rhetoric and towards action—creating a new economic order where Africa and the Islamic world lead, rather than follow.

This is the challenge for Islamic economists, policymakers, and visionaries: to build an economic system that serves humanity, not just the financial elite gathered in Davos.


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EDITORIAL

The Gaza Betrayal: A New Chapter of Colonialism and the Palestinian Struggle for Liberation

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The recent announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump at a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, at the White House on 4th February 2025, that the United States could “take over” the Gaza Strip and support Israel in discussions on the annexation of the West Bank marks a dangerous and unprecedented escalation in the Palestinian struggle. The audacity of such a proposal—framed as a strategic solution—betrays the long-standing historical pattern of dispossession, occupation, and oppression that has defined Palestine’s modern history. This is not merely a geopolitical maneuver; it is a continuation of a colonial project that seeks to erase Palestinian identity and sovereignty.

A History of Betrayals and Resistance

This is not the first time Palestine has faced the threat of erasure. The region has been a battleground of imperial interests for centuries, from the Crusader occupation (1099–1187) to the British Mandate (1917–1948) and the creation of Israel in 1948. Yet, history has also shown that oppression breeds resistance. Salahuddin al-Ayubi (Saladin) liberated Jerusalem from the Crusaders in 1187, proving that no occupation is permanent when met with determined resistance. Today, the Palestinian people—though battered by decades of occupation, displacement, and war—continue to embody this unyielding spirit of defiance.

The Saudi and Gulf Position: A Delicate Balancing Act

The response from key Arab and Muslim-majority nations, particularly Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states, has been telling. Saudi Arabia has officially rejected Trump’s proposal, reiterating its commitment to a two-state solution. However, Riyadh’s increasing engagement with Israel in economic and security matters has raised concerns about whether its public stance aligns with its strategic actions. The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, both of whom normalized relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords, have yet to forcefully challenge these latest developments. Their silence or diplomatic caution exposes the broader dilemma of regional politics: balancing Western alliances with the moral and religious obligation to defend Palestinian rights.

Would This Solve the Palestinian Question?

The notion that a U.S. occupation of Gaza and an Israeli annexation of the West Bank could lead to peace is deeply flawed. The root cause of instability is the denial of Palestinian self-determination, not the lack of American or Israeli control. Decades of occupation, forced displacements, and the systematic erasure of Palestinian identity have only fueled resentment and resistance. The American-Israeli plan does not aim to solve the Palestinian issue—it seeks to eliminate it entirely through forced expulsion and demographic engineering.

Our Perspective

We boldly state that the continued occupation and economic strangulation of Palestine highlight the need for self-reliance and economic resistance. The financial blockade imposed on Gaza has deliberately crippled its economic potential, making it dependent on foreign aid rather than self-sufficiency. Islamic economists argue that developing an independent Palestinian economy—free from Israeli control—is essential for long-term resilience. The establishment of trade networks between Palestine and friendly Muslim nations, the creation of alternative financial institutions that bypass Western economic dominance, and the implementation of Islamic financial instruments like waqf (endowments) and sukuk (Islamic bonds) could serve as viable means to sustain Palestinian economic sovereignty.

A Call to Action: Practical Steps for Liberation

Given this grave injustice, what should be the response of the Muslim world, particularly those committed to justice and the liberation of Palestine? Words alone will not suffice. The time for practical, coordinated action is now.

  1. Economic Sanctions and Boycotts: The Muslim world must strengthen the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) movement to apply economic pressure on Israel and its allies. The refusal to engage in trade with businesses that support Israeli expansionism is an ethical duty.
  2. A Unified Arab and Muslim Stance: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) must move beyond symbolic condemnations and demand the immediate recognition of a sovereign Palestinian state. It should also push for an international military and diplomatic strategy to defend Palestinian territories.
  3. Reviving Pan-Islamic Solidarity: The Muslim world has the wealth, influence, and military capacity to assert itself in global politics. If Salahuddin al-Ayubi could unite fractured Muslim states to reclaim Jerusalem, then today’s leaders must rise to the occasion and form a cohesive strategy to liberate Palestine.
  4. Supporting Palestinian Resistance: The Palestinian people must not be left to fight alone. International Muslim organizations should increase their financial, logistical, and political support for resistance movements striving for liberation.
  5. Rejecting Western Hegemony: The Muslim world must reassess its reliance on Western powers that have continually supported Israel’s expansionist policies. Instead, it should seek alliances with emerging global powers that respect the sovereignty and rights of oppressed peoples.
  6. International Legal Action: The Israeli occupation violates international law. The International Criminal Court (ICC) and the UN must be utilized to prosecute war crimes committed against Palestinians. Legal action against Israeli officials, similar to what was done to Serbian war criminals, must be pursued.
  7. Reviving the Spirit of Salahuddin Al-Ayyubi: History shows that Palestine was not liberated through negotiations alone. Diplomatic efforts must be coupled with strength. Muslim nations must modernize and strengthen their defense capabilities. A powerful Muslim world is necessary to counterbalance Israel’s military supremacy.

A Defining Moment for the Muslim World

The Trump-Netanyahu proposal is not just an attack on Palestinians—it is an affront to all Muslims and a challenge to global justice. The Muslim world must rise to the occasion, not with empty words but with decisive action. The world has seen countless peace talks, ceasefires, and negotiations, but none have changed the reality of Israeli occupation. The time for passive diplomacy is over. It is time for the Muslim world to act decisively.

The lessons of history remind us that oppression can only last as long as resistance is weak. Palestine has resisted for decades; now, it is the duty of the entire Muslim Ummah to stand in solidarity and ensure that this latest attempt at colonialism is met with unwavering opposition. Another lesson from history is clear: no occupier lasts forever. Whether it takes years or decades, Palestine will be free. The question is not if, but when. And for that day to come sooner rather than later, the Muslim world must rise to the challenge—economically, politically, and militarily. The road to liberation will not be easy, but history has shown that justice always prevails.

The time to act is now. History will judge whether the Muslim world stood by as another betrayal unfolded—or if it reclaimed its rightful role as the defender of justice, sovereignty, and liberation.

Palestine should never be allowed to be erased!


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EDITORIAL

A Crisis of Compassion: The Treatment of Migrants in the United States

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In an era that prides itself on human rights and global solidarity, the sight of migrants deported from the United States in chains and handcuffs presents a grave contradiction. These individuals—labeled “illegal immigrants” for lacking valid documentation—are not criminals. They are human beings: fathers, mothers, children, and the elderly, seeking safety, opportunity, and a better future. Stripping them of their dignity is not just an administrative failure; it is a failure of humanity itself.

As Islamic economists and advocates of justice, we are compelled to view this crisis through a moral and humanitarian lens. The Qur’an reminds us:

“Indeed, We have honored the children of Adam” (Qur’an 17:70).

This divine honor is universal, transcending borders and legal statuses. Deporting individuals in dehumanizing conditions—shackled like criminals—violates this principle and should trouble the conscience of any society that claims to uphold moral leadership.

The plight of these migrants is not incidental; it is the direct result of systemic injustices. Many flee poverty, violence, and instability—conditions often exacerbated by decades of exploitative policies and economic imbalances driven by wealthier nations, including the United States. These individuals are not opportunists; they are victims of a global system that perpetuates inequality, forcing them to seek refuge and survival elsewhere.

Migration is Not a Crime

The absence of proper documentation does not strip a person of their humanity. Islam teaches compassion toward the indigent and the traveler. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) profoundly stated:

“None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.”

This principle demands that we extend our concern to the vulnerable, ensuring they are treated with dignity, not as criminals. The current policies of mass deportations, conducted with excessive force and humiliation, betray the very ideals of justice and fairness that civilized societies claim to uphold.

A Call for Humane Solutions

Rather than criminalizing migrants, governments must adopt humane policies that respect their dignity and address the root causes of migration. Islamic economics offers a just alternative—one that prioritizes equity, wealth redistribution, and poverty alleviation. By addressing economic disparities at their root, we can reduce forced migration and create conditions where people are not compelled to flee their homelands in search of basic human security.

Deporting migrants in chains does not solve the problem; it merely deepens the wounds of an already broken system. History will judge harshly those who fail to uphold basic human dignity. As a global community, we must demand policies that reflect the values of compassion, inclusivity, and justice. Every human being deserves the opportunity to live with dignity, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure this becomes a reality.

The haunting images from the United States remind us that technological and economic progress are meaningless if they lack humanity. We cannot afford to turn a blind eye. Instead, we must strive for a world where migration is a choice, not a necessity—where no one is forced to flee their home, no one is treated as less than human, and where justice and compassion are the guiding principles of governance.


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