Events Detail

Islamic law concerns itself with a wide range of human affairs, including the conduct of armed jihad or warfare. In his newest book, Shmuel Bar examines how fatwas, or Islamic legal rulings, shape how radical Muslims understand their duty to wage jihad and their conduct of it—from strategic questions regarding when jihad is legitimate and the selection of theatres and targets, to tactical questions including the use of suicide attacks and weapons of mass destruction. Dr. Bar examines the underlying religious, legal, and moral logic of these radical fatwas on jihad and the depth of their power relative to alternative, more moderate and peaceful interpretations of Islamic law.

Dr. Shmuel Bar is presently Director of Studies at the Institute of Policy and Strategy in Herzliya, Israel. He served for 30 years in the Israeli civil service, including as an intelligence officer and in the Office of the Prime Minister. Dr. Bar took his doctoral degree in Middle Eastern history from Tel-Aviv University, and is the author of numerous books and articles on Islam, Middle East politics and security, and terrorism.

To RSVP, please email Philip@hudson.org or call 202-974-2421.

Location: Betsy and Walter Stern Conference Room, Hudson Institute, 1015 15th St, NW, 6th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20005