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Ottoman Empire’s religious ‘tolerance’ another form of control

The Ottoman Empire's recognition of diverse religions was a means to monitor and control non-Muslim populations. Research by Osaka Metropolitan University Associate Professor Masayuki Ueno found that this 'tolerance' was actually a form of control, utilizing public presence of religious diversity to conduct surveillance.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalComparative Studies in Society and History·TypeCase study·DateMar 28, 2025

Muslims felt excluded from health policies during COVID-19

A new study by the University of Leeds has found that British Muslims faced significant challenges accessing palliative care services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research highlighted the need for culturally aware healthcare policies and greater inclusion of minority groups in decision-making processes to address these inequities.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalBMJ Open·TypeSurvey·DateAug 29, 2024

Assessment of the knowledge, attitude, and perception of healthcare providers regarding halal pharmaceuticals

A survey of healthcare providers in the Middle East reveals a good understanding of halal pharmaceuticals, but gaps in knowledge, particularly about ingredients and aligning with Islamic principles. Personalized education and culturally sensitive care can address patient concerns and improve healthcare outcomes for all patients.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Public Health Journal·DateApr 30, 2024

Attitudes toward minorities with dual social identities appear to be driven more by the positive influence of the shared identity than the potential negative influence of the unshared foreign identity

A new study found that exposure to groups with dual social identities improves intergroup attitudes, especially when individuals identify strongly with both parts of their identity. This suggests that embracing both identities can be beneficial for minorities in terms of intergroup relations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateAug 16, 2023

Understanding social media discussions about female genital mutilation

An analysis of English Twitter data reveals a 17-fold increase in daily FGM conversations on International Day of Zero Tolerance, suggesting opportunities for social media education. At least 200 million women and girls have undergone FGM, leading to short- and long-term health consequences.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateJul 25, 2023

Choking local funding prevents terrorism

New research by Nicola Limodio finds that terrorist attacks are sensitive to local funding availability, with more attacks occurring in cities with higher funding. Financial counter-terrorism can be effective in limiting the ability of terrorist organizations to access funds.

SourceBocconi University·JournalEconometrica·DateMay 27, 2022

Disbelief in human evolution linked to greater prejudice and racism

Research from UMass Amherst found that disbelief in human evolution is associated with higher levels of prejudice and racist attitudes. The study, conducted across 19 Eastern European countries, 25 Muslim countries, and Israel, linked low belief in evolution to biased attitudes towards outgroups and support for discriminatory behavior.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 4, 2022

Christians, Jews and Muslims experience workplace discrimination differently, new Rice research shows

A new study from Rice University finds that two-thirds of Muslims, half of Jews and more than a third of evangelical Protestant Christians experience workplace discrimination in different ways. Muslims and Jews feel targeted by anti-Islamic and antisemitic rhetoric, while Christians are perceived as judgmental for taking moral stances.

SourceRice University·JournalSocius Sociological Research for a Dynamic World·TypeObservational study·DateMar 11, 2022

Muslim comedy tackles popular misconceptions using humor and empathy, new Concordia research shows

A new study by Concordia PhD student Lamiae Aidi examines how Muslim stand-up comedians use incongruity, performativity, and everydayness to demystify their community. By sharing personal experiences and poking fun at stereotypes, these comedians aim to create awareness around problems of discrimination and misunderstandings.

SourceConcordia University·JournalReligions·TypeContent analysis·DateDec 16, 2021

Lower sex-selective abortion rates in India districts with Muslim legislators

New research by the universities of Kent, Warwick and Notre Dame has found that sex-selective abortion is lower in India districts with a Muslim state legislator. This is due to stronger stated preferences against abortion among Muslims compared to Hindus, making Muslim legislators more effective at reducing abortion rates.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalJournal of Development Economics·TypeSurvey·DateNov 11, 2021

Forgiveness messaging increases willingness to accept former Boko Haram fighters returning home, new study shows

A new study found that forgiveness messaging from a respected Islamic sheikh significantly increased community members' willingness to accept demobilized Boko Haram fighters back into their community. The study, conducted in northeastern Nigeria, showed that 70% of participants who heard the forgiveness messaging were willing to have t...

SourceInnovations for Poverty Action·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 11, 2021

ISIS and the Taliban use different strategies to appeal to women in English-language magazines

A recent study by researchers from the University of Exeter analyzed 68 English language jihadi magazines produced between 2013 and 2020. The Taliban's magazines promote traditional roles for women, while ISIS and Al Qaeda encourage violence and leave husbandless wives. Experts hope highlighting these varying recruitment strategies wil...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalSmall Wars and Insurgencies·DateJan 25, 2021

New graph-based statistical method detects threats to vehicular communications networks

Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a cost-effective way to detect security threats in vehicle networks using graph-based anomaly detection techniques. This simple method requires less energy than machine learning or AI methods and can be easily adapted by car manufacturers.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalIEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems·DateNov 24, 2020

Positive contact between muslims and christians in soccer league built cohesion, with limitations

A recent study found that Muslim teammates improved Christian players' behavior towards their peers in an Iraqi soccer league, but this effect did not generalize to other social contexts. The research highlights the value of intergroup interventions for achieving post-war peace, but also reveals limitations in building lasting social c...