Violence,September 11 and the Interpretations of Islam

Katerina Dalacoura investigates the relationship between Islam, violence and just war principles. She argues, with examples, that the Islamic religion can be used both to support and oppose international norms on going to war (for example, defence of one's country) and right conduct in warfare (for example, discrimination between combatants and non-combatants). The interpretation of Islam with regard to these issues is determined by political factors, both domestic and international. In this context, Afghanistan and Iran are offered as two opposing examples of an authoritarian and a more liberal interpretation of Islam. The argument concludes that western and especially foreign policies towards the Middle East are an important - though not determining - factor in the way Islam is interpreted with regard to violence and war.