"Historically, Islam was hijacked about 20 or 30 years after the Prophet and interpreted in such a way that the ruler has absolute power and is accountable only to God. That, of course, was a very convenient interpretation for whoever was the ruler." - Mohamed ElBaradei, Egyptian diplomat and the former head of the IAEA.
Richard W. Bulliet (born 1940) is a professor of history at Columbia University who specializes in the history of Islamic society and institutions, the history of technology, and the history of the role of animals in human society.Title: "Understanding Muslim Countries" - Dr. Richard Bulliet. Source: TNWAC. Date Published: January 16, 2013. Description:
A program of the World Affairs Councils of America with support provided by a grant from Carnegie Corporation of New York.
The "Arab Spring" and the challenge it presents to American foreign policy and interests across North Africa and the Near East has raised new and complicated questions jumping out of the headlines. There could be no timelier topic for us to discuss than the tension between America and the Arab and Islamic worlds. We seek to understand these developments and how they impact U.S. interests in these important regions. Join us for an insightful presentation by renowned Professor Richard Bulliet as he explores "Political Authority in a Changing Middle East."Dr. Richard Bulliet speaks on the Saudi Succession crisis from 1:15:10 - 1:22:00.
