Khomeini’s invention of theoterrorism On February 14, 1989, Ayatollah Khomeini issued a death sentence on Salman Rushdie because, in Khomeini’s opinion, Rushdie had criticised Islam’s sacred icons. Khomeini introduced a new terrorist tactic, “theoterrorism". Paul Cliteur • February 19, 2019
Emmanuel Macron and the paradigm shift in counterterrorism Politicians have started to call the problem of Islamism by its actual name, instead of using obscure terms such as “violent extremism”. This is a welcome change, as openly talking about the religious nature of terrorism helps us to analyse the phenomenon. Paul Cliteur • March 14, 2018
What is diversity? Protest against guest speakers on university campuses is something unworthy of a university. Diversity means accepting that some people have different opinions from your own. Paul Cliteur • May 11, 2017 • 1 comment
Religion-related terrorism and the work of Anthony Grayling This is about the resurgence of (radical) religion, and what this means for lawyers. I also give an impression of the work of the British philosopher A.C. Grayling who will deliver a lecture on the themes indicated in this blog in Amsterdam on August 29th. Paul Cliteur • August 15, 2013 • 2 comments
The Resurgence of Political Religion A resurgence of democracy or theocracy? Paul Cliteur • May 23, 2013
The Missionary Church of Kopimism Religion gets a special protection in constitutions and human rights treaties. But what is “religion”? Paul Cliteur • November 09, 2012
A Hero of Our Time The American diplomat Chris Stevens died for being an American. Not for something he had done. That makes him a “Hero of Our Time”. Paul Cliteur • September 14, 2012
Male circumcision The practice of male circumcision not only violates bodily integrity but the notion of freedom of religion as such. Paul Cliteur • July 19, 2012 • 1 comment