Progressive Muslims: Yes! They're a Thing. Parts 1 & 2

Once again, one of the awesome people I met at the Council on Foreign Relations in NYC. These conversations with Ani Zonneveld took place in 2017.

What I noticed at the CFR conference is that there was a significant tension between Ani, the Director of Muslims for Progressive Values and those more traditional, orthodox Muslims. Ani is very impatient with what are often termed "moderate Muslims." It's not that she thinks they are extremists in disguise. Rather, she is concerned that while they do speak out against Islamist terrorist attacks, they remain silent on issues of gender, sexual orientation, religious tolerance, etc.

She is frustrated that her non-Muslim counterparts left of center do things like wear hijabs in support of the women of Islam, when she as a Muslim finds such traditions medieval and useless. Really, these 2 episodes offer a great deal to think about. Enjoy.