by Niaz A. ShahFrom the publisher:
Shah argues that the concept of self-defense in Islamic and International law is compatible. Al-Qaeda’s declaration of Jihad does not meet the Islamic legal test. Similarly, the invasion of Iraq does not meet the international legal test.
Dr Shah examines those causes attributed to Islam and non-Islamic causes of terrorism and argues that the theory of ‘reactive terror’ provides the most plausible explanation for so-called Islamic terrorism. The nature of conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq is changing and Muslim leaders (not including Al-Qaeda or pro Anglo-American governments) may, by consensus, declare Jihad if the occupying forces do not withdraw. Such declaration would be according to Islamic and international law.
Niaz A Shah received his PhD from The Queen’s University Belfast and Certificate in International Human Rights Law from The University of Nottingham. He has written widely on human rights issues such as freedom of religion, honor killing, women’s rights, public international law and Islamic law. He is currently a Lecturer in Law, University of Hull, United Kingdom. He teaches international human rights and Islamic law.
