Rippin contributes to Islamic scholars charter

In December, Andrew Rippin (History) joined a team of international scholars in Kuwait organized by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs to develop a charter and action plan recognizing that those who study Islamic civilization from outside the Muslim world can make a contribution to “positive interactions and a spirit of shared human concerns” in their work. Given the tensions that have existed over the past 150 years or so of “Orientalist” scholarship, the tone of cooperation that marked this meeting signifies a major shift in attitude for the Arab world. Joining scholars from Australia, Austria, Germany, Mauritania, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United States, Rippin hopes that some joint projects may be possible with the University of Victoria and other Canadian partners in the future.