Author: Karen Givens

Graduate Student, wife, engaged political and legal writer.

Merrick Garland, the former Attorney General, left the Justice Department on Friday, stirring mixed reactions among observers and colleagues. As Garland exited his position, employees of the department lined the corridors, expressing applause and gratitude for his tenure. This reception highlighted the differing perspectives on his time in office, with some viewing his efforts as commendable and others criticizing his approach to justice. Garland’s role as Attorney General has been a topic of significant debate, with varying opinions on his impact on the Justice Department and the broader political landscape. His tenure was marked by several high-profile actions and decisions…

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William Polk’s 2018 book, “Crusade and Jihad,” explores a complex and often contentious historical narrative. Despite its subtitle, “The Thousand-Year War between the Muslim World and the Global North,” the book rather surprisingly omits the first millennium of interactions and conflicts. This decision is justified by Polk on grounds that appear somewhat disingenuous, as the book primarily focuses on more recent centuries. Raymond Ibrahim, a noted figure in the study of Islamic history and doctrine, has written extensively on related topics. His works, such as “Defenders of the West: The Christian Heroes Who Stood Against Islam” and “Sword and Scimitar:…

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