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As part of its outreach to the West, the Al-Mesbar Center co-sponsored the publication of an e-book with the Philadelphia-based Foreign Policy Research Institute. A one-day conference to introduce the book was held in Washington in March 2013 -- the first-ever Al-Mesbar event in the United States. Joseph Braude introduced the Center to the audience.

A new study from Al-Mesbar Studies and Research Center in Dubai examines the history, meaning, and shifting landscape of fatwas in the Gulf states today. A fatwa is an "Islamic religious edict," increasingly understood not as binding law but advice from a "Mufti" (cleric) to a "Mustafti" -- (a Muslim seeking guidance). Scholars from a variety of perspectives provide historical context, country profiles, criticism of extremist elements, and a hopeful message about how fatwas can play a positive role in fighting extremism and fostering tolerance -- given encouragement and support from Gulf states and the public at large.

Commentary and analysis of the role Islam plays in Indonesian politics and society. Profiles of Muslim Brotherhood activists, liberal Islam, Sufism, and Shi'ism in the country, as well as Indonesia's distinguished history of religious tolerance. Indonesia can be a model for Muslim moderates and Islamic renewal in Arab and other Muslim countries, and Al-Mesbar's new study explains how.

Al-Mesbar Center has published a new study on the status of women in the Arab world following the revolutions of 2010-2011. It features research from female scholars barely known in the West who teach at the University of Benghazi in Libya, University of Manouba in southern Tunisia, and other academic venues of growing importance in the region today.

Al-Mesbar Center has published ground-breaking research on Shi'ism in Egypt, a growing trend in the country today with profound implications for Egypt, Iran, and the broader region.