Western media often lump Islamist movements without differentiating between the multitude of groups which fall under this rubric. Images of violence and terror predominate, with little explanation of who is perpetrating these acts and why. Nevertheless, in parts of the Arab world Islamist activists are entering politics and becoming assimilated into the political framework of the state.
These issues were considered by a panel of three distinguished academics at the 10th AUC Forum on Nov. 13 in New York City entitled "The Changing Face of Islamist Movements." Speakers were Saad Eddin Ibrahim, professor of political sociology at the American University in Cairo; Andrea Bartoli, director of the SIPA Conflict Resolution Program at Columbia University; and Augustus Richard Norton, professor of anthropology and international relations at Boston University. AUC trustee Bruce L. Ludwig, vice chairman of the board of directors of the Westmark Realty Group, presided.