To advance the rationale of scholarship for social change, this blog is devoted to critical examination of the relationship of Islam and the state, as well as the relationship of Sharia and the state. This blog is also concerned with developing practical strategies for the protection of human rights and promotion of democratization in Islamic societies today. Submissions are most welcome in English or any of the major languages of Islamic societies (such as Arabic, Bengali, Farsi, Malay, Swahili, Turkish or Urdu) and from any and every perspective, Islamic or not, and without discrimination on any grounds whatsoever. Particular preference will be given to publishing submissions confronting the realities of horrific, politically-motivated violence and consequent profound instability among Islamic societies around the world.