To the Best of Our Knowledge

PROMO       12/02/2007   "East Meets West: Encountering Islam"
*Tariq Ramadan is a controversial philosopher who believes Muslims can
thrive in secular, Western society.  Ayaan Hirsi Ali disagrees.  She's
an equally controversial figure who's living under a death threat -
targeted by Islamic radicals.  In this hour of To the Best of Our
Knowledge we'll talk with both of these impassioned activists.

PROGRAM RUNDOWN:   "East Meets West, Hour 5: Encountering Islam"

0:00 - 21:16        SEGMENT 1: (21:17)
            Tariq Ramadan is a Swiss-born philosopher who travels
            throughout the Islamic world trying to build bridges
            between European Muslim and conservative clerics. He's
            the author of "In the Footsteps of the Prophet" and tells
            Steve Paulson that Muhammed's life offers many lessons
            for today's Muslims.  Also, Azhar Usman is a Muslim
            stand-up comic and part of the "Allah Made Me Funny"
            Comedy Troupe.  He tells Jim Fleming that he sees himself
            as belonging to a long tradition of socially conscious
            comedians.  And we hear excerpts from his comedy routine.
            
*** Language Advisory ***
At 7:15 into his interview, Usman is discussing the tradition of
socially controversial comedy and mentions the Richard Pryor routine
"Bicentennial Nigger."
            
            Segment One Outcue:  "...PRI - Public Radio
            International."

21:17 - 21:46  LOCAL OPTION with music bed (:29)

21:47 - 33:35       SEGMENT 2: (11:49)
            Lupe Fiasco is a rap star and a devout Muslim.  His debut
            album is called "Food and Liquor" and was nominated for 3
            Grammy Awards.  Fiasco talks about his music and his
            faith with Anne Strainchamps, and we hear selections of
            his music.
                    
            Segment Two Outcue:  "...PRI - Public Radio
            International."

33:36 - 34:05       LOCAL OPTION with music bed (:29)

34:06 - 53:00       SEGMENT 3: (18:54)
            Ayaan Hirsi Ali is a famous critic of Islam. Born in
            Somalia, Hirsi Ali emigrated to the Netherlands where she
            served in the Dutch Parliament. She and Dutch film-maker
            Theo Van Gogh made a film called "Submission" which so
            offended some Muslims that a fanatic killed Van Gogh and
            called for the death of Hirsi Ali, who now lives in the
            United States.  She talks with Steve Paulson about why
            she believes Islam is inherently incompatible with
            Western values.  Also, Ausma Khan is an international
            human rights lawyer and editor of a new magazine called
            "Muslim Girl."  She tells Anne Strainchamps about the
            topics covered in the magazine and how it can help young
            Muslim women talk with their parents.
                    
            Segment Three Outcue: PRI Audio Logo


For a copy of this hour, call 1-800-747-7444, and ask for program number
12-2-A.

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