Islam Without a Veil: Kazakhstan's Path of Moderation
“One of the key questions facing the international community is whether religion can serve the cause of peace. The answer is definitely yes if we read Islam Without a Veil. The message is loud and clear: Kazakhstan’s Islamic tolerance and modernization efforts contribute to regional and global stability and prosperity. This extraordinary study should commend the attention of policymakers, academics, and the general public.”—Yonah Alexander, professor emeritus, State University of New York, and director of the Inter-University Center for Terrorism Studies“Is Islam compatible with modern life and peaceful international relations? Claude Salhani shows us a brand of Islam that can be, in his study of the two decades of Kazakhstan since its independence in 1991. Kazakhstan’s domestic and international policies prove that a Muslim country can interpret Islam in a moderate and peaceful way, without losing its religious identity. Salhani’s work is a real contribution to our understanding of how Islam can be a strong supporter, rather than an enemy, of peace at home and between nations.”—Tolga Yazici, chairman, Riva Foundation, and president, EGL Holdings RGDS"Islam Without a Veil represents a valuable contribution to understanding how and why Kazakhstan has avoided the radicalization of its Muslim youth, and acts as a template to be followed elsewhere in Central Asia as the region grapples with such potentially sensitive security issues. Salhani's extensive research in this vital area unravels much of the mystery surrounding Kazakhstan's largely successful handling of this critical area."—Roger McDermott, honorary senior fellow, Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Kent