Newswise — An attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, on the night of Sept. 11, 2012, followed within hours by attacks on the U.S. embassies in Cairo, Egypt, and Sana’a, Yemen, have sparked violent anti-American protests throughout the Middle East. Florida State University experts are available to answer media questions and provide perspective on these events.
POLITICAL PERSPECTIVE
• Eric Wiebelhaus-Brahm, lecturer in international affairs and political science: [email protected]
Wiebelhaus-Brahm’s research focuses on political transitions, democratization, human rights and post-conflict reconstruction.
“Details about the Benghazi attack, which killed U.S. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and the three other Americans, and the motivations of the attackers are still emerging. An al-Qaida affiliated group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Whether a response to a new film by Israeli-American Sam Bacile deemed by some to be highly insulting to Muslims or a commemoration of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, the attack — as well as the violence at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo — demonstrates that new post-revolutionary governments in the region are struggling with governance and order. In parts of Libya and elsewhere, government control is tenuous. In this vacuum, extremist groups have found sanctuary.”
SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE
• Deana A. Rohlinger, associate professor of sociology: (850) 644-2493; [email protected]
Rohlinger studies the sociology of mass media, collective behavior and social movements. “The recent violence in Libya, Egypt and Yemen are unfortunate reminders that a handful of individuals can use mass media to spark international turmoil. The irony, of course, is that the same means of communication do not build cultural bridges nearly as easily as they tear them down.”
RELIGIOUS PERSPECTIVE
• John Kelsay, FSU’s Richard L. Rubenstein Professor of Religion and Bristol Distinguished Professor of Ethics: (850) 645-8828; [email protected]
Kelsay’s book “Arguing the Just War in Islam” (Harvard, 2007) tracks contemporary Muslim debate occasioned by the claims and tactics of al-Qaida. His research focuses on religious ethics, particularly in relation to the Islamic and Christian traditions.
“My work in comparative religions focuses on the military and political dimensions of Islam and Christianity.”
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