by Jason Criss Howk “Who is this enemy that has declared war on humanity? From now on I will refer to them as Violent Radical Islamists. This specifically identifies them by their ideology and actions while differentiating them from the hundreds of millions of peaceful Muslims around the globe.” Article Introduction If you haven’t listened… Read More The Islam Speech I would have written for President Obama
After discussing the topics of Islam and violent radical Islamists for 8 months I was invited to discuss it on live TV. Here is my first TV interview on the topic. The goal of my one-man interfaith dialogue talks is to dispel myths about Islam and to describe the ideology held by organizations like ISIS… Read More TV interview about Islam and Violent Radical Islamists
Head of US intelligence tells public yesterday that ISIS has employed chemical weapons in attacks. …first time an extremist group has produced and used a “chemical warfare agent in an attack since Aum Shrinrikyo used sarin in Japan in 1995,” referring to a subway attack in Tokyo that year… Is this the moment the game… Read More ISIS reaches chemical warfare
No, I have never eaten a mango Mr. President. Then let me show you how Lieutenant. —The Arg Palace, Kabul, Spring 2003 (Afghan President’s cabinet meeting room, 2002) Being the leader of the Afghan people is a dangerous and notoriously difficult job. For centuries kings, presidents, and prime ministers have attempted to keep the… Read More President Karzai, Mangoes and Trust
Retired SecDefense and CIA Director Robert Gates on admirable presidential and leadership traits. (Today on Morning Joe, MSNBC) Obama: making tough decisions with little leadership background. Bush: courage in taking on serious problems. Bush the elder: ability to bring people together in large coalitions Advice/Thoughts: -Listen to and empower your people. -Weakness of the White… Read More Wisdom of SecDef Gates
Had another speaking engagement to explain what ISIS and their partners in terrorism are doing, some of the basics about Islam, and how Islamists and violent radical Islamists differ from the majority of Muslims around the world. This group size was around 140 people and it spurred a number of interesting questions. It was clear… Read More Islam, Islamists and ISIS
This newest installment describes the activities of one of the earliest Islamic extremist groups the Khawarij. There are few left from this group and what does remain does not resemble the earlier movement. “The Ibadhi Khawarij of Oman are the best known contemporary community that descended from this sect. But it must be emphasized that… Read More Understanding Islam part 4
My friend Abbas has released some more installments of his short history of the formations of different Islamic elements. To understand where the “shia” term comes from read this. “In this article I will analyze the three major events that shaped the rule of the fourth caliph (and the first Imam of the Shia), Ali… Read More Understanding Islam part 3
My friend Dr Abbas Kadhim is writing a readable yet comprehensive journey through early Islamic history. This time period and the activities during it have profound effects on the modern Middle East. Part two
My Islamic studies professor, mentor and friend has begun a series to help people better understand the terms used daily by the media and government (usually incorrectly). Keep a eye on his even-handed updates. http://www.abbaskadhim.com/?p=332
Someone wise once told me that to truly understand a topic you must read around it. I always try to have an eclectic stack of books around the house to read. My interests include National Security, the Broader Middle East, and good food and drink so here is a list of books that I enjoyed.… Read More A 2016 Reading List
My follow up article at Task and Purpose. 29 December 2015 Leading larger teams
My article on Task and Purpose about leadership. 28 December 2015 Leading small to medium size teams
For a recent article I have been trying to piece together the history of the U.S. policy and actions towards Syria and ISIS. Throughout the table below are links to the entire article that quotes are taken from when the actions or comments are not taken directly from the White House statements. I will update… Read More U.S. Policy towards Syria and ISIS
In 2002 I shared a meal with a gentlemen who left me with a few short lines of story that would help me understand the frustration of life under the Taliban regime. I came across the words recently in my notebook. They are still very impactful. You hear the tanks approaching your house but your… Read More Dinner with a Paktia Province elder
For the last six months I have been on a speaking tour in North Carolina to discuss ISIS, Islam, and Islamism. I have learned so much from these events and hopefully I have been able to dispel many myths about the religion of Islam and the Muslim people. Just as important, our discussions helped to… Read More Islamists, Refugees, and Islam: Solving this problem requires honest leadership by Jason Criss Howk
Some great insights here on the intelligence communities understanding and warning of ISIS from a person who knows it better than just about anyone at the senior levels. Video
Video The most important 5 minutes you can spend this month. A Georgetown professor explains the more important causes of extremism and who they lure into their organizations (in this case deadly-violent radical Islamists based on Pakistan’s experience). Maybe we need a movie night at the White House and state department so they can get… Read More The real drivers and recruits of today’s scourge
A Harry Potter moment… Today I was honored to speak to the Military Officers Association of America. I was invited to talk about ISIS, Islamism and Islam. In light of this weekends attack in Paris it was a timely discussion. This has been a part of my speaking series in North Carolina to make citizens… Read More ISIS, Islamism, and Islam discussion with MOAA
#Monday Musings Interview: Three minutes, three questions and three answers about my influencers in national security and strategy.
Jason Criss Howk 