Tarek Osman

Tarek Osman is the author of “Islamism: A History of Political Islam” (Yale, 2017) and the international bestselling book “Egypt on the Brink” (Yale, 2010). He wrote and presented several BBC documentaries including the Radio-4 series “The Making of the Modern Arab World”, “Sands of Time”, and “Islam Divided”. He writes at tarekosman.com

England is anxious

Rather than comfort ourselves with nostalgia for monarchy, empire, church, and the ‘special relationship’, it’s time to embrace confusion - and optimism? - about what ‘England’ could mean in the modern world.

By Tarek Osman

/ 13 Feb 2018

Four dilemmas facing Britain – as others see it

What is Britain's place in tomorrow's world? – a hugely important issue for a nation that, until seven decades ago, was a global empire.

By Tarek Osman

/ 7 Jun 2017

The Islamic state in context

Almost by default, the swelling numbers of young Arabs, especially in the culturally vibrant centres of the Arab world (Cairo, Tunis, Beirut, Damascus, Casablanca, Kuwait, Manama), will create plurality - in social views, political positions, economic approaches, and in social identities and frame

By Tarek Osman

/ 5 Jul 2013

Islamisation and the future of the Islamic world

When Islamic groups command the legislative and executive powers in a country, the Islamisation of society takes centre stage. Young, enthusiastic, and ideologically driven members want rapid moves: clear legislations, conspicuous political positions, and social policies to reflect what they consi

By Tarek Osman

/ 23 Oct 2012

The middle east and war over Iran

The Arab world is remaking itself. But even as its states cope with multiple domestic challenges they also face a choice over how to respond to a prospective American and Israeli attack on Iran, says Tarek Osman.

By Tarek Osman

/ 2 Nov 2011

Arab freedom vs geopolitics: a time of risk

The Arab spring of 2011 has entered a new phase. In this period, the emerging dangers to the fulfilment of its promise of transformation include the dynamics of inter-state power in the region, says Tarek Osman.

By Tarek Osman

/ 11 Oct 2011

Egypt: nation, state, faith, and future

The political tumult in Egypt continues as the six-month anniversary of the overthrow of Hosni Mubarak nears. The rising Islamist influence puts the possibility of a religious turn in the revolution on the agenda. But how real is this prospect? Tarek Osman assesses it by looking at the deeper forc

By Tarek Osman

/ 9 Aug 2011

The green shoots of the Arab Spring

The Arab Spring is frequently portrayed as a series of uprisings against oppressive regimes. A more historically-oriented reading would see it as a rejection by young Arabs (the more than 185-million under the age of 30 years) of the socio-political heritage they inherited from the previous genera

By Tarek Osman

/ 19 Jul 2011

Egypt’s Islamists: asset and flaw

The forces of political Islam are everywhere in the kaleidoscope of post-revolution Egypt. But behind the confident exterior this is a movement divided and uncertain, says Tarek Osman.

By Tarek Osman

/ 5 Jul 2011

The Arab prospect: forces and dynamics

The convulsions in the Arab world in 2011 are creating a new political and social reality. But what will be its character? Tarek Osman identifies three factors that are shaping the possible future.

By Tarek Osman

/ 9 May 2011

Egypt, Algeria, Yemen: Further reading on the Arab uprising

Yale University Press have issued this sampler from recent books on the Egypt, Yemen and Algeria. All provide important background information on the histories, societies, politics and economies of nations now thrust into the media spotlight.

By Tarek Osman and Martin Evans

/ 19 Feb 2011

Egypt: after revolt, transition

The explosion of protest in Egypt has emerged from deep currents in the country's modern history. Tarek Osman maps the roots of tumult and the dynamics of the new political reality it has already created.

By Tarek Osman

/ 9 Feb 2011