The Christian Science Monitor ran on op/ed by Ian Wilhelm last Friday. He contends that US-backed policies to control charitable giving in the Muslim world are making it more difficult for wealthy Muslims to donate money.
Since 9/11 the US has been understandably concerned with Muslim charitable foundations – some of which are suspected to support extremist groups. But when countries like Kuwait and Saudi Arabia begin to restrict philanthropy, it becomes difficult to encourage a culture of giving.
If we accept the prevailing wisdom that global development is an essential factor for national security, it is clearly in our interest to see that those in the Muslim world with the resources to help are able to do so.