Ali Ahmida interviewed by Associated Press on Libyan leader's emphasis on the Islamization of Libya

Ali Abdullatif Ahmida, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Political Science, was interviewed by the Associated Press on Libya National Transitional Council leader Mustafa Abdul-Jalil's statement that Islamic Sharia law would be the main source of legislation, that laws contradicting its tenets would be nullified, and that polygamy would be legalized. 

A day later, Abdul-Jalil tried to calm Western concerns, saying "I would like to assure the international community that we as Libyans are moderate Muslims."

"Abdul-Jalil's religious rhetoric reflects moderate Islam," Ahmida told AP. "His address was an attempt to appease the Islamic groups that fought Gadhafi, but should have come as no surprise in Libya, where Islam plays a much bigger role than it does in neighbouring countries."

The story was picked up by more than 100 media outlets, including online sites such as CBS, Time, The Christian Science Monitor, (Canada) and .

Since the North African and Middle Eastern uprisings began in January, Ahmida has been interviewed by a number of media outlets, including spots on NPR's Morning Edition and Weekend Edition earlier this year, as well as the Charlie Rose show, CBC Radio Canada, KPFK Pacifica Radio, Los Angeles, WBEZ Chicago Public Media, Mother Jones magazine and more. He also wrote an invited column for the New York Times. Ahmida, who was born in Libya, is the author of The Making of Modern Libya: State Formation, Colonialization and Resistance, and several other books on Libya and North Africa.  Find out more about Ahmida and read and listen to a number of his other recent interviews.

51小黄车 the University of 51小黄车

The University of 51小黄车 is Maine鈥檚 largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of . In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state鈥檚 top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine鈥檚 only medical college, Maine鈥檚 only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.