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The article discusses terrorist threats facing the United States from decentralized affiliates of Islamist extremist organization Al Qaeda and other extremists as of May 28, 2014. Topics addressed include potential threats from extremist organizations operating in Middle Eastern and African countries such as Libya, Syria, and Somalia, as well as U.S. president Barack Obama's views on the appropriate U.S. response to such terrorist threats.

The article discusses the effects of the Syrian civil war on sectarian violence between Sunni and Shiite Muslims in 2013, including violence in Iraq and Lebanon. Rocket missile attacks, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's attacks against Sunnis, and Iran's involvement in the Syrian war are mentioned, as well as support for Syrian opposition from countries such as Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

The article discusses the status of the Arab Spring Uprisings, a series of revolutionary uprisings in Arab countries including Egypt, Libya, and Syria, particularly addressing the history of the term Arab Spring and its changing meaning over time. It comments on objections to the use of the phrase from politicians and journalists, claiming that in does not accurately represent the increasing tendency for Islamist ideology. Other topics explored include extremism in Arab Spring nations, the rapid expansion of politicalized Islam, and the election of Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi.

The article presents a profile of the American Muslim leaders and educators Imam Siraj Wahhaj, Imam Zaid Shakir, and Sheik Hamza Yusuf. Particular focus is given to their influence in shaping the views of young American Muslims and their efforts to emphasize the place of Islam within U.S. culture and society. Mention is made of surveillance of these individuals in their relationship to Muslim Student Associations at U.S. colleges by the New York Police Department (NYPD). Their role as Muslim activists is explored, highlighting their dislike of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and their praise of anti-extremism.

Presents the second in a series focusing on the social conditions and activities of Muslims living in Europe. History of the Islamic Center of Munich, a mosque built by Muslims, who deserted the Soviet Union's Red Army to fight for the Nazis in World War II; Competition for the Muslim community among Western governments looking for political alliances; Discussion of the Muslim Brotherhood, a social reform movement, which calls for the Muslim religion to dominate all aspects of life; History of miscalculations on the part of Western governments in their relationships with political Islam; How United States' involvement in Afghanistan in the 1980s helped produced Osama bin Laden; Research findings indicating U.S. intelligence agencies attempted to form a working relationship with the Muslim Brotherhood; Comments from Munich, Germany-based historian Stefan Meining regarding the genesis of political Islam in the post-WWII atmosphere; Discussion of the Brotherhood's beliefs with regard to Muslims and Western influences. INSETS: A Piece of History;Birth of an Ideology;Cast of Characters.

Asserts that the United States needs other countries to help in nation-building efforts around the globe. Discussion of the changing alliances and international relations between the U.S. and other countries; Roles of France and Germany in the effort to restore order and prevent Afghanistan from becoming a haven for terrorists; Indications that the process of piecing together Afghanistan is slow including a car bombing that killed several Germans; Examples of anti-Americanism resulting from the slow pace of establishing order in the country.

The article discusses former British Prime Minister Tony Blair's claim that the governments of various Western nations need to work with Russian President Vladimir Putin on issues such as Islamist extremism, Palestinian statehood, and other sources of conflict in the Middle East regions.

Discusses the rise of Islamic religious passions in Iraq, suppressed under former leader Saddam Hussein, and the reactions of Iraqis in Baghdad as they await material help from the U.S. Visit by Jay Garner, leader of the interim U.S. civilian authority, to Kurdish strongholds in the north; How security concerns are slowing the reconstruction effort; Calls by U.S. President George W. Bush for an end to United Nations sanctions; Signs of political uncertainty and turbulence in Iraq's south; Skepticism of civil service professionals regarding U.S. intentions; Questions on the minds of Iraqi workers.

Focuses on the views of Muslim cleric Maulvi Abdul Qudus regarding terrorist attacks on the United States. His view that terrorism is un-Islamic; His view that the U.S. is an enemy of Islam and perpetrator of crimes against Muslim civilians around the world; His view that God will help Muslims if the U.S. attacks them; Promotion of radical Islam by the ruling Taliban in Afghanistan.

Details the role of Islam in establishing peace in the Mideast. Views of Islamic fundamentalists; Opinion of the Islamic mainstream; Role of Muslim clergy.

Discusses the role of Sudan as a militant Muslim state fighting to increase Islam's global influence. Efforts of Sudan's spiritual leader Hassan al-Turabi in redefining Sudan's role as a model Islamic state; Critics of the Turabi regime; Formation of terrorist organizations like the Hamas.

Opinion. Talks about the need to reassert the true teachings of Muslim religion in the wake of Islam being the target of vicious campaigns.