PAL-C Participates in “Understanding Islam” Launch

WASHINGTON D.C., October 11, 2007 - Distinguished author and international advisor on Islamic issues, Ambassador Akbar Ahmed and industrialist and PAL-C National Director Arif Zaffar Mansuri were on hand as Jones Knowledge Group launched its new online offering Understanding Islam with great success at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.  Developed by an esteemed group of Islamic scholars, led by Ambassador Ahmed, the course creates a foundation for understanding, mutual respect and constructive engagement, and teaches learners new skills to affect more positive interaction with the Islamic world.

Ambassador Ahmed is the Ibn Kaldun Chair of Islamic Studies at American University in Washington, D.C.  According to the BBC, Ahmed is considered “the world’s leading authority on contemporary Islam.”  He is former High Commissioner of Pakistan to Great Britain, has advised Prince Charles and met with President George W. Bush on Islam.  In 2006, Ambassador Ahmed won the Purpose Prize Award with Dr. Judea Pearl for their work on interfaith dialogue.

“As more Muslims begin to see the West as their enemy, more Westerners in turn see Muslims as their enemy, perpetuating a cycle of mistrust, ignorance and violence,” said Ambassador Ahmed.  “Now more than ever, it is imperative for the West and the Muslim world to talk to and understand each other.  The only way forward is to forge a path of dialogue, understanding and mutual respect.”

Arif Zaffar Mansuri is the president and managing editor of the nationwide Pakistani-American newspaper, Pakistan Link. He is also a National Director of the Pakistan American Leadership Center (PAL-C) and presides over the Council of Pakistan American Chamber of Commerce (CPACC). He is a board member of the Southern California Organization of Pakistani Engineers (SCOPE) and Urdu Writers Society (UWS). He also serves on the FBI's Multicultural Advisory Committee (MCAC) and as vice chairman of the Pakistan Advisory Council for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Jones Knowledge exciting new online course “Understanding Islam: An Introduction can bridge the gap of ignorance and fear by giving learners knowledge, context and real-world skills in which to affect positive change around the world.

The course is comprised of six modules, with topics including History, Faith/Beliefs, Women in Islam, Laws, Sects, Terrorism and Social Practices. Delivered in an engaging, completely online format, the course also provides real-life scenarios in which learners may choose appropriate courses of action to improve mutual communication and interaction.

‘With the culturally diverse and ever changing landscape in diplomacy and industry, it has become increasingly important that we all acknowledge and respect each other’s culture and religion’ said Glenn R. Jones, CEO, Jones Knowledge Group, Inc.

About Jones Knowledge Group, Inc.

Jones Knowledge Group (JKG) is one of the foremost architects and leading innovators in online learning solutions.  We deftly bridge the gap between training, higher education, and new technologies. 

 To learn more about the Islam course, visit www.jonesknowledge.com/islam or contact Jacqui Fogg at jfogg@jonesknowledge.com or Scott Ziemba at sziemba@jonesknowledge.com.    

The Pakistani American Leadership Center (PAL-C) is the only professional Pakistani-American advocacy organization that has an office located on Capitol Hill. It launched the Congressional Pakistan Caucus in May 2004 and works to raise awareness about Pakistani-American interests in Washington policy circles. Our activities include facilitating the Congressional Pakistan Caucus, liaisoning Pakistani officials and the community with Members of Congress, and mobilizing all Pakistani-Americans at the grassroots level. If you wish to learn more about PAL-C, please visit our website www.pal-c.org or email us at info@pal-c.org.

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