Dr. M. Zudhi Jasser, American Islamic Forum for Democracy

A first-generation American Muslim, Dr. M. Zuhdi Jasser's parents fled the oppressive Baath regime of Syria in the mid-1960's for American freedom. He shares about how his family’s experience influenced his life and his own fight for freedom.  Dr. Jasser shares about the many opportunities he’s had to promote the freedoms his family were denied in Syria – from serving in the U.S. Navy to founding an organization to promote democratic values within the American Muslim community after September 11th.
 
In our conversation, Dr. Jasser shares how he has promoted universal human rights in his community – including gender equality, freedom of conscience, religion, speech and expression – and stood against the politicization of his faith. He has faced many challenges but has stood firm against any attacks on these freedoms and his ability to defend them. 

Dr. Jasser is respected physician currently in private practice in Phoenix, Arizona specializing in internal medicine and nuclear cardiology. Prior to practicing medicine in Phoenix, he served in various medical posts in the United States Navy.

Watch the interview on Hardwired's YouTube channel here: bit.ly/JasserInterviewYouTube

Dr. Jasser is the Founder and President of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy (AIFD) and Co-Founder of the Muslim Reform Movement. He is also the author of A Battle for the Soul of Islam: An American Muslim Patriot' s Fight to Save His Faith (Simon & Schuster, June 2012). On March 20, 2012, Dr. Jasser was appointed by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) where he served two terms both as a Commissioner and Vice-Chair until May 2016. He hosts the podcast REFORM THIS! on The Blaze Radio Network.

An internationally recognized expert on Islamism, Dr. Jasser is widely published on domestic and foreign issues related to Islam, Islamism, and modernity. His work is featured in: The National Review, The Washington Times, The New York Post, CNN, CBS, Fox News Channel, MSNBC, Al Jazeera, BBC and other national and international outlets. In addition, Dr. Jasser has spoken on nationally syndicated radio programs. He has also spoken at hundreds of national and international events including universities, places of worship, and government venues.

Intelligence Squared Debate, “Better Elected Islamists Than Dictators”
and the transcript: https://www.intelligencesquaredus.org/sites/default/files/pdf/transcript-better-elected-islamists-than-dictators.pdf   

Muslim: I was bullied for criticizing Hamas

Chapters

• 0:00 Zuhdi’s Family Fled Syria for Freedom in the U.S.
• 4:55 “Special Sauce” of America Includes Military Subordination to Civilian Government
• 6:02 Demonization of American Military Radicalizes Muslims
• 12:37 Real Faith vs. State Coerced Religious Compliance
• 14:53 Bullied by Hamas Supporters in Phoenix
• 19:58 American Islamic Forum for Democracy and the Muslim Reform Movement
• 31:28 “Letter to My Children”: Zuhdi’s Dream for Reforming Islam
• 36:31 Zuhdi’s Podcast “Reform This!” on The Blaze