Observing the Observer: The State of Islamic Studies in American Universities The collection of papers in this volume documents the study of Islam in American Universities. Over the last few decades the United States has seen significant growth in the study of Islam and Islamic societies in institutions of higher learning fueled primarily by events including economic relations of the U.S. with Muslim countries, migration of Muslims into the country, conversion of Americans to Islam, U.S. interests in Arab oil resources, involvement of Muslims in the American public square, and the tragic events of 9/11. Although there is increasing recognition that the study of Islam and the role of Muslims is strategically essential in a climate of global integration, multiculturalism, and political turmoil, nevertheless, the state of Islamic Studies in America is far from satisfactory. The issue needs to be addressed, particularly as the need for intelligent debate and understanding is continuously stifled by what some have termed an “Islam industry” run primarily by fly-by journalists, think tank pundits, and cut-and-paste “experts.” Mumtaz Ahmad Dr. Ahmad is Professor of Political Science at Hampton University, Hampton, VA, and Executive Director, Iqbal International Institute for Research & Dialogue, International Islamic University, Islamabad. He has a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Chicago. Before joining Hampton University in 1990, he was a Research Fellow at the Brookings Institution, Washington DC. Ahmad is President of the South Asian Muslim Studies Association, and member of the editorial advisory boards of several professional journals. Dr. Ahmad was a member of the “Islam and Social Change” project of the University of Chicago, a member of “Fundamentalism Project” of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and a Senior Consultant on “Muslims in American Public Square” project of Georgetown University. He was a Senior Fulbright Fellow in India, Pak…