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In recent decades, traditional religious frameworks have steadily lost influence in Western societies. At the same time, we’ve seen the emergence of social justice movements focused on uncovering and dismantling systemic forms of oppression. Some argue that these secular movements are a replacement for faith. Others say they don’t offer the same moral depth, cohesion and forgiveness provided by traditional religion.

Tracing the history of sugar, this documentary explores its role in fueling colonization, the rise of the industrial revolution, and the perpetuation of systemic racial inequality. Experts examine how the global sugar economy evolved from the 15th-century plantation model into a modern industry that continues to shape labor practices, diets, and international economic dependencies. Combining powerful testimony, rare archival material, expert interviews, and on-the-ground reporting, the series exposes the true cost of our centuries-long obsession with sugar, while at the same time spotlighting communities fighting to reclaim land, dignity and fair means of production.

Dr. John Esposito explores Islam's influence on the US with Soraya Salam. They discuss a variety of topics ranging from the reasons behind Dr. Esposito's passionate interest in Islam, his time advising US President Joe Biden when he was a senator, the Muslim origins of some of the most common traditions in Europe and the US, and the globalisation of islamophobia. Dr. John Esposito is a distinguished university professor at Georgetown University. He's a founding director of the Al-Waleed Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding. He's also authored over 50 books on religion, Islam, and Islamophobia.

In the second episode of Centre Stage, Dr. Dalia Fahmy discusses what is it like to be a Muslim in the US, with Sami Zeidan. What form of discrimination are Muslims facing? How is islamophobia being used for political gain? And is there a role for Muslims to play to combat islamophobia?.

Former Catholic nun and author Karen Armstrong shares her perspective on Islam from her years of research with Al Jazeera's Samantha Johnson. Karen Armstrong is a renown religious historian and best-selling author whose work has been translated into 45 languages. Armstrong has been described as one of the most intelligent contemporary defenders of religion.

Islamophobia raised its ugly head in race riots in Britain in August 2024 and attacks on Muslims and mosques in the United Kingdom have increased since October 7, 2023. Women have been targets of abuse just as much as men. In this film, 'My Hijab, My Choice', based completely on their own testimonies, five British Muslim women share their experiences in frank and often emotional, intimate interviews. They challenge Western perceptions of the hijab as a symbol of female oppression and describe it as a powerful expression of commitment to their faith, which defines them as strong, independent women. The women describe the struggle they say they face for dignity and respect in British society where they’re often insulted, attacked and discriminated against, particularly in the jobs market. This film is an exploration of why many Muslim women choose to wear the hijab and also a snapshot of British attitudes to Islam and discrimination in the UK today.

The second episode of Praying for Armageddon examines the dangerous consequences of the fusion between evangelical Christians and US politics. It shows not only how the very fabric of US democracy is weakened but also highlights the devastating impact religion wields on US foreign policy. Expressing concerns about the influence of evangelical Christians in the US military, retired US Army Colonel Larry Wilkerson who was a former adviser to General Colin Powell, says: “The most vivid danger in all of this, I think, is the special relationship with Israel… They are looking for the US relationship with Israel, ultimately to bring about Armageddon and the rapture and Christ’s thousand-year reign.” As evangelicals fuel the volatile situation in the Middle East, Israel launches a devastating 11-day military offensive on Gaza in May 2021. “The countdown to Armageddon has begun,” says Pastor Robert Jeffress.

The first episode of Praying for Armageddon goes inside the evangelical Christian movement to explore its influence on US democracy and foreign policy. Preparing for the "end times", a grassroots pastor gathers an army of veterans in the heartland of the United States, and megachurch ministers provide spiritual advice to politicians in the nation’s capital. They call for the "final battle" which they believe will trigger the second coming of Christ. Central to their apocalyptic prophecy is Israel. It is with their blessing that the Trump administration controversially recognises Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and moves the US embassy there in 2018. “It feels like everyone has a say about the destiny and the future of Jerusalem except for the Palestinians living in it,” says Palestinian activist Fayrouz Sharqawi.

Millions of people knew invading Iraq was wrong. Twenty years on, they’ve been proven right, time and time again. The Bush administration never found weapons of mass destruction, and their dream of building a U.S.-friendly government in Iraq blew up in their faces — all while the Iraqi people endured decades of violence and societal collapse.

Darrell Davis was just 18 when he was sent to prison, serving a total of 25 years behind bars. Davis converted to Islam while in jail, taking on the name “Sadiq”, or truthful, as part of an attempt to leave his previous lifestyle behind. Davis was released after 25 years, but living his truth and rebuilding a life outside prison walls presented its own difficulties. In an intimate documentary, "The Honest Struggle", Davis shares his story of returning to the Chicago streets that once led him to prison. And his story - one of faith and overcoming hardship - is not unique. Hundreds of thousands of inmates in the United States have found a sense of community and solace in Islam, with Muslims now making up about 10 to 15 percent of all American prisoners. So, what is it about Islam that appeals to these inmates?

In this 2016 discussion, we delve into key political developments, including the heated Republican debate, President Obama's controversial visit to a mosque, and the evolving U.S. strategy in Syria. Joining us for expert insight is Al Jazeera's senior political analyst, Marwan Bishara, who provides sharp analysis on these pivotal moments in American and Middle Eastern politics.