Human Rights, Counter-terrorism, and Islamic Reform: An Insider’s View of US Policy Debates

Born in St. Louis, Ismail Royer converted to Islam in 1992 and has worked for several non-profit Islamic organizations. He was sentenced to prison after traveling abroad to participate in “jihadist” conflicts in Bosnia and Pakistan. Following his release, Royer joined a leading human rights NGO (Religious Freedom Institute), and has become an influential voice in American public discourse on Islam. Drawing on his unique personal and professional experiences, Royer will discuss complex ongoing policy debates concerning human rights, counter-terrorism and religious reform as well as religious renewal.