ABSTRACT
This chapter examines briefly the potential in mediating international tensions involving Muslim countries and its role in international consensus building and lawmaking forums. Islamic law plays a role in regulating the internal and external affairs of a number of Muslim societies. The chapter argues that for the international community in general, and the United States in particular, to achieve and maintain long-term success in their missions with the Muslim world, it is imperative to engage Islamic law principles rather than the current embrace of unrepresentative Muslim governments. According to Islam's vision of a world that consists of friendly or non-threatening nations, the interstate relationship is to be based on a standard of fairness and justice that is universal and not limited by state boundaries. Historically, the Muslimworld shares an unsavory connection with the scourge of international terrorism, and the role of Islamic law in the search for a long-term international consensus is evident.
