Yet, at least in the calm, superficially courteous world of Western academia, debating the precise text of the Koran is increasingly common as at a conference hosted by the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), part of the University of London, in November.

ECONOMIST: Muslims and the Koran

Christopher Davis, an anthropologist at the University of London's School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), said traditional healers can play a role as mental health providers.

CNN: Seeking comfort from faith healers in India

Laura Hammond, senior lecturer in development studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies (Soas) in London, said the US had wanted the al-Shabab account closed for some time, but had lacked the legal means to force Twitter to act.

BBC: Somalia's al-Shabab Twitter account suspended