Who better to provide a thoughtful look at the most highly charged issues than Bill Moyers, who examines the relationship between Islam, Middle Eastern politics and America in his PBS newsmagazine.

Two special editions of "Now with Bill Moyers" air Friday, July 12, (check local listings for time), both drawing on a recent seminar that gathered Muslim, Christian and Jewish scholars and journalists from seven countries and was moderated by Moyers.

In the first hour, "Islam vs. Islam," panelists discuss the terrorism of Sept. 11 and what subsequent events reveal about Islam's contradictions, the religion's relationship to national politics and the clash of Islam with the modern world.

"Justice and Jihad," the second hour, includes discussion about the effect of American foreign policy on Middle Eastern politics and U.S. approaches to Israel, Saudi Arabia and other nations that could help foster peace and reduce the threat of terrorism.

Other shows to watch, or watch out for:

-- Mummies the word as the Learning Channel goes in search of pyramids both strange and wonderful in a three-part series airing 8-11 p.m. EDT Sunday, July 7. In "Pyramids, Mummies and Tombs," expert Bob Brier takes us to Egypt, China, Mexico and beyond to show the universality of pyramids and discuss their roles as treasure houses and sacrificial platforms as well as homes for the dearly, well-preserved departed.

-- Does "Sex and the City" bear any relation whatsoever to reality? "Single in the City," an eight-part documentary series debuting 10 p.m. EDT Sunday, July 7, on WE: Women's Entertainment, promises to expose the "racy, real-life adventures" of 11 single New York women. Instead of Carrie Bradshaw and her fictional HBO posse, we get Leoni, who makes a living as a decoy for men who may be cheating on their mates; Wendy, who relies on her dog, Lucky, to judge prospective dates, and Natasha, a British banker described as "career-minded," which is a good thing.

-- If "State of Grace" has escaped your notice, discover this charming comedy as ABC Family airs a new episode each Monday in July at 8 p.m. EDT beginning this week (repeats will follow at 8:30 p.m.) The series, set in 1960s North Carolina, tracks the friendship of Hannah and Grace, very different young girls who manage to find common ground for themselves and their families. An added bonus: Oscar-winning actress Frances McDormand ("Fargo") delivers the narration as the grown-up Hannah.