Islam

Keep Calm
The politics of meat and Muslims in election-year France

Conservative Marine Le Pen recently alleged that President Sarkozy had bowed to 'Islamic radicals.' It may be election-year gold, but restricting or demonizing Islamic practices could push disaffected youth toward those with radical agendas, says author Jonathan Laurence. 
Could there be a liberal resurgence in Pakistan? Lawmaker Sherry Rehman says she's working on it.

A liberal resurgence in Pakistan may not be as unlikely as it might seem, according to Sherry Rehman, a progressive parliamentarian who is attempting to amend the country's blasphemy laws.
This year on Ashura, Iran's opposition Green Movement stays below ground

Iran's opposition Green Movement protested in force during the Shiite holiday Ashura a year ago. This year, they're nowhere to be seen. Is the movement finished?
Germany applies anti-Nazi laws in crackdown on Salafi Islamic groups

German police yesterday targeted two Salafi Islamic groups in what officials say is an investigation into efforts to overthrow the government.
Hajj 101: Five facts about the Muslim pilgrimage

More than two million Muslims have flocked to Saudi Arabia this week for the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage that Muslims are obligated to make at least once in their lifetime.
Allahabad High Court issues Ayodhya verdict, dividing religious site

The Allahabad High Court in India today announced the Ayodhya verdict, dividing a religious site disputed between Muslims and Hindus.
Catholic Church backs Muslim struggle to build Milan's first mosque

While New York frets over the construction of an Islamic cultural center and mosque near ground zero, Milan is pushing back against construction of its first mosque. Local Muslims have found an unlikely ally in the Catholic Church.
Global News Blog
In South Africa, judge outlaws burning Bibles, Qurans, other holy books

A Muslim group successfully petitioned to stop a Bible bonfire in Johannesburg that was intended as a response to the now-cancelled Quran burning in Florida.
Global News Blog
Why Afghanistan has reacted so sharply to threat of Quran burning

Afghanistan's history is replete with examples of insults against religion -- real or imagined -- fueling uprisings against foreign powers.The Quran burning threat is just the latest.
How 5 countries celebrate Eid al-Fitr and the end of Ramadan

Eid al-Fitr began at sunset Thursday, when the crescent of a new moon first showed over the Middle East. The three-day feast celebrates the end of the a month-long period of Ramadan's fasting and prayer. Here is how five countries ring in Eid al-Fitr.
11 countries speaking out against Koran burning in Florida

More than 10 countries have now condemned a Florida pastor's plan to burn the Koran in commemoration of the 9/11 terrorist attacks of nine years ago. Here is what leaders are saying worldwide.
Global News Blog
Can global leaders' outcry minimize fallout from Koran burning plan?

The planned Florida Koran burning has compelled outcry from President Obama, Pakistani President Zardari, and others. Those messages appear to be muting wider Muslim reaction to the planned Koran burning.
Global News Blog
How Koran burning in Florida could play in the Muslim world

The planned Koran burning in Florida could provoke a response in the Muslim world like that in 2006 to a Danish cartoon of the prophet Mohammad. A correspondent remembers the scene in Kabul at that time.
Global News Blog
Why the planned Koran burning causes outrage and alarm

To devout Muslims, the Sept. 11 Koran burning proposed by the Florida preacher Terry Jones is akin to burning the word of God. Muslim leaders and US military and civilian officials have asked Jones to reconsider his plan.
An ancient echo of NYC mosque debate in Córdoba, Spain

Córdoba, Spain, was a center of art and culture under medieval Islamic rule and an inspiration for the original name of the planned New York City mosque.
Terrorism & Security
Petraeus: Dove World Outreach Center's 'Burn a Koran Day' endangers troops

The Dove World Outreach Center's plans to burn Korans has prompted protests in Kabul and elsewhere around the globe.
Why 'Islamophobia' is less thinly veiled in Europe

How anti-Muslim sentiment is different in European countries than in America.
How moderate Muslims in Africa view NYC mosque debate

Senegal is a critical junction for US dialogue with the Muslim world. Reaction there to the NYC mosque debate has potentially far-reaching implications for the battle against Al Qaeda.
Global News Blog
Wife of 'ground zero mosque' imam epitomizes Islam's modernizing voice

Daisy Khan, wife of Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, spoke to the Monitor in 2006 about her efforts to bring women's perspectives into Islamic law, particularly on issues such as domestic violence and divorce.
Could opposition to Ground Zero mosque bolster the thing opponents fear?

Some opposition to the so-called Ground Zero mosque reflects concerns for those who lost family in the 9/11 attacks. But many opponents appear uncomfortable with the very idea of Islam. If their opposition succeeds, the chances of what they fear most -- more militant American Muslims -- could increase, critics say.
Is Ground Zero mosque part of culture war or symbol of tolerance?

The debate over the so-called Ground Zero mosque planned for lower Manhattan is bringing to the fore a debate over the meaning of America's growing Muslim population.
Global News Blog
Ground Zero mosque debate swirls in world capitals

The Ground Zero mosque debate is garnering increased attention in the world press, with Muslims coming down on both sides of the proposed center two blocks from the former World Trade Center.
Ground zero mosque debate echoes Europe's fears of Muslims

The US debate over the so-called ground zero mosque in New York tracks similar fights that have taken place in European capitals in recent years over national identity and the impact of growing Muslim populations.
Global News Blog
Global warming, devotion, the lunar calendar: Why this will be one hot Ramadan 2010

Devout Muslims are waiting for the first sighting of the new moon, probably Tuesday night, marking the start of the fasting month of Ramadan 2010. This year's fast will be the first in almost 30 years that corresponds with the hottest days of summer.
Bangladesh arrests are opening act of war crimes tribunal

Two leading Islamist politicians were arrested as Bangladesh prepares to hold a war crimes tribunal for those charged with committing mass murder during the country's liberation war from Pakistan in 1971. Observers worry this might incite violence.