Topic: Al Azhar

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Terrorism & Security As Egypt nears boil, leading religious institution calls for calm (+video)

Usually apolitical Al Azhar University encouraged dialogue as major anti-Morsi protests loom. The military is also watching closely.
Notorious Egyptian terror group tries to carve a nonviolent path in politics

Al Gamaa al-Islamiya, which waged a deadly campaign of terror against the government for decades, says it has renounced violence and wants a spot in Egypt's fledgling democracy.
Opinion A warning to John Kerry on Middle East trip: Egypt could become the next Iran

Take note, Secretary of State John Kerry: Under the rule of Mohammad Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt is in danger of becoming a Sunni version of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The US must demand the protection of human rights and back rhetoric with action.
Editor's Blog Finding the true focus

In an age of all-too-easy digital manipulation, there are good reasons to suspect the veracity of a visual image. But there's another kind of photographic truth-telling needed: focusing beyond dramatic scenes of conflict and suffering and fairly showing the people of the world without stereotypes.
Cover Story Egypt's unfinished revolution

Can the government of President Mohamed Morsi survive – and what do its struggles portend for a region where other Islamist political movements are on the rise?
Ahmadinejad visits Cairo: How sect tempers Islamist ties between Egypt, Iran

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's visit to Egypt, the first by an Iranian leader since 1979, is historic. But it comes up against deep-seated animosity between Tehran and the Sunni Gulf states, who back Egypt.
A first step toward calming Egypt? Political leaders renounce violence

Many leaders at the meeting of Egypt's feuding factions in Cairo today expressed optimism that it would be a turning point in the country's political crisis.
Backchannels Egypt shudders, with leadership nowhere in sight

When the head of Egypt's military starts darkly warning of state collapse, it's time to worry.
As Egypt's Morsi remains defiant, a former top Brother speaks out (+video)

A former senior leader of the Muslim Brotherhood outlined his disappointment in President Mohamed Morsi today, who is rushing through a new Egyptian constitution.
Why is Egypt's draft constitution so controversial? (+video)

Protesters took to the streets in Cairo and other Egyptian cities today over a draft constitution written by Islamists. Here are the points many in Egypt are talking about.
Why Egyptian protesters rally against Morsi (+video)

Protesters took to the streets in Cairo, Egypt on Tuesday, voicing their concerns about President Mohamed Morsi's expanding powers. Hundreds have been injured in what is the biggest protest the country has seen since Morsi took office five months ago.
Israeli assassination in Gaza risks wider conflict

If the Palestinian group Hamas makes good on promises of revenge for the killing today of its top military chief, the situation could deteriorate.
In Egypt's draft constitution, little sign of revolutionary ideals

A partial draft of Egypt's new constitution released yesterday has prompted warnings that it restricts rights such as freedom of expression and religion.
Muslim leaders decry French cartoons, but call for calm

Muslim leaders Wednesday condemned French magazine 's cartoons that depicted the Prophet Muhammad, but urged Muslims to protest peacefully.
In Egypt, Libya fierce clashes cause damage, death (+video)

Response to a U.S. film protestors say insulted the Prophet Mohammad lead to the death of one American and injured others in Benghazi, Libya. Protestors demanded the movie be banned and asked for an apology.
Focus What's it mean that an Islamist rules Egypt?

Egypt's President Morsi moved to consolidate his power this weekend. Here's what Morsi and the new Islamist politicians in Tunisia and Libya want to do.
Focus Are terrorists beyond redemption?

The record shows that some radicals can be persuaded to give up the gun when inducements and local conditions are right. The Pentagon recently spent $4.5 million to find out more.
Global Viewpoint We Egyptians are still marching forward toward democracy

Contrary to the global perception that Egypt is sinking into chaos, presidential election debates reflect hope for a new Egypt. Open debate between secular and Islamist groups was unthinkable over the past 60 years. This openness means the Egyptian body politic is maturing.
Egypt takes second shot at coming up with a fair constitutional convention

Islamists are talking with secularists today after they resigned in protest. To be enduring, critics say, Egypt's constitution must be a document based on consensus.
Benetton ad: Offended Vatican vows legal action

Benetton ad showing the pope kissing a Muslim leader so shocked the Vatican that Benetton pulled the ad. But the Vatican plans to sue, anyway.
11/18/2011 12:01 pm
The Monitor's View Egypt needs rights, democratic principles before its votes

With the threat of Islamic groups possibly winning power and then hijacking democracy, Egypt needs a bill of rights and other democratic guarantees before an election.
07/05/2011 05:21 pm
In Egypt's Tahrir Square, women attacked at rally on International Women's Day

After helping to overthrow Mubarak, Egyptian women – and some men – demonstrated today in favor of giving women more of a voice in building Egypt's future.
03/08/2011 05:46 pm
Egyptians, though angry, see beyond the Quran-burning hype

While many Egyptian leaders spoke out about the Quran-burning event, Muslims here largely recognize that most Americans don't support such actions.
09/10/2010 03:49 pm
Saudi Arabia religious leaders call terrorism financing un-Islamic

A government-appointed council of senior religious scholars in Saudi Arabia condemned terrorism financing and said it is forbidden by Islamic law.
05/19/2010 04:39 pm
Cairo's revered Al Azhar University now overshadowed by TV imams

Al Azhar’s edicts were once heeded from Morocco to Indonesia, but the Cairo institution has lost clout as TV imams are reaching larger audiences and Egypt’s President Mubarak has taken greater control. That's a problem for the regime as it braces for its biggest political transition in nearly 30 years.
04/09/2010 02:02 pm