Topic: Al Azhar

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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Egypt names Ahmed el-Tayeb sheikh of Al-Azhar University

Ahmed el-Tayeb, who holds a PhD in Islamic philosophy from the Sorbonne, is expected to be a better face for Egypt's Al Azhar University, which was once preeminent in the Sunni world.
Global News Blog
In Egypt, religious ringtones set off controversy

Religious ringtones featuring koranic verses irk Egypt's grand mufti, who says answering one is like interrupting God to talk on the mobile phone.
Border clash raises Egyptian anger over Gaza blockade

Hamas kills an Egyptian soldier on the Gaza border Wednesday. But public anger isn't directed toward the Palestinians. Many Egyptians see it as the latest event to rile Arabs over Egypt’s role in the embargo of Gaza.
Behind the veil: Why Islam's most visible symbol is spreading

Embraced or banned, a prayer or a prison, the Muslim veil is spreading: Who wears it – and why?
Global News Blog
In rare move, Arab states ban some from Mecca pilgrimage

Due to concerns about swine flu, health ministers at a Cairo summit on Wednesday announced that the young, elderly, and chronically ill should not make the hajj.
Global News Blog
Obama's speech in Cairo: full text

The president, speaking at Cairo University, called for a 'new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world.'
Global News Blog
Mr. Obama, Cairo U. is ready for its close up.

Cairo University preps for Obama's big speech to the Muslim world.
Napoleon in Egypt

An insightful look at Napoleon's 'other army' – the Savants who stormed Egypt.
Terrorism & Security
Muslim anger mounts over cartoons, movie

Sudan threatens to ban Danish aid workers; Europe braces for possible protests.