Topic: Al-Azhar University

All Content

Israel-Gaza truce ends worst fighting since 2009 war. Did Iran have a role? (+video)

The Gaza fighting marked the rise of the Iran-backed Islamic Jihad, a Palestinian proxy that analysts say could be used to try to divert Israel's focus away from Iran's nuclear program.
Gaza militant assassinated by Israel, sparking fears of wider violence

Israeli confirmed its targeted assassination of Zuhair al-Qaissi was the chief of the Popular Resistance Committees, a pro-Hamas militant group that has threatened retaliation.
Egypt election runoff: Tahrir Square activist vs. Islamic scholar

As Egyptians go to the polls today for runoff races, the battle in Cairo's Nasr City neighborhood offers a window into the national race for second behind the Muslim Brotherhood.
Gilad Shalit deal boosts Hamas in West Bank as Fatah clings to support

Palestinian prisoners released in the Gilad Shalit deal were welcomed home in Ramallah amid an unusual display of support for Hamas.
Gilad Shalit deal boosts Hamas, but also reveals group's weaknesses [VIDEO]

Hamas scored a victory with the release of more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli solder Gilad Shalit. But its concessions to Israel show fragility.
Israel retaliates against Gaza, but deterrence game has changed

Egypt's weakening control in the Sinai, from which militants launched attacks that killed eight Israelis yesterday, is a wild card in the policy of mutual deterrence between Israel and Hamas.
Gaza border violence: Another threat to Palestinian statehood?

Israel said Thursday Gaza militants fired 24 rockets across the border so far in July. Many Gazans are worried that an escalation could torpedo Palestinian reconciliation and statehood efforts.
Terrorism & Security
Osama bin Laden's burial at sea: critics range from 9/11 families to militants.

Criticism about bin Laden's sea burial comes for various reasons: failure to comply with Islamic law, a lack of closure, and the proliferation of conspiracy theories.
Arab spring pushes Palestinian rivals Hamas and Fatah to reconcile

But many are skeptical that the accord will hold, given that huge differences remain between Fatah and Hamas, and Israel is strongly opposed to Palestinian unity.
Terrorism & Security
Palestinian PM announces full cabinet overhaul

Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad announced the dissolution of the cabinet Monday, ceding to demands for reform in what may be an effort to stave off protests.
In Gaza, rise of Hamas military wing complicates reconciliation with Fatah

The rising clout of Al Qassam in Gaza dims prospects for mending the Hamas-Fatah rift. Reconciliation talks are slated to start Nov. 9.
For Hamas, an end to Gaza's tunnel trade may be only the beginning

As Israel eases the Gaza blockade, Hamas is positioned to strengthen its grip on the Gaza Strip. The Gaza tunnel trade that thrived under the blockade provided tax revenues and helped Hamas stay firmly in control.
Terrorism & Security
Israeli air strikes on Gaza Strip wound 15 Palestinians

The Israeli air strike targeted smuggling tunnels in the Gaza Strip early Wednesday, the army said. On Tuesday, several mortars were launched into Israel from the coastal enclave.
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.
Hamas threatens to take fight against Israel beyond Gaza

After blaming Israeli agents for assassinating a Hamas official in Dubai on Friday, Hamas said it too could broaden the conflict beyond Israel and Gaza. But analysts are doubtful Hamas can pull it off.
Up next: 'Al Qaeda in Palestine'?

A new report by a pro-Israel think tank warns that radical groups in Gaza may execute a major attack to secure an alliance with Al Qaeda. But a full-blown franchise is unlikely.
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?
Hamas, Fatah close in on reconciliation deal

Hamas agreed 'in principle' to an Egyptian proposal Monday that would give Palestinians a united front in peace talks with Israel.
Global News Blog
Leaders mark Eid al Fitr with calls for peace - and warnings

Afghan President Hamid Karzai used the Muslim holiday signaling the end of Ramadan to reach out to the Taliban, while Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamanei denounced Israel.
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.'
Israel abuzz with Obama Plan rumors

US solutions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict reportedly include UN administration of Jerusalem's holy sites and no right of return for Palestinian refugees.
Gaza tunnels buzz again despite strikes

Israel targeted tunnels again Wednesday with airstrikes.
In pummeled Gaza, Hamas recoups

Israeli and Palestinian officials met in Cairo Sunday in a bid to bolster the current cease-fire.