Topic: Ramadan

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Shiite and Sunni: What are the differences?

While the two sects share the same basic beliefs, differences in hierarchy and doctrine make Catholics and Protestants an apt comparison.
US hikers freed: Timeline of key events

The two US hikers remaining in Iranian custody, Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal, were released today after more than two years of detention. Here are the key points in their saga.
What is Eid al-Fitr?

For most Muslims, Eid al-Fitr, the joyous end to the month-long fast of Ramadan, began last night. What's it all about?
Photos of the Day: Photos of the Day 08/11
President Obama to hold Iftar dinner: Five facts about the Muslim ceremony

Continuing a tradition first started by one of the nation’s Founding Fathers, President Obama will host an iftar dinner Wednesday evening at 8:30 in the State Dining Room to celebrate the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

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Focus
In France's suburban ghettos, a struggle to be heard amid election noise (+video)

In the suburban ghettos ringing France's cities, marginalized minority residents, particularly youth, struggle to access opportunity in a society that seems off-limits.
Change Agent
Karen Armstrong argues for practical compassion

The historian has helped world religions unite behind the idea of a worldwide charter for compassion. Can it become more than just a nice idea?
Shiite and Sunni: What are the differences?

While the two sects share the same basic beliefs, differences in hierarchy and doctrine make Catholics and Protestants an apt comparison.
My 'Millennials' generation is busy reimagining a life of ethics

The Millennial Generation is less religious than either the boomers or even Gen-Xers were at our age. But don't be misled: Though we may go to church only on Christmas or celebrate Ramadan but skip the fasting, we are busily and earnestly engaged in reimagining the ethical life.
US hikers freed: Timeline of key events

The two US hikers remaining in Iranian custody, Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal, were released today after more than two years of detention. Here are the key points in their saga.
Why many Syrians still support Assad

The Arab League yesterday called on Syria's Assad to stop his 'killing machine' as the uprising enters its seventh month. But Assad, still backed by key groups, is unlikely to bow to such calls.
Will US exit strategy work in Afghanistan? Brutal valley emerges as test.

US forces have had to return to a key outpost they left to Afghan forces in March. Now, the US commander there is trying to forge a new partnership to bring the Afghans up to speed.
Libya rebels poised for final push on Qaddafi's hometown (video)

Libya rebels are amassing to the east and west of Sirte, and have given Qaddafi forces in the strategic city until Saturday to surrender.
What is Eid al-Fitr?

For most Muslims, Eid al-Fitr, the joyous end to the month-long fast of Ramadan, began last night. What's it all about?
Terrorism & Security
Eid ul-Fitr marks end of violent Ramadan in Syria

Eid ul-Fitr is normally a festive time, but Syrian citizens say seven were killed today by security forces. The regime faces EU oil sanctions by week's end and weakening support at home.
Backchannels
Planning for Libya's transition shifts into high gear

Libya's rebel council is meeting with international officials in Qatar today to arrange $2.5 billion in funding for an interim government.
Rebels stream into Libya's capital, capturing Qaddafi's sons

Libyan rebels claims to have the entire capital city of Tripoli under their control, except for Qaddafi's compound.
Terrorism & Security
Eight-year sentence of US hikers could send US-Iran relations to new low

An Iranian court has sentenced American hikers Shane Bauer and Joshua Fatta to eight years in prison for illegally crossing the Iraq-Iran border and committing espionage.
American hikers Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer get stiff sentences in Iran

Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer, who’ve been held for two years in a Tehran prison, received five years for espionage and three years for illegal entry into Iran. Supporters hope they may be pardoned as diplomatic bargaining chips.
Pakistan mosque bombing: one of country's worst attacks

Officials have blamed the Pakistani Taliban for attacking a mosque attended by pro-government tribesmen during Friday prayers. At least 50 worshipers were killed.
Why it took so long for Obama to say Syria's Assad must go

Obama's call for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to resign was a long time coming. The US president didn't wait as long after protests broke out in Egypt to say that Hosni Mubarak had to go.
Kidnapping of American in Lahore highlights risks for US aid efforts in Pakistan

US citizen Warren Weinstein was abducted from his home in the city of Lahore, Pakistan early Saturday morning.
Backchannels
The real question on Syria: Why no war crimes indictments yet?

Crackdowns on the scale of Syria's have prompted action by the International Criminal Court elsewhere. The ICC opened an investigation against Qaddafi just three weeks into Libya's uprising.
Photos of the Day: Photos of the Day 08/11
Another female suicide bomber strikes in Pakistan. Taliban desperation?

Security experts believe the Taliban is facing internal strife, and the use of female suicide bombers could be a signal that Taliban efforts inside Pakistan are weakening.
Terrorism & Security
US: Syria's leadership showing fissures

The US has announced new sanctions on Syria in hopes of dividing the business elite from the government. But Turkey has surprised its American allies by patiently pursuing diplomacy instead.
President Obama to hold Iftar dinner: Five facts about the Muslim ceremony

Continuing a tradition first started by one of the nation’s Founding Fathers, President Obama will host an iftar dinner Wednesday evening at 8:30 in the State Dining Room to celebrate the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Terrorism & Security
Saudis condemn Syrian violence after bloody first week of Ramadan

Saudi Arabia and several Arab blocs broke their long silence on the uprisings sweeping the Middle East, condemning Syria's brutal crackdown that has killed more than 300 in the past week alone.
In Pictures: Ramadan: Muslim holy month
Ramadan during the Arab Spring: A chance for renewal

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan began this week -- at a time of upheaval for Arab Muslim societies. What can Islam offer during this holiday to those seeking freedom?