Topic: The Satanic Verses

Censored: 5 plays and novels banned around the globe

Censorship of the arts has a long history, from ancient Greece to present-day Thailand. Here is a list of five plays and novels banned, for a variety of reasons, in regions across the globe.

Religious slights are the buzz as India marks Republic Day

Followers of India's three main religions - Islam, Hinduism, and Sikhism - have balked loudly at cultural slights this week. There's a reason for it, and it's not all politics.

What's all the buzz about Oprah and Salman Rushdie going to India?

The Jaipur Literary Festival has become Asia's biggest literary festival, and the fact that some of the biggest names in the book world attend highlights India's growing appetite for good reads.

Muslim leaders call for Salman Rushdie to be denied entry to India

Salman Rushdie, who plans to attend a literary festival in the country, says he's still coming

Christopher Hitchens was militant pundit and humanist

He was a most engaged, prolific and public intellectual who wrote numerous books, was a frequent television commentator and a contributor to Vanity Fair, Slate and other publications. He became a popular author in 2007 thanks to 'God is Not Great,' a manifesto for atheists.

Letterman threat on Al Qaeda website is no laughing matter

Letterman threat, by a blogger on an Al Qaeda message board, is being investigated by the New York Police Department and the FBI. The talk show host and comedian had joked about Al Qaeda leaders killed in US attacks, reportedly prompting the Letterman threat.

How M.F. Husain, the 'Picasso of India,' tested free expression

M.F. Husain went into self-imposed exile after threats by Hindus offended by his work. The modernist painter's work prompted hundreds of lawsuits.

A war of extremes over Quran burning

A Florida preacher's acts don't typify Christianity. Mob violence doesn't typify Islam.

Why Europe is turning away from multiculturalism

Britain joined Germany and France in questioning Europe's approach to multiculturalism, saying that it no longer works for other cultures to live 'apart ... from the mainstream.'

Free speech in a fishbowl

In a world where everyone has access instantly to what is said on the other side of the planet, free speech has to reckon with millions of new 'free listeners'

From Fatwa to Jihad

Is multiculturalism to blame for further alienating Muslims who live in Western countries?

The Myersons and the meaning of the misery memoir

Confessional culture is crushing family sanctity.

Controversial book set for release tomorrow