Shias take out mourning procession in Delhi

NEW DELHI – Shia Muslims Monday took out mourning processions here to remember the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, grandson of Prophet Mohammed, and his family members some 1,400 years back in Karbala city of Iraq.

The processions, “Masoom ka tazia”, are taken out nearly two months after Ashura — the 10th day of Muharram, the first …. Source  : Shias take out mourning procession in Delhi.

Buddhist monks to protest over control of Bodh Gaya temple

PATNA – More than 2,000 Buddhist monks from across the country will participate in a march in the Bihar capital to demand Buddhist control over Bodh Gaya’s 1,500-year-old Mahabodhi temple, the religion’s holiest shrine.

Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) chief Ram Vilas Paswan said that more than 2,000 Buddhist monks will take part in a march Feb …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Buddhist monks to protest over control of Bodh Gaya temple.

Deposed king’s supporters shut down Nepal capital

KATHMANDU – More than a hundred protesters, including a former minister, were arrested as supporters of Nepal’s deposed king went on the warpath in the capital Monday, enforcing a crippling general strike to back their demand for the restoration of the crown and Hinduism as the state religion.

Royalist politician Tanka Dhakal, who was information and … Read more »»».

Army chaplain smokes, swears and prays with Catholic soldiers in Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, Sunday Mass on a makeshift altar

BADULA QULP, Afghanistan – The U.S. Army brigade’s Catholic priest spits, smokes, cracks jokes and has come under fire like so many other American soldiers. He keeps altar bread in an empty grenade canister. On Sunday, he donned purple and white vestments over his uniform and celebrated Mass … Read more >>>.

Plan for mosque near Britain’s military academy opposed

LONDON – A plan to build a huge mosque overlooking Sandhurst Royal Military Academy, where Prince William and Harry were both trained, was being opposed, a media report said Monday.

Daily Express reported that defence chiefs were resisting plans to build the mosque overlooking the academy as they felt the large dome and two 100-feet … Read more : Plan for mosque near Britain’s military academy opposed.

Don’t wear burqa, says British leader

LONDON – A British leader said he would prefer if Muslim women “didn’t wear a burqa” in the country, but added “you can’t ban it”.

Justice Secretary Jack Straw said he wished Muslim women would not wear burqa in Britain, Daily Express reported Monday.
I would prefer if people didnt wear a burkha but you cant …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Don’t wear burqa, says British leader.

Alaska village among Native communities reclaiming ancient traditions banned by missionaries

Native dancing ban lifted in Alaska village

NOORVIK, Alaska – Bobby Wells has lived all his life in this remote Alaska village, where the Eskimo dancing of his ancestors was banned by Quaker missionaries a century ago as primitive idolatry.
Now Wells, 53, and other residents of Noorvik have wholeheartedly embraced the ancient practice outlawed in the … Read more >>.

Indonesian Muslim clerics consider fatwa against riding a motorbike without a helmet

Indonesian clerics mull motorcycle helmet fatwa

JAKARTA, Indonesia – Indonesia’s leading clerics are considering a religious edict against riding a motorbike without a crash helmet to promote safety on the chaotic and deadly roads of the world’s most populous Muslim country.
Such a fatwa would not carry a penalty for those who ignore it, but advocates said …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Indonesian Muslim clerics consider fatwa against riding a motorbike without a helmet.

Curfew for second day in Punjab town

BATALA – An indefinite curfew continued in this Punjab town for the second day, following incidents of violence after the publication of a poster depicting Jesus Christ in an objectionable manner, police said Sunday.

However, senior police officials said the situation was under control.
“We have not lifted the curfew so far because we do not … Original source on Gaea Times at : Curfew for second day in Punjab town.

Iran opposition finds ally with grandson of Islamic Revolution leader

Iran’s reeling reformers find Khomeini family ally

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Inside the shrine to the founder of Iran’s Islamic Revolution, the grandson of the late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini performed his duty as its caretaker – politely greeting President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and security force chiefs during an official memorial.
Later, Hassan Khomeini quietly slipped away from …. Read the original article  : here.

Dalai Lama joins Twitter

DHARAMSALA – Watch out for tweets from no less than the Dalai Lama. The spiritual head of the Tibetan Buddhist community has joined the social networking website Twitter to keep in touch with followers.

“His Holiness the Dalai Lama has joined Twitter,” said a post on the website of the Tibetan government-in-exile Tuesday.
The Dalai Lama …. Source  : Dalai Lama joins Twitter.

China prevents Nepal from attending celebrations at Tibetan monastery

KATHMANDU – Though China failed to prevent US President Barack Obama from meeting exiled Tibetan leader the Dalai Lama, it has succeeded in stopping top Nepalese officials from attending the birth centenary celebrations of a revered Tibetan monk.

Nepal’s President Ram Baran Yadav, Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala, who is also the deputy prime minister, and Culture …. Original source  : China prevents Nepal from attending celebrations at Tibetan monastery.

58-yr-old starts Haj pilgrimage from Nepal – on cycle

KATHMANDU – A 58-year-old Muslim preacher from southern Nepal has embarked on a pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina, two of the holiest Islamic shrines located in Saudi Arabia – on a bicycle.

Wearing a garland of marigold over an Islamic red-checked scarf, the white-bearded Maulana Taslimuddin Shah started out last week in a bid to pray …. Source  : 58-yr-old starts Haj pilgrimage from Nepal – on cycle.

Dalai Lama: China denies problem in Tibet

WASHINGTON – China is “denying there is a problem” between its government and Tibet despite reports of “suppression … or restrictions” culturally and religiously of the Tibetan people, the Dalai Lama says.

China claims Tibetans are “very happy … much, much, much better than previous Tibet,” the Tibetan spiritual leader told CNN Monday days after …. Read the original article  : here.

Vatican’s top bioethics official dismisses calls for resignation over abortion article

Vatican official dismisses calls for resignation

VATICAN CITY – The Vatican’s top bioethics official on Monday dismissed calls for his resignation following an uproar over his defense of doctors who aborted the twin fetuses of a 9-year-old child who was raped by her stepfather.
Monsignor Renato Fisichella told The Associated Press he refused to respond to five … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Vatican’s top bioethics official dismisses calls for resignation over abortion article.

Israeli archaeologist says fortifications recently excavated support Biblical narrative

Archaeologist sees proof for Bible in ancient wall

JERUSALEM – An Israeli archaeologist said Monday that ancient fortifications recently excavated in Jerusalem date back 3,000 years to the time of King Solomon and support the biblical narrative about the era.
If the age of the wall is correct, the finding would be an indication that Jerusalem was …. Original source  : Israeli archaeologist says fortifications recently excavated support Biblical narrative.

Court seeks answer to Muslim woman’s ‘no’ to voters list photo

NEW DELHI – If one Muslim woman is allowed not to have her photograph on the voters’ list, thousands of similar applications would be filed, the Supreme Court noted Monday and aked the petitioner to instead think of some workable solution to resolve the tangle.

A bench of Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, Justice Deepak Verma and … Read : Court seeks answer to Muslim woman’s ‘no’ to voters list photo.

In 3,000-year-old wall, scholar sees proof for Biblical narrative

In ancient wall, scholar sees proof for Bible

JERUSALEM – An Israeli archaeologist said Monday that ancient fortifications recently excavated in Jerusalem date back 3,000 years to the time of King Solomon and support the biblical narrative about the era.
If the age of the wall is correct, the finding would be an indication that Jerusalem was …. Original article  : In 3,000-year-old wall, scholar sees proof for Biblical narrative.

Israeli soldiers clash with Palestinian protesters in volatile West Bank city

Israeli soldiers clash with Palestinian protesters

HEBRON, West Bank – A crowd of Palestinian youths pelted Israeli soldiers with stones and empty bottles on Monday, drawing tear gas and stun grenades in the most serious violence to rock this volatile West Bank city in months.
The clashes erupted a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu enraged … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Israeli soldiers clash with Palestinian protesters in volatile West Bank city.

Head of German Lutheran church gets support from fellow leaders after DUI stop

German Lutheran church leader gets support

BERLIN – The head of Germany’s Lutheran church has won a vote of confidence from fellow leaders as she faces intense scrutiny after being caught driving with a blood-alcohol level three times the legal limit.
The church said Wednesday all 14 members of its leadership council voiced their confidence in Bishop …. Source  : Head of German Lutheran church gets support from fellow leaders after DUI stop.

Turkish court formally charges 7 senior officers with plotting coup

Turkish court charges 7 officers in coup plot

ANKARA, Turkey – A Turkish court on Wednesday formally charged and ordered jailed seven senior Turkish military officers for allegedly plotting to overthrow the Islamic-leaning government.
Prosecutors were questioning several other high-ranking officers, including former chiefs of the Navy, Air Force and Special Forces.
About 50 commanders were detained Monday …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Catholic order begs pardon for founder’s `immoral acts’

Mexico City, Feb 24 (IANS/EFE) The Congregation of the Legion of Christ apologised to everyone because its founder, Mexican priest Marcial Maciel (1920-2008), “harmed with the immoral acts of his private life”.

The apology was offered by the Legion’s secretary-general, Evaristo Sada, in a speech last weekend at a church event that was posted later on … Original source on Gaea Times at : Catholic order begs pardon for founder’s `immoral acts’.

Palestinians: Israeli plan for disputed shrines could plunge region into ‘religious war’

Palestinian president warns of ‘religious war’

JERUSALEM – The Palestinian president warned Tuesday that the region could plunge into a “religious war” over Israel’s plans to recognize a disputed West Bank shrine as one of its own national heritage sites.
Mahmoud Abbas spoke during a visit in Belgium, following an announcement by the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin [..] Read the original article: here.

Prosecutors interrogate 51 senior Turkish officers in alleged coup plot

Prosecutors interrogate 51 Turkish officers

ANKARA, Turkey – The details and veracity of the latest Turkey coup plot allegations are unknown, but the narrative is clear: The army at the highest levels stands accused of plotting several years ago to overthrow the Islamic-leaning government of Turkey.
Turkey was abuzz Tuesday with speculation over whether recordings of the …. Original article  : Prosecutors interrogate 51 senior Turkish officers in alleged coup plot.

Holi SMS Spreads Color

NEW DELHI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Holi, the festival of color is going to be celebrated on March 1, 2010. The popular spring festival is meant to spread peace and harmony by doing away with all kinds of differences. The festival is celebrated all over India in varied ways. In all the cultures people throw colored …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Holi SMS Spreads Color.

More Turkish officers jailed accused of plotting to topple Islamic-rooted government

More Turkish officers charged in alleged coup plot

ANKARA, Turkey – A Turkish court on Thursday formally charged eight more military officers of plotting to topple the nation’s Islamic-rooted government, increasing the number of officers who have been charged and jailed to 20 – including five admirals and three generals.
Police also escorted several other officers – … Read more »».

Avoid chemical colours this Holi

KOLKATA – Keep away from harmful chemical colours this Holi to protect your skin and eyes, doctors say. They suggest the use of natural vegetable colours instead.

Every year, hundreds of people all over India go blind and complain of skin irritations after playing Holi with ‘gulaal’ (colour powder) and liquid colours made up of chemical …. Source article  : Avoid chemical colours this Holi.

Thousands gather in Himachal to celebrate Buddhist fair

SHIMLA – Thousands of Buddhists from India and abroad have thronged to the Rewalsar lake in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district for the two-day Tsechu fair to commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Padma Sambhava.

“Thousands of Buddhists have gathered at Rewalsar for the famous Tsechu fair that began Wednesday. The fair is being celebrated since centuries … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Thousands gather in Himachal to celebrate Buddhist fair.

20 Turkish officers jailed for plotting to topple Islamic-rooted government

Turkish court charges 20 officers in coup plot

ANKARA, Turkey – A Turkish court on Thursday charged more ranking officers for allegedly plotting several years ago to topple the Islamic-rooted government, increasing the number of officers jailed to 20 – including five admirals and three generals.
The court in Istanbul ordered the jailing of eight more officers, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 20 Turkish officers jailed for plotting to topple Islamic-rooted government.

Singapore watchdog probes Hindu temple management

SINGAPORE – Singapore’s charity watchdog launched a probe into a popular Hindu temple’s governance and administration, the Straits Times reported Thursday.

Investigations into the affairs of the Sri Siva Krishna temple were initiated in July following a complaint by the Hindu Endowments Board to the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports.
“Mid-last year, we realised …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Singapore watchdog probes Hindu temple management.

Teen Islam-to-Christianity convert tells Ohio judge reconciliation with parents not possible

Ohio convert: Family reconciliation not possible

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A teenage runaway who fled Ohio with the alleged help of Christian pastors, claiming she’d be harmed for converting from Islam to Christianity, says a reconciliation with her Muslim parents is no longer possible.
Efforts by Ohio and Florida courts to reunify Rifqa Bary with her family have …. Read the original article  : Teen Islam-to-Christianity convert tells Ohio judge reconciliation with parents not possible.

Indian American group seeks action on Sikh’s beheading in Pakistan

WASHINGTON – A group of Indian Americans has condemned the kidnapping and beheading of a Sikh man by Pakistani Taliban and appealed to India to exert pressure on Pakistan to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“We urge the government of India to ask the government of Pakistan and exert pressure on it to punish the guilty … Read : Indian American group seeks action on Sikh’s beheading in Pakistan.

Nepal’s Buddha epic to boost birthplace campaign

KATHMANDU – As Nepal’s Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal Friday kicks off a campaign to draw 1 million tourists to the country next year, the campaign will receive a boost from the launch of a forgotten epic on the life and teachings of the Buddha, that has been resurrected by a prestigious western publisher.

The Oxford … Original article on : Nepal’s Buddha epic to boost birthplace campaign.

Malaysian Hindus to hold floating chariot festival

KUALA LUMPUR – The annual Masi Magam Theppa Thiruvila (floating chariot) festival will be held Sunday at the Sri Singamuga Kaliamman temple in Teluk Bahang.

The annual festival is celebrated to honour Lord Sri Singamuga Kaliamman.
The highlight of the festival would be the release of a statue of the deity, Lord Sri Singamuga Kalia-mman, on …. Read the original article  : here.

Moss scores 16 points in Houston Baptist’s 61-48 win over Utah Valley

Houston Baptist outpaces Utah Valley 61-48

HOUSTON – Michael Moss scored 16 points, grabbed seven rebounds and made five assists to lead Houston Baptist past Utah Valley 61-48 on Thursday night.
The Huskies (8-19, 7-2 Great West) took the lead early, holding the Wolverines (11-16, 4-7) to just 18 points and 25 percent shooting from the field …. Read the original article  : here.

Turkish court charges 11 more senior officers in coup plot, a total of 31 jailed

Turkish court charges 11 more officers
ANKARA, Turkey – A Turkish court on Friday charged 11 more ranking officers for allegedly plotting several years ago to topple the Islamic-rooted government, increasing the number of officers jailed to 31 – including retired and active seven admirals and four generals.

The 11 newly charged officers included two active duty …. Read the original article  : Turkish court charges 11 more senior officers in coup plot, a total of 31 jailed.

Real IRA splinter group says it killed Northern Ireland man; body found semi-naked by roadside

Real IRA faction says it ‘executed’ NIreland man

DUBLIN – The Real IRA splinter group says it killed a Catholic civilian whose semi-naked body was found handcuffed and dumped near the Irish border.
The leaders of Northern Ireland’s Catholic-Protestant government united Thursday to condemn the gang that shot 31-year-old Ciaran Doherty fatally through the head.
The killing – …. Source  : Real IRA splinter group says it killed Northern Ireland man; body found semi-naked by roadside.

Haiti judge: No release of US Baptists this week as he awaits witnesses

Haiti judge: No release of US Baptists this week

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – A Haitian judge says American missionaries Laura Silsby and Charisa Coulter will remain in jail over the weekend as he awaits more testimony.
Judge Bernard Saint-Vil says he has asked two real estate agents and a pastor from the Dominican Republic to testify in Port-au-Prince … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Haiti judge: No release of US Baptists this week as he awaits witnesses.

After bowing out of Iraq vote, prominent Sunni leader says his party will take part

In reversal, Sunni party to contest Iraq vote

BAGHDAD – A prominent Sunni lawmaker announced Thursday that his party would participate in parliamentary elections, less than a week after pulling it from the race.
The decision effectively lifts the lingering threat that minority Sunnis would boycott the vote, which the U.S. hopes will bolster national reconciliation efforts …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : After bowing out of Iraq vote, prominent Sunni leader says his party will take part.

Turkish court releases ex-Navy, Air Force chiefs without charges in coup plot

Turkish court frees ex-Navy, Air Force chiefs

ANKARA, Turkey – A Turkish court released the former chiefs of the navy and air force late Thursday without charging them with involvement in an alleged coup plot several years ago to overthrow the Islamic-rooted government.
Twenty current and former senior officers, including five admirals and three generals, have been …. Source  : Turkish court releases ex-Navy, Air Force chiefs without charges in coup plot.

Free the gefilte fish: Clinton will try to free fish shipment to Israel in time for Passover

Clinton will try to free fish for Passover

WASHINGTON – Free the gefilte fish! Just in time for Passover, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will try to resolve a trade dispute holding up a huge shipment of American-caught fish destined for seder dinners in Israel.
Clinton drew chuckles from a congressional panel when she said that [..] Read the original article: here.

Turkey’s leaders, military chief issue joint call for calm; PM says no early elections

Turkish PM dismisses call for early elections

ANKARA, Turkey – A confident Turkish prime minister dismissed opposition calls for early elections Thursday and met with the country’s military chief to defuse tensions over the government’s probe into an alleged military coup plot.
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Islamic-leaning government has detained over 50 high-ranking military officers this … Original source on Gaea Times at : Turkey’s leaders, military chief issue joint call for calm; PM says no early elections.

Israeli prime minister tries to ease tensions over West Bank heritage sites after US protests

Israeli PM tries to ease ‘heritage site’ tensions

JERUSALEM – Israel’s prime minister tried Thursday to calm tensions over the addition of two West Bank shrines to a list of national heritage sites, a decision that has sparked clashes with the Palestinians and drawn widespread international criticism.
In an interview to Israeli TV, Benjamin Netanyahu called the … Read more »».

Sectarian clashes trigger tension in Kashmir village

SRINAGAR – Over a dozen people were injured and several houses and shops were destroyed Thursday in a clash between Shias and Sunnis in a village in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, police said.

Tensions was brewing in the Kangamdara village, 30 km from here, between the members of the two sects since last month over the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Sectarian clashes trigger tension in Kashmir village.

Turkey’s leaders, military chief issue joint call for calm amid tension over alleged coup plot

Turkey’s leaders, military try to calm tensions

ANKARA, Turkey – Turkey’s leaders held a rare meeting with the country’s military chief Thursday, emerging to declare that the government’s probe into an alleged military coup plot would be handled strictly according to the law.
The joint statement, issued by President Abdullah Gul, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and … Read more >>.

Tirupati’s Balaji temple to be set up in Kurukshetra

CHANDIGARH – The Balaji temple of Tirupati, the famous Hindu shrine, will be set up in Haryanas historic town of Kurukshetra, the temple management told Haryana Chief Minister Bhupiunder Singh Hooda at a meeting in New Delhi Thursday.

The temple would be a true replica of Lord Balaji, Tirupati, the temple management told Hooda. It … Original source on Gaea Times at : Tirupati’s Balaji temple to be set up in Kurukshetra.

Turkey’s leaders and military chief call for calm amid tensions over alleged coup plot

Leaders discuss Turkey’s alleged coup plot

ANKARA, Turkey – Turkey’s leaders and the military chief say an investigation into high-ranking officers accused of plotting to topple the Islamic-rooted government will be handled according to the law.
President Abdullah Gul, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Gen. Ilker Basbug issued the joint statement Thursday after a three-hour meeting. … Read more >>.

Holi Wallpapers, SMS, Orkut Scraps Doing The Round

NEW DELHI, INDIA, (GaeaTimes.com)- Holi is not only another festival in the list of Hindu festival calendar, it is an unique festival which celebrates colors. The advent of spring is celebrated all over India by smearing each other with colors. This year the festival of colors, Holi, will be celebrated all over India …. Original source  : Holi Wallpapers, SMS, Orkut Scraps Doing The Round.

Turkey’s leaders and military chief hold rare meeting to discuss alleged coup plot by officers

Meeting held to discuss Turkey’s alleged coup plot

ANKARA, Turkey – Turkey’s leaders met with the country’s military chief on Thursday to discuss the government’s unprecedented crackdown on high-ranking officers accused of plotting to topple the country’s Islamic-rooted government.
The rare three-way meeting by President Abdullah Gul; Gen. Ilker Basbug, the military chief; and Prime Minister Recep … Read more >>>.

Sunni leader reverses course, will allow party to take part in Iraq election

Sunni leader decides to take part in Iraq election

BAGHDAD – A top Sunni lawmaker who just last week pulled his party out of Iraq’s upcoming election backtracked Thursday, ending any possibility that minority Sunnis would boycott the crucial March 7 vote.
Saleh al-Mutlaq’s announcement that his National Dialogue Front would contest the race was the latest … Original source on Gaea Times at : Sunni leader reverses course, will allow party to take part in Iraq election.

Viktor Yanukovych, foe of the Orange Revolution, inaugurated as Ukraine’s president

Viktor Yanukovych inaugurated as Ukraine president

KIEV, Ukraine – Viktor Yanukovych was inaugurated as Ukrainian president on Thursday, six years after massive protests over vote fraud got his first election victory tossed out. This time the pro-Russian leader promised to make Ukraine a European nation outside of any bloc.
Yanukovych took the oath of office in the … Read more »»».

Israeli Police storm Jerusalem holy disperse to quell Palestinian demonstrators

Israel police storm holy site to quell rioters

JERUSALEM – Israeli police forces stormed a Jerusalem holy site on Sunday to disperse Palestinian protesters hurling rocks at visitors.
Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said police dispersed some 20 masked protesters who were holed up inside the holy compound known to Jews as the Temple Mount and to Muslims …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Israeli Police storm Jerusalem holy disperse to quell Palestinian demonstrators.

Over three million women gather for Pongala festival

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – More than three million women devotees lit earthen kilns to cook rice and jaggery as offering for the presiding deity of Attukal Bhagavathi temple here Sunday on the occasion of Pongala festival.

The ritual started after the chief priest lit a hearth with fire brought from the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The [..] Read the original article: here.

Israeli Police storm Jerusalem holy disperse to quell Palestinian protesters

Israel police storm holy site to quell protesters

JERUSALEM – Israeli police say they have stormed a Jerusalem holy site to disperse Palestinian protesters.
Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld says the Palestinians were pelting tourists with rocks. Police entered the compound Sunday and dispersed 20 to 30 masked protesters.
There were no injuries and no arrests were made.
The holy … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Israeli Police storm Jerusalem holy disperse to quell Palestinian protesters.

‘Women’s Sabarimala’ Pongala festival begins

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – More than three million women devotees patiently stood in lines, stretching up to main roads of the city, to pay obeisance at the Attukal Bhagavathi temple here on the occasion of mega festival Pongala Sunday.

The devotees carrying bricks, firewood, rice, jaggery and coconut waited to make an offering of cooked rice to the … Original article on : ‘Women’s Sabarimala’ Pongala festival begins.

Flaherty’s double-double helps Houston Baptist rocket past Texas-Pan American 76-62

Houston Baptist beats Texas-Pan American 76-62

HOUSTON – Mario Flaherty grabbed a double-double, scoring 20 points and pulling down 16 rebounds, as Houston Baptist beat Texas-Pan American 76-62 on Saturday.
The Huskies (9-19, 8-2 Great West) were down 31-32 at halftime, but pulled ahead on the first play after the break when Flaherty made a dunk to …. Source  : Flaherty’s double-double helps Houston Baptist rocket past Texas-Pan American 76-62.

Iraq’s top cleric orders aides to stay out of election campaigning in bid to stay neutral

Iraq’s top cleric says aides not to join campaigns

BAGHDAD – Iraq’s top Shiite cleric on Saturday ordered his representatives across the country not to campaign for any blocs or candidates contesting the March 7 parliamentary elections, a move designed to assert the Iranian-born cleric’s neutrality.
An official at the office of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani said … Original source on Gaea Times at : Iraq’s top cleric orders aides to stay out of election campaigning in bid to stay neutral.

Central Asia’s sole Muslim party seeks to seize the moment as Tajikistan turns to Islam

Islam seeks a perch in Tajikistan’s political life

DUSHANBE, Tajikistan – Islam is on the rise in Tajikistan, and the only legally registered Islamic party in former Soviet Central Asia hopes to capitalize on that momentum in Sunday’s parliamentary election.
More than a decade after a devastating 5-year civil war, Tajikistan is still mired in poverty, prompting … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Central Asia’s sole Muslim party seeks to seize the moment as Tajikistan turns to Islam.

Opposition leader, in strongest criticism yet, says dictatorial “cult” ruling Iran

Opposition leader: Dictatorial “cult” rules Iran

TEHRAN, Iran – Iran’s opposition leader said Saturday that a dictatorial “cult” was ruling Iran in the name of Islam – his strongest attack to date on the country’s clerical leadership.
Mir Hossein Mousavi also challenged the government to let his supporters take to the streets freely, saying that would allow …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Opposition leader, in strongest criticism yet, says dictatorial “cult” ruling Iran.

Holi 2010: Greeting Cards, Messages, Scraps, Wallpapers

NEW DELHI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The color of festival is back. It is the time to do away with all kind of differences and spread love and harmony. Holi is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of ‘Phalgun,’ which corresponds with March (as per the Gregorian calendar). It is celebrated in … Read : Holi 2010: Greeting Cards, Messages, Scraps, Wallpapers.

Opposition leader, in strongest criticism yet, says cult is ruling Iran through dictatorship

Opposition leader: A cult ruling Iran
TEHRAN, Iran – Iran’s opposition leader says a dictatorial cult is ruling Iran in the name of Islam.

The criticism was the strongest yet by Mir Hossein Mousavi.
In comments posted on his Web site Saturday, Mousavi says his movement’s strategy is to effect reform by raising the consciousness of the Iranian … Original article on : Opposition leader, in strongest criticism yet, says cult is ruling Iran through dictatorship.

Sikh festival Holla Mohalla starts at Anandpur Sahib

ANANDPUR SAHIB – The three-day Sikh festival Holla Mohalla started here at the Keshgarh Sahib Gurdwara Saturday amid huge fanfare and enthusiasm.

Thousands of devotees, including many NRIs and Sikhs from the traditional warrior sect Nihang, thronged the gurdwara to participate in the festival and pay obeisance to the high seat of Sikh religion.
This is …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Sikh festival Holla Mohalla starts at Anandpur Sahib.

Pongala festival to see more than 3 mn women devotees

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – Hundreds of thousands of women carrying bricks, firewood, rice, jaggery and coconut have converged around the Attukal Bhagavathi temple here for a mega festival known as pongala Sunday. Authorities expect the crowd to exceed last year’s three million.

The women devotees from Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu will make a cooked rice offering to …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Pongala festival to see more than 3 mn women devotees.

Trinidad prime minister defends his spiritual adviser, denies she benefits from taxpayer money

Trinidad PM: Spiritual adviser gets no gov’t help

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad – Trinidad’s prime minister delivered a fiery, hour-long speech on church-state relations Friday while flatly denying that his spiritual adviser travels with him at the expense of taxpayers.
This Caribbean island is a highly religious society of Roman Catholics, Hindus, Anglicans, Baptists and Muslims. Religion plays a …. Original source  : Trinidad prime minister defends his spiritual adviser, denies she benefits from taxpayer money.

Historical meets spiritual in Roman Catholic paintings, sculpture exhibit at National Gallery

National Gallery unveils sacred Spanish art show

WASHINGTON – Depictions of Jesus Christ’s wounds and suffering on the cross are on rare display at the National Gallery of Art as the museum presents its first comparison of painting and sculpture from the Roman Catholic Church.
Eleven paintings by Diego Velazquez, Francisco de Zurbaran and others will be … Read : Historical meets spiritual in Roman Catholic paintings, sculpture exhibit at National Gallery.

Detroit Institute of Arts acquires, restores and unearths treasures for new Islamic gallery

Detroit art museum opening Islamic gallery

DETROIT – In the heart of the largest concentration of Muslims in the U.S., the Detroit Institute of Arts this weekend is opening a new permanent gallery of Islamic art showcasing exhibits including a rare 15th-century Quran of a Mongol conqueror.
“The Arab and Islamic community is significant enough that it …. Original source  : Detroit Institute of Arts acquires, restores and unearths treasures for new Islamic gallery.

Danish newspaper apologizes for offense caused by reprint of Prophet Muhammad drawing

Danish daily issues apology over prophet drawing

COPENHAGEN – A Danish newspaper on Friday apologized for offending Muslims by reprinting a cartoon of the Prophet Muhammad with a bomb-shaped turban, rekindling heated debate about the limits of freedom of speech.
Danish daily Politiken said its apology was part of a settlement with a Saudi lawyer representing eight [..] Read the original article: here.

President, PM greet nation on Prophet’s birthday

NEW DELHI – President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Friday greeted the nation on the eve of Milad-un-Nabi, the birthday of Prophet Mohammed to be celebrated Saturday.
Patil in her message prayed may the message of compassion, tolerance and service to humanity preached by the Prophet inspire and guide us to follow [..] Read the original article: here.

Author, two others held for hurting Muslim sentiments

HYDERABAD – Two men N. Innaiah and Subba Rao were Friday arrested in Andhra Pradesh’s Khammam town for helping an author in writing a book that reportedly hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims, police said.
Police Thursday arrested Macha Laxmaiah alias Krantikar, author of “Crescent over the world – is a boon or the …. Source article  : Author, two others held for hurting Muslim sentiments.

PM greets nation on Milad-un-Nabi

NEW DELHI -Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Friday greeted the nation on the auspicious occasion of Milad-un-Nabi, the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammed.
The universal teachings of love and compassion of Hazrat Mohammad inspire us to work for universal peace and brotherhood, the prime minister said in his message.
… Read : PM greets nation on Milad-un-Nabi.

Report: Turkish police detain 18 more military officers over alleged coup plot

Report: 18 more Turkish officers detained
ANKARA, Turkey – Television reports say Turkish police have detained 18 more military officers over an alleged 2003 coup plot.

CNN-Turk and Haber-Turk televisions say 17 of the officers were on active duty. They say police detained them in 13 separate cities in a nationwide sweep on Friday.
The detentions are the …. Read the original article  : Report: Turkish police detain 18 more military officers over alleged coup plot.