Early returns show anti-immigration party win in Dutch city of Almere

Dutch anti-immigration party gains ground in vote

AMSTERDAM – Early returns in Dutch local elections showed an anti-immigrant, anti-Islam party making big gains in a result seen as a possible foreshadowing of national elections in June.
“We’re going to take the Netherlands back from the leftist elite, that coddles criminals and supports Islamization,” said Freedom Party leader [..] Read the original article: here.

Employees fired from Ohio workers’ comp panel claim religious discrimination, harassment

Fired workers’ comp panel staff cries foul

COLUMBUS, Ohio – After a sweeping scandal nearly five years ago that cost the state’s insurance fund for injured workers $300 million because of investments in Beanie Babies, rare coins and other risky assets, Ohio beefed up oversight and created a panel to help lawmakers look out for the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Employees fired from Ohio workers’ comp panel claim religious discrimination, harassment.

Iran backs Shiite allies in Iraq’s election to secure leverage ahead of US withdrawal

Iran casts its shadow over high-stakes Iraq vote

BAGHDAD – As the U.S. prepares to withdraw its forces from Iraq, Iran is said to be working hard to fill a potential power vacuum – an effort that faces its first big test in Sunday’s elections, in which Tehran is backing hard-liners against a coalition of moderates.
Shiite … Read more >>>.

PBS host Tavis Smiley calls meeting in response to debate over the need for a ‘black agenda’

PBS host Smiley calls meeting to urge black agenda
Two months after ending his annual State of the Black Union conference, Tavis Smiley is gathering African-American advocates to press the case for a “black agenda.”
The decision was motivated by what Smiley called recent statements from some black leaders downplaying the need … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : PBS host Tavis Smiley calls meeting in response to debate over the need for a ‘black agenda’.

Libya demands apology for joking US response to Gadhafi call for holy war against Switzerland

Libya demands US apology for ‘jihad’ response

TRIPOLI, – Libya on Wednesday demanded an apology for a joking remark by a U.S. official about the Libyan leader’s call for a holy war against Switzerland.
Last month Moammar Gadhafi appealed for a Muslim holy war because Switzerland banned building of new mosque minarets.
At the Friday State Department briefing, …. Source  : Libya demands apology for joking US response to Gadhafi call for holy war against Switzerland.

Dutch gay groups and Catholic church call for end to dispute on communion for homosexuals

Dutch gays, Catholic church put aside dispute

AMSTERDAM – Dutch gay rights groups have called for an end to protests against a Catholic church southwest of Amsterdam after it said it would no longer seek to bar homosexuals from taking communion.
The Sint-Jan church in Den Bosch says it will leave it up to believers to decide … Read more »».

Pope to make 2-day trip to Spain in November, will inaugurate Gaudi’s cathedral in Barcelona

Pope to visit Spain in November
VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI will make a two-day visit to Spain in November, with a stop in Barcelona to consecrate the famed Sagrada Familia church, the Vatican’s spokesman said Wednesday.

The pope will first go to the western pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela on Nov. 6, the Rev. … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Pope to make 2-day trip to Spain in November, will inaugurate Gaudi’s cathedral in Barcelona.

Dutch begin voting in local elections, anti-immigration parties set to gain ground

Dutch anti-immigrants set to make gains in vote

AMSTERDAM – Dutch voters went to the polls in local elections Wednesday, with political parties opposing Muslim immigration expected to make gains before national elections in June.
The elections in 394 cities in theory cover matters such as parking fees and taxes on dog ownership. But national politicians have …. Source  : Dutch begin voting in local elections, anti-immigration parties set to gain ground.