Deal uniting Iraq’s rival Shiite factions gives clerics potential voice in political decisions

Shiite agreement gives Iraq’s clerics greater say

BAGHDAD – An agreement to form an alliance between Iranian-backed Shiite blocs gives the final say on political disputes to Iraq’s top clerics, solidifying a role for the Shiite religious leadership in the country’s likely new government.
The agreement, obtained by The Associated Press Wednesday, is likely to alienate Iraq’s …. Source article  : Deal uniting Iraq’s rival Shiite factions gives clerics potential voice in political decisions.

Pakistani bank offers interest-free loans for Haj, Umrah

KARACHI – Pakistan’s leading Islamic bank Wednesday announced interest-free loans for the Haj and Umrah for those wishing to pay in instalments after performing the pilgrimage.

Towards this, Meezan Bank Ltd. has signed an agreement with leading tour operator Universal Express Pvt. Ltd. for providing Haj and Umrah travel facilitation during 2010.
As part of … Read more : Pakistani bank offers interest-free loans for Haj, Umrah.

Tibetan students get lessons on compassion, forgiveness

DHARAMSALA – Almost 38 years after an Irish gentleman lost his eyesight in an accidental bullet fire, he again came face to face with the attacker to deliver a lecture on compassion and forgiveness to exiled Tibetan students here Wednesday.

Spiritual leader the Dalai Lama also attended the interaction organised for more than 2,500 students of … Read : Tibetan students get lessons on compassion, forgiveness.

AP Exclusive: New Iraqi electoral alliance gives top Shiite clerics final say in disputes

AP Exclusive: Iraq deal gives clerics final say

BAGHDAD – An agreement signed by the two main Iranian-backed Shiite blocs seeking to govern Iraq gives the final decision on all their political disputes to top Shiite clerics, according to a copy obtained by The Associated Press on Wednesday.
If the alliance succeeds in forming the next government, …. Read the original article  : AP Exclusive: New Iraqi electoral alliance gives top Shiite clerics final say in disputes.

New Iraqi electoral alliance gives top Shiite clerics final say over all disputes

Shiite clerics to have final say in Iraq alliance

BAGHDAD – An agreement signed by Iraq’s two main Shiite blocs seeking to govern the country gives the final decision on all their disputes to top Shiite clerics, according to a copy obtained by The Associated Press on Wednesday.
A leading member of the prime minister’s coalition who … Read more : New Iraqi electoral alliance gives top Shiite clerics final say over all disputes.

Sunni politician warns new Shiite alliance could revive Iraq’s sectarian conflict

Sunnis warn over Iraq’s new Shiite alliance

BAGHDAD – A Sunni politician warned Wednesday that a new alliance of conservative Iraqi Shiite parties could revive the sectarian conflict that once wracked the country.
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s State of Law coalition and the conservative Shiite Iraqi National Alliance announced an electoral alliance Tuesday that leaves them just [..] Read the original article: here.

Sunni politician warns new Shiite alliance could bring back Iraqi sectarian conflict

Iraqi Sunni concerned over new Shiite alliance

BAGHDAD – An Iraqi Sunni politician has warned that the new electoral alliance of conservative Shiite parties could bring back the sectarian conflict that once wracked the country.
Hamid al-Mutlaq told The Associated Press Wednesday that Iraqis do not want an alliance that would promote sectarianism. Al-Mutlaq was elected to …. Source  : Sunni politician warns new Shiite alliance could bring back Iraqi sectarian conflict.

Maoist strike lands Indian pilgrims in unholy plight in Nepal

KATHMANDU – Dozens of disappointed Indian pilgrims are among the hundreds of Indian tourists forced to leave Nepal without fulfilling their dreams, thanks to the indefinite nationwide general strike called by the former Maoist guerrillas.

Malmal Jain, 71, endured a tough bus journey from West Bengal’s Murshidabad town to Nepal’s Pokhara city, hoping for a glimpse …. Read the original article  : here.