Football & faith: Vikings’ Husain Abdullah to observe Ramadan fast; team has nutritional plan

Vikings safety Husain Abdullah awaits Ramadan fast

MANKATO, Minn. – Husain Abdullah is approaching his most challenging month of the football season.
That’s when the Minnesota Vikings backup safety observes Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting and prayer. As a practicing Muslim, Abdullah will not eat or drink at all during daylight hours for the 30-day period … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Football & faith: Vikings’ Husain Abdullah to observe Ramadan fast; team has nutritional plan.

Away from the raw emotions of 9/11 and ground zero, other mosques face strong opposition

Far from ground zero, opponents fight new mosques

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Muslims trying to build houses of worship in the nation’s heartland, far from the heated fight in New York over plans for a mosque near ground zero, are running into opponents even more hostile and aggressive.
Foes of proposed mosques have deployed dogs to intimidate Muslims … Read more : Away from the raw emotions of 9/11 and ground zero, other mosques face strong opposition.

Football & fasting: Safety Husain Abdullah to observe Ramadan; Vikings have nutritional plan

Vikes safety Abdullah gets ready for Ramadan fast

MANKATO, Minn. – Husain Abdullah is approaching his most challenging month of the football season. That’s when the Vikings’ backup safety observes Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting and prayer.
Abdullah will not eat or drink during daylight hours for the 30-day period beginning Wednesday. He will need to …. Source article  : Football & fasting: Safety Husain Abdullah to observe Ramadan; Vikings have nutritional plan.

Friends of doctors gunned down in Afghanistan say medical team wasn’t proselytizing

Slain doctors brought medical care to Afghanistan

DENVER – Members of a medical team gunned down in Afghanistan brought some of the first toothbrushes and eyeglasses villagers had ever seen and spent no time talking about religion as they provided medical care, friends and aid organizations said Sunday.
Dr. Thomas Grams, 51, quit his dental practice in …. Source  : Friends of doctors gunned down in Afghanistan say medical team wasn’t proselytizing.

Shiva devotees make a beeline for special Monday prayers

MATHURA/AGRA – Thousands of kanwarias, devotees of Lord Shiva, are closing in to offer Ganga water from Haridwar on the Hindu god’s icons in temples in Mathura, Vrindavan, Goverdhan and Agra during special prayers Monday.

Monday is reserved for Lord Shiva, a member of the Hindu trinity which includes Lords Vishnu and Brahma, and is considered … Original source on Gaea Times at : Shiva devotees make a beeline for special Monday prayers.

How the AP-Univision poll was conducted

How the AP-Univision poll was conducted
The Associated Press-Univision poll of Hispanic adults was conducted by the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago from March 11-June 3. It is based on a nationally representative random sample of 1,521 Hispanic adults. Data were gathered via mail, the Internet and telephone. The majority of … Original source on Gaea Times at : How the AP-Univision poll was conducted.

AP-Univision Poll: Young Hispanics less likely to be Catholic; a divide on social issues

Poll: Young Hispanics less likely to be Catholic

WASHINGTON – A name like Maria or Jose isn’t a solid clue anymore that the person who answers to it will worship in a Catholic church on Sunday.
An Associated Press-Univision poll finds that younger Latinos, as well as those who speak more English than Spanish, are much less …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : AP-Univision Poll: Young Hispanics less likely to be Catholic; a divide on social issues.

Va. photographer, Pa. nurse slain in attack on medical group in Afghanistan remembered at home

Photog, nurse slain in Afghanistan remembered

AKRON, Pa. – A Mennonite aid group in Pennsylvania denied Monday that a member killed with nine others during a medical mission in Afghanistan had tried to convert Muslims to Christianity.
The Mennonite Central Committee joined a chorus of protests over Taliban claims the volunteers had engaged in proselytizing.
John Williamson, a … Original article on : Va. photographer, Pa. nurse slain in attack on medical group in Afghanistan remembered at home.

Maulana Wahiduddin to get Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavna Award

New Delhi, (IANS) The 18th Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award will be given to Maulana Wahiduddin Khan for his contribution towards promotion of communal harmony and peace, it was announced Monday.

Congress treasurer Motilal Vora, who is member secretary of the advisory committee of the Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award, said in a statement that the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Maulana Wahiduddin to get Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavna Award.

Kerala church slams Yechury’s remark

KOCHI – The Kerala Catholic Bishop’s Conference (KCBC) Monday hit back at the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) by asserting that the church will indulge in politics and it would be to strengthen democracy.

The KCBC’s statement came shortly after CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury blamed the church in Kerala for indulging in politics. He asked the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Kerala church slams Yechury’s remark.

Golden seal honour for Dalai Lama for leading Tibetan democracy

DHARAMSALA – Tibetans living in exile in India will honour the Dalai Lama with a golden seal next month for leading the Tibetan democratic system in exile.

“It would be a big day for us and we are celebrating it in a big way at Bylakuppe (in Karnataka). We would felicitate His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, … Read more »».

Faith drives millions to throng Deoghar temple

DEOGHAR – They come in droves on foot, trekking for over 100 km to reach this town revered by Hindus for its ancient Shiv temple.

The revered Bababaidyanath temple in Deoghar, about 385 km from Jharkhand state capital Ranchi, is witnessing close to 100,000 devotees every day to offer oblations at the Shiv linga there …. Original article  : Faith drives millions to throng Deoghar temple.

Ramzan Celebrations In Egypt

CAIRO, EGYPT (GaeaTimes.com)- The devout Muslims will start celebrating the holy month of Ramzan that begins Wednesday worldwide and the community in Egypt is no exception to the trends. The Egyptian Muslims have their own ways of celebrating the holy month and a lot of them buy decorated lanterns for the purpose. Typically this …. Read the original article  : here.

Morocco to close 1,250 mosques

RABAT – The Moroccan government will close 1,256 mosques found to be “unsafe” to avoid the repeat of a minaret collapse that killed 41 people in February this year.

Mohammed VI, the king of Morocco, ordered all the country’s mosques to be examined after a centuries-old minaret of a mosque in Meknes fell during Friday prayers. …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Morocco to close 1,250 mosques.

10 Mideast nations declare Wednesday first day of Ramadan

AMMAN – At least 10 countries in the Middle East decided Tuesday night that the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan will start Wednesday.

The decision was first adopted by Saudi Arabia’s legal moon sighting panel, with other Arab and Islamic countries following suit.
Middle East countries celebrating the start of Ramadan Wednesday so far are Saudi … Original article on : 10 Mideast nations declare Wednesday first day of Ramadan.

State Department sending ground zero mosque imam to discuss religious tolerance in Middle East

US govt sending ground zero mosque imam to Mideast
WASHINGTON – The imam behind controversial plans for a mosque near the site of the Sept. 11 attacks is being sent by the State Department on a religious outreach trip to the Middle East, officials said Tuesday.
The department is sponsoring Imam Feisal Abdul …. Source article  : State Department sending ground zero mosque imam to discuss religious tolerance in Middle East.

Saudi to test giant clock under construction in Mecca during Muslim month of fasting

Saudi to test giant clock in Mecca during Ramadan

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia will test what it is billing as the world’s largest clock in the holy city of Mecca during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, the official news agency reported Tuesday.
The four-faced clock tower will top a massive skyscraper that when completed …. Source  : Saudi to test giant clock under construction in Mecca during Muslim month of fasting.

After Abbas-Mitchell meeting, some optimism about launching direct Israeli-Palestinian talks

US officials optimistic about direct talks
RAMALLAH, West Bank – The White House’s Mideast envoy failed Tuesday to secure Palestinian agreement to go to direct talks with Israel, but U.S. and Palestinian officials said a possible solution to the standoff is emerging.
The U.S. has been calling for a speedy resumption of face-to-face negotiations, with …. Source article  : After Abbas-Mitchell meeting, some optimism about launching direct Israeli-Palestinian talks.

NY governor offers state help if developers of ground zero mosque seek to relocate

NY governor offers help moving ground zero mosque

ALBANY, N.Y. – New York Gov. David Paterson offered state help Tuesday if the developers of a mosque near the site of the Sept. 11 attacks agree to move the project farther from the site.
Paterson, a Democrat, said that he doesn’t oppose the project as planned but indicated … Read more »».

Vatican mulling Arabic and Russian versions of website

VATICAN CITY – The Vatican plans to revamp its official website and is considering opening sections in Arabic and Russian, an official said Tuesday.

The need to use language “that is comprehensible to today’s internet users”, is prompting the initiative, Monsignor Lucio Adrian Ruiz who manages the site, told the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano.
The site: …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Vatican mulling Arabic and Russian versions of website.

Less duty hours for Abu Dhabi workers during Ramadan

Abu Dhabi, Aug 10 (IANS/WAM) Abu Dhabi government Tuesday announced a regulation reducing the working hours for employees of private firms from eight hours to six hours a day during the holy month of Ramadan.

Labour Minister Saqr Ghobash has issued a circular under which the work hours of private sector firms will be reduced from [..] Read the original article: here.

US envoy fails to secure Palestinian agreement for going to direct talks with Israel

US envoy falls short on latest Mideast mission
RAMALLAH, West Bank – The White House’s Mideast envoy failed Tuesday to secure Palestinian agreement to go to direct talks with Israel, despite mounting pressure from the U.S. administration to begin negotiations in early September.
Even so, a U.S. official sounded somewhat optimistic that direct …. Source article  : US envoy fails to secure Palestinian agreement for going to direct talks with Israel.

Vatican expresses satisfaction after plaintiffs give up sex abuse case in Kentucky

Vatican pleased US plaintifs seek to dismiss case

VATICAN CITY – The Vatican said Tuesday it was satisfied that three men who had sought to hold the Vatican liable in an American court for sexual abuse by Roman Catholic priests have decided to abandon the case.
The Kentucky case was being closely watched as the clerical abuse …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Controversial Danish cartoonist to publish memoirs

COPENHAGEN – The former Danish newspaper cartoonist who received numerous death threats for his drawing depicting the Muslim Prophet Mohammed with a bomb in his turban is to publish his memoirs, reports said Tuesday.

That controversial cartoon will be the cover of the book, to be published in November. The autobiography was co-written with journalist and …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Controversial Danish cartoonist to publish memoirs.

Preparations for Haj pilgrims on smooth track: Krishna

NEW DELHI – Preparations for the Haj pilgrimage are on fast track and nearly 80,000 accommodations have already been secured, the government said Thursday.

“A senior level officer of the external affairs ministry is in Saudi Arabia to look after the preparations,” External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna informed the Rajya Sabha during Question Hour.
The minister …. Source  : Preparations for Haj pilgrims on smooth track: Krishna.

Obama sends best wishes to Muslims on Ramadan

WASHINGTON – US President Barack Obama has extended his best wishes to Muslims around the world as Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, starts.

“On behalf of the American people, Michelle and I want to extend our best wishes to Muslims in America and around the world, ” Obama said in a statement Wednesday. …. Original article  : Obama sends best wishes to Muslims on Ramadan.

NY gov says Islamic group rejected his offer to find another site for ground zero mosque

NY gov says Islamic group won’t relocate mosque

ALBANY, N.Y. – Gov. David Paterson said Wednesday that developers of an Islamic cultural center that would include a mosque near ground zero have rejected his offer to help them find a different site.
While in Manhattan, Paterson said the group apparently wants to remain with its current plans … Read more »».

Searing summer heat adds hardship to Ramadan fasting for Muslims in Middle East

Mideast summer heat adds hardship to Ramadan fast

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – Hundreds of millions of Muslims across the Middle East sweated their way through the start of Ramadan on Wednesday, beginning a monthlong daylight fast in sweltering summer heat.
With temperatures over 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 Celsius) in some countries, governments and religious authorities sought … Read more : Searing summer heat adds hardship to Ramadan fasting for Muslims in Middle East.

Despite US optimism, envoy says still no agreement on direct Israel-Palestinian talks

No agreement on direct Israel-Palestinian talks
JERUSALEM – There is still no decision to resume direct Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations, President Barack Obama’s envoy acknowledged Wednesday, despite optimism in Washington that agreement was close.
Officials in Washington had hoped that envoy George Mitchell’s current two-day round of separate talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders …. Source article  : Despite US optimism, envoy says still no agreement on direct Israel-Palestinian talks.

Abu Dhabi to distribute free iftar meals to motorists

Abu Dhabi, Aug 11 (IANS/WAM) Motorists in Abu Dhabi will get free iftar meals to break their fast during the holy month of Ramadan, it was announced Wednesday.

UAE Deputy Prime Minister Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan Wednesday instructed the authorities to deliver 35,000 meals to motorists travelling in the emirate.
Major General … Read : Abu Dhabi to distribute free iftar meals to motorists.

Ramadan begins with the sighting of moon

HYDERABAD – The Muslim holy month of Ramadan began here and in other parts of Andhra Pradesh with the sighting of the moon Wednesday.

The moon sighting committee comprising religious scholars announced that the Ramzan moon was sighted in some towns. Sirens blared from mosques across Hyderabad as Muslims began preparations for the fasting month.
People … Original article on : Ramadan begins with the sighting of moon.

Rotterdam court rejects Muslim scholar Ramadan’s lawsuit over dismissal

Rotterdam court rejects Muslim scholar’s lawsuit

AMSTERDAM – A Dutch court has rejected a wrongful dismissal lawsuit brought by prominent Muslim scholar Tariq Ramadan, saying the city of Rotterdam had good reasons for ending his contract.
The Swiss-born Ramadan was dismissed from positions at Erasmus University and the city in August 2009 after he hosted a program … Original source on Gaea Times at : Rotterdam court rejects Muslim scholar Ramadan’s lawsuit over dismissal.

Archbishop: Vatican rejects resignations of 2 Dublin bishops linked to child abuse cover-ups

Vatican rejects resignations of 2 Dublin bishops

DUBLIN – Dublin Archbishop Diarmuid Martin has told priests that the Vatican has rejected the resignations of his two auxiliary bishops following their reported involvement in the Roman Catholic Church’s cover-up of child abuse.
The Vatican’s rebuff deals a blow to Martin, a veteran Vatican diplomat who was appointed in … Read more >>>.

Holy Ramzan 2010 Greetings and SMS

KOLKATA, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com) — The holy month of Ramadan unites all Muslims in fasting, worship and prayer. It’s a time for contemplation, spirituality and brotherhood.
The Holy Month of Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calender. This year the month falls between the period August 11- September 9. Muslims fast from first light …. Original article  : Holy Ramzan 2010 Greetings and SMS.

Holy Ramadan 2010 Begins Today in USA

WASHINGTON (GaeaTimes.com) — Today, August 11, marks the beginning of Ramadan 2010. This month holds great spiritual emphasis to the Muslims. From today the Muslims will undergo a month long fasting ritual. Ramadan is known to be the ninth month of the Islamic calender. September 9, 2010 will supposedly end the 30 day holy …. Read the original article  : Holy Ramadan 2010 Begins Today in USA.

Ramadan tradition goes high-tech; users can get prayer time reminders, find direction of Mecca

Observing Ramadan? There’s an app for that

PATERSON, N.J. – The most ancient traditions of Islam are going high-tech, with a slew of modern offerings for those observing the holy month of Ramadan, which begins this week.
Cell phone applications such as “iPray” or “iQuran” offer a beeping reminder of requisite prayer times, while the “Find Mecca” … Original source on Gaea Times at : Ramadan tradition goes high-tech; users can get prayer time reminders, find direction of Mecca.

Mideast Muslims start holy month of Ramadan, fasting from sunrise to sunset in sweltering heat

Muslims in Mideast begin Ramadan in heat of summer

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – Over a billion Muslims in the Middle East and around the world have begun observing the holy month of Ramadan – a period devoted to prayer and dawn-to-dusk fasting.
This year’s fasting in the Middle East is particularly tough as Muslims struggle through …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Firing by government forces kills 1 anti-India protester in Kashmir

Police firing kills 1 protester in Indian Kashmir

SRINAGAR, India – Government forces fired at hundreds of anti-India protesters for defying a curfew in the Indian portion of Kashmir on Friday, killing a teenage student and injuring at least six others, police said.
The violence was the latest in two-month stretch of civil unrest that has left … Read : Firing by government forces kills 1 anti-India protester in Kashmir.

Malaysian state led by Muslim party introduces gold, silver coins as Islamic currency

Malaysian state introduces Islamic currency

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – A Malaysian state is allowing people to use gold and silver coins at stores and restaurants to revive a practice from early Islamic societies, an official said Friday.
The gold dinar and silver dirham coins provide an alternative to Malaysia’s currency, the ringgit, in northeastern Kelantan state, which … Original source on Gaea Times at : Malaysian state led by Muslim party introduces gold, silver coins as Islamic currency.

Christian bishop asks Hezbollah not to air Jesus film

BEIRUT – A Lebanese Christian Maronite bishop called late Thursday on Hezbollah television to stop airing a Ramadan series called Al Maseeh, Arabic for Jesus.

Bishop Bashara al-Raai asked al-Manar television to stop airing the Iranian series because it conflicts with teachings of the Bible that are recognised by all Christians around the world.
Al-Raai called …. Source article  : Christian bishop asks Hezbollah not to air Jesus film.

Summary Box: Atheist sues over state grant given to towering southern Ill. cross landmark

Summary Box: Atheist sues Ill. cross for grant

THE ISSUE: Chicago-area atheist Rob Sherman is suing administrators of southern Illinois’ towering Bald Knob Cross of Peace over a $20,000 state grant the caretakers received to help pay for the site’s ongoing restoration.
THE COMPLAINT: Sherman says the grant “blatantly” violates the U.S. Constitution’s establishment clause used to …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Atheist sues for return of $20,000 state grant given to towering southern Ill. landmark cross

Atheist sues for grant refund from landmark cross

ST. LOUIS – An atheist is suing to force the administrators of a towering cross in southern Illinois to return a $20,000 state grant toward its restoration, saying Thursday it was “blatantly unconstitutional” to spend taxpayer money on a Christian symbol.
Caretakers of the 11-story Bald Knob Cross of [..] Read the original article: here.

Nigeria ruling party leader supports Christian president, despite rule calling for Muslim

Nigeria: Ruling party leader supports president

ABUJA, Nigeria – The leader of Nigeria’s ruling party said Thursday that he believed the West African nation’s president should be allowed to run in next year’s election, despite a power-sharing agreement that calls for a candidate from the Muslim north.
People’s Democratic Party chairman Okwesilieze Nwodo’s endorsement of southern Christian … Read more >>.

State poll panel criticises Kerala government

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – State Election Commissioner P. Kamalkutty Thursday criticised the Kerala government for not heeding his repeated requests for the smooth conduct of local bodies polls.

In his address at an all-party meeting, Kamalkutty said that the delay in holding the polls was not caused due to any action of his but because of the re-organisation …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Cairo mosques begin calling to prayer with a single voice

Cairo mosques begin unified call to prayer

CAIRO – Is it even remotely feasible to get Cairo’s 4,000 mosques to all sing the same tune?
That’s just what Egypt’s government is aiming to do, beginning an ambitious project Thursday to unify the timing and sound of the Islamic call to prayer across the sprawling city of 18 … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Cairo mosques begin calling to prayer with a single voice.

Moroccan protesters block goods from entering Spanish enclave of Melilla

Moroccan protesters block Spanish enclave border

MADRID – Demonstrators in Morocco slapped a commercial blockade on a Spanish enclave Thursday, allowing in only some trucks in a dispute over alleged police violence and racism against Moroccans entering the city.
The protest came a day after the kings of the two traditional allies spoke by telephone to try …. Original article  : Moroccan protesters block goods from entering Spanish enclave of Melilla.

Education, jobs main planks of minorities scheme

NEW DELHI – Enhancing opportunities for education and equitable share in economic activities would be the focus of the prime minister’s new 15-point programme for minorities, parliament was told Thursday.

In a written reply to Ratna De (Trinamool Congress) and others in the Lok Sabha, Minority Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said employment through credit schemes and … Read : Education, jobs main planks of minorities scheme.

Russia dismisses US court ruling to hand over Hasidic Jewish library to NY group

Russia refuses to turn over Jewish library to US

MOSCOW – Russia has rejected a U.S. court ruling to turn over a Jewish library to a Hasidic group in New York.
A U.S. judge last week ruled against the Russian government for its refusal to return thousands of manuscripts that once belonged to a Chabad-Lubavitch rabbi. The …. Source article  : Russia dismisses US court ruling to hand over Hasidic Jewish library to NY group.

UAE aims to build bridges with books on Islam

Dubai, Aug 12 (IANS/WAM) Multilingual publications about Islam will be distributed to build a bridge between local people and Muslims from other countries settled in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) will distribute 20,000 packets containing booklets and CDs to public and private organisations in Dubai and an …. Read the original article  : here.

UAE embassy in France gives free iftar meals

Paris, Aug 12 (IANS/WAM) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) embassy in Paris will distribute free iftar meals to the public during Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.

The project, implemented in coordination with mosques and Islamic associations in France, will benefit several families, an official statement said.
–IANS/WAM
… Read this article on Gaea Times at : UAE embassy in France gives free iftar meals.

Top Islamic insitution condemns Florida church’s plans to burn Qurans

Top Islamic institution slams Quran-burning plan

CAIRO – The world’s pre-eminent Sunni Muslim institution of learning has condemned a Florida church’s plans to host a Quran-burning ceremony on Sept. 11.
In a statement carried by local media on Thursday, Al-Azhar’s Supreme Council in Egypt accused the church of “stirring up hate and discrimination” and called on other … Read more : Top Islamic insitution condemns Florida church’s plans to burn Qurans.

Tweeting Dalai Lama says voices for Tibetan independence growing stronger

DHARAMSALA – With over 600,000 people, including hundreds of Chinese, following him on networking site Twitter, the Dalai Lama has said the non-resolution of the Tibet issue is making the voices of those seeking independence of Tibet from China grow stronger.

Answering questions from his Chinese followers on Twitter, which he joined last month, the Dalai …. Read the original article  : here.

Turkey: Orthodox Christians gather for rare Mass at ancient site after government approval

Turkey: patriarch holds historic Mass
MACKA, Turkey – Orthodox Christians are holding a rare Mass at an ancient monastery in Turkey after the government allowed worship there once a year in a gradual loosening of restrictions on religious expression.

Sunday’s service at the Byzantine-era monastery of Sumela near the Black Sea is being led by Patriarch Bartholomew …. Source article  : Turkey: Orthodox Christians gather for rare Mass at ancient site after government approval.

Government will maintain communal peace: PM

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday said his government would always maintain communal peace and harmony and protect the minorities.

“Our government is committed to maintain communal peace and harmony. We also consider it our duty to protect the minorities and provide for their special needs,” Singh said while addressing the nation from the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Government will maintain communal peace: PM.

Obama: I support ‘the right’ for ground zero mosque, not commenting on ‘the wisdom’ of it

Obama supports ‘the right’ for ground zero mosque
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. – Weighing his words carefully on a fiery political issue, President Barack Obama said Saturday that Muslims have the right to build a mosque near New York’s ground zero, but he did not say whether … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Obama: I support ‘the right’ for ground zero mosque, not commenting on ‘the wisdom’ of it.

Decades of conflict fuel depression, drugs in Kashmir; 1 man tries to kill himself 13 times

Amid conflict, Kashmir man tries suicide 13 times

SRINAGAR, India – The wounds of Kashmir’s never-ending war are reflected in Arshid Malik’s red, downcast eyes, in the tremble of the cigarette in his hand, in the self-inflicted knife scars gouged into his left forearm.
Tormented by unrelenting memories of death and violence, he tried 13 times to …. Source  : Decades of conflict fuel depression, drugs in Kashmir; 1 man tries to kill himself 13 times.

Obama backs mosque near ground zero in New York, calls religious freedom a fundamental value

Obama makes clear support for ground zero mosque

WASHINGTON – After skirting the issue for weeks, President Barack Obama is making it clear he supports the construction of a mosque near ground zero in New York City.
Obama says religious freedom was one of the nation’s founding principles.
The president held a White House dinner Friday in celebration …. Source article  : Obama backs mosque near ground zero in New York, calls religious freedom a fundamental value.

India leads China in fundamental values: Dalai Lama

MCLEOD GANJ – China might be more economically advanced than India but lacks in fundamental values like freedom, transparency and rule of law, much required for political growth, exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama says. He is also in “no hurry” to name his successor as he hopes to “live for several decades more”

Acknowledging …. Source article  : India leads China in fundamental values: Dalai Lama.

Obama defends mosque plans near ground zero at dinner celebrating Islamic holy days

Obama’s comments on mosque plans near ground zero
Remarks by President Barack Obama on the plans to build a mosque near ground zero, as provided by the White House:
Here at the White House, we have a tradition of hosting iftars that goes back several years, just as we host Christmas parties and … Read more >>>.

At Islam dinner Obama backs Mosque near ground zero, wading into national controversy

Obama backs mosque near ground zero
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama on Friday forcefully endorsed allowing a mosque near ground zero, saying the country’s founding principles demanded no less.
“As a citizen, and as president, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as everyone else …. Source  : At Islam dinner Obama backs Mosque near ground zero, wading into national controversy.

APNewsBreak: NY Conservatives plan TV ad to pressure building co-owner to block NYC mosque

APNewsBreak: Anti-ground zero mosque TV ad planned
ALBANY, N.Y. – New York’s Conservative Party is planning a television ad campaign to pressure a New York City utility to use its power to block a proposed mosque near ground zero that the ad says is planned by an “un-American” Muslim leader.
The ad states “patriotic Americans” …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Diocese bankruptcy judge in Delaware approves start of parish sex abuse trials

Del. diocese bankruptcy judge OKs victim trials

WILMINGTON, Del. – The judge in the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington’s bankruptcy case has ruled that lawsuits against several of it parishes by alleged victims of priest sex abuse can go to trial later this year.
Judge Christopher Sontchi on Friday denied the diocese’s request to extend a stay in …. Original article  : Diocese bankruptcy judge in Delaware approves start of parish sex abuse trials.

With New York mosque controversy rolling on, Obama to hail religious freedom at Islam dinner

Obama to back religious freedom at Islam dinner
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama on Friday will speak up for religious freedom at a dinner celebrating the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, emphasizing that point just as New York City is immersed in a deeply sensitive debate about whether a mosque should be built …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : With New York mosque controversy rolling on, Obama to hail religious freedom at Islam dinner.

Saudi king to allow only official fatwas

RIYADH – Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah has moved to block any issuance of public fatwas, or religious edicts, by clerics not officially appointed, a newspaper reported Friday.

“We have noted many violations that we cannot allow, thus it is our religious obligation to confront it firmly to protect religion, preserve unity and to prevent evil,” the … Original article on : Saudi king to allow only official fatwas.

Lebanon’s Shiite TV stations cancel controversial show on Jesus amid outcry from Christians

Lebanon TV stations scrap controversial Jesus show

BEIRUT – Two Shiite Muslim television stations in Lebanon canceled a controversial program about Jesus on Friday, saying they do not want to stir up sectarian conflict in the country.
The 17-episode program, which was produced in Iran, describes Jesus from an Islamic point of view. Muslims believe Jesus was …. Original article  : Lebanon’s Shiite TV stations cancel controversial show on Jesus amid outcry from Christians.

Ram Mandir fight to go online

PANAJI – The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has gone into an overdrive — including going online — to motivate journalists, oriented towards Hindutva and working in regional media, to write more emphatically about the Ram janmabhoomi issue, in the run up to the Allahabad High Court verdict on the contentious Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid issue.

A … Original source on Gaea Times at : Ram Mandir fight to go online.

TV series on Jesus banned in Lebanon after Christian anger

BEIRUT – The final episode of an Iranian television series called “The Messiah” was banned Friday in Lebanon, after a complaint from Catholics.

The series, based on the Koran’s version of the story of Jesus, had been shown daily on two channels loyal to the Lebanese Shia movement Hezbollah since Tuesday, the first day of the …. Read the original article  : here.

UAE releases 300 prisoners

ABU DHABI – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has released over 300 prisoners of various nationalities to mark the advent of the holy month of Ramadan.

Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the ruler of Sharjah, has ordered the release of 231 prisoners who have served half their terms.
Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, the … Original source on Gaea Times at : UAE releases 300 prisoners.

Obama to sign $600 million border security measure, host dinner celebrating Ramadan on Friday

Obama to sign $600 million border security bill
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama is signing a bill Friday to put more agents and equipment along the Mexican border.
The Senate passed the $600 million measure during a special session Thursday.
The border security measure would fund the hiring of 1,000 new Border Patrol agents, plus 250 … Read : Obama to sign $600 million border security measure, host dinner celebrating Ramadan on Friday.

Thousands protest in Indian Kashmir after government forces kill 2

Thousands protest after police kill 2 in Kashmir

SRINAGAR, India – Thousands of angry protesters rushed into the streets in Indian-controlled Kashmir on Friday after government forces killed two people and injured at least eight others for defying a curfew in the disputed region, police said.
The violence was the latest in two-month stretch of civil unrest … Read : Thousands protest in Indian Kashmir after government forces kill 2.