More Americans have unfavourable views on Islam

WASHINGTON – The number of Americans viewing Islam favourably has declined since 2005, but there is little change in those saying that Islam is more likely than other religions to encourage violence, according to a new poll.

As was the case a year ago, slightly more people say the Islamic religion does not encourage violence more …. Read the original article  : More Americans have unfavourable views on Islam.

NYC mayor: Not allowing mosque compromises committment to fight terror with freedom

NY mayor: Stopping mosque compromises terror fight
NEW YORK – Mayor Michael Bloomberg delivered an impassioned speech at an event marking the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, saying that not allowing a proposed mosque to be built near ground zero would be “compromising our commitment to fighting terror with freedom.”
“We would undercut the values … Original source on Gaea Times at : NYC mayor: Not allowing mosque compromises committment to fight terror with freedom.

NYC mayor: Blocking mosque near WTC would compromise commitment to fight terror with freedom

NYC mayor supports mosque near WTC at Ramadan meal
NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg says not allowing a mosque to be built near ground zero would be “compromising our commitment to fighting terror with freedom.”
The mayor made the comment Tuesday in an impassioned speech at a dinner in observance of …. Source article  : NYC mayor: Blocking mosque near WTC would compromise commitment to fight terror with freedom.

US helps fund mosque, minaret restoration around the world as part of cultural outreach

US funds restoration of global Islamic sites

WASHINGTON – The good will tour of the Middle East by the imam behind the proposed mosque near ground zero is just part of the U.S. government’s efforts to reach out to the Muslim world.
This year, the Obama administration will spend nearly $6 million to restore 63 historic and …. Original article  : US helps fund mosque, minaret restoration around the world as part of cultural outreach.

NY archbishop voices concern over tone of debate on mosque proposed near ground zero

NY archbishop worries about tone of mosque debate
NEW YORK – The tense climate around a proposal for an Islamic community center and mosque near ground zero could put New Yorkers in danger of losing their sense of tolerance and unity, values they embraced in … Read more >>>.

Voices rise in favor of moving Islamic center, mosque proposed near ground zero in NYC

Voices rise in favor of moving proposed NY mosque
NEW YORK – A powerful state politician joined with Gov. David Paterson on Tuesday in suggesting that Islamic leaders should move a proposed mosque farther from ground zero, saying the organizers should be more sensitive to opponents.
Organizers have the right to [..] Read the original article: here.

Maharashtra celebrates Raksha Bandhan with fervour

MUMBAI – Raksha Bandhan, marking the start of the festive season, was celebrated Tuesday with fervour in Maharashtra as sisters tied rakhis (decorative threads) on the wrists of their brothers and fishermen marked the beginning of the fishing season.

Several sex workers at the red light area of Kamathipura in south Mumbai tied rakhis on …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Afghan election reforms struggle to overcome voter fear and disenchantment in upcoming ballot

Afghan vote runs up against fear, disenchantment

KABUL, Afghanistan – A shopkeeper in Kandahar city says what others are thinking: Casting a ballot in next month’s Afghan parliamentary election isn’t worth the risk.
“I’m not going to vote. I can’t risk my life for nothing,” says 31-year-old Hekmatullah as he calls out prices for lipstick and nail … Original article on : Afghan election reforms struggle to overcome voter fear and disenchantment in upcoming ballot.