Pope starts visit to Palermo, where Sicilians hope for boost to their fight against Mafia

Pope arrives in Sicily on one-day visit
PALERMO, Sicily – Pope Benedict XVI is starting a one-day visit to Palermo, where Sicilians hope he will use his words and presence to give a boost to efforts to try to rid the island of the Mafia.

Benedict sat under a canopy shielding him from the sun on an …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Pope starts visit to Palermo, where Sicilians hope for boost to their fight against Mafia.

Hindus chant to Muslim beats in Himachal temples

SHIMLA – As the priest begins to chant the sacred mantras for the daily religious ritual, a group of Muslim musicians quietly joins in, playing the traditional drums, shehnai and trumpets.

This scene from a Himachal Pradesh temple, and common in many of the state’s prominent temples, is an effortless syncretic way of existence that … Original source on Gaea Times at : Hindus chant to Muslim beats in Himachal temples.

Israeli Jews raise a glass of Palestinian beer in Oktoberfest in West Bank village of Taybeh

Israeli Jews celebrate Palestinian Oktoberfest

TAYBEH, West Bank – This Palestinian village celebrates Oktoberfest each year even though it’s a tiny Christian enclave in a Muslim-majority area, under Israeli occupation.
But on Saturday, Israeli Jews were among those sipping the signature, honey-colored Palestinian beer, providing an unlikely sight after years of forced separation at the height of …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Israeli Jews raise a glass of Palestinian beer in Oktoberfest in West Bank village of Taybeh.

In concept drawings, NYC Islamic center sports cosmopolitan look, secular focus

On paper, NY Islamic center looks modern, secular

NEW YORK – Conceptual sketches of the Islamic center planned two blocks from ground zero envision a futuristic-looking building wrapped in a honeycomb of abstract shapes, with a core containing far more space for secular pursuits than religious worship.
The renderings, some of which were posted on the project’s … Read more »»».

Kurdish lawmakers plot strategy on Iraqi prime minister’s bid to retain power

Iraq’s Kurds hold political cards for al-Maliki

SULAIMANIYAH, Iraq – Kurdish lawmakers began Saturday to plot their course as Iraq’s kingmakers with enough seats to secure a second term for Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and press key demands, including a greater say over the oil riches in the country’s north.
The Kurds, who control a semiautonomous northern … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Kurdish lawmakers plot strategy on Iraqi prime minister’s bid to retain power.

Embattled bishop, nearly inseparable from his megachurch, inspires followers’ fierce loyalty

Brand pastor built fosters fierce member loyalty

ATLANTA – A billboard near an Atlanta highway reads, “Love Like Him, Live Like Him, Lead Like Him.” The motto refers to Jesus Christ, but the smiling face next to it is that of Bishop Eddie Long.
Long built a humble suburban Atlanta congregation into a giant TV ministry on …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Embattled bishop, nearly inseparable from his megachurch, inspires followers’ fierce loyalty.

Durban street now named Juma Masjid Square (Second Lead)

DURBAN – A plaque renaming as ‘Juma Masjid Square’ the street outside one of the oldest mosques in South Africa built on a plot owned by a Gujarati immigrant was unveiled by India’s Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi.

“It was the happiest moment of my life when I unveiled the plaque by the name … Read more >>.

Durban street now called Juma Masjid Square

DURBAN – A plaque renaming as Juma Masjid Square was unveiled by India’s Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi on the street outside one of the oldest mosques in South Africa built on a plot owned by a Gujarati immigrant.

“It was the happiest moment of my life when I unveiled the plaque by the … Original article on : Durban street now called Juma Masjid Square.

Free speech cases closely watched as Supreme Court begins 2010-11 term with 3 female justices

Free speech cases at top of Supreme Court’s agenda

WASHINGTON – First Amendment cases top the Supreme Court’s docket as it begins a new term with a new justice and three women on the bench for the first time.
The court will look at provocative anti-gay protests at military funerals and a California law banning the sale … Read more »»».

Ayodha ruling a triumph for Hindus, says Pakistani paper

ISLAMABAD – The judicial verdict allowing the construction of a Ram temple at the site of the razed Babri mosque in Ayodhya is a victory for “Hindu fanaticism”, a Pakistani Urdu newspaper said Saturday.

Thursday’s ruling by the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court is not conducive for peace in the long run, the …. Source article  : Ayodha ruling a triumph for Hindus, says Pakistani paper.

Vayalar Ravi unveils new name of Durban street

DURBAN – Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi unveiled a plaque renaming as ‘Juma Masjid Square’ the street outside one of the oldest mosques in South Africa built on a plot owned by a Gujarati immigrant.

“It was the happiest moment of my life when I unveiled the plaque by the name Juma Masjid …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Vayalar Ravi unveils new name of Durban street.

Ayodha verdict triumph of Hindu fanaticism: Pakistani editorial

ISLAMABAD – The Allahabad High Court verdict on the Babri Masjid issue – trifurcating the disputed land into one part for Muslims and two parts for Hindus – is a victory for Hindu fanaticism and not conducive for peace in the long run, a Pakistani paper said Saturday.

“How did the court accept the claims …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Ayodha verdict triumph of Hindu fanaticism: Pakistani editorial.

CWG security takes shine out of Ramlila celebrations

NEW DELHI – No giant wheel rides, no food stalls. This year’s Ramlila celebrations are set to be a quiet affair thanks to the stringent security arrangements in place for the Commonwealth Games.

Delhi Police have directed several Ramlila committees to do away with the usual melas that accompany the enactment of the Ramayana every …. Read the original article  : CWG security takes shine out of Ramlila celebrations.

Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind asks people not to draw hasty conclusions

NEW DELHI – Leading Muslim organisation Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Saturday asked people to practise restraint in their reaction to the Ayodhya verdict and said that, given the sensitivity of the issue, it was not appropriate to take hasty decisions.

According to the teachings of Quran, we should try to seek the positive out of apparently negative …. Source article  : Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind asks people not to draw hasty conclusions.