Stories about Religion from October, 2012
Arab World: Sandy Unleashes Wrath of God on Infidel America
As the world turned its eyes to New York and New Jersey to follow the news of hurricane Sandy, and the destruction it has caused, many across the Arab world debated whether the storm was the embodiment of the wrath of God - unleashed against the infidels and in retaliation to US foreign policy. Seriously.
Halloween an ‘Alien’ Holiday in Tajikistan
We should teach the younger generation that Halloween is alien to Tajiks and all Muslims. Proud Tajik boys and girls who love their nation should never celebrate alien holidays. Blogger Bachai Sako [tj] on why people in Tajikistan should not celebrate Halloween today.
Pakistan: Increase In Crime Affects Eid Celebrations
Omair Alavi reports that increase in crime rate in Karachi marred the recent Eid-ul-Azha celebrations.
Arab World: Salafi Awkward Moments
Recognised by their long beards, and short garbs (thobe), Salafists, who follow a strict interpretation of Islam, were the butt of jokes on Twitter under a new hash tag #SalafiAwkwardMoments. While the West ponders on how to deal with them, let's tune into Twitter to see how funny netizens think they are.
Peru Holds Annual Processions for the Lord of the Miracles
Every year during October, Lima (Peru's capital city) shows its devotion to the Lord of the Miracles. Here's a brief summary of the history behind this huge Peruvian religious event, and a taste of how citizens have been commenting and covering the processions through citizen media.
Pakistan: Developing Viewpoints on Malala Yousufzai
Malala Yosufzai, the female education activist who was shot by Taliban, has become a symbol for an enlightened and moderate Pakistan. Her name is being eulogized in prose and poetry in her homeland and beyond. However, an Anti-Malala Syndrome has also developed simultaneously.
Pakistan: Malala Yousufzai And The Drone Attacks
Ever since the young school going peace activist Malala Yousufzai was attacked by armed gunmen in Swat, Pakistan, numerous questions over the efficacy of the ongoing drone attacks in the region have surfaced.
Sri Lanka: Nava-ratri – Nine Divine Nights
Navratri is a festival dedicated to the worship of a Hindu deity and is celebrated with nine nights of dancing. More at DD's blog.
Pakistan: Who Are The Taliban?
Taimoor Mughal at Teeth Maestro provides a holistic view about the categories of Talibans in Pakistan.
Greece: Theater Critic Assaulted by Neo-Nazi and Religious Protesters
Religious groups and neo-nazis protested against gay-themed play Corpus Christi in Athens on 11 October, 2012. Deeming it blasphemous, they assaulted a theater critic and forced the cancellation of the performance. Netizens reacted in shocked outrage, demanding an end to the unchecked spiral of violence perpetrated by neo-nazis in recent months.
Russia: Getting It Wrong on the Pussy Riot Prisoner's Dilemma
Reactions to the release of Yekaterina Samutsevich have generally been myopic and misleading. The popular "insight" is that the authorities are maneuvering to "divide and conquer" the punk rocker trio. That is undoubtedly part of what's happened, but it isn't the whole story.
Russia: Democratic Public “Outraged” by Release of Pussy Riot Member
It now appears that Samutsevich’s gamble has paid off, as she was freed after today’s hearings, her two-year prison sentence reduced to two-years probation. The other two imprisoned Pussy Riot members, Maria Alekhina and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, were not so lucky.
Pakistan: Religious Extremists Attack Malala Yousufzai
Malala Yousufzai, a 14 year old girl, was shot and severely wounded by Taliban for her activism. She is famous for her ‘Diary of a Pakistani School girl‘ which reveals the onslaught of the Taliban against girls education in Swat, Pakistan. Netizens condemn this horrendous act.
Pakistan: Riots Aftermath – Project Cleanup for Peace
On September 21, 2012 peaceful protests in Pakistan against the film insulting prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) turned violent and properties were burnt and people lost their lives. Contrary to the tide some youths started a facebook event called “"Project cleanup for peace“, which gathered more than 2500 volunteers to cleanup the mess on the streets in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.
Iran: “Offensive” Cartoon of the Prophet Joseph
According to [fa] several bloggers and news sites,Keyhan,a conservative newspaper has published an “offensive” cartoon of the Prophet Joseph.Ardakan says [fa] there are double standards in Iran and it seems conservative Keyhan feels safe contrary to many other newspapers in the same situation.
Bangladesh: Ramu Attacks – A National Shame
Recently religious extremists attacked Bangladesh Buddhist temples and households on charges of the desecration of the Quran. People have protested against these attacks all over the country and Facebook, blogs and online media are filled with messages condemning the attack.
Kazakhstan Joins the Ban on Anti-Islam Film
Kazakhstan has joined a number of other countries in banning the controversial anti-Islamic film "The Innocence of Muslims." The ban has sparked debates in the country about the effectiveness of this measure and its potential implications.
Russia: The Opposition Coordinating Council's Great Debates, Day 1.0
"What should the next Duma adopt as its first new law?" "Does Russia have any friends?" Just some of the questions thrown at the candidates for the upcoming elections of the first Coordinating Council of the Russian Opposition. Read the debate transcripts here.
Bangladesh: The Value Of Co-existence
Fundamentally, we enrich each other in this life not by merely co-existing but by seeing the value in each other’s existence. And, by helping each other grow, thrive, and prosper, we enrich ourselves.
Russia: A Schism Between Pussy Riot Member and Defense Team?
One of the imprisoned members of Pussy Riot has decided to change her lawyers and defense strategy. Her lawyers have reacted by claiming she is being pressured.
Kyrgyzstan: ‘I Am Gay and Muslim’ Banned
How is this possible that a movie title angered so many people? Kyrgyz blogger reacts [ru] to a recent court ban on the screening of “I Am Gay and Muslim,” a Dutch documentary about homosexual Muslims, at an international human rights film festival in Kyrgyzstan.
