Stories about Religion from March, 2009
Azerbaijan: Novruz
Prohibited but celebrated discreetly during its years as a Soviet republic, Novruz is now one of the most anticipated holidays to be openly marked in Azerbaijan. Local and expat bloggers comment on the festival.
Sri Lanka: Where Are The Moderate Muslims?
Nazeeya Faarooq at Groundviews asks whether the moderate Muslims are becoming an endangered species.
Ukraine: Adelaja Charged With Fraud
Ukrainian Policy Daily writes about fraud charges filed against the Embassy of God pastor Sunday Adelaja in Kyiv.
Long awaited victory for Baha'is in Egypt
After many years of being denied the right to legal documentation, Egypt's Supreme Administrative Court removed any grounds for preventing Baha'is from receiving proper official identity documents.
Morocco: Cutting Ties With Iran
Early last week, it was reported that Rabat had chosen to sever its ties with Tehran, after a diplomatic spat between Bahrain and Iran over a statement by an Iranian official questioning Bahrain's sovereignty. Additionally, Morocco expressed resentment at Iran's alleged attempts to influence Moroccans in Europe toward Shi'a Islam.
The Pope in Cameroon (2): Of Clerics, Corruption and Politics
The visit of the head of the Roman Catholic Church to Cameroon this March 2009 has ignited some Cameroonian bloggers to point the search lights on the political effects (if any) of a Papal visit to country like this.
Pakistan: Sari Makes A Comeback To Fashion
The trademark dress of the women in the Indian Subcontinent is called Sari. During the 80s it started disappearing in Pakistan after it was declared un-Islamic by then president Zia-ul-Haq . Pak Tea House reports that Saris are making a comeback in Pakistani fashion.
Maldives: Dissident And Anti-Islamic Sites Blocked
Several dissident and alleged anti-Islamic websites were filtered recently in Maldives. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs ordered the Telecommunication Authority of Maldives (TAM) to block access to those websites. Maldives Dissent informs: A week after President Anni announced his intention of turning the Maldives into a sanctuary for oppressed writers,...
Jamaica, U.S.A.: Eye of God
“The folks at AIG are proceeding as if it’s business as usual, paying out, and accepting, large bonuses, and that from public monies…how is it that some people…can’t grasp that we are…between the Devil and the deep blue sea?”: Jamaican blogger Pamela Mordecai says that the Eye of God image...
Trinidad & Tobago: Phagwa Pics
Nicholas Laughlin's blog etc. posts a flickr photoset of Trinidad and Tobago's 2009 Phagwa celebrations.
The Pope in Cameroon (1): Yaoundé Clean Up Controversy
Pope Benedict XVI is visiting Cameroon from 17 to 20 March 2009. This has led the government to take some radical clean-up measures, which have caused a lot of controversy in the Cameroonian blogosphere.
Ukraine, U.S.: Aid to Chernobyl-Affected Area Hospital
MoldovAnn writes about ongoing attempts to help a Ukrainian hospital in the Chernobyl-affected area to receive a humanitarian aid donation from a U.S. NGO.
Egypt: New Fatwa on Divorce
The Middle East Blog reports on the latest fatwa (religious edict) from Egypt saying: “According to an Egyptian Sheikh, neighbours now have have the right to demand the divorce of a couple if they believe them to have irreconcilable differences.”
Egypt: New Fatwa on Divorce
The Middle East Blog reports on the latest fatwa (religious edict) from Egypt saying: “According to an Egyptian Sheikh, neighbours now have have the right to demand the divorce of a couple if they believe them to have irreconcilable differences.”
Saudi Arabia: Forty Lashes for a 75-year-old Woman for ‘Mingling’ with Men
A 75-year-old Syrian woman was sentenced to 40 lashes, four months imprisonment and deportation from Saudi Arabia, for having two unrelated men in her house. The two men were also charged with ‘mingling' with an unrelated woman and sentenced to prison and lashes, sparking criticism for the country's judiciary and the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice. Saudi Arabia's bloggers speak up.
Lebanon: “Help” censored
“HELP!” is a new Lebanese film addressing sex, prostitution, drugs and homelessness. Mazen posts about the the Censorship Department in the General Security withdrqwing its permission for the planned screening of the movie during February 2009.
Iran: In Defence of the Bahá'í Minority
The Bahá'í minority in Iran has long been under pressure, and it seems the situation has become worse. Iranian authorities recently accused seven leaders of the Bahá'í faith of espionage. The Bahá'í themselves say they are being persecuted because of their religion.
Serbia: Anti-Discrimination Law Controversy
Belgraded writes about a proposed new anti-discrimination law: “In short, The Churches don’t like two articles – one concerns person’s right to change religion. This is the same reason we can’t keep our mobile phone number if we switch to a different mobile carrier here in Serbia. Both the Churches...
Arab World: Culture, Culture Everywhere
Across the Gulf various cultural festivals and literary events have been taking place in recent weeks, and in this post we hear from some of the region's bloggers who have attended them. However culture is not a politics-free zone; even a book fair or a cultural festival can be a source of tension...
Brazil: On the Vatican's condemnation of raped-child's abortion
A 9-year-old girl several times raped and made pregnant by her stepfather was guaranteed the right to have an abortion legally in Brazil. After the operation, the Roman Catholic Church excommunicated the mother, the doctor and the whole medical team responsible for the operation. This has sparkled a great debate in Brazil: What is the Church's role in society?
Puerto Rico: Limited Thinking
Is Puerto Rico poor? Gil the Jenius has his say.
