Stories about Religion from November, 2009
A Quest to Unite Religious Communities: The Charter for Compassion
In a world of fragmentation and religious division, a unique and much anticipated document will be released to the world on November 12, after months of collaborative work by diverse religious leaders and great thinkers.
USA: Fort Hood massacre puts spotlight on Muslims in Army
A shooting rampage carried out by US Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan that killed 13 and injured 31 in Fort hood, Texas has once again put Muslims in America under the spotlight - especially those serving in the army.
Taiwan: Spirit medium
Michael Turton from the View from Taiwan started from the story of a spirit medium in Taiwan and discussed the history and culture of Tang-ki worship.
Morocco: Islamic Finance Banks
we are watching you [Fr] explains why you won't see any Islamic finance banks in Morocco anytime soon.
Qatar: Anticipation mounts over England vs Brazil football friendly
All eyes are on conservative Qatar, which is bidding for the 2022 World Cup, to see how it handles the upcoming England vs. Brazil football friendly, with residents alternately excited and anxious about the influx of potentially rowdy football fans.
Saudi Arabia: The Houthis, Iran and Saudi Arabia
John Burgess at Crossroads Arabia connects the dots between the Houthis in Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Iran.
Jordan: Nidal Malik Hasan
Arab American Nidal Malik Hasan opened fire at a military base on the US, killing several people. Jordanian Hareega comments on the incident in this post.
MENA: H1N1, Vaccines and Conspiracy Theories
Many countries have introduced vaccinations to help combat the spread of H1N1, or swine flu. As the sickness toll increases, so does the buzz online.
Libya: Islamists Rising
At the Maghreb Politics Review, Alle takes a look at Libya's internal politics and the emerging role of Islamists.
Egypt: Max's thoughs on Azaan
Max Strasser, a journalist living in Cairo, wrote his thoughts on government plans to sync the call to prayer in every Cairo mosque to a radio broadcast.
Israeli and Palestinian youth use video to understand the conflict
Two different organizations in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories are using video tools to help both Arabic and Jewish youth to understand the conflict and bridge gaps between them.
Georgia: Orthodox scandal
In the most religious country of the South Caucasus where the Orthodox Church's Patriarch can even encourage a baby boom, criticizing the clergy is still somewhat taboo. Lampooning them, however, is even worse and fraught with danger.
Kenya: Nairobi Christmas Tourism Expo
Bankelele writes about Christmas Tourism Expo in Nairobi, Kenya: “The annual Christmas tourism expo (Getaway ’09 fair) fair was held at Sarit center last weekend. About 75 exhibitors were offering holiday packages for Christmas and the New Year in addition to 2010 rates.”
Trinidad & Tobago: Determining Racism
“The important thing, I think, is that if you don't want to be a racist, you need to focus on how you treat people, not on how you react to people”: Trinidadian Ian Ramjohn suggests that “in the end, it all boils down to what you're used to.”
Kenya: Bloggers discuss first Kenyan gay marriage
A Kenyan gay couple caused an outrage when they decided to be joined in a civil union, the whole nation cried “foul, that's not right.” Charles and Daniel legalized their union on October17, in London.
French Caribbean: “La Toussaint”
In the French-speaking Caribbean, celebrating "La Toussaint", All Saints' and All Souls' Days, are as much an opportunity for family reunions as the Christmas season is. Here is a review of what the blogosphere says about it this year...
