Stories about Religion from December, 2009
Egypt: Synagogue Gone … Synagone
Bloggers and online activists in Egypt are calling for saving an old synagogue, currently used as an office for the National Democratic Party - the country's ruling party. Marwa Rakha sums up reactions in this post.
Algerian Jews
Alle, at the Maghreb Politics Review, discusses Algerian Jews from a historical perspective in this post.
Algeria: The Revolution and the Jews
Houwari, at Algerian Review, writes about the Algerian Revolution and the role of the Jewish community.
Cuba: Say What?
Repeating Islands reports on the Pope's statements that “there are growing signs of religious freedom in Cuba”, while El Cafe Cubano says: “As a practicing Catholic I am troubled and...
Botswana: Christmas party at Nata village
Photos from the annual Christmas party at Nata village in Botswana: “The festivity kicked off with an early morning breakfast. Soon after breakfast the students were treated to a game...
Mauritania: On killings and kidnappings
Kal's general thoughts on the kidnappings of two Spaniards and the killing of three Mauritanians last week.
Five Americans arrested in Pakistan: Following the story
Kalsoom at Chup Pakistan provides a detailed round-up of the news of 5 Americans recently detained in Pakistan in connection with an alleged raid on militants.
Colombia: Celebration of Lights and Candles
Every year on December 7 and 8 Día de las Velitas (Day of the Candles) gathers families and enlightens the streets of Colombia announcing the arrival of Christmas.
South Korea: Religion
Ask a Korean! answers some questions about Korean people's religion belief and practice.
Egypt: When did Saudi Arabia become Switzerland's role model?
Reactions continue to flow forth from bloggers around the Middle East and North Africa regarding Switzerland's controversial ban on the construction of minarets.
Pakistan: Birth Of A Monster
“Over a span of about 30 odd years, the Pakistani military and its establishment allies in the intelligence agencies, the politicised clergy, conservative political parties and the media have, in...
Ukraine: Charity
Stories of some Ukrainian street children who have received assistance at ChildRescue's rehabilitation center – at Scenes from the Sidewalk. Stories of some adults who have received humanitarian aid from...
Serbia: More on the Late Patriarch Pavle
More on the life of the late Serbian Patriarch Pavle: Again & Again; Anegdote; Belgraded – here and here.
Uganda: Discussing the “terrible” bill
Gay Ugandan discusses Uganda's anti-gay bill: “So, if I get this terrible bill and present it to Rick Warren, and he then goes ahead to wash his hands of the...
Morocco: Celebrating Eid in the Bled
This past weekend, Moroccans celebrated Eid Al-Adha. Bloggers in rural Morocco are sharing their stories about this year's celebrations. As Internet access is sparse and often prohibitively expensive outside of cities, many of the people blogging from rural areas are Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) and are therefore positioned to give an outsiders' perspective...from the inside.
Maldives: On The Swiss Minaret Ban
Mohamed Aseel Hassan from Maldives comments on the Swiss minaret ban: “I am outraged that one of the most liberal countries in the world would vote to pass such a...
Ghana: 10 Ghanaian Christmas gifts
Wo Se Ekyir has a list of 10 Ghanaian Christmas gifts.
Arab World: Reactions to the Swiss Ban on Minarets
On Sunday, November 29, 57.5% of Swiss voters approved a ban on the construction of new minarets atop mosques, paving the way for a constitutional amendment. The ban has sparked mixed reactions throughout the Arab and Muslim blogospheres: While some bloggers are outraged, others make the point that banning minarets does not hinder practicing the faith.
