Stories about Religion from August, 2010
Trinidad & Tobago: Fasting
As the end of the first week of Ramadan approaches, Lifespan of a Chennette shares a bit about those all-important meals.
Bahrain: The Sorry State of Affairs of a Hidd Mosque
On Facebook, a Bahraini posts an eye-opening letter to a minister asking him to visit a mosque in Hidd, describing its sorry state of affairs. Read to the end of the letter to find out what could await those who raise their voices.
Poland: “Defenders of the Cross”
Updates on Poland's “Defenders of the Cross” story and on “how a tragedy has turned into a feacial farce” – at 20 east and the beatroot (here, here, and here).
Morocco: The Ramadan Diaries
As the month of Ramadan begins, Moroccans share thoughts, reflections...even recipes. Jillian York has the story.
Lebanon: Why do Food Prices go up in Ramadan?
Lebanese blogger Mustapha explains his theory on why food prices go up in Ramadan, blaming the “mothers” in his post.
Azerbaijan: Ramadan
From the Land of Fire, a blog by a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer working in Azerbaijan, details Ramadan in the form of a daily diary. In the first post, the blogger says that although she is not Moslem, she wanted to attempt to fast and also hope other PCVs will...
South Korea: A Pastor Facing Arrest for Visiting North Illegally
A left-inclining South Korean pastor who made an unauthorized trip to North Korea will be arrested for violating the National Security Law as soon as he returns to South, South Korea’s Joongang reported. Pastor Han is scheduled to return tomorrow from his 10 day visit to North.
Pakistan: Under-reporting of Non-Muslims
Yasser Latif Hamdani at Pak Tea House says that under-reporting of Non-Muslims is a major problem as “it only paints Pakistan as an intolerant society”.
Tunisia: When the Singer Chants “Long Live Netanyahu”
The circulation of a video showing Tunisian singer Mohsen Sherif yelling “Long live Bibi Netanyahu!” and inviting Jews to come in droves to Djerba Island for El Ghariba pilgrimage, has triggered a wave of anger and disappointment among Tunisians. In geek speak, the video circulated on Facebook has now created a buzz.
USA: Deconstructing Media Coverage of the “Ground Zero Mosque”
The building of an Islamic community center in New York City, near the site of "Ground Zero," has polarized opinions across the media spectrum. In this post, bloggers share their thoughts.
Trinidad & Tobago: Ramadan
Lifespan of a Chennette and Lily's Blog wish everyone Ramadan Mubarak!
Bangladesh: Ramadan Preparations And Inspirations
Sadiq Alam at Inspirations and Creative Thoughts writes about preparations for the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and its inspirations.
Trinidad & Tobago: Rock On
B.C. Pires profiles Trinidadian rock guitarist Damon Homer.
Egypt: Obssessed with Celebrities’ Religion
In Egypt, some people decide to like or hate celebrities based on their religion. Lebanese actress Nour, Egyptian actress Basma, radio host Osama Mounir, and many others have all been subjected to this scrutiny. Why are people so obsessed with the beliefs of celebrities?
Voices of Young African Leaders Heard at Obama's Forum
The President's Forum with Young African Leaders took place in Washington, DC from August 3-5 2010. Delegates from Sub Saharan Africa were invited to exchange ideas on development in their countries as many were celebrating their 50 years of independence.
Bahrain: Watching Yusuf Al Siddiq
bint battuta in bahrain is pleased with an Iranian historical serial – Yusuf Al-Siddiq, which tells us the story of Joseph, son of Jacob, grandson of Isaac, great-grandson of Abraham, and which is dubbed into Arabic.
El Salvador: The Beatification Cause of Archbishop Romero
From El Salvador, the bilingual blog Super Martyrio [en/es] has been maintained by Polycarpio and provides “the inside track on the beatification cause of Archbishop Romero,” who was assassinated in 1980. Many of his followers are calling on the Roman Catholic Church to make him a saint.
Pakistan: Stereotyping Hindus
The blogger at The life and times of two Indians in Pakistan blog writes about some incidents of stereotyping of Pakistani Hindus as either Indian or Kaafir (infidel) and she was overwhelmed when some Pakistanis protested this treatment.
Jamaica: New Politics?
Girl With a Purpose reports on the formation of a new political party: “…its name?: New Nation Coalition. It's based on Christian principles and promotes justice, peace and prosperity amongst Jamaicans.”
Bangladesh: Road To A Secular Nation?
Exiled journalist and blogger Saleem Samad questions in his post at E-Bangladesh “is Muslim majority Bangladesh poised to convert into a secular nation?”
Bangladesh: The Future Of Religion Based Politics
An Ordinary Citizen discusses the future of religion based politics in Bangladesh in light of the Supreme Court verdict on the fifth amendment of the constitution, which reverted the country back to the 1972 secular constitution.
