Monthly Archives: March 2008

Religious battles in Turkey

Turkish Christians are close to losing an unconventional but important ally. The Constitutional Court in Ankara is threatening to close the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) in the name of secularism. Many consider the party Islamist, but…

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The Pope’s Counter Narrative

The Easter Sunday baptism of Madgi Allam, an Egyptian Muslim, by Pope Benedict looks to be a symbolic push back against militant Islam of the first order. Much of the symbolism seems to be lost on the media.…

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Iraq’s civilians: the forgotten victims of war

Iraq’s civilians: the forgotten victims of war Iraqi civilians are the main victims of terrorist and sectarian attacks that bring bloodshed to the country, day in and day out. And, for many Iraqis, news of the latest US casualty toll, means little or nothing at all. “The death of 4,000 American soldiers…

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Sweden feels strain of refugees

  Iraqi refugee children attend special preparatory classes No European country has welcomed as many Iraqi refugees as Sweden. In 2007 alone, 18,599 Iraqis applied for asylum – far more than anywhere else in the EU. But the influx is placing Sweden’s towns and cities under severe strain, and has prompted a national debate on…

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Chicago Skies Spark as the Stars Come Out to Sing

A typical Saturday evening in Chicago ~ busy traffic, circling the long city blocks to find parking space, running in high heels, compromising a seat in a sold-out event as Chicago rolled out the red carpet for its stars in one big ensemble featuring singers,…

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