Online Muslim forums foster tolerance and fuel vitriol
WASHINGTON (RNS) Experts say Muslim websites can help foster dialogue and understanding, but they’re also a forum for online fatwas and vitriolic discourse.
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Anti-alcohol bill leaves many Turks dispirited
ISTANBUL (RNS) Turkey is about to enact the strictest alcohol laws in the republic’s 89-year history in a move that some Turks complain is part of a creeping Islamist agenda.
Citing risk to adoptions, Missouri gov. vetoes anti-Shariah bill
(RNS) Rather than citing the usual arguments about anti-Muslim discrimination, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon said a bill to prevent foreign laws in state courtrooms would make it harder for Missouri families to adopt children from overseas.
Want to improve Muslim attitudes? Get them online
(RNS) A new Pew study says getting Muslims online can improve their views of the West, but a major problem remains: across 39 countries and territories, just 18 percent of Muslims said they used the Internet.
Lacking recognition, Italy’s Muslims face an uncertain future
ROME (RNS) In a country dominated by Roman Catholics, Muslims make up Italy’s second-largest religious group. But unlike smaller religious groups, Italian Muslims are not officially recognized by the government.
Muslims condemn savage attack on British soldier
LONDON (RNS) “They have done a cowardly, barbaric act,” said Imam Ajmal Masroor of the Islamic Society of Britain. “They have insulted God and Islam. They are low vile scum.
Poll: U.S. Muslims more moderate than Muslims worldwide
(RNS) Muslims in America are much less inclined to support suicide bombing than Muslims abroad, and are more likely to believe that people of other faiths can attain eternal life in heaven, according to a new survey.
Religious leaders push for kidnapped bishops’ release
JERUSALEM (RNS) Religious leaders are pressing for the release of two Orthodox bishops who were kidnapped outside war-torn Aleppo, Syria, saying their plight reflects the insecurity of Syria’s Christian population.
Female converts to Islam facing growing scrutiny
BOSTON (RNS) Karen Hunt-Ahmed is part of a growing sorority of female American converts to Islam, especially those who are or were married to Muslim men, who must deal with the perception that they converted to Islam because of domineering boyfriends or husbands.
Armenians cast doubt on ‘Misha’ impact on bombing suspects
WATERTOWN, Mass. (RNS) Two relatives of Tamerlan Tsarnaev say he was influenced by an Armenian convert to Islam named Misha. Armenian Americans say it is very unlikely an Armenian would become a Muslim.
