Islamic areas

Egypt: 31-year-old Emergency Laws Lifted in some Cases

Date: January 25th, 2012 |

In a manner of speaking, military rulers have lifted the 31-year-old emergency laws that gave police far-reaching powers. The emergency powers can still be used to combat crimes committed by “thugs,” a term that the military failed to define. Rights groups and pro-democracy activists in the country have already voiced disdain for the declaration’s ambiguity. [read more]

Nigeria: Christmas Bombing Sparks Fear of Religious War

Date: December 28th, 2011 |

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The Nigerian Islamist group Boko Haram, which is suspected of having ties to al-Qaeda, has claimed a series of Christmas day bombings that left more than 30 people dead as Christian leaders warn of escalating violence and the possibility of religious war. Nigeria is divided roughly along religious lines, with the north being predominantly Muslim [read more]

Israel: Border Region with Lebanon sees Rockets, Artillery Fire

Date: November 30th, 2011 |

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Tensions are once again high along the Israeli-Lebanese border. Rockets were fired from southern Lebanon into Israel, instigating rounds of artillery shells in response from the Israelis. While the exchange was relatively small considering the history of the region, it marked the end of two years of quiet along the notoriously volatile border region. It [read more]

Israel: Temporary Ceasefire Announced

Date: August 30th, 2011 |

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Following five days of conflict, Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian group that governs the Gaza Strip, were reported to have reached a ceasefire. Tensions have risen steadily since Aug. 18 when a group of Palestinian gunmen shot dead eight Israelis in the Negev desert. Israel pursued the gunmen and also launched a series of retaliatory [read more]

Israel: Concerns over Possible West Bank Violence

Date: July 5th, 2011 |

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Israel’s military is preparing for an outbreak of violence around the West Bank over the U.N. vote in September on Palestinian recognition as a state. Israeli reservists have been mobilized—a rare step that underscores the severity of the issue. The U.S. is expected to veto any resolution granting Palestine full membership in the U.N., which [read more]

Philippines: Government says Country Safe for Tourists

Date: January 11th, 2012 |

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Despite a recent travel warning from the U.S. State Department, the Philippine government insists that the country is safe for tourists. In fact, the travel warning was released on the same day that the Philippine Department of Tourism revealed its new slogan: “It’s more fun in the Philippines.” Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said that [read more]

Bahrain: British Embassy Bombed in Recent Display of Disdain for Western Backed Sunni Dynasty

Date: December 10th, 2011 |

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The British Embassy in Bahrain was the target of a small bomb explosion, prompting the Bahraini government to provide additional security to foreign embassies in the country. Earlier this year, Bahrain was swept by a wave of unrest, and the latest bomb attack confirms that tensions remain. Between February and March of this year, the [read more]

Mali: Travel Warning in North of Country

Date: October 8th, 2011 |

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The U.S. State Department is warning citizens about traveling to the small African nation, particularly in the northern parts of the country, because of kidnapping threats made against Westerners. Al-Qaida in the Maghreb, a region in northwest Africa spanning many countries, has stated its intent to attack Western targets. This, coupled with a recent military [read more]

Russia: North Caucasus still a Concern

Date: July 25th, 2011 |

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Four policemen were killed and nine others were wounded during two separate blasts in Russia’s North Caucasus July 18. One bomb went off in Chechnya and the other in Dagestan. For years, Russia has been battling Islamist separatist groups in the North Caucasus, with Dagestan bearing much of the brunt of the fighting. Federal Security [read more]

Islamic World

Date: September 26th, 2006 |

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The Muslim holy month of Ramadan runs until Oct. 24. Muslims fast during daylight hours and non-Muslims should not eat, drink or smoke in their presence. In many Islamic countries groceries are sold during the day but restaurants are closed. Restaurants in hotels catering to Westerners, however, usually re [read more]

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