Stories about Religion from February, 2014
Jamaican Dancehall Artiste Deported from Dominica
The Dominican government has refused to allow a controversial Jamaican dancehall artist to enter the country on the grounds that he is a security threat. Netizens sound off on Twitter.
10 Reasons Why I Do Not Want Shariah In Pakistan
One of the Taliban negotiators pulled out during a recent talk with the Pakistan government demanding that the agenda includes the strict imposition of Sharia law. Pakistani Blogger and Journalist Beena Sarwar highlights a protest note posted in Facebook titled '10 reasons why I do not want Shariah in Pakistan’...
Al Qaeda Calls for Jihad in Bangladesh
"The Zawahiri message [...] is a stark reminder that we have an enemy at the gate, and only together we can defeat it.
Myanmar's Last Remaining Synagogue
Built 120 years ago, the Musmeah Yeshua synagogue in Yangon is the last remaining Jewish synagogue in Buddhist-dominated Myanmar. Aside from being a tourist attraction, it is also listed as an archaeological heritage building in the city.
Kyrgyz MPs Explain Themselves Over a Prayer Room in Parliament
The recent opening of an Islamic prayer room in the Kyrgyz parliament has triggered a heated online debate about the boundaries between the state and religion in the Central Asian country. Responding to criticisms, MPs designed and circulated among journalists and bloggers a six-page document suggesting that prayer houses in...
Tunisia: Jailed Facebook User Pardoned, Release Unconfirmed
Jabeur Mejri jailed for posting prophet Muhammad cartoons was pardoned, the president's office announced Wednesday [Feb 19, 2014].
“Bring All the Culprits of Ethnic Cleansing to Justice” Says a CAR Citizen of Muslim and Christian Descent
Here is Moussa Tanko–Tchaibou's take on the ethnic cleansing that is underway in his country, the Central African Republic and what should be done to stop it [fr]: Je suis centrafricain de confession musulmane avec cette particularité illustrative de la cohésion sociale, celle d’avoir un père de confession musulmane et une...
Trinidad Lecture Ignites Fiery Discussion on Gay Rights & Religious Freedom
A public lecture on gay rights, following a Catholic priest's suggestion that LGBT rights should be included in the Trinidad and Tobago constitution, has generated heated discussion on social media.
On the 11 Wives of Convicted Zimbabwean Preacher
Following the conviction of End Time Message church leader Martin Gumbura on multiple charges of rape, Sibusisiwe Bhebhe asks whether his 11 wives are victims, villains or victors: In past weeks, Zimbabwean gossip – from the mainstream media to social media to bars and public transport – has been dominated...
Tourists Killed in Terrorist Attack in Sinai, Egypt
A bomb blast ripped through a bus carrying 30 tourists in Sinai, Egypt, today, killing at least two South Korean tourists and the Egyptian bus driver.
Despite Bans, Central Asians Observe Valentine's Day
Looking at how people in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan observed Valentine's Day.
Crowdfunding Campaign to Restore Lebanon's Second Largest Library a Success
Sectarianism aside, 298 donors from all sects raised $35,000 online to help restore a Tripoli library burned down by Islamic fundamentalists in Lebanon.
“Celebrating Valentine's Day Is a Direct Way to Hell” in Tajikistan
Popular among younger people in cities, Valentine's Day struggles to gain broader acceptance in Tajikistan.
A Love Story With No Kissing? That's Cinema in Iran
Whether for romance or just a hug between family members, male and female characters in Iranian movies are not permitted to touch.
Iran: Five Soldiers Abducted near Iran-Pakistan Border
Five Iranian soldiers were kidnapped on Friday, near Iran-Pakistan border by Sunni extremists. Iranians launched a tweet campaign to support abducted soldiers.Amin Sabeti tweeted Iranians have started a @Twitter campaign for 5 Iranian soldiers who are abducted by a terrorist group Jaish al-ado #FreeIranianSoldiers — Amin Sabeti (@AminSabeti) February 9,...
A Riot Within Pussy Riot?
"Since we are now on opposite sides of the barricades with Nadya and Masha, separate us. Remember, we are no longer Nadya and Masha, they are no longer Pussy Riot."
A Call for More Religious Tolerance in Mauritania
Mohamed Cheikh Ould Mohamed, a 28 year old blacksmith in Nouadhibou (a town 465 km north of Nouakchott, Mauritania), was charged with apostasy by the penal court for questionning on online forum some of the decisions of the Prophet Muhammad regarding Djihad. Following the charges, Professor Mustapha Ely, author of a dozen books and an international...
Pakistani Journalists on Taliban Hit-List
The Taliban have issued a fatwa against some Pakistani media houses and prepared a hit list with the names of two dozen journalists and publishers.
Blog Carnival Shows the Caribbean Some Love
Netizens from all over the Caribbean took part in a month-long blog carnival called e-Mas: "To the Caribbean, With Love", hosted by the online feminist collective CODE RED.
Saudi King Outlaws Religious Groups
The Saudi monarch outlawed Saudis from fighting in other countries and belonging to religious and extremist groups. Netizens react to the new royal decree.
Taliban Play Trump with Peace Talks in Pakistan
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said regardless of the recent deadly attacks by the Taliban, Pakistan hopes that its talks-first approach will help end the violence in the country.