Author: mara.ahmed

China has an estimated 21 million Muslims, who have developed their own set of Islamic practices with Chinese characteristics. The biggest difference is the development of independent women’s mosques with female imams, something scholars who have researched the issue say is unique to China. Full story.

The video [below] put together by an unknown young person and set to the Everlast song, “Stone in My Hand” — is a short montage documenting the current popular protests in Kashmir Valley against the Indian occupation. The video has prompted the Indian Security Forces to “launch a manhunt” for the filmmaker, such is the state’s fear of freedom of expression. (Huma Dar, from Truth Alone Triumphs: of David, Goliath, Stones, and Speech)

Pakistani human rights and minority organizations are calling for seven days mourning after two Christian brothers were gunned down outside a courtroom in Faisalabad. The deaths led to nearly 10 hours of street clashes between police and Christian and Muslim demonstrators in Faisalabad, a city in Punjab province and the third largest city in Pakistan. Full article.

Tzvi Segal, one of three judges on the case, said: “The court is obliged to protect the public interest from sophisticated, smooth-tongued criminals who can deceive innocent victims at an unbearable price – the sanctity of their bodies and souls.” Full article.

Their [Israel’s West Bank settler movement’s] visions still fall far short of what any Palestinian advocate of a single state would consider to be just: The Israeli proposals insist on maintaining the state’s character – at least symbolically – as a “Jewish state,” exclude the Gaza Strip, and do not address the rights of Palestinian refugees. And, settlers on land often violently expropriated from Palestinians would hardly seem like obvious advocates for Palestinian human and political rights. Although the details vary, and in some cases are anathema to Palestinians, what is more revealing is that this debate is occurring openly and in the least likely circles. Full article.

fantastic!

Author and activist Isabel Allende discusses women, creativity, the definition of feminism – and, of course, passion – in this talk.

?”The implication that this is a balanced conflict, that everyone needs to just listen and understand more respectfully, ignores the brutal realities on the ground and the massive differences in military and political power. Acknowledging that is key to moving forward.” Full letter here.