Effort seeks to show young Muslims of France another side of US
May 28, 2008 The Boston Globe
US State Department-sponsored visits to the United States for French Muslims are helping to transform some hostile international perceptions. According to one of the participants, Mohamed Hamidi, this effort constitutes more than just “clumsy lobbying;” it is an attempt to find shared interest between American and French elites. Read more on the US initiative to find common ground with minorities abroad.
Why Qatar is emerging as Middle East peacemaker
May 23, 2008 The Christian Science Monitor
Nicholas Blanford, a correspondent for TIME and the Christian Science Monitor in Beirut since the beginning of hostilities between Israel and Hizballah, reports on Qatar’s unique role in bridging rival factions in Lebanon. Qatar, as a mediator “trying to find accommodation between players previously considered as either good or evil,” has been able to broker a deal in Lebanon in which Hizballah’s General Suleiman will be inaugurated as president, while the opposition party retains veto power. Read about Qatar’s efforts to create shared paths to peace in the Middle East.
As Tadic seeks coalition, new hope for Serbia
May 15, 2008 The Christian Science Monitor
Serbia’s May election, which brought to power a democratic, pro-Europe party, defies the country’s stereotype as “fatalistic victims unwilling to let go of ancient myths,” write Robert Marquand and Andrew Wander. This watershed event not only prevents an ultranationalist victory in the “heart of the Balkans,” but also may create an atmosphere in which ethnic violence and military action against Kosovo are unacceptable. Take a look at how Serbia’s surprising election is transforming the old, ethnic “policies of aggression.”
China and envoys of the Dalai Lama hold talks about Tibet
May 6, 2008 The Christian Science Monitor
In an attempt to ease tensions after anti-government riots in Tibet in March, Chinese officials and envoys of the Dalai Lama held talks on Sunday, May 5, 2008, in the city of Shenzhen, near Hong Kong. A day after the first talks in a year, both sides have reportedly agreed to hold further meetings. Please read more about this
The only way to alter China’s hand in Darfur
April 30, 2008 The Christian Science Monitor
In this article, Mark Lange argues that “Beijing’s support for Sudan’s Khartoum government won’t be blunted by Western pressure and the West must constructively enlist China.” He clearly says that attempts to gain cooperation through humiliation won’t deliver results and only through positively addressing China’s economic self-interest, and its desperate need for energy, will the West find the humanitarian solution it seeks in Darfur crisis. Learn more about his opinion
How inclusive is the National Day of Prayer?
April 30, 2008 The Christian Science Monitor
On Thursday, several million Americans will gather in special observances across the country to mark the National Day of Prayer, first inaugurated by Congress in 1952. This year, however, voices are being raised to challenge the religiously exclusive nature of the task-force effort, which is coordinated by conservative Christians who have encouraged government leaders’ involvement in their events but rejected direct participation by other faith leaders. Other religious groups increasingly initiate what they call, “inclusive prayer day”. Read more about this.
