Hamas force male hairdressers out of hair salons

Male hairdressers in the Gaza Strip say they have been ordered by the enclave’s Hamas rulers to stop working in women’s salons or face prosecution and a large fine.

“We received an official notice from the government to go and sign a declaration according to which we agree not to continue operating on the premises,” salon owner Mohammed al-Baltagi told AFP. (more…)

Pope calls on world to keep Christians safe

Pope Benedict has asked governments to do more to ensure Christians can practice their faith without discrimination or violence.

He also called on Pakistan to repeal its anti-blasphemy laws.

Pope Benedict used his annual address to ambassadors to the Holy See to lobby for religious freedoms for Christians living in majority-Muslim countries. (more…)

Israel helps Al Qaeda recruit the next generation of radicals

Whatever the detailed context and facts of the clash, it is the killing by Israeli forces of nine activists that dominates perceptions of the incident among Muslims, for whom the Palestinian cause is dear, analysts and Muslim commentators say.

Swiss voters over minarets anger Muslims around the world

Anger was swift from more militant wings of the Muslim world in reaction to yesterday’s decision by Swiss voters to outlaw the construction of minarets. “This is the hatred of Swiss people against Muslim communities. They do not want to see a Muslim presence in their country and this intense dislike has made them intolerant,” said Maskuri Abdillah, the head of Nahdlatul Ulama, Indonesia’s biggest Muslim group. He urged Muslims not to take “revenge” for the decision. Source: Times on Line