Swiss come into US sights again over Iran
by Jean-Michel Berthoud, swissinfo.ch The United States authorities have long been at odds with some Swiss banks, but could soon be turning their sights on Swiss-based commodity traders. At issue […]
For once, Richard Dawkins is lost for words
The Daily Telegraph: Which of us hasn’t groaned when the Rev Giles Fraser, former canon of St Paul’s, pops up with his Thought for the Day on Radio 4? Dr […]
“Swiss umma” project takes shape
by Simon Bradley, swissinfo.ch An initiative to create a democratically elected body representing Switzerland’s 400,000 Muslims, a so-called “Swiss umma”, is steadily gaining ground. The organisers say the parliament could […]
Christians must choose between religion and obeying law
The Daily Telegraph: Christians must choose between their religion and obeying the law, according to Trevor Phillips, the human rights watchdog. He declared that Christians who want to be exempt […]
For would-be moms, dogs are best friends
Credit:TOI on Line: LONDON: Dogs are a woman’s best friend too, particularly if she is expecting . A new study by the University of Liverpool, University of Bristol and Waltham Centre has found that dogs are an unlikely ally for pregnant women – in fact, canines can keep expecting mothers, […]
Switzerland: Joint aid cooperation package published
The cabinet has earmarked SFr11.35 billion ($12.4 billion) for international cooperation and development aid for the next four years. At a joint presentation with the foreign ministry on Wednesday, Economics […]
Greek economy spirals down as EU forces final catharsis
A Greek default and traumatic ejection from the euro moved a step closer last night after eurozone finance ministers cancelled a crucial meeting, accusing Athens of failing to flesh out […]
Internet is a powerful catalyst for jihad: Dutch security service
The internet has become a powerful catalyst for international violent jihad, according to a new report from the Dutch security service AIVD. The organisation says it expects online jihadism to become a ‘crucial factor’ in the threat to the Netherlands and to other Western countries over the next few years. In particular, […]
Germany warns Israel against Iran attack
Press TV Germany’s Defense Minister has warned Tel Aviv against any military adventurism in Iran amid the escalating anti-Iran war rhetoric by the US and the Israeli regime. Thomas de Maiziere insisted in a Saturday interview with Frankfurter Allgemeinen Sonntagszeitung that the success of such an effort against the Islamic […]
Britain being overtaken by ‘militant secularists’, says Baroness Warsi
British society is under threat from the rising tide of “militant secularisation” reminiscent of “totalitarian regimes”, a Cabinet Minister warns. In an historic visit to the Vatican, Baroness Warsi will […]
Britain Shouldn’t Aid a Lawless America
Credit: Newyorktimes: THE British government will be held in contempt of court later this week if it does not physically produce a prisoner of war whom its special forces captured in 2004 and then handed over to American soldiers. The current legal drama began in February 2004, when two Pakistani […]
Russian General: Iran’s Enemies to Decide Course Soon
Credit: Newyorktimes: MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia’s top general said on Tuesday that he expects Iran’s enemies to decide in the next few months how to deal with a nuclear programme that the United States and Israel have said they might attack. In remarks that come as Russia has been voicing […]
A Polite Bribe: A New Documentary about Saint Paul
Source: Huffington Post By: Robert Orlando The Apostle Paul was, for much of his life, an abject failure who never knew the success of his Christianizing mission. From his letters, […]
Cameron and Sarkozy to discuss help for Syrian rebels
Leaders to meet at Anglo-French summit over possible military advice to Free Syrian Army as well as separate defence deals. David Cameron and the French president Nicolas Sarkozyare to meet […]
Italy’s Mosque Wars
Source: SOEREN KERN, Right Side News. The southern Italian island of Sicily is about to become the proud new owner of a multi-million euro mega-mosque. The mosque, to be built in the medieval town of Salemi in southwestern Sicily, is being paid for by the oil-rich Persian Gulf Emirate of […]
400-year-old witchcraft trial resumes in Germany
The trial of a woman burnt at the stake 400 years ago for witchcraft resumed in Germany on Monday in an effort to clear the woman’s name. Katharina Henot suffered […]
UK: Abu Qatada due for release under strict bail conditions
Abu Qatada is to be returned to the streets of Britain under some of the most draconian bail conditions ever imposed. The extremist preacher will be banned from holding lengthy […]
Violence offers glimpse of Greece’s reform challenge
(Reuters) – Greeks swept rocks and broken glass from the streets of Athens on Monday after a night of violence that gave lawmakers a taste of the challenge they face […]
Roma travel in search of winter asylum
by Isabelle Eichenberger, swissinfo.ch The number of Serbian asylum seekers, generally Roma, has peaked in Switzerland in recent months. This “winter tourism” can be explained by the worsening quality of […]