Switzerland: "Minarets ban betrays the fear of Islam"

In today’s international press review, we look at what the Swiss newspapers say about the ban on minarets.

IN THE PAPERS

By Aurore Cloe DUPUIS

La Tribune de Genève seems strongly against Switzerland’s decision to ban the construction of new minarets in the country.

The paper says “it’s shocking” that almost 60% of voters approved the ban. “In just a few hours, Swiss politics have radicalized”, according to the article.

Meanwhile, The Jerusalem Post says the Israeli Government is likely to free 980 Palestinian inmates, in exchange for Gilad Schalit.

The newspaper says many Israelis are unhappy about the deal. They want the State to reveal the identity of these prisoners.

In other news, the Independent reports about Barack Obama’s new strategy in Afghanistan. The US President is expected to announce the deployment of more troops on Tuesday.

The British newspaper interviewed a Commander who says that the public’s pessimism demoralizes British soldiers.

And finally in Uganda, MPs are considering making homosexuality illegal.

26/04/2010 - INTERNATIONAL PRESS REVIEW

"Dark forces are at work” in British Foreign Office, says Vatican official

A leaked Foreign Office memo suggesting that Pope Benedict might “launch his own brand of condoms” during a September visit to the UK has been slammed as “vile” by the Government. While publicly accepting Britain’s apology, Vatican sources are privately outraged, says the Daily Mail. MONDAY, 26th APRIL, 2010

26/04/2010 - FRENCH PRESS REVIEW

Who is Mr. Hebbadj?

Since the weekend, the French press has focused on this man whose wife was stopped by police last week for driving while wearing a full Muslim veil. It later emerged that he may have multiple wives. The Immigration Minister Brice Hortefeux says if its true, he should be stripped of his nationality. MONDAY, 26th APRIL 2010