Latest update: 07/04/2011 

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Jerusalem's 'new Wailing Wall' causes tensions in the Old City

Israel has widened worshippers' access to a revered Jewish site in the heart of the Jerusalem Old City's Muslim Quarter. The move threatens to inflame tensions at one of the world's most contested religious sites. The small courtyard lies less than 100m from the Wailing Wall, one of Judaism's most sacred places; but its proximity to the Al Aqsa mosque, the third holiest site in Islam, makes the site sensitive to both religions.

By Gallagher Fenwick
Britons weigh up the Iron Lady's legacy
17/04/2013 - UNITED KINDGOM

Britons weigh up the Iron Lady's legacy

Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher continues to divide opinion even after her death. Although she was adored in eastern Europe for helping to bring down Communism, and in the US for her support for President Reagan, back home no politician has polarised opinion as much as the Iron Lady. We travelled from the north to the south of England to find out what people really think of the woman dubbed "the greatest British Prime Minister since Churchill".
Tug of war over Venezuelan election majority
16/04/2013 - VENEZUELA

Tug of war over Venezuelan election majority

At least 7 people have died in clashes in Venezuela. Fighting broke out across the country after late leader Hugo Chavez's anointed heir was declared winner of the presidential election. Nicolas Maduro claimed victory with 50.8% of the vote, a tiny margin ahead of his rival Henrique Capriles. The opposition leader has refused to concede defeat, saying that the results are so close that Maduro does not have a majority.
UK welfare cuts come into effect
16/04/2013 - UNITED KINGDOM

UK welfare cuts come into effect

Since the beginning of April, the UK has put the accelerator on the government's austerity plans. So far, five different social service reforms have been implemented, nearly all at the same time, and the opposition is voicing its disapproval. A week after Margaret Thatcher passed away, many are drawing comparisons between the two conservative leaders.
French ministers ordered to publicly declare private assets
15/04/2013 - FRANCE

French ministers ordered to publicly declare private assets

The first public list of French government ministers' private assets was revealed on Monday. Senior politicians now have to declare what they own, including property, vehicles, shares and other valuables. It comes as President François Hollande tries to reverse his falling popularity and regain voter confidence, after his budget minister Jérôme Cahuzac was forced to admit that he'd lied about having offshore bank accounts.
Religious violence threatens democratic transition in Burma
15/04/2013 - FOCUS

Religious violence threatens democratic transition in Burma

It was long a hermit state cut off from the rest of the world by military junta that controlled its people. Now Burma is opening up to democracy and it has been welcomed into the international community. But inter-ethnic tensions within are threatening the peace and security of thousands. Violence between ethnic Muslim and Buddhist communities has seen many killed and forced thousands to flee their homes.

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What Bullying?

I didn't see anyone bullying anybody else in this report. I only saw about 20 people coming in one afternoon per week for a couple of hours to pray. What's the big deal?

You know Muslims, Christians, Baha'is, etc can now all practice their religions in Israel--now that the Jews are in charge. It was never that way when the Muslims had control.

freedom of worship by bullying

I'd like to see the Palestinians going into Jewish courtyards and saying their prayers. What are the chances of them having the same freedom to incite?

So opening up an area for freedom of worship is "controversial"?

The scaffolding there never actually held anyhting up, I have seen it myself, there was a small gap between it and the building below.

Freedom of Worship is an important value in Israeli Society, for Jews and for Muslims and it is fantastic that where Muslims are praying a few feet away, so too Jews can pray at this holy site.

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