Latest update: 16/10/2012 

- Arab world - Arabs - Internet - Islam - Islamism - Maghreb - salafism - secularism - Tunisia


Tunisian Islamist leader urges Salafists to oust liberals

Statements made by the head of Tunisia’s Islamist Ennahda party have worried secular-minded citizens in the north African country. An online video shows Rached Ghannouchi calling on young Salafists to drive liberals from the country’s top jobs. Ghannouchi said the comments were taken out of context, and dated back to a meeting with Salafist youths held in February.

Electoral law reform could see religion deciding results
18/03/2013 - LEBANON

Electoral law reform could see religion deciding results

Lebanese parliamentary elections should take place this June. With tensions running high in the region, not least with the ongoing situation in neighbouring Syria, the balance of power in Lebanon is in the spotlight. A proposed electoral law has attracted controversy, as it calls for citizens to vote for the candidate who belongs to their own sect. Critics say it threatens the fragile equilibrium that has existed between the country's various sects for years.
Obama warns Iran is approaching nuclear capability
15/03/2013 - IRAN - USA

Obama warns Iran is approaching nuclear capability

US President Barack Obama has warned that Iran could have a nuclear weapon in around a year's time. Speaking to Israeli television just a few days before his first visit to the Jewish state, Obama reiterated that Washington wants to continue down the diplomatic route for the time being, even though Israel is pushing for a pre-emptive strike. However, the US president did acknowledge that all possibilities remain on the table.
The Disunited Kingdom: does the UK really want to quit Europe?
15/03/2013 - UNITED KINGDOM

The Disunited Kingdom: does the UK really want to quit Europe?

Britain's debate on whether to stay in the EU is being driven by "corrosive English nationalism". Not the words of a Brussels spokesman, but a senior politician in charge of Wales. The call for a referendum on the UK's future in Europe is already causing a divide, with many in Scotland and Wales concerned that leaving the EU could cause untold damage to their economies. So, with Wales playing England on the rugby pitch this weekend, can they make their voices heard by their far larger neighbour?
Khmer Rouge's Ieng Sary dies while on trial
14/03/2013 - CAMBODIA

Khmer Rouge's Ieng Sary dies while on trial

The Khmer Rouge's number 3, Ieng Sary, has died. He was on trial along with Nuon Cheak and Khieu Samphan for genocide. The regime was responsible for millions of deaths in Cambodia from 1975-1979 but few of its leaders and senior figures have been brought to justice. The UN-backed Khmer Rouge Tribunal was launched in 2006 and so far has only convicted one defendant. Other cases are taking so long that the accused are dying of old age before their trial comes to an end.
How to get justice done in China
14/03/2013 - CHINA

How to get justice done in China

They're a prolonged headache for the Chinese authorities: petitioners. Simple citizens come to Beijing's Petition Office to lodge complaints over grievances such as land-grabbing, destruction or property and persecution. They come here to bypass local governments who don't - or won't - listen. With the new session of Parliament opening, the government has promised to improve the situation for petitioners and the way they're treated, though the complainants say they're yet to see any change.

React to the article
Comment this article typing your message in the above text zone. Please note that this is limited to 1500 characters or less.
(0) Reactions
Read more
Close