Dutchmen in Belgian Terrorism Trial

31 March 2012 A terrorism trial in Mechelen, Belgium has commenced involving three Dutchmen of Moroccan origin. The men are accused of participating in terrorist activities, including plotting but not executing a terrorist attack. They are also alleged to have recruited Islamists to train in camps in Afghanistan and Pakistan, according to Radio Netherlands Worldwide….

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Salaamworld Social Media Platform to Target Muslim Demographic

16 March 2012   Radio Netherlands Worldwide this week profiles Salaamworld, a social media platform akin to Facebook which is to debut in June, during Ramadan. The site provides a platform for young Muslims who feel uncomfortable with the content of Facebook, as well as enabling access to a collection of Islamic e-books, products and…

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Dutch Version of Controversial Book on Early Islam Released

2 March 2012   The Fourth Beast, a book by British historian Tom Holland making controversial claims about the origins and development of Islam, has been released in a Dutch translation, though in advance of the English publication. According to an article in Radio Netherlands Worldwide the book’s potentially controversial claims include: that Islam emerged…

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Dutch Researchers Study Effectiveness of Hymenoplasty

Radio Netherlands Worldwide carries an article on surgical hymen reconstruction, following publication of research on the topic by members of Amsterdam hospitals. The article states that “in some Islamic and Hindu communities… an intact hymen is ultimate proof of pre-marital virginity”, prompting some women to undergo the surgery prior to marriage. The article notes the…

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Dutch Troops Receive Cultural Training

24 February 2012   In the midst of media attention to American troops’ burning copies of the Quran in Afghanistan, Dutch media has addressed the conduct of their own troops in the country. Radio Netherlands Worldwide reports comments by major Niels Roelen advocating training about the sensitivities between different cultures. Roelen comments that during training…

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