News and Analysis on Islam in Europe and North America
Nicolas Sarkozy has invited Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasrin to receive the prestigious Simone de Beauvoir award in Paris. The invitation comes amid reports that Indian authorities have turned down France’s proposal to honor the writer during a visit by Sarkozy to New Delhi, citing security threats. Nasrin, who fled to India from the Muslim-majority Bangladesh,
Right-wing leaders from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria and France announced plans Friday to form a pan-European party with a mission to “rescue the Western world” from Islam and other perceived threats. Leftists called the plan “completely absurd.” Organizers of the new “European Liberty Party” pledged to pull in right-wing parties from at least three other countries
As Barcelona officials assured the public that the city’s subway system is safe, the 14 recently arrested suspects are believed to have had plans to hit public transportation targets in several European cities. Authorities believe three of those arrested were prepared to carry out suicide bombings. Spanish police believe that three suspects remain on the
A project to help female immigrants in Italy deal with problems ranging from domestic violence to financial and legal problems, has been set up in conjunction go several embassies, and hailed as a success. Maria Gabrielle Carnieri Moscatelli, president of _Telefono Rosa’ (Pink Phone) said that in 2007, 156 immigrant women turned to the service,
Italian Muslims commended an endeavor by senior Senator Silvana Amati, concerning a law regulating the wearing of hijab in Italy, as Italian Muslims hold out hope that the right-wing opposition would not block the motion. Amati unveiled an initiative to draft a law regulating the wearing of the hijab in public places, and the law,