An Op-ed by Zainab Al-Suwaji in the International Herald Tribune explores the controversy of religion in the 2008 American presidential race, and more specifically, suspicion that many still have concerning Democratic nominee Barack Obama, and his relationship with Muslims. Al-Suwaji suggests ways in which both Obama and Republican nominee John Mccain can reach out to…
In a referendum Swiss voters have voted by 64 percent to reject a proposal by the far-right Swiss People’s Party (SVP) that would have made it even harder for resident foreigners to gain citizenship. Only one of Switzerland’s 26 cantons backed the plan. At present, naturalisation is decided by a commission, usually at regional level….
American Muslims have tended to vote for Republican candidates, aligning themselves with traditionally conservative political values such as abortion, homosexuality, and same-sex marriage. However, in this year’s election, it seems that many American Muslims are favoring Democratic candidates. The Iraq war, religious and ethnic profiling, and foreign policy concerns are among the frustrations that many…
At the 44th annual convention of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) last September, all of the Republican and Democratic presidential hopefuls were invited to attend – not a single one accepted the invitation. Even though presidential candidates aren’t courting Muslim voters, the community will have a voice come November. Many groups, including ISNA…
In a U.S. election campaign where presidential candidates from both major parties have talked openly about their faith and reach out to America’s large Christian base of voters, some non-Christians feel left out of the dialogue. Despite the constitutional separation of church and state, religion plays a big and often decisive role in American politics….
