News and Analysis (9/28/08)

With the Olympics over and the spotlight gone, China prohibits teachers and students from fasting:

• China’s Muslims Say Ramadan a Time of Repression (Associated Press)

“Use your brain, respected sir,” says Bahraini Shi’a Ahmed Noaimi of Qaradawi’s divisive accusations of heresy against the Shi`a:

• Egyptian Sheik’s Outburst Against Shiites Roils Mideast (LA Times)

Syrians blame Saturday’s bombing al-Qaeda offshoot:

• Syria Says ‘Terrorists’ Coming from Outside Border (Associated Press)

The “first woman to enroll in the Kandahar police force after the 2001 ouster of the Taliban” internationally profiled for “investigating crimes against women and children” is assassinated:

• Taliban Kill Afghanistan’s Most High-Profile Policewoman (AFP)

Henry Paulsen has company, as Pakistan may default “on its debts after its foreign reserves dropped to just $3bn:”

• Pakistan Facing Financial Crisis (Al-Jazeera)

A move towards pious community action is seen in U.S. and Saudi:

• Changing Ramadan Rituals: American Muslims Shifting Focus From Food to Community (Washington Post)
• Young Saudis Reinvent Ramadan: Holy Month Devoted to Self-Sacrifice Instead of Self-Absorption (Washington Post)

Christians demand preservation of quotas in parliament:

• Iraq PM Seeks Safeguards for Christians (Reuters)

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