Editor’s Note: This article is the second of two that look at the attitudes of young Muslims toward Islam. The first looks at young American Muslims. CAIRO — When I arrived in her stylish office in the Al-Risala building here, I had expected Naira El-Sheikh, the young marketing director for the Middle East’s hottest new Islamic satellite television station, might be wearing a veil. After all, since its launch earlier this year, Al-Risala — “The Message” in Arabic — has drawn notoriety for its progressive staff of on-camera and behind-the-scenes go-getters who aren’t afraid to show their Muslim colors. What [...]
Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams is to travel to Israel on a self-styled “peace mission” on Tuesday at the invitation of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyam. Adams’ itinerary includes meetings with the Palestinian Legislative Council and its ruling group Hamas — a move that has angered a White House determined to isolate a group it designates as terrorists. However, it is not yet clear whether Adams will even be allowed through security at Tel Aviv airport. President Bush’s special envoy to Northern Ireland is reported to be “livid” about the proposed visit. It may also threaten [...]
It was no more than coincidence that former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami arrived in the United States Friday, one day after the U.N.-imposed deadline on his country to halt its uranium enrichment program, according to U.S. officials. The United States granted Khatami an entry visa despite rising tension between Washington and Tehran over what the Bush administration considers Iranian efforts to develop nuclear weapons because — a State Department spokesman said Thursday — there is “no political substance to his visit.” But observers said it was possible to read too little into the former president’s trip as well as too [...]
