By Andrew Welsh-Huggins COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — After 10 years in hotel management, Khaled Bahgat grew accustomed to defusing tense situations involving out-of-control banquet hall parties. Often, he had the situation in hand by the time police showed up. One day, an officer asked, “Have you Continue Reading
Christians say defeating IS won’t make Iraq safe for them
By Balint Szlanko IRBIL, Iraq (AP) — As operations to retake the militant-held city of Mosul ramp up, Iraqi Christians displaced from the area by the Islamic State group say that even if the militants are defeated militarily, the country will not be safe for minorities. Qaraqosh, the biggest Continue Reading
Cannes bans full-body ‘burkini’ swimsuits from beaches
By Margaid Quioc CANNES, France (AP) — The French resort of Cannes has banned full-body, head-covering swimsuits from its beaches, citing security reasons — a measure some are decrying as a discriminatory anti-Muslim move that only worsens religious tensions. The ban on so-called burkinis, at Continue Reading
US Muslims hope new billboards reclaim Islam’s message
By Rasha Madkur BOSTON (AP) — Dozens of billboards with Muslim themes are sprouting nationwide, proclaiming what organizers say is the true message of Islam and its prophet, Muhammad: peace and justice, not extremism and violent jihad. The New York-based Islamic Circle of North America has Continue Reading