Tabsir

Of Jesus, Smith and Elvis: The Prophet Issue

Of Jesus, Smith and Elvis: The Prophet Issue

‘DANIEL M. VARISCO: It’s a shtick that gets trotted out in editorial conferences at this time of year and occasionally editors buy it. ‘So who’s the real Jesus?’

 Shelina Zahra Janmohamed

Mary: Jewish, Mother of Jesus and Now a Peacemaker

SHELINA ZAHRA JANMOHAMED: I’ve written before about ‘The Mary Initiative’ but it continues to have a powerful effect when people of different faith engage.

 Crossroads Arabia

Saudi Woman Converts: Surprise Coverage

Saudi Woman Converts: Surprise Coverage

CROSSROADS ARABIA: It’s the first time that I can recall such a story being covered by the Saudi media.

 American Bedu

‘Destroy All Churches’: Will The Edict Be Followed?

‘Destroy All Churches’: Will The Edict Be Followed?

AMERICAN BEDU: The Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia has made a startling call. What will King Abdullah do?

 Tabsir

Red Bull Ad: A ‘Mote’ or a ‘Beam’ In the Eye?

Red Bull Ad: A ‘Mote’ or a ‘Beam’ In the Eye?

DANIEL M. VARISCO: A recently published ad seems to have united both Muslims and Christians in condemnation.

 Juan Cole

Arab World Christians Shaping Own Destiny

Arab World Christians Shaping Own Destiny

JUAN COLE: The some 12 million Arab Christians (out of plus 350 million Arabs) are very much agents in their own fates. They make alliances, and sometimes switch them.

 Rob L. Wagner

Christmas in Saudi Arabia: Quietly Festive

Christmas in Saudi Arabia: Quietly Festive

ROB L. WAGNER: If you’re subtle you can enjoy a surprisingly festive Christmas in the Kingdom. Many Saudis also quietly acknowledge Christian friends’ celebration.

 Mich Cafe

Edgy Damascus: Jesuit Priest Asked to Leave Syria

Edgy Damascus: Jesuit Priest Asked to Leave Syria

MICH CAFE: A fortnight ago, Fr. Paolo posted a Christmas message on the monastery’s web site. The message did not go down well in Damascus.

 Rob L. Wagner

Firebombed Newspaper Charlie Hebdo a Victim of its Own Making

Firebombed Newspaper Charlie Hebdo a Victim of its Own Making

ROB L. WAGNER: Charlie Hebdo’s editors abuse the privilege of being journalists. Their behavior strengthens the argument anti blasphemy laws are necessary

 M.-Lynx-Qualey

Muslim-Coptic Relations: Five Books that Spell it Out

Muslim-Coptic Relations: Five Books that Spell it Out

M. LYNX-QUALEY: The pendulum between hope, denial and despair seems to be swinging ever quicker in Egypt. Literature however offers a longer view.

 Omar al-Issawi

People of the Book: Damning the Exodus of Christians

People of the Book: Damning the Exodus of Christians

OMAR AL ISSAWI: The latest round of sectarian strife in Egypt is not about sectarian confrontation. It is about ignorance.

 Jonathan Cook

Pilgrims to Jesus’ Baptism Site Welcomed by Land Mines

Pilgrims to Jesus’ Baptism Site Welcomed by Land Mines

JONATHAN COOK: Visitors to Qasr al Yahud, in the Jordan Valley, received an unusual welcome: They had to pass through a fenced-off corridor warning of landmines.

 Steve Royston

After Tunisia: Choosing the Society We Want

After Tunisia: Choosing the Society We Want

STEVE ROYSTON: It’s about building societies in which people are not afraid to think for themselves, and are free to express themselves without fear of censorship or persecution…