In many European countries plans to build new mosques have become a political issue. Intellectuals are taking sides and politicians are using the issue to boost their own image while citizens look sceptically at the plans of Muslim organisations to construct imposing religious buildings to demonstrate their newly found self-confidence. » more
Mosque buildings have been a part of the cityscape in West Europe for decades; in other lands such as Bulgaria, for centuries. Here are some pictures on the development of the mosque: from the makeshift factory to the resplendent cultural centre. » more
Islam in Germany pushes for state recognition. Representative mosques are certainly the wrong instrument because they rather deepen the divide between Islamic and German culture, says Necla Kelek. » more
Jörg Lau favours the idea of setting Islam on a legal par with the church. The Germans could learn from it not to mistake tolerance for disinterest. And the Muslims could learn to modernise their religion with new values. » more
Journalists report on projects to build mosques in European cities, discuss the new visibility of Islam and the dangers posed and opportunities offered by the new places of worship and religious centres. » more
Here you will find views on mosque-building in Europe and reports on planned mosques and the conflicts and discussions they have triggered in various European countries. » more
US troops started a major offensive in southern Afghanistan on Wednesday night. Around 4,000 marines are to drive the Islamist Taliban from their stronghold in Helmand in an effort to stabilise the troubled province before the Afghan presidential elections on August 20. More than 600 members of the Afghan security forces are also involved in the operation.
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