In the News, April 7, 2015

April 7, 2015

Today's religion and world affairs news from the United States and around the globe: Islamic reforms in Austria, democracy in Nigeria, and being Muslim in America. 
BERKLEY CENTER IN THE NEWS
The Model for a Peaceful West Where a Muslim Can Be at Home
by Drew Christiansen and Ra’fat Aldajani
National Catholic Reporter
http://ncronline.org/blogs/ncr-today/model-peaceful-west-where-muslim-can-be-home
This transformation from a minority migrant to a full citizen of a nation who also happens to be Muslim is the critical step needed for Muslim citizens of the West to take. Muslims need not and should not sacrifice their identity as Muslims to simultaneously fully enjoy all the benefits and exercise the responsibilities citizenship offers. 

AROUND THE WORLD
Rwanda Revisited
by Colum Lynch
Foreign Policy
http://foreignpolicy.com/2015/04/05/rwanda-revisited-genocide-united-states-state-department/
Former president Clinton said he never knew the extent of suffering during Rwanda’s genocide. But America’s diplomats on the ground knew exactly what was happening—and they told Washington. 

Austria’s Islamic Reforms
by Soeren Kern
New York Times op-ed
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/08/opinion/austrias-islamic-reforms.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
The new legislation, though controversial, is a significant achievement. In promoting a moderate, homegrown Islam compatible with democratic values, Austria has taken a positive step to combat extremism while protecting religious liberties. 

How Nigeria Won Its First Democratic Power Transfer
Economist
http://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2015/04/economist-explains-2
Goodluck Jonathan, whose People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has been in charge since the end of military rule in 1999, accepted his loss with grace. He will step down in May, leaving his long-time political foe in charge of Africa’s biggest economy and its most populous nation. How did this democracy come of age? 

In Easter Address, Pope Condemns Violence Against Christians
by Scott Neuman
NPR
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2015/04/05/397624826/in-easter-address-pope-condemns-violence-against-christians
Pope Francis, in his annual Urbi et Orbi ("To the City [Rome] and to the World") Easter address at St. Peter's Basilica, praised the framework agreement on Iran's nuclear program and expressed concern about bloodshed in Africa and the Middle East.  

DOMESTIC
Being Muslim in America
by Alexandra Svokos
Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/07/muslim-college-students_n_6864910.html
Huffington Post asked students to tell us their stories about being practicing Muslims, in the hopes of dispelling some of the misconceptions about the religion. Each of these stories is presented as the student or students told it. The series features personal essays, transcribed conversations, and a video blog.

Community Takes Passover Tradition Back to Desert Wilderness

by Judy Silber
NPR
http://www.npr.org/2015/04/05/393442572/community-takes-passover-tradition-back-to-the-desert-wilderness
It's Passover and as is traditional, many Jews are eating matzo for the week. But in Southern California, a group called Wilderness Torah is not only reflecting on the Passover story but going into the desert to relive part of it.
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