Today's religion and world affairs news from the United States and around the globe: ISIS, democracy in Myanmar, Kurds, Boko Haram, and Israel and Palestine.
AROUND THE WORLD
Militant Group in Egypt Vows Loyalty to ISIS
by David Kirkpatrick
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/11/world/middleeast/egyptian-militant-group-pledges-loyalty-to-isis.h...
On Monday, Egypt’s most dangerous militant group, Ansar Beit al-Maqdis, also pledged obedience to the organization that calls itself the Islamic State, becoming its first significant international affiliate in the bet that the link will provide new money, weapons, and recruits to battle the government in Cairo.
Mr. Obama’s Message to Myanmar
New York Times editorial
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/11/opinion/mr-obamas-message-to-myanmar.html?ref=opinion
Mr. Obama should firmly remind them that his administration still has tools to accelerate, or delay, that process. Between now and next fall, when Myanmar is scheduled to hold a general election, there is time to press forcefully for meaningful democratic reforms and an end to the persecution of the Rohingya Muslims.
The Battle for Kobane Offers a Glimpse of Kurds’ New Model Democracy
by Karthick Manoharan
Real Clear World
http://www.realclearworld.com/articles/2014/11/11/the_battle_for_kobane_offers_a_glimpse_of_kurds_ne...
Fighters in Kobane claim to be standing up for the freedom of everyone in the region, be they Kurds, Turks, Arabs, or anyone else. The way the fighters in Kobane have challenged stereotypical gender roles is just one example.
Boko Haram’s War on Nigeria’s Students
by Matt Schiavenza
Atlantic
http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2014/11/Suspected-Boko-Haram-Suicide-Bomber-Kills-5...
Since its formation in 2002, Boko Haram is responsible for the deaths of thousands across northern Nigeria. But the group—whose name translates roughly as "Western education is sinful"—has especially targeted schoolchildren. Boko Haram achieved international notoriety through its kidnapping of over 200 girls in Chibok in April, an act that sparked a high-profile campaign to obtain their release. That hasn't happened.
Israel Recognizes Some Christian Arabs as Separate ‘Aramaic’ Ethnic Group
by Maayan Lubell
Reuters
http://blogs.reuters.com/faithworld/2014/11/10/israel-recognises-some-christian-arabs-as-separate-ar...
Supporters say Israel’s agreement to allow the group to define itself as “Aramaic” is a sign of ethnic tolerance. But critics call it an attempt by the government to encourage splits within its Arab population, which largely defines itself as Palestinian and makes up about a fifth of the country’s 8.2 million citizens.
Mahmoud Abbas Accuses Israel of Religious War
by Mohammed Daraghmeh and Peter Enav
Associated Press
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/11/abbas-israel-religious-war-_n_6138812.html?utm_hp_ref=relig...
The Palestinian president on Tuesday accused Israel of provoking a "religious war" as new violence between the sides broke out in the West Bank, leaving a Palestinian man dead, amid mounting concerns that their long-running conflict is entering a new and dangerous phase.
Jerusalem, on a Knife’s Edge
by Jonathan Schanzer
Foreign Policy
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2014/11/10/jerusalem_knife_edge_palestine_attacks_unrest_stabb...
This is not the Third Intifada. At least, it probably isn't. But the persistent violence that has racked Jerusalem could certainly spark a wider popular protest movement across the Palestinian territories. Call it Jerusalem's Arab Awakening.
DOMESTIC
Washington National Cathedral Plans to Host Muslim Prayer Service
by Carol Kuruvilla
Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/11/national-cathedral-muslim-prayer_n_6136222.html?utm_hp_ref=...
This Friday, the Washington National Cathedral will be filled with the sounds of Muslim prayers. Muslims and people of other religious traditions have participated in Christian or Interfaith services at the Cathedral in the past. However, the November 14 event marks the first time American Muslims have been invited to lead their own traditional Jummah prayer inside the same sacred space that has hosted presidential funerals and other national religious services.
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