2009 NOVEMBER
Nov. 12, 2009

Connections Between Radical Cleric, Hasan Closely Examined
Since the shootings at Fort Hood, authorities have focused not only on the accused gunman, Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, but also on Anwar Al-Awlaki, a Muslim cleric Hasan knew. Margaret Warner reports.

  

Nov. 11, 2009

Exclusive | Ray Suarez: My Post-9/11 Interview With Anwar al-Awlaki
Editor's note: After the shooting at Fort Hood, suspected gunman Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan's relationship with Imam Anwar al-Awlaki-- believed to now be in Yemen -- has been the focus of much attention. Ray Suarez recalls a 2001 interview with him.

Nov. 4, 2009

Maine Gay Marriage Repeal Draws Mixed Reaction
Voters in Maine on Tuesday dealt another defeat to gay-rights advocates after voting to repeal a new state law allowing same-sex marriage.

OCTOBER
Oct. 22, 2009

Indonesia Remains Secular Despite Islamic Revival
Despite a resurgence of Islam in the predominately Muslim country, Indonesia has remained politically secular. Fred de Sam Lazaro reports.

  

Oct. 12, 2009

6 Uighurs Sentenced to Death Over Xinjiang Riots
A Chinese court sentenced six Uighur men to death and a seventh to life in prison on Monday for murder and other violent crimes committed this summer during ethnic rioting in Xinjiang, China's western region.

Oct. 9, 2009

Leaders React to Obama's Nobel Peace Prize
Friday's surprise announcement that President Barack Obama would be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize drew both praise from backers of the president and criticism from some of his harshest critics.

Oct. 7, 2009

Supreme Court to Hear Case Concerning Cross on Public Land
A long-running legal battle over a 75-year-old cross on public land in California culminates today in oral arguments before the Supreme Court, in what legal analysts say could be an important case on the separation of church and state.

Oct. 5, 2009

New Court Term Puts Spotlight on Gun Rights, Free Speech, Business
The Supreme Court opened a new term on Monday with a docket full of cases concerning corporations, compensation, and the financial markets. Marcia Coyle of the National Law Journal previews the term with Gwen Ifill.

  

SEPTEMBER
Sept. 22, 2009

Obama Urges Abbas, Netanyahu to Advance Talks
Undertaking a foreign policy challenge that that has vexed world leaders for years, President Barack Obama pressed Israeli and Palestinians leaders Tuesday to do more to reach an elusive Mideast peace deal.

Sept. 11, 2009

Call to Service Resonates in Muslim Community
When President Barack Obama called on the nation to serve in remembrance of the 2001 terrorist attacks, many Muslim-Americans were mobilized to act and some have managed to shape new roles in their communities as a result.

AUGUST
Aug. 21, 2009

Controversial Afghan Law Leaves Shiite Women's Rights in Question
Afghan President Hamid Karzai faces continued international and domestic pressure to further overhaul a controversial law affecting Shiite women that critics say he passed to secure votes from conservatives in this week's election.

Aug. 17, 2009

Truck Bomb Kills at Least 20 in Russian Province
An explosives-laden truck driven by a suicide bomber detonated at a police station Monday morning in Russia's North Caucasus, killing at least 20 people and injuring more than 100 others, officials said.

JULY
July 29, 2009

Gates: U.S. Could Quicken Iraq Troop Withdrawal
The U.S. military could accelerate its withdrawal from the Iraq war thanks to a sustained drop in violence, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Wednesday after talks with his top commanders.

July 27, 2009

Elections Mark Possible Turning Point for Kurds
Over the weekend, Kurds across the three northern regions of Iraq went to the polls to elect new leaders. The two parties that have controlled the autonomous region for 20 years faced a powerful challenge from a new opposition party.

July 7, 2009

China Imposes Curfew to Fight Ethnic Unrest
The Chinese government declared a curfew Tuesday in northwestern China to combat the continued ethnic violence erupting between Han Chinese and Muslim Uighurs.

JUNE
June 19, 2009

Iran's Supreme Leader Sides With Ahmadinejad in Disputed Election
Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Friday defended President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as the rightful winner in the country's June 12 elections and disputed any possibility that the vote was rigged, as other candidates have contended.

June 5, 2009

Full Extent of Nazi Prison Camp System Still Emerging
Scholars are still discovering the full scale of the Nazi prison camp system during WWII as President Obama visited remembrances and anniversary celebrations in Europe this week. Ray Suarez reports.

  

June 4, 2009

Obama's Speech Could Mark Shift in U.S.-Muslim Relations
As reaction to President Obama's address in Cairo continues to filter in, analysts consider what the lasting effect Thursday's speech may have on U.S. policy and global attitudes.

  

June 4, 2009

Obama's Cairo Speech Elicits Varying Reactions From American Muslims
Many American Muslims watched Thursday's address by President Obama with keen interest, seeing it as both a major moment for U.S. policy as well as a call for Muslims to reflect on their beliefs and the governments of the Middle East.

  

June 4, 2009

Obama Urges Cooperation With Muslim World
In a sweeping speech in Cairo, President Obama called for stronger U.S.-Muslim alliances, urging each to put suspicions aside and unite to combat violent extremism.

  

June 4, 2009

Reaction to President Obama's Cairo Speech
A roundup of reaction from officials and citizens across the Middle East and elsewhere to President Barack Obama's speech to the Muslim world in Cairo Thursday.

June 1, 2009

Abortion Doctor's Murder Puts Debate Into Sharper Focus
The murder of prominent Kansas abortion doctor George Tiller has raised new questions on where things stand among groups on both sides of the abortion debate. Kevin Eckstrom, editor of Religion News Service, examines the impact of Tiller's death on the abortion issue.

  

MAY
May 27, 2009

In Nigeria, Christianity and Islam Combine
Fred de Sam Lazaro reports on the blending of Christianity and Islam in Lagos, Nigeria, as an avenue to rediscovering the West African tradition of interfaith tolerance.

  

May 15, 2009

In India, School Principal Works to Changes Lives of the Poor
Sister Cyril Mooney, principal of the Loreto Day School in Kolkata, India, is working to provide poor children a place to learn by day and a safe haven at night. Fred de Sam Lazaro reports.

  

May 11, 2009

Benedict Visits Middle East in Closely-watched Pilgrimage
Pope Benedict XVI launched the second leg of a closely-watched trip to the Middle East Monday with a visit to Israel's Holocaust memorial where he said victims of the genocide "lost their lives but they will never lose their names." National Catholic reporter John Allen describes the papal voyage.

  

May 11, 2009

Pope Benedict XVI Arrives in Middle East for Five-Day Visit
Pope Benedict XVI launched the second leg of a closely-watched trip to the Middle East Monday with a visit to Israel's Holocaust memorial where he said victims of the genocide "lost their lives but they will never lose their names." Ray Suarez reports.

  

May 11, 2009

Benedict Visits Middle East in Closely-watched Pilgrimage
Pope Benedict XVI launched the second leg of a closely-watched trip to the Middle East Monday with a visit to Israel's Holocaust memorial where he said victims of the genocide "lost their lives but they will never lose their names."

APRIL
April 23, 2009

Bombings Kill at Least 78 in Iraq's Deadliest Day in More Than a Year
More than 78 people were killed and dozens more were wounded Thursday in two bombings in Iraq, one in Baghdad and one north of the city. In other news, the Iraqi military said they captured a suspected leader of an al-Qaida military group.

April 14, 2009

Swat Valley Power Struggle Led to Islamic Law Decision
Analysts discuss the impact of Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari's move to impose Islamic law in the Swat Valley as part of a deal to end two years of fighting with pro-Taliban militants in the region.

  

April 14, 2009

Pakistan Approves Use of Islamic Law in Swat Valley
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday signed a measure imposing Islamic law in the country's northwestern Swat Valley as part of a deal to end two years of fighting with pro-Taliban militants in the region.

April 8, 2009

Iowa, Vermont Push Gay Marriage Rights Forward
Vermont's legislature and the top court of Iowa delivered legal victories in recent weeks to those seeking the right of same-sex couples to marry. And as battles in other state capitals continue, Americans are weighing the issue with other pressing concerns.

  

April 3, 2009

Iowa Court Decision Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage
Iowa became the first non-coastal state and the third nationwide to legalize gay marriage Friday when the state Supreme Court unanimously found that the state's same-sex marriage ban violates the constitutional rights of gay and lesbian couples.

MARCH
March 30, 2009

Pa. Hospitals Test 'Warranty' on Patient Care
The Geisinger hospital system in Pennsylvania has developed a new approach to health care management, including a 90-day "warranty" on certain procedures. Betty Ann Bowser reports.

  

March 27, 2009

Mosque Bombing in Pakistan Leaves Dozens Dead
A suicide bomber demolished a crowded two-story mosque Friday in a Pakistani town near the Afghan border, killing dozens of worshipers and injuring scores more, government officials said.

March 23, 2009

Jerusalem: Center of the World
In the PBS special "Jerusalem: Center of the World," Ray Suarez takes a historical look at the city where Jews, Christians and Muslims have come for centuries to look for God.

FEBRUARY
Feb. 24, 2009

High Court Rules Against Religious Group in Free Speech Case
The Supreme Court ruled unanimously on Wednesday that a Utah city can refuse to install a religious group's monument in a public park, even though there is a Ten Commandments display nearby.

Feb. 13, 2009

Iraq Suicide Bombing Part of Effort to Stoke Sectarian Violence, Officials Say
A suicide bomber detonated her explosives Friday among a crowd of mostly women and children on a Shiite religious pilgrimage in Iraq, killing at least 30 people and injuring scores more.

Feb. 12, 2009

Iran Marks 30 Years Since Revolution
Since its Islamic revolution 30 years ago, Iran has undergone numerous changes. Steve Inskeep, host of NPR's "Morning Edition," reported from the country on its economy, politics and social issues.

Feb. 5, 2009

Vatican Orders Bishop to Recant Holocaust Denial
After encountering international criticism, the Vatican has demanded that a bishop whose excommunication was lifted last month by Pope Benedict XVI recant his denial of the Holocaust. A National Catholic reporter gives an update.

  

Feb. 5, 2009

Obama Creates Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships
President Barack Obama signed an executive order Thursday to create a White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships to help nonprofits and local groups improve their communities with help from the government and other organizations.

JANUARY
Jan. 28, 2009

Pope Draws Criticism for Pardoning Bishop
Pope Benedict XVI's decision to reinstate Bishop Richard Williamson, who has made comments denying the full extent of the Holocaust and the existence of gas chambers during World War II, has drawn sharp criticism. A reporter discusses the controversy.

  

2008 DECEMBER
Dec. 26, 2008

Israel Opens Gaza Border Despite Rocket Fire
Israel opened three border crossings into Gaza Friday, allowing in fuel and other goods for the first time in 10 days, as militants fired another round of rockets into Israel.

Dec. 24, 2008

U.S. Panel Spotlights Plight of Religious Minorities in Iraq
Although progress has been made to reconcile differences between Shia and Sunni Iraqis, other non-Muslims there are suffering "severe abuses of religious freedom," a U.S. advisory group recently reported.

Dec. 18, 2008

Controversy Emerges Over Obama's Choice of Inauguration Pastor
President-elect Barack Obama has fielded criticism for choosing Christian leader Rev. Rick Warren, whose conservative views are in contrast with some of Obama's base supporters, to give an inaugural invocation. Analysts discuss the controversy.

  

Dec. 5, 2008

U.S. Calls for Zimbabwe's Mugabe to Resign as Power-sharing Deal Falters
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice increased pressure on Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe to leave office after his government stalled on a power-sharing deal with the opposition party.

NOVEMBER
Nov. 26, 2008

What is Islamic Banking?
Paul Solman answers questions on business and economic news on "The Business Desk."

Nov. 12, 2008

Justices Side With Navy in Sonar Dispute, Hear Religious Monument Case
The Supreme Court ruled Wednesday to lift restrictions on use of sonar in U.S. Navy training exercises off the California coast. Marcia Coyle of the National Law Journal discusses the decision plus arguments in a church and state separation case.

  

OCTOBER
Oct. 22, 2008

Gates Resists Changes to Iraq Security Deal
U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Tuesday that Washington does not want to change a draft deal governing U.S. troops in Iraq, despite concerns raised by Iraqi politicians.

Oct. 8, 2008

Worlds Merge in Turkey, Raising Identity Issues
While Turkey's strategic geographic location elevates it regionally and internationally, its position at the intersection point of so many worlds generates questions among some of its 70 million citizens about who they are.

SEPTEMBER
Sept. 11, 2008

Military Chaplains Undergo Unique Boot Camp
For chaplains to become effective ministers to troops in the field, they undergo specific training about the rules and customs of Army life. Saul Gonzalez reports on how Army chaplains are pepraed to provide religious guidance in war zones and the guidlines of their ministries.