Afghan mosque blast kills 18, including pro-Taliban cleric
By Associated Press — September 2, 2022
HERAT, Afghanistan (AP) — A blast through a crowded mosque in western Afghanistan killed at least 18, including prominent cleric Mujib-ul Rahman Ansari, who was known for his criticism of the country's Western-backed governments.
Chaplain who sexually abused inmates gets 7 years in prison
By Michael R. Sisak and Michael Balsamo — September 1, 2022
(AP) – A chaplain at a California federal women's prison was sentenced to seven years in jail for "egregious" sexual abuse against inmates. He is one of the five workers at the prison charged in the last 14 months for the same crime.
Iraqis heed cleric’s plea to leave streets after clashes
By Samya Kullab and Qassim Abdul-zahra — August 30, 2022
BAGHDAD (AP) — Following two days of unrest that resulted in at least 30 deaths, cleric Muqtada al-Sadr told his supporters to leave the government quarter where they had rallied.
Turkish pop star jailed over joke about religious schools
By Associated Press — August 26, 2022
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) – Turkish singer and songwriter Gulsen was arrested on Thursday on charges of “inciting hatred and enmity” for a joke she made at an Istanbul concert in April, sparking outrage on social media.
It’s Cheney-mania!
By Jeffrey Salkin — August 24, 2022
(RNS) — There’s something about Liz.
