Saudi Arabia
A look at why a Saudi woman’s miniskirt sparked an outcry
By Jerome Socolovsky — July 20, 2017
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The woman was eventually released without charge, but the incident and the online debate it ignited point to the tension in Saudi Arabia between proponents of its conservative, state-enforced strictures and those pushing for greater rights.
Saudi woman in miniskirt video arrested after public outcry
By Jerome Socolovsky — July 18, 2017
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The woman was detained by police in the capital, Riyadh, for wearing 'immodest clothes' that contradicted the country's conservative Islamic dress code.
Bomber planning to attack Mecca’s Grand Mosque blows himself up
By Reuters — June 24, 2017
DUBAI (Reuters) The interior ministry said that three cells had planned the attack on worshippers and security forces at the mosque as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan nears its climax.
What Trump missed in his address on tolerance — American Muslims
By David Mislin — May 22, 2017
(The Conversation) Can a message of tolerance to Islam abroad be persuasive without a corresponding affirmation of American Muslims at home?
In speech to Muslim leaders, Trump condemns ‘Islamic extremism’
By Gregory Korte — May 21, 2017
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (USA Today) In an ornate conference hall in the Saudi capital, and speaking to a group of leaders from 50 Islamic nations, Trump called on Muslims to confront 'the crisis of Islamic extremism and the Islamist and Islamic terror of all kinds.'
Trump trip to Middle East, Vatican offers religious opportunities and pitfalls
By Lauren Markoe — May 18, 2017
(RNS) Whether the president's time abroad will appease faith groups upset by his proposed Muslim travel ban and his waffling over the possibility of moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem — among other thorny issues — remains to be seen.
SATIRE: Donald Trump’s speech on Islam — LEAKED!
By Wajahat Ali — May 18, 2017
(RNS) "I read the Quran on YouTube. Saw a video. Made by Muhammad, a great Prophet. Really great. He's doing great things."
Trump to give speech on Islam in Saudi Arabia
By Emily McFarlan Miller — May 16, 2017
(RNS) The speech will come during an afternoon lunch with leaders of more than 50 mostly Muslim countries.
Atheist sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia
By Kimberly Winston — April 26, 2017
(RNS) Ahmad Al-Shamri lost two appeals after being charged with atheism and blasphemy, both punishable by death.
US commission: Russia a major violator of religious freedom
By Lauren Markoe — April 26, 2017
WASHINGTON (RNS) A dissenting report criticizes the commission for failing to investigate Israel.
Gulf tourism frenzy in Bosnia polarizes locals
By Jerome Socolovsky — August 22, 2016
SARAJEVO, Bosnia and Herzegovina -- In a secular country where many Muslims drink alcohol and wear European-style clothing, the arrival of a Saudi-built mall where no alcohol is sold and the sight of burqas and traditional Arab robes is worrying for some.
Top Saudi clerical body renews fatwa against Pokemon
By RNS staff — July 20, 2016
DUBAI (Reuters) The fatwa made no mention of the successful new "Pokemon Go" mobile game.
Suicide bombers hit three Saudi cities
By RNS staff — July 4, 2016
RIYADH — The explosions targeting U.S. diplomats, Shi'ite worshippers and a security headquarters at a mosque in the holy city of Medina follow days of mass killings claimed by the Islamic State group.
Hijab is not another word for freedom
By guest — June 6, 2016
Let’s not be fooled by Ramadan clothing ads or well-intentioned intellectuals into thinking that hijab is a means of self- or fashion expression.
Iran says its pilgrims will not attend hajj in Saudi Arabia
By RNS staff — May 29, 2016
DUBAI (Reuters) Saudi Arabia, which oversees the pilgrimage to Mecca by more than 2 million Muslims from around the world, accused Iran of effectively depriving its citizens from the religious duty.
