An Israeli military court on October 18 sentenced an officer who admitted to stealing electronic equipment from the Turkish vessel that was raided by Israeli commandos in May to a five-month prison term. The officer, who holds the rank of first lieutenant and was a squad commander at the time of the raid on the Marmara, will be demoted to the rank of private. He has also been slapped with a fine of 700 Israeli shekels ($200). In their verdict, the Israeli military judges said the case const...

Muslim witnesses on October 18 said that a Dutch lawmaker’s anti-Islamic comments had led to attacks and intimidation, and they pleaded with judges to convict him and give him a symbolic fine of one euro ($1.40). Geert Wilders is facing charges of inciting hatred and discrimination against Muslims for statements that include comparing Islam with Nazism and calling for banning the Qur’an and taxing Muslim scarves, which he calls “head rags.”

Prosecutors ac...

Muslim Peace Coalition-USA condemned the Incendiary Remarks of TV Host Bill O’Reilly that were made during his appearance on the View.  “Such statements are irresponsible, inflammatory and demonising”, stated Imam Khalid Griggs, the co-chair of Muslim Peace Coalition.   He went on to say, “Ohio State University has published a report documenting that FOX News is contributing to rumours about the Park 51 community cent...

A ban on smoking inside all Saudi airports and a SR200 fine for violators were approved on October 18 by Crown Prince Sultan, deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation and chairman of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). Abdullah Al-Rahimi, president of GACA, said the new rule has been prepared by GACA in cooperation with other relevant bodies, and that the aim is to create a healthy, clean and smoke-free environment at airports across the Kingdom. Al-Rahimi said airpor...

Iran on October 18 gave its clearest nod of support to Iraq’s prime minister as he seeks to line up backing from key neighbors in his bid to remain in office after a more than seven-month political limbo in Baghdad. Iran plays a critical role in Iraqi affairs and the Shiite-led coalition of Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki, who is making his first visit to Tehran since Iraq’s indecisive March elections. Iran has the power to sway Al-Maliki’s political fortune...