Human Rights in the News

Newsweek -- Interview with Ali Gomaa on Muslim Extremism
The grand mufti in Cairo was recently interviewed by Stryker McGuire of Newsweek. He is among 138 Muslim leaders who are speaking out for greater dialogue with the world's Christian community. Programs like these are important to dampen the extremism that can lead to terrorism.

Newsweek -- Resolving Environmental Injustice on a Local Level
Seeing new reports that show "localized pollution is the leading contributing factor to disabilities and disease in communities across the world", the study of environmental injustice is becoming more and more relevant. If these issues are not addressed, the basic human right to life is threatened.

The Economist -- Dealing with Israel's Settler Movement
This article by the Economist displays the diversity of problems involving Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The next Israeli administration will have the difficulty of finding a solution to these issues.

Human Rigths in the News

Time Magazine on Olmert's Recent Statement about Israeli Borders

Good analysis of Olmert's comments, where the departing Prime Minister says that Israel needs to withdraw from the West Bank and Gaza in order to achieve peace. A major dissent from his previous hard-line views.


NYT -- French Muslims Find Haven in Catholic Schools

Seeking to avoid hostility to their faith, and many just a stronger education, French Muslims are increasingly enrolling in Catholic schools, many of which do not enforce the headscarf ban that exists in French public schools. If religious freedom is a human right, then some level of personal tolerance is necessary between individuals. Does the French government neglect the need for tolerance with the headscarf ban? Furthermore, what roles do religious institutions have in protecting the liberties of others? In this instance, it seems that the Catholic institutions are taking a role in protecting Muslims' religious freedom.