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Beijing is investigating PVH, the owner of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, over allegations that it boycotts cotton products from the Xinjiang region. This investigation could potentially lead to PVH being placed on an "unreliable entities list," which would prohibit the company from selling to and buying from China. The probe comes as the U.S. introduces measures to limit Chinese access to its own market. Xinjiang is a cotton-producing area where China has been accused of human rights abuses against Uyghurs and other Muslim minority groups. PVH has stated that it complies with all laws and regulations in the countries where it operates. [Extracted from the article]

The article profiles Mohamad Jebara, a Lebanese-Canadian scholar and author, who challenges fundamentalist interpretations of the Quran. Topics discussed include Jebara's critique of using the Quran as a tool for extremism, his argument for a more dynamic and self-improving interpretation of the text, and his view that the Quran should be seen as a source of spiritual growth rather than a force for conformity.

The article reports on the rescue of Qaid Farhan Al-Qadi, a Muslim Arab-Israeli, who was held hostage by Hamas for ten months. Topics discussed include the significance of Al-Qadi's identity in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Hamas's tactics and motives in the kidnapping, and the risks taken by Israeli soldiers in the rescue operation.

Nassau County in New York has implemented a new law banning face coverings, with the intention of targeting individuals involved in criminal activities or using scarves to hide their identities during protests. The law was signed by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and goes into effect immediately. Similar bans have been suggested by Democratic officials in New York City and Los Angeles, citing pro-Palestinian demonstrators who wore scarves while protesting against the bombing of Gaza by Israel. Critics argue that the ban infringes on the right to protest anonymously, while supporters claim it is necessary to prevent criminal activities. Violators of the law may face jail time or fines, but exemptions are provided for those wearing masks for health or religious reasons. The New York Civil Liberties Union opposes the ban, stating that it could disproportionately affect marginalized communities and lead to unfair targeting by law enforcement. [Extracted from the article]

India's ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has intensified its campaign rhetoric against Muslims ahead of the country's election. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is seeking a third term, has described Muslims as "infiltrators" and has warned that the opposition Congress Party will redirect wealth and affirmative-action programs from lower-caste Hindus to Muslims. The Election Commission has ordered the social-media platform X to take down a video from the BJP that violated campaign rules. Critics argue that the BJP's rhetoric is divisive and aims to mobilize its core Hindu voters. [Extracted from the article]

Thousands of Muslims attended Ramadan prayers at Jerusalem's Al Aqsa Mosque on Monday evening, following clashes between visitors and Israeli police the day before. Israel has accused Hamas of using the Islamic holy month to incite unrest and put pressure on Israel over its war in Gaza. Israeli police confirmed an incident where they used force against worshipers at one of the gates to the mosque compound, while the Palestinian Authority accused Israel of imposing restrictions on Palestinians trying to enter Jerusalem and the mosque. Tensions had cooled by Monday evening, and 35,000 Muslims attended evening prayers at Al Aqsa. [Extracted from the article]

Scores of children have been kidnapped by jihadists in Nigeria, sparking painful memories of the 2014 abduction of over 200 schoolgirls in Chibok. The exact number of children taken varies, with estimates ranging from 117 to 319. The abductors are believed to be members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (Iswap) or other factions of Boko Haram. This recent kidnapping is a blow to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu's government, which is already facing discontent over rising food and fuel prices and frequent kidnappings for ransom. The abducted children are likely to face difficult and traumatic experiences, including forced marriages, conscription into fighting, and sexual exploitation. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the conflict surrounding the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem and its implications for regional stability. It traces the origins of the conflict back to the end of the last major Islamic caliphate in 1924 and the subsequent transfer of control over Mecca, Medina, and Al-Aqsa from the Ottoman Empire to British-allied forces. The article argues that the absence of a caliphate has created an opportunity for Iran to assert its influence in the region, particularly through its support for groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. It suggests that a Vatican City-style arrangement for Al-Aqsa, involving multiple Muslim countries and respecting Jewish rights, could help defuse tensions and promote stability. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the fears that India, under the leadership of Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is on the path to becoming a theocracy. However, the author argues that these fears are unfounded and that Hindu nationalism does not equate to theocracy. While Hindu nationalists may not be liberal democrats, the chances of India being governed by ancient Hindu laws are essentially zero. The article acknowledges that Hindu nationalism shares some characteristics with Islamism, such as suspicion or hostility towards followers of other faiths, but emphasizes that Hindu nationalism is primarily a political project rather than a religious one. The author concludes that while India under the BJP may become a Hindu version of Malaysia, it will never become a Hindu Iran. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the construction of a Hindu temple in Ayodhya, India, which is seen as a symbol of the rise of India's religious right. The temple is being built on the site where a mosque was torn down by a Hindu mob in 1992. The project is led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party, who aim to elevate Hinduism in Indian public life. The construction of the temple has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the treatment of India's Muslim minority. The article also highlights the political implications of the temple's construction and its potential impact on the upcoming national elections. [Extracted from the article]

The Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) plays a crucial role in exposing the ideologies and intentions of terrorist groups like Hamas. MEMRI translates and monitors various media sources in Arabic, Farsi, and other languages to provide accurate information about the statements and actions of these groups. MEMRI has highlighted Hamas's goal of establishing an Islamic caliphate and its repeated threats of war against Israel. The organization also sheds light on the indoctrination of Gazan children and the role of Qatar in supporting Hamas. MEMRI's translations have been used by U.S. officials and Israeli leaders to counter false narratives and inform policy decisions. [Extracted from the article]

Geert Wilders, the leader of the Dutch Party for Freedom (PVV), is on the verge of becoming the Netherlands' next prime minister. His party won 37 seats in the recent snap elections, and he is now engaged in negotiations to form a governing coalition. Wilders has softened his stance on certain issues, such as banning the Quran and closing down mosques, in order to appeal to other parties. However, he remains firm on his opposition to accepting asylum-seekers and wants to reduce immigration. Wilders' success has been attributed to public anger over illegal immigration and a rise in antisemitism following the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the significance of Notre-Dame Cathedral in France and the questions it raises about French secularism. The cathedral, which was damaged by a fire in 2019, holds cultural and symbolic importance for the nation. The concept of laïcité, or secularism, in France is explored, with the author questioning whether it may contribute to difficulties with the country's Muslim population. The article also highlights President Emmanuel Macron's contradictory stance on laïcité and his recognition of its limitations. The rebuilding of Notre-Dame Cathedral is seen as resurrecting debates about secularism and religion in France. [Extracted from the article]

Geert Wilders, a far-right populist leader in the Netherlands, has achieved a significant victory in the country's election. Wilders campaigned on banning the Quran and closing the borders to migrants from Islamic countries. This win reflects the ongoing issue of migration in Europe and the West, which has led to anti-immigration policies and tensions with Muslim populations. While Wilders' party is the clear winner, it is possible for other parties to form a government without the Freedom Party. A change in leadership could impact the Netherlands' relations with the EU and other member states. [Extracted from the article]

Skokie, a diverse Chicago suburb known for its Jewish and Muslim communities, is facing tensions amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Recent incidents include a bomb threat at a synagogue, a sit-in at a local high school in support of Palestinians, and the removal of yard signs expressing support for Israel. Skokie's struggles reflect broader tensions across the country, with an increase in antisemitic and anti-Muslim threats and incidents reported by the FBI and various groups. Despite these challenges, community leaders are working to promote cooperation and communication among different faiths. [Extracted from the article]

The article argues that the term "Islamophobia" is a phony diagnosis used by political cynics to label normal human reactions to terror as crazy or bigoted. The author asserts that Islamophobia, along with other "phobias" such as homophobia, transphobia, and xenophobia, are all fictions created to equate conservatism with mental illness. The author distinguishes between fear and hatred, stating that fear is a natural response to danger while hatred is a separate emotion. The article concludes by stating that it is rational to be afraid of Islamic terrorism and that it is not wrong to hate those who commit acts of violence in the name of God. [Extracted from the article]