Some interesting law and religion news stories from around the web this week:
- The Economist: Syria’s tragedy could poison inter-faith, Muslim-Western and Muslim-Christian relations.
- Mongolia has stated its intention to refuse any future visits by the Dalai Lama, after his recent visit caused protests and a failure to cooperate by the Chinese government.
- A formerly outlawed Jewish community in Uganda has just built a new synagogue.
- Religion Clause: Congress has just approved multiple provisions strengthening the International Religious Freedom Act.
- After a deadly attack at Berlin’s Christmas markets this week, security has tightened at Christmas markets all over Europe.
- CNN: Malaysia’s Foreign Minister said this week that Malaysia’s treatment of its Muslim Rohingya minority threatens to undermine the region’s security and stability.
- This week, Switzerland’s highest court blocked a ban on a state-funded Islamic center at the University of Fribourg.
- The Russian Orthodox Church has expanded its influence on public policy under President Putin – both promote traditional family values and a stronger Russian national identity.
- NY Times: After an off-duty Turkish police officer gunned down Russia’s ambassador to Turkey, while shouting jihadist slogans, President Erdogan attributed the assassination to his political rival, Fethullah Gulen.
- A resident of Maine, who is a practicing Pagan minister, has won the right to wear horns for his state-issued ID, as a form of religious expression.