Religious scholars in Rome are arguing over a tiny scrap of papyrus that may indicate some early Christians thought their spiritual leader, Jesus Christ, had a wife. Speaking this week at a religious studies conference, U.S. professor Karen King of Harvard Divinity School announced scholars are studying a piece of papyrus that quotes Jesus as […]
Papyrus Scrap Ignites Marriage Debate
Posted September 19th, 2012 at 1:35 pm (UTC-5)
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France Plans Embassy Closures After Magazine Publishes Muhammad Cartoons
Posted September 19th, 2012 at 1:20 pm (UTC-5)
France plans to close its embassies, consulates, cultural centers and schools in 20 countries Friday as a precautionary measure after a French satirical magazine published cartoons featuring the Prophet Muhammad. The country’s foreign minister says security is being increased at French diplomatic posts as government and religious leaders call for restraint. The weekly magazine Charlie […]
Syrian Rebels Seize Northern Border Crossing
Posted September 19th, 2012 at 12:45 pm (UTC-5)
Syrian rebels have seized control of a third border crossing with Turkey after fierce battles with government troops, as fighting raged in the key cities of Aleppo and Damascus. VOA correspondent Elizabeth Arrott reported from the Syrian capital Wednesday that thick, black smoke was rising from contested suburbs there. At the Tal Abyad crossing near […]
Blast Kills 9 in Peshawar
Posted September 19th, 2012 at 12:30 pm (UTC-5)
A bomb has killed at least nine people in the northwestern Pakistan city of Peshawar. Police say the explosion took place on the outskirts of the city as a van carrying members of the Pakistani air force approached. They say at least 30 people were injured. Officials say it is not clear who is behind […]
Afghanistan Pushed Again on Runaways, Women’s Rights
Posted September 19th, 2012 at 11:55 am (UTC-5)
There are new indications Afghanistan is moving to ensure the rights of women, but signs of progress are being met with skepticism. Human Rights Watch this week applauded three government ministers, including Justice Minister Habibullah Ghalib, for publicly stating it is not a crime for a woman to run away from home. Human Rights Watch […]
Aung San Suu Kyi to Receive Medal, Meet Obama
Posted September 19th, 2012 at 11:30 am (UTC-5)
Burmese democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi will receive the United States Congress’ highest award Wednesday. The Nobel laureate will be presented with the Congressional Gold Medal at a ceremony in the U.S. Capitol. She was awarded the medal in 2008 while under house arrest in her homeland. Later, she is to meet privately with […]
Swedish Doctors Announce Mother-to-Daughter Uterus Transplants
Posted September 19th, 2012 at 11:00 am (UTC-5)
Swedish doctors say they have performed the world’s first mother-to-daughter uterus transplants, but won’t consider themselves successful until one of the two transplant recipients produces a healthy baby. The leader of a medical team at the University of Gothenburg said this week that more than 10 surgeons worked on the operations Saturday and Sunday, transferring […]
Al-Shabab Resumes Broadcasting in Key Somali Town
Posted September 19th, 2012 at 11:00 am (UTC-5)
Somali militant group al-Shabab has resumed radio broadcasts in the key port city Kismayo, vowing to fight to the death against pro-government forces poised to move in. The group’s radio station, Andalus, went back on the air Wednesday morning, two days after going quiet as government and African Union forces advanced on the town. The […]
Syrian Rebels Seize Northern Border Crossing
Posted September 19th, 2012 at 9:50 am (UTC-5)
Syrian rebels have seized control of a third border crossing with Turkey after fierce battles with government troops, as fighting also raged in the key cities of Aleppo and Damascus. VOA correspondent Elizabeth Arrott reported from Damascus Wednesday that thick, black smoke was rising from contested suburbs of the Syrian capital. At the Tal Abyad […]
Chinese Official Justifies Anti-Japan Protests
Posted September 19th, 2012 at 9:50 am (UTC-5)
A Chinese official says the recent wave of anti-Japan protests in China involving a territorial dispute reflects a firm resolution by Chinese citizens to safeguard sovereignty. China’s Xinhua news agency quotes a Foreign Ministry spokesman as urging Japan’s government to listen to the Chinese peoples’ objection to Japan’s announcement that it will buy islands in […]
