Matthew Brunwasser
Russia’s New Required Religion Class for 4th Graders
This year Russia required fourth graders across the country to take a religion class. There are six choices: Orthodox Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, secular ethics or world religions.
In the Studio with Al RTV, Russia’s First Islamic TV Channel
The first Russian-language Islamic channel seeks to foster dialogue among Russia’s many Islamic ethnic groups and encourage “moderate” Islam.
Extremism Law Curbs Religious Freedom in Russia
Russia’s Center for Combating Extremism has come under criticism for focusing mainly on political opponents of the Kremlin.
In Turkey, President Barack Obama in 55 Layers of Pastry
Baked at the height of international euphoria about the Obama presidency, the “Baracklava” spends more time on its shelf at the back of the shop these days. It usually only comes out for American tourists.
Russian Orthodox Church Stakes Out Territory on Social Issues
Church officials says the growth of piety is natural following the collapse of Communism 20 years ago, but Russians, clergy and people alike, are still figuring out what role the church should play.
Slideshow: Russia Remains Divided on The Pussy Riot Case
The performance, and subsequent jail sentence, of the feminist art collective members has opened a deep and divisive debate on relations between church and state in Russia.
Russia Boots USAID in a Big Blow to Obama’s ‘Reset’ Policy
President Obama’s “reset” policy with Russia took a blow this week as the USAID was told to pack its bags and leave the country by October 1, 2012.
In Istanbul, an Exhibition on Islam in China Accentuates the Positive
Chinese government seeks to soothe Turks’ concerns about the ill treatment of China’s 23 million Muslims, including Turkic Uygurs.
In Tough Economic Times, Calls for Greek Church to Pay More
Pressure is growing on Greeks to tighten their belts with calls for the church to pay more.
Greece Turns Back on Religious Minorities
Greeks are fond of reminding visitors that their country is the birthplace of democracy, but some of its religious minorities say that the country is not very friendly or tolerant.
Leading the World in Jailed Journalists, Turkey Cracks Down on Free Expression
Turkey, the world’s most prosperous, democratic and stable Muslim country, is held up by the West as a model for the new “Arab Spring” democracies. But at the same time, the climate for freedom of expression in Turkey is very dark and getting worse.
Why an ‘Israeli Bird’ Found in Turkey Was Not a Spy
A European bee-eater bird was found dead in a field in Turkey with a metal ring in its legs, stamped with the words “Israel Tel Aviv,” making some Turks wonder if it was part of Israeli espionage.
Women in Turkey: Out of the Home and Into the Mosque
To encourage women to pray in mosques, Istanbul’s religious authorities have started an ambitious program to make the city’s 3,100 mosques more women-friendly.
Lunch Beat is the Latest Dance Craze Sweeping Across Europe
Thousands of workers across Europe dance their brains out, at their city’s one-hour nightclub, in the daytime.
No Shouting: Istanbul Tells its Street Vendors
In Istanbul’s rapid urbanization process, it has banned shouting by vendors in open-air markets.
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