International Trend for Islam?

A growing trend seems to be for other nations and NGOs to be more friendly to Islam.

1. Zenit quotes the rector of the Pontifical Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies: "Recognition of the State of Israel means to recognize the rights of Palestinians, not the contrary; it means to recognize the independence and sovereignty of Lebanon, of Jordan and of Syria. I think we should contemplate the situation starting from these premises." Fr. Justo Lacunza Baldar said he was very worried because "now we have at least three great areas of war," Iraq, Afghanistan and the Middle East."

2. The Manila Standard Today Online reports that Philippino President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will attempt to reach an agreement that will allow the Philippines to buy oil and petroleum products at “friendship prices.” Where is she going and who will she meet? To Libya to meet with its leader, Muammar Khadaffy.

3. Reuters reports that former President Clinton said Sudan should be pressured into accepting foreign peacekeepers from Muslim countries to help stem bloodshed in its troubled Darfur region.

4. Putin dominates the G8 summit meeting with world leaders. He has agreed to refer Iran to the UN Security Council over its nuclear programme, but doesn't want the Security Council to force Iran to comply. Clearly, Putin is watching his southern borders, and militant Muslims within his own borders.

5. French President Jacques Chrac has called the mid-July Israeli offensive "totally disproportionate."