Lebanon

If the country has two Presidents and two governments it will head for total destruction. A meeting with Berry is not excluded and an appeal to Maronite bishops.

After 3 months of battle, Lebanese troops declare an end to the siege of the Palestinian refugee camp, where Fatah al-Islam militants had barricaded themselves in. The leader of the terrorist group believed dead. The victory could open the road to candidacy for the head of state for the military chief Suleiman.

Some theories about an alleged Muslim plan to convert the world are a myth. But it is fair to say that some Muslims are engaged in constant propaganda and that at a social and cultural level Islam is colonising the West. Saudi Arabia provides the money; the process of de-Christianisation offers the religious motive; ignorance and a sense of embarrassment in many Western governments do the rest. Here is the third (and last) part of an analysis by Fr Samir Khalil Samir, an Egyptian Jesuit and Islam expert.

Mohammad Ahmad Hegazi, the young Egyptian man who converted to Christianity and wants his conversion recognised in law, could be put to death for apostasy. This is one way for the Muslim world to protect itself against conversions; another one is through laws that exalt Muslim propaganda but ban that by other religions. In Egypt about 10,000 Christians become Muslim every year but rarely for religious reasons. However, Islam is sick from the lack of spirituality and the reduction of religion to its ethnic, sociological and political element. Here is the second part of an analysis by Fr Samir Khalil Samir, an Egyptian Jesuit and Islam expert.

The case of Mohammad Hegazi, young Egyptian converted to Christianity, who wishes to be legally recognized as such, has opened a new debate in the Islamic world on conversions, which are often seen as acts of apostasy that merit death. What has emerged is a veritable obsession in Islam for personal conversions, this religion having been reduced more to an ethnic and sociological submission. There is even talk of a plan to convert Europe and the world to Islam, to which European governments are giving a hand. The first part in an analysis by Fr Samir Khalil Samir, Egyptian Jesuit, expert on Islam.

The ex general’s candidate wins, but with a reduced majority. Fear of division among Christians.

It is a crime and must be treated as such, affirms the leader. In numerous countries, however, extenuating circumstances are allowed in the cases of men who murder daughters, sisters and wives, accused of having brought dishonour on the family.

Last minute attempts continue as an accord over who should represent the Christian area after Sunday’s vote remains elusive. Prelates’ press release calls on all parties to respect the country’s democratic tradition, urges young people to stay in the country, which shall rise again.

Maronite patriarch warns against disaster that will befall on any force, party, community or group that splits. French Foreign Minister Kouchner stresses that pressure should be born so that Syria and Iran “not exercise influence that could lead to war”.

The French foreign minister, in the land of the cedars, has already met with premier Siniora and Parliament president Berri. Sunday he will travel to Cairo the meet with his Egyptian and Saudi counterparts as well as Secretary for the Arab League, Moussa.

The United Nations secretary general has asked Amsterdam it to go ahead in The Hague. According to diplomatic sources, it will take months to prepare.

The cardinal calls on all parties to give up their attitude of total inflexibility towards one another. French envoy is expected today in Beirut; his visit should lead to a second round of talks.