The U.S. government has delivered a reading list on Islam to over 1,000 libraries nationwide, at taxpayers' expense.

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) joined two private foundations, Carnegie and Duke, to fund "Muslim Journeys," a project that aims to present "new and diverse perspectives on the people, places, histories, beliefs, practices, and cultures of Muslims in the United States and around the world." Its main component is the "Muslim Journeys Bookshelf," a selection of 25 books and 3 films on Islam sent to nearly 1,000 libraries as well as a website and some other activities. Marvin Olasky, who brought this project to public attention, estimates the whole project cost about US$1 million.

As taxpayer and as specialist, I condemn the NEH list. Far from presenting "new and diverse perspectives," it offers the usual academic obfuscation mixed with Islamist triumphalism. It reminds us that of the many things governments should not do, is to compile bibliographies. more >>

Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei, head of the Constitution Party, explained that contempt of religion and insulting the president are charges found only in authoritarian regimes.

ElBaradei added that the prestige of Egypt has declined under extreme poverty, ignorance and disease.

"If the National Salvation Front (NSF) participates in the elections, it will run under unified lists as the Brotherhood does. The front has enough experience and competence to save Egypt," ElBaradei pointed out. more >>

Hossam Abdel Moniem, a former leading member of the Muslim Brotherhood, said that the leaders of the Egypt's ruling group are not qualified to rule the country, given that the members were once prevented from taking any executive position during the era of the Hosni Mubarak regime.

Moniem said that the Muslim Brotherhood is based on the principle of hearing and obedience, and such a principle cannot produce creators, intellectuals or administrative people for the state.

During an interview with ONA TV, Moniem noted the vast differences between leading a group and running a country- a difference, he added, which is not helped by the current confusion of religion and politics. This has had negative repercussions on religion due to their mismanagement, he said. more >>

A man was killed and then decapitated by two armed attackers Wednesday on a street in Woolwich, located in the southeast section of the London.

The attack, which is being regarded as an Islamist terrorist attack, happened around 2 p.m. local time and witnesses described that the man was first struck by a car and then attacked by two men. The attackers used a large knife and a meat clever to sever the man's head.

Police responding to the attack shot both of the suspected assailants and both of the attackers were taken to local area hospitals, where they are being treated. more >>

Hundreds of Islamic leaders have turned out in the United Kingdom to protest a bill proposed by Prime Minister David Cameron to legalize same-sex marriage.

According to John Bingham of the Telegraph, over 500 imams representing tens of thousands of British Muslims signed a letter of protest against the gay marriage proposal. Bingham deemed the action an "unprecedented intervention from the British Muslim community."

"Marriage is a sacred contract between a man and a woman that cannot be redefined. We believe that marriage between a man and a woman is the cornerstone of family life and the only institution within which to raise children," reads the letter, sent to the Sunday Telegraph. more >>

Chaldean Catholic Patriarch Louis Sako I denounced a recent series of car bombings and shootings in Iraq that left scores dead and many more injured.

The "morale of Christians in the area is down" Sako said, adding that "it seems a step aimed at the division of Iraq."

In recent months, violent attacks have increased across Iraqi cities with the worst occurring on May 20 in Baghdad. Nine explosions were detonated in mainly Shiite areas, leaving at least eight dead in one attack. more >>