ANKARA — In Turkey, the Swiss referendum banning the building of new minarets is perceived as just another example of Islamophobia and discrimination against Muslims.   Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said: “This decision is primitive, outdated, and manifestation of a Western understanding.” Warning that this decision rings alarm bells, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu added [...]

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WASHINGTON — Recent news story:   a religious minority seeks to construct a building to conform with its faith and architectural traditions.   The majority, of a different faith, denies permission.   Sounds like Switzerland?   In fact, this story comes from the other side of the Atlantic.   Amish residents of Morristown, New York, [...]

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COPENHAGEN —   The EU added momentum to the Copenhagen climate talks today when EU leaders pledged to deliver 3.6 billion U.S. dollars (2.4 billion euro) a year through 2012 to help developing countries reduce their emissions growth and deal with the impacts of climate change.    The EU also reiterated that it would  bump [...]

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