Shi'ite, Sunni Muslims Clash In Western Afghanistan
HERAT, Afghanistan; 9 February 2006 (RFE/RL) -- A violent clash broke out today in Afghanistan's western city of Herat between Shi'ite and Sunni Muslims.
RFE/RL's correspondent in Herat reported "many deaths" as a result of the fighting, which occurred within the city at a temporary camp set up today by Shi'a marking the holy day of Ashura.
During the clash, hand grenades were thrown and gunfire was exchanged.
Doctors at the Herat Hospital say at least two bodies have been brought to the hospital so far. At least 17 people have been treated for injuries.
(RFE/RL's Afghan Service, AP)
A Muslim woman (left) watches a Christian procession in Madrid in March (AFP)
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CONFERENCE ON ISLAM: A major international conference on Islam concluded in Vienna in November 2005 with strong appeals from prominent Muslim leaders to recognize international terrorism as simply "terrorism." Political figures from Islamic countries, including the presidents of Iraq and Afghanistan, argued that it should never be labeled "Islamic" or "Muslim" terrorism because Islam is based on peace, dialogue, and tolerance. "Salaam" -- meaning "peace" -- was the key word of the three-day conference, titled "
ISLAM IN A PLURALISTIC WORLD."
Iraqi President Jalal Talibani and Afghan President Hamid Karzai used the word in their remarks to emphasize the peaceful nature of Islam. Other speakers quoted passages from the Koran to the effect that all men and women, regardless of faith, are creatures of God and should live in peace with each other without discrimination
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HAMID KARZAI's complete address to the Vienna conference (in English):
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Listen to UN special envoy
LAKHDAR BRAHIMI's complete address to the Vienna conference (in English):
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