Muslim communities say the decision will spread deep concern and worry. The Swiss government and businesses are worried too - about whether this controversial but democratic ballot will provoke an international backlash.
Alan Fisher, Al Jazeera English, “Swiss brace for minaret backlash”
What if that backlash were to include a disinvestment or divestment wave among Muslim countries, [...]

I certainly hope so, since I played a small part in helping the man get elected last year. But a recent trip to the US makes me pause. This appeared first in my other blog, Avuncular American.
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Les culottes à l’air, or airing the Unmentionables
Cheapskate that I am, I am milking the Financial Times [...]

Large sums promised to developing countries to help them tackle climate change cannot be accounted for, a BBC investigation has found. Rich countries pledged $410m (£247m) a year in a 2001 declaration - but it is now unclear whether the money was paid. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has accused industrialised countries of failing [...]