India has just seen some of its worst sectarian violence in decades, with Hindus and Muslims rioting and killing more than 500 people. Ironically, it's in Mahatma Gandhi's home state of Gujarat, where he refined his philosophy of non-violent action. The immediate cause is the four-century old dispute over a religious site in the state of Ayodhya. The site, considered to be the birthplace of the Hindu god-king Ram, has been home to a Muslim mosque that fundamentalist Hindus believe was built on the ruins of the Ram Temple. We get more background and update it to the 21st century, then hear about religious zealotry, secular democracy, class warfare, the interpretation of history, and the past's tenacious grip on the present, from Hindus and Muslims.
- Newsmaker: Zinni and Cheney Travel to Middle East
As the Middle East suffers one of the bloodiest days since the start of the second intifada, Vice President Dick Cheney and General Anthony Zinni are on their way to the region. Cameron Barr, Middle East correspondent for The Christian Science Monitor, reports that the deadly violence will no longer allow the Bush administration to sit on the sidelines. - Reporter's Notebook: Hubble Telescope and the Beginning of Time
Space-walking astronauts have given the orbiting Hubble Space Telescope a 76-million dollar new camera that will allow it to perform tasks never imagined by its original designers. Astronomer Holland Ford, who was instrumental in designing the new camera, describes how it will afford the Hubble a futuristic view of the cosmic dawn.
The Christian Science Monitor
Council on Foreign Relations
The Great Indian Novel
India: From Midnight to the Millenium
Muslim Observer
Muslim Public Affairs Council
Riot
World Hindu Council of America
World Hindu Council of India
Space Telescope Science Institute
