Biblical codes engraved on US Army rifles

A Michigan military contractor is supplying rifle telescopic sights, which are inscribed with biblical references, for use by US troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and for training Iraqi and Afghan soldiers.

UK bishop apologizes over Taliban comments

New British Armed Forces Bishop Stephen Venner has apologized for saying that the Taliban can be admired for their conviction to their faith and their sense of loyalty to one another.

Multireligious lifeline for Afghans

Afghanistan has a rich history that could be pivotal in the much-vilified South-Central Asian country’s restoration. (Hector Welgampola, UCA News)
With links to ancient India’s Gandhara civilization, part of the area was immortalized as Kandahar, a name some Westerners trace to Iskander, or Alexander the Great. The Macedonian warrior stretched his empire in 334 BC to [...]

Lone priest ministers to Kabul Catholics

In the midst of the escalating war in Afghanistan, there is a place of peace for Kabul’s tiny Catholic population. (Jessica Weinstein, Catholic News Service)
Inside the Italian Embassy compound visitors will find a small white building marked simply with a cross. Its guardian is the shepherd of Kabul, Barnabite Father Giuseppe Moretti.
A warm 70-year-old Italian [...]

US Army burns bibles in Afghanistan

US military personnel threw away, and ultimately burned, confiscated Bibles that were printed in common local languages over concern they would be used to try to convert Afghans, a Defense Department spokesman has said.
The unsolicited Bibles sent by a church in the United States were confiscated about a year ago at Bagram Air Base in [...]