Chinese spread Islam, not Arabs

(CNN) — Countless streets across the Islamic world are currently alight with ornate festive lanterns. Part of a tradition dating back over 800 years, the Ramadan lanterns, or “fanoos,” have become one of the most popular and enduring symbols of the month-long festival. Believed to have originated in Egypt — where the lanterns are most prevalent — it is almost impossible to know how the tradition began. Legends are numerous and varied, but one of the most popular features Egyptian Al Hakim Bi-Amr Illah who ruled over the North African Shiite Moslem Fatimid dynasty in the 10th century. He was…

US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations: Press Room – Chairman’s Press. To all those who observe Nowruz, including those in Afghanistan, Iran, and the United States, I would like to wish you Eid-eh Shoma Mobarak.