Confusion swirls in Afghanistan
Taliban leaders announced Sunday that the foreign aid workers arrested last week would be released after serving short jail sentences, but they have already changed their minds. Reports from Afghanistan are saying now that the eight Shelter Now workers from Australia, Germany, and the United States will face trial by Islamic Shari'ah law.

This comes as the Taliban has also announced they are broadening the investigation of aid groups in the country. According to the Associated Press, any aid organizations suspected of teaching Christianity will be scrutinized by three Taliban ministries—security, vice and virtue, and intelligence.

Meanwhile, diplomats from the three countries are still waiting to get into the country. Reuters reports that their visas have finally been approved this morning and they will leave for Kabul tomorrow. Taliban officials have told them that they will not be given access to prisoners but will only be allowed to meet with officials.

This weekend, the Taliban released 65 boys who were being taught by the Shelter Now workers. They were detained to have the Christianity taught out of them. When authorities released them, they arrested the boys' fathers instead for not supervising their sons properly.

Archbishop's wife plans to starve at the Vatican
Zambian archbishop Emmanuel Milingo, who went to the Vatican last week to meet with the Pope is apparently now on a spiritual retreat somewhere in Italy. But his wife—whom he married in a Unification Church mass wedding—thinks the Vatican is keeping him from her and is prepared to die to get him back. She has pledged to fast to death in front of the Vatican unless Milingo is returned to her.

Anybody else want to accuse Frost? Another ...

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Posted: 
August 1, 2001