Arab-American from Michigan crowned Miss USA after near-stumble in gown competition

Arab-American from Michigan crowned 2010 Miss USA

Portugal becomes 6th European country to allow gay marriage after president’s OK

Portugal’s president ratifies gay marriage law

Vatican rejects appeals by 10 closed Boston-area churches, including 3 in vigil for years

Vatican rejects appeals by closed Boston churches

Khurshid to represent India at Islamic economic forum

NEW DELHI - Minority Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid will represent India at a global business forum in Malaysia beginning Tuesday that aims to create economic bridges between the Muslim and non-Muslim world.

Myanmar gifts giant Buddha statue to Mumbai pagoda

MUMBAI - A giant marble statue of Lord Buddha, standing 21 feet tall, has been gifted by the Myanmar government to the Global Vipassana Foundation Pagoda, a foundation official said Monday.

Synagogue torched in Germany

BERLIN - An historic synagogue in the western German city of Worms was targeted by arsonists early Monday, police said.

Advani says Muslims fare better in Gujarat

NEW DELHI - Muslims fare better in Chief Minister Narendra Modi’s Gujarat, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader L.K. Advani said Monday, citing Justice Rajinder Sachar’s report on minorities.