Iranian diplomats’ defections signal fissures in Islamic Republic leaders over election unrest

Iranian defections hint at fissures over election

Reports: Vatican No. 2 says Belgian raids in abuse case are unprecedented even under Communism

Vatican No. 2 increases criticism of Belgian raids

Vatican says it is ‘astonished’ at the Belgian police raid

Vatican ‘astonished’ at Belgian police raid

Belgium ban burqa-type dress; Law cites public security, securing emancipation of women

Belgium bans burqa-type dress in public

BRUSSELS — Belgium’s lower house of parliament on Thursday banned burqa-type Islamic dress in public, but the measure faces a challenge in the Senate which will delay early enactment of the law.

Ex-priest says his reports that a Belgian bishop abused a boy were ignored by church years ago

Ex-priest says he reported Belgian bishop abuse

Belgium’s longest serving bishop quits after admitting to sexual abuse of boy

Belgian bishop quits over abuse

BRUSSELS — Belgium’s longest serving bishop resigned Friday, saying he was “enormously sorry” for having sexually abused a young boy about 25 years ago.

Belgium moves to ban burqa as fears of national identity, security and jobs swirl in Europe

Europe struggles with Muslim dress code

ANTWERP, Belgium — Chances of seeing a burqa in Belgium are only a little better than spotting a liquor shop in Saudi Arabia. Yet Belgium soon may be the first European nation to outlaw the burqa and other Islamic garb that completely hides a woman’s body and face.