TOK: Faith
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Turkey blames Daesh for Istanbul suicide bomb
A new year, a new horror. Istanbul reels from the death of at least eight German visitors, and Turkish tourism faces meltdown. Should rich countries discourage visits?
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Five years on ‘Arab Spring’ dream is chaos
In January 2011, a wave of protests gripped the Arab world. A momentous democratic change appeared to be underway. Now the region is gripped by war and sectarian strife. Does hope remain?
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Alarm over growing use of child soldiers
Isa Dare’s role in Daesh’s latest video is a reminder that child recruits are as important to the group as adults. The issue of child soldiers is growing around the world – what can be done?
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Exposed: the pitfalls of giving to charity
Britain’s major newspapers have launched appeals for donations to good causes at Christmas. Giving is a traditional feature of the season — but should we focus our attention closer to home?
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New Star Wars premieres as fans debate meaning
The British premiere of Star Wars: The Force Awakens hits London this evening. The series has become a global phenomenon — but is it any more than...
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‘We looked for the food the rats were eating'
The first close-up portrait of life inside a Syrian city under siege -- only now possible because a ceasefire has been declared between government forces and rebels. Is there room for hope?
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Your organs belong to everyone, says Wales
Doctors in Wales have been told to presume dead adults are willing to donate their organs unless they have said otherwise. But should our control over our own bodies be sacred after death?
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Fight for reform as ‘Ain’t No Muslim’ trends
This weekend, a cry that a violent man ‘ain’t no Muslim’ went viral, while prominent Muslims announced their commitment to reforming their faith. Can moderates take ownership of Islam?
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Petition against ‘anti-gay’ Fury hits 80,000
Sexist, homophobic, aggressive: Tyson Fury is no angel. So why are people calling on the champion boxer to be a role model? Do we expect too much of our celebrities?
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Le Pen success brings fear of bigoted Europe
France’s National Front, a party with an intolerant history, has won the most votes in the first round of local elections. As right-wing movements rise, is Europe succumbing to fascism?
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Hollywood bidding war over Christmas Carol
Universal Pictures has won a four-studio battle over the rights to Humbug, and has cast Ice Cube to star as Scrooge. What can today’s audiences learn from Dickens’s Victorian story?
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The day Britain votes to go to war
Many newspapers will use the word ‘war’ when the result of tonight’s debate is reported tomorrow. France and America both use it. David Cameron does not. Is Britain, in fact, ‘at war’?
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Greed, deceit, censorship: Vatican on trial
Two journalists are facing charges in the Holy See after uncovering financial mismanagement in the Catholic Church. The case has drawn criticism — but can Pope Francis achieve reform?
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Away in a manger: ‘miracle’ in New York
This week, millions were captivated by the story of a real newborn baby found in a manger in a church nativity scene. What role does the Christmas story still play?
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Church anger as prayer ad banned in cinemas
A Church of England advert featuring the Lord’s Prayer will not be shown in most cinemas after an agency refused to use it. Is it acceptable for religious institutions to advertise?