Gen. Petraeus: Church Burning Quran Could Endanger Troops

The top U.S. military commander in Afghanistan said Monday that a Florida church’s plan to burn Qurans on Sept. 11 could be detrimental to American troops overseas.

"It could endanger troops and it could endanger the overall effort in Afghanistan,” said Gen. David Petraeus in a statement. “It is precisely the kind of action the Taliban uses and could cause significant problems. Not just here, but everywhere in the world we are engaged with the Islamic community."

There are about 140,000 U.S. and NATO-led troops in Afghanistan.

Alleged Bomber of Christian Boy in Israel to Stand Trial

An Israeli man accused of planting a homemade bomb that almost killed the son of a Messianic Jewish pastor in Ariel, Israel has been declared competent to stand trial.

Jack Teitel, 37, who in November was indicted on two charges of pre-meditated murder, three charges of attempted murder and numerous weapons charges, is expected to enter a plea on Sunday.

David and Leah Ortiz, parents of the teenage victim, said that the 10 months since the indictment have been difficult but their stance toward Teitel remains the same; they have forgiven him for the attack but want him to face justice before a judge and seek salvation from God.

Suicide Bombing Targets Protesters in Pakistan

An explosion at a Shiite protest in Quetta, Pakistan, killed more than 40 people Friday.

Protesters were expressing their support for Palestine and speaking out against Israel. The attack is the second in only three days.

On Wednesday, three suicide bombers targeted a Shiite procession in Lahore, killing more than 30 people. The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attacks, but officials said it is still unclear who is behind it.

"We proudly take its responsibility. Our war is against America and Pakistan security forces, but Shiites are also our target because they too are our enemies," Pakistani Taliban commander Qari Hussain Mehsud said.

Mosque Plan Near 9/11 Site Is 'Indecent,' Says Ex-Muslim

A proposal to build a mosque just two blocks from ground zero is “indecent,” said a former Muslim and bestselling author.

“I couldn’t believe that this is really true,” wrote Sabatina James to The Christian Post in an e-mail. “Building the mosque where thousands of people died because of Islamic terror is just indecent.”

Somalia Christians Observe Pentecost Amid Gunfire, 14 Killed

Somalia's minority Christians observed Pentecost amid gunfire Sunday, May 23, as witnesses reported that at least 14 people died in clashes between pro-government troops and Muslim militants who have killed Christians and pledged to turn Somalia into a strict Islamic state.

Residents said fighters from the insurgent group al-Shabab tried to advance on the presidential palace overnight but were stopped by government troops and African Union peace keepers.