Breaking through the bubble

Compiled by Ellis Harman

French ban head scarves, religious symbols

PARIS – The French National Assembly approved a controversial ban on Muslim headscarves and other “conspicuous” religious symbols in French schools.

According to CNN, about 70 percent of the French public is in favor of the measure. Even in the French Muslim community, Muslim women favor the ban. However, there have been many complaints from other nations and other members of the global Muslim community, who say the ban is discriminatory and will stigmatize France’s Muslims and lead to Islamic radicalism. There are an estimated 5 million Muslims in France, the largest population of the group in Western Europe.

French leaders say the ban is necessary to counteract alleged rising Islamic fundamentalism and will help the Muslim community integrate into mainstream society.

The ban also outlaws Jewish skullcaps and large Christian crosses and will take effect with the new school year beginning in September. Sanctions for wearing these symbols range from warnings to expulsion.

Military releases Bush’s payroll records

WASHINGTON – The White House released military payroll records it said prove President Bush fulfilled his obligation to the Texas Air National Guard in the 1970s in response to questions about the president’s service.

According to CNN, the records do not specifically show that Bush reported for Guard duty in Alabama, where he was working on a Senate campaign, in 1972. The records do show Bush received points toward service in October and November 1972 and in January, April and May 1973, earning the required number of points for that year. Bush was honorably discharged in 1973 to attend Harvard Business School.

Questions about Bush’s service have lingered since the 2000 election, when the Boston Globe uncovered a 1973 evaluation in which Bush’s commander reported he had not been seen the previous year. Democrats have accused the president of being absent without leave during that time.

Bombs, gunshots and al Qaeda in Baghdad

BAGHDAD – At least 50 people waiting in line for police jobs at an Iraqi police station in Iskandariyah were killed and as many as 75 others were injured when suspected members of al Qaeda detonated a massive vehicle bomb Tuesday, according to CNN.

The pickup truck used in the attack had at one time belonged to Saddam Hussein’s former intelligence service, and an Iraqi Interior Minister said the estimated 500 pounds of explosives may have come from al Qaeda operatives. The bomb destroyed part of a street that has a courthouse and an office that distributes national identity cards.

In two separate attacks Tuesday, two pairs of Iraqi police officers were shot and killed as they drove to work in Baghdad.

Sea lion takes road trip across California

LOS BANOS, Calif. – An adventurous sea lion made its way from the Pacific Ocean into the inland canals of California, ending up on the side of the road 65 miles from the sea, according to CNN.

The 300-pound mammal spent Monday afternoon sunbathing on the back of a highway patrol cruiser as police officers waited for a marine rescue team to arrive and transport him to an observation facility. The sea lion appeared to be in good health but will be observed for several days before being released into the ocean.

The sea lion may have ventured ashore in search of fish and been unable to find his way back to the water. Sea lions have also been spotted in Sacramento, Calif. and Stockton, Calif.