Back in September, there were expressions across the world of what was dubbed 'Muslim rage' by the media, following the tawdry trailer for a film entitled 'Innocence of Muslims' ostensibly intended to defame the Muslim prophet Muhammad and insult the ummah of Islam worldwide. But Dr Harry Hagopian paints a much deeper and wider picture of Muslim discontents and provocations experienced throughout the Middle East and North Africa and elsewhere. Challenging simplistic 'clash of civilisations' theses, he says that what we need is not further disengagement between peoples and cultures, but rather further re-engagement.

Church officials in Pakistan say they are encouraged by the arrest of a cleric on charges of framing an illiterate Christian teenager on blasphemy charges.

During a visit to Pakistan, the general secretary of the World Council of Churches has urged protection of religious minorities and action against intolerance.

The Pakistani government should immediately drop blasphemy charges against a 17-year-old student and ensure his safe release from detention.