Global Journalist: Why jihadists are taking root in North Africa

Rehman Tungekar and Mikkel Christensen — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 00:30:47 +0000

The recent hostage crisis at a gas plant in Algeria, and Islamist violence in Mali, both illustrate the reach of jihadist movements in Northern Africa.

Columbia mosque faces imam shortage and funding challenges

Ryan Schuessler and with Megan Rentschler and Evan Townsend — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Since 2008, the Islamic Center of Central Missouri has been without an imam – a central community leader in Islam. Although Columbia’s Muslim community has found ways to stay active, it is without a formally trained spiritual leader.

Imams lead prayers, serve as religious scholars and assist with weddings and lectures, among other things.