Free Republic

UK Home Secretary John Reid has said Europe faces a "persistent and very real" threat from terrorism, after a meeting with EU counterparts in London. But he said the presence of five other interior ministers and top EU officials symbolised Europe's determination to stand together and defend their values. ---snip--- Mr Reid said the European Union needed to develop its counter-terror policies in response to the evolving threat. He said the talks had discussed practical measures in four areas: * Tackling liquid explosives * Co-ordination of transport security * Exchange of intelligence * The nature of European Islam The world...

<p>ISTANBUL, Turkey -- Santa Claus is coming to town -- in an unlikely country.</p> <p>Many cities across Turkey, home to 70 million Muslims, are erecting sparkling displays of lights on their main boulevards. Decorated trees glitter everywhere. Statues of the jolly old man grace the entrances of major stores. Most know Santa by the local moniker, Noel Baba, or literally, Father Christmas.</p>