From a Western perspective: http://articles.cnn.com/2010-05-07/us/new.york.ground.zero.mosque_1_muslims-ground-zero-community-center?_s=PM:US This article talks about plans to build a mosque two blocks away from ground zero and how this issue is creating conflict, especially between the residents in the area and relatives of the victims of 911. This CNN article stresses the importance of acceptance of another religion as "Islam is an American religion" -Daisy Khan. According to this article, the 12 board members were for this announced plan. She also said, "It will have a real community feel,"and "The time for a centre like this has come."
From an Islamic country's perspective: http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/Politics/26-Aug-2010/NY-mayor-defends-mosque-near-Ground-Zero-rules-out-compromise
This article is from The Nation Pakistan. Although it is from a different perspective, I think the same idea and message is passed on to it's readers. In this article, the mayor of New York defends the entitlements and rights the Islamic community have over the land near ground zero. It is said by him that there should be no compromise, and being a man who he is, just the power he holds alone is unquestionable. After a vote, the end result was 29-1 in favour of the mosque, with 9 abstained votes. This proves the willingness America is trying to show to prove to the world that it can change and do good. Bloomberg has put it's support to this, but in order for the plan to take action, the project still needs to win the approval of the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission.
To me, both articles are invariably similar. There are pros and cons like everything else. There will be people for and against it as well, but having read these 2 articles published in the constrasting areas of the world, it's great to see so many supporting this project, including the Mayor of New York. The building of this mosque will widen horizons and set a mark in history, but only time can tell what will become of it.
