WORLD NEWS: "'Allah' Ruling May Challenge Malaysia," by James Hookway and Celine Fernandez, Wall Street Journal, 2-3 January 2010.

ARTICLE: Churches Attacked Amid Furor in Malaysia, By SETH MYDANS, New York Times, January 10, 2010

ARTICLE: Malaysia: Attacks in 'Allah' Dispute, AP, January 8, 2010

Malaysian High Court ruling says Roman Catholics there can use the word Allah to describe God in the local languages and pubs (i.e., Bibles). The ruling overturned a recent government ban.

A small step toward a freer and more openly competitive religious landscape in Asia, with--as I've noted for years--Malaysia playing a decided "lead goose" role.

Yes, the scary prosecutions will pop up here and there (like a woman getting caned for ordering a beer in a hotel bar), but this is a good sign of progress.

Clearly, the ruling won't be the last word in this highly contentious subject.