Stormclouds over the Indian Ocean: Behind the veil in the Maldives
Amid the sand-fringed islands of this sprawling archipelago, a more radical form of Islam is being preached. And in a tourist destination that epitomises the luxury and decadence of the West, it is gaining in popularity
By Meera Selva
Published: 05 October 2006
In the tourist brochures, the Maldives look like paradise. The warm Indian Ocean laps gently against white sandy beaches where the wealthy wander barefoot, before walking back up to their lodges to bathe in private swimming pools and sleep between crisp linen sheets.
The 2004 tsunami, which displaced 11,500 people and destroyed 53 out of the 199 inhabited islands, dealt a heavy blow but the best hotels were soon up and running again, offering fresh-water showers and silver service to those who were willing to visit.
Article Length: 1418 words (approx.)
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