In the United Arab Emirates...

We've all heard of the Potter and witchcraft debate, especially virulent over in the states. The latest installment, however, is across the world in the Arab Emirates, where the book has been banned in Private Schools as contrary to Islamic values.

In Australia...

Critics of Potter, believing it will encourage children to become interested in the occult, should definitely keep away from Australia for a while - Adelaide University now offers a 12-week course in witchcraft, although not quite along the same lines as the Potter books:

"It will explore the witchdoctors of Africa, shamans from the Amazon and Zambezi valleys, witches from the 16th century and others who practise magic rituals. " (BBC Website)

In Britain...

Residents of a Somerset town signed a petition against the 1st Harry Potter film being shown in their local cinema, as it had 'occult connections'. In an interview, the cinema leaseholder said "Earlier this year we had the Hannibal film on - why didn't they complain about that?"