Merkel: The burqa does not belong in our country

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who last year opened the door to nearly 1 million mostly Muslim migrants, staked out a tough new stance on conservative Islam on Tuesday by making her first direct call for a widespread ban on “full veil” religious coverings. Her backing could add Germany to the growing list of European nations imposing restrictions on Islamic coverings. It could also signal a pragmatic shift for Merkel, who next year seeks a fourth term as Germany’s leader.