SC Extends Stay On Allahabad HC Order to Inspect and Survey Shahi Eidgah-Krishna Janambhoomi at Mathura till Nov
New Age Islam News Bureau
10 Aug 2024
Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple and Shahi Idgah
mosque in Mathura
-----------
·
SC Extends Stay On Allahabad HC Order to
Inspect and Survey Shahi Eidgah-Krishna Janambhoomi at Mathura till Nov
·
Apt to Call Zionists ‘Kafir Harbi’ For Killing
Muslims but Not Law-Abiding Non-Muslims, Malaysia FT Mufti
·
UN Experts Urge IOC to Counter Taliban’s Ban by
Supporting Afghan Women Athletes
·
King Charles Calls for Unity in First Royal
Intervention as Racial Riots Targeting Muslims Rock Britain
·
Sharia-Compliant Banking and Digital Identity
Gain Ground in Kenya and Somalia
India
·
CAA Paperwork Simplified, Ambit Of Rules
Widened After Govt Issues Clarification
·
Amid Bangladesh crisis, Navy chief says
security along Indian coast remains ‘strong’
·
Govt panel to open channels with Bangladesh,
ensure minorities safe
·
Parties on Bangladesh turmoil: Congress treads
cautiously, BJP & RSS focus on ‘threat to Hindus’
·
House committee to submit Waqf Bill report in
next session
--------
Southeast Asia
·
How can you accuse this govt of sidelining
Islam? We spent RM1.9b this year on various religious initiatives, DPM Zahid
says
·
Hungry Ghost Festival in Terengganu: Banners
prohibits Muslims from entering
·
Boxer Imane Khelif Wins Gold to Cap An Olympics
Marked by Scrutiny Over Her Sex
·
‘See You at the State Palace’: Jokowi
Congratulates Olympic Gold Medalists
--------
South Asia
·
Rising Threat: UN warns of strengthening ISIS-K
capabilities and expanding influence
·
US Bar Association calls for recognition of
Hazara Genocide in Afghanistan
·
Through knowledge society can develop only
·
New cricket academy opens in Archi District,
Kunduz
·
Beradar discusses economic issues with Turkmen
foreign minister via video conference
·
Khairkhwa discusses bilateral issues with UK
Chargé d’Affaires
-------
Europe
·
UK King Criticized for Staying SilentOn the
Near-Daily Riots
·
UK remains on ‘high’ riot alert as jail terms
ordered for social media posts
·
Britain imposes fresh sanctions on Belarus over
human rights violations
·
People go to Abingdon as Oxford GP closed due
to riot fears
·
'Probably worst days Muslim community has ever
seen in Northern Ireland'
·
Man, 43, arrested after mosque window smashed
in Newport
·
Young Muslims 'Scared' To Walk the Streets
After Nationwide Riots Raise Safety Concerns
·
‘You Do Not Deserve to Live in Fear’ – MP and
Crime Commissioner Visit Carlisle Mosque
·
Cash stolen from Preston mosque following
overnight theft
·
City mosques thankful for efforts to restore
peace
--------
Africa
·
We Will Persuade Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger to
Return to ECOWAS – Tinubu
·
Tinubu Reveals His Priority for Nigerians
During Meeting with Anyaoku, Others
·
Bandits go on rampage in Kaduna, kill Kaduna
village head, abduct Islamic scholar
·
DR Congo: Some groups express doubts about UN
support for SADC mission
·
Mali expels Swedish ambassador amid strained
relations with the West
·
UNICEF says Sudan's future depends on a
ceasefire
--------
Pakistan
·
Pakistan Playing Vital Role for Peace,
Stability in Region: Masjid-e-Nabawi Imam
·
Gwadar sit-in called off, but movement to
continue, says Mahrang
·
Peshawar High Court rejects govt’s request for
May 9 probe panel over ‘rules violation’
·
Balochistan CM inaugurates digital arms licence
system
·
Islamabad Refutes Israeli Media's 'Baseless'
Reports Targeting Pakistan
·
Nation stands united with Armed forces in war
on terror:PM
·
Dar stresses need to reorient country's
diplomatic initiatives
·
Security forces kill four Khwarij in Tirah
Valley
·
Three soldiers martyred in KP's Tirah Valley:
ISPR
--------
Mideast
·
Prominent Islam Scholar Doubles Down On
Existential Necessity of Israeli Victory in Gaza
·
British Peers Condemn Islamic Human Rights
Commission forAnti-Semitic Conspiracies
·
Islamic Jihad Says Zionist Enemy Seeks
Systematically To Kill, Liquidate Palestinians
·
Hamas armed wing Al-Qassam Brigades pledges
allegiance to new leader Sinwar
·
Islamic Resistance targets with appropriate
weapons buildings used by enemy soldiers in Doviv barracks
·
Nine marches in Dhamar in solidarity with
Palestinians & to confirm jihad battle continuation
·
Gaza civil defence says Israel strike on school
kills 100
·
US tells Israel that escalations in Middle East
serve no one
·
US says no sanctions against Israeli military
unit in death of Palestinian-American
·
The threat Israel didn’t foresee: Hezbollah’s
growing drone power
--------
Arab World
·
How The Sustainable Use of Water Is Helping Saudi
Rose Farms Bloom into A Global Industry
·
Saudi Animation Director Is Making His Art
Imitate Life
·
Saudi Arabia welcomes mediators inviting Hamas and
Israel to resume ceasefire talks
·
2024 Paris Games: Saudi sports minister attends
official reception organized by Bahrain Olympic Committee
·
Saudi king, crown prince offer condolences to
Sudan Sovereign Council head after death of sister
--------
North America
·
Tim Walz Repeatedly Hosted Muslim Cleric with
Pro-Hamas History, Gave Grants to His Group
·
Lino Lakes City Council member under fire for
calling anti-Muslim rant ‘best email I’ve ever received’
·
RCMP looking for man after urine and trash left
in front of Antigonish mosque
·
Report: Walz Hosted Muslim Cleric for Events in
Recent Years
·
US journalist arrested for filming
pro-Palestine protest
·
Aide rejects report about Harris intention to
discuss Israel arms embargo
·
US announces $125m in new military aid for
Ukraine
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL:
SC
Extends Stay On Allahabad HC Order To Inspect And Survey Shahi Eidgah-Krishna
Janambhoomi At Mathura Till Nov
Aug 10,
2024
Shri
Krishna Janmabhoomi temple and Shahi Idgah mosque in Mathura
------------
New
Delhi: Supreme Court Friday further extended its stay till Nov on the operation
of the Allahabad HC order for appointing a commission to inspect and survey
Shahi Eidgah mosque at Mathura near Krishna Janambhoomi.
The top
court had stayed the order saying that the application filed for
court-appointed commission was “very vague” and HC should not have passed an
order based on it. The court, however, had made it clear that HC can continue
to hear the case on civil suit pertaining to Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi
Idgah Mosque dispute of Mathura.
Responding
to the application filed by Committee of Management Trust of Shahi Masjid Idgah
alleging that HC passed the order when the issue of maintainability of the suit
was still pending, SC had said that the order for appointment of commission
would not be executed.
We also
published the following articles recently
SC
extends till November stay on Eidgah mosque survey The Supreme Court extended
its stay on the Allahabad HC's order for a commission to inspect Mathura's
Shahi Eidgah mosque by November. The apex court found the application for such
a commission vague and criticized the High Court's decision. However, it
allowed the HC to continue hearing the civil suit regarding the Sri Krishna
Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah Mosque dispute.112412041
Allahabad
HC gives ASI a week to reply to suit seeking Agra mosque surveyThe Allahabad
High Court granted the Archaeological Survey of India another week to respond
to a suit requesting a survey of Agra's Jama Masjid. Plaintiffs claim that an
idol from the Krishna Janmabhoomi shrine, destroyed by Aurangzeb in 1670, is
buried under the mosque's stairs. The hearing continues on August 12.112299356
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/supreme-court-extends-stay-on-eidgah-mosque-survey-till-november/articleshow/112413872.cms
--------
Apt to
Call Zionists ‘Kafir Harbi’ For Killing Muslims but Not Law-Abiding
Non-Muslims, Malaysia FTMufti
The
Office of the Federal Territories (FT) Mufti has warned Muslims against using
the term 'kafir harbi' to describe non-Muslim citizens. — Photo by Hari Anggara
-----------------
KUALA
LUMPUR, Aug 10 — The Office of the Federal Territories (FT) Mufti has today
published an explainer warning Muslims to use the term “Kafir Harbi” to refer
to non-Muslims who abide by laws in a country.
Following
a controversial remark by a PAS man directed to DAP, the article said this term
is more suited in modern context to refer to Zionists who have committed
atrocities towards fellow Muslims.
“The
term Kafir Harbi refers to non-Muslims who do not have the protection of
Muslims and are considered enemies of Islam, actively engaging in hostilities
and committing injustices against them.
“This
label should not be applied to any non-Muslim citizens in a country who respect
its constitution and abide by its laws,” it said in the article, which was also
posted on its Facebook account.
“In the
current context, those who fall under the category of kafir harbi include
Zionists who have killed Muslims and forcibly taken land and expelled the
Palestinian people from their homes and homeland.”
Yesterday,
Perikatan Nasional downplayed a PAS member who labelled DAP as “belligerent
infidels” using the term “kafir harbi”, saying he had merely “misspoke”.
Its
director for the Nenggiri by-election, Tan Sri Annuar Musa, said that the man
has since been “rested” for three days and will not join any party events.
Muslim
leaders from DAP has recently slammed PAS after a member emceeing a rally
declared the former party “kafir harbi” in Malaysia.
The DAP
leaders highlighted that the remark was “takfiri” — a scorned practice of
declaring fellow Muslims “infidels”.
The
remark was also called out by the deputy minister in charge of religious
affairs Senator Zulkifli Hasan, who called the occurence “dangerous”.
The
terms “kafir harbi” and “kafir dhimmi” are archaic theocratic terms referring
to “belligerent infidels” and “protected infidels” respectively, allowing the
bloodshed of the former by Muslims.
Source: malaymail.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/08/10/apt-to-call-zionists-kafir-harbi-for-killing-muslims-but-not-against-law-abiding-non-muslims-ft-mufti-office-says-after-furore-over-pas-mans-remark/146565
--------
UN
experts urge IOC to counter Taliban’s ban by supporting Afghan women athletes
August
9, 2024
On
Friday, UN experts, including Richard Bennett, the organization’s human rights
reporter for Afghanistan, said in a statement that the Taliban’s actions
against women’s and girls’ sports are part of the group’s discriminatory and
repressive measures against women, which could amount to crimes against
humanity.
For
nearly three years, women and girls in Afghanistan under Taliban control have
been deprived of many of their rights, including the right to work and
education, participation in sports, visiting parks, and travelling without a
male guardian from their family.
They
urged sports organizations to take action against the Taliban’s bans on women’s
participation in sports.
UN
experts stated that the Taliban’s prohibition on women engaging in sports is an
unacceptable violation of their rights, and no other country has taken such
action.
In this
year’s Olympics in Paris, three female athletes and three male athletes
represented Afghanistan. However, the Taliban announced that it does not
recognize the participation of these Afghan women athletes in the Olympic
Games.
They
also stated that the horrific deprivation of Afghan women and girls from their
rights and dignity, including in sports, must end.
The
statement emphasized that “culture should not be used as an excuse to violate
human rights, including cultural rights such as the right to participate in
sports.”
UN
experts said that international sports organizations have a responsibility to
fight against the Taliban’s repressive policies and to support Afghan women
athletes everywhere.
They
welcomed the International Olympic Committee’s support for the participation of
Afghan women athletes in these games but emphasized that more support is
needed.
These
experts further insisted that international sports organizations should refrain
from any actions that might be interpreted as complicity with the Taliban’s
discriminatory and illegal policies.
In the
face of the ongoing oppression faced by Afghan women, it is imperative that the
global community stands in solidarity to uphold the fundamental rights of all
individuals, irrespective of gender.
The
exclusion of women from sports not only undermines their personal freedoms but
also weakens the broader human rights framework that the international
community has worked to establish.
The
continued advocacy and pressure from international bodies such as the UN and
IOC are crucial in challenging the Taliban’s repressive measures.
It is
through persistent and unified global efforts that the voices of Afghan women
can be amplified, ensuring that their rights are not just acknowledged but
actively protected and promoted.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.khaama.com/un-experts-urge-ioc-to-counter-talibans-ban-by-supporting-afghan-women-athletes/
--------
King
Charles Calls for Unity in First Royal Intervention as Racial Riots Targeting
Muslims Rock Britain
10 Aug
2024
Middlesbrough
residents in the UK clear debris from the streets on August 5, 2024, following
rioting and looting in England’s worst rioting in 13 years. — AFP pic
--------------
LONDON,
Aug 10 — King Charles called for mutual respect and understanding after racist
riots that targeted Muslims and migrants in Britain, a Buckingham Palace
spokesperson said on Friday, marking the first intervention by the monarch
since the unrest began last week.
The king
thanked police and emergency services for their efforts to restore peace and
welcomed the way that community groups had countered "the aggression and
criminality from a few," the spokesperson said.
"It
remains His Majesty's hope that shared values of mutual respect and
understanding will continue to strengthen and unite the nation," the
spokesperson said after Charles talked by telephone with Prime Minister Keir
Starmer and police chiefs.
Charles
set up a charity, the Princes Trust, in the 1970s which has helped a million
young people to find work or create community projects and it has continued to
operate - including in locations hit by the riots - since his coronation.
Thousands
of specialised police officers are due to remain on duty this weekend in case
the rioting resumes after three days of calm.
The
riots broke out after online posts falsely identified the suspected killer of
three young girls in a knife attack on July 29 in Southport, northwest England,
as an Islamist migrant.
The
government is considering tougher regulations for social media companies.
After
days of rioting that targeted Muslims and hotels housing migrants, Starmer said
extra police numbers and swift justice had deterred people he referred to as
"far-right thugs".
For a
third day in a row, anti-racist demonstrators far outnumbered anti-immigrant
protesters in several locations.
"I
work with people of different origins and they have only been kind to me - we
are all equals," said Emilia Finch, 22, speaking outside a hotel in
Crawley, southern England, where asylum seekers are housed.
"There
is no reason why anyone should be treated any different for their skin
colour."
Starmer
said "significant sentences" issued on a fast-track basis by courts
had been effective.
"That
is a very important part of the message to anybody who is thinking about
getting involved in further disorder," he told reporters during a visit to
a police command centre in London.
By
Friday evening, 741 arrests had been made since the riots broke out and 302
people had been charged. Two of those given sentences were jailed for stirring
up racial hatred in messages on social media. Police said arrests would
continue for months.
The
National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) said more 6,000 public order-trained
officers would be on duty over the weekend.
"It's
probably one of the strongest national policing responses that we've ever done,
certainly in my career history," said Gavin Stephens, the NPCC's chairman.
While
police said it was not clear how many, if any, anti-migrant demonstrations
might be held, about 40 counterprotests were due to take place on Saturday,
according to a group called Stand Up to Racism.
Turning
point?
Stephens
said tough action and the strong message by communities against the riots
represented "potentially the start of a turning point".
The
first soccer matches of the season this weekend could pose problems, although
there was no specific intelligence about such risks.
Charges
have also been brought against some people involved in counterprotests.
A local councillor
who was suspended by Starmer's Labour Party after footage emerged of him
calling for people to cut the throats of "disgusting Nazi fascists"
was charged with encouraging violent disorder.
Cabinet
Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds told Sky News the government would revisit
the framework of legislation that regulates the responsibilities of social
media companies regarding content inciting violence or hate.
"We
stand ready to make changes if necessary," he said of the Online Safety
Act, passed in October but not due to come into effect until next year due to a
consultation process. — Reuters
Source: malaymail.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2024/08/10/king-charles-calls-for-unity-in-first-royal-intervention-as-racial-riots-targeting-muslims-rock-britain/146564#google_vignette
--------
Sharia-compliant
banking and digital identity gain ground in Kenya and Somalia
Aug 9,
2024
Africa
as a continent is carrying out a transformation in its financial and digital
landscapes, with the rapid adoption of digital banking and the development of
market innovations like Sharia-compliant online services. This shift has been
particularly evident in Kenya and Somalia, where financial inclusion efforts
have taken on a new dimension, integrating the principles of Islamic finance
into modern digital platforms.
In
Kenya, emerging digital identity innovation around proxy verification and
Sharia compliant identification is active, according to reports from Medium.
Initiatives
such as the National Integrated Identity Management System (NIIMS) aims to
provide a digital identity for every citizen. This system is designed to
streamline access to services and improve financial inclusion. Craft Silicon, a
Kenyan fintech company, has been developing digital banking software that cater
to the needs of the unbanked population.
Craft
Silicon’s platforms have facilitated mobile banking to let users conduct
transactions, access loans, and make payments through their phones. The
company’s commitment to innovation has also extended to developing
Sharia-compliant products, ensuring that their services are accessible to all
segments of the population. This focus on inclusivity has helped Kenya to focus
on integrating digital ID systems with financial services to improve financial
inclusion.
In
Somalia, the country’s efforts to rebuild its banking system after decades of
instability have been marked by a strong emphasis on Sharia-compliant banking.
According to Horseed Media, East Africa’s Salaam Bank, in partnership with
Paymentology, has introduced a co-branded, tokenized tap-to-pay digital
companion card along with a physical card for users of its Waafi mobile money
app.
Somalia’s
journey towards financial inclusion has been enhanced by mobile banking.
A global
player adapting to local needs
The
global blockchain technology company IOTA has also recognized the importance of
Sharia compliance in expanding its reach in markets like Africa. IOTA’s recent
certification as Sharia-compliant underscores the company’s commitment to
adhering to Islamic finance principles, making its technology more appealing to
Muslim-majority countries.
“Shari’a
compliance significantly benefits the IOTA Ecosystem DLT Foundation by enhancing
its credibility and ethical standards, which are essential for promoting IOTA
technology and the IOTA token within Muslim communities,” says Dominik
Schiener, co-founder and chair of the IOTA Foundation.
“This
compliance supports the Foundation’s work in helping grow and nurture DLT and
blockchain projects in the Middle East, including homegrown initiatives and
external projects seeking regional entry.”
Source: biometricupdate.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.biometricupdate.com/202408/sharia-compliant-banking-and-digital-identity-gain-ground-in-kenya-and-somalia
--------
India
CAA
paperwork simplified, ambit of rules widened after Govt issues clarification
Any
document issued by Centre or state or quasi-judicial body in India will now
suffice
August
10, 2024
Citizenship
Amendment Act, CAA paperwork, CAA paperwork simplified, Bangladesh, Pakistan,
Afghanistan, Indian express news, current affairsAccording to the Ministry, the
Centre had notified the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024 on March 11.
The
Centre Friday expanded the ambit of rules issued under the Citizenship
(Amendment) Act to facilitate grant of Indian citizenship to persecuted
minorities coming from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The
Ministry of Home Affairs said any document issued by the Central or a state
government or a quasi-judicial body in India proving that either of the
parents, grandparents or great-grandparents is or had been a citizen of one of
the three countries will be acceptable.
The
Ministry clarification came after many applicants seeking Indian nationality
under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, were said to be facing
difficulties due to a particular clause of the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules,
2024.
The
earlier clause stated: “Any document that shows that either of the parents or
grandparents or great grandparents of the applicant is or had been a citizen of
one of the three countries i.e of Afghanistan or Bangladesh or Pakistan.”
In its
latest clarification, the Ministry said, “It may be clarified that the
documents under Sr No. 8 of the Schedule-1A may include any document issued by
the central government/state government/any judicial or quasi judicial body in
India such as land record, judicial order etc., identifying or representing
that the applicant or the parents or grandparents or great grandparents had
been a national of Afghanistan or Bangladesh or Pakistan.” “The above
clarification may be taken note of while deciding any citizenship application
under Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA),” it stated.
The CAA
was enacted in December 2019 for granting Indian nationality to persecuted
Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Parsi and Christian migrants from Afghanistan,
Bangladesh and Pakistan who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.
Following the enactment, the CAA got the President’s assent but the rules under
which Indian citizenship would be granted were issued only on March 11 this
year, after over a delay of four years.
According
to the Ministry, the Centre had notified the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules,
2024 on March 11.
“The
Rules envisage the manner of application form, procedure for processing
applications by District Level Committee (DLC) and scrutiny and grant of
citizenship by State Level Empowered Committee (EC). In pursuance of these
rules, applications have been received from persons belonging to Hindu, Sikh,
Jain, Buddhist, Parsi and Christian communities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and
Afghanistan who have entered India up to December 31, 2014, on account of
persecution on grounds of religion or fear of such persecution,” an official
said.
The
Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which sought to fast-track the process of
granting Indian citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and
Christians – but not Muslims – who migrated to India owing to religious
persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, was passed by Lok Sabha on
December 9, 2019, and Rajya Sabha two days later. It received the President’s
assent on December 12, 2019. Soon after the passage of the law, widespread
protests broke out across the country.
Source: indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/caa-paperwork-simplified-ambit-of-rules-widened-after-govt-issues-clarification-9505604/
--------
Amid
Bangladesh crisis, Navy chief says security along Indian coast remains ‘strong’
Coastal
security is an important responsibility of the Navy and the Coast Guard,
Tripathi said, while visiting INS Chilka for the passing out parade of
Agniveers.
Written
by Sujit Bisoyi
August
10, 2024
Chief of
Naval Staff, Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Indian Navy, Agniveers, INS Chilka, Indian
Coast Guard, Indian express news, current affairsAlthough Tripathi refused to
remark on the political turmoil in Bangladesh, his statement holds significance
on the matter and the departure of its former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. The
crisis has sparked fears of illegal immigration in India.
Security
along the Indian coast remains “strong”, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral
Dinesh Kumar Tripathi on Friday — a statement that assumes significance as
India steps up vigil in light of the ongoing political instability in
Bangladesh.
Coastal
security is an important responsibility of the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard,
the Navy chief said while visiting INS Chilka to attend the passing out parade
of Agniveers.
“There
are structures to ensure coastal security. We are doing exercises. We are
interacting with coastal states. The Indian Navy and Coast Guard are
discharging the responsibility well,” he said.
Although
Tripathi refused to remark on the ongoing political turmoil in Bangladesh, his
statement holds significance in light of the ongoing political turmoil in
Bangladesh and the departure of its ex-prime minister Sheikh Hasina. The crisis
has sparked fears of illegal immigration in India.
Odisha,
which has a long coastline of around 480 km, has already sounded alert to the
coastal districts such as Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak and Balasore. The
state government has also held a meeting with various agencies — including the
Indian Navy — to secure its coasts.
The Navy
chief also lauded the young Agniveers and their performances during the parade.
A total of 1,389 Agniveers — including 214 women — joined service Friday
following 16 weeks of training.
Source: indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/amid-bangladesh-crisis-navy-chief-says-security-along-indian-coast-remains-strong-9505526/
--------
Govt
panel to open channels with Bangladesh, ensure minorities safe
Earlier
this week, the BSF addressed multiple incidents of civilian gatherings near the
India-Bangladesh border.
August 10,
2024
Bangladesh,
Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Hasina government, Bangladesh crisis, Bangladesh
minorities, Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh's interim government, Narendra Modi,
india bangladesh ties, india bangladesh relations, bangladesh latest news,
Indian express news, current affairsIn a post on X, Union Home Minister Amit
Shah said: “In the wake of the ongoing situation in Bangladesh, the Modi
government has constituted a committee to monitor the current situation on the
Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB)."
IN THE wake
of the turmoil in neighbouring Bangladesh, the Central government on Friday
constituted a panel headed by a senior BSF officer to monitor the situation
along the border and maintain communication channels with their counterparts
there to ensure safety of Indian nationals and minority communities in that
country.
In a
post on X, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said: “In the wake of the ongoing
situation in Bangladesh, the Modi government has constituted a committee to
monitor the current situation on the Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB). The
committee will maintain communication channels with their counterpart
authorities in Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of Indian
nationals, Hindus, and other minority communities living there. The committee
will be headed by the ADG, Border Security Force, Eastern Command.”
Apart
from the BSF ADG, the committee will have four other members, said a
spokesperson for the Ministry of Home Affairs. They are IG, BSF Frontier HQ
South Bengal; IG, BSF Frontier HQ Tripura; Member (Planning & Development),
Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI); and Secretary, LPAI.
This
came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while extending greetings to
Muhammad Yunus, who took oath as head of the interim government in Bangladesh,
expressed hope for early return of normalcy and sought safety of Hindus and
other minority communities in that country.
Earlier
this week, the BSF addressed multiple incidents of civilian gatherings near the
India-Bangladesh border.
“On
August 7, Bangladeshi nationals were observed gathering near the International
Boundary in two sectors. These gatherings were prompted by fears of attacks by
protesters in Bangladesh. BSF personnel, demonstrating exceptional vigilance
and proactive measures, responded to these situations, ensuring the security of
the border and the safety of the gathered Bangladeshi nationals,” a BSF
spokesperson had said.
According
to the spokesperson, in one sector, efforts were made by the BSF, Border Guard
Bangladesh (BGB), and local civil authorities to reassure and return the
gathered individuals to their homes. “Around 35 civilians returned to their
home and the BSF has deployed additional forces to manage the situation
effectively. In another sector, a group of villagers of Bangladesh approached
the IB, causing a brief commotion. BSF personnel promptly engaged with the
group, and the situation was peacefully resolved. The villagers returned to
their homes, and BSF forces remain on high alert,” the spokesperson said.
Source: indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/govt-panel-to-open-channels-with-bangladesh-ensure-minorities-safe-9505643/
--------
Parties
on Bangladesh turmoil: Congress treads cautiously, BJP & RSS focus on
‘threat to Hindus’
While
the Congress has kept its reactions largely general and measured, with a
passing mention of minorities, the BJP and the RSS have underlined the threat
to “Hindus” and other minorities in Bangladesh.
Written
by Deeptiman Tiwary
August
10, 2024
RSS
general secy Dattatreya Hosabale, Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Hasina
government, Bangladesh crisis, Bangladesh minorities, Muhammad Yunus,
Bangladesh's interim government, Narendra Modi, india bangladesh ties, india
bangladesh relations, bangladesh latest news, Indian express news, current
affairsConcerned over violence against Hindus, Buddhists & other
minorities: RSS general secy Dattatreya Hosabale
Amid the
ongoing turmoil in Bangladesh, where reports of violence, including targeting
of minorities, has been reported, various political parties in India have
expressed concern, with the statements of some laced with political messaging.
While
the Congress has kept its reactions largely general and measured, with a
passing mention of minorities, the BJP and the RSS have underlined the threat
to “Hindus” and other minorities in Bangladesh. This is in line with the core
politics of the BJP and the ideology of the Sangh, where articulating the
welfare of Hindus across the world, especially those living in Muslim-dominated
countries, is part of core political discourse.
On
Friday, RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale issued a statement, asking
the Union government to ensure the safety of Hindus and other minorities in
Bangladesh. “The RSS expresses serious concern over violence against Hindus,
Buddhists and other minority communities in Bangladesh during the movement for
regime change in the last few days… targeted killings, looting, arson, crimes
against Hindu and other minority women, and attacks on Hindu temples are
intolerable.” Hosabale said.
Hosabale
said he expects the Bangladesh interim government to “immediately stop” such
incidents, and requested the global community and all political parties in
India to stand in solidarity with persecuted communities, including Hindus and
Buddhists, at “this critical time”. Hosabale’s statement comes close on the
heels of Modi expressing similar concerns on Thursday. Modi had said: “We hope
for an early return to normalcy, ensuring the safety and protection of Hindus
and all other minority communities…”
Reports
of attacks on minorities and their places of worship in Bangladesh only
bolstered the BJP argument that Hindus were not safe in neighbouring
Muslim-dominated countries. This was the fundamental basis on which the
government had passed the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in 2019, sparking
protests across the country. The legislation was finally implemented just
before the Lok Sabha polls this year.
The
reactions from the Congress have been more measured. In his statement
congratulating Yunus, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had said: “We hope
that normalcy and peace returns in Bangladesh, with whom we Indians share a
historic relationship. We pray for the safety of all the Bangladeshi people,
including all the minorities.”
Congress
MP Rahul Gandhi’s congratulatory message to Yunus only added: “A swift
restoration of peace and normalcy is the need of the hour.”
The TMC,
which had earlier created a controversy with West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee
saying she would welcome people from Bangladesh seeking refuge in the country,
exercised caution. In her first remarks as the Hasina government unravelled,
Banerjee had said that she would back any stand the Centre took. “If our
brothers and sisters who are there face some trouble, the government of India
and the government of Bangladesh will look into it,” she had said.
Source: indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/parties-on-bangladesh-turmoil-congress-treads-cautiously-bjp-rss-focus-on-threat-to-hindus-9505626/
--------
House
committee to submit Waqf Bill report in next session
arliamentary
Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju Friday moved a motion in Lok Sabha for
constitution of the committee, which was approved by the House.
August
10, 2024
Waqf
Bill, Kiren rijiju, Waqf Bill report, Parliamentary House committee, Waqf
(Amendment) Bill 2024, Parliament session, Asaduddin Owaisi, Akhilesh Yadav,
mohibullah, Indian express newsOn Thursday, the government introduced the Waqf
(Amendment) Bill, 2024. However, the Bill was referred to a joint committee of
Parliament after the Opposition MPs in the Lok Sabha protested it. (File Photo)
The Joint
Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 has been given time
till the last day of the first week of the next Parliament session to submit
its report.
Parliamentary
Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju Friday moved a motion in Lok Sabha for constitution
of the committee, which was approved by the House. The joint committee will
have 21 members from Lok Sabha and 10 from Rajya Sabha.
The Lok
Sabha members are: Jagdambika Pal, Nishikant Dubey, Tejasvi Surya, Aparajita
Sarangi, Dr Sanjay Jaiswal, Dilip Saikia, Abhijit Gangopadhyay, DK Aruna,
Gourav Gogoi, Imran Masood, Dr Mohammad Jawed, Mohibbullah, Kalyan Banerjee, A
Raja, Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, Dileshwar Kamait, Arvind Sawant, Mahtre
Balya Mama Suresh Gopinath, Naresh Ganpat Mhaske, Arun Bharti, and Asaduddin
Owaisi.
The ten
Rajya Sabha members include AAP’s Sanjay Singh and YSRCP’s V Vijayasai Reddy.
The others are Samajwadi Party’s Mohibbullah Nadvi, Congress’s Naseer Hussain,
BJP’s Brij Lal, Medha Vishram Kulkarni, Gulam Ali, Radha Mohan Das Agrawal,
TMC’s Mohammed Nadimul Haque, DMK’s M Mohamed Abdulla and nominated member
Dharmasthala Veerendra Heggade.
Rijiju
said that the quorum for the sitting of the joint committee will be one-third
of the total members of the committee. Lok Sabha also recommended to Rajya
Sabha to join the joint committee.
On
Thursday, the government introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. However,
the Bill was referred to a joint committee of Parliament after the Opposition
MPs in the Lok Sabha protested it.
The Bill
proposes several key changes, including allowing a non-Muslim chief executive
officer and at least two non-Muslim members to be appointed by the state
government to the Waqf Boards at the state level. It is also proposed to bring
the district collector as the arbiter on whether a property is Waqf property or
government land.
Source: indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/house-committee-to-submit-waqf-bill-report-in-next-session-9505586/
--------
Southeast Asia
How can
you accuse this govt of sidelining Islam? We spent RM1.9b this year on various
religious initiatives, DPM Zahid says
10 Aug
2024
GUA
MUSANG, Aug 10 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
questioned the persistent claims that Islam is being threatened or sidelined
under the Unity Government, especially in light of the various initiatives
being implemented.
He said
under the 2024 Budget, the allocation was increased to RM1.9 billion compared
with RM1.4 billion last year, as part of efforts to integrate Islam into
various programmes.
This
includes initiatives such as the implementation of Pre-Tahfiz Kindergartens,
and the enhancement of tahfiz institutions through the introduction of
technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programmes.
“If
anyone claims that this Madani Government is endangering Islam, how so? We are
addressing issues related to kindergartens, maahad, and mosque development; and
improving allowances for Kafa teachers, takmirs, imams, and bilal,” he said.
He said
this in his speech at the ‘Peneroka dan Felda Berpisah Tiada’ gathering at
Felda Perasu yesterday.
Ahmad
Zahid said next month, a significant initiative will take place, a gathering of
24,000 huffaz (Quran memorisers) at the Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory Mosque.
“Insya-Allah,
another initiative will be unveiled. You will see that these huffaz, who have
memorised the Quran, aspire to become imams and teachers in tahfiz
institutions. We will introduce a special programme, aimed at helping those who
have memorised the Quran to pursue professional careers,” he said.
Ahmad
Zahid, who is also the Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, said that there is no
problem with any party talking about Islam, but what is important is to
implement what has been said.
“What’s
more important, we just don’t talk, we make efforts to strengthen Islam in this
country, ensuring that no other religions or races are marginalised in the
process,” he added.
Regarding
the Nenggiri by-election, he expressed confidence in BN candidate, Mohd Azmawi
Fikri Abdul Ghani, believing that he will fulfil the promises made by BN for
the state constituency.
Ahmad
Zahid warned that if Mohd Azmawi Fikri, affectionately known as Awi, fails to deliver
on his promises, it will be his only term as an assemblyman.
“Nevertheless,
I am very confident that Awi will fulfil his commitments. He is not just any
young person; I know him well. I am certain, based on my observations, that Awi
is an excellent candidate, and it would be a loss for the people of Nenggiri
not to vote for him,” he said.
The
Nenggiri by-election, scheduled for Aug 17, is witnessing a straight fight
between Mohd Azmawi Fikri, representing the Unity Government coalition, and PAS
candidate, Mohd Rizwadi Ismail, who represents Perikatan Nasional (PN).
This
by-election is being called as the seat was declared vacant by Kelantan state
assembly speaker, Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah, on June 19, after Mohd Azizi
Abu Naim ceased to be a member of Bersatu on June 13. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/08/10/how-can-you-accuse-this-govt-of-sidelining-islam-we-spent-rm19b-this-year-on-various-religious-initiatives-dpm-zahid-says/146538
--------
Hungry
Ghost Festival in Terengganu: Banners prohibits Muslims from entering
10-08-
2024
PETALING
JAYA: The Hungry Ghost Festival organisers in Kemaman, Terengganu have erected
banners explicitly barring Muslims from entering the event venue.
Three
prominent red banners, inscribed in Malay, have been displayed at the entrance
and on tents, stating: “Muslims are not allowed to enter the event’s area
throughout the duration of the programme. (For Chinese only),“ Free Malaysia
Today reported.
According
to reports from Sin Chew Daily, these measures aim to prevent any “potential
issues and conflicts” arising from Muslim participation in the festival.
The
decision to display the banners stems from conditions set by the Kemaman
municipal council, a China Press report indicated.
Tan Chun
Hiang, chairman of the event’s organising committee for the past 12 years,
revealed that council officials personally instructed him to put up the
banners.
“To be
honest, the conditions have always been the same for the past 12 years. It’s
just that this year, they told me it’s best to put up banners,“ he stated.
He
further emphasised the committee’s commitment to adhering to the council’s
regulations, noting that there has been no prior trouble from the authorities
regarding the event.
The
festival is taking place on a privately-owned vacant lot, commonly used as a
car park.
The
banners, a first for the event, have garnered significant attention from local
residents.
The Hungry
Ghost Festival, a traditional Chinese celebration, is observed on the 15th
night of the seventh lunar month, which this year falls on August 18.
Festivities
and rituals are scheduled throughout the lunar month, from August 4 to
September 3.
This
development follows recent controversies in Terengganu concerning religious
events.
The
state government faced accusations of discrimination after reports emerged of a
ban on female singers performing at a temple.
Wan
Sukairi Wan Abdullah, state executive councillor, clarified that the directive
was issued because the event was set in an open space, stating in a Facebook
post on August 3 that the performances would attract both male and female
audiences and wouldn’t be exclusive to non-Muslims.
However,
DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng criticised this reasoning, arguing that “no Muslims
had been invited to the celebration, and that none would attend of their own
accord in a PAS-ruled state that rigorously applies their strict moral code.”
Source: thesun.my
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://thesun.my/local-news/hungry-ghost-festival-in-terengganu-banners-prohibits-muslims-from-entering-CP12841065
--------
Boxer
Imane Khelif Wins Gold to Cap An Olympics Marked by Scrutiny Over Her Sex
August
10, 2024
Paris.
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif has won a gold medal Friday at the Paris Olympics,
emerging as a champion from a tumultuous run at the Games where she endured
intense scrutiny in the ring and online abuse from around the world over
misconceptions about her womanhood.
Khelif
beat Yang Liu of China 5:0 in the final of the women’s welterweight division,
wrapping up the best series of fights of her boxing career with a victory at
Roland Garros, where crowds chanted her name, waved Algerian flags and roared
every time she landed a punch.
After
her unanimous win, Khelif jumped into her coaches' arms, one of them putting
her on his shoulders and carrying her in a victory lap as she pumped her fists
and grabbed an Algerian flag from the crowd.
“For
eight years, this has been my dream, and I’m now the Olympic champion and gold
medalist,” Khelif said through an interpreter. Asked about the scrutiny, she
told reporters: “That also gives my success a special taste because of those
attacks.”
“We are
in the Olympics to perform as athletes, and I hope that we will not see any
similar attacks in future Olympics,” she said.
Fans
have embraced Khelif in Paris even as she faced an extraordinary amount of scrutiny
from world leaders, major celebrities and others who have questioned her
eligibility or falsely claimed she was a man. It has thrust her into a larger
divide over changing attitudes toward gender identity and regulations in
sports.
It stems
from the Russian-dominated International Boxing Association’s decision to
disqualify Khelif and fellow two-time Olympian Li Yu-ting of Taiwan from last
year’s world championships, claiming both failed an eligibility test for
women’s competition that IBA officials have declined to answer basic questions
about.
“I’m
fully qualified to take part in this competition,” Khelif said Friday. “I’m a
woman like any other woman. I was born as a woman, I live as a woman, and I am
qualified."
The
International Olympic Committee took the unprecedented step last year of
permanently banning the IBA from the Olympics following years of concerns about
its governance, competitive fairness and financial transparency. The IOC has
called the arbitrary sex tests that the sport’s governing body imposed on the
two boxers irretrievably flawed.
The IOC
has repeatedly reaffirmed the two boxers’ right to compete in Paris, with
President Thomas Bach personally defending Khelif and Lin while calling the
criticism “hate speech.”
Khelif
noted that she has boxed in IBA competitions since 2018 but now “they hate me,
and I don’t know why."
"I
sent them a single message with this gold medal, and that is that my dignity
and honor are above all else,” she said.
The
IBA's reputation hasn’t stopped the international outcry tied to misconceptions
around the fighters, which has been amplified by Russian disinformation
networks. It also hasn’t slowed two boxers who have performed at the highest
levels of their careers while under the spotlight’s glare.
Khelif
was dominant in Paris at a level she had never reached before: She won every
round on every judge's scorecard in each of her three fights that went the
distance.
Khelif’s
gold medal is Algeria’s first in women’s boxing. She is only the nation’s
second boxing gold medalist, joining Hocine Soltani (1996) while claiming the
seventh gold medal in Algeria's Olympic history.
While
Khelif drew enthusiastic, flag-draped fans in Paris, she also has become a hero
in her North African country, where many have seen the world’s dissection of
Khelif as criticism of their nation.
Dubbed
“The Night of Destiny” in local newspapers, Khelif’s fight was projected on
screens set up in public squares throughout Algiers and other cities. In the
city of Tiaret in the region where Khelif is from, workers braved the scorching
summer heat to paint a mural of Khelif in the gym where she learned to box.
“Imane
has managed to turn the criticism and attacks on her femininity into fuel,”
said Mustapha Bensaou of the Tiaret gym. “The slander has given her a boost.
... It’s a bit of a blessing in disguise.”
Source: jakartaglobe.id
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://jakartaglobe.id/news/boxer-imane-khelif-wins-gold-to-cap-an-olympics-marked-by-scrutiny-over-her-sex
--------
‘See You
at the State Palace’: Jokowi Congratulates Olympic Gold Medalists
August
9, 2024
Jakarta.
President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo on Friday personally congratulated two
Indonesian athletes via video call after they won gold medals at the Paris
Olympics, expressing his gratitude for their outstanding achievements.
Veddriq
Leonardo claimed the gold in the inaugural men’s sport climbing speed event,
while Rizki Juniansyah secured the top spot in the men’s 73kg weightlifting
category on Thursday.
Both
athletes triumphed over world record holders in their respective sports, with
Rizki setting a new Olympic record by lifting 199 kilograms in the clean and
jerk.
“Veddriq
and Rizki, congratulations on your gold medals in sport climbing and
weightlifting. I am incredibly proud of you, as are all Indonesians. Your
achievements are a special gift for Indonesia’s 79th anniversary,” the
president said in a video posted on his Instagram account.
President
Jokowi also extended his best wishes to the other Indonesian athletes and
officials still in Paris.
“I look
forward to welcoming you all back home. See you at the State Palace,” the
president added.
Source: jakartaglobe.id
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://jakartaglobe.id/news/see-you-at-the-state-palace-jokowi-congratulates-olympic-gold-medalists
--------
South Asia
Rising
Threat: UN warns of strengthening ISIS-K capabilities and expanding influence
August
9, 2024
Vladimir
Voronkov warned that a large portion of Africa could potentially fall under the
control of ISIS and its affiliated branches.
Voronkov
emphasized that ISIS-Khorasan has demonstrated its intent for international
attacks by claiming responsibility for assaults in various parts of the world.
ISIS-Khorasan
is based in Afghanistan and Pakistan. According to a UN Security Council
report, the group has infiltrated Taliban security institutions and is expanding
its influence into Central Asia.
The
Security Council’s assessment indicates that the Taliban have been unable to
control and contain ISIS. The Taliban, however, have claimed that ISIS does not
pose a threat to Afghanistan.
Voronkov
informed the Security Council that ISIS branches have expanded and solidified
their operational areas in West Africa and the Sahel region.
He added
that if their influence continues to grow, a vast territory stretching from
Mali to northern Nigeria could come under their control.
The UN
Deputy Secretary-General noted that in parts of Mozambique, Somalia, and the
Democratic Republic of Congo, there has been a “significant increase in
terrorist attacks,” resulting in the deaths of many civilians.
The
growing strength and influence of ISIS-Khorasan and its affiliates pose a
serious threat not only to Afghanistan and Pakistan but also to a broader
region, including parts of Africa.
The
international community must take coordinated and decisive actions to prevent
these extremist groups from gaining further control and to protect the lives of
innocent civilians.
As the
situation continues to escalate, it is crucial for global powers and regional
stakeholders to collaborate in countering the spread of ISIS, ensuring that
vulnerable regions do not fall into the hands of these terrorist organizations.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.khaama.com/rising-threat-un-warns-of-strengthening-isis-k-capabilities-and-expanding-influence/
--------
US Bar
Association calls for recognition of Hazara Genocide in Afghanistan
August
9, 2024
The
association specifically called on the U.S. Congress and State Department to
fulfill their international responsibilities by recognizing this genocide to
prevent its recurrence.
The
resolution was passed on Tuesday, August 6th, during the association’s annual
meeting in Chicago.
The
American Bar Association released a twelve-page report identifying the mass
killings of Hazaras as genocide and urging nations to take action to stop
further genocidal acts against the Hazara people in Afghanistan and other
vulnerable groups.
The
association urged the U.S. Congress and State Department to take serious
measures to end the impunity for genocide in Afghanistan by ensuring justice
and accountability for those responsible.
The
American Bar Association stated that the Hazara people have been victims of
mass killings and indescribable violence by various Afghan rulers since the
late 19th century.
The association
highlighted several major events in Afghanistan that demonstrate the dire
situation of the Hazara people and constitute genocide.
The
association recalled the massacre of Hazaras by Abdul Rahman Khan, as well as
the massacres in Afshar and Mazar-i-Sharif, noting that the international
community did nothing to prevent these atrocities.
According
to the association, the first documented massacre of Hazaras occurred during
the reign of Abdul Rahman Khan from 1880 to 1901, during which approximately
60% of the Hazara population was killed or forcibly displaced to neighboring
countries.
The
American Bar Association reported that Abdul Rahman Khan classified Hazaras as
“infidels” and carried out a campaign of rape and murder to cleanse central
Afghanistan of Hazaras, allowing Pashtun nomads to seize Hazara lands.
The
association emphasized that Abdul Rahman Khan’s policies of “discrimination and
dehumanization” led to severe persecution of the Hazara people.
The
report noted that the Taliban, during their first regime in the 1990s, resumed
Abdul Rahman Khan’s policies against the Hazaras.
The
association reported that between 1992 and late 2021, the Hazaras experienced
at least ten massacres, nine of which were perpetrated by the Taliban.
From
2001 to 2022, an estimated 294 incidents of mass killings of Hazaras occurred
in Afghanistan, according to the association.
The
association highlighted that since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, the
forced displacement of Hazaras has become a common practice, with thousands
being forcibly evicted from their homes in various provinces.
The
American Bar Association’s resolution underscores the urgent need for
international recognition and action to address the ongoing genocide against
the Hazara people in Afghanistan.
The
documented history of mass killings, systemic persecution, and forced
displacement highlights a prolonged pattern of violence and discrimination that
continues to threaten the existence of this vulnerable community. The call for
justice and accountability is not only a moral imperative but also a necessary
step to prevent further atrocities and to ensure that the Hazara people receive
the protection and rights they deserve.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.khaama.com/us-bar-association-calls-for-recognition-of-hazara-genocide-in-afghanistan/
--------
Through
knowledge society can develop only
August
10, 2024
The
biggest difference between humans and other creatures is intellect and
knowledge. This is why the more one’s knowledge and intellect increase, the
greater the perfection of humanity can be achieved. With knowledge, man knows
himself, the environment, the whole universe and the secrets, wisdom, nuances,
subtleties, arts and perfections hidden in them, and then through this way he
can find the understanding of knowing his creator and owner in a very deep way.
Also, with the power of knowledge and intellect, man can make good use of the
various creations of God and build his life on them. This is the science and
art that now man can fly from earth to space and from space to space, can show
thousands of stars and planets and this flight can shorten very long distances
in a few minutes. With the help of knowledge and perfect wisdom, people could
drill the paths to the heart and core of the earth and seas, accessed to fishes
and whales, took away their sorrows, discovered gas and oil wells, built
airways and gained so much power. Neither the hawks nor the falcons in the air
can escape from it, nor the elephants and tigers in the deserts and mountains,
nor the snakes and dragons in the sea and land. The purpose is the secret of
man’s supremacy, rule and sovereignty over all other creatures. Moreover, when
a person is illiterate, uneducated, artless, and imperfect, it is clear that
neither they nor the society, in which they live, will develop and they will
forever be waiting for others’ help. Because, a human being has to save
himself, maintain his dignity and build and correct his life, he will use his
talents, use his intellect, conduct scientific research and free himself from
the problems arising. On the other hand, if one does not care themselves,
wastes time and opportunities, and does not value the art of development, there
is no doubt that they will lead a poor and backward society. They, even if
being physically stronger, will be controlled by others. Ignorance is the root
cause of many problems and sufferings, so every nation that wants to get rid of
its problems should try its best to acquire knowledge and use its mind and
brain. Unfortunately, we, the Afghan people, are mostly suffering from this
ignorance, and if you look carefully, most of the problems and sufferings we
have are due to this deficiency. So, let’s start a broad and serious national
plan to achieve knowledge to help our society develop. Let’s focus on the
improvement and development of our educational centers, let’s consult with wise
men, scholars, teachers and specialists, listen to them and appreciate their
recommendations, otherwise, be sure that without this, our ongoing problems and
sufferings will never end. Inam Hashemi
Source: thekabultimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the
text of the original Story
https://thekabultimes.com/through-knowledge-society-can-develop-only/
--------
New
cricket academy opens in Archi District, Kunduz
August
10, 2024
A new
cricket academy has been established and put into operation in the Archi
district of Kunduz province. The initiative was supported by Abdul Hadi
Salarzai, a player from Afghanistan’s national Under19 cricket team. The
academy’s establishment has been hailed as a significant step forward for
professional cricket in the district. Local cricket officials in Kunduz believe
this facility will play a crucial role in advancing the sport within the
region. They emphasized that the academy would provide young athletes with the
necessary training and resources to enhance their skills in professional
cricket. Additionally, the new facility is expected to inspire more youth in
Archi to pursue cricket at a professional level, creating opportunities for
future sports stars from the area. The initiative is seen as a milestone in
promoting cricket in Kunduz, potentially leading to the discovery of new talent
for the national cricket team. The Kabul Times
Source: thekabultimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://thekabultimes.com/new-cricket-academy-opens-in-archi-district-kunduz/
--------
Beradar
discusses economic issues with Turkmen foreign minister via video conference
August
10, 2024
KABUL:
The Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Beradar
Akhund, in a virtual meeting with the Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan, Rashid
Meredov, discussed enhancing economic cooperation, his office said in a
statement Friday. Various bilateral political, economic, and trade cooperation,
including the implementation of the TAPI project within Afghanistan, the
expansion of the railway station at the Torghundi port, and the facilitation of
transit and transport between the two countries, have been discussed in the
meeting, the statement said. The deputy PM Beradar stated that Afghanistan and
Turkmenistan share strong political and economic relations, and both sides
should strive to further enhance the relations. Referring to the mutual
interests of both countries, Beradar added that the current environment is
favorable for launching mega-economic projects and both countries should use
this opportunity. “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan pursues an
economy-focused foreign policy with a primary emphasis on regional
connectivity, requiring cooperation from the region, particularly Turkmenistan,
to achieve this goal,” the statement quoted Beradar as saying. Meanwhile, the
Turkmen foreign minister said that his country is ready to commence work on the
TAPI project within Afghanistan in the near future to expand their political
and economic ties, according to the statement. He also stated that Turkmenistan
plans to invest in Afghanistan’s electricity and railway sectors. Rashid
Meredov extended an invitation to Deputy PM Beradar to visit Turkmenistan. The
Kabul Times
Source: thekabultimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://thekabultimes.com/beradar-discusses-economic-issues-with-turkmen-foreign-minister-via-video-conference/
--------
Khairkhwa
discusses bilateral issues with UK Chargé d’Affaires
August
10, 2024
KABUL:
The acting Minister of Information and Culture Mullah Khairullah Khairkhwa, in
a meeting, with Robert Chatterton Dickson, the Chargé d’Affaires of the UK
Mission to Afghanistan, discussed enhancing bilateral relations, the ministry
said in a statement the other day. In the meeting, the two sides discussed some
important issues including the political and economic situation, humanitarian
aid, the fight against corruption and drugs, and security in Afghanistan, the
statement said. According to the statement, both sides considered the current
situation as a valuable opportunity for interaction, dialogue, and the
enhancement of relations between the two countries. They also emphasized that a
progressive and stable Afghanistan is beneficial not only for the region but
also for the world. The Kabul Times
Source: thekabultimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://thekabultimes.com/khairkhwa-discusses-bilateral-issues-with-uk-charge-daffaires/
-------
Europe
UK King
Criticized for Staying SilentOn the Near-Daily Riots
August
09, 2024
LONDON:
Britain’s King Charles III has faced criticism for remaining silent on the
near-daily riots seen since early last week following a deadly knife attack
that killed three children.
While
the monarch and his wife Camilla conveyed their condolences to the families of
the three girls killed in the mass stabbing on July 29, Buckingham Palace has
not commented on the riots which ensued.
“I am
surprised that the king as head of state hasn’t come out more forcefully, given
that it’s a perilous moment for the United Kingdom,” said historian and royal
commentator Ed Owens.
However,
according to constitutional law expert Craig Prescott “the monarchy does not
comment on current political events.”
“Once
the riots have subsided, you might expect members of the royal family to visit
places affected and perhaps to see them more in multicultural settings,”
Prescott said in a post on X.
“If the
king speaks out about this, then what about the next big issue, and the one
after that.”
Charles’s
silence is in keeping with his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, who
remained similarly quiet during the last wave of riots which shook England in
2011.
It is
typically explained by the expectation that British monarchs avoid commenting
on anything deemed political.
Owens
argued Charles, who has gradually resumed public duties after a cancer
diagnosis earlier this year, may not have publicly reacted due to two main
reasons.
On the
one hand, he may have been “advised by his government that it would be unwise
at this stage of intervene directly.”
On the
other, the monarch might himself have deemed the issue too “combustible.”
“To
court controversy can lead to the alienation of certain sections of the British
public,” Owens told AFP.
Officials
have blamed the riots, which have seen mosques and immigration-linked sites
targeted, on far-right elements and “thugs.”
They are
accused of trying to use the stabbing tragedy and growing mainstream right-wing
concern over immigration levels to further their extreme cause.
Owens
noted the monarch has previously celebrated the benefits of legal migration as
well as multiculturalism.
But his
current silence is also “characteristic of a deeper silence on this very
specific topic of illegal migration,” which remains politically divisive, he
added.
Another
complicating factor is that many involved in the riots are “people that pretend
that they wrap themselves in the (British) flags and call themselves patriots,”
Owens said.
“Some of
these individuals would be the natural supporters of the (royal) institution.”
However,
that could merit the monarch “taking a stand and saying, ‘not in our name, this
isn’t the kind of behavior we expect of anybody in this country,’” Owens argued.
Part of
the surprise in some quarters at Charles’s silence could stem from the
sovereign having been vocal on social issues and topics like climate change
over the years.
Since
becoming king he is seen as having presented himself as more accessible than his
predecessors, including by opening up about his health.
As heir,
he visited areas affected by riots in north London in 2011.
Meanwhile,
Charles reportedly expressed private concerns in June 2022 over the
then-government’s plan to send failed asylum seekers to Rwanda, calling the
proposals “appalling.”
But for
Graham Smith, head of Republic, a pressure group which campaigns for an elected
UK head of state to replace the monarch, the lack of a response to the riots
“goes further than Charles.”
“It is
about the institution being a failure because it provides for someone who isn’t
able to speak really,” he told AFP.
Charles,
who is currently on the monarch’s annual summer holiday in Scotland, has like
his mother in 2011 requested daily updates about the situation, according to
royal sources reported by British media.
“The
fact that that has been made public is important, because what the monarchy is
trying to show is that he’s not an uninterested party, that he is taking an
active interest in this,” Owens said.
However,
Smith is unimpressed by that argument.
“We’re
told that the monarchy unites the country, and I don’t think that’s the case.
They can’t even speak up when the country is facing far-right riots,” he said.
“There’s
no value in a billionaire sitting in his holiday home being updated about
what’s happening. I mean, it’s easy to be updated — switch the TV on.”
Britain’s
King Charles III has faced criticism for remaining silent on the near-daily
riots seen since early last week following a deadly knife attack that killed
three children. (Reuters/File)
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2565606/world
--------
UK
remains on ‘high’ riot alert as jail terms ordered for social media posts
August
09, 2024
LONDON:
Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned Friday that UK authorities must “stay on
high alert” for more far-right riots, as courts issued the first jail sentences
for online incitement during the recent disorder.
While England
has had consecutive nights of relative quiet, disturbances have continued
unabated in Northern Ireland where police have blamed pro-UK loyalist
paramilitaries for fueling nightly violence in Belfast.
More
than 1,000 anti-racism protesters massed in the Northern Irish capital on
Friday amid a large police presence.
Several
dozen anti-immigration demonstrators also showed up.
Starmer
told reporters during a visit to the London police headquarters that “swift
justice” handed out by courts was helping deter more disorder in English towns.
“But we
have to stay on high alert going into this weekend because we absolutely have
to make sure that our communities are safe and secure,” Starmer added.
A judge
in Leeds, northern England, jailed a 28-year-old man for 20 months after he
admitted publishing Facebook posts that met the criminal threshold for stirring
racial hatred.
In the
first case of its kind linked to the disturbances, a judge sentenced Jordan
Parlour for posts last week encouraging people to attack a hotel in the city
housing asylum seekers and refugees.
The
hotel manager had to put the building into lockdown Saturday due to disorder in
the city, and at least one window was broken after stones were thrown at it.
In
Northampton, central England, a judge jailed 26-year-old Tyler Kay for 38
months after he called on social media for hotels housing asylum seekers to be
set alight.
Speaking
before the sentences — but after both had been convicted — Starmer said they
were “a reminder to everyone that whether you’re directly involved or whether
you’re remotely involved, you’re culpable.”
Social
media executives and users should be “mindful of the first priority, which is
to ensure that our communities are safe and secure.”
“We’re
going to have to look more broadly at social media after this disorder but the
focus at the moment has to be on dealing with the disorder,” Starmer said.
Police
in England said nearly 600 arrests have been carried out linked to the unrest
since July 30 and around 150 charges had been filed.
The
disturbances, sparked by a July 29 knife attack in which three children were
killed, have seen mosques and migrant-related facilities attacked alongside
police and other targets.
Officials
say false information spread on social media about the suspected perpetrator
fueled the disorder.
Courts
across England have started sentencing participants in the disorder, with about
a dozen people jailed on Thursday.
In
Northern Ireland, a number of Belfast businesses and libraries closed early on
Friday after more disorder overnight and the latest protests.
Police
there said 23 people have been arrested so far in Belfast following the
disturbances, and 15 charged.
Officers
have been granted additional powers to stop and search suspected troublemakers
and ask them to remove face coverings, while additional manpower is being sent
from the UK mainland, according to reports.
Britain’s
monarch, King Charles III, praised the police and emergency services “for all
they are doing to restore peace in those areas that have been affected by
violent disorder.”
He hoped
that the “shared values of mutual respect and understanding will continue to
strengthen and unite the nation,” a palace spokesman added in a statement, his
first reaction to the unrest
French
President Emmanuel Macron offered his support to Starmer in a phone call with
the prime minister Friday, said a statement from the French presidency.
Offering
condolences to the families of the victims of the July 29 stabbing, Macron
“firmly condemned the violence and disorder” in Britain in his conversation
with Starmer, said the statement.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2565701/world
---------
Britain
imposes fresh sanctions on Belarus over human rights violations
August
09, 2024
LONDON:
Britain announced a new package of sanctions against Belarus on Friday, saying
four individuals and three entities had been targeted over human rights
violations and the ongoing facilitation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The
British government said the coordinated action with international partners
marked the fourth anniversary of the “deeply flawed” 2020 presidential
elections in Belarus.
Most
independent observers believe President Alexander Lukashenko lost that
election. He hung on to power by imprisoning thousands to crush months of
street protests with the help of his ally, Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Commanding
officers of four Belarusian penal colonies in which political prisoners have
been detained were among those sanctioned on Friday.
“Four
years on from the brutal scenes we witnessed in Belarus, Lukashenko’s
relentless crackdown on civil society has shown no signs of abating,” Foreign
Secretary David Lammy said.
“We
stand with the people of Belarus and their pursuit of freedom and democracy and
call on the regime to release all political prisoners immediately and
unconditionally.”
The
three entities sanctioned included two machine tool manufacturers who have
exported goods to Russia for use in the Russian military industrial sector, and
one business affiliated with the Belarusian government which has done business
in the defense sector.
Britain
also announced 2.5 million pounds ($3 million) of funding to support Belarusian
human rights and civil society causes.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2565621/world
--------
People
go to Abingdon as Oxford GP closed due to riot fears
10-08-24
An
urgent care clinic in Oxford has temporarily been moved out of the city amid
concerns over rioters targeting a nearby mosque.
More
than 600 people turned out at a rally in Oxford on Wednesday night (August 7)
after fears the refugee centre in Magdalen Road was going to be targeted by
far-right protestors.
Following
the fatal stabbing of three children in Southport, riots and violent scenes
have broken out in various UK towns and cities with an anti-immigration
sentiment at the forefront.
The East
Oxford Health Centre in Manzil Way closed early at 4pm on Wednesday to
“safeguard” patients and staff due to the threat of violence.
A
protest was organised by the Oxford Stand Up To Racism group in response to the
riots taking place across the country but there were fears this could lead to a
backlash from disruptors.
One
patient told the Oxford Mail that when trying to book an out-of-hours
appointment at the medical centre on Thursday night (August 8), he was told he
would need to travel to Abingdon as the urgent care clinic was "closed due
to high tensions of recent days”.
The
patient, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “Unfortunately I had to use the
Oxfordshire out-of-hours GP service.
“Normally
I would be sent to the service clinic in Manzil Way.
“But I
was told I would need to travel to Abingdon as the clinic was closed due to the
high tensions of recent days with this being next to the mosque.
“This
wasn't so much of an issue for me being able to drive but if you rely on public
transportation or taxis this could be very time-consuming and costly for
residents of Oxford.”
It has
since been confirmed the urgent care clinic usually available at East Oxford
Health Centre will be moved to the Abingdon Community Hospital this weekend as
a "precaution".
A
statement from the Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust said: “All our services
are operational and urgent care will continue to be available to all patients
who need it this weekend. Patients with an urgent health need should call 111
as usual.
"The
urgent care clinic usually available at East Oxford Health Centre is
temporarily being provided at Abingdon Community Hospital this weekend as a
precaution.
"Anyone
with an appointment in any of our services should attend it as planned, but if
they feel unsafe to travel or visit, they should ring the clinic or point of
contact to make alternative arrangements.”
Prior to
Wednesday's protest, the Central Oxford Mosque on Manzil Way took to social
media to thank locals who have shown their support amid riots taking place at
Islamic places of worship across the country.
A letter
sent to the mosque from an anonymous neighbour was posted along with a caption
saying “thank you to our lovely neighbour for the wonderful letter and
flowers.”
Part of
the letter to the mosque said: “I hope that in the days, weeks and months to
come life will return to something better.
“You are
my neighbours and I wish you all, tall the care and concern that you deserve.
It is awful and appalling that you should be put under threat and suffer
violence or fear.”
A
spokesperson for NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berskshire West
Integrated Care Board (BOB ICB) said: "BOB ICB condemns the racism and
violence which has caused so much distress across the country.
"Our
guidance to our GP practices and community pharmacies is that staff and patient
safety should be paramount and appropriate steps should be taken if there is
any risk to safety.
"This
may include moving to another site, working remotely or signposting to
alternative services.
"We
continue to work closely with Thames Valley Police and the Thames Valley
Resilience Forum to monitor the situation."
Source: oxfordmail.co.uk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/24508910.urgent-care-clinic-moved-oxford-amid-riot-concerns/
--------
'Probably
worst days Muslim community has ever seen in Northern Ireland'
9 August
2024
The
violence and intimidation of recent days in parts of Belfast has put a sharper
focus on how Northern Ireland deals with the problem of racism.
Businesses
have been destroyed and lives have been left in turmoil, after simmering racism
spilled out onto the streets.
While
for many people from ethnic minority backgrounds the problem is nothing new,
one member of the Muslim community who moved here from Iraq over 30 years ago,
has told UTV these are the worst days he's ever experienced.
"People
are scared, people don't know what to do," Dr Raied Al-Wazzan from the
Belfast Islamic Centre said.
"These
are probably the worst days the Muslim community have ever seen in Northern
Ireland.
"Luckily
the vast majority of people in Northern Ireland are welcoming and supportive
and we've been inundated with a huge number of messages of support.
"But
we need politicians to take the lead, to put a plan in place on how to tackle
these issues, and we are willing to help."
In west
Belfast there was a celebration of diversity - a chance for different
nationalities to come together.
But the
scenes of recent days remain at the forefront of people's minds.
Glen
Phillips said: "I've spoken to many people in the Holyland area who are
now walking down the street looking both ways, not venturing out after dark.
"Sometimes
it may be an unfounded fear and sometimes it may not be, but it has really
impacted on how people are living their lives."
For some
here through, the welcome has been and continues to be warm.
Rasha
Salis added: "I have a lot of local friends, they ask me 'do you need
help, do you need anything, do you need groceries - we are here'.
"I
feel very comfortable because I have a lot of Irish people here, local
friends."
Source: itv.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.itv.com/news/utv/2024-08-09/probably-worst-days-for-muslim-community
--------
Man, 43,
arrested after mosque window smashed in Newport
9 August
2024
A
43-YEAR-OLD man from Newport has been arrested and charged, after an item was
thrown at a mosque window.
Officers
from Gwent Police arrested a 43-year-old man from Newport after receiving
reports of criminal damage at a mosque on Shaftesbury Street at around 7am on
Thursday, August 1.
The
window of Faizan-e-Madina in Newport, was damaged in the "racially
aggravated" attack.
The
window of Faizan-e-Madina in Newport, was damaged in the religiously aggravated
attack. (Image: Supplied)
Gwent
Police said the following in a statement on social media: "We received a
report of criminal damage after an item was thrown at a window of a mosque in
Shaftesbury Street, Newport, at around 7am on Thursday 1 August.
"Officers
arrested a 43-year-old Newport man and he has been charged with racially
aggravated criminal damage.
"He
is due to appear at Newport Magistrates’ Court today."
Source: uk.news.yahoo.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/man-43-arrested-mosque-window-170000154.html
--------
Young
muslims 'scared' to walk the streets after nationwide riots raise safety
concerns
9 August
2024
A group
of young muslims say they feel "scared" to walk the streets following
the riots across the UK, sparked by the Southport stabbings.
Mehran,
Ruqayya, Sami and Haleema all live in the north of England, and believe more
needs to be done to tackle racism.
When
asked how Mehran was feeling after the last couple of weeks, he said:
"Quite scared, worried to leave home, always second guessing whether we
should be in certain places at certain times, and it's not nice.
"It
feels like we've gone back in time many decades, and it's certainly not the
Greater Manchester or the UK that we know and love."
"I
think there is a huge need for us to come together now to think about how we
are reacting to this - not to react in the wrong way, not to fight fire with
fire, not to add fuel to the fire - but to stay strong, and know there is a
path forward".
Ruqayya
is in her late teens, and has lived in Bolton for her whole life. She said:
"I'm 18 years of age now and it's a weird feeling for someone like me
right now.
"I've
grown up in this country, I was born in Royal Bolton Hospital - my mum is a
dental nurse, my dad's an avid member of the community - this is all I've
known.
"So
for me to feel fear coming here and speaking to people of colour, to see people
of colour in this conversation and for me to second guess whether I can go out
the house - it's a very strange feeling to be honest".
Sami
believes only those experiencing racism can fully understand what it means, and
he continues to feel elements of racism in the UK.
He said:
"Being from an asylum-seeking background, I feel like my community are
specifically targeted.
"On
one side I feel like my community is Manchester and I've been Mancunian most of
my life, and I believe myself to be Mancunian, but this puts that entire sense
of belonging in jeopardy.
"On
the other side, I can also see that the austerity that the previous government
has put people through, people feel neglected, they don't feel heard.
"And
I sympathise with the fact that most of the people who are in these riots -
they are not racist - they just feel like they've not been heard - and they
just want somewhere to put their anger and frustration in and it's just been
channeled through this way."
He said:
"I feel like racism is something you can only experience, you can never
truly understand.
"Of
course they can empathise with how you're feeling, but they can't actually put
themselves in your shoes because they don't feel this day to day.
"We
experience it - we see it - you can see the stares on the tram when you're
going from point A to point B - you can feel the voices in your head constantly
telling you what if something goes wrong?"
He
added: "I was in bed the day the riots were happening at 11:30pm, and
every single time someone walked past the house, my anxiety spiked."
When
asked what the solution is, Sami called on the government to do more.
He said:
"It needs to come from the top, it needs to be seen in policy, it needs to
be done by the government to make sure every single person, if they're living
in Britain they're a priority for the government, and it should be seen as
such."
Haleema
said: "I just feel very scared because I'm not used to ever feeling like
this - feeling this worried about my surroundings, about my neighbourhood.
"I've
never felt like this before, and I've lived here all my life ever since I was
born, so feeling like this is not a very nice feeling.
"Knowing
that they're attacking a certain group, such as women who wear a hijab, I just
feel very unsafe and unsettled."
Incidents
of violent unrest have spread across the country following the fatal stabbings
of three girls at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in Southport last week.
More
than 400 people have been arrested, over 120 have been charged and a number of
those convicted have been jailed in fast-tracked court appearances.
Source: itv.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.itv.com/news/granada/2024-08-09/young-muslims-scared-to-walk-the-streets-after-riots
--------
‘You do
not deserve to live in fear’ – MP and crime commissioner visit Carlisle mosque
09/08/2024
Carlisle’s
MP and Cumbria’s crime commissioner have visited Carlisle’s mosque as tensions
rise across the country with violent protests.
They
visited as six people in the county have been arrested in relation to planned
disorder in Carlisle earlier this week and a new dispersal order has been put
in place for the city this weekend.
Cumbria’s
Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “The violent disorder
that has taken place across the country has been incredibly harrowing to see
and any attempt to provoke criminal disorder her in Cumbria will not be
tolerated.”
Carlisle’s
MP Julie Minns said: “We want to assure all Cumbrian residents – particularly
those who are feeling the most unsafe – that the police are here to protect
you.
“The
views of those trying to instil violence and criminality do not uphold the
values of the UK and certainly do not speak on behalf of Cumbria. There is no
place for hatred in Cumbria, and we welcome anyone who wishes to make the
county their home.”
Mr Allen
added: “We would like to extend our thanks to the police officers that were out
tackling crime in Carlisle in the dispersal order area and keeping our
communities safe.
“Violent
behaviour is completely unacceptable and we do not want to see this type of
behaviour spread into Cumbria. If you are thinking of taking part in this
far-right thuggery – think again.
“The
police will stop you and you will face the consequences of your actions. These
are not protests, they are criminal acts.
Source: cumbriacrack.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://cumbriacrack.com/2024/08/09/you-do-not-deserve-to-live-in-fear-mp-and-crime-commissioner-visit-carlisle-mosque/
--------
Cash
stolen from Preston mosque following overnight theft
The
incident happened in the early hours of Friday, August 9, at the Noor Mosque in
Noor Street, and the mosque said it was unsure how the burglar had gained
access to the premises.
CCTV
images from the mosque show the suspect at just after midnight inside the
building.
A video
shared by the mosque shows an emptied safe and damage to an interior door which
appears to have been ripped open.
Salim
Bhai, from the mosque, said: “This is the first time this has happened at the
mosque so it was quite a shock for everyone.
“We are
not entirely sure how he has gained access.
“At the
end of the night the mosque is checked by staff who go around the building to
ensure everyone has left.
“He has
broken into a safe and stolen more than £800 cash which is donated by
worshippers.
“There
was also damage to an inside door.”
Mr Bhai
added: “We looked at the CCTV and also of the incident in Blackburn and it
looks similar but we can’t be sure.”
A police
spokesperson said: "We were called at 4.32am today to Noor Mosque, Noor
Street, Preston, to a report of burglary.
"It
was found that a quantity of cash had been taken from a safe.
"Anyone
who witnessed the burglary or has information, please contact 101 – quoting log
0147 of 9 August 2024."
Last
week, the Masjid E Tauheedul Islam said computer equipment and other items were
taken during an early morning theft.
Video
footage showed a man in the mosque for up to 50 minutes, after the daily
morning prayers. Some mosque property was taken from the madrassa office, the
mosque said.
Lancashire
Police have been approached for comment.
Source: lancashiretelegraph.co.uk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/24509018.midnight-raid-raid-mosque-linked-blackburn-theft/
--------
City
mosques thankful for efforts to restore peace
9 August
2024
Fifteen
mosques across Birmingham have issued a joint statement thanking local authorities
and the police for their efforts to restore peace in communities.
They
said it was completely unacceptable that far-right extremists "feel
emboldened to terrorise our streets, places of worship, asylum and refugee
centres."
Anyone
planning to take part in counter-protests has been urged not to wear face
coverings, as they can suggest people are looking for trouble.
Leaders
of mosques in the city are also asking Muslims to be mindful of misinformation
and fake news on social media platforms.
There
have been a number of disturbances in recent days, including in the Bordesley
Green area, as well as groups gathering outside outside a mosque in Solihull.
In
eight-point guidance issued by the mosques, they urge the community to show
patience and restraint, and allow West Midlands Police do its job.
"Be
responsible and conduct yourselves in the best of manner that epitomises our
faith," state the leaders, warning against falling for "bait"
shared on social media.
Wait for
verified information before "reacting in a lawful manner" or sharing
news, they stressed.
On
Monday, a pub was attacked after rumours a far-right group was inside, with
community activists later apologising to the venue.
People
considering getting involved in counter-protests should not wear balaclavas as
they "only portray negative connotations and cause aggravation."
There is
no need to hide your face if your "sincere intention is to protect and
defend," added the statement.
The
city's Muslims have also been urged to report any instance of Islamophobic or
racial hate to the police, to "build accuracy in the stats and cases of
hatred towards us."
Source: bbc.co.uk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c303pzy80l7o
--------
Africa
We Will
Persuade Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger To Return To ECOWAS – Tinubu
10
August 2024
President
Bola Tinubu has said the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
will continue persuading Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to return to the bloc.
He
stated this via a statement on Friday by his spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale.
Ngelale
said that the bloc would continue to be friendly to the countries.
Naija
News recalls that Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso severed ties with ECOWAS after
sanctions were imposed on them by the bloc following coups in their domains.
However,
speaking during a meeting with ECOWAS defence chiefs, Tinubu promised to
persuade the aggrieved countries to return to
the fold.
“It is
in our hearts to make sure that security is enhanced, and that constitutional
government is defended and promoted in our region.
“It has
been a challenging tenure for me since three members indicated their exit. We
will work hard to persuade them to return, whichever way.
“No one
man is smarter than the group of heads that is here. We will do everything to
offer a hand of friendship to them and give them reasons to come back to us.
“The
solution to terrorism and other challenges lies in our hands. We have to do it
together.
“The
ECOWAS standby force must be ready. We will continue to invest in this, as well
as in the economic prosperity and opportunities across our region,” the
statement reads.
Source: naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2024/08/10/we-will-persuade-mali-burkina-faso-niger-to-return-to-ecowas-tinubu/
--------
Tinubu
Reveals His Priority For Nigerians During Meeting With Anyaoku, Others
9 August
2024
President
Bola Tinubu, on Friday, during a meeting with former Commonwealth
Secretary-General, Emeka Anyaoku, and some others, revealed that his priority
is to revive the economy of Nigeria.
Tinubu,
while speaking at the State House, noted that his administration is not after
working for a new Constitution. He, however, said the request for the convening
of a national constituent assembly with the mandate to draft a new constitution
will be reviewed.
Anyaoku,
speaking on behalf of The Patriots, appealed to the President to send an
executive bill to the National Assembly, proposing two measures.
He said,
“The convening of a national constituent assembly with the mandate to produce a
draft people’s democratic constitution. The constituent assembly should be of
directly elected individuals, on a non-political basis, from the 36 states of
the federation, possibly three individuals per state, and one from the FCT.
“They
should be assisted by seven constitutional lawyers, one drawn from each of the
six geo-political zones and the FCT. The deliberations of the constituent
assembly should take into full account the 1960/63 constitutions, as well as
the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference and indeed of the various
national conferences that considered the Nigerian constitutions.”
Anyaoku
also said the Patriots requested legislating for a national plebiscite to which
the draft constitution emerging from the constituent assembly should be
subjected.
Responding
to their requests, the President expressed his respect for The Patriots and
their contributions to national discourse.
He said,
“I want to assure all of you that as I listened to your two major requests on
the path to referendum and that should lead to constitutional measures that
will fit our diversity and governance so that we avoid conflicts and break-ups.
“I
believe in the unity of this country and I want to assure you that whatever is
necessary to put happiness and good governance in the hands of all Nigerians is
what I would do.”
President
Tinubu also noted that the clamour for constitutional reforms is a longstanding
issue in national discourse.
He
acknowledged the examples presented by the Patriots on pluralistic countries,
such as Canada and India, which have maintained unity by addressing their
diversity through their constitutions.
“The
avoidance of chaos is necessary to build this country and move its aspirations
forward for the benefit of all of us.
“I am
currently preoccupied with economic reform. That is my first priority. Once
this is in place, as soon as possible, I will look at other options, including
constitutional review as recommended by you and other options,” the President
said.
President
Tinubu told Anyaoku that he would be invited again for a more detailed
conversation on the submissions of the Patriot.
“As you
present this, just believe that it will be reviewed, and I commit myself to the
belief that you want a stable and prosperous Nigeria,” President Tinubu
concluded.
Source: naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2024/08/09/tinubu-reveals-his-priority-for-nigerians-during-meeting-with-anyaoku-others/
--------
Bandits
go on rampage in Kaduna, kill Kaduna village head, abduct Islamic scholar
August
9, 2024
Bandits
have attacked several communities in Kaduna State, resulting in multiple
casualties and abductions.
The
bandits launched an attack on Gefe village in Kallah Ward, Kufana Chiefdom,
Kajuru Local Government Area around midnight on Thursday.
During
the attack, the Village Head, Mr. Emmanuel Idan, and another local were killed.
Markus Danja, a community leader, reported that the attackers surrounded the
village and began shooting indiscriminately.
He said
Idan was shot while trying to escape, and another individual was chased into
his home and killed. The bandits also abducted several women and children,
including Danja’s brother’s family.
In a
separate incident, Mohammed Bashir, a journalist from Kogi State, reported the
abduction of his wife and two daughters in Kaduna’s Keke community of
Millennium City. They were among eight members of the same family who were
kidnapped on Thursday night. Bashir has called for prayers for their safe
return.
In
Zaria, the bandits abducted Islamic scholar Sheikh Isma’il Gausi. The scholar
was taken from his residence on Wednesday night, August 7, 2024, after the
bandits fired shots to intimidate the area.
Source: politicsnigeria.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://politicsnigeria.com/bandits-go-on-rampage-in-kaduna-kill-kaduna-village-head-abduct-islamic-scholar/
--------
DR
Congo: Some groups express doubts about UN support for SADC mission
09-08-24
General
Dominique Kamanzi Ndarurutse and Jean-Claude Habyarimana are leaders of a
collective of armed groups called the "Wazalendo".
They are
fighting alongside the Congolese army (FARDC) against M23 militants in the
eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
In July,
the European Union imposed sanctions against the group, accusing it of serious
human rights violations. Accusations it denies.
For the
first time, these two men agreed to speak to Africanews and be filmed in their
area of operation.
"We're
not worried about these sanctions against us, because they're fabricated. They
know that we’re an obstacle to their plans to balkanize our country. They want
to plunder our minerals and wealth, but we won't give in," said Kamanzi,
of the Coalition of Movements for Change (CMC).
As the
M23 rebels continue to gain ground in North Kivu province, the UN Security
Council on Tuesday authorised its mission, MONUSCO, to provide logistical
support to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission in the
DRC.
The
Wazalendo say they are cautiously optimistic.
"We
have fond memories of SADC. In 2013, they helped us against the same
aggression. Before that they helped Laurent Kabila against the RCD,” said
Habyarimana, spokesperson for the Wazalendo.
But he
said they are concerned about a lack of “enthusiasm” now and they do not know
what the problem is.
“The
wish of all Congolese is that, as reliable partners, they activate all possible
mechanisms to ensure that their presence on Congolese soil is not in vain, as
we saw with the East African Community (EAC) force," he said.
Some
residents in the town of Goma, the capital of North Kivu, echo these doubts.
They
said they believe it will be the armed groups, together with the Congolese
army, that will bring peace to the east of the country.
"They've
been here for over a year, but they've never launched any offensives, and we're
still disappointed to see that MONUSCO, which is present here and should be
providing logistical support to SADC, has not been effective,” said one
resident, Christophe Muisa.
“Today,
we believe that only the armed forces of the DRC and the Wazalendo are ready to
sacrifice themselves so that we can have peace and security."
On
Thursday, a Congolese military court sentenced 26 people, 21 of whom are still
at large, to death for their involvement in the M23 rebellion.
They
were charged with war crimes, participation in an insurrectionary movement, and
treason.
All the
defendants were found guilty, with no extenuating circumstances.
Source: africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.africanews.com/2024/08/09/dr-congo-some-groups-express-doubts-about-un-support-for-sadc-mission/
--------
Mali
expels Swedish ambassador amid strained relations with the West
10-08-24
Mali has
ordered Sweden's ambassador to leave the country within 72 hours because of
what it called a “hostile” statement by a Swedish minister, the government said
on Friday.
Ambassador
Kristina Kuhnel’s expulsion comes after Mali on Monday announced it was
severing diplomatic ties with Ukraine.
It
accused a senior Ukrainian official of suggesting that Kyiv had provided help
to Tuareg rebels who claimed to have killed dozens of mercenaries from Russia’s
Wagner group and Malian soldiers in July.
Ukraine
has denied any involvement in the fighting in northern Mali.
Bamako’s
decision to cut ties with Kyiv prompted Sweden's minister for international
development cooperation and trade, Johan Forssell, to say on Wednesday that the
government had decided to phase out bilateral aid to Mali due to its ties to
Moscow.
"You
cannot support Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and at the
same time receive several hundred million kronor each year in development
aid," Forssell said on social media platform X.
In the
past decade, Sweden has provided more than $330 million in assistance to the
West African nation.
Relations
between Mali and the West have frayed since a military junta seized power in
2020 and staged another coup the following year.
Mali and
its neighbours, Niger and Burkina Faso, also led by juntas, have pivoted away
from their traditional Western allies to form closer ties with Russia.
Source: africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.africanews.com/2024/08/09/mali-expels-swedish-ambassador-amid-strained-relations-with-the-west/
---------
UNICEF
says Sudan's future depends on a ceasefire
10-08-24
UNICEF
Representative to Sudan Sheldon Yett today (8 Aug) said the country is
experiencing a “child protection emergency,” and stressed that “the future of
Sudan depends on a ceasefire.”
In an
interview with UN News from Port Sudan, Yett said the famine declaration in
Camp Zamzam in northern Darfur by the Famine Review Committee (FRC) “is no
small thing.”
He said,
“this is only the third time in some 20 years that this level of acute food insecurity
has been declared. It means that children are desperate. It means that
inhabitants are desperate. It means that we have an extremely alarming
situation on the ground.”
The
UNICEF official said Zamzam Camp is just “a canary in a coal mine,” and “the
indication of terrible things that are happening there, terrible food
insecurity.”
He said
UNICEF is “bringing in supplies for severe acute malnutrition” and “ensuring
that they're getting to where they need to go,” which is “extremely, extremely
difficult to do so.”
Yett
said, “the war is ongoing There are access constraints. It is difficult to get
a truck in. There are constantly new permits, bandits on the road, shooting,
insecurity, extremely, extremely difficult. And unless we have peace, unless we
have ceasefires, unless we've got agreements for safe access, I expect the
situation to get worse.”
He said,
“we're working every possible angle. And we're constantly in touch with all
parties to ensure that food can go through. It isn't easy. It takes constant
work. Food is going, but not enough. It's clear that far more work needs to be
done. And frankly, unless we have security, it's hard to see how we're going to
get the quantities that are required to this population.”
Noting
that “there are some 18 million children at least who are out of school, Yett
said, “we’re working to ensure that communities have access to education. Just
this morning, I went to a camp right outside of Port Sudan, where I saw
students having access to remote education. And I think it's important to
remember that education and schools are not just about formal book learning. It
provides a location, a sense of normalcy for children, a place for them to meet
with their friends, their peers, to feel at home. It's really critical that we
get schools up and running, that we get them open, that schools are actually
used for education.”
As the
rainy season approaches, he said, “I just met with the Minister of Health about
an hour ago to talk about how we can do a vaccination campaign for cholera. Of
course, there are other diseases as well. Malaria, too, is an issue when it
comes to the rains. We're working with our partners and with the government
here to get bed nets, to get anti-malarial drugs, to ensure that children in
particular are safe, but everybody is safe from malaria. One of the ironies of
this conflict is that people are moving from areas that were relatively free of
malaria, like Khartoum, to areas that have far more malaria. So, I'm afraid
that with this rainy season, we're going to have far more cases than we've seen
in the past.”
The
UNICEF official said, “we've seen a five-fold increase in grave child rights
violations, and we're trying to provide support to all children in this
country. Support through community groups, support through religious groups,
support through informal psychosocial care, support through every imaginable
way.”
To
conclude, he said, “when you have issues of malnutrition, when you have the
stresses of lack of food, families often turn to negative coping mechanisms.
Children are more likely to work as child labourers. They're more likely to
marry early, to marry as children, which of course is completely unacceptable.
And we're working to make sure that this doesn't happen. This is why, again, we
need a holistic package here. It doesn't make any sense to just provide food to
address food insecurity. You need to look at a whole package of services to
look at all the issues that go wrong and all the issues that can happen to a
child when stresses like this happen.”
Source: africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.africanews.com/2024/08/10/unicef-says-sudans-future-depends-on-a-ceasefire/
---------
Pakistan
Pakistan
playing vital role for peace, stability in region: Masjid-e-Nabawi imam
August
09, 2024
RAWALPINDI:
Masjid-e-Nabawi's Imam Dr Salah bin Mohammad Al-Budair on Friday said Pakistan
was playing a vital role for peace and stability in the region, said a
statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
He made
these comments in a meeting with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir
during his visit to Pakistan.
"Pakistan
has significant place in Muslim world," said the imam to the army chief.
During
the meeting, COAS Munir and Imam Al-Budair expressed satisfaction over
Pak-Saudi relations as they discussed matters of mutual interest.
The army
chief welcomed the dignitary and highlighted that visit the Masjid-e-Nabawi's
imam to Pakistan is a matter of honour for the people of the country.
At the
end, the imam prayed for the peace, stability and unity of Muslim Ummah, said
the military's media wing.
Earlier,
Imam Al-Budair recited verses from Holy Quran at the beginning of the National
Assembly session at the Parliament House in Islamabad today.
Speaker
National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq welcomed the visiting dignitary, saying
that his presence is a matter of pride and spiritual guidance for us.
He said
that Masjid-e-Nabawi holds a special place in the hearts of all the Muslim across
the world.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1218187-pakistan-playing-vital-role-for-peace-stability-in-region-masjid-e-nabawi-imam
--------
Gwadar
sit-in called off, but movement to continue, says Mahrang
August
10, 2024
GWADAR:
Baloch Yakjehti Committee leader Dr Mahrang Baloch has called for all Baloch
people to unite, saying that they should remain committed to the national
movement in the face of oppression, injustice, and the enforced disappearance
of their loved ones.
Speaking
at a large gathering at Fida Shaheed Chowk on Friday, after reaching Turbat
from Gwadar, ending an 11-day-long sit-in in the port city, she said that the
sit-in had ended but their movement had just begun.
In
response, the Baloch people’s patience, courage, and national resistance had
consistently shown that this was their homeland and its wealth belongs to the
Baloch, she said.
She said
that the strength of the Baloch people had become a historical testament
against state power, demonstrating that sub-jugation, imprisonment, and force
could not defeat the will of the Baloch people.
Dr
Mahrang said the state should understand that the Baloch people would not
surrender to oppression, violence, and enforced disappearances but would stand
firm and raise their voices.
Sammi
Deen Baloch, general secretary of the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP),
also addressed the gathering, noting that despite the crackdown and
attempts to prevent the gathering in Gwadar through violence, the Baloch
people united to hold the Raji Muchi for 13 days in every area, demonstrating
their national strength and resilience.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1851265/gwadar-sit-in-called-off-but-movement-to-continue-says-mahrang
--------
Peshawar
High Court rejects govt’s request for May 9 probe panel over ‘rules violation’
August
10, 2024
PESHAWAR:
The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has declined to consider a request from the
provincial advocate general’s office to form a judicial commission to
investigate the May 9, 2023, violent protests in the province, insisting that
the request in its current form violates rules.
The provincial
cabinet had decided on June 27 to establish a judicial commission to look into
the riots, which erupted in the province following the arrest of Pakistan
Tehreek-i-Insaf founder Imran Khan in Islamabad.
In a
letter written to the high court’s registrar on July 30, a copy of which is
available with Dawn, Advocate General Shah Faisal Utmankhel said that the
objective of the judicial commission approved by the cabinet was to “inquire
into the facts surrounding the May 9, 2023, [violence], which is a public
importance issue.”
“As the
jurisdiction of the inquiry officer is about any matter dealt in sections 178
and 170 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, the commission, according to the
law, has got every jurisdiction to conduct inquiry under those laws,” it said.
The
court’s registrar responded to the letter on Friday, saying the request can’t
be taken up in its current form.
“Such
request can’t be considered in its present form as being in violation of the
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rules of Business, 1985,” he said in the formal response.
When
contacted, provincial government spokesman Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif said the
court had not directly replied to the government as its letter was received by
the AG’s office, which would send its copy to the law department.
“After
receiving that copy of the letter, we will be in a position to offer comments,”
he said.
However,
Mr Utmankhel told Dawn that no violation of the Rules of Business, 1985, was
highlighted during meetings between the representatives of his office and the
high court.
“We
[AG’s office and the court] held consultations about the proposed commission
but no one pointed out any breach of rules about our request,” he said.
The AG
also said the court didn’t contact his office before issuing its reply to the
July 30 letter.
He
disclosed that the matter would be discussed in the next cabinet meeting to
determine the future course of action.
On July
28, the provincial government initiated the process of formally requesting the
high court’s chief justice to depute a judge to conduct a judicial inquiry into
the May 9 riots.
The
development came after the provincial assembly passed a resolution on May 10
2024, demanding an “independent” judicial inquiry into the May 9 violent
protests as well as the release of their CCTV footage.
“This
assembly recommends that the provincial government ask the federal government
to immediately withdraw all fake cases against Qaidi Number 804 [prisoner No
804] Imran Khan and [his wife] Bushra Bibi, and release all May 9 prisoners so
that the agitation in the public ends.
“May 9
incidents should be probed by an independent judicial commission, and their
CCTV footage should be made public,” said the resolution that the House adopted
by a majority vote.
Around
274 people were taken into custody by law enforcement agencies across the
province in connection with the May 9 violence, which left at least seven
people dead and more than 122 injured.
The day
witnessed violent scenes across the province, like other parts of the country,
with mobs torching the building that housed the offices of Radio Pakistan and
APP news agency to protest the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1851219/peshawar-high-court-rejects-govts-request-for-may-9-probe-panel-over-rules-violation
--------
Balochistan
CM inaugurates digital arms licence system
August
9, 2024
QUETTA:
The Balochistan government has completely digitised the system for issuing arms
licences in Quetta and it will soon be replicated in all 35 districts of the
province, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti said on Thursday.
While
talking to reporters after launching the digitised arms licence centre at the
Quetta Deputy Commissioner Office, Mr Bugti said anyone with Balochistan’s
domicile certificate can obtain a licence to own a weapon, either for
protection or sports activities.
He said
the government will extend old arms licences for some time to allow them to be
digitised. After the deadline, he added that old licences would be cancelled.
According
to Mr Bugti, the digital arms licence programme had been pending since 2017.
He added
that there have been complaints of people applying for government jobs and
availing other benefits across the country on Balochistan’s domicile.
To
address this issue, the provincial government is digitising the process of
issuing all legal documents, including domicile certificates, the CM added.
The
event was also attended by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Zahid Saleem,
Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Imran Zarkoon and Quetta Deputy
Commissioner Saad bin Asa.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1851016/balochistan-cm-inaugurates-digital-arms-licence-system
--------
Islamabad
refutes Israeli media's 'baseless' reports targeting Pakistan
August
09, 2024
Islamabad
on Friday rebutted the Israeli media reports alleging any commitment by
Pakistan to send arms to support Iran as "baseless".
At her
weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch
responding to a query, rejected a Jerusalem Post’s report from August 6 which
alleged that “if the conflict between Iran and Israel escalates, Pakistan plans
to supply Iran with Shaheen-III medium-range ballistic missiles.”
“Such
reports are patently false. Before paying any attention to such reports, it is
important to reflect on the source behind such baseless reports and the
malicious agenda behind them,” she added.
According
to the top spokesperson, this is a "critical time in the Middle East. We,
therefore, urge all parties, including the media, not to indulge in the
peddling of fake news”.
During
the briefing, Baloch assured that Pakistan would support all efforts to prevent
war from escalating in the Middle East as fears grow of a wider conflict
involving Israel and Iran.
"Pakistan
will support all efforts to prevent a war in the Middle East," she said.
However, she did not comment on whether the country had been in contact with
Washington over the issue.
Notably,
Pakistan does not have diplomatic ties with Israel. It has seen a stark
improvement in previously rocky ties with neighbouring Iran that culminated in
tit-for-tat military fire between the two nations in January.
Iran's
president visited in April and the nations have said they are boosting trade
ties and regional cooperation.
Moreover,
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had spoken on the phone
with Iran's foreign minister in recent days, Baloch said
Dar had
attended an emergency meeting convened by the Organisation of Islamic
Cooperation (OIC) meeting in Saudi Arabia this week where he condemned Israel's
actions in the Gaza Strip and called for a ceasefire and better access to
humanitarian aid.
"He
also called for preventing further escalation of violence and tensions,"
she added.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1218203-islamabad-refutes-israeli-medias-baseless-reports-targeting-pakistan
--------
Nation
stands united with Armed forces in war on terror:PM
August
10, 2024
Prime
Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has praised the Pakistan Army's officers and
soldiers for their operation against terrorists in Tirah Valley of Khyber
District.
In a
statement in Lahore, he said the officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army are
purging the country's soil of Fitna-e-Khawarij terrorists.
He paid
tribute to Hawaldar Inam Gul, Sepoy Muhammad Imran and Sepoy Altaf Khan, who
sacrificed their lives during the operation.
The
Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to continuing the war against
terrorism until its complete eradication from the country.
He said the
entire nation stands united with the Pakistan Armed Forces in this war on
terror.
He said
Pakistani nation is proud of its martyrs and their families.
Source: radio.gov.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.radio.gov.pk/10-08-2024/pm-vows-to-continue-war-against-terrorism
--------
Dar
stresses need to reorient country's diplomatic initiatives
August
09, 2024
Deputy
Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar has stressed the need to
reorient the country’s diplomatic initiatives to ensure that Pakistan’s
development agenda is also advanced.
Addressing
the Graduation Ceremony of 43rd Specialized Diplomatic Course in Islamabad on
Friday, he said the along with conventional diplomacy, we will have to focus
more on economic diplomacy.
The
Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the need for young diplomats to be equipped
with the necessary skill set to promote trade and investment, tourism and
opportunities to explore the workforce.
He
said Pakistan has great potential in
terms of workforce, resources and economy.
He
further said Pakistan has been blessed with tested, proven and certified
mineral, granite and stones’ reserves.
Source: radio.gov.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.radio.gov.pk/09-08-2024/deputy-pm-urges-diplomats-to-play-role-in-protecting-countrys-interest
--------
Security
forces kill four Khwarij in Tirah Valley
August
10, 2024
Four
Khwarij were killed in an exchange of fire with the security forces at three
different locations in Tirah Valley of Khyber District.
However,
during the intense fire exchange, three brave sons of soil Havildar Inam Gul,
Sepoy Muhammad Imran and Sepoy Iltaf Khan having fought gallantly embraced
Shahadat.
Sanitization
operation is being conducted to eliminate any other Kharji found in the area as
Security Forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe-out the menace of terrorism
and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve.
Source: radio.gov.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.radio.gov.pk/10-08-2024/security-forces-kill-four-khwarij-in-tirah-valley
--------
Three
soldiers martyred in KP's Tirah Valley: ISPR
August
10, 2024
Three
Pakistan Army soldiers were martyred in gun battles with terrorists at three
different locations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Tirah Valley, the military’s media
affairs wing said on Friday.
According
to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), fire exchange took place between
security forces and the “Khwarij” at three different locations in Tirah Valley
of Khyber District.
“Resultantly,
four khwarij were sent to hell due to effective engagement by own troops.”
However,
during the intense fire exchange, three brave soldiers — Havildar Inam Gul, 37,
resident of District Mianwali; Sepoy Muhammad Imran, 29, resident of District
Tank and Sepoy Iltaf Khan, 22, resident of District Mardan, — having fought
gallantly embraced Shahadat.
It added
that a sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other
“Kharji” found in the area as security forces are determined to wipe out the
menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further
strengthen our resolve.
Since
the Taliban came into power in Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan has witnessed a
significant surge in terrorist attacks on security forces, especially in
provinces bordering the neighbouring country in recent months with the
militants using advanced weaponry and equipment.
With the
security forces hitting hard on terrorism, the frequency of such incidents of
violence went down in recent months. The Centre for Research and Security
Studies (CRSS) Annual Security report stated that during the second quarter of
the current year, Pakistan witnessed 380 violence-linked fatalities and 220
injuries among civilians, security personnel, and outlaws, resulting from as
many as 240 incidents of terror attacks and counter-terror operations.
In the
backdrop of this, the federal cabinet had approved the launching of the counter-terrorism
operation — Operation Azm-e-Istehkam — following the National Action Plan's
Central Apex Committee's recommendations to root out terrorism from the
country.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1218400-three-soldiers-martyred-in-kps-tirah-valley-ispr
--------
Mideast
Prominent
Islam scholar doubles down on existential necessity of Israeli victory in Gaza
In the
months after Israel’s conquest of the West Bank in 1967, Tzvi Raski, the
Israeli military governor of Jenin, realized that the war between Israel and
Jordan had disrupted the grain harvest for local Palestinians.
Raski
ordered five modern combines to help farmers collect their crops and put his
soldiers to work. One of them recalled: “I was among those who conquered the
place. […] A month before I was risking my life, and now here I was helping
them harvest their grain.”
“We are
incapable of being conquerors,” the man commented.
The
anecdote is highlighted in a new book by prominent Islam historian Daniel
Pipes, titled “Israel Victory: How Zionists Win Acceptance and Palestinians Get
Liberated,” released last month.
Pipes’s
use of this story aims to illustrate how generations of Israeli political and
military leaders have pursued a policy of conciliation and placation toward
Palestinians by providing them with material prosperity and engaging in
negotiations and concessions instead of pursuing “total victory.”
That
peacenik approach is in stark contrast to Middle Eastern cultural codes of
conflict, Pipes posits, and has made the Jewish state appear feeble in the eyes
of its foes.
The
scholar instead calls on Israeli leaders steering the war against Hamas to
follow the traditional path to a conflict’s end: victory of one side and
capitulation of the enemy. They ought to abandon any attempt at winning
Palestinian acceptance, Pipes claims, since their past endeavors have
invariably crashed against the wall of Palestinian rejectionism of Israel as a
Jewish state.
Historical
evolution of modern conflicts
Regarded
as one of the world’s foremost experts on the Muslim world and radical Islam,
Pipes has promoted his vision of “Israel victory” since the late 1990s.
In 2018,
the Philadelphia-based Middle East Forum, the think tank Pipes presides over,
launched a media campaign called “Israel Victory Project” aimed at resolving
the century-old conflict by convincing Palestinians to give up their war
against Israel. His latest book expands on the idea.
“I’m a
historian and I am aware of how wars end. They generally end with one side
giving up. So long as neither side gives up, then the war goes on,” Pipes
explained in a phone interview with The Times of Israel.
The
scholar, now 74, has previously taught at Harvard University and the University
of Chicago. He served in different roles under five US administrations between
1982 and 2005.
Pipes’s
roadmap to terminate the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is based on his
observation of the historical evolution of modern conflicts.
“Look at
the American Civil War, World War II, or the Vietnam War. These ended when one
side gave up and it was over and everybody moved on,” he said. “I believe that
the key is one side accepting that it has lost and working with that and making
the necessary changes.
“Applied
to Israel and the Palestinians, this means convincing the Palestinians that
they have lost. They do not have a hope of destroying Israel. They need to
accept Israel, and by the way, that would be good for them,” he said.
Dueling
parallel visions
The
dynamic of incompatible visions between Israelis and Palestinians — between
conciliation and rejectionism — dates back to the early days of Zionism, Pipes
maintained, and is deeply entrenched on both sides.
“When
the very first dozen or so young Zionist men landed in Palestine in 1882, they
didn’t know Arabic. They weren’t farmers or soldiers. They were very few in
number. They were idealists,” he said.
“The
local population, which we now call Palestinians, didn’t want them there and
told them to get out. And [the Zionists] responded by saying no, we are modern
Westerners, we can bring you clean water and electricity. But Palestinians
engaged in rejectionism, and said, ‘No, we want to kill you, we’re going to
drive you away.’”
The
conflict will persist as long as the Israelis fail to realize their misinterpretation of Palestinian aspirations
over the past 140 years, Pipes said. “Instead of being conciliatory, they
should say, ‘We are in charge and you will bend to our will.’”
By his
own admission, Pipes’s approach is not new. It was championed by Revisionist
leader Ze’ev Jabotinsky, who opposed the “peace mongers” of his time and
advocated an “iron wall” to defend Zionism against local Arabs.
The
dovish camp has long since ceased being the powerful force it was in Israeli
politics during the Oslo peace process of the mid-90s. Today, it is a mere
shadow of its former self, while right-wing hardliners have surged to the
mainstream.
Firebrand
ministers use inflammatory rhetoric against Palestinians as they appear to
compete for the title of most unyielding cabinet member in the most right-wing
government in Israel’s history, while the Knesset recently overwhelmingly
approved (68-9) a bipartisan resolution opposing Palestinian statehood.
Today,
only a small minority in the Knesset, composed of the center-left Yesh Atid
party, the embattled Labor party and the Arab faction (Ra’am and Hadash-Ta’al),
formally supports a two-state solution.
Therefore,
Pipes appears to be preaching to the choir in today’s Israel. The scholar,
however, is far from being ideologically aligned with the contemporary Israeli
right and the global pro-Israel camp: In 2020, he came under fire from
right-wing pundits for opposing the proposed annexation of the West Bank.
In
response to those who have accused him of softening his positions with time, he
told The Times of Israel that “Kahanist ideas” among sections of the Israeli
right to expel Muslims would be “catastrophic” for Israel’s image.
“It’s
rather that the pro-Israel world has become more hawkish,” he added. “My views
have not changed.”
‘You
defeat them, and then you change them’
Pipes’s
arguments, while not new to Israeli audiences, may find resonance with Israel
supporters abroad, exasperated with an intractable conflict and with the
“liberal temper of the times, [which] demands that Western states use great
caution in deploying superior power when fighting a non-Western insurgency,” as
he wrote in his latest work.
Pipes
described his proposal as a “miniature version” of the approach adopted by the
United States toward Germany and Japan after World War II, thoughts shared by
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his address to Congress on July 24.
“You
defeat them, and then you change them. If it can be done with aspiring world
conquerors, it can be done with this small, weak population [i.e.,
Palestinians],” Pipes told The Times of Israel.
International
scrutiny should not be an impediment in targeting Palestinians with “messaging,
not violence, to convince them — be it the security prisoners in jails,
children in the schools, or the general public.”
Israel
has successfully adopted this approach in the past with the Palestinian
minority granted citizenship inside its borders, Pipes recalled. From 1948, when
the state was founded, to 1966, Arab citizens were subjected to military rule:
Their movement inside the country was severely limited, their political
organizations were prohibited and their publications censored.
Those
restrictions were only lifted when military and political leaders deemed the
risk of insurrection to have subsided, Pipes said.
Military
rule, while ensuring that Israel’s Arab minority remained docile, was morally
and legally problematic for the newly established state, as restrictions imposed
on Israeli citizens put in question the democratic nature of the country. It
was also the source of “significant resentment” among Arab Israelis, as the
Akevot Institute for Israeli-Palestinian conflict research noted in a research
project on that era.
A golden
opportunity for change in Gaza
The
ongoing war in Gaza, Pipes wrote, could provide Israel with a golden
opportunity to transform the coastal enclave into a “decent” place, thanks in
part to the fact that 17 years of Hamas’s “torment” of the local population
turned it against the terror group and consequently “eroded their anti-Israel
vehemence.”
“Israel
now controls nearly all of Gaza,” Pipes explained over the phone. “It needs to
take advantage of this to work with Gazans who are ready to cooperate to build
an administration, a police force and everything else that goes with civilized
life, education, hospitals.”
A
veteran analyst of Middle East politics, Pipes believes that a new regime in
Gaza should follow the same path to stability as Israel’s larger Arab neighbors
Egypt and Jordan, “countries where one can lead a normal life so long as one
stays out of trouble and never, ever criticizes the ruler.”
“I would
see [the new regime in Gaza] as a tough police state, not as a gentle
inducement,” he said.
Israelis
should have “learned the lesson of 1993,” the year the Oslo accords were
signed. In that framework, Israel made concessions, including agreeing to the
establishment of the Palestinian Authority, intended as a precursor to the
creation of a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza. The peace process,
however, was derailed and Israel soon found itself confronted with a massive
bloody uprising, the Second Intifada, and hundreds of civilian casualties in
terror attacks.
“It’s
time to approach this [Israeli-Palestinian conflict] in a different way, and to
attempt to convince Gazans and West Bankers that is over. They’ve lost and it’s
time to move on, in the time-honored way that wars end,” Pipes said. “They
don’t end with peace conferences while the war is still taking place.”
Source: timesofisrael.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.timesofisrael.com/prominent-islam-scholar-doubles-down-on-existential-necessity-of-israeli-victory-in-gaza/
--------
British
Peers Condemn Islamic Human Rights Commission For Antisemitic Conspiracies
AUGUST
10, 2024
A recent
open letter signed by 50 senior peers on Wednesday has condemned the Islamic
Human Rights Commission (IHRC) for what they describe as "primitive,
dangerous, and disgraceful antisemitism."
The
Islamic Human Rights Commission has asserted that “far-right elements” have
been “enabled by their Zionist financiers abroad” in its letter issued the day
before to the home secretary and police chiefs asserts.
In their
letter published in response in The Times, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, the Chief Rabbi,
Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Sayed Razawi, Chief Imam of the
Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society, and other faith leaders point out that an appropriate
response to the outbreak of hatred, violence, and vandalism is to work on
building “a cohesive and harmonious society for all.”
The boy
who cried Zionist
The
letter, addressed to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and published in The Times,
criticizes statements made by the IHRC’s chair, Massoud Shadjareh. Shadjareh
had claimed that "Zionist financiers" were responsible for inciting
far-right riots in the UK, a claim seen by the signatories as promoting harmful
conspiracy theories about Jewish people.
The peers
who signed the letter include prominent figures such as Lord Finkelstein, Lord
Pickles, and Lord Pannick KC. Their criticism highlights concerns about the
spread of antisemitic rhetoric, which they argue undermines communal harmony
and public trust. The IHRC’s statements are viewed as part of a broader pattern
of problematic behavior, including their alignment with Iran’s hardline regime
and inflammatory claims about Zionists.
In
addition to their controversial statements, the IHRC is also associated with
the Al Quds Day marches, events that have faced criticism for antisemitic
sentiments. The charity has been accused of attempting to link tragic events,
such as the Grenfell Tower fire, to Zionist groups, further fueling accusations
of bias and extremism.
The
letter from the peers aim the need for vigilance against antisemitism and the
importance of addressing harmful conspiracy theories that target Jewish
communities. By speaking out against the IHRC, the signatories also aim to
challenge and counteract the spread of such divisive and dangerous ideologies.
Source: jpost.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-814103
--------
Islamic
Jihad says Zionist enemy seeks systematically to kill, liquidate Palestinians
09 Aug
2024
GAZA
August 09. 2024 (Saba) - The Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine issued a
statement on Friday condemning the increasing number of Palestinian prisoners
who have died under torture in Israeli prisons and detention centers.
The
movement denounced these deaths as clear evidence of the occupation’s
deliberate policy of killing and mistreating the Palestinian people.
The
statement characterized the torture inflicted on prisoners by the Israeli
authorities as a war crime and a gross violation of international humanitarian
laws and conventions.
It
highlighted that these brutal practices are a disgrace to the international
community, which has remained passive in the face of such atrocities.
The
movement criticized international organizations and institutions for their
inaction, despite being aware of the severe abuse and violation of rights
experienced by thousands of prisoners.
The
recent revelations of extreme brutality against prisoners, according to the statement,
underscore Israel’s systematic efforts to eliminate Palestinians, including
those who symbolize resistance and national pride.
The
Islamic Jihad Movement called on global citizens and human rights advocates to
take immediate action, pressuring Israel to cease its brutal treatment of
prisoners and to work towards improving their detention conditions.
Source: saba.ye
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3357320.htm
--------
Hamas
armed wing Al-Qassam Brigades pledges allegiance to new leader Sinwar
August
10, 2024
CAIRO:
Hamas’ armed Al-Qassam Brigades pledged allegiance to Hamas’ new leader Yahya
Sinwar, the group’s spokesman, Abu Ubaida, said on Friday.
“We
announce our full readiness to implement his decisions,” Abu Ubaida added in a
statement on Telegram.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2565876/middle-east
--------
Islamic
Resistance targets with appropriate weapons buildings used by enemy soldiers in
Doviv barracks
09 Aug
2024
BEIRUT
August 09. 2024 (Saba) - The Islamic resistance in Lebanon led by Hezbollah
announced Friday evening that its mujahideen targeted buildings used by Zionist
enemy soldiers in the Doviv settlement with appropriate weapons and directly
injured them.
In a
statement, the Islamic Resistance said: "In support of our steadfast
Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and in support of their valiant resistance
to, and response to the attacks by the Zionist enemy on the
resilient southern villages and safe houses, our mujahideen on Friday targeted
the buildings used by enemy soldiers in the Doviv settlement with appropriate weapons and
directly hit them.
Earlier,
the Islamic Resistance announced in Lebanon that it had launched an air attack,
with a squadron of "swooping" drones on the headquarters of the
Zionist coastal battalion of the newly created Western Brigade, in the area of
"Liman", in the western Galilee.
The
Lebanese Resistance stated that it had targeted places of placement, stationed
its officers and soldiers, hit its targets accurately, and inflicted confirmed
injuries on them.
In this
context, the Lebanese Resistance bombed the headquarters of the 769th Brigade
in the Kiryat Shamuna barracks with Falaq missiles.
It also
announced that its mujahideen had targeted the Sumaqa site in the occupied
Lebanese Kafr Shuba hills with rocket weapons and had directly injured him.
They also targeted another building used by enemy soldiers in the Al Manara
colony with appropriate weapons.
Source: saba.ye
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3357434.htm
--------
Nine
marches in Dhamar in solidarity with Palestinians & to confirm jihad battle
continuation
09 Aug
2024
DHAMAR
August 09. 2024 (Saba) - Dhamar Province witnessed nine mass marches denouncing
the ongoing Zionist massacres in Gaza Strip and affirming the jihad battle
continuation and supporting the Palestinian people in Gaza Strip until victory.
In the
march in Dhamar City, which was attended by Dhamar Governor Mohammed Nasser
Al-Bukhaiti, members of the Parliament and Shura Council, the province's
representatives, local, executive, academic, military, security, academic and
judicial leaders, the participants chanted slogans denouncing the ongoing
Zionist massacres in Gaza Strip , the international and regional position
towards them.
Statements
issued by the marches in the directorates of "Al-Hada, Jabal Al-Sharq, Dhauran
Anas, Al-Manar, Atmah, Wusab Al-Ali, Al-Ahad, and Al-Mashrafah, Wusab Al-Safil
Directorate" confirmed loyalty, steadfastness, and support for the
Palestinian resistance, primarily the Islamic Resistance Movement
"Hamas" and its leader, the Mujahid Yahya Al-Sinwar, who was chosen
to succeed the martyr Ismail Haniyeh to complete the march and jihad against
the Israeli enemy.
The
statements denounced the shameful silence of the Arab rulers and their failure
to support their people and their persistence in supporting and defending the
Zionist enemy.
The
statements saluted the heroes of the Yemeni armed forces who are proceeding in
the battle of "the promised conquest and the holy jihad" with steady
and escalating steps that have overcome difficulties and obstacles under the
the revolution leader's leadership , Sayyed Abdul-Malik Badr Al-Din Al-Houthi.
The
statements reiterated the continuation of jihad in the way of Allah to support
the Palestinian people, through mobilization, rallying, donating money, holding
events activities, and economic boycotting of the enemies.
The
statements addressed the Zionist enemy, saying: "Your demise is an
inevitable divine promise in the Book of Allah, your support and assistance
from America, the infidel West, and the normalizers will not save you from this
fate, and the response is inevitable and you must worry and taste the
bitterness of waiting for punishment in the coming nights and days."
The
statements denounced the shameful and disgraceful positions of the normalizing
Arab and Islamic regimes that have made themselves a barricade to defend the
Israeli enemy, and have made their media a front to support it, speaking on its
behalf and stabbing the Palestinian resistance and those who stand with it in
the back.
Source: saba.ye
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3357387.htm
---------
Gaza
civil defense says Israel strike on school kills 100
August
10, 2024
Gaza’s
civil defense agency said Saturday the death toll from an Israeli strike on a
school in Gaza City has risen to between 90 and 100.
“The
death toll is now between 90 to 100 and there are dozens more wounded. Three
Israeli rockets hit the school that was housing displaced Palestinians,” agency
spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP. Gaza’s government media office said there
were “more than 100 martyrs” in the strike.
The
Israeli military said it struck a Hamas “command and control center” that was
“embedded” in Al-Tabi’een school in the Daraj neighborhood.
“Numerous
steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians, including the use
of precise munitions, aerial surveillance, and intelligence information,” a
statement said.
The
Islamic Jihad Palestinian military group said that the strike took place “during
the dawn prayer.”
Ismail
Al-Thawabta, director general of the Gaza government media office, told AFP
that the strike “resulted in more than 100 martyrs and dozens of injuries, most
of which are in severe and critical condition.”
Gaza
government media sources said the school was housing about 250 women and
children, about half of them women and children.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2565951/middle-east
--------
US tells
Israel that escalations in Middle East serve no one
August
10, 2024
WASHINGTON:
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant
in a phone call on Friday that the escalation of tensions in the Middle East
was “in no party’s interest” while also stressing the need for a Gaza
ceasefire, the State Department said.
There
has been an increased risk of escalation into a broader Middle East war after
recent killings of Palestinian Islamist group Hamas’ leader Ismail Haniyeh in
Iran and of Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut drew threats of
retaliation against Israel.
As a
result, many fear a widening of Israel’s war in Gaza that has already killed
tens of thousands and caused a humanitarian crisis, following Hamas’ Oct. 7
attack on Israel.
“The
Secretary reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad commitment to Israel’s
security and discussed how escalation is in no party’s interest,” the State
Department said in a statement.
Blinken
stressed the “urgent need to reach a ceasefire in Gaza” that could release
hostages held in the enclave and “create the conditions for broader regional
stability,” the State Department added.
A day
earlier, Gallant spoke to US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin about the situation
in the region.
The
latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered
on Oct. 7 when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 and taking about 250
hostages, according to Israeli tallies.
The Gaza
health ministry says that since then Israel’s military assault on the
Hamas-governed enclave has killed nearly 40,000 Palestinians while also
displacing nearly the entire population of 2.3 million, causing a hunger crisis
and leading to genocide accusations that Israel denies.
President
Joe Biden laid out a three-phase ceasefire proposal in an address on May 31.
Washington and regional mediators have since tried arranging the Gaza
ceasefire-for-hostages deal but have consistently run into obstacles.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2565911/middle-east
--------
US says
no sanctions against Israeli military unit in death of Palestinian-American
August
10, 2024
WASHINGTON:
The US State Department said Friday it would not sanction an Israeli army unit
involved in the killing of a Palestinian-American, saying Israel had already
taken remedial action.
Omar
Assad, 78, a grocer who spent most of his adult life in Milwaukee, was on a
return visit to the West Bank in January 2022 when he was handcuffed, gagged
and blindfolded, dying after lying on the ground for more than an hour on a
cold winter night.
The
incident was linked to the Israeli army’s Netzah Yehuda, a unit founded in 1999
to encourage recruits from the ultra-Orthodox community, which is largely
exempt from compulsory military service.
A State
Department panel decided against imposing sanctions on the unit after being
presented with information by the government of Israel, which has vocally
opposed action against its military amid the ongoing war with Hamas in the Gaza
Strip.
“After
thoroughly reviewing that information, we have determined that violations by
this unit have also been effectively remediated,” State Department spokesman
Vedant Patel said.
“This
unit can continue receiving security assistance from the United States of
America,” he said.
A US
official said that two soldiers involved in the incident, while not ultimately
prosecuted, were removed from combat positions and have left the military.
The
military has also taken steps “to avoid a recurrence of incidents,” including
enhanced screening of recruits and a two-week educational seminar specifically
for the unit.
Experts
say that Netzah Yehuda has mostly drawn ultra-Orthodox youths who see the
military as a way to integrate into Israeli society, but it has also attracted
fervent nationalists from the West Bank.
The West
Bank, which Israel has occupied since 1967, is home to three million
Palestinians alongside some 490,000 Israelis living in settlements considered
illegal under international law.
The army
concluded that Assad’s death was the result of “a moral failure and poor
decision-making on the part of the soldiers.”
It said
Assad “refused to cooperate” when stopped by soldiers in the village of Jiljilya
and that soldiers tied his hands and gagged him without checking on him later.
It was
unclear why soldiers stopped Assad. The Palestinian official news agency Wafa
said he died from a stress-induced heart attack.
Israeli
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has voiced anger over foreign pressure on
human rights, insisting the country has its own means of justice.
The
International Criminal Court in May said it intended to pursue arrest warrants
for Netanyahu, his defense minister and Hamas leaders for alleged war crimes in
the Gaza war.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2565906/middle-east
--------
The
threat Israel didn’t foresee: Hezbollah’s growing drone power
August 10,
2024
BEIRUT:
Lebanon’s militant Hezbollah group launched one of its deepest strikes into
Israel in mid-May, using an explosive drone that scored a direct hit on one of
Israel’s most significant air force surveillance systems.
This and
other successful drone attacks have given the Iranian-backed militant group
another deadly option for an expected retaliation against Israel for its
airstrike in Beirut last month that killed top Hezbollah military commander
Fouad Shukur.
“It is a
threat that has to be taken seriously,” Fabian Hinz, a research fellow at the
International Institute for Strategic Studies, said of Hezbollah’s drone
capability.
While
Israel has built air defense systems, including the Iron Dome and David’s Sling
to guard against Hezbollah’s rocket and missile arsenal, there has been less
focus on the drone threat.
“And as
a result there has been less effort to build defensive capabilities” against
drones, Hinz said.
Drones,
or UAVS, are unmanned aircraft that can be operated from afar. Drones can
enter, surveil and attack enemy territory more discreetly than missiles and
rockets.
Hezbollah
proclaimed the success of its May drone strike, which targeted a blimp used as
part of Israel’s missile defense system at a base about 35 kilometers (22
miles) from the Lebanon border.
The
militants released footage showing what they said was their explosive Ababil
drone flying toward the Sky Dew blimp, and later released photographs of the
downed aircraft.
Israel’s
military confirmed Hezbollah scored a direct hit.
“This
attack reflects an improvement in accuracy and the ability to evade Israeli air
defenses,” said a report released by the Institute for National Security
Studies, an independent think tank affiliated with Tel Aviv University.
Since
the near daily exchange of fire along the Lebanon-Israel border began in early
October, Hezbollah has used drones more to bypass Israeli air defense systems
and strike its military posts along the border, as well as deep inside Israel.
While
Israel has intercepted hundreds of drones from Lebanon during the Israel-Hamas
war, its air defense systems are not hermetic, an Israeli security official
said. Drones are smaller and slower than missiles and rockets, therefore harder
to stop. That’s especially true when they are launched from close to the border
and require a shorter reaction time to intercept.
The
official, who was not authorized to speak publicly in line with Israeli
security restrictions, said Israeli air defense systems have had to contend
with more drones during this war than ever before, and Israel responded by
attacking launch points.
On
Tuesday, a Hezbollah drone attack on an Israeli army base near the northern
city of Nahariya wounded six people. One of the group’s bloodiest drone attacks
was in April, killing one Israeli soldier and wounding 13 others plus four
civilians in the northern Israeli community of Arab Al-Aramsheh.
Hezbollah
also sent surveillance drones that filmed vital facilities in Israel’s north,
including in Haifa, its suburbs and the Ramat David Airbase, southeast of the
coastal city.
While
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has boasted the militant group can now
manufacture its own drones, its attacks so far have mainly relied on
Iranian-made Ababil and Shahed drones. It has also used a drone, at least once,
that fires Russian-made S5 guided missiles.
Hezbollah’s
increasing capabilities have come despite Israel killing some of its most
important drone experts.
The most
high-profile was Shukur, who Israel said was responsible for most of Hezbollah’s
most advanced weaponry, including missiles, long-range rockets and drones.
In 2013,
a senior Hezbollah operative, Hassan Lakkis, considered one of its drone
masterminds, was shot dead south of Beirut. The group blamed Israel. More
recent strikes in Syria attributed to Israel killed Iranian and Hezbollah drone
experts, including an official with the Iranian paramilitary Revolutionary
Guard’s aerospace division.
In its
early days, Hezbollah used lower-tech tactics, including paragliders, to attack
behind enemy lines.
After
Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon in 2000 after an 18-year occupation,
Hezbollah began using Iranian-made drones and sent the first reconnaissance
Mirsad drone over Israel’s airspace in 2004.
After
the 34-day Israel-Hezbollah war in 2006, Lakkis, the Hezbollah drone
mastermind, took charge of the drone program.
Hezbollah
increased its use of drones in reconnaissance and attacks during its
involvement in Syria’s conflict. In 2022, as Lebanon engaged in indirect
negotiations to demarcate its maritime border with Israel, the group sent three
drones over one of Israel’s biggest gas facilities in the Mediterranean before
they were shot down by Israel.
Hezbollah’s
drone program still receives substantial assistance from Iran, and the UAVs are
believed to be assembled by experts of the militant group in Lebanon.
“Since
Iran has not been able to achieve aerial supremacy, it has resorted to such
types of aircraft,” said retired Lebanon general and military expert Naji
Malaaeb referring to drones. He added that Russia has benefited from buying
hundreds of Iranian Shahed drones to use in its war against Ukraine.
In
February, the Ukrainian intelligence service said that Iranian and Hezbollah
experts were training Russian troops to operate Shahed-136 and Ababil-3 drones
at an air base in central Syria. Russia, Iran and Hezbollah have a military
presence in Syria, where they have been fighting alongside Syrian President
Bashar Assad’s forces.
In a
2022 speech, Nasrallah boasted that “we in Lebanon, and since a long time, have
started producing drones.”
The
Lebanese militant group still apparently relies on parts from Western
countries, which could pose an obstacle to mass production.
In
mid-July, three people were arrested in Spain and one in Germany on suspicion
of belonging to a network that supplied Hezbollah with parts to build explosive
drones for use in attacks in northern Israel.
The
Spanish companies implicated, like others in Europe and around the world,
purchased items, including electronic guidance components, propulsion
propellers, gasoline engines, more than 200 electric motors and materials for
the fuselage, wings and other drone parts, according to investigators.
Authorities
believe Hezbollah may have built several hundred drones with these components.
Still, Iran remains Hezbollah’s main supplier.
“Israel’s
air force can fire missiles on different parts of Lebanon, and now Hezbollah
has drones and missiles that can reach any areas in Israel,” Iranian political
analyst and political science professor Emad Abshenass said. He added that as
the US arms its closest ally, Israel, Iran is doing the same by arming groups
such as Hezbollah.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2565881/middle-east
---------
Arab World
How the
sustainable use of water is helping Saudi rose farms bloom into a global
industry
August
10, 2024
JEDDAH:
Saudi-grown pink roses are loved throughout the Arabian Peninsula for their
expert cultivation, vivid color, alluring fragrance and the many luxurious
products derived from their petals, which constitute a multimillion-dollar
industry.
Two
kinds of pink rose are cultivated in the Kingdom — the Madinah rose, which has
a light pink blush and grows year round, thriving in warm and cool climates,
and the Taif rose, also known as the Jory or Damascus rose, which grows only in
the spring.
Taif
produces more than 550 million flowers each harvest season, which lasts for
between 45 and 60 days. The rose-picking season typically begins late in March
or early April.
Spanning
270 hectares, 910 rose farms nurture about 1.14 million bushes across areas
such as Al-Hada, Al-Shifa, Wadi Muharram, Al-Wahat and Al-Wahit, according to
the Saudi Press Agency.
The
products derived from these flowers enjoy widespread popularity, with a
domestic market value of SR64 million ($17 million).
Considered
a hallmark of the region’s natural beauty, Taif roses are known for their
exquisite, sweet fragrance, vibrant pink hues, and delicate petals. Cultivated
at high altitudes, these roses thrive in the region’s cool temperatures and
fertile soil.
More
than 60 farms and the families who run them participate in the region’s annual
Rose Festival, which typically falls in April and May, where they display their
products over five days of festivities.
These
fragrant crops have elevated the mountainous governorate into a global rose
capital, which earned a place in the Guinness World Records in 2022 for the
largest basket of roses, containing 84,450 flowers.
To grow
the industry, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has launched
several projects, including the rehabilitation of agricultural terraces, the
application of rainwater harvesting technologies, and the Sustainable Rural
Agricultural Development Program.
The
ministry also supports specialized agricultural cooperatives, including the
recently established Rose and Aromatic Plants Association. This support allows
them to invest in ministry lands, produce aromatic oils, and benefit from the
Agricultural Development Fund.
“The
ministry is working on several initiatives and plans to achieve global
leadership in Taif rose industries and increase its production to 2 billion
roses by 2026,” Saleh Bindakhil, spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment,
Water and Agriculture, told Arab News.
A group
of horticulturalists from the Agricultural Guidance Department were recently
sent to Bulgaria, the Philippines and Thailand to learn about the latest
technologies in rose-oil production and environmentally friendly farming
practices.
Farmers
receive expert guidance on best agricultural practices, with dedicated pest
control teams responding promptly to requests for pesticide spraying to
safeguard crops from potential threats.
The
ministry also leads the construction of essential water infrastructure,
including tanks and barriers, while also facilitating the establishment of
irrigation networks to boost agricultural activities.
Emphasizing
the importance of sustainable practices, the ministry encourages small-scale
rose farmers to embrace and implement best agricultural methods, providing them
with valuable insights into the use of advanced technologies and optimal rose
production techniques, including essential oil extraction as part of a value
chain development approach.
“Taif
governorate has long been recognized as the ideal and original environment for
Taif rose bushes,” Bindakhil said.
“Generations
have cared for these roses, passing down the tradition of harvesting,
distilling and extracting rose oil and water. They have enjoyed the fragrant
history of these roses in the mild, cool climate and mountainous nature at the
summit of the renowned Jabal Ghazwan.”
One use
for the rose water extracted from Taif roses is for washing the Kaaba in Makkah
each year — a traditional practice upheld by the Saudi government.
The
Kingdom has many factories and workshops dedicated to extracting and
manufacturing more than 80 products from rose derivatives, producing various
aromatic products and body care items.
The rose
industry plays a significant role in regional development and the local
economy, providing numerous job and marketing opportunities, and encouraging
more women to enter the workforce.
To
extract the rose oil, sacks containing thousands of rose petals are poured into
90-liter copper pots, which are then sealed tightly for a distillation process
that lasts nine to 12 hours.
It takes
45,000 roses to produce the oil extract, which is then poured into 12
milliliter vials, the price of which starts at $400, depending on the season.
Al-Kamal,
established in 1831, is the oldest factory manufacturing rose-derived cosmetics
and cleaning products in the Kingdom. Located in Madinah’s Al-Hada, it is
managed by Khalid Al-Kamal, whose family has worked at the firm for
generations.
“It is
an inherited career from father to son — from one generation to another — and I
am very proud to tell you that I am the seventh generation to inherit this
legacy,” Al-Kamal told Arab News in a 2021 interview.
“Working
in the field of farming roses requires a lot of delicacy, as the quality of the
roses is affected by the soil and weather as well as the method of cultivation.
I learned from my forefathers, and now my three sons manage the factory along
with several workers.”
With
many new government investments in the pipeline promoting the sustainable use
of water resources, Saudi Arabia’s rose industry will no doubt continue to
blossom in years to come.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2565891/saudi-arabia
--------
Saudi
animation director is making his art imitate life
August
09, 2024
RIYADH:
Many people wish they could turn their dreams into reality — and animation
director Mahmoud Zaini is doing just that, illustrating his own imaginary world
inspired by childhood films and an admiration for Saudi culture.
As a
child, his appreciation for caricatures and comic strips was nurtured by
newspapers, Japanese anime series, and films such as “Finding Nemo,” “Toy
Story” and “Monsters, Inc.”
“Every
Saudi newspaper had a last-page comic that had some kind of social message,” he
recalled in an interview with Arab News. “These comics grew into the well-known
Saudi YouTube animation series ‘Masameer’ in 2011.
“As
Saudis, we grew up watching foreign cartoons that were dubbed into Arabic.
These shows were mostly Japanese with mixed moral messages and cultural themes.
Animation must be localized to tell younger generations stories that inspire
them to become better human beings with a unique Saudi identity.”
Zaini
would also watch Pixar’s behind-the-scenes clips from its movies, learning as
much as he could about the art of animation. By the age of 10, he was creating
his own animated shorts.
“As a
little kid I always dreamt of making my own stories come to life,” he said.
Zaini
believes the great thing about animation is that it is universal and can reach
both adults and children.
“It can
also cross-communicate with other cultures and peoples from around the world
due to its abstract stylistic nature. It’s the preferred medium for children
for it excites their senses and expands their imagination,” he said.
After
receiving his bachelor’s degree in fine arts and animation from California
College of Arts in San Franciso, US, Zaini kickstarted his career in the
Kingdom in 2017, creating commercials. In 2018 he launched Zaini Studios, which
has grown thanks to investment and lots of hard work.
Between
2021 and the present day, Zaini Studios created two Red Sea Film Festival
intros and two Saudi Film Festival intros, which involved both local and
international talent.
“A
breakthrough moment in my career as an animation director was when I worked on
the Red Sea Film Festival intro in 2021,” he told Arab News. “I had to — with
the help of Faris Godus and Sohayb Godus — pitch to the Red Sea Film Festival
the idea of having a high quality animated promo.”
Once the
idea was accepted, Zaini contacted artists from across the region to work on
the project, including Raghad Baidas, Husam Hamed, Riyad Al-Dossari, Yousef
Albagshi, and Ahmad Shawli for the music.
“These
artists are the best in their respective fields, and with their dedication we
produced this festival intro from scratch in three months. The intro had to
represent a feeling related to artistic inspiration and following your
passion,” he said.
Zaini’s
work reflects on his experiences growing up in the Kingdom and he takes pride
in creating animations that celebrate Saudi culture, heritage and lifestyle.
“I love
reflecting all these authentic Saudi details in my stories and in the
environments I place the characters I create in,” he said. “I despise seeing
Saudi artists creating characters in foreign environments copied from
well-known Japanese or American animations.”
He added
that art must reflect something genuine in order to be unique, which can only
happen when it involves your own stories and memories.
“This
does not (mean) you always include a Saudi symbol like a palm tree in your
work, but you must always build upon what resonates with you and reflects your
own experiences without copying what resonates with others,” he told Arab News.
“I like
to have my stories reflect something authentic in me. I had a very happy and
positive upbringing. With many uncles, aunts, and cousins that I shared many
great stories with.”
Zaini
advises animators to cultivate a real passion for the craft and “the feeling it
excites in you while aspiring for the final result.”
He said:
“If this flame remains lit with constant exercise and a commitment for
improvement it will bear beautiful fruits eventually.”
He added
it was paramount for an animator to have stories they wished to tell and
highlighted the importance of new ideas and stories.
“Animation
is not only about making lines and shapes move, it also is about imitating
life, giving characters personality, and building new worlds. As an aspiring
animator you must love life and have a real thirst for originality to cultivate
your artistic sense.”
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2565666/saudi-arabia
--------
Saudi
Arabia welcomes mediators inviting Hamas and Israel to resume ceasefire talks
August
09, 2024
RIYADH: Saudi
Arabia welcomed the US, Egypt and Qatar inviting Israel and Hamas to resume
Gaza ceasefire negotiations on Aug. 15, the Kingdom’s foreign ministry said on
Friday.
The
Kingdom confirmed its complete support for the continued efforts of President
Joe Biden, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani
to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and address the deteriorating humanitarian
conditions in the territory.
The
Kingdom stresses the need to stop the bloodshed, end the suffering, protect civilians,
and move forward to end the Israeli occupation, achieve peace and security, and
give the Palestinian people their full legitimate rights.
The
following is the statement issued by the leaders of the US, Egypt, and Qatar on
Thursday:
“It is
time to bring immediate relief both to the long-suffering people of Gaza as
well as the long-suffering hostages and their families. The time has come to
conclude the ceasefire and hostages and detainees release deal.
The
three of us and our teams have worked tirelessly over many months to forge a
framework agreement that is now on the table with only the details of
implementation left to conclude. This agreement is based on the principles as
outlined by President Biden on May 31, 2024, and endorsed by UN Security
Council Resolution 2735.
There is
no further time to waste nor excuses from any party for further delay. It is time to release the hostages, begin the
ceasefire, and implement this agreement.
As
mediators, if necessary, we are prepared to present a final bridging proposal
that resolves the remaining implementation issues in a manner that meets the
expectations of all parties.
We have
called on both sides to resume urgent discussion on Thursday, August 15 in Doha
or Cairo to close all remaining gaps and commence implementation of the deal
without further delay.”
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2565811/saudi-arabia
--------
2024
Paris Games: Saudi sports minister attends official reception organized by
Bahrain Olympic Committee
August
09, 2024
PARIS:
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, president of the Saudi Olympic and
Paralympic Committee, attended the official reception organized by the Bahrain
Olympic Committee on the sidelines of the 2024 Paris Games. The event was also
attended by Prince Fahd bin Jalawi, vice president of the committee.
Prince
Abdulaziz met the President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee Sheikh Khalid bin
Hamad Al-Khalifa, along with several international sports leaders, at the
event.
These
meetings aim to strengthen cooperative ties between the committee and various
worldwide sports organizations.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2565816/saudi-arabia
--------
Saudi
king, crown prince offer condolences to Sudan Sovereign Council head after
death of sister
August
09, 2024
RIYADH:
Saudi Arabia’s king and crown prince offered their condolences to the head of
Sudan’s Sovereign Council General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan on Friday after the
passing of his sister Aamina.
In
separate cables of condolences, King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin
Salman prayed that God forgive the deceased and have mercy on her, Saudi Press
Agency reported.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2565641/saudi-arabia
--------
North America
Tim Walz
Repeatedly Hosted Muslim Cleric With Pro-Hamas History, Gave Grants To His
Group
August
09, 2024
While
serving as governor of Minnesota, presumptive Democratic vice presidential
nominee Tim Walz hosted an Islamic imam multiple times who has a history of
pro-Hamas social media posts and gave $100,000 worth of grants to a Muslim
organization he leads, the Washington Examiner first reported.
Walz
hosted Imam Asad Zaman of the Muslim American Society (MAS) of Minnesota on at
least five occasions during his tenure as governor, according to the Examiner.
Zaman, on his Facebook account, shared a Hamas press release in 2016, a link to
a blog post attacking Jews in 2014, praised the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks on
multiple occasions in 2023 and even posted a link to a documentary praising
Adolf Hitler in 2015.
“It is
astounding that with all the available public reporting and information about
the iniquities of Imam Asad Zaman and MAS Minnesota that Gov. Walz has
repeatedly given public platforms and taxpayer money to this extremist,” Sam
Westrop, a terrorism researcher and analyst at the Middle East Forum think
tank, told the Examiner. “Across the country, Islamists hungry for government
support will surely welcome Walz as vice president.” (RELATED: Tim Walz’s
Health Department Devised COVID-19 Plan That Prioritized Blacks Over Whites)
Zaman
serves as the executive director of MAS Minnesota, an organization federal
prosecutors at one point said was “founded as the overt arm of the Muslim
Brotherhood in the United States,” according to court records. The United Arab
Emirates designated MAS as a terrorist organization in 2014, the Examiner
reported.
Walz’s
administration, however, showered the group with over $100,000 in grant
funding, according to state records and press releases.
Zaman’s
connections with Walz span from January 2019 when he gave an invocation before
Walz’s state address to May 2023 when Walz met with him and other Islamic
stakeholders to discuss mosque security, the Examiner reported. Zaman’s
pro-Hamas social media presence existed well before Walz began hosting him as
the Minnesota imam, an immigrant from Bangladesh, reposted a Hamas press
release in 2016 mourning the death of Motiur Rahman Nizami, a Bangladeshi
leader who was convicted of rape, murder and leading an armed group that
committed extrajudicial killings of civilians and employed torture during the
country’s independence war, according to the New York Times.
A year
earlier, in 2015, Zaman posted a link to a video called “The Greatest Story
Never Told,” which portrays Hitler as a misunderstood hero who has been
unfairly maligned by historians, per a peer-reviewed research paper. The film
is popular among antisemites and conspiracy theorists, according to the
Anti-Defamation League (ADL).
Hours
after terrorists poured into Israel in October of last year and carried out
attacks in the country, Zaman posted on Facebook that he “stands in solidarity
with Palestinians against Israeli attacks,” the Examiner reported. Hamas killed
roughly 1,200 people in its attacks, in addition to kidnapping children and
raping women.
Zaman
also shared a picture of a Palestinian flag in response to a post declaring
that “Palestine has the right to defend itself,” and criticized multiple
Democratic politicians for expressing sympathy for Israel, according to the
Examiner.
“Given
his hurtful remarks post-Oct. 7, and absent any recognition of the pain he has
caused the Jewish community, we urge all public officials and leaders to avoid
meeting with him in the future,” an ADL spokesperson told the Examiner. “Those
who have met with Imam Zaman should clarify that they don’t agree with his
toxic views about Jews and the Jewish state.”
Walz has
also met with scholar Hatem Bazian, who has condoned anti-Israeli terrorism and
is the founder of Students for Justice in Palestine, the organization behind
many of the violent protests that washed over university campuses earlier this
year, the Washington Free Beacon reported.
The
Harris campaign, Walz’s office and MAS Minnesota did not immediately respond to
the Daily Caller News Foundation’s requests for comment.
Source: dailycaller.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://dailycaller.com/2024/08/09/tim-walz-hosted-muslim-cleric-antisemitic-history/
--------
Lino
Lakes City Council member under fire for calling anti-Muslim rant ‘best email
I’ve ever received’
The
Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is
calling for a Lino Lakes City Council member to resign after he got an
anti-Muslim rant and called it the best email he ever received.
A reader
who saw a news story about a controversial Muslim-oriented community proposed
in the Anoka County suburb sent an email to the reporter, national and state
CAIR staff members and Lino Lake City Council Member Chris Lyden. In the email,
the reader called Islam a “declared enemy” and asked Lyden to “put the kibosh
on the Muslim development” and wished him luck at stopping what he called the
Muslim conquest of Minnesota.
Lyden,
using his city email address, replied, “Might be the best email I have ever
received! Thank you Sir!,” according to an email chain obtained by the Star
Tribune.
Calls
and emails left for Lyden on Wednesday and Thursday seeking comment were not
returned.
The Lino
Lakes City Council recently passed a resolution calling for a one-year
moratorium on residential development in the northwest quadrant of the city
where Zikar Holdings wants to build a Muslim-oriented neighborhood called
Madinah Lakes. The proposed development on the Robinson Sod Farm property on
Main Street would include single-family houses, townhouses, apartments, a
senior living facility and a large mosque in the center. Retail outlets and
parks also are included in the plans.
Scores
of residents have packed City Council chambers in recent months to speak for
and against Madinah Lakes, which has become divisive in the community. At a
recent council meeting, Mayor Rob Rafferty requested that those speaking during
open comment periods refrain from making comments relating to racism and
Islamophobia, themes that have emerged in previous meetings as the contentious
issue has been debated.
Those
opposed to the project have expressed concerns about increased traffic and
noise, burdening schools, straining the city’s water system, environmental
issues and fears about too much growth too fast.
But
CAIR-Minnesota spokesman Jaylani Hussein said there have been anti-Muslim
sentiments throughout the discussions. He said his organization plans to file a
data request soon, asking for copies of all emails exchanged by City Council
members regarding Madinah Lakes.
In the
email reply stemming from a recent New York Times piece, Hussein said Lyden
expressed support for anti-Muslim rhetoric.
“Mr.
Lyden gave his enthusiastic approval for a hateful, anti-Muslim screed,”
Hussein said. “How can someone who endorses such views be expected to represent
Muslim citizens of Lino Lakes? We urge the City Council to repudiate Mr. Lyden
and his anti-Muslim bigotry. We call on Mr. Lyden to resign.”
Source: sahanjournal.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://sahanjournal.com/news-partners/lino-lakes-council-member-muslim-development/
--------
RCMP
looking for man after urine and trash left in front of Antigonish mosque
Aug 09,
2024
Nova
Scotia RCMP are turning to the public for help in finding a suspect related to
hate-motivated threats and mischief in Antigonish, N.S.
In a
news release Friday, police said they received a report of a man who was using
a mobile device to record a group of women and children on July 23.
"When
a woman in the group asked him to stop recording, he made threats and comments
related to the perceived race and background of the group members," police
said in the release. "He left on foot and did not follow through on the
threats."
Police
believe the same man is responsible for leaving garbage and urine in front of a
mosque on July 28, based on witness statements, photos and surveillance
footage.
The
suspect is believed to be in his 50s or 60s with thin, grey hair.
In the
July 23 incident, he was wearing grey sweatpants, a T-shirt, a ball cap and
blue sneakers.
In the
July 28 incident, he was wearing dark sunglasses, a blue and white striped
shirt, and jeans, and was carrying a green reusable shopping bag.
"Based
on the nature of the comments made and the acts at the mosque, investigators
believe that both incidents were motivated by hate. The RCMP takes incidents of
hate with utmost seriousness and condemns these criminal acts," police
said.
Information
on either incident can be shared directly with Antigonish County District RCMP
at 902-863-6500. Anonymous tips can be made to Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers at
1-800-222-8477.
Source: cbc.ca
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/rcmp-seek-suspect-in-hate-motivated-threats-in-antigonish-1.7290486
--------
Report:
Walz Hosted Muslim Cleric for Events in Recent Years
Democrat
vice presidential nominee Tim Walz, as governor of Minnesota, has in recent
years hosted Asad Zaman, a Muslim cleric who has faced criticism for
celebrating the Hamas attack on Israel last year and promoting a film
glorifying Adolf Hitler, according to reports Friday.
Zaman,
executive director of the Muslim American Society of Minnesota, joined with
Muslim leaders last May to speak with Walz's office in Minnesota about mosque
security, reported the Washington Examiner Friday.
He also
spoke at an event in May 2020, calling with Walz for peaceful protests as riots
raged in Minnesota after the death of George Floyd, and gave an invocation
before Walz's state address in April 2019, four months after joining Walz at a
press conference to call for an end to a government shutdown.
In May
2019, the cleric attended an event Walz hosted for Ramadan.
Minnesota
has had a significant Muslim presence for years. According to World Population
Review, an estimated 114,590 Muslims live in Minnesota, making up 2% of the
state's population.
Newsmax
has reached out to Democrat presidential candidate Kamala Harris' campaign for
comment.
Zaman is
originally from Bangladesh. Last Oct. 7, after Hamas attacked Israel, the imam
said that he "stands in solidarity with Palestinians against Israeli
attacks."
He also
shared an image of a Palestinian flag on his Facebook page while responding to
a post by Yusuf Abdi Abdulle, director of the Islamic Association of North
America who declared that "Palestine has the right to defend itself."
Zaman
often shares posts about the war in Gaza through his Facebook page, as well as
posts from antisemitic websites criticizing Jewish people.
In 2015,
the Examiner reported, he shared a link for a pro-Hitler film that had been
released in 2013. The movie, "The Greatest Story Never Told," was
released in 2013. According to the Anti-Defamation League, the film is a
favorite among antisemites and QAnon conspiracy theorists.
An ADL
spokesperson commented that Zaman has a "troubling history of playing into
classic anti-Jewish themes and justifying violence against Israel."
The imam,
the spokesperson added, has also justified violence against Israel, including
from terror groups.
"We
urge all public officials and leaders to avoid meeting with him in the
future," the ADL spokesperson said. "Those who have met with Imam
Zaman should clarify that they don't agree with his toxic views about Jews and
the Jewish state."
Meanwhile,
Zaman's organization, the Muslim American Society of Minnesota, said in a
statement last year that it "reaffirms its unwavering support for the
Palestinian people in their struggle against the Israeli occupation."
The
Examiner further reported that state records that were reviewed show that under
Walz's administration, more than $100,000 in funding has been awarded to the
Minnesota Muslim group.
Meanwhile,
Sam Westrop, a terrorism researcher and analyst at the Middle East Forum think
tank, claimed that Walz's ties with Zaman show that anti-Israel extremists
could get a platform if Harris wins the presidential race.
The
report comes as Harris' campaign Thursday denied claims from a pro-Palestinian
organization that suggested that she's open to discussing an arms embargo
against Israel.
Harris
national security adviser Phil Gordon posted on social media that she "has
been clear: she will always ensure that Israel is able to defend itself against
Iran and Iran-backed terrorist groups. She does not support an arms embargo on
Israel. She will continue to work to protect civilians in Gaza and to uphold
international humanitarian law."
Source: newsmax.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.newsmax.com/politics/tim-walz-muslim-asad-zaman/2024/08/09/id/1175894/
--------
US
journalist arrested for filming pro-Palestine protest
09
August 2024
US
police have arrested a journalist over hate crime charges and criminal mischief
for recording a protest against Israel’s months-long genocide against
Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip.
The New
York Police Department (NYPD) said video-journalist Samuel Seligson was charged
with filming activists as they painted anti-Zionist graffiti on the homes of
Brooklyn Museum Director Anne Pasternak and three other members of the museum’s
board of directors on June 12.
The
anonymous activists were reported to have spray-painted symbols of Palestinian
resistance on Pasternak’s residence, and hoisted a banner that read, “Anne
Pasternak Brooklyn Museum White-Supremacist Zionist.”
On the
sidewalks in front of other board members’ homes, they also painted slogans
such as “Blood on Your Hands”.
Leena
Widdi, Seligson’s attorney, told the US media that the NYPD officers had twice
raided her client’s Brooklyn apartment in the week before he turned himself in.
Widdi
said her client was acting in his capacity as a credentialed member of the
media, describing the hate crime charges as an “appalling” overreach by police
and prosecutors.
“The
state has not provided any reliable evidence that he was actually there. And
even if he were there, they have not made any allegations that he engaged in
any activity beyond mere presence,” Widdi told the Intercept.
Seligson,
the independent videographer, is currently facing felony hate crime charges
over recording the pro-Palestine protest. He was arraigned Tuesday afternoon in
Brooklyn on eight counts of criminal mischief, four of which were classified as
a hate crime.
The
arrest has drawn condemnations from press freedom groups as Seligson, who is
Jewish, is a fixture at New York City protests and has licensed and sold
footage to mainstream outlets, including Reuters and ABC News.
Seligson
was previously arrested in May at a pro-Gaza demonstration as he was
livestreaming the protest while police made several arrests.
Backed
by the US and its Western allies, the Israeli regime launched an all-out
invasion of Gaza after it was caught off-guard by Operation al-Aqsa Storm
inside the occupied territories in October last year.
Israel
has also been enforcing a crippling siege on the coastal territory by choking
off the flow of foodstuffs, medicine, electricity, and water into the
Palestinian territory.
Source: presstv.ir
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/08/09/731016/US-police-Samuel-Seligson-hate-crime-charges-
--------
Aide
rejects report about Harris intention to discuss Israel arms embargo
09
August 2024
A top
aide to US Vice President Harris Kamala Harris says the Democratic presidential
nominee does not support an arms embargo on the Israeli regime, denying an
assertion by a pro-Palestinian group organization that she is open to
discussing the issue.
Harris
"does not support an arms embargo on Israel,” Phil Gordon, Harris’s
national security adviser, wrote on X on Thursday.
She has
been "clear" in that she will "always ensure Israel is able to
defend itself," added the adviser.
The
remarks came a day after the Uncommitted National Movement – which is critical
of US President Joe Biden’s support for Israel’s genocidal war on the Gaza
Strip – said its co-founders had spoken with Harris at her campaign rally in
the city of Detroit, home to many Muslim and Arab-American voters, in Michigan
state.
Layla
Elabed and Abbas Alawieh, it added, shared their concerns about the US
"supplying weapons for Israel's war and occupation against Palestine” and
requested a meeting with Harris to discuss an arms embargo on the usurping
regime and a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
"The
Vice President shared her sympathies and expressed an openness to a meeting
with the Uncommitted leaders to discuss an arms embargo," the group
further said.
Gordon,
however, rejected the report, sparking a response from the Uncommitted National
Movement.
“It’s
exactly because the current White House policy allows bombs to flow to
Netanyahu unconditionally that he has been emboldened to kill tens of thousands
of civilians,” the group said in a statement.
“We
found hope in Vice President Harris expressing an openness to meeting about an
arms embargo, and we are eager to continue engaging because people we love are
being killed with American bombs.”
Israel
waged its brutal Gaza onslaught on October 7 following a historic operation by
the Palestinian Hamas resistance group against the occupying entity in
retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.
So far,
the Tel Aviv regime has killed at least 39,699 Palestinians, mostly women and
children, and injured 91,722 others.
The US
remains Israel’s most important ally and biggest supplier of arms. It has
provided Israel with weapons and intelligence support during the Gaza war and
blocked UN resolutions calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in the besieged
Palestinian territory.
Last
month, Harris drew attention to Palestinians’ plight in Gaza, in a move that
some analysts believed was a rhetorical departure from Biden’s pro-Israel
statements.
“The
images of dead children and desperate, hungry people fleeing for safety —
sometimes displaced for the second, third or fourth time — we cannot look away
in the face of these tragedies,” she told reporters after a meeting with
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington.
“We
cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering, and I will not be
silent.”
However,
the remarks from Harris’s adviser suggested that she would not support a
complete halt in arms transfers.
Source: presstv.ir
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/08/09/731006/US-Harris-Israel-arms-embargo
--------
US
announces $125m in new military aid for Ukraine
August
09, 2024
WASHINGTON:
The United States on Friday announced $125 million in new military aid for
Kyiv, as Ukrainian forces push ahead with a surprise offensive inside Russian
territory.
The aid
package underscores “our unwavering commitment to (Ukraine) as they continue to
battle back against Russian aggression,” National Security Council spokesman
John Kirby told journalists.
US
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the aid would be drawn from American
stockpiles and “includes air defense interceptors, munitions for rocket systems
and artillery, multi-mission radars, and anti-tank weapons.”
The
equipment “will help Ukraine protect its troops, its people and its cities from
Russian attacks and reinforce its capabilities across the front lines,” he said
in a statement.
The
United States has been a key military backer of Ukraine, committing more than
$55 billion in weapons, ammunition and other security aid since Russia launched
its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
The
latest aid announcement comes as Kyiv’s troops press an attack into Russia’s
western Kursk region — a surprise offensive that appears to be the most
significant attack on Russian soil since Moscow launched the invasion of its
neighbor.
Kirby
said that the United States is “in touch with our Ukrainian counterparts, and
we are working to gain a better understanding of what they’re doing, what their
goals are, what their strategy is.”
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2565786/world
--------
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/allahabad-hc-shahi-eidgah-mathura/d/132910