'Cultural Genocide of Islamic Heritage' In Saudi Arabia: Riles Sunni Sufis of India
New Age Islam News Bureau
11 Dec 2012
India
• 'Cultural Genocide of Islamic Heritage' In Saudi Arabia: Riles Sunni Sufis of India
• Order barring girls from wearing black clothes, jeans and Burqa withdrawn, Women organizations and Clerics protest
• Darul Uloom Deoband issues fatwa against dyeing hair black
• BEL, Israel’s IAI ink MoU on naval missiles
• Kashmir shuts against life-sentences to two by a TADA court in Jammu
• New Visa ‘Power’ For Indo- Pak Ties
• Smuggling fake currency from Pakistan to India is a terror act: NIA
• BSF cracks down on labour agents to curb infiltration of Bangladeshis
• 54 Indian soldiers may be in Pakistan jails: India
• Mulayam wants separate Muslim quota
• 'Centre clearing decks for Hurriyat delegation's visit to Pakistan'
• India to seek custody of Hafiz Saeed
• Pakistani ethos still exclusivist: Advani
• 2006 train blasts: court denies bail to suspected SIMI cadre
• Afzal Guru should be hanged on Dec 13: BJP
• Kargil hero's father moves United Nations Human Rights Council for justice
North America
• Honour crimes and Islamophobia: Zionists, right-wing forces seek to "delegitimise Muslim society"
• Islamist terrorism may end by 2030; US intelligence report
• Afghan attacks down overall, insider threat rises: Pentagon report
• Afghan may be focus of future Indo-Pak rivalry: US
• 'No problem if Kabul seeks direct military help from India'
• Pakistan nuclear stock pile to grow: US analyst
• Syria unrest: US to declare Al-Nusra Front a ‘terrorist’ group
• US report faults Pakistan over Afghan war
Arab World
• ‘Greater efforts needed’ for Saudisation of media: Abdullah Al-Jaser
• Salafist preacher warns of 'Islamic revolution' if opposition attempts coup
• Oldest pharaoh carvings discovered in Egypt near Nile River
• Egypt’s Torturer-in-Chief, Mohamed Morsi, Headed to Washington
• Militants led by Al-Nusra Front seize key north Syria army base
• Saudi Arabia reform still easier said than done
• Al-Qaeda's Khaled bin Abdul Rahman 'killed by drone'
• Bahrain activist Nabeel Rajab's prison sentence reduced
• Egypt in turmoil as army gets power to arrest civilians
• Egypt suspends tax rises, putting IMF loan at risk
• Egypt braces for rival protests on referendum
• Kingdom strives to free Saudis from Iraqi jails
• Gunmen attack Egyptian opposition protesters
Pakistan
• Marriage, divorce laws for minorities on cards: PM
• Will target Pakistan's secular parties, Taliban warns
• Facebook shuts down Pak Taliban ‘recruiting page’
• Pak govt asked to declare Malala Yousufzai as 'Daughter of Pakistan'
• Number of killings in Sindh has gone up this year: HRCP
• Participants on Rights Day say, laws exist, but not being implemented
• Rehman Malik wishes to meet PM, Sonia during India visit
• Crashes raise concern about Pakistani air force
• Six parties seek ouster of Sindh election commissioner: reports
Africa
• 15 killed in Nigeria shoot-out with radical sect
• Mali Prime Minister arrested at home by soldiers
• Tunisia police, militants clash near Algeria border, one dead
• Libya ex-PM al-Baghdadi al-Mahmoudi on trial in Tripoli
• Mali prime minister's resignation edges the country closer to war
Southeast Asia
• Non-Muslims face wrath of police in Malaysia’s Islamic state
• Baby among 7 dead in southern Thailand attacks by suspected Islamist separatists
• Malaysia 'needs' 35,000 qualified Islamic finance professionals by 2030
Mideast Asia
• Turkey 'world's worst jailer' of journalists
• 17 killed in ambush in Yemen
• Israel FM says EU's Jewish policy 'like 1930s'
• Meshaal repositions Hamas before Palestinian unity talks
• Hotline set up to foster Afghan, Pakistan dialogue
• Hamas chief leaves Gaza after first visit: Spokesman
• Gunmen kill intelligence deputy in south Yemen: security
• 5 members disappoint OIC for not backing Palestinian bid at UN
• Netanyahu: World has double standards
• Iran launches web video channel, Mehr
• Iran denies nuclear, missile cooperation with North Korea
South Asia
• Taliban to attend Paris meeting on Afghanistan
• Spy chief attack: Karzai to submit evidence of Pakistan ‘involvement’
• Gayoom defends criminal case against Nasheed
• Gayoom could run for President
• Petrol bombs thrown during Bangladesh protest
Europe
• France and US at odds over Mali force
• UN nuclear inspectors to press Iran on military site access
• UN adds to pressure on Afghan government to protect women
• EU dismayed at Israeli settlements, takes no action
• Cameron vies to keep the Gulf onside
• Nobel winners say Syria is 'stain' on world conscience
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
Photo: 'Cultural Genocide of Islamic Heritage' In Saudi Arabia: Riles Sunni Sufis of India
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/cultural-genocide-islamic-heritage-saudi/d/9632
------------
India
'Cultural Genocide of Islamic Heritage' In Saudi Arabia: Riles Sunni Sufis of India
Dec 11, 2012
NEW DELHI: A Muslim clerics' body that claims to represent about 80% of Sunni Sufis in India has protested against destruction of sacred monuments of Islam in Saudi Arabia. The All India Ulema and Mashaikh Board (AIUMB) on Sunday wrote to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, external affairs minister Salman Khurshid as well as to the Saudi ambassador in India and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) among others venting the angst of "thousands of Indian Muslims".
In his letter, AIUMB general secretary Maulana Syed Mohammad Ashraf Kicchouchhwi wrote, "... the tomb of the Prophet is now prime target of the Saudi regime. This is sought to be done away with in the name of expansion of the mosque (Al-Masjid-al-Nabawi) and developing a five-star culture in Medina Shareef."
He said this was the most heinous crime ever committed against any religion by the 'protector of its holy places'.
AIUMB national secretary Syed Babar Ashraf told TOI, "The Saudi government should preserve, protect and develop the sacred places which are landmarks in the history of Islam. Instead, they are demolishing symbols of Islamic heritage, including the birth place of the Prophet of Islam, in the name of expansion and modernization."
The AIUMB plans to hold a protest march next month. "We will continue to protest until the Saudi government reassures the world that the decisions to demolish Islamic heritages will be withdrawn and all the demolished sacred places will be restored in their original form in their original places," said Ashraf.
While accepting that expansion of Medina is needed, he said, "It cannot be done by demolishing Islamic cultural heritage and sites related to the Prophet, his family members and companions. This is cultural genocide of Islamic heritage," said Ashraf.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Cultural-genocide-of-Islamic-heritage-in-Saudi-Arabia-riles-Sunni-Sufis/articleshow/17564283.cms
------------
Order barring girls from wearing black clothes, jeans and Burqa withdrawn, Women organizations and Clerics protest
Dec 11, 2012
LUCKNOW: Bijnore district magistrate (DM) Sarika Mohan was forced to withdraw her order barring girls from wearing black clothes, including Burqas, or tops and jeans to a function attended by chief minister Akhilesh Yadav in Rampur on Monday following widespread protest.
Mohan had issued the order on Saturday asking the recipients of cheques under the Kanya Vidya Dhan Yojana and Hamari Beti Uska Kal from the chief minister on Monday. "No girl will go there in black dresses, Dupatta or cardigan. They will also not be allowed to wear jeans or top. All parents must send their wards in simple dresses. They will also not wear jewellery," the DM had stated in the order
The DM maintained that her order was misinterpreted. "We have not decided any dress code. We had only asked girls to wear simple and sober dresses," she said. "We asked participants to avoid black clothes because it would have not been suitable for the auspicious occasion."
Interestingly, chief minister and other senior leaders who participated in the function were wearing black khadi jackets.
This order led to widespread protests in Bijnore. Muslim leaders even asked girls to boycott the function. "The DM's diktat...is not acceptable to us," said Bijnor Jama Masjid Imam Maulana Anwar-ul-Haq.
Women organizations too protested the order, calling restrictions on wearing jeans regressive. Over 16,000 girls from Moradabad division's districts, including Rampur, were among the beneficiaries.
Opposition parties too slammed the government. "The government was earlier afraid of black flags, but now it is also afraid of black clothes," BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, a former MP from Rampur, told reporters in Delhi.
Wearing black clothes were banned in official functions of the state government after some people used it as a mark of protest during former CM Mayawati's government. The order has not been rescinded.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bijnore-DM-withdraws-order-barring-girls-from-wearing-black-clothes-jeans/articleshow/17565512.cms
------------
Darul Uloom Deoband issues fatwa against dyeing hair black
Dec 11, 2012
LUCKNOW: After terming tattoos as anti-shariya, the Darul Uloom Deoband has issued a fatwa against dyeing hair black.
According to the Islamic seminary, sharia does not permit one to colour his or her hair black. Some believers had sought the view of the authorities of the seminary on this issue. Answering the questions, the seminary said colouring hair black was not in accordance with the shariah, though one could apply a colour like henna (mehndi) on the hair.
According to the seminary, the sharia prohibits use of such dyes that leave a layer on the hair as it obstructs water from reaching the roots of hair during wazu (ablution) and make it invalid. Answering the question if namaz was permissible after applying colour on hair, the seminary said that it was allowed to use colour other than black provided the colour does not contain impure things and does not leave such a layer on the hair that prevents water from reaching the roots.
"Otherwise wazu (ablution before offering namaz) shall not be valid and when wazu is not right then namaz shall also not be valid," the seminary said. Another question was related to use of ammonia-free dyes for the hair. On this question, the seminary issued the fatwa that "if the hair get black with the use of that dye, then it shall not be lawful to apply it, but if the hair get red-like colour of henna then it is permissible".
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Now-Darul-Uloom-Deoband-issues-fatwa-against-dyeing-hair-black/articleshow/17570755.cms
-----------
BEL, Israel’s IAI ink MoU on naval missiles
11 December 2012
A MoU signed between Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has set the stage for joint development and indigenous production of a set of Long Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (LR-SAMs) to defend Indian warships from enemy attack.
BEL will be the lead integrator of this set of missiles and produce some of the major sub-systems, the company announced on Monday.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bel-israels-iai-ink-mou-on-naval-missiles/article4185502.ece
------------
Kashmir shuts against life-sentences to two by a TADA court in Jammu
SHABIR IBN YUSUF
11 December 2012
Srinagar, Dec 10: Normal life across Kashmir was paralyzed on Monday due to the shutdown called by the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front to protest the recent life sentences to two Kashmiri youth recently.
The strike called by the JKLF chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik was supported by the Hurriyat Conference (M), Hurriyat Conference (G), High Court Bar Association (HCBA), Lashkar-e-Toiba, Mahaz-e-Azadi, Dukhtaran-e-Millat and others.
Full report at:
http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/2012/Dec/11/kashmir-shuts-against-life-sentences-55.asp
------------
New Visa ‘Power’ For Indo- Pak Ties
By Saurabh Shukla in New Delhi
11 December 2012
AHEAD of the visit by Pakistan’s interior minister Rehman Malik, High Commissioner Salman Bashir will set into motion a new visa regime between the two countries. The envoy said while the visa regime is fine, “The crucial thing will be its implementation in letter and spirit.” In an exclusive interview to M AIL T ODAY, Bashir said, when the interior minister arrives in the Capital, the important step will be to liberalise the visa regime, which will be an important forward movement in the ties between the two countries.
Full report at: Mail Today
------------
Smuggling fake currency from Pakistan to India is a terror act: NIA
Dec 11, 2012
NEW DELHI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday told the Supreme Court that bail should not be granted to persons engaged in circulating high value fake Indian currency notes printed in Pakistan as it amounted to an act of terror intended to destabilize India's economy.
It said such high quality fake Indian currency notes (FICN), which were difficult to detect by the naked eye, were seized throughout the country - three places in Kerala, Kolkata, Bhopal, two places in Bihar and also from Punjab - and claimed that it was an attempt to destabilize the country's economy and create doubt in the minds of citizens about the genuineness of legal tender.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Smuggling-fake-currency-from-Pakistan-to-India-is-a-terror-act-NIA/articleshow/17564920.cms
------------
BSF cracks down on labour agents to curb infiltration of Bangladeshis
Dec 11, 2012
NEW DELHI: Even as the government officially denies continuing influx of illegal Bangladeshi migrants, it has asked its forces to do everything possible to not only stop fresh immigrants from coming in but also pushing out those who have recently entered the country illegally. To push the agenda, the Border Security Force (BSF) has started cracking down on labour agents who place Bangladeshi migrants to various industries in West Bengal and north-east.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/BSF-cracks-down-on-labour-agents-to-curb-infiltration-of-Bangladeshis/articleshow/17564338.cms
------------
54 Indian soldiers may be in Pakistan jails: India
Dec 10, 2012
NEW DELHI: Fifty-four Indian military personnel missing since the 1965 and 1971 wars are believed to be in Pakistani custody, defence minister AK Antony said on Monday.
These include a member of the Border Security Force (BSF), the minister told the Lok Sabha in a written statement.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/54-Indian-soldiers-may-be-in-Pakistan-jails-India/articleshow/17562796.cms
------------
Mulayam opposes reservation in promotions for SC but wants separate Muslim quota
Dec 10, 2012
LUCKNOW: The ruling Samajwadi Party(SP) in Uttar Pradesh is opposing the constitutional amendment bill providing quota for scheduled castes and tribes in promotions in government services in the Parliament but back home it has promised Muslims reservation in government jobs.
SP chief, Mulayam Singh Yadav, while addressing a gathering of party workers described 'reservation in promotions' as a move which would divide the society and create caste and communal enmity. However, at the same time, he said that his party and the SP government in the state will continue to work for providing Muslim quota as recommended by the Sachar Committee.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Mulayam-opposes-reservation-in-promotions-for-SC-but-wants-separate-Muslim-quota/articleshow/17559534.cms
------------
'Centre clearing decks for Hurriyat delegation's visit to Pakistan'
AHMED ALI FAYYAZ
11 December 2012
After releasing passports and issuing travel documents to some separatist leaders, the Government of India seems to be clearing the decks for a Hurriyat delegation’s Pakistan visit from December 15.
Sources in the Hurriyat Conference faction led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq disclosed to The Hindu that the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi had given its green signal to a separatist delegation’s Pakistan visit, which was being scheduled between December 15th and 22nd.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/centre-clearing-decks-for-hurriyat-delegations-visit-to-pakistan/article4185528.ece
------------
India to seek custody of Hafiz Saeed
11 December 2012
The Union Home Minister will take up the issue during a bilateral meeting with Pakistan’s Interior Minister
Hoping that the coming visit of Pakistan’s Interior Minister Rehman Malik would help India “achieve something,” Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde on Monday said he would press for the handing over of Lashkar-e-Taiba founder and mastermind of the Mumbai terror attacks, Hafiz Saeed, during a bilateral meeting.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-to-seek-custody-of-hafiz-saeed/article4185445.ece
------------
Pakistani ethos still exclusivist: Advani
December 10, 2012
BJP leader LK Advani, whosefamily had migrated from Sindh during partition, on Monday said Pakistani ethos is still "exclusivist and not assimilative" and rued this had led to a "painful" existence for the Hindu and Sikh minorities living in the neighbouring country. Speaking at an event here, 85-year-old Advani drew a comparison between the present condition of people who migrated to India and those who went to Pakistan in 1947.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Pakistani-ethos-still-exclusivist-Advani/Article1-971047.aspx
------------
2006 train blasts: court denies bail to suspected SIMI cadre
December 10, 2012
A special MCOCA court on Monday rejected the bail application of alleged SIMI member Ehtesham Siddiqui facing trial among others in the July 2006 train bomb blasts that killed 188 people. "Ehtesham had sought the relief on the ground that he wanted to complete a project as part of the tourism course he is pursuing. The court has rejected his bail," said Ehtesham's lawyer Sharif Sheikh.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Mumbai/2006-train-blasts-court-denies-bail-to-suspected-SIMI-cadre/Article1-971076.aspx
------------
Afzal Guru should be hanged on Dec 13: BJP
Dec 11 2012
New Delhi : Two days ahead of the 11th anniversary of Parliament terror attack, BJP on Tuesday demanded that convict Afzal Guru be hanged on December 13 itself to pay the best homage to martyrs of the 2001 strike.
“If the government hangs Afzal Guru on December 13 itself, there cannot be anything better to pay homage to the martyrs of the December 13 attack on Parliament...It should hang the attacker of Parliament during the session of the House,” BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/afzal-guru-should-be-hanged-on-dec-13-bjp/1043617/
-----------
Kargil hero's father moves United Nations Human Rights Council for justice
Dec 11, 2012
BANGALORE: The father of an Indian army officer who was killed in action has moved to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) against the torture and murder of his son, Capt Suarabh Kalia, and five soldiers of the Jat regiment during the Kargil conflict in 1999.
The petition has been jointly sent by the Flag of Honour Foundation and Dr NK Kalia, father of the captain.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Kargil-heros-father-moves-United-Nations-Human-Rights-Council-for-justice/articleshow/17572384.cms
-----------
North America
Honour crimes and Islamophobia: Zionists, right-wing forces seek to "delegitimise Muslim society"
By adopting honour killings as a pet topic, Zionists and other right-wing forces seek to "delegitimise Muslim society".
10 Dec 2012
Belen Fernandez
Belen Fernandez is the author of The Imperial Messenger: Thomas Friedman at Work, published by Verso. She is a contributing editor at Jacobin Magazine.
On December 11, the University of Rochester in western New York state will host an event "[t]o shed sorely needed daylight on the complex issue of honour crimes in our community".
Organised by an assistant professor from the Rochester Medical School's Psychiatry Department, the event will consist of various discussions with "community leaders, academics, members of law enforcement agencies, legal professionals and health providers" and will feature an Arab Israeli keynote speaker from "an organisation that works to end honour killings in Israel".
Full report at:
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2012/12/201212712188488887.html
------------
Islamist terrorism may end by 2030; US intelligence report
By Chidanand Rajghatta
Dec 11, 2012
WASHINGTON: A landmark US intelligence report released on Monday says the "current Islamist phase of terrorism" might end by 2030, but violent terrorism itself is unlikely to die completely and might evolve into bloodless forms of economic and financial terrorism.
Many states might continue to use terrorist group out of a strong sense of insecurity, although the costs to a regime of directly supporting terrorists’ looks set to become even greater as international cooperation increase, according to the report Global Trends 2030.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/Islamist-terrorism-may-end-by-2030-hello-economic-and-financial-terrorism/articleshow/17564025.cms
------------
Afghan attacks down overall, insider threat rises: Pentagon report
Dec 11, 2012
WASHINGTON: The US and its allies have made only spotty and incremental progress in the Afghan war, with overall violence declining just slightly in the past year and widespread corruption continuing to hamper the shaky government, according to a new Pentagon report.
It also noted that the ongoing insider attacks, in which Afghan forces or people dressed in Afghan uniforms turn their weapons on coalition troops, "have the potential to significantly disrupt the Coalition mission in Afghanistan."
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/Afghan-attacks-down-overall-insider-threat-rises-Pentagon-report/articleshow/17565729.cms
------------
Afghan may be focus of future Indo-Pak rivalry: US
Dec 11 2012
Washington : Another Mumbai-style terror attack on India emanating from Pakistan holds the potential of triggering off a nuclear confrontation, a report by the US intelligence said today, identifying Afghanistan as the next focus of a future rivalry between the two countries.
The report, however, said that normalisation of Indo-Pak trade would be a critical factor in building trust between the two countries over the next few years.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/afghan-may-be-focus-of-future-indopak-rivalry-us/1043197/
------------
'No problem if Kabul seeks direct military help from India'
Dec 11 2012
Washington : The US has said it will have no problem if Afghanistan seeks any direct military assistance from India for its armed forces in dealing with security issues born out of insurgent activities in the country.
"We have had discussions with the Indians about this issue and about the Afghans, and I don't see any particular problems with the overall approach here at all," a senior Defence Department official said yesterday.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/no-problem-if-kabul-seeks-direct-military-help-from-india/1043538/
------------
Pakistan nuclear stock pile to grow: US analyst
Dec 11 2012
Washington : Pakistan's nuclear stock pile is likely to grow in the coming years, as its programme unlike that of India is controlled by military leaders who consider this as both a political and military instrument, a noted American analyst has said.
Michael Krepon argues that it will be hard to dampen the growth of Pakistan's considerable and growing nuclear arsenal because few individuals make these decisions and most Pakistanis view them as a rare success story.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/pakistan-nuclear-stock-pile-to-grow-us-analyst/1043534/
------------
Syria unrest: US to declare Al-Nusra Front a ‘terrorist’ group
11 December 2012
WASHINGTON: The United States will declare the Al-Nusra Front, a group battling to overthrow Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad, a “foreign terrorist organisation,” documents showed Tuesday.
The State Department has not formally announced the move to blacklist the group, but posted the declaration in the Federal Register, in a document that described the Al-Nusra Front as an alias of Al Qaeda in Iraq.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2012/12/11/us-to-declare-syrian-jihadists-a-terrorist-group/
------------
US report faults Pakistan over Afghan war
Dec 11, 2012
WASHINGTON: Despite an easing of tensions with the United States, Pakistan is persistently undermining security in Afghanistan by permitting safe havens for insurgents, a Pentagon report said Monday.
In a biannual war assessment mandated by Congress, the Defense Department said that the 68,000 US troops in Afghanistan and their allies had succeeded in preventing Taliban advances while limiting civilian casualties.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2012/12/11/us-report-faults-pakistan-over-afghan-war/
------------
Arab World
‘Greater efforts needed’ for Saudisation of media: Abdullah Al-Jaser
11 December 2012
Saudi Arabia is leading Arab states in media investments, said Abdullah Al-Jaser, undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture and Information, at the concluding session of the media forum that was held at the Riyadh Chamber. He added the advertising market in the Kingdom is huge and attractive to investors.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/%E2%80%98greater-efforts-needed%E2%80%99-saudization-media
---------
Salafist preacher warns of 'Islamic revolution' if opposition attempts coup
Saeed Abdel-Azim accuses opposition leaders of following US diktats, vows that any attempt to unseat Egypt's elected president would be met with 'Islamic revolution of unprecedented numbers'
10 Dec 2012
Leading member of the Salafist Call in Alexandria Saeed Abdel-Azim warned on Monday of an "Islamic revolution" if Egypt's political opposition "attempted to overthrow" the country's elected president, Mohamed Morsi.
"If secularists try to topple President Morsi or storm the presidential palace, we will not stand still," Abdel-Azim declared at a Monday conference in the coastal city of Alexandria. "We will organise a massive Islamic revolution in Egypt involving unprecedented numbers."
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/60231/Egypt/Politics-/Salafist-preacher-warns-of-Islamic-revolution-if-o.aspx
------------
Oldest pharaoh carvings discovered in Egypt near Nile river
Dec 11 2012
New York : Archaeologists have discovered the oldest-known carvings representing a pharaoh, dating back to 3200 BC, etched on rocks near the Nile river in southern Egypt.
In the carvings, a white-crowned figure travels in ceremonial processions and on sickle-shaped boats, perhaps representing an early tax-collecting tour of Egypt.
"The style of the carvings and hieroglyphics place the creation of the images around 3200 BC to 3100 BC. This would have been the reign of Narmer, the first pharaoh to unify Upper and Lower Egypt," study researcher Maria Gatto said.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/oldest-pharaoh-carvings-discovered-in-egypt-near-nile-river/1043626/
------------
Egypt’s Torturer-in-Chief, Mohamed Morsi, Headed to Washington
December 11, 2012
On Monday, Yasser Ali announced that Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi will visit the United States in 2013, in what would be his first visit to Washington since he was elected last June. Ever since, Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood allies have made numerous moves to re impose a dictatorship on an Egyptian opposition that grows more impassioned against this power grab with every passing day. Yet like every would-be dictator, Morsi has his methods of dealing with such resistance.
Full report at:
http://frontpagemag.com/2012/arnold-ahlert/egypts-torturer-in-chief-headed-to-washington/
------------
Militants led by Al-Nusra Front seize key north Syria army base
11 December 2012
DARRET EZZA: Militants led by the radical Al-Nusra Front seized a strategic army base in the northern Syrian province of Aleppo on Monday, in a fresh setback for President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, a watchdog said.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) also reported clashes in a northern Damascus district, the fiercest in the area since a revolt against Assad broke out in March 2001.
Also on Monday, ahead of a “Friends of Syria” meeting in Morocco later this week, EU foreign ministers met the head of the newly formed Syrian opposition coalition.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2012/12/11/jihadists-seize-key-north-syria-army-base/
------------
Saudi Arabia reform still easier said than done
Elizabeth Dickinson
Dec 11, 2012
In Saudi Arabia, the decision to reform is sometimes the easy part.
Take, for example, the announcement by King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz this year that women would join the Shura Council in 2013 and be allowed to vote in municipal elections in 2015.
The king's announcement was met almost immediately with criticism from conservatives. A senior imam, Sheikh Saleh Al Lohaidan, warned that "the thread between a leader and his people" could break if stretched too far.
Full report at:
http://www.thenational.ae/news/world/middle-east/saudi-arabia-reform-still-easier-said-than-done#ixzz2Ej7crhqs
------------
Al-Qaeda's Khaled bin Abdul Rahman 'killed by drone'
Dec 11, 2012
A Kuwaiti militant who was one of al-Qaeda's top commanders was killed in a drone strike in Pakistan last week, sources have confirmed to the BBC.
Sheikh Khaled bin Abdul Rahman, known as Abu Zaid al-Kuwaiti, died along with 10 others near Mir Ali in North Waziristan, local Taliban sources said.
He was the most prominent al-Qaeda field commander after Abu Yahya al-Libi, killed in a drone strike in June.
Full report at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20667672
------------
Bahrain activist Nabeel Rajab's prison sentence reduced
Dec 11, 2012
An appeals court in Bahrain has reduced the prison sentence handed to prominent human rights activist Nabeel Rajab from three years to two.
The court upheld Mr Rajab's conviction for encouraging "illegal gatherings".
His lawyer, Mohammed al-Jishi, told the Associated Press that he was cleared of a charge of insulting police.
Full report at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20679191
------------
Egypt in turmoil as army gets power to arrest civilians
Dec 10, 2012
CAIRO: Egypt's government has temporarily given the military the authority to arrest civilians to help safeguard a constitutional referendum planned for Saturday, the official gazette said.
The order, gazetted late on Sunday, said the military would support police and liaise with them to protect "vital institutions" until the referendum result is declared.
The decree gave army officers the right to make arrests and transfer detainees to prosecutors.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Egypt-in-turmoil-as-army-gets-power-to-arrest-civilians/articleshow/17561645.cms
------------
Egypt suspends tax rises, putting IMF loan at risk
Dec 10, 2012
CAIRO: President Mohamed Morsi suspended planned tax increases on Monday, shortly after they were formally announced, in a policy shift that could imperil Egypt's ability to secure a $4.8 billion loan from the IMF.
Opposition groups, locked in a battle with the government over a constitutional referendum scheduled for Saturday, began attacking the tax increases on social media immediately after they were published in the official gazette at the weekend.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Egypt-suspends-tax-rises-putting-IMF-loan-at-risk/articleshow/17561544.cms
------------
Egypt braces for rival protests on referendum
Dec 11, 2012
CAIRO: Egypt was bracing for rival protests to take place in Cairo on Tuesday over a bitterly divisive referendum on a new constitution, prompting President Mohamed Morsi to order the army to help "preserve security".
The duelling demonstrations, organised by Islamists backing Morsi and the largely secular opposition, raised fears of street clashes like ones last week in which seven people were killed and hundreds injured.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Egypt-braces-for-rival-protests-on-referendum/articleshow/17566042.cms
------------
Kingdom strives to free Saudis from Iraqi jails
11 December 2012
The Saudi Embassy in Jordan, which monitors the affairs of Saudis in Iraqi jails, will apply to the Baghdad government for pardoning prisoners. The prisoners have been charged with illegally crossing the borders of Iraq, Al-Watan daily reported yesterday.
The move follows a recent statement of Adnan Al-Asadi, Iraqi deputy interior minister that his country would set free Saudi prisoners if Riyadh asked for it.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/kingdom-strives-free-saudis-iraqi-jails
------------
Gunmen attack Egyptian opposition protesters
Dec 11, 2012
CAIRO: Masked gunmen attacked opposition protesters camped out at Cairo's Tahrir Square early on Tuesday, firing birdshots at them and wounding nine people, security officials said.
The attack stoked tensions just hours ahead of rival mass rallies in the Egyptian capital by supporters and opponents of the country's Islamist president over a disputed draft constitution. The charter has vastly polarized the nation and triggered some of the worst violence since Mohammed Morsi took office in June as Egypt's first freely elected president.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Gunmen-attack-Egyptian-opposition-protesters/articleshow/17572326.cms
----------
Pakistan
Marriage, divorce laws for minorities on cards: PM
11 December 2012
ISLAMABAD: Terming minorities an integral part of the Pakistani society, Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has said the government is considering promulgation of personal laws for them, including separate marriage and divorce bills for Christians and Hindus.
Addressing a function to mark the International Human Rights Day at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, Prime Minister Raja said the step would fulfil a longstanding demand of the minorities and bring them at par with the Muslim citizens of the state. The event was held to commemorate the passage of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 by the United Nations’ General Assembly, and it was attended by federal ministers, parliamentarians, ambassadors, representatives of various UN agencies, non-governmental organisations and human rights activists.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2012\12\11\story_11-12-2012_pg7_4
------------
Will target Pakistan's secular parties, Taliban warns
Dec 11, 2012
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani Taliban has said that it will carry out more attacks on "secular" political parties like the ANP and MQM, warning people to stay away from their rallies, a day after a blast outside an ANP gathering injured about 10 people.
Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan spokesman Ihsanullah Ihsan told the media in the country's northwest that his group would target the country's "secular parties" like the Awami national Party, which rules Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement that is part of the ruling coalition at the centre.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Will-target-Pakistans-secular-parties-Taliban-warns/articleshow/17570195.cms
------------
Facebook shuts down Pak Taliban ‘recruiting page’
Dec 11 2012
Washington : Facebook has shut down an account by the Pakistan Taliban that the militant group created to recruit people to write for a quarterly magazine and to edit videos.
Reportedly, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) page was recruiting contributors for a new quarterly magazine called Ahyah-e-Khilafat.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/facebook-shuts-down-pak-taliban--recruiting-page-/1043571/
------------
Pak govt asked to declare Malala Yousufzai as 'Daughter of Pakistan'
Dec 11 2012
Islamabad: The parliament unanimously adopted a resolution asking the government to declare teenage rights activist Malala Yousufzai, the target of a recent assassination attempt by the Taliban, as the “Daughter of Pakistan”.
The resolution was moved in the National Assembly or lower house of parliament by Robina Saadat Qaimkhani, a lawmaker of the ruling Pakistan People's Party.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/pak-govt-asked-to-declare-malala-yousufzai-as-daughter-of-pakistan/1043528/
------------
Number of killings in Sindh has gone up this year: HRCP
By December 11, 2012
HYDERABAD: Though Karachi is notorious for its volatile law and order situation, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan’s (HRCP) statistics indicate that the rest of the province isn’t much better either – around 1,162 people have been killed in the first 10 months of the year.
HRCP’s Sindh Task Force issued a report on the eve of United Nations Human Rights Day. It paints a very bleak picture of the situation in the areas outside of Karachi as well.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/477854/number-of-killings-in-sindh-has-gone-up-this-year-hrcp/
-------------
Participants on Rights Day say, laws exist, but not being implemented
December 11, 2012
PESHAWAR / HARIPUR: The United Nations International Human Rights Day was observed on Monday with participants in various seminars enthusiastically voicing concerns over the implementation of relevant laws in the country.
The consensus of participants at a seminar held at the University of Peshawar was that while the Constitution had all the clauses regarding basic human rights, the laws were not being adhered to.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/478011/get-up-stand-up-participants-say-laws-exist-but-not-being-implemented/
------------
Rehman Malik wishes to meet PM, Sonia during India visit
By Bharti Jain
Dec 11, 2012
NEW DELHI: Pakistani interior secretary Rehman Malik may be headed for an official visit here at the invitation of Union home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, but he has expressed his desire to also have an audience with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi during his stay in the national Capital.
Is MHA and MEA coordinate to tie up his itinerary, Pakistani authorities are trying their best to squeeze in requests for personal visits by Malik and his delegation to the Nizamuddin shrine here in addition to his proposed religious tour of the Ajmer Sharief and a trip to the Taj Mahal in Agra.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Rehman-Malik-wishes-to-meet-PM-Sonia-during-India-visit/articleshow/17564521.cms
------------
Crashes raise concern about Pakistani air force
Dec 11 2012
Islamabad : Over a dozen Pakistani air force planes have crashed in roughly the past 18 months, raising concerns about the health of an aging fleet that officials are struggling to upgrade because of a lack of funds.
A significant number of the air force's combat aircraft are nearly half a century old and have been called on in recent years to help the army fight a domestic Taliban insurgency that has killed thousands of people. This has added to the strain on a force that has historically focused on countering the threat from Pakistan's neighbor and archenemy, India.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/crashes-raise-concern-about-pakistani-air-force/1043595/
------------
Six parties seek ouster of Sindh election commissioner: reports
11 December 2012
KARACHI: Six political parties have called for the dismissal of Sindh Election Commissioner Sono Khan Baloch, DawnNews reported on Tuesday.
The parties that have called for the replacement of the provincial election commissioner include the Jamaat-i-Islami (JI), the Sunni Tehrik (ST), Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam – Fazl (JUI-F), Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam – Pakistan (JUI-P) and Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N).
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2012/12/11/six-parties-seek-ouster-of-sindh-election-commissioner-reports/
--------
Africa
15 killed in Nigeria shoot-out with radical sect
Haruna Umar
December 11 2012
A shootout in northeastern Nigeria between security forces and members of a radical Islamist sect killed at least 15 people, including a local police chief, authorities said Tuesday.
The shootings took place in the city of Potiskum, which has increasingly become the scene of violent attacks by the sect known as Boko Haram. Army spokesman Lt. Eli Lazarus said the attack began late Sunday night in the city and went on for hours after suspected sect members bombed a local police station and attacked a bank branch.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2012/12/11/15-killed-nigeria-shoot-out-with-radical-sect.html
------------
Mali Prime Minister arrested at home by soldiers
Dec 11, 2012
BAMAKO: Malian soldiers arrested Prime Minister Cheick Modibo Diarra at his home late Monday, acting on the orders of ex-coup leader Amadou Sanogo, a member of the premier's entourage told AFP.
"The prime minister was arrested by about 20 soldiers who came from Kati" a military barracks outside Bamako and headquarters of the former putschists, said the source, who witnessed the arrest.
"They said Captain Sanogo sent them to arrest him," he added. A security source confirmed the information.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/Mali-prime-minister-Cheick-Modibo-Diarra-arrested-at-home-by-soldiers/articleshow/17566921.cms
------------
Tunisia police, militants clash near Algeria border, one dead
Dec 11, 2012
TUNIS: A Tunisian policeman was killed during clashes with suspected Islamist fighters near the border with Algeria on Monday, sources said, stoking fears of the spread of militancy in the north African nation.
Security forces backed up by army helicopters fought a group of armed men, thought to be hardline Salafi Islamists, one resident of the nearby town of Kasrine said.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/Tunisia-police-militants-clash-near-Algeria-border-one-dead/articleshow/17563688.cms
---------
Libya ex-PM al-Baghdadi al-Mahmoudi on trial in Tripoli
Dec 11, 2012
Libya's former Prime Minister al-Baghdadi al-Mahmoudi has gone on trial in Tripoli charged with "acts that led to the unjust killing of Libyans".
Mr Mahmoudi and two others are also accused of funnelling about $25m ($16m) of public money through Tunisia to help forces supporting Col Gaddafi.
Full report at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20668492
-----------
Mali prime minister's resignation edges the country closer to war
11 December 2012
Mali's interim prime minister – and Nasa's ex-interplanetary navigator – Cheikh Modibo Diarra was chased out of office on Tuesday morning. He'd been arrested the night before by soldiers under the orders of Captain Amadou Haya Sanogo, the man who led the coup that set the country into a disastrous spiral of instability in March. Early Tuesday morning, in a terse and somber statements on national television (in French and in Bambara), Diarra gave up his post and took his government with him. What that means for Mali's political future is anyone's guess, but it doesn't look good.
Full report at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/11/mali-africa
-----------
Southeast Asia
Non-Muslims face wrath of police in Malaysia’s Islamic state
Alisha Hassan | 11 December 2012
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians across the country have condemned the detention of four tourists who were reportedly involved in “indecent behavior” in Kelentan, which is ruled by the Islamic party PAS.
The case has sparked concerns over the country’s federalism and if the central government should intervene in order to ensure that the rights of all are upheld, even in Islamic leaning areas.
Full report at:
http://www.bikyamasr.com/83167/non-muslims-face-wrath-of-police-in-malaysias-islamic-state/
---------
Baby among 7 dead in southern Thailand attacks by suspected Islamist separatists
December 11 2012
An 11-month-old girl was among seven people killed Tuesday by suspected Islamist separatists, police said, as a bloody insurgency in southern Thailand that has killed thousands of people heads toward its ninth year.
Five people were killed and another four wounded in a drive-by shooting at a tea shop in Narathiwat province's Rangae district, said local police chief Col. Jiradej Prasawang. The dead included 11-month-old Efahni Samoh, while the wounded included a 10-month-old boy, Muhammad Yaena.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2012/12/11/baby-among-7-dead-southern-thailand-attacks.html
-------------
Malaysia 'needs' 35,000 qualified Islamic finance professionals by 2030
Islamic Banking and Finance Institute Malaysia (IBFIM) Chief Executive Officer Datuk Dr Adnan Alias said Malaysia ‘needs 35,000 Islamic finance talents by 2030 to cope with the rapid growth of the industry’.
10, December 2012
Robin Amlôt
Business Times of Malaysia reports that IBFIM aims to maintain supplying an annual average of 30 per cent of Malaysia's Islamic Finance industry workforce. Speaking at the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MoA) signed on 10 December with Binary University of Management and Entrepreneurship, Adnan said, "We are looking at universities that have strong entrepreneurship development. After this, we are thinking of Universiti Teknologi Mara and Universiti Malaysia Kelantan,"
Full report at:
http://www.cpifinancial.net/news/post/17450/malaysia-needs-35-000-qualified-islamic-finance-professionals-by-2030
---------
Mideast Asia
Turkey 'world's worst jailer' of journalists
December 11, 2012
Turkey has more journalists in jail than any other country, followed by Iran and China, the US-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said on Tuesday.
The number of journalists in prison reached a record high this year, as critical reporters and editors were charged with "terrorism" and other crimes against the state, the New York-based group said.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/NorthAmerica/Turkey-world-s-worst-jailer-of-journalists/Article1-971303.aspx
------------
17 killed in ambush in Yemen
December 11, 2012
SANAA : Yemeni military planes on Monday struck at al Qaeda insurgents suspected of carrying out an ambush in which 17 army officers and soldiers were killed, tribal sources said.
The ambush, which took place on Saturday while an army patrol inspected a pipeline in Wadi Obaida area of oil-producing Maarib province, was one of the deadliest attacks by al Qaeda in recent months.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2012\12\11\story_11-12-2012_pg7_17
-----------
Israel FM says EU's Jewish policy 'like 1930s'
11 Dec 2012
JERUSALEM — Israel's Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman criticised Europe on Tuesday, saying its treatment of the Jewish state was comparable to policies during the Holocaust.
Lieberman said Europe had turned a blind eye to a speech by Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal this week, in which he said the Palestinians would not "cede an inch" of historic Palestine, which includes much of modern Israel.
"Once again, Europe has ignored calls for Israel's destruction," Lieberman told Israeli public radio.
Full report at: Copyright © 2012 AFP. All rights reserved
-------------
Meshaal repositions Hamas before Palestinian unity talks
11 December 2012
GAZA CITY: Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal is hoping his movement’s success in the recent conflict with Israel will help him dictate the terms of renewed efforts at Palestinian unity, analysts say.
During his first-ever trip to Gaza at the weekend, the Hamas chief-in-exile, sounded a defiant note in a speech to thousands of followers marking the 25th anniversary of the Islamist movement’s founding.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2012/12/11/meshaal-repositions-hamas-before-palestinian-unity-talks/
------------
Hotline set up to foster Afghan, Pakistan dialogue
Dec 11, 2012
ANKARA — A hotline has been established to facilitate communication among the presidents of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Turkey "in times of crisis," a Turkish official said Monday.
"The hotline has been operational since yesterday (Sunday)," the official said on condition of anonymity but noted that the presidents have not used it yet.
"It is designed to help communication among the three capitals in times of crisis," the official added.
Full report at: Copyright © 2012 AFP. All rights reserved.
-----------
Hamas chief leaves Gaza after first visit: Spokesman
Dec 10, 2012
GAZA CITY: Exiled Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal left the Gaza Strip on Monday after a historic first visit to the tiny Palestinian enclave, a spokesman for the interior ministry said.
"Abu al-Walid (Meshaal) left the Gaza Strip through the Rafah terminal this afternoon after his historic visit," Islam Shahwan told AFP, referring to the Rafah crossing on the Gaza-Egypt border.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Hamas-chief-leaves-Gaza-after-first-visit-Spokesman/articleshow/17561445.cms
------------
Gunmen kill intelligence deputy in south Yemen: security
11 December 2012
ADEN: Unidentified assailants shot dead the deputy head of intelligence in the southeastern Yemeni city of Mukalla on Tuesday, a security official said.
Colonel Ahmed al-Ramada, deputy chief of political security in the city, was killed on his way to work, the official told AFP, adding that al Qaeda could have been behind the attack.
Mukalla, located on the Gulf of Aden, is the main city of the eastern province of Hadramawt, where al Qaeda militants are active.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2012/12/11/gunmen-kill-intelligence-deputy-in-south-yemen-security/
------------
5 members disappoint OIC for not backing Palestinian bid at UN
11 December 2012
While the 57 member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) were expected to support the Palestinian bid at the UN to become an observer nonmember state, five members refrained to vote yes.
Sources told Arab News that these members were Albania, Togo, Cameroon, and Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/5-members-disappoint-oic-not-backing-palestinian-bid-un
------------
Netanyahu: World has double standards
10 December 2012
JERUSALEM: Israel’s prime minister on Monday accused the international community of “deafening silence” in response to recent vows by the head of the Hamas militant group to fight on until the Jewish state is destroyed, and appeared unmoved by the gathering storm of global condemnation of his government’s plans to continue settling the West Bank.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/netanyahu-world-has-double-standards
---------
Iran launches web video channel, Mehr
Dec 11, 2012
Iran has launched a new website for citizens to share short videos.
The website is called Mehr, which means affection in Farsi, and is run by the state broadcaster IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting).
Iran already has a popular local video channel called Aparat, which is run by the same company behind Iranian social network Cloob.
YouTube, operated by Google, has been blocked in the country since 2009 but many Iranians can still access it.
Full report at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20663681
-----------
Iran denies nuclear, missile cooperation with North Korea
Dec 11, 2012
(Reuters) - Iran and North Korea are not cooperating on missile and nuclear development, Tehran's Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Tuesday.
Japan's Kyodo News agency this month reported, citing a Western diplomatic source, that Iran had stationed defense staff in North Korea since late October, apparently to strengthen cooperation in missile and nuclear development.
Full report at:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/11/us-korea-north-iran-idUSBRE8BA0EU20121211
-----------
South Asia
Taliban to attend Paris meeting on Afghanistan
11 December 2012
KABUL: The Taliban will attend a meeting in France to talk about Afghanistan’s future but will not discuss peace and reconciliation, the militant group’s spokesman said Monday.
The meeting, organised by a French think tank on the outskirts of Paris, is not expected to produce results, but it will produce a rare face-to-face gathering of Afghanistan’s major players.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2012/12/10/taliban-to-attend-paris-meeting-on-afghanistan/
---------
Spy chief attack: Karzai to submit evidence of Pakistan ‘involvement’
December 11, 2012
ANKARA: Afghan President Hamid Karzai will submit evidence to Pakistan during a meeting in Turkey on Tuesday suggesting that the attack on Afghanistan’s spy chief was hatched in Pakistan, said Karzai’s spokesperson.
“President Karzai will submit all the documents and evidence in hand to Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, which suggest the attack was hatched in Quetta in Pakistan, and follow this up seriously,” said Siamak Herawi, a spokesperson for Karzai.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/478178/spy-chief-attack-karzai-to-submit-evidence-of-pakistan-involvement/
------------
Gayoom defends criminal case against Nasheed
R. K. RADHAKRISHNAN
11 December 2012
The former Maldives President, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, has said that the ongoing criminal proceedings against Mohammed Nasheed are not a planned move. “When there is a political disagreement, all kinds of allegations and speculations will be there,” said Mr. Gayoom.
A local court here will determine if the former President, Mohamed Nasheed, is guilty of misusing his authority and arresting a judge in January 2012 when he was President. Mr. Nasheed’s supporters believe that the proceedings have the aim of debarring him from contesting the 2013 elections.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/gayoom-defends-criminal-case-against-nasheed/article4185436.ece
------------
Gayoom could run for President
R. K. RADHAKRISHNAN
11 December 2012
Former Maldives President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who ruled the country for over 30 years before he was unseated by Mohamed Nasheed in the 2008 elections, has said that he may consider running for President again. Elections are expected to be held in the Maldives by the end of August or early September 2013.
Saying that he preferred not to run, Dr. Gayoom, however, clarified: “Things change very frequently. So I am keeping my options open.”
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/gayoom-could-run-for-president/article4185457.ece
------------
Petrol bombs thrown during Bangladesh protest
Dec 11, 2012
DHAKA: Hundreds of protesters in Bangladesh threw petrol bombs at police on Tuesday as opposition parties enforced a nationwide strike demanding elections under a neutral caretaker government.
Police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at demonstrators in the northwestern city of Rajshahi, while minor clashes erupted in the capital Dhaka and several major towns.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2012/12/11/petrol-bombs-thrown-during-bangladesh-protest/
------------
Europe
France and US at odds over Mali force
11 December 2012
UNITED NATIONS: France circulated a UN Security Council resolution Monday that would authorize the deployment of an African-led force to oust Al-Qaeda and allied militants who have seized northern Mali, but the United States wants the troops to be trained first for desert warfare, UN diplomats said.
There is agreement in the UN’s most powerful body that there must be a two-track solution, political and military, to try to wrest control of the north — an area the size of Texas — and successfully reunite Mali.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/france-and-us-odds-over-mali-force
-----------
UN nuclear inspectors to press Iran on military site access
December 11, 2012
VIENNA: UN nuclear inspectors will press Iran this week for a long-sought green light to visit a key military site, although suspected clean-up work may make it difficult to find evidence of any illicit atomic bomb research there.
Thursday’s talks in Tehran could provide clues as to whether the Islamic state may now be more willing to start addressing growing international concerns over its disputed atomic activity following U.S. President Barack Obama’s re-election last month.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2012\12\11\story_11-12-2012_pg14_1
-----------
UN adds to pressure on Afghan government to protect women
Following the shooting of acting head of the women's affairs department, the United Nations joined escalating criticism of President Hamid Karzai's government regarding women's rights and called for a law to eliminate violence
11 Dec 2012
The United Nations joined mounting criticism of Afghan President Hamid Karzai's government on Tuesday over women's rights, urging it to enforce a law designed to prevent violence against women.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/9/60272/World/International/UN-adds-to-pressure-on-Afghan-government-to-protec.aspx
-----------
European Union dismayed at Israeli settlements, takes no action
Dec 11, 2012
BRUSSELS: The European Union expressed dismay on Monday over Israel's plans to build settlements in a highly sensitive part of the West Bank, but spelled out no punitive measures in response.
After meeting in Brussels, foreign ministers of the 27 EU states said the Israeli plan would seriously undermine the prospects of successful peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/European-Union-dismayed-at-Israeli-settlements-takes-no-action/articleshow/17564099.cms
------------
Cameron vies to keep the Gulf onside
11 December 2012
British Prime Minister David Cameron’s recent trip to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates was replete with the traditional photo opportunities and mutual defense and security proclamations, but it was far more than a courtesy call on Britain’s long-time Gulf allies. Cameron was clear in the runup to his Gulf trip that he had come to tout for investment in British-made fighter jets, saying openly that security for both Saudi Arabia and the UAE was “important for our security” while potential deals involving dozens of BAE System’s Typhoon fighter jets was “vital for British jobs.”
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/cameron-vies-keep-gulf-onside
---------
Nobel winners say Syria is 'stain' on world conscience
After winning this year's Nobel Peace Prize, the European Union commented on the gravity of the situation in Syria, stressing that the international community is morally obligated to address it
10 Dec 2012
The European Union, winner of this year's Nobel Peace Prize, said at the award ceremony Monday that the conflict in Syria was "a stain" on the world's conscience.
"Let me say it from here today," said European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso. "The current situation in Syria is a stain on the world's conscience and the international community has a moral duty to address it."
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/9/60204/World/International/Nobel-winners-say-Syria-is-stain-on-world-conscien.aspx
-----------
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/cultural-genocide-islamic-heritage-saudi/d/9632