‘FIRs Like Medals For Speaking Truth’: BJP's Madhavi Latha Checks Identities Of Muslim Women, Asks Them To Lift Burqa
New Age Islam News Bureau
14 May 2024
BJP candidate Madhavi Latha checks identity of voters at a polling
station during the fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections, in Hyderabad.(PTI)
-------
·
‘FIRs Like Medals For Speaking Truth’: BJP's
Madhavi Latha Checks Identities Of Muslim Women, Asks Them To Lift Burqa
·
Pakistan, US Term Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan,
Daesh ‘Most Pressing Challenges’ To Global Security
·
Jewish And Muslim College Students Will Be Glad
To Leave This Academic Year Behind
·
Hezbollah Steps Up Strikes on Israeli Posts,
Unveils “Jihad Mughniyeh” Heavy Rocket
·
Malaysian PM Anwar to Academia And Students:
Remain Steadfast In Upholding Humanity For Brighter Future Of Islamic World
India
·
Muslim Mahila Foundation Thanksgiving March:
May Your Enemies Be Defeated, May Allah Protect You
·
Inclusive Culture: Hindu Family In Barasat
Owned A Mosque And Nurtured It With Love For More Than 50 Years
·
With Muslims joining, roadshow becomes carnival
of Kashi spirit
-----
Pakistan
·
Nation owes its freedom, security to 'valiant
warriors': COAS Gen Munir
·
Jamaat-i-Islami terms PDM, PTI two sides of
same coin
·
Yasmin Rashid decries victimisation, repeated
arrests in letter to CJP
·
Imran’s pre-arrest bail in Zaman Park violence
case confirmed
·
Will pen letter to Gen Munir on situation in
crises-hit country: Imran Khan
-----
North America
·
Top Biden Official Doubts Israel Can Achieve
'Total Victory' In Gaza
·
Biden signs into law ban on Russian nuclear
reactor fuel imports
·
US to force China-linked firm to sell land near
US missile silos
·
US citizen detained in Russia for using obscene
language: Sources
----
Mideast
·
Turkish Diplomat In Lyon Sparks Controversy
With Islamic Gesture During Visit To Archbishop
·
Five Iraqi soldiers killed in Daesh attack,
sources say
·
Shiite Imams Should Be Introduced to World with
Modern Methods: Leader
·
Nakba: Palestinians mark 76 years of
dispossession as a potentially even larger catastrophe unfolds in Gaza
·
UN says Gaza death toll still over 35,000 but
not all bodies identified
·
Islamic Iran achieved success wherever it faced
sanctions: IRGC chief
--------
Southeast Asia
·
Claims Of Islam Under Threat: Statement Causing
Bad Perception, Says Pahang MB
·
Malaysia urges Israel to stop atrocities
against Palestinians, agree to peace plan - PM Anwar
·
Sharia Banking Vital to Indonesia's Islamic
Economy, VP Amin Says
·
Imam al-Nawawi’s 40 Hadiths to be introduced at
KEMAS kindergartens
--------
Africa
·
Fortnight Before Elections, Local And Foreign Muslim
Bodies Rally Behind ANC
·
Why Tanzania Political Parties Have Few Women
In Leadership, Candidate Lists
·
Rivers Crisis: ‘He Is Now Playing God’ – Asari
Dokubo Slams Wike As Rivers Political Tension Worsen
·
No Nigerian Child Should Be Excluded From
Quality Education- Tinubu
--------
Arab World
·
Saudi Dialogue Centre In Lisbon Hosts Global
Peace ForumFor Interreligious And Intercultural Dialogue
·
Islamic Minister Launches Design Models For
Mosques Simulating Identity Of Various Saudi Regions
·
Saudi Arabia launches Makkah Route Initiative
at Ankara Esenboga Airport
·
Saudi FM meets with Standing Committee of
International Humanitarian Law delegation
·
Madinah governor inspects pilgrim services
ahead of Hajj
·
Al-Yanfa village restoration unlocks Asir’s
architectural treasures
--------
Europe
·
Asif Kapadia to receive the inaugural
Trailblazer Award at the first Muslim International Film Festival in London
·
Muslim parents in dispute with Jewish school
over pro-Israel politics
·
Muslim community to get permanent home in Alton
as chapel plans approved
·
Thousands of Islamists protest against
‘censorship’ in Hamburg after calls for a caliphate in Germany are banned
·
Priest blames Hollywood for low birth rates
--------
South Asia
·
Bangladesh Welcomes AI But To Take Steps For
Preventing Misuse: PM
·
Deputy PM Hanafi meets scholars, elders of
Paktika
·
FM Muttaqi discuss humanitarian aids with OCHA
representative
·
Taliban and Pakistani forces skirmish at
Afghanistan-Pakistan border: Report
·
Turkish police detain 29 Afghan and Syrian
refugees
·
Afghanistan loses UN voting rights over unpaid
dues
·
IEA Exalts Industrial Growth and Economic
Progress at Kabul Exhibition
Compiled by
New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/fir-medals-madhavi-latha-muslim-burqa/d/132317
------
‘FIRs
Like Medals For Speaking Truth’: BJP's Madhavi Latha Checks Identities Of
Muslim Women, Asks Them To Lift Burqa
BJP candidate Madhavi Latha checks identity of voters at a polling
station during the fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections, in Hyderabad.(PTI)
-------
By HT
News Desk
May 14,
2024
Madhavi
Latha triggered a controversy during the polling after a video emerged where
she was seen checking id cards of burqa-clad Muslim women at polling booth.
Kompella
Madhavi Latha, the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Lok Sabha candidate from the
Hyderabad constituency, who has been booked for checking the identities of
Muslim women voters at a polling station, clarified her act saying that she
received information that the presiding officer of the booth had caught a minor
girl casting her vote.
BJP's
Madhavi Latha checks identities of Muslim women, asks them to lift burqa
Unlock
exclusive access to the latest news on India's general elections, only on the
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"We
got the information that the presiding officer caught a minor girl casting her
vote... They are not registering an FIR. They are free to register an FIR on me
but not on others... My FIR started from 'Ram Baan'... I am getting the medal
like FIRs for telling the truth..." news agency ANI quoted Latha as
saying.
The BJP
leader triggered a controversy during the polling on Monday after a video
emerged where she was seen checking identity cards of burqa-clad Muslim women
at a polling booth, asking them to lift or remove their veil. The police have
also registered a case against Latha under sections 171C, 186, 505(1)(c) of IPC
and Section 132 of the Representation of the People Act.
Defending
her act, Latha said that she had only requested the women to verify their
identity and there was nothing wrong with this.
Case
filed against BJP's Madhavi Latha over ‘arrow’ gesture; she reacts
"I
am a candidate. As per law, the candidate has the right to check the ID cards
without the facemasks. I am not a man, I am a woman and with a lot of
humbleness, I have only requested them - can I please see and verify with the
ID cards? If somebody wants to make a big issue out of it, that means they are
scared," she said.
Earlier,
Latha was booked for allegedly hurting the sentiments of the Muslim community
by purportedly gesturing to shoot an arrow towards a mosque during a Ram Navami
procession on April 17.
Latha is
contesting against Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi in the ongoing Lok Sabha
elections. This is the first time that the BJP has fielded a female candidate
from the Hyderabad constituency.
Case
filed against Amit Shah for poll code violation in Hyderabad
In the
polling, which concluded on Monday, Telangana has reported 64.93% voter
turnout. Bhongir segment witnessed the highest turnout at 76.47% while
Hyderabad logged 46.08%, according to the Election Commission statistics.
Source: hindustantimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/firs-like-medals-for-speaking-truth-bjps-madhavi-latha-101715680678789.html
------
Pakistan,
US Term Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Daesh ‘Most Pressing Challenges’ To Global
Security
Taliban fighters pose with weapons in an undisclosed location. —
Reuters/ File
------
May 13,
2024
Pakistan
and the United States have termed the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and
Daesh as “most pressing challenges” to regional and global security while
underlining the importance of bilateral cooperation in tackling the threat of
terrorism.
According
to a statement issued by the Foreign Office on Monday, Additional Foreign
Secretary for the UN and OIC, Ambassador Syed Haider Shah, and US Department of
State Coordinator for Counterterrorism, Ambassador Elizabeth Richard,
co-chaired the Pakistan-US Counterterrorism Dialogue on May 10 in Washington.
Discussions
centred on the counterterrorism landscape in the region, with a focus on areas
of mutual interest.
Pakistani
and US senior officials emphasised the importance of expanded counterterrorism
collaboration and capacity building, including exchanges of technical expertise
and best practices, investigative and prosecutorial assistance, provision of
border security infrastructure and training, including the United States
training of more than 300 police and frontline responders since the last
Pakistan-US Counterterrorism Dialogue in March 2023, and strengthening
multilateral engagement such as in the UN and the Global Counterterrorism
Forum, the statement added.
It said
Pakistan and the United States recognised that a partnership to counter the
ISIS-Khorasan — also known as Daesh — the TTP, and other terrorist
organisations will advance security in the region and serve as a model of
bilateral and regional cooperation to address transnational terrorism threats.
Both
governments resolved to increase communication on these topics and continue
collaboration to detect and deter violent extremism through whole-of-government
approaches.
“The
Counterterrorism Dialogue reaffirms Pakistan’s and the United States’ shared
determination to contribute to both regional and global security and
stability.”
According
to a Q1 2024 Security Report issued by the Centre for Research and Security
Studies (CRSS) in April this year, at least 92% of all fatalities and 86% of
attacks in Pakistan, including those related to terrorism and security forces
operations, were recorded in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces
in the first quarter of 2024.
The
report mentioned that the country witnessed at least 432 violence-linked
fatalities and 370 injuries among civilians, security personnel and outlaws
resulting from as many as 245 incidents of terror attacks and counterterror
operations.
Among
the 432 fatalities, 281 included that of civilians and security forces
personnel.
The KP
and Balochistan province alone have accounted for 51% and 41% of the total
fatalities in Q1, 2024, respectively. The data indicates that the remaining
regions were relatively peaceful, suffering less than 8% of all deaths.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1188637-pakistan-us-term-ttp-daesh-most-pressing-challenges-to-global-security
-----
Jewish And
Muslim College Students Will Be Glad To Leave This Academic Year Behind
AP Photo/Eric Gay
A Pro-Palestinian protester holds up a sign as Jewish students talk to
the media following on campus at the University of Texas at Austin, Tuesday,
April 30, 2024, in Austin, Texas.
------
By Lexi
Lonas
MAY 13,
2024
Jewish
and Muslim students at U.S. colleges are exhausted as their academic year comes
to a close. Antisemitism and Islamophobia have both spiked on campuses in the
wake of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, and the recent anti-war encampments
have greatly disrupted student life. “This year has definitely impacted me
academically a lot,” said Shani Glassberg, an Israeli-American and junior at
George Washington (GW) University, adding she had to postpone finals due to the
unrest on her campus. In April, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) released
findings that anti-Semitic incidents on campus in 2023 tripled from 2022, up
about 321 percent. The study did not include antisemitic incidents from the
first half of 2024. While Glassberg said she received tons of support from her
classmates in the first week after the Oct. 7 attack, which killed more than
1,200 civilians, “it turned into a very, very hateful situation” quickly. She
said she saw “some people find ways very quicky to justify” the Hamas attack
and that “really hurt me on a personal level, academic level.” Adena Kirstein,
executive director of GW Hillel, said she has worked with hundreds of students
who are finding themselves drained at the end of this semester. “They would be
weary if they were just finishing up their academic years, but they’ve been
carrying a lot of strain on their shoulders just in terms of what’s been going
on campus,” said Kirstein. The stress ramped up considerably last month with
the arrival of pro-Palestinian encampments on campuses across the nation, and
GW was one of several schools that made headlines over its demonstration after
D.C. police initially refused the administration’s request to clear the
protest. The encampment only got removed Wednesday morning, hours before the
mayor of Washington and the head of the city’s police were set to testify in
front of Congress over the issue. Police used pepper spray on the
demonstrators, and 33 people were arrested. “There was lots of strong graffiti
around the encampment with different antisemitic stereotypes,” Glassberg said.
Hafiza Khalique, a first year Muslim student at New York University, told The
Hill she was the first person she knew of who was suspended in the
pro-Palestinian movement back in October. NYU suspended her through the end of
the academic year for tearing down posters on campus about Israeli hostages.
She is currently suing her school over the suspension. “There is a concerning
amount of Islamophobia on campus. For years, NYU has had many claims of
anti-Arab and anti-Muslim hate. This year it has reached an unprecedented
level,” Khalique said. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)
released its national civil rights report in April showing that in 2023 it
received the highest number of anti-Muslim complaints in 28 years at more than
8,000 recorded incidents across the country. Reana Akthar, a Muslim student at
Wesleyan University, told The Hill that once as she was wearing a keffiyeh, a
traditional Middle Eastern headdress, someone on campus told her to go back to her
country. “It feels like I’ve been walking in a dream these past couple months
because there are people firm in their belief that Palestinians have what’s
coming to them, and I think that’s unacceptable,” Akthar said when talking
about the culture on her campus. Thousands of people have been arrested at the
pro-Palestinian encampments, but Wesleyan still has theirs up, and students say
they won’t leave until their demands such as divestment from Israel are met.
“It is a
ridiculous time to be a student. It’s hard to complete work. It’s hard to go on
and pretend that everything is normal [...] at the same time there are people
my age being slaughtered” in Gaza, Akthar said. “Muslim students, I think
there’s many competing feelings. On the one hand, there is a lot of
disillusionment and frustration with our administrations and, of course,
exhaustion for feeling like they are having their First Amendment rights
violated, feeling like their free speech is being killed, feeling like they are
being scrutinized in a way that’s very damaging, compared to other student
populations,” said Dina Chehata, CAIR’s Civil Rights Managing Attorney. “And I
think there’s also different sentiment from a lot of Muslim students I’ve spoken
to that have been very active in the in the free Palestine movement, calling
for Palestinian Liberation and divestment from weapons manufacturers, I think
there’s a sense of community that’s very powerful,” Chehata added.
Read
more at: https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article288473489.html#storylink=cpy
Source: kansascity.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article288473489.html
--------
Hezbollah
Steps Up Strikes on Israeli Posts, Unveils “Jihad Mughniyeh” Heavy Rocket
Screen capture of a video showing Hezbollah fighter preparing to launch
rocket at an Israeli site (May 2024)
-------
May 13,
2024
Hezbollah
is stepping up strikes against Israeli posts along the Lebanon border, as the
Lebanese resistance group introduces a new heavy rocket named after prominent
Hezbollah fighter, Jihad Mughniyeh.
Hezbollah
fighters carried out so far on Monday two strikes targeting Israeli sites, the
group’s Military Media announced.
The
first attack, early on Monday (at 06:20), was a drone strike that targeted the
newly established Israeli outpost where enemy soldiers of the Division 91’s
reservist artillery battalion sleep, south of Beit Hillel, the first statement
read.
The
strike employed a number of explosive-laden drones, inflicting confirmed
casualties among the enemy soldiers, the statement added.
Israeli
occupation army confirmed the drone strike, saying that two explosive-laden
drones launched from Lebanon struck an area near Beit Hillel, noting that no
sirens had sounded in towns amid the incident.
The
Islamic Resistance fighters then, at 10:35, fired anti-tank guided missile
targeting an Israeli Merkava at Yiftah Bararcks, the second statement read.
Israeli
media reported that four Zionist soldiers were injured on the missile strike on
Yiftah. Ziv Hospital in Safed says four troops were brought to the medical
center after being wounded in the attack near Kibbutz Yiftah, The Times of
Israel reported.
Later at
12:00, direct hits were achieved as the Islamic Resistance fighters fired
artillery shells at Israeli soldiers stationed at Birkat Risha Israeli site.
At
13:00, the Islamic Resistance fighters set up a fiery ambush against a force of
enemy soldiers. Upon reaching the ambush point west of Branit Barracks, the
fighters targeted them with rocket weapons and artillery shells, causing
confirmed injuries.
The
Islamic Resistance fighters, later at 13:20, targeted with guided weapons a
chamber equipped with spy devices beside Al-Jerdah site when a number of
Israeli enemy soldiers entered it, the fifth statement read, adding that the
chamber was destroyed, and the soldiers inside it were either killed or
injured.
The
latest statement, issued by Hezbollah military media, mentioned that Islamic
Resistance fighters targeted, at 05:05 pm on Monday, May 13, 2024, Al-Samaqa
site in the occupied Lebanese hills of Kfarshouba with rocket weapons, hitting
it directly.
The
strikes are “in support of the steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip
and in solidarity with their brave and honorable resistance,” the statements
said on Monday.
“Jihad
Mughniyeh” Rockets
Earlier
on Sunday, Hezbollah unveiled a heavy rocket named after Jihad Mughniyeh, the
son of senior Hezbollah leader Imad Mughniyeh who was assassinated on February
12, 2008 near the Syrian capital, Damascus.
Hezbollah’s
Military Media announced that the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the
deployment of Israeli soldiers in the vicinity of Zibdine site in the occupied
Lebanese Shebaa Farms with new heavy rockets Jihad Mughniyeh, inflicting direct
hits.
This is
the first time Hezbollah announces this
kind of rockets used in operations in support of the people and the resistance
of Gaza.
The
strike on Zibdine was second of three attacks Hezbollah fighters staged on
Sunday.
The
first strike on Sunday saw the Islamic Resistance fighters targeting a military
vehicle carrying espionage equipment, and other technical equipment at Hounin
Barracks, also known as Ramim. The strike on Hounin employed guided missiles,
resulting in a direct hit that led to the destruction of the vehicle and other
equipment, according to a statement released by Hezbollah’s Military Media.
The
third strike on Sunday was a missile attack on Al-Malkiya Israeli site.
Meanwhile
on Sunday, Hezbollah’s Military Media released two videos showing precise
strikes which Hezbollah fighters staged earlier.
The
video below shows the Islamic Resistance’s operation targeting the Iron Dome
platform in Beit Hillel base, in northern occupied Palestine.
Source: english.almanar.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://english.almanar.com.lb/2107789
--------
Malaysian
PM Anwar to Academia And Students: Remain Steadfast In Upholding Humanity For
Brighter Future Of Islamic World
Prime
Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim
-----
Tuesday,
14 May 2024
DOHA,
May 14 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called upon academia and
students to remain steadfast in upholding the values of humanity and sincerity
to enable them to plan for a brighter future for the Islamic world.
In a
post on X, Anwar said he made that call when giving a public lecture titled
‘The Future of Islamic World’ at the Qatar National Library here, at the
invitation of Hamad bin Khalifa University, on Monday.
The
Prime Minister said he also touched on the challenges and tribulations in the
post-normal era, which require leaders of the Islamic world to unite their
efforts to face issues of Islamophobia, discrimination, and the hypocrisy of
global superpowers.
“Muslims
must remain rational and return to the roots of strength based on the culture
of knowledge, morality, human dignity, and piety, which underpin the teachings
of Islam and Eastern culture that I have discussed in my work, The Asian
Renaissance,” he said in the post.
During
the lecture, Anwar generally addressed the future of Islam and expressed his
sadness and disappointment over the failure of the world, especially the
Western countries, to show concern about what is happening in the Gaza Strip,
He also
admitted that it is very sad to see many non-Muslim countries exhibiting so
much hatred and injustice towards Muslim minorities in their countries.
“Why do
you talk about humanity, democracy, and human rights, yet allow actions that
violate these values and commit genocide against certain segments of the
population, whether in Rwanda or Gaza?
“How
come, after decades, we are still seeing all this happening? It causes a lot of
anger. People, including in Malaysia, are angry, because the entire system has
failed...the international community failed; the superpowers failed; and
mainstream media has either failed or (doing) minimal. Ultimately, the
inhumanity continues,” he said.
The
Prime Minister said that what is happening in Gaza has been completely ignored.
“I’m not
saying this to imply despair; rather, I am optimistic and believe that
ultimately, rationality will return, and that’s why we have universities to
nurture the next generation with the necessary values,” he said.
Before
concluding his lecture, Anwar recited an English poem titled “If I Must Die” by
the late Dr Refaat Alareer, a professor of English Literature at the Islamic
University of Gaza and a co-founder of the We Are Not Numbers project, who was
killed in an attack by the Zionist regime in the Gaza Strip last December. —
Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/05/14/pm-anwar-calls-on-academia-and-students-to-remain-steadfast-in-upholding-humanity-for-brighter-future-of-islamic-world/134304#google_vignette
--------
India
Muslim Mahila FoundationThanksgiving March: May Your Enemies Be Defeated, May Allah Protect You
May 14,
2024
Varanasi:
“Dhanyawad Modi Ji, aapke dushmano ko shikast mile, Allah aapki hifajat kare”
(Thank you Modi ji, may your enemies be defeated, may Allah protect you). With
these messages on placards, a group of Muslims, including women took out a
thanksgiving march with ‘band-baja’ at Shastri Park in Sigra locality, before
arrival of PM Narendra Modi on Monday.
While
every section of the society came forward to welcome the PM in their own way on
his arrival in the city to hold a roadshow and file his nomination papers,
members of Muslim Mahila Foundation and Vishal Bharat Sansthan took out the
march to express their gratitude to the PM for giving a huge relief to Muslim
women by criminalising triple talaq and other development works.
“The
Muslims of Varanasi are thanking Modi because he has taken the millennia old
city of Varanasi to international level. To overcome the biggest problem of
illness, he extended support through Ayushman card. He liberated Muslim women
from triple talaq,” said a member of the Muslim outfit. “Modi ji humare
muktidata hain. Hum surakshit hain, azadi ki saans le rahe hain. Ab talaq de
kar ghar se nikale jane ka bhay nahi hai. Iska shrey sirf Modi ji ko hai” (Modi
ji is our liberator. We are safe and breathing freedom. Now there is no fear of
being thrown out of house by divorce. The credit for this goes only to Modi
ji), said Khurshida Begum, the district president of the Muslim Mahila
Foundation.The foundation members said earlier, the people used to struggle for
roads, electricity and water in the past. Now, things have improved manyfold.
Employment of people had increased by 300% due to increase in tourism in
Varanasi. Modi made a record of visiting the city as the Prime Minister. “This
is the reason why Kashi Muslims want Modi ji to win the elections with record
votes. Muslims prayed to Allah for Modi's victory and protection,” the members
said.
Vishal
Bharat Sansthan President Rajeev Shriguruji said,“Varanasi has removed the wall
between Modi and Muslims.”
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Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/muslims-in-kashi-express-gratitude-to-pm-modi-with-thanksgiving-march/articleshow/110096917.cms
---------
Inclusive
Culture: Hindu Family In Barasat Owned A Mosque And Nurtured It With Love For
More Than 50 Years
14.05.24
Debraj
Mitra
A Hindu
family in Barasat has for more than 50 years owned a mosque and nurtured it
with love.
Amanati
Masjid stands on a four-cottah plot in Nabapally in Barasat, around 25km north
of Calcutta. In the past 15 months, it has had a facelift of sorts. A new
arched gate with two miniature minarets has come up. The boundary wall has been
raised and strengthened. The walls inside have got a fresh coat of plaster and
paint.
The
expenses have been borne by Partha Sarathi Basu and his father Dipak Kumar
Basu.
The
Basus have watched Prime Minister Narendra Modi claim at election rallies that
the Congress, if elected to power, would distribute Hindus’ property among
Muslims.
“I have
seen my father spending his money for Muslims since my childhood. Irrespective
of the government in power,” Partha, 49, told this newspaper in jest.
The next
moment, he was not joking.
“The
masjid is a part of my family’s identity. It is a part of who I am. I am also a
practising Hindu from the Gautam gotra (gotras are lineage segments tracing
their origins to seven ancient seers). But I don’t see any conflict between the
two. My religion teaches love and compassion,” the third-generation custodian
said.
Partha’s
grandfather shifted to Barasat’s Nabapally in the aftermath of the 1964 riots
in Bangladesh. He swapped his family land in Bangladesh’s Khulna with that of a
Muslim family in Barasat. The Basu family found a “barren” mosque standing in
the middle of the land. The property documents had no mention of the structure.
Many
Hindu neighbours had suggested that the Basus raze the mosque. But the family
did not. Instead, they renovated the mosque and nurtured it with love. The area
where the mosque stands falls in Ward 8 of Barasat Municipality. It is a
predominantly Hindu-majority area. But Muslims from nearby areas visit the
mosque every Friday for namaz.
In
reality, Amanati Masjid is a shrine to Bengal’s inclusive and syncretic
culture.
“The
mosque is also revered by Hindu families in the neighbourhood. Women turn up to
light candles and incense sticks at the base of a tree inside the compound in
the evening. Students halt at the shrine before an exam irrespective of their
religion,” said Maulana Akhtar Ali, the imam of the mosque.
A stop
at the mosque is a must for a new bride stepping into the Basu family. After a
death, the body is brought to the mosque on its way to a crematorium.
Basu
senior, 73 now, would open the doors of the mosque every day in the morning and
mop the floors himself even until four years ago.
He owns
a kerosene dealership. The dip in the use of kerosene has led to dwindling
returns for dealers. Basu senior is no exception.
His son,
Partha, owns another plot near the mosque, where he runs a parking
lot. He
occasionally deals in properties as well.
The Basu
family home stands right opposite the mosque. Partha’s uncles still live there.
Partha and his father have shifted to an apartment in Barasat’s Dak Bungalow
More.
In the
drawing room of the apartment, Dipak Basu is glued to news channels every day.
He does not approve of the cocktail of religion and politics.
“See
what happened during the Ram temple inauguration. Ram has always been inside
us. But this pomp and grandeur and the active participation of the government
was not desirable. Neither is asking for votes in the name of Ram correct,”
said the septuagenarian.
Amanati
Masjid is named after Shah Amanat, an 18th-century ascetic in Chittagong,
worshipped by Hindus and Muslims alike, including Partha’s family.
When
Dipak Basu saw the mosque for the first time, he had just stepped into his
teens.
“It was
almost in ruins — surrounded by thick shrubs and snake skins here and there,”
he remembered.
Many
neighbours asked the Basus to tear it down. But Dipak Basu’s mother, who was a
staunch believer in Shah Amanat, lit a candle in the mosque compound one day.
“She felt an instant connection with the place,” he said.
Dipak Basu
has built the roof of the mosque and cemented the floors.
The
total cost of the recent renovation was around Rs 80,000. The senior Basu has
also paid a share of that. He recently received an award for his role in
preserving communal amity. The award came with a cash prize of Rs 35,000. He
gave the entire amount for the renovation. His son gave the rest.
“I
desperately wanted the new gate and the boundary wall to be erected before Eid.
I am
thankful to god that I could manage to do it,” said Partha.
Partha
is subjected to taunts — online and offline — for his “love for Muslims”.
He is
called “Mohammed Partha Sarathi”.
“But I
have many more well-wishers than haters,” he said.
Two
boards with the name of the mosque stuck to its walls also have the three words
written on them — “Prabhuke pranam koro (Pray to the Lord)”.
“Prabhu
is usually used in a church and pranam is a Hindu tradition. The first imam of
the mosque, Abubakkar Siddiqui, had suggested the phrase because he wanted this
place to be a refuge for all,” said Partha.
Source: telegraphindia.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/shrine-to-inclusive-culture-mosque-forms-part-of-hindu-owners-identity/cid/2019611
--------
With
Muslims joining, roadshow becomes carnival of Kashi spirit
May 14,
2024
VARANASI:
It was meant to be a political roadshow but the scenario resembled more of a
carnival with crowds brimming all along the 5-km route in Varanasi on Monday
evening.
All
charged up, the supporters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi were seen wearing
T-shirts 'Har Dil Mein Modi' and 'Hamar Kashi, Hamar Modi' written on them
prominently.
Houses
and shops along the route were illuminated, as the party workers poured in from
the neighbouring districts and from all sections of the society to cheer the
Prime Minister and be part of the occasion.
In a
surprise, a large number of Muslims were present at the dais of BJP Alpsankhyak
Morcha and could be heard raising slogans such as 'Doori hai na khai hai, Modi
hamara bhai hai' (No rift, no distance, Modi is our brother).Not only locals,
but people of other states like Maharashtra, Bihar and Jharkhand and
neighbouring districts also joined the roadshow, with most of them praising the
sincerity and working style of Modi.
Kinnar
Mahamandaleshwar Hemangi Sakhi of Nirmohi Akhara, who had announced to contest
Lok Sabha election from Varanasi initially under the banner of Akhil Bharat
Hindu Mahasabha UP and later as independent, was seen sitting on a dais near
Bengalitola Inter College to welcome Modi.
She had
withdrawn her plans to contest after BJP leaders had met him recently and
assured to make Modi aware about the concerns of transgender people.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/with-muslims-joining-roadshow-becomes-carnival-of-kashi-spirit/articleshow/110096245.cms
--------
Pakistan
Nation
owes its freedom, security to 'valiant warriors': COAS Gen Munir
May 13,
2024
Chief of
Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir on Monday heaped praise on the martyrs,
saying that the country owed its freedom and security to the virtue of the
soldiers of armed forces, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
The
military’s media wing said that the army chief expressed these views at the
Investiture ceremony held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.
The army
chief conferred military awards upon army personnel for their acts of gallantry
during operations and meritorious services rendered to the nation at the ceremony,
as per the military's media wing.
The ISPR
said that a large number of senior army officers and families of awardees
attended the ceremony.
“Officers
and soldiers were awarded medals including Sitara-I-Imtiaz (Military) and
Tamgha-I-Basalat (Medal of Good Conduct),” it stated.
The
medals awarded to the martyrs were received by their family members.
Paying
rich tribute to the martyrs and their families for their sacrifices and acts of
gallantry, the army chief said: “There is nothing more noble than laying one’s
life [in] defence of motherland and the sacrifices of our martyrs strengthen
our resolve to fight with utmost dedication and spirit of sacrifice.”
On the
occasion, Gen Munir also lauded brave families of the martyrs for their high
spirits and sacrifices rendered by them.
“The
shuhada (martyrs) and ghazis are our national heroes and the nation owes its
independence and security to the sacrifices of its valiant warriors,” he said.
“Our
shuhada are, indeed, the beacons of hope and resilience for the nation,” the
army chief added.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1188609-nation-owes-its-freedom-security-to-valiant-warriors-coas-gen-munir
--------
Jamaat-i-Islami
terms PDM, PTI two sides of same coin
May 14,
2024
LOWER
DIR: Jamaat-i-Islami provincial chief Prof Mohammad Ibrahim has said that
Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) and Pakistan Tahreek-i-Insaf are two sides
of the same coin as they have similar policies.
He was
addressing as a chief guest the monthly congregation organised by the district
chapter of JI at Ahyaul Uloom Balambat here on Sunday night. The gathering was
also addressed by JI deputy chief Dr Attaur Rehman, provincial general secretary
Abdul Wasi, district chief Izazul Mulk Afkari and others.
Prof
Ibrahim said that JI raised voice regarding the problems faced by people and
supremacy of Constitution. He said that JI had decided after several
experiences that it would never make an alliance with any party because all of
them had different flags with a similar agenda.
He urged
party members to make character building their top priority and remain united
and constant in every matter. He said that JI members should not be
disappointed because the vote bank of the party witnessed increase in the
recent general elections.
Prof
Ibrahim says JI will never form alliance with any party
The JI
leader said that both PDM and PTI had done nothing for the country except
causing inflation, unemployment and insecurity. He said that JI would arrange a
massive ‘Gaza March’ under the leadership of Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on May 19 in
Peshawar.
STRIKE:
Chemist and Druggists Association on Monday announced to fully support the
shutter down strike of traders in parts of Malakand division against the
imposition of taxes.
All
private schools across the district will also remain closed owing to shutter
down and wheel jam strike.
According
to the decision taken at a meeting of chemists and druggists, all medicine markets
in Timergara, Chakdara, Samarbagh, Munda, Khall, Lal Qila and Talash would
remain closed on Tuesday. The meeting, chaired by Bacha Munir Yousafzai,
rejected the government’s plan to impose taxes in Malakand division.
The
meeting also demanded of the government to take notice of the increasing prices
of essential drugs.
Meanwhile,
Private Education Network (PEN), a network of private educational institutions,
also announced to support the strike. PEN in its circular has said that all
private schools and colleges will remain closed on Tuesday (today) due to
traders’ strike.
Bar
councils in the region also announced to back the strike by boycotting court
proceedings.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1833308/jamaat-i-islami-terms-pdm-pti-two-sides-of-same-coin
--------
Yasmin
Rashid decries victimisation, repeated arrests in letter to CJP
May 14,
2024
LAHORE:
PTI Punjab president Dr Yasmin Rashid has written a letter to the chief justice
decrying “political victimisation” and repeated arrests of her party
colleagues.
Ms
Rashid, who has been in prison for almost a year now, wrote the letter on
Monday, reminding CJP Qazi Faez Isa that many female PTI workers were still
languishing in jail “without trial and basic right to bail”.
She
added that even if a PTI worker gets bail in a case, they are arrested on
another “trumped up” charge.
If one
case closes, another is lodged, Ms Rashid said, adding that “this is not
justice, but sustained political victimisation for over a year now”.
She
questioned why the cases hadn’t progressed for over a year.
“Why
have the police not been able to [charge] those held by it in different cases?
Who is transferring judges frequently to stall the cases’ progress? Why is the
government not pushing the police to come up with [case] records? Why are even
official prosecutors missing hearings and seeking adjournments?”
Ms
Rashid quipped that she hoped the government wouldn’t blame her party for these
shortcomings. “We hope that the government would not accuse the PTI of
controlling police and courts from jails.”
She
urged the chief justice to take notice and form a commission to investigate the
events of May 9 and “ensure justice for PTI”.
Ms
Rashid reportedly expressed similar sentiments in February when she reminded
the judges that several Pakistani women were behind bars “as a part of a
political victimisation spree”.
A post
on PTI’s official X handle back then attributed a message to Dr Rashid and said
she was compelled to state that the “law was not only blind but deaf and dumb
too”.
“Mothers,
sisters and daughters are incarcerated without evidence of any crime but as a
part of political victimisation,” the post quoted Dr Rashid as saying.
Urging
the judges to respect their duty of dispensation of justice, she stated that
people had lost hope in the Election Commission of Pakistan and were looking
towards the judiciary for justice.
In a
previous letter sent to the CJP in April, the PTI leader expressed concern over
“historical rigging” in the February 8 elections.
Ms
Rashid alleged that PML-N had formed a government through fraudulent means by
forging Form-47s and rigging the balloting.
The
former Punjab minister had criticised the government for “subjecting people to
extreme oppression” and urged the CJP to take notice of the matter.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1833390/yasmin-rashid-decries-victimisation-repeated-arrests-in-letter-to-cjp
--------
Imran’s
pre-arrest bail in Zaman Park violence case confirmed
May 14,
2024
LAHORE:
The Lahore High Court on Monday confirmed interim pre-arrest bail of former
prime minister Imran Khan in a criminal case of attacking a police team outside
his Zaman Park residence.
Justice
Muhammad Amjad Rafiq directed the incarcerated PTI founding chairman to furnish
bail bonds of Rs500,000.
Earlier,
Barrister Salman Safdar appeared on behalf of Mr Khan and denied charges
against his client. He said the petitioner had no role in the alleged attack on
police.
He said
the trial court had granted pre-arrest bail to Mr Khan on merits but later
dismissed the same on the ground of non-appearance following his conviction in
Toshakhana case. He asked the court to confirm the bail of Khan.
Justice
Rafiq observed that an accused behind bars could seek the relief of bail
without appearing before the court.
Imran
Khan’s pre-arrest bail petitions in three other cases of May 9 riots are still
pending before the ATC.
The
cases include attack on the Jinnah House, Askari Tower and Shadman police
station.
The ATC
on March 1 last confirmed his pre-arrest bail in four other cases, including
murder of Zille Shah, attack on police outside Zaman Park, and torching offices
of the PML-N in Model Town and a container at Kalma Chowk on May 9, 2023.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1833349/imrans-pre-arrest-bail-in-zaman-park-violence-case-confirmed
---------
Will pen
letter to Gen Munir on situation in crises-hit country: Imran Khan
May 13,
2024
Incarcerated
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has said that he will write a
letter to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir on the worsening
economic and political crises in the cash-strapped country as the former ruling
party seeking dialogues with the “real power”.
During
an interaction with journalists in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail on Monday, Imran
said: “I will write a letter to the army chief on the [prevailing] situation in
the country.”
The PTI
founder made the remarks days after he assigned an “important responsibility”
to former president Dr Arif Alvi, who had been making efforts to bridge the gap
between the establishment and the former ruling party.
The
deposed prime minister, who was removed from power via a parliamentary vote in
April last year, had assigned Alvi with the task after turning down the
military’s demand to apologise for the May 9 riots and distanced his party from
the violent protests that broke out in the country last year soon after his
arrest.
Responding
to a question about the £190 million settlement case, the PTI founder said that
Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA) had seized the amount after finding it
“suspicious transactions” but not “money laundering”.
During
the PTI government, the NCA seized assets worth 190 million pounds from a
property tycoon.
“If the
case goes on in the civil court, the money will not return to Pakistan for
another 5 years.”
Private
party and the UK’s NCA had demanded not to disclose the agreement, he added.
When the
incarcerated former premier asked if he would call then special assistant to
the prime minister (SAPM) on accountability Shehzad Akbar and Farhat Shahzadi
alias Farah Gogi, to prove his innocence, the PTI founder replied that he just
met Gogi thrice and the meetings were related to his wife.
“Shehzad
Akbar will be picked up from the airport if he returns homeland in this
situation.”
It is
pertinent to mention here that an accountability court in Rawalpindi, in
February 2024, indicted Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the £190 million
reference.
The £190
million settlement case
Imran
Khan — Bushra Bibi and other PTI leaders — is facing a NAB inquiry related to a
settlement between the PTI government and the property tycoon, which reportedly
caused a loss of £190 million to the national exchequer.
As per
the charges, Imran and other accused allegedly adjusted Rs50 billion — £190
million at the time — sent by Britain’s NCA to the Pakistani government as part
of the agreement with the property tycoon.
They are
also accused of getting undue benefit in the form of over 458 kanals of land at
Mouza Bakrala, Sohawa, to establish Al Qadir University.
During
the PTI government, the NCA seized assets worth 190 million pounds from a
property tycoon in Britain.
The
agency said the assets would be passed to the government of Pakistan and the
settlement with the Pakistani property tycoon was “a civil matter, and does not
represent a finding of guilt”.
Subsequently,
then-prime minister Imran Khan got approval for the settlement with the UK
crime agency from his cabinet on December 3, 2019, without disclosing the
details of the confidential agreement.
It was
decided that the money would be submitted to the Supreme Court on behalf of the
tycoon.
Subsequently,
the Al-Qadir Trust was established in Islamabad a few weeks after the
then-PTI-led government approved the agreement with the property tycoon.
Zulfi
Bukhari, Babar Awan, Bushra, and her close friend Farah Khan were appointed as
members of the trust.
Two to
three months after the cabinet’s approval, the property tycoon transferred 458
canals of land to Bukhari, a close aide of Imran, which he later transferred to
the trust.
Later,
Bukhari and Awan opted out as the trustees. That trust is now registered in the
name of Imran, Bushra and Farah.
NAB
officials were earlier probing the alleged misuse of powers in the process of
recovery of “dirty money” received from the UK crime agency.
Following
the emergence of "irrefutable evidence" in the case, the inquiry was
converted into an investigation.
According
to the NAB officials, the PTI founder and his wife obtained land worth billions
of rupees from the property tycoon, to build an educational institute, in
return for striking a deal to give legal cover to the property tycoon’s black
money received from the UK crime agency.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1188660-will-pen-letter-to-gen-munir-on-situation-in-crises-hit-country-imran-khan
--------
North America
Top
Biden official doubts Israel can achieve 'total victory' in Gaza
May 14,
2024
WASHINGTON:
The Biden administration does not see it likely or possible that Israel will
achieve "total victory" in defeating Hamas in the Palestinian enclave
of Gaza, US deputy secretary of state Kurt Campbell said on Monday.
While US
officials have urged Israel to help devise a clear plan for the governance
post-war Gaza, Campbell's comments are the clearest to date from a top US
official effectively admitting that Israel's current military strategy won't
bring the result that it is aiming for.
"In
some respects, we are struggling over what the theory of victory is,"
Campbell said at a Nato youth summit in Miami. "Sometimes when we listen
closely to Israeli leaders, they talk about mostly the idea of....a sweeping
victory on the battlefield, total victory," he said.
"I
don't think we believe that that is likely or possible and that this looks a
lot like situations that we found ourselves in after 9/11, where, after
civilian populations had been moved and lots of violence that...the
insurrections continue."
Israeli
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly vowed to achieve "total
victory" against Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that attacked
Israel on October 7 and killed 1,200 people and took 250 others hostage.
In
response, Israel unleashed a relentless assault on the Gaza Strip, killing more
than 35,000 people, according to the figures of the Gazan health ministry, and
reducing the densely populated tiny enclave to a wasteland.
Campbell's
comments come as Washington is warning Israel not to go ahead with a major
military offensive in Rafah, the southernmost city of the Gaza Strip where over
a million people who have already been displaced by Israeli attacks are taking
shelter.
Likening
the situation in Gaza to that of a recurring insurgency that the United States
faced in Afghanistan and Iraq after its invasions there following the September
11 attacks, Campbell said a political solution was required.
"I
think we view that there has to be more of a political solution...What's
different from the past in that sense, many countries want to move towards a
political solution in which the rights of Palestinians are more
respected," he said.
"I
don't think it's ever been more difficult than right now," he added.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/top-biden-official-doubts-israel-can-achieve-total-victory-in-gaza/articleshow/110094631.cms
--------
Biden
signs into law ban on Russian nuclear reactor fuel imports
May 14,
2024
WASHINGTON:
US President Joe Biden signed into law a ban on Russian enriched uranium on
Monday, the White House said, in the latest effort by Washington to disrupt
President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
The ban
on imports of the fuel for nuclear power plants begins in about 90 days,
although it allows the Department of Energy to issue waivers in case of supply
concerns.
Russia
is the world's top supplier of enriched uranium, and about 24% of the enriched
uranium used by U.S. nuclear power plants come from the country.
The law
also unlocks about $2.7 billion in funding in previous legislation to build out
the U.S. uranium fuel industry.
"Today,
President Biden signed into law a historic series of actions that will
strengthen our nation's energy and economic security by reducing, and
ultimately eliminating, our reliance on Russia for civilian nuclear
power," Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser, said in a statement.
Sullivan
said the law "delivers on multilateral goals we have set with our allies
and partners," including a pledge last December with Canada, France, Japan
and the United Kingdom to collectively invest $4.2 billion to expand enrichment
and conversion capacity of uranium.
The
waivers, if implemented by the Energy Department, allow all the Russian uranium
imports the U.S. normally imports through 2027.
Anatoly
Antonov, Russia's ambassador to the United States, said that Washington's
decision is leading to shocks in global economic relations, but will not bring
the desired results.
"The
delicate balance between exporters and importers of uranium products is being
disrupted," the Russian embassy in Washington cited Antonov as saying in a
post on its Telegram messaging channel.
"Life
has confirmed that the Russian economy is ready for any challenges and quickly
responds to emerging difficulties, even extracting dividends from the
situation. It will be so this time too."
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/biden-signs-into-law-ban-on-russian-nuclear-reactor-fuel-imports/articleshow/110101195.cms
--------
US to
force China-linked firm to sell land near US missile silos
May 14,
2024
WASHINGTON:
The White House on Monday gave a Chinese-linked company and its partners 120
days to sell property they had bought near a U.S. Air Force base in Wyoming
that is home to part of the U.S. nuclear arsenal, citing fears of spying.
The move
comes as the United States has become increasingly concerned about the national
security risks posed by Chinese-led purchases of American property near
sensitive military sites.
MineOne
Partners Limited, which is owned by Chinese nationals, partnered with other
companies to buy real estate for cryptocurrency mining in June 2022, the White
House said.
The
property is located within 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) of Wyoming-based Francis E.
Warren Air Force Base, which is home to part of the U.S. arsenal of
intercontinental ballistic missiles.
"The
proximity of the foreign-owned Real Estate to a strategic missile base and key
element of America's nuclear triad, and the presence of specialized and
foreign-sourced equipment potentially capable of facilitating surveillance and
espionage activities, presents a national security risk to the United
States," the White House said in a statement.
MineOne
Partners did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Reuters
reported in 2022 that the Biden administration was investigating Chinese
telecoms equipment maker Huawei over concerns that U.S. cell towers fitted with
its gear could capture sensitive information from military bases and missile
silos that the company could then transmit to China.
The
MineOne Partners deal was reviewed by CFIUS, a powerful panel led by the
Treasury Department that scrutinizes foreign investment in the United States
for national security risks.
A 2018
law expanded CFIUS's authority to review foreign acquisitions of some
non-controlling investments in U.S. real estate transactions that pose national
security concerns.
The move
on Monday "highlights the critical gatekeeper role that CFIUS serves to
ensure that foreign investment does not undermine our national security,
particularly as it relates to transactions that present risk to sensitive U.S.
military installations as well as those involving specialized equipment and
technologies," Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/us-to-force-china-linked-firm-to-sell-land-near-us-missile-silos/articleshow/110098804.cms
--------
US
citizen detained in Russia for using obscene language: Sources
May 14,
2024
MOSCOW:
A US citizen has been detained for 10 days by a Russian court for using obscene
language during a police search of his apartment, the Kommersant newspaper
reported on Tuesday.
Prosecutors
said the US citizen, named as 36-year-old Angelo Joseph Talarico the Fourth,
swore in English at police officers who arrived at the Moscow apartment of his
wife to conduct a search as part of an investigation into bitcoin theft in the
Murmansk region, the paper said.
A police
report said that the American, who moved to Russia from Los Angeles, shouted at
the officers and used two distinct words "the meaning of which they
understood", Kommersant reported.
The US
citizen denied the administrative offence of minor hooliganism and the use of
obscene language in a public place. He was detained in Moscow, found guilty by
a court and put in detention for 10 days, the paper said.
His
lawyer denied the accusations that he swore, saying that he and his wife were
in the kitchen of the apartment during the search. He lost an appeal.
The
United States warns its citizens against all travel to Russia, citing an array
of reasons, including "the potential for harassment and the singling out
of US citizens for detention by Russian government security officials" and
the arbitrary enforcement of the law.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/us-citizen-detained-in-russia-for-using-obscene-language-source/articleshow/110105206.cms
--------
Mideast
Turkish
diplomat in Lyon sparks controversy with Islamic gesture during visit to
archbishop
May 13,
2024
Cemil
Yıldırım, the Turkish consul general in the French city of Lyon, sparked
criticism for making a controversial Islamic gesture during a visit to the
city’s archbishop, which has again brought the credentials of Turkish diplomats
under scrutiny.
Yıldırım
paid a visit to Archbishop Olivier de Germay on May 7. At the end of the
meeting, Yıldırım and Germay posed for a photo, which was later posted on the
Lyon consulate’s X page.
In the
picture Yıldırım is seen slightly in front of Germay with his suit jacket
unbuttoned and the index finger of his right hand extended, while Germay,
unaware of the gesture, is smiling.
A raised
index finger refers to the tawhid, the belief in the oneness of God, a key
component of the Islamic religion, but the gesture has over time begun to be
associated with extremist groups such as the Islamic State in Iraq and the
Levant (ISIL) since its militants often use it.
In
Germany, for instance, the Federal Office for the Protection of the
Constitution considers the gesture a symbol of Islamist radicalization, and
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, has in the past called it unacceptable.
When
Yıldırım faced a public backlash for making the controversial gesture, his
photo with the archbishop was immediately deleted from the consulate’s X
account.
Social
media platforms in Turkey were abuzz with comments about the photo, with many
accusing the Justice and Development Party (AKP) government of filling foreign
ministry posts with unqualified people who lack basic diplomatic etiquette
after thousands of diplomats were fired without due process under the pretext
of an anti-coup fight in the aftermath of a failed coup in July 2016.
Following
the coup attempt in Turkey on July 15, 2016 when the Turkish government
launched a purge of state institutions under the pretext of an anti-coup fight,
the foreign ministry lost a large number its personnel who were removed from
their posts through government decrees.
Former
foreign minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu revealed in October 2022, in response to a
parliamentary question, that 662 ministry employees had been removed from
public service since July 20, 2016, when the government declared a state of
emergency.
Çavuşoğlu
said the purges were carried out in line with emergency decree number 375,
which concerns public servants who are determined to have links to terrorist
organizations or groups or structures that are, according to the National
Intelligence Organization (MİT), involved in activities that threaten national
security.
The
minister did not reveal how many of the purged personnel were career diplomats
and how many were civilian employees.
Most of
the purged public servants had alleged links to the Gülen movement, which is
accused by the Turkish government of masterminding the failed coup. The
movement strongly denies any involvement in the abortive putsch.
Çavuşoğlu
turned the ministry over to Hakan Fidan, the former head of MİT, after a new
cabinet was named in June 2023.
The
Turkish government has long been the target of criticism for ending merit-based
appointments in state agencies, engaging in favoritism and filling state posts
with its cronies.
The
foreign ministry, known as the most prestigious state institution in Turkey,
used to select its personnel from successful graduates of well-known
universities who received the highest scores on the central state personnel
exam in addition to interviews conducted by the ministry.
Now, the
ministry’s diplomats frequently come under criticism due to their poor language
skills, lack of professional credentials and controversial acts in diplomatic
settings.
Source: turkishminute.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.turkishminute.com/2024/05/13/turkish-diplomat-lyon-spark-controversy-with-islamic-gesture-during-visit-to-archbishop/
--------
Five
Iraqi soldiers killed in Daesh attack, sources say
May 14,
2024
BAGHDAD:
An Iraqi commanding officer and four soldiers were killed and five others
injured on Monday in an attack by suspected Daesh militants on an army post in
eastern Iraq, two security sources said.
The
attack took place between Diyala and Salahuddin provinces, a rural area that
remains a hotbed of activity for militant cells years after Iraq declared final
victory over the extremist group in 2017.
Iraq’s
defense ministry issued a statement mourning the loss of a colonel and “a
number of heroic fighters of the regiment as a result of their response to a
terrorist attack.”
Security
forces repelled the attack but there were many casualties in the process, the
statement added.
Iraq has
seen relative security stability in recent years after the chaos of the
2003-US-led invasion and years of bloody sectarian conflict that followed.
Baghdad
is now looking to draw down the U.S-led international coalition that helped
defeat Islamic State and remain in the country in an advisory role, saying
local security forces can handle the threat themselves.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2509676/middle-east
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Shiite
Imams Should Be Introduced to World with Modern Methods: Leader
May, 13,
2024
TEHRAN
(Tasnim) – Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei
reminded Iranian officials of their responsibility to introduce the Shiite
imams and their teachings to the world with contemporary, technical and correct
methods.
The
following is the full text of the message delivered by Ayatollah Khamenei in a
meeting with the scholars overseeing the Fifth Global Conference of Imam Reza
(AS), held in Tehran on May 8, 2024.
In the
name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful. Firstly, it is truly commendable
to hold such a conference and gathering within the Shiite community as it is
important for us to deepen our understanding of the Imams for us before sharing
their teachings with others. Sometimes we focus excessively on one aspect
without having a strong reason for doing so, and other aspects are ignored. At
times, we may not even pay attention to that aspect and be content with the
appearance of matters alone. In my opinion, one of our greatest
responsibilities as Shiites and as members of the Shiite community is to
introduce our Imams to the world.
Now some
of the Imams (AS), such as Imam Hussain (AS) and the Commander of the Faithful
(AS), are well-known for certain reasons. Others have written and spoken about
them, and they are known by many including those outside of the Shiite and
Muslim communities. However, most of the Imams (AS) remain largely unknown. For
instance, Imam Hassan Mujtaba, despite his greatness, has not received the
recognition he deserves. Similarly, Imam Musa Kazim, Imam Hadi, and Imam Ja’far
Sadiq are yet to be known in the world despite all their great establishments
and extraordinary efforts.
When
these personages are discussed by the non-Shiite, which naturally takes on a
non-sectarian outlook when discussed by the non-Shiite, their discussions are
very brief and limited. For example, in a book written by an author who is a
mystic, Imam Sadiq (AS) may be briefly referred to as being a mystic in just
half a page or even less. This is the extent of the discussion. It is no more
than that.
In my
opinion, three dimensions of the lives of the Imams (AS) should be studied. One
of those dimensions is spirituality or the holiness of the Imams (AS). This is
a dimension that cannot be ignored and it must be discussed. However, it must
be a strong discussion. Sometimes some things are said, and weak narrations are
brought to support those words. We must discuss the celestial aspect of the
Imams (AS), their spiritual, heavenly aspect. These are not things we should
conceal. We must speak about the spiritual, heavenly aspects of the Imams (AS).
Similar
to the matter of the infallibility of the Prophet (PBUH), their (Imams)
communication with Almighty God and the angels, and also their Guardianship
with its spiritual meaning, these aspects need to be worked on using a strong,
reliable scholarly approach.
The second
aspect we must consider is their words and teachings in various fields, which
you gentlemen have also mentioned. This includes issues related to life and
various matters that human beings need, such as ethics, social interactions,
religion, and religious rulings. Our Imams have discussed these matters, and
their words form a comprehensive school of thought. This should be spoken of.
Some of these aspects that we may overlook at times have great significance in
the world. Consider the issue of animal rights, for instance. There are so many
narrations from our Imams regarding the issue of protecting and caring for
animals and animal rights.
If these
are introduced to the world and if the world learns about these, this will have
an important effect. Who amongst us thinks about this and pursues this matter?
Topics regarding social interactions and communicating with the non-Shiite and
non-Muslims are all covered in our hadiths, and in accordance with the Holy
Quran. (For example,) “Allah does not forbid you in regard to those who did not
make war against you on account of religion … from dealing with kindness and
justice with those (polytheists) …” (Quran, 60:8). We have discussed this
repeatedly before. This topic should be expressed and conveyed through the
words of the Imams.
We have
so many books. Bihar al-Anwar alone is made up of about 100 volumes. There are
many other such books as well, but they are all in a specific area. I read this
poem a few days ago:
You may
be fine wine, but what is the point
If you
are not poured into a wine glass?
Fine
wine needs to be poured into a glass in order to be used, but instead it has
remained trapped in the jar. Similarly, the valuable lessons on life from the
Imams are like fine wine closed up in a jar with a cork. In the same way that
jars of wine were once sealed with corks, we are keeping these teachings locked
away. But this should not be the case. This wisdom needs to be shared with the
world using modern language and appropriate techniques.
Today,
communicating with the world has become easy. With just the press of a button
and by spending just ten minutes, the most distant points in the world - such
as Australia, Canada, America, or wherever you want - they hear what you have
to say. This is very important. This method should be used, but the language
you use to express yourself is also important. This is the second aspect that
should be taken into consideration for introducing the Imams.
The
third issue is politics. This is what I mainly looked into and researched in
the lives of the Imams during my years of research. What did the Imams do and
what did they want to achieve? Politics is a very important aspect. What were
the political activities of the Imams? Would an Imam, with all of his greatness
and divine rank, be content with simply explaining Islamic rulings and teaching
ethics? Upon reflection, this seems inconceivable and illogical. The Imams had
great goals.
Their
main goal was to establish an Islamic society, and that is impossible without
establishing an Islamic state. Thus, they pursued the establishment of an
Islamic state, which is one of the important aspects of Imamate. Imamate refers
to the leadership of religion and the world, the leadership of matter and
meanings. Matter refers to the politics and governance of a country, or the
governance of a state. All the Imams pursued this without any exception.
However, they had different methods and short-term goals at different periods
in time even though their long-term goal was the same.
I will
share a few words with you regarding Imam Reza (AS) a bit later on. Now,
imagine during Imam Sadiq’s (AS) time, people would go to him and ask him why
he wasn’t rising up (to take over the Caliphate). We have many narrations,
which relate that he was asked this. The Imam would respond appropriately to
each person with a certain explanation. The reason for so many questions about
an uprising was that the Imam was expected to lead an uprising. This belief was
commonplace and considered to be a definite fact among the Shiite community
When
people objected to Imam Hassan Mujtaba (AS) by saying, “Why did you make
peace,” one of the answers he often repeated was, “I do not know. Maybe it is a
trial for you and an enjoyment for a time” (Quran 21:111). There is a time for
this. There is a beginning and an end. What do you know?” This means that this
(an uprising) has been promised. This promise has been defined in a narration
from Imam in which he said, “Indeed, Allah had set for this to happen in the
year 70 AH.” Imam Hassan said this in the year 40 or 41 AH, but the uprising
and establishment of an Islamic state was set to take place in the year 70 AH.
It was
destined by God for this to happen. Then, it was related that, “When Hussain
(AS) was martyred, God’s wrath became severe toward the people of the earth and
it was delayed.” When Imam Hussain was martyred in Muharram in the year 61 AH,
this event was postponed. It was originally supposed to take place in the year
70 AH, but the martyrdom of the Master of the Martyrs and external factors led
to its delay.
Now, in
this hadith it was said, “God’s wrath became severe toward the people of the
earth,” but we know that this intensification of His wrath and the consequences
can be attributed to the same external factors or ordinary factors. The
ordinary factors are that which has been mentioned in yet another hadith, which
states, “People became unbelievers after Imam Hussain (was martyred) except for
three.” They became unbelievers not in the sense that they renounced religion. This
meant that the Shiite hesitated on the path that they were pursuing. In other
words, (they were thinking,) “How is it possible to continue like this?” There
were only three people - Yahya ibn Um Tawil, and one other person. There were
only these three people left. Imam Sadiq stated, “Then the people joined and
multiplied.” Imam Sajjad and Imam Baqir (AS) worked hard for 30 years for this
to be the result.
And then
in the same hadith that I was reading, Almighty God “delayed” that governance
“to the year 140.” It was supposed to take place in the year 70 AH, but
Almighty God delayed it to the year 140 AH. 140 AH was during Imam Sadiq’s
lifetime. He passed away in the year 148 AH.
This was
stated and repeated among some of the special Shiites. Then of course, he (Imam
Sadiq (AS)) spoke of the reason for this delay later on in the same hadith.
Therefore, you see that Zurarah – this is a narration – Zurarah, who was one of
the closest companions residing in Kufa, wrote a letter to Imam Sadiq (AS). He
said, “One of our friends from among the people, from among the Shiite, has a
problem about being in debt here, and the government wants to arrest him due to
his heavy debt. He has fled. He has been away from his wife and child for some
time now. He has fled and is wandering around in order to avoid being
arrested.”
Now, my
question to you is the following. If “this issue,” that is, the issue of
governance – which has been repeated in narrations on numerous occasions – if
this matter was supposed to take place in just one or two years, you would take
office and this issue would be solved. But if it is not going to take place in
one or two years, let’s gather together with our friends, collect money, and
help this poor person pay off his debt so he can go back home.
This was
what Zurarah was asking. It’s not a joke. Why did Zurarah believe that such a
thing would take place within a year or two? There is another hadith in which
Zurarah said, “I swear to God, I don’t see anyone on these a’wad except
Ja’far.” “A’wad” means pulpits. He was referring to the pillars of a pulpit. He
was saying, “I don’t see anyone but Ja’far on the pillars of the pulpit.” In
other words, he was certain that Imam Ja’far Sadiq (AS) would sit on the pulpit
and assume governance. So this is the way it was.
And then
(the Quran says), “Allah effaces and confirms whatever He wishes and with Him
is the Mother Book” (Quran 13:39). This is the divine decree, not the divine
judgment. Yes, this (Imam Ja’far Sadiq (AS) assuming governance) wasn’t the divine
judgement, that which is predestined, determined, and fixed, and it was due to
certain factors and reasons.
So, this
is what the Imams were pursuing. This is a very important issue. Now, consider
what Imam Reza’s (AS) role was in this regard. Now, I don’t recall the contents
of the speech you were referring to. Before that during the first year, I sent
a message to Mashhad in which I analyzed the subject of Imam Reza accepting to
be the successor (after Ma’mun). I explained that this was in fact a battle
between the clever, sneaky Ma’mun and Imam Reza (AS).
Ma’mun
invited Imam Reza to Khorasan and initially offered him the caliphate. There
was no talk of succession initially. He said, “I’ll hand over the caliphate to
you.” (But) Imam Reza rejected his offer. Ma’mun insisted and said, “If you’re
not going to accept that, then be my successor.” Why did Ma’mun say such a
thing? I listed four or five reasons and objectives that Ma’mun had in mind.
Imam Reza (AS) ultimately agreed (to be Ma’mun’s successor). I also mentioned
five or six reasons why Imam Reza chose to accept this offer and what the
benefits of accepting this were.
A major
movement, that is, an extraordinary non-military battle or a political battle,
unfolded between Imam Reza (AS) and Ma'mun whereby Imam Reza crushed Ma'mun in
this battle. That is, he crushed Ma'mun with his action to such an extent that
Ma'mun felt he was forced to kill Imam Reza (AS). But that’s not how it was at
first. He respected him, he prayed, and he did these kinds of things.
Now in
that analysis, I explained why Ma’mun was doing these things and what goals he
had in mind. Back then, I had the energy to do these things, much like the
energy that, praise God, you, young people have. I have become completely
distanced from these things (scholarly researching) now.
So these
three sections in the life of Imam Reza (AS) and the rest of the Imams need to
be explained. Your job is to first extract these three sections. Then you need
to ensure that any exaggerations or unjustified claims are filtered out of our
words. Finally, this third point is the most important of all, you need to use
appropriate language, a modern-day language that is understandable to a
non-Shiite and even to a Shiite audience. Now, the separation of some of our
youth from these teachings isn’t less than that of the non-Shiite and the
non-Muslims. They are uninformed. Explain these to them. I believe that if this
is done, this (conference) will no longer be a mere gathering with speeches and
such things. It will have a tangible benefit.
May
God’s greetings, mercy, and blessings be upon you.
Source: tasnimnews.com
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Nakba:
Palestinians mark 76 years of dispossession as a potentially even larger
catastrophe unfolds in Gaza
May 14,
2024
JERUSALEM:
Palestinians on Wednesday will mark the 76th year of their mass expulsion from
what is now Israel, an event that is at the core of their national struggle.
But in many ways, that experience pales in comparison to the calamity now
unfolding in Gaza.
Palestinians
refer to it as the “Nakba,” Arabic for “catastrophe.” Some 700,000 Palestinians
— a majority of the prewar population — fled or were driven from their homes
before and during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war that followed Israel’s
establishment.
After
the war, Israel refused to allow them to return because it would have resulted
in a Palestinian majority within its borders. Instead, they became a seemingly
permanent refugee community that now numbers some 6 million, with most living
in slum-like urban refugee camps in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and the
Israeli-occupied West Bank.
In Gaza,
the refugees and their descendants make up around three-quarters of the
population.
Israel’s
rejection of what Palestinians say is their right of return has been a core
grievance in the conflict and was one of the thorniest issues in peace talks
that last collapsed 15 years ago. The refugee camps have always been the main
bastions of Palestinian militancy.
Now,
many Palestinians fear a repeat of their painful history on an even more
cataclysmic scale.
All
across Gaza, Palestinians in recent days have been loading up cars and donkey
carts or setting out on foot to already overcrowded tent camps as Israel
expands its offensive. The images from several rounds of mass evacuations
throughout the seven-month war are strikingly similar to black-and-white
photographs from 1948.
Mustafa
Al-Gazzar, now 81, still recalls his family’s monthslong flight from their
village in what is now central Israel to the southern city of Rafah, when he
was 5. At one point they were bombed from the air, at another, they dug holes
under a tree to sleep in for warmth.
Al-Gazzar,
now a great-grandfather, was forced to flee again over the weekend, this time
to a tent in Muwasi, a barren coastal area where some 450,000 Palestinians live
in a squalid camp. He says the conditions are worse than in 1948, when the UN
agency for Palestinian refugees was able to regularly provide food and other
essentials.
“My hope
in 1948 was to return, but my hope today is to survive,” he said. “I live in
such fear,” he added, breaking into tears. “I cannot provide for my children
and grandchildren.”
The war
in Gaza, which was triggered by Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack into Israel, has killed
over 35,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, making it by far
the deadliest round of fighting in the history of the conflict. The initial
Hamas attack killed some 1,200 Israelis.
The war
has forced some 1.7 million Palestinians — around three quarters of the
territory’s population — to flee their homes, often multiple times. That is
well over twice the number that fled before and during the 1948 war.
Israel
has sealed its border. Egypt has only allowed a small number of Palestinians to
leave, in part because it fears a mass influx of Palestinians could generate
another long-term refugee crisis.
The
international community is strongly opposed to any mass expulsion of
Palestinians from Gaza — an idea embraced by far-right members of the Israeli
government, who refer to it as “voluntary emigration.”
Israel
has long called for the refugees of 1948 to be absorbed into host countries,
saying that calls for their return are unrealistic and would endanger its
existence as a Jewish-majority state. It points to the hundreds of thousands of
Jews who came to Israel from Arab countries during the turmoil following its
establishment, though few of them want to return.
Even if
Palestinians are not expelled from Gaza en masse, many fear that they will
never be able to return to their homes or that the destruction wreaked on the
territory will make it impossible to live there. A recent UN estimate said it
would take until 2040 to rebuild destroyed homes.
The
Jewish militias in the 1948 war with the armies of neighboring Arab nations
were mainly armed with lighter weapons like rifles, machine guns and mortars.
Hundreds of depopulated Palestinian villages were demolished after the war,
while Israelis moved into Palestinian homes in Jerusalem, Jaffa and other
cities.
In Gaza,
Israel has unleashed one of the deadliest and most destructive military
campaigns in recent history, at times dropping 2,000-pound (900-kilogram) bombs
on dense, residential areas. Entire neighborhoods have been reduced to
wastelands of rubble and plowed-up roads, many littered with unexploded bombs.
The
World Bank estimates that $18.5 billion in damage has been inflicted on Gaza,
roughly equivalent to the gross domestic product of the entire Palestinian
territories in 2022. And that was in January, in the early days of Israel’s
devastating ground operations in Khan Younis and before it went into Rafah.
Even
before the war, many Palestinians spoke of an ongoing Nakba, in which Israel
gradually forces them out of Gaza, the West Bank and east Jerusalem,
territories it captured during the 1967 war that the Palestinians want for a
future state. They point to home demolitions, settlement construction and other
discriminatory policies that long predate the war, and which major rights
groups say amount to apartheid, allegations Israel denies.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2509766/middle-east
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UN says
Gaza death toll still over 35,000 but not all bodies identified
May 14,
2024
UNITED
NATIONS/GENEVA: The death toll in the Gaza Strip from the Israel-Hamas war is
still more than 35,000, but the enclave’s Ministry of Health has updated its
breakdown of the fatalities, the United Nations said on Monday after Israel
questioned a sudden change in numbers.
UN
spokesperson Farhan Haq said the ministry’s figures — cited regularly by the UN
its reporting on the seven-month-long conflict — now reflected a breakdown of
the 24,686 deaths of “people who have been fully identified.”
“There’s
about another 10,000 plus bodies who still have to be fully identified, and so
then the details of those — which of those are children, which of those are
women — that will be re-established once the full identification process is
complete,” Haq told reporters in New York.
Israel
last week questioned why the figures for the deaths of women and children has
suddenly halved.
Haq said
those figures were for identified bodies — 7,797 children, 4,959 women, 1,924
elderly, and 10,006 men — adding: “The Ministry of Health says that the
documentation process of fully identifying details of the casualties is
ongoing.”
Oren
Marmorstein, spokesperson for Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Monday
accused Palestinian militants Hamas of manipulating the numbers, saying: “They
are not accurate and they do not reflect the reality on the ground.”
“The
parroting of Hamas’ propaganda messages without the use of any verification
process has proven time and again to be methodologically flawed and
unprofessional,” he said in a social media post.
Haq said
UN teams in Gaza were not able to independently verify the Gaza Ministry of
Health (MoH) figures given the ongoing war and sheer number of fatalities.
“Unfortunately
we have the sad experience of coordinating with the Ministry of Health on
casualty figures every few years for large mass casualty incidents in Gaza, and
in past times their figures have proven to be generally accurate,” Haq said.
The
World Health Organization “has a long-standing cooperation with the MoH in Gaza
and we can attest that MoH has good capacity in data collection/analysis and
its previous reporting has been considered credible,” said WHO spokesperson
Margaret Harris.
“Real
numbers could be even higher,” she said.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2509681/middle-east
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Islamic
Iran achieved success wherever it faced sanctions: IRGC chief
May 13,
2024
TEHRAN -
Major General Hossein Salami, the chief commander of the Islamic Revolution
Guards Corps (IRGC), has underscored the resilience of Iran in the face of
imposed sanctions on the nation.
Speaking
on Monday, General Salami highlighted how Iran has transformed sanctions into
opportunities, emphasizing the nation's "significant achievements" on
the global stage.
General
Salami stated that Iran has consistently overcome sanctions and challenges,
attributing the strength of the Islamic Republic to its resistance and progress
in various spheres.
He
pointed to the notion that sanctions were intended to paralyze Iran,
emphasizing instead the nation's determination and advancement in the face of
adversity.
Furthermore,
the general pointed out that the confidence in Iran's armed forces stems from
the trust placed in the system by the people.
He
emphasized the importance of unity with the people in navigating difficulties
and sanctions successfully.
In his
address, General Salami warned of potential threats from adversaries using
their resources against Iran. However, he expressed confidence that under the
leadership of Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei and with the support of the nation,
Iran will continue to make progress and get strengthened.
Salami
concluded by affirming the commitment of all officials to serve the people,
vowing to utilize the nation's strength and capabilities for their benefit.
Earlier
on February 26, Major General Hossein Salami said, “Today, we’re witnessing the
enemies' crimes in Palestine.”
He went
on to add, “They are seeking to attain victory for themselves by killing
children, women, and defenseless people.”
The
Israeli regime has so far failed to achieve any of its goals in the Gaza Strip.
“We
believe in these dear people’s victory, and know that divine victory is with
the devoted people, who do not give up resistance in this lopsided war.”
Following
the October 7 al-Aqsa Storm, a surprise operation orchestrated by Hamas during
which about 250 Israelis were taken prisoner, the Israeli regime declared war
on the coastal enclave.
Thus
far, the military assault has claimed the lives of about 30,000 people, most of
them women and children, with unwavering political and military backing from
the United States.
Nonetheless,
the resistance groups in the region have promised to keep fighting the
occupying regime and hold off on freeing the detainees until the war is
completely stopped.
Source: tehrantimes.com
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Southeast Asia
Claims
of Islam under threat: Statement causing bad perception, says Pahang MB
Monday,
13 May 2024
KUANTAN,
May 13 — The claims that Islam is threatened and Pahang is a secular state are
statements that create bad perceptions and can disrupt the harmony of the
people in this state.
Menteri
Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the state government has already
allocated a lot and implemented various programmes towards strengthening the
teachings of Islam in Pahang.
“Apart
from assistance and donations channelled to mosques, surau, converts and
newlyweds through the ‘Bantuan Prihatin Pahang’ financial aid, the state
government also has presented 14 Bills (RUU) or Enactments related to Islam
which have been passed in this state assembly.
“Like
the bill to prevent Muslims from leaving Islam (apostasy), our waqf-related
bill has also been implemented, and the bill related to wills and ‘tarekat’ to
prevent the spread of heresy,” he said.
He said
this during the motion of thanks for the Royal Address of the Sultan of Pahang
Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah at Wisma Sri Pahang here
today.
Commenting
further, he said the state government through the Pahang Foundation is actively
developing tahfiz education specifically for the children of Pahang, starting
from the pre-school stage up to the diploma level.
“Tadika
Tahfiz Negeri Pahang started with one branch in 2018, but now has 25 tahfiz
kindergartens throughout Pahang. The educational modules have started to grow
and are used in 4,000 Tabika Kemas (Community Development Department nurseries)
throughout the country,” he said.
Meanwhile,
he said that a total of 34 arrests have been recorded from January until now,
including for the offences of trespassing on government land in accordance with
Section 425 of the National Land Code (Act 828) and mining without a licence
under Section 158 of the Pahang State Mineral Enactment 2001.
He said
the Pahang State Enforcement Unit (UPNP) has also completed the action of
destroying built structures and crops on encroached work land covering an area
of 122.2 hectares throughout Pahang, involving land owned by Perbadanan
Setiausaha Kerajaan (PSK) and state government subsidiaries.
“Additionally,
I call on all of us to uphold the decree of the Sultan of Pahang, to respect
the decision of the Kuantan High Court which set aside the judicial review of
Musang King durian growers in Raub district recently,” he said.
At the
sitting, Wan Rosdy also said that the Pahang4Palestine fund, which was launched
on Oct 28 last year, had successfully collected donations of RM1.5 million in a
period of almost seven months.
“Insya-Allah,
on May 20, which is next Monday, I will launch the delivery of aid in the form
of medicines, blankets and ‘ready-to-eat’ food to Gaza in collaboration with
Wisma Putra through the Ops Ihsan programme,” he added. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/05/13/claims-of-islam-under-threat-statement-causing-bad-perception-says-pahang-mb/134137
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Malaysia
urges Israel to stop atrocities against Palestinians, agree to peace plan - PM
Anwar
14-05-
2024
KUALA
LUMPUR: Malaysia is firm in its stand that Israel stop the atrocities against
Palestinians, release all Palestinian prisoners and agree to a peace plan, said
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In a
post on Facebook today, Anwar said he conveyed the matter when he met the Hamas
delegation, led by its leader, Ismail Haniyeh, and former Hamas chairman Khaled
Mashal in Qatar.
He said
Malaysia will also continue to commit to playing its role at the international
level to stop the attack on Rafah including mobilizing more efforts to help
victims of the war in Gaza, especially in terms of humanitarian aid, medicine
and education.
“Since
the conflict broke out (almost) eight months ago, hundreds of thousands of
Palestinians have been killed and injured with half of the land of Gaza in
permanent destruction due to the brutality of the Zionist regime.
“Malaysia
appreciates the willingness of Hamas to release prisoners, especially children
and women, and to accept the peace plan of the Arab world, the OIC
(Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) and the international community,“ said
Anwar.
At the meeting,
the Prime Minister said he also conveyed his condolences on the passing of
Ismail’s family members who were killed in the brutal bombing by the Zionist
regime.
Anwar
said he was also briefed on the latest situation in Gaza and Rafah.
Yesterday,
Anwar, who is currently on a three-day official visit to Qatar, met the two top
leaders of the Qatari government to discuss the Palestinian-Israeli conflict,
taking into account the latest developments in the Gaza Strip.
He said
the two countries agreed that all parties should play a role in finding a
solution to end the suffering of the Palestinian people.
Malaysia
is one of the countries that loudly condemns the Zionist atrocities and
supports efforts towards the establishment of an independent and sovereign
Palestinian state.
The
battle between Palestine and the zionist regime, which has been going on for
more than seven months since Oct 7 last year, is culminating with Israel’s
latest invasion of Rafah, claiming more than 35,000 Palestinian lives so far.
Source: thesun.my
Please click the following URL to read
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https://thesun.my/local_news/malaysia-urges-israel-to-stop-atrocities-against-palestinians-agree-to-peace-plan-pm-anwar-ND12449631#google_vignette
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Sharia
Banking Vital to Indonesia's Islamic Economy, VP Amin Says
13 May
2024
TEMPO.CO,
Jakarta - Indonesian Vice President Ma'ruf Amin said that he regarded the
Islamic or sharia banking industry as the driving force behind the development
of the Islamic economy and finance in Indonesia.
During
an event held by the Indonesian Sharia Banks Association (Asbisindo) in Jakarta
on Monday, he expressed optimism about sharia banks playing a crucial role in
optimizing the growth of Indonesia's Islamic economy.
"Islamic
banks will be able to support economic growth and give birth to a new economy.
We have moved to speaking about a new economy instead of the conventional one.
The growth of a new economy will boost our national economy," he stated.
According
to him, since 2020, the government has focused on four aspects to develop the
Islamic economy: the sharia finance industry, halal industry, sharia business,
and sharia social institutions.
Amin
remarked that the establishment of the National Committee of Islamic Economy and
Finance (KNEKS) serves as one of the steps taken by the government to boost the
development of the sharia economy.
"In
addition to implementing facilitative regulations, the government has
established the KNEKS as the expanded form of the National Committee of Islamic
Economy. All these efforts are meant to cover all four aspects," he
elaborated.
Amin
also mentioned that the government followed up by forming several KDEKS, which
are regional versions of the national committee.
"A
total of 30 KDEKS have been operational in 30 provinces. This means we only
need to establish similar committees in six Papuan provinces, East Nusa
Tenggara, and Bali to cover all 38 Indonesian provinces," he pointed out.
Meanwhile,
Asbisindo Chairman Hery Gunardi noted that the growth rate of Indonesia's
Islamic banking has been higher than that of conventional banking.
Moreover,
he underscored that the potential value of Indonesia's halal industry has
reached Rp4,253 trillion (around US$264 billion).
Source: en.tempo.co
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https://en.tempo.co/read/1867341/sharia-banking-vital-to-indonesias-islamic-economy-vp-amin-says
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Imam
al-Nawawi’s 40 Hadiths to be introduced at KEMAS kindergartens
13-05-
2024
KUALA NERUS:
The Islamic Education curriculum at Community Development Department (KEMAS)
kindergartens nationwide will be further strengthened with a new learning
module involving the introduction of the 40 Hadiths of Imam al-Nawawi.
MARA
chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the teaching of the hadith
collection will be first introduced at 4,145 selected kindergartens this June,
before being expanded in stages to all 10,840 KEMAS kindergartens nationwide
next year.
Asyraf
Wajdi said the new learning module will utilise a concise and easily
understandable book published by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), in
collaboration with KEMAS and Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA).
“This
initiative is in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s aspiration
to inculcate and promote Imam Al-Nawawi’s collection of hadiths,” he said after
launching the book at UniSZA here today.
Asyraf
Wajdi said it is also in line with the KEMAS pre-tahfiz kindergarten programme
carried out by the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW)
starting this year.
“Before
that, the teachers involved in this initiative will also undergo training on
the new module,” he said.
Asyraf
Wajdi said the new learning module is aimed to shape the personality,
character, and morals of the Muslim community in this country, from an early
stage.
He said
that the module can also help prevent the emergence of extreme, shallow, and
non-fundamental Islamic thoughts among the community.
“If we
look at the book, it is very easy to understand because it is concise and
simple. It’s not about memorising it, but about practising and making it a
lifestyle. I believe this module can be presented in various forms such as games
and songs to attract the interest of preschool students,” he said.
Asyraf
Wajdi also expressed his intention to propose for similar module to be
introduced at over 300 MARA institutions, including the MARA Junior Science
College and GiatMARA.
Source: thesun.my
Please click the following URL to read
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https://thesun.my/local_news/imam-al-nawawi-s-40-hadiths-to-be-introduced-at-kemas-kindergartens-HD12447891
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Africa
Fortnight
before elections, local and foreign Muslim bodies rally behind ANC
13 May
2024
The ANC
stance on the Gaza conflict and Palestinian solidarity seems to have won them
support from the Muslim community, abroad and locally, ahead of the May 29
elections.
Speaking
at press conference at the ANC headquarters, Luthuli House, on Monday after a
meeting between the party's leaders and local and international Muslim
scholars, local Muslim leader Sheik Ebrahim Gabriels said South Africa was the
best place for his kind to live thanks to the ANC.
“It is
an honour for me to stand here on behalf of the Muslim community in South
Africa. We are so proud to be Muslims of South Africa, we are the most free
Muslims in the world because of the ruling party, the ANC, over the last 30
years. We are also very thankful for their solidarity.”
Gabriels
expressed his gratitude for the ANC-led government's call for a ceasefire in
the Gaza strip.
“I
travel all over the world. At the last international conference I attended in
Qatar, people were shocked to hear that I'm from South Africa. They would stop
me and express gratitude, saying no one in the world has done what South Africa
did — standing up for Palestine like that.”
He was
joined by a delegation of Muslim leaders and scholars from across the globe on
Monday, including secretary-general of the US council of Muslim Organisations,
Ousama Jamal and Shaykh Yusuf Abdoulaye, representing the East African Muslim
community in North America.
They
expressed gratitude for South Africa’s bold stance taken at the International
Court of Justice, where the country charged Israel with acts of genocide
against the Palestinian people in Gaza.
ANC
secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said the gathering, termed a “thanksgiving
mission”, served as a platform to acknowledge and reinforce “our unified
commitment to the Palestinian cause”.
“South
Africa’s international legal action against apartheid Israel is informed by our
own historical experience of apartheid and our ongoing commitment to combating
global injustice. We stand at a pivotal moment in the history of our nation and
in the unfolding narrative of global solidarity.”
This
past weekend, a global anti-apartheid conference on Palestine was held in
Johannesburg.
It was
concluded with a resolution to rally the country's Muslim community to back the
ruling party in the upcoming polls under the theme: “Eligible South African
Muslim voters are called upon to unite behind the ANC in the forthcoming
elections.”
The
ruling party said it was humbled, saying this endorsement is a “reflection of
our shared values and the ANC's unwavering dedication to international justice
and the rights of the Palestinian people”.
Dr
Ibrahim Farouk el Zayat, emissary of Shaykh Ali Al Qaradaghi and also from the
Council of European Muslims, emphasised the critical importance of the upcoming
South African elections.
Zayat
said these elections should champion the Palestinian struggle, aligning with
the teachings of Islam that condemn any support for oppression and injustice.
Mbalula
said the ANC remained committed towards building a just world, underpinned by
equality, peace and prosperity for all and the values amplified by the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
“We
welcome this act of solidarity as part of defending the gains of our freedom
and an endorsement of our stance that South Africa cannot afford to be an
island of success in a sea of poverty, neither can we attain peace and justice
in a world of war and injustice.”
Mbalula
said his party was inspired by this support at a time when South African
sovereignty had come under threat because of the government's stance against
Israel and international injustice.
Source: timeslive.co.za
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2024-05-13-fortnight-before-elections-local-and-foreign-muslim-bodies-rally-behind-anc/#google_vignette
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Why
Tanzania political parties have few women in leadership, candidate lists
MAY 14
2024
Tanzania,
in keeping with global political trends, reserves 30 percent of seats in
parliament for women. These so-called special seats were introduced with
multiparty politics in 1992, in response to the low numbers of women elected to
positions of power.
There
were only eight elected female parliamentarians after the first multiparty
elections in 1995. Ten years later, 17 women were elected to parliament,
representing 7 percent of legislative seats. Fast forward to the 2020 general
elections: women make up 37.4 percent of parliament.
However,
only 27 women (10.2 percent) were elected directly from the 264 constituencies.
Special
seats are credited for increasing women’s representation. This has enabled the
passing of a couple of “gender sensitive” laws.
However,
the special seats system is not the magic bullet for achieving gender equality
in political representation across the board.
While
political parties have met the legal requirements for nominating women for
special seats, concerns linger about the parties’ internal commitment to
advancing women’s political participation.
In a
recent paper I set out to assess whether the main political parties voluntarily
sought to increase women’s participation in their internal leadership positions
and candidate lists. In particular, I examined whether their constitutions
contained voluntary gender quotas beyond fulfilling the quotas in the national
statutes.
I found
that the constitutions of both parties recognised women’s rights to
representation as enshrined in international and regional conventions as well
as national laws, but these commitments largely start and end with the
establishment of a women’s wing. Men dominate the parties’ decision-making
organs at national and lower levels.
Since
its establishment in 1992, Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema or Party
of Democracy and Development) has never had a woman among its six main national
leaders. The ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM, the Revolutionary Party) named
its first female national chair and the first female deputy general
secretary-mainland only in 2021. That is 44 years after the party was formed in
1977.
Where
the parties stand
On the
face of it, Tanzania has advanced women’s representation. President Samia
Suluhu Hassan is one of the few female presidents the African continent has
ever had. But that’s not by CCM’s constitutional design. The office of the
president became vacant on March 17, 2021, when John Pombe Magufuli suddenly
died in power. Suluhu, then the first female vice president in the history of
Tanzania, became president.
She was
elected CCM’s chair in keeping with the party’s tradition that the president is
the party leader.
In
addition, for about two years, Christina Mndeme held the position of deputy
general secretary-mainland. She was the first woman to hold such a position.
As
gender representation is not embedded in CCM’s constitution, progress was
shortlived.
CCM
decision-makers: For instance, while CCM had two women (33 percent) among its
six national party leaders in 2021 to December 2022, the number dropped to one
(16 percent) after the December 2023 internal elections under Suluhu’s watch.
The
national structures of the two main political parties show that commitment to
women’s participation is weak. Women now make up 28 percent of the national
general assembly, 23 percent of the national executive committee, 25 percent of
the central committee, and 16 percent of the national secretariat.
Chadema
decision-makers: Over at Chadema, women comprised 10 percent of its national
convention after the party’s 2019 election.
Only 8.6
percent of the governing council are women, 15.6 percent of the central
committee, and 10 percent of the national secretariat.
CCM
would appear to be ahead with 16-28 percent of women in key decision-making
organs compared to Chadema (8-15 percent). But both parties are still below the
30 percent critical mass principle established in the Beijing Declaration and
Platform for Action of 1995.
They are
also way below the 50/50 men and women representation required under the international
and regional conventions.
Similarly,
the CCM and Chadema constitutions do not set any numerical gender
representation goals in electing their leaders and in nomination of candidates
to local and general elections.
Currently,
women make up only 10.5 percent of party chairpersons and only 10.5 percent of
party secretary generals of 19 registered political parties. Women made up 9.2
percent of all candidates for all positions in the 2020 general election.
All-male
affair
At lower
levels of party decision making, the story is the same. Women form a small
minority in boards of trustees, advisory councils and key departments.
CCM’s
board of trustees has a chair and eight members. At the time of my survey, only
one was a woman. Chadema fares better on this score with equal representation
of three men and three women. This is both voluntary and temporary because the
party’s constitution is silent on the gender composition of the board of
trustees.
CCM’s
advisory council is composed of former presidents who, by custom, served as CCM
chairs for both Mainland and Zanzibar. The council also includes former
national party deputy chairs. Since its formation in 1977, CCM’s advisory
council has been an all-male council.
Finally,
representation at departmental level reveals the same skew. Four of CCM’s five
departments are headed by men. Men are at the helm of all Chadema’s four
departments, known as directorates.
Despite
the difficulties in obtaining data, the available information pointed towards
the same under-representation of women in the lower administrative tiers of the
two parties.
Next
steps
The low
level of women’s representation requires CCM and Chadema, as well as other
political parties, to adopt voluntary gender quotas for leadership positions
and candidates’ lists in line with the law governing political party affairs.
Alternatively,
the law governing political party affairs should set out the gender
representation numerical goals for parties’ leadership positions,
decision-making organs and candidates’ lists, including rewards and penalties.
Source: theeastafrican.co.ke
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https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/east-africa/why-tanzania-political-parties-have-few-women-in-leadership-candidate-lists-4622362
--------
Rivers
Crisis: ‘He Is Now Playing God’ – Asari Dokubo Slams Wike As Rivers Political
Tension Worsen
14 May
2024
Naija
News reports that in a video that surfaced on X, Dokubo also criticized
President Bola Tinubu for allegedly allowing Wike too much control over Rivers
and Bayelsa state.
“He is
now playing god. It is dead on arrival, all those things that he is doing,”
Dokubo expressed in the video.
“I
advise my friend, President Bola Tinubu; what you are doing to all Ijaw,
Ikwerre people in Rivers State (sic). You took Rivers state and gave it one
man,” he added.
Amidst
the political strife, Governor Fubara recently boasted of significant economic
achievements under his administration. He claimed that the monthly Internally
Generated Revenue (IGR) of Rivers State has surged from N12 billion at the
beginning of his term to N27 billion.
Dokubo
lauded this development but alleged that the governor initially had access to
only N6 billion when he assumed office.
“The
governor had come out to say that the IGR for Rivers State is now N25bn up from
N12bn. The governor is even being economical with the truth. When the governor
came in, they were giving him a paltry sum of N6bn,” he commented.
In a
related development, Governor Fubara announced plans to establish a panel of
inquiry to investigate governance affairs in the state. This was disclosed
alongside the swearing-in of Dagogo Iboroma, SAN, as the Attorney General and
Commissioner for Justice of Rivers State.
The
governor also criticized the former Attorney General, Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor,
SAN, who recently resigned from his cabinet.
Source: naijanews.com
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No
Nigerian Child Should Be Excluded From Quality Education- Tinubu
13 May
2024
The
president said this on Monday at the State House in Abuja, while launching a campaign
to promote inclusive education, skills development, and gender equity.
Tagged
#WeAreEqual, the campaign is an initiative of the Organisation of African First
Ladies for Development (OAFLAD).
The
Nigerian component of the programme is tagged, ‘Education as a Powerful Tool
for Change’, championed by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
In his
address, President Tinubu urged said his government will continue to create
opportunities for all children to access quality education without leaving
anyone behind, particularly the girl child
He
saluted the commitment of African First Ladies, as members of OAFLAD, to
advance gender equality and narrow the gender gap across the continent.
He said:
“We must continue to create opportunities for all our children to access
quality education without leaving anyone behind, particularly the girl child.
We must engender a society where everyone has the same opportunities,
regardless of who they are, because doing that leads to a stronger and more
peaceful society for all.
“I reaffirm my commitment to ensuring that no
Nigerian child is excluded from quality education that prepares women and girls
to lead and bring positive changes to our communities.
“Let us
carry forward this campaign, which promises to gift an educated girl-child the
potential to bring the necessary change and transform African communities for
the better.”
President
Tinubu noted that the launch of the campaign in Nigeria coincides with the
re-introduction of the Alternative High School for Girls advanced by the First
Lady.
The
president stated that the initiative offers a second chance to young girls, who
have dropped out of school, to continue their education and fulfill their
dreams and aspirations.
He
added: “I am happy to note that the foundation stone of one of the schools was
recently laid in Osun State, in western Nigeria, by the First Lady. More
schools are underway across the country, supported by state governments, the
federal government through the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), and
other development partners.
“As
Governor of Lagos State, before I became President of Nigeria from May 29,
2023, I witnessed first hand, how societal challenges, such as unwanted teenage
pregnancy, domestic violence, human trafficking and drug addiction can obstruct
the promising future of young girls.
“Indeed,
the re-introduction of Alternative High School for Girls by the First Lady of
Nigeria must have received inspiration from the successful implementation of a
similar initiative in Lagos State during my tenure as governor.”
President
Tinubu emphasized that education is the cornerstone of national development and
that when girls are empowered to pursue their dreams, communities thrive,
economies prosper, and nations succeed.
He said
it is, therefore, incumbent on all stakeholders to continue to take bold and
decisive actions to eliminate the structural inequalities that hold women back
on the continent.
Source: naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/05/13/no-nigerian-child-should-be-excluded-from-quality-education-tinubu/
--------
Arab World
Saudi
Dialogue Centre In Lisbon Hosts Global Peace ForumFor Interreligious And
Intercultural Dialogue
May 13,
2024
RIYADH:
The King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and
Intercultural Dialogue is hosting a global dialogue forum in Lisbon, Portugal,
from May 14 to May 16, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Themed
“Transformative Dialogue: Building Alliances for Peace in a Changing World,”
this event marks a significant milestone in the center’s decade-long commitment
to fostering global change and peace.
Bringing
together influential leaders from decision-making institutions, the forum
offers an opportunity to forge partnerships addressing today’s complex
challenges, the SPA reported.
It
serves as a platform for global political figures, intellectual leaders and
clerics to tackle issues of peaceful coexistence and sustainable development
amid rapid transformations.
Attendees
include former French president, Francois Hollande; Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin
Abdullah bin Humaid, the imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah; Ecumenical
Patriarch Bartholomew I, the archbishop of Constantinople; Matteo Renzi, former
Italian prime minister; and former president of Austria, Heinz Fischer.
Exploring
dialogue’s transformative potential, the forum aims to advance human rights,
social cohesion, reconciliation and environmental cooperation in line with the
center’s mission, the SPA said.
By
fostering cooperation among nations, international institutions and civil
society, the forum seeks to build understanding between cultures and religions.
With
participation from prominent figures across various fields, this forum holds
significant potential to shape policies and priorities for peaceful coexistence
and societal advancement, the SPA reported.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2509366/saudi-arabia
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Islamic
minister launches design models for mosques simulating identity of various
Saudi regions
May 14,
2024
RIYADH —
Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Sheikh
inaugurated on Monday the design models for mosques with diverse architectural
features simulating the identity of various regions of Saudi Arabia.
These
architectural models were prepared by the ministry’s Agency for Projects and
Maintenance. The launching was held during an exhibition organized by the
agency at the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh.
The
exhibition showcases these design models that express the urban identity of the
Kingdom to help and facilitate the matter for philanthropists who donate to
build mosques, in accordance with the Saudi building code and the technical
guides for mosques in the Kingdom and with architectural stampings featuring
flexibility and simplicity in design.
The
designs contained six different models. They are the Najdi-Salmani, the
Southern 1, the Southern 2, the Hejazi 1, the Hejazi 2, and the Eastern
Province. During the implementation of these designs, it was taken into account
that each model was designed in several capacities to suit the needs of different
residential communities.
The
designs were prepared for three capacities of each model, the first with a
capacity of 500 worshipers, the second with a capacity of 1000 worshipers, and
the third with a capacity of 1500 worshipers. It was also taken into account
that the design of the architectural elements is flexible so that it allows the
space to be modified by increasing or decreasing.
Minister
Al-Sheikh also met with the engineers supervising the projects at the
ministry’s Agency for Projects and Maintenance and the ministry’s branches in
various regions of the Kingdom. While addressing them, the minister affirmed
the great and unlimited support that the ministry receives from the wise
leadership to serve, build, and maintain mosques, as well as its support for
all of the ministry’s various programs.
He
stated that the ministry, based on the directives of the wise leadership, made
serving mosques a top priority, and devoted efforts for the construction,
maintenance, restoration and furnishing of mosques as well as for the
appointment of imams, preachers, muezzins, and observers, and qualify them
academically and practically to carry out their assigned duty to the fullest
extent, in order to achieve the aspirations of the wise leadership.
The
ministry’s Agency for Projects and Maintenance is organizing a workshop for all
engineers in the agency and the ministry’s branches in various regions of the
Kingdom, which will last
for two
days to discuss a number of papers and present the workshop’s final recommendations
Source: saudigazette.com.sa
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https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/642834/SAUDI-ARABIA/Islamic-minister-launches-design-models-for-mosques-simulating-identity-of-various-Saudi-regions
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Saudi
Arabia launches Makkah Route Initiative at Ankara Esenboga Airport
May 13,
2024
RIYADH:
Saudi Arabia launched the Makkah Route Initiative at Ankara Esenboga Airport on
Monday with the Kingdom’s ambassador to Turkiye in attendance.
A lounge
was set up at the airport in Ankara, making it the second Turkish airport to
facilitate Makkah Route Initiative pilgrims, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The
initiative aims to provide high-quality services to Hajj pilgrims from
beneficiary countries.
As part
of the initiative, biometric data is collected in the pilgrim’s home country
and the necessary procedures are carried out there. An electronic Hajj visa is
also issued in the pilgrim’s country.
The
Kingdom’s General Directorate of Passports will ensure that health requirements
are met before pilgrims enter the country, and baggage will be coded and sorted
according to transportation and accommodation arrangements.
Pilgrims
will be transported to their residences in Makkah and Madinah by bus and partner
agencies will transport their luggage separately.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2509471/saudi-arabia
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Saudi FM
meets with Standing Committee of International Humanitarian Law delegation
May 13,
2024
RIYADH:
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received the chairman of the
Standing Committee of International Humanitarian Law Dr. Jalal Al-Owaisi in
Riyadh on Monday.
During
the reception, Prince Faisal, Al-Owaisi, and his accompanying delegation
discussed aspects of cooperation in the fields of international humanitarian
law.
The
strengthening of international unification with regard to supporting efforts
made to ensure human security and safety in all parts of the world was also
discussed during the meeting.
Later, a
memorandum of understanding to enhance joint cooperation in the field of
international humanitarian law was signed by the Foreign Ministry and the
committee.
The MoU
aims to support the integration of joint efforts and facilitate the exchange of
experiences and transfer of knowledge in the field of international
humanitarian law.
Source: arabnews.com
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the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2509396/saudi-arabia
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Madinah
governor inspects pilgrim services ahead of Hajj
May 13,
2024
RIYADH:
Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan on Monday visited the Welcome and
Reception Center for Pilgrims on the Hijrah route to inspect the services
offered to pilgrims and the preparations made to receive those who are coming
to perform the Hajj rituals this year.
He also
reviewed the center’s workflow, ensuring it guarantees the comfort of pilgrims
and the expeditious completion of procedures related to the services provided
to them, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Prince
Salman, who is also chairman of the Hajj and Visit Committee in the region,
inspected the workflow mechanism and services provided to pilgrims arriving
from King Abdulaziz International Airport and Jeddah Islamic Port, as well as
those visiting Madinah after completing the rituals.
He also
examined the center’s operational indicators, which automatically monitor
arrivals and groupings, along with the plan to enhance the service system
through screens monitoring bus arrivals and the completion of procedures within
a period not exceeding 120 seconds, by guiding pilgrims and ensuring their
residences are ready to receive them.
During
the tour, Prince Salman received an explanation of the center’s components,
including a support center for transportation services, health clinics and
ambulance transportation services, as well as the security and safety system
and integrated operational services in welcome lounges, bus routes, the charity
warehouse headquarters, transportation companies, and other administrative
buildings within the center’s scope.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2509381/saudi-arabia
--------
Al-Yanfa
village restoration unlocks Asir’s architectural treasures
May 13,
2024
RIYADH:
Municipal authorities in the Asir region have announced the completion of
renovation and development works in the historic Al-Yanfa heritage village in
the Tamniah district.
The
initiative aims to elevate the village into a premier destination, attracting
visitors and tourists from across the world, the Saudi Press Agency reported on
Monday.
Al-Yanfa,
situated in the scenic Al-Shaaf district of Asir, reflects the region’s
cultural heritage. Just 45 km from Abha, the village features historical
landmarks such as ancient buildings, mosques and fortified structures amid
Asir’s picturesque landscapes. It is also known for its moderate climate and
lush green surroundings.
Bandar
Al-Nafiei, deputy secretary for projects at the Asir Municipality, highlighted
the restoration efforts. He said that the project began with rehabilitating
pathways and courtyards, with stone paving throughout the village.
To
enhance the village’s charm, illumination fixtures were placed along pathways
and courtyards, Al-Nafiei said.
Extensive
landscaping was also undertaken, covering every part of the village, from
entrances to pathways and courtyards. Additionally, a rainwater drainage
project was implemented, incorporating natural wood elements, the SPA reported.
Al-Nafiei
said that the village project, spanning more than 60,000 sq m, was implemented
using advanced engineering methods. This approach aimed to provide visitors
with easy access to explore the village and its historical heritage.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2509376/saudi-arabia
--------
Europe
Asif
Kapadia to receive the inaugural Trailblazer Award at the first Muslim
International Film Festival in London
13th May
2024
The
inaugural edition of the Muslim International Film Festival (MIFF) runs May
30th – June 2nd in London’s Leicester Square. As well as championing new and
upcoming filmmakers and talent, MIFF celebrates and honours individuals who
have already made innovative contributions to the film industry with the
festival’s Trailblazer Award. MIFF will present the inaugural Trailblazer Award
to the award-winning filmmaker Asif Kapadia.
Asif
Kapadia is an Academy Award, Grammy, and four-time BAFTA-winning Director,
writer, and producer. He is known for his emotionally engaging, visually
striking, genre-breaking films exploring ‘outsiders’ in extreme circumstances.
Kapadia works in drama and documentaries, but he is best known for his trilogy
of narratively driven, archive-constructed documentaries, Senna, Amy, and Diego
Maradona.
His
debut feature film, The Warrior, shot in India and starring Irrfan Khan, was
nominated for three BAFTAs, winning Best British Film and Best Debut Film. Far
North, starring Michelle Yeoh, premiered at the Venice Film Festival. His
fourth feature, Senna, the story of Brazilian motor racing legend Ayrton Senna,
was nominated for three BAFTAs, winning Best Documentary and Best Editing. It
broke UK box office records to become the highest-grossing British Documentary
of all time. Amy, about singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse, then overtook Senna to
become the most successful British Documentary of all time, winning numerous
awards, including the Academy Award, BAFTA, European Film Award, a Grierson
Award and a Grammy for Best Documentary.
Asif
Kapadia said: “For me, working on films was like running away with the circus.
I found a home and a family, I have been lucky to travel, collaborate with the
most extraordinary people, create work which I hope will stand the test of
time, films which have moved and engaged with people around the world. A
recurring theme in my work is my interest in exploring ‘outsiders’, those who
may not conform or fit into the power systems around them. Becoming a film
director, a writer, producer, or indeed working on the crew in the film
industry isn’t an obvious or simple choice for someone born in Hackney to
working-class British Indian Muslim parents during the 70s. But I feel lucky
that I found filmmaking. It changed my life.
It’s a
great honour to receive the Trailblazer Award from the Muslim International
Film Festival, it’s important to show that people from all faiths and
backgrounds can be successful and there should never be any boundaries or
limits for what we are able to say, create or express through our art.”
Sajid
Varda, Festival Director of the Muslim International Film Festival, added: “In
honouring Asif Kapadia with the inaugural Trailblazer Award at the Muslim
International Film Festival, we celebrate not just his exceptional talent but
also his resilience as a visionary filmmaker from a minority community. Through
his remarkable body of work, marked by cinematic excellence and profound storytelling,
Kapadia has not only conquered industry challenges but has also garnered
international acclaim. His journey showcases that with steely determination,
any filmmaker, irrespective of background, can defy odds and redefine
possibilities in the world of cinema.”
Asif
Kapadia will be presented with the Trailblazer Award during the festival
opening gala, the London Premiere of Hounds directed by Kamal Lazaraq at Odeon
Luxe Leicester Square on 30 May, followed by a reception at LSQ Rooftop
sponsored by the Aziz Foundation.
Source: cineramafilm.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://cineramafilm.com/2024/05/13/asif-kapadia-to-receive-the-inaugural-trailblazer-award-at-the-first-muslim-international-film-festival-in-london/
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Muslim
parents in dispute with Jewish school over pro-Israel politics
13th May
2024
Muslim
parents at Birmingham’s King David Primary School have expressed dismay at the
school’s “Zionist ethos” ahead of the Jewish school’s planned celebrations of
Israel’s birthday.
On
Tuesday May 14, the Muslim-majority Birmingham school plans to host a
celebration of Ha’Atzmaut, otherwise known as Israel’s National Day or
birthday.
Israelis
and other Zionist groups worldwide observe Yom Ha’Atzmaut to commemorate the
Israeli Declaration of Independence, which was proclaimed by Israeli Prime
Minister David Ben-Gurion on May 14, 1948.
Ha’Atzmaut
is celebrated on an annual basis at the school, as are other Israeli holidays.
However,
5Pillars has learned that Muslim parents with children at the school are
“distraught” and “extremely upset” with the celebration amid a breakdown in
internal harmony at the school since last October.
Speaking
to 5Pillars, a parent at the school, Poli Begum, explained how King David’s
celebration of Israel’s National Day has impacted her family amid the ongoing
massacre unfolding in Gaza.
“We were
distraught. As a parent, I am extremely upset that King David School is a place
where politics is front and centre of the the school ethos without any regard
to the mental well-being of our children. As a family we have friends and
family who have been killed and their homes destroyed in Gaza yet the school is
celebrating Israel Day and expecting our children to be present when this happens.”
She
added: “Our children go to school for a broad and balanced education in an
apolitical safe environment. Unfortunately the school is not such a safe place
and we as a family feel vulnerable and fearful of speaking out. The headteacher
has sent reminders that the school is not a place for political discussion yet
they are happy to be celebrating what is without doubt a political event. It is
our firm held belief along with many other parents that the school is
disingenuous in its mantra of neutrality and our children and families are
treated with disrespect when such events like Israel Day take place especially
at this current time.”
Celebrating
Israel’s birthday
In a
newsletter sent out to parents on Thursday, King David explained how students
are expected to celebrate the Israeli festival.
“Children
are invited to bring blue & white clothes to change into at school. We will
enjoy some delicious birthday cake!”
In
previous years, the school has offered fundraising opportunities, including a
Year 5’s “Israel fair.”
The
school also normally raises funds for a Jewish charity based in Israel called
Ohel Sarah UK.
5Pillars
understands that the initial intention was to fundraise for Ohel Sarah again
but due to anger by parents over the charity’s use of IDF soldiers on their
website, the school has decided to fundraise instead for Yad Vashem – the World
Holocaust Remembrance Centre.5
Shamaila
Kauser, who has decided to move her child out of the school in protest had this
to say.
“As a
long standing parent who trekked for miles to bring my children to what I
believed is an orthodox Jewish school with Jewish values that I cherished, each
year I become more and more dissatisfied with the changing ethos of the school
who have now stated that they are a Zionist school and parents don’t have a say
in this.
“I have
decided to move my daughter to a different school as King David doesn’t feel
like a school that cares about my child and her feelings about children being
slaughtered, instead they are raising money to send to an individual who was
directly involved in the killing of innocent children.”
‘Zionist
ethos’
We
understand that relations between Muslim parents and the school have become
tense, and not long after October last year Muslim parents began an email
exchange with the school headteacher and school governors.
During
the exchange, alarmed Muslim parents claimed they felt “misled” about the
school’s “Zionist ethos.”
One
letter from parents that we have seen, sent to Headteacher Mr. Langford on
08/11/2023, listed a number of areas parents wanted to discuss with the school
to better understand the school’s interpretation of Zionism.
“Many
parents were surprised to hear in your email response that the school had a
Zionist ethos, in seeking further understanding, could you elaborate on the
specific connotations of the term ‘Zionist’ within the context of the school
curriculum. We had always warmly embraced the Orthodox Jewish identity of the
school (as noted on the school website and the Ofsted Report) and had not been
aware of any political ideological inclinations of the school. Please may we
know when the Zionist association had been incorporated into the school ethos
and through which process?
“Parents
who have now become aware of the Zionist ethos feel misled as they now have to
plan for an unanticipated school move for their child, which causes social and
emotional distress to the children who have formed beautiful friendships with
their peers.”
According
to one email from parents, a meeting was held on 23/11/2023, with 14 parents in
attendance, as well as, Mr Langford and Mrs Cohen (Head of Religious Studies).
The
meeting minuets say that: “Mrs Cohen gave the definition of Zionism, as
understood by the school – ‘a worldwide Jewish movement that resulted in the
re-establishment and development of the state of Israel in her historical
homeland.
“Parents
explained that the general understanding among the parent body is that the term
implies a certain militancy beyond this definition, which could have a bearing
on the current tensions in the Middle East.'”
But
despite efforts by the school to alleviate parents’ concerns, 5Pillars
understands that many Muslim parents remain deeply unhappy.
Mostly
Muslim students
King
David Primary School, based in Moseley, is an orthodox Jewish Voluntary Aided
Primary School.
It was
founded by the Birmingham Hebrew Congregation in 1843 as the Hebrew National
School. It later became Birmingham Hebrew School and ultimately, as it is now
known, King David School, when it moved to its present site in 1965.
According
to the school’s website, their aim is to “provide a sound secular and religious
education,” as well as, “striving to provide an environment in which all
children are enabled to reach their full potential within the framework of the
National Curriculum and developing emotionally in a happy and caring Jewish
atmosphere.”
King David
Primary School has previously been celebrated in pro-Israel press for having
“mostly Muslim students.”
In 2018,
an estimate published in a British-Zionist newspaper claimed that 80% of
students were Muslim, although the school didn’t clarify this at the time.
One
parent informed 5Pillars that, since October 2023, several parents had already
decided to ditch the school, while several others were aiming to follow suit.
5Pillars
reached out to the school for further comment on parent concerns, their Zionist
beliefs and past fundraising for charities which are promoted by members of the
IDF.
The
school failed to respond.
According
to reports, at least 34,904 Palestinians have been killed so far in Israel’s
ongoing offensive on the Gaza Strip since last October 7.
The
Health Ministry in the besieged enclave claim that another 78,514 other people
have been injured in the onslaught. Most of those killed are women and
children.
Source: 5pillarsuk.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://5pillarsuk.com/2024/05/13/muslim-parents-in-dispute-with-jewish-school-over-pro-israel-politics/
--------
Muslim
community to get permanent home in Alton as chapel plans approved
13th May
2024
Planning
officers have answered the prayers of Alton’s Muslim community as a former
chapel and dance studio is set to be converted.
Leaders
at the Alton Islamic Centre (AIC) want to return Bell House Chapel into a place
of worship as the landmark on St Mary’s Close is currently designated as a
commercial dance studio.
A change
of use application has been approved by East Hampshire District Council with
the building set to become a masjid for Islamic prayers and teaching.
Officers
have been told the masjid will open to the general public for daily prayers at
dawn, midday, afternoon, dusk and sunset with each session lasting around 15
minutes.
A larger
Jummah midday session will take place on Friday with around 60 people usually
attending current sessions in Alton Community Centre.
“In
addition to the daily and Jummah prayers, we hope to offer Islamic lessons to
the general public, including lessons for children and for adults in both the
Quran and Arabic,” reads AIC’s Change of Use statement.
The
building’s exterior will not be altered but the bar will be replaced with a
prayer room and some minor interior alterations are planned.
Planners
received five objections, with one complainant suggesting the building should
be for “all the people of Alton” while others raised concerns about the impact
on nearby car parks and traffic.
But
there were also two letters of support from members of the town’s “thriving
multicultural community” with the move to give Alton’s Muslim contingent a
permanent home being lauded.
Source: altonherald.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.altonherald.com/news/muslim-community-to-get-permanent-home-in-alton-as-chapel-plans-approved-687917
--------
Thousands
of Islamists protest against ‘censorship’ in Hamburg after calls for a
caliphate in Germany are banned
MAY 13,
2024
Thousands
of Islamists took to the streets of Hamburg again on Saturday for what
organizers called a “defense of Islamic values” in the face of political
intimidation and media censorship.
The
protest was organized by Muslim Interaktiv, a group under investigation by
Hamburg’s domestic intelligence agency for “extremism.” It claimed on its
social media accounts that over 6,000 Muslims had turned out to participate,
although police estimates put the figure closer to 2,300.
The
demonstration was in response to recent attempts by German politicians to
restrict the group’s activities after a recent march in the port city sparked
outrage amid calls for Germany to become a caliphate under Sharia Law, and
participants chanted anti-Semitic slogans.
Muslim
Interaktiv claimed it wanted to “set an example” to protect “Islamic identity,”
and posted that the requirement for Muslims to “commit to Western values” was
the “lie of the year.”
The
demonstration was allowed to take place under strict conditions, which included
a wholesale ban on anti-Semitic rhetoric, calls for a caliphate using any
medium, and a ban on any incitement of hatred or violence.
Organizers
called the conditions ahead of the march “repressive” and revealed it had been
seeking legal advice to take action against the measures imposed on the group.
Attendees
held placards claiming they were being censored by the German government.
After
the controversial protest held last month, Germany’s Federal Interior Minister
Nancy Faeser denounced the demonstration despite overseeing the country’s open
borders immigration policy in recent years that has seen millions of Muslims,
many of whom have originated from countries that practice fundamental Islam,
arrive in Germany.
“Seeing
an Islamist demonstration of this kind on our streets is difficult to bear.
It’s a good thing that the Hamburg police counteracted crime with a large
presence,” she told Tagesspiegel.
She told
the Funke newspaper group last week the new conditions imposed on the group’s
activities gave the police greater power to intervene and disperse the
participants if necessary.
“Anyone
who would rather live in a caliphate, and therefore in the Stone Age, is
against everything that Germany stands for. We defend our constitution — with
the means of our constitution,” she said.
Source: rmx.news
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://rmx.news/article/thousands-of-islamists-protest-against-censorship-in-hamburg-after-calls-for-a-caliphate-in-germany-are-banned/
--------
Priest
blames Hollywood for low birth rates
13 May,
2024
The
Western entertainment industry has managed to teach many Russians not to have
children, to the point where the nation itself is risking ruin, according to
Bishop Yevgeny of Yekaterinburg.
The
bishop, who chairs the Synodal Department of Religious Education and Catechism
of the Russian Orthodox Church, spoke to the regional outlet OTV on Monday.
“Our
nation is shrinking. Ethnic Russians are shrinking most of all,” Bishop Yevgeny
told the outlet. “This has been especially the case in the last 30-40 years.
The Hollywood film industry doesn’t work for nothing.”
People
in the prime of their lives, who should be having children, have been taught
that doing so is “perpetuating poverty” or that one child is enough, the bishop
continued.
Some
people, he said, “have accepted the idea of gender reassignment or
non-traditional relationships, which in no way contribute to the normal life of
a person or simply to the preservation of life in future generations,” he
added.
The
bishop argued that there ought to be an age limit on consuming certain forms of
entertainment, analogous to limits on alcohol or tobacco for minors.
“What
are suicides, bullying, terrorist attacks in schools – this is the result of a
very careless spread of aggressive information, from which children were not
shielded,” said the cleric.
Another
solution, he said, might be adding family studies to the school curriculum,
which the Church is currently discussing with the government.
“It used
to be that people learned how to create, maintain, and live in a family from
the families themselves. Modern families lack such experience,” the bishop
said. “So we need to talk and share this
experience, and school is a good place for this. This should, of course, be
done by the teacher. You can’t learn this from a book or an online program.”
A “very
good” textbook on the spiritual basis of family life was written 15 years ago
and has been successfully used to teach Sverdlovsk Region 10th graders in the
past, the priest said.
Russian
birth rates have been on the decline since 2014, according to the national
statistics bureau, Rosstat. In 2023, barely more than 1.2 million babies were
born in the country, the lowest number since 1999. If the trend continues,
Russia’s population might shrink by 6% by 2050. The government proclaimed 2024
the ‘Year of the Family’ and has sought to encourage young Russians to start
families in a variety of ways.
Source: rt.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.rt.com/russia/597540-bishop-hollywood-birth-rates/
--------
South Asia
Bangladesh
welcomes AI but to take steps for preventing misuse: PM
12 May
2024
DHAKA,
May 12, 2024 (BSS) - Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said Bangladesh
welcomes Artificial Intelligence (AI), but it would take some protection
measures to check its misuse.
"We
welcome AI, but we have to take some protection measures by enacting laws for
preventing its misuses," she said.
The
premier said this while Archbishop Kevin S. Randall, Apostolic Nuncio of the
Holy See to Bangladesh called on her at her official residence Ganabhaban here.
Prime
Minister's Speech Writer M Nazrul Islam briefed the newsmen after the meeting.
The
prime minister said Bangladesh is the country of religious harmony where
Muslims, Hindus, Christians and Buddhists are living peacefully. "We
celebrate our festivals all together," she added.
Sheikh
Hasina also invited the Pope to visit Bangladesh through Archbishop Kevin S.
Randall.
Archbishop
Randall appreciated Bangladesh's stance and move on climate change and Rohingya
issues.
PMO
Secretary Mohammad Salahuddin was present at the meeting.
Source: bssnews.net
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.bssnews.net/news-flash/188593
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Deputy
PM Hanafi meets scholars, elders of Paktika
May 14,
2024
He
assured full cooperation and support with the Islamic Emirate and asked the
leadership of the Islamic Emirate to pay necessary attention to the
construction of madrasas, schools and health facilities and in the
implementation of development projects in the said province.
KABUL: A
number of scholars and elders of the country’s eastern province of Paktika, in
a meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Af fairs Mawlavi
Abdul Salam Hanafi, said overall security has been ensured as a result of
efforts and sacrifices of IEA’s Mujahidin in the province, according to a
statement from Arg Monday. Speaking on behalf of others, Mawlavi Haji Abdullah
Maftoon shared information about the local governance, social, economic and
security situation of the province and added that the local authorities have
been making efforts to provide better services and address the challenges
facing the people, according to the statement. He assured full cooperation and
support with the Islamic Emirate and asked the leadership of the Islamic
Emirate to pay necessary attention to the construction of madrasas, schools and
health facilities and in the implementation of development projects in the said
province. Meanwhile, the deputy PM Hanafi said that the Islamic Emirate has
always been committed to the implementation of development projects across the
country. Hanafi assured that their recommendations and problems would be
addressed with the available resources. The Kabul Times
Source: thekabultimes.com
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the text of the original Story
https://thekabultimes.com/deputy-pm-hanafi-meets-scholars-elders-of-paktika/
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FM
Muttaqi discuss humanitarian aids with OCHA representative
May 14,
2024
KABUL:
The acting Foreign Minister Mawlavi Amir Khan Muttaqi, in a meeting, with Edem
Wosornu, the Director of operation of the United Nations Organization for the
Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), discussed humanitarian issues, the
ministry said in a statement the other day. Edem shared her deepest condolences
over the recent floods in various parts of the country and assured the
organization teams would be dispatched to the affected areas as soon as
possible, according to the statement. She also thanked the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs for its efforts in establishing a coordination committee between the
Islamic Emirate and the United Nations agencies. Muttaqi thanked OCHA for its
efforts in attracting and coordinating aid and referring to the recent floods
in the country, and said while Afghanistan has no part in the deterioration of
the climate, but it is one of the most vulnerable country “I would like to
convey this message through you that the more Afghanistan has suffered, the
more it needs help and its position should be heard in international climate
meetings and it should have access to financial funds related to climate
change,” the statement quoted Muttaqi as saying. The recent flood wave is very
destructive, and extensive assistance is needed, said Muttaqi, adding the
Islamic Emirate has used all its possibilities to address the challenges facing
the people, but looking at the extent of the incident, it is necessary that the
international and aid organizations also fulfill their responsibility in this
regard. Indrika Ratwatte, the resident representative of the United Nations to
Afghanistan, said: “We have always conveyed your voice to the international
community that Afghanistan has suffered the most and is in the most need, and
we have tried and are always trying to provide humanitarian aid and without
considering political goals.” The Kabul Times
Source: thekabultimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://thekabultimes.com/fm-muttaqi-discuss-humanitarian-aids-with-ocha-representative/
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Taliban
and Pakistani forces skirmish at Afghanistan-Pakistan border: Report
By Fidel
Rahmati-
May 13,
2024
Amid
escalating tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, recent reports
indicate a surge in border clashes between Taliban forces and Pakistani border
troops.
According
to Media reports, the skirmishes occurred in the border area of Park Spin Ghar
in the Zazi Aryob district.
The
clash took place on Monday, May 13, several days after Pakistan’s airstrike on
Paktika, as reported by Afghanistan International.
Earlier
reports from Afghanistan indicated that the Taliban cancelled the travel of a
Pakistani military delegation to Kandahar due to Pakistan’s airstrikes and
missile attacks on Paktika last Thursday.
It was
planned for a Pakistani military delegation to travel from Rawalpindi to Kandahar
on Sunday, May 12.
The
Taliban cancelled this delegation’s travel as it was cited “weather conditions”
as the main reason for the cancellation; however, in reality, “Thursday’s
airstrikes on Paktika are the main factor.
According
to the report, the Taliban canceled this delegation’s travel. The Taliban cited
“weather conditions” as the main reason for the cancellation, but in reality,
“Friday’s airstrikes on Paktika” are the primary factor.
Pakistan’s
support for the Taliban against the former Afghan republic government was a
longstanding and complex relationship, marked by strategic interests and
historical ties.
However,
since the Taliban assumed power in Afghanistan, it seems that the relations
between the two sides have deteriorated on multiple fronts. One significant
point of contention is the presence of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on
Afghan soil, which Pakistan sees as a security threat due to cross-border
attacks.
Additionally,
the emergence of ISIS-Khorasan Province (ISIS-K) in Afghanistan has strained
relations further; the Taliban allege that Pakistan uses ISIS against Kabul and
supports their activist to destabilize Afghanistan and the region, but
Pakistani officials deny this allegation.
Border
issues have also escalated tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban-led
government in Afghanistan. Disputes over border management, including the
fencing of the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, have led to diplomatic friction and
occasional clashes between border forces.
Furthermore,
the influx of Afghan refugees into Pakistan remains a contentious issue, with
Pakistan urging the Taliban to address the humanitarian and security challenges
posed by the refugee population.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.khaama.com/taliban-and-pakistani-forces-skirmish-at-afghanistan-pakistan-border-report/
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Turkish
police detain 29 Afghan and Syrian refugees
May 13,
2024
The
Turkish police recently announced the detention of 29 Afghan and Syrian asylum
seekers in the city of Mugla who intended to enter Greece illegally.
According
to Turkish media reports, the police of Turkey identified and detained asylum
seekers who intended to migrate from Turkey to Greece and Europe in an
“illegal” manner.
Based on
reports, the detained asylum seekers were transferred to detention centers
after their arrest, among whom two were smugglers.
Turkish
media, citing police authorities, state that both smugglers have been referred
to court.
Previously,
Turkish police have repeatedly reported on the arrest of illegal Afghan asylum
seekers during their crossing of the border between Turkey and Greece.
Turkey
is one of the main routes for asylum seekers to reach Europe, where asylum
seekers from various countries, including Afghanistan, travel to the country by
paying thousands of dollars and accepting the risks of death.
The dire
situation of Afghan refugees in neighboring countries exacerbates amid a
worsening humanitarian crisis, marked by an increase in forced deportations by
Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey.
These
countries, burdened by large refugee populations, are grappling with economic
strain and political pressure, leading to harsher policies against asylum
seekers.
Iran,
hosting one of the largest refugee populations globally, has intensified its
crackdown on undocumented migrants, particularly Afghan refugees. Facing
economic challenges and domestic unrest, Iranian authorities have stepped up
deportations, pushing many vulnerable individuals into uncertainty and danger.
Pakistan,
home to millions of Afghan refugees for decades, has also escalated its efforts
to repatriate asylum seekers.
With
limited resources and security concerns, the Pakistani government has adopted
stricter measures, resulting in the forced return of thousands of Afghans,
despite the ongoing instability and violence in their home country. This has
left many refugees stranded without adequate protection or support.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.khaama.com/turkish-police-detain-29-afghan-and-syrian-refugees/
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Afghanistan
loses UN voting rights over unpaid dues
May 13,
2024
Afghanistan’s
representation at the United Nations confirmed that Afghanistan’s voting rights
in the General Assembly had been suspended due to unpaid membership dues.
Mr.
Nasir Faiq, Afghanistan’s acting representative at this organization, stated
that countries that fail to pay their membership dues to the United Nations for
more than two years are deprived of their voting rights in the General Assembly
“based on the Charter and operating procedures.”
He said
that Afghanistan has not paid these dues since the Taliban took over the
country in August 2021.
This
deprivation prevented Afghanistan from voting on the resolution recognizing the
State of Palestine on Friday, May 10.
Previously,
the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs paid this fee, and the Afghan
representation deposited it into the United Nations account.
The
Afghan representative at the United Nations mentioned that the annual
membership dues for countries in the United Nations amount to “about two
hundred thousand dollars.”
Reports
indicate that Afghanistan is one of six countries that have not paid their UN
membership fees for two consecutive years.
The
countries, including Afghanistan, Ecuador, and Venezuela, were deprived of
voting in the General Assembly sessions.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.khaama.com/afghanistan-loses-un-voting-rights-over-unpaid-dues/
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IEA
Exalts Industrial Growth and Economic Progress at Kabul Exhibition
2024-05-13
KABUL(BNA):
Mawlavi Abdul Salam Hanafi, the Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative
Affairs, reaffirms the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s dedication to
supporting national industry and production in a exhibition held at Kabul.
In this
event, Mawlavi Hanafi highlighted Afghanistan’s abundant resources for
industrial expansion, envisioning its potential as an industrialized nation. He
emphasized the Islamic Emirate’s constant support for local industry and
production, citing recent initiatives like tax exemptions aimed at fostering
industrial growth.
He
further extended condolences to the victims of recent floods in some provinces
of the country and stated that officials are striving to provide assistance to
those affected by these incidents.
Meanwhile,
Nooruddin Azizi, the Acting Minister of Industry and Commerce, stated that the
Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has been able to double its support to
industrialists in less than three years and the has issued licenses for
approximately two thousand manufacturing companies, including renewal licenses,
but 50% of these licenses are new.
He
continued that the most important responsibility of the Islamic Emirate of
Afghanistan was to control the Afghan currency rate, and now in 98 to 99
percent of Afghanistan’s transactions, the Afghan currency is used.
Mullah
Hedayatullah Badri, Acting Head of the Afghanistan Bank, announced significant
strides towards facilitating investment and trade in money transfer services.
He underscored the institution’s dedication to offering fully compliant Islamic
banking solutions, aimed at empowering the nation’s citizens economically.
On the
other hand, Abdul Latif Nazari, Deputy Minister of Economy, stated that there
were early predictions of economic decline in Afghanistan. However, contrary to
these predictions, Afghanistan has experienced significant economic progress in
recent years, and the Afghan currency has achieved unprecedented stability.
Additionally,
Mohammad Younus Momand, the Deputy of the Chamber of Commerce and Investment of
Afghanistan, asserted that the majority of problems facing investors, traders,
and industrialists within the country have been resolved. He expressed hope
that the overarching issues faced by Afghan investors, traders, and
industrialists outside the country would also be resolved.
It’s
worth mentioning, this exhibition features a wide range of domestic products,
including food items, electrical appliances, handicrafts, marble from various
provinces, pure honey, oil paints, and numerous other locally produced goods.
Open to visitors for a week, to offer a unique opportunity to explore the
richness of domestic production.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
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