‘Medieval History No Hindu-Muslim Binary’: Scholars Criticise NCERT Textbook
New Age Islam News Bureau
19 July 2025
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· ‘Medieval History No Hindu-Muslim Binary’: Scholars Criticise NCERT Textbook
· Uttar Pradesh CM Shields Kanwariyas, Slaps Tazias: Links Muharram To ‘Violence And Arson’
· Buhari’s 24-Hour Burial Not Against Islam Though Islam Encourages Swift Burial – Clerics
· Afghanistan PM Stresses Dialogue Over Force To Address Challenges
· ‘No Space For Islamophobes’: Malaysians Protest Trump’s ‘Alpha Male’ Pick For US Envoy Over Pro-Zionist Stance
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India
· Chants Of ‘Har Har Mahadev!' This Is Time For The Kanwar Yatra And The Capital, Delhi, Surrenders To Its Fervour
· Right-Wing Group Shuts KFC In Ghaziabad Over Meat Sale During Sawan, Police Step In
· Chhangur Baba, Alleged Mastermind Of A Religious Conversion Racket, Presented Himself As RSS Body Member, Used PM's Pic On Letterhead
· Ladakh LG Stirs Regional Dynamics: BJP Leader Had Flagged 'Land Jihad'
· Court seeks PCMC response on proposed demolition of 16 mosques in Kudalwadi
· Jailed J&K MP Engineer Rashid to move resolution for statehood in Parliament
· J&K: 10 sites in Kashmir raided; Jaish sleeper cell under probe
· 'Develop the city whose name you’re changing': Opposition slams renaming of Islampur to Ishwarpur
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Africa
· Sultan calls for peace, dialogue to tackle global challenges at Muslim leaders’ confab
· Terrorism: Court To Rule On Nnamdi Kanu’s No-Case Submission October 10
· FG Speaks On Involvement In First Holdco Share Acquisition
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South Asia
· Bangladesh Signs MoU With UN Rights Body To Protect Human Rights
· Supporting Returnees IEA’s Key Responsibility, Hanafi
· MoFA hosts trilateral meeting on regional connectivity, stability
· UK Urged to Support Settlement Development for Afghan Returnees
· Pakistan Will Not Renew Afghan Refugee ID Cards, Minister Confirms
· Germany Deports 81 Afghan Refugees to Afghanistan
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Southeast Asia
· Sultan Sharafuddin: Every Fatwa In Selangor Goes Through Rigorous Process
· ‘Malaysia our shared responsibility’: Anwar stresses unity as key to national survival
· What Opposition meeting? PAS Youth says unaware of Muhyiddin call, but suggests talks lack weight without Islamist party
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Europe
· German University Revokes Islamic University Group StatusAs An Official Student Body
· Azerbaijani President Attends Opening Of Restored Historic Mosque In Giyasli
· President Ilham Aliyev attends inauguration of restored historic mosque building in Aghdam’s Giyasly village
· UK's Asylum Hotel Bill Down 30%, Government Says
· Police drop investigation into Kneecap's Glastonbury performance
· Airport accused 'didn't know' he hit female PCs
· France a ‘fiscal time bomb’ for EU – Bloomberg
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North America
· Mamdani's Muslim Donors Expect to Play Role in National Races
· Pahalgam Killers The Resistance Front A Global Terror Outfit: US
· US Takes Credit For Israel-Syria Ceasefire
· Lombard teen allegedly targeted Glendale Heights Islamic center for terror attack
· CAIR-LA to Join LA vs Hate, MPAC for Unveiling of Muslim Community Mural Calling for Unity and Solidarity Against Hate
· Three killed in explosion at Los Angeles police training facility
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Arab World
· Solo But Not Sad: Young Saudis Embrace Freedom Of Living Alone
· Human Rights Commission, King Khalid Foundation sign cooperation agreement
· Aseer’s blooming bounty: How rare flowers turn southern region into a year-round honey hub
· UAE condemns Israeli plan to seize control of Ibrahimi Mosque
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Mideast
· Iranian Adviser Slams Baku, Forgets Oil To India, Friendship With Yerevan
· "We Continue To Support Gaza & Confront Zionist Aggression Against Ummah": Massive Rallies In Marib
· Iran’s Military Leadership Declares Full Readiness For Further Strikes Against Israel
· Israel agree ceasefire with Syria, allows Syrian troops limited access to Sweida
· Iraq: US Security Warning Highlights Risk Of Shiite Factions Confrontation
· Qatar strongly condemns Israeli plan to seize control of Ibrahimi Mosque
· Iraq’s Coordination Framework denies receiving letter from Ayatollah Al-Sistani
· Iraq makes ‘decisive findings’ over Israel-Iran war drone attacks
· Hamas Armed Wing Says Israel Blocking Ceasefire And Hostage Release Talks
· Merz tells Netanyahu he hopes for ‘speedy’ Gaza ceasefire
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/hindu-muslim-binary-criticise-ncert-textbook/d/136226
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‘Medieval History No Hindu-Muslim Binary’: Scholars Criticise NCERT Textbook
19.07.25
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India’s Muslim emperors waged war for political and economic reasons and not just religious ones, often fought other Muslim rulers, and did not always impose discriminatory taxes on non-Muslims, several historians have underlined.
They have contested the portrayal of the Delhi sultans and Mughal emperors as communal and intolerant in a Class VIII textbook of the NCERT and cited evidence of inclusive governance by them.
The newly released social science book, Exploring Society: India and Beyond, says Central Asian invaders wanted to spread their religion in India and imposed the discriminatory jizya tax on non-Muslims, which incentivised conversion to Islam. It says this period witnessed much religious intolerance.
Heramb Chaturvedi, retired history professor from Allahabad University, said that if non-Muslims had to pay the jizya, Muslims had to pay the zakat (an obligatory form of charity).
The elderly, women, children and the physically or mentally challenged were exempt from the jizya. Also, non-Muslims were engaged in services to the State.
"The Islamic law, Sharia, sanctions five types of taxes: kharaj or land-revenue; khums, a tax charged on wealth gained from mining or war booty; an irrigation tax; the jizya; and the zakat,” Chaturvedi said.
"For the jizya, the male population was divided into three classes — the upper classes paid 48 rupees or dirhams a year, the middle classes paid 24 and the lower classes, 12. Whereas zakat, a tax that Muslims paid, was 2.5 per cent of their wealth. Because the non-Muslims paid the jizya, their religious rights were protected."
Chaturvedi said there should be no Hindu-Muslim binary in understanding the medieval period. Akbar fought Rana Pratap, the Hindu ruler of Mewar, and also Chand Bibi, the Muslim ruler of Ahmednagar. The Mughals fought the Shia Muslim rulers of the Deccan as well as the Marathas.
"The entire revenue was largely managed by Hindus during the Mughal period," he said.
Pankaj Jha, professor of history at Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi, who specialises in medieval India, said the information available on the jizya was extremely messy.
References to the jizya in Persian sources are infrequent and made in passing, he said. Nor is the term used exclusively in the sense of a discriminatory tax on non-Muslims.
"In many such cases, the word is used to refer simply to taxes in general, though this might not always be the case. Even if some of these rulers wanted to impose a discriminatory tax, they would probably have found it very difficult to do so," Jha said.
He added: "So, interpreting these texts without philological anchoring can be extremely misleading."
Jha said younger minds should be made aware of the challenges that face a historian trying to read texts composed several centuries ago in languages that now look archaic.
"Attempts at simplifying these narratives and drawing lazy conclusions out of them run the risk of dumbing down the discipline of history itself. That, in this case, it is also probably a handmaiden to paranoid politics is doubly unfortunate," Jha said.
Maya John, assistant professor of history at the Jesus & Mary College, Delhi, too said that many of the Muslim rulers fought other Muslim rulers and often sided with non-Muslim political actors.
She emphasised the "economic and political motives" behind "the various invasions, raids and empire-building efforts of the medieval era".
"It is unfortunate that the new social science book reduces this complexity to solely religious bigotry," she said.
"This is historically inaccurate and adversely impacts the understanding of our future citizenry about the country's medieval past and leaves them ill-informed about the otherwise rich social mosaic and syncretism that existed in the said period."
John said that after the initial invasions, the medieval rulers developed their roots within the local social milieu, and generally avoided imposing the jizya.
Source: telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/medieval-history-no-hindu-muslim-binary-scholars-criticise-ncert-textbook-prnt/cid/2113941
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Uttar Pradesh CM Shields Kanwariyas, Slaps Tazias: Links Muharram To ‘Violence And Arson’
Piyush Srivastava
19.07.25
Yogi Adityanath waters a sapling at a college in Varanasi on Friday during the inauguration of a national seminar on Birsa Munda.
PTI
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Yogi Adityanath on Friday sought to deflect allegations of hooliganism against kanwariya pilgrims by invoking Muharram processions and claiming they used to feature “violence and arson” before he wielded the iron fist.
The Uttar Pradesh chief minister asserted he had had to restrict the height of the tazias because Muslims otherwise demanded the removal of tree branches, eaves of houses and overhead electrical wires to accommodate Muharram processions.
In contrast, he claimed, the kanwar yatras were a study in devotion, unity and fraternity and were being falsely maligned by people who “want to insult Indian traditions”. Kanwariyas have been widely accused of vandalising shops and blocking roads along their pilgrimage routes in the state.
“Muharram was observed (early this month) just before the month of Shravan (which kicked off the month-long Kanwar Yatra from July 11),” Adityanath said in Varanasi while inaugurating a seminar on Birsa Munda, a 19th-century tribal hero and freedom fighter from Chhotanagpur.
He explained why he had restricted the heights of the tazias to 9ft.
“It would have been an injustice to those who pay electricity bills to remove the wires and disrupt power supply to a village or town,” he said.
“You (observers of Muharram) want to organise a procession without paying anything, without paying road tax. You want to break a house that someone built with hard labour. You want to cut the branches of a tree that took 40-50 years to grow. What right have you to do so?”
He continued: “They brought out a huge tazia in Jaunpur. It came in contact with a high-tension wire and three people died. Then they blocked the road (in protest). When the police asked me, I said, ‘Beat them with batons and remove them from there’.
“They understand the language of force and not words. I asked (the police) to act against them because they had built a tazia taller than permitted.”
The electrocutions happened in Sadhanganj village of Jaunpur on July 7.
“We have banned the display of weapons in processions in Uttar Pradesh (swords used to be a feature of Muharram and Ram Navami processions),” Adityanath said.
“Previously, every Muharram procession used to be an occasion for violence and arson. Sisters and daughters were unable to move on the roads. They (Opposition parties) used to remain silent those days.”
Adityanath then lauded the Kanwar Yatra.
“Every class, from labourers to the rich, is associated with this. It’s an amazing symbol of unity. There is no discrimination by caste, region, class or religion. They walk 300-400km with devotion and bring back (the Ganga’s) water,” he said.
“But a media trial is going on against them. They (social media users) malign them. They dare call them (kanwariyas) troublemakers and terrorists. People who have this mindset want to insult Indian traditions.”
Source: telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/yogi-shields-adityanath-kanwariyas-slaps-tazias-uttar-pradesh-chief-minister-links-muharram-to-violence-and-arson-prnt/cid/2113939
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Buhari’s 24-Hour Burial Not Against Islam Though Islam Encourages Swift Burial – Clerics
July 19, 2025
By Enioluwa Adeniyi
Amid ongoing debates trailing the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Islamic scholars have dismissed claims that the delay in interring the late leader violated Islamic tradition, insisting the funeral complied with religious standards.
Naija News recalls that Buhari died on Saturday, July 13, 2025, in a London hospital, but was laid to rest on Tuesday at his Daura residence in Katsina State with full military honours, including a 21-gun salute.
Following his burial, social media platforms, particularly 𝕏 (formerly Twitter), witnessed a flurry of comments, with many Nigerians questioning why Buhari’s body was not buried immediately after his death in line with Islamic customs.
However, scholars have clarified that Islam encourages swift burial but does not fix a rigid timeframe, especially when special circumstances are involved.
Speaking to the Saturday Punch, a Professor of Arabic and Islamic Studies at the University of Ibadan, Afis Oladosu, stated categorically that Buhari’s burial after 24 hours did not contravene Islamic laws.
“The requirement in Islamic law and tradition is for the dead to be buried as soon as possible after death. But it would be wrong for anyone to claim that burying former President Buhari 24 hours after his death violated Islamic law. This is because there were justifiable reasons for the delay,” he explained.
He noted that Buhari’s death outside Nigeria could have necessitated logistical arrangements, including repatriation of the body, which Islam recognises as a valid justification.
He stated, “Islam does not specify an exact number of hours. It only says burial should take place as soon as possible. It’s not unusual to have a few hours or a day’s delay if there are valid reasons.”
Oladosu further warned against misrepresenting the faith’s position on burial.
“Muslims don’t take their dead to the mortuary to keep them for weeks or months before burial. That’s what violates Islamic tradition, delaying burial without valid justification,” he said.
Explaining the spiritual rationale, he added, “In Islam, the soul departs at death and ascends, awaiting the burial of the body it came from. It is only after this that the soul can experience bliss or judgment. That’s why prompt burial is encouraged, not delayed unnecessarily.”
Also weighing in, the Chief Imam of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Prof. Idris Ayinde, echoed similar sentiments, describing Buhari’s case as “understandably exceptional.”
“There were unique circumstances in his case because he didn’t die in Nigeria. Secondly, it was the wish of his people that he should be buried in his hometown, Daura. Ordinarily, it is desirable that a Muslim be buried at the location where he dies. But since he travelled abroad for medical attention, it is not out of place for the body to be returned home,” Ayinde said.
The cleric emphasised that the administrative processes involved in the international repatriation of a corpse, including paperwork, legal clearances, and associated costs, could naturally lead to delays.
“Before the body can be released, there would be paperwork and fees to settle. All these could have contributed to the delay,” he noted.
While stressing Islam’s strong preference for quick burial, Ayinde maintained that such preferences are subject to circumstantial allowances.
He stated, “What we have is an Islamic principle which says you should quickly bury your dead. If he is a sinner, you won’t partake in the sin, and if he is a good person, you won’t delay his reward.
“So once a reputable physician confirms death, burial arrangements should commence without delay. But Buhari’s case, given all the peculiarities, was certainly not out of place.”
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/07/19/buharis-24-hour-burial-not-against-islam-clerics/
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Afghanistan PM Stresses Dialogue Over Force To Address Challenges
July 19, 2025
KABUL: Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, Prime Minister of the Islamic Emirate, met with Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, saying that problems should be solved through dialogue, not force, according to a statement from Arg the other day.Speaking at the meeting, Mullah Hassan Akhund emphasized the importance of joint efforts in addressing challenges, especially the dignified return of Afghan refugees.
Referring to the recently signed trilateral agreement between Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan, he reaffirmed the Islamic Emirate’s commitment to the successful implementation of the Trans-Afghan Railway Project.
The Prime Minister of the Islamic Emirate emphasized that lasting solutions cannot be achieved through force or threats, and called for divine guidance to address challenges through goodwill, mutual cooperation, and a spirit of neighborly understanding.
Meanwhile, Ishaq Dar noted that during his recent visit to the People’s Republic of China, he had encouraged Chinese officials to support the Trans-Afghan Railway Project.
He expressed hope that bilateral ties between Afghanistan and Pakistan would further strengthen, allowing future generations to live in an atmosphere of brotherhood and mutual understanding.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/prime-minister-stresses-dialogue-over-force-to-address-challenges/
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‘No space for Islamophobes’: Malaysians protest Trump’s ‘alpha male’ pick for US envoy over pro-Zionist stance
19 Jul 2025
Malaysian protesters display placards during a demonstration against the US envoy nominee Nick Adams outside the US embassy in Kuala Lumpur on July 18, 2025. — AFP pic
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KUALA LUMPUR, July 19 — Dozens of Malaysians protested near the US embassy in the capital on Friday, calling for President Donald Trump’s nomination as envoy to the Southeast Asian nation to be rejected.
Trump nominated right-wing commentator Nick Adams, known for his outspoken views and strong pro-Israel stance, as ambassador to multicultural, Muslim-majority Malaysia a week ago.
Protesters chanted “Reject Nick Adams” and “Destroy America” and held up posters depicting Adams with a red cross over his face.
Other placards read: “No space for racists and Islamophobes in Malaysia.”
The marchers, organised by the youth wings of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Pakatan Harapan (Alliance of Hope) coalition, submitted a memorandum to the embassy near the centre of Kuala Lumpur.
They urged the US government to withdraw Adams’s nomination and “consider a candidate who is more professional, moderate, and attuned to the importance of Southeast Asia’s regional stability”.
Around 90 police officers watched the peaceful demonstration and redirected traffic.
Adams, 40, was born in Australia and is a naturalised US citizen.
“Single. Alpha Male. Wildly Successful. Built like a Greek God. President Trump’s favourite author,” Adams has described himself on social media platform X.
He has also said on X that “if you stand with Palestine you stand with radical Islamic terrorists and Jew hatred”.
Malaysia has no diplomatic ties with Israel and has repeatedly condemned its actions in Gaza and elsewhere.
‘No paid holiday’
Kuala Lumpur and Washington are also locked in tariff negotiations after the Trump administration threatened to slap a 25 per cent tariff on imports from Malaysia.
Diplomats agreed that Adams’s nomination, which has yet to be confirmed, has placed Anwar’s government in a delicate position.
It must negotiate a trade deal with Washington as an August 1 deadline approaches while also trying to mitigate growing calls to reject Adams’s appointment to the country of 34.5 million people.
Anwar said it was too early for his government to decide whether to accept Adams’s nomination.
“The government will surely give consideration (to the public’s views) and to also preserve the dignity as well as the good relations between Malaysia and the US,” Anwar told The Star newspaper.
Raja Ahmad Iskandar Fareez, a 36-year-old protester, told AFP: “The ambassadorship to Malaysia is not a paid holiday job for any loyalist… or any Tom, Dick or Nick.”
“In a very uncertain world that we are living in today, we need a skilful diplomat with a steady hand that understands the culture, that understands the nuances of Malaysia.”
Adams said online shortly after his nomination that it was “nothing short of a lifetime’s honour to take the President’s goodwill and spread it to the great people of Malaysia”. — AFP
Source: malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/07/19/no-space-for-islamophobes-malaysians-protest-trumps-alpha-male-pick-for-us-envoy-over-pro-zionist-stance/184416
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India
Chants Of ‘Har Har Mahadev!' This Is Time For The Kanwar Yatra And The Capital, Delhi, Surrenders To Its Fervour
Walk Of Faith That Brings City To Life. And Halt
Jul 18, 2025
New Delhi: For a few weeks each year, Delhi slows down, not the traffic, but the city's tone. The sense of urgency diminishes, the noise changes. Roads normally jammed with honking cars and office-bound buses now also echo with chants of ‘Har har Mahadev!' This is time for the kanwar yatra and the capital, every year, surrenders to its fervour.
Starting from July 11 this year and going on till July 23, the yatra sees lakhs of devotees from across Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab and Delhi passing through the capital, most of them headed for Hardwar, Gaumukh or Gangotri to collect holy Ganga water. They carry the water back, most of them barefooted, to offer at Shiva temples in their localities. The last three days of the yatra tend to be the busiest, with massive movement of the kanwariyas.
As many as three crore kanwariyas are expected to walk on city roads during the period. There's also transformation of the city's landscape: saffron flags flutter everywhere, loudspeakers blasting Bholenath's bhajans on loop, the air smells faintly of incense and fried snacks, and everywhere there are barefoot pilgrims garbed in orange, some carrying simple bamboo kanwars, others hauling elaborate, LED-lit, mirror-decked ones that brighten up the night. They walk for hours, often six or more, with a stick in hand for balance and safety, usually in groups.
Yellow and orange camps pop up regularly, some modest, others well organised. This year, Delhi has over 370 registered camps, more than double the number from last year. Many are equipped with air coolers, first-aid stations, fluffy mattresses and full meal arrangements. Some kanwariyas can be seen resting, bathing or just chatting after long hours of walking.
The camp put up by Mayapuri Kanwar Sangh is so big that it can accommodate around 2,500 kanwariyas at a time. The elaborate food menu adds to the generosity of the organisers. The marchers enjoy fruits and plates of matar-kulcha or aloo tikki, handed out by local volunteers. Raju Mahajan, 57, one of the core organisers, knows that journey first-hand. His first yatra was in 1997. "Back then, there were hardly any camps for kanwariyas," he recalled. "That's how the sangh was born. To serve others — from devotion to duty."
But not all camps are built for personal devotion alone. Some convey a different message. In Jaffrabad, one shelter stands out. Named Sadbhavna, it has been set up beside a mosque and is run entirely by members of the Muslim community. For them, it's more than just a resting spot for devotees of another religion. It's a symbol of harmony, of shared streets and common humanity. Seelampur MLA Zubair Chaudhary said the camp was first set up in 1994 in an attempt to curb communal disharmony in the area. It was the initiative of Chaudhary's father, Chaudhary Mateen Ahmed, a five-time Congress MLA.
While the Chaudharys shifted allegiance to the Aam Aadmi Party before this year's assembly elections, the 31-year-old tradition of Muslims showering kanwariyas with rose petals continues. "Before 1994, when kanwariyas walked past our locality, fights, even riots, would break out. The resident here did not understand their chants of ‘Bam Bam Bhole' or ‘Har har Mahadev' and felt they were being provoked. The tension would carry forward to Seelampur, where Muslims were targeted in retaliation," disclosed the legislator. On Friday, when namaz was on, prayers were halted in respect of the kanwariyas when they appeared on the street.
As the city vibrates to the annual rhythm of the yatra, every camp and every group along the road carries a story waiting to be told. For 18-year-old Krish, for example, it's his first yatra without his father, who died seven months ago. "He used to bring me for the yatra every year. It felt wrong to skip it," the teenager said. His friend Sachin walked beside him, both of them energised by the music accompanying their hike.
Hazari Lal is out again with his male squad. In his 60s now, Lal has done the yatra 19 times. "Pehli baar jab aaya tha, kuch nahi tha, na paisa, na rasta," he smiled. "Didn't even know what I was looking for. But something clicked. Tab se har saal aata hoon."
For some devotees, the yatra is routine. For others, preparation begins months in advance. And for Bhagwati and Chandraj, it's about companionship. "She won't go alone, so I come," says Chandraj. Bhagwati smiles: "It started with a mannat during a sad time. After its fulfilment, the wish to go on the yatra just arises from within." For them, it's not a ritual but a shared promise born in sorrow and now sustained by joy.
Meanwhile, for Jeetu, the yatra has a sense of acknowledgement. He is a tailor in Ballabhgarh in Haryana. "I forget everything during this time. It feels important to go," he said. "There is a sense of belonging and empowerment among the kanwariyas."
By July 23, most marchers will have reached their destinations. That's when the jal abhishek happens — the ritual pouring of the Gangajal over the Shivling on Sawan Shivratri. Till then, it's Delhi that encourages them, shelters them and watches them walk.
Source: indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/walk-of-faith-that-brings-city-to-life-and-halt/articleshow/122770068.cms
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Right-wing group shuts KFC in Ghaziabad over meat sale during Sawan, police step in
18.07.25
Members of a right-wing Hindu group allegedly shut down a KFC outlet forcibly in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad, protesting against the sale of meat during the ongoing holy month of Sawan and Kanwar Yatra.
According to police, the alleged incident occurred in the Vasundhara area under the Indirapuram police station limits on Thursday. A purported video of the incident began doing rounds on social media on Friday.
Sources indicate that despite there being no official ban on the sale of non-vegetarian food items in the region during Sawan, the group moved to halt operations at the fast-food outlet. The purported video of the incident shows the group chanting slogans like 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Jai Shri Ram' as they confronted the restaurant staff before forcibly pulling down the shutters.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Abhishek Srivastav confirmed the incident on Friday, saying, "An incident came to our notice on July 17 where some individuals created a ruckus at a food outlet and tried to close it down. Police immediately reached the spot, dispersed them, and ensured the smooth operation of the food outlet." He added, "Taking cognisance of the said incident, a case has already been registered at the Indirapuram police station in connection with the incident. All these individuals are being identified, and further action will be taken based on facts."
Source: telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/right-wing-group-shuts-kfc-in-ghaziabad-over-meat-sale-during-sawan-police-step-in/cid/2113923
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Chhangur Baba, Alleged Mastermind Of A Religious Conversion Racket, Presented Himself As RSS Body Member, Used PM's Pic On Letterhead
Jul 19, 2025
Chhangur Baba, the alleged mastermind of a religious conversion racket busted in Uttar Pradesh, presented himself as a senior functionary of an RSS-affiliated body while meeting officials and even used the photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the letterhead of the organisation, investigators said.
Chhangur Baba, alias Jamaluddin, was made the general secretary (Awadh) of an organisation named Bharat Pratikarth Seva Sangh, which was being run by another key accused, Eidul Islam.
Investigators said the name of the organisation was strategically chosen to create a false impression that it was associated with the RSS.
Islam even established a bogus centre in Nagpur - the headquarters of the RSS - to make the outfit look credible.
During meetings with officials and political leaders, Chhangur Baba and Islam used to name-drop several prominent RSS functionaries to lend credibility to their claims of affiliation.
Chhangur Baba, a spiritual leader from Balrampur, was arrested earlier this month for allegedly orchestrating a large-scale religious conversion racket. He particularly targeted minor girls from economically weaker sections.
The Special Task Force (STF), investigating the case, also found that Islam was involved in illegal purchases of village community lands by colluding with local administration officials.
CHARGES AGAINST CHHANGUR BABA
In its FIR against Chhangur Baba, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has said that he was plotting to set up a terrorist training facility with the help of foreign funding.
He is alleged to have received over Rs 500 crore from foreign sources, including Gulf countries and possibly Pakistan.
The financial angle is being probed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). It has alleged that Chhangur Baba owned properties worth over Rs 100 crore in UP and Maharashtra, mostly on encroached government land.
Moreover, the ED has found evidence of money laundering worth Rs 60 crore while probing 22 bank accounts linked to Chhangur Baba and his aides.
The agency has found that the spiritual leader purchased a complex named 'Ranwal Greens' in Mumbai through a suspicious deal. The ED has also obtained documents that reveal his links to a Panama-based company named 'Logos Marine'.
Source: indiatoday.in
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/conversion-racket-mastermind-chhangur-baba-rss-affiliated-outfit-member-2758123-2025-07-19
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Ladakh LG stirs regional dynamics: BJP leader had flagged 'land jihad'
Muzaffar Raina
19.07.25
Kavinder Gupta, the BJP leader who once accused Muslims in Jammu of orchestrating a land jihad, was sworn in as Ladakh’s lieutenant governor (LG) on Friday, where he appeared to carry forward a familiar narrative by raising the cry of regional discrimination.
Gupta had found himself in a controversy after allegations that he himself had encroached on the state land in Jammu, a charge he denied, while his party was caught on the wrong foot after it emerged that most of the alleged encroachers were Hindus.
Gupta, who served as deputy chief minister in the PDP-led government, took oath as Ladakh LG with Chief Justice of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, Justice Arun Palli, administering the oath of office in Leh town.
The CEOs of Leh and Kargil Autonomous Hill Development Councils, MP from Ladakh Haji Mohmad Haneefa Jan, the chief secretary, DGP, administrative secretaries and other dignitaries attended the ceremony at Raj Nivas in Leh town.
Gupta’s appointment has come ahead of the next round of talks between the ministry of home affairs and Ladakh leaders next week over the joint demand of its Muslim and Buddhist population seeking Sixth Schedule status, statehood with a legislature and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil districts of Ladakh UT. The residents have been up in arms against the Centre for delaying their demands.
The new LG, soon after taking over, assured Ladakhis that they would work unitedly and rise above religion, caste and party politics to work for the development of Ladakh.
"A lot needs to be done. In previous times, there has been a lot of discrimination against Ladakh, and there are no two opinions about it,” he said, reviving the old complaint of the region’s Buddhists against Kashmir-based politicians.
“We want to take Ladakh to a stage where it will be named among the top states for tourism in the world.”
Muslims enjoy a slender majority in Ladakh, and they have traditionally shunned calls for a Union Territory status for the region. The two communities, however, joined hands after the 2019 scrapping of special status and bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two UTs to fight for greater powers for the locals.
There have been mixed reactions to Gupta’s appointment as LG, with the region’s MP Haneefa Jan congratulating him and she hoped that as a “seasoned leader” from the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, he carries with him a “deep understanding of the unique geographical, socio-political, and developmental challenges of Ladakh”.
Chief minister Omar Abdullah wished him luck but said he can succeed only if he takes the people of Leh (Buddhist majority) and Kargil (Muslim majority) along.
Gupta had stirred a major controversy in 2020 when he called the scrapping of the Roshni Act — that legalised encroachments in Jammu and Kashmir — by Jammu and Kashmir High Court a “surgical strike” against “land jihad”. The act was scrapped following a campaign by the Right-wing leaders in Jammu, including those from the BJP.
Source: telegraphindia.com
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Court seeks PCMC response on proposed demolition of 16 mosques in Kudalwadi
Jul 19, 2025
Pune: The civil court in Akurdi on Wednesday issued a show cause notice to the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) after 16 religious organisations from Kudalwadi filed a civil suit challenging demolition notices issued by the civic body for alleged unauthorised constructions.
Civil judge (junior division) V S Damre in an order directed PCMC to explain why an ex-parte temporary injunction should not be granted in the matter. "Before passing any ex-parte order, it is essential to follow the legal principle of audi alteram partem (the right to be heard), and therefore the defendants must also be heard," the court said and asked the civic body to submit its reply by July 31, when the case will be heard next.
In April, PCMC issued demolition notices to 31 religious structures comprising 18 mosques and 13 temples in Kudalwadi and nearby areas, citing unauthorised constructions without requisite permissions from its building permission and unauthorised construction control department. The occupants were told to voluntarily remove these structures and warned of action if they failed.
The representatives of 16 mosques challenged these notices in the court. Advocate Aseem Sarode, representing the petitioners, argued that the notices were served illegally, without following due legal process. "The notices were generic, failing to specify the exact portion of the construction deemed illegal. There was no proper identification, and no opportunity was given to the petitioners for a personal hearing," he said in the court.
Sarode told TOI that the Supreme Court, in a similar case, laid down guidelines on how demolition notices should be issued, including proper formats like what information they should contain and procedures which are to be followed. "However, PCMC did not follow these guidelines. Hence, we have challenged it before the court," he said.
PCMC's city engineer Makarand Nikam, who heads the building permission and unauthorised construction control department, told TOI that he was yet to get more information on the court order. "We followed the procedure for issuing notices and hearings were conducted in all 31 cases. We will submit our response to the court as directed," he said.
In Feb, PCMC demolished more than 4,000 unauthorised industrial units and scrap shops in Kudalwadi. At that time, civic officials decided not to act against residential properties, religious structures and ATMs, despite their unauthorised status.
Most of the religious structures that received notices are said to have been built by the owners of industrial units and scrap shops that were razed in PCMC action. Their caretakers claim that some of them are 40-50 years old and have received donations from local elected representatives, including MPs and MLAs.
Source: indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/court-seeks-pcmc-response-on-proposed-demolition-of-16-mosques-in-kudalwadi/articleshow/122772134.cms
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Jailed J&K MP Engineer Rashid to move resolution for statehood in Parliament
Fayaz Wani
18 Jul 2025
SRINAGAR: As politics on restoration of statehood in Jammu and Kashmir has gained momentum ahead of the monsoon session of parliament, jailed J&K MP Sheikh Rashid, also known as Engineer Rashid, will move a resolution in Parliament seeking its restoration, his party said on Friday.
Awami Ittihad Party (AIP) chief spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said today that party president and jailed Lok Sabha MP from Baramulla Engineer Rashid will bring a resolution in the upcoming Parliament session demanding the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
The monsoon session of parliament begins on July 21.
“The demand for statehood is not a favour but a constitutional right that was unilaterally taken away in 2019. It is time Parliament corrects this historic wrong. Engineer Rashid’s resolution is a reflection of people’s yearning for dignity, democratic rights and self-respect,” Inam said.
He said despite being “unjustly jailed”, Engineer Rashid has not allowed chains of incarceration to silence the voice of his people.
“He will continue to use every democratic platform available to uphold the aspirations and sentiments of Jammu and Kashmir.”
Engineer Rashid, who is in jail since 2019 in an alleged case of terror funding, last year contested the parliamentary election from Baramulla Lok Sabha seat from jail and won by defeating two political heavy weights Omar Abdullah and Peoples conference chairman and former minister Sajjad Gani Lone.
The AIP has moved an application in Patiala House Court New Delhi seeking permission for Engineer Rashid to attend the monsoon session of parliament starting from July 21.
The NIA has, however, opposed Engineer Rashid’s plea. The court on July 8 reserved its order and it is likely to be announced on July 21, the opening day of the parliament session.
Source: newindianexpress.com
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https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Jul/18/jailed-jk-mp-engineer-rashid-to-move-resolution-for-statehood-in-parliament
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J&K: 10 sites in Kashmir raided; Jaish sleeper cell under probe
Jul 19, 2025
NEW DELHI: The Counter-Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) unit of the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday carried out searches at 10 locations across four districts of the Kashmir Valley in connection with a terror-crime investigation.
According to the CIK, the raids are linked to a case involving terrorist sleeper cells and a recruitment module allegedly operated from across the border by Jaish-e-Mohammed commander Abdullah Ghazi.
The searches were conducted at one location in Pulwama, six in Ganderbal, one in Srinagar, and two in Budgam.
Officials said the action is part of an ongoing probe into cross-border efforts to revive terrorism in the region through local networks.
Further details about the findings from the raids are awaited.
Source: indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/jk-10-sites-in-kashmir-raided-jaish-sleeper-cell-under-probe/articleshow/122776273.cms
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'Develop the city whose name you’re changing': Opposition slams renaming of Islampur to Ishwarpur
18.07.25
Maharashtra Government on Friday announced that Islampur in Sangli district is being renamed as Ishwarpur.
The announcement was made in the state legislature on the last day of the monsoon session.
The move came after a Hindutva organization, Shiv Pratisthan, sent a memorandum to the Sangli collectorate demanding that Islampur’s name be changed to Ishwarpur.
Shiv Pratishtan is headed by Sambhaji Bhide whose supporters have said that they would not rest until the demand is met.
A Shiv Sena leader from Islampur said that the demand for a change in name has been pending since 1986.
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray said, "What will merely changing names achieve. The ones involved in hooliganism are roaming around you, bring change in that too."
Congress MLA Aslam Shaikh said, "Rename Islampur as Ishwarpur, do everything but besides this, also work for the welfare of the city. There is no proper drinking water facility and roads there. There are no gardens and playgrounds there. People are living in bad to worse condition. So, how long will you fool people like this?"
Samajwadi Party MLA Rais Shaikh said, "Develop the city whose name you are changing; changing the name doesn’t change the situation."
Congress MLA Amin Patel said, "This government is trying to mislead people by constantly changing names instead of focusing on real issues like employment, education, and healthcare."
Source: telegraphindia.com
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Africa
Sultan calls for peace, dialogue to tackle global challenges at Muslim leaders’ confab
JULY 18, 2025
The Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar, has urged citizens of the world, in general, and Africans, in particular, to embrace peace and dialogue.
Danladi Bako, a former director-general of the National Broadcasting Commission, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
The statement said Mr Abubakar stated this during a two-day Muslim World Leaders Conference in Oxford, England.
He said these two attributes would engender social harmony and peaceful coexistence.
Mr Abubakar said the world would be more peaceful, stable, and prosperous with dialogue among various actors involved in the current global challenges.
‘’Islam remains a religion of peace with emphasis on dialogue, and this I will continue to propagate,” said the sultan. ‘’This is the time for us to engender social harmony and peaceful co-existence as our guiding principle since Islam remains a religion of peace.’’
The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies is an independent centre and University of Oxford affiliate established in 1985 for advanced research into Islam and Muslim societies.
The centre’s focus is on promoting interfaith dialogue, inter-civilisational understanding, Islamic finance, environmental issues, fellowships, scholarship, and the growth of Muslim youths in Britain.
The Sultan is attending the conference, along with other leaders, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the creation of the centre.
The event, which included an annual general meeting of the centre’s board of trustees, was declared open on Thursday by the centre’s grand patron, King Charles 111.
The event was also attended by a former president of Turkey, Abdullah Gül, Saudi Prince Turki Al Faisal, and Sultan Nazrin Shah of Perak, Malaysia.
Source: gazettengr.com
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https://gazettengr.com/sultan-calls-for-peace-dialogue-to-tackle-global-challenges-at-muslim-leaders-confab/
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Terrorism: Court To Rule On Nnamdi Kanu’s No-Case Submission October 10
July 19, 2025
By Enioluwa Adeniyi
The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed October 10 for ruling on the no-case submission filed by the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanuhttps://www.naijanews.com/topic/nnamdi-kanu/, who is standing trial on terrorism-related charges brought against him by the Federal Government.
Naija News reports that Justice James Omotosho will decide whether to uphold Kanu’s request for dismissal of the charges or compel him to enter a defence.
During Friday’s hearing, the prosecution, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Adegboyega Awomolo, urged the court to reject the no-case submission and order Kanu to open his defence.
Awomolo argued that the government had presented sufficient evidence, including video and audio recordings, to warrant a full trial. He insisted Kanu must explain his alleged role in inciting acts of terrorism that led to violence, destruction of property, and the deaths of at least 170 security personnel.
He said, “The court must consider the panoramic view of the evidence presented so far. “The prosecution has called five witnesses and tendered several exhibits that establish the elements of the offences. We urge the court to dismiss the no-case submission.”
However, Kanu’s lead counsel, Godwin Agabi (SAN), argued that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against his client.
“All the prosecution has done is to paint a picture that the defendant is a bad man,” Agabi said.
He contended that none of the witnesses testified that they were incited to commit violence as a result of Kanu’s statements.
“This man (Kanu) can boast. He said, ‘I could bring the world to a standstill.’ I don’t see anything wrong with that. You don’t prosecute a man for mere boasting,” the senior lawyer argued.
In a further attempt to discredit the charges, Agabi told the court that the DSS Director General, Adeola Ajayi, and former Defence Minister, Theophilus Danjuma, had both, at different times, advised Nigerians to defend themselves against attacks, similar to what Kanu allegedly said.
“The defendant merely urged the people to defend themselves. If that’s a crime, then many others are guilty too,” Agabi maintained.
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/07/19/terrorism-court-to-rule-on-nnamdi-kanus-no-case-submission-october-10/
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FG Speaks On Involvement In First Holdco Share Acquisition
July 18, 2025
By George Oshogwe Ogbolu
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN, has denied the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration’s involvement in First Holdco Share Acquisition.
A report had emerged claiming that 25 per cent shares of Frist Holdco were acquired by a trustee, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), acting under the aegis of the federal government.
The trustee, the report claimed, was set up through the settlement being brokered by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, working with the Central Bank of Nigeria, facilitated the acquisition through a custodial arrangement.
“The shares are now with the trustee for the next two or three weeks when they will decide how to proceed and reach a strategic decision on what to do with the shares and also look at FBN’s plan for capital raise to meet CBN requirement”, a source familiar with the deliberations told THISDAY last night.
But in a statement to Naija News, Special Adviser to the President on Communication and Publicity (Office of the AGF), Kamarudeen Ogundele, dismissed the report.
He described the report by This Day as inaccurate, misleading, resentful and malicious.
The statement read: “We are compelled to respond to a publication by ThisDay Newspaper of July 17, 2025, and Arise TV suggesting that 25% of First Bank Holdings (First Holdco) shares were transferred to the Federal Government of Nigeria’s (FGN) trustee.
“The report is inaccurate, misleading, resentful and malicious.
“Neither the Federal Government of Nigeria nor the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice participated in acquiring the shares in question.
“The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice debunks this falsehood to prevent confusion or misconceptions about First Holdco’s ownership and governance.
“The circumstances surrounding the shareholding structure are distinct from any government involvement.
“However, it is aware of a trustee set up by the First Holdco, with the CBN approving Stanbic IBTC to oversee it as a third party.
“We urge the media to exercise restraint, professionalism, and due diligence in carrying out their duties to avoid violating the law.
“We assure the public of continuous commitment to the promotion of the Rule of Law, Justice, equity, accountability, transparency and service to the nation by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/07/18/just-in-fg-speaks-on-involvement-in-first-holdco-share-acquisition/
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South Asia
Bangladesh Signs MoU With UN Rights Body To Protect Human Rights
Jul 19, 2025
The government has signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to host a mission in the country aimed at promoting and protecting human rights, according to a press statement.
"We acknowledge that some groups in Bangladesh have expressed concerns about the perceived ideological orientation of UN human rights bodies. Bangladesh is a society grounded in strong cultural and religious traditions. We have received feedback from citizens who have said that any international partnership should be respectful of these values. Therefore, the OHCHR mission will focus on addressing and preventing serious human rights abuses, such as those perpetrated by the previous government, and ensuring accountability for violations," the statement said adding that it will not serve to promote any social agenda that falls outside the country's established legal, social and cultural framework.
The mission aims to provide training and technical assistance to government institutions and civil society organisations to help Bangladesh meet its national and international human rights obligations through capacity-building, legal support, and institutional strengthening.
The initiative reflects the government's ongoing commitment to reform and accountability, particularly in light of serious human rights violations reported in July–August 2024, said the statement issued yesterday.
"We expect that the mission will always demonstrate transparency and maintain close cooperation with local stakeholders. The UN has committed to operating in full respect of Bangladesh's cultural and religious reality," the statement said.
It retains the sovereign authority to withdraw from the agreement, should it determine that the partnership no longer aligns with national interests.
It is worth noting that if such an office had existed during previous administration when extrajudicial killings and public massacres occurred with impunity, many of those crimes might have been properly investigated, documented, and prosecuted. "Our commitment to human rights today must be rooted in justice, not ideology," the statement said.
"The government considers this partnership as an opportunity to strengthen our institutions and enhance protections for our citizens, guided by our values, shaped by our laws," it added.
Source: thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/govt-signs-mou-un-rights-body-protect-human-rights-3942976
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Supporting returnees IEA’s key responsibility, Hanafi
July 19, 2025
KABUL: Mawlavi Abdul Salam Hanafi, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Islamic Emirate for Administrative Affairs, said that ensuring security, addressing public concerns, and supporting returning migrants are key responsibilities of the Islamic Emirate, according to a statement from Arg the other day.
Speaking at a meeting with Mawlavi Abdul Rahman Haqqani, Governor of Baghlan province, Hanafi emphasized the importance of ensuring security, addressing the pressing needs of the local population, and providing comprehensive support to forcibly returned migrants.
He highlighted the Islamic Emirate’s commitment to working diligently within its available resources to overcome challenges and advance development efforts in Baghlan, aiming to improve the living conditions and well-being of all residents in the province.
Governor Haqqani provided updates on the social, security, and governance situation in Baghlan and emphasized that the Mujahidin and officials of the Islamic Emirate remain committed to serving the people and work tirelessly to ensure security and peace in the province.
He also raised local concerns regarding development projects, healthcare services, job creation, and support for forcibly returned migrants from neighboring countries.
Hanafi also assured that the Islamic Emirate will take necessary actions within its capacity to resolve issues and meet the demands of the people of Baghlan.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/supporting-returnees-ieas-key-responsibility-hanafi/
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MoFA hosts trilateral meeting on regional connectivity, stability
July 19, 2025
KABUL: The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Friday that it has hosted a trilateral political consultation meeting with the foreign ministers of Uzbekistan and Pakistan in Kabul, focusing on regional connectivity, economic cooperation, and stability.
The meeting has been held ahead of the signing of the feasibility study agreement for the Trans-Afghan Railway Project, the statement said.
During the talks, the three sides emphasized strengthening bilateral and regional ties, enhancing economic connectivity, and expanding joint trade.
Participants highlighted the need to fully utilize the region’s potential through sustained cooperation to achieve long-term prosperity for their peoples. Speaking at the meeting, Mawlavi Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, said that the Trans-Afghan Railway would not only reinforce regional connectivity but also serve the shared interests of all three countries. He stressed that mutual benefits bring mutual responsibilities, which must be fulfilled through sincere, continued, and collective efforts.
The Uzbek and Pakistani foreign ministers expressed strong support for Afghanistan’s stability and regional role, reaffirming their countries’ commitment to infrastructure, trade, and transit cooperation. They acknowledged that sustained peace in Afghanistan would create a foundation for broader regional prosperity.
The meeting concluded with a joint pledge to continue political dialogue and build on the momentum for stronger trilateral engagement.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/mofa-hosts-trilateral-meeting-on-regional-connectivity-stability/
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UK Urged to Support Settlement Development for Afghan Returnees
2025-07-19
KABUL (BNA) In a meeting, Mawlavi Abdul Kabir, the Minister of Refugees and Repatriation, called on the United Kingdom to assist in building residential settlements for Afghan returnees.
The discussions took place with Robert Dickson, chargé d’affaires of UK to Kabul, and Richard Lindsay, the new UK representative for Afghanistan.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, the meeting focused on the urgent need for humanitarian aid for Afghans forcibly returned from neighboring Pakistan and Iran. The British representatives reaffirmed their commitment to continue providing humanitarian support and emphasized the importance of dialogue with the Islamic Emirate.
The UK’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan pointed out that resolving the ongoing challenges requires constructive international engagement.
Mawlavi Abdul Kabir expressed appreciation for the UK’s past contributions while noting that the Islamic Emirate is actively working to support returnees by providing essential services at border crossings.
Mawlavi Kabir highlighted the immediate need for assistance to assist returnees reintegrate into their communities, urging that humanitarian aid must remain free from political influences. He proposed that by constructing dedicated settlements, the cycle of repeated migration could be mitigated.
In conclusion, Mawlavi Abdul Kabir underscored that the Islamic Emirate has taken steps to address international concerns and called for Western recognition of its governance, urging that countries like the UK should not delay further.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/uk-urged-to-support-settlement-development-for-afghan-returnees/
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Pakistan Will Not Renew Afghan Refugee ID Cards, Minister Confirms
By Fidel Rahmati-
July 19, 2025044
Pakistan’s Interior Minister confirmed the government will not renew Afghan refugee ID cards, and deported individuals will be blacklisted from re-entering the country.
Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, has announced that the government will not extend the Proof of Registration (POR) cards issued to Afghan refugees. He also stated that deported individuals will be placed on a blacklist, barring their re-entry into Pakistan.
Naqvi made these remarks on Friday, July 18, during an informal conversation with journalists in Islamabad. His statement signals a firm stance by the Pakistani government on its evolving immigration policy.
According to the interior minister, the expulsion of Afghan refugees and their inclusion in a re-entry blacklist are part of broader changes in Pakistan’s immigration framework. These measures are being taken as part of a new policy direction aimed at tightening border and residency controls.
The deportation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan began last year and has continued steadily. Thousands of Afghan families have been forced to leave, often without consideration of their humanitarian or security circumstances.
This policy shift has sparked criticism from human rights groups and international observers, who warn that the move could further endanger vulnerable populations, especially women and children, returning to uncertain conditions in Afghanistan.
The Pakistani government maintains that its actions are necessary for national security and lawful migration enforcement. However, the lack of legal pathways and the abrupt nature of deportations have raised serious ethical and humanitarian concerns.
As regional instability persists, pressure is mounting on both Pakistan and the international community to find sustainable and humane solutions to the refugee crisis. International cooperation and renewed diplomatic efforts may be critical in addressing the root causes and consequences of forced migration in South Asia.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/pakistan-will-not-renew-afghan-refugee-id-cards-minister-confirms/
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Germany Deports 81 Afghan Refugees to Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati
July 19, 2025
Germany deported 81 Afghan refugees with criminal records, citing security concerns. The move follows federal policy agreements and coordination with Kabul authorities.
The German government has announced the deportation of 81 Afghan refugees, citing their criminal records and the threat they posed to public security. This marks the second mass deportation of Afghan nationals since the Taliban took power in Afghanistan.
Germany’s Ministry of the Interior confirmed on Friday that the 81 Afghan refugees were flown from Leipzig Airport to Kabul earlier that morning. The ministry stated that the deported individuals had criminal backgrounds and were considered a threat to national security.
This is the first mass deportation of Afghan nationals under the new German government led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The Ministry of the Interior added that the move is part of a federal coalition agreement, which includes provisions for returning foreign nationals with criminal records to their countries of origin.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the interim administration also confirmed the deportation in a statement, noting that the process took place after extensive discussions between German officials and representatives of the Taliban government.
German media reported that the deportees were transported to the airport in several buses, with some of them wearing electronic ankle monitors. The deportation flight was operated by Qatar Airways and landed in Kabul at 8:35 a.m. local time.
Since the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, the deportation of Afghan refugees from European countries has become a sensitive issue. The previous German government, led by Olaf Scholz, had also deported 28 Afghan nationals with criminal convictions back to Afghanistan last year. Human rights organizations have previously warned that deporting individuals to a country with uncertain human rights conditions could put their lives at risk. However, German authorities insist that only individuals with serious criminal records and security risks are being deported.
The deportation has sparked renewed debate in Germany and across Europe about the balance between public safety and humanitarian obligations. Critics argue that while security is important, deportations to conflict-ridden or unstable countries must be handled with extreme caution.
The German government is expected to face increased scrutiny from international watchdogs and civil society groups. The issue also highlights the ongoing challenge European nations face in managing migration, refugee protection, and national security in an era of global instability.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/germany-deports-81-afghan-refugees-to-afghanistan/
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Southeast Asia
Sultan Sharafuddin: Every fatwa in Selangor goes through rigorous process
19 Jul 2025
SHAH ALAM, July 19 — The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah,yesterday stressed that every fatwa issued in the state goes through a structured and thorough process.
A statement posted on the Selangor Royal Office Facebook page said the Sultan also decreed that this diligence involved taking into account views from various parties, particularly from the state Fatwa Committee and syariah law experts.
The post also shared the procedures undertaken before a fatwa is issued, stating that each ruling must go through a process of complete data collection, comprehensive information gathering, and a precise understanding of the issue before it is discussed.
A ‘Muzakarah Pakar’ (Expert Discussion) is then held to thoroughly deliberate on the matter, attended by religious scholars, academics and relevant stakeholders, as well as officers from authorised bodies.
“If no firm resolution is reached, a ‘Bahthul Masail’ (discussion of issues) will be convened. This is a more focused and smaller-scale discussion aimed at resolving complex matters in greater detail and depth.” “Only then will the Fatwa Committee Meeting be held, based on Section 48(2) of the Selangor Islamic Religious Administration Enactment 2003,” the post stated.
According to the same post, every study is presented during the Fatwa Committee Meeting with scholarly value and includes two-way discussions between researchers and committee members.
The ‘sighah’ (wording) of the fatwa that has been decided by the committee will then be reviewed and harmonised during the Technical Committee for the Harmonisation of Fatwa Meeting.
“This sighah will be submitted to the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) Members’ Meeting to carefully evaluate the proposed fatwa and make a recommendation to the Sultan of Selangor for gazettement.
“If the Sultan of Selangor consents to the gazettement of the fatwa, only then will it be submitted to the State Executive Council Meeting,” the post added.
The Selangor Royal Office stated that once the fatwa had been submitted, the legal advisor’s chamber would review it before it was published in the Selangor government gazette.
Earlier, Sultan Sharafuddin, through a posting on the Selangor Royal Office Facebook page, called on Muslims and the people of Selangor to understand and appreciate the essence of today’s Friday sermon titled “Precision in Issuing Fatwas”. — Bernama
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/07/19/sultan-sharafuddin-every-fatwa-in-selangor-goes-through-rigorous-process/184434
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‘Malaysia our shared responsibility’: Anwar stresses unity as key to national survival
19 Jul 2025
BATU KAWAN, July 19 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today reminded the people not to be influenced by racial hatred or express sentiments that could undermine national harmony.
Instead, the prime minister called on the people to embrace unity in diversity, which he described as Malaysia’s strength in driving the country’s development.
He stressed that incitement to racial hatred would not bring about national progress and that only stability could ensure sustainable development.
Anwar said the Madani Government under his leadership was making continuous efforts to resolve the people’s issues, including housing, poverty and the cost of living, without marginalising any race, especially minority communities.
“I wish to remind the people of Malaysia that it is our shared responsibility. If we want to save this country, we must preserve national unity. This is our strength.
“It is true that the Bumiputera Malays are the majority, but if we care for all — Malays, Chinese, Indians, Ibans and Kadazans — then we will be safe. We must stand united and uphold harmony. This is not merely a matter of necessity but about Malaysia’s survival,” he said when officiating the National-Level Unity Week (SMP) 2025 celebration at the Batu Kawan Stadium grounds here today.
Also present were National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul and Deputy National Unity Minister K. Saraswathy.
Anwar also emphasised the importance of addressing issues comprehensively through dialogue rather than resorting to incitement or emotional appeals, including calls for his resignation.
“Who says the government cannot be changed? Just bring a motion in Parliament saying that the prime minister has lost support, (then) he must resign. But it cannot be done, as there is no support. If you want change, wait for the general election.
“Don’t think it’s all easy because building (a nation) takes time but destroying it is far easier. This country remains peaceful because the people are more mature and do not give in to incitement that causes division,” he said.
Anwar said that on the international stage, Malaysia’s stability has attracted global attention, with Kuala Lumpur recently hosting key discussions during the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
“Kuala Lumpur has recently drawn global attention and for the first time since Donald Trump became president, high-level talks took place between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
“They both held discussions, but more importantly, Malaysia was given space (to host such engagements). For the first time ever, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also held high-level discussions with Rubio,” he said.
Meanwhile, Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, announced an additional allocation of RM10 million to the Ministry of National Unity for the implementation of nationhood programmes.
Earlier, Aaron, in his speech, requested the prime minister to consider approving a special allocation of RM10 million to carry out nationhood programmes for the younger generation. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/07/19/malaysia-our-shared-responsibility-pm-calls-for-unitysteer-clear-of-racial-hatred-2/184487
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What Opposition meeting? PAS Youth says unaware of Muhyiddin call, but suggests talks lack weight without Islamist party
By Malay Mail
19 Jul 2025
KOTA BHARU, July 19 — PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden reportedly said he was not informed of Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s recent meeting with Opposition parties outside the coalition.
Free Malaysia Today quoted him suggesting that the party’s top leadership may have known about the meeting and expressed support for such engagements to unite the opposition.
“I have no information regarding the meeting. Maybe top leadership is aware of it,” he told reporters after officiating the Kelantan PAS Youth annual general meeting here.
“However, I think it’s good to have such a meeting to strengthen the opposition beyond partisan politics. I guess Muhyiddin was playing his role as PN chief.”
Despite that, Afnan said the meeting could have carried more weight if PAS leadership had been present and the Islamist party would likely have joined the meeting if they had been invited.
“I’m not sure of the technicalities behind the meeting, but I feel PAS’ presence would have strengthened it,” he reportedly said.
Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday said he held a meeting with leaders of several opposition parties to discuss forming a coalition focused on national interests.
Muhyiddin said the proposed coalition aims to provide a united opposition front and reinforce the check and balance function in and out of Parliament.
PN component parties Gerakan and Malaysian Indian People’s Party were present — but not PAS.
Other parties represented included Muda, Parti Pejuang Tanahair, Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra), People’s Progressive Party, Berjasa, United for the Rights of Malaysians Party (Urimai), and Malaysian Advancement Party.
Source: malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/07/19/what-opposition-meeting-pas-youth-says-unaware-of-muhyiddin-call-but-suggests-talks-lack-weight-without-islamist-party/184497
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Europe
German University Revokes Islamic University Group StatusAs An Official Student Body
18 July 2025
The university of Kiel in the Northern German State of Schleswig-Holstein said it would revoke the status of the Islamic University Group (IHG) as an official student body.
That came following several problematic incidents during the university’s Islamic Week in May 2025.
The board of directors of the Christian Albrechts University wrote in statement on July 16 that IHG would lose its official status as a university group and no longer be able to use the buildings or the digital infrastructure of the university for its purposes.
Furthermore, the university might take further measures against the group and its leaders including expulsion, bans from the premises and initiating legal proceedings.
The facility’s decision came more than two months after a highly publicised Islamic Week at the institution in early May 2025, which was organised by IHG.
According to local newspaper Kieler Nachrichten witnesses complained about several problematic incidents during the event.
Those included the invitation of noted Austrian Salafist Sertac Odabas as a guest speaker as well as setting up a book stall with Salafist literature. Salafism is a fundamentalist movement within Islam.
State interior minister Sabine Sütterlin-Waack said in the State parliament that the German office for protection of the Constitution had been monitoring the Kiel university’s Islamic Week as it had been heavily advertised in German fundamentalist Islam circles.
In addition to apparently questionable content regarding the Islamic Week, there had been complaints about anti-Semitic stickers on laptops used by participants as well as a request for men and women to sit separately during the various speeches and events.
The university started an investigation into the allegations immediately after it had been alerted by the Constitution watchdog on June 19, according to university vice president Catherine Cleophas.
As the facility wrote in its statement, the allegations of misconduct could not be disproven during the investigation. Furthermore, it had become apparent, the statement said, that IHG’s internal processes made it incapable of organising events independently.
The university wrote: “Trust in the university group has been permanently shaken, meaning that its status as a university group will be revoked. Until it is officially revoked the rights of the IHG as a university group are suspended.”
Source: brusselssignal.eu
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https://brusselssignal.eu/2025/07/german-university-revokes-islamic-student-unions-status/
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Azerbaijani president attends opening of restored historic mosque in Giyasli
18 July 2025
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the opening ceremony of the newly restored historic mosque on July 18 in the village of Giyasli, located in the Aghdam district.
Anar Alakbarov, Assistant to the President, provided an update on the restoration efforts, which began in 2022 under the leadership of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Caliber.Az reports via presidential website.
The Giyasli mosque, severely damaged during the Armenian occupation of Aghdam, was previously used as a cattle shed—resulting in the destruction of its roof and domes. President Aliyev had visited the site earlier, on May 28, 2021, as part of a trip to the region.
The restoration project aimed to preserve the mosque’s original structure, relying on archival documents and historical video footage.
A preserved spiral staircase inside indicated the presence of twin minarets on the southern side, which were subsequently reconstructed in accordance with tradition. Tilted stone columns were restored with specialized equipment, stone arches and domes rebuilt, and damaged plaster on the walls repaired. The mihrab, which had become unusable, was also restored. Facade stones were cleaned using special chemical agents, and joints between old stones were cleared. Auxiliary buildings were constructed around the mosque.
Since 2001, the Giyasli mosque has been recognised as a locally significant immovable historical and cultural monument by the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan.
Source: caliber.az
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https://caliber.az/en/post/azerbaijani-president-attends-opening-of-restored-historic-mosque-in-giyasli
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President Ilham Aliyev attends inauguration of restored historic mosque building in Aghdam’s Giyasly village
18 July 2025
On July 18, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the opening ceremony of the restored historic mosque building in the village of Giyasly, Aghdam district, Azernews reports.
Anar Alakbarov, Assistant to the President, briefed the head of state on the restoration progress.
It is worth recalling that on May 28, 2021, President Ilham Aliyev visited the Giyasly mosque during his trip to Aghdam.
The Giyasly mosque, one of the historical and religious monuments subjected to Armenian vandalism in Karabakh, was used as a cattle shed during the occupation of Aghdam district by Armenian armed forces. This led to severe damage, including the complete destruction of its roof and domes.
Restoration work began in 2022 after the liberation of Aghdam, led by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. The project relied on archival materials and video sources to faithfully preserve the mosque’s original appearance. A preserved spiral staircase inside indicated the presence of twin minarets on the southern side, which were subsequently reconstructed in accordance with tradition. Tilted stone columns were restored with specialized equipment, stone arches and domes rebuilt, and damaged plaster on the walls repaired. The mihrab, which had become unusable, was also restored. Facade stones were cleaned using special chemical agents, and joints between old stones were cleared. Auxiliary buildings were constructed around the mosque.
Since 2001, the Giyasly mosque has been listed as a locally significant immovable historical and cultural monument by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Source: azernews.az
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https://www.azernews.az/nation/244861.html
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UK's asylum hotel bill down 30%, government says
18 July 2025
Rob England
The government spent nearly a third less on hotels to house asylum seekers between April 2024 and March 2025, according to newly published figures.
The Home Office's annual accounts show £2.1bn was spent on hotel accommodation - an average of about £5.77m per day, down from £3bn or £8.3m per day, the previous year.
Data obtained by BBC Verify shows the saving has been driven by a reduction in the average nightly cost per person housed, after a government move to use cheaper forms of accommodation and room sharing.
But Dr Peter Walsh, from the Migration Observatory think tank at Oxford University, warned that the surge in small boat crossings seen since March could lead to a renewed reliance on hotels.
"I don't think hotels are going away anytime soon based on current trends," he said.
Hotel accommodation is used when there is no other housing available for asylum seekers, and the government has committed to stop using asylum hotels by the end of this Parliament.
There were 32,345 people in asylum hotels at the end of March 2025, up from 29,585 people at the end of June last year, but lower than the total in December.
A senior Home Office source said one of the main factors behind the saving was moving some asylum seekers from hotels into other types of cheaper accommodation.
They said the department had prioritised moving families and children into regular housing so they were not living in hotels for long periods of time.
BBC News understands the majority of people moved out of hotels are now living in local housing, or houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), a type of rented accommodation where at least three individuals share the use of a bathroom and kitchen.
Most of these properties have been acquired through the government's contracts with Serco, one of the three companies responsible for asylum accommodation.
Some savings have also been made by renegotiating elements of those contracts, which were originally signed by the previous Conservative government.
Officials have previously told MPs that greater room-sharing in hotels has helped reduce the number of sites and per head costs over the past financial year.
It is not clear how many people usually share a room, but Home Office minister Angela Eagle has previously said "people can double up or treble up" if rooms are big enough.
The Home Office accounts suggest 273 hotels were in use in March 2024 but that number has now fallen by 71.
The average nightly cost per person fell from £162.16 in March 2023 to £118.87 by March 2025, according to BBC Verify's analysis of official data obtained through a Freedom of Information request.
The Home Office's accounts also show that almost £50m of public money was effectively written off after the Labour government scrapped a Conservative plan to use the RAF Scampton site in Lincolnshire to house asylum seekers.
Tens of millions had already been spent on the site when Labour came to power and axed the plans.
The Home office annual report says that decision resulted in a "constructive loss of £48.5m", but a department source said the site would have been an even more expensive option than hotels, even taking into account the loss incurred.
The report also confirmed that £270m paid to Rwanda to help support the country's economic development was not refunded after the UK government scrapped the Rwanda scheme.
Conservative ministers had planned to send some asylum seekers to Rwanda to deter people from crossing the Channel in small boats.
However, the scheme was stalled by legal challenges and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has said it led to just four people being removed to the country voluntarily.
The Rwandan government said last year that it was "under no obligation" to pay back the £270m after Labour scrapped the deal.
Source: bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgeqwv98d55o
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Police drop investigation into Kneecap's Glastonbury performance
Ross McKee and Nalina Eggert
18 July 2025
No further action will be taken against Kneecap over their performance at Glastonbury, police have said.
Last month, Avon and Somerset Police launched a criminal investigation into comments made on stage by the Irish language rap trio at the music festival.
In Friday, the force said detectives had sought advice from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and chosen not to take any further action against Kneecap on the grounds that there was "insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for any offence".
Kneecap called the investigation "political policing intimidation" and said their performance was a "celebration of love and solidarity".
"This is political," they said.
"Every single person who saw our set knew no law was broken, not even close."
Kneecap had faced weeks of controversy over their pro-Palestinian stance, with Sharon Osbourne calling for their US visas to be revoked over messages they displayed on stage at Coachella.
The question over whether Kneecap should even perform at Glastonbury drew comment over the weeks before the festival, with the prime minister stepping in to say he did not think it was "appropriate".
Group member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh had appeared in court charged with a terror offence, related to allegedly displaying a flag at a gig in November in support of proscribed organisation Hezbollah.
He denies the charge.
Kneecap did perform but the BBC did not livestream their performance.
Police said their enquiries into pop-punk duo Bob Vylan continue.
The duo, whose set was broadcast live, led the crowd at the festival in chants of "death, death to the IDF [Israel Defense Forces]".
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy called the scenes "appalling and unacceptable", and the BBC apologised for not cutting the feed.
Police did not specify which part of Bob Vylan's or Kneecap's sets were subject to criminal investigation.
But in an earlier statement they said they had recorded them as a public order incident.
Analysis: Robbie Meredith, BBC News NI Education and Arts Correspondent
Kneecap are a band on the up, with a passionate fan base, but most of the headlines they have generated have not been about their music.
The BBC had judged them as "high risk" ahead of their performance at Glastonbury and so did not live stream it.
But Kneecap's set at the festival led to a police investigation nevertheless.
Avon and Somerset Police have now clarified that it was "comments about a forthcoming court case made during Kneecap's performance," that they were investigating.
In reference to an upcoming court hearing involving band member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, Kneecap's Naoise Ó Cairealláin told the Glastonbury crowd they would "start a riot outside the courts".
Though he subsequently told the crowd: "No riots, just love and support, and support for Palestine."
A police investigation followed, but according to Avon and Somerset police to prove an offence may have required them to prove beyond all reasonable doubt that there was an intention by the band to start a riot.
The police and the CPS seem to have judged that there was no realistic prospect of that.
Kneecap have been characteristically defiant in response, questioning why the police investigated the performance in the first place.
Source: bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly290dk226o
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Airport accused 'didn't know' he hit female PCs
18 July 2025
A student who hit two police officers to the floor at Manchester Airport has told jurors he did not know they were women.
Mohammed Amaaz, 20, claimed he was acting in self-defence or defending his brother when he struck out at PCs Lydia Ward and Ellie Cook, as well as PC Zachary Marsden.
Liverpool Crown Court heard the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers entered Terminal 2 car park's pay station area on 23 July 2024 after reports that a male fitting Mr Amaaz's description had just headbutted a member of the public.
Prosecutors say Mr Amaaz resisted arrest while Muhammad Amaad, 26, intervened, with both allegedly subjecting police to a "high level of violence". Mr Amaad also denies assault.
Mr Amaaz previously told jurors he feared PC Marsden would "batter him" to death after he was grabbed by the head and neck and pushed downwards.
During cross-examination, prosecutor Paul Greaney KC asked Mr Amaaz whether he was "resisting" the attempts of officers to arrest him.
"If those officers wanted to detain me they could have simply told me so," replied the accused.
"These officers had come and literally forced me straight into the ticket machine. They didn't give me a second to think."
Mr Greaney told members of the jury that Mr Amaaz went on to kick PC Marsden as the officer struggled with Mr Amaad.
And he said Mr Amaaz then punched PC Cook to the face.
He said: "You knew full well you were punching a woman."
"No," responded Mr Amaaz. "I didn't know that at this stage."
Mr Greaney pointed out to the accused that in CCTV footage he was looking straight in the direction of PC Ward when he then punched her to the face and broke her nose.
He said: "Can I invite you to acknowledge that you knew obviously she was a woman, a woman with long red hair?"
Amaaz replied: "Not at this moment, no. This has happened so quickly. It is a matter of seconds."
Mr Greaney asked whether he thought PC Ward was part of a group trying to murder him.
Mr Amaaz said: "She was part of that group. I believed PC Marsden tried to kill me."
The prosecutor asked the defendant: "Do you still believe that now?"
"Yes."
Mr Greaney accused Mr Amaaz of being "wholly out of control", something which the 20-year-old student denied.
The barrister then asked Mr Amaaz whether he thought PC Cook was "intent on killing" him.
He replied: "At this point I thought this officer is going to attack me. I didn't think she would kill me."
Mr Greaney said: "Do you agree that your violence knocked her to the ground?"
Mr Amaaz replied: "Yes, I struck her."
'Stamped on me'
Mr Greaney: "This is the second woman you have hit to the floor within seconds?"
"Yes," replied Mr Amaaz.
Mr Greaney said: "All of this violence was offensive and entirely unlawful."
Mr Amaaz disagreed.
He told the court: "These were police officers who were attacking me and my brother again and again, trying to kill us.
"This lunatic (PC Marsden) booted me in the head and stamped on me."
Mr Amaaz denies assaulting PC Marsden and PC Ward, causing them actual bodily harm.
He also denies assaulting emergency worker PC Cook, and the earlier assault of a member of the public, Abdulkareem Ismaeil, at a Starbucks cafe in Terminal 2's arrivals area.
Mr Amaad denies assaulting PC Marsden, causing actual bodily harm.
The trial of the brothers, both from Rochdale in Greater Manchester, will resume on Monday.
Source: bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clylqpzqezlo
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France a ‘fiscal time bomb’ for EU – Bloomberg
18 Jul, 2025
France’s efforts to tackle its growing deficit have reignited concerns about EU stability, with financial markets bracing for the fallout, Bloomberg has reported, citing ING Groep NV strategists.
The euro dropped to a one-month low this week, driven by tensions over French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou’s massive deficit-cutting plan. His proposals, including slashing public sector jobs and curbing welfare spending, could fuel debate in France’s minority government and undermine investor confidence, the strategists warned.
In a note seen by Bloomberg, currency strategist Francesco Pesole warned on Wednesday that while the euro’s decline was largely dollar-driven, it was also due to political and fiscal challenges in France.
“The French deficit story has been very much in the background as of late, but [Tuesday] probably served as a reminder that it is a ticking bomb for EU sentiment,” Pesole wrote, adding “We could start seeing some FX spillovers in the coming months.”
Bayrou’s €43.8 billion ($50.9 billion) plan targets a deficit that reached 5.8% of GDP last year – double the EU’s 3% limit. He warned on Tuesday that excessive debt posed a “mortal danger” and proposed scrapping public holidays to boost productivity and freezing pensions.
The proposals have faced backlash, with left-wing parties accusing the government of prioritizing military spending over social welfare. Jean-Luc Melenchon, leader of La France Insoumise, called for Bayrou’s resignation, saying “these injustices cannot be tolerated any longer.”
France’s military budget is slated to rise to €64 billion in 2027, double what the country spent in 2017. President Emmanuel Macron has announced an additional €6.5 billion in funding over the next two years, citing heightened threats to European security. A new defense review released this month warned of a potential “major war” in Europe by 2030, listing Moscow among the top threats. The Kremlin has dismissed claims it is planning to attack the West, accusing NATO of using Russia as a pretext for military expansion.
Bayrou, who has survived eight no-confidence motions, must secure parliamentary backing for his proposals before presenting the full budget in October. The right-wing National Rally party has opposed the cuts and called for another vote on his government. Source: rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/news/621666-france-budget-deficit-problems/
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North America
Mamdani's Muslim Donors Expect to Play Role in National Races
18 July 2025
Sandy Fitzgerald
Donations from Muslims across the United States backed New York state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani in his primary win in the New York City mayoral race, and now, some of those who supported him in his win over former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo are predicting more influence from Muslim Americans in fundraising in national elections.
Hours after former Mayor Michael Bloomberg poured an extra $5 million into Cuomo's PAC, Muslim Americans mobilized nationwide, saying they wanted to give Mamdani an extra push, reports ABC News on Friday.
And when Mamdani, a Muslim born in Uganda, pulled out the win over Cuomo, who had been considered the presumed favorite, several donors said similar fundraising efforts from Muslim Americans could affect who runs in major races, and even who could win.
On election night, Mamdani's super PAC, "New Yorkers for Lower Costs," released a memo about his win where they thanked donors, singling out the "generosity of Arab and Muslim Americans."
Regina Monge, the PAC's chairwoman, told ABC News that most of Mamdani's donors were either Arab or Muslim.
Mamdani's race was supported by several demographics, but longtime Muslim donors said the effort to back him stands out as it was the bloc's first unified national effort.
Asif Mahmood, a Democrat bundler for powerhouse candidates like Hillary Clinton and Vice President Kamala Harris, called Mamdani's candidacy transformative and said it influenced others such as Michigan Senate hopeful Abdul El-Sayed. So far, El-Sayed's campaign had netted $1.8 million in less than three months, with 95% of the donations coming in at less than $100.
"[Mamdani] was able to move Muslim support across the board," Mahmood said. "He has shown his strength."
He added that he is contacting Mamdani's campaign to hold a fundraiser at his own home in California, as "this is not a local race anymore. This is a national race."
The war in Gaza also led Muslim donors to become more involved financially, following comments Mamdani has made about the fight.
Meanwhile, some Democrat strategists say South Asians or Arab Muslims in the United States do not often invest in politics, choosing religious institutions or charities instead.
"Investing in politics is rarely the first instinct, but once it happens, it marks a transition from survival to coalition building and political power," Democrat strategist Waleed Shahid told ABC News.
Source: newsmax.com
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https://www.newsmax.com/politics/zohran-mamdani-muslim-donors-nyc/2025/07/18/id/1219226/
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Pahalgam Killers The Resistance Front A Global Terror Outfit: US
Jul 19, 2025
Pakistan on Thursday suffered the humiliation of having its latest terror avatar, The Resistance Front (TRF), responsible for the Pahalgam massacre, being designated a Foreign Terrorist Organisation by the US state department.
TRF was also termed a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist” in concurrence with the US treasury department. In a statement, secretary of state Marco Rubio called TRF, whose existence Islamabad denies, a “front and proxy” for Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a Pakistan-backed terror outfit responsible for numerous terror attacks in India, including the 26/11 Mumbai carnage that killed 159.
In a separate notification published in the Federal Register, Rubio said based upon a review of the administrative record assembled in this matter, and in consultation with the attorney general and the treasury secretary, he has concluded that “there is a sufficient factual basis to find that Lashkar-e-Taiba uses the additional aliases The Resistance Front; TRF; Kashmir Resistance Front; and Kashmir Resistance”. The linkage endorsed India’s stand that LeT continues to re-invent itself in Pakistan under new names.
MEA: TRF ban timely, important, strong assertion of Indo-US ties
The announcement by the US state department designating TRF a Foreign Terrorist Organisation not only strengthens India's case for a UN ban on TRF but also spotlights Pakistan-sponsored terrorism exactly when Islamabad is looking to corner India on the J&K issue, using its ongoing presidency of the Security Council (UNSC) to hold an open debate next week on unresolved disputes.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar welcomed the development, calling it a strong affirmation of India-US counterterrorism cooperation and appreciating the role of his counterpart Marco Rubio and the State Department.
Separately, the MEA said in a statement that this was a timely and important step as the TRF had been involved in numerous terror-related activities, including the Pahalgam terrorist attack for which it twice claimed responsibility. As a non-permanent member, Pakistan had earlier worked – with help from China – to dilute the UNSC condemnation of the attack.
One of the things it insisted on was removal of the terror group’s name from the statement. Since 2023 – well before the Pahalgam attack – India had been sharing information with the Monitoring Team of the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee, pointing to the TRF’s role as a cover for Pakistan based UN-proscribed terror groups like LeT and Jaish-eMohammed (JeM), for an international ban on the group.
The govt is hoping that the US designation will bolster the case for TRF’s listing by the 1267 committee, even though it will be subject to approval not just by China but also, for now, Pakistan, a non-permanent member of the UNSC till the end of next year.
“India has consistently emphasized the need for global cooperation in the fight against terrorism and the dismantling of terror infrastructure. The designation of TRF is a timely and important step reflecting the deep cooperation between India and the United States on counterterrorism,” said the ministry.
The US ban on TRF is also the first real show of intent by the US under the second Trump administration to pin Pakistan down on the issue of cross-border terrorism. It follows multiple conflicting signals from Trump himself who made repeated remarks after India’ Operation Sindoor that seemed to equate India, which sees itself as the victim and not aggressor, with Pakistan.
Trump, in fact, continues to maintain – much to the delight of Pakistan – that he mediated the India-Pakistan ceasefire, preventing a nuclear conflagration. “These actions... demonstrate the Trump administration’s commitment to protecting our national security interests, countering terrorism, and enforcing President Trump’s call for justice for the Pahalgam attack,” Rubio said in a statement, even as Islamabad is angling for a US presidential visit on the margins of the Quad summit in India later this year.
Pakistan reacted with its customary denials to the terror designations, insisting it is a “frontline state against terrorism” despite legions of terrorists from Osama bin Laden to Khalid Shaikh Mohammed sheltering there and its nationals conducting numerous terrorist attacks across the world, including in the US.
“Investigations into the Pahalgam incident… are still inconclusive. Any linkage with LeT, a defunct organisation banned in Pakistan, belies ground realities,” Pakistan’s foreign ministry said.
Source: indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pahalgam-killers-trf-a-global-terror-outfit-us/articleshow/122773903.cms
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US takes credit for Israel-Syria ceasefire
19 Jul, 2025
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syria’s interim leader Ahmad al-Sharaa have allegedly agreed to a US-supported ceasefire proposal, after the IDF carried out multiple airstrikes against the Defense Ministry in Damascus, ostensibly in defense of the Druze minority in southern Syria.
Special envoy Tom Barrack, who also serves as the US ambassador to Türkiye, credited American diplomacy under President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for the “breakthrough” agreement in a statement posted on X on Friday.
“We call upon Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis to put down their weapons and, together with other minorities, build a new and united Syrian identity in peace and prosperity with its neighbors,” Barrack wrote, adding that the ceasefire was “embraced” by Türkiye and Jordan.
The announcement follows a week of deadly clashes between Druze militias, Bedouin tribes, and central government forces in Sweida province – as well as a series of Israeli airstrikes targeting various locations, including the Defense Ministry in Damascus.
Since the fall of Bashar Assad’s government, Israel has moved to expand its presence in Syria beyond the Golan Heights, citing a need to prevent hostile actors from entrenching near its borders. In a detailed statement on Thursday, Netanyahu said Israel had set two rules for Syria: the demilitarization of the region south of Damascus and the protection of the Druze community.
“Both those rules were broken by the regime in Damascus… I therefore directed the IDF to take powerful action,” Netanyahu stated. “As a result of that powerful action, a ceasefire came into force, and the Syrian forces retreated back to Damascus.”
Syria’s new leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, is the former commander of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which seized control of Damascus last year. Since the upheaval, unaffiliated Islamists have reportedly carried out several massacres targeting Syria’s minority communities, including the Alawites and Christians.
Amid reports of new atrocities against the Druze, al-Sharaa insisted that government forces had only been deployed to Sweida to stop the violence. In a televised address on Thursday, he announced a new deal with Druze factions – while accusing Israel of seeking to divide the Syrian people and turn Syria “into a battlefield of chaos.”
Despite past US designations of HTS and al-Sharaa as terrorist threats, Washington has increasingly backed the new leadership in Damascus and has moved to ease sanctions on Syria. Last month, Barrack even likened al-Sharaa’s transition from militant leader to head of state to that of George Washington following the American Revolution.
Source: rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/news/621672-syria-israel-us-ceasefire/
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Lombard teen allegedly targeted Glendale Heights Islamic center for terror attack
Jul 19, 2025
A 16-year-old Lombard boy has been charged with attempting to carry out a terrorist attack targeting an Islamic center in Glendale Heights, prosecutors in DuPage county said.
The boy, who appeared in court Thursday, faces one felony count of attempted terrorism and one felony count of unlawful possession of a firearm, according to the DuPage County state’s attorney’s office. A judge ordered the teen held in custody until his next court hearing, which is set for Aug. 4.
According to a petition filed in DuPage County court, the teen allegedly entered the Islamic Education Center, 1269 Goodrich Ave., on July 4 and secretly recorded religious services “to assist in preparation for detonating an explosive device at that location.”
The boy, who’s not named because he’s a juvenile, also had a handgun July 12, according to the state’s attorney’s office. He was taken into custody Thursday after an investigation.
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said the alleged plot was a serious threat.
“An attempted act of terrorism, as alleged in this case, achieves the same goals of spreading fear, dividing our communities and undermining the rule of law, as does an act of terrorism,” Berlin said. “The allegations against this juvenile are extremely serious and will not be tolerated in DuPage County.”
Federal and local law enforcement coordinated to disrupt the alleged plot before any violence occurred, according to the state’s attorney’s office.
Officials did not share further details about the juvenile’s alleged motives or how law enforcement discovered the plot.
The Chicago Sun-Times has reached out to the Islamic Education Center for comment.
Source: suntimes.com
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https://chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2025/07/18/lombard-teen-allegedly-targeted-glendale-heights-islamic-center-for-terror-attack
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CAIR-LA to Join LA vs Hate, MPAC for Unveiling of Muslim Community Mural Calling for Unity and Solidarity Against Hate
July 18, 2025
On Monday, July 21, the Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) will join LA vs Hate and the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) for the unveiling of a new mural at the Islamic Center of Southern California (ICSC). This timely artwork comes shortly after the Islamic center was targeted with hate-motivated graffiti, prompting a swift and unified community response condemning the incident.
The mural, created by Palestinian American artist Saj Issa and titled “Sabr at Fajr,” explores the concepts of patience, resilience, and cultural identity through the symbolic sabr (prickly pear cactus) plant taking root in an ethereal landscape that evokes connections to both Los Angeles and the Middle East.
The piece was developed through a community input process that gathered hundreds of responses from members of Los Angeles County’s diverse Muslim community.
The unveiling event will feature entertainment, complimentary food, and family-friendly activities.
Source: cair.com
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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-la-to-join-la-vs-hate-mpac-for-unveiling-of-muslim-community-mural-calling-for-unity-and-solidarity-against-hate/
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Three killed in explosion at Los Angeles police training facility
July 19, 2025
Nadine Yousif
Three officers were killed in an explosion at a law enforcement training facility in East Los Angeles, officials say.
The blast occurred at around 07:30 local time (15:30 BST) on Friday at the Biscailuz Center Academy Training facility, which houses the Sheriff's department's special enforcement bureau and arson explosives detail, including the bomb squad.
The exact cause of the explosion is still under investigation, but Sheriff Robert Luna of the LASD described it as "an isolated incident". There were no additional injuries.
The three officers killed in the blast were "fantastic experts" and veterans of the department, each serving between 19 to 33 years, the sheriff said.
Authorities have not released the names of the deceased officers, citing the need to notify their families first. All three were assigned to the sheriff department's arson explosives detail.
Friday's incident represents the department's largest loss of life in a single incident since its founding in 1857, Sheriff Luna said.
"We have to go back and investigate what happened from the very beginning," he said. The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are assisting with the investigation.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi called the incident "horrific" and said federal agents had been deployed on the scene and "working to learn more".
Authorities say the explosion took place in the parking lot of the facility's special enforcement bureau.
According to the BBC's US partner CBS, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's bomb squad responded to a Santa Monica garage on Thursday where at least one grenade was found.
The grenade was transported to the training facility on Friday, where officers were reportedly working to render it safe before it exploded, CBS reported citing police sources.
The area surrounding the facility was evacuated and has since been sealed off as investigators continue to work at the scene.
California Governor Gavin Newsom was briefed about the explosion and was "closely monitoring the situation", his office said in a statement on X.
Newsom's office added that state assistance has also been offered to help respond to the incident.
Kathryn Barger, Chief of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, wrote in a statement that she was "closely tracking the situation as we learn more about what occurred and the condition of those affected".
"My heart is heavy, and my thoughts are with the brave men and women of the Sheriff's Department during this difficult time," she said.
Source: bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62891d4p50o
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Arab World
Solo but not sad: Young Saudis embrace freedom of living alone
WAAD HUSSAIN
July 18, 2025
ALKHOBAR: For decades, the idea of a young Saudi living alone, by choice, was seen as rebellious and met with skepticism and rejection. But today, a new generation is embracing solo life with pride and a sense of personal power.
Across major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah and Alkhobar, young Saudis in their 20s are carving out homes of their own — not out of necessity but out of a desire for independence, comfort and self-growth. From students to young professionals, both women and men are stepping into their own apartments, styling their own spaces and redefining what it means to build a life.
Sarah Al-Ahmadi, 27, moved into her own apartment in Riyadh two years ago. At first, the silence was unbearable.
“I’ve lived alone for two years now. At the beginning, I was depressed — I didn’t like the lifestyle, especially in Riyadh,” she said. “I couldn’t make friends, and I didn’t like the city. But over time, I started to build a life. Now, I can’t imagine living any other way.”
What once felt isolating became empowering. Al-Ahmadi discovered joy in being the sole decision-maker in her home: What she ate, how she decorated and who she invited, and when.
“It’s amazing to be fully independent and responsible for everything in my home,” she said. “I don’t need anyone. It’s beautiful when I invite my friends to a space that reflects my personality. Back at my parents’ house, I had to host them in the family living room. But here, we can cook together, have sleepovers and enjoy ourselves without a single worry.”
Mohammed Al-Dossari, 26, made the decision to live alone after returning from years of studying abroad.
“After coming back from my scholarship abroad, I decided not to move back in with my family,” he said. “I had already gotten used to being responsible for myself, for everything — and I liked that lifestyle. I wanted to keep it going.”
For Al-Dossari, solo living is not just about space, it is also about ownership: Of time, of priorities and of life itself.
Today, he manages his work schedule, home maintenance and meals on his own. He described his home as peaceful, personalized and reflective of who he is — not just as a son, but as a man finding his rhythm.
In Jeddah, Waad Al-Marzouq, 19, faced resistance from almost everyone she knew after floating the idea of living alone.
“Everyone was against it. My dad was especially worried about me living alone at such a young age,” she said. “But I’ve always been stable and independent in my own room, so I thought — why not? I got myself a studio apartment near my university and moved in.”
Al-Marzouq’s family lives in the same city, and she sees them often. But the freedom of having her own space has changed how she views adulthood.
“There’s nothing scary about it. My parents are nearby. I still see them. But now I have space to focus, to grow. It’s not a rebellion — it’s a choice.”
Al-Marzouq said living alone is important for design: Designing her days, her goals and even designing her tiny studio with candles, plants and her favorite throw pillows.
Social shifts have helped normalize solo living. More women are entering the workforce. Young Saudis are studying abroad. New real estate developments are offering studio and one-bedroom units in urban areas. Platforms like Airbnb and online property apps have also made it easier to search, rent and furnish without needing a family member to step in.
Psychologist Abeer Al-Shammari told Arab News that the rise in solo living reflects both emotional maturity and social evolution.
“Choosing to live alone can signal a strong sense of self,” she said. “These young adults are setting boundaries, creating their own routines and building self-reliance. It’s not just a lifestyle — it’s part of their identity development.”
But she warned that solo living also requires emotional preparation.
“The early phase can trigger anxiety or loneliness, especially for those coming from tightly-knit families,” she said. “But with time and proper coping strategies, many experience a deep sense of fulfillment and confidence.”
Interestingly, many solo dwellers say their relationships with family have improved since moving out.
“They don’t take me for granted anymore,” Al-Ahmadi said with a laugh. “When I visit now, it feels special. I’m not just ‘around.’ I’m someone they wait for.”
Al-Marzouq agreed: “My parents respect my independence now. We talk more meaningfully. There’s more mutual understanding.”
And for Al-Dossari, solo living has not resulted in isolation. He has become more intentional about friendships — hosting friends for dinner, going out when he wants and setting healthy boundaries.
“It taught me balance,” he said. “And it taught me how to enjoy my own company.”
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2608621/saudi-arabia
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Human Rights Commission, King Khalid Foundation sign cooperation agreement
July 18, 2025
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Human Rights Commission and the King Khalid Foundation struck a strategic partnership through a cooperation agreement signed in Riyadh on Thursday, marking a significant step toward advancing human rights protection in the Kingdom.
The agreement was signed by Hala Al-Tuwaijri, president of the Saudi Human Rights Commission, and Princess Nouf bint Mohammed bin Abdullah, CEO of the King Khalid Foundation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The partnership is designed to strengthen coordination between the two organizations while making the most of their combined expertise to promote human rights initiatives throughout Saudi Arabia.
Under the terms of the agreement, the organizations will collaborate on joint research projects focusing on human rights issues, launch public awareness campaigns to foster a culture of human rights understanding, and develop community-based initiatives that align with their shared mission.
The partnership also aims to highlight Saudi Arabia’s growing commitment to human rights and sustainable development on both the domestic and international stages.
The partnership comes as Saudi Arabia continues to prioritize human rights advancement through legislative reforms, public education programs, and enhanced community engagement.
The Kingdom has been actively working to elevate the profile of its civil society organizations and their contributions to human rights progress through joint community initiatives and collaborative projects.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2608629/saudi-arabia
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Aseer’s blooming bounty: How rare flowers turn southern region into a year-round honey hub
July 18, 2025
RIYADH: Each summer, as Aseer’s highland peaks erupt in fragrant blossoms, local beekeepers begin harvesting some of Saudi Arabia’s most coveted honey. Each variety is tied to a rare native plant and a fleeting blooming season.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, this botanical diversity is what sets the region apart. Aseer accounts for 20 percent of the Kingdom’s total honey production, according to the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and is home to more than 5,000 active beekeepers. Backed by SR54 million ($14.4 million) in government support, the sector has become a cornerstone of Aseer’s ecotourism and agricultural economy.
At the heart of this flourishing industry lies a simple equation: flower plus season equals flavor. In his book “Honey Atlas,” researcher Dr. Ibrahim Al-Arifi documents the region’s key varieties, from thick white Majra honey harvested off the slopes to golden Katad from valley-floor Acacia trees. Each one tells a story of soil, altitude, and survival.
Majra honey, extracted from the blooms of Teucrium polium in late summer, is among the rarest in the Kingdom. It is prized for its immediate crystallization, pale color, and intense sweetness, all traits linked to the plant’s short blooming cycle and climate sensitivity. It grows only in the upper elevations of Aseer.
Katad honey, gleaned from Acacia hamulosa flowers between June and August, is known for its golden shine and moderate density. The drought-resistant thorny plant thrives in the region’s valleys and produces honey credited with boosting immunity and energy.
By early fall, another Aseer staple makes its appearance. Salam honey is dark red and comes from bees feeding on the golden blooms of the Acacia ehrenbergiana tree, which grows in rocky, arid environments.
The famed Sidr honey, widely known across the Kingdom, is extracted between August and October. Its source, the Sidr tree, blooms in the valleys and plains of Tihama, Rijal Almaa, and Sarat Abidah. Dark golden, highly nutritious, and medicinal, Sidr is among the most expensive types of honey in the Saudi market due to its limited supply and high quality.
Further west, along the banks of valley streams, the bright yellow blossoms of the seyal tree produce a fall honey noted for its spicy aroma and dark amber color. Even some winter-blooming trees, like Al-Samar, begin flowering early in warm parts of Aseer. This allows early harvests of a rich, red honey with a deep, earthy flavor.
This steady cycle of flowering, foraging, and flavor has made Aseer a year-round producer of artisanal honey. From mountains to valleys, each bloom supports not just bees, but families, farmers, and the region’s growing reputation as a hub for nature-based industries.
As demand rises for rare and organic honey, Aseer’s deep-rooted knowledge and climate-resilient crops are helping to secure the future of beekeeping in the Kingdom, one blossom at a time.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2608620/saudi-arabia
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UAE condemns Israeli plan to seize control of Ibrahimi Mosque
July 18, 2025
The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned Israel’s plan to transfer control of the Ibrahimi Mosque from the Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs and Hebron Municipality to the Jewish Religious Council in the Kiryat Arba settlement. The UAE called this a serious violation of the mosque’s historical and legal status quo.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) stressed the need to respect the status quo at all holy sites and urged an immediate halt to unilateral and provocative actions that threaten to destabilise the occupied Palestinian territories and hinder international efforts to de-escalate tensions.
The UAE also called on the international community to fulfil its responsibility in protecting the holy sites and preserving their religious and historical significance.
The Ministry highlighted the importance of supporting all regional and international initiatives that promote the Middle East peace process and end illegal measures undermining the two-state solution.
Source: gulfnews.com
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https://gulfnews.com/uae/government/bkquhiu-uae-condemns-israeli-plan-seize-control-ibrahimi-1.500203163
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Mideast
Iranian Adviser Slams Baku, Forgets Oil To India, Friendship With Yerevan
18 July 2025
Ali Akbar Velayati, Adviser on International Affairs to the Supreme Leader of Iran, unexpectedly voiced discontent toward Baku during a meeting with Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Tehran.
“You have close relations with Azerbaijan, but at the same time, it should be noted that the Azerbaijani state is taking steps that contradict the views of the Islamic world. Specifically, mediating between Al-Julani and the Zionist regime, as well as exporting oil to Israel at the peak of that regime’s crimes against the oppressed Palestinian people.
You can ask them why they are taking actions that go against the opinion of Muslims and Islamic countries,” Velayati stated.
The Iranian politician allows himself such reproaches, yet apparently prefers not to recall that during decades of Armenian occupation of Azerbaijani territories, Iran freely cooperated with Armenia on all fronts — and this, for some reason, was not viewed by him as contradicting “the opinion of Muslims and the Islamic world.”
What kind of response statements from Azerbaijan would be most appropriate in this situation? Could the adviser’s remarks indicate growing irritation within Iran’s leadership over the gradual normalisation of relations between Tehran and Baku?
Israeli Iran expert and author of the Telegram channel Oriental Express, Mikhail Borodkin, sees several clear objectives behind Ali Akbar Velayati’s statement.
“It’s no coincidence that he addressed a representative of the Pakistani government in particular. Today, Pakistan is one of Azerbaijan’s strategic partners, and the Iranian regime is clearly hoping to use Islamabad to increase pressure on Baku by playing the card of Islamic solidarity.
At the same time, Tehran likely seeks to cool relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan. The regime is concerned about Baku’s growing success on the international stage.
Velayati’s statement comes across as rather harsh, especially considering that previous attacks on Azerbaijan — even the fiercest — were mostly directed at Iran’s domestic audience. There is a deliberate stoking of tensions inside the country — a kind of mobilisation strategy through the narrative of a besieged fortress.
Meanwhile, outwardly the regime has been sending signals of goodwill. A vivid example is the recent visit of President Masoud Pezeshkian to Azerbaijan — and not just anywhere, but to Khankendi.
At his meeting with President Ilham Aliyev, he emphasised the need for neighbouring countries to cooperate. And all of this was done with the full knowledge of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei — the President of Iran cannot voice positions that contradict those of the rahbar,” the Iran expert explained.
Nevertheless, according to Borodkin, conservative circles within the Iranian leadership now appear to have decided to increase pressure on Azerbaijan.
“Hence Velayati’s outburst during his meeting with Pakistan’s Interior Minister. When the regime allows itself to harshly criticise a neighbouring country on fabricated grounds — and such rhetoric is broadcast around the clock in the media space — it begins to influence decision-makers. At some point, the regime may start to believe its own accusations, and that opens the path to escalating tensions with Azerbaijan, including potential provocations.
That’s why it’s crucial to de-escalate the rhetoric, while at the same time remaining fully prepared for various scenarios,” Borodkin believes.
Azerbaijani security expert Ilham Ismayil, in turn, noted that Velayati’s speech sounds more like hearsay or speculation than an official policy statement.
“Every state has its own interests. Let’s not forget that for Iran, friendship with Christian Armenia was long considered more acceptable than with Muslim Azerbaijan.
One could also ask Velayati another question: why does Iran sell part of its oil to India, while Muslim Pakistan has been in conflict with India for many years?
Azerbaijan’s leadership is one of the most active members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Despite close ties with Israel, the country’s president has repeatedly affirmed recognition of the State of Palestine. Economic cooperation between Baku and Tel Aviv has lasted for decades, but it has never been aimed against the Muslim world,” the expert reminded.
According to Ismayil, Iran’s fundamental foreign policy approach towards the Republic of Azerbaijan remains ambivalent.
“Although reformist Masoud Pezeshkian has taken certain steps toward normalising relations with Azerbaijan, Khamenei and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) structures are firmly opposed.
Iran is experiencing a domestic crisis and is not yet ready for sharp changes in its relations with Azerbaijan and Türkiye. The regime’s policy is rooted more in Persian chauvinism than in genuine Islamic values. That’s why this line is likely to continue until there is a change of power in Tehran,” he concluded.
Source: caliber.az
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https://caliber.az/en/post/iranian-adviser-slams-baku-forgets-oil-to-india-friendship-with-yerevan
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"We Continue To Support Gaza & Confront Zionist Aggression Against Ummah": Massive Rallies In Marib
18 Jul 2025
Marib province witnessed on Friday 17 massive marches and dozens of rallies under the slogan "We Continue to Support Gaza and Confront Zionist Aggression Against the Ummah."
In the southern district, crowds marched in a massive rally at Al-Jubah Square, where participants chanted slogans condemning the ongoing massacres by the Zionist enemy against civilians in the Gaza Strip, backed by Western-American support and amid suspicious Arab inaction.
In Sirwah district, marches took place in Sirwah Market Square, Habab, and Al-Mahjaza, with participants reaffirming Yemen’s unwavering religious and national stance against the crimes and schemes of the Zionist-American enemy in the region, which seek to enforce complete domination over the peoples of the region.
In the northern district, a massive rally at Al-Husun Square in Majzar emphasized Yemen’s continued official and popular support for the Palestinian resistance and the ongoing operations of the Yemeni Armed Forces against the Zionist entity until the aggression on Gaza stops and the siege is lifted.
In Harib Al-Qaramish district, rallies were held in Shuja’, Bab Hara, Al-Hazm, Hara, and Al-Liwa squares, calling on the Arab and Islamic nations to act in solidarity with Gaza and halt the Zionist brutality carried out by the enemy in the West Bank, Lebanon, and Syria.
In Bidbdah district, two marches in Al-Tadamun and Halwa squares stressed the intensification of mobilization efforts, military readiness to confront enemies, and the economic boycott of American and Israeli products, as well as companies supporting the occupying entity.
Separate rallies and vigils were also held in Qaniya, Al-Amud, Jabal Murad, Rahba, and Harib Al-Janah squares, where participants praised the operations of the Yemeni Armed Forces in support of the Palestinian people. They called for escalating specialized operations to deter the Zionist enemy and force it to halt its aggression on Gaza.
A statement issued by the Marib rallies reaffirmed Yemen’s unified official and popular stance with Gaza and all of Palestine—its people and resistance—in confronting the crimes of the Zionist enemy, which receives full American backing.
The statement emphasized that Yemen’s operations will continue until the aggression stops and the siege on Gaza is lifted, celebrating the success of recent naval military operations that achieved deterrence and officially sealed off the port of Umm Al-Rashrash, shattering any illusions of breaking Yemen’s blockade.
On the first anniversary of the martyrdom of the great jihadist leader Muhammad Al-Deif, commander of the Al-Qassam Brigades, and his fellow martyrs in Palestine and across all fronts of jihad, dignity, and honor, the statement renewed the pledge to carry their banner and never abandon it, God willing, until victory is achieved.
The statement called on the peoples of the Ummah to draw inspiration from the highest values of humanity, sacrifice, and devotion exemplified by these martyred leaders—urging complete devotion to God, adherence to His book, fear and hope in Him, arming themselves with awareness and insight.
Source: saba.ye
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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3518690.htm
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Iran’s military leadership declares full readiness for further strikes against Israel
18 Jul 2025
Major General Amir Hatami, Commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army (Artesh), met with Major General Mohammad Pakpour, Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), on Thursday.
During this high-level consultation, General Pakpour underscored the exceptional morale of IRGC combatants and announced that the nation's military forces stand in "full readiness and coordination to strike the enemy again."
General Pakpour paid tribute to the martyrs of the Israeli regime’s 12-day aggression against Iran, specifically naming Martyred Major Generals Mohammad Bagheri, Hossein Salami, Gholamali Rashid, and Ali Shademani.
He lauded the epic resistance of the Iranian nation during the recent 12-day War, describing the people's steadfastness as the most crucial asset and support for the Armed Forces.
"Unity in diversity," Pakpour stated, "is Iran's most impregnable fortress." He asserted that the Islamic Republic of Iran's Armed Forces, backed by the nation's epic support, had neutralized the most complex war and sedition in history waged against the country.
"The resolve and zeal of the Iranian people and the Armed Forces prevailed on the battlefield. We stand together, resolute," Pakpour affirmed, adding that Iran has never been defeated in confronting its enemies.
Highlighting the shift in enemy calculations due to the nation's resistance and the strategic guidance of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the IRGC Commander stressed that the Israelis "witnessed the promised hell with their own eyes in the final days of the war."
He issued a stern warning: "We will not release the collars of the invaders and aggressors. We will resume the war and battle with the aggressors precisely from the point where it was halted."
Speaking on the same day and echoing the commanders' assessment, Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi, Advisor to the IRGC Commander-in-Chief, elaborated on the profound impact of Iran's recent military actions.
General Vahidi declared, "Under the heavy pressure of Iranian missiles, the Zionist enemy was crushed to the extent that we are now witnessing a tsunami of leadership changes within their ranks." He attributed this upheaval directly to the severe blows inflicted by Iran.
Vahidi pointed to the Islamic Republic's significant achievements in confronting the Israeli enemy, stating it had "brought to fruition a new scene of struggle by the nation and its combatants, which will be the source of major transformations."
He highlighted admissions from within the Israeli regime itself, noting that "the commander of the Zionist regime's air defense explicitly stated that they had never witnessed such an unprecedented war and such unprecedented attacks before."
These admissions underscore the power and effectiveness of the Islamic Republic's strikes and its combatants, Vahidi added.
The Iranian General further dismissed Israeli displays of strength as bluster, asserting, "The Zionist regime, with clamor and howling, tries to portray itself as strong, while it and its army well know that the real victor was the Iranian nation."
He spoke of the recent developments in the confrontation field, citing the "moral, political, cultural, and social decline" of the Zionist regime as clear indicators of the monumental defeat inflicted upon it by the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Unprecedented damage: Infrastructure crippled, morale shattered
The commanders' statements refer directly to the consequences of Operation True Promise III, Iran's large-scale missile and drone offensive against Israeli targets launched in lawful self-defense, responding to the Israeli regime’s unprovoked aggression and launching of a 12-day war against Iran on June 13.
Fearing global exposure of its vulnerabilities, the Israeli regime imposed one of the most severe military censorships in its history, banning journalists, cameramen, and even settlers from documenting the catastrophic impact of Iranian ballistic missiles.
However, military analysts and international observers have detailed significant and lasting impacts:
- Infrastructure damage: Hundreds of indigenous Iranian ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones overwhelmed the much-touted Israeli and allied missile defenses, achieving an unprecedented penetration rate.
Key military nerve centers, notably the Nevatim airbase (critical for F-35 operations), the Mossad intelligence headquarters, and Aman’s main logistical base, sustained multiple direct and substantial hits.
Analysts stated the strikes caused "decimating" and "irreparable damage" to strategic assets like radar installations, command bunkers, and air defense batteries, forcing severe operational disruptions and exposing the regime's hollow security claims.
The scale of destruction was so immense and undeniable that even former U.S. President Donald Trump conceded, "Israel got hit really hard," publicly acknowledging the devastating effectiveness of Iran's indigenous missile barrage.
- Social conditions: The profound psychological and social impact within the occupied territories triggered what regional analysts describe as an existential crisis for the Zionist entity. There was documented widespread panic, mass evacuations, and severe disruption to daily life and the economy.
Crucially, the strikes ignited a deep crisis of confidence in the regime's security apparatus and political leadership, shattering the carefully cultivated myth of invincibility.
The unprecedented scale of the attack – some considering it even heavier than the 1973 Yom Kippur War – fundamentally exposed the regime's strategic vulnerabilities and shook its settler-colonial society to its core, revealing an inherent fragility masked by decades of Western protection.
Intelligence minister: Offensive strategy ‘from within’
With an outlook toward a possible new round of conflict with Tel Aviv, Iran's Intelligence Minister, Esmaeil Khatib, outlined another dimension of pressure on the Israeli regime.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Khatib asserted, "The Zionist regime must confront an offensive strategy from within itself."
Khatib drew a parallel to the military pressure exerted by Operation True Promise III, stating, "Just as the impactful missiles of our Armed Forces forced them to stop, all our intelligence and security apparatuses are striving [to exert pressure]."
He pointed to recent actions by the Israeli regime as evidence of this internal pressure: "In the past few days, you saw that they were compelled to hold explanatory programs to counter the infiltration of intelligence agencies within the Zionist regime."
Khatib also emphasized Iran's domestic resilience despite enemy plots, noting, "Despite all the sedition the enemies designed for overthrowing the Islamic Republic – or as they put it, ending it – we witnessed internal security in the country throughout those 12 days [of conflict]."
His statements underscore a comprehensive approach, combining demonstrated external military capability with covert internal pressure, suggesting a multi-layered strategy is actively being employed against the Israeli regime should hostilities resume.
The security chief's emphasis on an "offensive strategy from within," coupled with the military's declared readiness for further external action, strongly implies that Iran possesses and is prepared to escalate diverse forms of retaliation should further aggression occur.
Source: tehrantimes.com
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https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/515757/Iran-s-military-leadership-declares-full-readiness-for-further
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Israel agree ceasefire with Syria, allows Syrian troops limited access to Sweida
July 19, 2025
BEIRUT/JERUSALEM: Israel and Syria have agreed to a ceasefire, the US envoy to Turkey said on Friday, after days of bloodshed in the predominantly Druze area that has killed over 300 people.
On Wednesday, Israel launched airstrikes in Damascus and hit government forces in the south, demanding they withdraw and saying that Israel aimed to protect Syrian Druze — part of a small but influential minority that also has members in Lebanon and Israel.
"We call upon Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis to put down their weapons and together with other minorities build a new and united Syrian identity," Tom Barrack, the US ambassador to Turkey, said in a post on X.
Barrack said that Israel and Syria agreed to the ceasefire supported by Turkey, Jordan and neighbors.
The Israeli embassy in Washington and Syrian consulate in Canada did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Syria's Sweida province has been engulfed by nearly a week of violence triggered by clashes between Bedouin fighters and Druze factions.
Earlier on Friday, an Israeli official said Israel agreed to allow Syrian forces limited access to the Sweida area of southern Syria for the next two days.
The Syrian presidency said late on Friday that authorities would deploy a force in the south dedicated to ending the clashes, in coordination with political and security measures to restore stability and prevent the return of violence.
Damascus earlier this week dispatched government troops to quell the fighting, but they were accused of carrying out widespread violations against the Druze and were hit by Israeli strikes before withdrawing under a truce agreed on Wednesday.
Israel had repeatedly said it would not allow Syrian troops to deploy to the country's south, but on Friday it said it would grant them a brief window to end renewed clashes there.
"In light of the ongoing instability in southwest Syria, Israel has agreed to allow limited entry of the (Syrian) internal security forces into Sweida district for the next 48 hours," the official, who declined to be named, told reporters.
Describing Syria's new rulers as barely disguised jihadists, Israel has vowed to shield the area's Druze community from attack, encouraged by calls from Israel's own Druze minority.
It carried out more strikes on Sweida in the early hours of Friday.
The US intervened to help secure the earlier truce between government forces and Druze fighters, and the White House said on Thursday that it appeared to be holding.
Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has worked to establish warmer ties with the US accused Israel of trying to fracture Syria and promised to protect its Druze minority.
Reuters reporters saw a convoy of units from Syria's interior ministry stopped on a road in Daraa province, which lies directly east of Sweida. A security source told Reuters that forces were awaiting a final green light to enter Sweida.
But thousands of Bedouin fighters were still streaming into Sweida on Friday, the Reuters reporters said, prompting fears among residents that violence would continue unabated.
The Syrian Network for Human Rights said it had documented 321 deaths in fighting since Sunday, among them medical personnel, women and children. It said they included field executions by all sides.
Syria's minister for emergencies said more than 500 wounded had been treated and hundreds of families had been evacuated out of the city.
'Nothing at all'
Clashes continued in the north and west of Sweida province, according to residents and Ryan Marouf, the head of local news outlet Sweida24.
Residents said they had little food and water, and that electricity had been cut to the city for several days.
"For four days, there has been no electricity, no fuel, no food, no drink, nothing at all," said Mudar, a 28-year-old resident of Sweida who asked to be identified only by his first name out of fear of reprisals.
"The clashes haven't stopped," he said, adding that "we can't get news easily because there's barely internet or phone coverage."
The head of the UN human rights office urged Syria's interim authorities to ensure accountability for what it said are credible reports of widespread rights violations during the fighting, including summary executions and kidnappings, the office said in a statement.
At least 13 people were unlawfully killed in one recorded incident on Tuesday when affiliates of the interim authorities opened fire at a family gathering, the OHCHR said. Six men were summarily executed near their homes the same day. The UN refugee agency on Friday urged all sides to allow humanitarian access, which it said had been curtailed by the violence. Israel's deep distrust of Syria's new Islamist-led leadership appears to be at odds with the United States, which said it did not support the recent Israeli strikes on Syria.
Source: arabnews.com
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Iraq: US security warning highlights risk of Shiite factions confrontation
2025-07-18
In a significant development that could reshape Iraq’s power dynamics, leading voices within the country’s Shia religious and political establishment have called for the disarmament of non-state militias and the reinforcement of state authority, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy said in an anlaysis published on Thursday.
The coordinated messaging suggests a deepening rift between Iraq’s traditional religious leadership and Iran-aligned armed groups operating outside government control.
On June 26, Abdul Mahdi al-Karbalai, the official representative of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, delivered a sermon in Karbala calling for fundamental reform and the enforcement of state authority in Iraq. Karbalai emphasized that the country’s future depends on implementing a national governance framework rooted in integrity and institutional legitimacy.
Referencing "the Supreme Religious Authority"—meaning Ayatullah Sistani—the sermon called for Iraqi elites to stand up to external interference in all its forms, uphold the rule of law, limit arms to state authorities, and combat corruption at all levels. Karbalai's comments were widely interpreted as an implicit critique of the self-styled muqawama (resistance), the collection of Iran-backed militias that operate outside the state's control despite avowedly being under the prime minister's command.
This message was quickly echoed by Shia cleric and political leader Muqtada al-Sadr, who on July 4 issued a direct and unambiguous demand to dissolve the militias and restore the state’s monopoly on armed force. On social media, Sadr declared: "Falsehood shall not be repelled except by handing over uncontrolled weapons to the state, dissolving the militias, strengthening the army and police, and ensuring Iraq’s independence, without following the corrupt, and striving earnestly for reform and holding the corrupt accountable.”
Together, these statements mark an escalating confrontation between Iraq’s nationalist religious authorities and the entrenched influence of Iran-backed militias. As tensions rise, the calls for disbanding these armed groups could set the stage for a broader political and security realignment in Baghdad.
Source: shafaq.com
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https://shafaq.com/en/Report/Iraq-US-security-warning-highlights-risk-of-Shiite-factions-confrontation
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Qatar strongly condemns Israeli plan to seize control of Ibrahimi Mosque
July 18, 2025
Doha: The State of Qatar condemned in the strongest terms the Israeli occupation plan to transfer the authority of the administration and supervision of the Ibrahimi Mosque from the Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs and the Municipality of Hebron to the Jewish religious council in Kiryat Arba settlement, describing it a blatant violation of international laws and legitimate international resolutions and a provocation to the feelings of Muslims around the world.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed, in a statement Friday, the State of Qatar's categorical rejection of attempts to alter the historical and legal status of the Ibrahimi Mosque and all holy sites in the Occupied Palestinian territories, and at the same time called on the international community to uphold its moral and legal responsibilities to protect religious sanctities in Palestine, and to compel Israeli occupation authorities to halt their criminal plans aimed at erasing the authentic identity of the Palestinian people.
Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
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https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/18/07/2025/qatar-strongly-condemns-israeli-plan-to-seize-control-of-ibrahimi-mosque
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Iraq’s Coordination Framework denies receiving letter from Ayatollah Al-Sistani
2025-07-19
On Friday, the Coordination Framework (CF) Secretary-General Abbas al-Amiri dismissed reports claiming it had received a message from Iraq’s supreme religious authority in Najaf.
The CF is an influential Iraqi Shiite political bloc that emerged after the 2021 elections. Following the Sadrist Movement's withdrawal of its MPs in June 2022, the CF effectively became the largest force in Iraqi politics.
Unofficial reports claimed that Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani had warned CF leaders of an “existential war” threatening the Shiite community following heightened tensions with Iran. The alleged message called for unity, anti-corruption efforts, and an end to appointments based on sectarian quotas.
In recent years, Ayatollah al-Sistani refrained from meeting with political actors and limited his rare public statements to issues of major national interest and public welfare.
Source: shafaq.com
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Iraq makes ‘decisive findings’ over Israel-Iran war drone attacks
July 18, 2025
BAGHDAD: Drones used to attack military bases in Iraq during the recent Israel-Iran war were manufactured outside Iraq but were launched inside its territory, according to the “decisive findings” of an investigation published on Friday.
The report of an investigative committee formed under the directive of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani did not identify who was behind the attacks that targeted radar and air defense systems last month.
The attacks on several military bases, including some housing US troops, damaged radar systems at Camp Taji, north of Baghdad, and at Imam Ali Base in Dhi Qar province.
Iraqi army spokesperson Sabah Al-Naaman said the investigation had reached “decisive findings.”
He said the drones used were manufactured outside Iraq but were launched from locations inside Iraqi territory. All drones used in the attacks were of the same type, indicating that a single actor was behind the entire campaign, he said.
Al-Naaman said the investigation had identified the entities responsible for coordinating and executing the operations, but he did not name them.
“Legal measures will be taken against all those involved, and they will be referred to the Iraqi judiciary to be held accountable in accordance with the law,” the statement said.
Before the drone attacks, Iran-backed Iraqi militias had previously threatened to target American bases if the US attacked Iran. Some of the militias are part of the Popular Mobilization Forces, a coalition of armed groups that is officially under the command of the Iraqi military, although in practice they largely act independently.
More recently, several oil fields in the semi-autonomous northern Kurdish region have come under attack by drones, further exacerbating tensions between the central government and Kurdish authorities and raising concerns over the security of Iraq’s critical infrastructure.
Source: arabnews.com
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Hamas armed wing says Israel blocking ceasefire and hostage release talks
July 18, 2025
GAZA CITY: The armed wing of the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Friday accused Israel of blocking a deal in talks for a temporary ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza.
Abu Obaida, spokesman for the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, said in a video statement that Hamas “always proposed a comprehensive deal that will return all the hostages at once.”
But he said Israel “rejected what we proposed,” urging it to reconsider.
“If the enemy remains obstinate in this round of negotiations we cannot guarantee a return to the partial-deal proposals — including the 10-prisoner (hostage) exchange offer,” he added.
Source: arabnews.com
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Merz tells Netanyahu he hopes for ‘speedy’ Gaza ceasefire
July 18, 2025
BERLIN: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a phone call on Friday that he hoped for a “speedy ceasefire” in war-torn Gaza, Berlin said.
Merz also “stressed that the urgently needed humanitarian aid must now reach the people in the Gaza Strip in a safe and humane manner” and that the “disarmament of Hamas was imperative,” his office said in a statement.
“The chancellor expressed his hope for a speedy ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. All remaining Hamas hostages, including those with German citizenship, must be released immediately.”
The statement added that Merz “advocated for finding a viable post-war order for Gaza that takes into account Israeli security needs and the Palestinian right to self-determination.”
The chancellor also “emphasized that there should be no steps toward annexing the West Bank.”
Speaking earlier at a Berlin press conference, Merz labelled the events in Gaza as “no longer acceptable.”
He also emphasized Germany’s commitment to Israel’s security, saying: “We are doing everything we can to do justice to both sides, it is clear where we stand.
“But we also see the suffering of the Palestinian population and are trying to do everything possible to provide humanitarian aid here as well.”
More than 21 months of war have created dire humanitarian conditions for Gaza’s population, displacing most residents at least once and triggering severe shortages of food and other essentials.
The war was triggered by the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.
Israel’s retaliatory military offensive has killed at least 58,667 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.
Source: arabnews.com
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