ISIS Training Children of Foreign Fighters to Become 'Next Generation' Of Terrorists
New Age Islam News Bureau
31 Jul 2016
Photo: The report claims that as many as 50 children from the UK are growing up with jihad propaganda in the ‘caliphate’.
• ISIL Treasurer in Mosul Steals All Assets, Escapes with 3 Assistants
• Backward Muslims to Launch Drive to Secure Political Voice
• Locals Burn Pakistan Flag, Protest Escalates In PoK over Rigged Polls
• Afghan Taliban Team Visits China for Talks
----------
Arab World
• ISIS Training Children of Foreign Fighters to Become 'Next Generation' Of Terrorists
• ISIL Treasurer in Mosul Steals All Assets, Escapes with 3 Assistants
• Iraqi Army, Popular Forces Win Back 50 Percent of Khalediya Island
• Seven Saudi troops, many Houthis killed near Yemen border
• Scores of families leave besieged Aleppo under Moscow-Damascus plan
• Islamic State attacks two energy plants in north Iraq, kills five
• IS leaders, families flee Mosul: Iraqi minister
• Syria: Terrorists Continue to Surrender to Gov't Forces in Aleppo
• Yemeni Forces Take Control of Saudi Military Positions, Hilltops in Najran Province
• Commander Dismisses Israeli Rumors about General Naqdi's Injury in Syria as
• ISIL Terrorists Surrendering to Iraqi Army in Al-Khalediya Island
• Syrian Soldiers Smash Terrorists in Eastern Sweida
• Yemeni Army Downs Saudi Spying Plane, Destroys Abrams Tank in Assir, Najran Provinces
• Iran Blasts Washington for Violation of N. Deal
----------
India
• Backward Muslims to Launch Drive To Secure Political Voice
• India Says To Bring Back Workers Facing 'Food Crisis' In Saudi Arabia
• PDP, BJP take rain check on RSS-backed seminar on Kashmir
----------
Pakistan
• Locals Burn Pakistan Flag, Protest Escalates In PoK over Rigged Polls
• 7 Militants Killed In Pakistan, Major Terror Attack Bid Foiled
• Sindhudesh Revolutionary Army claims twin blasts targeting Rangers in Larkana
• Terror case against two for hate posts on Facebook
----------
South Asia
• Afghan Taliban Team Visits China for Talks
• Taliban Capture District in Helmand: Afghan Official
• Taliban attacks killed 24 police officers in 2 days: Afghan official
• Bangladeshi-Canadian named as Dhaka cafe attack mastermind
• Rights group seeks prosecution of 'abusive' Afghan militias controlled by Dostum
• China says considering specific requests of the Afghan forces
• Ex-Afghan MP shot dead by unknown gunmen in Kabul city
• WTO membership to integrate Afghanistan into global economy: DG Azevêdo
• Abdullah Abdullah’s Twitter account has been hacked
• Afghan commandos deployed to Helmand to push Taliban out of Khanshin
----------
Mideast
• Ankara Mayor: Top Officials at Risk of Assassinations
• Turkey Lashes out at Germany over Ban on Erdoğan’s Videoconference
• Erdogan says Gulen a pawn backed by a 'mastermind'
• ‘Traitors’ cemetery’ reserved for Turkey’s coup plotters
• Iran’s global banking problems deepen with rise of Trump, Brexit
• We were mistaken about Gülen movement, says President Erdoğan
• CHP leader calls Erdoğan’s withdrawal of insult cases an ‘elegant move’
• Turkey’s economy strong despite coup bid: Deputy PM
• Six former Zaman employees arrested in Gülen probe
----------
Southeast Asia
• Myanmar to Deport Pakistanis for Giving Mosque Sermon
• Indonesia Aims To Be Center of Global Islamic Teaching
----------
Europe
• London Police Chief Warns Terror Attack A Case Of "When, Not If"
• ‘Don’t Be Couch Potatoes, Try Activism’, Pope Urges Youth
• Terror attack in UK imminent: Scotland Yard
• Muslims pray with Catholics over priest's 'barbaric' murder
---------
North America
• Trump Attacks Slain Muslim US Soldier's Parents, Triggers Row
• US lawmaker seeks changes in Pak blasphemy law
----------
Africa
• Suicide car bomb hits CID headquarters in Somalia: Police
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
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ISIS Training Children of Foreign Fighters to Become 'Next Generation' Of Terrorists
Lizzie Dearden: 30 July 2016
The children of foreign fighters living in Isis territory in Syria and Iraq are being trained to become the “next generation” of terrorists, Europe’s law enforcement agency has warned.
The terror group advertises its use of children as fighters and suicide bombers, as well as featuring children, including a four-year-old British boy, as executioners in its gory propaganda videos.
There are concerns the number of young boys forced into Isis ranks will increase as young children taken to live in its territories or born to “jihadi brides” grow up.
In its annual report on terrorism in the European Union, Europol said children raised under the group’s rule are of “particular concern”.
“In their propaganda, Isis has often shown that they train these minors to become the next generation of foreign terrorist fighters, which may pose a future security threat to member states,” the Europol report said.
“Some returnees will perpetuate the terrorist threat to the EU via facilitation, fundraising, recruitment and radicalisation activities. They may also serve as role models for future would-be violent jihadists.”
More than 50 children from the UK are living in the “caliphate”, where there are also an estimated 31,000 pregnant women, an investigation by the Quilliam Foundation found earlier this year.
Among them is Isa Dare, the son of a London woman known as Khadijah Dare, who was shown appearing to blow up a car containing three prisoners in a propaganda video in February. “We will kill the Kuffar (infidels) over there,” he was shown saying, while wearing military fatigues and an Isis headband, almost four years after being taken to Syria as a baby.
He was accompanied by a teenage boy who spoke with a British accent, threatening the UK and members of the US-led coalition bombing Isis territories.
Another British jihadist known as Abu Rumaysah – real name Siddhartha Dhar – taunted intelligence agencies by posing with his newborn son under one arm and a gun in the other after escaping surveillance and a travel ban to reach Syria in 2014.
Boasting of his ambitions for his son, he wrote on Twitter: “Alhamdulillah (all praise be to Allah) Allah (God) blessed me with a healthy baby boy in the Islamic State.
“He is another great addition to the Islamic State. And he's definitely not British.”
Several other fighters have also posted images of their children on social media, including a sleeping infant surrounded by an Isis ID card, hand grenade and pistol.
Analysts say Isis leaders see the children as crucial to secure the group’s long-term success and consider them better and more lethal fighters because of their indoctrination and desensitisation since birth.
The deadly impact of foreign training has been seen in recent terror attacks, with several of the Paris and Brussels gunmen having combat experience in Syria.
Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, an activist group that documents Isis atrocities, raised concern that even if Isis is defeated, its young recruits could continue bloody attempts to establish a brutal caliphate, calling them a “lost generation”.
Nikita Malik, a senior researcher from the Quilliam Foundation, told The Independent children are being used as part of the terrorist group’s “state-building exercise” in Iraq and Syria.
“They are an immediate threat and will become a much longer-term one,” she added. “Their educational indoctrination breeds hatred against the West and calls all other states illegitimate – these children will have no access to or memory of any other ideas.”
Ms Malik warned that the Government has no comprehensive strategy in place for rehabilitating and re-educating the children of foreign fighters, especially if they return in large numbers in the event of Isis being eradicated. “Many of these children will know nothing about Britain but the current legislation means the UK has a responsibility towards them as citizens. It’s a very complex situation,” she said.
Isis propaganda agencies have published numerous videos and images showing children being trained and indoctrinated with the group’s brutal ideology. Footage of a camp for “Cubs of the Caliphate” near its de-facto capital of Raqqa in Syria showed boys as young as five wearing combat gear and Isis headbands as they are ordered to carry out military exercises.
Other propaganda has shown boys fighting each other and practising martial arts, as well as receiving jihadist instruction from older militants.
Parents who have fled Isis territory have described their children being “brainwashed” in Isis schools, with some being taught how to make bombs or being sent home with Caucasian dolls dressed in orange jumpsuits to behead as “homework”.
While the indoctrination for boys ultimately prepares them for combat, girls are taught separately how to cook, clean and support their future husbands’ “jihad” according to Isis’s interpretation of sharia.
Europol’s report said girls are not yet permitted to fight but are trained to raise their children in line with Isis ideology, with the promise of “respect and affection” from male relatives. They are encouraged to accept the death of future husbands and sons, who are prepared to take part in battles and terror attacks from a young age.
The number of children born to foreign fighters is believed to be increasing as a growing proportion of “jihadi brides” travel to join Isis. Europol said 40 per cent of Dutch arrivals in the “caliphate” are women, who find themselves less likely to be able to flee, should they change their minds, than their male counterparts, and are remarried if their husbands die to enable them to continue to bear children.
A report for the Combating Terrorism Centre found that at least 89 child soldiers have died fighting for Isis in a year, mainly in Iraq and Syria. Most were used to drive car and truck bombs into military positions and other security targets, while others were killed in battle or in suicide attacks against civilians.
Europol estimates that more than 5,000 European citizens have travelled to conflict zone in Syria and Iraq – mainly to join Isis – but said the flow has slowed since an increase in counter-terror measures and intensifying air strikes and military defeats.
The agency warned that although refugee routes into Europe were not being “systematically” used by Isis, terrorists have hidden themselves among migrants using fraudulent documents, and said there was a “real and imminent danger” of Sunni Muslim Syrian asylum seekers becoming vulnerable to radicalisation once in Europe.
A spokesperson for the Home Office said she could not say how many British children were living under Isis control, or had been born in the group’s territories.
According to Government figures at least 850 individuals of “national security concern” have travelled from the UK to join the Syrian conflict, of whom around 15 per cent have been killed while half have returned.
independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/isis-training-children-of-foreign-fighters-to-become-next-generation-of-terrorists-a7162911.html
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Backward Muslims to launch drive to secure political voice
TNN | Jul 31, 2016
NEW DELHI: Backward Muslim leaders will launch a campaign next month to urge the community to shun political parties neglecting their claim to political representation.
A meeting of OBC Muslims belonging to weaver community , under the banner of National Momin Conference, discussed on Saturday their "continuing political, social and economic marginalisation". Working out an agenda for the uplift of "weavers", the meeting decided to launch a series of conferences across the country to mobilise the community with the objective of piling pressure on political parties.
The first conference in the series will be held in Lucknow in August. The decision is politically significant as Uttar Pradesh election campaign is set to start soon and the state has the largest population of weavers.
Chaired by Shakeeluzzaman Ansari, member, National Backward Classes Commission, the meeting lamented that the community was being neglected by political parties despite it constituting 40% of Muslims.
"Take for example Bihar.There used to be ministers and legislators in every government and assembly .This time, there is no minister or MLA. Also, only one person from the weaver com munity was fielded in elections," Ansari said.
The gathering felt the continued decline in the status of "momins" was because of a lack of unity among them on the lines of Hindu OBCs or Dalits. "In democracy , there can be no development if a social bloc does not have political power," Ansari said.
"There will be a clear call that the community should join the party which gives them political representation," he added.
Among others, the meeting was attended by Salim Ansari, former MP, Javed Iqbal Ansari, MLC, Bihar, Tajuddin Ansari, OBC co-ordinator, and Quddus Ansari from Gujarat.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Backward-Muslims-to-launch-drive-to-secure-political-voice/articleshow/53472109.cms
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Locals burn Pakistan flag, protest escalates in PoK over rigged polls
ANI | Jul 29, 2016
NEELAM VALLEY: People in Neelum valley in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Friday took to the streets to protest against rigged July 21 elections, which was won by Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party.
The PML-N bagged 31 out of the 41 seats up for grabs, while the Muslim Conference and Pakistan People's Party bagged three seats each.
The protesters had to face the police wrath as they burnt Pakistani flag and raised slogans against the government.
Besides blackening election posters, the protesters also burnt tyres, blocked traffic and clashed with the police personnel deployed on duty.
Widespread protests have been witnessed in the major PoK towns, including Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Chinari and Mirpur, after members of the PML (N) killed a supporter of the Muslim Conference (MC) in Muzaffarabad.
Locals allege that the elections in PoK are always fixed in favour of the ruling party in Pakistan, in current instance, for the PML-N.
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Angry over rigged PoK elections, locals burnt Pakistani flag in Neelum Valley (PoK) and faced police action. pic.twitter.com/TYqVZgnzQD
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The political parties have questioned the authenticity of the elections. They say public money has been wasted as the so-called democratic process was fraught with corrupt practices.
The Pakistan Human Rights Group has confirmed the allegations of corrupt practices, involving money and muscle power.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Locals-burn-Pakistan-flag-protest-escalates-in-PoK-over-rigged-polls/articleshow/53447106.cms
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Afghan Taliban team visits China for talks
IANS | Jul 30, 2016
ISLAMABAD: An Afghan Taliban delegation from its political office in Qatar recently visited China to discuss the situation in Afghanistan and the region, a group leader said on Saturday.
The Taliban has been attempting to attract China's support in their ongoing war with the Afghanistan government which has entered its 15th year with the civilians paying a hefty price of the ongoing violence, Khamaa Press reported.
It was the first visit of a Taliban delegation to any country after the installation of Haibatullah Akhundzada as the new Taliban amir.
"Our delegation had visited China from July 18-22 to discuss matters between both the countries. They discussed the invasion in the region and to adopt a joint stance against the malicious policies of the invading countries," the Express Tribune quoted the leader as saying.
The delegation comprised of two Taliban leaders, Sher Muhammad Abbas and Mullah Abbas.
The move came after the Taliban refused to join the peace talks initiated by the four-member Quadrilateral Coordination Group of which China was also a member along with the US, Pakistan and the Afghan government.
The peace process officially came to a halt after former Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Akhtar Mansour was killed in a US drone strike in Pakistan on May 21.
The leader also said the policies of the "Islamic Emirate (Taliban)" about the region and the world also came under discussion.
The leader did not comment on the possibility of peace talks between the group and the Afghan government, but sources said both the sides "explored prospects" for a political dialogue as Beijing could be an "honest broker" to start the peace process.
The visit comes weeks after China delivered military equipment to Afghanistan.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry did not comment on the reports.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/Afghan-Taliban-team-visits-China-for-talks/articleshow/53467368.cms
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Arab World
ISIS Training Children of Foreign Fighters to Become 'Next Generation' Of Terrorists
Lizzie Dearden: 30 July 2016
The children of foreign fighters living in Isis territory in Syria and Iraq are being trained to become the “next generation” of terrorists, Europe’s law enforcement agency has warned.
The terror group advertises its use of children as fighters and suicide bombers, as well as featuring children, including a four-year-old British boy, as executioners in its gory propaganda videos.
Full report at: independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/isis-training-children-of-foreign-fighters-to-become-next-generation-of-terrorists-a7162911.html
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ISIL Treasurer in Mosul Steals All Assets, Escapes with 3 Assistants
Jul 31, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The ISIL terrorist group's treasurer in the Iraqi city of Mosul has stolen all assets under his authority and escaped along with three of his assistants, a source disclosed on Sunday.
"After the treasurer escaped along with three of his assistants with all assets, trophies and antiques, the ISIL security committee arrested the guards who protected the treasury office, and after interrogation, executed 6 of them for collaboration in the robbery and the four men's escape," the source said.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950510001240
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Iraqi Army, Popular Forces Win Back 50 Percent of Khalediya Island
Jul 31, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Iraq's joint military forces have seized back half of a strategic island region in al-Anbar province, battlefield sources disclosed.
"The Iraqi forces are now in control of 50 percent of al-Khalediya Island by pushing back the terrorists 7 kilometers deep inside the island," an informed military source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told FNA on Sunday.
The source said that the Iraqi forces are now close to the Euphrates River and are advancing in areas Southeast of the river.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950510000548
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Seven Saudi troops, many Houthis killed near Yemen border
Reuters | Jul 31, 2016
CAIRO: Seven Saudi troops and dozens of Houthi fighters were killed in heavy fighting on the border with Yemen, Saudi state news agency SPA reported on Sunday, as the main combatants in Yemen's war prepared for a further week of peace talks in Kuwait.
The UN-sponsored negotiations had been on the verge of collapse after a new row erupted last week between the Saudi-backed government and its Iranian-allied Houthi foes and renewed fighting broke out.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Seven-Saudi-troops-many-Houthis-killed-near-Yemen-border/articleshow/53476029.cms
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Scores of families leave besieged Aleppo under Moscow-Damascus plan
July 31st, 2016
BEIRUT: Nearly 200 civilians, mostly women and children, left besieged eastern parts of Aleppo through a safety zone that Moscow and its Syrian ally say they have set up to evacuate people trapped in opposition-held areas, Syrian state media said on Saturday.
State television showed scores of mostly women gathered in a government-controlled area of the city, saying how conditions in rebel-held areas were difficult and chanting praise for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1274326/scores-of-families-leave-besieged-aleppo-under-moscow-damascus-plan
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Islamic State attacks two energy plants in north Iraq, kills five
Reuters | Jul 31, 2016
KIRKUK, IRAQ: Islamic State militants stormed two energy facilities in northern Iraq on Sunday, killing at least five workers and shutting down a major oil pumping station, security and oil sources said.
The first attack, on the AB2 gas compressor station, about 15 km (10 miles) northwest of Kirkuk, started around 0300 (0000 GMT) when four gunmen with hand grenades broke through an external door in an attack that left two guards in critical condition.
They then shot dead four employees in a control room inside and planted explosives charges, around five of which went off, the sources said.
Forces from the elite counter-terrorism service stormed the facility, regained control and freed 15 other employees who had hidden in a separate room.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Islamic-State-attacks-two-energy-plants-in-north-Iraq-kills-five/articleshow/53476616.cms
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IS leaders, families flee Mosul: Iraqi minister
AFP | Jul 31, 2016
BAGHDAD: Iraq's defence minister Khalid al-Obeidi has said that Islamic State group leaders and their families have sold their belongings and fled Mosul as Iraqi forces close in on the northern city.
Iraqi forces are conducting operations to set the stage for an assault on Mosul, the country's second city that has been held by IS since June 2014, but the final push to retake it is likely still months away.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/IS-leaders-families-flee-Mosul-Iraqi-minister/articleshow/53477145.cms
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Syria: Terrorists Continue to Surrender to Gov't Forces in Aleppo
Jul 31, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- A source within the ranks of the National Defense Forces confirmed that a large number of terrorists, trapped in government forces' siege of Aleppo city, are laying down their arms in groups and turning themselves in to the army men.
"Tens of terrorists have surrendered to the authorities in Salahuddin and Sheikh Maqsoud districts in the last two day," the sources said.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950510001009
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Yemeni Forces Take Control of Saudi Military Positions, Hilltops in Najran Province
Jul 31, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Yemeni army and popular forces continued their advances against the Saudi forces in the Southern parts of the kingdom by seizing back a number of strategic military positions and heights.
The Yemeni forces are now in full control of Qashaba and Sia military positions and the Sheibani hilltops in Najran province.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950510000627
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Commander Dismisses Israeli Rumors about General Naqdi's Injury in Syria as "Psychological" War
Jul 31, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Commander of Iran's Basij (volunteer) Force Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi visited Syria in March and rumors about his injury in the last few days are no more than "psychological warfare", his deputy said on Sunday.
"Brigadier General Naqdi traveled to Syria to visit the Shiite shrines during Nowruz holidays (March 20-April 1), ... none of the media outlets was informed that the visit had been paid in March and the report has surfaced the media only in the past few days," Brigadier General Ali Fazli said.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950510001089
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ISIL Terrorists Surrendering to Iraqi Army in Al-Khalediya Island
TEHRAN (FNA)- Tens of ISIL terrorists have surrendered themselves to the Iraqi army and popular forces in al-Khalediya Island in al-Anbar province, a field source said on Sunday.
"Tens of ISIL terrorists surrendered themselves after they failed to resist against the Iraqi forces," the source said.
"A large number of ISIL terrorists left their defense lines and escaped to the desert areas," he added.
The latest reports said that the Iraqi forces have taken back control of al-Kartan region and purged the terrorists of Abu Obaid district and a power plant in the Eastern parts of al-Khalediya Island.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950510001273
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Syrian Soldiers Smash Terrorists in Eastern Sweida
Jul 31, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Syrian Army troops launched a fresh round of offensives on the positions of ISIL in Eastern Sweida, inflicting several casualties on the militants.
Syrian soldiers' anti-terrorism offensive on ISIL's centers in the Western side of al-Rasiyeh region left tens of the Takfiri terrorists dead or wounded.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950510000673
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Yemeni Army Downs Saudi Spying Plane, Destroys Abrams Tank in Assir, Najran Provinces
Jul 31, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Yemeni army targeted and destroyed a Saudi reconnaissance airplane and an Abrams tank in the kingdom's South and Southwest, battlefield sources announced on Sunday.
"The Saudi spy plane was downed in Mojazeh border region in Assir province," the Arabic-language al-Masira news agency quoted an unnamed military source as saying on Sunday.
The source noted that the Yemeni army destroyed an Abrams tank with a TOW anti-tank missile in Rajla military zone in Najran province on Sunday.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950510000406
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Iran Blasts Washington for Violation of N. Deal
Jul 31, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Spokesman of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Behrouz Kamalvandi lashed out at the US for blocking cooperation of the world's giant firms with Tehran, describing it as a flagrant violation of the nuclear deal.
"We have not violated the nuclear deal but the other side has violated it through its political approach towards huge firms," Kamalvandi said in an interview with the state-run TV on Saturday night.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950510000269
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India
Backward Muslims to launch drive to secure political voice
TNN | Jul 31, 2016
NEW DELHI: Backward Muslim leaders will launch a campaign next month to urge the community to shun political parties neglecting their claim to political representation.
A meeting of OBC Muslims belonging to weaver community , under the banner of National Momin Conference, discussed on Saturday their "continuing political, social and economic marginalisation". Working out an agenda for the uplift of "weavers", the meeting decided to launch a series of conferences across the country to mobilise the community with the objective of piling pressure on political parties.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Backward-Muslims-to-launch-drive-to-secure-political-voice/articleshow/53472109.cms
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India says to bring back workers facing 'food crisis' in Saudi Arabia
Jul 31, 2016
NEW DELHI: India said on Sunday it will send a government minister to Saudi Arabia to try to bring back more than 10,000 Indian workers who are facing a “food crisis” because they are unable to afford meals after being laid off from their jobs.
Low oil prices have forced the Saudi government to slash spending since last year, putting heavy pressure on the finances of local construction firms which rely on state contracts.
As a result, some companies have been struggling to pay foreign workers and have laid off tens of thousands, leaving many with no money for food let alone for tickets home.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1274448/india-says-to-bring-back-workers-facing-food-crisis-in-saudi-arabia
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PDP, BJP take rain check on RSS-backed seminar on Kashmir
Aarti Tikoo Singh | TNN | Jul 31, 2016
NEW DELHI: RSS affiliate Vishwagram's two-day international symposium on Kashmir+ turned out to be a damp squib on Saturday as BJP's coalition partner in J&K, the PDP, took a rain check, as did a few top BJP and government functionaries. Sources said the seminar, that had chief minister Mehbooba Mufti+ and PDP's brains trust Naeem Akhtar as key speakers, was ill-timed, coming as it did when Kashmir is in throes of violent protests+ and curfew.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/PDP-BJP-take-rain-check-on-RSS-backed-seminar-on-Kashmir/articleshow/53474206.cms
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Pakistan
Locals burn Pakistan flag, protest escalates in PoK over rigged polls
ANI | Jul 29, 2016
NEELAM VALLEY: People in Neelum valley in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Friday took to the streets to protest against rigged July 21 elections, which was won by Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party.
The PML-N bagged 31 out of the 41 seats up for grabs, while the Muslim Conference and Pakistan People's Party bagged three seats each.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Locals-burn-Pakistan-flag-protest-escalates-in-PoK-over-rigged-polls/articleshow/53447106.cms
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7 militants killed in Pakistan, major terror attack bid foiled
PTI | Jul 31, 2016
LAHORE: A major terror attack in Pakistan was foiled on Sunday, with security forces killing seven militants who were plotting to target key government installations in Punjab province, the latest in a series of similar assaults.
According to the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab Police, it had received information that around 10 to 12 militants were planning to attack sensitive installations and buildings of law enforcement agencies here.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/7-militants-killed-in-Pakistan-major-terror-attack-bid-foiled/articleshow/53475874.cms
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Sindhudesh Revolutionary Army claims twin blasts targeting Rangers in Larkana
July 31st, 2016
HYDERABAD: Twin blasts targeting a Rangers vehicle in Larkana on Saturday were claimed by the Sindhudesh Revolutionary Army (SRA) in pamphlets found by police at the scene, a police source said on Sunday.
The explosions which took place near a Rangers kiosk on Mirokhan Road killed a soldier and injured 15 other people, including five Rangers personnel.
The pamphlet says the SRA has taken responsibility for the attack.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1274451/sindhudesh-revolutionary-army-claims-twin-blasts-targeting-rangers-in-larkana
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Terror case against two for hate posts on Facebook
July 31st, 2016
TOBA TEK SINGH: City police registered a case on Saturday under the Anti-Terrorism Act against two persons for uploading alleged hate posts on a social media site.
Complainant Mateeullah, of Chak 295-GB, says Rozi Khan, of Azafiabadi in Chak 331-JB, and Muhammad Nadeem Gul Qadri posted objectionable contents on their Facebook pages targeting a religious school of thought.
Police have yet to make arrests in the case.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1274364/terror-case-against-two-for-hate-posts-on-facebook
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South Asia
Afghan Taliban team visits China for talks
IANS | Jul 30, 2016
ISLAMABAD: An Afghan Taliban delegation from its political office in Qatar recently visited China to discuss the situation in Afghanistan and the region, a group leader said on Saturday.
The Taliban has been attempting to attract China's support in their ongoing war with the Afghanistan government which has entered its 15th year with the civilians paying a hefty price of the ongoing violence, Khamaa Press reported.
It was the first visit of a Taliban delegation to any country after the installation of Haibatullah Akhundzada as the new Taliban amir.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/Afghan-Taliban-team-visits-China-for-talks/articleshow/53467368.cms
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Taliban capture district in Helmand: Afghan official
AP | Jul 30, 2016
KANDAHAR: An important district in Afghanistan's southern poppy-growing province of Helmand has fallen under Taliban control after heavy fighting that killed around 17 police and wounded up to 10 others, an official said on Saturday.
The director of Helmand's provincial council, Kareem Atal, said that Taliban militants attacked a series of police checkpoints Friday night as part of a larger assault in the Kanashin district.
Earlier, his deputy, Abdul Majeed Akhonzada, told The Associated Press that Kanashin district has ``fallen into Taliban hands.''
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/Taliban-capture-district-in-Helmand-Afghan-official/articleshow/53466180.cms
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Taliban attacks killed 24 police officers in 2 days: Afghan official
AP | Jul 31, 2016
KANDAHAR (AFGHANISTAN): Taliban attacks on a district in the southern province of Helmand province killed at least 24 police officers over the past two days, an Afghan official said on Sunday.
Kareem Atal, the director of Helmand's provincial council, said that battles between government forces and militants have been raging in the Kanashin district since late Friday, when the Taliban took control.
The fighting has spread north to other districts, where militants are targeting checkpoints and have killed at least seven policemen, he said.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/Taliban-attacks-killed-24-police-officers-in-2-days-Afghan-official/articleshow/53477751.cms
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Bangladeshi-Canadian named as Dhaka cafe attack mastermind
PTI | Jul 30, 2016
DHAKA: A Bangladeshi-Canadian was on Saturday identified as the mastermind of Bangladesh's worst terror attack at a cafe in Dhaka's high-security diplomatic zone that killed 22 people mostly foreigners, police said following new information from a raid on a militant hideout.
An overnight security raid at Kalyanpur area in Dhaka four days ago provided police the clue to identify Tamim Chowdhury as the architect of the recent Islamist assaults, a police officer familiar with the investigations told PTI on anonymity.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/Bangladeshi-Canadian-named-as-Dhaka-cafe-attack-mastermind/articleshow/53468210.cms
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Rights group seeks prosecution of 'abusive' Afghan militias controlled by Dostum
July 31st, 2016
KABUL: Human Rights Watch Sunday called for the prosecution of Afghan militias loyal to dreaded former warlord Abdul Rashid Dostum, accusing them of killings and looting during an anti-Taliban operation.
The Junbish militia last month killed at least 13 civilians and wounded 32 in the northern province of Faryab after accusing them of supporting the Taliban, the New York-based rights group said.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1274454/rights-group-seeks-prosecution-of-abusive-afghan-militias-controlled-by-dostum
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China says considering specific requests of the Afghan forces
By KHAAMA PRESS - Sun Jul 31 2016
The government of China is considering the specific requests of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF), the Chinese Ambassador to Afghanistan has said.
During a meeting with the National Security Adviser Mohammad Hanif Atmar, the Chinese envoy, Yao Jing reaffirmed his country’s commitment to support Afghanistan.
In his return, Atmar thanked Chian for supporting Afghanistan and updated the Chinese envoy regaridng his to Russia, insisting on regional allies consensus in fight against terrorism.
Full report at: khaama.com/china-says-considering-specific-requests-of-the-afghan-forces-01612
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Ex-Afghan MP shot dead by unknown gunmen in Kabul city
By KHAAMA PRESS - Sun Jul 31 2016
A former Afghan lawmaker has been shot dead by unknown gunmen in Kabul city in the latest wave of target killings which has been on the rise amid deteriorating security situation.
According to the security officials, the former lawmaker Dr. Asadullah Hematyar was shot dead by unknown gunmen in the vicinity of Stanikzai Meena.
The police district#6 police chief Mohammad Dawood Paktiawal said the gunmen opened fire on Dr. Hematyar near his clinic.
Full report at: khaama.com/ex-afghan-mp-shot-dead-by-unknown-gunmen-in-kabul-city-01611
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WTO membership to integrate Afghanistan into global economy: DG Azevêdo
By KHAAMA PRESS - Sun Jul 31 2016
Afghanistan WTOThe Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Roberto Azevêdo has said the full membership of Afghanistan will integrate the country into the global economy.
“I am proud to welcome Afghanistan to the WTO as our newest member,” Azevêdo said.
He said “This is an historic day for the country and its integration into the global economy. We arrived at this point thanks to the commitment of President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and the government of Afghanistan.”
Full report at: khaama.com/wto-membership-to-integrate-afghanistan-into-global-economy-dg-azevedo-01609
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Abdullah Abdullah’s Twitter account has been hacked
By KHAAMA PRESS - Sat Jul 30 2016
The Office of the Chief Executive Officer has said one of Abdullah Abdullah’s Twitter has been hacked by unknown hackers.
Javid Faisal, a spokesman for CEO Abdullah, said “CE Dr. Abdullah’s Twitter Account “@afgexecutive” has been hacked by unknown hackers. Our press and IT teams are trying to restore it.”
Full report at: khaama.com/abdullah-joins-massive-twitter-campaign-launched-after-kabul-attack-01607
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Afghan commandos deployed to Helmand to push Taliban out of Khanshin
By KHAAMA PRESS - Sat Jul 30 2016
The Special Operations Forces (SoF), Commandos, of the Afghan National Army (ANA), have been deployed to southern Helmand province to push the Taliban militants out of Khanshin district.
The Ministry of Defense (MoD) said the commando forces were deployed to Khanshin district where Taliban launched a major attack.
A statement by MoD said at least 18 Taliban insurgents were killed shortly after launching the attack on Khanshin.
Full report at: khaama.com/afghan-commandos-deployed-to-helmand-to-push-taliban-out-of-khanshin-01606
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Mideast
Ankara mayor: Top officials at risk of assassinations
July/31/2016
Ankara Mayor Melih Gökçek fears Turkey is entering a period where top officials could be at risk of assassination.
Gökçek, mayor for over 22 years and one of the senior figures in the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), also told AFP in an interview the United States must extradite Islamic preacher Fethullah Gülen to Turkey to remove any suspicion that Washington was involved in the failed July 15 coup.
Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/ankara-mayor-top-officials-at-risk-of-assassinations.aspx?pageID=238&nID=102292&NewsCatID=338
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Turkey lashes out at Germany over ban on Erdoğan’s videoconference
July/31/2016
A senior Turkish official has strongly criticized Germany for not allowing President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s participation via videoconference at a rally scheduled to be held in Cologne on July 31, saying the ban was in violation of freedom of expression.
“It’s unacceptable,” said Erdoğan’s spokesperson, İbrahim Kalın, in a statement on July 31. The Turkish community in Cologne was set to hold a massive rally to protest the coup attempt with the participation of representatives of different political parties and non-governmental organizations.
Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-lashes-out-at-germany-over-ban-on-erdogans-videoconference-.aspx?pageID=238&nID=102294&NewsCatID=510
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Erdogan says Gulen a pawn backed by a 'mastermind'
July 31st, 2016
ISTANBUL/ANKARA: The US-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen blamed by Turkey for orchestrating a failed coup this month is a pawn backed by a "mastermind", President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday, hinting that greater powers were behind the attempted putsch.
Erdogan often refers to a "mastermind" in his speeches, a reference widely seen as an allusion to the West in general and the United States more specifically.
The cleric, Fethullah Gulen, who has lived in the self-imposed exile in the United States for years, has denied any involvement in the failed coup of July 15-16.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1274453/erdogan-says-gulen-a-pawn-backed-by-a-mastermind
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‘Traitors’ cemetery’ reserved for Turkey’s coup plotters
July 31st, 2016
ISTANBUL: Captain Mehmet Karabekir’s body was not washed before burial. Nobody recited prayers from the Quran before he was laid to rest in a hastily dug hole near an animal shelter, denied all Muslim rites.
He is among the dozens of Turkish soldiers accused of trying to overthrow President Tayyip Erdogan and the government in a failed military coup this month, his fate a sign of the fury felt over a night of bloodletting that killed more than 240 people.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1274288/traitors-cemetery-reserved-for-turkeys-coup-plotters
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Iran’s global banking problems deepen with rise of Trump, Brexit
July 31st, 2016
LONDON: Britain’s vote to leave the European Union and the rise of US presidential nominee Donald Trump have paralysed efforts by Western governments to encourage already highly reluctant international banks to do business with Iran.
Uncertainty is frustrating Tehran’s push for foreign investment to revive its struggling economy: over Britain’s political and economic future, over whether Trump — who wants to scrap a nuclear deal with Iran — will get into the White House, and over whether banks will fall foul of US sanctions if they process transactions with the Islamic Republic.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1274301/irans-global-banking-problems-deepen-with-rise-of-trump-brexit
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We were mistaken about Gülen movement, says President Erdoğan
July/31/2016
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on July 30 that the government was seriously mistaken about the Gülen movement, which was blamed for the failed coup attempt of July 15.
“Look, if it was said 20 years ago, 15, 10 or even three-four years ago, believe me, I had not thought that much [about a coup attempt]. Unfortunately, we were seriously mistaken. May God forgive us,” Erdoğan said during an interview with private broadcaster ATV, referring to the alleged role of the movement in the failed coup attempt.
Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/we-were-mistaken-about-gulen-movement-says-president-erdogan.aspx?pageID=238&nID=102283&NewsCatID=338
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CHP leader calls Erdoğan’s withdrawal of insult cases an ‘elegant move’
July/31/2016
Main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu has described President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s one-time decision to withdraw all insult cases against him an “elegant move.”
“Withdrawing a lawsuit is a right, as how it is a right for a person to file a lawsuit. However, it is not right to say, ‘I have forgiven them.’ Because, saying, ‘I have forgiven them,’ while the legal procedures are ongoing amounts to setting up a ruling. Perhaps they will be found not guilty in the end. Therefore, the president withdrawing the cases is an elegant move. This will be a step toward smoothing tension,” Kılıçdaroğlu said, while speaking to daily Hürriyet.
Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/chp-leader-calls-erdogans-withdrawal-of-insult-cases-an-elegant-move.aspx?pageID=238&nID=102298&NewsCatID=338
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Turkey’s economy strong despite coup bid: Deputy PM
July/31/2016
Turkey’s economy remains strong despite the July 15 failed coup attempt, Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmuş said late on July 29.
“The negative impact of this [the July 15 coup attempt] on Turkey’s economy has been minimal. Thank God! Economic indicators have been improving upward since July 22,” Kurtulmuş said at a press conference in Ankara.
Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/turkeys-economy-strong-despite-coup-bid-deputy-pm--.aspx?pageID=238&nID=102286&NewsCatID=344
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Six former Zaman employees arrested in Gülen probe
July/31/2016
A court in Istanbul arrested six of seven detained former employees of a Turkish daily over suspected links to the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETÖ) on July 31.
Sent to Istanbul’s Çağlayan Courthouse after being detained, former daily Zaman employees and columnists Ali Bulaç, Şahin Alpay, Mustafa Ünal, Nuriye Ural, Ahmet Turan Alkan and Lalezar Sarıibrahimoğlu were arrested as part of a probe into those linked to FETÖ, an outlawed organization alleged with masterminding the July 15 failed coup attempt in Turkey.
The suspects were among 47 names who previously had detention warrants issued against them.
The former Zaman employees were accused of attempting to overthrow the Turkish government and preventing the duties of the state partly or completely, in addition to receiving unfair press announcement money from the state with irregularity in circulation.
hurriyetdailynews.com/six-former-zaman-employees-arrested-in-gulen-probe.aspx?pageID=238&nID=102282&NewsCatID=341
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Southeast Asia
Myanmar to deport Pakistanis for giving mosque sermon
31.07.2016
By Kyaw Ye Lynn
YANGON, Myanmar
Authorities in Myanmar have detained two Pakistan nationals for giving sermons at mosques in commercial capital Yangon amid an increase in religious intolerance in the country.
Officials from the country's official Muslim body said Sunday that the men did little more than visit the mosques and conduct sermons, calling the arrests an oppression of the right to prayer.
Full report at: aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/myanmar-to-deport-pakistanis-for-giving-mosque-sermon/619037
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Indonesia aims to be center of global Islamic teaching
Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara | Sun, July 31 2016
Indonesia aims to be center of global Islamic teaching
Visitors look at historical artefacts of Islamic civilization at the West Nusa Tenggara Islamic Center in Mataram on July 30. The exhibition will be held until August 6 as part of the 26th National Quran Recital Competition (MTQ) in the province.(Antara/Ahmad Subaidi)
President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has issued a presidential decree on the establishment of an international Islamic university in the country in a bid for the world's largest Muslim-majority country to become a center of global Islamic thought.
Full report at: thejakartapost.com/news/2016/07/31/indonesia-aims-to-be-center-of-global-islamic-teaching.html
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Europe
London police chief warns terror attack a case of "when, not if"
Reuters | Jul 31, 2016
LONDON: Britain cannot be fully protected against terrorism and an attack similar to those seen recently in mainland Europe is a question of "when, not if," London's police chief said on Sunday.
The warning by Metropolitan Police Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe reflects Britain's current "severe" threat level for international terrorism and follows a string of attacks in Germany and France, some of which have been linked to Islamic militants.
Hogan-Howe acknowledged that people in Britain were becoming increasingly worried that they could be next.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/uk/London-police-chief-warns-terror-attack-a-case-of-when-not-if/articleshow/53477457.cms
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‘Don’t be couch potatoes, try activism’, Pope urges youth
PTI | Jul 31, 2016
BRZEGI, Poland: Pope Francis challenged hundreds of thousands of young people who gathered in a sprawling Polish meadow to reject being a "couch potato" who retreats into video games and computer screens and instead engage in social activism and politics to create a more just world.
Peppering his speech with contemporary lingo, the 79-year-old pope, despite a long day of public appearances, addressed his eager audience with enthusiasm yesterday on a warm summer night.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/Dont-be-couch-potatoes-try-activism-Pope-urges-youth/articleshow/53472790.cms
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Terror attack in UK imminent: Scotland Yard
PTI | Jul 31, 2016
LONDON: Scotland Yard on Sunday warned that a terror attack in the UK is a case of "when" rather than "if" and the current threat level of "severe" in the country meant an attack was imminent.
"I feel and understand that fear, and as the police officer-in-charge of preventing such an attack I know you want me to reassure you. I am afraid I cannot do that entirely. Our threat level has been at 'severe' for two years. It remains there. It means an attack is highly likely - you could say it is a case of when, not if," Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, the chief of Metropolitan Police said.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/uk/Terror-attack-in-UK-imminent-Scotland-Yard/articleshow/53476685.cms
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Muslims pray with Catholics over priest's 'barbaric' murder
Jul 31, 2016
Nice's top imam Otaman Aissaoui led a delegation to a Catholic mass in the southern city where a extremist carried out a rampage in a truck on Bastille Day, claiming 84 lives and injuring 435 including many Muslims.
World Bulletin / News Desk
Muslims attended Catholic mass in churches around France on Sunday in solidarity and sorrow following the brutal extremist murder of a priest, the latest in a string of attacks.
More than 100 Muslims were among the 2,000 faithful who packed the 11th-century Gothic cathedral of Rouen near the Normandy town where two jihadi teenagers slit the throat of 85-year-old Father Jacques Hamel.
Full report at: worldbulletin.net/europe/175637/muslims-pray-with-catholics-over-priests-barbaric-murder
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North America
Trump attacks slain Muslim US soldier's parents, triggers row
PTI | Jul 31, 2016
WASHINGTON: Donald Trump today hit out at the father of a fallen Pakistani-origin Muslim American soldier over remarks that he has "sacrificed nothing" for the country as the Republican presidential nominee mocked the mother for keeping silent, triggering a bipartisan backlash.
The reality TV star said he "created thousands of jobs and "made a lot of sacrifices" in response to an impassioned speech by Army Capt. Humayun Khan's father Khizr Khan at last week's Democratic National Convention.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/us-elections-2016/Trump-attacks-slain-Muslim-US-soldiers-parents-triggers-row/articleshow/53476235.cms
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US lawmaker seeks changes in Pak blasphemy law
PTI | Jul 30, 2016
WASHINGTON: In the wake of killing of a Hindu teenager in Pakistan and the arrest of a man from the minority community for allegedly desecrating a holy book, a top US lawmaker has called for immediate changes in the country's blasphemy laws.
"Two Sindhi Hindu teenagers shot in Sindh. Another arrested for Blasphemy. Pakistan's Blasphemy law needs to be changed. Now," Congressman Brad Sherman yesterday said in a tweet.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/US-lawmaker-seeks-changes-in-Pak-blasphemy-law/articleshow/53462103.cms
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Africa
Suicide car bomb hits CID headquarters in Somalia: Police
Jul 31, 2016
MOGADISHU: A suicide attacker rammed a car bomb into the gates of the headquarters of Somalia's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in the capital Mogadishu on Sunday, then fighters stormed in, police said.
"It is too early to tell the number of casualties," Osman Mohamed, said a police officer.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/Suicide-car-bomb-hits-CID-headquarters-in-Somalia-Police/articleshow/53474862.cms?
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