King Abdullah’s Support Sought for Interfaith Dialogue Conference in India
New Age Islam News Bureau
2 Dec 2012
India
• King Abdullah’s Support Sought for Interfaith Dialogue Conference in India
• ‘Will speak to Pakistan in language they understand’: Salman Khurshid
• GMR row could strain ties with Maldives
• A village of 100% Muslims elects a Brahmin Sarpanch
• Delhi HC to pronounce verdict on NIA's plea against HC blast accused
• Delhi Police charge sheets suspected IM module
• Radio blast: ATS, NIA join hands to probe terror angle
• Khurshid writes to US for Headley, Rana extradition
• RTI applicant from 'Taboot' Street wants Taliban's address
• Wanted for fake currency, ‘Dawood aide’ held in Dubai
Arab World
• “Islam calls for the protection of the environment” Seeking Muslim discourse on it
• Car bomb kills 15 in Syria's central Homs
• Shias score big in Kuwaiti poll hit by boycott
• Protest forces delay of Egypt court session on upper house legality
• Kuwait elects new parliament on low turnout
• Morsi sets December 15 for referendum on new constitution
• International standards will help Arab economies
• Qur’an contest begins in Makkah today
• Assad’s regime an ‘armed militia’
• Syrian Jets Bomb Damascus Neighbourhoods to Halt Rebel Advances
• Morsi supporters gather outside Egypt's top court
Europe
• Hero worship of Kazakhstan leader hits new height
• Most Irish want new abortion legislation
• West pushing democracy with ‘iron and blood’, says Russian FM
Pakistan
• 4,000 kg of explosives seized from a Pak bus going from Noshki to Quetta
• Pakistan, United States pledge to focus on trade, not aid
• Century-old Temple demolished by builder in Karachi; Hindus react
• Drone strike kills senior al Qaeda leader, Yamani, in South Waziristan
• Handler, ‘would-be suicide bombers’ killed in KP
• Dual nationality: Six lawmakers including four ministers resign in Sindh
• Motorcycles and mobile phones becoming tools terrorists: Malik
• MQM chief likely to speak against delimitation of constituencies today
• Dual nationals: 3 MQM lawmakers reappointed to Sindh government
• Palestinians’ observer status should not incur reprisals: Pakistan
• Pak's 26/11 case: trial adjourned due to judge's absence
Mideast Asia
• Iran stations defence stuff at North Korea military site: News reports
• Israel's housing project under world fire
• Netanyahu: 'We will continue to build Israeli settlements' in occupied territory
• Israel halts Palestinian tax transfer over UN bid
• Iran sacks cyber police chief over blogger's death
• Top Yemen army officer escapes assassination bid
• 60 samples taken in Arafat poison probe
South Asia
• 11 killed as Taliban storm NATO base in Afghanistan
• Bangladeshi MPs blame India for illegal infiltration to northeast
• Independent judiciary must for democracy: CJ of Bangladesh
• Edge- of- seat Af- Pak thriller raises issues
• Registration of Bangladeshi workers seeking jobs in Malaysia from end-Dec
Africa
• Gunmen 'burn churches, border posts' in Nigeria
• Gaddafi opponent to be buried 19 years after body found
North America
• U.S. asks India to consult IAEA on liability law
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
Photo: King Abdullah’s Support Sought for Interfaith Dialogue Conference in India
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India
King Abdullah’s Support Sought for Interfaith Dialogue Conference in India
2 December 2012
A prominent Islamic scholar and imam of the famous Thiruvananthapuram Palayam Mosque in the south Indian state of Kerala has emphasized the importance of holding an interfaith dialogue conference in India, the land of religions and cultures, and sought the support of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to make the much awaited dream a reality.
“King Abdullah is the champion of interfaith and intercultural positive dialogue concept. I was inspired by his vision that encouraged me to visit the Vatican recently to meet Pope Benedict XVI and attend the consistory of Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos. May the king be blessed with good health to continue his services for the progress and prosperity of humanity,” said Jamal Mankada in a telephone interview with Arab News.
He commended the formation of King Abdullah Dialogue Center in Vienna and hoped it would take the initiative to organize the interfaith dialogue conference in Kochi in association with International Interfaith Dialogue India (IIDI). Jamal is one of IIDI’s patrons. “Dialogue is the best way for people to know one another and remove their misunderstandings.”
Jamal hoped the Vienna centre would hold various programs to bring together the followers of different faiths and open a new era of peaceful coexistence. “It will definitely have a positive impact on world peace and stability,” the imam said. “Muslims have to reach out to people of other religions and remove their misconceptions about Islam and Muslims,” he added.
He said the Kerala government has welcomed the dialogue conference in Kochi, which he said would strengthen the country’s unity and integrity.
Imam Jamal said he was highly impressed by the hospitality accorded him and other religious leaders by the Vatican ever since their arrival for the function. “I had visited Rome with great excitement inspired by a chapter named “Rome” in the Holy Qur’an, which had predicted that Rome would become victorious after it was defeated by the Persians. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had expressed his sorrow over Rome’s defeat,” he said, adding that the Quranic prophecy became true within nine years during the Prophet’s lifetime.
Jamal said the Christian officials had received him with great respect, adding that he was the only Muslim religious leader to attend the consistory. “It gave me an opportunity to get a complete picture of the Vatican City and get to know the Christian traditions and rituals,” he added. Jamal delivered a speech during the event, congratulating the new Indian Cardinal. He also got an opportunity to address a Rome meeting of some 10,000 Malayali Christians who came from different parts of the world.
Jamal had presented a memento to the pope, a replica of the Holy Kaaba printed with the verses 64:3 from the Holy Qur’an with its English translation “Say, O People of the scriptures, come to a word that is equitable between us and you – that we will not worship except God and not associate anything with Him.”
He added: “The Pope was happy to receive such a memento and instructed to keep it in the Vatican Library.” The memento was visualized by V.K. Abdul Aziz, director of Al-Hayat International School, and IIDI coordinator.
There is a mosque in Rome where more than 100 Muslims assemble for the Juma prayer. It is located on the Mosque Road and has a special prayer area for women, the imam said. “There are only few Muslims in the city. They are mostly migrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Morocco,” he pointed out.
The official Indian delegation to the function was headed by P.J. Kurian, deputy speaker of Rajya Sabha and included Muslim League leader E.T. Muhammad Bashir and Hindu leaders like Swami Guru Ratna Gnana Thapasi. “All religious leaders who attended the ceremony have vowed to work together for communal harmony in India,” Jamal said.
In his congratulatory speech at the Vatican, Imam Jamal said: “It is the need of the hour to pull mankind from the smaller self-interest in order to work for the greater interest of society and world. It is time that we realize that it is only through harmony, understanding and cooperation we can build a safer and stable world, not only for us but also for our future generations.”
He continued: “We should not allow religions to become a reason for turmoil and conflicts in the world; instead we should use our religions as instruments of peace — the original mission of every religion. And this change should first come from us, the men of God — the priests, Ulema, rabbis and the Purohits.”
Jamal urged the followers of all religions to return to the true teachings of their scriptures in order to make people realize that all religions are but various hues of the same light. “We all believe in the same God, whom we call by different names —Jehovah, Parabrahma or Allah. Let us learn and act with renewed urgency on the words of Jesus: “Blessed are the peacemakers; they shall be called the children of God.”
http://www.arabnews.com/king%E2%80%99s-support-sought-interfaith-dialogue-conference-india
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‘Will speak to Pakistan in language they understand’: Salman Khurshid
Dec 02 2012
New Delhi: Commenting on the government’s decision to allow the Pakistani cricket team to tour India, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid has said that India is willing to speak to Pakistan in any language that they understand — be it cricket, war or dialogue.
“Agar woh cricket ki bhasha samajhte hain, toh hum cricket ki bhasha samjhayenge, agar woh yuddh ki bhasha samajhte hain, toh hum yuddh ki bhasha samjhayenge, aur agar woh baatchit ki bhasha samajhte hain, toh hum baatachit ki bhasha samjhayenge (If Pakistan understands the language of cricket, we will try to speak to them in that language; if they understand the language of war, we will speak to them in that language; and if they understand the language of dialogue, we will speak to them in that language,” the minister said in an interview to India TV.
Khurshid also said that the future of India-Pakistan relations depends on action being taken against the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai attacks and added that it is impossible to move ahead if Islamabad does not respond to a request for voice recordings of the perpetrators of the attack.
“If there has to be further movement in our relations, Pakistan must show accountability. Our then home minister P Chidambaram had given them a list of persons whose voice recordings were needed, but they did not send it,” he said.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/-will-speak-to-pakistan-in-language-they-understand---cricket-war-or-dialogue-/1039231/
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GMR row could strain ties with Maldives
By Indrani Bagchi
Dec 2, 2012
NEW DELHI: Maldives' decision to terminate the infrastructure major GMR's contract could make things difficult with India. While the Indian government is clear that GMR and India are not interchangeable, the UPA government doesn't want to leave GMR to their devices.
Foreign minister Salman Khurshid, who not only met GMR officials but also studied their legal position on Friday, told TOI in an exclusive conversation, "There is a serious responsibility for the government of Maldives to be able to distinguish between a "commercial and legal" decision from anything that would have immediate implications for our bilateral relations and for India's standing in the Maldives."
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/GMR-row-could-strain-ties-with-Maldives/articleshow/17447042.cms
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A village of 100% Muslims elects a Brahmin Sarpanch
Dec 02 2012
Bhagwanpur, Paonta Sahib: Of the many Muslim-dominated villages of Paonta Sahib block in Sirmour district of Himachal Pradesh, Bhagwanpur is unique—it is an all-Muslim village, the only Hindu family migrated a few years ago, but it has elected a Brahmin sarpanch three times out of the four after it became a part of the Pipliwala panchayat.
Living in the neighbouring Hindu-dominated village of Pipliwala, 49-year-old Upinder Sharma heads the panchayat comprising four villages—all-Muslim Bhagwanpur, Muslim-dominated Kiratpur and two Hindu-majority villages of Johro and Pipliwala. Put together, nearly 65 per cent of panchayat’s population is Muslim, but the only time the panchayat had a Muslim sarpanch, Zulfkar Ali, was in 2005-2010. Upinder was the sarpanch before 2005 and before him one Sarita Sharma.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/a-village-without-lines/1039065/
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Delhi HC to pronounce verdict on NIA's plea against HC blast accused
December 02, 2012
The Delhi high court is to give its verdict on Monday, on a plea of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) against a trial court order to drop stringent penal charge of 'waging war against the government' against an accused in the case of terror attack in its premises. A bench of
justices Sanjiv Khanna and SP Garg had reserved its verdict earlier on the NIA's plea for reversal of the lower court order to drop charges against Wasim Akram Malik under sections 121, 121A and 122 of the IPC, dealing with conspiracy, waging war against the government and collecting arms and ammunitions for the purpose.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Delhi-HC-to-pronounce-verdict-on-NIA-s-plea-against-HC-blast-accused/Article1-967277.aspx
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Delhi Police chargesheets suspected IM module
December 02, 2012
The Delhi Police has charge-sheeted a suspected Indian Mujahideen operative for his alleged role in the Jama Masjid blast-cum-shootout case. The Special Cell of Delhi Police filed a supplementary charge sheet against Kamaal Hassan alias Bilal, also an accused in Bangalore's Chinnaswamy
Stadium blast case, in the court of Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Vidya Parkash. It was filed 134 days after Hassan's arrest.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Delhi-Police-chargesheets-suspected-IM-module/Article1-967267.aspx
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Radio blast: ATS, NIA join hands to probe terror angle
December 01, 2012
Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and National Investigation Agency (NIA) personnel are probing a mysterious radio set explosion that occurred in Beed district on Friday afternoon.
Four persons - Om Ramesh Nimbalkar (32), his wife Usha Nimbalkar (25), mother Kusum Nimbalkar (55) and two-year-old son Kunal - were injured in the blast. While Nimbalkar lost his right hand and two fingers of his left one, his wife and mother suffered hand fractures. Kunal incurred severe eye injuries in the incident.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Radio-blast-ATS-NIA-join-hands-to-probe-terror-angle/Article1-967147.aspx
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Khurshid writes to US for Headley, Rana extradition
December 01, 2012
External affairs minister Salman Khurshid has written to his US counterpart Hillary Clinton requesting for extradition of Pakistani-American LeT terrorist and Mumbai terror accused David Headley and his accomplice Tahawwur Hussain Rana.
Khurshid has written the letter to Clinton for extradition of the two before their sentencing there in January, official sources said in New Delhi on Saturday.
According to sources, India is hopeful that the US would take a favourable decision on its request which was sent in the first week of November. New Delhi is awaiting a response from Washington.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Khurshid-writes-to--US-for-Headley-Rana-extradition/Article1-967075.aspx
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RTI applicant from 'Taboot' Street wants Taliban's address
Dec 02 2012
New Delhi: What is the email address and postal address of Taliban?
The question seeking details of contact information about dreaded terror group in Afghanistan was directed at Supreme Court by a curious RTI applicant based in 'Taboot' (Urdu word for coffin) Street in Pune.
RTI applicant Kailash Pyarelal Nanda sought from Supreme Court the fate of a PIL filed by her along with the total address including the email-id of Taliban.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/rti-applicant-from-taboot-street-wants-talibans-address/1039318/
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Wanted for fake currency, ‘Dawood aide’ held in Dubai
Dec 02 2012,
New Delhi : An alleged aide of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, Mannuparambil Abdul Majeed, 53, reported to be behind the circulation of Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) from Gulf countries to Kerala, was detained in Dubai recently. Officials said a team of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is going to Dubai on December 4 to bring him to India.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/wanted-for-fake-currency--dawood-aide--held-in-dubai/1039185/
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Arab World
“Islam calls for the protection of the environment” Seeking Muslim discourse on it
02 Dec, 2012
DOHA: At Friday prayers in Qatar’s most popular mosque, the imam discussed the civil war in Syria, the unrest in Egypt and the UN endorsement of an independent state of Palestine.
Not a word about climate change, even though the Middle Eastern nation of Qatar is hosting a UN conference where nearly 200 countries are trying to forge a joint plan to fight global warming, which climate activists say is the greatest modern challenge to mankind.
“Unfortunately the Arab and Islamic countries have political and economic problems,” said Adham Hassan, a worshipper from Jordan streaming out of the al-Khatabb mosque in Doha. “Islam calls for the protection of the environment, but the Muslim countries are mostly poor and they didn’t cause pollution and aren’t affected by climate change.”
Of six mosques contacted by The Associated Press in the Qatari capital, only one included an environmental message in the Friday prayers, telling those in attendance to plant trees, shun extravagance and conserve water and electricity.
The Quran is filled with verses on nature and Earth. Yet the voice of Islamic leaders is missing from the global dialogue on warming.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2012/12/01/seeking-muslim-discourse-on-climate-change/
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Car bomb kills 15 in Syria's central Homs
Dec 2, 2012
BEIRUT: A car bomb exploded in Syria's central city of Homs on Sunday, killing at least 15 people, Syria's state news agency SANA said.
At least 24 others were wounded, with some of them in critical condition, and many nearby residential buildings were damaged in the blast, it added.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Car-bomb-kills-15-in-Syrias-central-Homs/articleshow/17453528.cms
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Shias score big in Kuwaiti poll hit by boycott
02 Dec, 2012
KUWAIT CITY: The Shia minority Sunday emerged the main victors in Kuwait’s parliamentary polls boycotted by the opposition which considered the new assembly “illegitimate” amid poor voter turnout.
Shia candidates bagged 15 of the 50-seat parliament, their biggest tally ever, as they refused to join calls by the Sunni-dominated opposition to boycott the polls in protest against the amendment of electoral law.
Shias, who form around 30 percent of Kuwait’s native population of 1.2 million, had nine seats in the previous parliament elected in 2009 and seven in the assembly elected in February and later scrapped by a court.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2012/12/02/shias-score-big-in-kuwaiti-poll-hit-by-boycott/
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Protest forces delay of Egypt court session on upper house legality
Dec 2, 2012
CAIRO: Protests by Islamists forced Egypt's highest court to postpone a session on Sunday set to examine the legality of the Islamist-dominated upper house of parliament and the body that drafted the new constitution, state media reported.
The Supreme Constitutional Court did not say when it would reschedule hearings in cases that threaten to further complicate a political crisis ignited by President Mohamed Mursi's November 22 assumption of sweeping new powers.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Protest-forces-delay-of-Egypt-court-session-on-upper-house-legality/articleshow/17451188.cms
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Kuwait elects new parliament on low turnout
Dec 2, 2012
KUWAIT: Kuwaitis have elected a parliament including several newcomers which may prove more government-friendly than its predecessor but could lack legitimacy in the eyes of some due to a low voter turnout and an opposition boycott.
About 39 per cent of the 422,569 eligible voters cast ballots, according to a Reuters calculation based on voting figures posted on Sunday on an Information Ministry website. It was not clear if the figures included invalid votes and ministry officials were not immediately available for a comment.
Full report at:
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Morsi sets December 15 for referendum on new constitution
December 02, 2012
President Mohamed Morsi called on Egyptians on Saturday to vote in a December 15 referendum on the controversial draft constitution at the heart of a political crisis, amid mass Islamist rallies in Cairo.
Morsi made the announcement following a ceremony where he received a copy of the charter from the head of the Islamist-dominated constituent assembly, boycotted by liberals and Christians, that adopted it the day before.
Hundreds of thousands of Islamists rallied from early on Saturday in support of Morsi's new expanded powers and the contested charter. The document has taken centre stage in the country's worst political crisis since his election in June.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/Africa/Morsi-sets-December-15-for-referendum-on-new-constitution/Article1-967230.aspx
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International standards will help Arab economies
2 December 2012
Arab countries should coordinate efforts at ISO-organized technical events, said Minister of Commerce and Industry and Board Chairman of Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) Tawfiq Al-Rabiah.
He called for the promotion of metrology, quality and standards to serve Arab economies and their peoples.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/international-standards-will-help-arab-economies
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Qur’an contest begins in Makkah today
2 December 2012
One hundred and sixty-four contestants from 53 countries, Islamic centers and organizations are taking part in an international Qur’an memorization and recitation contest that opens at the Grand Mosque in Makkah today.
Islamic Affairs Minister Saleh Al-Asheikh thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Crown Prince Salman for providing facilities for the successful organization of the competition.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/qur%E2%80%99-contest-begins-makkah-today
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Assad’s regime an ‘armed militia’
2 December 2012
ISTANBUL: The Syrian regime has degenerated into an “armed militia” that resorts to brutality in an attempt to stay in power, Turkey’s foreign minister said yesterday at a meeting with top Arab diplomats.
The officials at a one-day summit in Istanbul described the Syrian regime as a threat to peace and security in the region.
Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu of Turkey said the government of Bashar Assad had lost its legitimacy after 20 months of conflict that started with peaceful protests against the regime and evolved into a civil war after pro-Assad forces cracked down.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/assad%E2%80%99s-regime-%E2%80%98armed-militia%E2%80%99
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Syrian Jets Bomb Damascus Neighborhoods to Halt Rebel Advances
By Glen Carey
02 Dec, 2012
Syrian fighter jets bombed parts of Damascus as government forces sought to halt a rebel advance in the capital that’s edging closer around the city’s center.
Government planes struck neighborhoods in the southern part of the capital as intense clashes took place and explosions could be heard in the city, the U.K.-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said in an e-mailed statement today. Soldiers also fought with rebels in areas such as Idlib province in northwestern Syria, the Observatory said.
Full report at:
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-02/syrian-jets-bomb-damascus-neighborhoods-to-halt-rebel-advances.html
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Morsi supporters gather outside Egypt's top court
Dec 2, 2012
CAIRO: Hundreds of supporters of President Mohamed Morsi gathered outside Egypt's Supreme Constitutional Court on Sunday, ahead of ruling on the legality of a panel that drafted a controversial new charter.
The Islamists, many wrapped in blankets and carrying posters of Morsi, had spent the night outside the courthouse in a bid to prevent its judges from entering, one protester told AFP.
The court's judges are expected to deliver a verdict on the legality of the Islamist-dominated constituent assembly which drafted the constitution, defying a presidential decree barring any judicial body from dissolving the panel.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Morsi-supporters-gather-outside-Egypts-top-court/articleshow/17450531.cms
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Europe
Hero worship of Kazakhstan leader hits new height
2 December 2012
ALMATY, Kazakhstan: Kazakhstan yesterday observed a new holiday lauding President Nursultan Nazarbayev, part of a growing cult of personality around the leader of the sprawling, resource-rich former Soviet republic.
The highlight of First President’s Day, which marks the anniversary of Nazarbayev’s first election in 1991, was a carefully choreographed pageant by some 30,000 performers in an arena in the capital Astana, including mass singing and banner-waving.
Across the country, schoolchildren and state employees held demonstrations of affection, concerts, and sports events in his honor. To what extent the participation was voluntary was unclear.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/hero-worship-kazakhstan-leader-hits-new-height
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Most Irish want new abortion legislation
02 Dec, 2012
A majority of Irish people want new legislation on abortion in Ireland, according to a new opinion poll.
The survey suggests eight out 10 people would support laws which allow abortion where the mother's life is threatened, including by suicide.
The Sunday Business Post/Red C poll is one of the first surveys of public opinion since the death of Savita Halappanavar.
The Indian dentist died in hospital in Galway last month after a miscarriage.
Her family said she was denied an abortion and would still be alive if she had been allowed a termination.
Full report at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20568283
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West pushing democracy with ‘iron and blood’, says Russian FM
2 December 2012
MOSCOW: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Western states yesterday of trying to advance democracy abroad through “iron and blood,” defending Moscow’s refusal to join nations seeking the exit of Syrian President Bashar Assad.
Echoing comments made by Vladimir Putin, Lavrov made his sharply worded address to a foreign and defense policy council meeting two days before the Russian president travels to Turkey where the war in Syria is expected to dominate talks.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/west-pushing-democracy-%E2%80%98iron-and-blood%E2%80%99-says-russian-fm
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Pakistan
Pakistan, United States pledge to focus on trade, not aid
December 2, 2012
WASHINGTON: A symbolic move that suggested that US-Pakistan relationship are heading towards stability, the US-Pakistan Economic and Finance Working Group met in Washington, DC, promising to focus on trade and not just aid.
According to a statement issued by the State Department, the group focused on “expanding bilateral economic engagement, particularly in the areas of trade and investment”.
At the talks, the Pakistani delegation was led by Finance Minister Hafeez Sheikh, while Deputy Secretary of State Tom Nides represented the American side. The statement said that the US and Pakistan are committed to broadening private sector ties between both countries.
Speaking to reporters before the meeting, Nides said the group was to discuss economic growth and what both countries can do together. The aim, he said, was “not just to uphold national securities, but to foster economic growth”.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/473975/pakistan-united-states-pledge-to-focus-on-trade-not-aid/
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4,000 kg of explosives seized from a Pak bus going from Noshki to Quetta
Dec 2, 2012, 07.19 PM IST
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani law enforcement personnel said they had seized 4,000 kg of explosives from a bus and arrested five suspects on the outskirts of the southwestern city of Quetta today.
Official said the explosives were found when security personnel searched the bus going from Noshki to Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province.
The five arrested persons were allegedly involved in smuggling the explosive materials, they said.
A bomb disposal squad was called in to check and defuse the explosives, officials said.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/4000-kg-of-explosives-seized-from-a-Pak-bus-going-from-Noshki-to-Quetta/articleshow/17453648.cms
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Century-old Temple demolished by builder in Karachi; Hindus react
Dec 2, 2012
KARACHI: A century-old temple here was hurriedly demolished by a builder despite a Pakistani court hearing a petition seeking a stay on such a move, triggering protests by the minority Hindu community today.
Besides razing the pre-Partition Shri Rama Pir Mandir in Karachi's Soldier Bazar, the builder demolished several houses near it yesterday.
Nearly 40 people, a majority of them Hindus, became homeless as a result, The Express Tribune reported today.
Following the demolition, the Pakistan Hindu Council organised a protest outside the Karachi Press Club this afternoon.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Temple-demolished-by-builder-in-Karachi-Hindus-react/articleshow/17451527.cms
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Drone strike kills senior al Qaeda leader, Yamani, in South Waziristan
December 1, 2012
WANA: Three people including a senior al Qaeda leader were killed in a drone strike in the Ghwa Khwa area in Wana area of South Waziristan on Saturday. The area is located near Wana.
An official of the security forces from the area confirmed that around 19 kilometres south-west of Wana, foreign fighter Abdur Rahman Yamani was in his house when a US drone fired two missiles and killed him.
The official added that militants from the nearby areas rushed to the site and surrounded the areas after the assault.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/473715/drone-strike-kills-3-in-south-waziristan/
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Handler, ‘would-be suicide bombers’ killed in KP
Zahir Shah Sherazi
02 Dec, 2012
PESHAWAR: Three would-be suicide bombers and one of their handlers were killed in two separate incidents when their vests detonated prematurely, according to security sources.
The first incident took place in Peshawar’s Dir colony area where a motorcycle-riding suicide bomber was being equipped with the explosive-laden vest by his handler.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2012/12/02/handler-would-be-suicide-bombers-killed-in-kp/
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Dual nationality: Six lawmakers including four ministers resign in Sindh
02 Dec, 2012
KARACHI: Failing to submit affidavit before November 30, deadline set by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to submit declarations on dual nationality, six lawmakers including four provincial ministers of Sindh on Saturday resigned from their posts, DawnNews reported.
Among six lawmakers, four belong to Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and two to Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2012/12/02/dual-nationality-six-lawmakers-including-four-ministers-resign-in-sindh/
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Motorcycles and mobile phones becoming tools terrorists: Malik
02 Dec, 2012
LAHORE: Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik said on Sunday that all the mobile phone companies are bound to adopt biometric data system within three months for selling cellphone SIMs in the country.
No mobile phone SIM could be sold by any unconcerned person or at shops in future, he said adding that a law would shortly be introduced in this regard.
Talking to the media in Okara, Punjab on Sunday, Malik said that motorcycles and mobile phones have become a tool for the terrorists and that’s why the government has been imposing bans on them for a while to ensure the safety of people.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2012/12/02/motorcycles-and-mobile-phones-becoming-tools-terrorists-malik/
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MQM chief likely to speak against delimitation of constituencies today
December 2, 2012
KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain will address a public gathering today and is likely to express his views on the issue of delimitation of constituencies in the city.
The party also “appealed to students of law and the constitution to participate” in the event. MQM has been extremely critical of the Supreme Court’s order to redraw constituencies in the metropolis. Hussain and the coordination committee have called the move “unconstitutional” and “prejudiced” in nearly identical statements during the past two days.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/473870/mqm-chief-likely-to-speak-against-delimitation-of-constituencies-today/
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Dual nationals: 3 MQM lawmakers reappointed to Sindh government
December 2, 2012
KARACHI: Three assembly members belonging to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), who had resigned for holding dual nationality status, were made special assistants and advisor to the Chief Minister Sindh, Express News reported on Sunday.
Former MNA Haider Abbas Rizvi and Sindh minister for sports Muhammad Ali Shah were appointed special assistants to the Chief Minister Sindh while Sindh IT minister Raza Haroon was appointed Advisor to the Chief Minister Sindh.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/474086/dual-nationals-3-mqm-lawmakers-reappointed-to-sindh-government/
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Palestinians’ observer status should not incur reprisals: Pakistan
December 2, 2012
UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has said that Palestinians’ success in getting non-member, observer state status at the United Nations should not incur any reprisals.
Speaking at the UN General Assembly on ‘Situation in the Middle East’, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Masood Khan voiced hope that the new status would pave the way for Palestine’s recognition as a full member.
The UN General Assembly accorded Palestine the status of “non-member observer state” on Thursday. The resolution was passed with 138 votes in favour, nine in opposition and 41 abstentions.
Full report at:
is the only guarantee of sustainable peace in the region,” he said.
http://tribune.com.pk/story/473982/palestinians-observer-status-should-not-incur-reprisals-pakistan/
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Pak's 26/11 case: trial adjourned due to judge's absence
December 01, 2012
The trial of LeT's Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi and six other Pakistani suspects charged with involvement in the Mumbai attacks was on Saturday adjourned for a week as the judge had to attend an official conference. Chaudhry Habib-ur-Rehman, the judge conducting the trial, had to participate in a
conference of judges of anti-terrorism courts convened by the Chief Justice of the Lahore high court, official sources told PTI.
The trial was adjourned till December 8 without any proceedings on Saturday, the sources said.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/Pakistan/Pak-s-26-11-case-trial-adjourned-due-to-judge-s-absence/Article1-966931.aspx
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Mideast Asia
Iran stations defence stuff at North Korea military site: News reports
Dec 2, 2012
TOKYO: Iran has stationed defence staff in North Korea since late October apparently to strengthen cooperation in missile and nuclear development, Japan's Kyodo News agency reported on Sunday, citing a Western diplomatic source.
The report came as North Korea said on Saturday it would carry out its second rocket launch of 2012 between Dec. 10 and Dec. 22, near the first anniversary of the death of young leader Kim Jong-un's father.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/Iran-stations-defence-stuff-at-North-Korea-military-site-News-reports/articleshow/17448931.cms
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Israel's housing project under world fire
Dec 2, 2012
JERUSALEM: A Palestinian shot by Israeli troops in the southern Gaza Strip on Friday has died of his wounds, a Palestinian medical official said on Saturday. The official said that Mahmud Jarghun, 21, died early on Saturday of a gunshot wound.
Accusing Israel of violating the Egypt-brokered ceasefire reached on November 21, Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said, "We have discussed this with Egyptian officials, so they guarantee a cessation to those violations."
Full report at:
. Arab and Turkish foreign ministers condemned Israel's housing plans.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Fresh-row-Israels-housing-project-under-world-fire/articleshow/17446787.cms
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Netanyahu: 'We will continue to build Israeli settlements' in occupied territory
By Michael Schwartz and Chelsea J. Carter, CNN
December 2, 2012
Jerusalem (CNN) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused Sunday to reconsider a plan to build thousands of new homes in occupied territory, saying it was a necessary response to the Palestinian Authority winning recognition by the United Nations as a "non-member state."
The United States and a number of European nations called on Israel to roll back the settlement plan in the West Bank and East Jerusalem announced Friday, a day after the U.N. General Assembly overwhelming approved the Palestinian bid. Israeli settlements are widely considered illegal under international law, and world leaders warned building new settlements will set back efforts to bring about a two-state solution between the Israelis and Palestinians.
Full report at:
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/12/02/world/meast/israel-settlements/?hpt=hp_t3
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Israel halts Palestinian tax transfer over UN bid
Dec 2, 2012
JERUSALEM: Israel will not transfer tax and tariff funds its collects for the Palestinians this month in response to their successful bid for upgraded UN status, finance minister Yuval Steinitz said on Sunday.
"We said from the beginning that the raising of the status of Palestine at the UN would not produce no reaction from Israel," Steinitz said at the beginning of a weekly cabinet meeting.
"I have no intention of transferring the taxes due to the Palestinian Authority this month. They will be used to pay the Palestinian Authority's debts to the Israeli electricity company," he said.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/middle-east/Israel-halts-Palestinian-tax-transfer-over-UN-bid/articleshow/17452352.cms
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Iran sacks cyber police chief over blogger's death
December 01, 2012
Tehran's cyber police chief has been sacked for negligence in events leading to the death in custody of an Iranian blogger, Iran's police said on its website on Saturday.
Colonel Saeed Shokrian "was removed from his post due to negligence and lax supervision over personnel under his command," police.ir reported, quoting a decree by Iran's police chief, Esmaeel Ahmadi Moghadam.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/RestOfAsia/Iran-sacks-cyber-police-chief-over-blogger-s-death/Article1-967094.aspx
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Top Yemen army officer escapes assassination bid
Previously involved in anti-Qaeda operation, top Yemeni army commander Mahmud al-Sobaihi escaped an assassination attempt
2 Dec 2012
A top Yemeni army commander, in charge of a southern region where the strategic Al-Anad air base is located, escaped an assassination attempt Sunday in Lahj province, a security official said.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/World/Region/Top-Yemen-army-officer-escapes-assassination-bid.aspx
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60 samples taken in Arafat poison probe
2 Dec 2012
Around 60 samples were taken from the remains of the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat for a probe into whether he was poisoned by polonium, a Swiss newspaper reported Sunday, quoting a lead investigator.
The samples were distributed among three teams doing separate analyses eight years after Arafat's death in a French hospital, Patrice Mangin told Le Matin Dimanche.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/59627/World/Region/-samples-taken-in-Arafat-poison-probe.aspx
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South Asia
11 killed as Taliban storm NATO base in Afghanistan
Dec 2, 2012
KABUL: At least 11 people, including nine Taliban men, were killed Sunday when militants wearing suicide vests stormed a major NATO base in Afghanistan, media reports said.
The two other people killed in the attack in Jalalabad, capital of the eastern province of Nangarhar, were civilians, Xinhua reported citing Tolo News.
The attack in the city, 120 km east of Kabul, began around 6 a.m. when two suicide bombers rammed their explosives-laden vehicles into separate entrances of the NATO base, sparking a gunfight between the militants and security forces.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/11-killed-as-Taliban-storm-NATO-base-in-Afghanistan/articleshow/17450341.cms
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Bangladeshi MPs blame India for illegal infiltration to northeast
Dec 1, 2012
GUWAHATI: A 12-member delegation of Bangladeshi MPs Saturday blamed the Indian government for not taking up with Dhaka the issue of illegal migration from the country to Assam and other northeast India states.
The statement by the visiting delegation of Bangladeshi parliamentarians at a press conference here assumes significance at a time when protests are on across the state over the issue of illegal infiltration from Bangladesh and the fact that the neighbouring country often refuses to accept the illegal immigrants after they are pushed back by India.
The delegation of MPs from different political parties added that Dhaka would never endorse illegal immigration.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/MPs-blame-India-for-illegal-infiltration-to-northeast/articleshow/17444185.cms
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Independent judiciary must for democracy: CJ of Bangladesh
02 Dec, 2012
Chief Justice Md Muzammel Hossain yesterday said an independent and competent judiciary was a must for democracy, the rule of law and the development desired.
“Ours is a modern judiciary, which greatly enjoys people's confidence. We cannot conceive of democracy, the rule of law and the desired development of the country unless there is an independent and competent judiciary,” he told the inaugural programme of a national inception workshop of the Judicial Strengthening (JUST) project at a hotel in the capital.
Full report at:
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=259538
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Edge- of- seat Af- Pak thriller raises issues
By Charu Soni
02 Dec, 2012
SOME thrillers leave an impact, others do not.
Sharma’s second book in the Taliban Conundrum Trilogy, titled menacingly The Edge of Machete, falls in the first category.
It is a thriller that will set you on edge. Its action packed narrative will hook you till you reach the end of the last page. Even here, you’d be left wanting and wondering: What is going to happen next? Set in the Af- Pak region, it is the story of a CIA agent Eduardo Gomez, sent to avenge the beheading of his best friend and colleague, Jason Wilson, by Tehrik- e- Taliban’s young upstart leader, Amir Sherzai, somewhere in the Khyber region of the NWFP ( otherwise known as Federally Administered Tribal Areas, or FATA, largely inhabited by Pushtoons).
Full report at: Mail Today
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Registration of Bangladeshi workers seeking jobs in Malaysia from end-Dec
02 Dec, 2012
Registration of Bangladeshi workers seeking jobs in Malaysia will begin at the end of December through the website of Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET).
Khandker Mosharraf Hossain, expatriates' welfare and overseas employment minister, made the announcement at press conference at the ministry on Sunday.
He said, "Each of the workers will have to spend maximum Tk 40,000 to go to Malaysia and they will earn minimum Tk 25,000 per month."
The minister said workers unable pay the amount will be able to take loan from expatriate welfare bank.
Full report at:
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/latest_news.php?nid=42875
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Africa
Gunmen 'burn churches, border posts' in Nigeria
In Nigeria, alleged members of the Islamist extremist group Boko Haram set fire to churches and border posts in the country's northeast
2 Dec 2012
Suspected members of the Islamist extremist group Boko Haram set fire to churches and border posts in north-eastern Nigeria on Sunday, residents said, but it was not immediately known if there were casualties.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/9/59629/World/International/Gunmen-burn-churches,-border-posts-in-Nigeria.aspx
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Gaddafi opponent to be buried 19 years after body found
2 Dec 2012
Mansour al-Kikhia, a staunch Libyan opponent of the ousted Gaddafi regime whose body was found in a morgue 19 years after his disappearance, will be buried on Monday, his brother said.
Kikhia will be buried in his native city of Benghazi, said Mahmud al-Kikhia, after his body was found in mid-October in a villa that once served as an intelligence headquarters of slain strongman Moamer Kadhafi. Kikhia was "abducted in Cairo in 1993 by the former regime," and his body was discovered in a morgue inside the villa in Tripoli in mid-October, he said.
Mahmud added that DNA analysis of Kikhia's body matched those of his brothers and sons, and that ex-Gaddafi intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi, who is currently imprisoned by the country's new authorities, acknowledged the dissident's abduction and indicated the location of the body.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/59624/World/Region/Gaddafi-opponent-to-be-buried--years-after-body-fo.aspx
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North America
U.S. asks India to consult IAEA on liability law
02 Dec, 2012
To enter the international mainstream civil nuclear commerce, a top United States official said India should consult the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on its nuclear liability law as a means to ensure the objective.
“While we understand that India’s law is currently being examined by the courts, we believe that consultations with the IAEA would be useful as a means to ensure that the liability law accomplishes our shared objective of moving India into the international mainstream of civil nuclear commerce,” Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Geoffrey Pyatt has said. In his remarks to the Pillsbury NEI Nuclear Export Controls Seminar in Washington, Mr. Pyatt identified the nuclear liability law as a major challenge in implementing the “historic” India-U.S. civilian nuclear deal. A copy of his remarks was released by the State Department on Friday. “India’s nuclear liability law is not in line with the international nuclear liability principles reflected in the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage,” he said.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/us-asks-india-to-consult-iaea-on-liability-law/article4154469.ece
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/king-abdullah’s-support-sought-interfaith/d/9513