Divided, We Will Be Slaughtered (‘Batenge To Katenge’) : U.P. CM Invokes Bangladesh Unrest
New Age Islam News Bureau
27Aug 2024
Speaking at a programme in Agra earlier in the day, Adityanath said people remain united in India then the nation will reach the pinnacle of prosperity. (Photo: PTI file)
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· Divided, We Will Be Slaughtered (‘Batenge To Katenge’) : U.P. CM Invokes Bangladesh Unrest
· Will Take Sides, 'Won’t Let Miya Muslims Take Over Assam': Assam CM In Assembly
· Ben-Gvir Sparks Outrage With Prayer Demand At Al-Aqsa Mosque; Netanyahu Rejects Change
· UN Condemns Ben Gvir's Synagogue Proposal In Al-Aqsa Mosque
· ‘No Whites Allowed’ Graffiti in Muslim-Dominated Area Sparks Police Investigation.
India
· Direct Infringement On Religious Freedom "Targeting The Muslim Community": Telangana Waqf Board
· This Muslim Man, Bapu ShokatTasewale, From Karnataka Is Known For His Devotion To Lord Krishna
· AIUDF Submits Memorandum To Governor Seeking Safety Of Muslims In Upper Assam After Threats Issued
· Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections: National Conference-Congress in for 'friendly fights'
· After withdrawing J&K candidate list with 44 names, BJP announces fresh one with just 15
· J&K: US Diplomats Call On Omar, Ex-CM Calls For Relook On Travel Advisories
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Mideast
· Historic first: Sunni Kurdish figure Hosseinzadeh appointed vice president in Iran
· Qatar condemns Israeli national security minister's call to build synagogue in Al-Aqsa Mosque site
· Türkiye's AK Party blasts Israeli national security minister's remarks on Al-Aqsa Mosque complex
· Jordan condemns Israeli minister Ben-Gvir's call to build synagogue inside Al-Aqsa Mosque
· Islamic authorities in Quds: Ben Gvir's statements unprecedented terrorism
· Palestinian call for end to Zionist violations in Al-Aqsa Mosque
· Islamic Resistance Continues Border Battle, Several Israeli Air Raids Target South Lebanon
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Europe
· Pope To Visit Indonesia's Istiqlal Mosque On First Stop Of Interfaith Asian Trip
· We need more anger about Islamist terrorism, not less
· Durov arrest exposes ‘upside-down’ West – Serbian leader
Trump lauds Russia’s ‘great winter fighting’
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North America
· Considerations for Addressing Trauma in Muslim Communities
· US main obstacle to Gaza ceasefire agreement, says senior Islamic Jihad official
· US sends over 50,000 tons of weaponry to Israeli regime since Oct. 7
· Shakopee man charged in drive-by shooting that injured elder outside Minneapolis mosque
· CAIR’s Maryland Office Releases Template for Muslim Families Seeking Religious Accommodations for Public School Students
· Islamists Are Reenacting the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill, and the Green Crowd Couldn’t Care Less
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Arab World
· Saudi Arabia Launches Criminal Law Diploma For Judges
· Saudi Arabia Condemns Israeli Minister Remarks On Building Synagogue At Al-Aqsa Mosque
· Saudi aid agency KSrelief delivers shelter and food for flood victims in Sudan
· Health minister tours new medical facilities in Madinah
· Saudi Islamic affairs minister visits Al-Azhar University in Cairo
· Saudi defence minister meets emir of Qatar in Doha
· 3,000 individuals embraced Islam during the first half of 2024 in UAE
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South Asia
· IEA Says Virtue And Vice Law ‘Firmly Rooted’ In Islamic Teachings
· Ban On Jamaat-Shibir May Be Withdrawn Today
· Cases Against Hasina Keep Mounting
· US and Uzbekistan agree on Afghanistan military aircraft
· EU provides €13 million in aid for Afghanistan: UNICEF
Protecting rights of every citizen govt’s responsibility
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Pakistan
· President, PM Condemn Terrorist Attacks In Balochistan, KP
· ‘One institution’ being blamed for security mess: Imran
· Jamaat-e-Islami to observe nationwide strike on Aug 28
· Balochistan plunges deeper into militancy vortex
· NA opposition demands govt name next CJP ‘immediately’
· Punjab IG told to ensure protective gear for police
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Africa
· ‘Tambuwal’s Aide In Prison For Sharing Sokoto Governor’s Poor O’level Result’
· We Will Rid Nigeria Of Criminal Elements – IGP Egbetokun
· Nigerian police blame Iran-backed Shia group for deadly attack
· Funji singer, K1 goes emotional as daughter graduates from Islamic school
· New mayor of southwestern Japan town set to ax sale of land for Muslim burial site
· ‘Why Tinubu Sacked Bichi As DSS DG’
· DSS Reacts To Appointment Of New DG, Ajay i
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SoutheastAsia
· Little Things Stack Up, Says MACC Chief In Backing Call For Public Service Reform In War Against Corruption
· Malaysia requests higher Haj quota in talks with Saudi Arabia
· PM Anwar’s visit holds immense significance in strengthening Malaysia-Brunei ties
· King briefed on preparations for 2024 National Day Celebration
Malaysia’s humanitarian aid to Palestinians should not be questioned - NGO
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/miya-muslims-invokes-bangladesh-slaughtered/d/133055
Divided, We Will Be Slaughtered (‘BatengeTo Katenge’) : U.P. CM Invokes Bangladesh Unrest
August 27, 2024 12:31 am IST - Ghaziabad
Anuj Kumar
Speaking at a programme in Agra earlier in the day, Adityanath said people remain united in India then the nation will reach the pinnacle of prosperity. (Photo: PTI file)
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The ongoing strife in Bangladesh made an entry into Uttar Pradesh politics on Monday as Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stressed the virtues of unity by avoiding the mistakes made in the neighbouring country.
Slamming the Opposition parties for being silent on the attacks on Hindus and temples in Bangladesh, Mr. Adityanath accused them of indulging in appeasement politics. Responding to the charge, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav accused the Chief Minister of spreading fear and nursing prime ministerial ambitions.
Addressing a public meeting in Agra on Monday, Mr. Adityanath said, “Aap Dekh Rahe Hain Bangladesh Mein Kya Ho Raha Hai? Wo Galatiyan Yahan Nahi HoniChahiye. BatengeToh Katenge! Ek Rahenge Toh Nek Rahenge, SurakshitRahenge Aur Samriddhi Ki ParakashthaKoPahuchenge(Are you seeing what is happening in Bangladesh? Those mistakes should not take place here. Divided, we will be slaughtered. If we remain united, we will be secure and reach the pinnacle of prosperity).”
Mr. Yadav said the statement reflected Mr. Adityanath’s prime ministerial ambitions. He said relations with a foreign country come under the domain of the Centre and the PM. “This is not the first time that the Chief Minister has spoken on these lines. We know he wants to be the PM. I wish his colleagues in Delhi would make him understand not to meddle in the matters of Delhi.” the SP chief said. Later, in a post on X, Mr. Yadav said the job of the responsible is to protect people from fear, not to spread it. “If these are someone’s personal views, they are wrong. And if they are the views of a political party, they are even more abominable,” he added.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi accused Mr. Adityanath of delivering hate speeches against Muslims and said under the Chief Minister’s watch, Muslim homes were being demolished with bulldozers.
Assembly bypolls
The CM’s remark assumes significance as it comes ahead of the upcoming Assembly bypolls on 10 seats. After the poor performance in the Lok Sabha poll, the bypolls are expected to be a litmus test for the BJP as they will set the tone for 2027. Political observers said that bringing Bangladesh into the Brij region seemed like a studied move as the CM, while participating in Krishna Janmashtami celebrations in Mathura on Sunday, described Sanatana Dharma as the foremost religion on earth and went on to flay the Opposition for being silent on the happenings in Bangladesh. On his 36th visit to Mathura as CM, he accused them of raising the Palestine issue to serve the interests of their vote bank. “For us, the nation comes first while for them politics is paramount,” he said.
Source:thehindu.com
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https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/batenge-to-katenge-up-cm-invokes-bangladesh-unrest-spreading-fear-says-akhilesh/article68570077.ece
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Will Take Sides, 'Won’t Let Miya Muslims Take Over Assam': Assam CM In Assembly
PTI Guwahati / 27.08.24
Himanta Biswa Sarma
File
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Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said that he would take sides, and won't let 'Miya' Muslims "take over" the Assam.
Sarma was speaking in the assembly on adjournment motions brought by the opposition parties to discuss the law and order situation in the state in the backdrop of the rape of a 14-year-old girl in Nagaon.
Replying to the motion, he said the crime rate has not increased if the population growth is taken into account.
When the opposition charged him of being partisan, Sarma retorted, "I will take sides. What can you do about it?" "Why will people from Lower Assam go to Upper Assam? So that Miya Muslims can take over Assam? We won't let it happen," he asserted.
Amid the heated debate, members of both treasury and opposition benches stormed into the Well of the House, prompting Speaker BiswajitDaimary to adjourn the proceedings for 10 minutes.
MLAs of Congress, AIUDF, and CPI(M), and lone Independent legislator Akhil Gogoi had moved four adjournment motions for discussion on the situation arising out of increasing crimes in the state, including crimes against women.
Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Telegraph Online staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.
Source:telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/north-east/himanta-biswa-sarma-i-will-take-sides-wont-let-miya-muslims-take-over-assam/cid/2043861
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Ben-GvirSparks Outrage With Prayer Demand At Al-Aqsa Mosque; Netanyahu Rejects Change
26 Aug 2024
Israel’s hardline Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir repeated a call for Jews to be allowed to pray at the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, drawing sharp criticism for inflaming tensions as ceasefire negotiators seek a deal to halt fighting in Gaza. — AFP pic
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JERUSALEM, Aug 26 — Israel’s hardline Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir repeated a call for Jews to be allowed to pray at the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, drawing sharp criticism for inflaming tensions as ceasefire negotiators seek a deal to halt fighting in Gaza.
“The policy allows prayers on the Temple Mount, there is equal law between Jews and Muslims — I would build a synagogue there,” Ben-Gvir was quoted as saying by Army Radio in a post on social media platform X, following an interview today.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office immediately put out a statement restating the official Israeli position, which accepts decades-old rules restricting non-Muslim prayer at the mosque compound, known as Temple Mount to Jews, who revere it as the site of two ancient temples.
“There is no change to the status quo on the Temple Mount,” Netanyahu’s office said.
The hillside compound, in Jerusalem’s Old City, is one of the most sensitive locations in the Middle East, holy for both Muslims and Jews, and the trigger for repeated conflict. Ben-Gvir, head of one of two hardline religious-nationalist parties in Netanyahu’s coalition, has a long record of making inflammatory statements appreciated by his own supporters, but conflicting with the government’s official line.
Monday’s comment was condemned by some of his own cabinet colleagues, but Netanyahu’s dependence on the support of Ben-Gvir’s party to hold his right-wing coalition together means that the minister is unlikely to be sacked or face any significant penalty. Monday’s comments came less than two weeks after he triggered outrage by visiting the compound with hundreds of supporters, many of whom appeared to be praying openly in defiance of the status quo rules.
With negotiators trying to reach a deal to halt the fighting in Gaza and bring back 109 Israeli and foreign hostages, and with tensions running high with the Iranian-backed Hezbollah movement in southern Lebanon, Ben-Gvir’s comments were criticised for weakening Israel’s position.
“Challenging the status quo on the Temple Mount is a dangerous, unnecessary and irresponsible act. Ben-Gvir’s actions endanger the state of Israel and its international status,” Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, who has clashed repeatedly with Ben-Gvir, said in a statement on X.
Ben-Gvir has also been criticised by some Orthodox Jews, who consider the site too holy a place for Jews to enter. — Reuters
Source:malaymail.com
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UN condemns Ben Gvir's synagogue proposal in Al-Aqsa Mosque
Aug 27, 2024
TEHRAN, Aug. 27 (MNA) – The UN on Monday denounced Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's recent remarks on building a synagogue inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque site in occupied East al-Quds, saying they were "highly counterproductive."
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"These types of statements are highly counterproductive, to say the least. They risk inflaming a situation which is already bone dry," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters in a news conference.
Highlighting the sensitivity surrounding the status of holy sites in al-Quds, Dujarric said that there is a status quo agreed to the parties for the holy sites in al-Quds that must be respected by all, Anadolu Agency reported.
He urged adherence to this agreement, in actions as well as public statements, to avoid escalating tensions further.
Ben-Gvir claimed Monday that Jews have the right to pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque, saying that he would build a synagogue there.
It was the first time for the Israeli minister to openly speak about building a synagogue inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Source:mehrnews.com
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https://en.mehrnews.com/news/220242/UN-condemns-Ben-Gvir-s-synagogue-proposal-in-Al-Aqsa-Mosque
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‘No Whites Allowed’ Graffiti in Muslim-Dominated Area Sparks Police Investigation.
CHRISTOPHER TOMLINSON
August 27, 2024
Police in Birmingham, England’s second city, are investigating anti-white graffiti in an area dominated by Muslims, just weeks after a Muslim mob rampaged in the city, attacking white people and chasing out journalists.Police say three instances of anti-white graffiti were found in the Alum Rock area, with CCTV footage showing one of the incidents taking place. A hooded man spraypainted “No Whites” on a wall outside a local school art around 1:20 AM last Thursday.
Naveed Sadiq, a local community activist, claimed those painting the graffiti were deliberately trying to stoke racial tensions. However, this is not the first time such slogans have been spray painted in Alum Rock in recent years. In 2017, a message stating “NO Whites Allowed After 8 PM” was found on the side of a building in the area, and a local leftist Labour Party councilor claimed similar messages had been seen before in another nearby district.The new “no whites” messaging is less than a mile from an area where Muslim mob gathered to counter a non-existent anti-mass migration protest recently. They proceed to go on a rampage, attacking a local pub and brutally beating a white man, who suffered a torn liver.Following the violence, police were accused of two-tier policing. A top police officer in the region admitted they had not intervened as Muslim “community leaders” told them they would police themselves.At the same time, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was calling for draconian measures against mostly white anti-mass migration protestors. While Muslim mobs were seemingly allowed to brandish weapons on the streets of Birmingham with no interventions, white anti-mass migration protestors were aggressively confronted by riot police.Many have been arrested and sentenced to years in prison for simply shouting at police or posting offensive comments on social media.
Source:thenationalpulse.com
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https://thenationalpulse.com/2024/08/26/no-whites-allowed-graffiti-in-muslim-dominated-area-sparks-police-investigation/
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India
Direct Infringement On Religious Freedom "Targeting The Muslim Community": Telangana Waqf Board
Aug 27, 2024
Abdul Basheerl
Telangana Waqf board members unanimously rejected the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 on Monday and said that it was a step "targeting the Muslim community".
The proposed Bill aims to centralise the regulation of the numerous Waqf boards across the country, allowing a non-Muslim chief executive officer and at least two non-Muslim members to be appointed by the state government to the Waqf boards at the state level.
Telangana's Waqf Board, after thorough discussion and legal consultation, expressed strong concerns over the Bill's provisions, which they said were aimed at undermining the autonomy of the Waqf Board and the protection of Waqf properties.
The board highlighted that the Bill introduced measures that could potentially allow non-Muslim members into the Waqf Board and granted excessive control to collectors over Waqf properties.
It said that this contradicts the principles of the Hindu Endowment Act and threatens the federal structure by removing state control over the Waqf administration.
The Telangana Waqf Board condemned the Bill as a direct infringement on religious freedom and property rights, guaranteed under the Constitution, and a step targeting the Muslim community.
The board also called for a broader conference with Waqf officials across the country to discuss the implications of the Bill.
Source:indiatoday.in
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https://www.indiatoday.in/india/telangana/story/telangana-waqf-board-rejects-amendment-bill-2588385-2024-08-27
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This Muslim Man, Bapu ShokatTasewale, From Karnataka Is Known For His Devotion To Lord Krishna
AUGUST 26, 2024,
India is a country where people of all religions stay with great harmony and brotherhood, setting a perfect example of religious tolerance and secularism. We often see Muslims celebrating Hindu festivals and vice versa. Earlier, we saw people belonging to the Muslim community taking the initiative to conduct Durga puja in Kolkata. Today, we will talk about one Muslim man who was recently seen performing rituals on the auspicious day of Janmashtami. The person we are talking about in this article is Bapu ShokatTasewale. He is aged 58 and is a resident of Ugar Khurd town located in the district of Belagavi, Karnataka. He is a farmer by profession and is also a stage artist. In a recent interview with Local 18, he mentioned that he grew up performing the play Sri Krishna Parijata, since the age of 18. Despite being a Muslim by religion, he has immense devotion to Lord Krishna. He also stated that he has a deity of the god in his home and performs daily worship.
This man has set an example for many people across the country. Despite his different religion, his devotion to Lord Krishna is unwavering. If you visit his home, you can see pictures of Hindu gods and goddesses like Krishna, Ram, Shiva Parvati, Lakshmi Narayana, Hanuman, and Sri Shivayogi. He worships each of them with great devotion and performs all rituals.
Bapu said that he believes in the quote ‘God is one with many names.’ His beliefs are fully supported by his wife Amina Begum and daughter Pramila. The 58-year-old man added that his full family is devoted to Krishna. The locals of the area also view his devotion with great respect.
With the support of the villagers, he also built a Sri Krishna temple where he performs daily worship and serves Lord Krishna promoting communal harmony and brotherhood. His deep devotion towards Lord Krishna has earned the appreciation of spiritual leader Sri Chandrashekar.
Source:news18.com
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https://www.news18.com/india/this-muslim-man-from-karnataka-is-known-for-his-devotion-to-lord-krishna-9028662.html
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AIUDF submits memorandum to Governor seeking safety of Muslims in upper Assam after threats issued
26 August 2024,
Guwahati: The AIUDF on Monday submitted a memorandum to Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, seeking action by the state government against several organisations which have "issued threats against a section of the Muslim community" asking them to leave ...
Upper Assam, comprising nine districts, is an administrative division of the northeastern state. The opposition party also sought a public statement from the BJP-led state government, condemning the stand taken by these organisations against a secti...
Source:deccanherald.com
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https://www.deccanherald.com/india/assam/aiudf-submits-memorandum-to-governor-seeking-safety-of-muslims-in-upper-assam-after-threats-issued-3164738
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Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections: National Conference-Congress in for 'friendly fights'
Muzaffar Raina
27.08.24
The National Conference and the Congress on Monday succeeded in salvaging the seat-sharing agreement for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir elections from the brink after hours-long discussions during which the national party rushed its troubleshooters from Delhi to keep the fledgling alliance afloat.
According to the deal reached after two rounds of negotiations, the NC gets to contest 51 seats while the Congress 32 of the 90-seat Assembly. Other allies will contest two seats, while there will be a “friendly contest” between the two major players in five constituencies.
The seat-sharing arrangement, announced last week, appeared on the brink after the two sides hardened their stand. The Congress on Monday rushed senior leaders K.C. Venugopal and Salman Khurshid to Srinagar to prevent a breakdown.
Venugopal and Khurshid held two rounds of discussion with NC leaders led by president Farooq Abdullah and the deal was announced later in the evening.
Congress Jammu and Kashmir chief Tariq Karra said the agreement was reached in a very cordial atmosphere in which the two sides understood the sensitivities of each other. “There were some contentious constituencies which we reviewed again,” Karra told reporters in the presence of Farooq and Venugopal.
“We were facing difficulties but in a very disciplined manner from sides, we narrowed down the seats for the friendly contest to five. Over and above, one seat was left for CPIM (Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami) and one for the Panthers Party (Harsh Dev Singh).”
Time was running out for both parties as the last date for filing nominations for the first phase was Tuesday.
The Congress’s last-minute discussions were held at a time when the BJP, too, faced protests after it released its first list of candidates for 44 of the 90-seat Assembly. The list was later withdrawn and a revised list of 15 candidates for the first phase was issued.
The BJP claimed they were supposed to release the list for the first phase only but other candidates’ names were mistakenly released. A second list was issued which, however, had only one name.
Source:telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-assembly-elections-national-conference-congress-in-for-friendly-fights/cid/2043741
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After withdrawing J&K candidate list with 44 names, BJP announces fresh one with just 15
August 26, 2024
Bashaarat Masood
The BJP Monday announced its first list of 15 candidates for the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, leaving open nine seats of south Kashmir that go to polls in the first phase on September 18. The last date to file nomination papers for the first phase is Tuesday.
The party initially released a list of 44 candidates across Jammu and Kashmir. The list was, however, withdrawn immediately. The subsequent list named 15 candidates for the seats that go to polls in the first phase.
In a ‘second list’, BJP announced Choudhary Roshan Hussain Gujjar as its candidate from the Kokernag constituency.
The party has fielded senior Valley leader Sofi Mohammad Yousuf, former minister Sunil Sharma, and the party’s vice-president Shakti Raj Parihar.
The BJP, which has maintained it will contest all seats in Jammu and Kashmir, has so far fielded seven candidates out of the 16 seats in south Kashmir that go to polls in the first phase.
The party has fielded senior leader Sofi Yousuf from Bijbehara constituency, who would traditionally contest from Pahalgam. In the recent delimitation, some of the villages of Pahalgam have been made part of the Bijbehara constituency. Yousuf will be up against PDP’s Iltija Mufti.
The party has also announced Veer Saraf as its candidate from the Anantang East constituency, and also announced candidates for Pampore, Rajpora, Shopian, Anantnag, and Anantnag West.
The list doesn’t include candidates for Pulwama, Tral, Kulgam, D H Pora, Devsar, Dooru, Pahalgam and Zainpora.
In the Chenab valley region that will also go to polls in the first phase, the party has fielded its former minister Sunil Sharma from Padder constituency. Sharma won the 2014 elections on a BJP ticket from Kishtwar. He has been moved to the Padder constituency this time while ShagunParihar has been fielded from Kishtwar. The party’s vice-president Shakti Raj Parihar will contest from Doda constituency.
Source:indianexpress.com
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https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bjp-jammu-kashmir-assembly-elections-first-list-9533482/
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J&K: US diplomats call on Omar, ex-CM calls for relook on travel advisories
Updated: August 27, 2024
US diplomats met Omar Abdullah, Jammu and Kashmir, J&K news, US diplomats call on Omar Abdullah, Omar Abdullah travel advisories, J&K assembly polls, J&K assembly polls preparations, Indian express news OmarNational Conference vice president and former chief minister Omar Abdullah (File Photo)
A delegation of US diplomats met National Conference vice president and former chief minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar on Monday, in a significant development that comes as J&K prepares for its first Assembly elections in a decade.
“US diplomats called on National Conference Vice President @OmarAbdullah at his Gupkar residence today. The delegation included Minister-Counselor for Political Affairs Graham Mayer, First Secretary Gary Applegarth, and Political CounselorAbhiram,” the NC said in a post on X.
Though American diplomats, including Mayer, had met L-G Manoj Sinha last August, and some J&K political leaders and activists attended an iftar party hosted by the US embassy in Delhi earlier this year, Monday’s meeting was perhaps a first with a political leader in the Valley itself since Article 370 was revoked in August 2019 and the erstwhile state subsequently split and downgraded to a Union Territory.
For foreign diplomats, visiting J&K requires special permission from the Indian government, and these approvals are granted through the Ministry of External Affairs. The Ministries of Home affairs and External Affairs usually coordinate with the intelligence agencies and the state government before allowing foreign diplomats to travel to J&K.
“Discussions covered a wide range of issues pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir and the region in general,” the NC said, adding that the meeting was also attended by party MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi and chief spokesperson and head of communications Tanvir Sadiq.
During the meeting, Abdullah emphasised the importance of relooking at the travel advisories for J&K with a view to ease restrictions, the party said. “He encouraged people from around the world to visit Kashmir and experience its beauty and culture firsthand. He also invited the diplomats to visit Kashmir with their families as a first step to inspire confidence among tourists from the US and other parts of the world,” it said.
Last year, diplomats from G20 countries including the US had visited Srinagar for the G20 tourism group’s meeting.
In its latest travel advisory issued in July this year, the US government had asked its citizens to exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism. “Some areas have increased risk. Do not travel to the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir (except the eastern Ladakh region and its capital Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest,” the advisory had said.
Source:indianexpress.com
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https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jk-us-diplomats-call-on-omar-ex-cm-calls-for-relook-on-travel-advisories-9534645/
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Mideast
Historic first: Sunni Kurdish figure Hosseinzadeh appointed vice president in Iran
2024-08-27
Shafaq News/ AbdolkarimHosseinzadeh has been appointed to a high-ranking government position, marking a historic first as a Sunni Kurdish figure assumes such a position.
“By decree, the president designated AbdolkarimHosseinzadeh to the post of vice president in charge of rural development and disadvantaged areas of the country because of his valuable experience,” said the presidential website.
In this context, Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian highlighted the need to improve living conditions for rural populations and enhance rural development indicators, emphasizing that this “will support the country's resilient economy in coordination with executive bodies, under the supervision of the appointed vice president.”
Born in 1980 in Naqadeh, Hosseinzadeh holds a master's degree in urban planning from Tehran University of Science and Technology and is known as a reformist political figure, having served as the head of the Citizenship Rights bloc in parliament and representing Naqadeh and Ashnoye in the Islamic Council for two terms.
The appointment comes amid significant political shifts in Iran, following the death of former President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, with Massoud Pezeshkian now leading the Islamic Republic.
Source:shafaq.com
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https://shafaq.com/en/Kurdistan/Historic-first-Sunni-Kurdish-figure-Hosseinzadeh-appointed-vice-president-in-Iran
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Qatar condemns Israeli national security minister's call to build synagogue in Al-Aqsa Mosque site
27.08.2024
Ibrahim al-Khazen
Qatar on Monday strongly condemned a call by Israel's national security minister to build a synagogue inside the site of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem, considering the remarks proactive to the feelings of Muslims around the world.
In a statement, the Qatari Foreign Ministry said Itamar Ben-Gvir's call was "an extension of attempts to change the historical and legal status of Al-Aqsa Mosque."
The ministry also warned of the impact of Ben-Gvir's provocative statements "on the ongoing efforts to reach a cease-fire agreement in the Gaza Strip."
For months, Qatar, along with the US and Egypt, has been trying to reach an agreement between Israel and Hamas to ensure a prisoner exchange and cease-fire and allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. But mediation efforts have been stalled due to Netanyahu’s refusal to meet Hamas' demands to stop the war.
The Qatari statement stressed the need for urgent action by the international community "to deter the (Israeli) occupation and assume its moral and legal responsibilities towards Jerusalem and its sanctities."
Ben-Gvir claimed Monday that Jews have the right to pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque, saying he would build a synagogue at the flashpoint site.
It was the first time for the Israeli minister to openly speak about building a synagogue inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque. However, he has repeatedly called in recent months for allowing Jewish prayers at the site.
His call came amid repeated incursions into the complex by illegal Israeli settlers under police protection.
Al-Aqsa Mosque is considered the third holiest site in Islam. Jews refer to the area as the Temple Mount, believing it to be the location of two ancient Jewish temples.
Israel occupied East Jerusalem, where Al-Aqsa is located, during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. In 1980, Israel annexed the entire city, a move that has never been recognized by the international community.
Israel has faced international condemnation over its brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip that has killed over 40,400 people since an Oct. 7 Hamas attack, despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire.
Source:aa.com.tr
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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/qatar-condemns-israeli-national-security-ministers-call-to-build-synagogue-in-al-aqsa-mosque-site/3313798
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Türkiye's AK Party blasts Israeli national security minister's remarks on Al-Aqsa Mosque complex
26.08.2024
The spokesman of Türkiye’s Justice and Development (AK) Party on Monday condemned remarks by Israel's national security minister on building a synagogue at the site of the al-Aqsa Mosque.
"Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's remarks about building a synagogue on the site where the al-Aqsa Mosque is located are a vile and cursed statement that attacks all Muslims and humanity," Omer Celik said on X.
Calling the Al-Aqsa Mosque "our sacred value, the apple of our eye and our red line," Celik said "members of (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu's network are also enemies of mosques and churches."
"This network is responsible for daily provocations aimed at undermining regional peace," he added.
"These are a network of genocide and massacre that is trying to drag the entire region into religious wars to save themselves from accountability before the law," said Celik, urging the global community take a "clear" stance against members of Netanyahu's government "who engage in provocative rhetoric regarding the status of Al-Aqsa Mosque."
This came after the extreme right-wing minister claimed that Jews have the right to pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque, saying that he would build a synagogue at the flashpoint site.
"The policy allows for prayers on the Temple Mount (Al-Aqsa Mosque). There is equal law for Jews and Muslims. I would build a synagogue there," Ben-Gvir, the leader of the Jewish Power Party, told Israel’s Army Radio.
It was the first time for the Israeli minister to openly speak about building a synagogue inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque. However, he has repeatedly called in recent months for allowing Jewish prayers at the site.
His call came amid repeated incursions into the complex by illegal Israeli settlers, in full view of Israeli police who fall under the responsibility of the far-right minister.
Source:aa.com.tr
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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/turkiyes-ak-party-blasts-israeli-national-security-ministers-remarks-on-al-aqsa-mosque-complex/3313789
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Jordan condemns Israeli minister Ben-Gvir's call to build synagogue inside Al-Aqsa Mosque
26.08.2024
Laith Al-Jnaidi
Jordan on Monday condemned a call by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to build a synagogue inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem.
In a statement, the Jordanian Foreign Ministry called his statement as "a violation of international law and an unacceptable provocation that requires a clear-cut international position condemning it."
The statement added that Ben-Gvir's statement "fuels extremism and endeavors to change the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its holy sites through imposing new facts and practices driven by a bigoted exclusionary narrative."
It stressed that the entire Al-Aqsa Mosque site is an exclusive place of worship for Muslims, and the Jordan-run Jerusalem Waqf Department is the legal entity supervising Al-Aqsa Mosque affairs.
The ministry affirmed that it will move international courts against the Israeli attacks on the holy sites.
Ben-Gvir claimed Monday that Jews have the right to pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque, saying that he would build a synagogue at the flashpoint site.
It was the first time for the Israeli minister to openly speak about building a synagogue inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque. However, he has repeatedly called in recent months for allowing Jewish prayers at the site.
His call came amid repeated incursions into the complex by illegal Israeli settlers under police protection.
Al-Aqsa Mosque is considered the third holiest site in Islam. Jews refer to the area as the Temple Mount, believing it to be the location of two ancient Jewish temples.
Israel occupied East Jerusalem, where Al-Aqsa is located, during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. In 1980, Israel annexed the entire city, a move that has never been recognized by the international community.
Israel has faced international condemnation over its brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip that has killed over 40,400 people since an Oct. 7 Hamas attack, despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire.
Source:aa.com.tr
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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/jordan-condemns-israeli-minister-ben-gvirs-call-to-build-synagogue-inside-al-aqsa-mosque/3313690
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Islamic authorities in Quds: Ben Gvir's statements unprecedented terrorism
26 Aug 2024
OCCUPIED QUDS August 26. 2024 (Saba) - Islamic authorities in Quds on Monday labeled the call issued the Zionist Minister of Security, Itamar Ben Gvir, to build a synagogue inside Al-Aqsa Mosque as unprecedented terrorism.
According to the Palestinian Information Center, a joint statement issued by several Islamic bodies in Quds, including the Council of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and Holy Places, Dar al-Iftaa, and the Department of the Chief Justice, stated that these statements are "an unacceptable escalation and dangerous incitement" within the plan of an extremist Jewish current aimed at Judaizing Al-Aqsa.
The statement pointed out that this escalation poses a threat to Al-Aqsa, which is one of the holiest places in Islam, and held the international community, especially Islamic countries, responsible for intervening to stop the attacks on Al-Aqsa.
The statement criticized the Zionist enemy government for ignoring the sanctity of Al-Aqsa and for protecting extremists who do not care about the feelings of Muslims.
She stressed that Al-Aqsa will remain "a pure mosque for Muslims, and does not accept division or participation, under the exclusive management of the Al-Quds Al-Sharif Waqf."
Source:saba.ye
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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3363307.htm
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Palestinian call for end to Zionist violations in Al-Aqsa Mosque
26 Aug 2024
RAMALLAH August 26. 2024 - The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf on Monday called on the Arab, Islamic nations and international institutions to put an end to the Zionist violations at the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque in the occupied city of Quds.
According to the Palestinian news agency (WAFA), the ministry said in a statement that what Zionist enemy is practicing, whether through its forces protecting settlers to storm Al-Aqsa, or through the statements of the extremist Ben-Gvir who threatens to demolish the mosque and build a synagogue in its place in a step that comes within hatred and hostility to religions.
The ministry added that the statements of Ben-Gvir come in the context of clear political and security support for him and his extremist group, and push towards spreading hatred and working on increasing attacks, in an attempt to demolish Al-Aqsa and turn it into a Jewish synagogue based on myths and legends.
The ministry touched upon the enemy's attacks on religious shrines, both in the West Bank, including Quds, and in Gaza Strip, which is suffering from a criminal war in which the Zionist machine worked to destroy mosques, churches and reached the point of publicly tearing up the Koran and burning it in a show style mocking the feelings of the Arab and Islamic nations.
"We need to mobilize Islamic and international institutions and organizations to stop these practices and statements that would ignite a religious war, and people of the holy city need to protect Al-Aqsa by stationing in it and paying attention to it," the ministry said.
Source:saba.ye
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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3363298.htm
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Islamic Resistance Continues Border Battle, Several Israeli Air Raids Target South Lebanon
August 26, 2024
The Islamic Resistance continued on Monday its border battle against the Zionist enemy in response to its aggression on South Lebanon and support of Gaza.
In a statement, Hezbollah announced the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the spying equipment at Ramya site with an assaulting glider at 2:00 pm on Monday, August 26, 2024, achieving a direct hit.
The Israeli media reported a fire in Yiftahel.
Al-Manar correspondent reported that assault drones violated the occupied Palestinian airspace and reached AyeletHashahar in Upper Galilee.
Meanwhile, the Zionist media outlets indicated that sirens were sounded in several Upper Galilee settlements for fear of drones infiltration.
Israeli Air Raids
The Israeli war jets and military drones launched several air raids on cities and towns in South Lebanon.
To begin with, a drone air raid targeted a car in Sidon City when the Hamas official NidalHlayhel Abu Omar was about to ride it. He was critically injured and moved to the hospital. Two Isralei missiles incinerated and destroyed the car before firefighters extinguished the blaze, and the security forces cordoned off the scene.
Moreover, the Israeli war jets launched air raids on the outskirts of several towns in South Lebanon, including Zawtar, Alman, Kfarkila, Mays Al-Jabal and others.
Source:almanar.com.lb
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https://english.almanar.com.lb/2184932
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Europe
Pope to visit Indonesia's Istiqlal mosque on first stop of interfaith Asian trip
August 27, 2024
JAKARTA, INDONESIA —
When Pope Francis begins his Asia tour next week, one of his early stops will be at Indonesia's iconic Istiqlal mosque.
The 87-year-old head of the Catholic Church will hold an interfaith meeting with representatives of the country's six officially recognized religions as the populous Southeast Asian nation faces growing challenges to its tolerant image.
Francis, who has suffered a slew of health problems and has become increasingly reliant on a wheelchair, has a rigorous schedule during his four-nation visit. He will start his trip in Jakarta on Sept. 3, where he will meet Indonesian President Joko Widodo.
In Istiqlal mosque, the Argentine Jesuit, known for promoting religious dialogue, will meet delegates of Islam, Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Catholicism and Protestantism. Indonesia’s constitution recognizes the latter two as separate religions. About 87% of the country’s 280 million people are Muslim. However, it has the third-largest Christian population in Asia after the Philippines and China. Only 2.9% of the total population is Catholic.
The mosque of Istiqlal, which means independence in Arabic, is the largest in Southeast Asia, covering over 9 hectares. Its name is a constant reminder of the country’s fight against Dutch colonialists who ruled it for nearly 350 years. Across from the mosque lies the Roman Catholic neo-Gothic Our Lady of The Assumption Cathedral in Jakarta. The proximity of the two houses of worship is symbolic of how religions can peacefully coexist, according to official websites.
The mosque and cathedral are linked by an underpass known as the “Tunnel of Friendship,” about 28 meters (91 feet) in length and molded after a handshake gesture to symbolize religious tolerance. The pope is expected to walk through the tunnel.
Istiqlal mosque’s Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar told The Associated Press that Francis choosing Indonesia as the first stop of his Asian visit makes “the Muslim community proud.” He also said they will use the pope’s visit “to discuss the common ground between religious communities and emphasize the commonalities between religions, ethnicities and beliefs.”
Umar acknowledged that an “increasingly plural society” like Indonesia can face more challenges, “but we need to know we live together under God.”
While Indonesia's constitution guarantees freedom of religion, over the past several years, its perception as a moderate Muslim nation has been undermined by flaring intolerance, from the imprisonment of Jakarta’s Christian governor for blasphemy, which resulted in a series of protests in 2016, to the canings of gay men in Aceh, a province that practices its version of Islamic Shariah law. There were also reports of violence against religious minorities, and some faith groups have been unable to secure building permits for places of worship.
Meanwhile, CantikaSyamsinur, a 23-year-old college student who had just finished praying in Istiqlal mosque and was on her way to the cathedral, said she welcomed the pope's visit and the interfaith meeting. “There are many religions in Indonesia and I hope we respect each other.”
Francis will be the third pope to visit Indonesia. The trip was originally planned for 2020 but was called off because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Four years of waiting is quite long," said SusyanaSuwadie who heads the cathedral's museum, adding she was overwhelmed by emotions as she awaited the pope's visit. “This important historic moment is finally happening.”
Some are hopeful the pope's interreligious meeting will propel changes on a grassroots level.
Thomas UlunIsmoyo, a Catholic Priest who is also the spokesperson for the Pope Francis Visitation Committee in Indonesia, said that religious leaders in Indonesia play a very significant role because the masses listen to them. He said he hopes the pope's visit “will lead to something good" and advocate for a better world where humanity and social justice are prized.
Andi Zahra AlifiaMasdar, a 19-year-old college student in Jakarta, concurred: “We can be more accepting of each other, more tolerant, and able to live side by side, not always clashing."
Source:voanews.com
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https://www.voanews.com/a/pope-to-visit-indonesia-s-istiqlal-mosque-on-first-stop-of-interfaith-asian-trip-/7758396.html
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We Need More Anger About Islamist Terrorism, Not Less
26th August 2024\
The wisdom of the late Norm Macdonald has rarely felt so prescient. ‘What terrifies me’, the Canadian comic once tweeted, ‘is if ISIS were to detonate a nuclear device and kill 50million Americans. Imagine the backlash against peaceful Muslims.’ It was a perfectly aimed jab at those who fear the public reaction to terrorism more than terrorism itself. At those leftish talking heads and phoney liberals who see people in Manchester, Paris or Brussels being blown limb from limb by radical Islamists and instantly think: ‘Oh no, the Islamophobia is going to be terrible.’ These cowards and faint hearts have been out in force once more following the ISIS knife atrocity in Solingen.
The bodies of the people slain by the Islamist fanatic were barely cold before sections of the media were fretting over how the ‘far right’ might react. It was on Friday evening, at a festival celebrating the 650th anniversary of the founding of the west German city, that a man went on a knifing frenzy. Three people were killed and eight wounded, four seriously. The suspect is a 26-year-old from Syria who, according to German prosecutors, shares the ideology of the Islamic State and was acting on those tyrannical extremist beliefs when he wielded his knife. He arrived in Germany as an asylum seeker in 2022, but although his claim was rejected, the authorities failed to deport him. ISIS has claimed responsibility for the slaughter, describing it as an intentional slaying of European Christians ‘to avenge Muslims in Palestine and everywhere’.
So this was an act of war. A low-level, lone-wolf act of war, but an act of war nonetheless. It was a violent assault not only on the citizens of Solingen but also on Germany itself, and in particular on its Christian heritage. And it was sanctioned by those sworn foes of Western civilisation: the bigoted religious hysterics of ISIS. It ought to be a wake-up call, a reminder that while ISIS may have lost its caliphate, it retains its zealous lust for murdering ‘infidels’. It seems we are ‘seeing the first signs of a new wave of terrorist attacks’, says Peter Neumann of King’s College London. He suspects ISIS is trying to ‘capitalise on the huge mobilisation resulting from Hamas’s terror offensive on 7 October’ and wants to ‘inspire’ its admirers to ‘attack unbelievers’. Shorter version: this is serious.
Will it be treated with the seriousness it deserves? Will the barbarism in Solingen finally give rise to the frank discussion of radical Islam that’s been so sorely lacking in European society these past few years? The signs are not good. Already public grief seems to be giving way to an instinct to ‘move on’. The post-terror script is being followed. Flowers have been laid for the dead, prayer emojis have been posted on social media, and now we can get on with our lives. Germans haven’t quite chanted that craven slogan, ‘Don’t look back in anger’, as some Brits did following the Islamist massacre of 22 pop fans at the Manchester Arena in 2017. But it does feel like there’s a reluctance, in some circles at least, to take a hard look at the Solingen slaughter and the tough questions it raises about the migrant crisis, the failure of integration and the poison of Islamism.
Is it possible the terror-amnesia industry is kicking in already? This is when open discussion of Islamist terror is so ruthlessly discouraged by the elites that acts of Islamist terror end up being forgotten. Who now recalls the Brussels bombings of 2016 in which 32 were massacred? Or the Reading stabbings in England in 2020 in which three gay men were murdered by an extremist Libyan refugee? Or the Barcelona van ramming of 2017 in which 13 were mown down by Islamists on La Ramblas? That occurred just days after the far-right rally in Charlottesville in the US at which a neo-fascist drove a car into a crowd of protesters, killing one young woman. It is telling that the latter fascistic car attack is fresher in the heads of the left than the far bloodier fascistic car attack carried out by ISIS in Barcelona not a week later.
The instinct of the powers-that-be in the aftermath of acts of Islamist barbarism is to tightly police public discussion and even public feeling. There are some emotions you are allowed to feel – shock, sadness – and others you are not: anguish, anger. Veer too far from the list of approved emotions and you might find yourself accused of stirring up ‘Islamophobia’. The Orwellian monitoring of public sentiment suggests the elites fear the thoughts and emotions of their own citizens as much as – if not more than – the violent actions of the adherents to a dangerous foreign ideology. The spectre of the ‘Islamophobic backlash’ that they raise after every Islamist attack is really code for their own dread of public opinion. They see us as a latent mob. They fear our hypothetical violence more than ISIS’s actual violence. ‘Fear yourselves, not the terrorists’, is the unspoken message of their post-terror agonising.
I worry the same will unfold following the slaughter in Solingen. There are already waves of concern across the European media that bad actors will seek to exploit this awful act. This horror ‘risks feeding the narrative of the far right’, says Politico. The Financial Times sounds freaked out that the stabbing has put ‘immigration and Islamist terrorism at the top of the political agenda’ ahead of key regional elections in Saxony and Thuringia in the east of Germany next weekend. Some have ‘seized on the knife attack to hammer home [an] anti-foreigner message’, it frets.
The BBC reports that ‘the attack may fuel an already fraught debate about immigration and asylum in Germany’. Shouldn’t it, though? That a foreign national murdered three people on behalf of a fanatical movement should raise questions, surely, about Germany’s asylum policy and security measures. ‘[The] far right is eyeing gains’, the BBC says, almost as if that is the worst thing that’s happened in Germany this past week. The unhinged dread of the post-terror response was best summed up in a surreal discussion on Sky News, where one of the participants said of the stabbing: ‘When you look at something like this, you just really worry about how it could be used by those on the far right to stir up hatred.’
And there it is: the Norm Macdonald tweet made flesh. The fantasy violence of a post-terror backlash seems to rattle some influencers more than the real-world violence of ISIS itself. The truth is, it is ISIS that has stirred up hatred in Germany. It is ISIS that has visited far-right terror on the good people of that nation. It is nothing short of bizarre that people can witness an act of fascistic violence, carried out with the blessing of one of the most intolerant, bigoted and racist movements on Earth, and think to themselves: ‘Oh no, we might see some fascist action now.’ The fascist action has already taken place. And it is not bigoted to feel angry about it. Those who respond to the supremacist slaughter of men, women and children across Europe by saying ‘Everyone needs to calm down’ terrify me far more than those who respond by asking blunt, probing questions. The latter, at least, are clearly shaken by the Islamists’ violent ripping at their civilisation.
It sometimes feels as though we are sandwiched between two bigotries. The bigotry of radical Islamists who hate us so much that they are willing to stab us to death, and the bigotry of a ruling class that fears us so much that their first instinct after every Islamo-fascist rupture is to tame our emotions and shush our fury. Our societies are attacked, then our sentiments are gagged. A double whammy of elitist contempt, the first violent, the second censorious. We are witnessing the moral decommissioning of the citizens of Europe. Our role is to partake in the post-terror performance of ersatz grief and nothing more. Don’t think, don’t ask, and definitely don’t get angry. The irony is that if anything is likely to anger us, it’s this muzzling of our voices even as our fellow citizens are being murdered by tyrants. Let us speak.
Source:spiked-online.com
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https://www.spiked-online.com/2024/08/26/we-need-more-anger-about-islamist-terrorism-not-less/
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Durov arrest exposes ‘upside-down’ West – Serbian leader
26 Aug, 2024
Charges against Telegram founder Pavel Durov in France show that the West has abandoned the values it championed just a few years ago, Serbian President AleksandarVucic has said.
The 39-year-old Russian was detained by French authorities on Saturday, after arriving in Paris from Azerbaijan by private jet. Durov also has the passports of France, the UAE and St. Kitts and Nevis.
Speaking on a newscast on Monday evening, Vucic said that Durov’s case was “interesting” and compared him to the persecution of Julian Assange and Edward Snowden.
“Back in 2018, when Russia put some mild legal pressure on him, some 26 groups from the West signed a petition to the Russian state to stop violating his freedom. Fast forward five or six years, and it’s perfectly normal [for them] to have him arrested and want to shut down Telegram in the West,” Vucic said.
“Everything has gone topsy-turvy, reality itself has been changed to fit their interests.”
France on Monday revealed the laundry list of preliminary charges against Durov, accusing the Telegram mogul of “facilitating” alleged illegal activities on his platform – ranging from drug dealing and money laundering to child pornography – by refusing to cooperate with French investigators going after an unnamed third party.
President Emmanuel Macron has defended the arrest, insisting that charges against Durov were “in no way a political decision.”
X owner Elon Musk, American journalist Tucker Carlson and Silicon Valley investor David Sacks have denounced Durov’s arrest as an attack on the freedom of speech.
Snowden, a whistleblower who revealed the extent of NSA spying on Americans and foreign leaders back in 2012, has accused France of holding Durov “hostage” in order to access private communications on Telegram.
Vucic brought up Durov’s situation in the context of the US and the EU criticizing Serbia for allegedly persecuting political opposition. According to the Serbian president, the EU routinely beats up and arrests protesters by the hundreds, while Belgrade is far more tolerant of outright riots.
“It’s all upside-down!” Vucic said. “When you allow the greatest of liberties, you’re a dictator. The fewer freedoms exist, the more they speak about them.”
Source:rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/news/603117-durov-arrest-west-inverted-vucic/
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Trump lauds Russia’s ‘great winter fighting’
26 Aug, 2024
Former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has expressed admiration for the Russian military’s warfighting skills and vowed to end the Ukraine conflict before the end of the year if elected.
Trump addressed the Russia-Ukraine conflict as part of an hour-long interview posted on Monday. Advertised as “unfiltered stories of heroic events and current world issues,” the show is hosted by former US Navy SEAL and CIA contractor Shawn Ryan.
“Russia’s a great winter fighter,” Trump told Ryan. “They beat Germany and they beat Napoleon. They’re not easy to beat. And they are a massive military, and Ukraine isn’t. But Ukraine has us giving them a lot of money.”
The US and its allies have channeled more than $400 billion in aid to Kiev since the conflict began in 2022, including over $120 billion in direct military aid, according to estimates from the Kiel Institute, a German think tank tracking the contributions.
Without going into details, Trump objected to the US accounting for the lion’s share of the military aid, arguing that the European members of NATO needed to “equalize” their contribution.
“That war is much more devastating than people understand,” Trump said in the interview. He also promised to have it “settled” as president-elect and not wait for the January inauguration.
Trump has repeatedly argued that the conflict would not have broken out had he stayed in the White House, instead of being replaced by Joe Biden in 2021. He has also promised to end the fighting within 24 hours.
This is not the first time Trump has praised the Russian “war machine.” He first brought it up during a Fox News town hall in February, then again in July, recounting a phone call with Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky.
Asked by Ryan what he would spend the $175 billion that Congress has appropriated for Ukraine aid, Trump pointed out that the US has over $30 trillion in national debt.
The former president also lamented the fact that the Pentagon has managed to empty the stockpile he had worked so hard to replenish during his time in office.
Source:rt.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.rt.com/news/603119-trump-russia-winter-fighting/
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North America
Considerations for Addressing Trauma in Muslim Communities
August 26, 2024
lthough progress has been made in providing cost-effective strategies to implement mental health interventions in the field of global mental health research, progress on successfully adapting interventions to diverse cultures, countries, and population contexts is slow.1 It remains unclear whether our current approach to implementing mental health interventions needs to be adjusted based on the unique vulnerabilities and exposures of specific patient groups across geographies, keeping in mind the following concerns: (1) how these vulnerabilities might impact the effectiveness of our interventions; (2) what resources are necessary for successful implementation; and (3) the essential components of a support system to ensure successful implementation of mental health interventions. Providing mental health interventions in non-Western geographies and populations merits further attention.2 Zoellner et al3 present a fascinating adaptation of a multipronged intervention that addresses mental health needs of Somali refugees living in 2 US states of Ohio and Washington. The intervention focuses on Muslim refugees and immigrants who met the criterion of posttraumatic stress disorder and were then offered an intervention delivered by lay health workers in conjunction with religious leaders. The study contributes to new knowledge and advancement in the field of mental health therapeutics as the previously developed Islamic Trauma Healing intervention was highly effective at obtaining remission from trauma, depression, and anxiety at 3 months postintervention although it did not yield significant improvements in somatic symptoms. The intervention was well-received and developed with a large team with community engagement and consultation. Our commentary attempts to highlight how reporting of adaptation process, formulating theory of change around the intervention, and reflecting on implementation context would provide additional insights.
While developing an effective multipronged intervention, we believe additional efforts have to be made to deepen cultural adaptation methodology embedded within an intervention framework, generating new knowledge about strategies adopted toward mental health framework implementation. We offer suggestions that researchers from the psychiatry and mental health field may wish to consider when carrying out cultural adaptations of mental health interventions for non-Western populations.
Steps Associated With Deep Cultural Adaptation
Most trauma intervention research based in lower-and-middle income settings (LMICs) and those focusing especially on underserved communities in high income countries (HICs) (as conducted by Zoellner et al3) do not describe adaptation process with regard to what aspects of cultural processes are studied and leveraged toward social norms and/or behavioral change. Religion here is important but only one of the several elements of cultural identity. To better understand the role of culture and religion in advancing mental health outcomes, how faith and religious beliefs are conceptualized in the intervention, and how these become a conduit toward specific community and individual level mental health change need to be considered. Further research is warranted to explore how the cultural psyche undergoes transformation during the trauma recovery process within specific populations and consider ways in which communities might want to reflect on this change process in their own lexicon and present lived experience in some depth. Unpacking these cultural nuances can help unravel the mechanisms underlying trauma healing and recovery after complex humanitarian crises leading toward more sensitive and effective interventions being developed for affected individuals and communities.
Etic and Emic Approaches in the Intervention Adaptation Process
An etic approach, assumes that behavioral constructs (ie, concepts, methods, measures) studied in one culture have significance in all other cultures, while an emic approach describes the study of cultural norms, values, and perspectives that are specific to a group of people or within a culture.4 Most global mental health intervention research focuses on the etic (cross-cultural) aspect while analyzing characteristics and behavior across different cultural groups, with an interest in broad variations and testing universal theory of posttraumatic stress disorder. By contrast, the field of cultural psychology lends itself to an emic perspective, which allows the researchers and interventionists to delve into an understanding of how that culture would redress trauma-associated manifestations, reality of refugeehood, reality of becoming an immigrant in another cultural setting, and acculturation process keeping an idiographic perspective in mind.
The Zoellner and colleagues3 study is largely based on an etic conceptualization of cultural adaptations, in harmony with how most global mental health research in LMICs and high adversity immigrant or refugee populations is conducted. The formative inquiries published earlier by Zoellner and colleagues5-7 provide the rationale and approach adopted in the Islamic Healing Intervention. The etic perspective has advantages of cross-checking constructs and their applicability, while at the same time, it is disadvantageous as it does not let indigenous voices and traditional beliefs, systems of practice, newer lexicons, or new theoretical perspectives emerge independently. In this regard, we advocate for researchers, practitioners, academic journals (and even funders) to encourage use of emic conceptualizations of mental health intervention research to unpack trauma and other complex exposures that refugee and immigrant communities experience in today’s world. Only that sort of conceptualization of subjective experience and contextualization can advance understanding of socio-cultural, religious, political, and psychological identities and how and why these are fragmented and disturbed in the aftermath of trauma. An emic perspective helps in understanding innate resources and strengths that can contribute to a more resilient self and community development. Such an approach through its exploration of specific internal resources within individuals and groups could provide novel ways of conceptualizing posttraumatic growth, coping mechanisms, bolstering of self and social bonds differently. In this the emic conceptualization borrows from both an asset-based approach and a traditional deficit-based trauma conceptualization.
Theories of Change Around Trauma Intervention
Most behavioral theories of posttraumatic stress disorder and trauma intervention are based on Western theoretical perspectives and systems of disease classification and symptom definition.7 It is not clear how the typical trauma intervention theory aligns with Islamic beliefs and faith-based practices. Likewise, Zoellner et al3 do not clarify whether somatic symptoms are part of depressive symptomatology in Muslim populations, for example, those exposed to traumatic events and whether they should be monitored as a key outcome of depression. A conceptual model explaining cultural perspective of traumatic stress and of recovery and healing process that considers core values of Islam as a religion, focuses on faith healing traditions, symptom expression differences, and then applies this culturally adapted framework to guide the intervention design and testing is likely to have greater impacts in Muslim and similarly underinvestigated refugee populations. This is particularly notable given the ongoing upheavals experienced in several Muslim geographies globally.
Intervention Implementation Context and Strategies to Provide Mental Health Support in Diverse Ethnic, Cultural, or Religious Groups
There is so much to be learned around how to provide mental health interventions to Muslim or other non-Western religious believers or those in diverse cultural settings. Providing more contextual information for intervention implementation for example about Islamic faith context (eg, structural settings, gender norms, ethnic identity, ethnic or granular religious practices) can help disseminate knowledge and provide a frame of reference to other researchers and practitioners for setting up culturally appropriate and responsive interventions. Most of the participants in the Zoellner study3 were women who routinely received traumatic relocations and continue to have marginalized identities in non-Western societies, be it in LMICs or HICs. No data on the make-up of the implementors was shared, so we cannot assess whether their identities affected the study outcomes. In addition, little attention was paid to gender, ethnic identity, or cultural beliefs and practices surrounding illness and healing practices common within the study cohort. Notably, the same authors published earlier studies presenting data on cultural adaptation processes, although these were largely epidemiologic inquiries.8,9
We appreciate the work carried out by Zoellner and colleagues3 in extending an innovative trauma-informed intervention. While the findings of Zoellner and colleagues3 bring to the fore the importance of timely faith-based intervention delivered within faith-based settings, we want to inspire global mental health researchers to go the extra mile to report on the processes of adaptation, extend knowledge of the implementation context, resources needed for implementation as well as deepen the experiential understanding of specific trauma-associated mechanisms10 that are being targeted and develop a theory of change perspective to demonstrate how trauma healing and recovery is being visualized through the culturally adapted intervention.
Source:jamanetwork.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2822813#google_vignette
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US main obstacle to Gaza ceasefire agreement, says senior Islamic Jihad official
27 August 2024
A high-ranking official of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad resistance movement says the United States is the main obstacle to a Gaza ceasefire agreement as Washington exerts no pressure on the occupying Tel Aviv regime to accept a permanent truce in the territory.
“[Israeli prime minister Benjamin] Netanyahu does not want a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip to be established. We checked with the fellow Hamas group whatever happened during the course of truce negotiations in Cairo. Our national position was the same as what Hamas declared in the Egyptian capital,” Islamic Jihad Deputy Secretary General Muhammad al-Hindi said on Monday evening.
He added that Netanyahu’s insistence on Israeli control and presence in the so-called Philadelphi Corridor – a narrow 14.5-kilometer-long (9-mile-long) stretch of land along Gaza's southern border with Egypt, is politically-motivated and has nothing to do with purported security concerns.
“Control of the Rafah border crossing is an internal Palestinian matter, and no party can dictate how it should be managed,” the senior Islamic Jihad official noted.
Hindi described the United States as the main obstacle to a Gaza ceasefire agreement, stressing it would be in the White House's best electoral interests that a ceasefire deal is struck in Gaza.
He also reiterated the need for free movement of Palestinians between the northern and southern sectors of the Gaza Strip.
“The Zionist enemy is backtracking on what it had previously agreed upon for partisan and political goals. The regime’s occupation of Gaza crossings enables its continued control over the movement and lives of Palestinians in the territory,” Hindi pointed out.
He underscored that Palestinian resistance fighters, through daily operations, are sapping the Israeli military’s strength and forcing the occupation forces to withdraw from Gaza.
Israel launched the war on Gaza on October 7 last year after Palestinian resistance groups carried out a surprise retaliatory operation into the occupied territories.
Concomitantly with the war, the regime has been enforcing a near-total siege on the coastal territory, which has reduced the flow of foodstuffs, medicine, electricity, and water into the Palestinian territory into a trickle.
So far during the military onslaught, the regime has killed at least 40,435 Gazans, most of them women, children, and adolescents. Another 93,534 Palestinians have sustained injuries as well.
Source:presstv.ir
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https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/08/27/732146/US-main-obstacle-to-Gaza-ceasefire-agreement,-says-senior-Islamic-Jihad-official
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US sends over 50,000 tons of weaponry to Israeli regime since Oct. 7
26 August 2024
The United States has sent 50,000 tons of arms and ammunition to Israel since October 7 when the regime launched its genocidal war against Palestinians in Gaza.
Media reports said on Monday that the US had completed the air delivery of its 500th consignment of weapons and munitions to Israel since it launched its genocidal war on Gaza in early October.
In addition to the weapons and equipment airlifted to Israel since 7 October, Washington has sent Tel Aviv 107 shipments of military supplies by sea.
A statement released by the Israeli War Ministry said on Monday that the US shipments to Tel Aviv included “armored vehicles, munitions, ammunition, personal protection gear, and medical equipment, which are crucial for sustaining … [the regime forces] operational capabilities during the ongoing war.”
Over the past ten months, the Israeli regime forces have used the arms and munitions supplied by the US for the onslaught of Palestinians in Gaza.
These shipments have been used by the Israeli regime forces to massacre over 40,400 Palestinians, mostly women and children, in the Gaza Strip, while making the land uninhabitable for the Palestinian residents.
White House officials, however, claim the US Democratic presidential candidate and current Vice President Kamala Harris has been “working tirelessly” for a Gaza ceasefire agreement.
The Gaza ceasefire talks between Hamas and Tel Aviv -- mediated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar -- have failed till now.
The United States' provision of military supplies to the Israelis, coupled with Washington’s diplomatic support for the zionist leaders are among the key obstacles to achieving a ceasefire to stop the mass killing of the Palestinian people and the destruction of the Gaza Strip, according to experts of regional and international affairs.
The Gaza Strip is under the “complete siege” of the Israeli regime forces where the zionist war machine started its genocidal war on October 7 after Hamas conducted Operation al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity.
Since the start of the war, the Tel Aviv regime has been committing war crimes in Gaza, cutting off water and food, fuel, electricity, and medicine to the more than two million Palestinians living there, carrying out a systemic genocide of the Gazan people.
Source:presstv.ir
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https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/08/26/732111/US-Sends-Weapons-Ammunition-To-Israel-While-White-House-Claiming-To-Pursue-Gaza-Ceasefire
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Shakopee man charged in drive-by shooting that injured elder outside Minneapolis mosque
by Katrina Pross
A man has been charged in the shooting of an elder outside a north Minneapolis mosque, an incident which left the Muslim community “shaken.”
The shooting occurred at about 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 19 as people were leaving Masjid An-Nur after the third prayer of the day. The man who was shot, a 75-year-old respected elder in the community, remains hospitalized.
The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office charged Yancy Hall, 68, of Shakopee, with one count of drive-by shooting and two counts of second-degree assault on Aug. 23.
Makram El-Amin, the imam at Masjid An-Nur, said he was pleased to hear about the charges.
“I’m disappointed that it happened, but I’m happy about the response,” he said.
El-Amin said the elder is in stable condition, but will likely need to undergo physical therapy.
According to court documents, the elder noticed people loitering near the mosque, who appeared to be engaging in a drug deal. The elder and another community member of the mosque asked them to leave the area.
A suspect then drove away in a white SUV, made a U-turn and then opened fire. The suspect fled the scene. When officers arrived, they found the elder with gunshot wounds to his arm and shoulder. The other community member of the mosque said he had to duck out of the way so he wouldn’t be struck by gunfire.
Court documents say officers arrested Hall during an ongoing narcotics investigation. A tracker had been placed on his vehicle, and its data showed the vehicle was at the scene of the shooting at the time it took place. Hall also matched descriptions of the suspect.
During an interview with investigators, Hall said he was familiar with the location of the shooting because he sells drugs there. Hall then confessed to shooting the elder, which he said he did “out of anger,” court documents say.
Hall’s next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 7. He was released from custody Sunday.
El-Amin said the mosque is still evaluating its security measures after last week’s incident, and may take more steps to keep the community safe. Despite the shooting, El-Amin said the mosque isn’t going anywhere and is a vital resource for the neighborhood.
“The idea of moving and uprooting from a place that we have been established and we call home is not anything that we want to do,” El-Amin said. “It doesn’t fit our values nor is it the appropriate way for a faith community to respond to something like this.”
El-Amin and other Muslim leaders have called the elder’s actions heroic and a response grounded in his Muslim values.
“Even though there was a price to be paid, for sure, we still believe that it was the faithful thing to do,” El-Amin said.
Source:sahanjournal.com
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https://sahanjournal.com/policing-justice/northeast-minneapolis-mosque-shooting-suspect-arrested/
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CAIR’s Maryland Office Releases Template for Muslim Families Seeking Religious Accommodations for Public School Students
August 26, 2024
The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today released a template for Muslim families that can be modified to request reasonable religious accommodations for students in public schools.
In a statement, CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry said:
“As hundreds of thousands of students across the state return to the classrooms this week after summer break, we want to help ensure that our communities have the tools and support they need for a productive school year. This template is designed to help simplify the process for parents to make requests for religious accommodations for their children. We are committed to making sure every student has a safe and inclusive learning environment, and a year filled with growth and success.”
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
Source:cair.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cairs-maryland-office-releases-template-for-muslim-families-seeking-religious-accommodations-for-public-school-students/
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Islamists Are Reenacting the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill, and the Green Crowd Couldn’t Care Less
By JIM GERAGHTY
August 26, 2024
On the menu today: I can’t begrudge everyone for paying a lot of attention to the U.S. presidential race, but there’s a lot going in the world beyond Trump’s pouting and threatening to withdraw from the remaining debate. The Houthis are reenacting the Exxon Valdez spill in the Red Sea, to the yawns of environmentalists in the West; NASA can’t get its astronauts down from the International Space Station; and the U.S. Navy is quietly putting together plans to remove the crews from 17 Navy support ships “due to a lack of qualified mariners to operate the vessels.” If you want to get a good sense of how the Democratic nominee would perform in the Oval Office, take a good look at the performance of the administration in which she’s currently vice president.
Do America’s environmentalists oppose the Houthis’ blowing up oil tankers because it results in massive spills and a “severe ecological disaster,” or quietly support them because they represent attacks on the fossil-fuel industry?
It’s easy to wonder about the latter, as life stateside is full of people who will give you grief about your Big Mac, your SUV, your gas stove, and now your air conditioning. Meanwhile, these kidnapping, humanitarian-aid-obstructing, cholera-exacerbating Islamists who carried out a “partial and limited reintroduction of slavery” are reenacting the Exxon Valdez spill, and you barely hear a peep from the green crowd. It’s easy to conclude their movement is primarily focused upon hassling you, not about protecting the Earth.
The current president of the United States — that’s Joe Biden if you’ve forgotten. I know it’s easy to forget when he only does one public event per week — has not made any substantive remarks about the threat from the Houthis since January. The Biden administration would probably prefer if you forgot that one of its first actions was to remove the Iranian-backed Houthis from the U.S. list of global terrorist organizations.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller issued a statement Saturday:
The United States is gravely concerned by the Houthis’ attacks against the oil tanker MT DELTA SOUNION. The Houthis’ continued attacks threaten to spill a million barrels of oil into the Red Sea, an amount four times the size of the Exxon Valdez disaster. While the crew has been evacuated, the Houthis appear determined to sink the ship and its cargo into the sea.
Through these attacks, the Houthis have made clear they are willing to destroy the fishing industry and regional ecosystems that Yemenis and other communities in the region rely on for their livelihoods, just as they have undermined the delivery of vital humanitarian aid to the region through their reckless attacks. We call on the Houthis to cease these actions immediately and urge other nations to step forward to help avert this environmental disaster.
Don’t get mad at Miller; issuing firmly worded statements is his job. Get mad at everybody above him who’s supposed to create and carry out policies deterring and punishing these sorts of reckless attacks. (For those wondering, the Exxon Valdez spilled 257,000 barrels, or roughly 17 Olympic-sized swimming pools, or 35,000 metric tons. The Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion is carrying 150,000 metric tons of crude oil.)
Way back in January, after some coalition airstrikes, President Biden said:
Today’s defensive action follows this extensive diplomatic campaign and Houthi rebels’ escalating attacks against commercial vessels. These targeted strikes are a clear message that the United States and our partners will not tolerate attacks on our personnel or allow hostile actors to imperil freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most critical commercial routes. I will not hesitate to direct further measures to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce as necessary.
Hey, how are those “further measures” doing? The only thing we’ve got going for us is that the Houthis don’t always check to see whose ships they’re attacking, and end up shooting ships carrying Russian oil and Chinese goods, even though the terrorists pledged to spare ships from those countries.
Oh, and hey, look who else is benefitting from the Houthis’ turning the Red Sea shipping lanes into the site of the U.S. Navy’s “most intense combat since World War II”:
Freight companies operating between China and Europe are increasingly turning to rail lines that run through Russia as Houthi rebel attacks on ships travelling through the Suez Canal trigger delays and higher costs. The volume of goods transported from China to Europe via the Eurasian Rail Alliance (Era) — a Russian freight company which uses Russian rail lines — has more than doubled since the Red Sea crisis began at the end of last year.
We’re up against an axis of the devils that operates like an international crime syndicate with protection rackets. If Biden insists upon being president until January 20, is it too much to ask that he comes out and talk about these sorts of things once in a while?
The ISS Is Like Hotel California: Check Out Any Time You Like, but . . .
Who’s having the worst 2024: the Chicago White Sox, Ivy League presidents, the Kursk, Russia Regional Chamber of Commerce, or Boeing?
After this weekend, there’s a strong case for Boeing:
NASA announced Saturday that it will use SpaceX’s Dragon capsule to bring home two astronauts stuck in space for months, because the agency does not have confidence in Boeing’s troubled Starliner capsule.
“It was just too much risk for the crew,” said Steve Stich, NASA’s commercial crew program manager.
The highly anticipated decision, one of the most consequential by the space agency in years, is a devastating blow to Boeing, which had argued vehemently that Starliner was safe even though it suffered a series of thruster problems and helium leaks as it brought NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore to the International Space Station in early June.
The decision means that the autonomous Starliner spacecraft will return to Earth, likely in early September, without anyone on board and that Williams and Wilmore will have their stay on the space station, originally intended to last eight days, extended to about eight months — the next Dragon return flight is scheduled for February.
Eight days? That’s the space equivalent of a three-hour tour. The ISS has turned into Gilligan’s Space Station:
Boeing argued that its engineers understood the problems and said the company “remains confident in the Starliner spacecraft and its ability to return safely with crew.” NASA, however, could not get to a point where its engineers felt they fully understood the problems, even after running several ground tests, analyzing the data and even taking apart hardware on the ground.
Reviews of the data led to “a lot of tense conversations,” said Ken Bowersox, NASA’s associate administrator for space operations. That will require some fence-mending between the two sides, Bowersox suggested.
In a way, what we saw this weekend was the plan: Way back in 2014, NASA decided to go with two private companies to create low-Earth orbit transportation, so that in case one company’s spacecraft failed, the other company’s system would serve as a backup. Boeing was awarded a $4.2 billion contract, while SpaceX was awarded a $2.6 billion contract.
Still, having to rule that Boeing’s Starliner isn’t safe or reliable enough is an embarrassment for both Boeing and NASA, and it’s not like there weren’t warning signs: “The aerospace contractor projected the capsule would be ready to fly astronauts by the end of 2017. It turns out the Crew Flight Test didn’t launch until June 5, 2024.” Because it was a fixed-price contract, Boeing has had to pay for the $1.6 billion in cost overruns.
NASA could argue that back in 2014, Boeing had a much more reliable reputation. But some might ask whether the senior U.S. government officials who are supposed to be looking over NASA’s shoulder were as attentive as they should have been.
The National Space Council was established in 1989, was “not operational” from 1993 to 2017, and was reestablished during the Trump administration; during the Trump years, the Council met eight times.
Since Biden took office, the National Space Council has held three meetings. The chair of the Council is . . . Vice President Kamala Harris, who pledged to put her “personal stamp” on it. Harris left the third meeting early, leaving her national-security adviser, Phil Gordon, to moderate it.
Now, it’s not reasonable to expect Harris, in one of these roughly once-a-year meetings, to say to NASA administrators, “Hey, have you double-checked the Starliner’s thrusters and also checked for helium leaks in the propulsion system? I’ve just got a bad gut feeling about those systems.” After all, this is indeed literal rocket science. But it still bears pointing out that Harris’s role on the National Space Council is about what cynics would expect: show up, give a speech, and depart, leaving someone else to actually run the meeting.
Last year, I issued a global challenge for all nations to join our commitment not to conduct destructive, direct-ascent anti-satellite missile testing. Since then, 36 other nations have joined us, and I continue to urge more nations to do the same.
That sounds impressive at first, but only four countries have demonstrated destructive direct-ascent anti-satellite missile capability: the United States, India, China, and Russia. The U.S. has voluntarily agreed to a unilateral moratorium; India, China, and Russia have refused. So Harris is bragging that a bunch of like-minded or allied countries, like Canada and New Zealand, are promising to not do something that they likely don’t have the capability to do yet anyway, and probably aren’t inclined to do, either. This is just about the nicest way to describe a form of unilateral disarmament.
Elon Musk to the Rescue, Again
Hey, remember when Joe Biden mocked Elon Musk with his, “I am sick . . . of Elon Musk and his rich buddies trying to buy this election” tweets, back on July 17?
Four days later, how did Biden announce he wasn’t seeking another term? Which social-media platform did he use?
And whose company is saving NASA’s bacon, when Boeing fell flat on its face? Ah, that’s right, Elon Musk’s.
A Smaller U.S. Navy in a More Dangerous World
A moment ago, I mentioned that the Red Sea is site of the U.S. Navy’s “most intense combat since World War II.” Earlier this month, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin ordered the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group “to accelerate its transit to the Central Command area of responsibility” — that is, to move more quickly toward the Middle East as a deterrent to Iran. No doubt the need to send a clear message to Tehran is great, but as a consequence, “This decision left the western Pacific without an operational US carrier for the first time in years.”
And the U.S. fleet is about to get smaller:
Military Sealift Command has drafted a plan to remove the crews from 17 Navy support ships due to a lack of qualified mariners to operate the vessels across the Navy, USNI News learned.
The MSC “force generation reset” identified two Lewis and Clark replenishment ships, one fleet oiler, a dozen Spearhead-class Expeditionary Fast Transports (EPF) and two forward-deployed Navy expeditionary sea bases that would enter an “extended maintenance” period and have their crews retasked to other ships in the fleet, three people familiar with the plan told USNI News Thursday.
Based on the crew requirements on the platforms, sideling all the ships could reduce the civilian mariner demand for MSC by as many as 700 billets.
A defense official confirmed the basic outline of the plan to USNI News on Thursday. Two sources identified the forward-deployed sea bases as USS Lewis Puller (ESB-3), based in Bahrain in U.S. Central Command, and USS Herschel “Woody” Williams (ESB-4), based in Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece, and operated in U.S. European and Africa Command.
The U.S. currently has the smallest active-duty force it has had since 1940; the Biden administration inherited a military with 1,333,822 active-duty personnel in 2020 and now has one with 1,284,500 active-duty personnel, a decline of just under 50,000 personnel in one four-year span.
Back in February, our Luther Ray Abel did an in-depth dive into the problems the U.S. military is having in recruitment. Yes, the perception of a “woke military” and Covid-vaccine requirements were factors, but what most civilians likely don’t realize is that our brave new world of electronic medical records is complicating recruitment — now a potential recruit’s complete medical history is transferred electronically. As Luther described:
Any and every medication a young person has ever received a prescription for, regardless of whether he actually ingested it or how long he took it, can be grounds for rejection. Prescribed Ritalin for ADHD at 16 or Zoloft for managed anxiety? Broke a bone snowboarding that’s since healed? It might be a problem.
See, back in the day (pre-2022), the recruiter would often take a recruit aside before sending the young man to MEPS and say some version of the following: “You have no medical issues, okay? If the doctor who inspects you at MEPS asks if you’ve had surgery, you say ‘No, sir.’ If he asks about the cut on your chest that suggests open-heart surgery, you say it’s a birthmark. You’ve never drunk, smoked pot, or taken the Lord’s name in vain. You are the healthiest American ever beheld by medical science — at least until he sees my next recruit. Good?” Practically every recruit has lied in some capacity to join the military because the standards are absurd, and the series of waivers and records requests to show proof of, and reasons for, treatment can feel never-ending.
An example: I didn’t lie and was shown the door my first time at MEPS because I disclosed to the doctor there that I had been prescribed orthotics (arch supports for the foot) years before — a minor detail that hadn’t come up on the initial screening from the recruiter. Instead of saying, “Oh, no problem,” he ushered me to the front desk and forbade my return until the podiatrist had signed off on the orthotics I hadn’t used in over two years. Months of paperwork later — including a visit to the prescribing podiatrist that, even with a good insurance policy, cost more than $50 — I was cleared to return to MEPS, face the doctor, and pass through to receive a ship date for boot camp. Compare that instance of bureaucratic hoop-jumping with today’s access to a full medication list, and one can see the monumental burden the military has heaped on the applicant and his recruiter. Gone are the days of sidestepping via white lies to present a clean medical record while giving the military plausible deniability. They didn’t ask too intently, and recruits didn’t volunteer extraneous information. The system worked. . . .
What makes the Genesis situation all the more challenging is that the military can’t very well publicize that the records update has harmed recruitment because then the brass would have to admit what anyone who’s served knows: Our 250 years of martial success have come about through bald-faced lies to a medical professional. There’s a proud tradition of patriotic fibs to serve one’s country: JFK, John Boucher, and Gerry Barlow, for instance.
In fiscal year 2021, the U.S. Navy had 301 ships. (Remember the U.S. government’s fiscal year 2021 began in October 2020.) The U.S. Navy currently has 293 ships, and the fleet is on pace to continue shrinking: “The Navy projects that, under the Navy’s proposed FY2025 budget, the total number of ships in the Navy would decline by a net 9 ships during FY2025, from 296 ships at the start of FY2025 to 287 ships at the end of FY2025.”
Meanwhile:
DOD states that China’s navy “is the largest navy in the world with a battle force of over 370 platforms, including major surface combatants, submarines, ocean-going amphibious ships, mine warfare ships, aircraft carriers, and fleet auxiliaries. Notably, this figure does not include approximately 60 HOUBEI-class patrol combatants that carry anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM). The . . . overall battle force [of China’s navy] is expected to grow to 395 ships by 2025 and 435 ships by 2030.”
Last Thursday night, Kamala Harris stood before the world and pledged, “As vice president, I have confronted threats to our security, negotiated with foreign leaders, strengthened our alliances and engaged with our brave troops overseas. As commander in chief, I will ensure America always has the strongest, most lethal fighting force in the world.”
Where’s she been?
ADDENDUM: As summer approaches its close, I see my latest thriller, Dueling Six Demons, is already up to 62 reviews on Amazon — thanks to everyone for the five-star reviews. The four-star ones . . . eh, okay, thanks, I guess. Three stars or less, keep your opinions to yourself! Seriously, the algorithms love reviews, and so giving your favorite authors a review on Amazon or Goodreads is one of the biggest favors you can do them.
Source:nationalreview.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.nationalreview.com/the-morning-jolt/islamists-are-reenacting-the-exxon-valdez-oil-spill-and-the-green-crowd-couldnt-care-less/
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Arab World
Saudi Arabia launches criminal law diploma for judges
August 26, 2024
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Justice Minister Walid Al-Samaani launched the first phase of the Higher Diploma in Criminal Law program for judges at criminal courts.
Al-Samaani said the program aligns with the Kingdom’s ongoing legislative developments under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s leadership, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The program aims to uphold rights, justice, and transparency, and to enhance the predictability of legal decisions.
The minister emphasized that the program is designed to equip judges with fundamental principles and general rules of criminal law, while also improving their legal skills.
Focusing on the correct interpretation and implementation of legal provisions, the program seeks to improve the quality of criminal rulings.
The Higher Diploma in Criminal Law program offers courses that provide a deep understanding of criminal law principles, clarify procedures, and help judges accurately characterize crimes.
It also covers specific offenses under Saudi law, their penalties, and the application of these laws.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2568869/saudi-arabia
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Health minister tours new medical facilities in Madinah
August 26, 2024
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel has visited new medical facilities in the Madinah region, highlighting efforts to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare in the Kingdom.
The tour is part of a strategy to upgrade healthcare for residents and pilgrims in Madinah, in line with the Health Sector Transformation Program and Pilgrim Experience Program under Vision 2030, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
Al-Jalajel visited the newly inaugurated outpatient clinic at King Fahd Hospital and inspected several developmental projects.
He also toured primary healthcare centers and Al-Salam Hospital, engaging with residents to gather feedback on healthcare services.
The developments are having a significant economic impact with new projects in Madinah exceeding SR180 million ($48 million), including the clinic at King Fahd Hospital and upgrades to seven primary care centers such as Al-Aziziyah and Al-Khalidiyah.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2568932/saudi-arabia
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Saudi Islamic affairs minister visits Al-Azhar University in Cairo
August 26, 2024
RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh visited Al-Azhar University on Sunday as part of his participation in the 35th International Conference of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Cairo.
The minister met Salama Dawood, the president of Al-Azhar University, accompanied by the Saudi Ambassador to Egypt Saleh bin Eid Al-Husseini, and several university officials, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The minister was given an overview of the university’s various colleges and departments and engaged in discussions about potential cooperation in scientific and research fields.
Al-Asheikh praised the university for its efforts in promoting the values of moderation globally, expressing his appreciation for the institution’s contribution.
He also emphasized the importance of expanding collaboration in scientific areas for the mutual benefit of both Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Dawood highlighted the strong ties between the Kingdom and Egypt, underlining the significance of Saudi Arabia’s participation in the conference and its leading role in advancing the principles of Islamic moderation.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2568923/saudi-arabia
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Saudi defense minister meets emir of Qatar in Doha
August 26, 2024
RIYADH: Saudi Minster of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman met on Monday Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani at the Amiri Diwan in Doha.
The minister conveyed the greetings of Saudi King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and their best wishes for further progress and prosperity to Emir Tamim and the government and people of Qatar.
Similarly, Emir Tamim conveyed his greetings to the Saudi king and crown prince.
During the meeting, the two discussed relations between their countries, security in the region, and other topics of mutual interest.
The meeting was attended by several other ministers from both sides.
Source:arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2568874/saudi-arabia
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3,000 individuals embraced Islam during the first half of 2024 in UAE
27 August 2024
The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai, represented by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Islamic Culture, has announced impressive statistics for the first half of 2024.
Over 3,000 residents and visitors embraced Islam, reflecting a significant growth in interest in the religion and the efforts made to introduce individuals to its teachings.
In this context, Dr Omar Mohammed Al Khateeb, Executive Director of the Islamic Affairs Sector, stated: "The embracing of Islam by over 3,000 individuals signifies the success of our efforts in promoting the message of tolerance and understanding that our noble religion conveys. These figures are not mere statistics; they represent a genuine transformation in people's lives and their desire to adopt values of peace and love."
He added: "At the Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Islamic Culture, we are committed to providing full support to all new converts through comprehensive educational programmes designed to offer a deep and thorough understanding of Islam. We are also dedicated to facilitating their adaptation and integration into the community by providing the necessary resources and guidance."
He also noted that the center continues to implement a range of initiatives and events aimed at enhancing religious awareness and fostering positive engagement with the community.
Additionally, it provides support and guidance to individuals interested in learning more about Islam.
This approach aligns with Dubai's vision to promote values of tolerance and cultural diversity and reflects the emirate's ongoing efforts to build a diverse and interconnected community.
Source:gulftoday.ae
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2024/08/26/3000-individuals-embraced-islam-during-the-first-half-of-2024
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South Asia
IEA says virtue and vice law ‘firmly rooted’ in Islamic teachings
August 27, 2024
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s (IEA) spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Monday that the newly ratified virtue and vice law is “firmly rooted” in Islamic teachings and the IEA will not be swayed by concerns in this regard.
Mujahid called on critics, particularly non-Muslims, to have a thorough understanding of Islamic laws and respect Islamic values.
“To reject these laws without such understanding is, in our view, an expression of arrogance,” he said.
Mujahid also encouraged Muslims to familiarize themselves with the laws and to consult scholars to better understand them.
“For a Muslim to reject or criticize these laws is to demonstrate a lack of understanding of their religion, and such actions may even lead to the decline of their faith,” he said.
“As Afghanistan is an Islamic nation, Islamic laws are inherently applicable within its society. It is the responsibility of every Muslim and Islamic government to promote good and forbid evil, as prescribed by the Holy Qur’an,” he added.
Mujahid stressed that the concerns raised by various parties, including UNAMA, will not sway the Islamic Emirate from its commitment to upholding and enforcing Islamic Sharia law.
This comes after the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said on Sunday it is concerned by the new morality law and said it would have wide-ranging and far-reaching restrictions on personal conduct and one that provides morality police with broad powers of enforcement.
Last week the Islamic Emirate announced the ratification of a “Law on the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice”, with 35 articles detailing significant restrictions on the Afghan population.
“It is a distressing vision for Afghanistan’s future, where moral inspectors have discretionary powers to threaten and detain anyone based on broad and sometimes vague lists of infractions,” said Roza Otunbayeva, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of UNAMA.
“It extends the already intolerable restrictions on the rights of Afghan women and girls, with even the sound of a female voice outside the home apparently deemed a moral violation,” she said.
UNAMA stated it is studying the newly ratified law and its implications for the Afghan people, as well as its potential impact on United Nations and other vital humanitarian assistance for the country.
UNAMA is also seeking clarification from the Islamic Emirate on a number of articles and on plans for enforcement.
Last Wednesday, the ministry of justice announced that MawlawiHibatullah Akhundzada, the supreme leader of the Islamic Emirate, had approved the law.
BarakatullahRasouli, a spokesman for the Ministry of Justice, said the law regulates the affairs of the Ministry of Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice and duties and powers of Muhtasibs (inspectors/morality police).
Source:ariananews.af
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Ban on Jamaat-Shibir may be withdrawn today
Aug 27, 2024
The interim government may issue a circular today revoking the former Awami League government's decree to ban Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Chhatra Shibir, said lawyers of Jamaat yesterday.
"As this is a legal issue, Jamaat-appointed lawyers held a series of discussions with the high-ups of the government department and advisers concerned. At one stage, we requested the home ministry and talked about the legal steps that can be taken to solve the issue," said Shishir Manir, a lawyer for Jamaat-e-Islami, while talking to reporters on Supreme Court premises.
"Following the request, they told us all the administrative work is complete... The order to ban Jamaat-Shibir will be withdrawn within the quickest possible time, or even by tomorrow (today)," he added.
Asked on which ground they demanded the withdrawal of the ban, Shishir Manir said the AL government banned Jamaat-Shibir, saying the parties are involved in terrorist activities.
But it did not specify or give any explanation about the criminal activities, he added.
Contacted, a top home ministry official told The Daily Star that a process is underway to withdraw the order, which need some time.
"We will send a proposal to the law ministry and later the final decision will come from there," he said.
On August 1, the then government banned Jamaat-e-Islami, its student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir, and all of its associated organisations as political entities under the Anti-Terrorism Act-2009.
According to the gazette notification, the decision was taken as per Section 18 (1) of the act, and enlisted Jamaat and associates as banned entities in the second schedule of the act.
The Election Commission on October 29, 2018 scrapped the registration of Jamaat following a High Court verdict that declared its registration illegal.
On August 1, 2013, the HC declared Jamaat's registration with the EC illegal.
The EC had suspended Jamaat's registration the same year.
Although Jamaat later filed an appeal with the apex court challenging the HC verdict. the SC upheld it.
Source:thedailystar.net
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Cases against Hasina keep mounting
Aug 27, 2024
The number of cases filed against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina has risen to 66, with two new cases filed in Gazipur and Rangpur yesterday.
The cases include 56 for murder, seven for crimes against humanity and genocide, two for abduction, and one for attack on the BNP procession.
In Gazipur, Hasina, along with Awami League General Secretary ObaidulQuader and 83 others, were sued over the death of one Manju Mia, 43, during a student protest in Borobari area on July 20.
Former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, former lawmaker Tipu Munshi, former minister Mashiur Rahman Ranga, Gazipur city Awami League President AzmatUllah Khan were among the accused.
Insar Ali, the father of the deceased, filed the case with Gacha Police Station, accusing 500-700 unnamed individuals as well, Ziaul Islam, officer-in-charge of the police station, told our local correspondent.
According to the case statement, Manju joined the protest called by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement on the road in front of Borobari Bazar on July 20. When some of the accused, being instructed by others, attacked and shot at the protesters, Manju suffered bullet wounds and died.
In Rangpur, another murder case has been filed against Hasina, along with 29 others, over the death of Merajul Islam, a fruit vendor, during the student movement on July 19.
Merajul's wife, Nazmim Islam, filed the case with the Metropolitan Magistrate Court. The court directed Kotwali Police Station to investigate the matter alongside the ongoing investigation into the incident, reports our Dinajpur correspondent.
Quader, Asaduzzaman, former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, former Commissioner of Rangpur Metropolitan Police Md Moniruzzaman and former DIG of Rangpur Range Abdul Baten were among the accused.
Meanwhile, a case has been filed against 30 named persons, including M Iqbalur Rahim, a former AL lawmaker of Dinajpur-3 (Sadar) also a former whip of Jatiya Sangsad, over the death of a student during a protest in Dinajpur on August 4.
Faridul Islam, brother of deceased Rabiul Islam Rahul, filed the case with Dinajpur Sadar Police Station, accusing 300/400 unidentified persons too.
Rahul, 17, a student at RaniganjAhiya Hossain School and College in Sadar upazila, received bullet wounds during a protest on August 4. He died from his injuries on August 10.
Source:thedailystar.net
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US and Uzbekistan agree on Afghanistan military aircraft
Fidel Rahmati
August 27, 2024
The U.S. Ambassador to Uzbekistan has announced that, under a new agreement, 46 aircraft and helicopters previously belonging to the Afghan military will remain in the possession of the Uzbek government.
As the Ghani government fell, several Afghan pilots fled to Uzbekistan with these aircraft.
Over the past three years, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have negotiated with the U.S. to secure ownership of this military equipment.
According to Uzbek news agency “Uzbek-Kun,” Jonathan Henick, the U.S. Ambassador in Tashkent, confirmed this week that the aircraft and helicopters will remain in Uzbekistan. He stated, “The military equipment will stay in Uzbekistan, and this has been officially agreed upon.”
He further explained, “These vehicles never belonged to the Afghans; they belonged to the U.S. The Afghanistan military used them, but we were always the owners.”
On August 15, 2021, Uzbek authorities reported that 22 military aircraft and 24 helicopters from the Afghanistan armed forces had entered Uzbekistan’s airspace.
Former Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, along with some of his aides, also fled to Uzbekistan using three military helicopters before moving to the United Arab Emirates.
The Taliban has repeatedly claimed that these aircraft belong to Afghanistan and has demanded their return.
Last year, Taliban Defense Minister Mohammad Yaqoob announced in Kabul that the Taliban government would never allow these aircraft to be seized or used by its northern neighbors.
He urged Uzbekistan and Tajikistan not to test the Taliban’s patience and warned of possible retaliatory actions to reclaim the aircraft.
The aircraft in question include Mi-17 and UH-60 helicopters and PC-12, C-208, AC-208, and A-29 planes.
The transfer of these military assets to Uzbekistan underscores the ongoing geopolitical tensions and complex negotiations surrounding military equipment left behind after the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan. As the situation evolves, how these developments will impact regional security and diplomatic relations remains to be seen.
Source:khaama.com
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EU provides €13 million in aid for Afghanistan: UNICEF
Fidel Rahmati
August 26, 2024
UNICEF reports that the European Union has contributed €13 million to combat malnutrition and support child education in Afghanistan.
In a statement released on August 25, UNICEF warned that 23.7 million people in Afghanistan will need humanitarian assistance this year. The organization emphasized that over 78,000 people will benefit from this aid.
The statement also noted that UNICEF will use the funds to procure 62,000 cartons of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) and train 1,600 health workers to treat severe acute malnutrition in children under five.
These donations are provided by the European Union’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations.
UNICEF added that the aid will help prepare 62,000 cartons of therapeutic food and train 1,600 health workers to treat severe malnutrition in children under five. UNICEF has warned that nearly 2.9 million children are at risk of severe malnutrition this year.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates that approximately 23.7 million people in Afghanistan need humanitarian assistance.
Source:khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/eu-provides-e13-million-in-aid-for-afghanistan-unicef/
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Protecting rights of every citizen govt’s responsibility
Aug 27, 2024
Chief Adviser to the interim government, Prof Muhammad Yunus, yesterday said Bangladesh is like a large family, and the government bears the responsibility of protecting the rights of every citizen.
The chief adviser made the remarks while exchanging greetings with leaders of Bangladesh's Hindu community on the occasion of Janmashtami, the birth of Lord Sri Krishna.
Professor Yunus expressed his vision for a Bangladesh where everyone can practice their faith without fear and where religious sites, like temples, do not need to be guarded, said a press release sent by the chief adviser's office.
"Our responsibility is to safeguard the rights of every citizen. It is our duty to ensure justice for all," the chief adviser told Hindu leaders at State Guest House Jamuna.
"There can be no divisions among the people of our country. We are all equal citizens, and this interim government is committed to protecting the rights of every individual," he added.
Hindu leaders, in turn, greeted the chief adviser on the auspicious occasion, sharing that they had prayed for the harmony and prosperity of the nation, as well as for the success of the interim government.
They also noted that Janmashtami celebrations had been suspended in flood-affected regions, and they had focused on sending food and relief to those areas instead.
The Hindu leaders praised Prof Yunus's recent comments at the Dhakeshwari temple, stating that his words would contribute to fostering a non-communal society and ensuring religious harmony across the nation.
During the meeting, the issue of land grabbing, including the seizure of property belonging to Hindu temples, was raised by the leaders.
Among the Hindu leaders present were Kajal Debnath and Monindra Kumar Nath of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, Charu Charan Brahmachari of ISKCON, Basudeb Dhar and Santosh Sharma of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapon Parishad, and Priti Chakraborty, chairperson of Universal Medical College and Hospital.
Source:thedailystar.net
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Pakistan
President, PM condemn terrorist attacks in Balochistan, KP
August 27, 2024
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday strongly condemned terrorist attacks in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, reiterating the nation’s resolve to wipe out terrorism with a renewed commitment.
President Zardari and PM Shehbaz, in separate yet similar statements, denounced the senseless violence that claimed the lives of innocent civilians and security personnel alike.
Known for his tough stance on terrorism, President Zardari was quick to condemn the attacks, describing the perpetrators as “enemies of humanity”. He reiterated the nation’s resolve to continue fighting terrorism, saying: “The killing of innocent people is tantamount to killing the entire mankind.”
He said the nation stood with the brave security forces and law enforcement agencies. With the help of the entire nation, the scourge of terrorism would be eliminated from across the country, he said.
The president and the premier particularly expressed their grief over the loss of precious lives in the Musakhel attack and called for taking the perpetrators to task. They prayed to Allah Almighty for peace for the departed souls and strength for the bereaved families to bear the loss.
“The killing of innocent people is tantamount to killing the entire mankind. The terrorists are enemies of the country, nation, and humanity,” the president said.
PM Shehbaz directed the law enforcement agencies to carry out an immediate probe into the incident and also instructed the authorities to cooperate with victim families and extend urgent medical care to the injured. “The perpetrators of this attack will be given an exemplary punishment. No form of terrorism is acceptable in the country. Our fight against terrorism will continue till the complete elimination of the scourge.”
President Zardari also condemned the terrorist incidents in Razmak Bazaar, North Waziristan, and Kalat. He expressed deep sorrow and grief over the martyrdom of security personnel during clearance operations in Balochistan.
He said the nation stood with the valiant security forces and law enforcement agencies.
“With the help of the entire nation, the nefarious intentions of terrorist elements will be thwarted,” the president added.
He appreciated the bravery and spirit of personnel who embraced martyrdom in the incidents. He prayed to Allah Almighty to grant the martyrs, high ranks in Jannah and grant courage to the bereaved families to bear the loss with equanimity.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who was equally vocal in his condemnation, directed the law enforcement agencies to conduct an immediate probe into the incidents. He vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice, saying: “The nation will never forget the sacrifices of the police and security forces. Such cowardly attacks cannot undermine our morale.”
As the nation mourns the loss of citizens, the leaders’ words serve as a call to action.
The PM pledged to continue the fight against terrorism, saying: “We will uproot all forms of terrorism. The cowardly activities of terrorists cannot shake our resolve.” He said that such cowardly attack could not undermine the nation’s morale. He said that the nation stood by the security forces in the war against terrorism and that the terrorists’ nefarious designs to disturb the country’s peace would never succeed.
While strongly condemning a terrorist attack in Kalat that claimed lives of police and Levies personnel, the prime minister expressed grief over the martyrdom of the security personnel and prayed for the martyred as well as the recovery of the injured.
According to a PM Office statement, he also prayed for strength to the bereaved families to bear the loss and directed the authorities concerned to extend the best possible medical treatment to the injured.
He also paid tributes to the personnel of security forces who embraced martyrdom during operations against terrorists in various areas of Balochistan. He said the timely actions of security forces foiled the nefarious designs of the terrorists. He said the entire nation stood with its brave security forces.
He vowed to uproot all forms of terrorism, adding that the cowardly activities of terrorists could not shake the nation’s resolve.
Offering his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the prime minister prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs in Jannah.
Governor condemns killing
Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail on Monday strongly condemned the killing of travellers after offloading them from trucks and buses on an inter-provincial highway in Musakhel district.
In a condolence message, he expressed deep sorrow and grief over the martyrdom of passengers in Musakhel.
He directed the law enforcement agencies to arrest the elements involved in this worst incident of terrorism and bring them to justice.
The governor extended condolences to the bereaved families of the deceased and prayed for the souls of the departed to grant the high ranks in Jannah.
Source:dawn.com
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‘One institution’ being blamed for security mess: Imran
August 27, 2024
Malik Asad
• Rules out reconciliation without polls accountability
• Judge miffed at stalled proceedings in £190m graft case
• PTI moves IHC for recovery of missing workers
ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister Imran Khan on Monday expressed concern over the law and order situation in Balochistan and Punjab, saying “an institution is being blamed for this mess”.
Talking to reporters after the hearing of the £190 million corruption reference at Adiala Jail, he said the PTI would only consider the option of national reconciliation after the redressal of its grievances.
The former premier ruled out the possibility of a national reconciliation without accountability for the “fraud general elections”. He also talked about Pakistan’s defeat at the hands of Bangladesh in the first match of the two-match Test series.
The former captain said cricket is the only popular game that people watch on television, but an “incompetent yet “well-connected chairman” ruined the sport.
“History has been written after Bangladesh defeated Pakistan,” Mr Khan said, while referring to the team’s defeat by 10 wickets in Rawalpindi on Sunday.
Mr Khan questioned the credibility of Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and claimed he has $5m worth of property in the name of his spouse in Dubai.
He also accused Mr Naqvi of being involved in the wheat scandal and election rigging during his time as the Punjab caretaker chief minister. He said that the incumbent government has failed to bring reforms, reduce its expenditures and increase revenue.
Only an elected government with a real mandate can take such measures, Mr Khan said. He claimed that reputed multinational companies and professionals are leaving Pakistan, and if someone criticises the people in power, they are branded as “digital terrorists”.
Mr Khan once again denied having any contact with the establishment, claiming he was kept in a hot cell in humid conditions and scorching heat.
“Yet I haven’t demanded any favour for myself.”
Court proceedings
Earlier, the cross-examination of the prosecution witness — the investigation officer — couldn’t be concluded even in the 10th hearing of the case.
During the proceedings on Monday, the lead counsel for Mr Khan and his spouse, Bushra Bibi, were not present and their associates sought an adjournment till Sept 3.
The accountability court judge, Nasir Javed Rana, expressed displeasure and remarked that the law enforcement agencies deploy over 200 personnel for every hearing, but the court proceedings are not moving forward.
He also said Mr Khan holds regular meetings with his party’s leaders and talks to the media on every date.
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) prosecutor pointed out that about a dozen lawyers have signed the Wakalatnama of Mr Khan and requested the court to mark the attendance of the counsel present in the courtroom.
The judge warned that the law would take its course if the defence counsel didn’t cross-examine the witness on the next date.
During the hearing, Bushra Bibi told the judge that her barrack was infested with rats. On her complaint, the judge directed the deputy superintendent to cull the rats.
Later, further proceedings were adjourned till Aug 29.
Aleema talks to media
Talking to reporters outside the jail, Mr Khan’s sister Aleema Khan criticised the frequent transfers of jail staff.
She said it was ironic that the staff has been changed “six times” even when security guards are kept at a fair distance from her brother’s cell.
She claimed that the Aug 22 rally was postponed on the government’s request, but the gathering on Sept 8 would be “held at all costs”.
PTI moves IHC
In a separate development, the PTI on Monday filed a petition before the Islamabad High Court (IHC) for the recovery of its missing activists.
PTI General Secretary Omar Ayub Khan filed the petition citing secretaries of interior and defence ministries, Federal Investigation Agency director-general and Islamabad Police inspector general as respondents.
The petition said that in the recent crackdown, 16 party workers were picked up, some of whom have returned, while the whereabouts of the rest were still not known.
The petition stated that the court has already declared enforced disappearance “ultra vires to constitutional provisions related to fundamental rights”.
It requested the court to declare the disappearances of PTI activists as unconstitutional. It also requested the court to issue directions to the respondents to determine any role of the government officials in the alleged enforced disappearances.
Source:dawn.com
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Jamaat-e-Islami to observe nationwide strike on Aug 28
By Asif Bashir Chaudhary
August 26, 2024
After calling off a two-week-long sit-in against inflated power tariffs and agreements with IPPs earlier this month, the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) on Monday announced to observe a nationwide shutter-down strike to push the federal government to announce relief measures for the masses.
Baloch, while addressing a press conference in Islamabad today, said that trader community made a unanimous decision of observing a nationwide strike against inflation, high electricity prices and imposition of hefty taxes.
He warned that any attempt by the government to stop the strike would push the country into anarchy.
The politico reminded that his party staged a 14-day protest in Rawalpindi and held negotiations with the federal government. The ministers had signed an agreement after accepting the JI's demands for providing relief to the inflation-hit nation earlier this month.
He added that a one-month deadline was set to review the contracts with independent power producers (IPPs) in the agreement. The JI naib emir demanded the government to implement the agreement.
Baloch also hinted at starting a long march to Islamabad if needed. He added that his party had just postponed the sit-in after signing an agreement with the government, however, they would continue their struggle to get relief for the nation.
Prior to giving a strike call, JI Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman had announced another protest two weeks ago, saying that his party would give a call for peaceful protest by joining hands with trader groups.
The protests' announcement came after the party postponed its 14-day long sit-in on August 9 following successful negotiations with the government over demands including slashing high power tariffs and reviewing agreements with the IPPs which have been under the spotlight as people are paying hefty bills blamed on capacity payments being made to independent power producers.
Source:thenews.com.pk
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Balochistan plunges deeper into militancy vortex
August 27, 2024
Saleem Shahid
• 23 identified as passengers from Punjab executed in Musakhail; 6 bodies found in Bolan; 7 killed in Kalat
• 14 soldiers, police martyred while responding to terrorist attacks
• Dozens of vehicles torched; railway bridge, tracks blown up; BLA claims responsibility
• Militants storm paramilitary camp in Bela; ISPR says ‘21 terrorists’ killed in operations
• CM Bugti rules out talks, vows to crush militancy; Naqvi promises ‘tit-for-tat response’, political solution
QUETTA: At least 50 people, including 14 security men, lost their lives in different parts of restive Balochistan as dozens of militants affiliated with the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) — a separatist outfit — went on a rampage across the province, storming police stations, blowing up railway tracks, and setting fire to almost three dozen vehicles.
In subsequent operations, the armed forces’ media wing said 21 militants were neutralised by the security forces as Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi vowed to crush terrorism in the province.
In the latest flare of violence, the militants launched numerous attacks on Sunday midnight, targeting security personnel as well as civilians, particularly those hailing from Punjab.
They attacked police stations, a paramilitary camp in Bela, Levies stations, and blocked key roads, including Coastal Highway.
In Musakhail, a district on the border with Punjab, the militants shot dead 23 people after checking their identity documents.
“We found 23 bullet-riddled bodies lying by a roadside,” Ayub Achakzai, Musakhail SSP told Dawn. He added that among the dead bodies, a person who was shot in the legs was rescued.
Besides passengers, the victims included truck drivers who were on their way to Punjab via the Loralai-Dera Ghazi Khan Highway.
The trucks loaded with coal and fruits were set on fire by the militants.
“As many as 35 trucks, passenger vehicles, pick-ups and other vehicles were set on fire on the highway near Rara Sham,” SSP Achakzai said.
Musakhail Assistant Commissioner Mujeeb Kakar said about 35 to 40 assailants armed with automatic weapons intercepted dozens of vehicles and pulled 23 travellers from buses before shooting them dead on the basis of their ethnic identity.
In Khadkocha, a group of militants after blocking the highway stormed the local police station and took Levies officials hostage for several hours. They managed to escape after security forces arrived at the scene but not before setting the premises on fire.
In Kalat, militants attacked a Levies station, two hotels, and the residence of a tribal elder besides setting alight a toll plaza on the national highway.
In the exchange of fire, 11 people, including four Levies officials and a police sub-inspector, lost their lives whereas nine people, including Kalat Assistant Commissioner Aftab Lasi, were injured.
In Bolan’s Kolpur area, six bodies were recovered. Security officials believed they were also shot dead by militants.
In Lasbela, the militants stormed a camp of the Frontier Corps after ramming an explosive-laden vehicle into the main gate and entered the premises under the cover of heavy gunfire.
Similarly, militants blocked several highways in Mastung, Kalat, Bela, Turbat, and Panjgur in addition to the all-important Coastal Highway, which connects Karachi with Gwadar. The militants blew up a railway bridge near Kolpur, cutting off Quetta from the rest of the country and another track near Mastung, disconnecting the rail link with Iran.
Subsequently, all passenger trains to Punjab, Karachi, Peshawar, and Chaman were cancelled while goods trains for Iran were also stopped.
‘14 martyred’
In a statement on Monday, the Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR) said “21 terrorists” were killed while 14 soldiers, including four law enforcers, embraced martyrdom.
“Security forces and law enforcement agencies immediately responded and successfully thwarted the evil design(s) of terrorists and sent twenty-one terrorists to hell in ensuing clearance operations, ensuring security and protection of local populace,” the ISPR said. “However, during the conduct of operations, fourteen brave sons of the soil, including ten security forces soldiers, and four personnel of law enforcement agencies, having fought gallantly, made the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat.” The military’s media wing said sanitisation operations were being conducted and the instigators, perpetrators, facilitators, and abettors of these heinous and cowardly acts, targeting innocent civilians, would be brought to justice.
Meanwhile, the banned BLA claimed responsibility for the attacks. In a statement, the banned outfit said the Majeed brigade carried out the attacks and two suicide bombers, including a female attacker, targeted the FC camp in Bela.
The pictures of the bombers were released on its social media site and they were identified as Mahal Baloch alias Zalan Kurd, a resident of Gwadar district, and Rizwan Baloch alias Hammal, also a resident of Gwadar.
Bugti, Naqvi denounce attacks
CM Bugti condemned the incident and expressed heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of those who died in the attacks.
“The terrorists and their facilitators will not be able to escape an exemplary end,” he said in a statement. The Balochistan government will pursue these terrorists, he added.
Meanwhile, in a press conference at the CM Secretariat, Sarfraz Bugti claimed the militants used 4G internet to spread their message and suggested that there should be a debate in the provincial assembly on the matter. He said family members of BLA chief Bashir Zeb were government employees and it was now time for them to decide if they were with the state or the separatists.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, through a statement posted by his ministry of ‘X’, formerly Twitter, vowed to “bring forward the facts along with evidence after investigations” into the attacks.
“These destructive incidents are a conspiracy to create instability in Pakistan. The enemy wants to create anarchy in the country under a plan,” Mr Naqvi claimed.
Vowing to take “every possible step” to restore law and order in Balochistan, the minister asserted: “The terrorists and their enablers will not be able to find a place to hide.”
“If someone thinks that by such cowardly acts, they can defeat the nation’s unwavering determination, they are mistaken,” he said.
Separately, the interior minister told reporters in Lahore that the decision to launch the Azm-i-Istehkam operation in Balochistan was a tricky matter, but added that the political leadership would decide in a few days. He said that a tit-for-tat response would be given to terrorists, besides seeking a political solution, APP added.
Source:dawn.com
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NA opposition demands govt name next CJP ‘immediately’
Iftikhar A. Khan
August 27, 2024
ISLAMABAD: Amid rumours that the government plans to extend the terms of Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and army chief General Asim Munir, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub on Monday asked the government to ‘immediately’ announce the name of the next chief justice.
“The government should immediately announce the name of the new chief justice amid the prevailing situation. There will be a strong protest if any legislation is done in this regard,” he said while speaking in the house.
In response to concerns expressed by the opposition leader, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the most senior judge would become the CJP. “The matter of appointing the chief justice of the Supreme Court can only be proceeded in accordance with the Constitution,” he said.
The law minister, however, said there was no such requirement for the CJs of high courts. He referred to the appointment of the Lahore High Court chief justice to support his point.
Earlier, the business advisory committee of the National Assembly discussed a proposal to summon a joint session of parliament next week. Law Minister Tarar made it clear during the meeting that constitutional amendments were not possible in a joint sitting and rejected all reports to this effect.
Sources within the ruling coalition still claimed that some crucial amendments were on the cards. Without elaborating, a source said the amendments would be tabled in the house through a supplementary agenda while indicating that it may be about a uniform extension in the retirement age of superior court judges.
Omar Ayub thanked Speaker Ayaz Sadiq for issuing production orders for Haji Imtiaz Chaudhry, allowing him to attend the session. “This is a commendable tradition, and I want to praise Ayaz Sadiq for it,” Mr Ayub remarked.
The opposition leader condemned the recent terrorist activities in Punjab’s Katcha area and called for the dismissal of the Punjab police chief. He also announced that the PTI would hold a grand public rally on September 8, regardless of the circumstances.
The PTI lawmakers staged a walkout from the house to protest the speaker’s refusal to allow Asad Qaiser to speak.
Local govt bill
The highlight of the day was the passage of the Islamabad Capital Territory Local Government (Amendment) Bill, 2024“, which many see as an attempt to postpone the already-delayed LG polls in the federal capital. The bill is most likely to be passed by the Senate today (Tuesday) to become an act of parliament after a formal assent by the president.
During the question hour, the National Assembly was informed that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) was taking various initiatives to increase the accessibility of the public to the internet.
Responding to a question, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Azam Nazeer Tarar said the PTA has allowed six gigahertz spectrum band for unlicensed operation for Radio Local Area Network in Pakistan. Mr Tarar said this development aims to facilitate the deployment of the next generation Wifi technology across Pakistan.
The minister said the PTA also formulated the telecom infrastructure sharing framework for the growth and sustainability of the telecom sector in Pakistan.
Gwadar airport
Answering another question, Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif said the New Gwadar International Airport project was complete and its operationalisation was expected by the end of this year.
Several reports of various standing committees of the National Assembly were presented before the lower house. These reports included: ‘The State vs. Mubarak Ahmad Sani and another’, ‘The Establishment of Telecommunication Appellate Tribunal Bill 2024’, ‘The Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority Bill, 2024’, ‘The Apostille Bill 2024’, and ‘The Privatisation Commission (Amendment) Bill 2024’.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1855004/na-opposition-demands-govt-name-next-cjp-immediately
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Punjab IG told to ensure protective gear for police
August 27, 2024
Mansoor Malik
In a letter written to the IGP, the home secretary stated that the recent tragic incident in the katcha areas of Rahim Yar Khan had underscored the urgent need to enhance safety measures for the police personnel.
The secretary said the gravity of this incident in which 12 cops were martyred has prompted the chief minister to emphasise the importance of equipping the force with appropriate protective gear while carrying out high-risk operations.
Given the critical nature of these operations and the inherent risks involved, the home secretary said it was imperative that all regional and district police officers should ensure that their personnel are adequately protected.
“In particular, the head, neck, and chest regions of all deployed officers must be safeguarded with suitable protective equipment,” he said.
Sources say the Punjab finance department sanctions billions of rupees for the police department annually, but the officers and personnel deployed at high-risk places are not given suitable protective gear. Eventually, the chief minister had to intervene to set things right in the police department.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1855003/punjab-ig-told-to-ensure-protective-gear-for-police
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Africa
‘Tambuwal’s Aide In Prison For Sharing Sokoto Governor’s Poor O’level Result’
26 August 2024
The aide, Shafiu Umar, allegedly shared a video mocking Governor Aliyu’s struggle to construct a sentence in English and also circulated the governor’s secondary school leaving certificate, claiming he failed English.
In addition to the video, Umar shared a post involving Governor Aliyu’s wife, Fatima, spreading money on the ground during her birthday celebration.
These actions led to charges of circulating injurious falsehood and defamation under the Penal Code law.
On Monday, Magistrate Fatima Hassan ordered Umar’s remand and barred reporters from covering the court proceedings.
According to Premium Times, the police’s First Information Report (FIR) indicated that the government charged Umar with circulating injurious falsehood and engraving matter known to be defamatory, offences, the government said contravened the Penal Code law.
According to the FIR, the accused person committed the offences sometime in July by sharing videos of the governor’s wife, Fatima Aliyu, spreading money on ground during her birthday ceremony.
Umar was also allegedly accused of sharing a document that indicated that Governor Aliyu failed his Senior Secondary School Examination as he scored F9 in English and is not capable of speaking the language fluently.
The magistrate adjourned the ruling on Umar’s bail application until September 6, leaving him in custody until then.
Umar’s lawyer, Yusuf Abubakar, indicated that his client denied the charges and made an oral application for bail, which will be addressed during the next court session.
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/08/26/tambuwals-aide-in-prison-for-sharing-sokoto-governors-poor-olevel-result/
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We Will Rid Nigeria Of Criminal Elements – IGP Egbetokun
26 August 2024
Justina Otio
Egbetokun spoke shortly after handing over rescued medical students of the Universities of Jos and Maiduguri, who were abducted in Benue State a week ago, to their respective Vice Chancellors in Abuja on Sunday.
He warned that the Force would continue to employ every lawful means to protect Nigerian citizens.
The IGP reassured Nigerians and all persons resident in the country that the Force will remain vigilant, proactive, and relentless in its pursuit of a safer Nigeria where the security of persons remain a top priority.
He said, “We remain resolute in our commitment to rid our nation of criminal elements who seek to disrupt the peace and security of society.
“The Nigerian Police Force will continue to employ every lawful means at its disposal to protect the lives and properties of all Nigerians.”
Egbetokun promised that the force will not rest until every citizen and resident can go about their daily lives free from fear and intimidation.
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/08/26/we-will-rid-nigeria-of-criminal-elements-igp-egbetokun/
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Nigerian police blame Iran-backed Shia group for deadly attack
26 August 2024
Nigerian police reported a deadly attack in the capital, Abuja, on Sunday, where two officers were killed and three others left unconscious following an assault by the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), a Shia group with strong ties to Iran.
The attack, involving machetes, knives, and improvised explosive devices, took place at a police checkpoint and was described as unprovoked by police spokesperson Josephine Adeh.
The attackers, members of the IMN, also set police vehicles on fire during the assault.
Meanwhile, the Islamic movement, in a counter statement alleged that the police attacked the Arbaeen Symbolic Trek in Abuja and killed numerous mourners. Arbaeen is a Shiite religious ceremony invented and financed by Iran's Islamic government, mainly to counter the main Sunni Muslim Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
IMN has a history of violent confrontations with Nigerian authorities and was banned in 2019 after a series of protests demanding the release of its leader, Ibrahim Zakzaky, who has visited Iran and met with Supreme Leader Ali KHamenei.
IMN’s roots trace back to the late 1970s, inspired by Iran’s Islamic Revolution. Despite being outlawed, the group has maintained close relations with Tehran, leading to frequent clashes with Nigeria's secular government. The Nigerian army has previously accused the group of plotting to assassinate a former chief of army staff, which led to a police operation in 2015, resulting in the deaths of over 300 IMN members and the imprisonment of Zakzaky.
Sunday’s attack, condemned by Abuja’s police commissioner Benneth C. Igweh, led to several arrests. Igweh vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice, stating, "The situation is presently under control and normalcy restored."
Zakzaky, a Shiite cleric advocating for an Iranian-style Islamic revolution in Nigeria, was detained after the raid by the Nigerian Army in December 2015 and remained in custody until July 2021.
During his imprisonment, Zakzaky was charged with various crimes, including murder and unlawful assembly, charges to which he pleaded not guilty. He is also accused of receiving ideological and financial support from Iran.
Nigeria’s population of 180 million includes about 50% Muslims, predominantly Sunni, with a small Shia minority, alongside 40% Christians and 10% adherents of indigenous beliefs. The continued activities of IMN, coupled with its connections to Iran, remain a concern for Nigeria’s national security and its relationship with Western allies.
Source:iranintl.com
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https://www.iranintl.com/en/202408263099
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Funji singer, K1 goes emotional as daughter graduates from Islamic school
Jessica gistlover -
August 26, 2024
Nigerian Fuji singer, King WasiuAyinde, also known as Kwam1 or K1, celebrated his daughter’s graduation from Islamic school.
A video shared online captured the singer’s joy as his daughter recited the Quran flawlessly during the graduation ceremony.
The clip shows a fluent young graduate reading from the Quran, while K1 and his wives express happiness and pride.
Legendary Nigerian Fuji singer King WasiuAyinde, also known as Kwam1 or K1, recently celebrated his daughter’s graduation from Islamic school.
The event was captured on camera and uploaded online, displaying the singer’s emotions of pleasure as his daughter successfully recited the Quran at the graduation ceremony.
The video shows the young graduate seated and reading from the Quran with great fluency, while K1 and his wives express their happiness and pride.
Social media users quickly shared their admiration and pleasantries.
@Hajmaja_Baba_Adugbo commented, “She is doing well. I couldn’t even do half of what she did during my time out of fear of not making a mistake. She deserves a big flower. She did very well. Congratulations to the parents. You’ve bought yourself comfort after your death.
Source:gistlover.com
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https://www.gistlover.com/funji-singer-k1-goes-emotional-as-daughter-graduates-from-islamic-school/
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New mayor of southwestern Japan town set to ax sale of land for Muslim burial site
August 27, 2024
HIJI, Oita -- The newly elected mayor of this southwestern Japan town has revealed he does not plan to authorize the sale of town land to a local Muslim group for use as a burial place, meaning an agreement the group spent over four years negotiating with locals will likely return to the drawing board.
In a news conference on Aug. 26, Tetsuya Abe, who was elected as mayor for the first time, said he had opposed the sale since his time as a member of the town assembly, pointing out that the process surrounding it was unclear. "I'm planning not to permit the sale," he stated.
Abe garnered 8,037 votes in the Aug. 25 mayoral election, about 1.8 times the number won by incumbent Hirofumi Honda, 71, who had been aiming to secure a third term. While Abe hadn't gone as far as to pledge to scrap the sale, his stance against construction of the cemetery apparently won him support, especially among those opposed to the plans.
For Muslims, cremation is taboo. In December 2018, the Beppu Muslim Association located in the Oita Prefecture city of Beppu purchased approximately 8,000 square meters of land in Hiji and prepared to construct a cemetery, but the project came to a standstill amid opposition from local residents based on concerns about water pollution among other issues. The town suggested the sale of an alternative plot of land it owned, measuring about 4,900 square meters, and it permitted the construction plans in subsequent screening, but residents' resistance did not subside. Because of this, the Muslim association presented a proposal to residents in 2023, stating that it would conduct water quality tests once a year, and would not extend the grounds of the cemetery, and finally reached an agreement.
A purchase agreement for the land was scheduled to be concluded once the association accepted the town's valuation, but procedures were still underway and the deal had not been finalized.
Tahir Khan, a representative for the association, told the Mainichi Shimbun the group still hadn't been contacted by the town, and they didn't know how things stood as the election had only just ended.
Source:mainichi.jp
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https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240827/p2a/00m/0na/003000c
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‘Why Tinubu Sacked Bichi As DSS DG’
27 August 2024
EnioluwaAdeniyi
According to sources who spoke with Guardian, President Bola Tinubu’s decision is rooted in his administration’s ongoing efforts to intensify the fight against terrorism and kidnapping across Nigeria.
Insiders revealed that Bichi’s dismissal was influenced by his alleged interference with National Security Adviser (NSA) NuhuRibadu’s strategy to stamp out terrorists.
Ribadu reportedly felt that Bichi was undermining his coordinating efforts to execute the President’s directives aimed at ridding the nation of security threats.
The source said, “Ribadu feels Bichi has been sabotaging his coordinating efforts to carry out the marching order given by the President to rid the country of terrorists and kidnappers.”
In a series of high-profile security reshuffles on Tuesday, Tinubu approved the appointment of Mohammed Mohammed as the new Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), alongside AdeolaAjayi, who will now lead the DSS as Bichi’s replacement.
President Tinubu in a statement released through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, AjuriNgelale, announced the appointment.
The new DSS Director-General, AdeolaAjayi, rose through the ranks to attain his current post of Assistant Director-General of the Service. He had, at various times, served as State Director in Bauchi, Enugu, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Kogi.
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/08/27/why-tinubu-sacked-bichi-as-dss-dg/
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DSS Reacts To Appoinment Of New DG, Ajay i
26 August 2024
EnioluwaAdeniyi
The reaction of the agency was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by the Spokesperson of the Service, Peter Afunaya
According to the statement, “While wishing the outgone DGDSS, Alhaji Yusuf MagajiBichi success in his future endeavours, Management and Staff of the Service welcome the new DG and assure him of their cooperation, support and loyalty.
”Mr Ajayi is a thoroughbred and versatile Intelligence Officer. Recruited into the Service in 1990 as a cadet officer, the new DG has received several trainings in diverse areas of management, security leadership, critical thinking, human resources among others from within and outside the country.
”He has also held many command positions including State Director of Security (SDS) at Rivers, Bayelsa, Bauchi, Enugu and Kogi States.
“Mr Ajayi is diligent, resilient, urbane, pro-active and analytic. He comes to his new position with experience, capacity and immense goodwill.”
Naija News had earlier reported that President Tinubu in a statement released through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, AjuriNgelale, announced the appointment.
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/08/26/dss-reacts-to-appoinment-of-new-dg-ajayi/
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SoutheastAsia
Little things stack up, says MACC chief in backing call for public service reform in war against corruption
26 Aug 2024
PUTRAJAYA, Aug 26 — Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki has reiterated the call made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for reforms in the public service to be in line with its economic progress, ensure high-quality service delivery to the people and combat corruption.
He said all parties should implement reforms in the system, laws, and approaches and increase staffing so that services can be delivered effectively to the people.
Citing Qatar’s success in implementing reforms in its traffic compound payment by going digital, he said Malaysia should do the same for efficiency and to combat corruption.
“The challenge now is for all heads of departments and secretary-generals to review the internal procedures and governance that are outdated and need to be updated, ensuring that they do not inconvenience the people. Stakeholders must be accountable to ensure that their delivery systems (are effective),” he told Bernama in an interview here.
He said obsolete national laws and governance procedures must be improved to ensure they do not hinder development and are in line with the times, such as the amendments made to the laws related to beneficial ownership by the Companies Commission of Malaysia, requiring companies to declare their interests in any holdings in other companies.
According to him, the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 and the proposed Freedom of Information Act are among the reforms to achieve a more effective delivery system.
On the civil servant salary increase, Azam said it would not be meaningful if public servants failed to manage their finances, living beyond their means and forcing them to look for ways to make extra income by engaging in other activities.
Azam said strict action is imposed against MACC officers involved in part-time work, such as providing e-hailing services, because government officials with investigative powers should not engage in other work but should focus on serving the people.
Therefore, he said that cultivating a culture of saving and managing expenses is crucial for the future.
“...(those days) we were taught to save money, at least in cooperatives, Tabung Haji or ASB (Amanah SahamBumiputera). ..nowadays people are not saving as much,” he added.
On Aug 16, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar announced the implementation of the revised Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA) starting Dec 1 during the 19th edition of Majlis Amanat PerdanaPerkhidmatanAwam to enhance the efficiency of public services in Malaysia.
The SSPA promises a 15 per cent salary adjustment to the Implementing, Management, and Professional groups and seven per cent for those in the Top Management group. — Bernama
Source:malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/08/26/little-things-stack-up-says-macc-chief-in-backing-call-for-public-service-reform-in-war-against-corruption/148293#google_vignette
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Malaysia requests higher Haj quota in talks with Saudi Arabia
BERNAMA
27-08- 2024
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has expressed its desire to Saudi Arabia for an increase in the country’s Haj quota, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk MohdNa’im Mokhtar.
MohdNa’im mentioned that the matter was conveyed during his meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Haj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Fawzan Al-Rabiah, on Monday (August 26).
“In this meeting, I raised several important issues, including the request to increase Malaysia’s Haj quota in line with the population of Malaysians.
“May the strong relationship between the Malaysian and Saudi Arabian governments benefit the Muslim community,“ MohdNa’im said in a post on his Facebook page.
The meeting was also attended by Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Khairul Firdaus Akhbar Khan, and Chairman of LembagaTabung Haji Tan Sri Rashid Hussain.
MohdNa’im added that Dr. Tawfiq’s official visit highlights Saudi Arabia’s confidence in Malaysia’s capability, citing the Makkah Route programme during the last Haj season as an example.
Dr. Tawfiq is on an official visit to Malaysia from Monday to Wednesday (August 26-28) to further strengthen bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia.
Source:thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/local-news/malaysia-requests-higher-haj-quota-in-talks-with-saudi-arabia-ML12913780#google_vignette
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PM Anwar’s visit holds immense significance in strengthening Malaysia-Brunei ties
BERNAMA
27-08- 2024
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s two-day visit to Brunei in conjunction with the 25th Malaysia-Brunei Annual Leaders’ Consultation which ended yesterday, hold immense significance in the effort to further strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries.
During the visit, Sultan of Brunei Sultan HassanalBolkiah and Anwar also affirmed their commitment to increase cooperation in various fields, especially tourism, education, investment, literature, technology, and the military.
At a press conference before returning to Kuala Lumpur yesterday, Anwar said the new approach to the relationship between the two countries was based on two aspects - to improve cooperation in any possible area, and to have direct relationships based on the decision of the Federal government.
He said Brunei’s direct relationship with Malaysia’s two neighbouring states, namely Sabah and Sarawak, is seen as practical because they share the same borders, which could empower various sectors, especially transport and tourism, and further benefit the economies of both countries.
As such, Anwar also expressed his appreciation for the cooperation given by Sultan HassanalBolkiah to Petroliam NasionalBerhad (Petronas) in the exploration and production of oil and gas in Brunei, saying that this reflects the long-standing close relationship between the two countries.
Anwar also expressed gratitude for his close relationship with the Sultan, which had given a meaningful impact on Malaysia-Brunei diplomatic relations.
In fact, Anwar said he was deeply touched when Sultan HassanalBolkiah consented to make a surprise visit to Kuala Lumpur in November 2022, just a few days after he was sworn in as Malaysia’s 10th Prime Minister on Nov 22.
The 25th Annual Leaders’ Consultation at Istana Nurul Iman here saw three bilateral documents signed between the two countries.
According to Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, the first document was a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the First Phase of land boundary demarcation between Malaysia and Brunei.
The second document was an MoU involving the transport sector for aviation cooperation between Brunei, Sabah, and Sarawak, which is expected to boost the tourism industry in the region, and the third document was an Exchange of Notes involving maritime access between Malaysia and Brunei, with both countries agreeing to establish an ad-hoc committee to coordinate the matter.
Meanwhile, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the enhanced cooperation between Malaysia and Brunei, achieved through the consultation, was viewed as mutually beneficial for both nations.
He said that the consultation enabled both countries to continue and enhance their extensive cooperation, significantly benefiting the relationship between Sabah and Brunei.
Apart from Mohamad and Hajiji, the Malaysian delegation also included Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri ZafrulTengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Minister of Education Minister FadhlinaSidek, and Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
This year also marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Brunei.
Source:thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/local-news/pm-anwar-s-visit-holds-immense-significance-in-strengthening-malaysia-brunei-ties-FL12913666
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King briefed on preparations for 2024 National Day Celebration
BERNAMA
27-08- 2024
KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia was today briefed on the preparations for the 2024 National Day celebration.
According to a post on Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar’s Facebook account, the briefing was presented by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, who is also the chairman of the Main Committee for the 2024 National Day and Malaysia Day (HKHM) Celebrations, to His Majesty at Istana Negara.
Also in attendance was Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad FauziMd Isa.
The 2024 National Day celebration will be held at Dataran Putrajaya.
Source:thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/local-news/king-briefed-on-preparations-for-2024-national-day-celebration-DL12913189
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Malaysia’s humanitarian aid to Palestinians should not be questioned - NGO
BERNAMA
27-08- 2024
KUALA LUMPUR: The government’s commitment to bringing 41 injured Palestinians, accompanied by their families, to receive treatment in Malaysia should not be questioned by any party, as it is done on humanitarian grounds, say non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Humanitarian Care Malaysia Berhad (MyCARE) chief executive officer Kamarul Zaman Shaharul Anwar said Malaysia’s initiative was indeed necessary based on humanity.
“This is more of a humanitarian issue, not a religious one. If you think about it, these people have no country, ‘they have no other means’ to get assistance, especially for health, to return to a normal life.
“Malaysia, as a nation, should help on the basis of humanity. There are no other institutions that can assist them. The world now seems unable to do anything about the mass killings and other atrocities. So, what is wrong with Malaysia helping with the resources it has?” he told Bernama.
He added that although the government’s efforts might seem small, they had indirectly opened the world’s eyes to the hardships endured by the Palestinian people.
“In Malaysia, no matter how difficult things get, our people have access to various forms of assistance from the government, NGOs, and religious councils, whether Islamic, Christian, or others. The Palestinians have nothing.
“If there are groups who want the government to focus on Malaysian citizens, the assistance is already there. So, this is a small effort that we can do to show the world, we are trying to educate the world community that something has got to be done to support and assist (the Palestinians),“ he said.
He added that there was no issue of the Palestinians brought to Malaysia not wanting to return to their homeland, as they had a strong desire to liberate their country from Zionist oppression.
His views were echoed by Cinta Gaza Malaysia chief executive officer Muhammad Nadir Al-Nuri Kamaruzaman, who said this was not an issue of the government evacuating Palestinians from the land they should be defending.
“That argument is unfounded since our brothers and sisters there are in desperate need of help. There is no issue of us taking Palestinians away from the land they should be defending because the people we are helping are already in Egypt, and they are injured people who cannot do anything.
“Secondly, what the government is doing is a sign of our compassion and humanity, which should elevate our country’s standing. It is also a form of ‘soft diplomacy,‘ which is diplomacy through humanitarianism,“ he said.
Last week, the government brought 41 patients and 81 family members, all Palestinians, to Malaysia to receive follow-up treatment for injuries sustained due to the Zionist regime’s brutality.
Meanwhile, Palestinian Cultural Organisation Malaysia (PCOM) chairman Bader Syam said the purpose of bringing Palestinians to Malaysia was purely for medical treatment and not for any other purpose, such as permanent settlement.
“We are people who are loyal to our homeland and strive and fight to return and liberate Palestine from Zionist occupation,“ he said, adding that the presence of Palestinians in Malaysia was temporary.
He expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the Palestinian people, who have endured tremendous suffering yet continue to persevere.
Source:thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/local-news/malaysia-s-humanitarian-aid-to-palestinians-should-not-be-questioned-ngo-CL12912734
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/miya-muslims-invokes-bangladesh-slaughtered/d/133055