2008 Serial Blasts Case: Amid Cries for Clemency, 2 Invite Judge to Embrace Islam and Some Asserted Their Faith by Saying “Allah u Akbar” Aloud
New
Age Islam News Bureau
12
February 2022
Outside
the sessions court, Bhadra. (Express Photo: Nirmal Harindran)
-----
• ‘Tehreek-e-Taliban
India Formed To Shield State Terrorism against Muslims’
• Appear
Physically For Authentication, UAPA Tribunal Tells Zakir Naik
• After
A Military Court Sentenced Four Teenage Boys to Death, British Charity Urges
Somalia to Protect Teens from Execution
• Black
Muslim Life Honoured In New Online Portrait Exhibit
India
• I
Did Not Shout Allah-U- Akbar on Communal Lines; If This Were To Happen Again I
Will Shout ‘Hindustan Zindabad’: Muskan Khan
• Thousands
Join the Campaign against Anti-Conversion Laws In India
• 'Motivated
Comments on Internal Issues Not Welcome': MEA on Criticism over Hijab Row by
Some Countries on Dress Code in Educational Institutions
• Hijab
row: Police hold flag marches in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi districts
• Aligarh
Muslim University students protest ban on hijab in Karnataka
• Four
professors of IIM-Bangalore oppose hijab harassment
• Hijab
protests spread to UP, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh & Delhi
• Hijab
Our Right and Choice, Say Muslim Girls of Bhopal, Counter Kerala Governor;
Clerics Too Back Them
• Sikh
Bodies Slam Karnataka Hijab Row
--------
Pakistan
• Tehsil
mayor slots: Major parties yet to finalise names in Hazara
• PDM
to table no-trust motion against govt, says Fazl
• Four
TTP militants get jail
--------
Southeast Asia
• China’s
labour policies in Xinjiang are discriminatory, ILO body says
• Malaysia’s
political theatre: it’s all about power
--------
Africa
• Sudan’s
ruling junta rejects Western criticism of arrests as ‘blatant interference’
• UN
chief calls on ‘all parties’ to ‘preserve stability’ in Libya
• Libya’s
PM Dbeibah promises new election law to solve political crisis
--------
North America
US
Calls On China to Comply With Steps Requested By ILO In Xinjiang
Biden
to split frozen Afghan assets between humanitarian aid, 9/11 victims
--------
Europe
• French
President Voices Support for Egypt’s Regional Development and Anti-Terror
Efforts
• Sweden
denies Muslim families' claims against country's social services
• Two
foreign journalists on assignment for UN detained in Kabul: UNHCR
• European
political party slams Greece for new probe into Turkish minority association
• EU
foreign policy chief held phone calls with leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina
--------
South Asia
• US
Unfreezes Over $3.5 Billion of Afghanistan’s Assets, Remaining May Be Paid to
9/11 Victims
• Taliban
to Press UN for Recognition As Lack of Legitimacy Hurts Afghan Economy &
Diplomacy
• Taliban
willing to send diplomats to Afghan embassy in Russia
• Explosion
killed one, wounded 14 more in Badghis province
• Turkey’s
second “Charity train” on its way to Afghanistan
• India,
WFP signs MoU to distribute food grains in Afghanistan
--------
Arab World
• Arab
Coalition Conducts 16 Strikes against Iran-Backed Houthis in Hajjah, Sadaa
• Turkiye
'neutralizes' 3 PKK terrorists in northern Iraq
• Grieving
Syrian family wants YPG/PKK to be held accountable
• Israeli,
Lebanese, UN forces discuss 'frictions' along Blue Line
• IMF
to continue working with crisis-ravaged Lebanon on reform program
• Hundreds
take to the streets in rare southern Syria protest: Monitor
--------
Mideast
• Iranian
Spokesman Underlines Iran's Determination to Restore Rights
• Senior
Cleric Warns of Enemies' Widespread Media Warfare against Iran
• Several
World Leaders Send Congratulatory Messages to Iran on Revolution Anniversary
• Turkey’s
intelligence thwarts murder of Israeli businessman: Report
• Israeli
forces injure 80 Palestinians in anti-settlement rallies
• Strikes
target Houthi sites in Yemeni capital, Coalition says
Compiled
by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/serial-blasts-embrace-islam-allah-akbar/d/126358
--------
2008
Serial Blasts Case: Amid Cries for Clemency, 2 Invite Judge to Embrace Islam
and Some Asserted Their Faith by Saying “Allah u Akbar” Aloud
Outside
the sessions court, Bhadra. (Express Photo: Nirmal Harindran)
-----
Feb
12, 2022
Ahmedabad:
As the special court started the hearing on sentencing on Friday, in the 2008
serial blasts case, many of the 49 convicts pleaded for clemency with some
breaking down as they narrated their family conditions, while some bluntly
stated that they had no faith in the judicial system and would await judgment
from God. Two convicts ended up inviting the judge and prosecutors to embrace
Islam “for their salvation”.
When
asked to make their case for less punishment through video conference, some
asserted their faith by saying “Allah u Akbar” aloud, whereas others told the
court how they used their time in prison to acquire educational qualifications,
which should be considered in their case for leniency.
The
special court had on Tuesday held 49 persons guilty of carrying out a terror
strike by setting off 20 bombs in the city on July 26, 2008, in which 56 persons
were killed and 246 were wounded. Seventy-eight persons were tried, of whom the
court acquitted 28 and pardoned one, who had turned approver.
When
the judge asked the convicts what they had to say on the aspect of sentencing,
most claimed innocence and requested the court to award the minimum punishment
and consider the time served, as they have been in jail for more than 13 years.
The convicts told the court that they would make written submissions and their
lawyers would elaborate, but there were a few who expressed their discontent.
While
Iqbal Qasam Shaikh read aloud the kalima, the Islamic phrase Muslims often
recite, and refused to say anything else, Qamruddin Nagori from Bhopal did not
say anything, but invited the judge and special prosecutors to embrace Islam.
Another convict, Hafizuddin Tajuddin, also did the same. He claimed he was
innocent in this case and told the court, “For your life here and hereafter, I
invite the judge sahib and the prosecutors to embrace Islam for the purpose of
salvation.”
Shibli
alias Sabit Abdul Karim said, “What happened was Allah’s will.” Abu Bashar also
refused to ask for mercy, “I will say to Allah what I have to say. I don’t
believe in you and your law” Another convict, Aniq Saiyed, also said that he
did not have any hope from the court, “Koi khaas ummeed nahi hai aapse (I don’t
have any particular hope from you).”
Mohammed
Akbar said, “Our offence is that we are Muslims.”
Abbas
Sameja broke down while describing his family condition and told the court that
he acquired degrees of MSc, MBA, an MA in Economics, a postgraduate diploma in
disaster management and two other diplomas. As he struggled to find words, the
judge asked jail officials to fetch him a glass of water. Sameja continued, “I
saved four persons’ lives during the earthquake and I was given a bravery
award.” He requested the court to consider this while showing leniency. A
convict named Tausif Pathan complained about discrimination against him in
Gaya.
Source:
Times Of India
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
--------
‘Tehreek-e-Taliban
India Formed To Shield State Terrorism against Muslims’
Supporters
of hardline Vishwa Hindu Parishad [VHP] Hindu group hold tridents. PHOTO:
REUTERS/FILE
-----
February
11, 2022
After
establishing Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), India's notorious spy agency Research
and Analysis Wing (RAW) is working on a new "project":
Tehreek-e-Taliban India (TTI), The Express Tribune learnt.
Sources
privy to the development said that RAW seeks to ease pressure on Prime Minister
Narendra Modi-led government. "The plan is to give cover to Modi's state
terrorism," they revealed.
Days
after the UN’s report on the presence of its around 5,500 fighters in
Afghanistan, the TTP launched its India chapter, which according to the
analysts, was an Indian ploy to target Pakistan and Indian minorities.
The
UN Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team issued a report on February
5, 2022, which said the “Member States assess the number of TTP fighters at
between 3,000 and 5,500 in Afghanistan, with Noor Wali Mehsud remaining as
their leader.”
The
report, sent to the UN Security Council, also mentioned the talks regarding TTP
family members in Afghanistan who wished to resettle in Pakistan under
assurances that they would reintegrate peacefully into local communities.
However,
a week ago, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed announced that the federal
government had abandoned the idea of dialogue with the TTP due to the
conditions put by the banned outfit.
He
said the conditions laid out by them were not acceptable to the government, following
which they ended the ceasefire themselves, adding that “we have received
indications that negotiations will not succeed”.
Subsequently,
the TTP increased the terrorist attacks in Pakistan using Afghan soil. Pakistan
has reiterated to Afghan previous government and now Taliban interim government
to eliminate the TTP’s safe havens from their country.
Pakistan
had long been telling the world community that the hostile intelligence
agencies especially RAW had been involved in terrorist activities against
Pakistan.
India
does not only train the TTP but also supports them by providing arms and
immunities against Pakistan. India wants to undermine Afghan peace by
attracting more anti-Afghan Taliban recruits to utilise them as a useful asset
for terrorist activities in Pakistan.
Not
only Pakistan, but the TTP also attacks China’s interests in Pakistan as a
proxy for India in its rivalry with both powers.
The
Modi regime is under severe pressure from the international institutions over
its anti-Muslim policies, a glimpse of which can be witnessed in the ongoing
hijab row in the neighbouring country.
A
ban on Islamic headscarves or hijab at schools has prompted an outcry among
Muslims in southern India, with large crowds taking to the streets to protest
against the restrictions.
The
stand-off in Karnataka state has galvanised fears among the minority community
about what they say is increasing persecution under the Hindu nationalist
government of PM Modi.
The
state machinery seems to be helpless before the saffron scarf group. Instead,
some ruling party members are issuing statements to defend the ban on hijab
which encouraged the RSS members to provoke the situation.
In
one incident in a video widely shared online, a lone Muslim student wearing the
hijab is surrounded by Hindu male youths shouting religious slogans while
trying to enter her school in Karnataka.
The
announcement to establish the TTI was carried out via a Tweet from an
undisclosed location after a meeting. The notorious Indian spy agency had also
established the TTP in a similar fashion and also provided technical, financial
and military support to it.
The
sources said that RAW has organised and launched the TTI to provide a cover for
Modi's state terrorism, adding that a "bloodbath" of Muslims could be
witnessed in India via the TTI and the blame would be put on Pakistan.
They
further said that RAW's new "project" would promote terrorism and
will destabilise the region further, harming the peaceful inhabitants of the
region.
Source:
Tribune Pakistan
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
--------
Appear
Physically For Authentication, UAPA Tribunal Tells Zakir Naik
Zakir
Naik
----
11th
February 2022
New
Delhi: The UAPA Tribunal asked Islamic preacher Zakir Naik to appear physically
for authentication of his credentials for his affidavit before the Indian
embassy in Malaysia or be physically present before it in the next hearing.
The
Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act Tribunal order came after Naik failed to
submit his affidavit with authentication of his credentials as asked by the
tribunal in the last hearing, citing his inability to visit the Indian embassy
in Malaysia.
The
islamic preacher and his Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) have been under the
radar of investigative agencies for multiple cases such as money laundering, UP
conversion racket, Delhi riots, RGF trust scam, and others. The IRF earlier
filed an affidavit against the ban imposed by the government on it.
The
55-year-old Islamic preacher was accused of using his televisised speeches to
promote anti-India sentiments among Muslim youths, spread hatred and incite
them to take up terrorism. He fled from India in 2016 when the government
agencies started probing him and his foundation.
Source:
Siasat Daily
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
https://www.siasat.com/appear-physically-for-authentication-uapa-tribunal-tells-zakir-naik-2274152/
--------
After
A Military Court Sentenced Four Teenage Boys to Death, British Charity Urges
Somalia to Protect Teens from Execution
A
file photo shows journalist Hassan Hanafi, convicted of murdering colleagues
for the l-Qaeda-linked Shabab extremist group, is tied to a wooden post before
being executed by firing squad at a police academy square in Mogadishu on April
11, 2016. (AFP)
-----
11
February, 2022
British
charity Save the Children urged the Somali government on Friday to intervene
after a military court sentenced four teenage boys to death over their
involvement with armed groups.
Authorities
in the north-central city of Galkayo arrested six teenagers in October 2020 and
a military court last month sentenced four of the boys – now aged between 16
and 18 – to death, while the remaining two were sentenced to 30 and 20 years in
jail, the group said.
For
the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
“We
are deeply concerned at these sentences. Sentencing adolescents to death and
long-term imprisonment -– regardless of their crime -– does not work as a
deterrent, and certainly isn’t in line with global standards,” Mohamud Mohamed
Hassan, the charity’s country director for Somalia, said in a statement.
“The
experience of being associated with an armed force or group can have an
immediate and lasting impact and consequences for boys and girls, including
exploitation and abuse, physical injury or disability. They must be protected,
not punished,” he added.
“These
boys deserve a chance at rehabilitation, and we urge the government to ensure
justice.”
The
charity said the court’s decision violated the United Nations Convention on the
Rights of the Child, which Somalia ratified in 2015.
Although
Somalia has been known to carry out executions of adult prisoners, no details
were available on the executions of juvenile offenders.
Save
the Children did not give details about the armed groups in the case of the
teenagers.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
--------
Black
Muslim Life Honoured In New Online Portrait Exhibit
Azizah
Ali-Regan. Image by Rog & Bee Walker, Paper Monday
-----
February
11, 2022
(RNS)
— A new online exhibit featuring portraits of Black Muslims was launched by
Sapelo Square, a Black Muslim education and media collective, on Feb. 2. Captured
in dramatic lighting and paired with audio clips of the subjects speaking, the
portraits aim to highlight the beauty and diversity within the Black Muslim
experience.
“It’s
really important that we hear the voices and see those who come from this strong
and important lineage that doesn’t seem to be acknowledged and is often
misunderstood,” said Aïdah Aliyah Rasheed, special projects lead at Sapelo
Square.
The
project, titled “Preserving the Legacy: Portraits and Stories Capturing Black
Muslim Life,” began as a conversation between Sapelo Square and New York-based
photographer duo Rog & Bee Walker in 2016. Since then, Rog & Bee have
photographed more than 200 portraits of Black Muslims with diverse occupations,
ages, geographical locations and spiritual approaches to Islam. This first
iteration of the project will feature roughly 50 portraits that are being
released weekly on the Preserving the Legacy website.
Rasheed,
who oversaw “Preserving the Legacy,” noted some of the participants have passed
away since their portraits were captured, which she said makes the stories
documented even more precious. Most participants were also interviewed, and
that audio allows viewers to “really listen to the voices coming from the Black
Muslim community,” Rasheed told Religion News Service.
Sapelo
Square was founded by Dr. Su’ad Abdul Khabeer in May 2015. The volunteer-run
organization issues podcasts, publications and other projects on topics ranging
from anti-Black racism in Muslim communities to hip-hop and Black midwifery.
Their name honors a group of African Muslims who were enslaved on Sapelo Island
off Georgia’s coast in the early 1800s.
The
“Preserving the Legacy” project and other initiatives of Sapelo Square intend
to center stories of Black Muslims that are often erased from American
discourse. Abdul Khabeer told Religion News Service that Black Muslims can be
overlooked when it comes to conversations about the “first Muslim” to do
something in the U.S. She pointed to Mona Haydar, a Syrian hijabi rapper whose
debut made a splash in 2017. “Hip-hop history is Black Muslim history,” said
Abdul Khabeer, who said that many Black hijabi women, such as Miss Undastood,
preceeded Haydar without the notoriety.
Donna
Auston, a cultural anthropologist who studies Islam in America, among other
things, noted Black Muslims are often missing from education about slavery or
American history and media more generally. “It’s easy for the experiences of
people who exist at this nexus to get lost,” said Auston. Where conversations do
include Black Muslims like Malcolm X or Muhammad Ali, Auston said, their Muslim
faith is often flattened or stereotyped.
However,
Auston added that being Black and Muslim is a “unique and beautiful experience”
that can generate creativity when it comes to cuisine, fashion, art and other
cultural expressions.
At
Sapelo Square, founder Abdul Khabeer hopes their offerings ultimately celebrate
Black Muslim life.
“While
the marginalization or the erasure of Black Muslims from the mainstream
narrative is something our work seeks to challenge, our work begins from a
place of self-love,” said Abdul Khabeer. “(Sapelo Square) creates this virtual
space that bleeds into real life, where Black Muslims see themselves … In order
to challenge what seems like really intractable inequality that we face in this
country, I think it begins in many ways with the people who are most affected
knowing that they have their own power.”
Source:
Religion News
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
https://religionnews.com/2022/02/11/black-muslim-life-is-honored-in-new-online-portrait-exhibit/
--------
India
I
Did Not Shout Allah-U- Akbar on Communal Lines; If This Were To Happen Again I
Will Shout ‘Hindustan Zindabad’: Muskan Khan
Sanika
Athavale
Feb
12, 2022
BENGALURU:
“If this were to happen again, I would shout ‘Hindustan Zindabad’,” said Bibi
Muskan Khan, the teenager who shot to fame standing up for her rights when
heckled by a group of young men while entering her college campus wearing a
Burqa and a hijab.
“I
did not shout Allah-u- Akbar on communal lines. I am not into creating a
Hindu-Muslim divide,” she told TOI, even as people all over the country debate
her choice of words.
A
second-year commerce student and daughter of a gym owner, 19-year-old Muskan
dreams of studying law. She does not have any immediate role models but finds
strength in the doctrine of her faith and in Allah.
“Since
childhood, wearing hijab has been a priority. Everyone in my family wears the
hijab. It is beyond a symbol of Islam for us; it is a vessel of our
self-respect,” she said.
When
saffron shawl-clad men raised ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogans on February 8 inside PES
College in Mandya (100km from Bengaluru), Muskan countered, shouting
‘Allah-hu-Akbar’ and walked straight into the college without a sign of
nervousness.
Asked
to explain what happened, she said: “I was taken aback by their fanaticism.
Their number was daunting. With so many boys all around me, coming at me as if
to attack, I prayed to Allah to help me get through that situation and the
words Allah-hu-Akbar flowed out,” she explained. If she were to face a similar
situation? Muskan said: “I will definitely say Hindustan Zindabad. ”
She
says she was asked at the entrance of the college to remove her abaya.
Infuriated, she zoomed past them towards the college parking lot and the rest
is history. “I was red with rage. How dare they ask me to removea piece of
clothing? They had no humanity,” she said. She added: “I don’t know what the
misunderstanding is and where it is coming from all of a sudden. Most of my
Muslim classmates are hijabis and our college has not acted against us like
some other institutions have. ”
Source:
Times Of India
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Thousands
Join The Campaign Against Anti-Conversion Laws In India
By
Press Release
10/02/2022
Many
prominent citizens in India demanded for a Repeal of All Anti-Conversion Laws
in India, in the context of the Anti-Conversion Bill scheduled to be tabled in
Karnataka Upper House on February 14, 2022. The initial signatories for the
Petition to the President of India included nationally well known citizens like
Admiral L Ramdas ( Former Chief of Naval Staff of the Indian Navy), Mallika
Sarabhai (Accomplished dancer & choreographer), Medha Patkar (NAPM), Anand Patwardhan (Film
Maker), Mani Shankar Aiyar (Former
Minister), Prof. Kancha Ilaiah Shepherd (Writer, Academician), Rev. Peter
Machado (Archbishop of Bangalore), Margaret Alva, Former Governor of Goa,
Gujarat and Uttarakhand), Teesta Setalvad (Advocate, Civil Rights Activist), K.
Satchidanandan (Writer, Poet, Former Secretary of Sahitya Akademi), Annie Raja (National Federation of Indian
Women), Prof. Ram Puniyani, Harsh Mander
(Author, Social Activist), Kavita Krishnan (AIPWA), Dr. John Dayal (Senior
Journalist, Human Rights Activist), Sandeep Pandy (General Secretary, Socialist
Party of India), Tehmina Arora (Human Rights Activist), Brinelle D’Souza
(Centre for Health and Mental Health, TISS), Susmit Bose (Musician), Irfan
Engineer (Centre for Study of Society and Secularism), Vidya Dinkar (Human
Rights Activist) and others.
While
articulating that that a new Anti-Conversion Law is not necessary since the
Indian Constitution has enough provisions for the same, the signatories also
stated: `Wherever the Anti-Conversion law, ironically officially called Freedom
of Religion Act, was passed, it became a justification for the persecution of
the minorities and other marginalized identities. The attacks on the minorities grew sharply in
recent years since this law was used as a weapon targeting the dignity of
Christians and Muslims particularly belonging to Adivais, Dalits and women.’
The petition called for joining hands to defend the values enshrined in the
Indian Constitution and protection of human rights of the minorities and other
marginalized sections in India. The petition was initiated by the National
Solidarity Forum, a network of groups and individuals who started acting in
response to the Kandhamal Genocide on the Adivasi Christians and Dalit
Christians in 2007-2008.
In
India, from the last few years there have been scattered and sporadic sub-radar
attacks on Christian communities. Pretext made is that Christian Missionaries
are converting by force, fraud, coersion or allurement. Population census shows
a small decline in the percentage of Christians from 2.6 percent in 1971 to 2.3
percent in 2011. These Anti- Conversion Laws, generally called freedom of
religion laws, are attempts to intimidate the Christian Community and the
planned law in Karnataka is on the same lines,’ said Prof. Ram Punyani, the
Convenor, National Solidarity Forum (NSF).
Ajay
Kumar Singh, a Co-Convenor of NSF stated: `A Dalit converted to Christianity or
Islam loses the reservation and protection from the State. The Dalit does not
lose any reservation and protection if he or she converts to Sikhism, Jainism
or Buddhism. It is a reality that the discriminatory dalit identity does not
change no matter which religion one belongs to.
. There are stringent penal for
restricting the dalit and adivasi to convert to Christianity or Islam. This law itself acts as an inducement to
remain in Hinduism and violates the individual’s right to choose one’s own
religion. It treats them as objects, who cannot decide for themselves.’
`The
law disrespects women, and places restrictions for a woman to choose her
partner. It is conceived with a notion that women in India are not in a
position to think on their own and act on their own. This law is highly
patriarchal. It is not acceptable,’ said Vidya Dinkar, human rights activist
and a core team member of NSF.
Dr.
John Dayal, senior journalist, human rights activist and a founder member of
the National Solidarity Forum stated: `The Anti-Conversion Laws are not just
affecting the Christians alone, they are meant for further persecution on the
Muslims, Dalits, Adivasis and women also in this country. They violate the
basic tenets of the Indian Constitution and India’s secular heritage.’
`This
law discriminates against certain religions. It is a violation of the principle
enshrined in the Indian Constitution that all religions are equal. It is meant
to strengthen religious conflicts and majoritarian nationalism in India.
Moreover, its infantalizes the poor and gives the State power over matters that
are deeply personal.’ Said Brinelle D’Souza, Centre for Health and Mental
Health, School of Social Work, Tata Institute of Social Sciences
Thousands
of people have already responded to the petition immediately by endorsing it
and thousands of endorsements are
pouring in. The petition is available on https://chng.it/gBYcGCPZyV
Supporting
the petition, Margaret Alva, the former Governor of Goa, Gujarat and
Uttarakhand, appealed: `the National Solidarity Forum is trying to collect
signatures of people from all religions and backgrounds to dissuade the
Government from passing this Bill. I request you to sign this appeal to
withdraw the anti-Christian bill and such laws in other states of the country.’
Source:
Counter Currents
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
'Motivated
Comments On Internal Issues Not Welcome': MEA On Criticism Over Hijab Row By
Some Countries On Dress Code In Educational Institutions
Feb
12, 2022
NEW
DELHI: The ministry of external affairs on Saturday said the hijab issue is
under judicial examination by Karnataka high court and motivated comments our
internal issues are not welcome.
The
MEA was responding to comments by some countries on dress code in educational
institutions in Karnataka.
"A
matter regarding dress code in some educational institutions in Karnataka is
under judicial examination by Karnataka high court. Motivated comments our
internal issues aren't welcome," MEA official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi
said.
"Our
constitutional framework, democratic ethos and polity are context in which
issues are considered, resolved," it added.
MEA's
response comes a day after the US Office of International Religious Freedom
(IRF) said that the hijab ban “violate religious freedom and stigmatize and
marginalize women and girls.”
"Religious
freedom includes the ability to choose one's religious attire. The Indian state
of Karnataka should not determine permissibility of religious clothing. Hijab
bans in schools violate religious freedom and stigmatize and marginalize women
and girls," US Ambassador-at-Large for IRF Rashad Hussain said in a tweet.
The
Karnataka high court has ruled in an interim order that all students,
regardless of religion or faith, are restrained from wearing "saffron
shawls (bhagwa), scarves, hijabs, religious flags within classrooms".
The
plea filed by a student has sought a stay on the direction of the high court as
well as the proceedings going on before the three judge bench.
The
appeal contended that the high court has sought to curtail the fundamental
right of Muslim student women by not allowing them to wear the hijab.
The
high court has posted the matter for Monday and also said educational
institutions can resume classes.
Source:
Times Of India
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Hijab
row: Police hold flag marches in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi districts
12.02.22,
Police
held flag marches across the twin districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi as
part of preventive measures in the wake of the hijab controversy.
In
view of maintaining law and order due to the row over dress code in colleges,
the police took out route marches in some towns in Udupi district on Friday to
instil courage in the minds of people.
The
flag marches were held on Friday evening at Puttur and Surathkal in Dakshina
Kannada district. The highly trained 97th Battalion Rapid Action Force (RAF)
who handle law and order issues took part in the march with 130 personnel,
Deputy Commissioner of Police Hariram Shankar said.
He
said the RAF, stationed at Panambur here, will be pressed into action in the
event of any law and order issue to ensure the safety of the public.
Udupi
police also conducted a flag march on Friday at several places in the district,
the epicentre of the hijab controversy. Flag marches were held in Udupi, Kaup,
Kundapur, Karkala, Padubidri, Brahmavar, Byndoor and Shirva.
Source:
Telegraph India
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Aligarh
Muslim University students protest ban on hijab in Karnataka
Piyush
Srivastava
12.02.22
Students
of Aligarh Muslim University on Friday protested for four hours against the
hijab ban imposed by several colleges in Karnataka and resolved to hold a
bigger protest on Saturday.
The
march began from the students’ union hall and ended at the Bab-e-Sayed — the
main gate of the university — where the protesters held a meeting.
“The
ruling dispensation (BJP) has been raising the issue for mileage in the Uttar
Pradesh Assembly elections. They can win only after polarising society and
poisoning minds,” Mohammad Arif, a student leader, said.
“Our
protest will continue to alert people about the designs of the government,
which stands neither with Hindus nor with Muslims.”
He
added: “We understand that the BJP wants to publicise the incident (in
Karnataka) so it can create an atmosphere against the minorities during polling
in Uttar Pradesh, but we will not sit silent.”
As
a burqa-clad student, Bibi Muskan, was trying to enter the PES College of
Science, Arts and Commerce this week in Mandya town in Karnataka, young men
sporting saffron scarves had heckled her with slogans, the most audible being
“Jai Shri Ram”. Muskan had shouted back “Allah hu Akbar” and “Hijab is my
right” and walked on.
Aligarh
voted in the first phase on February 10.
Source:
Telegraph India
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Four
professors of IIM-Bangalore oppose hijab harassment
K.M.
Rakesh
12.02.22
Four
professors of the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, have written to
the National Women’s Commission, urging it to register a case against the
intimidation of Muslim women students in Karnataka.
“We
urge the National Commission for Women (NCW) to exercise its powers and
urgently take suo motu cognisance of reports of intimidation of Muslim women
students based on religious attire,” urged professors Ritwik Banerjee, Deepak
Malghan, Prateek Raj and Hema Swaminathan in their letter addressed to NCW
chairperson Rekha Sharma.
“This
petition concerns the continuing harassment of Muslim women students in
Karnataka that in many instances could jeopardise their safety and dignity,”
the signatories noted alluding to statewide protests against allowing students
wearing hijab to colleges.
“Women
across all religions face patriarchal restrictions of one kind or the other.
Certainly, we cannot condone such practices and we must work with men, women,
and religious leaders to bring about change. But to single out one religious
practice is not acceptable,” the professors stated, alluding to the hijab row.
The
academics highlighted the importance of education in empowering women, and
noted that fear and intimidation would dissuade parents from sending girls to
schools and colleges. “The atmosphere of fear and intimidation will make
parents hesitate to send daughters to schools and colleges. Beti Bachao, Beti
Padhao will be an abject failure, not just for Muslim girls, but for girls
across all communities. Failure of law and rule of intimidation affects
everyone.”
A
collective of over 20 NGOs and activists under the banner ‘If We Do Not Rise’
has written an open letter to chief minister Basavaraj Bommai, terming the
ongoing anti-hijab protests as “institutionalised apartheid”.
“A
gendered institutionalised apartheid is being systematically being put in place
in colleges like in Chikmagalur, Mandya and Shimoga where the administrations
are actively involved in preventing Muslim women students in hijab from
entering the premises and even sitting for examinations.
Source:
Telegraph India
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Hijab
protests spread to UP, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh & Delhi
Feb
12, 2022
Protests
over the hijab issue raging in Karnataka's educational institutions were held
in Aligarh, Hyderabad and Vijayawada on Friday while a controversy erupted at a
private college in Jaipur district when some girls insisted on attending
classes in a burqa and cops had to be called to resolve the matter.
Twelve
students of Kasturi Devi College in Chaksu town in Jaipur district, which
follows a uniform rule, protested after they were barred from entering the
institute for wearing burqas. In a video clip that went viral, the girls and
their relatives claimed that they had been attending classes in burqas for the
last three years. However, the college's assistant director Sumit Sharma told
TOI that it was only for the last few days that some girls were wearing burqas
to class.
He
said there were protests from other students who insisted that they should not
be forced to wear the uniform as girls from the minority community were not
following the code. Sharma said the uniform rule was put in place to prevent
any outsider from entering the premises 'to create mischief'. "Some people
peddled misinformation that we opposed hijab, which is untrue. We allow hijabs
and some students do wear it," he added.
In
Aligarh Muslim University, students wearing hijabs held a protest march in the
campus. "We have the freedom to wear anything and it includes hijab
too," said Tanveer Fatima, a protester.
In
Vijayawada, thousands of protesters from the minority community gathered at
Panja Centre for a rally. In Hyderabad, students took out a 'mashaal juloos'.
Meanwhile,
police in Maharashtra's Malegaon town booked four people for violating
prohibitory orders for organising a pro-hijab demonstration on Thursday in
which over 5,000 women took part. Four organisers of the protest have been
booked. "All of them are functionaries of Jamita-e-Ulema," said
inspector Vasant Bhoye.
Source:
Times Of India
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Hijab
Our Right And Choice, Say Muslim Girls of Bhopal, Counter Kerala Governor;
Clerics Too Back Them
FEBRUARY
12, 2022
As
a raging nationwide debate continues on the hijab, several Muslim girls from
Bhopal, the City of Nawabs, have joined the chorus in its favour. They have
taken the stand that wearing the hijab or burqa is their right and they are
putting them on by choice, not under any pressure or force.
Videos
of hijab-clad Muslim girls playing football and some others in similar attires
riding bikes have gone viral on social media. Sites are flooded with vociferous
backing for the outfit, especially from the Muslim community including top
clerics.
To
know what common Muslim girls think on the issue, News18 spoke to some of them
from the city and they candidly said that the choice of outfit should be left
to them.
The
girls—Afrin, Samrin, Farhin and Nasrin—called the entire controversy uncalled
for, maintaining that hijab sets no boundary for women at any point. “We can do
anything under a hijab and it also protects us. It doesn’t stop us from
anything," they added.
HOW
IT BEGAN
The
controversy snowballed after six girls wearing the Islamic headcover recently
started protesting outside the Women’s Government Pre-University (PU) College
in Udupi, Karnataka, as the institute denied them entry inside the classroom.
The
Bhopal girls were also critical of the views of Kerala governor Arif Mohammad
Khan who had told News18, “…The word hijab, wherever used, is in terms of
curtain, seclusion, separation and not as any cloth. Hijab has been used seven
times in the Quran, but nowhere has it meant cloth."
The
girls sought to differ from Khan, saying he is wrong in saying that hijab has
no connection with religion, and also urged him to read Quran-e-Kareem. “You
have been ordered as per Quran-e-Kareem that you should conceal your identity
by putting on a sheet or cover on yourself," they claimed. “Quran-e-Kareem
orders us to practice hijab, which is our haq (right)."
Commenting
on the video of Karnataka girl Muskan who faced opposition from saffron
stole-clad boys for wearing hijab, the Bhopal girls said she reportedly has
been using hijab for the last two years, so the issue should not have been
blown out of proportion. “What they (the boys) did was wrong," they said.
Targeting
voices of opposition, the girls said they should not be prevented from using
the hijab, which is their right. “If someone was making us do this forcibly, then
it would be different. We are putting on hijab by our choice and feel safe
doing so," they said.
Reacting
to the Karnataka high court’s interim order that religious identities should
not be revealed inside educational institutions until the final verdict is
delivered in the hijab issue, the girls called it “wrong". Perhaps they
haven’t seen history, they said, adding that the Begum of Bhopal—Sajida
Sultan—was the vice chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University. “If hijab played
no hindrance to her taleem (education), why would it hinder others?” they
argued.
The
girls summed up their views saying India is a democratic country and they
should be allowed to put on outfits of their choice.
KERALA
GOVERNOR INCORRECT, AIMPLB MEMBER
However,
Congress MLA and member of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) Arif
Masood too disagreed with the Kerala governor. “He is quite senior to me in age
and experience and is a governor, but I will say he needs slight
correction," said Masood. “The Quran also talks about purdah and Allah
Rasool also refers to this."
Saying
that certain elements wish to spread hatred, the MLA said Islam is a religion
that doesn’t believe in coercion. “Those who follow Shariat, Islam embraces
them and those who don’t, won’t be put under any rigour,” he added. “There are
Muslim girls who are becoming IPS officers and there are some who are living
under hijab."
Commenting
on the interim order of the Karnataka HC, Masood said that petitioners
resentencing them have pleaded before the court that it’s an issue of
fundamental rights and not a fight over dress code. “Fundamental rights mean
the rights with which we are living in the country for 70 years after
Independence. The girl whose case has reached the high court has been attending
the said institute for two years and that too in hijab but now some people are
trying to cause differences and this is not done by the girl in question. Our
stand is clear that we should be allowed relaxation as part of our fundamental
right," said Masood who is at the forefront of the opposition to any
possible ban on hijab in educational institutions.
QURAN
SPECIFIED PURDAH FOR WOMEN 1,450 YEARS AGO: SHAHAR QAZI
Shahar
Qazi Syed Mustaq Ali Nadvi too rejected the arguments of the Kerala governor,
saying a secular and democratic country enables every citizen to maintain
his/her identity and perform their religious duties. It’s nothing new, the Holy
Quran had issued an order that women should be asked to be in purdah while
venturing out of homes. This issue (hijab) is not new and it should be seen
whether it’s a conspiracy or a confusion. Our girls have been using hijab and a
large number of our sisters put up ghoonghat, so this kind of issue should not
be raked up in Hindustan," said Nadvi.
Source:
News18
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Sikh
bodies slam Karnataka hijab row
Yudhvir
Rana
Feb
10, 2022
AMRITSAR:
The issue of a 'ban' on wearing hijab by Muslim girl students in Karnataka has
been widely condemned by the Sikh bodies here, who fear that could soon engulf
other states if no preventive measures are taken.
Delhi
Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee former president Paramjit Singh Sarna said,
"We strongly criticise the decision of not allowing Muslim girl students
to wear hijab, it is against the Indian ethos. Today, it is in Karnataka,
tomorrow it could be in Punjab. One could be raising objections to the wearing
of kara, turban or other religious symbols by the Sikhs." He said he
didn't see anything wrong in the wearing of hijab by the girl students and
opined that political parties shouldn't exploit the issue for their personal
gains.
Source:
Times Of India
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Pakistan
Tehsil
mayor slots: Major parties yet to finalise names in Hazara
February
12, 2022
MANSEHRA:
The major political parties have yet to finalise names of their candidates for
the tehsil mayors’ offices as many activists received the nomination papers for
the same slots from the returning officers on Friday.
The
aspirants from Mansehra, Torghar, Kolai-Palas, Upper Kohistan and Lower
Kohistan received the nomination papers for the offices of tehsil mayors,
village and neighbourhood councils on the second day.
Only
the Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) and Pakistan People’s Party have finalised their
aspirants for the offices of tehsil mayors in Mansehra and rest of the Hazara
division.
However,
the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Awami
National Party, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl are yet to announce the names of
their aspirants in Mansehra, Torghar, Kolai-Palas, Upper Kohistan and Lower
Kohistan districts.
PMLN
local leaders including Zafar Mahmood, Sheikh Shafi, Mian Abrar and Umar
Farooq, ruling PTI’s Ajmal Khan Swati and Shakeela Rabbani, JUI-F’s leader
Mufti Kifayatullah and Attiqur Rehman Jahangiri, former provincial minister of
Pakistan People’s Party, Shuja Salim Khan, received the nomination papers for
Mansehra tehsil mayor slot.
Source:
The News Pakistan
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
PDM
to table no-trust motion against govt, says Fazl
February
11, 2022
Pakistan
Democratic Movement (PDM) President Maulana Fazlur Rehman announced on Friday
that the opposition alliance had decided to move a no-confidence motion against
the prime minister and would contact the PTI government's allies in the centre
for this purpose.
He
was talking to reporters alongside PML-N leaders Shehbaz Sharif and Maryam
Nawaz after a meeting of the PDM's constituent parties in Lahore.
"All
parties in the PDM have agreed on bringing a no-confidence motion against these
illegitimate rulers and contacting the government's allies in this
regard," he said.
Fazl
said the PDM would approach the government's allies and ask them to end their
association with the government.
"[We
will ask them] to have mercy on this country and nation, considering their
impoverished condition," he added. "[We will tell them] that
remaining an ally of such a government is not politically and economically
beneficial for the country."
The
PDM chief said the opposition alliance would be forming a body, whose members
would be decided later, for approaching the government's allies and convincing
them to join the PDM in tabling the no-trust motion.
When
asked when the PDM planned to table the no-confidence motion, he replied:
"We will first complete our homework."
He
elaborated that they needed to approach the government's allies as their votes
were needed in order to move the no-confidence motion in the National Assembly.
When
asked what the PDM would do if the government's allies refused, he said:
"We will sit together."
To
another question, he clarified that they would not approach any individuals on
the matter and only political parties. "We will not approach individuals.
We will [only] talk to parties."
Fazl
further said the PDM would also not approach any PTI members and would also not
lure parties and individuals with the prospect of giving them seats in parliament.
With
regard to the PDM's long march in Islamabad on Pakistan Day, he said that the
march would take place as scheduled and the alliance's steering committee had
been tasked with working out the details.
The
PDM's announcement came hours after PML-N Information Secretary Marriyum
Aurangzeb said that opposition parties were deliberating on tabling a
no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan and the nation would
"soon hear good news" in this regard.
A
day ago, PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz had said the situation for tabling a
no-confidence motion against PM Imran was now "favourable".
Former
president Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari had met
PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif and Maryam last week in Lahore and pledged to
weigh all options to send the premier home, including a no-confidence move and
a joint long march.
However,
the PML-N’s Central Executive Committee meeting on Monday remained unable to
decide on moving a no-confidence motion against the PTI government, leaving it
to supreme party leader Nawaz Sharif to take a call on the matter when he
deemed appropriate.
In
a press talk in Islamabad on Thursday, Maryam admitted that Nawaz was initially
not in favour of a no-confidence move against the government. But, she said,
"party members pressed him that people's wishes ought to be listened to as
it is the only way to steer the country out of crisis."
'Victory
for democracy'
PPP
Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said that it was a "victory for
democracy" that most opposition parties had now agreed to bring a
no-confidence move against the government.
"The
prime minister has lost the confidence of the people, it is about time he lost
the confidence of parliament," he said.
Fawad
challenges opposition to table no-trust move
Meanwhile,
Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said in a video message that the
"Pakistan Corruption Limited Party" had held a meeting wherein
opposition leaders had decided to table a no-trust move against the government.
The
minister dared the PDM to move the no-confidence motion by tomorrow, adding
that the reality would soon become apparent to the opposition.
"You
sit and talk about things and you think that your indictment, set for Feb 18,
will be delayed," he said, referring to Shehbaz's indictment in the money
laundering case. "It will not happen."
Turning
his guns on the PDM chief, Chaudhry said that the Maulana had been trying to
send the government packing since day one. "Your arms do not have the
strength."
He
went on to say that today's PDM meeting had highlighted the
"weakness" of the opposition. "You are still saying that you
will talk [...] I challenge you to have courage and table a no-trust move by
tomorrow," he said, adding that PTI lawmakers, as well as opposition
lawmakers, would give them a "surprise".
Interior
Minister Sheikh Rashid also chimed in and said that today's PDM meeting was a
gathering of "an unsuccessful and defeated opposition".
"The
failure and early defeat was evident on the faces of the PDM leaders," he
said in a series of tweets, adding that the opposition was welcome to fulfil
its wishes by tabling a no-trust move and organising a long march.
He
went on to say that the opposition did not possess the "manpower"
required to organise a long march and was not even aware of the number of votes
it would secure from their own parties in parliament.
"The
opposition is not capable of defeating PM Imran inside or outside
parliament," the minister proclaimed, adding that opposition parties were
fighting for their survival.
Rashid
said that the opposition was meeting with the government's allies to ask for
"charity". "Imran Khan has won. The PDM has lost. The no-trust
move has [fallen flat]."
Source:
Dawn
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1674532/pdm-to-table-no-trust-motion-against-govt-says-fazl
--------
Four
TTP militants get jail
February
12, 2022
BAHAWALPUR:
An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Friday handed down two-year jail term each to
four militants belonging to the banned Tahreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and
Jamiat Ulema-i-Ahrar (JUA), besides ordering confiscation of their properties.
ATC
Judge Nasir Hussain handed down the sentence to the four men for possessing
explosives which they wanted to use in attacks on sensitive installations in
Bahawalpur city and Sammsatta during 2021.
The
convicts – Naik Amal, Nazir Khan, Hayatullah and Lalzada – belonged to Mohmand
Agency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and lived in Lahore, Muzzafargarh and other
places.
According
to prosecution, the four men were hiding in Hootwala village near Sammasatta
with explosives and were planning to attack on April 3, 2021, sensitive
installations in Bahawalpur and area around Sammsatta.
The
Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) personnel conducted a raid on their hideout
and foiled their attempt to attack the installations, recovering explosives and
illegal arms from them.
Source:
Dawn
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1674642/four-ttp-militants-get-jail
--------
Southeast Asia
China’s
labour policies in Xinjiang are discriminatory, ILO body says
February
12, 2022
GENEVA:
An International Labour Organization committee has expressed “deep concern”
about China’s policies in its far western region of Xinjiang, calling them
discriminatory and asking Beijing to bring its employment practices into line
with global standards.
The
report on the region, home to China’s minority Muslim Uighurs, risks stoking
geopolitical tensions between China and the US at a sensitive time for Beijing
as it hosts the Winter Olympics.
The
US accuses China of genocide and along with other Western nations has imposed a
diplomatic boycott of the Games over China’s treatment of Uighurs in Xinjiang.
Allegations
of rights abuses include some that are reviewed by the ILO committee, such as
China’s alleged use of forced and prison labour. China denies the accusations.
“The
Committee expresses its deep concern in respect of the policy directions
expressed in numerous national and regional policy and regulatory documents and
requests therefore the government to … review its national and regional
policies with a view to eliminating all distinction, exclusion or preference,”
the report released by the UN agency on Thursday said.
Specifically,
the committee asked China to repeal provisions “that impose de-radicalisation
duties on enterprises and trade unions” in Xinjiang and to amend political
re-education provisions.
“As
an ILO member state, the Chinese government is firmly committed to respecting,
promoting and realising the full access to productive and freely chosen
employment and decent work for all China’s ethnic minority groups including
Uighurs in Xinjiang,” its diplomatic mission in Geneva said on Twitter, adding
that US labour practices had previously fallen foul of the same committee.
The
US and Britain welcomed the committee’s findings and called on Beijing to take
the steps requested.
An
ILO official told Reuters that the alleged violations would be raised at a
major conference in June.
This
could lead to a formal complaint and the establishment of a commission of
inquiry to investigate abuses on the ground, as occurred in Myanmar in the
1990s.
In
its report, the ILO committee examined a number of allegations by the
International Trade Union Confederation, including that Beijing has used a
“widespread and systematic” programme of forced labour throughout Xinjiang that
violates an Employment Policy Convention.
Source:
Free Malaysia Today
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Malaysia’s
political theatre: it’s all about power
February
12, 2022
There
is one thing in common with the “Sheraton Putsch” that removed Pakatan Harapan
from power, the substitution of Muhyiddin Yassin with Ismail Sabri Yaakob as
prime minister and the dissolution of the state assemblies of Sabah, Melaka,
and now, Johor.
These
events were solely about who should rule. They were not about any fundamental
disagreements over policy. They were tactical lunges for power.
The
Malaysian political arena is structured in such a way that encourages power
plays. Government and politics in Malaysia require various parties to
collaborate on mutual objectives, yet compete with each other at the same time.
Alliances are made and broken on a regular basis on both sides of politics.
The
Malay political environment is influenced by history, a resulting culture that
resonates a disposition towards power fixation, a behaviour consistent with
these beliefs, and corresponding outcomes based upon power dynamics.
The
Machiavellian frame is a good paradigm or window to view the antics and
manoeuvring within Malaysian politics. The window enables us to interpret the
rhetoric, actions, and outcomes as acts designed to achieve, maintain, and fend
off others from power.
The
publicity orientated mass political party defections common before elections
shows the acting and theatre involved in Malaysian politics. The Ketuanan
Melayu or Malay supremacy narrative shows Malaysia’s dark and narcissistic
Machiavellian expression.
Niccolo
Machiavelli was born in Florence, Italy in 1469. He entered the Florentine
government as a secretary and rose dramatically until he was in charge of
diplomatic missions.
Machiavelli
was himself dismissed from office with a political change and began writing
books about government, leadership and power. Machiavelli’s views completely
lack sentimentality, were amoral, and
took a pragmatic line about being effective in achieving outcomes. He viewed
political skills as the most important talent a leader should have.
The
Machiavellian frame is a political paradigm that sees leadership and governance
within a political arena, where overt and covert agendas, tactics and treachery
make theatre.
Leaders
who think ‘We are the law’
These
concepts and ideas were utilised by former Umno politician and deputy minister
Afifuddin Omar who wrote a novel about the intrigue of Malaysian politics
called Paradoks.
Afifuddin
through his novel exposed the hidden hypocrisy of upright Malay politicians who
preached Islamic values only to engage in extra-marital sex, corruption and
abuse of power.
In
Paradoks, the ruling political party became so powerful it became arrogant,
with leaders believing they were above the law. “We are the law” is a common
catch-cry within Umno. Leaders surrounded by a corrupt environment have no way
to go but to become morally corrupt themselves.
This
is a theme that Shahnon Ahmad in his novel SHIT expanded upon. The ruling class
uses all of its political apparatus to rule at the expense of moral and
religious values. In this light, the formation of Jakim wasn’t about Islam, but
was an effort of Dr Mahathir Mohamad to check the powers of the royal
households.
Afifuddin
espoused that it is the goal of every elected Malay parliamentarian to serve in
the Cabinet. As a consequence, a politician’s public persona is very different
from their private aspirations. Politicians are masters of switching their
personas at any time.
Mahathir’s
many faces
It’s
not difficult to find examples of this. Mahathir was a master of changing his
narratives according to his audiences. Anwar Ibrahim can speak as an Islamist
and as a liberal democrat.
Azmin
Ali played multiple roles behind the political scene, and has maintained a
senior ministerial portfolio across three administrations.
Many
ministers and state chief ministers hold massive corrupt portfolios and
businesses by proxy, while advocating Islam and ethics of government.
The
people can’t be sure who their politicians really are and what they stand for.
Even the bright young hope of Muda, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, advocating a
fair and non-discriminatory society, once flirted with Zakir Naik, who holds
extreme views about the rights of non-Muslims in Malaysia.
Machiavellian
politics can also be used on a macro level. The ruling elite have continually
divided the Malaysian people over race and religion.
Elite
‘guardians’ who rob the masses
The
Malay elite have pretended to be the guardians and defenders of the Malays and
robbed them blind through the misappropriation and corruption of public funds.
The elite have created fictional enemies to create fear and keep them in power.
Malaysian
leaders are masters at acting in the most pious manner, being faithful towards
Islam, but behind the scenes intentionally start rumours and disseminate
misinformation to destroy the reputations of their political competitors.
Malaysian
politicians by nature rarely expose their true intentions. These only become
visible when it is the right time to do so.
Mahathir
allowed the illusion that he had changed and wanted to right his past wrongs to
develop during the 2018 general election campaign when he rode to victory under
Pakatan Harapan’s reform platform.
It’s
all about power
Malaysian
politics is a power game. The selection of political candidates for public
office is a prize for the prime minister to select. This is leading to a dire
power struggle within Umno today.
The
party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has the right to select candidates over
prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob. This is the source of the struggle with a
general election due next year.
Umno’s
current political upheaval has nothing to do with ideology, just power. Umno is
a party full of powerbrokers, warlords, divisional chiefs and families who
pledge their loyalties to anyone who will provide them with the most advantages
and favours.
Cabinet
positions, membership in agency and GLC boards, and commercial contracts are
the spoils of war. Winners usually play zero-sum games and everyone knows this.
Consequently,
creating regulations, monopoly concessions, and restrictive licensing for
cronies is a necessary fact of the current political system. These business
spoils also fill election war-chests to ensure they win.
Making
sure politics pays
The
electors within the Malay heartlands see their politicians as hero Robin Hoods.
They steal from the rakyat and give tokens back during election time. Power is
a great investment. Spend during an election campaign and win the power to get
returns many times back.
Bending
and breaking the rules have no ethical consequences to Machiavellian
politicians. It’s part of their cultural programming. Corruption is partly just
a means to an end.
The
whole country has slipped into the Machiavellian paradigm. While audiences
around the world watch Frank Underwood in the House of Cards manipulate and
cheat his way to the presidency, even committing a murder, Malaysians chat all
day in coffee shops and in Whatsapp groups about the latest scandal.
Malay
politicians are expected to provide entertainment, so behaving that way fails
to shock. Scandals that break are usually quickly forgotten and the politicians
get away.
These
antics divert public attention away from the real issues of the nation such as
inflation, growing poverty, public health, lack of provisions for retirement
and poor infrastructure throughout much of the country.
Roots
of Malay Machiavellianism
Malay
Machiavellianism has deep historical and cultural roots. The Malay Sultanates
pre-colonial days were centred around loyalty to the monarch, rather than loyalty
to a state that was very vaguely defined geographically.
Subjects
had a wa’adat or social contract with the ruler. The people accepted the right
of the sultan to rule, and the sultan would protect them. Disobedience to the
ruler was considered an act of treason. Power was the concept of Malay
sovereignty, not territories that colonial administrations created during
British rule.
The
concept of ‘kerajaan’ or a government of the Sultan is culturally deeply
accepted among the Malays. This installed a respectful subservience in the
population, publicly unquestionable.
The
first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman said without protecting the influence
of the rulers, the Malays would lose whatever semblance of belonging they might
have in the land of their birth.
Source:
Free Malaysia Today
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Africa
Sudan’s
ruling junta rejects Western criticism of arrests as ‘blatant interference’
11
February ,2022
Sudan
on Friday denounced Western criticism of the arrest of two high-profile former
officials opposed to military rule and charged with corruption, saying it was
contrary to “diplomatic norms and practices.”
Khalid
Omer Yousif and Wagdi Salih were arrested on Wednesday, a move Norway, the
United States, Britain, the European Union, Canada, and Switzerland condemned
as “harassment and intimidation” by Sudan’s military authorities.
For
the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
“This
is blatant interference in internal Sudanese affairs, contrary to diplomatic
norms and practices,” the Sudanese Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Both
men had been part of the government that was toppled on Oct. 25 and had been
detained in the weeks following. Since then, military leaders have repeatedly
warned of foreign interference.
The
two had been involved in a taskforce that seized assets from members of ousted
President Omar al-Bashir’s regime that has come under criticism from the
military. A committee reviewing its work said on Sunday it had found
irregularities.
“The
two citizens referred to were in fact detained based on clear criminal
suspicion, not as a result of any political charge or motive, and the
ambassadors concerned should have taken care to obtain accurate information
from official sources,” the foreign ministry statement said.
The
coup ended a partnership between the military and civilian political parties,
drawing international condemnation and plunging Sudan into turmoil, with
frequent nationwide demonstrations against the coup and a wave of political
detentions.
Lawyers
told Reuters this week more than 100 people remain in prison, while some 2,000
had been arrested and released.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
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UN
chief calls on ‘all parties’ to ‘preserve stability’ in Libya
11
February ,2022
UN
chief Antonio Guterres called Friday on “all parties to continue to preserve
stability in Libya as a top priority,” after the country found itself with two
competing prime ministers, raising the specter of renewed violence.
The
secretary-general reminded “all institutions of the primary goal of holding
national elections as soon possible,” in a statement saying that he “takes
note” of the Libyan parliament’s naming of a new prime minister.
For
the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
The
UN chief’s statement did not mention by name either Libya’s interim Prime
Minister Abdelhamid Dbeibah or the new prime minister appointed on Thursday,
Fathi Bashagha.
Guterres
also did not repeat what his spokesman had said a day earlier, namely that the
UN has continued to support Dbeibah as interim prime minister.
War-torn
Libya’s parliament, based in the country’s east hundreds of miles (kilometers)
from the capital, voted to replace Dbeibah with former interior minister
Bashagha, raising the prospect of a power struggle in the capital after a year
and a half of relative calm.
Dbeibah,
a construction tycoon appointed a year ago as part of United Nations-led peace
efforts, has vowed only to hand power to a government that emerges from a
democratic vote.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Libya’s
PM Dbeibah promises new election law to solve political crisis
11
February ,2022
Libyan
Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah on Friday promised to draft a new election
law to solve the political crisis in the North African country.
A
day after surviving an alleged assassination attempt, al-Dbeibah told Libya Al
Ahrar TV a bill would be presented to the House of Representatives then
transferred to the presidential council for ratifying.
For
the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
Libya
was meant to hold presidential and parliamentary elections in December, but
arguments between factions and bodies of state over how they should take place
meant the process collapsed days before the vote.
Nearly
3 million Libyans signed up to vote in the December election, and the political
jostling and delays that have followed have infuriated many.
Hired
hitmen
The
interview came after an assassination attempt which al-Dbeibah said he escaped
unharmed early on Thursday.
Al-Dbeibah
said two mercenaries were hired to kill him but he did not elaborate on who was
behind the alleged attack. Reuters has been unable to independently verify the
details or speak to witnesses.
Libya’s
political rifts deepened after the parliament spokesperson declared Fathi
Bashagha as the new interim prime minister on Thursday, a move which al-Dbeibah
rejected.
“The
Parliament’s selection of a new government is another attempt to enter Tripoli
by force,” al-Dbeibah said in the interview.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
North America
US
calls on China to comply with steps requested by ILO in Xinjiang
Peter
Kenny
11.02.2022
GENEVA
The
US on Friday called on China to comply with steps requested by an International
Labor Organization (ILO) committee that Beijing should review, repeal, and
revise laws and practices of employment discrimination against racial and
religious minorities in Xinjiang.
The
US Mission to the UN in Geneva said in a statement that the Department of State
welcomes the report by the ILO committee that refers to practices that
particularly affect the mainly Muslim Uyghurs who live in Xinjiang.
"The
Committee requests the (Chinese) government to continue to provide information
on the measures taken, and their results, to promote equality of opportunity
and treatment for ethnic and religious minorities," said the committee's
report published along with the ILO's annual report.
The
report cited examples of how China discriminates and said Beijing should
indicate how "the social partners and the groups concerned are consulted
when designing and implementing such measures."
The
ILO's Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations
made its recommendations as a first step in its report published this week.
It
also requested the ILO's Committee take up its report on the Application of
Standards during the upcoming International Labour Conference in June.
"This
report, produced by the ILO's Committee of Experts on the Application of
Conventions and Recommendations, expresses deep concern regarding the PRC's
(People's Republic of China's) policies and calls on the PRC government to take
specific steps toward eliminating racial and religious discrimination,"
said the US statement.
The
State Department noted that the report calls on China to "amend national
and regional policies utilizing vocational training and rehabilitation centers
for 'political re-education' based on administrative detention."
The
US noted that China joined the ILO in 1919 as one of the founding states.
Call
for China to take steps
"The
United States calls on the PRC to take the steps requested by the Committee of
Experts,” said the statement.
It
also reiterates the US call for China “to end its genocide and crimes against
humanity perpetrated against the predominantly Muslim Uyghurs and members of
other ethnic and religious minority groups in Xinjiang."
The
statement noted that the committee's calls also refer "to its use of these
groups for forced labor in Xinjiang and beyond."
The
US said it seeks to work with its international partners and allies "to
end forced labor and strengthen international action against the ongoing
genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang."
The
State Department said on its website: "Over the last four years, the
People's Republic of China has carried out a mass detention and political
indoctrination campaign against Uyghurs, who are predominantly Muslim, and
members of other ethnic and religious minority groups in the Xinjiang Uyghur
Autonomous Region (Xinjiang), a large region in western China."
According
to the UN data, at least 1 million Uyghurs are kept against their will in
places Beijing calls "vocational training centers" which the
international community defines as "re-education camps."
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
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Biden
to split frozen Afghan assets between humanitarian aid, 9/11 victims
Servet
Gunerigok
11.02.2022
WASHINGTON
US
President Joe Biden signed an executive order to take control of $7 billion in
Afghan funds currently held in New York, the White House announced on Friday.
The
assets belonging to Afghanistan’s central bank, Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB), will
be used to benefit the Afghan people and will be subject to ongoing litigation
by US victims of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.
“The
administration will seek to facilitate access to $3.5 billion of those assets
for the benefit of the Afghan people and for Afghanistan’s future pending a
judicial decision,” said the White House in a statement.
In
addition, many US victims of the 9/11 attacks, including relatives of victims,
have brought claims against the Taliban and are pursuing the Afghan assets in
federal court, said the statement.
“Even
if funds are transferred for the benefit of the Afghan people, more than $3.5
billion in DAB assets would remain in the United States and are subject to
ongoing litigation by US victims of terrorism. Plaintiffs will have a full opportunity
to have their claims heard in court," the statement added.
The
New York Times reported first the story that Biden would split the frozen funds
between victims of the Sept. 11 terror attacks and funding humanitarian relief
in Afghanistan.
Those
funds have been sitting at Federal Reserve Bank (Fed) since the Afghan
government fell to the Taliban in August. The Fed made the funds unavailable
for withdrawal because it was unclear who had the authority to gain access to
that account.
The
Taliban claim the funds are theirs, but the US does not recognize them as the
legitimate government in Afghanistan. The money includes assets such as
currency, bonds, and gold.
The
Taliban officials in Afghanistan have repeatedly demanded the release of the
funds held in New York but it is illegal for Washington to engage in a
financial transaction with the group under the existing sanctions.
In
mid-January, the US announced more than $308 million in humanitarian assistance
for the people of Afghanistan, bringing total US humanitarian aid in
Afghanistan and for Afghan refugees in the region to nearly $782 million since
October 2021.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Europe
French
president voices support for Egypt’s regional development and anti-terror
efforts
February
12, 2022
LONDON:
French President Emmanuel Macron said that his country remains committed to the
continued enhancement of joint cooperation with Egypt in a number of fields,
and to supporting Cairo’s efforts to achieve comprehensive and sustainable
development, and combat terrorism and extremist ideology in its region.
Macron
said his country is proud of its strong relationship with Egypt, which has
gained momentum in recent years through the many visits by President Abdel
Fattah El-Sisi to France.
His
comments came during a meeting with El-Sisi on the sidelines of the One Ocean
Summit in the French port city of Brest on Friday, according to Bassam Rady, a
spokesman for the Egyptian presidency.
El-Sisi
said Cairo is in turn keen to develop ties with Paris in various fields,
especially the transfer of expertise and the employment of French technological
know-how in all types of development. He added that Egypt also hopes to
maximize coordination and consultation with France on political, security,
military and economic issues, and to help maintain security and stability in
the Middle East, the Eastern Mediterranean and the African continent,
especially under the current French presidency of the EU.
Rady
said the two leaders also discussed a number of regional issues, including
developments in Libya, where Macron said his country and the international
community appreciates Egyptian efforts, led by El-Sisi, to preserve Libyan
national institutions and promote a political solution to the crisis in the
country.
They
agreed on concerted joint efforts to help the Libyan people restore security
and stability in their country, especially through the withdrawal of
mercenaries and foreign forces from Libyan territory, and the eradication of
terrorism, the spokesman said.
Macron
and El-Sisi also reviewed opportunities for cooperation ahead of Egypt’s
hosting of the 2022 UN Climate Change Conference, COP27, in Sharm El-Sheikh in
November, given the prominent role they their countries play in environmental
and climate issues, the spokesman said.
Source:
Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2023181/middle-east
--------
Sweden
denies Muslim families' claims against country's social services
Faruk
Zorlu
11.02.2022
Sweden
has denied claims of mistreatment and abuse of Muslim children by the country's
social services.
"A
very aggressive rumour campaign is currently under way on various social media
– both in Sweden and abroad – alleging that Swedish social services kidnap,
imprison and sexually exploit Muslim children. This information is, of course,
seriously misleading and the sole aim is to create tensions and spread
mistrust," the Swedish Consulate General in Istanbul, Turkiye said in a
statement on Thursday.
Saying
that the country's social services employ social workers with special knowledge
of children’s needs, the statement added: "In practice, this may involve
supporting families in which one of the parents struggles with mental health
issue or substance abuse. Social services must also protect children and
parents who are subjected to violence or abuse."
In
front of the parliament in the capital Stockholm on Monday, Muslim families
whose children were taken away from them by social services protested what they
called mistreatment and abuse, demanding that the government take action.
They
held banners saying, "Give us our children back,” "Our kids were
taken away from us, we were subjected to injustice,” and "We want
justice."
A
spokesperson for the group said most of the children went to families unsuited
or “not wanted” for the role of parenting.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Two
foreign journalists on assignment for UN detained in Kabul: UNHCR
11
February ,2022
Two
international journalists who were on an assignment for the UN refugee agency
have been detained in the Afghan capital, the UNHCR said on Friday.
“Two
journalists on assignment with UNHCR and Afghan nationals working with them
have been detained in Kabul. We are doing our utmost to resolve the situation,
in coordination with others,” the UNHCR tweeted.
One
of the journalists is Andrew North, a British former BBC correspondent who has
covered Afghanistan for about two decades and has regularly travelled to the
war-ravaged country.
“Andrew
was in Kabul working for the UNHCR, trying to help the people of Afghanistan,”
his wife Natalia Antelava tweeted.
“We
are extremely concerned for his safety & call on anyone with influence to
help secure his release.”
Taliban
government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the authorities were looking into
the issue.
“We
have received information about this and are trying to confirm whether they
have been detained or not,” Mujahid said.
Since
the Taliban seized power they have cracked down on dissent, by forcefully
dispersing women's protests, detaining critics of the regime and beating
several journalists.
Two
Afghan journalists were detained for a few days earlier this month before being
released.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
European
political party slams Greece for new probe into Turkish minority association
Ahmet
Gençtürk
12.02.2022
A
European political party slammed Greece on Friday for a new probe launched into
a Turkish minority association that organized a march for rights in July.
The
march by the Xanthi Turkish Union (Iskece Turk Birligi-ITB), one of the oldest
and most influential associations of Turkish minorities in Greece, had been
attended by thousands of people and prominent figures who protested that Greece
had not applied decisions of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) which
favored the minority.
The
European Free Alliance (EFA) reiterated on Twitter its support for the ITB
leaders, who were summoned Wednesday by authorities.
“Unjustified
repression from the Greek state against the Western Thrace Muslim Turkish
Minority has to end,” the party said.
It
highlighted that the march for rights intended to reclaim official recognition
of the ITB and reiterated that the ECHR has recognized the legitimacy of ITB
claims.
But
the Greek government has not implemented the ECHR decision, it said.
“Greece
should embrace diversity and recognize the Xanthi Turkish Union, as decided by
the ECHR,” said EFA.
Decades-long
struggle for rights
Under
a 2008 ECHR ruling, the right of Turks in Western Thrace to use
"Turkish" in the name of associations was guaranteed but Athens has
failed to carry out the ruling, effectively banning the Turkish group’s
identity.
Greece’s
Western Thrace region is home to a Muslim Turkish community of around 150,000.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
EU
foreign policy chief held phone calls with leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Agnes
Szucs
12.02.2022
BRUSSELS
EU
foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Friday urged the three main political
leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina to resume talks and overcome the political
crisis.
Borrell
held separate telephone calls with Bosniak leader Bakir Izetbegovic, Bosnian
Croat leader Dragan Covic and Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik, the EU’s
external action service announced.
He
urged them to resume “a serious and meaningful dialogue” to find a sustainable
resolution for the political crisis and asked them to stay committed to the
country’s constitutional and electoral reform, according to a EU statement.
He
reiterated the bloc’s readiness to support to find a solution to the crisis and
underlined “the EU’s unequivocal commitment to the territorial integrity,
sovereignty and unity of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” it added.
EU
foreign ministers will discuss the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina at their
next meeting Feb. 21.
In
1995, the Dayton Peace Agreement ending the war in Bosnia created a
double-federative system of two main entities: the Republika Srpska and the
Croat-Bosniak populated Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
South Asia
US
unfreezes over $3.5 billion of Afghanistan’s assets, remaining may be paid to
9/11 victims
11
Feb 2022
US
president Joe Biden signed an executive order based on which Afghanistan’s over
$3.5 billion got released for humanitarian purposes in Afghanistan while $3.5
billion will still be kept in the US banks until the final decision of the US
courts about litigation made by victims of 9/11.
A
number of families of the victims of the September 11, 2001 attack on the Twin
Towers in New York have made lawsuits in Federal courts pleading for
Afghanistan’s assets to be paid for them.
A
press release about the executive order of the White House reads that the
unfrozen $3.5 billion will be given to the Afghan people in a manner that does
not get in the hands of the Taliban and other elements.
About
the destiny of the $3.5 billion that is still frozen, Joe Biden announced a
national emergency situation and Congress has also been informed.
The
US president has directed US relevant administrations to transfer the frozen
funds to an exclusive bank account in the Central bank of New York and wait
until the final decision of Federal courts regarding the lawsuits of the 9/11
victims.
The
spokesperson of the Taliban’s political office in Doha Naeem Wardak reacted to
the decision by the US and said the country stole the money of Afghan people.
Source:
Khaama Press
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Taliban
to press UN for recognition as lack of legitimacy hurts Afghan economy &
diplomacy
ELTAF
NAJAFIZADA
11
February, 2022
New
Delhi: The Taliban-appointed permanent representative to the United Nations
says the new Afghan government is pressing the international body for
recognition and a member’s seat as the lack of legitimacy hurts the country’s
economy and diplomacy.
“Why
the world is not recognizing us when we have met their conditions,” Suhail
Shaheen said in an interview from Doha, Qatar. He said his government has already allowed women and
girls to attend universities, one of the international community’s main
concerns, and are in talks with the UN.
The
lack of international recognition has hurt the Taliban — who took over power
last year as U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan exited — shuttering it’s
aid-reliant economy and closing it off from the world.
The
new regime is unable to appoint new envoys overseas and representatives of the
American-backed former Afghan government are either stepping away from their
jobs or refusing to represent the Taliban, citing lack of international
recognition as a key factor.
The
ambassador to China Javid Qaem, a holdover from the previous government, quit
his job last month. The envoy in New Delhi, Farid Mamundzai, has also said he
would continue to represent the values of the previous government.
Foreign
assistance accounted for as much as 40% of the country’s gross domestic product
during two decades of U.S. occupation. That foreign aid was abruptly halted
after the Taliban took over the country last year. Washington also moved to
block the militant group from getting access to some $9 billion of Afghan
assets in American and European banks.
The
UN, which has recently made a funding plea of a record $5 billion in aid,
estimates more than half of the country’s nearly 40 million people face acute
hunger, with a million children at risk of dying amid a harsh winter.
While
some aid has since come into the country, it’s far from enough to meet the
every increasing needs as the country’s economy has all but collapsed.
“In
the long term we shouldn’t have to rely on the world to help us,” Shaheen said.
Investors from other countries including the U.S. and China have been invited
to invest in mineral resources estimated to be around $3 trillion, he added.
The
militant group is looking at all options to revive the economy — including
weighing the pros and cons of crypto or digital currencies.
Source:
The Print
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Taliban
willing to send diplomats to Afghan embassy in Russia
11
Feb 2022
Russia’s
special representative for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov said that the Taliban do
not want to replace the Afghan ambassador to Moscow but are willing to send
diplomats to the embassy.
Zamir
Kabulov said that they confirm Afghan diplomats coming to Russia and that the
rest is up to the Afghans as this is Afghanistan’s internal issue.
This
is the first time that the Taliban asks a country to accept their diplomats as
no country has yet recognized the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
Earlier,
Russian President Vladimir Putin had said that they do not deny the possibility
that Afghanistan will send diplomats to further strengthen their diplomatic
mission in the country.
Source:
Khaama Press
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.khaama.com/taliban-willing-to-send-diplomats-to-afghan-embassy-in-russia-865765476/
--------
Explosion
killed one, wounded 14 more in Badghis province
11 Feb
2022
An
explosion killed one and wounded fourteen worshipers in the Qala-e-naw mosque
of northwestern Badghis province on Friday afternoon, February 11, 2022.
Local
officials of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan said that victims of the
incident are all civilians and were targeted when the people were coming out of
the mosque after having performed Friday prayer.
As
per the officials, the explosion was caused after a grenade was thrown at the
people.
Health
officials in the provincial capital Qala-e-naw said that children aged up to 14
were also among the victims.
The
Taliban officials in the city further said that ten suspects in the incident
have also been arrested by security forces.
No
group has yet claimed responsibility for the explosion.
Source:
Khaama Press
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.khaama.com/explosion-killed-one-wounded-14-more-in-badghis-province-68765765/
--------
Turkey’s
second “Charity train” on its way to Afghanistan
12
Feb 2022
Days
after the arrival of Turkey’s first charity train that delivered 750 tonnes of
relief assistance, the second train carrying 921 tonnes of emergency goods has
departed in coordination with the Turkish government and is supposed to arrive
in Afghanistan through Iran and Turkmenistan.
The
45-wagon train is carrying aid from 16 humanitarian organizations and is
coordinated with state-run Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency.
Turkey’s
Deputy Interior Minister Ismail Catakli said that they have been extending a
helping hand to those in need from not only Afghanistan but also Yemen and
Myanmar.
Relief
assistance to the Afghan people from different countries and organizations
comes as the people are still going through the worst humanitarian situation
and are in dire need of such assistance.
Source:
Khaama Press
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.khaama.com/turkeys-second-charity-train-on-its-way-to-afghanistan-8767867/
--------
India,
WFP signs MoU to distribute food grains in Afghanistan
12
Feb 2022
The
Indian embassy in the Italian capital Rome said that the Indian government has
signed a memorandum of understanding with the United Nations World Food Program
based on which the both will distribute food grains inside Afghanistan.
The
agreement comes days after India supplied three tonnes of medicines as part of
its fourth batch of medical assistance to Afghanistan.
“As
part of our humanitarian assistance, India supplied the fourth batch of medical
assistance consisting of 3 tonnes of essential life-saving medicines to
Afghanistan. The same was handed over to the Indira Gandi Hospital in Kabul.”
Said Ministry of External Affairs on Friday, February 11, 2022.
The
Ministry further said that the Indian government is committed to helping the
vulnerable people of Afghanistan by providing humanitarian aid.
It
also added that India will provide further batches of humanitarian assistance
consisting of medicines and food grains to the Afghan people.
Source:
Khaama Press
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.khaama.com/india-wfp-signs-mou-to-distribute-food-grains-in-afghanistan-865865/
--------
Arab World
Arab
Coalition conducts 16 strikes against Iran-backed Houthis in Hajjah, Sadaa
11
February ,2022
The
Arab Coalition has conducted 16 targeted strikes in Yemen’s Hajjah and Saada in
the last 24 hours, in an attempt to deter the Iran-backed Houthi militia, the
official Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.
The
targeted strikes resulted in the destruction of 13 “military vehicles,”
according to SPA, and caused casualties among the Houthis.
No
fatalities were reported by SPA.
The
operation comes during a time when tensions are rising with Yemen’s Iran-backed
Houthis.
On
Thursday, the Arab Coalition asked residents of Sanaa to evacuate some
“civilian sites” in the next 72 hours and warned of strikes on the Houthi
militia in the area.
“Crucial
points will be bombed in Sanaa that the Houthis use to launch marches,” the
Arab Coalition in an earlier statement carried by SPA.
The
warning came after the Houthi militia conducted a drone strike against Saudi
Arabia’s Abha International Airport on Thursday, injuring 12 people.
Abha,
near Saudi Arabia’s southern border with Yemen, is a regular target of drone
and missile strikes launched by the Iran-backed Houthi militia fighting
coalition forces in Yemen.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Turkiye
'neutralizes' 3 PKK terrorists in northern Iraq
Zehra
Nur Duz
12.02.2022
Turkish
airstrikes "neutralized" at least three PKK terrorists in northern
Iraq, the National Defense Ministry said on Saturday.
The
terrorists were targeted in Sinjar and Haftanin regions, the ministry said on
Twitter.
Turkish
authorities use the word "neutralize" to imply the terrorists in
question surrendered or were killed or captured.
PKK
terrorists often hide out in northern Iraq, across Turkiye's southern border,
to plan terrorist attacks in Turkiye.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/turkiye-neutralizes-3-pkk-terrorists-in-northern-iraq/2500665
--------
Grieving
Syrian family wants YPG/PKK to be held accountable
Omer
Koparan and Ethem Emre Ozcan
11.02.2022
AFRIN,
Syria
The
grieving Ulvan family, whose lives were ripped apart after three of their
children were killed in a YPG/PKK terror attack in Syria's northern town of
Afrin, wants the terrorists to be held accountable.
The
Ulvan family was among the many civilians who took shelter in Afrin, a border
town cleared of terrorists with Turkiye’s Olive Branch Operation, following the
Bashar al-Assad regime’s missile strikes in southeastern Idlib three years ago.
On
Jan. 20, the Ulvan family’s house was hit in a missile attack from the PKK-held
town of Tal Rifat. The children who were playing in the courtyard were killed
in the attack.
Three
other members of the family were also injured and taken to Turkiye for
treatment.
Speaking
to Anadolu Agency, the father, Mustafa Ulvan said: "While I was praying
with my son, we suddenly heard a noise. We ran to the courtyard, the children
were lying on the floor."
"My
8-year-old daughter died on the spot. Our three children died ... one of my
daughters was injured, she was treated in Turkiye," he added.
He
went on to say: "We left Idlib because of the regime. Here, we lost our
children and house with the YPG attack. This is a safe zone, why are they doing
this?"
"All
I wish from Allah is that those who made us suffer be held accountable,"
he added.
Selam
Unvan, 11, who was injured in the attack, said: "My vision was clouded
with a plume of dust billowing at the door."
"I
was flung in another direction, I could not hear anything. My brother came and
picked me up," she said.
Having
returned to Afrin after her treatment in Turkiye, Selam said she lives in
perpetual fear. "I hope such an attack would not happen again, and my
family would not be harmed."
Four
civilians were killed and 10 others injured in rocket attacks by the YPG/PKK
terrorist group on Jan. 20 in Afrin.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
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Israeli,
Lebanese, UN forces discuss 'frictions' along Blue Line
Abdelraouf
Arnaout
11.02.2022
The
Israeli army on Friday announced that its representatives participated in a
tripartite meeting with Lebanese military officials and the commander of the
United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
In
a statement to Anadolu Agency, Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee said the meeting
took place at the UNIFIL headquarters in Ras al-Naqoura in southern Lebanon.
The
spokesman said during the meeting, the Israeli army presented, what it claimed,
"Lebanese violations of Security Council Resolution 1701, which focused on
the presence of Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, and the presence of prohibited
weapons there.”
“Notably,
this meeting was predetermined and forms part of the mechanism to prevent
friction along the Blue Line,” Adraee added.
UNIFIL
is a multinational peacekeeping force that has been deployed in southern
Lebanon since 1978. Its primary objective is to maintain security in the region
and monitor a cessation-of-hostilities agreement.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
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--------
IMF
to continue working with crisis-ravaged Lebanon on reform program
11
February ,2022
The
International Monetary Fund said on Friday it would remain “closely engaged”
with Lebanon’s authorities to help the crisis-ravaged country formulate an
economic reform program.
Lebanon’s
financial system unraveled in late 2019 under the weight of huge public debts,
slicing more than 90 percent off the local currency’s value and plunging a
majority of the population into poverty.
For
the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
At
the end of more than two weeks of online discussions with local officials, the
IMF said the country was facing an “unprecedented and complex” crisis that
required a comprehensive economic and financial reform program.
“The
team will remain closely engaged, and discussions are continuing,” it said in a
statement.
Lebanon’s
Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Thursday described trying to agree a plan to
extricate the country from its economic collapse - which includes a $70 billion
black hole in the banking system created by previous governments’ overspending
- as a “Kamikaze operation.”
Source:
Al Arabiya
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--------
Hundreds
take to the streets in rare southern Syria protest: Monitor
11
February ,2022
Hundreds
took to the streets of a southern Syrian city on Friday to demand better living
conditions and democracy in a rare protest inside regime-held areas, a war
monitor said.
More
than 300 protesters, gathering for a fifth consecutive day in Sweida after
authorities cut off 600,000 families from its subsidies program, staged their
biggest rally yet, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human
Rights.
“We
want a civil, just, democratic state,” a young man told a cheering crowd of
demonstrators in video footage broadcast by local media network Suwayda24.
The
footage shows protesters raising the flag of the Druze, a religious minority
whose heartland is Sweida.
In
one video, an elderly man in traditional Druze costume lamented price hikes.
“We
cannot live or get our rights, we don't have any gas or diesel,” he told the
crowd. “We want to live in a homeland that guarantees our dignity and our
rights.”
The
rally went ahead despite a heavy deployment of security forces, who sealed off
main roads.
Earlier
this month, the government excluded a large number of people from its subsidies
program, in a country where 90 percent of the population is poor.
Those
who were cut off lost access to lower-priced food and oil, a move that
triggered rare protests and criticism from within government-held areas of
Syria.
Most
protesters took to the streets for the first time in their lives to demand
better living conditions, while others demanded democracy, Nour Radwan of
Suwayda24 told AFP.
Smaller
protests over similar issues were held in Sweida in 2020.
But
the Druze, who made up less than three percent of Syria's pre-war population,
largely kept out of the country’s conflict.
Sweida
has been mostly spared by the fighting in the decade-old war, and only faced
sporadic jihadist attacks which were repelled.
Source:
Al Arabiya
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--------
Mideast
Iranian
Spokesman Underlines Iran's Determination to Restore Rights
2022-February-11
“Our
resolve to stand and strive for Iran's rights and interests remains
unwavering,” Khatibzadeh wrote on his twitter page on Friday on the occasion of
the 43rd anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran.
“43yrs
ago, the age-long struggle of our nation for self-determination, and a free and
independent Iran ended in victory. Our nation has made many sacrifices to
safeguard those values and principles,” he added.
Bahman
22 rallies were held across Iran to celebrate the event happened on February
11, 1979.
Millions
of Iranians hold nationwide rallies every year to celebrate the anniversary of
the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which marks the overthrow of the US-backed Pahlavi
dynasty.
The
ceremonies are attended by high-ranking officials and thousands of people from
all walks of life across the country.
Led
by the Founder of the Revolution, Imam Khomeini, Iranians confronted the forces
of US-proxy Mohammad-Reza Pahlavi in late 1977 to end his oppressive, cruel and
autocratic rule over the country.
By
December 1978, millions of Iranians would take to the streets in protest
against the policies of the Shah on a regular basis.
Grand
Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini returned from exile to Iran to be received by
millions of cheering crowds after the departure of the Shah in mid-January
1979. Two weeks later, the country saw the victory of the Islamic Revolution.
Source:
Fars News Agency
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https://www.farsnews.ir/en/news/14001122000315/Spkesman-Underlines-Iran's-Deerminain-Resre-Righs
--------
Senior
Cleric Warns of Enemies' Widespread Media Warfare against Iran
2022-February-11
The
enemy is waging massive psychological and media warfare that needs to be
tackled vigilantly, Haj Ali Akbari said, addressing the Friday prayers sermon
in Tehran.
He
said that the western media empires turn the reality upside down which has to
be dealt with vigilantly.
Haj
Ali Akbari called on the domestic media to repel the attacks by adversary
foreign media.
He
called on people not to trust what they see and hear on adversary social
networking websites, urging for vigilance in the face of media warfare waged by
the enemy in line with the guidelines of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution
as outlined in a recent speech.
Elsewhere
in his remarks, the senior cleric said that Friday prayers are blessing
bestowed to people after the Islamic Revolution.
While
congratulating the 43rd glorious victory anniversary of the Islamic Revolution
of Iran, Haj Ali Akbari said that Islamic Revolution of Iran is a divine
revolution and it came to being by the divine power under the wise leadership
of founding father of the Islamic Revolution late Imam Khomeini.
The
Islamic Revolution attained victory under the auspicious of Imam Khomeini and
noble people of the country, he said, adding that noble people of the country
witnessed many ups and downs during the despotic regime of Pahlavi until they
reached victory.
The
annual nationwide rallies marking the 43rd anniversary of the victory of the
Islamic Revolution was held by processions of cars, motorcycles and bicycles in
the capital city of Tehran and other cities across the country on Friday
morning.
Millions
of Iranians from all walks of life were out on their cars, motorcycles and
bicycles in the streets and squares all over the country, due to coronavirus
outbreak, on Friday to express their support for the cause, aspirations and
ideals of the Islamic Revolution.
The
celebrations began in Tehran and other areas at 9:30 a.m. local time (06:00
GMT), with vehicles driving through the streets in the Iranian capital toward
the iconic Azadi (Freedom) Square.
There
are a few yellow and blue (concerning coronavirus outbreak) cities and towns in
the country in which people were allowed to gather in the main streets and
squares without cars and motorcycles to commemorate the anniversary of the
victory of the Islamic Revolution.
Iranian
President Seyed Ebrahim Rayeesi addressed the ralliers and worshippers during
the Friday prayers at Tehran's Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla (congregational
prayers site).
In
addition to the annual theme of renewing support for the revolution and Islamic
establishment, this year rallies are important since Iran is in talks with the
world powers to restore its rights envisaged in the 2015 nuclear deal and
remove the US cruel sanctions.
This
year ralliers shouted protest at the US and its allies for their cruel
sanctions imposed against the country, voicing pleasure for Washington's
failure in the maximum pressure policy against Iran.
The
demonstrators carried placards reading "Death to America",
"Death to Israel", "Death to Britain", and a number of
other slogans in support of the Supreme Leader, and the Islamic establishment.
Yet,
more striking than anything else were banners and posters of martyred Commander
of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Qods Force Lieutenant General
Qassem Soleimani who was assassinated by the US in January 2020. The ralliers
vowed to take a "harsh revenge" for his martyrdom.
Over
6,000 reporters, photographers and journalists, including foreigners, are in
Iran to cover the nationwide rallies.
Millions
of Iranians hold nationwide rallies every year to celebrate the anniversary of
the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which marks the overthrow of the US-backed Pahlavi
dynasty.
The
ceremonies are attended by high-ranking officials and thousands of people from
all walks of life across the country.
Led
by the Founder of the Revolution, Imam Khomeini, Iranians confronted the forces
of US-proxy Mohammad-Reza Pahlavi in late 1977 to end his oppressive, cruel and
autocratic rule over the country.
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Several
World Leaders Send Congratulatory Messages to Iran on Revolution Anniversary
2022-February-11
Iranian
Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian received congratulation messages from
a number of his foreign counterparts on Iran's National Day which marks the
anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran in 1979.
The
foreign ministers of Switzerland, Russia, China, Japan, Poland, Turkey,
Pakistan, Romania, Estonia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, the Republic of Azerbaijan,
Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, North Korea and Syria in separate messages congratulated
the auspicious occasion.
In
their messages, the foreign ministers underlined the friendly and close
relations with Iran, and expressed the hope that on the 43rd anniversary of the
victory, bilateral relations would expand in all dimensions and mutual
cooperation in the international arena would be strengthened.
"I
am confident that in the light of the values of friendship and brotherhood as
well as historical commonalities of Iranian and Tajik people, beneficial
relations between the two countries will further develop and pave the way for
new constructive aspects in the relations between the two countries," the
Tajik foreign minister said in his message.
Also,
the Yemeni media reported that Yemeni Foreign Minister Hisham Sharaf in a
letter to Amir Abdollahian congratulated him and the Iranian people as well.
Croatian
foreign minister also felicitated the anniversary of the victory of the Islamic
Revolution of Iran in 1979 and wished peace and prosperity to the country and
noble nation of Islamic Iran.
“This
year is a special year for both countries, as we celebrate the 30th
establishment anniversary of our diplomatic relations. Over the past two years,
our two countries, as well as the entire world, faced extraordinary
circumstances that have affected the lives of our citizens and our economy,” he
added.
“I
sincerely believe that not only we can overcome all obstacles, but also further
improve our friendly relations in the interests of the two countries and our
people," Gordan Grlić-Radman said.
Also,
Foreign Minister of Pakistan Shah Mahmood Qureshi congratulated his Iranian
counterpart on 43rd anniversary of the glorious victory of Islamic Revolution.
"I
am pleased to convey my warmest greetings to you and the brotherly people of
Iran on the 43rd Anniversary of Islamic Revolution of the Islamic Republic of
Iran," he said.
Qureshi
noted the people of Iran share historical ties, geography and cultural affinity
with Pakistan.
“I
look forward to working closely with you to cement our ties further for the
mutual benefit of the two countries,” he said.
Meantime,
Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq congratulated Iran’s people and officials on
the 43rd anniversary of the victory of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
In
his letter to Iran’s President Ebrahim Rayeesi, the Sultan of Oman said,
"I wish you and your nation good health, happiness, progress and
prosperity."
Also,
Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani extended congratulations on the 43rd
anniversary of the victory of Iran's Islamic Revolution.
In
a message to President Rayeesi, Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani extended
his congratulations on the 43rd anniversary of the victory of Iran's Islamic
Revolution.
Meantime,
Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon felicitated Iran on 43rd anniversary of the
Islamic Revolution victory, calling for development of all-out cooperation
between Dushanbe and Tehran.
In
a message to President Rayeesi, Rahmon congratulated the Islamic Republic of
Iran’s president and people the victory anniversary of the Islamic Revolution
from the Tajik president, government and people.
Expressing
satisfaction from remarkable achievement following vast cooperation between the
two countries, the Tajikistan president urged for expansion of mutual ties in
different areas to protect both nations’ interests.
Iran
and Tajikistan enjoy mutual understanding and confidence-building; so,
continuation of efforts in this regard, including constant consultations at
high-ranking level is of utmost significance, Rahmon noted.
The
Tajik president went on to say that he is sure the existing capacities for
development of Iran-Tajikistan relationship in all fields will be utilized
properly because of joint determination and constructive efforts.
He
prayed almighty God for health and success of his Iranian counterpart as well
as peace, stability and progress of the Iranian nation, whom he described as
the friends of Tajik people.
Also,
the Republic of Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev in a letter to President
Rayeesi on Friday congratulated him on the 43rd anniversary of Islamic
Revolution.
In
his congratulatory message to President Rayeesi, President Aliyev referred to
the deep-rooted relations between Iran and the Azerbaijan Republic, saying that
the two nations have shared common moral values.
Stressing
the need for the expansion of bilateral relations between Iran and Azerbaijan
Republic, he noted that high-level political talk, regular mutual meetings,
signed documents create a strong motivation to strengthen their cooperation.
He
further noted that Iran-Azerbaijan strengthening relations in the fields of
economic, commercial, energy, and transportation are an obvious example of
these developing relations.
Iran-Azerbaijan
relations will be developed and strengthened through their joint efforts for
the benefit of the two nations, Aliyev underscored.
The
Azeri President in his message wished prosperity and success for the Iranian
nation and government.
Millions
of Iranians hold nationwide rallies every year to celebrate the anniversary of
the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which marks the overthrow of the US-backed Pahlavi
dynasty.
The
ceremonies are attended by high-ranking officials and thousands of people from
all walks of life across the country.
Source:
Fars News Agency
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Turkey’s
intelligence thwarts murder of Israeli businessman: Report
11
February ,2022
Turkish
spies thwarted a plot orchestrated by Iran to kill an Israeli-Turkish
businessman based in Istanbul, a pro-government daily reported Friday.
Turkey’s
National Intelligence Organization (MIT) discovered a network of nine
operatives dubbed an “Iran assassination team” plotting to kill Yair Geller,
the Sabah daily reported.
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the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
Geller
has businesses in the aviation-defense industry as well as in technology and
software, the daily added.
The
assassination was supposed to be in retaliation for the killing of top Iranian
nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh in 2020 which Iran blamed on Israel, Sabah
claimed.
Turkey
at the time condemned Fakhrizadeh’s assassination as an act of “terrorism.”
Sabah’s
story comes as Turkey seeks a rapprochement with Israel after Ankara ordered
out Israel’s ambassador over the killing of protesters along the Gaza Strip
border in 2018.
Istanbul
police launched an operation to detain the nine men “a few days ago,” the
newspaper said, but the leader of the network is apparently in Iran.
Eight
have been arrested on charges including “setting up an organization to commit
crime” and “being a member of a group set up to commit crime,” it added.
The
men had been watched by MIT agents as they followed Geller at home and at work,
collecting information to prepare the assassination, Sabah said.
MIT
also met with Israel’s Mossad spy agency in Ankara to inform them of the plot’s
next step to kill Geller. He was taken to a “safe house” shortly after, it
added.
The
newspaper even claimed the plot was an attempt to “derail Turkey-Israel
relations” after “positive steps were taken” to improve ties.
Source:
Al Arabiya
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--------
Israeli
forces injure 80 Palestinians in anti-settlement rallies
Awad
al-Rujoub
11.02.2022
RAMALLAH,
Palestine
At
least 80 Palestinians sustained injuries on Friday as Israeli forces fired
rubber bullets and tear gas shells to disperse rallies in different areas in
the occupied West Bank.
In
a statement, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society and field activists said
medical teams treated 80 Palestinians in protests held in the West Bank cities
of Nablus and Qalqilia.
Ahmed
Jibril, an official in the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, said the
paramedics treated 24 Palestinians in the village of Beita, Nablus.
Among
the injured were five journalists, he said, adding: "Four were treated in
the field, while a female journalist was transferred to the Beita clinic for
treatment."
In
the town of Beit Dajan, Nablus, Jibril said the medical staff dealt with 45
injuries, including "eight with rubber bullets, including two paramedics
and a journalist, and 37 cases of gas suffocation, including two
journalists."
In
Kafr Qaddoum, east of Qalqilya, 11 Palestinians were wounded by rubber bullets
during confrontation with the occupying army, according to a statement by Fatah
activist Murad Shteiwi.
On
weekly basis, Palestinians hold demonstrations against illegal Jewish
settlements in different parts of the West Bank, especially in Beita, Beit
Dajan, and Kafr Qaddoum villages.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
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--------
Strikes
target Houthi sites in Yemeni capital, Coalition says
February
12, 2022
RIYADH:
The Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen has struck targets in Sanaa, Al
Ekhbariya reported early on Saturday.
The
strikes came after Thursday’s drone attack on Saudi Arabia's Abha Airport by the
Iran-back Houthi militia.
The
attack, which injured 12 people, has been widely condemned.
Source:
Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2023156/middle-east
--------
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/serial-blasts-embrace-islam-allah-akbar/d/126358