Al Qaeda Says Security Steps Show Saudi Rulers Controlled By U.S.
New Age Islam News Bureau
1
Apr 2014
Ahmedi man held for ‘desecrating’ Quran amid rampage — File photo
Mideast
• Al Qaeda Says Security Steps Show Saudi Rulers Controlled By U.S.
• Turkish army fires into Syria after rocket hits mosque
• Israel may freeze settlement construction in West Bank for peace talks
• Rabbis in Israel quarrel over the nixing of marriage registration zones
• Jewish settlers storm Al-Aqusa Mosque compound
• Attackers kill 2 Yemen police in separatist bastion
• Palestinians give Kerry 24 hours to resolve tiff over prisoners
North America
• Israel, US Mulling Training Syria Terrorists with Saudi Troops
• Kerry holds fresh talks in Israel
• U.S could free Israeli spy and groups of Palestinians to rescue peace talks
• US Ambassador: Bangladesh to contribute trade flow through Indo-Pacific corridor
Arab World
• Army Kills over 1,000 foreign-backed Militants in Lattakia, Syria
• Syria: Car Bomb Blast in Daraa Kills Several Militants
• Saudis jump in to ‘save’ Musharraf
• 12 killed in Iraq attacks
• Militants' Gatherings Destroyed in Aleppo, Idlib
• Saudi bloggers face sedition charges
• Kuwaiti minister rejects US accusations of Syria terror funding
• Syrian rebels seek Russian rethink before 'Geneva III'
• Saudi Arabia appoints new deputy crown prince to forestall biggest dynastic crisis for 50 years
• More than 150,000 killed in Syria since the conflict began
South Asia
• 40 Taliban militants killed or injured in Afghan operations
• US irked by Bangladesh’s stance on Crimea
• Suicide attack kills 16 senior Taliban leaders in Ghazni province
• Premature suicide blast kills 6 Taliban commanders in Logar province
• Detained Uighur academic wins rights prize, China reacts
Africa
• Boko Haram Giwa Barracks Attack: Nigerian Army 'Killed Hundreds'
• Top Islamic Scholar Expelled from Religious Body for Instigating Gender Debate
• Al Shabab leader hits popular chord in call to oust Kenyans, Ethiopians
• Blood and tears as six killed in terror attack on packed hotels in city estate
• East Libyan rebels close to deal to reopen ports
• Timbuktu hosts reconciliation meetings for Mali
Europe
• Cameron orders review of Muslim Brotherhood, report says
• Ban Ki-moon warns against aiding CAR militia
• Cameron hails best of UK Muslim achievements
• UN report assails Iran for persecution of religious minorities
• UN: Egypt death sentences "a mockery of justice"
• Germany Arrests Three over Links with Syria Terrorist Groups
Pakistan
• Retrogressive mindset: Abolition of Council of Islamic Ideology sought
• Ahmedi man held for ‘desecrating’ Quran amid rampage
• Shias Condemn Terrorists for Bombing Shrines of Prophet (pbuh)’s Companions in Syria
• PPP, MQM forming alliance to thwart peace talks: Taliban sources
• 12-year-old chairs jirga, issues decree
• Treasury benches oppose resolution to remove YouTube ban
• Shooting in Karachi: 1 madrassa student killed, another injured
• Attack on Hindu ashram in Pak sparks protests
Southeast Asia
• Poverty ‘fuels’ child abuse in West Nusa Tenggara
• Latest Violence in Aceh Kills 3, Including Infant
• 176 Indonesians freed from death row, SBY says
• Jakarta increasingly unsafe for women: IPW
India
• Vice President encourages Muslims to take part in decision making
• Pakistan releases 1,801 Indian prisoners
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/al-qaeda-says-security-steps/d/66369
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Mideast
Al Qaeda Says Security Steps Show Saudi Rulers Controlled By U.S.
April 1, 2014
(Reuters) - Al Qaeda's Yemen branch has mocked tough new counter-terrorism measures adopted by neighbouring Saudi Arabia, saying they would not deter the Islamist group's fighters and that they proved the kingdom was in the pay of the United States.
In an online statement, Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) also said Riyadh's designation of the Muslim Brotherhood - a group whose political wings have contested elections in several countries - as a terrorist organisation proved that secular authorities would never tolerate Islamist groups.
AQAP, seen as one of the most dangerous al Qaeda branches after it plotted attacks on international airliners, is thought to have several hundred Saudi militants fighting alongside Yemeni counterparts against the government in Sanaa.
On Feb 3, Saudi Arabia announced tougher punishments for Saudis seeking to join Islamist militant groups abroad and on March 7 the interior ministry designated a number of groups, including the Brotherhood, as terrorist organisations.
In the group's first public response to the measures, senior AQAP official Ibrahim al-Rubaysh said of the Saudi authorities in an audio tape posted online: "Their employers are the White House." He added that Riyadh appeared to consider the U.S. authorities as "gods."
Addressing pro-government Muslim preachers in Saudi Arabia, Rubaysh said: "You are more American than the Americans themselves."
SYRIAN FEARS
Under the new measures, Saudi Arabia will jail for up to 20 years any citizen who fights in conflicts abroad - an apparent move to deter Saudis from joining rebels in Syria and then posing a security risk once they return home.
Saudi Arabia's Islamic religious authorities have spoken out against Saudi fighters going to Syria, but the Interior Ministry estimates that around 1,200 Saudis have gone nonetheless.
Riyadh fears returning fighters will target the ruling Al Saud royal family - as happened after the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
An appeal contained in the counter-terrorism measures for fighters to turn themselves in had not been answered, Rubaysh said, adding that this showed "there is no weight on the hearts of the Mujahideen (holy warriors)".
Saudi authorities also fear the Muslim Brotherhood, whose Sunni Islamist doctrines challenge the Saudi principle of dynastic rule, has tried to build support inside the kingdom since the Arab Spring revolutions.
In Egypt, the Brotherhood, which won every election after the toppling of veteran leader Hosni Mubarak in 2011, has been driven underground since the army deposed President Mohamed Mursi, a member of the group which also suffered repression in the Mubarak era.
Rubaysh said the listing of the Brotherhood as a terrorist group sent "a message for all groups who are softening their processes and abandoning some of their principles" that they would never be accepted by the "heads of disbelief".
"Heads of disbelief" is a phrase used by al Qaeda to indicate secular or pro-Western authorities.
"It is required to stand firm unto death if we desire the satisfaction of Allah," Rubaysh said.
http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/04/01/saudi-qaeda-idINDEEA3006220140401
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Turkish army fires into Syria after rocket hits mosque
April 01, 2014
ANKARA: The Turkish military fired back into Syria on Monday in retaliation for mortar shells and a rocket from over the border that hit a mosque in the town of Yayladagi, the provincial governor’s office and local media said.
Three mortar rounds landed on Turkish soil, fired during fighting between the rebels in Syria and forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for control of the Armenian Christian village of Kasab, Turkey’s Dogan News Agency said.
The insurgents launched an offensive about ten days ago into Syria’s Latakia region on the Mediterranean coast, taking both the border crossing and Kasab on the Syrian side.
Since then, Assad has sent army and militia reinforcements, backed by air power, to repulse the rebels, leading to heavy fighting across the strip of territory along the Turkish border.
“Our artillery troops have fired back at the region from where the shots originated,” the Hatay governor’s office said in a statement on its website.
The mortar shells hit a field, the statement said, but the rocket hit a mosque next to a refugee camp, injuring a 50-year-old Syrian woman who was passing by.
Turkey has been one of Assad’s staunchest opponents and hosts around 900,000 refugees from Syria’s civil war. Its 900 km (560-mile) frontier with Syria has seen frequent spillovers of violence from the conflict.
http://www.nation.com.pk/international/01-Apr-2014/turkish-army-fires-into-syria-after-rocket-hits-mosque
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Israel may freeze settlement construction in West Bank for peace talks
April 01, 2014
Israel may impose a partial settlement freeze to keep U.S-brokered peace talks with the Palestinians alive, an Israeli source close to the negotiations said today.
The proposed halt to Israeli public construction in the occupied West Bank would be part of a package that includes the release of Jonathan Pollard, an Israeli spy jailed in the United States, and hundreds of Palestinians held by Israel.
The source, who is close to talks held on Monday and Tuesday between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, said that in return for the Israeli steps, Palestinians would agree to extend the peace talks beyond an April 29 deadline into 2015.
"The settlement freeze does not include East Jerusalem, private construction or building of public institutions," the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Another official involved in the negotiations said the Israeli government "will adopt a policy of restraint when it comes to state tenders for construction" in the West Bank. There was no immediate Palestinian comment on the emerging deal.
Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, land captured in the 1967 war and which Palestinians seek for their state, have been a major stumbling block in the talks that began in July. Most countries view those settlements as illegal.
Israel last imposed a partial settlement freeze in 2009 in a bid to restart peace negotiations. Palestinians returned to the talks in 2010 but negotiations collapsed within weeks after Netanyahu refused to extend the 10-month moratorium. The current negotiations, aimed at creating a Palestinian state and ending a decades-long conflict, have also stalled over
Palestinian opposition to an Israeli demand that the country be recognized as a Jewish state. They appeared to be have been on the brink of collapse at the weekend when Israel failed to press ahead with a promised release of several dozen jailed Palestinians.
Under the proposed deal, Israel would go ahead with the release of a fourth group of Palestinians, the last among the 104 it pledged to free as a confidence-building measure under an agreement that led to the renewal of the current talks.
That group of inmates also includes 14 Arab citizens of Israel, a potential political stumbling block for Netanyahu. In addition, Israel would also free 400 other Palestinian prisoners, including women and minors, who have not been convicted of killing Israelis and are close to completing their sentences.
Palestinians regard brethren jailed by Israel as heroes in a quest for an independent state. Israel views them as terrorists.
Freedom for Pollard, a U.S. citizen and former Navy analyst who pleaded guilty in 1987 to charges of spying for Israel, could provide Netanyahu with leeway he may need to persuade hardliners in his governing coalition to agree to a partial settlement freeze and the wider prisoner release.
U.S. intelligence agencies have long opposed any early release of Pollard, and U.S. officials said no decision has yet been made. Pollard, now 59, is due for parole next year.
Sources close to the peace negotiations said Pollard could be freed before the Jewish holiday of Passover, which begins in two weeks' time. A spokesman for Pollard's wife, Esther, declined comment.
Kerry, who has visited the region more than 10 times in little more than a year as he strives for a peace deal, met separately with Netanyahu and Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat before leaving today for a NATO meeting in Brussels.
The focus of his Middle East mission appeared to have shifted from reaching an elusive framework agreement by April 29, including general principles for a final peace accord, to simply keeping both sides talking beyond that previously set deadline. A Palestinian official said Kerry might return to the region late on Wednesday to see Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
http://www.nation.com.pk/international/01-Apr-2014/israel-may-freeze-settlement-construction-in-west-bank-for-peace-talks
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Rabbis in Israel quarrel over the nixing of marriage registration zones
April 1, 2014
Tension remain between the Ministry of Religious Services, Chief Rabbinate over new law.
Ongoing tensions between the Ministry of Religious Services and the Chief Rabbinate surfaced again on Monday over the implementation of a new law abolishing marriage registration zones.
Prior to the the passage of the legislation, known as the Tzohar law, couples registering for marriage had to register in the city or municipal jurisdiction where they were resident.
The Tzohar rabbinical association, among others, claimed that this restriction led to poor practice and an unwelcoming and even hostile attitude by marriage registrars to couples seeking to register, in a process that is frequently sensitive.
The new law went into effect at the end of February and allows a couple to register for marriage with whichever local rabbinate they wish.
On Monday, Deputy Minister for Religious Services Rabbi Eli Ben-Dahan participated in the monthly meeting of the Council of the Chief Rabbinate and re-emphasised the importance of the legislation and its implementation.
“Marriage registration regions are open and will remain open,” he said. “More than 3,000 couples have already registered since the legislation went into effect,” he continued.
He also described the successful establishment of a computerised database for marriage registration which is designed to prevent marriages which are not valid within Jewish law, such as someone trying to open a marriage file who is already married to another person, or the marriage of a Cohen to a divorcee or convert.
The database is intended to provide the solution to the stated objection of the chief rabbinate to the bill which claims that the marriage registration regions are crucial because municipal rabbis are familiar with the residents of their city or town and are therefore aware of any possible halachic difficulties with the couple.
“The computer system makes marriage registration around the country more accessible for couples coming to register, and provides a halachic solution to serious problems that occurred for years, and I call on the chief rabbinate to join this important process,” Ben-Dahan said.
However, Sephardi Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef expressed his ongoing opposition to the law, calling it “a serious blow to the world of the rabbinate.”
And the chief municipal rabbi of Beersheba, Rabbi Yehuda Deri who is a member of the Council and brother of Shas chairman Arye Deri, said “we will not honor the law, it is preferably that the law for abolishing marriage registration districts be cancelled.”
His counterpart, Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi David Lau said the law had been passed against the opinion of the chief rabbinate and that the body would take action if there were specific problems with a couple’s marriage registration process.
Following the meeting, the chief rabbinate issued a statement saying that the Council of the Chief Rabbinate would establish committee to examine the implementation of the law, which will present its opinion to the chief rabbis.
“Until the recommendations have been submitted and the chief rabbis have given their authorization, couples will still need to present a certificate of single marital status and confirmation of Jewish status from the local rabbinate where they live,” the chief rabbinate stated.
http://www.jpost.com/National-News/Rabbis-in-Israel-quarrel-over-the-nixing-of-marriage-registration-zones-347050
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Jewish settlers storm Al-Aqusa Mosque compound
World Bulletin / News Desk
April 1, 2014
Dozens of extremist Jewish settlers and students on Tuesday stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Al-Quds (occupied East Jerusalem) under heavy Israeli police guard, a Palestinian official said.
"More than 40 Jewish extremists and 70 Jewish students stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex," Sheikh Azzam al-Khatib, director-general of the Organization for Muslim Endowments and Al-Aqsa Affairs (which is run by the Jordanian government), told Anadolu Agency.
"Since the early hours of Tuesday, large numbers of Jewish extremists – led by Rabbi Yehuda Glick – have gathered outside [Al-Quds'] Al-Magharbeh Gate," he said.
Palestinian religious students inside the mosque complex, meanwhile, were infuriated by the intrusion, he added.
Full report at:
http://www.worldbulletin.net/headlines/132534/jewish-settlers-storm-al-aqsa-mosque-compound
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Attackers kill 2 Yemen police in separatist bastion
April 1, 2014
Attackers on a motorbike shot dead two Yemeni policemen in the southern separatist bastion of Daleh overnight, a security official said Tuesday, just weeks after a truce was agreed.
The two attackers, one riding pillion, fled after gunning down the officers guarding the southern town's police station, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
A third policeman was wounded in the shooting, which came less than three weeks after a March 13 prisoner exchange between southern separatists and the army was supposed to turn the page on months of deadly violence in and around the town.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/98010/World/Region/Attackers-kill--Yemen-police-in-separatist-bastion.aspx
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Palestinians give Kerry 24 hours to resolve tiff over prisoners
2014-04-01
RAMALLAH: The Palestinians on Monday gave US Secretary of State John Kerry 24 hours to resolve a dispute with Israel over prisoners after which they will resume moves to seek international recognition.
“If we don’t get an answer from John Kerry on the prisoners tonight, we’ll begin to ask for membership in all UN agencies tomorrow,” Palestinian MP Mustafa Barghuti said following a top-level leadership meeting in Ramallah which took place as Kerry arrived in Israel.
US peace efforts are teetering on the brink of collapse after Israel refused to free a group of 26 long-serving Palestinian prisoners under an agreement which brought the sides back to the negotiating table in July 2013.
Full report at:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1096977/palestinians-give-kerry-24-hours-to-resolve-tiff-over-prisoners
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North America
Israel, US Mulling Training Syria Terrorists with Saudi Troops
April 1, 2014
Top Israeli and U.S military officials discussed on Monday the possibility of “security cooperation” between the Zionist entity and some Arab states in the Persian Gulf.
Ney York Times reported that a meeting took place on Monday between Chief of Staff Benny Gantz and Gen. Martin Dempsey, visiting chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff in al-Quds. Gantz and Dempsey
Prior to the meeting, Gantz hinted that even in the current period of instability there could be opportunities, Israeli daily, Haaretz reported.
Those opportunities became clearer when Dempsey said after the meeting that the discussions included “an outreach to other partners who may not have been willing to be partners in the past,” the Israeli daily said according to NYT.
Full report at:
http://www.almanar.com.lb/english/adetails.php?eid=143581&cid=31&fromval=1&frid=31&seccatid=269&s1=1
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Kerry holds fresh talks in Israel
April 1, 2014
US Secretary of State John Kerry on Tuesday held a second round of talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he seeks to push forward faltering peace efforts.
The breakfast meeting came after Kerry made a surprise trip to Israel to keep the talks on track amid a bitter tussle over the expected release of Palestinian prisoners.
Talks with Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas were cancelled Monday when a meeting with Netanyahu dragged on too late. Kerry met instead with the chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/98002/World/Region/Kerry-holds-fresh-talks-in-Israel.aspx
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U.S could free Israeli spy and groups of Palestinians to rescue peace talks
April 01, 2014
Jerusalem- An Israeli spy, Jonathan Pollard, serving a life sentence in the United States and groups of Palestinian prisoners could be freed under an emerging deal to rescue Middle East peace talks, sources close to the negotiations said on Monday.
The sources, who spoke as U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry prepared to meet Israeli and Palestinian leaders, said under the proposed arrangement that Jonathan Pollard, a former U.S. Navy analyst caught spying for Israel in the 1980s, could be released by mid-April.
In addition, Israel would go ahead with a promised release of a fourth group of Palestinians, among the 104 it pledged to free in a deal that led to the renewal of peace talks last July. Another group of jailed Palestinians would also go free - and the peace talks would be extended beyond an April 29 deadline, the sources said.
http://www.nation.com.pk/international/01-Apr-2014/u-s-could-free-israeli-spy-and-groups-pf-palestinians-to-rescue-peace-talks
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US Ambassador: Bangladesh to contribute trade flow through Indo-Pacific corridor
April 1, 2014
US Ambassador in Dhaka Dan Mozena yesterday narrated Washington’s vision about connectivity between China and central Asia, where Bangladesh is in the middle.
“The Indo-Pacific economic corridor generates a lot of interest because President Obama and the US government believe that one of the great trade routes of the 21st century will be the Indo-Pacific economic corridor,” said the ambassador at a meet-the-press programme in the city.
“The Indo-Pacific economic corridor links central Asia, south Asia, with China, with Singapore and with the world, and in the middle of all of that is Bangladesh,” he said.
Bangladesh, China, India and Myanmar (BCIM) have already taken a separate initiative to boost regional connectivity to promote trade and economy in the region.
Full report at:
http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2014/apr/01/mozena-bangladesh-contribute-trade-flow-through-indo-pacific-corridor#sthash.T3Vd7OUk.dpuf
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Arab World
Army Kills over 1,000 foreign-backed Militants in Lattakia, Syria
April 1, 2014
The Syrian army has killed hundreds of foreign-backed militants in the Western parts of the country in the last 24 hours, informed sources said.
The army units killed more than 1,000 terrorists in Lattakia countryside in Western Syria, an informed source told FNA on Tuesday.
Also in the past 24 hours, Syrian army troops recaptured a key position in Lattakia countryside.
"Syrian army units have full control of Observatory 45 in the north of Lattakia province and are continuing to pursue terrorist groups," the Syrian state broadcaster said, citing the military.
Observatory 45 is a strategic hilltop that overlooks several areas inhabited by residents from the Alawite community.
Full report at:
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13930112000206
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Syria: Car Bomb Blast in Daraa Kills Several Militants
April 1, 2014
A car bomb went off while a militant group was preparing it in Tsil town in Daraa countryside and killed several militants, a source in Daraa province said.
The source added militant Mohannad Mahmoud Dib al-Masri was identified among the dead militants, SANA reported.
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13930112000153
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Saudis jump in to ‘save’ Musharraf
April 1, 2014
ISLAMABAD: The government is planning to allow safe passage out of Pakistan to Pervez Musharraf on “humanitarian grounds” after direct possible diplomatic intervention from the Saudi Arabian authorities as a part of a covert deal, a top government functionary revealed on Monday. “The modalities are being given final touches,” the source, a federal minister by portfolio, told the Daily Times in an exclusive day-long interaction at his office. Musharraf’s application for the removal of his name from the Exit Control List (ECL) was discussed during a top-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and attended by Interior Minister Nisar Ali Khan and other cabinet members at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat on Monday.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/islamabad/01-Apr-2014/saudis-jump-in-to-save-musharraf
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12 killed in Iraq attacks
Apr 1, 2014
At least 12 people were killed on Tuesday in attacks in two Iraqi cities north of Baghdad, security officials said.
In Tikrit, 170 km north of the capital, five soldiers were killed in a suicide car bomb attack, a military official said.
Attacks in Baquba city killed seven people, including three policemen.
Iraq has seen almost daily attacks in recent months, raising the prospect of a return to the sectarian violence that pushed the country to the brink of civil war in 2006 and 2007.
According to UN estimates, 8,868 people died in 2013, Iraq’s highest death toll in five years.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/12-killed-in-iraq-attacks/article5858744.ece
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Militants' Gatherings Destroyed in Aleppo, Idlib
April 1, 2014
Syrian army continued its mop-up operations against foreign-backed militants in Aleppo and Idlib.
A Syrian army unit foiled an infiltration attempt towards Barrakat al-Arman area in Aleppo, killing many militants and injuring others.
A military source said that army units killed a number of militants during targeting their gatherings in the area surrounding the central prison, the industrial area, Bayanoun, Hreitan, Handarat, Hailan, al-Muslimiyeh, al-Leramoun, Maaret al-Arteq, Kafarhamra, Azzan, al-Marjeh, al-Mansoura, Kan al-Asal, Rasem al-Abboud, Kweiris, Erbid and Tal-Hattabat in Aleppo province.
In Idlib, army units destroyed a number of militants' cars, killing all militants inside in Maaret Kafrin and Taftanaz towns.
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13930112000334
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Saudi bloggers face sedition charges
April 1, 2014
Manama: Three Saudis have been referred to a specialised court on charges of “incitement, provoking sedition and calling for [disobedience against] the ruler of the country.”
The charges were levelled following an investigation into a series of tweets posted on Twitter, local daily Al Eqtisadiya reported on Tuesday.
The three men will be the first bloggers to be tried under a newly approved terrorism-related list of offences announced by the Interior Ministry.
The list makes it criminal to participate in or call for or encourage — through fatwas (edicts) — fighting in other countries.
Full report at:
http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/saudi-arabia/saudi-bloggers-face-sedition-charges-1.1312464
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Kuwaiti minister rejects US accusations of Syria terror funding
April 1, 2014
Kuwait: Kuwait’s justice and Islamic affairs minister has rejected remarks from a senior US official that he called for jihad in Syria and promoted the funding of terrorism, state news agency KUNA said, citing a cabinet statement released late on Monday.
Nayef Al Ajmi was quoted in the statement as saying that comments made by US Treasury Undersecretary David Cohen in March, reported in US media, were “baseless and groundless”.
Unlike Gulf Arab states Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Kuwaiti government policy is against arming rebels fighting to topple Syrian President Bashar Al Assad, and has led a humanitarian fund-raising campaign for Syria through the United Nations.
Full report at:
http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/kuwait/kuwaiti-minister-rejects-us-accusations-of-syria-terror-funding-1.1312352
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Syrian rebels seek Russian rethink before 'Geneva III'
World Bulletin / News Desk
April 1, 2014
Syrian National Coalition spokesperson Louay Safi said Tuesday that the opposition group would attend ‘Geneva III’ talks, provided a senior U.N.-Arab League envoy put pressure on Russia to change its position on the Syrian crisis.
The coalition has called on Lakhdar Brahimi to convince U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Wendy Sherman to put pressure on Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov to change the Moscow’s position.
“Then we can consider the resumption of negotiations with the Assad regime,” Safi said.
Safi's remarks came after reports about a possible trilateral meeting between Brahimi, Sherman and Bogdanov in Geneva on April 10 to discuss the prospects of holding a Geneva III conference, a final attempt to settle the crisis. Brahimi has reportedly threatened to resign his envoy position.
Full report at:
http://www.worldbulletin.net/headlines/132587/syrian-rebels-seek-russian-rethink-before-geneva-iii
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Saudi Arabia appoints new deputy crown prince to forestall biggest dynastic crisis for 50 years
April 1, 2014
Saudi Arabia's appointment of Prince Muqrin as deputy crown prince is a first step towards addressing its biggest dynastic challenge for 50 years and forestalling a possible succession crisis in the world's top oil exporter.
The ruling al-Saud family is fast approaching the moment when it must decide how to jump down a generation from a line of brothers born to the country's founder King Abdulaziz to their sons and nephews, a process fraught with difficulty. For a dynasty that now sees itself as governing a rare island of stability in a region aflame with conflict and political discord, and facing looming demographic challenges, that decision is growing increasingly urgent.
"There is no alternative. You have no choice. There should be clarity and there should be a correct approach to succession," said Khaled al-Maeena, editor at large of Saudi Gazette, an English-language daily.
Full report at:
http://www.nation.com.pk/international/31-Mar-2014/saudi-arabia-appoints-new-deputy-crown-prince-to-forestall-biggest-dynastic-crisis-for-50-years
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More than 150,000 killed in Syria since the conflict began
April 1, 2014
More than 150,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began in March 2011, a monitoring group said in a new toll released on Tuesday.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said it had documented the deaths of 150,344 people, 51,212 of them civilians, including nearly 7,985 children.
The group said 37,781 members of the armed opposition had been killed in the fighting, including jihadists from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, and Al-Qaeda affiliate Al-Nusra Front.
Full report at:
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/more-than-150000-killed-in-syria-conflict.aspx?pageID=238&nID=64404&NewsCatID=352
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South Asia
40 Taliban militants killed or injured in Afghan operations
Apr 01 2014
At least 40 Taliban militants were killed or injured in Afghan military operations during the past 24 hours.
The operations were conducted by Afghan national police in cooperation with the Afghan army and Afghan intelligence – National Directorate of Security (NDS).
The interior ministry of Afghanistan following a statement said at least 29 Taliban militants were killed and 11 others were injured during the operations.
The statement further added that the militants were killed or injured during operations in Kunar, Nangarhar, Laghman, Baghlan, Zabul, Maidan Wardak, Ghazni, paktia and Helmand provinces of Afghanistan in the past 24 hours.
Full report at:
http://www.khaama.com/40-taliban-militants-killed-or-injured-in-afghan-operations-3518
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US irked by Bangladesh’s stance on Crimea
April 1, 2014
The United States has regretted that Bangladesh has not supported Ukraine on Crimea issue.
“It is clear that the international community does not accept the occupation or the annexation, I should say by Russia of Crimea and I regret that Bangladesh was not able to join the majority on that important issue,” US ambassador in Dhaka Dan Mozena said at a meet the press programme in the city yesterday.
The United Nations General Assembly on Thursday adopted a resolution on Crimea where Bangladesh abstained from voting without explaining the reason.
According to UN website, by a record vote of 100 in favour and 11 against with 58 abstentions, including Bangladesh, the UNGA adopted the resolution titled “Territorial integrity of Ukraine”.
Full report at:
http://www.dhakatribune.com/foreign-affairs/2014/apr/01/us-irked-bangladesh%E2%80%99s-stance-crimea#sthash.5fVsSZO7.dpuf
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Suicide attack kills 16 senior Taliban leaders in Ghazni province
Apr 01 2014
At least 16 senior Taliban commanders were killed following a suicide attack in eastern Ghazni province of Afghanistan on Tuesday.
Afghan Intelligence – National Directorate of Security (NDS) said the incident took place in a Taliban leaders gathering in Gelan district.
National Directorate of Security (NDS) following a statement said the Taliban leaders were planning coordinated attacks in Ghazni province when a Taliban suicide bomber opposed with the Taliban leaders plans and detonated his explosives.
The statement by NDS also added that a number of Pakistani Taliban commanders were also among those killed.
At least 9 Taliban commanders were also injured in the attack, NDS said.
http://www.khaama.com/suicide-attack-kills-16-senior-taliban-leaders-in-ghazni-3523
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Premature suicide blast kills 6 Taliban commanders in Logar province
By GHANIZADA - Tue Apr 01 2014
At least six Taliban commanders were killed following a suicide blast in eastern Logar province of Afghanistan on Tuesday.
According to NDS officials, the incident took place around 12:30 pm local time in Charkh district.
The officials further added that the Taliban commanders were looking to prepare a suicide bomber for an attack when the suicide bombing vest went off.
Logar is among the volatile provinces in eastern Afghanistan where Taliban militants and insurgents from the other militant groups are openly operating in its various districts.
Full report at:
http://www.khaama.com/premature-suicide-blast-kills-6-taliban-commanders-in-logar-3520
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Detained Uighur academic wins rights prize, China reacts
World Bulletin/News Desk
April 1, 2014
China's foreign ministry expressed anger on Tuesday after a prominent detained Uighur academic won a human rights award in the United States, saying that he was a suspected criminal.
Ilham Tohti, an economics professor who has championed the rights of the Muslim Uighur people from China's restive far western region of Xinjiang, was detained in January and subsequently charged with separatism.
Tohti's case is the latest sign of the government's hardening stance on dissent in Xinjiang (East Turkestan), gripped by periodic outbursts of violence often pitting Uighurs against ethnic Han Chinese.
Full report at:
http://www.worldbulletin.net/headlines/132583/detained-uighur-academic-wins-rights-prize-china-reacts
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Africa
Boko Haram Giwa Barracks Attack: Nigerian Army 'Killed Hundreds'
April 1, 2014
Nigeria's army killed some 600 people after a recent attack by Boko Haram militants on a barracks, Amnesty International has said.
Quoting eye-witnesses, it said that after the raid in the north-eastern city of Maiduguri, detainees who had escaped were rounded up and killed.
The army has not yet commented on the allegations but has denied previous reports of abuses.
The conflict has killed some 1,500 people this year, according to Amnesty.
Half of those killed were civilians, the organisation said.
Hundreds of militants were said to have taken part in the 14 March attack on the Giwa barracks in Maiduguri, which BBC Nigeria correspondent Will Ross described as a particularly brazen assault.
At the time, the Nigerian military said the attack was successfully repelled and many attackers were killed by the air force and ground troops.
One eyewitness told Amnesty that a self-defence group known as civilian JTF captured some of the hundreds of detainees who had escaped.
Full report at:
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-26819965
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Top Islamic Scholar Expelled from Religious Body for Instigating Gender Debate
April 1, 2014
The Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (CPVPV) Chairman Sheikh Mohamed Mohamud aka Xiiray has being dismissed from his position after the scholar hard-pressed his case on the issue of gender equality on the amount of manslaughter blood money.
More than 20 Islamic clerics converged at the ministry of religious where they issued a joint statement on the renowned Somaliland scholar in which they dismissed him as the chairman of Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention because he refused to retract his views on the issue hence being in contradictions with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad’s peace be upon him
For almost 20 day today, Sheik Xiiiraye is said to have unwaveringly urged with fellow Islamic clerics based in the country regarding the in which he said to have challenged fellow to either prove him wrong or otherwise seek the intervention of other Islamic scholars based outside the country since to him they seemed not to have sufficient knowledge on the issue but instead his fellow scholars decided to expel him in a widely publicized press conference aired live on Somaliland national Television and some even went to the extent of accusing him of Blasphemy during the live transmission others likened him to the late dictator General Mohamed Said Barre and so forth.
Full report at:
http://somalilandpress.com/somalilandtop-islamic-scholar-expelled-from-religious-body-for-instigating-debate-49467
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Al Shabab leader hits popular chord in call to oust Kenyans, Ethiopians
April 1, 2014
With Kenya’s unilateral decision to enter and create a new buffer state inside Somalia, Ahmed Abdi Godane’s urging this week to kick foreigners out has an audience, and even some logic.
In a recent article on the Daily Maverick, Simon Allison identifies the “surprisingly perceptive” core message of Al Shabab leader Ahmed Abdi Godane’s recent propaganda audio message.
In his message, Mr. Godane urges his Somali comrades to throw out their Kenyan and Ethiopian occupiers. Mr. Allison notes that, although unsettling, Godane is, in certain respects, correct, and is tapping into widespread sentiments.
Full report at:
http://somalilandpress.com/somaliaal-shabab-leader-hits-popular-chord-in-call-to-oust-kenyans-ethiopians-49451
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Blood and tears as six killed in terror attack on packed hotels in city estate
April 1, 2014
Six people were killed and dozens others seriously injured in blasts in Nairobi’s Eastleigh estate Monday evening.
Most of those injured in the three explosions, were taken to Mother and Child Hospital, Guru Nanak Hospital and Kenyatta National Hospital, where 20 of the injured were admitted.
The attacks occurred at Sheraton Cafe and The New Kwa Muzairua Super Grill Centre along Eastleigh’s 11th Street at around 7.30pm. The two cafes are barely 300 metres apart.
According to the owner of Sheraton Cafe, Mr Patrick Gakuyu, people were watching the evening news when he heard two explosions followed by complete darkness.
He said when he tried to flee from the scene, he discovered that the door had been locked from outside.
Full report at:
http://www.nation.co.ke/news/six-killed-in-Nairobi-terror-attack/-/1056/2264906/-/13re7ox/-/index.html
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East Libyan rebels close to deal to reopen ports
World Bulletin/News Desk
April 1, 2014
Rebels in eastern Libya are close to reopening three oil ports they have occupied since the summer to press Tripoli for autonomy and a greater share of oil revenue, a leader from the rebels' tribe told state media on Monday.
The comments, the most optimistic for months, came after the government met a rebel demand to release three of their fighters who boarded a tanker loading oil at a rebel-held port in an attempt to get it to markets. They were captured when U.S. forces boarded the rogue ship and returned it to Tripoli.
Full report at:
http://www.worldbulletin.net/world/132522/east-libyan-rebels-close-to-deal-to-reopen-ports
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Timbuktu hosts reconciliation meetings for Mali
014-04-01
TIMBUKTU (Mali): Hundreds of Malians are gathering in the northern desert town of Timbuktu this week in an attempt to reconcile wounds in this country, which was divided in two for nearly a year by Islamic extremists who amputated the hands of suspected thieves and whipped women for going out in public without veils.
After the militants were chased from the cities by French troops, Malian soldiers killed civilians suspected of having links to the jihadists on the mere basis of their ethnicity, prompting a mass exodus of Arab and Tuareg residents who fled for their lives.
More than a year later, some 200,000 have yet to return from refugee camps in neighbouring Mauritania, Niger and Burkina Faso.
Full report at:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1096890/timbuktu-hosts-reconciliation-meetings-for-mali
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Europe
Cameron orders review of Muslim Brotherhood, report says
World Bulletin/News Desk
April 1, 2014
Prime Minister David Cameron has commissioned a review of the Muslim Brotherhood's UK activity; BBC reported citing No 10 officials.
The Muslim Brotherhood is an Egyptian political organisation, which Cairo has declared a terrorist group.
According to the BBC, recent press reports have suggested members have moved to London to escape the crackdown in Egypt, where the group backs ousted president Mohammed Morsi.
Number 10 said the review would examine the group's philosophy and activities, and the government's policy towards it.
Full report at:
http://www.worldbulletin.net/headlines/132567/cameron-orders-review-of-muslim-brotherhood-report-says
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Ban Ki-moon warns against aiding CAR militia
2014-04-01
New York – The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warned on Monday against any support or facilitation of violence by armed groups in Central African Republic after Chadian troops were accused of opening fire on civilians and killing at least 10 people at the weekend.
The shooting on Saturday was the latest in a string of violent incidents involving Chadian troops, who Central African Republic's anti-balaka Christian militia accuse of siding with Muslims and Seleka rebels and preying upon the local Christians.
The mainly Muslim Seleka seized power a year ago, perpetrating abuses on the majority Christian population that triggered waves of revenge attacks, leading to thousands of deaths and displacing hundreds of thousands.
Full report at:
http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/Ban-warns-against-aiding-CAR-militia-20140331
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Cameron hails best of UK Muslim achievements
01/04/2014
LONDON, April 1 (KUNA) -- British Prime Minister David Cameron has paid warm tribute to British Muslims' achievements here, especially in helping their communities and the society at large.
At the London's Grosvener House Hotel last night, Cameron joined some 800 guests to celebrate the 12th "Muslim News" publication awards for Excellence.
The event is recognised as the best for highlighting the Muslim contribution to the British society, the organisers said.
Cameron, who was the guest of honour, presented the main award, "the Enterprise award" to Shabri Randeree, a leading businessman from the Muslim community here.
Full report at:
http://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2369830&language=en
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UN report assails Iran for persecution of religious minorities
April 1, 2014
“Under the law, Jews, Christians, and Zoroastrians face discrimination in the judicial system, such as hasher punishments,” report states.
Despite the election last year of Iran’s reform-minded president Hassan Rouhani, there has been no Persian thaw for Iran’s struggling religious minorities. Wide-scale repression of religious freedom continues with utter impunity during Rouhani’s tenure.
According to a highly detailed March UN report on Iran, “Under the law, religious minorities, including recognized Jews, Christians, and Zoroastrians also face discrimination in the judicial system, such as hasher punishments.”
Full report at:
http://www.jpost.com/Iranian-Threat/News/UN-report-assails-Iran-for-persecution-of-religious-minorities-347089
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UN: Egypt death sentences "a mockery of justice"
World Bulletin / News Desk
April 1, 2014
A group of eight United Nations (UN) human rights experts on Monday urged the Egyptian authorities to quash the 528 death sentences announced in Egypt last week and give the defendants new and fair trials, so as to ensure respect of international human rights law.
On 24 March, 528 individuals were sentenced to death in Egypt on charges related to the events leading to the ousting of the government of President Mohammed Morsi in 2013. At least 600 more individuals are currently under trial for similar charges.
"We are appalled by the lack of clarity of the charges under which each individual was sentenced to death. Reports that some of them received capital punishment for charges of unlawful gathering, or any other offence not involving murder, indicate a clear violation of international law," the experts said.
Full report at:
http://www.worldbulletin.net/headlines/132561/un-egypt-death-sentences-a-mockery-of-justice
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Germany Arrests Three over Links with Syria Terrorist Groups
April 1, 2014
German authorities arrested three people with alleged ties to a Syrian terrorist group in police raids across the country, the federal prosecutor's office said.
Two of the suspects, a German and a Turk, are believed to have travelled to Syria last year and joined the militant group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), which German authorities consider to be a foreign terrorist organization, Al-Manar reported Monday.
The third person, a woman with dual German-Polish citizenship, was taken into custody on suspicion of providing 4,800 euros ($6,600) to the group.
Full report at:
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13930112000109
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Pakistan
Retrogressive mindset: Abolition of Council of Islamic Ideology sought
April 1, 2014
ISLAMABAD: Even threats could not deter activists from condemning the Council of Islamic Ideology’s (CII) stance on child marriage and demanding its dissolution outside the CII building.
A group of civil society activists holding placards chanted slogans against the CII’s controversial statements and appealed to the government to disband the body.
The CII, an advisory body that may present its views on legislation from an Islamic perspective if solicited by parliament had recently created a stir when they termed restrictions on child marriages un-Islamic.
“The CII must realise that it’s not a legislative body, so it better stop giving us views,” said rights activist Farzana Bari.
Despite receiving threats from the CII to discourage them from holding the protest, activists came to register their concern. Rights activist Farzana Bari said she was overwhelmed to see the response of people participating in the protest, especially the youth who had stepped out to support the cause. Some 40 police officials in riot gear encircled the protesters.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/689548/retrogressive-mindset-abolition-of-council-of-islamic-ideology-sought/
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Ahmedi man held for ‘desecrating’ Quran amid rampage
2014-04-01
HYDERABAD: A number of residents of various localities of Tando Allahyar city and activists of religious parties took to the streets against alleged desecration of the Holy Quran and attacked the home-cum-worship place of a man belonging to the Ahmedi community for his involvement in the alleged sacrilege.
The charged crowd rushed to Tahir Ahmed’s place and went on the rampage in the worship place on the ground floor. He took refuge on the upper floor, where his family lived, and the crowd did not pursue him there.
A heavy contingent of police and Rangers arrived at the spot and detained Mr Ahmed while protesters threw stones at the suspect and injured him.
According to sources, 12-year-old Salman was coming from a seminary in Mansoor Colony, Tando Allahyar city, when he was intercepted by two men riding a motorbike and snatched the Quran from him and beat him up.
Full report at:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1097014/ahmedi-man-held-for-desecrating-quran-amid-rampage
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Shias Condemn Terrorists for Bombing Shrines of Prophet (pbuh)’s Companions in Syria
April 1, 2014
Shia Muslims stage rallies here on Friday to protest against the bomb attacks by the terrorists that destroyed the sacred shrine of Hazrat Uwais Qarni (RA) and Hazrat Ammar Yasir (RA) in al-Raqqa, Syria.
The rallies and demonstrations were staged outside Shia mosques after Friday prayers under the aegis of Majlis-e- Wahdat-e-Muslimeen. The protestors raised slogans against the foreign-funded Takfiri terrorists and their masters for sacrilege of the sacred shrines of the loyal companions of Hazrat Mohammad (Peace Be upon Him). They also carried banners and placards to express their anger and displeasure against the despotic rulers who, they said, were playing proxy war of the Zionist Lobby in the region.
Full report at:
http://pakistan.shafaqna.com/of-the-week/item/21406-shia-rallies-condemn-terrorists-for-bombing-shrines-of-holy-prophet-pbuh%E2%80%99s-companions.html
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PPP, MQM forming alliance to thwart peace talks: Taliban sources
April 1, 2014
Taliban sources have claimed that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) in Sindh are engaged in making alliance in a bid to thwart peace talks.
The Taliban sources said that during their one-month ceasefire Sindh government continued to arrest Taliban activists and tortured them in prison.
http://pakistan.shafaqna.com/politics/item/21595-ppp-mqm-forming-alliance-to-thwart-peace-talks-taliban-sources.html
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12-year-old chairs jirga, issues decree
2014-04-01
SUKKUR: A twelve-year-old boy, Fateh Mohammad Nandwani, on Monday chaired a tribal court (jirga) and passed a decree ordering a man to pay a fine of Rs550, 000 for maintaining extra-marital affair with a woman in Sabbar Nandwani village near Tangwani town of Kandhkot-Kashmore district.
The dispute was taken to the jirga after the rival sides failed to settle it amicably. A large number of people belonging to the two sides attended the jirga and accepted the decree announced by the young ‘judge’.
Anwar Nandwani paid Rs50, 000 to the aggrieved family headed by Sanjha Nandwani on the spot and undertook to pay the remaining amount of the fine money within the next three months.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1096972/12-year-old-chairs-jirga-issues-decree
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Treasury benches oppose resolution to remove YouTube ban
2014-04-01
ISLAMABAD: The treasury bench of the National Assembly on Tuesday opposed a resolution demanding to lift the ban on YouTube while another resolution seeking improvements in the curriculum and the disciplinary processes of religious seminaries was passed in the House, DawnNews reported.
Both resolutions were tabled by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) MNAs from the opposition.
MNA Shazia Marri, submitted the resolution seeking to lift the ban imposed on YouTube. Ms Marri was of the view that YouTube was accessible through proxy websites and there was no point in maintaining the ban.
Full report at:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1097048/treasury-benches-oppose-resolution-to-remove-youtube-ban
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Shooting in Karachi: 1 madrassa student killed, another injured
April 1, 2014
KARACHI: One madrassa student died and another was injured when the car they were travelling in was attacked near Moti Mahal in Gulshan-e-Iqbal area of Karachi Tuesday afternoon, Express News reported.
According to police officials, four assailants on two motorcycles fired on the car, after which the road was blocked and the situation in the area was tense.
The students who belonged to Jamia Ahsanul Uloom had just left the madrassa and were on their way home.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/689936/shooting-in-karachi-1-madrassa-student-killed-another-injured/
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Attack on Hindu ashram in Pak sparks protests
Agencies | Apr 1, 2014
KARACHI: A Hindu ashram was attacked in Pakistan's Sindh province by four persons who stole a 'trishul', triggering protests and a partial shutdown of businesses at several places, a media report said on Monday.
The violators also desecrated parrh (a piece of cloth wrapped around the idol) at Faqir Par Braham's ashram in Tharparkar district, a Hindu majority area. The minority Hindu community came out on streets and also staged a sit-in at Mithi's Kashmir chowk. Markets in Deeplo, Islamkot and Chachro towns were shut. "The Hindu community is being targeted in all parts of Sindh under a conspiracy," Raja Bhawan of Tharparkar's Hindu panchayat, who led the protesters said.
Tharparkar SSP Muneer Shaikh said police have arrested four suspects and the stolen 'trishul' has been recovered. An FIR has been lodged on the complaint of one Seth Jhaman Das.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Attack-on-Hindu-ashram-in-Pak-sparks-protests/articleshow/33042726.cms
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Southeast Asia
Poverty ‘fuels’ child abuse in West Nusa Tenggara
April 01 2014
Poverty and low education levels are believed to be among the factors contributing to increased cases of violence against children in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) over the past three years, an activist says.
“Violence against children in NTB is on the rise. Based on our analysis, factors fueling the violence include poverty and low education levels,” NTB Child Protection Agency (LPA) head Badaruddin Nur told The Jakarta Post in Mataram recently.
Based on data at the NTB LPA, added Badaruddin, 43 cases of child abuse were recorded in 2012, followed by 58 cases in 2013.
As of early March this year, the NTB LPA handled 16 child abuse cases. The number is estimated to further increase by the end of this year.
Of the cases handled by NTB LPA, they were dominated by sexual abuse committed against children, followed by physical abuse and neglect.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/04/01/poverty-fuels-child-abuse-west-nusa-tenggara.html
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Latest Violence in Aceh Kills 3, Including Infant
April 1, 2014
Banda Aceh. Three people, including a one-and-a-half-year-old infant, were killed in Aceh after unidentified gunmen fired on a car decked out with political banners, in what police believe may be another incidence of election-related violence in the province.
Bireun Police chief Adj. Sr. Cmr. Ali Khadafi said the victims were riding in a car covered in pictures associated with the Aceh Party (PA) — a party formed by members of the former separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) — when attackers suddenly fired shots at the car at an intersection in Geulanggang Tenguh village in the Kota Juang subdistrict on Monday night.
“We believe there were two shooters riding a motorcycle,” Ali told the Jakarta Globe. “They followed a Kijang van carrying 12 people, including two toddlers, and they fired multiple shots that hit four people.”
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/latest-violence-aceh-kills-3-including-infant/
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176 Indonesians freed from death row, SBY says
April 01 2014
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said in Semarang on Sunday that 176 Indonesians based overseas had been released from their death sentences, while efforts were still under way to free another 246 who remain on death row in several countries.
The President made the statement during a meeting with eight relatives of several Indonesian migrant workers who are facing the death penalty in Saudi Arabia.
"We are seeking to apologize for Indonesian migrant workers who are on death row. I have deliberately not publicized details of our ongoing efforts to prevent any possible tumult," Yudhoyono said in the meeting, which took place at the Gumaya Tower Hotel in Semarang.
The President added that he had spoken with senior officials in the Saudi Arabian government, asking them to commute the death sentences against the Indonesians.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/04/01/176-indonesians-freed-death-row-sby-says.html
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Jakarta increasingly unsafe for women: IPW
April 01 2014
Research by the Indonesia Police Watch (IPW) reveals that violence against women is on the increase in Jakarta.
IPW chairman Neta S. Pane said the conclusion of the research was due to 17 murders from January to March in which the victims were all young women. He added that of the 17 murder cases, 11 of them involved the wanton dumping of women’s bodies on roads.
“Jakarta is becoming increasingly unsafe for women, judging by the fact that they have been the main victims in 17 murders over the past three months,” Neta said in an IPW press release on Monday.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/04/01/jakarta-increasingly-unsafe-women-ipw.html
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India
Vice President encourages Muslims to take part in decision making
April 1, 2014
Vice President Hamid Ansari on Saturday said that while the Constitution guarantees equality to all citizens and prohibits discrimination on the ground of sex. Muslims, especially women, are lagging behind others in the fields of education and participation in the work force.
Addressing the 61st convocation at Aligarh Muslim University, Ansari said in the eyes of the Muslim community their main priorities were "physical security, education and employment." Each of these falls within the ambit of affirmative action. Some positive steps have been taken, however, more remains to be done, he added.
Ansari reminded the Country that as far as Muslims were concerned a younger, confident and assertive generation seeks the right to equality and its share in the decision making process.
Ansari emphasised that different studies including the Sachar Committee report of 2006 had underlined the glaring societal deprivation among the Muslims and the need to bridge the gap at the earliest. Explaining the responsibility of the state towards the minorities in a heterogeneous society, Ansari said that there were certain obligations on its part to promote equal treatment as envisaged by the Constitution.
Full report at:
http://ibnlive.in.com/news/ansari-encourages-muslims-to-take-part-in-decision-making/461103-3-242.html
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Pakistan releases 1,801 Indian prisoners
April 1, 2014
Pakistan has released 1,801 Indian prisoners included 74 civil and 1,727 fishermen during the last five years, following the successful negotiations. Around 100 Indian prisoners were released in the year 2009, 474 in 2010, 118 in 2011, 706 in 2012, and 403 in 2013, said an official of Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Talking to APP on Monday, he said on the other side India has released 725 Pakistani prisoners from 2009 to 2013 including four in 2009, 293 in 2010, 231 in 2011, 131 in 2012 and 66 in 2013.
Full report at:
http://pakistan.shafaqna.com/shafaq/item/21560-pakistan-releases-1801-indian-prisoners.html
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/al-qaeda-says-security-steps/d/66369