Assam To Introduce Compulsory Muslim Marriage, Divorce Registration Bill; Barring Clerics From Registering Muslim Marriages

New Age Islam News Bureau

22Aug 2024

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma addresses a press conference in Guwahati (PTI)

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·         Assam To Introduce Compulsory Muslim Marriage, Divorce Registration Bill; Barring Clerics From Registering Muslim Marriages

·         ISIS-Khorasan Afghan Supporters Charged In Germany For Plotting Attack Near Swedish Parliament

·         Anti-Muslim Immigrant Riots In UK: Suspect Handed Over To FIA For Spreading Disinformation

·         UAE Accepts Credentials of Islamic Emirate’s New Ambassador

·         Islam In Malaysia ‘Held Captive’ By Certain Factions, Critics Tarred As Threats To Religion: Umno Deputy President

 

 

India

·         Assam CM Escalates War With Muslim-Owned University, Suggests Curbs On Assam Govt Jobs For Its Students

·         Waqf Bill: Muslim Bodies Seek Support From BJP Allies, Opposition Leaders

·         Full emergency at Thiruvananthapuram airport after Air India flight receives bomb threat

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Europe

·         British Ex-Muslims, Already Unfree, Face Perils Of Worsening Censorship

·         Meeting Between Trudeau And Muslim Leaders In Quebec Called Off After Many Refuse To Attend

·         Sick Ku Klux Klan Stunt At NI Mosque Could Finally See People Prosecuted

·         Why is the BBC heaping praise on Islamists?

·         Commitment to pan-Islamic solidarity

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Pakistan

·         Poll tribunal ‘de-seats’ Balochistan home minister Mir ZiaullahLangove

·         'What Goes Around Comes Around': PM Shehbaz On Sheikh Mujib's Statue Demolition

·         COAS Munir expresses resolve to defeat terrorism in Pakistan

·         Imran Khan To Face 'Open Trial' If Held In Military Court: Defence Minister

·         Imran Khan demands 'open trial' of ex-spymaster Faiz Hamid

·         Tackling water needs: Islamic Relief ready to give technical support to CDA

·         PTI moves privilege motion over MNA’s ‘non-production’

·         PTI remains ‘headless’ despite top court relief

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South Asia

·         Islamic Emirate Fulfills Commitments, Mawlavi Abdul Kabir Tells EU Envoy

·         Billions Of Afghani Distributed To Widows, Orphans, People With Disability, Official

·         Islamic Emirate Seeks Qatar Cooperation in Culture Initiatives

·         Afghanistan and Turkmenistan Strengthen Economic Ties Through Pipeline and Rail Projects

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Southeast Asia

·         Upcoming Islamic college is 'major milestone' for religious education in S'pore: Mufti

·         Youth chief: Umno must reclaim dominance in govt by 2026, being mere ‘supplement’ to Anwar admin not enough

·         Tackling public official misconduct: Ministry to rotate jobs within agencies, says home minister

·         Empowering Türki̇ye’s Agricultural Future: Islamic Corporation for the Development of the

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Mideast

·         Israeli Military Intel Chief Asks For ‘Forgiveness’ Over Hamas Attack Failures

·         Iran’s hardline parliament approves all members of president’s Cabinet, first time since 2001

·         Al-Aqsa Mosque biggest stronghold against Zionist regime

·         Key Mediator Egypt Expresses Scepticism About The Gaza Ceasefire Proposal As More Details Emerge

·         Anger, despair as Israelis bury hostages who died in captivity

·         Israeli PM says troops will not leave Philadelphi corridor in Gaza

·         Israeli strikes kill dozens in Gaza after Blinken ends visit with truce deal still elusive

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Arab World

·         Shooting Between Iraqi Army And Jund Al-Imam Fighters In Karbala: 6 Arrested

·         Muslim Council of Elders calls for unified international efforts to combat terrorism

·         Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports rise 7.3% in June: GASTAT

·         Marjan announces beachfront project with Mira Developments in Ras Al-Khaimah

·         KSrelief provides heart and brain care in Yemen and Indonesia

·         Can Lebanon afford to ignore the threat of a destructive earthquake?

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North America

·         DNC Chicago Protestor Waves Islamic Republic Flag, Praises Iran's Anti-Zionism

·         Muslim Professor Can Pursue Dartmouth Race, Religious Bias Claims

·         US carrier, warships arrive in West Asia amid prospect of Iran, Hezbollah response to Israel

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Africa

·         Borno Govt Shuts Down Muslim, Christian Cemeteries Over Health Concerns

·         ‘EFCC Releases Sacked NAHCON Chairman, Jalal Arabi On Bail’

·         Tinubu’s Strategies Are Working – AtikuBagudu

·         ASUU Declares September 10 As Victimized Lecturers’ Day

·         Atiku Blames FG For The Death Of Emir Of Gobir In The Hands Of Bandits

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/assam-muslim-marriage-introduce-divorce-bill/d/133010

 

Assam To Introduce Compulsory Muslim Marriage, Divorce Registration Bill; Barring Clerics From Registering Muslim Marriages

 Aug 22, 2024

 Abhishek De

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma addresses a press conference in Guwahati (PTI)

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The Assam Cabinet has approved a new bill barring qazis or clerics from registering marriages of Muslims. The Assam Compulsory Registration of Marriage And Divorce Bill also prohibits registration of child marriages.

The bill, which nullifies certain provisions of Muslim personal law, will be tabled during the Monsoon session of the Assam Assembly on Friday. It is being seen as Assam's first step towards bringing a uniform civil code. As per the new legislation, registration of Muslim marriages will be done by a sub-registrar.

"We have introduced a bill stipulating that no marriage involving individuals under 18 years of age will be registered. Furthermore, the authority for registration will be transferred from the qazi to the sub-registrar," Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said at a press conference.

"Different communities have diverse cultures for marriage rituals. Our bill has no role in that. It has provisioned the marriage registration only by a government officer. The rest will remain the same whether it is for a Hindu marriage or for a Muslim marriage," Sarma further said.

The Chief Minister said previously, marriage between Muslim boys and girls below 21 and 18 years of age, respectively, could be registered.

"Under the new law, this practice will be prohibited. No Muslim minor girl can register their marriage in the state from now on," he said.

The procedures for Muslim marriage and divorce are overseen by qazis or clerics. Earlier this year, the government had repealed the Assam Moslem Marriages and Divorces Registration Act of 1935 through an ordinance.

Several Muslim organisations across Assam have requested the Chief Minister to reinstate the qazi system.

Sarma also said that the government would bring a new law that would criminalise 'love jihad' and award life imprisonment to those found guilty. The term 'love jihad' refers to alleged attempts by Muslim men to convert Hindu girls under the pretext of love.

Source: indiatoday.in

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/assam-bills-registering-muslim-marriages-qazis-child-marriage-assembly-2586078-2024-08-22

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ISIS-Khorasan  Afghan Supporters Charged In Germany For Plotting Attack Near Swedish Parliament

By Fidel Rahmati

August 22, 2024

Image: Blondet Eliot/ABACA/picture alliance.

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On Wednesday, federal prosecutors in Germany charged two Afghans, who were arrested last year, with conspiring to carry out a shooting near the Swedish Parliament.

One of the accused is said to be a member of ISIS, while the other is described as a supporter of the group.

The prosecutors stated that Ibrahim and Ramin, the two suspects, devised their plan in response to the burning of the Quran in Sweden and other Scandinavian countries last year.

German prosecutors have accused the men of sending money to ISIS-Khorasan, a branch primarily based in Afghanistan and Pakistan, through intermediaries.

According to German authorities, ISIS-Khorasan instructed the suspects in the summer of 2023 to attack Europe “in response to the burning of the Quran in Sweden and other Scandinavian countries.”

The two men then “planned to use firearms to kill police and other individuals around the Swedish Parliament.”

German officials revealed that the suspects, arrested last March in Gera, Thuringia, had taken “specific steps” in close coordination with ISIS-Khorasan to carry out their plot. They conducted online research on the crime scene and attempted unsuccessfully to obtain weapons. The suspects have been in pre-trial detention since their arrest.

These charges highlight the ongoing threat posed by extremist groups and their ability to mobilize individuals to commit violent acts. The international cooperation and vigilance in addressing such threats are crucial for maintaining security and preventing terrorism.

The case underscores the need for continued vigilance and effective counterterrorism measures to address and disrupt potential threats before they materialize. As the investigation proceeds, it will be important to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to prevent similar plots in the future.

Source: khaama.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.khaama.com/two-isis-k-supporters-charged-in-germany-for-plotting-attack-near-swedish-parliament/

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Anti-Muslim Immigrant Riots In UK: Suspect Handed Over To FIA For Spreading Disinformation

2024-08-22

LAHORE: A city magistrate on Wednesday allowed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) one-day physical custody of a suspect Farhan Asif, accused of spreading disinformation on his website that fuelled anti-Muslim immigrant riots in the United Kingdom (UK).

Earlier, the FIA cybercrime wing produced the suspect, before the magistrate and sought his physical remand.

The investigating officer told the court that a case had been registered against the suspect for offences under the Prevention of Electronic Crime Act 2016.

The magistrate allowed the FIA’s request and granted a one-day physical remand of the suspect.

The UK media had found that a Lahore based freelancer was involved in spreading fake news.

The investigators said, the suspect had shared photos of a stabbing incident in England on his X account. The X account handler also posted an article on the website, holding a 17-year-old Muslim immigrant responsible for the incident.

The suspect was initially taken into custody by Lahore police and later handed over to the FIA cybercrime wing.

Source: brecorder.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.brecorder.com/news/40318721/anti-muslim-immigrant-riots-in-uk-suspect-handed-over-to-fia-for-spreading-disinformation

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UAE Accepts Credentials of Islamic Emirate’s New Ambassador

2024-08-22

KABUL(BNA): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has announced that the United Arab Emirates has accepted the credentials of the Islamic Emirate’s Ambassador.

According to a press release from the Ministry, Mawlawi Badruddin Haqqani, the Islamic Emirate’s Ambassador, presented his credentials to Saif Abdullah Al-Shamsi, the Assistant Minister for Protocol at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a formal ceremony.

Mawlawi Badruddin Haqqani described the relations between Afghanistan and the UAE as historical and expressed gratitude and satisfaction for the ongoing cooperation and assistance provided by the UAE.

Additionally, Saif Abdullah Al-Shamsi also expressed hope that the relationship between the UAE and Afghanistan would be further strengthened with the appointment of the new ambassador.

According to the press release, the new Islamic Emirate’s Ambassador will soon present his credentials in a formal ceremony to the Emir of the United Arab Emirates.

Source: bakhtarnews.af

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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/uae-accepts-credentials-of-islamic-emirates-new-ambassador/

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Islam In Malaysia ‘Held Captive’ By Certain Factions, Critics Tarred As Threats To Religion: Umno Deputy President

22 Aug 2024

Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan speaks during the launch of the Women, Youth and Puteri wings' general assembly at WTC in Kuala Lumpur August 21, 2024. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

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KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 22 — Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has claimed that Islam is being “held captive” by certain political groups in Malaysia which are treating the religion as solely theirs.

The Umno deputy president called Tok Mat said these unnamed groups are using religion to divide the Malay community, and label those who criticise them as threats to Islam.

“More dangerously, anyone who does not side with them is seen as a threat to Islam or as failing to uphold Islam. They are indeed using Islam to divide the Malays in this country.

“In fact, they are instilling fear and distancing Islam from the hearts and respect of non-Muslims towards this sacred religion,” he was quoted saying by SinarHarian during the launch of the Umno wings’ general assembly.

He emphasised that Islam does not belong to any single person, but is instead a blessing for the entire universe.

In response, he urged Umno delegates to assert that Islam is sacred and to never use the political lens to determine one’s religiosity.

“More importantly, we must present Islam in a wise, modern, and intellectual manner, not by condemning, cursing, or discriminating against people.

“May Islam in Malaysia truly become an inspiration for a nation blessed with divine mercy and forgiveness, God willing.”

Source: malaymail.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/08/22/tok-mat-islam-in-malaysia-held-captive-by-certain-factions-critics-tarred-as-threats-to-religion/147806

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India

 

Assam CMEscalates War With Muslim-Owned University, Suggests Curbs On Assam Govt Jobs For Its Students

August 22, 2024

SukritaBaruah

Guwahati, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Muslim-owned university, University of Science and Technology Meghalaya, Assam govt jobs, Indian express news, current affairsAssam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma

Upping his attack on privately owned University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) Wednesday, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said his government is discussing the possibility of students who graduate from the varsity not being eligible to compete for posts advertised by the Assam government.

The USTM is a top 200 university under the NIRF, run by a foundation owned by MahbubulHoque – a Bengali-Muslim from Assam – who is also the Chancellor of the institute. This month, Hoque has been at the receiving end of several attacks from Sarma – ranging from accusations that he was responsible for flash floods in Guwahati because of deforestation and hill-cutting for construction of the campus, to saying that the architecture of the university’s main gate, which has three domes, is a sign of “jihad”.

On Wednesday, he said, “Now we are having another discussion that students who have passed from USTM cannot participate in Assam’s advertised posts. It’s a certificate from another state. Our students from Guwahati and Dibrugarh University are suffering because of this. That’s why I have asked the legal department to examine this – that if students from USTM want a job in Assam, they will have to give another exam. Not just USTM but from West Bengal, Karnataka, Maharashtra, all outside universities. But my anger against USTM is a little more. Because they are throwing water at us,” he said.

He said he is in discussion with Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma over concerns about rainwater run-off from Meghalaya contributing to Guwahati floods.

“We have roped in a Netherlands committee to work on diverting the water to DeeporBeel (lake). Along with that, IIT Roorkee and IIT Guwahati will also be given this work… Conrad Sangma has given importance to the matter of water coming down from Jorabat and has proposed a joint committee between Assam and Meghalaya governments… He has also not denied… Even though many political leaders from Assam set out to save USTM, Meghalaya government is not saving USTM,” he said.

Guwahati: When a reporter from a regional news portal asked Sarma about hills allegedly being cut in Mandakata in CM’s Jalukbari constituency, Sarma said, “Why are you equating USTM and Mandakata?… Why are you all trying so hard to save USTM?”

Sarma asked the reporter his name, and when he introduced himself as Shah Alam, Sarma said, “You people Shah Alam and USTM’s MohbubulHoque… the way you all have connected things, will we even survive?… I would like to ask Shah Alam if we’ll even survive in Assam for long?”   ENS

Source: indianexpress.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/himanta-escalates-war-with-muslim-owned-university-suggests-curbs-on-assam-govt-jobs-for-its-students-9526460/

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Waqf Bill: Muslim bodies seek support from BJP allies, Opposition leaders

ZIYA US SALAM

August 21, 2024

As deliberations of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act, 1995 commence this Thursday, the Muslim organisations have got into active parleys with non-BJP parties, including National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners and Opposition parties. Led by the All India Muslim Personal Board (AIMPLB) and joined by Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind and Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, representatives have had meetings with the leaders of the Telugu Desam Party, Janata Dal(U), Shiv Sena (UBT), and Nationalist Congress Party (SP), besides a meeting with the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M.K. Stalin. The aim has been to ensure their support against the proposed amendments in the Bill.

At a meeting with the DMK leader, the AIMPLB delegation led by Fazlur Rahim Mujadidi, general secretary, thanked him for the strong support extended by the party in Parliament during a debate on the Bill and requested that the DMK representative in JPC similarly oppose the proposed amendments as they are aimed at weaking the Waqf Board. Mr. Stalin is said to have given them a patient hearing and assured them of the party’s support in quest of the rights granted to them by the Constitution.

Interestingly, the Muslim organisations have also met the BJP allies, the JD(U) and the TDP, who had initially extended support to the Bill in Parliament though their differing views soon came out in the public domain. An AIMPLB delegation met Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in this respect and handed over a memorandum on the Bill. The delegation took particular objection to the proposed five-year term to be mandatory for any person after conversion before he can give his property to the Waqf Board.

While Mr. Kumar did not give any categorical endorsement to their demands, his party did propose setting up more madrasas and wedding halls on Waqf lands to avoid encroachment in future. Earlier, it may be recalled, during the debate in Parliament, the party had supported the government on the Bill. The AIMPLB also proposes to meet Lok Janshakti Party chief Chirag Paswan.

Meanwhile, a Jamaat-e-Islami Hind team met TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu seeking his party’s support against the government move. The Jamaat team, led by its vice-president Malik Moatasim Khan apprised Mr. Naidu of the dangers inherent in the Bill, stating, “It enables the government and private bodies to usurp the Waqf land,” he contended, drawing attention to the overriding powers sought to be vested in the District Collector to decide if a property belongs to Waqf Board or not.

The meeting assumes significance as the TDP had supported the government on the Bill but had asked for it to be referred to a Parliamentary committee, a demand which was accepted by the government.

At the same time, following the instruction of their chief Arshad Madani, a Jamiat team is meeting MPs of different parties across the country seeking support to foil the government move to usher in amendments to the Waqf Act. The Jamiat representatives have already met the NCP(SP) and Shiv Sena(UBT) members of the JPC in Mumbai. The members were apprised of the fears of the Muslim community that if the Waqf Bill was passed in its present form, even ancient mosques, dargahs and cemeteries won’t remain safe. While the Pawar faction of the NCP has opposed the Bill, members of Thackeray’s faction of Shiv Sena had stayed away from Parliament on the day of the Waqf Bill debate. Later, a delegation of Muslim leaders met Mr. Thackeray in Mumbai where he is said to have assured them of support.

Source: thehindu.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/waqf-bill-muslim-bodies-seek-support-from-bjp-allies-opposition-leaders/article68550858.ece

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Full emergency at Thiruvananthapuram airport after Air India flight receives bomb threat

Express Web Desk

: August 22, 2024

air indiaThere were 135 passengers onboard and information on the origin of the threat and other details are not known yet. (File)

The Thiruvananthapuram International Airport Thursday was put under full emergency after an Air India flight from Mumbai received a bomb threat, airport sources told news agency PTI.

As the flight approached Thiruvananthapuram airport, the pilot informed about the bomb threat at 7:30 am, and after landing at the airport around 8 am, the aircraft was moved to an isolation bay. According to PTI, a “Bomb in flight” message — written on a tissue paper — was found in the washroom of the plane.

There were 135 passengers onboard and they were evacuated by 8:44 am. Information on the origin of the threat and other details are not known yet. A police probe into the matter is underway. The aircraft was also being inspected by security agencies, including a bomb detection squad, PTI reported.

While passengers await for their luggage to be delivered, the aircraft is currently being examined by security agencies.

In a statement, the airline company said that a specific security alert was detected on flight AI 657 during cruise from Mumbai to Thiruvananthapuram and “the crew carried out all the laid down security drills keeping passenger safety as top priority.” “All passengers and crew disembarked safely. Air India accords top priority to the safety of its passengers and crew,” an airline spokesperson was quoted as saying by PTI.

“There has been no impact on life. Airport operations are currently uninterrupted,” sources said.

Source: indianexpress.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bomb-threat-thiruvananthapuram-airport-9526675/?ref=hometop_hp

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Europe

 

British ex-Muslims, already unfree, face perils of worsening censorship

 21st Aug 2024

Benjamin Jones

To mark International Apostasy Day on 22 August, Dr Ben Jones reflects on his recent research into the experiences of ex-Muslims and their increasingly precarious position in Britain. His research was partly funded by the National Secular Society.

By the time I spoke to her, Zainab was safe, for the most part. But it had been a close-run thing. And she was still far from 'free'.

Zainab, aged 19, had been in a lesbian relationship. When her parents found out, they beat her. Then they seized her phone and tried to cut off her every connection with the outside world. "I couldn't contact any of my friends and I couldn't talk to my girlfriend," she said. They even took her laptop, depriving her of the material she needed to study for her exams. "I had to pretend that I turned straight," she told me of these long, oppressive months.

But when her sister betrayed her and revealed that she was still in a covert same-sex relationship, the situation escalated rapidly. Zainab managed to alert a friend who contacted the police, but despite numerous police visits and the involvement of the Crown Prosecution Service, she remained in her parents' house.

She had no choice but to begin planning her escape. Her parents monitored and shut down her internet access, inspected her room, and would regularly burst in to see what she was doing. She had no privacy at all. But carefully, covertly, she began to hide packed bags, hoping that her parents would not find them or realise what she was doing. Despite the restrictions on her, Zainab had managed to make a plan with a friend: when she made a run for it, her friend would have a taxi waiting to collect her. She did make a run for it, but her parents realised what was happening and tried to stop her. The police returned, just in time, and finally they took Zainab to the relative safety of a women's refuge, where she would remain for the duration of the summer before she planned to start university.

Zainab was far from alone in going through an experience like this, and she knew other gay or lesbian former Muslims were in virtually identical situations: living a doubly closeted life, unable to be open about either her relationship, or the fact she no longer believed in Islam. Her thoughts quickly turned to speaking out about what had happened. She spoke to the police officer who was with her about her concerns: "I feel like if I speak up about this then the Muslim community will attack me."

The police had arrived in time to rescue Zainab, but very quickly the state reached the limit of what it would do for her: "You should just consider not speaking about it at all," the police officer replied.

Zainab eventually made it to university. She notified her institution about the situation she was in and was reassured by the security available on campus and in the halls of residence where she lived at the time I spoke to her. But even after escaping a hellishly controlling childhood and parental abuse, she was still not free. Not really.

I asked if she could be open about being an ex-Muslim. She replied: "Absolutely not, because half my year group, which is 87 people, are Muslims so it would just not be a good idea for me to be out at all. Because even if they're not going to like attack me… it would still just spread gossip and rumours and drama and I just don't want to be involved in something like that; I'm already under too much stress as it is."

Zainab was one of 25 ex-Muslims living in Britain I interviewed as part of a three year research project. I wanted to explore how they were beginning to doubt Islam, escaping, organising to try and tell their stories, and campaigning for acceptance, protection and better lives for other ex-Muslims.

Taking part in my study was the only way Zainab could speak openly about what had happened to her. Indeed, as above, the police had advised her not to speak about it.

That former Muslims face persecution across the world, including in Britain, will not be news to anyone who has followed the work of the National Secular Society or the Council of ex-Muslims of Britain (CEMB), or read the books of Ayaan Hirsi Ali. But the extent of the persecution they face in Britain is poorly understood, as is the extent of apostasy from Islam: I lost count of the number of times I explained what my research was about, to a reaction of incredulity than anybody left, or was able to leave, Islam.

Yet research suggests that as many as 7% of children raised in the United Kingdom as Muslims will leave the religion by adulthood. This is a small figure compared with other religions, which shed followers at devastating rates: Islam and atheism are uniquely successful at transmitting belief and values from parent to child. But that 7% is equivalent to hundreds of thousands of former Muslims living in Britain today.

Of that number, some have become high profile public activists, some for secular atheism like the CEMB, or for Christianity. The latter include street preacher Hatun Tash, who was lucky to escape with her life after a knife attack and a separate plot to buy a gun to murder her. In in a dark irony, her would-be assassin Edward Little was a convert to Islam.

But many more ex-Muslims are like Zainab or the other young men and women I spoke to, living secret double lives.

Farah, also 19, compared her situation as a secret apostate to that of Winston Smith in 1984: "I live in a very Muslim area and it's impossible to detect other ex-Muslims since you can't just go up to people and ask them if they're ex-Muslim.

The process of finding other apostates in real life parallels 1984. It's like when Winston observes other characters looking for signs of 'unorthodoxy' that would prove that they're against the party. Maybe, that hijabi who is too passionate about women's rights is an apostate or that guy who attends every Friday prayer, you don't really know."

And the consequences of getting it wrong, and outing yourself to the wrong person, could be disastrous.

Despite this, ex-Muslims have built up a vast network of support. Sometimes this takes the form of organised groups like CEMB or Faith to Faithless, or sometimes it is organised around informal social groups that gather to trade stories and compare notes. Organisers of the latter groups told me how dangerous that could be, and about the precautions needed to vet people and ensure the groups were not infiltrated.

It is a safe assumption that the vast majority of ex-Muslims in Britain are not able to meet openly with other ex-Muslims. Social media therefore plays a substantial part of course, and by far the biggest and most important node in this network is the Reddit forum r/exmuslim. Here, ex-Muslims from across the world anonymously share memes and in-jokes, discuss scripture, talk about their life experiences, disparage Islam and Muhammad, and speak with complete candour about the religion they have left, and why they left it.

All these forums, in person or online, provide a rare lifeline for people trapped in stifling conditions, oppressed by their parents, forced to pretend to believe, and fasting during Ramadan so they are not suspected as apostates. The exact number of people living like this in Britain is unknowable, and in many cases these people will be unreachable. What's more, it might not have occurred to them to look for others like themselves. In many cases interviewees told me the same thing: "I thought I was the only one on the planet [to ever leave Islam]," in the words of Eira, 40.

This expansive, rapidly growing network of moral support and activism allows people like Farah, Eira or Zainab to have some precious contact with the world beyond their own communities – communities that are so isolated from mainstream Britain that some Muslim pupils were found to believe that Britain's population is 90% Asian, such is their experience of life.

But increasingly this network is under attack, and ex-Muslims' precarious access to the rights of freedom of speech, belief and association, tentative at best, are imperilled even further.

The threats are myriad. They include the proliferation of loosely drafted hate speech laws in western countries. They include the bizarre calls to end online anonymity which emerged following the very much offline murder, by a jihadist, of Sir David Amess MP. They include increasingly heavy-handed internet regulation by governments, coupled with the ruthless, unthinking algorithmic censorship of social media platforms. All of this risks combining to form a perfect storm for ex-Muslims.

But by far the most dangerous threat on the horizon for ex-Muslims (and many other people besides) is the definition of 'Islamophobia' being advanced by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on British Muslims. This definition, among other things, brands as Islamophobic anyone who makes "mendacious, dehumanizing, demonizing, or stereotypical allegations about Muslims".

How does that leave the ex-Muslim who draws a link between the treatment they suffered and the treatment suffered by tens of thousands of others? Would drawing an adverse inference about the entire religion from this overwhelming data be branded as Islamophobic on the basis of stereotyping? If translated into law, as seems possible under a new government, ex-Muslims' strident criticisms of Islam and elements of the Muslim communities they grew up in could well be criminalised as hate crimes.

The definition would also prohibit "claims of Muslims spreading Islam by the sword". Which again, if translated into law, could easily criminalise Iranian dissidents who celebrate and mourn pre-Islamic Persia, or mainstream historians like Tom Holland who have written about the early Islamic conquests and the wars of Muhammad's followers against the Eastern Roman Empire. Indeed, the definition is so inimical to freedom of speech that it has united no two more disparate figures in opposition than one of religion's staunchest critics, Richard Dawkins, and Tim Dieppe of Christian Concern.

Ex-Muslims are in the unenviable position of being canaries in the coal mine for the rest of us: if ex-Muslims cannot speak freely then none of us can. If they cannot criticise or satirise religion, nobody else is safe to. Their warnings should be heeded most urgently.

Yet the encroachment of hate crime laws, internet and social media censorship, and now the APPG definition of Islamophobia risk creating a situation where women like Zainab are treated not as victims, but as hate-mongers, merely for speaking out about their own traumatic past and their experiences of abuse.

Source: secularism.org.uk

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.secularism.org.uk/opinion/2024/08/british-ex-muslims-already-unfree-face-perils-of-worsening-censorship

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Meeting between Trudeau and Muslim leaders in Quebec called off after many refuse to attend

RaffyBoudjikanian •

 Aug 21, 2024

A meeting between Muslim leaders in Quebec and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau planned for this afternoon north of Montreal — weeks ahead of a critical byelection in the city — was cancelled after many of those invited refused to attend, CBC News has learned.

"Many members of our community continue to feel angry and frustrated with a government that in their view simply hasn't operated with integrity in relation to what is happening in Gaza, or in addressing the steep rise of Islamophobia in Canada," the National Council of Canadian Muslims told CBC News in a media statement.

"While our community is not a monolith, this sentiment is widespread."

It's not clear how many people were invited to the event but the NCCM said "many members" who were invited, including "leaders and imams, declined to meet."

Invitations were issued verbally by the office of Fayçal El-Khoury, the MP for Laval-les-Iles, according to two members of the Quebec Muslim community who spoke to CBC News.

Guests were asked to go to the Château Royal, a reception hall in Laval, Que., and to expect to meet Trudeau at 3 p.m. Wednesday afternoon.

After many of those invited chose not to go, pro-Palestinian protesters showed up in front of the hall instead.

StéphanieBechara, a spokesperson for Laval Police, said officers were called to the scene and managed to disperse the crowd, which was peaceful. She said police confirmed a meeting with Trudeau that was to take place at the hall had been cancelled, and informed the protesters.

NDP motion on Palestinian statehood passes after major amendments

EXCLUSIVEGroup representing Canadian Muslim donors pulls back from Liberal Party over stance on Gaza

In a media statement, the Prime Minister's Office declined to comment on whether the prime minister was going to attend the meeting.

The PMO said Trudeau "has always been and remains committed to [having] difficult and important conversations on the ongoing crisis in the Middle East."

Trudeau's official itinerary for Wednesday placed him in Gatineau, Que., where he held a photo-op with seniors about public dental care.

The Liberal Party referred questions to the Prime Minister's Office. Fayçal El-Khoury's office did not return requests for comment.

Hassan Guillet, an imam who was invited to the Laval meeting but did not plan to attend, called the event a "charm operation" directed at the Muslim community.

"The Muslim community is very, very upset with what is happening in Gaza," Guillet said.

"The government's reluctant to take a position in line with Canadian values and to protect international law and human lives. The community is very upset."

Trudeau's government has been calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in the bloody conflict between the government of Israel and Hamas.

In March, the Liberals also helped pass a watered-down version of an NDP motion that called for an arms embargo on Israel and the eventual recognition of a Palestinian state.

Muslim, Jewish voters leaning away from the federal Liberals as Gaza war grinds on: poll

Muslim groups say MPs won't be welcome in mosques until they call for Gaza ceasefire

Guillet was set to run for the Liberals himself in the 2019 general election before the party revoked his candidacy in response to claims by the Jewish advocacy group B'nai Brith that he had praised a Hamas-aligned activist.

Trudeau's attempt at rapprochement with Muslims in the Montreal area comes just weeks ahead of a federal byelection in the city's Lasalle-Émard-Verdun riding, vacated when former justice minister David Lametti was shuffled out of cabinet last year and left politics.

While Montreal is typically a Liberal stronghold, both the NDP and the Bloc Québécois say they are competitive in the riding.

Trudeau has had poor polling numbers across the country for more than a year. At least one survey indicates he is losing support among both Muslims and Jews over the Middle East conflict.

The government's handling of the issue has led top Muslim donors to threaten to abandon the Liberals. Canadian mosques also wrote an open letter last spring imposing conditions on MPs from any political party visiting their halls during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

About 5 per cent of Lasalle-Émard-Verdun residents identify as Muslim, according to the 2021 Statistics Canada census.

Source: www.cbc.ca

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Sick Ku Klux Klan stunt at NI mosque could finally see people prosecuted

22 August 2024

A terrifying Ku Klux Klan stunt at a mosque six years ago could finally see people prosecuted after a review of the case.

The Bangladesh Islamic Centre in Newtownards was the target of racist graffiti and a failed petrol bomb attack last week in the aftermath of a swathe of anti-immigration protests and street disorder.

The mosque has been in the “crosshairs” of dangerous far-right thugs for at least the last seven years.

In 2017, a pig’s head was left on the steps of the mosque in Greenwell Street, and the following year a group of men dressed up in KKK costumes and carrying crosses posed for pictures outside the mosque and were filmed boozing in a nearby pub beforehand.

But seven years on nobody has been convicted of any offence connected to those two race hate incidents — despite some of them being clearly identified in photographs afterwards.

The lack of action has drawn criticism from anti-fascist campaigners who feel had they been taken more seriously by the authorities it could have put others off from attacking the mosque last weekend.

Matthew Collins, from Hope Not Hate, said: “At a time when there were heightened tensions, it’s disappointing the PSNI appeared to not be monitoring either known far right actors or potential places they would target.

“This mosque in particular has been a particular favourite target for race haters. On this issue — racial hatred — the PSNI appear to be failing in getting to grips with the continuing insidious activities of a small but vocal few.”

But we can reveal the case has been reopened and there’s a potential for at least three people to be brought before the courts for the provocative 2018 KKK stunt.

The Public Prosecution Service told the Sunday World this week: “This case is currently under review as additional evidence was recently received from the PSNI.”

That response came after the PSNI was asked about the KKK incident and if anyone had ever been brought to court over it.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Nine men were arrested in connection with this investigation that was treated as a hate crime involving a group of people dressed as Ku Klux Klan members in Newtownards on Saturday, 27th October 2018.

“The men were all arrested on suspicion of displaying written material to stir up hatred or arouse fear and later bailed to allow for further inquiries.

“Two men aged 33, and two men aged 32 and 41, were released unconditionally following questioning in respect of the investigation.

“A report was submitted to the Public Prosecution Service in relation to three men aged 33, 39 and 41.

“Two men, aged 31 and 32, were also issued with a community resolution notice.”

This week the PPS confirmed to the Sunday World they had made the decision in May 2019 not to bring charges against the three men who the PSNI submitted files on as their cases “did not pass the Test for Prosecution on evidential grounds”.

A PPS spokesperson said: “Following a thorough consideration of all available evidence in an investigation file submitted by police in April 2019, a decision [was made] not to prosecute a number of individuals reported to the PPS for alleged offences of displaying written material to stir up hatred or arouse fear issued in May 2019, as it did not pass the Test for Prosecution on evidential grounds.”

However, that stance appears to have now changed and the Sunday World reports the PPS are looking into the case again and will make a decision soon.

“When new information or evidence becomes available it is considered along with all the existing information and evidence in the case and the Test for Prosecution applied. A decision will issue in due course.,” a spokesperson said.

Images of the group of at least nine draped in sinister garb, carrying wooden crosses and posing outside the mosque six years ago, were beamed around the world, making headlines on CNN international news and in The Washington Post and The Guardian.

National Front leader Tony Martin was suspected of being involve in the KKK incident after his then partner Sharon Mellor was pictured posing with some of those in costume afterwards.

Sharon Mellor once bragged about attacking the Newtownards mosque.

Mellor, originally from Gillingham, made the claim in an angry rant on Facebook a number of years ago.

After Britain First members posted pictures of themselves outside what they claimed was a new mosque, a furious Mellor responded saying: “Since when has this been a ‘new’ mosque I’ve been ranting for three years about it ffs even tried burning the f**ker down.”

A photograph showing one of the group with Mellor also appeared online.

Mellor, who moved to Newtownards, brushed off her appearance with the KKK mob as coincidence.

“A few blokes were dressed up for Halloween, [I’ve] no idea who they were,” she told the Belfast Telegraph at the time.

Her ex-soldier partner, who was elected chairman of the hate group last month, was unable to recall what pub the pair were in when the image was taken as he is not from the area.

“I was out with my girlfriend and we saw some guys in fancy dress,” he said at the time.

Source: belfasttelegraph.co.uk

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https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/sick-ku-klux-klan-stunt-at-ni-

mosque-could-finally-see-people-prosecuted/a27799725.html

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Why is the BBC heaping praise on Islamists?

HANNAH BALDOCK

21st August 2024

There appears to be no bounds to the ‘useful idiocy’ of the BBC when it comes to enemies of liberty.

At the weekend, BBC Radio London presenter Asad Ahmad sought the counsel of Haitham al-Haddad, the chair of the Muslim Research and Development Foundation (MRDF), over the race riots which had just erupted across England. Haddad, if you are blissfully unaware, is a stalwart of the Islamist far right.

Not that listeners would know this from Ahmad’s introduction. He referred to the Saudi-trained cleric as a ‘highly respected imam’. ‘Highly respected’ by whom exactly? Certainly not by anyone who supports secularism, democracy or human rights. After all, Haddad is a proponent of the regressive ideology of caliphism. He thinks that the UK is an ungodly society and should be replaced by an Islamic state with a system of Sharia governance.

These views, drawn from fundamentalist Deobandi and Salafi doctrines, used to be a far-right fringe position among Muslim migrants in Britain. But thanks to financial support from Saudi Arabia and regional rivals Qatar and Iran, caliphism has gained broader purchase in the UK in recent decades. As Ed Husain notes in his 2021 book, Among the Mosques: A Journey Across Muslim Britain, ‘caliphism is anti-Western and seeks to subvert British culture, law and institutions from within’ and it’s being ‘embedded in speeches, sermons, books, websites and charities’.

Evangelising Hate, a 2014 report from the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain, provides an eye-opening portrait of the misogyny, intolerance and authoritarianism of Haddad and his ilk. According to the report, he thinks ‘a man should not be questioned’ by the authorities if he is found to have assaulted his wife because ‘they can sort out their matters among themselves’. A 2018 investigation by The Times quoted him as saying that women from Western countries who had committed adultery were ‘begging’ him to take them to an Islamic country in order to be stoned to death.

What’s more, according to Evangelising Hate, Haddad ‘believes that criticising suicide bombing is wrong because to do so would be to “nullify” “defensive jihad”’. He says it is a duty of Muslims to engage in jihad and ‘fight everyone until they establish the law of Allah’. On the day of Hamas’s 7 October pogrom in Israel, he posted on Facebook a prayer for Allah to grant victory to ‘the people of truth in Gaza’ against ‘their oppressors’.

The founder of a counter-extremism think-tank once called Haddad ‘one of the most dangerous men in Britain’. Dr Taj Hargey, an imam and founder of reformist Muslim think-tank, the Oxford Institute for British Islam, agrees. He told me that Haddad’s MRDF and other similar organisations ultimately ‘want to overthrow this country’s secular democracy and install some form of Sharia dictatorship’.

Haddad is certainly a busy man. He has recently been on a PR trip to Afghanistan to meet up with officials from the Taliban. You can also find him promoting his caliphism on the Islam Channel and other UK-based Arabic-language channels. There you’ll discover he’s closely associated with Muslim Engagement and Development (MEND), which has been accused of harbouring ‘Islamists masquerading as civil libertarians’, and the Muslim Association of Britain, which was founded by activists from the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas.

It’s perplexing, isn’t it? It would be one thing for the BBC to invite Haddad on air to challenge his views. It is quite another to present him as a ‘highly respected imam’, supposedly the ideal man to calm things down after days of violent rioting. The presenter even asked him, ‘What is your advice to the media, what is your advice to politicians, what should they do?’.

The riots show how society can violently fracture if communities lose trust in each other. Yet how can we rebuild that trust, that social cohesion, when the myopic BBC chooses to treat bigots like Haddad as fonts of wisdom?

Source: spiked-online.com

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https://www.spiked-online.com/2024/08/21/why-is-the-bbc-heaping-praise-on-islamists/

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Commitment to pan-Islamic solidarity

21.08.2024

Qamar Cheema

Pakistan perceives the Israel-Palestine conflict and the war in Gaza through three distinct lenses: state, societal, and systemic. At the state level, Pakistan maintains a firm stance by not recognizing Israel, insisting that a two-state solution is a prerequisite for peace. This position is also reinforced by Pakistani passports, which explicitly state that they are valid for travel to all countries except Israel. The Pakistani government views the ongoing conflict in Gaza as an act of genocide by Israel and consistently raises this issue in international forums. Pakistan also sees Hamas' attacks as a reaction to Israel's subjugation, supporting the notion that Palestinians have the right to armed resistance against oppression.

The country, located west of India, draws a parallel between the Palestine issue and the Kashmir conflict, where it perceives a similar struggle for freedom against oppression. This comparison strengthens Pakistan's unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, as both issues are seen as part of a broader fight against injustice.

The nation at the crossroads of South Asia and the Middle East has also found itself marginalized in international diplomacy, most notably when it was excluded from a delegation of Arab and Indonesian foreign ministers who visited the permanent members of the UN Security Council to call for an immediate halt to the military escalation in Gaza. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) did not include Pakistan in this mission, probably out of concern that Pakistan might raise the Kashmir issue alongside the Palestinian cause. This exclusion underlines the perception that the OIC has shifted its focus away from Kashmir, despite its unresolved status, leaving Pakistan in a difficult position.

Domestically, Pakistan feels a strong obligation to advocate for the Palestinian cause, as it resonates deeply with the population and aligns with the broader goal of maintaining relevance in the Muslim world. By championing the Palestinian issue, Pakistan not only reflects popular sentiment at home but also reaffirms its commitment to pan-Islamic solidarity, even as the OIC’s support for Kashmir diminishes.

Changing dynamics within the Muslim world

At the societal level, the recent Gaza conflict has profoundly impacted Pakistani society, where there is widespread empathy for the Palestinian people and strong condemnation of Israel's actions, which are viewed as violations of international law. The Palestinian cause is highly valued in Pakistan, but the changing dynamics within the Muslim world have not been effectively communicated by the government or other Muslim states. The recent violence in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands, has been widely disseminated across all demographics in Pakistan, shaping public opinion across age groups and social classes. Pakistani youth, particularly, have formed their views through content on social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, while older generations rely more on television.

The images of attacks on schools, hospitals, and civilians have reignited interest in the Palestinian cause, which, like the Kashmir issue, often fades from public consciousness until a major event occurs. The overwhelming sentiment in Pakistan is one of helplessness and a perception that the rule of law is absent as these prolonged conflicts continue without resolution.

Let down by the international system

At the systemic level, the south Asian nation observes that the post-Cold War international system has failed to address unresolved issues from the era of decolonization, particularly in the Muslim world. Pakistan, having gained independence based on religion, sees itself as part of a larger Muslim community that has been let down by the international system. The prevailing belief is that this system has failed to resolve critical issues in the Muslim world, while internal divisions within the Muslim world have further compounded these challenges. Many Pakistanis feel that Muslim countries lack the political will and capability to resolve these issues, as their political systems are often not based on accountability and transparency, instead drawing legitimacy from external powers rather than their populations.

Recent developments in Europe have mobilized both governments and large segments of the population in response to severe human rights violations in Gaza. The United Nations, European Union, and other international platforms have called for calm and restraint. Europe is perceived as a bastion of stability amidst the turmoil in the Arab world, which heightens its role in the crisis. Many in the Muslim world, including Pakistan, believe that Europe should adopt an independent stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict, particularly in relation to the Gaza war. There is a perception that the rules-based international order has deteriorated, with the conflict in Gaza being driven more by hard power and military might. Consequently, Europe is urged to engage with the Muslim world independently at both the state and societal levels.

Young people in Pakistan and the broader Muslim world are increasingly questioning Europe's role in global peace and stability. European embassies in these regions should actively engage with youth to discuss Europe’s grand strategy for the Arab world. As Europe seeks to bolster its influence in a polarized, multipolar world, it is crucial to uphold the rules-based order. The protests in European and American universities reflect the values taught to students, and the subsequent disillusionment that the governments compromise on these values has in turn empowered Muslim and Pakistani youth to question and voice their concerns.

Bringing students to western universities

Europe’s Erasmus Mundus Program, which brings Pakistani students to western universities for master’s programs, has positively influenced perceptions of Europe among Pakistani youth. However, European soft power may wane if grassroots dialogue with young people is not prioritized. Governments are trusted by youth who have developed a critical approach to global issues.

To ensure that future generations understand the relevance of international law, its principles must be clearly demonstrated. If institutions like the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the United Nations Security Council are seen merely as debating platforms, authoritarian regimes such as China and Russia may exploit this perception to undermine European influence among youth. Influence of authoritarian states in a hybrid democracy like Pakistan will roll back efforts by Europe for promotion of democracy, free speech and human rights. 

Pakistan and Europe must address the concerns of young people who feel disillusioned by their governments and international institutions. There is a growing belief that only hard power can resolve global issues and that the rules-based order is becoming obsolete. This notion must not take root among youth otherwise hardline militants who have always been trying to recruit uneducated youth will take advantage of this. Even educated professionals could not understand the silence of global institutions and their efficacy in global peace. 

Sources of inspiration

Western media and human rights organizations have long been sources of inspiration for the non-western world by advocating for justice, free speech, and a free press. While Pakistanis value these voices, there is frustration over Europe’s perceived lack of attention to forums highlighting the disproportionate use of force by Israel. This mistrust necessitates dialogue and engagement to address the challenges Europe faces in the Gaza conflict.

The European Union and various European states maintain strong relations with Pakistan. As the Gaza conflict nears its end and reconstruction begins, Europe should allocate resources to support the people of Gaza. This commitment needs to be communicated effectively, and youth should be informed about these developments. Europe's contributions to Gaza’s reconstruction and aid distribution are important but have not been effective yet. Hence there is a call for the EU to take stronger measures against Israel to stop the ongoing violence and give way for international law to take effect including reconstruction and improvement of the lives of Palestinians in Gaza.

Pakistan, Europe and global actors need to engage at all levels to answer questions that could not be answered in the heat of war. I believe that in the same way that democracy and human rights are preached, as well as laws on the use of force, the value of global institutions must also be emphasized.

Qamar Cheema is Executive Director at Sanober Institute, a “non-partisan platform committed to fostering informed dialogue” in Islamabad, Pakistan. He is a prominent academic and political analyst. He specializes in international relations and South Asian politics, offering insights on regional security and strategic affairs. Cheema is also a respected educator, contributing to academic discourse through lectures, a YouTube channel and publications.

Source: qantara.de

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https://qantara.de/en/article/pakistan-and-war-gaza-commitment-pan-islamic-solidarity

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Pakistan

 

Poll tribunal ‘de-seats’ Balochistan home minister Mir ZiaullahLangove

August 22, 2024

Saleem Shahid

QUETTA: While Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Wednesday emerged unscathed from an election tribunal hearing a challenge to his victory in the Feb 8 elections, Home Minister Mir ZiaullahLangove lost his ministry in a separate case after the tribunal ordered re-polling in seven disputed polling stations.

The Election Tribunal-1, consisting of Justice Abdullah Baloch of the Balochistan High Court (BHC), suspended Mr Langove’s victory from PB-36 Kalat constituency of the Balochistan Assembly.

The tribunal declared Mr Langove’s appointment as minister for home and tribal affairs null and void.

It directed that a new returning officer, deputy returning officers and election staff be appointed to conduct re-polling at seven disputed polling stations in the constituency.

The decision was announced on a petition filed by Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl’s candidate Mir Saeed Ahmad Langove.

Akram Shah represented the JUI-F’s candidate while Saleem Lashari appeared on behalf of ZiaullahLangove.

The decision announced on Wednesday was reserved after both sides had completed their arguments during the last hearing.

Suspending Mir Ziaullah’s victory, the tribunal directed the Ele­ction Commission to de-notify him, and nullified his appointment as a member of the provincial cabinet.

In its verdict, the tribunal further ordered that after re-elections at disputed polling stations No. 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, and 92, Form-45 should be prepared for each polling station. It said that after consolidating all Form-45s from the entire constituency, Forms-47 and 49 should be prepared, and the final result be announced in the presence of the candidates or their agents.

Plea dismissed

In the other case, the Election Tribunal-2 dismissed a petition against CM Bugti filed by Mir Gohram Bugti, who had contested election against him from PB-10 Dera Bugti.

Mir Gohram had challenged the CM’s eligibility pleading that the latter was federal caretaker interior minister and quit the post just before the election.

The tribunal, headed by Justice Rozi Khan of the BHC, heard the petition. He had reserved the verdict after hearing arguments from both sides on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, the tribunal announ­ced the judgement, dismissing the petition and allowing Sarfraz Bugti to continue as chief minister.

Advocate General of Balochistan Asif Ali Reki represented the government in the case, while Kamran Murtaza, Jameel Agha and Noor Jahan appeared on behalf of the chief minister. Mir Gohram was represented by Advocate Hassan Maan.

Source: dawn.com

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'What goes around comes around': PM Shehbaz on Sheikh Mujib's statue demolition

By APP & Web Desk

August 21, 2024

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday pointed out the demolition of Bangladesh founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s statues during recent protests, saying that the individual who led the movement against Pakistan was now facing consequences.

"What goes around comes around", the premier said while addressing the National Youth Convention in Islamabad.

Infuriated people vandalised several statues, pictures and murals of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman following an end to Sheikh Hasina-led government who fled to India on board a military helicopter along with her sister.

The Hasina government collapsed on the back of riots — one of the worst in the country's history of 50-odd years. Almost 300 people were killed and thousands of others injured in the recent violence that started in early July.

The protesters launched their rallies last month, demanding the government abolish civil service job quotas. However, the large-scale demonstrations escalated into the worst unrest of Hasina's 15-year rule, with protesters later calling on the 76-year-old to step down.

Speaking about other domestic matters, PM Shehbaz said that Pakistan had sacrificed thousands of lives in its fight against terrorism besides suffering an economic loss of $150 billion. "Not just Pakistan, the whole world has benefited from the elimination of terrorism by Pakistan," he added.

The convention was attended by federal ministers, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission, teachers, vice-chancellors and students from across the country.

Calling the 1973 Constitution a binding force for the nation, he said Pakistani nation also showed unity when the country carried out the nuclear tests in 1998 to make its defence impregnable, setting aside the serious challenges.

He said that besides the common citizens, the security forces played their fullest role in purging the country of terrorism, which the nation would always remember.

Coming to the economic challenges, the prime minister said the government was compelled to privatise the Pakistan International Airline (PIA) which once used to be a model for other airlines in the region. "Similarly, South Korea copied Pakistan’s five-year development plan and boosted its economy while Pakistan still lagged behind".

"We have to decide whether the business will go as usual or we will move forward," he remarked.

He assured that despite the challenges of electricity, revenue receipts and exports, the government would dole out maximum funds for youth empowerment and recalled the PML-government’s pro-youth steps in the past including the merit-based distribution of laptops, establishment of Punjab Education Endowment Fund to distribute scholarships worth Rs22 billion, and numerous schemes for skill development.

He further said that youth empowerment and the united efforts by the politicians and the national institutions were inevitable to put the country on the course to progress.

The premier said it was the government’s responsibility to equip the youth with modern education, technology and skills to enable them to change the country’s fate and bring about a “revolution” of progress and prosperity.

PM Shehbaz said the country’s youth had immense potential as for the last three years, Pakistani students were among the top achievers of the foreign scholarships.

Urging the youth to go into the small and medium enterprises (SMEs), he said the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has been asked to instruct the commercial banks to allocate 40% of their loans for the sector.

He also referred to the federal government’s Rs50 billion relief package for electricity consumers using up to 200 units for a three-month period. He said the Punjab government has also announced a Rs45 billion package to give Rs14 per unit subsidy to the consumers using 200-500 units which should also be copied by other provinces, instead of politicking on the matter.

"If we resolve to change Pakistan, it will not be too far when the country will emerge as a great nation. Today’s Pakistan and its prevailing circumstances necessitate politicians and national institutions to serve the country unitedly while observing their constitutional limits. If we do so, history will remember us forever otherwise the future generations will never forgive us," he added.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1222266-what-goes-around-comes-around-pm-shehbaz-on-sheikh-mujibs-statue-demolition

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COAS Munir expresses resolve to defeat terrorism in Pakistan

By Web Desk

August 21, 2024

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir on Wednesday addressed the National Youth Convention in Islamabad and reiterated Pakistan's commitment to eliminate the menace of terrorism.

Pakistan's future is in safe hands," said the army chief while addressing the Islamabad event, adding that a strong bond between the nation, the government and the army guarantees the prosperity of the country.

It is the state's responsibility to protect the nation from the adverse effects of social media, he added. Gen Munir also said that those people who built a narrative of Pakistan's default were found nowhere today.

"One should ask the importance of an independent state from the people of Libya, Syria, Kashmir, and Gaza," he said.

Urging the nation not to lose hope for a good future, the COAS said that they were forbidden to despair as Muslims.

He went on the say that youth is the most important and expensive asset of Pakistan and they would not let anyone waste it at any cost.

Gen Munir reiterated that it Is his firm belief that the country would defeat terrorism. He added that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) people have been standing alongside the Pakistan Army against the menace of terrorism for the last 22 years.

He asked the tribes to help the state in resolving disputes through dialogues.

The army chief's statement came after the federal government launched a new anti-terrorism operation, Azm-e-Istehkam (Resolve for Stability), citing a rise in terrorist attacks across the country.

Regarding the new counterterrorism drive, the military's media wing said last month that it aimed at harnessing the national counter-terrorism efforts in a synchronised manner to dismantle the nexus of terrorism and illegal spectrum in the country for enduring stability and economic prosperity.

The Pakistan Army also categorically rejected criticism against the new anti-terror drive, vowing to combat "digital terrorism" conspirators abetted by foreign cohorts sowing discord through the peddling of fake news and propaganda.

The institution also clarified that the new anti-terror drive would not be a large-scale military operation.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1222268-coas-munir-expresses-resolve-to-defeat-terrorism-in-pakistan

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Imran Khan to face 'open trial' if held in military court: defence minister

By Web Desk

August 22, 2024

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Wednesday hinted at Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan's "open trial" in military court after the latter demanded the same for ex-Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Faiz Hamid earlier today.

The defence minister's statement came hours after the former premier called for an open trial of General (retd) Faiz who was taken into custody by the military over alleged abuse of power and the Army Act violation earlier this month.

"We don't have any precedent that any general's military trial held in an open court in the country's history," said Asif while speaking on Geo News programme 'Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath'.

If the PTI founder faces any trial in a military court, then I can assure you that it would be open to the public and media because he is a civilian."

He further clarified that it is the military's tradition not to conduct open trials of its employees and officers.

Accusing the former ruling party of working in collusion with the detained former spy chief, Asif said that the last year's May 9 violent protests triggered by Khan's arrest and saw attacks on state properties including military installations were pre-planned.

He further alleged that the PTI founder provided the manpower for the May 9 riots while the former top spy "masterminded the conspiracy".

When questioned about the deposed prime minister's statements denying any connections with the former ISI chief, the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader claimed that not only Khan, PTI's second-tier leadership had openly admitted to being in contact with Gen (retd) Faiz even after May 9, 2023, riots.

During an informal interaction with journalists in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail earlier today, the former prime minister, who was removed from office via a parliamentary vote in 2022, said the open trial of ex-ISI chief would benefit the country and allow it to prosper.

Responding to Khan’s statement, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar termed the ex-prime minister’s statement an intervention in the army’s affairs.

Taking a swipe at the former PM, the information said the PTI founder was continuously trying to make the matter related to the army’s internal accountability process “controversial” through his statements.

Following the former spymaster's arrest, the ex-premier had distanced himself from the retired general, who served as DG ISI during his tenure, claiming that he has no connection with him.

"If the military wants the accountability of General Faiz [then] it should proceed and do it," Khan said, asserting that it is the army's internal matter.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) had announced the arrest of the former ISI chief on August 12, saying that he was "taken into custody" over allegations of land grabbing and snatching valuables from the owner of a private housing society.

"Complying with the orders of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, a detailed court of inquiry was undertaken by the Pakistan Army to ascertain the correctness of complaints in the Top City Case made against Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hamid," the army's media wing said.

The process of court martial has been initiated against the former chief of the country's premier spy agency over complaints in the Top City Case, it added.

Three more retired officers were taken into military custody after Hamid’s arrest in connection with the same housing scheme case.

Sources told Geo News that two of the officers in the military custody were of brigadier rank and one was of colonel rank.

The two retired brigadiers were identified as Ghaffar and Naeem while the retired colonel’s name is Asim, they said, adding that they worked as messengers between a political party and the ex-spymaster.

Source: thenews.com.pk

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1222288-imran-khan-to-face-open-trial-if-held-in-military-court-defence-minister

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Imran Khan demands 'open trial' of ex-spymaster Faiz Hamid

Shabbir Dar

August 21, 2024

RAWALPINDI: After distancing himself from the former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief, incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan on Wednesday demanded an open trial of Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hamid who taken into military custody over allegations of abuse of power and violating Army Act.

The former prime minister, who was removed from office via a parliamentary vote in 2022, said the open trial would benefit the country and allow it to prosper.

"I demand an open trial of Faiz Hamid with media should be given access to cover it," said the ex-premier during an informal interaction with journalists in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail where has been incarcerated for over a year in different cases ranging from corruption to terrorism.

Responding to Khan’s statement, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar termed the ex-prime minister's statement an intervention in the army’s affairs.

Taking a swipe at the former PM, the information said the PTI founder was continuously trying to make the matter related to the army's internal accountability process "controversial" through his statements.

Tarar asked Imran to submit his response in the £190m case instead of giving statements to defend Hamid. He added that the PTI founder's contradictory statements regarding the ex-ISI chief reflected that he is quite worried.

Following the former spymaster's arrest, the ex-premier had distanced himself from the retired general, who served as DG ISI during his tenure, claiming that he has no connection with him.

"If the military wants the accountability of General Faiz [then] it should proceed and do it," Khan said, asserting that it is the army's internal matter.

Welcoming the development, the former premier said it was good that army launched the process of internal accountability, he noted. However, he urged the military to ensure that the process of accountability should be across the board.

Responding to a question relating to his past engagement with the former spymaster, Khan said that while he was the premier he did not want to remove General Faiz from his office amid regime change in Afghanistan.

The embattled PTI founder further detailed he had exchanged heated words with the former army chief, General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa over the issue of removing the former ISI boss from his post, adding Bajwa removed Faiz for the sake of his extension. "I repeatedly asked Bajwa not to remove Faiz but to no avail," he added.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) had announced the arrest of the former ISI chief on August 12, saying that he was "taken into custody" over allegations of land grabbing and snatching valuables from the owner of a private housing society.

"Complying with the orders of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, a detailed court of inquiry was undertaken by the Pakistan Army to ascertain the correctness of complaints in the Top City Case made against Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hamid," the army's media wing said.

The process of court martial has been initiated against the former chief of the country's premier spy agency over complaints in the Top City Case, it added.

Three more retired officers were taken into military custody after Hamid’s arrest in connection with the same housing scheme case.

Sources told Geo News that two of the officers in the military custody were of brigadier rank and one was of colonel rank.

The two retired brigadiers were identified as Ghaffar and Naeem while the retired colonel’s name is Asim, they said, adding that they worked as messengers between a political party and the ex-spymaster.

The two brigadiers, alleged of facilitation, hailed from Chakwal, the sources further said.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1222249-imran-khan-demands-open-trial-of-ex-spy-master-faiz-hamid

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Tackling water needs: Islamic Relief ready to give technical support to CDA

Nuzhat Nazar

 August 22, 2024

ISLAMABAD: Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa on Wednesday met with Islamic Relief Country Director Asif Shirazi who expressed readiness to provide technical support to CDA in addressing the city's water requirements.

During the meeting, the CDA chairman lauded Islamic Relief’s contributions towards Pakistan’s development and welfare.

Islamic Relief has been operating in Pakistan since 1992.

The CDA chairman highlighted the authority's ongoing initiatives to tackle the impacts of climate change and protect the environment, which include extensive tree plantation drives across the city, especially in the Margalla Hills, and the establishment of dedicated climate change funds.

During the meeting, discussions were held regarding the increasing water demands in Islamabad.

Shirazi expressed readiness to provide technical support to CDA in addressing the city's water requirements.

He emphasised the need for strong partnerships to mitigate the impacts of climate change and transform Islamabad into a modern city.

He further stated that Islamic Relief Pakistan is prepared to collaborate with CDA's other development partners, such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), and others.

Randhawa expressed his intent to leverage the expertise of Islamic Relief in the city’s development initiatives.

Source: brecorder.com

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https://www.brecorder.com/news/40318709/tackling-water-needs-islamic-relief-ready-to-give-technical-support-to-cda

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PTI moves privilege motion over MNA’s ‘non-production’

 August 22, 2024

Ikram Junaidi

ISLAMABAD: Mem­b­ers of the parliament be­­longing to Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), led by the former National Assem­b­­ly speaker Asad Qai­ser, have moved a privilege motion against DG Anti-Corruption Punjab, IG Police, IG Prisons, DPO Gujrat, DPO Mandi Bahauddin as they failed to produce MNA Haji Imtiaz Ahmad Chaudhry in the assembly despite production orders issued by the NA speaker.

The names of principal secretary to NA speaker and other relevant officials of the assembly, who did not forward the orders of the chairman of standing committee on aviation, are also included in privilege motion.

“We, the members of the National Assembly, want to draw your attention to a series of grave breaches of our members’ parliamentary privileges. On 24-7-2024, MNA Haji Ahmad Chaudhry, was arrested by law enforcement authorities i.e. Punjab Police, Anti-Corruption Department Punjab, and other authorities without obtaining prior approval from the Speaker, in violation of Rule 103 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of the National Assembly,” it stated.

Rule 103 clearly mandates “approval of the Speaker before arrest, detention, etc., of a member. When a member has to be arrested on a criminal charge or for a criminal offence or has to be detained under an executive order, the committing judge, magistrate or executive authority, as the case may be, shall immediately seek approval of the Speaker indicating the reasons for the arrest or detention.”

The motion stated, “This blatant disregard of Rule 103 represents the first violation of privileges not of the individual member but also the whole House. Secondly, despite the Speaker having issued production orders for attendance of MNA Haji Imtiaz Ahmad Chaudhry at the National Assembly session, he was not produced for the assembly session. This failure to adhere to the Speaker’s lawful production orders violates the members’ right to participate in parliamentary proceedings and constitutes a serious breach of parliamentary norms.

“Lastly, despite a ruling from the chairman of the Standing Committee on Civil Aviation, MNA Imtiaz Chaudhry was not produced for the committee meeting. The chairman of the Standing Committee is empowered by the rules to ensure the attendance of its members, and the failure to produce a member, despite the clear instructions of the chairman, represents a third violation of the privileges. These rules are meant to facilitate the effective functioning of committees, which are an essential part of parliamentary oversight.”

The draft of privilege motion stated that in the light of repeated violations or parliamentary privileges, the matter be referred to the committee on privileges for a thorough investigation and all relevant officials be called before the committee to provide their testimonies and explanations regarding the incident.

“We trust that this motion will be given due consideration, and the necessary actions will be taken to uphold the sanctity of parliamentary privileges,” it stated.

Source: dawn.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.dawn.com/news/1853874

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PTI remains ‘headless’ despite top court relief

 August 22, 2024

Iftikhar A. Khan'

ISLAMABAD: More than a month after the Supreme Court handed a major legal victory to the PTI by declaring it eligible for reserved seats in National and provincial assemblies, the party remains without a head and an election symbol in the Election Commission of Pakistan’s books.

On Wednesday, the ECP released a revised list of political parties, leaving the position of party head for PTI vacant.

The updated list was made public over five weeks after the Supreme Court’s July 12 ruling on reserved seats. Despite the split decision of 8-5, all 13 judges had acknowledged PTI’s status as a parliamentary party.

The majority judgement explained that 39 out of the 80 MNAs listed by the ECP as PTI candidates were indeed from that party. However, the remaining 41 independents were required to submit duly signed and notarised statements to the Election Commission within 15 days from the date of the top court’s verdict, confirming that they contested the Feb 8 general elections as candidates of a specific political party.

Although the ECP eventually notified the 39 lawmakers, it delayed the process by two weeks before approaching the Supreme Court for clarification on who should be contacted for verification as the PTI had lost its organisational structure.

The controversy began when the ECP, after dragging the PTI’s party polls case for a long time, voided its intra-party elections held in 2022 — just before the general elections — and gave the party 20 days to conduct fresh elections, which were also not recognised by the ECP.

The commission then denied PTI its iconic poll symbol — bat — forcing candidates to run in the general election as independents. Subsequently, reserved seats were controversially distributed among three other political parties.

The Supreme Court has yet to respond to the ECP’s request for clarification — a move many see as an attempt to prevent PTI from emerging as the largest party in the National Assembly. The case against the intra-party elections conducted by PTI after the general elections — its third such exercise in less than two years — also remains pending before the ECP.

The revised ECP list now includes 166 registered political parties. The Election Commission has recognised the intra-party elections of several political parties, including the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), without any scrutiny.

The commission has confirmed Nawaz Sharif as the PML-N president, while Hafiz Naeemur Rehman is listed as the chief of Jamaat-i-Islami. Interestingly, President Asif Ali Zardari, despite being elected as head of state for a second time, continues to head Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP), while Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has been confirmed as chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

Former KP chief minister Mehmood Khan has been updated as the chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Parliamentarians (PTI-P), a party formed by another former KP chief minister, Pervaiz Khattak, before the general elections.

Asfandyar Wali Khan remains the president of the Awami National Party (ANP), and Maulana Fazlur Rahman continues to lead his faction of JUI. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui also retains his position as convener of MQM-Pakistan. The election body has included the Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) in the list of registered political parties without mentioning the name of its head.

Prominent party leaders in the list include Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain (Pakistan Muslim League), Mehmood Khan Achakzai (Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party), Dr Abdul Hayee Baloch (National Democratic Party), Dr Abdul Malik Baloch (National Party), Shahzain Bugti (JamhooriWattan Party), and Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao (Qaumi Watan Party).

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1853890/pti-remains-headless-despite-top-court-relief

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South Asia

 

Islamic Emirate Fulfills Commitments, Mawlavi Abdul Kabir Tells EU Envoy

2024-08-21

KABUL (BNA): In a meeting with the EU Chargé d’Affaires in Kabul, Mawlavi Abdul Kabir, the deputy Prime Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, stated that the government has fulfilled its commitments to the international community.

According to the readout of the meeting, RaffaellaIodice, the EU Chargé d’Affaires, assured the continuation of cooperation and assistance from the European Union with the Afghan people. She noted that the situation and developments in Afghanistan are moving in a positive direction, and the EU is working to fulfill the promises made at the third Doha meeting.

In response, Mawlavi Abdul Kabir stated that the Islamic Emirate has delivered on its promises. He highlighted that the cultivation of drugs has been reduced to zero, administrative corruption has been eliminated, and the treatment of addicts is ongoing. Mawlavi Kabir also asserted that there is no longer any danger to the international community from Afghanistan.

Source: thekabultimes.com

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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/islamic-emirate-fulfills-commitments-maulvi-abdul-kabir-tells-eu-envoy/

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Billions of Afghani distributed to widows, orphans, people with disability, official

August 22, 2024

KABUL: The Deputy Minister of Martyrs and Disabled Affairs Mawlavi Abdul Hakim Haqqani has said that 15.407 billion Afghani (some 217.6 million U.S. dollars) have been distributed to widows, orphans and disabled individuals across the country in the last year. Presenting the ministry’s annual achievements during a press conference at the Government Media and Information Center (GMIC), Haqqani said that to enhance the quality of support, a total of 89,442 widows, orphans, and disabled persons have received food and non-food aid from aid organizations in the country last year. He also noted that, during the past year, the ministry has entered into cooperation agree ments with 67 aid organizations, resulting in services worth a total of 4.5 million USD being provided to needy and underprivileged individuals. More than 653,265 orphans, widows, and disabled individuals have been identified, and so far, 264,335 of them have been registered in the system in the center and provinces, Haqqani said, adding that as a result of the verification process completed over the past year, 28,183 ineligible individuals were identified and subsequently removed from the system. According to him, 990 widows, orphans, and disabled individuals were referred to hospitals and health centers for medical treatment, and 3,885 others received necessary services for prosthetics, physiotherapy, orthopedics, and psychotherapy. Moreover, 120 disabled individuals and orphans have received vocational training in fields such as computer skills, electrical appliance repair, and tailoring, he said Referring to the ministry’s priorities for the current year, he said that continuing the registration of orphans, widows, and disabled persons, soliciting and distributing cash and non-cash assistance, administering entitlements monthly, formalizing agreements with aid organizations, sustaining vocational training programs implementing the decrees and directives of IEA’s leadership, and delivering essential services are among the plans and priorities of the ministry. BabrakQayumi

Source: thekabultimes.com

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https://thekabultimes.com/billions-of-afghani-distributed-to-widows-orphans-people-with-disability-official/

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Islamic Emirate Seeks Qatar Cooperation in Culture Initiatives

: 2024-08-22

KABUL (BNA): In a meeting held today, Wednesday the acting Minister of Information and Culture, Mullah KhairullahKhairkhwa, discussed potential areas of cooperation with the adviser of the Embassy of Qatar, Murdif Al Qashuti.

During the meeting, Minister Khairkhwa welcomed the Qatari official and expressed the Islamic Emirate’s desire for Qatar to cooperate in organizing exhibitions showcasing Afghanistan’s rich historical monuments. The minister also sought Qatar’s support in providing training seminars to the country’s youth.

In response, Al Qashuti praised the progress made in various sectors under the Islamic Emirate. He expressed Qatar’s readiness to cooperate in the proposed cultural initiatives, as well as highlighted the overall improvement in security and peace across the country.

Source: bakhtarnews.af

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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/islamic-emirate-seeks-qatar-cooperation-in-culture-initiatives/

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Afghanistan and Turkmenistan Strengthen Economic Ties Through Pipeline and Rail Projects

 2024-08-22

KABUL(BNA): A high-level delegation from Afghanistan, led by Foreign Minister Mawlavi Amir Khan Muttaqi, visited Herat yesterday Wednesday. The delegation, which included ministers from key sectors such as Mines and Petroleum, Communications and Information Technology, toured key infrastructure projects along the Afghanistan-Turkmenistan border.

The two sides focused discussions on the expansion of the TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) natural gas pipeline project, as well as the construction of a new railway line and power transmission infrastructure.

During the visit, the Islamic Emirate Foreign Minister assured his Turkmen counterpart, Rashid Murdov, that the Afghanistan government has completed its preparations for the TAPI pipeline extension and is ready to commence practical work.

In a reciprocal gesture, the Turkmen Foreign Minister confirmed his country’s commitment to expedite the construction of the railway line and railway station in Afghanistan. He also noted that the Noorul Jihad substation, a crucial power transmission project, will be completed in the near future.

Source: bakhtarnews.af

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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/afghanistan-and-turkmenistan-strengthen-economic-ties-through-pipeline-and-rail-projects/

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Southeast Asia

 

Upcoming Islamic college is 'major milestone' for religious education in S'pore: Mufti

 August 21, 2024,

Seri Mazliana

The Mufti of Singapore, NazirudinMohd Nasir, said on Aug. 20 that the new college for Islamic studies in Singapore is a "major milestone" in the "important effort" to produce Muslim religious leaders in the country.

On Aug. 18, Prime Minister (PM) Lawrence Wong announced in his National Day Rally speech in Malay that the Singapore College of Islamic Studies is being set up, with more details to be announced in the future.

In a Facebook post on the Office of the Mufti Singapore page, Nazirudin also thanked PM Wong for his support and highlighted other efforts, such as the Syed Isa Semait Scholarship (SISS) by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis).

Providing an option for higher learning in Islamic studies locally

In his post, Nazirudin highlighted that he had received a similar scholarship from Muis 25 years ago which had "opened many doors" for him.

He recalled his recent conversations with two recipients of the SISS, and said he was excited to hear about their dreams, aspirations and their confidence about what they would be able to do after graduating.

The SISS was established in 2015 as a research grant and refreshed in 2022 to include scholarships to full-time madrasah graduates in Singapore. It is aimed at grooming the country's future asatizah, or Islamic religious teachers.

Nazirudin said that this was an "important effort" which offers solutions rooted in the values and principles of Islam.

He noted PM Wong's announcement of the setting up of the Singapore College of Islamic Studies as "another major milestone" for the purpose of producing religious leaders who are able to guide the community wisely and courageously.

"As the global environment becomes more uncertain and socio-religious challenges become more complex, we need to provide an option for higher learning in Islamic studies locally to equip future religious leaders with new skills and competencies," he wrote.

He said those who have attended overseas Islamic universities after graduating from local madrasahs, including him, recognise the "unique challenges and contemporary conditions" of the Singapore society.

Thanks PM Lawrence Wong for support

Nazirudin said that Singapore’s model and brand in education should be leveraged to design and offer the country's own university education in Islamic studies.

He said relevant parties have observed the idea and also the "best institutions around the world" to make it happen.

For example, courses and new programmes, such as the Postgraduate Certificate in Islam for Contemporary Societies (PCICS) course for overseas-educated religious teachers and the Research Programme in Communities of Success (RPCS) for religious research have been offered in recent years.

On a soon-to-be-offered new undergraduate programme, Nazirudin said the authorities are confident of combining the best of the Muslim intellectual traditions, as well as contemporary disciplines and tools to prepare future religious graduates in addressing difficult challenges and having good jobs.

He thanked PM Wong and the government for the support given to the project.

"The college will be the pride of our Singapore Muslim community in the future. It will be a major contribution to the shaping of a vibrant, confident and resilient Muslim community of success."

Nazirudin added that the project requires "significant resources, support and commitment" and expressed his wish for everyone to have a stake in it, especially through supporting the Muslim community endowment fund, WakafMasyarakat Singapura (WMS).

Source: mothership.sg

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://mothership.sg/2024/08/singapore-islamic-college-mufti/

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Youth chief: Umno must reclaim dominance in govt by 2026, being mere ‘supplement’ to Anwar admin not enough

By AnisZalani

22 Aug 2024

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 22 — Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has today urged party delegates to return the party to dominance in the government, rather than be a “supplement”.

To achieve this, he called for Youth wing delegates to boost the party’s representation in the Dewan Rakyat by 2026.

“We do not want Umno to remain complacent as a mere ‘supplement’ to the unity government. Umno needs to reclaim its status as the dominant party in the national political landscape.

“By 2026, we must increase our seats to achieve a two-thirds majority in the Dewan Rakyat. This is the level Umno should be at,” he said during his opening speech at the wing’s general assembly here.

Source: malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/08/22/youth-chief-umno-must-reclaim-dominate-in-govt-by-2026-being-mere-supplement-to-anwar-admin-not-enough/147821

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Tackling public official misconduct: Ministry to rotate jobs within agencies, says home minister

 22 Aug 2024

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 22 — The Home Ministry is set to implement more frequent job rotations within its agencies to address misconduct among public officials and protect the ministry’s reputation, according to minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

He said that this move aligns with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recommendation made during the 19th edition of the Majlis Amanat PerdanaPerkhidmatanAwam (MPPA XIX) 2024 recently, where Anwar urged department heads to regularly conduct job rotations.

“We will re-evaluate placements, as the prime minister emphasised the importance of preventing any department (officials) from remaining in one position for too long, which could lead to integrity violations. We will implement this without bias,” Saifuddin Nasution said.

“Following the prime minister’s speech, I immediately contacted KSU (secretary-general) Datuk RujiUbi to identify which agencies under the ministry could adopt job rotation practices, and we will expedite this process,” he added during a press conference after the Home Ministry’s monthly assembly and National Month celebration.

He stressed that regular job rotations are essential to prevent recurring cases of corruption and integrity violations within enforcement agencies.

Citing a recent case involving the arrest of five Immigration Department officers at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), he emphasised that the ministry will not tolerate such misconduct and will continuously work to address it.

“The most critical aspect is that the Home Ministry maintains a zero-tolerance policy for integrity violations, as this issue is prominently highlighted by the Prime Minister,” he said.

He also deferred further investigation to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), expressing confidence that the arrests followed thorough processes, including intelligence gathering, identification, and monitoring.

“The MACC’s arrest of several individuals in the Immigration Department is as the prime minister has reiterated several times that the MACC has full authority to act on all parties including agencies under the Home Ministry,” he said.

Recent media reports highlighted the dismantling of a syndicate involved in smuggling foreign workers into the country without proper inspections, allegedly orchestrated by individuals within enforcement agencies.

The MACC’s “Op Pump” operations, conducted across the Klang Valley, Penang, and Kelantan, resulted in the arrest of 12 individuals.

Those detained include four company owners, three members of the public and five law enforcers stationed at KLIA Terminal 2, who are believed to have managed the entry of foreigners into the country without proper inspection. — Bernama

Source: malaymail.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/08/22/tackling-public-official-misconduct-ministry-to-rotate-jobs-within-agencies-says-home-minister/147850

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Empowering Türki̇ye’s Agricultural Future: Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) and VakifKatilimBankasi Sign USD 30 Million Financing Agreement

August 21, 2024,

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, August 21, 2024/APO Group/ -- In a decisive move to bolster Türkiye's economic and agricultural landscape, the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) (www.ICD-ps.org) has partnered with VakıfKatılımBankası A.Ş. (VakıfKatılım) to provide USD 30 million in financing dedicated to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and corporate entities in the agriculture sector.

This USD 30 million Commodity Murabaha Facility marks a significant step forward in ICD's mission to foster sustainable economic development within its member countries. By channeling resources into Türkiye's agriculture sector, a key pillar of the nation's economy, this partnership aims to enhance food security, promote innovation, and drive the growth of SMEs, which are vital to the country's economic resilience.

Catalyzing Growth and Innovation in Agriculture

Türkiye's agriculture sector plays a crucial role in feeding the nation and contributing to its GDP. However, access to capital has often been a stumbling block for SMEs and corporate entities looking to innovate and expand. The financing provided by ICD through VakıfKatılım will address these challenges by offering much-needed capital to drive growth, modernize operations, and adopt sustainable practices.

This initiative is not just about funding, it's about empowering the agricultural community in Türkiye to reach new heights, ensuring that farmers and agribusinesses have the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive market. The resulting boost in productivity and innovation will have a ripple effect, strengthening the entire economy.

Strategic Alignment with National Goals

This collaboration is perfectly aligned with Türkiye's national objectives of increasing agricultural productivity, ensuring food security, and supporting SME growth. VakıfKatılım, established in 2015 as one of Türkiye's nine Participation (Islamic) banks, will leverage this facility to extend financial support to eligible projects. This effort underscores VakıfKatılım's commitment to promoting Participation (Islamic) banking and contributing to the economic development of Türkiye.

Key Highlights of the Agreement:

Funding Amount: USD 30 Million

Target Sector: Private sector projects, with a strong emphasis on agriculture and SMEs

Objective: To fuel business growth, drive innovation, and enhance food security in Türkiye

Strategic Alignment: Supports ICD’s Private Sector Channel Development Strategy and Türkiye's national development goals

A Future-Ready Agriculture Sector

The partnership between ICD and VakıfKatılım represents more than just a financial transaction; it is a shared vision for a future-ready agricultural sector in Türkiye. By enabling access to financial resources, this initiative will help bridge funding gaps, stimulate innovation, and foster a more robust and diverse economy. It is a powerful demonstration of how targeted financial support can lead to sustainable development, improved livelihoods, and a stronger national economy.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD).

For further details, please contact:

Nabil El-Alami

Communications & Corporate Marketing Division Manager

nalami@isdb.org

About VakıfKatılımBankası A.Ş.:

VakıfKatılımBankasıAnonimŞirketi is one of the nine Participation (Islamic) banks in Türkiye, established in 2015. The bank, 99% owned by the Republic of Türkiye Directorate General of Foundations (DGF), began its operations in 2016 and is dedicated to promoting the growth of Participation (Islamic) banking and supporting the economic development of Türkiye.

About the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD):

ICD, a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, focuses on supporting economic development and private sector growth in its member countries through Shariah-compliant financing and investment solutions. ICD is highly rated by international credit agencies, including A2 by Moody’s, A+ by Fitch, and A- by S&P.

Source: newsroom.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://icd.africa-newsroom.com/press/empowering-turkiyes-agricultural-future-islamic-corporation-for-the-development-of-the-private-sector-icd-and-vakif-katilim-bankasi-sign-usd-30-million-financing-agreement?lang=en

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Mideast

 

Israeli military intel chief asks for ‘forgiveness’ over Hamas attack failures

August 22, 2024

JERUSALEM: The outgoing head of Israeli military intelligence, Major General AharonHaliva, asked Wednesday for “forgiveness” from Israelis for failing to protect them from Hamas’s October 7 attack.

According to a video released by the Israeli military, Haliva — the first high-ranking official to make a public appeal for forgiveness — said at a ceremony marking his departure that “we did not uphold the sanctity of our oaths.”

October 7, when Gaza militants stormed southern Israeli communities, army bases and a rave party, was a “bitter and dark day which I carry in my heart, on my conscience and on my shoulders every day and night since,” Haliva said.

“An apology won’t correct, heal or bring back the beloved ones who paid the heaviest of prices, but it must be said... On my behalf and on behalf of the entire intelligence wing, I ask for forgiveness.”

The military announced in April that Haliva had asked to be relieved of his duties, citing his “responsibility” for the failure to prevent the attack, which triggered the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has never formally apologized for the failure of his government or the country’s security forces to prevent the unprecedented attack, the deadliest in Israel’s since it was founded in 1948.

The Hamas attack resulted in the deaths of 1,199 people, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures.

Palestinian militants also seized 251 hostages, of whom 105 remain in Gaza including 34 the military says are dead.

Israel’s retaliatory military campaign has killed 40,223 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry, which does not give details of civilian and militant deaths. The UN rights office says most dead are women and children.

The Israeli military says 333 of its soldiers have been killed in Gaza since its ground offensive began on October 27.

Source: arabnews.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2568340/middle-east

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Iran’s hardline parliament approves all members of president’s Cabinet, first time since 2001

 21 August 2024

AP

TEHRAN: Iran’s hardline parliament on Wednesday approved all members of reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian’s Cabinet, the first time in over two decades a leader has been able to get all of his officials through the body.

All 19 officials won approval in an afternoon vote, the first time that’s happened in Iran since 2001.

Among those officials is Abbas Araghchi, 61, a career diplomat who will be Iran’s new foreign minister.

Araghchi was a member of the Iranian negotiating team that reached a nuclear deal with world powers in 2015 that capped Tehran’s nuclear program in return for the lifting of sanctions.

In 2018, then-President Donald Trump pulled the US out of the deal and imposed more sanctions on Iran. Pezeshkian said during his presidential campaign that he would try to revive the nuclear deal.

The candidate who received the most support from lawmakers was the country’s new defense minister, Aziz Nasirzadeh, who received 281 votes out of 288 present lawmakers. The chamber has 290 seats.

Nasirzadeh  was chief of the Iranian air force from 2018 to 2021.

Health Minister Mohammad Reza Zafarghandi received the lowest number of votes with 163.

The only female minister proposed, Housing and Road Minister FarzanehSadegh, a 47-year-old architect, received 231 votes. She is the first female minister in Iran in more than a decade.

Source: arabnews.com

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Al-Aqsa Mosque biggest stronghold against Zionist regime

 21 Aug 2024

Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati, the secretary of the Guardian Council made the remarks at a meeting on Wednesday where he referred to the anniversary of the burning Al-Aqsa Mosque by the illegal and fake Zionist regime, which has been named after “World Mosque Day” and stated, “The fact is that mosques especially Al-Aqsa Mosque is the biggest fortress against the criminal Zionist regime which keep sacred concepts such as resistance against oppressors alive in the society.”

The formation of the Islamic lifestyle in the society without the role of mosques is very difficult and perhaps impossible and in this regard, no organization can replace the mosque, the ayatollah emphasized.

On August 21, 1969, the Muslim World was shocked by the news of the burning of al-Aqsa mosque by the criminal Zionist regime, sparking a wave of wrath and hatred.

The 21st of August, the anniversary of the burning of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, has been named the International Day of the Mosque, at the suggestion of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the approval of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Source: mehrnews.com

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Key Mediator Egypt Expresses Scepticism About The Gaza Ceasefire Proposal As More Details Emerge

 22 August 2024

CAIRO: Key mediator Egypt expressed skepticism Wednesday about the proposal meant to bridge gaps in ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas as more details emerged a day before negotiations were expected to resume in Cairo.

The challenges around the so-called bridging proposal appeared to undermine the optimism for an imminent agreement that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken carried into his latest Mideast visit this week.

Diplomatic efforts have redoubled as fears grow of a wider regional war after the recent targeted killings of leaders of the militant Hamas and Hezbollah groups, both blamed on Israel, and threats of retaliation.

President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, the White House said, without immediately giving details on what was said.

Officials in Egypt, in its unique role as both a mediator and affected party since it borders Gaza, told The Associated Press that Hamas won’t agree to the bridging proposal for a number of reasons — ones in addition to the long-held wariness over whether a deal would truly remove Israeli forces from Gaza and end the war.

One Egyptian official with direct knowledge of the negotiations said the bridging proposal requires the implementation of the deal’s first phase, which has Hamas releasing the most vulnerable civilian hostages captured in its Oct. 7 attack on Israel that sparked the war. Parties during the first phase would negotiate the second and third phases with no “guarantees” to Hamas from Israel or mediators.

“The Americans are offering promises, not guarantees,” the official said. “Hamas won’t accept this, because it virtually means Hamas will release the civilian hostages in return for a six-week pause of fighting with no guarantees for a negotiated permanent ceasefire.”

He also said the proposal doesn’t clearly say Israel will withdraw its forces from two strategic corridors in Gaza, the Philadelphi corridor alongside Gaza’s border with Egypt and the Netzarim east-west corridor across the territory. Israel offers to downsize its forces in the Philadelphi corridor, with “promises” to withdraw from the area, he said.

“This is not acceptable for us and of course for Hamas,” the Egyptian official said.

A second Egyptian official, briefed on the latest developments in negotiations, said there were few chances for a breakthrough since Israel refuses to commit to a complete withdrawal from Gaza in the deal’s second phase. The official said Israel also insists on keeping its forces in the Philadelphi corridor and having full control of the Netzarim corridor.

He also said Egypt told the United States and Israel that it won’t reopen the Rafah crossing into Gaza, a crucial entry point for humanitarian aid, without the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Palestinian side and from the Philadelphi corridor — where Israel wants to prevent Hamas from replenishing its arsenal through smuggling tunnels. Israel’s defense minister says over 150 such tunnels have been destroyed.

Both Egyptian officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the negotiations. Mediators are scheduled to meet on Thursday and Friday in Cairo for more talks on the proposal before submitting it officially to Hamas.

Hamas political official Bassem Naim said Tuesday that the bridging proposal adopted several new demands from Netanyahu, including that Israeli forces remain in Rafah, Philadelphi and Netzarim and search displaced Palestinians returning to northern Gaza. Israel has said the searches are necessary to find militants.

Naim said the proposal also includes unspecified changes to the exchange of hostages held in Gaza for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel and doesn’t guarantee that a ceasefire would remain in place during negotiations on the transition from the deal’s first phase to the second.

In previous versions of the ceasefire plan, the second phase would entail a permanent ceasefire, full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the release of remaining male hostages, both civilians and soldiers.

Blinken after his visit to Egypt and fellow mediator Qatar said the bridging proposal is “very clear on the schedule and the locations of (Israeli military) withdrawals from Gaza,” but no details on either have emerged.

Blinken added that because Israel accepted the proposal, the focus turns to doing everything possible to “get Hamas on board.” Egypt’s state-run Al-Ahram daily reported that Blinken received a “clear Egyptian demand for the US to work toward a well-framed deal with clear deadlines and clear objectives to encourage Hamas to sign.”

But there is skepticism, along with fatigue, among many in Israel about Netanyahu’s commitment to securing an agreement.

“As long as the entire group of professional negotiators believes that Netanyahu is scuttling a deal, there won’t be any confidence,” commentator NadavEyal wrote in daily newspaper YediothAhronoth.

The war in Gaza, now in its 10th month, has caused widespread destruction and forced the vast majority of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents to flee their homes. Aid groups fear the outbreak of polio and other diseases.

The Oct. 7 attack by Hamas and other militants killed some 1,200 people in Israel, mostly civilians. Over 100 hostages were released during last year’s ceasefire. Hamas is still believed to be holding around 110 hostages. Israeli authorities estimate around a third are dead. Six bodies of hostages were recovered this week in Gaza.

“In what world do families have to beg and cry for the return of their family members alive and murdered?” Esther Buchshtab, the mother of one, 35-year-old YagevBuchshtab, asked at his funeral Wednesday.

Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed over 40,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count. On Wednesday, Israeli tank and drone strikes in Khan Younis and Deir Al-Balah killed at least 17 people, according to hospital staff and AP journalists who counted the bodies.

Also on Wednesday, Netanyahu made his first visit to northern Israel since Israel’s killing of a top Hezbollah commander last month in Beirut, as focus returns to the increasing crossfire along Israel’s border with Lebanon.

“We are ready for every scenario, both defensive and offensive,” he said while meeting troops.

Source: arabnews.com

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Anger, despair as Israelis bury hostages who died in captivity

22 August 2024

NIRIM, Israel: Tearful crowds gathered on Wednesday for the funerals of hostages whose bodies were recovered this week from war-torn Gaza, with some mourners voicing anger that they were not saved.

“In what world must families beg, scream and cry for the return of their loved ones, alive or murdered? Bring them all back,” Esther Buchshtab said while standing in front of her son Yagev’s grave.

The Israeli military on Tuesday announced it had retrieved the remains of Yagev, 34, and five other hostages from a tunnel in Gaza’s southern area of Khan Yunis after a battle with Palestinian militants.

They were among 251 hostages taken during Hamas’s unprecedented October 7 attack which triggered the war.

Of those, 105 are still being held hostage inside the Gaza Strip, including 34 the military says are dead.

Yagev’s widow, RimonKirscht, also spoke during Wednesday’s ceremony in Nirim, standing in front of his coffin draped in an Israeli flag.

“My life, I just want to say sorry. You deserved so much better,” she said.

“Thank you for teaching me. I am yours. I am here.”

The crowd quickly dispersed to attend the funeral of Avraham Munder, 79, another hostage whose body was recovered on Tuesday, in the nearby Nir Oz kibbutz.

Nir Oz was the site of one of the worst massacres on October 7 and more than 70 of its residents were taken captive.

Former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett and at least two ministers from the current government attended the funeral in Nir Oz, where speeches were interspersed with songs in Hebrew to honorMunder — a music lover and amateur singer.

The October 7 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,199 people in Israel, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures.

Israel’s retaliatory military campaign has killed 40,223 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry, which does not give details of civilian and militant deaths.

Many who came to pay their respects to the dead Israeli hostages on Wednesday lamented the fact that months of negotiations have yet to yield a deal releasing the rest.

“We were promised efforts to reach an agreement,” said Nissan Kalderon, 56, whose brother OferKalderon, a French-Israeli, is still held captive in Gaza.

“We really hope that the agreement will be concluded immediately, so that we can save those who are still alive and bring back the dead to bury them, because every day that passes, they die. This is the proof,” said Kalderon, wearing a T-shirt with his brother’s photograph.

Nir Oz resident Adriana Adar, whose nephew Tamir Adar’s body is still in Gaza, said she felt “despair” above anything else.

“I haven’t stopped crying for days,” she said.

“This week, we’ve been going from one funeral to another. This could have been avoided. All those who are buried now could have come back alive, and the fact that they are buried here, is not enough to comfort us.”

Source: arabnews.com

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Israeli PM says troops will not leave Philadelphi corridor in Gaza

August 22, 2024

JERUSALEM: Israel has not agreed to withdraw its troops from the so-called Philadelphi corridor along the border between Egypt and Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said on Wednesday, denying an Israeli television report.

“Israel will insist on the achievement of all of its objectives for the war, as they have been defined by the Security Cabinet, including that Gaza never again constitutes a security threat to Israel. This requires securing the southern border,” Netahyahu’s office said in a statement.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden spoke by phone with Netanyahu on Wednesday about ways to advance a potential Gaza ceasefire and hostages deal, the White House said.

The call followed US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s whirlwind trip to the Middle East that ended on Tuesday without an agreement between Israel and Hamas militants on a truce in the Palestinian enclave.

Blinken and mediators from Egypt and Qatar have pinned their hopes on a US “bridging proposal” aimed at narrowing the gaps between the two sides in the 10-month-old Gaza war.

“President Biden spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel to discuss the ceasefire and hostage release deal and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate regional tensions,” a White House statement said.

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Israeli strikes kill dozens in Gaza after Blinken ends visit with truce deal still elusive

 August 22, 2024

CAIRO/JERUSALEM: Israeli airstrikes across Gaza killed at least 50 Palestinians in the past 24 hours, Palestinian health authorities said on Wednesday, as the military said troops continued to target militants and seize weapons and ammunition.

As last-ditch diplomatic efforts continued to halt the 10-month-old war between Israel and Hamas, the Israeli military said jets hit around 30 targets throughout the Gaza Strip including tunnels, launch sites and an observation post.

It said troops killed dozens of armed fighters and captured weapons including explosives, grenades and automatic rifles.

The military issued new evacuation orders in the heavily overcrowded area of Deir Al-Balah, in central Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced by the fighting have sought shelter.

The evacuation orders, which the military said were needed to clear civilians from what had become “a dangerous combat zone,” were soon followed by tank fire with at least one person killed and several wounded by machine gun fire, medics and residents said.

The conflict churned on as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken ended his latest visit to the Middle East with no clear sign over whether a deal to end the fighting is in sight.

At stake in the talks Blinken had with leaders of ceasefire mediators, Egypt and Qatar, as well as in Israel, is the fate of tiny, crowded Gaza, where Israel’s military campaign has killed more than 40,000 people since October according to Palestinian health authorities, and of the remaining hostages being held there.

The war in Gaza began on Oct. 7 last year when Hamas gunmen stormed into Israeli communities and military bases, killing around 1,200 people and abducting about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

For the displaced left exposed in Deir Al-Balah, the lack of progress toward a ceasefire compounded the misery as they searched for space away from the fighting.

“Where will we go? Where will we go?” said Aburakan, 55, a displaced person from Gaza City in the territory’s north who has had to change refuge five times since October.

“We feel they are closing in. I live a few hundred meters from the threatened areas, and I have been searching since the early morning in vain for a space in western Deir Al-Balah, Khan Younis, or Nuseirat,” he told Reuters via a chat app.

“Unfortunately, we may die before we see an end to this war. All ceasefire talk is a lie.”

Palestinian and United Nations officials say most of the 2.3 million population have become internally displaced by Israel’s ongoing military offensive and bombardment that have also flattened swathes of built-up areas across the enclave.

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Shooting between Iraqi army and Jund al-Imam fighters in Karbala: 6 arrested

2024-08-22

Shafaq News/ On Thursday, a shooting occurred between the Iraqi army and Kata'ib Jund al-Imam Ali fighters in Karbala, southwest of Baghdad, a security source reported.

Jund al-Imam, a faction associated with the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), is headed by Iraq's Minister of Labor, Ahmed al-Asadi.

The source told Shafaq News, “The clash escalated into gunfire against the Iraqi military, prompting a joint security force, including PMF members, to intervene, arresting six Jund al-Imam fighters and bringing the situation under control.”

Karbala, a holy city for Shia Muslims, is under tight security amid concerns about potential threats, as Iraqi forces intensify searches and monitor roads ahead of the Arbaeen pilgrimage on August 25. The pilgrimage, which commemorates the 40th day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Mohammad, is expected to draw millions of visitors.

Source: shafaq.com

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Muslim Council of Elders calls for unified international efforts to combat terrorism

 August 22, 2024

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, has called for unified international efforts to combat extremism and terrorism by eradicating their ideological and intellectual roots through the promotion of dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.

In a statement marking the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, observed on August 21 each year, the Council reiterates its unequivocal rejection of all forms of violence, hatred, and terrorism, which contradict the teachings of Islam, all divine religions, and international laws.

The Council also emphasised that addressing extremism and terrorism is a religious, human, and moral responsibility requiring the concerted efforts of the global community. The Council also urges support for survivors of terrorist attacks and those affected by rising hate speech, advocating for their positive reintegration into society, addressing the psychological and physical impacts they have endured, and assisting them in reclaiming their normal lives.

It highlighted its significant efforts through various initiatives and projects to promote a culture of peace and human coexistence, correct misconceptions, dismantle extremist ideologies, and raise awareness of the dangers posed by violent and terrorist groups. These efforts include organising seven rounds of dialogue between East and West, more than 15 international peace convoys across different continents to encourage Muslims to integrate positively into their communities, and launching the Emerging Peacemakers Forum to enhance the role of youth in promoting peace and human coexistence.

These initiatives culminated in the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi in 2019 by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb and His Holiness Pope Francis. The landmark document, one of the most significant in modern history, asserts that religions have never been a cause for wars or a source of hatred, hostility, or extremism and calls for an end to the support of terrorist movements, considering such support a crime against international peace and security.

Source: gulftoday.ae

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Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports rise 7.3% in June: GASTAT

 August 22, 2024

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports increased by 7.3 percent in June, reaching SR21.59 billion ($5.75 billion) compared to the same month last year, official data showed.

According to data from the General Authority for Statistics, chemical and allied products led the non-oil exports, accounting for 27.7 percent of the total outbound shipments, a 3.8 percent rise from June 2023. 

Plastic products followed, comprising 25.7 percent of non-oil exports, up 2.8 percent year on year.

Saudi Arabia’s focus on increasing non-oil exports is a key part of its Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy. By expanding sectors like chemicals and manufacturing, the Kingdom aims to reduce its reliance on oil, boost industrial growth, and build a more resilient economy.

The report highlighted that the Kingdom exported SR4.46 billion worth of non-oil products to the UAE in June, followed by China at SR2.66 billion and India at SR1.74 billion. 

Bahrain imported SR983 million in non-oil goods, while Turkiye and Singapore received SR851.2 million and SR692.9 million worth of products, respectively.

However, compared to May, non-oil exports decreased by 26.4 percent.

GASTAT report also highlighted that the Kingdom’s overall merchandise exports fell by 5.8 percent in June to SR87.90 billion. This decline was attributed to a 9.3 percent drop in oil exports, following Saudi Arabia’s decision to reduce crude output as part of the OPEC+ agreement.

To stabilize the market, Saudi Arabia cut its oil production by 500,000 barrels per day in April 2023, a reduction now extended until December 2024.

On the import side, GASTAT noted a 5.1 percent decrease in June, with the total value falling to SR57.71 billion. 

China remained Saudi Arabia’s top trading partner for imports, with shipments worth SR12.08 billion, followed by the US, the UAE, and India at SR5.21 billion, SR3.79 billion, and SR2.78 billion, respectively.

King Abdulaziz Sea Port in Dammam was the primary entry point for goods, with imports valued at SR15.69 billion, representing 27.2 percent of the total.

The growth in non-oil exports reflects the Kingdom’s progress in reducing its reliance on oil and expanding its industrial base. This strategic shift is vital for ensuring long-term economic stability and enhancing global competitiveness.

Source: arabnews.com

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Marjan announces beachfront project with Mira Developments in Ras Al-Khaimah

 August 22, 2024

Negar Mojtahedi

ARAB NEWS

Marjan, the master developer of freehold properties in Ras Al-Khaimah, has announced the launch of Mira Coral Bay, a new large-scale waterfront project in the Al-Mairid area. Developed in partnership with Mira Developments, known for its branded property portfolio, this ambitious project is a mixed-use destination that will redefine Al-Mairid’s status as an investment and tourism hub. Mira Coral Bay is a substantial investment in the waterfront residential community, underscoring Marjan’s commitment to enhancing the emirate’s real estate landscape.

Mira Coral Bay comprises multi-use properties developed in collaboration with various reputable lifestyle brands. The partnership with Mira Developments marks a significant milestone for Marjan’s subsidiary, the RAK Dredging Company, which is developing Al-Mairid into a unique destination with world-class infrastructure in line with Ras Al-Khaimah’s vision of emerging as a leading tourism and investment magnet in the region.

“At Marjan, we are committed to developing best-in-class properties that enhance the local topography and provide world-class facilities, befitting Ras Al-Khaimah’s global stature in the real estate market. Mira Coral Bay is a unique offering representing our futuristic vision for the emirate’s evolution as an investment and tourism hub. Al-Mairid is fast transforming into one of the emirate’s most desired destinations, and our partnership with Mira Developments will further boost the local economy while setting new standards in luxury living in the suburbs,” said Abdulla Al-Abdouli, chief executive, Marjan.

“We are honored to be a part of this transformative project,” said Tamara Getigezheva, co-founder of Mira Group. “Our vision for Mira Coral Bay is to create a waterfront master development that exemplifies luxury and sophistication, offering residents and visitors an exceptional lifestyle experience rooted in the DNA of world-leading brands.”

With a masterplan by Marco Casamonti and Partners/ ArcheaAssociati, a studio with over 200 architectural works worldwide, including the Antinori Winery in Italy and the Li Ling World Ceramic Art City in China, Mira Coral Bay is poised to turn into a landmark destination in Ras Al-Khaimah, attracting discerning investors, residents, and tourists from around the globe.

Each property in Mira Coral Bay, developed in collaboration with world-leading lifestyle brands, will ensure the highest standards of luxury, design, and service. Located just 10 minutes from Downtown Ras Al-Khaimah, Mira Coral Bay will offer residents and visitors unparalleled access to the emirate’s vibrant city life while providing a serene waterfront retreat.

Mira Coral Bay features a five-star branded spa hotel with 100 keys, a resort hotel featuring 250 rooms, a state-of-the-art yacht club, and two exclusive branded beach clubs. A grand jewel in the Al-Mairid area, Mira Coral Bay will also have six clusters of villas comprising 165 units, two clusters of townhouses with 128 units, four clusters of apartments totaling 650 units, and 10 premium branded restaurants. The mixed-use development will include underground parking and scenic walkways with a unique architecture that incorporates the environment and outdoor facilities while keeping in mind the comfort of pedestrians. The master plan is a homage to Al-Mairid’s unique landscape, featuring a serene waterfront set against towering majestic mountains.

Aligned with RAK Vision 2030, Mira Coral Bay is designed to reinvigorate the local economy and boost the emirate’s business and tourism development prospects. The ambitious project marks the beginning of a new chapter for Marjan as the one-of-a-kind infrastructure and architecture positions Al-Mairid as a futuristic residential and leisure destination that will unlock job opportunities and redefine the luxury lifestyle in Ras Al-Khaimah.

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KSrelief provides heart and brain care in Yemen and Indonesia

August 22, 2024

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief is providing several heart and brain health programs in Yemen and Indonesia, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

In the Mukalla district of Yemen’s Hadramout governorate, the project started on Aug. 17 and will run until Aug. 24 as a part of the “Saudi Pulse” program for heart diseases.

KSrelief’s medical team has already performed 25 specialized surgical procedures.

Also in Yemen, KSrelief is in the final stages of a volunteer neurosurgery project in Aden, which started on Aug. 16 and runs until Aug. 23.

There are 16 volunteers from various medical fields working in partnership with the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen.

The medical team has examined 102 patients and performed nine operations.

In Indonesia the project ran from Aug. 7 to 16, with 23 volunteers carrying out 32 open-heart operations and 60 catheterization procedures.

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Can Lebanon afford to ignore the threat of a destructive earthquake?

 August 22, 2024

BEIRUT/DUBAI: Just when it seemed the phrase “a perfect storm of crises” had become the ultimate cliche in describing the many daunting challenges confronting Lebanon, yet another threat appeared on the horizon — the likelihood of a deadly earthquake.

On Aug. 16, the National Center for Geophysical Research in Lebanon recorded an earthquake measuring 4.2 on the Richter scale, originating from Hama in neighboring Syria, where its magnitude reached 5.2.

The tremor came less than 72 hours after another earthquake on Aug. 12, again originating in Hama, with a magnitude of 4.8. Although several people in Syria were injured in both quakes, there were no fatalities.

Residents of Lebanon’s northern cities of Tripoli and Akkar felt the tremors particularly strongly, with many rushing into the streets, fearing the buildings around them may collapse, such was the strength of the quakes.

“The two earthquakes occurred within a well-known geological context in our region, specifically in western Syria, where the fault of the Dead Sea known as the Masyaf fault passes, and then you have the Al-Ghab fault,” Tony Nemer, professor of geology at the American University of Beirut, told Arab News.

“The first tremor occurred to the east of the Masyaf fault, about 25 km from the city of Hama, where there are ruptures branching off from the main faults. It was followed by aftershocks and three days later by another tremor.”

Nemer said that significant aftershocks could be expected. “When the area is seismically active, small tremors are generated, and it is possible that they may also generate a large tremor,” he said.

“It is not easy to determine whether this will constitute future danger as the matter requires a comprehensive and time-consuming on-the-ground evaluation and study.

“In light of the second earthquake, it has become necessary for Syrian colleagues to be present in the field to study surface phenomena and install temporary seismic monitoring devices to shed light on the causes of the current seismic movement.”

The tremors brought back memories of the massive twin earthquakes that struck southeast Turkiye and northwest Syria on Feb. 6, 2023, with magnitudes of 7.8 and 7.5 felt throughout the region.

The twin earthquakes were among the deadliest of the past decade, killing more than 55,000 people and flattening tens of thousands of buildings across both countries. Although Turkiye was harder hit, a decade of civil war left Syria uniquely vulnerable to the disaster.

Lebanon is also in a poor condition to withstand such a disaster — five years into a severe economic crisis, paralyzed politically, and now a proxy battlefield between the Israeli military and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia, which threatens to drag the country into a regional war.

If a larger earthquake were to strike the region, or the epicenter to fall closer to Lebanon, the country, with its ramshackle infrastructure and gutted emergency services, may be ill-equipped to withstand the tremors or launch effective search and rescue operations.

How likely is such a disaster? Lebanon is located at the meeting point of three tectonic plates — the Arab plate, the Turkish plate and the African plate — which makes the region especially prone to seismic activity.

According to the government’s own disaster and crisis response plan, Lebanon is located on a geological fault line that passes through the middle of Lebanon and extends for 1,000 km from the Red Sea in the south to the Anatolian mountains in southern Turkiye.

This is called the Dead Sea Transform fault, which is responsible for the largest seismic events in the Middle East.

The fault system branches off when it enters Lebanese territory, forming several faults known as the Yamoune fault, the Rum fault, the Hasbaya fault, the Rashaya fault and the Sarghaya fault.

Although it does not constitute a meeting point of tectonic plates, the Yamoune fault is considered one of the most dangerous for Lebanon, as it runs up the middle of the country from the south to the north.

“In studying seismic events in Lebanon and the Middle East, it becomes clear that this part of the world has been exposed since 2000 B.C. to strong earthquakes that caused a lot of devastation, destruction and loss of life,” said Nemer.

The last major seismic event in Lebanon took place in 1956 in the town of Chehim in the Kharoub region between Mount Lebanon and the south. An earthquake of magnitude 5.8 caused significant destruction and loss of life.

In 1997, the same town witnessed a moderate earthquake on the Rum fault. The Srifa area in southern Lebanon also witnessed a series of mild earthquakes in 2008, causing some damage.

There are also marine faults in Lebanese waters, which extend along the beaches between Damour and Batroun, at a distance ranging from 10 to 30 km off the coastline, which could pose a significant tsunami threat.

If waves were to come from Cyprus, it could take around 10 minutes for them to reach Lebanese shores. But if the waves were to form in Lebanese waters, they could reach the coast within three minutes, leaving precious little time to raise the alarm and evacuate.

Even if the population is able to evacuate in time, Lebanon’s Mediterranean coast is home to several major cities and significant infrastructure, including the nation’s main international airport, power plants, ports and tourist facilities

The historical archive contains several terrifying accounts of earthquakes and tsunamis that have battered the region.

The most prominent was a tsunami in 365 A.D., when the site of present-day Beirut witnessed waves more than 10 meters in height, after an earthquake likely exceeding a magnitude of 8 struck the Greek island of Crete.

Another famous disaster befell the region in 551 A.D. when an earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale resulted in a tsunami that devastated present-day Beirut, Tire and Tripoli in what was then Phoenicia.

In 1202, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck Syria, with aftershocks traveling up Lebanon’s Yamoune fault. Lebanon witnessed 50 earthquakes in 60 days, causing major subsidence along the coastline, sinking many small islands and destroying Tripoli and Baalbek.

In 1956, Lebanon was hit by a catastrophic 5.6 earthquake, which mainly affected the regions of Chouf, Jezzine, Saida and parts of Beqaa.

While Turkish authorities have been preparing over many years for the possibility of a major earthquake striking Istanbul, studying ways to fortify its buildings, officials in Lebanon, by contrast, appear resigned to their fate.

Indeed, the national response plan for natural disasters primarily focuses on what can be done after an earthquake has taken place — not on what can be done to limit the damage.

The infrastructure of Lebanese cities has not been retrofitted to guard against tremors. Some 20 percent of the nation’s buildings are more than 50 years old, while hundreds of thousands of residents, including Syrian and Palestinian refugees, live in informal and substandard structures.

Officials in Lebanon, according to the UN Program for Disaster Risk Reduction, have not taken the risk of earthquakes seriously, and buildings that contain vital institutions such as ministries, health centers and army barracks have not been sufficiently retrofitted.

In the wake of August’s earthquakes, the Lebanese Real Estate Authority has warned that at least 16,000 buildings are vulnerable to collapse, “without counting the buildings that were damaged as a result of the Beirut port explosion” of 2020.

“The economic hardship, the port explosion, the migration of capital, the absence of official support and the absence of control over the quality of building materials played a negative role in the increase in the number of cracked buildings that are on the verge of collapse or total or partial collapse,” Imad Al-Hussami, head of the authority’s engineering committee, told Arab News.

In the absence of official preparations, the Lebanese Real Estate Authority has urged citizens to “monitor the condition of cracks and fissures in their buildings, avoid being under worn out and protruding roofs, open windows to relieve pressure, and seek the assistance of experienced engineers and experts to protect themselves.”

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2568348/middle-east

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North America

 

DNC Chicago Protestor Waves Islamic RepublicFlag, Praises Iran's Anti-Zionism

 August 22, 2024

Negar Mojtahedi

The sight of Hezbollah and Islamic Republic of Iran flags just outside the venue where Democrats held their national convention in Chicago this week is no longer shocking—but remains a troubling reality for many Americans.

Hezbollah, which was designated a terrorist entity in 1997 in the US and Iran's current flag, which represents a government responsible for 'crimes against humanity' according to the United Nations Fact Finding Mission, is not something Iranian-American Sarah Raviani wants to see on her streets.

"I can't believe what I'm seeing in the streets at these protests...it's traumatizing for a lot of people that escaped the repression of the regime in Iran," said Raviani, who is an advocate with the National Union for Democracy in Iran (NUFDI).

But it's not just the mere representation of these flags at American protests, it's also the rhetoric and symbolism behind it that is of concern.

Raviani's family fled Iran after the 1979 Islamic Revolution and now she's faced with the reality that some Americans look up to the Iranian regime they tried to leave behind.

"I think that it's a huge slap in the face to the people that have stood up for years now, decades, fighting for their freedom when they see young people in America who have their freedom being hypocritical by holding the Islamic Republic flag that represents terror, repression and abuse."

Iran International's ArashAlaei caught up with one of the protestors Tuesday outside the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago.

The man, seen in the video, identified himself as Luca Demaggio, told Iran International, he supports the Islamic Republic because of its opposition to Israel.

I am out here against Israel, and I believe that Iran is genuinely the most anti-Zionist country in the world," he said.

When pressed by the reporter on why he supports the Iranian government despite its crackdown on women, ethnic and religious minorities, he responded that he's not educated enough to make an informed response but said Iran's stance on Israel trumps all.

"I fly the Iranian flag because of their stance on Israel," said Demaggio.

Florida Democratic Representative Jared Moskowitz, told The Daily Mail Monday, that Iran is behind the large-scale protests at the DNC.

"Everyone has a right to protest, but there are also professional agitators involved," he said to The Daily Mail.

Riot police were called to the protests Monday after dozens of demonstrators broke through part of the perimeter security fence surrounding the DNC.

This comes as US intelligence officials revealed that Iran is interfering in the 2024 American elections. On Monday intelligence officials said they're confident that Iran was responsible for the hack of Donald Trump's presidential campaign, which is part of a cyber intrusion to influence the outcome of the US election.

Officials also believe that Iran tried to hack into the presidential campaign of Kamala Harris in addition to breaching the Trump campaign.

On July 9, US Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines warned that "Iran is becoming increasingly aggressive in their foreign influence efforts."

Jason Brodsky, the policy director for United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), said it's important for American authorities and the public to understand how Iran operates its influence operations. He pointed to what Iranian intelligence has done in Israel like luring some Israelis into performing tasks in exchange for money.

Three Israelis were arrested in July on suspicion of operating on behalf of Iranian intelligence, with missions ranging from storing cash to committing arson and even murder.

"If Iran is undertaking those activities in Israel, it is likely doing the same in the United States and elsewhere. It camouflages the identities of its intelligence operatives by making them appear as Israeli or even American activists, and provides payment via cryptocurrency," said Brodsky.

Based on Iran's moves in Israel, Brodsky believes US officials need to investigate whether Iran and its allies are paying Americans to protest.

In the case of Demaggio, the young man waving the Islamic Republic Flag, Brodsky said it speaks to a troubling problem in America and its education system.

"It's backwards, dangerous, and provides a fertile environment for US adversaries to exploit."

Source: iranintl.com

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https://www.iranintl.com/en/20240821587

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Muslim Professor Can Pursue Dartmouth Race, Religious Bias Claims

Aug. 21, 2024

UfonobongUmanah

Questions over tenure process sufficient to survive dismissal

Allegations don’t support retaliation claims, judge says

A Muslim professor at Dartmouth sufficiently alleged that the school placed undue burdens on her to meet tenure-track expectations.

InasKhayal, who is Arab-American, said she was hired on the research track in 2015, but was moved to the tenure track in 2016 without notification, according to the US District Court for the District of New Hampshire. She said Dartmouth didn’t provide written notification about “the school’s expectations for scholarship, teaching, and compensation for tenure-track professors,” the court said.

However, Khayal said that “Dartmouth assessed her progress toward tenure against” the day she was hired for research, Judge Joseph N. ...

Source: bloomberglaw.com

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https://news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-report/muslim-professor-can-pursue-dartmouth-race-religious-bias-claims

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US carrier, warships arrive in West Asia amid prospect of Iran, Hezbollah response to Israel

22 August 2024

The US’s Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and its accompanying warships have arrived in the West Asia region amid the country and the Israeli regime’s fears of Iran and Hezbollah’s promised severe response to Tel Aviv’s assassination of senior resistance figures.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM), which is tasked with handing the country’s forces deployed to the region as well as other places, announced the development in a post on the X social media platform on Wednesday.

"USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), equipped with F-35C and F/A-18 Block III fighters, entered the US Central Command (USCENTCOM) area of responsibility," the post read.

"The USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 3, is accompanied by Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21 and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9," it added.

The Pentagon ordered the carrier’s deployment to the region at the beginning of the month. On August 11, however, it ordered it to "accelerate its transit."

The carrier's arrival brings the number of such American vessels in the region to two alongside the USS Theodore Roosevelt. The latter is, however, reportedly slated to leave the region later.

The Israeli regime staged a targeted killing operation against Tehran on July 31, assassinating Ismail Haniyeh, the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas’ former Political Bureau chief. Haniyeh was in the Iranian capital to attend the inauguration ceremony of Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian.

The regime has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility, but the Islamic Republic has vowed to face it with “harsh punishment.”

Most recently, Iran’s permanent mission to the United Nations said the country was to respond to the assassination in a time and manner that would take the regime "by surprise."

Hours before carrying out the atrocity, the regime had assassinated Fuad Shukr, a senior commander of the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah, in an attack against Lebanon’s capital Beirut.

The movement has likewise pledged to retaliate strongly.

On August 16, it revealed a new underground missile facility featuring a convoluted tunnel network, missile launchpads, and blast doors opening outwards, hinting at its operational readiness to stage the reprisal.

Source: presstv.ir

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https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/08/22/731832/United-States-aircraft-carrier-arrives-West-Asia-fears-Iran-Hezbollah-response-Israel-assassination-Haniyeh-Shukr

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Africa

 

Borno govt shuts down Muslim, Christian cemeteries over health concerns

August 22, 2024

Shehu Usman

Borno State Government said it has shut down Gwange Muslim and Old GRA Christian cemeteries in Maiduguri, the state capital effective Sunday, 1st September, 2024.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Religious Affairs, Mohammed LawanAbubakar stated this in a statement issued on Wednesday.

According to the Permanent Secretary, the decision was made due to the congestion of the cemeteries, as well as the attendant health hazards to the community.

He disclosed that the state government has arranged for the Muslim community to use the Dalori Cemetery along Bama Road, while the Christian community is to use the Maximum Security Christian Cemetery off Baga Road, Maiduguri.

“The Borno State Government is committed to ensuring that more burial sites are opened as the town expands in line with the Government Development Plan.

“The government assures the good people of the state that adequate arrangements will be made in the short and long term to address all concerns”, he said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has purchased six (6) vehicles to assist the general public in conveying corpses to the designated graveyards.

Source: dailypost.ng

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https://dailypost.ng/2024/08/22/borno-govt-shuts-down-muslim-christian-cemeteries-over-health-concerns/

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‘EFCC Releases Sacked NAHCON Chairman, Jalal Arabi On Bail’

OladipoAbiola

 22 August 2024

The sacked chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Jalal Arabi, has been reportedly released on bail from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

It is understood that the commission’s secretary, Abdullahi Kontagora, was also released on bail.

Naija News recalls Arabi and Kontagora were detained over alleged misappropriation of the ₦90bn 2024 Hajj intervention fund provided by the federal government.

Further reports on the investigation by the EFCC show that both men were initially unable to meet their bail conditions and, therefore, ended up staying five days in the custody of the anti-graft commission.

However, a source quoted by Punch on Wednesday said both Arabi and Kontagora met their bail conditions and were released on Monday.

The source added that no further recovery had been made yet after the first 314,098 Saudi Riyal but investigations are still ongoing.

“The former Hajj Commission chairman and the secretary have been released, and the investigation is still ongoing. They were released on Monday after meeting their bail conditions. Nothing yet on the matter. No other recoveries except for the earlier ones,” the source said.

The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, could not be reached for confirmation as of the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed Jalal Arabi from his position as Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and appointed Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman as the new Executive Chairman of NAHCON.

In a statement to newsmen on Monday, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, AjuriNgelale, announced the replacement of Arabi with Usman.

The appointment is, however, subject to confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.

Ngelale stated that President Tinubu expects the new Chairman of NAHCON to discharge his duties with integrity, transparency, and utmost fidelity to the nation.

Source: naijanews.com

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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/08/22/efcc-releases-sacked-nahcon-chairman-jalal-arabi-on-bail/

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Tinubu’s Strategies Are Working – AtikuBagudu

 21 August 2024

UdezeEkene

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, AtikuBagudu, has said the economic strategies and policies of President Bola Tinubu are working.

AtikuBagudu said the federal government is aware that the choices the administration has taken are tough. He explained that efforts are being made to compensate for the tough choices.

The former governor of Kebbi State stated this on Wednesday at the National Economic Dialogue 2024, organized by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), with the theme: “Nigeria’s Economic Future: 25 Years of Democracy and Beyond” in Abuja.

Bagudu explained that democracy in the last 25 years has not delivered on expected promises. He noted that the government of President Tinubu has a strategy that would give the citizens the dividends of democracy.

“But I just want to assure everyone that we have a strategy and it is working. We are under no illusion that it will involve choices that are tough. That is why at every turn, we are looking for resources that we believe can compensate for those tough choices,” Bagudu said.

He added that the speeches and suggestions from other speakers on the policies of the current administration were noted.

“Whatever we are doing, we have taken the message that we need to do more. We need to do better, and we need to do it in a hurry. I believe the dialogue here will help us,” he added.

On his part, the Chairman of the NESG, Mr. Olaniyi Yusuf, said Nigeria has recorded growth in some sectors, including telecommunications, agriculture and services.

Yusuf, however, called on the federal government to address policy inconsistencies and governance deficits.

“Our economy has evolved and we have made strides in various sectors such as telecommunications, agriculture, and services, reflecting our collective efforts to diversify our economy and create opportunities for millions of Nigerians.

“However, as we gather here today, we must also acknowledge the challenges that have persisted, particularly those stemming from policy inconsistencies, governance deficits, and economic vulnerabilities,” Yusuf said.

Source: naijanews.com

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ttps://www.naijanews.com/2024/08/21/tinubus-strategies-are-working-atiku-bagudu/

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ASUU Declares September 10 As Victimized Lecturers’ Day

21 August 2024

IkennaNgere

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has designated September 10, 2024, as Victimized Lecturers’ Day.

Naija News understands that the day is intended to draw attention to ongoing managerial crises and the challenges faced by lecturers in Nigeria’s public universities.

ASUU National President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, announced this decision on Wednesday during a press briefing at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.

The briefing followed the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Ibadan, Oyo State.

uring the briefing, Osodeke, accompanied by other ASUU members, highlighted that several lecturers across Nigerian universities have faced unfair treatment.

This includes termination of appointments, withholding of salaries, and denial of promotions by university managements, all for advocating for the welfare of academic staff.

Osodeke specifically mentioned several universities where such victimization has occurred, including Kogi State University, Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Lagos State University (LASU), Ambrose Alli University, the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), and ChukwuemekaOdumegwuOjukwu University, Igbariam.

ASUU also expressed its discontent with the ongoing victimization of its members at FUTO, who opposed the conferment of a professorship on former Minister of Communication and Digital Technology, IsahPantami. The union demanded that FUTO management cease such actions.

Furthermore, ASUU reiterated its demands to the Federal Government, including the review and signing of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, payment of outstanding earned academic allowances, release of withheld salaries, promotion arrears, and an end to third-party deductions from ASUU members’ funds.

Additional issues raised by ASUU include the cessation of illegal retirements, the unchecked expansion of public universities, and the violation of university laws.

They also called for the removal of universities from the Single Treasury Account (TSA) and the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS).

ASUU noted that the poor conditions in Nigerian universities have led to an exodus of experienced scholars to other countries. Meanwhile, the number of foreign lecturers and students coming to Nigeria has significantly declined.

Source: naijanews.com

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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/08/21/asuu-declares-september-10-as-victimized-lecturers-day/

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Atiku Blames FG For The Death Of Emir Of Gobir In The Hands Of Bandits

21 August 2024

UdezeEkene

Former Vice President, AtikuAbubakar, has blamed the federal government for the death of the Emir of Gobir, in Sokoto State, Isa Bawa and many other victims of bandits.

AtikuAbubakar said the death of the SarkinGobir, was a great loss to the Gatawa District, in SabonBirni local government and the nation.

Naija News reported that Late Alhaji Isa Bawa was killed by bandits on Wednesday, just a day after he had made appeal to the government to secure his release from the bandits.

The former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in his condolence message, stated that, “the heinous act of violence perpetrated by bandits resulting in the untimely demise of such a revered leader is a stark reminder of the pressing need for enhanced security measures in safeguarding the lives and property of citizens.

“The failure of government to show concern or devise effective security strategies has undoubtedly contributed to the escalation of such distressing events in recent times.”

Atiku prayed for the happy repose of the late Emir of Gobir. He, however, tasked the government to provide security to citizens.

“It is important to reiterate that government must provide security that will ensure the protection of lives, such that individuals do not have to live in fear of falling victims to senseless acts of violence.

May the Almighty Allah accept the soul of Alhaji Isa Bawa and grant his bereaved family and people the fortitude to bear his loss. Amin,” he prayed.

Source: naijanews.com

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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/08/21/atiku-blames-fg-for-the-death-of-emir-of-gobir-in-the-hands-of-bandits/

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