At Least 717 Pilgrims Killed, 863 Injured In Hajj Stampede At Mina
New Age Islam News Bureau
24
Sept 2015
A pilgrim reacts with grief near the site of the stampede in Mina. (Essa Al-Dobisi/Al Arabiya)
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Arab World
• At Least 717 Pilgrims Killed, 863 Injured In Hajj Stampede At Mina
• Groups Like IS Are Maligning the Image of Islam: Grand Mufti
• 25 Killed, Dozens Wounded In Mosque Bombing In Yemen Capital
• Haj Violators Caught Trying To Enter Mashair in Female Clothing
• Migrant crisis: Fleeing life under Islamic State in Syria
• Yemeni Forces Seize Saudi Military Camp
• Sources: Rifts Widening among ISIL Ranks in Iraq's Baiji
• Syrian Army Advances in Eastern Aleppo
• Leader: Iraqi Popular Forces Not to Fight alongside Americans in Anbar
• Mohamed bin Zayed performs Eid Al Adha prayer in Abu Dhabi
• Assad makes rare public appearance for Eid prayers
• The world needs more love and happiness this Eid
• Shoura issued 10,000 decisions in 7,000 sessions over 88 years
• Saudis celebrate National Day
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India
• India Bars Citizens from Aiding Iraq's IS Fight
• U.S.-India Joint Declaration on Combating Terrorism
• India, Iran and Afghanistan Come Together For International Transit Corridor
• India for the first time offers 20 PhD scholarships for Afghan students
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Pakistan
• Pakistan’s Pre-Islam Heritage Forms a Crucial Part of the Region’s Muslim Identity
• DSP Peshawar Central Jail, Brother Shot Dead In Charsadda
• Karachi operation: Rangers nab 17 'criminals'
• No decision yet to hand over Imran Farooq case suspects to UK
• Sons of slain Lal Masjid cleric booked
• Afghans accuse Torkham guards of extortion
• No meeting scheduled for Nawaz and Modi at UNGA
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South Asia
• Clerics Fail To Resolve Tensions between Mullah Mansoor and His Opponents
• NYC Event Commemorates Murdered Bangladeshi Bloggers
• NATO commander Gen. Campbell greets Afghan people on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha
• 4 suspects rounded up for martyring a policeman in Balkh
• In Myanmar, Muslim minority is targeted for hate, not for votes
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Southeast Asia
• Thickening haze from Indonesia forest fires dampens Muslim, Chinese festivities in Singapore
• Indonesian Muslims Gather to Celebrate Eid Al-Adha
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Africa
• Islamic Finance Prospects In Africa Highly Promising
• Ivory Coast: Africa looks to Islamic finance
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Europe
• Expert Outlines ‘Islamic Prophecies of the End Times’ and How They’re Influencing Islamic
• Putin Said to Plan Islamic State Strike with or Without U.S
• Merkel says Assad must be involved in Syria talks
• Putin opens huge mosque in Russian capital
• With refugees, Germany's Muslim population could be Europe’s largest
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North America
• Texas Teen Arrested Over Homemade Clock to Visit UN and Makkah
• Five-Year-Old Girl Shares Immigration Message with Pope Francis
• Obama’s Collapsing War on the Islamic State
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
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Arab World
At Least 717 Pilgrims Killed, 863 Injured In Hajj Stampede At Mina
By Agencies: September 24, 2015
MAKKAH: At least 717 pilgrims died while another 863 were wounded in a stampede during the stoning of Satan at Mina, the Saudi civil defence said on Thursday.
The pilgrims were killed in a crush at Mina, outside the holy city of Makkah, where some two million people are performing the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
The crush, in which at least 863 others were injured, took place on Street 204 of the camp city at Mina, a few kilometres east of Makkah, where pilgrims stay for several days during the climax of the Hajj.
It has traditionally been the most dangerous day of Hajj because vast numbers of pilgrims attempt to perform rituals at the same time in a single location.
Street 204 is one of the two main arteries leading through the camp at Mina to Jamarat, where pilgrims ritually stone the devil by hurling pebbles at three large pillars.
Photographs published on the civil defence Twitter feed showed pilgrims lying on stretchers while emergency workers in high-visibility jackets lifted them into an ambulance.
“Work is underway to separate large groups of people and direct pilgrims to alternative routes,” the Saudi Civil Defence said on its Twitter account.
Director General Hajj Operations Abu Akif said there are reports of around seven Pakistani pilgrims among those killed in the stampede.
Meanwhile, Foreign Office said they were collecting information about the Pakistani pilgrims in Saudi Arabia to check whether any of them were among the victims, Express News reported.
FO spokesperson said directives have been given to the Pakistani embassy in Saudi Arabia to facilitate the Pakistani pilgrims.
Foreign office said help lines have been setup to provide details of Pakistani pilgrims. The information can be sought from 00966125277537 and 00966125458000.
Further, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the sad incident, directing the Pakistani ambassador to Saudi Arabia to inquire about the health of the injured.
The pilgrimage, the world’s largest annual gathering of people, has been the scene of deadly stampedes in the past, as well as other disasters including tent fires and riots.
However, massive infrastructure upgrades and extensive spending on crowd control technology over the past two decades had made such events far less common.
On Monday, a fire forced some 1,500 people from their hotel in Makkah as pilgrims gathered for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, the Saudi civil defence department had said. Four Yemeni pilgrims had sustained minor injuries following the pre-dawn fire in a 15-storey hotel, state news agency SPA quoted the department as saying.
The Hajj has been almost incident-free for the past decade. However, 108 people, including foreign pilgrims, died earlier this month when a construction crane fell on the Grand Mosque.
Earlier on September 12, a massive construction crane crashed into Makkah’s Grand Mosque in stormy weather, killing at least 108 people and injuring scores others, Saudi authorities said, less than a fortnight before the Hajj pilgrimage starts.
The civil defence authority said on Twitter that emergency teams were sent to the scene after a “crane fell at the Grand Mosque.” That came about an hour after it tweeted that Makkah was “witnessing medium to heavy rains,” with pictures circulating on social media showing lightning.
http://tribune.com.pk/story/962645/at-least-100-dead-in-stampede-at-hajj-in-saudi-arabia-civil-defence
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Groups like IS are maligning the image of Islam: Grand Mufti
23 September, 2015
(Web Desk) - In apparent condemnation of the Islamic State militant group, also known as Daesh, Saudi Grand Sheikh Abdul Aziz al-Sheikh on Wednesday urged Muslims to unite and rise up against extremist groups, which are trying to destroy the image of Islam.
Speaking to Muslims from around the world in an address during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, the Grand Mufti said that terrorist organisations like Daesh are trying to take Islam back into the age of ignorance.
The mufti spoke from Nimrah Mosque at Mount Arafat in western Saudi Arabia, home to Islam s holiest sites.
More than 2.5 million Muslims from around the world including 143, 368 Pakistanis gathered at Mount Arafat for a day of prayer at the peak of the annual Hajj.
Hajj is among the five pillars of Islam and every capable Muslim must perform it at least once in a lifetime.
Grand Sheikh Abdul Aziz al-Sheikh urged Muslims to make concerted efforts in their individual and collective lives to spread true message of Islam as religion of peace, love and brotherhood.
He warned that conspiracies being hatched by enemies of Islam to undermine its strength. He urged Muslim Ummah to forge unity in its ranks to foil their nefarious designs.
He cautioned Muslims against those who are misusing the name of Islam and indulging in sabotage and terrorist activities.
“They have not spared even mosques and peaceful citizens,” he added.
He said these elements have gone astray and are strengthening hands of enemies of Islam.
The Grand Mufti said that Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) declared all types of injustices as Haraam (forbidden) and added that no human being would take life another human being. He said injustice is destined to be eliminated sooner or later.
The mufti specially addressed the youth and said they should not listen to those who are spreading anarchy. Instead, they should direct their energies towards constructive pursuits and spread the true message of Islam.
He said we should make our lives as beacon of light for people living around the world.
He called upon media to discharge its professional responsibilities in an honest manner, putting across what is right and inculcating the sense of unity among Ummah.
After the sermon, prayers were offered for well being and unity of the Ummah.
The pilgrims offered Zohr and Asr prayers at Maidan-e-Arafat and will leave for Muzdalfa just after sunset. During stay at Maidan-e-Arafat, the pilgrims will offer special prayers and repent their sins.
After stay in Arafat (Waqoof -e-Arafat), they will spend whole night in open sky at Muzdalfa where they will offer their Maghrib and Isha prayers.
Next day, the pilgrims will return to Mina and perform Rami and sacrifice animals.
They will put off their Ihrams after sacrificing animals, and shave their heads followed by Tawaaf-e-Ziara which could be performed within three days.
This practice will complete the Hajj rituals.
http://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/300569-Groups-like-IS-are-maligning-the-image-of-Islam-G
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25 Killed, Dozens Wounded In Mosque Bombing In Yemen Capital
September 24, 2015
Sanaa has been shaken by a string of bombings by the Islamic State jihadist group in recent months
A bomb attack targeting Shiite worshippers at a mosque in Yemen’s capital today killed at least 25 people and wounded dozens more during prayers for the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, medics said. The blast happened in the Balili mosque where Huthi Shiite rebels who control Sanaa go to pray, according to witnesses. Witnesses reported that after a first blast inside the mosque, a suicide bomber detonated an explosives belt at the entrance as worshippers rushed outside. There was no immediate claim of responsibility but Sanaa has been shaken by a string of bombings by the Islamic State jihadist group in recent months targeting Shiites. The radical Sunni Muslim group considers Shiites to be heretics and has also claimed bombings of mosques in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The Iran-backed Huthi rebels have seized several regions of Yemen including Sanaa which they overran a year ago. Pro-government forces backed by Saudi-led air strikes have recently managed to wrest back some southern provinces, including Yemen’s second city of Aden. The Islamic State group and the Yemen-based branch of its jihadist rival Al-Qaeda have exploited the turmoil to boost their activities in the impoverished country.
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/world-news/blast-at-mosque-in-yemen-capital-during-prayers/#sthash.VRJX0Z5h.dpuf
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Haj Violators Caught Trying To Enter Mashair In Female Clothing
Thursday 24 September 2015
MINA: Commander of Haj forces in the Makkah police; Maj. Gen. Abdulaziz bin Othman Al-Souli announced the capture of violators at checkpoints who were trying to enter Makkah and the Holy Mashair in female clothing.
He confirmed to local media that around 123,950 people were turned back for not having Haj permits along with more than 36,000 vehicles that were not authorized to enter the Mashair, in addition to 1,340 who transported violators. He said all those captured were referred to relevant authorities and confirmed that five fake Haj offices have been caught and more than 200 people who don’t have Haj permits have been fingerprinted.
He said that this year's plan focused on moving pilgrims from one holy site to the next easily and smoothly and in record time. The plan was completed early. Work on this plan started at the end of the last Haj season and the positive side has been developed and previous negative points were avoided.
He added that some people revert to new cheating methods to get to the Mashair; some of them tried to sneak in wearing female clothes, but many attempts have been frustrated, thanks to the vigilance of security forces.
Al-Souli underlined that 58 fake Haj offices were monitored this year as well as the people behind them. Officials will not allow any attempt to carry on such activities and they will be on the lookout for these illegal activities
http://www.arabnews.com/featured/news/810776
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Migrant crisis: Fleeing life under Islamic State in Syria
23 September 2015
"If they knew I was talking to you, I'd be killed," says Mohamed.
Young and a fluent English speaker, he comes from the Syrian city of Raqqa, the de facto capital of so-called Islamic State.
The threat posed by the group is one of the main factors pushing the mass migration of people to Europe.
And as we sit beside the stadium in Edirne where 2,000 have gathered, trying to cross Turkey's land border with Greece, he gives me an insight into the heart of the "caliphate".
"At first when they arrived, it seemed fine because [Syrian President] Assad's forces were driven out," Mohamed says.
"But then they tightened their control. They imposed their rules: anybody who defied them, anyone who was suspected of talking to journalists or TV channels was immediately taken off to be killed.
"They have a big intelligence network - foreigners working for them, who inform them about everything. I've seen Germans, Chechens, Turks, Saudis and Tunisians. They're the ones who catch you."
Prison for smoking
What changes has he seen during the IS takeover, I ask?
"Until a few months ago we had internet at home. Now we have to go to internet cafes to go online - and they come and check which sites we've visited.
"We only have two hours of electricity per day. There's talk that they'll remove satellite dishes from houses so we can only watch TV they control.
"And food prices are going up. We're banned from smoking - I was caught twice with a cigarette, put in prison for a day and given 20 lashes.
"Men are not allowed to be clean-shaven - anyone who is, will be put in prison."
The IS black flag now flies across Raqqa and every official building has "Islamic State" painted on the walls, Mohamed tells me.
How are the militants recognised?
"They carry guns - all the time."
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34337476
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Yemeni Forces Seize Saudi Military Camp
Sep 24, 2015
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Yemeni army and popular committees gained control of the al-Hathira military camp in Saudi Arabia's Southwestern region of Jizan.
The Yemeni forces also destroyed a number of military equipment of the Saudi troopers in the operation.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Yemeni forces mounted major offensives on al-Tawal, Al-Khubah and al-Khojrah areas in Jizan region.
On Tuesday, the Yemeni army and the popular forces destroyed several strategic military bases in the province of Jizan with missiles and mortar shells.
The army and Ansarullah forces in retaliatory attacks fired over 70 missiles and mortar shells at al-Qarn, Mohata al-Bayza, al-Mashih and al-Radif military bases in Jizan province, destroying them to a large degree.
The Yemeni sources announced that all of the four Saudi military bases caught fire after they were pounded.
Also on Tuesday, Yemen's army and Ansarullah fighters killed at least six Saudi troops in a mortar attack on Jizan.
Six military vehicles were also destroyed in the retaliatory attack on Tuesday, according to the Yemeni Defense Ministry.
Saudi Arabia has been striking Yemen for 182 days now to restore power to Hadi, a close ally of Riyadh. The Saudi-led aggression has so far killed at least 6,209 Yemenis, including hundreds of women and children.
Hadi stepped down in January and refused to reconsider the decision despite calls by Ansarullah revolutionaries of the Houthi movement.
Despite Riyadh’s claims that it is bombing the positions of the Ansarullah fighters, Saudi warplanes are flattening residential areas and civilian infrastructures.
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940701001009
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Sources: Rifts Widening among ISIL Ranks in Iraq's Baiji
Sep 23, 2015
TEHRAN (FNA)- Iraqi security sources revealed that differences are growing among ISIL ranks and groups in the Northeastern town of Baiji, in Salahuddin province.
"The Iraqi popular forces' intelligence leaders have been informed that after ISIL's numerous defeats in repeated offensives on the town of Baiji, serious gaps have surfaced among ISIL branches in that region," an Iraqi security source told FNA on Wednesday.
The source said that among these groups mention can be made to al-Ansar. The Chechnian group has threatened to withdraw from regions near Baiji to return to Syria.
The Iraqi forces started operations to purge Baiji of terrorists few months ago, and later took full control of the city, its refinery and its surrounding areas.
But in early September reports said that the Takfiri terrorists took back some parts of Baiji after two weeks of heavy attacks on the region.
In a relevant development on Tuesday, Iraqi security forces backed by volunteer troops thwarted an ISIL attack on the outskirts of Baiji.
"The ISIL terrorists launched an offensive on al-Siniyah town of Baiji, but the Iraqi forces foiled the attack," a statement by the Iraqi volunteer forces said.
Tens of ISIL terrorists were killed and a large number of their vehicle destroyed in the Iraqi forces' counterattack.
Also, on Sunday, informed sources said that the Iraqi Army and popular forces of Hashed al-Shaabi had started fresh round of massive operations to re-seize control over Baiji.
The sources said that the Iraqi forces and Hashed Al-Shaabi, launched their latest offensive to recapture their lost territory in Baiji and to weaken the terrorist group’s influence over the town of Al-Siniyah.
Following the offensive’s announcement by the Iraqi defense minister, the Iraqi forces and popular committees stormed the Al-Tamim Neighborhood in Baiji, capturing it from the terrorist group after killing 19 militants.
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940701001198
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Syrian Army Advances in Eastern Aleppo
Sep 23, 2015
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian army made new gains in the countryside of Aleppo by seizing back new areas in the region, FNA dispatches said.
The army units opened heavy fire on the Takfiri terrorists in the surrounding areas of Kowaires Airport in Eastern Aleppo, and pushed them back.
The Syrian troops, meantime, seized back the strategic villages of Tal Reyman and al-Salehiya which are located near Kowaires Airport on Tuesday.
The ISIL terrorists have besieged the Kowaires airport for over 2.5 years now, but the airport itself is under the Syrian army's control. The Syrian army's helicopters supply foodstuff and other needs to the Syrian troops defending the airport.
The Kowaires Airport is strategically important because it is considered the frontline of the Syrian army in the Northern parts of the country near the borders with Turkey.
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940701000877
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Leader: Iraqi Popular Forces Not to Fight alongside Americans in Anbar
Sep 23, 2015
TEHRAN (FNA)- A senior leader of the Iraqi popular forces voiced concern about the consequences of the US military presence in battles against terrorists in al-Anbar province, and reiterated that his troops will not participate in joint operations with the Americans.
"The Iraqi popular forces are concerned about the Americans' partnership in any military operations in al-Anbar province," Hassan al-Sari told FNA on Wednesday.
Warning that the US has sought to annihilate the popular forces in Iraq since the beginning, he reminded Washington's record of supporting the terrorist groups, including the ISIL.
"Popular forces' joint operations with the American forces is impossible unless they get coordinated with the Iraqi government and Baghdad specifies them a set of objectives completely different and separate from our goals and objectives," Sari underlined.
Earlier this week, the tribesmen of the Western province of al-Anbar complained that the US meddling in the fight against the ISIL had impeded their victory over the Takfiri terrorist group.
"The US meddling prevents the Iraqi army and popular forces from concluding their battles against the ISIL," Sheikh Mohammad al-Harat, spokesman for Al-Anbar Tribesmen, told FNA on Monday.
He underlined that prolonging the Anbar battle would also negatively influence the Iraqi army's battles against the terrorists in other provinces.
Sheikh al-Harat noted that the US military advisors usually rejected the Iraqi army's military plans against the terrorist groups in Anbar province, but when these plans were put into action, they proved successful.
Also, earlier this month, an Iraqi analyst said that the US was using some tribesmen in the Western province of Anbar to pressure the government in Baghdad to keep the popular forces away from the battle against terrorists in the volatile region.
Mohammad Na'na expressed regret that Washington has succeeded in persuading certain tribal leaders in Anbar to join its so-called war on the ISIL.
"Washington is pressuring the Iraqi government to exclude the popular forces from the Anbar province mop-up operations," he told FNA.
Na'na, meantime, warned against the United States' negative role in the war on ISIL, saying field reports showed that the US ground troops had played no role in the operations that led to the liberation of Anbar.
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940701000761
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Mohamed bin Zayed performs Eid Al Adha prayer in Abu Dhabi
Wam/Abu Dhabi
September 24, 2015
His Highness Shaikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces performed Eid Al Adha prayer this morning at the Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
Performing Eid Al Adha prayer along with Shaikh Mohamed were Shaikh Saif bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Shaikh Surour bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Shaikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor and Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Shaikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, Lt. General Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Shaikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy National Security Advisor, Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Shaikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Chief of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court, Shaikh Omar bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, Shaikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Etihad Airways, Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Advisor to the UAE President, Shaikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, Shaikhs, senior officials, diplomats, citizens and residents.
Shaikh Khalifa Al Dhaheri delivered Eid Al Adha sermon, highlighting the sacrifices made by the UAE martyrs and wounded servicemen. He said it was appropriate for all on this day to champion the values of forgiveness, benevolence and care for the poor, orphans, widows and sick, adding that the Eid is a happy occasion and Allah the Almighty will reward those whose deeds lead to the happiness of others.
Shaikh Abdul Aziz prayed to Allah to grant his blessings on the UAE leadership and to bestow eternal peace on the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Following the prayer, Shaikh Mohamed and other worshippers visited the tomb of the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and read Surat Al Fatiha for his soul.
http://khaleejtimes.com/nation/general/mohamed-bin-zayed-performs-eid-al-adha-prayer-in-abu-dhabi
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Assad makes rare public appearance for Eid prayers
September 24, 2015
Syrian President Bashar Al Assad attended holiday prayers at a Damascus mosque on Thursday, state media reported, in a rare public appearance for the embattled regime head.
"President Assad led Eid Al Adha prayers at the Al Adel mosque in Damascus, with senior officials from the (ruling Baath) party, the state, and a number of religious leaders and civilians," Syria's official news agency SANA reported.
In a photograph published on his official Twitter account, Assad appears standing in prayer, flanked by Prime Minister Wael Halaqi and Grand Mufti Ahmed Badreddin Hassoun.
On Wednesday, Assad issued two decrees increasing monthly wages for public sector employees in Syria, in an apparent gesture on the eve of the holiday.
Since the uprising against his rule erupted in March 2011, Assad's few public appearances have been mostly limited to official prayers on feast days.
Damascus has been largely spared the devastation wrought on other Syrian cities by the civil war, although there has been periodic mortar and rocket fire by rebels entrenched in the suburbs.
At least 240,000 people have been killed in the conflict.
http://khaleejtimes.com/region/mena/assad-makes-rare-public-appearance-for-eid-prayers
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The world needs more love and happiness this Eid
September 24, 2015
When you hear about the Eid Al Adha festival, chances are images of long queues of sacrificial animals waiting to get slaughtered come to mind. While the sacrifice itself remains an essential part of the festival, there are other lesser-known traditions that are equally important because of the message they convey.
For instance, did you know that the trademark three hugs is just one of the many ways to greet a fellow human being during Eid? The essential idea here is to bring happiness to others, and it can equally be conveyed through a handshake or even a smile. A hug is just more popular because it is more personal. You are also encouraged to greet total strangers, and nothing breaks the ice better than a hug!
It is a great leveller, too, for on this day, your social standing does not matter, your money does not matter, your prejudices don't matter - all that matters is that you spread love and happiness. After all, the word 'Eid' itself means happiness, among others. Who knows, you may actually end up spreading some cheer among those who genuinely need it - like people who are new to the city and are feeling lonely.
Full Report at:
http://khaleejtimes.com/editorials-columns/20150924/the-world-needs-more-love-and-happiness-this-eid
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Shoura Issued 10,000 Decisions in 7,000 Sessions Over 88 Years
Thursday 24 September 2015
RIYADH: The Shoura Council completed its 88th year with a total of 10,000 decisions that were taken in 7,000 sessions, since King Abdul Aziz bin Abdulrahman said “We need to follow what came in the Qur’an and Sunnah in implementation of God’s orders when he said, ‘consult with them on matters’.”
The Shoura Council then had private councils and advisory commissions, in addition to consultants and consulting bodies as well as specialized committees of scholars and tribal heads.
After the first phase, the first regulatory body for the Shoura Council was set up. The council was made up of part-time members, and with the expansion of the Saudi state and the increased duties and tasks, a royal decree was issued in 1927 to form the first Shoura Council with full-time members under the presidency of the general deputy of the King and eight other members three years before unifying the Kingdom.
In 1930 the Shoura Council was reformulated in its new session which lasted until the end of 1931. In 1932 the second Shoura Council was formed and continued working for the first session and renewed its members until 1935.
Full Report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/news/810761
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Saudis celebrate National Day
FOUZIA KHAN
Thursday 24 September 2015
JEDDAH: A National Day is always very important for the people of a country and Saudis also celebrated their National Day with pride, although this year it came in the middle of an important religious duty — the Haj.
“We are very proud to be Saudi and happy that Allah gave us this responsibility of serving the guests of Allah during Haj. However, our National Day is also very important so we are celebrating this day with pride and happiness as it falls on the Day of Arafat. We prayed for the stability, progress and long life for Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman,” said Mashour Al-Otabi, a Saudi citizen.
He further said that all Saudis are thankful to the king for extending the Eid holidays by three days, as every year Saudis get one day off on National Day but this year it came with Eid Al-Adha.
Full Report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/news/810766
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India
India Bars Citizens from Aiding Iraq's IS Fight
Shaikh Azizur Rahman
September 23, 2015
KOLKATA, INDIA—
For more than a year, some Shi'ite Muslim groups in India have expressed a desire to travel to Iraq to support Baghdad in its fight against Islamic State militants.
But after months of public appeals and court battles, the government last week said it will not allow it, because of the danger to citizens while there and the risks that could follow upon their return home.
In an affidavit released to the Delhi High Court, India’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said Indian citizens “could get radicalized, and on their return, could indulge in extremist activities in India, too.”
The affidavit read: “Allowing an Indian to go to another country to take part in a conflict, which amounts to taking part in terrorist activities, would lead to the allegation that the Indian government is promoting terrorism in other countries … It would therefore be in the national interest that every effort be made to prevent them from visiting Iraq.”
Other countries, including the United States, advise citizens against traveling to Iraq because of the danger and say they do not support those who go to fight the Islamic State. But there are no U.S. laws prohibiting helping governments or independent groups fighting against the Islamic State — as long as citizens do not provide support to groups considered terrorist organizations.
Full Report at:
http://www.voanews.com/content/india-bars-citizens-from-helping-baghdad-oppose-islamic-state/2973823.html
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U.S.-India Joint Declaration on Combating Terrorism
Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
September 23, 2015
The following is the U.S.-India Joint Declaration on Combating Terrorism as agreed upon by Secretary of State John Kerry and Indian Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj on the occasion of the inaugural U.S.-India Strategic and Commercial Dialogue.
Begin text:
Secretary of State John Kerry and Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj:
- Reaffirm the commitment of India and the United States to combat terrorism in all its forms, which constitutes a profound threat to global peace and security, and to uphold our common values of democracy, justice, and the rule of law;
Full Report at:
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2015/09/247201.htm
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India, Iran and Afghanistan come together for international transit corridor
Sachin Parashar, TNN | Sep 24, 2015
India is looking to step up the pedal over its ambitious Chabahar port project in Iran by signing an international transit corridor agreement with Iran and Afghanistan.
One of the reasons why the port project is important for India as it will facilitate access to Afghanistan, bypassing Pakistan. Over the past 2 days, officials from the 3 countries have met to finalize agreement for a Chabahar transit corridor.
"We are looking at a trilateral transit corridor MoU," India's ambassador to Afghanistan Amar Sinha told TOI.
While India and Iran are developing the Chabahar port jointly, Sinha said, Afghan businesses are investing in the attached free trade zone where Iran has allotted land for Afghan investors.
Full Report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/India-Iran-and-Afghanistan-come-together-for-international-transit-corridor/articleshow/49084241.cms?
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India for the first time offers 20 PhD scholarships for Afghan students
By KHAAMA PRESS - Wed Sep 23 2015
Indian-Flag-4The government of India for the first time offered 20 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees for 20 students in Afghanistan at the request of the Afghan government.
” From this year, for the first time, at the request of the Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, 20 slots for pursuing PhD were offered,” an online statement by the Embassy India in Kabul said.
The statement further added that the Scheme is jointly implemented by Ministry of Higher Education, Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and Embassy of India in Kabul and @Indian Council for Cultural Relation (ICCR), New Delhi. The #ICCR offers 1000 scholarships per annum to Afghan students, the largest scheme for any country run by ICCR.
Full Report at:
http://www.khaama.com/india-for-the-first-time-offers-20-phd-scholarships-for-afghan-students-1553
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Pakistan
Pakistan’s pre-Islam heritage forms a crucial part of the region’s Muslim identity
September 24, 2015
A few kilometres into Swat, from the main entrance point of Landakay, one can find a human size smiling Buddha statue carved into the hard stone in the mountain. The scene is picturesque. A mountain with Buddha’s statue, and long fields of cultivated rice running in front to the Swat River…
The big statue is a series of twenty or so stairs, which lead into a cave twenty feet above in the mountain. The cave contains a small statue of Buddha and different paintings carved into its walls. A mesmerizing fact about the duo is that they had another such pair perfectly in parallel to them on the other side of the river so that the sun stands in between them at midday. Unfortunately there are only remains of the statues on the other side of the river.
Full Report at:
http://nation.com.pk/blogs/23-Sep-2015/pakistan-s-pre-islam-heritage-forms-a-crucial-part-of-the-region-s-muslim-identity
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DSP Peshawar central jail, brother shot dead in Charsadda
September 23, 2015
PESHAWAR: The Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) of Peshawar Central Jail and his brother were shot dead by unidentified assailants on Thursday in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Charsadda district, on a day when the first day of Eidul Azha is being celebrated in some districts of the province.
Police officials in Charsadda said DSP Zahir Shah was shot while he was exchanging Eid greetings at his Hujra or guesthouse in Charsadda's Mandai area.
Full Report at:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1209086/dsp-peshawar-central-jail-brother-shot-dead-in-charsadda
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Karachi operation: Rangers nab 17 'criminals'
KARACHI: Rangers on Thursday claimed to have arrested 17 criminals during targeted raids in various areas of Karachi.
Those arrested include target killers, terrorists affiliated with banned outfits and kidnappers, said a Rangers press release. Weapons were recovered from the arrested men.
The Rangers conducted targeted raids in the Moinabad, Landhi, Green Town, Stylish Garden, New Karachi Town, PIB Colony, Hill Park, Gul Plaza and Liaqatabad areas.
The ‘operation’ against criminal elements in Pakistan’s commercial hub was initiated back in September 2013 after the federal cabinet empowered Rangers to lead a targeted advance with the support of police against criminals already identified by federal military and civilian agencies for their alleged involvement in targeted killings, kidnappings for ransom, extortion and terrorism in Karachi.
Full Report at:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1209081/karachi-operation-rangers-nab-17-criminals
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No decision yet to hand over Imran Farooq case suspects to UK
IFTIKHAR A. KHAN
ISLAMABAD: The Interior Ministry said on Wednesday no decision had been taken as yet to hand over suspects in Dr Imran Farooq’s murder case to the United Kingdom.
In a statement, a spokesman for the interior ministry said the ministry would do only what was permissible under the law.
He ruled out handing over the three accused in the case to the UK under any administrative or government decision.
Take a look: UK team interrogates key suspect in Imran Farooq murder case
Full Report at:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1209034/no-decision-yet-to-hand-over-imran-farooq-case-suspects-to-uk
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Sons of slain Lal Masjid cleric booked
MUNAWER AZEEM
ISLAMABAD: The sons of Abdul Rashid Ghazi, the slain naib khateeb of the Lal Masjid, were arrested by capital police on Wednesday for illegal possession of a weapon and the unauthorized possession of a paramilitary uniform.
Rangers and police units deployed on Garden Road, near the National Press Club, stopped a vehicle with three men on board in the early hours of Wednesday morning. During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement officials recovered a 22-bore pistol from their possession.
Full Report at:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1209019/sons-of-slain-lal-masjid-cleric-booked
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Afghans accuse Torkham guards of extortion
LANDI KOTAL: Afghan nationals, returning to their homeland, have accused the Khasadar and Levies personnel at the Torkham border of extortion.
They alleged that Khasadar and Levies personnel kept them in illegal detention for several hours if they refused to pay them money. The return of Afghan nationals has gained momentum before Eidul Azha.
Officials also confirmed increase in number of the returning Afghans at the Torkham crossing point.
Full Report at:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1208991/afghans-accuse-torkham-guards-of-extortion
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No meeting scheduled for Nawaz and Modi at UNGA
Sep 24, 2015
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and India have no plan to meet at the upcoming United Nations (UN) General Assembly, the Pakistani foreign office said on Thursday, scotching speculation that the leaders of the two nations might seek the opportunity to improve rocky ties.
Both Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi are due to stay at the same hotel in New York during the meeting of world leaders this month, leading some media to speculate the two would meet.
But Foreign Ministry spokesman Qazi Khalilullah denied those reports.
"No proposal is on the table for the meeting of the two PMs," he told Reuters.
Full Report at:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1209075/no-meeting-scheduled-for-nawaz-and-modi-at-unga
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South Asia
Clerics fail to resolve tensions between Mullah Mansoor and his opponents
Sep 23 2015
Group of pro-Taliban religious clerics have failed to resolve tensions between the newly appointed Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansoor and the dissident Taliban commanders.
The delegation included 20 high profile religious clerics led by Mullah Ahmad Rabbani, the brother of Mullah Rabbani, Taliban’s head of ministerial cabinet.
A spokesman for the delegation Abdullah Mansoor said they failed to resolve tensions among the Taliban leaders after Mullah Akhtar Mansoor rejected the demands of the dissident Taliban leaders, BBC reported.
Full Report at:
http://www.khaama.com/clerics-fail-to-resolve-tensions-between-mullah-mansoor-and-his-opponents-1554
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NYC Event Commemorates Murdered Bangladeshi Bloggers
By Jennifer Chowdhury on September 24, 2015
On September 16, the Pen American Center hosted “Unslain Words,” an event commemorating Bangladeshi bloggers/activists murdered by Islamic extremists, during the annual Brooklyn Book Festival Bookend Event.
New York City’s South Asian community came out in full force to honor Avijit Roy, Oyasiqur Babu, Ananta Bijoy Das and Niloy Neel— the secular bloggers who were murdered earlier this year for speaking out against Islamic extremist ideologies.
According to Abeer Hoque, writer and co-organizer of the event, the local NYC Bangladeshi community has already held several rallies and vigils for the slain bloggers and “Unslain Words” is another part of that initiative.
“We’re sending a message to the Bangladeshi government that we’re watching, and we’re worried, and to all the brave Bangladeshi bloggers out there, we’re standing with you,” Hoque said in a statement to the press.
Full Report at:
http://www.india.com/arts-and-culture/nyc-event-commemorates-murdered-bangladeshi-bloggers-573493/
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NATO commander Gen. Campbell greets Afghan people on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha
Thu Sep 24 2015
The NATO-led Resolute Support (RS) mission commander General John F. Campbell greeted the Afghan people on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha.
Gen. Campbell issued the following statement as the Afghan people celebrate Eid:
“To the noble people of Afghanistan and all Muslims around the world, Happy Eid-al-adha. Eid Mubarak. May this year’s Eid-al-Adha bring peace in your life?
Eid days are meant to celebrate the goals and achievements that make you proudest and the ideals you believe in. It’s a day to rejoice in your blessings and to reflect and ponder. It’s a holiday to unite together. Eid Mubarak.”
Eid al-Adha is celebrated on 10th Dul Hijjah every year which marks the end of hajj, a religious pilgrimage undertaken by millions of Muslims each year.
Based on moon’s movements, most Muslims communities rely on eye-sighting of the crescent to mark the start of the months as per the Islamic calendar although at times the practice could prove difficult.
http://www.khaama.com/nato-commander-gen-campbell-greets-afghan-people-on-the-occasion-of-eid-al-adha-1555
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4 suspects rounded up for martyring a policeman in Balkh
Sep 24 2015
Four suspects have been rounded up for martyring a policeman in northern Balkh province.
Shirjan Durrani, spokesman for the police headquarters of Balkh province said that the dossiers of these suspects have been referred to judiciary for further legal processing.
It is yet unknown what group the detainees belong to.
Balkh was comparatively a safe province in northern Afghanistan but now it has turned to be one of the restive provinces.
Only this month two deadly attacks have taken place in this province.
On September 22, five people including a District Police Chief lost lives and four others wounded in a landmine explosion in its Dawlat Shah District.
On September 05, a group of unidentified gunmen stopped civilian vehicles in Zari District and killed 13 passengers of these vehicles.
http://www.khaama.com/4-suspects-rounded-up-for-martyring-a-policeman-in-balkh-3941
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In Myanmar, Muslim minority is targeted for hate, not for votes
September 20, 2015
By Hanna Hindstrom
YANGON, Myanmar — The celebrations began shortly after dawn. A cluster of monks in saffron robes gathered beneath this city’s historic golden Shwedagon Pagoda to murmur prayers and chants. A procession of vans then took the men to a monastery on the outskirts of Yangon, where groups of monks, nuns and civilians huddled under umbrellas before a large stage lined with senior abbots and emblazoned with Buddhist insignia.
This was no ordinary religious festival. The Sept. 14 gathering was the start of a two-week nationwide anti-Muslim event organized by Myanmar’s powerful Buddhist nationalist group, known locally as the Ma Ba Tha. The cause for celebration was the recent adoption of a package of laws to “protect race and religion” in the Buddhist-majority country, further marginalizing its beleaguered Muslim minority.
Full Report at:
http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2015/9/20/muslim-minority-cut-out-of-myanmar-vote.html
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Southeast Asia
Thickening haze from Indonesia forest fires dampens Muslim, Chinese festivities in Singapore
September 24, 2015
SINGAPORE – A thickening, smoky haze cast a shadow over festivities in Singapore on Thursday, as Muslims headed to mosques to celebrate the culmination of the annual hajj pilgrimage and Chinese readied for a traditional harvest festival.
The three-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI), which measures air pollution in the country, hit the day's high of 262 at noon on a public holiday. It then dropped to 225 in the mid-afternoon. The haze is blowing in from neighbouring Indonesia where forests are being burned to clear the land for farming, as is done every year causing the annual problem for the region.
Full Report at:
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/09/24/thickening-haze-from-indonesia-forest-fires-dampens-muslim-chinese-festivities/
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Indonesian Muslims Gather To Celebrate Eid Al-Adha
September 24, 2015
Muslims perform Eid al-Adha prayer on a street in Jakarta, Sept. 24, 2015. Muslims will slaughter cattle and goats later, with the beef and meat distributed to the needy in the holiday which honours the prophet Abraham for preparing to sacrifice his son Ishmael on the order of God, who was testing his faith
http://en.tempo.co/read/beritafoto/34458/Indonesian-Muslims-Gather-To-Celebrate-Eid-Al-Adha
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Africa
Islamic finance prospects in Africa highly promising
24th Sep 2015
JEDDAH -- A newly-released report "Islamic Finance in Africa: A Promising Future" by the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) takes an in-depth look at the tremendous growth opportunities for Islamic finance to flourish in the region. The new report was released during the Africa Islamic Finance Forum 2015 in Abidjan.
The report is being published as the global banking community comes together to define a transformative new landscape to integrate Islamic finance into the mainstream.
Once of interest only to a niche market of Muslim investors, Islamic finance is now venturing beyond its traditional sphere, and is slowly gaining widespread acceptance in Africa.
Full Report at:
https://www.zawya.com/story/Islamic_finance_in_Africa_promisingICD-ZAWYA20150920033555/
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Ivory Coast: Africa looks to Islamic finance
24th Sep 2015
By Issiaka N’Guessan and Cyrille Bah
ABIDJAN, (AA): The introduction of Islamic finance could be boon to development in Africa, say experts.
Islamic finance – which shuns the use of interest on loans – is relatively rare in West Africa, where over 90 percent of the total population is Muslim.
However, experts believe Islamic finance could represent a viable alternative – and could help the development of the continent.
Full Report at:
http://www.muslimnews.co.uk/news/religion/ivory-coast-africa-looks-to-islamic-finance/
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Europe
Expert Outlines ‘Islamic Prophecies of the End Times’ and How They’re Influencing Islamic State Chaos in Middle East Today
September 24, 2015
Author and scholar Will McCants appeared on “Morning Joe” on Wednesday to outline certain Islamic prophecies about the end times that he said are helping create chaos in the Middle East.
“In Islamic prophecies of the end times Iraq and Syria figure very large. That’s where the final battles with the infidels are supposed to take place,” explained Will McCants, author of the new book “The ISIS Apocalypse.” “The Islamic State his using this material to recruit foreign fighters and they’re using it to great effect.”
Full Report at:
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2015/09/23/expert-outlines-islamic-prophecies-of-the-end-times-and-how-theyre-influencing-islamic-state-chaos-in-middle-east-today-2/
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Putin Said to Plan Islamic State Strike with or Without U.S
September 24, 2015
President Vladimir Putin, determined to strengthen Russia’s only military outpost in the Middle East, is preparing to launch unilateral airstrikes against Islamic State from inside Syria if the U.S. rejects his proposal to join forces, two people familiar with the matter said.
Putin’s preferred course of action, though, is for America and its allies to agree to coordinate their campaign against the terrorist group with Russia, Iran and the Syrian army, which the Obama administration has so far resisted, according to a person close to the Kremlin and an adviser to the Defense Ministry in Moscow.
Russian diplomacy has shifted into overdrive as Putin seeks to avoid the collapse of the embattled regime of Bashar al-Assad, a long-time ally who’s fighting both a 4 1/2 year civil war and Sunni extremists under the banner of Islamic State. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flew to Moscow for talks with Putin this week, followed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Full Report at:
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-09-23/putin-said-to-plan-islamic-state-strikes-with-or-without-u-s-
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Merkel says Assad must be involved in Syria talks
Sep 24, 2015
BRUSSELS: German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday that President Bashar al-Assad should be involved in any Syrian peace talks, amid mounting pressure to end the four-year conflict.
"We have to speak with many actors, this includes Assad, but others as well," Merkel told a press conference after an EU summit on the migration crisis sparked by the Syrian war.
"Not only with the United States of America, Russia, but with important regional partners, Iran, and Sunni countries such as Saudi Arabia," Merkel added.
Full Report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/Merkel-says-Assad-must-be-involved-in-Syria-talks/articleshow/49084085.cms?
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Putin opens huge mosque in Russian capital
Thursday 24 September 2015
MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Wednesday opened one of the biggest mosques in Europe, warning against the lure of militants as the government frets over its citizens fighting for the Daesh group.
Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas were the guests of honor at the unveiling of the 20,000-square meter mosque in the Russian capital.
“This mosque will become an extremely important spiritual center for Muslims in Moscow and the whole Russia,” Putin said in a televised speech.
“It will be a source for education, spreading humanist ideas and the true values of Islam.”
The turquoise-domed mosque can host over 10,000 worshippers and is one of the largest in the country that will help to serve Russia’s estimated 20 million Muslims.
Full Report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/world/news/810711
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With refugees, Germany's Muslim population could be Europe’s largest
Thursday 24 September 2015
BERLIN: When the flood of Middle Eastern refugees arriving in Europe finally ebbs and asylum-seekers settle down in their new homes, Germany could unexpectedly find itself housing the continent’s largest Muslim minority.
The arrival of so many Syrians fleeing their country’s brutal civil war is bound to change the face of Islam in Germany, which until now has been dominated by the Turks who first came as so-called “guest workers” in the 1960s.
While refugees from Afghanistan, Iraq and other Muslim countries are also arriving, the Syrians make up the largest single contingent — estimated at about 45 percent — and have the best chances of being granted political asylum here.
The longer-term impact on Germany, which unlike Britain or France has no tradition of taking in immigrants from former colonies, is unclear. Many are still struggling through problems all refugees face such as learning the language and getting a job. The number of those yet to follow them is also unknown.
Some trends are emerging, though, and Germans familiar with the Muslim minority see reasons for both hope and concern. The first change is simply in the numbers.
“We could suddenly have five million Muslims,” said Thomas Volk, an Islam expert at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, a think tank associated with Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party.
France now has Europe’s largest Muslim minority with five million, followed by Germany with about four million. But the French figure is an estimate several experts say is too high.
Full Report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/world/news/810046
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North America
Texas Teen Arrested Over Homemade Clock to Visit UN and Makkah
Thursday 24 September 2015
CHICAGO: A Muslim teenager who became an overnight sensation after a Texas teacher mistook his homemade clock for a bomb has been withdrawn from his school, local media reported Tuesday.
Ahmed Mohamed, 14, won invitations to the White House, Google and Facebook last week amid a surge of public support for the aspiring inventor who was taken away from school in handcuffs.
"Cool clock, Ahmed. Want to bring it to the White House? We should inspire more kids like you to like science. It's what makes America great," Obama tweeted hours after the story broke.
Mohamed's father told the Dallas Morning News that all three of the family's children are being withdrawn from the Irving Independent School District.
"These kids aren't going to be happy there," Mohamed Elhassan Mohamed told the paper.
Full Report at:
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/world-news/five-year-old-girl-shares-immigration-message-with-pope-francis/#sthash.CSDOatgO.dpuf
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Obama’s Collapsing War on the Islamic State
By John R. Schindler | 09/23/15
For the Obama administration, the news from the Middle East keeps going from bad to worse. Vladimir Putin’s power play, moving significant military forces into Syria to support his ailing client, Bashar al-Assad, caught the White House flat footed and unsure how to respond.
Although the administration gave the Kremlin de facto control over American policy in Syria some two years ago when it walked away from its own “red line,” granting Russia a veto on Western action there, President Obama and his national security staff nevertheless seem befuddled by this latest Russian move.
The forces Mr. Putin has just deployed to Syria are impressive, veteran special operators backed by a wing of fighters and ground attack jets that are expected to commence air strikes on Assad’s foes soon. They are backed by air defense units, which is puzzling since the Islamic State has no air force, indicating that the Kremlin’s true intent in Syria has little to do with the stated aim of fighting terrorism and is really about propping up Russia’s longtime client in Damascus.
Full Report at:
http://observer.com/2015/09/obamas-collapsing-war-on-the-islamic-state/
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