New Age Islam News Bureau
4
Oct 2014
The image shows Afghan Taliban fighters. — File photo
Europe
• Austria’s
New Law on Islam to 'Standardise' Quran
• Muslims
Say Beheadings Are an Insult to Islam
• Sweden
to recognize state of Palestine
• Horror
in Britain over IS hostage beheading
• Mosques
open doors to non-Muslims in Germany for encouraging cultural exchange
• British
PM Cameron says he will use 'all assets' against Islamic State
• Child
soldiers, mass executions, and jihadi slave markets where women are sold for
sex for $10: UN report confirms ISIS’s atrocities across Iraq
• Rights
groups condemn Myanmar’s Rohingya plan
India
• India`s Southern
States Ignoring Jihad: RSS Chief
• World
Needs Android, Hindutva: RSS Mouthpiece
• Muslim
Clerics in Tonk, Rajasthan, Become Voice of Change
• Dalits
throng Nagpur on Dhammachakra Pravartan Din
• PM Modi Gives
Obama Rare Rogan Paintings Made By Gujarat-Based Muslim Family
• Seeking
the Pleasure of Allah, Indian Volunteers Help the Weak and Elderly Perform Haj
Arab World
• Us-Led
Strikes on Syria Kill 35 Jihadists Overnight: Monitor
• In Rare
Alliance, Shi'ites Join Sunnis to Defend Iraqi Towns
• Allies
Hit Islamic State near Syrian Kurdish Town as Briton Slain
• Nine
killed in attacks targeting Iraq’s military
• Official
says ISIS downs Iraqi chopper
• As Kurds
regain ground in Iraq, new challenges emerge
• Defeat
forces sowing chaos — Saudi Grand Mufti
• Despite
losing everything, Syrian pilgrim’s heart pleads for homeland
• Sufi
cleric abducted in Sinai by suspected militants: Military source
• In
Lebanon, Syria refugees face growing discrimination
Mideast
• Erdoğan:
Turkey cannot simply watch the mass slaughter
• 138
UNRWA Students Killed in Israel's Gaza War
• Turkey
warns will hit back if ISIS attacks Syria exclave
• Iran:
Ayatollah Boroujerdi Being Prepared for Execution
• Palestinians
hail Swedish move on statehood as 'courageous'
South Asia
• We Stand
With You: A Statement of Solidarity with Hong Kong Protesters from a Tibetan,
Uyghur, Southern Mongolian and Chinese
• Errant
Afghan Taliban tweet shows spokesman's location as Pakistan
• Bangladesh
Islamist parties to stage demos against Latif today
North America
• Muslims
from Cuba performing Haj for first time
• Canada,
Netherlands set to join ISIS strikes
• South
Florida Muslim leaders, federal authorities meet to discuss terrorism
• US Vice
President Biden says Turkish President Erdoğan admitted ISIL mistake
• US
welcomes Turkish anti-ISIL motion, contrasts reactions in Syria, Iran
Pakistan
• Conspiracy
to derail democracy will fail: PM
• Afghan
Taliban pamphlets distributed in parts of KP reject pact with US
• Explosion
in passenger van kills six in Kohat
• Annoyed
PPP workers demand dissolution of KP organisation
• Peace committee
member gunned down in Swat
• ‘Enemy’
can take advantage of political infighting: Zardari
• Qadri
tells supporters from Lahore, Faisalabad and Karachi to go back
Southeast Asia
• Isis has
tarnished Islam’s image, says Anwar
• For
Bumiputera Christians, ‘Allah’ ban akin to cultural ‘genocide’, says archbishop
• Immigration
discovers 155 Uyghurs crammed into 2 KL apartments
Africa
• Nine UN
troops killed in worst-ever attack in Mali
• Boko
Haram video apparently shows beheading of Nigeria pilot
• Tunisia
begins landmark election race
• Algeria
says five militants killed in border clashes with army
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/austria’s-new-law-islam-tandardise/d/99386
-----------
Europe
Austria’s
New Law on Islam to 'Standardise' Quran
World
Bulletin/News Desk
04 Oct,
2014
Austria
called for standardised German-language translations of the Quran and moved to
prohibit foreign funding of Muslim organisations on its soil in a draft law
aimed in part at tackling extremism.
The bill
will overhaul a 1912 law governing the status of Austrian Muslims, prompting
concern from a major local Islamic body, which saw it mirroring widespread
mistrust of Muslims.
The
initiative comes at a time of robust support for the far-right in Austria and
also alarm over reports of Muslims from the small, neutral country joining
rebel forces fighting in the Middle East.
"The
clear message should be that there is no contradiction between being a faithful
Muslim and a proud Austrian," said Foreign Affairs and Integration
Minister Sebastian Kurz, a member of the conservative People's Party.
"If
you don't have orderly legal regulation ... this can always bring dangers. In
this sense, if you like this is maybe a part of prevention," he told
reporters.
He added
that Sharia, or Islamic law, had "no place here".
Roughly
half a million Muslims live in Austria, representing about 6 percent of the
total population, which is overwhelmingly Roman Catholic.
The
Christian and Muslim communities have co-existed for years and relations have
been relatively unproblematic by comparison with friction seen in other
European nations.
For
example, unlike France, Austria has not moved to ban Muslim women from wearing
full-face veils in public.
However,
tensions have grown with the rise of the anti-immigration and anti-Islam
Freedom Party, which is backed by roughly a quarter of Austrians according to
opinion polls.
"NOT
A GIFT"
Under
the terms of the draft bill, state-recognised religious organisations will have
to offer a unified German-language version of their doctrine and sources of
faith, including for the Muslim holy book, the Quran.
At
present, there are only two officially recognised Islamic organisations in
Austria.
The
legislation would also forbid Islamic teachers employed by any foreign states
from working in Austria and stop outside funding for any Islamic organisations.
All
“living subsidies” will be covered by the rule, including the money given to
imams. Currently there are around 300 imams in Austria, and 65 of them are
employed by Turkey. The new law would mean they could no longer work in
Austria.
"Among
the Muslim base, the law is not seen as a gift for the Eid holiday," said
Carla Amina Baghajati, spokeswoman of the Islamic Community of Faith in Austria
(IGGIO), referring to Eid-al-Adha which Muslims will celebrate in the coming
days.
"(The
bill) mirrors in its overtone the spirit of the times we currently perceive
which is marked by blanket suspicion and mistrust against Muslims," she
said, adding that she was optimistic the legislation might still be amended.
Specifically,
the IGGIO was worried about the law appearing to bundle together various Sunni,
Shi'ite and Alawite sects and also about the ramifications of trying to agree
on a unified German-language version of the Quran.
The
Arabic version of the Quran is generally thought of as the word of Allah in
Islam, with any translation including an element of interpretation.
"If
a version of the Quran (in German) comes along as the codified, ultimate
(version), then this would contradict the self-conception of Islam,"
Baghajati said.
Foreign
minister Kurz told Austrian radio last month that numerous translations of the Quran
had generated countless interpretations and said it was in the interests of
local Muslims to eliminate possible misunderstandings.
Last
month, Austria said it would ban militant groups' symbols and strip citizenship
from people who travel abroad to fight with rebels.
On
Thursday Kurz dismissed suggestions that a unified translation would pose a
problem.
"Am
I sceptical when I hear this is difficult or not easily done? Fundamentally
no," said Kurz, adding that it had previously been possible to create
unified teaching material for Islamic religious studies at schools across
Austria.
http://www.worldbulletin.net/world/145618/austrias-new-law-on-islam-to-standardise-Quran
---------
Muslims
Say Beheadings Are an Insult to Islam
04 Oct,
2014
Muslims
have condemned the murder of aid worker Alan Henning, branding it a
"cowardly and criminal act".
In a
strongly worded statement, the Muslims of the North of England said Mr Henning
had been a "local and national hero" and called for justice to be
carried out on his killers.
Muslim
leaders said the beheading of Mr Henning had been carried out on the eve of the
"great day of mercy" (Eid Al-Adha) in the Islamic calendar, which set
the terrorists apart from ordinary Muslims.
And they
condemned the way in which the jihadists had toyed with the family's emotions.
"The
killing of Alan Henning was a cowardly and criminal act of appalling brutality
by a group who do not represent Islam at all and in fact are an insult to the
Islamic faith," they said in a statement.
"The
killing of Alan Henning marks the beginning of the end of this group. We now
call for justice to be carried out on the killers of Alan Henning."
Speaking
to Sky News, Naved Siddiqi of the Islamic Society of Britain said there were
"very clear distinctions" between the jihadists and ordinary Muslims.
He said
that what had sickened people most was the "way in which they were toying
with the family. Giving them a glimmer of hope".
Mr
Siddiqi said Muslim leaders were still trying to understand why young Muslims
were travelling out to Syria and Iraq to join Islamic State fighters.
He said
he thought a great number were expecting to find "some sort of
utopia" and only by questioning them on their return could the Muslim
community understand why those born and brought up in Britain were seeking to
join the terrorists.
Dr Shuja
Shafi, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, said: "This
reported murder is a despicable and offensive act, coming as it does on the eve
of the Muslim festival of Eid Al-Adha.
"It
is quite clear that the murderers of Alan Henning have no regard for Islam, or for
the Muslims around the world who pleaded for his life.
"Alan
was a friend of Muslims, and he will be mourned by Muslims.
"In
this period of Hajj and this festival of Eid, Muslims remember the mercy of God
and the emphasis God places on human life.
"Alan
Henning's murderers have clearly gone against that spirit of Islam. Our
thoughts and prayers go out to his family."
Sara
Khan of Inspire, an anti-extremist campaign group of British Muslim women,
said: "The only thing that the killing of Alan has achieved is greater
revulsion for ISIS and the fact that more people from across our world, within
our communities, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, are united in their stance
against their barbarity and inhumanity."
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/muslims-beheadings-insult-islam-094943757.html#cbhT4yc
---------
Sweden
to recognize state of Palestine
04 Oct,
2014
Sweden's
new centre-left government will recognise the state of Palestine in a move that
will make it the first major European country to take the step, Prime Minister
Stefan Lofven said on Oct. 3.
The U.N.
General Assembly approved the de facto recognition of the sovereign state of
Palestine in 2012 but the European Union and most EU countries, have yet to
give official recognition.
"The
conflict between Israel and Palestine can only be solved with a two-state
solution, negotiated in accordance with international law," Lofven said
during his inaugural address in parliament.
"A
two-state solution requires mutual recognition and a will to peaceful
co-existence. Sweden will therefore recognise the state of Palestine."
For the
Palestinians, Sweden's move will be a welcome boost for its ambitions.
With its
reputation as an honest broker in international affairs and with an influential
voice in EU foreign policy, the decision may well make other countries sit up
and pay attention at a time when the Palestinians are threatening unilateral
moves towards statehood.
However,
there is likely to be strong criticism of Sweden from Israel, as well as from
the United States and the EU, which maintain that an independent Palestinian
state should only emerge through a negotiated process.
Within
the EU, some countries, such as Hungary, Poland and Slovakia recognise
Palestine, but they did so before joining the 28-member bloc.
If the
centre-left government fulfils its plans, Sweden would be the first country to
recognise Palestine while being a member of the European Union.
The
Social Democrats and Greens hold a minority of seats in parliament and the
incoming centre-left government is likely to be one of Sweden's weakest for
decades.
The
former centre-right government would not recognise Palestine as the Palestinian
authorities did not control their territory.
The
Palestinians want an independent state in the West Bank and Gaza, with its
capital in East Jerusalem. While Gaza's boundaries are clearly defined, the
precise territory of what would constitute Palestine in the West Bank and East
Jerusalem will only be determined via negotiations with Israel on a two-state
solution, negotiations which are currently suspended.
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/sweden-to-recognize-state-of-palestine.aspx?pageID=238&nID=72511&NewsCatID=351
---------
Horror
in Britain over IS hostage beheading
04 Oct,
2014
Britain
reacted with horror on Saturday to the beheading of hostage Alan Henning, who
many had dared to hope might be spared after a cross-community appeal for his
release.
"The
murder of Alan Henning is absolutely abhorrent, it is senseless, it is
completely unforgivable," Prime Minister David Cameron said, in comments
reflected across the political spectrum. The father of two was a "man of
great peace, kindness and gentleness", he said, adding: "The fact
they could murder him in the way they did shows what we are dealing with."
Cameron
led tributes to the 47-year-old taxi driver who went to the region as a
volunteer to deliver aid and whose death was announced by Islamic State
jihadists in a video released late Friday.
Speaking
after a meeting with intelligence, military and government officials on
Saturday morning, Cameron vowed to "do everything we can to hunt down and
find the people who are responsible for this".
Henning,
from Manchester in northwest England, became the fourth Western hostage
murdered by IS militants since August and the second Briton, after aid worker
David Haines.
But many
friends and family had hoped Henning's fate would be different after an appeal
for his release led by Britain's Muslim community.
Imams
and other influential figures had written an open letter saying that the
"despicable threats to Mr Henning cannot be justified anywhere in the Quran".
And Henning's wife Barbara claimed to have assurances that he had been cleared
in a Sharia court of being a spy.
She
issued a video appeal to his captors on Tuesday, saying he was a
"peaceful, selfless man", and revealed that she had received an audio
message from her husband.
The
Muslim Council of Britain, the country's biggest Muslim umbrella organisation,
said his murder was a "despicable and offensive act".
Majid
Freeman, an aid worker from the central English town of Leicester who travelled
to Syria with Henning, said that "it doesn't make sense to kill him".
"We're all very loud and clear that he's a simple aid worker, he's not
gone there for political reasons," he told BBC radio.
Friends
said Henning was touched by the suffering of Syria's civilian population, and
he joined a group of Muslim friends who founded the charity "Rochdale
Aid4Syria".
He was
seized in December while taking an aid convoy to the country, and reappeared in
the video showing Haines' beheading on September 13, threatened with his life.
Peter
Neumann, professor of security studies at King's College London, said the
murder made clear that the IS organisation would not be swayed by outside opinion.
"There's
been a massive campaign over the past two weeks by pretty much every facet of
the Muslim community in this country to get him to be released, including by a
lot of people who would normally be considered extremist," he said.
Henning's
murder "clearly shows that they have no red lines", Neumann told BBC
radio.
Cameron
concurred that "no appeals made any difference", and vowed to use
"all the assets we have" to track down those responsible, help other
hostages and defeat the IS militants. But Freeman accused the British
government of failing to work hard enough to secure Henning's release.
"The
government have done nothing at all to help his case. If anything, they voted
for air strikes which may have sealed his fate," the Leicester aid worker said.
British
lawmakers voted last week to join US-led air strikes against IS jihadists in
Iraq, and Royal Air Force (RAF) jets have conducted a number of strikes in
recent days.
In the
beheading video, Henning explained that he was being made to pay the price of
the parliamentary vote.
One
opposition Labour MP who did not take part in the vote said she now thought she
perhaps should have. "The vile murderers of ISIL make me almost wish I
voted to bomb in Iraq last week," Fiona Mactaggart said on Twitter. "I
want to avenge the death of Alan Henning. I despise them."
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/112351/World/Region/Horror-in-Britain-over-IS-hostage-beheading.aspx
----------
Mosques
open doors to non-Muslims in Germany for encouraging cultural exchange
World
Bulletin / News Desk
04 Oct,
2014
Muslims
in Germany have opened the doors of their mosques to non-Muslims on Friday with
the hope of eliminating prejudices against Muslims and encouraging cultural
exchange.
“Unfortunately
we are witnessing a growing fear of Islam and growing hostilities against
Muslims in German society,” Ender Cetin, the chairman of the Sehitlik Mosque
Association in Berlin, told journalists during the “Open mosque day” event.
“Our
German guests here are often asking us questions on violence and terrorism and
whether they have any root in Islam. We are telling them the real values of
Islam, informing them about our activities against extremism. We are trying to
reduce prejudices against Muslims,” Cetin said.
Recent
reports of violent murders and atrocities committed by ISIL have sparked
suspicion and a negative backlash towards Muslims across Germany.
Germany
has approximately four million Muslims; around three million of them of Turkish
origin. According to a recent representative public poll by Infratest-dimap, 42
percent of Germans now view Islam as “aggressive” and 38 percent as a “threat.”
Germany's
Muslim Coordination Council, a platform bringing together the four largest
Muslim organizations in the country, expressed hope on Friday that with the
“Open mosque day” they will be able to present to German society the various
aspects of Muslim community life and answer questions on Islam.
Organizers
said more than a hundred thousand visitors attended events at more than 700 mosques
across Germany.
Stefan
Streicher, a young German who visited a mosque for the first time told Anadolu
Agency that he was impressed by the visit to Berlin’s Sehitlik Mosque.
“That is
a beautiful building. Taking off shoes before entering the mosque was not
something common to me. Overall, I had a positive impression,” he said.
Sabine
Schwanz stressed that as a Christian, it was interesting to learn more about
Islam.
“These
kind of events help reduce prejudices,” she stressed.
http://www.worldbulletin.net/news/145638/mosques-open-doors-to-non-muslims-in-germany
---------
British
PM Cameron says he will use 'all assets' against Islamic State
04 Oct,
2014
British
Prime Minister David Cameron said on Saturday he would use "all the assets
we have" to try to find hostages being held by Islamic State.
Speaking
in a broadcast message after the release on Friday of a video showing the
decapitated body of British aid worker Alan Henning, Cameron said the whole
country was mourning.
"In
terms of what we will do, we will use all the assets we have ... to try and
find these hostages, to try and help these hostages ... and do everything we
can to defeat this organisation which is utterly ruthless, senseless and
barbaric in the way it treats people."
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/112349/World/Region/British-PM-Cameron-says-he-will-use-all-assets-aga.aspx
-----------
Child
soldiers, mass executions, and jihadi slave markets where women are sold for
sex for $10: UN report confirms ISIS’s atrocities across Iraq
04 Oct,
2014
Islamic
State militants have carried out mass executions, set up slave markets where
women are sold for sex for $10 and used child soldiers in what may amount to
systematic war crimes in Iraq that demand prosecution, the UN has reported.
It said
ISIS fighters had committed gross human rights violations of an 'increasing
sectarian nature' against groups including Christians, Yazidis and Shi'ite
Muslims in a widening conflict that has forced 1.8 million Iraqis to flee their
homes.
UN
Investigators believe as many as 2,500 women and children have been captured,
subjected to sex attacks and then sold for around $10 a head by extremist
militants in Iraq.
However,
the report also said Iraqi government air strikes on the Muslim militants had
caused 'significant civilian deaths' by hitting villages, a school and
hospitals in violation of international law.
Full
report at:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2777834/Mass-executions-1-500-time-girls-abducted-sex-slaves-children-used-soldiers-UN-report-confirms-ISIS-s-atrocities-Iraq.html#ixzz3FAslebax
---------
Rights
groups condemn Myanmar’s Rohingya plan
04 Oct,
2014
YANGON —
Human rights groups condemned on Friday a Myanmar government plan that could
force thousands of minority Rohingya Muslims into detention camps indefinitely
if they do not qualify for citizenship.
The US
and some other embassies in Myanmar had raised their concern with the
government about some aspects of the plan, a US official told Reuters.
Most of
Myanmar’s 1.1 million Rohingya Muslims live in apartheid-like conditions in
Rakhine state on the west coast of the predominantly Buddhist country, and
almost 140,000 are displaced after deadly clashes with ethnic Rakhine Buddhists
in 2012.
The
government has refused to grant most Rohingya citizenship and refers to them as
Bengali, which implies they are illegal immigrants from Bangladesh despite
having lived in Myanmar for generations.
Full
report at:
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20141004220196
--------
India
India`s
Southern States ignoring jihad: RSS Chief
Southern
States ignoring jihad: Bhagwat
04 Oct,
2014
PAVAN
DAHAT
Rastriya
Swayamsevak Sangh Sarsanghachalak Mohan Bhagwat claimed that there was a
"serious surge in Jihadi activities" in Tamil Nadu and Kerala
Rastriya
Swayamsevak Sangh Sarsanghachalak Mohan Bhagwat claimed that there was a
“serious surge in Jihadi activities” in southern regions of the country
especially in Tamil Nadu and Kerala and blamed the state governments for not
making effective policy interventions to curb them.
In his
annual Vijaydashmi address at Reshimbagh ground here, Mr. Bhagwat said, “No
effective policy imperatives, efforts are visible in curbing these Jihadi
activities by the southern state governments. ”
"Security
situation difficult"
In his
annual Vijaydashmi speech, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat hailed India for making
genuine efforts through the path of truth and non-violence and claimed that
‘Hindutva’ assimilated many languages, geography, faiths, sects, castes, sub
castes, food habits, and traditions.
Mr
Bhagwat however, warned about the “difficult and complex” ground situation of
the country.
Full
report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/rss-chief-warns-of-difficult-security-situation/article6469365.ece
-----------
World
Needs Android, Hindutva: RSS Mouthpiece
Oct 4, 2014
What’s
common between the Android operating system for mobile phones and Hindutva or
Apple Inc products and Islam? Or, do Chimpanzees have anything to do with ‘love
jihad’? A lot, if one were to believe some recent editorials in Panchjanya,
mouthpiece of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
“The
world needs ‘Android’. The world needs Hindutva,” concluded the weekly’s August
16 editorial. Drawing parallel between the apple that tempted Adam and the
Apple Inc products, the article says “in this age of mobile revolution, people
are continuing to fall for the ‘apple’. “However, despite its all its
attraction, the ‘Apple’ has some limitations too. Other than its own ‘products’
it’s ‘operating system’ does not support anything else. If you have faith in
‘Apple’, then you are welcome to that limited world where partnership with the
others is prohibited and is a sin,” said the edit. It went on to state that for
those who follow Islam, accepting others is a crime and is unpardonable.
Full
report at:
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/politics/world-needs-android-hindutva-rss-mouthpiece/#sthash.x2GhqLSJ.dpuf
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Muslim
Clerics in Tonk, Rajasthan, Become Voice of Change
DC | Sanjay
Bohra | October 04, 2014
Jaipur:
Every day after Namaaz is over, Abdul Aziz, imam of Masjid Alam Shah in Tonk
doesn’t forget to deliberately engage himself in talks with a different group
of people. After some informal chat about family and work, he comes down to the
business; He talks to them about importance of institutional deliveries and
family planning.
Unbelievable
as it may sound, a group of 26 clergymen has become voice of change in their
community. Breaking stereotype image of Muslim clerics, the one holding rigid
orthodox views particularly on health and family planning, they have been
spearheading a campaign to save mothers and newborns.
With
their help government agencies and NGOs have been able to establish their reach
in a community overwhelmingly orthodox and conservatives.
High
rate of illiteracy and extreme poverty had only complicated things further for
government health workers and volunteers. Not surprisingly, Tonk was one of the
worst performers in IMR and MMR in Rajasthan as people resisted to formal
health care, family planning and immunisation for the fear of breaking
religious laws.
“We have
seen women beaten by their men even if they went to Anganwadi centre where
pregnant mothers and young children are provided nutritional food,” said Ejaz
Hussain, who is also a cleric.
Full
report at:
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/141004/nation-current-affairs/article/muslim-clerics-tonk-become-voice-change
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Dalits
throng Nagpur on Dhammachakra Pravartan Din
PAVAN
DAHAT
04 Oct,
2014
Manisha
Kursunge, 21, a student of BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) from Gondia district
of Maharashtra, is astounded to see the huge crowd gathered at the
Deekshabhoomi here on Friday.
“I have
come here for a field assignment. It’s amazing to see so many people and I am
trying to understand what motivates them to gather here every year,” said
Manisha.
Every
year on the day of ‘Ashoka Vijayadashami’, Dalits from across the country
gather at Deekshabhoomi (the place where Dr. B.R. Ambedkar converted to Buddhism
with his followers in 1956) to celebrate the Dhammachakra Pravartan Din — the
day on which he converted to Buddhism. Lakhs of people thronged Nagpur to
celebrate the 58th Dhammachakra Pravartan Din. “Babasaheb [Ambedkar] gave us
new life. Before him we were not even being considered humans. I come here
every year to thank him,” claimed Rahul Bagade, a deputy engineer in the Public
Works Department from Amravati.
Full
report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/dalits-throng-nagpur-on-dhammachakra-pravartan-din/article6469961.ece
-----------
PM Modi
gives Obama rare Rogan paintings made by Gujarat-based Muslim family
04 Oct,
2014
NEW
DELHI: PM Narendra Modi has made gifts, which essentially capture the essence
of India, the hallmark of his outreach to world leaders including President
Barack Obama but what's not known is that his choice of these may not be as
lopsided as was originally thought.
While he
again gifted a Bhagavad Gita to Obama, or Gandhi's take on it, Modi also used
the extremely rare Rogan art form practiced only by a Muslim family in Gujarat
to woo? the US president, who seemed to have thoroughly enjoyed Modi's company
at the White House dinner and at the bilateral. TOI has learnt that Modi gifted
a couple of exquisitely handcrafted Rogan paintings to Obama.
Full
report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/PM-Modi-gives-Obama-rare-Rogan-paintings-made-by-Gujarat-based-Muslim-family/articleshow/44251860.cms
-----------
Seeking
the pleasure of Allah, volunteers help the weak and elderly perform Haj
04 Oct,
2014
With a
broad smile on his face, Indian volunteer Basheer Chekku receives and helps
pilgrims arriving at the train station in Mina on way to Arafat. Dressed in a
phosphorus vest decorated with the Indian flag, Chekku, along with many other
native and foreign volunteers, stand for hours at the station’s platforms
offering their services free of charge to women and men, young and old from all
over the globe who have come to the Kingdom to perform Haj.
While
millions of pilgrims are seeking God’s forgiveness and blessings while
performing Haj, Chekku and his fellow volunteers are seeking the same in their
own way.
“I only
seek to please Allah. This kind of work brings me peace of mind and satisfies
my soul,” he told Arab News, as he helped an elderly female pilgrim board the
train heading for Arafat.
Chekku
is one of dozens of people who have been serving pilgrims during Haj for the
past decade.
Full
report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/news/639616
-----------
Arab World
US-led
strikes on Syria kill 35 jihadists overnight: Monitor
04 Oct,
2014
At least
35 jihadists from the Islamic State group were killed in air strikes by a
US-led coalition overnight in northern and northeastern Syria, a monitor said
Saturday.
The Syrian
Observatory for Human Rights said 30 jihadists were killed around the town of
Shadadi in northeastern Hasakeh, and another five outside the embattled town of
Kobane, on the border with Turkey in northern Aleppo province.
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/112354/World/Region/USled-strikes-on-Syria-kill--jihadists-overnight-M.aspx
-----------
In rare
alliance, Shi'ites join Sunnis to defend Iraqi towns
04 Oct,
2014
BAGHDAD
(Reuters) - When Islamic State fighters tried to storm the Tigris River town of
Dhuluiya north of Baghdad this week, they were repelled by a rare coalition of
Sunni tribal fighters inside the town and Shi'ites in its sister city Balad on
the opposite bank.
The
assault, which began late on Tuesday ran into Thursday, was one of several
major battles in recent days in which Sunni tribes joined pro-government forces
against the militants, in what Baghdad and Washington hope is a sign of
increasing cooperation across sectarian lines to save the country.
Further
north, another powerful Sunni tribe fought alongside Kurdish forces to drive
Islamic State fighters from Rabia, a town controlling one of the main border
checkpoints used by fighters pouring in from Syria.
In
western Iraq, Sunni tribes have fought alongside government troops in Hit,
which was captured by Islamic State fighters on Thursday, and in Haditha, site
of a strategic dam on the Euphrates.
Full
report at:
http://news.yahoo.com/rare-alliance-shiites-join-sunnis-defend-iraqi-towns-100809825.html
-----------
Allies
hit Islamic State near Syrian Kurdish town as Briton slain
04 Oct,
2014
A US-led
coalition has carried out new air strikes against Islamic State group jihadists
laying siege to a key Kurdish town on the Syrian-Turkish border, where fighting
raged on today.
The violence
around Kobane came after Islamic State released a new video showing a masked
militant beheading a British aid worker, Alan Henning, and threatening to kill
a fellow aid worker from America, Peter Kassig.
The
footage, almost identical to three previous execution films released by the
group, triggered revulsion around the world and prompted Britain's prime
minister to pledge the killer would be found.
Islamic
State began its advance towards Kobane, also known as Ain al-Arab, on September
16 to cement its grip over a long stretch of the border. It has prompting a
mass exodus of residents from the town and the surrounding countryside, with
some 186,000 fleeing into Turkey.
Today,
fierce clashes were continuing as Islamic State militants battled to seize Kobane,
said activists and a monitoring group that also reported the latest US-led air
strikes launched yesterday.
Full
report at:
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/world/article/allies-hit-islamic-state-near-syrian-kurdish-town-as-briton-slain#sthash.yFaauNWW.dpuf
-----------
Nine
killed in attacks targeting Iraq’s military
4 October 2014
Officials
in Iraq say two attacks targeting the country’s military have killed nine
people.
The
deadliest attack struck Diyala province, west of the capital. A police official
says militants with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) group targeted
an Iraqi army checkpoint in the town of Mansouriya, killing four people and
wounding 14.
A second
attack hit Tarmiyah, a town 50 kilometers north of Baghdad. Another police
official says a roadside bomb targeting an Iraqi military convoy there killed
at least five people. The official says three of those killed were civilians
and two were soldiers, while eight people were wounded.
Hospital
officials confirmed the casualties. All spoke on the condition of anonymity
because they were not authorized to speak with journalists.
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/10/04/9-killed-in-attacks-targeting-Iraq-s-military.html
-----------
Official
says ISIS downs Iraqi chopper
4
October 2014
Islamic
State of Iraq and Syria group militants armed with a rocket launcher shot down
an Iraqi military attack helicopter Friday in the country’s north and killed
two pilots, the Defense Ministry said, highlighting their ability to attack
aircraft as a U.S.-led coalition expands its efforts to combat the extremists.
The
helicopter crashed outside the town of Beiji near the Iraqi city of Tikrit,
killing two people, Iraqi Defense Ministry spokesman Mohammed al-Askari told
state-run Iraqiyya TV, adding that an investigation into the incident is
underway.
An
official with the Defense Ministry told The Associated Press the militants
downed the Mi-35 helicopter between the towns of Beiji and al-Senniyah. An
official with the Iraqi air force corroborated the information, saying the
helicopter's pilot and co-pilot were killed in the crash.
Full
report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/10/04/ISIS-rocket-launcher-downs-Iraqi-chopper-.html
-----------
As Kurds
regain ground in Iraq, new challenges emerge
04 Oct, 2014
The
changing fortunes of war in northern Iraq are recorded in layers of graffiti
daubed on the walls of villages overrun by Islamic State militants this summer,
but since re-appropriated by Kurdish peshmerga forces.
"Bravo
peshmerga," read the freshest markings, painted over older inscriptions -
some of them already scribbled out - that proclaim "property of the
Islamic State".
Village
by village, Kurdish forces have regained around half the territory they gave up
in August when IS militants tore through their defenses in the northwest,
prompting September's airstrikes by the United States - their first since 2011.
Full
report at:
http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/As-Kurds-regain-ground-in-Iraq-new-challenges-emerge-377988
-----------
Defeat
forces sowing chaos — Saudi Grand Mufti
04 Oct,
2014
ARAFAT/MAKKAH
— The vast plains of Arafat soaked with tears of millions of repenting pilgrims
and the air reverberated with their prayers at the spiritual climax of Haj.
Chanting “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik” (O God, here I am answering your call),
around two million believers from all corners of the globe converged on the
plains of Arafat with many of them openly crying and beseeching Almighty Allah
to forgive their sins.
Retracting
the noble tradition of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who said “Haj is
Arafat”, pilgrims performed noon (Dhuhr) and evening (Asr) prayers, shortened
and combined, at the time of Dhuhr with one adhan and two iqamas, and then
immersed in prayers seeking forgiveness and mercy of Almighty Allah as well as
seeking welfare of the Ummah and world peace.
Full
report at:
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20141004220238
-----------
Despite
losing everything, Syrian pilgrim’s heart pleads for homeland
04 Oct,
2014
MINA —
He lost his wife, five children, home and country. These tragedies, one after
another, gave him no respite in his old age. But despite losing so much, he
willed himself to come to the pilgrimage where his heart pleads for his
homeland despite his spirit and body being broken.
"I
am in Mina with a devastated body and spirit. The war in Syria has claimed my
entire family — wife and five children. My right hand’s fingers have been
paralyzed by a bullet wound," Mohammed Hussein, a Syrian pilgrim said.
He told
Al-Hayat newspaper that all members of his family died when their house in
Aleppo was razed to rubble by an air raid by the Syrian government forces.
"No one survived the raid. We dragged all the bodies from the rubble and
buried them. Since then I have not been
quite myself," he said.
Full
report at:
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20141004220242
-----------
Sufi
cleric abducted in Sinai by suspected militants: Military source
04 Oct,
2014
Suspected
militants abducted a Sufi leader late on Friday in the restive Sinai Peninsula,
where the army is combating a mounting Islamist insurgency.
A
military source told Aswat Masriya that the cleric was kidnapped along with
others from a small mosque in the North Sinai town of Sheikh Zuweid following
evening prayers.
According
to tribesmen in the region, the abductors are believed to be militant
insurgents who take issue with Sufism, a mystical concept of Islam whose
practices are considered by extremist Muslims to be in breach of sharia, or
Islamic law.
Several
Sufi mausoleums in Sinai have been bombed by Islamist militants in recent years
amid a growing Islamist insurrection that has spiked since the army's ouster of
Islamist president Mohamed Morsi last summer.
Eyewitnesses
present at the mosque at the time of the incident said the abductors said those
kidnapped "will be our sacrfice this Eid," a reference to the
festival of Eid Al-Adha which began on Saturday. Muslims typically sacrifice
animals during the celebration in commemoration of Ibrahim's willingness to
sacrifice Ismail in submission to God's will.
Some
Sinai-based militant groups say their attacks, which have mainly targeted
police and troops, are to avenge a state crackdown on Islamists after Morsi's
removal, which has seen hundreds killed and thousands jailed.
Full
report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/112355/Egypt/Politics-/Sufi-cleric-abducted-in-Sinai-by-suspected-militan.aspx
-----------
In
Lebanon, Syria refugees face growing discrimination
04 Oct,
2014
In
Lebanon, it is no longer unusual to see posters prohibiting
"foreigners" -- understood to mean Syrians -- from being outside
after 8:00 pm. And both Lebanese and Syrians report witnessing harsh treatment
of Syrians or even attacks against them, including by municipal guards who at
times enforce the curfews.
Human
Rights Watch, a New-York based group, has identified at least 45 municipalities
in the country that have imposed curfews on Syrian refugees. In a new report on
Friday it called for an end to practices "that feed into a climate of
discrimination against and stereotyping of Syrians in Lebanon."
Even
before the flood of war refugees, Syrian workers in Lebanon were often treated
with a mixture of condescension or mistrust, in part a legacy of resentment
over Syria's 30-year military presence in Lebanon.
Full
report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/112352/World/Region/In-Lebanon,-Syria-refugees-face-growing-discrimina.aspx
---------
Mideast
Erdoğan:
Turkey cannot simply watch the mass slaughter
04 Oct,
2014
Turkey
cannot simply watch while millions of people from countries bordering Turkey
are slaughtered and forced from their homes, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
said Oct. 3.
He made
the statement in his official communique on the occasion of Eid al-Adha when he
also reiterated Turkey’s commitment to peace and security.
“We do
not have our eye on the territories or internal affairs of any country in our
region,” Erdoğan said. “But while the region is shaken by bloodshed, while the
mass killing of women, children and innocent civilians continues, it is not
possible for us to remain bystanders.”
Erdoğan’s
message came as the Turkish Parliament approved a motion authorizing the army
to conduct cross-border operations into Iraq and Syria. Parliament also
authorized the deployment of foreign troops in Turkish territory, primarily to
deal with the growing threat of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant
(ISIL).
Full
report at:
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/erdogan-turkey-cannot-simply-watch-the-mass-slaughter-.aspx?pageID=238&nID=72525&NewsCatID=338
-----------
138
UNRWA Students Killed in Israel's Gaza War
04 Oct,
2014
Some 138
Palestinian students in UNRWA-run schools have been killed in a recent Israeli
offensive on the Gaza Strip, the UN refugee agency said.
"We
can confirm that 138 UNRWA students were killed since 8 July," UNRWA
Spokesman Chris Gunness said in a statement on Friday, Middle East Monitor
reported.
He said
that additional 814 UNRWA students were injured and 560 have become orphans due
to the Israeli onslaught.
"Family
life for so many has been devastated," Gunness said.
Over the
course of the 50-day Israeli onslaught on Gaza, more than 2,150 Palestinians
were killed – mostly civilians – and nearly 11,000 injured, while thousands of
homes across the territory were partially or totally destroyed.
The
offensive finally ended on August 26 with an Egyptian-brokered cease-fire deal
that was celebrated by resistance faction Hamas as a strategic victory over
Israel.
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13930712000549
-----------
Turkey
warns will hit back if ISIS attacks Syria exclave
4
October 2014
Turkey
warned on Saturday it would not hesitate to strike back at Islamic State
jihadists if they attacked Turkish troops stationed at Ankara’s exclave inside
Syria.
“We will
absolutely not hesitate to respond if something happens there,” President Recep
Tayyip Erdogan told reporters in Istanbul, referring to the tomb of Suleyman
Shah, the grandfather of the founder of the Ottoman dynasty Osman I.
The
small patch of land inside Syria around the tomb is considered Turkish
territory under a 1920s treaty signed between the Turkish authorities and
France, who at the time had a mandate on Syria.
“Forty
of our soldiers are stationed in this zone, which is Turkish territory,” he
said.
“If one
so much as touches a hair on the their heads, Turkey with its army will do all
that is necessary and everything will change from that moment on,” Erdogan
warned.
His
warning came just two days after Turkey’s top general issued an unusual message
of support for the Turkish troops stationed at the tomb, saying that the army
“will be there for you the moment we hear a single word from you.”
Full
report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/10/04/Turkey-warns-will-hit-back-if-ISIS-attacks-Syria-exclave-.html
-----------
Iran:
Ayatollah Boroujerdi Being Prepared for Execution
04 Oct,
2014
At
2:30am this morning friends telephoned and told us in tears that they had been
informed from Iran that the prison guards have just transferred Ayatollah
Hossein Kazamani Boroujerdi to prepare his execution.
Human
rights advocates for Iran take these reports seriously and I ask all human
rights organizations, concerned individuals, and governments from international
community to react and intervene.
Please
contact your government representatives and pressure the executioner regime of
Iran, to stop them before they hang Mr. Boroujerdi. We are also asking the
regime of Iran to immediately release this innocent freedom-loving Iranian
cleric; his only crime is advocating for separation of Religion from the State
in Iran.
http://israelagainstterror.blogspot.in/2014/10/iran-ayatollah-boroujerdi-being.html
http://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/4749/ayatollah-boroujerdi-execution
-----------
Palestinians
hail Swedish move on statehood as 'courageous'
04 Oct,
2014
Sweden's
decision to recognise a Palestinian state is "courageous," senior
Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat said Friday, calling on other EU states to
follow suit.
"We
salute the announcement by the Swedish prime minister," said Saeb Erakat
in the West Bank administrative capital of Ramallah.
"We
hope that all countries of the European Union will take the same courageous and
remarkable decision... as there is no reason not to recognise the Palestinian
state."
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/112328/World/Region/Palestinians-hail-Swedish-move-on-statehood-as-cou.aspx
---------
South Asia
We Stand
With You: A Statement of Solidarity with Hong Kong Protesters from a Tibetan,
Uyghur, Southern Mongolian and Chinese
04 Oct,
2014
As a
Tibetan, Uyghur, Southern Mongolian and Chinese – people who have all suffered
from the oppressive policies of the Chinese Communist Party – we express our
deep admiration for and solidarity with the movement for democracy and rights
in Hong Kong. We have all dedicated our lives to restoring rights and freedom
to our people, and we salute the people of Hong Kong for refusing to remain
silent as Beijing reneges on its promise of universal suffrage and democratic
reforms.
The
events unfolding in Hong Kong highlight the deep and enduring problems the
Chinese Communist Party faces as it tries to maintain draconian control over
all the territories it rules within the People’s Republic of China. Just as
Hong Kongers are refusing to accept a sham version of democracy with leaders
pre-approved by Beijing, Tibetans, Uyghurs, Southern Mongolians and Chinese
refuse to accept the pervasive restrictions on our fundamental rights and
freedoms. We hold a common desire for genuine democracy; a desire shared with
millions around the world. Unless the Chinese government takes the necessary
steps to devolve political power to the people, it is inevitable that the
people’s uprising we see in Hong Kong today will one day spread across Tibet,
East Turkestan, Southern Mongolia, and China itself.
The
citizens of Hong Kong have mounted a remarkable challenge to Beijing, who now
face an unanticipated dilemma. Thanks to the freedom of press that exists in
Hong Kong – unlike anywhere else in the PRC – the world is closely watching
Beijing’s response. We call on the Chinese authorities to refrain from use of
force against these peaceful protesters, and in particular appeal directly to
security forces to refuse unconscionable orders from their superiors if they
come.
We call
on world governments to also convey this message to the Chinese authorities in
the strongest possible terms, and we remind them that, should tensions grow, to
remain silent or passively standby is to support the oppressor. Let no one
forget that the Party machine that justified rolling the tanks out against a
similar group of students and youth in 1989 remains in power and continues to
inflict brutal repression against anyone who challenges its authority.
To the
students and youth of Hong Kong, we pledge to stand with you as long as it
takes to achieve true democracy. The world has witnessed mass street protests
to oust rulers in many countries over the past four years and we know that
structural, not just cosmetic, changes are essential in order to cement the
gains made by grassroots uprisings and ensure that authoritarian forces cannot
prevail over time. Whatever the coming days bring, change is inevitable,
whether it happens in this moment or in the months and years ahead.
Five
generations of Chinese Communist Party leaders have failed to quash – or buy
off – the aspirations of the people of Hong Kong, Tibet, East Turkestan,
Southern Mongolia and China for democracy and liberty. Our collective
resistance will endure until we all – or our children or even our children’s
children – experience the sweet taste of freedom.
Signed:
Yang
Jianli Teng Biao Tenzin Dorjee Rebiya Kadeer Enghebatu Togochog
Biographies:
Mr. Yang
Jianli is a leader of China’s democracy movement and President of Initiatives
for China. He has been involved in the pro-democracy movement in China since
the 1980s and was forced to flee China in 1989 after the Tiananmen Square
massacre. He spent 5 years in a Chinese prison between 2002 and 2007 after
travelling to China on a friend’s passport to investigate labour unrest. He has
met with His Holiness the Dalai Lama on many occasions.
Mr. Teng
Biao is a Chinese human rights activist and lawyer, and the co-founder of
Gongmeng or the Open Constitution Initiative. He has been a vocal supporter of
human rights activists such as Chen Guangcheng and Hu Jia and was arrested in
March 2008 and again in February 2011. He is currently a visiting scholar at
Harvard Law School and President of China Against the Death Penalty.
Mr.
Tenzin Dorjee (Tendor) is a Tibetan writer, activist and musician, and
Researcher and Strategic Advisor for Tibet Action Institute. He is the former
Executive Director of Students for a Free Tibet. He was arrested and briefly
detained in Tibet in 2007 after protesting against the Beijing Olympics at
Everest Base Camp.
Ms.
Rebiya Kadeer is the leader of the Uyghur Democracy Movement and President of
the World Uyghur Congress. An activist and businesswoman, she was imprisoned
from 2000 – 2005 for her relentless political and human rights activism and now
lives in exile in the United States. She’s been awarded the Rafto Prize for
Human Rights and in 2012 was included in the list of ‘500 Most Influential
Muslims’.
Mr.
Enghebatu Togochog is the Director of the Southern Mongolian Human Rights
Information Center (SMHRIC), a New York based human rights organization
dedicated to protection and promotion of the Mongolian people in Southern
Mongolia.
---------
Errant
Afghan Taliban tweet shows spokesman's location as Pakistan
04 Oct,
2014
KABUL:
An apparently errant tweet by the Taliban's spokesman in Afghanistan gave his
location as being in Pakistan.
On Friday,
a tweet by Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claiming an attack included
geolocation information that suggested he sent the message from Sindh,
Pakistan.
Mujahid
later sent a tweet Saturday describing the location leak as an “enemy plot”.
He also
offered his Afghan telephone number to confirm his identity and wrote: “With
full confidence, I can say that I am in my own country.”
Twitter
says such geolocation data is based on latitude and longitude data or other
information provided by users at the time of their message.
In an
explanation of geolocation, Twitter itself warns: “Remember, once you post
something online, it's out there for others to see”
http://www.dawn.com/news/1136173/errant-afghan-taliban-tweet-shows-spokesmans-location-as-pakistan
-----------
Bangladesh
Islamist parties to stage demos against Latif today
04 Oct,
2014
Several
Islamist parties and groups will stage demonstrations across the country after
Jum’a prayers today demanding capital punishment to Posts and
Telecommunications Minister Abdul Latif Siddique for his “derogative” comment
on hajj.
Islami
Andalon Bangladesh, Islami Oikya Jote, Khelafat Mojlish and Hefazat-e-Islam are
among the parties and groups to stage the demonstrations, a statement said
yesterday.
They
will hold their Dhaka city demonstrations in front of the Baitul Mukarram
National Mosque after Jum’a prayers and elsewhere in the capital, it said
Earlier
on Sunday, Latif, also an Awami League Presidium member, made his remarks on
hajj while addressing a reception arranged by the Tangail expatriates in New
York.
Several
political and Islamist groups reacted to his remarks with protests and
processions across the country.
They
also demanded that he be removed from the cabinet, parliament and the Awami
League and subjected to capital punishment too.
http://www.dhakatribune.com/politics/2014/oct/03/islamist-parties-stage-demos-against-latif-today#sthash.s8egTREq.dpuf
-----------
North America
Muslims
from Cuba performing Haj for first time
04 Oct,
2014
MINA —
Five pilgrims from Cuba are performing Haj this year as guests of Custodian of
the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah. This was for the first time, Muslims from
Cuba arriving in the Kingdom to perform Haj, according to Abdullah Al-Modlej,
executive director for the program of the King’s guests at the Ministry of
Islamic Affairs.
Al-Modlej
said the five-member team includes leader of the Muslim community in Cuba. He
noted that the ministry deputed one preacher to lead taraweeh prayers for
Muslims of Cuba during the last Ramadan. There are no mosques in Cuba and
therefore the Muslims hired a wedding hall to offer prayers. “On the first day,
the number of worshippers who came to attend prayers was around 130 and the
second day their number shot up to 500, and this number increased further by
the end of the fasting month,” he said. Several new Muslims from Korea and
Europe have also arrived to perform Haj as the King’s guests, Al-Modlej added.
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20141004220244
---------
Canada,
Netherlands set to join ISIS strikes
4
October 2014
The
Netherlands and Canada are poised to join air strikes against Islamic State of
Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militant group in Iraq, after Prime Minister Stephen
Harper sought parliament's support on Friday and the Netherlands set to strike
militant-held positions this weekend.
If
Canadian lawmakers greenlight the action on Monday -- as expected -- it will be
Canada's first military expedition since Libya in 2011.
Harper
said members of the House of Commons, where his Conservative Party enjoys a
solid majority, would be asked to vote on the six-month “counter-terrorism”
mission.
The
White House on Friday welcomed Dutch participation.
“The
United States welcomes the decision this week by the government of the
Netherlands to send up to eight F-16 fighters and 250 support personnel to
conduct air strikes against ISIL (ISIS) in Iraq,” a White House statement said.
Full
report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/10/04/U-S-praises-Netherlands-for-joining-ISIS-fight-.html
---------
South
Florida Muslim leaders, federal authorities meet to discuss terrorism
04 Oct,
2014
They do
not support terrorism or any acts of violence done in the name of their faith,
and these South Florida Muslim leaders are willing to take a stand against
those who commit such acts.
This
past week, the leaders met with representatives from federal agencies to
discuss terrorism, safety and hate crimes. The conversation took place as
religious leaders were preparing for Eid al-Adha — the holiday that marks the
end of Hajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca, and recognizes the Biblical/Quranic story
of Ibrahim (Abraham) attempting to kill his son for his faith in God.
Eid
al-Adha begins Saturday at sunset.
“I
thought it was an excellent meeting,” Imam Nasir Ahmad said of Thursday’s
meeting at Masjid Al-Ansar in Liberty City. He said he was impressed with the
group’s sincerity and professionalism.
Thursday’s
meeting and an earlier one on Tuesday, at the FBI’s North Miami headquarters,
were designed, in part, to strengthen bonds between law enforcement and the
Islamic community.
Full
report at:
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article2506514.html#storylink=cpy
---------
US Vice
President Biden says Turkish President Erdoğan admitted ISIL mistake
04 Oct,
2014
U.S.
Vice President Joe Biden has said that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
admitted mistakes that paved the way for the rise of the Islamic State of Iraq
and the Levant (ISIL).
"President
Erdoğan told me, he is an old friend, said you were right, we let too many
people through, now we are trying to seal the border," Biden said during a
speech on foreign policy at Harvard Kennedy School on Oct. 2.
While
speaking to the students for nearly an hour and a half, Biden defended the U.S.
foreign policy, stressing that the White House was not late to move against the
rise of the ISIL. He said that the regional allies of the U.S, determined to
take down Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, "poured hundreds of millions
dollars, and tens thousands of tones of weapons into anyone who would fight
against al-Assad, accepted the people who would be in supply for Al Nusra and
Al Qaeda and extremist elements of jihadists coming from other parts of the
world."
Full
report at:
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/us-vice-president-biden-says-turkish-president-erdogan-admitted-isil-mistake.aspx?pageID=238&nID=72530&NewsCatID=359
---------
US
welcomes Turkish anti-ISIL motion, contrasts reactions in Syria, Iran
04 Oct,
2014
As the
U.S., which is leading a military operation against Islamic State of Iraq and
the Levant (ISIL) targets both in Iraq and Syria, has welcomed the Turkish
Parliament’s approval on a government motion for military operations, both
Syria and Iran reacted negatively to such plans.
Syrian
Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Miqdad said late Oct. 3 that any military action
by Turkey inside Syria’s territory would be considered “an act of aggression,”
according to Press TV, the state-controlled Iranian broadcaster.
The
550-seat Turkish Parliament voted 298-98 in favor of the motion, providing
legal grounds for the government to deploy forces to Iraq and Syria, along with
many other military rights.
Miqdad
also called on the United Nations Security Council to hold an emergency session
condemning Turkey’s decision, Press TV said on its website.
Full
report at:
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/us-welcomes-turkish-anti-isil-motion-contrasts-reactions-in-syria-iran.aspx?pageID=238&nID=72483&NewsCatID=359
---------
Pakistan
Conspiracy
to derail democracy will fail: PM
04 Oct,
2014
MURREE: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday said
those creating hurdles in the development and progress of the country would not
succeed in their designs and democracy would flourish.
He was
talking to people gathered at the site of the development projects being
undertaken in Murree.
The
prime minister said his government would overcome all odds and make Pakistan a
welfare state.
The hill
resort will have a university of international standard, a modern hospital and
water supply from Kohala, he said.
A large
number of people gathered to see Nawaz Sharif when he visited the under
construction building of General Post Office on the Mall.
The
building is being restored to its original British era design. This historical
look of the GPO is being given on the direction of the prime minister.
He also
visited the newly constructed bus terminal and appreciated the efforts of the
administration for completing the terminal in the scheduled time.
Full
report at:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1136133/conspiracy-to-derail-democracy-will-fail-pm
-----------
Afghan
Taliban pamphlets distributed in parts of KP reject pact with US
04 Oct,
2014
PESHAWAR:
The Afghan Taliban has rejected talks with the United States and has called
upon the Afghan people to unite against what they called the invading coalition
forces led by America.
In a
message distributed via a pamphlet, a copy of which is also available with
Dawn, the leader of the Afghan Taliban Mullah Omar said the coalition forces in
the war-torn country had already been defeated and the time for their complete
ouster was fast approaching.
The
distribution of the pamphlet indicates that members and active supporters of
the Afghan Taliban are spread out across the region.
Omar
urged Afghan citizens to leave the Afghan National Army and the US-led war and
take care of their families instead. He further urged the Afghan people to join
hands with the Taliban with the aim of serving their country.
The
pamphlets were distributed in the Kacha Ghari refugee camp, Board Bazaar,
Charsadda, Shamshato camp in Nowshera and through a majority of Afghan
inhabited areas in Peshawar as well as the tribal areas.
Full
report at:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1136171/afghan-taliban-pamphlets-distrbuted-in-parts-of-kp-reject-pact-with-us
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Explosion
in passenger van kills six in Kohat
04 Oct,
2014
PESHAWAR:
Six people were killed and several injured in an explosion that took place in a
passenger van in Kohat’s Peshawar Chowk area on Saturday.
Police
confirmed the death toll, adding that at least 13 others were also injured in
the blast which damaged two vehicles.
“The
blast occurred at a small bus stop in Kohat city. At least two vehicles were
damaged in the explosion,” Salim Khan Marwat, district police chief in Kohat,
told AFP.
“The
explosion has left six people dead and 17 injured,” he added.
Fazal
Khaliq, head of the emergency department at Kohat's main government hospital,
also confirmed the toll.
Full
report at:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1136172/explosion-in-passenger-van-kills-six-in-kohat
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Annoyed
PPP workers demand dissolution of KP organisation
04 Oct,
2014
PESHAWAR:
The annoyed activists of Pakistan Peoples Party on Friday appreciated the
central leadership for constituting a three-member committee to resolve the
party’s internal issues and demanded early dissolution of the provincial
organisation to hold intra-party elections at the earliest.
The
demand was raised in an emergency meeting held at the residence of Khwaja Yawar
Naseer with former governor Barrister Masood Kausar in the chair. Several
senior leaders and former elected representatives participated in the meeting.
According
to a party leader, Tahir Abbas, the speakers welcomed the formation of the
reconciliatory committee, headed by Senator Farhatullah Babar, and described it
as a good omen for the future of the party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said that
fair intra-party elections could only be held under the supervision of a
neutral organising committee. He said that the central leadership should accept
the demand in the best interest of the party.
Full
report at:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1136154/annoyed-ppp-workers-demand-dissolution-of-kp-organisation
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Peace
committe member gunned down in Swat
04 Oct,
2014
PESHAWAR:
A peace committee member was gunned down in Matta tehsil in northwestern
Pakistan’s Swat region on Saturday.
Two
others, including a policemen, were injured in the attack on peace committee
member Ashraf Khan who was also a local leader of the Awami National Party
(ANP), police sources said.
Khan was
shot dead in the Bama Khela area of Matta.
Scores
of anti-Taliban elders have been killed in Matta since the ouster of Mullah
Fazlullah from Swat. Today’s killing comes days after suspected militants shot
dead three peace volunteers — Zahir Shah, Mohammad Zeb and Fareed — in Swat’s
Kabal district. Peace volunteers Zahir Shah, Mohammad Zeb and Fareed.
The
killings which appear to be targeted have caused a sense of insecurity to
prevail among the local peace volunteers.
Full
report at:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1136167/peace-committe-member-gunned-down-in-swat
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‘Enemy’
can take advantage of political infighting: Zardari
04 Oct,
2014
LAHORE:
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari said on Friday that
the country must not suffer in the battle of power and warned that the enemy
could take advantage of fighting among political powers.
Talking
to media after meeting Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Sirajul Haq, Zardari said the
rallies being held across the country are not in love of anyone and suggested
the Pakistani politicians need to mature as the world is changing. He expressed
the fear that some “devil” could take advantage of the in-fighting among
politicians. He said East Pakistan had separated because of “our weaknesses”.
The only way to save Pakistan, he said, is if all the political forces work
together. The PPP co-chairman said his party has an agenda to make Pakistan a
stable state, but no one can realise this alone and collective decisions are
needed in this regard.
Full
report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/punjab/04-Oct-2014/enemy-can-take-advantage-of-political-infighting-zardari
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Qadri
tells supporters from Lahore, Faisalabad and Karachi to go back
04 Oct,
2014
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Tahirul Qadri on Friday directed his
supporters from Faisalabad, Lahore and Karachi at the sit-in to go back to
their cities for preparation of the party’s public meeting in these cities.
Although
Qadri vowed to continue the sit-in at the Constitution Avenue his announcement
will reduce the number of his hardline supporters at the protest that has been
continuing for over fifty days. “The workers of Lahore, Karachi and Faisalabad
should now spend energies for success of public meetings in these cities,”
Qadri stated. He also announced to hold a public meeting in Karachi after the
Islamic month of Moharram but refrained from giving any specific date. The
public meetings in Faisalabad and Lahore will be held after Eid, which he had
earlier announced.
Full
report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/islamabad/04-Oct-2014/qadri-tells-supporters-from-lahore-faisalabad-and-karachi-to-go-back
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Southeast Asia
Isis has
tarnished Islam’s image, says Anwar
04 Oct,
2014
he
Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (Isis), which has seen scores of Malaysians
joining its cause, has tarnished the image of Islam by using the Islamisation
agenda as part of its struggles, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In his
Hari Raya Aidiladha address today, the opposition leader said the terror group
opted for violence because of its failure to understand Islam wholly.
"The
failure to understand Islam holistically creates a wrong perception among the
public which affects Islam as a perfect and whole religion," he said in a
statement.
The PKR
de facto leader said Muslims should return to true Islamic teachings in
conjunction with the Aidiladha celebrations this year.
This
includes understanding and mastering the teachings of Islam.
"We
need to get back to the roots of understanding Islam and the humanity that its
teaching contains," he added.
Full
report at:
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/isis-has-tarnished-islams-image-says-anwar#sthash.GzOQYSJt.dpuf
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For
Bumiputera Christians, ‘Allah’ ban akin to cultural ‘genocide’, says archbishop
OCTOBER
4, 2014
KUALA
LUMPUR, Oct 4 — Putrajaya’s persistence in refusing non-Muslim Malaysians the
right to use the word “Allah” is tantamount to the systematic destruction of
the language and culture of the Bumiputera community in Sabah and Sarawak, the
head of the Anglican Church in Southeast Asia said.
Archbishop
Datuk Bolly Lapok said the word “Allah” has been part and parcel of the
community’s language for generations and has become “embedded” in every aspect
of their culture, including for the Bumiputera Christians, who make up the
majority of Malaysia’s Christian population.
However,
the government’s prohibition and the Federal Court’s denial for the Catholic
Church to appeal for the right to publish the “Allah” in its weekly newspaper,
had made the Bumiputera Christians feel they had been wronged, said the
Sarawakian senior clergyman.
“In
other words, it is in our language and culture DNA. We feel that the judgment
was made without taking into due consideration of what the word means to us.
“We feel
there has been a miscarriage of justice. It is insidious. It is tantamount to
an act of language and culture genocide,” said Bolly, who also chairs the
Association of Churches in Sarawak.
Full
report at:
http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/for-bumiputera-christians-allah-ban-akin-to-cultural-genocide-says-archbish#sthash.1hIxqXvd.dpuf
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Immigration
discovers 155 Uighurs crammed into 2 KL apartments
04 Oct,
2014
KUALA
LUMPUR, Oct 4 — Malaysian authorities have detained 155 Uighurs, more than half
of them children, who were found crammed into two apartments in the capital
Kuala Lumpur, immigration officials said.
The
Uighurs, a Muslim people from China’s far-western region of Xinjiang, were
discovered when officers from Malaysia’s Immigration Department raided the
residential units on October 1 after receiving a tip-off.
Ninety
people, including 44 children, were crammed into one unit, while the remaining
65 were in a second unit, according to a report from enforcement operations
unit chief Basri Hassan.
“We had
not expected to see so many of them in one unit,” said an immigration officer
who took part of the raid, adding that the Uighurs were found in cramped and
smelly conditions.
He added
that the Uighurs were carrying Turkish passports that were suspected to be
fake.
“We are
trying to determine where they came from and where they are headed. As of now
we are uncertain whether they entered the country illegally or through the
proper channels.”
The
Uighurs were transported to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)
Immigration Detention Depot for further investigations.
Full
report at:
http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/immigration-discovers-155-uighurs-crammed-into-2-kl-apartments#sthash.ezZMU68r.dpuf
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Africa
Nine UN
troops killed in worst-ever attack in Mali
04 Oct,
2014
Suspected
Islamists on motorbikes killed nine United Nations peacekeepers from Niger in
northeastern Mali, in the deadliest ever attack on the mission, military
sources said.
MINUSMA
did not immediately hold any armed group responsible, but a Nigerien officer
from the mission told AFP the ambush had been carried out by the Movement for
Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO), an al-Qaeda-linked militia behind
numerous attacks in the restive west African nation.
"This
is the deadliest attack against the UN mission in Mali," a statement from
the mission said, adding that aircraft had been deployed to secure the area.
MINUSMA
and a senior Nigerien military official said the convoy of peacekeepers on a
supply run in the northeastern Menaka-Asongo corridor, had been ambushed by men
on motorbikes.
Arnauld
Akodjenou, the deputy head of the mission, said he was "horrified" by
the "cowardly" attack.
Full
report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/10/112317/World/Africa/Nine-UN-troops-killed-in-worstever-attack-in-Mali.aspx
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Boko
Haram video apparently shows beheading of Nigeria pilot
04 Oct,
2014
LAGOS,
Nigeria -- A new Boko Haram video shows the beheading of a man identified as
the pilot of a missing Nigerian Air Force jet and burnt out parts of a plane -
the first indication that Nigeria's homegrown Islamic extremist group has the
capability to bring down aircraft.
It also
allegedly features Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau, a man Nigeria's military
twice has claimed to kill in 2009 and again last year. Two weeks ago the
military said they had killed in battle a Shekau lookalike who had posed in the
group's videos.
"Here
I am, alive and I will remain alive until the day Allah takes away my
breath," the man says in the Hausa language. "Even if you kill me ...
it will not stop us imposing Islamic rule ... We are still in our Islamic
state, reigning and teaching the Quran."
The
United States still has a $7 million ransom on Shekau's head, despite the death
claims.
The
video was made available to The Associated Press through the same channels used
previously and seems to show the same man claiming to be Shekau.
Full
report at:
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/boko-haram-video-apparently-shows-beheading-of-nigeria-pilot/
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Tunisia
begins landmark election race
4 October 2014
Campaigning
officially got under way today for Tunisian parliamentary elections seen as a
milestone in efforts to establish a democratic foothold in the birthplace of
the Arab Spring.
Hailed
as a rare success story following the uprisings that swept much of the region
in 2011, the North African nation hopes the vote will be a highlight of a
sometimes troubled transition.
Tunisia
has grappled with social unrest over the feeble economy, violence blamed on
Islamists, and attacks by militant groups including al-Qaeda loyalists.
The Oct.
26 parliamentary polls will be the second since the revolution four years ago
that swept away longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.
Stalwarts
of the deposed regime as well as members of the once-outlawed Ennahda moderate
Islamist party are among those standing for office.
In 2011,
Ennahda won the largest share of seats in the National Assembly, which was due
to be replaced by a permanent parliament the following year.
But the
process was delayed by political crises which culminated with the assassination
last year of two opposition lawmakers by suspected Islamist militants.
Under an
agreement finally reached to break the deadlock, parliament ratified a new
constitution in January and Ennahda handed power to an interim government of
independents.
Full
report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/africa/2014/10/04/Tunisia-begins-landmark-election-race-.html
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Algeria
says five militants killed in border clashes with army
04 Oct,
2014
Five
militants were killed and four were wounded Thursday night in clashes with the
Algerian army near the Algeria-Niger borders, the Algeria Press Agency (APS)
reported on Friday.
The
militants were attempting to sneak into Algeria through the southern town of In
Guezzam near the Niger border, APS quoted the country’s defense ministry as
saying.
The
militants were all foreign nationals, including one from Libya, said the
ministry, adding that an investigation was under way.
This is
the second military operation to happen near the Niger-Algeria border within 24
hour, according to Al Arabiya News Channel.
Full
report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/10/03/Algeria-says-five-militants-killed-in-border-clashes-with-army-.html
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