Ayodhya Floats Its Own Solution: Mandir at Idol Site, Masjid 400 m Away
New Age Islam News Bureau
31
Aug 2013
Photo: Babri Masjid: Mediation and fortnightly talks have been on for more than two years now between Hindus and Muslims of the twin towns
India
• Ayodhya Floats Its Own Solution: Mandir at Idol Site, Masjid 400 m Away
• Infiltration bid foiled in Tangdhar district of Kashmir, five militants killed
• 2 of Yasin’s men with Hafiz in Afghanistan
• India asks its nationals in Syria to move out
• Pak judicial panel to visit Mumbai in September
South Asia
• Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Uses Mosques for Anti-Government Campaign
• Attacks in southern Afghanistan kill at least 18
• China, Pakistan 'pledge to further boost' their military ties
• Dhaka-Baghdad ink MoU for manpower export
North America
• Muslim Cleric Preaches Adulterers, Gays Can Benefit From Being Stoned To Death
• Kerry: Syria intervention will not be like Iraq, Afghanistan or Libya
• Can Bill De Blasio Change NYPD's View of Muslim-Americans?
• Obama weighs 'limited, narrow' action against Syria
• Canadian key in helping get aid to Syrian rebels
Arab World
• President Assad keeps Russia sweet by ensuring all arms bills are paid off
• Gunmen kill 5 Sunni worshippers in Iraq
• Blasts in north Iraq town kill at least 13: officials
• Fresh protests in Egypt leave at least six dead
• Al-Qaeda-linked group urges attacks on Egyptian military
• Facebook post supposedly written by Assad's son invites Americans to attack Syria
• Shabaab, ITMC urge jihadists to take precautions as Syria strikes loom
• Syria says it expects an attack 'at any moment'
• Amid crackdown, Egypt's protesters shift tactics
• Charity House aids 6,000 poor families in Jeddah
Pakistan
• Ten militants killed in Turbat clashes: officials
• US drone kills four ‘foreign militants’ in North Waziristan
• Imran against military operation in Karachi
• PM Nawaz wants anti-terror force at earliest
• Terror bid foiled: Huge cache of explosives recovered in Islamabad
• Pakistan to protest US drone attacks at UN
• Govt in secret contact with Taliban: minister
• Literacy centres for dropouts to be set up
• Possible terrorist reactions: Spy agencies warn of death row fallout
Southeast Asia
• Muslim group’s Merdeka video says Shia teachings, Christianity are threats
• Bali Police ready to safeguard Miss World
• We won’t allow this election commission to change boundaries, vows Anwar
• Ban Lamb of God show, songs are mix of metal, Quranic verses, Islamic Development of Malaysia
• Malaysians urged to stay united to defend sovereignty
Mideast
• Palestinian Islamic Jihad opposes external aggression against Syria
• Posters from jihadist group threaten attacks on Eilat
• Cleric regrets release of Mubarak, detainment of Morsi
• Alcohol consumption in Turkey not diminishing despite obstacles
• Turkey still eyeing US raid despite UK blow
• Palestinian family driven into a cave
• Five Arab schools in East Jerusalem switch to Israeli curriculum
Africa
• 'Ansar Al-Sharia' Was Planning More Assassinations, Bombings - Interior Ministry Official
• Nigeria: Six Killed in Another Attack in Plateau
• Nigeria: Boko Haram Being Progressively Weakened - Jonathan
• Malians Protest Jihadists' Return
• Car bomb kills military prosecutor in Benghazi
• Tunisia ruling coalition offers compromise to end stalemate
Australia
• Foreign Minister says international response on Syria is warranted
• Religion continues its free ride without our blessing
Europe
• Tackling Islamophobia by putting Muslim soldiers in schools
• Putin challenges US, says Syria chemical weapons use claim 'utter nonsense'
• 50% Americans not in favour of military action in Syria: Poll
• Syria prepared for US attack, will retaliate: Regime Official
• UK Muslims divided over Syria intervention
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/ayodhya-floats-its-own-solution/d/13299
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India
Ayodhya Floats Its Own Solution: Mandir at Idol Site, Masjid 400 m Away
Seema Chishti
Aug 31 2013
New Delhi : At a time when the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s attempt to reopen the Ram temple issue with a Chaurasi Kosi Parikrama of Ayodhya has found few takers, a “local” effort by residents of Ayodhya and Faizabad to resolve the dispute has been gaining ground. One that proposes a Ram temple at the disputed site and a mosque 400 m away, but within the 67 acres of land acquired by the government.
Mediation and fortnightly talks have been on for more than two years now between Hindus and Muslims of the twin towns. Justice Palok Basu, a retired judge of the Allahabad High Court, has been spearheading this “local” effort since March 18, 2010 six months before the high court partitioned the disputed site into three parts.
In its controversial September 30, 2010 ruling, the high court awarded the site, where the Babri Masjid once stood, to the deity of Ramlalla, Nirmohi Akhara and the Muslims. The Supreme Court stayed the verdict in May 2011, calling it “strange”. Several petitions challenging the verdict have since been admitted.
But talks at the local level have resulted in a four-point proposal to resolve the issue and shut out “outsiders”. Over seven thousand signatories have already backed this proposal:
* The Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute should be settled by talks between residents of Ayodhya and Faizabad only, and include every dharma (religion), Panth (sect) and Jaati (caste). No outsider, association or group should interfere.
* No one has any objection to a temple at the site of the idol of Ram. In fact, all accept it.
* A boundary wall at the site should separate the southern end which has been given to the Muslims. There should be no construction there.
* A portion of the acquired land should be made available by the court for a mosque near the Yusuf Aara Machine (Yusuf Saw Mill), nearly 400 m away from the disputed site.
Confirming this, Justice Palok Basu told The Indian Express: “We are waiting for the number of signatories to reach ten thousand, after which I will submit my report along with the proposal and signatures to the Commissioner appointed by the Supreme Court who I presume will share it with the Central and state government. Things can take a peaceful course, with a win-win for both sides.”
He said he intends making use of the provision in the judicial settlement for alternate dispute-resolution methods, after doing away with “all kinds of outsiders, even if some are litigants”.
“So when we hand this over to the Supreme Court, we hope they will look upon this favourably and allow Ayodhya-Faizabad residents to take charge of their destiny and end the discord there because of the long-pending dispute,” he said.
Basu feels that building a temple for Ram would be a “golden opportunity” for Ayodhya and everybody there, and rebuilding a mosque would go some distance to assuage Muslim sentiment.
The four-point resolution was hammered out nearly six months ago by local Hindus and Muslims at the residence of a lawyer, Ranjit Lala Verma, who fought the case for the Nirmohi Akhara.
Regular attendees at meetings convened every fortnight have included prominent locals like Gyan Prakash Srivastava, Haji Mehboob, Bhaskar Das, Babu Khan, Syed Aftab Raza Rizvi, Devendracharya Maharaj, Janmeyjay, Vyasji and Manzar Mehdi.
Basu said he didn’t have anything against the VHP or others who tried to rake up the matter with the Chaurasi Kosi Parikrama and underline their opposition to any mosque within the 67 acres of acquired land.
“Each one, including the VHP or the state government, does things according to their understanding. We are acting with Hindus and Muslims together as we see fit,” he said.
When his comments were sought on this “local” effort, Ravi Shankar Prasad, BJP MP and lawyer who argued for Ramlalla in the case, said: “There is either a procedure for such cases through the court or through mediation. Mediation must be open, fair, just and have the government clearly out in the open, as a facilitator, not hush-hush like this. This arithmetic of ten thousand signatures is meaningless. A dialogue should be held with leaders of standing at a much higher level. Who is Palok Basu and whom does he draw his authority from?”
Zafaryab Jilani, senior counsel for the Sunni Waqf Board, said: “This is an exercise in futility. The matter is sub-judice, an appeal is pending, so how can anything be done if parties to the dispute are not on board? It is the open and stated position of Muslims that they will accept the verdict of the Supreme Court. How can we be ousted from there when even the court says we have a claim? There are 27 mosques in Ayodhya already. We don’t just want another one. It is a question of justice and the law.”
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/ayodhya-floats-its-own-solution-mandir-at-idol-site-masjid-400-m-away/1162566/?indian_top
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Infiltration bid foiled in Tangdhar district of Kashmir, five militants killed
Press Trust of India
Aug 31 2013
New Delhi : Army on Saturday morning foiled a major infiltration bid along the Line of Control in Kashmir, killing five militants.
Troops noticed movement of heavily armed militants near the LoC in Tangdhar sector in Kupwara district, 185 km from Srinagar, during the intervening night of August 30 and 31, an army official said.
The infiltrators were challenged by the troops leading to a gunfight between the two sides.
"So far, five militants have been killed.The combing operation is in progress in the area as there were reports that the group comprised six militants," the official said.
The elimination of the infiltrators comes a day after security forces killed five top foreign militants of Hizbul Mujahideen, including district commander Qari Assadullah, in Kangan area of central Kashmir Ganderbal district.
Infiltration attempts by militants from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir have increased over the past three months and more than 20 ultras have been killed during operations along the LoC.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/infiltration-bid-foiled-in-tangdhar-district-of-kashmir-five-militants-killed/1162719/
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2 of Yasin’s men with Hafiz in Afghanistan
Shishir Gupta, Hindustan Times
Arrested top terrorist Ahmed Zarar Siddibappa alias Yasin Bhatkal has revealed Indian Mujahideen’s umbilical ties with Pakistani Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and for the first time revealed that at least two members of the ‘Azamgarh module’ were currently operating in Afghanistan with Hafiz Saeed’s men.
Yasin and Asadullah Akhtar alias Haddi were picked up by Intelligence Bureau around 11.05 pm on Wednesday. While Haddi tried to fob the IB sleuths by identifying himself as Danial, a confident Yasin said, “Main woh hi hoon jisko aap doond rahe ho.” (I am the same person whom you are looking for). Yasin was identified on the basis of three wire money transfers he had made from Nepal to his wife who lives in Abu Fazl Enclave in Delhi.
After he managed to escape an IB dragnet at Tambaram near Chennai on November 27, 2011, Yasin was hiding in Mumbai, Ranchi and then Nepal in August 2012. Haddi had moved to Nepal in February 2013.
Yasin told his interrogators that he had trained along with Haroon Rashid at an LeT camp in Pakistan with Haddi getting his terror training at an ISI-sponsored location at the behest of IM founder Riyaz Bhatkal in 2010.
Bhatkal has named the locations of all Azamgarh module IM terrorists in Pakistan including Mirza Shahdab Baig and Mohammed Sajid alias Bada Sajid who are present in Karachi. In fact, it was Abdul Karim Tunda who first revealed the presence of Bada Sajid in Gulistan-e-Jauhar in Karachi along with IM co-founder Amir Raza Khan.
Yasin has disclosed that two of IM’s top Azamgarh terrorists were operating in Afghanistan. Both these terrorists were involved in serial blasts in Delhi in 2005 and 2008 and UP in 2006 and 2007.
Yasin is not only the front line executor of IM operations but has also been involved in radicalising the Indian youth in the name of ‘Islam in danger’.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/newdelhi/2-of-Yasin-s-men-with-Hafiz-in-Afghanistan/Article1-1115262.aspx
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India asks its nationals in Syria to move out
August 31, 2013
India on Saturday asked all its citizens to leave Syria amid escalation of violence there and the US moving closer to military intervention in the war-torn country.
Spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs said the earlier advisory for citizens asking them not to travel to Syria remained in effect.
“We are in touch with our Mission in Damascus who are also in contact with approximately 25—30 Indian citizens in Syria.
All Indian citizens are safe. Previously, we had advised all Indian citizens in Syria to return to India. They have once again been advised to leave Syria,” Spokesperson in MEA Syed Akbaruddin said.
The crisis in the country was evolving rapidly.
The U.S. on Saturday moved closer to military intervention in Syria with President Barack Obama saying he was considering a “limited, narrow” strike with “no boots on the ground” even as UN experts probing the alleged use of chemical weapons left the war-torn country.
The U.N. weapons inspectors have left Syria for Lebanon after completing their probe into a suspected chemical weapons attack near Damascus.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-asks-its-nationals-in-syria-to-move-out/article5079429.ece
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Pak judicial panel to visit Mumbai in September
August 31, 2013
An eight-member Pakistani judicial commission will visit India from September 7 to cross-examine witnesses of the Mumbai terror attacks in order to take forward the prosecution of seven suspects.
Prosecutors on Saturday informed an anti-terrorism court in Islamabad conducting the trial of the seven suspects that an Indian government letter dated August 23 had stated that the Pakistani judicial commission could visit Mumbai during September 5-6.
But Riaz Akram Cheema, part of the team defending the accused, told PTI that the commission cannot travel on the dates given by Indian government as there is no flight to India during this period.
“The commission will leave on September 7 for Delhi and it will need at least four days to cross-examine the four witnesses (in Mumbai),” Mr. Cheema said.
The letter mentioned that Mumbai’s Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate P.Y. Ladekar will coordinate with the Pakistani panel for the cross-examination of the witnesses.
The witnesses are the magistrate who recorded LeT member Ajmal Kasab’s confessional statement, the chief investigating officer and two doctors who conducted the autopsy of the terrorists who carried out the Mumbai attacks in November 2008.
This will be the commission’s second visit to India. A report submitted by the panel after its first visit in March 2012 was rejected by an anti-terrorism court as the commission’s members were not allowed to cross-examine witnesses.
The court was informed that the members of the commission are defence lawyers Khawaja Haris Ahmed, Riaz Akram Cheema, Fakhar Hayat Awan and Raja Ehsan Khan, prosecutors Hasnain Pirzada and M Azhar Chaudhry, Federal Investigation Agency Deputy Director Fakir Muhammad and Abdul Hameed, the record official of the court.
Judge Atiqur Rehman ordered the prosecution to get a gazette notification issued about the commission’s visit before the next hearing on September 3.
He directed the Pakistan government to inform its Indian counterpart about the schedule of the commission’s visit.
The hearing of the Mumbai case was held at the anti-terrorism court after a gap of over a month. The last hearing was held on July 22.
A new judge, Atiqur Rehman, heard the matter. The government also appointed a new chief prosecutor, Hasnain Pirzada, to replace Chaudhry Zulifqar Ali, who was assassinated by terrorists in Islamabad over three months ago.
Cheema criticised the long gap between hearings, saying this was probably the first time the trial has been adjourned for six weeks. He said an anti-terrorism court cannot put off any case for more than two weeks.
Seven terrorists, including LeT operations commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, have been charged with planning, financing and executing the attacks in Mumbai that killed 166 people. Their trial has progressed at a snail’s pace.
India has sought an early conclusion of the trial.
Pakistan has so far acknowledged that the conspiracy behind the attacks was hatched in the country.
The agreement on the second visit of the Pakistani judicial commission was finalised in Islamabad in December last year following several rounds of discussions on complex technical and legal issues between a visiting Indian delegation and Pakistani officials.
After the panel visits India and cross-examines the witnesses, Pakistan is expected to reciprocate by granting an Indian judicial commission access to Pakistani suspects.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/pak-judicial-panel-to-visit-mumbai-in-september/article5079343.ece
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South Asia
Bangladesh Jamaat-E-Islami Uses Mosques for Anti-Government Campaign
31 August 2013
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami activists distributed anti-government leaflets at different mosques in the capital and its outskirts after Juma prayers on Friday
Just after the Juma prayers on Friday, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami activists distributed anti-government leaflets at different mosques in the capital and its outskirts.
The leaflets, titled “unite to prevent the government conspiracy to eliminate Jamaat,” were distributed among the people of all ages coming out of the mosques. A key ally of BNP-led opposition alliance, Jamaat said the government was “trying to prevent the voice of Islam by using state power through conspiracy.”
It alleged that the government with the help of court cancelled the registration of Jamaat since it had “Allah is Almighty” in its party charter. “By following Islamic values and fundamental beliefs, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is working on to establish an oppression-free country.”
Criticising the role of International Crimes Tribunal, it said: “To ban the party, the tribunal has started investigation into the role of Jamaat during the Liberation War.” The government arranged the trial on a “resolved issue” only to gain politically.
The party, responsible for crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War, claimed that 243 leaders and activists of Jamaat and its student body Islami Chhatra Shibir were killed from February 28 to March 7 while protesting the verdict against Jamaat leader Delwar Hossain Sayedee.
Quoting information of national and international rights groups and media reports, Jamaat said hundreds of Hefazat-e-Islam activists were killed on May 5 and 6 in the operation of law enforcers in Motijheel.
http://www.dhakatribune.com/politics/2013/aug/31/jamaat-uses-mosques-anti-government-campaign
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Attacks in southern Afghanistan kill at least 18
31 August 2013
A suicide bomber detonated his explosives near a police checkpoint and a bank in southern Afghanistan on Saturday, one of two attacks in the heartland of the insurgency that killed 18 people over 24 hours.
Separately, a NATO service member was killed by insurgents in the country’s east, according to a military statement.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for any of the attacks, but Taliban fighters have escalated their activity as U.S.-led foreign forces reduce their presence in the country, having handed over primary responsibility for security to Afghan troops.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/attacks-in-southern-afghanistan-kill-at-least-18/article5079052.ece
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China, Pakistan 'pledge to further boost' their military ties
Aug 31 2013
Beijing : Bracing up to hold a 20-day joint exercise between their Air Forces, China and Pakistan today "pledged to further boost" the cooperation between the two militaries.
Vice Chairman of Central Military Commission Xu Qiliang met Pakistan's chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Khalid Shameem Wynne and the two generals "pledged to further boost military cooperation between the two countries", official media reported here today.
Xu said China and Pakistan are good neighbors, good friends, good partners and good brothers, and the practical military-to-military cooperation will not only benefit the two countries, but also help to safeguard peace and stability in the region, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/china-pakistan--pledge-to-further-boost--their-military-ties/1162739/
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Dhaka-Baghdad ink MoU for manpower export
Rabiul Islam Labour
31 August 2013
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Bangladesh and Iraq, which aims to create manpower export opportunity to Iraq.
Expatriates’ Welfare Minister Khandker Mosharraf Hossain and his Iraqi counterpart Nassar al-Rubayie signed the MoU at the ministry Saturday morning.
Full report at:
http://www.dhakatribune.com/labour/2013/aug/31/dhaka-baghdad-ink-mou-manpower-export
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North America
Muslim Cleric Preaches Adulterers, Gays Can Benefit From Being Stoned To Death
BY SIMON KENT ,TORONTO SUN
31 August 2013
Death to sinners.
That is the religious message brought to you by YouTube. Homosexuals and adulterers, you’d better start start running because it’s directed at you.
Don’t believe me? Well, plenty of people watched Wednesday as Sheikh Faisal Hamid Abdur-Razak put his death by stoning show on the digital high road courtesy of the Internet.
A YouTube video featuring an insightful look at the ideas of the Brampton preacher who stated that “sinners,” as defined by his own interpretation of Islamic law, can benefit from a jolly good stoning was running all day until it was belatedly taken down.
The sheikh explained that a Muslim who is sentenced to death by stoning under Sharia law actually benefits from this gruesome punishment as his or her soul is being purified even as the stones rain down on their sinful head.
Full report at:
http://www.torontosun.com/2013/08/28/brampton-muslim-cleric-preaches-adulterers-gays-can-benefit-from-being-stoned-to-death
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Kerry: Syria intervention will not be like Iraq, Afghanistan or Libya
By REUTERS
31 August 2013
US Secretary of State John Kerry assured the war-weary American people on Friday that any decision the US would make on a military action in Syria would be a "limited and tailored response" and would not in any way resemble the US invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, nor its intervention to help topple former Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi.
"It will not involve any boots on the ground. It will not be open-ended. And it will not assume responsibility for a civil war that is already well underway," Kerry said of any action US President Barack Obama might pursue.
Full report at:
http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Kerry-Syria-intervention-will-not-be-like-Iraq-Afghanistan-or-Libya-324807
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Can Bill De Blasio Change NYPD's View Of Muslim-Americans?
31 August 2013
In light of the recent news that the NYPD has been spying on mosques, Arab American Association Director Linda Sarsour weighed in on how this will figure into the the city's mayoral race.
With Bill de Blasio calling for an end to both stop-and-frisk and broad-based racial mapping, Sarsour says she's "hopeful" that this will aid in the change of the perception of New York City's Muslim-Americans.
Full report at:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/29/bill-de-blasio-nypd-muslim_n_3838943.html?ir=New+York
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Obama weighs 'limited, narrow' action against Syria
August 31, 2013
President Barack Obama said the United States was weighing "limited, narrow" action against Syria, as UN inspectors left the country Saturday and opened a window into a possible strike.
Obama emphasized he had made no "final decision" on unleashing military strikes against Bashar al-Assad's regime, but gave his clearest indication yet that an attack was imminent.
His remarks came after the United States released an intelligence report that concluded the regime had launched a chemical onslaught in the suburbs of Damascus last week, killing 1,429 people, including at least 426 children.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/worldsectionpage/chunk-ht-ui-homepage-topstories/Obama-weighs-limited-narrow-action-against-Syria/Article1-1115423.aspx
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Canadian key in helping get aid to Syrian rebels
August 30th, 2013
ANGELA HENNESSY | QMI AGENCY
TORONTO – Much of the aid going to the Free Syrian Army in their ongoing battle against the regime of Bashar al-Assad has been organized by an Oakville, Ont., resident.
Louay Sakka, who is originally from Damascus, founded the Syria Support Group in 2011 when he realized the rebel group was going to need more help.
"I started the SSG along with a group of other Syrian expatriates after the regime started killing civilian protesters in response to the peaceful uprising," Sakka said Friday. "The purpose is to help the moderate opposition military build their capabilities alongside the political opposition with the end goal of a democratic and multi-ethnic Syria."
Full report at:
http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/sunnews/world/archives/2013/08/20130830-184108.html
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Arab World
President Assad keeps Russia sweet by ensuring all arms bills are paid off
31 August 2013
President Assad is reportedly settling his bills for Russian arms orders through that country’s banking system to try to shore up ties with his most powerful ally. The payments, which have increased in recent months, show how Assad has sustained his ties with his main diplomatic defender. The relationship has deepened in recent months. Although it was not possible to say for certain if they are bringing weapons, the number of ships travelling to Syria from a Ukrainian port used by Russia’s arms export monopoly has increased since April.
A Russian defence industry source said Assad had started in recent months paying off a nearly $1bn contract for four S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems and another $550m order for 36 Yak-130 trainer fighter planes.
Full report at:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syria-crisis-president-assad-keeps-russia-sweet-by-ensuring-all-arms-bills-are-paid-off-8792349.html
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Gunmen kill 5 Sunni worshippers in Iraq
31 August 2013
Iraqi authorities say that gunmen have stormed a Sunni mosque in Baghdad, killing five people.
Police officials said the attackers entered the building in Baghdad’s southeastern neighbourhood of New Baghdad and shot at Sunni worshippers who were performing Saturday’s dawn prayers.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/gunmen-kill-5-sunni-worshippers-in-iraq/article5078964.ece
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Blasts in north Iraq town kill at least 13: officials
August 31, 2013
Two roadside bombs exploded on the edge of the north Iraq town of Tuz Khurmatu on Friday, killing at least 13 people, seven of them children, police and the town's mayor said.
One bomb exploded on a road at the entrance to the town and the second was triggered as residents rushed to the scene, the sources said.
The blasts, which took place as children were playing in the road, also wounded 18 people, including a baby, whose parents were both killed, they added.
Tuz Khurmatu is a majority Kurdish town located in a disputed area of northern Iraq, where both the autonomous Kurdish province and the central government in Baghdad vie for power.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/restofasia/Blasts-in-north-Iraq-town-kill-at-least-13-officials/Article1-1115343.aspx
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Fresh protests in Egypt leave at least six dead
Saumya Pant, TNN | Aug 31, 2013
CAIRO: Violence returned to Egypt as supporters of ousted Islamist President Mohamed Morsi marched through Cairo and several other Egyptian cities across on Friday. At least six people are believed to have been killed in Cairo's Mohandiseen district when anti-coup protesters took to the streets to demand the re-instatement of Morsi.
This is the biggest show of defiance by the pro-Morsi camp after security forces cracked down on supporters of the former president nearly two weeks ago. The removal of two pro-Morsi sit-ins at Rabaa al-Adawiya mosque in Cairo's district of Nasr city and Nahda Square near the main campus of Cairo University by security forces on August 14 had resulted in at least 900 deaths.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Fresh-protests-in-Egypt-leave-at-least-six-dead/articleshow/22174109.cms
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Al-Qaeda-linked group urges attacks on Egyptian military
31 August 2013
A militant al-Qaeda-affiliated group has called on Egyptians to up arms against the country’s military, saying that a violent crackdown on Islamist protestors showed peaceful methods were pointless, an internet statement posted on Saturday said.
“There is nothing more right in God’s religion [Islam] than those who speak of the infidelity, reneging on Islam and abandonment of religion, and call for the necessity to fight these armies, foremost of which is the Egyptian army,” said Abu Mohammed al-Adnani, spokesman for the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, according to the Arabic recording quoted by Reuters.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2013/08/31/Al-Qaeda-linked-group-urges-attacks-on-Egyptian-military.html
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Facebook post supposedly written by Assad's son invites Americans to attack Syria
TJAMES VINCENT
31 AUGUST 2013
A Facebook post has surfaced supposedly written by Hafez al-Assad, the 11-year-old son of the Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad. In it the young Assad invites America to attack Syria, saying: “I just want them to attack sooo much, because I want them to make this huge mistake of beginning something that they don't know the end of it.”
Whilst there is no definite way of confirming the post's legitimacy, if it is genuine then it offers a unique insight into the mind-set of the country’s political elite.
Full report at:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/facebook-post-supposedly-written-by-assads-son-invites-americans-to-attack-syria-8791340.html
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Shabaab, ITMC urge jihadists to take precautions as Syria strikes loom
By DAVID BARNETT
31 August 2013
On Aug. 27, Threat Matrix reported that online jihadists were expressing concern that impending strikes in Syria by the United States will targets jihadists in addition to sites tied to the Syrian regime.
While it remains unclear whether the United States will carry out attacks with its partners in Syria, jihadist groups continue to reiterate their concern that they too will be targeted.
Today, the English Twitter account of al Shabaab, al Qaeda's affiliate in Somalia, released a series of tweets denouncing the US and Western states in addition to warning "our Mujahideen brothers... that they're the target of this military campaign."
Full report at:
http://www.longwarjournal.org/threat-matrix/archives/2013/08/shabaab_itmc_urge_jihadists_to.php#ixzz2dXC4KxJX
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Syria says it expects an attack 'at any moment'
August 31, 2013
Syria expects a military attack "at any moment", a security official said on Saturday, just hours after UN experts probing a suspected gas attack blamed on the regime left the country.
"We are expecting an attack at any moment. We are ready to retaliate at any moment," said the Syrian security official, who wished to remain anonymous.
The departure of the UN inspectors has opened a window for a possible US strike after President Barack Obama on Friday gave his clearest indication yet that a military intervention was imminent.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/restofasia/Syria-says-it-expects-an-attack-at-any-moment/Article1-1115469.aspx
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Amid crackdown, Egypt's protesters shift tactics
, August 31, 2013
Reeling from a fierce security crackdown, the Muslim Brotherhood brought out mostly scattered, small crowds on Friday in its latest protests against Egypt's military coup.
While the remnants of the Brotherhood's leadership are still able to exhibit strong coordination from underground, the arrests of thousands of its supporters and members - and the fear of more bloodshed - have weakened its ability to mobilise the streets.
The day's largest single Cairo demonstration was more than 10,000 people outside the presidential palace, with thousands also taking part in another similar-sized rally outside the capital.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/africa/Amid-crackdown-Egypt-s-protesters-shift-tactics/Article1-1115380.aspx
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Charity House aids 6,000 poor families in Jeddah
31 August 2013
More than 6,000 poor families in Jeddah received cash and material aid during Ramadan, according to Sheikh Faisal Al-Hamid, director general of Charity House in Jeddah.
Most beneficiaries received financial assistance, while others received home appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, air conditioners, basic kitchen utensils and other household items.
Al-Hamid said the organization provided the service according to the needs of each family. He said 80 percent of aid was distributed to Saudi families.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/news/463088
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Pakistan
Ten militants killed in Turbat clashes: officials
SYED ALI SHAH
2013-08-31
QUETTA: Frontier Constabulary (FC) claim to have killed ten armed militants in Balochistan's volatile Kech (Turbat) district on Saturday morning. Security forces launched a search operation in the troubled area after the militants attacked their convoy.
An FC official, who requested not to be named, said ten armed militants were killed and several others injured in a fierce battle in Mand area of Kech (Turbat) district.
He said two important commanders of a banned separatist group were also among the injured militants. "Since morning, severe battle is underway," he said.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/news/1039619/ten-militants-killed-in-turbat-clashes-officials
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US drone kills four ‘foreign militants’ in North Waziristan
ZAHIR SHAH SHERAZI
2013-08-31
PESHAWAR/MIRANSHAH: A US drone targeted a vehicle in North Waziristan tribal agency on Saturday, killing four suspected militants said to be of Turkmen origin.
According to local security officials and intelligence sources, the drone fired two missiles around 12:30 pm at a vehicle near a seminary in Hesokhel Musaki village in Mirali, around 40 kilometres east of Miranshah, the main town in North Waziristan which is said to be a stronghold of Taliban and al Qaeda-linked militants.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/news/1039609/us-drone-kills-four-foreign-militants-in-north-waziristan
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Imran against military operation in Karachi
2013-08-31
ISLAMABAD: Taking part in a discussion on the Right to Information Act, which will be introduced in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan has said the law will make the provincial government speak the truth.
Speaking at a workshop on Friday, he said transparency was necessary for democracy to flourish as it helped in improving governance and reducing corruption.
The workshop was organised by the Mishal Pakistan group in collaboration with the KP’s information ministry.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/news/1039493/imran-against-military-operation-in-karachi
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PM Nawaz wants anti-terror force at earliest
August 31, 2013
LAHORE: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has directed the Punjab government to present a comprehensive operational plan to curb terrorism in the province, at the earliest.
Lifting the ban on all recruitments in law enforcement agencies, the prime minister said that a counterterrorism force should be raised immediately in Punjab to fight the menace efficiently.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/597768/securing-punjab-pm-nawaz-wants-anti-terror-force-at-earliest/
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Terror bid foiled: Huge cache of explosives recovered in Islamabad
August 31, 2013
ISLAMABAD: Police have seized a heavy cache of explosives from a car on Simli Dam Road, in Islamabad early on Saturday, the Express News reported.
According to the report, police recovered between 70-100 kg explosives from a Suzuki Alto in the Bara kahu area in Islamabad.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/597771/terror-bid-foiled-huge-cache-of-explosives-recovered-in-islamabad/
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Pakistan to protest US drone attacks at UN
31 August 2013
Pakistan will lodge a formal protest in the U.N. General Assembly session next month over the U.S. drone attacks in the country, an official said.
The U.S. attacks violate Pakistan’s sovereignty and international laws, Sartaj Aziz, adviser on foreign affairs, said in a statement in the National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, Friday, reported Xinhua.
“A breakthrough is expected on the issue of U.S. drone strikes in the coming months,” he said.
The U.S. routinely fires missiles into the Waziristan tribal region to target militants accused of crossing into Afghanistan for attacks on foreign and Afghan forces.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/pakistan-to-protest-us-drone-attacks-at-un/article5078782.ece
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Govt in secret contact with Taliban: minister
SYED IRFAN RAZA
2013-08-31
ISLAMABAD: Backchannel talks between the ruling PML-N and Taliban are under way to work out a peace formula and end violence which has claimed thousands of lives in the country since the US-led invasion of Afghanistan in Oct 2001.
“Unofficial talks between the government side and Taliban are in progress,” Information Minister Pervez Rashid told Dawn on Friday. He said the government was exploring all options to restore lasting peace in the country and was in contact with Taliban at different levels.
He endorsed a statement made by Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman that a formula had been chalked out for holding formal talks with Taliban within a month. Full report at:
http://dawn.com/news/1039492/govt-in-secret-contact-with-taliban-minister
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Literacy centres for dropouts to be set up
2013-08-31
RAWALPINDI, Aug 30: Commissioner Khalid Masood Chaudhry on Friday directed establishment of literacy centres and tent schools for gypsies and residents of katchi abadis for enrolment of out-of-school children in Rawalpindi division.
He issued the directive to DCOs and EDOs of education and officers of literacy and non-formal education departments of the four districts of Rawalpindi division during a meeting of divisional implementation and steering committee for the Emergency Enrolment Campaign 2013.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/news/1039504/literacy-centres-for-dropouts-to-be-set-up
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Possible terrorist reactions: Spy agencies warn of death row fallout
By Asad Kharal
August 31, 2013
Intelligence agencies have cautioned civilian authorities that they risked terror assaults and possible hostage executions by militant outfits if the moratorium on the death penalty was lifted, The Express Tribune has learnt.
Intelligence agencies have apparently shared this information with the interior ministry.
According to reports, banned militant outfits, such as al Qaeda and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), have plans to stage terror attacks and execute high-profile hostages, currently in their custody, if TTP militants, which are currently on death row are executed, an indirect consequence of not lifting the capital punishment moratorium.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/597737/possible-terrorist-reactions-spy-agencies-warn-of-death-row-fallout/
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Southeast Asia
Muslim group’s Merdeka video says Shia teachings, Christianity are threats
31 August 2013
Islamic group Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (ISMA) has produced a video clip for the National Day celebrations tomorrow, criticising several other groups they say are attempting to alter policies that favour Malays and Bumiputeras.
The video also listed the four main threats faced by Malaysia – liberal ideology, chauvinism, Christianity and deviant Shia teachings – all of which, the group said affected the majority Malay population and their identity.
"If the Malay people want to rise and fight back, they will be unable to do so if they don't know what are their identities," ISMA chief Abdullah Zaik Abdul Rahman said in the video and a statement released in Kuala Lumpur today.
Full report at:
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/muslim-groups-merdeka-video-slams-others-for-questioning-national-policy
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Bali Police ready to safeguard Miss World
BY NI KOMANG ERVIANI
2013-08-31
Bali Police, with support from the military and pecalang (Balinese traditional security guards), said it would ensure the Miss World pageant in Bali in September would run smoothly.
Bali Police chief Insp. Gen. Arif Wachyunadi told journalists that hundreds of personnel would be deployed to sites — in places such as Badung, Denpasar, Karangasem, Klungkung and Tabanan — to safeguard the contestants when they were there.
“The security arrangements will be in accordance with our high-profile international event standard operation procedure,” Wachyunadi said.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartapost.com/bali-daily/2013-08-31/bali-police-ready-safeguard-miss-world.html
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We won’t allow this election commission to change boundaries, vows Anwar
BY ZULKIFLI SULONG, FEATURES AND ANALYSIS EDITOR
AUGUST 31, 2013
Pakatan Rakyat (PR) will not endorse any delineation of electoral boundaries by the Election Commission (EC) with its current leadership still calling the shots, said Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Electoral laws allow redelineation exercises every eight years subject to approval by a two-thirds super majority in Parliament. The last redelineation exercise was in 2003 before Barisan Nasional (BN) last won such a majority in 2004.
Full report at:
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/pakatan-vows-no-electoral-redelineation-until-ec-leadership-changes
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Ban Lamb of God show, songs are mix of metal, Quranic verses, Islamic Development of Malaysia
31 August 2013
The Department of Islamic Development of Malaysia (Jakim) is objecting to the scheduled performance of the United States' heavy metal band, Lamb of God, in Kuala Lumpur on September 28.
Its director-general, Datuk Othman Mustapha, said Jakim raised the objection because the music that the group had performed was a mix of metal songs with the reading of verses from the Quran.
Full report at:
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/jakim-objects-to-lamb-of-gods-performance-bernama
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Malaysians urged to stay united to defend sovereignty
31 August 2013
atuk Seri Najib Razak has called on the people to remain united to defend the sovereignty of Malaysia.
In his message in conjunction with the 56th anniversary of the country's independence, the Prime Minister pointed out that now was not the time for Malaysians to be disunited.
"Whatever challenges there are, we must not be despaired. On the other hand, we must move forward to develop the country based on national solidarity," said Najib when delivering the message aired by local television stations yesterday night.
Full report at:
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/malaysians-urged-to-stay-united-to-defend-sovereignty-bernama
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Mideast
Palestinian Islamic Jihad opposes external aggression against Syria
31 August 2013
The Palestinian movement, Islamic Jihad, announced its opposition to any foreign aggression against any Arab or Islamic country in a statement released on Thursday.
The statement said that Islamic Jihad condemns any potential American, Western or Israeli aggression against Syria.
"As an Islamic resistance movement, we do not accept any external aggression against any Arab or Islamic country," the statement explained. "In our belief, seeking the help of a foreign colonialist against the people of our Ummah or lands is prohibited, whatever the circumstances."
Full report at:
http://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/middle-east/7122-palestinian-islamic-jihad-opposes-external-aggression-against-syria#sthash.iNvoo5HC.dpuf
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Posters from jihadist group threaten attacks on Eilat
By DAVID BARNETT
31 August 2013
The Facebook page of the Ibn Taymiyyah Media Center (ITMC), a jihadist media unit tied to the Mujahideen Shura Council in the Environs of Jerusalem (MSC), today released a new poster threatening attacks against the southern Israeli city of Eilat.
"Eilat and other Jewish cities will not enjoy security, tourism or economy," the poster, which appeared to be quoting from a recent MSC statement, said. It went on to say "that the Jews will pay a price for the blood of the mujahideen."
Full report at:
http://www.longwarjournal.org/threat-matrix/archives/2013/08/posters_from_jihadist_group_th.php#ixzz2dXBjFQN0
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Cleric regrets release of Mubarak, detainment of Morsi
31 August 2013
TEHRAN – The leader of this week’s Friday prayers in Tehran expressed regret over the fact that former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak was ordered to be released from prison last week while the democratically elected president Mohammad Morsi has been detained.
Mubarak left prison for house arrest last week. His retrial centers on charges of complicity in the deaths of protesters during the 2011 uprising that removed him from power.
Full report at:
http://www.tehrantimes.com/politics/110390-cleric-regrets-release-of-mubarak-detainment-of-morsi-
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Alcohol consumption in Turkey not diminishing despite obstacles
31 August 2013
Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bülent Arınç recently objected to a local singer singing a folk song, as the song contained the word “rakı” in the lyrics. It was the song of a Balkan man complaining that he couldn't save enough money for rakı. Even though Arınç said he was joking, his behavior has been perceived as another example of intervention into people’ lifestyles and was criticized as such.
There have been moves against alcohol through taxes, area restrictions and neighborhood pressure over the last decade of Justice and Development Party (AKP) rule. This has been a more noticeable fact in Anatolian cities.
Full report at:
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/alcohol-consumption-in-turkey-not-diminishing-despite-obstacles.aspx?pageID=238&nID=53560&NewsCatID=344
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Turkey still eyeing US raid despite UK blow
31 August 2013
Turkey has been chastened by the U.K.'s decision not to participate in military action against Syria over alleged chemical weapons use, but is still hoping to proceed with an intervention together with U.S. support.
“The Americans, like us, are sure that a response should be given to the use of chemical weapons. We are of the opinion that the U.S. will go into action following internal deliberations,” a Turkish Foreign Ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the Hürriyet Daily News on Aug. 30.
Full report at:
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-still-eyeing-us-raid-despite-uk-blow.aspx?pageID=238&nID=53576&NewsCatID=338
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Palestinian family driven into a cave
31 August 2013
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM — When Israeli bulldozers knocked down their home, Khaled Zir Al-Husseini and his family had to find a new roof over their heads, so they moved just down the hill and into a cave.
The stench of garbage fills their cramped new dwelling, as debris from fragments of their demolished home, just above, fall down the side of the hill and onto the main road in East Jerusalem’s Silwan neighborhood.
“We were fast asleep last Tuesday (Aug. 20) and were awakened at 6 a.m. by bulldozers from Jerusalem municipality rolling up to our house,” Husseini told AFP, sitting the youngest of his six daughters — only four months old — on his lap.
Full report at:
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s term on March 31, 2009,” the watchdog said.
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20130831178794
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Five Arab schools in East Jerusalem switch to Israeli curriculum
31 August 2013
Five Arab schools in East Jerusalem have decided to switch from the Palestinian to the Israeli curriculum, enraging both the Palestinian Authority and Hamas.
Jerusalem’s city council said the schools had made the switch so that their students could study for the Israeli bagrut (matriculation exam) alongside the tawjihi (the Palestinian matriculation exam).
Samir Jibril, head of education in Jerusalem at the Palestinian Ministry of Endowments, which funds a number of schools in Arab East Jerusalem, called on parents to be “vigilant” following the decision of five primary schools to introduce the Israeli curriculum into their classrooms. Full report at:
http://www.timesofisrael.com/pa-hamas-enraged-by-introduction-of-israeli-curriculum/
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Africa
'Ansar Al-Sharia' Was Planning More Assassinations, Bombings - Interior Ministry Official
31 August 2013
Tunis — Director-General of Public Security at the Interior Ministry Mustapha Ben Amor provided a set of data and information, corroborating Ansar al-Sharia's branding as a terrorist organisation, saying it has an armed wing and a military organisation.
He noted at a press conference held on Wednesday at the Interior Ministry that "the Tunisian people have known Ansar al-Sharia for its proselytising activity through its "preaching tents" and its "charitable works," and that "now they discover the dark side of this terrorist organisation." "After collecting reliable intelligence, it turns out that leaders of Ansar al-Sharia frequently went to Mount Chaambi, either for training, receiving instruction or taking part in operations against the National Army or internal security forces," he said.
Full report at:
http://allafrica.com/stories/201308291234.html?viewall=1
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Nigeria: Six Killed in Another Attack in Plateau
BY SERIKI ADINOYI, 31 AUGUST 2013
Six persons, including a pregnant woman have been killed at Bisichi village, near Foron in Barkin Ladi Local government area of Plateau State.
The woman and five men were returning from Bukuru to Foron when the attackers pounced on them. Chairman of Barkin Ladi Local Government, Hon. Emmanuel Loman, who confirmed the attack, said "the six people were ambushed on their way to Foron and Fan villages", and that the incident took place around 7:30pm.
Full report at:
http://allafrica.com/stories/201308310260.html?aa_source=mf-hdlns
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Nigeria: Boko Haram Being Progressively Weakened - Jonathan
BY ISIAKA WAKILI, 31 AUGUST 2013
President Goodluck Jonathan has said that with the security measures put in place by his administration, the Boko Haram sect is being progressively weakened.
Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja yesterday while receiving the outgoing representative of the delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. David Mac Rae, Jonathan said his administration would remain proactive in combating terrorism.
According to the president, although measures taken by his administration have significantly reduced the occurrence of terrorist attacks in the country, the government will continue doing everything possible to further enhance security in all parts of the country.
Full report at:
http://allafrica.com/stories/201308310257.html?aa_source=slideout
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Malians Protest Jihadists' Return
31 AUGUST 2013
Nouakchott — Hundreds of young Malians on Sunday (August 25th) took to the streets to demonstrate their anger at the return of some former jihadists to Gao.
"People of the north are still shaken by fear and they will never forget what they have experienced with the Islamists. So, their reaction is quite understandable, especially since we just heard about the merger of MUJAO and Belmokhtar's gang," Gao teacher Habib Sidibé said.
"This return triggers serious concerns within a traumatised population due to nearly a year of reign by terror groups," Malian journalist Ibou Samaké said.
He added that the people of Gao would "never forget the serious abuses sustained by their kin because of the application of Sharia law".
Full report at:
http://allafrica.com/stories/201308290720.html
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Car bomb kills military prosecutor in Benghazi
Ahmed Elumami
31 August 2013
TRIPOLI — The General Military Prosecutor Yousef Al-Asayfer and his brother were killed in a car bomb attack in Benghazi Thursday.
“The incident happened in Al-Laythi District at 1.45 p.m., while the Al-Asayfer brothers were coming out from a mosque,” Benghazi Joint Security Room spokesman Abdullah Zaidi told the Libya Herald.
Reports indicate that the bomb was by a remote control, Zaidi explained, adding that BJSR have started the investigations.
The prosecutor was killed instantly in the attack. Youself himself was rushed to Benghazi Medical Center, Zaidi said, but he was declared dead on arrival.
Full report at:
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20130831178797
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Tunisia ruling coalition offers compromise to end stalemate
31 August 2013
TUNIS — Tunisia’s ruling coalition on Friday presented mediators with a proposed compromise to end a crisis sparked by a political assassination last month, while refusing opposition demands that it resign immediately.
Mediators have been shuttling between the Islamist-led government and the opposition in a bid to end the political turmoil caused by the killing of opposition MP Mohamed Brahmi on July 25, an attack blamed on militant Salafists.
“We have presented the position of the three-party coalition to find a way out of the crisis,” said Mouldi Riahi, a member of coalition party Ettakatol after the meeting with the mediators. “We have presented a proposal according to which the government is ready to resign, but that must be accompanied by a comprehensive package,” added the representative of the coalition, which also groups Islamist party Ennahda and Congress for the Republic.
Full report at:
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20130831178784
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Australia
Foreign Minister says international response on Syria is warranted
31 August 2013
Foreign Minister Bob Carr says the Syrian regime's use of chemical weapons against its own people warrants a response from the international community, but says he does not think Australia will need to make a contribution to the United States' response to the crisis.
The US has laid out a raft of evidence that it says shows Syrian president Bassar-Al Assad's forces were behind a chemical weapons attack last week that is said to have killed more than 1,400 people.
US president Barack Obama says his country is still in the planning process for a "limited, narrow" military response that would not involve "boots on the ground" or be open-ended.
Senator Carr says Australian intelligence figures have told him the evidence shows it is highly likely that the regime committed the attack against civilians.
Senator Carr says Australia is prepared to support the Obama administration but he does not anticipate making a commitment.
Full report at:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-08-31/bob-carr-says-syrian-crisis-warrants-international-response/4926892
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Religion continues its free ride without our blessing
By Chris Fotinopoulos
31 August 2013
The majority of Australians say church and state should be separate, yet religion continues to be privileged in our society at taxpayer expense, writes Chris Fotinopoulos.
Why aren't we talking about the religious influence on party policies in this election campaign?
The relationship between church and state in Australia seems benign when set against news footage from Egypt, Syria and numerous Middle-East hot spots. And going by the 'World' news section of our tabloids, the violent clashes between religious and secularist groups in distant dusty lands are a far cry from Australian politics.
Full report at:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-08-29/fotinopoulos-why-does-the-church-still-get-a-free-ride/4918626
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Europe
Tackling Islamophobia by putting Muslim soldiers in schools
The Voice of Russia
31 August 2013
Leading members of the Muslim community say the high level of co-operation between Muslims and non-Muslims in the British military can set an example for students and the wider community. Such co-operation dates back to the First World War. VoR's Vivienne Nunis reports.
Team spirit
Hundreds of Muslims currently serve in the British Armed Forces.
Now one former officer says there are lessons to be learned for the wider community when it comes to co-operation.
Afzal Amin retired from the Army in April after serving for 11 years. Now he’s lobbying the government to send Muslim soldiers into schools – alongside personnel of other faiths - to spread the message of integration.
Full report at:
http://ruvr.co.uk/2013_08_28/Tackling-Islamophobia-Muslim-soldiers-schools/
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Putin challenges US, says Syria chemical weapons use claim 'utter nonsense'
AFP | Aug 31, 2013
VLADIVOSTOK (Russia): Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday dismissed as "nonsense" claims that the Syria regime has used chemical weapons and demanded that the United States provide proof.
Speaking after the United States released an intelligence report, Putin rejected communications intercepts as evidence, saying that they cannot be used to take "fundamental decisions" like using military force on Syria.
"Common sense speaks for itself," he told journalists in Vladivostok when asked about claims that the Syrian army used chemical weapons.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Putin-challenges-US-says-Syria-chemical-weapons-use-claim-utter-nonsense/articleshow/22187016.cms
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50% Americans not in favour of military action in Syria: Poll
31 August 2013
WASHINGTON: Half of Americans are not in favour of a US military strike on Syria while nearly 80 per cent in the war-weary nation believe President Barack Obama should seek congressional nod for it, according to a new poll.
A NBC News poll shows that fifty per cent of Americans believe the US should not intervene in the wake of suspected chemical weapons attacks by Syrian President Bashar Assad's regime.
But the public is more supportive of military action when it is limited to launching cruise missiles from US naval ships, 50 per cent favour that kind of intervention, while 44 per cent oppose it.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/50-Americans-not-in-favour-of-military-action-in-Syria-Poll/articleshow/22166846.cms
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Syria prepared for US attack, will retaliate: Regime Official
Aug 31 2013
Damascus (Syria) : Syria expects a military attack "at any moment" and is ready to retaliate, an official said on Saturday, hours after a team United Nations (UN) experts probing a suspected gas attack blamed on the regime quit the country.
The departure of the inspectors has opened a window for a possible US-led strike after President Barack Obama gave the clearest indication yet on Friday that a military intervention was imminent.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/syria-prepared-for-us-attack-will-retaliate-regime-official/1162783/
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UK Muslims divided over Syria intervention
Robert Booth
31 August 2013
British Muslims are in an anguished position over Syria, with profound distrust of western military intervention clashing with a desire to see the demise of President Assad, leaders of the 2.7m strong community said on Wednesday.
"I was in Oldham yesterday talking to a large crowd and people usually think, here we go again, another Muslim nation being attacked," said Lord Ahmed of Rotherham, one of the UK's most senior Muslim politicians. "But here they see it is right for Syria's chemical weapons and air strike capability to be dismantled. People know that there's a real problem and that 100,000 people have been killed. People can see millions of children being moved and being bombed. I have been talking to one charity working in Jordan and they have been dealing with women who have been raped and that is a very sensitive issue."
Full report at:
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/aug/28/uk-muslims-divided-syria-intervention
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/ayodhya-floats-its-own-solution/d/13299