Berlin Imam Prays For Allah 'To Destroy the Zionist Jews'
New Age Islam News Bureau
21
Jul 2014
Photo: In Support of Gaza Berlin Imam Prays for the Annihilation of Jews "the Slayers of Prophets"
Europe
• Berlin Imam Prays For Allah 'To Destroy the Zionist Jews'
• Palestinian children tortured, used as shields by Israel: UN
• Executions and rapes by ISIS amount to war crimes: UN
• UN calls for immediate truce as Gaza toll tops 500
• Belgian converts form organisation to spread true values of Islam
• Luton Islamic Centre distances itself from BBC story about women fighting in Syria
• Teachers implicated in plot to Islamize UK schools allowed to ‘keep jobs
• Warning over 'Terrorist' Label for UK Rebels
• Cartoon made by former extremist aimed at stopping UK Muslims from leaving for Syria
• London’s Muslims celebrate Ramadan in traditional style
Pakistan
• Pakistani Politician Calls for Joint Islamic Army on Pattern of NATO
• NWA air strikes kill 28 terrorists; soldier killed in check-post attack
• ‘Unjustified war’: In a first, Afghan Taliban leader opposes TTP’s fight
• ‘Politicians of conflict’ not sincere with country: Khawaja Asif
• Karachi: Man, woman killed in name of honour
• Pakistan Gives Free Hand to Imran for ‘Azadi March’
Arab World
• Muslim Council of Elders Wants To Try To End Deaths around World
• Iraq: 13 ISIL Terrorists Killed in Salahuddin
• Overnight attacks in Iraq kill at least 16 people
• Is Iraq’s Kurdish region outside of ISIS’ calculus?
• Syrian Army Takes Full Control of Strategic Stronghold in Damascus Countryside
• Arab League condemns Israeli war crimes in Gaza's Shejaiya
• Looking to Shore up Civilian Support, ISIS Hands out Alms in Raqqa during Ramadan
South Asia
• 20 Taliban militants killed in counter-terrorism operations
• Sri Lanka begins repatriation of Afghans
• Heavy explosion rocks southern Helmand province
• ISI has been effective in fighting terror, says China’s new Afghan envoy
• HRW urges Hasina for disbanding RAB
Mideast
• Palestinian death toll in Gaza fighting at 508
• Gaza endures bloodiest day as over 100 die in blitz
• Two soldiers killed fighting for Israel were U.S. citizens
• Netanyahu says Gaza assault has ‘very strong’ international support
• Defense Minister: We're prepared to continue fighting until we bring quiet to Gaza
• Presidential candidate Demirtaş: ‘Turkey fanning the flames of the Middle East’
Africa
• Rival militia clashes in Libya takes death toll to 47
• Nigeria Islamists kill more than 40 in northeast
• Boko Haram: Radical Islamic Terrorist Group Plants Flag in another Town in Northeast
• Nigeria's free-wheeling media fears crackdown over Boko Haram battle
• Sudan's Darfur rebels say claims they killed 13 'fabricated'
India
• We Must Be Offensive towards India: Hafiz Mohammed Saeed
• Historic ties between KSA, India stressed by Prince Faisal bin Salman
North America
• Obama urges ‘immediate ceasefire,’ sends Kerry for talks
• U.S. Commander dreads reservations over North Waziristan operation
• US urged to support operation even after pullout from Afghanistan
• Kansas City Muslim communities recognize month of fasting with Mayor Sly James
• Kerry Blasts Israel in Hot Mic Moment
Southeast Asia
• Islamic Defenders Front Sends Volunteers to Gaza
• Court orders 'Allah' CDs returned to clerk
• Terrorism not covered by policy
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/berlin-imam-prays-allah-to/d/98229
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Europe
Berlin Imam Prays For Allah 'To Destroy the Zionist Jews'
By Haaretz| Jul. 21, 2014
An imam in Berlin has been filmed praying for the annihilation of the Jews, asking Allah "not to spare a single one of them" during a sermon at a mosque.
MEMRI, the Middle East Media Research Institute, released the video of Sheik Abu Bilal Ismail giving his Friday sermon at the Al-Nur Mosque on Friday on it MEMRI TV channel. MEMRI provided subtitles for the sermon in Arabic.
After accusing Arab leaders of conspiring against the people of Gaza, which he praised as "the land of Jihad (holy war)," he said the Gazans were facing "the strongest war machine, the Zionist Jews, these criminals, these slayers of prophets, those who shed blood, those who kill children, those who turn women into widows."
The film clip then jumps to another part of his sermon. "Oh Allah, destroy the Zionist Jews. They are no challenge for you," the subtitles read. "Count them and kill them to the very last one. Don't spare a single one of them. Shake the ground beneath their feet. Make them suffer terribly."
http://www.haaretz.com/jewish-world/jewish-world-news/1.606385
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Palestinian children tortured, used as shields by Israel: UN
July 21, 2014
A United Nations human rights body accused Israeli forces on Thursday of mistreating Palestinian children, including by torturing those in custody and using others as human shields.
Palestinian children in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, captured by Israel in the 1967 war, are routinely denied registration of their birth and access to health care, decent schools and clean water, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child said.
"Palestinian children arrested by (Israeli) military and police are systematically subject to degrading treatment, and often to acts of torture, are interrogated in Hebrew, a language they did not understand, and sign confessions in Hebrew in order to be released," it said in a report.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry said it had responded to a report by the UN children's agency UNICEF in March on ill-treatment of Palestinian minors and questioned whether the UN committee's investigation covered new ground.
"If someone simply wants to magnify their political bias and political bashing of Israel not based on a new report, on work on the ground, but simply recycling old stuff, there is no importance in that," spokesman Yigal Palmor said.
The report by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child acknowledged Israel's national security concerns and noted that children on both sides of the conflict continue to be killed and wounded, but that more casualties are Palestinian.
Most Palestinian children arrested are accused of having thrown stones, an offence which can carry a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, the committee said. Israeli soldiers had testified to the often arbitrary nature of the arrests, it said.
The watchdog's 18 independent experts examined Israel's record of compliance with a 1990 treaty as part of its regular review of a pact signed by all nations except Somalia and the United States. An Israeli delegation attended the session.
The UN committee regretted Israel's "persistent refusal" to respond to requests for information on children in the Palestinian territories and occupied Syrian Golan Heights since the last review in 2002.
"DISPROPORTIONATE"
"Hundreds of Palestinian children have been killed and thousands injured over the reporting period as a result of the state party military operations, especially in Gaza where the state party proceeded to (conduct) air and naval strikes on densely populated areas with a significant presence of children, thus disregarding the principles of proportionality and distinction," the report said.
Israel battled a Palestinian uprising during part of the 10-year period examined by the committee.
It withdrew its troops and settlers from the Gaza Strip in 2006, but still blockades the Hamas-run enclave, from where Palestinian militants have sometimes fired rockets into Israel.
During the 10-year period, an estimated 7,000 Palestinian children aged 12 to 17, but some as young as nine, had been arrested, interrogated and detained, the UN report said.
Many are brought in leg chains and shackles before military courts, while youths are held in solitary confinement, sometimes for months, the report said.
It voiced deep concern at the "continuous use of Palestinian children as human shields and informants", saying 14 such cases had been reported between January 2010 and March 2013 alone.
Israeli soldiers had used Palestinian children to enter potentially dangerous buildings before them and to stand in front of military vehicles to deter stone-throwing, it said.
"Almost all those using children as human shields and informants have remained unpunished and the soldiers convicted for having forced at gunpoint a nine-year-old child to search bags suspected of containing explosives only received a suspended sentence of three months and were demoted," it said.
Israel's "illegal long-standing occupation" of Palestinian territory and the Syrian Golan Heights, continued expansion of "unlawful" Jewish settlements, construction of the Wall into the West Bank, land confiscation and destruction of homes and livelihoods "constitute severe and continuous violations of the rights of Palestinian children and their families", it said.
Israel disputes the international position that its settlements in the West Bank are illegal. It says the wall it built there during the uprising stopped Palestinian suicide bombers from reaching its cities.
In March, Palmor, the Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman, had said that officials from the ministry and the military had cooperated with UNICEF in its work on the report, with the goal of improving the treatment of Palestinian minors in custody.
"Israel will study the conclusions and will work to implement them through ongoing cooperation with UNICEF, whose work we value and respect," he said, in response to the UNICEF report.
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/106714/World/Region/Palestinian-children-tortured,-used-as-shields-by-.aspx
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Executions and rapes by ISIS amount to war crimes: UN
July 21, 2014
The United Nations accused ISIS fighters in Iraq of executions, rape and forced recruitment of children during a campaign to seize much of northern Iraq, part of a conflict it said has killed almost 5,600 civilians this year.
In a report, the UN focused on a range of violations committed against civilians, particularly by the Islamic State formerly known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant though it also said Iraqi forces and allied fighters had not taken precautions to protect civilians from violence.
“(This)... may also amount to war crimes,” it said in its report into months of unrest which culminated in advances by Sunni militants led by the Al Qaeda offshoot ISIS across the north of the country.
“ISIS and associated armed groups have also continued to... perpetrate targeted assassinations (of) community, political, and religious leaders, government employees, education professionals, health workers... sexual assault, rape and other forms of sexual violence against women and girls, forced recruitment of children, kidnappings, executions, robberies.”
The report, the UN’s most comprehensive review of the impact of months of unrest, also accused the ISIS of wanton destruction and plundering of places of worship and of cultural or historical significance.
“Every day we receive accounts of a terrible litany of human rights violations being committed in Iraq against ordinary Iraqi children, women and men, who have been deprived of their security, their livelihoods, their homes, education, healthcare and other basic services,” UN high commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said.
Iraq’s interior ministry, citing testimony from a survivor, said this week that an investigation had revealed the ISIS took 510 Shia prisoners from a Mosul prison to nearby farmland and executed all but 17 who managed to flee.
The report also detailed violations committed by government forces and affiliated groups, citing “summary execu- tions/extrajudicial killings of prisoners and detainees”, which it said may constitute a war crime.
Of the 2,400 people killed in June, 1,531 were civilians, the UN had said earlier this month.
Meanwhile, the ISIS has claimed responsibility for a wave of car bombs in mostly Shia areas of Baghdad which killed at least 27 people on Saturday. The hardline Sunni Islamist organisation said two of the explosions were suicide missions by bombers it named as Abual-Qaaqaa al-Almaani and Abu Abdul Rahman al-Shami noms deguerre which suggested they were from Germany and Syria.
Saturday’s blasts were the deadliest in the Iraqi capital since the Sunni insurgency erupted in the northern city of Mosul and then swept through Sunni regions of Iraq.
http://www.asianage.com/international/executions-rapes-isis-amount-war-crimes-un-895
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UN calls for immediate truce as Gaza toll tops 500
July 21, 2014
GAZA CITY: The UN Security Council called for an “immediate ceasefire” as Israel pressed on with a blistering assault on Gaza on Monday taking the Palestinian death toll above 500.
US President Barack Obama echoed the call in a telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu early Monday, as Secretary of State John Kerry headed to the region to join true efforts.
A fresh air strike on Monday morning killed a family of nine, including seven children, after a weekend of incessant shelling by land, sea and air sent thousands of terrified civilians fleeing their homes.
A man was also killed in a strike on a motorbike, taking the Palestinian death toll to 502 as the Israeli offensive entered its 14th day, medics said.
The Israeli army said 13 soldiers had been killed inside Gaza on Sunday, raising to 18 the number of soldiers killed since a ground operation began late on Thursday.
Gaza’s emergency services spokesperson Ashraf al Qudra said many of the more than 150 Palestinians killed on Sunday – the bloodiest day of fighting in Gaza in years – were women and children.
The Security Council held urgent talks on the conflict, expressing “serious concern about the growing numbers of casualties.”
“The members of the Security Council call for an immediate cessation of hostilities,” said Rwandan ambassador Eugene Richard Gasana, whose country chairs the 15-member council.
Late Sunday, the armed wing of the Hamas movement, which dominates Gaza, claimed it had kidnapped an Israeli soldier, prompting celebrations in the streets of Gaza City and West Bank towns.
“The Israeli soldier Shaul Aaron is in the hands of the Qassam Brigades,” a spokesperson using the nom de guerre Abu Obeida said in a televised address.
Israel’s UN ambassador Ron Prosor denied a soldier had been kidnapped, saying: “Those rumours are untrue.”
However a spokesperson for the Israeli military said they were investigating the claim.
Hamas militants held Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit for more than five years until his release in a 2011 prisoner exchange.
During the Security Council talks, Palestinian envoy Ryad Mansour called for decisive steps to end the violence, and voiced frustration with what he termed the world body’s failure to take a strong stand.
“The Council failed again and again to shoulder its responsibility,” Mansour told reporters.
Prosor said Israel had agreed to earlier ceasefire proposals from Egypt and was acting in self-defence.
Speaking with Netanyahu by telephone early Monday, Obama expressed concern over the deaths on both sides, the White House said.
In their second call in three days, Obama “reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself” but called for an “immediate ceasefire”.
The US top diplomat was flying to Cairo for meetings with senior officials from Egypt, which has been attempting to broker a truce.
British Prime Minister David Cameron also spoke with Netanyahu, voicing “strong support for Israel’s right to take proportionate action to defend itself from” Gaza rockets, while expressing condolences over the Israeli deaths and concern over the “mounting civilian casualties in Gaza.”
Ceasefire discussions between Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal and Palestinian president in Qatar were due to take place on Monday after being delayed by a day.
UN chief Ban Ki-moon was also in Doha where he urged Israel to “exercise maximum restraint”.
“Too many innocent people are dying…(and) living in constant fear,” he told a news conference in Doha.
So far, ceasefire proposals have been rejected by Hamas which has pressed on with its own attacks.
The militants have been demanding that as part of any truce there be a complete end to Israel’s long-standing blockade od Gaza, the Rafah crossing with Egypt be opened, and Israel free scores of veteran prisoners re-arrested in recent weeks.
In the early hours of Monday Israeli jets carried out strikes throughout Gaza, including in southern Rafah and Khan Yunis, and northern Beit Lahiya.
Witnesses said warplanes had bombed the home of Hamas politburo member Imad al Alami in Gaza City, as well as the Khan Yunis home of head of security and police in Gaza, General Saleh Abu Sharekh. No casualties were reported in either attack.
On Sunday, thousands of Palestinians fled the Shejaiya neighbourhood, between Gaza City and the Israeli border, after hours of heavy shelling which killed 72 people, an AFP correspondent reported.
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees UNRWA has opened 61 of its schools to shelter more than 81,000 people who have fled their homes.
The Doctors Without Borders charity urged Israel to “stop bombing civilians trapped in the Gaza Strip”, noting the majority of the injured arriving in the Al Shifa hospital were women and children.
Netanyahu has blamed the civilian casualties on Hamas using innocents “as human shields.”
He insisted on Sunday that the military campaign had strong international backing.
“We are carrying out a complex, deep, intensive activity inside the Gaza Strip and there is world support for this… very strong support,” he said before a security cabinet meeting.
Although Israel said earlier Sunday it was expanding its ground operation to destroy tunnels used by militants to carry out cross-border attacks and fire rockets, Netanyahu said troops could end their mission “fairly quickly”.
His Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon also suggested it could end within days, demanding international action to “demilitarise Gaza”.
Palestinian militants have over the past 12 days fired 1,414 rockets and mortar rounds that hit Israel, with the Iron Dome air defence system intercepting another 377, the army said.
http://tribune.com.pk/story/738675/seven-palestinian-children-among-9-killed-in-israeli-attack-medics/
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Belgian converts form organisation to spread true values of Islam
Kuwait News Agency
July 21, 2014
BRUSSELS, July 20 (KUNA) -- A Belgian Muslim family has established an organisation to help and guide the new converts in Belgium to understand the true message of Islam of peace and tolerance.
It is called "4 New Moslims" and based in Wommelgem, near Antwerp in the Flemish-speaking region in northern Belgium.
The organisation held an Iftar (breaking of the fast in the month of Ramdhan) at the Islamic and Cultural Centre in Brussels Saturday night to explain the goals and the aims of the organisation.
Asked why is it called "4 New Moslims", Mario Cools, the manager of the organsaition, explained to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), in a an interview that it all began with the four members of the family, his wife, daughter, son and himself.
Full report at:
http://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2388553&Language=en
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Luton Islamic Centre distances itself from BBC story about women fighting in Syria
July 21, 2014
AN Islamic Centre has distanced itself from comments made in a BBC article about British women being involved in the Syrian
conflict.
The Luton Islamic Centre, in Bury Park Road, said it ‘actively discourages Muslims from the UK from travelling to Syria to fight’.
It follows a story by the BBC which quoted a Luton Muslim woman saying she would travel there to ‘help or fight’.
In the article, the BBC reporter describes how she spoke to a ‘number of Muslim women in Luton about their desire to be involved’. She says she met one outside the Centre.
The journalist wrote: “The woman is 20 and comes across as strong, intelligent and articulate, and refuses to give her name. But she is clear about why she would fight.”
She told the BBC Muslims are ‘all one body - if one part aches, the whole body aches’.
And she added: ‘I would definitely fight for them because what’s happening to them is not all right..If I could go today, I would’.
Full report at:
http://www.luton-dunstable.co.uk/News/Islamic-Centre-distances-itself-from-Syria-article-20140720090000.htm#ixzz382tIhqRf
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Teachers implicated in plot to Islamize UK schools allowed to ‘keep jobs
July 21, 2014
A deal struck with the Department of Education will allow teachers, who tried to Islamize their schools, to keep their jobs, reports UK press. The so-called ‘Trojan Horse’ scandal forced governors to resign for pushing an “aggressive Muslim agenda.”
In spite of inquiries that have condemned a plot to spread a hardline Islamic ethos in Birmingham schools, the senior teachers involved will keep their jobs, reported the Daily Telegraph.
Citing a letter sent to the parents of children studying at three schools where a strong Islamic agenda was pushed, the publication said senior teacher would stay on because they are “recognized as having strong track records in raising achievement and will have a big contribution to the future leadership of the academies.”
Full report at:
http://rt.com/uk/174184-trojan-horse-scandal-teachers/
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Warning Over 'Terrorist' Label For UK Rebels
July 21, 2014
Muslim leaders in the UK have warned against laws that automatically brand British fighters in Syria as terrorists.
It comes as Home Secretary Theresa May launches a campaign today to discourage young men from going to fight in Syria and Iraq. A short film will focus on the distress it can cause their families.
But some in the Muslim community have told Sky News the Government's legal stance on fighting abroad could "increase the risk" to the UK.
Abdullah al Andalusi, a senior researcher at the Muslim Debate Initiative, said: "It's hypocritical of the UK Government to expect Muslims not to go, if they feel they want to fight in a just war.
Full report at:
http://news.sky.com/story/1304605/warning-over-terrorist-label-for-uk-rebels
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Cartoon made by former extremist aimed at stopping UK Muslims from leaving for Syria
July 21, 2014
A series of cartoons aimed at preventing young British Muslims from joining jihadist groups abroad has been created by a reformed Islamic extremist.
Abdullah-X is the creation of a former extremist, who once followed clerics Abu Hamza and Omar Bakri but now aims to use his cartoons to unpick the teachings of these preachers.
In the cartoons, Abdullah-X is a disillusioned young British Muslim who explores the reasons behind British Muslims' decisions to get involved in extremist activities abroad, but eventually decides that extremism is not the path for him.
In one video Abdullah asks, “You have to kill others to make your world purer. This is what you think Islam is? Are you for real?", while another post questions those who justify “their own hate through Islam.”
Full report at:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/abdullahx-the-new-cartoon-made-by-former-extremist-aimed-at-stopping-britains-young-muslims-from-leaving-for-syria-9604967.html
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London’s Muslims celebrate Ramadan in traditional style
July 21, 2014
London, Asharq Al-Awsat—Despite being expats and practicing different customs to those of the West, Muslims from around the world who are living in London have not abandoned the religious rituals and social customs they practice during Ramadan. The multicultural nature of British cities, and particularly of London, has made ample room for Muslim communities to freely practice their customs and celebrate the holy month.
When you walk the streets of London, at first you are unlikely to notice any signs of Ramadan, except for the occasional iconic double-decker bus driving past with an ad for a Muslim charity on the side, reminding the faithful of their charitable obligations.
The Ramadan atmosphere, though, is hard to miss on Edgware Road, the heart of London’s Arab community, and the other neighborhoods where Muslim communities live. Here, you immediately get a sense of the religious and cultural heritage Muslims have brought with them from their home countries.
Full report at:
http://www.aawsat.net/2014/07/article55334434
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Pakistan
Pakistani Politician Calls for Joint Islamic Army on Pattern of NATO
July 21, 2014
Islamabad, July 21/Nationalturk – A senior Pakistani woman politician has called on Muslim countries to form a joint Islamic army on pattern on NATO to protect the Muslim interests.
“When Western countries, including US, Britain, France, Canada and others could join hands to protect their interests by forming a joint military alliance in the shape of NATO, then why are Muslim countries reluctant to form a joint Islamic army,” said Pakistani woman politician and senior leader of PML-Q Salma Hashmi.
She said the Islamic army should be funded jointly by all Muslim countries and can protect the interest of Muslims.
Expressing concern over the growing civilian casualties in Gaza in Israeli troop’s action, Hashmi said Islamic Army can halt “Israeli atrocities” on the innocent people of Palestine.
“Israeli fighter jets and military tanks have been killing innocent Palestinians including women and children but the governments of Muslim countries have been issuing just condemnation statements,” she said.
Full report at:
http://www.nationalturk.com/en/pakistani-politician-calls-for-joint-islamic-army-on-pattern-of-nato-52527
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NWA air strikes kill 28 terrorists; soldier killed in check-post attack
July 21, 2014
BANNU: The military on Sunday bombed six militant boltholes in the North Waziristan Agency, killing at least 28 insurgents, officials said.The air strikes targeted Shawal village in the North Waziristan Agency, where militants fleeing a military offensive in other parts of the district had taken refuge. “At least 28 local and foreign terrorists were killed in today’s air strikes and their six hideouts were destroyed,” a senior military official told AFP. Local security officials confirmed the account, but it was not possible to independently verify the casualties as the offensive is ongoing and media are banned from the area. Jets and artillery began hitting rebel targets in North Waziristan in mid-June to try to regain full control of the district and ground forces moved in on June 30. The bombing took place in the heavily forested Shawal valley, the military said in a statement. It was part of an offensive that began last month to drive the Taliban from their stronghold in North Waziristan, a remote region that borders Afghanistan.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/national/21-Jul-2014/nwa-air-strikes-kill-28-terrorists-soldier-killed-in-check-post-attack
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‘Unjustified war’: In a first, Afghan Taliban leader opposes TTP’s fight
July 21, 2014
ISLAMABAD: A former Afghan Taliban cadre said on Sunday that the Pakistan Taliban’s war against the state is unjustified as “Islam doesn’t permit Muslims to fight against Muslims”. Agha Jan Mutasim, a former Taliban minister and close aide to Taliban supremo Mullah Omar, also advised the Pakistani government and the army to find a negotiated settlement to the issue.
This is the first time an Afghan Taliban leader has publicly opposed the Pakistani Taliban’s campaign against the state.
“The war of the Pakistani Taliban against the Muslim army and the government of Muslims is against Islam as our religion doesn’t permit this,” Mutasim told The Express Tribune in an exclusive telephone interview on Sunday. “The religious leaders of Pakistan and other influential people should play an active role to end the war in Pakistan as fighting is not in favour of anyone,” he added.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/738596/unjustified-war-in-a-first-afghan-taliban-leader-opposes-ttps-fight/
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‘Politicians of conflict’ not sincere with country: Khawaja Asif
July 21, 2014
SIALKOT: Federal Minister for Defence, Water and Power Khawaja Asif says the elements doing politics of conflict are not sincere with the nation and those doing ‘Azadi March’ or bringing about the so-called revolution must first think about political and economical stability of the country.
He was talking to the party workers and people at his residence in Cantt here on Sunday.
Mr Asif said the Zarb-i-Azb operation would continue until complete elimination of terrorism and militancy. He said the government would not leave the internally displaced persons (IDPs) alone in this very hard time as they had sacrificed a lot by leaving their homes in the war against terrorists. He said the PML-N government had assured the security of the IDPs and smooth provision of all the basic facilities to them.
Full report at:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1120622/politicians-of-conflict-not-sincere-with-country-khawaja-asif
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Karachi: Man, woman killed in name of honour
July 21, 2014
KARACHI: Police found bullet-riddled bodies of a man and a woman in a home in the Moinabad area of Landhi, who were believed to be gunned down in the name of honour, said police on Sunday.
Sharafi Goth police said that Naila, 22, and Azeem Khan, 30, were allegedly killed by Musawwir Ali, the girl’s brother in the name of honour at around 1.30am.
Police claimed to have arrested the suspect and seized a 30-bore pistol allegedly used in the double murder.
The bodies were shifted to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre for post-mortem examinations.
http://www.dawn.com/news/1120539/karachi-man-woman-killed-in-name-of-honour
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Pakistan gives free hand to Imran for ‘azadi march’
Jul 21, 2014 - Shafqat Ali | Islamabad
Pakistan’s government has given a free hand to the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) to hold its azadi (independence) march on August 14 as the party’s chief Imran Khan promised to keep the rally peaceful, official sources said.
“There will be no Army to stop the azadi march. Only Rangers and the police will ensure security. Mr Khan has promised that the march will be peaceful,” said a senior government official. The PTI and the government did not disclose if the venue for the march had been changed as the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) has also planned an independence day rally on August 14 at the same venue where PTI has announced to hold a protest demonstration. However, the PTI leaders had earlier hinted that the venue may be shifted from D-Chowk to some other place after consultations.
Full report at:
http://www.asianage.com/international/pakistan-gives-free-hand-imran-azadi-march-984
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Arab World
Muslim Council Of Elders Wants To Try To End Deaths Around World
July 21, 2014
ABU DHABI // A Muslim Council of Elders had been formed in a bid to find a solution to the violent problems plaguing Muslim countries around the world.
Egyptian Grand Imam, Sheikh Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb, Sheikh of Al Azhar, said that “it was necessary that we stood up and say we have to take responsibility as Muslim scholars to face this wave of extremism and fundamentalism”.
“We are witnessing these extremists groups, this fundamentalism where some people pretend to be Muslim and are spreading chaos and terrorism using weapons and killing other and contributing to the bloodshed of innocents,” Dr Al Tayeb said.
Made up of one Emirati woman and 13 men – including another Emirati – the members of the newly former council come from the Mena region and the United States.
The establishment of the group followed recommendations that came out of the Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies, which was held in Dubai in March.
“This Ummah, the Islamic Ummah, we wanted to have peace between its people, between its societies, but unfortunately this is not the case nowadays,” said Dr Al Tayeb.
“We have to ask the questions: how this is turning upside down? Why we are witnessing nowadays these bad situations after almost 1,500 years?”
Dr Al Tayeb said: “In the United Arab Emirates, we thank its leaders for taking the initiatives to launch the Muslim Council of Elders because we are all threatened by the dangers and threats of these groups.”
Full report at:
http://www.thenational.ae/uae/muslim-council-of-elders-wants-to-try-to-end-deaths-around-world#ixzz382vUXEOA
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Iraq: 13 ISIL Terrorists Killed in Salahuddin
Jul 21, 2014
Samarra Operations Command announced killing 13 terrorists affiliated to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Dhuluiya area of Salahuddin province.
"The brave security forces clashed with the ISIL terrorists, killing 5 of them at al-Dhuluiya Airport and 8 others at the cemetery of the area," a statement by the Samarra Operations cited, Alforat News Agency reported.
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13930430000750
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Overnight attacks in Iraq kill at least 16 people
Associated Press | Baghdad | July 21, 2014
Attacks overnight in two Iraqi cities killed at least 16 people, officials said on Monday as authorities struggle to stop the Sunni militants’ offencive that has left huge areas in northern and western Iraq outside of government control.
In one of the attacks, mortar rounds rained down on Shiite neighbourhoods in the town of Mahmoudiya last night, killing 11 civilians and wounding 31, a police official said. The mixed Shiite-Sunni town is about 30 kilometres (20 miles) south of Baghdad.
And in Baghdad’s western suburb of Abu Ghraib, a roadside bomb struck an army patrol, killing two soldiers and three volunteers who took up arms following the Sunni militant push across Iraq in recent weeks. Eighth people were wounded in that attack, said the police official.
Full report at:
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/middle-east-africa/overnight-attacks-in-iraq-kill-at-least-16-people/
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Is Iraq’s Kurdish region outside of ISIS’ calculus?
July 21, 2014
Iraqi Kurds have remained unscathed so far from any major assault by the radical Islamic State of Iraq and Syria not only because of their defensive force represented in the Peshmerga but also because of ISIS’ priority of toppling the government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, according to analysts.
Initially, some observers believed that the lack of an overt confrontation between ISIS and Kurds in Iraq was due to some understanding between the two sides. In addition, Maliki accused the Kurdistan Regional Government of supporting ISIS.
“The loose alliance of insurgents is united by only one common objective: a desire to take Baghdad and topple Maliki’s regime, which they consider to be an Iranian proxy,” Ali Khedery, who was the longest continuously serving American official in Iraq from 2003 to 2009, told Al Arabiya News.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/perspective/2014/07/20/Is-Iraq-s-Kurdish-region-outside-of-ISIS-calculus-.html
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Syrian Army Takes Full Control of Strategic Stronghold in Damascus Countryside
Jul 21, 2014
The Syrian army regained full control of a strategic military zone in Jobar countryside in the Southern parts of the country, informed sources announced on Monday.
The Al-Qaeda-linked militants were pushed back from Arafeh stronghold in Damascus countryside by the Syrian troops supported by the artillery units, an informed Syrian military source told FNA on Monday.
The military source reiterated that the Syrian army also purged the nearby buildings of terrorists.
"The Syrian army in the second phase of its operations fortified its positions in these regions and cleared them of mines and bombs," the source said.
The Syrian army started its military operations in Jobar town with the primary aim of regaining control over Arafeh stronghold in the same area earlier today.
Full report at:
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13930430000409
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Arab League condemns Israeli war crimes in Gaza's Shejaiya
July 21, 2014
The Arab League on Sunday lashed out at Israel for pounding Gaza's Shejaiya district, accusing the Tel Aviv of "war crimes," and called for an "immediate stop" to its offensive.
More than 60 Palestinians were killed Sunday as Israeli forces bombarded Shejaiya, sending thousands fleeing in the deadliest assault on the Palestinian enclave in five years.
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/106694/World/Region/Arab-League-condemns-Israeli-war-crimes-in-Gazas-S.aspx
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Looking to Shore Up Civilian Support, ISIS Hands Out Alms in Raqqa During Ramadan
July 21, 2014
RAQQA, Syria – After declaring itself the Islamic Caliphate in a June 29 speech by leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is now seeking to consolidate its power in eastern Syria, a crucial step in the formation of a cross-border autonomous state. It remains in uncontested control of Raqqa, the city from which it gathered enough strength to launch its June offensive on the Iraqi city of Mosul.
But despite its growing power in Raqqa and Deir Ezzor provinces, the group has faced increasing backlash and even occasional public protest from civilians who are fed up with its particularly harsh brand of Sharia law, which among other things says that women should be covered head to toe and bans alcohol and extramarital sex.
The Sunni militant group is now seeking to pacify locals in its stronghold. Activists and residents here say that since the start of Ramadan on June 27, fighters have been handing out zakat, or alms, of 2,000 Syrian pounds ($12) to every person who pledges allegiance to ISIS. Once a person pledges allegiance, he or she receives an Islamic State stamp on their Syrian identity card.
Full report at:
http://www.syriadeeply.org/articles/2014/07/5813/shore-civilian-support-isis-hands-alms-raqqa-ramadan/
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South Asia
20 Taliban militants killed in counter-terrorism operations
July 21, 2014
At least 20 Taliban militants were killed following counter-terrorism operations in the past 24 hours.
The Ministry of Interior (MoI), following a statement said Monday that the militants were killed in Uruzgan, Herat, Helmand, Faryab, Baghlan, Ghazni, Kandahar and Maidan Wardak provinces.
The statement further added Afghan national army, Afghan national police and Afghan intelligence – national directorate of security (NDS) operatives jointly conducted the operations.
At least 1 Taliban militant was also injured and 6 others were arrested during the operations, MoI said.
The statemen tby MoI also added that Afghan security forces confiscated various types of weapons, ammunition and explosives during the operations.
Afghan police forces also neutralized two improvised explosive device (IED) during operations in Kandahar and Khost provinces, MoI said.
The Taliban militants group has not commented regarding the report so far.
http://www.khaama.com/20-taliban-militants-killed-in-counter-terrorism-operations-8347
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Sri Lanka begins repatriation of Afghans
July 21, 2014
COLOMBO: The government has started repatriating at state expense Afghan nationals who had claimed asylum in Sri Lanka, the Sunday Times said in a report on Sunday.
Quoting the Immigration Controller Mr Chulananda Perera, the newspaper said that five Afghans had been ‘voluntarily repatriated’ to their own country with more to follow.
The newspaper said that a spokesperson at the Colombo office of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees said they were not aware of the repatriation of any arrested asylum seekers but were discussing the issue with government authorities.
The controller had stated that the repatriations of more Afghan and Pakistani families would take place in the coming weeks. Another immigration official said they had filed applications with the UNHCR, seeking asylum.
Full report at:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1120514/sri-lanka-begins-repatriation-of-afghans
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Heavy explosion rocks southern Helmand province
July 21, 2014
A heavy explosion rocked Helmand province in southern Afghanistan on Monday, leaving at least two people dead.
The incident took place around 12:00 pm local time after a suicide bomber rammed a vehicle packed with explosives in to the vehicles convoy of the Afghan security forces.
Provincial governor spokesman, Omar Zwak, confirmed that two people including a police man were killed following the attack.
Zwak further added that fifteen others including eight policemen were injured following the explosion.
No group including the Taliban militants has so far claimed responsibility behind the incident.
http://www.khaama.com/heavy-explosion-rocks-southern-helmand-province-8349
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ISI has been effective in fighting terror, says China’s new Afghan envoy
July 21, 2014
He was responding to concerns of Indian and Afghan officials
China’s newly appointed special envoy for Afghanistan Sun Yuxi on Monday strongly backed the role played by Pakistan in fighting terrorism amid concern from some Afghan and Indian officials about the destabilising role played by Pakistan-linked terror groups in the country.
Rejecting suggestions that elements in the Pakistani government or the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) were fanning the terror problem in neighbouring Afghanistan, Mr. Sun said the ISI “has been effective in fighting against terrorism”.
The May 23 attack by gunmen on India’s Consulate in Herat was blamed by President Hamid Karzai on the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
Mr. Sun, a former Ambassador to Afghanistan and India who was appointed as special envoy last week and will leave for Kabul on Tuesday on his first visit in his new post, said in an interaction with journalists, "I think as an agency for the government and military for Pakistan, the ISI has been effective in fighting against terrorism. As for the specific [Herat] case, I have not been following regional developments for some time but I do believe that the Pakistan government or any responsible agency of Pakistan will only fight against terrorism instead of being involved with any terrorist groups”.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/isi-has-been-effective-in-fighting-terror-says-chinas-new-afghan-envoy/article6233807.ece
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HRW urges Hasina for disbanding RAB
Tribune Online Report
July 21, 2014
Human Rights Watch has urged Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to disband the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).
The New York-based rights organisation made the call in an open letter to Sheikh Hasina.
Until it is disbanded, RAB should be made into an entirely civilian force by withdrawing all military officers and soldiers from its membership, it said.
In the letter, HRW said the evidences that RAB officers were responsible for the contract killings of seven men in April 2014 have provoked outrage in Bangladesh. These are yet another example of how the unit has operated as a death squad.
Full report at:
http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2014/jul/21/hrw-urges-hasina-disbanding-rab#sthash.ZaoER550.dpuf
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Mideast
Palestinian death toll in Gaza fighting at 508
Associated Press | Gaza City | July 21, 2014
The death toll among Palestinians from the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip reached 508 on Monday, Gaza health officials said as the two sides counted their dead following the bloodiest day of fighting so far in the two-week campaign. Diplomatic efforts to broker a cease-fire intensified amid the mounting carnage.
In New York, the U.N. Security Council expressed “serious concern” about Gaza’s rising civilian death toll and demanded an immediate end to the fighting following an emergency session.
U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon pressed ahead with his push for a truce in a trip to the region, and was expected in Cairo later Monday. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry was also heading back this week to bolster regional efforts to reach a cease-fire.
As Israeli airstrikes continued to pound Gaza on Monday, rescue workers near the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis were digging out bodies from a home flattened in one of the strikes overnight, said Ashraf al-Kidra, a Gaza health ministry official.
Full report at:
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/middle-east-africa/palestinian-death-toll-in-gaza-fighting-at-508/99/
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Gaza endures bloodiest day as over 100 die in blitz
July 21, 2014
Gaza endured the bloodiest day of the offensive yesterday when 13 Israeli soldiers and more than 100 Palestinians were killed, including scores who fell victim to the heaviest bombardment of the campaign.
Israeli forces pounded the suburb of Shejaiya with air strikes and heavy artillery, killing at least 62 Palestinians and forcing thousands to flee their homes.
But Israel's ground invasion of the Gaza Strip, designed to protect its cities from rocket attack, has increased the risk to its own forces. A military statement said that "over the course of the day" 13 soldiers from the Golani Brigade of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) were "killed in combat".
That amounts to Israel's heaviest military loss in a single day since the assault on the West Bank town of Jenin in 2002. Until the ground offensive began last Thursday, no Israeli troops had died during Operation Protective Edge. Since then, 18 have been killed. Rockets launched from Gaza have also killed two Israeli civilians. Undaunted by the Israeli bombardment by land, sea and air, Hamas has pressed on with its own assaults.
Full report at:
http://www.independent.ie/world-news/middle-east/gaza-endures-bloodiest-day-as-over-100-die-in-blitz-30446396.html#sthash.IHTQvX9c.dpuf
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Two soldiers killed fighting for Israel were U.S. citizens
21 July 2014
Two American men were among the 13 Israeli soldiers killed in the conflict in Gaza on Sunday, the U.S. State Department said, the bloodiest day of the conflict, in which about 100 Palestinians were also killed.
Max Steinberg, a native of California’s San Fernando Valley, was a sniper in the Golani Brigade of the Israel Defense Forces, according to a letter sent by the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles to its email list.
Nissim Sean Carmeli, of South Padre Island in Texas, was also fighting in the Golani Brigade, the Houston Chronicle reported.
The U.S. Department of State confirmed both deaths, and said both men were citizens of the United States. It was not immediately clear whether they also held Israeli citizenship.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/07/21/Two-soldiers-killed-fighting-for-Israel-were-U-S-citizens.html
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Netanyahu says Gaza assault has ‘very strong’ international support
July 21, 2014
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Israel won “international legitimacy” for its ongoing military assault on Gaza, which has claimed the lives of more than 430 Palestinians over the past 13 days.
Netanyahu said Israel's right to self-defense in the face of militant rocket fire from Gaza has “very strong” international support.
“We are carrying out a complex, deep, intensive activity inside the Gaza Strip and there is world support for this ... very strong support within the international community for the activity that the IDF is doing,” he said at a press conference in the defense ministry in Tel Aviv.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/07/21/Netanyahu-says-Gaza-assault-has-very-strong-international-support-.html
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Defense Minister: We're prepared to continue fighting until we bring quiet to Gaza
July 21, 2014
The IDF will call up reservists and continue fighting until quiet is returned, Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon told the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Monday.
Overnight Sunday, more forces entered Gaza to find terrorist tunnels in new areas of the Strip, Ya'alon told MKs, saying it is unfortunate that Hamas terrorists harmed IDF soldiers.
"We are prepared to continue the operation as long as necessary, and, if necessary, to enlist more combat forces from the reserves until we bring quiet to the Gaza Strip," Ya'alon stated.
Ya'alon listed several efforts being made as part of Operation Protective Edge: The central one, to destroy terror tunnels, stopping rocket and missile shootings at different ranges.
The IDF struck over 2,700, including rocket launchers, tunnels and terrorists' homes, he added.
Full report at:
http://www.jpost.com/Operation-Protective-Edge/Yaalon-Were-prepared-to-continue-fighting-until-we-bring-quiet-to-Gaza-364657
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Presidential candidate Demirtaş: ‘Turkey fanning the flames of the Middle East’
July 21, 2014
Turkey is fanning the flames of turmoil in the Middle East, according to Selahattin Demirtaş, the presidential candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), which is seeking to expand beyond its Kurdish base in next month’s election.
Speaking to the Hürriyet Daily News in an exclusive interview, Demirtaş also criticized the government for halting the European Union accession process, saying the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) “stopped the reform process when it no longer needed the EU.”
What do you think a foreign observer would think about Turkey and the Kurdish question if he or she listened to your presidential program?
I speak in order for people to think of good and correct things about Turkey. We propose a ‘new life.’ A new Turkey can only be possible with a new life that will eliminate all the old habits. In fact, we want to carry the life that is being lived in the street to power, to the presidency. I’m not talking about building a new society, I’m not talking about social engineering. I’m talking about a new system of administering the state. Turkey is a rich and beautiful country as far as its people and society is concerned, but the relationship between the state and the people isn’t good.
Full report at:
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/presidential-candidate-demirtas-turkey-fanning-the-flames-of-the-middle-east.aspx?pageID=238&nID=69383&NewsCatID=338
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Africa
Rival militia clashes in Libya takes death toll to 47
Associated Press | Cairo | July 21, 2014
Libya’s Health Ministry says clashes between rival militias fighting for control of the international airport in the capital, Tripoli, have killed 47 people over the past 24 hours.
The ministry said on its website late Sunday that the fighting also left 120 people wounded. It also says it hasn’t yet received all casualty reports.
The weeklong battle over the airport is being waged by a powerful militia from the western city of Zintan, which controls the facility, and Islamist-led militias, including fighters from Misrata, east of Tripoli.
The clashes resumed Sunday after cease-fire efforts failed.
Libya is going through one of its worst spasms of violence since the 2011 ouster of longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi. Rival militias have forced a weeklong closure of gas stations and government offices.
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/middle-east-africa/rival-militia-clashes-in-libya-takes-death-toll-to-47/
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Nigeria Islamists kill more than 40 in northeast
July 21, 2014
MAIDUGURI Nigeria - Suspected Islamists raided the remote northeast Nigerian town of Damboa over the weekend, shooting dead more than 40 residents and burning down houses in a familiar pattern of killing that has forced tens of thousands to flee their homes this year.
Witnesses and a security source said the gunmen, thought to be members of Boko Haram, struck before dawn on Saturday. They added that the near total lack of phone network meant no one could call for help.
Boko Haram, which is fighting for an Islamic state in Nigeria, has relentlessly targeted civilians this year, mostly in the remote, hilly region bordering northern Cameroon.
Survivor Abdul Bulama, a resident who fled Damboa to the nearby town of Biu, said 46 bodies had been recovered for burial. A security source in Maiduguri, the main city in the northeast and birthplace of the insurgency, said more than 40 had died.
"Everybody is in fear now that Boko Haram may return for more attacks," Bulama said. "The town is deserted."
Full report at:
http://news.yahoo.com/nigeria-islamists-kill-more-40-northeast-071603628.html
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Boko Haram: Radical Islamic Terrorist Group Plants Flag in another Town in Northeast
July 21, 2014
Boko Haram has hoisted its flag over yet another village in Nigeria Saturday following a two-day attack, sans Nigerian military, that left at least 100 dead.
Damboa, which is located in the north-eastern state of Borno, is the latest of many Boko Haram conquests, according to the Wall Street Journal.
After years of spontaneous attacks, the radical Islamic terrorist group has begun planting flags in the northeast.
Mountains bordering Cameroon are now dotted with Boko Harams black and white flags, and the group has forced the young men to become fighters and enslaved the women, officals told WSJ.
Full report at:
http://www.latinpost.com/articles/17633/20140720/boko-haram-plants-a-flag-in-yet-another-nigerian-town-in-the-northeast.htm
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Nigeria's free-wheeling media fears crackdown over Boko Haram battle
July 21, 2014
(Reuters) - Nigeria's press is traditionally free to write almost anything about anyone - whether it's true or not. But reporters fear a government sensitive to criticism is now cracking down, especially on coverage of the battle against Boko Haram.
After 15 years of democracy, journalists believe the state is trying to tame the vibrant, prolific media during its faltering campaign to stamp out the militant Islamist group.
One Friday last month the army seized newspaper print-runs, halted distribution vans across the country and ransacked offices of newspaper distributors and agents, detaining staff for several hours, the Nigerian Press Organisation said.
For Femi Adesina, now editor-in-chief of Nigeria's top tabloid, The Sun, this awoke bad memories of life under military rule, when reporters were routinely hauled in for questioning over their news stories.
Full report at:
http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/07/21/nigeria-press-idINKBN0FQ09T20140721
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Sudan's Darfur rebels say claims they killed 13 'fabricated'
July 21, 2014
Rebels in Sudan's Darfur on Monday denied killing 13 civilians, calling government claims of their involvement a fabrication.
The official news agency SUNA said the "innocent citizens" died on Saturday in an ambush on a commercial convoy about 30 kilometres (19 miles) west of El Fasher, the North Darfur capital.
State governor Osman Kbir blamed "armed movements", a term officials use to refer to rebels, calling the attack "heinous aggression".
But Hussein Minnawi, a member of the political bureau of the Sudan Liberation Army faction headed by Minni Minnawi, said the claim was "clearly something fabricated."
"Our forces were not there and it is not usual that our forces can do anything like that," he said.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/106740/World/Region/Sudans-Darfur-rebels-say-claims-they-killed--fabri.aspx
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India
We Must Be Offensive towards India: Hafiz Mohammed Saeed
Jul 21, 2014 - Shafqat Ali | Islamabad
Jamaat-ud Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Mohammed Saeed has said that Pakistan should be offensive towards India.
“We should push the proxy war back to India. We should opt for offence than defence as it is said by military masters that offence is the best defence,” Saeed said.
He said the Muslim nations could deal with all the enemies of Ummah (nation), including “India, if they unite on a single platform in true spirit”. He said the issue of Palestine was also deeply linked with the unity of the Muslim nations across the globe. The US has utilised the funds of some West Asian states to destroy the Muslims, while Washington and Islamabad are partners only in diplomatic terms, but are not enjoying cordial ties, said Hafiz Saeed at an Iftar dinner hosted by JuD in Lahore on Saturday night.
Full report at:
http://www.asianage.com/international/we-must-be-offensive-towards-india-hafiz-mohammed-saeed-988
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Radical online content sways Tamil Nadu Muslim youths
TNN | Jul 21, 2014
CUDDALORE: The arrests of Tamil Nadu Muslims or Muslims of Tamil origin in terror acts, aborted missions or sinister plots have raised concerns among Indian security agencies about the reach of militant groups from the Middle-East and Pakistan's ISI.
The end of the ethnic war in Sri Lanka is believed to have spawned a generation of youths there who are brainwashed by ISI to target parts of southern India which until now were untouched by terror.
Intelligence agencies claim to have uncovered crucial information following the arrests of two such alleged ISI operatives, Zahir Hussain and Tamim Ansari, by TN police. Some of the leads concern plots to target keysensitive installations located in the southern states along the coast. Tamim Ansari was apparently assigned to cultivate residents in and around the key naval base in Visakhapatnam.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Radical-online-content-sways-Tamil-Nadu-Muslim-youths/articleshow/38767839.cms
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Historic ties between KSA, India stressed by Prince Faisal bin Salman
July 21, 2014
Madinah Gov. Prince Faisal bin Salman has highlighted the historic Saudi-Indian relations and commended the contribution of Indian expatriate workers to the Kingdom’s development.
The governor made this comment while receiving an Indian delegation led by A.P. Abubacker Musliyar, general secretary of All-India Muslim Association, said Shaikh Mohammed Rafik, chairman of Gammon Group.
Speaking with Arab News, Rafik said Prince Faisal also emphasized the Saudi government’s efforts in the service of the millions of pilgrims who come for Haj and Umrah and expansion of the two holy mosques.
“Prince Faisal noted that Indian workers were the greatest beneficiaries of the amnesty declared by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for foreigners to correct their legal status,” Rafik said.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/news/605211
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North America
Obama urges ‘immediate ceasefire,’ sends Kerry for talks
21 July 2014
President Barack Obama called for an "immediate ceasefire" in Gaza on Sunday, on the bloodiest day of fighting between Israelis and Palestinians, and dispatched top US diplomat John Kerry for talks with regional leaders.
Obama spoke by telephone with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to express his concern after more than 100 Palestinians and 13 Israeli soldiers were killed in one day.
Obama, who also condemned attacks by Hamas on Israel, "raised serious concern about the growing number of casualties, including increasing Palestinian civilian deaths in Gaza and the loss of Israeli soldiers," the White House said in a statement.
During their second call in three days about the escalating situation in Gaza, Obama and Netanyahu "discussed Israel's ongoing military operation," including "the loss of Israeli soldiers," the White House added.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/07/21/Obama-urges-immediate-ceasefire-sends-Kerry-for-talks-.html
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U.S. Commander dreads reservations over North Waziristan operation
July 21, 2014
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commander of NATO-led forces in Afghanistan, General Joseph Dunford, told Congress about his reservations on the overall effectiveness of the army operations in North Waziristan.
"They had some success against the Pakistani Taliban and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan in North Waziristan from the best that we can tell, but they certainly had less success against the Haqqani Network and others that we would have wanted to see,” the Commander said.
U.S. Commander however stressed the need for strong ties with Pakistan and the importance of reframing relationship with Islamabad.
Dunford, who has been nominated by U.S. President Barack Obama as Commander of U.S. Marine Corps, while responding to a question said the situation is extremely complex and dangerous with the Taliban taking shelter in Pakistan.
Responding to further questions, Dunford said the Taliban and other terrorist organizations are determined to carry out attacks similar to 9/11.
http://www.nation.com.pk/national/20-Jul-2014/u-s-commander-dreads-reservations-over-north-waziristan-operation
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US urged to support operation even after pullout from Afghanistan
July 21, 2014
WASHINGTON: A five-member defence delegation from Pakistan has urged the United States to devise a mechanism for continuing to support the operation against Taliban militants in Fata even after its withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The delegation, which visited the United States last week, has also asked the Obama administration to re-evaluate its plan to withdraw all American troops from the country by the end of 2016.
The delegation had a series of meetings with Pentagon and State Department officials and lawmakers in Washington and also visited Tampa, Florida, for a meeting with the Commander of the US Central Command, who supervises the region, which includes Pakistan.
“In all these meetings, they stressed the need for reviewing the US withdrawal plan and for developing a mechanism to help Pakistan fight the militants,” said an official familiar with the talks.
Full report at:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1120521/us-urged-to-support-operation-even-after-pullout-from-afghanistan
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Kansas City Muslim communities recognize month of fasting with Mayor Sly James
July 21, 2014
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - In a time when passenger airlines are being shot out of the sky, Palestinians are being invaded and Israelis are dodging missiles, Muslim communities from across the Kansas City metropolitan area gathered to promote peace and understanding during the Islamic month of Ramadan.
The month is considered the most spiritual of the Islamic calendar, for Muslims believe this is the month when God revealed the Quran, the religion’s holy book, to Prophet Mohammed.
During Ramadan, Muslims recognize those less fortunate by making charitable contributions. They re-establish their relationship with God and rid themselves of distractions by not eating or drinking any food or water during the daylight hours. At sunset, Muslims break the fast with a traditional dinner known as iftar.
Full report at:
http://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/kansas-city-muslim-communities-recognize-month-of-fasting-with-mayor-sly-james
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Kerry Blasts Israel in Hot Mic Moment
July 21, 2014
In an unusual moment during Fox News Sunday, host Chris Wallace presented Secretary of State John Kerry with video recorded before he came on air.
Wallace presented the segment as being in reference to civilians killed in fighting in the Gaza Strip, writes the Washington Post. "While you were on camera and while on microphone," Wallace said, "you spoke to one of your top aides between the interviews about the situation in Israel." He then played what the network had recorded. In the clip, Kerry is holding a cellphone conversation with an unidentified person, but Kerry's comments are clear.
"It's a hell of a pinpoint operation," he says, then repeats it. "Hell of a pinpoint operation." This is an apparent reference to Israel's insistence that its incursion into the region would be limited. The conversation continues, and Kerry then says, "We've got to get over there. I think we ought to go tonight." He then calls it "crazy" to be "sitting around."
Full report at:
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/183114#.U8wdDeNdU4U
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Southeast Asia
Islamic Defenders Front Sends Volunteers to Gaza
July 21, 2014
Jakarta. Some 15 Islamic hardliners from Indonesia have left for war-torn Gaza where they hope to provide aid to the Palestinian people, the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) said on Friday.
“Five days ago, two of our members departed, along with 13 other volunteers from MMI and JAT, to Gaza from Yogyakarta,” FPI Central Java chapter head Syihabudin said, as quoted by news portal Kompas.com.
The two other organizations he referred to were hardline groups Majelis Mujahidin Indonesia (MMI) and Jamaah Ansharut Tauhid (JAT).
Fighting in Gaza has intensified over the past 24 hours after Israel launched a ground invasion in an a attempt to stop rocket fire from Palestinian militants on Thursday night.
The campaign follows violence over the grisly murder of a Palestinian teenager, which was itself an apparent revenge for the kidnap and killing of three Israeli youths in the occupied West Bank.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/islamic-defenders-front-sends-volunteers-gaza/
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Court orders 'Allah' CDs returned to clerk
July 21, 2014
KUALA LUMPUR: Clerk Jill Ireland Lawrence Bill has succeeded in her bid to have the Home Ministry return eights CDs containing the word "Allah", which the ministry had confiscated from her more than six years ago.
Kuala Lumpur High Court (Appellate and Special Powers) judge Justice Zaleha Yusof quashed the Home Minister's decision to seize the religious CDs under the grounds that the CDs used prohibited terms and breached Malaysia Islamic Development Department (Jakim) guidelines.
She also ordered the CDs returned to the owner.
However, Justice Zaleha only allowed for two of the 11 demands in Jill Ireland's judicial review, and ordered the ministry to pay her RM5,000 in costs.
In her judgement, Justice Zaleha said it was clear a senior authorised officer could only seize materials pending a decision of the minister, although there was no provision for the minister to delegate power to a subordinate.
Full report at:
http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/07/21/Jill-Ireland-Allah-CD-case/
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Terrorism not covered by policy
July 21, 2014
PETALING JAYA: Basic travel insurance policies, which most airlines offer to passengers, do not provide cover for acts of war and terrorism.
As such, air travellers have been advised to either upgrade their policies or buy travel insurance that would specifically insure them in the event of such acts.
“Acts of war and terrorism are excluded in the basic insurance policies offered by most airlines,” said an aviation insurance official.
The official said like in the case of motor insurance policies, where a person can either get a standard policy or pay additional premium to get coverage for floods and other incidents, some travel insurance policies come with options to cover terrorism and acts of war.
Malaysia Airlines, for example, offers passengers options to buy a travel insurance policy called MH Insure but it does not cover acts of war or terrorism.
Full report at:
http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/07/21/Terrorism-not-covered-by-policy-Insurance-official-Travellers-advised-to-upgrade-to-premium/
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/berlin-imam-prays-allah-to/d/98229