Bollywood Veteran Javed Akhtar Asks Indian Muslim Clerics To 'Unconditionally' Condemn Taliban Law Permitting Domestic Violence
New Age Islam News Bureau
22 February 2026
Javed Akhtar
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• Bollywood veteran Javed Akhtar asks Indian Muslim clerics to ‘unconditionally’ condemn Taliban law permitting domestic violence
• Pakistan carries out strikes in Afghanistan, ‘killing and wounding dozens
• ‘Reckless, dangerous, with grave consequences’: Islamic nations blast US envoy to Tel Aviv for saying Israel has biblical right on Middle East
• Pakistani airstrikes kill 18 family members in Nangarhar province, officials say
• Health Ministry targets fewer than 50 food poisoning cases per 100,000 by 2030, steps up Ramadan bazaar monitoring
• Huckabee's remarks on Israel's 'biblical rights' to region draw wave of Arab and Islamic condemnation
• 'It is heart-breaking' - Muslim community reacts to death of 18-year-old stabbed after
• Trump presented with plans including killing Iran's supreme leader Khamenei and his son, report says
• Cyprus’ air force, navy declared terrorist organisations by Iran
India
• Cleric’s Meeting With PM, Clean Chit On Muslim Safety Stir Debate In Poll-Bound Kerala
• Maharashtra decision to scrap 5% Muslim quota challenged in High Court
• Allahabad HC quashes criminal case against Muslim students for offering namaz at restricted site
• Interview: Ashraf Zaidi on ‘Why India Should Stand with Iran in the Event of a War with the United States and Its Allies’
• Everyday Muslim: Breaking Stereotypes In Hindi Cinema's Muslim Portrayals
• The Great Shamsuddin Family: Indian Muslim Representation AndThe Cost At Which It Comes
• IUML slams SFI's beef fest against 'Kerala Story 2' film
• Two Muslim minor boys booked in Guna over ‘innocent’ prank: cows in skullcaps spark FIR
• Marrying for love? Nanny state brings parents into the loop
• Shimla DC orders report on silt hazards in Sutlej in Sunni
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Pakistan
• 17 Afghan Civilians Killed in Pakistan Airstrikes Along Border Region
• 'Such acts of aggression...': Taliban-led Afghanistan's BIG warning to Pakistan after airstrikes — Another conflict soon?
• Pakistan joins 13 nations slamming US ambassador's comment on Israeli expansion
• KPK CM’s job at risk: Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif
• 'Will not allow Pakistan's dignity to be compromised': Mohsin Naqvi steps in after hockey fiasco
• 2 Punjab cops found shot dead at a checkpoint near Pakistan border
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Mideast
• Islamic State begins new phase of operations against Syrian regime with two terror attacks
• US envoy’s remarks on Israel’s regional control spark uproar in Muslim world
• Iran Declares EU Naval, Air Forces Terrorist in Reciprocal Move
• Tehran announces reciprocal action after EU move against IRGC
• 33rd International Holy Quran Exhibition opens in Tehran
• Turkey positions itself as universities hub for Muslim students
• Tar Halva: Traditional Iranian Ramadan dessert
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South Asia
• Pakistani airstrikes hit Nangarhar, 23 trapped under rubble
• Abdullah Condemns Pakistani Airstrikes On Eastern Afghanistan
• Need for Responsible Diplomacy to Overcome Border Tensions
• Big boost to India-Bangladesh relations, Agartala-Dhaka direct bus trial runs held, service likely to resume from…
• India-Bangladesh maritime cooperation stayed the course despite political shifts
• Bangladesh Urges Review of US Trade Deal After US Supreme Court Ruling on Tariffs
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Southeast Asia
• Housing minister: Madani govt approves RM123.7m for 1,048 non-Muslim houses of worship nationwide
• Tuberculosis cases in Malaysia cross 3,100; Ramadan not the cause, says Health Ministry
• Madinah Municipality Enhances Integrated Services For Prophet's Mosque Visitors And Residents
• No change in Johor Ramadan bazaar SOPs despite rise in TB cases, says official
• ‘A special gift to Muslims’: How tarawih prayers inspire young worshippers in Kuching this Ramadan
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Arab world
• Saudi Arabia, Arab and Islamic Countries Condemn Statements by the US Ambassador to Israel
• Qatar Red Crescent Society implements Ramadan Iftar projects in several countries
• Young Egyptian footballer dies in traffic accident during Ramadan charity
• Turkish village breaks fast at two different times across one street
• How Saudi Arabia’s five Founding Day symbols tell a 299-year story
• How Founding Day has grown since becoming an official holiday in 2022
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Europe
• ASIO gives OK for radical Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir to be banned under new hate speech laws
• Russian attacks kill 11, injure 38 in Ukraine over past day
• Could Ukraine's FP-5 Flamingo Cruise Missile Strike Surpass russia's Kalibr Combat Range Record?
• Former UK PM Boris Johnson says UK should immediately send non-combat troops to Ukraine
• Former pub name honour for first Muslim lord
• Blackburn fundraiser to run 25km a day during Ramadan
• Dark times under Syria's Assad hit Arab screens for Ramadan
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North America
• Who is James Hundley? Virginia prosecutor fired after being appointed interim US Attorney to replace Trump loyalist
• Who is Hannah Natanson? Washington Post reporter at centre of FBI raid as US judge raises concerns over press freedom
• US soldier accused of stealing $3 million to fund mansion and luxury cars: 'Stole taxpayer dollars'
• Ghislaine Maxwell's brother calls her 'real victim' in Epstein scandal; labels Virginia Giuffre ‘monster’
• Indian influencer claims he and his wife were detained by immigration in South Korea and China in viral video
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Africa
• Libya's Ramadan celebrations tempered by economic woes
• Maltina Lights Up Kano, Brings Communities Together For Iftar
• Ramadan 05: Lower your gaze, control anger, and avoid obscenity
• A rare occurrence (Lent and Ramadan)
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
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Bollywood veteran Javed Akhtar asks Indian Muslim clerics to ‘unconditionally’ condemn Taliban law permitting domestic violence
February 21, 2026
Javed Akhtar
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Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has weighed in on reports about a controversial rule linked to the Taliban, urging Muslim clerics in India to openly condemn it.
The reaction came after news reports claimed that the Taliban had allowed wife beating under certain circumstances, allowing husbands to physically punish wives and children as long as it doesn’t cause “broken bones or significant bleeding”, and could punish women if she visits her relatives without their husband’s permission.
Talibans have legalised wife beating but with out any bone fracture. If a wife goes to her parent place with out the husband’s permission , she will be jailed for three months . I beseech the Mufties and mullas
In his post, Akhtar said that any such action carried out in the name of religion must be rejected clearly and without conditions. He specifically appealed to Indian muftis and scholars to speak up rather than remain silent.
His remarks quickly travelled across social media platforms. Many users backed his stand, while others debated the larger political and religious context. The post has since become part of a wider online conversation.
Akhtar has, over the years, frequently spoken on social issues and matters of public concern. His latest comments once again bring attention to the ongoing global discussion around women’s rights and accountability.
Source: www.thestatesman.com
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Pakistan carries out strikes in Afghanistan, ‘killing and wounding dozens
22 Feb 2026
People search for victims after an overnight Pakistani air raid in a residential area in the Girdi Kas village of Bihsud district, Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, on February 22, 2026 [Aimal Zahir/AFP]
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Pakistan’s military early on Sunday carried out air strikes in Afghanistan, targeting what it called “camps and hideouts” belonging to armed groups behind a spate of recent attacks, including a deadly suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in Islamabad.
The Afghan Ministry of Defence condemned the attacks, saying they “hit a religious school and residential homes” in the border provinces of Nangarhar and Paktika, “resulting in dozens of deaths and injuries, including women and children”.
The attacks threaten a fragile ceasefire between the South Asian neighbours, negotiated following deadly border clashes that killed dozens of soldiers, civilians and suspected fighters in October last year.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said in a statement on X that the country’s military conducted “intelligence-based, selective operations” against seven camps and hideouts belonging to the Pakistan Taliban, also known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and its affiliates.
The ministry said it had “conclusive evidence” that recent attacks in Islamabad, as well as in the northwestern Bajaur and Bannu districts, were perpetrated by fighters “on behest of their Afghanistan-based leadership and handlers”.
It said Pakistan has repeatedly urged Afghanistan’s Taliban government to take action to prevent armed groups from using Afghan territory to launch attacks, but that Kabul has failed to “undertake any substantive action”.
Pakistan “has always strived to maintain peace and stability in the region”, it added, but said the safety and security of Pakistani citizens remained its top priority.
“The Pakistanis continue to insist that these are intelligence-based operations against camps located inside Afghanistan and hideouts of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan and its affiliate groups. It has warned the Afghan authorities on several occasions that they gave their commitment in the Doha agreement that Afghan soil will not be used by any other country,” Al Jazeera’s Kamal Hyder said, referring to the 2020 agreement Taliban signed with the United States, in the Qatari capital, Doha.
The Pakistani air strikes on Afghanistan came hours after a suicide bomber targeted a security convoy in the Bannu district of the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, killing two soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel.
On Monday, a suicide bomber, backed by gunmen, rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the wall of a security post in the nearby Bajaur, killing 11 soldiers and a child. Authorities later said the attacker was an Afghan national.
On February 6, another suicide bomber detonated his explosives during noon prayers at the Khadija Tul Kubra mosque in Islamabad’s Tarlai Kalan area, killing at least 31 worshippers and wounding 170 others.
While bombings are rare in the heavily guarded capital, the attack on Khadija Tul Kubra was the second such attack in three months, raising fears of a return to violence in Pakistan’s major urban centres.
fghan men search for victims after an overnight Pakistani airstrike hit a residential area in the Girdi Kas village of Bihsud district,
In its statement on Sunday, the Pakistani Information Ministry reiterated its call for the international community to press the Taliban to uphold its commitments under the Doha deal. The ministry said the move was “vital for regional and global peace and security”.
For its part, the Afghan Ministry of Defence condemned the Pakistani attacks as “a breach of international law and the principles of good neighbourliness”.
“We hold the Pakistani military responsible for targeting civilians and religious sites. We will respond to these attacks in due course with a measured and appropriate response,” it said.
Pakistan has seen a surge in violence in recent years, much of it blamed on the TTP and outlawed Baloch separatist groups. Islamabad accuses the TTP of operating from inside Afghanistan, a charge the group denies.
Relations between the neighbouring countries have remained tense following the deadly clashes in October. The fighting followed explosions in Kabul, which Afghan officials blamed on Pakistan.
A ceasefire mediated by Qatar on October 19 has largely held, but subsequent talks in Turkiye’s Istanbul failed to produce a formal agreement.
Source: www.aljazeera.com
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‘Reckless, dangerous, with grave consequences’: Islamic nations blast US envoy to Tel Aviv for saying Israel has biblical right on Middle East
February 22, 2026
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee (Photo:X@US embassy)
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Arab and Islamic countries, along with three major regional organisations, came together Sunday to strongly condemn the assertion of the US ambassador to Israel that Israel’s control of entire West Asia, including West Bank, was “acceptable”.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the League of Arab States (LAS), and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) joined chorus with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine to call the statement “dangerous and inflammatory”.
The Foreign Ministry of Saudi Arabia expressed its “strongest condemnation and complete rejection” at the “reckless” assertion of the US ambassador to Israel that Israel’s control of entire West Asia was “acceptable”.
In a statement released on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Saudi ministry said: “The Kingdom affirms its categorical rejection of these irresponsible remarks, which constitute a violation of international law, the charter of the United Nations, and established diplomatic norms. Such statements set a dangerous precedent, particularly as they were issued by a US official, and reflect a disregard for the distinguished relations between the countries of the region and the United States of America.”
US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, a former Baptist minister and a vociferous supporter of Israel, had suggested Friday on Tucker Carlson podcast that Israel had a biblical right to West Asia.
The Saudi Arabian foreign ministry added that Huckabee’s statements were “extremist rhetoric” which portend “grave consequences”.
Source: www.thestatesman.com
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Pakistani airstrikes kill 18 family members in Nangarhar province, officials say
By Fidel Rahmati
February 22, 2026
Pakistani airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan killed 18 members of one family in Nangarhar, Taliban officials said, sharply escalating cross-border tensions.
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Taliban local officials confirmed that 18 members of a single family were killed in Pakistani airstrikes in Behsud district of Nangarhar province.
Sayed Tayeb Hamad, spokesman for the Taliban police command in Nangarhar, said that only four out of 24 family members survived the strike. The head of the household was identified as Shahabuddin.
Taliban authorities said women and children were among those killed. Quraishi Badlon, the Taliban’s information chief in Nangarhar, said at least 17 civilians, including 11 children, were killed and five others wounded in the overnight strikes.
Pakistani fighter jets reportedly bombed parts of Khogyani, Ghani Khil and Behsud districts in Nangarhar, as well as Barmal district in Paktika, around midnight on Saturday.
Pakistan’s Information Ministry claimed it had targeted seven hideouts belonging to Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State Khorasan in Afghanistan, describing the operation as retaliatory.
According to Islamabad, the strikes were carried out in response to recent suicide and car bomb attacks on a Shi’ite mosque in Islamabad and in Bajaur and Bannu during Ramadan. Both the TTP and Islamic State Khorasan claimed responsibility for those attacks.
Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Taliban authorities in Kabul of failing to prevent militant groups from using Afghanistan territory to stage attacks inside Pakistan, an allegation the Taliban deny.
Cross-border airstrikes and artillery exchanges have occurred several times over the past two years, straining already fragile diplomatic ties between the two neighbors.
The Taliban’s Defense Ministry condemned the airstrikes as attacks on civilian and religious sites and warned that a “calculated response” would be delivered at an appropriate time, raising fears of further escalation.
Source: www.khaama.com
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Health Ministry targets fewer than 50 food poisoning cases per 100,000 by 2030, steps up Ramadan bazaar monitoring
22 Feb 2026
Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said the target encompasses the industry, public food premises and educational institutions, in line with the National Food Safety Action Plan 2024-2030 and the National Food Safety Policy 2.0. — Bernama pic
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KUALA SELANGOR, Feb 22 — The Ministry of Health (MOH) is accelerating efforts to strengthen food safety control at all levels to achieve the target of less than 50 cases of food poisoning per 100,000 population by the year 2030.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said the target encompasses the industry, public food premises and educational institutions, in line with the National Food Safety Action Plan 2024-2030 and the National Food Safety Policy 2.0.
He said to achieve this, traders need to prioritise food hygiene and safety aspects as well as ensure food sold is clean, of quality and safe to consume.
“The public is encouraged to practice the concept of ‘Observe and Choose’ by selecting clean premises and prioritising food quality. Consumers are also advised to practice the simple steps of ‘Look, Smell, Taste’ before enjoying their iftar to reduce the risk of food poisoning,” he said.
He said this at the 2026 National Ramadan Bazaar and launch of the Hygiene and Food Campaign at the Ramadan Bazaar Lotus’s Kuala Selangor here yesterday.
In the meantime, Dzulkefly said that the monitoring of the safety and cleanliness of Ramadan bazaars began early this month through the cooperation of all State Health Departments (JKN) with local authorities (PBTs) to obtain information on the sites and the number of stalls operating.
“To date, more than 200 sessions on hygiene and safe food handling have been organised, involving stall owners from 77,583 stalls at 1,274 Ramadan bazaar sites nationwide.
“Additionally, inspections of food preparation premises before Ramadan also included restaurants and hotels that provide iftar buffets. A total of 426 inspections have also been conducted on ice factories, restaurants and hotels,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said only one complaint related to the cleanliness of a Ramadan bazaar was recorded in two days of fasting through the Public Complaints Management System (SiSPAA).
In addition, he reminded business premises owners found selling stale food throughout Ramadan will face compound actions under the Food Act 1983, while warning that action will be taken against Ramadan bazaar traders detected committing offences.
In other developments, Dzulkefly said that the supply of medicines is guaranteed to be sufficient even with a slight increase in new tuberculosis (TB) cases detected nationwide.
The media today reported that 596 new cases of TB were detected nationwide up to the sixth Epidemiological Week of this year (ME6/2026), bringing the total number of cases to 3,161 so far.
He once again emphasised that Ramadan is not the cause of the disease’s spread, but the increase in social activities and gatherings throughout this month generally enhances interactions among the community.
Source: www.malaymail.com
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Huckabee's remarks on Israel's 'biblical rights' to region draw wave of Arab and Islamic condemnation
The National
February 22, 2026
US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has drawn widespread condemnation from Arab and Muslim states after suggesting Israel had the “biblical right” to expand its territory across the Middle East – from the Euphrates to the Nile.
“It would be fine if they took it all,” he told Tucker Carlson on Friday when asked if Israel had the right to claim “basically the entire Middle East as its own”, based on precedent laid out in the Bible.
The statement was signed by the foreign ministries of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, the Islamic Cooperation, the Gulf Co-operation and the League of Arab States.
The statement said Mr Huckabee “directly contradicts” the vision put forward by US President Donald Trump for Gaza, as well as the plan to end the war, “which are based on containing escalation and creating a political horizon for a comprehensive settlement that ensures the Palestinian people have their own independent state”.
In separate statements on Saturday, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry called for the US State Department to provide clarification on the comments. Jordan dismissed Mr Huckabee's remarks as “absurd and provocative”.
Mr Huckabee, an evangelical Christian Zionist, has faced repeated criticism since taking up his ambassadorship. Critics say he advocates for Israeli policies while minimising Palestinian rights. For instance, he calls the occupied West Bank by its biblical name of Judea and Samaria, a term the Israeli government prefers.
The remarks come at a sensitive moment in the region, as international concern grows over Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank and the viability of a two-state solution.
The UN human rights office on Thursday accused Israel of committing war crimes and said practices that displace Palestinians and alter the demographic composition of the West Bank “raise concerns over ethnic cleansing”.
The Israeli security cabinet this month approved measures that would allow Israelis to buy land in the West Bank, and gave the government more authority over the territory.
Source: www.thenationalnews.com
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'It is heart-breaking' - Muslim community reacts to death of 18-year-old stabbed after attending Ramadan prayers at Smethwick mosque
By Deborah Hardiman
22-02-2026
Mr Afzal, who lived near the worship centre was discovered with serious injuries following reports of disorder in the car park at the premises, in Oldbury Road, Smethwick at just before 9pm on February 20.
He was among around 200 people who had been attending Friday night prayers at the Jamia Masjid ahead of the end of the day's fasting when he was attacked in the enclosed car park.
A mosque member, aged 48, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisals, said: " It is heart-breaking. I knew Zeshan and his father. He was a good kid. He used to attend the mosque. I wasn't at the service last night, but my 19-year-old son was there. The speech finished at about 9am and some people were leaving while others were socialising inside.
Source: www.expressandstar.com
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Trump presented with plans including killing Iran's supreme leader Khamenei and his son, report says
The National
February 22, 2026
US President Donald Trump has reportedly been presented with several scenarios, including a military option to take out Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his son Mojtaba, who is seen as a potential successor.
“They have something for every scenario. One scenario takes out the ayatollah and his son and the mullahs,” a senior Trump adviser told Axios. “What the President chooses no one knows. I don't think he knows.”
The last round of talks between the US and Iran was held in Geneva on Tuesday. After the negotiations, US officials said that “progress was made, but there are still a lot of details to discuss”. On Thursday, Mr Trump gave Iran a deadline of between 10 and 15 days to come to an agreement.
At the heart is the issue of uranium enrichment. Israel and the US have said they want Iran to cease all enrichment activity and dismantle plants. Iran insists on retaining some fuel-making capacity for peaceful purposes.
Mr Trump is considering a proposal that would allow Iran “token” nuclear enrichment as long as its unable to acquire a weapon, Axios said. The report added that both Omani and Qatari mediators had told Iran and the US that a deal must allow both sides a claim to victory and should be one accepted by both Israel and Gulf states.
“It should be a win-win deal. This is the difficult part. It needs to accommodate both sides' interests and concerns,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview with MS Now on Friday.
US Middle East Steve Witkoff, who has been involved in the several rounds of talks, said Mr Trump was “curious” as to why Iran has not yet yielded to the mounting US pressure.
“The President asked me that this morning, and he’s – I don’t wanna use the word frustrated … because he understands he’s got plenty of alternatives, but … he’s curious as to why they haven’t, I don’t wanna use the word capitulated, but why they haven’t capitulated,” he said in an interview with Fox News on Sunday.
The US President has been warning about the possibility of strikes for weeks, first amid Iran's crackdown on a nationwide protest movement, and then as Washington and Tehran once again came to the negotiating table to discuss the Iranian nuclear programme.
Students held protests at several Iranian universities at the start of a new term on Saturday, some clashing with pro-government groups, according to local news agencies and posts on social media.
The protests coincided with ceremonies traditionally held after 40 days to mourn those killed by security forces during last month's anti-government demonstrations, which saw thousands lose their lives in the worst domestic unrest since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution.
A video purportedly showed rows of marchers at Tehran's Sharif University of Technology condemning Mr Khamenei as a “murderous leader”, and calling for Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's toppled shah, to be a new monarch.
State-affiliated news agencies such as SNN carried videos of clashes, with protesters allegedly injuring volunteer student Basij militia by throwing rocks at Iran's top engineering university. Pro-government Basij members often assist security forces in quelling protests.
Iranian authorities have repeatedly described the unrest as part of foreign-backed efforts to destabilise the country and claimed that protesters were working with the US and Israel.
Families of the dead have reported pressure from Iranian security forces demanding that they describe their dead relatives as members of the security personnel, including the Basij, in exchange for the release of their bodies from hospitals and morgues for burial.
Source: www.thenationalnews.com
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Cyprus’ air force, navy declared terrorist organisations by Iran
By Tom Cleaver
22 February 2026
Cyprus’ air force and navy were both declared terrorist organisations by the Iranian government late on Saturday night, with the Iranian government declaring the air force and navy of every European Union member state a terrorist organisation in retaliation to the EU’s decision to declare the same of Iran’s Islamic revolutionary guard.
“The measure constitutes reciprocal action in response to the illegal and unjustified decision by EU member states to label the Islamic revolutionary guard corps as a terrorist entity,” the Iranian government said, before adding that the EU’s decision “contradicts the fundamental principles of the United Nations charter and international law”.
It added that “the measure had been taken within the framework of Iran’s domestic law and in response to the clear violation of international legal principles by European governments”.
The EU had designated the Islamic revolutionary guard as a terrorist organisation on Thursday, with the Council of the EU, chaired by Cyprus for the first half of this year, formally adopting the designation.
As such, the Council of the EU said, “the Islamic revolutionary guard will also be subject to restrictive measures under the EU counterterrorism sanctions regime”.
“This includes the freezing of its funds and other financial assets or economic resources in EU member states, and the prohibition for EU operators to make funds and economic resources available to the group,” it said.
When the European Parliament debated the matter earlier this month, one Cypriot MEP – Elam’s Geadis Geadi – had spoken on the matter, warning that “the barrage of ballistic missiles that hit Israel [was] visible from Cyprus” last year.
“This problematic situation posed a threat not only to the Iranian people, but to the entire region, Europe, and western civilisation more broadly,” he said, before making reference to the mass anti-government protests which were staged in Iran at the beginning of the year.
“Since the end of 2025, things have got out of hand. Iran is experiencing a popular uprising, with the regime responding with violent repression and mass execution of civilians,” he said.
He then added that “because history will not forgive those who choose silence in the face of terrorism, as the left defiantly does, we have a duty to stand by the Iranian people in their struggle for freedom and dignity”.
The following day, the European Parliament held a vote on a resolution offering a wide condemnation of the Iranian government, with 524 MEPs voting in favour, three voting against, and four abstaining.
All six Cypriot MEPs – Loucas Fourlas and Michalis Hadjipantela of Disy, Giorgos Georgiou of Akel, Costas Mavrides of Disy, independent Fidias Panayiotou, and Geadi – voted in favour of the motion.
The Cypriot foreign ministry had last month warned all Cypriot citizens in Iran to leave the country immediately amid the protests, saying that it “advises Cypriot citizens to avoid all travel to Iran due to the current internal security situation and the increased risk of regional escalation”.
Prior to that, Iran had been incensed after Cyprus had in December signed a joint declaration with the United Arab Emirates declaring that it recognises three islands in the Persian Gulf as belonging to the UAE.
According to the Islamic Republic News Agency, Iranian Assistant Foreign Minister Mohammad Alibek met Cypriot ambassador in Tehran Petros Nacouzis and “formally conveyed Iran’s strong protest” at the joint declaration.
Alibek also alluded to the Cyprus problem during his meeting with Nacouzis, with the agency writing that he had referred to “Iran’s principled position of non-interference in the sovereign and territorial issues of other countries, including Cyprus”.
The joint statement with the UAE was unequivocal in the opposite direction, saying that “Cyprus reaffirmed its principled support for the sovereignty of the United Arab Emirates, especially as regards its three islands, Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa”.
Abu Musa, Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb are all located in the Persian Gulf, with Abu Musa, the largest of the three islands, situated roughly at the midpoint between Dubai and the Iranian coastal town of Bandar Lengeh. It has a commercial airport, which is served by flights to mainland Iran.
Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb are located further northeast, close to the undisputed Iranian island of Qeshm. They have a combined population of around 300.
The UAE took its claim over the islands to the United Nations in 1980, but the claim was deferred by the security council at the time, and the matter has not been revisited.
The salience of those bases may heighten in the near future, with many fearing that Iran and the United States may go to war, with the latter bolstering its military presence in the region and the country’s President Donald Trump saying he is considering military action against Iran.
Source: cyprus-mail.com
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https://cyprus-mail.com/2026/02/22/cyprus-air-force-navy-declared-terrorist-organisations-by-iran
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India
Cleric’s Meeting With PM, Clean Chit On Muslim Safety Stir Debate In Poll-Bound Kerala
N.K. Bhoopesh
22 February 2026
“There should be peace and tranquillity in India. There is no obstacle or problem for Muslims in this country as everyone is safe.”
This statement by Kanthapuram A. P. Aboobacker Musliyar, also known as Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, a religious scholar and the General Secretary of the Samasta Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, considered the Grand Mufti,( a religious title) has stirred unease across sections of society and sparked controversy in poll-bound Kerala. The remarks came after his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
While some critics view Kanthapuram’s move as an attempt to safeguard his business interests, others see it as part of a broader Muslim outreach strategy orchestrated by the BJP.
After the meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Kanthapuram’s efforts to promote social harmony. “Had a very good interaction with Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad Sahab, Grand Mufti of India. We exchanged views on a wide range of issues. His efforts to further social harmony, brotherhood and improve education are noteworthy,” Modi wrote on X, sharing details of the interaction.
Kanthapuram said he briefed the Prime Minister about the memorandums he received from the public during his recent Kerala Yatra, which covered various social and community concerns. He maintained that his engagement with the Prime Minister was aimed at conveying these issues directly to the Centre.
Source: www.outlookindia.com
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Maharashtra decision to scrap 5% Muslim quota challenged in High Court
Scroll Staff
22-02-2026
The Maharashtra government’s decision to scrap the 5% reservations in education and government jobs for Muslims has been challenged in the Bombay High Court, Bar and Bench reported on Saturday.
The petition filed by a lawyer seeks to quash the government resolution issued on Tuesday that formally cancelled a July 2014 order that had allowed 50 identified Muslim communities to obtain caste verification and validity certificates under the Special Backward Category-A framework.
The plea alleges that the government’s decision was deliberate, arbitrary and amounts to discrimination against minorities, the legal news outlet reported.
The plea alleged that the state was “practicing racial discrimination” with Muslim students and the same violated fundamental rights of the petitioner, a Muslim, and the community, The Indian Express reported.
The petitioner has sought an interim stay on Tuesday’s decision and urged the court to direct the authorities to produce quantified data relied upon to justify cancelling the policy.
No complaints had been made to the State Backward Class Commission regarding the Muslim quota and no party had been hurt by the policy, Bar and Bench quoted the petition as having contended.
Source: scroll.in
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Allahabad HC quashes criminal case against Muslim students for offering namaz at restricted site
February 21, 2026
The Allahabad High Court has quashed criminal proceedings against two students accused of performing namaz at a location prohibited by local administration orders.
In an order dated February 17, Justice Saurabh Srivastava set aside the case arising from an FIR registered under Sections 143 (unlawful assembly) and 188 (disobedience to public servant’s order) of the Indian Penal Code. The court held that implicating the two applicants—who had no prior criminal history—was not justified.
The FIR stemmed from an incident in Sant Kabir Nagar, where the students were accused of offering namaz at a site barred to maintain law and order. A local court had taken cognisance of the offences and issued summoning orders against them in May 2019.
Source: muslimmirror.com
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Interview: Ashraf Zaidi on ‘Why India Should Stand with Iran in the Event of a War with the United States and Its Allies’
By Muslim Mirror
February 21, 2026
Ashraf Zaidi is a senior journalist based in New Delhi with extensive reporting experience across West Asia, particularly in Iran and other conflict-affected regions. He has produced numerous field reports and in-depth analytical pieces on political developments and ground realities across the region. He currently serves as the Director of The Leader Media Institute and regularly participates as a panelist on television channels, contributing to expert discussions and analytical forums focused on West Asian affairs. Our special correspondent spoke with him about the current situation in West Asia, where a war between the United States and Iran now appears increasingly inevitable. Excerpts from the interview:
Muslim Mirror: In the event of a war between the United States and Iran, why do some strategic thinkers argue that India should not align with the U.S. bloc?
Ashraf Zaidi: India’s foreign policy has historically been guided by the principle of strategic autonomy. Since independence, New Delhi has avoided becoming a formal part of any power bloc. The essence of this policy is that India makes decisions based on its national interest, not external pressure. In a U.S.–Iran conflict, blindly aligning with Washington would contradict India’s long-standing non-aligned approach.
Source: muslimmirror.com
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Everyday Muslim: Breaking Stereotypes In Hindi Cinema's Muslim Portrayals
Saiyyad Mohammad Nizamuddin Pasha
21 February 2026
“The motion picture is able to stir up emotions more deeply than any other product of art,” said the Supreme Court as a justification for film censorship when director K.A. Abbas challenged the very idea of censorship of films by the Censor Board. Pre-censorship was justified by the court on account of the ‘instant appeal’ of movies, their versatility, realism and their simultaneous invocation of the visual and aural senses, which the court felt prompts people to suspend disbelief. The last decade has seen a dramatic shift, from films as a medium of entertainment to an instrument of propaganda being used to set narratives, particularly in the manner in which Muslims are depicted in Hindi cinema.
The representation of Muslims in Indian, and more particularly, Hindi cinema has gone from one caricature to another, from characters wearing sherwanis and spouting Urdu poetry in Mere Mehboob (1963) to ISIS-sponsored love jihad in Kerala Story (2023) and bloodthirst in Udaipur Files (2025). As the makers of Kerala Story come out with a sequel which, going by the trailer, promises to plunge to new depths of hate propaganda, we need to take a moment to appreciate a film that attempts to chart a new course.
As Hindi cinema, by and large, continues to fail to come up with a film depicting the normal everyday life of an Indian Muslim sans stereotyping and caricature, The Great Shamsuddin Family, directed and written by Anusha Rizvi, comes as a surprising breath of fresh air. The film is centred around a middle-aged English scholar, Bani, who, driven by fear generated by constant news of criminal prosecutions being launched against writers for expressing ideas unpalatable to the State, has decided to move to the United States. She is preparing her presentation for a job interview for a teaching position at an American University, when her family chooses to have all manner of crises during the 12-hour submission deadline that she is struggling to meet. The crises include dealing with a large amount of cash that her cousin has received as mehr (dower) from her recently divorced husband as part of their separation, another cousin who has eloped with a Hindu girl and brought her home, and a third cousin whose husband’s
Source: www.outlookindia.com
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The Great Shamsuddin Family: Indian Muslim Representation AndThe Cost At Which It Comes
Afreen Akhtar
21 February 2026
In a time of saffron-tinted, anti-Muslim propaganda cinema, we are gifted a layered, humorous film that murmurs a political statement about the increasing disquiet in the hearts of Indian Muslims. The Great Shamsuddin Family (2025), written and directed by Anusha Rizvi and produced by Mahmood Farooqui, is set over the course of a single day in a Delhi flat of a modern Muslim woman who has less than twenty-four hours to finish her presentation for a teaching job in the US. But her plans derail after her family slowly takes over her flat with their respective dramas and a collective, comical chaos. Underneath the sustained comedy is a creeping, encompassing anxiety around matters of love, expression, marginality and a flickering sense of safety. As an Indian Muslim writer, I found a momentary solace in the accurate representation of my community and in the solidarity of a vampirical question mark—where do the art and sensibilities of an Indian Muslim belong and is safety to be automatically forsaken in the purs
The relief of relatability, however, is short-lived when one remembers (I use the word ‘remember’ for a reason) the controversial and questionable moral ethics of the makers of the film. In 2016, a lower court in Delhi had first convicted and sentenced Mahmood Farooqui to seven years of rigorous imprisonment for sexually assaulting a US scholar, Christine Marrewa-Karwoski, while she was visiting his home in Delhi in March 2015. The conviction was later overturned by the Delhi High Court and echoed by the Supreme Court in 2017. Justice Ashutosh Kumar concluded that he had to give “the benefit of the doubt” to Farooqui because even though the survivor had repeatedly said no to his advances and tried to physically resist, she admitted she had ultimately gone along with it.“Instances of women's behaviour are not unknown that a feeble no may mean a yes,” the judgement stated. The judge argued that, “In an act of passion, actuated by libido, consent could be complex, and it may not necessarily always mean yes in ca
Different Strokes: Why has Umar Khalid become the poster-boy of the liberal world while Sharjeel Imam stands alienated from it? - Outlook Team
Anusha Rizvi, the writer and director of The Great Shamsuddin Family and Farooqui’s wife, unequivocally supported her husband throughout the trial and stood by his version of the truth. It is understandable—although only to an extent—that a spouse may find themselves conflicted in a situation like this and, for whatever reasons, stay fixed in the salvation of their partner’s reputation. But Rizvi vehemently insisted on invalidating the sexual violence committed against the survivor and dismissing the incident in its entirety. In an interview with The Quint, Rizvi had said: “Look, I am all for women coming forward to speak of sexual harassment. But how do we define sexual harassment? What are the boundaries and the restrictions that must not be crossed? And who decides these boundaries? I am a feminist, and not just in theory. I’ve spent a lot of time fighting for gender equality. But gender equality doesn’t mean men should be hauled over the coals for relationships gone wrong, or even a date gone wrong.” She
Source: www.outlookindia.com
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IUML slams SFI's beef fest against 'Kerala Story 2' film
Feb 22, 2026
Kozhikode: The IUML on Sunday criticised the recent beef festival organised by the SFI, the students' wing of the ruling CPI(M), against the upcoming film 'Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond', terming it a "provocative" form of protest.
"What is the connection between beef and any community? What is the link between beef and Muslims," Salam asked, adding that some of the biggest beef exporters and owners of beef processing units in India include people associated with the BJP, RSS and Muslims.
Making it clear that there is no connection between beef and Muslims, the senior leader said the beef fest protest was an attempt by the CPI(M) to mislead and "cheat" ordinary Muslim voters.
He also asserted that no one was forcing those who do not consume beef to do so. At the same time, Salam criticised the movie, alleging that such films create divisions among communities and turn them against each other.
Source: economictimes.com
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Two Muslim minor boys booked in Guna over ‘innocent’ prank: cows in skullcaps spark FIR
February 21, 2026
In Madhya Pradesh’s Guna district, two Muslim minor boys found themselves at the center of controversy after posting a lighthearted video on Thursday, February 19.
The youngsters, reportedly during Ramadan, placed Islamic skullcaps (taqiyah) on neighborhood cows and shared the clip online with the caption “Fun after sehri” (or “Sehri kebaadmasti”), referring to playful antics following the pre-dawn meal.
The video quickly circulated on WhatsApp groups, drawing sharp criticism from local cow vigilantes and right-wing activists. They accused the boys of deliberately hurting Hindu religious sentiments, claiming the cow—revered as sacred in Hinduism—was being mocked by adorning it with a “Muslim cap,” which they described as a symbol associated with another faith.
Source: muslimmirror.com
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Marrying for love? Nanny state brings parents into the loop
Feb 21, 2026
Gandhinagar: "Miyan, bibiraazi, to kyakaregakaazi?" — the popular saying underscores that two consenting adults have the final say in marriage. In Gujarat, however, the state govt has proposed amendments to the Gujarat Registration of Marriage Rules that formally bring parents into the process.
Under the draft rules introduced in the assembly on Friday, couples seeking to register their marriage will have to submit an undertaking stating whether they have informed their parents. More significantly, upon receipt of the application, the assistant registrar will notify the parents of both bride and groom — electronically, including via WhatsApp, or through physical communication.
The govt says the move is aimed at enhancing transparency and preventing fraud. It also proposes stricter identity verification, enhanced scrutiny of witnesses, and tighter notary checks. The amendments come amid sustained representations from several community groups seeking mandatory parental involvement in cases of love marriages.
Source: timesofindia.com
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Shimla DC orders report on silt hazards in Sutlej in Sunni
Feb 22, 2026
Shimla: Shimla deputy commissioner and district disaster management authority chairperson Anupam Kashyap has directed Rajesh Verma, sub-divisional magistrate (SDM), Sunni, to identify potential dangers caused by silt accumulation in the Sutlej and submit a report promptly.
This will enable early commencement of silt removal work. Officials have also been instructed to prepare detailed reports on damage to houses, land, water schemes, powerhouses, roads, sewage lines, and local cowshed. Chairing a review meeting, Kashyap highlighted the seriousness of the issue for Sunni residents, whose homes and lives were at risk.
Meanwhile, Verma has recommended notifying the stretch from Mohal Anu to Mohal Lunsu, near Jhulewala Bridge, as a sensitive area and identified land on the river's left bank for silt storage and disposal.
Source: timesofindia.com
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Pakistan
17 Afghan Civilians Killed in Pakistan Airstrikes Along Border Region
February 22, 2026
At least 17 Afghan civilians died, and a dozen others injured as Pakistan Air Force conducted airstrikes, targeting civilian residential areas along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border region. Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said, Pakistan Air Force last night bombed civilians in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, killing and wounding dozens of people, including women and children. Pakistan Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed the attack, citing three attacks since the start of Ramadan last week. He said Pakistan has targeted seven terrorist camps and hideouts belonging to Pakistani Taliban and its affiliates in the border region.
Afghanistan and Pakistan have been locked in an increasingly bitter dispute since the Taliban authorities retook control in Kabul in 2021. The relationship between the two countries has deteriorated sharply with deadly border clashes in recent months, with Pakistan accusing Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities of allowing Afghan soil to be used to harbour terrorists. However, the Taliban government in Kabul denies the allegations.
Source: www.newsonair.gov.in
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'Such acts of aggression...': Taliban-led Afghanistan's BIG warning to Pakistan after airstrikes — Another conflict soon?
By Navashree Nandini
Feb 22, 2026
In a statement, the Taliban-led government has vowed of 'calculated response' as its Ministry of National Defense condemned the action in the strongest possible terms. It said that it will undertake “appropriate and measured response” at a suitable time. “Pakistani military, and such repeated acts of aggression will never be able to conceal their internal shortcomings,” it said, terming the incident “blatant violation of Afghanistan’s national sovereignty and clear breach of international law.”
This comes after Pakistan said that it has carried out strikes on seven sites along the border region targeting what it called “terrorist hideouts.” It also said that it "has carried out intelligence-based selective targeting of seven terrorist camps and hideouts belonging to Pakistani Taliban" and its affiliates in the border region
Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid in a statement on X said that Pakistan “bombed our civilian compatriots in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, martyring and wounding dozens of people, including women and children.” Mujahid added, “Pakistani special military circles have once again trespassed into Afghan territory. Last night, they bombed our civilian compatriots in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, killing and wounding dozens of people, including women and children. Pakistani generals compensate for their country's security weaknesses through such crimes.”
Source: www.wionews.com
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Pakistan joins 13 nations slamming US ambassador's comment on Israeli expansion
22.02.26
Pakistan on Sunday joined 13 other countries to condemn the US ambassador to Israel's statement, in which he agreed to the Biblical notion regarding Israel's right to control the mainland Arab regions.
US Ambassador Mike Huckabee made the remarks in an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson on Friday, with Carlson noting that the biblical verse included Israel's region between the Euphrates River in Iraq and the Nile in Egypt.
Huckabee, who is a staunch pro-Israel conservative, in his response to the suggestion said, "It would be fine if they (Israel) took it all."
The Foreign Office in a statement said that the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, UAE, Indonesia, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine, and the secretariats of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the League of Arab States (LAS), and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) "express their strong condemnation and profound concern" regarding Huckabee's statement.
Source: www.telegraphindia.com
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KPK CM’s job at risk: Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif
February 22, 2026
Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that the recently announced ‘Release Imran Khan Force’ by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi was unconstitutional and illegal, speculating that the PTI leader’s job “was at risk.” Asif’s remarks come days after Afridi announced the Force to work towards the release of former prime minister and founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan, imprisoned since August 2023.
”I think his job is at risk and through the release-force like statements, he wants to strengthen his position,” Asif told Samaa News channel on Friday. Asif also spoke with Geo News on Friday where he said: “The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister announced the release-force to save his job. Except for the federal government, no one has the right to create any force.” The defence minister clarified that there had never been any discussion about moving the PTI founder abroad or to Bani Gala, Khan’s residence in Islamabad suburbs.
Source: dailypioneer.com
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https://dailypioneer.com/news/kpk-cm-s-job-at-risk-pakistan-defence-minister-khawaja-asif
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'Will not allow Pakistan's dignity to be compromised': Mohsin Naqvi steps in after hockey fiasco
Feb 21, 2026
NEW DELHI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has stepped in to support the Pakistan hockey team after a major controversy during their Australia tour.
The issue started when hockey players accused the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) of leaving them without proper support while playing in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2025-26.
Players claimed that no hotel was booked for them in Australia, so they had to spend hours on the streets. They also said they had to cook their own food and clean utensils while staying in an Airbnb. The situation created outrage in Pakistan and raised serious questions about how the team was managed.
Source: Timesofindia.com
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2 Punjab cops found shot dead at a checkpoint near Pakistan border
by: Kamaldeep Singh Brar
Feb 22, 2026
Two Punjab Police personnel who were on duty at a checkpoint near the border with Pakistan were found shot dead on Sunday, officials said.
The two officers, identified as Ashok Kumar and Gurnam Singh—one an assistant sub-inspector and the other a head constable—succumbed to gunshot wounds at the checkpoint in Adiyan village under the Dorangla police station in Gurdaspur district.
The two bodies were discovered at the checkpoint following reports of firing. Checkpoints in the area are known as the second line of defence.
Source: Indianexpress.Com
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Mideast
Islamic State begins new phase of operations against Syrian regime with two terror attacks
FEBRUARY 22, 2026
Islamic State claimed responsibility on Saturday for two attacks targeting Syrian army personnel in northern and eastern Syria, as the terrorist group signaled what it described as a new phase of operations against the country’s leadership.
The terrorist group said on its Dabiq news agency that it had targeted “an individual of the apostate Syrian regime” in the city of Mayadin in Deir al-Zor province using a pistol, and attacked two other personnel with machine guns in the northern city of Raqqa.
Syria’s Defence Ministry said in a statement that a Syrian army soldier and a civilian were killed on Saturday by “unknown assailants.” A military source told Reuters the soldier belonged to the army’s 42nd Division.
The attacks come amid a sharp escalation by IS against Syria’s leadership under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former al Qaeda leader who broke with the group in 2016 before leading a coalition of Islamist factions that overthrew President Bashar al-Assad at the end of 2024.
On Saturday evening, IS released a recorded statement by its spokesperson, Abu Hudhayfa al-Ansari, who said Syria had “moved from Iranian occupation to Turkish-American occupation.”
Source: www.jpost.com
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https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/isis-threat/article-887414
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US envoy’s remarks on Israel’s regional control spark uproar in Muslim world
22 February 2026
TEHRAN (Iran News) Huckabee made the remarks in an interview with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, which aired on Friday. Carlson said that, according to the Bible, the descendants of Abraham would receive land including the area between the Euphrates River in Iraq and the Nile River in Egypt, encompassing modern-day Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and parts of Saudi Arabia.
In a statement on Saturday, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned the US ambassador’s comments, describing them as “dangerous and irresponsible.”
Such comments are “an unacceptable call for the expansion of Israel, the occupying power, and its seizure of more Palestinian and Arab lands, based on a false and rejected historical and ideological narrative and claims that violate the sovereignty of states, diplomatic norms, principles of international law, UN resolutions, and the UN Charter,” the OIC said in a statement shared on its official website.
The organization warned that “such extremist ideological rhetoric would fuel extremism and encourage the Israeli occupation to continue its illegal measures based on displacement, settlement activity, and attempts to impose annexation on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which threatens security and stability in the entire region.”
Source: irannewsdaily.com
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Iran Declares EU Naval, Air Forces Terrorist in Reciprocal Move
22 February 2026
Iran (IMNA) - In a statement issued on Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran said the measure was taken in retaliation for what it called the “illegal and unjustified” designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization by European governments.
The Iranian decision follows an action adopted by EU member states on February 19, 2026. Tehran stressed that the European move contravenes fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, noting that the IRGC is an official branch of Iran’s armed forces.
The ministry cited Article 7 of Iran’s 2019 law titled “Countermeasures Against the Designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a Terrorist Organization by the United States.” Under the legislation, any country that follows or supports the United States’ designation of the IRGC may face reciprocal measures by Iran.
Source: en.imna.ir
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https://en.imna.ir/news/950426/Iran-Declares-EU-Naval-Air-Forces-Terrorist-in-Reciprocal-Move
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Tehran announces reciprocal action after EU move against IRGC
Feb 22, 2026
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran announced in a statement that it has designated the naval and air forces of all member states of the European Union as terrorist entities.
According to the statement, the measure constitutes reciprocal action in response to the “illegal and unjustified” decision by EU governments to label the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization.
The decision follows a move adopted by EU member states on February 19, 2026. Iran’s Foreign Ministry stressed that the European action contravenes fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, noting that the IRGC is an official branch of Iran’s armed forces.
The ministry cited Article 7 of Iran’s 2019 law titled “Countermeasures Against the Designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a Terrorist Organization by the United States.” Under this legislation, any country that follows or supports the United States’ designation of the IRGC may be subject to reciprocal measures by Iran.
Source: en.mehrnews.com
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https://en.mehrnews.com/news/242012/Tehran-announces-reciprocal-action-after-EU-move-against-IRGC
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33rd International Holy Quran Exhibition opens in Tehran
February 21, 2026
The exhibition, which will run until March 6 at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla in Tehran, is open daily from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Concurrent Quran exhibitions are also scheduled to be held in 24 provinces across the country during the holy month of Ramadan, Mehr reported.
This year’s edition focuses on a wide range of themes, including “The Quran, Hope and Social Vitality,” “The Quran and National Solidarity and Islamic Unity,” “The Quran and the Islamic Revolution,” “The Quran and the Ideal Mosque and Prayer,” “The Quran and Reforming Consumption Patterns,” “The Quran and Modesty and Hijab,” “The Quran and the Great Prophet (PBUH)” marking the 1500th anniversary of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as well as topics such as Nahj al-Balagha, Sahifa Sajjadiya, Mahdism, Ghadir, and the lives of prophets and Imams (AS).
The exhibition has been organized into 11 thematic sections with cultural and content-oriented approaches, along with three commercial sections aimed at promoting the cultural economy. More than 70 sub-sections, specialized booths, and side events have been arranged for visitors.
Source: www.tehrantimes.com
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Turkey positions itself as universities hub for Muslim students
SINAN TAVSAN
February 22, 2026
ISTANBUL -- Indonesian student Azka Maula Iskandar Muda, who is studying for a masters degree at Istanbul's prestigious private Koc University, has an ambitious goal.
"I want to change the future of computing," the electrical and electronic engineering student told Nikkei Asia in a recent interview, adding that he has set his sights on jobs in companies like Nvidia, Intel and Microsoft to fulfil that dream.
Muda chose to do his undergraduate physics degree at Ankara's top university, the state-owned Middle East Technical University (METU), over a European institution. "Despite the same level of tuition fees, the facilities and research possibilities at METU were superior," the 26-year-old said.
Muda is one of more than 5,460 Indonesian university students in Turkey, a figure that has increased nearly 655% over the past decade, making the Southeast Asian country its 16th largest source of international students. Over the same period, the number of Pakistani students has almost quadrupled to above 6,075.
Overall, the number of foreign students has jumped 251% in a decade, reaching a record of more than 379,000 in the 2025-2026 academic year that begins in the autumn, according to data from Turkey's Council of Higher Education (YOK).
Source: asia.nikkei.com
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Tar Halva: Traditional Iranian Ramadan dessert
Feb 22, 2026
As Ramadan arrives in southern Iran, the atmosphere shifts. In the historic city of Shiraz, the scent of fresh bread, dates, and homemade sweets fills homes before sunset. Among the many foods prepared for iftar, one traditional sweet continues to hold a special place on the table: Tar Halva.
Tar Halva has long been a staple of iftar tables in Shiraz. Made from wheat flour, natural syrups, and oil, the sweet is valued for its energy-boosting properties and what locals describe as its “warming” nature — qualities considered beneficial after a full day of fasting.
More than just a sweet dish, Tar Halva forms part of the collective memory of Ramadan in Iran's Shiraz — recalling family gatherings before the sunset call to prayer, when households would break their fast with simple, homemade foods.
Source: en.mehrnews.com
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https://en.mehrnews.com/news/241992/Tar-Halva-Traditional-Iranian-Ramadan-dessert
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South Asia
Pakistani airstrikes hit Nangarhar, 23 trapped under rubble
By Fidel Rahmati
February 22, 2026
According to the statemen of the residents, airstrikes targeted Nangarhar, Paktika and Khost provinces around 1:00 a.m. on Sunday night, ,Febraury 22 striking multiple districts across the eastern region.
The attacks hit Behsud and Khogyani districts in Nangarhar, as well as Barmal and Urgun districts in Paktika. Parts of Khost province were also reportedly struck, though details remain limited.
Sources said a civilian house in Behsud was hit, leaving at least 23 people, including women and children, trapped under debris. The full extent of casualties has not yet been confirmed.
In Barmal district of Paktika, a mosque, a cattle farm and a religious madrassa were reportedly among the structures damaged during the strikes.
Source: www.khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/pakistani-airstrikes-hit-nangarhar-23-trapped-under-rubble/
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Abdullah Condemns Pakistani Airstrikes On Eastern Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati
February 22, 2026
Former Afghanistan peace council chief Abdullah Abdullah condemned Pakistani airstrikes on eastern Afghanistan, calling them a violation of national sovereignty.
Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, former head of the High Council for National Reconciliation, expressed concern over Pakistani airstrikes in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces.
In a statement issued Sunday, Febraury 22, he described the attacks as a breach of Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, warning they could worsen instability.
Abdullah said bombardment and the targeting of civilians are not solutions and would only deepen the crisis. He urged both Pakistan and the Taliban authorities to engage in dialogue and negotiations to prevent further escalation.
Source: www.khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/abdullah-condemns-pakistani-airstrikes-on-eastern-afghanistan/
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Need for Responsible Diplomacy to Overcome Border Tensions
February 22, 2026
Recent statements by Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Tahir Andrabi, indicating that “all options remain on the table” amid rising insecurity, have once again drawn attention to the fragile and sensitive nature of relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Such remarks, especially when coupled with references to possible military action, risk increasing tensions at a time when the region urgently needs stability, cooperation, and mutual trust.
From the perspective of the Islamic Emirate, Afghanistan’s soil must not be used against any other country. This position has been repeatedly emphasized by officials, including the Defense Minister, who has rejected allegations that threats against Pakistan originate from Afghan territory. The Islamic Emirate maintains that it is committed to security and regional stability and that destabilization narratives often stem from political motivations or intelligence-driven agendas rather than verified facts.
In this context, Pakistan’s assertion that Kabul must meet certain “demands” or face unspecified consequences raises important questions. Sustainable security cannot be achieved through pressure or public warnings. Rather, it requires structured dialogue, intelligence sharing, and a recognition of the complex realities along the shared border. Both nations have suffered greatly from decades of conflict, militancy, and displacement. Turning to rhetoric that suggests confrontation does little to resolve these deep-rooted challenges.
The recent handover of three Pakistani prisoners to a Saudi delegation, described by Afghan officials as a goodwill gesture, should be seen as an opportunity to build confidence rather than deepen suspicion. Diplomatic channels, including the involvement of countries within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, demonstrate that constructive engagement remains possible. Mediation and message-conveying efforts by brotherly Islamic countries can help prevent misunderstandings and promote adherence to international norms without escalating tensions.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/need-for-responsible-diplomacy-to-overcome-border-tensions/
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Big boost to India-Bangladesh relations, Agartala-Dhaka direct bus trial runs held, service likely to resume from…
February 22, 2026
By Victor Dasgupta
New Delhi: Days after Tarique Rahman took oath as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, trial runs of the Agartala–Dhaka direct bus service were undertaken. Reports suggest that the bus services between the two countries are likely to begin soon after being suspended for more than a year amid a halt in visa services and strained bilateral relations. On Friday morning, a luxury bus arrived in Agartala from Dhaka through the Akhaura Integrated Check Post and returned to Dhaka from the Tripura Road Transport Corporation (TRTC) depot in Agartala on Saturday morning, completing the cross-border trial run.
Officials said the development followed directives from the new Bangladeshi administration and added that, if preparations proceed as planned, the Agartala–Dhaka bus service could resume shortly. According to the reports, with the domestic situation stabilising after the formation of the new government in Bangladesh, authorities have moved to revive the route, which links Tripura to Kolkata via Dhaka and facilitates travel between India’s northeastern region and eastern states.
Source: www.india.com
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India-Bangladesh maritime cooperation stayed the course despite political shifts
By: Ashish Singh
February 22, 2026
Even as political relations between New Delhi and Dhaka navigated a sensitive phase following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina and the subsequent change in government, cooperation at sea maintained a steady course. One of the clearest indicators of this continuity lies in naval training under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) framework.
According to official Indian Navy data, in 2023-2024, India allotted 39 naval training slots to Bangladesh under the ITEC framework, and 37 were utilised—a near-full utilisation that reflected the depth of professional engagement between the two navies. Rather than tapering off amid political uncertainty, the pipeline expanded in 2024-2025, with 42 slots offered. Even during a period marked by diplomatic recalibration in Dhaka, 34 Bangladeshi officers travelled to Indian naval institutions to undergo specialised courses.
The figures tell a larger story—despite political headwinds, the training corridor remained active, structured, and deliberate—signalling that maritime capacity building was treated as a non-negotiable lever and a steady pillar of bilateral ties. The numbers reflect more than administrative scheduling; they point to a deliberate decision on both sides to keep professional military engagement insulated from political turbulence.
From Training Year 2016-2017 to 2024-2025—roughly a decade—491 Bangladeshi personnel were trained in India under the ITEC programme, reflecting sustained institutional engagement and long-term capacity building support. Despite year-to-year fluctuations—including the impact of the pandemic—Bangladesh consistently availed a substantial majority of the opportunities extended. The figures highlight not only the scale of India’s outreach but also the depth and continuity of professional cooperation between the two countries over nearly ten years.
Source: sundayguardianlive.com
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Bangladesh Urges Review of US Trade Deal After US Supreme Court Ruling on Tariffs
February 22, 2026
Economists and business leaders in Bangladesh have urged the government to reassess its recently signed trade agreement with the United States after the US Supreme Court on Friday ruled that Trump’s sweeping emergency tariffs are illegal. The debate intensified after the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that sweeping emergency tariffs imposed earlier were unlawful, casting uncertainty over the Bangladesh-US Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) signed on 9 February. Officials said the government plans to formally seek clarification from Washington regarding the status of the deal.
Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman indicated that a letter could be sent shortly as policymakers evaluate next steps. The agreement had already faced criticism because it was signed just days before national elections and committed Bangladesh to significant import obligations in exchange for a modest reduction in supplementary tariffs to 19 percent.
Analysts argue the concessions-including increased purchases of agricultural goods, liquefied natural gas and aircraft – may outweigh potential export gains. Business organisations, including knitwear and chamber leaders, described the pact as “uneven” and warned that local industries, particularly small manufacturers and poultry producers, could face losses if American products gain wider market access. Exporters also remain uncertain about how tariff benefits tied to the use of US cotton will operate in practice. Some economists suggested the court ruling provides an opportunity to reconsider or renegotiate the deal before binding obligations take effect.
Source: www.newsonair.gov.in
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Southeast Asia
Housing minister: Madani govt approves RM123.7m for 1,048 non-Muslim houses of worship nationwide
22 Feb 2026
IPOH, Feb 22 — The Madani government, through the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), has approved an allocation totalling RM123,716,331.27 for 1,048 Non-Islamic Houses of Worship (RIBI) nationwide as of last December.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the initiative reflects the Madani government’s commitment to preserving non-Islamic houses of worship as vital community institutions, in line with the principles of inclusivity, unity in diversity and social harmony.
“Houses of worship are not merely physical structures but centres for nurturing noble values, national unity and community well-being. No house of worship should be left in disrepair or neglected, as every community deserves access to safe, decent and comfortable facilities,” he said in a statement today.
A Chinese Methodist Church in Taiping received an allocation of RM250,000 yesterday to restore the country’s first Methodist prayer nest, a 121-year-old historical heritage site at Bukit Larut, originally built in 1905.
Source: www.malaymail.com
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Tuberculosis cases in Malaysia cross 3,100; Ramadan not the cause, says Health Ministry
BY Sean Ler
February 22, 2026
Tuberculosis cases across Malaysia has crossed the 3,100 mark following the detection of 596 new infections, said Malaysia's Ministry of Health (KKM) on Saturday (Feb 21).
A statement posted by KKM on its Facebook page indicated that the most of the 3,161 cases were reported in Sabah with 755 cases, followed by Selangor with 596 cases and Sarawak with 332 cases. Johor currently has 280 cases.
However, KKM also clarified that Ramadan is not the cause of tuberculosis transmissions, explaining that tuberculosis requires "longer and repeated exposures" as compared to influenza or Covid-19.
Source: www.asiaone.com
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https://www.asiaone.com/malaysia/tuberculosis-cases-malaysia-ramadan-3161
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No change in Johor Ramadan bazaar SOPs despite rise in TB cases, says official
Feb 22, 2026
There will be no change to standard operating procedures for Ramadan bazaars in Johor despite the rise in tuberculosis cases in Malaysia, said an official.
Additional hygiene practices, such as face mask for traders and food handlers, at these bazaars will not be required, said Johor’s state health and environment committee chairman, Mr Ling Tian Soon, on Feb 21, Malaysian news outlet Bernama reported.
But traders and food handlers at bazaars in Johor must get typhoid vaccinations and attend food-handling courses before they are allowed to operate.
Source: www.straitstimes.com
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‘A special gift to Muslims’: How tarawih prayers inspire young worshippers in Kuching this Ramadan
22 Feb 2026
KUCHING, Feb 22 — For many Muslims, tarawih prayers are more than just a religious obligation — it is an opportunity for spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and strengthening bonds with family and fellow worshippers.
“Tarawih is part of qiyam’ (night worship) during Ramadan, which is closely associated with the promise of forgiveness for past sins for those who perform the nightly prayers with sincere faith and hope for reward, as mentioned in Islamic teachings.
“This prayer, performed in eight or 20 ‘rakaat’ (units of the Muslim physical prayer), helps revive night worship during Ramadan and is one way to achieve ‘taqwa’ (piety and deep consciousness of Allah).
Source: www.malaymail.com
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Arab world
Saudi Arabia, Arab and Islamic Countries Condemn Statements by the US Ambassador to Israel
22 February 2026
The Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt, Türkiye, Syria, Palestine, Kuwait, Lebanon, the Sultanate of Oman, and the Kingdom of Bahrain, together with League of Arab States (LAS), expressed their strong condemnation and profound concern regarding the statements made by the United States Ambassador to Israel, in which he indicated that it would be acceptable for Israel to exercise control over territories belonging to Arab states, including the occupied West Bank.
The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported "their categorical rejection of such dangerous and inflammatory remarks, which constitute a flagrant violation of the principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, and pose a grave threat to the security and stability of the region."
The ministries stressed that these statements directly contradict the vision put forward by US President Donald Trump, as well as the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, which are based on containing escalation and creating a political horizon for a comprehensive settlement that ensures the Palestinian people have their own independent state.
Source: english.aawsat.com
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Qatar Red Crescent Society implements Ramadan Iftar projects in several countries
February 22, 2026
Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has begun implementing Ramadan Iftar projects as part of its 1447 AH “Keep Your Balance of Good Deeds Alive” campaign, through its field teams in its offices and foreign representation missions, in collaboration with national societies and implementing partners in the target countries.
These projects include the distribution of comprehensive food parcels sufficient for one month to more than 300,000 beneficiaries in 17 countries: Palestine (Gaza Strip and the West Bank), Sudan, Syria, Somalia, Afghanistan, Chad, Tanzania, Djibouti, Yemen, Niger, Bangladesh, Lebanon, Jordan, Mauritania, Albania, Kazakhstan and Uganda.
Within Qatar, community care and development teams are implementing several Ramadan projects and initiatives, including Ramadan Iftar, Zakat Al-Mal, Stand Together, Joy of Eid, On-the-Go Iftar, and Hero Meals.
The total number of beneficiaries of these projects and initiatives is estimated at no less than 30,000 people, including expatriate workers, vulnerable families, delivery drivers, and the general public.
Source: gulfnews.com/
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Young Egyptian footballer dies in traffic accident during Ramadan charity
February 22, 2026
Dubai: A promising young footballer has died in a tragic accident in Egypt after a charitable Ramadan initiative he was taking part in turned into a devastating loss for his family and community.
The victim, Motassem Zakaria, captain of the Mansoura Workers Club youth team, was killed in Dakahlia governorate shortly before the Maghrib call to prayer on Saturday while distributing iftar meals and dates to travellers and passers-by on the road.
The Egyptian Football Association president, Hany Abo Rida, mourned the young player, saying that his death is a painful loss. Coaches and officials from the club’s youth academy also expressed deep shock, saying Zakaria was not only a talented footballer but also a respected team captain known for his strong character and good manners.
Source: gulfnews.com/
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Turkish village breaks fast at two different times across one street
February 22, 2026
Dubai: Residents of a small Turkish village are breaking their fast at two different times, even though they live only a few metres apart.
A narrow road, no more than seven metres wide, divides the settlement administratively into two halves belonging to different provinces. The result is a one-minute difference in the Maghrib call to prayer, and therefore in the time of iftar, on each side of the street.
One side falls under the village of Şentepe in Ordu province on the Black Sea coast, while the opposite side belongs to Ambartepe in neighbouring Samsun province, according to Emarat Al Youm.
Source: gulfnews.com/
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How Saudi Arabia’s five Founding Day symbols tell a 299-year story
Tamara Aboalsaud
February 21, 2026
RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia prepares to mark its 299th anniversary this Founding Day — commemorating the establishment of the First Saudi State by Imam Muhammed bin Saud in 1727 CE — the moment invites reflection not only on history, but on the symbols that distill that history into enduring meaning.
Beyond ceremony and celebration, the Kingdom’s official Founding Day emblems tell a deeper story: of survival in a harsh landscape, of state-building against the odds, and of values carried forward across nearly three centuries. Together, they form a visual language that binds past to present and projects confidence into the future.
The five Founding Day symbols — the green flag, the palm tree, the Arabian horse, the souq, and the falcon — do not serve a purely celebratory function, Ismail Abdullah Hejles, a Saudi researcher in traditional architecture, told Arab News. Rather, they carry an intellectual and cultural role that connects society to its roots.
“Nations that understand their symbols and identity understand themselves and are better equipped to continue their journey with confidence and balance,” he said.
Source: www.arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2633951/saudi-arabia
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How Founding Day has grown since becoming an official holiday in 2022
Basmah Albasrawi
February 21, 2026
RIYADH: At the fifth official founding day since the national holiday was first introduced in 2022, Saudi Arabia’s citizens are tuning in for one of the most festive days of the year — one that continues to evolve and blossom with every iteration.
Founding Day commemorates the establishment of the first Saudi State in by 1727 Imam Mohammed bin Saud. It is a celebration of the nation’s cultural roots, unity across the Kingdom, and pride for the country’s history and its accomplishments.
As Saudi Arabia continues its pursuit of Vision 2030, Founding Day is an occasion that honors the past while harboring excitement for the momentum carried toward the future.
Arab News spoke to Faisal Al-Amer, senior director of research and cultural accreditation at the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, about the significance of the day.
“Nearly three centuries later, we commemorate the stories of our heroes — their sacrifices and the remarkable efforts through which they laid the foundations of what we are today as Saudis.”
Source: www.arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2633946/saudi-arabia
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Europe
ASIO gives OK for radical Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir to be banned under new hate speech laws
By Sarah Swain
Feb 22, 2026
Radical Islamist organisation Hizb ut-Tahrir is one step closer to becoming the first group banned under new hate speech laws.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke today said the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation had advised the group met the threshold to be outlawed.
"The first stage, on the process of a prohibited group listing happening for Hizb ut-Tahrir is now complete, the ASIO advice is in," he told ABC's Insiders today.
Source: www.9news.com.au
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Russian attacks kill 11, injure 38 in Ukraine over past day
by Luca Léry Moffat
February 22, 2026
Russian attacks across Ukraine killed at least 11 civilians and injured at least 38 over the past day, regional authorities reported early on Feb. 22.
Russia launched a large-scale combined drone and missile attack in the early hours of Sunday, firing 50 missiles and 297 long-range kamikaze drones, predominantly towards Kyiv and its suburbs. The Ukrainian Air Force reported downing 33 missiles and 274 drones.
The attack caused a building to collapse in the town of Fastiv, 60 kilometers southwest of Kyiv, killing a 49-year-old man and injuring seven others, according to Kyiv Oblast governor Mykola Kalashnyk. A total of fifteen people were injured across the oblast as a result of the attack, including four children, he said.
Source: kyivindependent.com
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https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-kill-11-injure-38-in-ukraine-over-past-day/
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Could Ukraine's FP-5 Flamingo Cruise Missile Strike Surpass russia's Kalibr Combat Range Record?
February 22, 2026
On February 20, Ukraine's Defense Forces reportedly struck a russian ballistic missile production facility using Ukrainian-made FP-5 Flamingo cruise missiles. The target was JSC Votkinsk Machine Building Plant, a key enterprise involved in producing missiles for the 9K720 Iskander-M system, as well as the intermediate-range Oreshnik ballistic missile. The use of Flamingo cruise missiles in the strike was recently confirmed by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
It is possible that this strike set a new benchmark for the longest combat employment of a cruise missile, potentially surpassing russia's Kalibr. The straight-line distance from Ukraine's state border to the Votkinsk facility exceeds 1,300 km.
However, estimating the actual flight distance requires considering two additional factors. First, launch sites are typically located some distance from the border. Second, the Flamingo cruise missile may have performed evasive maneuvers during flight to bypass or complicate russian air defense operations.
Source: en.defence-ua.com
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Former UK PM Boris Johnson says UK should immediately send non-combat troops to Ukraine
Maira Butt
21 February 2026
Former prime minister Boris Johnson has called for troops from the UK and Europe to be deployed immediately to Ukraine.
Mr Johnson said non-combat forces should be stationed in peaceful regions to send a firm message to Russian president Vladimir Putin otherwise the Russian leader would “keep going” with the conflict.
Speaking ahead of the four-year anniversary of the invasion, the former politician told BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg that Ukraine’s allies had been “too slow” to respond.
Source: www.independent.co.uk
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Former pub name honour for first Muslim lord
Stewart Whittingham
22-02-2026
A derelict pub which is to be turned into a cultural centre is to be named in honour of Britain's first Muslim lord.
CMA said the site was "aptly named" after Lord Stanley "whose historic family links to the area reflects the project's commitment to heritage, unity and shared civic identity".
Choudry said it would be named after the British aristocrat as "Lord Stanley looked after people very well" and showed that "there has been a "Muslim presence in the area for a long time".
Source: www.bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gepv49w0wo
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Blackburn fundraiser to run 25km a day during Ramadan
By Safiyyah Tayyeb
22-02-2026
For the past four years, Faizal Momoniat has been running every day during the month of Ramadan whilst fasting to raise funds for charity.
Faizal, 44, has now increased his running distance to 25km, or about 15.5 miles, a day, meaning he will cover distance equivalent of running from Blackburn to Paris during the holy month.
Ramadan began on Wednesday, February 18, with fasting Muslims going without food and drink from dawn until sunset, which is set to be around 5.30pm each day.
Faizal, who is a member of Blackburn Road Runners, says his past Ramadan running challenges have been highly successful in raising money for charity in previous years.
Source: www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk
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Dark times under Syria's Assad hit Arab screens for Ramadan
22/02/2026
Talking about Syria's prisons and the torture, enforced disappearances and executions that took place there was taboo during half a century of the Assad family's iron-fisted rule, but the topics are now fertile ground for creative productions, though not without controversy.
An abandoned soap factory north of the Lebanese capital Beirut has been transformed into a replica of the basements and corridors of Syria's Saydnaya prison, a facility synonymous with horror under Assad, for the series "Going Out to the Well".
Crews were filming the last episodes this week as the Muslim holy month kicked off -- primetime viewing in the Arab world, with channels and outlets furiously competing for eager audiences' attention.
The series focuses on the 2008 prison riots in Saydnaya, "when inmates revolted against the soldiers and took control of the prison, and there were negotiations between them and Syrian intelligence services", he said.
The military prison, one of Syria's largest and which also held political prisoners, remains an open wound for thousands of families still looking for traces of their loved ones.
The Association of Detainees and Missing Persons of Saydnaya Prison estimates that some 30,000 people were thrown into the facility after the 2011 uprising against Assad began, but only 6,000 came out after he was toppled.
Source: www.france24.com
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North America
Who is James Hundley? Virginia prosecutor fired after being appointed interim US Attorney to replace Trump loyalist
Feb 22, 2026
The US Department of Justice has fired veteran lawyer James W Hundley just hours after a panel of federal judges unanimously appointed him as interim US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, marking the latest clash between the judiciary and the Trump administration over prosecutorial appointments.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the dismissal shortly after Hundley was sworn in by Chief US District Judge M. Hannah Lauck in Richmond, declaring on social media that the authority to appoint US attorneys rests with the president, not federal judges.
Hundley, who had been chosen to temporarily fill the vacancy after the departure of Trump ally Lindsey Halligan, said it was an honour to be appointed by the court and added that he would continue supporting the justice system despite his removal.
The abrupt firing highlights growing tensions over the appointment of interim US attorneys, particularly after several federal courts ruled that Trump administration appointees had been serving unlawfully.
Source: timesofindia.com
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Who is Hannah Natanson? Washington Post reporter at centre of FBI raid as US judge raises concerns over press freedom
Feb 22, 2026
A federal judge in Virginia has declined to immediately order the return of devices seized from Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson during an FBI raid on her home, but expressed deep concern over the implications for press freedom and confidential sources.
US magistrate judge William B Porter, presiding in the eastern district of Virginia, said Natanson had effectively been cut off from her professional work since federal agents confiscated two laptops, a mobile phone and a Garmin watch in the January search.
Porter also suggested he was wary of allowing federal investigators unrestricted access to journalistic materials, noting that public confidence could suffer if the government reviewed protected reporting information.
Lawyers for the Washington Post argued the continued retention of Natanson’s devices was causing serious professional and personal harm and posed broader risks to press freedom.
Source: timesofindia.com
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US soldier accused of stealing $3 million to fund mansion and luxury cars: 'Stole taxpayer dollars'
Feb 22, 2026
A US Air Force staff sergeant and his husband are accused of stealing more than $3 million from the government to pay for a luxury lifestyle that included high-end cars and a million-dollar home in Arizona.
Staff Sgt. Richard Stefon Ramroop, 35, and Manuel George Madrid, 32, were charged in a 12-count indictment for allegedly running the scheme between January 2022 and December 2025. The US Department of Justice announced the charges on Thursday.
Prosecutors say Ramroop used his position as a pharmacist at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson to order thousands of medical devices using government funds. After obtaining the equipment, the couple allegedly resold the items and kept the profits. Authorities say the scheme cost the Department of War more than $3 million.
Source: timesofindia.com
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Ghislaine Maxwell's brother calls her 'real victim' in Epstein scandal; labels Virginia Giuffre ‘monster’
Feb 22, 2026
Ian Maxwell, brother of convicted sex offender Ghislaine Maxwell, defended his sister, saying she is the “real victim” in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal and called Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre a “monster.”
In an interview with The Telegraph published Friday, he lashed out at Giuffre, who accused Epstein and Britain’s former Prince Andrew of sexual abuse and died by suicide at age 41 in April.
“I know who the monster is here and it’s not my sister, it’s Virginia Giuffre and her falsehoods that have had devastating ramifications for Ghislaine. I didn’t shed a tear when she died,” Ian told the outlet, as quoted by the New York Post.
Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted in 2021 of recruiting and grooming underage girls for Epstein’s abuse, including sex trafficking of minors. She is serving a 20-year sentence and has sought to overturn her conviction.
Source: timesofindia.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshowprint/128664732.cms
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Indian influencer claims he and his wife were detained by immigration in South Korea and China in viral video
Feb 21, 2026
Sachin Awasthi, an Indian content creator says he was detained by immigration authorities in both South Korea and China while traveling with his wife.
Posting on Instagram, Awasthi described being detained for 38 hours on Jeju Island in South Korea. He said the couple was denied entry and taken to a holding area without any clear explanation.
He added that the detention centre was like a jail with no sunlight or access to the outside, and they were given jail food. Awasthi claimed authorities pressured them into booking an expensive return ticket.
He said the ordeal continued during transit through China, with restricted communication, limited food and water, and monitored use of restrooms. “By the time we were told we would be sent back, we were mentally drained. The return ticket cost almost 10× the normal price,” he said.
Source: www.thenationalnews.com
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Africa
Libya's Ramadan celebrations tempered by economic woes
22 Feb 2026
TRIPOLI, Feb 22, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Libyans have been enjoying Ramadan with feasts and fireworks -- but soaring prices, a devalued currency and political divisions have left many with little to celebrate.
Fifteen years on from the fall of longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi, the country remains split between east and west, while shortages of goods, including fuel, disrupt daily life, despite Libya sitting atop vast oil and gas reserves.
During the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, shoppers stock up on treats, as families gather for lavish meals before and after the daytime fast that stretches from sunrise to sunset.
But this year supermarkets have been rationing their goods, while many petrol stations are short of gas. In the capital Tripoli, most ATMs were out of cash this week.
Firas Zreeg, 37, told AFP while weaving through a crowded supermarket that the economy was deteriorating, blaming currency speculators for the fall in the dinar, "which has negative repercussions on our daily lives".
Source: www.bssnews.net
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https://www.bssnews.net/business/362879
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Maltina Lights Up Kano, Brings Communities Together For Iftar
22-02-2026
Maltina has launched its first-ever Ramadan Light-Up in Kano as part of activities marking its 50th anniversary, illuminating Kofa Nassarawa Emir Palace Road to welcome the holy month.
The evening commenced with “The Shared Table,” a communal Iftar gathering where guests broke their fast at sunset and observed Maghrib prayers. The gathering brought together members of the Islamic community, government representatives, religious leaders, influencers, and company executives.
Speaking at the event, portfolio manager at Maltina Company, Elohor Olumide-Awe, said the initiative reflects the brand’s commitment to promoting togetherness and community spirit.
Source: leadership.ng
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Ramadan 05: Lower your gaze, control anger, and avoid obscenity
By Haroon-Ishola Balogun
February 22, 2026
Fasting is not only abstaining from food and drink; it is guarding the limbs from sin. The eyes, tongue, and emotions are tested daily during Ramadan. Lowering the gaze, avoiding anger, and shunning obscene speech are essential to protecting the fast.
In today’s digital age, lowering the gaze requires conscious effort — avoiding inappropriate images, videos, and content that weaken the soul and nullify the spirit of fasting.
The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) warned: “If one of you is fasting, he should not engage in obscene speech or ignorant behavior.” (Bukhari and Muslim).
Source: www.vanguardngr.com
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https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/02/ramadan-05-lower-your-gaze-control-anger-and-avoid-obscenity/
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A rare occurrence (Lent and Ramadan)
by Tunji Adegboyega
February 22, 2026
For the first time in over 80 years, Christians and Muslims started this year’s Lent and Ramadan, simultaneously, on Wednesday, February 18. The last time the world witnessed such convergence was in 1943. Other things being equal, the world is not expecting such rare occurrence until 2189, which is some 163 years from now. Meaning many (if not every human being alive today) would have long been gone by then. Meaning those of us who were not born as at 1943 when the two days converged witnessed our only such occurrence on February 18. And meaning those who witnessed the 1943 convergence had witnessed their second and last. It is doubtful if anyone can still live up to 246 years nowadays. There is no scientific record of such.
This is why those of us who were lucky to witness the rare occurrence should count ourselves lucky indeed because it is not everyone that was alive even till February 17, 2026, that had the opportunity of ushering in the Lent and Ramadan the next day.
But, beyond being witnesses to this great convergence, we need to take some lessons on its significance. I do not just believe we have this rare opportunity for nothing. There must be a reason for this.
Right or wrong, I want to believe Nigeria is one of the countries that need to reflect on a date like this. The reason is simple. Ours is a country where many people believe in religion but not in God or Allah. There are places in the country where some people have been indoctrinated to see people who do not share their religious belief as infidels. And this is not only inter-religion but even intra-religion. Just as we find in Christendom, so it is in Mohammedanism; the difference is in the extent of dislike or outright hate and provocation.
Source: thenationonlineng.net
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https://thenationonlineng.net/a-rare-occurrence-lent-and-ramadan/
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/javed-akhtar-asks-indian-muslim-clerics-to-condemn-taliban-domestic-violence/d/138967