Catholic Schools in Central Java Threatened With Closure for Not Teaching Islam
New Age Islam News Bureau
24 Sept 2012
Southeast Asia
• Catholic schools in Central Java threatened with closure for not teaching Islam
• Human rights must bow to religious values: Indonesian Home Minister
• Manila, Muslim rebels close to landmark peace deal in south
• Muslims Find Comfort in Hong Kong
• Victims of Indonesian purge await apology
Mideast Asia
• Senior Cleric of Iran Calls Anti-Islam Movie "Insult to All Divine Prophets"
• World War III may erupt if Israel attacks Iran: Iranian official
• Islamists say Israel attacked over prophet film
• Iran threatens attacks on US bases in event of war
• Iranian Speaker Raps Insult to Islam's Prophet under Excuse of Freedom of Speech
• Ex-Iran president's son returns from exile, faces charges
• Ahmadinejad: Iran doesn't take Israeli threats of attack seriously
• Jittery Israel not to re-visit 1979 Egypt peace deal terms
• Iran blocks access to Google and Gmail
• 500 protest anti-Islam film, cartoon in Istanbul
• Iran to Host Conference on Violation of Human Rights in Bahraini Jails
• Iran's Basij Force Calls for Boycotting US, European Goods
• Iranian MP Raps Amano for Disclosing Iran's N. Information to Zionists
• Iranian Minister Dismisses Arrogant Powers' Claims about War on Terrorism
• Protesters in Turkey, Greece, Iran flay attacks on Islam
• Israel's Olmert Gets Light Sentence for Conviction
• Hamas Halves Israeli Fruit Imports to Gaza
North America
• Former Jordanian Minister Admits Recruiting, Sending Terrorists to Iraq
• US slams Pakistan minister for putting up USD 100,000 bounty
• Obama likely to talk on unrest over anti-Islam film in UN
• Hollywood jittery over Osama films
• Obama brushes off Israeli pressure over Iran
India
• Talks, killings can’t go together: Mirwaiz in Geneva
• Embassy officials in Kuwait establish contact with 650 detained Indians
• Suspected militants kill village Sarpanch in Baramulla
• Pak Hindus in Jodhpur clamour for citizenship
• Delaying tactics? Saudi Arabia seeks more proof on Fasih
• India denying visa was a deep wound: Rushdie
• Inquiry indicts SSP for Ghaziabad riots
• Kashmir valley’s film date with Hamburg
• Katju appeals to Pak leadership to release death row convict Sarabjit
• Maharashtra home department 'rejects' Kasab's mercy plea
Arab World
• Children of man waiting for execution seek pardon from King Abdullah
• Syrian children killed ahead of UN briefing
• Egyptian Mufti calls for patience over anti Islam Film
• Four Iraqi schoolchildren killed in blast
• Egypt Sentences 14 to Death over Sinai Attacks
• Commander of the National Guard of Saudi Arab: National Day instils spirit of hard work
• Opponents in Capital Seek Ouster of Assad
• Hamas & the Brotherhood: Homogenous ideology but variant concerns
• Book highlights Islamic identity of the Saudi Kingdom
• Mursi urges US to change policy toward Arabs
South Asia
• “No risk of Al-Qaeda attack”: Maldives Home Minister
• Govt tireless to further consolidate democracy: Bangladesh PM
• Taliban Release Video on Afghan Base Attackers
• ‘Taliban propaganda’: Afghan newsmen oppose ban on Pakistani dailies
• Nepali Muslims demand action against prophet film
• Tahrir men protest anti-Islam film: Bangladesh
• Protest against anti-Islam film in Sri Lanka
Africa
• Libya Offers $1bln to Lebanon to Close Imam Musa Sadr's Case
• Four Somali journalists killed
• Deadly Attack in Libya Was Major Blow to C.I.A. Efforts
• From Nigeria to Athens, Muslim protests rumble on
• Libya militia crackdown spreads to Tripoli
• Libyan authorities give Islamist militia two days to leave their bases
Pakistan
• Baloch people have a right to self-determination: US lawmaker
• Church, school set afire in Pak film fury
• Parliamentary panel to probe forced conversions
• Bounty offer makes Pakistan squirm
• Committee to probe attack on church in Mardan: Malik
• Karachi: 11 shot including former lawmaker
• Muslims ready to sacrifice lives for the Prophet’s sanctity: Munawar
• Pakistan court dismisses petition challenging Kayani's extension
• Baloch in Karachi ask not for entitlement, only equal rights
• Lahore-born entrepreneur among US richest people
• Waziristan ‘peace march’ will help to halt drone strikes, says Imran Khan
• Pervez Musharraf asks Interpol to dismiss Pakistan's request to issue RCN
• Samjhauta Express engine catches fire in Pakistan, no casualties
• Pakistan government denies Sarabjit Singh's counsel Awais Sheikh to meet him in jail
Europe
• Anti-Islam film and vandalism against the Church, links in the same chain in Moscow
• 3 Acquitted in Muhammad Drawing Murder Plot
• Taliban claims British-born assailants ready to slay Prince Harry
• UN chief warns Ahmadinejad on fiery rhetoric
• Britain, France, Germany call for new Iran sanctions
• Prophet film protesters clash with Greek police
• Kazakh leader appoints PM as chief of staff
• At United Nations, Renewed Focus on Syria, if Not New Ideas
• New SARS-like virus detected in Middle East
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
Photo: Catholic Schools in Central Java Threatened With Closure for Not Teaching Islam
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Southeast Asia
Catholic schools in Central Java threatened with closure for not teaching Islam
Mathias Hariyadi
09/20/2012
Tegal District leaders and Catholic representatives hold special meeting. Sister Madeleine rejects accusations and reiterates her schools' policy, from kindergarten to high school. Muslim parents with children in Catholic schools agree, defending the latter's independence.
Jakarta (AsiaNews) - The demand to include Islamic teaching in Catholic schools is proving controversial again. A few months ago, the Education Department in Tegal District (Central Java) warned St Pius Catholic Schools to include Islamic courses for Muslim students.
Local authorities summoned Sister Madeleine, of the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, to meet the district council to discuss the issue. The woman religious runs the Asti Dharma Foundation, which manages various St Pius schools, from primary to secondary as well as vocational training.
In yesterday's meeting with Tegal administration, the nun used all her eloquence and power of persuasion, backed by the moral and political support of Catholic lawyers and Fr Frans Widyanatardi Pr, who is in charge of Sacred Heart parish.
The row over Islamic education for Muslim students goes back a while, first raised by the Education Department and then the Religious Affairs Bureau, until local media, radio and TV, picked up the story and made it public.
The situation is critical because the sisters of the St Pius Catholic Schools have received threats and warnings, including the threat of having their schools shut down if they do not comply with the requests.
In response to critics, Sister Madeleine said that only two Muslim kids attend the St Pius Catholic Kindergarten, nine are in primary school, 12 in junior high and nine in high school, this out of a total school population of around 1,400 pupils, Fr Frans told AsiaNews.
Muslim parents have come out to defend the Catholic schools, saying they do not believe the schools would be closed for the lack of Islamic courses.
"Who are these people" who asked the Tegal Education Department to impose Islamic teaching for Muslim students, said Mr Charles Sinaga, a Muslim, who has a son in junior high, especially since the requests that were made remain anonymous or vague. For him, "only parents are morally entitled to make such requests."
Unlike other nations, religious education is compulsory in Indonesia. However, in Christian schools, Christianity, not other religions, has been taught.
The goal in any event is not to proselytise or "convert" non-Christian students. Even when pupils ask to be baptised, they still need their parents' consent.
In addition, those who do convert tend to be Sino-Indonesians who leave their ancestral religion, not Islam, for Christianity.
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Catholic-schools-in-Central-Java-threatened-with-closure-for-not-teaching-Islam-25867.html
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Human rights must bow to religious values: Indonesian Home Minister
Margareth S. Aritonang
September 24 2012
Home Minister Gamawan Fauzi said on Monday that his ministry was working with the Law and Human Rights Ministry to draft a joint ministerial decree to define "human rights"– a definition that will be used as benchmark in drafting bylaws.
According to Gamawan, such a decree is important due to the many definitions of human rights being promoted nationwide.
"We must regulate the definition of human rights so that the implementation will not violate religious and cultural values embraced in certain parts of the country, which have their own traits," Gamawan said on sidelines of a hearing with the House of Representatives Commission II on regional administrations on Monday.
He cited Aceh as an example, highlighting that the implementation of human rights – as is internationally understood – must adapt to the sharia implemented in the province.
The joint ministerial decree is among the three regulations the Indonesian government has offered to set up in response to its refusal to adopt 30 "critical" recommendations by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) after a quadrennial human rights review in May.
In addition to the decree, the government has also announced that it will establish a law on human rights friendly districts and finalize the long-awaited truth and reconciliation bill to deal with past human rights abuses.
"People usually condemn the government's attempt to regulate them as a violation of human rights. They forget that they must also respect the rights of others. Article 28 of the Constitution clearly states that our rights are limited by the law. Therefore, there is no such thing as total freedom. We are bound by the rights of our neighbors," Gamawan said.
Article 28(j) of the 1945 Constitution stipulates that each person has the obligation to respect the fundamental rights of others while partaking in the life of the community, the nation and the state.
It further says that in exercising rights and liberties, each person has the duty to accept the limitations determined by law for the sole purposes of guaranteeing the recognition and respect of the rights and liberties of other people and of satisfying a democratic society's just demands based on considerations of morality, religious values, security and public order.
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2012/09/24/human-rights-must-bow-religious-values-home-minister.html
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Manila, Muslim rebels close to landmark peace deal in south
24 September 2012
MANILA/KUALA LUMPUR: The Philippine government and Muslim rebels are closing in on a peace deal after nearly 15 years of violence-interrupted talks, a potential landmark success for President Benigno Aquino that could pave the way for more investment in the country’s impoverished but resource-rich south.
Negotiators from both sides told Reuters that the major obstacles to a framework deal being signed this year appear to have been surmounted after a period of intense diplomacy.
The deal would formalize a cease-fire in Muslim-majority areas of Mindanao island and set in train a roadmap to create a new autonomous region in the mainly Catholic country before the end of Aquino’s term in 2016.
“What we are saying is that the whole thing will be completed this year,” said Marvic Leonen, a law professor who is the government’s chief negotiator, describing the deal as the “architecture” for the peace process. The deal to end the 40-year-old conflict, which has killed more than 120,000 people, could be signed as soon as the next round of talks in Malaysia, expected to take place in early October.
Tough negotiations still lie ahead and, analysts say, other dangers lurk, such as the threat posed by powerful clans who may disrupt a deal, fearing a loss of political influence.
“We are close to it, but there are still big elephants in the room, such as territory, internal security, and wealth-sharing arrangements,” the chief negotiator with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels, Mohagher Iqbal, told Reuters.
The framework deal would signal a major breakthrough in trust between the government and the MILF separatists, who have long viewed Manila’s motives in the talks with suspicion.
It comes as the Philippines defies its reputation as an economic laggard with strong growth and a resurgence in investor interest.
In the latest sign of a policy shift toward Mindanao, the Aquino government has given the impoverished the state the biggest regional share of government infrastructure funds.
For the MILF leadership, a peace deal could simply be a matter of pragmatism. After four decades of conflict, they are ageing and, analysts say, eager to see some fruit from the grinding years of peace negotiations. An outbreak of violence last month when a small rebel faction opposed to the deal attacked army camps underlined how the MILF is struggling to control a younger, more radical generation.
The leadership may also be motivated by the prospect of royalties from huge untapped deposits of oil, gas and mineral resources in rebel areas, part of an estimated total of $312 billion in mineral wealth in Mindanao. France’s Total has partnered with Malaysia’s Mitra Energy Ltd. to explore oil and gas fields in the Sulu Sea off Mindanao.
“If the peace agreement will be signed this year, then I think we will see some benefits already trickling down next year. That’s how fast it is,” said Vicente Lao, president of Mindanao Business Council.
Ishak Mastura, former head of investments for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said a peace agreement would take more time to boost investment and trade in the conflict areas. He said the first phase would likely be an influx of development aid.
“There’s a lot of things to be done before we see these big companies coming in, such as legal environment, infrastructure, and security on the ground,” Mastura said.
NO PANACEA
Despite the prospect of a peace deal with the MILF, Mindanao is likely to remain one of the most violent places in Asia, plagued by a long-running communist insurgency, heavily-armed clans, and radical Islamic splinter groups.
The framework agreement will set up a 15-member Transition Commission, which has until 2015 to draft a law creating the new entity to replace the current autonomous region that has been in place since 1989 and which is widely seen as a failure.
“It’s not a Panacea,” said Bryony Lau of the International Crisis Group in Jakarta. “But it will be really significant because it is the first substantive text since 2008.”
Peace talks with the 11,000-strong MILF started in July 1997, but broke down three years later when then president Joseph Estrada ordered troops to seize rebel bases after a rebel attack on a ferry that killed dozens.
His successor Gloria Macapagal Arroyo re-opened talks in 2001, inviting Muslim-majority Malaysia to join. Peace appeared to be within reach in 2008, but the Supreme Court declared the deal unconstitutional in a decision that set off rebel attacks and a fierce military offensive that displaced 750,000 people.
The turning point came in August 2011 when Aquino held secret talks with MILF leaders at a Tokyo hotel, apparently convincing them of his sincerity in reaching a deal to end the conflict.
“The government has been determined all along to reach a deal that it could implement within Aquino’s term, and that emphasis appears to have resonated with the MILF,” said Lau.
http://www.arabnews.com/manila-muslim-rebels-close-landmark-peace-deal-south
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Muslims Find Comfort in Hong Kong
23 September 2012
CAIRO – Falling victims to islamophobic sentiments in the West and neighboring countries, Muslims are finding a peaceful refuge in Hong Kong to practice their religion freely.
"I'm very happy to be able to freely practice my religion," Ali Diallo, a businessman and president of African Community Hong Kong, told South China Morning Post on Sunday, September 23.
“I've never heard anyone say they were discriminated against.”
Studying economics in Britain, Diallo relocated from Guinea in West Africa to Hong Kong where he became president of the organization that promotes unity and understanding between the African community and locals.
"Apart from Africa, I've felt most free in Britain until recent times, when all these problems started coming up," he said.
Full report at:
http://ww2.onislam.net/english/news/asia-pacific/459159-hong-kong-muslims-urge-mosques-schools.html
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Victims of Indonesian purge await apology
2012-09-24
JAKARTA, Indonesia, Sept 24, 2012 (AFP) - At 72, Sri Sulistyawati still remembers the day when two Indonesian soldiers placed a wooden plank across her belly and used her body as a see-saw, before she fainted from the pain.
Her tale is a lost footnote in one of the last century's bloodiest atrocities, when between 500,000 and two million suspected communists were killed in purges in 1965 and 1966 under general Suharto, who was toppled in 1998.
After being swept under the carpet for nearly fifty years, those atrocities were this year acknowledged for the first time by the government's own human rights body, providing some solace to victims such as Sulistyawati, whose pain and disgrace have gone ignored for decades.
Full report at:
http://www.mysinchew.com/node/77958
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Mideast Asia
Senior Cleric of Iran Calls Anti-Islam Movie "Insult to All Divine Prophets"
September 24, 2012
TEHRAN (FNA)- Tehran's provisional Friday Prayers Leader Hojjatoleslam Kazzem Sediqi deplored the recent insults to Islam's Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), and called on the international community to take action against such sacrilegious moves as they insult all divine prophets.
"Jesus (PBUH) and Moses (PBHU) receive their credits from our Prophet and Quran and any insult to Islam's Prophet is an insult to all humanity and all good things," Sediqi said, addressing a large congregation of worshippers on Tehran University Campus on Friday.
The remarks by the cleric referred to a sacrilegious movie which was produced by an Israeli-American and a series of subsequent cartoons published by the French weekly, Charlie Hebdo, against Islam and prophet Mohammad (PBUH).
The cleric asked the international and legal bodies, elites, academics, art and media people to protest against these insulting moves leveled against Islam and divinity.
Full report at:
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=9106241438
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World War III may erupt if Israel attacks Iran: Iranian official
September 24, 2012
A top Iranian official has said a World War III may erupt if his country is attacked by Israel, concerned over Tehran's controversial nuclear programme. Brigadier general Amir-Ali Hajizadeh, commander of the Aerospace Division of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), told
Press TV that in case of the eruption of such a war, the situation would be out of control.
"This war is likely to degenerate into the World War III," Hajizadeh was quoted as saying.
Stating that some countries might enter the war in favour of or against Iran, the official said: "We see the US and the Zionist regime (of Israel) alongside one another and we can by no means imagine that the Zionist regime would initiate a war (against Iran) without US support."
"The Islamic Republic of Iran considers US bases in the region as part of American soil and will definitely target them if a war breaks out," he added.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/RestOfAsia/World-War-III-may-erupt-if-Israel-attacks-Iran-official/Article1-934709.aspx
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Islamists say Israel attacked over prophet film
23 Sep 2012
An Islamist militant group said it launched a deadly cross-border attack on Israel from Egypt's Sinai in protest at a US-made film mocking Islam, SITE Intelligence Group reported on Sunday.
Ansar Bait al-Maqdis (Partisans of Jerusalem) termed the attack a "Disciplinary Invasion Against those who Dared Against the Beloved Prophet," the US-based monitoring agency said, citing a statement posted on Islamist websites. "As the defence of the honour of the Messenger of Allah is one of our duties and responsibilities, your brothers ... carried their weapons and became determined to discipline the Jews for their heinous acts," the statement read.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/53574/World/Region/Islamists-say-Israel-attacked-over-prophet-film.aspx
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Iran threatens attacks on US bases in event of war
By Ali Akbar Dareini
24th September 2012
A senior commander in Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard warned that Iran will target U.S. bases in the region in the event of war with Israel, raising the prospect of a broader conflict that would force other countries to get involved, Iranian state television reported Sunday.
The comments by Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, who heads the Guard's aerospace division, came amid tension over Iran's nuclear program and Israel's suggestion that it might unilaterally strike Iranian nuclear facilities to scuttle what the United States and its allies believe are efforts to build a bomb. Tehran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
Hajizadeh said no Israeli attack can happen without the support of its most important ally, the United States, making all U.S. military bases a legitimate target.
Full report at:
http://newindianexpress.com/world/article1239059.ece
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Iranian Speaker Raps Insult to Islam's Prophet Under Excuse of Freedom of Speech
2012-09-23
TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani strongly condemned the recent insult to Islam's Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), and said freedom of speech is just a pretext for the West to insult freedom and thought.
"The western culture and its politicians demonstrated their stupidity and made the greatest insult to freedom and thought under the false guise of freedom of speech," Larijani said addressing an open session of the parliament here in Tehran on Sunday.
"This inhumane insistence on insulting the Messenger of God (Prophet Mohammad, PBUH) doesn't show the power of logic and persistence in freedom, rather it is more hooliganism and bullying in international politics," Larijani underscored.
Full report at:
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=9106241760
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Ex-Iran president's son returns from exile, faces charges
Sep 24, 2012
DUBAI: The son of former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani returned to Iran from exile to answer charges of inciting unrest after a disputed election in 2009, fuelling speculation that Rafsanjani's influence in Tehran may once again be growing.
Mehdi Hashemi Rafsanjani arrived in Tehran late on Sunday, Fars news agency reported, having spent three years in the United Kingdom following his alleged involvement in the widespread protests that followed the re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Mehdi Rafsanjani had spent several days in Dubai and been expected to return to Iran on Sunday, an independent source told Reuters.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Ex-Iran-presidents-son-returns-from-exile-faces-charges/articleshow/16525810.cms
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Ahmadinejad: Iran doesn't take Israeli threats of attack seriously
In interview with Washington Post on eve of UN visit, Iranian president says he believes 'the people of the U.S. are peace-loving people.'
By Haaretz
Sep.24, 2012
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Sunday that Iran did not take seriously Israeli threats of an attack on its nuclear facilities. Speaking to the Washington Post in an interview ahead of his visit to the United Nations in New York, the Iranian president also stated that he believes the Americans are "peace-loving people."
“We, generally speaking, do not take very seriously the issue of the Zionists and the possible dangers emanating from them,” he told columnist David Ignatius early in the interview. “Of course, they would love to find a way for their own salvation by making a lot of noise and to raise stakes in order to save themselves. But I do not believe they will succeed. Iran is also a very well-recognized country and her defensive powers are very clear.”
Full report at:
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/ahmadinejad-iran-doesn-t-take-israeli-threats-of-attack-seriously-1.466571
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Jittery Israel not to re-visit 1979 Egypt peace deal terms
September 24, 2012
Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said on Sunday Israel would not agree to re-evaluate peace deal with Egypt, days after the latest attack along the shared border killed an Israeli soldier and three gunmen.
To restore security to the increasingly lawless Sinai Peninsula, Israel and Egypt agreed to temporarily waive limits on troops included in the 1979 peace deal, allowing Egypt to send heavier weaponry into the vast desert region which borders Israel.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/jittery-israel-not-to-revisit-1979-egypt-peace-deal-terms/article3929638.ece
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Iran blocks access to Google and Gmail
September 24, 2012
Iran blocked access to Google's popular and relatively secure Gmail service on Monday amid first steps by the Islamic republic to establish a walled-off national intranet separate from the worldwide Internet. Access to Google's search page (
href="http://www.google.com">www.google.com) was also restricted to its unsecured version, web users in Iran found. Attempts to access it using a secure protocol (https://www.google.com) were also blocked.
The curbs were announced in a mobile phone text message quoting Abdolsamad Khoramabadi, an adviser to Iran's public prosecutor's office and the secretary of an official group tasked with detecting Internet content deemed illegal.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/RestOfAsia/Iran-blocks-access-to-Google-and-Gmail/Article1-934877.aspx
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500 protest anti-Islam film, cartoon in Istanbul
23 Sep 2012
Hundreds of Turkish protesters chant 'Allah-u Akbar' during a protest in Istanbul against anti-Islam American film and French cartoons
Hundreds of protesters in Istanbul burnt US and Israeli flags Sunday in a heated reaction against an American film and French cartoons that have sparked dearly riots across the Middle East and North Africa.
Around 500 people gathered around the Turkish city's iconic Taksim Square, chanting "Allah-u Akbar" as they burnt Western flags in a display of fury for the inflammatory depictions of the Prophet Mohammed.
The crowd unfurled banners reading "Death to America" and "Death to France" as they shouted anti-Western slogans, urging the Muslim world to react against the anti-Islamic depictions in the West.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/53621/World/Region/-protest-antiIslam-film,-cartoon-in-Istanbul.aspx
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Iran to Host Conference on Violation of Human Rights in Bahraini Jails
September 24, 2012
TEHRAN (FNA)- An Iran-based human rights group plans to hold an international conference on violation of human rights in Bahrain's jails with different Bahraini opposition groups and human rights activities in attendance.
The International Union of Unified Ummah (Community) announced on Sunday that the conference will be held in five cities of Iran from October 4-6.
Different Bahraini opposition figures and a number of European human rights activists will discuss the ongoing violation of human rights in Al Khalifa jails.
Alireza Komeili, one of the conference organizers, said more than 2,500 people are in Manama regime's jails, and added that the recent harsh sentences issued for Bahraini protesters and opposition leaders are in "not tolerable at all".
Full report at:
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=9106241828
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Iran's Basij Force Calls for Boycotting US, European Goods
September 24, 2012
TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran's Basij force in a statement on Sunday called on the parliament and the government to boycott Western goods and products in retaliation for the recent insult to Islam's Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) in a US movie.
"We urge the respectable parliament and government to stage their resolve in defending the sanctuary of pure Mohammadian Islam and the sanctity of the great prophet of Islam by imposing a full ban on imports from the US and the European regimes which support corruptors," the statement of Basij (volunteer) force said.
"No doubt, these crimes (production of blasphemous movies and cartoons against Islam's prophet) will not go unanswered and the Islamic Ummah will not forget its duty of giving a harsh punishment to those who have committed these crimes," it added.
Full report at:
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=9106241868
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Iranian MP Raps Amano for Disclosing Iran's N. Information to Zionists
September 24, 2012
TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranian Parliament member Javad Jahangirzadeh lambasted the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Yukiya Amano for the leakage of Tehran's nuclear information, and said that Amano's repeated meetings with Israeli officials in Tel Aviv over Iran's nuclear program substantiate the claim.
"IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano's repeated trips to Tel Aviv and asking the Israeli official's views about Iran's nuclear activities indicate that Iran's nuclear information has been disclosed to the Zionist Regime of Israel and other enemies of the Islamic Republic," Javad Jahangirzadeh said.
"The IAEA is obliged to protect the information about the nuclear activities of its member states but it has not fulfilled its responsibility regarding Iran and has transferred Iran's nuclear information to the country's enemies," the member of Iranian parliament presiding board said on Saturday.
Full report at:
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=9106241808
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Iranian Minister Dismisses Arrogant Powers' Claims about War on Terrorism
September 24, 2012
TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranian Justice Minister Seyed Morteza Bakhtiari criticized the bullying powers for pursuing a double-standard approach towards terrorism, saying that they are not serious in their claims about campaign against terrorism.
Bakhtiari emphasized that the arrogant powers' slogans of fighting terrorism are simply hollow claims, since in Afghanistan they are fighting Al-Qaeda, but in Syria, they are actually supporting, funding and arming Al-Qaeda, and added this shows that they are very selective about terrorism, they back terrorists whenever it suits their interests and objectives; thereupon, the US uses terrorism as a tool for its own interests.
Full report at:
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=9106241800
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Protesters in Turkey, Greece, Iran flay attacks on Islam
24 September 2012
ISTANBUL: Hundreds of protesters in Istanbul burned US and Israeli flags yesterday in a heated reaction against an American film and French cartoons that have sparked dearly riots across the Middle East and North Africa.
Around 500 people gathered around the Turkish city’s iconic Taksim Square, chanting “Allahu Akbar” as they burned Western flags in a display of fury for the inflammatory depictions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The crowd unfurled banners reading “Death to America” and “Death to France” as they shouted anti-Western slogans, urging the Muslim world to react against the anti-Islamic depictions in the West.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/protesters-turkey-greece-iran-flay-attacks-islam
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Israel's Olmert Gets Light Sentence for Conviction
2012/09/24
JERUSALEM (AP) — Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has received a fine and a suspended jail sentence in a corruption scandal, clearing a major hurdle in a possible return to politics.
A Jerusalem court ordered Olmert on Monday to pay a fine of about $18,000 and serve a one-year suspended sentence for his breach of trust conviction. He was not given jail time or community service.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2012/09/24/world/middleeast/ap-ml-israel-
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Hamas Halves Israeli Fruit Imports to Gaza
2012/09/24
GAZA (Reuters) - The Hamas government has barred much of Gaza's fruit imports from Israel, citing a need to cultivate local Palestinian agriculture and for "resistance" against the Jewish state.
The ban is opposed by Gazan produce traders who fear a squeeze on supplies and price hikes in the poor coastal enclave, which has a largely black market economy and lacks viable trade with Egypt, its other neighbor. Local growers however said the move would help them.
With the exception of bananas and apples, Gaza is no longer admitting fruit from Israel, the Agriculture Ministry said on Monday. The ban affects at least seven kinds of fruit and, in terms of sales, constitutes around a 50 percent cut in imports whose 2011 value the ministry put at $26 million.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2012/09/24/world/middleeast/24reuters-palestinians-
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North America
Former Jordanian Minister Admits Recruiting, Sending Terrorists to Iraq
September 24, 2012
TEHRAN (FNA)- Former Jordanian Information Minister Saleh al-Alqalab admitted his country's role in recruiting and dispatching terrorists and suicide bombers to Iraq.
"I have played a major role in sending suicide bombers to Iraq," Alqalab was quoted by al-Borasa news agency as saying on Sunday.
He also dismissed the reports that he is an opposition member or an adversary of the ruling system in Jordan, and added, "Allegations about my differences with Abdullah II, the Jordanian king, are just rumors."
His remarks came just a while after a Jordanian terrorist detained at the Syrian border while smuggling arms and ammunitions for terrorist and rebel groups revealed in his confession that Salafi extremist groups in Jordan are supporting Syrian rebels and their sabotage activities.
According to FNA dispatches, Abdul Rahman Jamal said in August that members of a Salafi group in Jordan had encouraged and helped him to move into Syria in a bid to fight the country's ruler (Bashar al-Assad.)
Jamal said that he was tasked with supplying guns and ammunitions to so-called Free Syrian Army.
Full report at:
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=9106241802
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US slams Pakistan minister for putting up USD 100,000 bounty
Sep 24 2012
Islamabad : The US today slammed a Pakistani minister for offering a hefty USD 100,000 bounty for killing the maker of an anti-Islam film, as Islamabad disassociated itself from the offer.
Calling Pakistan Railway Minister Ghulam Ahmad Bilour's offer as "inflammatory and inappropriate", a State Department statement said, "There could be no justification for violence and it is important for responsible leaders to stand up and speak out against violence."Bilour on Saturday put up a bounty of USD 100,000 for killing the maker of the film 'Innocence of Muslims' and went to the extent of inviting Taliban and al-Qaeda to take part in what he called "noble deed".
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/us-slams-pakistan-minister-for-putting-up-usd-100-000-bounty/1007094/
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Obama likely to talk on unrest over anti-Islam film in UN
September 24, 2012
US President Barack Obama is likely to touch upon the issue of recent unrest in the Muslim world over an anti-Islam film during his speech at the annual UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, officials said. Obama will travel to New York on Monday to attend 67th annual session of
General assembly of the world body.
Noting that the UN General Assembly always provides an opportunity for the US President to put the international situation in context and to put forward a vision of American leadership, National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor said he would certainly expect Obama to address the recent unrest in the Muslim world, and the broader context of the democratic transitions in the Arab World.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/Americas/Obama-likely-to-talk-on-unrest-over-anti-Islam-film-in-UN/Article1-934822.aspx
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Hollywood jittery over Osama films
Sep 24, 2012
After the fury over 'Innocence of Muslims', Hollywood is apparently terrified about inciting further bloody retribution against Americans, and has called a halt to releasing films showing the mission to kill Osama bin Laden. Two films - 'Zero Dark Thirty' by Kathryn Bigelow and 'Code Name: Geronimo'- have finished shooting and are set for release before Christmas, with a third, the adaptation of 'No Easy Day' by an ex-navy SEAL, awaiting the go-ahead, says Daily Express. At least one studio has asked an Islamic cleric to 'vet' its script.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/Hollywood-jittery-over-Osama-films/articleshow/16522304.cms
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Obama brushes off Israeli pressure over Iran
Sep 24, 2012
WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama likened Israeli pressure on him to draw a line in the sand over Iran's nuclear ambitions as noise he tries to ignore, according to remarks aired on Sunday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently urged the United States to establish what he called a "red line" regarding Tehran's nuclear program beyond which the United States would be compelled to act.
Iran insists its uranium-enrichment activities are for civilian energy-producing purposes, but the West fears it is for building nuclear weapons.
Israel is seen as pushing a much more hardline approach that would include military action, while Washington instead prefers to let diplomacy and sanctions dissuade Iran from building the bomb.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/Obama-brushes-off-Israeli-pressure-over-Iran/articleshow/16522991.cms
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India
Talks, killings can’t go together: Mirwaiz in Geneva
South Asian News Agency (SANA) · September 24, 2012
SRINAGAR, (SANA): The Chairman of All Parties Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has clarified that talks and killings could not go together and New Delhi needed to implement the suggestions given by the amalgam to make the ground situation conducive for dialogue.
Commenting on Indo-Pak dialogue, Mirwaiz reiterated that the people of J&K supported the dialogue between the two countries but not much movement forward could be expected if there was no movement forward on the core issue of Kashmir and genuine Kashmiri leadership was not associated with it. Mirwaiz was speaking at a roundtable and interactive dialogue on “Human Rights in India” in Geneva.
“International Council for Human Rights with its ECOSOC partner International Human Rights Association of American Minorities (IHRAAM) hosted a roundtable and interactive dialogue – Human Rights in India: Convention against Torture and International Convention for the Protection of all Persons from Enforced Disappearances at the Palais Des Nations – Geneva- as a side event to the India UPR at the 21st Session of the UN Human Rights Council,” said a spokesman of the Hurriyat in a statement.
Full report at:
http://www.sananews.net/english/talks-killings-can%e2%80%99t-go-together-mirwaiz/
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Embassy officials in Kuwait establish contact with 650 detained Indians
ATUL ANEJA
September 24, 2012
Most of them are blue collar workers picked up during police raid on visa violations
Officials in the Indian Embassy in Kuwait on Sunday established contact with 650 Indians, mostly blue collar workers, who were picked up on Wednesday during a raid by the police.
“After the lapse of the weekend here, we have managed to gain access today to many of the detainees and the exercise is continuing as we speak,” said Vidhu P. Nair, Charge de Affaires at the Indian Embassy in Kuwait.
On Sunday, embassy officials visited detention centres — covered halls where many of the detainees are kept — and deportation centres where the large covered enclosures are sometimes split into smaller cubicles.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/embassy-officials-in-kuwait-establish-contact-with-650-detained-indians/article3929647.ece
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Suspected militants kill village sarpanch in Baramulla
Sep 24 2012
Srinagar : A village sarpanch was gunned down by unidentified militants in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district late last evening.
According to reports, suspected militants fired upon Mohammad Shafi Teli (37), the Deputy Sarpanch of Nowpora Jageer area of Kreeri Sopore in Baramulla District last evening, when he was on way home after offering prayers.
Teli was rushed to a hospital in Srinagar, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Meanwhile, personnel of the Army, the Special Operations Group of the Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) cordoned off the area and have launched a hunt for the suspected militants.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/suspected-militants-kill-village-sarpanch-in-baramulla/1007101/
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Pak Hindus in Jodhpur clamour for citizenship
By Sudhanshu Mishra
September 24, 2012
THERE seems to be a rush among Pakistani Hindus, who came to India years ago on pilgrimage or tourist visas, to get an Indian citizenship.
About 7,000 such Pakistani migrants living in Rajasthan, mostly in Jodhpur, have applied for Indian citizenship as they do not want to return to Pakistan because of the “ hostile environment” there.
While 5,000 of these applicants have been living in Jodhpur, others are scattered throughout the western districts of Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner, Ganganagar, Pali, Jalore, Sirohi and Ajmer, according to Seemant Lok Sangathan ( SLS), a group working for refugees in the state.
Jodhpur divisional commissioner Ramesh Kumar Jain said that according to the Centre’s guidelines, the migrants who have been living in the country for more than seven years are eligible to apply for citizenship.
Full report at: Mail Today
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Delaying tactics? Saudi Arabia seeks more proof on Fasih
Sep 24, 2012
NEW DELHI: Saudi Arabia seems to have developed cold feet over granting India's request for deportation of alleged Indian Mujahideen operative Fasih Mahmood. The Saudi authorities recently sought more evidence from New Delhi on Fasih's involvement in terror activities as well as on his association with the IM, an act viewed by many security experts as a tactic to delay his handover.
Fasih, who is wanted by the law enforcement agencies here for his role in the Chinnaswamy Stadium blasts and the Jama Masjid shootout, was detained by Saudi authorities at Al Jubal on May 13. He hails from Darbhanga in Bihar and was employed as an engineer in Saudi Arabia.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Delaying-tactics-Saudi-Arabia-seeks-more-proof-on-Fasih/articleshow/16521103.cms
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India denying visa was a deep wound: Rushdie
September 24, 2012
Describing not being able to visit India for over 12 years as a “long exile,” India-born writer Salman Rushdie says that being denied a visa and Indian embassies abroad keeping away from him was a “deep wound” inflicted on him by India.
Rushdie’s 1988 book, The Satanic Verses, was soon banned in India, where passions were aroused by the book and for years authorities denied him a visa to prevent any trouble.
Leaving India in 1987 after shooting a documentary, Rushdie writes in the third person in his newly-released memoir, Joseph Anton: He did not know it then, but this was the beginning of a long exile.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/arts/books/india-denying-visa-was-a-deep-wound-rushdie/article3929314.ece
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Inquiry indicts SSP for Ghaziabad riots
Akash Vashishtha
September 24, 2012
THE Masuri riots could have been contained had the district senior superintendent of police ( SSP) sent his men on time, the inquiry report of the administration that has been sent to the state government has stated.
The riots erupted due to lack of coordination between the district police and the local intelligence unit ( LIU), more so, even after similar religious papers were discovered in Pilakhuwa on August 10, the report has stated.
Full report at: Mail Today
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Kashmir valley’s film date with Hamburg
By Naseer Ganai in Srinagar
September 24, 2012
AFTER making September 24, 2012 waves at the Sundance Film Festival 2012, the tale of a blossoming romance in the midst of trouble- torn Kashmir will lead the chain of selected movies at the coveted Hamburg International Film Festival in Germany.
Valley of Saints, which won the audience award as well as the Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize at Sundance, will open the Hamburg festival, scheduled to take place from September 27 to October 6.
The movie is a US- India co- production and has been directed by independent filmmaker Musa Syeed. Syeed’s parents lived in Kashmir before migrating to the US in the 70s.
The film’s cast members, all first- time actors, will be in Germany to attend the screening, the German rights for which have been obtained by Kairos Filmverleih.
Full report at: Mail Today
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Katju appeals to Pak leadership to release death row convict Sarabjit
Sep 24 2012
New Delhi : Press Council of India Chairman Markandey Katju appealed to the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan to release Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singh, who is on death row for over two decades, on humane grounds.
“I am appealing to you in the name of humanity to release Sarabjit Singh, who is in a Pakistan jail, and send him back to India as soon as possible,” Katju, a former Supreme Court judge, said.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/katju-appeals-to-pak-leadership-to-release-death-row-convict-sarabjit/1007085/
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Maharashtra home department 'rejects' Kasab's mercy plea
Sep 24, 2012
MUMBAI: Ajmal Kasab's mercy petition, addressed to President Pranab Mukherjee, has been "rejected" by Maharashtra's home ministry, days after the lone surviving perpetrator of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks set in motion the last option available to save his life.
"The home ministry has rejected Kasab's petition and has forwarded it to the Chief Minister's Office," sources in the home department told on Monday.
Under the rules, the Chief Minister's Office would now forward the mercy plea to the Union home ministry, which in turn would send it to the Rashtrapati Bhavan with its recommendation.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Maharashtra-home-department-rejects-Kasabs-mercy-plea/articleshow/16527969.cms
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Arab World
Children of man waiting for execution seek pardon from King Abdullah
24 September 2012
Two children of a man on death row have appealed to Custodian to the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to pardon their father for his crime.
“It is our wish to be with our father and to have him with us at the park and on our birthdays and to care for us when we are sick,” Joury, 3, and Emad, 2, said in their recent appeal to the king.
The children also have sent their appeals to Amnesty International.
Jameel Al-Aseeri, who was convicted of bank robbery, has been in Jeddah’s Braiman prison for the past 14 years. As he was the leader and mastermind of the crime gang involving three accomplices, Al-Aseeri was sentenced to death while the others were handed 25 years and 8,000 lashes each.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/children-man-waiting-execution-seek-pardon
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Syrian children killed ahead of UN briefing
September 24, 2012
Regime forces pounded rebels claiming to control most of Syria on Monday ahead of a UN Security Council briefing by peace envoy Lakhdar Brahimi on his talks with President Bashar al-Assad.
Ahead of the annual UN General Assembly starting on Tuesday, the UN and Arab League envoy is set to brief the UN Security Council behind closed doors on his talks in Damascus.
Brahimi discussed Syria with UN chief Ban Ki-moon on Saturday and both agreed that the 18-month crisis was "a steadily increasing threat to regional peace and stability," a statement said.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/afp/syrian-children-killed-ahead-of-un-briefing/546206
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Egyptian Mufti calls for patience over anti Islam Film
September 24, 2012
A leading figure of the Sunni sect of Islam in Egypt has called on Muslims to maintain “peace” and show “patience and wisdom” while reacting over anti-Islam actions across the world.
Speaking to CNN amid continuing protests across the Muslim world against Innocence of Muslims — an anti-Islam film — and a French satirical magazine’s cartoons, Egypt’s Grand Mufti Ali Gomaa made the appeal.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/egyptian-mufti-calls-for-patience/article3929642.ece
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Four Iraqi schoolchildren killed in blast
24 Sep 2012
At least four Iraqi school children were killed in a car explosion in the west of Baghdad
Four Iraqi primary school pupils were killed and two wounded on Monday when a booby-trapped car targeting security forces exploded, security and medical officials said.
The vehicle had been parked near the school in the town of Hit, 160 kilometres (100 miles) west of Baghdad. It exploded at around 8:00 am (0500 GMT) as the children were arriving for classes and as a security forces anti-terrorism unit passed by, the officials said.
Colonel Ayada al-Nimrawi, deputy police chief in Hit, said the blast killed four children and wounded another two. Dr Subhi Abad al-Alouani who attended the scene confirmed the toll.
They said members of the security patrol were unscathed. Deadly attacks still occur almost every day across Iraq, with political tensions fuelling sectarian divisions.
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/53667/World/Region/Four-Iraqi-schoolchildren-killed-in-blast.aspx
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Egypt Sentences 14 to Death Over Sinai Attacks
2012/09/24
ISMAILIA, Egypt (Reuters) - An Egyptian court on Monday sentenced 14 militant Islamists to death by hanging and four to life imprisonment over attacks on army and police forces in the Sinai Peninsula last year.
The men, members of a militant group called Tawheed and Jihad, were charged by the prosecutor with killing three police officers, an army officer and a civilian in attacks carried out in June and July, 2011.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2012/09/24/world/middleeast/24reuters-egypt-sinai-
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Commander of the National Guard of Saudi Arab: National Day instils spirit of hard work
24 September 2012
The National Day is a great occasion that instils the spirit of giving among the Saudis, encouraging them to work harder to boost the country’s development, said Prince Miteb bin Abdullah, state minister and commander of the National Guard.
In a statement on the occasion of the National Day, Prince Miteb commended the sacrifices made by King Abdul Aziz to establish the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and set out its basic principles.
He underscored the government’s efforts to strengthen the armed forces to defend the country, its holy places and achievements, by providing them with modern weaponry and advanced training.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/prince-miteb-national-day-instills-spirit-hard-work
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Opponents in Capital Seek Ouster of Assad
2012/09/24
DAMASCUS, Syria — In a rare instance of officially tolerated dissent, opponents of President Bashar al-Assad gathered in the capital on Sunday to call for his removal from power.
The meeting, in a Damascus hotel tightly guarded by government security agents, brought together representatives of about 20 domestic opposition groups, including leftists and longtime dissidents who have struggled to stay relevant as the uprising has become a war.
The gathering, organized by the National Coordination Body for Democratic Change, appeared to be an attempt by the groups to wrest the mantle of the revolt from armed militias and exile figures. Some antigovernment activists dismissed it as a cynical show by the government, to portray itself as willing to engage its critics.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/24/world/middleeast/in-damascus-assad-foes-seek-his-
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Hamas & the Brotherhood: Homogenous ideology but variant concerns
Khalid Amayreh
23 Sep 2012
Hamas thought the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood's accession to power would create a dramatic transformation in Gaza, however, they have discovered their Brothers in Cairo have different priorities
When Mohamed Morsi was finally declared the winner in the hotly-contested Egyptian presidential election on 23 June, Hamas's supporters in the Gaza Strip reacted almost euphorically.
Overwhelmed by a feeling of ecstasy, Islamists of all ages paraded the streets, distributing sweets and shouting enthusiastic slogans in support of Egypt's new Islamist president and his (their) mother party, the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas's legitimate mother.
Many congratulated each others on the "historic Islamist victory," made possible thanks to the Egypt's January 25 Revolution.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContentP/4/53423/Opinion/Hamas--the-Brotherhood-Homogenous-ideology-but-var.aspx
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Book highlights Islamic identity of the Saudi Kingdom
24 September 2012
The King Abdul Aziz Foundation (Darah) has published a new book containing the historic speech made by Vice Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Prince Salman at the Madinah Islamic University last year.
The 146-page book entitled “The Historical and Intellectual Basis of the Saudi State” contains the answers given by Prince Salman to questions raised by the audience as well as analytical press reports on the speech.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/book-highlights-islamic-identity-kingdom
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Mursi urges US to change policy toward Arabs
24 September 2012
Egypt President Muhammad Mursi has urged the US to change its approach to the Arab world to be able to repair relations and revitalize an alliance with Egypt.
In a media interview ahead of his visit to New York to take part in a meeting of the UN General Assembly, he said the US should not expect Egypt to live by its rules as the West, underscoring a cultural divide between the two nations.
“If you want to judge the performance of the Egyptian people by the standards of German or Chinese or American culture, then there is no room for judgment,” he told The New York Times in an interview.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/mursi-urges-us-change-policy-toward-arabs
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South Asia
“No risk of Al-Qaeda attack”: Maldives Home Minister
September 23rd, 2012
The Maldives is at no risk of an Al-Qaeda attack, Home Minister Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed told local media following claims in the UK press by former President Mohamed Nasheed that the Maldives faced rising Islamic extremism.
“There is no basis to Nasheed’s claims. The Maldivian Security Forces are working round the clock with international agencies. The Police receive up to date intelligence information from those agencies. There is no information thus far of any danger to the Maldives from an Al-Qaeda attack,” Jameel was reported as saying.
Full report at:
http://minivannews.com/category/news-in-brief
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Govt tireless to further consolidate democracy: Bangladesh PM
September 24, 2012
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said her government has been working tirelessly to further consolidate democracy and establish the rule of law in the country along with fulfilling basic needs of the people.
She said this when US Senator Peter W Galbraith called on the PM at her hotel suite in New York on Sunday evening.
The premier is now in New York to attend the 67th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
After the meeting, Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Abul Kalam Azad briefed reporters.
The premier said democratic institutions of the country including Jatiya Sangsad, Election Commission and Human Rights Commission have been strengthened, while voting rights of the people have been ensured due to various pragmatic steps of the government.
Full report at:
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/latest_news.php?nid=41091
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Taliban Release Video on Afghan Base Attackers
2012/09/24
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The Taliban have released a video they say shows insurgents preparing for an attack on a NATO base earlier this month that killed two Marines and destroyed six fighter jets.
The footage released on Monday shows men wearing U.S. Army uniforms as they practice cutting through a chain-link fence and charging through the opening. One man indicates targets with a pointer and a whiteboard with drawings of planes.
He speaks Pashtun, a major language in southern Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan. Words on the whiteboard are written in Urdu, a language more common in Pakistan.
A Taliban spokesman emailed the link to the video to the media but it was not possible to verify the authenticity of the footage. Nothing in the video indicates when or where it was filmed.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2012/09/24/world/asia/ap-
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‘Taliban propaganda’: Afghan newsmen oppose ban on Pakistani dailies
By Tahir Khan
September 24, 2012
ISLAMABAD: It is typical of the fourth estate to decry the state’s iron hand when it strikes loud and hard. The ban on Pakistani newspapers by the Afghan government has been condemned by Afghan journalists who have asked for dialogue between media personnel of either country.
On Friday, Afghanistan banned all Pakistani newspapers in the country alleging that they were a ‘conduit for Taliban propaganda’ and published reports against Afghanistan’s national interests. “The newspapers are causing discontent between our countrymen,” said a statement by the Afghan interior ministry.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/441512/taliban-propaganda-afghan-newsmen-oppose-ban-on-pakistani-dailies/
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Nepali Muslims demand action against prophet film
2012-09-23
KATHMANDU: Nepali Muslim Society on Sunday demanded US government to take stern action against filmmakers of Innocence of Muslim.
16 Muslim organisations organised a press conference in Reporters Club here in the capital today and urged the Nepali government to take the initiative.
During the conference, Chairman of the Islamic Association Nepal Gulam Rasul claimed that some sources are hatching conspiracy to ruin the relationship between the American and Muslim society.
Full report at:
http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=Nepali+Muslims+demand+action+against+prophet+film&NewsID=348328
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Tahrir men protest anti-Islam film: Bangladesh
September 24, 2012
Some members of banned militant outfit Hizb-ut-Tahrir on Monday demonstrated near US Embassy in the capital's Baridhara area to protest screening an anti-Islamic film and publishing cartoon demeaning Prophet Muhammad (SM).
Police arrested one of them while they were marching towards the embassy.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of police Nizamul Haque told The Daily Star that around 60 Tahrir men brought out a sudden procession around the noon to protest the film and cartoon.
On information, police rushed to the spot and charged truncheon to disperse the procession.
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/latest_news.php?nid=41095
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Protest against anti-Islam film in Sri Lanka
September 24, 2012
Thousands of Sri Lankan Muslims have protested an American-made film that denigrates the Prophet Muhammad, demanding the U.S. ban it and punish its creators.
More than 5,000 protesters blocked traffic as they marched on a main road Monday in the capital, Colombo, carrying signs and banners that read “USA ban the film on YouTube,” “Punishment for those involved,” and “Our hearts are wounded and chests full of anger.”
Protest organiser Kamil Hussain urged the U.S. to ban the film, Innocence of Muslims, and remove it from YouTube, saying “insulting a religious leader is not freedom of speech.”
Protesters also displayed banners that called for boycotting American brands such as Coca-Cola and McDonald’s.
American leaders have denounced the film, but U.S. free speech rights mean it’s not a crime there.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/protest-against-antiislam-film-in-sri-lanka/article3931787.ece
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Africa
Libya Offers $1bln to Lebanon to Close Imam Musa Sadr's Case
September 24, 2012
TEHRAN (FNA)- The government of Libya has asked Lebanon to dismiss the case of the kidnapped Shiite Cleric Imam Musa al-Sadr in return for $1bln, a Lebanese daily reported on Sunday.
According to a report by Addiyar daily, an Arab delegation has recently met with the Lebanese government and raised the offer.
The paper said the delegation had been given a $1bln credit and could have wired it to the Lebanese government's account in case the latter had voiced its consent.
The cash was not for the Shiite cleric's family but for the reconstruction works in Southern Lebanon, the home to the kidnapped cleric who was kidnapped in Libya in 1978, the daily added.
However, the report said that Lebanese officials have rejected the offer and stressed that Libya should confess the killing of Imam Musa Sadr and his companions, offer its formal apologies to Beirut and return back their bodies.
Full report at:
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=9106241862
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Four Somali journalists killed
Sep 24 2012
A human rights organisation has called for an investigation into the deaths of four journalists in Somalia over a 24-hour period last week (20-21 September).
On Thursday, three journalists were killed and five others wounded when two suicide bombers exploded in a restaurant in Mogadishu, killing at least 15 people.
The journalists who died were Abdisatar Daher Sabriye and Liban Ali Nur of Somali National TV and Abdirahman Yasin Ali of Radio Hamar.
The following day, Hassan Yusuf Absuge, a renowned journalist for Radio Maanta in Mogadishu, was shot dead.
A spokesman for the Islamist armed group al-Shabaab said its supporters had carried out the suicide bomb attack.
Full report at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/greenslade/2012/sep/24/journalist-safety-somalia
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Deadly Attack in Libya Was Major Blow to C.I.A. Efforts
By ERIC SCHMITT, HELENE COOPER and MICHAEL S. SCHMIDT
2012/09/24
WASHINGTON — The attack in Benghazi, Libya, that killed Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and three other Americans has dealt the Central Intelligence Agency a major setback in its intelligence-gathering efforts at a time of increasing instability in the North African nation.
Among the more than two dozen American personnel evacuated from the city after the assault on the American mission and a nearby annex were about a dozen C.I.A. operatives and contractors, who played a crucial role in conducting surveillance and collecting information on an array of armed militant groups in and around the city.
“It’s a catastrophic intelligence loss,” said one American official who has served in Libya and who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the F.B.I. is still investigating the attack. “We got our eyes poked out.”
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/24/world/africa/attack-in-libya-was-major-blow-to-cia-
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From Nigeria to Athens, Muslim protests rumble on
September 24, 2012
Muslims protested in Nigeria, Iran, Greece and Turkey on Sunday to show anti-Western anger against a film and cartoons insulting Islam had not dissipated.
As delegates from around the world gathered in New York for a UN General Assembly where the clash between free speech and blasphemy is bound to be raised, US flags were once again burning in parts of the Muslim world.
Iranian students chanted "Death to America" and "Death to Israel" outside the French embassy in Tehran in protest at the decision by satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo to publish cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad, days after widespread protests - some deadly - against a film made in the United States.
Full report at:
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/latest_news.php?nid=41082
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Libya militia crackdown spreads to Tripoli
Sep 24, 2012
TRIPOLI: A Libyan crackdown on lawless militias spread to the capital on Sunday after armed groups that have not been integrated into state institutions were ordered to disband and evacuate their bases.
The army said in an online statement that its forces had dislodged a militia from a military complex on the highway to Tripoli International Airport, arresting militiamen and confiscating their weapons.
Gunfire was heard in the area at 9 am (0700 GMT) for less than a minute, an AFP journalist said, but there were no reports of casualties.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Libya-militia-crackdown-spreads-to-Tripoli/articleshow/16520880.cms
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Libyan authorities give Islamist militia two days to leave their bases
Chris Stephen in Benghazi
23 September 201
Officials seek to exploit wave of people power after gunmen flee angry crowds in Benghazi
The Libyan authorities have given armed groups two days to vacate military bases and compounds as they seek to capitalise on the wave of people power that drove an Islamist militia from Benghazi at the weekend.
Jihadist militias in Derna, Libya's Islamist stronghold, threw in the towel on Sunday, withdrawing from their stronghold and announcing they were disbanding to avoid a repeat of the scenes in Benghazi in which angry crowds sent armed gunmen fleeing. One of the routed militias was blamed for an attack on the US consulate two weeks ago that left four Americans dead including the ambassador, Chris Stevens.
Full report at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/sep/23/libyan-authorities-islamist-militia
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Pakistan
Baloch people have a right to self-determination: US lawmaker
Sep 24 2012
Washington : Voicing concern over the alleged human rights violations in Pakistan's Balochistan province, a top US lawmaker has said that Baloch people have a right to self-determination.
"This abysmal human rights record of the Pakistani government is shameful. It is even worse because American foreign and military aid contributes to strengthening the security forces which kill innocent Balochis. The Baloch people have a right to self-determination and not to live under the control of Islamabad, if they choose," Congressman Dana Rohrabacher said in his remarks in the US House of Representatives on Friday.
He told the House that the ethnic Baloch people live in an area of South Asia now claimed by Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran. "In Pakistan in particular, they comprise an important segment of the population and live in the least developed province, despite an abundance of natural resources."
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/baloch-people-have-a-right-to-selfdetermination-us-lawmaker/1007069/
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Church, school set afire in Pak film fury
Sep 24, 2012
ISLAMABAD: A mob of hundreds of Muslim men attacked and burnt an 82-year-old church and an adjoining school in northwest Pakistan during a protest against an anti-Islam film, sparking concerns among the minority Christian community.
The mob broke through the gate of the St Paul's Lutheran Church inside the cantonment in Mardan city near Peshawar, on Friday while returning from a rally against the film 'Innocence Of Muslims'. According to reports from Christians in Mardan, the mob attacked and set on fire the church, St Paul's high school, a library, a computer laboratory and houses of four clergymen, including Bishop Peter Majeed.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Church-school-set-afire-in-Pak-film-fury/articleshow/16522293.cms
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Parliamentary panel to probe forced conversions
September 24, 2012
HYDERABAD: The alleged forced conversion of Hindus is likely to top the agenda of the newly-constituted 26-member parliamentary committee when it meets in Islamabad in the first week of October.
The federal government has constituted the committee with the purpose to review the Hindu community’s perils and make recommendations for legislation, according to Senator Hemant Das of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F). The committee is likely to table its draft recommendations when it meets next month, he revealed.
At the residence of Hindu Panchayat leader Jai Kumar Dhirani on Sunday, Senator Hafiz Hamdullah and other JUI-F leaders met with the community’s representatives and heard their concerns.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/441509/safeguarding-hindu-rights-parliamentary-panel-to-probe-forced-conversions/
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Bounty offer makes Pakistan squirm
ANITA JOSHUA
September 24, 2012
Government distances itself from Minister’s $1-lakh reward announcement
Railway Minister Ghulam Ahmad Bilour’s announcement of a $100,000 bounty for anyone who kills the man behind the anti-Islam film Innocence of Muslims has put more egg on the federal government’s face as it battles with the criticism of encouraging last Friday’s arson by calling for a national day of protest.
On Saturday, Mr. Bilour – who belongs to the Awami National Party (ANP) that traces its roots back to ‘Frontier Gandhi’ Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan – not only announced the bounty from his personal resources but also invited the Taliban and Al-Qaeda to join the hunt.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/bounty-offer-makes-pakistan-squirm/article3929640.ece
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Committee to probe attack on church in Mardan: Malik
September 24, 2012
ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik said on Sunday that a committee headed by Inspector General of Police has been formed to probe the burning of a church in Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
While talking to media persons on Sunday, the Minister strongly condemned the incident of burning of church. He said that it was contrary to the teachings of Islam which calls for respecting places of worship of all religions.
Malik also assured that security will be provided to all the churches in the country, urging the Christian community to remain patient. He said this time country are facing external and internal threats.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2012/09/24/committee-to-probe-attack-on-church-in-mardan-malik/
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Karachi: 11 shot including former lawmaker
September 23, 2012
Eleven people, including a former member of Sindh provincial assembly, were shot dead in different parts of Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi in what police suspected were target killings.
60-year-old Malik Ata, a builder and former lawmaker, was gunned down by two
motorcycle-borne men outside his house in Mehmoodabad area of Karachi yesterday, police were quoted by local media as saying.
Ata was overseeing some construction work outside his house when the assailants sprayed him with bullets, pumping three into his chest and one in his head.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/Pakistan/Karachi-11-shot-including-former-lawmaker/Article1-934477.aspx
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Muslims ready to sacrifice lives for the Prophet’s sanctity: Munawar
South Asian News Agency (SANA) · September 24, 2012
LAHORE, (SANA): Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Syed Munawar Hasan has cautioned the US and the Western rulers that the Muslims would be found ready to sacrifice their lives for the sake of the sanctity of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
He has also warned the rulers in Islamabad that mere summoning the US envoy in the Foreign Office was not enough as the nation wanted to know the outcome of the government protest on the issue. He was addressing a huge public meeting in Dir on Sunday. JI deputy chief, Sirajul Haq, and other leaders were also present.
Disapproving violence in principle, the JI Ameer slated Federal Information Minister Kaira’s remarks about Friday’s protests. He said the nation still remembered how the PPP workers had gone berserk on Benazir Bhutto’s assassination setting ablaze railway stations, petrol pumps, banks, hundreds of vehicles and political parties offices resulting in losses in billions.
Full report at:
http://www.sananews.net/english/muslims-ready-to-sacrifice-lives-for-the-
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Pakistan court dismisses petition challenging Kayani's extension
Sep 24, 2012
ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani court on Monday dismissed a petition challenging the government's decision to give a three-year extension to army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, saying it was non-maintainable.
Chief Justice Iqbal Hameed-ur-Rehman of the Islamabad high court dismissed the petition filed by Inamur Rehman, a retired army officer.
The Chief Justice said during the hearing that according to the Army Service Act, matters related to the military cannot be taken up by the high court.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Pakistan-court-dismisses-petition-challenging-Kayanis-extension/articleshow/16526403.cms
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Baloch in Karachi ask not for entitlement, only equal rights
September 24, 2012
KARACHI: At the first Karachi Baloch Peace Conference, it was not only the problems of the community that surfaced but also their fear of being sidelined in politics.
Speakers from different political parties attended the conference organised by the National Party on Sunday, presided by the party’s Dr Abdul Malik Baloch.
It is important to move the youth so that they can be educated and work towards the community’s development, said the participants.
“People in this city are being targeted according to which community they belong to, not political party,” said senior vice president of the party, Senator Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo. “Karachi belongs to the Baloch – but they are not fighting for its ownership or economy, only for survival.”
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/441474/baloch-in-karachi-ask-not-for-entitlement-only-equal-rights/
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Lahore-born entrepreneur among US richest people
September 24, 2012
LAHORE, Sept 21: Born into a middle class family of Lahore in 1950, today Shahid Khan, now a US national, stands among Forbes’ 2012 list of America’s billionaires. Now he lives in Southwest Florida’s posh beach town of Naples.
Mr Khan owns auto parts supplier Flex-N-Gate and the Jacksonville Jaguars. He ranks 179th on the 2012 Forbes 400 with an estimated net worth of $2.5 billion.
Microsoft Corp co-founder Bill Gates remains the richest man in the US by far, as the tech and philanthropy giant took the top spot on the Forbes 400 list for the 19th year running, with a net worth of $66 billion.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2012/09/22/lahore-born-entrepreneur-among-us-richest-people/
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Waziristan ‘peace march’ will help to halt drone strikes, says Imran Khan
September 24, 2012
Sialkot: Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan said that the PTIs forthcoming Waziristan Peace March will spread a message of peace across Pakistan, besides, enabling the World to see the massive destruction caused by the drone attacks in Pakistani tribal areas.
He said that uncontrolled drone attacks led by US forces were killing the innocent people in tribal areas of Pakistan.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2012/09/23/waziristan-peace-march-will-help-to-halt-drone-strikes-says-imran-khan/
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Pervez Musharraf asks Interpol to dismiss Pakistan's request to issue RCN
Sep 24 2012
Islamabad : Former military ruler Gen Pervez Musharraf has approached Interpol to seek the dismissal of a request from the Pakistan government for issuing a Red Corner Notice against him in connection with Benazir Bhutto's assassination, according to a media report today.
He sought Interpol's help following a third request from Pakistan last week seeking a Red Corner Notice for him.
"Musharraf has sought Interpol's assistance under Article 3 of Interpol's Constitution, which enshrines the guiding principle of neutrality by explicitly forbidding Interpol from engaging in matters of political, military, religious and racial character," an unnamed official of the Federal Investigation Agency was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune.
The official, dealing with Bhutto's assassination case, said Musharraf had requested Interpol to treat his case as a matter of "political and military character".
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/pervez-musharraf-asks-interpol-to-dismiss-pakistans-request-to-issue-rcn/1007116/
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Samjhauta Express engine catches fire in Pakistan, no casualties
Sep 24, 2012
AMRITSAR: Engine of Samjhauta Express ferrying between India and Pakisitan caught fire on Monday.
According to sources, the engine of Samjhauta Express caught fire between Lahore and Wagah (Pakistan) railway station due to power failure.
The train was on way to Attari (India). Confirming the incident Attari railway superintendent SK Madan informed that Pakistan railways had replaced the engine and no loss of life was reported.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Samjhauta-Express-engine-catches-fire-in-Pakistan-no-casualties/articleshow/16525292.cms
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Pakistan government denies Sarabjit Singh's counsel Awais Sheikh to meet him in jail
Sep 24, 2012
AMRITSAR: Pakistan government has denied Sarabjit Singh's counsel Awais Sheikh to meet him in Kot Lakhpat jail where he is lodged for past more than two decades.
Sheikh who was in India in recent past had taken with him letters from relatives of Sarabjit Singh besides eatables and toiletries to deliver him in the jail. While talking to TOI on Monday Sheikh said that on September 1st he had submitted an application to Home Secretary seeking permission to meet Sarabjit in jail and deliver messages, goods and personal belongings given by his family.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Pakistan-government-denies-Sarabjit-Singhs-
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Europe
Moscow Patriarchate: anti-Islam film and vandalism against the Church, links in the same chain
Nina Achmatova
2012-09-24
Archpriest Chaplin condemns the film that has offended the Muslim world and warns that freedom of expression must not go beyond the moral limits.
Moscow (AsiaNews) - The anti-Islam film that has sparked violent protests in more than 20 countries worldwide can be compared to the attacks on Christian symbols during the last month in Russia. This according to the Russian Orthodox Patriarchate which affirms that 'freedom of expression must comply with clear moral limits. The speaker was the head of the Synodal Department for Relations between state and society, Archpriest Vsevolod Chaplin, in a recent interview with the Interfax news agency. "Personally - denounced Chaplin - I think that the continuing actions in the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the appearance of a film that insults the founder of Islam, the attacks on U.S. embassies and swastikas on synagogues are links in the same chain." The cleric defines those who have desecrated symbols, extremely important for specific social groups, long considered untouchable, vandalized buildings, such as embassies and places of worship as "crazy" people.
Full report at:
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Moscow-Patriarchate:-anti-Islam-film-and-vandalism-against-the-Church,-links-in-the-same-chain-25896.html
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3 Acquitted in Muhammad Drawing Murder Plot
2012/09/24
STOCKHOLM (AP) — An appeals court has acquitted three men accused of plotting to murder a Swedish artist who had depicted the Prophet Muhammad as a dog.
Upholding a lower court's ruling, the appeals court in Goteborg said Monday there was no conclusive evidence that the three men of Iraqi and Somali origin had planned to kill Lars Vilks in September last year.
The men were carrying knives when they were arrested after inquiring about Vilks at an art exhibition where he had been expected to appear but did not do so.
The court said the men may have been prepared to use violence against Vilks but found no concrete proof that they planned to kill him.
Vilks lives under police protection after his 2007 drawing led to death threats from militant Islamists.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2012/09/24/world/europe/ap-eu-sweden-prophet-
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Taliban claims British-born assailants ready to slay Prince Harry
Sep 24 2012
London : A Taliban spokesman has claimed that thousands of British-born Muslim attackers are prepared to give their lives for prophet Mohammed and slay Prince Harry.
Qari Yousef Ahmadi, a spokesman for Taliban, has said hundreds of young men are leaving their loved ones in the UK to train with the Taliban in Afghanistan.
“We have thousands of attackers ready to give up their lives for the prophet Mohammed and kill the prince. That is our intention. They come from all over the world – from England, Pakistan,” the Daily Star quoted Ahmadi, as saying.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/taliban-claims-britishborn-assailants-ready-to-slay-prince-harry/1007133/
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UN chief warns Ahmadinejad on fiery rhetoric
September 24, 2012
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warned Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of the dangers of incendiary rhetoric when two men met in New York on Sunday before this week's annual gathering of world leaders at the UN General Assembly.
"The secretary-general drew attention to the potentially harmful consequences of inflammatory rhetoric, counter-rhetoric and threats from various countries in the Middle East," Ban's press office said in a statement.
Amir Ali Hajizadeh, a brigadier general in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was quoted as saying on Sunday that Iran could launch a pre-emptive strike on Israel if it was sure the Jewish state was preparing to attack it.
Full report at:
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/latest_news.php?nid=41083
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Britain, France, Germany call for new Iran sanctions
September 24, 2012
Britain, France and Germany have officially called for new European Union sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program, diplomats have said. The foreign ministers of the three countries wrote to EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton last week calling for tougher measures as the
showdown with Iran becomes more tense, a European diplomat told AFP, on Sunday, on condition of anonymity.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/Americas/Britain-France-Germany-call-for-new-Iran-sanctions/Article1-934711.aspx
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Prophet film protesters clash with Greek police
Sep 24, 2012
ATHENS: Greek riot police used tear gas and pepper spray to disperse Muslim protesters who clashed with officers Sunday during a rally against a film produced in the U.S. that denigrates Islam's Prophet Muhammad. No injuries were reported.
A general strike in Bangladesh shut down schools, transportation and businesses, while a few hundred people peacefully marched in Pakistan. Iranian students burned flags in Tehran to protest the recent publication of lewd caricatures of Muhammad by a French satirical weekly.
In Athens, six people were detained during the demonstration at a central square, police said. About 600 people attended the rally, which featured heated speeches, but was mostly peaceful.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/Prophet-film-protesters-clash-with-Greek-police/articleshow/16521497.cms
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Kazakh leader appoints PM as chief of staff
September 24, 2012
Kazakhstan's powerful president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, appointed his long-serving prime minister as chief of staff on Monday in a move to balance the rival groups vying for influence in the oil-producing former Soviet state.
Karim Masimov, 47, was selected by Nazarbayev to run his presidential office after serving nearly six years as premier of Central Asia's largest economy, a period of sustained economic growth and billions of dollars in foreign investment.
The Nazarbayev loyalist replaces Aslan Musin, who was appointed head of the budgetary accounts committee.
Full report at:
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/latest_news.php?nid=41088
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At United Nations, Renewed Focus on Syria, if Not New Ideas
By NEIL MacFARQUHAR
2012/09/24
UNITED NATIONS — The raging conflict in Syria will take center stage starting Monday as some 120 world leaders converge on the United Nations for what is sometimes called “diplomacy’s annual trade fair.”
Syria will have to share the stage at the weeklong United Nations General Debate with other intractable diplomatic problems, of course. They include the spread of Al Qaeda across the Western Sahara; the snail’s pace of negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program; global riots prompted by religious intolerance; and sharp new tensions in Asia over competing claims to small, potentially mineral-rich islands.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/24/world/middleeast/at-united-nations-renewed-focus-
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New SARS-like virus detected in Middle East
September 24, 2012
British health authorities have alerted the U.N. of a new respiratory virus that resembles SARS in a severely ill patient who recently travelled to Saudi Arabia where another man died of a similar illness earlier this year.
The man in the new case was sickened by a corona virus, which causes most common colds but also causes SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome. In 2003, SARS killed hundreds of people, mostly in Asia, in a short-lived outbreak.
Britain’s Health Protection Agency and the World Health Organization said in statements that the 49-year-old Qatari national became ill on Sept. 3, having previously travelled to Saudi Arabia. He was transferred from Qatar to Britain on Sept. 11 and is being treated in an intensive care unit at a London hospital for problems including kidney failure.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/new-sarslike-virus-detected-in-middle-east/article3931759.ece
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