Chennai Youth Fighting In Syria Jihad

Chennai Youth Fighting In Syria Jihad

PRAVEEN SWAMI

S. VIJAY KUMAR

March 25, 2014

Police and intelligence services have begun a transnational investigation into revelations that at least two Chennai college students are now training with jihadist groups in Syria, highly placed intelligence sources have told The Hindu.

The revelations, the sources said, have come from Gul Mohamed Maracachi Maraicar, a resident of Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu who was stripped of his Singapore permanent residency and repatriated to India in February.

Mr. Maraicar, a former employee of information technology giant IBM in Singapore, told authorities in that country that jihadists had successfully recruited students from a college in Chennai. The investigation, the sources said, began with the disappearance of Tamil Nadu-born Singapore permanent resident Haja Fakkurudeen Usman Ali earlier this year. Based on information from an informant, Singapore’s intelligence services determined Mr. Ali had left Singapore for Syria on January 22, 2014, travelling through Turkey — where several jihadist groups operating inside the violence-torn state are now based.

In a statement released on Sunday, Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs said Mr. Ali, a supermarket manager, was being investigated for going to Syria “with the intention to undertake violence” in the ongoing armed conflict there.

It said the government had invoked the Internal Security Act to strip Mr. Maraicar of his permanent resident status. Mr. Maraicar is not being currently prosecuted in India, and The Hindu was unable to locate his legal representatives. Police sources said he was cooperating with investigations, and declined to name the students, saying their families were attempting to persuade their wards to return home.

Intelligence sources said Mr. Ali’s ideological radicalisation had begun with his contact with Mr. Maraicar.

In 2007, sources familiar with the investigation said, Mr. Ali visited Cuddalore as a volunteer on a religious missionary trip.

The two men continued maintaining close contact, which deepened after Mr. Maraicar became a permanent Singapore resident in 2008.

Mr. Ali, Singapore investigators found, first travelled to Syria in 2013 with financial support from Mr. Maraicar, training briefly in a camp housing Chechen jihadists. Later, he returned to the country, and served as a node for the Chennai students who were recruited to serve there.

In September, Syria’s ambassador to New Delhi, Riad Kamel Abbas, said jihadist fighters fighting his country’s government included Indian nationals.

Later, however, he said his remarks had been misinterpreted, and referred only to individuals of Indian origin, holding United Kingdom passports.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/chennai-youth-fighting-in-syria-jihad/article5827857.ece

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Interrogation reveals IM men wanted to fight NATO forces in Afghanistan

Written by Rahul Tripathi | New Delhi | March 25, 2014

Three alleged Indian Mujahideen (IM) operatives — Mohd Mahruf (21), Mohd Waqar Azhar (21) and Shaquib Ansari (25) — arrested along with IM chief and bomb maker Waqas from Rajasthan on Sunday, wanted to fight NATO forces in Afghanistan, an official familiar with their questioning has claimed.

The three were allegedly recruited through a social networking website by an IM ‘talent scout’, who later put them in touch with IM founder Riyaz Bhatkal. The terror outfit wanted to exploit the engineering expertise of the new recruits and reach out to others like them, cops added.

Full report at:

http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/interrogation-reveals-indian-muajhideen-men-wanted-to-fight-nato-forces-in-afghanistan/

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Arab World

Terrorists Prepare Children as Suicide-Bombers in Syria

March 25, 2014

Terrorist group "Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant" ISIL Children organized a children's camp that prepares suicide-bombers and trains teenagers in real combat conditions in northern Syria.

About 50 boys aged from 7 to 13 years old are currently training in the terrorist-preparing camp, the name of which is translated as "The most precious children". The trainers of this base call their students "gold take" because such children are disinterested and could be easily manipulated, while older children want to receive money for their work.

The trainers believe that the use of teenagers allows strengthening the position of an Islamic state. Making the boys the diehard warriors, they use their religious beliefs and derive maximum benefit from terrorism.

It is much easier to convince the children from impoverished Syrian families, who could agree to execute any order up to suicide bombing.

Training time in the camp is 25 days. Students are divided into groups of 13 people. The most important subjects in such a school are the basis of "jihad" and the skilful possession of modern firearms. After finishing the training course, the teenagers enter the terrorist groups.

According to the eyewitnesses, there are lesser and lesser girls and unmarried women in the region day by day. Their parents send them to their relatives out of town as the organizers of this camp have plans to create similar terrorist groups concerning young women, living in the neighborhood.

The International Criminal Court considers the recruitment of children under the age of 15 years in quasi-military structures or their participation in acts of war as military offence. A special article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights prohibits mobilization of adolescents under the age of 18 years and their involvement in armed hostilities.

http://www.almanar.com.lb/english/adetails.php?eid=142393&frid=23&seccatid=20&cid=23&fromval=1

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Syrian Fighter Wants Boko Haram in CAR

March 25, 2014

A German ex-rapper now fighting Jihad in Syria has called on Boko Haram insurgents in the north-eastern Nigeria to relocate to the Central African Republic (CAR) along with other Islamic militias to fight the Christians, who he said, are slaughtering Muslims in the country.

According to a report published by American online news magazine, Time, on Sunday, the rapper-turned-jihadist fighting in Syria called on his fellows in Africa to enter CAR to protect Muslims from deadly attacks.

The CAR has been ravaged by months of sectarian violence, as authorities appear helpless about how to deal with the situation.

According to the report. “new video by a foreign fighter thought to be in Syria is making the rounds on Twitter not because of what the man is asking of his followers, but because of where he wants them to go.

“Denis Cuspert, the German-Ghanaian ex-rapper, known as ‘Deso Dogg,’ who now goes by Abu Talha al-Almani, said the slaughter of Muslims in the CAR by largely Christian militias should trigger a response from jihadists.

“For much of the 18-minute video, Cuspert, known for inflammatory remarks in recent years, is sitting against a tree speaking in Arabic, English and German as grim scenes are superimposed on the screen. Cuspert claims he made the video after seeing footage from the Central African Republic, where months of attacks between Christians and Muslims have killed thousands, led to a Muslim exodus and spawned one of Africa’s worst humanitarian crises in decades.

“He directly calls on Boko Haram, the Islamist extremists wreaking havoc across northern Nigeria, to enter the country and “strengthen, enlarge and expand your battlefield.”

The report quoted him as saying: “I call you to support the brothers and sisters who get slaughtered and humiliated in Central Africa.

“They get slaughtered, raped, eaten and maimed!”

Later, he called on Mujahideen in Algeria, Libya, Mali, Somalia and elsewhere to come to their defence. “My brothers and sisters, the jihad in Central Africa has now started!”

The report further noted that foreigners with guns in the CAR are nothing new, saying Séléka, the disbanded Muslim rebel forces that unseated the government in Bangui last year, had numerous Chadians and Sudanese in their ranks.

It added: “The chaos they unleashed, in part, prompted a backlash led by mainly Christian militias that have driven tens of thousands of Muslims out of the country as French and African peacekeeping forces look on impotently.”

http://tribune.com.ng/index.php/news/top-stories/item/1918-syrian-fighter-wants-boko-haram-in-car-borno-market-bombed-20-killed

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Saudi clerics urge faithful to shun 'Islamic' superhero series

2014-03-25

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s top clerics have declared an Islam-inspired cartoon series, which earned praise from US President Barack Obama, a "work of the devil" that Muslims should not watch.

The television version of superhero comic book "The 99" is being aired by Saudi-owned satellite channel MBC3, based in Dubai in the neighbouring United Arab Emirates.

But in a religious decree carried by Saudi websites on Monday, the clerics ruled the series blasphemous because the superheroes of its title are based on the 99 attributes ascribed to Allah in the Holy Quran.

"The 99 is a work of the devil that should be condemned and forbidden in respect to Allah’s names and attributes," the clerics, led by the kingdom’s mufti, Abdulaziz al-Sheikh, said.

The original comic strip version, first released in 2006, had already ran into opposition from Muslim hardliners not only in Saudi Arabia but also in neighbouring Kuwait, where it was created and produced by media executive Nayef al-Matawa.

The comics — produced in English as well as Arabic — won praise, however, not only from Obama but also from Kuwait’s emir, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah, for their message of moderation and cultural dialogue.

They have been sold around the world and have also spawned a merchandise range and a theme park in Kuwait as well as the Arabic-language television series.

Ultra-conservative Saudi Arabia applies a strict version of Islam.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1095359/saudi-clerics-urge-faithful-to-shun-islamic-superhero-series

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Syria hits out at Saudi regime's lack of action to stop instigation of terrorism

March 25, 2014

The Saudi regime has not taken genuine measures to stop instigation of terrorism in Syria, which calls into question the credibility of the laws it issued in this regard, the Foreign and Expatriates Ministry said Saturday.

In two identical letters addressed to the United Nations Secretary-General and President of the UN Security Council on the Saudi regime's subversive role if Syria, the ministry referred to a raft of counter-terrorism legislations issued by the Saudi regime in a make-believe attempt to convince the international community of its genuine involvement in a counter-terrorism drive.

The Saudi regime thinks that its USD 100 million contribution to finance the United Nations Counter-Terrorism center will absolve it of legal and ethical responsibility for the loss of thousands of lives, and will cover up millions of dollars it pumped to support terrorist groups in Syria and elsewhere in the world, said the letters.

The letters indicated that "combating terrorism requires that words match actions, i.e. that legislations are issued and put into force. Consequently, the Saudi regime by not taking real measures to stop instigation of terrorism and deter the fitna-mongers who issued calls for Jihad in Syria and elsewhere in the world in answer to the call of al-Qaeda leader, Ayman Zawaheri in October 2013 reveal these laws to be grossly lacking credibility."

It is in that the Saudi regime continues to spread Wahabi thought which underpins the crimes committed by terrorists in Syria where the danger lies, the ministry pointed out.

"The evil triggered by Wahabi thought had not remained confined to Syria but boomeranged on all strata of Saudi society,'' the letters added. "It is therefore not odd that thousands of Saudis, including university professor, doctors, engineers and employees have embraced the al-Qaeda-linked Wahabi thought due to the regime's efforts to foster it in society."

Blinded by mass media and social networks awash with Wahabi indoctrination, those people have taken their leave from their families, lives and future to come to Syria to kill with impunity under what they call Jihad, said the ministry.

The ministry added that Jihad is the fruit of political fatwas with a religious façade that are so detached from the teachings and values of Islam "and a confirmation of the Saudi involvement of supporting terrorism."

The ministry said that Syria will supply the United Nations Security Council and the relevant counter-terrorism committees with the IDs of 228 Saudi terrorists who got killed in Syria.

The letters dismissed Saudi vows to punish those involved in combat operations in Syria upon their return as "cheap media propaganda" that ought to be replaced by real measures.

"In this connection, the Syrian government stresses its right to take legal action against backers of Arab and foreign terrorists in Syria for their crimes; a right which cannot be taken away by an amnesty issued by their governments upon their return,'' the letters pointed out.

"It is a nonnegotiable, uncompromisable and prescriptive right as stated in the Syrian laws, the international law and the international legitimacy resolutions,'' the letters added.

As it submits these information to the United Nations Security Council, the Syrian government expects it to take the necessary deterrent measures against the Saudi regime to oblige it into giving up instigation of terrorism according to its resolutions no. 1267 issued in 1999, 1373 in 2001, 1624 in 2005 and 1989 in 2011.

The ministry concluded by calling on the UNSC to adopt the letter as one of the official documents of the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly.

http://www.syriaonline.sy/?f=Details&catid=12&pageid=9607

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Saudi Arabia calls for SNC seat at Arab summit

March 25, 2014

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdulaziz on Tuesday called on the Arab League to grant the Syrian National Coalition, Syria’s main opposition group, a seat at the summit.

The Syrian National Coalition will not fill the Syrian regime’s vacant seat at the summit because it has yet to meet the legal requirements, Arab League chief Nabil al-Arabi had earlier said.

Salman called for "changing the balance of forces" on the ground in Syria's civil war, saying the crisis there had reached catastrophic proportions.

"Exiting from the Syrian crisis requires changing the balance of forces on the ground," Prince Salman told the opening session of an annual Arab summit in Kuwait, stressing the need for more support for rebels fighting to overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

The Arab League summit in Kuwait is prioritizing the Syrian conflict in its agenda, while discussions between the Arab states are expected to steer clear of a regional rift over Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood.

Full report at:

http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/03/25/Syria-takes-center-stage-at-Arab-League-summit-.html

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AQAP releases first instalment of 'Journey of Jihad' video series

March 25, 2014

Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) recently released the first part of a video series titled "Journey of Jihad" about the life of Sa'id al Shihri, the former AQAP deputy who was killed by a US drone strike in July 2013. This first instalment outlines al Shihri's transformation from a guard of Saudi King Abdallah bin Abdul 'Aziz to al Qaeda commander in Yemen by 2008, by way of interviews with several of his Jihadi companions, many of whom were formerly imprisoned at Guantanamo.

According to the film's narrative, al Shihri, whose real name is Abu Sufyan al Azdi, was born in Riyadh in 1971 in humble circumstances and "had no other childhood except that shared by children in a simple quarter." As a young man, al Shihri was a member of the Saudi Royal Guard Regiment entrusted with protecting the then Crown Prince Abdallah bin Abdul 'Aziz. Full report at:

http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2014/03/aqap_releases_first.php#ixzz2x0Eg6EFF

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Al Nusrah Front video features veteran al Qaeda military leader

March 25, 2014

An Al Nusrah Front video released on March 23 features Abu Hammam al Shami, an al Qaeda operative who swore bayat (an oath of loyalty) to Osama bin Laden and who has long served al Qaeda's senior leaders.

Abu Hammam is the latest al Qaeda veteran to criticize the Islamic State of Iraq and the Sham (ISIS) in an Al Nusrah Front video. ISIS and Al Nusrah, which is al Qaeda's official branch inside Syria, have been engaged in a heated propaganda war.

Previous anti-ISIS videos produced by the Al Nusrah Front have featured Abu Firas al Suri, an experienced al Qaeda member who has waged jihad since the late 1970s, and Abu Sulayman al Muhajir, an extremist preacher from Australia who migrated to Syria and assumed a leadership position within Al Nusrah. Both Abu Firas and Abu Sulayman sought to undermine ISIS' legitimacy, and Abu Hammam's video expounds upon similar themes.

Full report at:

http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2014/03/_works_for_top_al.php#ixzz2x0HGCiNZ

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Kurdistan Presidency: Baghdad’s Attitude to Journalist’s Death Sectarian, Dangerous

March 25, 2014

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – The Kurdistan Region Presidency has warned of attempts by Iraqi leaders, among them Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki to take the death of journalist Muhammad Bidaiwi out of its judicial context and using it to settle political scores with the Kurds.

“It's regrettable that the Iraqi prime minister used the strange and ugly phrase of "blood for blood" after the incident,” said the office of President Massoud Barzani in a statement. “This is outside the law, governance and the culture of co-existence and democracy.”

The statement expressed condolences to the family of Bidaiwi, an Iraqi academic and journalist who was shot dead by a Kurdish presidential guard in Baghdad on Saturday.

“We offer our condolence to the family and all journalists,” read the statement. “We hope that a just court takes legal procedures to investigate the incident and settles the case.”

In the meantime, President Barzani’s office described the reaction of Iraqi authorities as unfortunate and that it may lead to ethnic tensions in the country.

Full report at:

http://rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/25032014#sthash.MXQKcGFo.dpuf

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Egypt Brotherhood leader and 682 others put on trial

World Bulletin/News Desk

March 25, 2014

The leader of Egypt's outlawed Muslim Brotherhood and 682 others went on trial on Tuesday on charges including murder, their lawyer said, in a further blow to supporters of deposed Islamist president Mohamed Mursi.

The trial of Brotherhood Supreme Guide Mohamed Badie, 70, and the others came a day after the same court in Minya Province condemned 529 members of the group to death, in what rights groups said was the biggest mass death sentence handed out in Egypt's modern history.

The Brotherhood has faced a severe crackdown since the army toppled the group's Mursi - Egypt's first freely elected president - last July following mass protests against his rule.

Defence lawyers boycotted Tuesday's court session - attended by 60 of the defendants - after complaining of irregularities.

Full report at:

http://www.worldbulletin.net/headlines/131942/egypt-brotherhood-leader-and-682-others-put-on-trial

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Syrian conflict takes centre stage at Arab summit

March 25, 2014

The Syrian conflict takes centre stage at an Arab summit starting Tuesday in Kuwait, where a regional rift over Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood has been kept off the agenda.

The dispute which broke out in the runup to the summit pits Qatar against Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.

With the focus on Syria, its opposition National Coalition (NC) head Ahmad al-Jarba is due to address Arab leaders at the opening session.

But the NC will not fill Syria's vacant seat -- which it was allocated at the last Arab summit held in Doha in 2013 -- because it has yet to meet the legal requirements, said Arab League chief Nabil al-Arabi.

Full report at:

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/97494/World/Region/Syrian-conflict-takes-centre-stage-at-Arab-summit.aspx

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'Fast' death penalty for 529 Brotherhood supporters will be appealed: Defence

March 25, 2014

A member of the defence team representing the 529 defendants handed a mass death penalty on Monday has said that his team will appeal the verdict, the largest of its kind in the history of Egypt's criminal courts.

Ahmed Shabib, a Muslim Brotherhood lawyer, said on Monday that defence lawyers would bring the appeal after receiving the reasoning behind the court's ruling.

Shabib added that he and his fellow lawyers would request a retrial for the defendants sentenced in absentia.

On Monday, an Upper Egyptian court in Minya sentenced 529 supporters of deposed president Mohamed Morsi to death on charges of murdering Mostafa El-Attar, deputy commander of the Matay district police station, who was killed during riots in the aftermath of the violent dispersal of two pro-Morsi sit-ins in August.

Full report at:

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/97456/Egypt/Politics-/Fast-death-penalty-for--Brotherhood-supporters-wil.aspx

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Kuwait's emir opens summit with call for end to Arab rifts

March 25, 2014

Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah on Tuesday called on Arab states to end rifts he said were obstructing joint Arab action.

"The dangers around us are enormous and we will not move towards joint Arab action without our unity and without casting aside our difference," Sheikh Sabah told Arab heads of state at a summit in Kuwait.

He named no specific country, but was apparently referring to disputes among Arab states over the role of Islamists in the region and what many Gulf states see as Iranian interference in their affairs.

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/97501/World/Region/Kuwaits-emir-opens-summit-with-call-for-end-to-Ara.aspx

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Pakistan

JUP (N) Slams Jamat e Islami for Terming Taliban Terrorists as 'Brothers and Citizens

March 25, 2014

LAHORE- Jamiat Ulema Pakistan Noorani today condemned Ameer Jamat e Islami Syed Munawar Hasan statement of terming Taliban terrorists as 'brothers and citizens of Pakistan'.

Addressing a Pakistan Day seminar under JUP Gulberg chapter Lahore, Peer Syed Muhammad Masoom Hussain Naqvi, Chairman of the Supreme Council of the JUP Noorani demanded Qisas of over 50,000 Pakistanis including security personals as what he termed the Taliban terrorists were at large but Syed Munawar Hasan was available doing advocacy for the outlawed Taliban on streets of Pakistan. He said Munawar Hasan needed psychological tests for his controversial statements against the armed forces as Taliban germs had infected him badly.

Full report at:

http://www.nation.com.pk/national/24-Mar-2014/jup-noorani-slams-ji-for-terming-taliban-terrorists-as-brothers-and-citizens-of-pakistan

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Govt not negotiating but begging TTP to spare their lives: PPP Leader

 March 25, 2014 

KARACHI: Taking a jibe at the federal government for holding talks with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Sharjeel Inam Memon on Tuesday said the government was not negotiating but begging TTP to spare their lives.

Speaking to the media in Karachi, Memon said it was saddening to see the government was trying to reason with the very people it should be fighting.

“The terrorists should be eliminated; the ones who have spread chaos in the country.”

Pointing out the various segments of the society targeted by the TTP, the minister said “they have attacked our army, attacked our schools, our madrasas, our shops, our Imambargahs and our mosques.”

Full report at:

http://tribune.com.pk/story/687044/govt-not-negotiating-but-begging-ttp-to-spare-their-lives-sharjeel-memon/

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Jamatud Dawa leader slams attempts to fuel hatred

March 25, 2014

KARACHI: Jamatud Dawa leader Maulana Ameer Hamza has criticised elements who are trying to fan sectarian hatred and ethnic violence to break apart the country and create hurdles to the enforcement of Islamic ideology.

Pakistan’s creation was much similar to the first Islamic state in Madina. India had turned its enemy since the day it came into being. Today, unwavering belief in the country’s ideology was needed more than it was required in 1940, he said.

The JuD leader was addressing participants of ‘Ideology March’ his outfit had organised here on Sunday to mark the Pakistan Day. The march started from Safari Park and terminated at Karachi Press Club where it turned into a public meeting.

He said that Pakistan was created in the name of Islam and implementation of the Islamic principles of governance was need of the hour.

Full report at:

http://www.dawn.com/news/1095126/jud-leader-slams-attempts-to-fuel-hatred

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PML-N to revive ideology of Pakistan

March 25, 2014

Attock—State Minister for parliamentary Affairs Sheikh Aftab Ahmad has said that Lahore resolution passed on 23rd March 1940 the most important event of Pakistan Moment and the propose of it celebration s to keep the young lot aware of its importance, he said this while talking to this correspondent here at his residence.

He said that the govt of PML (N) is committed to revive the ideology of Pakistan and its ample proof is that after years break this day is being celebrated with great zeal and zest at govt level.

Full report at:

http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=237176

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Defence Minister says, Army agrees to talk with the Taliban

March 25, 2014

Islamabad- Defence Minister Khwaja Asif has said that Army has agreed to negotiations with Taliban.

While talking to a private news channel today, he said that the army will not be sent to any other country and most of the missing persons have been recovered. He said that the decision taken by the government was aimed to end terrorism from the country. "Operation will be the last option for establishment of peace in the country and I am praying for success of talks," he added. He said any decision whatsoever will be taken with the consultation of Prime Minister and military leadership. He further said that Pakistan had been cooperating with gulf countries since decades. The PM categorically announced that army will not be sent to any other country even in Saudi Arabia, the minister said.

http://www.nation.com.pk/national/25-Mar-2014/defence-minister-says-army-agrees-to-talk-with-the-taliban

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Get Pak share in Halal market

March 25, 2014

MINISTER for Science and Technology Zahid Hamid has drawn attention of both the Government and the private sector towards huge Halal food potential of the country and the existing meagre 0.5% share in Halal food market of the globe, which is worth over three trillion dollar. This is really a pathetic state of affairs as market experts believe that Pakistan can play a major role in the global Halal meat industry and has the potential to become a market leader since it has all the required ingredients.

Full report at:

http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=237372

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JUI-F urges jirgas’ role in talks with Taliban

2014-03-25

KARACHI: Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman expressed on Monday reservations on the government’s approach in peace talks with the Taliban.

Taking to reporters after inaugurating the JUI-F secretariat here, he said had the dialogue been initiated through tribal jirgas, it would have been more effective.

He said it was a foregone conclusion that the use of force could not bring peace and dialogue was the only way to achieve the goal. But, he added, the procedure adopted by the government for talks would not yield desired result.

Full report at:

https://www.dawn.com/news/1095454/jui-f-urges-jirgas-role-in-talks-with-taliban

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Southeast Asia

Indonesia bans Hollywood epic 'Noah' over Islamic concerns

March 25, 2014

Indonesia has banned Hollywood biblical epic "Noah" starring Russell Crowe, censors said Tuesday, the latest Muslim country to stop the film being screened due to concerns it contradicts Islamic values.

Censors in the world's most populous Muslim-majority country said they decided to ban the film, which had been set for release Friday, as the depiction of prophets is forbidden under Islamic law.         As well as being a biblical figure, Noah is also a prophet for Muslims.

"We rejected the screening of the film in Indonesia," Zainut Tauhid Saadi, a member of the Indonesian Censorship Board, told AFP.

"The visual depiction of a prophet is forbidden in Islam," he said, adding: "The film will hurt both Christian and Muslim communities."        

It came after the Paramount film based on the story of Noah's ark, which stars Crowe as Noah and is directed by Darren Aronofsky, was banned by Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates earlier this month.

Full report at:

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/indonesia-bans-hollywood-epic-noah-over-islamic-concerns.aspx?pageID=238&nID=64057&NewsCatID=381

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Sharia in Aceh might put a cast on foreign tourism to the province

TravelDailyNews Asia

March 25, 2014

JAKARTA- Let’s be frank about it: Aceh has never been a major tourist destination for world travellers looking at Indonesia. The province has been long marred by conflicts with Acehnese groups of fundamentalists fighting against the central government. In 2004, the region was affected by a giant tsunami in the Andaman Sea. Aceh paid the heaviest tribute to the catastrophe. From an estimated 230,000 dead people (the official counting gives a total number of 185,000 victims), 168,000 estimated victims (137,000 official) were recorded in Indonesia, over 95% taking place in Aceh alone. The tsunami had however a positive effect. It helped opening peace discussions and consequently helped boosting tourism. Over the last decade, Aceh has turned into a popular diving destination while the Aceh Tsunami Museum became an attraction for foreign travellers.  Sabang with its annual regatta and now Weh Island are promoted as pristine marine areas by Indonesia Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy. Weh Island has diverse marine natural wonders such as scorpion fish, barracudas, whale sharks and colorful coral branches.

Full report at:

http://www.traveldailynews.asia/news/article/55112/sharia-in-aceh-might-put

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Philippine’s nationalist  Muslim rebel leader wants 1996 deal honored

World Bulletin / News Desk

March 25, 2014

The head of the second largest Muslim rebel group in the Philippines insists that a 1996 peace deal should be honored, saying that a new deal between the Philippine government and a rival group is a betrayal of everything it stands for.

Muslimin Sema told Anadolu Agency that his Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) has continued to comply with commitments it agreed with the Philippine government in 1996, but the government has failed to do the same.

“The government is now holding another state of negotiations with our brothers in the Moro Islamist Liberation Front (MILF), giving smaller territory than committed in 1996. This is not acceptable,” he told AA at his group’s headquarters in Camp Ebrahim which is near Cotobato city, in the country’s south.

Full report at:

http://www.worldbulletin.net/todays-news/131950/philippines-nationalist-rebel-leader-wants-1996-deal-honored

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South Asia

Saudi Arabia's growing role in the Maldives

March 25, 2014

“Foreign holidaymakers in the Maldives, one of the world’s most popular luxury honeymoon destination, were not happy earlier this year when their hotel bookings were cancelled at short notice,” writes Charles Haviland for the BBC.

“The reason was that Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, had booked out three whole islands for nearly a month.

It is just one example of the growing role of Saudi investment in the archipelago, a factor which may make the Maldives’ government unwilling to ruffle the feathers of Saudi Arabia’s rulers.

Full report at:

http://minivannews.com/category/news-in-brief

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Two policemen killed in Taliban attack on Kabul election office

AFP | Mar 25, 2014

KABUL: Taliban militants staged a gun and suicide attack on an Afghan election commission office in Kabul on Tuesday, killing two police officers, with less than a fortnight to go before the presidential poll.

The insurgents have vowed a campaign of violence to disrupt the ballot on April 5, urging their fighters to attack polling staff, voters and security forces in the runup to election day.

Afghan security forces battled attackers at an office of the Independent Election Commission (IEC) in the western Darulaman area of the Afghan capital for more than four hours.

"At around 11:35am (0705 GMT) a suicide bomber blew himself up at the gate of an IEC regional office in Darulaman, and then several other attackers entered the building," Kabul police spokesman Hashmat Estanakzai said.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/Two-policemen-killed-in-Taliban-attack-on-Kabul-election-office/articleshow/32670251.cms

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Bangladesh moves to ban Jamaat-e-Islami

 March 25, 2014 

DHAKA: Bangladesh war crimes investigators moved on Tuesday to outlaw the country’s largest Islamic party, accusing it of genocide and other atrocities during the 1971 struggle for independence.

Government investigators handed a report detailing war crimes allegations against  to prosecutors, in the latest move against the party which has banned from contesting January elections.

“We want total dissolution of the party,” the government’s chief war crimes investigator Abdul Hannan Khan told reporters.

“Jamaat and its wings took the decision to act as auxillary forces of the Pakistani army in committing atrocities in the 1971 war. So the party cannot avoid its superior responsibilities,” Hannan said.

Full report at:

http://tribune.com.pk/story/687075/bangladesh-moves-to-ban-jamaat-e-islami-2/

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BD war crimes investigators move for total dissolution of Jamaat

2014-03-25

DHAKA: Bangladesh war crimes investigators moved Tuesday to outlaw the country's largest Islamic party, accusing it of genocide and other atrocities during the 1971 bloody struggle for independence.

Government investigators handed a report detailing war crimes allegations against Jamaat-i-Islami to prosecutors, in the latest move against the party which has banned from contesting January elections.

“We want total dissolution of the party,” the government's chief war crimes investigator Abdul Hannan Khan told reporters.

“Jamaat and its wings took the decision to act as auxillary forces of the Pakistani army in committing atrocities in the 1971 war. So the party cannot avoid its superior responsibilities,” Hannan said.

Full report at:

https://www.dawn.com/news/1095484/bd-war-crimes-investigators-move-for-total-dissolution-of-jamaat

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Iranian people need Maldives’ leadership at the UN

March 25, 2014

Dr Fatemeh Haghighatjoo is a former member of the Sixth Iranian Parliament. A co-founder and chief executive officer of the Nonviolent Initiative for Democracy and a leading advocate for a civil, women’s, and democratic rights in Iran.

During its current session, the UN Human Rights Council has heard the latest report from former Maldivian Foreign Minister and current UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights for Iran Dr Ahmed Shaheed.

The council is set to consider a resolution to extend Dr Shaheed’s current mandate this Thursday (March 27).

Eight months ago, Iranians overwhelmingly supported the moderate Mr Hassan Rouhani electing him president hoping that he could deliver on his promises to make meaningful human rights reforms. These include the release of political prisoners and prisoners of conscious, and specifically Iran’s most important political opposition leaders – Mir Hossein Mousavi, Mehdi Karroubi and Ms. Zahra Rahnavard – who have been placed under house arrest for three years without charges or even seeing a court.

Full report at:

http://minivannews.com/politics/comment-iranian-people-need-maldives%E2%80%99-leadership-at-the-un-80857

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Africa

Ansar Al Sharia Tunisia Leader Says Muslim Youth 'Haunt' West

March 25, 2014

Ansar al Sharia Tunisia has released a short statement from its leader, Seifallah Ben Hassine (a.k.a. Abu Iyad al Tunisi), that is being promoted on its Twitter feed. The statement is entitled, "Either Allah Alone, or Allah and Others with Him."

According to the SITE Intelligence Group, which translated the statement, Ben Hassine says the following [emphasis added]:

Beware that you are the top of this affliction to humiliate yourselves... By Allah, the East and the West sleeps and awakens on your case... Despite your weakness and lack, and the absence of the supporter, you haunt America and the West... You are the problem that has no solution... Do you know why? Because, in short, you are the guardians of Allah for this religion, so await the glad tidings and do not be defeated....

Very briefly, it is either Allah and no other but Him, or Allah and others with Him, and this does not please Allah... So with Allah and no other but Him until we meet Him, and He is satisfied with us....

Full report at:

http://www.longwarjournal.org/threat-matrix/archives/2014/03/social_media_jihad_ansar_al_sh_2.php#ixzz2x0HKl6Mi

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Nine Muslims killed in further Central African attacks

World Bulletin/News Desk

March 25, 2014

At least nine people died in new clashes over the weekend and on Monday in Central African Republic's capital, Red Cross officials said, as the country marked a year since a rebellion and coup plunged it into chaos.

"Yesterday, we collected six bodies. Today, we have recorded three killed and the violence is ongoing," said Pastor Antoine Mbao Bogo, president of the local Red Cross.

Mbao Bogo added that 28 people were killed and 27 were wounded during clashes the previous week.

France has deployed 2,000 troops to its former colony to support a 6,000-strong African Union peacekeeping mission (MISCA) but they have been unable to stamp out the violence in the large, sparsely populated nation of 4.5 million people.

Full report at:

http://www.worldbulletin.net/headlines/131905/nine-muslims-killed-in-further-central-african-attacks

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Post-Qadhafi Libya is a disaster west helped create

2014-03-25

It's called the pottery store rule: “you break it, you own it”. But it doesn’t just apply to pots and mugs, but to nations. In the build-up to the catastrophic invasion of Iraq, it was invoked by Colin Powell, then US secretary of state. “You are going to be the proud owner of 25 million people,” he reportedly told George W. Bush.

“You will own all their hopes, aspirations and problems.” But while many of these military interventions have left nations shattered, western governments have resembled the customer who walks away whistling, hoping no one has noticed the mess left behind. Our media have been all too complicit in allowing them to leave the scene.

Full report at:

https://www.dawn.com/news/1095379/post-qadhafi-libya-is-a-disaster-west-helped-create

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Two more security officials and a poet killed in Benghazi

March 25, 2014

Two more security officials have been killed in separate incidents in Benghazi.

Yesterday, a soldier who specialised in working with tanks was shot dead in the Gwarsha district of the city while returning to work. Abdulaziz Emraaja Al-Sarhani was killed by a bullet wound to the chest, a source at Al-Hawari hospital told the Libya Herald. He was 40 years old.

In a separate incident, a colonel in the Benghazi Security Directorate, Abid Mansour Fathallah Al-Awami, was killed this morning when gunmen opened fire on him outside his home in the East Salmani district. In a message of condolence to his family, the Ministry of Interior said he was a “loyal policemen who had defended the country’s and people’s security”. He was buried this afternoon.

Full report at:

http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/03/24/two-more-security-officials-killed-in-benghazi/#ixzz2x1zxiVhg

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100 South Sudan soldiers flee from prison

World Bulletin / News Desk

March 25, 2014

A total of 100 jailed soldiers have escaped from a military prison in Juba, a South Sudanese army spokesman said Monday.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Philip Aguer said that the soldiers had escaped two weeks ago during clashes between elite forces and Republican guards.

Five soldiers had been killed in the clashes, triggered by a dispute over wages.

Aguer said that the army has issued orders for the arrest of the escaped soldiers.

The army spokesman denied that the soldiers had joined rebel forces loyal to sacked vice president Riek Machar.

Full report at:

http://www.worldbulletin.net/headlines/131934/100-south-sudan-soldiers-flee-from-prison

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Boko Haram terrorist group Claims Responsibility for Attack on Giwa Barracks

March 25, 2014

Presumed leader of the Boko Haram terrorist group Abubakar Shekau has, in a new video, claimed responsibility for the recent attacks on barracks and other attacks in the north-east, even as he declared total war on members of the youth vigilante called Civilian-JTF.

Shekau appeared in the video clad in a white gown upon which he wore a black life-jacket with a black turban on his head. A heavily bearded but healthy-looking Shekau looked directly into the camera as he spoke in Hausa which he interjected periodically with his native language, Kanuri.

Full report at:

http://leadership.ng/news/359118/shekau-claims-responsibility-attack-giwa-barracks

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First Quran printing since revolution celebrated in Misrata

March 25, 2014

The Ministry of Culture celebrated the printing of the first Quran since the revolution at the Ibrahim Mahjoub Mosque in Misrata  on Friday. It has been printed under the ministry’s supervision.

The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Culture, Habib Al-Amin, the head of Misrata Local Council, Ismail Shaklawan, and other members, in addition to a large number of Quran readers and heads of Quranic schools from all over Libya.

The newly printed Quran whose cover displays Libya’s name and flag as well as the star and the crescent, comes in three different sizes, large , medium and pocket size. It will be distributed to all libraries and Quranic schools across the country.

http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/03/23/55701/#ixzz2x1zsS7sy

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Mideast

Turkish PM Erdoğan slams Gülen movement as ‘spy ring entering the ruler’s harem’

March 25, 2014

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has yet again slammed the movement of the U.S.-based Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, this time describing it as a “spy ring” and accusing it of entering “the harem of those who run the country.”

“You cannot listen to the prime minister, the president, the parliamentary speaker or ministers. No judge can give such an order. But those, because they are a spy ring, have used all means, including eavesdropping on us,” Erdoğan said during a rally in the Black Sea province of Trabzon on March 24, entering the home stretch of a bruising electoral campaign for the weekend’s local polls.

Full report at:

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkish-pm-erdogan-slams-gulen-movement-as-spy-ring-entering-the-rulers-harem.aspx?pageID=238&nID=64044&NewsCatID=338

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Hamas PM Warns Israel: Any Stupidity to Cost You Dearly

March 25, 2014

Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh warned Zionist entity against any reoccupation of the Gaza Strip, saying Tel Aviv will pay dearly for any such aggression.Haniyeh

"We tell the enemy and (Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor) Lieberman who is threatening to reoccupy Gaza that the time for your threats is over," Haniyeh told a rally in Gaza City on Sunday. "Any aggression or crime or stupidity you commit will cost you a very high price," he pointed out.

Full report at:

http://www.almanar.com.lb/english/adetails.php?fromval=1&cid=23&frid=23&eid=142174

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Turkish charity praises slain Islamic Caucasus Emirate emir in rally

March 25, 2014

A charity known as IMKANDER has praised Doku Umarov, the former emir of the Islamic Caucasus Emirate whose death was announced by the jihadist group just last week, during recent rallies in several Turkish cities.

The rallies, which took place on March 21 "in several cities," including at the "Fatih Mosque in Istanbul," were attended by "thousands of Muslims," according to Kavkaz Center, a media outlet for the Islamic Caucasus Emirate. IMKANDER released several photographs of the rallies as well as a description of the events on its Turkish-language website.

Full report at:

http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2014/03/turkish_charity_imka.php#ixzz2x0HfN8Mb

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75% of Palestinians: Chances for state in 5 years ‘nonexistent’

March 25, 2014

The poll, conducted by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research, showed that most Palestinians believe that PA President Mahmoud Abbas will accept the framework agreement.

A total of 62 percent of Palestinians would oppose US Secretary of State John Kerry’s proposed framework agreement if it includes a request to recognize Israel as a Jewish state, a public opinion poll published on Monday showed.

The poll, conducted by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research, showed that most Palestinians believe that PA President Mahmoud Abbas will accept the framework agreement.

Full report at:

http://www.jpost.com/Diplomacy-and-Politics/75-percent-of-Palestinians-Chances-for-state-in-5-years-nonexistent-346381

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Palestinians could turn to UN if Israel doesn't release terrorists

March 25, 2014

Former PA minister says Palestinians will not feel obligated to uphold promise to avoid unilateral steps if Israel reneges on release.

If Israel does not release more Palestinian terrorists, the PA will not be obligated to avoid unilateral steps, former Palestinian Authority Minister of Detainees and Prisoner Affairs Ashraf al-Ajrami said Monday.

Speaking at the launch of an Israeli-Palestinian event in Jerusalem supporting the Arab Peace Initiative, Ajrami told The Jerusalem Post "if there is an Israeli decision to  postpone the release of 104 prisoners, it will be a step against the process."

"I think Palestinian leadership will decide to stop negotiations if anything related to postponing or rejecting the release happens," he added.

Full report at:

http://www.jpost.com/Diplomacy-and-Politics/PA-official-Palestinians-could-turn-to-UN-if-Israel-doesnt-release-terrorists-346350

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Turkish PM slams Egypt for Brotherhood death penalties

World Bulletin / News Desk

March 25, 2014

Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan has condemned Egypt for sentencing 529 Muslim Brotherhood to death penalties and criticized the West for being silent over the penalties.

Following his rallies in the northern Turkish cities of Trabzon and Ordu ahead of local elections this weekend, Erdogan addressed crowds of people in the capital, Ankara, on Monday saying, "Those who call us 'dictator' should look at Egypt."

"They have sentenced 529 Muslim Brotherhood members to the death penalty. The death penalty does not comply with EU human rights laws and rules - then why is Europe so silent against the decision?"

Full report at:

http://www.worldbulletin.net/headlines/131924/turkish-pm-slams-egypt-for-brotherhood-death-penalties

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Turkey’s Twitter ‘ban’ extends to URL shortener

March 25, 2014

Turkey has extended its block of Twitter to t.co, the link shortening service of the popular social media platform, making it harder for those who successfully circumvent the ban reach the content shared elsewhere.

The Turkish government blocked access to Twitter after Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan vowed to “eradicate” the social media platform on March 20.

The government tightened the circle March 22 by blocking most DNS options,  too, in an effort to shut down the “backdoors” that many Turks were using to access Twitter.

Direct IP blocking was then introduced by Ankara, further cementing the crackdown as activity on Twitter reached to record levels in Turkey after “the ban.”

Hours after Erdoğan escalated his salvo against the “double standards” of Twitter during a massive electoral rally in Istanbul March 23, in which he also lashed at YouTube and Facebook, authorities blocked access to t.co as well.

Full report at:

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkeys-twitter-ban-extends-to-url-shortener.aspx?pageID=238&nID=64006&NewsCatID=339

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Europe

Russian Chief Rabbi calls circumcision opponents anti-Semites

March 25, 2014

BUDAPEST- European attempts to ban circumcision and ritual slaughter are outright antisemitism, Russian Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar stated Monday evening. Addressing a conference organized by the Rabbinical Center of Europe, the Chabad hasid blasted efforts to legally proscribe Jewish practices as continuing the work of the Nazis using different methods.

Opponents of the rites, which are currently under attack in several countries, “are trying to fight Judaism,” Lazar averred. “I’d even call them, sadly, anti-Semites.”

“I think that they dress it up in nice clothing but sadly what they are trying to do is again take away Judaism from the Jews. In the Holocaust it was done with force by killing, today they realize that death doesn’t work, they are trying to [attack] our souls.”

Full report at:

http://www.jpost.com/Jewish-World/Jewish-News/Russian-Chief-Rabbi-calls-circumcision-opponents-anti-Semites-346372

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Islamic investment becoming ‘financial powerhouse’ in the UK

March 25, 2014

Sharia-compliant investment is rapidly growing in the UK and has become a “financial powerhouse”, according to specialist asset manager London Central Portfolio (LCP). However, the firm added that there are still limited investment options in the sector.

Islamic finance shares many similarities with ethical finance, including screening out certain industries, such as tobacco and alcohol. Sharia law also prohibits the fixed or floating payment or acceptance of specific interest and fees for loans of money. Demand from the Muslim community for finance and investment options that match their values has seen Sharia investment grow.

Full report at:

http://blueandgreentomorrow.com/2014/03/24/islamic-investment-becoming-financial-powerhouse-in-the-uk/

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Amnesty International slams ‘grotesque’ death penalty on 529 Egyptians

March 25, 2014

Amnesty International issued a statement criticising Monday’s verdict by an Egyptian court that saw the sentencing of 529 suspected Muslim Brotherhood supporters to execution for their alleged role in last August’s violence.

“Today’s mass death sentences handed down by an Egyptian court are a grotesque example of the shortcomings and selective nature of Egypt's justice system,” read the statement issued on Monday.

The human rights organisation demanded “the injustice writ large and death sentences” be quashed.

Imposing such a high magnitude of death sentences means that Egypt has surpassed most other countries in the use of capital punishment in the past year, according to the Hassiba Sahraoui, Deputy Middle East and North Africa Programme Director at Amnesty International.

Sahraoui added that Monday’s verdict is the largest single batch of simultaneous death sentences seen in recent years worldwide.

Full report at:

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/97451/Egypt/Politics-/Amnesty-International-slams-%E2%80%98grotesque%E2%80%99-death-pena.aspx

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Brahimi: Return to Syria Talks out of Question for Time Being

March 25, 2014

International envoy to Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi ruled out a resumption of peace talks in Geneva between Damascus and the foreign-backed opposition.

"A return to Geneva is out of question for the time being because the criteria have not been met," UN and Arab League envoy said in Kuwait.International envoy to Syria Lakhdar Brahimi

A second round of peace negotiations collapsed in Geneva on February 15.

Brahimi broke off the talks, known as Geneva II, to give the government and opposition an opportunity to take stock, and without setting a date for another round of negotiations.

The conflict in Syria, which has now entered a fourth year, has killed more than 140,000 people and displaced millions since it began in March 2011.

http://www.almanar.com.lb/english/adetails.php?fromval=1&cid=56&frid=56&eid=142239

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UNHRC to vote on five anti-Israel resolutions this week

March 25, 2014

The United Nations Human Rights Council is expected to vote this Friday in Geneva on five anti-Israel resolutions, including one that encourages the boycott of West Bank settlements and Jewish neighborhoods in east Jerusalem.

“We urge all states and regional groups to fulfill their legal obligations as third state actors by adopting guidelines to ensure that settlement produce does not enter their markets,” a Pakistan official told the UNHRC on Monday during a debate on Israel.

The Pakistani official urged the UNHRC to create a commission of inquiry into Israeli treatment of Palestinian prisoners and detainees. He added that all Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails should be released.

Full report at:

http://www.jpost.com/Diplomacy-and-Politics/UNHRC-to-vote-on-five-anti-Israel-resolutions-this-week-346380

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The Middle East needs a new collective security system: Former Spanish FM

March 25, 2014

In a lecture entitled “The Middle East in search of a new collective security system” at the British University in Egypt, Miguel Moratinos, former Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs and former EU envoy to the Middle East, discussed the challenges that face the Middle East’s new collective security system.

Moratinos started his lecture by stating that the Middle East needs to move forward and use a new collective security system that could provide a different approach to solving problems, avoiding conflict, and bringing prosperity and dignity to people living in Middle Eastern states.

The Arab-Israeli conflict obstructs the path to collective security:

“In this part of the world, we have many wars, yet people know how to make peace, Middle Eastern states are pioneers in diplomacy and taught the rest of the world what diplomacy really is” Moratinos stated.

 Full report at:

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/97422/World/Region/The-Middle-East-needs-a-new-collective-security-sy.aspx

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U.N. rights chief hits Israel over settlements

 25 March 2014

The building of Israeli settlements and attacks by settlers on Palestinians are a major source of much abuse of rights in the occupied territories, the United Nations’ top human rights official said on Monday.

Human Rights High Commissioner Navi Pillay also expressed concern at a recent surge in violence in and around the Gaza Strip by both local groups and Israeli forces.

“Israeli settlement-related activities and settler violence are at the core of many of the violations of human rights in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem,” she told the U.N.'s 47-nation Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Full report at:

http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/03/25/U-N-rights-chief-hits-Israel-over-settlements.html

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North America

US on Turkey's Twitter ban: More tweets than before

March 25, 2014

The United States on March 24 noted there have been more Turkish tweets since the prime minister controversially banned the micro-blogging service than before.

Turkey's telecommunications authority blocked local access to the U.S. social network late March 21 under orders of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, after opposition members used the social network to post telephone recordings implicating him in a major corruption scandal.

The move has attracted ire from the international community, with Washington on March 22 denouncing the blow to "the right to free speech."

But State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf noted March 24 that "there have been more tweets from Turkey since the government blocked [Twitter] than there were before."

"Which is an interesting, I think, signal to people who try to clamp down on freedom of expression: That it doesn't work, and isn't the right thing to do," she said.

Full report at:

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/us-on-turkeys-twitter-ban-more-tweets-than-before.aspx?pageID=238&nID=64053&NewsCatID=339

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White House expresses 'deep disappointment' after Saudis deny visa to 'Post' journalist

March 25, 2014

NEW YORK/WASHINGTON, DC — The White House expressed "deep disappointment" on Tuesday over Saudi Arabia's decision to deny an entry visa to The Jerusalem Post's Washington bureau chief who was planning to cover President Barack Obama's visit to the desert kingdom this week.

Riyadh on Monday denied a visa to Michael Wilner, The Jerusalem Post’s Washington bureau chief. Wilner, who was the only journalist denied access to the president’s trip, despite firmly-worded requests from US National Security Advisor Susan Rice and assistant to the president Tony Blinken to Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the US, Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir.

"We are deeply disappointed that this credible journalist was denied a visa," US National Security Council spokeswoman Bernadette Meehan said on Tuesday. "We will continue to register our serious concerns about this unfortunate decision."

Full report at:

http://www.jpost.com/Diplomacy-and-Politics/Saudi-Arabia-denies-visa-to-Post-correspondent-covering-Obama-trip-346369

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US 'deeply concerned' by Egypt death sentences

March 25, 2014

The United States is "deeply concerned" about the death sentences handed out against 529 supporters of Egypt's deposed president Mohamed Morsi, a US official said Monday.

"While appeals are possible, it simply does not seem possible that a fair review of evidence and testimony consistent with international standards could be accomplished with over 529 defendants after a two-day trial," a State Department official said.

An Egyptian court handed down the sentences earlier Monday, amid a sweeping crackdown on supporters of the Islamist president, who was overthrown by the army last July.

The largest mass sentencing in the country's history was related to the death of a policeman and other violence in the aftermath of the clearing of two squares last August.

Full report at:

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/97469/Egypt/Politics-/US-deeply-concerned-by-Egypt-death-sentences.aspx

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Pentagon reacts Afghan president's support for Crimea seizure

World Bulletin/News Desk

March 25, 2014

The United States on Monday voiced disagreement with Afghan President Hamid Karzai's decision to back Russia's annexation of Crimea, a move made all the more striking by Washington's role as a chief opponent to recent Russian moves in Ukraine.

Karzai, increasingly at odds with Western nations who have backed his leadership of Afghanistan for over a dozen years, over the weekend came out in support of the results of a recent referendum that led to Russia's annexation of the Crimean region, according to a government statement cited by media.

Full report at:

http://www.worldbulletin.net/todays-news/131951/pentagon-reacts-afghan-presidents-support-for-crimea-seizure

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Muslims Complain, U.S. Network Cancels Controversial Pilot

March 25, 2014

The U.S.-based television network ABC Family has cancelled a pilot for a new series, Alice in Arabia, after an outcry from a local Muslim group.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the recently ordered pilot came under fire from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), after a script for the show was leaked, revealing it revolves around "an American teenage girl kidnapped by her extended royal Saudi Arabian family and forced to live with them."

CAIR said it had asked ABC Family to meet with leaders in the Muslim community to discuss "concerns about potential stereotyping in the pilot," and the network said it had nixed the pilot.

Full report at:

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/178821#.UzHT-ahdUqM

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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/chennai-youth-fighting-syria-jihad/d/66266