Countries Covering Up For Terror Sponsors Equally Culpable: India’s Ambassador to The UN
New Age Islam News Bureau
27 October 2022
Ruchira Kamboj—A Senior
Diplomat and India’s Permanent Representative To UN
-----
• Iran Security Forces 'Open Fire' As Thousands Mourn
Mahsa Amini to Mark 40 Days since Her Death
• US Believes Russia May Be Advising Iran on Cracking
down On Protesters: White House
• Saudi Arabia Slams US for Using Oil Reserves to
Manipulate Prices, Warns Of ‘Painful’ Future
• Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman Orders Release of
Pakistanis Held For Sloganeering At Masjid-i-Nabwi
India
• ‘Kejriwal BJP’s B-Team’: Muslim Leaders Slam Delhi
CM for ‘Polarisation Politics’ Over Banknotes
• After Kejriwal's Comment, Congress Leader Calls for Allah,
Jesus on Currency Notes, Gets Trolled
• Foreign terrorist killed in failed infiltration bid
in J&K
• Telangana: TRS has no moral right to seek Muslim
votes in Munugode, says Shabbir
--------
Mideast
• Takfiri Terrorist Attack on Holy Shrine In Shiraz
‘Won’t Go Unanswered’, Vows Raeisi
• ISIS claims responsibility for shrine attack in Iran
• At least 15 killed, 40 wounded in attack on popular
Shia shrine in southern Iran
• We are facing Zionist enemy that only understands
language of force: Senior Hamas official
• Navy Commander: Iran to Equip Destroyers with More
Powerful Cruise Missiles
• Iran Blasts World Leaders' Silence on Israeli
Genocide of Palestinians
• Iran Calls for Full Implementation of Chemical
Weapons Convention
• Iran’s judiciary charges over 1,000 since Amini
protests
• Türkiye, Libya sign agreements on enhancing military
cooperation
--------
North
America
• US sanctions 12 Iranians, 2 entities for protest,
internet crackdowns
• Saudi Arabia’s support of Ukraine doesn’t compensate
for OPEC+ cut: US top diplomat
• US warns South African economic hub may be terror
target this weekend
• Blinken, UN's Griffiths discuss global humanitarian
needs, Istanbul grain deal
----
Arab
World
• Bahrain’s Incarcerated Clerics Urge Pope to Reject
Injustice, Push for Reforms Ahead of Visit
• Lebanon signs maritime border deal, Israel expected
to follow suit
• Confidence vote on new Iraq government set for
October 27
• Canada Repatriates Four ISIS-Linked Women and
Children from Syrian Camps
• Streaming platforms key facilitators for young Saudi
talent: media group CEO
• Saudi Arabia funds medical care for amputees in
Yemen
• Israel attacks Syrian capital with missiles in new
act of aggression
--------
Pakistan
• Sharif, Saudi crown prince vow to take ties to new
heights
• Military requests govt to conduct ‘high-level’ probe
into Arshad Sharif’s gruesome murder
• Ex Pakistan PM Imran Khan announces long march to
Islamabad: ‘This jihad will…'
• Pakistan govt removes ISI member from team formed to
probe journalist killing in Kenya
• Pakistan PM ‘extremely grateful’ for Saudi flood aid
• Elite have created system that benefits them: Miftah
• Imran playing dangerous game by using Arshad
Sharif’s killing for petty politics: PM
--------
South
Asia
• Afghanistan Labelled ‘Least Secure’ Country in the
World
• Taliban’s Monopoly of Power; EU Envoy Says Regional
Countries Call for Inclusive Government
• Taliban Member Gunfire Kills and Injures 2 Girls in
Northwestern Afghanistan
• Experts: ‘US failure in Afghanistan years in the
making’
• Afghans' lives have become 'unbearably hard' due to
rise in poverty: WFP
--------
Southeast
Asia
• Indonesia, OIC States to Create Forum for Global
Consultative Assembly
• I initiated Sheraton Move, nominated Muhyiddin as
PM, says Hadi
• Malaysia election: Selangor chief minister Amirudin
Shari expected to face Azmin Ali in Gombak
• In An Indian Kurta And Shalwar Outfit Syed Saddiq
‘Raps’ Political Message Of Equality In Deepavali Clip
• Sabah man, Perak teen now Malaysians as govt loses
appeal bid
--------
Africa
• Algeria Jails Journalist over ‘Spreading False News’
• 17 al-Shabaab terrorists killed in new operation in
Somalia
• Nigerians panic over US, UK terror attack alerts in
capital
• Morocco arrests 5 Daesh/ISIS suspects for planning
attacks
• Spanish premier mistakenly calls Kenyan leader
'president of Senegal'
• Türkiye hails Ghana's role in becoming voice of
Africa at UN Security Council
--------
Europe
• Vladimir Putin’s Chechen Warlord Ramzan Kadyrov Declares
Ukraine War a ‘Big Jihad’
• Russia recruiting Afghan commandos trained by US to
fight in Ukraine
• Sweden vows to fulfil 3-way NATO accession deal with
Türkiye
• Britain calls on Iran to release environmentalist
Morad Tahbaz
Compiled by New
Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/terror-sponsors-india-ambassador-un/d/128283
--------
Countries Covering Up For Terror Sponsors Equally
Culpable: India’s Ambassador to The UN
Ruchira Kamboj—A Senior
Diplomat And India’s Permanent Representative To UN
-----
Oct 27, 2022
NEW DELHI: There is a great need to speak in a united
voice against the scourge of terrorism and those practicing double standards in
the fight against the menace are just as culpable as countries which
distinguish between good and bad terrorists, said the government Wednesday in a
jibe at China.
The remark by India’s ambassador to the UN in New
York, Ruchira Kamboj, came ahead of the crucial Special Meeting of the UNSC
Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) which will begin in Mumbai on Friday with the
participants paying respects to the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
While the CTC meeting, which is being held outside New
York for the first time since 2015, is unlikely to renew pressure on Pakistan
to bring the accused to justice, senior MEA officials said the fact that the
meeting is being held in Mumbai is a "message in itself".
"Terrorism is one of the greatest threats
humanity is facing today. On the issue of double standards, we have said there
is no good or bad terrorist. Those who propagate this distinction have an
agenda and those who cover up for them are just as culpable. There cannot be
any justification for terrorism," said Kamboj, who is also the Chair of
the CTC, responding to queries related to China’s recent actions to block a UN
ban on Pakistan based commanders of terror groups.
According to Indian and UN officials, the 2-day
Special Meeting in Mumbai and Delhi will focus specifically on 3 key areas in
which new and emerging technologies are experiencing "rapid development,
growing use by member-states (including for security and counter-terrorism
purposes), and an increasing threat of abuse for terrorism purposes".
These include use of Internet and social media, terrorism-financing including
new payment methods and unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
The Meeting will see participation by UK foreign
secretary James Cleverly in what will be the first high-level visit to India
from UK after Conservative leader Rishi Sunak took over as PM earlier this
week. Among the 5 permanent members, only the UK will see a ministerial
participant.
Other UNSC member-states which will be represented at
the lever of ministers are Albania, Gabon, Ghana and UAE. MEA Secretary (West)
Sanjay Verma said foreign minister S Jaishankar, along with member-states of
the UNSC and senior UN Officials will lay a wreath at 26/11 memorial site in
Mumbai and observe a minute’s silence in memory of the victims.
The CTC meeting in India is expected to address some
of the significant challenges the global community is facing in the fight
against terrorism. These, according to the UN, include the need for countering
terrorist narratives, moderating online content, tracing and identifying
terrorist crimes planned and committed online, terrorism-financing and the
procurement of weapons, UAS, and their components through online means.
Source: Times Of India
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original story:
--------
Iran
Security Forces 'Open Fire' As Thousands Mourn Mahsa Amini to Mark 40 Days
since Her Death
An
unveiled woman stand on top of a vehicle as thousands make their way towards
Aichi cemetery in Saqez, Mahsa Amini’s home town in the western Iranian
Province of Kurdistan. (Image: Twitter)
------
Oct
27, 2022
PARIS:
Iranian security forces opened fire on protesters who massed in their thousands
Wednesday in Mahsa Amini's hometown to mark 40 days since her death, according
to a rights group and verified videos.
Amini,
a 22-year-old Iranian of Kurdish origin, died on September 16, three days after
her arrest in Tehran by the notorious morality police for allegedly breaching
the Islamic dress code for women.
Anger
flared at her funeral and quickly sparked widespread protests that saw young
women lead the charge, burning their headscarves and confronting security
forces, in the biggest wave of unrest in the Islamic republic for years.
Despite
heightened security measures, columns of mourners had poured into Saqez in the
western Kurdistan province to pay tribute to Amini at her grave at the end of
the traditional mourning period.
In
a viral picture of the scene verified by AFP, a young woman was seen standing
on the roof of a car without a hijab head covering, looking into the distance
at the highway packed with scores of vehicles and mourners.
"Death
to the dictator," mourners chanted at the Aichi cemetery outside Saqez,
before many were seen heading to the governor's office in the city centre,
where Iranian media outlets said some were poised to attack an army base.
"Security
forces have shot tear gas and opened fire on people in Zindan square, Saqez
city," Hengaw, a Norway-based group that monitors rights violations in
Iran's Kurdish regions, said without specifying whether there were any dead or
wounded.
Iran's
ISNA news agency said the internet had been cut in Saqez for "security
reasons", and that nearly 10,000 people had gathered in the city.
But
many thousands more were seen making their way in cars, on motorbikes and on
foot along a highway, through fields and even across a river, in videos widely
shared online.
Noisily
clapping, shouting and honking car horns, mourners packed the highway linking
Saqez to the cemetery eight kilometres (five miles) away, in images that Hengaw
told AFP it had verified.
ISNA
said some of the crowd returning from the cemetery had "intended to attack
an army base", until they were dispersed by other participants.
A
police checkpoint was torched and fires burned along a bridge in the Qavakh
neighbourhood of Saqez, according to a verified video.
"This
year is the year of blood, Seyed Ali will be toppled," a group of them
chanted in a video verified by AFP, referring to Iran's supreme leader
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
"Kurdistan,
Kurdistan, the graveyard of fascists," others were heard singing in a
video shared by activists on Twitter. AFP was unable to immediately verify the
footage.
Hengaw
said workers went on strike in Saqez as well as Divandarreh, Marivan, Kamyaran
and Sanandaj, and in Javanrud and Ravansar in the western province of
Kermanshah.
The
rights group said Iranian football stars Ali Daei and Hamed Lak had travelled
to Saqez "to take part in the 40th day" service.
They
had been staying at the Kurd Hotel but were "taken to the government
guesthouse... under guard by the security forces", it said.
Daei
has previously run into trouble with authorities over his online support for
the Amini protests.
Kurdistan
governor Esmail Zarei-Kousha accused Iran's foes of being behind the unrest.
"The
enemy and its media... are trying to use the 40-day anniversary of Mahsa
Amini's death as a pretext to cause new tensions but fortunately the situation
in the province is completely stable," he said, quoted by state news
agency IRNA.
The
social media channel 1500tasvir, which chronicles rights violations by Iran's
security forces, said fresh protests flared at universities in Tehran, Mashhad
in Iran's northeast, and Ahvaz in the southwest, among others.
Oslo-based
group Iran Human Rights said the security forces' crackdown on the Amini
protests has claimed the lives of at least 141 demonstrators, in an updated
death toll Tuesday.
Amnesty
International says the "unrelenting brutal crackdown" has killed at
least 23 children, while IHR said at least 29 children have been slain.
The
United States on Wednesday placed over a dozen Iranian officials on its
sanctions blacklist for the crackdown, while Germany condemned Tehran for
earlier sanctioning European media outlets.
The
White House later said it was "concerned that Moscow may be advising Iran
on best practices to manage protests, drawing on... extensive experience in
suppressing" opponents.
Women
foreign ministers from a dozen countries -- including France, Australia, and
Germany -- also jointly condemned Iran's "ongoing crackdown against
protesters" on Wednesday.
They
expressed "solidarity with the courageous Iranian women engaging in their
right of peaceful assembly and advocating for their human rights", said
the statement led by Canada's Melanie Joly.
More
than five weeks after Amini's death, the demonstrations show no signs of
ending.
They
have been fuelled by public outrage over the crackdown, which has claimed the
lives of other young women and girl
Source:
Times Of India
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
--------
US
believes Russia may be advising Iran on cracking down on protesters: White
House
A
picture obtained by AFP outside Iran on September 21, 2022, shows Iranian
demonstrators burning a rubbish bin in the capital Tehran during a protest for
Mahsa Amini, days after she died in police custody. (AFP)
-----
26
October, 2022
The
US believes Russia may be advising Iran on how to crackdown on protesters, as
Tehran grapples with country-wide protests sparked by the death of a young
woman in the custody of the morality police, the White House said on Wednesday.
“We
are concerned that Moscow may be advising Tehran on best practices to manage
protests, drawing on Russia’s extensive experience in suppressing open
demonstrations,” Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.
Mass
protests have swept Iran since September 16 when Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old
woman died in the morality police’s custody.
Iranians
have gathered across the country to take part in demonstrations that called for
the downfall of the regime.
The
regime responded with a violent crackdown on protesters, with dozens killed in clashes
with the security forces and thousands arrested.
“Iran
and Russia are growing closer, the more isolated they become,” she added,
citing evidence of Iran helping Russia in its war on Ukraine.
Earlier
this month, Washington decried the use of Iranian drones by Russia in Ukraine.
The State Department reported having evidence of Iranian drones being used to
strike Ukrainian civilians and critical civilian infrastructure.
Tehran
continues to deny the fact that their drones are being used in Ukraine.
She
added: “Our message to Iran is very, very clear. Stop killing your people and
stop sending weapons to Russia to kill Ukrainians.”
White
House's top national security spokesperson John Kirby said: “We see signs that
they (Russia) may be considering the ability to help train Iranians on cracking
down on protesters… and lending that kind of support to Iran.”
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
--------
Saudi
Arabia Slams US for Using Oil Reserves to Manipulate Prices, Warns Of ‘Painful’
Future
US
President Joe Biden and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at
Alsalam Royal Palace in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on July 15, 2022. Royal Court of
Saudi Arabia / Handout/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
-----
26
October 2022
As
rift between Saudi Arabia and the United States widens over oil production,
Saudi energy minister has denounced nations, including the US, for using
emergency oil reserves to manipulate prices, warning of more pain for energy
markets in near future.
"People
are depleting their emergency stocks, had depleted it, used it as a mechanism
to manipulate markets while its profound purpose was to mitigate the shortage
of supply," said Saudi Arabia's energy chief Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman
at the Future Initiative Investment (FII) conference in Riyadh on Tuesday.
"However,
it is my profound duty to make clear to the world that losing emergency stocks
may be painful in the months to come."
The
Saudi energy chief said Riyadh remained the world's most reliable oil supplier
and had increased its sales to Europe to 950,000 barrels in September from
490,000 the same time a year ago.
When
asked about how to get the energy ties with Washington back on track, Prince
Abdulaziz said Riyadh had chosen to "to be the mature guys and let the
dice fall."
Although
Prince Abdulaziz did not single out the US in his comments, he appeared to be
critical of President Joe Biden's decision to sell oil from the nation's
emergency stocks as he attempts to lower gasoline prices ahead of midterm
elections on November 8.
Comments
by the Saudi energy chief came just a week after Washington decided to release
15 million barrels from strategic oil reserves to curb prices. That tranche was
to complete a 180-million-barrel release authorized in the spring, in response
to price hikes linked to Russia's military operation in Ukraine.
Tensions
are growing between longtime partners Washington and Riyadh over the Saudi-led
OPEC+ cartel’s recent vote to reduce oil production over Washington's
objections.
The
Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+), which
includes the 13 OPEC nations and 11 non-members including Russia, made the
production cut announcement earlier this month. The group agreed to cut output
by two million barrels per day, equal to two percent of global supply, starting
November.
Saudi
Arabia is a top producer in OPEC+.
The
move came despite Biden's plea to boost production to tame energy prices.
Independent
observers believe the Biden administration is worried that the decision to cut
oil production will cause a gas price hike in the US ahead of the November
midterm elections, which Democrats already appear to lose to the Republicans.
Separately,
US State Department spokesman Ned Price said he would not respond directly to
the Saudi energy chief, but that the release from the strategic reserves was
part of Biden's effort to meet demand. "We're going to do everything we
can to see to it that supply is adequate for demand," Price said.
Bin
Salman 'mocks Biden in private' and 'preferred Trump': Report
According
to a report by the Wall Street Journal, the relationship between longtime
allies the US and Saudi Arabia is fracturing due to distrust between the
leaders of the two countries.
The
report, citing unnamed sources within the Saudi government, said that Saudi
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman - known as MbS - makes fun of Biden in private
and has questioned his mental acuity.
Furthermore,
the crown prince, who is Saudi Arabia de facto ruler, has reportedly told his advisers
that he preferred working with former US President Donald Trump.
"Saudi
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom’s 37-year-old day-to-day ruler,
mocks President Biden in private, making fun of the 79-year-old’s gaffes and
questioning his mental acuity, according to people inside the Saudi government.
He has told advisers he hasn’t been impressed with Mr. Biden since his days as
vice president, and much preferred former President Donald Trump, the people
said," the report read.
Biden
repeatedly denounced Saudi Arabia for its grim human rights record. During his
presidential campaign in 2020, he said he saw "very little social
redeeming value in the present government in Saudi Arabia," and did not
even talk to Mohammed bin Salman for more than a year because of his alleged
role in the killing of dissident Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi
consulate in Istanbul in 2018.
Both
Saudi Arabia and the US are reportedly ready to reconsider their relations,
which would mark a significant change in the 80-year-long relationship, the one
that has long underpinned the global economy.
Source:
Press TV
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2022/10/26/691634/Saudi-Arabia-US-MbS-oil-OPEC--Biden
--------
Crown
Prince Mohammad Bin Salman Orders Release of Pakistanis Held For Sloganeering
At Masjid-i-Nabwi
Prime
Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is received by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin
Salman. — Photo courtesy: PMO
-----
October
26, 2022
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Wednesday that Saudi Crown Prince
Mohammad Bin Salman granted pardon and ordered release of Pakistani pilgrims
who were jailed over sloganeering and hounding a PM-led delegation at
Masjid-i-Nabwi in Madina this April.
PM
Shehbaz, who concluded a two-day trip to Saudi Arabia, expressed gratitude to
the crown prince in a tweet for ordering release of the jailed Pakistanis.
“I
am deeply grateful to the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, Mr Muhammad bin Salman,
who, on my request, ordered release of the Pakistanis arrested in Saudi Arabia
for the April 2022 incident.
“We
pray to Allah Almighty to make us better Muslims who forgive each other’s
mistakes,“ the Prime Minister wrote. “May Allah Almighty reward you for this,”
the prime minister said and thanked the crown prince for this kind gesture.
In
April, PM Shehbaz, along with a delegation comprising federal ministers and
others, had gone on a three-day trip to Saudi Arabia. On their visit to
Masjid-i-Nabwi during the trip, some Pakistani pilgrims had hounded them,
shouted slogans against them and even physically attacked some members of the
delegation.
Videos
of the incident had gone viral on social media, prompting swift action from
Saudi authorities and leading to the arrest of some of the pilgrims.
Taking
to Twitter, PM Shehbaz described his meeting with the crown prince of Saudi
Arabia as “excellent”.
“We
agreed to upgrade and enhance bilateral ties and fraternal bonds between
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to new heights in line with the requirements of [the]
changing world. I told [the crown prince] people of Pakistan are eagerly
looking forward to his visit,” he said.
According
to Radio Pakistan, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further
strengthen the fraternal bond between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Later,
the premier and his delegation members performed Umrah at Makkah’s Grand
Mosque. PM Shehbaz, “prayed for the peace and prosperity of Pakistan as well as
Muslim ummah,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan said.
PM
Shehbaz reached Riyadh on Monday where he was received by Riyadh Governor
Prince Faisal Bin Bandar Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud at the airport. The premier was
accompanied by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif,
Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and other officials.
He
also addressed the Future Investment Initiative Summit in Riyadh on Monday,
saying that Pakistan was “ripe for market innovation” and the country was ready
to reach out to potential investors for the future of its upcoming generations.
INCIDENT
It
is to be recalled that in April last, following sloganeering at Masjid-e-Nabwi,
a court in Madina Munawara had sentenced three Pakistanis to eight years in
jail and three others to six years imprisonment. Among those who were given eight
years imprisonment included Khawaja Luqman, Muhammad Afzal and Ghulam Muhammad
while Anas, Arshad and Muhammad Salim were jailed six years in jail.
The
court had also sentenced another Pakistani national Tahir Malik to three years
in prison with a fine of 10,000 Saudi Riyals.
Source:
Pakistan Today
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
--------
India
‘Kejriwal
BJP’s B-Team’: Muslim Leaders Slam Delhi CM for ‘Polarisation Politics’ Over
Banknotes
ABANTIKA
GHOSH
26
October, 2022
New
Delhi: Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal’s formula for the country’s
economic revival — putting the images of deities on currency notes — has raised
hackles, with Muslim leaders accusing him of playing the polarisation card to
garner political benefits. Elections for the Gujarat assembly and the Delhi
municipal corporation are scheduled to be held this year, and Kejriwal’s Aam
Aadmi Party is a significant player in both.
“This
(statement) has got nothing to do with the love of Gods. This is an attempt to
play with people’s religious sentiments and he is taking his lessons from none
other than the Prime Minister himself,” said Kamal Farooqui, member of the All
India Muslim Personal Law Board.
Farooqui,
a lawyer by profession, clarified, however, that these were his personal views.
He
added: “The BJP has taught people that polarisation can yield rich political
dividends and if Kejriwal is now going to take that line instead of talking
about schools (a reference to the AAP’s declared focus on improving education
standards, among other initiatives), like he used to, he is merely certifying
what people have always suspected — that he is the B team of the BJP. He does
not see the writing on the wall that people are sick of these moves.”
Echoing
Farooqui’s views, Ahmed Bukhari, the shahi imam of Delhi’s Jama Masjid termed
Kejriwal’s statement “rubbish”.
“I
really should not dignify these statements with a response. (Kejriwal) does not
talk about things that need to be talked about, issues that need to be raised
and tries to create hate and discord between Hindus and Muslims,” Bukhari said.
While
speaking to reporters at a press conference Wednesday, the Delhi CM had called
for including the images of Lakshmi-Ganesh on currency notes to get India’s
economy on the development track.
“We
can all see that our economy is not recovering. We all want India to become a
developed country and for that lot of work needs to be done. But all efforts
will be only successful when there will be gods and goddesses’ grace on us,”
Kejriwal had said.
He
added: “Today, I appeal to the central government that our currency has a
picture of Gandhi ji on one side, it should be kept as it is, but on the other
side, pictures of Lakshmi ji and Ganesh ji should be included”, claiming that
the idea came to him during the Diwali Puja at home.
‘Rupee
will strengthen against dollar when policies right’
Kejriwal’s
comment pushed many other Muslim leaders to accuse the AAP national convenor of
following on the BJP’s path of polarisation politics.
“There
is a clear attempt by the AAP to change its political position and take on a
more right-wing approach and this comes just weeks ahead of the elections in
Delhi and Gujarat. Clearly, the BJP is worried about AAP gaining ground in
Gujarat for a reason,” said a senior functionary of a Muslim organisation, who
did not want to be named.
He
was referring to several meetings of BJP leaders with party workers where they,
including union Home Minister Amit Shah and Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya
have expressed worry about AAP’s increasing footprint in Gujarat.
Meanwhile,
Islamic scholar and secretary general of the National Ulama Parliament and
chairman Gram Chhatra Sansad Dr Maulana Kalbe Rushaid told ThePrint that
Kejriwal’s statement befits a religious person, but not a person of the stature
of Arvind Kejriwal, who has been an officer in the Indian Revenue Service.
“Religion
is a good thing and it gives us strength to do many things, but like in Islam
we say that God will cure but you still need to have medicines, rupee will
strengthen against the dollar when the policies are right for that, not when
Gods appear on currency notes,” said Rushaid.
Source:
The Print
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
After
Kejriwal's comment, Congress leader calls for Allah, Jesus on currency notes,
gets trolled
Oct
26, 2022
Congress
leader Salman Anees Soz on Wednesday said that if Lakshmi and Ganesha can bring
prosperity, then inclusion of Allah, Jesus, and Buddha will bring even more
prosperity. His remark, which was in response to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's
appeal to have photos of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi on currency notes,
did not go down well with the netizens.
Arvind
Kejriwal had appealed to PM Modi to have images of Lord Ganesha and Goddess
Lakshmi on the currency notes, claiming that putting the photos of the gods on
the currencies will ensure that the people of the country are blessed in their
efforts to better the economy. In response, Congress leader Salman Anees Soz
tweeted, “If Lakshmi and Ganesha can bring prosperity, then we should make sure
we get even more prosperity and include Allah, Jesus, Guru Nanak, Buddha and
Mahavira too.”
The
Congress leader was trolled for his comment, with one social media user
cheekily asking him to "share Allah's pic for consideration".
Some
netizens also asked him to take down the tweet that mentions including Allah's
image on currency notes.
Netizens
also trolled him over the "logic" that including "Allah, Jesus,
Guru Nanak, Buddha and Mahavira" on currency notes will bring even more
prosperity to the Indian economy.
Your
logic is blowing my mind pic.twitter.com/kJWUILzxmM — Rahul 🌚 (@thunor_05)
October 26, 2022
WHAT
DID ARVIND KEJRIWAL SAY?
Delhi
CM Arvind Kejriwal made an appeal to the Centre to put the photos of Lord
Ganesha and goddess Lakshmi on currency notes along with Mahatma Gandhi's
photo.
"If
the gods are on the currency notes, the entire country will get their
blessings. Lakshmi is the goddess of prosperity and Lord Ganesha is a god who
keeps away troubles," Arvind Kejriwal said.
Arguing
that blessings of gods can help in improving economy, Arvind Kejriwal added
that businessmen keep idols of the two Hindu gods in their workplace and
perform puja everyday before they start the day's work.
Source:
India Today
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Foreign
terrorist killed in failed infiltration bid in J&K
Oct
26, 2022
SRINAGAR:
Security forces on Wednesday foiled an infiltration bid by terrorists along the
Line of Control in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, killing one foreign
ultra, officials said.
They
said a gunbattle broke out between security forces and terrorists at Sudpora in
Karnah sector along the LoC.
Source:
Times Of India
Please
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Telangana:
TRS has no moral right to seek Muslim votes in Munugode, says Shabbir
26th
October 2022
Hyderabad:
Former minister and Congress leader Mohammed Ali Shabbir said that the TRS
party has no moral right to seek votes from the Muslim community in the
Munugode by-elections.
Addressing
a series of meetings at Chandur, Kondapur, and other places as part of the
campaign for Congress candidate Palvai Shravanti on Wednesday, Shabbir Ali said
that chief minister K Chandrashekhar Rao has been betraying the Muslim
community since 2014 with fake promises and false assurances.
He
said that KCR did not fulfill the promise of a 12 percent Muslim reservation.
“Instead, he also did not take enough measures to protect the ongoing 4 percent
Muslim reservation, implemented by the previous Congress Govt in 2004-05, in
the Supreme Court,” he added.
Similarly,
Shabbir Ali said that the TRS government had promised to grant judicial powers
to the Wakf Board. However, he said that the government neither protected the
existing properties nor took any measures to restore the illegally encroached
lands.
“Records
of thousands of prime Wakf properties have been dumped in a godown without
citing any reason. Many important files, which are crucial for winning
encroachment cases in various courts, are now being eaten by termites. But the
TRS government is not doing anything to protect those original documents of
prime properties worth thousands of crores,” he alleged.
Shabbir
Ali said that the state government did not release fee reimbursement dues which
led to the closure of more than 80 percent of minority colleges in the last 8
years. He said that there was an alarming drop in the enrolment of minorities
in institutions of higher education. “KCR, by not releasing funds, deprived
lakhs of minority students, especially Muslims, from getting higher education,”
he alleged.
The
Congress leader alleged that TRS government has dismantled all the institutions
of minority welfare. “Due to a huge shortage of funds and staff, institutions
like Urdu Academy, Minority Finance Corporation, etc., are unable to implement
any welfare scheme. Urdu Academy has a symbolic head while the government is
yet to nominate a full-fledged body. Except for paying salaries to the Urdu
Academy Chairman and the skeletal staff, TRS government is doing nothing for
the promotion of the Urdu language,” he further said.
Shabbir
Ali stated that unemployment among minorities has increased manifold under the
TRS government. “Not a single jobless Muslim youth got a loan under any scheme
to start his business. Receiving over 1.53 lakh loan applications from jobless
minority youth in 2014-15 and dumping them in the dustbin is the only
achievement of the TRS government,” he said.
He
also slammed the TRS for completely neglecting the Muslims in the weaker
section housing schemes. He said the previous Congress Govt gave houses to
thousands of poor Muslim families. However, he said that the TRS government did
not give even a dozen 2BHK units to poor Muslims.
Shabbir
Ali said that the state government has been cheating Muslims by wearing a fake
mask of secularism. “KCR has created hype that his government has allocated a
budget of Rs. 2,000 crores for minorities’ welfare. But in reality, his
government did not spend even 50 percent of the allocated amount. TRS
government has caused huge damage to Muslims on social, educational, and
economic fronts,” he said.
Source:
Siasat Daily
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Mideast
Takfiri
terrorist attack on holy shrine in Shiraz ‘won’t go unanswered’, vows Raeisi
26
October 2022
Iran's
President Ebrahim Raeisi has said the Islamic Republic will deliver a crushing
response to those behind the Wednesday terrorist attack on the holy shrine of
Shah Cheragh in the country’s southwestern city of Shiraz.
“This
vicious act will definitely not go unanswered. The country’s security and law
enforcement forces, having identified the root causes of this heinous crime,
will deliver a decisive response to its architects and operatives,” which will
make them regret their act, the Iranian president said Wednesday evening.
The
incident took place at around 5:45 p.m. local time (1415 GMT) on Wednesday just
before the evening prayers.
The
police commander of Fars province said the attacker opened indiscriminate fire
at pilgrims inside the shrine and was himself wounded and arrested by security
officials.
Nour
News Agency, which is affiliated with Iran's top security body, said the
militant who carried out the attack was a foreign national.
CCTV
footage released by local authorities showed the terrorist making his way
inside the shrine and opening fire at people present there.
“Experience
shows that Iran's enemies take revenge for their desperation and failed
attempts to cause divisions within the united ranks of the Iranian society and
impede the country’s progress by means of violence and terror," President
Raeisi said in his remarks.
He
also offered his sincere condolences over the death of a group of pilgrims at
the funerary monument and mosque, which houses the tomb of the brothers Ahmad
and Muhammad, sons of Imam Musa ibn Ja'far al-Kazim (PBUH) – the seventh Shia
Imam.
Separately,
Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi said the Shiraz terrorist attack exposed
the complex nature of enemy's conspiracies, which is aimed at all forms of
violence and recognizes no boundaries as to the loss of a large number of
ordinary people.
“The
incident marked an assault on all sanctities and was a profane move as witnessed
before. This time the Shah Cheragh shrine was subjected to desecration, and
several people were killed,” the senior Iranian official said.
Vahidi
noted that the terrorist attack also revealed the actual extent of enemies'
cruelty – something which has been demonstrated at times during latest riots.
Source:
Press TV
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ISIS
claims responsibility for shrine attack in Iran
26
October, 2022
The
ISIS group claimed responsibility for an attack Wednesday on a Shia Muslim
shrine in southern Iran that state media said killed more than a dozen people.
An
ISIS fighter opened fire on worshippers at the Shah Cheragh shrine in the city of
Shiraz, “killing at least 20 Shias and wounded dozens of others”, the radical
extremist group said in a statement via Telegram channels.
Source:
Al Arabiya
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At
least 15 killed, 40 wounded in attack on popular Shia shrine in southern Iran
Syed
Zafar Mehdi
26.10.2022
TEHRAN,
Iran
At
least 15 people have been killed and 40 wounded after a group of armed
assailants opened indiscriminate fire at a popular shrine in Iran’s southern
Fars province on Wednesday, according to local media.
The
incident took place at around 5.45 p.m. local time (1415GMT) when three
heavily-armed men attacked the Shah Cheragh shrine in the historic city of
Shiraz in the Fars province.
According
to local reports, two attackers were immediately apprehended by local security
guards and search is underway for the third attacker who apparently managed to
flee from the scene.
Although
details are still unclear, reports said a woman and two children were among the
victims.
Shah
Cheragh shrine, which houses the grave of a revered Shia scholar, is a popular
pilgrim destination in southern Iran, thronged by both local and foreign
pilgrims.
It
came amid widespread protests across Iran over the death of a young Iranian
woman, Mahsa Amini, in police custody last month.
Wednesday
marked 40 days since her death and saw fresh protests in several cities,
including Tehran, amid heavy deployment of police on the streets.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
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We
are facing Zionist enemy that only understands language of force: Senior Hamas
official
26
October 2022
A
founding member of the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement has condemned the
killing of six Palestinians after Israeli military forces raided several areas
in the northern occupied West Bank city of Nablus, stressing that the Tel Aviv
regime only understands the language of force.
Khaled
Meshaal, the head of Hamas' political bureau abroad, stated that the ruling
Israeli coalition administration led by prime minister Yair Lapid is seeking to
emerge victorious in the forthcoming legislative elections, scheduled for
November 1, by means of shedding the blood of ordinary Palestinians.
“The
martyrs of the resistance front have paved the way for the liberation of
occupied [Palestinian] lands, and the re-emergence of resistance in the West
Bank. Despite the persecution of Palestinians, targeted killings of resistance
fighters, cruel siege imposed on the city of Jenin and elsewhere in the West
Bank, and mass arrests, the resistance continues to flourish,” Meshaal pointed
out.
He
added, “The barbaric crimes of the Zionist regime will never undermine the
determination of Palestinian resistance fighters. On the contrary, it shows
that the spirit of resistance runs high among all Palestinians.”
The
senior Hamas official also called on all Palestinians to preserve national
unity and tighten the noose around Israeli settlers.
Meshaal
went on to stress the need for turning Jenin, Nablus and other West Bank towns
and villages into a strong fortress of resistance against Israel.
“Al-Quds
serves as a source of inspiration in order to transform the path of popular
uprising (intidafa) and resistance, and secure the complete liberation of
occupied lands as well as return of Palestinian refugees to their ancestral
homes,” he stated.
Early
on Tuesday morning, large numbers of Israeli forces stormed the city of Nablus,
located approximately 49 kilometers (30 miles) north of al-Quds.
According
to the Palestinian Health Ministry, five Palestinians were killed by Israeli
fire.
Palestinian
health and security officials said one of those killed was unarmed. They
identified the victims as 26-year-old Ali Khaled Antar, Mishal Baghdadi, 27;
Wadee al-Hawah, 31; Hamdi Qayyem, 30; and 35-year-old Hamdi Mohamed Sharaf.
The
Palestinian Health Ministry later reported that another Palestinian youth,
Qusay al-Tamimi, was killed during confrontations with Israeli forces in the
village of Nabi Saleh near the city of Ramallah.
Meanwhile,
Gaza-based Palestinian resistance groups have convened an emergency meeting,
and called for national mourning, major strikes and protest rallies across the
occupied Palestinian territories in the aftermath of assassination of five
Palestinian men killed by Israeli forces during a raid in Nablus.
“We
are telling our brethren in Nablus that we will continue to stand on their
side. We will hopefully fight within your ranks in the near future. The
resistance campaign, which has broken out in the West Bank and across the
occupied Palestinian lands, carries this message that the Zionist regime is in
decline,” Suhail al-Hindi, a member of the Hamas political bureau, said.
“Attempts
by the Israeli occupation forces to suffocate the resistance front in Nablus
are doomed to failure. We want all residents of the Gaza Strip to stage
demonstrations in solidarity with our compatriots in Nablus, and urge young
Gazans to respond to the latest Israeli crime properly,” Khaled al-Batsh,
another top Hamas official, said.
Israeli
forces have also recently been conducting overnight raids and killings in the
northern occupied West Bank, mainly in the cities of Jenin and Nablus, where
new groups of Palestinian resistance fighters have been formed.
Source:
Press TV
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Navy
Commander: Iran to Equip Destroyers with More Powerful Cruise Missiles
2022-October-26
Rear
Admiral Irani noted on Tuesday that efforts are underway to install the missile
on Iranian military watercraft, adding that the country’s destroyers would be
equipped with “more powerful cruise missiles”.
“Abu
Mahdi naval cruise missile can well undertake its tasks once employed in
electronic warfare systems and has undergone several tests,” he continued,
stating that the enemies are aware of the missile’s features and have seen its
capabilities in action.
“The
combat capability, destructive power and operational range of Abu Mahdi cruise
missile are significant, and we have set higher ranges on our agenda,” the navy
commander underlined.
He
explained that the Iranian Navy’s surface-to-surface cruise missile power has
doubled and that the country’s destroyers will be deployed to high sea for the
first time with 8 cruise missiles mounted on them.
Irani
also underscored that Nawab, a domestically-developed medium-range
surface-to-air missile system, has already been installed on the Sahand
destroyer. Point-defense weapon systems for detecting and destroying incoming
missiles and enemy aircraft and anti-missile systems have also been used in the
indigenous destroyer.
Elsewhere
in his remarks, the senior commander noted the homegrown Damavand destroyer is
undergoing final tests and will hopefully join the Navy’s fleet on November 28.
He
noted that Shuhada-ye (Martyrs) Konarak support vessel has been redesigned and
bears no similarities to its predecessor, which was heavily damaged in a
friendly fire incident during a naval exercise in the Sea of Oman on May 10,
2020.
“The
new generation of the vessel enjoys advanced and more sophisticated
technologies and is going through construction phases. At the same time,
various pieces of military equipment are being installed on it. It’s worth
mentioning that the vessel can fire cruise naval missiles as well,” Irani
explained.
In
August 2020, Iran unveiled two new missiles which named after top Iranian
Commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani and his Iraqi trenchmate Abu
Mahdi Al-Muhandis, the second-in-command of Iraq's PMU, who were assassinated
outside Baghdad’s international airport in a US raid in January 2020.
The
“Martyr Abu Mahdi” naval cruise missile has a 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) range.
The
Islamic Republic’s military doctrine holds that the country’s armed capability
solely serves defensive purposes.
Iranian
military experts and technicians have in recent years made substantial headway
in manufacturing a broad range of indigenous equipment, making the armed forces
self-sufficient in the weaponry sphere.
Source:
Fars News Agency
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Iran
Blasts World Leaders' Silence on Israeli Genocide of Palestinians
2022-October-26
In
a statement issued on Tuesday, Kana’ani criticized the “hypocritical and
duplicitous” positions of the United States and some Western countries on human
rights issues across the world.
“Their
unconditional support for the usurping Zionist regime and its daily crimes
against the oppressed Palestinian nation is the biggest example of human rights
violations which have been going on for consecutive decades,” he added.
Pointing
to the continuation of Israeli crimes and terrorist acts in the occupied West
Bank, including the siege and attack on Nablus, the spokesperson called on the
international community to take action to condemn and stop the Zionist regime’s
genocide in Palestine.
He
hailed the courageous resistance of Palestinian people, especially the youths,
in Al-Quds, Jenin and Nablus, urging international support for the Palestinian
struggle against the Zionist regime until the full liberation of Palestine from
the Israeli occupation.
Israeli
forces carried out a series of raids across the occupied West Bank on Tuesday,
killing at least six Palestinians and injuring dozens of others.
Iran:
'Child-Killing' Israeli Regime Can’t Escape Inevitable
Fatehttps://t.co/g5JM4L22Wf pic.twitter.com/FA8pOgE13D
—
Fars News Agency (@EnglishFars) August 9, 2022
Nearly
200 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in the illegally occupied
West Bank and besieged Gaza Strip since the beginning of the year, including 51
Palestinians during Israel’s three-day assault on Gaza in August, according to
the Palestinian health ministry.
International
rights groups have condemned Israel’s excessive use of force and “shoot-to-kill
policy” against Palestinians.
Iran
describes Israel as the root cause of the region’s instability, but also
stresses Israel's US-supported barbarity will not change the inevitable fate of
the Tel Aviv regime.
Source:
Fars News Agency
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Iran
Calls for Full Implementation of Chemical Weapons Convention
2022-October-26
"We
reiterate our call that the Chemical Weapons Convention must be implemented
fully, effectively, and without discrimination," Iravani made the remarks
addressing the session on “The situation in the Middle East: (Syria –
Chemical)” before the United Nations Security Council on October 25th, 2022.
The
full text of the Iranian ambassador's speech at the UN is as follows:
In
the name of God, the compassionate, the merciful.
Mr.
President,
The
Islamic Republic of Iran once again condemns, in the strongest possible terms,
the use of chemical weapons by anyone, anywhere, and under any circumstances.
We
reiterate our call that the Chemical Weapons Convention must be implemented
fully, effectively, and without discrimination.
We
believe that politicizing the Convention's application and using the OPCW for
political purposes endanger both the organization's and the Convention's
legitimacy.
The
OPCW must be able to carry out its responsibilities in an impartial,
professional, and objective manner. Furthermore, to establish facts and reach
evidence-based conclusions, any investigation into the use of chemical weapons
must be impartial, professional, credible, and objective and strictly adhere to
the provisions and procedures outlined in the Convention.
We
acknowledge the critical importance of the efforts by the Syrian Arab Republic
to uphold its Convention obligations.
We
urge the OPCW and the Syrian Arab Republic to maintain their contact and
interaction.
The
high-level meeting between Syria's Foreign Minister and the Director-General of
the OPCW is currently being arranged. This meeting which is expected to take
place, has the potential to pave the way for the parties to resolve outstanding
issues.
In
this regard, the Syrian National Authority proposed to the Technical
Secretariat that the two parties hold a coordination meeting in Beirut to agree
on the agenda for the high-level meeting, which was responded to by the
Technical Secretariat on 3 October.
We
also commend the Syrian Arab Republic for submitting the 107th monthly report
to the Director-General of the OPCW on October 15, detailing activities on its
territory related to the destruction of chemical weapons and their production
facilities.
In
line with its constructive cooperation, the Syrian Arab Republic has also
facilitated a visit of the Technical Secretariat of the OPCW to Syria to
conduct the ninth inspection tour of the Center for Scientific Studies and
Research.
Mr.
President,
While
the Syrian Arab Republic has met the requirements of the Convention and
continues to cooperate constructively with the OPCW, handling this file in a
political and double-standard manner will only divert discussions away from
their technical nature.
Therefore,
we reiterate once again our call on the Security Council to utilize its
meetings on Syria. Dedicating one monthly meeting of the Council to the
repetition of positions and unfounded allegations against the Syrian government
is not conducive to the Security Council's efficiency.
Source:
Fars News Agency
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Iran’s
judiciary charges over 1,000 since Amini protests
26
October, 2022
Iran’s
judiciary said Wednesday it has pressed charges against over 300 people in
connection to nationwide protests over Mahsa Amini’s death, bringing the total
to more than 1,000 indictments.
Street
violence has rocked Iran since Amini’s death on September 16, three days after
she was arrested by the morality police for allegedly violating the Islamic
Republic’s strict dress code for women.
Dozens
of people, mainly protesters but also members of the security forces, have been
killed during the unrest. Hundreds more, including women, have been arrested.
Charges
have been filed against more than 300 people over demonstrations in the
northwestern provinces of Zanjan and West Azerbaijan and northeastern Semnan,
the judiciary’s Mizan Online website said.
Thousands
of people gathered at the cemetery in Amini’s hometown of Saqqez, in the
western Kurdistan province, to pay tribute at her grave at the end of the
traditional 40-day mourning period.
The
judiciary announced on Monday indictments against 201 “rioters” in the Alborz
province near Tehran, adding to more than 630 recent charges against protesters
in Tehran, Kurdistan, Khuzestan, Qazvin and Isfahan.
Source:
Al Arabiya
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Türkiye,
Libya sign agreements on enhancing military cooperation
Merve
Aydogan
26.10.2022
Türkiye
and Libya have inked two important agreements in the field of military,
according to a Turkish National Defense Ministry statement on Wednesday.
National
Defense Minister Hulusi Akar on Tuesday met with Prime Minister of
Tripoli-based unity government and Defense Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh in
Istanbul.
The
two officials signed an agreement on enhancing the efficiency of the Libyan Air
Force and the training of Libyan pilots, said the ministry statement.
"The
other additional protocol signed aims at improving the existing military
relations between Türkiye and Libya," according to the statement.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
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North
America
US
sanctions 12 Iranians, 2 entities for protest, internet crackdowns
Michael
Hernandez
26.10.2022
WASHINGTON
The
US levied sanctions against 12 Iranian officials and 2 entities Wednesday for
an ongoing crackdown on mass demonstrations prompted by the death of Mahsa
Amini, who died while in police custody.
The
Treasury Department said it was taking the action in response to "the
brutal ongoing crackdown on nationwide protests in Iran," as well as
continued government efforts to restrict internet access in the country.
“Forty
days after the tragic death of Mahsa Amini, Iranians continue to bravely
protest in the face of brutal suppression and disruption of internet access,”
Brian Nelson, the Treasury Department's undersecretary for financial
intelligence, said in a statement.
“The
United States is imposing new sanctions on Iranian officials overseeing
organizations involved in violent crackdowns and killings, including of
children, as part of our commitment to hold all levels of the Iranian
government accountable for its repression," he added.
Among
those designated are Mohammad Kazemi, the Commander of the Islamic
Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Intelligence Organization and Abbas
Nilforushan, the IRGC's deputy commander for operations.
Hossein
Modarres Khiabani, the governor of Iran's Sistan and Baluchistan province,
which has seen repeated bloody crackdowns by government forces, has also been
blacklisted, as has Ahmad Shafahi, the commander of the IRGC's regional
military unit.
The
US also sanctioned four senior prison officials, including the head of Evin
Prison and the warden at "Sanandaj Central Prison in Kurdistan
province."
Two
members of the Ministry of Intelligence and Security were blacklisted along
with a school they co-founded that trains student in cybersecurity and hacking,
and recruits students for the ministry, said the department.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
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Saudi
Arabia’s support of Ukraine doesn’t compensate for OPEC+ cut: US top diplomat
26
October, 2022
US
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia’s support
to Ukraine was a “positive development,” but did not “compensate” for the OPEC+
decision to cut production.
Blinken
acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s recent $400 million humanitarian aid for Ukraine
and the Kingdom’s vote at the UN to condemn Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian
territory.
“These
are positive developments. They do not compensate for the decision that was
made by OPEC+ on production. But we take note of that,” he said at a Bloomberg
News event.
OPEC+,
the group comprising of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries plus
allies including Russia, decided earlier this month to cut its oil production
target by 2 million barrels per day.
The
decision infuriated Joe Biden’s administration which is worried about higher
consumer prices right before the November US midterm elections.
Biden
accused Saudi Arabia of siding with Russia and vowed that “there will be
consequences” for Washington-Riyadh ties.
Riyadh
rejected Washington’s criticism as “not based on facts” and stressed that the
OPEC+ decision was “purely economic”, according to a statement by the foreign
ministry.
Blinken
reiterated Washington’s stance that Saudi Arabia had made the “wrong decision”
with the oil production cut.
“There
was nothing to suggest in the analysis that we had – and it was shared with the
Saudis – that we were looking at prices plummeting in ways that would be
problematic for them.”
The
top US diplomat said that Biden’s administration was reevaluating its
relationship with the Kingdom.
“We're
going to do it in a very deliberate fashion, in consultation with members of
Congress to make sure of this, that the relationship better reflects our own
interests,” he said.
Saudi
Arabia’s ambassador to the US, Princess Reema bint Bandar, said in an interview
with CNN aired on Tuesday that a review of US-Saudi ties was a “positive thing”
and stressed that the OPEC+ decision was purely economic.
Source:
Al Arabiya
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US
warns South African economic hub may be terror target this weekend
27
October, 2022
One
of South Africa’s richest suburbs may be the target of a terrorist attack this
weekend, according to an alert posted on the website of the US Embassy.
“The
US government has received information that terrorists may be planning to
conduct an attack targeting large gatherings of people at an unspecified
location in the greater Sandton area of Johannesburg, South Africa, on October
29,” the embassy said in a statement. “There is no further information
regarding the timing, method, or target of the potential attack.”
The
embassy advised its staff to avoid crowds of people and other large public
gatherings in the specified area over the coming weekend.
Many
of the biggest companies in South Africa, including financial services group
FirstRand Ltd., chemicals company Sasol Ltd., insurer Discovery Ltd., Bank of
America Corp., Citigroup Inc., law firms and international auditing firms such
as EY have their headquarters in Sandton. There is also a multi-faceted retail
space in the suburb, which attracts crowds of tourists and locals on weekends.
Liberty
Two Degrees Ltd., the operator of retail properties in Sandton -- also known at
the richest square mile in Africa -- said it has taken sufficient security
measures in and around the Sandton City mall, Nelson Mandela Square, offices,
hotels, and the Sandton Convention Centre.
The
South African government is continuously assessing threats and will inform the
public of any imminent attack, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesman, Vincent
Magwenya, said in a statement.
Source:
Al Arabiya
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Blinken,
UN's Griffiths discuss global humanitarian needs, Istanbul grain deal
Servet
Günerigök
26.10.2022
WASHINGTON
US
Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Tuesday with UN Under-Secretary-General
for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths,
during which they discussed global humanitarian needs and the Istanbul grain
deal.
The
meeting at the State Department addressed “record-high global humanitarian
needs driven by a variety of issues, including conflict, climate change, and
the pandemic," said State Department Spokesperson Ned Price in a
statement.
"The
Secretary noted the urgent humanitarian needs in Ukraine stemming from Russia’s
illegal war, including the need to renew the Black Sea Grain Initiative,"
said Price, referring to the deal that was brokered by the UN and Türkiye to
get out grain from Ukrainian ports.
Türkiye,
the UN, Russia and Ukraine signed an agreement in Istanbul on July 22 to resume
grain exports from three Ukrainian Black Sea ports which were paused after the
start of the Russia-Ukraine war in February.
The
parties are currently negotiating a possible extension and expansion beyond a
Nov. 19 deadline to include Russian grain and fertilizer exports.
The
two men also discussed the crises in Afghanistan and Ethiopia as well as the vital
need to prevent a deadly famine in Somalia.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
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Arab
World
Bahrain’s
incarcerated clerics urge Pope to reject injustice, push for reforms ahead of visit
26
October 2022
A
group of incarcerated Bahraini Shia Muslim clerics has urged Pope Francis to
condemn the injustice and repressive policies of the ruling Al Khalifah regime
and push for reforms in the Persian Gulf kingdom ahead of his visit early next
month.
In
a statement, the scholars said in Bahrain "the motto of tolerance and
coexistence is raised for everyone except for its own people," reminding
Pope Francis that he is visiting a country "where justice and charity are
widely prescribed; but injustice and aggression are practiced in reality.”
“The
Bahraini nation constitutes people who have either lost their sons or loved
ones, grief-stricken mothers as well as injured, imprisoned, persecuted, and
exiled political opponents. International human rights organizations have
recorded a long list of violations against Bahraini people,” the statement
read.
“Reforms,
justice, and human dignity are the common goals of all heavenly messages, and
Abrahamic religions categorically rebuff injustice and corruption. These are
the goals that the Bahraini nation has long sought to achieve and have made
enormous sacrifices for."
“We
expect the head of the Catholic Church to speak the truth and field calls for
faith and common sense when he visits Bahrain between November 3 and 6. History
shows that Muslims and non-Muslims have co-existed in peace in Bahrain,” the
statement noted.
Pope
Francis is scheduled to travel to Bahrain within the next few weeks at the
invitation of the country's civil and ecclesial authorities.
He
will visit the capital Manama and the city of Awali “on the occasion of the
Bahrain Forum for Dialogue: East and West for Human Coexistence.”
Demonstrations
have been held in Bahrain on a regular basis ever since a popular uprising
began in mid-February 2011.
The
participants demand that the Al Khalifah regime relinquish power and allow a
just system representing all Bahrainis to be established.
Manama,
however, has gone to great lengths to clamp down on any sign of dissent.
Earlier
this month, a London-based human rights organization said Bahraini courts had
convicted and sentenced four anti-regime activists to death following unfair
trials and based on confessions coerced through torture and ill-treatment.
The
Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy (BIRD) said in a 61-page report
titled "The Court is Satisfied with the Confession’: Bahrain Death
Sentences Follow Torture, Sham Trials,” that Bahraini courts routinely violated
the defendants’ rights to fair trials, including the right to legal counsel during
interrogation, the right to cross-examine prosecution witnesses, and through
reliance on secretly sourced reports.
The
report went on to note that much of the torture and ill-treatment occurred in
two locations – the Criminal Investigation Directorate of the Ministry of
Interior, which is housed in a compound in the Adliya district of Manama, and
the Royal Academy of Policing, located adjacent to Bahrain’s notorious Jau
Prison.
BIRD
called on Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifah to commute the death
sentences for all individuals, starting with those convicted on the basis of
confessions extracted under torture or ill-treatment.
Source:
Press TV
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
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Lebanon
signs maritime border deal, Israel expected to follow suit
27
October, 2022
Lebanese
President Michel Aoun on Thursday signed a letter approving a landmark
US-brokered agreement laying out the country’s maritime boundary with Israel,
Lebanon’s top negotiator told reporters.
Israel
was set to follow suit in approving the deal, which marks a diplomatic
departure from decades of hostility, later in the day.
The
agreement opens the way for offshore energy exploration and removes one source
of potential conflict between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah and could help
alleviate Lebanon’s economic crisis.
Speaking
from the presidential palace, negotiator Elias Bou Saab said the agreement
marked the beginning of “a new era” and that the letter would be submitted to
US officials at Lebanon’s southernmost border point of Naqoura later on
Thursday.
Hailed
by all three parties as a historic achievement, the deal will be signed
separately in Jerusalem by Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid following his
cabinet’s approval.
Asked
what happens in case of a violation by either of the sides, which remain
technically at war, US envoy Amos Hochstein said the US would remain a
guarantor to help resolve any disputes.
“If
one side violates the deal, both sides lose,” Hochstein told reporters.
Source:
Al Arabiya
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
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Confidence
vote on new Iraq government set for October 27
26
October, 2022
Iraqi
lawmakers are due to meet Thursday for a confidence vote in the new Iraqi
government, an official statement said.
Prime
minister-designate Mohammed Shia al-Sudani was chosen earlier this month to
form a new government following months of infighting between key Shia Muslim
factions.
A
statement Wednesday from the presidency of Iraq’s parliament said the vote was
set to begin at 1100 GMT on Thursday.
Sudani
and his cabinet need an absolute majority from the 329-seat body.
The
confidence vote had been initially planned for last Saturday but was postponed
amid haggling over the allocation of cabinet posts, according to lawmakers.
Sudani’s
nomination on October 13 raised hopes of an end to a year of political deadlock
since Iraq’s last election.
The
movement of populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, Sudani’s rival in Iraq’s majority
Shia camp, has said it will not join the new government.
But
the premier-designate has the backing of the Coalition for the Administration
of the State, which includes the Coordination Framework, an alliance of
powerful pro-Iran Shia factions that hold 138 out of 329 seats in parliament.
Other
members include a Sunni grouping led by parliament speaker Mohammed
al-Halbussi, and two key Kurdish parties.
Source:
Al Arabiya
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
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Canada
Repatriates Four ISIS-Linked Women and Children from Syrian Camps
26
October, 2022
Canada
has repatriated two women and two children from camps in Syria holding family
members of suspected ISIS extremist group, and charged one with supporting
terrorism, officials said Wednesday.
This
followed years of pressure on Ottawa – which long refused for security reasons
to repatriate as many as 50 Canadians believed to be held in the camps,
according to Human Rights Watch – to bring them home.
Including
the latest four, only seven have returned to Canada.
Oumaima
Chouay, 27, was arrested upon her arrival in Montreal overnight, according to
federal police, while Kimberly Polman, 50, was briefly detained when she landed
Wednesday morning and released, her lawyer told AFP.
Chouay
had been the subject of an investigation since 2014 by the Integrated National
Security Enforcement Team, Canada’s counter-terrorism squad.
She
faces four charges, including leaving Canada to join a terrorist group and
participating in its activities.
“It
is alleged that she participated in terrorist activities in the name of the
[Islamic State,]” RCMP Inspector David Beaudoin told a news conference.
Chouay
was taken prisoner by the Syrian Democratic Forces in November 2017 and held at
the Roj camp in Syria, he said.
Polman,
who was said to be in poor health, spent three years in a detention camp after
travelling in 2015 to Syria to marry an ISIS fighter, which she said later
publicly that she regretted.
Authorities
were expected to seek a peace bond or court order requiring her to remain on
good behavior, said her lawyer Lawrence Greenspon.
No
information about the two children was released.
In
a statement, Canada’s foreign ministry thanked the Autonomous Administration of
North and East Syria as well as the United States for their help in the
repatriations.
Western
countries have faced a dilemma over how to handle their citizens detained in
Syria since the end of military operations against ISIS there in 2019.
Thousands
of extremists decided to join the group as fighters, often taking their wives
and children to live in the caliphate declared in territory conquered in Iraq
and Syria.
In
2020, Ottawa repatriated a five-year-old orphaned girl from Syria, after her
uncle took legal action against the Canadian government. Another child and her
mother were also reportedly repatriated in 2021.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
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Streaming
platforms key facilitators for young Saudi talent: media group CEO
FAHAD
ABULJADAYEL
October
26, 2022
RIYADH:
Streaming platforms rely on user-generated content, and Saudi talents are
taking full advantage of them.
According
to Jomana Al-Rashed, chief executive officer of Saudi Research and Media Group,
a greater content can reach a wider audience.
She
said: “Content is king, and distribution supports the traveling of that
content.”
In
Saudi Arabia, several cases have shined through streaming platforms such as
YouTube, Snapchat, and Instagram.
Among
those is Arabic podcast and documentaries platform Thmanyah. Its productions
include “Fnjan,” a talk show with more than 1.6 million average monthly
listeners, “Swalif Business,” “Socrates,” and “Things That Changed Us.”
In
July 2021, SRMG announced the acquisition of a 51 percent controlling stake in
Thmanyah.
Speaking
at the Future Investment Initiative forum in Riyadh, Al-Rashed said: “Thmanyah
was created eight years ago as a startup by a young Saudi talent leveraging
audio content and was acquired by the group at a very high valuation.”
She
noted that artificial intelligence and data was the way forward.
Source:
Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2188531/business-economy
--------
Saudi
Arabia funds medical care for amputees in Yemen
October
27, 2022
RIYADH:
The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief) has continued backing
medical services for amputees at Yemen’s Artificial Limbs Center.
During
September, the center in Aden offered 619 different services for 204 patients
who lost their limbs.
The
services included manufacturing and rehabilitating artificial limbs for 48
patients and delivering physiotherapy sessions to 156 people, reported the
Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Source:
Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2188811/saudi-arabia
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Israel attacks Syrian capital with missiles in new act of aggression
27
October 2022
The
Israeli military has launched a missile attack against targets near the Syrian
capital, Damascus, the third such act of aggression in a week.
Citing
a military source, Syria’s official SANA news agency reported that the Israeli
missile assault targeted areas in the vicinity of Damascus “from the direction
of the occupied Palestinian territories” at around 00:30 local time on
Thursday.
Syrian
air defenses downed most of the Israeli missiles, according to the report.
The
attack, it added, caused no casualties but inflicted material losses.
The
attack follows daytime airstrikes on Monday targeting military posts in the
suburbs of Damascus which injured a Syrian soldier and damaged property.
The
barrage of rockets was reportedly fired from the northern part of the occupied
Palestinian territories.
Also
on October 21, a similar strike near the Syrian capital caused property damage.
Israel
frequently violates Syrian sovereignty by targeting military positions inside
the country, especially those of the resistance movement Hezbollah, which has
played a key role in helping the Syrian army in its fight against foreign-backed
terrorists.
The
Tel Aviv regime mostly keeps quiet about its attacks on Syrian territories,
which many view as a knee-jerk reaction to Syrian government’s increasing
success in confronting terrorism.
Source:
Press TV
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2022/10/27/691652/Syria-repels-Israeli-airstrike-on-Damascus-suburbs
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Pakistan
Sharif,
Saudi crown prince vow to take ties to new heights
October
26, 2022
RIYADH:
The prime minister and members of his entourage held a meeting with Mohammed
bin Salman, crown prince of Saudi Arabia, in the capital of Riyadh wherein they
agreed the two countries have reached new heights in relations, state-owned
Radio Pakistan reported.
The
two governments reviewed the entire gamut of the bilateral relationship and
reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the bond between Islamabad
and Riyadh.
Speaking
on the occasion, Shehbaz Sharif thanked the host nation for extending
assistance to Pakistan during the recent floods, particularly for establishing
the air bridge between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to provide assistance to flood
victims.
“We
are extremely grateful to our brotherly countries and friendly countries,
including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and my very respected brother, Crown
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who created an air bridge between Saudi Arabia and
Islamabad and Karachi, sending food items, tents and other very important items
for flood-affected people,” Sharif said, according to Arab News.
The
crown prince termed the fraternal ties “very important” for the two countries,
as well as for the Middle Eastern region and the rest of the world.
Sharif
is in the Kingdom to attend the sixth edition of the Future Investment Forum
(FII). He also addressed the summit in Riyadh on Tuesday, highlighting the
importance his government attaches to facilitating the participation of youth
in becoming agents of change in the field of technology.
He
invited the international community to benefit from the experience of
Pakistan’s trained information technology professionals. He also underlined his
government’s resolve to facilitate investors looking to do business in
Pakistan.
Later
in a tweet, Sharif said he had an “excellent meeting” with the crown prince. He
said the two nations agreed to upgrade and enhance bilateral ties and fraternal
bonds to new heights in line with the requirements of changing world.
Source:
Pakistan Today
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
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Military
requests govt to conduct ‘high-level’ probe into Arshad Sharif’s gruesome
murder
October
26, 2022
RAWALPINDI:
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General (DG) Lt. General Babar
Iftikhar on Tuesday said the Army has requested the government to conduct a
“high-level investigation” into the “accidental” killing of journalist Arshad
Sharif in Kenya.
Initially,
Kenyan media quoted the local police as saying Sharif was shot dead by police
in a case of “mistaken identity”.
In
an interview with a private TV channel on Tuesday, the DG ISPR was asked to comment
on the allegations being made against the institutions, he condoled the
journalist’s death and called for an inquiry into the killing.
“We
have requested the government to hold a high-level investigation so that all
these speculations can be put to rest,” he said.
“It
is very unfortunate that people indulge in allegations and I think a thorough
investigation needs to be conducted to answer these allegations. I believe that
the probe should not just be carried out into the “accidental” killing but as why
Arshad Sharif had to leave Pakistan,” the DG ISPR said.
Gen
Iftikhar stressed that it was important to find answers to questions regarding
who forced Sharif to leave Pakistan, where did he live all this time, and what
were the circumstances leading to this incident.
“At
all these stages unfortunately, at the end of the day, allegations are leveled
and institutions are accused. So this speculation has to be put to rest and it
has to come to an end.
“This
is why we have requested the Government of Pakistan to take legal action
against all these people who are leveling allegations without any evidence,” he
added.
Sharif’s
programmes would be remembered as “textbook journalism”
Recalling
Sharif’s work over the years, the DG ISPR said that the journalist was a “very
professional man” and his programmes would be remembered as “textbook
journalism”.
“This
is why it is most upsetting that his accidental death is being used for
baseless conversations and finger pointing. We just have to see who is using
this unfortunate incident and who is the beneficiary of this thing […] this
needs to come to an end,” Gen Iftikhar added.
It
is pertinent to mention that shortly before the DG ISPR’s interview, in a
speech at a lawyer convention in Peshawar, PTI chief Imran Khan claimed that
the slain journalist was a victim of targeted killing.
Source:
Pakistan Today
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Ex
Pakistan PM Imran Khan announces long march to Islamabad: ‘This jihad will…'
Oct
26, 2022
By
Mallika Soni
Former
Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan announced a long march to Islamabad,
starting Friday calling for early parliamentary elections in the country. In a
press conference on Tuesday, Imran Khan said that the protest will be the
'largest' in the country's history and will begin from Liberty Chowk in Lahore.
“I
have decided to launch the long march from Friday at 11am from Liberty Square
in Lahore to Islamabad. I am marching to press the government to announce
elections immediately. This will be the largest long march in the country’s
history," Imran Khan said.
Terming
the protest march as a jihad against the ruling Shehbaz Sharif government,
Imran Khan said, "This is something way beyond politics, it is a war for
freedom from these thieves that have been imposed over us. This jihad will
decide where the country will go."
Imran
Khan assured that the protest march will be peaceful, saying, "We are not
going to break the law or go into the Red Zone. Whatever will happen in
Islamabad, it will be according to what the courts have permitted us."
Source:
Hindustan Times
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Pakistan
govt removes ISI member from team formed to probe journalist killing in Kenya
Oct
27, 2022
ISLAMABAD:
The Pakistan government on Wednesday removed an Inter-Services Intelligence
(ISI) official from a team formed to probe the killing of journalist Arshad
Sharif in Kenya on Sunday night. The government did not explain the reason for
the move.
The
two-member committee, now consisting of officials from the Federal
Investigation Agency (FIA) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB), will submit its
findings to the interior ministry.
Earlier,
PM Shehbaz Sharif had formed a three-member inquiry committee, including the
ISI member, that was mandated to travel to Kenya immediately and investigate
the circumstances that led to the journalist’s killing.
Arshad
Sharif, 49, a fierce critic of Shehbaz Sharif-led incumbent coalition
government and the country’s military establishment, was shot dead in Nairobi
on October 23. He was considered a staunch supporter of former prime minister
Imran Khan and his Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party.
Arshad
fled the country in August as multiple sedition cases were registered against
him after PTI leader and Imran’s top aide Shahbaz Gill made anti-military
remarks during his TV talk show.
Source:
Times Of India
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Pakistan
PM ‘extremely grateful’ for Saudi flood aid
October
25, 2022
RIYADH:
Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday thanked Saudi Arabia for delivering aid
to his flood-ravaged country.
“We
are very grateful to our brothers in Saudi Arabia, and we are deeply obliged
for this very timely support,” Sharif said at the sixth edition of the Future
Investment Initiative in Riyadh.
The
prime minister said that heavy rain and floods over the summer have affected 33
million people.
“More
than 1,700 people have died, including infants and children. More than 2
million houses have been damaged, and over 3.5 million acres of crops have been
lost,” he said.
“We
are extremely grateful to our brotherly countries and friendly countries,
including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and my very respected brother, Crown
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who created an air bridge between Saudi Arabia and
Islamabad and Karachi, sending food items, tents and other very important items
for flood affected people,” Sharif said.
He
warned of the impacts of climate change and said that countries like Pakistan
are particularly vulnerable.
“The
northern globe has to appreciate and understand that countries which have
become or are becoming victims of climate induced torrential devastation should
be supported and given due help in terms of technology, in terms of design, to
have strong, robust infrastructure,” Sharif said.
The
prime minister added that using renewable energies such as solar, hydro and
wind power is “the future” in tackling climate change.
“I
would like to propose to my brothers and sisters sitting here, from Saudi
Arabia and other countries and globally, that here is an opportunity where the
world wants to have green energy, where we want to avoid pollution and minimize
our problems in the air,” he said.
The
Pakistan PM praised the FII event, describing it as “wonderful.”
He said:
“I am telling you very frankly, this wonderful gathering and wonderful
arrangement has pleasantly surprised me. It has been a wonderful occasion to be
here. I’ve been to such summits and conferences around the globe. But this is
Davos in the desert. It is a remarkable achievement by our Saudi friends, Saudi
corporations and Saudi young leadership, headed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin
Salman.”
The
PM used his speech to propose that the FII consider “establishing a satellite
center in one of Pakistan’s leading universities to explore the rapidly growing
Pakistani market and spur innovation among our young population.
Source:
Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2187801/saudi-arabia
--------
Elite
have created system that benefits them: Miftah
October
27, 2022
ISLAMABAD:
Former finance minister Miftah Ismail on Wednesday said Pakistan’s core problem
was creation of a system by a few thousand elite families that worked too well
for them and delivered too little to others.
He
was speaking at a seminar at Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) arranged by QAU
History Society and hosted by the School of Economics.
The
seminar was conducted by the Department of History chairperson Prof Ilhan Niaz.
Mr
Ismail explained the structural limitations and problems faced by governments
over time and the failure of all dispensations to deliver sustainable and just
progress.
He
said the consequences for Pakistan of this elite bargain are horrendous.
Pakistan is falling behind in relative terms to much of the rest of the world.
And while the elite obsesses with dollar-rupee rate or current account deficit,
meaningful reforms in agriculture, exports, taxation, and education, are
neglected or deemed too politically difficult to execute, he said.
The
former finance minister called this the “wait till the next year” approach that
all governments adopted when confronted with serious questions of policy and
reform.
This
status quo is not working for the 90pc of the population that does not have
enough to eat, safe water to drink, or adequate access to education and
healthcare.
Talking
about the way forward Mr Ismail argued Pakistan must aggressively raise the
Tax-to-GDP ratio to 15pc, invest massively in primary and secondary education,
raise female labour force participation, and stop subsidizing elite waste and
over consumption.
Fielding
questions from students and faculty, Ismail took full responsibility for the
collective failure of successive regimes, including that of the PML-N, to
tackle the difficult problems.
He
asserted that he was touring universities precisely to reach out to the youth
and encourage them to understand how damaging and entrenched elite gate-keeping
is in Pakistan and highlight the
Source:
Dawn
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1717076/elite-have-created-system-that-benefits-them-miftah
--------
Imran
playing dangerous game by using Arshad Sharif’s killing for petty politics: PM
October
26, 2022
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said that Imran Khan was playing a
“dangerous game” by using senior journalist Arshad Sharif’s killing for petty
politics and casting aspersions on the state institutions.
“Imran
Niazi is playing a dangerous game. He is using tragic killing of Arshad Sharif
for petty politics and going to the extent of casting aspersions on state
institutions,” the prime minister wrote on Twitter, prior to concluding his
visit to Saudi Arabia where he attended an investment summit, offered Umrah and
paid respects at Roza-e-Rasool (Peace Be Upon Him).
The
prime minister urged the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan to be
patient and wait for findings of Judicial Commission instead of resorting to
the baseless allegations.
On
Tuesday, the prime minister had decided that Arshad Sharif’s killing in Kenya
would be probed by a high level judicial commission for what the government
would request the Islamabad High Court to designate a judge for the purpose.
He
also assured the nation for a transparent probe into the tragic incident and
bringing forth the facts to the nation.
Earlier
in the day, acting on the directives received from the office of the prime
minister, the Ministry of Interior constituted a two-person team to “ascertain
the facts” related to the ghastly murder of anchorperson and outspoken
government critic Arshad Sharif in Kenya.
The
team includes Omar Shahid Hamid, deputy director general of Intelligence Bureau
(IB), and Athar Wahid, director of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
Prime
Minister Shehbaz Sharif had on Tuesday announced formation of a judicial
commission (JC) for an independent judicial investigation into the
assassination of Arshad Sharif, an outspoken and professional journalist who
was shot and killed by Nairobi police in Kenya on Sunday, and promised to share
findings of the investigation with the public.
Source:
Pakistan Today
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
South
Asia
Afghanistan
Labelled ‘Least Secure’ Country in the World
By
Saqalain Eqbal
26
Oct 2022
Afghanistan
was ranked as the “least secure” country in the world by Gallup’s Law and Order
Index, which evaluated 120 countries based on their people’s sense of safety.
According
to the index comprising the most recent results of this institute’s research,
which was released on Wednesday, October 26, Afghanistan was ranked as the
least secure for people among 120 countries, with a score of 51, while
Singapore was rated as the most secure, with a score of 96.
The
index is a composite figure based on Gallup World Poll questions about whether
people trust their local police, feel safe in their communities, or have been
victims of theft or assault in the previous year. Higher scores indicate that a
country’s citizens are more secure.
Afghanistan’s
score in 2021, albeit low, was an improvement over its previous result in 2019,
which was 43 according to Gallup’s survey. The surveys conducted by Gallup in
Afghanistan in 2021 were conducted when the US withdrew its troops and the Taliban
completed its occupation of the country in August.
On
August 15, 2021, the Taliban took over Kabul and the republican order was fully
overturned. Since the Taliban’s militants’ presence in Afghanistan was the main
reason for insecurity prior to their invasion, there was a considerable
reduction in violence and unrest as soon as they arrived.
According
to Gallup’s index, Afghanistan is the country in which the people are “least
likely” to feel safe while walking at night alone.
Afghanistan
has also retained its position in the Global Peace Index for five years as the
world’s “least peaceful” country.
Source:
Khaama Press
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.khaama.com/afghanistan-labeled-least-secure-country-in-the-world-36474/
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Taliban’s
Monopoly of Power; EU Envoy Says Regional Countries Call for Inclusive
Government
By
Saqalain Eqbal
26
Oct 2022
Tomas
Niklasson, the Special Envoy of the European Union (EU) for Afghanistan, stated
at the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Relations meeting that the
regional countries advocate and call for the establishment of an inclusive
government in Afghanistan and the observance of human rights.
The
EU Envoy for Afghanistan delivered a comprehensive speech on the situation of
Afghanistan in the European Parliament’s meeting in the Belgian capital,
Brussels, held on Tuesday, October 25.
The
formation of an inclusive and representative administration in Afghanistan
following the Taliban takeover has been demanded in the unilateral statements
of regional countries and in other meetings of the regional groupings.
“The
call for an inclusive government in Afghanistan is again a feature in principle
that regional countries support, and again we see this referred to in various
declarations and statements. Iran and Tajikistan are probably the most
outspoken among the immediate neighbors underlying the importance of ethnic and
religious communities such as Tajiks, Hazaras, and Shias,” Niklasson said.
Other
countries and international organizations have already criticized the caretaker
administration of the Taliban, saying it is inadequately comprehensive. They
have emphasized the imperative of taking inclusivity into account in governance
and claimed that this is the recipe for Afghanistan’s long-term stability.
The
Taliban have claimed time and time again that all ethnic groups and minority
representatives have a stake in their caretaker government, which the group
sees as inclusive.
Source:
Khaama Press
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
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Taliban
Member Gunfire Kills and Injures 2 Girls in Northwestern Afghanistan
By
Saqalain Eqbal
26
Oct 2022
Local
sources in the Badghis province of northwest Afghanistan said that a
12-year-old girl was killed and another girl was injured as a result of gunfire
from a Taliban military member.
According
to the source, the Taliban member shootings killed the girl in the Qadis
district of Badghis province on Tuesday afternoon.
Local
Taliban administration officials confirmed the shooting of the Taliban member
and its aftermath while claiming that it occurred “by mistake.”
The
spokesman for the Taliban governor in Badghis province, Ahmad Jan Hanzala, said
that a mistaken, careless, stray shot by one of the Taliban military forces
killed a girl named Fatema and injured another girl named Shaima.
The
health authorities at the Badghis Provincial Hospital also report the transfer
of a girl’s body and the injury of another girl to their facility, stating that
the injured girl was hit in the abdomen and is in good condition.
The
fact that similar situations have happened before should be highlighted. The
Taliban government forces have been criticized for irresponsible gun use in
some of these incidents.
A
grenade belonging to Taliban members accidentally exploded in the Faryab
province of northern Afghanistan last month, killing one person and injuring
four others, including women and children.
Source:
Khaama Press
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Experts:
‘US failure in Afghanistan years in the making’
ALI
YOUNES AND RAY HANANIA
October
26, 2022
CHICAGO:
The US government and military lacked the “will and the skill” as well as clear
goals during its war in Afghanistan that ultimately led to its withdrawal and
the Taliban’s return to power.
These
are the views of panelists who were participating in a webinar of the US Institute
for Peace — an organization of the American government — tasked with conflict
prevention and resolution around the world.
They
said the US government had no clear idea of how to end the war in Afghanistan
after it invaded in 2001. They argued that the failure to engage with the
Taliban early on was because of the deeply entrenched thinking of military and
political leaders whose objectives were limited to achieving a “zero-sum
victory” and drive the Taliban out of power.
The
US government had spent trillions of dollars on the Afghanistan war and
reconstruction effort but still failed to achieve an inclusive and durable
political settlement to the conflict, according to the USIP panelists.
The
US invaded Afghanistan in October 2001 in the aftermath of September 11 with
the objective to drive the Taliban out of power after they refused to hand over
members of the Al-Qaeda terrorist group who were identified as responsible for
the New York attacks.
In
August of 2020, US civilian and military forces hastily withdrew from Kabul and
other parts of Afghanistan culminating in the Taliban taking power in the
country.
The
US held direct peace negotiations with the Taliban in Doha, Qatar, that led to
the signing of an agreement in 2020 stipulating the withdrawal of foreign
troops from Afghanistan and the start of intra-Afghan talks to end the violence
and achieve reconciliation.
According
to Tamanna Salikuddin, director, South Asia Programs at the USIP, and a former
American government official who worked in Afghanistan, one of the key mistakes
of the US was that it did not see a need to negotiate. “The real failure in
Afghanistan was not to engage with the Taliban early on,” she said.
Salikuddin
said the US government’s political and military branches did not appear to
understand each other’s plans and priorities on the end goals in Afghanistan.
Agreeing
with Salikuddin, Christopher Kolenda, a retired US army colonel and an adjunct
senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, said the American
government lacked a doctrine on how to deal with Afghanistan after the
invasion.
He
said the Taliban had two factors in their favor — the external actors that
facilitated their logistics and bases in neighboring regions, and considerable
internal support.
Added
to that, he argued, the US-supported Afghan government had failed to win the
battle of legitimacy against the Taliban inside the country. “And because of
these two factors we started drifting toward failure even though we believed we
were being successful,” he said.
“The
US government lacked both the will and the skill to pursue a political
settlement in Afghanistan similar to Vietnam and Iraq,” he said.
Masoom
Stanekzai, a former intelligence and defense minister of the US-backed Islamic
Republic of Afghanistan, argued that regional and international conflicts
contributed to the current situation in the country.
He
said that Afghan society was historically conservative but never radical. This
changed with the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980s and US support for
the Mujahedeen which led to the gathering of extremist groups inside the
country.
Stanekzai
said the US conducted its war on terror by excluding regional actors like
Pakistan, who were important role players but often “played a double game
during the years of the US presence in Afghanistan.”
He
said Afghan government officials had met with Pakistan’s leaders over the span
of two decades but there were no positive and tangible results from these talks
that could assist in stabilizing Afghanistan. He attributed this failure to
Pakistan seeing the warming of ties between the US and India as a threat to its
interests in Afghanistan.
In
addition, the Afghan government was hampered by internal and inherent
weaknesses that contributed to the failed efforts to bring the situation in the
country under control.
Addressing
the inherent weakness of the US strategy in Afghanistan, Kolenda said “the US
has no way of thinking about war termination beyond decisive zero-sum victory.”
Source:
Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2188281/world
--------
Afghans'
lives have become 'unbearably hard' due to rise in poverty: WFP
October
27, 2022
Taliban
rule in Afghanistan has escalated levels of poverty and unemployment in the
war-ravaged country resulting in the lives of Afghans becoming "unbearably
hard," said World Food Programme (WFP) in a statement.
Highlighting
the country's food insecurity, the World Food Programme tweeted on Wednesday
and stated that the majority of the population is in dire need of humanitarian
assistance, Khaama Press reported.
"Over
half of the population of Afghanistan is suffering from hunger and immediately
needs assistance," WFP said, adding that it has supported over 10 million
women through livelihood support and capital creation.
Moreover,
the poverty rates in Afghanistan have climbed to 97 per cent as per UN reports
and nine out of ten persons cannot afford enough food, reported Khaama Press.
The
World Food Program estimated that nearly 19 million Afghans face food
insecurity on World Food Day which was observed on October 16. Amid the Ukraine
war, the World Food Programme has called for USD 1.1 billion to continue
delivering monthly food and nutritional assistance for the next six months to
15 million acutely food-insecure people in Afghanistan.
World
Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of
Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) in Afghanistan condemned the ongoing economic
crisis in Afghanistan as people in the country are on the brink of starvation
and facing poverty.
In
a tweet, OCHA in Afghanistan wrote, "19 M people are facing food
insecurity, 25M people are living in poverty, 5.8M people are in protracted
internal displacement, thousands of houses damaged by floods and
earthquakes," expressing concerns about the plight of Afghans.
"To
survive the winter, they require food, nutrition support, warm clothing & a
roof over their heads," tweeted OCHA.
Meanwhile,
the World Food Programme has also raised concerns about the economic crisis in
Afghanistan.
"The
economic crisis wiped out jobs, salaries & livelihoods across Afghanistan,
helping families & communities support themselves is more important than
ever," wrote WFP on Twitter.
Source:
Business Standard
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Southeast
Asia
Indonesia,
OIC states to create forum for global consultative assembly
SHEANY
YASUKO LAI
October
26, 2022
JAKARTA:
Indonesia and more than 12 member states of the Organization of Islamic
Cooperation agreed on Wednesday to create a forum for a global consultative
assembly aimed at strengthening solidarity among Muslim countries in the face
of current uncertainties.
On
Oct. 24 to 26, Indonesia hosted the International Conference of Speakers of
Consultative Assembly, Shoura Council or Other Similar Names of the
Organization of Islamic Cooperation Member States.
The
conference in Bandung, West Java, was attended by leaders of parliament and
consultative bodies of 15 OIC member states, as well as representatives of the
Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC) and the Muslim World
League.
Delegations
arrived from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Bahrain, and Malaysia, among others.
The
formation of the Forum for World Consultative Assembly was announced during the
closing ceremony by Bambang Soesatyo, speaker of the People’s Consultative
Assembly in Indonesia.
Soesatyo
said: “We are forming the Forum for World Consultative Assembly … to tackle
world challenges that are of our collective interest, including matters
pertaining to humanity, natural resources, environment, justice, women’s roles,
and the young generation.
“It
is necessary for us to collectively strengthen the position of the OIC to
improve the collective bargaining position of Islamic countries in the face of
global uncertainties … and to support and commit to solidarity between nations
to tackle the various problems faced collectively or specifically by Muslim
communities in different parts of the world,” he added.
Participants
also agreed to form relevant committees to work out more details about the
forum’s vision, mission, and programs.
The
significance of the forum was in strengthening cooperation within the OIC, Dr.
Luthfi Assyaukanie, international relations lecturer at Paramadina University
in Jakarta, told Arab News.
“Our
world is changing rapidly. There are various important issues — from health,
through security and climate change, to new technological challenges — which
need to be discussed at a higher level,” he said.
“The
formation of this forum is important in strengthening cooperation between OIC
countries, especially amid uncertain geopolitical and economic conditions.”
Source:
Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2188626/world
--------
I
initiated Sheraton Move, nominated Muhyiddin as PM, says Hadi
October
22, 2022
PETALING
JAYA: PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang said he was the prime mover behind the
Sheraton Move in 2020 to shorten the reign of Pakatan Harapan (PH) after the
party felt that the ruling coalition was moving to eradicate the special rights
of Malays.
The
Marang MP said this followed the massive protest in Kuala Lumpur against
attempts by PH to ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All
Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD).
He
said he initiated the move to stop PH’s plans by discussing how to oust the
coalition with Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin.
“After
Muhyiddin agreed, I met Umno leaders for this purpose.
“After
all three of us came to a consensus, Muhyiddin announced that Bersatu was
leaving PH.
“That’s
when I proposed that he be made the next prime minister,” HarakahDaily reported
him as saying at an ummah unity event in Kota Bharu last night.
“Umno
agreed and the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition was formed to replace PH.
“PN
was not a backdoor government as Muhyiddin’s nomination as prime minister was
accepted by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” Hadi said.
In
February 2020 a group of PKR MPs joined forces with Bersatu, Barisan Nasional
and PAS in what was called the Sheraton Move to topple the PH government after
it had been in power for 22 months.
Hadi
said after an Umno leader replaced Muhyiddin last year, Umno wanted PAS to cut
ties with Bersatu if the Islamic party wanted the Muafakat Nasional pact to
continue.
Hadi
reminded the people to choose leaders who could run the nation according to
Islamic principles.
Source: Free Malaysia Today
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Malaysia
election: Selangor chief minister Amirudin Shari expected to face Azmin Ali in
Gombak
October
27, 2022
KUALA
LUMPUR: Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Anwar Ibrahim has hinted that Selangor
chief minister Amirudin Shari might be fielded as a candidate for the Gombak
parliamentary seat in the upcoming 15th General Election (GE15).
“That
is the duty of Amir (Amirudin), who wants to take care of Gombak. We will send
Selangor’s main commander to Gombak … but this is not an official announcement
… officially will be on Oct 28,” he said on Wednesday (Oct 26).
“I
am the commander and I can, God willing, defend it (for PH),” Mr Amirudin
reportedly told Mr Anwar.
The
incumbent Member of Parliament for Gombak, Mohamed Azmin Ali, who was also the
senior minister of international trade and industry in the Ismail Sabri
Yaakob-led Cabinet, had previously stated his desire to defend the Gombak seat
in GE15.
“I
have been in Gombak for a long time. The people know me. They know my
capabilities and devotion,” he was quoted as saying by Free Malaysia Today on
Tuesday.
“I’m
ready to continue serving the people of Gombak.”
He
added that he welcomed the challenge of any candidate for the seat, adding that
it was part of the democratic process.
Separately,
Mr Azmin claimed that Mr Anwar has decided to contest in Tambun, Perak because
he is afraid of being rejected by Malay voters in Gombak.
“He
(Mr Anwar) left Port Dickson to (want to) contest in Gombak. However, he is
running to Tambun,” Mr Azmin was quoted as saying by Free Malaysia Today at a
Perikatan Nasional (PN) event on Wednesday.
“Gombak
has a Malay majority, and because Malays will not accept someone who is
power-hungry, he is running to an area that has fewer Malay voters,” he
reportedly said.
Mr
Azmin has held the Gombak parliamentary seat for three terms, which he won
under the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) ticket. He is currently with Bersatu, a
component party of the PN coalition.
In
September, Mr Anwar said that he would pick areas held by “traitors” to send a
message that treachery in politics is not acceptable. Gombak was reportedly
among the constituencies being looked at.
"Honestly,
I have not decided on the choice of the seat to contest but I will certainly
consider a seat held by a ‘traitor’ of PKR and PH”, he was quoted as saying by
Bernama during an event with journalists on Sep 28.
Although
he did not reveal which seat he would be contesting in at that time, he did not
rule out the Gombak parliamentary seat, if the party leadership decides he
should.
However,
last Thursday, he announced that he would contest in the Tambun parliamentary
seat, previously held by former Perak chief minister Ahmad Faizal Azumu.
"Perak
will be the frontline of our battle during these upcoming polls, and that's why
I will be contesting in Tambun,” Mr Anwar said during a PH event launching the
coalition's manifesto last Thursday.
Last
Thursday, the Election Commission (EC) announced that Malaysia would hold GE15
on Nov 19. Nomination Day will be on Nov 5, while early voting is set to be
held on Nov 15.
More
than 21 million people will be eligible to cast their votes during the
elections which are estimated to cost RM1.01 billion (US$213 million).
In
a press conference on Wednesday, Mr Anwar, who is PKR president, and his deputy
Rafizi Ramli unveiled seven candidates who will be fielded by the party.
Several
candidates are professionals who are making their political debut in the
federal polls.
They
included religious educator Nik Omar who is the son of the late Parti Islam
Se-Malaysia’s (PAS) spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, spinal medical expert
Noraishah Mydin Haji Abdul Aziz who is with Universiti Malaya, former state
secretary Zainal Azman Abu Seman, Universiti Malaya lecturer Professor Hasan
Basri Awang Mat Dahan, and PhD candidate Fathin Amelia Fazlie.
When
explaining how PKR selected the candidates, Mr Rafizi said that the party
wanted to address the wishes of the electorate to see fresh faces as well as
professionals, rather than “full-time politicians”.
Source:
Channel News Asia
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
In
An Indian Kurta And Shalwar Outfit Syed Saddiq ‘Raps’ Political Message Of
Equality In Deepavali Clip
K.
Parkaran
October
24, 2022
PETALING
JAYA: Attired in an Indian Kurta and Shalwar outfit complete with a Dupatta
(shawl), Muda chief Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman took advantage of the Hindu
Deepavali festival by doing a rap song with a popular group, sending a
political message for the general election (GE15) next month.
In
the bilingual video, which has gone viral, the former minister took to
“rapping” his reply to the plight of Indians in Malaysia raised by V
Vikneswaran, S Jiven and P Vishnu, in the song.
Among
the questions posed to Syed Saddiq by Vikneswaran included why Indian students
who worked hard were having difficulties obtaining places in public
universities and jobs, and if this had to do with their skin colour.
In
his reply, Syed Saddiq rapped to say these were all “old politics”, now
disguised as “Keluarga Malaysia” which claimed that everyone was equal.
“We
can fight the old politics together. Let’s unite and make Malaysia stronger and
do away with race-based politics and replace it with a needs-based approach.
Let’s oppose racism and discrimination, with no one left behind,” he rapped.
Jiven
then steps in by asking the “Muar Boy” to snap back to reality as he came from
a privileged family. He further said to get independence, Malaysians had fought
together but after that, the Indian community had been facing a host of
problems.
Syed
Saddiq replied that he was from a middle-class family but admitted that he had
obtained the privilege to enter university. “We are now hustling to get equal
opportunity and my dream for Malaysia is to compete globally. Those having
problems we will help, and those in power, please help them.”
He
then breaks into Tamil saying education is vital for everyone and urges all to
work together to achieve it.
Another
rapper, Vishnu, then butts in saying nothing much is new with Indians in
Malaysia still referred to as “pendatang” (immigrants) with some not having
identity cards even after 65 years. “The trees have been planted but where are
the fruits? The quota system is due for review. If you want to change the
country, what’s your reply?”
Syed
Saddiq responded saying it’s time for reform in Malaysian institutions, adding
that frequent change of governments had weakened and corrupted them. “Make the
right choices as old politicians are only thinking of their own pockets. Take
them out on Nov 19, so go out and vote.”
In
the Merdeka video in September, the rappers became famous when their “Bangun”
song was referred to as “Budak2 India rap Melayu” (Indian kids rap in Malay)
and was well received.
Source:
Free Malaysia Today
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Sabah
man, Perak teen now Malaysians as govt loses appeal bid
Ho
Kit Yen
October
26, 2022
PUTRAJAYA:
A Sabah-born man and a teenager from Perak can finally call themselves
Malaysians, after battling several years in the courts to be recognised as
citizens.
This
comes after the Federal Court dismissed the national registration department’s
(JPN) and home ministry’s bids to appeal against a lower court’s decision to
grant citizenship to Keningau-born Wong Kueng Hui and a 16-year-old teenager
born in Sungai Siput.
Chief
Judge of Sabah and Sarawak justice Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim said the
authorities’ applications for leave to appeal lacked merit.
“Even
if we grant (leave to appeal), it has little chance of success,” Abang Iskandar
said.
Other
judges who sat with him were justices Rhodzariah Bujang and Zabidin Diah.
The
court made no order as to costs.
Wong
initially won his bid for Malaysian citizenship in the High Court in 2019. The
court held that Wong was a stateless person and ordered JPN to issue him a
MyKad.
Wong’s
father died when he was 10 years old, while his mother, a foreigner, died seven
years later.
On
Jan 19, the Court of Appeal in a majority ruling, upheld the High Court’s
decision.
Wong
was represented by lawyer Haijan Omar while Annou Xavier appeared for the
teenager and her father.
Senior
federal counsel Liew Horng Bing represented JPN and the home ministry.
The
teenager, filed for judicial review through her father, Lew Yee Hong, in
October 2016 to challenge the government’s decision rejecting her citizenship
application, and seeking a court order to compel JPN to issue a MyKad to her.
Both
the High Court and Court of Appeal ruled in her favour.
Meanwhile,
the same court today also heard a 35-year-old woman’s leave application to set
aside a lower court ruling declaring her not to be a Malaysian citizen.
Abang
Iskandar allowed Azimah Hamzah’s bid to proceed with her appeal after hearing
submissions from her lawyer, Gopal Sri Ram, and senior federal counsel Nik Noor
Nik Kar, who appeared for JPN and the home ministry.
The
court will hear Azimah’s appeal at a full hearing based on a question of law
whether a child, whose refugee parents and siblings had subsequently acquired
citizenship, is entitled to be registered as a Malaysian under Part II of the
Second Schedule to the Federal Constitution.
Azimah’s
parents became permanent residents here in November 1986 and obtained
citizenship pursuant to Article 19 of the Federal Constitution in 2008.
Her
eldest sister, who was born outside of Malaysia, obtained citizenship under
special circumstances through Article 15A in 2008, while four younger siblings
became Malaysians after the parents obtained citizenship.
Azimah,
who also wants to be recognised as a Malaysian, contended that she was a
stateless person, having no Cambodian citizenship. She has lived her entire
life in Malaysia.
Source:
Free Malaysia Today
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Africa
Algeria
jails journalist over ‘spreading false news’
26 October,
2022
An
Algerian court has jailed a journalist convicted of “spreading false news” in
an article about dates allegedly tainted with banned pesticides, his newspaper
said Wednesday.
Belkacem
Houam was handed a year-long prison sentence, most of it suspended, but he will
spend two months behind bars, said his paper, Echorouk.
Houam,
whose arrest in September provoked widespread indignation online, will also
have to pay a fine of 100,000 dinars (about $710), Echorouk added.
He
was detained after reporting there had been an “immediate halt in date exports
from Algeria,” saying importers had returned 3,000 tons of Deglet Nour dates
that were “unfit for consumption.”
The
Algerian trade and agriculture ministry has denied the affair.
Houam’s
lawyer Hassen Brahmi said the journalist had been charged with “illicit
speculation” and spreading “false information... to provoke a disruption in the
market and a sudden and unjustified increase in prices.”
Echorouk
noted however that “the court cleared him of spreading false news in order to
cause price hikes.”
The
national journalists’ union, SNJ, called Houam’s arrest “an extreme and highly
disproportionate measure which contravenes all texts governing the exercise of
the journalistic profession” in Algeria.
More
than 100 journalists signed a petition demanding his release.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
17
al-Shabaab terrorists killed in new operation in Somalia
Mohammed
Dhaysane
26.10.2022
MOGADISHU,
Somalia
The
Somali intelligence, backed by international partners, killed 17 al-Shaabab
terrorists in a new operation, authorities said on Wednesday.
The
operation took place in the small town of Hawadley, 40 kilometers (25 miles)
north of the capital Mogadishu, on Tuesday night, according to the Information
Ministry.
“The
operation was conducted by the national intelligence agency along with
international partners. Terrorists who gathered in an area under Hawadley were
targated and 17 conspirators were killed,” the ministry said in a statement.
Several
senior members of al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group, were
among those killed in the operation, the statement added.
The
Somali military continues its operations against the terrorist with support of
locals and 150 terrorists have been killed in recent operations, the ministry
said.
The
military intensifies its operations against terror group in central regions,
including the Middle Shabelle and Hiran regions.
Somalia
has been grappling with security threats for years, with al-Shabaab being one
of the main ones in the country.
Since
at least 2007, al-Shabaab has waged a deadly campaign against the Somali
government and international forces that has claimed thousands of lives.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/17-al-shabaab-terrorists-killed-in-new-operation-in-somalia/2721674
--------
Nigerians
panic over US, UK terror attack alerts in capital
Olanrewaju
Kola
26.10.2022
MAIDUGURI,
Nigeria
Nigerians
expressed worry Tuesday over security alerts recently issued by the US and
British embassies warning of a heightened risk of terrorist attacks, especially
in the capital Abuja.
Nureni
Amodu, an Abuja-based journalist, told Anadolu Agency that most residents are
in a panic.
"I
avoid traffic like most residents now. It is really frightening. There is panic
now in Abuja," he said.
Additional
security personnel have been assigned to guard offices of political parties in
the capital, said a security source.
Some
elementary and secondary private schools have also shut down operations in
fear, despite assurances by the authorities, the former head of the National
Association of Proprietors of Private Schools disclosed.
The
police said in a statement that they have activated a counter-terrorism special
operations squad for the nation's capital and will hold a counter-terrorism
exercise on Tuesday and Wednesday.
"The
extra security measures followed recent alerts by some foreign missions in
Nigeria about possible terrorist attacks," said spokesman Olumuyiwa
Adejobi.
He
said the police will collaborate with other security agencies to ensure the
safety of the people in the capital and other parts of the country.
He
did not provide further details, however.
The
US and British embassies issued the security alerts on Sunday, warning their
nationals in the capital to be vigilant.
"You
should avoid places where crowds gather, including political meetings,
religious gatherings and places of worship, markets, shopping malls, hotels,
bars, restaurants, transport hubs (including train networks) and camps for
displaced people,” said the UK embassy’s advisory.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/nigerians-panic-over-us-uk-terror-attack-alerts-in-capital/2720831
--------
Morocco
arrests 5 Daesh/ISIS suspects for planning attacks
Khaled
Majdoub
26.10.2022
RABAT,
Morocco
Moroccan
security forces on Wednesday arrested five Daesh/ISIS suspects for planning
attacks in the country.
In
a statement, the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) said the
suspects, aged between 20 and 45, had planned to carry out acts of terrorism,
using explosive materials to target security institutions and personnel.
The
arrests took place in different locations across the country, including in
Kenitra, Sidi Yahya Zaer, Inzegane, Chichaoua, and Casablanca, the statement
said.
The
BCIJ said the suspects had vowed allegiance to the Daesh/ISIS terrorist group
and were training to manufacture explosive devices. It said weapons and
ammunition were seized from the suspects’ homes.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
Spanish
premier mistakenly calls Kenyan leader 'president of Senegal'
Andrew
Wasike
26.10.2022
NAIROBI,
Kenya
In
televised remarks during an official visit to Kenya on Wednesday, Spain’s
visiting prime minister mistakenly referred to his host, President William
Ruto, as the president of Senegal.
During
a press briefing at State House in the capital Nairobi, Pedro Sanchez said that
his government will work with Kenya in many areas to strengthen bilateral ties.
“Spain
is also a potential ally in many fields, areas, that we can work together with
Senegal in order to face the common challenges that our societies are facing,”
Sanchez said, confusing the East African country for one on the opposite coast.
Sanchez
added: “I am very honored to be one of the first international leaders visiting
you as the president of Senegal and am really looking forward to working with
you and your ministers.”
Laughing
off the faux pas, President Ruto briefly interrupted Sanchez's speech to
correct him.
Sanchez
apologized to Ruto before continuing: “I am looking forward to working with you
and the ministers. I bring a delegation of established Spanish companies in
Kenya that are looking forward to the expansion.”
Source: Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Türkiye
hails Ghana's role in becoming voice of Africa at UN Security Council
Merve
Aydogan
26.10.2022
The
Turkish foreign minister on Wednesday commended "Ghana's role in raising
the voice of Africa from the seat" of the UN Security Council.
In
an article penned for a local media outlet in Ghana, Mevlut Cavusoglu affirmed
that the West African country is "an important partner of Türkiye in the
region."
"Türkiye
and Ghana are partners in promoting effective multilateralism, rules-based
international system and sustainable development," he said.
Türkiye,
he continued, is "Africa's friend and a strategic partner of the African
Union (AU)."
"Our
cooperation gained momentum with our observer membership status to the AU in
2005. Since then, we have held three Türkiye-Africa Partnership Summits. The
third summit was held on Dec. 16-18, 2021 in Istanbul with broad participation
across the continent."
Cavusoglu
voiced Türkiye's strong support for Africa's 2063 vision and said it
"contributes to the goal's realization."
Citing
examples of Türkiye's contribution to Africa's 2063 vision, he said: "Our
trade with the continent has surpassed $34,5 billion in 2021. Our investments
are over $6 billion."
He
went on to say: "We are a partner of Africa in technological development
as well. Türkiye hosts the United Nations Technology Bank. The Bank offers
opportunities in building and enhancing technology and innovation capacities
for African countries."
Türkiye,
he said, "believes in 'African solutions to African problems.' We view our
relations with the continent and all its friendly countries from a perspective
that is based on a win-win approach and mutual benefits."
Cavusoglu
cited Türkiye Scholarships for African students as another contribution, saying
that Ankara invests "in people-to-people exchanges to strengthen our bonds
with Africa."
"So
far we have provided over 15,000 Türkiye Scholarships to African students.
Around 5,000 African students are currently studying at Turkish
universities," he added.
Furthermore,
he expressed Türkiye's solidarity with "African brothers and sisters in
calling for a fair world and effective international order" through the
UN's reform.
"I
commend Ghana’s role in raising the voice of Africa from the seat of the United
Nations Security Council and speaking truth to power. Ghana has played a
leadership role in the continent’s integration efforts since its
independence," Cavusoglu said.
On
ties with Ghana, he said Türkiye is "determined to deepen" its
cooperation with the West African country.
He
further urged the $1 billion bilateral trade volume, set by Turkish President
Recep Tayyip Erdogan during his visit to Ghana in 2016, to be reached.
"I
believe that the already existing mutual interests between our businesses can
make this happen," he said.
Cavusoglu
also said Turkish companies in Ghana contribute to its economy and create job
opportunities for Ghana’s young people.
"During
my visit to Ghana, my focus will be on how to create new opportunities for
cooperation between Türkiye and Ghana in all areas. I wholeheartedly believe in
our mutual conviction to tap into the potential of further advancing our
cooperation. I look forward to working resolvedly with my counterparts from
Ghana on delivering on this common vision," he said.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
Europe
Vladimir
Putin’s Chechen warlord Ramzan Kadyrov declares Ukraine war a ‘Big Jihad’
October
26, 2022
Vladimir
Putin’s Chechen warlord Ramzan Kadyrov has declared “Big Jihad” and urged
Russian Muslims to fight Ukraine’s “demons” and “satanic democracy.”
Kadyrov,
one of Putin’s most fanatical backers, urged his supporters to lay waste to
Ukraine and backed calls from Russian allies to wipe cities “off the face of
the f—ing Earth.”
The
twisted henchman — who is head of the breakaway republic of Chechnya — labelled
the conflict “the Big Jihad” and wildly claimed Ukraine had been overrun by gay
people and Western liberals who wanted to destroy Russia.
“They
want to break our Motherland into pieces, humiliate, trample in the dirt and,
in the end, defile our faith and culture so that we don’t have any identity and
not a single family value,” Kadyrov said during his sick rant.
“I
swear with the Almighty’s name, this is the Big Jihad, which we must all take
part in and we will not stop.
“We
will be killing them wherever they are. No matter who is helping them, America
or Europe.
“There
is nothing to worry about. They don’t have as much means and forces, they will
run out soon.
“Our
ancestors during World War II had even less.
“They
didn’t have enough to eat, but they won, because they had spirit and belief.”
Kadyrov
also vowed that anyone who agreed to take up arms and fight would get to kill
“shaitans,” an Islamic term for demons.
“The
war is for a warrior, there should only be joy that there will be lots of trophies,”
he raged.
“And
there will be lots of shaitans that you will have a joy to destroy.
“We
will not capture those shaitans, but we will burn them. We will not stop
anywhere.
“Our
territory isn’t Zaporozhye or Kherson — our territory is Odessa, Kyiv, Kharkiv,
all regions, and all of Ukraine.
“This
is our Russian territory.”
Kadyrov
also said he believed Russia was at war with all of the West, not just Ukraine.
“I
do not understand those who love the Fatherland only in words. Honestly, I
don’t understand,” he said.
“I
don’t understand those who don’t see the obvious.
“[The
West] want to break our Motherland into pieces, humiliate, trample in the dirt
and, in the end, defile our faith and culture so that we don’t have any
identity and not a single family value.
“I
use the word ‘Satanism’ for a reason. In the West, Satanism is openly acting
against Russia.
“Satanic
democracy is when the rights of atheists are protected, but believers are
offended. Or when traditional couples are deprived of children who are
transferred to same-sex families. Intentionally same-sex, not by chance.
“In
Europe they have swallowed it. They consider it modern, civilized. The more
liberated ‘below the belt’ topic, the better for them. And I see degradation
and Satanism in this.
“And
I’d rather fight it in the bud than let this abomination envelop our Motherland
here.
“Today
the state and the president need us.”
He
launched his latest appeal for men from Russia’s Caucasus region – which
includes Chechnya — to show more willingness to fight, saying that in 2015 they
had rallied in huge numbers in his capital Grozny against cartoons deemed
insulting to Islam.
“The
same forces that insulted the best of people are now fighting against us in
Ukraine, or rather, in our Russia,” he said.
But
the men who turned out in 2015 are not ready to fight now, he suggested.
“Where
are these heroes?
“A
self-respecting Muslim will not look for excuses….
“This
is Jihad….
“Destroy
these shaitans, wherever they are and no matter how well they hide….
“Love
your country! Love not only in words.”
Kadyrov
was backed by leading TV propagandist Vladimir Solovyov, who criticized Putin’s
commanders for failing to secure Kharkiv and now retreating from invaded
Kherson.
“If
we hadn’t left the Kharkiv area, there wouldn’t be a problem in Belgorod,” said
the state television anchor, usually a Putin favorite.
“The
problem now is that we’re worrying about our villages being shelled.
“If
we’d taken Kharkiv — it’s obvious [Ukraine’s] main logistics and supply center
is there.
“Wipe
it off the face of the f—ing Earth if we have to. Warn the civilians, tell them
‘You’ve got 24 hours, 48 hours [to leave]’. After that we begin to destroy the
city block by block.”
Putin’s
rhetoric — and those of his henchmen — has become increasingly more desperate
in recent weeks.
His
invasion of eastern Ukraine was supposed to take a matter of days, but has
blown out into a protracted eight-month war.
Russia
illegally annexed several Ukrainian regions in the last month but has been
forced to flee the key city of Kherson as Kyiv’s troops fight back.
Source:
New York Post
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://nypost.com/2022/10/26/vladimir-putins-chechen-warlord-declares-ukraine-war-a-big-jihad/
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Russia
recruiting Afghan commandos trained by US to fight in Ukraine
26th
October 2022
London:
Afghan commandos who had been trained by Allied forces to fight the Taliban are
now being recruited by Russia to fight in Ukraine, a media report said.
Up
to 30,000 members of the elite National Army Commando Corps were abandoned by
the West when the country fell to the Taliban in August last year, Daily Mail
reported.
Now,
the US-trained light infantry force that fought side by side with Allied troops
for nearly 20 years could be joining Vladimir Putin’s savage war effort, the
report said.
It
is believed the shadowy Wagner Group is behind the recruitment drive,
exploiting the jobless commandos.
An
ex-official told Foreign Policy: “I am telling you [the recruiters] are Wagner
Group. They are gathering people from all over. [The Afghan commandos] would be
better used by Western allies to fight alongside Ukrainians. They don’t want to
fight for the Russians; the Russians are the enemy. But what else are they
going to do?”
Many
say they have been contacted via WhatsApp and Signal with offers to join the
Russian ‘foreign legion’ in Ukraine.
Senior
military and security officials in Afghanistan fear as many as 10,000 soldiers
could be tempted to join, because they have “nothing to lose”, Daily Mail
reported.
Only
a few hundred senior officers were evacuated by the US in the dramatic
withdrawal from Kabul in August 2021.
Many
Afghan soldiers fled to the neighbouring countries while others went into
hiding fearing reprisals from the Taliban for their loyalty to the collapsed
government and the West.
The
commandos were honed by the US Navy Seals and the British SAS, with a
staggering 80 billion pound spent on their training by the US.
An
ex-security official said their call-up to Ukraine would be a “game-changer” in
Putin’s faltering war.
Last
year, Rep. Michael McCaul had warned abandoning the commandos could prove to be
a costly mistake by the US as they could be recruited for adversary armies.
One
Afghan ex-commando captain who is now in hiding said he helped his comrades
connect with recruiters in Iran.
Source:
Siasat Daily
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.siasat.com/russia-recruiting-afghan-commandos-trained-by-us-to-fight-in-ukraine-2442902/
--------
Sweden
vows to fulfil 3-way NATO accession deal with Türkiye
Dilara
Hamit
26.10.2022
After
a phone call with the Turkish president on Wednesday, Sweden's new prime
minister said his government would comply with a trilateral memorandum on its
NATO accession.
Ulf
Kristersson said on Twitter that his conversation with Recep Tayyip Erdogan was
constructive and that he was looking forward to visiting Ankara soon.
"Constructive
phone call with President @RTErdogan Looking forward to visit Ankara soon. My
gov will fulfil the trilateral memorandum between Türkiye, Finland, Sweden for
#NATO accession," said Kristersson.
Türkiye
is monitoring Sweden's commitment to a deal they signed in June on the Nordic
country's bid to join NATO, the Turkish president told Kristersson during the
call.
In
response to a letter from Kristersson on Oct. 19, Erdogan had declared he would
welcome a visit to Türkiye by the new Swedish prime minister.
Finland
and Sweden formally applied to join NATO in June, a decision spurred by Russia's
war on Ukraine.
However,
Türkiye, a NATO member for over 70 years, voiced objections to the membership
bids, criticizing the two countries for tolerating and even supporting
terrorist groups.
The
three countries signed a trilateral memorandum of understanding at NATO's June
summit in Madrid, which stipulates that Finland and Sweden will not provide
support to the PKK/YPG -- the PKK terrorist group's Syrian offshoot -- or the
Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), the group behind the 2016 defeated coup
in Türkiye.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
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Britain
calls on Iran to release environmentalist Morad Tahbaz
October
26, 2022
LONDON:
The British government on Wednesday called on Iran to release environmentalist Morad
Tahbaz, an Iranian-American who also holds British citizenship, after his
family said he had been returned to prison.
Tahbaz
was arrested in 2018 and sentenced to 10 years in prison for “assembly and
collusion against Iran’s national security” and working for the United States
as a spy.
He
was briefly released on furlough in March when two dual nationals, including
British-Iranian aid worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, were allowed to leave
Iran. In July his lawyer was quoted as saying he had been granted bail.
“The
Tahbaz family have confirmed that Morad has been returned to Evin prison by the
Iranian authorities,” British foreign office minister Tariq Ahmad said in a
statement.
Source:
Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2188586/world
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