Egyptian Daily Releases Documents of Saudi Crown Prince's Support for ISIL, Al-Qaeda
New Age Islam News Bureau
9
Jul 2017
Jannat ul Baqi Protest in Atlanta, United States
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• Protesters Demand Reconstruction Of Jannat Ul Baqi In Front Saudi Arabia Embassy In Canada
• Bengal Riots: Muslims Raise Money to Help Hindu Neighbours Rebuild Their Gutted Shops
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Arab World
• Egyptian Daily Releases Documents of Saudi Crown Prince's Support for ISIL, Al-Qaeda
• Almost 30 Terrorists Killed, Wounded in Fresh Clashes between Rival Groups in Eastern Damascus
• Iraq announces 'victory' over Islamic State in Mosul
• Iraqi elite force reaches Mosul Old City riverbank as Islamic State faces defeat
• US Fulfills Syrian Democratic Forces' Wish List: Weapons and Armed Vehicles
• Ceasefire in southern Syria goes into effect
• Syrian Army Wins back More Strategic Regions in Quneitra
• Iraq: ISIL Moves Main Command Center from Mosul to Tal Afar
• Terrorists in Deir Ezzur Anxious after Army Advances in Badiyeh
• Syria Strongly Condemns Israel's Plan to Hold Election in Occupied Golan Heights
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North America
• Protesters demand reconstruction of Jannat ul Baqi in front Saudi Arabia Embassy in Canada
• US giving $638M aid to Yemen, Somalia, Nigeria, South Sudan
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India
• Bengal Riots: Muslims Raise Money to Help Hindu Neighbours Rebuild Their Gutted Shops
• 'Hindus in Bengal Should Respond Like They Did In Gujarat': BJP MLA
• Here's how schools of faith, mobiles are radicalising Kashmir
• Pakistan's glorification of Burhan Wani is condemnable, says Centre
• 3 jawans injured in terrorist attack, but Burhan Wani's death anniversary in Valley largely peaceful
• Muslims 'educationally most disadvantaged' among minorities, says govt-funded panel report
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Europe
• London’s Muslim Mayor Calls for Complete Ban on Hezbollah
• Jesus Painting Left on Islamic Center Investigated as Hate Crime
• People Mark Anniversary of Mass Murder of Muslims on 'Death Road' in Europe
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South Asia
• Deadly Airstrike Target ISIS Leaders in Jawzjan in North of Afghanistan
• Taliban to be designated as global terrorists if pursues violence: Ghani
• Bangladesh police arrest key suspect in Dhaka cafe attack
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Mideast
• Qatar To Seek Compensation For Damages From Arab Blockade
• Police Chief Discloses Terrorists' Failed Plot to Shoot Down Iranian Commanders' Chopper
• Iran: Disintegration of Iraq Strategic Mistake
• Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank-Egypt launches 2nd tranche of healthcare note
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Pakistan
• 600 Trucks for US Army in Afghanistan Arrive At Karachi Port
• Pakistan summons India's deputy high commissioner for second day
• Pak woman cancer patient seeks Swaraj's help for medical visa
• Pakistan to issue special cards for Afghan students
• Hundreds rally against Iranian President in Helmand
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Southeast Asia
• Suspected Indonesian Islamist detonates home-made bomb by accident
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/egyptian-daily-releases-documents-saudi/d/111819
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Egyptian Daily Releases Documents of Saudi Crown Prince's Support for ISIL, Al-Qaeda
TEHRAN (FNA)- A leading Egyptian newspaper released a number of documents proving that Saudi Arabia's new Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and his counterpart in Abu Dhabi Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan have long been supporting the ISIL and al-Qaeda terrorist groups' global operations.
"A leaked document in Qatar's embassy and a letter to Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on October 26, 2016, show Mohammed bin Salman and Mohammed bin Zayed's support for certain key al-Qaeda members in the Arabian Peninsula," Arabic language al-Badil newspaper wrote.
Based on the documents, US Treasury Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence said that the Saudi and Abu Dhabi crown princes have established continued contacts with two Yemeni nationals, namely Ali Abkar al-Hassan and Abdollah Faisal Ahdal, who are on the US blacklist of most wanted terrorists.
The documents also revealed the detailed activities and operations of the two Yemeni nationals in support of the al-Qaeda and the ISIL as well as Saudi Intelligence Chief Khalid bin Ali bin Abdullah al-Humaidan's financial support for them.
The documents were revealed after a new report released by a British think tank on Wednesday said that Saudi Arabia is the “foremost” foreign funder of Islamist extremism in the UK and other western countries.
The Henry Jackson Society — a right-wing think tank — said that overseas funding primarily from the governments and private charities of Persian Gulf countries has a “clear and growing link” to the onslaught of violence the UK and other western states.
The group estimated that the Saudi government and charities spent an estimated $4 billion exporting Saudi Arabia’s strict interpretation of Islam, known as Wahhabism (also practiced by ISIL and other terrorist groups), worldwide in 2015, up from $2 billion in 2007. In 2015, there were 110 mosques in the UK practicing Salafism and Wahhabism compared to 68 in 2007. The money is primarily funneled through mosques and Islamic schools in Britain, according to the report.
“Influence has also been exerted through the training of British Muslim religious leaders in Saudi Arabia, as well as the use of Saudi textbooks in a number of the UK’s independent Islamic schools,” the report said.
Although many Western countries, including the United States, have acknowledged the threat of foreign terrorist financing, Britain “has seen far less of a response from policy makers supporting moves to tackle the challenge of foreign-funded Islamist extremism,” the report said.
en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13960418000768
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Protesters demand reconstruction of Jannat ul Baqi in front Saudi Arabia Embassy in Canada / Pics
July 9, 2017
(AhlulBayt News Agency) - A sudden afternoon shower on Saturday failed to drown out the voices of protesters gathered outside the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Ottawa, Canada to demand the reconstruction of Jannat ul Baqi and the protection of other Islamic heritage sites in the Middle East nation.
About 300 people marched from the Human Rights Monument on Elgin Street to a grassy clearing across from the Sussex Avenue embassy, where many used the opportunity to express their anger at the Saudi government for persecuting religious minorities and for what they see as supporting terrorist organizations.
Canada’s government was also chided for its $15-billion deal to sell military vehicles to Saudi Arabia.
Protesters carried banners that read “Muslims Against ISIS,” “Rebuild Al Baqee” and “Respect Muslim Heritage.”
And among chants there were: “Al Baqee, Al Baqee, rebuild Al Baqee ” and “1-2-3-4, we don’t want your dirty war.”
The Jannat al-Baqee cemetery in Medina, Saudi Arabia, was chosen by Islam’s Holy Prophet Mohammad (SW). It is the place where many of his descendants were buried.
But it was destroyed in 1925 by the government of Saudi Arabia, which left behind no sign of any grave or tomb.
Yesterday, pilgrims who seek to visit and pray at the site are harassed or prevented from doing so, according to march organizers.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia follows an extreme ideology known as Wahhabism, which is rejected by many in the Muslim world, including the minority Shia Muslim protesters who marched in Ottawa.
All cultures, civilizations and religions, including Islam, are proud of their traditions and heritage, said Jaffar Hashmi of the Ottawa Al-Baqee chapter.
“Humanity does its utmost to preserve them, not destroy them,” he said. “These are heritage sites. They have to be rebuilt and restored.”
Berak Hussain drew a comparison between calls to restore the Baqee cemetery and Canadians preserving this nation’s history by building sites such as the National War Memorial, which protesters passed en route to the embassy.
Many Canadians would rightfully be heartbroken and furious if a future government ever destroyed the cenotaph and prevented people from visiting the site.
“It’s an outright insult,” she said, accusing the current Saudi government of trying to rewrite history.
Raising her voice to demand the sacred sites be restored and protected is also a way of speaking out against terrorist organizations such as ISIS and Boko Haram, she said.
Such a protest on the streets of Saudi Arabia may not as safe as it is in Canada, where free speech is a basic right, said Toronto’s Gulzar Rizvi.
“We can tell Canadians we have been denied access to our shrines in Saudi Arabia,” he said.
Saturday marked the first time a Baqee protest was held in Ottawa. Similar events have been held in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and Houston, as well as major cities in Europe and the Middle East.
The march was supported by the Al Baqee Organization, a U.S. group committed to raising awareness about the preservation of Islamic heritage.
The NGO strives to protect and stop further destruction of endangered heritage sites and restore all destroyed heritage sites, starting with Jannat-ul-Baqee because its destruction marked the beginning of such incidents in the modern era.
The Saudi government’s goal is to eradicate the Islamic legacy and heritage, and systematically remove all its vestiges so future generations of Muslims will have no affiliation with their religious history, the NGO says.
en.abna24.com/news/america/protesters-demand-reconstruction-of-jannat-ul-baqi-in-front-saudi-arabia-embassy-in-canada-pics_841298.html
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Bengal Riots: Muslims Raise Money To Help Hindu Neighbours Rebuild Their Gutted ShopsThe communal clashes broke out on Tuesday over an objectionable Facebook post by a 17-year-old boy. OUTLOOK WEB BUREAUBengal Riots: Muslims Raise Money To Help Hindu Neighbours Rebuild Their Gutted Shops
Amid uneasy calm that prevails in West Bengal's Basirhat, North 24 Paraganas district, following communal clashes this week, Muslims have come forward to raise money to help Hindu neighbours rebuild their gutted shops and businesses. As many as 100 shops and homes were vandalised in Basirhat.
The communal clashes broke out on Tuesday over an objectionable Facebook post by a 17-year-old boy. A violent mob put up road blockades at several places and attacked members of the other community, besides destroying many shops.
“Even after the demolition of the Babri mosque, our town remained peaceful. What happened since Tuesday was not right. Some outsiders and some of our local boys are to blame. But now we are pooling money for our Hindu neighbours. We want them to forget the losses and start afresh,” Gaji, a local businessman, told The Indian Express.
Ajay Pal, a shopkeeper, said he lost goods worth more than Rs 15,000 when hundreds of people came and ransacked his shop.
“They took away everything. I do not know why. My neighbours and Muslim friends are now offering me money to restart my business. I will take a decision soon,” he told the newspaper.
Basirhat and Baduria have been calm since Thursday. According to the daily, a couple of peace meetings have been held in Basirhat, at which leaders of both communities and police were present.
Another shop-owner, Ruma De, too, has been offered Rs 2,000 for a start. Similar initiatives have been taken by Muslim residents of Masjidpara, Bhyabla, Chapapara and other areas of Basirhat.
“It is not a hollow promise. We have told local shop-owners that we will give as much as it takes, Rs 2 lakh or Rs 5 lakh. We will help you, whether by pooling money or by collecting subscriptions to cover your losses,” said Ershad Ali Gazi of Masjidpara.
In Kolkata, chief minister Mamata Banerjee blamed the BJP for the violence. She also announced a judicial inquiry into the communal clashes.
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On Saturday, the BJP met West Bengal governor KN Tripathi and demanded that the Centre should immediately impose President's rule as the law and order situation in the state has "completely broken down".
outlookindia.com/website/story/bengal-riots-muslims-raise-money-to-help-hindu-neighbours-rebulild-their-gutted-/299518
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Arab World
Egyptian Daily Releases Documents of Saudi Crown Prince's Support for ISIL, Al-Qaeda
TEHRAN (FNA)- A leading Egyptian newspaper released a number of documents proving that Saudi Arabia's new Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and his counterpart in Abu Dhabi Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan have long been supporting the ISIL and al-Qaeda terrorist groups' global operations.
"A leaked document in Qatar's embassy and a letter to Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on October 26, 2016, show Mohammed bin Salman and Mohammed bin Zayed's support for certain key al-Qaeda members in the Arabian Peninsula," Arabic language al-Badil newspaper wrote.
Based on the documents, US Treasury Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence said that the Saudi and Abu Dhabi crown princes have established continued contacts with two Yemeni nationals, namely Ali Abkar al-Hassan and Abdollah Faisal Ahdal, who are on the US blacklist of most wanted terrorists.
The documents also revealed the detailed activities and operations of the two Yemeni nationals in support of the al-Qaeda and the ISIL as well as Saudi Intelligence Chief Khalid bin Ali bin Abdullah al-Humaidan's financial support for them.
The documents were revealed after a new report released by a British think tank on Wednesday said that Saudi Arabia is the “foremost” foreign funder of Islamist extremism in the UK and other western countries.
The Henry Jackson Society — a right-wing think tank — said that overseas funding primarily from the governments and private charities of Persian Gulf countries has a “clear and growing link” to the onslaught of violence the UK and other western states.
The group estimated that the Saudi government and charities spent an estimated $4 billion exporting Saudi Arabia’s strict interpretation of Islam, known as Wahhabism (also practiced by ISIL and other terrorist groups), worldwide in 2015, up from $2 billion in 2007. In 2015, there were 110 mosques in the UK practicing Salafism and Wahhabism compared to 68 in 2007. The money is primarily funneled through mosques and Islamic schools in Britain, according to the report.
“Influence has also been exerted through the training of British Muslim religious leaders in Saudi Arabia, as well as the use of Saudi textbooks in a number of the UK’s independent Islamic schools,” the report said.
Although many Western countries, including the United States, have acknowledged the threat of foreign terrorist financing, Britain “has seen far less of a response from policy makers supporting moves to tackle the challenge of foreign-funded Islamist extremism,” the report said.
en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13960418000768
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Almost 30 Terrorists Killed, Wounded in Fresh Clashes between Rival Groups in Eastern Damascus
TEHRAN (FNA)- Local sources in Eastern Ghouta said that Jeish al-Islam and Tahrir al-Sham Hay'at (the Levant Liberation Board) engaged in a fresh round of clashes that left nearly 30 militants dead or wounded.
The sources said that 20 fighters of Jeish al-Islam and 9 members of Tahrir al-Sham were killed or wounded in fresh clashes between rival terrorists in several fronts in the town of al-Ash'ari.
The sources added that Tahrir al-Sham managed to impose control over five farms from the direction of Beit Sawa.
Relevant reports said on Saturday that the Tahrir al-Sham militants struck heavily Jeish al-Islam's defense lines in areas surrounding the small town of Deir Sawa near the town of Mesraba.
In the meantime, Tahrir al-Sham terrorists engaged in fierce clashes with Jeish al-Islam in the town of al-Ash'ari in the Southern part of Eastern Ghouta and managed to impose control over several positions of Jeish al-Islam.
Nine members of Jeish al-Islam were also killed in the infighting.
Jeish al-Islam's Spokesman Hamzeh Beiraqdar said that Tahrir al-Sham managed to take control over the farms in nearby regions of the town of al-Ash'ari with the back up of several Free Syrian Army groups.
en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13960418000583
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Iraq announces 'victory' over Islamic State in Mosul
Sunday, 9 Jul 2017
Iraq's Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has announced a "victory" over the so-called Islamic State group in the city of Mosul, after nearly nine months of fighting.
A statement from his office said: "The commander in chief of the armed forces (Prime Minister) Haider al-Abadi arrived in the liberated city of Mosul and congratulated the heroic fighters and the Iraqi people for the great victory."
rte.ie/news/world/2017/0709/888879-mosul/
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Iraqi elite force reaches Mosul Old City riverbank as Islamic State faces defeat
Members of the Emergency Response Division walk in a destroyed building at the Old City of Mosul, Iraq July 9, 2017. REUTERS/Alaa Al-Marjani
Islamic State militants threw themselves into the Tigris on Sunday, trying to flee the battlefield in Mosul as Iraqi forces reached the riverbank, bringing them to the verge of victory.
After eight months of combat that has left parts of the city in ruins, killed thousands of civilians and displaced nearly one million people, Iraqi officials say they have almost regained full control of Mosul.
The militants have been driven from all but a patch of territory on the western bank of the Tigris bisecting Mosul, where they have staged a last stand in the narrow alleys of the Old City.
Plumes of smoke rose over the Old City on Sunday and the decaying corpses of Islamic State fighters lay in the streets. Scattered bursts of gunfire could be heard and several airstrikes were carried out.
Iraqi military spokesman, Brigadier General Yahya Rasool, told state TV earlier on Sunday that 30 militants had been killed attempting to get away by swimming across the Tigris.
Later, Iraqiya News ran an on-screen headline saying the Counter Terrorism Service (CTS) had raised the Iraqi flag on the Tigris riverbank in the Old City after retaking the Maydan area, and was now advancing towards the Qalayat area.
Islamic State vowed on Saturday to "fight to the death" in Mosul.
Cornered in a shrinking area of the city, the militants have resorted to sending women suicide bombers among the thousands of civilians who are emerging from the battlefield wounded, malnourished and fearful.
The battle has also exacted a heavy toll on Iraq's security forces.
The Iraqi government does not reveal casualty figures, but a funding request from the U.S. Department of Defense said the CTS, which has spearheaded the fight in Mosul, had suffered 40 percent losses.
The United States leads an international coalition that is backing the campaign against Islamic State in Mosul by conducting airstrikes against the militants and assisting troops on the ground.
The Department of Defense has requested $1.269 billion in U.S. budget funds for 2018 to continue supporting Iraqi forces.
Without Mosul - by far the largest city to fall under militant control - Islamic State's dominion in Iraq will be reduced to mainly rural, desert areas west and south of the city where tens of thousands of people live.
It is almost exactly three years since the ultra-hardline group's leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi proclaimed a "caliphate" spanning Syria and Iraq from the pulpit of the medieval Grand al-Nuri mosque.
Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared the end of Islamic State's "state of falsehood" a week ago, after security forces retook the mosque - although only after retreating militants blew it up.
The United Nations predicts it will cost more than $1 billion to repair basic infrastructure in Mosul. In some of the worst affected areas, almost no buildings appear to have escaped damage and Mosul's dense construction means the extent of the devastation might be underestimated, U.N. officials said.
The militants are expected to revert to insurgent tactics as they lose territory.
The fall of Mosul also exposes ethnic and sectarian fractures between Arabs and Kurds over disputed territories or between Sunnis and the Shi’ite majority that have plagued Iraq for more than a decade.
(Writing by Isabel Coles; editing by David Stamp)
uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-iraq-idUKKBN19U0DD?rpc=401&
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US Fulfills Syrian Democratic Forces' Wish List: Weapons and Armed Vehicles © AP Photo/ Syrian Democratic Forces
09.07.2017
A representative of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) told Sputnik Turkiye on condition of anonymity that the US has supplied them with yet another batch of weapons and armed vehicles in accordance with the list of demands they drew up. Their demands have increased, the source said, as Daesh have strengthened their resistance near Raqqa.
"The US has supplied weapons and armored vehicles in 140 trucks. Our demands for armored vehicles have increased during our military operation near Raqqa. Thus, on demand, we draw up a list of armaments, ammunition and equipment we need and send it to the US," the SDF representative told Sputnik Tukiye.
The Americans, he said, then supply them with ammunition in accordance with the list.
March 7, 2017 frame grab from video provided by Arab 24 network, shows fighters from the Syrian Democratic forces standing near U.S military vehicles on the outskirts of the Syrian town, Manbij, a flashpoint between Turkish troops and allied Syrian fighters and U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters, in al-Asaliyah village, Aleppo province, Syria
March 7, 2017 frame grab from video provided by Arab 24 network, shows fighters from the Syrian Democratic forces standing near U.S military vehicles on the outskirts of the Syrian town, Manbij, a flashpoint between Turkish troops and allied Syrian fighters and U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters, in al-Asaliyah village, Aleppo province, Syria
The source said that their demand for heavy weaponry and armored vehicles have increased as recently Daesh have stepped up their resistance near Raqqa, where furious fighting is still going on.
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) is a coalition of US-backed militants with the stated goal of creating a secular, democratic and federalized Syria. The SDF is mostly composed of, and militarily led by, the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), which Turkey considers a terrorist group affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which operates within neighboring Turkey.
Syria’s Kurdish Militias Get 50 Trucks With US Armored Vehicles, Munition
In May, US President Donald Trump approved providing Kurdish militiamen in Syria with heavy armaments, including mortars and machine guns.
According to June estimates provided by Turkish Anadolu News Agency, in the month that passed since Trump’s approval of the arming of the Syrian Kurdish forces, a total of 348 trucks loaded with military supplies were sent to the group.
According to the news agency’s data, the Pentagon’s list of weapons to be delivered to the group includes 12,000 Kalashnikov rifles, 6,000 machine guns, 3,000 grenade launchers, and around 1,000 anti-tank weapons of Russian or US origin.
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201707091055382967-ys-sdf-arms-supplies/
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Ceasefire in southern Syria goes into effect
AFP | APJuly 09, 2017
Fighting has stopped in three Syrian provinces after an open-ended ceasefire in southern Syria came into effect on Sunday according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The ceasefire, brokered by the United States, Russia and Jordan, began at noon local time. The mechanisms to monitor or enforce the truce are not specified by any of the nations involved.
The agreement covers Daraa, Quneitra and Sweida provinces where the government and rebels are also fighting the militant Islamic State (IS) group, which is not included in the truce.
There has been no official comment from Syria's government on the announcement and there was no mention of the ceasefire on state television's noon news bulletin.
However, the Al-Watan newspaper, which is close to the regime, quoted the head of Syria's parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee suggesting that the agreement was negotiated in consultation with Damascus.
“No details on the agreement were presented, but the Syrian state has background on it,” the newspaper quoted Boutros Marjana as saying.
“The final word on adding southern Syria to the 'de-escalation' zones belongs to the Syrian state, and there is coordination with Russia on that,” he added.
The ceasefire is the first initiative by the American government in collaboration with Russia to bring stability to war-torn Syria.
It followed weeks of secretive talks in the Jordanian capital, Amman, to address the build up of Iranian-backed forces in support of the Syrian government near the Jordanian and Israeli borders.
“The main fronts in the three provinces between regime forces and opposition factions have seen a cessation of hostilities and shelling since this morning, with the exception of a few scattered shells fired on Daraa city before noon,” said Rami Abdel Rahman, director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
A resident and local opposition activist, Ahmad al-Masalmeh, in Daraa, near the Jordanian border, reported calm in the opening minutes of the truce.
“There's still a lot of anxiety,” said al-Masalmeh. “We've entered the cease-fire but there are no mechanisms to enforce it. That's what concerns people.”
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had announced the ceasefire on Friday during a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Israel prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israel would welcome a “genuine cease-fire” in southern Syria so long as it doesn't enable Iran and its proxies to develop a military presence along the border.
The Syrian regime had already announced its own unilateral ceasefire on Monday but fighting had continued on frontlines in the three provinces.
The ceasefire in southern Syria comes in the wake of a deal inked in the Kazakh capital Astana in May between regime allies Russia and Iran and rebel backer Turkey to set up four “de-escalation” zones.
On Friday, before the Russian foreign minister announced the ceasefire, a delegation of opposition factions that attended talks in Astana expressed opposition to any ceasefire for just one part of the country.
In a statement, the factions said they were concerned about “secret meetings and understandings between Russia, Jordan and America on a deal for the south of Syria, separate from the north.” The statement added that such an agreement, “would divide Syria, as well as the delegation and the opposition, in two.”
The ceasefire begins on the eve of fresh peace talks in Geneva scheduled to begin on Monday.
Expectations for the seventh round of UN-sponsored talks are low, but deputy to UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura, Ramzi Ezzedine Ramzi said Saturday that the ceasefire deal has created positive momentum.
“It helps create a suitable atmosphere for the talks, and we will see that on Monday,” said Ramzi.
No cease-fire has lasted long in the six-year-old Syrian war.
dawn.com/news/1344211/ceasefire-in-southern-syria-goes-into-effect
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Syrian Army Wins back More Strategic Regions in Quneitra
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian Army captured two key regions after a Sunday offensive on Al-Nusra Front (also known as Fatah al-Sham Front or the Levant Liberation Board) in the Southern province of Quneitra.
The army men and the National Defense Forces raided the Al-Nusra positions and managed to drive the terrorists out of the strategic region of Red Villa near the town of al-Samdaniyeh al-Qabri.
Field sources said Red Villa region is of crucial importance as the army men can now monitor and thwart any preemptive assault by the terrorists. The region links supply lines and its capture can also speed up the army's movements.
The sources said the army also pushed terrorists back from al-Mokhtar Villa near the town of al-Samdaniyeh al-Sharqi after hours of non-stop clashes.
Relevant reports said last week that the army troops managed to fend off another Israeli-backed attack of Al-Nusra Front and restored full security to the town of al-Ba'ath in the Southern province of Quneitra.
The army men engaged in fierce clashes with Al-Nusra terrorists and warded off their attack.
The army soldiers further carried out a rapid counter-attack and managed to push terrorists back from two lost positions West of al-Ba'ath, restoring full security to the town.
The Al-Nusra, backed up by Israel, has carried out several rounds of attacks on pro-government forces' positions.
In the meantime, the army units engaged in heavy fighting with Al-Nusra fighters that intended to prevail over the army's defense lines Southeast of al-Hamidiyeh in Quneitra countryside.
The army's artillery and missile units, meanwhile, pounded the movements of the terrorists in the region, inflicting major losses on the militants and forcing them to retreat from the battlefield.
Field sources confirmed that top Commander of Tahrir al-Sham Hay'at (the Levant Liberation Board) in the region nom de guerre Abu Abdullah al-Na'eemi was killed in the army attack in Quneitra.
News websites affiliated to the terrorists confirmed that they have lost all the captured positions to the army men in areas near al-Ba'ath.
The websites termed the army's rapid and powerful attack and militants' failure to run coordination as two main reasons of the terrorists' withdrawal from regions near al-Ba'ath.
en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13960418000926
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Iraq: ISIL Moves Main Command Center from Mosul to Tal Afar
TEHRAN (FNA)- ISIL has confirmed fall of it last strongholds in Mosul city, and declared the town of Tal Afar as its new command center in Iraq, a local source in Nineveh province reported minutes ago.
ISIL released a short announcement in the Centeral part of Tal Afar at around midday, declaring that it has moved all the headquarters of the self-proclaimed Caliphate from Mosul to Tal Afar, said the source.
The source further added that the Iraqi forces are now chasing the remaining pockets of ISIL terrorists in the Western part of Mosul, adding that after the liberation of Old Mosul district, tens of ISIL militants have been killed or captured as they were fleeing the city.
Military sources confirmed that a number of ISIL commanders are among the dead terrorists, including a Saudi commander who sought to flee the Western bank of the Tigris River in Mosul toward the Eastern bank.
A military source said earlier today that the Iraqi security forces killed 35 ISIL militants and arrested six others while they were trying to flee their last redoubt in the Old City on the Western side of Mosul.
The militants were killed while they were trying to infiltrate from the western side, across Tigris River that bisects Mosul, to the liberated eastern side, the Joint Operations Command (JOC) said in a statement.
Meanwhile, JOC spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Rasoul told reporters that the Iraqi forces are in full control of the Old City, despite sporadic clashes in some pockets in parts of neighborhoods stretching on the bank of the Tigris River.
"Our forces are continuing their advance to free the last parts of the Old City," Rasoul said.
The fighting in the Old City is becoming heavier as Iraqi forces push the ISIL militants in the strip of land along the bank of the Tigris River. The desperate militants have been increasingly resorting to suicide attacks and showing stiff resistance that slowed the troops' progress in the recent days.
And there were a large number of roadside bombs and booby-trapped buildings, in addition to ISIL snipers taking positions in the buildings and narrow alleys of heavily-populated neighborhoods, where thousands of civilians still live under ISIL rule.
Mosul, 400 km North of Iraq's capital Baghdad, came under the militant group's control in June 2014, when government forces abandoned their weapons and fled, enabling ISIL to take control of parts of Iraq's Northern and Western regions.
en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13960418001018
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Terrorists in Deir Ezzur Anxious after Army Advances in Badiyeh
TEHRAN (FNA)- The ISIL terrorist groups is facing increasing problem with its members' level of anxiety over their fate after the Syrian army's rapid advances in the depth of Badiyeh (desert) in Eastern Homs towards Deir Ezzur, reports from Eastern Syria said.
The sources said that after the rapid advances made by the army against ISIL in Badiyeh recently, the ISIL front in Deir Ezzur seems perplexed and much anxious.
The sources said the terrorist group has forced residents to build new bunkers and checkpoints in a number of neighborhoods and streets of the towns of al-Mayadeen and Sabikhan in Eastern Deir Ezzur.
The sources also added that resident of al-Katf region near the town of Albu Kamal engaged in heavy fighting with ISIL and killed three of them and set fire at one of their vehicles.
Other sources reported that the army's artillery units launched heavy shelling attack on ISIL's positions near Deir Ezzur's military airport, al-Huweiqa passageway, Wadi al-Thardah and the villages of al-Baqaliyeh.
The Syrian Air Force, meantime, bombed ISIL's positions in Panorama region, West of Regiment 137 base, water resources, al-Kanamat passageway and al-Baqaliyeh village, inflicting major losses of the terrorists.
Relevant reports said on Friday that the army soldiers, backed up by the country's fighter jets, started clashes with the ISIL in Panorama square and managed to fend off their heavy attack.
The ISIL suffered heavy casualties and its military hardware sustained major damage in the failed attack.
Local sources said that the army aircraft carried out several combat flights over ISIL's movements in Panorama region to back up the ground troops.
en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13960418000747
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Syria Strongly Condemns Israel's Plan to Hold Election in Occupied Golan Heights
TEHRAN (FNA)- Damascus categorically condemns Israel's announcement about holding elections of the so-called “local councils” on October 2018 in the villages of the occupied Syrian Golan, the Syrian Foreign Ministry underscored.
In letters to the UN Secretary General and the Head of the Security Council, the Ministry said that the Israeli entity has recently issued new resolutions related to holding elections of the so-called local councils in the villages of the occupied Syrian Golan according to Israeli law, stressing the Golan is an integral part of the Syrian territory and that it will return to the motherland sooner or later.
The Ministry pointed out that these Israeli actions come as no surprise because Israel has been investing in the crisis in Syria through its support to the terrorist groups which was clear since the beginning of the events in Syria.
The letters noted that the Syrian citizens of the occupied Golan have rejected in the national document which they had issued on 25/3/1981 any decision issued by the Israeli entity to annex the Golan as well as their rejection of all Israeli decisions aimed at depriving them of their Syrian identity.
The Ministry indicated that the fifth paragraph of the aforementioned document provided that they do not recognize any group of the so-called local councils and that the heads and the members of these councils do not represent them, and that they made an irrevocable decision to reject the imposition of the Israeli identity on them.
The letters went on to say that Israel, which refused to comply with International legitimacy over the past years and rebelled against its decisions to end the occupation of the Syrian Golan, has repeated this rebellion by issuing this new decision.
The Ministry pointed out that the Security Council affirmed in its resolution no. 497 that the Israeli decision to impose its law, authority, and administration in the occupied Syrian Golan is null , void, and without international legal power, adding that the Security Council demanded that Israel annul its decision immediately and declared that all provisions of the Geneva Convention on the Protection of Civilian Persons in the Time of War are still in effect in the Syrian territory occupied by Israel since June 1967.
The letters asserted that the new Israeli decisions constitute another flagrant violation of the UN Charter, international humanitarian law, and the Geneva Convention.
The Ministry went on to say that Syria calls upon the UN Secretary General and the Security Council to condemn these new provocative Israeli measures that blatantly violate the Security Council resolution 497, demanding that the Council force Israel to release Syrian and Palestinian captives from Israeli jails, including Sedqi al-Maqet, who has spent more than 30 years in Israeli jails.
On Monday, the Syrian army forces seized a large volume of Israeli military and medical equipment, while carrying out cleansing operation in the positions seized from the Al-Nusra Front (also known as Fatah al-Sham Front or the Levant Liberation Board) in the Golan Heights in Southern Quneitra.
A military source said that the army soldiers that had repelled repeated attacks of Al-Nusra Front on their positions in Southern Quneitra, carried out a rapid counter-attack and managed to advance against the terrorist group.
The army further seized Israeli supplied medical kits and weapons in the positions of Tahrir al-Sham Hay'at (the Levant Liberation Board) near the town of Hamidiyeh on Sunday, the sources went on to say.
The source further added that the Israeli air and ground forces have been supporting the Takfiri terrorists in the Golan Heights near the city of Al-Ba’ath.
en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13960418000818
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North America
Protesters demand reconstruction of Jannat ul Baqi in front Saudi Arabia Embassy in Canada / Pics
July 9, 2017
(AhlulBayt News Agency) - A sudden afternoon shower on Saturday failed to drown out the voices of protesters gathered outside the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Ottawa, Canada to demand the reconstruction of Jannat ul Baqi and the protection of other Islamic heritage sites in the Middle East nation.
About 300 people marched from the Human Rights Monument on Elgin Street to a grassy clearing across from the Sussex Avenue embassy, where many used the opportunity to express their anger at the Saudi government for persecuting religious minorities and for what they see as supporting terrorist organizations.
Canada’s government was also chided for its $15-billion deal to sell military vehicles to Saudi Arabia.
Protesters carried banners that read “Muslims Against ISIS,” “Rebuild Al Baqee” and “Respect Muslim Heritage.”
And among chants there were: “Al Baqee, Al Baqee, rebuild Al Baqee ” and “1-2-3-4, we don’t want your dirty war.”
The Jannat al-Baqee cemetery in Medina, Saudi Arabia, was chosen by Islam’s Holy Prophet Mohammad (SW). It is the place where many of his descendants were buried.
But it was destroyed in 1925 by the government of Saudi Arabia, which left behind no sign of any grave or tomb.
Yesterday, pilgrims who seek to visit and pray at the site are harassed or prevented from doing so, according to march organizers.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia follows an extreme ideology known as Wahhabism, which is rejected by many in the Muslim world, including the minority Shia Muslim protesters who marched in Ottawa.
All cultures, civilizations and religions, including Islam, are proud of their traditions and heritage, said Jaffar Hashmi of the Ottawa Al-Baqee chapter.
“Humanity does its utmost to preserve them, not destroy them,” he said. “These are heritage sites. They have to be rebuilt and restored.”
Berak Hussain drew a comparison between calls to restore the Baqee cemetery and Canadians preserving this nation’s history by building sites such as the National War Memorial, which protesters passed en route to the embassy.
Many Canadians would rightfully be heartbroken and furious if a future government ever destroyed the cenotaph and prevented people from visiting the site.
“It’s an outright insult,” she said, accusing the current Saudi government of trying to rewrite history.
Raising her voice to demand the sacred sites be restored and protected is also a way of speaking out against terrorist organizations such as ISIS and Boko Haram, she said.
Such a protest on the streets of Saudi Arabia may not as safe as it is in Canada, where free speech is a basic right, said Toronto’s Gulzar Rizvi.
“We can tell Canadians we have been denied access to our shrines in Saudi Arabia,” he said.
Saturday marked the first time a Baqee protest was held in Ottawa. Similar events have been held in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and Houston, as well as major cities in Europe and the Middle East.
The march was supported by the Al Baqee Organization, a U.S. group committed to raising awareness about the preservation of Islamic heritage.
The NGO strives to protect and stop further destruction of endangered heritage sites and restore all destroyed heritage sites, starting with Jannat-ul-Baqee because its destruction marked the beginning of such incidents in the modern era.
The Saudi government’s goal is to eradicate the Islamic legacy and heritage, and systematically remove all its vestiges so future generations of Muslims will have no affiliation with their religious history, the NGO says.
en.abna24.com/news/america/protesters-demand-reconstruction-of-jannat-ul-baqi-in-front-saudi-arabia-embassy-in-canada-pics_841298.html
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US giving $638M aid to Yemen, Somalia, Nigeria, South Sudan
AP | Jul 8, 2017
JOHANNESBURG: The United States on Saturday announced more than $630 million in aid for Yemen, Somalia, South Sudan and Nigeria, where conflict has helped to cause what the United Nations calls the world's largest humanitarian crisis in more than 70 years.
The announcement came as President Donald Trump attended the Group of 20 summit in Germany. "This is truly a life-saving gift," said David Beasley, the new American director of the UN's World Food Program.
While the United States is the world's largest humanitarian donor, Trump's proposed deep cuts to foreign aid more than 30 percent have caused widespread concern.
"We welcome President Trump's attention to the global humanitarian crisis, but he was announcing aid that Congress approved months ago and that his administration has delayed," Rev. David Beckmann, president of the Washington-based Christian organization Bread for the World, said in a statement.
The total US humanitarian assistance to the four countries is now more than $1.8 billion this fiscal year, the US Agency for International Development said.
Tens of millions of people in Yemen, Somalia, South Sudan and Nigeria face hunger amid conflict. Yemen has the world's largest cholera outbreak, while half of drought-hit Somalia's 12 million people need aid. South Sudan's civil war and Nigeria's Boko Haram insurgency have contributed to severe hunger.
The WFP said in a tweet that the new US donation "comes just as families face the time of year when food stocks run out." The UN agency earlier this year warned that food aid could be cut for more than a million hungry Nigerians if promised funding from the international community didn't arrive.
In May, Trump announced $329 million in "anti-famine" aid to the four countries.
While the Trump administration's 2018 spending plan does not eliminate money for emergency food aid, it ends a critical program by consolidating it into a broader account that covers all international disaster assistance. Doing so reduces the amount of money the US dedicates to fighting famine to $1.5 billion next year, from $2.6 billion in 2016.
Trump officials say the proposed changes will streamline US aid programs, eliminate redundancies and increase efficiency. Relief organizations fear less US money will mean an increase in famine and hunger-related deaths, particularly in Africa, if Congress approves the budget.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/us-giving-638m-aid-to-yemen-somalia-nigeria-south-sudan/articleshow/59506770.cms
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India
Bengal Riots: Muslims Raise Money To Help Hindu Neighbours Rebuild Their Gutted ShopsThe communal clashes broke out on Tuesday over an objectionable Facebook post by a 17-year-old boy. OUTLOOK WEB BUREAUBengal Riots: Muslims Raise Money To Help Hindu Neighbours Rebuild Their Gutted Shops
Amid uneasy calm that prevails in West Bengal's Basirhat, North 24 Paraganas district, following communal clashes this week, Muslims have come forward to raise money to help Hindu neighbours rebuild their gutted shops and businesses. As many as 100 shops and homes were vandalised in Basirhat.
The communal clashes broke out on Tuesday over an objectionable Facebook post by a 17-year-old boy. A violent mob put up road blockades at several places and attacked members of the other community, besides destroying many shops.
“Even after the demolition of the Babri mosque, our town remained peaceful. What happened since Tuesday was not right. Some outsiders and some of our local boys are to blame. But now we are pooling money for our Hindu neighbours. We want them to forget the losses and start afresh,” Gaji, a local businessman, told The Indian Express.
Ajay Pal, a shopkeeper, said he lost goods worth more than Rs 15,000 when hundreds of people came and ransacked his shop.
“They took away everything. I do not know why. My neighbours and Muslim friends are now offering me money to restart my business. I will take a decision soon,” he told the newspaper.
Basirhat and Baduria have been calm since Thursday. According to the daily, a couple of peace meetings have been held in Basirhat, at which leaders of both communities and police were present.
Another shop-owner, Ruma De, too, has been offered Rs 2,000 for a start. Similar initiatives have been taken by Muslim residents of Masjidpara, Bhyabla, Chapapara and other areas of Basirhat.
“It is not a hollow promise. We have told local shop-owners that we will give as much as it takes, Rs 2 lakh or Rs 5 lakh. We will help you, whether by pooling money or by collecting subscriptions to cover your losses,” said Ershad Ali Gazi of Masjidpara.
In Kolkata, chief minister Mamata Banerjee blamed the BJP for the violence. She also announced a judicial inquiry into the communal clashes.
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On Saturday, the BJP met West Bengal governor KN Tripathi and demanded that the Centre should immediately impose President's rule as the law and order situation in the state has "completely broken down".
outlookindia.com/website/story/bengal-riots-muslims-raise-money-to-help-hindu-neighbours-rebulild-their-gutted-/299518
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'Hindus In Bengal Should Respond Like They Did In Gujarat': BJP MLA
Jul 9, 2017
HYDERABAD (TELANGANA): Amid the ongoing tension in West Bengal's Baduria and Basirhat districts, Bharatiya Janata Party MLA H Raja Singh waded in controversy by appealing to the Hindu community in the state to respond the way Hindus in Gujarat reacted in 2002.
"Today, Hindus are not safe in the West Bengal state. Hindus in Bengal should respond to people involved in communal violence as Hindus in Gujarat did. Otherwise, soon Bengal will turn into Bangladesh." Singh said.
He also blamed chief minister Mamata Banerjee government for ongoing tensions in the states by alleging that the latter is supporting those who are spreading communalism.
"The state government is supporting those who are spreading communalism. I want to appeal to those who are secular that if you want Bengal's Hindus to be safe and secure then you have to be more aware. If you failed to attain security in the state then you will also face the consequences like Hindus in Kashmir faced, will also be banished like Kashmiri Hindus," he added.
Yesterday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that she "will ask for judicial inquiry into incidents at Baduria and Basirhat area.
"For over a month there has been unrest in the hills. Centre is not cooperating to maintain law and order in Darjeeling," she said.
Violent clashes erupted in Basirhat area of the district after a Class X student updated a controversial picture on Facebook.
The boy was later detained by police, but the violence hasn't abated.
Fresh tension was reported in Basirhat area days after too forcing the police to lob tear gas shells and resort to baton charge even as the state government decided to ban some organisations for allegedly instigating people.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/hindus-in-bengal-should-respond-like-they-did-in-gujarat/articleshow/59511756.cms
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Here's how schools of faith, mobiles are radicalising Kashmir
Aarti Tikoo Singh | TNN | Updated: Jul 9, 2017
The traditionally moderate school is being replaced by the radical Ahl-e-Hadith
Youth throws stones at Indian security personnel in SrinagarYouth throws stones at Indian security personnel in Srinagar
Last month, in a south Kashmir mosque, a fiery cleric in his raucous voice and shrill cries, defended former Hizbul commander Zakir Musa's call for Islamic jihad. For the first time, a cleric, using his religious pedestal, was exhorting his audience to support Kashmir's most wanted terrorist who recently aligned ideologically with al Qaeda. The audio recording of Mufti Shabir Ahmad Qasmi's incendiary speech was widely circulated on instant online messaging platforms in the valley. The Mufti very likely converted many of his ardent followers into Musa cheerleaders.
Kashmir's mosques have always been used for religio-political ends, and for separatism since 1989 when the militancy broke out. But the character of the mosque has changed dramatically in the last decade.
Hanafi/Barelvi Islam, the traditionally moderate school followed by the majority in Kashmir, is being replaced by the radical Ahl-e-Hadith, the local moniker for Saudi-imported Salafism or Wahhabism. Though many Hanafi clerics like Moulana Abdul Rashid Dawoodi are resisting their Wahhabi competitors, "the attendance in annual fairs of all major Sufi shrines has been decreasing," said Muzamil, a Sufi practitioner. Of the roughly six million Muslims in the Valley, the once-marginal Ahl-e-Hadith now has over a million followers, claimed its general secretary, Dr Abdul Latif.
The Arab funded Wahhabism finds convergence with other already established conservative strains of Islamic movements, such as Deobandi and Jamat-e-Islami in Kashmir. The mufti who made a plea for Musa is a Deobandi from a Jamati household. Such religious intersections are not limited to fundamentalists. Last year, Sarjan Barkati, a self-proclaimed Sufi, earned epithets like 'Pied Piper of Kashmir' and 'Freedom Chacha' for mobilising people and glorifying the Hizbul commander Burhan Wani who had wanted to establish an Islamic Caliphate. These mutations from moderate to radical have been happening insidiously and manifested themselves in the mob that lynched deputy SP Ayub Pandith on Shab-e-Qadr.
The coalescing of all the schools of Sunni Islamic thought in Kashmir is result of a "common broad-based platform, Ittehaad-e-Millat, created to resolve differences" not only among the puritanical groups but also with syncretic Barelvi outfits, said Jamat-i-Islami Amir chief Ghulam Mohammad Bhat. Incidentally, IeM was actively involved in organising protest rallies in favour of Wani last year.
Way before Wani was killed, the signs of Wahhabised radicalisation had already begun to emerge. Maulana Mushtaq Ahmad Veeri, for example, was already popular in south Kashmir by 2015 for sermons in which he praised the IS and Caliph Al Baghdadi. "It was only a matter of time before the youth started waving IS flags while pelting stones, or Wani or Musa declared jihad for the Caliphate. Ironically, many moderate Kashmiri Muslims claim that IS has been created by the US and Israel to malign Muslims,"said a student of religion from Bijbehara.
Official sources said that there are over 7,500 mosques and seminaries in Kashmir, of which over 6,000 are Hanafi and around 200 are syncretic Sufi shrines. Ahl-e-Hadith, Deoband and Jamat put together have just over 1,000 mosques and charity based seminaries, of which Ahl-e-Hadith has the largest number. "Ahl-e-Hadith mosques are popular for their modern furnishing and facilities," said Shahnawaz, a Barelvi follower in Anantnag, adding that the organisation also funds several orphanages, clinics and medical diagnostic centres.
Sources said Ahl-e-Hadith mosques and seminaries have doubled in the last 27 years. FCRA annual reports show that top donors to India among the Salafist Islam practising states are the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Although it is not clear who the top donor and recipient in J&K is, the state has received between 10 and 100 crores as foreign funds each year in the last decade.
A lot of Salafist literature was being distributed for free in Kashmir through last 30 years, a Shia Kashmiri said. "There is a sizeable number of Kashmiri diaspora in the Middle East who send remittances, mostly through Hawala to fund not just this radical doctrine but terror too."
Religious scholars in Kashmir point out that Ahl-e-Hadith has four sub-schools—Jamait-ul-ahl-e-Hadith (puritan), Difai (ultra-puritan), Guraba (religio-political ultra-puritans like Masrat Alam), Sout-ul-Haq, represented by ISIS, where a nonconformist is 'wajib-ul-qatl' (eligible for murder). A scholar who didn't want to be named claimed the radical subsects are anywhere between 1 to 5 percent in Kashmir.
Ahl-e-Hadith played a role in the separatist movement as a part of the joint Hurriyat Conference until it was split in 2003. The organisation is known to share a relationship with Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen, which is closely associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba. The TuM is a part of the PoK-based United Jihad Council headed by Hizbul Mujahideen commander Syed Salahuddin, who in 2014, had declared support for al-Qaida's entry into Kashmir.
However, security officials believe that the influence of Wahhabi discourse through the Internet, social media and messaging platforms is far more dangerous than the mosques and literature. "Kashmir has around 2.8 million mobile internet users. Even if there is one Salafist preacher glorifying Burhan Wani or Zakir Musa and the clip is circulated over smartphones, it has a dangerous multiplying effect over a huge population," a senior police official said.
Mobile data usage, officials claim, is higher in Kashmir than other parts of the country because of lack of other sources of entertainment. Cinemas, bars and discotheques were shut in Kashmir in the early 1990s when militant groups issued diktats against all things "un-Islamic".
Schools of faith:
Wahhabism/Salafism/Ahl-e-Hadith: The most puritanical Sunni Islamic movement developed during the 18th century in central Arabia. It aims to return to the original ways of Islam by emulating Prophet Mohammad and his earliest followers. IS, al-Qaida, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad claim to be practitioners
Deobandi: Inspired by scholar Shah Waliullah Dehlawi and native to Indian subcontinent. Although Deobandi beliefs are almost the same as Salafis, in mainland India it is now a moderate school. Taliban claims to be Deobandi
Jamaat-e-Islami: A Sunni Islamist party that believes in the idea of an Islamic state under Sharia law. In Kashmir, terror group Hizbul Mujahideen is its armed wing
Barelvi/Hanafi: Native to India, this Sunni school is influenced by local culture. Accommodates Sufi practices and followers believe in saints and visit shrines
timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/how-mosques-and-mobiles-are-radicalising-kashmir/articleshow/59507200.cms
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Pakistan's glorification of Burhan Wani is condemnable, says Centre
TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Updated: Jul 9, 2017, 03.59 PM IST
NEW DELHI: The government on Sunday said the international community must come together in condemning Pakistan's "support and sponsorship" of terror, which was evident in the blatant endorsement of terror outfits and their operatives by top Pakistani officials.
"First Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson read from banned LeT's script. Now Pakistan's COAS glorifies Burhan Wani. Pakistan's terror support and sponsorship needs to be condemned by one and all," foreign ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said in a tweet today.
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Baglay was referring to a tweet from the official Twitter handle of Pakistan Army spokesperson Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor, who said army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa had reportedly eulogised Hizbul terrorist Burhan Wani on July 8, the day he was killed in an encounter with Indian security forces in Kashmir last year.
"Kashmiris have right of self determination. Sacrifices of Burhan Wani and generations against Indian atrocities are a testimony of their resolve," Ghafoor had tweeted quoting Gen Bajwa on Saturday.
Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif too paid tributes to Wani on Saturday and said his death had galvanised Kashmir's movement for self-determination.
"The blood rendered by Burhan Muzaffar Wani has infused a new spirit in the freedom movement. The Kashmiri people are steadfast to take their movement to logical conclusion," Sharif had said.
Earlier, Pakistan's Foreign Office had come out in defence of Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin and said his designation as a global terrorist by the United States was "completely unjustified".
At the recently concluded G-20 Summit in Germany, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made a strong pitch for action against countries that provide a platform to terror organisations for political ends. Bracketing Pakistan-based terror groups like LeT and JeM with ISIS and al-Qaeda, PM Modi said G20 nations should also "collectively oppose terrorism financing, franchises, safe havens, support and sponsors."
timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pakistans-glorification-of-burhan-wani-is-condemnable-says-centre/articleshow/59513597.cms
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3 jawans injured in terrorist attack, but Burhan Wani's death anniversary in Valley largely peaceful
M Saleem Pandit | TNN | Updated: Jul 9, 2017
SRINAGAR: Barring a terror attack on an army patrol, injuring three soldiers, situation across Kashmir remained peaceful on Saturday, the first death anniversary of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani.
The day passed without any major clashes, since authorities had pre-emptively imposed curfew and suspended mobile internet services and even snapped broadband services to thwart attempts at mobilising stone-pelters.
The joint group of two Hurriyat factions and other separatists had called for a general strike and ' Tral chalo' (Let us go to Tral) march to commemorate the day.
Defence sources said three soldiers were injured after terrorists attacked an army patrol party of 13 Rashtriya Rifles, near community health centre in Hajin area of Bandipora district in north Kashmir around 5.30am. Minor incidents of stone-pelting were reported from parts of south Kashmir including Shopian and Kulgam districts.
Burhan Wani supporters pelted stones on security forces in his native town Tral. Reports said pro-Pakistan songs were played on loud speakers in local mosques in the town.
Despite strict restrictions in Tral, hundreds of people assembled at Wani's home in Shareefabad to pay respect to the slain terrorist.
A few stone-pelters were injured in the clashes with security forces, police said.
Meanwhile, PTI reported from Islamabad that Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif and its army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa paid tributes to Wani.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/3-jawans-injured-in-terrorist-attack-but-burhan-wanis-death-anniversary-in-valley-largely-peaceful/articleshow/59509105.cms
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Muslims 'educationally most disadvantaged' among minorities, says govt-funded panel report
Sun, 9 Jul 2017
Panel has recommended ways for empowerment of the communities which are being currently studied by the Government.
Muslims are the "educationally most disadvantaged community" among the minorities, a panel formed by a government-funded agency has said, advocating a three-tier model to tackle the educational backwardness.
The panel has recommended that the communities be empowered through a three-tier model of institutions--central schools, community colleges and national institutes. It suggests creation of infrastructure to proffer education at primary, secondary and tertiary levels by opening 211 schools, 25 community colleges and five national institutes. It has suggested the proposed schools could follow the Kendriya Vidyalaya or Navodaya Vidyalaya pattern while the community colleges may be based on open access model.
When contacted, Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi told PTI the recommendations are in line with the government campaign to empower the minorities educationally. "We are currently studying the report. We will figure out the components which can be easily implemented. We will try to implement the do-ables from the next academic year," he added.
On December 29 last year, the Maulana Azad Education Foundation (MAEF) had formed the 11-member committee with Afzal Amanullah, former secretary with the government, as its convenor. The MAEF is a non-profit and non-political social services organisation funded by the ministry. "The educationally most disadvantaged community among minorities in India are the Muslims. They are lagging behind in literacy, enrolments and in successful completion of courses at primary, secondary and tertiary levels," the committee has observed in the report.
According to the 2011 Census data, literacy rate among Muslims was 68.53 per cent against the national average of 72.98 per cent. The difference in enrolment rate for Muslims (74 per cent) and the remaining population (83 per cent) is also "sharp", the panel said. "We feel the three-tier model...would have a very positive and salutary effect in tackling the educational backwardness of the minorities and getting their children into the mainstream where they become proud contributors to the development of our nation," it said.
The committee has suggested national institutes-- different from the university system and IITs/IIMs-- should be established through an Act of Parliament. It has proposed establishing 211 central schools: one in each minority concentrated block of the 167 identified minority-dominant and concentrated districts. The remaining 44 are proposed to be established in minority-dominant and concentrated cities.
The schools should have sufficient infrastructure like buildings, classrooms, library, laboratory and facilities such as mess, it has recommended. They will be co-educational, will give free education and follow the CBSE curriculum from class I to XII with three streams of education - arts, science and commerce. The community colleges will charge low tuition fees and are proposed to provide tertiary education opportunities in arts, commerce, science and skill-based courses like health sciences, hospitality, textile and leather technology, fashion designing and media industry.
The community colleges would be set up one each in 25 states and enhance the employability of its students, the reports has said. The national institutes are proposed to be set up for providing education in areas such as science and technology, health and allied sciences, architecture planning and design, climate change and disaster management and renewable energy and food security. These will offer programmes of masters, doctoral and post-doctoral levels and their research infrastructure is envisioned to be at par with international standards, it has suggested.
dnaindia.com/india/report-muslims-educationally-most-disadvantaged-among-minorities-says-govt-funded-panel-report-2496616
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Europe
London’s Muslim Mayor Calls For Complete Ban On Hezbollah
July 9, 2017
Sadiq Khan is the first Muslim mayor of London.
(JTA) — London’s Muslim mayor wants Great Britain to make support for all factions of Hezbollah illegal.
Sadiq Khan said in a statement Thursday that he plans to request that the government outlaw support for the political wing of Hezbollah, the Jewish Chronicle reported. Support for the terrorist wing of the the Lebanon-based militia and Iranian ally is already banned in England.
“I share the concerns of the Jewish community about support shown for Hezbollah, which is an illegal, proscribed and antisemitic organization,” Khan said in his statement. “Antisemitism or hate crime of any kind has no place in our city, where we don’t just tolerate diversity, we respect and celebrate it.”
Khan’s statement came two weeks after marchers waved Hezbollah flags during the annual pro-Palestinian Al-Quds Day parade in London and blamed “Zionists” for the deadly Grenfell Tower fire a few days earlier. Political figures, mostly on the right, criticized Khan, a Labour Party member, for allowing the march to go on and called on him to support a ban.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews welcomed Khan’s announcement.
Khan, who was elected in May 2016 as the first Muslim mayor of London, began his term by calling for anti-Semitism to be rooted out of the city and the Labour Party.
forward.com/fast-forward/376486/london-s-muslim-mayor-calls-for-complete-ban-on-hezbollah/
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Jesus Painting Left on Islamic Center Investigated as Hate Crime
July 9, 2017
Authorities are investigating a bias incident Friday at the Hillside Islamic Center in North New Hyde Park, Nassau County police said.
According to detectives, Third Precinct patrol officers responded to the Covert Avenue Center about 5:45 p.m. after an employee discovered a large painting of Jesus Christ on a cross. The picture was found hanging from the property’s fence.
Detectives asked anyone with information about the incident to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.
newsday.com/long-island/crime/nassau-cops-probe-incident-at-islamic-center-1.13789976
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People Mark Anniversary of Mass Murder of Muslims on 'Death Road' in Europe (+Photo)
July, 09, 2017
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Thousands attend the peace March (Mars Mira) in Bosnia and Herzegovina to commemorate mass murder of Muslims in the heart of Europe during 1995 Srebrenica genocide.
More than 5,000 participants from all over the world on July 08, 2017 attended the "March of Peace" (March Mira) from Nezuk town on forest road known "death road" which was used by Bosnians who wanted to escape to safe zone of Tuzla, to commemorate the victims of the 1995 Srebrenica genocide in which some 8,000 Bosnians were killed, in Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In the 1990s and after dissolution of Yugoslavia, Bosnia and Herzegovina like other Balkan countries declared independence and Party of Democratic Action (SDA) lead by Alija Izetbegović took power in the country.
Establishment of a Muslim country in the heart of Europe resulted serval attacks from Serbs and Croats.
Both the West and East blocks at the time tried to partition Bosnia and attach Serbian and Croatian parts of the Bosnia to Republic of Serbia and Republic of Croatia.
As a result of Iran and Muslims’ support during the 1990s wars, Bosnian Muslims who had the majority, overcame the separatists but unfortunately 49 percent of the country came under ruling of autonomous Republic of Srpska under Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Before the war, Serbs owned just 33 percent of the land in the country.
In the meantime, Croats occupied 33 percent of the country and now have much more power they deserve in the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Croats owned just 17 percent of Bosnia before the war.
The power and the land that Serbs own in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the result of mass murders they committed under the support of world powers in the 1990s.
Serbs tried to occupy the cities of Muslims around them and raided the isolated pockets of Bosnian government-held territory in eastern Bosnia, named Srebrenica.
Serb forces besieged Srebrenica and killed 8372 Muslim men on July 11, 1995. They have also raped thousand women in the region. The event have been recognized as genocide by two international courts of justice and named the most brutal war after the Second World War in the Europe.
History of Mars Mira
The March of Peace is an annual peace walk in Bosnia and Herzegovina organized in memory of the victims of the 1995 Srebrenica genocide. The march gathers thousands of Bosnians and foreigners each year. The first march was held in 2005, to mark the tenth anniversary of the genocide. The campaign lasts three days, culminating in the participants' arrival to the village Potočari, where the Srebrenica Genocide Memorial-Cemetery is located. The participants arrive a day prior for the mass funeral that occurs for those victims who have been found from the previous year. The search for bodies of the victims is ongoing every year.
The event, which has been organized since 2005, marks the killing of Bosniaks who survived after the fall of Srebrenica in July 1995 and tried to reach territory controlled by the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Peace March became an international event, and a large number of people from around the world joined the March. In 2012, there were nearly 8,000 participants.
The march usually begins in the village Nezuk by Sapna on or around 8 July.
In addition to the pedestrian campaigns, support also comes from participants who engaged in Cycling Marathons.
tasnimnews.com/en/news/2017/07/09/1459400/people-mark-anniversary-of-mass-murder-of-muslims-on-death-road-in-europe-photo
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South Asia
Deadly airstrike target ISIS leaders in Jawzjan in North of Afghanistan
By KHAAMA PRESS - Sun Jul 09 2017
A deadly airstrike was carried out on the leaders of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group’s offshoot in Afghanistan, ISIS Khurasan, in northern Jawzjan province of Afghanistan.
The Afghan Intelligence, National Directorate of Security (NDS), said the airstrike was carried out in the vicinity of Qosh Tapa district.
A statement by NDS said a total of five key leaders of the terror group were killed in the airstrike.
The statement further added that the ISIS leaders killed in the airstrike have been identified as Mullah Abdul Ahad, Qri Muhibullah, Damullah Sadruddin, Qarid Mawdood, and Faiz Mohamad.
Among those killed are one of the key leaders of the terror group, Qari Mawdood, who was in charge of the terror group’s financial affairs in Jawzjan.
The anti-government armed militant groups including the ISIS terrorist group have not commented regarding the report so far.
The security situation in Jawzjan province has started to deteriorate during the recent years with the rampant insurgency led both the Taliban and ISIS militants.
At least 52 farmers were abducted by the militants believed to having links with the ISIS terrorist group in mid-February this year.
At least six employees of the International Committee of Red Cross were also shot dead by militants in this province during the same month.
Local officials said the ICRC employees were shot dead by ISIS loyalists and at least two of them were kidnapped.
khaama.com/dead-airstrike-target-isis-leaders-in-jawzjan-in-north-of-afghanistan-03111
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Taliban to be designated as global terrorists if pursues violence: Ghani
By KHAAMA PRESS - Sun Jul 09 2017
President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani once again called on the Taliban group to join peace process, warning that the group will be designated as global terrorists if its pursues violence.
Speaking during a conference in Kabul, President Ghani said the Taliban group should understand that time is not waiting for them.
“They should wholeheartedly accept the peace process or they should get ready to be included in the international list of the globally designated terrorists,” President Ghani said.
President Ghani further added that the government of national unity has a crystal clear approach and policy towards peace process since the beginning of its formation.
He said the Afghan government will continue to pursue its policies for peace and reconciliation although it has not been successful so far but the government is ready to achieve it at the cost of lives and finances.
The Afghan president also added that it is the time that the international community should understand and ask themselves that what is the solution when the militants are even attacking embassies and consulates.
According to President Ghani, the Afghan government and nation is in the frontline in the fight against terrorism and for Afghanistan and global security.
The remarks by President Ghani are delivered at a time when the Taliban group is not ready for the peace talks and has repeatedly rejected to participate in reconciliation despite persistent efforts by the government to end the violence through negotiations.
khaama.com/taliban-to-be-designated-as-global-terrorists-if-pursues-violence-ghani-03110
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Bangladesh police arrest key suspect in Dhaka cafe attack
AP | Jul 8, 2017
NEW DELHI: Police in northwestern Bangladesh have arrested a suspected key supplier of explosives in last year's attack on a Dhaka cafe that left 20 dead, including 17 foreigners.
Police say Sohel Mahfuz was arrested along with three other suspected members of the Jumatul Mujahedeen Bangladesh.
The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the July 1, 2016 attack on the Holey Artisan Bakery, but authorities blamed the domestic group.
Five militants from the banned group who stormed the cafe and took patrons hostage also died, along with two police officers.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/bangladesh-police-arrest-key-suspect-in-dhaka-cafe-attack/articleshow/59501649.cms
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Mideast
Qatar to seek compensation for damages from Arab blockade
AP | Updated: Jul 9, 2017
DOHA, Qatar: Qatar's government says it is forming a committee to pursue compensation for damages stemming from its isolation by four Arab countries.
Qatari Public Prosecutor Ali Al-Marri said in a press conference Sunday that the committee will handle claims made by private companies, public institutions and individuals.
He gave few details, but said the body would use both domestic and international mechanisms to seek compensation.
Members of the newly formed committee include Qatar's minister of justice and minister of foreign affairs.
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain cut diplomatic ties and severed air, land and sea links with Qatar last month, accusing it of supporting extremism. Qatar has denied the allegations, and says the bloc's ultimatums are an affront to its sovereignty.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/qatar-to-seek-compensation-for-damages-from-arab-blockade/articleshow/59514243.cms
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Iran: Disintegration of Iraq Strategic Mistake
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Iranian foreign ministry underlined the necessity for maintaining Iraq's territorial integrity and national sovereignty, and voiced opposition to any plans to disintegrate the Arab country.
"Iran wants to see (maintenance of) Iraq's territorial integrity and national sovereignty and an integrated, democratic and developed Iraq and considers any disintegration and separation among nations, ethnic groups and religions as a type of blatant and strategic mistake which will harm the Iraqi people and all ethnic groups and religions and will further destabilize Iraq and promote terrorism in the country," Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi said on Sunday.
He vowed that Iran will never change its policy of support for Iraq's Central government and the country's territorial integrity.
In relevant remarks last Tuesday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani renewed his country's continued support for Iraq's territorial integrity and national sovereignty.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran supports a stable, an integrated and united Iraq; any move undermining unity and integrity of Iraq will not be in favor of anybody, thus unacceptable," President Rouhani said in a meeting with Head of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq (ISCI) Ammar al-Hakim in Tehran.
The Iranian president, meantime, pointed to the recent victories of the Iraqi army against the ISIL in Mosul in Western Iraq, and said, "Mosul liberation will surely reinforce Iraq's integrity."
"In light of prudence of the Iraqi officials and strengthening and integrity of all ethnic groups, happiness of the Iraqi nation over Mosul liberation should be preserved," President Rouhani said.
Noting that promotion of Tehran-Baghdad relations is the wish of both Iranian and Iraqi nations and in line with mutual interests, he said that the Islamic Republic of Iran has always been favoring solid relations with all neighbors, specially Iraq.
en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13960418000672
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Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank-Egypt launches 2nd tranche of healthcare note
Published Sunday, 09 July 2017 08:57
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank-Egypt (ADIB) has launched a second tranche of its Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Equities Basket Note following, according to a press release.
The bank said in a statement on Saturday that the moves comes due to popular demand from customers and investors on the first tranche that was launched in May 2017.
The Shariah-compliant note matures in one year and provides 100 percent capital protection at maturity to minimise investment risk, and is designed to capitalise on projected growth in the healthcare industry.
The product provides investors with exposure to a basket of leading international companies operating across the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, including Pfizer, Merck, Celgene, Novartis, and Novo Nordisk.
The note is open for subscription until 24 August and offers a three-month lock-in period.
en.amwalalghad.com/business/banks/57896-abu-dhabi-islamic-bank-egypt-launches-2nd-tranche-of-healthcare-note.html
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Pakistan
600 trucks for US army in Afghanistan arrive at Karachi port
Parvaiz Ishfaq RanaUpdated July 09, 2017
KARACHI: A vessel carrying over 600 military vehicles, destined for US forces in Afghanistan, docked at the Karachi port recently.
Such a consignment has arrived after a gap of over six months and will be delivered to US army units stationed in the war-ravaged country.
According to official documents, the vehicles were shipped from the Wilmington port and aboard the vessel ‘MV Glovis Sun’ along with other equipment that were unloaded at the Karachi port last month.
Though the category of the trucks was not specified in the documents, port sources said they were Humvee vehicles which were under extensive use of the US army in Afghanistan.
About six months ago, another vessel carrying a small number of Humvee vehicles was unloaded at the Karachi port. The documents confirm that the importer of the consignment was the US army and dates for the bill of lading were in April and May. The vehicles have a capacity of 2.5 tonnes.
The US has decided to increase the number of its troops in Afghanistan by another 4,500 men, adding to its current strength of 8,500 personnel, according to sources. The American personnel are engaged in the advisory, training and assistance missions, including counterterrorism and air support for the Afghan security forces.
In May, the US army deployed 1,500 Special Forces soldiers to Afghanistan, where attacks by the militant Islamic State group have threatened the stability of the US-backed government.
Analysts believe that the arrival of a larger number of military vehicles indicated that the US was planning to prolong its presence in Afghanistan.
dawn.com/news/1344151/600-trucks-for-us-army-in-afghanistan-arrive-at-karachi-port
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Pakistan summons India's deputy high commissioner for second day
PTI | Jul 9, 2017
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Sunday summoned India's deputy high commissioner for the second consecutive day over alleged ceasefire violations along the LoC, claiming that more civilians were killed in firing by the Indian troops.
Deputy high commissioner JP Singh was summoned again to "condemn and lodge protest over more civilian casualties at the LoC due to unprovoked ceasefire violations by India," Pakistan Foreign Office said in a statement.
The Foreign Office spokesman alleged that three more civilians were killed in Chirikot and Satwal Sectors yesterday by the Indian troops, increasing the total civilian toll to five, including one man and four women.
Director-General (South Asia and SAARC) Mohammad Faisal who summoned Singh "condemned further unprovoked ceasefire violations" by the Indian forces.
He said "the deliberate targeting of civilians is indeed deplorable and contrary to human dignity and international human rights and humanitarian laws."
During the meeting yesterday, Singh had conveyed to Faisal that the ceasefire violations were initiated by Pakistani troops in Poonch and Krishnaghatti sectors and the Indian forces only responded appropriately.
A strong protest was also lodged over the death of two Indian civilians in the yesterday's ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops.
The Director General today urged the Indian side to respect the 2003 ceasefire arrangement; investigate this and other incidents of ceasefire violations; instruct the Indian forces to respect the ceasefire, in letter and spirit and maintain peace on the LoC.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/pakistan-summons-indias-deputy-high-commissioner-for-second-day/articleshow/59513480.cms
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Pak woman cancer patient seeks Swaraj's help for medical visa
PTI | Updated: Jul 9, 2017
ISLAMABAD: A woman suffering from cancer in Pakistan has urged external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj to help her visit India for treatment after her visa application was reportedly rejected by the Indian embassy here.
Faiza Tanveer, 25, is suffering from a recurrent ameloblastoma, an oral tumour which is aggressive in nature.
She planned to visit the Inderprastha Dental College and Hospital (IDCH) in Ghaziabad and paid Rs 10 lakh in advance for treatment, according to a Pakistani media report.
But the Indian high commission in Islamabad rejected her medical visa application, the report said.
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Tanveer's mother claimed that her application was rejected because of deteriorating ties between the two countries.
That forced Tanveer to take to social media to move Indian authorities.
Tanveer in several tweets over the past couple of days has urged Swaraj to intervene. She has also posted her photo and a video that showed her tumour.
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In one of the tweets, she said, "Please help me save my life mam plz (sic)," and tagged Swaraj in the tweet. In another tweet, Tanveer said, "Sushma g please help me (sic)."
Last month, an ailing child from Pakistan and his parents were issued visa for an emergency heart treatment after the family sought Swaraj's help.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pak-woman-cancer-patient-seeks-swarajs-help-for-medical-visa/articleshow/59510809.cms
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Pakistan to issue special cards for Afghan students
By KHAAMA PRESS - Sun Jul 09 2017
The authorities in Khyber agency of Pakistan are saying that the distribution of special cards for the Afghan students will kick off from Monday in a bid to help the students pursue their studies in the Pakistani schools.
The authorities are saying that the move is also aimed at curbing the movement of the militants and the special cards will help the students to travel between the two countries.
According to a formal statement released by the provincial government in Khyber agency “All those Afghan students who want to continue their education in border schools in Khyber Agency should get registered with the Tehsildar office starting from Monday to obtain special cards, which will facilitate them in crossing the border on a daily basis.”
This comes as Pakistan has also launched the fencing and construction work along the Durand Line despite the objections by the Afghan authorities and recent clashes mainly having links with the dispute regarding the line.
The Pakistani military informed regarding the commencement of the fencing work along the line on last month, saying the step has been taken with an aim to improve security.
The Inter Services Public Relations, media wing of the Pakistani military, in a statement said “Measures to improve the security situation along the Pak-Afghan border continue and phase fencing of Pak-Afghan border has commenced.”
The statement further added the work will be done in two phases, with the first phase to focus on high infiltration prone border areas in Bajaur, Mohmand and Khyber agencies where fencing has started.
According to the Pakistani military, in the second phase fencing of the remaining border areas, including Balochistan, will be executed.
khaama.com/pakistan-to-issue-special-cards-for-afghan-students-03109
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Hundreds rally against Iranian President in Helmand
By KHAAMA PRESS - Sat Jul 08 2017
Hundreds of people rallied against the Iranian President in southern Helmand province of Afghanistan, slamming the Iranian leader for his remarks regarding the construction of water dams in Afghanistan.
The demonstration was organized on Friday and several civil society activists, youths, and local elders had participated in the rally.
They condemned the Iranian President’s remarks regarding the construction of water dams and said such remarks reflect the direct interference of the country in the internal affairs of Afghanistan.
Chanting ‘death to Iran, death to Hassan Rouhani, and death to the bad neighbors of Afghanistan’, the rally participants ended their demonstration by reading a statement.
According to the statement, the water treaty signed with Iran in 1972 should be terminated, Iran should be accountable for the water it has received over the past 40 years, and no one has the right to interfere in the internal affairs of Afghanistan.
The rally participants also warned that the Afghan people know well on how to defend and demand their rights, insisting that the Helmand residents support president Ghani’s foreign policies and will stand with the government regarding the issues related to the waters.
The local tribal elders also condemned the neighboring countries of Afghanistan, specifically Iran and Pakistan for their interferences in Afghanistan and declared their support to President Ghani for his foreign affairs policies.
khaama.com/hundreds-rally-against-iranian-president-in-helmand-03108
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Southeast Asia
Suspected Indonesian Islamist detonates home-made bomb by accident
09 July, 2017
The 21-year-old suspect, identified as food vendor Agus Wiguna, was arrested after the explosion in his rented home at around 3.30pm in the provincial capital of Bandung, according to national police spokesman Rikwanto. No casualties were reported.
Since June 1, the suspect had used information gathered from a militant website to assemble the bombs, the police representative said. A pressure cooker containing nails and some exploded pressure cooker bombs were recovered at the site of the explosion.
Indonesian police officers gather after an explosions at a rental house in Bandung. Photo: EPA
Bandung Police chief Hendro Pandowo said the suspect admitted his plan to bomb several places in Bandung, including a restaurant, church and cafe on Braga Road, a well-known street famous among tourists since the Dutch colonial occupation of Indonesia.
According to Rikwanto, Cafe Bali would have been the first target, with the bomber allegedly planning to strike on July 16.
“It was not immediately clear why the suspect chose the three targets, but he confessed that his objective was to carry out “a jihad against non-Muslims,” Hendro said.
scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/2101886/suspected-indonesian-islamist-detonates-home-made-bomb
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