Extremist Qur'anic Schools Take Hold in Libya to Instil Radical Ideology in Youths
New Age Islam News Bureau
6
Apr 2014
Photo: 20 dead in Boko Haram's attack on Nigeria mosque
Africa
• Extremist Qur'anic Schools Take Hold in Libya to Instil Radical Ideology in Youths
• 20 dead in Boko Haram's attack on Nigeria mosque
• Police raid Nairobi Somali district, arrest 500
• Nigerian Gunmen Kidnap Two Priests, Nun
• Men behind Rwandan Genocide Languish in Mali Prison
• Somalia: Five Federal Govt Soldiers Killed At Checkpoint in Middle Shabelle Region
South Asia
• 94 Taliban Militants Killed In Afghan Counter-Terrorism Operations
• Smooth Afghan election raises questions about Taliban's strength
• Chittagong Madrasa Blast: Mufti Izhar, 8 others indicted
• Anti-Muslim riot on outskirts of main Myanmar city
• 690 attacks recorded during elections day in Afghanistan
• ‘Bangladesh scouts to take international shape’
Arab World
• At least 20 Iraqi soldiers killed in attacks
• Iraq attacks kill 10 with elections due in weeks
• Regime attacks on Saturday kill 118 in Syria, opposition says
• Judge orders gag on Morsi Ittihadiya trial testimonies
• One Syrian Refugee Killed in Clashes with Jordanian Security
• State media: mortar fire kills two at Damascus opera house
Pakistan
• Pakistani Taliban launches its Urdu website
• Govt considers Taliban own people, Balochs aliens, says Mengal
• Govt to release 13 more Taliban prisoners: Nisar
• Majority of Taliban favour peace, claims Imran
• Govt., Taliban second direct talks in next 2/3 days
• Dialogue with Taliban to leave positive results in country: Coordinator TTP
• Islamic finance alternative to conventional banking
• PM felicitates Afghanistan on historical polls
• Navies of Iran, Pakistan to hold joint drill in Hormuz strait
Europe
• 'Muslim Brotherhood in UK warns of attacks in response to government probe'
• Syria fighters pose ‘inevitable’ terror threat to Europe
• EU backs Kerry's efforts in Mideast peace process
India
• Afghan elections a ‘resounding rejection’ of terror, says India
• Afghanistan-Pakistan policy key for India
• Pakistan bike-snatchers turned terrorists for IM’s ‘jihad lite’
Southeast Asia
• Hudud can’t be implemented under present political condition, says Karpal
• 25 countries helping Malaysia to search for MH370 because of strong relationships – Najib
• Indonesians in Malaysia cast votes for legislative election
Mideast
• Convicted terrorist to speak at Tel Aviv University
• Nuclear talks in Vienna ‘useful,’ says Iran
• Israel wants peace talks but ‘not at any price’
• Spike in Iran executions seen politically motivated
• Palestine offers to avoid intl. conventions
North America
• Snowden, Greenwald warn of wider US spying
• Obama congratulates Afghans on historic elections
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/extremist-qur-anic-schools-take/d/66430
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Africa
Extremist Qur'anic Schools Take Hold in Libya to Instil Radical Ideology in Youths
Apr 6, 2014
In the absence of state institutions, Qur'anic schools in Libya are left to operate on their own. But residents of Benghazi are expressing alarm at the growing number of radical preachers and their impact on kids.
With the infusion of global extremists who flocked to Libya after the February 17th revolution, citizens fear some schools are being used as a cover to instil radical ideology in youths.
Libyan Observatory for Human Rights President Abdul Nasser Ahmed said that there was "no monitoring on Qur'anic schools these days due to the weakness of state institutions and absence of the Ministry of Religious Endowments' oversight role".
"Therefore, each Islamic group, whether extremist or moderate, controls a number of these Qur'anic schools and uses them to promote their ideology, which undoubtedly includes extremist, Takfirist ideology, such as Ansar al-Sharia," Ahmed explained.
Samia Mahmoud, a 33-year-old employee at Benghazi educational inspection office, said that "some schools present an ideological change and instil extremist ideas that have nothing to do with Islam."
"They are corrupt, but claim to be pious people. Be careful; children are your responsibility; don't throw them into an abyss. They're young and don't know right from wrong," Mahmoud cautioned.
Fathi Abdelmounaim, 39, a host for al-Manara TV station, said, "In fact, these Qur'anic schools create a problem: they don't just help children memorise the Qur'an, but some of them spread extremist ideology and promote leaflets and pamphlets through which they spread the culture of hatred."
"I'm talking about a personal experience, as I removed my young brother from one of such schools when I noticed that the sheikh was instilling extremism in his head," Abdelmounaim added.
"At these mosques, they now say that democracy is Kufr," Abdelmounaim said. "There's a video of a group of Libyans going to a Saudi sheikh who told them that 'the General National Congress (GNC) is infidel; don't take part in the election because it's Kufr; do you want to be like Jews and Christians?' When they said to him that Libya doesn't have Jews or Christians, he said there was the Muslim Brotherhood, and they are more evil."
Those people are in charge at mosques, "which are now beyond the government's control", Abdelmounaim added. "There's a list at the Ministry of Religious Endowments about these mosques."
In his turn, Ali Massoud, 27, an employee at the civil registry office, said, "Some of the things happening at those Qur'anic schools at the hands of those who call themselves sheikhs make bodies shiver."
"The Qur'anic school project without monitoring from the state and family is very dangerous for children... We need to know what advice and lessons are given to our children." 37-year-old oilfield worker Mohamed Attia told Magharebia.
"However, the scariest thing about them is that they instil extremist ideology in children's minds through some of the extremists who take Islam as a cover," Attia said. "Therefore, the state and families must closely monitor these Qur'anic schools."
Amina Ezzedine, 26, a teacher, relayed her own personal story of religious extremism.
"I'll tell you about my shock in my own neighbour who left her car at the airport with a message saying goodbye to her family. After a short search, the mother discovered that her 33-year-old daughter, who is a doctor, has gone to Syria via Turkey for jihad. This is what she said in her message to her family," she recounted.
"I was very surprised with the thought of that educated young girl and her belief in jihad annikah," she said.
http://magharebia.com/en_GB/articles/awi/features/2014/04/02/feature-01
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20 dead in Boko Haram's attack on Nigeria mosque
Apr 6, 2014
Up to 20 people were killed Saturday in an attack by suspected Boko Haram on a mosque in Buni Gari, a settlement about 105km from Yobe, the capital town of Yobe State in northeast Nigeria.
"Reports say up to 20 innocent lives were lost," Abdullahi Bego, spokesman for Yobe Governor Ibrahim Gaidam, told Anadolu Agency.
He said the gunmen had opened fire on Muslims shortly before the dawn prayer.
"This is a tragedy," added Bego.
"The government has authorized immediate manhunt of the criminal elements that, despite all efforts to stamp out terrorism from Yobe, are bent on ruining communal peace," said the spokesman.
"Once again, we appeal to those behind these senseless killings to desist. Enough of shedding the blood of the innocent," he added.
Haruna Mustapha, a local farmer, said the attackers destroyed the mosque and set many other buildings ablaze.
"Our people were gunned down while trying to pray," he told AA.
"We learnt that the terrorists did what they did because we are against their evil ideology and our young men have constituted a stumbling block to their recruitment strategy," Mustapha said.
"They are angry that our communities have succeeded in convincing our young men that Boko Haram is in fact a conspiracy against Islam and Muslims and that their ideology is strange to the peace and common human brotherhood that Islam preaches," he added.
Yobe, Borno and Adamawa are the three north-eastern Nigeria's states gripped by the bloody Boko Haram insurgency. A state of emergency has been in place in the three states since May.
Unlike Borno, however, Yobe hardly experiences persistent Boko Haram attacks.
But the rare attacks had been very devastating, including the killings of over 40 school children at a central government college in their sleep early this year.
More than 1000 were killed in the first three months of the year alone in the Boko Haram insurgency.
http://www.worldbulletin.net/headlines/132987/20-dead-in-boko-harams-attack-on-nigeria-mosque
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Police raid Nairobi Somali district, arrest 500
Apr 6, 2014
Kenyan police on Saturday arrested some 500 suspects in Nairobi's mainly Somali neighborhood of Eastleigh.
"This national operation will continue and we are not going back with this," Police Inspector General David Kimaiyo told Anadolu Agency.
"We have to finish what we have started until every Kenyan is safe," he added.
Police are targeting illegal immigrants and terror suspects.
A directive issued by Kenyan authorities two weeks ago asked all refugees in urban centers - estimated to number nearly 50,000 - to relocate to two designated refugee camps in the mostly arid northern areas of Dadaab and Kakuma.
Eastleigh local police boss Barasa Wabomba said they had discovered some fake Kenyan national IDs used by Somali refugees.
He told AA that most of those arrested had no appropriate documents, adding that they were being detained in six police stations near Eastleigh.
Police swoops have been continuing since Kenyan authorities launched a massive operation to restore security after a spate of attacks in capital Nairobi and the coastal city of Mombasa.
Last week, six people were killed after Eastleigh was hit by triple explosions.
Gunmen attacked Mombasa's Joy in Jesus Church last month during a Sunday morning service, killing six and wounding a number of others.
The attack came a few days after Kenyan authorities announced they had foiled a major terrorist plot after seizing two men driving an explosives-laden car through the coastal city.
Inspector General Kimaiyo confirmed to AA that so far 2000 suspects had been arrested nationwide.
The operation, however, continues to face criticism from the local Kenyan Somali community amid accusations of extortion, rape and brutality.
Aden Dualle, a Kenyan Somali politician and leader of the majority in parliament, has threatened to ditch the government and the ruling party, accusing authorities of targeting Muslims and the Kenyan Somali community.
"Any officer caught receiving bribe or acting brutally during the operation will have to face the law," said Kimayo.
Kenya has been on high security alert since last September's Westgate Mall attack in Nairobi in which 67 people were killed. The attack was claimed by Al-Shabaab.
The militant group has threatened continued attacks on Kenyan interest until the latter withdraws troops deployed in Somalia since 2011.
http://www.worldbulletin.net/headlines/132988/police-raid-nairobi-somali-district-arrest-500
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Nigerian Gunmen Kidnap Two Priests, Nun
Apr 6, 2014
Officials in Italy say suspected Boko Haram gunmen have kidnapped two Italian priests and a Canadian nun in northern Cameroon.
Authorities say the abduction happened during the night between Friday and Saturday near the Nigerian border.
Kidnappings of Westerners have become common in the remote and sparsely populated region, where borders between countries are porous.
The priests abducted overnight were identified as Giampaolo Marta and Gianantonio Allegri from the Vicenza diocese in northeastern Italy.
The identity of the nun was not immediately clear.
http://allafrica.com/stories/201404050034.html?aa_source=acrdn-f0
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Men Behind Rwandan Genocide Languish in Mali Prison
Apr 6, 2014
Koulikoro, Mali. Stretching their legs in a sunkissed gravel prison courtyard, two of the architects of Rwanda’s genocide serve out their sentences far from home, 20 years after leading the slaughter.
Theoneste Bagosora, bespectacled and sporting a gleaming pair of tennis shoes, cuts a far more serene figure than he did as the army chief described as “the Heinrich Himmler of Rwanda” who ordered an “apocalypse” which left 800,000 dead.
His cellmate Jean Kambanda’s face is hidden by an enormous beard but he is still recognisable as the prime minister who incited one of the most extensive and brutal mobilizations of a population against its fellow countrymen ever seen.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/international/men-behind-rwandan-genocide-languish-mali-prison/
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Somalia: Five Federal Govt Soldiers Killed At Checkpoint in Middle Shabelle Region
Apr 6, 2014
Mogadishu — Five Somali Federal Government soldiers died and nine others sustained bullet wounds after infighting at a checkpoint in El Ade vicinity in Middle Shabelle region of southern Somalia on Saturday, Garowe Online reports.
According to witnesses, the fighting broke out when soldiers in armored fighting vehicle ordered men in military fatigues to lift unauthorized roadblock.
Local reports say, a commander was among those who were pronounced dead, with security sources unveiling that 9 soldiers are being treated at Mogadishu's Madina hospital.
Full report at:
http://allafrica.com/stories/201404060002.html?aa_source=mf-hdlns
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South Asia
94 Taliban Militants Killed In Afghan Counter-Terrorism Operations
Apr 06 2014
At least 94 Taliban militants were killed during military operations by Afghan national security forces in the past 24 hours.
The interior ministry of Afghanistan said the operations were conducted by Afghan national police in cooperation with the Afghan national army and Afghan intelligence – national directorate of security (NDS) operatives.
Interior ministry following a statement said the counter-terrorism operations were conducted in Ghazni, Badghis, Baghlan, Faryab, Khost and Paktika provinces.
At least 94 Taliban militants were killed, 20 militants were injured and 3 others were arrested during the operations, interior ministry said in its statement, adding that Afghan security forces also confiscated various types of light and heavy weapons.
Full report at:
http://www.khaama.com/94-taliban-militants-killed-in-afghan-counter-terrorism-operations-2969
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Smooth Afghan election raises questions about Taliban's strength
Apr 6, 2014
KABUL, April 6 (Reuters) - A bigger-than-expected turnout in Afghanistan's presidential election and the Taliban's failure to significantly disrupt the vote has raised questions about the capacity of the insurgents to tip the country back into chaos as foreign troops head home.
The Taliban claimed that they staged more than 1,000 attacks and killed dozens during Saturday's election, which they have branded a U.S.-backed deception of the Afghan people, though security officials said it was a gross exaggeration.
There were dozens of minor roadside bombs, and attacks on polling stations, police and voters during the day. But the overall level of violence was much lower than the Taliban had threatened to unleash on the country.
Full report at:
http://www.trust.org/item/20140406084706-nhewv/?source=hptop
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Chittagong Madrasa Blast: Mufti Izhar, 8 others indicted
Apr 6, 2014
A Chittagong court has framed charges against Hefazat-e-Islam Nayeb-e-Ameer Mufti Izharul Islam Chowdhury, his son Harun Izhar and seven others in three cases over grenade blasts at his Lalkhan Bazar Madrasa where three students were killed in October, 2013.
Metropolitan Magistrate Mujbur rahman passed the indictment order on Sunday.
The other accused of the cases are Abdul Hai, Rabibur Rahman, Md Ishak, Monir Hossain, Abdul Mannan, Tafsir Ahmed and Mohammad Junayed. They were produced before the court.
On March 27, the court issued arrest warrant against Mufti Izharul Islam.
Full report at:
http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2014/apr/06/charge-framed-against-mufti-izhar-8-others#sthash.x6llSQkZ.dpuf
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Anti-Muslim riot on outskirts of main Myanmar city
World Bulletin / News Desk
Apr 6, 2014
Anti-Muslim rioters wielding sticks and rocks have attacked villagers and houses on the outskirts of Myanmar’s main city of Yangon.
Riot police moved in swinging batons to disperse a mob of at least 100 people in Hlegu, about 24 miles (40 kilometers) north of the city. Hlegu is now under curfew between 6am and 6pm and officials say the situation is calm.
Sann Aung, who owns a shop selling agricultural machinery in the village, told Anadolu Agency on Saturday that two Muslim houses were ransacked by a group of around 40 rioters during the violence which occurred late Friday.
He added that he saw a group of 20 to 30 Buddhists form on the village’s main road.
They chanted: “We want to kill Muslims,” he said.
It is the first time this year that sectarian clashes, often confined to more remote regions further north, have broken out near Yangon, the country's former capital.
Full report at:
http://www.worldbulletin.net/headlines/132955/anti-muslim-riot-on-outskirts-of-main-myanmar-city
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690 attacks recorded during elections day in Afghanistan
Apr 06 2014
The anti-government armed militants carried out 690 attacks across the country during the presidential and provincial council elections on Saturday.
Defense ministry spokesman, Gen. Zahir Azimi said Saturday that the attacks by militants included direct fire, rocket attacks, improvised explosive device (IED) attacks and suicide attacks.
Gen. Azimi further added that 162 insurgents movements were recorded in 201 Silab Corps zone, 241 movements were recorded in Shaheen Corps zone, 20 in Thunder Corps zone, 39 movements in Atal Corps zone, 39 movements in Zafar Corps zone, 76 insurgents movements were recorded with Shaheen Corpse, 50 movements were recorded with Maiwand Corps and 82 attacks were recorded with 111 Corps zone.
Full report at:
http://www.khaama.com/690-attacks-recorded-during-elections-day-in-afghanistan-2971
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‘Bangladesh scouts to take international shape’
Apr 6, 2014
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said the National Scout Training Centre in Gazipur’s Mouchak area would be upgraded to international standard.
“I have issued directives for the adoption of separate projects to promote the standard of Bangladesh Scouts,” said the prime minister.
The premier was addressing the 9th Bangladesh and 1st SANSO (SAARC National Scout Organisations) Scout Jamboree 2014 held at the National Scout Training Centre yesterday.
Sheikh Hasina said: “Scouting is very important to help children, teenagers and the youth grow as honest, confident, ideal citizens. Bangladesh Scouts got appraised for its valiant role in national and international arenas.”
Full report at:
http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2014/apr/06/%E2%80%98bangladesh-scouts-take-international-shape%E2%80%99#sthash.l5z6wnh1.dpuf
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Arab World
At least 20 Iraqi soldiers killed in attacks
Reuters | Apr 6, 2014
FALLUJA: At least 20 Iraqi soldiers were killed on Saturday, most of them upon entering a house rigged with explosives northwest of the capital, security officials said.
Militants last week overran the house in the town of Garma, 30 km (20 miles) northwest of Baghdad, which had previously been used as an army post, officials said.
The army moved in on Saturday morning after militants retreated, but when they entered the house, a powerful blast tore through the building, two security officials said.
The identity of the attackers was not clear, but Sunni Islamist insurgents are regaining ground in Iraq and have taken over several towns and cities since the start of the year, including Falluja, around 70 km (44 miles) from Baghdad.
Ongoing violence has raised doubts parliamentary elections can be held nationwide later this month as intended.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/At-least-20-Iraqi-soldiers-killed-in-attacks/articleshow/33317816.cms
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Iraq attacks kill 10 with elections due in weeks
Apr 6, 2014
Attacks killed 10 people in Iraq on Sunday while six militants also died as the country grapples with its worst bloodshed in years just weeks before parliamentary elections.
Among those killed were six who died in a mass assassination south of Baghdad, in scenes reminiscent of the worst of Iraq's 2006-07 sectarian conflict in which tens of thousands were killed.
The surge in violence has left more than 2,400 people dead so far this year.
It is principally driven by anger in the Sunni Arab minority over alleged mistreatment at the hands of the Shia-led authorities, as well as spill over from the war in neighbouring Syria.
The deadliest of the bloodshed on Sunday struck in Latifiyah, south of Baghdad within the confessionally mixed Triangle of Death, so called because of the brutal violence which plagued the area during the peak of Iraq's confessional war.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/98388/World/Region/Iraq-attacks-kill--with-elections-due-in-weeks.aspx
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Regime attacks on Saturday kill 118 in Syria, opposition says
World Bulletin/News Desk
Apr 6, 2014
At least 118 people were killed in alleged attacks by the Syrian regime against opposition forces Saturday, according to a London-based rights group.
Thirty-two people were killed in the suburbs of Damascus, 22 in Aleppo, 19 in Idlib, 14 in Daraa, 13 in Humus, 11 in Hama, four in Deir ez-Zor and one each in Kuneytra, Tartus and Latakia, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR).
Meanwhile, the Local Coordination Committees of Syria (LCC) reported that the regime army staged air attacks with helicopters on the opposition-controlled areas in Aleppo, where many buildings were either damaged or destroyed.
http://www.worldbulletin.net/todays-news/133000/regime-attacks-kill-118-in-syria-opposition-says
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Judge orders gag on Morsi Ittihadiya trial testimonies
Apr 6, 2014
An Egyptian judge has ordered a media gag on testimonies given by witnesses in the trial of ousted president Mohamed Morsi and 14 others on charges of inciting the murder of demonstrators in late 2012, a judicial source said Sunday.
Violators would be interrogated and prosecuted, the source said.
Earlier in the day, the court banned the media from attending the hearing, which is expected to feature testimonies from prosecution witnesses.
An Anadolu Agency said security had prevented him and all other reporters from attending the session, held at eastern Cairo's Police Academy.
Full report at:
http://www.worldbulletin.net/headlines/133013/judge-orders-gag-on-morsi-ittihadiya-trial-testimonies
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One Syrian Refugee Killed in Clashes with Jordanian Security
Apr 6, 2014
At least one Syrian refugee was killed in Jordan's sprawling Zaatari camp when hundreds of refugees clashed with security forces, residents said on Saturday.
They said scores of refugees in the sprawling camp close to the Syrian border were injured as baton-wielding anti-riot police used tear gas to disperse stone-throwing refugees who set fire to official offices and caravans.
Jordanian police blamed agitators who were apprehended after trying to flee the refugee camp of nearly 70,000 residents. Authorities said at least 22 anti-riot police were hospitalized for treatment but denied any deaths occurred.
Full report at:
http://www.almanar.com.lb/english/adetails.php?eid=144549&cid=23&fromval=1&frid=23&seccatid=25&s1=1
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State media: mortar fire kills two at Damascus opera house
Apr 6, 2014
A mortar attack on the Damascus Opera House killed two people on Sunday, state media reported, as regime forces pressed a campaign against rebels on the Syrian capital’s outskirts.
“Two people were killed and five others wounded by a mortar round that hit the Damascus Opera House” near key government and military buildings on Umayyad Square, the official SANA news agency said.
The attack damaged the Opera House, which was inaugurated by President Bashar al-Assad in 2004.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/04/06/State-media-mortar-fire-kills-two-at-Damascus-opera-house-.html
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Pakistan
Pakistani Taliban launches its Urdu website
PTI | Apr 6, 2014
ISLAMABAD: The banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan has launched its Urdu website hosting videos, a magazine, and interviews and statements of its top leaders.
Interestingly, the website has also given links to certain YouTube videos but those don't work as the popular video sharing website is banned by the government.
It was not clear when the website was launched but a background check on the domain name shows it was registered on November 24, 2013 and was first updated on January 24, 2014.
The website has been registered on the internet with an address in Queensland, Australia.
Such websites are hosted by giving wrong information. A strip on the homepage said, 'Official site of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan'.
The website contains the TTP flag, verses from the Holy Quran, statements and videos containing sectarian, hate and propaganda material, especially against security forces.
It also contains a message of TTP deputy Shaikh Khalid Haqqani for the people of Balochistan, and pictures of slain TTP chief Hakimullah Mehsud and his successor and current leader Maulvi Fazlullah.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Pakistani-Taliban-launch-its-Urdu-website/articleshow/33329133.cms
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Govt considers Taliban own people, Balochs aliens, says Mengal
April 06, 2014
ISLAMABAD - Former chief minister Balochistan Sardar Akhtar Mengal has warned that his party men would resign from the assemblies if killing and forced disappearances of the Baloch youth did not stop.
In an interview with BBC here, the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) chief said he has conveyed his apprehensions to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in a meeting with him on Thursday. He said the PM assured him that this year would be the ‘year of change' in Balochistan.
But Akhtar said he told the prime minister that he was eagerly awaiting for the 'change' but his party may not wait for the whole year and tender resignations from the national and Balochistan assemblies' membership by then. He said the PML-N government did not fulfil his expectations.
Full report at:
http://www.nation.com.pk/islamabad/06-Apr-2014/govt-considers-taliban-own-people-balochs-aliens-says-mengal
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Govt to release 13 more Taliban prisoners: Nisar
April 06, 2014
Islamabad—The second round of direct talks between the government team and Taliban Shura is expected during the next two to three days.
This was stated by leader of Taliban Committee Maulana Samiul Haq after a joint meeting of Taliban and the government teams here on Saturday afternoon. Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan was also present on the occasion.
He said venue and timetable of dialogue are being sorted out.
Maulana Samiul Haq said Saturday meeting deliberated upon measures to promote the atmosphere of goodwill.
He said steps taken by the government are reflective of its goodwill and more such gestures will be witnessed in days to come.
Full report at:
http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=238743
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Majority of Taliban favor peace, claims Imran
Apr 6, 2014
While hoping the dialogue process to succeed, Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan said majority of the Taliban want peace, a private news channel reported on Sunday.
Talking to media in Karachi, Khan said the talks with the Taliban were gradually proceeding, claiming a sizeable strength of Taliban group was in favour of peace.
He said peace could not be restored in Karachi until non-political appointments were made in the city police department.
To a question regarding Musharraf case, PTI chief said constitutional supremacy and justice must prevail in the case of ex-president.
http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2014/04/06/city/karachi/majority-of-taliban-favor-peace-claims-imran/
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Govt., Taliban second direct talks in next 2/3 days
April 06, 2014
ISLAMABAD: The government and Taliban second direct talks expected in next two/three days, Geo News reported on Sunday.
The government had earlier announced that 13 Taliban commandos would be released, but for paving talks for peace 13 more Taliban to be freed prior to the second direct talks.
After presiding over a meeting between the government and Taliban liaison committees yesterday, Interior Minister, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan demanded from Taliban to free non-combatant and innocent captives reciprocating government gestures.
The delegation would be leaving in 2/3 days to convey the stance of the government to Taliban Shura.
Full report at:
http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-143673-Govt.-to-release-13-more-Taliban-prisoners
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Dialogue with Taliban to leave positive results in country: Coordinator TTP
April 06, 2014
ISLAMABAD- Coordinator of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) committee Maulana Yousuf Shah said dialogue with the Taliban will leave an overall positive impact in the country.
Talking to journalists, Maulana Yousaf Shah said the government and the Taliban are going in right direction, adding that success in the second phase of dialogue was necessary to bring peace in the country. He also said that they would have to formulate a comprehensive strategy to bring Taliban into national stream, adding that operation cannot overwhelm the menace of terrorism. The TTP announced extension in ceasefire and will respect the pact, he added. The coordinator said he is hopeful of Taliban talks and the results they yield in, adding that the Taliban believe that the direct talk process has exposed the enemies of peace. He further stated that the Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam-S was a party of masses and believes in welfare of the nation.
http://www.nation.com.pk/national/06-Apr-2014/dialogue-with-taliban-to-leave-positive-results-in-country-yousaf-shah
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Islamic finance alternative to conventional banking
April 06, 2014
Karachi - Deputy Governor of State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Saeed Ahmad has said that Islamic finance is all set to become a better alternative to the conventional banking.
He said this while addressing a ceremony on completion of ten successful years of “Raast Islamic Banking” programme of Bank of Khyber, said a press release issued here on Saturday. Congratulating Bank of Khyber management, Board of Directors and “Raast Islamic Banking” team, Saeed hoped that with continued demand on an accelerated basis for the Islamic banking in the country, Bank of Khyber would participate in the sector and reap benefits for all stakeholders including its shareholders. The Deputy Governor said that Islamic finance is one of the fastest growing segments of the global as well as domestic financial sector. “Given its global outreach, growing recognition as a prudent and stable system and ability to provide financial solutions for all business needs, Islamic finance is all set to establish itself as a better alternative to the conventional financial system having capacity to ensure financial stability and inclusive economic growth”. He told the audience that last year SBP allowed 3 more conventional banks to initiate Islamic banking operations whereas 2 conventional banks had recently announced conversion into full-fledged Islamic banks over the next 2-3 years.
Full report at:
http://www.nation.com.pk/business/06-Apr-2014/islamic-finance-alternative-to-conventional-banking
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PM felicitates Afghanistan on historical polls
April 06, 2014
ISLAMABAD- Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has said, making decisions through ballot boxes by the Afghan people reflects their determination and keen interest for adopting democratic culture.
In his statement today, he emphasised participation in the democratic process by the Afghan people would play a significant role to bring peace and stability in the region. He said, Pakistan would not only help and support Afghanistan in strengthening democracy but also work in collaboration with the new leadership in Afghanistan for binging peace and tranquillity in the region.
Full report at:
http://www.nation.com.pk/national/06-Apr-2014/pm-felicitates-afghanistan-on-historical-polls
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Navies of Iran, Pakistan to hold joint drill in Hormuz strait
April 6, 2014
DUBAI: The navies of Iran and Pakistan plan to hold joint military exercises in the eastern part of the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, Iran’s state news agency said on Sunday.
Several Pakistani naval vessels, including a warship and a submarine, docked at the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas on Saturday, the IRNA news agency said, citing an Iranian Navy statement.
“The most important activity of the Pakistani fleet during its stay in Bandar Abbas is to launch joint manoeuvres with selected units of Iran’s Navy in eastern waters of the Hormuz Strait,” Iranian Rear Admiral Shahram Irani told IRNA.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/692043/navies-of-iran-pakistan-to-hold-joint-drill-in-hormuz-strait/
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Europe
'Muslim Brotherhood in UK warns of attacks in response to government probe'
Apr 6, 2014
The head of the British branch of the Muslim Brotherhood warned on Sunday that Prime Minister David Cameron’s announcement last week that his government would investigate the group’s activities in the United Kingdom could invite terrorist attacks against civilians.
Speaking to The Sunday Times, Ibrahim Mounir, the Brotherhood’s most senior official in the UK, said that the government’s designation of his organization as a terrorist entity could be interpreted by its followers that violence was an option.
“If this [ban] happened, this would make a lot of people in Muslim communities think that [peaceful] Muslim Brotherhood values . . . didn’t work and now they are designated a terrorist group, which would make the doors open for all options,” Mounir told the newspaper.
Full report at:
http://www.jpost.com/International/Muslim-Brotherhood-in-UK-warns-of-attacks-in-response-to-government-probe-347651
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Syria fighters pose ‘inevitable’ terror threat to Europe
Apr 6, 2014
Thousands of foreign fighters in Syria - some of them Europeans - pose an “inevitable” threat as they could wage terror attacks on the continent upon returning home, high-level experts told a UK newspaper.
Raffaello Pantucci, senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute security think tank, told The Independent that “it seems almost inevitable that some sort of a threat back to the UK will come off the battlefield in Syria, something supported by the fact that security services in the UK believe they have already disrupted at least one plot with links to Syria.”
Experts warned that many fighters, who are gaining “combat experience and forging connections with extremists,” could return radicalized, seeking to carry out attacks on European soil.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/world/2014/04/06/Experts-Syria-jihadists-inevitable-threat-to-EU-.html
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EU backs Kerry's efforts in Mideast peace process
Apr 6, 2014
European foreign ministers expressed their support on Saturday for US Secretary of State John Kerry's efforts to continue the diplomatic process between Israel and the Palestinians as talks faced a deadlock.
"We support the efforts of Secretary of State Kerry," AFP quoted EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton as saying.
Earlier Saturday, in an attempt to refute reports that the White House sought to distance itself from Kerry’s thus-far unsuccessful efforts to mediate peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, the administration publicly backed its top diplomat.
Full report at:
http://www.jpost.com/Diplomacy-and-Politics/EU-backs-Kerrys-efforts-in-Mideast-peace-process-347608
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India
Afghan elections a ‘resounding rejection’ of terror, says India
Apr 6, 2014
India has termed Saturday’s election to choose a successor to Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai as a “resounding rejection of the designs and ideology of terrorists and their supporters.”
“Today the Afghan people, including its women and youth have spoken in loud and clear terms.
“This is an important message that everyone should listen to,” said Syed Akbaruddin, official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/afghan-elections-a-resounding-rejection-of-terror-says-india/article5877164.ece
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Afghanistan-Pakistan policy key for India
Apr 6, 2014
The next government at the Centre will have a full foreign policy slate but it is unlikely that any issue will need as much attention as the Afghanistan-Pakistan region following the resurgence of the Taliban in both countries and the Nawaz Sharif government's steadfast refusal to take a tough stand on militancy.
After over a year of drift in ties with Pakistan following India's decision to put talks on hold in the wake of the brutal killing of soldiers along the Line of Control, the new government in New Delhi will have to work swiftly both to fashion a new policy on engaging with Islamabad and to put in place measures to deal with the threat posed by the emboldened Taliban and the re-emergence of jihadis like Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar and Mast Gul.
Full report at:
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/india-afghanistan-pakistan-taliban-nawaz-sharif-hafiz-mohammad-saeed/1/353058.html
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Pakistan bike-snatchers turned terrorists for IM’s ‘jihad lite’
Pranab Dhal Samanta | New Delhi | April 6, 2014
You have to go to India, Uttar Pradesh, via Nepal. There you have to target Indian forces. A local friend will help you. It will take you two hours. And then you return the same way you got there. You will get weapons there and you leave them behind after the work — instructions of Daniyal, later identified as Indian Mujahideen founder Riyaz Bhatkal, to the two Pakistani terrorists nabbed in Gorakhpur on March 28.
Meet Abdul Waleed Rind and Fahim alias Owais from Manghopir area of Karachi — two soldiers of the new, low-cost jihad being waged against India from Pakistan. Until two months back, they were ordinary bike-snatchers. Now, they are in an Indian jail, disconnected from their handler Daniyal-bhai, whom they came to know more as loveroldy@nimbuzz.
The two have since been shown Riyaz’s photograph and confirmed him to be Daniyal, also codenamed Tausif.
Theirs is a story of two school dropouts who aspired to become jihadis, and borrowed money from friends to find their way to an Afghan Taliban training camp for a crash-course of sorts where they only learnt basic handling of an AK-47 and a pistol without actually firing one. For three years after that, they did odd jobs and snatched bikes until their gang leader Abdullah put them on to Daniyal — as recently as February 2014.
Full report at:
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/pak-bike-snatchers-turned-terrorists-for-ims-jihad-lite/
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Southeast Asia
Hudud can’t be implemented under present political condition, says Karpal
Apr 6, 2014
It is almost impossible to implement hudud under the present political, democratic and constitutional framework, civil lawyers said, adding that the entire system would have to be overhauled if the Islamic criminal law was to replace the secular penal code.
The lawyers said any attempt to introduce hudud was a mere political game to demonstrate to Muslims, which party – PAS or Umno – was more Islamic and prepared to uphold Allah's law.
Their response comes following a statement by Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob that the state would table a private member’s bill in Parliament later this year to seek a declaration that the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Court Enactment II, or hudud, be implemented in the state.
The PAS-led government approved the enactment in 1993, three years after capturing Kelantan from Barisan Nasional.
Constitutional lawyer Karpal Singh said the passing of the enactment was, in the first place, unconstitutional as the state assembly had no jurisdiction to pass such law.
As such, the Bukit Gelugor MP said Parliament could not enforce an unconstitutional enactment passed by a state assembly.
Full report at:
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/hudud-cant-be-implemented-under-present-political-condition-says-karpal
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25 countries helping Malaysia to search for MH370 because of strong relationships – Najib
Apr 6, 2014
HANOI: Twenty-five countries are helping Malaysia in the search for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 because of the goodwill and strong relationships that Malaysia has with them, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
The Prime Minister said the countries were willing to commit themselves to the search operation without asking Malaysia to pay for their services as Malaysia too had done so many helpful things when the other countries were in need.
“They are doing it because of the goodwill and good relations that we have with them,” Najib said at a dinner with the Malaysian community here Friday night.
Full report at:
http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/04/05/25-countries-helping-malaysia-to-search-for-mh370-because-of-strong-relationships-najib/#ixzz2yA9dHEpE
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Indonesians in Malaysia cast votes for legislative election
April 06 2014
As many as 402,730 Indonesians registered with the Overseas Election Committee (PPLN) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia cast their votes for the legislative election on Sunday. Malaysia has recorded the highest number of Indonesian voters for this year’s election.
PPLN Kuala Lumpur head Freddy M.Panggabean said Indonesians voted via three different methods. Those residing in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor cast their votes at polling stations while those working in companies or plantations submitted their ballots at a drop box. Meanwhile, Indonesians living far from Kuala Lumpur and Selangor and not employed with companies or plantations mailed their ballots back to the PPLN office.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/04/06/indonesians-malaysia-cast-votes-legislative-election.html
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Mideast
Convicted terrorist to speak at Tel Aviv University
Apr 6, 2014
Tel Aviv University's right-wing student groups will hold a rally in Antin Square on Sunday at noon to protest the scheduled speech by a convicted terrorist to take place on Monday.
Mohammed Kana'ane was invited to speak at a conference organized by left-wing students in honor of Land Day, which commemorates the deaths of six Galilee Arabs in 1976 riots over a government decision to confiscate land.
Kana'ane served nearly five years in an Israeli prison for his involvement with Hezbollah and for funding weapons-making training.
The demonstration was expected to attract around 500 students and supporters.
Shas MK Eli Yishai condemned the scheduled speech, calling the invitation for Kana'ane to speak "an irresponsible and anti-Israeli move that sends a dangerous message."
http://www.jpost.com/National-News/Convicted-terrorist-to-speak-at-Tel-Aviv-University-347650
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Nuclear talks in Vienna ‘useful,’ says Iran
Apr 6, 2014
Expert-level nuclear talks with world powers in Vienna were “useful,” after the parties involved addressed all major technical issues in the way of a final settlement, Iran said on Saturday.
“The meetings were useful, raised mutual insight into our differing positions,” Reuters quoted Iranian negotiator Hamid Baeedinejad as telling the official IRNA news agency at the end of the three-day talks in the Austrian capital.
“Everyone came well-prepared ... addressing issues in minute technical details can facilitate hard political decisions,” he added.
Results of the meeting will be submitted on Monday to Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, who acts on behalf of the six world powers involved in negotiations - the United States, France, Germany, Russia, China and Britain.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/04/06/Iran-had-useful-expert-level-talks-in-Vienna-.html
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Israel wants peace talks but ‘not at any price’
Apr 6, 2014
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in his first public comments on a crisis in U.S.-brokered peace talks with the Palestinians, said on Sunday Israel was prepared to continue negotiations but “not at any price,” Reuters reported.
Netanyahu, speaking at the weekly cabinet meeting, also cautioned that Israel would respond with steps of its own if the Palestinians pressed ahead with unilateral moves toward statehood.
“Any unilateral moves they take will be answered by unilateral moves at our end,” he said.
Meanwhile, U.S. envoy Martin Indyk on Sunday is expected to rejuvenate Mideast peace negotiations after Israelis and Palestinians took counter offensive measures, bringing the talks near to an imminent collapse.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/04/06/U-S-envoy-to-attempt-saving-Mideast-peace-talks-.html
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Spike in Iran executions seen politically motivated
Apr 6, 2014
Within the small community of minority Arabs where he lived in southwest Iran, Hashem Shaabani was known as a teacher, an advocate for civil rights and a poet. But to the Islamic Republic he was seen as a threat.
Shaabani, 32, was arrested in February 2011 and accused of belonging to an armed separatist group. His family had minimal contact with him after his arrest, and in late January this year they received shocking news: Shaabani had been executed.
"It made me question why we live in a society where something like this can happen," said a friend who asked not to be identified for personal security reasons. "It also made me think that we have a long road ahead before we can reach democracy and freedom."
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/perspective/features/2014/04/04/Spike-in-Iran-executions-seen-politically-motivated.html
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Palestine offers to avoid intl. conventions
Apr 6, 2014
Palestine will refrain from accession to international conventions if Israel releases some 30 Palestinian prisoners by late April, says Hanna Amireh, an official from the Palestine Liberation Organization.
Amireh, a member of the organization's executive committee, said if Israel sets the already delayed releases of the Palestinian prisoners for no later than April 29, the country will not take further steps toward recognition by the United Nations.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said 15 letters sent by Palestine seeking accession to international conventions were a reaction to the delay in releasing the prisoners.
But Israel said it was the other way around. Israel strongly objected to Palestine's move, which was seen as a step toward international recognition for Palestine as a sovereign state, and cancelled an agreement that would have seen the prisoners released Thursday.
Full report at:
http://www.worldbulletin.net/headlines/132977/palestine-offers-to-avoid-intl-conventions
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North America
Snowden, Greenwald warn of wider US spying
World Bulletin/News Desk
Apr 6, 2014
Edward Snowden and reporter Glenn Greenwald, who brought to light the whistleblower's leaks about mass U.S. government surveillance last year, appeared together via video link from opposite ends of the earth on Saturday for what was believed to be the first time since Snowden sought asylum in Russia.
A sympathetic crowd of nearly 1,000 packed a downtown Chicago hotel ballroom at Amnesty International USA's annual human rights meeting and gave Greenwald, who dialed in from Brazil, a raucous welcome before Snowden was patched in 15 minutes later to a standing ovation.
The pair cautioned that government monitoring of "metadata" is more intrusive than directly listening to phone calls or reading emails and stressed the importance of a free press willing to scrutinize government activity.
Full report at:
http://www.worldbulletin.net/headlines/133002/snowden-greenwald-warn-of-wider-us-spying
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Obama congratulates Afghans on historic elections
Press Trust of India | Washington | April 6, 2014
US President Barack Obama has congratulated people of Afghanistan on the historic elections which he said promise to usher in the first democratic transfer of power in the war-ravaged country.
“On behalf of the American people, I congratulate the millions of Afghans who enthusiastically participated in the historic elections, which promise to usher in the first democratic transfer of power in Afghanistan’s history,” Obama said in a statement yesterday.
“The elections represent another important milestone in Afghans taking full responsibility for their country as the United States and our partners draw down our forces,” Obama said.
A day after millions of Afghans exercised their franchise for Presidential elections defying the Taliban threat, Obama commended the Afghan people, security forces, and elections officials on the turnout for voters, which he said “is in keeping with the spirited and positive debate among candidates and their supporters in the run-up to the election.”
Full report at:
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/world-others/obama-congratulates-afghans-on-historic-elections/2/
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