Eye On Meerut and Muzaffarnagar, UP Government Deploys Anti-Terrorist Squad On Kanwar Yatra Routes

New Age Islam News Bureau

29 July 2024

Kanwariyas gather to collect holy water from the Ganga at Har Ki Pauri ghat in Haridwar on Sunday.

PTI picture

----------

·         Eye On Meerut and Muzaffarnagar, UP Government Deploys Anti-Terrorist Squad On Kanwar Yatra Routes

·         ‘Pakistan Ulema Councilto Close Seminaries If Found Involved in Terrorism’

·         Islamic Hate Preacher's Audacious Bid to Turn Scottish Island into 'Sharia' State Raises £3m

·         Arab American Leaders Are Listening as Kamala Harris Moves to Shore Up Key Swing-State Support

·         Conservative Muslims Call for Boycotting Egyptian Writer Ibrahim Eissa’s Debut Film ‘The Atheist’

 

India

·         Uttarakhand Muslim Shopkeepers Happy as Top Court Extends Stay On Kanwar Yatra Eateries Order

·         A Delhi Woman Says Land Allocated for Ayodhya Mosque Belongs To Her

·         Only Quad collaboration can ensure freedom, stability and security in Indo Pacific region: Jaishankar

·         23 Bangladeshi nationals arrested in Agartala for illegally entering India

·         Joint search op launched following suspicious movements in Poonch, Reasi

--------

Pakistan

·         Cops involved in violence must be booked: Voice for Baloch Missing Persons

·         PTI hints at sit-in outside parliament for Imran’s release

·         Several detained as Gwadar protest met with teargas

·         Clashes claim 35 lives as ceasefire eludes Kurram

·         PIA cabin crew remanded for ‘smuggling’ Saudi currency

·         PHC approached for judicial probe into May 9 riots

·         Haq Do Tehreek leader withdraws support to Balochistan govt

·         Tribal land feud claims 35 lives as armed clashes rage in Kurram

·         Pak Army organizes free medical camp in Chunian, Kasur

---------

Europe

·         Israel’s desire to destroy Hamas ‘unrealistic’: Russia’s Lavrov

·         UK Police's Brutal Assault On Muslim Family Sparks Outrage

·         Ten years on, many Yazidis uprooted by Islamic State onslaught struggle to find stable homes

·         Vacant Blackburn nursery building set to become madrassah

·         Independent MP recorded telling Muslim male voters they had ‘duty’ to vote for him

·         Hate Cleric Raises £3 Million to Create Islamic Homeland on Scottish Island

·         'I'm a Muslim and I am offended!' Debate gets HEATED after Olympics reimagine The Last Supper as DRAG - 'This is an insult to THREE religions'

--------

North America

·         Harris’ Support for Israel ‘Ironclad’ After Attack On Golan Heights

·         Kamala Harris campaign raises $200 million in a week

·         US’s Blinken calls on Venezuela parties to ‘respect democratic process’ in vote

·         US to strengthen Japan force amid perceived threat from China

·         US-occupied military base in east Syria comes under missile attack, third in 24 hours

·         Over 75 US organizations call upon Biden, Congress to impose arms embargo on Israel

--------

Mideast

·         ‘Immediate Steps’ Needed Toward Gaza Ceasefire, UK’s Starmer Tells Israel’s President Herzog

·         Zionist settlers renew Al-Aqsa Mosque storming

·         Capital Sana'a mayor inspects progress of work on al-Aqsa Mosque model project in Maeen district

·         Beirut flights cancelled, delayed amid fears of Israeli attack

·         Why the Israel-Hezbollah conflict is heating up again

·         Algeria says troops kill three ‘terrorists’

--------

South Asia

·         Afghanistan to Host New Zealand For One-Off Test Match In September

·         Chinese Firm to construct three Hydroelectric Dams in Kunar, Afghanistan

·         EU sounds alarm on worsening water crisis in Afghanistan

·         Afghanistan’s trade value surpasses $5 billion in first half of 2024, ministry

·         Chinese investor to establish solar producing factory in Afghanistan

·         New Delhi keen to expand relations with Kabul as visas issuance to Afghans begins

·         Supreme Leader Engages with Ghor Province Officials, Stresses Implementation of Sharia Law and Avoidance of Internal Conflicts

·         Newly Elected President Masoud Pezeshkian Takes Office in Iran

--------

Southeast Asia

·         Interfaith Discourse Crucial to Dispel Islamophobia in Multi-ethnic Malaysia, PM Anwar Tells Muslims Here

·         We Cannot Close Our Eyes to Gaza: Indonesia Tells US, ASEAN

·         At least five countries want Malaysia to be ASEAN space agency, Senate told

·         Children disproportionately affected by poverty - Sultan Nazrin

·         Amid rising global conflicts and economic disparity, urgent need for unity among ummah - Sultan Nazrin

·         Sultan Ibrahim has keen interest in the future of the Indian community - Ramanan

·         Indonesia-France in Talks for Agreement on Fishery Quality Assurance

·         Army distributes 500 flags to families near Indonesia-Malaysia border

--------

Africa

·         Speaker Begs Pastors, Imams To Advise Followers Against Hunger Protests, Says Tinubu Needs Prayers

·         Sexual Violence Rife In War-Torn Sudan Capital: Human Rights Watch

·         CAN Issues Directive To Christians Ahead Of Nationwide Protest

·         2 dead as Boko Haram attacks Police barracks in Borno

·         Boko Haram planning to infiltrate #EndBadGovernance protest: Police

--------

Arab World

·         Saudi envoy to Arab League meets with Sudan’s representative in Cairo

·         King Salman Global Academy advances Arabic education in India

·         AI model will help doctors with radiology diagnoses

·         Saudi markets receive over 29 tonnes of seasonal produce from Qatif oasis farms

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/meerut-muzaffarnagar-terrorist-kanwar-yatra/d/132818

 

Eye on Meerut and Muzaffarnagar, UP government deploys anti-terrorist squad on Kanwar Yatra routes

29.07.24

Piyush Srivastava

Kanwariyas gather to collect holy water from the Ganga at Har Ki Pauri ghat in Haridwar on Sunday.

PTI picture

-----------

The Yogi Adityanath government has for the first time deployed the anti-terrorist squad (ATS) along Kanwar Yatra routes, doing so specifically in the Meerut and Muzaffarnagar districts, claiming a terrorist threat to the pilgrims.

The move comes after the Supreme Court stayed a state government order to food vendors along the pilgrimage route to display the owners’ and employees’ names on boards.

Both initiatives have prompted allegations that they are part of a communal agenda to intimidate and harass Muslims at a time when the BJP’s poor showing from Uttar Pradesh in the general election has put Adityanath on the back foot.

The state government has also, like previous years, pressed drones into service along the Yatra routes.

Director-general of police Prashant Kumar, who issued the order for ATS deployment on Saturday, was quoted as saying there was a threat of terrorist attacks on the Kanwariyas.

“There is a constant fear of terror attacks on any such religious journey. The Kanwar Yatra is very sensitive and so the ATS is there. We will be able to deal with any unusual situation if the commandos are there,” he said.

While western Uttar Pradesh indeed witnesses the heaviest Kanwar Yatra traffic, some observers feel the decision to station the ATS specifically in Meerut and Muzaffarnagar — districts with sizeable Muslim populations — carries shades of profiling.

Tauqeer Raza, a cleric from Bareilly, said: “The government is crossing all limits in establishing its communal agenda. Many roads including national and state highways have been blocked for common commuters. Many people have closed their restaurants out of fear. Is it good to harass people?”

While the Supreme Court has stayed the order for food vendors to display their names, eateries have largely not removed the name boards they had already put up.

Meerut senior superintendent of police (SSP) Vipin Tanda said: “The ATS has been posted and is watching every person. We are committed to the Yatra’s peaceful completion.”

Muzaffarnagar SSP Abhishek Singh said: “We have enhanced the security measures because the Yatra this year is very sensitive. The ATS is keeping vigil on the routes.”

He added: “Besides covering the Yatra route, ATS commandos are also there at Shiv Chawk, Minakshi Chawk, Spatal Tiraha and some other sensitive places in the district.”

Kanwariyas from Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh offer prayers at a temple at Shiv Chawk before moving on to Uttarakhand.

The devotees collect Ganga water from one place and offer it at a Shiv temple at some other place of their choice in the month of Shravan. The rush peaks between July 22 and August 4 but the Yatra continues for a month.

Source: telegraphindia.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/eye-on-meerut-and-muzaffarnagar-yogi-adityanath-government-deploys-anti-terrorist-squad-on-kanwar-yatra-routes/cid/2036960

--------

 

‘Pakistan Ulema CouncilTo Close Seminaries If Found Involved In Terrorism’

July 29, 2024

LAHORE:Pakistan Ulema CouncilChairman Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi has announced that the national flag will be hoisted on mosques and seminaries from Aug 1 to 30, while Kashmir Exploitation Day will be observed on Aug 5 across the country.

He was speaking at a press conference here on Sunday.

He said that the country should not be weakened in the name of politics and demanded action against those who launched a campaign against the Pakistan armed forces and its chief.

Expressing his support for Azm-i-Istehkam Pakistan drive, he said the country direly needed unity, determination and stability.

He said the National Counter-Terrorism Authority needs to improve its information for there are 30,000 registered seminaries in the country and not 15,000 as claimed by it, and if any of it is found involved in terrorism, it would be locked down by Ulema themselves.

He urged the government to reconsider the issue of independent power producers (IPPs) as even payment of electricity bills of seminaries and mosques has become extremely difficult.

He demanded a 50 per cent discount on the electricity bills for seminaries or withdrawal of taxes from their bills.

Source: dawn.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.dawn.com/news/1848642

--------

 

Islamic Hate Preacher's Audacious Bid To Turn Scottish Island Into 'Sharia' State Raises £3m

28 JUL 2024

Sheikh Yasser al-Habib wants to turn the island of Torsa into his own Islamic state (Image: Wikicommons)

------------

An Islamic hate preacher said to have his own 'army' has launched an audacious bid to buy a Scottish island and turn it into his own state based on Sharia law. Sheikh Yasser al-Habib has raised £3 million to purchase the isle of Torsa, located off the west coast of Argyll and Bute.

He is said to be in 'advanced talks' to buy the land. The 45-year-old claimed asylum in the UK 20 years ago and runs military-style training camps for an 'army' group called Al-Shurta Al-Khamis.

He plans to build a school, hospital and mosque on the island which will be run on strict Muslim laws. A video sent to supporters shows the cleric saying he will negotiate with the UK Government and invite Muslims from "all over the world" to Torsa which will become their "homeland".

Torsa is one of the Slate Islands just off Scotland's west coast. Inhabited until the 1960s, there is one house which is used as a holiday let. It is a tidal island and can be reached by land from neighboring Luing at low tide as well as by a short ferry ride.

The news has worried residents on Luing, according to the Mail on Sunday. One resident said: "I've spent much of my life working in Muslim countries so have no issues whatsoever with that community, but this group does seem alarming from what I've just seen now."

Al-Habib, who preaches only in Arabic, has been accused of stirring up sectarian tensions between Shias and Sunni Muslims and has called for the death of Wahhabis. He spreads hate on his own satellite TV channel Fadak TV from his base in South Buckinghamshire.

He wants to turn Torsa, which is just over a mile long, into an Islamic state for a group called the Mahdi [Messiah] Servants Union (MSU), which has already sent representatives to the island. In his video, which also includes footage of his training camps, Al-Habib tells followers: "If you want to live free under the banner of the imam in a special homeland where you feel everything in it reminds you of the awaited mahdi, everything is the Shia homeland, support this project."

In one clip from Torsa, another man states: "Here, my brothers, God willing, we want to build a large mosque, a school and a hawza [Shia seminary]. We want this place to be a homeland to the Shias and the believers."

Sarah Zaaimi, a deputy director for communications at the American think tank Atlantic Council, said it was "puzzling" that UK authorities had allowed Al-Habib to make bold claims about the island. She said: "They will have their own army, their own justice system, they will manage their own schools and hospitals, and people from around the world will be able to migrate to this homeland.

"It does challenge the notion of sovereignty. It's puzzling to me how the UK authorities are allowing such a discourse. You are fundraising for the creation of a sovereign country on the margins of another country."

Al-Habib spent three months in jail in Kuwait for insulting Sunnis and celebrated the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, calling Suella Braverman an "animal" for vowing to crack down on pro-Palestinian marches when she was Home Secretary. He wrote a film called Lady Of Heaven that was pulled from cinemas after protests from Sunnis.

One Luing resident joked: "I'm not sure the Women's Institute are going to stand for this. We'd welcome just about anyone, but this doesn't seem appropriate."

Source: scottishdailyexpress.co.uk

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/scottish-news/islamic-hate-preachers-audacious-bid-33342565

--------

 

Arab American leaders are listening as Kamala Harris moves to shore up key swing-state support

July 29, 2024

Rep. Rashida Tlaib, whose district includes Dearborn, Mich., is the only Palestinian American in Congress. (File/AP)

------------

DEARBORN, Michigan: Osama Siblani’s phone won’t stop ringing.

Just days after President Joe Biden withdrew his bid for reelection and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic presidential nomination, top officials from both major political parties have been asking the publisher of the Dearborn-based Arab American News if Harris can regain the support of the nation’s largest Muslim population located in metro Detroit.

His response: “We are in listening mode.”

Harris, who is moving to seize the Democratic nomination after Biden stepped down, appears to be pivoting quickly to the task of convincing Arab American voters in Michigan, a state Democrats believe she can’t afford to lose in November, that she is a leader they can unite behind.

Community leaders have expressed a willingness to listen, and some have had initial conversations with Harris’ team. Many had grown exacerbated with Biden after they felt months of outreach had not yielded many results.

“The door is cracked open since Biden has stepped down,” said Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud. “There’s an opportunity for the Democratic nominee to coalesce the coalition that ushered in Biden’s presidency four years ago. But that responsibility will now fall on the vice president.”

Arab American leaders such as Hammoud and Siblani are watching closely for signals that Harris will be more vocal in pressing for a ceasefire. They’re excited by her candidacy but want to be sure she will be an advocate for peace and not an unequivocal supporter of Israel.

But Harris will need to walk a fine line not to publicly break with Biden’s position on the war in Gaza, where officials in his administration have been working diligently toward a ceasefire, mostly behind the scenes.

The divide within Harris’ own party was evident in Washington last week during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to address Congress. Some Democrats supported the visit, while others protested and refused to attend. Outside the Capitol, pro-Palestinian protesters were met with pepper spray and arrests.

Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian American in Congress whose district includes Dearborn, held up a sign that read “war criminal” during Netanyahu’s remarks.

Harris did not attend.

Some Arab American leaders interpret her absence — she instead attended a campaign event in Indianapolis — as a sign of good faith with them, though they recognize her ongoing responsibilities as vice president, including a meeting Thursday with Netanyahu.

Her first test within the community will come when Harris chooses a running mate. One of the names on her short list, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, has been public in his criticism of pro-Palestinian protesters and is Jewish. Some Arab American leaders in Michigan say putting him on the ticket would ramp up their unease about the level of support they could expect from a Harris administration.

“Josh Shapiro was one of the first ones to criticize the students on campus. So it doesn’t differentiate Harris very much if she picks him. That just says I’m going to continue the same policies as Biden,” said Rima Meroueh, director of the National Network for Arab American Communities.

Arab Americans are betting that their vote holds enough electoral significance in pivotal swing states like Michigan to ensure that officials will listen to them. Michigan has the largest concentration of Arab Americans in the nation, and the state’s majority-Muslim cities overwhelmingly supported Biden in 2020. He won Dearborn, for example, by a roughly 3-to-1 margin over former President Donald Trump.

In February, over 100,000 Michigan Democratic primary voters chose “uncommitted,” securing two delegates to protest the Biden administration’s unequivocal support for Israel’s response to the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas. Nationally, “uncommitted” garnered a total of 36 delegates in the primaries earlier this year.

The groups leading this effort have called for — at a minimum — an embargo on all weapons shipments to Israel and a permanent ceasefire.

“If Harris called for an arms embargo, I would work around the clock every day until the election to get her elected,” said Abbas Alawieh, an “uncommitted” Michigan delegate and national leader of the movement. “There’s a real opportunity right now to unite the coalition. It’s on her to deliver, but we are cautiously optimistic.”

Those divisions were on full display Wednesday night when the Michigan Democratic Party brought together over 100 delegates to pitch them on uniting behind Harris. During the meeting, Alawieh, one of three state delegates who did not commit to Harris, was speaking when another delegate interrupted him by unmuting and telling him to “shut up,” using an expletive, according to Alawieh.

The call could be a preview of tensions expected to surface again in August, when Democratic leaders, lawmakers, and delegates convene in Chicago for the party’s national convention. Mass protests are planned, and the “uncommitted” movement intends to ensure their voices are heard within the United Center, where the convention will be held.

Trump and his campaign, meanwhile, are keenly aware of the turmoil within the Democratic base and are actively seeking the support of Arab American voters. That effort has been complicated by Trump’s history of anti-immigrant rhetoric and policy during his one term as president.

A meeting between over a dozen Arab American leaders from across the country and several of Trump’s surrogates was convened in Dearborn last week. Among the surrogates was Massad Boulos, a Lebanese-born businessman whose son married Tiffany Trump, the former president’s younger daughter, two years ago. Boulos is leveraging his connections to rally support for Trump.

Part of the pitch that Boulos and Bishara Bahbah, chairman of Arab Americans for Trump, made in Dearborn was that Trump has shown an openness to a two-state solution. He posted a letter on social media from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and pledged to work for peace in the Middle East.

“The three main points that were noted in the meeting were that Trump needs to state more clearly that he wants an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and that he supports the two-state solution, and that there is no such thing as a Muslim ban,” said Bahbah. “This is what the community wants to hear in a clear manner.”

Before a July 20 rally in Michigan, Trump also met with Bahbah, who pressed him about a two-state solution. According to Bahbah, Trump responded affirmatively, saying, “100 percent.”

But any apparent political opportunity for Trump may be limited by criticism from many Arab Americans about the former president’s ban on immigration from several majority Muslim countries and remarks they felt were insulting.

“I have not heard any individuals saying I’m now rushing to Donald Trump,” said Hammoud, Dearborn’s Democratic mayor. “I have yet to hear that in any of the conversations I’ve had. They all know what Donald Trump represents.”

Siblani, who organized Wednesday’s meeting with Trump surrogates, has spent months serving as an intermediary between his community and officials from all political parties and foreign dignitaries. Privately, he says, almost all express the need for a permanent ceasefire.

“Everybody wants our votes, but nobody wants to be seen as aligning with us publicly,” Siblani said.

Source: arabnews.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2558526/world

--------

 

Conservative Muslims call for boycotting Egyptian writer Ibrahim Eissa’s debut film ‘The Atheist’

28 July, 2024

The Atheist, has allegedly been faced with censorship difficulties. [Getty]

------------

A new Egyptian film set to premiere in mid-August, written by controversial author Ibrahim Eissa, has sparked a heated debate, prompting conservative Muslims to call for boycotting it over allegedly promoting atheism. 

The film, entitled Al-Molhed (The Atheist) has been the talk of social media users over the past few days after the trailer, released last week by El-Sobky production company, gave potential viewers a brief insight into its theme and plot.

Citing the film's crew, local news outlets reported in recent days that the movie depicts how experiences of religious fanaticism can trigger converse reactions, such as atheism and opposition to religion.

In the film, the protagonist, Yahia, performed by Ahmed Hatem, is raised by an extremist Sheikh who opposes religious tolerance.

Yahia, experiencing ultraconservative ideas and extremism around him, starts having doubts about his faith, eventually turning into a disbeliever, which leads his father and other fellow fanatics to force him to atone for his sin or else face imminent death as a punishment.

The premiere of the movie has been postponed for almost two years despite being ready, according to a recent post by the film director Mohamed El-Adl, who did not elaborate further.

Eissa posted a photocopy of a document on his social media accounts demonstrating the approval of the censorship authority to screen the movie.

Though the trailer does not show the full details and only gives a general idea of the main plot, it has intrigued many to watch and learn more about debates commonly raised inside Egyptian society over the past decade between secularists and religious fundamentalists on renewing religious discourse.

It remains unclear whether the film has faced censorship from the state since the project was first launched in 2021.

Eissa, also a prominent journalist, is not new to controversy, being an outspoken proponent of secularism with a history of criticising extremism, Salafi groups as well as, arguably, several fundamentals of the Islamic faith, often provoking outrage among conservative Muslims in general.

Last year, Eissa stirred up a debate when he called for turning mosques into schools during the daytime, as Egypt has faced the problem of overcrowded classrooms for many years.

In 2022, Eissa sent shockwaves across the Muslim world after making televised comments, during a show he presented, refuting the Quranic story of "Israa and Miraj", the mystical night journey of the Muslim Prophet Mohammed from Mecca to Jerusalem, as a delusional story advocated by Salafist preachers.

Egypt witnessed a crucial transformation as of the 1970s and the beginning of the 1980s when many Egyptians migrated to Gulf countries - especially Saudi Arabia - to find work, with some being influenced by the extremist Wahhabi doctrine.

Source: newarab.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.newarab.com/news/egypts-hardline-muslims-call-boycotting-atheist-movie

--------

 

India

 

Uttarakhand Muslim Shopkeepers Happy As Top Court Extends Stay On Kanwar Yatra Eateries Order

July 28, 2024

Haridwar: Muslim shopkeepers here have expressed happiness after the Supreme Court extended its stay on an order mandating the display of names and phone numbers of shop owners on the Kanwar Yatra route until the next hearing on August 5.

The shopkeepers said this order would disturb communal harmony and affect their business.

The Supreme Court on Friday extended till August 5 its interim direction staying the directives of BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh which effectively ensured that Kanwar Yatra goes on without displaying the names of owners, staff and other details of eateries along the route.

Sanwar, who has been selling fruits near Haridwar's Singh Dwar for the past 30 years, said that most of his customers are Hindus and they never had any issues buying fruits from him.

He said writing his name would only lead to customers avoiding his shop.

"What benefit does the government gain from this? I don't understand," he said, adding that if the court eventually mandates the display of names, he will comply.

Rizwan Ahmed, who runs a dhaba near Baharabad on the Haridwar-Roorkee road, said the order is not at all right and it would only lead to communal tensions.

"If communal harmony is disrupted by displaying names, who will be responsible?" Mr Ahmed said.

Following the court's stay, many Muslim shopkeepers have removed their names from their establishments.

However, Hindu shopkeeper Salek Chand Saini said this is the first time such an order has been issued, but he sees no problem in displaying names.

"Displaying names would not cause any problem and all shopkeepers should comply. The Supreme Court is the highest authority and its decision will be in favour of all," Saini said.

Rajkumar, a kanwariya, said the order is not wrong, as it would help them to know where they are eating.

"We are going to collect holy Ganga water, so we should know where we are eating," Rajkumar said.

Another kanwariya, Sachin Kamboj, said that if people have no issues stating their names, then someone named Zubair should not have a problem either. The Kanwar Yatra began on July 22 and ends on August 6.

A large number of devotees travel from various places with 'kanwars' carrying holy water from the Ganga to perform 'jalabhishek' of Shivlings during the Hindu calendar month of 'Shravan'. Many believers shun consuming meat during the month they consider holy. Many don't even consume meals containing onions and garlic.

Source: ndtv.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/uttarakhand-muslim-shopkeepers-happy-as-top-court-extends-stay-on-kanwar-yatra-eateries-order-6208423

--------

 

A Delhi Woman Says Land Allocated for Ayodhya Mosque Belongs To Her

Jul 29, 2024

AYODHYA: A woman from Delhi has claimed that the land earmarked for the construction of a mosque in Ayodhya after the Supreme Court order in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case belongs to her family, and she will move the apex court to get its possession.

Following the Supreme Court's 2019 ruling, five acres of land was provided to the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board in Ayodhya's Dhannipur village.

Rani Punjabi, a resident of Delhi, claims these five acres a part of 28.35 acres of land owned by her family. Rani said she has all the documents of ownership and she will approach the SC to get it. However, Rani Punjabi's claims were denied by Zufar Farooqui, who is the head of the Indo-Islamic Cultural Foundation Trust which has been formed for the construction of the mosque, saying her claims were already rejected by the Allahabad high court in 2021.

Farooqui, who is also the chairperson of the Sunni Central Waqf Board, said work on the entire project, including the construction of the mosque, will start from October this year.

According to Rani, her father Gyan Chand Punjabi had to leave the Punjab on the Pakistan side after Partition, and he moved to Faizabad (now Ayodhya district) where he was allotted the 28.35 acres in lieu of the land he had to leave behind.

She said her family used the land for farming until 1983, when her father's health deteriorated and the family settled in Delhi for his treatment. Since then, the land was progressively encroached upon, she claimed. It is not permissible to build a mosque on any disputed land in Islam.

However, Farooqui said, "There is no obstacle in the project. As far as the woman's claim on the land is concerned, the Allahabad HC had already rejected it in 2021. There are some minor issues which are being resolved and it is expected that work on the project will start by October."

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/woman-says-land-allocated-for-ayodhya-mosque-belongs-to-her/articleshow/112095590.cms

--------

 

Only Quad collaboration can ensure freedom, stability and security in Indo Pacific region: Jaishankar

July 29, 2024

It is only the Quad nations’ collaboration that can ensure that the Indo Pacific region remains free, open, stable and secure, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Monday, insisting that the grouping is here to stay and to grow.

In his opening statement at the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting in Tokyo, Jaishankar said the Quad’s commitment to doing global good has a resonance far beyond the region.

“It is only our collaboration that can ensure that the Indo Pacific remains free, remains open, stable, secure, prosperous,” he said.

“It is therefore essential that our political understanding strengthens our economic partnerships grow and technology collaborations expand and our people-to-people comfort intensifies. Our meeting should send a clear message that the quad is here to stay here to do and here to grow,” he said.

In November 2017, India, Japan, the US, and Australia gave shape to the long-pending proposal of setting up the Quad to develop a new strategy to keep the critical sea routes in the Indo-Pacific free of any influence.

The South China Sea lies at the junction between the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Source: indianexpress.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/quad-collaboration-freedom-stability-security-indo-pacific-region-jaishankar-9481927/

--------

 

23 Bangladeshi nationals arrested in Agartala for illegally entering India

The Government Railway Police say the Bangladeshis had arrived in India in search of jobs and were trying to leave for other states via Guwahati.

Written by Debraj Deb

July 28, 2024

A huge number of Bangladeshi and Rohingya people were similarly arrested at the Agartala railway station and other parts of Tripura in the last few weeks.A huge number of Bangladeshi and Rohingya people were similarly arrested at the Agartala railway station and other parts of Tripura in the last few weeks.

As many as 23 Bangladeshi nationals and a tout were arrested from the Agartala railway station on Saturday night for illegally entering India, officials said.

The Government Railway Police said the Bangladeshis had arrived in India in search of jobs and were arrested while trying to board a train to move to other states via Guwahati in Assam. They are aged between 19 and 40 years and are residents of Chapainawabganj district in Bangladesh’s Rajshahi division.

A few days ago, two Indian touts were arrested from the railway station for their alleged involvement in helping Bangladeshi nationals infiltrate. They were charged under the Foreigners Act and the Passport Act.

A huge number of Bangladeshi and Rohingya people were similarly arrested at the Agartala railway station and other parts of Tripura in the last few weeks. The railway station is suspected by authorities to be used as a corridor for trafficking.

Source: indianexpress.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/tripura-agartala-bangladeshi-nationals-arrested-illegal-entry-9481038/

--------

 

Joint search op launched following suspicious movements in Poonch, Reasi

July 28, 2024

Security forces have launched joint search operations in the border and mountainous areas of Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch and Reasi districts after receiving information about suspicious movements, officials said on Sunday.

The forces are on high alert and have urged residents to report any suspicious activities in their localities.

The officials said a massive joint search operation was initiated early Sunday in several areas along the Line of Control (LoC) near the Salotri-Mangnar forward area of Poonch district.

They added that there was intelligence about the suspected movements along the LoC, following which thorough searches involving a substantial number of Army, CRPF, and Special Operations Group (SoG) personnel were launched covering various areas.

The operation is still underway, they said in the afternoon.

Similarly, in Reasi district, police and security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the Dadoya area of Poni after a woman reported seeing two suspicious individuals on the outskirts of the village, officials said.

Dozens of search operations have been conducted in the past fortnight following reports of suspicious movements across various districts of the Jammu region.

These operations have been deemed necessary in wake of 15 terror incidents in the Jammu region in past 50 days, resulting in the loss of lives of 10 security personnel, including two officers, as well as nine pilgrims and injuries to 58 others.

Source: indianexpress.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/poonch-reasi-joint-search-operations-suspicious-movements-9480661/

--------

 

Pakistan

 

Cops involved in violence must be booked: Voice for Baloch Missing Persons

July 29, 2024

QUETTA: The Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) has called upon the Balochistan police chief to book the officers who allegedly used force against the participants of a peaceful rally on July 11.

Addressing a presser on Saturday, VBMP chairman Nasarullah Baloch, vice chairman Mama Qadeer and Hurrian Baloch said women and children were also present at the rally and they were injured when the police allegedly resorted to violence.

They also demanded the formation of a judicial commission to unearth the facts behind the incident and warned that they would approach the high court and Supreme Court for justice if their demands were not fulfilled.

Mr Hurrian recalled that during their peaceful protest against enforced disappearances on July 11 they were moving from Sariab towards to Red Zone when they were subjected to violence.

Several people, including Mr Hurrian, were injured.

The previous day, Mr Hurrian, accompanied by her lawyers, went to the sessions court to file an FIR against police officers, but cops attempted to arrest her, claiming she had multiple cases registered against her.

The lawyers secured pre-arrest bail for her.

Despite the government’s promises to withdraw these cases during negotiations, the cases remain unresolved, leading to the arrest of 30 young people.

Mr Nasarullah also said that FIRs remain active, and peaceful protesters have been subjected to violence without any cases being filed against the responsible officers. They approached the sessions court for action against the police officers, but FIRs were not registered.

He demanded that the IGP lodge a case against the officers responsible for the violence and provide justice to them within 15 days.

Source: dawn.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.dawn.com/news/1848666/cops-involved-in-violence-must-be-booked-voice-for-baloch-missing-persons

--------

 

PTI hints at sit-in outside parliament for Imran’s release

July 29, 2024

ISLAMABAD: The PTI has again called for countrywide protests, including a possible sit-in outside the Parliament House, to seek the release of its jailed founder Imran Khan.

The party had announced plans for a similar demonstration in the federal capital last Friday but backed out of it at the last minute on Islamabad High Court’s advice.

The announcement about fresh protests was made by PTI leaders Omar Ayub Khan, Asad Qaiser, Sheikh Waqas Akram and others during a press conference on Sunday.

Mr Qaiser said PTI would hold countrywide public meetings on August 5, and the option of a sit-in at D-Chowk was also under consideration.

If the party goes forward with its planned protest in Islamabad, it might create a challenge for security agencies as Jamaat-i-Islami, which is holding a sit-in against inflated power bills in Rawalpindi, is also planning to move its protest to D-Chowk.

Party leaders announce nationwide protests on Aug 5; claim MNA from Mandi Bahauddin ‘picked up’

For the time being, the party has not given a definitive call for protest at D-Chowk, with Mr Ayub hinting at the possibility of a protest at the site where PTI held a sit-in for 126 days in 2014.

PTI MNA ‘picked up’

The PTI leaders also urged the Supreme Court to take notice of the recent arrests of the party’s members and media team.

Mr Ayub claimed the PTI leaders were being “picked by intelligence agencies”.

“Two days ago, MNA Haji Imtiaz was picked up and kept in Sargodha,” the PTI leader said while referring to the party’s lawmaker from Mandi Bahauddin.

Mr Akram claimed that the authorities weren’t allowing anyone to meet Mr Imtiaz, and he was even denied home-cooked food.

While addressing security officials, the PTI leader said they were the employees of the state and warned them that the government “will collapse soon” but they will have to live in the country.

Mr Ayub claimed PTI leaders were being picked up because they had submitted affidavits — of allegiance to the party — to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

The MNAs who were a part of PTI but contested and won the February 8 general elections as independent candidates have been asked by the Supreme Court to file duly signed and notarised statements before the ECP within 15 days, explaining they had contested the election as candidates of a particular political party — in this case the PTI.

Mr Ayub also said that cases have been filed against the mother of PTI leader Sheikh Waqas Akram.

Mr Qaiser labelled Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif as “fascist” and said that if the government wanted anarchy in the country, the PTI was ready for it.He also commented on the events of May 9, claiming that the whole world now knows that the incidents of violence were “a drama and conspiracy against PTI”.

Source: dawn.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.dawn.com/news/1848674/pti-hints-at-sit-in-outside-parliament-for-imrans-release

--------

 

Several detained as Gwadar protest met with teargas

July 29, 2024

GWADAR/QUETTA: At least three people are dead and several injured after participants of a Balochistan Yakjehti Committee (BYC) protest clashed with security personnel in different areas of the province, on Sunday.

But despite roadblocks put in place by the authorities, a large number of people managed to make their way from across the province to Gwadar’s Marine Drive for the Baloch Rajee Muchi (Baloch National Gathering).

Sources told Dawn that two people were killed and as many injured after a convoy was stopped by the security forces at the Talar check-post. Officials claimed that security forces were trying to defend themselves against a mob that reportedly attacked the checkpost.

Additionally, one person lost their life and eight people were injured in clashes that erupted after authorities used teargas in an attempt to disperse people gathered on Marine Drive. At least 20 people were also arrested.

The death toll was confirmed by health authorities in Gwadar. “We have received three bodies and eight injured persons in the hospital,” a senior official told Dawn, adding that two of the injured were shifted to Turbat.

Dawn tried to contact Balochistan Home Minister Ziaullah Langove and Provincial Spokesperson Shahid Rind, but due to a communications blackout, they and other relevant officials could not be reached for comment.

Later, addressing the gathering in Gwadar, BYC leader Dr Mahrang Baloch and others vowed not to abandon their struggle for the rights of the Baloch people and the protection of the province’s resources.

Referring to the deaths of the people who arrived to attend the gathering, Mahrang said the killers of the Baloch people should be arrested and brought to justice.

She also demanded the release of the protesters detained by the security forces.

“Until the release of our people, the sit-in will continue at Marine Drive,” she announced.

Life derailed

Life in various areas of southern Balochistan, including Makran, came to standstill, with roads and highways leading to Gwadar blocked throughout the day.

There was no traffic on the Quetta-Karachi highway, either, as authorities blocked the road due to a sit-in in Mastung. The demonstration was held to protest the firing on a convoy of protesters a day earlier, which resulted in 14 people being injured.

A complete shutter-down strike was also observed in Mastung, Kalat, Noshki, Khuzdar, Noshki, Dalbandin, Awaran, Lasbela, Chagai, Nokundi, Gwadar, Turbat, and Pasni. Likewise, BYC activists also staged sit-ins on at least 14 locations along the highways and inter-provincial roads. In Quetta, roads leading towards the Red Zone were blocked and hundreds of police and levies officials were deployed for security.

Political support for BYC

Leaders of the Balochistan National Party (BNP-Mengal) and the National Party condemned the use of force against the peaceful supporters of the BYC.

BNP leader Sajid Tareen Advocate said their party would also be participating in these protests. He pointed out that people in Gwadar were still demanding potable water, urging the government to allow peaceful protests. He said the Baloch and Pashtun people were being deliberately marginalised, leading to heightened tensions and pushing people towards armed resistance.

National Party leaders Aslam Baloch and Kalsoom Niaz Baloch held the Balochistan government, led by Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, responsible for the political instability in Balochistan.

Non-political forces are taking advantage of the current situation and the government is deliberately spreading unrest in Balochistan, they alleged. They claimed that a form of civil martial law was in place, and the “puppet government” was intentionally deteriorating the situation.

Separately, Amnesty International also called on the Pakistani authorities to immediately lift the internet shutdown in Balochistan, and fulfil its obligations under domestic and international human rights law to facilitate people’s right to peaceful protest by lifting the road blockades on the way to Gwadar to allow freedom of movement for protesters.

Source: dawn.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.dawn.com/news/1848660/several-detained-as-gwadar-protest-met-with-teargas

--------

 

Clashes claim 35 lives as ceasefire eludes Kurram

July 29, 2024

KURRAM: Gunfire continued to ring out on Sunday in the volatile district bordering Afgha­nistan, despite authorities’ claims of having brokered a ceasefire between two feuding tribes in Kurram.

The five-day conflict has so far claimed at least 35 lives, according to Mir Hassan Jan, the medical superintendent of the Kurram District Head­quarters Hospital.

Mr Jan said that 166 people have been injured in the conflict.

Hostilities between two rival groups hailing from Boshehra and Maleekhel tribes flared up over a land dispute last week and both sides resorted to using heavy weapons to target each other’s positions.

Clashes had also spread to other areas, such as Peewar, Tangi, Balishkhel, Khaar Kalay, Maqbal, Kunj Alizai, Para Chamkani, and Karman. A day earlier, locals said that missiles and rockets were also fired on Parachinar and Sadda towns.

On Sunday, police and the district administration claimed that a jirga from Hangu and Orakzai districts managed to broker a ceasefire after four days of hectic efforts to end hostilities.

Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mahsud said that jirga members held talks with the elders of both groups and persuaded them to vacate their positions after which the two sides agreed to a ceasefire.

The official claimed a ceasefire had been enforced in Boshehra with the help of the tribal elders and efforts were underway to extend it to other areas, where the firing continued until late on Sunday evening.

In Boshehra, police and security personnel were deployed after the ceasefire, but firing continued in at least three places in the district.

Due to tensions, all educational institutions and bazaars remained closed over the weekend, while traffic on main roads remained suspended. Locals said that road blockades had resulted in a shortage of food items and medicines in the district.

Meanwhile, different religious and political parties staged demonstrations in Parachinar and Islam­abad and demanded the government take steps for an immediate ceasefire.

Source: dawn.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.dawn.com/news/1848662/clashes-claim-35-lives-as-ceasefire-eludes-kurram

--------

 

PIA cabin crew remanded for ‘smuggling’ Saudi currency

July 29, 2024

RAWALPINDI: A Paki­stan International Airlines (PIA) flight attendant caught smuggling foreign currency at Allama Iqbal Inter­national Airport, Lahore, has been sent on judicial remand.

Customs officials produced the suspect before a magistrate on Saturday and sought her custody.

According to Customs authorities, the air hostess was detained on Friday after a large amount of Saudi riyals were found in her socks during a body search. A video of the cabin crew member taking out the currency notes has also gone viral on social media.

Later, an FIR was registered against the air hostess, who was only referred to by her initials A.Q. According to the complaint, the suspect, a resident of Vehari, was boarding PIA’s flight PK 203 from Lahore to Dubai when Customs officials stopped her at the airport.

Raja Bilal Naseem, the Customs deputy collector at Allama Iqbal International Airport, told Dawn that 140,000 Saudi Riyals (around 10.4 million rupees) were recovered from her possession during the search.

He said Customs authorities had intelligence reports of a possible attempt to smuggle currency through this flight.

The suspect has been booked under Section 139 of The Customs Act, 1969, which states that any passenger or crew member attempting to take out currency, gold, precious metals or stones by concealing them in baggage to avoid Customs will be charged with offences of smuggling.

A PIA spokesman has said that the air hostess would be terminated immediately if found guilty after the trial.

Source: dawn.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.dawn.com/news/1848669/pia-cabin-crew-remanded-for-smuggling-saudi-currency

--------

 

PHC approached for judicial probe into May 9 riots

July 29, 2024

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunk­hwa government has initiated the process of making a written request to the chief justice of Peshawar High Court (PHC) to depute a judge for conducting a judicial inquiry into the May 9 riots.

Talking to Dawn, KP government’s spokesperson Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif said that the process to conduct a judicial process into the May 9 violence has begun, adding that the letter for deputing a judge for the purpose is being prepared at the advocate general’s office.

“The process has started since the provincial cabinet, in its meeting last month, had endorsed a resolution of the provincial assembly adopted in May for a judicial inquiry,” he said.

The letter would be sent to the registrar’s office from where it would be forwarded to the chief justice, he added.

On May 10, a year after the May 9 riots, the KP Assembly passed a resolution, demanding an “independent” judicial inquiry into the riots and the release of their CCTV footage.

The KP cabinet on June 27 approved the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the riots and backed the provincial assembly’s resolution that also called for the release of former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan as well as other political prisoners.

“This assembly recommends that the provincial government ask the federal government to immediately withdraw all fake cases against Qaidi Number 804 [prisoner No 804] Imran Khan and [his wife] Bushra Bibi, and release all May 9 prisoners so that the agitation in the public ends. May 9 incidents should be probed by an independent judicial commission, and their CCTV footage should be made public,” read the resolution, which was adopted by majority.

Mr Saif said that since the advo­cate general’s office was an interface between the provincial government and the court, that’s why the former had initiated the process. He said the judicial commission would be probing all the FIRs, including those registered following attacks on the offices of Radio Pakistan in Peshawar, some places in Mardan and other parts of the province.

In reply to a question, the spokesperson said that Terms of Reference would be mentioned in the notification of the judicial commission and all the modalities would be worked upon.

May 9, 2023 witnessed violent scenes in KP [and other parts of the country] with angry people torching the building that housed the offices of Radio Pakistan and APP news agency in protest against the arrest of Imran Khan.

In Peshawar, pitched battles broke out between the police and protesters who were trying to force their way to Khyber Road where key installations were located. The violence in the province left at least seven people dead and more than 122 others injured.

Police took into custody 274 persons across the province in connection with the violent protests.

PML-N mocks move

Taking a swipe at the KP government’s move, Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari said that no one could become revolutionary leaders like Che Guevara or Nelson Mandela by using the judicial shoulders, adds APP.

In a statement, she said the KP government’s proposed letter to the Peshawar High Court to form a judicial commission on May 9 incidents was a failed attempt to hide under the judicial hammer.

She said judicial commissions were always formed on hidden and unexplained matters. There were videos, photos and audio clips of the May 9 violence, she said, adding that the incident was a conspiracy against the country. The information minister said the truth had become crystal clear as all characters of the “rebellion” including its facilitators and masterminds had been exposed now.

Source: dawn.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.dawn.com/news/1848675/phc-approached-for-judicial-probe-into-may-9-riots

--------

 

Haq Do Teh­reek leader withdraws support to Balochistan govt

July 29, 2024

QUETTA: Haq Do Teh­reek (HDT) leader and MPA Maulana Hidayatur Rehman has strongly condemned the use of force on the convoy of Baloch Yak­jehti Committee supporters near Mastung and ann­o­unced that he is now joining opposition benches in the Balochistan Assem­bly.

“I will not support the coalition government anymore,” the HDT leader said.

“I don’t understand why the government created hurdles and disallowed a peaceful gathering in Gwadar while the Constitution allows everyone to hold such peaceful public meetings.”

Mr Rehman criticised the provincial government for not fulfilling its responsibilities which led to violent incidents.

He also condemned the closure of mobile phone and internet services and roads and said it was not morally or constitutionally justified.

He said there are reports of firing in Gwadar, but it is difficult to verify these reports now due to the suspension of internet and mobile phone services in the area.

The MPA said problems of the people should be resolved through dialogue and not by resorting to use of force and violence against mothers and sisters of the province.

He said he did not want to see Balochistan burning and that was the reason he had decided to sit on the opposition ben­ches in the provincial ass­embly.

Source: dawn.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.dawn.com/news/1848668/haq-do-tehreek-leader-withdraws-support-to-balochistan-govt

--------

 

Tribal land feud claims 35 lives as armed clashes rage in Kurram

July 28, 2024

PESHAWAR: A land feud between tribes in the northwestern part of the country has spilled over into days of fighting with machine guns and mortars, killing 35 people so far, officials said Sunday.

Two tribal groups have been fighting since Wednesday, when a gunman opened fire at a council negotiating a decades-long dispute over farmland, local police official Murtaza Hussain said.

While no one was wounded in that attack, Hussain said it reignited longstanding tensions between the clans who live side-by-side in Boshehra and Malikhel areas of the district of Kurram on the border with Afghanistan.

Hussain confirmed that the conflict had "claimed 35 lives" so far.

"The government and local leaders are attempting to halt the fighting through jirgas (tribal councils), but have not yet succeeded," he said.

Inter-family feuds are common in the country.

However, they can be particularly protracted and violent in the mountainous northwestern region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where communities abide by traditional tribal honour codes.

A senior government official from Kurram district, who asked to remain anonymous, also gave a death toll of 35 but said 151 more people had been wounded.

"All attempts to resolve the conflict have failed," he said.

A police source, who asked not to be identified, said both sides were using automatic weapons and mortars in fighting focussed around the town of Parachinar, which had been blockaded by law enforcement.

"The area is still witnessing clashes involving the use of both small and large weapons," the senior Kurram district official said.

Traffic on the main roads also remained suspended due to the continuing firing.

Kurram is part of the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas, a semi-autonomous area that was merged with KP in 2018.

The move brought the region into the legal and administrative mainstream, although police and security forces frequently struggle to enforce the rule of law there.

Source: thenews.com.pk

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1214346-tribal-land-feud-claims-35-lives-as-armed-clashes-rage-in-kurram

--------

 

Pak Army organizes free medical camp in Chunian, Kasur

July 29, 2024

Pakistan Army organized a free medical camp in Chunian Tehsil of Kasur District.

Specialist doctors and gynecologists were engaged in the camp.

Over fifteen hundred patients, including women and children, were provided with free medical treatment.

Doctors and para-medical staff also delivered awareness lectures on prevention and treatment of malaria, dengue, including hygiene.

The local people were appreciative of Pakistan Army's public welfare initiative.

Source: radio.gov.pk

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.radio.gov.pk/29-07-2024/pak-army-organizes-free-medical-camp-in-chunian-kasur

---------

 

Europe

 

Israel’s desire to destroy Hamas ‘unrealistic’: Russia’s Lavrov

28 July 2024

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said Israel’s goal of eliminating the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas is an “unrealistic” task.

Speaking at the end of his visit to Malaysia after attending the 57th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Laos on Saturday, Lavrov said Hamas will not cease to exist as it has support from the Muslim world.

“Israel says through [prime minister Benjamin] Netanyahu that the war will not end until Hamas is completely eradicated. In my opinion, and that of many of my partners, that is an unrealistic mission,” he said.

“Hamas continues to exist and has sufficient capabilities and support including in the Muslim world,” he added.

Since October last year, Netanyahu has reiterated that Hamas must be “completely destroyed” before Israel will agree to end its genocidal war against Gaza which has killed more than 39,300 Palestinians so far.

However, domestic pressure is running high in the occupied territories for a deal that would bring home the remaining 110 captives held by Hamas in Gaza.

Tens of thousands of Israelis have consistently rallied against Netanyahu and his cabinet, demanding early elections and a deal to return the captives.

In mid-June, Netanyahu dissolved his six-member war cabinet, a widely expected decision that followed the departure of his war minister Benny Gantz, and his ally Gadi Eisenkot.

Gantz quit over what he said was the lack of strategy for the war.

Some days later, the spokesperson for the Israeli military Daniel Hagari, told Channel 13 News that the aim of eradicating Gaza’s leadership was unattainable.

“This business of destroying Hamas, making Hamas disappear — it’s simply throwing sand in the eyes of the public. Hamas is an idea, Hamas is a party. It’s rooted in the hearts of the people — anyone who thinks we can eliminate Hamas is wrong,” he said.

But Netanyahu is also facing opposition from his far-right cabinet partners to any agreement to end the war.

Earlier last month, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, two Israeli ministers, threatened to quit and collapse the coalition if Netanyahu agrees to a Gaza ceasefire proposal unveiled by US President Joe Biden at the time.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Lavrov said certain countries are trying to draw up new compromise proposals that call for an end to violence step by step, “given that Israel rejects an immediate ceasefire.”

“Some Arab countries, Egypt and Qatar, are working with the Americans, and they also hold some meetings with the Israelis.”

However, he said he thinks it is not very good that the Palestinians are excluded from meetings that are designed to eventually determine their future.

“In this regard, we will continue to help restore the Palestinian unity,” the Russian foreign minister said.

Source: presstv.ir

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/07/28/730196/Russia-Lavrov-Israel-Netanyahu-Palestine-Hamas-Eradication-Impossible

--------

 

UK police's brutal assault on Muslim family sparks outrage

27 July 2024

Shockwaves have rippled through the Muslim community in the UK in the wake of an incident involving British police officers brutally attacking a family of Muslim citizens of Pakistani origin at Manchester Airport.

In video footage that has since gone viral online, police officers can be seen attacking at least two men with one policeman kicking a man as he lies on the ground, posing no threat, he then stamps on the victim's head with full force, narrowly avoiding making full contact in what many say was an action that would have almost certainly killed the man.

The shocking images have led to outrage, especially within the British Muslim community.

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the office of Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, to demand an immediate investigation and an end to what they described as brutal and racist policing.

The lawyer representing the victims has emphasized the severity of the attack.

If five civilians got together and did that to another person, then they would be charged with joint enterprise, attempted murder.

So let's wait and see what happens to these police officers.

The investigation is in the very early stages.

Akhmed Yakoob, Victims’ Lawyer

The Greater Manchester Police have released a statement claiming that prior to the altercation seen in the footage, the men had assaulted three police officers, with one officer sustaining a broken nose.

Sources close to the men say the altercation began after the family suffered racist abuse from a member of the public, and instead of taking action against the perpetrator, one of the police officers physically attacked their elderly mother, whom the boys then rushed to protect.

Following the initial statement, Greater Manchester Police have released another statement announcing that one of the officers involved has been suspended from all duties.

Meanwhile, an independent investigation is also reportedly underway; however, local community members here remain doubtful that justice will be served in this case.

He has physically assaulted a member of the public, physically, regardless of whatever has happened, he should be dismissed straight away and change should be brought.

Member of Public 01

There is a doctor who's come on Tiktok, as well and on other social media platforms, and has said that, the way he was kicked in the head and in the nose he could have died there.

So the point is not just about him being suspended, it's him and every single other officer that was involved in the incident. And it's also their seniors.

You wouldn't treat an animal the way they treated them humans, the innocent children lying on the floor. He's not even 20 years old. I believe he's 19.

The way he was treated, he was lying harmlessly on the floor, and they have come and attacked him.

Member of Public 02

As tensions run high, Right Wing racist elements have jumped onto the story to fuel division and praised the violence displayed by the police in their own efforts to inflame Islamophobic hatred and spark what they believe will be a war of religious and racial hatred in the UK.

How the police handle this incident will no doubt influence whether they'll be successful or not.

Source: presstv.ir

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/07/27/730143/UK-police-brutal-assault-on-Muslim-family-at-Manchester-airport-sparks-outrage-and-protests

--------

 

Ten years on, many Yazidis uprooted by Islamic State onslaught struggle to find stable homes

July 29, 2024

SINJAR, Iraq (AP) — When Rihan Ismail returned to her family’s home in the heartland of her Yazidi community, she was sure she was coming back for good.

She had yearned for that moment throughout long years of captivity.

Islamic State militants had abducted then-adolescent Ismail as they rampaged through Iraq’s Sinjar district, killing and enslaving thousands from the Yazidi religious minority.

As they moved her from Iraq to Syria, she clung to what home meant to her: a childhood filled with laughter, a community so tight knit the neighbor’s house was like your own. After her captors took her to Turkey, she finally managed to get ahold of a phone, contact her family and plan a rescue.

“How could I leave again?” Ismail, 24, told The Associated Press last year, soon after returning to her village, Hardan.

Reality quickly set in.

The house where she lives with her brother, a police officer, and his wife and toddler, is one of the few still standing in the village. A school down the street houses displaced families who have nowhere else to go.

Her father and younger sister are still missing. In a cemetery on the village edge, three of her brothers are buried along with 13 other local men and boys killed by IS and discovered in a mass grave.

Ismail passes it every time she has an errand to a neighboring town.

“You feel like you’re dying 1,000 deaths between here and there,” she said.

Deep connections persist for a homeland changed by horrors

A decade after the IS assault, members of the Yazidi community have been trickling back to their homes in Sinjar. But despite their homeland’s deep emotional and religious significance, many see no future there.

There’s no money to rebuild destroyed homes. Infrastructure is still wrecked. Multiple armed groups carve up the area.

And the landscape is haunted by horrific memories. In August 2014, militants stormed through Sinjar, determined to erase the tiny, insular religious group they considered heretics. They killed men and boys, sold women into sex slavery or forced them to convert and marry militants. Those who could, fled.

It has been seven years since IS was defeated in Iraq. But as of April 2024, only 43% of the more than 300,000 people displaced from Sinjar had returned, according to the International Migration Organization.

Some fear that if Yazidis don’t return, the community may lose its identity.

“Sinjar is the Yazidi center of gravity,” said Hadi Babasheikh, the brother and office manager of the late Yazidi spiritual leader who held the position during IS’ atrocities. “Without Sinjar, Yazidism would be like a cancer patient who’s dying.”

This strategically located remote corner of northwest Iraq near the Syrian border has been the Yazidis’ home for centuries. Villages are scattered across a semi-arid plain dotted with sheep, a cement factory and the occasional liquor store.

Rearing up from the flatland are the Sinjar Mountains, a long, narrow range considered sacred by the Yazidis. Legend says Noah’s ark settled on the mountain after the flood. Yazidis fled to the heights to escape IS, as they have done in past bouts of persecution.

In Sinjar town, the district center, soldiers lounge in front of small shops on the main street. A livestock market brings buyers and sellers from neighboring villages and beyond. Here and there, reconstruction crews work among piles of cinder blocks.

But in outlying areas, signs of the destruction — collapsed houses, abandoned fuel stations — remain everywhere. Water networks, health facilities and schools, and even religious shrines have not been rebuilt. Sinjar town’s main Sunni Muslim district remains a stretch of rubble; the occupants have not returned, facing hostility from their former Yazidi neighbors who view them as IS collaborators.

The central government in Baghdad and authorities in the semi-autonomous northern Kurdish region have been wrestling over Sinjar, where each backed a rival local government for years.

That dispute is now playing out in a debate over the displacement camps in the Kurdish region housing many of those who fled Sinjar.

Camp closures loom, leaving Yazidis torn on whether to stay or go

Earlier this year, Baghdad ordered the camps to be closed by July 30 and offered payments of 4 million dinars (about $3,000) to occupants who leave.

Karim al-Nouri, deputy minister for the displaced, said this month that difficulties in returning to Sinjar “have been overcome” and that getting the displaced back is “an official, humanitarian and moral imperative.”

But Kurdish authorities say they won’t evict the camp residents.

Sinjar “is not suitable for human habitation,” said Khairi Bozani, an advisor to the Kurdish regional president, Nechirvan Barzani.

“The government is supposed to move people from a bad place to a good place and not vice versa.”

Khudeida Murad Ismail refuses to leave the camp in Dohuk, where he runs a makeshift store selling eggs, instant noodles, pacifiers and hair henna. Leaving would mean losing his livelihood, and the payout wouldn’t cover rebuilding his house, he said.

If the camps shut down, he said he would remain in the area, rent a home and look for other work.

He acknowledged that if many Yazidis stay away from Sinjar, other groups will likely populate their areas. That saddens him, he said, “but there’s nothing I can do.”

But the camp closure order and relocation payments have prompted an increase in returns.

On June 24, Barakat Khalil’s family of nine joined a convoy of trucks piled with mattresses, blankets and household goods, leaving the town in Dohuk that had been their home for nearly a decade.

They now live in a small, rented house in Sinjar town. They fixed its broken doors and windows and are gradually furnishing it, even planting geraniums.

Their old home, in a nearby village, is destroyed. A humanitarian organization removed the rubble, leaving nothing but the foundation, but couldn’t help them rebuild. Khalil had spent seven years building the house, gradually saving money from his work in construction.

“We stayed in it for two months and then they (IS militants) came and blew it up,” he said.

Now, “it’s a totally new life — we don’t know anybody here,” said Khalil’s 25-year-old daughter, Haifa Barakat. She’s the only family member who is working, in the pharmacy of the local hospital.

Although life in Sinjar is tolerable for now, she worries about security.

Tensions among various militias in Sinjar raise safety concerns

Different parts of the territory are patrolled by the Iraqi army and Kurdish peshmerga forces, along with various militias that came to fight IS and never left.

Prominent among those is the Sinjar Resistance Units, or YBS, a Yazidi militia that is part of the primarily Shiite Popular Mobilization Forces.

Turkey regularly launches airstrikes against its members because it is aligned with the Kurdistan Workers Party’ or PKK, a Kurdish separatist group that has waged an insurgency in Turkey.

At the YBS headquarters near the Syrian border, the group’s then-acting commander, Khalid Rasho Qassim, also known as Abu Shadi, said in an interview last year that his group had fought IS when official forces fled.

“The young people are joining because they saw that we defended them,” he said.

Less than a week later, he was killed by a Turkish airstrike, the same fate his predecessor had met.

The presence of armed groups has also sometimes complicated rebuilding. In 2022, a damaged school in Sinjar was rehabilitated by a Japanese NGO called IVY, hoping to relieve overcrowding in the area’s few functional schools. Instead, Japanese officials complained that a militia took over the renovated facility.

When AP reporters visited the school last September, no classes were in session, but a few young men and women were in the entry hall, where bookshelves were stocked with revolutionary texts. Staff said the school director was not available.

IVY later said it was told that the building had been vacated. But when an AP team returned this month, it found the same young men who had been there before. They asked the journalists to leave.

This month, the Nineveh provincial council finally voted to appoint a single mayor for Sinjar, but disputes have held up his confirmation.

The would-be mayor, school administrator and community activist Saido al-Ahmady, said he hopes to push for the restoration of services so more displaced will return.

“Sinjar has always been the center of Yazidis and we will preserve it that way,” he said.

But many of those who have come back say they are thinking of leaving again.

In the village of Dugure, on a recent evening, children rode bicycles and women in traditional robes chatted at sunset in front of their houses.

“In the end we have to return” to Sinjar said Hadi Shammo, whose family left a camp last month. “This is part of our identity.”

But when prodded, Shammo acknowledged, “If I’d had a chance I would have left Iraq a long time ago.”

Rihan Ismail, who once spent her days dreaming of a return to Sinjar, now wants to get away.

“Even if you went somewhere else, you wouldn’t be able to forget. But at least every time you come or go you wouldn’t have to see your village destroyed like this,” she said.

A photo of her missing father gazed down from the wall. In the corner was a small replica of Lalish, the most holy Yazidi temple, and a snake, a sacred symbol of protection.

“You can’t forget what happened, but you have to find a way to live.”

She has now pinned her hopes on joining her mother and other relatives who have resettled in Canada.

Associated Press writers Mariam Fam in Dohuk, Iraq, and Salar Salim in Irbil, Iraq, contributed to this report.

Source: yahoo.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.yahoo.com/news/ten-years-many-yazidis-uprooted-051804579.html

--------

 

Vacant Blackburn nursery building set to become madrassah

The Muslim Welfare Institute wants to turn it into a place of worship and an Islamic education centre.

The former Emerald Street Nursery in Emerald Street, Roe Lee, was originally part of a local mill.

The planning application to Blackburn with Darwen Council also proposed a single-storey extension to house ablution and toilet facilities.

A supporting statement from the Urban Future Planning Consultancy says: "The site was originally the offices/the gatehouse for the adjacent Vale Mill.

"The site has however been in use as a nursery for several decades.

"The application site comprises a two-storey brick-built building.

"Consent was first granted for the change of use to a full-time day nursery with 35 children at the site in 1989.

"The application site has stood vacant for some time following the closure of the nursery in 2022 and the proposal would put the site to effective use.

"Consent is sought for the change of use of the former children’s nursery premises in Emerald Street, Blackburn into a Mosque/Madrassah.

"The building would comprise of a prayer facility for worship with classrooms for the Madrassah / after-school learning element.

"The ground floor worshipping element will also include hygienic ablution facilities.

"The proposal provides the opportunity for the direction of prayer to face more accurately to the Qibla and also provides enhanced security measures in terms of a lobby and entrance hall.

"There are very limited changes proposed to the building’s exterior.

"The applicant is looking to meet the needs of the area’s Muslim resident community by offering a Place of Worship / Madrassah.

"Within Blackburn with Darwen, the proportion of Muslim population is the third highest among all local authorities in the UK and the highest outside London.

"Whilst all uses generate some activity, the worship/small madrassah element is not considered to be unduly noisy and there are many examples within the borough and beyond of where such facilities exist adjacent to residential properties.

"They tend to operate without any known detriment to nearby occupiers.

"The existing building has long served the local community as a large children’s nursery and those residing nearby are well accustomed to its use and the activity generated by it (e.g. comings and goings of parents/staff).

"The applicant is looking to better meet the needs of the area’s Muslim resident community by offering a community worship facility accessible on foot from surrounding residential streets."

Source: lancashiretelegraph.co.uk

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/24479710.vacant-blackburn-nursery-building-set-become-mosque-madrassah/

--------

 

Independent MP recorded telling Muslim male voters they had ‘duty’ to vote for him

July 28, 2024

A newly elected Muslim independent MP has been recorded telling people to “follow the teachings of the Prophet”  and vote for him, days before the general election.

Iqbal Mohamed, who won in Dewsbury & Batley, and faced claims that his supporters waged a campaign of intimidation against a Labour candidate, also claimed he would be a representative of Allah if he was backed at the polls.

There are strict rules in the UK on improper religious influence at elections and the new MP could now be investigated over the comments.

The Sunday Times revealed Mohamed, 52, made the remarks standing on a prayer mat wearing religious dress at a male-only open air prayer event to mark Eid in Batley, West Yorkshire, on June 16.

He later shared a short excerpt, including the section about the Prophet Muhammad, on social media, writing: “Vote with your conscience and vote INDEPENDENT for a just and honest MP.”

The footage show that Mohamed warned voters that, if they failed to vote, Allah would ask them: “I gave you this [blessing], what did you do with it?” He said Muslims had a “duty” to vote for “just representatives” and gestured to an imam next to him before saying “with the ulema [a collective term for Islamic clerics] as my witness I promise to try and be that just representative”, stating that he did not need to beg for votes as “anyone with any element of humanity” had seen what was happening in Gaza.

Mohamed denied any wrongdoing over the comments, telling the newspaper: “This was a general appeal to register to vote and Labour and Conservative candidates frequently speak in religious settings, including mosques, during election campaigns. I am dedicated to serving the residents of Dewsbury & Batley, of all faiths and none.”

Mohamed secured a majority of 6,934 votes with a campaign that focused on events in Gaza.

At one stage Labour candidate Heather Iqbal was forced to call in police over claims she was followed and faced threats from the Independent MP’s supporters, including claims she was a “Zionist.”Iqbal has called for Mohamed to condemn the incidents.

Source: jewishnews.co.uk

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/independent-mp-recorded-telling-muslim-male-voters-they-had-duty-to-vote-for-him/

--------

 

Hate Cleric Raises £3 Million to Create Islamic Homeland on Scottish Island

28 JULY 2024

A hate cleric, commanding his own ‘army’, has raised over £3 million to establish an Islamic homeland on a Scottish island. The Mail has the story.

Sheikh Yasser al-Habib, 45 – who claimed asylum in Britain 20 years ago after fleeing his native Kuwait – and his followers are in advanced talks to buy the remote isle of Torsa, off the west coast of Scotland.

The extremist scholar, who already runs military-style training camps, hopes his organisation can build its own school, hospital and mosque on the island, where it intends to practise sharia law.

In a video encouraging supporters to donate towards their £3.5 million target, the cleric says he will negotiate with the Government to allow Muslims “from all over the world” to be given a visa in order for them to live in their new “homeland”. …

Al-Habib, who is accused of stirring up sectarian hatred in Britain and in the Arab world between Shias and rival Sunni Muslims, has his “global headquarters” in the picturesque village of Fulmer, South Buckinghamshire.

He has been fundraising through his controversial satellite channel Fadak TV, which he has run for several years from a £2 million converted church hall.

Despite repeated warnings from the regulator Ofcom, al-Habib – nicknamed the ‘Mullah of Fulmer’ – has been permitted to continue broadcasting his lectures, spreading hate and inciting violence towards those from the Sunni faith at home and abroad.

The cleric, who preaches only in Arabic, has amassed a huge following among Britain’s 400,000 Shias and millions more across the world.

Now he has set his sights on the uninhabited island of Torsa, in Argyll, where he wants to establish a new ‘homeland’ for his group called the Mahdi [Messiah] Servants Union (MSU).

Torsa, which is one of the Slate Islands, is just over a mile long and has one farmhouse. It is accessible only by private boat from Luing – itself reached via a ferry from the island of Seil, which in turn connects to the mainland via a bridge – and has not been permanently inhabited for more than 50 years. …

Sarah Zaaimi, a Deputy Director for Communications at the American think tank Atlantic Council, who has researched al-Habib, said: “They will have their own army, their own justice system, they will manage their own schools and hospitals, and people from around the world will be able to migrate to this homeland.

“It does challenge the notion of sovereignty. It’s puzzling to me how the U.K. authorities are allowing such a discourse. You are fundraising for the creation of a sovereign country on the margins of another country.”

Source: dailysceptic.org

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://dailysceptic.org/2024/07/28/hate-cleric-raises-3-million-to-create-islamic-homeland-on-scottish-island/

--------

 

'I'm a Muslim and I am offended!' Debate gets HEATED after Olympics reimagine The Last Supper as DRAG  - 'This is an insult to THREE religions'

28/07/2024

A debate on GB News got heated when Dr Sheikh Ramzy said that as a Muslim, he was "offended" by the depiction of the Christian painting, The Last Supper, at the Paris Olympic opening ceremony where it was reimagined by drag queens.

The reenactment of the famous painting, that shows Jesus's last meal with his disciples, was the centre of a backlash with Christians expressing their anger at the organisers of the Games.

However, it seems to have caused a stir in other religious communities as well, with Dr Sheikh Ramzy heavily criticising the performance.

He told Nana Akua on GB News: "I would like to say it is an insult. Is it an insult to Christianity which I can't bear as a Muslim can't bear because we are brothers. One thing I tell you, it is not a fair game. It is a blasphemy."

He later added: "These are characters of the Bible. These are the words of the Bible. This is an insult to three religions Muslim, Christian and Jews."

However, Political Commentator Stephen Carlton Woods claimed that it is good for religions to be "open to criticism."

He explained: "I think the Church of England in particular have always been open to criticism at stages.

"This has gone quite far now, this last 24 hours. The artistic license that was used was in bad taste as far as I'm concerned.

"It was one of the worst opening ceremonies I've ever seen in my lifetime. But taking that on to people being upset about this artistic license in particular, which we've seen in the past when the Life of Brian was made or Dan Brown's book, The Da Vinci Code where the Pope is condemned.

"Certain people within religion are going to get upset. We should always be able to have an open debate and discuss this going forward. But we've seen too many times other religions take great offence at the very smallest amounts of criticism.

"I think every religion should be open to criticism and understand that people are making fair comments."

The performance also caused a stir online with viewers calling it "sick" and "disrespectful."

Tesla and SpaceX owner Elon Musk also fumed and posted on social media that the show was "extremely disrespectful to Christians".

He added: "Christianity has become toothless."

Dutch politician Geert Wilder, who runs the Party for Freedom, tweeted: "So mocking Christianity is ok but when I publish some Muhammad cartoons the left cries blasphemy and radical imams issue fatwas. Double standards of the worst kind."

Conservative French MEP Marion Maréchal tweeted: "To all the Christians of the world who are watching the #Paris2024 ceremony and felt insulted by this drag queen parody of the Last Supper, know that it is not France that is speaking but a left-wing minority ready for any provocation. #notinmyname."

Other acts, such as the beheading of Marie Antoinette and Philippe Katerine’s portrayal of Dionysus, the god of wine, also sparked debate among divided fans.

Source: gbnews.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.gbnews.com/news/debate-olympics-ceremony-opening-drag-insult

--------

 

North America

 

Harris’ support for Israel ‘ironclad’ after attack on Golan Heights

July 28, 2024

WASHINGTON: US Vice President Kamala Harris’ support for Israel’s security is “ironclad,” her national security adviser Phil Gordon said on Sunday, adding that she has been briefed and is closely monitoring a rocket attack on a football ground in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

“The Vice President has been briefed and is closely monitoring Hezbollah’s horrific attack on a soccer field in Majdal Shams in northern Israel yesterday which killed a number of children and teenagers. She condemns this horrific attack and mourns for all those killed and wounded.

“Israel continues to face severe threats to its security, and the Vice President’s support for Israel’s security is ironclad,” Gordon said in a statement.

Source: arabnews.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2558406/world

--------

 

Kamala Harris campaign raises $200 million in a week

July 28, 2024

WASHINGTON: US Vice President Kamala Harris’s election campaign said on Sunday it has raised $200 million and signed up 170,000 new volunteers in the week since she became the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate.

President Joe Biden ended his reelection bid on Sunday last week and endorsed Harris for the Nov. 5 vote against Republican former President Donald Trump.

“In the week since we got started, @KamalaHarris has raised $200 million dollars. 66 percent of that is from new donors. We’ve signed up 170,000 new volunteers,” Harris’ deputy campaign manager, Rob Flaherty, posted on X.

Polls over the past week, including one by Reuters/Ipsos, show Harris and Trump essentially tied, setting the stage for a close-fought campaign over the 100 days left until the election.

Trump’s campaign said in early July that it raised $331 million in the second quarter, topping the $264 million that Biden’s campaign and its Democratic allies raised in the same period. Trump’s campaign had $284.9 million in cash on hand at the end of June while the Democratic campaign had $240 million in cash on hand at the time.

Harris has secured support from a majority of delegates to the Democratic National Convention, likely ensuring she will become the party’s nominee for president next month.

“So our vice president is the presumptive nominee. We will have the official vote on August 1,” Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison told MSNBC on Sunday.

Biden withdrew from the race amid questions about his age and health following a faltering debate performance against Trump in late June. Biden pledged to remain in office as president until his term ends on Jan. 20, 2025.

Harris’ takeover has reenergized a campaign that had faltered badly amid Democrats’ doubts about Biden’s chances of defeating Trump or his ability to continue to govern had he won.

Polls showed that Trump had built a lead over Biden, including in battleground states, after Biden’s disastrous debate performance.

A New York Times/Siena College national poll published Thursday found Harris has narrowed what had been a sizable Trump lead while Trump had a two percentage point lead over her in a Wall Street Journal poll published on Friday. A Reuters/Ipsos poll published on July 23 showed a two point lead for Harris.

Mitch Landrieu, a campaign co-chair, said on MSNBC that Harris “had one of the best weeks that we’ve seen in politics in the last 50 years.”

“This is going to be a very close race,” he said.

Trump’s fundraising surged when he was convicted in late May on felony charges related to a hush-money payment to a porn star ahead of the 2016 election. An assassination attempt against him this month was also expected to spur campaign contributions.

Source: arabnews.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2558206/world

--------

 

US’s Blinken calls on Venezuela parties to ‘respect democratic process’ in vote

July 28, 2024

TOKYO: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for all parties in Venezuela to “respect the democratic process” in an election on Sunday, speaking less than an hour before polls open.

“The Venezuelan people deserve an election that genuinely reflects their will, free from any manipulation. The international community is going to be watching this very closely. We urge all parties to honor their commitments and to respect the democratic process,” Blinken told reporters in Japan.

Venezuelans will vote between continuity in President Nicolas Maduro or change in rival Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia amid high tension following the incumbent’s threat of a “bloodbath” if he loses, which polls suggest is likely.

Maduro, who is seeking a third six-year term at the helm of the once wealthy South American petro-state, is accused of locking up critics and harassing the opposition in a climate of rising authoritarianism.

Blinken said the election is a “pivotal event at a pivotal time given the severe political, economic and humanitarian crises the country faces.”

Washington is keen, as is Caracas, for an easing of punitive measures against Venezuela’s critical but severely weakened oil sector at a time of great pressure on crude prices with wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Venezuela has also been a major source of migration pressure on the southern US border, a situation experts say will only worsen in the event of a post-election political crisis.

The United States has insisted that the lifting of sanctions depends on a fair vote.

Source: arabnews.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2558081/world

--------

 

US to strengthen Japan force amid perceived threat from China

28 July 2024

The United States has announced plans to bolster its military command in Japan to counter the perceived threat posed by China.

On Sunday, the US announced its plans to overhaul its military command in Japan to bolster what it called Washington-Tokyo defense cooperation to counter any strategic threat coming from China.

“The United States will upgrade the US Forces Japan to a joint force headquarters with expanded missions and operational responsibilities,” US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin told reporters on Sunday after the so-called “2+2” talks.

“This will be the most significant change to US Forces Japan since its creation and one of the strongest improvements in our military ties with Japan in 70 years.”

There are about 54,000 US military personnel in Japan who currently report back to the Indo-Pacific Command based in Hawaii (INDOPACOM). The planned military upgrade will reportedly give the US military forces in Japan greater capabilities while they still report to INDOPACOM.

 The announcement of a "joint force headquarters" came after close two two talks in Tokyo between visiting US Secretaries of State Antony Blinken and Defense Lloyd Austin and their Japanese hosts, Japan's Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Japan's Defense Minister Minoru Kihara.

The US-Japan announcement came after South Korea and the US authorized a guideline on establishing what they called an integrated system of extended deterrence for the Korean Peninsula.

Washington and Seoul claim their cooperation will counter nuclear and military threats from North Korea, the closest ally to China.

Washington and Tokyo claim they've shared concerns about what they see as “an evolving security environment” amid China's growing economic, military and diplomatic clout in the region and beyond.

The American and Japanese ministers said in the joint statement after the talks that China’s foreign policy “seeks to reshape the international order for its own benefit at the expense of others” and that “such behavior is a serious concern to the alliance and the entire international community and represents the greatest strategic challenge in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond”.

 The ministers’ joint statement targeted China and Russia for conducting joint military exercises and their rapid expansion of ties.

China, Russia, and North Korea have also voiced their concern about US efforts to militarize the Asia-Pacific through an expanding web of military agreements with pro-Western countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Source: presstv.ir

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/07/28/730223/US-Military-Austin-Blinken-Kamikawa-Kihara-Japan-China-Threat

--------

 

US-occupied military base in east Syria comes under missile attack, third in 24 hours

28 July 2024

An illegal military facility housing US occupation forces in Syria’s eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr has reportedly come under a fresh missile attack from nearby areas amid growing anti-US sentiments over Washington’s support for the Israeli onslaught on Gaza.

Lebanon’s Arabic-language al-Mayadeen television news network, citing local sources, reported that ‏several explosions were heard in the area close to the US-controlled Conoco gas field early on Sunday after several projectiles struck the site.

There were no immediate reports about possible casualties or the extent of damage at the installation.

The sources added that US military aircraft and helicopters flew over the eastern side of Dayr al-Zawr province and the area where the base is located after the missile attack.

The American aircraft also launched a number of flares in the sky over the Conoco gas field.

The missile strike is the third of its kind in 24 hours. Missile salvos had targeted the base twice during the early hours of Saturday.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of anti-terror fighters, usually claims responsibility for most of the retaliatory strikes on US military bases in Iraq and Syria.

It says the attacks are in solidarity with the Palestinians amid Israel’s genocidal war against Gaza that has killed at least 39,258 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured over 90,589 others.

Israel launched the war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, after Hamas-led resistance groups waged the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the Israeli regime’s decades-long campaign of bloodletting and devastation against Palestinians.

However, more than nine months into the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has failed to achieve its objectives in Gaza.

The US remains Israel’s most important ally and biggest supplier of arms. It has provided Israel with weapons and intelligence support during the Gaza war and blocked UN resolutions calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in the besieged Palestinian territory.

Source: presstv.ir

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/07/28/730185/US-occupied-military-base-in-east-Syria-comes-under-missile-attack,-third-in-24-hours

--------

 

Over 75 US organizations call upon Biden, Congress to impose arms embargo on Israel

27 July 2024

More than 75 US non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have denounced Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to the US Congress, calling upon President Joe Biden and the legislature to impose an immediate arms embargo on the Tel Aviv regime.

“We the undersigned human rights, civil rights, and social justice organizations call on you to implement an immediate arms embargo on Israel in order to save lives,” a statement released by the US organizations on Friday read.

It added, “This week, US Congress welcomed Israeli prime minister Netanyahu, even as he and his administration face international investigations for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. This joint address was a direct affront to the values of human rights, freedom, and democracy.”

The organizations noted that Netanyahu’s far-right cabinet has utilized US support and weapons to kill nearly 40,000 Palestinians in Gaza, including 15,000 children, wiping out entire generations of Palestinian families in Gaza.

They further argued that Israeli forces have not only destroyed hospitals, bakeries, schools, churches, mosques, universities, refugee camps, and homes, but Gaza’s entire health care system and entire residential neighborhoods.

“The Israeli siege is starving Palestinian children and has brought Gaza to the brink of a full-blown famine. To save lives, we must stop sending bombs and warplanes to the Israeli military,” the NGOs pointed out.

The non-governmental organizations went on to state that the Israeli regime has shown clearly that it does not respond to warnings or stern words, urging Washington to exert tangible and material pressure on Israel now.

“The United Nations and legacy human rights groups like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International are all calling for countries to enact an arms embargo to stop these atrocities. An arms embargo is essential to uphold not only international law, but our own US law, and to send a clear message that the United States will not support the Israeli policies of collective punishment against the Palestinian people,” the statement read.

The organizations highlighted that amid mounting cost of living and inflation in the US, priority must be given to housing, healthcare, childcare, schools, and jobs — not weapons and bombs for Netanyahu’s war crimes.

“Pouring billions in weapons funding for an administration committing human rights abuses is a betrayal of our own communities’ needs. It’s time to redirect our resources towards building a better future at home, instead of supporting violence abroad,” they stressed.

The NGOs stated that the only way to reach a desperately needed lasting ceasefire in Gaza is for the US to exert pressure on Netanyahu’s cabinet by ending the flow of weapons to the Tel Aviv regime.

“We cannot claim to be working towards peace while simultaneously sending the weapons that enable atrocities.

“Therefore, we call on you to immediately halt the sale, transfer, and shipment of all further weapons to Israel. This is the first step towards building a future in which all people living on the land can live in safety, equality, freedom, and justice,” the organizations said.

Israel launched the war on Gaza on October 7, 2023 after Hamas-led resistance groups waged the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the Israeli regime's decades-long campaign of bloodletting and devastation against Palestinians.

However, more than nine months into the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has failed to achieve its objectives in Gaza despite killing at least 39,258 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injuring over 90,589 others. Thousands more are also missing and presumed dead under rubble.

The US remains Israel’s most important ally and biggest supplier of arms. It has provided Israel with weapons and intelligence support during the Gaza war, and blocked UN resolutions calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in the besieged Palestinian territory.

Source: presstv.ir

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/07/27/730163/Over-75-US-organizations-call-upon-Biden,-Congress-to-impose-arms-embargo-on-Israel

--------

 

Mideast

 

‘Immediate steps’ needed toward Gaza ceasefire, UK’s Starmer tells Israel’s President Herzog

July 29, 2024

LONDON: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told Israel’s President Isaac Herzog there needed to be “immediate steps” toward a ceasefire in Israel’s conflict with Hamas militants in Gaza.

“The Prime Minister said there must be immediate steps toward a ceasefire, so that hostages can be released and more humanitarian aid can get in for those in desperate need,” Starmer’s office said in a statement released on Sunday.

“The Prime Minister reiterated his ongoing support for Israel’s right to self-defense in accordance with international law,” the statement said.

Starmer met Herzog in Paris where both were attending the Olympics.

In a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on July 7 shortly after Starmer took office, he “set out the clear and urgent need for a ceasefire,” according to a previous British government statement.

Starmer on Sunday said there was no moral equivalence between Israel and Hamas and expressed his condolences for the deaths of five hostages kidnapped during the Hamas-led attack on Israel on Oct. 7 whose bodies had recently been recovered.

About 1,200 people were killed and 250 were taken hostage in the Oct. 7 attack, according to Israeli tallies.

More than 39,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli offensive in Gaza, according to local health authorities, who do not distinguish between fighters and non-combatants.

Source: arabnews.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2558416/middle-east

--------

 

Zionist settlers renew Al-Aqsa Mosque storming

28 Jul 2024

OCCUPIED QUDS July 28. 2024 (Saba) -Tens of Zionist settlers renewed their storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque in the occupied city of Quds today, Sunday, under the protection of the Zionist enemy police.

The Palestinian News Agency quoted eyewitnesses as saying that dozens of settlers stormed Al-Aqsa in successive groups and carried out provocative tours and performed Talmudic rituals in its courtyards.

They added that the occupation forces tightened their military measures in the Old City of Quds, deployed their elements at the gates of Al-Aqsa, and imposed restrictions on the entry of worshipers.

Source: saba.ye

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.saba.ye/en/news3353600.htm

--------

 

Capital Sana'a mayor inspects progress of work on al-Aqsa Mosque model project in Maeen district

28 Jul 2024

SANA'A July 28. 2024 (Saba) - Capital Sana'a Mayor Dr.Hamoud Ubad inspected on Sunday the progress of work on al-Aqsa model project in al-Quds roundabout in Maeen district.

Ubad was briefed on the level of achievement in the project, which includes a model of al-Aqsa Mosque and the first verse of Surat "Al-Isra", a fountain, and aesthetic spaces, funded by the local council and supervised by the Cleanliness Fund, and implemented by the Executive Unit for the establishment, maintenance and development of roads and public places in the Secretariat.

He listened from the Director of the Executive Unit, En. Abdulmalik al-Ansi, to an explanation of the work completed in installing secondary bridges, iron, the dome of the metal structure, and building the walls of the facades of the Al-Aqsa model, as well as the work of implementing the water fountain located under the bridge and the aesthetic spaces within the scope of the roundabout, with a completion rate of 45 percent.

Ubad confirmed that this model and other models that were implemented in the capital Sana'a are a translation of the directives of the revolutionary leadership and the Supreme Political Council, and are an image of solidarity and support for the Palestinian people, and the entrenchment of the Palestinian cause in the conscience of the Yemeni people.

Source: saba.ye

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.saba.ye/en/news3353496.htm

--------

 

Beirut flights canceled, delayed amid fears of Israeli attack

July 29, 2024

BEIRUT: Flights at Beirut airport have been canceled or delayed with Lebanon’s Middle East Airlines (MEA) saying disruptions to its schedule were related to insurance risks, as tensions escalate between Israel and armed political group Hezbollah.

Lufthansa on Monday said it had suspended five routes to and from Beirut by the group’s carriers Swiss International Air Lines, Eurowings and Lufthansa up to and including July 30 “in an abundance of caution.”

A rocket strike that killed 12 teenagers and children in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights on Saturday has added to concerns that Israel and the Iran-backed group could engage in a full-scale war.

Israel’s security cabinet on Sunday authorized the government to respond to the strike. Hezbollah denied any responsibility for the attack, the deadliest in Israel or Israeli-annexed territory since Hamas’ Oct. 7 assault sparked the war in Gaza, which has since spread to several fronts.

Beirut airport’s flight information board and flight tracking website Flightradar24 show Turkish Airlines also canceled two flights overnight on Sunday.

Turkiye-based budget carrier SunExpress, Turkish Airlines subsidiary AJet, Greek carrier Aegean Airlines, Ethiopian Air and MEA have also canceled flights scheduled to land in Beirut on Monday, Flightradar24 shows.

The airlines did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport is Lebanon’s only airport. It has been targeted in the country’s civil war, and previous fighting with Israel, including in the last war between Hezbollah and Israel in 2006.

On Sunday, MEA said it had delayed the departure of some flights set to land in Beirut overnight. Additional delays to flights landing on Monday were then announced due to “technical reasons related to the distribution of insurance risks for aircraft between Lebanon and other destinations,” MEA said.

Hezbollah and the Israeli military have increased cross-border exchanges of fire since the Gaza war began. The conflict has disrupted flights and shipping across the region, including during reciprocal drone and missile attacks between Israel and Iran in April.

Lufthansa has already suspended night-time flights to and from Beirut for July due to “current developments” in the Middle East.

Source: arabnews.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2558516/middle-east

--------

 

Why the Israel-Hezbollah conflict is heating up again

July 29, 2024

BEIRUT: A deadly rocket strike in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights has added to concerns that Israel and the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah could be sucked into a full-scale war — something they have both previously indicated they want to avoid but for which they have also said they are ready.

Israel said on Sunday it would strike hard at Hezbollah after accusing the group of killing 12 children and teenagers in a rocket attack on a football field in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Hezbollah denied any responsibility for the attack on Majdal Shams, the deadliest in Israel or Israeli-annexed territory since Hamas’ Oct. 7 assault sparked the war in Gaza.

This is the background to hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah:

WHY ARE THEY FIGHTING?

Hezbollah began trading fire with Israel on Oct. 8, a day after the Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked communities in southern Israel and sparked the Gaza war.

Hezbollah, a Hamas ally, says its attacks aim to support Palestinians who are under Israeli bombardment in Gaza.

The Gaza war has drawn in Iran-backed militants across the region. Hezbollah is widely deemed the most powerful member of the Iran-backed network, known as the Axis of Resistance.

Hezbollah has said repeatedly it will not halt its attacks on Israel unless a ceasefire in Gaza comes into force.

While linked to Gaza, the conflict has its own dynamics.

Israel and Hezbollah have fought numerous wars.

The last was in 2006.

Israel has long viewed Hezbollah as the biggest threat at its borders and has been deeply alarmed by its growing arsenal, and the foothold it has established in Syria.

Hezbollah’s ideology is largely defined by conflict with Israel. It was founded by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in 1982 to fight Israeli forces that had invaded Lebanon that year, and waged years of guerrilla war that led Israel to withdraw from south Lebanon in 2000.

Hezbollah deems Israel an illegitimate state established on occupied Palestinian lands and wants to see it gone.

WHAT’S THE IMPACT SO FAR?

The current conflict has already taken a toll on both sides.

Tens of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes on both sides of the border. Israeli airstrikes have pounded areas where Hezbollah operates in southern Lebanon and struck the Bekaa Valley near the Syrian border.

Israel has also occasionally hit elsewhere, notably killing a senior Hamas commander in Beirut on Jan. 2.

Israeli strikes have killed some 350 Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon and more than 100 civilians, including medics, children and journalists, according to security and medical sources and a Reuters tally of death notifications issued by Hezbollah.

The Israeli military said after Saturday’s attack the death toll among civilians killed in Hezbollah attacks had risen to 23 since October, along with at least 17 soldiers. Hezbollah denied it was responsible for Saturday’s attack.

In Israel, the displacement of so many Israelis is a big political issue. Officials had hoped they would be able to go home for the school year beginning Sept. 1 but that has looked increasingly unlikely as the standoff has continued.

HOW MUCH WORSE COULD IT GET?

A lot. Despite the ferocity of these hostilities, this is still seen as a relatively contained confrontation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned in December that Beirut would be turned “into Gaza” if Hezbollah started an all-out war.

Hezbollah has previously signalled it is not seeking to widen the conflict while also saying it is ready to fight any war imposed on it and warning that it has used only a small part of its capabilities so far.

Any move by Israel to expand the conflict would be met by “devastation, destruction and displacement” in Israel, Hezbollah deputy leader Sheikh Naim Qassem said in an interview with Al Jazeera in June.

Past wars have inflicted heavy damage.

In 2006, Israeli strikes levelled large areas of Beirut’s Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs, knocked out Beirut airport, and hit roads, bridges and other infrastructure. Nearly 1 million people in Lebanon fled their homes.

In Israel, the impact included 300,000 people fleeing their homes to escape Hezbollah rockets and some 2,000 homes destroyed.

Hezbollah has a far bigger arsenal than in 2006, including rockets it says can hit all parts of Israel.

It has demonstrated advances in its weaponry since October, shooting down Israeli drones, launching its own explosive drones into Israel, and firing more sophisticated guided missiles.

Israeli troops have invaded Lebanon several times in the past, reaching as far as Beirut in the 1982 invasion that aimed to crush Lebanon-based Palestinian guerrillas.

IS ESCALATION AVOIDABLE?

Much will depend on what happens in Gaza, where efforts to agree a ceasefire and a return of Israeli hostages have faltered. A ceasefire there could help bring about a rapid de-escalation of tensions in southern Lebanon.

The United States, which deems Hezbollah a terrorist group, has been at the heart of diplomatic efforts aimed at easing the conflict.

Hezbollah has signalled its eventual openness to an agreement that benefits Lebanon, but has said there can be no discussions until Israel halts the Gaza offensive.

Israel has also said it would prefer a diplomatic settlement that would restore security in the north, but says it is also prepared for a military offensive to achieve the same goal.

The US official at the heart of diplomatic contacts, Amos Hochstein, brokered an unlikely diplomatic deal between Lebanon and Israel in 2022 over their disputed maritime boundary.

Hochstein said on May 30 he did not expect peace between Hezbollah and Israel but that a set of understandings could remove some of the impetus for conflict and establish a recognized border between Lebanon and Israel.

A French proposal submitted to Beirut in February included elite Hezbollah fighters withdrawing 10 km (6 miles) from the frontier and negotiations aimed at settling disputes over the land border.

Source: arabnews.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2558456/middle-east

--------

 

Algeria says troops kill three ‘terrorists’

July 29, 2024

ALGIERS: Algerian military forces have killed three “dangerous terrorists” during a raid in the country’s north, the defense ministry said Sunday.

Authorities regularly report “terrorist” killings, often referring to armed terrorist groups that have remained active in the North African country years after its civil war which ended in 2002.

The defense ministry said in a statement that “as part of the fight against terrorism, an army detachment yesterday killed three dangerous terrorists” in Ain Defla province.

It named the three slain men as Debar Boumediene, Hamneche Ibrahim and Alali Mohamed, without elaborating on their group affiliation.

According to the statement, two Kalashnikov-type submachine guns, ammunition, and “other objects” were seized during the military operation.

Since the beginning of the year, the Algerian defense ministry has reported the killing of at least 35 “terrorists” and the arrests of 256 suspects “supporting terrorist armed groups.”

Despite a 2005 amnesty law following the end of the civil war, terrorist groups continue to carry out sporadic operations in the hydrocarbon-rich country, often in mountainous and sparsely populated areas.

The civil war broke out in 1992 after the army canceled Algeria’s first democratic elections when the winning Islamic Salvation Front vowed to establish an Islamic state.

Also called the Black Decade, the war left some 200,000 people dead, according to official figures.

Source: arabnews.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2558426/middle-east

--------

 

South Asia

 

Afghanistan to host New Zealand for one-off test match in September

July 28, 2024

KABUL: The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), in a statement, said the other day that it will host the New Zealand National Cricket Team for a one-off test match from September 9–13 in Greater Noida, India. The historic event will mark Afghanistan’s first test match against the Blackcaps and the first-ever bilateral cricket series hosted by ACB involving New Zealand, the statement said. The Blackcaps are set to arrive in Greater Noida on September 5 for a three-day conditioning camp ahead of the Test Match, the statement further said, adding that the Afghanistan National Team will head to Delhi in late August for a one-week-long training and preparation camp. The Greater Noida venue is one of those allocated venues for Afghanistan’s home games, following a mutual agreement be tween ACB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Expressing his excitement about hosting New Zealand for the first time ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf said: “We are delighted to host a quality New Zealand Test team for the first time in our cricketing history. This is a testament to the hard work we have put in through numerous discussions and meetings with different boards on the sidelines of the various ICC Board Meetings.” He also stated that the Blackcaps are an outstanding all-format team in world cricket, and we hope to reach an agreement with New Zealand Cricket for white-ball bilateral matches in the future. This will be Afghanistan’s 10th test match and their first against New Zealand since acquiring Test status in 2017. Afghanistan has previously won three test matches, each against Ireland (2019), Bangladesh (2019), and Zimbabwe (2021). The Kabul Times

Source: thekabultimes.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://thekabultimes.com/afghanistan-to-host-new-zealand-for-one-off-test-match-in-september/

--------

 

Chinese Firm to construct three Hydroelectric Dams in Kunar, Afghanistan

July 29, 2024

The Ministry of Water and Energy of Afghanistan has announced that a Chinese company is ready to invest in large-scale hydroelectric dams (Shal, Sagi, and Sartaq) in Kunar province.

On Sunday, July 28th, the Ministry released a statement about the meeting between Abdul Latif Mansoor, the acting Minister of Water and Energy, and representatives of a Chinese company in  Kabul.

The statement quotes the Chinese company officials expressing their interest in investing in these projects. They have indicated their eagerness to sign a cooperation agreement with the Ministry as soon as possible and to start the work in practice.

The acting Minister of Water and Energy welcomed the Chinese investment in this sector, emphasizing that “the capacity to generate electricity from the Kunar River is sufficient. If all these dams are constructed in the future, Afghanistan could even export electricity to neighboring countries.”

Details about the Chinese company and the construction costs of the dams have not yet been provided.

In recent years, China has invested in numerous developmental projects in Afghanistan, particularly in mining, hydroelectric dam construction, and other development initiatives.

This continued investment underscores China’s commitment to supporting Afghanistan’s infrastructure development and economic growth.

The investment by the Chinese company in the hydroelectric projects in Kunar represents a significant step toward enhancing Afghanistan’s energy infrastructure. These dams are expected to bolster the region’s power supply, potentially enabling Afghanistan to export electricity to neighboring countries in the future.

Source: khaama.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.khaama.com/chinese-firm-to-construct-three-hydroelectric-dams-in-kunar-afghanistan/

--------

 

EU sounds alarm on worsening water crisis in Afghanistan

July 28, 2024

The European Union Delegation to Afghanistan has expressed concern over the worsening water crisis in the country, emphasizing the need to protect lakes and groundwater for future generations.

In a statement posted on X on Saturday, July 27, the organization highlighted that drought, pollution, and excessive water use are threatening the country’s water resources.

According to the EU Delegation in Afghanistan, “Together, we can build a safer Afghanistan and world in the face of water challenges.”

The organization noted that approximately 80% of the population in Afghanistan lacks adequate access to drinking water and urged, “Let us protect our rivers, lakes, and groundwater for future generations.”

Previously, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) had warned of the water scarcity crisis in Afghanistan, stating that this challenge affects millions of people.

The UNDP identified severe drought, economic instability, the damaging effects of prolonged conflicts, and climate change as key factors exacerbating the crisis in Afghanistan.

In  Kabul, the drought and lack of potable water are particularly severe, compounding the daily struggles of residents. The city faces a critical shortage of clean drinking water, with many areas relying on unsafe sources or purchasing expensive bottled water. This shortage not only affects public health but also exacerbates existing socio-economic issues.

Efforts to address the water crisis in Kabul are hampered by ongoing conflicts and political instability, making it difficult to implement effective solutions.

The situation calls for urgent international support and coordinated efforts to develop sustainable water management systems and infrastructure to alleviate the severe water scarcity faced by the city’s population.

Source: khaama.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.khaama.com/eu-sounds-alarm-on-worsening-water-crisis-in-afghanistan/

--------

 

Afghanistan’s trade value surpasses $5 billion in first half of 2024, ministry

July 28, 2024

KABUL: Exports and imports worth 5.24 billion U.S. dollars have been made via the country’s customs houses in the last six months, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce said in a statement Saturday. According to the statement, goods have been exported worth 700 million U.S. dollars, of which only 58 million went to Central Asian countries. At the same time, the Chamber of Commerce and Investment said that most of Afghanistan’s exports are to South Asian countries and they are trying to increase their exports to Central Asian countries as well. The activity of most customs offices has become 24-hour, corruption has been eliminated, electronic scales have been activated, and the processing of goods is timely and transparent, the statement further said. Previously, the officials of the Islamic Emirate have emphasized that Afghanistan has adopted a balanced and economy-centric policy with neighboring and regional countries, which has led to the expansion of bilateral and multilateral cooperation with Afghanistan.The Kabul Times

Source: thekabultimes.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://thekabultimes.com/afghanistans-trade-value-surpasses-5-billion-in-first-half-of-2024-ministry/

--------

 

Chinese investor to establish solar producing factory in Afghanistan

July 28, 2024

KABUL: A Chinese investor, in a meeting, with the Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce Mawlavi Ahmadullah Zahid, has said that he is ready to invest 40 million U.S. dollars in establishing a solar panel-producing and installing factory in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Mawlavi Zahid assured the Chinese side of all round cooperation and said that considering the climatic changes, investment should be made in the production of renewable energy in the country, according to a statement from the ministry Saturday. “After the resumption of power by the Islamic Emirate, a suitable investment ground has been provided in the country and domestic and foreign investors can invest in various sectors,” the statement quoted Mawlavi Zahid as saying. It is pertinent to mention that scores of foreign investors including Chinese, Turkish, Russian, and Turkmen have so far shown readiness to invest in the country’s mines. The Kabul Times

Source: thekabultimes.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://thekabultimes.com/chinese-investor-to-establish-solar-producing-factory-in-afghanistan/

--------

 

New Delhi keen to expand relations with Kabul as visas issuance to Afghans begins

July 28, 2024

This announcement comes in response to requests from Afghan students who had previously written to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, seeking visas to begin their new academic year in India.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has recently announced that the country will begin issuing visas to Afghan nationals. Randhir Jaiswal, a spokesperson for the country’s Ministry of External Affairs, made this announcement during a press conference, adding that visas will be provided to Afghan citizens. The spokesperson also mentioned that movement between the two countries is currently taking place. However, Randhir Jaiswal noted that he does not have precise information regarding the number of visas issued to Afghan nationals. This announcement comes in response to requests from Afghan students who had previously written to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, seeking visas to begin their new academic year in India. Previously, Afghanistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs had said that India was keen to build political and economic relations with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA). The ministry had claimed that India was interested in expanding political and economic cooperation with Afghanistan, particularly enhancing trade via Chabahar Port. In the meantime, the Afghanistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs by extending gratitude to India for its humanitarian assistance had said that in line with its balanced foreign policy, IEA was seeking to strengthen political and economic relations with India as an important actor in the region. New Delhi had withdrawn its officials from the embassy after the Islamic Emirate takeover. In June 2022, however, India deployed a technical team to its embassy in Kabul, re-establishing its diplomatic presence in Afghanistan. India does not have a shared border with Afghanistan, but the country is connected with Afghanistan in several ways, and it has always tried to expand its bilateral and trade relations with Afghanistan. The Islamic Emirate has repeatedly assured the whole world, including India, in the last almost three years that the territory of Afghanistan will not be used against any country, nor does it have a policy of hostile behavior towards any country. Based on this assurance, many countries in the region and the world have entered into interaction with the Islamic Emirate. In the past three years, India has been studying the policy of the Islamic Emirate, and now it seems that the country is sure about the policies of the Islamic Emirate; therefore, it has decided to establish official relations with the Islamic Emirate. India, in the past few years, helped thousands of metric tons of wheat to the Afghan people, over 1 ton of medicine with Kabul’s Indira Gandhi Children’s Hospital in December of the same year, 5 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to prevent the coronavirus, and provided over 25 tons of emergency aids, including tents and blankets to Afghanistan. It can also be said that India’s humanitarian aid diplomacy towards the Islamic Emirate has been effective and this has encouraged the Islamic Emirate to work on establishing bilateral relations with India. In the middle of the year 2022, India sent a technical team to its embassy in Kabul in order to manage India’s humanitarian aid to the Islamic Emirate. It is also time that the Islamic Emirate should further assure and convince India in every possible way that its foreign policy is completely independent and based on national and Islamic values and it also wants good relations with India. India should also enter into the official framework of maintaining relations with the Islamic Emirate and like other regional countries should hand over the Afghan embassy in Delhi to it so that doubts in the relations between the two countries can be removed. To increase trade relations between the two countries, India should provide more travel facilities by issuing visas to Afghan nationals on the one hand, and on the other hand, trade relations should be expanded at the state level. Fida Mohammad

Source: thekabultimes.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://thekabultimes.com/new-delhi-keen-to-expand-relations-with-kabul-as-visas-issuance-to-afghans-begins/

--------

 

Supreme Leader Engages with Ghor Province Officials, Stresses Implementation of Sharia Law and Avoidance of Internal Conflicts

2024-07-29

KABUL(BNA) – The esteemed Supreme Leader of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, recently held a significant meeting with officials from Ghor province, as announced by the spokesman for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

Mawlawi Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, wrote on his X page that His Excellency, the Supreme Leader, held a meeting with the officials from Ghor province.

Mawlawi Mujahid reported that the meeting was attended by the Governor of Ghor, heads of the appellate, primary, and military courts, provincial directors, district governors, and several mujahideen from Ghor who are stationed in the capital or other provinces.

During the meeting, the attendees shared their challenges and issues with Supreme Leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

According to Mujahid, His Excellency, the Supreme Leader, delivered a comprehensive speech providing guidance and recommendations on strengthening the Islamic system, implementing Sharia law, preserving the objectives and achievements of the holy jihad, promoting Islamic education and values among the Muslim youth, ensuring complete obedience to their leaders, showing compassion to subordinates, avoiding internal conflicts, and striving to serve the Muslim community effectively.

Source: bakhtarnews.af

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/supreme-leader-engages-with-ghor-province-officials-stresses-implementation-of-sharia-law-and-avoidance-of-internal-conflicts/

--------

 

Newly Elected President Masoud Pezeshkian Takes Office in Iran

2024-07-28

KABUL(BNA): Masoud Pezeshkian has been appointed as the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran by the country Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

According to IRNA news agency, Ayatollah Khamenei officially endorsed Masoud Pezeshkian as the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, following the public’s vote in the recent election.

The inauguration ceremony for the 14th presidential term of the Islamic Republic of Iran was held today, marking the official start of Pezeshkian’s presidency.

Notably, Masoud Pezeshkian was elected as the ninth President of Iran in the second round of the 14th presidential elections, securing the majority of votes.

Source: bakhtarnews.af

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/newly-elected-president-masoud-pezeshkian-takes-office-in-iran/

--------

 

Southeast Asia

 

Interfaith discourse crucial to dispel Islamophobia in multiethnic Malaysia, PM Anwar tells Muslims here

29 Jul 2024

IPOH, July 29 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it is important for Muslims to discuss other religions, cultures, and civilisations to live and thrive in a multiracial country like Malaysia.

Anwar said the lack of engagement on such topics was among reasons for the spread of Islamophobia.

“The West, after the post colonial period still retain the old precepts of the others. (Therefore, their) misunderstanding, misinformation and rejection of others is now term as Islamophobia.

“And we need to be blamed too when we talked about civilisation.

“How do we survive and live in a country like Malaysia, which is multiracial and multi religion, and avoid discussing other religions, cultures, civilisation and then demanding that the West countries must understand us,” he said.

Anwar said this in his speech at the 7th World Conference on Islamic Thought and Civilisation (WCIT) at the Casuarina Meru Hotel here.

Also present were Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, and Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.

The prime minister also said events such as the WCIT were necessary for others to understand the Muslim community and vice versa.

“That is why we encourage dialogue and conference on Islamic matters because it is very relevant not only in Malaysia, but also in this region,” he said.

“This is not tolerance, it’s learning from one another, it is understanding one another and appreciating the differences. Because the difference in term of races, tribes and colours is determined by Allah,” he added.

Source: malaymail.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/07/29/interfaith-discourse-crucial-to-dispel-islamophobia-in-multiethnic-malaysia-pm-anwar-tells-muslims-here/145317#google_vignette

--------

 

We Cannot Close Our Eyes to Gaza: Indonesia Tells US, ASEAN

July 27, 2024

Jakarta. Indonesia -- a staunch supporter of Palestine -- told the United States and its fellow ASEAN members on Saturday that the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza had become something that the world must not ignore.

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi was attending ASEAN-US ministerial talks in Laos on Saturday local time. The US sent Secretary of State Antony Blinken to the meeting. Retno told the conference that Indonesia wants ASEAN and the US -- whom Jakarta considers to be on good terms -- to also contribute to global peace. Indonesia even urged both sides to consistently be “guardians of the international laws”.

“When we talk about respecting international law, it should be applied to all. It should be applied in the Ukraine issue, South China Sea, and certainly for Palestine,” Retno said.

“In Palestine, for example, we cannot continue closing our eyes to the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. As we speak now, almost 40,000 people have died. We need a ceasefire. We need a sustainable peace to stop this human suffering,” she stated.

Blinken, who spoke right after Retno, also talked about the Gaza crisis with his statement mainly focusing on closing the ceasefire deal proposed by the recent US-sponsored resolution.

“We were very gratified that the entire world came out in support of that proposal, including -- something we rarely see these days -- the UN Security Council,” Blinken said.

He added: “We are working intensely every single day to bring that proposal to a conclusion so that we get the ceasefire, we get the return of hostages, we get a path to more enduring peace and security.  We’re grateful for the support of so many countries around this table for that effort, and we’re determined to see it over the finish line.”

The UN Security Council last month passed a resolution on a three-phase ceasefire deal in Gaza. The text states that the deal shall begin with a six-week ceasefire and the release of hostages, among others. It also calls for the Israeli forces to leave populated areas in Gaza. The US was the one who tabled the document after episodes of Washington blocking the UN Security Council from passing a ceasefire resolution.

The US is known to be a major defender of Israel. The recent Laos ministerial conference took place just a few days after US President Joe Biden hosted a state visit from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. Netanyahu’s visit also sparked waves of protests in Washington.

Source: jakartaglobe.id

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://jakartaglobe.id/news/we-cannot-close-our-eyes-to-gaza-indonesia-tells-us-asean

--------

 

At least five countries want Malaysia to be ASEAN space agency, Senate told

29-07- 2024

KUALA LUMPUR: At least five or six countries have asked Malaysia to become an ASEAN space agency, the Senate was told today.

In fact, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said those countries also wanted Malaysia to be the satellite launch centre even though the establishment of ASEAN space agency is still in the planning stage.

“We (the government) have not yet chosen the state or the place (where the establishment of this space agency) will be, but we will discuss it with the relevant ministries and agencies before it is brought to the Cabinet to decide,” he said in reply to Senator Datuk Lim Pay Hen during Question Time.

Lim had wanted to know whether the government would consider the proposed establishment of the ASEAN space agency, which was discussed at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition last year, when it takes over the ASEAN chairmanship in 2025.

FIVE years ago, President and CEO of Axelspace Japan Nakamura Yuya was quoted as saying that ASEAN member countries should work together to establish the space agency because it may help reduce costs and resources that are often among the obstacles to any space-related project.

To a supplementary question from Senator Datuk Dr Arman Azha Abu Hanifah on whether the presence of ASEAN countries in BRICS will also be discussed during the ASEAN Summit next year, Mohamad said it depends on the member countries involved.

The minister, however, did not deny that the new economic bloc was the best platform for Malaysia to speak out, considering the population and gross domestic product (GDP) value of its member countries is greater than ASEAN’s.

“BRICS is an informal bloc that does not require us (Malaysia) to deal with any ‘treaty’. We see a bloc that can be a good platform for the country because the population of the member countries is more than two billion with a GDP that is bigger than ASEAN’s.

“That’s why Malaysia has expressed interest in joining BRICS if application for new membership is open,” he said.

BRICS was established in 2009 as a cooperation platform for emerging economies comprising Brazil, Russia, India and China with South Africa, hence the acronym, but Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were admitted as new members earlier this year.

Source: thesun.my

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://thesun.my/local-news/at-least-five-countries-want-malaysia-to-be-asean-space-agency-senate-told-MM12789432

--------

 

Children disproportionately affected by poverty - Sultan Nazrin

29-07- 2024

IPOH: Children of all faiths and backgrounds are disproportionately affected by poverty, representing half of those subsisting on less than the bare minimum despite comprising only a third of the global population, said the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah.

His Royal Highness said that children are also suffering disproportionately in humanitarian crises and conflict situations.

There are now four million children in Sudan facing acute malnutrition, while in Ukraine, the United Nations (UN) estimates that 3.5 million children are living under severe to catastrophic levels of need. In Gaza, half of the 1.7 million people displaced from their homes are children.

“These children are losing their families, their homes, their loved ones and, all too often, tragically, their lives. Even those who survive through conflict and famine are at risk of losing their futures.

“Because all too often, children living through these situations do not have access to an education. Almost all children in Sudan are now out of school; and in Gaza, the latest UN estimates suggest that at least 80 per cent of schools have been destroyed in the war,” Sultan Nazrin said in his address at the 7th World Conference on Islamic Thought and Civilisation (WCIT): ‘Together We Stand: Muslims and Global Humanity here today.

Also present Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.

Sultan Nazrin said the scale of the destruction is such that scholars worldwide have now coined a shameful new word ‘scholasticide’ in the human lexicon.

The Perak ruler said nearly 250 million children worldwide are out of school today, which is a staggering figure, and due to the correlation between poverty and poor school provision, many of those millions are in the Muslim world.

“Despite global progress on achieving gender parity, there are still a disproportionate number of young girls missing out on education in regions in crisis, with female students two and a half times more likely to be out of school in countries experiencing conflict,” Sultan Nazrin said.

Sultan Nazrin said a sustained focus on female education in Malaysia has resulted in a significant increase in the percentage of women enrolled in tertiary education, from only 10 per cent in the 1950s to around 50 per cent now.

According to Sultan Nazrin, literacy rates have improved dramatically over the past 30 years or so across the Islamic world, with 25 Muslim-majority countries achieving literacy rates of over 90 per cent, which is well above the global average as of 2018.

Therefore, His Royal Highness said Muslim countries must invest in opportunities for children around the world because they are the problem-solvers of tomorrow.

“We must stand up for every child’s right to an education, even in conflict and crisis situations, and we must remember that this is about ensuring a brighter future for humanity.”

Sultan Nazrin said Muslims across the globe must feel the pain together with the victims, whether in Gaza or Sudan, and Muslims must recognise the pain of non-Muslims too in other conflict situations as the world strives for a truly global understanding of humanity.

As countering the evils of poverty and conflict is no easy task, the Perak ruler hoped everyone can see there are reasons for optimism because there are success stories amid the challenges.

“We have made progress before, and we will make progress again. Particularly in the sphere of education, if we invest, then we will see results, enabling our global community to stand together not only for today, but for all our tomorrows as well,” Sultan Nazrin added.

Source: thesun.my

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://thesun.my/local-news/children-disproportionately-affected-by-poverty-sultan-nazrin-DM12788748

--------

 

Amid rising global conflicts and economic disparity, urgent need for unity among ummah - Sultan Nazrin

29-07- 2024

IPOH: Amid rising global conflicts and economic disparity, there is an urgent need for unity within the ummah, said the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah.

He said that since October 2022, two major conflicts affecting Muslim-majority populations have broken out - the Sudanese civil war and the conflict in Gaza.

“The war in Ukraine, which began in early 2022, has continued into a third year, inflicting significant and prolonged hardship on the country’s citizens.

“Across these global conflicts, innocent civilians of many faiths – Muslim and non-Muslim – including thousands of women and children, are bearing the brunt of the suffering: killed, wounded, forced out of their homes, and, in many cases, now facing intensifying food shortages,” Sultan Nazrin said in his address at the 7th World Conference on Islamic Thought and Civilisation (WCIT) 2024: “Together We Stand: Muslims and Global Humanity” here today.

Also present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.

Sultan Nazrin stressed that in light of the UN’s Human Development Index (DHI) trends and the terrible conflicts, the focus should be on humanity.

“This year’s theme, as you know, is ‘Together We Stand: Muslims and Global Humanity’. In what remains of my speech, I want to focus on that first word, ‘together’.

“With the gap between the richest and poorest countries growing, and with international conflicts on the rise, it is clear that, even as a global Muslim community, our ummah, we are not currently united in a shared experience. We are not standing together. Some of us thrive, while others, even at this very moment, are suffering dreadful hardships and deprivation,” His Royal Highness said.

Sultan Nazrin hoped that via the conference the panellists could share how the Muslim community can help some of the most vulnerable members of the international community – in particular, those living in poverty and hardship, as well as children from all backgrounds.

“As Muslims, we are enjoined to help everyone to stand together, and to stand together with everyone. So we must take action, and soon, to help vulnerable Muslims and non-Muslims alike, before it is too late.”

Sultan Nazrin also said this year’s conference is all about standing together, both as Muslims, and as a global human community.

“And so, I felt that it would be remiss of me to strike the same celebratory note that I did last time, when millions of people, including so many of our Muslim brothers and sisters around the world, are facing increasing hardship in war and poverty.

“Across the globe, whether in Gaza or Sudan, our Muslim brothers and sisters are in pain, and we must feel that pain together with them, and we must recognise the pain of non-Muslims too, in conflict situations like Ukraine, but also everywhere in the world, as we strive for a truly global understanding of humanity.

“May this motivate us to reach out our hands and help others to their feet, so that we can, at last, all stand together on the brink of a brighter future,” the Perak ruler said.

WCIT, a Perak state event organised by Universiti Sultan Azlan Shah (USAS) since 2012, has participants from more than 21 countries.

The three-day conference, which started today, is aimed at providing a platform for regional and international leaders, scholars, intellectuals, professionals and the public to exchange ideas for addressing contemporary problems affecting the world.

Source: thesun.my

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://thesun.my/local-news/amid-rising-global-conflicts-and-economic-disparity-urgent-need-for-unity-among-ummah-sultan-nazrin-GM12788529#google_vignette

--------

 

Sultan Ibrahim has keen interest in the future of the Indian community - Ramanan

28-07- 2024

KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty, Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia showed great interest about the future and problems of the Indian community in Malaysia, said Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk R Ramanan.

He said His Majesty deeply understands and follows current developments on issues related to the Indian community in this country.

“Sultan Ibrahim is always going to the ground to attend programmes related to the Indian community. His Majesty also gets the latest information from time to time to ensure the future of the Indian community is secured.

“When I became the chairman of the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA) in 2023, I was granted an audience with His Majesty. In the session which lasted almost two hours, His Majesty also shared his experiences involving various issues regarding Indians, especially regarding temples , education, economy and so on,“ he said in a statement in conjunction with the installation of the 17th King of Malaysia today.

According to him, His Majesty also advised him to make MITRA an agency that can empower the Indian community through an approach that is in line with current developments.

For the record, he was the first MITRA leader to be granted an audience with His Majesty since the agency was established.

In the meantime, Ramanan, who is also the Member of Parliament for Sungai Buloh, said the Sultanah Rogayah Foundation established by His Majesty specifically for the Indian Community in Johor plays an important role in uplifting the livelihood of the Indian community in the state besides trying to eradicate poverty.

Thus Ramanan said he is confident that under the reign of Sultan Ibrahim, His Majesty will drive the excellence and stability of the country and further improve the well-being of the people of various races including the Indians in this country.

“The Indian community also places high hopes and confidence in His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim as the 17th King of Malaysia,“ he said.

Source: thesun.my

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://thesun.my/local-news/sultan-ibrahim-has-keen-interest-in-the-future-of-the-indian-community-ramanan-BM12787116

--------

 

Indonesia-France in Talks for Agreement on Fishery Quality Assurance

July 29, 2024

Jakarta. Indonesia and France are currently in talks for a mutual recognition agreement on fishery quality assurance. If signed, this agreement will boost Indonesian fishery export market access to France.

The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries represented Indonesia in the talks with the French authorities earlier this month. The French Embassy in Jakarta joined the talks on behalf of their country’s agricultural ministry.

The Indonesian Marine and Fisheries Quality Assurance Agency (MFQAA) said that this agreement would boost trade as it would regulate the mechanisms regarding the export or import-related permits and approval numbers. Indonesia recently separated the fishery quarantine body from the quality assurance agency.

“We need to convince our export destination that these organizational changes do not affect the quality of Indonesian fishery products,” Ishartini, the Director General of MFQAA, was quoted as saying in a recent press statement.

According to Ishartini, agricultural and fishery exports now pay more attention to food safety standards. However, Ishartini said these standards should not hamper trade. She added: “Such standards should facilitate trade.”

In response, countries are currently syncing their food quality assurance system. The government said many countries have recognized Indonesia’s quality assurance system as its fishery products have entered over 100 countries. During the talks with the French government, France said Indonesia’s quality assurance system was equivalent to those of advanced economies as the products could penetrate the European Union market.

Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono has vowed to maintain Indonesian fishery products’ quality to boost its acceptance in the global market, particularly for economically important commodities.

Source: jakartaglobe.id

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://jakartaglobe.id/special-updates/indonesiafrance-in-talks-for-agreement-on-fishery-quality-assurance

--------

 

Army distributes 500 flags to families near Indonesia-Malaysia border

July 29, 2024

Aruk Sambas, W Kalimantan (ANTARA) - An army officer stated that personnel stationed at the West Kalimantan border post distributed 500 Red-and-White flags to households near the Indonesia-Malaysia border area.

Village Supervisory Non-commissioned Officer (Babinsa) Second Sergeant Diyanto remarked that the flags would be hoisted in August to enliven the celebration of the 79th anniversary of Indonesian Independence Day.

The families that received the flags on Saturday, July 27, would hoist them in front of their houses near the Aruk Integrated Cross-Border Post (PLBN) in Sajingan Besar Sub-district, Sambas District, he noted.

Diyanto stated that the flag hoisting reflects a sense of nationalism and respect of the Indonesian families near the border area for Indonesia's heroes and heroines who had fought for the country's independence.

Diyanto stated in Aruk over the weekend that in addition to distributing 500 Red-and-White flags, the army personnel also donated Kalimantan's 111 ironwood trees, locally called "Ulin," and 20 Orange trees to the families.

He stated that the families would plant the trees near the PLBN Aruk area while adding that various competitions and positive activities would enliven this year's Independence Day celebration.

To this end, young locals would be involved to keep them busy with positive activities amid ongoing threats of promiscuity and illicit drugs.

"Let us celebrate our independence with our young people's achievements as part of our endeavors to achieve the goals of the Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision," Diyanto stated.

Speaking in connection with this year's Independence Day, President Joko Widodo stated earlier that the flag-hoisting ceremonies would take place in Indonesia's new capital city, Nusantara, in East Kalimantan and Jakarta.

To this end, President Widodo will lead the ceremony in Nusantara, while Vice President Ma'ruf Amin will lead it in Jakarta, Coordinating Human Development and Culture Minister Muhadjir Effendy stated in Jakarta on Monday, June 10.

Indonesia declared its independence on August 17, 1945, or shortly after Japan's surrender to the US-led allied forces of World War II. The independence was declared by the nation's founding fathers, Soekarno and Hatta, in Jakarta.

Source: en.antaranews.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://en.antaranews.com/news/320239/army-distributes-500-flags-to-families-near-indonesia-malaysia-border?utm_source=antaranews&utm_medium=desktop&utm_campaign=editor_picks

--------

 

Africa

 

Speaker begs pastors, imams to advise followers against hunger protests, says Tinubu needs prayers

JULY 28, 2024

The speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Danladi Jatau, has appealed to religious and political leaders to advise their followers to shelve the planned August 1 nationwide protests and give the government time to fix the country’s problems.

The speaker made the call on Sunday in Lafia while reacting to the planned hunger protests by Nigerians scheduled to take place from August 1 to 10.

”I want to advise stakeholders, both political, religious and traditional, to join hands with the government to address the challenges facing the country,” said Mr Jatau.

He added, ”They should talk to their subjects to shun the planned hunger protest scheduled for August in the country, considering what may be its effect.”

The speaker said the protest against hunger aimed at ending bad governance in the country should be reconsidered.

” And dialogue should take the centre stage from both sides to reach an amicable resolution and workable solutions,” he added.

Mr Jatau urged the citizens to give the government more time to address the economic situation and other challenges.

He said that giving the government more time would enable them to roll out more different policies and programmes that would improve the standard of living of Nigerians.

The speaker believed that the problems were surmountable with both short-term and long-term measures, hence the need for his call for more time to be given to the government to fix the problems.

” I want to appeal to our citizens and other Nigerians not to protest the economic situation, but they should pray and support the government at levels to address the challenges, which no doubt are enormous.

” As prayer is key and solution to every problem and every leader needs prayers and support of his people to succeed,” Mr Jatau said.

He also called on the security agencies to ensure the protection of lives and property and that peace continues to reign supreme in the country.

The speaker assured us of his leadership commitment to passing laws and making resolutions to improve the standard of living of the state’s people.

Source: gazettengr.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://gazettengr.com/speaker-begs-pastors-imams-to-advise-followers-against-hunger-protests-says-tinubu-needs-prayers/

--------

 

Sexual violence rife in war-torn Sudan capital: Human Rights Watch

July 29, 2024

PORT SUDAN: Sudan’s warring parties have committed widespread sexual violence against women and girls aged between nine and 60, and prevented survivors from accessing health care in the capital, Human Rights Watch said on Monday.

In a new report titled ‘Khartoum is Not Safe for Women’, the rights watchdog recorded testimonies from 42 health care workers and first responders on sexual violence and forced and child marriage since war erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

Between April and February 2024, 18 health care providers alone treated a total of 262 survivors of sexual violence in greater Khartoum, which includes the city of Omdurman just across the Nile River.

But according to first responders, the number of reported cases is only a fraction of the real figure, with most survivors unable or unwilling to seek emergency care.

The RSF “have raped, gang raped, and forced into marriage countless women and girls in residential areas in Sudan’s capital,” said Laetitia Bader, HRW’s deputy Africa director.

“The armed group has terrorized women and girls and both warring parties have blocked them from getting aid and support services, compounding the harm they face and leaving them to feel that nowhere is safe.”

The 88-page report also details “conditions that could amount to sexual slavery.”

Though sexual violence has been primarily identified as a systematic weapon used by the RSF, there have also been reports of sexual violence at the hands of army soldiers.

HRW says there has been “an uptick in cases” reported since the army “took control of Omdurman in early 2024.”

Across Sudan, survivors have reported debilitating physical injuries as a result of sexual assault, including by several fighters at once.

Among those treated by health care workers HRW spoke to, “at least four of the women died as a result” of their injuries.

Women whose assault results in pregnancy have little to no access to abortion care and are at risk of further violence and social repercussions. Some have been abandoned by their families, HRW said.

With the army imposing an effective siege on RSF-controlled areas — restricting even medical and humanitarian relief supplies for over a year — local volunteers in emergency response rooms have played “the leading role in responding to sexual violence.”

Volunteers themselves have been routinely targeted by both sides, with RSF fighters even committing “sexual violence against the service providers,” HRW reported.

The rights group said the RSF’s widespread sexual violence constitutes “war crimes and crimes against humanity,” while both sides’ attacks on health care are considered “war crimes.”

They called on the African Union and the United Nations to “urgently deploy a civilian protection force” in the northeast African country.

The war has killed tens of thousands of people across the country, with some estimating the toll to be as high as 150,000.

It has also caused the world’s largest displacement crisis, with over 10.7 million people displaced within Sudan — currently on the brink of famine — while over 2 million more have fled across borders.

Source: arabnews.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2558476/middle-east

--------

 

CAN Issues Directive To Christians Ahead Of Nationwide Protest

28 July 2024

Naija News reports that there has been a series of controversies and mixed reactions over the planned demonstration scheduled for August 1-10 to decry the country’s worsening economic situation.

CAN in a directive signed and issued on Sunday by its chairman in the state, Bishop Bulus Yohanna, expressed concerns that the protest could be exploited by criminals and self-serving organizations to sow chaos in the country and harm innocent citizens.

“Genuine protest can easily be seized by hoodlums and selfish groups to cause enormous havoc on innocent citizens.

“Let us shun protest; violence has never yielded positive results,” the CAN chairman said in the statement made available to newsmen on Sunday.

Yohanna, the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, emphasized that peace is a continuous and evolving process that requires constant attention and effort to achieve and sustain.

He urged President Bola Tinubu to focus not only on providing relief measures, but also on implementing price regulations for goods and services, tackling the increasing cost of living, and lowering fuel prices.

“Let us take advantage of the farming season especially now that the Farmer Governor is proactive and has prioritised the agricultural sector,” he said.

The CAN chairman urged church leaders, Local Government Coordinators, and parents to advise their members and children to avoid participating in any planned protests for the sake of peace.

He also reminded them of the teachings in the book of Romans 13:1-3, emphasizing the importance of Christians not rebelling against established authorities.

“As you are aware, there are plans to stage a nationwide protest across the country.

“As Children of God and responsible people known for peace, I urge us all to shun the protest, speak to our children/wards and members of our congregation”, he said.

Yohanned noted that other well-meaning Nigerians, including the youths, had declared that they would not join the nationwide protest.

“I want us to note that as a body, the CAN, Niger state will not be part of the exercise but rather prefer to have peaceful dialogue and continue to pray for our nation,” he said.

Source: naijanews.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.naijanews.com/2024/07/28/can-issues-directive-to-christians-ahead-of-nationwide-protest/

---------

 

2 dead as Boko Haram attacks Police barracks in Borno

July 28, 2024

The Borno Police Command on Sunday said two lives were lost as its men repelled an attack by Boko Haram terrorists at Jakana Police Barracks in Konduga Local Government Area of the State.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahun Daso, who confirmed the incident in a statement released in Maiduguri said that the attack took place in the early hours of Sunday.

Daso said that the swift response of the Police Mobile Force Officers attached to the Jakana Police Station repelled the assailants, preventing them from overrunning the police asset.

He explained that two lives were tragically lost in the exchange of fire.

“They included a police officer and a civilian woman. Additionally, a police patrol vehicle was burnt down during the incident.

“The Commissioner of Police in Borno, CP Yusufu Lawal, has extended his condolences to the families of the victims and assured that a discreet investigation has commenced.

”Security measures have also been taken to prevent further attacks,”he said.

Source: vanguardngr.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/07/2-dead-as-boko-haram-attacks-police-barracks-in-borno/

--------

 

Boko Haram planning to infiltrate #EndBadGovernance protest: Police

JULY 29, 2024

The police command in Yobe says the Boko Haram insurgents have planned to infiltrate the forthcoming #EndBadGovernance protest in August.

The command’s spokesman, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

He said intelligence received by the command indicated that foreign mercenaries were engaged to destroy lives and property at the protest.

Mr Abdulkarim, therefore, called on would-be protesters to exercise caution.

“As Yobe state recovers from insurgency, the commissioner of police, CP Garba Ahmed, acknowledges citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly.

“While we alert citizens to sinister motives, even peaceful protests at this time may be ill-timed. Recent insurgency activities in Gujba LGA, including an improvised explosive device explosion, have raised concerns.

“We are unprepared to face additional security challenges,” he said and warned that criminals trying to hide under the protest to destabilise the state would face the wrath of the law.

According to Mr Abdulkarim, the protesters must indicate proposed protest routes and assembly points for a hitch-free protest.

The spokesman said they should also state the expected duration of the protest, names and contact details of leaders and organisers and measures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements.

The statement said, “By providing this information, we can deploy adequate personnel and resources, designate specific routes and areas, establish clear communication channels, and minimise the risk of violence, property damage, or criminal activity.

“We encourage protesters to cooperate with the police, obey the law, and adhere to global best practices for peaceful assembly. We are committed to working with all to promote peaceful expression and maintain public order.”

Source: gazettengr.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://gazettengr.com/boko-haram-planning-to-infiltrate-endbadgovernance-protest-police/

--------

 

Arab World

 

Saudi envoy to Arab League meets with Sudan’s representative in Cairo

July 28, 2024

CAIRO: Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the Arab League Abdulaziz Al-Matar received Lt. Gen. Imad Al-Din Mustafa Adawi, Sudan’s representative to the league, in Cairo on Sunday.

Friendly talks took place and topics of common interest were discussed, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Meanwhile, also in Cairo on Sunday, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Egypt Saleh Al-Husseini met Egyptian Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan El-Khatib.

The parties discussed cooperation between the Kingdom and Egypt in investment and trade fields, and ways to enhance it.

Source: arabnews.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2558346/saudi-arabia

--------

 

King Salman Global Academy advances Arabic education in India

July 28, 2024

RIYADH: King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language recently concluded the Arabic Language Month in New Delhi and Kerala, India.

The month-long July event featured scientific programs and events in collaboration with educational entities to develop Arabic language curricula, improve teacher performance, and enhance the language’s value in the country.

Activities included visits and meetings with Jawaharlal Nehru University, Kerala University, other Indian universities offering Arabic programs, and associations dedicated to teaching Arabic, as well as a visit to the Saudi Embassy in New Delhi.

The event featured panel discussions on evaluating Arabic teachers for non-Arabic speakers, using technology in education, identifying effective tools and applications, designing modern teaching programs, and addressing issues related to Arabic teaching and learning.

A scientific symposium was also held to discuss Saudi Arabia’s efforts in teaching Arabic to non-speakers, the current state of Arabic education in India, bilingualism, and the challenges of teaching Arabic to non-speakers.

During the month, four courses were conducted to develop the skills of Arabic teachers for non-speakers, focusing on modern teaching strategies and methods. Additionally, four courses for learners focused on reading comprehension and listening skills for non-native Arabic learners.

Abdullah Al-Washmi, the academy’s secretary-general, said that the event contributed to achieving the academy’s goals by showcasing its activities in teaching Arabic to non-native speakers, highlighting the Kingdom’s efforts in promoting Arabic globally, training teachers, improving their competencies, and enhancing learning outcomes for students.

The academy has previously implemented similar activities in Brazil, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, and China.

Al-Washmi said that Arabic Language Month in India highlighted the academy’s strategic role in promoting projects related to Arabic education for non-speakers and strengthening cooperation with entities dedicated to teaching Arabic outside Saudi Arabia.

Source: arabnews.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2558246/saudi-arabia

--------

 

AI model will help doctors with radiology diagnoses

July 28, 2024

RIYADH: A new artificial intelligence model introduced by the Center of Excellence for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology will help doctors make radiology diagnoses quickly and accurately.

Dr Ahmed Alsinan, the center’s AI advisor and head of the scientific team at SDAIA, said the MiniGPT-Med was capable of tasks such as generating medical reports, answering visual medical questions, describing, locating and identifying diseases, and documenting medical descriptions based on supplied images.

The versatile model has been trained on a range of images, including X-rays, CT scans and is tailored for medical applications.

Dr. Alsinan said the MiniGPT-Med had been developed collaboratively by AI specialists from both SDAIA and KAUST. The model exhibits advanced performance in generating medical reports, with 19% higher efficiency than previous models. It serves as a general interface for radiology diagnosis, enhancing diagnostic efficiency across various medical imaging applications.

Source: arabnews.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2557951/saudi-arabia

--------

 

Saudi markets receive over 29 tonnes of seasonal produce from Qatif oasis farms

July 28, 2024

RIYADH: The farms of Qatif Oasis are playing a crucial role in supplying fruit and vegetable markets throughout Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. From Al-Khafji in the north to Al-Ahsa in the south, they provide a wide variety of seasonal produce including vegetables, fruits and fresh dates.

Spanning some 800 sq. km from Safwa to Dammam, Qatif governorate is home to over 3,700 farms of which 2,454 are actively producing a variety of crops, reported Saudi Press Agency.

The region boasts more than 540,000 fruit-bearing palm trees, representing 30 different types of dates. Annually, the farms contribute 29.5 tonnes of dates to local markets.

Fahd Al-Hamzi, director of the Eastern Province branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, highlighted the ministry’s efforts to support and develop the province’s agricultural sector.

Initiatives include improving resource management, promoting strategic crops, producing crops that contribute to increased economic competitiveness, and encouraging organic farming. The ministry also provides training programs and financial support, helping farmers find new outlets for their products.

Al-Hamzi said the branch supported programs through the Saudi Reef platform and marketed agricultural products through events and festivals in the region’s cities and governorates.

He added the ministry was working to educate farmers on production and harvesting processes. It also raises awareness about the importance of utilizing the Saudi Dates platform, launched by the National Centre for Palms and Dates, to increase sales by creating new outlets.

The agricultural sector has also received significant attention from the Saudi government, which has implemented laws to protect palm trees and improve date production efficiency. As a result, the Kingdom has become one of the world’s leading producers of dates and related products.

Future plans for regional agriculture include introducing modern technologies, improving irrigation systems, enhancing infrastructure, developing scientific and technical research, and establishing processing factories.

The ministry is also working on creating electronic platforms to streamline agricultural services and is encouraging farmers to obtain organic or Saudi Good Agricultural Practices certification.

Local farmer Mohammed Al-Thawab emphasized the long-standing agricultural tradition in Qatif, praising the region’s fertile soil and abundant water sources.

“These factors have contributed to the production of a diverse array of fruits, vegetables and fresh dates, which supply the region’s produce markets with a steady stream of local, high-quality goods,” he said.

He commended the ministry’s agricultural programs and initiatives, which have helped educate farmers about modern agricultural practices and the timing of land preparation, sterilization and seed sowing.

Al-Thawab also highlighted the significant impact of regional agricultural events such as the Leafy Greens and Dates Festival, which have proved instrumental in promoting farm products and bolstering support for the governorate’s agricultural community.

The impact of these efforts is evident in the local markets. Fruit and vegetable seller Abdullah Khuraydah said markets in Qatif and Dammam received a diverse range of seasonal products throughout the year.

These include local figs, Qatif lemons, pomegranates, berries and almonds, in addition to various types of dates. The most prominent of these are Al-Maji and Al-Gharra dates.

“The date season is a critical period for local merchants,” Khuraydah said, noting the surge in consumer demand for this nutritionally rich fruit. He emphasized Qatif’s unique agricultural advantages, citing its fertile soil and plentiful water from natural springs and aquifers.

“These natural assets are key to our region’s reputation for producing abundant, top-quality harvests,” he said.

Source: arabnews.com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2558351/saudi-arabia

--------

URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/meerut-muzaffarnagar-terrorist-kanwar-yatra/d/132818

New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism