Federal Shariat Court Of Pakistan: ‘Islam Guarantees All Those Rights, Enjoyed By Others To Transgender Community’, Says, They Also Are A Creation Of Allah
New
Age Islam News Bureau
18
January 2022
Image
Credits: Vice
-----
• Don't
Split Votes, AIMPLB Cleric, Maulana Nomani Advises Owaisi; Regrets The Failure
Of Muslims To Create Their Own "Qyadat
• Aligarh
Muslim University 100 Members Panel Puts Out '15-Point Charter' For Political
Parties To Include In Their Election Manifesto
• Saudi
Royal Family Descendants Of Jews; Their Hearts Have Never Aligned With Islam: IRGC
General
• Brit
Muslim Hostage Taker 'Ranted About Dying In 9/11 Terror Attacks' Before
Storming US Synagogue
Pakistan
• Zionism
A Serious Threat to Islam, Humanity, Scholars at Lahore Conference Warn
• Religious
Intolerance in Pakistan
• Widow
Of Sri Lankan National Priyantha Kumara Receives Aid And Salary
• Pakistani
police officer, two militants killed in Islamabad clash
• Pakistan’s
economic pivot inspires little hope of thaw with India
• Imran
Khan batted for Afia Siddiqui in his PTI manifesto so did Pak Senate
• Putin
is the first Western leader to show empathy to Muslim sentiment: Pak PM Imran
Khan
• Transforming
Pakistan: ‘Powerful, crooked politicians accustomed to being above law’
• Payment
made into Pakistan bank linked to blogger’s murder plot, UK court told
--------
India
• Aligarh
admin refuses nod for Dharam Sansad on January 22, 23
• Asaduddin
Owaisi denies receiving letter from AIMPLB about UP polls
--------
Mideast
• Iran’s
Top Security Official: 25-Year Deal with China against US Unilateralism
• Spokesman:
Iranian Diplomats’ Presence in S. Arabia Good Prelude to Open Embassies
• Senior
Analyst: Western Pressures to Set Deadline for Vienna Talks Meant to Prevent
Establishment of Verification Mechanism
• Israel
completes flight test of Arrow weapons system
• Palestinian
shot dead in alleged knife attack in West Bank
• Palestinian
threatens to set himself on fire over Israeli eviction order
• Iranian
diplomats arrive in Saudi Arabia after 6 years
--------
North America
• Michigan
City Council Becomes First All-Muslim Led Government In US
• US
Muslim leader calls on community to confront ‘anti-Semitism problem’
• US,
UN condemn Houthi attack on Abu Dhabi
• Mass
funeral held for 15 Muslims killed in New York apartment fire
--------
Arab World
• Uncovered
Qatari Regime Data Reveals Funding of Hardline Islamists Across the West
• Saudi-led
coalition strike on Yemen's Sanaa kills 14
• Houthi
leader killed in Arab Coalition strikes on Yemen: Report
• Houthis’
‘terrorist’ tampering with stability will not affect UAE security: Gargash
• Arab
Coalition intercepts three drones aimed at Saudi Arabia’s southern region
• Arab
coalition forces strike Sanaa in response to attack on UAE
• Saudi
crown prince condemns Houthi attack on UAE in call with Abu Dhabi counterpart
--------
Europe
• Texas
Terrorist Demanded Release Of Al-Qaeda Figure Months After Similar Call By
Anjem Choudary
• Senior
European politicians call for UN probe into 1988 Iran massacres
• Turkiye
expects more tangible fight against FETO in Albania: President
• Turkey,
Albania sign 7 pacts to strengthen bilateral ties
--------
South Asia
• Former
IS-K Chief Who Was Behind Kabul Gurudwara Attack Killed In Afghanistan
• IEA
assures transparent distribution of humanitarian aids
• Taliban
locates arsenals of commander Alipoor
• Islamic
Emirate Deploys Around 2,500 Troops to Sar-e-Pul
• Taliban
stage show of strength with parade after protests
--------
Southeast Asia
• In
Malaysia More Islamic Digital Content Needed for Religious, Moral Education of
Kids
• Uyghur
Bombing Suspects Describe Deplorable Conditions in Thai Military Prison
• Philippine's
Muslim Region Celebrates 3rd Founding Anniversary
• Silicon
Valley Billionaire Sparks Outrage With 'Cowardly' Attempt To Justify Comments
That He 'Doesn't Care' About China's Abuse Of The Uyghurs
• Teen
‘bathed like corpse’ incident: Shah Alam High Court ‘recommends’ mosque members
apologise; sets aside jail sentence
--------
Africa
• Saudi
Arabia, UAE, UK And US To Continue Joint Efforts To Support Sudan
• UN
council members urge ‘utmost restraint’ in Sudan
• Seven
killed in crackdown on rallies in Sudan's capital: Medics
• Security
forces fire tear gas as thousands of protesters march again in Sudan
• UN
official: Libya elections could be rescheduled for June
Compiled
by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/shariat-transgender-community-pakistan/d/126183
--------
Federal
Shariat Court Of Pakistan: ‘Islam Guarantees All Those Rights, Enjoyed By
Others To Transgender Community’, Says, They Also Are A Creation Of Allah
Image
Credits: Vice
-----
By
Sohail Khan
January
18, 2022
ISLAMABAD:
The Federal Shairat Court Monday observed that transgender community is the
creation of Allah hence nobody could raise objection on his creation, adding
that Islam guarantees to the community all those rights, enjoyed by others.
A
three-member Federal Shariat bench headed by Justice Muhammad Noor Meskanzai
heard petitions, filed for reviewing the law for the protection of
transgenders.
The
court directed the ministry of human rights to submit Rules of Transgender
Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2018. During the course of hearing, Federal
Shariat Court Chief Justice Muhammad Noor Meskanzai observed that around the world
change of sex is determined on the basis of medical examination.
“In
Islam, the transgender community enjoys all those rights, enjoyed by others,”
Federal Shariat Court chief justice remarked, adding that the court will
examine the law under review in the light of Shariah.
Justice
Dr Syed Muhammad Anwar, another member of the bench observed that the law under
review has protected the rights of transgender community, adding that the court
will examine it with sincerity.
During
the course of the proceedings, the court asked as to why a reply was not
submitted by the ministry of law and justice. The court observed that as per
media reports, some amendments were made in the law under review and if it is
true then the objections of the petitioner might be resolved. However, the
state counsel denied but submitted that Senator Mushtaq had filed a private
bill in the Senate in the matter.
Orya
Maqbool Jan, another petitioner in the case objected to the permission granted
in the said law for changing the sex, contending that it would affect the
traditions of society, adding that under the law review every person was
declared as transgender, adopting the image of another sex. He contended that
Allah does not like those who change his appearance, adding that constitution
does not allow legislation that is repugnant to Sharia.
He
further submitted that the law allowing change of sex is first step towards
same gender marriages, adding that nobody could say that as he looks like a
female hence he should be registered as female. Similarly, he said the law
under review did not mention as to who will determine the sexual category.
He
further submitted that in India, a medical board comprising doctors and
psychiatrics determine the sexual category. Justice Khadim Hussain M. Sheikh
however, observed that the law under review is only for transgender community
and it is not applicable on others.
Orya
Maqbool Jan submitted that it is clearly written on the birth certificate of
child’s sex; hence nobody could call someone as female after 34 years, adding
that Sharia has given right of inheritance by birth to transgender. During the
hearing, Babli, a transgender told the court the society does not accept the
community and hatred against them is spreading as well.
However,
Federal Shariat Court chief justice observed that Allah has created the
transgender community so there is no question of hatred against them. Later,
the court adjourned the hearing for date-in-office and sought proposals from
ministry of law and justice in the matter.
Source:
The News Pakistan
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
--------
Don't
Split Votes, AIMPLB Cleric, Maulana Nomani Advises Owaisi; Regrets The Failure
Of Muslims To Create Their Own "Qyadat
Maulana
Khalilur Rahman Sajjad Nomani. — File photo
-----
Jan
18, 2022
MUMBAI:
Senior cleric and All India Muslim Personal Law Board member Maulana Khalilur
Rahman Sajjad Nomani has appealed to AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin
Owaisi to field candidates in the UP elections only on seats where he has
"strong possibilities of winning", reports Mohammed Wajihuddin.
In an
open letter, he makes a fervent appeal to Owaisi to concentrate on seats where
he can win and announce alliance on the rest of the seats in Uttar Pradesh. The
Maulana also tells Owaisi that "communal and fascist forces" get
stronger whenever OBCs, which comprise many castes, back them overwhelmingly.
He also regrets the failure of Muslims to create their own "Qyadat
(leadership)".
Source:
Times Of India
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
--------
Aligarh
Muslim University 100 Members Panel Puts Out '15-Point Charter' For Political
Parties To Include In Their Election Manifesto
Gate
of Aligarh Muslim University.(HT File Photo)
-----
18th
January 2022
ALIGARH:
The coordination committee of Uttar Pradesh state executive body of the Aligarh
Muslim University (AMU) has passed a 15-point resolution as a charter of
'Muslim issues' and sought its inclusion in the election manifesto of political
parties.
The
committee has also sought an assurance of the implementation of the issues.
In
the resolution passed by the committee, comprising over 100 members including
teaching, non-teaching staff, students and alumni, it demanded speedy
investigation and release of innocent persons framed under the Unlawful
Activities (Prevention) Act and National Security Act.
It
also demanded compensation and rehabilitation of victims who were falsely
implicated by security agencies and subjected to prolonged incarceration and
severe torture, but found innocent and acquitted by courts of law.
The
resolution further demanded enactment of comprehensive anti-communal and
anti-hate crime law with the provision of 'stringent punishment and speedy
trial and formation of a task force having adequate representation of
stakeholders for vigilance of harassment and atrocities on minorities'.
The
committee said the election is crucial for the community, having been subjected
to "systematic harassment by the communally-biased ruling dispensation and
disappointed by the silence of all secular parties which had enjoyed power due
to their electoral support".
Source:
New Indian Express
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
--------
Saudi
Royal Family Descendants Of Jews; Their Hearts Have Never Aligned With Islam:
IRGC General
(Photo:
IANS)
-----
18th
January 2022
New
Delhi: The commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy recently
said that the ruling royal family members in Saudi Arabia were actually Jewish,
and that their conflict with Iran harkens back to the seventh century battles
between Muslim and Jewish tribes, Jerusalem Post reported.
The
speech made in January was aired on Iran’s Bushehr TV and translated by the
Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI).
“We
cannot bear to see injustice in a Muslim country that is perpetrated by the
Zionists and the seed of the Jews,” the commander, General Alireza Tangsiri,
could be heard saying in a video recording of the speech, the report said.
“[We
cannot bear to see] that Muslims are being slaughtered by people who call
themselves Christians but are not,” he added, seeming to refer to the US’
assassination of former IRGC Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani, the report
said.
“These
are the very same Jews — and I’d better say Zionists — whose hearts have never
aligned with Islam, and even with the Prophet in his time,” he said, probably
in reference to Saudi Arabia, Jerusalem Post reported.
The
Iranian leadership is Shia, as opposed to that of Saudi Arabia, which is Sunni,
the report said.
Tangsiri
then mentioned other battles in which early Muslims fought local Jewish tribes,
who were only Muslim “by name”.
“Are
the Saud clan really Muslims? They are the same Jews who were in Arabia back
then,” he concluded.
The
House of Saud is the ruling royal family of Saudi Arabia since 1744, comprising
the descendants of Muhammad bin Saud and his brothers.
Iranian
rhetoric against the US and Israel has been more fiery than usual in recent
weeks due in part to the two-year anniversary of the January 3, 2020 killing of
Soleimani by a US drone strike in Iraq.
Source:
Siasat Daily
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
https://www.siasat.com/saudi-royal-family-descendants-of-jews-iranian-general-2260030/
--------
Brit
Muslim Hostage Taker 'Ranted About Dying In 9/11 Terror Attacks' Before
Storming US Synagogue
Law
enforcement vehicles are seen in the area where a man has reportedly taken
people hostage at a synagogue during services that were being streamed live, in
Colleyville, Texas, U.S. January 15, 2022. REUTERS/Shelby Tauber SHELBY TAUBER
-----
17
January 2022
Two
teenagers have been arrested in Manchester after a British man flew to the US,
bought a weapon and held people hostage in a 10-hour stand-off at a synagogue.
The
British Muslim, Malik Faisal Akram, gunned down after taking a rabbi and three
of his congregation hostage in a Texas synagogue was once banned from court
buildings in his hometown. The ban came after he told officials that he wished
he had died in the 9/11 terror attacks, as revealed by MailOnline.
As
police in the US and UK on a hunt to find if he was part of a wider terror
cell, it has revealed that Malik Faisal Akram, 44, from Blackburn, Lancashire,
was dubbed a "menace" for voicing his desire to be on board one of
the planes that destroyed the World Trade Centre in 2001.
US
President Joe Biden branded the incident “an act of terror” and UK police are
working with authorities in America on the investigation.
Greater
Manchester Police (GMP) announced that officers from Counter Terror Policing
North West had made two arrests in south Manchester on Sunday evening.
They
said the teenagers, whose ages and genders they did not immediately confirm,
remain in custody for questioning.
GMP
said police forces in the region are liaising with local communities to put in
place any measures to provide further reassurance.
The
four hostages held at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, were
unharmed.
Akram’s
family said they were “absolutely devastated” by what had happened and “do not
condone any of his actions”, according to a statement which had been shared on
the Blackburn Muslim Community Facebook page.
The
statement, attributed to Akram’s brother Gulbar who said he had been involved
in negotiating from the UK with his sibling during the ordeal, added that the
hostage-taker “was suffering from mental health issues”.
US
officials believe Akram had a visa, arrived at John F Kennedy International
Airport in New York around two weeks ago and bought a handgun used in the
incident.
In an
update to reporters on Sunday, Mr Biden said while he did not have all the
details it was believed Akram had “got the weapons on the street”, adding: “He
purchased them when he landed.”
He
said there were “no bombs that we know of”, and that Akram is thought to have
“spent the first night in a homeless shelter”.
Condemning
what had happened, the statement from Akram’s family said: “We would like to
say that we as a family do not condone any of his actions and would like to
sincerely apologise wholeheartedly to all the victims involved in the
unfortunate incident.”
Akram
is said to have demanded the release of Pakistani neuroscientist Aafia
Siddiqui, who was convicted of trying to kill US army officers in Afghanistan,
and is in prison in Texas.
Speaking
to reporters after the incident, FBI special agent in charge Matt DeSarno said
they believed the man was “singularly focused on one issue and it was not
specifically related to the Jewish community”, and added they will continue to
“work to find motive”.
Confirming
that the hostage-taker had died, he said there would be “an independent
investigation of the shooting incident”.
He
said the FBI had been in contact with their legal attache offices in London and
Israel for an investigation with “global reach”.
Foreign
Secretary Liz Truss condemned the “act of terrorism and anti-semitism”, while
the British Ambassador to the United States Karen Pierce said UK authorities
are providing “full support to Texas and US law enforcement agencies”.
Source:
GB news
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
--------
Pakistan
Zionism
A Serious Threat to Islam, Humanity, Scholars at Lahore Conference Warn
January
17, 2022
Speaking
at a ‘Bedari-e-Ummat’ (awakening of Islamic community) conference on Sunday,
they warned that people of Pakistan have been kept at the mercy of World Bank
and IMF under tough economic conditions, creating serious concerns that ‘U-turn
loving’ rulers might announce acknowledging Israel in lieu of waiving loans and
giving up nuclear assets.
It
was organized by Jamiat Ulema-e-Pakistan (JUP).
Speakers
of all schools of thought sent a message to every member of the Muslim Ummah
that all Muslims should work for their unity and awareness to defeat
Zionist-Hindu conspiracies and to raise their voice in favor of the occupied
and oppressed Muslims of Occupied Kashmir and Palestine.
The
meeting was chaired by JUP president Dr Abul Khair Zubair while noted speakers
included Allama Syed Jawad Naqvi, Maulana Zahidul Rashidi, Syed Safdar Shah
Gilani, Khawaja Moinuddin Mehboob Koreja, Prof Abdul Ghafoor, Dr Raghib Naeemi,
Hafiz Naseer Noorani, Maulana Amir Hamza, Maulana Abdul Rauf Farooqi, Maulana
Muhammad Ali Naqshbandi, Pir Muhammad Asghar Noorani, Syed Aqeel Anjum Qadri,
Prof Zawar Mehrvi, Allama Naeem Javed Noori, Malik Shahbaz, Mufti Noman Qadir
Mustafaee, Mufti Imran Hanafi, Mufti Tahir Shehzad Sialvi, Sahibzada Hafeez
Azhar, Pir Bashir Ahmad Yousifi, Maulana Ab Dallah Saqib Pir Moaz Mustafa
Qadri, Maulana Babar Farooq Rahimi, Sahibzada Muhammad Farooq Qadri and others.
The
scholars stressed that Islam and Zionism have always been two opposing forces and
the battle has been going on since the beginning of Islam. They said Israel has
never recognized the legitimacy of Islam till today and has been a threat to
humanity as it wants to enslave all human beings, while Islam wants to give
humanity freedom and its legitimate rights. Israel has been undermining Muslim
countries with many tactics by creating infighting among Muslims, putting them
under economic constraints.
Source:
IQNA News
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Religious
Intolerance in Pakistan
January
18, 2022
Religious
extremism is a grave menace to Pakistan’s human rights situation in the
modern-day world. Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians and other religious
minorities in Pakistan face frequent discrimination. They feel threatened in
their homes and working places in Pakistan. When Pakistan was founded in 1947,
its makers had dreamt of founding a secular state, where every individual
regardless of their faith would be given equal opportunities and allowed to
live their life freely. But, things are vice versa in modern-day Pakistan which
does not reflect the vision of Quaid and Iqbal.
Additionally,
things have worsened in the past few decades due to a combination of certain
factors which include a radicalized Pakistani society, an educational
institution that breeds hatred and a set of laws that Muslim majorities use
against other minorities for their vendettas.
As a
matter of grave concern, the groups that claim to be the defenders of Islam and
carry out suicide attacks, kill people who are quite unaware of Islam; thus
they germinate hatred and spread disharmony which exploits the image of
Pakistan. These so-called “Jihadists” when interviewed, know nothing about
Islam. The most recent tragedy was when a Sri Lankan man, who had been working
in a Pakistani factory for the last 10 years, was tortured to death and burnt.
It was quite cruel; even an animal is not treated the way he was killed.
Muslims have forgotten the Quran which directs a man not to kill his fellow being
since killing of one person is equal to the killing of entire humanity. It is
categorically inscribed in the Quran, “Whoever kills a human, kills the whole
humanity and whoever saves a human, saves the whole humanity.”
To
cut the long story short, religious intolerance and sectarian violence have
affected the emotions of hundreds of thousands of non-Muslims and even many
Muslims living in Pakistan. All of this can end if Muslims learn the real
meaning of Islam which is harmony with all cultures and religions since the
present world has become a globalized society where diverse cultures are
existing.
Source:
The Nation Pakistan
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://nation.com.pk/18-Jan-2022/religious-intolerance-in-pakistan
--------
Widow
Of Sri Lankan National Priyantha Kumara Receives Aid And Salary
January
18, 2022
NAROWAL:
The widow of Sri Lankan national Priyantha Kumara, who was lynched on blasphemy
charges in Sialkot last month, received a grant of Rs17.6m ($100,000) and the
first month’s salary ($1,667).
The
Rajco Industries has sent Rs17.6m ($100,000) as financial aid to the widow of
its former general manager and the salary for the month of December 2021.
The
Rajco Industries has transferred the amount of financial assistance and the
salary from the Sialkot District Court branch of the National Bank to the
account of Kumara’s widow in Sri Lanka.
Media
reports last month had said that the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry
raised $100,000 as financial assistance for the family of Kumara.
SCCI
President Mian Imran Akbar said they were taking appropriate steps to prevent
such incidents in future as became the cause of the lynching of Kumara. He said
safety and security of foreign employees and businessmen would be ensured.
Source:
Dawn
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1670037/lynching-victims-wife-receives-aid
--------
Pakistani
police officer, two militants killed in Islamabad clash
Jan
18, 2022
ISLAMABAD:
A police officer has been killed and two others injured in a rare shootout in
Pakistan's capital, officials said Tuesday.
The
Monday night gun battle started when two gunmen riding a motorcycle opened fire
on a police checkpoint in Islamabad.
"A
policeman was martyred while two others were wounded," the police said in
a statement, adding both attackers were killed.
Pakistan's
interior minister has ordered an inquiry into the incident, a rare security
breach in the heavily guarded capital, which is home to dozens of embassies.
No
group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but Pakistan is battling a
resurgence of its home-grown Taliban following the group's return to power in
Afghanistan last year.
Shahid
Zaman, a senior Islamabad Police official, told AFP the incident was "an
act of terrorism".
Tehreek-e-Taliban
Pakistan (TTP) is a separate movement that shares common roots with the Afghan
group.
Pakistan's
government announced late last year it had entered a month-long truce with the
TTP, facilitated by Afghanistan's Taliban, but that expired on December 9 after
peace talks failed to make progress.
The
TTP has been blamed for hundreds of suicide bomb attacks and kidnappings across
the country, and for awhile held sway over vast tracts of the country's rugged
tribal belt, imposing a radical version of Islamic law.
Source:
Times Of India
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Pakistan’s
economic pivot inspires little hope of thaw with India
Sachin
Parashar
Jan
18, 2022
The
focus on geo-economics in Pakistan’s national security policy, as announced
last week, is a welcome departure from the past but the policy in its entirety
inspires little hope of any detente soon with India. Pakistan authorities have
been at pains to explain there has been no shift in Islamabad's Kashmir policy
and that is perhaps also borne out by Pakistan's continued and frequent
pronouncements on developments in J&K, not least on the alleged human
rights violations there.
While
Pakistan officials were quoted as saying last week that the policy allows for
development of trade between the 2 countries even without the final settlement
of the Kashmir issue, the actual document that was made public gave little
indication of that. The policy reiterated that the J&K issue remained at
the core of the relationship for Pakistan and that India’s revocation of the
special status of the erstwhile state was illegal even though it didn’t ask
specifically for India to reverse the decision.
"I
don’t see that messaging on trade in the document. On J&K too, the fact
that they haven’t asked India to reverse the August, 2019, decision doesn’t
mean there has been a change. They probably want to follow it on a day-to-day
basis," says former Indian high commissioner to Pakistan TCA Raghavan.
Pakistan
continues to press for early return to full statehood for J&K and an
assurance against any demographic change. Islamabad believes India didn’t keep
its end of the bargain by not addressing these issues and that this was why the
``goodwill’’ created by the military ceasefire last year petered out.
While
the focus on economic issues and social harmony is seen as a positive by the
veteran of Pakistan affairs, Raghavan is disappointed that the policy seemed
more a product of a semi-bureaucratic and semi-academic exercise than of
political consultations. Raghavan believes though that both sides have tied
themselves up with non-issues on trade and here a positive initiative can also
come from the Indian side.
Pakistan
stopped all trade with India after August, 2019, as it downgraded ties. India
had earlier, after the Pulwama attack, withdrawn MFN status for Pakistan
jacking up nontariff barriers. Indian authorities remain unconvinced that trade
can provide a lasting framework for improvement in ties and recall how Pakistan
failed to deliver on its promise to grant India MFN status, reneging on a
roadmap the 2 countries had arrived at in September 2012 for improving trade
ties.
On
cross-border terrorism, the issue that has prevented India from having any substantive
bilateral engagement with Pakistan since 2015 and also stalled the Saarc summit
process, Pakistan’s zero tolerance pledge against terrorist activities means
little as the specifics of India’s concerns differ vastly from those of
Islamabad. While the policy does mention extremism, it doesn’t, as Raghavan
says, frontally address issues issues related to the strategic misadventures
that led to the rise of terrorism and sectarianism in Pakistan. ``These are
issues acknowledged by those in the government as well as the civil society and
so, to that extent, I do find it a bit regressive,’’ he says.
Source:
Times Of India
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Imran
Khan batted for Afia Siddiqui in his PTI manifesto so did Pak Senate
Jan
18, 2022
By
Shishir Gupta
The
involvement of a Pakistani-origin UK national Malik Faisal Akram in the siege
at a synagogue in the US state of Texas shows the deep-seated religious radicalisation
within Pakistan and UK among Muslim community. If Akram was the spearhead, the
Pakistan government has been instrumental in radicalising their own towards
pan-Islamic jihadi causes since President Zia-ul-Haq days.
The
siege at the Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville was led by Akram, who
demanded the release of convicted Pakistani neuroscientist Afia Siddiqui,
suspected of ties with Al Qaeda and currently serving an 86-year sentence in
the Fort Worth prison after being convicted in 2010 of trying to kill US
military officers while in custody in Afghanistan.
In
the past, the Pakistani government too has tried to free ‘Lady al Qaeda’ - as
she is known in the counterterrorism circles. A few years ago, when Barack
Obama was the President of the United States, the Pakistan officials had sent a
proposal to release the woman in exchange of Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl.
In
2018, the Pakistani Senate unanimously passed a resolution to take up the
matter of Siddiqui’s release with the US, referring to her as the “daughter of
the nation”.
Imran
Khan, who is now the Prime Minister of Pakistan, competed with other Islamist
political parties and jihadist groups to spearhead the campaign to free
Siddiqui.
The
manifesto of Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) grouped Siddiqui among
the Overseas Pakistanis and said their “patriotic spirit” is valued by the
party.
“Overseas
Pakistanis are one of our biggest assets, who have consistently been denied
access to their citizens' rights and to the opportunity to contribute to
Pakistan's economy due to inefficient and incomplete processes along with poor
quality infrastructure and services by previous governments. We will ensure
voting rights for overseas Pakistanis,” the PTI manifesto said.
“We
will provide consular and legal services to all Pakistanis jailed abroad. We
make best efforts to bring prisoners like Dr. Afia Siddiqui and others back to
Pakistan,” it further said.
Even
the Taliban, which now rules Afghanistan, had shown their keen interest in
Siddiqui’s release in exchange of Warren Weinstein, an American aid worker who
was kidnapped by al Qaeda in Pakistan in 2011. Weinstein was killed in a US
drone strike after being captive for four years.
Siddiqui
comes from a well-educated Pakistan family with strong religious convictions.
She graduated from the prestigious Massachusetts Information of Technology
(MIT), and also received a doctorate degree in neurology from Brandeis
University.
According
to US intelligence officials, she appeared to be radicalised after the 9/11
attacks. She was connected to Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind of
the 9/11 attacks and believed to be acting as Al Qaeda’s courier to facilitate
the shipping process of ammunition and weapons for a planned attack.
US
officials say she disappeared in 2003 and re-appeared in 2008 in Afghanistan
with the detailed information about American targets.
The
family of 44-year-old Malik Faisal Akram, the latest to demand Siddiqui’s
release, belongs to Jhelum district in Punjab and emigrated to the UK nearly 50
years ago. Malik was a member of Tabligh Jamaat and had travelled abroad
earlier on work related to it, according to intelligence officials. He was
married to a Gujrati Muslim lady and has five sons and a daughter.
Source:
Hindustan Times
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Putin
is the first Western leader to show empathy to Muslim sentiment: Pak PM Imran
Khan
Jan
18, 2022
After
Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a press conference last month that
insulting Prophet Muhammad is a "violation of religious freedom",
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan in a call to the Russian president said
Muslims supported his stand.
"Imran
Khan emphasised that the Russian president’s statements made during the annual
press conference relating to the inadmissibility of any action under the cover
of freedom of expression that degraded the dignity of particular religious,
national or social groups, received wide support from Pakistani society and the
overall Islamic world," TASS news agency quoted Kremlin's statement.
Putin
during the annual press conference had said insulting Prophet Muhammad is a
"violation of the sacred feelings of people who profess Islam." The
Russian president had said artistic freedom should not infringe on the freedom
of others as he emphasised that Russia has evolved as a "multi-ethnic and
multi-confessional state".
The
Russian leader said such behaviour "could trigger others, even more, acute
extremist manifestations" while recalling the attack on Charlie Hebdo's
office after cartoons of Prophet Muhammad were published by the magazine which
later led to a terror attack on its office in Paris.
TASS
news agency said both leaders pledged to resume contacts and boost trade
relations as Kremlin said people of various faiths in Russia coexist and
interact.
Source:
WIO News
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Transforming
Pakistan: ‘Powerful, crooked politicians accustomed to being above law’
By
Prime Minister Imran Khan
January
17, 2022
The
rise and fall of nations are different from the rise and fall of civilizations.
Nations can be raided, redrawn or re-imagined exogenously but civilizations
cannot be killed from the outside, they only commit suicide.
The
core of every civilization is its spiritual principles; when they die, the
civilization dies. In Islamic civilization, the manifestation of our spiritual
principles happened in the Prophet’s (SAW) Madina. Besides many other important
principles, there were five very important guiding principles upon which the
state of Madina was built.
These
principles are unity, justice & rule of law leading to meritocracy, strong
moral and ethical foundation, inclusion of all humans in progress and
prosperity, and finally, the quest for knowledge. To help revive the spirit of
the covenant of Madina, National Rahmatul Lil ‘Alamin Authority (NRA) has been
formed.
The
first principle which laid the foundation for Riyasat-i-Madina was of unity.
The
idea of unity (Tawhid) comes from the Quran and in a sense, the entire religion
is based on that. From unity of God to unity of mankind, it is the most
fundamental principle of Islam.
Remember
that our Prophet (SAW), who was mercy for all mankind, unified people of
diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds into a single community. Besides
Muslims, there were Christians, Jews, Sabeans and other groups who were all
woven into a unitary communal whole under the state of Madina.
The
second founding principle was Rule of Law which resulted in justice and
meritocracy. The Prophet (SAW) made it clear that no one was above the law. He
said that nations perish when two sets of laws exist, one for the rich and
another for the poor:
“O
people, those who came before you were destroyed because if a person of high
status committed theft among them, they would spare him, but if a person of
lower status committed theft, they would apply the punishment upon him. By
Allah, if Fatima, the daughter of Muhammad (SAW), were to steal, I would have
cut off her hand.” [Sahih Muslim 1688]
If
one looks at the world today, one can easily witness that most successful
states also have the most robust application of the rule of law. Besides
several Western nations, one witnesses those East Asian economies that have
recently prospered, strictly practiced this principle. Japan, China, South
Korea are good examples. Whereas in those nations where rule of law was
subverted, seem to be sinking into poverty and chaos. In many countries of the
Muslim world, despite the prevalence of tremendous resources, there is less
progress, which is attributable to lack of rule of law. Another good example is
South Asia. In today’s India, the apartheid rule of law has immediately brought
about poverty and countless insurgencies that threaten the union of their
country. In Pakistan, not adhering to the rule of law has led to siphoning off
of billions of US dollars which has imposed collective poverty on our public.
The pattern of politics and development in many countries of Africa and Latin
American suggest the same. The so-called banana republics are the way they are
because of lack of rule of law. This cause and effect relationship between rule
of law and socio-political harmony cannot be emphasized enough.
The
third founding principle of Riyasat-i-Madina was of an ethical and moral
transformation of the people – the concept of
Amr-bil-maroof-wa-nahi-an-al-munkar (doing good, forbidding evil). The Holy
Quran declares it as the defining mission for the Ummah:
You
are the best community that has been raised for mankind. You enjoin good and
forbid evil and you believe in Allah. [Aal-e-Imran, 3:110].
Enjoining
what is good and forbidding what is evil is a collective duty that leads to
moral transformation of a society. Nobody would dispute this principle, but
there are elements in our society that are of the opinion that ethical
development of people should be left to the people, the state should remain
neutral about good and evil as conceived by religion. This approach is quite
outmoded and problematic because it handcuffs the state from performing its
ethical and moral duties and allows adversaries of the country to come in with
handfuls of money and subvert our values using our own educational systems and
channels of information. NRA will endeavor to engage in amr bil maaroof by
teaching seerat-al-nabi (SAW) to our youth in schools and universities in the
hope to raise the level the ethics and morals in our society.
The
fourth founding principle was of inclusive development through creation of a
welfare state where society takes care of its poor and vulnerable and everyone
is a stakeholder in the development of society and state. State of Medina was
first recorded welfare state of mankind where the state took responsibility of
its weak. Since we must emulate the example of our blessed Prophet (SAW), our
citizens should learn to be strict with themselves and generous with others.
Keep
in mind, however, that in recent times the idea of welfare state has been
colored by the Western European experience. Indeed, the West created impressive
welfare systems from 1950s to 2010s, of which the most impressive were the
Scandinavian ones. However, most of the Western welfare states were not sustainable
environmentally because these were very high consumption societies that
produced enormous waste. If the whole of non-West were to copy these welfare
states, then our pattern of production, consumption and waste would resemble
theirs, and by some estimates it would require us six more planet earths to act
as sinks that would absorb our waste. Such a welfare state is neither possible
nor desirable. Since Islam is the middle path, only moderate prosperity and
consumption would be ideal, just enough to fulfil our basic needs with dignity
and honour, with universal health care and education.
And
finally, a knowledge-based society that doesn’t confound literacy with
knowledge. Literacy may lead to illuminative knowledge that may guide us to
good behaviour, but some of the highest crime zones of the world also have very
high literacy rates. One must not lose sight of an important historical fact
that nearly all scholars of early and medieval Islam had deep roots in
spirituality.
Hence
literacy alone may not be sufficient for a happy society. Knowledge with
spiritual transformation from cradle to grave is important. All sources that
impact human behaviour should disseminate knowledge which produces
self-control, self-discipline, patience, forbearance, tolerance and a spirit of
service and volunteerism.
Lastly,
in the light of our ideals, we have embarked on the road to the welfare state
with some great initiatives. Despite tight financial means, we allocated
unprecedented amount of money to our initiatives such as the Ehsaas Programme
which was launched back in 2019. Ehsaas Programme is a social safety and
poverty alleviation programme necessary for the vulnerable groups in society.
This was one of our key initiatives towards building a state that cares about the
welfare of our citizens. By far, one of the greatest programmes in history of
Pakistan is the Sehat Sahulat Programme which offers our citizens universal
health coverage. This is not just to protect vulnerable households from sinking
into poverty who often borrow money for medical treatment, but it also leads to
a network of private sector hospitals all over the country, thus benefitting
both the public as well as the private sectors in the field of health. Just
Punjab government alone has allocated Rs400 billion for this. The Sehat Sahulat
Programme is an important milestone towards our social welfare reforms. It
makes sure that certain low-income groups in Pakistan may have access to their
entitled medical health care quickly and honorably without accruing many
financial obligations.
In
the wake of global economic hardship brought about in the post-Covid era, we
have not neglected the fast transforming educational arena. Our Ehsaas
scholarship programme would ensure that talented students within the underprivileged
and poor strata of society would get a chance to pursue decent education that
would augment their chances of getting better livelihoods. This programme
combined with all our other scholarships amounts to six million scholarships
worth Rs47 billion. This too is unprecedented in the educational history of
Pakistan.
Source:
The News Pakistan
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Payment
made into Pakistan bank linked to blogger’s murder plot, UK court told
Atika
Rehman
January
18, 2022
LONDON:
On day three of the trial of Muhammad Gohir Khan, the man charged with
conspiracy to murder Netherlands-based blogger and activist Ahmad Waqass
Goraya, the jury was once again told details of how this alleged plot was
hatched and funds transferred to finalise the deal.
A
middleman identified as Muzammil, who used the nicknames Mudz, Zed and Papa on
Whatsapp, was in contact with Khan over several months in 2021 when the two
discussed the hit as well as payment for the job.
Muzamil
paid nearly £5000 pounds into an Allied Bank account belonging to a Muhammad
Amin Asif in Chiniot. This money, the Crown Prosecution Service said, was part
of the deal between Khan and the middleman to kill Goraya.
Khan
later received £4888 in the UK via Hundi transfer, which he then used to
purchase tickets, arrange for tests and book his stay in the Netherlands.
The
middleman was wary of being traced to the bank account, and he and Khan spent
days discussing how to transfer the money without being tracked down as well as
what the exchange rate would be.
The
financial rewards for Khan’s actions were believed to be significant, with a
payment of £100,000 on offer. At the time, the prosecution claimed, the
defendant was in significant debt, with no clear means of paying his creditors
The
prosecution also outlined in detail the “deal between Khan and the middleman”,
with an agreement of a total payment of £100,000, of which £80,000 was to be
paid to the defendant and the remainder to the middleman.
The
trial is set to continue this week. Khan has pleaded not guilty to the charge,
and maintained that his intention was not to kill Goraya but to take the cash
from the individuals in Pakistan.
Source:
Dawn
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India
Aligarh
admin refuses nod for Dharam Sansad on January 22, 23
Anuja
Jaiswal
Jan
18, 2022
AGRA:
The Aligarh district administration has denied permission for the 'Dharam
Sansad' planned in the city on January 22 and 23. Besides prominent citizens
and minority organisations, Congress functionary Kapil Sibal had also written
to the district administration demanding denial of permission for the event
"that could spark tension in the communally sensitive city".
ADM
(city) RK Patel told TOI on Monday that since the model code of conduct and
Covid guidelines were in force, permission would not be granted to the
organisers.
Several
senior citizens, retired officials, professors and social workers had written
to district magistrate Selva Kumari demanding her to stop the event. In a
letter, they said: "The Dharam Sansad in Aligarh is being organised on the
pattern of Haridwar. Since Aligarh is a sensitive city, provocative speeches
like the ones delivered at the Haridwar Dharam Sansad, which disrupt the
peaceful atmosphere of the entire nation, could create tension and fear in
society amid assembly elections. Therefore, such an event should not be allowed
in public interest."
Organiser
of the Dharam Sansad and trustee of Sanatan Hindu Seva Sansthan Annapurna
Bharti said the event has been postponed "by us" due to fear of
Omicron "and as two of our main speakers, who are also members of the core
committee of the Dharam Sansad in Haridwar, are in judicial custody for their
Haridwar speeches".
Source:
Times Of India
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--------
Asaduddin
Owaisi denies receiving letter from AIMPLB about UP polls
18th
January 2022
Hyderabad:
AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday denied receiving a letter from the
All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) about Uttar Pradesh elections and
said that the Board has nothing to do with politics.
The
Hyderabad MP told reporters that AIMPLB has not written a letter to him. He
said the Board’s Constitution is clear that it does not involve itself in
politics.
“The
Board has nothing to do with politics and it is not their position,” said
Owaisi, who is also a member of the apex body of Indian Muslims.
AIMPLB
working committee member Moulana Sajjad Naomani had last week written a letter
to Owaisi, urging him to minimise the division of votes against communal forces
in the Uttar Pradesh elections.
The
eminent cleric urged the AIMIM leader to field candidates only in those
constituencies where winning is certain.
Owaisi,
however, did not react to the letter by Sajjad Naomani.
To
another query, Owaisi said he will have to face throughout his life the
allegation of dividing the so-called secular votes. “I want to ask those who
are making this allegation. Why BJP won in Uttar Pradesh in 2014, 2017 and
2019. The truth is the so-called secular parties failed to defeat the BJP. In
2019, MIM contested only three Lok Sabha seats, how BJP won 306 seats,” he
said.
“They
are frustrated. They have no ideological and intellectual strength to defeat
BJP and that is why they are blaming MIM,” he added.
Owaisi
said that his party is geared up to contest the UP elections as per the plans
of its state unit to contest 100 seats. The party on Sunday released its first
list of nine candidates. He said there would be more lists for the second phase
and subsequent phases.
“Only
time will tell. As of now we are completely geared up and prepared to contest
the polls,” Owaisi said when asked about the possibility of alliance with other
parties.
The
Lok Sabha member said AIMIM was preparing to contest the polls following Covid
guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India. “Since meetings are not
allowed, we will organise virtual meetings. We will use modern technology tools
as per the Election Commission guidelines. We will increase social and digital
media presence,” he said.
The
AIMIM chief hoped that the 60 meetings he addressed in UP during the last 4-5
months will have an impact and help the party.
Source:
Siasat Daily
Please
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https://www.siasat.com/asaduddin-owaisi-denies-receiving-letter-from-aimplb-about-up-polls-2260049/
--------
Mideast
Iran’s
Top Security Official: 25-Year Deal with China against US Unilateralism
2022-January-17
Implementation
of the 25-year agreement between Iran and China, the world's second-largest
economy, is a strategic achievement for Tehran as Washington continues to
pursue unilateralism and continued pressure to exclude Iran from economic
engagement with the world, Shamkhani wrote on his twitter page on Monday.
Iran’s
Economy Minister Seyed Ehsan Khandouzi announced that the Iranian and Chinese
ministries have started detailed talks on implementation of the 25-year
strategic agreement between the two countries.
Government
departments from Iran and China have started detailed talks to reach concrete
investment and cooperation agreements after a 25-year partnership between the
two countries formally went into effect last week, Khandouzi said.
“Now
each (Iranian) ministry … has started talks related to its field of activity
with the Chinese side so that they can reach contracts,” he added.
“It
will be after the start of these contracts that the investment and growth we
have in mind would effectively take place,” Khandouzi said.
Iranian
Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian announced on Friday that Tehran and
Beijing have started implementation of the 25-year strategic agreement signed
in March.
"We
agreed to announce today as the date to begin implementing the comprehensive agreement
on strategic partnership" between Iran and China, Amir Abdollahian said,
after concluding detailed discussions on Sino-Iranian cooperation with the
Chinese foreign minister in China.
During
the meeting with his Chinese counterpart on Friday, the diplomat pointed to the
significance of the 25-year partnership agreement signed between Tehran and
Beijing, and emphasized that the implementation of the document would be an
important event and a fundamental change in relations.
He
submitted an "important" written message by Iranian President Seyed
Ebrahim Rayeesi to President Xi Jinping.
Referring
to the plans to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of
political relations between the two countries, the Iranian foreign minister
voiced Tehran's readiness to expand all-out relations with Beijing.
He
hailed China's constructive cooperation with Iran in providing more than 110
million doses of coronavirus vaccines.
Iran’s
foreign minister expressed the hope that the opening of China's consulate
general in the Southern Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas would facilitate
bilateral trade cooperation.
The
top Iranian diplomat outlined the latest state of bilateral cooperation in
various fields and said Tehran is resolved to implement all infrastructure
agreements with Beijing.
He
said extensive cooperation with neighbors and friendly countries in the region
is among the priorities of Iran's foreign policy, and added that the Islamic
Republic would continue to play a constructive role in regional developments,
including maintaining and increasing the security of energy transfer.
Amir
Abdollahian also pointed to the importance of cultural relations and the common
capacities of the ancient civilizations of Iran and China, and said the Iranian
artists' keenness to develop bilateral cooperation would be a valuable
opportunity to take advantage of such a capacity.
The
Iranian and Chinese foreign ministers also discussed a wide range of political,
economic, trade, consular and cultural issues as well as regional and
international developments. During the second round of talks, they exchanged
views about the latest developments pertaining to the sanctions removal talks
in Vienna and issues in West Asia and the Persian Gulf region.
Amir
Abdollahian also said on Sunday that the 25-year strategic partnership
agreement between Tehran and Beijing will have many advantages for both
countries.
Ties
between Tehran and Beijing are expanding in all areas, Amir Abdollahian said,
adding that the 25-year strategic partnership between the two countries will be
implemented with a win-win approach.
He
made the remarks in an interview with the Chinese CGTN TV channel.
Amir
Abdollahian arrived in the Chinese capital of Beijing on Friday to meet and
hold talks with his counterpart Wang Yi and other senior officials.
He
said that various issues, including implementing the comprehensive strategic
partnership deal, regional and international developments, as well as Vienna
talks, were discussed in meeting with Chinese foreign minister.
The
25-year strategic partnership and cooperation between the two countries will be
implemented with a "win-win" approach, the top diplomat added.
He
pointed to the start of the implementation of the Iran-China 25-year
cooperation deal during his visit to Beijing, and said that Iran and China will
benefit from the interests of the agreement.
Amir
Abdollahian also considered China as one of the active parties in the Vienna
talks which has played a constructive and supportive role in backing Iran's
peaceful nuclear rights and always stressed the need to remove oppressive
sanctions against Iran.
AmirAbdollahian
arrived in Beijing on Friday at the head of a high-ranking political and
economic delegation at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart.
Iran
and China signed the landmark 25-year comprehensive strategic partnership
agreement in March last year in defiance of the US unilateral sanctions to
strengthen the long-standing economic and political alliance.
Source:
Fars News Agency
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--------
Spokesman:
Iranian Diplomats’ Presence in S. Arabia Good Prelude to Open Embassies
2022-January-17
“Three
Iranian diplomats have arrived in Jeddah to start their work at the OIC,”
Khatibzadeh told reporters in his weekly press conference on Monday.
Khatibzadeh
described the latest development as “a good prelude for the two sides to visit
their embassies”.
“Iran
has always expressed its readiness to open its embassy in Saudi Arabia,” he
added.
The
spokesman also said paying attention to one’s words and deeds is a prelude to a
détente between Tehran and Riyadh, which, “God willing, our friends in Saudi
Arabia are increasingly cognizant of”.
On
Saturday, a member of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign
Policy Committee said Iran and Saudi Arabia are preparing to reopen embassies
after five years of severed ties.
The
restoration of ties between the two important countries of Iran and Saudi
Arabia would play a substantial role in easing tensions in the region, Jalil
Rahimi Jahanabadi said in a tweet.
Saudi
Arabia severed diplomatic relations with Iran in January 2016 after Iranian
protesters, enraged by the Saudi execution of prominent Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr
Baqir al-Nimr, stormed its embassy in Tehran.
For
years, the kingdom pursued a confrontational foreign policy toward the Islamic
Republic, but since last year, the kingdom appears to have changed tack.
The
two Middle East heavyweights have held four rounds of talks since April,
including a meeting last month under the Iranian administration of President
Seyed Ebrahim Rayeesi.
Saudi
Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud in an interview with the
Financial Times in October signaled his country’s desire to repair relations
with Iran, saying the kingdom is “serious” about talks with the Islamic
Republic.
Describing
the negotiations as “exploratory” but “cordial”, he said “we are serious about
the talks. For us it’s not that big a shift. We’ve always said we want to find
a way to stabilize the region”.
Also,
in an interview with Al Jazeera published earlier this month, Iranian Foreign
Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian said Tehran and Riyadh have so far held four
rounds of “positive and constructive” talks in Iraq.
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Senior
Analyst: Western Pressures to Set Deadline for Vienna Talks Meant to Prevent
Establishment of Verification Mechanism
2022-January-17
The
Western powers attempt to set a deadline for the Vienna talks in order to force
Iran to stop pursuing verification mechanism on implementation of any future
agreement and accept an interim deal, Seyed Mostafa Khoshcheshm said on Monday.
He
added that the European and American sides involved in the talks in Vienna,
Austria, speak of a deadline, but on the other hand, they reject Iranians'
initiatives and demands on verification of future moves and assurances for
removal of the anti-Iran sanctions without presenting any proposal of their
own.
The
Western parties seek to waste the time to approach their self-declared deadline
in a bid to pressure the Iranian negotiating team to abandon their efforts to
develop and establish a comprehensive mechanism for verification and
assurances, the expert said.
The
foreign policy analyst also underlined that the Islamic Republic will not
recognize any deadline to make sure that the verification and assurances
mechanisms are properly articulated and confirmed.
Regarding
the increase of political and media pressures on the Iranian delegation in
Vienna, Khoshcheshm said that the Western sides dropped pressures for a short
period, but as it was expected, they exacerbated propaganda campaign, threats,
and blame game when it came to negotiating challenging issues.
He
added that the US labors hard to disarm the Islamic Republic of its main
leverage, which is the uranium enrichment at 60 percent level, in pursuit of a
deal without a practical system of verifications and guarantees or, if not
possible, an interim deal, but Tehran seeks a reliable and lasting agreement
and it may not will not abandon this leverage.
The
G4+1 group (Britain, France, Russia, China plus Germany) have not proposed any
temporary agreement in the Vienna talks so far, Khoshcheshm said, noting that
some Western media propagate such a weird issue because they want a potential
agreement that lacks pragmatism and verification mechanism.
He
referred to the Iranian officials' tours to the regional states, and argued
that expansion of ties with other countries, specially China and Russia will
affect the Vienna talks indirectly because the Islamic Republic can lessen the
impacts of the US illegal and cruel sanctions and increase the Iranians'
bargaining power in the negotiations.
The
regional states have also come to the conclusion that West Asia is experiencing
a new order amid the US withdrawal from the region, Khoshcheshm said, adding
that given the fact that the Islamic Republic will be more powerful in the
future, the neighboring and regional countries want to expand their ties with
Iran.
Iranian
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said on Monday that certain
important issues have still remained unresolved in Vienna talks between Tehran
and the world powers and their solution requires Washington's political resolve
and decision-making.
What
remained in negotiations are key issues that require the adoption of specific
political decisions, specially by the US, Khatibzadeh told reporters in his
weekly press conference in Tehran.
Regarding
the latest situation of Vienna talks, he said that the chief negotiators of the
delegations have returned to their capitals for a break for more consultations.
What
remained in negotiations are key issues that may require special political
decisions by the US in particular in order to announce their decisions on the
removal of sanctions and remaining issues that some of which are serious,
Khatibzadeh added.
Iran
and the remaining parties to the JCPOA – Russia, China, France, Britain, and
Germany – have been holding talks in the Austrian capital since April last
year. The focus of the talks has been on the removal of all sanctions that the
United States re-imposed on Iran following its withdrawal from the deal.
On
Friday evening, the eighth round of the Vienna talks was paused so that the
negotiators could return to their respective capitals for consultations. They
are expected to return to the negotiating table after two days.
Throughout
the talks, Tehran has made clear that the US, as the only country that has left
the JCPOA, is responsible for the status quo, and therefore, it needs to take
the initial step by removing all of the sanctions that it imposed after
withdrawing from the deal in May 2018.
The
Islamic Republic has also criticized the US and its European allies for paying
lip service to safeguarding Iran’s economic dividends, as foreseen in the
JCPOA, and for their unconstructive attitude during the Vienna talks.
On
Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian noted a
“contradiction” in the Western parties’ conduct, saying that reaching a “good
agreement in the shortest time possible” would only depend on them.
“The
conduct of Westerners compared to their statements that they are concerned and
are in a hurry shows that there is a contradiction in their behaviors and
remarks,” Amir Abdollahian said on Friday, while on a high-profile visit to
China.
“I
would like to loudly declare that the Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes
reaching a good agreement as soon as possible, but this would depend on the Western
side,” he added.
Amir
Abdollahian had also in November in a phone conversation with his German
counterpart Heiko Maas blamed Washington for the problems and
non-implementation of the nuclear deal.
The
US government is the main culprit in creating current situation in
JCPOA-related issues, Amir Abdollahian said during the phone talks initiated by
Maas.
The
US government's withdrawal from the JCPOA in May 2018 and the inaction of three
European countries involved in nuclear talks, including Britain, France and
Germany, has increased distrust significantly, he added.
Therefore,
complete lifting of sanctions imposed against Iran is a need, Amir Abdollahian
underlined.
Source:
Fars News Agency
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--------
Israel
completes flight test of Arrow weapons system
18
January ,2022
Israel’s
defense ministry said on Tuesday it had completed a planned flight test of the
Arrow weapons system, and would release further test details throughout the
day.
Last
year, Israel r said it was developing a new ballistic missile shield, the
Arrow-4, with the United States.
Source:
Al Arabiya
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Palestinian
shot dead in alleged knife attack in West Bank
Qais
Abu Samra
17.01.2022
RAMALLAH,
Palestine
A
Palestinian was shot dead by Israeli forces on Monday in an alleged knife
attack in the occupied West Bank, according to the Israeli army.
A
military statement said the Palestinian attempted to stab an Israeli soldier at
Gush Etzion junction north of Hebron.
The
army said an Israeli soldier opened fire and neutralized the assailant. No
injuries were reported among Israeli soldiers.
The
Palestinian Health Ministry identified the dead Palestinian as Faleh Jaradat
from Sa'ir town, northeast of Hebron city.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
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Palestinian
threatens to set himself on fire over Israeli eviction order
Abdel
Raouf Arnaout
17.01.2022
JERUSALEM
A
Palestinian has threatened to set himself and his family on fire in protest of
an Israeli eviction order.
Israeli
municipal authorities issued an order to expel Mahmoud al-Salihiya and his
family from their house and a plant nursery in Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah
neighborhood to build a school in their place.
Years-long
attempts by the family to have the order revoked have failed.
Israeli
forces on Monday managed to vacate the nursery plant by force, and sought to
evacuate the house, but Mahmoud climbed to the roof of the house and threatened
to set himself and his family ablaze in the event of eviction.
“We
will not leave here, either we die or we live," a fuming Mahmoud shouted
as he carried a container of gasoline.
"The
(Israeli) municipality wants to remove a family from their home in order to set
up schools. Who are the schools for? Schools for them, for the Jews," he
explained.
"Whoever
approaches, I will burn the house which is full of gas pipes, and I will bomb
the house with whoever inside," he warned.
Some
young men who were among the family's friends poured gasoline on the roof of
the house.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Iranian
diplomats arrive in Saudi Arabia after 6 years
Seham
al-Khouli
17.01.2022
TEHRAN,
Iran
Three
Iranian diplomats have arrived in Saudi Arabia for the first time in six years
to represent Tehran's mission in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
in Jeddah, according to the Iranian state television on Monday.
"Three
Iranian diplomats have arrived in Jeddah to start their work at the OIC,"
Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh told a press conference.
The
spokesman said Tehran is ready to reopen its embassy in Riyadh. He, however,
added that such move "depends on what practical measures the Saudi side
will take."
Iran
and Saudi Arabia severed diplomatic ties in January 2016 following an attack on
the Saudi Embassy in Tehran after Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr was executed by
Saudi authorities.
Relations
between the two rivals deteriorated further after Iran in September 2016
accused Saudi authorities of deliberately causing the deaths of around 400
Iranian pilgrims in a 2015 stampede in the Muslim holy city of Mecca.
The
two sides have since been engaged in a strong regional rivalry, often accusing
each other of waging a proxy war for regional influence.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/iranian-diplomats-arrive-in-saudi-arabia-after-6-years/2475990
--------
North America
Michigan
city council becomes first all-Muslim led government in US
January
17, 2022
HAMTRAMCK,
Michigan: Hamtramck, Michigan is the first city in the US to be led by an
all-Muslim government.
A
city of mostly Polish-Americans for 99 years, locals say the population has
gradually shifted to now be over half Arab-Americans. And in its 100th year, the
city’s leaders reflect that change.
“It
was a historic achievement that’s never happened before for the Arabs and
immigrants,” Amer Ghalib, Hamtramck mayor, told Arab News.
“And
I think it inspired many of the youth to go for this field and made them confident
in themselves and of their abilities and that they have become an inseparable
part of the fabric of this society,” he added.
The
Yemeni-born mayor leads Hamtramck alongside the elected city council which,
with the exception of one American-born convert to Islam, is made up entirely
of Arab immigrants.
Having
moved when he was 17, Ghalib considers the two square miles that make up
Hamtramck to be his mother city.
“I
feel proud and I feel a big responsibility and this is why we have to work very
hard to prove that we, as immigrants, can work and succeed in managerial,
public service, and political fields in this country,” he said.
Preempting
any Islamaphobic backlash or fear, Ghalib assured citizens that they should not
expect any changes from an all-Muslim city government, just efforts to
revitalize city infrastructure and a commitment to serve its people.
“There
is no difference, because we are all bound by the city regulations and the
country’s constitution, with laws and regulations that we cannot violate,” he
said.
Source:
Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2006361/world
--------
US
Muslim leader calls on community to confront ‘anti-Semitism problem’
By
Lee Brown
January
17, 2022
A
Duke University professor has demanded his fellow Muslims confront their own
“increasing anti-Semitism” in the wake of the Texas synagogue hostage situation
— pointing to a trope once used by Rep. Ilhan Omar as an example of an
“alarming internal problem.”
Professor
Abdullah Antepli, a founder of the Muslim Leadership Initiative, said the
10-hour hostage nightmare at a Texas synagogue Saturday forces the need for his
community to have “morally required tough conversations.”
“HOUSTON,
WE HAVE A PROBLEM!” Antepli tweeted Sunday.
“Without
ands and buts, without any further denial, dismissal and or trivializing of the
issues… we need to honestly discuss the increasing anti-Semitism within various
Muslim communities,” he wrote.
“Yes,
we Muslims living [in] North America undeniably have an increasing
anti-Semitism problem and seemingly we have yet to even begin to address the
issue honestly, morally and accurately,” he wrote.
“But
again we have to,” he said, saying he was “really sick and tired of the over
all defensiveness and tribal.”
“We
can no longer pretend the problems of anti-Semitism within us does not exist,”
he said, calling it an “alarming internal problem.”
“We
are better than this!”
Antepli
singled out Muslims using terms including “the Benjamins” — an anti-Semitic
trope that “Squad” member Omar (D-Minn.) used in 2019.
The
progressive lawmaker later apologized for using “anti-Semitic tropes,”
insisting her “intention is never to offend” — but she has since been accused
of other offensive messages.
Antepli
— who did not single out Omar in his message — said that confronting such
hatred was a “more urgent moral” call than worrying about the shame it would
bring to his community.
He linked
to a podcast interview he gave in December in which he said “the American
Muslim community is being held hostage” by a small faction spreading hate and
“further marginalizing American Islam.”
“There
is a deafening silence, no conversation,” he said.
His
message came as President Biden confirmed that Saturday’s hostage crisis in
Texas was terrorism.
Source:
New York Post
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
US,
UN condemn Houthi attack on Abu Dhabi
Michael
Hernandez
17.01.2022
WASHINGTON
The
US and UN sharply condemned on Monday an attack on the United Arab Emirates'
capital that killed at least three people and injured six others.
In
the wake of the apparent drone attack, Jake Sullivan, President Joe Biden's
national security advisor, said the US "strongly condemns today’s
terrorist attack in Abu Dhabi."
"The
Houthis have claimed responsibility for this attack, and we will work with the
UAE and international partners to hold them accountable," he said in a
statement. "Our commitment to the security of the UAE is unwavering and we
stand beside our Emirati partners against all threats to their territory."
Earlier
on Monday, three fuel tanker trucks exploded in the industrial Musaffah area in
the capital Abu Dhabi. A fire also broke out at a construction site at Abu
Dhabi International Airport.
Houthi
rebels said that they carried out a military operation “deep in the UAE,”
without giving further details.
The
UAE said it reserves the right to the respond to the Houthi attack, vowing that
the attack will not go unpunished.
The
emirates is a member of a Saudi-led coalition that has been fighting Houthi
rebels in Yemen since 2015.
UN
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned the strike, saying
"attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited by
international humanitarian law".
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/us-un-condemn-houthi-attack-on-abu-dhabi/2476638
--------
Mass
funeral held for 15 Muslims killed in New York apartment fire
Dildar
Baykan Atalay
17.01.2022
WASHINGTON
A
mass funeral prayer was held on Sunday for the Muslims who lost their lives in
the deadly apartment fire in the Tremont section of the Bronx, New York City.
The
funeral was held at the Islamic Cultural Center in the Bronx for 15 of the 17
victims of the apartment building fire. The attendance was mostly from the
Gambia.
"This
is a very sad situation. But everything comes from Allah. Tragedies always
happen, but we should thank Allah that we are all able to come together,"
said the uncle of a victim named Haja Dukuray -- who lost her entire family of
five, including her husband and their three kids.
New
York City Mayor Eric Adams and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, as well as
two officials from the Gambian government, were present at the funeral.
"When
tragedies occur, we come together," Schumer said at the funeral.
Besides,
"I'm here to voice the pain that all New Yorkers feel," Adams said.
After
the funeral ceremony, 11 of the bodies were sent to New Jersey to be buried,
and four others will be buried in the Gambia at the request of their families.
At
least 17 people, including eight children, died in the apartment fire and 63
people were poisoned by smoke on Jan 9.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Arab World
Uncovered
Qatari Regime Data Reveals Funding of Hardline Islamists Across the West
January
17, 2022
A
trove of data uncovered by the Middle East Forum details almost 46,000 grants
made by the Qatari regime-controlled Sheikh Eid bin Mohammad Al Thani
Charitable Association, also known as the Eid Charity, to radical Islamic
organizations all around the world. A significant amount ended up in Europe and
North America: some 380 grants to 41 recipients, totaling just under $37
million, distributed between 2004 and 2019.
Although
dwarfed by the total $770 million globally accounted for within the dataset
—some of which appears to have been given to designated terrorist
organizations—the Eid Charity's spending across the West reveals a clear
pattern of Qatari monies being handed out almost exclusively to radical
organizations.
It is
not surprising that Eid Charity should emerge as a leading patron of Islamist
extremism in the West. In previous years, European media has occasionally
recorded the group's radical ties. In the Netherlands, in particular,
journalists have previously pointed to Eid Charity's funding of Salafi
organizations in Dutch cities, and note that its officials "are said to
have funneled money to Al Qaeda in Iraq, Al Shabab in Somalia and Palestinian
Hamas." Indeed, the Eid Charity's founder, Abd Al Rahman Nuaimi, is a
known Al Qaeda financier who was designated as a terrorist by the U.S. government
in 2013.
Despite
its extremist links, the Eid Charity has been able to operate internationally
with near impunity. In the Western world, the United Kingdom was its main
target, with some 97 grants distributed there worth just under $9 million.
Some
$2 million was given to the Al Muntada Al Islami Trust, a hardline Salafi
charity. In 2004, the Henry Jackson Society reported that Nigerian police
arrested Sheikh Muhiddeen Abdullahi, purportedly a senior Al Muntada Trust
official, who is alleged to have confessed to serving as a middleman between Al
Muntada and Nigerian jihadists. In 2013, a Nigerian human-rights activist
testified before the U.S. House of Representatives, where he named Al Muntada
as an organization he believed to be funding designated terror group Boko
Haram. The trust also runs a mosque in West London, which The Times has
reported is closely connected to Qatar and "is linked to Islamist mosques
and schools elsewhere in the UK."
Furthermore,
British media has long reported on the extremist links of this charity network.
Journalist Andrew Gilligan noted: "Al-Muntada has close links to British
mosques accused of radicalising young people into Isil, including al-Manar in
Cardiff, attended by Nasser Muthana and Reyaad Khan, the first Britons to appear
in an [Islamic State] propaganda video. Both mosques have also organised events
with Mohammed al-Arifi, the now-banned extremist cleric accused of grooming the
two young Cardiff men."
Former
Al Muntada partners have included ISIS financier Nabil Al Awadi, as well as
radical clerics such as Haitham Al Haddad, whom British media has frequently
described as "one of the most active radical preachers in the
country."
Almost
$600,000 was provided by the Eid Charity to the Emaan Trust in Sheffield in
2013 and 2014 for the construction of its mosque. As Andrew Norfolk of The
Times has previously noted, "The Emaan Trust's leaders have included men
with close links to the Brotherhood. Another trustee resigned in 2017 after the
exposure of his virulently antisemitic views, including the claim that Jews
control the world and were responsible for 9/11."
Norfolk
also revealed that the Emaan Trust has received substantial amounts of monies
from Qatar Charity UK, a branch of another regime-controlled group in Doha that
has long worked closely with the Eid Charity.
Seventy-seven
grants, totaling over $6.3 million dollars, were also handed out to Help the
Needy, a British Muslim charity based in London. Media reports claim that the
organization is an official partner of the Eid Foundation; and its officials
appear to also hold senior positions in Doha-based organizations.
In
other European countries, the Eid Charity has also been generous with Islamist
mosques and organizations, many of which are linked to terrorism. In Sweden, the
Örebro mosque received $2.4 million between 2007 and 2016.
Örebro
Mosque has undeniable links to terror: an ISIS recruiter preached there
regularly until his arrest in 2015. The Swedish Security Service subsequently
issued a press release which stated: "the Swedish Security Service have a
clear picture that there is radicalisation and recruitment in Örebro." And
the Örebro Mosque's spokesman has spread anti-Semitic tropes, accusing late
Israeli PM Ariel Sharon of using the blood of Palestinian children to make
pudding.
Eid
Charity also donated $1 million to Sweden's Al Rashideen Mosque, also known as
Gävle Mosque. In 2014, Gävle Mosque's imam, Abu Raad, applauded ISIS for taking
over the Iraqi city of Mosul, and even encouraged his followers to finance the
terrorist organization. The Swedish government subsequently declared that he
"constitute[d] [a] qualified security [threat]" and decided to deport
him, but the sentence was never carried out because of the purported risk of
persecution that he faced in his native country of Iraq. Instead, he returned
to his mosque, where he was "embraced" by the congregation.
Meanwhile,
in France, almost $1.7 million from the Eid Charity went to institutions tied
to the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, such as the Institut Européen des Sciences
Humaines (IESH), which received $470,000 from the Eid Charity. The IESH was
founded as a Brotherhood seminary (Christian Chesnot & Georges Malbrunot,
Qatar Papers, p. 155), and its curriculum was designed by the Brotherhood's
'spiritual leader' Yusuf Al Qaradawi. IESH's former students also include Al
Qaedaand jihadists (Qatar Papers, p. 162).
Another
$442,000 went to the Mosquée de Saint-Ouen, whose imam, Abdelghani Benali, is
also a professor at the IESH. Officially known as the Essalame Center, the
mosque has been renamed Al Hashimi (the name of the private donor, the
uncovered data reveals, who funded the Eid Charity grants).
In
2008, Eid Charity made a contribution of $66,000 to another French Islamic
center in Poitiers, which appears to have been founded by Hadj Amor, while
treasurer of the prominent French Islamist organization Musulmans de France
(Muslims of France) (Qatar Papers, p. 179). Interestingly, the funding for the
center was passed through a middleman: the L'Association des Musulmans d'Alsace
(AMAL).
AMAL
also received $262,000 from Eid Charity for the construction of the enormous
An-Nour Islamic center in Mulhouse, which it manages. French journalists
Christian Chesnot and Georges Malbrunot have previously alerted the public to
Qatari attempts to create autarkic "micro-societies" in Europe.
An-Nour is one of the most obvious examples of this trend, and, indeed, the Eid
Charity notes that it will include a dawah (proselytization) center as well as
a school, shops, and various other services.
As
revealed by Chesnot and Malbrunot in their book Qatar Papers, AMAL also managed
a contribution from the terror-linked Qatar Charity—in the same year, for the
same center (p. 60). In both the UK and France, it appears multiple Qatari regime
charities distribute funds in close coordination.
In
2008, Eid Charity donated $457,000 for the construction of an Islamic center in
the French town of Villeneuve d'Ascq. The center seems to be a priority: it
also received funds from Qatar Charity that again were passed through AMAL.
In
Germany, Eid Charity donated $400,000 to the Arabischer Kulturverein (Arab
Cultural Association), which appears also to be known as the Al Muhsinin
mosque. According to German academic Susanne Schröter, Al Muhsinin is "regarded
as an important center of Salafi activities" that "counts several of
its members among the ranks of Al-Qaeda," and where radical preachers
"encouraged followers to travel to Al-Qaeda training camps."
Eid
Charity grantees appear sometimes to serve as middlemen by distributing monies
to other radical institutions. For example, the Arabischer Kulturverein gave
$68,000 to the Assalam Mosque in Essen, also a known "Salafi hub,"
according to academic Johannes Saal. Jihadists such as Silvio K, described by
the German media as the "German face of the Islamic State," regularly
attended the mosque. In 2009, German authorities deported one of its
congregants who was in touch with Osama bin Laden's former bodyguard and
possessed bomb-making instructions in his apartment.
In
the Netherlands, a contribution of $1.1 million from the Eid Charity through
the Dutch Waqf Foundation was used to fund the infamously extreme Al Furqaan
mosque in Eindhoven. Its seminars were attended by members of Al Qaeda's
Hamburg cell, which played a key role in the 9/11 attacks.
In
Switzerland, the Swiss Islamic Shura Council received $208,000 from the Eid
Charity. One of its board members has been convicted for producing jihadist
propaganda: he traveled to Syria to interview a high-ranking Al Qaeda official,
and later posted the video on the Shura Council's YouTube channel. Two other
board members were also implicated. The Swiss Shura Council also invited the
infamous Salafi preacher Mohammed Al-Arifi to its annual meeting in 2013, although
he was prevented from attending following the Swiss government's decision to
deny him entry for five years because of his extremist rhetoric.
In
Canada, where over $6.7 million of Eid Charity grants have been distributed to
eight organizations, authorities have previously warned about the influence of
the Eid Charity, with the government's Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) noting that
the Qatari charity appeared to "control" the Islamic Society of
British Columbia (ISBC). At the time, a CRA official wrote that "publicly
available information ... indicates that the Eid Foundation is alleged to have
provided support to terrorism."
Source:
ME forum
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.meforum.org/62948/qatari-data-reveals-funding-of-hardline-islamists
--------
Saudi-led
coalition strike on Yemen's Sanaa kills 14
Jan
18, 2022
CAIRO:
An air strike by Saudi-led coalition forces on the Yemeni capital Sanaa killed
14 people, according to initial estimates, while digging through rubble
continued, residents told Reuters on Tuesday.
The
Saudi-led alliance carried out the strikes on Yemen's Houthi-held Sanaa,
following an attack by the rebels on the United Arab Emirates. The coalition
also said it intercepted eight drones launched toward Saudi Arabia on Monday.
One
of the air strikes on Sanaa hit the home of a former military official, killing
him, his wife, his 25-year-old son, other members of his family and some
unidentified people, a medical source and residents told Reuters.
Yemen's
Iran-aligned Houthi group said that a Saudi-led coalition strike on a
residential neighbourhood in Sanaa initially left 12 dead including women and
children, injured 11 and destroyed five houses, the main television news outlet
run by Al Masirah TV reported.
Source:
Times Of India
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Houthi
leader killed in Arab Coalition strikes on Yemen: Report
18
January ,2022
Arab
Coalition airstrikes on targets north of Yemen’s capital Sanaa killed Houthi
leader Major General Abdullah Qassem al-Junaid, according to a report from Al
Arabiya sister channel Al Hadath.
For
the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
Strikes
were launched after the Iran-backed Houthis claimed an attack on two targets in
the United Arab Emirates capital Abu Dhabi on Monday morning, which killed
three people and injured six.
An
Arab Coalition spokesperson said in a statement that strikes were launched “in
response to threat and military necessity.”
A
construction site at Abu Dhabi’s new airport extension, and an oil facility
caught fire on Monday morning. Police said the incidents were possibly caused
by drones.
UAE
Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed later described the incidents as
“terrorist attacks and [a] sinister criminal escalation,” adding that they
“will not go unpunished.
The
fires were a rare instance of attacks on UAE soil.
Saudi
Arabia’s Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks in a statement released on
Monday.
“The
Kingdom affirms its full stand with the brotherly United Arab Emirates in the
face of everything that threatens its security and stability,” the statement
said.
“The
Kingdom also points out that this terrorist act, which is behind the evil
forces of the Houthi terrorist militia, reaffirms the seriousness of this
terrorist group and its threat to security, peace, and stability in the region
and the world,”
The
UAE and Saudi Arabia have been embroiled in Yemen’s civil war since the Arab
Coalition intervened in 2015.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2022/01/18/rfdfd
--------
Houthis’
‘terrorist’ tampering with stability will not affect UAE security: Gargash
17
January ,2022
The
diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, Anwar Gargash, described Monday’s
attack on Abu Dhabi civilian targets which killed three people and wounded six
others as “Houthi aggression”, and stressed that the Yemeni militia will not
destabilize the country’s security.
“The
concerned authorities in the UAE deal transparently and responsibly with regard
to the sinful Houthi aggression on some civilian facilities in Abu Dhabi,”
Gargash said on Twitter.
He
added: “Terrorist militias’ tampering with the stability of the region is too
weak to affect the security and safety in which we live, and the fate of this
recklessness and absurdity is decline and defeat.”
The
UAE’s capital Abu Dhabi was rocked on Monday with a fire that broke out and
resulted in the explosion of three petroleum tankers, killing three people and
wounding six others, police said.
There
was also a “minor” fire that broke out in the area of the new construction site
of Abu Dhabi International Airport, which was quickly contained.
“Preliminary
investigations indicated that small flying objects were detected, possibly
drones, that fell in the two areas, which may have caused the explosion and
fire,” police said, adding that investigations were still underway.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Arab
Coalition intercepts three drones aimed at Saudi Arabia’s southern region
17
January ,2022
Three
drones aimed at Saudi Arabia’s southern region were intercepted on Monday, an
Arab Coalition spokesperson said.
Several
explosive-laden drones were launched from Sanaa’s airport in Yemen, the Arab
Coalition said in an earlier statement Monday, after the Iran-backed Houthi
militia claimed to have attacked the United Arab Emirates.
Abu
Dhabi police confirmed that two fires had broken out at ADNOC tankers and the
new Abu Dhabi International Airport extension, and that a preliminary
investigation suggested these were caused by drones.
It
was not immediately clear whether the drone launch from Sanaa was related to
the fires in Abu Dhabi.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Arab
coalition forces strike Sanaa in response to attack on UAE
Hamdi
Yildiz
18.01.2022
RIYADH,
Saudi Arabia
The
Saudi-led coalition forces announced on Tuesday that they are carrying out
airstrikes on Sanaa in response to the latest attacks on Abu Dhabi, capital of
the United Arab Emirates (UAE), by the Houthis.
"We
have targeted terrorist leaders north of the capital, Sanaa," Saudi news
agency SPA quoted coalition forces as saying in a statement. “In response to
the threats, the operations make it necessary to continue shooting Sanaa."
In
another statement, the coalition said a comprehensive and deterrent operation
will be conducted to neutralize the sources of the threat.
“Those
responsible for hostile attacks against civilians in Saudi Arabia and the UAE
will be held to account. The coalition air force conducts 24-hour air
operations over Sanaa.”
It
called on the people of Sanaa to stay away from the communities and military
camps where Houthi militias are located.
Meanwhile,
the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen claimed responsibility for the incidents,
announcing that they had targeted facilities belonging to the UAE with
ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
It
was reported that the operation, dubbed Yemeni Hurricane, "took place as a
response to the escalation of attacks by Saudi Arabia, the US and the
UAE", according to a statement published on the Houthi-owned Al-Masira
channel.
The
statement said that Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports, an oil refinery in the
Musaffah district of Abu Dhabi, some important and sensitive UAE-owned
facilities and areas were targeted with five ballistic winged missiles and
numerous UAVs.
The
Houthis will expand their target area to include more important regions and
facilities in the future, the statement said, calling on foreign companies,
citizens and residents in the UAE to "stay away from important regions and
facilities."
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Saudi
crown prince condemns Houthi attack on UAE in call with Abu Dhabi counterpart
January
18, 2022
RIYADH:
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made a phone call to his Abu
Dhabi counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, during which he condemned an
attack on the UAE by the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen.
The
militia attacked the capital Abu Dhabi using missiles and drones, setting off
explosions in fuel trucks that killed three people and injured six others and
causing a fire near the airport.
And
in another incident, eight explosive-laden drones were launched by the Houthis
toward Saudi Arabia, all of which were intercepted.
The
two leaders affirmed that these terrorist acts that targeted the Kingdom and
the UAE would increase both countries’ “resolve and their determination to
continue to confront those aggressive practices” carried out by the Houthi
militia, who have wreaked havoc in Yemen, killing the Yemeni people and
continue its “miserable and unsuccessful attempts to spread chaos” with the aim
of destabilizing the region’s security and stability.
The
crown princes called on the international community to stand up to these flagrant
violations of international law and norms and to reject and condemn these
terrorist crimes that threaten regional and international peace and security, a
statement on Saudi Press Agency said.
The
Saudi crown prince expressed his deepest condolences for the deceased and
wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Sheikh
Mohammed thanked Prince Mohammed for the sincere sentiments, which confirmed
the solid ties and close bond that unite the two countries and peoples and
their determination to confront terrorism.
During
the call, they also discussed regional affairs and issues of common interest,
the statement added.
Also
on Monday, Saudi deputy minister for defense Prince Khalid bin Salman said the
Houthis’ aggression against the Kingdom and UAE represented a threat to the
security of the two countries and the entire region, and showed they were not
interested in political solutions to the Yemeni conflict.
He
added the militia had chosen an path of escalation and would bear
responsibility for tampering with the future of Yemen and for its attacks on
neighboring countries.
Prince
Khalid urged the international community to stand up to such Houthi
transgressions, including its threatening of security of international
waterways, and to their regional supporter, Iran, who he said considered the
region and its security as negotiating cards.
He
also said Iran’s continued support of the militia with weapons and equipment
through the ports of Hodeidah and Salif represented a violation of UN
resolutions and international laws and norms, and called for an international
effort to address it.
Saudi
foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said on Twitter the Houthi militia’s
attacks against the Kingdom and UAE today constitute a threat to the region’s
security and stability.
The
attacks also confirm that this militia has become a major source of threats to
regional and international security and stability, he said.
Prince
Faisal added that the Kingdom and the Coalition continue to support
international efforts to bring peace to Yemen and that the Kingdom’s initiative
to find a political solution to the Yemeni crisis is still on the table.
“At
the same time, we are fully prepared and ready to deal with the Houthi
intransigence, and to defend the security of the Kingdom and our region.” he
said.
State
minister for foreign affairs Adel Al-Jubeir said that the Houthi militia’s
“cowardly terrorist attacks” against the Kingdom and UAE “are an extension of
their actions that threaten the security and stability of the region and the
international sea lanes.”
Al-Jubeir
added that Saudi Arabia and its
Coalition partners have exerted efforts to reach a political solution to the
Yemeni crisis, including the Saudi initiative to support the UN efforts, which
were faced with the militia’s rejection and intransigence.
“We
are continuing these efforts and defending our security and the security of the
region and sea shipping lanes, to achieve security and stability in the region
and the world.” he said.
The
foreign ministry said it would “respond firmly and forcefully” to all terrorist
practices carried out by the Iran-backed Houthi militia, which target innocent
lives, civilian objects and vital installations on Saudi territory, and
threaten regional and international peace and security.
Source:
Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2006401/saudi-arabia
--------
Europe
Texas
terrorist demanded release of Al-Qaeda figure months after similar call by
Anjem Choudary
January
17, 2022
LONDON:
Extremist British cleric Anjem Choudary recently urged his supporters to help
free notorious Islamist Aafia Siddiqui “physically or by ransom” — the same
person a British terrorist demanded be released while he occupied a synagogue
in Texas on Saturday.
Choudary,
who was profiled by Arab News in its “Preachers of Hate” series, called in
September last year for the release of Siddiqui, known as “Lady Al-Qaeda.” It
came three months after his release from a British prison where he had served
time for supporting the terrorist group Daesh.
“The
obligation upon us is to either free her physically or to ransom her or to
exchange her,” Choudary wrote on social media platform Telegram. “However,
until such time as we can fulfill one of these obligations the minimum that we
can do is to use all that we have to raise awareness about her case, to keep
her name in the hearts and in the minds of Muslims.”
His
call for action was allegedly echoed by Malik Faisal Akram, the man who held
four people hostage for 10 hours at the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue in
Colleyville, Texas on Saturday. It is 25 miles from the federal facility at
Fort Worth where Siddiqui is serving an 86-year sentence.
Akram,
44, died during a shootout with law-enforcement officers that ended the
synagogue siege.
Choudary
is believed to have influenced about 100 British jihadis through his online
lectures and videos.
Siddiqui
was arrested in Afghanistan in 2008 while carrying 2kg of sodium cyanide and
plans for a chemical attack on New York City. During her trial she demanded
jurors be subjected to DNA testing to check whether they were Jewish. She also
attempted to shoot a guard during interrogation.
A
neuroscientist by training who earned a scholarship to study biology at
Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1991, Siddiqui attended the same
mosque later frequented by the Boston Marathon bomber, Tamerlan Tsarnaev. She
took part in firearms courses run by the National Rifle Association, was for a
time on the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Most Wanted list, and was
publicly named by Daesh fighters as a candidate for a prisoner-swap deal for
James Foley, the American photojournalist who was murdered in 2014.
A profile
of Siddiqui by the Boston Globe in 2014 suggested that she had been radicalized
by the outbreak of the war in Bosnia, after which she became a member of
Al-Kifah Refugee Center, thought to have been Al-Qaeda’s operational hub in the
US at the time.
Evan
Kohlmann, a terrorism expert, told the Globe: “Aafia was from a prominent
family with connections and a sympathy for jihad. She was just what they
needed.”
Waqas
Jilani, at the time a graduate student at Clark University, told the Globe that
Siddiqui had boasted she would be proud to be on the FBI’s Most Wanted list,
and urged fellow Muslims to take up arms and fight.
“She
was always mouthing off about the US and the FBI being so bad and all,” he
said.
Siddiqui’s
former husband, Mohammed Amjad Khan, described how, having married her over the
phone from Pakistan, he arrived in the US to discover she would regularly watch
videos of Osama bin Laden and spent weekends at training camps with other
members of Al-Kifah.
“I
discovered that the well-being of our nascent family unit was not her prime
goal in life,” he said. “Instead, it was to gain prominence in Muslim circles.”
He
added he felt unable to introduce her to professional colleagues because she
would “only want to talk about them converting to Islam. Invariably this would
lead to unpleasantness.”
Source:
Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2006336/world
--------
Senior
European politicians call for UN probe into 1988 Iran massacres
January
17, 2022
LONDON:
Senior politicians from across the EU and UK on Monday urged the UN to open an
investigation into the 1988 massacres of political prisoners by the Iranian
regime.
Speaking
at an event hosted by the National Council of Resistance of Iran and attended
by Arab News, former heads of state and senior parliamentary figures threw
their support behind its campaign for accountability over the massacres.
Guy
Verhofstadt, Belgium’s prime minister from 1999 to 2008, described the
massacres — in which Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi played a key role as a
prosecutor in Tehran — as “genocide.”
Verhofstadt,
now a member of the European Parliament, said: “The impunity crisis in Iran reached
a peak in June when Raisi was appointed as the regime’s president. He’s one of
the main perpetrators of the 1988 mass murder of more than 30,000 political
prisoners.
“Instead
of being tried for crimes against humanity, he’s occupying the post of presidency.
This shows that impunity is rampant in Iran.”
The
1988 killings heavily targeted the Mujahedin el-Khalq, an opposition group that
played a key role in the 1979 revolution but was later violently turned upon by
Iran’s then-Supreme Leader Ruhollah Khomeini as he sought to consolidate power.
The
MEK is the largest constituent organization of the NCRI, an umbrella movement
for Iranian opposition groups.
Many
current members of the NCRI lost family and friends in the massacres, which
Amnesty International has described as “crimes against humanity.”
Verhofstadt
said: “The architects and perpetrators of genocides must always be brought to
justice. Crimes against humanity can never go unpunished. We are shocked by the
genocide that took place in Iran in 1988. The men and women died only because
they strived for a free and democratic Iran.”
Also
in attendance at Monday’s event was John Bercow, who served as the speaker in
the British Parliament for a decade until 2019.
Best
known for his commands of “order” aimed at unruly MPs, he took on a somber tone
to tell attendees that “the 1988 massacre must be investigated.” Raisi “must be
prosecuted for crimes against humanity,” said Bercow. “He’s a disgrace.”
Bercow
also voiced his backing more broadly for the NCRI’s mission, calling himself an
“ally” and “friend” of the group, and reiterating his support for their slogan:
“Down with the oppressor, be it the shah or the supreme leader.” He added: “I
back your call for a secular and democratic republic.”
Other
speakers at Monday’s event included former Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik
Reinfeldt and former Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini.
Source:
Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2006271/middle-east
--------
Turkiye
expects more tangible fight against FETO in Albania: President
Ali
Murat Alhas
17.01.2022
As
bilateral ties with Albania have been growing steadily, the Turkish government
expects the Balkan country to take more concrete steps against the terror group
FETO, Turkiye’s president said on Monday.
It is
our sincere expectation that Albania takes more concrete, decisive, and rapid
steps against FETO in Albania,” Recep Tayyip Erdogan told a joint news
conference in the capital Tirana alongside Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama.
The
visiting Turkish leader said FETO – a group whose 2016 coup attempt in Turkiye
was foiled but not before claiming 251 lives – poses a threat to every country
where it has a presence.
“It
deeply wounds us that (FETO) has still an area of activity in Albania,” he
said.
Erdogan
was in Albania at Rama’s invitation to attend a handover ceremony for over 500
housing units a Turkish agency built for victims of 2019 earthquake.
On
bilateral trade, the Turkish president said it reached $853 billion in 2021, up
68% from a year earlier, and the two countries set a new target of $1 billion.
He also said that Turkiye is already one of the top investors in Albania, with
over 600 companies employing thousands of people.
“With
this determination, we should continue to deepen our relations in every area,”
Erdogan said.
The
two also discussed the issue of the strategic partnership level of relations,
the Turkish president said, adding that they highlighted the importance of
making the high-level cooperation council mechanism more operational.
The
council will meet in the first half of 2022, Erdogan said.
Need
for Turkiye in Balkans countries
When
a reporter said that amid questions about the EU’s credibility, the bloc and
NATO need Turkiye in the Balkans, as it enjoys close ties with regional
countries through its historical legacy and other factors, Erdogan said NATO’s
approach to the Balkans is more important than the EU’s.
The
president underlined that Turkiye is an “honorable and a powerful member” of
NATO while the EU continues to use “delaying tactics” towards Turkiye’s
membership bid.
Erdogan
also stressed that Turkiye cares about peace and tranquility in the Balkans and
it is one of the guarantor countries for regional peace.
Later
Erdogan also addressed the Albanian parliament, reiterating that Turkiye hopes
Albania will take essential steps against the FETO terror group.
On
the COVID-19 pandemic, he said Turkiye will always stand with Albania by
sharing its domestically developed Turkovac vaccine.
Rama,
for his part, said Turkiye is an indispensable and irreplaceable element for EU
security and stressed that he says as much in talks with NATO and the EU along
with bilateral talks.
The
premier asserted that the EU should not be at all disturbed by the close
relations of Turkiye and Albania as the ties have deep roots.
Rama
applauded Turkiye's role in helping promote peace in the Balkans and said smear
campaigns targeting Erdogan are fake and divorced from reality.
Opening
of restored historic mosque
President
Erdogan also added that Turkiye is ready to maintain its support to Albania
through the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), as he inaugurated
the Ottoman-era Ethem Bey Mosque following restoration work by the agency.
He
said the Ethem Bey Mosque – originally built between about 1791 and 1819 – is a
piece of historical and cultural heritage shared by Turkiye and Albania, and
the mosque was restored back to its former glory with help of his country.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Turkey,
Albania sign 7 pacts to strengthen bilateral ties
Mumin
Altas and Ferdi Turkten
17.01.2022
TIRANA,
Albania
Turkiye
and Albania signed seven agreements Monday to boost cooperation between the two
countries.
Turkish
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama took part
in the signing ceremony for the agreements in various areas, including disaster
and emergency management, the media, state archives, culture and art, security,
and youth and sports.
A
cooperation agreement in the field of media was signed between Anadolu Agency,
Turkiye’s leading news source, and the Albanian Telegraphic Agency, Albania’s
official multimedia news agency.
The
deal was signed by Anadolu Agency Director General Serdar Karagoz and Valbona
Zhupa, his counterpart at the Albanian Telegraphic Agency.
The
ceremony took place ahead of a joint press conference between Erdogan and Rama
following one-on-one and inter-delegation meetings.
Speaking
on the deal, Karagoz said on Twitter: “I believe that the agreement will
further improve cooperation between our agencies and contribute to the correct
transfer of information between the two countries.”
Zhupa
also shared her thoughts on Twitter, saying: “The renewal of the cooperation
agreement between @ATAgoval and our Turkish counterpart @anadoluagency
reaffirms the continued collaboration and sharing of information between our
two countries.”
Erdogan
arrived in the capital Tirana early Monday and was welcomed by Rama with an
official ceremony.
Earlier
Monday, Erdogan attended a handover ceremony for over 500 housing units that a
Turkish agency built for earthquake victims in Albania.
Erdogan
is visiting at the invitation of the Albanian premier and is being accompanied
by a high-level delegation including Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu,
National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar, Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu, Environment,
Urbanization and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum, Youth and Sports Minister
Mehmet Muharrem Kasapoglu, and Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy.
During
his visit, all aspects of the strategic partnership between Turkiye and Albania
and steps to enhance bilateral cooperation are expected to be discussed.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/turkey-albania-sign-7-pacts-to-strengthen-bilateral-ties/2476550
--------
South Asia
Former
IS-K chief who was behind Kabul gurudwara attack killed in Afghanistan
Omer
Farooq Khan
Jan
18, 2022
ISLAMABAD:
Days after the killing of the spokesperson of the Pakistani Taliban in
Afghanistan, Aslam Farooqi, former chief of the Islamic State of Khurasan
(IS-K), has been gunned down in a shootout in the north of the war-torn
country, local media reported on Monday. Farooqi was behind the March 2020
attack on a gurudwara in Kabul in which 27 Sikh worshippers were killed.
Reports
of Farooqi’s death were confirmed by locals and close relatives of the IS-K
leader in his native region of Orakzai, one of the volatile Pakistani tribal
districts along the border with Afghanistan. The shooting incident took place
at a remote place in northern Afghanistan on Sunday. His body, according to
locals, will reach his hometown by Tuesday.
Farooqi
had replaced the group’s former leader, known as Abu Omar Khorasani, as the
IS-K chief in July 2019, after the group had suffered setbacks under pressure
from military operations by the US, the then Afghan government and the Taliban
in the Nangarhar province in eastern Afghanistan.
In
April 2020, he was arrested by the National Directorate of Security (NDS), a
spy agency of the former American-backed Afghan government, from Kandahar in
connection with a terrorist attack on gurdwara in Kabul in which 26 Afghan
Sikhs and an Indian national were killed.
Following
the Taliban takeover of Kabul in August 2021, Farooqi was released from prison,
like other terrorists, who were in Afghan jails.
There
were conflicting reports about Farooqi’s death. Some sources suggested that he
was killed during an investigation by the security agency of the incumbent
Afghan government relating to organised kidnappers and criminal mafia. The
investigation reportedly resulted in a clash and Farooqi, along with his aides,
was killed. However, there were also reports that the IS-K leader was killed
during an internal strife within the IS-K.
Source:
Times Of India
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
IEA
assures transparent distribution of humanitarian aids
18
Jan 2022
Officials
of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan have reacted and denied that claims over
humanitarian assistance are being squandered and not delivered to the people in
need.
Commission
of the managing and distributing humanitarian assistance of the Islamic Emirate
of Afghanistan said that delivering the aids to the families in need has been
expedited and that priority is always given to the families that have no
breadwinner.
Head
of the commission Sharafudin Muslim said that the distribution is conducted
through a transparent survey and that no one can do favoritism in this regard.
“It
is not only the IEA and relevant administrations but also other aid agencies
that are collaborating with each other and assuring transparent delivery of the
assistance.” Said Muslim.
Muslim
further added that the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriates and Red Crescent
also prioritize the families that have no breadwinner.
Source:
Khaama Press
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.khaama.com/iea-assures-transparent-distribution-of-humanitarian-aids-897687/
--------
Taliban
locates arsenals of commander Alipoor
17
Jan 2022
A
statement of the General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI) of the Islamic
Emirate of Afghanistan said that they have found two caches of ammunitions that
belong to the former prominent commander of the Hazara people, Commander Ali
Poor.
The
statement on Monday, January 17, 2022, read that the arsenals were located in
Behsod district of Wardak province, in the west of Kabul.
As
per the statement, the Taliban in the two arsenals found different kinds of
weapons, a military motorbike, binoculars, grenades, and thousands of different
kinds of bullets.
The
GDI said that they are doing further investigation and researches in the area.
In
the meantime, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has said that they are
conducting operations against warlords all across Afghanistan and will allow no
one to have armed activities.
Source:
Khaama Press
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.khaama.com/taliban-locates-arsenals-of-commander-alipoor-3467346534/
--------
Islamic
Emirate Deploys Around 2,500 Troops to Sar-e-Pul
January
18, 2022
The
Islamic Emirate deployed more than 2,500 troops to the northern province of
Sar-e-Pul to provide security there.
“Over
1,500 Mujahedeen are settled in Squadron-3 and over 1,000 others stationed in
Squadron-4. Now, also 200 Mujahedeen have graduated after taking six weeks of
training,” said Mufti Mohammad Muqtasid, a senior commander of the Islamic
Emirate in the province.
The
commander of the Al-Fatha corps in northern Afghanistan, Ataullah Omari, said
that the newly deployed forces are professionally trained.
The
commander denied reports about the presence of Daesh fighters in the province
and warned that they would prevent any attacks.
The
commander praised the sacrifice of Islamic Emirate forces, saying it was the
main factor in defeating the US in Afghanistan.
“The
US with all of its selfishness and equipment and funds was defeated. They left
our country in shame and embarrassment,” he said.
The
Al-Fatha corpse is in charge of ensuring security in Faryab, Sar-e-Pul,
Jawzjan, Balkh and Samangan provinces.
Source:
Tolo News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://tolonews.com/index.php/afghanistan-176347
--------
Taliban
stage show of strength with parade after protests
Jan
17, 2022
MAYMANA,
AFGHANISTAN: Taliban fighters paraded through a northwest Afghan city in a show
of strength at the weekend, days after reinforcements were sent to quell unrest
over the detention of a popular commander.
Protests
erupted last week in Maymana, capital of Faryab province, after an Uzbek
Taliban commander was detained for alleged links to a kidnapping plot.
The
unrest sparked fears of tensions between Uzbek and Pashtun civilians and
Taliban fighters, with unconfirmed reports that members of both ethnic groups
had been killed in isolated clashes.
"We
deployed hundreds of forces from neighbouring provinces and the situation is
under control now," Latifullah Hakimi, a senior defence ministry official,
told AFP at the weekend.
Sunday's
parade included columns of masked fighters clad in matching white shalwar
kameez tunics, khaki combat vests, and headscarves inscribed with the Muslim
declaration of faith.
Dozens
more heavily armed fighters in jungle camouflage rode on the back of pick-up trucks
and armoured vehicles, seized from Afghan government and US forces during the
Taliban's lightning-fast summer takeover.
Residents
of Maymana lined the route, many stony-faced as they filmed the parade with
their phone cameras.
"Two
days ago the situation was not good because of the demonstration, but now the
situation is normal," said Rohullah, a 20-year-old shopkeeper.
"The
only problem we have is that people don't have jobs... but they are very happy
with the security."
The
show of force comes as Afghanistan's new rulers struggle to evolve from an
insurgency to a governing power in a country on the brink of economic collapse,
with the United Nations estimating more than half the population is facing
acute hunger.
Discipline
among the rank and file - particularly in remote areas - is becoming a problem,
with local commanders ignoring edicts from Kabul or implementing orders to
their own whim.
Source:
Times Of India
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Southeast Asia
In
Malaysia More Islamic Digital Content Needed for Religious, Moral Education of
Kids
January
16, 2022
Children
sing along to songs and repeat phrases in shows. But digital content can also
negatively affect children as they are exposed to inappropriate behaviours,
dress styles and attitudes.
Parents
expect digital content to help in their children's religious and moral
education.
In
Malaysia, not much Islamic content is produced by television stations or production
houses.
The
lack of Islamic digital content worries Muslim parents. Muslim parents play an
important role in exposing and educating their children with Islamic values.
Digital
Durian created an Islamic animated children's TV show called "Omar and Hana",
which garnered interest in the Middle East and North Africa before it became
successful in Malaysia and Indonesia.
The
show reflects the moral and Islamic values that parents want in educating their
children.
For
example, a song called "Alhamdulillah" teaches viewers about feeling
blessed and grateful.
This
stimulates children's thinking and encourages them to develop an appreciation
for life and to put this into practice at a young age.
"Thank
You Teacher" and "Be Kind to Neighbors" promote a feeling of
belonging among students by teaching them about the importance of a good
education.
They
also serve as an incentive for youngsters to treat one another with respect.
These
noble traits are consistent with Islamic beliefs.
All
things considered, using television or YouTube as an educational medium is
good, but parents' participation in their children's education has a favorable
effect on their children's moral development.
Broadcasters,
production houses and content creators should produce more Islamic children's
digital content.
Source:
IQNA News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Uyghur
Bombing Suspects Describe Deplorable Conditions in Thai Military Prison
2022-01-17
Two
Ugyhur men accused of bombing a Hindu shrine in Bangkok in 2015 told BenarNews
through an interpreter on Monday that they have never been permitted to contact
relatives, are not allowed time in a prison yard and are sometimes fed pork
despite their Muslim faith.
Dressed
in brown prison uniforms and wearing handcuffs and leg restraints, Uyghurs Adem
Karadag and Yusufu Mieraili spoke to a BenarNews reporter as they left a
scheduling hearing in the Southern Bangkok Criminal Court following their first
court appearance in two years.
“We
are not allowed to make any phone calls in prison,” Karadag and Mieraili told
BenarNews through an interpreter following the three-hour hearing. “Our
families have not heard from us or are even aware of our arrests in 2015.”
The
defendants said they have no books to read or paper to write on to send
letters.
“Some
of the meals contain pork even though we are Muslims,” they said. “The hardest
part is that we are not allowed to step outside of the building and do not get
to see the sky.”
Karadag
and Mieraili have been housed at the military’s Lak Si temporary detention
center since their arrests within two weeks of the Aug. 17, 2015, Erawan blast
which killed 20 people and injured more than 100 at the popular tourist site.
It has been called the deadliest terror attack in modern Thailand.
A military
court began hearing the charges against them in 2016 before the case was moved
to a Bangkok civilian criminal court in 2019.
Karadag and Mieraili, who identified
themselves as Uyghurs from Urumqi in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region
(XUAR) in China, pleaded not guilty before both courts. They could face death
sentences if convicted of charges including premeditated killing and possession
of explosives.
Chuchart
Kanpai, the lawyer representing Karadag, said the defense and prosecution teams
agreed that testimony would begin late this year.
“The
prosecution requested interviews with 424 witnesses,” Chuchart told BenarNews.
“The next questioning of a witness will be on Nov. 1, 2022."
Mieraili
lawyer Jamroen Panonpakakorn said the defendants will seek to question only
five to 10 witnesses. The court scheduled sessions for Nov. 1 and 2, Nov. 22
through 25, and Dec. 6 through 9.
Delays
Over
the years, the trial has been beset by delays linked to interpreters. A lawyer
and an NGO worker assisting the Uyghurs with their defense previously said
Karadag could not speak Chinese and would prefer a Uyghur-speaking translator
while Mieraili can communicate in English, but not fluently.
On
Monday, the Uyghurs met an interpreter proposed by the Chinese Embassy in
Bangkok and signed documents accepting the arrangement. The interpreter was
selected in August 2021 but was not able to travel to Thailand until this month
because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chalida
Tajaroensuk, director of the People’s Empowerment Foundation, a Thai NGO,
expressed concern about the decision.
Source:
Benar News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/thai/suspects-talk-01172022122028.html
--------
Philippine's
Muslim region celebrates 3rd founding anniversary
January
18, 2022
The
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has kicked off a week-long
celebration of its third foundation anniversary at the Bangsamoro Government
Center in Cotabato.
With
observance of strict health standards, a short programme was held on Monday
outside the Office of the Chief Minister building with only a limited number of
guests.
“Changing
People’s Lives, Transforming the Bangsamoro: Celebrating and Sustaining the
Gains of Peace and Moral Governance” is this year’s theme which highlights the
breakthroughs of the regional government in achieving peace and development,
and reforming the Bangsamoro for the past three years.
For
the entire week, region ministries have prepared several activities to join the
celebration such as offering free business registrations, providing free
training courses and provision of educational financial assistance.
Source:
Trt World
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.trtworld.com/asia/philippine-s-muslim-region-celebrates-3rd-founding-anniversary-53739
--------
Silicon
Valley Billionaire Sparks Outrage With 'Cowardly' Attempt To Justify Comments
That He 'Doesn't Care' About China's Abuse Of The Uyghurs
18
January 2022
A
venture capitalist whose fund's mission is 'to advance humanity by solving the
world's hardest problems' has said he doesn't care about the human rights
abuses facing China's Uyghur population.
Chamath
Palihapitiya, who a minority stake in the NBA's Golden State Warriors
basketball team worked at Facebook before his departure in 2011 to set up his
venture capital fund, Social Capital.
But
he is now is coming under fire for stating bluntly how he does not care how
China's Uyghur Muslims have been abused.
His
subsequent apology via a tweet was also roundly attacked after with critics
deeming it mealy-mouthed.
Human
Rights Watch estimates that Chinese authorities have detained as many as one
million Uyghur Muslims in 're-education' camps where they have been subjected
to human-rights abuses including slave labor, rape and forced sterilizations.
Palihapitiya,
45, made the comments while speaking on an episode of his technology podcast,
All-In.
'Nobody
cares about it, nobody cares about what's happening to the Uyghurs,' the
Silicon Valley billionaire said.
When
challenged by his co-hosts about his statement, Palihapitiya only dug in
further.
'Nobody
cares about it, nobody cares about what's happening to the Uyghurs,' he
insisted. 'Of all the things I care about it is below my line.'
'You
bring it up because you really care, and I think that's nice that you care, the
rest of us don't care,' he told fellow host Jason Calacanis.
'It's
a hard ugly truth that registers below my line. I care about the fact that our
economy could turn on a dime if China invades Taiwan. I care about climate
change. I care about America's decrepit healthcare infrastructure, but if
you're asking me if I care about a segment of a class of people in another
country, not until we can take care of ourselves will I prioritize them.
'I
think a lot of people believe that and I'm sorry if that's a hard truth to hear
but every time I say that I'm caring about the Uyghurs I'm really just lying if
I don't really care, so I'd rather not lie to you and tell you the truth. It's
not a priority for me.'
But
Palihapitiya wasn't finished as he continued with his rant:
'Until
we actually clean up our own house, the idea that we step outside of our
borders with us sort of like morally virtue signaling about somebody else's
human rights track record is deplorable,' Palihapitiya said.
Source:
Daily Mail UK
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Teen
‘bathed like corpse’ incident: Shah Alam High Court ‘recommends’ mosque members
apologise; sets aside jail sentence
17
Jan 2022
BY
JOHN BUNYAN
KUALA
LUMPUR, Jan 17 — The Shah Alam High Court advised members of a mosque to issue
a public apology to the community for washing a teenager like a “corpse” after
they caught him thieving.
High
Court judge Abd Halim Aman said that those who recorded the video, which went
viral, should also apologise, Free Malaysia Today (FMT) reported.
He
said that he had made this recommendation so that the case could be a lesson to
all parties, adding that it would also clear the air among those involved.
“This
is not an order but just a recommendation,” Abd Halim was quoted as saying.
Earlier,
the High Court set aside the 10-day jail sentence and RM4,000 fine on Daniel Iskandar,
19, who stole money from the Al Islahiah Kuang Mosque, near Rawang, at about
midnight on January 8 and hid it in the mortuary.
Abd
Halim said that the fine and jail sentence would be replaced with compulsory
community service at the mosque for 120 hours over six months.
“The
court is aware of the fine and jail sentence; however, for the future of the
accused for a clean offence record, this decision has to be made,” he said.
Abd
Halim said that Daniel was required to report himself to the Social Welfare
Department for seven days, starting today, based on an appointed schedule.
“The
accused needs to adhere to all the activities, programmes and orders which was
fixed by the Social Welfare Department and has to be solely on community
service in mosques only,” he added.
He
also said that Daniel would have to pay the fine and do time if he fails to
complete the community service.
Deputy
public prosecutor Norhana Sahat prosecuted while Daniel was represented by
lawyers Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali, Fahmi Abdul Moin, Azman Abdullah and
Ilyani Khszairy.
Source:
Malay Mail
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Africa
Saudi
Arabia, UAE, UK and US to continue joint efforts to support Sudan
January
18, 2022
RIYADH:
The Sudanese quartet on Monday affirmed its commitment to continue joint
efforts to achieve lasting stability in Sudan, a statement on Saudi Press
Agency said.
Representatives
of the quartet — Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Britain and the US — held a meeting at
the Kingdom’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Riyadh to discuss developments in
Sudan.
Source:
Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2006481/saudi-arabia
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UN
council members urge ‘utmost restraint’ in Sudan
17
January ,2022
Britain
and France were among nine UN Security Council members to urge all parties in
Sudan Monday to “exercise the utmost restraint” amid deadly violence during
demonstrations against military rule.
The
call came as Sudanese security forces killed seven protesters among thousands
rallying against last year's military coup, medics said.
“We
express our serious concern about the military coup in Sudan on October 25,
2021”, said the text, which was also signed by Mexico, Albania, Brazil, Gabon,
Ghana, Ireland and Norway.
The
statement, released after a meeting of the 15-member council, also urged all
parties to “refrain from the use of violence and emphasize the importance of
full respect for human rights, including the rights to peaceful assembly and
freedom of expression.”
The
meeting involved Karim Khan, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court
(ICC).
“We
are also concerned that political instability impacts the security situation in
Darfur and call upon Sudan to offer its full support and cooperation with the
office of the prosecutor,” the statement added.
Source:
Al Arabiya
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
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Seven
killed in crackdown on rallies in Sudan's capital: Medics
17
January ,2022
Organizers
of anti-military rallies in Sudan's capital Khartoum announced an escalation of
protests after security forces used gunfire and teargas on Monday to disperse
demonstrations against a coup and medics said seven people had been killed.
Security
forces fired volleys of tear gas as they blocked thousands of protesters from
advancing on Khartoum's presidential palace, and several injured civilians
could be seen bleeding heavily in the street, a Reuters witness said.
They
also fired live ammunition and stun grenades, said the Central Committee of
Sudanese Doctors, a group of medics aligned with the protest movement, which
reported seven deaths.
Medics
told Reuters that many others were being treated for injuries at Khartoum
hospitals.
“The
military prepared a massacre for us today, and all we've done is ask for
civilian rule and democracy,” said Mohamed Babaker, a 19-year-old student.
A police
spokesman said a statement would be released later. Government sources put the
death toll from Monday at three.
Huge
crowds have regularly taken to the streets demanding a return to civilian rule
since the military coup on Oct. 25 ended a power-sharing arrangement agreed
after Islamist autocrat Omar al-Bashir fell during a popular uprising in 2019.
Medics
say at least 70 people have died in clashes with security forces since the
coup.
A
security and defense committee formed under the ruling council commended
security services on Monday for their “restraint” and protection of civilians,
paying tribute to a police officer killed in protests on Thursday.
It
said in a statement that it would establish an anti-terrorism force to counter
“potential threats”, without elaborating.
On
Monday, protesters had gathered some two km (1.25 mile) from the palace,
blocking a main road in the Al Diyum neighborhood and burning tires before
starting their march.
Civilian
political parties announced two days of civil disobedience in protest against
Monday's violence. Resistance committees organizing protests in Khartoum and in
its twin city of Omdurman across the Nile called on people to blockade local
streets.
Source:
Al Arabiya
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
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Security
forces fire tear gas as thousands of protesters march again in Sudan
17
January ,2022
Thousands
of protesters against military rule in Sudan marched towards the presidential
palace in the capital Khartoum again on Monday, drawing volleys of tear gas
from security forces, a Reuters witness said.
The
protesters, who gathered some 2 km (1.25 mile) from the palace, blocked a main
road in the Al Diyum neighbourhood and burned tires before starting their
march.
Huge
crowds have regularly taken to the streets demanding a return to civilian rule
since the military coup on Oct. 25 ended a power-sharing arrangement that began
after Islamist autocrat Omar al-Bashir fell to a popular uprising in 2019.
Military
leaders said their coup saved Sudan from chaos and that they will protect
people's right to peaceful protest. They reinstated Prime Minister Abdalla
Hamdok in an attempt to safeguard reforms, but he resigned earlier this month.
Source:
Al Arabiya
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UN
official: Libya elections could be rescheduled for June
17
January ,2022
A
senior UN official said she is pushing for Libya to hold elections by June
after the county missed a December deadline to elect its first president since
the 2011 ouster and killing of former Libyan President Muammar Gaddafi.
Stephanie
Williams, the UN’s special adviser on Libya, told The Associated Press late
Sunday that it is still “very reasonable and possible” for the country’s 2.8
million voters to cast their ballots by June in line with the UN-brokered 2020
roadmap.
Libya
failed to hold its first-ever presidential elections on December 24 as
scheduled, a major blow to international efforts to end a decade-long chaos in
the oil-rich Mediterranean nation.
Williams,
who led UN efforts to end the latest bout of violence in Libya in 2020, said
elections are needed in the country to give credence to the country’s
institutions.
Source:
Al Arabiya
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
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URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/shariat-transgender-community-pakistan/d/126183