Four Hyderabad Students Who Planned To Join ISIS in Iraq Picked Up By Police
New Age Islam News Bureau
5
Sept 2014
Photo: Erdoğan calls on Obama to deport Gülen from US
Arab World
• Save Al-Aqsa from Israel: Saudi Crown Prince Salman
• Raqqa: ISIL’s shining example of life under the Islamic ‘caliphate’
• Syrian air raid kills 18, including ‘American jihadist’
• Nusra Front: Lebanon will pay price for Hezbollah's role
• Iraqi Forces Kill 7 Terrorists in Southern Tikrit
• Bombs kill 4 Iraqi Shiite militiamen, 3 civilians
• Jordan’s growing economic troubles could aid jihadist recruitment
• Egypt to ban partisan activity on university campuses
• IS militants kidnap around 50 in North Iraq village
• Assad Hails Iran's Stances in Support of Nations’ Sovereignty, Rights
• OIC supports education, terror combat in Africa
Pakistan
• Pakistani Taliban Faction Welcomes New Al-Qaeda Branch
• PPP warns legislators to stay alert of conspiracies against democracy
• Fazlullah has joined hands with killers of Taliban, says splinter group
• Ready to render sacrifices for ‘new country’, says Altaf
• Imran has announced ‘political death’ of PTI: Shahbaz
• Pakistan always prioritise relations with China: Saad
• PAT supporters are not terrorists, says Qadri
• Religious leaders urged to promote iodised salt use
India
• Al-Qaida Wants To Portray Modi as Enemy of Islam: US Analyst
• Four Hyderabad Students Who Planned To Join ISIS in Iraq Picked Up By Police
Southeast Asia
• Indonesian Minister asks Ambassador to Clarify Stance on Prophet Muhammad’s Tomb
• Shura council forbids PAS from picking Wan Azizah, Azmin for Selangor MB post
South Asia
• Bangladesh scrambles to confront al-Qaeda threat
• NATO increases funding of Afghan forces to $5.1 billion
• Afghan election rivals renews pledge to sign Afghan-US security deal
• Afghan officer claims asylum upon arrival in UK for NATO summit
Mideast
• Save Al-Aqsa from Israel: Saudi Crown Prince Salman
• Israelis worry with Syrian Al-Qaeda on doorstep
• Erdoğan calls on Obama to deport Gülen from US
• Video: Iran top general dances to Iraqi beats
• With S grabbing headlines, Netanyahu tries to retrain focus on Iran
• Palestinians look forward to returning home
• Israel issues tenders for 283 homes in West Bank settlement
Europe
• British Jihadis 'want to come home'
• Muslim leader calls for Islamic beliefs to be accepted in Irish schools
• Muslims in Ireland seek ‘integration not assimilation’
• U.N. report highlights mass displacement of Libyans by violence
North America
• U.S.-Russia Split over Ukraine Gives Islamic State Upper Hand
• ISIS fears give Americans the jitters before 9/11
• US wants more from Saudis in fight against extremists
• U.S. says forms "core coalition" to counter Iraq militants
• U.S. fears Syrian chemical arms falling to extremists: power
• Top Senate Republican: Obama needs 'credible plan' on Islamic State
Africa
• Hundreds flee Nigerian city as militants gain ground
• Tunisia ripe for recovery from post-revolt chaos: PM
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/four-hyderabad-students-planned-join/d/98919
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Four Hyderabad Students Who Planned To Join ISIS in Iraq Picked Up By Police
PTI | Sep 5, 2014
HYDERABAD: An alleged attempt by a group of four young men from the city to join the rank of ISIS, a Sunni jihadist group, has been foiled by the Hyderabad Police.
The four, including two engineering students (all aged between 23 and 25), were tracked down to Kolkata last week from where they were allegedly preparing to flee to Iraq, a senior police officer told on Friday.
The youths were "attracted" by the ISIS propaganda on social networking sites and net-based mobile messenger, he claimed.
"However, it were the parents who got "suspicious" about their children and got in touch with the city police, who in turn picked them up from Kolkata last week based on their parents' information," the police officer said.
The youths were then counselled and sent back to their parents, he added.
Reacting to a query, the officer further said the four youngsters were not in touch with ISIS operatives or vice-versa and it was only through social networking platforms that they were drawn to ISIS.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Four-Hyderabad-students-who-planned-to-join-ISIS-in-Iraq-picked-up-by-police/articleshow/41798385.cms
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Arab World
Save Al-Aqsa from Israel: Saudi Crown Prince Salman
Sep 5, 2014
Crown Prince Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense, urged UNESCO on Thursday to take effective steps for protecting Masjid Al-Aqsa — the third holiest mosque in the world — from Israeli designs.
Prince Salman made this call during a visit to UNESCO headquarters in Paris before the conclusion of his four-day official visit to France. The crown prince later returned to Jeddah.
“UNESCO should activate all its international resolutions to protect Al-Aqsa and all other valuable cultural antiquities in Palestine from Israeli aggression,” the crown prince said while praising the organization for giving full membership to Palestine.
A final communiqué that was issued at the end of the royal visit emphasized the two countries’ desire to strengthen their defense cooperation.
“France has expressed its willingness to support Saudi Navy with speedboats in order to enhance its maritime capabilities,” the communiqué said, adding that it would back Royal Saudi Air Force with transport and refueling aircraft.
“The two countries also agreed to continue their fruitful cooperation in the field of air defense and development of new capabilities in the field of satellites,” the communiqué stated.
During his visit, Prince Salman held talks with President Francois Hollande, Prime Minister Manuel Valls; Minister of Foreign Affairs Laurent Fabius and Minister Defense Jean-Yves Le Drian on major regional and international issues and strengthening bilateral cooperation.
In a cable sent to Hollande, Prince Salman said the visit would play a key role in strengthening Saudi-French relations in all fields. “Our talks have reflected the depth of our partnership relations,” he added.
Saudi Arabia and France expressed their grave concern over the ongoing events in the region, including the growing danger of the phenomenon of terrorism and extremism, hailing the call made recently by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to world leaders to accelerate the fight against terrorism and the importance of supporting the International Counterterrorism Center at the United Nations.
The two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation to combat terrorism, “which is a global phenomenon threatening all societies and is not linked to any race or belief.” They denounced the Israeli aggression on Gaza.
Saudi Arabia and France called for a just, comprehensive and lasting Middle East peace settlement on the basis the Arab Peace Initiative and UN resolutions.
The two sides expressed deep concern over the worsening situation in Syria, stressing that the Bashar Assad regime that has lost its legitimacy bears the responsibility for the situation. They called for an urgent peaceful and political settlement to end the Syrian crisis through full implementation of Geneva-1 Resolutions, including formation of a transitional governing body with all the executive powers.
The two sides called for extending humanitarian and relief assistance for the Syrian refugees and encouraging the international community to provide more support for the Syrians.
They expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in Yemen in the light of the acts carried out by the Houthis and their supporters to undermine the political transition process and security situation in the country. The two sides reaffirmed their support for Lebanon’s unity, security and stability through its official institutions.
The two sides recalled the historical visit by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to France in 2007, and the visit of Hollande to the Kingdom last year, which resulted in the consolidation of the strategic partnership between the two countries.
“The two sides expressed satisfaction of the strong relations between Saudi Arabia and France and their progress in political, security, economic, financial, commercial, industrial, educational and cultural fields,” the communiqué said.
They stressed the importance of further strengthening strategic partnership between the two countries and implementation of this partnership in economic cooperation, particularly in finance, economy, trade and joint investments.
“In this regard, there will be a meeting between the Saudi minister of finance and the French foreign minister to complete necessary measures,” the communiqué said.
The two sides expressed their happiness over the success of Haj Exhibition held at the Arab World Institute in Paris, which was inaugurated by Hollande on June 22. They also agreed to enhance cooperation in the fields of culture and art, including organization of cultural events in both countries.
Referring to Iraq, the two sides welcomed the consensus of the Iraqis and appointment of the new prime minister, president and speaker, stressing the need to form a government of national unity that represents all Iraqi people. The two sides affirmed importance of preserving Iraq’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Riyadh and Paris called upon Iran to cooperate entirely with the group of 5 +1 on the Iranian nuclear file. This cooperation could resolve the Iranian file within framework of long-term agreement ensuring peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear program, leading to a significant contribution of the international efforts to make the Middle East free zone of weapons of mass destruction.
Prince Salman expressed his thanks and appreciation to President Hollande, Prime Minister Valls and the French government and people for the warm reception and hospitality they accorded to him and the accompanying delegation.
Meanwhile, Prince Salman received at his residence in Paris the President of French Council for Islamic Religion and head of Paris Grand Mosque Dalil Abu Bakr and a number of the council’s members.
The crown prince reiterated Saudi Arabia’s support for Islamic associations in various countries. He also noted the Kingdom’s efforts in the service of pilgrims who come for Haj and Umrah.
Prince Salman also met with Saudi scholarship students pursuing their higher studies in French universities and urged them to excel in education.
http://www.arabnews.com/news/625601
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Raqqa: ISIL’s shining example of life under the Islamic ‘caliphate’
5 September 2014
BEIRUT // In the cities and towns across north-east Syria, the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant has insinuated itself into nearly every aspect of daily life.
The group known for its beheadings, crucifixions and mass executions provides electricity and water, pays salaries, controls traffic, and runs nearly everything from bakeries and banks to schools, courts and mosques.
While its merciless battlefield tactics and its imposition of its austere vision of Islamic law have won the group headlines, residents say much of its power lies in its efficient and often deeply pragmatic ability to govern.
Syria’s eastern province of Raqqa provides the best illustration of their methods. Members hold up the province as an example of life under the Islamic “caliphate” they hope will one day stretch from China to Europe.
In the provincial capital, a dust-blown city that was home to about a quarter of a million people before Syria’s three-year-old war began, the group leaves almost no institution or public service outside of its control.
“Let us be honest, they are doing massive institutional work. It is impressive,” one activist from Raqqa who now lives in a border town in Turkey said.
In interviews conducted remotely, residents, ISIL fighters and even activists opposed to the group described how it had built up a structure similar to a modern government in less than a year under its chief, Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi.
The group’s progress has alarmed regional and Western powers – the UAE on Wednesday called on a clear strategy from the international community to fight ISIL, saying the group “aims to kill, terrorise and displace civilians, ransack property, and demolish historic and religious sites”.
The fight against ISIL will take a group effort as it has embedded itself so thoroughly into the fabric of life in places like Raqqa that it will be all but impossible for US aircraft – let alone Iraqi, Syrian and Kurdish troops – to uproot them through force alone.
Last year, Raqqa became the first city to fall to the rebels fighting to overthrow Bashar Al Assad. They called it the “Bride of the Revolution”.
A variety of rebel groups ranging from hard-line Islamists to religious moderates held sway in the city, although Islamists clearly dominated. Within a year, ISIL had clawed its way into control, mercilessly eliminating rival insurgents.
Activists critical of the group were killed, disappeared, or escaped to Turkey. Alcohol was banned. Shops closed by afternoon and streets were empty by nightfall. Communication with the outside world, including nearby cities and towns, was allowed only through the ISIL media centre.
Those rebels and activists who stayed largely “repented”, a process through which they pledge loyalty to Al Baghdadi and are forgiven for their “sins” against the ISIL, and either kept to their homes or joined the group’s ranks.
But after the initial crackdown, the group began setting up services and institutions – stating clearly that it intended to stay and use the area as a base.
“We are a state,” one commander in the province said. “Things are great here because we are ruling based on God’s law.”
Some Sunnis who worked for Mr Al Assad’s government stayed on after they pledged allegiance to the group.
“The civilians who do not have any political affiliations have adjusted to the presence of ISIL, because people got tired and exhausted, and also, to be honest, because they are doing institutional work in Raqqa,” a Raqqa resident opposed to ISIL said.
Since then, the group “has restored and restructured all the institutions that are related to services,” including a consumer protection office and the civil judiciary, the resident said.
In the past month alone, ISIL fighters have broadcast images of themselves beheading US journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff as well as captive Kurdish and Lebanese soldiers, and machine-gunning scores of Syrian prisoners wearing nothing but their underwear.
But the group’s use of violence has not been entirely indiscriminate. The group has often traded with businessmen loyal to Mr Al Assad when it has suited its interests, for instance.
According to one fighter, a former Assad employee is now in charge of mills and distributing flour to bakeries in Raqqa. Employees at the Raqqa dam, which provides the city with electricity and water, have remained in their posts.
The group’s willingness to use former Assad employees displays pragmatism residents and activists say has been vital to its success holding onto territory it has captured.
They have been helped by experts who have come from countries including in North Africa and Europe. The man Al Baghdadi appointed to run and develop Raqqa’s telecoms, for instance, is a Tunisian with a doctorate in the subject who left Tunisia to join the group.
Reflecting ISIL’s assertion that it is a government – rather than simply a militant group that happens to govern – Al Baghdadi has also separated military operations from civilian administration, assigning fighters only as police and soldiers.
Instead, Al Baghdadi has appointed civilian deputies called Walis, an Islamic term describing an official similar to a minister, to manage institutions and develop their sectors.
Administrative regions are divided into waliyehs, or provinces, which sometimes align with existing divisions but, as with the case of the recently established Al Furat province, can span national boundaries.
Fighters and employees receive a salary from a department called the Muslim Financial House, which is something like a finance ministry and a bank that aims to reduce poverty.
Fighters receive housing, including in homes confiscated from non-Sunnis or from government employees who fled the area, as well as about US$400 (Dh1,470) to $600 per month, enough to pay for a basic lifestyle.
One fighter said poor families were given money. A widow may receive $100 for herself and for each child she has.
Prices are also kept low. Traders who manipulate prices are punished, warned and shut down if they are caught again.
The group has also imposed Islamic taxes on wealthy traders and families.
“We are only implementing Islam, Zakat is an Islamic tax imposed by God,” said a militant in Raqqa.
Analysts estimate that ISIL also raises tens of millions of dollars by selling oil from the fields it controls in Syria and Iraq to Turkish and Iraqi businessmen and by collecting ransoms for hostages it has taken.
http://www.thenational.ae/world/middle-east/20140904/raqqa-isils-shining-example-of-life-under-the-islamic-caliphate#full#ixzz3CTHchqDt
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Syrian air raid kills 18, including ‘American jihadist’
5 September 2014
The death toll from a Syrian government raid on an Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) stronghold in eastern Syria has risen to 18, including an American fighter with the militant group, activists said Thursday.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Wednesday’s strike destroyed a building being used as a headquarters and a prison by IS militants in Deir Ezzor province.
The strike on the village of Ghareebeh killed "at least 18 jihadist fighters and leaders, most of them non-Syrians and including an American," the Britain-based Observatory said.
On Wednesday, the Observatory reported that at least five ISIS militants had been killed in that attack, and that the raid enabled some of the jail's prisoners to escape.
ISIS fighters control most of the oil-rich province of Deir Ezzor since routing government troops in July.
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/09/05/Syrian-air-raid-kills-18-including-American-jihadist-.html
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Nusra Front: Lebanon will pay price for Hezbollah's role
5 September 2014
BEIRUT: Nusra Front Friday released a video of the nine policemen and soldiers they are holding captive, warning that Sunnis, Shiites and the rest of Lebanon’s sects would be pay the price for Hezbollah’s involvement in Syria.
The 27-minute video posted on a YouTube channel that usually carries the radical group’s well-produced videos began by showing footage of Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah speaking about his party’s role in Syria.
The title of the video - “Who will pay the price?” - is seemingly answered by the graphic footage of dead and bloodied children and women, allegedly killed by Hezbollah fighters.
The video also showed footage of women who said they were sexually assaulted by men with Lebanese accents, accusing Hezbollah of being behind the attacks.
“They [ Hezbollah fighters] killed innocent people in Arsal camps. They asked the Army for a cease-fire but rockets were fired from Labweh,” a man dressed in the Internal Security Forces uniform said as he sat in front of the Nusra flag.
Labweh, located a few kilometers away from Arsal, is a predominantly Shiite town that supports the resistance group.
“They pushed the Lebanese Army to the forefront of the battle [in Arsal], the Army lost 50 people and 50 others were kidnapped, and Nusra Front confiscated tanks and vehicles. ... We were the scapegoat.”
The Nusra Front and ISIS captured at least 30 soldiers and ISF personnel during the five-day battle with the Lebanese Army in the northeastern town of Arsal. Dozens of soldiers were killed in the clashes that erupted on Aug. 2 after an ISIS commander was arrested by the military.
The Lebanese Army has said that the battle was a systematic plan to seize the border town, which houses thousands of Syrian refugees and is known for its support for the Syrian uprising.
Nusra has so far released seven of its captured Sunni soldiers, saying it would hold on to the Shiite and Christian soldiers to exchange them with Islamist detainees held since 2007 in Roumieh Prison.
The Lebanese government has refused to agree to any swap, saying instead it would seek the help of countries that might have leverage over radical groups.
In the video, Nusra issued a warning to Sunnis, urging them to join its ranks and stand against the Lebanese Army, which the Islamist group has long accused of working with Hezbollah.
"We are one, support your people in Syria ... before you pay the price of your involvement in a war on the side of the Lebanese Army against mujahideen, or you will pay the price as those before you from the Sunni community did.”
“For the rest of the sects in Lebanon: Don't dare support Iran's party. Your silence toward their crimes will be counted against you and you will pay the price. Beware of the oppressed [man’s] anger.”
“To the Shiites: Our battle with you will go on as long as you violate the mothers [of the mujahideen] ... your support for the party will have you pay double the price.”
“To the Muslim scholars in the world: We ask you to reveal the truth about the Lebanese Army so that the Sunni community would not be confused. The next phase will be final, God willing, against those who support or belong to these crimes.”
The Nusra Front in Lebanon, an offshoot of the radical group fighting in Syria, has claimed responsibility for a number of suicide car bombings that targeted Beirut’s southern suburbs, an area that supports Hezbollah.
The video also showed what the group said was footage of Lebanese soldiers kicking and torturing Islamist detainees.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2014/Sep-05/269658-nusra-front-lebanon-will-pay-price-for-hezbollahs-role.ashx#ixzz3CROO7MPp
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Bombs kill 4 Iraqi Shiite militiamen, 3 civilians
5 September 2014
BAGHDAD: Officials say bombs in Iraq have killed seven people, including four Shiite militiamen who answered a government call to confront Sunni militants from the ISIS group.
Police officials say a roadside bomb targeted a militiamen convoy Friday, killing four fighters and wounding seven in the area of Iskandariyah, just south of Baghdad.
Iraqi troops and Shiite militiamen have joined forces in a bid to fight ISIS, which has seized large swath of land in the country' north and west.
Police also say that a bomb went off near an outdoor market in Baghdad's Shiite district of Obeidi, killing three shoppers and wounding 12.
Medical officials confirmed the casualties. All officials spoke of condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak to the media.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Sep-05/269666-bombs-kill-4-iraqi-shiite-militiamen-3-civilians.ashx#ixzz3CROUiEfe
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Iraqi Forces Kill 7 Terrorists in Southern Tikrit
Sep 5, 2014
The Iraqi government troops killed seven terrorists of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Southern Tikrit.
"The security forces clashed with the ISIL terrorists on the high way of Samraa city of Southern Tikrit, killing seven of them," an informed source said.
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13930613000382
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Jordan’s growing economic troubles could aid jihadist recruitment
Sep 5, 2014
As Jordan deals with growing economic difficulties and civil disturbances, jihadists from al-Qaida’s Nusra Front and the Islamic State could try to take advantage of the circumstances by gaining new recruits, a study finds.
The author of the study, David Schenker, the director of the Program on Arab Politics at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy and a former official dealing with the Middle East for the Pentagon, told The Jerusalem Post on Thursday that he does not think the Salafi/jihadi threat to Jordan is being overhyped.
“Given what’s happening in Syria and Iraq, concerns about the security and stability of Jordan are well warranted,” said Schenker, noting that “Islamic State recruitment in the region is largely driven by sectarian sentiment.”
“My experience in the kingdom – which much of the media coverage seems to confirm – is that Jordanian jihadis, whether from the Islamic State or the Nusra Front, are not uniformly impoverished.”
Full report at:
http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Jordans-growing-economic-troubles-could-aid-jihadist-recruitment-374533
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Egypt to ban partisan activity on university campuses
World Bulletin / News Desk
05 September 2014
Egypt's Higher Education Minister Sayed Abdel-Khalek said that party-affiliated political activity will not be allowed on university campuses, ahead of the looming new academic year scheduled to start October 11.
"No party-affiliated political work will be allowed in any Egyptian university as of the upcoming school year," Abdel-Khalek said. "This includes holding slogans and posters."
He vowed "strict" punishments will be applied on students who violate the new rules. "Violent protests will not be allowed to take place on any Egyptian university campus," Abdel-Khalek asserted.
Full report at:
http://www.worldbulletin.net/todays-news/143788/egypt-to-ban-partisan-activity-on-university-campuses
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IS militants kidnap around 50 in North Iraq village
Sep 5, 2014
Jihadists kidnapped dozens of residents of a northern Iraq village on Thursday after villagers burned one of their positions along with a jihadist flag, police and witnesses said. The militants of the Islamic State (IS) group had withdrawn from Tal Ali in Kirkuk province yesterday, but returned in force on Thursday and abducted some 50 people, the sources said.
It is not the first time IS has carried out mass kidnappings in Iraq, with the group abducting thousands of civilians as it overran minority-populated northern villages last month, according to human rights group Amnesty International.
Full report at:
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/middle-east-africa/is-militants-kidnap-around-50-in-north-iraq-village/#sthash.PUAN4BZB.dpuf
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Assad Hails Iran's Stances in Support of Nations’ Sovereignty, Rights
Sep 5, 2014
President Bashar al-Assad expressed Syria’s appreciation for Iran's stances in support of the Syrian people and the sovereignty and independence of nations.
Assad called for promoting Tehran-Damascus economic cooperation in proportionate with historic bilateral ties, and said that the Syrian nation welcomes Iranˈs readiness to help rebuild the country.
He made the remarks in a meeting with co-chairman of Iran-Syria Committee for Developing Economic Ties, Rostam Qassemi on Wednesday.
"Syria appreciates Iran which has stood by Syria in the face of challenges targeting all regional statesˈ interests," Assad said.
Full report at:
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13930613000630
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OIC supports education, terror combat in Africa
World Bulletin / News Desk
05 September 2014
Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary-General Iyad Madani has vowed to support education and the fight against terrorism in Africa.
"We committed the amount of $10 million to the Peace and Security Council of the African Union," Madani said in response to a question by Anadolu Agency during a press conference at Entebbe International Airport before leaving Uganda.
"We will work very closely with the Council and see which programs need this immediate support," he added.
"The money is immediately available to the AU, it’s there to be used for that purpose," said the OIC chief.
The Council met in Nairobi on Tuesday to discuss efforts for the prevention and combat of terrorism and violent extremism in Africa.
Full report at:
http://www.worldbulletin.net/todays-news/143771/oic-supports-education-terror-combat-in-africa
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Pakistan
Pakistani Taliban faction welcomes new al-Qaeda branch
5 September 2014
A new breakaway faction of the Pakistani Taliban on Friday welcomed al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri’s announcement of the launch of a South Asian branch of the terror network.
Zawahiri announced the new “al-Qaeda in the subcontinent” operation in a video message, saying it would take the fight to Myanmar, Bangladesh and India, which has a large but traditionally moderate Muslim population.
Indian authorities said they were taking the move seriously and put several states on high alert on Thursday.
Ehsanullah Ehsan, spokesman for the new Pakistani Taliban bloc, named Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Jamat-ul-Ahrar, hailed Zawahiri’s call.
“We welcome the new announcement of the subcontinent branch of al-Qaeda. We believe that the branch will work hard for the achievement of the rights of Muslims in the subcontinent,” Ehsan said in a message posted on Twitter and Facebook.
Ehsan said rights of Muslims in the region could only be achieved through Islamic sharia law and the establishment of a caliphate.
Asim Umar, the head of the newly-created South Asia branch of Al-Qaeda, is a Pakistani ideologue who has produced a number of online calls to jihad but has a relatively low profile.
Umar has appeared wearing a black turban and beard in several online videos produced by al-Qaeda and the TTP.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/2014/09/05/Pakistani-Taliban-faction-welcomes-new-al-Qaeda-branch.html
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PPP warns legislators to stay alert of conspiracies against democracy
5 September 2014
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) on Thursday warned about a more fierce battle in the coming days and asked the parliamentarians not to be mistaken by the “partial victory” in the “first battle”.
The warning came from PPP’s stalwart Mian Raza Rabbani in the joint sitting of parliament in which he pointed out that this is a war of power between the state institutions. “I do not subscribe to the views expressed yesterday that parliament has emerged victorious,” Rabbani said while adding that the war would still be fought when some forces would try to create discord in the ranks of the democratic forces, an intention which he said they had exhibited in the current political crisis triggered by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT)’s protests outside the Parliament House.
He dubbed the “war of democracy” actually a “war of federation”. “If this system was disturbed and dictatorship is imposed, then not only would the constitution be violated but the whole federation would be at risk of dismemberment,” the outspoken Rabbani opined. Addressing Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who was present in the House, Rabbani declared that the PPP would not compromise even if he gave in to such pressures. Criticising the PTI and PAT, Rabbani said that parliament would not tolerate any assault on it. “The members of this House will lay down their lives but would not allow desecration of parliament,” he declared.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/islamabad/05-Sep-2014/ppp-warns-legislators-to-stay-alert-of-conspiracies-against-democracy
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Fazlullah has joined hands with killers of Taliban, says splinter group
5 September 2014
PESHAWAR: The outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and its splinter group Jamaatul Ahrar (JA) are on a collision course as the latter has accused TTP chief Mullah Fazlullah of joining hands with people involved in the killing of militant commanders.
In a statement on Thursday, JA spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan said those who were involved in the killing of TTP commanders Nadeem Abbas, Asmatullah Shaheen Bhittani, Tariq Mansoor and 200 fighters of the Mehsud tribe were now sitting beside Fazlullah.
Ehsan, who earlier served as central spokesman for the TTP, said that being head of his group Fazlullah should bring the killers to “justice”.
He said the TTP chief lacked qualities of a good leader, which had resulted in the killing of many commanders.
The JA spokesman said the Fazlullah-led TTP group “now comprised only a few people”.
He said that Fazlullah had no authority to expel Umar Khalid Khurasani of Mohmand Agency from TTP. Khurasani was now an active member of JA and the group’s leadership had the authority to appoint a leader for Mohmand.
Full report at:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1129976/fazlullah-has-joined-hands-with-killers-of-taliban-says-splinter-group
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Ready to render sacrifices for ‘new country’, says Altaf
5 September 2014
KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain on Thursday night said he was ready to offer sacrifices for creation of a ‘new country’ in the same manner “our forefathers did for the creation of Pakistan.”
Speaking at the party’s general workers convention via telephone from London, he said he was not happy with the conduct of MQM leaders and office bearers and asked his activists’ approval for stepping down from party’s chairmanship. Workers, however, expressed their trust on Hussain’s leadership and urged him not to resign from his post.
It may be mentioned that the meeting was called on Wednesday, but was postponed to Thursday due to unknown reasons.
Expressing his annoyance over violation of party discipline, the MQM chief said MNAs, MPAs, councellors, union nazims, town nazims and sector incharges were being appointed and selected upon personal likes and dislikes.
Hussain vowed to eliminate ‘land mafia’ from Karachi if he was allowed to arrive and stay in the country for 15 days only, adding that he will do the same job throughout Pakistan in only six months.
http://www.dawn.com/news/1129842/ready-to-render-sacrifices-for-new-country-says-altaf
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Imran has announced ‘political death’ of PTI: Shahbaz
5 September 2014
LAHORE: Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that some elements, by launching an attack on Islamabad, tried to humiliate the democratically elected parliament but that due to unity of all political parties, they have faced shame and disgrace.
He said that he was sure that after Javed Hashmi, several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders would display the same moral courage so that historians while writing political history of the country should not count them among enemies of Pakistan and democracy.
The chief minister said that through collusion with Dr Tahirul Qadri, Imran Khan has announced “political death” of the PTI and that it was also a fact that the PTI leadership was disgusted with Imran Khan due to his “autocratic” and “undemocratic” attitude and was quitting the party by raising “go Imran go’ slogans.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/punjab/04-Sep-2014/imran-has-announced-political-death-of-pti-shahbaz
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Pakistan always prioritise relations with China: Saad
5 September 2014
ISLAMABAD – Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique said that visit of Chinese president to Pakistan was in the national interest which the government had always prioritized.
Talking to a private TV channel, the minister said that the cancellation of the visit was still not confirmed, however, the government had made every possible effort to make the visit feasible. He said that China wanted long term partnership with Pakistan.
Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Tariq Fatemi also met with chinese ambassador on Wednesday night in this regard. He said that the chief minister had good reputation in China.
Saad said that not only the civil government but all security institutions had given them clearance but they would finalize their visit after the clearance by their own high level security team, who was in Pakistan from the last few days.
To a question, he said that the nation would decide about the responsible, if the visit was canceled. The minister said that Pakistan was facing different problems including displaced families issue and flood warning issued from India.
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/national/04-Sep-2014/pakistan-always-prioritise-relations-with-china-saad
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PAT supporters are not terrorists, says Qadri
5 September 2014
ISLAMABAD: Censuring the speeches in the joint session of Parliament, Pakistan Awami Tehrik (PAT) Chief Dr Tahirul Qadri said that his supporters are “peaceful” and not “terrorists.”
Addressing the participants of the sit-in, the PAT chief said that the parliament needed to think about why these protesters were here, adding, “Parliament should give me an answer as to who the murderers of those killed during the Model Town incident are.” Qadri asks the MPs to obtain a copy of the judicial tribunal’s report on the Model Town incident which holds Punjab CM Shahbaz Sharif responsible.
“MNAs should have stood up against this atrocity,” Qadri said, adding that nobody brought it up in Parliament or protested against the incident. Qadri said he is cutting short his speech due to the rain and will address his supporters again. Holding the Nawaz government responsible for the three killed during clashes between police and protesters on Saturday, Qadri demanded that an FIR should be registered. He lamented that parliamentarians have been labelling the innocent participants of anti-government march as ‘terrorists.’ He demanded that those nominated in the Model Town FIR should be arrested immediately. In case of failure, he suggested that the government should bring changes in law and exempt the government, if it carry any atrocities against innocent people.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/national/05-Sep-2014/pat-supporters-are-not-terrorists-says-qadri
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Religious leaders urged to promote iodised salt use
5 September 2014
ISLAMABAD: The religious leaders vow to contribute to an awareness drive about the usage of iodised salt. A large number of religious leaders and scholars realising the importance of this issue participated in the event.In collaboration with the UNICEF, The Network for Consumer Protection organised an awareness seminar on the promotion of Iodised salt consumption to prevent iodine deficiencies on Thursday with the religious leaders in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). Maulana Tanveer Ahmad Alvi of Jamia Muhammadia thanked the team for organising the seminar to educate all the religious leaders and scholars on this important issue. The lack of information as well as the lack of the due prominence in print and electronic media becomes the reason of invisibility of such important issues related to health, said Mulana Abdul Zahir.In our country, sometimes the religious leaders lack the access to sufficient or accurate information on the health issues. Thereby, the health campaigns fail to incorporate and sensitise these important influential’s of the society. Understanding the key issues related to the health are an essential element of the religious leaders’ sustained support.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/islamabad/05-Sep-2014/religious-leaders-urged-to-promote-iodised-salt-use
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India
Al-Qaida wants to portray Modi as enemy of Islam: US analyst
PTI | Sep 5, 2014
WASHINGTON: Al-Qaida, which has announced the creation of a separate wing for India, wants to portray Prime Minister Narendra Modi as an enemy of Islam and as such India should take its threat "very seriously", a well-known American counter-terror expert said on Thursday even as the US tried to downplay the terrorist outfit's capabilities.
"This video, the first from (al-Qaida leader Ayman Al-) Zawahiri this year, should be taken very seriously. Al-Qaida wants to portray Prime Minister Modi as an enemy of Islam," ex-CIA analyst Bruce Riedel, who is considered to be one of the US's top experts on counter-terrorism, said.
"From its base in Pakistan and with its close links to Lashkar-e-Taiba, al-Qaida is a dangerous menace to India," Riedel said when asked about the latest video of Zawahiri announcing al-Qaida's creation of a new branch for the Indian subcontinent to wage jihad in India, including in Kashmir, Gujarat and Assam with the goal of establishing a caliphate and impose sharia ranging from Afghanistan to Myanmar.
Zawahiri had announced new branch of al-Qaida called "Qaidat al-Jihad in the Indian Subcontinent", "seeking to raise the flag of jihad, return Islamic rule, and imposing Sharia across the Indian subcontinent," in the video which was posted on various social media websites including YouTube.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Al-Qaida-wants-to-portray-Modi-as-enemy-of-Islam-US-analyst/articleshow/41766207.cms
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Southeast Asia
Indonesian Minister asks Ambassador to Clarify Stance on Prophet Muhammad’s Tomb
5 September 2014
Jakarta. Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin on Thursday met with the ambassador of Saudi Arabia to express his concern about a proposal to move the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad, but the envoy said there was no such plan.
“I will tell the ambassador that the majority of Indonesian Muslims strongly object to the plan,” Lukman was quoted as saying by news portal jpnn.com on Thursday, before the meeting.
According to a report by British newspaper The Independent, a Saudi academic recently revealed a 61-page proposal to move the prophet’s tomb and his remains from the Nabawi mosque in Medina to the nearby Al-Baqi cemetery. The idea behind the proposal was to prevent Muslims from committing idolatry by venerating the tomb. At the cemetery, the prophet would be given an anonymous grave.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/saudi-ambassador-asked-clarify-stance-prophet-muhammads-tomb/
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Shura council forbids PAS from picking Wan Azizah, Azmin for Selangor MB post, reports Utusan
5 September 2014
PAS’s top decision-making Shura Council had decided that the Islamist party nominate two party lawmakers and two from PKR for the Selangor menteri besar post, secretary-general Datuk Mustafa Ali was quoted as saying in Utusan Malaysia today.
The names of the two PKR lawmakers submitted to the Selangor palace are not party president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail or her deputy Azmin Ali, which PAS had agreed to in its July 17 meeting.
It is understood that one of the names from PKR is Ijok assemblyman Dr Idris Ahmad, who was previously widely speculated to be nominated to replace Selangor MB Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.
The other names are Dr Yaakob Sapari (PKR-Kota Anggerik) and PAS exco Iskandar Abdul Samad, who is also Selangor PAS commissioner.
However, Mustafa refused to divulge the names of the three assemblymen submitted by the party to the Selangor palace as it had something to do with the Shura Council.
Full report at:
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/shura-council-forbids-pas-from-picking-wan-azizah-azmin-for-selangor-mb-pos#sthash.AAbMMtvr.dpuf
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South Asia
Bangladesh scrambles to confront al-Qaeda threat
Sep 5, 2014
Bangladesh has ordered a fresh probe if any local militant outfits have links with al-Qaeda while intelligence agencies brace to confront the latest threat from the group after it established a South Asian wing.
“We’ve learnt that after the message India has issued a red alert. We are also taking the matter seriously,” State Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said yesterday while officials said the intelligence agencies were ordered to check authenticity of al-Qaeda’s latest video message and its possible links with any Bangladeshi outfit.
Kamal, however, did not elaborate immediately saying the government would officially issue a statement on the issueshortly as “we are looking into the al-Qaeda video message. We have been working on curbing militancy for a long time”.
But officials preferring anonymity said immediately after the release of the al-Qaeda video on Wednesday, the police headquarters ordered enhanced surveillance over a dozen ‘madrassas’ or Islamic seminaries which are dominated or run by ultra-right Islamist groups or parties including Jamaat-e-Islami and Hefazat-e-Islam.
The Daily Star newspaper quoting unidentified intelligence officials on Friday reported that despite the security clampdown on Bangladeshi militant outfits and bringing their top leaders to justice over the past several years, “still there were some al-Qaeda followers in Bangladesh”.
Full report at:
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/asia/bangladesh-scrambles-to-confront-al-qaeda-threat/#sthash.sPq6kgZe.dpuf
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NATO increases funding of Afghan forces to $5.1 billion
5 September 2014
The annual funding of the Afghan national security forces beyond 2014 has been increased from $4.1 billion to $5.1 billion, defense officials said.
Afghan defense minister, Bismillah Khan Mohammadi has said the decision to increase the funding of the Afghan forces was announced during the NATO summit in Wales.
Mohammadi told reporters that the latest commitment was made by the US President Barack Obama.
The NATO Secretary General, Anders Fog Rasmussen also renewed continued support to Afghanistan and said NATO remains committed to fund Afghan national security forces until 2017.
Afghan officials had earlier said that Afghanistan will demand the international community to increase the funding of the Afghan security forces during the NATO summit in Wales.
The officials had said the previously committed $4.1 billion was considered for 238,000 Afghan forces. However, more funding was needed as the number of Afghan forces has increased to 352,000 personnel.
http://www.khaama.com/nato-increases-funding-of-afghan-forces-to-5-1-billion-6632
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Afghan election rivals renews pledge to sign Afghan-US security deal
5 September 2014
Afghan presidential candidates Dr. Abdullah Abdullah and Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai have vowed to end the crisis over disputed election and sign the bilateral security agreement with Washington and status of forces agreement with NATO.
Abdullah and Ghani made the commitment in a joint statement which was sent to NATO summit in Wales.
“We believe in an inclusive political vision, we will form a government of national unity that will honor the epic participation of our people in the electoral process.
This government of national unity will have both the political will and the capacity to design and implement sustainable reforms to transform the lives of our people and turn Afghanistan into a center of stability and prosperity,” the statement said.
Full report at:
http://www.khaama.com/afghan-election-rivals-renews-pledge-to-sign-afghan-us-security-deal-6633
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Afghan officer claims asylum upon arrival in UK for NATO summit
5 September 2014
A senior Afghan National Army (ANA) officer has claimed asylum upon arrival at United Kingdom to participate in NATO Summit in south Wales.
An informed source has said that the army officer Enayatullah Barek was accompanying a delegation of the Afghan government officials including defense minister Bismilalh Mohammadi during the tour to Britain.
The source speaking on the condition of anonymity said the ANA officer abandoned the delegation upon arrival in London and claimed asylum.
Afghan defense officials have not commented in this regard so far.
According to reports, the ANA officer Enayatullah Barek was flag-bearer and was due to accompany Afghan army chief of staff Gen. Sher Mohammad Karimi in NATO summit in Wales.
This is not the first time that senior Afghan officials are seeking asylum during official trips outside the country, specifically in European countries.
Several security officials, government employees and diplomats have not returned back to Afghanistan following their official tours.
http://www.khaama.com/afghan-army-officer-claims-upon-arrival-in-uk-for-nato-summit-6629
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Mideast
Israelis worry with Syrian Al-Qaeda on doorstep
Sep 5, 2014
MEROM GOLAN, Golan Heights: For the first time in the Syrian civil war, Al-Qaeda fighters are hunkered down on Israel’s doorstep, and Israelis in the lush, hilly Golan Heights who have long considered Syrian President Bashar Assad their bitter foe are now worried about something more ominous — that they could become the militants’ next target.
The push into the Golan by the Nusra Front, as Al-Qaeda’s branch in Syria is known, comes just two weeks after Israel ended a 50-day war against Hamas on its southern border with the Gaza Strip, giving the conflict-weary nation another cause for concern.
Israelis in the Golan have grown accustomed to hearing the sound of distant battles between rival forces in Syria’s civil war.
But last week’s seizure of the strategic Quneitra border crossing by a mix of rebels — including the Nusra Front, fighters of the Western-backed Free Syrian Army and others — has created an unprecedented situation that has brought the extremists to within just a few meters of Israeli positions.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/middle-east/news/625131
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Erdoğan calls on Obama to deport Gülen from US
5 September 2014
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has signalled that he is set to ask U.S. President Barack Obama for the “deportation” of Pennsylvania-based Islamic cleric Fethullah Gülen, referring to coup and spying allegations against the Gülen movement.
“Pennsylvania is the focal point of these affairs,” he told a group of journalists on board the new presidential plane, registered as TR-TUR, during his official trip from Azerbaijan to Wales for the NATO Summit on Sept. 4.
“Of course, with America, we are strategic partners, we have a model partnership and we’re handing over the terrorists that they want us to hand over, so now we’re telling them the situation: Either deport him [Gülen] or hand him over to us,” added Erdoğan, who is scheduled to meet Obama in Wales on Sept. 5.
Here are Erdoğan’s answers to the questions posed on board:
You have announced that you will leave the presidential mansion in Çankaya to the prime minister. Why? Is it because you want a strong prime minister?
I believe that my friend Mr. Davutoğlu, who has become prime minister, will do the job strongly and successfully. We can permit the Prime Ministry to use Çankaya for certain ceremonies and receptions, after we’re moved to the new Presidential Palace in Söğütözü [an Ankara neighborhood where a new complex has been built]. This is because the Prime Ministry does not have enough space to organize receptions at its current location. Is the prime minister supposed to go to a hotel to organize a reception?
Full report at:
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/erdogan-calls-on-obama-to-deport-gulen-from-us.aspx?pageID=238&nID=71312&NewsCatID=338
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Video: Iran top general dances to Iraqi beats
5 September 2014
A video uploaded to YouTube late Thursday shows the commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s al-Quds Force dancing alongside men who seem to be Iraqi, reportedly near the town of Amerli.
In the video, Commander Qassem Suleimani is seen holding his weapon up, waving it, and dancing to the beats of an Iraqi song.
The description below the video claims that Suleimani is joined on screen by Iraqi militiamen, who are fighting against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Almost all the revelers are carrying weapons.
Al Arabiya News could not immediately verify the identities of the men seen with Suleimani.
The reason behind the celebration, according to the video’s description, was the breaking of the two-month ISIS siege on Amerli.
The Iraqi army, Kurdish Peshmerga fighters and Shiite militias, with the reported support of Iran via armament and mobilization, joined forces to break the siege on the town of Amerli and the nearby area of Suleiman Bek.
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/variety/2014/09/05/Iran-s-Revolutionary-Guard-commander-dances-to-Iraqi-beats.html
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With S grabbing headlines, Netanyahu tries to retrain focus on Iran
Sep 5, 2014
With negotiations between Iran and the world powers set to restart September 18, and following Thursday’s bilateral Iran-US talks, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is reiterating in private meetings that a nuclear-armed Iran, not Islamic State, is the world’s primary threat.
Netanyahu’s message, one government official said, is that without downplaying the significant dangers posed by Islamic State, the world’s No. 1 challenge is preventing Iran from gaining nuclear capabilities.
“Iran is the No. 1 threat, because an Iran with nuclear weapons changes history,” the official said, citing Netanyahu’s remarks in private meetings recently.
Asked about concern that the threat of Islamic State (formerly known as ISIS) may bring the US and other countries in the West to ease up pressure on Iran in order to cooperate more closely with it in the fight against the organization, which is their common enemy, the official said Israel was in favour of strong action against Islamic State.
Full report at:
http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Politics-And-Diplomacy/With-Islamic-State-grabbing-headlines-Netanyahu-tries-to-retrain-focus-on-Iran-374528
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Palestinians look forward to returning home
Sep 5, 2014
Mariam Mayma, a Palestinian resident in her 70s who migrated to the Kingdom with her husband 50 years ago, watches the news with tears in her eyes as images of destruction and devastation in Beit Lahya, Gaza flash on the screen.
Mariam’s relatives lived in the ghost town up until a few days ago.
She could still make out the four-story building, once home to 40 family members, from among the mangled ruins.
The television footage reminded her of the mayhem she had witnessed as a child in the town of Majdal, now part of Ashkelon, when Zionist terrorists attacked the area in 1948.
Mariam is among an estimated 1 million Palestinian refugees living in the Kingdom.
Only television channels and social media outlets have shown these Palestinians the true and uncensored version of what is happening to their old homes and families, particularly during the most recent Israeli onslaught on the tiny strip.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/news/625496
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Israel issues tenders for 283 homes in West Bank settlement
5 September 2014
Israel said Sept. 5 it published tenders for 283 new homes in a West Bank settlement, just days after announcing its biggest land grab on occupied Palestinian territory for three decades.
The expansion of the Elkana settlement, in the northwest of the West Bank, was approved in January and the tenders published Thursday, Israel's Land Authority said on its website.
It came after Israel announced Sunday its biggest land grab in the West Bank since the 1980s, saying it planned to expropriate 400 hectares (988 acres) of land in the south of the territory, between the cities of Bethlehem and Hebron.
That move drew international condemnation, even from ally the United States and some Israeli cabinet ministers.
The US State Department urged Israel to "reverse this decision," and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said he was "alarmed" by Israel's plans.
Israel's settlement building, which is illegal under international law, is seen as an obstacle to any lasting peace with the Palestinians, who want their future state to be on land much of which Israel has annexed or built settlements on.
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/israel-issues-tenders-for-283-homes-in-west-bank-settlement.aspx?pageID=238&nID=71323&NewsCatID=352
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Europe
British jihadis 'want to come home'
5 September 2014
British fighters have contacted a university in London to say they regret their decision to travel to the Middle East to join Islamist fundamentalists, an expert has said.
Professor Peter Neumann of King's College told the Times newspaper they have been in contact with a number of British jihadis who want to come back to the UK but feel they cannot do so for fear they will be jailed.
He said the Government should set up a "deradicalisation programme" for those willing former jihadis, echoing calls by Labour leader Ed Miliband who last month suggested a mandatory programme of deradicalisation for those involved on the fringes with Islamic State (IS).
Prof Neumann, who works at the university's International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation and Political Violence said: "The people we have been talking to ... want to quit but feel trapped because all the Government is talking about is locking them up for 30 years."
Full report at:
http://www.independent.ie/world-news/europe/british-jihadis-want-to-come-home-30563984.html#sthash.dKPAyj5E.dpuf
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Muslim leader calls for Islamic beliefs to be accepted in Irish schools
5 September 2014
A leading Irish Muslim has called for a radical change to the Irish education system to accommodate children with Islamic beliefs.
Spokesperson for the Islamic Cultural Center in Clonskeagh, Co Dublin and a lecturer at the Mater Dei Institute and Trinity College, Dr. Ali Selim has called for a “a revolution of inclusivity” and “an upheaval in Irish educational perspectives” in his new book “Islam and Education in Ireland.”
Selim writes that change is necessary to accommodate the needs of a society that is “home to a variety of Christian denominations, as well as people of other faiths and of none.”
In his book he points out that “Muslim festivals are neither celebrated or marked in the calendar in Irish schools.”
He suggests that these days should be taken off by Muslim children and adds that Irish schools could raise “funds for the poor and the needy” during Ramadan, the month of fasting.
With regard to the relationships and sexuality education (RSE) program currently taught in Irish schools, Selim says there are “crucial differences” for those of Islamic faith. He points out that Islam forbids premarital and extramarital sexual relations, while the RSE sees sex outside wedlock as a normal practice.
Full report at:
http://www.irishcentral.com/news/education/Muslim-leader-calls-for-Islamic-beliefs-to-be-accepted-in-Irish-schools.html
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Muslims in Ireland seek ‘integration not assimilation’
5 September 2014
Muslims in Ireland are not interested in assimilation, according to a new book to be published next Thursday. Titled Islam and Education in Ireland, it is written by Dr Ali Selim of the Islamic Cultural Centre in Dublin’s Clonskeagh who is also a lecturer at Trinity College Dublin and the Mater Dei Institute.
In the book he says that “the Muslim community in Ireland expresses its interest not in assimilation but rather in integration and unity.” He continues “ it is worth noting that one-thid of the Muslim community in Ireland (estimated at numbering approximately 65,000) are Irish citizens.”
He points out that “Muslims generally feel at home in Ireland. This could not have happened without giving Muslims the rights to which they, as citizens, are entitled.”
Where the wearing the hijab by Muslim girls in Irish schools is concerned he says this “shouldn’t cause any more debate than other religious symbols worn by either male or female students in Irish schools do.”
He notes how a wide range of religious symbols is worn by teachers in Irish schools such as “the pioneer badge and the sacred heart medal” or “a style of clothing assocaited with their religious order or ministry.”
Full report at:
http://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/religion-and-beliefs/muslims-in-ireland-seek-integration-not-assimilation-1.1917937
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U.N. report highlights mass displacement of Libyans by violence
5 September 2014
A United Nations report on Thursday said four months of fighting by militias in Libya’s two biggest cities, Tripoli and Benghazi, has forced some 250,000 people to flee, including 100,000 who have been internally displaced.
The report released by the U.N. Support Mission in Libya and the U.N. Human Rights Office estimated that some 150,000 people, including migrant workers, have fled the country. The report says a “climate of fear” has made citizens reluctant to speak about militia abuses.
The last four months have seen a renegade general battle Islamic militants in the eastern city of Benghazi, cradle of the 2011 uprising that toppled Moammar Qaddafi, and powerful regional militias fight for control of the international airport in Tripoli. Islamist-allied militias have seized virtually all of the capital.
The surge of violence is the worst in Libya since rebels backed by NATO warplanes overthrew and killed Qaddafi. The conflict is rooted in subsequent transitional governments’ reliance on web of militias - many of them former rebel brigades- to restore order after Libya’s regular army and police were shattered by the uprising.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/09/05/U-N-report-highlights-mass-displacement-of-Libyans-by-violence-.html
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North America
U.S.-Russia Split Over Ukraine Gives Islamic State Upper Hand
5 September 2014
As the NATO summit gets under way in Wales and world leaders put on a united front against the growing threat posed by radical terrorist organization the Islamic State, continued bickering between Russia and the West over events in Ukraine threatens to give the "apocalyptic" group carte blanche to pull off a devastating attack on European soil.
Western leaders have largely said what members of the public would want to hear after witnessing the beheading of two U.S. journalists in Syria, the slaughter of innocent women and children, and the forced starvation of hundreds of Yazidi refugees on Mount Sinjar in northern Iraq.
The Islamic State is a "cancer," U.S. President Barack Obama said. The group has an "apocalyptic" world view, according to a senior Pentagon official. And so, as U.S. Vice President Joe Biden said Wednesday, we will "follow them to the gates of hell."
Strong words, indeed. Yet a U.S. State Department press briefing Wednesday shows that these leaders have bad long-term memories, and their inability to think back to just a year ago threatens to make history repeat itself.
In the briefing, spokeswoman Jen Psaki spoke of the government's plan to form a coalition with other nations to fight the growing threat, yet no mention was made of Russia.
In fact, the only mention made of Russia at the briefing was in the context of the Ukraine conflict.
Full report at:
http://www.themoscowtimes.com/opinion/article/russia-u-s-divide-strengthens-islamic-state/506479.html
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ISIS fears give Americans the jitters before 9/11
Chidanand Rajghatta,TNN | Sep 5, 2014
WASHINGTON: The United States, particularly its conservative circles, are working themselves into a lather over possible threats to the American mainland from the so-called Islamic State (IS/ISIS/ISIL) terrorists, against the looming backdrop of the 9/11 anniversary. Top Obama administration officials are now saying more than 100 American citizens are in Iraq and Syria fighting for the ISIS, and they constitute a potential danger to the United States considering the relative ease with which they could return to the country with US passports.
US defense secretary Chuck Hagel set off alarms on Wednesday by telling CNN that there are "Over 100 US citizens who have US passports who are fighting in the Middle East with ISIL forces," and adding, ominously, "There may be more, we don't know." Although he tried to temper the combative mood set by vice-president Joe Biden earlier in the day that the US would follow the ISIS terrorists who have executed to American journalists to the "gates of hell," the disclosure of potential infiltrators inflamed the already agitated mood in the more conservative, red-blooded circles in the US which have been sounding warning bells about Islamist incursion into the US
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/ISIS-fears-give-Americans-the-jitters-before-9/11/articleshow/41746385.cms
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US wants more from Saudis in fight against extremists
5 September 2014
WASHINGTON — The US battle against the self-described Islamic State is being complicated by concerns that Saudi Arabia has helped support extremist Sunni elements — both spiritually and financially — even as the Saudis call themselves friends and allies of the United States.
Saudi Arabia is led by a Sunni monarchy, the same branch of Islam whose extremist elements make up the violent Islamic State. Counterterrorism experts in the US worry Saudi Arabia is not exerting enough influence to undermine the group’s terrorist acts, including the recent beheadings of two American journalists.
“The Muslim leadership in Saudi Arabia would rather spend their time writing [religious edicts] on the color of women’s fingernail polish” and has failed to deal with the crisis “inside of their religion,” said James B. Smith, the American ambassador to Saudi Arabia from 2009 to 2013.
Full report at:
http://www.bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2014/09/04/amid-talk-more-military-force-confront-islamic-state-some-see-religious-retreat-theologians/7Y0JD78VbNf5a8RlctbmIK/story.html
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U.S. fears Syrian chemical arms falling to extremists: power
5 September 2014
The United States expressed concern Thursday that undeclared Syrian chemical weapons could fall into the hands of Islamist extremists.
U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power raised the concerns as a joint U.N. and Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons mission winds up a drive to eliminate Syria’s chemical arsenal.
The mission is supposed to formally conclude its work by September 30, but its chief Sigrid Kaag said there were still “discrepancies and questions” related to Syria’s weapons declarations.
“The international community must continue to press for a resolution of all discrepancies and omissions,” said Power.
“The U.S. is concerned about all discrepancies and also the potential that there are real omissions in the declaration,” she added.
Power said the Security Council, currently presided by the United States, “intends to stay Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/09/05/US-fears-syrian-chemical-weapons-falling-to-extremists-power.html
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U.S. says forms "core coalition" to counter Iraq militants
World Bulletin/News Desk
05 September 2014
The United States said on Friday it was forming a "core coalition" to battle ISIL militants in Iraq, calling for broad support from allies and partners but ruling out committing ground forces.
"We need to attack them in ways that prevent them from taking over territory, to bolster the Iraqi security forces and others in the region who are prepared to take them on, without committing troops of our own," U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry told a meeting of 10 nations.
"Obviously I think that's a red line for everybody here: no boots on the ground."
The defence and foreign ministers of the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Canada, Australia, Turkey, Italy, Poland and Denmark met on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Wales to discuss a strategy for addressing the Sunni militant group that has taken over swathes of Iraqi and Syrian territory.
http://www.worldbulletin.net/headlines/143786/us-says-forms-core-coalition-to-counter-iraq-militants
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Top Senate Republican: Obama needs 'credible plan' on Islamic State
Sep 5, 2014
The top Senate Republican said resident Barack Obama can expect bipartisan support in Congress if he offers a "credible plan" to go after Islamic State militants, as senior US officials prepare to brief lawmakers on the matter.
Some lawmakers contend that Obama should seek congressional authorization for airstrikes in Iraq against the Sunni militants. However, it is not clear whether such a vote would take place this month or whether he needs Congress to approve the limited actions already under way.
Obama "needs to come forward with a plan" for dealing with the Islamic State, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell told Reuters in an interview in Kentucky, where is campaigning for re-election.
"I think the Congress is anxious to see what the president thinks we ought to do about this," McConnell said.
"My guess is it will require some kind of authorization from us, maybe some kind of funding, and I think if it's a credible plan to go after these killers, he's very likely to be supported on a bipartisan basis," added McConnell, a fierce critic of Obama.
http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Top-Senate-Republican-Obama-needs-credible-plan-on-Islamic-State-374536
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Africa
Hundreds flee Nigerian city as militants gain ground
World Bulletin/News Desk
05 September 2014
Hundreds of civilians are fleeing Nigeria's northeastern city of Maiduguri as fears grow that Boko Haram militants may try to assault the Borno state capital after seizing towns and territory around it, residents said on Thursday.
Heavily-armed Boko Haram fighters using captured military vehicles and weapons have taken towns and villages to the north, east and south of Maiduguri in the last few weeks and days in an apparent strategy to encircle the city and hold territory.
Apprehension among Maiduguri residents grew after fierce fighting since Monday between Nigeria's military and attacking Boko Haram fighters over the town of Bama, 70 km (45 miles) southeast of Maiduguri. Thousands have fled Bama amid conflicting reports of who has control.
Full report at:
http://www.worldbulletin.net/headlines/143762/hundreds-flee-nigerian-city-as-militants-gain-ground
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Tunisia ripe for recovery from post-revolt chaos: PM
Sep 5, 2014
TUNISIA has stabilized from the fallout of the 2011 revolution and is now ripe for investment in its battered economy, Prime Minister Mehdi Jomaa told AFP in an interview.
Speaking ahead of the “Invest in Tunisia: Start-up democracy” conference to be held on Monday, Jomaa said Tunisia’s new government was upbeat but realistic about a recovery.
“We expect a strong signal from the entire political, financial and business communities to say that today there’s confidence in Tunisia’s future,” said the premier.
“We also expect our partners to spend and to actually invest in projects,” added Jomaa, who came to power in January tasked with leading Tunisia out of a political crisis and preparing fresh elections.
Thirty countries are to attend the conference aimed at showcasing investment opportunities in Tunisia, seen as the last hope among nations swept by pro-democracy protests known as the Arab Spring.
But Jomaa declined to declare his expectations, noting that at “donor conferences, we have seen that it doesn’t work: they create hope but achieve little”.
The purpose of the conference “is not to put forward figures, but rather to generate interest” in projects that are to be presented on Monday.
Full report at:
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20140905217078
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/four-hyderabad-students-planned-join/d/98919