Friday Sermon in Malaysia: ‘Enemies’ Of Islam Staking Claim over ‘Allah’ To Confuse Muslims
New Age Islam News Bureau
25 Jan 2013
Arab World
• Violence flares on anniversary of Egypt uprising as Hundreds of youths clashed with police
• Egypt churches withdraw from Morsi's national dialogue
• El-Qaradawi from Al-Azhar: Egyptian revolution is gift from God
• Iraqi troops shoot dead five protesters during clash
• Twin Car Bombs Kill 8 in Syrian Golan
• Al-Gamaa Al-Islamiya threatens violence against 'bitter' Egypt secularists
• Morsi says ‘counter-revolution’ is obstructing Egypt's development
• Assad joins Damascus prayers, army bombards Homs
• Kingdom regrets global inaction on Israeli violations
• Loyalists sweep Jordan parliamentary vote
• Jordan reels over Syrian refugee crisis
• Syria Sends Ground Forces to Try to Seize Sunni Areas of Homs
• Golden moments recalled: How DSF has changed lives
• Calls for Syria action as Arab world on Davos centre stage
Africa
• Malian Army accused of executing 33 civilians
• Mali displaced dream of home as French halt Islamists
• Sectarian Clashes Kill at Least Nine in Central Nigeria
• Mali Islamists blow up strategic bridge leading to Niger
• Somalia's al-Shabab Twitter account suspended
• Former Libyan Spy Chief Could Face Execution Soon, Lawyer Fears
• Mali Army, Riding U.S. Hopes, Is Proving No Match for Militants
• Algeria siege dead and survivors arrive in Japan
• Mali crisis set to dominate African Union summit
India
• Former President A P J Abdul Kalam for India-US-Israel task force to fight terror
• Two Pak diplomats barred from attending Jaipur literary festival
• Cabinet clears extradition treaty with Bangladesh
• Hafiz Saeed speaks tough on Kashmir issue
• President greets nation on Milad-un-Nabi
• 15 kg heroin recovered from near India-Pakistan border
• Probe all blasts since 1992: Asaduddin Owaisi
• All those involved in Mumbai terror attacks should get death penalty: India
• 'David Headley sentence dishonours 26/11 victims'
• Disappointed, Headley not given harsher sentence: Khurshid
• India likely to quiz Headley via video conferencing
• Woman who worked in David Headley's office spilled beans to investigators
• Headley's sentencing is on expected lines: Indian officials
• Omar welcomes recommendations on AFSPA
Pakistan
• Pakistan used as a 'tissue paper' by Washington: Imran Khan
• Militant clash in Khyber tribal region kills 24
• Terrorism has damaged Islam’s image: PM
• Pak military conducting 'Saffron Bandit' exercise
• Pakistan EC looks to Indian model
• Want to resolve all issues with India: Pakistan
• Pakistan S C orders to register second criminal case action against P M
• Jaipur Literature Fest: Got visas late, say Pak writers
• Radical change needed due to leadership’s failure: UK High Commissioner
• ‘Zardari offers caretaker PM’s post to Pagara’ of Pakistan Muslim League-Functional
• Pakistani novelist among finalists for Man Booker International Prize
• British Pakistani novelist flays US drone attacks
• We don’t want to speculate on Shinde remark, says Pakistan
• 232 deaths in Sindh: Poor handling led to measles outbreak: minister
• Police foil terror plot targeting Eid Milad procession in DI Khan
• Rehman Malik admits defeat in unblocking YouTube
• Imran Khan predicts victory in Pakistan elections
Mideast Asia
• Islamist Hamas to establish military academy to train Palestinians
• IAEA to Israel: Iran Nuclear Row Must Be Resolved Peacefully
• Netanyahu begins informal coalition talks in Israel
• Israel’s shock vote gives a glimmer of hope for Palestinians
• Poll shows rise of Israeli Right arrested
• Yemen says country's Qaeda Number Two dead
• With All Votes in, Netanyahu Assesses the Damage
South Asia
• Suicide bomber misses NATO, kills 5: Afghanistan police
• Maldives’ future “a cycle of failed governments”: report
• 30 hurt as Jamaat-Shibir men clash with cops
• Two men arrested with 325 bottles of alcohol in Maldives
• Namaz-e-Janazas of National Prof. Nurul Islam held
North America
• US Senators introduce legislation after Malala Yousafzai
• Mali crisis: US admits mistakes in training local troops
• Israel may boycott UN rights scrutiny session: America
• Pak hasn't got sufficient credit for help in war on terror: John Kerry
• Pope on social networking: the virtual is real
• Remorseful' David Headley claimed he is changed
• Possibility of Headley's extradition to India: US attorney
• Panetta: Women are integral to military's success
• David Headley deserved death penalty: US judge
Southeast Asia
• Friday sermon in Malaysia: ‘Enemies’ of Islam staking claim over ‘Allah’ to confuse Muslims
• Religious freedom of Christian Bumis under attack in Allah row
• Judicial Commission Says Tribunal for ‘Rape Joke’ Judge Not Negotiable
• East Java Religious affairs office recommends shutting six recalcitrant Catholic schools
• Indonesian President preaches tolerance as Shia plight continues
Europe
• Man arrested in London in connection with terror offences in Syria
• UN expert investigates US drone killings
• Syria situation stagnant: France
• U.S. and 3 European Countries Warn That Westerners Are Facing Threats in Libya
• Germany Says Hurtful Comments Damage Middle East Peace
• French court orders Twitter to reveal racists' details
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
Photo: Hundreds of youths clashed with Egyptian police in Tahrir Square
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Friday sermon in Malaysia: ‘Enemies’ of Islam staking claim over ‘Allah’ to confuse Muslims
By Clara Chooi
January 25, 2013
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 25 ― Federal religious authorities warned Muslims nationwide today of attempts by “enemies of Islam” to confuse them into believing that all religions are the same, prolonging the debate over the usage of “Allah” by Christians even as it drives a deeper wedge between the country’s two most dominant religions.
In today’s Friday sermon prepared by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) here, Muslims were told that being too open-minded and allowing Islamic rights to be abused by other religions was a “dangerous” act.
“It is very clear that, today, enemies of Islam are seeking to divert and undermine the Muslim community’s faith.
“They are united among themselves and are attempting, with their many tricks and ways, to stake their claim on the usage of ‘Allah’ in their scriptures,” the sermon said.
JAKIM insisted that “Allah”, a word that millions of Arab Christians and those in non-Arabic-speaking lands use to describe their God, belongs to Muslims and is an exclusive right to those who profess Islam as it is clearly to prevent Muslims from becoming confused over the true identity of their God.
Citing unnamed academic research, JAKIM said that the word “Allah” was never found in the Bible as God ― to Christians ― exists as the Trinity of “God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.”
The general term for the Holy Trinity, said the religious department, is “The Lord” which is the English translation of biblical text.
As such, JAKIM insisted that the National Fatwa Council’s 2008 decision on the matter was accurate in stating that “Allah” cannot be used by those of other religions and cannot be likened to the gods of others.
“We would like to say that as Muslims who believes in Allah and his messenger, then it becomes our responsibility to preserve the sanctity and defend the word ‘Allah’ in the best way possible, and should there be elements of insult and abuse, it should be stopped in accordance with provisions in the Federal Constitution.
“Muslims must be firm in protecting the sanctity and the identity of their religion,” JAKIM said in the sermon.
The authority also warned that painful punishment would await disbelievers in the afterlife, noting that these “symptoms” of Islam’s collapse would only destroy the glory and prestige of Muslims here.
The “Allah” dispute, which first erupted after the watershed Election 2008, remains a hot-button topic in the run-up to this year’s polls.
Debate resurfaced last month after DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, who is also the Penang chief minister, called on Putrajaya in his Christmas message to lift a ban on Malay-language bibles in Borneo Malaysia.
Hot on the heels of the DAP leader’s remarks, several state Rulers and Islamic religious authorities reminded non-Muslims of state laws banning use of the word, despite conflicting with a 2009 High Court judgment that ruled “Allah” was not exclusive to Islam.
In his defence of the issue, Muslim cleric Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin said in a recent lecture that Muslims who dispute the use of “Allah” by non-Muslims are those confused about their own faith.
In a 14-minute video clip posted on YouTube, the former Perlis mufti explained that while the government has a right to restrict usage of the Arabic word for God, it should not use religion as an excuse because Islam allows for followers of other faiths the right to call their gods “Allah” if they are referring to the Supreme Being.
Mohd Asri highlighted that Jews and Christians in the Middle East have been using “Allah” from long ago and continue to do so without any confusion — an argument adopted by non-Muslims in Malaysia, particularly the churches.
“Firstly, when did Christians first call Al-Masih the son of Allah? When? Yesterday? Did it start with the Penang gang? Or has it been since a long time ago? When?” the 42-year-old Islamic studies lecturer said in a seminar that was video-recorded and posted online under the title “Penggunaan Nama ALLAH Oleh Bukan Islam [Use of the name ALLAH by non-Muslims]”.
Al-Masih is the Arabic name for Jesus Christ, whom Christians believe to be an aspect of God, but the Muslim community here has argued that the use of the word “Allah” should be exclusive to them on the grounds that Islam is monotheistic and the word denotes the Muslim God.
But the scholar had also insisted that he was not defending the Christians but simply stating a fact.
“Allah refers to the Supreme Being, it does not refer to the idols. Allah refers to the essence of God,” he said, stressing that “basically, they can if they are referring to the Supreme Being”.
But stepping into the fray was Malay rights leader Datuk Ibrahim Ali who rejected all claims to “Allah” by non-Muslims, even invited Malays last Saturday to burn Malay language Bibles that use the word.
Ibrahim’s remarks sparked an even greater firestorm of protests and resulted in several police reports lodged against the controversial Pasir Mas MP.
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/friday-sermon-enemies-of-islam-staking-claim-over-allah-to-confuse-muslims/
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Arab World
Violence flares on anniversary of Egypt uprising as Hundreds of youths clashed with police
Jan 25, 2013
CAIRO: Hundreds of youths clashed with Egyptian police in Tahrir Square on Friday in a violent start to the second anniversary of the uprising that toppled Hosni Mubarak and led to the election of an Islamist president who is now the focus of protester rage.
Opponents of President Mohamed Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood allies are expected to mass in Tahrir Square later on Friday to revive the demands of a revolution that they say has been betrayed by the Islamists.
The square was calm by daybreak, following early morning battles between police and protesters who threw petrol bombs and firecrackers as they tried to approach a wall blocking access to government buildings near the square.
Plumes of teargas fired by the police filled the air. The health ministry said 16 people had been wounded. At one point, riot police used one of the incendiaries thrown at them to set ablaze at least two tents erected by the youths, a Reuters witness said.
Inspired by Tunisia's uprising against President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, Egypt's revolution helped set off more revolts in Libya and Syria. But the sense of common purpose that united Egyptians at the time has given way to conflict that has grown only worse and last month triggered lethal street battles.
The anniversary will once again showcase the divide between the Islamists and their secular opponents. The Brotherhood has decided against mobilising in the street for the occasion, a decision that could reduce the likelihood of confrontation.
"The people want to bring down the regime," declared banners in the square. "Save Egypt from the rule of the Supreme Guide," said another, a reference to leader of the Muslim Brotherhood, Mohamed Badie.
Morsi, in a speech on Thursday marking the Prophet Mohammad's birthday, called on Egyptians to mark the anniversary "in a civilised, peaceful way that safeguards our nation, our institutions, our lives".
"The Brotherhood is very concerned about escalation, that's why they have tried to dial down their role on Jan. 25," said Shadi Hamid director of research at the Brookings Doha Center.
"There may very well be the kinds of clashes that we've seen before, but I don't see anything major happening that is going to fundamentally change the political situation," he said.
Morsi faces discontent on multiple fronts. His opponents say he and his group are seeking to dominate the post-Mubarak order. They accuse him of showing some of the autocratic impulses of the deposed leader by, for example, driving through a controversial new constitution last month.
The Brotherhood dismisses such criticism as unfair. It accuses its opponents of failing to respect the rules of the new democracy that put the Islamists in the driving seat by winning elections.
Six months into office, Morsi is also being held responsible for an economic crisis caused by two years of turmoil. The Egyptian pound has sunk to record lows against the dollar.
Other sources of friction abound. Activists are impatient for justice for the victims of political violence perpetrated over the last two years. Little has been done to reform brutal Mubarak-era security agencies. A spate of transport disasters on roads and railways neglected for years is feeding discontent.
The parties that have called for Friday's protest list demands including a complete overhaul of the Islamist-tinged constitution that was fast-tracked into law by Morsi in December, a move that fuelled street violence.
Its critics say the constitution, which was approved in a popular referendum, offers inadequate protection for human rights, gives the president too many privileges and fails to curb the power of the military establishment.
Morsi's supporters say the criticism is unfair, that enacting the constitution quickly was crucial to restoring stability, and that the opposition is making the situation worse by perpetuating unrest.
With its eye firmly on forthcoming parliamentary elections, the Brotherhood is marking the anniversary with a big charity campaign. It aims to deliver medical aid to 1 million people, offer affordable basic foods, and renovate some 2,000 schools.
A strong turnout on Friday could also help the Brotherhood's opponents ahead of the elections. "There is a lot of power in this day and a real chance to use that to mobilise their supporters in the lead-up to the elections," Hamid said.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Violence-flares-on-anniversary-of-Egypt-uprising/articleshow/18181002.cms
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Egypt churches withdraw from Morsi's national dialogue
Coptic Orthodox, Catholic and Evangelical churches withdraw from President Morsi's national dialogue because it is 'unproductive'
24 Jan 2013
Representative from Egypt's Christian churches have withdrawn from President Mohamed Morsi's national dialogue.
The Coptic Orthodox, Catholic and Evangelical churches decided to leave the dialogue on Wednesday because it was "unproductive" and did not "yield the desired results," said Father Rafik Gerish, the Catholic representative at the dialogue.
The dialogue had been discussing controversial articles in the recently approved constitution, especially with regards to freedoms.
The Coptic Watani newspaper said that the churches' withdrawal did not indicate an "unwillingness to participate in public affairs." The decision was taken because "the dialogue was not fulfilling its role of fostering positive discussions and prioritising national consensus."
The churches will release a statement on Thursday explaining the reasons for their withdrawal.
Representatives of the three churches met on Sunday to discuss the decision to withdraw.
The churches joined the dialogue to work for Egypt's "benefit and not for privileges for the churches," Evangelical Priest Refaat Fathi told Al-Ahram Arabic newspaper.
However, "the ruling party [FJP] is seeking a majority in parliament without guarantees for the representation of all groups," he added.
Several political groups also withdrew from the national dialogue recently, most notably the Strong Egypt Party led by former Muslim Brotherhood member and ex-presidential contender Abdel-Moneim Abul-Fotouh.
President Mohamed Morsi called on all political groups to start a national dialogue last December after the political strife created by the constitution and issuance of two constitutional declarations.
The churches also withdrew from the Constituent Assembly last November because the draft constitution was "unrepresentative of Egypt's diverse identity."
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/63180/Egypt/Politics-/Egypt-churches-withdraw-from-Morsis-national-dialo.aspx
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El-Qaradawi from Al-Azhar: Egyptian revolution is gift from God
The prominent Islamic scholar said that 'discussion' was the only appropriate method for moving forward, and called for stability
25 Jan 2013
Egyptian sheikh Youssef El-Qaradawi said that the revolution is "a gift from God" in his Friday sermon from Al-Azhar Mosque on the second anniversary of the 25 January revolution.
El-Qaradawi, head of the International Union for Islamic Scholars, said that "whoever doubts that [the revolution] is God's gift, doubts certainty."
He also said that even though the revolution gave people the freedom to disagree and protest, people should not "abuse their rights."
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/63262/Egypt/Politics-/ElQaradawi-from-AlAzhar-Egyptian-revolution-is-gif.aspx
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Iraqi troops shoot dead five protesters during clash
2013/01/25
BAGHDAD: Iraqi troops shot dead five protesters on Friday as they opened fire at stone-hurling demonstrators angry at the troops for preventing them from joining an anti-government rally west of Baghdad, officials said.
According to police officials, the soldiers started shooting after a group of protesters on their way to a Sunni rally in Fallujah started throwing stones on an army checkpoint at the entrance to the city.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2013/01/25/iraqi-troops-shoot-dead-three-protesters-during-clash/
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Twin Car Bombs Kill 8 in Syrian Golan
January 25, 2013
BEIRUT (AP) — Twin car bomb blasts in the Syrian-controlled part of the Golan Heights killed eight people Friday, activists said, as Syria's government called on its citizens who have fled the country during the civil war to come home — including opponents of the regime.
The persistent violence and the moribund peace plan offered by President Bashar Assad, now backed up by the appeal to refugees and his political opponents to return, underlined the intractable nature of the 22-month civil war that has killed more than 60,000 people and left the international community at a loss to find a way to end the bloodshed.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2013/01/25/world/middleeast/ap-ml-
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Al-Gamaa Al-Islamiya threatens violence against 'bitter' Egypt secularists
Al-Gamaa Al-Islamiya spokesperson Tarek El-Zomor says 'revolutionary Islamists' would fight secularists if President Morsi is deposed 'illegitimately'
24 Jan 2013
Tarek El-Zomor has threatened to use violence if President Morsi is forced from power.
“The voice of violence shall prevail above everything else,” said El-Zomor, official spokesperson of Al-Gamaa Al-Islamiya's Construction and Development Party, in a statement released on Thursday.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/150/63179/Egypt/-January-Revolution/Islamist-ElZomor-threatens-violence-against-bitter.aspx
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Morsi says ‘counter-revolution’ is obstructing Egypt's development
The Egyptian president points finger at “remnants of Mubarak’s regime” for hampering the country’s progress and economic development
24 Jan 2013
Egypt president Mohamed Morsi has on Thursday taken a swipe at what he described as remnants of the Hosni Mubarak regime for trying to plunge the country into deep troubles as it struggles to recover from economic woes.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/150/63234/Egypt/-January-Revolution/Morsi-says-%E2%80%98counterrevolution%E2%80%99-is-obstructing-Egyp.aspx
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Assad joins Damascus prayers, army bombards Homs
Jan 25, 2013
DAMASCUS: Syria's embattled President Bashar al-Assad attended prayers at a Damascus mosque on Thursday, in a rare public appearance, as his troops bombarded rebel districts of Homs in the centre of the country.
Key Damascus regional ally Iran, meanwhile, warned that as Syria neared a second full year of conflict, it was unlikely to see peace in 2013.
In a fresh bid to find a solution to the bloody civil war, UN chief Ban Ki-moon appealed again to members of the Security Council to overcome their divisions.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Assad-joins-Damascus-prayers-army-bombards-Homs/articleshow/18175650.cms
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Kingdom regrets global inaction on Israeli violations
25 January 2013
Saudi Arabia has stressed that the resolution of the Palestinian issue is key to achieving regional and world peace, particularly under the current circumstances in the Middle East.
“Israel has been reacting to the United Nations decision to grant Palestine a nonmember observer state status by approving the settlement expansion of thousands of new residential units. At the same time, the occupying authority has intensified its persecution of the Palestinian people. Moreover, it has denied the Palestinian Authority its tax and customs revenue in clear violation of the Paris Protocol,” said Abdullah Al-Muallami, the Kingdom’s permanent representative at the United Nations, while addressing the Security Council in New York on Wednesday.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/kingdom-regrets-global-inaction-israeli-violations
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Loyalists sweep Jordan parliamentary vote
25 January 2013
AMMAN: Tribal leaders, pro-regime loyalists and independent businessmen swept Jordan’s parliamentary election that was shunned by Muslim Brotherhood, according to preliminary results released yesterday.
Analysts say the new Parliament will now be dominated by loyalists, who will resist pressure for real political reform.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/loyalists-sweep-jordan-parliamentary-vote
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Jordan reels over Syrian refugee crisis
25 January 2013
AMMAN: Jordan has launched an urgent aid appeal to cope with a refugee crisis after an estimated 20,000 Syrians crossed over into the country over the past week.
Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh said yesterday that his country had called for urgent support from international donors to help it deal with an “unprecedented” number of Syrian refugees.
“What we have seen in terms of influx of Syrian refugees coming to Jordan is ... unprecedented, larger than any other time in the last two years... we have had 20,000 Syrians coming into Jordan since last Thursday.”
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/jordan-reels-over-syrian-refugee-crisis
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Syria Sends Ground Forces to Try to Seize Sunni Areas of Homs
January 25, 2013
AMMAN (Reuters) - The Syrian army has stepped up an offensive on opposition Sunni Muslim strongholds in the central city of Homs, bringing in ground forces to try to secure passage for its forces through a major road junction, opposition sources said on Friday.
Around 15,000 Sunni civilians were trapped on the southern and western edge of the city on Friday near the intersection of Syria's main north-south and east-west arteries, crucial to let Assad's forces travel between Damascus and the Mediterranean coast, opposition campaigners in Homs said.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2013/01/25/world/middleeast/25reuters-syria-
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Golden moments recalled: How DSF has changed lives
Sandra and her daughter each won half a kilo of gold during DSF in 2012
By Janice Ponce de Leon
January 24, 2013
Dubai: For 18 years running, the Dubai Shopping Festival has rewarded scores of shoppers with astonishing cash prizes, solid gold awards, and luxury cars — collectively worth more than an incredible Dh1.5 billion.
The windfall has transformed many lives — of those both here and abroad — for the better. “Gulf News caught up with some of those who were touched by the DSF phenomenon.”
If there’s one thing Sandra Skairjeh had learned from her DSF experience last year, it is to never ignore small stuff like filling out a raffle coupon. Luck struck twice for Sandra and her daughter, Hanna, when they each won 500g in gold during the Gold Mega Raffle last year thanks to Sandra’s mother.
Full report at:
http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/leisure/golden-moments-recalled-how-dsf-has-changed-lives-1.1137232
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Calls for Syria action as Arab world on Davos centre stage
Jan 25, 2013
DAVOS (Switzerland): Global political and business leaders heard calls for urgent action over Syria's escalating civil war on Friday as the Arab world took centre stage at the Davos forum.
Jordan's King Abdullah II was to address the world's elite at the Swiss ski resort and regional government chiefs were to discuss transformations in Arab countries, on the second anniversary of Egypt's revolution.
Regional experts and diplomats meanwhile warned that Syria's conflict was threatening to settle into a long and bloody war and urged the international community to take more action to stop the violence.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Calls-for-Syria-action-as-Arab-world-on-Davos-centre-stage/articleshow/18184752.cms
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Africa
Malian Army accused of executing 33 civilians
AMAN SETHI
Jan 25, 2013
The Malian Army summarily executed several people for allegedly helping Islamist rebels and threw the bodies into nearby wells, according to eyewitnesses independently interviewed by the Associated Press (AP) and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH).
The Malian army has denied the allegations, but the French Defence Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian admitted that “There’s a risk” of human rights violations in the current French-Malian military operation in North and Central Mali in an interview with the France 24 television station. France is counting on the Malian army to prevent abuses, Mr. Le Drian said.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/malian-army-accused-of-executing-33-civilians/article4341334.ece
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Mali displaced dream of home as French halt Islamists
January 25, 2013
Malians living rough for months after the Islamist capture of the north forced them out of their homes are hoping to return soon, spurred by the French-led offensive that has pushed back the extremists.
Hope pervades among the displaced, 600 of whom are living in a new building in the town of Sevare, about 610 kilometres (380 miles) north of the capital Bamako.
The building, originally meant to provide shelter to passing truckers, now serves as their home.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/africa/Mali-displaced-dream-of-home-as-French-halt-Islamists/Article1-999465.aspx
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Sectarian Clashes Kill at Least Nine in Central Nigeria
January 25, 2013
JOS, Nigeria (Reuters) - At least nine people have been killed in sectarian clashes in central Nigeria, the military said on Friday, a region straddling the boundary between the mostly Muslim north and largely Christian south of the country.
Violence flared after the discovery of a corpse of a missing person in the Wadata region of Plateau state in Africa's most populous nation, local residents said.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2013/01/25/world/africa/25reuters-nigeria-
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Mali Islamists blow up strategic bridge leading to Niger
January 25, 2013
Islamist fighters have dynamited a strategic bridge near the Niger border on the road to Gao, one of the main towns in northern Mali occupied by extremists, sources said Friday.
"The Islamists dynamited the Tassiga bridge. No one can pass to Niger or come to Gao," said the owner of a transport business, Abdou Maiga.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/afp/mali-islamists-blow-up-strategic-bridge-leading-to-niger/567627
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Somalia's al-Shabab Twitter account suspended
January 25, 2013
The Twitter account of Somali militant group al-Shabab has been suspended, after it was used to threaten to kill Kenyan hostages.
Al-Shabab launched its Twitter account in December 2011, after Kenyan troops went into Somalia to combat it.
Earlier this month, it used Twitter to announce it would kill a French hostage and then said it had done so.
Full report at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21196279
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Former Libyan Spy Chief Could Face Execution Soon, Lawyer Fears
By MARLISE SIMONS
January 25, 2013
PARIS — Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi’s intelligence chief is expected to be tried by a Libyan military court in the coming days and will face a certain and swift execution, his British lawyer said Thursday.
The lawyer, Ben Emmerson, sent urgent letters on Thursday urging the British government and the judges of the International Criminal Court to intervene and prevent what he called a summary execution of his client, Abdullah al-Senussi.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/25/world/africa/former-libyan-intelligence-chief-could- ----------------
Mali Army, Riding U.S. Hopes, Is Proving No Match for Militants
By LYDIA POLGREEN
January 25, 2013
DIABALY, Mali — At first, the battle went well.
Boubacar Yattara, a 25-year-old Malian soldier, fed the heavy machine gun atop an armored vehicle. His unit fired on a truck full of Islamist militants, destroying it. He radioed for reinforcements, but his commanding officer had bad news. His fellow soldiers had already fallen back, beating a hasty retreat.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/25/world/africa/mali-army-riding-us-hopes-is-proving-no-
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Algeria siege dead and survivors arrive in Japan
January 25, 2013
A plane carrying the bodies of nine of the 10 Japanese victims of the Algerian hostage crisis has landed in the Japanese capital Tokyo.
Seven survivors of the siege were also on the government-chartered plane.
Japan suffered the highest confirmed death toll from the crisis.
On Wednesday the Algerian government said it believed 37 foreign hostages of eight nationalities and one Algerian worker were killed during the crisis at a gas plant in the desert.
Full report at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21192100
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Mali crisis set to dominate African Union summit
January 25, 2013
The war against Islamist militants in northern Mali including the deployment of African troops is expected to dominate talks at the African Union summit in Ethiopia opening on Sunday.
A scaling-up of African troops is intended to support the weak Malian army -- boosted by the recent French military intervention -- to battle Islamist insurgents, who seized swathes of Mali's desert north following a coup last year.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/africa/Mali-crisis-set-to-dominate-African-Union-summit/Article1-999471.aspx
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India
Former President A P J Abdul Kalam for India-US-Israel task force to fight terror
Jan 25, 2013
NEW DELHI: India can adopt 'never forget and never forgive' attitude of the US and Israel in tracking terrorists, former President A P J Abdul Kalam has said, suggesting that the three countries come together with an integrated task force to defeat their threats.
Kalam said the experience of the US and Israel in cooperating with each other on real time basis in countering threats from terror groups has helped in saving the lives of their people.
"The attacks are well coordinated and never end before the threat is completely eliminated, however, long it takes and whatever it takes. Very often the attacks were performed on targets located in unfriendly foreign soil and successfully.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Kalam-for-India-US-Israel-task-force-to-fight-terror/articleshow/18181646.cms
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Two Pak diplomats barred from attending Jaipur literary festival
Jan 25, 2013
NEW DELHI: In a move which threatens to spark fresh acrimony between the two countries, the government has prevented two Pakistani diplomats from attending the Jaipur literary festival without giving any reason. The two Pakistani diplomats — Manzoor Memon and Naeem Anwar — couldn't visit Jaipur on Thursday as the ministry of external affairs (MEA) didn't give them the requisite approval.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Two-Pak-diplomats-barred-from-attending-Jaipur-literary-festival/articleshow/18173859.cms
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Cabinet clears extradition treaty with Bangladesh
Jan 24, 2013
NEW DELHI: The government on Thursday approved the extradition treaty with Bangladesh proposed to be signed during home minister Sushilkumar Shinde's visit to Dhaka beginning Monday.
The long-awaited treaty was cleared by the Cabinet at its meeting, presided by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, after Bangladesh government made minor modifications in the draft.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Cabinet-clears-extradition-treaty-with-Bangladesh/articleshow/18168025.cms
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Hafiz Saeed speaks tough on Kashmir issue
25 Jan 2013,
New Delhi: Stressing that Kashmir is an integral part of his country, Pakistan based Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief and mastermind of 26/11 Mumbai attack, Hafiz Saeed, has vowed that he will indeed recapture it from India.
“Kashmir is indeed the jugular-vein of Pakistan – We have to re-capture this vein from the enemy,” Saeed said.
Full report at:
http://post.jagran.com/hafiz-saeed-speaks-tough-on-kashmir-issue-1359109240
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President greets nation on Milad-un-Nabi
Jan 25, 2013
President Pranab Mukherjee has greeted the nation on the occasion of Milad-un-Nabi, which is being observed on Friday.
In his message, Mr. Mukherjee said: “On the auspicious occasion of Milad-un-Nabi, the birthday of the Holy Prophet, I send my greetings and good wishes to all my fellow citizens. May the message of universal brotherhood, compassion, tolerance and service to humanity preached by the Holy Prophet guide and inspire us all to live a righteous and productive life.”
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/president-greets-nation-on-miladunnabi/article4341578.ece
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15 kg heroin recovered from near India-Pakistan border
Jan 24, 2013
AMRITSAR: Border Security Force (BSF) on Thursday recovered 15 kilogram heroin valued at around Rs 75 crore in the international market along with 1 desi Pak made pistol following the arrest of an Indian smuggler Bhupinder Singh from Dera Baba Nanak Sector.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/15-kg-heroin-recovered-from-near-India-Pakistan-border/articleshow/18166279.cms
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Probe all blasts since 1992: Asaduddin Owaisi
Jan 25, 2013
HYDERABAD: MIM president Asaduddin Owaisi has demanded a probe into all bomb blasts in India after the razing of the Babri Masjid in 1992.
Saying he suspected the involvement of Hindutva forces, the Hyderabad MP referred to home minister Sushilkumar Shinde's statement that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and RSS were spreading terrorism in the country.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Probe-all-blasts-since-1992-Asaduddin-Owaisi/articleshow/18180623.cms
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All those involved in Mumbai terror attacks should get death penalty: India
By Vishwa Mohan
NEW DELHI: In the first formal reaction to the American-Pakistani terrorist David Coleman Headley's sentencing, home secretary R K Singh on Friday said, "Our view is that all those involved in 26/11 case should receive death penalty. That has been our consistent stand".
Though Singh said India still wanted Headley to get death sentence, he did not explain how it was still possible since a US court had already awarded him jail term of 35 years -- wit the judge explaining that the death penalty was not possible under his plea bargaining clauses and the leniency shown by the American prosecutors.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/All-those-involved-in-Mumbai-terror-attacks-should-get-death-penalty-India/articleshow/18179474.cms
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'David Headley sentence dishonours 26/11 victims'
Jan 25 2013
New York : An American woman, whose husband and teenage daughter were among 166 people killed in the Mumbai attacks, has said the 35-year sentence for LeT terrorist David Headley "dishonours" the victims, asserting that the Pakistani-American "lost his right" to live as a free man when he helped plan the strikes.
Kia Scherr said she is unhappy with the sentence handed down to Headley by a Chicago court adding that he deserved harsher punishment for his "deplorable act."
"I vehemently disagree with the sentence. It dishonors those who were killed and those who survived, whose lives changed forever," Scherr said in an e-mail.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/david-headley-sentence-dishonours-2611-victims/1064799/
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Disappointed Headley not given harsher sentence: Khurshid
January 25, 2013
India on Friday said it is disappointed that David Headley did not get a "harsher" sentence than 35 years in jail awarded by a US court after he escaped death penalty for helping plot the 2008 Mumbai terror attack and vowed to push for his extradition.
External affairs minister Salman Khurshid said Headley would have got "harsher punishment" had he been tried in India while Union home secretary RK Singh said the Pakistani-American LeT terrorist and all those who were involved in the carnage should get death penalty.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/newdelhi/Disappointed-Headley-not-given-harsher-sentence-Khurshid/Article1-999514.aspx
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India likely to quiz Headley via video conferencing
Jan 24, 2013
NEW DELHI: With the US refusing to extradite the 26\11 Mumbai terror attack accused David Coleman Headley, India is left with no option but to explore the possibility of deposing the Pakistani-American Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist via video conferencing during the NIA's case trial.
The US refusal for Headley's extradition to India may be disappointing, but it does not come as a shock to Indian officials who knew that the request to this effect to Washington last year was a prelude to the legal process (seeking video-conferencing on later dates) after the LeT terrorist's sentencing.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-likely-to-quiz-Headley-via-video-conferencing/articleshow/18171151.cms
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Woman who worked in David Headley's office spilled beans to investigators
Jan 25, 2013
MUMBAI: Indian authorities were able to unravel the nefarious activities of Pakistani-American and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative David Headley in Mumbai mainly because of a woman he employed at his Tardeo office, according to a Mumbai police officer who probed Headley's links to the 26/11 attacks.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Woman-who-worked-in-David-Headleys-office-spilled-beans-to-investigators/articleshow/18173927.cms
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Headley's sentencing is on expected lines: Indian officials
Jan 25, 2013
NEW DELHI: Indian agencies may be disappointed of leniency shown by US prosecutors to David Coleman Headley which spared him of death penalty but they are not shocked with the 35 years jail term for him by the American court as they think the 26/11 accused had ensured to escape from capital punishment long ago when he had entered into plea bargaining with the FBI.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Headleys-sentencing-is-on-expected-lines-Indian-officials/articleshow/18178518.cms
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Omar welcomes recommendations on AFSPA
Jan 25, 2013
J&K officials reviewing the laws related to crime against women
Taking their cue from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s prompt reaction to the Justice Verma Committee report, Jammu and Kashmir government officials have begun a comprehensive exercise to review the laws related to crime against women and the special powers of the armed forces.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/other-states/omar-welcomes-recommendations-on-afspa/article4341943.ece
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Pakistan
Pakistan used as a 'tissue paper' by Washington: Imran Khan
Jan 25, 2013
DAVOS: Replying to a query on US's role in the subcontinent, Pakistan's cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan on Friday said Pakistan has been used as a "tissue paper" by Washington.
"I think Pakistan and India should sort out the issues on their own. At the most, US could be a facilitator and nothing more than that".
He said the war on terror has had adverse impact and the way it has been fought has led to results that are counter productive.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Pakistan-used-as-a-tissue-paper-by-Washington-Imran-Khan/articleshow/18185142.cms
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Militant clash in Khyber tribal region kills 24
2013/01/25
PESHAWAR: An intense gun-battle erupted between two banned militant groups in Khyber Agency’s Tirah Valley on Friday, with at least 24 militants so far killed in the clash.
Intelligence officials said the gun-battle started late Thursday between the proscribed Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and rival group Ansarul Islam (AI) in Tirah Valley’s Maidan village. The dead included 15 Ansar fighters and nine TTP militants, while several others were also injured.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2013/01/25/five-militants-killed-in-ttp-ansarul-islam-clash-in-khyber-tribal-region/
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Terrorism has damaged Islam’s image: PM
January 25, 2013
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has said that Islam never granted permission to impose any ideology by force.
Addressing a Seeratun Nabi (PBUH) conference here on Friday, the prime minister greeted the nation on Eid Miladun Nabi and said that terrorism caused immense damage to Pakistan and the image of Islam across the world.
Full report at:
http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-85254-Terrorism-has-damaged-Islams-image:-PM-
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Pak military conducting 'Saffron Bandit' exercise
Jan 25 2013
Islamabad : Against the backdrop of a spike in tensions with India, the Pakistani military is conducting a combat exercise involving fighter jets and ground troops with a top General saying the armed forces were "well prepared" to defend the country's sovereignty and integrity.
The Pakistan Air Force is conducting the 'Saffron Bandit' exercise with elements from the Army Aviation and Army Air Defence.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/pak-military-conducting-saffron-bandit-exercise/1064830/
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Pakistan EC looks to Indian model
ANITA JOSHUA
Jan 25, 2013
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) would like to borrow a leaf out of its Indian counterpart’s manual, particularly with regard to the Model Code of Conduct. The ECP wants administrative powers where the government machinery would come under it once the elections are announced.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/pakistan-ec-looks-to-indian-model/article4341195.ece
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Want to resolve all issues with India: Pakistan
Jan 24, 2013
ISLAMABAD: Amidst strain in bilateral ties arising out of ceasefire violations, Pakistan today said it wants to resolve all issues with India, including tensions along the Line of Control, through talks as dialogue is the best way to address such matters.
Islamabad wants to sort out all issues with New Delhi, particularly ceasefire violations along the LoC, Foreign Office spokesman Moazzam Khan told a weekly news briefing.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Want-to-resolve-all-issues-with-India-Pakistan/articleshow/18167754.cms
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Pakistan S C orders to register second criminal case action against P M
25 January 2013
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s top court yesterday ordered officials to register a second criminal case against the prime minister, raising the pressure on the government as it nears the end of its term in office.
Last week, the Supreme Court ordered the arrest of Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf in connection with a corruption investigation that dates back to energy projects commissioned when he was water and power minister.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/pakistan-supreme-court-orders-second-action-against-prime-minister
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Jaipur Literature Fest: Got visas late, say Pak writers
Jan 25 2013
Jaipur : Though all Pakistani writers invited to the annual Jaipur Literature Festival except Mohammed Hanif made it to the event, the writers complained that they got their visas very late. Meanwhile, there is no clarity on the reason why Hanif pulled out of the fest at the last minute. While organisers said that it was “due to personal reasons”, some writers said there could have been a visa issue.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/jaipur-literature-fest-got-visas-late-say-pak-writers/1064589/
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Radical change needed due to leadership’s failure: UK High Commissioner
Jan 25, 2013
ISLAMABAD: British High Commissioner Adam Thomson said on Thursday Pakistan needed a radical change due to the political leadership’s failure to deliver, but cautioned against any unconstitutional move, including a prolonged caretaker government.
The British envoy further stressed on having an impartial caretaker government and an effective Election Commission for the credibility of coming elections.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2013/01/25/radical-change-needed-due-to-leaderships-failure-uk-diplomat/
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‘Zardari offers caretaker PM’s post to Pagara’ of Pakistan Muslim League-Functional
Jan 25, 2013
LAHORE: The Pakistan Muslim League-N fears that it will lose its ‘potential’ ally in Sindh as Pir Pagara of the Pakistan Muslim League-Functional has been reportedly offered the slot of caretaker prime minister by the Pakistan People’s Party.
A Punjab-based leader of the PML-F claims that his chief is giving a serious consideration to the offer.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2013/01/25/zardari-offers-caretaker-pms-post-to-pagara/
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Pakistani novelist among finalists for Man Booker International Prize
January 24, 2013
Pakistani novelist Intizar Husain is among the 10 finalists nominated for the 5th Man Booker International Prize 2013.
The list was unveiled on Thursday by the chair of judges, Sir Christopher Ricks, at the DSC Jaipur Literary Festival.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/498508/pakistani-novelist-among-finalists-for-man-booker-prize/
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British Pakistani novelist flays US drone attacks
Jan 25, 2013
JAIPUR: A well-planned drone attack by US in the Waziristan region of Pakistan is killing on an average 49 innocent people but could take out only one militant, laments Pakistan-born author Nadeem Aslam during a conversation at a jam-packed session of the JLF titled 'The Blind Man's Garden'.
According to Aslam, the drone attacks, aimed at cleansing the tribal regions of terrorist groups, kill innocents in the ratio of 100:2. The spilling of innocent blood being termed as 'collateral damage' draws sharp criticism from the British Pakistani novelist.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/British-Pakistani-novelist-flays-US-drone-attacks/articleshow/18175116.cms
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We don’t want to speculate on Shinde remark, says Pakistan
ANITA JOSHUA
Jan 25, 2013
Pakistan on Thursday sidestepped questions on Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde’s allegations of ‘Hindu terrorism’ but reiterated its demand that it kept in the loop on the Samjhauta Express blast, in which over 40 Pakistanis were killed.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/we-dont-want-to-speculate-on-shinde-remark-says-pakistan/article4342104.ece
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232 deaths in Sindh: Poor handling led to measles outbreak: minister
Jan 25, 2013
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani admitted on the floor of the Senate on Thursday that poor handling of measles’ cases had resulted in the recent outbreak of the disease and death of 232 children in 11 districts of Sindh.
Replying to a call-attention notice from Syed Muzaffar Hussain Shah of PML-F, the federal minister claimed there had been no shortage of vaccines in the province but the real problem was “access to people” and at present only 40 per cent of the area was being covered.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2013/01/25/232-deaths-in-sindh-poor-handling-led-to-measles-outbreak-minister/
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Police foil terror plot targeting Eid Milad procession in DI Khan
January 25, 2013
DI KHAN: Police foiled a terror plot targeting the main Eid Miladun Nabi procession in Dera Ismail Khan on Friday, reported Express News.
Around 21 mortar shells, 19 rockets, one launcher, eight hand grenades and 100kg explosives were recovered by the police.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/498984/police-foil-terror-plot-targeting-eid-milad-procession-in-di-khan/
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Rehman Malik admits defeat in unblocking YouTube
January 24, 2013
After months of effort, sending out innumerable tweets, setting up a special committee and raising the matter in the cabinet and even enjoying four hours of success in the campaign, Interior Minister Rehman Malik finally admitted defeat in having video sharing website YouTube unblocked in Pakistan.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/498553/rehman-malik-admits-defeat-in-getting-youtube-unblocked/
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Imran Khan predicts victory in Pakistan elections
Jan 25 2013
Davos : Cricket legend-turned-politician Imran Khan says he is more confident than ever that his party will sweep upcoming national elections and that he will become Pakistan's next leader.
The reason is very simple, Khan said Thursday on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum: "People want a change."
The elections later this year would mark the first time a civilian government has completed a full five-year term and transferred power through the ballot box in Pakistan. Past governments have been toppled in military coups or dismissed by presidents allied with top generals.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/imran-khan-predicts-victory-in-pakistan-elections/1064737/
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Mideast Asia
Islamist Hamas to establish military academy to train Palestinians
Jan 25, 2013
JERUSALEM: Islamist Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip and swears to the destruction of Israel, is planning to establish a military academy for training and educating schoolchildren as young as 12 years old for "liberating Palestine".
Hamas' Prime Minister in the Gaza Strip, Ismail Haniyeh, made the announcement during a graduation ceremony for more than 3,000 Palestinian teenagers who passed the Islamist group sponsored military training programme held at various schools in the coastal Strip.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Hamas-to-establish-military-academy-to-train-Palestinians/articleshow/18176101.cms
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IAEA to Israel: Iran Nuclear Row Must Be Resolved Peacefully
January 25, 2013
VIENNA (Reuters) - The U.N. nuclear watchdog chief has underlined to Israel's president the need to resolve differences with Iran diplomatically, Yukiya Amano's office said on Friday, rather than war as Israeli leaders have mooted.
Israel, widely believed to be the only nuclear-armed state in the Middle East, has threatened possible military action if diplomacy and sanctions fail to prevent arch-adversary Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Iran says its uranium enrichment program is for peaceful energy purposes only.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2013/01/25/world/middleeast/25reuters-nuclear-iran-iaea-israel.html?ref=world
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Netanyahu begins informal coalition talks in Israel
Jan 25, 2013
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu contacted two potential coalition partners on Thursday, in his first, informal, steps towards forming the country’s next government.
The final results of Tuesday’s elections gave the right-wing and religious bloc of parties in the 120-seat Knesset a one seat majority, according to the Central Election Committee.
Votes from soldiers, diplomats and prisoners, which were counted on Thursday, gave one more seat, under Israel’s proportional representation system, to the ultra-nationalist Jewish Home party at the expense of the United Arab List.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/netanyahu-begins-informal-coalition-talks-in-israel/article4343573.ece
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Israel’s shock vote gives a glimmer of hope for Palestinians
ATUL ANEJA
Jan 25, 2013
Palestinians have responded cautiously to the surprising emergence into prominence of a centrist party in Israel’s remarkable elections that has stolen the thunder of a right-wing coalition that was earlier expected to win by a comfortable margin.
Riding on young middle class votes, the Yesh Atid party headed by newcomer Yair Lapid has done exceptionally well in its maiden outing. In Ramallah, the seat of the Palestinian Authority, the formal response to the Israel polls has been lukewarm.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/israels-shock-vote-gives-a-glimmer-of-hope-for-palestinians/article4341324.ece
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Poll shows rise of Israeli Right arrested
ATUL ANEJA
Jan 25, 2013
Like most Arab-Israelis, the assertion of the middle class that has led to the powerful emergence of a centrist party in Israel’s remarkable, possibly trend-setting parliamentary elections, has grabbed the attention of Abed Harb.
Queuing up on a cold but sunlit afternoon in front of a takeaway cafeteria in East Jerusalem — not far from the iconic walled city — Mr. Harb, a young electronics engineer-turned-real estate developer, is eager to share his mixed emotions and complex reasoning about the elections.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/poll-shows-rise-of-israeli-right-arrested/article4341323.ece
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Yemen says country's Qaeda Number Two dead
January 25, 2013
SANAA: Yemen said on Thursday that the co-founder and second-in-command of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), Saudi national Saeed al-Shehri, had died.
The Supreme National Security Committee said Shehri had succumbed to wounds received in a counter-terrorism operation in the northern Saada province on November 28.
“The terrorist Shehri was buried by the Al-Qaeda network at a secret location in Yemen, a statement added.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/498945/yemen-says-countrys-qaeda-number-two-dead/
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With All Votes in, Netanyahu Assesses the Damage
By JODI RUDOREN
January 25, 2013
JERUSALEM — The final ballots in Israel’s national elections were tallied on Thursday, giving a right-wing religious party one more seat in Parliament than had been expected and the Arab-dominated parties one fewer. But the results also sustained the political shift that weakened Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and left him scrambling to form a stable coalition.
The last votes counted, mostly those of active-duty soldiers, gave the right-wing and religious factions that make up Mr. Netanyahu’s current coalition a one-seat majority. But the prime minister has indicated that he wants to form a broader government, partnering first with Yair Lapid, the leader of the new, centrist Yesh Atid party, whose second-place finish stunned Israel.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/25/world/middleeast/with-all-votes-counted-in-israel-
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South Asia
Suicide bomber misses Nato, kills 5: Afghanistan police
Jan 25, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan: Afghan Police say a suicide car bomber has killed five civilians and wounded another 25 in a botched attempt to hit a convoy of Nato supply trucks in eastern Afghanistan.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/Suicide-bomber-misses-Nato-kills-5-Afghanistan-police/articleshow/18179779.cms
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Maldives’ future “a cycle of failed governments”: report
By JJ Robinson | January 24th, 2013
The most likely short-term political future of the Maldives is a cycle of failed governments, according to a report produced by local NGO the Raajje Foundation, and supported by the UNDP and the US State Department.
“The Maldives finds itself at a critical juncture in its political development. The high hopes for the country after the new Constitution and first ever democratic election in 2008 have been tempered by the events of February 2012, in which President Nasheed resigned from office under claims of duress following weeks of public protests and increasing political tension,” writes Professor Tom Ginsburg from the University of Chicago Law School.
Full report at:
http://minivannews.com/politics/maldives-future-a-cycle-of-failed-governments-report-51704
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30 hurt as Jamaat-Shibir men clash with cops
Jan 25, 2013
Some 30 people, including four policemen, were injured after leaders and activists of Jamaat-e-Islami and pro-Jamaat student organisation Islami Chhatra Shibir clashed with police in the capital's Motijheel and Shyamoli and in Gaibandha district yesterday.
In Motijheel, the Jamaat-Shibir men damaged at least six vehicles while police detained six of them.
Full report at:
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=266605
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Two men arrested with 325 bottles of alcohol in Maldives
By Ahmed Nazeer | January 24th, 2013
Police have arrested two men found to be in possession of 325 bottles of alcohol in Male’ on Thursday afternoon.
According to the Maldives Police Service, the two men were arrested as part of a joint operation conducted by the Police Intelligence and Drug Enforcement Department (DED).
Police confirmed to local media that a Bangladeshi and Maldivian national were arrested as part of the operation.
Full report at:
http://minivannews.com/society/two-men-arrested-with-320-bottles-of-alcohol-51696
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Namaz-e-Janazas of National Prof. Nurul Islam held
Jan 25, 2013
Two Namaz-e-Janaza of National Professor Dr Nurul Islam were held at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University and Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in the capital on Friday.
The first Janaza was held at BSMMU around 11:00am while the second at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque after juma prayers.
The educationist, Dr Nurul Islam, passed away at LabAid Hospital in the capital Thursday night at the age of 85.
Full report at:
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/latest_news.php?nid=44284
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North America
US Senators introduce legislation after Malala Yousafzai
Jan 25, 2013
WASHINGTON: Two top American Senators have introduced a legislation in the name of Malala Yousafzai, a 15-year-old Pakistani peace activist who was shot by the Taliban, to provide scholarship to girls from Pakistan.
Introduced by Senators Barbara Boxer and Mary Landrieu, the Malala Yousafzai Scholarship Act is designed to expand scholarship opportunities for disadvantaged young women in Pakistan.
The Boxer-Landrieu bill would require a 30 per cent increase in the number of scholarships awarded under the program for the next four years, and that these additional scholarships be awarded solely to women.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/US-Senators-introduce-legislation-after-Malala/articleshow/18180526.cms
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Mali crisis: US admits mistakes in training local troops
January 25, 2013
The US military commander in Africa says the Pentagon made mistakes in its training of Malian troops now trying to oust Islamists from the north.
Gen Carter Ham of United States Africa Command (Africom) said its forces had failed to train Malian troops on "values, ethics and a military ethos".
He was speaking after reports of abuses by Mali government troops taking part in the French-led counter-offensive.
Full report at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21195371
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Israel may boycott UN rights scrutiny session: America
25 January 2013
GENEVA: Israel is expected to boycott the UN Human Rights Council next week despite the United States urging its ally to show up for an examination of its record, the US ambassador said yesterday.
The Jewish state is scheduled to be in the dock of the Geneva rights forum on Tuesday, Jan. 29 as part of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process, the council’s regular scrutiny of all United Nations member states.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/israel-may-boycott-un-rights-scrutiny-session-america
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Pak hasn't got sufficient credit for help in war on terror: John Kerry
Jan 25 2013
Washington : Pakistan has not got "sufficient credit" for the intelligence cooperation it provided to the US that eventually helped the American special forces to zero in on al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, says Senator John Kerry, who has been nominated by President Barack Obama to be his next Secretary of State.
"I don't think the Pakistanis have, frankly, gotten credit sufficiently for the fact that they were helpful (in getting Osama bin Laden). It was their permissiveness in allowing our people to be there that helped us to be able to tie the knots that focused on that, not exclusively, obviously, but to some degree," Kerry told Senators at his confirmation hearing.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/pak-hasnt-got-sufficient-credit-for-help-in-war-on-terror-john-kerry/1064844/
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Pope on social networking: the virtual is real
Jan 25, 2013
VATICAN CITY: Pope Benedict XVI put Catholic Church leaders on notice, saying social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter aren’t a virtual world they can ignore, but rather a very real world they must engage if they want to spread the faith to the next generation.
The 85-year-old Benedict, who tweets in nine languages, used his annual message on social communications to stress the potential of social media for the church as it struggles to keep followers and attract new ones amid religious apathy, competition from other churches and scandals that have driven the faithful away.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2013/01/24/pope-on-social-networking-the-virtual-is-real/
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Remorseful' David Headley claimed he is changed
Jan 25 2013
Washington : A "remorseful" Pakistani-American LeT terrorist David Headley made a last ditch effort to have his sentence reduced by writing an emotional letter to the judge claiming he is a changed man and was sorry of his past doings.
However, US District Judge Harry D Leinenweber, in the court room acknowledging the receipt of such a letter, publicly told Headley that he had difficulties sin believing him given his past record.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/remorseful-david-headley-claimed-he-is-changed/1064707/
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Possibility of Headley's extradition to India: US attorney
Jan 25, 2013
CHICAGO: There is still some possibility of extraditing Pakistani-American LeT terrorist David Headley to India, if the Mumbai terror attacks convict violates his plea agreement, a US federal attorney has indicated.
Going into rare hypothetical scenario, which a government official normally does not do before the media, the acting US attorney Gary S Shapiro told reporters that for this Headley would have to violate his guilty plea by not co-operating the US government or any foreign government in future investigations and not being truthful.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/Possibility-of-Headleys-extradition-to-India-US-attorney/articleshow/18179082.cms
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Panetta: Women are integral to military's success
Jan 25, 2013
WASHINGTON: Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, in lifting a ban on women serving in combat, said women have become integral to the US military's success and have shown they are willing to fight and die alongside their male counterparts.
``The time has come for our policies to recognize that reality,'' Panetta said on Thursday at a Pentagon news conference with Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Panetta said that not all women will be able to meet the qualifications to be a combat soldier.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/Panetta-Women-are-integral-to-militarys-success/articleshow/18176947.cms
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David Headley deserved death penalty: US judge
Jan 25, 2013
WASHINGTON: A US federal court on Thursday sentenced Pakistani-American terrorist David Headley aka Daood Gilani to 35 years in prison for his role in the ISI-LeT sponsored 26/11 attack on Mumbai, with the judge expressing unhappiness over the prosecution seeking a relatively light term given the magnitude of Headley's offences.
The 52-year-old Headley had entered into a plea bargain with the US investigators under which he escaped death sentence. But many were left surprised when the US prosecutors did not seek a life sentence for Headley.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/David-Headley-deserved-death-penalty-US-judge/articleshow/18176849.cms
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Southeast Asia
Religious freedom of Christian Bumis under attack in Allah row
By Ida Lim January 25, 2013
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 25 — The religious freedom of Christian Bumiputeras is under attack, a Sabah church group today said, following controversial calls by Malay-right wing group Perkasa and unknown individuals to burn the Alkitab, the Malay-language Bible, over the use of the word Allah.
Full report at:
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/sabah-churches-say-religious-freedom-of-christian-bumis-under-attack-in-allah-row/
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Judicial Commission Says Tribunal for ‘Rape Joke’ Judge Not Negotiable
Erwin C. Sihombing | January 25, 2013
Purwokerto, Central Java. The government’s judicial watchdog has urged the Supreme Court to comply with a demand to set up an ethics tribunal for a senior judge who publicly joked earlier this month that women enjoyed being raped.
Erman Suparman, chairman of the Judicial Commission, said at a discussion in Purwokerto on Wednesday that the Supreme Court had until Feb. 1 to comply with the demand, two weeks since the commission’s decision on Jan. 18 that Judge Daming Sunusi should be brought before an ethics tribunal.
Full report at:
.
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/judicial-commission-says-tribunal-for-rape-joke-judge-not-negotiable/567474
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East Java Religious affairs office recommends shutting six recalcitrant Catholic schools
Indra Harsaputra
January 24 2013
The local office of the Religious Affairs Ministry has recommended that the Blitar mayoral administration shut down six Catholic schools that are refusing to provide Islamic instruction for Muslim students in Blitar, East Java.
The head of the Religious Affairs Ministry's Blitar office, Imam Mukhlis, said on Thursday that his office urged the Blitar mayor to take legal action against the six schools managed by two Catholic foundations – the Yohanes Gabriel Foundation and the Joseph Foundation.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/01/24/blitar-religious-affairs-office-recommends-shutting-recalcitrant-catholic-schools.ht
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Indonesian President preaches tolerance as Shia plight continues
January 25 2013
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono again called for religious tolerance in the country, a demand that will ring hollow among members of the Sampang Shia community who are now living in destitution following the government’s failure to protect their rights.
In his speech before thousands of Muslims gathered on Thursday to observe the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, Yudhoyono said Muslims in the country must learn from the Prophet’s example in promoting tolerance.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/01/25/sby-preaches-tolerance-shia-plight-continues.html
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Europe
Man arrested in London in connection with terror offences in Syria
January 25, 2013
A 31-year-old man has been arrested in London on suspicion of terror offences in Syria, Scotland Yard has said.
The unnamed man will be charged with the "preparation of terrorist acts" contrary to section five of the Terrorism Act 2006.
He was arrested by counter terrorism (SO15) officers investigating people travelling to Syria to support terrorist activities.
Full report at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21190899
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UN expert investigates US drone killings
Jan 25, 2013
UNITED NATIONS: A UN expert on Thursday launched a special investigation into drone warfare and targeted killings, which the United States relies on as a front-line weapon in its global war against al-Qaida.
One of the three countries requesting the investigation was Pakistan, which officially opposes the use of US drones on its territory as an infringement on its sovereignty but is believed to have tacitly approved some strikes in the past. Many Pakistanis say innocent civilians have also been killed in drone strikes, which the US has rejected.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/UN-expert-investigates-US-drone-killings/articleshow/18175719.cms
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Syria situation stagnant: France
25 January 2013
PARIS: The French foreign minister said yesterday there was no sign the Syrian crisis was going to be resolved anytime soon, in contrast to his prediction last month that the end was near for Bashar Assad.
"Things are not moving. The solution that we had hoped for, and by that I mean the fall of Bashar and the arrival of the coalition to power, has not happened," Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said in his annual New Year's address to the press.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/syria-situation-stagnant-france
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U.S. and 3 European Countries Warn That Westerners Are Facing Threats in Libya
By ALAN COWELL and RICK GLADSTONE
January 25, 2013
LONDON — Britain, Germany, the Netherlands and the United States issued ominous warnings on Thursday about threats to Westerners in Libya, in particular the unruly eastern city of Benghazi, less than a week after the deadly hostage crisis in neighboring Algeria.
Travel advisories issued by the foreign ministries of the three European countries did not elaborate on the precise nature of the threat, nor was it clear how many expatriates might be affected, but they warned their citizens to leave Benghazi immediately.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/25/world/africa/britain-warns-of-imminent-threat-to-
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Germany Says Hurtful Comments Damage Middle East Peace
January 25, 2013
BERLIN (Reuters) - The German government condemned on Friday any comments that might damage the goal of Middle East peace as "unhelpful", when asked about remarks on Jews that Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi is reported to have made in 2010 when he was a Muslim Brotherhood leader.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2013/01/25/world/middleeast/25reuters-egypt-jews-
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French court orders Twitter to reveal racists' details
By Patrick Jackson
January 25, 2013
A French court has ordered Twitter to hand over details of users who spread anti-Semitic messages, months after offensive tweets were removed.
The Paris high court issued the order to the popular US micro-blogging site at the request of the French Jewish students' union (UEJF) and others.
Anti-Semitism groups hope to identify the users and have them prosecuted.
A spokesperson for Twitter told the BBC News website: "We are currently reviewing the court's decision."
Full report at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21179677
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/friday-sermon-malaysia-‘enemies’-islam/d/10146