Implementation of Hefazat-e Islam Demands Will Lead to Talibani State
New Age Islam News Bureau
11
Apr 2013
Photo: 57 killed in army assault in southern Syria
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Arab World
• Egypt’s 'Daily Show' Has Provoked the Worst in Islamist Ideology
• Arabic Atlas of Shia to be unveiled in Iraq
• 57 killed in army assault in southern Syria: Watchdog
• Syria's cold logic: If we don't back the Islamists, we'll get jihadists
• We are a minority in our country says Saudi Minister
• ‘Insulting Pakistan’ new charge against Egypt satirist Bassem Youssef
• Iraq officials say three policemen killed in north
• Expat students divulge personal secrets through confession pages on Facebook
• Jeddah Businessman’s son gets jail, lashes for reckless driving
Pakistan
• Pakistan columnist, Ayaz Amir wins appeal to contest elections
• At least 15 militants killed in Khyber’s Tirah valley
• Legislation demanded to stop forced conversions
• Pervez Musharraf files appeal against rejection of his nomination
• PM hails Baloch nationalists for contesting polls
• Tribunal refuses to hear appeals against Nawaz Sharif’s candidacy
• Appointments for Election duty will be on merit, says Sethi
• Balochistan elections: Premier Khoso reaches out to nationalists
• MQM leader Fakhrul Islam shot dead in Pakistan
• US Ambassador calls on President Zardari
Europe
• Topless group Femen call Putin stupid for 'liking' their protest
• Accession to the Customs Union Threatens Kyrgyzstan’s Domestic Stability
• Kazakh Man Convicted For Promoting Armed Jihad, 16 Tried On Terror Charges
• Bosnian Serb leader blames Muslim ambition at Karadzic trial
• G8 united against North Korea, divided on Syria
• Uzbek fighters gain support in Afghan north
• Kazakhstan Introduces New Counter-Terrorism Strategy
• Pork found in Halal-marked salami: Swedish agency
Southeast Asia
• Jakarta eyes bigger share of Sharia tourism
• High-Tech Cultural Centre Allows New Level of US-Indonesian Exchange
• Indonesians in Saudi Arabia back Mahfud for president
• Najib: Don’t change government for sake of changing
India
• Indian Embassy searching for over 99 Indians missing in UAE since 2010
• Muslims protest in Delhi against Rohingyas killings
• For Kerala Muslim man, Catholic priest brings the gift of life
• 12 Pakistanis get into Bihar from Nepal, arrested
• India to offer group tourist visa to Pakistanis
• Pak blames SGPC for denial of visas to Sikh pilgrims
• Rajeev Shahare New High Commissioner in Maldives
• SP govt has not done enough for Muslims: Shahi Imam
North America
• US hikes Pakistan aid by 40% in 2014 budget
• Associated Press takes positive step on use of 'Islamist'
• Bill Banning Islamic Sharia Law in Family Court Passes Florida Senate
• GOP Must Repudiate NC Lawmaker Who Compared Islamic Prayer to 'Terrorism'
• Osama Bin Laden raid member can be WikiLeaks witness
• On Safdar Hashmi's birth anniversary, Chicago museum pays tribute
Mideast Asia
• Israel police to block Jewish women activists from holy site, Western Wall
• Iran to launch ‘Islamic Google Earth’
• Turkey building refugee camps for Syrian Christians, Kurds
• Toward a Historical Peace between Turks and Kurds
• Iran Not Seeking to Change Other Nations' Religion to Shiism
• 47 Salafi jihadists on hunger strike in Hamas' prisons
• Palestinian PM offers to resign
Africa
• Nigeria's Boko Haram rejects Jonathan's amnesty idea
• Suspected extremists kill four in Nigeria
• Sudan’s minister sees ‘end’ to Darfur revolt
• Red Cross Appeals for $43 Million for War-Hit Mali
• Malawi accuses Madonna of exaggerating humanitarian efforts
South Asia
• Implementation Of Hefazat-e Islam Demands Will Lead To Talibani State
• Afghan officials say bombs kill four in southern Afghanistan
• “Anti-Semitism, racism, xenophobia and religious intolerance” deeply entrenched in Maldivian political discourse
• Myanmar's Muslims 'barred from Suu Kyi meet' in Japan
• 2 Bangladeshis held for anti-Islam comments on Facebook
• Islamist shot dead in Bangladesh violence: police
• Maldives Tourism Boycott Puts President on the Defence
Australia
• Terror accused denies 'jihad' USB stick containing al-Qaeda magazines was his
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL:
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Implementation of Hefazat-e Islam demands will lead to Talibani state
April 11, 2013
The 13-point demand of Hefazat-e Islam goes against the constitution of Bangladesh and fundamental principles of the country’s Liberation War, said speakers at a press conference yesterday.
If the demands are implemented, the democracy of Bangladesh will be destroyed and the country will be turned into a Talibani state, they said.
Bangabandhu Parishad, a social organisation, organised the programme at the Jatiya Press Club in the capital protesting the demands of Hefazat.
Jahangirnagar University Vice Chancellor Prof Anwar Hossain demanded that the government take steps to arrest some top leaders of Hefajat, claiming that they were hatching anti-state conspiracy by joining hands with Jamaat-e-Islam.
He also stressed the need for expanding the movement of Gonojagaron Mancha across the country, and urged all the pro-liberation forces to extend their support for continuing the movement.
Journalist Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury strongly criticised Hefajat for assaulting female journalists in their rally on April 6.
Freedom fighter Mahbubuddin Ahmad emphasised on greater unity of all the democratic and pro-liberation forces to resist the “fundamentalists” and “religious fanatics”.
http://www.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/implementation-will-lead-to-talibani-state/
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Arab World
Egypt’s 'Daily Show' Has Provoked the Worst in Islamist Ideology
NERVANA MAHMOUD
Apr. 09 2013
Mr. Youssef has become Egypt’s most popular comedian with his Friday night TV show El Bernameg (“The Program”). Modelled on Jon Stewart’s Daily Show, his merciless, biting jokes about Mr. Morsi’s poor performance, bad English and Islamic fundamentalism have earned him million of fans – and also many enemies.
Last week’s arrest of Mr. Youssef for “insulting the president, denigrating Islam and disturbing the peace” has created a public outcry inside and outside Egypt, and even a tense Twitter exchange between the U.S. embassy in Cairo and the Egyptian presidency. Many rightly raised concerns about the future of freedom of expression and Egypt under the rule of the Muslim Brotherhood.
On Friday, Egyptians were glued to their seats watching the first episode of Mr. Youssef’s program after his discharge on bail pending investigation. It has already attracted more than 800,000 YouTube views.
The phenomenon of Bassem Youssef and the Islamists’ uproar against him has political, social and religious dimensions that must be explored to understand the current dynamics in Egypt.
First, the religious side: Mr. Youssef’s opponents cite a verse in the Koran (Soura of Hojorat, verse 11) that states “Don’t make fun of people” as proof that satire is wrong and that Mr. Youssef has broken the religious code. This view is part of a wider theme adopted by literal Islamists who inappropriately interpret the Koran to justify their views.
But their argument is fundamentally flawed, as Mr. Youssef did not ridicule the citizen, Mohamed Morsi, but rather the President of Egypt, who happened to be Mohamed Morsi. There is definitely nothing in the Koran to prohibit criticizing leaders; in fact, the opposite is true. God’s advice is to rule with justice, a quality that many Egyptians believe that Mr. Morsi is missing. It is also worth mentioning that Mr. Youssef was critical of other political and army figures before Mr. Morsi’s election and the Islamists never raised any concerns at that time.
There is also a social element to the conflict: Sayed Hamad, a lawyer who filed one of the complaints against Bassem Youssef, claimed that the show is “shattering… all the values and ethics that we are used to.” What are these values and ethics? If the vociferous debate in social media is any indication, it seems that Islamists have a problem with basic definitions such as “respect” and “honor.” They believe that Mohamed Morsi should be respected and honored because he is the president of Egypt.
Those who adopt this misconception forget that respect must be earned and not just given. Mr. Morsi will not be respected until he delivers his pre-election promises of freedom and justice. Being elected is merely a start of a long, winding road toward respect that may or may not be achieved.
On the political front, there are three elements of successful leadership: initiating a change, creating a positive environment and delivering the aspired results. Thus far, Mr. Morsi has failed on all three fronts: Egypt’s collapsing economy and poisonous political environment have created a negative, tense atmosphere and failed to deliver any of the revolution’s goals. For many Egyptians, Mr. Morsi is one of the worst leaders in their country’ contemporary history; others may have been more tyrannical but at least they delivered on other fronts, particularly the economy.
The Islamists’ growing anger with Bassem Youssef is a reflection of their failure, and of his success in exposing this failure with a magnifying glass. Mr. Youssef is a creative mix of vision, insight, depth and sharp Egyptian wit; he boldly challenges the Islamists’ rhetoric, exposing their hypocrisy. They never had such scrutiny before, and unsurprisingly, they feel pushed outside their comfort zone.
Mr. Youssef, a pious, practicing Muslim, is one example of the current ideological war that engulfs Egypt following the January, 2011, revolution: a war between a political Islam that claims to be the sole representative of the faith and another growing element consisting of proud Muslims who reject dogma and extremism and are willing to fight to protect their faith from exploitations.
On Saturday, an Egyptian court dismissed a lawsuit to halt Bassem Youssef’s show, a small victory for free speech in the country. However, there is still a long road ahead for the Egyptian revolution to prevail. Mr. Youssef blew much-needed, refreshing ripples into the toxic Egyptian political scene, and for that he should be applauded, and supported against those who are desperately trying to silence him.
Nervana Mahmoud is a British-Egyptian blogger and commentator on Middle East issues. She blogs at Nervana and tweets at @nervana_1.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/commentary/egypts-daily-show-exposes-the-worst-in-islamist-ideology/article10932932/
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Arabic Atlas of Shia to be unveiled in Iraq
April 11, 2013
Atlas of Shia a book by Hojatoleslam Val Moslemin Rasoul Jafarian, translated into Arabic by two Iraqi researchers, will be unveiled in Iraq by Alhoda cultural institute.
(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - The book has been rendered into Arabic by Nasir K’abi, a professor at Kufa University, and Seif Ali, an Iraqi-Iranian researcher.
Presenting historical-geographical pictures, the Atlas of Shia reviews Shiaism throughout the history of Islam.
The book also holds news related to Ismailism, Zaidiyyah and Alawites. The work’s first two chapters describe Shiaism, its sects as well as the hagiography of imams.
The 3rd and 4th chapters are about Shiaism in different cities and the introduction of Shia governments in Iran.
The other 8 chapters are about the evolution of Shiaism in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Africa, Afghanistan, Turkey, Europe and the U.S.
The Arabic translation of Atlas of Shia will be unveiled in Iraq in a near future.
http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&Id=407934
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57 killed in army assault in southern Syria: Watchdog
AFP | Apr 11, 2013
BEIRUT: Six children were among at least 57 people killed in southern Syria as the army launched an all-out assault on two towns in Daraa province, a watchdog said on Thursday.
"At least six children, seven women, 16 rebel fighters, 16 other unidentified men and 12 army troops were killed on Wednesday, in fighting, shelling and summary executions waged after the army launched an assault on Al-Sanamein and Ghabagheb," the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.
Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP the army's assault came a day after a dozen troops defected from a nearby military post to join the rebels.
"The defectors took refuge in the area of Al-Sanamein and Ghabagheb, which up until then had remained somewhat more calm than other areas of Daraa," said Abdel Rahman.
"The army launched its assault, and shelled several houses," he added.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/57-killed-in-army-assault-in-southern-Syria-Watchdog/articleshow/19491830.cms
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Syria's cold logic: If we don't back the Islamists, we'll get jihadists
ADNAN KHAN
Apr. 10 2013
It was with a certain chilling confidence that the commander of an Islamist brigade explained his vision of Syria’s future:
“The problem right now,” he said, “is that the West refuses to help us. They refuse to help us because they don’t want to help ‘terrorists’. But we are not the terrorists. We are the ones winning this revolution. We are the ones helping the Syrian people. If the West helps us topple the regime, we will work with them. But if they invade Syria after the regime has fallen, to support the thieves and infidels in the secular opposition, then we will know that their real war is against Islam.”
Full report at:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/commentary/syrias-cold-logic-if-we-dont-back-the-islamists-well-get-jihadists/article10967447/
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We are a minority in our country says Saudi Minister
Hamoud Talib
April 11, 2013
I think the best description for our present condition regarding foreign manpower came from no one other than Labour Minister Adel Fakieh himself.
He told the Okaz newspaper on Friday: “If the recruitment of foreign manpower continues at this rate, we will soon be a minority in our own country”.
This statement should be a wakeup call, especially to the ears of those of us who do not understand the problem in its real magnitude or foresee its future perils. It should also be a warning bell to those who do not see beyond their own personal interests and who naively sympathize with all the people of the earth except the young Saudi men and women who are the real future of the country.
Full report at:
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20130411160834
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‘Insulting Pakistan’ new charge against Egypt satirist Bassem Youssef
9 April 2013
Egyptian prosecutors are probing three new complaints against Bassem Youssef for “insulting Pakistan,” “spreading atheism” and “insulting Islam,” the popular satirist wrote on his official Twitter account on Tuesday.
A prosecution office in Egypt’s northern governorate of Damietta said it is probing three complaints against Youssef.
He is accused of “insulting the state of Pakistan and causing tensions in its relations with Egypt,” judicial sources told Agence France Presse.
Youssef is currently on bail pending an investigation into charges of insulting Egyptian President Mohammed Mursi and Islam.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2013/04/09/Popular-Egyptian-satirist-faces-new-probe-for-insulting-Pakistan-.html
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Iraq officials say three policemen killed in north
April 11, 2013
BAGHDAD: Iraqi authorities say gunmen have killed three policemen in an attack on a security checkpoint in a northern city.
Police officials said that the Wednesday afternoon attack took place when gunmen in a speeding car fired on policemen manning a checkpoint in the former Al Qaeda stronghold city of Mosul, 360 kilometers northwest of Baghdad.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2013/04/10/iraq-officials-say-three-policemen-killed-in-north/
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Expat students divulge personal secrets through confession pages on Facebook
11 April 2013
Expatriate students in the Kingdom divulge their deepest secrets anonymously online. Confessions that were once penned in a personal diary are now shared on social media.
Many schools in all regions of the Kingdom have their own confessions pages on Facebook. These include the International Indian School, Delhi Public School, Pakistan International School, Bangladesh International School and Al-Mawarid International School. Their confessions pages were introduced at the beginning of last month.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/news/447740
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Jeddah Businessman’s son gets jail, lashes for reckless driving
April 11, 2013
JEDDAH – The Jeddah Summary Court on Wednesday sentenced the son of a businessman to 15 months in prison and 180 lashes for illegal possession of a machine gun and for violating traffic rules.
The court also ordered the youth's car impounded.
His accomplice was given two years in prison and 300 lashes besides a travel ban.
The judge also issued a warrant to arrest and produces in court a third defendant in the case who is believed to have escaped to Europe.
Full report at:
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20130411160941
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Pakistan
Pakistan columnist, Ayaz Amir wins appeal to contest elections
11 April 2013
ISLAMABAD: One of Pakistan's most prominent public intellectuals and columnists won an appeal yesterday allowing him to seek re-election after being barred for the contents of his newspaper articles.
Ayaz Amir was last week prevented from contesting his seat in central Punjab province for the main opposition PML-N party, but appealed to an election tribunal chaired by two high court judges.
An election official initially took offence to elements in his columns thought to talk about drinking alcohol, which is officially banned in Pakistan, and an amendment to the constitution classifying the country as an Islamic state.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/news/447688
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At least 15 militants killed in Khyber’s Tirah valley
April 11, 2013
PESHAWAR: At least 15 militants were killed on Thursday in an operation carried out by security forces in Khyber tribal region’s Tirah valley, DawnNews reported.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces conducted an operation in which 15 militants and one security officer was also killed.
Moreover, the exchange of fire between militants and security officers are still continuing in southern sector of Tirah valley.
http://dawn.com/2013/04/11/at-least-15-militants-killed-in-khybers-tirah-valley/
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Legislation demanded to stop forced conversions
April 11, 2013
KARACHI: Speakers at a conference on Wednesday demanded legislation to halt forced faith conversion, which was serious issue for Pakistani religious minorities.
Addressing the two-day conference, ‘Religious Minorities and Human Rights: Challenges and Opportunities’ that ended on Wednesday, the speakers demanded the provision for non-Muslim students to study their own religion (i.e. Christianity, Hinduism) in schools and compulsory status of the subjects of Arabic language and Islamiyat for non-Muslim students be removed. They said the State should take strict measures against the misuse of loudspeaker used for inciting hatred against religious minorities.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013\04\11\story_11-4-2013_pg7_18
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Pervez Musharraf files appeal against rejection of his nomination
Apr 11 2013
Lahore : Former President Pervez Musharraf has filed an appeal against the rejection of his nomination papers for a parliamentary constituency in Pakistan's Punjab province.
The appeal against the rejection of the papers for the constituency in Kasur was filed in an election tribunal yesterday, the last day to challenge decisions made by Returning officers.
In the appeal filed by lawyer Salman Safdar, Musharraf said he had served the country as President for 10 years but the Returning Officer in Kasur rejected his nomination papers.
He pointed out that his nomination papers were accepted in another constituency at Chitral in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/pervez-musharraf-files-appeal-against-rejection-of-his-nomination/1100965/
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PM hails Baloch nationalists for contesting polls
April 11, 2013
QUETTA: Caretaker Prime Minister Justice (retd) Mir Hazar Khan Khoso on Wednesday appreciated the nationalist parties for taking part in the coming general elections.“It can be deemed as a positive step towards the sustainable development and prosperity of the country in general and Balochistan in particular that akin to other mainstream political parties, nationalists are also taking part in the election,” said the premier.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2013/04/11/pm-hails-baloch-nationalists-for-contesting-polls/
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Tribunal refuses to hear appeals against Nawaz Sharif’s candidacy
April 11, 2013
LAHORE: An election tribunal of the Lahore High Court has refused to hear the appeals against acceptance of nomination papers of PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif from NA-120, referring the matter to chief justice for fixing it before some other tribunal, as one member of the tribunal refused to deal with it.
On Wednesday, the petitions came up for hearing before a tribunal comprising Justice Khawaja Imtiaz and Justice Khalid Mahmood Khan, but one applicant, Barrister Javed Iqbal Jafree, said that Justice Kh Imtiaz should not be on the bench, as in Hudaibia Paper Mills case he had given decision in favour of Nawaz Sharif. In his appeal Barrister Jaffrey claimed that Nawaz Sharif concealed his assets from the election commission at the time of filing nomination papers.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013\04\11\story_11-4-2013_pg1_2
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Appointments for Election duty will be on merit, says Sethi
April 11, 2013
LAHORE: Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab, Najam Sethi has said that holding free, fair and peaceful elections is the foremost responsibility of the caretaker government and every effort is being made to ensure that elections are conducted in a transparent manner.
He said that there was no pressure on him regarding postings and transfers that are being made in the light of the orders of the Election Commission. He said that Chief Secretary and Inspector General of Police have been given free hand in this regard. He expressed the resolve that general elections will be held on time.
He was talking to a delegation of office-bearers of APNS and CPNE at Chief Minister’s Secretariat. The Chief Minister said that necessary measures are being taken for improving security arrangements.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013\04\11\story_11-4-2013_pg13_1
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Balochistan elections: Premier Khoso reaches out to nationalists
April 11, 2013
QUETTA: The caretaker prime minister, Mir Hazar Khan Khoso, has called upon all Baloch nationalist parties to take part in the May 11 elections, promising them security and a level-playing field.
“Participation of all nationalist parties in the elections will help restore peace in Balochistan and also send out a positive message to the international community,” Khoso told leaders of mainstream and nationalist parties during a meeting in Quetta on Wednesday.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/534033/balochistan-elections-premier-khoso-reaches-out-to-nationalists/
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US Ambassador calls on President Zardari
Apr 11 2013
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari said on Thursday that Pakistan greatly values its relations with America in a meeting with the US Ambassador Richard Olson in Islamabad, DawnNews reported.
During the US ambassador’s visit, Pak-US relations and the security situation in Afghanistan were discussed in detail.
The US ambassador said that bilateral cooperation with Pakistan in various fields will continue as it is. He also briefed the president on the strategic dialogue to take place between the two countries in future.
http://dawn.com/2013/04/11/us-ambassador-calls-on-president-zardari-2/
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MQM leader Fakhrul Islam shot dead in Pakistan
Apr 11 2013
Islamabad : A Muttahida Qaumi Movement leader, who was a candidate for Pakistan's upcoming polls, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in southern Sindh province today, police said.
Two gunmen, who were riding a motorcycle, shot at Fakhrul Islam outside his home in Halanaka area of Hyderabad city this afternoon. Islam was hit by several bullets and died instantly, police officials said. The gunmen escaped after the attack. No group claimed responsibility for the killing.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/mqm-leader-fakhrul-islam-shot-dead-in-pakistan/1100969/
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Europe
Topless group Femen call Putin stupid for 'liking' their protest
Russian leader's flippant response angers feminists who insist topless protests are catching on worldwide
9 Apr 2013
A DAY after Russian president Vladimir Putin laughed off a topless protest by feminist human rights campaigners, claiming he "liked" what he saw, the group have hit back, describing him as "really stupid".
Putin was targeted during a trip to a trade fair in Germany. Several members of the Ukranian protest group Femen, with anti-Putin messages daubed on their bodies, broke through security and rushed him before being tackled by security.
Putin appeared surprised but afterwards claimed he "liked" the protest and told reporters: "I did not catch what they were shouting, I did not even see if they were blondes, brunettes or chestnut-haired... it is better to be dressed if one wants to discuss political matters."
His flippant response has not gone down well with the activists. Talking to the Daily Telegraph, one of the group, Alexandra Shevchenko, said: "Putin is a bastard. If you're a normal person you have to be against him."
Full report at:
http://www.theweek.co.uk/world-news/52396/topless-group-femen-vladimir-putin-stupid-protest#ixzz2Q8HctOqH
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Accession to the Customs Union with Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus Threatens Kyrgyzstan’s Domestic Stability
April 11, 2013
On April 3, Kyrgyzstan’s President Almazbek Atambayev made a speech before the students of the Kyrgyz State Technical University in Bishkek. While he addressed a number of issues related to both the domestic and foreign politics of the Central Asian republic, Atambayev particularly stressed the importance of Kyrgyzstan’s expected accession to the Customs Union of Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus. Should this accession take place within the next several years, Kyrgyzstan could become fully integrated into the framework of the Eurasian Union as it was proposed by Russia’s then-Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on the pages of the daily Izvestia back in September 2011 (Kabar.kg, April 3).
Full report at:
Jamestown Foundation
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Kazakh Man Convicted For Promoting Armed Jihad, 16 Tried On Terror Charges
April 10, 2013
A court in Kazakhstan's central city of Qaraghandy has convicted a 27-year-old man of promoting armed jihad.
Dias Kugushev was sentenced on April 10 to five years in prison.
He was arrested last November after police said they found an illegal gun, ammunition, and extremist literature in his apartment.
Full report at:
http://www.rferl.org/content/kazakhstan-man-convicted-armed-jihad/24953703.html
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G8 united against North Korea, divided on Syria
Apr 11 2013
G8 foreign ministers are united in their condemnation of North Korea, German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said on the second and final day of their meeting in London on Thursday.
“All G8 states believe that an escalation of this military rhetoric (from North Korea) must end,” Mr. Westerwelle told reporters before meeting his counterparts from Britain, France, Italy, the United States, Japan, Russia and Canada. “It is in no way acceptable.”
Pyongyang has made threats against South Korea, Japan and the U.S. and appears to be preparing to test several missiles, possibly simultaneously.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/g8-united-against-north-korea-divided-on-syria/article4606449.ece
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Bosnian Serb leader blames Muslim ambition at Karadzic trial
Agence France-Presse
April 9, 2013
Bosnian Serb nationalist president Milorad Dodik on Tuesday blamed alleged Muslim hopes for an Islamic state in the early 1990s for Bosnia's bitter three-year war, in particular the country's first president Alija Izetbegovic.
Dodik, currently the president of Bosnia's Serb-dominated Republika Srpska, is testifying in the genocide trial in The Hague of his predecessor, Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic, who was for years Izetbegovic's bitter foe.
Full report at:
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/afp/130409/bosnian-serb-leader-blames-muslim-ambition-at-karadzic-trial
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Uzbek fighters gain support in Afghan north
An al-Qaeda-linked group is increasing its appeal among youth in Takhar, where government dissatisfaction runs high.
10 Apr 2013
Taloqan, Afghanistan - More than a decade ago, the people od the predominately Uzbek province of Takhar in the country's north fiercely resisted the Taliban's desire to impose Sharia on the region.
Indeed, in January 2001, Taloqan, the provincial capital, was the final major Afghan city to fall under Taliban control.
Months later, aerial bombardment by US and NATO forces rid the province of the Taliban, allowing security forces to turn their attention to heart of the insurgency - the Pashtun-dominated south and east.
Full report at:
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2013/04/20134910314648770.html
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Kazakhstan Introduces New Counter-Terrorism Strategy
Roger McDermott
April 11, 2013
Kazakhstan has taken steps to protect and counteract any potential terrorist threat to the establishment of a nuclear fuel bank, though authorities continue to express concern about a wider and non-specific terrorist threat within the country. On April 4, Foreign Minister Erlan Idrisov stressed that the low-enriched uranium in the fuel bank will “not hold much appeal for terrorists,” but added an important qualification, noting that the physical protection system at the Ulba Metalworks, which will house the nuclear fuel bank, would follow a “multi-level system of protection” against unauthorized access to the nuclear materials (Ekspress-K, April 4).
Full report at:
Jamestown Foundation
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Pork found in Halal-marked salami: Swedish agency
April 11, 2013
STOCKHOLM — Pork meat from Slovenia has been found in Halal-marked salami sold in Sweden, the Swedish National Food Agency said Wednesday.
“We are now going to inform the EU about our analyses and follow up with the company that sold this wrongly labelled salami in Sweden,” agency spokeswoman Louise Nyholm said in a statement.
“It is unacceptable that products that are labelled Halal contain pork meat. There are a lot of people who absolutely do not want to eat pork meat, so it’s important that companies take responsibility and verify that their products are not sold on false grounds,” she added.
Full report at:
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20130411160893
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Southeast Asia
Jakarta eyes bigger share of Sharia tourism
Sita W. Dewi
April 11 2013
The Jakarta administration is calling on restaurant owners and caterers in the capital to acquire halal certificates, to tap into the growing sharia tourism market.
The Jakarta Tourism Agency, together with the Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry and the Indonesia Ulema Council’s Food and Drug Analysis Agency (LPPOM-MUI), disseminated halal certification rules on Wednesday while showcasing the government’s programs to promote sharia tourism in Indonesia, which has the largest Muslim population in the world.
Sharia tourism is leisure and travel that complies with Islamic law, including the provision of cuisine and beverages that contain no pork, lard or alcohol.
“This dissemination is part of the tourism agency’s halal certification program for restaurants and catering businesses. It’s a trend, a new lifestyle and we’ve seen growing demand for halal cuisine from tourists coming to Jakarta. Halal certificates will give these tourists comfort,” Jakarta Tourism Agency head Arie Budhiman Soedarto said before 300 restaurant and catering businesspeople at City Hall.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/04/11/jakarta-eyes-bigger-share-sharia-tourism.html
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High-Tech Cultural Centre Allows New Level of US-Indonesian Exchange
Faya Suwardi | April 11, 2013
“People in the United States often ask me about Islam because they’re curious,” said Salsabila Diar, an Indonesian exchange student who is studying in Virginia, when asked about her interactions with Americans. Diar shared her experience abroad through Skype in a discussion entitled “Islam in America: Youth Perspectives” at the @america center in the Pacific Place Mall in Jakarta in late February.
An innovative high-tech US cultural center, @america officially launched in December 2010 and is the first of its kind in the world. The center routinely hosts discussions that visitors can join for free. In addition to interactive dialogues on various topics — from Islam in America to grunge music — @america frequently organizes workshops and concerts, and assists Indonesian students who want to study in the United States. These efforts are providing opportunities to further strengthen bilateral relations and reduce prejudices of the “other” held by people in both countries.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/opinion/high-tech-cultural-center-allows-new-level-of-us-indonesian-exchange/584964
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Indonesians in Saudi Arabia back Mahfud for president
April 11 2013
Former Constitutional Court chief justice Mahfud MD obtained supports from Indonesian migrant workers in Saudi Arabia who want him to run for president.
Mahfud, who is Saudi Arabia to conducting the umroh, a minor Islamic pilgrimage, said in an email that Ahmad Fuad, a spokesman for migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, had told him that he had wide support among Indonesians working in the country.
Fuad said that Indonesia needed a leader who would uphold the law and who had no serious legal problems, according to the email.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/04/11/indonesians-saudi-arabia-back-mahfud-president.html
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Najib: Don’t change government for sake of changing
April 11, 2013
KUANTAN, April 11 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the Barisan Nasional (BN) government is capable of making major changes for the well-being of the people, thus there is no necessity for the people to change the government merely for the sake of changing.
The prime minister said that for the past four years, the BN government had already brought various changes and major transformations for the benefit of everyone.
“We are capable of making major changes if the people want them, and there is no need for the government to be replaced by a new one. Major changes can be implemented with the same government,” he said in his speech at the launch of the Pahang Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) here today.
Full report at:
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/najib-dont-change-government-for-sake-of-changing/
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India
Indian Embassy searching for over 99 Indians missing in UAE since 2010
April 11, 2013
A total of 99 Indians have gone missing in the UAE in the past two years, according to figures maintained by the Indian government.
Pancham Tiwari, 19, has disappeared all of a sudden and now is one among the Indians missing in UAE. He is one of the youngest of five brothers hailing
from a poor family in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, India, who had come to UAE in 2010 for the job of a carpenter in a construction company in Mussaffah, Abu Dhabi, Gulf News reports.
Raju Tiwari, Pancham's elder brother claimed that he had seen his brother last before leaving for India two years back and is looking for leads to find his lost brother ever since. He has checked with the employers of Pancham and has also approached the Indian Embassy to file a missing person report in 2011.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/restofasia/Indian-Embassy-searching-for-over-99-Indians-missing-in-UAE-since-2010/Article1-1040818.aspx
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Muslims protest in Delhi against Rohingyas killings
11 April 2013
Indian Muslim organizations and human rights bodies protested against the atrocities and cruel activities being meted out against Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.
The protest organized by All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat condemned the Myanmar government for its inaction to stop violence against Rohingya Muslims in the Rakhine (Arakan) state.
The protest was to be staged in front of Myanmar Embassy in Nyay Marg, but Delhi police stopped the protesters at Teen Morti Marg near Chankyapuri police station.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/news/447692
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For Kerala Muslim man, Catholic priest brings the gift of life
Shaju Philip
Apr 11 2013
Thiruvananthapuram: Diagnosed with chronic kidney disease a year-and-a-half ago, 30-year-old Rasad Muhammad’s hope of living had sunk with each passing day as a donor remained elusive. Until last month, when his saviour appeared suddenly — in the form of a Christian priest he had never met before.
Father Kidangathazhe Sebastian, 41, will donate one of his kidneys to Rasad so he can live. Preparations are under way, and the transplant surgery is likely to be performed next month.
On February 25, Rasad had boarded a bus from Aluva to go to Kochi for his check-up. Fr Sebastian, who is associated with the Catholic Goodness TV, and who was then not wearing his cassock, was seated next to him.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/for-kerala-muslim-man-catholic-priest-brings-the-gift-of-life/1100651/
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12 Pakistanis get into Bihar from Nepal, arrested
Santosh Singh
Apr 11 2013
Patna: Twelve Pakistani nationals, including five children, were arrested at the Indo-Nepal border in Madhubani Wednesday by the Shashatra Seema Bal for trying to enter India without valid travel documents. Three couples, an adult and five children identified themselves as citizens of the Pak-occupied Kashmir. They have been identified as Mushtaq Ahmed, 28, and his wife Aamna Bibi, 23, Firdaus Ahmed, 28, and wife Sabiya, 22, Nasir Ahmed, 30, and wife Sumaira, 27, Pervez Alam, 26, and their five children.
They and their families had reportedly taken Pakistani citizenship during the peak of militancy and are now trying to return to India because of the worsening conditions in Pakistan.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/12-pakistanis-get-into-bihar-from-nepal-arrested/1100634/
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India to offer group tourist visa to Pakistanis
TNN | Apr 11, 2013
NEW DELHI: After launching visa on arrival (VoA) facility for Pakistani senior citizens, India has initiated the process to provide the group tourist visa on a reciprocal basis.
The group tourist visa was to be launched from March 15, but missed the deadline as Pakistan had failed to send a list of authorized tour operators to India.
A senior home ministry official said, "The moment New Delhi gets the list of authorized tour operators from Islamabad, the 'group tourist' visa would be launched. India has already identified 18 such tour\travel operators on its side and shared it with Pakistan."
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-to-offer-group-tourist-visa-to-Pakistanis/articleshow/19486421.cms
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Pak blames SGPC for denial of visas to Sikh pilgrims
TNN | Apr 11, 2013
NEW DELHI: The alleged denial of visas to Sikh pilgrims by Pakistan has sparked a controversy, with Pakistani authorities blaming the SGPC for delay in submitting application forms that apparently caused the rejection. Pakistan officials have clarified to the Sikh body, and also the Indian authorities, that they had actually made an exception for the pilgrims by twice extending the deadline for submission of forms for the pilgrimage starting Wednesday — to mark the festival of Baisakhi — and yet the forms were not submitted in time.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Pak-blames-SGPC-for-denial-of-visas-to-Sikh-pilgrims/articleshow/19486167.cms
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Israel set to bag another mega Indian defence deal
Rajat Pandit, TNN | Apr 11, 2013
NEW DELHI: Israel seems all set to bag yet another mega defence deal to equip all the 356 infantry battalions of the Indian Army with third-generation anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs). While Russia is far ahead in the lead, Israel is trying to stave off a strong challenge from the US to remain the second largest arms supplier to India.
The Rs 15,000-crore project will involve an initial direct acquisition of the man-portable "tank killers", with a strike range of 2.5-km, followed by transfer of technology (ToT) to defence PSU, Bharat Dynamics, for large-scale indigenous manufacture.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Israel-set-to-bag-another-mega-Indian-defence-deal/articleshow/19486146.cms
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Rajeev Shahare New High Commissioner in Maldives
April 11, 2013
India on Wednesday assured Maldives that ties would continue to flourish and that it gives “highest priority” to strengthen relations.
The remarks came after High Commissioner Rajeev Shahare presented his letter of credence to President Mohamed Waheed.
D M Mulay, who Mr. Shahare replaced, had completed his term last month. The appointment comes at a time when bilateral ties between India and Maldives have been severely strained, mostly due to the abrupt termination of the contract given to India’s GMR for the modernisation of the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (INIA).
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/new-high-commissioner-in-maldives/article4603385.ece
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SP govt has not done enough for Muslims: Shahi Imam
April 11, 2013
The Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid in Delhi has alleged that the Samajwadi Party failed to live up to its pre-election promises of taking steps to uplift Muslims.
"Samajwadi Party has not fulfilled its pre-election promises. They had promised jobs for Muslim youths, but our youths are still unemployed," Shahi Imam Ahmad Bukhari told reporters Wednesday.
He claimed that the party had promised to post Muslim staff in every police station, but it was not done.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/uttarpradesh/SP-govt-has-not-done-enough-for-Muslims-Shahi-Imam/Article1-1040801.aspx
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North America
US hikes Pakistan aid by 40% in 2014 budget
PTI | Apr 11, 2013
WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama on Wednesday proposed a 40% increase in American aid to Pakistan, amounting to $1.4 billion, as part of his $3.77 trillion budget that focusses on job creation and economic growth.
Obama among other things proposed to increase the US aid to Pakistan under overseas contingency operations to $1.4 billion for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2013, an increase of 40% than the $1 billion that he had proposed in the last year's budget for the fiscal 2013. Obama also proposed to reduce the deficit by another $1.8 trillion.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/US-hikes-Pakistan-aid-by-40-in-2014-budget/articleshow/19486952.cms
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Associated Press takes positive step on use of 'Islamist'
Ibrahim Hooper
04-09-2013
Reently, The Associated Press (AP) emailed an update to its online Stylebook subscribers about revisions to the recommended use of the term "Islamist" by media professionals. (The AP Stylebook is perhaps the most influential publication of its type and impacts coverage worldwide.)
Late last year, CAIR had approached AP about modifying the reference, which read at that time:
"Islamist -- Supporter of government in accord with the laws of Islam. Those who view the Quran as a political model encompass a wide range of Muslims, from mainstream politicians to militants known as jihadi."
CAIR suggested that AP change its Stylebook to incorporate language similar to that used in the reference to "fundamentalist," which states that the label should not be used unless a group applies the term to itself.
Full report at:
http://www.cair.com/cair-blog/entry/good-news-associated-press-takes-positive-step-on-use-of-islamist.html
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Bill Banning Islamic Sharia Law in Family Court Passes Florida Senate
Jake Hammer
Apr 9, 2013
Florida lawmakers are slated to pass a controversial bill banning courts from taking into account foreign or religious law — including sharia law — when deciding on family cases including divorce and child custody. The House approved similar legislation in 2012, but it never made it past the Senate floor.
The Senate Children, Families and Elder Affairs Committee approved the bill by a 5-4 vote the Palm Beach Post reports, with one Republican voting against the measure and one Democrat voting in favor.
Full report at:
http://patdollard.com/2013/04/bill-banning-islamic-sharia-law-in-family-cases-passes-florida-senate/
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GOP Must Repudiate NC Lawmaker Who Compared Islamic Prayer to 'Terrorism'
4/10/13
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 4/10/13) - The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on the Republican Party to repudiate a North Carolina GOP lawmaker who compared Islamic prayer to terrorism.
In an email exchange with a constituent, North Carolina State Rep. Michele Presnell was asked whether she was "comfortable with a public prayer to Allah before a legislative meeting." She responded: "No, I do not condone terrorism." Presnell is also a co-sponsor of House resolution 494, which states that North Carolina may establish a state religion.
Full report at:
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Osama Bin Laden raid member can be WikiLeaks witness
Associated Press
Apr 11 2013
Fort Meade : A military judge cleared the way today for a member of the team that raided Osama bin Laden's compound to testify in the trial of an Army private charged in a massive leak of US secrets.
Col. Denise Lind ruled for the prosecution during a pretrial hearing for Pfc. Bradley Manning at Fort Meade, near Baltimore.
The government said the witness, presumably a Navy SEAL, collected digital evidence showing that an associate of bin Laden provided the al-Qaeda leader with documents Manning has acknowledged sending to the WikiLeaks website.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/osama-bin-laden-raid-member-can-be-wikileaks-witness/1100831/
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On Safdar Hashmi's birth anniversary, Chicago museum pays tribute
Apr 11 2013
New Delhi : On the 59th birth anniversary of noted playwright, poet and street theatre artist Safdar Hashmi, the Chicago University Museum is putting up for show an exhibition on Sahmat, the organisation formed after his death, while also publishing an accompanying book.
Founded as a restive response to Hashmi's death, the Safdar Hashmi Memorial Trust (Sahmat) released here last evening, "The Sahmat Collective: Art and Activism in India since 1989, an accompaniment to the four-month exhibition hosted at the Smart Museum of Art, University of Chicago.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/on-safdar-hashmis-birth-anniversary-chicago-museum-pays-tribute/1100954/
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Mideast Asia
Israel police to block Jewish women activists from holy site, Western Wall
10 April 2013
Israeli police said they will stop a group of Jewish women activists who plan on Thursday to defy a ban on women praying aloud at the Western Wall, the holiest site in Judaism.
Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld told AFP that under a 2003 court order, the women would be restricted to praying a short distance from the main area of the Wall.
But Shira Pruce, a spokeswoman for the Women of the Wall (WoW) group, told AFP members would try to worship on Thursday, the beginning of the Hebrew month of Iyar, at the main site “as we always do” at the start of a new month.
In the past, police have forcibly prevented the women from praying at the site and at times arrested some of them.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2013/04/10/Israel-police-to-block-women-activists-from-holy-site-.html
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Iran to launch ‘Islamic Google Earth’
11 April 2013
Iran has planned to launch its own 3D mapping service after Tehran authorities long accused Google Earth of being a tool for western spy agencies, Iran’s semi-official Mehr news agency reported.
The Islamic Republic’s information and communication minister announced this week that his country was developing something he described as an “Islamic Google Earth” which should be ready to use in the “next four months.”
“Preparations have been made for launching our world's 3D map project and we are currently creating an appropriate data center which could be capable of processing this volume of information,” the semi-official Mehr news agency quoted Mohammed Hassan Nami as saying.
Iran has often suspected that Western web services of snooping.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/life-style/variety/2013/04/11/Faceoff-Iran-to-launch-Islamic-competitor-to-Google-Earth.html
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Turkey building refugee camps for Syrian Christians, Kurds
10 April 2013
Turkey is building two camps along its far southeastern border with Syria to house a growing number of refugees from Syrian minority groups, mainly Assyrian Christians as well as ethnic Kurds, a government official said on Wednesday.
More 250,000 Syrians fleeing civil war in their homeland have registered in Turkey, most of who stay in 17 camps along the 900-km (560-mile) border, although Turkish leaders say the total number of refugees is closer to 400,000.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2013/04/10/Turkey-building-refugee-camps-for-Syrian-Christians-Kurds.html
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Toward a Historical Peace Between Turks and Kurds?
Emrullah Uslu
April 11, 2013
Since March 21, new year’s day or “Newroz” for Kurds and Central Asian nations, Turkey has been witnessing a historical transformation in its decades’ old Kurdish question. On this day, Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a terrorist organization that has been fighting for an independent Kurdistan since 1984, announced that “the time for armed struggle ended, and it is now time for a political struggle. The PKK is on the verge of withdrawing its forces from outside of Turkey’s borders” (CNNTurk, March 21). In an open letter to the Turkish government, Ocalan references Islamic unity and Muslim brotherhood, but refuses the idea of capitalist modernity. Ocalan claims that the new era will be one of unity between Kurds and Turks so that, with such unity, both nations will have a powerful voice in the Middle East (CNNTurk, March 21).
Full report at:
Jamestown Foundation
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Iran Not Seeking to Change Other Nations' Religion to Shiism
2013-04-09
Hundreds of Iranian students and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) congregated in front of the Egyptian interests section in Tehran to voice support for the Egyptian nation and underline the friendly ties between the two states.
During the gathering, the participants gave wreaths of flowers to Egyptian officials in charge of the mission as a sign of Iran's friendship with the Muslim Egyptian nation.
In a statement issued at the end of the gathering, the participants underlined that "Iran is not at all after the Iranization of Arab and Muslim nations and does not want at all to change other nations' faith to Shiism".
Full report at:
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=9107159348
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47 Salafi jihadists on hunger strike in Hamas' prisons
By DAVID BARNETT
April 9, 2013
A leading Salafi jihadist in the Gaza Strip has said that 47 Salafi jihadists are currently on hunger strike in Hamas' prisons in Gaza. On April 5, Threat Matrix had reported that a number of Salafi jihadists imprisoned by Hamas had begun hunger strikes. According to the jihadist Abu Abdullah al Maqdisi, 21 of those engaging in the protest were arrested within the past three weeks.
Al Maqdisi's remarks came during an interview with the Asharq Al Awsat. According to al Maqdisi, Hamas has increased its campaign against Salafi jihadists in the Gaza Strip in response to recent rocket attacks conducted by the Mujahideen Shura Council in the Environs of Jerusalem, an al Qaeda-linked group.
Full report at:
matrix/archives/2013/04/47_salafi_jihadists_on_hunger.php#ixzz2Q8DpBePA
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Palestinian PM offers to resign
April 11, 2013
Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad has offered to resign because of an increasingly bitter dispute with President Mahmoud Abbas over the extent of his authority, officials said on Thursday.
Mr. Abbas has not responded to Mr. Fayyad, who enjoys the support of the international community, particularly the United States.
It’s not clear if Mr. Abbas, who is expected back in the West Bank on Thursday from a trip to Qatar, will accept Mr. Fayyad’s resignation at a time when the U.S. is trying to revive Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/palestinian-pm-offers-to-resign/article4605939.ece
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Africa
Nigeria's Boko Haram rejects Jonathan's amnesty idea
April 11, 2013
The Nigerian Islamist group Boko Haram has rejected the idea of an amnesty.
Last week President Goodluck Jonathan asked a high level team to look into the possibility of granting the militants a pardon.
The announcement was made via an audio statement believed to be from the group's leader Abubakar Shekau.
In recent years Boko Haram has carried out a campaign of violence across northern and parts of central Nigeria killing at least 2,000 people.
The group says its members are fighting to create an Islamic state in Nigeria's predominantly Muslim north.
Full report at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-22105476
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Suspected extremists kill four in Nigeria
April 11, 2013
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — Officials say suspected extremists shot and killed four people involved in education programs in northeast Nigeria, including a man in charge of a program to feed poor students.
The killings happened Monday on the outskirts of Bama in Borno state, a region long under attack by a radical extremist network known as Boko Haram. Authorities say the four were killed as they tried to flee the gunmen.
Full report at:
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20130411160902
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Sudan’s minister sees ‘end’ to Darfur revolt
11 April 2013
KHARTOUM: Sudan’s defense minister, who is wanted for alleged war crimes in Darfur, said yesterday that improving relations with South Sudan will help to “end” a decade-old rebellion in the western region.
“The implementation of the cooperation agreements with S. Sudan will affect security in Darfur,” Defense Minister Abdelrahim Mohammed Hussein said in a national security briefing to Parliament.
“It will give us a chance to surround the insurgents and help us to end the rebellion.”
Ethnic minority rebels in Darfur rose up against the Arab-dominated Khartoum government in 2003.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/news/447699
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Red Cross Appeals for $43 Million for War-Hit Mali
April 11, 2013
Geneva. The Red Cross has appealed for an additional $43 million to help hundreds of thousands of people in war-torn Mali, and said it would be stepping up its visits of detainees.
“Now that northern Mali has been in the grip of armed violence for almost 16 months, the living conditions of people affected by the conflict are very worrying and humanitarian needs substantial,” the International Committee of the Red Cross said in a statement late Wednesday.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/international/red-cross-appeals-for-43-million-for-war-hit-mali/584948
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Malawi accuses Madonna of exaggerating humanitarian efforts
Singer 'saddened' by claims she sought VIP treatment on recent Malawi visit and had overstated her contribution there
11 April 2013
Malawi has launched a scathing attack on Madonna, accusing her of exaggerating her contributions to the southern African country and demanding special treatment during her trip last week.
The pop star denied the accusations. Her spokesman suggested the claims were prompted by the recent removal of the president's sister as head of Madonna's humanitarian organisation there.
Full report at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/apr/11/malawi-madonna-exaggerating-humanitarian-efforts
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South Asia
Afghan officials say bombs kill four in southern Afghanistan
Apr 11 2013
KABUL: Afghan officials say two separate roadside bombings in southern Afghanistan have killed four people, including a district police chief.
A spokesman for the provincial governor in southern Uruzgan province, Abdullah Himmat, says a bomb killed the police chief of the Chora district and two of his bodyguards while they were on patrol early Thursday.
Ummar Zawaq, a spokesman for the governor of Helmand, says a roadside bomb killed a civilian and wounded two others in the Marjah district, also on Thursday.
Violence has been escalating around Afghanistan in recent weeks as the spring fighting season has started. Insurgent attacks usually drop off during the country’s harsh winter weather.
http://dawn.com/2013/04/11/afghan-officials-say-bombs-kill-four-in-south/
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“Anti-Semitism, racism, xenophobia and religious intolerance” deeply entrenched in Maldivian political discourse
By Minivan News | April 10th, 2013
Anti-Semitism, racism, xenophobia and religious intolerance “are deeply entrenched” in political parties currently opposed to the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), former Foreign Minister in both Nasheed and Gayoom’s government, Dr Ahmed Shaheed, has said.
Dr Shaheed’s comments follow reports in local media summarising US Embassy cables first published by Wikileaks in 2009, and discussed during the then-opposition parliament’s efforts to impeach the foreign minister.
Full report at:
http://minivannews.com/politics/anti-semitism-racism-xenophobia-and-religious-intolerance-deeply-entrenched-in-maldivian-political-discourse-dr-shaheed-56002
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Myanmar's Muslims 'barred from Suu Kyi meet' in Japan
April 11, 2013
TOKYO — Members of Myanmar's Muslim minority Rohingya community said Thursday they have been barred from a gathering to welcome democracy hero Aung San Suu Kyi when she visits Japan.
Suu Kyi is expected from Saturday in her first visit to the country for nearly three decades, after time spent as a researcher at Kyoto University in 1985-6.
During her six-day trip, she is expected to have meetings with some of the approximately 10,000 Burmese who live in Japan, as well as with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida.
But Zaw Min Htut, 42, the leader of some 200 Rohingya Muslims who live in Japan, said his people had been told they were not wanted at events to welcome Suu Kyi.
"Because some Buddhist minorities are against our participation, even though I've been in Japan for decades and have helped other Myanmar nationals here, I was told by compatriot event organisers I won't be able to see Daw Aung San Suu Kyi," he told AFP, using a term of respect.
Full report at:
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20130411160944
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2 Bangladeshis held for anti-Islam comments on Facebook
April 11, 2013
Two cousins were arrested and sent to jail in Sylhet yesterday, as one of them had allegedly posted on Facebook deprecating comment and a caricature hurting religious sentiment of Muslims while the other “liked” those.
Acting on a tip off, a joint team of detectives and Biswanath police arrested Bijoy Chanda, 21, student of Sylhet MC College, from the city’s Subidbazar area and his cousin Partho Sarothi, 20, student of a private university, from Bairagibazar area.
With the duo’s detention, the number of total arrestees in connection with hurting Islamic sentiment via social network rose to six.
Full report at:
http://www.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/2-held-for-anti-islam-comments/
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Islamist shot dead in Bangladesh violence: police
April 11, 2013
DHAKA: A protester from Bangladesh’s largest Islamic party was shot dead on Thursday as police opened fire at hundreds of opposition activists on the fourth day of a nationwide strike.
Police said the shooting occurred in the southern town of Dumuria where they fired live rounds at 500 supporters of the Jamaat-e-Islami party, during protests to demand the release of the head of its student wing.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2013/04/11/islamist-shot-dead-in-bangladesh-violence-police/
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Maldives Tourism Boycott Puts President On The Defense
By Mark Johanson | April 11 2013
A petition urging tourists to boycott the Maldives until it reforms its judicial system has gained well over 2 million signatures -- twice the number of tourists that visit the small Indian Ocean nation each year -- since it went up on Avaaz.org three weeks ago, but the Maldivian president said this week that a boycott would “only serve as a setback to the economic opportunities and rights we are all striving to uphold for women, girls and the hardworking Maldivian people in general.”
Full report at:
http://www.ibtimes.com/maldives-tourism-boycott-puts-president-defense-1185509
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Australia
Terror accused denies 'jihad' USB stick containing al-Qaeda magazines was his
April 9, 2013
Belinda Merhab
A Melbourne man found in possession of a USB stick containing al-Qaeda magazines with instructions on engaging in jihad denied the data storage device was his and said he borrowed it, a court has heard.
Adnan Karabegovic, 24, of Officer, faces 12 charges of collecting and possessing material in connection with the preparation of a terrorist act.
The Melbourne Magistrates Court has heard Karabegovic downloaded six issues of the magazine Inspire, four of which were stored on a USB found in his trouser pocket during a raid on his home last September.
Full report at:
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/terror-accused-denies-jihad-usb-was-his-20130409-2hiq6.html
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/implementation-hefazat-e-islam-demands/d/11102