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Islamic World News ( 11 Jul 2015, NewAgeIslam.Com)

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In The Dark Corners of the Internet, Extremists Prey On Young Saudis


New Age Islam News Bureau

11 Jul 2015


These extremists rely heavily on an influential yet little-known terrorist manifesto called “The Management of Savagery.” (Saudi Gazette)

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Arab World

 In The Dark Corners of the Internet, Extremists Prey On Young Saudis

 Islamic State bans Eid prayers in Iraq

 Huge Regime Bombs Kill 28 in ISIS-Held Syria Town: Monitor

 ISIL Bulldozer Crushes Dozen Iraqi Civilians to Death

 Syrian Army Kills 14 Jeish al-Islam Terrorists in Eastern Ghouta

 Tens of ISIL Terrorists Preparing to Surrender to Iraqi Forces in Fallujah

 Iraq's top Shiite cleric urges neighbors to curb militants

 Huge car bomb outside Italian consulate in Cairo

 U.S.-led warplanes strike ISIS targets in Syria, Iraq

 Explosives for Kuwait mosque bombing came from Bahrain: Suspects

 4 killed in Saudi airstrikes in Yemen after UN truce

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South Asia

 358 Insurgents Killed, Wounded In Afghan Military Operations

 48 Rebels Killed In Internal Clash, Air Strike in Nangarhar

 Army Quell Taliban Attack, Two Bomb Makers Detained

 Nawaz, Ghani satisfied with Afghan govt-Taliban talks

 New operation launched against terrorists’ aides

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India

 ‘Saiyeds Are Gurus of Muslims’; Gujrat HC Rebukes Man Who Married Under Fake Identity

 Muslim Farmer Builds Krishna Temple in Kanpur

 From India to Pakistan, Muslims Savour Sewai Prepared By Kashi Hindus during Ramzan

 Non-Muslims Play Host at Iftaar Parties

 Security forces still skeptical of Pakistan's intent on ceasefire

 India, Pakistan to work together in SCO but differences remain

 TV Actors Ashiesh Roy, Pankaj Berry, Amit Behl on Fasting With Muslim Friends during Ramzan

 Half-day Leave for Muslims Tomorrow in Telengana for Iftar Parities

 Yasin Bhatkal asks for 24/7 video surveillance; Court calls for report from jail authorities

 Eid Mela at Meerut Gymkhana Grounds? No, Say Hindu Groups

 Shia Muslims Take out Rally in Chennai on the Martyrdom of Harat Ali

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Europe

 UK Deradicalisation Plan Will Label Muslims with Beards as Terrorists

 Ukraine Leader Warns Of 'Terror' As 2 Killed In Clashes

 Russia urges punishment for Bosnia massacre culprits

 Milan Jewish Center Runs Soup Kitchen for Muslim Refugees Fleeing to Northern Europe

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Mideast

 Israelleaks: Cables Reveal Tel Aviv-ISIL Link, Israel's Support for Terrorists in Syria

 Erdogan Says Reported Uighurs Mistreatment in China ‘Exploited’

 Israel bars Palestinians en route to Al-Aqsa Mosque on Int’l Quds Day

 Yemen’s Houthis ‘breach U.N. ceasefire’

 Yemen pause will be 'useless': S Arabia

 Iran nuclear negotiations get third extension

 Thousands of Iranians march in annual pro-Palestine rallies

 Senior Cleric: Resistance Only Way to Save Palestine

 Iran's Nuclear Chief Stresses High Chance of Striking Final Deal with Powers in Vienna

 Leader's Top Military Aide: Armed Struggle Only Strategy to Free Holy Quds

 Iran Asks West to Choose between Deal and Sanctions

 Senior Negotiator: Deal Possible If Other Side Shows Political Will

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North America

 Look Who Just Pledged $32 Billion to Promote Islam and Sharia Law in America

 What Srebrenica means to a Muslim in America

 Islamic leader calls certification plan oppressive

 Muslims distribute food in US during Ramadan

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Southeast Asia

 Airline Pilots from Indonesia 'Radicalised By Islamic State'

 Muslims Must Be United, Says Selangor Sultan

 Visually impaired Muslims learn, share Quran recital skills

 Muslim Groups Threaten Violence on Catholic Shrine over Permit Dispute in Yogyakarta

 Bomb attacks kill 1, injure 13 in southern Thailand

 Greater Jakarta: Jakarta’s inflation stable during Ramadhan

 IS terror plot in KL foiled

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Pakistan

 Army to Back Balochistan’s Quest for Peace, Progress

 Nine Killed In Balochistan's Turbat in Separate Incidents

 Christians and Sikhs Get ‘Elder’ Status In Khyber

 Pakistan, India join Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

 With 30-day police powers, Rangers see no time frame for Karachi operation

 Money laundering LHC urged to hear plea against Nawaz afresh

 Nawaz, Ghani satisfied over peace talks

 Speaker highlights traders’ role in Islam

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Africa

 Boko Haram Terrorists Kill 13 People in Nigeria, Niger

 Al Shabaab Attacks Somali Capital Hotel, 6 Civilians Killed

 Almost 5,500 Tunisians in militant ranks, U.N. experts say

 Fighting rages in spite of Yemen truce

 About 5,500 Tunisians in ISIL ranks, UN experts say

 UN official warns of 'explosion of violence' in Burundi

 AMISOM to 'revitalise' campaign against Al-Shabaab

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/in-dark-corners-internet,-extremists/d/103863

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Arab World

 

In the dark corners of the Internet, extremists prey on young Saudis

July 11, 2015

AS extremists wage a war of ideas by spreading terrorist propaganda and misinformation, the main target seems to be the Kingdom’s young men and women.

Al-Riyadh daily reports on how extremists are seizing every opportunity to accomplish their goals using social media and other increasingly sophisticated methods to spread their venomous messages.

These extremists rely heavily on an influential yet little-known terrorist manifesto called “The Management of Savagery.”

Published in 2004 by an extremist who calls himself Abu Bakr Naji, the book is a stomach-churning guide to the brutal tactics used by many extremist groups in the region.

The US government translated the book into English and distributed the translation among the top officials of political and government agencies as well as in the Department of Defense.

The word “savagery” is meant to reflect the chaotic state that will rip through a country when its government collapses and its people lose any hope for reform in their government.

isleading the youth

Extremists realize the impact the Internet can have on the impressionable minds of youth. They understand the importance and strategic advantage of misguiding youth on a path of death and destruction.

Dr. Fayez Abdullah Al-Shehri, founding member of Prince Naif Chair for Intellectual Security Studies at King Saud University, carried out a study on the intellectual discourse used by extremists on the Internet.

He said the discourse relies mainly on preying on the emotional vulnerabilities and naiveness of youth. The study showed that the majority of youths targeted are Arabs as they are more likely to embrace revolutionary ideas and thoughts promulgated by extremists.

Berating religious figures

Extremists try to use the current events transpiring in Muslim countries and the oppression suffered by Muslims to their own interests and encourage the youth to rebel against governments.

They depict governments in countries experiencing turmoil as weak and unable to take action to prevent troubles while intentionally ignoring the circumstances that led to existing problems.

To fight this ideology, it is very important to understand the mentality of extremists and the methods they try to use to promulgate their ideas.

Extremists work hard to raise doubts about the religious and political establishments of a country and incite people to rebel against such establishments.

They distort the meaning of religious texts in order to serve their purposes and achieve their goals. The focus is always on ambitious youth or those who are going through a very difficult stage of their lives.

They make their followers believe that this worldly life is full of evil and corruption and it not worth living for.

The study also showed that the people running extremist sites use sophisticated technology to make them look attractive and have features that allow them to coordinate with one another to put up updated propaganda.

Terrorists operating in conflict-stricken areas are often asked to narrate their stories and experiences and then post them on the site so that others can read them and follow in their footsteps.

The study concluded that moderate thinking is the only weapon that should be used to fight extremism. Moderate discourse should be organized and studied well so it can reach young minds most targeted by extremists.

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20150711250037

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Islamic State bans Eid prayers in Iraq

July 10, 2015

ERBIL: In its Iraqi stronghold of Mosul, the Islamic State (ISIS) group is banning residents from performing prayers on one of the most important Muslim feasts, controversially claiming the practice does not belong in the religion.

Ismat Rajab, a Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) official for Mosul who now lives in the Kurdistan region, told Rudaw that the radical group has warned residents to avoid prayers for Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan in about a week.

He said ISIS was claiming that the Eid prayer is not “originally an Islamic practice” and was not performed in Prophet Mohammad’s time.

Since the ISIS takeover of Mosul last year, the jihadis have been imposing new rules and regulations, backed by strict punishments that include the threat of death for offenders.

Eid al-Fitr, also called the Feast of Breaking the Fast, is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting.

Although a religious practice, the prayer preformed on the first day after Ramadan also is a cultural event.

http://nation.com.pk/international/10-Jul-2015/eid-prayers-banned-by-isis

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Huge regime bombs kill 28 in ISIS-held Syria town: Monitor

11 July 2015

Syria’s regime killed at least 28 people, mostly civilians, on Saturday when its warplanes dropped massive makeshift bombs on a town held by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) group, a monitor said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the “container bombs” used in the attacks on Al-Bab, in the northern province of Aleppo, were three times bigger than crudely constructed barrel bombs that have already drawn widespread international condemnation.

https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2015/07/11/-Huge-regime-bombs-kill-28-in-ISIS-held-Syria-town-Monitor.html

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ISIL bulldozer crushes dozen Iraqi civilians to death

Jul 11, 2015

Takfiri ISIL terrorists have crushed at least a dozen Iraqi civilians to death in the country’s troubled northern city of Mosul as they continue their atrocious crimes on a large scale in the Arab country.

A local source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Arabic-language al-Sumaria satellite television network that the ISIL extremists placed the men on a road close to the city’s government building, situated some 400 kilometers (248 miles) north of the capital, Baghdad, on Friday evening, and then a bulldozer drove back and forth over the ill-fated civilians.

The source added that the victims were executed after ISIL Takfiris accused them of opposing their ideology, collaborating with Iraqi government forces and providing them with information about terrorist hideouts.

The development came a day after ISIL terrorists executed “six former officers of the Second Division of the Iraqi army” following their arrest in Mosul a year ago.

The execution took place in a public square in the city, an unnamed local source said, adding, “The officers had been arrested from their homes in Mosul in July last year, and had remained in detention until they were put to death.”

On July 5, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) spokesman in Mosul, Saeed Mamouzini, said the ISIL terrorist group had kidnapped 111 schoolchildren, mostly aged between 10 to 15 years.

The Takfiris then shifted the abductees to their training camps on the outskirts of the embattled northern Iraqi city, where they were being forced to undergo training to carry out acts of terror, according to Mamouzini.

The northern and western parts of Iraq have been plagued by violence ever since Takfiri ISIL militants began their march through Iraqi territory in June 2014.

The heavily-armed terrorists took control of Mosul before sweeping through parts of the country’s heartland.

http://www.presstv.in/Detail/2015/07/11/419729/Iraq-ISIL-Mosul-Saeed-Mamouzini-KDP-bulldozer-

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Syrian Army Kills 14 Jeish al-Islam Terrorists in Eastern Ghouta

Jul 10, 2015

The army units killed at least 14 Jeish al-Islam terrorists in attacks on their positions in Eastern Ghouta.

The Jeish al-Islam militants tried to seize control of strategic regions in Eastern Ghouta in the last four days, but to no avail.

In a similar development on Sunday, 35 members of the Jeish al-Islam terrorist group were killed in army's ambush operation in Eastern Ghouta.

The operation was carried out on Sunday night as the terrorists tried to infiltrate Jobar region in Eastern Ghouta.

The Syrian army forces in cooperation with the popular forces surrounded the terrorists and attacked them in an ambush operation, killing 35 members of Jeish al-Islam group in a several-hour-long clashes.

Syria has been grappling with a deadly crisis since March 2011. The violence fuelled by Takfiri groups has so far claimed the lives of over 210,000 people, according to reports. New figures show that over 76,000 people, including thousands of children, lost their lives in Syria last year.

Over 3.8 million Syrians have left their country since the beginning of the crisis. According to reports, more than seven million Syrians have become internally displaced.

http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940419000707

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Tens of ISIL Terrorists Preparing to Surrender to Iraqi Forces in Fallujah

Jul 10, 2015

"Over 150 ISIL militants have declared that if the Iraqi troops enter the city they will surrender without any resistance," al-Soumeriya news website quoted Iraqi Federal Police Commander Ra'ed Judat as saying on Friday.

On Wednesday, 35 members of the ISIL terrorist group surrendered to the Iraqi forces in the Western parts of Ramadi, Anbar province.

Commander of the third battalion of the Iraqi popular forces Mahmoud Marzi was quoted as saying by Soumeriya news that all the terrorists are from al-Karamah town who joined the ISIL in 2014.

On Tuesday, the Iraqi army, backed by volunteer forces, launched an operation to liberate the strategic city of Fallujah from the control of the ISIL terrorists.

Iraqi officials said the offensive to retake the troubled city, located roughly 69 kilometers (43 miles) West of the capital, Baghdad, began on Monday night, and that government troopers together with volunteer fighters have now reached the gates of Fallujah.

The authorities said that Iraqi forces are now in full control of the Western, Southern and Eastern areas leading to the city.

Full report at:

http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940419001098

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Iraq's top Shiite cleric urges neighbors to curb militants

10 July 2015

Iraq's top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani said on Friday regional states were not doing enough to stop the flow of militants into Iraq, and warned that the fighters would return one day to threaten their home countries.

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria group has attracted Sunni Muslim fighters from across the world to its self-declared caliphate in parts of Syria and Iraq. Large numbers have fought on the front line or carried out suicide bombing missions.

Sistani's representative Sheikh Abdulmehdi al-Karbalai said the prominent role of foreign fighters was a sign of international negligence.

"The continuation of this policy of indifference and the intentional or non-intentional ignoring of the flow of these members to Iraq will increase the peril of these gangs to the country and entire region," Karbalai said in a Friday sermon.

"It will pose a real threat to their home countries. It is possible that they will return to them in the future to form terrorist cells that will participate in disturbing the safety and security of those countries."

Full report at:

https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2015/07/10/Iraq-s-top-Shi-ite-cleric-urges-neighbours-to-curb-militants.html

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Huge car bomb outside Italian consulate in Cairo

11 July 2015

A car bomb exploded outside the Italian consulate in Cairo on Saturday morning, killing one person and wounding at least four others, an Al Arabiya correspondent reported, citing security sources and witnesses.

The blast, which shook the building in downtown Cairo, occurred at around 6.30 a.m. local time.

Medics at the site of the blast told Agence France-Presse that the explosion wounded two policemen stationed outside the consulate and three passers-by without identifying which was killed.

Medics say the explosion killed one and wounded five others. (Courtesy: Youm7.com)

The Italian foreign minister said his country will not be intimidated by the deadly bombing of its consulate, AFP reported.

Full report at:

https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2015/07/11/Two-large-explosions-heard-in-Cairo.html

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U.S.-led warplanes strike ISIS targets in Syria, Iraq

11 July 2015

U.S.-led coalition warplanes targeted Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in 16 airstrikes in Iraq and 15 against the militant group in Syria, the U.S. military said in a statement on Friday.

In Iraq, the warplanes struck targets near Baiji, Fallujah,Habbaniyah, Haditha, Makhmur, Mosul, Sinjar and Tal Afar, Reuters news agency reported.

Full report at:

https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2015/07/11/U-S-led-warplanes-strike-ISIS-targets-in-Syria-Iraq.html

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Explosives for Kuwait mosque bombing came from Bahrain: Suspects

Jul 11, 2015

The two brothers recently arrested in Saudi Arabia over orchestrating a deadly bomb attack at a Shia mosque in Kuwait reportedly say they have obtained the explosive materials needed for the assault from neighboring Bahrain.

The pair has confessed to smuggling the materials, used in the late June bombing, across the King Fahd Causeway, which connects Bahrain to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait-based and Arabic-language al-Shahed newspaper reported.

Once inside Saudi Arabia, the brothers rented a room at a guesthouse in the kingdom’s northern al-Qassim region, situated about 360 kilometers (225 miles) northwest of the capital, Riyadh, where they made an explosives-laden belt.

They then stashed the belt inside their car’s refrigerator and laid several cans of food as well as bottles of mineral waters over it to avoid any suspicion by Saudi border police.

The two Saudi brothers drove all the way along Highway 30, which links Saudi border to Kuwait City. They stayed in their brother’s house for two days, before returning home.

Kuwaiti security forces gather outside the Shia Imam Sadiq (PBUH) Mosque after a bombing during Friday prayers in Kuwait City, June 26, 2015. (© AP)

Spokesman for the Saudi Interior Ministry Major General Mansour al-Turki announced on July 7 that Saudi forces had captured a man in the mountain city of Taif in connection with Kuwait mosque bombing, and another in the town of Ras al-Khafji on the border between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait following an exchange of gunfire.

Full report at:

http://www.presstv.in/Detail/2015/07/11/419746/Kuwait-Shia-mosque-bombing-Saudi-Arabia-Bahrain-

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4 killed in Saudi airstrikes in Yemen after UN truce

Jul 11, 2015

At least four people have been killed and four others injured in fresh Saudi airstrikes against Yemen, shortly after a so-called UN-sponsored ceasefire came into effect in the impoverished country.

Saudi fighter jets pounded a police station in Al-Radhma district in the southwestern Yemeni province of Ibb after the truce came into force early Saturday, Yemen’s Saba Net news agency reported.

Saudi fighter jets also continued pounding areas across Yemen on Friday as reports showed that eight people were killed during an attack on a school in al-Hamra district in the northern province of Lahij.

Scores of people were also injured in the strike on a school, which hosted families of refugees and those who have lost their homes in the Saudi attacks over the past weeks.

According to reports, the school’s building was completely destroyed and the nearby buildings were also damaged.

Meanwhile, at least seven civilians were killed and 10 others, all women and children, were wounded in a Saudi air raid on Sanhan district in the province of Sana’a on Friday.

A truck driver was also killed after Saudi jets targeted it in Yemen’s volatile southern province of Shabwa. A passing car was destroyed in the attack as well, killing three civilians.

Meanwhile, one person was killed and 27 others injured after Saudi jets dropped bombs on an educational complex in Al Manar district in Dhamar Province.

Furthermore, at least two people were reportedly killed after Saudi fighter jets attacked a German aid convoy in Yemen’s northwestern province of Sa’ada.

Full report at:

http://www.presstv.in/Detail/2015/07/11/419733/Yemen-Saudi-Arabia-ceasefire-Ibb-Radhma-

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South Asia

 

358 Insurgents Killed, Wounded In Afghan Military Operations

By KHAAMA PRESS - Sat Jul 11 2015

358 militants have been killed and wounded in newest military operations, the Ministry of Defense announced on Saturday.

According to a statement issued by the ministry the operations were carried out in Marawar, Shigal, Manogai, Ghazi Abad, Sarkano and Wata Pur district of Kunar province, Alingar District of Laghman, Tagab of Kapisa, Jalriz of Maidan Wardak, Gilan of Ghazni, Samkani and Janikhil of Paktia, Charchino, Chinarto, Khas Urozgan, Dehrawoud and Surab districts of Urozgan, Gijran and Gizab of Daikundi, Shah Wali Kot, Naish and Maiwan districts of Kandahar, Khwaja Ghar of Takhar, Chahardara, Ali Abad, Imam Sahib, Dasht-i-Arche and Gor Tipa of Kundoz and Girishk District of Helmand province in past 48 hours.

The statement adds that 216 insurgents were killed and 142 others wounded during these operations.

Full report at:

http://www.khaama.com/ministry-of-defense-358-insurgents-killed-wounded-in-newest-military-operations-3626

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48 rebels killed in internal clash, air strike in Nangarhar

By KHAAMA PRESS - Sat Jul 11 2015,

48 militants have been killed in internal clash between two militant groups and air strike in eastern Nangarhar province.

The clash took place in Mamand area around 03:30 pm on Friday and about an hour later a militant hideout came under air strike in Shashpar Pikhi area of Achin District.

Hazrat Hussain Mashriqiwal, spokesman for the police headquarters of Nangarahar says in a statement that 12 rebels were killed in the clash and 30 others in the air strike.

He further states in the statement that a weapon cache belonging to the insurgents was also destroyed in the air attack.

Full report at:

http://www.khaama.com/48-rebels-killed-in-air-strike-internal-clash-in-nangarhar-3627

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Army quell Taliban attack, two bomb makers detained

By KHAAMA PRESS - Sat Jul 11 2015

Afghan National Army has repelled a Taliban coordinated attack in eastern Kunar province.

Officials say that a group of Taliban militants attacked a security post on the top of a hill in Gulsak area of Chapa Dara District yesterday.

According to 201st Silab Military Corps, the security forces gave a befitting response to the attack and pushed back the Taliban.

Two Taliban insurgents were killed and another wounded in the clash. Security forces and local residents did not receive casualties during the skirmish.

Another report from 201st Corps suggests that two bomb makers have been detained from the jurisdiction of Shaikh Ali District of Parwan province.

Full report at:

http://www.khaama.com/army-quelled-taliban-attack-two-bomb-makers-detained-3625

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Nawaz, Ghani satisfied with Afghan govt-Taliban talks

July 10, 2015

UFA:  Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and President Ashraf Ghani of Afghanistan expressed satisfaction on the progress made in the 7th July meeting between Afghan government and Afghan Taliban to promote peace and reconciliation process today.

 The statement from the two leaders came during a meeting held on the sidelines of SCO/ BRICS summits here in the Russian Federation today.

During the meeting the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan's desire to build a positive and forward looking relationship with Afghanistan. President Ashraf Ghani appreciated the efforts and role of Pakistan in facilitating peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan and expressed the hope that this would lead to a lasting peace and stability in the country.

The two leaders exchanged views on how to carry forward the peace process. They also exchanged views on the efforts being made by the respective sides to counter terrorism and extremism. Both the leaders also reviewed economic cooperation to achieve the shared objectives of peace, prosperity and development.

The Prime Minister extended an invitation to President Ashraf Ghani to jointly inaugurate with him the Ministerial conference of the Heart of Asia process to be hosted by Pakistan in December 2015.

Full report at:

http://nation.com.pk/national/10-Jul-2015/nawaz-ghani-satisfied-with-afghan-govt-taliban-talks

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New operation launched against terrorists’ aides

July 11, 2015

LAHORE - Fresh countrywide information-gathering exercise, with a focus on Karachi and Punjab, has been launched to neutralise the terror financiers and facilitators, it is learnt.

Contacts close to the state security services told The Nation on Friday that a new operation has been put into action to completely cut the lifeline (financiers and facilitators) of the terror networks.

Army Chief General Raheel Sharif during a visit to Khyber Agency last month had vowed to apprehend all terrorists, their facilitators and financiers to achieve the objective of a terror-free Pakistan. “Noose has been tightened and terrorists will not be allowed to re-establish themselves,” he said had told troops.

The sources said information gathering will be accelerated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, but Punjab and Karachi would be focused in the fresh drive as they were more “sensitive” with regard to the number of terror financiers and facilitators and also because KP and Balochistan were already under the high priority of the security agencies.

They informed that lists of suspected terror facilitators and financiers would be reviewed to sift out possible targets for putting them on surveillance list, besides apprehending the ‘sure’ aides of terrorists.

Full report at:

http://nation.com.pk/lahore/11-Jul-2015/new-operation-launched-against-terrorists-aides

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India

 

‘Saiyeds Are Gurus of Muslims’; Gujrat HC Rebukes Man Who Married Under Fake Identity

By Satish Jha

July 11, 2015


Justice Z K Saiyed of the Gujarat High Court (HC), refusing to grant bail to a Muslim man who had allegedly posed as a Hindu to marry a woman, on Friday rebuked him saying he should not have done that being a “Saiyed”.


Justice Saiyed was hearing the bail petition of one Ashmatali M Saiyed, who is in judicial custody on charges of domestic violence and cheating. Ashmatali is accused of marrying a woman from the Hindu community by faking his identity. It is alleged that Ashmatali, who was already married and has children, did not reveal his religion to the woman before his second marriage.


”How can I allow this petition? You (petitioner) are a married person. I will book you for your offence. You are a Saiyed and I am also from the same community. Saiyeds are gurus of Muslims,” said Justice Saiyed in the open court.


He asked Ashmatali’s lawyer about the first wife of the petitioner and the lawyer replied that she was living with her in-laws. Not satisfied with answer, Justice Saiyed expressed his annoyance.


Following the argument, Ashmatali’s lawyer said that he would prefer to withdraw the plea. Justice Saiyed, however, said: “I would oblige you by making an observation in the order.” The court later allowed Ashmatali’s lawyer to withdraw the bail petition.


Ashmatali’s bail petition had earlier been rejected by a sessions court on May 30.


The sessions court had then observed: “It is significant to note here that the accused being a Muslim, posed as a Hindu and got married to a Hindu girl… in my view the offence against the accused is serious and such offence is taken lightly it will have an adverse impact on the society.”


http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/saiyeds-are-gurus-of-muslims-hc-judge-rebukes-man-who-married-under-fake-identity/


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Muslim Farmer Builds Krishna Temple in Kanpur

Faiz Rahman Siddiqui

Jul 11, 2015

KANPUR: In contrast with communal flare-ups in several towns in western UP, a 45-year-old Muslim farmer in Kanpur Dehat's Murra village has come out as a perfect example of communal harmony. Observing Ramzan religiously, the man has constructed a temple dedicated to Radha-Krishna which is attracting people in droves.

The villagers said that the construction of the temple by Raees Mohammad was an example of Hindu-Muslim brotherhood. Raees has also arranged a priest and personally participates in the prayers at the temple.

"Popular as 'Bhaijan', Raees (45) dons a scull cap and a 'bhagwa' (saffron) scarf. He claps, dances and sings 'bhajans' loudly in the Radha-Krishna temple. At first glance, he looks like any other Hindu devotee, but he vouches he is a devout Muslim. In fact, he has also appointed a priest for the newly-built temple which houses idols of Radha and Krishna," said a villager.

"Raees not only observes Ramzan fast and offers namaz regularly, but also performs 'bhajan' and 'aarti' at the temple. Recently, he organised 'Akhand Ramayan' path and 'bhandara' (community feat)," said the temple priest Shiv Kumar Dikshit adding, "Raees has spent Rs 2 to 3 lakh of his savings on the temple's construction."

Raees said he was inspired when prayers offered at a Radha-Krishna temple situated at a nursing home 'cured' his wife Qamrunisa. "Prayers offered before the idols of Radha-Krishna at the temple cured my ailing wife. After that, I decided to build a temple of Radha-Krishna in my village too," said Raees. Born at Murra near Rasoolabad, Raees' family is among the 15 Muslim families living there.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kanpur/Muslim-farmer-builds-Krishna-temple/articleshow/48030102.cms

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From India to Pakistan, Muslims savour sewai prepared by Kashi Hindus during Ramzan

10 July 2015

It is that time of the year when Muslims across the world mark Ramzan with heightened religious fervour. They fast the whole day and feast in the evening. Delicious food, of course, is an indispensable part of the festivity. But ending an iftar meal without anything sweet is incomplete. One of the most-loved desserts of the season is delicious meethi seviyan (sweet vermicelli). Seviyan made in India are loved across the globe, especially Pakistan and Bangladesh. These seviyan are prepared at Bhadau Chungi Chowk Bhardwaj Mohalla seviyan mandi situated in Varanasi's Bhado Chungi area by all Hindu families.

Exemplifying religious reverence, around 100 Hindu families are involved in making seviyan at a large scale during the holy month of Ramzan.

Exemplifying religious reverence, around 100 Hindu families are involved in making seviyan at a large scale in Bhadau Chungi Chowk between Kashi-Mughal Sarai Marg during the holy month of Ramzan.

The demand for vermicelli soars during Eid. Manufacturers of vermicelli are flooded with orders and Hindu workers work in perfect harmony to meet the demand. Vermicelli made here are sold across the country and globe, including neighbouring Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal.

Full report at:

http://www.iamin.in/en/varanasi/news/india-pakistan-muslims-savour-sewai-prepared-kashi-hindus-during-ramzan-64437

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Non-Muslims play host at Iftaar parties

Priyangi Agarwal,

 Jul 10, 201

BAREILLY: At Dargah Syed Moju Shah Miyan in Kurmanchal Nagar, Iftaar parties are common during Ramzan. On Thursday, however, it was an Iftaar party with a difference. Local Hindu priest Pandit Ram Bahadur played a big role in organising the feast.

"I have earlier hosted Iftaar parties on a smaller scale. This time, I decided to organize it in the shrine with the help of clerics, to show our togetherness with Muslim friends," said a smiling Bahadur.

More than 70 rozedaars turned up at the shrine, to a feast of snacks and beverages. Maulana Riyazuddin, who is associated with this shrine, said, "A large number of Hindus visit our shrine to seek blessings. This, however, was the first time that a Hindu priest had played an active role in organising the Iftaar party. When the priest first approached us with the suggestion, we were a bit surprised. But we immediately agreed. This is a noble thing to do."

Abdul Kayum Khan, who was at the party, said celebrating such an event together was a nice way to bring communities together.

This, however, is not the lone instance of a non-Muslim throwing an Iftaar party for Muslims in the city. Bareilly has seen several instances of a face-off between communities, but during Ramzan, there are also many non-Muslims organizing lavish feasts for Muslim friends on the Ramzan fast.

On Wednesday, many Hindu, Christian and Sikh women joined Muslim friends in cooking dinner for Iftaar. The women gathered near Sabri mosque in Subhash Nagar to prepare the Iftaar dishes.

"Most of the Iftaar parties are attended just by men. Women usually give them a miss. We wanted to spread the message that women and men are equal, so we decided to host an Iftaar just for women," said Samyun Khan, president of Aam Aurat Sewa Samiti (AASS), which organised the event.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bareilly/Non-Muslims-play-host-at-Iftaar-parties/articleshow/48024773.cms

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Security forces still skeptical of Pakistan's intent on ceasefire

Jul 11, 2015

NEW DELHI: The DGMO-level talks as a follow-up to the Modi-Sharif meet will strive to strengthen border de-escalatory mechanisms but the security forces are not so sure the Pakistan Army-ISI combine will actually take concrete steps to ensure the "sanctity" of the ceasefire as well as dismantle the terror infrastructure operating across the border.

"The DGMO talks will have to translate into concrete action on the ground if they are to be fruitful. As of now, there is no evidence the Pakistan Army-ISI combine has undergone a change of heart," said a senior officer, holding that around half of the 42 terror training camps in Pakistan and PoK are "still active round-the-clock".

When the two DGMOs had last met face-to-face at the Wagah-Attari border in Punjab in December 2013, it had led to a perceptible drop in ceasefire violations and infiltration bids, which often go together since the Pakistan Army gives "covering fire" to aid militants trying to sneak into India.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Security-forces-still-skeptical-of-Pakistans-intent-on-ceasefire/articleshow/48027062.cms

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India, Pakistan to work together in SCO but differences remain

Sachin Parashar

Jul 11, 2015

UFA (RUSSIA): As India and Pakistan warmed up to each other, the bonhomie spilled over to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit where both the countries were accepted as full members of the Central Asian security group dominated by Russia and China.

PM Narendra Modi met his counterpart Nawaz Sharif in the morning and later joined him at the summit. In his address, Modi congratulated Pakistan for its elevation to full membership. Both India and Pakistan were Observers with the group until now.

In fact, as top sources accompanying Modi to Ufa, said, SCO could provide a real platform to? India and Pakistan to work together over security issues in the region. Sharif and Modi attended the SCO summit as the process to induct the two countries as full members was slated to begin here.

Speaking at the SCO plenary session, Modi said India will contribute to advancing peace and friendship in the region.

"We will work with SCO to combat terrorism and extremism that is a rising threat to the entire region. A stable and peaceful Afghanistan is a future that the Afghan people richly deserve, but it will also advance peace, stability and prosperity in the region," he said.

?In his speech, Sharif called for regional stability and economic integration to achieve the objectives of peace and development. Sharif said SCO provided a useful forum to Pakistan in promoting peace and stability in South Asia and Afghanis?tan.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-Pakistan-to-work-together-in-SCO-but-differences-remain/articleshow/48027137.cms

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TV Actors Ashiesh Roy, Pankaj Berry, Amit Behl On Fasting With Muslim Friends During Ramzan

July 10, 2015

Muslims across the world are currently observing Ramzan and some non-Muslim TV actors from the industry share their experiences of fasting during this Holy month.

Actor, director and comedian Ashiesh Roy of ‘Mere Angne Mein’, says he has been keeping fast for the past five years during the Holy month of Ramzan. “Last year I kept rozas for the first seven days, at the behest of my friend Shoiab Ibrahim and this year too I am planning to keep Shabb-e-Kadar, Lailatul Kadar and Alvida Jumma Roza . I keep rozas primarily to detoxify and lose some weight. However it is difficult to work while fasting because of our hectic schedules. But It’s all about will power,” says Roy.

He does admit that it’s not easy though. “Of course it is tough – we’re used to having our cutting chais and healthy nibbling every two hours. I do feel faint at times, but it’s all good. You have to just get used to it. The lack of water intake is the toughest, but in spite of my hectic shooting schedules, I manage a few rozas every year, and am very proud of it. I am also planning to sponsor Iftar on the sets of my new show ‘Mere Angne mein’ and pray for the show’s success. A trip to Md Ali Road is of course a must.”

Actor Pankaj Berry, who appeared in ‘Mumbai Can dance Saala’ and ‘Chance Pe Dance’, says people in the entertainment industry celebrate Eid just like they celebrate Diwali. “Not only me, have many of my non-Muslim friends fasted along with me to give company to our Muslim friends as we consider them our family. The people especially in the entertainment industry are a liberal lot, so we celebrate Eid and they celebrate Diwali with us. It’s one of the aspects of the industries that we’re all very proud about. I usually fast on the final few days every year.”

Full report at:

http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/television/tv-actors-ashiesh-roy-pankaj-berry-amit-behl-on-fasting-with-muslim-friends-during-ramzan/99/

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Half-Day Leave For Muslims Tomorrow in Telengana for Iftar Parties

11th July 2015

HYDERABAD: The state government has declared half day leave for Muslim employees working on Sunday for participating in Iftar parties to be hosted by the government at various places, for departments that function on weekly-off basis.

Full report at:

http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/Half-day-Leave-for-Muslims-Tomorrow/2015/07/11/article2913863.ece

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Yasin Bhatkal asks for 24/7 video surveillance; Court calls for report from jail authorities

by Sreenivas Janyala

July 10, 2015

Yasin Bhatkal alias Mohamed Ahmed Siddibapa, the man named in almost every terror attack in the country since 2007, is very afraid of his life in prison. During the hearing on February 21, 2013 Dilsukhnagar blasts case, Bhatkal on Thursday appealed to the NIA special court to direct police and Cherlapally Prison authorities to provide him better security and surveillance as he feared he would be killed either in prison or in a fake encounter, while being brought to court for hearing. He has demanded 24×7 video surveillance in the high security cells in the prison where he is lodged along with the three others accused in the case as a deterrent against any `mischief.’ - See more at: http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/im-co-founder-yasin-bhatkals-plea-court-calls-for-report-from-jail-authorities/#sthash.4qKUNI0t.dpuf

Responding to his petetion, the court asked Bhatkal and others if they will bear the expenses for installing CCTVs and other equipment in the jail cells where they are lodged and for making arrangements for video surveillance while they are in transit. However, Bhatkal’s lawyer Khalid Safiullah said it was the government and the Cherlapalli Prison’s responsibility as the accused are under their custody. The court called for a report from jail authorities regarding installing CCTVs.

Full report at:

http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/im-co-founder-yasin-bhatkals-plea-court-calls-for-report-from-jail-authorities/99/

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Shia Muslims Take out Rally in Chennai on the Martyrdom of Harat Ali

C D S Mani

Jul 10, 201

CHENNAI: Mourning while fasting during Ramzan made it a very special day for Shia Muslims on Thursday. They also took out a procession from Astaan-e-Hyderi, the oldest Imambargah (prayer hall) in the city, with a symbolic beating of chests to commemorate the occasion.

"It was doubly sacred as the 21st day of Ramzan also marked the day when the fourth Caliph of Muslims and first Imam Hazrath Ali was martyred inside a mosque 1400 years ago," said general secretary of Tamil Nadu Shia Muslim Convention Board, Nusrath Ali Khan.

He said recent attacks inside mosques is not new considering the killing of Hazrath Ali, who was the son-in-law of Prophet Mohammed, while he was praying inside. "The killer Abdur Rehman Ibn-e-Muljim can be regarded as the first Islamic terrorist," he said.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Shia-Muslims-take-out-rally-in-Chennai/articleshow/48021155.cms

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Europe

 

UK deradicalisation plan will label Muslims with beards as terrorists

11 July 2015

Hundreds of British academics say that new Counter-Terrorism and Security Act will only rather force radical political discussion underground, than actually help tackle terrorism in UK.

According to this act, those suspected of extremism will be sent on deradicalisation programmes, while the whole system is to be policed by Government inspectors. But the new law has been criticised as a direct assault on freedom of speech and a move towards a police state. In an unprecedented intervention, 280 academics, lawyers and public figures claim the controversial law will make Britain less safe.

In their letter intellectuals say, "growing a beard, wearing a hijab or mixing with those who believe Islam has a comprehensive political philosophy are key markers used to identify 'potential' terrorism. Which serves to reinforce a prejudicial world view which perceives Islam to be a retrograde and oppressive religion that threatens the West. Prevent reinforces an 'us' and 'them' view of the world, divides communities, and sows mistrust of Muslims."

Last month David Cameron said the Government would provide “a full spectrum” response to counter-terrorism, to include the vetting of external speakers at universities and banning those with extremist views. There are also plans to vet broadcast programmes for extremist content.

Full report at:

http://www.worldbulletin.net/europe/162014/uk-deradicalisation-plan-will-label-muslims-with-beards-as-terrorists

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Ukraine leader warns of 'terror' as 2 killed in clashes

July 11, 2015

KIEV - President Petro Poroshenko warned Friday that the threat of terror was "significantly" rising across Ukraine as pro-Russian militias resumed attacks that killed two more federal servicemen.

The Western-backed leader said Ukraine's efforts to stamp out the 15-month eastern revolt had drained security resources and left peaceful cities open to attacks from criminals and those allied to rebel fighters.

"The terrorist threat level has significantly risen outside the zone where we are conducting our anti-terrorist operation," the 49-year-old former chocolate magnate said in a televised address.

Ukraine refers to the insurgents as "terrorists" - a label that infuriates Russia.

Moscow denies backing the fighters and defends the uprising as an expression of free will in a mostly Russian-speaking region that looks sceptically at the pro-European stance adopted by the former Soviet nation in the past year.

The fighting itself resumed with renewed vigour Friday after a one-day lull.

"The enemy is once again resorting to the use of heavy weapons, sabotage and reconnaissance groups," Ukrainian military spokesman Andriy Lysenko told reporters.

Ukrainian officials reported the death of two soldiers in separate incidents.

One of the servicemen died in a brief battle that broke out 15 kilometres (nine miles) northeast of Lugansk - capital of the smaller of the two separatist regions.

"One serviceman was killed in fighting and another was injured and hospitalised," Kiev-appointed Lugansk region leader Gennadiy Moskal.

Lysenko said another soldier was killed and nine wounded in various exchanges of fire whose details he failed to disclose.

Full report at:

http://nation.com.pk/international/11-Jul-2015/ukraine-leader-warns-of-terror-as-2-killed-in-clashes

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Russia urges punishment for Bosnia massacre culprits

Jul 11, 2015

Russia’s Foreign Ministry has called for the punishment of all those responsible for the massacre of nearly 8,000 Muslims in Bosnia in 1995 “as soon as possible” despite vetoing a UN Security Council resolution censuring the event as a “crime of genocide” just days ago.

“We strongly call for all individuals involved in these and other atrocities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to be brought to justice and be deservedly punished as soon as possible. We express our sincere condolences to the families of all innocent victims,” said the ministry’s statement as cited in a Russia Today report on Saturday, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the grim tragedy.

Moscow “will continue doing everything within its power to consistently strengthen inter-ethnic and inter-confessional peace in this country and elsewhere in the Balkans,” added the statement.

The photo dated July 9, 2015 shows a Bosnian family mourning by the coffin of a relative in Bosnia's Srebrenica where 136 bodies were found in mass grave sites. They are to be reburied on 20th anniversary of the Srebrenica massacre. © AFP

It further noted, “We are convinced that the establishment of mutual understanding among individuals and peoples is the best way to guarantee peace, stability and prosperity in the region.”

On Wednesday, however, Moscow vetoed the resolution condemning the Srebrenica massacre as genocide committed by Serbian army forces, with Russia’s UN envoy Vitaly Churkin describing the draft text as “not constructive, confrontational and politically motivated.”

Before it was vetoed, 10 council members had voted in favor of the resolution with China, Nigeria, Angola and Venezuela abstaining.

This is while Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (pictured below) dismissed the draft resolution back in June as “anti-Serbian,” saying it “provokes further inter-ethnic tensions in the Balkans rather than promoting reconciliation of all the peoples living there.”

The development came as Serbian authorities banned all public gatherings in the capital Belgrade to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Srebrenica massacre.

Serbia's Interior Minister Nebojsa Stefanovic claimed in a Friday announcement that the rallies were banned due to security concerns.

“I warn anyone considering rallying anyway that police will neither allow, nor tolerate any gatherings,” he added.

Full report at:

http://www.presstv.in/Detail/2015/07/11/419728/Europe-Russia-Bosnia-massacre-Srebrenica-foreign-ministry-UN-Security-Council-resolution-Russian-veto

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Milan Jewish Center Runs Soup Kitchen for Muslim Refugees Fleeing to Northern Europe

JULY 10, 2015

A kosher soup kitchen in Milan is supplying food and shelter for Muslim refugees attempting to traverse the continent to Northern Europe, the website of major Jewish outreach group Chabad reported on Thursday.

Eritrean, Ethiopian, Sudanese and Syrian refugees—most of them Muslim – usually stay one or two nights at the Chabad-affiliated Beteavon soup kitchen before boarding northbound trains, as they seek safety, and better prospects than in their home countries.

The soup kitchen, which also serves as a Holocaust memorial and museum, provides refugees with a hot kosher meal upon arrival. They also provide towels and toiletries, and direct the visitors to a shower area. The meal is often the first food the refugees have tasted since the previous night as many observe Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting during daylight hours.

Roberto Jarach, vice president of the memorial and former president of the local Jewish community, organized for an area to be set aside for the refugees and added beds and a shower to the space, which already had its own toilets and sinks.

More than 1,000 refugees sleep in areas across Milan every night and mainly in public shelters, he told Chabad.

Full report at:

http://www.algemeiner.com/2015/07/10/milan-chabad-house-runs-soup-kitchen-for-african-refugees-fleeing-to-northern-europe/

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Mideast

 

Israelleaks: Cables Reveal Tel Aviv-ISIL Link, Israel's Support for Terrorists in Syria

Jul 10, 2015

The hackers managed to penetrate into the personal computer of Israeli Prime Minister's Chief of Staff Manzar al-Safadi also known as Mandi al-Safadi, and a senior Israeli security official who works on the Syria dossier and gained valuable intelligence on Israel's supports for terrorist groups in Syria and Iraq.

The hackers starting infiltrating the computer and tapping his mobile conversations for several months, which resulted in the disclosure of the names of many Lebanese personalities and Syrian opposition figures who cooperated with Israel in the Syrian crisis.

The documents released by the hackers also showed that Qatar and Saudi Arabia are also behind the financial supports for the Syrian terrorists and that a person named Mohammad al-Khatif was a link between the Al-Nusra Front terrorist group and Qatar.

Also the documents hacked from the personal computer of a person named Omar al-Haji who was ISIL's religious official in Reqqa province, in Northeastern Syria, revealed some highly important information about an intelligence network in Turkey.

Last month, a prominent Syrian analyst said that the world Zionism has hatched plots to help create an ISIL caliphate in the regional states to provide security for Israel.

"The ISIL terrorists have been brought from across the world to Syria and Iraq to build a promised land not for the Jews but, this time, for the Jihadis and terrorists," Ahmad al-Daris told FNA.

Full report at:

http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940419000589

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Erdogan says reported Uighurs mistreatment in China ‘exploited’

10 July 2015

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on Thursday that the reported mistreatment of a Turkic-speaking Muslim minority in China has been “exploited” ahead of his upcoming trip to the giant East Asian country.

“We have kin in every corner in the world, from the Balkans to Central Asia, from Crimea to North Africa. All incidents, which take place in every single region, directly concern us. So claims about China’s pressure on our siblings in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region lead to sensitivity in our public,” he said during a fast-breaking dinner where he hosted ambassadors in the Turkish capital Ankara.

He added: “However, to a great extent the images and reports circulating in the media have made this sensibility prone to exploitation, deliberately or not.”

Uighurs people are Turkic Muslims who make up the majority in the autonomous region of Xinjiang, in northwest China. Chinese authorities have imposed measures to restrict their religious practices including fasting the month of Ramadan.

China’s suppressing Uighurs from practicing their religious rituals has angered many Turks. Erdogan’s statement also comes amid a spike in attacks against East Asian tourists in Turkey mistaken for being Chinese.

Full report at:

https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2015/07/10/Erdogan-says-reported-Uighurs-mistreatment-in-China-exploited-.html

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Israel bars Palestinians en route to Al-Aqsa Mosque on Int’l Quds Day

Jul 10, 2015

Israel has prevented hundreds of Palestinians from crossing a key checkpoint into al-Quds (Jerusalem), where they planned to hold Friday prayers in the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the International Quds Day.

Thousands of Muslims were expected to hold prayers at the mosque on Friday.

On Thursday, however, Tel Aviv had subjected Palestinians to severe age restrictions, obligating Israeli forces to require entry permits from women aged between 16 and 30 and men of 30 to 50 years of age to let them cross Checkpoint 300, located in northern Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank, into al-Quds, Palestinian news agency Ma’an reported.

Only children under 12, men above 50, and women above 30 were, thus, allowed to cross without permits.

Full report at:

http://www.presstv.in/Detail/2015/07/10/419632/Israel-alAqsa-Mosque-Friday-prayers-Checkpoint-300

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Yemen’s Houthis ‘breach U.N. ceasefire’

11 July 2015

Yemen’s Houthi militias shelled the Arish neighborhood in Aden and a number of residential areas in Taez shortly after a U.N.- brokered humanitarian ceasefire went into effect, Al Arabiya News Channel reported.

Separately, warplanes from the Saudi-led coalition struck a number of weapon depots and targeted suspected assemblies of militiamen loyal to the Houthis and deposed leader Ali Abdullah Saleh in Sanaa.

Violence continued through the night in Taez, with witnesses saying the Houthis had bombed several neighborhoods, AFP reported.

Yemen’s official news agency, which is run by the exiled government, accused the Houthis and Ali Abdullah Saleh militiamen of sending reinforcements to Taez ahead of the truce.

Besides the raids in Taez, no other airstrikes have been reported in the country since the ceasefire came into effect, AFP reported.

Full report at:

https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2015/07/11/Houthis-breach-U-N-brokered-ceasefire-.html

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Yemen pause will be 'useless': S Arabia

July 11, 2015

RIYADH - A humanitarian pause in the war in Yemen will be "useless" because rebels and their allies have shown no readiness to abide by it, a Saudi official said Friday.

The United Nations announced the pause, to take effect from 2059 GMT Friday, to allow aid to reach millions of Yemenis on the brink of famine.

A Saudi-led coalition launched bombing raids in March on Iran-backed Huthi rebels in Yemen to support forces loyal to exiled President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi. "I believe the coalition has not received... any evidence of commitment of the other party," said the official who asked not to be identified. "We believe that this pause will be useless."

He added that the rebels do not have full control of all of their allied forces.

The coalition in May accused the Huthis of numerous violations of a five-day truce which at that time was proposed by Saudi Arabia.

Among the transgressions it cited were rockets fire from Yemen which landed in Saudi border districts.

"We should not let that happen again," the Saudi official said.

The coalition also accused the rebels of moving missiles towards the Saudi frontier during the last truce.

After halting air strikes for the five days, coalition bombing resumed an hour after the pause ended.

The coalition believes rebels will "abuse" the new pause but, if they make commitments to respect it, "definitely the coalition will" do the same, the official said.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in New York that Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has received assurances from Hadi and the Huthi rebels that they will respect the pause.

It is to last for six days until the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

The UN says violence has been escalating and humanitarian access decreasing in a war zone where more than 3,200 people have died and millions need assistance.

On the Saudi side of the border, at least 44 civilians and troops have been killed in skirmishes and shelling.

Meanwhile, aid agencies scrambled Friday to rush in desperately needed relief supplies to millions of Yemenis threatened with famine amid guarded hopes for a six-day truce to take effect before midnight.

The United Nations on Thursday announced a six-day ceasefire that will begin Friday at 11:59 pm (2059 GMT) and last until the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan on July 17.

But hours before the deadline, warplanes from the Saudi-led coalition pounded positions of Iran-backed rebels, more than three months into their campaign in support of exiled President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi. World Food Programme spokeswoman Abeer Etefa told AFP that the truce was "our final hope" to reach areas in need of aid.

She added that two ships carrying food and fuel were waiting to dock off the coast of the southern port city of Aden.

The pause was declared after UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon received assurances from Hadi and Huthi rebels that it would be respected.

It comes more than a week after the UN declared Yemen a level-3 humanitarian emergency, the highest on its scale, with nearly half the country facing a food crisis. "It is imperative and urgent that humanitarian aid can reach all vulnerable people of Yemen unimpeded and through an unconditional humanitarian pause," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

UN aid agencies are ready to scale up operations during the pause, although the response to an appeal for $1.6 billion has been meagre, with just 13 percent of that amount received so far.

Full report at:

http://nation.com.pk/international/11-Jul-2015/yemen-pause-will-be-useless-s-arabia

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Iran nuclear negotiations get third extension

11 July 2015

Iran and major powers gave themselves until Monday to reach a nuclear agreement, their third extension in two weeks, as Tehran accused the West of throwing up new stumbling blocks to a deal.

Both sides say there has been progress in two weeks of talks, but British Secretary Philip Hammond called it “painfully slow” and both he and his French counterpart, Laurent Fabius, left Vienna saying they would return on Saturday.

Having missed a Friday morning U.S. congressional deadline, U.S. and European Union officials said they were extending sanctions relief for Iran under an interim deal through Monday to provide more time for talks on a final deal.

Iran and six powers - Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States - are trying to end a more than 12-year dispute over Iran’s atomic program by negotiating limits on its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.

The sides remain divided over issues that include a U.N. arms embargo on Iran which Western powers want to keep in place, access for inspectors to military sites in Iran and answers from Tehran over past activity suspected of military aims.

Iran’s foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said a deal was unlikely to be reached on Friday and negotiators would probably spend the weekend in Vienna. He sought to blame the West for the impasse.

“Now, they have excessive demands,” he said of the major powers’ negotiating position.

Britain’s Hammond said ministers would regroup on Saturday to see if they could overcome the remaining hurdles.

“We are making progress, it’s painfully slow,” he told reporters before leaving Vienna.

Zarif has been holding intense meetings for two weeks with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to try to hammer out a deal limiting Iran’s nuclear program in return for withdrawing economic sanctions that have crippled the Iranian economy.

An agreement would be the biggest step towards rapprochement between Iran and the West since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

But the negotiations have become bogged down, with final deadlines extended three times in the past 10 days and diplomats speaking of a shouting match between Kerry and Zarif.

The White House said on Friday the United States and its negotiating partners “have never been closer” to agreement with Iran but that the U.S. delegation would not wait indefinitely.

“The president has indicated to his negotiating team that they should remain in Vienna and they should continue to negotiate as long as the talks continue to be useful,” White House spokesman Josh Earnest said at a news briefing.

“And if it becomes clear that Iran is not interested in engaging in a constructive way to try to resolve the remaining sticking points, then the negotiators should come home.”

Deadline missed

The negotiators missed a Friday morning deadline set by the U.S. Congress for an expedited 30-day review of the deal. Any deal sent to Congress before Sept. 7 would now be subject to a 60 day review period, accounting for lawmakers’ summer recess.

U.S. officials had previously expressed concern that the extended review would provide more time for any deal to unravel, but have played down that risk in the last few days as it became increasingly likely that the deadline would not be met.

On Thursday, Kerry suggested Washington’s patience was running out: “We can’t wait forever,” he told reporters. “If the tough decisions don’t get made, we are absolutely prepared to call an end to this.”

Full report at:

https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2015/07/11/Iran-powers-give-themselves-to-Monday-for-nuclear-deal.html

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Thousands of Iranians march in annual pro-Palestine rallies

10 July 2015

Tens of thousands of Iranians taking part in an annual pro-Palestinian rally marched in Tehran, chanting "Down with America" and "Death to Israel."

The rallies Friday come as Iran and six world powers hold talks in Vienna aimed at working out a deal to limit Iran's nuclear program in exchange for easing tens of billions of dollars in economic penalties on the Islamic Republic.

Some protesters in Tehran burned Israeli and American flags. Media reports said similar rallies were held in other cities as well.

Full report at:

https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2015/07/10/Thousands-of-Iranians-march-in-annual-pro-Palestine-rallies.html

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Senior Cleric: Resistance Only Way to Save Palestine

Jul 10, 2015

Addressing a large and fervent congregation of people on Tehran University Campus on Friday, Ayatollah Khatami said, "The prescription for the Palestine today is resistance; all throughout the 65 years of occupation of Palestine the solution has been resistance, while political meetings, contracts and pacts have had not result." 

He reiterated that the Quds Occupying Regime is approaching its demise, and said, "The arrogant powers are have a black record in supporting the (Israeli) regime, but the free and independent countries, including Iran have not recognized and will not recognize that regime."

Millions of Iranians have taken to the streets in all Iranian cities across the country on the International Quds Day on Friday to voice support for the Palestinian nation against the Israeli regime.

Iranians across the country, including in the capital Tehran, alongside other people around the world are holding massive anti-Israel rallies on the last Friday of Ramadan in opposition to the continued occupation of the Palestinian land by Israel.

The International Quds Day was started by the late Founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam Khomeini, in 1979 as a way of expressing solidarity with the Palestinians and underscoring importance of the holy Quds to Muslims.

International Quds Day is an annual event opposing Israel's occupation of Beitul-Muqaddas. Anti-Zionist rallies and demonstrations are held on the last Friday of Ramadan in Muslim and Arab countries around the world, and especially in Iran.

Iran Tehran, demonstrators chanted slogans in condemnation of the Zionists' crimes in the occupied Palestinian lands.

Full report at:

http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940419001072

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Iran's Nuclear Chief Stresses High Chance of Striking Final Deal with Powers in Vienna

Jul 10, 2015

"There is a high chance for agreement in the Austrian capital," Salehi told reporters in Vienna on Friday.

He underlined that the negotiations are making progress as the two sides are doing their best to narrow down the differences.

Salehi's remarks came as diplomatic sources in Vienna on Thursday night cautioned that the western powers have toughened their stances after the US lost a self-imposed deadline for a deal with Iran and are raising even more demands from the Iranian team.

The source said the western parties to the talks with Iran, specially the US, have in the last few days raised excessive demands beyond earlier agreements, making the road to a draft final nuclear deal even more bumpy.

The source said Iran is determined to clinch a deal and it has shown much flexibility on this path, but the US-led West has been raising excessive demands and shows "fading respect for its earlier agreements with Iran".

"They have started psychological operations and are playing the blame game to make Iran surrender to their increasing demands or wait to be portrayed as the party to blame for the potential failure of the talks," the diplomat added.

Full report at:

http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940419001090

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Leader's Top Military Aide: Armed Struggle Only Strategy to Free Holy Quds

Jul 10, 2015

"Muslims unity and continuation of Armed Jihad (struggle) and the Islamic resistance of the Palestinian nation constitute the only strategy for saving and liberating the Holy Quds," Safavi said, addressing the ceremonies marking the International Quds Day in the Southern Bushehr province on Friday.

He noted that Israel has no control over the security of its citizens as it did before, and said that the Islamic Republic of Iran believes that a referendum should be held to determine the future of the occupied lands and all the indigenous population of Palestine, including Muslims, Christians and Jews, should be entitled cast their votes in that referendum.

The International Quds Day was started by the late Founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam Khomeini, in 1979 as a way of expressing solidarity with the Palestinians and underscoring importance of the holy Quds to Muslims.

Full report at:

http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940419001035

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Iran Asks West to Choose between Deal and Sanctions

Jul 10, 2015

"We have reached a stage now that the other side should decide if it is seeking an agreement or pressure; we have said many times that agreement and pressure cannot come together and one of them should be chosen," Zarif, also Iran's top negotiator in the talks with the world powers, told reporters in Vienna on Friday.

He reiterated that if the other side shows political will and inclination for a balanced and good deal it will be achievable.

Zarif, however, said that unfortunately the other side is showing change in stances and raising excessive demands which make the conditions difficult, adding, "We are doing our best as Supreme Leader (of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei) and other Iranian officials have said many times we are looking for a good deal and we will continue the negotiations; we have never left the negotiations and we will not in future."

Late on Thursday night, diplomatic sources in Vienna cautioned that the western powers have toughened their stances after the US lost a self-imposed deadline for a deal with Iran and are raising even more demands from the Iranian team.

The source said the western parties to the talks with Iran, specially the US, have in the last few days raised excessive demands beyond earlier agreements, making the road to a draft final nuclear deal even more bumpy.

The source said Iran is determined to clinch a deal and it has shown much flexibility on this path, but the US-led West has been raising excessive demands and shows "fading respect for its earlier agreements with Iran".

"They have started psychological operations and are playing the blame game to make Iran surrender to their increasing demands or wait to be portrayed as the party to blame for the potential failure of the talks," the diplomat added.

The source also strongly rejected the allegations made by certain western media outlets that the Iranian team is referring the opposite sides' proposals or the draft text to Tehran to ask for permission, reiterating that "the  Iranian team of negotiators have been vested with full authority to strike a deal on behalf of the Islamic Republic of Iran based on the country's specified redlines, and does not need to refer anything to Tehran."

The diplomat strongly warned the western powers' approach in the last few days "is pushing the talks into a deadlock".

Full report at:

http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940419000649

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Senior Negotiator: Deal Possible If Other Side Shows Political Will

Jul 10, 2015

"Today the nuclear talks are underway in Vienna and we hope that in case of the other side shows good will and the needed political decision we will be able to strike the needed agreement," Takht Ravanchi told reporters in reaction to the excessive demands of the other side.

He reiterated that sometimes after reaching an understanding, the other side changes its stances and makes excessive demands, but Iran's negotiating team resists.

"There are some understandings in the negotiations that might not be written and are accepted mutually, but in the course of talks some changes are made to them and they are interpreted so differently as if their path has changed," Takht Ravanchi added.

The senior Iranian negotiator underlined that there are still some key issues which have remained unresolved.

Asked about the extension of the nuclear talks, Takht Ravanchi said, "In our view there is no deadline and we will continue the talks to achieve the needed result."

Diplomatic sources in Vienna cautioned late on Thursday night that the western powers have toughened their stances after the US lost a self-imposed deadline for a deal with Iran and are raising even more demands from the Iranian team.

The source said the western parties to the talks with Iran, specially the US, have in the last few days raised excessive demands beyond earlier agreements, making the road to a draft final nuclear deal even more bumpy.

The source said Iran is determined to clinch a deal and it has shown much flexibility on this path, but the US-led West has been raising excessive demands and shows "fading respect for its earlier agreements with Iran".

Full report at:

http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940419000855

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North America

 

Look Who Just Pledged $32 Billion to Promote Islam And Sharia Law In America

July 10, 2015

Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, a senior member of the Saudi royal family, announced that he will be giving away his entire $32 billion fortune to charity–but his past statements and commitment to promote Islam in the United States have raised red flags for some.

Alwaleed Philanthropies’ statement regarding the prince’s intentions indicates his donation would “help build bridges to foster cultural understanding.”

“Philanthropy is a personal responsibility, which I embarked upon more than three decades ago and is an intrinsic part of my Islamic faith. With this pledge, I am honoring my life-long commitment to what matters most – helping to build a more peaceful, equitable and sustainable world for generations to come,” says Prince Alwaleed.

Alwaleed is CEO of the Saudi investment conglomerate Kingdom Holding Company and has large stakes in Citigroup, Apple, Twitter, General Motors, 21st Century Fox, Euro Disney, and other companies, according to the Huffington Post. He has been called Saudi Arabia’s Warren Buffet.

Investor’s Business Daily notes that Alwaleed has extensive ties to Muslim Brotherhood leaders. “For example, he tapped ‘tele-Islamist’ Tariq Al-Suwaidan, widely reported to be a leader of the Muslim Brotherhood in Kuwait, as the channel director of his Islamic religious TV outlet Al Risala.”

In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, Alwaleed gave a check for $10 million to the Twin Towers Fund to aid victims of the terrorist attacks. However, after making the donation, he also released a statement, CNN reports, which called on the United States to “re-examine its policies in the Middle East and adopt a more balanced stand toward the Palestinian cause.”

“While the U.N. passed clear resolutions…calling for the Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank and Gaza Strip decades ago, our Palestinian brethren continue to be slaughtered at the hands of Israelis while the world turns the other cheek,” the statement said.

Then New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani directed the check be returned. “To suggest that there’s a justification for [the terrorist attacks] only invites this happening in the future,” he said. “It is highly irresponsible and very, very dangerous…So I think not only are those statements wrong, they’re part of the problem,” the former mayor added.

According to Investor’s Business Daily, in 2002, Alwaleed “gave $500,000 to the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations, which federal authorities have linked to the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas.”

In 2005, the prince contributed $40 million to expand Islamic studies in the United States. Twenty million dollars went to Harvard to create a campus-wide Shariah law studies program, while another $20 million was pumped into Georgetown University for a “Muslim-Christian understanding.”

Full report at:

http://www.westernjournalism.com/look-who-just-pledged-32-billion-to-promote-islam-and-sharia-law-in-america/

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What Srebrenica means to a Muslim in America

July 10, 2015

This Saturday, July 11, is the 20th anniversary of the Srebrenica massacre, when Serbian nationalists overran a United Nations-declared “safe area” around the town of Srebrenica and murdered some 8,000 Muslim boys and men.

It was the vilest atrocity of an already bloody civil war. From 1992 to 1995, Bosnian Muslims found themselves targets of an extermination campaign; “ethnic cleansing,” outsiders called it, even though the Bosnian Muslims were superficially indistinguishable from the Serbs who attacked them.

The difference was religion. In order that a “Greater Serbia” might be born from the breakup of Yugoslavia, the Serbs argued, Bosnia’s Muslims had to go. Not 50 years after Auschwitz was liberated, after everyone said “never again,” tens of thousands of Bosnian Muslim women were raped. According to some estimates, over one hundred thousand Bosnian Muslims were killed. Many more became refugees. There were concentration camps, even rape camps. The war lasted over three years before finally the West intervened.

You may not know this happened. But I sure as hell do. Many Muslims do, especially Western Muslims, even American Muslims. We will never forget. We can’t. Because the Bosnians were white. European. If they could be killed for being allegedly (and inaccurately) foreign—as if that would be grounds for murder anyhow—what hope was there for us, most of whom are more recently arrived, and frequently brown or black?

My ancestors left Iraq sometime in the 13th century. By the time they arrived in the Punjab, there were already Muslims in Eastern Europe, some related to the Muslim dynasts who ruled over India. In fact there have been European Muslims in existence longer than there’s been a Germany or an Italy, longer than there have been Lutherans or Anglicans.

And today, 20 years after Islamophobia killed tens of thousands of Europeans, the world has still not had a conversation about how to end anti-Muslim bigotry. We’re debating whether it even exists. Even those who imperiously concede Islamophobia exists often insist it is harmless, victimless, far from a crime.

What happened in Bosnia was a war crime.

Muslims around the world watched the West, our West, slap sanctions on the Bosnians, so they could not defend themselves from the former Yugoslavia’s massive military, even as evidence of the atrocities piled up alongside the bodies. Refusing to help them, then refusing to let them help themselves, Muslims died, and the world did nothing. Including the Muslim world.

Full report at:

http://qz.com/449757/what-srebrenica-means-to-a-muslim-in-america-today/

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Islamic leader calls certification plan oppressive

BY MORGAN MODJESKI, THE STARPHOENIX

JULY 10, 2015

Islamic leaders in Saskatoon are saddened by a recommendation calling for all imams in Canada to be certified, saying it could further isolate the Islamic faith in Canada.

The Senate's security and defence committee issued an interim report this week on countering the terrorist threat in Canada that said foreign-trained imams "have been spreading extremist religious ideology and messages that are not in keeping with Canadian values."

Omaer Jamil, president of the Islamic Association of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, said he feels the recommendation is "oppressive" as imams are the only religious clergy members recommended for certification. "We all agree that there is a problem, but that problem is not something that can be resolved with legislation which makes people feel like outcasts," he said.

He said although there is a possibility imams in North America are encouraging radical behaviour, he thinks it's uncommon, and the legislation is targeting an entire faith based on a small group of people.

"It's like trying to kill a fly, essentially, with a sledge hammer," he said. "There's other ways, really, to deal with these situations."

Imran Desai, an imam with the Prairie Muslim Association, said the certification is a "good idea," as most imams are dedicated to spreading the true word of Islam as opposed to extremism.

"It's going to help to build a strong community," he said on Friday.

"It is very important for us to build a strong community and explain to them how we

have to live and how we have to benefit this country."

Some Islamic academics elsewhere in Canada have expressed concerns about the recommendation, saying it unfairly targets the faith, further marginalizing it in Canadian culture.

Full report at:

http://www.thestarphoenix.com/Islamic+leader+calls+certification+plan+oppressive/11206803/story.html

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Muslims distribute food in US during Ramadan

11 July 2015

During the month of Ramadan Muslims with the nonprofit charity Islamic Relief USA have driven to cities across the country to distribute food to families in need - including members of the Goshute Tribe in western Utah, where "unemployment and lack of income have created generational poverty," according to a news release from Islamic Relief USA.

"The Tribal Nations are the original inhabitants of North America, and their vibrant cultures have benefited all Americans. It is Islamic Relief USA's honor to be a partner with various Native American organizations, assisting them to promote healthy and sustainable communities," the release says.

Full report at:

http://www.worldbulletin.net/america-canada/162013/muslims-distribute-food-in-us-during-ramadan

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Southeast Asia

 

Airline pilots from Indonesia 'radicalised by Islamic State'

Jul 10, 2015

Two Indonesian pilots are believed to have been radicalised by Islamic State and pose a global security risk, according to a leaked report from the Australian Federal Police.

The documents, obtained by the investigative journalism site The Intercept, revealed that professional pilots Tommy Hendratno and Ridwan Agustin had been sharing pro-IS content on their social media account and as a result were under police surveillance.

Agustin had previously worked as pilot for Air Asia, flying both international and domestic routes. In September last year, he began interacting online with Indonesian militants fighting in Syria and Iraq and expressed a desire to join the fight in Kobane. In March, he posted his current location as Raqqa, Syria – Islamic State's de facto capital.

Hendratno, meanwhile, was employed by VIP airline Premiair until last month. The report revealed that he was living near Jakarta and had previously been a pilot for the Indonesia Navy. His social media profile says he underwent further flight training in the United States in February. While he was there, he shared numerous videos of gruesome IS beheadings on Facebook.

Full report at:

http://www.theweek.co.uk/islamic-state/64340/airline-pilots-from-indonesia-radicalised-by-islamic-state

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Muslims must be united, says Selangor sultan

11 July 2015

The sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has called on the people in the state to be cautious of external elements which can split the unity of Muslims.

He said the Malays should avoid squabbling among themselves as it could destabilise and damage the holy image of Islam.

"Differences are seen on rise lately and if they are allowed to worsen, the Malays will not be able to control the country's administration and maybe only become a part of history.

"I regret that a small group of Malays are boldly questioning the rights and privileges of Malays which are enshrined in the country's constitution," he said at the opening of the Puncak Alam Mosque yesterday.

Sultan Sharafuddin also described the actions of this splinter group as selling the dignity of Malays and Islam which would ultimately lead to their end.

He also expressed his dissatisfaction with some parties who used the mosque for politicking and giving talks not according to guidelines set, as well as influencing Muslims in a deviationist direction.

Full report at:

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/muslims-must-be-united-says-selangor-sultan

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Visually impaired Muslims learn, share Quran recital skills

July 11 2015

Despite their physical limitations, visually impaired Muslims across the country are using the Islamic fasting month of Ramadhan to support each other in learning how to recite the Braille version of the Koran.

In Makassar, South Sulawesi, many Muslim students at the Indonesian Visually Impaired People’s Empowerment Foundation’s (Yapti) school for special needs (SLB) preferred to spend the first three weeks of Ramadhan joining various holiday programs offered by the school to improve their Koran reciting skills.

Ninth grader Ade Saputra, for example, said he spent a few hours every day during Ramadhan to recite the Braille version of the Koran, as well as helping other students to learn how to recite the holy book in the school’s prayer room.

“Here, we are helping each other to learn how to read the Braille version of the Koran. I used to learn the skill from senior students, who taught me how to recognize the embossed characters and read them verse by verse,” Ade told The Jakarta Post recently, adding that he had needed around three months to master the skill.

The Koran, written in Arabic, is composed of 30 juz (sections), 114 chapters and 6,666 verses. To read the Braille version of the Koran, a person should pass his or her finger lightly over the manuscript to recognize the Braille characters embossed in every single page of the holy book.

For several Muslims, the Ramadhan is the time to perform khataman, a full recitation of the 30 juz of the Koran as a sunnah, or noncompulsory but meritorious deed, as a complement to fasting throughout the month.

By the weekend, Ade said he had managed to recite 22 juz of the Koran. He is expecting to complete reading the whole manuscript before the Idul Fitri Islamic holiday on July 17, which marks the end of the fasting month.

Eighth grader Mantasiah, another student at the school, meanwhile, said she had needed around one month to finally master the Koran reciting skill.

“I used to mistakenly read the period mark in the Braille version of the Koran. In the Indonesian Braille characters, the mark refers to ‘e’ while in the Koran it refers to ‘i’,” she recalled.

Full report at:

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/07/11/visually-impaired-muslims-learn-share-koran-recital-skills.html

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Muslim Groups Threaten Violence on Catholic Shrine over Permit Dispute in Yogyakarta

Bambang Muryanto

July 10 2015

A group of people representing the Gunungkidul Muslim Youth Forum, the Yogyakarta Islamic Congregation Forum (FUI) and local residents have urged the Gunungkidul regency administration in Yogyakarta to immediately demolish the Cave of Mary religious shrine in Sampang subdistrict, Gedangsari, citing the long-standing public protest against the use of the venue as a place of worship.

Speaking in an open dialogue with local government representatives at the Gunungkidul regency administration’s headquarters on Thursday, members of the groups said that they would jointly tear down the Catholic shrine should the local administration fail to follow up on their objection to it.

“The government should have dismantled the shrine a long time ago as it has caused public unrest,” said Suparman, a Sampang resident.

Thursday’s one-hour meeting between members of the groups and the local administration became tense as protesters kept yelling and repeatedly rapped the desk as local government officials, including regency assistant Tomy Harahap, Gunungkidul Religious Office official Mukholib and local Interfaith Communication Forum (FKUB) member Iskamto, delivered their statements.

The protesters repeatedly said they were disappointed because the government failed to immediately close the religious shrine that they have been opposing since 2012. They also threatened to dismantle the shrine, as it is still being used as a palace of worship despite the local government’s decision to temporarily close the venue.

“Within three days, the government must give a firm answer as a response to our objection. They must stop all religious activities at the Cave of Mary,” FUI lawyer Achmad Deva Permana said.

Full report at:

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/07/10/muslim-groups-threaten-violence-catholic-shrine-over-permit-dispute.html

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Bomb attacks kill 1, injure 13 in southern Thailand

Jul 11, 2015

At least one person has been killed and over a dozen others wounded in Thailand in a string of bombings that hit two militancy-riddled provinces in the country’s south, authorities say.

The bombings targeted a bank and restaurants in Thailand’s southern provinces of Songkhla and Narathiwat on Saturday, police spokesman General Prawut Thavornsiri told reporters.

The only victim was a woman who lost her life after a bomb-laden motorcycle exploded near a bank in the southern district of Sadao in Songkhla Province.

Police were at the scene investigating the incident that happened in the early morning hours of Saturday.

At least 13 people were also injured in the bombings, police said.

No person or group has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Several rebel groups are fighting the Thai government for more autonomy for the ethnically-Malay region in southern Thailand. About 6,000 people have died since the conflict began in 2004.

Full report at:

http://www.presstv.in/Detail/2015/07/11/419711/Thailand-bombings-one-death-thirteen-injuries-southern-Thailand-Songkhla-Narathiwat-Prayuth-Chanocha

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Greater Jakarta: Jakarta’s inflation stable during Ramadhan

July 11 2015

JAKARTA: Jakarta enjoys a stable inflation rate of 0.35 percent during Ramadhan because of a stable food supply, a top official says.

The Jakarta administration’s Economic Bureau head, Adi Ariantara, said on Friday that inflation during this year’s Ramadhan was the most restrained of the last three years.

“Normally, inflation during Ramadhan was around 0.40 percent or even up to 1 percent,” he said.

Adi said the stable inflation was due to the city administration maintaining the food supply by cooperating with the producer regions. He said that city-owned companies — market operator PD Pasar Jaya and food-security company Tjipinang Food Station — also routinely conducted market operations.

Full report at:

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/07/11/greater-jakarta-jakarta-s-inflation-stable-during-ramadhan.html

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IS terror plot in KL foiled

July 10 2015

Farik Zolkepli

Two Malaysians linked to the Islamic State terror group have been detained by police for planning attacks in Kuala Lumpur.

Their targets are believed to be Western interests and entertainment outlets in the city.

The first suspect, aged 28 was arrested by the Bukit Aman Special Branch Counter Terrorism Division on July 2.

This was followed by the arrest of the second suspect, aged 31 on July 7.

The 28-year-old suspect had been influenced by IS ideology since 2012 and was taking orders from senior European IS leaders.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said the man was close to Ahmad Effendi Manaf, the Malaysian suicide bomber killed in Syria last year.

He said the second suspect had gone to Syria in early 2014 and returned to Malaysia in August the same year after being injured in one of the clashes in Syria.

"We believe both suspects held meetings since late last year. It is definitely a worrying trend that IS members are directly taking orders from IS leaders in Syria to launch attacks in their home countries," said Khalid.

Full report at:

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/07/10/is-terror-plot-kl-foiled.html

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Pakistan

 

Army to back Balochistan’s quest for peace, progress

11 July 2015

QUETTA: The Chief of Army Staff, Gen Raheel Sharif, has assured the government and people of Balochistan of all support in their quest for durable peace, development and prosperity.

He commended law-enforcement agencies for bringing noticeable improvement to the law and order situation in the province.

The army chief said this during a briefing given to him on overall security and law and order situation in the province during his visit to the headquarters of Southern Command here on Friday. Commander South­ern Com­mand Lt Gen Muhammad Naseer Khan Janjua was present at the briefing.

The forum was apprised that law and order situation in Balochistan had improved and crime rate declined significantly due to successful, across the board and targeted FC and police operations against terrorists, criminals and those involved in sectarian violence.

The COAS said that potential of Balochistan as a regional hub for energy and trade would only be realised with a collective civil-military approach for its security and development.

He welcomed those who had decided to give up violence and were laying down their arms and said it was very encouraging that insurgents were gradually coming back into national mainstream. All support would be rendered to rehabilitate them so that they could lead a peaceful and productive life.

Full report at:

http://www.dawn.com/news/1193726/army-to-back-balochistans-quest-for-peace-progress

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Nine Killed In Balochistan's Turbat in Separate Incidents

SYED ALI SHAH

11 July 2015

QUETTA: Nine people were killed in two separate incidents in Balochistan's Turbat area Friday.

A Levies official told Dawn.com via telephone that armed men opened fire on a vehicle in Nasirabad area of Turbat, killing six people including commander of a banned militant group— Fazal-e-Haider.

Others killed in the firing incident were identified as Ubaid alias Mout, Bahar, Waheed, Haroon and one unknown person.

The assailants sped away in their vehicles after the attack, Levies said, while the dead bodies were shifted to Civil Hospital Turbat for postmortem.

Levies and police officials reached the spot as investigation into the incident began. All six deceased received multiple bullet wounds, a Levies official said, adding that panic prevailed in the area after the incident.

Full report at:

http://www.dawn.com/news/1193623/nine-killed-in-balochistans-turbat

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Christians and Sikhs get ‘elder’ status in Khyber

11 July 2015

LANDI KOTAL: The Khyber Agency political administration has granted the status of ‘Lungi holder’ (tribal elder) to four representatives of minority communities living in the agency.

Officials said that it was for the first time that minorities living in Fata were granted the status of tribal elders, thus formally merging the community into the tribal society.

They said that those who were granted the status of ‘Lungi holder’, who in local parlays are referred as ‘Speen Rubay”, included All Fata Minorities Social Welfare Organisation chairman Wilson Wazir, Jamrud church caretaker James Michael and two representatives from Sikh community Gormeet Singh and Narenjan Singh.

Terming the government decision historic, Wilson Wazir expressed optimism that the move would end discrimination between local residents and the minority community living in tribal areas.

Talking to Dawn, he said that under the rules of political administration the four minorities’ Lungi holders were entitled to all the official perks and privileges along with having authority to stamp their attestation on all the important national documents, including those for computerised national identity card, domicile certificate and passport.

Wilson Wazir said that earlier members of the minorities’ community would approach the local tribal elders for attestation of national documents.

“In most such cases the local elders would either refuse attestation of our documents or would ask for gratification to do the needful,” he regretted and said the new arrangement would facilitate the acquisition of such documents without any hindrance.

He said that the federal government had also decided, in principle, to issue tribal domicile certificates to all the minority communities in Fata some four months ago and the Fata Secretariat was devising a new format for the minorities.

He said that his organisation was now in touch with political administration of other tribal agencies to grant the status of ‘Lungi holder’ to minorities leaders.

All-Fata Christian Organisation chairman Arshad Masih has welcomed the grant of new status to minorities’ representatives and hoped that with the provision of domicile certificate the minorities would also become entitled to have their personal properties and an adequate share in government jobs in Fata.

EIGHT ARRESTED: Security forces in Malikdinkhel area of Bara have arrested at least eight suspected persons and demolished a house after militants blew up a government school on Wednesday.

Full report at:

http://www.dawn.com/news/1193776/christians-and-sikhs-get-elder-status-in-khyber

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Pakistan, India join Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

11 July 2015

UFA (Russia): President Vladimir Putin announced on Friday that India and Pakistan would join the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), a group dominated by Russia and China and also including former Soviet republics in Central Asia.

Pakistan’s full membership to the powerful SCO was approved by its Council of Heads of State at its 15th Summit.

Russia sees the organisation, expanding for the first time since its creation in 2001, as a counterweight to Western alliances.

Membership in the group potentially offers India greater access to the energy resources of Central Asia.

Sharif meets Xi Jinping, Ashraf Ghani on sidelines of summit

Mr Putin opened the annual summit by announcing the acceptance of India and Pakistan as members. He said Belarus would obtain observer status, joining Afghanistan, Iran and Mongolia, while Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia and Nepal would be welcomed as “dialogue partners”.

The SCO leaders expressed the hope that Iran also would soon become a member, but said Tehran first needed to reach an international agreement on curbing its nuclear programme, Russian news agencies reported.

Mr Putin said some of the greatest security threats facing the region emanated from Afghanistan, noting the increased activity of the self-styled Islamic State group. He said the leaders agreed to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation and to work together to fight drug trafficking from Afghanistan.

The Russian president also talked about plans to deepen economic and trade ties.

Nawaz Sharif's call

Addressing the summit, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif called for a strong regional collective response to confront the challenges of extremism, terrorism and drug- trafficking.

He said the region faced a volatile geopolitical environment and Pakistan’s objectives of curbing extremism and enhancing border security were in line with those of the SCO. He said the SCO provided a useful forum to Pakistan in promoting peace and stability in South Asia, Afghanistan and Central Asia.

Full report at:

http://www.dawn.com/news/1193717/pakistan-india-join-shanghai-cooperation-organisation

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With 30-day police powers, Rangers see no time frame for Karachi operation

AZFAR-UL-ASHFAQUE

11 July 2015

KARACHI: A day after the Sindh government extended the police powers of the paramilitary force for a mere 30 days rather than the usual four months, the Rangers director general took to the social media on Friday to make it abundantly clear that there is no time frame to complete the Karachi operation.

“Karachi Law Enforcement Operation will continue till its logical conclusion is achieved, in sha Allah,” stated Rangers DG Major General Bilal Akbar in a tweet.

A Rangers spokesman confirmed to Dawn that the twitter account @Bilalak80 was the genuine account of the Rangers director general.

While the tweet does not specifically say that he is referring to the Rangers-led Karachi operation, it is reasonable to assume that Maj Gen Akbar is speaking on behalf of the paramilitary force he heads in Sindh and is not alluding to the operations conducted by the Sindh police, Federal Investigation Agency and National Accountability Bureau.

In the carefully worded tweet, the use of the expression “logical conclusion” appears to be a prompt riposte to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement — bitterly and openly opposed to the paramilitary force — as well as to the Pakistan Peoples Party-led Sindh government that extended the police powers of the Rangers for just a month and that too in Karachi division only.

Full report at:

http://www.dawn.com/news/1193658/with-30-day-police-powers-rangers-see-no-time-frame-for-karachi-operation

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Money laundering LHC urged to hear plea against Nawaz afresh

11 July 2015

LAHORE: An application has been filed in the Lahore High Court asking it to hear afresh a petition seeking disqualification of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on charges of money laundering.

Barrister Javed Iqbal Jafree submits in his application that PM Sharif shifted billions of rupees abroad from the national exchequer during his previous regimes. He states that a five-member bench headed by Justice Farrukh Irfan Khan heard the case one month back.

He says the bench should have written the decision in light of criminal law, law of evidence and other laws and should have announced it in open court but it did not do so. He says despite his objection, two of the judges did not separate themselves from the bench and heard the case.

He further says the bench issued written order 22 days after the verbal order, which is unlawful. He asks the court to constitute a new bench to hear the case afresh in order to meet the ends of justice.

A five-judge bench had on May 22 dismissed a petition of Barrister Jafree filed in 1991 for perpetual disqualification of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on charges of money laundering. The bench had declared the petition non-maintainable.

Measles: The Lahore High Court on Friday sought a reply from the Punjab secretary of health on a petition seeking action against the authorities responsible for the death of children allegedly due to measles and its substandard vaccine.

Full report at:

http://www.dawn.com/news/1193749/money-laundering-lhc-urged-to-hear-plea-against-nawaz-afresh

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Nawaz, Ghani satisfied over peace talks

July 11, 2015

UFA - Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani expressed satisfaction on the progress made in the 7th July meeting between Afghan government and Afghan Taliban to promote peace and reconciliation process.

The statement from the two leaders came during a meeting held on the sidelines of SCO/ BRICS summits here in the Russian Federation on Friday.

During the meeting, the PM reaffirmed Pakistan's desire to build a positive and forward looking relationship with Afghanistan.

Ghani appreciated the efforts and role of Pakistan in facilitating peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan and expressed the hope that this would lead to a lasting peace and stability in the country.

The two leaders exchanged views on how to carry forward the peace process. They also exchanged views on the efforts being made by the respective sides to counter terrorism and extremism.

Full report at:

http://nation.com.pk/national/11-Jul-2015/nawaz-ghani-satisfied-over-peace-talks

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Speaker highlights traders’ role in Islam

July 11, 2015

FAISALABAD

The Muslim traders had played an instrumental role in spreading Islam in every nook and corner of the world immediately after the advent of Islam, renowned religious scholar Sahibzada Sultan Ahmed Ali said.

Delivering a lecture on religious importance of Muslim traders as compared to the followers of other religion, at Faisalabad Chamber of commerce and Industry, he praised the people of Faisalabad and Gujranwala over their inclination towards Islam. The Muslims have been divided into different sects that are tantamount to weaken its unified strength, he said. Explaining this division, he said that the elders of these sects never challenged the Taqwa (Piety) of each other. There difference was only on logic which is an offshoot and cannot affect 90% of commonalities. Hence these commonalities could provide a strong basis for unity and cohesion among Muslim Ummah, he said. He was critical of the relentless comments on TV channels by so-called religious clergy. He said that the electronic media was promoting synthetic and artificial lifestyle which is contradictory to the spirit of Islam.

He stressed a need for checking the onslaught otherwise it will replicate the same phenomenon in Pakistan as it has dissipated the religious spirit from the Christian youth of Europe.

Regarding blasphemy, he said that Muslim Institute Islamabad had initiated a 21-day online debate on the topic “Does freedom of expression give one right to insult”. All the participants of the debate were either non-Muslims or converted Muslims excluding Muslims by birth. He said that it was very encouraging that 81% of them opposed the right to insult in the garb of freedom of expression. He hoped that the debate will now publically discourage the elements publishing blasphemous caricatures etc.

Full report at:

http://nation.com.pk/national/11-Jul-2015/speaker-highlights-traders-role-in-islam

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Africa

 

Boko Haram terrorists kill 13 people in Nigeria, Niger

Jul 11, 2015

Nigeria-based Boko Haram Takfiri group has killed eight civilians in Nigeria and has slit the throats of five more in Niger, local sources say.

According to locals, gunmen shot down the civilians in Gamboru, an abandoned village in Nigeria's remote northeast, on Friday morning.

The victims had gone back to Gamboru after they had been told that “the town was safe for them.... While they were inspecting their homes, Boko Haram gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire on them killing five men and three women,” said Babagana Bukar, a Nigerian originally from Gamboru who is now residing in Fotokol.

The far northern Cameroonian town of Fotokol, about 300 meters across a small river from Gamboru, is home to many residents who have fled the Boko Haram atrocities.

In another deadly incident, Boko Haram militants brutally killed five civilians near Bosso, a town located in southeastern Niger.

“Five employees of a Nigerien company had their throats slit yesterday evening in Dagaya, a village near Bosso,” Bako Mamadou, the mayor of Bosso, told AFP on Friday, adding that the “circumstances” of the attack have not been known yet, though security measures had been implemented in the area.

Full report at:

http://www.presstv.in/Detail/2015/07/11/419700/Nigeria-Niger-Cameroon-Boko-Haram-Bosso

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Al Shabaab attacks Somali capital hotel, 6 civilians killed

July 11, 2015

MOGADISHU - At least six civilians and four militants were killed when al Shabaab Islamists attacked two hotels in the centre of the Somali capital Mogadishu on Friday, police said. Al Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack on the Wehliya Hotel and said it had also laid siege to another hotel in the city, the Siyad, where gunfire continued into the night near the presidential palace.

"Three fighters have been shot dead and another blew himself up inside the car bomb that hit the gate. The operation here is finished. So far we know six civilians died," Umar Ali, a police officer, told Reuters from near Wehliya hotel. The hotel is frequented by top government officials but the identity of the dead was not immediately clear.

Mohamed Osman, a guest at the Wehliya who was breaking his Ramadan fast at a restaurant inside when the attack began, said he had been shot in the leg.

Full report at:

http://nation.com.pk/international/11-Jul-2015/al-shabaab-attacks-somali-capital-hotel-6-civilians-killed

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Almost 5,500 Tunisians in militant ranks, U.N. experts say

10 July 2015

U.N. experts said Friday that almost 5,500 Tunisians are fighting alongside jihadists abroad, urging Tunis to adopt a “national strategic plan” to curb the flow.

“The number of Tunisian foreign fighters is one of the highest among those travelling to join conflicts abroad such as in Syria and Iraq,” said Elzbieta Karska, current head of a U.N. working group on the use of mercenaries.

“Sophisticated travel networks operate to take recruits across the porous borders, and sometimes through areas where trafficking in people and illicit goods may not be effectively controlled,” Karska said after an eight-day mission to Tunisia.

“Testimony has documented that the routes taken entail travel through Libya, then Turkey and its border at Antakya, and then Syria,” she said.

Karska also pointed to possible links between mercenaries and foreign recruits to groups such as the Islamic State group battling in Iraq and Syria.

“It was reported to us that recruiters in these networks are well paid -- one figure given is that of $3,000 to $10,000 per new recruit, depending on the person's qualifications,” she said.

She said an estimated 4,000 Tunisians were in Syria, between 1,000 and 1,500 in Libya, 200 in Iraq, 60 in Mali and 50 in Yemen. Around 625 who have returned from Iraq are being prosecuted, the expert said.

Full report at:

https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2015/07/10/Almost-5-500-Tunisians-in-jihadist-ranks-U-N-experts-say-.html

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Fighting rages in spite of Yemen truce

11 July 2015

Yemen’s main warring factions endorsed a U.N.-brokered humanitarian truce from midnight on Friday although heavy fighting on the ground and Saudi air strikes carried on relentlessly.

The week-long truce will end at the same time as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and aims to get aid to some 21 million Yemenis. All sides said they hoped a full ceasefire would follow.

A Saudi Arabia-led coalition of Arab states has been bombing the Iranian-allied Houthi milita movement since late March in a bid to restore to power Yemen’s President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, who has fled to Riyadh.

The dominant Houthis shelled residential areas in the southern port of Aden overnight and pushed further into Yemen’s eastern Hadramawt desert, the center of the country’s modest oil resources, fighting tribal militiamen, a local official said.

The Saudi-led campaign of air strikes targeted the capital Sanaa on Friday and hit mainly central and southern cities overnight.

The Arab coalition has pounded the Houthis and their army allies from the air since March 26 as part of a bid to restore exiled president Hadi to power. The air raids and fighting have killed more than 3,000 people since then.

“We hope this truce will be the beginning of the end of the Saudi aggression and the end of the violation of United Nations conventions that the war of aggression on Yemen has seen,” a top Houthi leader, Mohammed al-Houthi said in a statement.

The party of Yemen’s ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh, whose loyalists in the military have been a major ally in the Houthi’s advance in Yemen’s south, also welcomed the pause in fighting.

Full report at:

https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2015/07/10/Fighting-rages-despite-Yemenis-endorsing-truce.html

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About 5,500 Tunisians in ISIL ranks, UN experts say

Jul 10, 2015

UN experts have said that almost 5,500 Tunisians have joined the ranks of the ISIL Takfiri terrorist group in recent years.

Elzbieta Karska, the head of a UN working group on the use of mercenaries, made the remarks on Friday after an eight-day mission to the North African country.

Karska said that an estimated 4,000 Tunisian nationals had joined terrorist groups in Syria, between 1,000 and 1,500 in Libya, 200 in Iraq, 60 in Mali, and about 50 in Yemen.

"The number of Tunisian foreign fighters is one of the highest among those traveling to join conflicts abroad such as in Syria and Iraq," media outlets quoted Karska as saying.

The expert noted that about 625 Tunisian militants, who have returned from Iraq, are currently being prosecuted.

Karska also pointed to links between mercenaries and foreign recruits and groups such as the ISIL terrorist group battling in Iraq and Syria.

"Sophisticated travel networks operate to take recruits across the porous borders, and sometimes through areas where trafficking in people and illicit goods may not be effectively controlled," she added, noting, "Testimony has documented that the routes taken entail travel through Libya, then Turkey and its border at Antakya, and then Syria."

"It was reported to us that recruiters in these networks are well paid -- one figure given is that of $3,000 to $10,000 per new recruit, depending on the person's qualification," Karska added.

She urged the Tunisian government to adopt “a national strategic plan... (to) respond to the diverse profiles and recruitment methods... (to) ensure the comprehensive adoption of international human rights standards in all its elements.”

Full report at:

http://www.presstv.in/Detail/2015/07/10/419674/Tunisia-ISIL-Elzbieta-Karska-Iraq-Syria

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UN official warns of 'explosion of violence' in Burundi

11 Jul 2015

The UN human rights chief has warned that an explosion of violence is close at hand in Burundi, sparked by the president's decision to seek a third term and a crackdown by security forces and the youth wing of his ruling party responsible for dozens of recent killings.

Zeid Raad al-Hussein told the UN Security Council that "the risk to human life, and to regional stability and development, is high" as a result of escalating politically motivated violence and Burundi's history of recurring bloodshed and atrocities.

He said his office has documented dozens of killings in the past two months, most of them shootings of demonstrators and human rights defenders by the youth wing and security forces.

Zeid urged the government to disarm the Imbonerakure youth wing of the ruling CNDD-FDD party immediately.

One of the poorest countries in the world, the small Central African nation shares both a history of ethnic strife and a border with Rwanda, the scene of a genocide in 1994.

Burundi has been hit by violence since the April announcement that President Pierre Nkurunziza would run for a third term in presidential elections set for July 15.

Protesters say Nkurunziza must go because the constitution limits the president to two terms, but the president's supporters say he is eligible for a third term because he was chosen by lawmakers - and not popularly elected - for his first term.

Full report at:

 

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/07/burundi-violence-150711071259662.html

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AMISOM to 'revitalise' campaign against Al-Shabaab

09 July 2015

The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has denied reports it is withdrawing from some areas in the wake of a major attack by the Al-Shabaab militant group, suggesting instead that it is preparing for a new offensive.

"We will deal them [Al-Shabaab] a final blow in the coming few days," AMISOM military commander Lieutenant General Jonathan Rono told Kenyan troops on 7 July.

The mission's base in Leego, a town 120 km northwest of Mogadishu, was attacked by Al-Shabaab on 26 June. The group claimed it killed 80 soldiers and seized weapons and armoured vehicles. It released photographs that confirmed it had killed several Burundian soldiers and captured 23 mm anti-aircraft guns, pick-up trucks, and ammunition.

Burundi's military spokesman Colonel Gaspard Baratuza told the DPA news agency that more than 50 soldiers were killed in the attack, making it one of the most significant blows suffered by AMISOM since it first deployed to Somalia in 2007.

The assault came after Ethiopia's Colonel Yemane Gabremichael, the commander of AMISOM Sector Three, claimed that Al-Shabaab forces in the area had been "significantly weakened" when they attempted to ambush a convoy heading for Leego on 11 June. "It is now increasingly difficult for them to launch surprise ambushes," he claimed.

AMISOM and Somali National Army (SNA) troops did not reoccupy Leego until two days after the attack. They then reportedly withdrew the following day, possibly because the area had been extensively booby trapped by the Al-Shabaab fighters who withdrew rather than attempt to defend the town.

Full report at:

http://www.janes.com/article/52901/amisom-to-revitalise-campaign-against-al-shabaab

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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/in-dark-corners-internet,-extremists/d/103863


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