ISIS Digs Up Dollars: Extremists Loot Antiquities
New Age Islam News Bureau
13
Jul 2014
Tehreek-e-Khilafat is considered part of the Pakistan Taliban, an umbrella movement linked to al-Qaeda containing dozens of terrorist groups, racketeers and sectarian outfits.
Arab World
• ISIS Digs Up Dollars: Extremists Loot Antiquities
• Gunmen Kill Over 30 People, Including 29 Women in Baghdad
• Iraq Sending 4,000 Volunteers to Ramadi as Jets Pound ISIL in Al-Anbar
• Syria Terrorists Pledge Allegiance to ISIL
• ISIS Promotional Video Vows to 'Conquer Israel, Rome and Spain'
• Cousin of Islamic State leader Baghdadi killed in Iraq
• Saudi religious police to hunt out extremists
• Quba — the first mosque in the history of Islam
• Egypt appellate court annuls imprisonment of ex-PM Hisham Qandil
• Militants make ground in renewed Iraq offensive
• Iraq's Saddam deputy praises jihadist 'heroes' in unverified message
• Syrian rebel commander assassinated in Jordan: Police
• New strategy needed to drain terror sources: Shoura member
Mideast
• Israeli Commandos Make 1st Ground Incursion In Gaza, Death Toll Hits 165
• Iranian spiritual leader on pressures against Islamite activists in Azerbaijan
• Israeli commandos make first ground incursion in Gaza: Radio
• Gaza Offensive: Israel Has No Targets But Civilians, Resistance Defiant
• Thousands flee north Gaza after Israel warning
• Yemen president sacks two top army commanders
• In Palestine: Fighting a biased narrative
• Rebels say ready to evacuate key Yemeni city
India
• 2 Thane Boys among 18 Indians Who Joined ISIS
• 26/11 mastermind's latest venom: Saeed warns Pakistan of 'India's Afghan plans'
• India congratulates Afghan candidates for resolving election crisis
• Claim to be juvenile to escape law: Lashkar tells its cadres
Pakistan
• Pak Militant Group Swears Allegiance to Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi
• Elements Want To Create “Fall of Dhaka” Like Situation On August 14: Minister
• Swabi: 35 alleged terrorists killed
• Air strikes kill 13 suspected terrorists in Mirali: ISPR
• ‘Long march’ will overcome all hurdles: PTI
• Dasti to challenge anti-terror act in court
• KP government launches assistance program for IDPs
• Government supporting army in Zarb-e-Azb: Saad
South Asia
• 98 Taliban militants killed in separate military operations
• 11 Afghan security force members killed in attacks
• Suicide bomber attack NATO troops convoy in Nangarhar
• Islamist militant Hizb-ut-Tahrir trying to cash in on Ramadan spirits
• Khaleda calls upon UN to stop attacks in Gaza
• Bangladesh betters in lowering child, maternal mortality
Africa
• Boko Haram voices support for ISIS’ Baghdadi
• Heavy gunfire, explosions: Rival militia groups clash at Libya’s Tripoli airport
• Nigeria Uncovers Boko Haram Plot to Bomb Major Bus Stations
• Kenya Muslims Boycott President Iftar
Europe
• Kosher Iftar: UK Synagogue Marks Ramadan with Interfaith Meal
• Legal challenge to French mayor’s ban of Muslim Hijab on beach
• Staff at Muslim primary school 'caught on camera describing how clapping hands is Satanic and that gay people should be stoned to death'
• Iraq must make progress on govt or face ‘chaos’: UN
• UN SC calls for Gaza ceasefire
North America
• Shia-Sunni communities attended Iftar banquet of Dallas mayor
• In South Carolina, building a new generation of Iraqi faculty
• Ghani, Abdullah agree to audit of all votes after talks with Kerry
• Kerry arrives in Vienna for Iran nuclear talks
Southeast Asia
• Gunman attack diving resort on Malaysia's Borneo Island
• Imported from the peninsula, Islamic Extremism rears its ugly head in Sarawak
• In Malaysia, Islam’s legal advance divides families and nation
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/isis-digs-up-dollars-extremists/d/98071
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Arab World
ISIS Digs Up Dollars: Extremists Loot Antiquities
July 13, 2014
Fighters from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) have reportedly been on a looting spree, ransacking the areas under their control, according to UK-based The Sunday Times.
ISIS has been “digging up” archaeological sites and “selling” their findings abroad, according to the report.
The militant group is imposing a “tax” on looted antiquities in the vast region of Syria and Iraq under its control, which was ancient Mesopotamia, according to a Syrian visiting professor at the University of Pennsylvania, United States.
The academic stated that local ISIS leaders govern the tax rates and anyone that refuses to pay is killed, according to the report.
“What we learnt suggests that Isis is involved in illicit antiquities trading, but in a way . . . more complex and insidious than that reported to date,” Professor Amr al-Azm told the newspaper.
The main market is in Tel Abyad, an ISIS outpost on the Syrian-Turkish border, according to the Sunday Times.
“ISIS clearly is involved and profiting at every level, from extraction to final sale and exit from ISIS territory,” al-Azm added. “The damage is phenomenal. They’re not only digging up known sites; they’re bulldozing everything.”
Nada al-Hassan, head of the Arab states unit at UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre, described an Assyrian black basalt royal stele from the 8th century BC that the London auction house Bonhams removed from sale in April after estimating its value at up to £795,000.
“That was intercepted by Interpol,” she said, adding that it was a “success story” because there was proof that ISIS had been responsible for digging it up.
So far, fighters have spared the Mosul museum – which was heavily ransacked in the wake of the 2003 U.S. invasion – yet locals residents say that they have destroyed the 13th century tomb of the historian Ali ’Izz al-Din Ibn al-Athir al- Jazari, who travelled with the Islamic sultan, Saladin.
A rigid interpretation of Sunni Islam condemns the worshipping of saints, and shrines to be a form of idolatry.
“We heard a pledge that they won’t harm anything in Mosul, but with our experience with what happened in Syria and other places, you can’t be an optimist,” said the Iraq office of UNESCO in a statement.
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/life-style/art-and-culture/2014/07/13/ISIS-digs-up-dollars-extremists-are-pawning-looted-antiquities.html
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Gunmen kill over 30 people, including 29 women in Baghdad
July 13, 2014
Unidentified gunmen killed 33 people, including 29 women, as they attacked two apartment buildings in eastern Baghdad, AP reported citing the Interior Ministry, police, and hospital officials.
The shooting took place in Baghdad’s Zayouna neighborhood. The gunmen reportedly arrived in four-wheel drive vehicles, according to police officials.
Eighteen people were wounded in the attack.
The death toll was confirmed by an Interior Ministry official and hospital officials. Police have cordoned off the area from the public.
Meanwhile, Reuters reported that 29 people have been killed.
Police are unsure of the motive behind the attack.
"When we walked up the stairs, we saw a couple of women's bodies and blood streaming down the stairs. We entered a flat and found bodies everywhere, some lying on the sofa, some on the ground, and one woman who apparently had tried to hide in a cupboard in the kitchen shot to death there,” a police officer told Reuters.
Authorities have not been able to confirm who was behind the attack, but locals have pointed toward Shia militias, as they have been accused of killing women branded as prostitutes in the district.
Sectarian divisions continue to fuel Iraq’s instability. The country has been facing a crisis as Sunni insurgents led by the Islamic State (IS) – previously known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS/ISIL) – have made advances over the past month in the north of the country, with the goal of taking over Baghdad.
The group has preyed upon the sectarian rift between Sunni and Shia Muslims in the country, and has been joined by seasoned members of the former Baath ruling party.
June was the deadliest month for Iraq since 2007, with at least 2,417 people killed – the majority of them civilians, according to the UN.
http://rt.com/news/172368-baghdad-gunmen-iraq-shooting/
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Iraq Sending 4,000 Volunteers to Ramadi as Jets Pound ISIL in Al-Anbar
July 13, 2014
2,500 of the reinforcements arrived Friday in Ramadi and the rest are expected to arrive Saturday, Gen. Rasheed Flayeh, the commander of operations in Anbar province, said, Al-Alam reported.
Tens of thousands of Iraqi civilians have volunteered to join the army to defend the country from the militants from the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist group.
In another incident, scores of terrorists have been killed and wounded in air strikes targeting militant hideouts near al-Anbar province customs building, Iraq's Anti-terrorist Organization says.
Soldiers of the Iraqi army have been engaged in heavy fighting with the terrorists on different fronts and have so far been able to push back the ISIL militants in several areas.
http://www.abna.ir/english/service/middle-east-west-asia/archive/2014/07/12/623450/story.html
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Syria Terrorists Pledge Allegiance to ISIL
July 13, 2014
Several terrorist factions fighting the Syrian government pledged allegiance to ISIL Takfiri group.
Reports say hundreds of what the West calls “moderate rebel groups” including a 1000-strong brigade from the so-called Sham Army have defected to the notorious group in recent days, press TV reported.ISIL terrorists
The defectors travelled from their base in the northwestern Syrian province of Idlib to the ISIL stronghold city of Raqqa last weekend.
In addition, several brigades affiliated with the Western-sponsored Free Syrian Army have pledged allegiance to ISIL in the east of the country.
The defections raise questions about the US military support for groups it classifies as moderate militants.
On July 8, the Saudi daily Akkaz confirmed in a report that the foreign-backed militants have received the second batch of US-made anti-tank missiles.
he Takfiri militants have reportedly received TOW anti-tank rockets in the strategic Qalamoun region.
Last month, the White House asked Congress for half a billion dollars in aid for militants operating against government troops in Syria.
The United States has also announced that it would arm and support what it calls "the moderate opposition" in Syria.
The ISIL militancy has also spilled over to Iraq where the Takfiri militants have overrun large swathes, committing acts of terror against bothe Iraqi army and civilians.
http://www.almanar.com.lb/english/adetails.php?fromval=1&cid=23&frid=23&eid=160774
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ISIS Promotional Video Vows to 'Conquer Israel, Rome and Spain'
July 13, 2014
The 'Caliphate' established by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) published a full-length propaganda video earlier this week, showing the "different faces" of the Islamist state - including governmental, educational, and religious activities.
One of the Islamists, a citizen of Kosovo, spoke at a passport-burning ceremony for foreign nationals, who then accepted "passports" issued by ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi for the Caliphate.
The speaker drew a sword from its scabbard and promised to continue the jihad, or holy war against non-Islamists, including Saudi Arabia, the Palestinian Authority (PA), Rome, and Spain, which was formerly under Islamic rule. He added that these goals are the "first step to taking over the world."
Footage then cuts to several scenes showing "educational" activities for the public on Islamism, including classes on radical Islam, "fun days" for children and teenagers which feature sweets and violent doctrine, and "recreational days" at the beach sponsored by ISIS terrorists. None of these activities feature women.
One child tells an interviewer during the montage that he wants "to be a jihad fighter" when he grows up so he can "fight the infidels."
Several Muslim singers also present concerts on songs whose topics include jihad and hatred for Jews and non-Muslims.
To show the "humanitarian" and religious sides of the ISIS, scenes show the terrorists handing out food to the needy. "Morality police" roam the streets during Friday prayers and threaten store owners with lashes unless they attend services.
An ISIS official also boasts over the new regime's literal interpretation of Islamic Sharia law, bragging over the rights to amputate the hands and feet of convicted thieves.
ISIS territory seeks to redraw national and state lines along religious delineations, separating the Shia and Alawite-majority Syria from the Sunni majority in southern Iraq.
Its territory currently extends from the city of Aleppo in northern Syria to the Deir el-Zour province near Iraq, over state lines to most of northern and Western Iraq.
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/182825#.U8HBbJRdU4U
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Saudi religious police to hunt out extremists
July 13, 2014
The chief of Saudi Arabia’s religious police has called on members to focus their attention on Islamic extremists amid rising concern of a terrorist attack.
The voluntary members of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (Haia) are renown for arresting residents who disobey the kingdom’s strict conservative Islamic laws, such as when unmarried men and women are seen in public together, as well as arresting women who drive.
But with increased violence in the region, including the Sunni rebel attacks in Iraq, Haia chairman Sheikh Abdullatif Al Asheikh told staff members at a meeting in Madinah to refocus their attention on Muslims spreading extremist ideas in the kingdom, Arab News reported.
"Your mission is no longer confined to monitoring shops that remain open during prayer times or instructing women to adhere to modest dress codes," Al Asheikh was quoted as saying.
"The mission has now become much more significant as we attempt to eradicate extremist ideas and confront, including using force, those who promote the principles championed by terrorist groups.”
Full report at:
http://www.arabianbusiness.com/saudi-religious-police-hunt-out-extremists-557620.html
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Cousin of Islamic State leader Baghdadi killed in Iraq
July 13, 2014
A cousin of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the Sunni extremist group that has seized swathes of Iraq and Syria, was killed on Sunday in a security raid, Iraqi media reported.
Mazban al-Badri, a senior leader in al-Baghdadi’s self-styled Islamic State group, was killed in fighting with government troops in the northern province of Diyala, Alsumaria News reported, citing an unnamed security official.
“The operation was carried out following precise intelligence information that the wanted man was staying in the area,” the official added.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/cousin-of-islamic-state-leader-baghdadi-killed-in-iraq/article6206496.ece
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Quba — the first mosque in the history of Islam
July 13, 2014
Quba Mosque to the south of Madinah is the second largest and prestigious mosque in the city after the Prophet’s Mosque, but claims the first place owing to its importance in Islamic history having been built in the first year of the Islamic calendar.
Quba Mosque witnesses an influx of worshippers and visitors throughout the year, but the numbers have increased these days owing to the holy month of Ramadan. Large gatherings can be observed in the mosque’s precincts especially in the early hours of the morning.
Author Sapphire Hamwi said in his book (Lexicon countries) that Quba Mosque was originally a well surrounded by a village named after it. It was inhabited by the tribe of Bani Amr bin Auf. On his way to Madinah, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) visited the home of Bani Amr Bin Auf and built a mosque in the area which he named Quba.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/news/600996
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Egypt appellate court annuls imprisonment of ex-PM Hisham Qandil
July 13, 2014
A Cairo court has accepted the appeal presented by ex-PM Hisham Qandil and reversed his one-year jail sentence.
In September 2013 the Cairo Misdemeanour Court upheld a ruling against former Prime Minister Qandil sentencing him to one year in prison for failing to implement the Administrative Court verdict ordering the re-nationalisation of the Tanta Flax and Oil Company.
Qandil served as the prime minister of Egypt from August 2012 to July 2013 during the presidency of Mohamed Morsi.
He left office after the ouster of the Islamist president on 3 July, 2013.
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/106135/Egypt/Politics-/BREAKING-Egypt-appellate-court-annuls-imprisonment.aspx
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Militants make ground in renewed Iraq offensive
July 13, 2014
Militants seized part of the Iraqi town of Dhuluiyah and bombed government buildings and a bridge on Sunday as they pressed a renewed offensive for a third day.
Six people, including four police, were killed in the fighting for the town, which the militants took in a lightning advance last month before its recapture by police and local residents, district official Marwan Mitaab said.
The assault on the town, just 80 kilometres (50 miles) north of Baghdad, began early on Sunday and has since overrun more than half of it, Mitaab said.
In what appeared to be an attempt to stop reinforcements reaching a major military base to the southwest, the militants blew up a bridge leading towards the nearby town of Balad, said a police colonel, who confirmed the death toll given by Mitaab.
The officer said the militants also bombed three police stations, the local council headquarters and a court.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/106130/World/Region/Militants-make-ground-in-renewed-Iraq-offensive.aspx
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Iraq's Saddam deputy praises jihadist 'heroes' in unverified message
July 13, 2014
The wanted deputy of executed dictator Saddam Hussein praised the Islamic State jihadists who took over large swathes of the country last month as heroes in an unauthenticated audio message released on Saturday.
The recording features a 15-minute speech in a raspy, quavering voice purported to be that of 72-year-old Izzat Ibrahim al-Duri, who was Iraq's vice-president when US-led coalition forces invaded in 2003.
The voice in the recording, which AFP could not immediately confirm to be that of Duri, praised "some groups of (insurgents) Ansar al-Sunna and, in addition to these, the heroes and knights of Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State."
The Islamic State (IS) has been fighting in Syria and Iraq and on June 29 proclaimed a "caliphate" straddling both countries and headed by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who now calls himself Caliph Ibrahim.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/106125/World/Region/Iraqs-Saddam-deputy-praises-jihadist-heroes-in-unv.aspx
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Syrian rebel commander assassinated in Jordan: Police
July 13, 2014
A Syrian rebel commander has been shot dead in the Jordanian capital in the first such incident on the kingdom's territory since the start of the conflict in Syria in 2011, a police source said on Saturday.
Maher Rahal, 27, who headed the Liwa al-Mujahideen Brigade, one of dozens of rebel formations battling President Bashar al-Assad's forces in southern Syria, was shot five times in a residential area of the capital late on Friday.
He had entered Jordan only last week on a family visit.
The police source said there was no evidence that his death was politically motivated, while relatives of Rahal linked the killing to an old tribal blood feud in his village of Inkhil, in southern Syria.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/106103/World/Region/Syrian-rebel-commander-assassinated-in-Jordan-Poli.aspx
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New strategy needed to drain terror sources: Shoura member
July 13, 2014
DAMMAM — Thuraya Al-Arrayed, member of the Shoura Council, underscored the need for working out a strategy to drain sources of terrorism and root out this menace from society.
She said schools, universities, mosques, camps for youths and family gatherings should be utilized to spread awareness against terrorism.
Her comments came in the wake of recent reports that the recent attack on a border post in Sharourah was carried out by terror suspects who were released from jail after undergoing a comprehensive rehabilitation program, Al-Hayat daily reported.
Al-Arrayed, who is also member of the security committee at the council, emphasized that there must be closer examinations when picking members of the committee for counseling terror suspects.
Full report at:
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20140713211379
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Mideast
Israeli commandos make 1st ground incursion in Gaza, death toll hits 165
July 13, 2014
Israeli marines mounted a first ground assault on Gaza early Sunday, further escalating a deadly six-day offensive hours after the UN Security Council unanimously called for a ceasefire.
As world powers prepared to meet in Vienna over the escalating conflict, the Palestinian death toll from Israel's punishing air campaign hit 165 following the bloodiest day yet, which left 56 people dead.
So far, no Israelis have been killed, although militants in Gaza have pounded the south and centre of the country with more than 630 rockets since the fighting began on July 8, as Israel and Hamas militants faced off in the biggest confrontation since 2012.
Overnight, Israeli naval commandos raided the northern Gaza Strip on a mission to destroy longer-range rockets, dozens of which have been fired at cities as far away as Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Hadera in the north, sending tens of thousands fleeing for cover.
"A naval commando operation took place on a beach in Gaza this morning with the aim of hitting a long-distance rocket launching site," Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner told reporters, saying the mission was a success, despite four soldiers being lightly injured.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/106111/World/Region/Israeli-commandos-make-st-ground-incursion-in-Gaza.aspx
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Iranian spiritual leader on pressures against Islamite activists in Azerbaijan
July 13, 2014
“There are serious limitations in connection with wearing “hijab,” reports the Iranian “Arannews.ir” site, quoting the representative of the Iranian religious leader in Eastern Atrpatakan province Mojahed Shabestari.
Iranian high ranked priest, during the Friday prayer has touched upon the pressures against Azerbaijani Islamist activists and has noted in particular, “In some of the Islamic countries such as Azerbaijan, right for wearing “hijab” (a suit for girls) is limited: most of the pious people who have attempted to fight against these limitations are arrested now.”
Full report at:
http://www.panorama.am/en/popular/2014/07/12/iran-azerbayjan/
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Israeli commandos make first ground incursion in Gaza: Radio
July 13, 2014
JERUSALEM: Israeli navy commandos launched a ground operation overnight in the north of the Gaza Strip, the first since the offensive against Hamas began, Israeli public radio said early Sunday.
The brief incursion targeted a rocket launcher site, it said. The armed branch of Hamas confirmed that Israeli commandos had exchanged gunfire with some Palestinian fighters.
A military spokesman later said four Israeli soldiers had been lightly wounded during the operation.
“During the mission a gunfight broke out, started by some militants operating at the site, during which four Israeli soldiers were lightly wounded,” said the spokesman who declined to give further details on the operation.
Full report at:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1118965/israeli-commandos-make-first-ground-incursion-in-gaza-radio
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Gaza Offensive: Israel Has No Targets But Civilians, Resistance Defiant
July 13, 2014
Zionist entity’s brutal assault on Gaza continued for the sixth day on Saturday, with the resistance persistent to go on with launching rockets on the occupied territories.
The death toll in Gaza surpassed 127 martyrs and 930 injured, our correspondent quoted medical sources in the besieged enclave.Destruction in Gaza
Al-Manar correspondent in Gaza reported that the Israeli strikes on Saturday targeted hospitals, mosques and a center for handicapped people.
He said that at least 20 people were martyred on Saturday, noting that all of them are civilians, including handicapped teens.
The leader of the resistance movement, Hamas, in Gaza, Ismael Haniyeh, vowed that the rocket launch on the Zionist entity would continue.
Full report at:
http://www.almanar.com.lb/english/adetails.php?eid=160741&cid=23&fromval=1&frid=23&seccatid=23&s1=1
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Thousands flee north Gaza after Israel warning
July 13, 2014
Thousands of Palestinians were fleeing northern Gaza on Sunday after a night of intense Israeli strikes and an explicit warning from the army that the raids were set to intensify.
In Beit Lahiya, whole streets were emptying, with residents fleeing with all the belongings they could carry -- by car, by donkey- and horse-drawn carts, and on foot.
"Last night there was so much shelling that no one could sleep, it was terrifying," said one man, who gave his name only as Farid.
He was fleeing with six family members, riding alongside them on a motorbike piled high with blankets.
"I'm going to try to go to a school, anywhere that is safe," he told AFP.
Mohammed Sultan packed his family's belongings onto a horse-drawn cart, with five children sitting among the hastily assembled items.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/106126/World/Region/Thousands-flee-north-Gaza-after-Israel-warning.aspx
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Yemen president sacks two top army commanders
July 13, 2014
Yemeni President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi has sacked the military chiefs of two regions following sweeping advances by Shiite rebels and a surge in Al-Qaeda attacks, state media reported Sunday.
Major General Mohammed al-Makdishi, who headed the sixth military command based in the northern city of Amran overrun by Shiite Huthi rebels, was sacked Saturday, Saba news agency said.
Hadi appointed Brigadier Mohammed al-Hawry to the post.
The capture of Amran, just 50 kilometres (30 miles) north of Sanaa, threatened a federalization plan that was agreed in February following national talks as part of a political transition.
The rebels, also known as Ansarullah, have complained for years of marginalization in the Sunni majority country, and say the transition plan would divide Yemen into rich and poor regions.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/07/13/Yemen-president-sacks-two-top-army-commanders-.html
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In Palestine: Fighting a biased narrative
July 13, 2014
The macabre truth is that Israeli life is deemed by the western media to be worth more than a Palestinian life – this is the hierarchy of death at work.
Owen Jones states in The Guardian on the foreign media’s portrayal of the Palestinian conflict.
Recent media coverage of “Operation Protective Edge” has been lambasted by observers for creating 'false balance' in stories, constructing a narrative that depicts Israel and Hamas/Palestine as equals in inflicting violence and resulting losses.
With at least 121 Palestinians killed in the bombings, including 25 children, the media has been called out for headlines like, “Israel and Hamas Trade Attacks as Tensions Rises”.
Such a headline is misleading, given the slaughter of Palestinians that is continuing today. Constantly under siege, with no source of aid for the residents, Gaza’s plight is particularly tragic.
Full report at:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1118807/in-palestine-fighting-a-biased-narrative
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Rebels say ready to evacuate key Yemeni city
July 13, 2014
SANAA (AFP): Shiite rebels are to withdraw from a key city they seized in an advance towards Yemen’s capital and an army unit will now move into Amran, a spokesman said Saturday.
Amran, 50 kilometres (30 miles) north of Sanaa, has seen fierce fighting since February as Huthi rebels known as Ansarullah advanced from their mountain strongholds towards the capital. ‘Our men will withdraw from Amran as soon as an army unit moves in,’ rebel spokesman Mohammed Abdessalam said, adding that the decision to pull back came in a deal struck with the defence ministry.
Full report at:
http://www.nation.com.pk/international/13-Jul-2014/rebels-say-ready-to-evacuate-key-yemeni-city
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India
2 Thane boys among 18 Indians who joined ISIS
Deeptiman Tiwary,TNN | Jul 13, 2014
NEW DELHI: As investigations into Thursday's Pune blast progress, agencies are worried about two youths from Thane (near Mumbai) who are reported to have left for Iraq to fight along ISIS about a year ago. These two boys are part of the 18 Indians learnt to be fighting in Iraq and Syria and are being tracked by intelligence agencies.
Sources within the security establishment say most of these 18 hail from south India. Some of those who have been identified belong to Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. It is not known whether any of them has returned but such exodus from south India has become a cause for worry for the agencies.
ISIS chief Abubakr Al-Baghdadi, who recently declared himself as the Caliph of Islamic State (as the group is now known to be in pursuit of establishing a Caliphate in West Asia), has asked Indian Muslims to wage war against the nation in an audio message.
"Many of these men who joined the war through Singapore have been identified — two are from Thane, one from Bangalore and another from Chennai. There are others who come from interiors of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Surprisingly, none of them is from north India even though a bunch of UP youths owing allegiance to Indian Mujahideen has been fighting in Afghanistan alongside the Taliban and al-Qaida," said an officer from the security establishment.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/2-Thane-boys-among-18-Indians-who-joined-ISIS/articleshow/38285156.cms
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26/11 mastermind's latest venom: Saeed warns Pakistan of 'India's Afghan plans'
July 13, 2014
Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief and 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed has once again made hate speeches against India and the US.
Saeed alleged India has sent its troops to Afghanistan to fill the vacuum created by the departure of US forces.
"India has sent 25,000 soldiers to Afghanistan and more Indian troops are on their way. The Indian forces will achieve its design against Pakistan sitting in Afghanistan. The presence of Indian forces in Afghanistan is a great threat to Pakistan's integrity," Saeed told a seminar at the Lahore High Court building on Thursday.
The Pakistan Justice Party had organised the seminar.
Thursday's incident was the second time that Saeed addressed lawyers and others within court premises this year.
In May, the Lashkar-e-Tayyeba (LeT) founder was invited as chief guest at the Lahore High Court Bar Association.
Saeed claimed the US was behind the deployment of Indian forces on Pakistan's western border.
Full report at:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-2689358/26-11-masterminds-latest-venom-Saeed-warns-Pakistan-Indias-Afghan-plans.html#ixzz37If5qepB
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India congratulates Afghan candidates for resolving election crisis
Jul 13 2014
India welcomed the agreement reached between the Afghan presidential contenders to resolve the impasse from runoff presidential election.
The Indian Embassy in Kabul congratulated both Presidential candidates for agreeing to next steps in the electoral process.
“This will strengthen faith of the Afghan people in democracy and promote national unity,” the Embassy said following an online statement.
Presidential candidates, Dr. Abdullah Abdullah and Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai agreed for 100 percent votes audit after the US Secretary of State brokered talks in a bid to end the deadlock.
Full report at:
http://www.khaama.com/india-congratulates-afghan-candidates-for-resolving-election-crisis-8308
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Claim to be juvenile to escape law: Lashkar tells its cadres
Press Trust of India | Srinagar/new Delhi | July 13, 2014
Declare your age below 18 years if you are caught by security personnel–this is a new diktat from Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba terror outfit sent to its cadre in Jammu and Kashmir.
Details of this LeT tactic was given by arrested Mohd Naveed Jutt alias Abu Hanzala, who was subjected to age determination test as he had claimed to the interrogators that he was 17 years old, official sources said.
After sustained questioning, Jutt, whose age turned out to be 22 years, said his ‘masters’ across the border had instructed him to give his age as 17 years.
Jutt said the LeT top brass has been telling the new recruits, who are mainly school dropouts or having criminal background, that they should behave as someone who is below 18 years so that they are tried under the Juvenile Justice Act and not normal Indian Penal Code.
The maximum punishment under Juvenile Act is three years.
Full report at:
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/claim-to-be-juvenile-to-escape-law-lashkar-tells-its-cadres/
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Pakistan
Pak militant group swears allegiance to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi
Press Trust of India | London | July 13, 2014
A Pakistan-based militant group has become the first jihadi outfit in the South Asia region to break ranks from al-Qaeda and declare its allegiance to the Islamic State, that has seized power across Iraq and Syria.
Little known outfit Tehreek-e-Khilafat, which has claimed responsibility for a string of attacks in Karachi, has pledged allegiance to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and vowed to raise the Islamic State’s flag in South Asia, the Telegraph reported.
Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, declared himself as Caliph and renamed the ISIS as Islamic State.
“Sheikh Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi shall consider Tehreek-e-Khilafat and Jihad mujahideen fighters of Pakistan as one of the arrows among his arrows which he has kept for his bow.
“We are praying from the almighty Allah to give us chance in our lives to see the expansion of Islamic State boundaries toward the Sub-Continent and Khurasan region in order to hoist the flag of Islamic State here,” the group said.
Full report at:
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/asia/pak-militant-group-swears-allegiance-to-abu-bakr-al-baghdadi/
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Elements Want To Create “Fall of Dhaka” Like Situation On August 14: Minister
July 13, 2014
FAISALABAD- State Minister for Water and Power Abid Sher Ali has said that certain elements want to spread anarchy on 14th August want incidents like Fall of Dhaka to be repeated.
Speaking at a press conference in Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) Headquarters, Abid Sher Ali said that “Three Queens” Chaudhry Pervez Elahi, Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri and Shaikh Rasheed should need to follow the path of sanity.
“We are catering to the issues of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and those three want to take out long marches. We will not allow any undemocratic activity to take place”, Abid Sher Ali said. He also said that we will demand resignations from them after 15th August.
State Minister for Water and Power, while answering a question whether a deal was made with Army Chief General (Retd.) Pervez Musharraf, said that Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz did not make a deal with anyone. He added that they will abide by the court’s decision.
“People from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Sindh have started paying their power bills due to our steps”, he said.
http://www.nation.com.pk/national/12-Jul-2014/elements-want-to-create-fall-of-dhaka-like-situation-on-august-14-abid-sher-ali
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Swabi: 35 alleged terrorists killed
July 13, 2014
Swabi- Police arrested 35 suspects in Swabi and recovered of arms from their custody today.
According to details, the operation was carried out in Shaikh Janan, Asota and Shiva Adda. Superintendent of Police Swabi, Sajjad Khan said the operation was launched after receipt of information regarding presence of the terrorists in these areas.
The SP said operation would continue in phases to root out the menace of terrorism from the district.
http://www.nation.com.pk/national/13-Jul-2014/swabi-35-alleged-terrorists-killed
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‘Long march’ will overcome all hurdles: PTI
July 13, 2014
LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Punjab President Ejaz Chaudhry said the party’s Aug 14 ‘long march’ will overcome all hurdles allegedly being created by the PML-N government.
Speaking at a ceremony to distribute notifications to office-bearers of the PTI Minority Wing Punjab on Saturday, Chaudhry said PTI workers were determined and over a million of them would march on Islamabad.
Stating that holding a peaceful protest was their constitutional right, he claimed a minister had said the government would organise a function at D-Chowk.
Chaudhry said the PML-N government had not learnt its lesson from the Model Town incident. He said a first information report would be lodged against the government, impartial inquiries conducted and those responsible brought to book.
Full report at:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1118950/long-march-will-overcome-all-hurdles-pti
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Dasti to challenge anti-terror act in court
July 13, 2014
ISLAMABAD: A day after it was signed into law, a lawmaker has decided to challenge the Protection of Pakistan Act 2014 in the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
Member National Assembly (MNA) Jamshed Dasti has prepared a petition against some sections of the law. This petition will be filed in the IHC on Monday, his counsel advocate Saeed Khurshid told Dawn. Earlier, after its promulgation, the law was challenged in the IHC and the Supreme Court in October last year.
Dasti had resigned from the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) on March 16, 2013 and also from the National Assembly. He later announced contesting election as an independent candidate in last year’s general election and defeated Hina Rabbani Khar.
In February this year, Dasti stunned his fellow parliamentarians when he said that liquor, worth millions of rupees, was supplied in the Parliament Lodges and that a pungent smell of hashish engulfed the area.
Full report at:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1118932/dasti-to-challenge-anti-terror-act-in-court
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KP government launches assistance program for IDPs
July 13, 2014
PESHAWAR- The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has launched 'Esaar Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Program' for assistance and welfare of displaced persons of North Waziristan.
More than 900,000 people have left North Waziristan in the wake of military offensive against militants and are temporarily residing in different parts of the province and country. Under the ‘Esaar Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Program,’ each of the IDPs family has been provided Rs3, 500 for monthly house rent. Besides, payment of Rs5, 000 to each of the displaced families under Ramazan package has also begun.
Around 7,000 families have so far been provided financial assistance under the welfare program for IDPs. The KP government reiterated its resolve to help IDPs in this testing time and save them from facing hard-scrabble life.
http://www.nation.com.pk/national/13-Jul-2014/kp-government-launches-assistance-program-for-idps
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Government supporting army in Zarb-e-Azb: Saad
July 13, 2014
Islamabad- Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique said today the government is fully supporting the Pakistan Army operation in North Waziristan Agency.
In an interview, he paid rich tributes to Pakistan Army for rendering sacrifices for maintenance of peace in the country. He said the government is providing assistance to internally displaced persons with food, shelter and health facilities. The minister said Pakistan Army had set up relief camps at various parts of the country. He urged all the political parties and civil society to come forward and support the IDPs in this difficult situation.
http://www.nation.com.pk/national/13-Jul-2014/government-supporting-army-in-zarb-e-azb-saad
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Air strikes kill 13 suspected terrorists in Mirali: ISPR
July 13, 2014
PESHAWAR: Air strikes were launched early morning today killing 13 suspected terrorists and destroying seven hideouts after rockets were fired on a security forces check post in Mirali from inside Mirali town, according to a statement released by the Inter Services Public relations (ISPR) on Saturday.
The details could not be independently verified as the access to media persons is severely restricted in the region.
Most of the terrorists killed in strikes are foreigners while a huge cache of arms and ammunition was also destroyed, the statement added further details of which are given below.
Full report at:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1118809/air-strikes-kill-13-suspected-terrorists-in-mirali-ispr
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South Asia
98 Taliban militants killed in separate military operations
Jul 13 2014
At least 98 Taliban militants were killed following separate military operations conducted by Afghan national security forces in the past 24 hours.
The interior ministry of Afghanistan following a statement said the operations were jointly conducted by Afghan national police, Afghan national army and Afghan intelligence – national directorate of security (NDS).
The statement further added that 21 Taliban militants were killed, 15 militants were injured and 15 others were detained during the operations.
Interior ministry in its said the operations were conducted in Balkh, Ghazni, Paktia, Farah and Helamnd prvinces.
Full report at:
http://www.khaama.com/98-taliban-militants-killed-in-separate-military-operations-8305
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11 Afghan security force members killed in attacks
Associated Press | Kabul | July 13, 2014
Insurgent attacks across Afghanistan have killed 11 Afghan security force members, authorities said Sunday, as a suicide car bomb attack wounded three NATO troops.
The deadliest attacks happened overnight in Afghanistan’s eastern Laghman province, when insurgents raided Afghan police and army checkpoints in Aliangar district, said Sarhadi Zwak spokesman for the provincial governor. Zwak said the dead from the assault included six police officers and one soldier, while security forces killed 15 insurgents.
In the western province of Herat, insurgents attacked a police checkpoint early Sunday morning, killing one police officer, said Raouf Ahmadi, a spokesman for the provincial police chief. He said officers killed four insurgents in the assault in Shindand district.
An attack late Friday on another checkpoint in the district killed three police officers, he said.
Full report at:
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/asia/11-afghan-security-force-members-killed-in-attacks/
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Suicide bomber attack NATO troops convoy in Nangarhar
Jul 13 2014
A suicide bomber attacked a convoy of the NATO-led coalition security forces in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan.
According to local government officials, the incident took place late Saturday in Jalalabad city.
The officials further added that a suicide bomber detonated his explosives near the vehicles convoy of the coalition forces, leaving a number of people injured.
In the meantime, deputy interior minister for security, Gen. Ayub Salangi said the incident took place in Jalalabad ring road.
Gen. Salangi further added that two children were injured following the suicide attack and no other casualties were reported.
No group including the Taliban militants has so far claimed responsibility behind the incident.
Nangarhar is among the relatively peaceful provinces in eastern Afghanistan; however, the anti-government armed militant groups are active in a number of its remote districts and frequently carry out insurgency activities.
http://www.khaama.com/suicide-bomber-attack-nato-troops-convoy-in-nangarhar-8304
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Islamist militant Hizb-ut-Tahrir trying to cash in on Ramadan spirits
July 13, 2014
Banned Islamist militant outfit Hizb-ut-Tahrir has recently been trying to rejuvenate itself by cashing in on the Ramadan religious fervour, intelligence sources have said.
According to sources in the outfit, at least 10,000 Hizb-ut members, divided in small groups, are currently active around the country. Their activities are mainly concentrated in Dhaka and Chittagong.
These members are reportedly doing public relations by organising small Islamic discussions and programmes that are common during the fasting month.
Intelligence sources said the members had been extending invitation to people to join the outfit and organise “subversive” activities.
They are mainly focusing on the dormitories of various educational institutions, away from the law enforcement radar.
Police have found that Tahrir members, divided in small groups, have also been contacting Muslim refugees from Myanmar, known as Rohingyas, in the coastal districts. They have been providing food, housing, job and education to these refugees.
Full report at:
http://www.dhakatribune.com/crime/2014/jul/13/hizb-ut-tahrir-trying-cash-ramadan-spirits#sthash.TX00BFE0.dpuf
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Khaleda calls upon UN to stop attacks in Gaza
July 13, 2014
BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia has called upon the international community including the United Nations to stop attacks on Palestinians in Gaza.
“The attacks by the Israeli force are the cruelest military drive held in recent history. I am calling upon the international community including the United Nations to take initiatives to put pressure on Israel to stop military drives on the Palestinian people,” she said in a statement yesterday.
The former premier said if Israel held on to its aggressive attitude then peace would not return in the Middle East.
She said the Palestinian people were not being spared from the attacks even during the holy month of Ramadan.
“By confiding the Palestinian people in the Gaza valley for years, humanity is in dire straits,” she said.
Full report at:
http://www.dhakatribune.com/politics/2014/jul/13/khaleda-calls-upon-un-stop-attacks-gaza#sthash.pz1NAS1v.dpuf
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Bangladesh betters in lowering child, maternal mortality
July 13, 2014
Bangladesh is advancing rapidly in reducing under-5 child and maternal mortality, 18 months ahead of deadline for the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 2015.
At present, the under-5 child mortality per 1,000 live births has come down to 41 when the MDG target is 48.
On the other hand, maternal mortality rate per 1,00,000 live births now stands at 170. The MDG target is set at 140.
The latest information on the MDG progress of 75 countries – provided by Geneva-based Countdown to 2015 – was released in end June.
In 1990, under-5 and maternal mortality rates in Bangladesh were 144 and 550.
Prof Dr Abul Kalam Azad, additional director general at the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), told the Dhaka Tribune: “We are trying our best to meet the MDG targets.”
The maternal mortality rate was 194 per 1,00,000 live births as per Bangladesh Maternal Mortality 2010.
Full report at:
http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2014/jul/13/bangladesh-betters-lowering-child-maternal-mortality#sthash.7JtJw16S.dpuf
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Africa
Boko Haram voices support for ISIS’ Baghdadi
July 13, 2014
The head of Nigeria's Boko Haram Islamists, Abubakar Shekau, has voiced support for the extremist Sunni Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militant group, which has taken over large swathes of Iraq and Syria, in a new video seen Sunday.
"My brethren... may Allah protect you," Shekau said in the video given to AFP, listing ISIS chief, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, Al-Qaeda head Ayman al-Zawahiri and Taliban leader Mullah Omar.
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/africa/2014/07/13/Boko-Haram-voices-support-for-ISIS-Baghdadi.html
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Heavy gunfire, explosions: Rival militia groups clash at Libya’s Tripoli airport
July 13, 2014
Rockets struck Libya’s international airport in Tripoli as militia fighters attempted to take control of the facility, say aviation officials. Witnesses report multiple explosions and heavy gunfire as the fighting continues.
"Rockets struck inside the airport perimeter around 6am (0400 GMT)" interrupting flights, an official told AFP. British Airlines have cancelled a flight to London, while Turkish Airlines have cancelled one to Istanbul, according to the airlines’ respective websites.
Reports on social media said that a number of rockets had hit the car park in front of the airport’s main terminal.
Deadly clashes also erupted in Libya’s second largest city of Benghazi on Sunday morning, when a rogue general unleashed a renewed assault on Islamist militants. The Libyan government says that General Khalifa Haftar does not have the authority to mount an attack, but several army units have already joined his cause.
Full report at:
http://rt.com/news/172400-rocket-attack-tripoli-airport/
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Nigeria Uncovers Boko Haram Plot to Bomb Major Bus Stations In The Abuja Transport Network: Report
July 13, 2014
Nigerian police uncovered a suspected Boko Haram plot to bomb the capitol city of Abuja transport network with suicide bombers and explosives concealed in luggage, according to Reuters.
"Credible intelligence ... indicates that terrorists have perfected a plot to carry out attacks on the Abuja transport sector ... intended to cause panic amongst Abuja residents and visitors," police spokesman Frank Mba said in a statement on Saturday.
The Police High Command is now conducting a “thorough search” of all passengers and their bags as well as routine searches of all parking lots of the city, which is located in the center of the West African nation and is home to about 1 million people.
Full report at:
http://www.ibtimes.com/nigeria-uncovers-boko-haram-plot-bomb-major-bus-stations-abuja-transport-network-report-1626402
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Kenya Muslims Boycott President Iftar
July 13, 2014
NAIROBI – Wearing full Islamic attire and a big smile on their faces, Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto hosted hundreds of Muslims for annual Ramadan iftar amid rising discontent among Muslims about the state’s alleged mistreatment of Muslims in the East African country.
“The memories of mass arrests, detention and torture of innocent Muslims by the government in the recent months are still fresh in our minds,” Al-Amin Kimathi, Convener of the Muslim Human Rights Forum, an organization that advocates for Muslim interests in Kenya, told OnIslam.net.
“The President has never spoken out against them or did he bother to stop them. Muslim religious leaders have also been killed by government agents.
“It would have been in bad taste to have dinner with the President under those circumstances," he added.
Full report at:
http://www.onislam.net/english/news/africa/474919-kenya-muslims-boycott-president-iftar.html
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Europe
Kosher Iftar: UK Synagogue Marks Ramadan with Interfaith Meal
13 July 2014
This week, a UK-based synagogue hosted its first Iftar with members of both the local Jewish and Muslim communities.
As part of an ongoing nationwide initiative, known as the “Big Iftar,” the breaking of the Ramadan fast took place in North Western Reform synagogue in London.
With Ramadan being a time of reflection and peace, the Jewish-Muslim interfaith Iftar at the synagogue, was a way for “Jewish and Muslim communities to come together in the UK to provide a light of hope for our co-religionists in the Middle East,” according to Mustafa Field, director of Faiths Forum London.
“Come into the synagogue with joy!” proclaimed Rabbi Maurice Michaels during the official introduction to the Iftar. What followed was a consensus by the organizers towards a commitment of not letting troubles in the Middle East region negatively impact community cohesion in the UK between the two faith communities.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/life-style/art-and-culture/2014/07/13/Kosher-iftar-UK-synagogue-marks-Ramadan-with-interfaith-meal.html
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Legal challenge to French mayor’s ban of Muslim hijab on beach
July 13, 2014
After two mothers wearing Muslim hijabs, or headscarves, were refused access to a beach in the French municipality of Wissous, its regional government of Essone on Saturday legally challenged Wissous’ ban on the wearing of religious symbols.
The Versailles Administrative Court, approached in an urgent joint application by Essone and by the Collective Against Islamophobia in France (CCIF), was due to give its decision late Saturday afternoon.
Wissous Mayor Richard Trinquier, of the right-wing UMP party, had been at the beach the previous Saturday and had made the decision to turn the women away. Wissous is about 30 kilometres south of Paris and is a popular summer leisure spot.
Trinquier told the hearing the beach rule protected France’s commitment to secularism. He said it was in no way an obstacle to the practice of religion, but that there had been an increasing presence of religious symbols in public, which were “an obstacle to living together”.
Full report at:
http://www.abna.ir/english/service/europe/archive/2014/07/13/623557/story.html
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Staff at Muslim Primary school 'caught on camera describing how clapping hands is Satanic and that gay people should be stoned to death'
July 13, 2014
Teachers at a Muslim faith primary have allegedly referred to clapping hands as ‘Satanic’ - and had discussions about whether music in school might be un-Islamic.
Footage was obtained for a Channel 4 documentary at The Olive School - a Muslim faith primary for 600 pupils in Blackburn, run by the Tauheed ul Islam Faith, Education and Community Trust.
It is also claimed that footage shows staff talking about how ties could be turned into snakes and that gay people should be stoned to death. The Trust has labelled the discussions as ‘staff room gossip’.
Channel 4 did not say what footage from the school would be aired. Officials at the Trust contacted the Department for Education after learning of the allegations, reported the Blackburn Citizen.
The Trust invited inspectors to visit the school, and the DfE ordered an emergency ‘no notice’ Ofsted inspection last week. The Trust later insisted that this inspection went ‘very well’.
The Trust also confirmed that Dispatches had filmed undercover at the school and promised to act if anything on the film ‘is shown to undermine our progressive vision, ethos and approach’.
Full report at:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2690349/Gay-people-stoned-death-Staff-room-gossip-Muslim-school-overheard-TV.html#ixzz37IbiZsDa
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Iraq must make progress on govt or face ‘chaos’: UN
July 13, 2014
BAGHDAD – Iraqi politicians must move forward on forming a government or risk the country descending into “chaos,” the UN’s envoy said on Saturday, a day before lawmakers were scheduled to meet.
Nickolay Mladenov said Iraq’s bickering MPs would have only themselves to blame if they failed to make progress, after a previous attempt to appoint a speaker ended in abject failure.
“Failing to move forward on electing a new speaker, a new president and a new government risks plunging the country into chaos,” he said in a statement.
“It will only serve the interests of those who seek to divide the people of Iraq and destroy their chances for peace and prosperity.”
Full report at:
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20140713211354
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UN SC calls for Gaza ceasefire
July 13, 2014
UNITED NATIONS-The UN Security Council urged Israel and Hamas Saturday to end their hostilities in Gaza, calling on both sides to respect "international humanitarian laws" and stop the loss of life.
In a unanimous declaration, the 15-member council called for a deescalation of the crisis that has claimed well over a hundred lives, and urged a return to the "calm and restitution of the November 2012 ceasefire."
The council expressed "serious concern" over the "protection and welfare of civilians on both sides."
It also called for a return to the negotiating table by Israelis and Palestinians "with the aim of achieving a comprehensive peace agreement based on the two-state solution."
The council issued its declaration amid news that eight more Palestinians were killed in a series of Israeli raids in the Gaza Strip.
Full report at:
http://www.nation.com.pk/international/13-Jul-2014/un-sc-calls-for-gaza-ceasefire
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North America
Shia-Sunni communities attended Iftar banquet of Dallas mayor
July 13, 2014
This was the first from any Dallas Mayor. The dinner which was sponsored by renowned city businessman Amir Rupani, Arman Rupani and Mohsin Mandavia and others.
A large number of religious leadership of Shia, Sunni and Ismaili community were in attendance.
The event was attended by former Mayor of Paris Dr Arjumand Hashmi, City Councilman Dallas Lee M Kleinman Sandy Greyson Monica Alonzo ,Imam Shpendim Nadzaku ( Dallas Central Mosque) Imam Zia Shaikh ( Irving Masjid) RaJa Zahid Khanzada , Amina Rab ( CAIR) Dr. Shahid Shafi ,Mike Ghouse, Imam Khalid Shaheed Ghulam Jangda Amina ismail Khalil, Abdur-Rashid ( Plano Masjid), Hind Jara ( TMWF) Azhar Aziz ( ISNA) Dallas, Central Mosque Imam Shpendim Nadzaku Zia Sheikh, CAIR DFW President Amina Rab, Mike Ghouse, Ghulam Jangda, Imam Khalid Shaheed ,Abdul Rasheed, Hind Jarrah, ISNA Vice President Azhar Aziz and others,
Imam Khalid Shaheed , Khalil Abdur-Rashid, Imam Shpendim Nadzaku and Imam Zia Sheikh spoke on the importance of fasting and on Ramadan.
Full report at:
http://www.abna.ir/english/service/america/archive/2014/07/12/623468/story.html
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In South Carolina, building a new generation of Iraqi faculty
July 13, 2014
GEORGETOWN, S.C. — Weaving through the marshes between the Waccamaw River and the Atlantic Ocean on a Boston whaler fishing boat, three scientists from the southern Iraqi city of Basra are suddenly homesick.
To the American woman who brought them here, physicist Zaid Alattabi says wistfully, “Dr. Jenny, you make us remember our country.”
Amjed Alabresm and Dawod Almayahi, a microbiologist and physicist, respectively, nod in agreement. They will not see their home again for another five years. Their country has sent them and hundreds of other Iraqi graduate students to the United States with a mission to quickly learn English and earn Ph.D.s so they can return to teach at Iraq’s universities. Once the academic jewel of the Arab world, Iraq’s institutions of higher learning have been decimated by years of war and sanctions.
Full report at:
http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/7/13/marshes-south-carolinairaqeducation.html
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Ghani, Abdullah agree to audit of all votes after talks with Kerry
July 13, 2014
KABUL: Afghanistan’s feuding presidential rivals agreed on Saturday to a full audit of every vote cast in the disputed runoff election, US Secretary of State John Kerry said following two days of frantic negotiations.
The deadlock over last month’s run-off vote to succeed outgoing President Hamid Karzai plunged Afghanistan into crisis and dented US hopes of a smooth transfer of power as Washington seeks to withdraw all its troops by late 2016.
Preliminary results of the second-round vote put Ashraf Ghani in the lead, but Abdullah Abdullah – who has already once lost a presidential bid – declared himself the true winner, saying massive fraud robbed him of victory.
The stand-off sparked concern that protests could spiral into ethnic violence and even lead to a return of the fighting between warlords that ravaged Afghanistan during the 1992-1996 civil war.
Full report at:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1118888/ghani-abdullah-agree-to-audit-of-all-votes-after-talks-with-kerry
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Kerry arrives in Vienna for Iran nuclear talks
13 July 2014
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in Vienna on Sunday for talks with foreign ministers from the six powers negotiating with Tehran on its nuclear program.
Kerry arrived in the early hours after clinching a deal in Kabul with Afghanistan's presidential candidates to end the country's election crisis.
Iran and the powers - the United States, France, Germany, Britain, Russia and China - aim to reach a long-term deal to end the decade-old nuclear standoff by a July 20 deadline. Many diplomats and analysts believe an extension may be needed in view of the wide gaps in negotiating positions.
Among his meetings on Sunday Kerry will meet with his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who has said he wants to discuss new accusations of U.S. spying on Berlin.
Germany asked the CIA station chief in Berlin to leave the country following fresh charges of U.S. spying on Berlin.
Also, France has said it wants to discuss the latest Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Gaza Strip during talks in Vienna.
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/07/13/Kerry-arrives-in-Vienna-for-Iran-nuclear-talks.html
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Southeast Asia
Gunman attack diving resort on Malaysia's Borneo island
July 13, 2014
A policeman was killed and a second kidnapped after heavily armed gunmen opened fire at a Malaysian diving resort off Borneo island, a fresh escalation of violence in the tourist hotspot, a security official said Sunday.
The shooting on Mabul island is the latest in a spate of abductions in Malaysia's remote Sabah state, home to some of the world's top diving sites, with travel agents saying the violence has already hurt visits to the area.
A major hunt has been launched to track down the criminals believed to have come "from a neighbouring country", Abdul Rashid Harun, head of Sabah state eastern security zone, told AFP.
One security official said on condition of anonymity that the criminals are believed to be gunmen from the Sulu islands in the Philippines.
Describing the deadly incident that happened late Saturday, Abdul Rashid said a police outpost guarding a resort in Mabul island was ambushed by at least six to eight masked gunmen wearing black t-shirts and military trousers.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/9/106114/World/International/Gunman-attack-diving-resort-on-Malaysias-Borneo-is.aspx
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Imported from the peninsula, ISLAMIC EXTREMISM rears its ugly head in Sarawak
July 13, 2014
Over the past few years, the non-Muslims in Sarawak – particularly the majority Christian community – have seen some disturbing trends among their youth.
Christian schoolchildren were coming home and telling their parents that their Muslim classmates had started pressuring them to change their faith.
In universities in Kuching, there was a sudden bloom of girls wearing niqabs, the Arab-style head to toe dress that covered everything except the eyes. This is even though the Education Ministry has forbidden niqabs.
And during Gawai and Chinese New Year open houses, there were fewer Muslim friends coming over. The ones that did come over supposedly did not want to touch the food even when their hosts told them it came from halal sources.
Full report at:
http://www.malaysia-chronicle.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=320312:imported-from-the-peninsula-islamic-extremism-rears-its-ugly-head-in-sarawak&Itemid=2#ixzz37IZF4lcp
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In Malaysia, Islam’s legal advance divides families and nation
July 13, 2014
S. Deepa would not let go of her son, clinging to 5-year-old Mithran's leg even as the car into which he had been bundled began to accelerate.
The 30-year-old, a Hindu in Muslim-majority Malaysia, says she was dragged along the stone-strewn road outside her house until she dropped to the ground, scratched and sobbing, as her ex-husband drove off.
The alleged abduction on April 9, detailed by Deepa in a police report and witnessed by a neighbour, was a painful loss for the mother-of-two, who has not seen Mithran since and fears her ex-spouse's conversion to Islam will win him custody.
The case has become a focal point of tensions over the widening role of Islam, which critics say is threatening Malaysia's secular core and exacerbating fraught relations between ethnic Malays, who are Muslims, and minority Chinese and Indians.
Deepa's estranged spouse converted from Hinduism to Islam in 2012, after their nine-year marriage broke down, taking the name Izwan Abdullah.
He then converted Mithran and their now eight-year-old daughter to Islam, giving him a strong case under Islamic law, or Shariah, to take over their custody – which a Shariah Court granted him five months later.
Full report at:
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/in-malaysia-islams-legal-advance-divides-families-and-nation#sthash.9R0aIqtS.dpuf
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/isis-digs-up-dollars-extremists/d/98071