Radical critique goes online in Indonesia
Al-Qaeda magazine back, calls for firebombs in US
India to take up US’ U-turn on Saeed with Hillary Clinton
Gujarat riots: 9 convicted, 32 acquitted in Ode massacre case
15 killed, more than 20 wounded in twin blasts in Russia's Caucasus region
Kashmir incomplete without Pandits: Shabbir Shah
For Tunisia's Jews, Hope and Fears Post-Revolt
Osama bin Laden raid: Obama instructed forces to fight if challenged by Pakistan
Osama wanted Ilyas Kashmiri to kill Obama
Osama's links with Pak remain unanswered: report
NIA confirms SIMI presence in Kerala
UK court for Hanif’s extradition to India
Jaipur court dismisses plea of Ajmer Dargah blast accused
Tehrik-e-Taliban claim responsibility for suicide attack in Pakistan
9/11 mastermind, co-plotters to be arraigned
Houses must debate Pak Hindu women plight: BJP
Teenage suicide bomber kills 16 in Pakistan
Ex-Libya PM Says Gaddafi Funded Sarkozy Campaign-Lawyer
Mining greed behind Rajasthan mosque demolition: report
Not getting funds from govt: Maulvi Ghulam Rasool Hami
India, Pakistan to hold talks on Sir Creek, counter-terrorism
India has toughened its Siachen stand: Kayani
Only a handful of militants making desperate attempts: Omar Abdullah
Pak working with US to find alternative to drone attacks
Accomplice in Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin killing to be freed
Stop killing Muslim civilians, target US: Osama
Osama bin Laden's last words go online, 'wanted to correct the mistakes'
Charges against me are not of criminal nature: Yousuf Raza Gilani
Supreme Court mocks slow pace of probes against jailed Pakistanis
American treasure hunter claims to have located Osama bin Laden's body bag
Osama buried off Surat coast?
‘Bin Laden was frustrated with local jihadi groups’
Bin Laden letters reveal squabbling among terror bosses
Abbotabad documents reveal al Qaeda rift
26/11 syndrome: Pleading for life, two fishermen left stranded in sea by their own
Osama offered no resistance to US commandos: book
Tajikistan Teenager jailed for killing Russian Santa Claus
SC impleads government on Pakistani virologist's plea
Clinton's India visit: Afghanistan, Iran, n-deal on agenda
Palestinian hunger strikers appeal to Israeli court
ECOWAS warn Mali and Bissau juntas, prepares troops
Bangladesh commander arrested over looting shrine
Protest in Australia against Shia killings
Libya grants immunity to ‘revolutionaries’
Russia threatens to strike at Nato missile defence bases
S. Sudan accuses Sudan of bombing in blow to talks
Basque terrorism suspect loses court extradition bid
Complied by New Age Islam News Bureau
Photo: Kuwait close to death penalty law for blasphemy
URL:
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Kuwait: Blasphemy by Muslims punishable by death
May 4, 2012
KUWAIT: Kuwaiti lawmakers endorsed a legal amendment on Thursday which could make insulting God and the Prophet Mohammad by Muslims punishable by death, in a second reading that brings the proposal a step closer to passing.
The plan still needs approval by Kuwait's ruler before it becomes law and follows a high-profile case of suspected blasphemy on Twitter which caused an uproar in the Gulf state.
The draft now includes a new clause which will mean the death penalty will only be applied if the person stands by their actions when questioned by a judge.
This would give defendants the opportunity to repent and face a prison term or a fine instead.
The amendment, which would apply the death penalty only for Muslims, was backed by 40 members of parliament, while six opposed it - slightly more than in the previous reading.
Around 85 percent of Kuwait's inhabitants are thought to be Muslim. Expatriate Christians and Hindus are the next largest groups.
Blasphemy is illegal under Kuwait's publications law and under the penal code as slander or libel. At present it carries a jail term, the length of which depends on the severity of the comments and their perceived effect on society, lawyers say.
Islamist MPs proposed toughening the law in March after authorities arrested a Kuwaiti man they said had defamed the Prophet, his companions and his wife on the Twitter messaging site.
The man, identified by his lawyer as Hamad al-Naqi, has told police his account was hacked. He is now in pre-trial detention.
Dozens of Sunni activists protested to condemn Naqi, who is from Kuwait's Shi'ite Muslim minority.
Other countries which have used the death penalty in blasphemy cases include Kuwait's neighbour Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, according to Amnesty International.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Kuwait-close-to-death-penalty-law-for-blasphemy/articleshow/12982649.cms
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Radical critique goes online in Indonesia
04-05-12
JAKARTA: A comprehensive critique of all major acts of terrorism in Indonesia was recently posted on a radical website.
Experts said the writings, called "Jihad Revival in Indonesia", is by far the most comprehensive self-review of all acts of terrorism conducted in Indonesia over the last decade.
The writings are in Indonesian and are believed to have been authored by someone who's still in prison.
Its author goes by the name, Abu Jaisy Al Ghareeb.
Sidney Jones, a senior adviser at the International Crisis Group, said: "It's not his real name. We think he's a member of a group in Medan which reports to a Javanese named Sabar. Sabar was involved in a number of bank robberies in Medan but not the big one in August 2010. Nevertheless, his links to the radical community stretches across Indonesia to almost every different radical groups operating today."
From the 2002 Bali bombings to the Aceh Military Training Camp that was raided in 2010, the literature singles out mistakes that were made and explains how to prevent them.
It also warns radicals to disassociate themselves from groups like the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) - a regional terror network - which it says has been infiltrated by the authorities.
Ms Jones said: "I think the critique of JI is also very important because there's still too much of an obsession, both domestically and internationally, of Jemaah Islamiyah being the big group. Every time we see some kind of act of violence, it's attributed to JI. That simply hasn't been the case for the last five to 10 years and it's certainly isn't the case now. I think the characterization of JI and Abu Rusdan as puppets of the Indonesian State is fairly remarkable."
Experts believe the piece which was completed in November 2011, was written in jail with input from radicals in and out of prison.
It demonstrates once again the absence of close monitoring by the Indonesian prison authorities.
Taufik Andrie, research director at Institute for International Peace Building, said: "I strongly believe it was written in prison similar to the translation works of Oman Abdul Rahman. There's discussion and a feedback process from colleagues that took place not only in prison. There was exchange of materials between people in and out of the prison. These were circulated before the writings were finally published."
A check of other radical websites shows that Indonesians do make a significant contribution, even while serving out their jail sentence.
Mr Andrie said: "The dynamics of online jihad began 10 years ago but its growth is felt mostly in the last five years. There are many jihad forums, free Blogspot and Wordpress sites and Islamic online media that are campaigning for radical ideology."
The guarantee of freedom of expression in democratic Indonesia is probably part of the reason why authorities are hesitant to block some of these radical websites where one even provides instructions on bomb-making.
As for the Trilogy on "The Revival of Jihad in Indonesia" - keen followers are waiting for the third and final installment to be published which will dwell on the Strategy and Tactics for Future Attacks.
But in most likelihood, it would not be found online.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/southeastasia/view/1199040/1/.html
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Al-Qaeda magazine back, calls for firebombs in US
May 4, 2012
Al-Qaeda's English-language magazine has reappeared months after its founders were killed in a US missile strike, with calls for firebomb campaigns in the United States and chemical weapons attacks.
Defiantly boasting that it was ‘still publishing America's worst nightmare,’ Al-Qaeda's affiliate in Yemen released the eighth and ninth issue of the "Inspire" magazine, which first appeared online in July 2010.
The issues eulogized as ‘martyrs’ the two Al-Qaeda figures who helped launch the publication, and then were killed in a US drone strike in September: radical US-born cleric Anwar al-Awlaki and Samir Khan, a Pakistani-American.
"To the disappointment of our enemies, issue nine of Inspire magazine is out against all odds," an unsigned editorial note said. "Inspire is and will be an effective tool regardless of who is in charge of it."
In addition to specials on ‘Samir Khan: The Face of Joy’ and ‘My Story with Al-Awlaki,’ the issue provides detailed instructions on how to ignite an "ember bomb" in the United States.
It suggested that the western state of Montana, with its rapid population growth in wooded areas, was a particularly auspicious place to set huge forest fires.
"In America, there are more houses built in the (countryside) than in the cities," read the article signed by ‘The AQ Chef.’
"It is difficult to choose a better place other than in the valleys of Montana where the population increases rapidly."
In the eighth issue, Awlaki speaks from the grave with an article entitled "Targeting the Populations of Countries that are at War with the Muslims" -- explaining that weapons of mass destruction can and should be used.
"The use of poisons or chemical and biological weapons against population centers is allowed and is strongly recommended due to its great effect on the enemy," the article read, listing the US, Britain and France as top targets.
The US-based IntelCenter, commenting on the release of the two issues, said Awlaki's article served as a "clear reminder" that groups linked to Al-Qaeda see such attacks as permissible and greatly important.
"Even though al-Awlaki is no longer alive, his unmatched ability to inspire attacks will continue through his writings and statements, especially with new releases such as this," it said.
The issue also includes an eight-page special on how to remotely detonate a bomb, along with necessary parts and detailed step-by-step photographs, and advice on training with a handgun.
Yet for all the fanfare, both issues are riddled with spelling errors and clumsy English. An ad in the eighth issue asks for "persons who can help the Inspire team with research & translation."
http://www.asianage.com/international/al-qaeda-magazine-back-calls-firebombs-us-521
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India to take up US’ U-turn on Saeed with Hillary clinton
May 4, 2012
India is going to raise the perceived U-turn by US over bounty on Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) chief patron Hafiz Saeed with visiting secretary of state Hillary Clinton next Tuesday after an American envoy to Pakistan went public saying that there was no reward on head of the leader of terror
group.
US under-secretary for political affairs Wendy Sherman had told foreign secretary Rajan Mathai on April 2 that a bounty of $10 million had been placed on Saeed’s head for his role in 26/11 attacks in which six Americans were killed. However, US envoy to Pakistan Cameron Munter on April 28 did a 180 degree turn as he castigated the local media for misreporting on facts and said that there was no bounty of Saeed's head.
Munter told the Pakistani media on the sidelines of American Business Forum dinner in Lahore, that the US reward for justice programme was based on the information received that could lead to arrest or conviction of any UN’ s declared terrorist (not specifically for Hafiz) of any country.
While New Delhi asked its mission in Washington to get the exact quote of Munter’s statement, it wants to hear from Secretary Clinton whether US envoy’s remarks were made in private capacity or there is a shift in American stand. Munter’s statement comes at a time when New Delhi is picking up conciliatory efforts on part of US state department to accommodate Islamabad for buying peace in Afghanistan.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/India-to-take-up-US-U-turn-on-Saeed-with-Hillary-clinton/Article1-850282.aspx
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Gujarat riots: 9 convicted, 32 acquitted in Ode massacre case
May 4, 2012
NEW DELHI: A Gujarat court in Gujarat's Anand district has convicted nine and acquitted 32 people in connection with a third case related to 2002 Ode massacre.
The case relates to the killing of three people who were burnt to death by a mob at Mal Bhaghol area of Ode village in Anand district following the Godhra train carnage. Forty-one people have gone undergone undergoing trial in the case.
This is the third case of the 2002 riots at Ode village being probed by the Supreme Court appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT).
On March 1, 2002, as communal riots spread across Gujarat after the Godhra train-burning incident, a mob attacked about 20 Muslim homes in Ode. Members of several families in the neighbourhood took refuge in one three-storeyed house. The mob set fire to it. According to a survivor, a total of 23 people were killed in the three-hour-long horror.
This is the third case of the 2002 riots at Ode village, probed by the Supreme Court appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT). According to details of this case, during communal violence that broke out in Ode village of Anand after the Godhra train burning incident on February 27, 2002, three persons including two women were burnt to death by a mob in Malav Bhagol area of the village.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Gujarat-riots-9-convicted-32-acquitted-in-Ode-massacre-case/articleshow/12992529.cms
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15 killed, more than 20 wounded in twin blasts in Russia's Caucasus region
May 4, 2012
MOSCOW: Two blasts near a police post killed at least 15 people and wounded more than 20 in Dagestan, part of Russia's restive Caucasus region, the interior ministry has said.
"At least 15 people have been killed, including 12 police officers and three rescue workers from Russia's emergency services ministry," a spokeswoman said, adding that the dead in Thursday's blasts included civilians.
And while early reports had said more than 20 people had been wounded that figure could rise, she added.
The first blast went off at 10:30pm (00:00 IST) near a traffic police post in Dagestan's capital Makhachkala: a car exploded as police tried to stop it for an identity check, said the spokeswoman.
One police source told the RIA-Novosti agency that the car's driver had triggered the device.
The blast sparked a huge fire and the second explosion took place after the emergency services had arrived at the scene, said the spokeswoman.
The blast damaged about 20 cars, Russian news agencies reported.
Russia is fighting an Islamist insurgency in the Caucasus, mostly in Dagestan and Ingushetia.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/15-killed-more-than-20-wounded-in-twin-blasts-in-Russias-Caucasus-region/articleshow/12989809.cms
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Kashmir incomplete without Pandits: Shabir Shah
May 4, 2012
SRINAGAR: Separatist leader Shabir Shah today said Kashmir Valley is incomplete without Pandits and those who migrated after the eruption of militancy should return to their homeland.
"Kashmiri Pandits have always been a part of our culture and our history ... Kashmir is a garden and there are many flowers in here ... Kashmir is incomplete without the Pandits. Kashmiri Pandits should come back to their homes," Shah told reporters here.
The Kashmiri Pandits left their homes in early 1990, months after militancy broke out in the Valley. Though some have returned, many are still living in camps in Jammu. He condemned the government's scuttling of his recent visit to Jammu saying he was "forcibly deported from Jammu" to Srinagar. Shah refuted reports that Hurriyat Conference will take part in the 2014 state Assembly elections.
Shah's Democratic Freedom Party is a constituent of the moderate faction of Hurriyat Conference. He favoured talks between India and Pakistan, saying the two countries should forge friendship and work on Confidence Building Measures. He, however, insisted that the Kashmir is the "core issue" which should be resolved at priority basis.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Kashmir-incomplete-without-Pandits-Shabir-Shah/articleshow/12981264.cms
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For Tunisia's Jews, Hope and Fears Post-Revolt
04-05-12
DJERBA, Tunisia (Reuters) - In the Jewish quarters on the Tunisian island of Djerba, only menoras or Hebrew letters painted in blue against the whitewashed walls distinguish a Jewish home from the Muslim family living next door.
Mainly Muslim Tunisia is home to one of North Africa's largest Jewish communities. Though they now number less than 1,800 people, Jews have lived in Tunisia since Roman times.
The El Ghriba synagogue in Djerba, home to most of Tunisia's Jews, is built on the site of a Jewish temple that is believed to date back almost 1,900 years and attracts pilgrims each year.
But more than a year after Tunisia's revolution ousted Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali and sparked uprisings around the region, uncertainty over the democratic transition and threats by some Salafi Islamists have begun to raise fears that decades of peaceful co-existence could begin to erode.
Sitting in his jewelry shop in Djerba's covered souk, David Bitan said life for Tunisia's Jews was changing, much as it has for all Tunisians since the revolt. Business had yet to recover and the instability that dogs Tunisia affected them too.
"We are not afraid of Salafis who talk too much. We're afraid of those who say nothing, then do something," said Bitan.
"Things have changed since the revolution. Before, people were afraid of the police. Now, we are under pressure. The police is weak, so racism is increasing. People are not afraid."
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2012/05/04/world/europe/04reuters-tunisia-jews.html?ref=global-home&gwh=93871E3CAF83EB1609B3784607B7BD45
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Osama bin Laden raid: Obama instructed forces to fight if challenged by Pakistan
May 4, 2012
WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama had instructed commandos to fight their way out if they were challenged by the Pakistani soldiers during the daring Abbottabad raid that killed Osama bin Laden, saying safety of his forces was more important than keeping Pakistanis happy.
"The premium is on the protection of our force, not on keeping the Pakistanis happy," Obama instructed Commander of the US Special Operations Command William McRaven, according to a new book 'Manhunt: The Ten-Year Search for Bin Laden - from 9/11 to Abbottabad', that hit bookstands this week.
Obama's specific instructions in this regard, marking a huge fundamental shift, came as his team were in discussion what to do if the Navy Seals were challenged by Pakistan during or after the raid at the Abbottabad on May 2 last year.
"Now that the decision had been made not to bring the Pakistanis into any aspect of the operation, Obama (Commander-in-Chief) and his team had to think through how best to deal with whatever their reaction might be, particularly on the ground in Abbottabad, should the president green-light the raid," author Peter L Bergen wrote.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/Osama-bin-Laden-raid-Obama-instructed-forces-to-fight-if-challenged-by-Pakistan/articleshow/12992739.cms
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Osama wanted Ilyas Kashmiri to kill Obama
May 4, 2012
WASHINGTON: Osama bin Laden had planned to kill US President Barack Obama and General David Petraeus, who was then top US commander in Afghanistan, and had issued instructions to Ilyas Kashmiri to set up two units to target planes carrying them.
According to the documents seized from the Abbottabad safe-house of bin Laden , the then al-Qaida leader wanted to target only Obama and Petraeus. Some of the documents were released by the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point on Thursday.
"Bin Ladin had asked Atiyya's predecessor, Mustafa Abu al-Yazid , to task Ilyas, presumably Ilyas Kashmiri, to set up two units, one in Pakistan and another in Bagram, Afghanistan , to target airplanes known to be carrying president Obama and/or general Petraeus on their visits to these areas," CTC said in its report.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/Osama-wanted-Ilyas-Kashmiri-to-kill-Obama/articleshow/12989636.cms
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Osama's links with Pak remain unanswered: report
May 04 2012
Washington : Slain al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden's ties with the Pakistan establishment remain unanswered in the documents made public by the US where often references are made of "trusted Pakistani brothers" without elaboration.
The West Point report notes that "there are no explicit references to any institutional Pakistani support for al-Qaeda and its operatives," but media report said that if any such references were there these would be classified.
The Washington Post said the documents seized from bin Laden's last redoubt in Abbottabad gave only partial answers to al-Qaeda's ties to the Pakistani establishment, despite lingering suspicion that the ISI helped shelter him.
The Combating Terrorism Center acknowledged, however, that it had no access to thousands of bin Laden records that have not been declassified. A White House spokesman yesterday said that no additional releases are planned.
But on bin Laden's relations with Iran, the seized papers depict a "suspicious, and antagonistic relationship between him and Tehran."
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/story-print/945365/
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NIA confirms SIMI presence in Kerala
04 MAY 2012
May 4, 2012
The NIA on Thursday informed the tribunal handling matters related to the ban on Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) that the outfit was still actively present in Kerala.
In a report submitted to the tribunal which started its three-day sitting in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday, the agency said that Students Islamic Movement of India had involvement in at least three cases it was probing in the State.
NIA told the tribunal that it had evidences of SIMI's involvement in the cases relating to recruitment of young Keralites to LeT for training and operation in Kashmir in 2008, the extremist camp at Panayaikkulam near Kochi in 2006, the terror training programme in Vagamon, Idukki in 2007 and the seizure of pamphlets from Kozhikode.
However, Mohin Aktar who appeared before the tribunal as counsel for former SIMI workers denied the NIA's allegations. “These are all false charges with no connection to SIMI. These are only submissions in the tribunal which will not stand before the court of law,” the lawyer said.
Full report at:
http://www.dailypioneer.com/nation/62553-nia-confirms-simi-presence-in-kerala.html
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UK court for Hanif’s extradition to India
04 MAY 2012
Tiger Hanif, a “classic fugitive” wanted in India for two bomb attacks in Gujarat in 1993, has been ordered to be extradited to India by a British court, the first successful extradition from UK obtained by New Delhi since 1993.
Hanif, whose full name is Mohammed Hanif Umerji Patel, 51, was traced to a grocery store in Bolton, Greater Manchester in March 2010. He is said to be an associate of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.
The Westminster magistrates’ court in London on Wednesday ordered Hanif’s extradition to India. Hanif’s case is the first successful extradition obtained by India since the extradition treaty was signed with Britain in December 1993, sparking a wave of satisfaction among Indian officials here.
The court had on Wednesday described Hanif as a “classic fugitive”. Hanif was arrested by the Metropolitan Police in February 2010 on an extradition warrant that alleged conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to cause explosions.
He is wanted in India for his alleged role in a grenade attack on a packed market place which killed an eight-year-old schoolgirl in Surat in 1993.
He is also accused of plotting to carry out a second grenade attack at a crowded railway station which seriously wounded 12 commuters. Hanif can appeal against the extradition ruling, but the final order clearing his extradition will be signed by Home Secretary Theresa May.
Full report at:
http://www.dailypioneer.com/world/62551-uk-court-for-hanifs-extradition-to-india.html
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Jaipur court dismisses plea of Ajmer Dargah blast accused
May 4, 2012
NEW DELHI: A petition filed by two Ajmer blast accused alleging coercion and bribe offer by NIA to name RSS functionaries in Hindu terror cases has been thrown out by the NIA Special Court in Jaipur on Thursday.
Harshad Solanki and Mukesh Vasnani, both accused in the 2007 Ajmer Dargah blast, had on April 27 filed separate application in the court alleging that the agency was torturing them. They claimed that NIA offered them Rs 1 crore each if they name three senior RSS functionaries in the case and also owned up that they killed Sunil Joshi, mastermind of several Hindu terror blasts, at their behest.
They also alleged that NIA offered to withdraw cases against them if they obliged. Joshi was murdered near Ratlam a few days after the Dargah blast. Vasnani and Solanki are also accused in Joshi's murder.
The duo is in judicial remand, and was interrogated by NIA sleuths for three days from April 16.
NIA sources said that the agency argued in the court that the interrogation was conducted with due permission from courts and proved that allegations were baseless and were being made to scuttle the probe. The court, after hearing arguments from both sides, dismissed the petition.
The formal order of the court, however, is yet to be issued.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Jaipur-court-dismisses-plea-of-Ajmer-Dargah-blast-accused/articleshow/12988615.cms
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Tehrik-e-Taliban claim responsibility for suicide attack in Pakistan
May 4, 2012
PESHAWAR: The terror group Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the suicide attack on security personnel in Pakistan's tribal region that left at least 17 people dead and nearly 50 injured on Friday.
In a sadistic statement issued to the press in Pakistan, the TTP said, "It is stated with pleasure that Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan accept with courage the responsibility of Martyr attack in Khar, Bajaur Agency."
Officials said that early Friday morning in Khar, the headquarters of Bajaur tribal region, a teenage suicide bomber ran into a group of paramilitary troops and detonated his explosive vest. The troops were waiting to be taken to different locations for their routine patrolling.
"So far 16 people have been killed, while more than 40 have been injured," said Islam Zeb, the agency's political administrator. Seven of those killed were tribal policemen and one of them had received a presidential award for bravery in fighting militants.
"We have received 17 bodies and 47 injured. The condition of many injured was critical. Some of them might be shifted to Peshawar and other nearby districts," said Anwar Ali, a nurse at the agency's hospital.
The TTP spokesperson Ihsanullah Ihsan in his statement said that the attack was targeted at Quarter Master Fazal Rabi and Major Javid. "Fazal Rabi was holder of Presidential Award and this award was given to him just because of shahadat (sacrifice) of many Taliban by his hands. Major Javid was involved in shahadat of Shaikh Marwan."
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Tehrik-e-Taliban-claim-responsibility-for-suicide-attack-in-Pakistan/articleshow/12994608.cms
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9/11 mastermind, co-plotters to be arraigned
May 04, 2012
The self-confessed mastermind of the 9/11 attacks and four co-accused will be formally arraigned on Saturday at Guantanamo Bay, a last step before a long-awaited trial after years of legal delays.
Before a military commission, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and the four others will be charged with planning and executing the September 11, 2001 attacks that left 2,976 people dead in New York, Washington and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
It will mark a decisive stage more than a decade after the most lethal attacks on US soil in modern history. It also comes the same week that President Barack Obama is marking a year since he ordered the US Navy SEALs raid that took down the man behind it all - Osama bin Laden.
Mohammed, known as KSM, faces the death penalty for his crimes, along with Ramzi Binalshibh of Yemen, KSM's Pakistani nephew Ali Abd al-Aziz Ali - also known as Ammar Al-Baluchi - Walid bin Attash and Mustapha al-Hawsawi of Saudi Arabia.
"There is a desire for justice, it is an important moment for all of us," said Marc Thiessen, a former speechwriter for president George W. Bush who has defended the Bush administration's use of enhanced interrogation techniques on terror suspects.
Full report at:
http://www.asianage.com/international/911-mastermind-co-plotters-be-arraigned-868
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Houses must debate Pak Hindu women plight: BJP
04 MAY 2012
The BJP has sought a structured debate in both the Houses of Parliament on the plight of Hindu women in the Sindh province of neighbouring Pakistan. A day after senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi raised the matter in the Lok Sabha, the BJP parliamentary party took serious note of the violation of human rights of Hindu women in the Islamic country and cases of forced conversion.
Bhagalpur MP Syed Shahnawaz Hussain raised the issue in the BJP’s parliamentary party meeting here on Thursday and also expressed concern over the plight of the minority Muslims in Pakistan.
BJP leaders were concerned that there has been a sharp decline in the population of Hindus in Pakistan. “Hindus living in Pakistan are not only facing undue harassment, their cultural, religious and human rights are also being openly violated,” Hussain said.
Full report at:
http://www.dailypioneer.com/nation/62627-houses-must-debate-pak-hindu-women-plight-bjp.html
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Teenage suicide bomber kills 16 in Pakistan
May 4, 2012
KHAR, Pakistan: A teenage suicide bomber targeting the police killed at least 16 people and wounded dozens when he hit a busy town square in Pakistan's tribal belt on Friday, officials said.
Among the dead were the local chief and deputy in a tribal police force recruited by the government to help defeat the Taliban in the northwest. Such forces are frequently targeted by militants linked to the Taliban and al-Qaida.
The bomber detonated explosives strapped to his chest in a bustling square in Khar, the main town of Bajaur district, near the Afghan border. Bajaur has been one of the toughest battlegrounds in Pakistan's fight against a northwestern Taliban insurgency.
"The death toll has risen to 16. Five of them were tribal policemen," Abdul Haseeb, an administration official in Khar, told AFP.
It was the third bomb attack in two days in Bajaur, after twin blasts killed five people -- including pro-government elders and security personnel -- on Thursday.
The violence highlights the insurgency in Pakistan at a time when Islamabad is under renewed US pressure crack down on militants based on its soil, such as the Haqqani network, blamed for a spectacular assault on Kabul last month.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Teenage-suicide-bomber-kills-16-in-Pakistan/articleshow/12991315.cms
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Ex-Libya PM Says Gaddafi Funded Sarkozy Campaign-Lawyer
May 4, 2012
TUNIS (Reuters) - Muammar Gaddafi's former prime minister, in jail in neighbouring Tunisia, says the ousted Libyan leader funded French President Nicolas Sarkozy's 2007 election campaign to the tune of 50 million euros (40.6 million pounds), according to his lawyer.
Sarkozy, fighting an uphill battle for re-election at polls on Sunday, dismissed the accusation in comments to Canal + television. "Who believes this rubbish?," he asked. "It's outrageous, grotesque."
Sarkozy had previously dismissed as false a 2006 letter purportedly from Libya's former secret services and discussing an "agreement in principle" to pay 50 million euros to Sarkozy's campaign.
Sarkozy has said he will sue the news website Mediapart for publishing the document it says proves Gaddafi's government sought to finance Sarkozy's run at the presidency when he was interior minister.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2012/05/04/world/africa/04reuters-france-election-libya.html?ref=europe&gwh=9D5746BCFEC83768558349114E430B99
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Mining greed behind Rajasthan mosque demolition: report
MOHAMMED IQBAL
May 4, 2012
Irada Society seeks judicial probe into mosque sale deal
A fact-finding report on the recent demolition of a century-old rooftop mosque at Pur in Rajasthan has held “crony capitalism” and “mining greed” responsible for the incident. It demanded a judicial inquiry into the role of a corporate house, ruling Congress leaders and a section of the clergy in making the deal for sale of the place of worship.
Jindal Saw Limited, owned by the O.P. Jindal Group, bought the mosque from the Anjuman Committee of Pur for Rs. 65 lakh and demolished it on April 19 to make way for mining on the Tiranga hills where it was situated. The Anjuman had stated that it had obtained “guidance” for the act from the State Waqf Board.
Jaipur-based Irada Society, working for the socio-economic uplift of Muslims, released the report here on Thursday following its president Prof. Mohammed Hasan visit to Pur. It said the demolition was the end result of a “nexus of interests” for exploitation of precarious community resources.
Prof. Hasan said the lease was given ignoring the presence of religious and archaeological heritage and natural resources in the area.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article3381462.ece
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Not getting funds from govt: Maulvi Ghulam Rasool Hami
May 4, 2012
SRINAGAR: Asserting that the Kashmiri Barelvi group Karvan-e-Islam does not receive any financial support from the Centre or state agencies, its chairman Maulvi Ghulam Rasool Hami on Thursday said there was no conflict between Ahle Sunna ( Barelvis) and Ahle Hadith (Wahhabis) in the state.
Maulvi Hami said his group, Karvan-e-Islam, is a non-political, non-profitable, religious and spiritual movement. In fact, he charged that the Jammu & Kashmir education department had opened fictitious bank accounts and swindled funds released by human resource development ministry meant for madrassas in the state.
"The central and state governments should hold an inquiry into these shady dealings and identify individuals and organizations which receive funds for promoting a particular school of thought that ultimately creates a wedge between various sects," Maulvi Hami said.
He added that HRD ministry has disclosed, following an RTI query, that 372 madrassas are getting Central funds besides 722 Islamic teachers are being given salary.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Not-getting-funds-from-govt-Hami/articleshow/12989189.cms
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India, Pakistan to hold talks on Sir Creek, counter-terrorism
May 4, 2012
ISLAMABAD: Top officials of India and Pakistan will hold talks this month on key issues like the Sir Creek maritime boundary and counter-terrorism.
As part of the resumed dialogue process between the two countries, representatives from both countries will meet in New Delhi during May 14-16 to discuss the Sir Creek issue, foreign office spokesman Moazzam Khan told a weekly news briefing.
The Interior and Home secretaries of the two sides will meet here during May 24-25 to discuss issues like counter- terrorism and measures to tackle drug trafficking, he said.
India and Pakistan revived their peace process last year after a gap of over two years in the wake of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which were carried out by the Pakistan-based LeT.
The two sides have taken several steps to normalise bilateral relations, especially on the trade front.
Khan said president Asif Ali Zardari had a "constructive meeting" with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi last month, during which they discussed all issues.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-Pakistan-to-hold-talks-on-Sir-Creek-counter-terrorism/articleshow/12982304.cms
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India has toughened its Siachen stand: Kayani
May 4, 2012
ISLAMABAD: India has toughened its stance on Siachen, the world's highest battleground, said Pakistan Army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani.
Kayani made the remark to media personnel after a visit to Gyari sector in the Siachen glacier area, his third since an avalanche entombed nearly 140 soldiers.
The general said India was now demanding re-determination of positions, reported Dawn. He, however, added it "takes two hands to clap".
On April 18, the country's powerful army chief had said that his country favoured talks with India to demilitarise the Siachen glacier.
"Peaceful coexistence between the two neighbours is very important so that everybody can concentrate on the well-being of the people," he said.
"Both countries should sit together to resolve all the issues including Siachen," Kayani added.
Pakistan, however, promptly did an about turn a day later when Islamabad insisted said there was no change in its stance on the disputed glacier.
Foreign office spokesperson Moazzam Ali Khan said here that Pakistan has made no change in its stance on the Siachen glacier.
"It is in our mutual interest that we address all the issues in a meaningful and result-oriented manner," Khan said.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/India-has-toughened-its-Siachen-stand-Kayani/articleshow/12992915.cms
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Only a handful of militants making desperate attempts: Omar Abdullah
May 4, 2012
Srinagar : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said there were only a handful of militants left in Jammu province who were making desperate attempts to show their existence.
The chief minister was reacting to killing of an Army jawan in a militant attack in Kishtwar district of Jammu province.
"Handful of militants left in Jammu province making desperate attempts to show their existence," Omar wrote on microblogging site twitter.com.
"My condolences to the family of the Army Jawan killed while on patrol in Kishtwar," Omar added.
State police chief Kuldeep Khuda last year said there were only 250 militants active in Jammu and Kashmir.
A jawan of Territorial Army identified as Noor Hussain was killed in the encounter with militants last night.
Troops of 17 Rashtriya Rifles and police had launched a joint cordon and search operation in Palmar area of Kishtwar district last night after receiving a tip-off about the presence of militants in the area, police said today.
During the operation, militants fired on the operation party, which fired back resulting in the encounter, which continued till late last night, they said.
http://www.indianexpress.com/story-print/944875/
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Pak working with US to find alternative to drone attacks
04 MAY 2012
Pakistan on Thursday said it was working with the US at different levels to resolve all outstanding issues, including finding an alternative to drone attacks, as both countries are partners in the war against terror.
“There is a need to resolve all issues with the US,” Foreign Office spokesman Moazzam Khan said during a weekly news briefing.
Pakistan has a clear stance on the drone strikes and considers them illegal, a violation of the country’s territorial sovereignty and counter-productive, he said.
Without giving details, Khan said Islamabad is interested in finding an alternative to the drones.
There has been interaction between Pakistan and the US at various levels to resolve outstanding issues in a mutually beneficial and mutually acceptable manner, he said.
Pakistan is currently holding talks to reset its relations with the US in line with recommendations adopted at a joint sitting of Parliament and everything will be decided in the context of these guidelines, including the issue of reopening supply routes to Afghanistan that were closed after a cross-border NATO air strike, Khan said.
http://www.dailypioneer.com/world/62547-pak-working-with-us-to-find-alternative-to-drone-attacks.html
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Accomplice in Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin killing to be freed
May 4, 2012
JERUSALEM: The brother and key accomplice of the man who assassinated Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin is to be freed on Friday after more than 16 years in jail, Israel's prison service said today.
"Haggai Amir will be freed on Friday morning from Ayalon prison after serving a sentence of 16 and a half years," Israel Prison Services spokeswoman Sivan Weizman told AFP.
"He was sentenced to 16 years in prison for complicity in the murder of Rabin, and another six months for death threats he made against former prime minister Ariel Sharon," she added.
Haggai Amir is the brother of Yigal Amir, who shot and fatally wounded Rabin at a Tel Aviv peace rally on November 4, 1995, in a bid to torpedo the Oslo autonomy accords with the Palestinians. He is serving a life term.
Neither brother has expressed any remorse for the killing and Yigal Amir remains incarcerated in a high-security jail under round-the-clock surveillance.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Accomplice-in-Israeli-prime-minister-Yitzhak-Rabin-killing-to-be-freed/articleshow/12982720.cms
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Stop killing Muslim civilians, target US: Osama
May 4, 2012
WASHINGTON: Osama bin Laden seemed frustrated with the local jihadi groups that caused sufferings on the Muslims and urged them to abort such attacks and instead focus on the US, documents seized by US forces from his Abbottabad safe-house in Pakistan a year ago say.
"He (bin Laden) is at pain advising them to abort domestic attacks that cause Muslim civilian casualties and focus on the US, 'our desired goal' . Bin Ladin's frustration with regional jihadi groups and his seeming inability to exercise control over their actions and public statements is the most compelling story to be told on the basis of the 17 de-classified documents," Combating Terrorism Center (CTS), of the US Military Academy, at West Point said on Thursday.
These documents consist of electronic letters or draft letters, totaling 175 pages in the original Arabic and 197 pages in the English translation . The earliest is dated September 2006 and the latest April 2011.
"On the basis of these documents , bin Ladin enjoyed little control over either groups affiliated with al-Qaida in name or so-called 'fellow travelers' such as the TTP," the report says.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/Stop-killing-Muslim-civilians-target-US-Osama/articleshow/12989872.cms
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Osama bin Laden's last words go online, 'wanted to correct the mistakes'
May 4, 2012
WASHINGTON: In letters from his last hideout, Osama bin Laden fretted about dysfunction in his terrorist network and crumbling trust from Muslims he wished to incite against their government and the West.
A selection of documents seized in last year's raid on bin Laden's Pakistan house was posted online on Thursday by the US Army's Combating Terrorism Center. The documents show dark days for al-Qaida and its hunkered-down leader after years of attacks by the United States and what bin Laden saw as bumbling within his own organization and its terrorist allies.
"I plan to release a statement that we are starting a new phase to correct (the mistakes) we made,'' bin Laden wrote in 2010. "In doing so, we shall reclaim, God willing, the trust of a large segment of those who lost their trust in the jihadis.''
Until the end, bin Laden remained focused on attacking Americans and coming up with plots, however improbable, to kill US leaders. He wished especially to target airplanes carrying Gen. David Petraeus and even President Barack Obama, reasoning that an assassination would elevate an "utterly unprepared'' Vice President Joe Biden into the presidency and plunge the US into crisis.
But a US analysts' report released along with bin Laden's correspondence describes him as upset over the inability of spinoff terrorist groups to win public support for their cause, their unsuccessful media campaigns and poorly planned plots that, in bin Laden's view, killed too many innocent Muslims.
Bin Laden's inner circle also was frustrated when, in 2010, attention in the U.S. shifted to the weak economy without apparently crediting al-Qaida for the economic damage that terrorist attacks had caused. "All the political talk in America is about the economy, forgetting or ignoring the war and its role in weakening the economy,'' his spokesman, Adam Gadahn, wrote.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/Osama-bin-Ladens-last-words-go-online-wanted-to-correct-the-mistakes/articleshow/12983502.cms
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Charges against me are not of criminal nature: Yousuf Raza Gilani
May 4, 2012
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Thursday said his conviction of contempt by the Supreme Court does not disqualify him from the office of premier as he had not committed any criminal offence by not approaching Swiss courts to revive graft charges against President Asif Ali Zardari.
"The charges against me are not of a criminal nature. In a civil charge, there cannot be disqualification," he said during an interaction with a group of reporters at the Prime Minister's House on Thursday evening.
Gilani said he had followed the Constitution, which grants immunity to the President, and he was not guilty of moral turpitude.
He said the constitutional clause regarding presidential immunity had never been debated or interpreted in the country's 64-year history.
The apex court convicted Gilani and gave him a symbolic sentence of less than a minute on April 26 for refusing to act on orders to reopen the graft cases against Zardari.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Charges-against-me-are-not-of-criminal-nature-Yousuf-Raza-Gilani/articleshow/12986701.cms
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Supreme Court mocks slow pace of probes against jailed Pakistanis
May 4, 2012
NEW DELHI: Mocking the investigating agencies probing cases involving foreign nationals, particularly Pakistanis, for years together, the Supreme Court on Thursday said criminal justice system in India may not be swift but has certainly not collapsed.
"Our criminal justice system may not be working swiftly. Surely it has not collapsed," observed the apex court bench of Justice RM Lodha and Justice HL Gokhale.
The court's caustic observation came when it was told that investigation was going on till date in the case of two Pakistani prisoners arrested in Jammu and Kashmir, way back in March and April 2005.
Justice Lodha asked: "How can you justify that man is in custody and investigation is going on for five years."
"Why it took five years? How can you justify it? Investigation can't proceed at snail's pace," he added.
The court said that "human dignity should not be lost".
As additional solicitor general PP Malhotra sought to reason it out, the court said: "Something that is indefensible must not be defended. Why not order their immediate release."
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Supreme-Court-mocks-slow-pace-of-probes-against-jailed-Pakistanis/articleshow/12986056.cms
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American treasure hunter claims to have located Osama bin Laden's body bag
May 4, 2012
LONDON: American treasure hunter Bill Warren has claimed to have located Osama bin Laden's body bag deep under the Arabian Sea, 320 kilometres west of Surat in Gujarat, and hopes to start his mission on June 1.
"I've located where they threw him away," Daily Mail quoted him as telling Spanish newspaper El Mundo. "I'm the only one with this information."
With the help of recent photos released by the US Navy showing the Laden's final resting place, Warren claims to have pinpointed the location of the body bag, and now wants $200,000 to recover it from the sea.
"We do this because we are patriotic Americans and feel that President Barack Obama failed to provide the proof," he said.
The search would probably "last a week" to three months, he said, adding, he wanted to start the mission on June 1.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/uk/American-treasure-hunter-claims-to-have-located-Osama-bin-Ladens-body-bag/articleshow/12994561.cms
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Osama buried off Surat coast?
May 4, 2012
SHOT dead in his pajamas during the famous US Navy SEAL raid on his fortified hideout in Pakistan’s military town of Abbottabad on May 2 last year, al- Qaeda emir Osama bin Laden was given a “ sea burial” to prevent his legions of followers building a mausoleum on his grave.
The White House story was simple, believable and clear. But eccentric Californian treasure hunter Bill Warren thought, “ Where’s the proof?” So the man, whose trade punchline is “ salvaging history from shipwrecks”, promised himself to get to the bottom of bin Laden’s remains. He was on the job since June last year.
Almost a year later, he now claims he has found bin Laden’s body bag deep under the Arabian Sea — 320 kilometres west of Surat in Gujarat.
“ I’ve located where they threw him away,” he told Spanish newspaper El Mundo . “ I’m the only one with this information.” He said the clue to nail the elusive coffin came from recent photos that the US Navy released depicting the terror architect’s final resting place — buried at sea off the USS Carl Vinson in accordance with Islamic tradition.
Full report at: Mail Today
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‘Bin Laden was frustrated with local jihadi groups’
04 MAY 2012
Osama bin Laden seemed frustrated with the local jihadi groups that caused sufferings on the Muslims and urged them to abort such attacks and instead focus on the US, documents seized by US forces from his Abbottabad safe house in Pakistan a year ago say.
He (bin Laden) is at pain advising them to abort domestic attacks that cause Muslim civilian casualties and focus on the United States, ‘our desired goal’.
“Bin Ladin’s frustration with regional jihadi groups and his seeming inability to exercise control over their actions and public statements is the most compelling story to be told on the basis of the 17 de-classified documents,” Combating Terrorism Center (CTS) at West Point said on Thursday.
The CTS of the US Military Academy released 64-page ‘Letters from Abbottabad: Bin Ladin Sidelined?’ based on the 17-declassified documents provided to it by the US government. These documents consist of electronic letters or draft
letters, totaling 175 pages in the original Arabic and 197 pages in the English translation.
Full report at:
http://www.dailypioneer.com/world/62552-bin-laden-was-frustrated-with-local-jihadi-groups.html
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Bin Laden letters reveal squabbling among terror bosses
NARAYAN LAKSHMAN
May 4, 2012
A day after the first anniversary of the Navy SEAL raid that killed Osama bin Laden, the U.S. launched a rare public relations exercise against the late leader of al-Qaeda by releasing a partial but revealing tranche of the documents seized during the raid at the compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan.
The first group of 17 ‘Letters from Abbottabad' were opened up to the public by the U.S. Combating Terrorism Centre (CTC) at West Point military academy, and they suggested that the al-Qaeda was no different to ordinary corporate or social organisations in its proclivity to get caught up in the politics of internal squabbles and acrimony, mostly against other terror groups such as the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The letters have been vetted and translated by counterterrorism experts at the CTC and are in electronic form totalling 175 pages in the original Arabic and 197 pages in the English translation. In this first tranche, the earliest letter is dated September 2006 and the latest April 2011, with the internal al-Qaeda communications authored by several leaders, including bin Laden, Atiyya Abd al-Rahman, Abu Yahya al-Libi and the American terror suspect Adam Gadahn.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article3381087.ece
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Abbotabad documents reveal al Qaeda rift
May 04 2012
PETER BAKER
The senior leadership of al Qaeda was riven with divisive debates about tactics, strategy and even marketing in the months leading up to the raid that killed its leader, Osama bin Laden, a year ago, according to a cache of letters and other documents recovered from his compound and released Thursday.
Leaders of the terrorist group debated how closely to affiliate with other extremist organisations, how much it should target the US, how to win Muslims support, whether to attack drug runners to steal money and even whether the infamous network should change its name.
One document found in Osama’s Abbottabad compound suggested that the name al Qaeda had “lessened Muslims’ feelings that we belong to them” and lacked any religious connection. Proposed alternative names included Monotheism and Jihad Group, Muslim Unity Group, Islamic Nation Unification Party and Al-Asqa Liberation Group.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/story-print/945153/
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26/11 syndrome: Pleading for life, two fishermen left stranded in sea by their own
May 04 2012
Rajkot : Two fishermen from Gujarat were left adrift on a “buoy”, a ball-like object made of plastic, in the Arabian Sea for two days without food or water since none of their brethren would take them on board despite their frantic pleas for help for the fear a repeat of 26/11 and harassment by intelligence agencies.
Four years after terrorists from Pakistan hijacked an Indian fishing trawler to reach Mumbai and stage attacks, fishermen from Gujarat are still shy of following their age-old unspoken code of not leaving behind even the dead bodies of their community members in the high waters.
Fazhrat Ali (26) and his cousin Sarafar Ali (21), both from Okha in Jamnagar district, were among the 85 Indian fishermen on board 13 boats who were caught by the personnel of Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) on April 27.
On the same evening, PMSA released 72 of them while keeping the 13 boats and their tandels (captains) with them.
That was when Shri Ganesh, whose captain was Fazhrat, developed a problem and reported water-logging. Since the PMSA was not interested in keeping a damaged boat, they released Fazhrat and his boat.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/story-print/945301/
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Osama offered no resistance to US commandos: book
May 03 2012
Al-Qaeda emir Osama bin Laden, who all his life boasted that he would go down fighting and would ask his bodyguards to shoot him if ever he came near Americans, offered no resistance when US commandos cornered him in his Abbottabad hideout a year ago, claims a new book.
"For all his bluster that he would go down fighting and his bodyguards would shoot him if he were ever found by the Americans, when the moment finally came, bin Laden went out not with a bang but with a whimper," wrote Peter Bergen, author of the 'Manhunt: The Ten-Year Search for Bin Laden - from 9/11 to Abbottabad' that hit the bookstores this week.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/story-print/944864/
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Tajikistan Teenager jailed for killing Russian Santa Claus
May 04, 2012
A 17-year-old boy in Tajikistan capital Dushanbe has been sentenced to jail for 10 years for killing a man dressed as 'Father Frost', the Russian equivalent of Santa Claus.
A court in Dushanbe on Thursday handed down the sentence to Behruz Shrifov, who was found guilty of the killing.
He stabbed to death in January 24-year-old Parviz Davlatbekov, dressed as Father Frost, in an attack motivated by religious hatred, a court spokesman said.
The victim was attacked as he visited relatives. Father Frost by tradition brings Russian children presents at New Year. Russian cultural influence remains strong in Tajikistan, a former Soviet republic.
Two accomplices of the accused were found guilty of hooliganism and received four-year sentences.
http://www.asianage.com/international/teenager-jailed-killing-russian-santa-claus-865
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SC impleads government on Pakistani virologist's plea
May 04, 2012
The Supreme Court on Friday asked the central government to state its position on ailing Pakistani virologist Mohammad Khalil Chisty, who has sought permission to visit his country after being granted bail in a 20-year-old murder case in India.
The apex court bench headed by Justice P. Sathasivam impleaded the ministries of external affairs and home as party to 80-year-old Chisty's plea seeking directions to visit his home in Karachi.
The court impleaded the central government after the Rajasthan government said it had no role in Chisty's plea.
Chisty was awarded life imprisonment for the death of a person in a brawl when he was visiting Ajmer in 1992. He was last month granted bail by the apex court which had then asked him to make a separate plea for permission to visit Pakistan.
The court directed the hearing of the matter for Monday.
http://www.asianage.com/india/sc-impleads-government-pakistani-virologists-plea-904
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Clinton's India visit: Afghanistan, Iran, n-deal on agenda
May 04, 2012
Afghanistan, Iran and progress in the nuclear deal are among the key issues that US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is expected to discuss with her Indian counterpart S.M. Krishna here on May 8.
Clinton begins her three-day visit to India - perhaps her farewell visit to the country as the US' top diplomat - from Kolkata May 6. She will meet West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday and is expected to press for the opening of the retail sector in the state.
She touches down in Delhi on May 7 evening and will hold wide-ranging talks with Krishna on May 8 to set the stage for the India-US strategic dialogue in Washington next month.
Besides Krishna, she is expected to call on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and meet National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon.
The agenda for the talks has not been unveiled, but officials involved with the visit said "all issues that have a bearing on India-US relations" will be discussed.
With the international troops planning complete withdrawal from Afghanistan by 2014, cooperation in stabilising the violence-torn country will be on top of the agenda.
Full report at:
http://www.asianage.com/india/clintons-india-visit-afghanistan-iran-n-deal-agenda-935
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Palestinian hunger strikers appeal to Israeli court
May 4, 2012
JERUSALEM: Facing Israel’s highest court in their wheelchairs, two Palestinian prisoners on the 66th day of their hunger strike appealed yesterday for their release from detention without trial.
Thaer Halahla and Bilal Diab, suspected by Israel of security offenses, are among at least 1,550 Palestinian prisoners refusing food in Israeli jails in a protest against so-called “administrative detention.”
Among the prisoners currently on hunger strike, only Halahla, Diab and two other men have passed the 60-day mark. Ten stopped eating about 40 days ago while the others began the protest on April 17, Palestinian officials said.
Halahla, jailed for the past 22 months, told the three-judge Supreme Court panel hearing the appeal: “Administrative detention is a slow death.”
“I want to live my life with dignity. I have a wife, and a daughter I never met. I am on hunger strike because there is no other way,” he said.
A spokeswoman for Israel’s Physicians for Human Rights said both Halahla and Diab, who live in the occupied West Bank, were in a “life-threatening” condition because of the length of their strike.
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/middleeast/article624092.ece
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ECOWAS warn Mali and Bissau juntas, prepares troops
May 4, 2012
DAKAR: West African leaders warned military juntas in Mali and Guinea Bissau on Thursday that further defiance of the 15-nation bloc’s decisions would not be tolerated but stopped short of deploying troops to both countries.
Meeting in the Senegalese capital for their second extraordinary summit in a week, the heads of state heard that soldiers who seized power in both countries continue to reject proposals put forward for transition to civilian rule.
Soldiers in Mali staged a coup on March 22, precipitating a Tuareg rebellion that has left a third of the country occupied by armed groups with links to Al-Qaeda.
The coup in Guinea Bissau took place halfway through elections in the former Portuguese colony, which has endured decades of instability since independence in 1974 and become a transit hub for Latin American cocaine.
“The region will no longer tolerate this continued defiance by the Guinea Bissau military who, in disregard of constitutional rules, try to impose their will on the people,” Desire Kadre Ouedraogo, president of the bloc’s executive, said.
ECOWAS said after an April 26 meeting that it expected Mali and Guinea-Bissau to both hold presidential elections within 12 months, adding that it would deploy troops to the countries to help swiftly reinstate civilian rule.
The bloc reiterated its demand for a 12-month transition period in Guinea Bissau during which a review of the West African nation’s constitution and electoral code would be carried out, adding that it will deploy troops to secure the transition period.
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/world/article624287.ece
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Bangladesh commander arrested over looting shrine
May 4, 2012
DHAKA: A Bangladesh security force commander was arrested on Thursday over the theft of 20 million taka ($246,000) of devotees’ donations from a Sufi shrine, police said.
Lieutenant Colonel Zulfiqar Ali, 45, is accused of organising the operation to steal the money from the Talsara Darbar Sharif near Chittagong last year when he was head of the city’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) division.
“We’ve arrested Colonel Ali from (the capital) Dhaka this morning for leading nine of his junior officers to the sensational robbery,” Mohammad Shahjahan, police chief of the local district of Anwara, told AFP.
“They tied up the sufi and confined him and his family in a room before looting 20.07 million taka that Muslim devotees had donated,” Shahjahan said, adding that Ali had later collected the largest share of the money.
Local media said Ali used the money to buy a luxury flat in Dhaka.
Created in 2004, the paramilitary RAB has a poor public image due to allegations of torture and being a government-controlled “death squad” responsible for hundreds of extrajudicial killings.
International campaign groups such as New York-based Human Rights Watch have called for it to be disbanded.
http://dawn.com/2012/05/03/bangladesh-commander-arrested-over-looting-shrine/
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Protest in Australia against Shia killings
May 4, 2012
LAHORE: Hundreds of Pakistanis as well as civil society and human rights activists have been protesting outside the Pakistani Embassy in Australia since April 30 against “genocide” of Shias in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khairpur, Karachi, Parachinar and Quetta.
The protesters wanted to present a charter of demands to the embassy, but the ambassador and embassy staff refused to accept the petition.
This enraged the protesters who staged a sit-in. They have vowed to continue protesting until “solid measures” are taken to protect Shias in Pakistan.
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2012\05\04\story_4-5-2012_pg7_12
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Libya grants immunity to ‘revolutionaries’
May 4, 2012
TRIPOLI: Libyan authorities granted immunity to former rebels who fought to oust Muammar Gaddafi’s regime and has criminalised any glorification of the former leader, in laws passed on Thursday. “There is no punishment for acts made necessary by the February 17 revolution,” read the law published on the National Transitional Council’s website.
The immunity covers “military, security or civilian acts undertaken by revolutionaries with the aim of ensuring the revolution’s success and its goal,” the NTC added. February 17 marks the start of a popular uprising, which led to the collapse of Gaddafi’s regime last year. It was unclear if the law includes acts committed after October 23, when the NTC declared Libya’s liberation following the capture and killing of strongman Gaddafi.
Rights groups say war crimes were committed by both sides during the 2011 conflict and warn of torture in detention centres run by militias made up of former rebels.
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2012\05\04\story_4-5-2012_pg4_3
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Russia threatens to strike at Nato missile defence bases
May 4, 2012
Russia has threatened Nato with military strikes in Poland and Romania if a missile defence radar and interceptors are deployed in Eastern Europe.
General Nikolai Makarov, Russia's most senior military commander, warned Nato that if it proceeded with an American missile defence system, force would be used against it.
"A decision to use destructive force pre-emptively will be taken if the situation worsens," he said.
General Makarov has threatened to target Nato bases hosting an anti-missile system designed by the US to protect European allies against attack from states such as Iran.
He said that Russia would counter Nato deployment by stationing short-range Iskander missiles in the Russian Kaliningrad enclave near Poland, creating the worst military tensions since the Cold War.
"The deployment of new strike weapons in Russia's south and northwest - including Iskander systems in Kaliningrad - is one of our possible options for destroying the system's European infrastructure," he said.
John McCain, the US senator and chairman of the Senate foreign relations committee, said Russia's threats were an "excuse to have a military build-up in this part of the world".
Full report at:
http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report_russia-threatens-to-strike-at-nato-missile-defence-bases_1684335
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S. Sudan accuses Sudan of bombing in blow to talks
May 4, 2012
KHARTOUM, May 4 (Reuters) - South Sudan on Friday accused Sudan of launching an air strike on one of its oil regions, imperilling the chances of a promised ceasefire between the two former civil war foes, but Khartoum denied the charge.
The 1,800 km-long (1,200 mile) border between the two countries had been largely quiet for the past 48 hours, raising hopes that they could begin talks to end a series of clashes over oil exports, border demarcation and citizenship that have pushed them closer towards a full-blown war.
But South Sudan's army (SPLA) spokesman Philip Aguer said on Friday that Khartoum was again on the offensive.
"There was an aerial bombardment in Lalop at Unity state at 4 p.m. (1300 GMT) on Thursday," he said, speaking from Juba.
"At the same time our position in Teshween was shelled using ground artillery."
Sudan's army spokesman could not be immediately reached for comment, but Sudan's Information Ministry spokesman denied the allegations.
"This is a lie. The Sudanese government is focusing on protecting its border and rooting out the SPLA from its territories," said Rabie Abdelatie.
Claims of the attack came after Sudan said it was ready to accede to international demands for a halt to hostilities, albeit with a significant caveat.
Full report at:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/04/sudan-southsudan-idUSL5E8G41BS20120504
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Basque terrorism suspect loses court extradition bid
04-05-12
An alleged Basque militant has lost his High Court bid to halt his extradition to Spain on terror-related charges.
Eneko Gogeaskoetxea Arronategui, 44, faces trial in Spain for a series of offences, including placing grenade launchers at Madrid's Barajas airport.
He was arrested last July while living in Cambridge.
Two High Court judges overturned a magistrates' court decision that prevented his extradition on the charge of attempting to kill King Juan Carlos.
Deputy Senior District Judge Daphne Wickham, sitting at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London in January, said he could not be extradited on the attempted 1997 assassination charge after she accepted a defence submission that it was unsustainable in Spanish law.
But Lord Justice Laws and Mr Justice Griffith Williams ruled that extradition could take place on all charges.
Full report at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17954492
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