Lashkar's Renewed Threats Cause Unease In Kashmir
New Age Islam News Bureau
10 Feb 2012
- Riyadh: Ifta wants Saudi writer tried for apostasy
- Sex scandals rock International Islamic University, Islamabad
- UN official meeting with top Maldives leaders
- Military kills 11 militants in Pakistan
- Qaeda Pakistan chief killed by US drone
- 2003 Mumbai blasts: Bombay HC upholds death for three
- Boko Haram threatens U.S
- US govt distances itself from Balochistan
- Pakistan censures US on Balochistan hearing
- Pakistan top court rejects PM Gilani's contempt appeal
- Iran dismisses reports of imminent Israeli attack
- Fugitive Malaysian to face Indonesian laws, says Deputy IGP
- 11 dead as explosions rock Syrian city
- Malaysia arrests Saudi tweeter
- Maldives' ex-president awaits arrest
- Arab Spring pledges must be delivered: UAE
- Obama reviews efforts to renew Pakistan ties
- Pak airspace being used for NATO supplies: Munter
- Syrian forces bombard Homs; UN condemns 'appalling brutality'
- NATO airstrike killed eight children: Karzai
- 2 killed as Yemen Army fires on anti-election protesters
- Pak: Few politicians benefitted from NRO
- Drones multiply militants: Hina
- Housing needs top priority: Gilani
- Afghanistan girl to box at Olympics
- Memo Commission begins hearing at Islamabad HC
- Euro zone sets conditions for Greek bailout
- Search for Deeside Islamic centre site continues
- Musa set to conquer world's second highest peak
- Khaleda demands wage board for journalists
- Prince Harry set for Afghan duty
- Malaysian HM confirms arrest of Saudi Arabian man at KLIA
- New era in Riyadh-Seoul ties
- Riyadh: 250m copies of Qur'an distributed
- Bayt Al-Madinah attracts visitors
- Ahmadinejad seeks rebound in Iranian elections
- US military seeks more access in Philippines, not bases
- US says missing Chinese top cop met US diplomats
- China: Syria veto won’t hurt cooperation with US
Complied by New Age Islam News Bureau
Photo: Many connected with the university admit that "seedy affairs had been going on in the holy precincts" for some time. – File Photo
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/lashkar-renewed-threats-cause-unease/d/6597
--------
Lashkar's Renewed Threats Cause Unease In Kashmir
8 February 2012,
Praveen Swami
New Kashmir-region operations commander Iftikhar Rana spent eleven years in Indian prisons
In November 2004, Iftikhar Riaz Rana from Peshawar was driven to Wagah under police escort, and walked across the border into Pakistan a free man.
Eleven years earlier, in February 1993, Rana, then just 18, had surrendered to Indian soldiers at the village of Sangra, near the Line of Control in Mendhar, after a fire fight that lasted three days. The fighting claimed the lives of three Lashkar-e-Taiba jihadists and two Indian soldiers.
Four other Lashkar jihadists, along with Rana, also chose to surrender: Zulfikar Ali Khan, an Afghan national, Abdul Khaliq from Faislabad, Amir Hamza from Mirpur and Zamir Ahmad from Gujranwala. The oldest of the men was then 19 ; the youngest just fifteen.
Last year in December, Rana resurfaced — this time as one of the organisers of a massive Lashkar-organised rally in Lahore. For at least the last six months, intelligence sources say, he has been organising the Lashkar's field commanders in Kashmir, threatening local secessionists for seeking peace with New Delhi. Earlier, he had been active raising funds for the legal defence of Lashkar operatives held in Indian prisons, reaching out to contacts in the Middle East and Europe.
Rana's predecessor, Muzammil Bhat, who trained the 26/11 assault team, disappeared after the attacks — but after two quiet years, there are signs that the Lashkar is back in the jihad business.
Revival
Even though violence in Jammu and Kashmir is at an all-time low — 78 terrorists, 15 security personnel and 24 civilians were killed in fighting last year, down from 237 terrorists, 44 security force personnel and 38 civilians in 2008 — there are signs of trouble. Lashkar operatives have been making attempts to recruit new operatives and the organisation's language is becoming ever-more aggressive.
http://m.thehindu.com/news/national/article2872759.ece/
--------
Riyadh: Ifta wants Saudi writer tried for apostasy
Feb 10, 2012
RIYADH: In a new development in the case of Saudi writer Hamza Kashghari, who wrote a few tweets that were considered slanderous to Almighty Allah and His Prophet (peace be upon him), the Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Religious Edicts (Ifta) issued a strongly worded statement in which it said mocking Allah or His Prophet is a downright sacrilegious act, kufr (infidelity) and apostasy that should no go undetected, local daily Al-Eqtisadiah reported Thursday.
"Whoever dares make a mockery of Allah, the Prophet or the Holy Book undermines the religion and displays enmity toward it. It is the duty of the rulers to try such a criminal," the committee said, warning Muslims to stay away from such practices so as to avoid exasperating God.
The committee issued its statement after a meeting under its chairman Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh, the Grand Mufti.
The Prophet's Sunnah and Sciences, an Internet site, also strongly denounced Kashghari's blunders and urged the authorities to take stringent actions against him. "This is a sacrilegious action necessitating harsh punitive measures to deter others who might think of doing the same thing," supervisor of the website Faleh Al-Saqeer said.
He expressed confidence that the rulers of this Islamic country would not allow the culprit to get off scot-free.
According to local press reports, Kashghari left the country two days ago. People close to him said that he repented and regretted what he had said about Allah and His Prophet.
Under Islamic Shariah law, anyone who commits sacrilegious actions that may make him or her kafir should be given three days to repent, failing which the person is to be beheaded.
http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article573459.ece
--------
Sex scandals rock International Islamic University, Islamabad
Munawer Azeem
Friday, February 10, 2012
ISLAMABAD: Sex scandals have rocked the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) in recent months, with several faculty and staff members accused of preying upon the vulnerable female students or juniors.
Many connected with the university admit that “seedy affairs had been going on in the holy precincts” for some time. But they did not speak on record.
Acting president Sahabzada Sajidur Rehman of the university, however, confirmed that recently a professor and a librarian left the university after allegations of rape emerged against them.
“We did not approach the police to investigate the allegations as it would have brought bad name to the university and set parents of the 9,500 girls studying here worrying,” he told Dawn on Thursday.
Sources in the university claimed that the professor of economics department used to offer his victims “good marks” in examinations in return for sex. He would even force himself upon the unwilling with threats of failing her.
It was shocking to hear the president of the University Staff Welfare Association, Chaudhry Mohammad Nazir, say “the situation is far worse than what you know”.
IIUI sources said the professor’s escapades came to an end after he landed his last victim on January 20, a Friday. The university asked the victim to file a formal complaint for initiating action against the accused but her family refused.
However, the students union took up her case and threatened the university administration it would go public with the evidence, the sources said.
It was claimed to be the same kind of evidence that had gone viral on the internet and forced the university’s old librarian to resign a few months earlier.
That was despite the university administration’s alleged attempt to make his victim – a female assistant – to resign on the charge that she was a willing partner. But she firmly refused and went on leave.
On her return, the administration assigned her to a new department, according to her colleagues.
It is not that families of the victims of coercive sex took their sufferings lying down. One father reported a senior faculty member to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat which instructed the Islamabad police to investigate.
When the investigators arrived to probe, however, the university officials pleaded with them to hush up the matter as “the accused has already been punished” and a probe would only tarnish the image of the university and scare the parents.
It is a different matter that for the librarian the punishment meant retiring six months before it was due, and for the professor resigning on his own and securing a new job in the National Agriculture Research Centre, allegedly with the help of friends in the bureaucracy.
khawar.ghumman@gmail.com
http://www.dawn.com/2012/02/10/shame-covers-sleaze-2.html
--------
UN official meeting with top Maldives leaders
Friday, February 10, 2012
Former Maldivian president Mohamed Nasheed cheers as he arrives at a Maldivian Democratic party meeting in Male February 9, 2012. Photo: Reuters
AP, Male
A top UN official was meeting Friday with the current and former presidents of the Maldives, trying to end the political stalemate that has gripped this Indian Ocean nation.
Turmoil in the Maldives escalated sharply Tuesday when President Mohamed Nasheed announced he was resigning after months of protests against his rule and fading support from the police and the army. But the next day Nasheed - who now faces an arrest warrant - announced he had actually been pushed from power at gunpoint. The reality remains unclear.
The current president, Mohammed Waheed Hassan, insists Nasheed stepped down voluntarily. His government has made no move to arrest Nasheed, who is living openly in his home in Male, the capital.
Nasheed is now calling for early elections, insisting his party would emerge victorious.
While the two politicians remain at odds, there has been no sign of violence in the country since Wednesday. On Friday, the first day of the country's weekend, there was little extra security to be seen in Male, though a few dozen policemen in riot gear were posted outside Nasheed's house.
UN Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Oscar Fernandez-Taranco was to meet with both Nasheed and Hassan, as well as other top political leaders.
"In this atmosphere it is very difficult for any meaningful and national form of discussion. I therefore request all political actors to remain calm and prevent any type of violence," Fernandez-Taranco told reporters after his Thursday arrival.
After his resignation, thousands of Nasheed's supporters swept into the streets of Male, clashing with security forces, while others attacked police stations in remote parts of this 1,200-island archipelago.
The authorities have not yet announced the grounds for Nasheed's arrest warrant, and police officials have said it is not clear if the warrant was constitutional.
If the turmoil continues, the dispute threatens the crucial tourism industry of this mostly Muslim nation of 300,000 people, which relies on dozens of high-end resorts that cater to the rich and famous.
Nasheed's party insist his ouster was engineered by rogue elements of the police and supporters of the country's former autocratic leader. Others blame Islamic extremists.
Hassan, who was Nasheed's vice president, has denied claims of a plot to oust Nasheed and called for a unity coalition to be formed to help the country recover.
Nasheed's resignation marked a stunning fall for the former human rights campaigner who had been jailed for his activism under the 30-year rule of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. Nasheed also became an environmental celebrity for urging global action against climate change, warning that rising sea levels would inundate his archipelago nation.
Over the past year, Nasheed was battered by protests over soaring prices and demands for more religiously conservative policies. Last month, Nasheed's government arrested the nation's top criminal court judge for freeing a government critic and refused to release him as protests grew.
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/latest_news.php?nid=35726
--------
Military kills 11 militants in Pakistan
Friday, February 10, 2012
Pakistani forces killed 11 militants and wounded 19 in the northwest on Friday, security officials said, in a crackdown in the Kurram tribal region near the border with Afghanistan.
The military fired artillery shells at three suspected hideouts in the Mamozai area of Kurram, where dozens of people have been killed in fierce fighting between Pakistani soldiers and insurgents in the last few weeks.
The death toll could not be independently verified and militants often dispute official accounts.
Full Report At:
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/latest_news.php?nid=35727
--------
Qaeda Pakistan chief killed by US drone
By: Our Staff Reporter
February 10, 2012
NORTH WAZIRISTAN – At least five suspected militants including a senior al-Qaeda leader were killed in a US drone attack in North Waziristan Agency on Thursday.
The sources said a US drone fired two missiles at a house near Miranshah Bazaar, killing five suspected militants. They said a senior al-Qaeda leader identified as Badar Mansoor was also among the dead.
Mansoor was one of the top al-Qaeda members and was active in NWA. In the past, he had been associated with Harkatul Mujahideen. It has also been learnt that he was involved in attacking minorities worship places in Lahore and Karachi.
The sources said it was a predawn strike hitting a house located in the main bazaar in Miranshah, the biggest town in the North Waziristan tribal area.
On Wednesday, US missiles hit a house in North Waziristan’s Spalga village and killed 10 people including some local Taliban militants.
This was the second drone attack in North Waziristan in the last 24 hours.
Full Report At:
http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/national/10-Feb-2012/qaeda-pakistan-chief-killed-by-us-drone
---------
2003 Mumbai blasts: Bombay HC upholds death for three
10 February 2012
The Bombay High Court on Friday upheld the death sentence of three LeT members, including a couple, in the 2003 twin Mumbai blasts that claimed 52 lives.
A division bench of Justice A.M. Khanvilkar and P.D. Kode confirmed the death penalty awarded to Ashrat Ansari (32), Hanif Sayed (46) and his wife Fehmida Sayed (43) but partially quashed the order of the trial court discharging two other accused on the basis of a report of the POTA review committee.
The High Court upheld death sentence awarded to them on all three counts of perpetrating terror, criminal conspiracy and murder.
Mohammed Ansari Ladoowala and Mohammed Hasan Batterywala will now have to face trial, but only under IPC charges that had been levelled against them and not under POTA. The court directed them to appear before the trial court in four weeks for proceedings to be initiated.
The bench, however, stayed the sentence for eight weeks to allow the convicts to file an appeal in the Supreme Court, in response to the request of their counsel, Sudeep Pasbola.
The court had on November 12, 2011 reserved its judgement on confirmation of death sentence to the three after agruments concluded at a special hearing.
The three had been found guilty by a POTA court of planting powerful bombs in two taxis which exploded at the iconic Gateway of India and Zaveri bazaar on August 25, 2003.
They were awarded death sentence on August 6, 2009.
The conspiracy for the blasts had been hatched by Sayed, Ashrat, Nasir, a Hyderabad resident, who was later killed in a police encounter, and some Pakistani nationals owing allegiance to LeT in Dubai.
The LeT’s role in the twin blasts was revealed by an accused-turned-approver. The approver was given a pardon by the court after public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam submitted a certificate saying he may be discharged.
It was for the first time that LeT had used a family to carry out bomb blasts in the country.
Along with the couple, Sayed and Fehmida, their 16-year-old daughter was also arrested for the offence but was later discharged as she was a minor.
Two other accused, Mr. Ladoowala and Mr. Batterywala, were also discharged from the case by the trial court on the basis of a report of the POTA review committee that said there was no case against the duo.
On August 25, 2003, Sayed, Fehmida and their daughter had boarded a taxi from Andheri to the Gateway of India and left their bag in the vehicle telling the taxi driver that they would return after taking lunch.
Luckily for the driver, the bomb exploded after he had left his vehicle to take his meal. The driver had later identified the family in the court.
Ansari had boarded another taxi to Zaveri bazaar where again he left an explosive-laden bag, telling the driver he would return. The vehicle exploded shortly afterwards.
The three were convicted under various Sections of IPC, POTA, Explosive Substances Act and Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.
As the convicts were given death sentence by trial court, the matter was sent to the Bombay High Court for confirmation, as required under the law.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2879449.ece?homepage=true
--------
Boko Haram threatens U.S
Friday, 10 February 2012
FOLLOWING the recent Bi-National Commission meeting between Nigeria and the United States, the Boko Haram sect is reported to have issued terrorist threats against American targets within Nigeria, including the assassination of the US ambassador in Nigeria, Terence P. McCulley.
The Bi-National Commission had recently concluded a wide range of anti-terrorism plans and agreements in Abuja with a further move to embody the conclusions in a Memorandum of Understanding to be signed by the governments of Nigeria and the United States.
Full Report At:
http://tribune.com.ng/index.php/front-page-news/35808-boko-haram-threatens-us-security-tightened-at-american-embassy-in-abuja
--------
US govt distances itself from Balochistan
hearingAnwar Iqbal
10 February 2012
“Our view on this has not changed, and you know where we’ve been on Balochistan. We encourage all the parties in Balochistan to work out their differences peacefully and through a valid political process,” Ms Nuland said. “Within Pakistan?” she was asked. “Correct,” she replied. - File photo
WASHINGTON: The US State Department has distanced itself from a congressional hearing on Balochistan and opposed the idea of independent Balochistan, adding that the problems of the province should be resolved through peaceful and political means.
At news briefing in Washington, the department’s spokesperson Victoria Nuland said the US administration had not changed its policy and continued to see Balochistan as part of the Pakistani state.
Full Report At:
http://www.dawn.com/2012/02/10/us-govt-distances-itself-from-balochistan-hearing.html
--------
Pakistan censures US on Balochistan hearing
By: Maqbool Malik
February 10, 2012
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan on Thursday said it had conveyed its concern to the United States over the congressional hearing on Balochistan by the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
“We have conveyed our concerns and raised this issue with the US authorities, both in Washington and Islamabad. We believe Washington fully understands our position. The matter was clarified by the US State Department yesterday (Wednesday),” Foreign Office Spokesman Abdul Basit said in the weekly press briefing.
The spokesman, while referring to the statement of the US State Department, said it explained that the US government had nothing to do with the discussion. On the continued drone attacks, he said Pakistan’s position was clear, adding, “These attacks are unlawful and unacceptable.” Regarding the reopening of the NATO supply routes, he said the matter was under parliamentary review and the policy directives from the Parliament were awaited for further action.
Full Report At:
http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/national/10-Feb-2012/pakistan-censures-us-on-balochistan-hearing
--------
Pakistan top court rejects PM Gilani's contempt appeal
10 February 2012
Mr Gilani could face jail and loss of office if he is found guilty of contempt
Pakistan's Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal by PM Yousuf Raza Gilani against a contempt of court charge.
Mr Gilani is set to be charged on 13 February with failing to reopen corruption cases against President Asif Ali Zardari.
The prime minister, who appeared before the court last month, faces jail and being barred from office if convicted.
Mr Gilani argues that the president - who denies the corruption charges - has immunity as head of state.
Full Report At:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-16959705
--------
Iran dismisses reports of imminent Israeli attack
Masood Haider
10 February 2012
NEW YORK: US President Barack Obama has imposed more economic sanctions on Iran, including freezing Iranian assets owned by its Central Bank in US, amid fears that the Obama Administration may be preparing for an attack by Israel on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
However, Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations Mohammad Khazee dismissed such reports, saying, “I don’t think that is going to happen.”
Mr Khazee told National Public Radio in an interview: “Iran is so strong,” and “the consequences would be devastating for (Israel) and maybe for whoever helped them.”
“There are wise enough people around the world to tell them not to do such a crazy thing.”
The US and other nations have been tightening sanctions on Iran and have been warning that it needs to be more transparent about its nuclear ambitions. Iran says it is not pursuing development of nuclear weapons.
Full Report At:
http://www.dawn.com/2012/02/10/iran-dismisses-reports-of-imminent-israeli-attack.html
--------
Fugitive Malaysian to face Indonesian laws, says Deputy IGP
Friday, February 10, 2012
KUALA LUMPUR: There are no plans to extradite a Malaysian, currently under Indonesian police custody, to facilitate investigations in connection with the leaked semi-nude photographs of Selangor exco member Elizabeth Wong.
Deputy IGP Datuk Seri Khalid Abu Bakar noted that Hilmi Hazimin Malek, 37, needed to first face a charge under Indonesia's immigration laws.
"We have yet to receive a full report from the Indonesian police but there is a possibility that Hilmi will be charged and sentenced there.
Full Report At:
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/2/10/nation/20120210170728&sec=nation
--------
11 dead as explosions rock Syrian city
Friday, February 10, 2012
Eleven people were killed in explosions which targeted Syrian military and security buildings in the northern city of Aleppo on Friday, Syria's Addounia Television channel reported.
It said the death toll, which included civilians and members of the security forces, was based on preliminary information. It gave no further details.
The opposition Syrian Observatory for Human Rights quoted residents as saying three blasts occurred, including one near a security forces' building in the city. They also reported hearing gunfire.
Full Report At:
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/latest_news.php?nid=35732
--------
Malaysia arrests Saudi tweeter
Friday, February 10, 2012
Malaysian police have arrested a Saudi Arabian columnist who fled his country after making comments on Twitter deemed insulting to the Prophet Mohammad, prompting a surge of online outrage and calls for his execution.
"It is confirmed that Malaysian police have detained the Saudi writer. This arrest was part of an Interpol operation which the Malaysian police were a part of," a police spokesman told Reuters on Friday.
He gave no further details and would not comment on whether the writer, Hamza Kashgari, would be extradited to Saudi Arabia, where some Islamic clerics have called for him to be put to death for his comments.
Full Report At:
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/latest_news.php?nid=35729
--------
Maldives' ex-president awaits arrest
Mohamed Nasheed
Friday, February 10, 2012
The ousted former president of the Maldives Mohamed Nasheed, who claims he was forced from office in a coup, said he expected to be arrested yesterday as protests and violence escalated in the holiday paradise.
Nasheed, the Indian Ocean country's first democratically elected president, told AFP at his modest family home in the capital that a court order had been issued for his detention and he anticipated being sent to jail.
"They have issued a warrant to arrest me now and said that I will be the first former president to spend the rest of his life in jail," he said. "I hope the international community will take note and do something right now."
Full Report At:
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=221838
--------
Arab Spring pledges must be delivered: UAE
Feb 10, 2012
ABU DHABI: The UAE urged the international community on Thursday to deliver on pledges of billions of dollars of aid that was promised to Arab countries after last year’s uprisings but has not been disbursed.
In September, the Group of Eight major nations pledged $38 billion in financing to Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco and Jordan over 2011-13 under the “Deauville Initiative.”
The International Monetary Fund promised a further $35 billion to countries affected by Arab Spring unrest.
But very little of that money has actually been handed over, as political instability in needy countries deters some donor governments and institutions, and as other donors struggle with budget pressures of their own.
Full Report At:
http://arabnews.com/middleeast/article573505.ece
--------
Obama reviews efforts to renew Pakistan ties
10 February 2012
WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama has reviewed efforts to improve ties with Pakistan with his national security team, the White House said on Thursday as media reports indicated that both countries were trying vigorously to reduce tensions that have bedevilled their relations for more than a year now.
At Wednesday’s meeting, President Obama “received an update on our engagement with the Pakistani government on a range of issues of mutual interest, including efforts to strengthen cooperation along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border,” the White House said.
US sources told Dawn that the White House had been regularly consulting Pakistan’s new ambassador in Washington, Sherry Rehman, on these issues.
Full Report At:
http://www.dawn.com/2012/02/10/obama-reviews-efforts-to-renew-pakistan-ties.html
--------
Pak airspace being used for Nato supplies: Munter
By: Our Staff Reporter
February 10, 2012
ISLAMABAD – US Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter on Thursday revealed that supplies for the Nato forces active in neighbouring Afghanistan were still continuing through Pakistan’s airspace.
The relations between Washington and Islamabad had plunged to its lowest ebb after Pakistan stopped Nato supplies to Afghanistan through its borders in the backdrop of a Nato attack on Salalah checkposts which claimed the lives of 24 soldiers. Talking to reporters after inauguration of a photo exhibition at Pakistan National Council of Arts, he expressed the hope that ties between the two allies would normalise soon.
Full Report At:
http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/national/10-Feb-2012/pak-airspace-being-used-for-nato-supplies-munter
--------
Syrian forces bombard Homs, UN condemns 'appalling brutality'
Feb 9, 2012
AMMAN/BEIRUT: Syrian forces bombarded opposition-held neighborhoods of the city of Homs with rocket and mortar fire on Thursday, activists said, as divided world powers struggled to find a way to end the violence.
The United Nations chief condemned the ferocity of the government assault on Homs, heart of a revolt against President Bashar Assad that broke out nearly a year ago and is getting bloodier by the day.
“I fear that the appalling brutality we are witnessing in Homs, with heavy weapons firing into civilian neighborhoods, is a grim harbinger of things to come,” UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon told reporters after briefing the Security Council.
Activists and residents report hundreds of people killed over the last week as Assad’s forces try stamp out opposition in Homs, and as dawn broke on Thursday, rocket and mortar fire rained down again on Baba Amro, Khalidiya and other districts. Armored reinforcements also poured into the eastern city.
Concern was growing over the plight of civilians and the United States said it was considering ways to get food and medicine to them - a move that would deepen international involvement in a conflict which has wide geopolitical dimensions and has caused division between foreign powers.
Full Report At:
http://arabnews.com/middleeast/article573305.ece
--------
NATO airstrike killed eight children: Karzai
10 February 2012
KABUL: A NATO airstrike killed eight children in Afghanistan's Kapisa province northeast of the capital Kabul, President Hamid Karzai said Thursday.
The president "strongly condemned the aerial bombing by foreign troops that killed a number of children in Nejrab district" on Wednesday, said a statement from his office.
"Based on information by (the) provincial governor, as a result of an air strike conducted on February 8... eight children were killed," the statement said.
Karzai had assigned a delegation "to launch an all-out probe into the NATO bombing in the province of Kapisa", it added.
Full Report At:
http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-34704-NATO-airstrike-killed-8-children:-Karzai
--------
2 killed as Yemen Army fires on anti-election protesters
Feb 10, 2012
ADEN: Yemeni troops killed two protesters when they opened fire on a rally on Thursday in the southern province of Dalea calling for a boycott of an election to replace outgoing President Ali Abdullah Saleh, activists said.
Full Report At:
http://arabnews.com/middleeast/article573457.ece
--------
Pak: Few politicians benefitted from NRO
By: Agencies
February 10, 2012
ISLAMABAD - President Asif Ali Zardari Thursday said there were very few politicians, who had been benefitted by the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO), as most of the cases were related to criminals and bureaucrats.
He asked the politicians not to target each other, just like the generals and the judges, who never got involved in infighting.
He said outgoing senators would be remembered in the history as the proud members of the Parliament that unanimously removed the traces of dictatorship from the constitution by passing the historic 18th and 19th amendments, besides making possible the realisation of shared national ideal of restoring democracy by their wisdom and selflessness.
“Nobody can deprive you of this great honour which will always remain the first line in your biography regardless of other achievements to your credit,” he remarked.
The president was addressing a dinner hosted in honour of the outgoing senators at the Presidency on Thursday, which was attended among others by Senate Chairman Senate Farooq H Naek, ministers, parliamentarians and outgoing senators. According to Presidential Spokesperson Farhatullah Babar said the president, while commending the role of the Upper House of the Parliament said, “The Senate has been the fountainhead of political reconciliation in the country that was convincingly demonstrated while making critical legislation.”
Full Report At:
http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/national/10-Feb-2012/few-politicians-benefitted-from-nro
--------
Drones multiply militants: Hina
February 10, 2012
MOSCOW - Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar on Thursday described the US drones strikes inside Pakistani territory as illegal and said the allegations of the linkages between Pakistan’s spy agencies and the Taliban were not even worth comment.
In an exclusive interview with the Russian English news channel RT, Hina said, “The US drones attack on Pakistani territory are illegal and cannot be tolerated.” The latest statement came as a US drone strike killed four people on Thursday, while 10 people had lost their lives in another hit a day earlier. The two attacks followedthe tensions between Pakistanand the US over the Mohmand Agency airstrike last year that killed 24 troops.
According to Hina, the drone attacks promote extremism in the region.
Full Report At:
http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/national/10-Feb-2012/drones-multiply-militants-hina
--------
Housing needs top priority: Gilani
February 10, 2012
ISLAMABAD - Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Thursday said his government was committed to meet housing needs of the government servants and the public in low-income groups.
Addressing the ground-breaking event of a scheme to cater to the housing needs of retired senior civil servants, he said decent living was the dream of every citizen and responsibility of the State to explore all available options to satisfy this need.
The Kurri Road Housing Scheme launched by the Pakistan Housing Authority (PHA) has been approved by the Prime Minister and consists of three categories (I, II and III) of housing units specified for grade 22, 21 and 20, respectively on ownership basis, at a very reasonable price.
Full Report At:
http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/national/10-Feb-2012/housing-needs-top-priority-gilani
--------
Afghanistan girl to box at Olympics
10 February 2012
Just by getting into the boxing ring at the London Olympics, Sadaf Rahimi will be throwing a few punches in the fight for equal rights for Afghan women.
Rahimi, a determined 17-year-old student, wants to become the new face of Afghan women, gaining honour and dignity for herself and other women in her war-torn country and improving their image worldwide.
She will get her chance in London, where women’s boxing makes its Olympic debut.
“When we participate in the outside competitions, there is pressure on us,” Rahimi said while training in a makeshift gym in the Afghan capital. “But I will try to show that an Afghan girl can enter the ring and achieve a position for Afghanistan.”
She trains for hours three days a week, punching heavy bags and sparring with her teammates and trainers.
Full Report At:
http://www.thehindu.com/sport/other-sports/article2879334.ece
--------
Memo Commission begins hearing at Islamabad HC
10 February 2012
ISLAMABAD: The judicial commission constituted by the Supreme Court (SC) to probe memogate scandal resumed the hearing in Islamabad High Court today, Geo News reported.
Head of the Judicial Commission Justice Qazi Faiz Esa on Thursday expressed anger at the Foreign Office’s inability to pursue the matter of the record of Blackberry messages between Husain Haqqani and Mansoor Ijaz with the Canadian High Commission in Pakistan.
Referring to the refusal of the Canadian High Commission to forward a request of the Pakistan government providing a record of Blackberry messages between Haqqani and Ijaz, Justice Faiz Esa remarked, “Why are we always at the receiving end in the world?”
“Why did the Foreign Office accept the refusal of the Canadian High Commission plainly and why did it not refer to them a treaty between the two countries for issuance of such a process,” he said at the meeting of the judicial commission here. Mansoor Ijaz’s lawyer, Barrister Akram Sheikh told the commission that his client would not come to Pakistan citing his concerns over personal security and the security of his gadgets but he (Ijaz) is keen to record his testimony before the commission.
Full Report At:
http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-34728-Memo-Commission-begins-hearing-at-IHC
--------
Euro zone sets conditions for Greek bailout
10 February 2012
BRUSSELS: Eurozone finance ministers on Thursday set three conditions for Greece to meet to receive a new bailout, including for its parliament to approve new austerity measures on Sunday.
"Despite the important progress achieved over the last days, we did not have yet all necessary elements on the table to take decisions today," Eurogroup chief Jean-Claude Juncker said after talks in Brussels.
Full Report At:
http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-34710-Conditions-set-for-Greek-bailout---
--------
Search for Deeside Islamic centre site continues
Feb 9 2012
by Dave Goodban, Flintshire Chronicle
A BUSINESSMAN who planned to turn a social club into a Muslim centre says he is unable to find a new site for his project – a year on from a suspected arson attack.
The spot where Shotton Lane Social Club once stood still lies empty and no-one has ever been prosecuted for the blaze that destroyed the community building on February 4 last year.
The shocking incident, which saw more than 100 people evacuated from their homes, happened just weeks after Monchab Ali – chairman of the Flintshire Muslim Cultural Society – announced his plan to turn the empty venue into an Islamic cultural centre.
Mr Ali, who owns the Bengal Dynasty restaurant in Shotton, had hoped to create a community facility open to everyone in Deeside to learn more about Islam and had bought the building just two days before it was targeted.
Full Report At:
http://www.flintshirechronicle.co.uk/flintshire-news/local-flintshire-news/2012/02/09/search-for-deeside-islamic-centre-site-continues-51352-30292362/
--------
Musa set to conquer world's second highest peak
Friday, February 10,
(From left) Sabur Khan, Kazi Hamidul Haque, Musa Ibrahim, Sir Frank Peters, GM Quader, Abdullah H Kafi, and Sharmin Laki at the launch of the book "Mission Bangaposhagor O Kilimanjaro" at Liberation War Museum in the city yesterday.Photo: STAR
Staff Correspondent
The power of will was behind all his successes and anybody can succeed in life if he or she is strongly determined, Everest hero Musa Ibrahim said as he launched his first-ever book "Mission Bangaposhagor O Kilimanjaro" at the city's Liberation War Museum yesterday.
The book has been written to inspire people to overcome tough barriers of their mind to achieve anything, Musa said, adding that the book tells about his expeditions of conquering Kilimanjaro and crossing the 14km Bangla Channel by swimming.
Full Report At:
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=221809
--------
Khaleda demands wage board for journalists
Friday, February 10, 2012
BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia yesterday asked the government to declare a new wage board for journalists without further delay considering the price hike of daily essentials.
“I am demanding the announcement of a new wage board and its implementation without any delay.
“Dearness allowance should be declared quickly till the implementation of the wage board,” she said while addressing the annual council of Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalist at Jatiya Press Club in the city.
Full Report At:
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=221816
--------
Prince Harry set for Afghan duty
Friday, February 10, 2012
Britain's Prince Harry could return to Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence said yesterday, after he qualified as an Apache attack helicopter pilot with a special award for his gunnery skills.
The 27-year-old -- the grandson of Queen Elizabeth II and third in line to the throne -- has completed 18 months of "intensive" training including a stint in the United States.
Harry received a prize for being the best co-pilot gunner at a dinner on Wednesday to celebrate the completion of training by around 20 pilots, St James's Palace said in a statement.
Full Report At:
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=221846
--------
Malaysian HM confirms arrest of Saudi Arabian man at KLIA
Friday, February 10, 2012
PUTRAJAYA: The Home Ministry has confirmed the arrest of a Saudi Arabian man at KL International Airport on Wednesday.
Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said 23-year-old Mohammad Najeeb Kashgari was detained at 9.40am as requested by the Saudi Arabian authorities.
Police here are communicating with Saudi Arabia on the next course of action, he added.
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/2/10/nation/20120210175127&sec=nation
--------
New era in Riyadh-Seoul ties
By SIRAJ WAHAB & GHAZANFAR ALI KHAN
Feb 10, 2012
DAMMAM/RIYADH: The South Koreans have indicated their immense faith in Saudi Arabia with Seoul’s third-largest refiner S-Oil signing a 20-year deal to buy oil from Saudi Aramco.
“Such a pact is unprecedented in the oil industry,” said a Dhahran-based expert. “Generally one-year contracts are the norm.”
The deal aims to ensure a stable crude oil supply to Seoul for the next 20 years.
“This long-term contract points to their faith and immense confidence in Saudi Arabia; they don’t want to look anywhere else and are comfortable with Saudi Arabia,” said the expert. “This is a win-win situation for both the producer and the consumer.”
The Indians and the Chinese, for example, have tried to buy oil from multiple producers. The South Koreans, however, have stuck only to Saudi Arabia for their energy security.
At the contract signing event in Riyadh on Wednesday, S-Oil Executive Vice President Kim Dong-cheoul exchanged a copy of the 20-year crude supply contract with Saudi Aramco Senior Vice President Khalid Al-Buainain in the presence of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Ali Al-Naimi, Saudi Aramco CEO Khalid Al-Falih and South Korea’s Knowledge Economy Minister Hong Suk-woo.
Full Report At:
http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article573451.ece
--------
Riyadh: 250m copies of Qur'an distributed
Feb 10, 2012
RIYADH: The King Fahd Complex for Printing the Holy Qur’an distributed more than 250 million copies of the Holy Qur’an, translations and other religious books until January this year since its establishment 27 years ago, according to its report issued Thursday.
King Fahd launched the Holy Qur’an printing complex with the aim of preserving, printing and distributing sacred texts to the Muslims all over the world in Madinah in February 1985.
The complex has an annual production capacity of more than 10 million copies.
Its publications include complete mushafs (books which contain the text of the Holy Qur’an), parts of the holy text, audio recordings, translations and books on the Sunnah and biography of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
Full Report At:
http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article573455.ece
--------
Bayt Al-Madinah attracts visitors
Feb 10, 2012
JANADRIYAH: The Madinah pavilion or “Bayt Al-Madinah” at the national festival ground is being replenished with daily supplies of fresh goods by air.
Different varieties of dates, traditional dishes and vegetables are in great demand at the exhibition ground. Fresh Madinah mint is also very popular among visitors. They are brought straight from the farm to Janadriyah by an early morning flight from Madinah.
Fresh Madinah rose mixed in tea adds to flavor and aroma. Many medicinal plants are also available at the pavilion, the Saudi Press Agency reported Thursday.
Full Report At:
http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article573447.ece
--------
Ahmadinejad seeks rebound in Iranian elections
By BRIAN MURPHY
Feb 9, 2012
TEHRAN: There’s a Persian saying used to describe an under-the-radar political effort: “Driving at night with the lights off.” Allies of embattled President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad may be doing just that as they campaign in Iran’s hinterlands in hopes of scoring a comeback in next month’s parliamentary elections.
The voting March 2 should — momentarily, at least — shift attention from Iran’s international standoffs over its nuclear program back to the country’s internal power plays: the ruling system striking back against perceived runaway ambitions by Ahmadinejad and his inner circle.
Full Report At:
http://arabnews.com/middleeast/article573249.ece
--------
US military seeks more access in Philippines, not bases
By MANUEL MOGATO
Feb 9, 2012
MANILA: The United States is seeking more access to Philippines ports and airfields to re-fuel and service its warships and planes, diplomatic and military sources said on Thursday, expanding its presence at a time of tension with China in the South China Sea.
But it is not trying to reopen military bases there.
Washington’s growing cooperation in the Philippines, a US ally which voted to remove huge American naval and air bases 20 years ago, follows the US announcement last year of plans to set up a Marine base in northern Australia and possibly station warships in Singapore.
It also coincides with diplomatic and military friction in the South China Sea and its oil-rich Spratly Islands, which are subject to disputed claims by China, the Philippines, Vietnam and other Southeast Asian nations.
Last month, senior Philippine defense and foreign affairs officials met their US counterparts in Washington to discuss ways to increase the number and frequency of joint exercises, training, ship and aircraft visits and other activities.
Full Report At:
http://arabnews.com/world/article573294.ece
--------
US says missing Chinese top cop met US diplomats
By CHRISTOPHER BODEEN
Feb 9, 2012
BEIJING: The celebrity top cop relieved of his duties in a major Chinese city met officials at a US consulate amid unconfirmed reports of an asylum bid, but then left the building, the US State Department said. His whereabouts were unclear Thursday.
A Chinese official, meanwhile, said the case of former Chongqing police chief Wang Lijun had been settled smoothly, but he did not elaborate.
Wang, whose crackdown on crime gangs inspired a drama on state TV but who was removed from his police post last week, has dropped from public view. The disappearance fueled unconfirmed reports in China of a power struggle with the city’s powerful Communist Party secretary, Bo Xilai.
Full Report At:
http://arabnews.com/world/article573255.ece
--------
China: Syria veto won’t hurt cooperation with US
By CHRISTOPHER BODEEN
Feb 9, 2012
BEIJING: US outrage over Beijing’s veto of a UN resolution aiming to end Syria’s bloodshed won’t affect cooperation on other international issues such as Iran and North Korea, a leading Chinese diplomat said Thursday.
Vice Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai also said next week’s visit to the US by Vice President Xi Jinping — widely expected to be China’s next leader — offers a chance to reduce a “trust deficit” that vividly contrasts with booming economic, cultural and educational ties between the countries.
Full Report At:
http://arabnews.com/world/article573251.ece
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/lashkar-renewed-threats-cause-unease/d/6597