Madrasa Teachers Burn Boy's Feet with Hot Iron
New Age Islam News Bureau
12 Feb 2013
India
• Madrasa teachers burn boy's feet with hot iron in J&K
• Had Vajpayee been PM, Afzal's execution wouldn’t have happened: Ex-RAW chief
• Family of Afzal Guru will be allowed to pray at his grave: Home Secretary
• Govt considers revoking Yasin Malik’s passport for sharing stage with 26/11 kingpin
• Afzal Guru wrote letter to wife just before execution
• ATS announces Rs 10 lakh each for info on 4 ‘IM’ men
• Hate speech: Akbaruddin's voice recorded, remand extended till Feb 26
Arab World
• 11 killed in spate of Iraq attacks
• $ 8 bn: Arab Spring fund flows to UAE
• Saudi Arabia beheads national for murder
• Saudi Tourism to develop Islamic sites
• Saudi Arab Ministry urged to develop new English curriculum
• Prosecutor-general investigates 'kill opposition figures' Fatwa
• Rebels overrun military airport in north Syria: NGO
• Egypt YouTube ban an attack on free expression
• Syrian Insurgents Claim to Control Large Hydropower Dam
• Egypt's new Grand Mufti elected for first time ever
• 28 embrace Islam during Alkhobar youth event
• Zayed mosque among top global attractions
Pakistan
• At least eight militants killed in TTP and AI clashes in Tirah valley
• Dual nationals cannot interfere in internal politics, says SC
• Four MQM men among 14 killed in gun attacks across Karachi
• Terror attacks part of conspiracy, says MQM
• Appointment of KP governor triggers controversy
• Haqqani accuses Imran, Sheikh Rashid for inciting ‘extremist’ supporters against him
• Army creates new units to combat IED threat
• 250 shrines and mosques under Auqaf dept, tells Sharmila
• Stalling on caretaker set-up to harm democratic process, says Nawaz
• TTP releases video lauding killed American, British militants
Africa
• 3 Nigeria Journalists Charged over Killings of at least nine female polio vaccinators
• Ruling Islamists, Under Attack, Reject Blame for Tunisia’s Woes
• Qaeda in Arabian Peninsula Denounces ‘Crusader’ French in Mali
• Islamic extremists launch a surprise attack Gao
• France bombs Islamist hideout in Mali
• Militant Threats Test Role of a Pentagon Command in Africa
• Mali 'hesitant' over UN peacekeeping force
Mideast Asia
• Speaker of Iran’s Parliament Is Pelted With Shoes at Iran’s holiest Shrine
• Textbook Study Debunks Myth of Palestinian Incitement
• At least 13 killed in mini-bus blast near Turkey-Syria border
• Qaeda urges jihad against France in Mali: SITE
• Iran calls for end to all nuclear arms after N. Korea test
• Iran converting some higher-grade enriched uranium to fuel: official
• Iran releases daughters of opposition leader after brief questioning
• Ministry plans to open men's shelter in Istanbul
• Islamic Jihad: Yes to PLO, No to PA
• Israel arrests more Hamas members in West Bank: Hamas
• Deaths mar Yemen's 2011 revolt anniversary
South Asia
• Fears of the Future Haunt a Budding Generation of Afghan Strivers
• State must defend rights of disabled: Bangladesh CJ
• “Nations say it will be difficult to accept elections if I cannot contest”: Nasheed
• Nationwide silence in Bangladesh demands death to war criminals
• Garments boost Bangladesh exports
North America
• New Round of “Anti-Jihad” Ads Headed to Metro
• Osama pushed his youngest wife ahead of him as he faced us: Navy SEAL
• U.S. Muslim Group Offers 'Best Wishes' to Resigning Pope
• 9/11 Case Is Delayed as Defence Voices Fears on Eavesdropping
• Frankfort Library to Host Series on Muslim Culture
• Brennan's Admission to CIA and NYPD's Arrangement on Spying on American Muslims
• The Campaign to Save New York's 'Little Syria'
• US envoy meets new KP governor, affirms development support
• US army vet receives Medal of Honour for Afghan fight
Europe
• Greece says no deal with Turkey over planned Athens mosque
• Exhibition highlights heritage of Muslim Spain
• Bookmakers tip Nigerian or Canadian as next pope
Southeast Asia
• Thailand says al-Qaida planning attack on US consulate
• Philippine President to speak at Arab Gulf Program for Development event
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
Photo: Palestinian first-graders during class in the West Bank city of Ramallah
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India
Madrasa Teachers Burn Boy's Feet with Hot Iron
Feb 12, 2013
JAMMU: In a shocking case, two teachers at a madrasa allegedly burnt the feet of a 11-year-old student by pressing hot iron on them after the child tried to run away from the seminary in Rajouri district.
The two teachers, Anwar-ul-Haq and Ahmed Jameel, allegedly pressed hot iron on the feet of Mohammad Musharaf as "punishment" for trying to run away from the madrasa in Rajouri district a few days ago, SSP, Rajouri, Mubassir Latifee said on Tuesday.
The incident came to light on Monday when the maternal uncle of child visited the institute.
He reported the matter to police, which registered a case and arrested the two teachers of Madrasa Nasurat-ul-Uloom in Ahdarkote, Rajouri.
The child is recuperating in a Rajouri hospital.
Rajouri district has witnessed two cases of brutality by teachers in the recent past.
On December 6, 2012, the right arm of a nine-year-old girl was fractured after she was allegedly caned by a teacher for coming late to school in Rajouri district.
On August 18, 2012, a Class IX suffered kidney failure after he was allegedly thrashed by a teacher in Rajouri district.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Madrassa-teachers-burn-boys-feet-with-hot-iron-in-JK/articleshow/18461516.cms
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Had Vajpayee been PM, Afzal's execution wouldn’t have happened: Ex-RAW chief
By Deeptiman Tiwary
Feb 11, 2013
Afzal Guru hanging: Mobile internet services snapped in KashmirCPI(ML) liberation, AFDR condemns Afzal Guru hangingAfzal Guru hanging: Kashmir under curfew for second dayAfzal Guru hanging: Bad news for Rajiv Gandhi killers Afzal Guru hanging: Curfew continues in Kashmir, 14 BSF companies rus...
NEW DELHI: Calling the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru a setback to the process of reconciliation and normalcy in Kashmir, former chief of Research & Analysis Wing (RAW) and an expert on the valley AS Dulat has said that had AB Vajpayee been the Prime Minister he would have never let Guru hang.
"Even though BJP had been demanding Guru's hanging, Atal Bihari Vajpayee would have not done it had he been heading the government," Dulat told TOI. Dulat headed RAW in 1999-2000 and was subsequently appointed as advisor to the PM (Vajpayee) on Kashmir. He was instrumental in shaping BJP's Kashmir strategy and an important player in Track II diplomacy.
Neither Congress nor BJP, which has both demanded and gloated over Guru's hanging, are likely to find the comment palatable. However, Dulat is firm in his opinion that the hanging has come at a wrong time when the valley was moving towards normalcy. "It has the potential to take the valley several years back. I was not expecting this to happen," he said.
Sentiments over Guru have been strong in the valley and as has been evident from the protests following the hanging — three civilians are reported dead in the clashes between protestors and security forces despite the latter having been told to exercise utmost restraint — things always have the potential to spiral out of control in Kashmir.
Even as the establishment has been banking on the anticipation of a good tourist season, strict but cautious policing and a youth geared more towards reaping benefits of a rising economy than causing long-drawn stir, observers say Kashmir can be unpredictable.
"Kashmiris are smart people. They can reap economic benefits and still vent their anger. They are also politically very conscious. Already the security clampdown is being called Gaza-isation of the valley. Also, while the youth is economically inclined, it is also very impatient," said an expert.
Sources also said as much of a political decision it may have been for the Congress, the party may not benefit from it in the upcoming elections. The leapfrogging to hang Guru over Beant Singh and Rajiv Gandhi killers will only hurt its secular image. In fact, it's the BJP that will be able to consolidate its support base as it has been demanding the hanging for several years, sources said.
However, according to Dulat, the biggest loser in this entire episode is J&K CM Omar Abdullah. "He has completely lost his credibility in the valley," says Dulat. Not surprisingly, Abdullah has been constantly distancing himself from the decision and has castigated Centre over it.
Dulat says the government must now devise a strategy to find a way out of the situation. "And the solution should attempt to go beyond law and order mechanisms. Militancy is not the thing to fear in the valley, but public anger is," he added.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Had-Vajpayee-been-PM-Afzals-execution-wouldnt-have-happened-Ex-RAW-chief/articleshow/18449848.cms
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Family of Afzal Guru will be allowed to pray at his grave in Tihar Jail: Home secretary
Feb 12, 2013
NEW DELHI: A day after Union home minister Sushilkumar Shinde hinted at the possibility of allowing Afzal Guru's family members to visit his grave for prayer inside the Tihar Central Jail Complex in New Delhi, the home secretary RK Singh on Tuesday confirmed the move and said that the belongings of the deceased would be handed over to them.
Though the home secretary refrained from giving any time-frame for such visit, officials in his ministry said it would happen soon and the government would facilitate the visit of the family members of Guru to Tihar Jail complex.
They also said that this would, however, be a one-off visit for Guru's wife Tabassum, son Galib and a couple of other close family members, keeping in mind their desire to offer "fathiah namaz" (prayer at the grave).
The government's move seems to have been prompted by adverse comment about Guru's wife and son not being able to meet him and the delay in the official dispatch stating the rejection of his mercy petition reaching the family.
Shinde on Monday said the visit of Guru's family members to his grave "can be considered". Officials had later said the matter was discussed in detail with Tihar Jail authorities including director general (prison) Vimla Mehra.
Shinde's remarks on Monday on the issue came a day after Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah expressed anguish over the Centre's decision not to allow Guru's family members to meet him ahead of his hanging.
Omar Abdullah told a TV news channel, "As a human being, I find it very difficult to reconcile myself to the fact that we executed a person who wasn't given the opportunity to see his family for the last time... it would have cost me nothing to have sent a plane here and have the family picked up and flown to Delhi. They would have had a last hour to spend with him before he was executed."
Meanwhile, besides jail authorities in the Capital, top J&K police and civil authorities have also been sounded out about the move which the government will try and keep a low key affair.
Guru's family members had on Saturday requested that they be allowed to perform his last rites in accordance with religious traditions. The letter, written by Guru's lawyer ND Pancholi to Mehra on behalf of Tabassum, said the family learnt about the execution from national TV.
"We are writing to you to please permit the family members to give Afzal Guru proper dignified last rites in accordance with religious traditions... If you could inform us when the family members can perform the 'Namaaz-e-Janaza', we would appreciate it," the letter said.
Tabassum also said in the letter, "We do not wish to make it a political issue in an atmosphere which is already volatile but the family members, as citizens of India, have a right, which must be respected."
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Family-of-Afzal-Guru-will-be-allowed-to-pray-at-his-grave-in-Tihar-Jail-Home-secretary/articleshow/18463389.cms
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Govt considers revoking Yasin Malik’s passport for sharing stage with 26/11 kingpin
By Bharti Jain
Feb 12, 2013
NEW DELHI: Embarrassed and angered by Kashmiri separatist leader YasinMalik's decision to share the stage with 26/11 mastermind HafizSaeed in Islamabad to mourn the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, the government is weighing the option of revoking his passport on grounds of national security.
It also seems certain the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) leader will be questioned by security agencies as soon as he returns home to explain his hobnobbing with India's most-wanted terror fugitive, almost giving Saeed legitimacy as a champion of the Kashmiri cause.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Govt-considers-revoking-Yasin-Maliks-passport-for-sharing-stage-with-26/11-kingpin/articleshow/18456074.cms
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Afzal Guru wrote letter to wife just before execution
Feb 11 2013
New Delhi : Afzal Guru had written a letter to his wife Tabassum hours before he was executed on Saturday morning in the high security Tihar jail.
“He penned a letter to his wife before he was taken to the gallows,” a top official of the jail said.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/afzal-guru-wrote-letter-to-wife-just-before-execution/1072663/
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ATS announces Rs 10 lakh each for info on 4 ‘IM’ men
Feb 12 2013
Mumbai : The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Monday announced a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh each for information leading to the arrests of four alleged Indian Mujahideen (IM) operatives wanted in connection with the 13/7 Mumbai serial blasts and the August 2012 Pune blasts.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/ats-announces-rs-10-lakh-each-for-info-on-4-im-men/1072815/
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Hate speech: Akbaruddin's voice recorded, remand extended till Feb 26
Feb 12 2013
Hyderabad : The voice of jailed MIM legislator Akbaruddin Owaisi, facing charges of sedition and waging war against the nation for his alleged “hate speech”, was on Tuesday recorded in Nizamabad town of Andhra Pradesh even as a court extended his judicial remand till February 26.
On February 5, Nirmal town police had got his voice recorded by Andhra Pradesh Forensic Science Laboratory (APFSL) experts in another alleged hate speech case.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/hate-speech-akbaruddins-voice-recorded-remand-extended-till-feb-26/1073097/
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Arab World
11 killed in spate of Iraq attacks
Vehicle detonates with explosives in Mosul, targeting security targets kills eleven and wounds seven
12 Feb 2013
A series of attacks mostly targeting security forces, including a suicide car bomb at an army base, killed 11 people, officials said Tuesday, updating a previous toll.
In the deadliest of Monday's incidents, a vehicle packed with explosives was detonated by a suicide attacker in the main northern city of Mosul, killing six soldiers and wounding seven others, according to security and medical officials.
The blast struck near a military base in the Al-Muthanna area of the city, 350 kilometres (220 miles) north of the capital.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/64589/World/Region/-killed-in-spate-of-Iraq-attacks.aspx
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$ 8 bn: Arab Spring fund flows to UAE
12 February 2013
The UAE has received about 30 billion dirhams ($ 8.2 billion) from Arab Spring countries over the past two years, but it has invested much higher in them.
It was revealed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, premier of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, yesterday while he was opening the Government Summit.
Large amounts of capital fled Egypt, Tunisia, Syria, Yemen and other Arab countries in search of safe havens after political and economic turmoil erupted in those countries in early 2011.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/8-bn-arab-spring-fund-flows-uae
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Saudi Arabia beheads national for murder
Saudi Arabia beheads man for murder in south-western region, bringing total number of executions to 11 since the start of the year
12 Feb 2013
Saudi Arabia beheaded one of its nationals on Tuesday in the south-western Aseer region after he was convicted of murdering a fellow citizen, the interior ministry announced.
Mohammed al-Qahtani shot dead Mueed al-Qahtani during a fight between the two, the ministry said in a statement carried by state news agency SPA.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/64597/World/Region/Saudi-Arabia-beheads-national-for-murder.aspx
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Saudi Tourism to develop Islamic sites
12 February 2013
Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, yesterday announced SCTA’s plan to develop historical Islamic sites in the Kingdom, including those in Makkah and Madinah.
Addressing the First Conference of “Archaeology and Tourism in Al-Ula: Challenges and Aspirations,” he said the project would be carried out in consultation with Islamic scholars and archaeologists.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/scta-develop-islamic-sites
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Saudi Arab Ministry urged to develop new English curriculum
12 February 2013
The English curriculum of the Ministry of Education contains factual mistakes and does not follow a gradual teaching method, according to English language teaching experts.
They also said students in Saudi schools start learning the English language at a relatively late age.
“English language classes for fourth grade public school students will be formalized within two years and rolled out to all of the Kingdom’s schools,” said Naif Al-Roumi, undersecretary for Development and Planning at the Ministry of Education. Fourth grade students are 10 to 11 years old.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/ministry-urged-develop-new-english-curriculum
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Prosecutor-general investigates 'kill opposition figures' Fatwa
Last week, Al-Azhar University professor issued a highly controversial fatwa stating that the opposition should be punished by death for attempting to bring down a leader elected by the public
11 Feb 2013
The spokesman for the Prosecutor-General office Mostafa Dweidar said on Monday that the prosecutor-general Talaat Abdullah has ordered an investigation into Sheikh Mahmoud Shaaban's highly controversial fatwa against Egypt's opposition figures.
Last week, the Al-Azhar University professor and host of a religious television show on the ultraconservative TV channel El-Hafez, Shaaban stated that the opposition should be punished by death for attempting to bring down a leader elected by the public, directly naming Hamdeen Sabbahi and fellow National Salvation Front leader Mohamed ElBaradei.
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/64538/Egypt/Politics-/Prosecutorgeneral-investigates-kill-opposition-fig.aspx
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Rebels overrun military airport in north Syria: NGO
February 12, 2013
Rebels seized a military airport in Syria's northern province of Aleppo, killing, injuring and capturing a total of around 40 troops, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
"The remainder of the troops pulled out from the airport, leaving behind several war planes and large amounts of ammunition," Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/afp/rebels-overrun-military-airport-in-north-syria-ngo/571228
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Egypt YouTube ban an attack on free expression, if feasible
Human rights organisations, online activists, users, decry administrative court's decision to block YouTube in Egypt for one month
Deya Abaza
12 Feb 2013
The decision by an Egyptian court to ban YouTube in the country for one month due to its continued hosting of an anti-Islamic film has attracted harsh criticism from human rights organisations, online activists, and disgruntled users of the video-sharing website.
The verdict was issued on Saturday in response to a lawsuit filed in September by lawyer Mohamed Hamed Salem, as Egypt and the Muslim world were rocked by deadly protests against the film. It orders the Egyptian government, through the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA), to ban YouTube and other websites carrying the controversial video and other anti-Islamic content for one month, during which time all such content should be removed.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/3/12/64569/Business/Economy/Egypt-YouTube-ban-an-attack-on-free-expression,-if.aspx
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Syrian Insurgents Claim to Control Large Hydropower Dam
By HWAIDA SAAD and RICK GLADSTONE
February 12, 2013
BEIRUT, Lebanon — Syrian insurgents and opposition activists said Monday that rebel forces had taken control of Syria’s largest hydroelectric dam, an assertion that, if confirmed, would give them significant control over a vital reservoir and what remains of the sporadic power supplies in their war-ravaged country.
The Tabqa Dam, built more than 40 years ago with Russian help on the Euphrates River in northeast Syria’s Raqqa Province, provides electricity to areas that are both in rebel and loyalist hands, including the contested city of Aleppo, and would be the third Euphrates dam taken by the rebels, who control two smaller facilities upriver.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/12/world/middleeast/syrian-insurgents-claim-to-control-large-hydropower-dam.html
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Egypt's new Grand Mufti elected for first time ever
Following a vote by senior figures at Al-Azhar, Shawqi Ibrahim Abdel-Karim Allam has been chosen as Egypt's new Grand Mufti; President Mohamed Morsi must approve the choice
11 Feb 2013
Shawqi Ibrahim Abdel-Karim Allam is to become Egypt's new Grand Mufti following a vote by members of the Al-Azhar Senior Scholars Authority on Monday.
It is first time the Grand Mufti has been chosen in a vote as opposed to being appointed by the president.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/64550/Egypt/Politics-/Egypts-new-Grand-Mufti-elected-for-first-time-ever.aspx
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28 embrace Islam during Alkhobar youth event
12 February 2013
More than 25,000 Saudis and expatriates attended various events at the ongoing Youth Forum at the Alkhobar Corniche. The forum opened on Wednesday.
At the “The Guests of the Kingdom” pavilion, there were many expatriates from different countries. They explored the history of Saudi Arabia, its culture and the ongoing modernization of its many cities.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/28-embrace-islam-during-alkhobar-youth-event
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Zayed mosque among top global attractions
12 February 2013
Abu Dhabi’s iconic Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque has been named among the world’s most talked-about attractions by leading travel site, TripAdvisor.
The Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which welcomed over 4.6 million visitors and worshippers in 2012, joined a line-up of 16 global attractions to make the list, which included Sydney Harbour, Sydney, Australia; The Colosseum in Rome, Italy; The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France; Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa; and Central Park in New York, USA.
Full report at:
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/kt-article-display-
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Pakistan
At least eight militants killed in TTP and AI clashes in Tirah valley
12 February 2013
PESHAWAR: At least eight militants belonging to two proscribed oraganisations, the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Ansarul Islam (AI), were killed during fresh clashes that erupted in Khyber tribal region’s Drey Stani area of Tirah valley whereas scores of others were injured.
Sources told Dawn.com that the death-toll expected to increase.
Political admin officials did not confirm any details of the incident.
Another intelligence source talking to Dawn.com claimed that AI militants had taken important strategic heights and were again in control of the key Maidan area which was taken over by TTP militants last month.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2013/02/12/at-least-eight-militants-killed-in-ttp-and-ai-clash-in-tirah-valley/
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Dual nationals cannot interfere in internal politics, says SC
12 February 2013
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan maintained that dual nationals cannot be allowed to interfere in internal politics, while hearing Minhajul Quran International (MQI) chief Tahirul Qadri’s petition on reconstitution of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), reported Express News on Tuesday.
During the hearing, Qadri told the bench that he has used a Pakistani passport for visiting Pakistan and Canadian for going to Canada.
Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry remarked that Qadri is known as the “Sheikhul Islam” but has sworn his allegiance to Queen Elizabeth.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/506213/ecp-reconstitution-sc-rejects-tahirul-qadris-petition/
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Four MQM men among 14 killed in gun attacks across Karachi
12 February 2013
KARACHI: Fourteen people, including four activists of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement and two policemen, were shot dead in gun attacks in different parts of the city on Monday, police and party sources said.
In a shooting outside the MQM unit office in Gulshan-i-Maymar, five workers of the party were wounded, the officials said.
They added that the attackers, said to be four, riding two motorcycles sped away after targeting the activists.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2013/02/12/four-mqm-men-among-14-killed-in-gun-attacks-across-karachi/
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Terror attacks part of conspiracy, says MQM
12 February 2013
KARACHI: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement has termed the increase in target killings and incidents of terrorism in Karachi part of a well-planned conspiracy and called upon the country’s leadership to take effective steps for protecting the life and property of citizens.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2013/02/12/terror-attacks-part-of-conspiracy-says-mqm/
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Haqqani accuses Imran, Sheikh Rashid for inciting ‘extremist’ supporters against him
February 12, 2013
Former ambassador to US Husain Haqqani accused Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan and Awami Muslim League leader Sheikh Rashid Ahmed for inciting their “supporters in jihadist terrorist organisations” against him.
Haqqani had written a letter to the interior secretary regarding the arrangements made for his security in Pakistan. He had fled the country after being implicated in the Memogate case and refused to return citing security threats.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/506195/haqqani-accuses-imran-sheikh-rashid-for-inciting-extremist-supporters-against-him/
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Army creates new units to combat IED threat
February 12, 2013
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Army plans to raise a new force to deal with the threat of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), which have claimed over 11,000 lives in the last decade in Pakistan.
IEDs have also been a major cause of fatalities among foreign forces stationed in neighbouring Afghanistan.
An inter-agency meeting, held at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi on Monday, was informed that a new force of three Counter IED units was being raised within the Pakistan Army, according to an official statement.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/506074/cheapest-assassins-army-creates-new-units-to-combat-ied-threat/
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250 shrines and mosques under Auqaf dept, tells Sharmila
12 February 2013
KARACHI: Special Assistant to Chief Minister Sindh on Auqaf and Media Sharmila Farooqui has said that renovation and construction work is going on at the shrines of Abdullah Shah Ghazi in Karachi, Qalandar Lal Shahbaz in Shewan Sharif, Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, Sachal Sarmast at Daraza and other all big shrines and tombs.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013\02\12\story_12-2-2013_pg12_7
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Stalling on caretaker set-up to harm democratic process, says Nawaz
2013/02/12
LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday said a caretaker set-up should immediately be announced, adding that stalling on the matter could lead to damaging the democratic process underway in the country, DawnNews reported.
Speaking to media representatives in Lahore, Sharif said his party had completed its “homework” on the matter of the caretaker prime minister, adding that the government should also move forward on the issue.
The PML-N chief the sooner the question of the caretaker set-up is resolved the better it would be.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2013/02/12/stalling-on-caretaker-set-up-to-harm-democratic-process-says-nawaz/
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TTP releases video lauding killed American, British militants
12 February 2013
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani Taliban have included a Briton and an American in a slideshow of fighters killed in battle that also eulogises Al Qaeda mastermind Osama bin Laden.
According to the US monitoring service SITE, the 12-minute, 56-second video was posted on jihadist websites on February 6 and was prepared by Umar Studio, the media wing of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2013/02/12/ttp-releases-video-lauding-killed-american-british-militants/
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Africa
3 Nigeria Journalists Charged over Killings of at least nine female polio vaccinators
February 12, 2013
KANO, Nigeria (AP) — Police in northern Nigeria say they've arrested three radio journalists over the killings of at least nine female polio vaccinators, saying their on-air discussion about rumours around the vaccine sparked the attack.
Kano state police commissioner Ibrahim Idris said Tuesday that the journalists, who work for Wazobia FM, will be charged with culpable homicide over the killings Friday. Officials with the radio station could not be immediately reached for comment.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2013/02/12/world/africa/ap-af-nigeria-violence-
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Ruling Islamists, Under Attack, Reject Blame for Tunisia’s Woes
By KAREEM FAHIM
2013/02/12
TUNIS — Facing public anger and internal divisions after the assassination of an opposition leader, Tunisia’s largest Islamist party, which leads a governing coalition, blamed the news media, secular elites and the remnants of the old government for its troubles.
As Tunisians fretted about the specter of political violence, the party, Ennahda, did not seem to look inward. It strongly condemned the assassination, but did not see any blame for the anger in its own actions. But others did.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/12/world/africa/memo-from-tunis-ennahda-party-
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Qaeda in Arabian Peninsula Denounces ‘Crusader’ French in Mali
February 12, 2013
Dubai. The Yemen-based offshoot of Al Qaeda urged Muslims to sacrifice themselves and their money to help fend off what it called the “Crusader war” in Mali, according to a statement posted online on Tuesday.
France intervened in Mali last month to check a push south towards the capital Bamako by Islamist forces who seized control of the north of the country in the confusion that followed a military coup in March 2012.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/international/qaeda-in-arabian-peninsula-denounces-crusader-french-in-mali/571237
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Islamic extremists launch a surprise attack Gao
11 February 2013
Black-robed Islamic extremists armed with AK-47 automatic rifles invaded Gao in wooden boats on Sunday to launch a surprise attack on the most populous city in northern Mali, two weeks after French and Malian troops ousted the jihadists.
Gunfire echoed for hours across the city of mud-walled buildings. The combat started at about 2pm in downtown Gao and the fighting was continuing as night fell. Later the sound of gunfire was replaced by that of French military helicopters overhead.
Full report at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/feb/11/islamic-extremists-attack-gao-mali
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France bombs Islamist hideout in Mali
Marc Bastian | February 12, 2013
France has bombed an Islamist rebel hideout in northern Mali's largest city, intensifying a security lock-down against guerrilla attacks as the French-led campaign entered its second month.
Witnesses said a French attack helicopter destroyed the central police station in Gao in a pre-dawn assault Monday.
A day earlier, rebels from the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO) had hidden in the building before opening fire on Malian troops, sparking a long street battle.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/afp/france-bombs-islamist-hideout-in-mali/571235
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Militant Threats Test Role of a Pentagon Command in Africa
By ERIC SCHMITT
12 February 2013
NIAMEY, Niger — Created five years ago to focus on training the armed forces of dozens of African nations and strengthening social, political and economic programs, the Pentagon’s Africa Command now finds itself on a more urgent mission: confronting a new generation of Islamist militants who are testing the United States’ resolve to fight terrorism without being drawn into a major conflict.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/12/world/africa/militant-threats-test-pentagons-role-in-
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Mali 'hesitant' over UN peacekeeping force
February 12, 2013
The government of Mali is "hesitant" over the deployment of a UN peacekeeping force, a senior UN official has said.
"We do not have a clear green light from the government of Mali yet for a peacekeeping operation,'' said Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson.
However, he said other countries were increasingly in favour of that option.
Thousands of troops from France and African nations have been sent to Mali to oust Islamist militants.
Full report at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21425067
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Mideast Asia
Speaker of Iran’s Parliament Is Pelted With Shoes at Iran’s holiest Shrine
By THOMAS ERDBRIN
February 12, 2013
TEHRAN — The speaker of Iran’s Parliament, an open rival of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, was pelted with shoes and stones in one of Iran’s holiest shrines on Sunday, forcing him to cancel a speech there, the semi-official Iranian Labour News Agency reported Monday.
The speaker, Ali Larijani, is a leading member of Iran’s most famous political family. He had been scheduled to speak at the golden-domed shrine of Fatima Masoumeh, the daughter of a Shiite saint, to commemorate the 34th anniversary of the Islamic revolution.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/12/world/middleeast/iranian-politician-pelted-with-
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Textbook Study Debunks Myth of Palestinian Incitement
By: Dalia Hatuqa
February 12, 2013
For years, the Israeli government, backed by “watchdogs” — such as Palwatch, IMPACT-SE (Institute for Monitoring Peace and Cultural Tolerance in School Education) and MEMRI (Middle East Media Research Institute) — has accused Palestinians of inciting hatred against Israelis through the content in schoolbooks. This allegation has been perpetuated for so long that it has almost become conventional wisdom that Palestinian children are being taught to hate and instigate violence against Israelis.
Full report at:
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/02/israeli-palestinian-textbook-study.html#ixzz2KfzsZMIc
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At least 13 killed in mini-bus blast near Turkey-Syria border
Officials say 13 people died and dozens wounded following a car explosion on the Turkish-Syrian borders
11 Feb 2013
At least 13 people were killed and dozens wounded when a Syrian mini-bus exploded Monday near the border between Turkey and Syria, officials said, though the cause was not immediately clear.
"All possibilities are on the table, including political motives," Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc said after unidentified explosives triggered the "powerful blast".
The Syrian-registered mini-bus, which was travelling from the direction of Syria, exploded in a busy parking lot barely 40 metres (yards) into the buffer zone of the Cilvegozu crossing in the Turkish town of Reyhanli.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/64578/World/Region/UPDATE-At-least--killed-in-minibus-blast-near-Turk.aspx
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Qaeda urges jihad against France in Mali: SITE
Al-Qaeda in Yemen calls for jihad against France's military intervention in Mali, claiming there is no justification for it and a 'declaration of aggression against Islam and its people'
12 Feb 2013
Yemen-based Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula has called for jihad, or holy war, to thwart France's military intervention in Mali against Islamist rebels, SITE Intelligence agency reported on Tuesday.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/64585/World/Region/Qaeda-urges-jihad-against-France-in-Mali-SITE.aspx
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Iran calls for end to all nuclear arms after N. Korea test
In response to North Korea's announcement it is conducting underground nuclear tests, Iran foreign ministry spokesman states all atomic weapons should be destroyed, but use for peaceful purposes to be permitted
12 Feb 2013
Sanctions-hit Iran on Tuesday called for the destruction of all atomic weapons in the world after North Korea announced that it had staged its most powerful nuclear test yet.
"We need to come to the point where no country has any nuclear weapons and at the same time all weapons of mass destruction and nuclear arms need to be destroyed," foreign ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said when asked for a response to Pyongyang's claim to have detonated a "miniaturised" device.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/9/64594/World/International/Iran-calls-for-end-to-all-nuclear-arms-after-N-Kor.aspx
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Iran converting some higher-grade enriched uranium to fuel: official
12 February 2013
DUBAI: Iran is converting some of its higher-grade enriched uranium into reactor fuel, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said.
“This work is being done and all its reports have been sent to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in a complete manner,” Ramin Mehmanparast was quoted as saying on Tuesday by state news agency IRNA.
He was responding to a question on news reports that Iran has converted some of its 20-percent-enriched uranium into fuel for the Tehran Research Reactor, IRNA said.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2013/02/12/iran-converting-some-higher-grade-enriched-uranium-to-fuel-official/
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Iran releases daughters of opposition leader after brief questioning
February 11, 2013
Iranian prosecutors have released the daughters of reformist opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi after they were briefly summoned for questioning, the semi-official ILNA news agency reported on Monday.
ILNA quoted an unnamed official as saying the daughters, Zahra and Narges Mousavi, had been summoned to give "explanations." It did not elaborate.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/restofasia/Iran-releases-daughters-of-opposition-leader-after-brief-questioning/Article1-1010209.aspx
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Ministry plans to open men's shelter in Istanbul
If opened, the men's shelter will be a first in Turkey to be sponsored and run by the state.
World Bulletin / News Desk
12 February 2013
Minister of Family and Social Policies Fatma Sahin has said her ministry is planning to open a shelter in Istanbul to accommodate men who are subjected to physical and psychological violence at the hands of their spouses.
“Such incidents [of men subjected to violence by their wives] are announced in the media from time to time. There are men who are subjected to violence. There are applications by men to our ministry and security forces for protection against domestic violence. We are planning to open a shelter in Istanbul that will welcome men who are subjected to violence by their wives,” announced Sahin on Sunday via a post on her Twitter account.
Full report at:
http://www.worldbulletin.net/?aType=haber&ArticleID=103180
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Islamic Jihad: Yes to PLO, No to PA
By: Daoud Kuttab
February 11, 2013
With the bulk of the Palestinian reconciliation effort being focused on Hamas and Fatah, little attention has been paid to other nationalist and Islamic factions that compose the Palestinian movement.
One of these factions is Islamic Jihad, a militant nationalist movement that has adopted Islam politically rather than religiously. Unlike Hamas — which believes in the need to preach Islam to its supporters — Islamic Jihad ignores Islam's social elements and grassroots activity to instead concentrate on its political and military dimensions. This focus means that Islamic Jihad revolves around a smaller, more trained membership because it has no need to attract large numbers of followers.
Full report at:
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/02/islamic-jihad-join-plo.html#ixzz2Kfz0MfPe
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Israel arrests more Hamas members in West Bank: Hamas
Eight members of Islamist Hamas movement arrested in West Bank cities of Tulkarem and Nablus
12 Feb 2013
Israeli troops on Tuesday arrested eight members of the Islamist Hamas movement in early-morning raids in the northern West Bank, Palestinian security sources said.
They said that soldiers detained Hamas activists in the city of Nablus and the town of Tulkarem, among them Rafat Nassif, a former Hamas spokesman.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/64591/World/Region/Israel-arrests-more-Hamas-members-in-West-Bank-Ham.aspx
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Deaths mar Yemen's 2011 revolt anniversary
12 Feb 2013
Two people have been killed in clashes in Yemen during rallies marking the 2011 uprising that led to the ouster of President Ali Abdullah Saleh.
Officials say the fighting was between separatists and Islamists in the southern city of Aden.
Meanwhile, thousands of people marched peacefully in the capital Sanaa.
In November 2011, Mr Saleh handed over power to his deputy, who has since pledged to launch a national dialogue to draft a new constitution.
Full report at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21421310
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South Asia
Fears of the Future Haunt a Budding Generation of Afghan Strivers
By GRAHAM BOWLEY
2013/02/12
KABUL, Afghanistan — The landmarks of this capital city’s new middle class light up a once-restrained night sky — vast and glittering wedding halls with aspirational names like “Kabul-Paris,” streetlamp networks, come-hither billboards for energy drinks.
After the ouster of the Taliban in 2001, thousands of Afghan families returned from abroad, or came in from the countryside, to construct urban and increasingly Westernized lives. They built homes and careers based on an influx of foreign money, expanded bureaucracies and new educational opportunities.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/12/world/asia/middle-class-afghans-face-a-murky-future.html?ref=asia&gwh=847A3292AF71B82DBD049502861B4705
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State must defend rights of disabled: Bangladesh CJ
12 February 2013
The state must serve a role to protect the disabled people against any form of discrimination, Chief Justice Md Muzammel Hossain said yesterday.
“It is the responsibility of the state to defend the rights of the people who are suffering from physical or mental disabilities, as the basis of justice and independence is to ensure equality for all,” he told a views exchange meeting in the capital's Cirdap auditorium.
Full report at:
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=268806
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“Nations say it will be difficult to accept elections if I cannot contest”: former President Nasheed
By Mariyath Mohamed | February 11th, 2013
Former President and Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) presidential candidate Mohamed Nasheed has claimed that India does not wish for the Maldives to have a presidential elections in which any party’s candidate is barred from contesting.
The former President, who returned today from an official visit to the country, said India was concerned that this may lead to unrest in the island nation.
Full report at:
http://minivannews.com/politics/%E2%80%9Cnations-say-it-will-be-difficult-to-accept-
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Nationwide silence demands death to war criminals
Slogans, songs fill air as demo enters 8th day
12 February 2013
Millions of people observed a three-minute silence across the country Tuesday afternoon to express solidarity with the demand of death penalty for all war criminals.
Beginning at 4:00 pm, the programme saw people of all walks standing up to demand the highest punishment for those who committed crimes against humanity during Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War.
Full report at:
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/latest_news.php?nid=44715
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Garments boost Bangladesh exports
Reuters
12 February 2013
Bangladesh's exports rose 18.81 percent in January, gaining for a seventh straight month from a year earlier thanks to improved garment sales, the Export Promotion Bureau said on Monday.
From March through June, Bangladesh's monthly exports fell year on year as the global slowdown weighed on demand. But overseas sales have since picked up, with a 8.83 percent rise in the July-January period, bureau data showed.
Full report at:
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/latest_news.php?nid=44717
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North America
New Round of “Anti-Jihad” Ads Headed to Metro
Posted by Will Sommer
Feb. 8, 2013
Have you figured out yet what "anti-jihad" blogger Pamela Geller thinks of Islam? If the "savages" ads and the World Trade Centre ads didn't make the picture clear, you're in luck: Geller and her group are returning to the Metro, this time with a campaign modelled on a pro-Muslim campaign currently in the system.
Full report at:
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/citydesk/2013/02/08/new-round-of-anti-jihad-ads-headed-to-metro/
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Osama pushed his youngest wife ahead of him as he faced us: Navy SEAL
Feb 12 2013
Washington : The Navy SEAL who killed Osama bin Laden broke his silence today, recounting in an interview the three bullets he pumped into the Al-Qaeda leader and the financial anxiety he now faces as an unemployed civilian.
The commando kept his identity secret in the Esquire magazine profile but revealed his role in the daring May 2011 raid for the first time, as well as the worries he has for his family's security.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/osama-pushed-his-youngest-wife-ahead-of-him-as-he-.../1073026/
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U.S. Muslim Group Offers 'Best Wishes' to Resigning Pope, Seeks Positive Relations with New Pontiff
2/11/13
WASHINGTON, D.C., 2/11/13) -- The nation's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization today offered "best wishes" to Pope Benedict XVI following his announced resignation and expressed a desire for continued positive relations between American Muslims and the Roman Catholic Church under his successor.
In a statement reacting to Pope Benedict's decision to step down at the end of this month, Nihad Awad, national executive director of the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said:
Full report at:
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9/11 Case Is Delayed as Defense Voices Fears on Eavesdropping
By CHARLIE SAVAGE
February 12, 2013
FORT MEADE, Md. — The tribunal case against Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and four others accused of being accomplices in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, was delayed again on Monday as defense lawyers pressed forward with concerns that their confidential communications with their clients and other counsel may be subject to eavesdropping by the government.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/12/us/9-11-case-is-delayed-as-defense-voices-fears-on-
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Frankfort Library to Host Series on Muslim Culture
By Anna Schier
12 February 2013
The Frankfort Public Library District was recently awarded a Muslim Journeys Bookshelf of books, films and other resources about Islamic cultures and civilizations from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
“I just thought this was a really great opportunity to explore Muslim faith, history and culture,” said Melissa Rice, who is the head of adult services for the Frankfort Public Library.
Full report at:
http://frankfort.patch.com/articles/frankfort-library-to-host-series-on-muslim-culture
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Brennan's Admission to CIA and NYPD's Arrangement on Spying on American Muslims
2/08/13
WASHINGTON - February 8 - In response to John Brennan's admission to the CIA and NYPD's arrangement to spy on American Muslims, Muslim Advocates and the Center for Constitutional Rights issued the following statement:
We are deeply concerned by John Brennan's admission that he was aware of the arrangement between the CIA and NYPD, which has led to widespread unlawful spying on innocent American Muslims in New York, New Jersey, and other locations throughout the northeast. Mr. Full report at:
http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2013/02/08-2
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The Campaign to Save New York's 'Little Syria'
By: Todd Fine for Al-Monitor
February 11, 2013
For the oldest living generation of Arab-Americans and for the youngest Arab-American activists now rediscovering their heritage, a walk in downtown Manhattan brings tremendous feelings of loss and foreboding.
From the 1880s to the 1940s, a world-famous center of Arabic-speaking life, business, literary culture and journalism existed along Washington Street in the lower west side of Manhattan. Most structures were destroyed in large property-seizure actions supported by the government, the first instigated by New York dictatorial icon Robert Moses to build the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel and the second with the construction of the World Trade Center.
Full report at:
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/02/little-syria-preservation-new-york-city-robert-moses.html#ixzz2Kg0ygqbV
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US envoy meets new KP governor, affirms development support
12 February 2013
PESHAWAR: US Ambassador Richard Olson met with the new Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Governor Shaukatullah Khan as well as KP Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti on Tuesday.
According to a statement issued by the US embassy, Ambassador Olson highlighted the importance of bilateral ties and the provision of US Assistance to KP and Fata for various development projects.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2013/02/12/us-envoy-meets-new-kp-governor-affirms-development-support/
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US army vet receives Medal of Honor for Afghan fight
Feb 12, 2013
WASHINGTON: A veteran who helped "defend the indefensible" at a vulnerable Army outpost in Afghanistan received the highest US award for military valor on Monday at a tearful White House ceremony that also honored the eight men who did not survive a Taliban attack.
US President Barack Obama lauded former Staff Sgt. Clinton Romesha's bravery in fighting back an intense daylong barrage by enemy fighters. The Taliban descended on Combat Outpost Keating in the mountains near the Pakistan border at 6 am on Oct. 3, 2009, shaking Romesha out of his bed into what Obama said has been called one of the most intense battles of the war in Afghanistan.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/US-army-vet-receives-Medal-of-Honor-for-Afghan-fight/articleshow/18460050.cms
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Europe
Greece says no deal with Turkey over planned Athens mosque
Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Konstantinos Tsiaras said two countries had not signed any agreements during a bilateral meeting in Doha, Qatar, late last month on the construction of a mosque.
12 February 2013
World Bulletin/News Desk
A senior Greek diplomat has said his country had no concluded deal with Turkey over the construction of a mosque in Athens, the only European Union capital without an Islamic prayer house, adding that the Greek government would use its own financial resources to build one.
Full report at:
http://www.worldbulletin.net/?aType=haber&ArticleID=103069
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Exhibition highlights heritage of Muslim Spain
12 February 2013
A close historical and cultural relationship has always joined the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Spain and the Spanish Embassy in Riyadh highlights these special ties in the exhibition entitled “From Qurtuba to Cordoba.”
In his statement, the Spain Ambassador Joaquín Pérez-Villanueva, told the media that this exhibition revives the heritage of Muslims and their rich civilization, which is still preserved and present in the city of Cordoba.
Full report at:
will be the guest of honor for the ladies official opening ceremony tomorrow evening.
http://www.arabnews.com/exhibition-highlights-heritage-muslim-spain
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Bookmakers tip Nigerian or Canadian as next pope
11 February 2013
LONDON: Francis Arinze of Nigeria, Peter Turkson of Ghana and Marc Ouellet of Canada were among the cardinals hotly tipped by bookmakers on Monday to take over from Pope Benedict XVI.
William Hill bookmakers named 80-year-old Arinze as their favorite to replace the pontiff following Monday’s shock announcement of the pontiff’s resignation with odds of 2-1, followed by Turkson at 5-2.
Coral also tipped Arinze as the likeliest successor with odds of 7-4, followed by Turkson at 2-1 and Ouellet in third place at 5-1.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/bookmakers-tip-nigerian-or-canadian-next-pope
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Southeast Asia
Thailand says al-Qaida planning attack on US consulate
Feb 12, 2013
BANGKOK: Thai authorities have tightened security measures at the US Consulate in the northern province of Chiang Mai following reports that it was a possible target of attack from al-Qaida and Salafist terrorist groups this month, officials said on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra told reporters she had been informed about the reports and that she had ordered security agencies to add more forces to provide safety at the facility, 570 kilometers (350 miles) north of Bangkok.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/Thailand-says-al-Qaida-planning-attack-on-US-consulate/articleshow/18464469.cms
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Philippine President to speak at Arab Gulf Program for Development event
12 February 2013
The Arab Gulf Program for Development (AGFUND) Prize Committee has announced that nominations for the International Prize are open to any international project working for the cause of impoverished communities in rural areas around the world.
According to a source from AGFUND, projects competing for the prize are involved in “developing remote and rural communities through ICT and youth empowerment.”
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/philippines%E2%80%99-president-speak-agfund-event-manila
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