Muslim Scholars Denounce Any Ideology That Favours the Killing of Innocent People
New Age Islam News Bureau
3
Jul 2014
Filipino Muslim students hold a prayer before starting to read the Quran at a classroom inside the Al-satie Mosque, June 29, 2014. – Reuters pic, July 3, 2014.
Arab World
• Muslim Scholars Denounce Any Ideology That Favours the Killing of Innocent People
• Top Jordanian jihadist ideologist denounces ISIS caliphate
• Up to 45 killed in clashes in Iraqi holy city of Karbala
• Importance of interfaith dialogues stressed in Sharjah Majlis
• Beirut, Hezbollah brace for Islamic State strikes
• Saudi Arabia deploys 30,000 soldiers to border with Iraq: al-Arabiya TV
• Syria rebel groups seek aid to fight IS jihadists
• ISIS parades ballistic Scud missile in Syrian town
• Iraqi PM offers amnesty to rebel Sunni tribes
• With Illegal Expatriate Workers Gone, Iftar Meals Go Begging In Saudi Mosques
• Egypt Nabs Militants over Bombs Claimed By Different Group
• ‘Act now to halt Syria genocide’: Saud Al-Faisa
• Australian ISIS supporter vows to travel to Syria
• Al-Jazeera faces conservative backlash after Arab Spring
Pakistan
• Zarb-E-Azb: Army Busts Militant Suicide Bombing Centre, Media Facility
• PUC asks prayer leaders to stress human rights in Friday sermons
• Qadri vows to topple government within weeks
• Six bodies found in N Waziristan's Mirali area
• Five suspected militants gunned down in ‘encounters’
• Four Taliban militants among six killed in Karachi
• Lok Virsa explores cultural importance of Gilgit-Baltistan
• North Waziristan Agency displacement and the minorities
South Asia
• 44 militants killed, 3 others injured in Kandahar operations
• Two dead in Buddhist-Muslim unrest in Myanmar
• Afghan president signs terror law to avoid blacklist
• Majority Muslims in Bangladesh against terror outfits like al-Qaeda
• Sri Lanka asked not to deport members of Pak minority
Africa
• Malawi Muslims Want Condom Ban
• Sudan tribal militia battles kill up to 22
• SPLM-N rebels 'shoot down' Sudanese plane
• Benghazi suspect driven by ‘anti-Western fervour’
India
• Permission Granted To Hold Jalsa Yaum ul Quran at Makkah Masjid
• Indians in Mosul used for forced labour
• Kurdish leadership calls for better India ties
• Afghanistan hails India for easing visa policy
• Indian security establishment alive to ISIS threat
Mideast
• Herzog calls killing of 17-year-old Arab ‘terror, assassination’
• Almost 1,700 juveniles jailed in Turkey as of March
• Israeli airstrikes injure 10 Palestinians in Gaza
• Non-Muslims attempt Ramadan fast in Turkey
• Palestinians biggest supporters of suicide bombing, says new survey
• An ivy-clad Green Mosque in south-eastern Turkey
• Hamas: Israel to pay for Palestinian teen murder
Europe
• Russia Submits UNSC Draft Statement on Oil trade with ‘Terrorists’ in Syria
• ISIS Kidnaps More Than 130 Syrian Schoolchildren; International Leaders Yet To Respond
• Israel committed serious violations in West Bank operations: HRW
• UN Officials Urge Int’l Community to Assist Yemen
• HRW asks Sri Lanka not to deport Pakistan’s Ahmadiyas
• More than 75,000 Pakistanis flee to Afghanistan: UN
• Final push in 'historic' Iran nuclear talks
Southeast Asia
• Philippines urges its Muslims to abort Hajj
• Islamic groups team up in support of axed UM professor
• Ramadan Raises Fears of Vigilante Groups in Indonesia
North America
• Barack Obama calls Saudi King to discuss on Iraq and ISIL
• U.S. bill targeting Hezbollah won’t affect Lebanese banks
• US Senator meets Syrian rebels in Turkey, calls for greater support against ISIL
• KSA witnessing massive progress, says US diplomat
• US seeks regional support to resolve Iraq political chaos
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/muslim-scholars-denounce-any-ideology/d/97880
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Arab World
Muslim Scholars Denounce Any Ideology That Favours the Killing of Innocent People
Jul 3, 2014
BEIRUT: The Committee of Muslim Scholars is opposed to any ideology that favours the killing of innocent people, the body’s head said Wednesday, commenting on the recent wave of bombings that have rocked Lebanon.
“The Committee of Muslim Scholars does not sponsor and cannot accept such an ideology whose victims are innocent people,” Sheikh Malik Jadidah said.
Three suicide bombings, which killed two people and wounded scores others in the past two weeks, are believed to have been planned by radical Islamist groups. Speaking after meeting Interior Minister Nouhad Machnouk at the Interior Ministry, Jadidah said that he also raised with the minister his concerns that there were “flaws” to the security plan launched in Tripoli in April.
“We talked about some raids carried out and the fact that some people are being tortured when arrested,” Jadidah said. “The meeting was very positive, and the minister has promised to follow up on these issues so that the security plan will be put back on the right track.”
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2014/Jul-03/262479-muslim-scholars-denounce-killings.ashx#ixzz36QrVodby
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Top Jordanian jihadist ideologist denounces ISIS caliphate
Jul 3, 2014
AMMAN: A leading Jordanian jihadist ideologist denounced the declaration of a "caliphate" by Sunni militants in Iraq and Syria, warning against more bloodshed.
"Can every Muslim and weak person find refuge in this caliphate? Or would it be like a sharp sword against all opponents?" Issam Barqawi, known as Abu Mohammad al-Maqdessi, wrote on Facebook and on jihadist websites.
Militants of the Islamic State of Iraq and Greater Syria (ISIS), declared a "caliphate" Sunday, an Islamic form of government last seen under the Ottoman Empire, straddling parts of Iraq and Syria.
The militants, who renamed themselves the Islamic State (IS), already control large swathes of territory in north and east Syria, and this month captured vast stretches of northern and western Iraq.
They ordered Muslims worldwide to pledge allegiance to their chief, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
"What would the fate be of other Islamist fighters in Iraq, Syria and elsewhere?" asked Maqdessi, who was freed on June 16 after serving a jail sentence for recruiting fighters for the Taliban.
Once mentor to Iraq's now slain Al-Qaeda leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, before the two fell out over ideological differences, Maqdessi warned against "Muslims who kill other Muslims."
"Do not think you can silence the voice of justice by shouting, making threats, aggression and having no manners?" he asked.
"Reform yourselves, repent and stop killing Muslims and distorting religion."
Experts say that the declaration of the caliphate is a direct challenge to Al-Qaeda and could spark a contest for the leadership of the global extremist group.
They said that it was unlikely that major groups linked to Al-Qaeda would immediately declare their allegiance to ISIS.
Jordan's jihadist movement is generally dominated by anti-ISIS groups that support Al-Qaeda and its Syrian ally, the Nusra Front.
The offensive in Iraq has also sparked fears in Amman that the Sunni militants will try to take their fight to the kingdom.
Jordan is already suffering from hosting more than 600,000 Syrian refugees, and has long faced the challenge of dealing with its own Islamist extremists, many of whom have joined jihadists or Al-Qaeda-linked groups in neighboring Iraq and Syria.
King Abdullah II appealed Monday for international support to help Jordan deal with regional turmoil after the caliphate was declared.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Jul-02/262391-top-jordan-jihadist-denounces-isis-caliphate.ashx#ixzz36Qr485f5
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Up to 45 killed in clashes in Iraqi holy city of Karbala
World Bulletin / News Desk
Jul 03 2014
Up to 45 people were killed in clashes between Iraqi security forces and followers of a cleric in the holy Shi'ite city of Karbala, security sources said, signalling divisions among Shi'ite factions.
The clashes erupted when police and army personnel tried to arrest outspoken Shi'ite cleric Mahmoud al-Sarkhi around midnight on Tuesday in the southern city of Karbala, an Interior Ministry intelligence officer and a police witness told Reuters.
Sarkhi and his armed followers have clashed in the past with U.S. forces, Iraqi security forces and supporters of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, the most revered Shi'ite cleric in Iraq.
Security forces said they went to arrest Sarkhi after his supporters started blocking roads and manning checkpoints around his neighbourhood in the Shi'ite shrine city, home to the tomb of Imam Hussein, which millions of Shi'ite pilgrims flock to annually.
Sarkhi had published a letter on his website earlier this week criticizing Sistani's decree for Iraqis to fight alongside the security forces against Sunni militants.
Sistani issued his decree after the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) swept across parts of northern and western Iraq. The group, which rules swathes of territory in an arc from Aleppo in Syria to near the western edge of Baghdad in Iraq, has since shortened its name to Islamic State and declared a "caliphate" to rule over the world's Muslims.
Police and troops reinforced by five helicopter gunships surrounded the house but were prevented from entering by Sarkhi's armed followers, the sources said, adding five police officers and about 40 of Sarkhi's supporters were killed.
The sources said that when security forces managed to break into the house after six hours of clashes, they found Sarkhi had escaped during the battle. Sarkhi's supporters posted on the cleric's website a picture of an Iraqi military Humvee vehicle they said they had destroyed in the battle.
The incident has been the deadliest at the site in years.
http://www.worldbulletin.net/headlines/139928/up-to-45-killed-in-clashes-in-iraqi-holy-city-of-karbala
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Importance of interfaith dialogues stressed in Sharjah majlis
Jul 3, 2014
Sharjah Media Centre’s Ramadan Majlis begins at Sharjah Expo Centre in the presence of Shaikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi.
The first session of the Sharjah Media Centre’s Ramadan Majlis — which is being held under the slogan ‘In the Culture of Dialogue’ — commenced at Sharjah Expo Centre on Monday in the presence of Shaikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Media Centre.
The first session, titled ‘Interfaith Dialogue’, was addressed by Dr Atallah Hanna, Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem; Dr Al Arabi Kashat, dean and founder of Al Dawah Mosque in Paris; and Mukhtar Aziz, director of the Islamic World Studies Centre and president of the European Forum for Development and Dialogue.
The session was moderated by prominent scholar Mohammed Al Kubaisi.
Shaikh Sultan bin Ahmed stressed that this year’s edition of the Sharjah Ramadan Majlis aims to enhance the culture of dialogue and accepting others as part of the emirate’s approach to promote dialogue, coexistence and peace. He expressed hope that the sessions hosted at the Majlis would serve as an addition to the initiatives delivered by Sharjah to enrich the cultural and knowledge experience in the UAE and the region.
The session was attended by Osama Samra, Director of Sharjah Media Centre; Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq); Hisham Al Madhloum, Director of the Art Directorate at the Department of Culture and Information in Sharjah; a group of diplomats; and prominent cultural, intellectual, and media figures.
At the beginning of the session, Mukhtar Aziz discussed the topic of dialogue from a theoretical position and addressed the controversies of this dialogue among faiths, religious sects and people.
Archbishop Dr Hanna commended the role of the UAE and Sharjah in delivering a “civilised message” to the world by taking part in peaceful and anti-violence initiatives and supporting the Palestinian cause in the international arena. He said the Palestinian people always pay tribute to the UAE for defending their legitimate rights. This support, he said, is part of the values of love and brotherhood, as well as defending the oppressed, which the UAE has been spreading across the world.
Dr Kashat said this session served as a platform to enhance dialogue with others, and reflected the noble Islamic values adopted by Sharjah under the directives of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. He said there are two cultures in a multi-faith and multinational world: One is the culture of dialogue, which brings a man closer to his fellow men, and the second is the culture of argument which escalates conflict and division among people.
The second session of Sharjah Ramadan Majlis, titled ‘Dialogue of Rhymes’, will commence at Sharjah Expo Centre on Wednesday evening after the Taraweeh prayers.
news@khaleejtimes.com
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/kt-article-display-1.asp?xfile=data/ramadannews/2014/July/ramadannews_July13.xml§ion=ramadannews
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Beirut, Hezbollah brace for Islamic State strikes
Jul 3, 2014
Lebanese security forces and Hezbollah are bracing themselves for future suicide attacks by the Islamic State (IS), formerly named the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
Lebanon is in “immediate danger of suicide bombings” a senior security source said, the Lebanese Daily Star newspaper reported on Wednesday.
“Security coordination between the various security services has prevented Lebanon from falling into the trap of bombings. There is information about a large list of targets that IS has put together, and they include areas [under] Hezbollah, the Lebanese Army and [Lebanese Intelligence], as well as civilian areas, in order to sow an atmosphere of fear and confusion,” the source said.
Full report at:
http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Beirut-Hezbollah-brace-for-Islamic-State-strikes-361331
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Saudi Arabia deploys 30,000 soldiers to border with Iraq: al-Arabiya TV
Reuters | Jul 3, 2014
DUBAI: Saudi Arabia has deployed 30,000 soldiers to its border with Iraq after Iraqi soldiers withdrew from the area, Saudi-owned al-Arabiya television said on Thursday.
The world's top oil exporter shares an 800km (500 mile) border with Iraq, where Islamic State insurgents and other Sunni Muslim militant groups seized towns and cities in a lightning advance last month.
King Abdullah has ordered all necessary measures to protect the kingdom against potential "terrorist threats", state news agency SPA reported on Thursday.
The Dubai-based al-Arabiya said on its website that Saudi troops fanned into the border region after Iraqi government forces abandoned positions, leaving the Saudi and Syrian frontiers unprotected.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Saudi-Arabia-deploys-30000-soldiers-to-border-with-Iraq-al-Arabiya-TV/articleshow/37697940.cms
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ISIS parades ballistic Scud missile in Syrian town
July 03, 2014
The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), which declared this week the formation of an Islamic Caliphate, has claimed the possession of long-distance balletic Scud missile.
Jihadist members of the militant group have published Photographs of what appeared to be a Scud missile being paraded on the back on a truck surrounded by masked men in the Syrian city of Raqqa -the alleged capital of the proclaimed “Muslim caliphate.”
It’s not clear whether the weapon is operable and whether it poses a threat.
The leader of the militant group has called on Muslims worldwide to take up arms and flock to the ‘caliphate’ it has declared on captured Syrian and Iraqi soil.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/webtv/2014/07/02/ISIS-parades-ballistic-Scud-missile-in-Syrian-town-1360.html
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Iraqi PM offers amnesty to rebel Sunni tribes
Jul 3, 2014
Iraq's prime minister has offered a general amnesty to Sunni tribes fighting the central government, in an attempt to undercut support for an insurgency that threatens the country's unity.
Nouri al-Maliki made the surprise call in his weekly televised address on Wednesday, urging fighters to "return to their senses".
"We are not excluding anybody, even those who committed misdeeds, apart from those who killed or shed blood," he said.
It was not immediately clear how many people might be eligible, but the move appeared to be a bid to split the alliance of religious fighters, Baath party loyalists and anti-government tribes.
Full report at:
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/07/iraqi-pm-offers-amnesty-rebel-sunni-tribes-20147216226759995.html
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With Illegal Expatriate Workers Gone, Iftar Meals Go Begging In Saudi Mosques
Jul 3, 2014
The exodus of large numbers of illegal expatriate workers following the labour correction campaign by the Ministries of Labour and Interior has resulted in a drop in the number of attendees at Iftar meals at mosques and temporary tents especially erected for the purpose in major cities across the Kingdom.
The first day of Ramadan witnessed a drastic shortfall of attendees at mosques and Iftar tents. Catering trade sources also said that there is a decline in their orders for Iftar meals.
Many Asian and African day labourers in the Kingdom look forward to the holy month of Ramadan when besides the spiritual rejuvenation, they are able to avail themselves of free evening meals at the numerous mosques and temporary tents in Jeddah and other major cities especially put up for the purpose.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/news/595886
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Egypt nabs militants over bombs claimed by different group
Jul 3, 2014
Egyptian police arrested Wednesday four members of an Islamist militant group over bomb blasts near a presidential palace, although another group claimed it had planted the explosives.
Separately, the interior ministry said police arrested two people over bombings at Cairo metro stations on June 25 that wounded five people.
Two bomb disposal experts, a police colonel and lieutenant colonel, were killed Monday as they attempted to defuse bombs outside the Ittihadeya palace in eastern Cairo.
Security forces “arrested four suspected of being involved in the latest blasts that happened near the presidential palace,” a security official said.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/07/02/Egypt-nabs-militants-over-bombs-claimed-by-different-group-.html
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‘Act now to halt Syria genocide’: Saud Al-Faisa
Jul 3, 2014
Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal has urged the international community to unify ranks and immediately change its policy on Syria, where the war continues to worsen unabated within its borders.
“The least the world can do is prevent the systematic genocide of innocent people and ensure international protection to them,” said Prince Saud.
“The world must unify to prevent the delivery of weapons to the Syrian government,” said the prince in the editorial he wrote for “The Diplomat,” a bi-monthly official journal owned and distributed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/news/595911
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Australian ISIS supporter vows to travel to Syria
Jul 3, 2014
BEIRUT: A controversial Australian supporter of jihadist groups has backed a “caliphate” declared this week in Syria and Iraq and vowed to travel there, Australian media reported Wednesday.
The reports said Musa Cerantonio, a convert to Islam, was believed to be hiding in the Philippines and is thought to be wanted by Australian police authorities. Cerantonio, a strong supporter of the Islamic State of Iraq and Greater Syria (ISIS), posted the following message on his Twitter account in the wake of the declaration of a caliphate by ISIS and the announcement that the caliph’s position would be held by the group’s shadowy leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi: “Insha’Allah [God willing] I will be arriving in Ash-Sham [Syria] very shortly, keep us in your du’a [prayers], getting ready to travel,’’ he wrote. “May Allah bless and protect our Imam, our Amir, our Khalifah, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.”
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/World/2014/Jul-03/262475-australian-isis-supporter-vows-to-travel-to-syria.ashx#ixzz36QqeFcU4
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Al-Jazeera faces conservative backlash after Arab Spring
Jul 3, 2014
DOHA: Al-Jazeera, the Qatari-funded television station whose reporting on the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings won it millions of viewers in the Middle East, is defiant following a backlash by Arab governments that accuse it of supporting Islamists.
On June 23, three Al-Jazeera journalists were sentenced by an Egyptian court for up to 10 years in jail for aiding a “terrorist organization” – a reference to the Muslim Brotherhood that sweep into power after Hosni Mubarak in 2011 only to be ousted itself last year in an army-backed coup.
The ruling reflected the misfortunes of the Muslim Brotherhood – in retreat across much of the Middle East after the Arab Spring gave way to large-scale fighting – and was equally a blow to Al-Jazeera and its patron Qatar.
Full report at:
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Jul-03/262483-al-jazeera-faces-conservative-backlash-after-arab-spring.ashx#ixzz36QqikUni
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Pakistan
Zarb-e-Azb updates: Army busts militant suicide bombing centre, media facility
Jul 3, 2014
RAWALPINDI / ISLAMABAD / BANNU / PESHAWAR / KARACHI / MIRAMSHAH: After a long period of speculation, which also included attempts at peace talks, Pakistan on June 15 launched a military operation against militants in the troubled North Waziristan agency of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata).
On its 15th day, a new phase of the offensive began, with the military launching a ground operation in Miramshah – the main town of North Waziristan.
As the Pakistan Army embarks on this critical mission, get all the updates of the operation, code-named Zarb-e-Azb, here.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/722202/army-launches-operation-in-north-waziristan/
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PUC asks prayer leaders to stress human rights in Friday sermons
Jul 3, 2014
LAHORE: The Pakistan Ulema Council [PUC] has requested prayer leaders throughout the country to emphasise the importance of human rights, concept of daughter in Islam, women’s rights, inter-faith and inter-sectarian forbearance and difference between jihad and terrorism in Friday gatherings during the holy month of Ramazan.This was stated by PUC Central Chairman Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi during his meetings with delegations of scholars and prayer leaders belonging to different schools of thought. He said that the political and religious leaderships have the responsibility to play their role in tackling growing extremism and extremist attitudes. He added that the need for dialogue between people belonging to different religions and schools of thought is growing with every passing day. This is the reason why the PUC has chosen the topics for sermons that will be delivered on four Fridays during the holy month of Ramazan, so that guidance can be provided on these topics to people throughout the country.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/national/03-Jul-2014/puc-asks-prayer-leaders-to-stress-human-rights-in-friday-sermons
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Qadri vows to topple government within weeks
Jul 3, 2014
LAHORE: Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri said Thursday that the present government would topple "within a few weeks", DawnNews reported.
He said he was committed to bringing a revolution in Pakistan, adding that a People's Revolutionary Council would be constituted shortly.
The PAT chief called upon people to stop obeying what he termed the illegitimate orders of the authorities.
He said government officials should be held accountable to the state, Constitution and the law, adding that they should not be loyal to rulers but to the system at large.
The PAT chief said salaries of police officials were given by the state and not by Raiwind, adding that this called for the force's loyalty towards the state.
Full report at:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1116810/qadri-vows-to-topple-government-within-weeks
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Six bodies found in N Waziristan's Mirali area
Jul 3, 2014
PESHAWAR: At least six bodies were found in the Harmaz area of North Waziristan tribal region's Mirali tehsil.
The identities of the deceased could not be ascertained.
North Waziristan is one of the seven regions in Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) governed by tribal laws which is situyated along the Pak-Afghan border and is rife with Taliban militant activity.
The military operation named 'Zarb-i-Azb' was launched in the North Waziristan region in June, following a Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan-claimed-attack on Karachi airport.
At least 460,000 people have fled the region into nearby areas of Pakistan as well as neighbouring Afghanistan, the biggest movement of refugees in Pakistan in years.
http://www.dawn.com/news/1116798/six-bodies-found-in-n-waziristans-mirali-area
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Five suspected militants gunned down in ‘encounters’
Jul 3, 2014
KARACHI: In what appeared to be a surge in targeted operations against militants in the metropolis, police in an hour-long exchange of gunfire with them killed four militants on the outskirts of the city, followed by an encounter in Orangi Town where another suspected militant who was allegedly involved in the recent killings of over half a dozen of policemen was shot dead.
The law-enforcement agencies have sped up action against militants associated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, killing over a dozen militants in recent days, in view of a possible blowback of the ongoing army operation in North Waziristan.
Full report at:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1116646/five-suspected-militants-gunned-down-in-encounters
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Four Taliban militants among six killed in Karachi
Jul 3, 2014
KARACHI – At least four terrorists were gunned down in police encounter in Aliabad area on Wednesday.
The counter between police and the terrorists took place near Northern Bypass. A senior police official confirmed that four terrorists were killed by the police in an encounter. He said that the slain terrorists were affiliated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban.
The encounter occurred on a tip-off by intelligence agencies about presence of the terrorists in the area. In sector 11-J of New Karachi, one extortionist got killed in police encounter whereas, another extortionist was taken into imprisonment in the same area.
In addition to these happenings, an accused Ali Haider got killed in Paposh Nagar during an encounter. Also, a dacoit got caught and injured in Clifton area besides a mugger who was caught wounded and hurt in Badar Commercial area of Defence.
Moreover, an exchange of fire took place between the police and the criminals. Waseem Punjabi of Baba Ladla Group got injured in that gunfight and was later taken into the custody.
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/national/02-Jul-2014/four-taliban-militants-among-six-killed-in-karachi
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Lok Virsa explores cultural importance of Gilgit-Baltistan
Jul 3, 2014
ISLAMABAD: The National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa), a specialised cultural institution working under the Federal Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage, has carried-out an extensive research field work in Gilgit-Baltistan to document and promote its indigenous folk culture and craft heritage.Lok Virsa Executive Director Shahera Shahid informed that in pursuance of 'Lok Virsa Ordinance' promulgated by the government of Pakistan in 2002, major responsibilities assigned to the institute are research, collection, documentation, preservation, and dissemination of Pakistan's traditional culture. It includes both tangible and intangible cultural heritage, said a news release issued on Monday. Recognising the need, the new management of 'Lok Virsa' deputed a five-member team of professionals headed by Deputy Director (Museum) Anwaarul Haq, on a museum-related research field tour of Gilgit-Baltistan in June 2014.The team was assigned to authenticate existing data of crafts people already registered with 'Lok Virsa', to identify new unexplored talent of master artisans, folk artists, folk musicians, and folk dance groups as well as to make ethnological/craft collections from bonafide craftspeople for the Pakistan National Museum of Ethnology, popularly known as the Heritage Museum at Shakaparian.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/islamabad/01-Jul-2014/lok-virsa-explores-cultural-importance-of-gilgit-baltistan
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North Waziristan Agency displacement and the minorities
Jul 3, 2014
BANNU: Among half-a-million displaced tribesmen of North Waziristan tribal region, about 86 families were of Hindus and Christians who took shelter in two missionary schools in the adjacent town of Bannu, while dozens of other such families living in a relatively safe locality in the battlefield were spared the bitter experience of migration.
As compared to displaced Pashtun tribes, they live in a far better condition in these schools constructed by British Catholic and Protestant Christian missionaries. About 46 of migrated families live in Pannell Missionary High School, while 40 presently reside in Janbaz Catholic Missionary School. A displaced family of Shia community also lives at the Pennell Missionary High School, built by Dr Theodore Leighton Pennell, a British missionary, in 1893.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/national/03-Jul-2014/nwa-displacement-and-the-minorities
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South Asia
44 militants killed, 3 others injured in Kandahar operations
Jul 03 2014
At least 44 Taliban militants were killed during military operations in southern Kandahar province of Afghanistan.
Local security officials said the militants were killed during the operations in the past one week.
Provincial security chief, Gen. Rahmatullah Atrafi, said at least 3 militans were also injured and 15 others were detained during the operations.
Gen. Atrafi further added that the Afghan security forces also thwarted several attack plots by anti-government militant groups in Kandahar province.
He said at least 11 joint operations and 13 special military operations were conducted in Kandahar city and other districts by Afghan security forces.
Gen. Atrafi said Afghan security forces also confiscated various types of heavy and light weapons including one rocket, 1 PK machine gun, 2 AK-47 rifles, 1 set of communication device, 137 land mines, 3 RPG rockets, 200 rounds of PK machine ammo and various other types of explosives.
The anti-government armed militant groups have not commented regarding the report so far.
http://www.khaama.com/44-militants-killed-3-others-injured-in-kandahar-operations-8253
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Two dead in Buddhist-Muslim unrest in Myanmar
Jul 3, 2014
YANGON: Two people have been killed during Buddhist-Muslim violence in Myanmar's second-largest city of Mandalay, police said Thursday.
"There are two dead," a police officer, who did not want to be named, told AFP by telephone, without providing further details.
Police fired rubber bullets on Wednesday to disperse hundreds of rioters, some armed with sticks and knives, who took to the streets and attacked a Muslim teashop after an accusation of rape, the authorities said.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/World/2014/Jul-03/262489-two-dead-in-buddhist-muslim-unrest-in-myanmar.ashx#ixzz36QnrLcNZ
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Afghan president signs terror law to avoid blacklist
World Bulletin/News Desk
Jul 03 2014
Afghan President Hamid Karzai signed a law aimed at "curbing the financing of terrorist groups", a government statement said on Thursday, the second of two measures needed to save its banks from being put on an international blacklist.
"After the judiciary verified that this law does not violate our national sovereignty and human rights, he (the president) ratified it," the statement said.
Together with the anti-money laundering law that was signed last week, the legislation will help persuade the international financial watchdog that the Afghan government is serious about combating financial crimes.
Full report at:
http://www.worldbulletin.net/todays-news/139965/afghan-president-signs-terror-law-to-avoid-blacklist
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Majority Muslims in Bangladesh against terror outfits like al-Qaeda
Jul 3, 2014
A strong majority of people in Bangladesh are concerned about Islamic extremism, while they have negative opinions of extremist groups like al-Qaeda, Hamas, Hezbollah and the Pakistani Taliban, according to a Pew Research Centre survey.
Such fear is on the rise in nations with large Muslim populations in the Middle East and South Asia, the survey says.
It says 69 percent people in Bangladesh, 66 percent in Pakistan and 63 percent in Malaysia expressed their concerns about extremism.
And the fear increased in the past one year in most Middle Eastern countries, according to the survey conducted among 14,244 respondents in 14 countries from April 10 to May 25 this year.
Asked whether suicide bombing or other forms of violence against civilian population can be justified to defend Islam, some respondents say that this form of violence is often or sometimes justified, but such support has generally diminished in the last decade.
Still, Muslims in a few countries, including Bangladesh, say it can be justified, according to the Washington-based research centre.
Full report at:
http://www.thedailystar.net/fears-over-rise-of-extremism-in-muslim-nations-31531
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Sri Lanka asked not to deport members of Pak minority
Press Trust of India | Washington | July 3, 2014
A US-based human rights group has asked Sri Lanka not to deport members of Pakistani minority Ahmadiya community until the UN refugee agency had full access to them and determined their need for international protection.
At least 142 Pakistanis, mostly of the minority Ahmadiya community, arrested in police sweeps in Sri Lanka in June 2014 are being detained and are at risk of deportation, the Human Rights Watch said.
Full report at:
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/neighbours/sri-lanka-asked-not-to-deport-members-of-pak-minority/
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Africa
Malawi Muslims Want Condom Ban
July 03, 2014
LILONGWE – In a desperate attempt to curb expansion of HIV and AIDS in the Malawian society, Muslim traditional leaders have demanded a ban on condom use for unmarried people, arguing it was fueling the spread of the pandemic in the secular, but diverse religious southern African nation.
“Islam has always been against use of condoms outside the confines of marriage,” Dr. Imran Shareef, Secretary General of the country’s supreme Muslim body, Ulama Council of Malawi, told OnIslam.net.
“We allow condoms to be used only for discordant couples and in situations, where a mother is breast feeding for about 2 years, but other than that, we are totally against it. Its ban would save the next generation of this country from further peril.”
Dr Shareef was commenting on the recent debates the surrounded the use of condoms in Malawi.
Full report at:
http://www.onislam.net/english/news/africa/474527-malawi-muslims-want-condom-ban.html
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Sudan tribal militia battles kill up to 22
Jul 3, 2014
Battles between Sudanese tribal militias armed with machineguns and rocket-propelled grenades have left up to 22 people dead in a border region of Darfur, sources said on Wednesday.
They were the latest skirmishes between the Hamar and Maaliya groups since December.
Fighting began on Monday in East Darfur state "because some cows were stolen," said a Hamar tribal leader who asked not to be identified.
Unrest spilled into adjacent West Kordofan state on Tuesday, with both sides using "heavy weapons", he said.
"There were 22 people killed from both sides," while dozens more were wounded, the chief added.
A Maaliya resident of East Darfur confirmed the combat started on Monday and continued the following day.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/105281/World/Region/Sudan-tribal-militia-battles-kill-up-to-.aspx
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SPLM-N rebels 'shoot down' Sudanese plane
World Bulletin / News Desk
Jul 3, 2014
The rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) has claimed shooting down a Sudanese jet fighter in South Kordofan State.
"The Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) plane was shot down in the Dalang town," the rebel movement said in a statement on Wednesday.
The statement, however, gave no details about casualties.
The Sudanese army has not confirmed the claim.
Since 2011, the SPLM-N has waged an active insurgency against the Khartoum government in the Blue Nile and South Kordofan states.
Outlawed by the central government, the movement consists mainly of fighters who sided with southern Sudan during the civil war, which ended with a 2005 peace treaty that opened the door to South Sudan's secession from Sudan six years later.
The two rivals concluded a sixth round of peace negotiations in Addis Ababa last May.
A source close to the talks earlier said that the two sides had agreed on 70 percent of the points presented for the negotiations.
http://www.worldbulletin.net/todays-news/139955/splm-n-rebels-shoot-down-sudanese-plane
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Benghazi suspect driven by ‘anti-Western fervor’
July 03, 2014
WASHINGTON — The Libyan held as the suspected ringleader of the attack on the US consulate in Benghazi was driven by extremist anti-Western ideology, the Washington Post reported late Tuesday.
US prosecutors said in court documents filed late Tuesday that after the attacks in 2012 Ahmed Abu Khatallah, the only detainee in the case, and other armed men overran and looted the compound, then returned to a base to prepare an attack on a CIA annex nearby.
The attack killed US ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans.
It also led to a protracted political dispute in Washington. Republicans accused the administration of President Barack Obama of staging a politically motivated coverup by initially stating the attack stemmed from a spontaneous anti-US rally outside the compound, rather than a pre-meditated assault.
Full report at:
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20140703210343
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India
Permission Granted To Hold Jalsa Yaum ul Quran at Makkah Masjid
Jul 3, 2014
Government of Telangana has granted permission to hold Jalsa Yaum ul Quran on the occasion of Friday prayers at historical Makkah Masjid. Secretary Minority Welfare Ahmed Nadeem issued GO RT 10 allotting 4 Fridays to various parties.
1st and 4th Fridays have been allotted to MIM. While 2nd Friday has been allotted to All India Sunni Ulema Board and the 3rd Friday has been allotted to MBT.
GO stated that rules should be followed in connection with holding the meeting and the meeting should not be used for any political purpose since the month of Ramadan is a religious month.
http://www.siasat.com/english/news/permission-granted-hold-jalsa-yaumul-quran-makkah-masjid
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Indians in Mosul used for forced labour
PRAVEEN SWAMI
Jul 3, 2014
Indian workers construction workers trapped in Mosul have been press-ganged to build earthworks and defensive fortifications by Islamist insurgents holding the city, a senior Kurdish security official has told The Hindu. The men, Kurdish security services believe, are being taken between various locations in the city’s Sunni-dominated quarter, on the west bank of the Tigris River.
“There is no sign that ISIS intends to use the workers as hostages”, the source said, “and there has been no demand for a ransom either. Food and fuel are running short in Mosul, though, so the workers are probably facing considerable hardship.”
Families of the 39 Indians trapped in Mosul, many of whom were in contact with their loved ones until a fortnight ago, said ISIS had promised the men safety, and even offered to help secure back wages from their employer, a Dubai-based construction firm.
ISIS has executed Iraqi military officials, and killed large numbers of Shi’a and Christian Iraqis, but there have been no reports so far of threats to the hundreds of foreign workers trapped in territories it controls.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/indians-in-mosul-used-for-forced-labour/article6170293.ece
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Kurdish leadership calls for better India ties
PRAVEEN SWAMI
Jul 3, 2014
The Kurdistan Democratic Party hopes to deepen political and economic ties with India, a top leader of the semi-independent region’s ruling party has told The Hindu. “The reality,” Hemin Hawrani, in charge of the KDP’s international relations wing, said “is that the old Iraq is dead. In the future, there may be a confederation between a Kurdish state, a Sunni state, and a Shia state, or a Partition — but we have to move forward now, and see India as an important partner.”
India has been purchasing Kurdish crude sold through Turkish companies, local media reported here last week — a move which could potentially raise hackles in Baghdad, which has long argued the region cannot independently trade oil. There is, however, little diplomatic contact between the semi-independent region and India.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/kurdish-leadership-calls-for-better-india-ties/article6170941.ece
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Afghanistan hails India for easing visa policy
Jul 3, 2014
NEW DELHI: Afghanistan has welcomed the easing of visa regime by India for Afghan travellers and thanked the NarendraModi government for acting upon its repeated requests to further facilitate people-to-people contacts between the two countries under the key provisions of the Strategic Partnership Agreement signed in 2011.
"We are delighted by the announcement of a liberal visa policy for Afghans as a direct result of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's firm commitment to further deepening the ancient and strategic ties between Afghanistan and India," Afghan ambassador here Shaida M Abdali said.
In a relief to hundreds of visiting Afghans, India has announced a new liberal visa policy on Monday for the citizens of the war-ravaged country that include allowing up to two years stay and exemption from reporting to police by the senior citizens and children.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Afghanistan-hails-India-for-easing-visa-policy/articleshow/37640969.cms
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Indian security establishment alive to ISIS threat
Deeptiman Tiwary,TNN | Jul 3, 2014
NEW DELHI: In the backdrop of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) declaring war on various countries including India, the internal security establishment has already begun preparing for a threat that is as yet being seen as "not immediate" but hardly very "distant".
While intelligence agencies are closely tracking developments in the middle-east along with mounting surveillance on Indians reported to be fighting alongside ISIS in Iraq and Syria, the major concern for Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is a spillover of the sectarian strife in the region to India.
"The issue has been discussed within the ministry and apprehensions about a conflict between Shias and Sunnis erupting in the immediate future or later in the country is not being ruled out. An advisory in this regard has already been sent to various states but more preparations are on," said a senior home ministry official.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Indian-security-establishment-alive-to-ISIS-threat/articleshow/37661899.cms
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Mideast
Herzog calls killing of 17-year-old Arab ‘terror, assassination’
Jul 3, 2014
Opposition leader Isaac Herzog strongly condemned the murder of an Arab youth in Jerusalem Wednesday, saying that if it was a nationalist hate crime, it was “an assassination” and “an act of terror.”
Herzog spoke to the foreign media at the Jerusalem Press Club while the identity of the perpetrator was still unknown. He expressed support for the police to determine who was responsible for the boy’s death and hope that the violence in Jerusalem would stop.
“We are extremely disturbed by the fighting in Jerusalem,” he said.
“Violence of any kind on either side is unacceptable. Jews and Arabs will live here forever and will have to find a way to live side by side with each other.”
Herzog called for caution and restraint. He reiterated that message when he visited a downtown Jerusalem square where Arabs have been harassed.
Full report at:
http://www.jpost.com/Diplomacy-and-Politics/Herzog-calls-killing-of-17-year-old-Arab-terror-assassination-361322
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Almost 1,700 juveniles jailed in Turkey as of March
Jul 3, 2014
As of March 2014, the total number of children in prison and detention centers throughout Turkey stands at 1,686, Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag has said.
Bozdag’s statement came in response to a motion filed by Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Ankara deputy Özcan Yeniçeri, Anadolu Agency reported on July 2.
He also elaborated on ongoing efforts to improve education and training opportunities for juvenile inmates, as well as psychological and social services.
Bozdag also stated that the numbers of children in Turkish prison and detention centers since 2002 was as follows: 1,497 in 2002; 1,657 in 2003; 1,628 in 2004; 1,406 in 2005; 1,794 in 2006; 2,148 in 2007; 2,075 in 2008; 2,047 in 2009; 1,584 in 2010; 1,924 in 2011; 1,583 in 2012; and 1,978 in 2013.
Full report at:
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/almost-1700-juveniles-jailed-in-turkey-as-of-march.aspx?pageID=238&nID=68591&NewsCatID=341
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Israeli airstrikes injure 10 Palestinians in Gaza
World Bulletin / News Desk
Jul 3, 2014
At least ten Palestinians were injured in a number of Israeli airstrike early on Thursday in the Gaza Strip.
"The ten sustained medium and light injuries," Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qodrah told Anadolu Agency.
Two Palestinian females, including a 68-year-old woman, were injured in an Israeli airstrike targeting a military site of Saraya al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of Islamic Jihad, in Beit Lahia town in northern Gaza.
Five Palestinians were also injured in another Israeli airstrike in Beit Lahia, according to medical sources and eyewitnesses.
Israeli planes fired three missiles into a farmland in northern Gaza City, injuring two Palestinians and causing damage to nearby houses.
Full report at:
http://www.worldbulletin.net/headlines/139951/israeli-airstrikes-injure-10-palestinians-in-gaza
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Non-Muslims attempt Ramadan fast in Turkey
World Bulletin / News Desk
Jul 3, 2014
It is during this time of the year – according to the Islamic lunar calendar – that many Muslims across the world welcome the arrival of Ramadan fasting; for the many foreigners living in Turkey it is a time of adjusting to a new way of life.
Ramadan is the most important time of the year for Muslims as the revelation of the Holy Quran to the Prophet Muhammad happened during this month.
The significance of this holy month is felt by most Muslims all around the world and even non-Muslims, some of whom have tried fasting to deepen their understanding of this important tradition.
Full report at:
http://www.worldbulletin.net/muslim-world/139922/non-muslims-attempt-ramadan-fast-in-turkey
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Palestinians biggest supporters of suicide bombing, says new survey of Muslim world
By REUTERS
Jul 3, 2014
The Pew survey shows a 34 percent drop in Palestinian favor for suicide bombings since 2007; says support for Hamas dropping in Gaza.
Large majorities in Muslim countries are increasingly worried about Islamist militancy and oppose its best-known groups, such as the global al-Qaida movement, Nigeria's Boko Haram and Hamas, according to a new survey.
The survey asked about suicide bombing as a specific form of militant violence and found the highest support for it in the Middle East at 46 percent in Gaza and the West Bank, a drop from 70 percent in 2007.
Support for violent tactics such as suicide bombing has fallen in many countries over the past decade, although some states still have significant minorities approving it, the survey by the Washington-based Pew Research Center said.
Full report at:
http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Palestinians-biggest-supporters-of-suicide-bombing-says-new-survey-of-Muslim-world-361287
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An ivy-clad Green Mosque in south-eastern Turkey
World Bulletin / News Desk
Jul 3, 2014
People around the world have heard of the spectacular Blue Mosque in Istanbul. But there is another mosque worthy of visitors' attention, for different reasons -- the ivy-covered Yesil Mosque, or Green Mosque, in Adana, in southern Turkey, along the Seyhan River, about 20 miles from the Mediterranean sea.
While the Blue Mosque may be more spectacular, the Green Mosque may in its way be more inviting. It is probably the greenest contruction in Turkey, with ivy enveloping its walls and a kind of botanical garden full of colorful flowers providing the fathruful with a naturally cool place to pray in the midst of the summer heat.
Unlike many other minarets which soar into the sky like sleek stone towers, the minaret of Yesil Mosque is completely covered with leaves that completely hide the the construction from view. Rather than looking like a building, the mosque looks almost like leafy garden somehow shaped like a mosque.
Full report at:
http://www.worldbulletin.net/todays-news/139879/an-ivy-clad-green-mosque-in-south-eastern-turkey
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Hamas: Israel to pay for Palestinian teen murder
Jul 3, 2014
GAZA CITY: Hamas warned that Israel would pay for the kidnap and murder of a Palestinian teenager in annexed east Jerusalem, in suspected revenge for the murder of three Israeli teens.
"We send our message to the Zionist entity and its leaders, which hold direct responsibility (for the murder), that our people will not let this crime pass, nor all the killings and destruction by your settlers," the Islamist movement said.
"You will pay the price for these crimes," it said of the incident, in which the Palestinian youth was reportedly kidnapped and killed early Wednesday.
Israel blamed Hamas for abducting and killing the three Israelis, and waged a crushing arrest campaign against the movement's occupied West Bank network, which resulted in the deaths of several Palestinians.
Full report at:
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Jul-02/262406-hamas-israel-to-pay-for-palestinian-teen-murder.ashx#ixzz36QqqMg1Z
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Europe
Russia Submits UNSC Draft Statement on Oil trade with ‘Terrorists’ in Syria
Jul 3, 2014
Russia urged U.N. Security Council members late Monday to back a draft statement that would bar crude oil sales by “terrorist groups” in Syria, including the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
The draft also stressed that any export or import of oil without the approval of the sovereign state violates the law, expressing worries over the terrorist groups’ takeover of many oil fields in Syria, among these groups are the ISIL and Al-Nusra Front.
The draft presidential statement renounces any overt or covert involvement in these activities, adding that involvement in such bargains are similar to providing financial support to the groups which are labeled as terrorist by the UNSC’s Special Committee. The Russian-backed measure “strongly condemns any engagement in direct or indirect trade of oil from Syria involving terrorist groups, and reiterates that such engagement constitutes financial support for entities designated by the Security Council 1267/1989 Committee as terrorist.”
The draft requires the approval of all 15 members to become a presidential statement.
Full report at:
http://www.almanar.com.lb/english/adetails.php?eid=159498&cid=22&fromval=1&frid=22&seccatid=45&s1=1
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ISIS Kidnaps More Than 130 Syrian Schoolchildren; International Leaders Yet To Respond
Jul 3, 2014
More than 130 children have been kidnapped by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), inside Syria’s town of Manbij. The children have been missing for a month, yet their kidnapping has gone largely unnoticed.
According to a Human Rights Watch report, ISIS abducted 153 children between the ages of 13 and 14 from the mostly Kurdish town of Ain al-Arab on May 29. The children were returning home from taking their year-end exams in the city of Aleppo when they were abducted.
The kidnapping, by a group that many consider to be a terrorist organization (though the U.S. has yet to officially declare ISIS as such), comes just two months after another terrorist organization, Boko Haram, based in Nigeria, kidnapped more than 200 girls from their school in Chibok. After their kidnapping, the international community took note of the social media #BringBackOurGirls campaign, which effectively raised awareness of the crisis. But the kidnapping in Syria did not receive the same attention. Max Abrahms, a terrorism expert from Northeastern University in Boston, said the Syrian kidnapping case wasn't reported because the war, quite simply, has exhausted readers and international leaders.
Full report at:
http://www.ibtimes.com/isis-kidnaps-more-130-syrian-schoolchildren-international-leaders-yet-respond-1618026
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Israel commited serious violations in West Bank operations: HRW
Jul 3, 2014
Israel’s military operations in the West Bank following the abduction and killing of three Israeli teenagers have amounted to collective punishment, Human Rights Watch said today. The military operations included unlawful use of force, arbitrary arrests, and illegal home demolitions. During raids on Palestinian towns, refugee camps, and villages, Israeli forces have shot and killed at least five Palestinians and arrested and detained at least 150 more without charge.
The military says the operations are in response to the kidnappings and killings and intended to weaken Hamas, but the scale of arbitrary arrests and detentions, unlawful use of force, property destruction including home demolitions, and raids on homes and media offices raise the collective punishment concerns. Human Rights Watch investigated two of the deadly shooting cases and found that while some youths were throwing stones, there was no evidence that the victim or anyone in the line of fire posed an imminent threat to the lives of Israeli soldiers or others.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/105345/World/Region/Israel-commited-serious-violations-in-West-Bank-op.aspx
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UN Officials Urge Int’l Community To Assist Yemen
Jul 3, 2014
The UN called for an urgent action is needed to prevent a worsening of the humanitarian crises in both Somalia and Yemen, senior United Nations relief officials warned today, as they urged donors to help them step up their response as well as to consolidate the recent gains made in both countries.
In Yemen, Mr. Chaiban noted, the sheer numbers of children suffering from life-threatening or debilitating forms of malnutrition are even greater due to chronic underdevelopment and persistent insecurity.
“One in five Yemeni children is underweight, 58 per cent are stunted. After Afghanistan, Yemen has the second highest level of chronic malnutrition,” he said, adding that other protection concerns include keeping children in school, as well as reducing child marriage and child labour.
Full report at:
http://nationalyemen.com/2014/07/03/un-officials-urge-intl-community-to-assist-yemen/
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HRW asks Sri Lanka not to deport Pakistan’s Ahmdaiyyas
Jul 3, 2014
The Human Rights Watch has asked Sri Lanka not to deport members of Pakistan’s minority Ahmadiyya community until the U.N. refugee agency had full access to them and determined their need for international protection.
At least 142 Pakistanis, mostly Ahmadiyyas, arrested in police sweeps in Sri Lanka in June 2014 are being detained and are at risk of deportation, the Human Rights Watch said.
“Sri Lankan authorities are threatening Pakistani minority group members with deportation at the very time when persecution of these groups is escalating in Pakistan,” said Bill Frelick, refugees director at Human Rights Watch.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/hrw-asks-sri-lanka-not-to-deport-pakistans-ahmdaiyyas/article6172488.ece
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More than 75,000 Pakistanis flee to Afghanistan: UN
Press Trust of India | United Nations | July 3, 2014
The current Pakistani military offensive against militants in the North Waziristan tribal region has forced thousands of people to flee their homes in the past two weeks, seeking shelter in neighbouring Afghanistan, the United Nations refugee agency said.
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said more than 75,000 people have fled their homes over the past two weeks, many with very few possessions, as the military offensive continues in troubled North Waziristan region.
In addition to those who have fled across the border, the Pakistani government estimates that the latest fighting has left some 470,000 people internally displaced.
While UNHCR, the World Food Programme (WFP), the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners are working to coordinate relief efforts and deliver assistance, “sanitation, clean drinking water and medical care are in short supply.”
Full report at:
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/asia/more-than-75000-pakistanis-flee-to-afghanistan-un/
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Final push in 'historic' Iran nuclear talks
AFP | Jul 3, 2014
VIENNA: Iran nuclear talks enter the decisive, dangerous endgame Thursday with a marathon final round of hardball negotiations potentially going all the way to the July 20 finish line.
The deal being sought by Iran and the five permanent members of the UN security council plus Germany would finally ease fears of Tehran getting nuclear weapons — and silence talk of war for good.
With insurgents overrunning large parts of Iraq and Syria in chaos after years of civil war, this could help Tehran and the West normalise relations at an explosive time in the Middle East.
But failure could return both sides to the path of confrontation and even war, with neither Israel nor Washington ruling out military action.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Final-push-in-historic-Iran-nuclear-talks/articleshow/37681844.cms
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Southeast Asia
Philippines urges its Muslims to abort Hajj
July 3, 2014
MANILA: The Philippines urged its large Muslim minority on Thursday to reconsider plans to join pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia this year due to a deadly virus outbreak there.
About 6,500 Filipinos who are set to join the annual Hajj pilgrimage in October are being urged to go next year instead, when the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is expected to be under control, health department spokesperson Lyndon Lee Suy said.
“We know it’s a religious custom, but it is also our duty to provide health advisories,” Lee Suy told AFP.
“It’s an appeal for them to delay the trip if possible due to the MERS virus…. If possible, they should go next year.”
Millions of pilgrims visit holy sites in western Saudi Arabia, the country worst hit by the disease, for the annual Hajj, the major Muslim pilgrimage that this year will take place in October, and for the Umrah, which is performed throughout the year.
The World Health Organization said last month that the surge in MERS cases has receded, but countries must maintain vigilance for the Muslim pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/730598/philippines-urges-its-muslims-to-abort-hajj/
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Islamic groups team up in support of axed UM professor
Jul 3, 2014
ondemning the removal of Universiti Malaya's Prof Datuk Dr Mohamad Redzuan Othman this week, several Muslim non-governmental organisations today announced a campaign for academic freedom in campuses.
Besides their Facebook campaign called "Solidarity 4 Prof Redzuan" and "academicfreedom4malaysia", the Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement (Abim), Pan-Malaysian Coalition of Islamic Undergraduates (Gamis), National Muslim Students Association (PKPIM) and Pertubuhan Ikram Malaysia (Ikram) will also submit a memorandum to the Education Ministry tomorrow on the matter.
The Malaysian Insider reported on Monday that the Education Ministry had told Prof Datuk Dr Mohamad Redzuan Othman to quit as the director of the university’s Centre for Democracy and Elections (UMcedel), while his tenure as dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences was also not renewed.
Full report at:
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/islamic-groups-team-up-in-support-of-axed-um-professor#sthash.G7wmNWt9.dpuf
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Ramadan Raises Fears of Vigilante Groups in Indonesia
Jul 3, 2014
Jakarta. Ramadan is a time for Muslims to reinforce their faith and bring the focus back to God. It should be a festive time of forgiveness and spirituality. Yet in Indonesia, Ramadan becomes a time where some have to tread lightly.
The Bogor branch of the hard-line Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) recently announced its intention to conduct raids on those infringing on the rules of Ramadan.
“We urge everyone to respect one another,” said Muhammad Zaini, head of the FPI’s Bogor operations, on Monday. “If we come across entertainment venues and warteg [food vendors] serving food, we will take action.”
He also said that any activities that were “a disturbance to Muslims” should be halted during the fasting month. His list of demands included that society should monitor hotels serving unmarried couples and that the government shut down “immoral places” operating in Bogor.
‘Sense of fear’
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/ramadan-raises-fears-vigilante-groups/
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North America
Barack Obama calls Saudi King to discuss on Iraq and ISIL
Press Trust of India | Washington | July 3, 201
US President Barack Obama has called Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud to discuss the current situation in Iraq and the threat being posed by ISIL, the White House said.
ISIL or Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (alternatively translated as Islamic State of Iraq and Syria and Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham) have gained control over parts of Iraq and Syria and have declared the areas as Islamic State.
“The two leaders discussed the current situation in Iraq, and the threat that the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) poses to the stability of Iraq and to the entire region,” the White House said Wednesday after the call between the two leaders.
Obama and the Saudi King reaffirmed the need for Iraq’s leaders to move expeditiously to form a new government capable of uniting all of Iraq’s diverse communities.
“The President thanked the King for Saudi Arabia’s pledge of USD 500 million dollars to help alleviate the suffering of all Iraqis who have been displaced by the violence.
The two leaders agreed to continue to consult closely on regional developments,” the White House said.
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/americas/barack-obama-calls-saudi-king-to-discuss-on-iraq-and-isil/
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U.S. bill targeting Hezbollah won’t affect Lebanese banks
Jul 3, 2014
BEIRUT: Lebanese banks are confident that a proposed United States law tightening financial sanctions on Hezbollah won’t affect the local banking sector, bankers said.
“A delegation from the Association of Banks in Lebanon met recently with U.S. officials and congressional leaders in Washington, and we discussed the bill targeting Hezbollah’s finances. We made some remarks about the bill and asked for some modifications and the Americans complied,” one banker told The Daily Star.
He added that the amendments were necessary to protect the Lebanese banks and economy.
The Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act of 2014, which was submitted to the U.S. House and Senate in April, aims to curb Hezbollah’s financial activities around the world.
The bill seeks to impose sanctions on individuals or institutions that knowingly do business with Hezbollah, or companies or individuals who have been designated by the U.S. as Hezbollah financiers. Any bank targeted by the act would be forbidden from conducting any financial activities in the U.S.
Full report at:
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/Business/Local/2014/Jul-03/262435-us-bill-targeting-hezbollah-wont-affect-lebanese-banks.ashx#ixzz36Qnjwx00
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US Senator McCain meets Syrian rebels in Turkey, calls for greater support against ISIL
Jul 3, 2014
U.S. Senator John McCain met with members of the Syrian opposition in Gaziantep on July 1 amid a warning from fragmented rebels that they will lay down their arms in a week if they do not receive aid in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
Following his meeting with representatives from the Syrian National Council (SNC), the rebel interim government, civil society activists, and commanders from the Free Syrian Army (FSA), the senator called for a strategy to provide greater support to Syrian opposition as parts of efforts to defeat ISIL.
McCain said he had been given firsthand accounts of the “deteriorating security and humanitarian situation on the ground inside Syria, and how the recent offensive by ISIL in Iraq is shifting dynamics on the battlefield in favor of extremists in both countries.”
Full report at:
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/us-senator-mccain-meets-syrian-rebels-in-turkey-calls-for-greater-support-against-isil.aspx?pageID=238&nID=68566&NewsCatID=510
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KSA witnessing massive progress, says US diplomat
Jul 3, 2014
The US Consul in Dhahran Joey Hood expressed his feeling of happiness for spending two years in the Kingdom and lauded the cooperation of Saudi people during his tenure of service in the Eastern Province.
He was honored by Saudi Cancer Society of the Eastern Province and SDEA as well as Organ Donation Organization in the presence of Abdulaziz bin Ali Al-Turki, chairman of the organization and Hanan Al-Qhatani, vice chairman of the organization. The event was held to mark the completion of two years of Joey Hood’s presence in the Kingdom. Joey Hood said during his speech that the Kingdom is witnessing great progress in all fields.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/news/595796
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US seeks regional support to resolve Iraq political chaos
Agence-France Presse | Baghdad | July 3, 2014
Top US officials have reached out to key regional leaders to help resolve the political chaos in Iraq even as the Iraqi premier offered a general amnesty to undercut support for a raging jidhadist-led offensive.
Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki’s offer on Wednesday came after a farcical opening to the new parliament in Baghdad, despite international calls for Iraq’s fractious politicians to unite urgently to combat insurgents, as the military struggles to seize the initiative against the Sunni militants.
With hopes of a unity government waning, Washington reached out to regional players with President Barack Obama calling Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah and Vice President Joe Biden contacting the speaker of Iraq’s previous parliament, Osama al-Nujaifi, a prominent Sunni leader.
Full report at:
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/middle-east-africa/us-seeks-regional-support-to-resolve-iraq-political-chaos/
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/muslim-scholars-denounce-any-ideology/d/97880