‘Muslims Changed Voting Trend in U.P. Polls 2023, Used Discretion This Time’ That Allowed BJP or Its Allies, For the First Time, To Have a Muslim MLA
New
Age Islam News Bureau
15
May 2023
Muslim women
at a polling station in Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh, 2017. | Prakash
Singh/AFP
-----
India
• Karnataka Deputy CM Should Be Muslim: Waqf Board Chief
• Owaisi's AIMIM Draws Blank in Karnataka Poll, Fails To
Woo 13% Muslim Population
• UP Local Body Polls: BJP Says Over 50 Candidates
Fielded By the Party Have Won
--------
South Asia
• In Meeting, Islamic Emirate Urged Qatar to Invest in
Afghanistan: Spokesman
• Balkh Governor Meets with Senior Diplomats of Several
Countries
• Taliban Replaces Afghan Ambassador in New Delhi, But
Employees Refuse to Welcome New Changes
• Bangladesh won’t buy anything from countries that
impose sanctions: PM Hasina
--------
Southeast
Asia
• Govt Drops Appeal against High Court’s quashing Of
‘Allah’ Ban in Christian Publications in Malaysia
• Indonesia’s trade surplus recovers after Ramadan
• Indonesia becomes 3rd largest shareholder of Islamic
Development Bank
• LohSiew Hong continues legal challenge against three
kids’ unilateral conversion to Islam
---------
Pakistan
• Punjab Counter Terrorism Department Nab Four Islamic
State, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan Terrorists in Multiple Raids
• Pakistan Tehreek-E-Insaf to File Cases Against
Rangers, NAB Over Imran Khan ‘Abduction’
• Cop martyred, another injured in Kandhkot attack
• Imran accuses opponents of plotting to keep him
imprisoned for 10 years
• US embassy issues security alert for its citizens in
Pakistan
• Public property worth Rs250m destroyed in 3 days of
protests in Islamabad
• Pakistani Police Arrest 22 Afghans in Torkham Raids
--------
Mideast
• Türkiye opposition claims vote count ‘manipulations’
• Islamic Jihad Leadership In Gaza Destroyed - Israeli
PM
• Fragile truce between Israel and Palestinian Islamic
Jihad
• Islamic Jihad says Gaza Truce Agreed with Israel:
Officials
• Hamas leader: Israel failed to drive a wedge between
Hamas and Islamic Jihad
• Report: Islamic Jihad using Facebook bots to hack
Israelis' phones
• Jihad says 11 leaders, fighters martyred in Zionist
aggression on Gaza
• Tehran: Image of the Iranian Resistance Leadership
Displayed on Imam Ali Expressway
--------
North
America
• Navy Vet Who Claims to Have Killed Bin Laden Is the
Right’s New Anti-Drag Poster Child
• Biden, India's Modi Out to Deepen Their Bonds, but
Geopolitical Friendships Have Their Limits
• US border crossings down by half since rule change:
Security chief
--------
Arab World
• Hospitality of Hatim Al-Ta’iFestival in Hail Celebrates
Icons of Arab Poetry
• French Politician Looks to Boost Ties with Kingdom on
Trip to Riyadh
• Taif agriculture festival to kick off on Thursday
• Saudi crown prince renames two Riyadh neighbourhoods
after King Salman
• IsDB launches revamped Member Country Partnership
Strategy
--------
Europe
• Greetings to Participants of the 14th International
Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: Kazan Forum”
• EU Commends Egypt’s Role in Cease-Fire Agreement
between Israel, Islamic Jihad
• Ukraine now de-facto ‘state-sponsor of terrorism’ –
Kremlin
• UK-supplied missiles used to strike civilians in
Lugansk – authorities
--------
Africa
• Senegal: Faction of Casamance Rebellion Inks Peace
Deal
• Sudanese continue to flee the country as fighting
enters its fifth week
• Nigeria, Jaiz Sign Finance Agreement with Islamic
Trade Corporation
Compiled
by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL:
https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/muslims-up-polls-bjp-mla/d/129782
------
‘Muslims Changed Voting Trend in U.P. Polls 2023, Used Discretion This Time’ That Allowed BJP or Its Allies, For the First Time, To Have a Muslim MLA
Muslim women
at a polling station in Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh, 2017. | Prakash
Singh/AFP
-----
By Haidar Naqvi
May 14, 2023
Muslim voters
threw up a surprise in the urban local body (ULB) election with the way they
voted. Reason: This time they used their discretion rather than voting en masse
for any particular party as they used to do earlier.
The pattern
sends out a message to political parties that now Muslim votes should not be
taken for granted. (For Representation)
The pattern
sends out a message to political parties that now Muslim votes should not be
taken for granted. (For Representation)
“I will say
Muslims are in experimental mode. They have come out of traditional realm and
put some thought behind the voting pattern as their traditional line was not
working,” said Athar Hussain, director, Centre for Objective Research and
Development, Lucknow.
The extension
of this pattern allowed the BJP or its allies, for the first time, to have a
Muslim member in the state legislative assembly. Apna Dal (Sonelal) candidate
Shafiq Ahmed Ansari polled over 50% votes and won Suar (in Rampur) assembly
bypoll. The Samajwadi Party (SP) had fielded Anuradha Chauhan from the seat.
The community
sided with AIMIM’s Mohd Anas in Meerut mayoral election as he ended a
runner-up. The SP had given ticket to senior leader Atul Pradhan’s wife from a
seat where OBC Muslims are in a sizeable number.
Similarly, the
community by and large backed the BSP in Saharanpur, rejecting SP candidate
Ashu Malik as an outsider. Or for that matter, their support extended to the
BSP in Agra, and to the Samajwadi Party in Lucknow.
Moradabad,
Jhansi and Ayodhya mayoral seats saw Muslim voters tilting towards the
Congress. In Kanpur, voting pattern suggest Muslims were divided between the
Congress and the SP. However, they went with the SP which came second and the
Congress third. Both the parties had fielded Brahmin candidates on a seat which
has 20% Brahmins and 18% Muslims.
“The Muslims
used their discretion in voting after a long time. It is a matter of great
interest they did in an election that is largely personalised,” said Tariq Raza
Fatimi, retired professor of Halim Muslim PG College, Kanpur.
“This is an
important drift since the 90s. Never before they have gone to various parties
syncing their preference with local equations,” he said, adding the pattern
sent out a message to political parties that now Muslim votes should not be
taken for granted.
“One more
aspect seen in this election was the indifference in urban Muslim voters that
did not come out to vote. Urban Muslims seemed disappointed and there could be
many reasons the political parties need to study and fix,” Hussain said.
Source: hindustantimes.com
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https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/muslim-voters-use-discretion-surprise-in-ulb-election-as-traditional-voting-line-fails-analysis-101684075497773.html
-----
The Taliban and
the Islamic State Continue to Fight for Control of Afghanistan’s Future
Photograph
Source: Karla Marshall – Public Domain
-----
By John P.
Ruehl
On April 25,
2023, U.S. officials confirmed that the Taliban had killed the head of the
Islamic State (IS) cell operating in Afghanistan. Though his identity has not
been revealed, the IS leader is believed to have masterminded the 2021 Kabul
airport attack that killed 170 Afghan civilians and 13 U.S. military personnel.
His
assassination marks the latest escalation of violence between the Taliban and
IS in Afghanistan this year. Several senior Taliban officials were killed or
targeted in March 2023 by IS, while several IS leaders in Afghanistan were
killed by the Taliban in January and February.
The Taliban, a
loose Pashtun-centric political movement active across Afghanistan and
Pakistan, previously ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001. The U.S. withdrawal
and ensuing collapse of the Afghan government in 2021 allowed the Taliban to
re-establish their rule over the country, but they have been prevented from
gaining full control thanks to IS, which has existed in the country since 2014.
Initially, many
Taliban members were supportive of IS’s ability to seize territory and
challenge U.S. and Western forces in Syria and Iraq in 2013 and 2014. Yet
despite their common U.S. and Western enemies and shared hardline Sunni
interpretation of Islam, the Taliban’s animosity arose after IS began to
establish itself on Afghan territory and attract Afghans to its cause.
At the time,
Taliban forces had failed to make territorial gains and had recently begun
another round of negotiations with the U.S. government. The Taliban had also
traditionally suppressed the Salafist brand of Islam in eastern Afghanistan in
favor of Hanafi Islam, making IS’s Salafist leanings attractive to many Afghans
in the region. There was also significant division across the Pakistani and
Afghan Taliban leadership, further allowing IS to poach members.
Several
high-ranking members switched allegiance to IS in 2014, which also found
support from smaller regional militant groups. But of significant importance
was IS’s ability to attract disillusioned members of its rival, Al Qaeda, to
its ranks. Disagreements over policies, tactics, and leadership caused Al Qaeda
to disavow IS in 2014, and they have competed for dominance over the global
jihadist movement since. The Taliban’s close relationship with Al Qaeda only
made IS more resolute in challenging them in Afghanistan.
In January
2015, IS announced its vision to create the province of “Khorasan,” which would
include much of Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent, and is part of IS’s
effort to establish a global caliphate. The group began to expand more rapidly
across Afghanistan while accusing the Taliban of being “filthy nationalists”
and neglecting Islam in favor of their ethnic and national base.
As clashes
between the Taliban and Islamic State in Khorasan (IS-K) intensified in 2015,
the Taliban’s then-leader, Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansour, wrote a letter to
Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi urging him to abandon recruitment in Afghanistan and
insisting the war against the United States should be led by the Taliban. But
it failed to dissuade the IS leadership, who were also aided in part by the
Afghan Army’s initial decision to avoid fighting IS to focus on the Taliban.
As IS emerged
as a serious threat to Afghanistan’s stability, however, both Afghan and
U.S.-led international forces increasingly came to focus on the group in the
country. IS targeting of religious minorities also brought it into further
conflict with parts of the Afghan population. Despite an initial expansion, IS
lost significant territory and fighters from 2015 to 2018, while from 2019 to
2020 many of its fighters and leaders surrendered to authorities.
The Taliban, in
comparison, had steadily increased its influence in Afghanistan, convincing the
Afghan and U.S. governments to commit to talks to end the war. The Doha
Agreement in 2020 put forth a withdrawal timeline for foreign soldiers, saw
thousands of Afghan and Taliban soldiers released in a prisoner swap, and the
Taliban pledged to prevent terrorist groups from operating in Afghanistan. IS
denounced the agreement, accusing the Taliban of deviating from jihad to please
“their U.S. masters.”
But suggestions
of IS’s demise in Afghanistan by then-Afghan President Ashraf Ghani proved
short-lived, particularly as Afghanistan was engulfed by the power vacuum
caused by the U.S.’s departure. IS’s numbers were also bolstered by thousands
of prisoners who escaped or were freed from Afghanistan’s prisons.
While IS’s
estimated 4,000 members in Afghanistan as of 2023 pale in comparison to the
Taliban’s roughly 80,000 troops, its guerilla warfare campaign, similar to the
one used effectively by the Taliban against U.S. forces, has made it a
formidable opponent in parts of the country. By the end of 2021, the group had
killed or injured more people in Afghanistan than any other country, and
clashes between the Taliban and IS are common occurrences.
On top of
attracting more members to IS’s ranks, the Taliban fears IS will erase what
little legitimacy it has as a governing force by keeping Afghanistan unstable.
The Taliban’s leadership remains plagued by division and lacks any
international recognition. The Taliban is also now fighting IS-K largely alone
and without the high-tech weaponry and air support enjoyed by the previous
Afghan government forces. And having been beaten back in Syria and Iraq,
Afghanistan provides IS-K one of the few places where it can expand, causing
the group to double down in the country.
To shore up
their position, the Taliban leadership has sought to engage with other
governments. Saudi Arabia and Qatar are cautiously cooperating with the
Taliban, while Pakistan, which has a complex history of working with the
Taliban, continues to conduct dialogue with them. The Taliban is also courting
India, China, and Russia, which seek to stabilize the country and potentially
exploit Afghanistan’s estimated $1 to $3 trillion in mineral wealth.
Pressure is on
the Taliban to get results. Chinese and Russian citizens and infrastructure in
Afghanistan have been targeted by IS, drawing criticism. And though the Taliban
has said it will not allow its territory to be used to attack its neighbors, IS
has already tested this in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
The Taliban’s
ongoing cooperation with Al Qaeda (exemplified by the assassination of Al-Qaeda
leader Ayman al-Zawahri in a U.S. drone strike in Kabul in 2022) continues to
dissuade Western cooperation, coupled with the Taliban’s crackdown on women’s
freedom in Afghanistan. Reversing their more radical policies could in turn
instigate more defections to IS.
Having fought
the Taliban for two decades, a rapprochement with the Taliban would be a
difficult sell to Western audiences. But having already worked with the Taliban
to evacuate its citizens in August, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark
Milley stated the possibility of coordinating with the Taliban to defeat IS in
2021. Nick Carter, his British counterpart, expressed a similar sentiment as
well. U.S. officials have also stated that they “do not support organized
violent opposition” to the Taliban.
With the Afghan
government disbanded (many members have joined the Taliban or IS) and the
weaknesses associated with the National Resistance Front, there is little
viable opposition that Western forces can support. Yet The U.S.
“over-the-horizon” approach to ignoring the Taliban to deal with IS and Al
Qaeda in Afghanistan has its own consequences—a drone strike intended for the
mastermind behind the 2021 Kabul Airport attack instead ended up killing 10 Afghan
civilians, including seven children.
Nonetheless,
the Taliban’s assassination of the individual responsible in April 2023 may
encourage soft coordination and informal diplomacy with other countries,
including the U.S. Yet because the Taliban remains dependent on cooperation
with extremist groups like Al Qaeda, its formal international isolation risks
becoming long-term.
Providing a
haven for groups like Al Qaeda and promoting a strict interpretation of Shariah
law is also a double-edged sword. These conditions helped IS establish itself
in Afghanistan, aided further by the poverty and lack of basic services in many
parts of the country. IS will continue to attempt to weaken the Taliban
militarily, exploit its divisions, and erode its claims to have restored peace
and stability to Afghanistan.
Afghanistan’s
instability since the 1970s remains ongoing, and the country continues to be a
hotbed of regional concern, great power rivalry, and ideological clashes. While
most foreign governments view IS as a greater threat, this may not be enough
for the Taliban to end its vulnerable isolation and help Afghanistan achieve
peace and stability.
Source: counterpunch.org
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https://www.counterpunch.org/2023/05/15/the-taliban-and-the-islamic-state-continue-to-fight-for-control-of-afghanistans-future/
--------
First Muslim,
Nazmadih Mateem Nujan, Takes Local Gay Crown in the Final Round of the Thai
Competition
Nazmadih
Mateem Nujan, 30, centre, winner of this year's Mr Gay World Thailand. The
first gay Thai Muslim to win the contest, he will now compete in Mr Gay World
2023 in South Africa on Oct 23-29.
------
15 MAY 2023
In the final
round of the Thai competition, hosted by the Bangkok Rainbow Organisation at
Mambo Cabaret on Saturday, Nazmadih Mateem Nujan, 30, an outdoor fitness
instructor, was named as winner and chosen to fly to South Africa and compete
from Oct 23–29 as the first Muslim to represent Thailand at Mr Gay World.
Speaking in
reference to discrimination, Mr Nazmadih praised his family for supporting him
regardless of his sexual orientation.
He said he had
also received considerable support from his community in KuanPrab Village in
Phatthalung.
However, he was
still worried that some people may not understand, as the Muslim community was
diverse in its teaching.
"I think
we need to communicate to those who may not understand us. There are many
LGBTQ+ Muslim who have strong faith in religion but they cannot remain in the
religion because the surrounding pressures keep telling them they are
wrong," he said.
He said that
what empowered him to be brave and bold were his family and community.
"Being
crowned this year's Mr Gay World Thailand and being the first gay Muslim to get
the title may help to empower other LGBTQ+ Muslims. They can still be good
followers while being who they are," he added.
Mr Gay World
Thailand is in its fifth year, despite firsts being held in 2017, due to Covid
19 forcing organisers to postpone the event in 2021 and 2022.
Each year has a
specific theme and this year's was "This is Me".
The competition
is open to all gay males regardless of body size or shape, skin tone or even
physical abilities. Of this year's field of 29, one was profoundly deaf.
A Muslim man
from the South crowned as this year's Mr Gay World Thailand will compete on the
world stage and represent the Thai LGBTQ+ community at Mr Gay World 2023 in
October.
Source: bangkokpost.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2570592/
--------
Imran Khan
Arrest: ‘Afghans Involved’ In Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s Riots, Violence in
Peshawar
Photo: file
----
Monday, May 15,
2023
After the
arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan, Afghans were also
involved in the riots and violent incidents perpetrated by the party supporters
and workers in Peshawar.
Security
sources have claimed that the PTI leadership carried out the riots by paying
huge amounts to Afghan citizens.
The law
enforcement agencies have released an alleged confessional statement following
a spree of arrests.
The sources
said confessions of three Afghan citizens have been released, while
investigation with others is under way.
They added that
Afghan residents were bribed by the PTI leadership.
The arrested
criminals belonged to Kabul and Mazar-e-Sharif, the security sources claimed.
Meanwhile,
Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir on Saturday said the armed forces will
not tolerate any further attempt at violating the sanctity and security of its
installations or vandalism, and resolved to bring to justice all the planners,
abettors, instigators, and executors of the vandalism of May 9.
According to
the Inter-Services Public Relations, the army chief visited the Peshawar Corps
Headquarters where he was given a detailed briefing on the prevailing security
situation and ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.
Source: samaaenglish.tv
Please
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https://www.samaaenglish.tv/news/40035092/pakistan-imran-khan-arrest-afghans-involved-in-ptis-riots-violence-in-peshawar
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Erdogan Condemns
Opposition's 'Inhuman, Un-Islamic' Aim to Forcefully Expel Syrian Refugees
Turkish
president Recep Tayyip Erdogan
-----
May 14, 2023
Turkish
president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has condemned the main opposition candidate's
policy goals toward Syrian refugees as "inhuman" and
"un-Islamic", days before the landmark presidential elections are set
to proceed.
Amid the months
of campaigning by competing parties in Turkiye leading up to the looming
presidential elections which are set to kick off tomorrow, a key policy touted
by the opposition candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu and his Republican People's
Party (CHP) has been the vow to deport the 3.5 million Syrian refugees
currently in the country within two years.
Speaking at a
question-and-answer event at the Presidential complex in the capital Ankara
this week, Erdogan called those plans "inhuman and immoral, and more
importantly un-Islamic". He added that "There are doctors, engineers,
and lawyers among the Syrian refugees who came to Turkey. Is it reasonable for
us to expel them?"
During that
same event, the president emphasised his and his Justice and Development
Party's (AKP) goal of gradually returning Syrian refugees to Syria based on
non-forceful and voluntary means. As part of that, he highlighted his
government's construction of 100,000 houses in rebel-held northern Syria to
cater to returnees.
Erdogan also
denied the opposition's claim that Syrian students had been receiving
preferential treatment in Turkish schools and universities.
Despite the AKP
government's stated aim to gradually encourage Syrians to leave by facilitating
the means of their return to Syria, human rights groups and reports have
accused Ankara of forcibly returning refugees to the country through methods
such as arrest on trumped-up charges, the forced signing of confessions and agreements,
and their secret deportation to northern Syria.
Many Syrians
and analysts, therefore, fear that there will be a sharp increase in the
persecution of Syrian refugees within Turkiye regardless of who wins the
elections.
Source: middleeastmonitor.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230514-erdogan-condemns-oppositions-inhuman-un-islamic-aim-to-forcefully-expel-syrian-refugees/
--------
India
Karnataka Deputy CM Should Be Muslim: Waqf Board Chief
Monday, May 15,
2023
Karnataka Waqf
board Chief Shafi Sadi on Sunday demanded that the post of Karnataka's deputy
chief minister should be given to winning candidates from Muslim community.
"Out of
224 constituencies, Muslim candidates contested the election in 15
constituencies. 9 of them won. Apart from that, in 72 constituencies, the
Congress won because of the Muslims support. We did campaign and awareness in
all the mosques to vote for the Congress party," said Shafi Shaadi.
"Muslims
played crucial role in the Congress victory. In return, we want a Muslim deputy
chief minister and five important ministers’ posts like Home, Revenue, and
Education. We held an emergency meeting in the Sunni Ulama board office to
ensure all these are implemented," he added.
"In old
Mysore, many Muslim leaders joined the JDS party. However, 88 per cent of the
Muslims voted for the Congress party. Muslims were afraid of issues like hijab.
In that context, the Muslim community voted for the grand old party," said
Waqf Board President Shafi Shaadi. Nine Muslim candidates, all from the
Congress, emerged victorious in the Karnataka Assembly polls. The consolidation
of Muslim votes, which make up nearly 13 per cent of the state's electorate,
seems to have worked in favour of the Congress. The party has promised to
restore a four per cent quota for Muslims, which the erstwhile BJP government
scrapped.
Notably, these
were the first Assembly elections in the state since the controversy over hijab
and the central government imposed a five-year ban on the Islamist organisation
Popular Front of India (PFI). The Congress fileded15 Muslim candidates and nine
of them emerged victorious. The JDS fielded 23 Muslim candidates, but none
could secure a victory. Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM contested two seats and
secured only 0.02 per cent of the votes polled. The SDPI - the political outfit
of PFI - met a similar fate as none of its 16 candidates could open their
accounts.
Source: oneindia.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.oneindia.com/india/karnataka-deputy-cm-should-be-muslim-waqf-board-chief-3560157.html
--------
Owaisi's AIMIM
draws blank in Karnataka poll, fails to woo 13% Muslim population
May 15, 2023
By Ritu Maria
Johny
Asaduddin
Owaisi’s All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) drew a blank in the
recent Karnataka assembly election – this is despite the fact that Muslim
account for 13 per cent of the state's total population.
Although the
AIMIM had made inroads into the state in 2021 with a few wins in the urban
local body polls, the two candidates fielded in the Karnataka assembly election
failed to make a mark.
Owaisi’s
election campaign had focused on the controversies around the hijab ban, Tipu
Sultan and the removal of 4 per cent reservation for Muslims by the incumbent
BJP government. Owaisi had termed as "completely illegal" former
chief minister BasavarajBommai government's decision to scrap the Muslim
reservation.
In the run-up
to the elections, the AIMIM had announced that it will contest on 25 seats.
However, it ended up fielding only DurgappaKashappaBijawad and
AllahbakshBijapur from Hubballi-Dharwad East and BasavanaBagewadi,
respectively. While Bijawad managed to poll 5,644 votes, Bijapur secured just
1,475 votes. In spite of conducting multiple public meetings and contesting
only from the two seats it reportedly had a chance to win, the minority
community seemed to have rallied behind the Congress in the 2023 election.
Overall, the AIMIM garnered a mere 0.02 per cent of the vote share.
Rooting for JD
(S) in 1028, the party had refrained from fielding candidates in the 2018
assembly polls and the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka.
Accepting the
Karnataka verdict, the Hyderabad MP told news agency PTI, “The people of
Karnataka took a decision…We did not succeed there. But, the work on
strengthening of Majlis (AIMIM) in states be it Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka,
Telangana, Maharashtra, Bihar, Jharkhand and Bengal will continue. We won’t be
discouraged (with the poll outcome).”
On the
Congress’s remarkable resurgence, Owaisi on Sunday said he hoped that the party
will complete its poll promises, including revoking the scrapping of 4 per cent
Muslim quota. While the Congress gave tickets to 15 Muslim candidates, nine of
them emerged victorious.
Meanwhile, not
one of the 23 Muslim candidates fielded by the Janata Dal (Secular), which
enjoyed a strong backing from the community, could win in the 2023 polls as its
seat share reduced to 19 from 37 in 2018.
Notably, the
state is witnessing an assembly election for the first time since the hijab
issue and the Centre’s five-year ban on the Islamist organisation Popular Front
of India (PFI).
Source: hindustantimes.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/karnataka-election-results-asaduddin-owaisi-aimim-draws-blank-muslim-population-congress-victory-jds-loss-101684130940201.html
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UP local body
polls: BJP says over 50 candidates fielded by the party have won
15-05-23
More than 50
Muslim candidates fielded by the Bharatiya Janata Party have won in the urban
local body elections in Uttar Pradesh, the party’s minority cell chief told The
Hindu on Monday.
The minister of
state for Muslim Waqf, Haj and Minority Welfare, Danish Azad Ansari, told PTI
that the results proved that Muslim voters were shifting towards the BJP. The
claim might come under the scanner as the BJP does not have a single Muslim MP
or MLA across the country.
Even in the
Uttar Pradesh local body elections, the party had put up Muslim candidates in
395 of the nearly 14,500 seats – which accounts for only a 2.75%
representation. However, the number is nearly twice of the BJP’s Muslim
candidates in the 2017 urban local body polls, according to The Hindu.
Of the 395
Muslim candidates in the fray, 54 have managed to win, Kunwar Basit Ali, the
BJP’s Minority Morcha president in Uttar Pradesh, told the newspaper. He said
that the numbers could increase after all the results are announced. The party
had nominated Muslim candidates for the post of Nagar Panchayat chairperson in
32 places and five of them won, Ali told PTI.
“These results
highlight that Muslims have started showing confidence and faith in the BJP
government,” Ali added. “The myth that the saffron party is anti-minority is
getting busted.”
The party also
said that 90% of its Muslim candidates belonged to the backward Pasmanda
community.
The Samajwadi
Party dismissed the BJP’s claims of having gained the support of the Muslims,
PTI reported. It said that the BJP should tell how many Muslim candidates it
would field in the Lok Sabha elections next year.
The urban local
body polls in Uttar Pradesh were held in two phases on May 4 and May 11. The
BJP won all the 17 mayoral seats and emerged as the single largest party in 199
municipal councils and 544 nagarpanchayats as well, according to The Indian
Express.
Source: scroll.in
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://scroll.in/latest/1049124/up-local-body-polls-more-than-50-muslim-candidates-fielded-by-bjp-have-won-says-party
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South Asia
In Meeting,
Islamic Emirate Urged Qatar to Invest in Afghanistan: Spokesman
14-05-23
A Qatari
delegation led by the country’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh
Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani arrived in Kandahar on Friday and held talks
with Islamic Emirate’s officials.
Mujahid said
that the Islamic Emirate requested that Qatar take steps for the improvement of
relations between the international community and Afghanistan.
“We asked Qatar
for their continued cooperation and to take influential steps in diplomacy to
eliminate the concerns and doubts existing in some countries,” he said.
However, some
diplomats said that Qatar’s Prime Minister brought an important message to the
Islamic Emirate.
“Qatar itself,
as the supporter of the Taliban, sent its Prime Minister to tell the Taliban
that they are still a supporter of the Taliban but 'your actions affect the
reputation and position of Qatar at an international level.' Another message
was from regional countries since the recent (Doha) meeting about the concern
about the Taliban,” said BarnaSalehi, political analyst.
“If the
international community wants to improve its relations with the Taliban via
Qatar, I think the major influence of Qatar cannot be ignored and they may help
the Taliban in the improvement of their relations,” said NematullahBizhan,
political analyst.
This comes as
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Prime Minister of Qatar spoke
with US Secretary Antony Blinken and discussed bilateral relations and the
situation in Afghanistan.
The US State
Department also in a statement said Blinken thanked the Prime Minister for
"Qatar’s partnership and important efforts to de-escalate violence
throughout the recent hostilities" and "reiterated his appreciation
for Qatar’s continued assistance in Afghanistan."
“The role of
Qatar has been positive in the political and economic interaction of
Afghanistan. As it played an important role in signing the agreement, it
currently plays an important role in extensions of engagement between the
Islamic Emirate and the international community,” said Abdul Latif Nazari, the
Deputy Minister of Economy.
Qatar hosted
the fragile peace negotiations between the US and then Islamic Emirate's
political office that also resulted in a peace deal between the US and Taliban.
Source: tolonews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-183360
--------
Balkh Governor
Meets with Senior Diplomats of Several Countries
May 15, 2023
Taliban’s
governor for the northern Balkh Province Hajji Mohammad YosoufWafa on Sunday
met with the Consul General and senior diplomats of six regional countries in Mazar-e-Sharif.
On Sunday, the
provincial Information and Media Center in a statement said that Governor Wafa
met with the senior diplomats of six regional countries including Pakistan,
Turkey, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan in his office in
Mazar-e-Sharif.
During the
visit, Mr. Wafa discussed several sociocultural and economic issues bilaterally
and multilaterally with foreign diplomats.
According to a
newsletter published by the Information and Media Center of the Balkh province,
Mohammad Yusuf Wafa in this meeting said that the international community
should recognize the Taliban regime as the legitimate rulers of Afghanistan,
and respect it as a sovereign and independent country.
In their turn,
the representatives of the six countries in the region have emphasized on the
development of cultural, educational and commercial ties between their
respective countries and Afghanistan.
It was also
discussed that a stable, peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan would boost
economic development, trade and connectivity in the region and beyond.
Source: khaama.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.khaama.com/balkh-governor-meets-with-senior-diplomats-of-several-countries/
--------
Taliban
Replaces Afghan Ambassador in New Delhi, But Employees Refuse to Welcome New
Changes
May 15, 2023
The Foreign
Ministry in Kabul has finally ordered a change in leadership at the Afghan
embassy in New Delhi. Still, the embassy employees have collectively refused to
welcome the Taliban’s decision.
According to
the reports, the Taliban-run Ministry of Foreign Affairs has chosen Mohammad
Qadir Shah, an embassy employee previously working at the diplomatic office
under the republic government, to lead the embassy.
Qadir Shah has
served as the embassy’s secretary in India for the past few years.
Sources
confirmed that Mamondzay had been ordered to leave the embassy and be replaced
as acting chief d’affaires by Qadir Shah, currently employed in the embassy.
However, Farid
Mamundzay, who had been appointed the Afghan ambassador by the previous
republic and continued in the post till now, in a Facebook post on Sunday
evening that all recent “media rumours” are “baseless and rejected”.
The new
development occurred while Farid Mamondzay, the ambassador of Afghanistan to
India, was in London for his holidays. Meanwhile, sources said that Indian
officials had asked Mamondzai to come up with an agreement with Mohammad Qadir
Shah.
Farid Mamondzay
and Qadir Shah are close aides to Afghanistan’s former foreign minister
Mohammad HaneefAtmar and were appointed to the post when Atmar was a foreign
minister in Kabul.
Corruption
Charges at Embassy
Meanwhile, in a
letter to the Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a group of representatives
of Afghan nationals in India accused Ambassador Farid Mamondzay, Ziaullah
Hashemi, head of the embassy’s finance and administrative affairs, and Shakib
Ibrahim Ayazi, director of the embassy’s political affairs, corruption and
embezzlement.
“Although the
Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in India has no obligation to
respond to claims from unknown addresses, it assures all fellow countrymen that
it has handled all its past and present affairs with full transparency to avoid
the concern of its citizens,” Mamondzay said in a statement.
The statement
also said that all the allegations were “baseless and rejected” and the
employees in the embassy conduct work with “sincerity and commitment to the
dignity and pride of their country and consider the will of their nation the
criterion of past and present affairs”.
Source: khaama.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.khaama.com/taliban-replaces-afghan-ambassador-in-new-delhi-but-employees-refuse-to-welcome-new-changes/
--------
Bangladesh
won’t buy anything from countries that impose sanctions: PM Hasina
14th May 2023
Dhaka:
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that Bangladesh will not
purchase anything from countries that impose sanctions against it.
The prime
minister made the remarks on Saturday when inaugurating the 60th convention of
the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) in Dhaka, Xinhua news agency
reported.
“There is now a
tendency to impose sanctions, and sanctions on those by whom we contain
terrorism. We have made a decision. I have said that I will not buy anything
from those who will impose sanctions,” said the prime minister.
Hasina had
earlier slammed the US sanctions on officials of Bangladesh’s special security
force unit Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) over alleged rights abuse, saying the
move was “very condemnable act.”
She said the
elite force has immensely contributed to the South Asian country’s efforts in
containing militancy and terrorism.
In December
2021, the US Departments of Treasury and the Department of State imposed human
rights-related sanctions on the RAB and its seven incumbent and former top
officials.
Source: siasat.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.siasat.com/bangladesh-wont-buy-anything-from-countries-that-impose-sanctions-pm-hasina-2588953/
--------
Southeast
Asia
Govt drops
appeal against High Court’s quashing of ‘Allah’ ban in Christian publications
in Malaysia
Monday, 15 May 2023
KUALA LUMPUR,
May 15 — The Malaysian government has withdrawn its appeal against the High
Court’s March 2021 decision, which had quashed a government ban on the use of
the word “Allah” in all Christian publications in Malaysia.
Based on court
records, the appeal was withdrawn through a notice of discontinuance filed on
April 18.
In the notice
of discontinuance filed by the Attorney-General's Chambers on behalf of the
home minister and the Malaysian government, the two appellants gave notice to
the Court of Appeal that they did not intend to continue with their appeal and
are "discontinuing this entire appeal without order as to costs".
The appeal was
initially scheduled for case management on May 19, but will no longer be
brought up in court as the government has dropped the entire appeal.
The Malaysian
government's appeal withdrawal marks the end of a 15-year-long legal saga,
which began when the government seized a Sarawak Bumiputera's eight educational
compact discs (CDs) --- which contained the word "Allah" and were for
her own use.
On March 10,
2021, the High Court ruled in favour of the Sarawakian Christian from the
Melanau tribe, Jill Ireland Lawrence Bill, by granting three of the court
orders which she had sought.
This includes
the High Court's declaration that a government directive issued by the Home
Ministry’s publication control’s division via a circular dated December 5, 1986
is "unlawful and unconstitutional".
The 1986
directive by the Home Ministry said the word "Allah" cannot be used
in all Christian publications in Malaysia, and this was the government ban
which the High Court had found to be illegal.
The two other
High Court declarations are that it is Jill Ireland’s constitutional right
under the Federal Constitution’s Article 3, 8, 11 and 12 to import publications
(in the form of the eight CDs which the government had seized before returning
them) in exercise of her rights to practise religion and right to education;
and a declaration under Article 8 that Jill Ireland is guaranteed equality of
all persons before the law and is protected from discrimination against
citizens, on the grounds of religion in the administration of the law ―
specifically the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 and Customs Act
1967.
On March 12,
2021 the Malaysian government and the home minister filed an appeal against the
High Court.
With the
withdrawal of the government's appeal this April, this means that the High
Court's 2021 decision still stands, and that the government's 1986 ban on the
use of the word "Allah" in Christian publications in Malaysia remains
quashed.
The word
“Allah” is Arabic for God and had been adopted into the Malay language, and had
been used for generations and hundreds of years by Malay-speaking Christians in
the country --- especially those living in Sabah and Sarawak --- in the
practise of their religion and professing of their faith.
Read here for
Malay Mail's summary of the High Court's 96-page judgment to understand why the
government's 1986 ban was found to be unlawful and unconstitutional:
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2021/03/24/explainer-high-courts-96-page-judgment-on-why-malaysias-1986-allah-ban-was/1960449
The High
Court's 2021 decision did not touch on theology or religious debate, but was
based purely on legal and constitutional issues as well as all available
evidence presented in court including historical documents ---- which
documented the Bahasa Malaysia-speaking Christians' generations-long use of the
word "Allah" based on Christian publications featuring this word as
early as the year 1629.
Source: malaymail.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/05/15/govt-drops-appeal-against-high-courts-quashing-of-allah-ban-in-christian-publications-in-malaysia/69305
---------
Indonesia’s
trade surplus recovers after Ramadan
Monday, May 15,
2023
Hanoi (VNA) - Indonesia's
trade surplus in April increased from the previous month, with imports
softening due to less production activities during the holiday of Ramadan,
according to a poll conducted by Reuters.
According to
the analysis of 14 economists in the survey, the trade surplus in April likely
increased to 3.38 billion USD from 2.91 billion USD in March.
The Southeast
Asian nation has been recording monthly trade surpluses since mid-2020, but
economists have said it is likely to shrink this year as some commodity prices
fall due to weakening global demand.
Economists in
the poll predicted that April exports drop 18.55% on an annual basis due to
high base effects, which will be a deeper contraction from 11.33% in the
previous month.
The month’s
imports were also seen declining 7.85% from the same period last year.
Faisal Rachman
from Bank Mandiri said exports were seen declining in April due to less working
days compared to the same month last year, which had Ramadan holiday in May.
He expected
trade surplus will continue shrinking going forward as exports are expected to
continue easing./.
Source: en.vietnamplus.vn
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://en.vietnamplus.vn/indonesias-trade-surplus-recovers-after-ramadan/253053.vnp
--------
Indonesia
becomes 3rd largest shareholder of Islamic Development Bank
Jakarta
(ANTARA) - The Indonesian government has increased its shares in the Islamic
Development Bank (IsDB), making it the third-largest shareholder of the
institution after Saudi Arabia and Libya, according to a statement released on
Sunday.
At IsDB's 48th
Annual Session in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, held on May 10-13, 2023, the
institution’s board of governors unanimously approved the proposal to increase
the Indonesian government's shares.
"I hope
that by increasing the share, the cooperation between Indonesia and IsDB can
improve and bring prosperity to all people," Indonesian Finance Minister
Sri MulyaniIndrawati said at the IsDB annual session.
She further
said that this move could provide various strategic and economic benefits for
Indonesia, including increasing Indonesia's bargaining position within IsDB and
increasing IsDB's financing potential to Indonesia by 3.5 to 4 times.
By becoming the
third-largest shareholder, Indonesia can assert its contribution to the
international community by helping determine the direction of global
development through its membership in IsDB as a multilateral development bank.
Indonesia can
also actively and directly participate in the operation of IsDB to improve the
welfare and help eradicate poverty in IsDB member countries, many of which are
low-income Muslim countries.
In addition,
Indonesia will be able to further encourage IsDB's involvement in various
development programs in the country, including in the Islamic economic and
finance sector.
Indrawati
emphasized that Indonesia is committed to closely collaborate with IsDB to
provide long-term positive benefits on Muslims and the international community.
"Strengthening
cooperation, especially in the face of various current global economic
challenges, is the goal that will be realized in line with the increase of
Indonesia's role and share in IsDB," she added.
As of December
2022, IsDB has provided US$6.3 billion financial support for Indonesia, mostly
in the agriculture, education, industry and mining sectors.
IsDB is the
only multilateral development bank that applies Sharia principles. The
institution also promotes South-South cooperation as the majority of its
members are developing countries.
Source: en.antaranews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://en.antaranews.com/news/281697/indonesia-becomes-3rd-largest-shareholder-of-islamic-development-bank
--------
LohSiew Hong
continues legal challenge against three kids’ unilateral conversion to Islam
Monday, 15 May
2023
KUALA LUMPUR,
May 15 — Hindu mother LohSiew Hong today continued pursuing her challenge
against the unilateral conversion of her three children to Islam, by filing an
appeal at the Court of Appeal.
When contacted,
Loh’s lawyer A. Srimurugan told Malay Mail the appeal was filed this morning,
and that no case management dates had been fixed yet.
Srimurugan also
said he will be writing to the Court of Appeal to seek earlier court dates.
In her notice
of appeal filed today, Loh told the Court of Appeal that she was appealing the
entire decision by the High Court on May 11, which rejected her challenge
against her children’s unilateral conversion to Islam.
Source: malaymail.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/05/15/loh-siew-hong-continues-legal-challenge-against-three-kids-unilateral-conversion-to-islam/69329
--------
Pakistan
Punjab Counter
Terrorism Department Nab Four Islamic State, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan
Terrorists in Multiple Raids
FAHAD BHATTI
15-05-23
Punjab Counter
Terrorism Department (CTD) conducted major operations in three cities on a tip
off and arrested four terrorists belonging to banned ISIS and the banned
Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
During
Intelligence-Based Operation (IBO) in Sargodha, Rawalpindi and Gujranwala,
explosive materials and equipment for making suicide vests were recovered from
the terrorists.
The terrorists
were identified as Salman, Sherzaman, Malik Asrar and Sher Khan.
CTD officials
said cases have been registered against the terrorists while investigation is
ongoing.
The statement
reads that 51 suspects were arrested during 248 combing operations in this week
alone while over 11,000 people were questioned in the combing operations.
The authorities
said CTD is determined to root out the scourge of terrorism.
Source: samaaenglish.tv
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.samaaenglish.tv/news/40035077/pakistan-punjab-ctd-nab-four-islamic-state-ttp-terrorists-in-multiple-raids
--------
Pakistan
Tehreek-E-Insaf To File Cases Against Rangers, NAB Over Imran Khan ‘Abduction’
15-05-23
The Pakistan
Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced its intention to file cases against the
Punjab Rangers and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) over what it
perceives as the “abduction” of Imran Khan from the premises of the Islamabad
High Court by paramilitary forces.
Additionally,
the PTI firmly rejects the dissemination of what it considers to be “false,
absurd, and baseless propaganda” targeting the party in relation to the events
that unfolded on May 9, a day marked by violence following Imran Khan’s arrest.
The PTI
emphasizes its commitment to being a peaceful and democratic political party,
advocating for politics that operate within the bounds of the law.
The party
asserts that throughout its 27-year history, it has remained free from violence
and incitement.
Even in challenging
circumstances, both the PTI and its chairman, Imran Khan, have adhered to the
principles of legality.
The PTI
highlights its peaceful nationwide protests, emphasizing that not a single act
of aggression was committed during demonstrations on November 3 when there was
an assassination attempt on former premier’s life.
The party
voices concerns over efforts to manipulate controlled media and disseminate
false propaganda as a means to incite nationwide riots. The PTI calls for a
comprehensive investigation into deliberate attempts to sow chaos during
peaceful protests, including the shooting of civilians.
The PTI demands
the formation of a high-level commission comprising judges from the Supreme
Court to investigate the events of May 9.
It asserts that
cases should be registered against those responsible for the killings of
innocent citizens during the subsequent chaotic protests following Imran Khan’s
arrest.
The PTI vows to
name all officers involved in attacks against PTI protesters, including the
interior minister and caretaker chief ministers of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and
Punjab, in first information reports.
Expressing
solidarity with imprisoned PTI supporters, the party states that legal action
at the national and local levels will be pursued for the release of detained
leaders and workers who opposed the “abduction” of Imran Khan.
The PTI
strongly condemns the government’s recent ban on internet and social media
access throughout the country, viewing it as an attempt to suppress the truth.
The party demands
an immediate restoration of internet connectivity.
Furthermore,
the PTI expresses grave concern over the control of Islamabad, particularly the
Red Zone, being entrusted to the “armed private militia of a government party.”
It pledges to respond with full public force.
The PTI
questions the legal and constitutional validity of the caretaker government in
Punjab, referring to the Supreme Court’s deadline of May 14 for elections in
the province.
It asserts that
the failure to hold elections in Punjab today, in accordance with
constitutional and Supreme Court orders, constitutes a severe infringement upon
the constitution.
During a
meeting under the leadership of Imran Khan, the PTI agreed to develop a
comprehensive plan of legal action regarding the future of caretaker
governments in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The PTI
concludes that conducting clean and transparent elections nationwide is the
only constitutional approach to achieving internal stability and effectively
resolving political and economic crises.
Source: samaaenglish.tv
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.samaaenglish.tv/news/40035137/pakistan-pti-to-file-cases-against-rangers-nab-over-imran-khan-abduction
--------
Cop martyred,
another injured in Kandhkot attack
15-05-23
A policeman was
martyred and another injured after unidentified assailants opened fire on a
police post in Kandhkot’sTangwani district on Monday.
As per details,
the incident occurred when the dacoits attacked the Akbar police check post in
Tangwani district, which led to a fierce gun battle between the police and the
bandits.
Unfortunately,
police officer Ali Muhammad Malik was martyred in the exchange of fire while
his colleague, Abdullah Malik, sustained injuries.
The suspects also
managed to steal government weapons before fleeing the scene.
As soon as the
news of the attack broke, a heavy police force was dispatched to the area to
apprehend the culprits. The police have launched an investigation into the
incident and are conducting raids to arrest the perpetrators.
This is not the
first incident of its kind in the region.
In the last two
days, robbers have kidnapped at least six citizens, raising concerns about the
deteriorating law and order situation in the area.
Source: samaaenglish.tv
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.samaaenglish.tv/news/40035162/pakistan-cop-martyred-another-injured-in-kandhkot-attack
--------
Imran accuses
opponents of plotting to keep him imprisoned for 10 years
15-05-23
Pakistan
Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan alleged on Monday the existence of a
“London plan” aimed at keeping him in prison for 10 years on charges of
sedition.
Khan made these
allegations in a series of tweets stating that “Using pretext of violence while
I was inside the jail, they have assumed the role of judge, jury, and
executioner.”
The deposed
premier told his stalwarts that the ruling alliance will continue a blanket
crackdown on PTI leadership and workers, adding that “finally they will ban the
largest and only federal party of Pakistan. (Just as they banned the Awami
league in East Pakistan).”
JUI’s sit-in
just to overawe CJP
Commenting on
JUI-F sit-in outside the top court against legal eagles, the PTI supremo said
the JUI’s “drama” being done outside the SC is only to overawe the Chief
Justice of Pakistan so that he [CJP Bandial] doesn’t give a verdict according
to the constitution.
Imran’s message
to masses
Mr Khan vowed
that he will fight for HaqeeqiAzaadi till the last drop of his blood because
his death is preferable to be enslaved by “this assortment of crooks.”
“I urge all my
people to remember that we have pledged LA Illah ha illalah, that we bow to no
one except the One (Allah). If we bow to the idol of fear there will only be
humiliation and dismemberment for our future generations,” added Imran Khan.
Source: samaaenglish.tv
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.samaaenglish.tv/news/40035159/pakistan-imran-accuses-opponents-of-plotting-to-keep-him-imprisoned-for-10-years
--------
US embassy
issues security alert for its citizens in Pakistan
Monday, May 15,
2023
The US Embassy
in Islamabad has canceled all routine consular appointments for Monday
(tomorrow).
The embassy
issued a security alert on Sunday due to the potential for road closures and/or
traffic delays.
The alert
further said the embassy remains open and available for emergency services,
though it continues to restrict movements of embassy personnel to official and
mission-essential travel only.
US Consulates
General in Karachi and Lahore are open for routine consular appointments, the
notification further said.
It reminded US
citizens of potential disruptions to mobile phone service and that they should
have contingency communication plans in place if traveling in-country.
“US citizens
are urged to pay attention to local media for security updates and planned road
closures and maintain good situational awareness and security wherever they
travel in Pakistan,” it added.
The US embassy
strongly encourages its citizens to avoid large gatherings, unnecessary travel,
and remain vigilant of their surroundings and to comply with all established
security checkpoints.
Source: samaaenglish.tv
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.samaaenglish.tv/news/40035098/pakistan-us-embassy-issues-security-alert-for-its-citizens-in-pakistan
--------
Public property
worth Rs250m destroyed in 3 days of protests in Islamabad
Monday, May 15,
2023
Pakistan
Tehreek-e-Insaf’s violent protests in Islamabad on May 9 have caused a loss of
billions to the national treasury.
As per an
assessment, government property worth Rs250 million was destroyed over three
days of violent protests in the federal capital.
Moreover, 12
cars and 34 motorcycles as well as the office of the Industrial Area SP were
burnt to ashes.
The Tarnol,
Sangjani and Ramna police stations were also attacked by armed protesters.
Eleven FC
personnel and 71 police officers and officials were injured in the violence.
Furthermore, 26
cases have been registered against the culprits and 564 people arrested.
Following the
violent protests, arson and vandalism by supporters of the PTI workers after
the arrest of Imran Khan, the number of criminals arrested in the last five
days in Punjab has reached 3,185.
According to
the Punjab government, more than 300 culprits who attacked the Corps Commander
House (Jinnah House) have been arrested, while the process of profiling more
than 300 others has also been completed.
The Punjab
Police spokesman claimed the identification of the culprits is under way with
the help of social media accounts and CCTV footage.
Source: samaaenglish.tv
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.samaaenglish.tv/news/40035095/pakistan-public-property-worth-rs250m-destroyed-in-3-days-of-protests-in-islamabad
--------
Pakistani
Police Arrest 22 Afghans in Torkham Raids
May 14, 2023
Pakistani
security personnel have detained 22 Afghan citizens in different parts of
Torkham town.
Pakistani
Police said that during raids on several parts, including the Bacha Mena border
area in Torkham on Saturday, they detained 22 Afghan citizens.
The Police said
they detained Afghan nationals staying in Pakistan without illegal documents.
He also said the arrestees would be brought before the court on Monday.
The Police
added that the raids occurred in the Torkham Market and the Bacha Mena border
area due to several robberies.
For decades,
Pakistan has generously hosted millions of Afghan refugees to live a peaceful
life, work, and educate.
On the other
hand, it has been reported that thousands of Afghan refugees have recently
returned to the country from Pakistan.
Some Afghan
returnees came home voluntarily, while others were compelled to leave Pakistan.
Since the
Taliban took control of Afghanistan, most migrants have left the country due to
persecution, lack of employment, and security concerns.
Source: khaama.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.khaama.com/pakistani-police-arrest-22-afghans-in-torkham-raids/
--------
Mideast
Türkiye
opposition claims vote count ‘manipulations’
14 May, 2023
The leader of the Republican People’s Party
(CHP), Kemal Kilicdaroglu, has urged the Supreme Election Council to act
“responsibly” and hurry up with the release of the presidential election
results, claiming that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling Justice and
Development (AK) Party is “blocking the will of Türkiye.”
“My dear
nation, they are blocking the system with repeated objections at ballots where
we have higher votes,” Kilicdaroglu told reporters at party headquarters in
Ankara on Sunday night.
“You cannot
prevent what will happen through objections. We will not allow a fait
accompli,” he said, according to Al Jazeera.
Erdogan’s AK
Party in turn accused the rival candidate of “an attempt to assassinate the
national will,” with spokesperson Omer Celik calling the opposition’s claims
“irresponsible.”
The outsider
candidate, SinanOgan, also chipped in with claims that his camp has “heard that
some manipulations are carried out in the overseas vote counting processes.”
“We will not
allow a fait accompli with a manipulation of foreign votes. Do not stress the
environment. This is up to the second round,” Ogan tweeted.
The chairman of
the Supreme Election Council, AhmetYener, dismissed accusations from the
opposition that it was delaying the results, saying earlier on Sunday that the
data is being entered into the system and shared with media and political
parties “instantaneously.”
The election
body has yet to finalize the count and announce the official results, but if no
candidate wins at least half of the vote, a run-off will be held on May 28.
With more than
96% of the ballots counted, Erdogan’s initially comfortable lead has fallen to
49.4% – just below the 50% majority needed to avoid a runoff, according to
Anadolu. His main opposition rival, Kilicdaroglu, has 44.9%, while SinanOgan is
a distant third with 5.3%.
While the
majority of the domestic votes are already counted, most of the ballots cast
outside of the country are yet to be tallied. The breakdown may also change
depending on how the election body deals with the votes cast for MuharremInce,
who had withdrawn from the race but nevertheless received around 0.5%.
Source: rt.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.rt.com/news/576289-kilicdaroglu-erdogan-suppressing-vote/
--------
Islamic Jihad
Leadership In Gaza Destroyed - Israeli PM
15-05-23
Israel’s prime
minister says his forces have eliminated virtually the entire leadership of
Tehran-backed Islamic Jihad in Gaza.
Benjamin
Netanyahu told his cabinet on Sunday: “We changed the equation thwarting the
entire top echelon of the Islamic Jihad in Gaza."
Netanyahu
commended the success of the operation "Shield and Arrow" in the Gaza
Strip during the meeting.
As part of the
operation, which lasted almost five days, the Israeli military killed several
Islamic Jihad commanders and targeted strategic positions and weapons stocks.
A ceasefire was
agreed between Israel and the Palestinians on Saturday evening, and came into
effect at 11 p.m. It has so far been respected.
Netanyahu did
not mention the ceasefire. However, according to The Times of Israel, National
Security Adviser TzachiHanegbi thanked Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi
for facilitating the agreement.
Washington
welcomed the ceasefire agreement on Saturday, thanking Egypt and Qatar for
their efforts.
The latest
round of confrontation did not involve Hamas, and only Iran's main ally, the
Islamic Jihad took part.
Iran urged
Hamas to join Islamic Jihad in the new round of attacks following the killing
of three militants in Gaza, Iran International had learned.
According to
informed sources, Tehran exerted strong pressure on Hamas to repay assistance
it has received over the years, and unite with Islamic Jihad to launch a fresh
wave of attacks.
During the
conflict, the terror group fired nearly 1,300 rockets, including about 1,000
rockets that hit Israeli territory. Two people were killed in Israel and 33
killed in Gaza.
Source: iranintl.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.iranintl.com/en/202305149109
--------
Fragile truce
between Israel and Palestinian Islamic Jihad
14.05.2023
A fragile truce
in Gaza brokered by Egypt between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad,
meant to end five days of fighting between the two sides, went into effect at
10 pm Saturday and lasted until Sunday, Jerusalem Post reports.
Israeli
National Security Adviser TzachiHanegbi thanked the President of Egypt Abdel
Fattah al-Sisi on behalf of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and expressed
Israel's gratitude for Egypt's “vigorous efforts to bring about a ceasefire,”
PM's Office said.
Mohammed
al-Hindi, a senior representative of Islamic Jihad, who was called to Cairo
last week for urgent talks with Egyptian intelligence officials, told the
television network Al Jazeera that his group would maintain the ceasefire
regime "as long as Israel does."
Source: news.am
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://news.am/eng/news/759855.html
--------
Islamic Jihad
says Gaza Truce Agreed with Israel: Officials
2023-05-14
KABUL (BNA)
Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group in Gaza have agreed to a truce
that has officially been in effect since 10pm (19:00 GMT), Palestinian
officials have said, signalling an end to the worst episode of cross-border
fire since a 10-day war in 2021.
Egypt, which
brokered the ceasefire, called on all sides to adhere to the agreement, Egypt’s
Al-Qahera News television channel reported on Saturday.
“In the light
of the agreement of the Palestinian and the Israeli side, Egypt announces a
ceasefire between the Palestinian and the Israeli side has been reached,” read
a text of the agreement seen by Reuters, and added the truce would begin at
10pm.
“The two sides
will abide by the ceasefire which will include an end to targeting civilians,
house demolition, an end to targeting individuals immediately when the
ceasefire goes into effect,” it said.
Islamic Jihad
confirmed a truce had been reached. “We declare our acceptance of the Egyptian
announcement and we will abide by it as long as the occupation [Israel] abides
by it,” said the group’s spokesman, Dawoud Shehab.
The Israeli
military confirmed to Al Jazeera that there will be a “situational assessment”
regarding the ceasefire, according to Willem Marx reporting from Ashkelon,
Israel.
Shortly before
the truce was to take hold, Israel reported a heavy burst of Palestinian rocket
fire towards southern and central Israel, while Israel said it was attacking
targets inside Gaza. After the 10pm deadline, Israel reported additional rocket
fire, and Israeli media said warplanes were responding.
The latest
violence erupted Tuesday when Israeli air raids killed three senior Islamic
Jihad commanders. Israel said the attacks were in response to a previous burst
of rocket fire the previous week and that its attacks have been focused on
Islamic Jihad targets.
But residents
in Gaza said homes of people uninvolved in fighting also had been struck.
In response,
Islamic Jihad fired more than 1,000 rockets, sending Israelis fleeing into bomb
shelters.
The fighting
has killed 33 Palestinians inside Gaza, including at least 13 civilians. Two
people were killed by rocket fire in Israel, including an 80-year-old Israeli
woman and a Palestinian man from Gaza who had a permit to work in Israel.
Islamic Jihad
spurns coexistence with Israel and preaches its destruction. Top ministers of
Israel’s religious nationalist government rule out any state sought by
Palestinians in territories captured by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://bakhtarnews.af/en/islamic-jihad-says-gaza-truce-agreed-with-israel-officials/
--------
Hamas leader:
Israel failed to drive a wedge between Hamas and Islamic Jihad
May 15, 2023
Hamas leader
Ismail Haniyeh said on Sunday that the Palestinian Arab “resistance
organizations” succeeded, through their joint operations room, in taking the
reins of the military initiative in managing the "revenge of the free
people" campaign against Israel and thwarting its attempt to impose a new
equation.
In a statement
published following the end of Operation Shield and Arrow, Haniyeh said that
the resistance organizations proved their ability to stop the "arrogance
of the occupation" in its attempt to differentiate the Islamic Jihad in
the military campaign and to drive a wedge between the Palestinian Arab
resistance organizations.
In the face of
these attempts, Haniyeh continued, the “resistance organizations” acted as one
man and in full coordination to achieve the goals they set for themselves and
to prevent the "enemy" from realizing his goals.
The
organizations forced Israel to evacuate the "settlers" from the
communities surrounding Gaza and to take serious security measures everywhere
within the range of the rockets, claimed Haniyeh.
He praised the
Islamic Jihad for the pioneering role it played within the joint operations
room in a way that emphasized the unity of the fight on the ground and in the
political arena which, he claimed, was one of the most important factors in
thwarting the "enemy's" plans.
"First and
foremost by the grace of Allah, and then with the support of our mighty people
in the victorious resistance organizations, we were able to disrupt the plans
of the occupation and damage its security systems, especially the so-called
Iron Dome or David's Sling, and the resistance organizations established their
ability to strike anywhere in the entity, even though it prides itself on its
military and technical capabilities," said Haniyeh.
Source: israelnationalnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/371431
--------
Report: Islamic
Jihad using Facebook bots to hack Israelis' phones
May 14, 2023
Over the
weekend, the Digital Research Division of the ImTirtzu Zionist activist group
monitored a number of profiles suspected of being operated by the Islamic Jihad
terrorist organization and other suspicious profiles working to hack into the
phones and computers of Israeli citizens by distributing malicious links.
The activity
was first identified in social media groups of residents of southern Israel,
and was later reported in groups affiliated with the national camp, current
affairs groups, and more. Some profiles have been running for years and boast
thousands of followers.
DovTrachtman,
Head of Digital Research, said: "This is a particularly disturbing
phenomenon. Trying to lure citizens into malicious links posing as lottery
sites, vacation booking sites, sites for watching free sports and especially
dating sites.
This has
several purposes: First, access to personal information and access to bank
accounts, social networks, or classified and sensitive information if soldiers
or officials are involved. It is also possible that by operating cameras and
microphones remotely, they will try to degrade people or even blackmail them
into performing various actions.
The
recommendation is to always be suspicious of links from strangers, no matter if
they have 100 friends or 15,000 followers. Keep antivirus software intact and,
of course, report and warn others about any suspicious activity."
Source: israelnationalnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/371420
--------
Jihad says 11
leaders, fighters martyred in Zionist aggression on Gaza
[14/May/2023]
GAZA May 14.
2023 (Saba) - The Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine said on Sunday that 11 of
its leaders and fighters were martyred in the Zionist aggression on Gaza, which
lasted for five days.
According to
the Ma'an news agency, the Al-Quds Brigades, the movement's military wing,
named it "The Revenge of the Free," for the revenge operation that led
to the martyrdom of five fighters, except for six of its commanders.
The Brigades
the Jihad Movement mourns a group of eleven martyrs from its leaders and
fighters, who rose in the heroic battle of "Revenge of the Free",
during assassinations and targeting carried out by the treacherous Zionist
enemy.
The brigades
considered, "The blood of the martyrs will remain a shining beacon for the
fighters towards the path of glory and dignity, the path of Jerusalem and the
liberated al-Aqsa."
The Brigades
added "The assassination of the leaders will not stop the march of Al-Quds
Brigades and the Resistance, but rather their blood will fuel the continuation
of the confrontation and struggle until liberation and return."
Source: saba.ye
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3240149.htm
--------
Tehran: Image
of the Iranian Resistance Leadership Displayed on Imam Ali Expressway
14th May 2023
On Thursday
evening, May 11, around 10:00 pm, the Resistance Units utilized outdoor
projectors to display an image of Mr. MasoudRajavi and Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, the
Leaders of the Iranian Resistance, along with the phrase and slogan of “Hail to
Rajavi” on Imam Ali expressway in Tehran.
Source: ncr-iran.org
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.ncr-iran.org/en/ncri-statements/statement-iran-resistance/tehran-image-of-the-iranian-resistance-leadership-displayed-on-imam-ali-expressway/
--------
North
America
Navy vet who
claims to have killed Bin Laden is the right’s new anti-drag poster child
15-05-23
A Navy SEAL vet
who claims to have killed Osama Bin Laden is the new poster child for the
right-wing anti-drag movement.
It has been
widely reported by conservative news outlets that a decorated Navy SEAL
veteran, who claimed to be the person who shot dead the Al-Qaeda leader, has
been criticising a US Navy recruitment campaign that features a drag queen.
Former SEAL
team six member Robert O’Neill wrote on Twitter on 3 May: “All right. The US
Navy is now using an enlisted sailor drag queen as a recruiter. I’m done. China
is going to destroy us. You got this, navy. I can’t believe I fought for this
b******t.”
O’Neill’s tweet
has been viewed more than three million times, with 40,000 likes and more than
7,000 retweets.
His tweet was a
reference to Joshua Kelley, a yeoman second class who also performs as a drag
queen under the name Harpy Daniels.
Kelley, who is
non-binary, served as one of five ambassadors in the navy’s digital ambassador
pilot programme between October and March. The scheme was pat of an effort to
encourage people to enlist and to recruit from a more-diverse pool of people.
Despite the
fact O’Neill expressed outrage about the ambassador scheme two months after its
six-month run, his ire has now been picked up by the New York Post, the Daily
Mail and Fox News, who used it as a stick with which to once more beat drag
queens.
The right-wing
news outlets shared condemnations from other military personnel who described
the navy as a “disgrace” and an “insult”.
Attacks on drag
are sweeping the US
In the US, drag
queens and the wider LGBTQ+ community face increasing legislative attacks from
conservatives, with hundreds of anti-queer bills being introduced across the
nation.
The laws seek
to ban drag performances, restrict access to gender-affirming care for adults
and minors, ban trans people from using toilets that matches their gender, and
to roll back anti-discrimination protections.
The drag bans
are part of a wider conspiracy theory that claims drag queens are “groomers”
out to harm children, with far right and white supremacist groups protesting
against drag shows and doxxing drag stars.
O’Neill went on
to criticise Kelley and the navy on the Fox Business networ, telling talk show
Varney & Co that the “military needs to be ferocious [not] fabulous”.
Now an author
and motivational speaker, O’Neill said: “We don’t join the military to express
ourselves.
“All we have in
common is that we’re afraid that we get our heads shaved. Then we’re part of a
team, and our job as a military is alliance, solidarity, forward defence and
deterrence.”
Dear America
podcast host Graham Allen also weighed in, saying on Twitter that America’s
enemies laugh at the navy and it is not the same organisation he served in.
However, in
response to the backlash, Kelley told their 8,000 Instagram followers: “Haters
only hate when we’re winning. Queer people were oppressed in the military for
years until 2011 and trans people since 2021.
“You only want
to support the military when it benefits you and doesn’t involve queer people.
Yet the military is the [most] diverse and adaptable organisation in the US.
Kelley also
said that being a “service member, a queen and an open queer person” means that
Allen does not scare them. “You won’t stop the LGBTQ+ community thriving,” they
concluded.
Source: thepinknews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/05/14/bin-laden-robert-j-oneill-joshua-kelley-drag-us/
--------
Biden, India's
Modi Out to Deepen Their Bonds, but Geopolitical Friendships Have Their Limits
May 15, 2023
WASHINGTON (AP)
— President Joe Biden has made it a mission for the U.S. to build friendships
overseas — and the next few weeks will offer a vivid demonstration of the
importance he's placing on a relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra
Modi.
The two are
both scheduled to attend this week's Group of Seven summit in Japan, a
subsequent gathering of Pacific island leaders in Papua New Guinea, and a later
meeting of Indo-Pacific leaders in Australia. Those travels will be followed by
a June 22 state visit by Modi to Washington, a sign that both seem willing to
deepen their bonds.
But like many
geopolitical friendships, things are complicated between the world's largest
economy (the U.S.) and its most populous nation (India).
The personal
outreach has a clear strategic calculus as both countries respond to China's
economic rise and increased global prominence. Yet while Biden champions
democratic ideals and openly opposes Russia for invading Ukraine, Modi has
offered tepid criticism of Russia and opponents say he is eroding India's
democratic traditions.
That means the
future of the alliance depends on a degree of patience.
“It’s a long
game of steady forward movement in defense relations and some fairly rapid
intensification of business ties — with the pace of both determined by the
speed of movement on the Indian side,” said Kurt Tong, a former ambassador for
the U.S. who is now managing partner of The Asia Group, a consultancy.
Biden last year
publicly called India’s response to the war in Ukraine “shaky.” India abstained
from voting on U.N. resolutions condemning Russia and refused to join the
global coalition against Russia. Modi had a relatively warm relationship with
Biden's predecessor, Donald Trump, and has made some efforts to forge a
connection with Biden, who is known to focus on his Irish roots even when
meeting with leaders of other nations.
When Modi came
to Washington in September 2021, he brought with him documents about people
with the last name “Biden” in India.
“Are we
related?” Biden asked.
“Yes,” Modi
joked.
While visiting Canada
in March, Biden said he's made it a strategic goal to improve relations with
the rest of the world as he feels that America's leverage against China and
Russia is through its alliances.
“I have now met
with 80% of the world leaders just since I’ve been president,” he said. “We’re
the ones expanding the alliances. The opposition is not.”
Nilanjan
Mukhopadhyay, a biographer of Modi, said the Indian leader's connection with
Biden is not personal — and has its limits. But it is necessary for the U.S. to
keep India on its side as tensions with China have accelerated over Taiwan, the
federal government's ban on exporting advanced computer chips to China and
human rights issues.
“To what extent
can India be part of the U.S.-led alliance, that is for Modi to decide,"
Mukhopadhyay said. “At some point or the other, the Americans would realize
that Modi is not really going the whole hog as much as they would like India to
be. But Modi will not get swayed by meeting Biden several times.”
Nirupama Rao, a
retired diplomat who served as Indian ambassador to the U.S., said India has
its reasons for not joining the condemnation of Moscow.
"The
country wants Russia to maintain some distance from China, and it worries that
isolating Moscow would just push it closer to Beijing,” she said. Relations
between India and China are strained, with the two sides embroiled in an
intense three-year standoff involving thousands of soldiers stationed along
their disputed border in the eastern Ladakh region.
Rao said U.S.
policymakers should not mistake India’s involvement in the so-called Quad —
whose other members are the U.S., Japan and Australia — for an alliance. India
is also in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a group dominated by Beijing
and Moscow. It routinely attends trilateral meetings with China and Russia. It
also continues to participate in the forum known as BRICS, which stands for
Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
“So far, India
has done an impressive job of maintaining its balancing act," she said. “Whether
it can continue to do so in the years ahead is an open question. Beijing has
become increasingly belligerent, and it may eventually decide it will not deal
with India if New Delhi strengthens its security ties to Washington.”
Both the U.S.
and India have been emphasizing technology partnerships, including defense,
clean energy and space. During Modi’s visit to the U.S. in June, the two
leaders are also expected to discuss common challenges, including climate
change and health security.
Russia is India's
largest supplier of military hardware. But India has been reducing its
dependence on Russian arms by diversifying its purchases, buying from the U.S.,
France, Germany and other countries. The U.S. defense trade with India has
risen from near zero in 2008 to over $20 billion in 2020.
The U.S.
imported about $86 billion in goods from India last year, according to the
Census Bureau. That figure has steadily increased, but it has room to grow as
the U.S. still gets more goods from Taiwan and Vietnam than India. With more
than 1.4 billion people, India is about 14 times the size of Taiwan and Vietnam
combined.
There are some
risks for Biden as he devotes more time to Modi, with advocates for human
rights wary of the Indian leader's track record. The freedom of the news media
in India has been challenged after Modi became prime minister in 2014.
Political rivals of Modi’s governing Hindu nationalist party have accused him
of stifling dissent and introducing divisive policies that discriminate against
Muslims and other minorities.
Modi's Hindu
nationalist party also suffered a political setback as India’s main opposition
Congress party won control of the southern Karnataka state, according to a near
complete vote count Saturday. The victory could help unite the largely divided
opposition in next year's general election, in which Modi will seek a third
consecutive term as prime minister.
Yet for Biden,
developing a personal rapport out of public view might be critical for
overcoming any differences with Modi.
“In this case,
the investment is worth it,” said Lisa Curtis, director of the Indo-Pacific
Security Program at the Center for a New American Security, a think tank.
“There are a lot of things that President Biden can say privately to Prime
Minister Modi that could end up having a favorable impact on U.S.-India
relations.”
Source: usnews.com
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https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2023-05-15/biden-indias-modi-out-to-deepen-their-bonds-but-geopolitical-friendships-have-their-limits
--------
US border
crossings down by half since rule change: Security chief
May 14, 2023
WASHINGTON: US
border authorities have seen a 50 percent drop in "encounters" with
undocumented migrants crossing the southern border since the country's Title 42
migration policy ended, the country's homeland security chief said Sunday.
"Over the
past two days, the United States border patrol has experienced a 50 percent
drop in the number of encounters, versus what we were experiencing earlier in
the week," Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas told CNN talk
show "State of the Union."
"We are in
Day Three," Mayorkas cautioned, adding "it is too early" to
predict the rate of future crossings.
Title 42
allowed the United States to swiftly expel a wide array of migrants on public
health grounds, but that authority ceased Thursday when the government ended
its declaration of Covid-19 as an official public health emergency.
Instead, the
country has reverted back to an immigration law known as Title 8, as President
Joe Biden's administration tries to create a system that allows for expanded
asylum and legal routes in some cases.
It also
provides for strict penalties for those crossing who do not qualify, including
five-year bans on entering the United States and possible criminal charges.
Preparing for
the end of Title 42, the Biden administration had initially braced for a surge
in border crossings, deploying troops to the border.
Mayorkas said
approximately 6,300 people crossed Friday, with 4,200 crossing Saturday,
numbers he described as "markedly down" compared to the 10,000 per
day crossing earlier in the week.
Representative
Mark Green, the Republican chairman of the homeland security committee in the
House of Representatives, disputed accounting.
"This week
has seen more crossings than any week in our history," Green told CNN,
attributing that to a surge in people crossing the border ahead of Title 42's
ending.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/us-border-crossings-down-by-half-since-rule-change-security-chief/articleshow/100232452.cms
--------
Arab World
Hospitality of
Hatim Al-Ta’i festival in Hail celebrates icons of Arab poetry
May 14, 2023
RIYADH: The
Hospitality of Al-Ta’i festival, which was held in Hail from May 5-13, has come
to a close.
The festival,
part of the Year of Arabic Poetry initiative with the support of the Quality of
Life Program, introduced visitors to the poet Hatim Al-Ta’i, who lived in the
pre-Islamic period in Hail province.
A renowned
historical figure, famed for his poetic works, generosity and horsemanship, the
remains of his palace, tomb, and his famous fireplace in the village of
Tuwairan in Hail remain for people to see to this day.
The festival
included a package of cultural activities and events that embodied the life of
the poet and his work, reflecting the culture of the region during his
lifetime.
Visitors were
offered a creative journey that started with the children’s Utba area, which
included coloring, pottery making, weaving, and bracelet making.
After that,
visitors moved on to the performance Awarid area, which represented important
stages of the history of Al-Ta’i starting from his childhood, through his
youth, and into middle and old age, exploring the wisdom and advice he accrued
along the way.
A visual
presentation about the life of Al-Ta’i, titled “About the Poet of Ta’i,” was
presented, shedding light on the symbols of Arab poetry, and passing through
the stages of the poet’s flourishing life, in which he became a witness to the
authenticity, morals, and values of the Arab people, and a model for others to
follow.
The About the
Life of Al-Ta’i area presented a lively model of the poet’s social life,
represented by an “interactive exhibition” that took visitors back to the 6th
century A.D. and gave them the chance to discover the world at that time
through virtual reality technology.
In the Cooking
area, the Ministry of Culture presented live cooking demonstrations and
hospitality that emulated Al-Ta’i’s generosity, and provided a glimpse into his
family life and stories.
In the Diwan
Hatim area, literary figures and poets took to the stage to chronicle the life of
Al-Ta’i through their own poems and readings of his biography, evoking his
history through unexplored aspects of his works.
The festival
was part of the the Ministry of Culture’s plans to celebrate the icons of Arab
poetry, such as Al-Ta’i, Antara ibn Shaddad, Labid ibn Rabiah, Zuheir ibn Abi
Salma, Imru’ Al-Qais, and Al-A’sha.
This stems from
the belief in the importance of poetry and poets in the cultural history of the
Kingdom, and the revival of its rich cultural heritage, presenting it in
contemporary creative forms through the use of modern technology and
exceptional talents. This way, the ministry seeks to enhance national identity
and transform the Kingdom’s culture into a way of life.
Source: arabnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2303291/saudi-arabia
--------
French
politician looks to boost ties with Kingdom on trip to Riyadh
May 14, 2023
RIYADH: A
politician who represents French people living in the Middle East will arrive
in Riyadh on Sunday to promote cooperation between France and Saudi Arabia in
the fields of medical education and nursing.
Amal Amelia
Lakrafi, a member of parliament for La Republique En Marche, is expected to
meet various officials to discuss topics including health, women’s rights and
education, as well as talking to members of the French community and business
leaders.
Lakrafi last
visited Saudi Arabia in December alongside Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade,
Economic Attractiveness and French Nationals Abroad Olivier Becht and
representatives of several French companies.
On the back of
that trip, French public transport operator RATP and private firms Idverde and
Amane Advisors signed contracts and memorandums of understanding to work more
closely with Saudi authorities.
Speaking in
French, Lakrafi told Arab News: “These deals are part of the Franco-Saudi
cooperation to support the development of the AlUla region. The contract signed
by RATP aims to develop a sustainable and intelligent transport system to serve
the inhabitants of AlUla and its visitors.
“The memorandum
of understanding signed with Amane Advisors focuses on modernizing services for
more sustainable waste management, and the one with Idverde concerns the
landscaping of AlUla’s territory.”
As part of the
Saudi Vision 2030 economic diversification program, the Kingdom has set a goal
to increase its annual tourism revenue to $46 billion by 2030. It is committed
to developing and promoting its archaeological heritage and diverse landscapes
like AlUla.
“It is clear
that Saudi Arabia has a clear goal of opening up to international tourism …
going beyond religious pilgrimages,” Lakrafi said.
“We see this
very concretely from France, with easy access to tourist visas or through
advertising campaigns developed by Saudi operators. This tourist ambition will
necessarily find its audience.”
The Kingdom is
home to more than 500 French teachers who play a key role in ensuring that the
more than 150,000 French speakers in the country are provided with good quality
education. Negotiations are also taking place at the highest level for the
reintegration of French-language teaching in Saudi public schools.
“I am delighted
that the reintegration of French is under discussion,” Lakrafi said. “This
would deepen our linguistic cooperation. By extension, this could also
strengthen France’s academic cooperation with Saudi Arabia. I think there are
many things we can do to strengthen our relationship.”
Speaking about
the social reforms that have happened in recent years in Saudi Arabia, Lakrafi
said: “Every time I travel, I see a significant change in the place of women in
Saudi society. The advancement of their rights is a definite step forward for
their empowerment. But beyond that, I see that they are more and more visible:
in positions of responsibility, in universities where they are numerous to
conduct courses of excellence, in the media or at the head of companies.
“I am convinced
that a dynamic and modern society cannot prosper without women. But I also know
that change doesn’t happen overnight, and I want to salute and encourage the
progress Saudi Arabia has made on this issue in a very short time.”
Source: arabnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2303106/saudi-arabia
--------
Taif
agriculture festival to kick off on Thursday
May 14, 2023
RIYADH: The
Seasonal Agricultural Products Festival will kick off on Thursday in the
central district of Taif, behind Bab Al-Hazm. It will be held under the
patronage of Prince Saud bin Nahar bin Saud, governor of Taif.
Majid bin
Abdullah Al-Khalif, director general of the Saudi Ministry of Environment,
Water and Agriculture’s branch in Makkah region, said that “this festival will
be held with the participation of governmental and non-governmental bodies, in
addition to more than 30 farmers, beekeepers and productive families from the
governorate.”
The festival
will showcase various seasonal agricultural products in Taif, including
apricots, apples, honey and ghee, and will host a series of events over five
days.
Hani bin
Abdulrahman Al-Kadi, manager of the Ministry of Environment, Water and
Agriculture’s office in Taif, confirmed that the governorate will host many
festivals in the upcoming months.
He said that
“the ministry is keen on supporting and encouraging farmers to increase their
production” and “highlighting the importance of marketing their diverse
agricultural products” through these festivals.
Al-Khalif and
Al-Kadi thanked the governor of Taif for sponsoring the festival and for his
interest in the governorate’s agricultural sector.
Source: arabnews.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2303311/saudi-arabia
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Saudi crown
prince renames two Riyadh neighbourhoods after King Salman
May 14, 2023
RIYADH: Saudi
Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced the renaming of two Riyadh
neighborhoods after his father King Salman as part of efforts to develop them.
The “Al-Waha”
and “Salah Al-Din” neighborhoods have been renamed as the “King Salman
Neighborhood,” where the area will be redeveloped to have imporved basic
services, and recreational activities, Saudi state agency SPA reported on
Sunday.
Located in the
heart of the capital with an area of 6.6 sq km, adjacent to King Salman Park,
the neighborhood will also have Salmani architecture, a style that embodies
tradition and modernity.
These
development efforts aim to stimulate population and economic growth, according
to SPA.
The renaming of
the neighborhoods was made to honor King Salman's five decade-long provincial
leadership of Riyadh.
This project
comes within the developmental and environmental efforts of the crown prince in
a push to upgrade the city of Riyadh and placing it on the world map as one of
the most important economic and tourism capitals in accordance with Vision
2030, SPA said.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2303161/saudi-arabia
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IsDB launches
revamped Member Country Partnership Strategy
May 14, 2023
Jeddah: The
Islamic Development Bank launched the revamped Member Country Partnership
Strategy this year at the bank’s annual meeting event.
The launch
focused on four of its member countries — Niger, Pakistan, Guyana and Uzebekistan.
The event was
attended by distinguished governors and delegations from member countries, and
the aim was to focus on the strategic development projects and programs in the
member countries.
Mohammed
Al-Jasser, the chairman of the Islamic Development Bank and the chairman of the
IsDB Group said: “The revival of member country partnership strategy is the key
instrument for the bank’s strategic programs as part of the IsDB group’s
commitment to develop member countries priorities as laid out in their national
development plans.”
After the
unprecedented disruption caused by the pandemic, the bank witnessed setbacks.
However, 2022 marked its revival, and in 2023 the bank has focused on making
the MCPS more implementation focused.
Al-Jasser said
that it “effectively addresses the various developmental challenges facing our
member countries, while reducing constraints.”
He added: “We
have once in a lifetime opportunity to build back better and create a more
sustainable and equitable future for all. So let us continue to invest in the
future and the well-being of all people and the planet.
“Let us
continue to build partnerships and collaborations across sectors and regions to
achieve our common goals. Together, we can achieve impactful partnerships
leading to economic diversification and sustainable development. We must
prioritize partnerships and work collaboratively to ensure that no one is left
behind.”
At the end of
the session, Al-Jasser signed four memorandum of understanding with
AbdouRabiou, minister of planning of Niger; Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, minister for
economic affairs of Pakistan; Ashni Singh, senior minister, office of the
president of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana; and the acting alternative
governor of Uzbekistan.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2303086/saudi-arabia
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Europe
Greetings to
Participants of the 14th International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World:
Kazan Forum”
May 15, 2023
The message
reads, in part:
“Once again the
capital of the Republic of Tatarstan extends a warm welcome to guests from many
countries and confirms its status as a reputable and popular platform for
holding major representative business events.
Russia enjoys
traditionally close, trust-based relations with Muslim states, both bilateral
and as part of our interaction with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
These relations are built on partnership, respect for each other’s sovereignty
and civilisational identity. We are united by a common desire to create a more
just multipolar world order that is based on international law.
The Islamic
world is actively developing and has important accomplishments in trade,
finance, innovations and applied scientific research. Russia is open to
extensive business and cultural cooperation with Muslim countries. We are
interested in strengthening the existing ties and finding new partners, as well
as in promoting agricultural and industrial cooperation and creating new transport
and logistics chains. I want to note that Russian Muslims play an important
role in expanding international contacts. The holding of today’s Forum is proof
of that.
I am sure that
the activity of the Russia-Islamic World strategic vision group and the
KazanForum International Economic Forum will continue to help strengthen
interaction between the business communities of Russia and Muslim countries and
will open new opportunities for joint projects at the interregional and
interstate levels.”
Source: en.kremlin.ru
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http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/71126
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EU commends
Egypt’s role in cease-fire agreement between Israel, Islamic Jihad
May 15, 2023
The EU
commended Egypt’s role in concluding a cease-fire agreement between Israel and
Islamic Jihad.
“The EU
commends Egypt for facilitating the agreement, and the United Nations for its
positive role in this context,” the EU said on Sunday.
“The EU deeply
deplores the loss of civilian lives over the past days, including children,
killed and injured in the Gaza Strip and in Israel,” it added.
The statement
stressed the importance of securing a cease-fire, opening the crossings, and
being able to deliver humanitarian aid and fuel to the Palestinian territories.
The EU was
ready to work with all partners to provide assistance in achieving peace for
both Israelis and Palestinians, the statement said, and in restoring conditions
for a political settlement.
Source: egyptindependent.com
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https://www.egyptindependent.com/eu-commends-egypts-role-in-cease-fire-agreement-between-israel-islamic-jihad/
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Ukraine now
de-facto ‘state-sponsor of terrorism’ – Kremlin
14 May, 2023
Ukraine has
de-facto turned into a “state-sponsor of terrorism,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry
Peskov has said. The official made the remarks in an interview with journalist
PavelZarubin that aired on Sunday.
The spokesman
was asked for comments about a recent pledge by Ukraine’s military intelligence
chief Kirill Budanov, who vowed to “keep killing Russians anywhere” across the
globe. Despite their explosive nature, the remarks did not face any criticism
from Kiev’s Western sponsors, Peskov noted.
“The statement
is unprecedented in its essence. And of course, it will be strange not to hear
any words of condemnation from European capitals and from Washington. Logic
says it’s impossible to do without condemnation,” he said.
Budanov’s
admission was yet further proof that Kiev has been directly orchestrating
terrorist attacks against Russians, Peskov added. The spokesman said that
Russia’s “special services know what to do after such statements,” but did not
elaborate on the potential countermeasures against such activities.
The
controversial remarks were made last week by the boss of the Ukrainian Defense
Ministry’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) in an interview with Yahoo
News. Budanov boasted that “we’ve been killing Russians” and will “keep killing
Russians anywhere on the face of this world until the complete victory of
Ukraine.”
The statement
came in response to a question whether the GUR had anything to do with last
year’s murder of Darya Dugina, a journalist and daughter of prominent Russian
philosopher AleksandrDugin. Budanov dismissed accusations of engaging in
terrorism, stating that what Russia calls “terrorism, we call liberation.”
The terrorist
activities that Moscow has attributed to Kiev have picked up in recent months.
In April, for instance, Russian military blogger VladlenTatarsky was killed in
St Petersburg with an improvised explosive device that had been concealed in a
statuette handed to him during an event. The blast killed the blogger on the
spot and injured over a dozen others. Russia’s Security Service (FSB) has
blamed the blast on “Ukrainian special services and their agents, including
fugitive members of the Russian opposition.”
Last week,
Russian author and political activist ZakharPrilepin was targeted in a car bombing
near the city of Nizhny Novgorod. The blast left Prilepin critically injured,
and killed his close associate, who was inside the vehicle at the moment of the
attack.
Source: rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/russia/576280-ukraine-terrorism-state-sponsor/
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UK-supplied
missiles used to strike civilians in Lugansk – authorities
14 May, 2023
Ukraine’s
military used UK-supplied long-range missiles to target civilians in the
Russian city of Lugansk, resulting in several children being injured, according
to Russia’s Ministry of Defense and local authorities.
In a statement
on Saturday, the ministry said that a Ukrainian air strike on the Poly-pack
food processing factory and the Milam home goods store in central Lugansk a day
earlier had used Storm Shadow missiles. The attack came despite London’s
assurances that those weapons would not be used to target civilian facilities,
it claimed.
Several houses
were damaged and a number of people, including six children, were wounded, the
ministry stated, adding that Russian aircraft shot down the Ukrainian Su-24
bomber that had conducted the strike on Lugansk, as well as an MiG-29 fighter
accompanying the aircraft.
Initially, the
Joint Center for Control and Coordination (JCCC), which tracks Kiev’s attacks
on the Donbass, identified the projectiles that hit Lugansk, long considered to
be out of range of Ukrainian artillery, as Grom missiles.
It later
clarified that the strike involved two Anglo-French Storm Shadow missiles and a
US-made ADM-160B decoy missile.
On Saturday,
the JCCC claimed that Kiev fired another Storm Shadow at the village of
Yubileiny, west of Lugansk. It added that the strike injured one elderly woman,
damaged windows in seven houses while wrecking garages, 15 cars, and a power
line.
The Lugansk
People’s Republic, along with three other former Ukrainian territories, was
incorporated into Russia last autumn following public referendums that saw
overwhelming support from the local populations.
On Thursday,
British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace confirmed earlier media reports that the
UK had provided Ukraine with low-observable Storm Shadow missiles, which have a
range of more than 250km (150 miles). The Russian Foreign Ministry denounced
the move as an “extremely hostile step by London” that “clearly confirms the
unprecedented level of British involvement” in the conflict.
Source: rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/russia/576263-uk-missiles-strike-civilians-donbass/
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Africa
Senegal:
Faction of Casamance rebellion inks peace deal
15-05-23
A new step on
the road to peace for Casamance. A historic handshake on May 13 gathered the
head of the Diakaye fighters, the governor of the Ziguinchor region and the
representative of Senegal's government.
In Senegal's
southern region of Casamance, a rebellion has killed over 5000 people, forcing
thousands to displace. Fighters from the Diakaye faction have now agreed to lay
down arms.
"I am
motivated by the will to save my brothers and sisters and the women of the
masquis," Fatoma Coly, the commander of the Diakaye faction says.
"Casamance
has no enemies. When I was offered the position of commander, I was clear with
Diakaye’s leadership. I let them know that I am not a bloodthirsty man. I agree
to lay down arms, if it is to bring peace and not to spread terror."
The
breakthrough comes after several years of negotiations.
It also follows
last march’s signature of the Act II of the peace agreement signed between the
state of Senegal and the Initiative for the reunification of the political and
military wing of the Movement of the Democratic forces of Casamance. The
state’s negotiator was hopeful for lasting peace.
"We must
work together to consolidate peace, including through grassroots development
actions, as we aim to find a definitive solution to this long-standing
crisis," AmiralFarbaSarr explained. "We hope to have the support and assistance
of all the populations, since they are at the heart of all the concerns."
"These now
ex-fighters of Diakaye faction of the Movement of Democratic Forces of
Casamance took a strong action. They were one of the hard-line factions of the
rebellion that has shaken Senegal’s South for mover than 40 years. As they
agree to lay down arms, they bring back the hope of a definitive return to
peace in a very rich region," journalist Wahany Johnson Sambou.
Source: africanews.com
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https://www.africanews.com/2023/05/15/senegal-faction-of-casamance-rebellion-inks-peace-deal/
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Sudanese
continue to flee the country as fighting enters its fifth week
As fighting in
Sudan entered a fifth week, air strikes pummelled Khartoum Saturday, even as
representatives of the country's warring factions continued meeting in Saudi
Arabia for talks to prevent a "humanitarian catastrophe".
Meanwhile,
Sudanese continue to flee the ongoing fighting between the army and the
paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
At the Argeen
border with neighbouring Egypt, new families arrive every day, making the 1,000
kilometre journey from Khartoum through the desert in search of safety.
But not
everyone has the financial means to be able to leave.
"The bus
ride costs $250 a person. Then there’s the official tariffs on both sides of
the crossing and rental for a place to live in Egypt. Not everyone can afford
this, it's a large expense," said evacuee WahagGafar Ibrahim.
She said the
trip was “really tiring and scary", adding that the war in her country had
"affected everyone".
Another issue
is that of holding a passport to enable them to enter Egypt.
"Some
families lost their passports in the war, or they can't afford to get one. They
are living in the middle of a war zone. I hope they will find someone to help
them flee," said Sudanese bus owner, Ayman Mohamed.
The latest
arrivals in Egypt are some of the almost 200,000 people who have escaped Sudan,
in addition to the hundreds of thousands who have been displaced internally.
They’re
carrying small suitcases, all they could bring with them from their lives back
home as Ibrahim explained.
"There is
no solution. I don’t see a solution. The Rapid Support Forces won’t surrender
and the army is unable to change the situation. And we are lost between them.
We left our homes, families, papers, diplomas, and our interests. We left our
country."
The United
Nations says over half a million people have fled Khartoum alone, with
hospitals in the capital shelled and rampant looting reported as residents
suffer under chronic shortages of food, electricity, and medicine.
Hopes for a
ceasefire remain dim after multiple truces were violated in past weeks.
On Saturday,
Sudan launched a call to the international community, including the United
Nations, the African Union, and other regional organisations, "to provide
humanitarian assistance".
The government
said it was committed to "dedicating the port and airports of Port
Sudan" on the Red Sea, Dongola airport in the country's north and
WadiSeidna air base near the capital "to receive aid".
Civilians and
aid groups have repeatedly pleaded for humanitarian corridors to secure vital
assistance, as aid agencies have been systematically looted and at least 18
humanitarian workers killed.
Source: africanews.com
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https://www.africanews.com/2023/05/14/sudanese-continue-to-flee-the-country-as-fighting-enters-its-fifth-week/
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Nigeria, Jaiz
Sign Finance Agreement With Islamic Trade Corporation
By Salim Umar
Ibrahim
Sun, 14 May
2023
The Federal
Republic of Nigeria and the International Trade Financing Corporation (itfc)
has signed a one billion dollars framework agreement for the next couple of
years.
Jaiz Bank has
also signed a $10 million agreement for the Murabaha financing facility.
The signing
ceremony took place on Saturday at the four day 2023 Group Annual Meetings of
the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) ongoing in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Speaking
shortly after signing the agreement, the minister of finance who led Nigeria’s
delegation at the meetings, Zainab Ahmed said the relationship between Nigeria
and the ITFC will continue to grow looking at the positive impact it is making.
“ITFC is one of
the high performing subsidiaries of the IsBD, we have a strong presence in
Nigeria supporting businesses largely the energy sector and also agriculture
and trade and they have been doing that through partnerships with financial
institutions operating in Nigeria.
“Today we
signed a framework agreement that charts the roof of our partnership over the
next couple of years with the ITFC.
“Also, today,
it signs agreement with Jaiz Bank for the benefit of one of our state. They
continue to work with us to improve the performance of businesses and thereby
improving the growth of our economy.
“Our hope and
target is to see that itfc triples its portfolios in Nigeria within the next
year’s coming.”
She called on
the corporation to continue to render their support to the countries and also
improve the capacities of not just companies but also the sovereign government.
On his part,
the Managing Director, Jaiz Bank, SurajoSalisu while expressing his gratitude
said, “we are happy with this trade finance line for our customers, when we go
back home, it will surely go a long way to assist our customers.
“Where
governments are coming to sign agreements for their countries, we are here as a
private institution to sign for ourselves, it definitely shows how great we are
performing.
“Our
partnership with the itfc has been for five years now and there was no
disappointment, that is why you Jaiz Bank is joining among ministers and
governments signing for itself.
“Hundred
percent our business is localised and will be utilised locally and additional
foreign exchange will come into the country with great turnover. It will be of
benefit to the country, to our people and the Islamic bank.”
Source: dailytrust.com
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https://dailytrust.com/nigeria-jaiz-sign-finance-agreement-with-islamic-trade-corporation/
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URL:
https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/muslims-up-polls-bjp-mla/d/129782