Ninety nine Percent Of Muslims In India Are Hindustani By Their Ancestry, Culture, And motherland: RSS Leader Indresh Kumar
New Age Islam News Bureau
14 November 2022
99% Of Muslims In India Are Hindustani By Their Ancestry, Culture, And
motherland: RSS Leader PTI File Photo
----------
•
Sudan’s Burhan warns Islamists and other factions against interfering with the
military
•
US forces loot 94 more truckloads of Syrian oil, wheat: Report
•
Germany’s Muslim community worried about rise in Islamophobic attacks
•
Govt withdraws plea against Shariat Court's decision on interest-free banking
•
20 killed as minibus plunges into canal in Egypt
•
Report: 130,000 Palestinians Facing Home Demolition Threat in Israeli Occupied
Territories
•
East Turkestan Day: Protests erupt in Bangladesh against Chinese oppression of
Uyghur Muslims
•
Exiled Uyghurs mark East Turkestan formation, say will strive for freedom from
China
India
•
Kerala: Islamic Institute Starts Sanskrit Course, Sets Example Amid
Saffronisation Debate
•
Construction of Ayodhya mosque to begin after its map approval: Secy of
Indo-Islamic Cultural Foundation Trust
•
How The Issue Of Paying Imam Salaries Has Kept Cropping Up Over The Years
•
Muslim seniors thrash Hyderabad B-school student; made him chant 'Allah hu
Akbar'; BJP demands probe
•
Gyanvapi mosque case: Varanasi court verdict on plea seeking worship rights of
'Shivling' today
•
Islamic flag removed from mobile tower in Kushinagar
•
Upcoming visit of Saudi Crown Prince to expand Saudi-India relations
--------
Africa
•
Jordan king calls for ending Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands
•
Tunisia to get 100 million euros from EU for budget support
•
Sudanese protesters call for end to foreign interference
--------
North
America
•
New York Times coverage of deadly Istanbul blast sparks anger on Twitter
--------
Europe
•
Germany’s Scholz says Iran can expect more EU sanctions
•
Spain to continue its Patriot missile defense support to Türkiye
•
Iranian man who inspired movie The Terminal dies at Paris airport
•
Supporters of PKK terrorist group hold demonstration in Sweden
--------
Pakistan
•
What’s behind the rise of suicide cases in Gilgit-Baltistan
•
Fazl, Ashrafi Condemn "incident Of Terrorism" In Turkiye
•
PTI chairman Imran Khan no longer blames US for his ouster
•
Lt-Gen Asim Munir is technically senior-most of the top generals in the running
for Pak Army chief
•
US can't stop us from purchasing Russian oil: Pakistan minister Ishaq Dar
•
Four corridors being added to CPEC, says Chinese diplomat
•
Arshad Sharif ‘not tortured’ before death, says Kenyan expert
•
Islamabad's Lal Masjid road closed to traffic, again
•
Gwadar protesters threaten to block CPEC projects
--------
Arab
World
•
Rocket attack near Iraq’s Erbil kills one, wounds ten: Mayor
•
Syria’s air defenses shoot down most Israeli missiles targeting Homs,
casualties reported
•
Lebanon extradites to Iraq ‘Saddam grandnephew’ accused of ISIS link
•
Culture is a prerequisite for peace in the world: UAE Minister Noura Al Kaabi
•
Bahrainis vote in parliamentary, municipal elections
•
Saudi leaders offer condolences to Turkiye after deadly blast
•
Iran targets “terrorist groups” in Iraq’s Kurdistan
•
Lebanon slams Israeli airstrikes on Syria, calls it violation of country's
sovereignty
•
Crackdown on dissent: Saudi forces detain Yemeni-American citizen while on
pilgrimage
•
‘Bahrain regime abused polls to burnish image, endorse normalization with
Israel’
•
UAE meddled in American political system: US intelligence report
--------
Mideast
•
'Everything is restricted': Iranian cleric supports protest against country's
Islamic regime
•
President Erdogan says initial signs point to 'terror' attack in Istanbul
•
Turkey accuses Kurdish PKK over Istanbul bomb attack
•
Speaker: Iran's Hypersonic Ballistic Missile Frustrating Enemies
•
Spokesman Slams German Chancellor's Meddlesome Remarks on Iran's Unrest
•
Iran Strongly Deplores Macron’s Meeting with Regime-Change Mouthpieces at
Elysee
•
Iran's Rayeesi, Russia's Putin Reiterate Deepening Ties
•
Iran Cracks Down on Int'l Drug Trafficking Network, 32 Smugglers Captured
•
Jailed Iranian activist Ronaghi hospitalized, ‘life in danger,’ his brother
warns
•
Palestine President Abbas says Netanyahu does not ‘believe in peace’
•
Iran leader sends delegation to strife-torn southeast
•
Iran charges more than 750 for involvement in ‘recent riots’
•
Israel's Netanyahu formally tasked with forming new government
•
Russia’s Putin speaks to Iranian President Raisi, with emphasis on deepening
ties
•
Turkey’s Erdogan arrives at G20 in Indonesia after Istanbul blast
•
Iran slams German French leaders for 'supporting' anti-government protests
--------
South
Asia
•
Taliban’s leader emphasizes on serious punishments for criminals in Afghanistan
•
United Nations refuses to recognize Taliban interim government
•
Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) opens Afghanistan bureau office
•
UNAMA Chief Meets Pakistani Ambassador to Afghanistan
•
Afghanistan: Why Ahmad Shah Massoud still matters to the Middle East
--------
Southeast
Asia
•
UAE President Inaugurates Mosque in Jokowi’s Hometown
•
DAP’s Nga sounds another ‘Taliban’ warning
•
PAS the one using Malays to fish for Malay votes, DAP hopefuls tell Hadi
•
After 2020 state election, political fatigue rather than election fever in
Sabah this GE15
•
Sanusi slams actor’s alleged remarks about harming ‘enemies of Islam’
•
Our future depends on stable, competent leadership, says Johari
•
Muhyiddin says 'Father of MCO' label a badge of honour as it saved lives
•
PAS banks on clean politics for big win in Terengganu, but race will be tight
Compiled
by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/muslims-india-ancestry-culture-motherland/d/128398
--------
99%
Of Muslims In India Are Hindustani By Their Ancestry, Culture, And motherland:
RSS Leader
13
NOV 2022
99% Of Muslims In India Are
Hindustani By Their Ancestry, Culture, And motherland: RSS Leader PTI File
Photo
-----------
Rashtriya
Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Indresh Kumar on Sunday said 99 per cent of
Muslims in India are "Hindustani" by their ancestry, culture,
traditions, and motherland.
He
also supported the view expressed by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in the past that
Indians had common ancestors, hence their DNA is common.
Kumar
was addressing the concluding ceremony of the two-day state-level workshop of
activists of the Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM), the Muslim wing of the RSS, at
RambhauMhalgiPrabodhini at Uttan in Thane district.
"We
must consider our duty towards our nation as supreme and above all other things
as per the directives and tenets of the Holy Quran," a release quoted
Kumar as saying.
"Ninety-nine
per cent of Muslims in India are Hindustani by their ancestors, culture,
traditions, and motherland," he said.
As
per the release, Kumar referred to RSS chief Bhagwat's past statement on Indians
having common DNA, and said, "D means the dreams we get every day, N
denotes native nation and A represents ancestors. We all dream in our mother
tongue."
"We
have common ancestors and share a common native nation which makes all of us
share the common DNA," said Kumar, a member of the national executive
committee of the RSS.
A
total of 250 activists from more than 40 locations across the state, including
women activists, attended the workshop.
MRM
national conveners Irfan Ali Pirjade, ViragPachpore, and other officer-bearers
of the organisation were present on the occasion.
Pachpore
traced the two-decade-long journey of the MRM since its foundation in 2002 and
spoke about its activities, programmes, and campaigns on issues like triple
talaq, Jammu and Kashmir, Ayodhya, cow slaughter, and terrorism, among others.
Source:OutlookIndia
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
--------
Sudan’s
Burhan warns Islamists and other factions against interfering with the military
Nov
13, 2022
KHARTOUM
(Reuters) – Sudan’s leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan on Sunday issued
another stern warning to Islamists and other political factions against any
interference in the military, amid talks with civilian parties to form a
non-partisan government.
More
than a year after the military took power in a coup, the military and its
former civilian partners and other political forces have begun U.N.-facilitated
talks to agree on a new political framework.
However,
Islamists loyal to former president Omar al-Bashir have criticised the military
for seeking a partnership with pro-democracy civilian groups, and for what they
say is allowing foreign interference from U.N. and western facilitators.
On
Saturday thousands of Bashir loyalists held a protest against the ongoing
talks. Burhan warned both civilian parties and the former ruling Islamists of
agitating within the military or interfering, saying it was carrying out its
own reforms.
“We’ll
cut out the tongue of anyone who speaks on the military,” Burhan said in a
speech at an army base west of the capital.
“We
warned the Islamists, as they have started interfering with the military, we
told them to stay away from the military,” he said.
Since
the coup in Oct. 2021, Sudan has been without a new prime minister or cabinet,
seen increasing tribal violence, and its economy has been plunged into further
turmoil. Both the military and participating parties have said they aim to pull
the country out of impending chaos.
In
a Nov. 6 speech Burhan had confirmed that talks had begun and on Sunday he
acknowledged that the military had presented its notes on a draft constitution
which the U.N. said last week was the basis of discussions it had launched.
“We
expect this next government to be made up of independents not affiliated with
any party, this is what we’ve always said,” Burhan said in the speech.
He
also said that the civilian politicians he had sat with had assured him they
are not negotiating to advance their political interests.
Source:Fxempire
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
--------
US
forces loot 94 more truckloads of Syrian oil, wheat: Report
13
November 2022
File
video image of an oil tanker looting Syrian crude from one of its oil fields.
(Photo by SANA)
-----------
US
occupation forces in Syria and their local Kurdish mercenary allies have
reportedly looted another 94 tankers and trucks loaded with the country’s oil
and wheat, illegally transporting them to neighboring Iraq.
Citing
local sources, Syria’s official SANA news agency further unveiled in a Saturday
report that the intruding American military forces transferred out 30 tankers
loaded with stolen Syrian crude via the illegal al-Waleed border crossing and
44 more tankers of oil from al-Swaidiya fields through the unauthorized
Mahmoudiya crossing, heading to US military bases across Iraq.
According
to the report, the occupation troops, aided by the so-called “Syrian Democratic
Forces” (SDF) of US-backed Kurdish militants, also hauled 20 more trucks loaded
with wheat out of the country to northern Iraq through the Semalka crossing.
Syrian
media outlets regularly report on American illegal oil and food smuggling
activities, with the US occupiers and their local Kurdish allies organizing
convoys containing dozens of tankers or trucks at least once a week, and sometimes
multiple times.
Last
week, US forces reportedly shipped 43 tankers of Syrian oil looted from the
country’s al-Jazeera field into northern Iraq.
This
is while Damascus has repeatedly condemned Washington’s oil and food looting
activities in the war-torn Arab nation, which have robbed Syria of access to
nearly 90 percent of its oil resources, and much of its arable land.
Prior
to the 2011 foreign-backed terrorist campaign unleashed in the country by the
US and its European and regional allies in their bids to topple the government
of President Bashar al-Assad, Syria enjoyed modest self-sufficiency in both
food and energy.
The
US military has illegitimately maintained at least 800 troops in Syria east of
the Euphrates River since 2017, tasking its troops with controlling Syrian
energy fields and blocking Damascus from regaining control of its
internationally recognized borders.
In
addition to plundering Syria’s energy and agricultural resources, Washington
and its European allies have further imposed a crushing sanctions regime
against the country, aimed at crippling its economy by blocking the import of
all sorts of goods, including medicines and medical equipment.
Former
US president Donald Trump has conceded on several occasions that American
military forces were deployed to Syria because of the country’s oil wealth.
On
September 21, China called on the United States to stop looting Syria’s
national resources and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the
Arab country. China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin further underlined
that Washington has a duty to investigate robberies committed by its occupying
military forces, as well as to compensate for the damages caused.
Source:
Press TV
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
--------
Germany’s Muslim community worried about rise in Islamophobic attacks
14.11.2022
BERLIN
German
authorities registered at least 662 Islamophobic crimes in 2021.
There
were more than 46 mosques attacked and at least 17 people were injured because
of anti-Muslim violence.
Suleyman
Demir, project director at the anti-discrimination group, Inssan, said attacks
on Muslims and mosques have seen a rise following the coronavirus pandemic and
the situation is serious as Germany is facing economic difficulties.
“The
statistics have definitely increased, especially for women who wear a
headscarf,” Demir told Anadolu Agency.
“We
are also increasingly seeing from our community that not only men, but also
women who wear the hijab and niqab are exposed to much more physical attacks,
like spitting, and this has actually increased significantly in recent years,”
he said.
German
authorities recorded 152 Islamophobic attacks, while at least seven people were
injured in the first six months of 2022.
But
that might not be the full picture because many attacks go unreported.
Demir,
who is leading the “Network against discrimination and Islamophobia” project at
Inssan, said many Muslims do not report incidents to the police, thinking their
complaints will not be taken seriously.
“Sometimes
they don't feel heard or seen and that's why they think, ‘Oh, why report it?
There won't be any consequences,’” said Demir.
He
urged better sensitivity training for police to tackle Islamophobic crimes.
“Police
officers are not properly trained. For example, they are trained on transphobia
or anti-Semitism, but they are not trained on tackling anti-Muslim crimes,” he
said, adding that many incidents of Islamophobia are not properly registered by
police in crime statistics.
Demir
also warned that far-right groups are trying to exploit the ongoing economic
and energy crises to stir fear and hatred against minorities and Muslims.
Portraying
minorities scapegoats
“It
is easy to portray minorities as scapegoats, i.e. as scapegoats for political
or economic problems, and the far-right groups naturally use this method to say
that these minorities are to be blamed for the major economic crisis.
Therefore, I see a connection between rising right-wing extremism, and the
economic situation,” he said.
Demir
said it is important for Muslims and minorities to be more politically active
to strengthen democracy and counter the rise of the far-right.
“There
are people from 180 to 200 different nations here, so I assume that Muslims
will also feel at home here, especially those who were born here,” he said.
“They will take part in democratic decision-making and will, of course, also
shape the future in Germany.”
Germany
has the second-largest Muslim population in Western Europe after France with
total inhabitants of more than 84 million.
Among
the country’s nearly 5.5 million Muslims, 3 million are of Turkish origin.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
--------
Govt
withdraws plea against Shariat Court's decision on interest-free banking
Nov
13 2022
State
Bank of Pakistan (SBP) — SBP/Official
-----------
ISLAMABAD:
The federal government withdrew its petition against Federal Shariat Court's
decision seeking the government to transform the banking system into
Shariah-compliant banking, The News reported Sunday.
Lawyer
Salman Akram Raja, on behalf of the State Bank of Pakistan, filed a civil
miscellaneous application (CMA) in the Supreme Court to withdraw the instant
appeal filed against the judgement of the Federal Shariat Court, The News
reported.
On
June 25, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) had challenged in the Supreme Court
the decision of Federal Shariat Court of April 28.
As
respondents, the SBP named Dr Mahmoodur Rehman Faisal, Chairman of the
Tehreek-e-Enqilab Islam, the Ministry of Law and Justice, the Ministry of
Finance, the Banking Council of Pakistan through its chairman, Karachi (now
defunct), and the Attorney-General of Pakistan.
In
its appeal, the central bank appreciated the spirit and the intent that led to
the substantive provisions of the judgement delivered by the Sharia Court on
April 28. However, it sought clarification as there were certain discrepancies
in the judgement.
The
SBP submitted that, as the premier custodian and regulator of the financial and
monetary framework of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, it is deeply committed
to ensuring compliance with the injunctions of Islam about interest (riba)
while protecting the stability and security of the financial sector of the
country that functions as part of the global financial system.
“The
appellant can, with considerable justification, take pride in the furtherance
of the Islamic banking sector in Pakistan as a critical and growing part of the
financial sector as a whole,” the SBP submitted, adding that these efforts are
noted by the Federal Shariat Court in its judgment of April 28, 2022, in
paragraphs 82 to 88.
It
further submitted that a gradual approach to transforming the banking system
into Shariah-compliant banking was adopted at the start of this millennium,
wherein both the Islamic and conventional banks were allowed to operate
simultaneously in the country.
This
approach has proved successful, and the Islamic banks now account for 19.4% of
the country’s overall banking system in terms of assets, while in terms of
deposits, the share is 20% (as of March 31, 2022).
Currently,
22 Islamic Banking Institutions (IBIs) (five full-fledged Islamic banks and 17
conventional banks having standalone Islamic banking branches) with a branch
network of 3,983 associates and 1,418 Islamic banking windows (Islamic banking
counters at traditional branches) are operational across the country, the SBP
said.
The
SBP has also been taking measures to bring the legal and regulatory
infrastructure into compliance with Shariah principles.
It
recalled that the SBP is among the few regulators in the world that have
introduced a comprehensive legal, regulatory, and Shariah-compliant framework
for Islamic banking, adding that details of the progress already made and the
strategic plan for the future are contained in the document titled “Strategic
Plan for Islamic Banking Industry 2021–2025.”
Source:
Geo
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
--------
20
killed as minibus plunges into canal in Egypt
Ibrahim
al-Khazen
13.11.2022
At
least 20 people were killed and six injured Saturday when a minibus fell into a
canal in northern Egypt, according to officials.
Dakahlia
governorship updated the death toll on Facebook.
The
Health Ministry previously said 19 were killed and six injured when the minibus
fell into the Nile River.
Media
reports said the minibus was carrying dozens of passengers when the driver lost
control and fell into Mansuriya canal in Aga town, in the Nile Delta province
of Dakahlia.
A
Health Ministry statement said 18 ambulances were dispatched to the scene to
search for survivors.
Egypt
has a poor transportation record despite government efforts to improve the
country’s road network.
The
country has recorded 56,789 deaths and 6,164 injuries in road accidents in
2020, according to the state statistics agency, CAPMAS,
The
Turkish Foreign Ministry extended condolences to the people of Egypt.
“We
wish God's mercy on those who lost their lives, our condolences to their
families, the brotherly people of Egypt and the Arab Republic of Egypt, and a
speedy recovery to the injured,” is said in a statement.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/20-killed-as-minibus-plunges-into-canal-in-egypt/2736518
--------
Report:
130,000 Palestinians Facing Home Demolition Threat in Israeli Occupied
Territories
2022-November-13
The
survey was published by the Arab Center for Alternative Planning (ACAP) and the
Sikkuy-Aufoq Organization, both of whom are NGOs based in the Israeli-occupied
Palestinian territories, the Palestinian Information Center news agency
reported on Saturday.
The
two organizations produced the statistics by counting the number of the
Palestinian-owned buildings that lacked what the occupying regime calls
"construction permits".
The
130,000 Palestinians reside in about 29,000 buildings that have fallen short of
obtaining the permits due to restrictions or dilatory tactics that are
intentionally employed by the occupying regime. About 15,000 of those
Palestinian structures are small buildings, agricultural sheds, car repair
shops, and other structures.
Close
to 90 percent of the structures are located "within the approved
structural plans and within areas designated for housing", the news agency
reported, citing the research. The Tel Aviv regime, however, has stopped short
of completing the "necessary planning procedures" in those areas that
allow the issuance of the permits.
The
Israeli regime claimed existence after occupying huge swathes of Palestinian
territories during a Western-backed war that lasted between May 1948 and March
1949.
Following
the warfare, roughly 800,000 Jews immigrated to the occupied territories in
line with plans led by the Israeli regime, which sought to create a racial
supremacy regime. In the year running up to the war, Tel Aviv also embarked on
a large-scale ethnic cleansing campaign that forced between 750,000 to 850,000
Palestinians out of their homeland.
The
research, meanwhile, showed that, within the occupied territories, it takes
Palestinians an average of eight years to obtain a building permit, compared to
just 2.5 years for the Israeli population.
Separately
on Saturday, scores of Palestinians took to the streets in the city of Tayibe,
located in the central part of the occupied territories, in protest at the
Israeli regime's demolition policy.
The
protests broke out after a local Palestinian resident, Diaa Jaber, was notified
that his home would be demolished soon by the Israeli authorities, the official
Palestinian WAFA news agency reported.
The
protesters blocked the main road in the city to express their rejection of the
policy, under which dozens of their homes and structures are at risk of
demolition.
They
chanted slogans and raised banners reading "demolition of Arabs’ homes
won’t go on", and "no to the demolition policy".
Witnesses
said Israeli police forces confronted the participants in an attempt to
disperse them.
In
early September, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
(OCHA) offered a grim report, saying the Israeli regime has demolished close to
9,000 Palestinian-owned structures since 2009, rendering thousands of
Palestinians homeless.
According
to the report, the regime has laid waste to as many as 8,746 such buildings
throughout the period. The demolitions have displaced some 13,000 Palestinians
and inflicted losses on around 152,000 others, the UN report added.
In
order to try to rationalize flattening of the Palestinian structures, the
regime has been accusing their owners of lacking construction permit, obtaining
which is next to impossible.
The
Tel Aviv regime also regularly destroys the homes of Palestinians it blames for
attacks on Israeli settlers, in an act of collective punishment condemned by
human rights activists.
Thousands
of Palestinians, in spite of the fact that they had done nothing wrong and were
not suspected of any wrongdoing, have been displaced due to the regime’s cruel
policy.
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
--------
East
Turkestan Day: Protests erupt in Bangladesh against Chinese oppression of
Uyghur Muslims
12
November, 2022
Dhaka
[Bangladesh], November 12 (ANI): On East Turkestan Day, protests erupted in
Bangladesh against the persecution of Uyghur Muslims by the Chinese government
and Beijing’s expansionist attitude.
Bangladesh,
a Muslim-majority country, shows its solidarity with the Uyghur Muslims of
Xinjiang, local media reported.
The
Bangladesh Muktijoddha Mancha on Saturday staged a protest against the
persecution of Uyghur Muslims by the Chinese government and demanded the
release of 1 million prisoners from China’s minority community.
Bangladesh
Muktijoddha Mancha protested in front of the National Museum, Shahbag, near
Dhaka University, Dhaka, from noon to 3 pm.
Around
600 participants participated in the protest, carrying banners against Chinese
killing and oppression of Uyghur Muslims, their religious persecution, and
forced labour and demanding the release of 1 million Uyghurs, including women,
from Chinese jails.
The
demonstrators explained the Chinese expansionist attitude in Bangladesh,
significantly delaying and increasing the cost of Chinese projects (like the
Dhaka-Kurigram 6-lane highway and Transmission line expansion of Dhaka Power
Distribution Company Ltd.), not employing any foreign skilled technicians in
these projects, neglecting security precautions for labour used in these
projects and pushing Bangladesh towards a debt trap like Sri Lanka. Around 1000
onlookers observed the program.
A
bicycle rally was organized by BBSS Welfare Association. The rally started from
Hatirjheel in Dhaka and ended at United Hospital via Gulshan-2. Students of
different schools and colleges, journalists, leaders and activists of political
parties took part in the demonstration.
Tawfiq
Ahmed Tafsir, General Secretary of BBSS led the event. While addressing the
gathering, Ahmed said that East Turkestan was never a part of China and
condemned the Chinese actions and atrocities against minorities.
Meanwhile,
in Chittagong, SachetonNagarik Samaj, NagorikOikyo and Al-Ettehad Islamic
Organisation Bangladeshi organised a motorcycle rally. The rally started from
the New Market area of Chittagong city at 4 pm and after passing through
various locations of the city including Rifle Club, Tulshidham, Boudha Mandir
and CheragiPahar, it ended at Chittagong Press Club, several media reports
said.
About
150 protesters wearing Tee shirts and placards highlighting atrocities on
Uighur Muslims, Human rights violations by China etc participated in the event.
This
condemnation of the Chinese government on international platforms and in
different countries via protests comes in the wake of a UN report highlighting
“serious human rights abuses” — and potential crimes against humanity —
committed by the Chinese government in Xinjiang.
The
Jagrata Muslim Janata also condemned China for illegally occupying East
Turkestan, the land of innocent Uyghur Muslims. In Narayanganj city of
Bangladesh, protesters were carrying banners and placards and organized a Human
Chain and protest rally to support the cause of Uyghur Muslims.
They
criticised China for its inhuman actions, maltreatment of Uyghur minorities and
continued occupation of East Turkestan. Protesters urged the people of
Bangladesh to support Uyghur Muslims and condemn China for its illegal
activities.
Meanwhile,
in Gazipur, SanchetanNagarik Samaj organised a protest rally and human chain to
condemn the illegal occupation of East Turkestan by China and extended support
to the just demand of Uyghur Muslims. Protesters urged participants to spread
awareness among the people of Bangladesh on the Uyghur issue and the double
standards being adopted by China. (ANI)
Source:
ThePrint
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
--------
Exiled
Uyghurs mark East Turkestan formation, say will strive for freedom from China
Nov
14, 2022
The
Uyghur Muslim community living in exile in Turkey celebrated the formation of
the two East Turkestan republics, re-affirming their resolve for independence
from the People's Republic of China.
The
East Turkestan Federation organised a meeting attended by over 2,000 delegates
including the NGO representatives and community members. During the event, the
Uyghur leaders highlighted ‘hunger genocide’ unleashed in East Turkestan by the
Chinese authorities in the garb of implementing the Covid Zero Policy.
The
delegates took a vow that East Turkestan is their homeland and that the
community will continue to fight for ‘independence’ from China. Another meeting
organised by The International Union of East Turkestan NGOs under
HidayetullahOghuzhan was held in Istanbul, attended by community leaders and
Uyghur academics.
The
meeting attended by 800-900 Uyghurs accused China of carrying out a genocidal
policy against the members of the community. Another meeting was held at Ankara
wherein 200 delegates including NGO representatives, academicians and
journalists were in attendance.
Uyghurs
are a Turkic Muslim minority predominantly in China's northwestern region of
Xinjiang, where a recent UN report said Beijing may have committed crimes
against humanity.
On
November 1, at least 50 countries majorly from the West urged China to
implement all recommendations in the UN report which accused the Jinping regime
of possible crimes against humanity against Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic
groups. Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Belize, Bulgaria,
Canada, Czech Republic, Israel, UK and United States are among the countries
which signed on the statement.
The
human rights groups have accused Beijing of large-scale atrocities against
minority groups in mainland China, sweeping a million people from the community
into detention camps. The detained prisoners are said to have been tortured,
sexually assaulted, and forced to abandon their language and religion.
Source:
Hindustan Times
Please
click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
--------
India
Kerala:
Islamic Institute Starts Sanskrit Course, Sets Example Amid Saffronisation
Debate
13
NOV 2022
An
Islamic institute in Kerala has attracted praise for starting the teaching of
Sanskrit within its campus.
Hindu
gurus teach students students at the Academy of Sharia and Advanced Studies
(ASAS), by Malik Deenar Islamic Complex (MIC), in Kerala's Thrissur.
Students
in long white robes and white head-dresses unwaveringly reciting 'slokas' and
'mantras' in Sanskrit under the watchful gaze of their Hindu gurus sets apart
the institute.
"Gurur
brahma gururvishnu, Gurur devo maheshwara, Gurursaakshaat param brahma, Tasmai
shri guravenamaha," one such student recites on being asked to do so in
Sanskrit by his professor.
"Uttamam
(excellent)," the professor responds in Sanskrit, as another student
finishes reciting a different 'sloka' asked of him.
All
conversations between the student and the professor in the class are in
Sanskrit.
The
objective behind teaching Sanskrit, Upanishads, Puranas, etc. is to inculcate
in the students knowledge and awareness about other religions, said Onampilly
Muhammad Faizy, the principal of ASAS to PTI.
Another
reason, and the main one, for teaching Sanskrit to the students at MIC ASAS was
Faizy's own academic background as he had studied Shankara philosophy.
He
said, "Therefore, I felt that students should know about other religions
and their customs and practices. But an in-depth study of Sanskrit as well as the
'Upanishads', 'shastras', 'vedantams' would not be possible during the
eight-year study period. Instead, the idea is to provide basic knowledge about
these and create an awareness in them about another religion."
Important
portions of the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, Mahabharata, Ramayana are
selectively taught in Sanskrit to the students over a period of eight years
after they pass out of Class 10, he said.
The
selective teaching of these texts is because the institution is primarily a
Sharia college where other languages, like Urdu and English are also taught
besides a degree course in Arts as it is affiliated to the Calicut University.
Faizy
said, "The academic workload is huge. Therefore, we take in students who
can handle it and also maintain strict standards. There is an entrance exam for
admitting students."
Some
of the students recently told the media that initially it was tough to learn
Sanskrit, just like Arabic, but by continuously studying and practising, it
becomes easier over time.
"It
is a tough task initially. Just like Arabic. But if we study it continuously,
repeatedly practice it, just like with Arabic, it becomes easier over a period
of time. The regular classes and the tests also help us to learn it," one
of the students said.
Another
student said he was excited to learn Sanskrit and hear the 'slokas'.
Just
like his classmate, he too was of the view that like Arabic, "if you put
in the effort, it becomes easier to learn".
While
there has been no objection from parents of the students or anyone else, a
major challenge has been finding good faculty to teach Sanskrit, the Bhagavad
Gita, Upanishads, etc., properly to the students.
"That
is why we were able to start teaching Sanskrit just seven years ago and it is
also the reason that it is being taught only at this branch -- one of
seven," principal Faizy said, noting they have an excellent faculty here
who have devised a good curriculum for the students.
He
added the response from the side of the students too has been encouraging as
they have shown an interest in learning Sanskrit.
One
of the faculty, professor K KYatheendran, told media when he was invited to
teach there, Faizy "was concerned whether I would have reservations about
teaching in an Arabic institution as I was a Hindu".
"I
said there is no Hindu or Muslim issue here. I am coming there ready to teach.
So, I have no such reservations," he told the media.
He
also said that when people see him walking toward the institute with sandalwood
'tilak' on his forehead, they ask why I am going there.
"I
tell them I am going there to teach Sanskrit and they say it is a good thing I
am doing," according to Yatheendran.
Faizy
too said that he has not heard any negative or discouraging remarks from any
quarter.
"Everyone
who heard about it has only praised it and encouraged us," he added.
Dr
Ramesh, who also teaches Sanskrit at MIC ASAS, said that the students there
have never heard of Sanskrit before coming there.
He
said, "They have not even learnt it in school. But as we move from one
phase to another, the students are able to speak a little in Sanskrit, learn
'padams' and are able to understand some 'slokas' also."
The
other faculty members are Dr C M Neelakandan, retired professor of Sanskrit
Literature from SreeSankaracharya University of Sanskrit, and Dr Shamseer P C
—assistant professor, department of Sanskrit, Kerala University, according to
the Facebook page of MIC ASAS.
The
visuals of the Sanskrit classes are also posted on the institute's Facebook
page.
At
a time when political parties in Kerala are at loggerheads over alleged
saffronisation of higher education institutions or them becoming centres of
communism, this Islamic institution is setting an example by teaching its
students Sanskrit and the Bhagavad Gita along with Arabic and the Quran.
Hafiz
Aboobacker, one of the coordinators at the institute, told a media channel that
it was important to learn about Islam, but knowledge about other religions was
also important and that is also a reason for including Sanskrit in the
syllabus.
Source:OutlookIndia
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Construction
of Ayodhya mosque to begin after its map approval: Secy of Indo-Islamic
Cultural Foundation Trust
Nov
14, 2022
LUCKNOW:
Construction of the proposed Masjid-e-Ayodhya -- to be built in
Ayodhya’sDhannipur village -- will start once the map of the religious
structure is approved by the Ayodhya Development Authority, said Athar Hussain,
secretary of the Indo-Islamic Cultural Foundation Trust on Sunday. He added
that the construction of the mosque would be completed within a year of the map
approval, which is expected soon.
“Construction
of the mosque will take about a year. However, the construction of adjoining
buildings -- including a community kitchen, a museum, and a library and
research centre in the Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah Complex -- may take at least
three years,” Hussain further said.
Earlier,
in 2019, the Supreme Court, in its landmark verdict on the Ayodhya dispute, had
ordered the construction of a Ram temple on the 2.77-acre plot where the Babri
Masjid once stood. In the same order, the apex court had also directed the
state government to allot five acres of land for a mosque to be built near
Ayodhya.
“We
aren’t competing with the deadline for the completion of the Ram Temple
project. As the mosque won’t be built in a very large space, its construction
shouldn’t take more than a year. The Indo-Islamic Cultural Foundation Trust
will start the construction of other proposed adjoining structures
simultaneously. At present, we are raising funds for the construction of the
mosque and other structures in the complex,” Hussain clarified.
According
to the proposal, the trust plans to build a 100-bed hospital in the Maulvi
Ahmadullah Shah Complex. The facility will later be upgraded to a 200-bed
medical centre. Similarly, the community kitchen would initially cater to 1,000
needy people and gradually, its capacity would be raised to provide food to
2,000 people per day. The Indo-Islamic Research Centre and the proposed library
will also benefit people, said Hussain.
Source:
Hindustan Times
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
How
The Issue Of Paying Imam Salaries Has Kept Cropping Up Over The Years
13
NOV 2022
The
Central Information Commission (CIC) has summoned officials of the offices of
the lieutenant governor, chief minister, and chief secretary over the
non-disclosure of information on salaries paid to Imams of mosques in Delhi
under the RTI Act.
The
background
The
Supreme Court in 1993 ordered the Waqf Boards to pay adequate salaries to Imams
working in mosques managed by the boards.
“We
are, therefore, not willing to accept the submission that...in the absence of
any statutory provision in the Waqf Act the Imams who look after religious
activities of mosques are not entitled to any remuneration, “the Bench of
Justice R.M. Sahai had held on a petition by All India Imam Organisation which
had approached the apex court for “enforcement of a fundamental right against
their exploitation by Waqf Boards.” The organisation had approached the apex
court seeking a direction to Central and State Waqf Boards to treat them as
employees of the Board and to pay them basic wages to enable them to survive.
Instances
Where Imams Received Support/Dues
On
July 16, 2022, the Telangana government sanctioned Rs 17 crore for salaries of
Imams and Muezzins that were due for the past three months. The state
government had been paying them Rs 5,000 every month as an honorarium. “We will
use this remaining amount for widow pensions,” Mohammed Massiullah Khan,
Chairman Wakf Board, had said. Days before, the state BJP Minority Morcha had
appealed to the government to release pending salaries of the last six months
of Imams across 10,000 masjids, as Bakri Eid was around the corner.
On
May 2020, a Hyderabad-based NGO called Helping Hand Foundation (HHF) paid Rs
3,000 each to 200 Imams and Muezzins from 100 mosques, mainly across low-income
areas in the city. “Nearly 80 per cent of the Imams and Muezzins in city
mosques have not been paid their salaries due to drying up of collections in mosque
which are closed now. Due to this many are facing hardship for ration,
essential items and are struggling to support their families,” said Mujtaba
Askari of HHF had said.
On
January 2019, Delhi CM and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal declared
that the salaries of Imams and helpers in mosques in Delhi would be increased.
The hiked salary will be paid by the Delhi Waqf Board. As per the announcement
by the AAP chief, the salaries of imams will be increased from Rs 10,000 per
month to Rs 18,000 per month. Whereas the salary of the helpers would be
increased from Rs 9,000 per month to Rs 16,000 per month. The decision will be
applicable to 185 mosques in the national capital that come under the Delhi
Waqf Board.
Kejriwal
also announced a salary hike for imams of mosques that are outside the domain
of the Delhi Waqf Board. It is for the first time that the salary expense of
such mosques would be covered by a government body. The imams of these mosques
will be paid Rs 14,000 per month while the helpers will get Rs 12,000 per
month.
The
current case
Activist
Subhash Agrawal has filed an RTI, asking for the file notes on the decision to
pay salaries to Imams in Delhi mosques through his application under the Right
to Information (RTI) Act.
Agrawal
sought to know the total number of mosques in the national capital that pay
Imams a salary, the total amount incurred, annual expenditure, and details of
the competent authority responsible for the payments.
He
has asked if salaries of these amounts are being paid to priests of Hindu
temples as well.
The
reaction
The
offices of the LG and the chief minister did not respond to the RTI
application, but the office of the chief secretary transferred it to the
Department of Revenue and Delhi Waqf Board.
The
Delhi Waqf Board, in its reply to Agrawal, said none of the queries are related
to it.
The
Information Commissioner Uday Mahurkar has issued notices to the Public
Information Officers of these two departments asking them to appear before it
for a hearing on November 18.
Source:OutlookIndia
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Muslim
seniors thrash Hyderabad B-school student; made him chant 'Allah hu Akbar'; BJP
demands probe
November
13, 2022
Hyderabad:
The Telangana wing of the Bhartiya Janata Party has demanded a detailed probe
in the alleged ragging incident of an undergraduate law student, who was
physically assaulted and sexually harassed by a group of other students inside
hostel over alleged remarks on Islam and the prophet Mohammad.
According
to Telangana Police, the incident took place on November 1, at ICFAI Business
School in Dhonthanpally village. The victim is a student in the first semester
of a law undergraduate programme.
The
incident came to public view after a video of the said student went viral on
Social media in which he was being thrashed by other students. The accused
students also made him chant ‘Allah hu Akbar’ on camera, and also took his
wallet.
Rachana
Reddy, a BJP leader from Telangana, on Sunday slammed K Chandrashekar Rao
government for not taking timely action into the matter.
“We
don’t know what statements were made but the fact that absolutely no action was
taken. Apparently, an FIR has been registered but there is absolutely no
information as to what the hooligans wanted and what was the cause of the said
abuse and assault. Don’t know what the ministers, MLAs and the entire state
government are doing about this incident,” she said.
She
further said that the State government is turning blind eye to the rights and
issues of the people.
“This
is a pattern wherein in Telangana including the surrounding areas of Hyderabad
as well, the State government is turning blind eye to the rights and issues of
the people. It is not about religion here but in the name of secularism, they
are actually being pseudo-secularism where such provocative incidents are
unnoticed and nobody from the Home Department is informing the general people
about protecting themselves and dos and don’ts,” the BJP leader said.
The
BJP leader said that her party demands a full-fledged inquiry into this
incident, to see what exactly is the cause because the communalisation of an
incident itself is dangerous to the peace and security of the state.
“BJP
demands a proper investigation and inquiry be taken up in this because the
student unfortunately was abused assaulted and allegedly sexually harassed as
well. Hence, a proper inquiry into these allegations of what happened, exactly
what was the cause of such serious physical assault, abuse and sexual
harassment has to go and action should be taken,” she added.
Telangana
Police said the victim has filed a complaint stating that he was physically and
sexually harassed by 15-20 individuals in his hostel room on campus.
“On
November 1, a few students of ICFAI Business School thrashed a student at the
campus hostel for his alleged comments against Prophet Mohammed,” a police
officer said.
Source:Firstpost
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Gyanvapi
mosque case: Varanasi court verdict on plea seeking worship rights of
'Shivling' today
14th
November 2022
VARANASI:
A Varanasi fast-track court will deliver its verdict today on the plea seeking
worship rights of the 'Shivling' that the Hindu side claimed to be found on the
Gyanvapi mosque premises.
The
court had adjourned the matter for November 14 during the last hearing on
November 8.
The
demands of the Hindu side on which the court will deliver its verdict include
permission for the immediate beginning of prayer of Swayambhu Jyotirlinga
BhagwanVishweshwar, the handing over of the entire Gyanvapi complex to the
Hindus, and banning the entry of Muslims inside the premises of the Gyanvapi
complex.
The
Muslim side is allowed to offer prayers in the premises till the matter is in
court.
The
Supreme Court on November 11 extended its earlier order to protect the area
where the 'Shivling' was stated to be discovered at the Gyanvapi Mosque complex
during the court survey.
During
the previous hearings in the Varanasi court, it had refused to allow a
'scientific investigation' of the purported 'Shivling'.
The
Hindu side had demanded carbon dating of the structure they claimed to be a
Shivling found inside the Gyanvapi Mosque's wazukhana.
However,
the Muslim side said that the structure found was a 'fountain'. The Hindu side
had then submitted an application in the Varanasi District Court on September
22 that sought a carbon dating of the object they claimed to be 'Shivling'.
The
Hindu side said that they would approach the Supreme Court against the Varanasi
court's verdict refusing to allow a 'scientific investigation' of the purported
'Shivling', claiming to be found on the Gyanvapi mosque premises.
On
September 29 hearing, the Hindu side had demanded a scientific investigation of
the 'Shivling' by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the carbon
dating of 'Argha' and the area around it.
The
Varanasi court said, "It would not be proper to order the survey of
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and by giving such order the age, nature,
and structure of the said Shivling is known, even this does not imply the
possibility of a just solution".
Advocate
Vishnu Jain, representing the side in the Gyanvapi case, "Court has
rejected our demand of seeking carbon dating. We'll move to Supreme Court
against this order and challenge it there. I cannot announce the date as of
now, but we'll soon challenge this order in Supreme Court."
Another
lawyer of the Hindu side Madan Mohan Yadav said, "Though the court has
rejected the demand of seeking carbon dating, the option of going to the High
Court is available and the Hindu side will place their point before the High
Court as well."
Referring
to the order of May 17 of the Supreme Court, the Varanasi Court had said that
"If the alleged Shivling is damaged by taking samples, then it will be in
violation of the order of the Supreme Court".
"If
the Shivling is damaged, the religious sentiments of the general public can
also get hurt", the Varanasi Court had said.
Carbon
dating is a scientific process that ascertains the age of an archaeological
object or archaeological finds.
After
hearing both sides' arguments, the court had reserved the order in the Gyanvapi
Mosque-Shringar Gauri case.
On
May 20, the Supreme Court had ordered the transfer of the case related to
worship at Gyanvapi mosque from the civil judge to the District Judge,
Varanasi.
Akhlaq
Ahmed, representing the Muslim side had said that the plea by the Hindu side is
not maintainable as it is against the order of the Supreme Court that stated
protecting the structure (which the Muslim side claims to be a fountain and the
Hindu side claims to be a Shivling).
"We
responded to the application on carbon dating. Stone does not have the capacity
to absorb carbon. The Supreme Court in its May 17 order, according to which,
the object that the commission found, had to be protected. The order of the SC
will prevail, so the object cannot be opened. According to the Hindu side, the
process will be scientific, even if it is so, there will be tampering with the
object. Chemicals will be used for the test. We will take action based on the
order by the court on October 14," Ahmed had told ANI.
Source:NewIndianExpress
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Islamic
flag removed from mobile tower in Kushinagar
Nov
13, 2022
District
officials on Sunday removed an Islamic flag from a mobile tower in Kasia town
near Kushinagar after it was spotted by locals in the morning.
According
to reports, angry locals who spotted the flag, which was installed parallel to
a saffron flag, took to the streets and forced traders to shut shops amid
rumours of it being the national flag of Pakistan. A video of the incident was
widely shared on social media.
Sources
said the T20 World Cup final match between Pakistan and England that took place
on Sunday, could have given rise to the rumours.
Senior
police officials rushed to the spot and explained to the people that the flag
was an Islamic flag and not the flag of Pakistan.
Source:
Hindustan Times
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Upcoming
visit of Saudi Crown Prince to expand Saudi-India relations
13th
November 2022
New
Delhi: The upcoming visit of the Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud
to India is set to expand and diversify the relationship between the two
countries.
The
visit of the crown prince comes at a time when India is assuming the Presidency
of the Group of Twenty (G20) for one year starting from December 2022.
Saudi
Arabia, at present, is attempting to establish its image beyond an energy
exporter and is bound to see the advantages of engaging with India on several
levels.
The
statement from Saudi’s Investment Minister, Khalid al-Falih, saying “We are the
biggest economy; we are the geopolitical capital of the region”, neatly
encapsulates the dream the Kingdom is sowing for its coming years.
The
foundation of Saudi-India relations lies in their long historical and cultural
ties. This relationship continued to prosper from ancient times through the
medieval era to modern times. It strengthened when a group of Arab merchants
took permanent settlements on the eastern coast of India at Malabar in Kerala
and Gujarat in the 7th century. This opened a much broader landscape where
cultural, architectural and traditional diffusion took place.
The
trade linkages were primarily responsible for cultural and artistic
transmissions blending India and the Arab World into an everlasting
relationship. By the year 1000 AD, commercial ties between Arabia and southern
India were thriving. Before the development of European imperialist powers,
Arab traders had a monopoly on the spice trade between India and Europe.
With
the establishment of the Delhi sultanate and the coming of Mughal rule in the
Indian subcontinent, relations with the Arab World grew more robust. The
cultural exchange, synthesis and dialogue between the Indian subcontinent and
Arab World forged relations among scholars and philosophers beyond their own
borders. This led to the creation of a cosmos of knowledge serving as the
beacon of hope for the generations to come.
The
Muslim rulers of India were great patrons of art. They brought with them
significant impressions of the Islamic style of art. New designs and new modes
of construction like spherical domes, arches, tall minarets, open courtyards,
pillared caves, huge walls etc. were introduced in architectural creations
following the Islamic style. There is a long list of beautiful Islamic
architectural heritage in India including Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Qutub Minar,
Char Minar and so on,
The
Arabic language and its literature began to spread and take root across India
through the efforts of Arab and Indian men who had embraced Islam. They strove
to disseminate the Arabic language and its learning all over the country.
The
rich literature and medical system of the two countries have been synthesized
since times immemorial. The Arab-Persian body of medical knowledge, known as
the Unani School of Medicine, remains influential. Unani (Greco-Arab medicine) is
an ancient medical tradition that has its roots in ancient Greece and Rome and
was developed under Muslims in the Middle East and was brought to the Indian
subcontinent around the 10th century. It is based on the principles of the
Greek physician Galen and developed by the Arab philosopher Avicenna (A.D.
980-1037).
The
Muslim rulers were great lovers of music. So they openly patronized the growth
of music and musicians in the country. During this period Islamic music came in
close contact with Indian classical music. From this synthesis, a number of new
musical genres and instruments came into existence.
Moreover,
due to the age-old cultural connection, Indian pilgrims go to Mecca for the
annual Hajj pilgrimage in large numbers and the government of India promotes
it.
Saudi
Arabia also values Indian culture. In 2021, an MoU on Yoga Cooperation was
signed between the Saudi Ministry of Sports and India’s Ministry of AYUSH,
which paved the way for the establishment of formal Yoga standards and courses
in the Kingdom, marking the first time such standards were implemented by any
country in the Gulf region.
The
robust 2.8 million diasporas, employed primarily in hospitality and mining
industries, is the largest expatriate community in the Kingdom. India’s cultural
similarities such as religion, and geographical proximity have made the Kingdom
a preferred destination for Indians looking for employment opportunities in
countries outside of India.
The
active role of the Indian diaspora is growing as Saudi Arabia is shifting its
focus on developing both the entertainment and tourism sectors. The film
industry may present a platform of soft power, especially given that the Indian
film industry has registered enormous growth and is the fastest emerging
multilingual industry in India, accommodating to the Saudi audience.
Saudi
Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammad Bin Salman’s official visit
to Pakistan has reportedly been postponed, ARY News reported citing a Foreign
Ministry official, however, the reason for the postponement has not been
specified.
Source:Siasat
Daily
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.siasat.com/upcoming-visit-of-saudi-crown-prince-to-expand-saudi-india-relations-2455642/
--------
Africa
Jordan
king calls for ending Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands
Laith
Al-Jnaidi
13.11.2022
AMMAN,
Jordan
King
Abdullah II of Jordan said Sunday the solution of the Palestinian problem
starts with ending the decades-long Israeli occupation.
Addressing
parliament, King Abdullah said the Palestinian cause "can only be resolved
by reaching a just and comprehensive solution that begins with ending the
Israeli occupation."
Jordan
will "continue to safeguard Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian holy sites,
under the Hashemite Custodianship," he said.
"The
absence of a horizon for a political solution must not prevent us from
supporting our Palestinian brothers and sisters economically, bolstering their
steadfastness on their land, and helping them uphold their legitimate
rights," the monarch stressed.
In
1993, the umbrella Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Israel signed
the Oslo Accords, which gave Palestinians a form of civil rule. Negotiations,
however, failed to complete a peace agreement leading to the establishment of a
Palestinian state.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Tunisia
to get 100 million euros from EU for budget support
Adel
Thabeti
13.11.2022
TUNIS,
Tunisia
Tunisia
said Sunday it will get 100 million euros from the European Union to support
the country’s budget.
The
money will be used to alleviate impact of the coronavirus pandemic and support
economic activity, the Ministry of Economy and Planning said in a statement
cited by the state news agency TAP.
The
agreement will be signed on November 14, TAP added.
Tunisia
has been in the throes of a deep political crisis that aggravated the country's
economic conditions since last year, when Tunisian President Kais Saied ousted
the government and dissolved parliament.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Sudanese
protesters call for end to foreign interference
13
November 2022
Sudanese
protesters have called for the expulsion of the United Nation's representative
to Sudan and a stop to foreign interference in the country's internal affairs.
Protesters
from civilian groups gathered outside the United Nations office in Khartoum,
the capital of Sudan, to condemn the interference of foreign countries in their
country's internal affairs.
The
demonstrators were opposed to UN efforts to mediate between the country's
military and civilian leaders following last year's military coup.
They
expressed opposition to a transitional constitution proposed by the Sudanese
Bar Association, calling for a civilian government to pull the country out of
its current political crisis.
"Sudanese
can solve their own problems without the interference of foreign embassies and
representatives in Khartoum," demonstrators present at the rally told Iran
Press.
The
protesters at the rally, who said that the objective of the foreign powers in
Sudan was to impose a mandate on the Sudanese nation and exploit their
resources, demanded the expulsion of the UN's Special Representative of the
Secretary - General for Sudan and Head of the United Nations Integrated
Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan, Volker Perthes.
Protesters
also held placards reading, "No to foreign interference" and
"Volker out", in reference to the UN's Khartoum envoy Perthes.
The
recent protests have pitted the country's civilian parties against the coup
leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
In
the meantime, Sudanese protesters have been staging rallies regularly on a near
weekly basis to protest to the coup that derailed the transition to civilian
rule and saw the junta assume power.
The
junta, led by Burhan, seized power in October 2021, after detaining Prime
Minister Abdalla Hamdok and other civilian leaders and dissolving the year-old
transitional government as well as the joint ruling military-civilian sovereign
council formed after the 2019 ouster of longtime ruler Omar al-Bashir.
Protesters
want an end to the military rule by Burhan. At least 119 people have been
killed while demanding a return to civilian rule.
Sudan,
which is home to one of the world's poorest nations, has been reeling from a
weak economy.
Source:
Press TV
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2022/11/13/692638/Sudan-Protest-Rally-UN-Volker-Perthes
--------
North
America
New
York Times coverage of deadly Istanbul blast sparks anger on Twitter
ServetGünerigök
14.11.2022
WASHINGTON
A
New York Times report about Sunday’s deadly blast on Istanbul’s best-known
commercial avenue sparked anger on Twitter after focusing on the city’s tourist
area instead of expressions of sympathy by the social media site’s users with
the people of Türkiye.
“Of
the tens of millions of tourists from around the world who visit Turkey each
year, many spend time in the area where Sunday’s bombing took place,” the
newspaper said in a tweet, referring to Istiklal Street, the scene of the
bombing.
One
user, Marcos Moschovidis, called the coverage “cold reporting.”
“Focusing
on tourism (and thereby implicitly saying the whole country is not safe)
instead of on the innocent dead and injured is truly horrific and cold
reporting.
“Also,
I can’t recall that when there’s shootings in the US in popular areas, tourism
is mentioned in headlines,” said Moschovidis.
Another
user compared the blast to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York.
“Imagine
a newspaper in Turkey talking about the impact of the act of terrorism on the
tourism industry in America when the twin towers were hit...You guys are so
despicable!” the user commented.
Nazgul
Kenzhetay, a journalist, rebuked the reporting, saying it was “discrimination.”
“What
a discrimination! It's not a tourism problem, It's a human crisis. There people
died, no matter their citizenship is. It's important to be human before being a
journalist,” she said.
A
Turkish celebrity, Berna Lacin, was also among those who raised criticism,
calling the tweet “racist.”
“Shame
on you! Delete this racist post now NYT!” she wrote on Twitter.
The
explosion occurred around 4.20 p.m. local time (1320GMT), killing at least six
people and injuring 81 others.
Turkish
authorities said the blast is considered a terrorist act and a female attacker
detonated the bomb.
Later,
Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said the suspect was arrested, adding
that 21 other people had already been arrested in connection with the bombing.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Europe
Germany’s
Scholz says Iran can expect more EU sanctions
12
November ,2022
German
Chancellor Olaf Scholz strongly criticized the Iranian government Saturday for
its bloody crackdown on protests in the country said Germany stands “shoulder
to shoulder with the Iranian people.”
Scholz
said the ongoing protests sparked by the September 16 death of 22-year-old
MahsaAmini following her detention by Iran's morality police were no longer
merely a question of dress codes but had evolved into a fight for freedom and
justice.
The
protests have grown into one of the largest sustained challenges to Iran's
theocracy since the chaotic months after its 1979 Iranian Revolution.
“The
European Union has already adopted a number of sanctions packages," Scholz
said in his weekly video address.
"The
principal focus is on all those who are responsible for this violence against
their own people. Further sanctions are due to be added to this next
week," he added.
Scholz
said Iran would receive additional sanctions for its brutal crackdown and its
decision to send hundreds of drones to Russia for use in the war in Ukraine.
European
Union foreign ministers are expected to agree on additional sanctions when they
meet on Monday.
Germany’s
foreign minister on Friday rejected a complaint by her Iranian counterpart that
she was taking an “interventionist” stance over protests in Iran and pushed
back against his pledge of a “firm” response.
Baerbock
had made a speech to the German parliament in which she said Berlin would not
let up in pursuing further sanctions against Tehran over the protest crackdown.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Spain
to continue its Patriot missile defense support to Türkiye
Sarp
Ozer
13.11.2022
Spain
has extended the mandate of the Patriot missile defense system that was
deployed in Türkiye's southern Adana province in 2013 to contribute to the
country's air defense, according to Turkish security sources on Sunday.
The
sources told Anadolu Agency that Spain has extended the mandate of the system
and the duty period of the soldiers until June 2023.
Taking
over the task from the Netherlands in January 2015, Spain has continued the
mission since then.
The
mandate of the Patriot missile defense system stationed in Adana was set to
expire at the end of this year.
National
Defense Minister Hulusi Akar thanked his Spanish counterpart, Margarita Robles,
for her actions and support in line with the spirit of the alliance, the
sources added.
Source: Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Iranian
man who inspired movie The Terminal dies at Paris airport
Handan
Kazanci
13.11.2022
An
Iranian man whose 18 years at a French airport inspired Steven Spielberg’s
movie The Terminal, died on Saturday, according to media reports.
“(Mehran
Karimi) Nasseri was pronounced dead by the airport medical team at Terminal 2F
and had died of natural causes,” CNN reported on Saturday, citing a
spokesperson for the Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport.
Nasseri,
reportedly born in 1945 to an Iranian-British family, was trapped at Paris
Charles de Gaulle airport’s international no man's land in 1988 as he did not
have proper documentation.
Nicknamed
Sir Alfred, he lived at the airport until 2006 when he was hospitalized. After
being discharged from the hospital, he was housed in a Paris shelter from 2008,
according to reports.
He
had been living at the airport again in recent weeks until his death on midday
Saturday, the reports added, noting that Nasseri always kept his luggage by his
side, reading, and taking notes in his diary during his time at the airport.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Supporters
of PKK terrorist group hold demonstration in Sweden
AtilaAltuntas
12.11.2022
STOCKHOLM
Supporters
of the PKK/YPG terrorist organization held a demonstration in Sweden’s capital
on Saturday, calling for an end to Türkiye's counter-terrorism operations in
northern Iraq.
Carrying
posters, rags and other items symbolizing the terror outfit, they gathered in
the NorraBantorget Square in central Stockholm.
Turkish
security forces regularly conduct anti-terror operations in northern Iraq, a
region where PKK terrorists have hideouts and bases from where they plot
cross-border attacks.
Abandoning
decades of military non-alignment, Sweden and Finland formally applied to join
NATO in May, a decision spurred by Russia's war on Ukraine.
But
Türkiye voiced objections to their membership bids, accusing the two Nordic
nations of tolerating and even supporting terrorist groups.
Stockholm
and Helsinki struck a deal with Ankara in June, which requires them not to
provide support to the PKK and its offshoots, or to the Fetullah Terrorist
Organization (FETO), the group behind the 2016 defeated coup in Türkiye. Ankara
has also called for extradition of terror suspects.
Turkish
officials, including President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, have warned Türkiye will
not give the nod to their memberships until its concerns are addressed.
Swedish
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg
recently visited Türkiye to discuss the membership bids, which require
unanimous approval from the alliance's 30 members.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Pakistan
What’s
behind the rise of suicide cases in Gilgit-Baltistan
Jamil
Nagri
November
14, 2022
GILGIT:
A host of factors, including sociocultural stigma, communication gap between
parents and children, academic pressure, lack of employment opportunities and
limited access to professional psychological help are resulting in an increase
in suicide cases in Gilgit-Baltistan, a new report has said.
According
to the report titled “Prevention of Suicides in Gilgit Baltistan: An Integrated
Multisectoral Strategy and Roadmap for Implementation,” from January 2005 to
June 2022, 573 suicidal deaths were reported in GB.
However,
the number of cases have drastically increased in 2022 with 65 cases being
reported in the first seven months, more than double, as compared to 2021, the
report said, quoting government’s data.
Of
these, 79 per cent of deceased were in the age bracket of 15 to 39 years, while
more than half of all deaths were in males (54pc).
Report
identifies lack of jobs and academic pressure among leading causes; number of
cases in 2022 twice that in 2021
The
most number of incidents occurred in Ghizer district, (64.9pc), followed by
Gilgit (10.7pc), Skardu (8pc) and Hunza (7.5pc), the report said. Out of the
556 cases — for which data on marital status was available — 54pc were single
while among married, 47pc were males and 53pc females. According to the data,
depression was the leading cause of suicides, with mental health issues and
domestic issues being the other reported reasons.
However,
in the absence of a robust data collection mechanism, these numbers might
under-represent the true extent of the cases, the report said, adding that
families also hide such cases for the fear of stigma, and refusal of the
religious leaders to offer a proper burial.
An
all-round systemic failure
The
report has highlighted several challenges at community, as well as
administrative level which hamper the development of a comprehensive policy to
deal with the cases of suicide.
“There
is a near absence of mental health care infrastructure in the public sector in
GB from the community to higher levels,” the report stated adding that the
current health care system was incapable to respond to cases of suicide.
“Psychiatrists
often have to fight for beds in the medical ward, as this is not considered a
high priority by health administrators. No nursing or other supportive staff in
inpatient areas are trained in offering in-patient care to patients presenting
with acute psychiatric illnesses that require admission.”
The
report pointed out that there was no system to collect data of suicide or
self-harm while no psychiatric evaluation, risk assessment of follow up were
being done.
In
terms of community-level challenges, the report added that high degree of
stigma associated with mental health, lack of communication between parents and
children, academic pressure and limited avenues to express feelings were some
factors that were resulting in higher suicides.
“The
tension between the traditional and the modern values in respect of the parents
and their children, unhealthful competitiveness and comparison between families
for academic achievement among the youth, existence of traditional domestic
differences sometimes leading to acts of violence, limited opportunities for
employment among educated youth in GB, and abuse of social media [...] were
some of the key sociocultural and economic issues highlighted during these
meetings and interviews,” the report added.
Lack
of employment opportunities, complex governance structure and lack of training
of government officials were highlighted as key governance challenges. One of
the key contributing factors in strengthening the taboo around suicides was the
irresponsible media coverage of the issue, the report said.
Recommendations
Calling
it a complex problem, the report said multi-pronged short- and long-term
strategies were needed for the prevention of suicides in GB.
“These
strategies are based on a five-pillar framework that includes — policy and
governance, early identification and response, build awareness and hope,
introducing continuum of care, and learning more about the problem.”
To
strengthen governance and regulation, the report recommended coordination among
police, health and educations sectors; capacity building of government
institutions and decriminalisation of suicide.
It
added that a mechanism to “improve coordination and information sharing” among
law enforcement and health officials was needed in the event of an act of
suicide.
While
calling for more resources for the public health sector, the report also urged
the GB government to ask the federal government to “decriminalise suicide and
suicidal attempts” to help reduce stigma in the community.
Guidelines
should be developed to promote ethical journalism and improve reporting of
suicides, the report recommended, adding that a surveillance system should be
established across all GB districts for data collection, processing and
analysis in the event of a suicide.
While
stressing the need for an intervention at community level, the report called
for an “innovative technological solution” to provide community-based mental
health services through frontline healthcare workers.
This
approach will have five segments: training, screening, counselling, referral
and tracking and monitoring. The researchers should be trained in identifying
mental health issues and also in basic psychoeducation and counselling, it
added.
“In
the case that teachers identify students in distress, teachers could be trained
in engaging parents in understanding the issue faced by the student. Teachers
could educate parents about mental ill-health and help connect the family to
care option”
Source:
Dawn
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1720793/whats-behind-the-rise-of-suicide-cases-in-gilgit-baltistan
--------
Fazl,
Ashrafi Condemn "incident Of Terrorism" In Turkiye
Faizan
Hashmi
November
13, 2022
ISLAMABAD,
(UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Nov, 2022 ) :Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl
(JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman on Sunday strongly condemned the
"incident of terror" in Istanbul, Turkiye.
Fazl,
who is also the chief of Pakistan Democratic Movement, expressed his sympathy
and solidarity with the Turkish government and people at this testing time.
He
also prayed for the early recovery of the injured ones.
Meanwhile,
in a separate condolence message, Prime Minister's Special Representative for
Interfaith Harmony and middle East Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi
condemned the Taqsim Square's blast in its strongest terms.
Ashrafi,
who is also the chairman of Pakistan Ulema Council, said Muslim world should
unite against the terrorism and devise a combined strategy to get rid of this
menace once for all.
Source:
UrduPoint
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.urdupoint.com/en/pakistan/fazl-ashrafi-condemn-incident-of-terrorism-1594066.html
--------
PTI
chairman Imran Khan no longer blames US for his ouster
Mansoor
Malik
November
14, 2022
LAHORE:
PTI Chairman Imran Khan on Sunday said he no longer “blamed” the US
administration for his removal from power.
The
remarks came as a surprise because ever since his removal from office through a
vote of no confidence, the PTI leader has continuously campaigned on the slogan
that a foreign conspiracy led to his ouster, and that the US administration was
behind it.
Separately,
the former prime minister claimed that PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif was
pushing the country towards disaster by “not allowing” Prime Minister Shehbaz
Sharif to hold transparent elections in the country.
Addressing
multiple gatherings of party supporters via video link from his residence in
Lahore, Mr Khan trained his guns at the elder Sharif and said the latter was
not going to the polls because he was afraid of defeat at the hands of PTI.
“It
is a matter of grave concern for the whole Pakistani nation that a person
convicted by the Supreme Court is poised to take decisions about the future of
Pakistan that includes the appointment of a new army chief,” he added.
“Those
installed through the ‘regime change conspiracy’ are running away from holding
elections, knowing that they will lose [elections] against me and will not be
able to save their corruption and looted money,” he claimed.
According
to Mr Khan, the ‘regime change experiment’ had failed but the “handlers and
facilitators” were still not accepting their mistake. He alleged that the
incumbent rulers never “appointed any top official on merit to ensure that
their looted money should be given protection at all costs”.
Claiming
that his ouster had sent the ‘booming’ economy into a tailspin, the PTI
chairman said the Sharifs had “no remorse because they are busy getting
themselves acquitted through tailor-made legislation”. He also chided the PDM
government for accusing him of isolating Pakistan at the international level
and asserted that the government should explain to the nation what it did in
this direction during the past seven months.
‘Govt
should be thankful’
Furthermore,
Imran Khan said the incumbent ‘illegitimate’ government should be thankful that
he was “channelising the public wrath by holding the long march within the
parameters of law”.
“The
nation is vociferously telling the powers that be and the handlers that
it…want(s) snap elections for a people-mandated government,” he said.
Mr
Khan reiterated that when the PTI march will reach Rawalpindi, he will be
present in the garrison city to welcome the “sea of people coming from the
width and breadth of the country”.
The
PTI chairman yet again urged the chief justice of Pakistan to stand with the
nation and assert his judicial powers to bring the powerful under the law and
constitution. “The nation has lost faith in all other state institutions,” he
claimed.
Lamenting
that despite being a former prime minister and head of the largest political
party he was unable to get an FIR registered for an assassination attempt on
him, Mr Khan said how can someone get justice in this country if it was not
possible for the former premier. “It is my right to nominate three accused in
the FIR and courts should investigate whether my allegations are right or
wrong,” he added.
‘US-backed
conspiracy’
Separately,
Imran Khan, who has repeatedly claimed a US-backed conspiracy behind his ouster
in April this year, said he no longer “blamed” the US administration for his
removal from power. He said he wanted a “dignified” relationship between
Washington and Islamabad.
The
PTI chairman made these remarks during an interview with a British newspaper,
Financial Times.
“As
far as I’m concerned it is over, it’s behind me,” the newspaper quoted Mr
Khan’s comments on the US’s role in the alleged conspiracy.
“Our
relationship with the US has been as of a master-servant relationship, or a
master-slave relationship, and we’ve been used like a hired gun. But for that I
blame my own governments more than the US,” the former premier added.
The
PTI chairman also termed his visit to Moscow on the eve of the invasion of
Ukraine by Russia as “embarrassing”. He, however, added that trip was organised
months in advance.
About
the role of the military, he said the army could play a “constructive role” in
his future plans for Pakistan.
The
former premier asserted that there should “be a balance” between the
civil-military ties as “you cannot have an elected government which has the
responsibility given by the people, while the authority lies somewhere else”.
Source:
Dawn
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1720789/pti-chairman-imran-khan-no-longer-blames-us-for-his-ouster
--------
Lt-Gen
Asim Munir is technically senior-most of the top generals in the running for
Pak Army chief
Nov
13, 2022
KARACHI:
Lt-Gen Asim Munir is technically the senior-most of the top generals who are in
the running for the coveted slot of Pakistan Army chief. However, he is set to
retire a few days before the incumbent hangs up his uniform, local media
reported.
Prime
Minister Shehbaz Sharif could theoretically find a way out if he decides on Gen
Munir as the next COAS, since he has the authority to elevate a Lt-Gen to the
rank of a four-star general before his retirement, a move that may add another
three years to his career, Dawn reported.
"Mian
sahib feels it should be the senior-most man, but the other side has a
different point of view," one insider told Dawn on condition of anonymity.
Given
the controversies that have marked Gen Bajwa's consecutive terms, it is learned
that Nawaz is "aware that he needs to strike a balance".
"The
younger Sharif will do as ordered - by who, I don't know," said the
source, with a chuckle, Dawn reported.
The
source said that while Nawaz Sahrif knows the brinkmanship needed, "the
question is whether the prime minister will be able to withstand the pressure
when the summary comes to him".
"Some
sanity will have to prevail or there is a chance of things going south with
diverging viewpoints. Both sides have cards to play, but Nawaz Sahrif is clear
that a decision will be taken when the summary comes."
Source:
Times Of India
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
US
can't stop us from purchasing Russian oil: Pakistan minister Ishaq Dar
November
14, 2022
The
United States cannot stop Pakistan from purchasing Russian oil and it will be
possible to do so soon, Pakistan Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said on Sunday.
He
made these remarks while addressing the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N)
workers in Dubai, The Express Tribune newspaper reported.
Dar,
during his visit to the US last month, had a meeting with the officials of the
US State Department in which the matter of oil purchase from Russia was
discussed.
Citing
India's example, the Pakistani minister said that the ministry will try to
purchase oil from Russia on similar terms.
"In
the next few months, you will see that the government will take important steps
in favour of Pakistan in this regard," he said.
This
is not the first time that Dar had made this remark.
Dar,
during his visit to Washington last month, said the country is ready to buy
fuel from Russia if the same rate that India is paying is also applicable to
Pakistan, The News International reported.
In
a State Department press briefing last week, spokesperson Ned Price said the US
has been intentional about exempting oil and gas from the sanctions imposed on
Russia.
"So
the fact that India has high demand for energy, that it continues to seek oil
and other forms of energy from Russia - that is not something that runs afoul
of the sanctions that have been imposed," he added.
Notably,
the reports on the Pakistani government's procurement of wheat and fuel from
Russia have been going on for months.
Earlier
this month, the Pakistani government approved a deal worth nearly USD 112
million to import 300,000 tonnes of wheat from Russia to meet its domestic
shortfall.
Source:
BusinessStandard
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Four
corridors being added to CPEC, says Chinese diplomat
Amjad
Mahmood
November
14, 2022
LAHORE:
Chinese Consul General in Lahore Zhao Shiren has said four corridors are being
added to the flagship China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), as both
Islamabad and Beijing have agreed to it during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s
recent visit to the country.
Speaking
at a seminar here on Sunday on impacts of the policies adopted at the 20th
congress of the Communist Party of China that elected President Xi Jinping as
its secretary general for another five-year term, he termed Shehbaz Sharif’s
maiden visit as premier “unprecedentedly constructive and successful” as both
sides agreed to adding four new corridors — digital, industrial, green and
health — to the CPEC project.
Replying
to questions about the “slowed down” pace of work on the CPEC in the recent
past, the diplomat said he would not blame anyone, in China or Pakistan, for
it, but could assure [Pakistanis] that from now on things would speed up.
He
said the project would benefit both China and Pakistan, but it would be more
beneficial for the latter. He urged Pakistanis that being on the driving seat,
they should take ownership of the project, while Chinese could only facilitate
them in this regard.
Foreign
affairs expert Muhammad Mahdi lamented that the first phase of the CPEC could
not be completed because of ‘ineptness’ of the previous [PTI] government. He
said all political parties needed to make a commitment with the CPEC in their
respective manifestos for the next elections so that the project could not be
harmed again.
About
the anti-CPEC propaganda, he said the Western world is also being taken on
board on the project, while premier Sharif made it clear during a reception
hosted by the US ambassador that Islamabad would go with the country that would
come forward and help Pakistan at this critical time.
He
said China has so far given Rs30 billion in aid — the largest by any country —
for the flood victims, while it’s also expected to announce the biggest relief
for Pakistan at the Paris Club meeting.
Jawed
Salim Qureshi, the chairman of an agricultural research organisation, stressed
on transfer of technology in the agriculture sector, particularly for major
crops like cotton, wheat and maize, to enhance the yield and cut cost of
production for the local farmers.
Comparing
the data on the wide agricultural production gap between China and Pakistan, he
said old seeds of various crops were failing to give desired results and
there’s need for introducing new ones. He said if there was any obstacle in
government-to-government cooperation, then avenues of business-to-business
cooperation should be explored to accelerate local farm productivity as the
private sector did not require subsidies but facilitation.
Former
additional secretary Nazeer Husssain said the CPEC was targeted by the vested
interests through thousands of “fake” articles published in the print media and
called for an effective response to such propaganda. He said the civil society
must be taken along for sustainable Pak-China relations. Chinese diplomatic and
economic help would also be needed for stability in Afghanistan, the route to
Central Asia, he added.
Dr
Amjad Magsi from the Punjab University said China’s vision of building a human
community with a shared future is gaining support from more countries and will
play a vital role in promoting world peace and development.
Dr
Khalid Jalal from a UK-based university regretted that the previous government
in Pakistan showed a lack of commitment to the CPEC. Referring to the Chief of
Army Staff Gen Qamar JavedBajwa’s troubleshooting role in relations between the
two countries, he said Islamabad could not yet decide on the post-Bajwa
scenario with regard to sustainability of the CPEC.
Source:
Dawn
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1720811/four-corridors-being-added-to-cpec-says-chinese-diplomat
--------
Arshad
Sharif ‘not tortured’ before death, says Kenyan expert
November
14, 2022
REFUTING
news reports carried by the sections of Pakistani media in recent days claiming
that journalist Arshad Sharif was tortured for two to three hours and then
killed, a Kenyan newspaper cited an expert who analysed post-mortem examination
findings and discredited this account of Mr Sharif’s death.
“The
reporting by sections of Pakistan media sought to cast doubt on the official
account by Kenyan authorities that the prominent journalist was shot dead [last
month in Kenya] by police at a roadblock in a case of mistaken identity,”
Kenya’s Nation newspaper said in a report published on Friday.
The
“torture before death” account first came to the fore when a Pakistani journalist
gave what he described as “shocking details of the cold-blooded” killing of
Arshad Sharif. That journalist claimed that Mr Sharif was “brutally tortured
for over three hours and his nails were pulled from fingers before being
martyred, while his fingers and ribs were also broken due to severe torture”.
Describing
the death as a premeditated assassination, he said that “the shots were fired
from a close range on the back of [Mr Sharif’s] head”.
When
the Nation reached out to Dr Ahmed Kalebi, an independent consultant
pathologist based in Nairobi who analysed the two post-mortem examination
reports to explain the cause of death, he pointed out that the probable time
that lapsed between injury and death “was between 10 and 30 minutes”, the
Kenyan newspaper reported.
“Whereas
the report doesn’t elaborate on the reasoning behind the time interval from
injury to death, it appears that this estimation was made on the basis of the
injuries seen in the brain and the right lung rather than any particular histopathological
examination or further scientific examination analysis,” Dr Kalebi explained.
The
pathologist explained from the reports of autopsies done in Kenya and Pakistan,
there is no evidence of torture. “The report has not documented any evidence of
other injuries that would be consistent with torture, nor does it indicate that
the deceased was tortured before death,” he said.
In
Kenya, Chief Pathologist Dr Johansen Oduor conducted Arshad Sharif’s
post-mortem examination. In Pakistan, an eight-member team led by Prof S.H.
Waqar of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences conducted the autopsy, the
news report said.
What
autopsy report says
Brian
Obuya, an investigative reporter at the Nation Media Group, posted the
post-mortem report on Twitter, saying that its findings were “an exact match
with what eight doctors in Pakistan found. As we pursue justice for the late
Sharif, let’s beware of propaganda, sensation and its beneficiaries”.
According
to the autopsy report, Mr Sharif had a “graze gunshot wound” on the left
parietal area of the scalp. The parietal region is in the upper portion of the
brain, above the ear. Some part of his skull was also missing, the report said.
Besides, another shot entered the body from the upper back side and exited the
chest. The report also mentioned damage to the lungs and hemothorax.
Mr
Sharif died of multiple gunshot wounds to the head and chest, it said, adding
that the shots came from high-velocity firearms from an intermediate range.
Source:
Dawn
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1720794/arshad-sharif-not-tortured-before-death-says-kenyan-expert
--------
Islamabad's
Lal Masjid road closed to traffic, again
Kashif
Abbasi
November
14, 2022
ISLAMABAD:
The Islamabad administration has closed a portion of Aabpara-Melody Road,
causing difficulties for commuters, a month after the artery was opened to traffic
on the directives of the Islamabad High Court.
A
portion of the road remained closed for years due to security issues pertaining
to Lal Masjid and relevant administration issues; however, it was reopened last
month on the orders of the high court.
But,
the administration has blocked the road from Melody Chowk to near Sunday Bazaar
once again and the traffic has been diverted to the other side of the road,
turning the route into a two-way traffic zone. This has resulted in traffic
congestion, mainly during school and office hours.
“Is
blocking the road a solution to any problem,” questioned a citizen as he
criticised the administration for its myopic measures.
Citizens
question competence of city administration, say two-way traffic has increased
congestion
“If
there are security issues, the administration and police should provide the
required security and improve intelligence, but closing down the road is not a
solution, rather it reflects poorly on the decision-making process,” said Nazar
Ahmed, a resident of G-6.
He
termed it an “unwise decision” of the administration and said the road had
remained blocked for years till the high court asked the administration to
remove the blockades. “But they have closed down the road once again,” he said.
Another
citizen, Umair Alim, said now traffic on both sides – to and from Aabpara – has
been plying on just one side of the road, making the two-way situation risky
for driving. He said sometimes vehicles from adjacent streets appear on the
road and then take a sharp turn towards the other side of the road, towards
Aabpara, causing a risk of accidents.
“The
city managers are not able to resolve the so-called security issues without
closing down the road,” he said, questioning their competence.
Deputy
Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Nawaz could not be approached for comments.
However, an officer of the administration said recently students of Jamia Hafsa
- a seminary adjacent to Lal Masjid which was demolished and shifted to G-7
after the Lal Masjid operation - tried to start the reconstruction of the
seminary in its old spot.
The
officer said the administration managed to stop them and to avert any law and
order situation, subsequently closed the road. He quickly added that the
closure of the road was a temporary arrangement and it would be reopened soon.
A
senior officer of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) told Dawn that the road
was blocked to avoid a law and order situation. When asked about the IHC’s
order of last month, he responded: “Let me talk to you after checking the
current situation.”
The
official later got back to Dawn and claimed that the road would be open to
traffic by Sunday night. However, the artery had remained closed when this
report went to press.
Source:
Dawn
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1720810/islamabads-lal-masjid-road-closed-to-traffic-again
--------
Gwadar
protesters threaten to block CPEC projects
Behram
Baloch
November
14, 2022
GWADAR:
Hundreds of children took out a protest rally in the port city of Gwadar and
joined the Maulana Hidayatur Rehman-led sit-in that entered its 18th day on
Sunday, with protesters threatening to block China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
(CPEC) if their demands are not met within a week.
Maulana
Rehman, the head of Haq Do Tehreek who came to national attention when massive
peaceful protests swept Gwadar, has once again staged a sit-in for the implementation
of the agreement reached with the provincial government in December last year
after a month-long sit-in.
The
children reached Gwadar city from Turbat, Pasni and other areas of Gwadar
district and marched through the streets carrying placards and banners
inscribed with their demands.
They
chanted slogans against the government and the authorities concerned for not
implementing the agreement signed by the government to ban illegal trawling in
Gwadar and eliminate unnecessary checkpoints, among several other issues.
Addressing
the rally, Maulana Rehman, who is also general secretary of
Jamaat-i-Islami’sBalochistan chapter, strongly criticised the government and
said the people of Makran had been protesting for the last two weeks, but no
government official came for negotiations, which reflected the non-serious
attitude of rulers.
He
warned that if citizens’ demands were not accepted and the agreement with the
Haq Do Tehreek was not honoured until Nov 20, the expressway, Gwadar port and
CPEC projects would be closed.
He
said the movement he had started could not be abandoned now, and the children
who were participating in the rally would lead the protests in future, as they
also knew the rulers were not taking steps to resolve the problems of their
parents.
Source:
Dawn
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1720792/gwadar-protesters-threaten-to-block-cpec-projects
--------
Arab
World
Rocket
attack near Iraq’s Erbil kills one, wounds ten: Mayor
14
November ,2022
At
least one person was killed and 10 others were wounded on Monday after rockets
hit the headquarters of the Iranian Kurdish party in the city of Koye, near the
capital of Iraq’s autonomous Kurdish region Erbil, the mayor of Koye Tariq
Haidari said.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Syria’s
air defenses shoot down most Israeli missiles targeting Homs, casualties
reported
13
November 2022
Syrian
air defenses have successfully shot down most of the Israeli missiles launched
toward an airbase in the central Syrian province of Homs, according to Syria’s
state media.
Citing
a military source, Syria’s official SANA news agency reported that the Israeli
missile attack was carried out from the Lebanese airspace and targeted Shayrat
military airbase in the southeastern part of Homs on Sunday evening.
“At
6:23 p.m. this evening, the Israeli enemy carried out an air aggression from
the direction of Tripoli-Hermel in northern Lebanon, targeting Shayrat military
airport in Homs countryside,” the report said, adding, “Our air defenses
confronted the aggression’s missiles and shot down some of them.”
Syrian
state television also broadcast footage of air defenses intercepting “missiles
of an Israeli aggression” against Homs, which is home to military sites
belonging to the Syrian government forces and the Lebanese resistance movement
Hezbollah.
Citing
the military source, SANA also said the Israeli aggression “led to the
martyrdom of two soldiers, the wounding of three others in addition to material
losses.”
Israel
frequently violates Syria’s sovereignty by targeting military positions inside
the Arab country, especially those of the resistance movement Hezbollah, which
has played a key role in helping the Syrian army fight foreign-backed
terrorists.
The
Tel Aviv regime mostly keeps quiet about its attacks on Syrian territories,
which many view as a knee-jerk reaction to the Syrian government’s increasing
success in confronting terrorism.
Israel
has been a key supporter of terrorist groups that have been fighting against
the government of President Bashar al-Assad since the foreign-backed militancy
erupted in Syria in early 2011.
Source:
Press TV
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Lebanon
extradites to Iraq ‘Saddam grandnephew’ accused of ISIS link
12
November ,2022
Lebanon
extradited a man said to be a grandnephew of Saddam Hussein to Iraq, where he
is accused of involvement in a massacre by the ISIS extremist group, a security
source said Saturday.
Abdullah
Sabawi, dubbed the “grandnephew” of the executed dictator by Iraqi media, was
extradited on Wednesday, the security official told AFP on condition of
anonymity.
For
all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
“He
is accused of having been a member of ISIS and having participated in the
Speicher massacre” of 2014, in which up to 1,700 air force cadets were executed
by the extremist group, the source added.
A
Lebanese judicial source said Sabawi, born in 1994, “was detained on June 11”
following an Interpol notice calling for his arrest over his alleged
involvement in the massacre.
“Iraq
requested his extradition,” the Lebanese source added.
Sabawi’s
family has denied the accusations, telling AFP he had been in Yemen at the time
of the killings.
The
Camp Speicher massacre was considered one of ISIS’s worst crimes after it took
over large parts of Iraq in 2014.
Video
footage released by ISIS showed an assembly-line massacre in which gunmen
herded their victims towards the banks of the Tigris, shot them in the back of
the head and pushed them into the river one after the other.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Culture
is a prerequisite for peace in the world: UAE Minister Noura Al Kaabi
13
November ,2022
The
UAE Minister of Culture and Youth, Nourabint Mohammed Al Kaabi, attended the
fifth edition of the Paris Peace Forum held on November 11 and 12, 2022.
This
year the theme of the annual forum was ‘Riding out the Multicrisis’ and
preventing a destructive world polarization that risk jeopardizing global
collective efforts addressing humanity’s most critical challenges.
Leaders
and representatives of states, international organizations, businesses,
development banks as well as foundations and NGOs from around the world
convened at the forum to forge solutions and take actions to mitigate global
challenges.
Speaking
on a panel targeting the embedding of culture at the core of policies and
cooperation, Noura Al Kaabi shed light on the UAE’s firm commitment to culture
and the significant role it plays with regard to the country’s regional and
global cooperation efforts.
On
the panel, she was joined by Youssou Ndour, Artist and Former Minister of
Culture of Senegal; Ernesto Ottone, Assistant Director General for Culture,
UNESCO; and Mariko Silver, President, Luce Foundation. The session was
moderated by Nathalie Delapalme, Executive Director of the Mo Ibrahim
Foundation.
The
discussion was attended by diplomats, government representatives, private
sector players as well as journalists and media representatives from around the
world who convened in Paris to attend the conference.
Speaking
about culture and its significance in the global arena, Noura Al Kaabi said
that “culture is a way of life, a mix of the old and the new, what we inherited
from our forefathers and how we place it in the current context. Culture
promotes social cohesion and enhances people-to-people interactions and is a
prerequisite for peace in the world.”
She
further added that in the UAE, sustainability, diversity and dialogue are the
pillars of culture and it is these values that spur growth, opportunity, and
creativity. The notions of tolerance, fraternity and coexistence, are deeply
ingrained in the UAE’s cultural tapestry today.
The
UAE Minister said that it is very important to inculcate culture among the
youth and allow them to explore creatively the bridging of their heritage with
the opportunities of the future.
“From
early education to higher education, we endeavor to enhance national identity,
Emirati culture, positive values and the Arabic language among students, and to
integrate them in educational curricula, programs, activities, and teaching
methodology.”
She
also added that a robust cultural and creative sector remains at the heart of
the UAE’s growth strategy and to give it a further boost, the UAE has been
rallying for the amplification of culture and arts education.
“We
proposed a framework for culture and arts education at the 211th session of the
UNESCO Executive Board last year, which was unanimously adopted by the member
states,” she noted.
Commenting
on cooperation in culture, the Minister said: “Opening of the Louvre in Abu
Dhabi is testimony to the UAE-France relations and an example of how art and
culture transcend boundaries. This month we are celebrating the fifth
anniversary of the opening of Louvre Abu Dhabi.”
“We
also promote tolerance, coexistence and diversity with our global projects such
as Revive Spirit of Al Mosul in Iraq, a multistakeholder project that showcases
cultural cooperation on a global level.”
Noura
Al Kaabi also cited the Expo 2020 Dubai, as one of the greatest cultural events
in the world. She said that the UAE successfully congregated more than 190
countries of the world to showcase their cultural, business, and diplomatic
offerings at the Expo. The whole world came together under the Al Wasl Dome or
the “dome of connection,” to forge stronger bonds and highlight common human
values.
Majlon
at the UAE Embassy in Paris
The
Minister also addressed the Majlon at the UAE Embassy in Paris on Saturday and
spoke in detail about the UAE’s contribution to the Revive the Spirit of Mosul
project.
Majlon
is a series of events launched by the UAE Embassy in Paris that convenes
prominent voices from France and the UAE around key issues of mutual interest,
in order to further deepen French-Emirati ties.
She
said that the Revive the Spirit of Mosul Project is much more than a brick-and-mortar
initiative and has a far greater impact because of what it symbolizes, from
hope to opportunity and to growth that echoes far beyond Mosul. Giving the
people of Mosul tangible engagement in the process of rebuilding as partners.
“The
UAE jointly undertook Revive the Spirit of Mosul with UNESCO and the government
of Iraq four years ago. This project is very close to my heart and the
leadership of the UAE regards it as one of the most significant peace
initiatives for bridging cultures and promoting the heritage of humanity,” she
said.
“The
Al Nouri Mosque had stood the test of time and gathered Muslims for prayers
through centuries. The destruction of the site was a personal blow to many of
us. Today, through sustained joint efforts of the locals, the UAE’s and
European Union’s financial support and UNESCO’s rehabilitation expertise, Al
Nouri is beginning to come back to life. Hundreds of Iraqis performed Eid Al
Adha prayers in the courtyard of Al Nouri Mosque this July for the first time
in five years. The site recently celebrated Al Maled to mark the birth
anniversary of the Prophet.”
“The
project that began with the idea to rebuild the mosque and its minaret soon
took two churches -- Al Tahera and Al Sa'aa -- in its fold, a reflection of our
commitment to pluralism and religious diversity,” Al Kaabi added.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Bahrainis
vote in parliamentary, municipal elections
Ibrahim
al-Khazen
12.11.2022
Bahraini
voters went to polling stations on Saturday to cast ballots in the country’s
parliamentary and municipal elections.
Polling
stations opened at 8 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) and will close at 8 p.m. (1700
GMT).
There
are 344,713 eligible voters in Saturday’s vote to elect 40 members of the House
of Representatives and 30 for local councils from among 507 candidates.
Bahrainis
living abroad cast their ballot in the polls on Nov. 8. in 37 stations
worldwide.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/bahrainis-vote-in-parliamentary-municipal-elections/2736220
--------
Saudi
leaders offer condolences to Turkiye after deadly blast
November
14, 2022
RIYADH:
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman sent a cable of condolences to Turkish President
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan over victims of the terrorist attack that killed at least
6 people and injured dozens in Istanbul’s busy Istiklal Street, the Saudi Press
Agency reported on Monday.
“We
strongly condemn this criminal act and We send to Your Excellency, the families
of the deceased and the Turkish people, our deepest and sincere condolences,”
the king said, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
Crown
Prince Mohammed bin Salman also sent a similar cable to the Turkish president.
The
UAE also expressed its sincere condolences to the government and friendly
people of Türkiye, and to the families of the victims of this heinous crime,
according to a Foriegn Ministry statement.
Egypt
also condemned the deadly explosion “in the strongest terms,” extending
condolences to the relatives of the victims, the Turkish people, and the
Republic of Türkiye.
At
least 81 were injured in an explosion on Sunday in the popular tourist area.
Videos
posted on social media showed bodies lying on the ground following the blast at
around 4:20 p.m. local time.
Confirming
casualty numbers, Erdogan described the explosion as an “attack.”
The
person who planted the bomb has been arrested, Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu
told Turkey's official Anadolu news agency on Monday.
Sunday’s
blast was the deadliest since December 2016.
Source:
Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2199236/saudi-arabia
--------
Iran
targets “terrorist groups” in Iraq’s Kurdistan
November
14, 2022
DUBAI:
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards targeted on Monday what the semi-official Fars news
agency reported as “terrorist groups” in Iraq’s Kurdistan region with missile
and drone strikes.
The
Revolutionary Guards have launched attacks on Iranian Kurdish militant
opposition bases in the Kurdish region of northern Iraq since the death of
Kurdish woman MahsaAmini on Sept. 16.
Source: Arab News
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2199361/middle-east
--------
Lebanon
slams Israeli airstrikes on Syria, calls it violation of country's sovereignty
14
November 2022
Lebanon
has condemned in the strongest terms the latest Israeli airstrikes against an
airbase in central Syria after the Tel Aviv regime’s warplanes violated the
Arab country’s airspace to carry out the act of aggression.
The
Lebanese Foreign Ministry in a statement voiced solidarity with the Syrian Arab
Republic after the aerial raids, which targeted Shayrat Airbase southeast of
Homs on Sunday evening, saying Beirut reserves the right to lodge a complaint
with the United Nations in connection with the deadly attack.
“The
ministry reaffirms that such attacks constitute a blatant violation of
international laws and principles, and a violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty by
infringement upon its airspace by Israeli warplanes to carry out attacks,"
read the statement.
"The
airstrikes also pose a direct threat to the safety of civilian navigation in
Lebanese airspace and to international peace and security."
“The
ministry reserves the right to file a complaint with the United Nations in New
York as soon as all security data are available,” it said.
Syria’s
official news agency SANA, citing a military source, said two soldiers were
killed and three were wounded, and unspecified damage was caused to the site
that was struck in the Israeli attacks.
SANA
added that Syrian air defenses managed to intercept and shoot down several of
the Israeli missiles.
The
strikes occurred after Israeli warplanes were seen flying over neighboring
Lebanon, whose airspace Israel sometimes crosses to carry out attacks on Syria.
Israel
violates Lebanon’s airspace on an almost daily basis, claiming the flights
serve surveillance purposes.
Lebanon’s
government, the Hezbollah resistance movement and the United Nations Interim
Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) have repeatedly condemned the overflights, saying
they are in clear violation of UN Resolution 1701 and the Arab country’s
sovereignty.
Back
in August, Lebanon lodged a complaint to the United Nation against the Tel Aviv
regime for violating the country’s airspace after Israeli military aircraft
carried out separate airstrikes against positions near the Syrian capital city
of Damascus and the western city of Homs.
Source:
Press TV
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Crackdown
on dissent: Saudi forces detain Yemeni-American citizen while on pilgrimage
13
November 2022
As
Saudi Arabia is hardening crackdown on dissent, including targeting its
citizens who live abroad, a Yemeni-American citizen has been detained in Saudi
Arabia while performing the 'Umrah' pilgrimage at the Grand Mosque in Mecca,
Islam's holiest site.
Mohamad
Salem was taken into custody on November 1 and has been transferred to a
maximum-security facility typically used for high-profile political prisoners
and suspected terrorists.
Salem,
a 63-year-old of Yemeni origin, is one of several Americans who have recently
run afoul of Saudi authorities.
Abdallah
Moughni, a family spokesman from the US state of Michigan said on Sunday that
Salem traveled to Saudi Arabia with two of his sons to perform the Umrah
pilgrimage.
While
in line, he got into a verbal altercation with security officials who separated
him from his sons.
Later,
two men approached him, saying they were from Libya and asking what happened.
"At
this point, Mohamad was livid, he was furious. He just let it out. He said, 'If
it was not for Mecca and Medina, we would burn this country to the
ground'," Moughni was quoted as saying on Sunday.
The
two men turned out to be undercover Saudi agents, and Salem was detained.
Salem's
relatives have grown increasingly concerned for his welfare since he was
transferred to Dhahban Central Prison, where rights groups previously
documented allegations of torture via electrocution and flogging.
Saudi
Arabia is often criticized for not tolerating dissent and has recently been in
the spotlight for decades-long prison sentences handed down to a number of
women who tweeted and retweeted posts critical of the Riyadh regime.
This
week, Carly Morris, an American woman who has publicly accused her Saudi
ex-husband of trapping their daughter in the kingdom under so-called
guardianship laws, was briefly detained.
Last
month, Saad Ibrahim Almadi, a 72-year-old US citizen of Saudi origin, had
received a 16-year prison sentence apparently because of Twitter posts on
topics including the war in Yemen and the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal
Khashoggi.
All
sentences were handed down weeks after President Joe Biden of the United States
set aside his past condemnation of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record to travel
to the kingdom, despite criticism from rights groups and Saudi exiles.
It
was a moment when the US urgently needed the kingdom to keep up oil production.
But the Biden administration has ended up with no more oil or any improvement
in human rights.
Saudi
rights advocates say Biden’s attempts to soothe the crown prince have only
emboldened him.
Saudi
authorities illicitly monitor and strike out against their citizens in the US
and other Western countries. Since the gruesome murder of Khashoggi at the
Saudi consulate in Istanbul, the Saudi crown prince has been emboldened to
commit more crimes against dissidents. Khashoggi was killed and dismembered at
the mission in October 2018.
Since
bin Salman became Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader in 2017, the kingdom has
arrested hundreds of activists, bloggers, intellectuals and others for their
political activism, showing almost zero tolerance for dissent even in the face
of international condemnation of the crackdown.
Freedom
House, a research and advocacy group, says Saudi Arabia has targeted critics in
more than a dozen countries.
Source:
Press TV
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2022/11/13/692663/Saudi-US-citizen
--------
‘Bahrain
regime abused polls to burnish image, endorse normalization with Israel’
13
November 2022
The
spokesman for a Bahraini opposition political organization has repudiated the
latest parliamentary elections in the tiny Persian Gulf kingdom, stating that
the ruling Al Khalifah regime exploited the polls in order to polish its
international image and endorse its normalization and establishment of
diplomatic ties with the occupying Israeli regime.
Abdul
Ghani al-Khanjar, the spokesman for Haq Movement for Civil Liberties and
Democracy, said the November 12 elections were largely boycotted by opposition
groups, nationalist and Islamic movements, as well as people from all walks of
life.
“The
most important reason for the boycott of the elections is that legislature is a
complete farce in Bahrain and the upshot of a non-consensual constitution. The
bills and pieces of legislation passed by such a parliament are, therefore,
detrimental to our nation,” he said.
“Over
the years, the Bahraini parliament has served as a venue where laws severely
harmful to our people have been adopted. This sham parliament was formed in an
incredibly repressive environment by the governing regime. This means that our
young people cannot involve themselves in the parliament, as it introduces
unjust laws that hurt the nation both at domestic and international levels,”
Khanjar highlighted.
The
senior Bahraini opposition figure noted, “The main demands of our people are
the establishment of the right to seal their own destiny, and that people must
be the source of power in the country and benefit from freedoms of opinion and
expression as well as civil liberties.”
“People
are also calling for an end to sectarian discrimination and repressive measures
in the country. Opposition groups have already put forward several initiatives.
Movements like February 14 Youth Coalition, Bahrain Freedom Movement, and Haq
Movement for Civil Liberties and Democracy have presented viable proposals and
urged a new constitution that would grant people the right to determine the
political structure of the country and closely align the ruling establishment
to their aspirations,” Khanjat pointed out.
“The
Bahraini regime abused the latest elections to burnish its international image
and endorse its normalization of diplomatic relations with the Israeli regime.
The new parliament will definitely be much worse than its predecessors,” he
said.
On
Saturday, Bahrain held parliamentary elections in an environment that rights
groups describe as “political repression” under the Al Khalifah regime.
More
than 330 candidates, including 73 women, competed to join the 40-seat Council
of Representatives – the lower house of parliament.
“This
election will not introduce any change,” Ali Abdulemam, a Britain-based
Bahraini human rights activist, said.
“Without
the opposition, we will not have a healthy country,” he told AFP.
The
restrictions ignited calls for a boycott of Saturday's elections which come
more than a decade after the 2011 popular uprising.
Since
then, authorities have imprisoned hundreds of dissidents – including Wefaq's
leader Sheikh Ali Salman – and stripped many of their citizenship.
International
human rights organizations have argued that the vote is being held in an
“environment of political repression.”
Citing
Bahraini civil society figures, the rights groups said the retroactive bans
have affected between 6,000 and 11,000 Bahraini citizens.
The
elections “offer little hope for any freer and fairer outcomes,” they said.
Source: Press TV
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
UAE
meddled in American political system: US intelligence report
13
November 2022
A
classified report by US intelligence officials details extensive efforts by the
United Arab Emirates to manipulate the American political system, according to
The Washington Post.
The
report compiled by the National Intelligence Council, states that the UAE’s
activities, for years, have included illegal and legal attempts to steer US foreign
policy in ways favorable to the Arab autocracy, three people who read the
report told the newspaper.
The
UAE worked throughout multiple administrations to take advantage of
vulnerabilities in the US government, including its reliance on campaign contributions,
susceptibility to powerful lobbying firms and lax enforcement of disclosure
laws intended to guard against interference by foreign governments, making it
more closer to espionage, the people said.
It
further stated that the UAE has spent over 154 million dollars since 2016 on
lobbying and millions more on donations to US universities and think tanks,
many of which create papers that support the Arab country's interests.
A
US lawmaker said the large spending shows how foreign money can influence US
democracy, saying it should serve as a wake-up call.
“A
very clear red line needs to be established against the UAE playing in American
politics,” said the lawmaker. “I’m not convinced we’ve ever raised this with
the Emiratis at a high level.”
There
is no prohibition in the United States on lobbyists donating money to political
campaigns.
“The
US intelligence community generally stays clear of anything that could be
interpreted as studying American domestic politics,” said Bruce Riedel, a
senior fellow at the Brookings Institution who served on the National
Intelligence Council in the 1990s.
“Doing
something like this on a friendly power is also unique. It’s a sign that the US
intelligence community is willing to take on new challenges,” he added.
Meanwhile,
the UAE’s ambassador to Washington, Yousef al-Otaiba, said he is “proud of the
UAE’s influence and good standing in the US.”
“It
has been hard earned and well deserved. It is the product of decades of close
UAE-US cooperation and effective diplomacy. It reflects common interests and
shared values,” he said in a statement.
National
security staff is aware of some of the activities that the report describes,
but these operations have been able to be in effect because the federal
government has not reformed foreign influence laws or provided more resources
to the Justice Department, the newspaper reported.
Experts
who spoke to the Post were surprised that the US government critically examined
the activity of a close ally.
The
UAE allegedly hired three former US intelligence and military officials to help
the Arab nation survey “dissidents, politicians, journalists and US companies”
by breaking into computers in the US and other countries.
The
men admitted to giving the UAE advanced hacking technology in federal court
last year. They gave up their security clearance and paid about $1.7 million to
resolve criminal charges, but were not given prison time.
Source: Press TV
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Mideast
'Everything
is restricted': Iranian cleric supports protest against country's Islamic
regime
Nov
14, 2022
Abdolhamid
Ismail-Zai, an Iranian Sunni cleric, has turned up in support of protesters
leading the movement against the country’s ruling dispensation inspired by an
Islamic theocracy.
Abdolhamid
(75) is a renowned Muslim cleric having spiritual and political influence over
the country’s Baluch population.
He
has hit out at the Iranian regime in the wake of growing violence against
protestors in the country’s Baluch southeast.
On
Friday, a week after regime gunmen shot dead at least 18 unarmed protesters in
several cities across the Baluch heartland, MrAbdolhamid disclosed that regime
insiders had offered to buy the silence of the families of the dead. They
refused, he said. They wanted justice instead, reported the Independent.
“We
do not have freedom in the Islamic Republic,” he retorted. “Where is the
freedom? Where is the freedom of the press? Where is the freedom of expression?
Everything is censored. Everything is restricted,” Abdolhamid was quoted as
saying by the Independent.
The
majority of people in Iran have objections, and therefore, regime leaders
should listen to them, urged Abdolhamid.
Source:
IndiaToday
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
President
Erdogan says initial signs point to 'terror' attack in Istanbul
Nov
13, 2022
ISTANBUL:
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday that initial signs
pointed to a "terror" attack in the explosion in Istanbul which
killed six people and wounded 53 others.
"It
might be wrong if we say for sure that this is terror but according to first
signs ... there is a smell of terror there," Erdogan told a televised
press conference.
Source:
Times Of India
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Turkey
accuses Kurdish PKK over Istanbul bomb attack
November
14, 2022
Turkey’s
interior minister accused the Kurdistan’s Workers’ Party (PKK) of
responsibility for a bombing in a busy Istanbul shopping thoroughfare that
killed six people and said on Monday a suspect has been arrested.
The
explosion tore through Istiklal Street, a popular shopping destination for
locals and tourists, on Sunday afternoon, wounding dozens.
A
suspect was arrested by the early hours of Monday.
“The
person who planted the bomb has been arrested,” Interior Minister Suleyman
Soylu said in a statement broadcast by the official Anadolu news agency.
“According
to our findings, the PKK terrorist organisation is responsible,” he said.
The
PKK, blacklisted as a terrorist group by Ankara as well as its Western allies,
has kept up a deadly insurgency for Kurdish self-rule in southeastern Turkey
since the 1980s.
Regularly
targeted by Turkish military operations, the group is also at the heart of a
tussle between Sweden and Turkey, which has been blocking Stockholm’s entry
into Nato since May, accusing it of leniency towards the PKK.
President
Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the “vile attack” on Istiklal.
“It
might be wrong if we say for sure that this is terror but according to first
signs … there is a smell of terror there,” Erdogan told a news conference on
Sunday.
Turkey’s
Vice President FuatOktay said, “We believe that it is a terrorist act carried
out by an attacker, whom we consider to be a woman, exploding the bomb”.
Justice
Minister Bekir Bozdag said: “A woman had been sitting on one of the benches for
more than 40 minutes and then she got up”.
“One
or two minutes later, an explosion occurred,” he told A Haber television.
“There
are two possibilities,” he said. “There’s either a mechanism placed in this bag
and it explodes, or someone remotely explodes (it).”
“All
data on this woman are currently under scrutiny,” he said.
Soylu’s
announcement did not add any details about the woman.
Turkish
cities have been struck by militants and other groups in the past.
Istiklal
Street was hit during a campaign of attacks in 2015-2016 that targeted Istanbul
and other cities, including Ankara.
Those
bombings were mostly blamed on the militant Islamic State group and outlawed
Kurdish militants, and killed nearly 500 people and wounded more than 2,000.
Sunday’s
explosion occurred shortly after 4:00pm (1300 GMT) in the famous shopping
street.
Helicopters
flew over the city centre after the attack. Police established a large security
cordon to prevent access to the area for fear of a second explosion.
Images
posted on social media showed the explosion was followed by flames and immediately
triggered panic, with people running in all directions.
Several
bodies were seen lying on the ground nearby.
“I
was 50-55 metres away, suddenly there was the noise of an explosion. I saw
three or four people on the ground,” witness CemalDenizci, 57, told AFP.
“People
were running in panic. The noise was huge. There was black smoke,” he said.
Istiklal,
in the historic district of Beyoglu, is one of the most famous arteries of
Istanbul. It is entirely pedestrianised for 1.4 kilometres, or about a mile.
Criss-crossed
by an old tramway and lined with shops and restaurants, it attracts large
crowds at the weekend.
Many
stores closed early in the neighbouring district of Galata, while some
passers-by, who came running from the site of the explosion, had tears in their
eyes.
A
massive deployment of security forces barred all entrances and rescue workers
and police could be seen.
Source:
Dawn
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1720878/turkey-accuses-kurdish-pkk-over-istanbul-bomb-attack
--------
Speaker:
Iran's Hypersonic Ballistic Missile Frustrating Enemies
2022-November-13
Qalibaf
made the remarks in a Sudnday session of parliament, lauded Iran for its
achievements in military arena.
He
noted that developing hypersonic ballistic missiles in the country disappointed
the enemies and made lovers of Iran happy.
"Unprecedented
maneuverability, breaking the record of speed and ability to pass through
missile defense systems plus the ability to target them are among the
outstanding features of the new achievements of the Iranian young scientists,
he added.
"Today,
there are many pioneers in the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps)
aerospace force that all of their thoughts and actions focus on building a
strong Iran," the senior lawmaker continued.
On
Wedensday, IRGC Aerospace Commander Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh said
that Tehran has developed a hypersonic ballistic missile which enjoys advanced
technologies to penetrate all types of advanced air defense systems.
The
top commander stated that the missile, newly manufactured by Iranian experts,
is very fast and able to maneuver both in the space and outer space.
“The
missile can target the enemy’s anti-missile systems and is a great generational
leap in the missile field,” he added.
“I
don’t think any technology would be found for tens of years capable of
countering it,” the IRGC commander declared.
Deputy
Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Rear Admiral Ali Fadavi
has also noted that the country's armed forces are at the highest level of
preparedness to defend Iran against any possible threats and aggression by
enemies.
"Iran
is at the peak of its military power," he stressed.
Iranian
officials praises the development of the country's defense capabilities in
recent decades, and stress that Tehran's defense power is not negotiable.
Military
comanders say Iran stands among the world's top states manufacturing drones and
precision-striking missiles, and add different types of home-made military
equipment are favored by world powers.
The
Islamic Republic’s military doctrine holds that the country’s armed capability
solely serves defensive purposes.
Iranian
military experts and technicians have in recent years made substantial headway
in manufacturing a broad range of indigenous equipment, making the armed forces
self-sufficient in the weaponry sphere.
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Spokesman
Slams German Chancellor's Meddlesome Remarks on Iran's Unrest
2022-November-13
"Unfortunately,
some so-called advocates of the human rights have forgotten their dark record
of supporting the Saddam regime against the great Iranian people,"
Kana'ani said on Sunday.
"Through
following unjust sanctions after the US unilateral withdrawal from the Joint
Comprehensive Plan of Action (JAPOA) and keeping silent on the Daesh terrorist
measures whose latest one occurred recently in Southern Iranian holy shrine,
they have politicized the issue of the human rights," the spokesperson
noted.
The
senior diplomat added that Iran follows the human rights basis which include
respect for the people, fight against the oppression and defense for the
oppressed.
He
stated that "this is while Germany runs away from its international
responsibility for respecting countries’ national sovereignty".
Kana'ani
decried recent “interfering, provocative and undiplomatic” remarks from Scholz
in support of the Western-instigated unrest in Iran.
The
official went on to say that Germany introduces itself as defender of human
rights while it provides shelter for the terrorist and anti-Iran groups, and
takes double-standard approach towards crimes committed by the Zionist regime.
The
Iranian spokesman advised the German officials to bring rationality back to the
atmosphere of cooperation and prevent from more mess in relations.
"Building
confidence and respecting mutual interests are the sole solution for
sustainable cooperation," he continued.
Scholz
claimed on Saturday that Germany would stand “shoulder to shoulder" with
the Iranian people in their protests across the country, accusing the Iranian
government of being "solely responsible for this spate of violence".
Warning
that additional sanctions will be placed on Iran for the proclaimed
"repression of protests", the German chancellor stated the EU’s
foreign ministers are due to meet on Monday to agree on the anti-Tehran
restrictive measures.
Earlier,
German Foreign Minister AnnalenaBaerbock voiced support for the recent
demonstrations in Iran, noting the EU would seek to adopt new sanctions against
Tehran.
Iranian
War Veterans Condemn German Hostile Policy Towards Tehranhttps://t.co/iUhtJYGmHk
pic.twitter.com/ytNbG0veAy
—
Fars News Agency (@EnglishFars) November 1, 2022
Protests
erupted in several cities across Iran over the death of MahsaAmini, a
22-year-old Iranian woman who fainted at a police station in mid-September and
days later was pronounced dead at a hospital. The demonstrations soon turned
violent.
An
official report by Iran’s Legal Medicine Organization announced that Amini’s
controversial death was caused by an illness rather than alleged blows to the
head or other vital body organs.
Iranian
officials blame Western countries for orchestrating the riots to destabilize
the country.
Supreme
Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei severely censured
the deadly riots, saying they were orchestrated in advance by the United States
and the Israeli regime.
“I
state it clearly that these developments were planned by America, the Zionist
regime and their acolytes. Their main problem is with a strong and independent
Iran and the country’s progress. The Iranian nation proved to be fairly strong
during recent events and will bravely come onto the scene wherever necessary in
the future,” he added.
Iranian
officials have blamed the United States, the European Unions, and several
Western states for meddling in Iran's internal affairs over the death of Mahsa.
They advised the US and its allies against "opportunism and
instrumentalization of the issue of human rights" by misusing the
incident.
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Iran
Strongly Deplores Macron’s Meeting with Regime-Change Mouthpieces at Elysee
2022-November-13
“It
is surprising that the president of a country claiming to support freedom,
lowers his level and meets with a hated pawn who, in the recent months, has
clearly tried to spread hatred, violence and terrorist acts in the Islamic
Republic of Iran and also against its diplomatic missions as well as diplomats
of the Islamic Republic abroad,” Kana'ani said on Sunday.
The
diplomat called the statements quoted from Macron that he supports the
so-called revolution, led by these people, as "regretful" and "a
cause for shame".
The
spokesperson added the meeting is a flagrant violation of France’s
international responsibilities in fighting terrorism and violence, and is
regarded as a promotion of these vicious phenomena.
He
emphasized that such anti-Tehran measures will undoubtedly be kept in the
memory of the great Iranian nation, who are well aware of the selective
approaches of some European leaders, going against human rights.
Macron
on Friday held a meeting with a number of anti-Tehran figures, including Masih
Alinejad, at the Elysée. In the meeting, the French president described the
recent unrest in Iran as a "revolution".
Protests
erupted in several cities across Iran over the death of MahsaAmini, a
22-year-old Iranian woman who fainted at a police station in mid-September and
days later was pronounced dead at a hospital. The demonstrations soon turned
violent.
An
official report by Iran’s Legal Medicine Organization announced that Amini’s
controversial death was caused by an illness rather than alleged blows to the
head or other vital body organs.
Iranian
officials blame Western countries for orchestrating the riots to destabilize
the country.
Supreme
Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei severely censured
the deadly riots, saying they were orchestrated in advance by the United States
and the Israeli regime.
“I
state it clearly that these developments were planned by America, the Zionist
regime and their acolytes. Their main problem is with a strong and independent
Iran and the country’s progress. The Iranian nation proved to be fairly strong
during recent events and will bravely come onto the scene wherever necessary in
the future,” he added.
Iranian
officials have blamed the United States, the European Unions, and several
Western states for meddling in Iran's internal affairs over the death of Mahsa.
They advised the US and its allies against "opportunism and instrumentalization
of the issue of human rights" by misusing the incident.
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Iran's
Rayeesi, Russia's Putin Reiterate Deepening Ties
2022-November-13
In
a phone talk with Putin on Saturday, Rayeesi said that increased political and
economic consultations between the two countries will play a leading role in
the expansion of mutual relations.
Iran's
president welcomed Moscow's keenness to improve economic cooperation with
Tehran.
He
added that the expansion of infrastructural bonds, including the development of
connecting routes among the Eurasian countries, would boost trade and economic
cooperation in the region.
Putin,
for his part, said the North-South Corridor plays an effective role in reducing
the cost of transporting goods, adding that the transit route would turn into a
useful way for the expansion of trade and economic cooperation in the world.
The
Russian president emphasized that Tehran and Moscow enjoy great capacities to
develop cooperation.
In
a statement earlier in the day, the Kremlin announced the Iranian and Russian
presidents had, in their phone call, stressed the importance of deepening
bilateral cooperation in political, trade and economic fields as well as in
transport and the logistics sector.
"A
number of topical issues on the bilateral agenda were discussed, with the
emphasis on further enhancing cooperation in the political, trade and economic
fields, including the transport and logistics sector," according to the
Kremlin.
The
Rayessi administration has made ties with neighbors a top priority of its
foreign policy.
Since
Tehran and Moscow enjoy common interests in economic, military, and security
affairs as well as friendly relationship pursue common policies on regional and
international developments especially when it comes to taking stances in the
face of the United States’ unilateral and interventionist strategies.
Iranian
officials say Tehran and Moscow, both subjected to tough economic sanctions by
the Western countries, are determined to deepen their economic cooperation,
adding that there are great capacities for increasing the volume of bilateral
trade.
Iran
and Russia have grown exchane of visits by officials to speed up expansion of
relations in recent months.
In
late May, Iranian and Russian officials in a meeting in Tehran inked 3
important Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) to further develop the two
countries' energy and banking ties.
Russian
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in June visited Iran for talks on boosting trade
and energy cooperation.
During
a visit to Moscow in late August, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir
Abdollahian discussed the status of the relations with Lavrov, including
Tehran's commercial, economic, transit, defensive, and security relations with
Moscow.
The
Iranian diplomat noted that Tehran and Moscow enjoy abundant capacities for
expansion of ties and that a cooperation document of the two countries will be
put into force in the near future after being examined in the parliaments of
both countries.
Lavrov
stated that Moscow-Tehran comprehensive document of relations is in the final
stage, and added that the relationship between Iran and Russia is on track to
enhance to strategic levels.
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.farsnews.ir/en/news/14010822000143/Iran's-Rayeesi-Rssia's-Pin-Reierae-Deepening-Ties
--------
Iran
Cracks Down on Int'l Drug Trafficking Network, 32 Smugglers Captured
2022-November-13
The
security and intelligence forces managed to identify and dismantle a major
international drug trafficking band, which was trying to transfer large
shipments of drugs from the Eastern borders of the country to other Central
provinces, the ministry said in a statement on Sunday.
"Based
on the technical and intelligence observations, the mentioned drug smuggling
gang was distributing 300 to 400 kg of narcotics shipments in the country on an
average daily," the statement read.
"32
smugglers were arrested and 1,054 bank accounts belonging to the members of the
network were blocked," it added.
The
intelligence ministry noted that a large amount of property and assets
belonging to smugglers were confiscated.
For
decades, Iran has been fighting a relentless battle against international drug
networks, but the war has cost it the loss of many lives and finances. Iranian
security forces confiscate tons of narcotics every year in ambush operations
against drugs traffickers.
The
war on drug trade originating from Afghanistan - the major supplier of the vast
majority of the world’s opium and heroin even during the 20-year occupation of
the county by US-led forces - has claimed the lives of nearly 4,000 Iranian
police officers over the past four decades.
In
late June, the head of the Iranian anti-narcotics police said European
countries owe Tehran a lot for blocking the transit of drugs destined for
Europe, adding that the country confiscated over 1,200 tons of illicit
narcotics last year.
Majid
Karimi, however, slammed Europe for depriving the Islamic Republic of the
latest technology to fight drug trafficking in line with sanctions spearheaded
by the US, while they directly benefit from Iran’s anti-drugs measures.
“If
the Islamic Republic of Iran stops the fight (against drugs) for only a month,
the European countries will have to gather every gram of the huge hauls of
drugs from their streets,” he warned.
Iran’s
Interior Minister has also criticized the Western governments for their “poor
performance” in the fight against narcotrafficking.
Ahmad
Vahidi stated in late June the main culprits behind the promotion of drug use
are some Western intelligence agencies and Western politicians.
He
noted that the production of industrial drugs is a lucrative business for the
Western countries.
He
demanded that Western banks control the financial operations of
narcotrrafickers, saying it’s questionable that financial institutions in the
West turn a blind eye to the issue.
Vahidi
underlined Iran is now going it alone in the fight against narcotics but
instead of being thanked, it’s getting accused by its adversaries under various
pretexts.
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Jailed
Iranian activist Ronaghi hospitalized, ‘life in danger,’ his brother warns
14
November ,2022
Iranian
authorities on Sunday transferred to hospital a prominent dissident arrested in
September as protests swept the country and who is now on hunger strike, his
brother said, warning his life is in danger.
Hossein
Ronaghi, an outspoken freedom of speech campaigner, is one of dozens of
prominent rights activists, journalists and lawyers who have been arrested in
the crackdown on protests that erupted after the death of MahsaAmini, who had
been arrested by the morality police.
Ronaghi
was taken to Evin prison after his arrest on September 24. His family says he
risks dying due to a kidney condition, and that both his legs have been broken
in prison.
He
has been on a hunger strike for over 50 days and began refusing water on
Saturday to protest the authorities’ denying him medical leave, his brother
Hassan had said previously.
On
Sunday, his brother said Ronaghi was moved to the Dey general hospital in
Tehran.
“Hossein
was taken to one of the departments of the Dey hospital,” Hassan Ronaghi wrote
Sunday, saying his parents had been prevented from seeing their son. “His life
is in danger.”
He
accused prosecutors of blocking his release “under false pretences” and of instead
seeking “to kill Hossein,” urging people to surround the hospital and help
ensure his wellbeing.
Renowned
Iranian filmmakers Jafar Panahi and Mohammad Rasoulof, jailed with Ronaghi in
Evin, had already expressed concern for his life, warning he could suffer a
heart attack at any moment.
“According
to the prison doctors, the risk of cardiac arrest is now very high,” they said
in a letter published by the Iran Wire news site.
“There
is a possibility at any moment of the heartbreaking repeat” of the death in
custody of a political prisoner, they added.
Ronaghi,
37, a contributor to The Wall Street Journal, has for years been one of the
most fearless critics of the Islamic republic still living in the country.
Security
forces made a first attempt to arrest him on September 22 while he was giving a
live television interview to London-based Iran International television, but he
managed to slip out of his apartment, he said at the time.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Palestine
President Abbas says Netanyahu does not ‘believe in peace’
14
November ,2022
Palestinian
President Mahmoud Abbas said on Sunday he would have to deal with Benjamin
Netanyahu, the former Israeli Prime Minister who won reelection this month,
even though he believed Netanyahu was not interested in making peace.
“I
knew Netanyahu for a long time, since the 1990s ... He is a man who doesn’t
believe in peace but I have no other choice but to deal with him,” Abbas told
Palestine Television.
The
Palestinian leader, whose authority has limited control in the Israeli-occupied
West Bank, said there must be a peaceful resolution to the decades-long
conflict.
The
interview, which was also broadcast by Egyptian television, was recorded on
Friday.
“I
have a problem with Israel, Israel occupies my land and my country. Who is the
prime minister? Netanyahu. I am forced to deal with him,” said Abbas.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Iran
leader sends delegation to strife-torn southeast
13
November ,2022
A
delegation from Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed sadness
and promised solutions in a visit to a southeastern province where dozens have
been killed in unrest, official media said.
The
violence in Zahedan, the capital of Sistan-Baluchistan province which borders
Pakistan, erupted on September 30, and authorities say six members of the
security forces were among the dead.
The
casualties came against the backdrop of nationwide unrest that followed the
September 16 death of MahsaAmini, 22, after her arrest by morality police in
Tehran for allegedly violating Iran’s strict dress code for women.
Some
local figures said the protests in Zahedan were triggered by anger over the
reported rape of a teenage girl by a police officer.
Overseas-based
activists accused security forces of firing on demonstrators.
Zahedan
is one of the few Sunni-majority cities in predominantly Shia Iran.
“We
came to share the sadness felt by the supreme leader concerning the incidents
which happened” in the province, said Mohammad-Javad Haj Ali Akbari, spokesman
for the delegation which arrived Saturday.
He
said they were also there to “report on measures decided (by Khamenei) to
resolve these problems,” the state news agency IRNA quoted him as saying on
Sunday.
Akbari
also referred to a “special plan” from Khamenei to benefit the province’s
people, but IRNA gave no further details on such measures.
He
also met the imam of Zahedan’s Makki mosque, Iran’s largest Sunni house of
worship, and said he wanted to see relatives of those killed or wounded in the
incidents “to console them.”
In
late October the Sistan-Baluchistan security council said it had concluded an
investigation that found “negligence” by officers and the deaths of “innocent”
civilians during the unrest.
The
council announced the dismissal of Zahedan’s police chief as well as the head
of a police station.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Iran
charges more than 750 for involvement in ‘recent riots’
13
November ,2022
Iran’s
judiciary has charged more than 750 people in three provinces for participating
in “recent riots,” local media reported, amid nationwide protests since the
death of MahsaAmini.
More
than 2,000 people had already been charged, nearly half of them in the capital
Tehran, since the demonstrations began in mid-September, according to judiciary
figures.
Dozens
of people, mainly demonstrators but also security personnel, have been killed
during the protests, which the authorities have branded as “riots.”
Judicial
chief for the southern province of Hormozgan, MojtabaGhahremani, said 164
people had been charged “after the recent riots,” the judiciary's Mizan Online
news website reported Sunday.
They
face accusations including “incitement to killing,” “harming security forces,”
“propaganda against the regime” and “damaging public property,” the website
said, adding that their trials would begin “from Thursday in the presence of
their lawyers.”
Another
276 people were charged in the central province of Markazi, its judiciary chief
Abdol-Mehdi Mousavi was quoted as saying by state news agency IRNA.
However,
100 young people were released after signing pledges not to participate in any
future “riots,” IRNA said.
In
central Isfahan province, judicial chief Asadollah Jafari said 316 cases had
been filed in connection with the recent strife.
Twelve
have already gone to trial, the Tasnim news agency reported him as saying late
Saturday.
Amini’s
death on September 16 came days after her arrest by the morality police for an
alleged breach of the country's strict dress rules for women.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Israel's
Netanyahu formally tasked with forming new government
13
November ,2022
Israel's
president on Sunday assigned Benjamin Netanyahu a mandate to form the next
government, following November 1 elections that put the ex-premier on track for
a stable right-wing coalition.
President
Isaac Herzog told Netanyahu -- Israel's longest-serving premier until he was
ousted last year -- at a ceremony in Jerusalem that he had tasked him with
forming a government.
Herzog
said that, following his consultations with party leaders, “the result was
clear, and the task of forming a government must be assigned to Benjamin
Netanyahu.”
Herzog
noted Netanyahu's ongoing trial over corruption allegations, which the
right-wing veteran denies.
“I
am not oblivious, of course, to the fact that there are ongoing legal
proceedings against Mr Netanyahu at the Jerusalem District Court, and I do not
trivialize this at all,” Herzog said.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Russia’s
Putin speaks to Iranian President Raisi, with emphasis on deepening ties
12
November ,2022
Russian
President Vladimir Putin has spoken to Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, with
both leaders placing emphasis on deepening political, trade and economic
cooperation, the Kremlin said in a statement on Saturday.
It
did not say when the phone call took place and made no mention of Iranian arms
supplies to Moscow. Russia has stepped up its efforts to build ties with Iran
and other non-Western countries since it invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24.
“A
number of topical issues on the bilateral agenda were discussed, with the
emphasis on further enhancing cooperation in the political, trade and economic
fields, including the transport and logistics sector,” the Kremlin said.
A
senior Russian security official met Iranian leaders in Tehran on Wednesday and
the two countries pledged closer ties.
The
visit took place following accusations by Ukraine and the West that Russia has
used Iranian drones to target Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Turkey’s
Erdogan arrives at G20 in Indonesia after Istanbul blast
16
November ,2022
Turkish
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan touched down in Bali, Indonesia on Monday to
attend the G20 summit, hours after his home city of Istanbul was rocked by an
explosion that authorities blamed on Kurdish separatists.
Erdogan
said before he departed Turkey that the “vile attack” that killed at least six
people in the heart of the city had “a smell of terror.”
The
explosion tore through a busy Istanbul shopping street on Sunday, killing six
and wounding dozens.
Police
cordoned off an area around Istiklal, where there were dense crowds on Sunday
afternoon, and helicopters flew over the city center as sirens sounded.
Turkey’s
interior minister accused the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) of responsibility.
The
PKK, blacklisted as a terrorist group by Ankara as well as its Western allies,
has kept up a deadly insurgency for Kurdish self-rule in southeastern Turkey
since the 1980s.
“The
person who planted the bomb has been arrested,” interior minister Suleyman
Soylu said in a statement broadcast by the official Anadolu news agency.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Iran
slams German French leaders for 'supporting' anti-government protests
Syed
Zafar Mehdi
13.11.2022
TEHRAN,
Iran
Iran
on Sunday condemned remarks by the leaders of Germany and France in support of
the ongoing anti-government protests over the death of an Iranian woman in
police custody.
Foreign
Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani termed German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's
remarks on protests in Iran as "interventionist and provocative".
The
spokesman warned that damage to relations between the two countries will have
"long-term consequences".
In
his weekly address on Saturday, Scholz slammed the Iranian government for its
crackdown on protests and said Berlin stands “shoulder to shoulder with the
Iranian people”.
He
said the protests triggered by the death of 22-year-old MahsaAmini in police
custody were no longer "a question of dress codes" but had
transformed into a fight for freedom and justice.
Amini's
death in September sparked countrywide protests in Iran, prompting the US and
European Union to impose a slew of sanctions on several Iranian officials and
entities.
Scholz
also hinted at additional sanctions on Iran for its crackdown against
protesters as well as for supplying drones to Russia.
Reacting
to Scholz's remarks, Kanaani said Germany has forgotten its support to Iraq's
former ruler Saddam Hussein during the Iran-Iraq war as well as sanctions by
the US following its withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal.
He
accused the German government of "running away from its international
responsibility to respect the sovereignty of countries", and
"providing shelter to terrorist and separatist groups".
The
Iranian spokesman also took strong umbrage to French President Emmanuel
Macron's meeting with a dissident Iranian-American journalist and activist on
the sidelines of the Paris Peace Forum.
Kanaani
termed it "surprising" that Macron "lowered his level" by
meeting with a person who has "tried to spread hatred and violence against
Iran".
The
French president on Friday met with a delegation of exiled Iranian journalists
and rights activists, describing the ongoing protests in Iran as a
"revolution".
"We
welcomed with great honor and pleasure a delegation of Iranian women,"
Macron said at the Paris Peace Forum. "I want to emphasize our respect and
our admiration in the context of the revolution they are leading."
The
delegation included Iranian-American journalist and activist Masih Alinejad,
who works for Voice of America and is a fierce critic of the Iranian
government.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
South
Asia
Taliban’s
leader emphasizes on serious punishments for criminals in Afghanistan
November
14, 2022
According
to a Taliban’s spokesperson, Mullah Hebatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban’s
supreme leader has recently met with the judges and have told them to seriously
investigate and implement Sharia law on the criminals.
The
records of those criminals engaged in theft, abductions and seditionists should
be carefully assessed and serious sentences including death penalties must be
considered for the finalized cases, Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban’s
spokesperson quoting Mullah Hebatullah, tweeted on Sunday.
According
to Mujahid, Mullah Hebatullah has ordered judges to take serious actions
against the criminals as implementation of his orders and Sharia law is
obligatory.
Source:
Khaama Press
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
United
Nations refuses to recognize Taliban interim government
Sunday,
13 November 2022
Abdullah
Amirzada
A
resolution was recently presented to the UN General Assembly for the first time
after the Taliban took over Afghanistan.
While
discussing issues including security, terrorism and the social and economic
situation, the Assembly significantly refrained to recognize the Taliban as a
government. Experts believe this could affect the nation.
In
response to this resolution, SohailShaheen, the head of the political office of
the Islamic Emirate in Qatar, said according to Islamic principles and values,
the Taliban are committed to fulfilling all the legitimate rights and demands
of the people, and that they are trying to provide the right means and
environment to achieve this goal. Experts say the recognition of the Taliban could
have positive results.
Since
the Taliban took control 15 months ago, their non-recognition, along with the
sanctions imposed on the central bank and the freezing of Afghan assets, has
driven the economy of the country to the brink of collapse.
Source:
Press TV
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2022/11/13/692654/United-Nations-Taliban-security-terrorism
--------
Organization
of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) opens Afghanistan bureau office
November
14, 2022
Organization
of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) opened its Afghanistan bureau office in the Afghan
capital Kabul city on Sunday.
The
inaugural ceremony was attended by a number of Taliban’s high officials
including the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amir Khan Muttaqi and some
foreign diplomatic mission heads.
The
Taliban considers the opening of OIC office as a political and diplomatic success,
said the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Muttaqi.
Muttaqi
says that the OIC office in Kabul will help in strengthening in Taliban’s
foreign relations with the Islamic world.
According
to Muttaqi, OIC in addition to helping the country with the economic and
humanitarian assistances, will also play a positive role in the political
affairs.
Tariq
Ali Bakheet, OIC’s secretary general representative said that the office will
help Afghanistan with the security, humanitarian and political assistances.
Source:
Khaama Press
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.khaama.com/organization-of-islamic-cooperation-oic-opens-afghanistan-bureau-office-2312/
--------
UNAMA
Chief Meets Pakistani Ambassador to Afghanistan
By
SaqalainEqbal
November
13, 2022
Roza
Otunbayeva, the Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan
(UNAMA), met with Obaidur Rahman Nizamani, Pakistan’s newly appointed
ambassador to Afghanistan.
The
UNAMA leader met with the Pakistani ambassador to Afghanistan, according to a
tweet from UNAMA News, to address the political and economic challenges
Afghanistan is facing since the Taliban took over the government.
Both
parties reaffirmed their commitment to working together in the areas of
counterterrorism, inclusivity, economic growth, and education in Afghanistan,
according to the tweet.
In
September, as Mansoor Ahmad Khan’s tenure as ambassador to Afghanistan came to
an end, Pakistan named Obaidur Rehman Nizamani as his successor.
The
UN official visited the Taliban senior officials, including the Deputy Prime
Minister in Administrative Affairs, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Deputy
Prime Minister in Political Affairs to discuss inclusivity, governance, women,
and girls in Afghanistan.
This
occurs at a time when the Taliban, despite having been in power for more than
15 months, has not yet received international recognition as Afghanistan’s
official government.
Source:
Khaama Press
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.khaama.com/unama-chief-meets-pakistani-ambassador-to-afghanistan-46745/
--------
Afghanistan:
Why Ahmad Shah Massoud still matters to the Middle East
Kamal
Alam
13
November 2022
Few
individuals would unite Bernard-Henri Levy, Michael Waltz, Qassem Soleimani and
Abdullah Azzam like Ahmad Shah Massoud, the subject of their boundless
admiration. So what was it about Massoud, the former Afghan military commander,
that moved the controversial French philosopher, the first Green Beret in
Congress, and the late leaders of the Shia and Sunni resistance movements?
As
Afghanistan slips out of the headlines - barring the odd hostage swap,
continued Taliban support for al-Qaeda and denial of basic women's rights -
there is a sense of deja vu creeping into global affairs. Just as former US
Congressman Charlie Wilson warned at the end of the Cold War that ignoring
Afghanistan would have global repercussions, today, Waltz is highlighting
Massoud's past warnings on Afghanistan.
Conflicts
in Afghanistan resonate across the Middle East, from al-Qaeda affiliates in
Syria looking to the Taliban for inspiration, to countries in the Gulf vying
for influence in Kabul. Iran has steadily grown its influence as Afghanistan
again drifts into a void where Middle Eastern powers can compete with each
other's violent proxies. Almost all of today's problems were foretold by
Massoud in the mid-1980s.
The
recent assassination of former al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri, while only
symbolic, reaffirms UN warnings that Afghanistan could again become a key base
for terrorist organisations. With the Islamic State further entrenched in
northern Afghanistan and as attacks continue across the country, there is
renewed concern in Middle Eastern capitals that what begins in Afghanistan may
not remain confined to Afghanistan.
This
harkens back the historical dispute between Massoud and foreign Arab fighters
on how to conduct the war against the Soviets. Today, as the Taliban reel from
the repercussions of the two-decade conflict in Afghanistan, there is fresh debate
over the right way to carry out a war, and over the growing influence of
foreign groups in the country. The Taliban are even echoing Massoud by calling
their opponents "kharijites", or defectors.
Pivotal
moment
After
the fall of Kabul, the Palestinian Hamas movement congratulated the Taliban on
ending the US occupation. Syrian rebel groups in Idlib also saw it as a pivotal
moment for their cause, while a close confidante of Osama Bin Laden has since
returned to Afghanistan.
The
thread that binds these groups is Abdullah Azzam. He was on the cutting edge of
political Islam being brought to life by the barrel of a gun, and is now
lionised across parts of the Arab and Muslim world. A brilliant memoir of
Azzam's son-in-law, Abdullah Anas, helps to dispel some of the myths that exist
to this day, such as that Massoud was part of the same extremist lot that led
to the founding of al-Qaeda.
The
book discusses how Massoud was in fact opposed to the foreign fighters who
brought their own agenda to Afghanistan. Thus began a three-decade war of
contestation over political Islam, which eventually led to the triumph of the
extremists in the form of the Taliban, but also other groups that took part in
the Algerian civil war and the Syrian conflict.
Massoud
had for years warned the Americans, Pakistanis, Egyptians and Saudis that if
they continued to settle their disputes in Afghanistan, their
"warriors" would come back to haunt them - and they did, as a former
Saudi intelligence chief testified in his book released in 2021, on the 20th
anniversary of both 9/11 and Massoud's assassination.
Battle
for influence
Soleimani,
who was assassinated by US forces in January 2020, had a close relationship
with Massoud and even did some training with him. The special relationship
between the two men assisted the Americans in the early days of the post-9/11
"war on terror", when Iran helped the US against the Taliban.
Soleimani's
successor, an old hand who has changed Afghanistan's landscape and perhaps even
outsmarted Pakistan's decades-long influence, is again turning the country into
a battleground, driving Gulf powers back into Afghanistan.
Iran
also has its Shia fighters, whom it has been reshuffling from Syria back into
Afghanistan. Even before the fall of Kabul, former Iranian Foreign Minister
Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran's foreign fighters could help settle the
insecurity in the country. And last summer, foreign fighters once again rushed
into Panjshir to help the Taliban fight against forces allied with Massoud's
son.
As
Arab states jockey for influence in Afghanistan and Iran deepens its foothold
in the country, there are fears that the void left by a second superpower
pulling out in less than four decades will make Afghanistan a centre for regional
rivalries. As the Ukraine war peaks, Moscow could also attempt to use its
proximity to Afghanistan to gain further influence.
Source: MiddleEastEye
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/afghanistan-middle-east-ahmad-shah-massoud-matters-still-why
--------
Southeast
Asia
UAE
President Inaugurates Mosque in Jokowi’s Hometown
NOVEMBER
14, 2022
Solo.
United Arab Emirates President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan inaugurated a mosque
funded by his government in the Central Java town of Solo on Monday morning
accompanied by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo who is a native of the town.
Named
after the UAE leader, the two-story mosque is built on a land of 8,000 square
meters and equipped with a large library.
It’s
a gift from the UAE government as a symbol of friendship between the two
countries, according to a statement from the presidential office.
Jokowi
was accompanied by his eldest son Gibran RakabumingRaka who is the mayor of
Solo, Central Java Governor GanjarPranowo, State-Owned Enterprise Minister
Erick Thohir, Religious Affairs Minister YaqutCholilQoumas, Defense Minister
Prabowo Subianto, and State Secretary Pratikno.
The
Indonesian president has earlier expressed appreciation for the strengthening
bilateral relationship by naming an elevated toll road on the outskirts of
Jakarta after his UAE counterpart.
Mohamed
bin Zayed, also known as MBZ, is in Indonesia to attend the G20 Summit which
will take place in Bali from November 15-16.
He
will lead a high-level UAE delegation to participate in meetings and
engagements throughout the two-day summit, according to the state-run Emirates
News Agency. Priority areas of discussion will be energy and food security,
climate action, and sustainable development that enables nations and their
people to grow and prosper.
Source:
Jakarta Globe
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://jakartaglobe.id/news/uae-president-inaugurates-mosque-in-jokowis-hometown
--------
DAP’s
Nga sounds another ‘Taliban’ warning
November
14, 2022
PETALING
JAYA: Perak DAP chief Nga Kor Ming has sounded another warning about a Taliban
type of government, saying that Malaysia would become like Afghanistan should
Perikatan Nasional come to power.
He
said PAS, which is a partner in PN, would push what he called extremist
policies on gambling, alcohol, concerts and gender segregation.
Such
policies were a threat to secular values and to a multiracial country, he said
in a statement in Mandarin, quoted by Malaysiakini.
Nga
said the policies espoused by PAS would encroach on the rights of non-Muslims
and could lead to foreign investors shying away from the country.
Malaysia
would be ruined, he said.
Nga
was previously reported to have said in March 2019 that Malaysia could turn
into a “Taliban state” if an Umno-PAS coalition was established.
The
Taliban, a fundamentalist Islamic group, governed Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001
and again from August 2021, enforcing a strict interpretation of shariah.
Nga
urged voters not to back Perikatan Nasional candidates, to ensure that freedom
and human rights would be upheld.
He
said PN had announced that if the coalition won the general election, PAS would
head the state governments in Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang.
Source:Free
Malaysia Today
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
PAS
the one using Malays to fish for Malay votes, DAP hopefuls tell Hadi
By
Justin Ong
12
Nov 2022
KUALA
LUMPUR, Nov 12 — PAS president Tan Sri Hadi Awang was demeaning the intellect
of Malay-Muslims by suggesting they did not look beyond skin colour when
voting, said DAP election candidates from the community.
Responding
to Hadi’s “concern” yesterday that they were only being used to fish for Malay
votes, the group said the PAS president must realise that Malay-Muslim voters
were capable of mature and nuanced views.
“Hadi
Awang continues to look down on the ability of Malay Muslims to think when
choosing their leaders and elected representatives,” they said in a joint
statement.
“Hadi
Awang was simultaneously undermining Malay Muslim leadership figures, such as
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who is admired both locally and globally, by depicting
them someone who could be manipulated.”
They
then suggested that Hadi was projecting when he expressed his supposed
“concern” that they were being used to attract Malay voters to DAP.
“Most
now realise that the party that rides on Malay sentiment and Islam to draw
votes is PAS and its allies. Their short-term view causes them to only know how
to use racial and religious sentiments to win elections,” they said.
Conversely,
they said rival parties such as DAP and its PH allies were presenting
candidates with the ability to lead and to propose policies that would benefit
the country as a whole and solve real issues affecting Malaysians.
The
group added that PAS was unusually preoccupied with attacking DAP in the
general election despite the two parties on clashing directly in a handful of
seats.
They
suggested this could be because Hadi was concerned that the tide was shifting
towards DAP and Pakatan Harapan among his party’s supporters.
The
DAP candidates who signed the statement were Zulhazmi Shariff (Jerai),
Syerleena Abdul Rashid (Bukit Bendera), TarmiziMohd Jam (Gerik), Young Syefura
Othman (Bentong), Syahredzan Johan (Bangi), Sheikh Omar (Ayer Hitam), Fatin
Zulaikha Zaidi (Mersing), ShazwanZdainal (Pontian) and Khairil Khalid who was
running for the Pulau Manis state seat.
Source:MalayMail
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
After
2020 state election, political fatigue rather than election fever in Sabah this
GE15
By
Julia Chan
13
Nov 2022
KOTA
KINABALU, Nov 13 — Along most roads around Sabah, party flags, posters and
billboards are scarce, with most concentrated strategically at road crossings
rather than fully dotting the pothole-ridden roads of the state like in
previous elections. Many that were put up have also been ravaged by bad
weather.
The
many big rallies previously met with fanfare every night have been replaced
with smaller, more intimate meet-the-people sessions, many in homes or
walkabouts.
The
bigger budgets of coalitions like Barisan Nasional (BN) and even the state’s
Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) can afford bigger fancier locations and attract
bigger crowds, but the opposition has so far utilised existing public spaces
for their events.
With
the state having gone through three big cycle elections in four years — the
14th general election in 2018, the snap state election in 2020, and the
by-elections in Sandakan (2019) and Kimanis (2020) — it is understandable how
political fatigue and apathy have crept into voters’ sentiment.
“It’s
the same thing over and over for the last few years. The promise of
development, MA63, improve the economy... it’s all talk and it’s boring,” said
one voter from the state capital Kota Kinabalu.
Despite
the perception that the recurring topics have grown stale, political analysts
polled by Malay Mail however stressed that those issues still matter to Sabah
voters. However, they felt that the onus is on politicians to relate those
issues to more pressing ones such as the food on the table.
“People
on the ground feel this election is just another show of how power-crazy
politicians disrupt their everyday livelihood. Just when life was about to
return to ‘business as normal’, ‘here comes another election, another
government’,” UniversitiTeknologi Mara’s Tony ParidiBagang told Malay Mail.
So
far the main contenders have spelt out their offers: The GRS-BN government’s
campaign rides on continued development and prosperity, Pakatan Harapan (PH)
promises sweeping changes of reform and good governance, while local party
Warisan touts a local reset of what it claimed to be an innately rotten system.
But
voters have instead turned to consider the cons of these coalitions, as much,
if not more, than the pros.
Many
Sabahans see GRS-BN as remnants of the BN big brother era, with a “you’re
either with us or against us” attitude, while PH had its chance but blew it.
Warisan, for all its good intentions, is not seen as having the credentials to
implement its vision.
Sabah
parties, coalitions putting out fires from friendly shots
Personal
attacks have considerably been kept at a minimum, to be replaced instead by
friendly fire.
PH
and Warisan have been trading barbs, attacking each other for their part in the
fall of the PH government and the many broken promises, while GRS and BN in
some seats have had to deal with clashes from disgruntled parties.
A
standout character in the last week — perhaps not for the right reasons — is
former Warisan vice-president Datuk Peter Anthony who is now leading his own
PartiKesejahteraanDemokratik Masyarakat (PKDM).
Peter
has been making waves since day one of campaigning as the Melalap assemblyman
began stringing together his lineup of ambitious candidates, among others a
leading tourism figure, a shrewd politician hell-bent on contesting Kota
Marudu, and a former state footballer to go against the GRS-BN alliance.
PKDM
previously openly declared itself to be GRS-friendly but pending its approval
into the coalition, has decided to instead contest the seats anyway against
GRS-BN — leading to accusations that it is in cahoots with GRS to split BN’s
votes.
When
prevented from contesting the Tenom seat on nomination day, Peter’s supporters
stormed the nomination centre and police had to deploy tear gas canisters to
disperse the crowd, making national headlines.
Unable
to contest in Tenom, he has instead accepted independent candidate Riduan
Rubin’s application to join the party. Riduan and PKDM will be able to share
resources in campaigning, although he will still only be recognised as an
independent candidate if he wins.
Another
talked-about friendly fight is from Beluran incumbent Datuk Ronald Kiandee who
broke party ranks to defend his seat on a Perikatan Nasional ticket. Both
Kiandee and Riduan are contesting against the sanctioned Umno candidate.
Less
controversial but equally damning is BN’s Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS)
Datuk Ewon Ebin who is contesting against Bersatu’s Datuk Jonathan Yasin.
Both
GRS chairman Datuk Hajiji Noor and Sabah BN chairman Datuk Bung Moktar have had
to fend off speculations and criticism of the disputes, and insisted that the
electoral pact — and the state government — is still and will be, intact.
So
who has the obvious advantage?
The
coalitions have also had to make do with little backing from their national
counterparts and allies.
Only
PH’s Datuk Anwar Ibrahim and Gerakan Tanah Air’s Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad have
shown up in the Land Below the Wind. DAP’s Anthony Loke is expected to make a
showing as well.
Warisan,
on a mission to prove its mettle by standing solo this time around, has been
relying on Shafie’s small but mighty persona as he races around the state and
parts of Peninsular Malaysia to extoll the party’s moderate, multi-ethnic
approach.
He
seems set to retain parts of the Sabah east coast where his influence among the
Bajau and Suluk communities are undeniable, but the odds are even in all other
seats including Malay and KadazanDusun-Murut seats of Sepanggar, Kota Belud and
Penampang where his incumbents are considered popular.
If
the opposition can hold on to the seats it won in GE14, it will be considered a
win in this new climate. Warisan had won eight (one has quit and one has died
since), while GRS and BN currently hold eight and three respectively, PH holds
six and PartiBangsa Malaysia one.
Warisan
has a good chance of winning over urban constituents in Tawau, but Kota
Kinabalu and Sandakan’s ethnic Chinese majority may stick with the
tried-and-true DAP.
But
for Muslim and non-Muslim native seats which make up the other 22 seats in
Sabah, the trend is unclear. The many options, camps, and chaos make it
impossible to predict human behaviour, especially with the rural or young
first-time voters.
GTA,
the newest coalition in the running, has yet to prove it can make any kind of
impact.
But
taking into account BN’s established machinery and GRS’resources, no party has
proven to have the lead in what looks like a footrace to the finish line.
Source:MalayMail
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Sanusi
slams actor’s alleged remarks about harming ‘enemies of Islam’
Tsubasa
Nair
November
14, 2022
IPOH:
PAS election director Sanusi Md Nor has denounced a local actor’s remarks about
harming the “enemies of Islam” or “kafir harbi”.
The
actor, ZulHuzaimy, made the remarks while speaking at an event in Terengganu
earlier this month.
A
video of Zul’s remarks has gone viral, and social media users have questioned
PAS over the matter as the actor has been seen campaigning for the party.
Speaking
to reporters after an event here last night, Sanusi said Zul did not represent
PAS.
He
said only PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang and secretary-general Takiyuddin
Hassan could speak on behalf of the party, adding that he himself did not dare
do so.
“It’s
dangerous to be talking like that, you can be arrested,” Sanusi said when asked
to comment on Zul’s remarks.
Sanusi
pointed out that PAS has never perpetuated violence against anyone in the 32
years it ruled Kelantan, adding its citizens from all walks of life lived in
peace and harmony.
Source:FreeMalaysiaToday
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Our
future depends on stable, competent leadership, says Johari
Robin
Augustin
November
14, 2022
PETALING
JAYA: Titiwangsa candidate Johari Abdul Ghani believes political stability and
competence – not populist policies – are the key to getting Malaysia on the
path forward.
Johari,
a former second finance minister, said Malaysia needed development policies
that brought long lasting benefits rather than populist policies that provided
only instant satisfaction.
The
people must be prepared to pay the price of short-term pain for the reward of
long-term gain, he said.
Economic
growth would depend on foreign investment, and Malaysia must have a strong team
of credible, competent leaders to provide the kind of political stability
important to investors, he said.
“In
four years, we have changed prime ministers three times. That is not the right
signal to send,” he said in an interview with FMT.
“We
must have a team of leaders, we cannot just be centred on one person, it has to
be a team,” he said, pointing out that the best football teams in the world
were good because they functioned as a team.
Only
a strong team leading Malaysia could restore confidence in the country and
ensure that policies would provide long-term benefits.
Johari
said the country could not run away from having to introduce policies that are
necessary but which may be unpopular.
Avoiding
Sri Lanka’s collapse
“If
we only want to be popular, it will cause problems. I’ve seen what Sri Lanka
was like, 10 years before its economy collapsed. It was all about popular
policies and increased debt,” he said.
The
Covid-19 outbreak caused a collapse in Sri Lanka because they did not diversify
the economy.
“Look
at Malaysia now. Our total debt stood at RM686 billion after 61 years. But in
the past four years, we’ve added almost RM350 billion to that load of debt.”
He
said Malaysia was paying the price for the lack of stability in politics and
policy-making.
The
path to rebuilding the economy was through growth, through foreign investment,
rather than cash handouts to the people, which were not sustainable.
Review
education policy
A
good education policy was another factor in attracting investors, said Johari,
who has 25 years’ experience in the corporate world and has been in top
management of government companies.
Education
policies should be reviewed every five years so that the country could produce
the kind of graduates needed by the market. The government must also have a
greater understanding of the human resource requirements of big companies.
“We
keep churning out graduates. Everyone is chasing after A-grades, but A’s are
not relevant to industries and their needs,” he said.
He
said Malaysia was still ahead of Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines in
ranking on the global competitiveness index and still a preferred investment
destination
“But
Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines get more foreign investment than us.
There must be something wrong,” he said.
Malaysia
did not seem to attract the types of investments that matched the talent pool,
he said.
“It’s
not about us only wanting their (investors’) money, if we just want their money
then it’s not sustainable because it doesn’t benefit our people,” he said.
Local
boy making comeback
Johari,
58, the Federal Territories Umno chief, is seeking a fresh term as MP for
Titiwangsa which he represented from 2013 to 2018. His biggest challenger for
the seat is former federal territories minister Khalid Samad of Pakatan
Harapan, who was moved from Shah Alam to contest in Titiwangsa.
The
other candidates are Rosni Adam of Perikatan Nasional and Khairuddin Abu Hassan
of Pejuang.
However,
Johari believes he can provide better insight into the needs of Titiwangsa
residents, being a local boy born in Kampung Pandan, from a humble background
who was educated at the local schools.
Source:FreeMalaysiaToday
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Muhyiddin
says 'Father of MCO' label a badge of honour as it saved lives
By
YiswareePalansamy
13
Nov 2022
MUAR,
Nov 13 — Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said that the ‘Father of MCO’ label given to
him as a jibe is something he is proud of as the movement restriction order had
saved many lives from Covid-19.
Malaysiakini
reported the Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman responding to Opposition leader
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who had labelled him as such.
“Anwar
Ibrahim said I’m the ‘Father of MCO’ but he doesn’t realise that if during that
time I didn’t implement the MCO, many more lives would have been lost due to
Covid-19.
“In
Malaysia, 99 per cent of Covid-19 patients recovered and went home safely,
while the US recorded 1.6 million deaths.
“Anwar
went to the same university as I did, which is Universiti Malaya, but he said
36,000 deaths in Malaysia is the biggest figure in the world, even bigger than
1.6 million,” Muhyiddin reportedly said at a ceramah in Batu Pahat, yesterday.
He
told the crowd that Malaysia’s vaccine rollout was faster than other countries
in the region and his government had also offered aid to the masses at that
time, to ensure there was food on the table for the people when many economic
sectors were temporarily closed.
At
the programme, the Pagoh incumbent who is running for the seat again, also
trained his guns at the DAP, claiming that the party had demanded the
abolishment of the Sedition Act.
“It
was as though they wanted to abolish the royal institution, as well as the
special privileges for the Malays.
“This
was because the royal institution, national language, Islam and Malay special
privileges are among those safeguarded under the Sedition Act,” Muhyiddin
alleged.
Muhyiddin
reportedly said that the DAP was among the reasons why he brought PartiPribumi
Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) out of Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the ‘Sheraton Move’,
adding that he would rather be called a “traitor” than become one to the Malays
and Islam.
He
also claimed that Barisan Nasional (BN) may eventually work with PH after the
15th general election (GE15), as BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had
reportedly admitted that if the coalition is unable to form the federal
government by itself after GE15, it will cooperate with other political
parties.
Source:malaymail
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
PAS
banks on clean politics for big win in Terengganu, but race will be tight
Hazlin
Hassan
NOV
13, 2022
KUALA
TERENGGANU - A muted election campaign in Malaysia’s sleepy east coast state of
Terengganu belies a tight race between the two main contenders – Perikatan
Nasional (PN) and Barisan Nasional (BN).
PN
coalition partners Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) and PartiPribumi Bersatu
Malaysia hope to win all eight parliamentary seats in Terengganu in the Nov 19
General Election. PAS is contesting in seven seats while Bersatu is running in
one.
At
the 2018 General Election, PAS won six of the seats, with BN securing two.
“We
are very confident of winning all eight parliamentary seats,” Datuk Ahmad Amzad
Hashim, PAS’ incumbent MP for the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary seat, told The
Straits Times.
“Looking
at the people, especially in Kuala Terengganu, they are with Perikatan
Nasional. Last time, it was only PAS, but now we have Bersatu. We think we are
going to do better (this time),” said MrAmzad, who is also Malaysia’s caretaker
Deputy Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation.
First-time
voter Rohayu Muhammad, 24, said she will vote for PAS, a party which, in her
opinion, embodies clean politics. “The young people here will remain with green
(the colour of PAS’ party flag) because it is an Islamic party. I want an
honest, clean politician who does not steal money,” she told ST.
However,
a PAS insider told ST that while the party is on track to win all eight seats,
there are three wards where it needs to work harder to shore up support.
BN
said it is confident of winning three seats, including Besut where it is
fielding candidate Nawi Mohamad. Its incumbent MP Idris Jusoh has a strong
presence and can draw votes to BN linchpin party Umno, but will not be
contesting this time around.
Kemaman
is another seat that BN is confident of taking. It is fielding former
Terengganu menteribesar Ahmad Said, who is contesting for a parliamentary seat
for the first time, having previously been an Umno state assemblyman.
BN
also feels it has a good chance in Dungun with its candidate Norhisham Johari,
a religious teacher in his 40s and a political science graduate.
Tan
Sri Idris, who is also a former Terengganu menteribesar, said: “He is a
candidate of calibre, he is young, if we want to rejuvenate Umno. Ahmad Said is
well known in Kemaman. With these three, I feel that we can win in these three
parliamentary seats.”
Although
the PAS state government has decided not to hold its state elections until the
end of the monsoon season in 2023, some voters said they prefer to have BN
helming the state government as it is better at economic development.
Felda
settler Adnan Muhammad, 63, said: “BN is the best when it comes to development,
for Malaysians of all races.”
Other
rival parties are hoping to make inroads in the state, with opposition leader
Anwar Ibrahim of Pakatan Harapan (PH) making Terengganu part of his campaign
trail on Friday. He stopped by in Kuala Nerus and Dungun to speak to voters
there, despite PH getting mauled in the 2018 General Election in the state and
failing to win a single seat.
Former
premier Mahathir Mohamad’s PartiPejuang Tanah Air is also contesting in all
eight seats.
Terengganu
has 922,856 voters, 97 per cent of whom are Malay Muslims.
Analysts
say it may not be all smooth sailing for PAS.
Dr
Yusri Ibrahim, head of research at think-tank Ilham Centre, said: “I don’t see
an easy win for PAS in Terengganu. It is hard to predict, it is a very close
race.”
Source:StraitsTimes
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/muslims-india-ancestry-culture-motherland/d/128398
New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism