Rotten Egg Attack by More Than 200 Muslims Marks Indonesia Christmas Celebration

Australia

•  Christmas Fatwa Angers Aussie Muslims

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

Photo: The congregations of the Yasmin Indonesian Christian Church (GKI) and the Filadelfia Batak Christian Protestant Church (HKBP) hold their Christmas service in front of the Presidential Palace in Central Jakarta.

URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/rotten-egg-attack-more-than/d/9806

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India

Another man, Tejram, a right-wing activist held in Mecca Masjid blast case

By Srinath Vudali

Dec 26, 2012

HYDERABAD: There were three persons and not two who reportedly planted bombs on the premises of the Mecca Masjid in 2007, which resulted in the death of nine persons. Rajender Chaudhary, an accused in the blast case and who was recently arrested in Ujjain, confessed this to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) sleuths following which the third person, one Tejram, a right-wing activist, was nabbed near Deepalpur court in Indore on Monday.

NIA sources told TOI that it has now become clear that 25-year-old Tejram, Rajender and the absconding Amit had planted bombs on Mecca Masjid premises in 2007. "It was found that Tejram, Rajender and Amit, all from Madhya Pradesh, follow the same ideology and are affiliated to a right-wing organisation. At this point of time, it is too early to disclose the organisation's name. These persons are active members of the organisation's Indore unit. All the three planted the bombs themselves at Mecca Masjid,'' a senior official said.

On Monday afternoon, two NIA officials went to a local court in Deepalpur, where Tejram was sighted. He was reportedly forced into a car and taken away by the NIA team. The worried family members of Tejram and locals, who were completely taken aback by the development, thought that he was abducted and lodged a missing complaint with the local police station. After several hours, the family members came to know that NIA had picked him up from the court premises.

Rajender is currently in the custody of NIA and the agency's investigators have been grilling him about his handlers besides finding out about those involved in the larger conspiracy, since blasts on Samjautha Express, Ajmer Dargah, Mecca Masjid and a few other places are interlinked.

It is learnt that Tejram might be produced before the Nampally criminal court on Wednesday, but officials are tight-lipped about the developments. Incidentally, all the key accused involved in planting the Mecca Masjid bombs turned out to be persons hailing from Madhya Pradesh, especially from places near Indore and Ujjain. NIA officials suspect that the absconding Amit might also be taking shelter in these two places.

"Investigation so far has revealed that they had undergone training at a jungle near Bagli (Dewas district) in Madhya Pradesh in 2006. After planting the bombs, they returned to Indore via Jaipur. It also came to light that Sandeep Dange, one of the accused named in the chargesheet, had played a crucial role in planning and dispatching the trio to Hyderabad,'' the NIA officials said.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Another-man-from-MP-held-in-Mecca-Masjid-blast-case/articleshow/17761734.cms

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JI India stresses women’s role for progress

December 26, 2012

GUJRAT - The Muslims have neglected women for 500 years or even more as they established colleges and universities only for males and women were debarred from getting education and taking part in socio-economic activities, said Maulana Muhammad Yusuf Islahi of Jamaat-e-Islami India.

Islahi, who is also a member of the Central Advisory Council and Chief Patron of Islamic Circle of North America and author of a many books, visited the University of Gujrat to deliver a lecture on “Human Welfare in Islamic Concept of Life”.

During the lecture, Islahi said “I visited America in 1979 and found only a few mosques. Now, there are about 300 mosques in the US and the educational institutions attached to these mosques are run mostly by women. Knowledge is the basis of Islam. Hazrat Adam (AS) was taught names of all the things that are the basis of languages and the foundation of knowledge. I am very pleased to visit the University of Gujrat and surprised to see its achievements in a short span of only 6 years under the leadership of Dr Muhammad Nizamuddin, the vice chancellor of UoG. I pray for its development and progress.”

The Jamaat leader said that in the Holy Quran, Allah Almighty taught the names of all the things to man which means knowledge is the most fundamental and significant source of human development. Secondly, for the dissemination and propagation of Islam, practice is of permanent importance. We have to build our character. Only character can change the world. We must follow our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The alpha and omega of our religious order is Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) whose practice is the best practice and he is the acme and climax of the humanity.”

The lecture was arranged by Islamic Department of the UoG. Dr Syed Ihsanullah, the JI Gujrat Ameer, along with Dr Muhammad Nawaz while Sheikh Abdul Rashid, the director of Media & Publications, graced the stage along with the chief guest and the speaker. Dr Tahir Aqeel, the UoG Registrar, presided over the function.

Dr Tahir in his address welcomed and thanked Maulana Islahi and appreciated the valuable ideas expressed by him. Dr Aqeel expressed his delight in welcoming the Maulana to the university and extolled the valuable services he was making in India and abroad especially in the US for the spread of Islam.

Sheikh Abdul Rashid, the director, highlighted the five basic pillars of Islam and the significance of human interaction, character-building and social service. At the concluding session, there was a question-answer session wherein the audience took keen interest and asked a many questions which were answered by the scholar.

http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/national/26-Dec-2012/ji-india-stresses-women-s-role-for-progress

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Polarization in Muslim dominated seats helped BJP in Gujarat

By Ajay Umat

Dec 26, 2012

AHMEDABAD: The ruling BJP had not fielded a single Muslim candidate yet it managed to win in 11 out of the 18 constituencies where Muslim voters are in substantial numbers and could have swung the results in the recently held assembly elections in Gujarat.

A detailed analysis of the data shows soft Hindutva was a factor and that there was polarization on communal lines in these constituencies. Muslims did not vote for BJP in significant numbers. Congress benefited more in these seats but eventually voting on communal pattern only went to work in favour of BJP.

In Gujarat, 66 assembly constituencies have Muslim population varying from 10% to over 60%. BJP won 40 of these seats, the Congress 25 and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) grabbed one. The percentage works out to 60% for BJP and 40% for Congress. When compared to the data for all 182 seats in the state, BJP got 63% and the Congress 34%. Here BJP is at a slight loss.

BJP claims that it had won in 24 constituencies which had more than 15% of Muslim voters, which was a gain of six seats over the 2007 elections. The Congress said it had polled more votes in the Muslim dominated constituencies, as evident from the data.

The Congress gave tickets to six Muslims but only two could win. In Jamalpur-Khadia constituency, which has 61.5% Muslims voters, there was a triangular contest involving two Muslim candidates. The Muslim votes got split here, giving BJP an additional seat in the process.

Vejalpur constituency has 90,000 Muslim voters, who are mainly concentrated in Juhapura and Sarkhej areas. Congress candidate Murtuza Khan Pathan lost from this constituency with a margin of over 40,000 votes. There was polarization on communal lines and he failed to get votes from other communities. This is in contrast to Javed Peerzada's performance in Wankaner who won capturing 39% of all votes polled. Interestingly, the percentage of Muslims in this constituency is just 23.

The percentage of Muslims in Bharuch is 38. However, Congress candidates here polled only 35.5%. BJP won this seat by polling 59.5% of the votes. This indicates that Muslims here had voted for BJP but only marginally. Amir Ali Lodhiya in Bhuj managed to get 39% of the votes though Muslims are just 24% of the population there. Yet he lost by a margin of 8,973 votes due to an independent candidate. The Congress could win Dani Limda and Dariapur seats due to non-division of Muslim votes.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Polarization-in-Muslim-dominated-seats-helped-BJP/articleshow/17763346.cms

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Two Indians found dead in Oman

December 26, 2012

Two Indians have been found dead in their room in an under-construction building in Yimti area, about 125 km from Oman's capital Muscat.

Sharon D’Souza (26), an engineer, and his uncle Lakaylet D’Souza (35) from Karnataka were found dead in an under-construction building in Yimti near Izki on Sunday.

“They might have died due to asphyxiation after inhaling some poisonous gas emitted from objects they had burnt to keep their room warm,” the Times of Oman reported quoting sources.

“One of their roommates who was in the same room is now battling for life in Nizwa hospital,” they added.

According to hospital sources, the man who is battling for his life has been identified as Deepak (24) from Uttar Pradesh and his condition is critical.

He has been found to have inhaled carbon monoxide. “He is on ventilator. Medics are trying their best to save his life,” the hospital sources added.

Sharon, his brother Sajith, Lakaylet and Deepak were staying in the same room of the building, where they were carrying out interior decoration work. All the four were working with a small company.

Sajith is under police custody as part of the investigation. Social Welfare Secretary with the Indian Social Club P.M. Jabir said, “As the company lacks money to repatriate the bodies to India, we have sought the help of the Indian embassy to airlift their bodies.”

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/two-indians-found-dead-in-oman/article4241013.ece

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Indian Jews from ‘lost tribe’ move to Israel

December 26, 2012

Dozens of Jews who claim to be the descendants of a lost biblical Jewish tribe have emigrated to Israel from their village in north-eastern India.

The Bnei Menashe say they are descended from Jews banished from ancient Israel to India in the eighth century B.C. An Israeli chief rabbi recognised them as a lost tribe in 2005 and

Full report at:

http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/indian-jews-from-lost-tribe-move-to-israel/article4238790.ece

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India vs Pakistan after cricket it’s time for a thaw

By K. Natwar Singh

December 26, 2012

Can Indo- Pak cricket bonhomie translate itself into goodwill across the border? It will happen in our lifetime, despite the Pakistani military establishment’s antipathy for India

HAVING been ambassador to Pakistan in the early 1980s, I am committed to having cordial good- neighbourly and friendly relations with Pakistan.

I also know that there are certain hurdles which have to be overcome before India- Pakistan relations can genuinely improve. At the same time, I take a realistic and not a sentimental view of our bilateral relations.

Full report at: Mail Today

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Pakistan

Pakistani Islamic body advises Govt not to abolish death penalty

REZAUL H LASKAR

25 DECEMBER 2012

An Islamic body that advises the Pakistan Government has said that any move to abolish the death penalty would go against Shariah or Islamic law.

The Council of Islamic Ideology has declared the abolition of the death penalty against Shariah and asked the Government to consult it before it tables any legislation on the issue in Parliament. The Council announced its decision after a meeting chaired by Maulana Mohammad Khan Sherani. Several prominent clerics and retired judges are members of the body.

Full report at:

 http://www.dailypioneer.com/world/118059-pakistani-islamic-body-advises-govt-not-to-abolish-death-penalty.html

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Former Jamaat-i-Islami chief wants local Taliban’s office in country

Dec. 26, 2012

NOWSHERA/BUNER, Dec 25: Former Jamaat-i-Islami chief Qazi Hussain Ahmad on Tuesday said Pakistani Taliban should be allowed to open an office in the country to clear their position on acts of terrorism.

Mr Qazi told reporters after a public meeting here that if the US could allow Afghan Taliban to set up an office in Qatar, then the Pakistan should give the same facility to local Taliban on its soil.

“In my personal opinion, Pakistani Taliban should have a proper office in the country as it will help the world learn about their stand on acts of terrorism taking place in Pakistan or abroad,” he said.

Full report at:

http://dawn.com/2012/12/26/qazi-wants-local-talibans-office-in-country/

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Pak revenue official made Osama pay Rs 50,000 bribe for Abbottabad House

Dec 26 2012

Islamabad: Even the world's most wanted terrorist could not escape the bribery dragnet. Osama bin Laden's safe-house in Pakistan's garrison city Abbottabad was built after paying a bribe of Rs 50,000 to a revenue official, a media report today said.

The bribe was paid to the 'patwari' so that bin Laden could construct the compound with a three-storey building, a 14-foot boundary wall and an iron fence, the Urdu daily Jang said in a report.

Details of the bribe emerged after Pakistani officials translated a diary that was purportedly kept by bin Laden.

Bin Laden, 54, was killed by US commandos during a raid on the compound, located a short distance from the Pakistan Military Academy, on May 2 last year.

Full report at:

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/pak-revenue-official-made-osama-pay-rs-50000-bribe/1050473/

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JI urges youth to help bring Islamic governance

December 26, 2012

ISLAMABAD: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) leaders regretted on Tuesday that an Islamic system of government was never installed in Pakistan despite such a system being ‘envisioned at the time of partition’.

Addressing a seminar titled ‘Quaid’s Pakistan and Youth’s Responsibilities’ organised by Shabab-e-Milli (SM), the youth wing of JI, religious scholars and leaders of the party urged the country’s youth to play a leading role in bringing Islamic governance to Pakistan.

“All revolutions that have occurred in the Muslim world recently have been led by youth. We hope Pakistani youth will play a similar role in bringing an Islamic revolution in this country,” said Professor Anees Ahmed.

Full report at:

http://tribune.com.pk/story/484393/shabab-e-milli-seminar-ji-urges-youth-to-help-bring-islamic-governance/

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Quaid was averse to religious extremism, says MQM

December 26, 2012

KARACHI – Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain has called for eradication of terrorism and extremism to transform Pakistan according to the principles of Father of the Nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

Altaf, in his message issued by the MQM on the birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam, said that Muhammad Ali Jinnah was averse to all forms of religious extremism and wanted to establish a system in the country based upon religious harmony and social justice.  He said that the Quaid-e-Azam foresaw a country in which every citizen, including the minorities, had equal rights. He said the MQM wanted to cleanse Pakistan of religious extremism and all forms of religious prejudices so that every citizen in the country could enjoyed equal rights. Full report at:

http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/national/26-Dec-2012/quaid-was-averse-to-religious-extremism-says-altaf

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Six killed over marriage feud in Swabi

By: Muqaddam Khan

December 26, 2012

SWABI - Six persons of a family, including four women and a child, were killed over a family dispute in the far-flung village of Sara Cheena on Tuesday, police said Tuesday.

The tragic incident occurred in the jurisdiction of Yar Hussain Police Station at night when their rival relatives barged into the house, taking the entire family hostage on gunpoint. “The incident occurred in Ghalu Kili (Darabu Baba) at Sara Cheena. They were hailing from Bajaur, and recently came to Sara Cheena while living on the land of a local landlord. Their house was located in the fields all alone and it seemed that the attackers came under a well planned strategy in the blanket of night, killing all members of the family,” said a police officer.

Full report at:

http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/national/26-Dec-2012/six-killed-over-marriage-feud-in-swabi

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Sunni leader targeted in Pakistan; 6 killed

December 26, 2012

Gunmen opened fire on a car carrying a senior figure from an extremist Muslim Sunni group in the Pakistani city of Karachi yesterday, killing four policemen and two other people, police said.

The target of the attack, Maulana Aurangzeb Farooqi, was hit in the leg by a bullet and needed hospital treatment but his injuries were not life-threatening, police said.

Karachi police chief Iqbal Mehmood confirmed the attack and casualties and said that initial investigations showed that the gunmen were on a motorcycle, and the policemen who were killed had been escorting Farooqi.

Full report at:

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=262683

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Sectarian attacks engulf Karachi

December 26, 2012

KARACHI - At least 21 people, including six companions of Maulana Orangzaib Farooqi, leader of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ), banned Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan’s new name) were gunned down in sectarian violence.The ASWJ announced strike for Wednesday against the attack on Maulana Farooqi and frequent incidents of sectarian killings across the city. ASWJ leader Maulana Taj Hanfi asked the business community and transporters to support the strike call against the worst law and order situation.Orangzeb Farooqi narrowly escaped the attack while six people, including his guard, driver and four policemen on guard duty, were killed at Gulshan Chowrangi, Moti Mahal, within the jurisdiction of Gulshan-e-Iqbal police station.Police said the victims were identified as police constables, Arshad Khan, Waheed Khan, Imran Qadir and Saleem, driver Abdur Rehman and private guard Abdul Wasi.Witnesses said the armed attackers on at least eight motorcycles and in a hi-roof van started firing as a pick-up and a police mobile on security duty for Farooqi reached Gulshan Chowrangi. The witnesses added gunmen showered bullets on the police mobile and Maulana’s vehicle. The drivers of both the vehicles tried to escape, but could not manage to run away and the vehicles were hit from two different directions at Moti Mehal. The assailants managed to flee when the police guard still alive resorted to retaliatory firing.

Full report at:

http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/national/26-Dec-2012/sectarian-attacks-engulf-karachi

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ANP chief urges parties to take clear stand against terrorism

Dec. 26, 2012

PESHAWAR: Chief of the Awami National Party (ANP), Asfandyar Wali Khan on Tuesday urged the nation to stand united against the menace of terrorism and militancy and adopt a zero tolerance towards all violations of the country’s sovereignty and integrity.

Addressing a press conference after chairing the ANP’s Consultative Committee meeting here, the ANP Chief reiterated the party’s stated position that extremism and terrorist violence were a threat to the very existence of the country and appealed to all political forces to take a clear stand on this issue.

He said ANP was fighting war against terrorism for existence of the country and all political Full report at:

http://dawn.com/2012/12/25/anp-chief-urges-parties-to-take-clear-stand-against-terrorism/

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Terror camps dismantled: Frontier Corps launches ‘operation’ in Awaran

By Mohammad Zafar

December 26, 2012

QUETTA: One Frontier Corps (FC) official was killed and two wounded during a search operation against militants in the Awaran district of Balochistan on Tuesday. According to the Baloch National Movement (BNM), this was “a planned, full-fledged operation in which houses of residents were set on fire.”

A press release issued by the FC said that terrorists associated with the banned Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) attacked an FC convoy near Mahi village on Monday and “martyred two FC personnel in the assault.” After this, the Frontier Corps obtained permission from the provincial government and took action by launching an operation in the area surrounding Mashkay. Consequently, many terrorists were killed and two of their camps were destroyed.

Full report at:

http://tribune.com.pk/story/484473/terror-camps-dismantled-frontier-corps-launches-operation-in-awaran/

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Nishan-i-Imtiaz conferred on Governor Ebad

Dec. 26, 2012

KARACHI: President Asif Ali Zardari decorated Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad with Nishan-i-Imtiaz, the highest civil award, at a simple ceremony held at the Governor’s House here on Tuesday.

The award is in recognition of Dr Ebad’s services in the field of public service as governor over the past 10 years.

Federal ministers Rehman Malik, Naveed Qamar and Dr Farooq Sattar, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Petroleum Dr Asim Hussain, Federal Ombudsman Salman Farooqui, provincial ministers Pir Mazharul Haq, Manzoor Wasan, Syed Murad Ali Shah and Syed Sardar Ahmad and Adviser to the Chief Minister Sharmila Farooqui attended the ceremony.

Full report at:

http://dawn.com/2012/12/26/nishan-i-imtiaz-conferred-on-governor-ebad/

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Benazir devotees miss a monument

Dec. 26, 2012

RAWALPINDI: Local PPP has bedecked Liaquat Bagh’s outer walls with party banners and posters to mark the fifth death anniversary of Benazir Bhutto but what die-hard PPP workers find missing is a monument to their slain leader.

Central leaders of the ruling party may face uneasy questions when they arrive to address a big rally planned on the occasion at the politically historic park on Thursday.

“Every anniversary we come a long way to Liaquat Bagh to pay tribute to our leader but where do we do that? There is no place to revere her,” observed Shakil Azmat, a PPP activist from Attock, surveying the poster-bedecked scene.

“All that, sorts of, marks the spot where she fell to assassins’ bullets is a dusty portrait of her put up by a worker,” he told Dawn.

Malik Mazhar, who used to energise party rallies with his slogan chanting, agreed with his angry party colleague from Attock. He said PPP’s failure to raise a monument to Benazir amounted “to washing away the memory of BB”.

“It hurts,” he added.

Full report at:

http://dawn.com/2012/12/26/benazir-devotees-miss-a-monument-2/

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Punjab CM urges for unity to devise joint anti-terror policy

December 26, 2012

PESHAWAR - Punjab Chief Minister, Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, has stressed need for devising a national policy for elimination of terrorism, saying that nation must be united for this cause so as to defeat the anti-state elements and foil their nefarious designs.

Talking to reporters after offering fateha for the departed soul of ANP senior minister Bashir Ahmad Bilour, he said the political leadership should demonstrate unity to formulate joint policy for rooting up terrorism and extremism from the country. The opposition leader in the National Assembly and PML-N central leader, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, also accompanied him.

He expressed grief and condolence with Federal Minister for Railways, Ghulam Ahmad Bilour, over assassination of his brother and ANP senior minister Bashir Ahmad Bilour, offered fateha for his departed soul.

The Punjab chief minister said that there was a dire need of the hour for the political leadership to get united and come up with a joint strategy for protection of the country. Paying glowing tributes the slain ANP senior minister, Bashir Bilour, he said the assassination of ANP leader for a noble cause, for which the entire nation are united and backed his sacrifice in this regard.

Full report at:

http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/national/26-Dec-2012/shahbaz-urges-for-unity-to-devise-joint-anti-terror-policy

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Hurriyat leader for talks over Kashmir

December 26, 2012

LAHORE – Terming Kashmir a flashpoint, All Parties Hurriyat Conference leader Prof Abdul Ghani Bhat has laid stress on meaningful negotiations as war would destroy peace of the region.

Talking to the media on visit to Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadith Office on Tuesday, he said the issue was relating to people and it could not be put in backburner for the sake of trade. MJAH Nazim-e-Ala Hafiz Abdul Karim was also present.

Full report at:

http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/lahore/26-Dec-2012/hurriyat-leader-for-talks-over-kashmir

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President, CM, others visit Mazar-e-Quaid

December 26, 2012

KARACHI – President Asif Ali Zardari, Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah on Tuesday visited the Quaid’s Mausoleum, the final resting place of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, in Karachi.They offered Fateha and laid floral wreaths at the grave of the founder of the country.Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah while talking to reporters urged the people to forge unity in their ranks to bring peace and stability in the country. He said that they should follow the footprints of Jinnah to make Pakistan strong and progressive. He said that all institutions should work under the ambits of the constitution

Full report at:

http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/karachi/26-Dec-2012/president-cm-others-visit-mazar-e-quaid

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Bilawal warmly greets Christians on Christmas

December 26, 2012

KARACHI – Pakistan People’s Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has extended a very happy Christmas to all the Christian community people, and those celebrating the feast around the world. He expressed hope that this Christmas would bring joy and peace to the country.The PPP Chairman, in his message on the Christmas, said,”I hope that Christmas would be enjoyable and may the essence of Christmas remains always with the people celebrating it with religious and traditional fervour”. He said that the PPP believed in the ideology of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. He again assured all the minorities, including Christian community, that the PPP would always follow the ideology of its forefathers to treat them equally in all spheres of life as the citizens of the country.

Full report at:

http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/karachi/26-Dec-2012/bilawal-warmly-greets-christians-on-christmas

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Malik Riaz likely to file case against Pak CJ son in Britain

25 DECEMBER 2012

Real estate tycoon Malik Riaz Hussain is likely to file a case in Britain against Pakistan Chief Justice Iftkhar Chaudhry’s son Arsalan Iftikhar over alleged payments and financial favours, the businessman’s lawyer has said.

 Full report at:

http://www.dailypioneer.com/world/118058-malik-riaz-likely-to-file-case-against-pak-cj-son-in-britain.html

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Syrian student turns a bombmaker for jihad fighters

26 December 2012

ALEPPO: “We don’t have rocket launchers, but I can make a bomb out of practically anything,” says a proud Abu Hudeifa, a university dropout turned member of a jihad group fighting in Aleppo, northern Syria.

“I connect two cables to the vehicle battery, and when they make contact ... boom!” says the 24-year-old, who confesses a deep hatred for President Bashar Assad, as he shows off an old Russian-made rocket mounted on a pickup truck.

Born in the town of Marea in Aleppo province, which has seen fierce fighting between rebels and regime forces for several months — Abu Hudeifa has joined the Al-Nusra Front, blacklisted by Washington as a “terrorist” group.

He, however, bears no anger toward the United States and the focus of his hatred is clear.

“I don’t hate the US or the West... I just want Assad to leave my country and to stop killing people. That’s why I joined Al-Nusra,” he tells AFP.

Not much is known about Sunni Al-Nusra Front except that it is a jihadist group with roots in Iraq and has claimed some of the deadliest attacks against Assad’s forces in the conflict roiling Syria.

Full report at:

http://www.arabnews.com/syrian-student-turns-bombmaker-fighters

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Egyptian President "to turn over powers" to Shura Council

Dec. 26, 2012

Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi is getting prepared to turn over his authorities to Shura Council following the referendum on constitution.

Egyptian presidency sources told AA on Tuesday that Morsi would deliver a speech soon, and announce that he was turning over his authorities to Shura Council, upper chamber of Parliament.

Full report at:

http://www.worldbulletin.net/?aType=haber&ArticleID=100781

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Egypt's Human Rights demands ban of campaigning in houses of worship

25 Dec 2012

The National Council of Human Rights recommends Egyptian election laws follow international standards, demanding that legislation be developed to ban election campaigning in all houses of worship as well as banning religious slogans in campaigns.

The NCHR announced their recommendations Tuesday, after making conclusions from monitoring the referendum on the constitution, which concluded on Saturday.

They also urged in their statement that adequate legal procedures be taken against the complaints and violations observed by monitors.

Monitoring rights for all non-governmental organisations be legislated for future polls was another recommendation.

Full report at:

http://www.arabnews.com/smart-schools-be-launched-all-regions

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Egypt constitution passes with 63.8 per cent

Dec. 26, 2012

CAIRO: The head of Egypt’s election commission says the new constitution has passed with a 63.8 per cent ”yes” vote in a referendum. 

According to official results announced Tuesday, 32.9 per cent of voters participated.

The announcement turns the Islamic parties-drafted charter into the country’s first constitution after the uprising that forced Hosni Mubarak out of office after nearly 30 years of authoritarian rule.

Full report at:

http://dawn.com/2012/12/25/egypt-constitution-passes-with-63-8-per-cent/

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Huge losses cause 284 Umrah service groups to quit market

26 December 2012

JEDDAH: A Haj and Umrah expert in the Kingdom said that 284 companies had to quit Umrah operations since the implementation of a regulation decree, with an approximate market value of SR 6.8 billion.

“The Umrah service companies that did not adhere to the new regulations suffered huge financial losses and eventually had to leave the market,” deputy chairman of Shaaer Tourism Promotion Company’s Board of Directors Ahmed Bafaqieh said in a statement.

Currently 48 Umrah service companies and establishments are operating in the country, he said.

Full report at:

http://www.arabnews.com/huge-losses-cause-284-umrah-service-groups-quit-market

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Qatar leads in promoting global interfaith dialogue

By JOMANA ABU-FARAH

DOHA QATAR is in the forefront of promoting global religious understanding and peaceful coexistence, according to a research study conducted by Asim Koldzo, a senior student at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Services in Qatar (SFSQ) The study highlights the motivations, trends and challenges of Qatar’s interfaith dialogue culture.

“The purpose behind the study is to gauge the effectiveness of Qatar’s interfaith initiatives and suggest best practices that could be applied in the country,” Asim explained.

The study, which was launched in February 2012, will run until early 2013.

Inspired by Qatar’s progress in respsect of religious freedom and interfaith dialogue, Asim said, “Given Qatar’s geographical location, economic importance and tremendous cultural diversity, the country has the potential and resources to become a prime player in interfaith dialogue in the coming years,” he added.

Full report at:

http://www.qatar-tribune.com/data/20121223/content.asp?section=nation1_2

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Disqualified Islamist presidential candidate to launch his party soon

25 Dec 2012

The official Facebook page of Hazem Salah Abu Ismail, the controversial Islamist preacher and former presidential candidate, announces that Abu Ismail started a set of meetings in several governorates to finalise steps to officially establish his political party.

The page also reveals that the party will soon declare its name, adding that it won't be what was rumoured and that they will announce it to the media. The page is also hinting that the new party will run in the upcoming parliamentary elections. News reports also reveal that Abu Ismail’s party will issue a newspaper and launch a TV channel in the early months of 2013.

Hazem Salah Abu Ismail’s new party will be the latest major Salafist Party to be declared in Egypt after the Salafist Call's Al Nour Party and the Salafist Front’s People Party.

Abu Ismail’s new party is expected by many observers to attract many Salafists from the main base, leaders and supporters of Al Nour Party, as well as from other Salafist and Salafist-leaning parties.

Full report at:

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/61270/Egypt/Politics-/Disqualified-Islamist-presidential-candidate-Abu-I.aspx

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Egypt's 'Bible-burner' asks Bassem Youssef to stop making fun of Islamists

25 Dec 2012

Islamist Abu Islam Abdullah told Ahram Online over the phone on Tuesday that he will stand fiercely against recently-renowned Egyptian satirist Bassem Youssef's attempts to insult Islamic sheikhs (preachers).

"I will use the same (satirical) methods he used when I respond to him. I wil make all people laugh at him" Abu Islam explained.

"I am not a preacher; I am a professional journalist and member of the journalists' syndicate since 20 years, so, I will be able to confront him" Abu Islam said.

On Sunday Abu Islam - also known as "the Bible-burner" – retorted with a sharp tongue on his conservative channel Al-Ummah (The Nation) demanding Youssef refrain from anti-Islamic talk in his TV programme Al Bernameg.

Full report at:

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/61273/Egypt/Politics-/Egypts-Bibleburner-asks-Bassem-Youssef-to-stop-mak.aspx

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Hezbollah congratulates Christians on holiday

December 26, 2012

BEIRUT: Hezbollah congratulated Christians in Lebanon and the world on the Christmas holiday.

“The teachings of Jesus Christ – which inspire every philanthropist – contradict what the region is witnessing in terms of injustice affecting our Christian brethren in Palestine and the region,” Hezbollah said in a statement published Tuesday.

A good example of this injustice, the statement said, was the ongoing “Zionist occupation of Jesus’ birthplace [Bethlehem] ... with the support of arrogant powers, particularly the United States.”

Full report at:

 http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Politics/2012/Dec-26/199836-hezbollah-congratulates-christians-on-holiday.ashx#ixzz2G8wmrpyQ

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Bethlehem celebrates first Christmas since UN recognition of Palestine

25 December 2012

Deep in the Grotto of the Nativity, where a 14-point silver star set into a marble slab marks the spot where Jesus is believed to have been born, the atmosphere of spiritual serenity seemed a world away from the swirling, and occasionally fractious, Christmas Eve crowds above.

Midnight mass at St Catherine's was the finale to a day of celebration and ceremony in Bethlehem, boosted this year by being the first Christmas since the United Nations recognised the state of Palestine last month and the Nativity church was named a world heritage site by the UN's cultural arm, Unesco, in June.

Full report at:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/25/bethlehem-christmas-un-recognition-palestine

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Azhar cleric slams Salafist allegation of constitution 'deal'

25 Dec 2012

A member of the office of Al-Azhar’s Grand Imam, Mohamed Mehanna, denounces claims by Salafist preacher Yasser El-Borhami that the Sunni institution made a deal with the constituent assembly members to pass the constitution article that immunise the Grand Imam from being deposed.

"Al-Azhar is bigger than these trivial matters," Mehanna, who is also a Shura Council MP, said to pan-Arab Al-Sharq Al-Awsat newspaper Tuesday, adding that those who make these allegations are "ill-intentioned."

Full report at:

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/61246/Egypt/Politics-/Azhar-cleric-slams-Salafist-allegation-of-constitu.aspx

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Muslim Brotherhood secretary-general slams ElBaradei’s constitution initiative

25 Dec 2012

Mahmoud Hussein, the Muslim Brotherhood secretary-general, dismissed Mohamed ElBaradei’s constitution initiative as unrealistic after the reform campaigner suggested that the newly-approved national charter be temporary.

In an interview with the BBC, Nobel peace prize laureate ElBaradei branded the constitution, which according to unofficial results was approved by 64% Egyptians, as illegitimate and likened it to “money laundering”.

Full report at:

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/61245/Egypt/Politics-/Muslim-Brotherhood-secretarygeneral-slams-ElBarade.aspx

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Egypt's Salafis to form joint party: report

Dec 25, 2012

A leading figure in the Salafi Dawah group said Monday that Emad Abdel Ghafour, head of the Salafi Nour Party, and the Salafi preacher Hazem Salah Abu Ismail agreed to form a new political alliance.

Al-Masry Al-Youm reported its sources from the party said, Sunday that Abdel Ghafour, spokespeople Yousry Hammad and Mohamed Nour and other party leaders plan to resign Tuesday.

Full report at:

http://www.worldbulletin.net/?aType=haber&ArticleID=100787

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Gulf states lash out at Iran, urge rapid Syria transition

December 26, 2012  

MANAMA  - The six Gulf states sharpened their tone against their neighbour Iran on Tuesday, demanding an immediate halt to its ‘interference’ in their internal affairs while urging a rapid political transition in its ally Syria.Concluding a two-day summit in Manama, the Gulf Cooperation Council members voiced support for Bahrain’s Sunni minority regime while lashing out at Tehran, which they accuse of fuelling an uprising in the host country last year.In a joint statement, the GCC countries said they “reject and denounce” Iran’s “continued interference” in their internal affairs.It added that Tehran must “immediately and completely stop these actions and policies that increase regional tension and threaten security and stability”.The six states - Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates - also condemned Iran’s “continued occupation of the three Emirati islands” of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb, which lie in the strategic Strait of Hormuz entrance to the Gulf.

Full report at:

http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/national/26-Dec-2012/gulf-states-lash-out-at-iran-urge-rapid-syria-transition

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Morocco busts Qaeda recruitment cell

December 26, 2012

RABAT (AFP) - Moroccan authorities said they had broken up a recruitment cell for Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb in the central Fez region, after announcing the discovery of a network last month. “The police, in coordination with the leadership of territorial surveillance, have dismantled a cell with six members, originating from the city of Fez,” the interior ministry said. The aim of the cell was to “enroll and recruit young Moroccans who have embraced jihadist ideas, in order to send them to camps of Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb in Algeria,” it added. Among those arrested was a “former prisoner detained under the anti-terrorism law,” who had been “extradited from Algeria after he attempted to join the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat.”

Full report at:

http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/international/26-Dec-2012/morocco-busts-qaeda-recruitment-cell

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Less custom duties on gold to boost GCC trade

26 December 2012

RIYADH: The reduction of customs duty on gold and jewelries would boost mutual trade and further expand commercial relations between member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a committee of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) said recently.

The committee also decided to offer financial support for studies on this topic, especially in the backdrop of the continuously spiraling price of the precious metal. Governments in the region, excepting the Kingdom, have imposed custom’s duty ranging around one percent on importers and exporters.

Full report at:

http://www.arabnews.com/less-customs-duties-gold-boost-gcc-trade-0

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Syrian fighters make more gains in north

BASSEM MROUE

26 December 2012

BEIRUT: Syrian rebels fully captured a northern town near the Turkish border on Tuesday after weeks of heavy fighting and attacked a regime air base in a neighboring province, activists said.

The air base is in Aleppo province, where opposition fighters have already captured three other large military bases in recent months. Rebels have also laid siege to the international airport in the city of Aleppo, Syria’s commercial capital, and launched an offensive on the police academy near the city.

With steady rebel gains across the north, President Bashar Assad’s regime is having increasing difficulty sending supplies by land to Aleppo province, especially after rebels cut a major thoroughfare from Damascus. It is just another sign that the opposition is consolidating its grip across large swathes of territory in northern Syria near the Turkish border.

Full report at:

http://www.arabnews.com/syrian-fighters-make-more-gains-north

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Americans return artifacts to SCTA

26 December 2012

JEDDAH: Seven American citizens have returned a number of valuable Saudi artifacts, which they possessed for decades. They found the antiques while living in the Kingdom with their parents who were Aramco employees.

Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, honored the US citizens during the opening of “Saudi Archeological Masterpieces” exhibition at the Smithsonian Museum recently.

Full report at:

http://www.arabnews.com/americans-return-artifacts-scta

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SR 5 bn Makkah compensation delayed

26 December 2012

JEDDAH: Experts estimate the cost of expropriated endowments in Makkah for government development projects in the last three years at SR 60 billion, of which SR 5 billion is delayed because of related procedures.

Abdulaziz Al-Khudairi, deputy governor of Makkah Province, met Saturday with the custodians of endowments whose compensation payments have been delayed and agreed to convene a workshop to discuss the issue, obstructions and solutions in two weeks.

Full report at:

http://www.arabnews.com/sr-5-bn-makkah-compensation-delayed

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Tehran ‘defeated’ cyber attack on industrial sites

26 December 2012

DUBAI: An Internet virus attacked computers at industrial sites in southern Iran, in an apparent extension of a covert cyber war that initially targeted the country’s nuclear facilities, an Iranian official said.

Iran, the world’s No. 5 oil exporter, has tightened online security since its uranium enrichment centrifuges were hit in 2010 by the Stuxnet computer worm, which Tehran believes was planted by arch-adversaries Israel or the United States.

The unit tasked with fighting cyber attacks, the Passive Defense Organization, said a virus had infected several sites in Hormozgan province in recent months but was neutralized.

Full report at:

http://www.arabnews.com/tehran-%E2%80%98defeated%E2%80%99-cyber-attack-industrial-sites

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Egypt court frees Mubarak-era senate chief on bail

25 December 2012

CAIRO: An Egyptian court on Tuesday freed the former senate leader under ousted president Hosni Mubarak on bail, after spending the maximum permitted 18 months in jail awaiting his corruption trial, the official MENA news agency reported.

Safwat Al-Sherif, one of the top-ranking members of Mubarak’s National Democrat Party, was allowed out on payment of the equivalent of $8,100.

Full report at:

http://www.arabnews.com/egypt-court-frees-mubarak-era-senate-chief-bail

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Islamists tighten grip on Egypt's Shura Council

25 Dec 2012

The Islamist-dominated upper house of parliament (Shura Council) is due to hold two procedural meetings on Wednesday in preparation for a new parliamentary season after assuming legislative power for the first time in 32 years.

The Shura Council, which was protected from dissolution by a controversial presidential decree last month, will have the legislative authority until a new lower house of parliament is elected within two months after 64% of Egyptians approved the new constitution, according to unofficial results.

The Council was set up by late president Anwar El-Sadat in1980 as a consultative body. It also had control over state-owned press organisations.

Full report at:

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/61266/Egypt/Politics-/Islamists-tighten-grip-on-Egypts-Shura-Council.aspx

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Syria rebels storm strategic border town

25 Dec 2012 1

Syrian rebels fully captured a northern town near the Turkish border after weeks of siege and heavy fighting, activists have said.

Tuesday’s takeover of Harem, a town of 20,000 in northern Idlib province, was the latest in a string of recent rebel successes that include the capture of wide areas along the border with Turkey.

Most of those areas have been in northern Aleppo province, where anti-government forces have captured at least three large military bases.

Mohammed Kanaan, an Idlib-based activist, said the last post to be taken was the historic

Full report at:

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/12/2012122514403541461.html

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Human rights offices soon at Dubai airports

26 December 2012

Round-the-clock human rights offices will be set up at all Dubai airports next year to clamp down on human trafficking and other exploitation, according to officials.

Mohammed Al Murr, Director of the General Department of Human Rights of Dubai Police, said the human rights offices would be opened to intervene instantly in case of any occurrence of any humanitarian cases. He said the directive, which had come from Dubai Police Commander-in-Chief Lt-Gen Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, required the Dubai Police’s human rights department to open offices at all Dubai airports, which would operate 24X7 to oversee passengers coming into the country, especially women, and detect contradictory information regarding age or kin relationship between family members.

Full report at:

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/kt-article-display-1.asp?xfile=data/nationgeneral/2012/December/nationgeneral_December446.xml&section=nationgeneral

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Forget Cruise, Emirati has better designs on Burj Khalifa

Sajila Saseendran

26 December 2012

The world has seen the real life French Spiderman Alain Robert scaling the Burj Khalifa and Tom Cruise sitting atop the spiral of the world’s tallest building during cut footage from Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol.

Now Emirati Saeed Al Memari, the first UAE national to have climbed Mount Everest — twice over, at that, in 2011 and 2012 — is set to do both daring acts in one go. And then, for good measure, he will jump off the top of the Burj to mark the New Year.

Full report at:

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/kt-article-display-1.asp?xfile=data/todayevent/2012/December/todayevent_December28.xml&section=todayevent

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Iraq agrees to extend oil pipeline through Jordan

December 25, 2012

Amman: Iraq and Jordan agreed on Monday to extend an oil pipeline to the Red Sea city of Aqaba for the export of Iraqi crude, Prime Minister Nuri Al Maliki said after a rare visit to Amman, as Jordan faces an energy-related budget crisis.

“It was agreed to extend an oil pipeline across Jordan to Aqaba to export Iraqi oil and satisfy Jordan’s crude requirements,” the Iraqi premier told journalists, saying this would “end the transportation of oil using tankers.”

The new pipeline would be capable of pumping one million barrels per day, Jordan’s official news agency Petra said.

Jordanian Prime Minister Abdullah Al Nsur, who met with Maliki, praised the deal, saying “we need each other, and Jordan is important for Iraq’s trade and the export of its oil.”

Full report at:

http://gulfnews.com/news/region/iraq/iraq-agrees-to-extend-oil-pipeline-through-jordan-1.1123608

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Assad inner circle takes hard line in Syria conflict

December 26, 2012

NICOSIA: The Syrian vice president's criticism of leader Bashar al-Assad has highlighted the cracks in the regime's highest ranks, pitting supporters of compromise against the president's hardline inner circle.

Assad's closest aides believe the regime should keep fighting and that they can still win a war against rebels which has left more than 44,000 dead in almost two years.

"Power has become increasingly concentrated in the hands of just a few people in Assad's clan, which has grown autistic and seems to have chosen to just keep going," Paris-based expert Karim Bitar told AFP.

Assad's circle includes his brother Maher, 44, who heads the army's elite Fourth Division and his wife Asma, an analyst told AFP on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject.

Full report at:

 http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2012/Dec-26/199833-assad-inner-circle-takes-hard-line-in-syria-conflict.ashx#ixzz2G8xkcPMi

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Mideast Asia

Yemen army, tribesmen clash kills 17

December 26, 2012  

SANAA  - Yemen’s army Tuesday launched an offensive against tribesmen suspected of repeatedly sabotaging an oil pipeline in east Yemen, sparking clashes which left 17 people dead, tribal sources said. The dead included 10 tribesmen and seven soldiers, said the sources, who added that the army offensive in Marib province’s Habab valley, 140 kilometres (87 miles) east of the capital Sanaa, was launched in the early hours of the morning and was backed by air raids. The sources said the army was “randomly shelling” the area where some Al-Qaeda militants joined tribesmen ranks in battling Yemeni troops. Marib is a major Al-Qaeda stronghold in the country.

Full report at:

http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/international/26-Dec-2012/yemen-army-tribesmen-clash-kills-17

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Israel establishes first university in occupied West Bank

 25 Dec 2012

Israel upgraded a college in a West Bank Jewish settlement to a university on Monday, reflecting a determination to keep control of the enclave in any peace deal with the Palestinians.

The decision gives the Ariel campus, established in 1982 near the city of Nablus, the same status as universities inside Israel. It comes after Israel announced plans to expand other settlements on occupied land, drawing protest from European governments and the United States.

Full report at:

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/61269/World/Region/Israel-establishes-first-university-in-occupied-We.aspx

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Netanyahu launches re-election bid centred on Iran

December 26, 2012

JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday put Iran at the top of on his re-election campaign, pledging that halting Tehran's nuclear programme would be his first priority as premier.

"Who do (Israeli voters) think is the most suitable candidate to deal with the Iranian threat? With the missile threat? With the threat of terror?" he asked supporters in Jerusalem in a speech at the official launch of his campaign for January 22 polls.

"We still have a lot ahead of us," he said. "First and foremost we must stop Iran's nuclear programme, and the time for that is slipping away ... That is my first mission as prime minister."

Israel and Western powers accuse Iran of seeking to acquire a weapons capability under the guise of its nuclear energy programme. Iran denies the charge, saying its work is for peaceful purposes only.

Full report at:

 http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2012/Dec-26/199834-netanyahu-launches-re-election-bid-centred-on-iran.ashx#ixzz2G8xdVdIp

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Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement's leader takes Ottoman sultan as example

Dec 25, 2012

Ramadan Abdullah Shalah, leader of Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement, said that he took Fatih Sultan Mehmet, one of the Ottoman sultans also known as Mehmet the Conqueror, as an example to himself. Shalah told AA that Fatih Sultan Mehmet was one of the Islamic heroes he took himself as an example.

Noting that he had a column in a newspaper which had been published in Gaza in the past, Shalah said that his alias had been "Fatih Sultan Mehmet" while he was writing articles in the column.

Full report at:

http://www.worldbulletin.net/?ArticleID=100786&aType=haber

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Turkish Minister says his meeting in 2001 was bugged

25 December 2012

Justice Minister Sadullah Ergin has said that a meeting he hosted in 2001 when he served as the provincial chairman of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) in Hatay was bugged.

“The fight against wiretapping is growing harder as technology keeps improving. But the executive and judicial branches are in a serious and decisive struggle [against wiretapping]. … We are all human, and naturally concerned with being the target of wiretapping activities. A meeting of mine in 2001 was also bugged,” the minister said on a televised program on Tuesday.

Full report at:

http://www.worldbulletin.net/?aType=haber&ArticleID=100803

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GCC states slam Iran interference in region

26 Dec 2012

The six Gulf states have sharpened their tone against their neighbour Iran, demanding an immediate halt to its "interference" in their internal affairs while urging action to halt mass killings and violations of international law in Syria.

Concluding a two-day summit in Manama, the Gulf Cooperation Council members voiced support for Bahrain while lashing out at Tehran, which they accuse of fueling a Shia-led uprising in the host country last year.

"The council expressed its rejection and condemnation of the continuing Iranian interference in the affairs of the Gulf Cooperation Council's states and called on Iran to stop these policies," a joint statement issued at the end of the summit said on Tuesday.

The council said they "reject and denounce" Iran's "continued interference" in their internal affairs that increase regional tension and threaten security and stability.

The six states - Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates - also condemned Iran's "continued occupation of the three Emirati islands" of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb, which lie in the strategic Strait of Hormuz entrance to the Gulf.

Full report at:

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/12/20121225233041666942.html

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Israel to build 942 more settler homes

 26 Dec 2012

Israel has advanced the process of building 942 more settler homes in East Jerusalem under a new fast-track plan to tighten its grip on the territory, which the Palestinians seek to have as the capital of Palestine.

A government planning committee on Monday moved the project to the advanced stage of asking contractors to submit bids to build them, the Interior Ministry said on Tuesday.

Once a bid is awarded, construction can begin on the project in the Gilo area, though it can take months, if not longer, to reach that point.

An additional 300 units can be built after further planning, said attorney Daniel Seidemann, an expert on Jerusalem construction who sees the building as an obstacle to peacemaking. About 40,000 Israelis live in Gilo.

Full report at:

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/12/201212261352029713.html

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Iran rejects interference accusations

December 26, 2012

TEHRAN: Iran on Wednesday rejected as "baseless" allegations by Gulf Arab states that Tehran is interfering in their internal affairs, the official IRNA news agency reported.

"Shifting the regional states' responsibility in regards to their domestic problems is to escape realities on the ground," foreign ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast was quoted as saying.

His comments came a day after the six Gulf Cooperation Council states -- Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates-- in a joint statement, said they "reject and denounce" Iran's "continued interference" in their internal affairs.

Full report at:

http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-81229-Iran-rejects-interference-accusations

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Africa

Nigerian gunmen kill six at Christmas church service

December 26, 2012  

KANO (AFP) - Gunmen attacked a church in northern Nigeria during a midnight mass on Christmas Eve, killing six people including the pastor, before setting the building ablaze, residents and police said Tuesday.“A group of gunmen came into the village at midnight and went straight to the church,” said Usman Mansir, a resident of Peri village near Potiskum, the economic capital of Yobe state.“They opened fire on them, killing the pastor and five worshippers. They then set fire to the church,” he added, specifying that a branch of the Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA) was targetted.

Full report at:

http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/international/26-Dec-2012/nigerian-gunmen-kill-six-at-christmas-church-service

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Central African rebels seize another town: military

26 December 2012

Rebels waging an offensive in the Central African Republic seized another major town Tuesday, a military source said, bringing them a step closer to the nation’s capital.

The rebel coalition known as Seleka, an alliance of three groups, reached Kaga-Bandoro, the fourth regional capital they have captured during their offensive that began on December 10.

While one of the rebel leaders has said they do not want to march on the capital, the fighters have nevertheless made a rapid advance south and west towards the capital, meeting little resistance from government troops.

Full report at:

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/kt-article-display-1.asp?xfile=/data/international/2012/December/international_December1000.xml&section=international

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Major violence by Nigeria's Boko Haram: A history

24 Dec 2012

Reuters looks at Boko Haram and some of the major attacks it has carried out especially against Christians and places of worship:

* Boko Haram became active in 2003 and carried out its first attack in 2004. It has its heartland in the far northeastern corner of Nigeria around Maiduguri. In the Hausa language, Boko Haram means "Western education is sinful." It is loosely modelled on the Afghan Taliban and its followers wear long beards and red or black headscarves.

* Boko Haram is fighting to impose Islamic, or sharia, law on Nigeria, whose population of 160 million people is split evenly between Christians and Muslims. At least 2,800 people have died in fighting in the largely Muslim north since the sect launched an uprising against the government in 2009, watchdog group Human Rights Watch says. Its most lethal attack killed at least 186 people in Kano in January 2012 in coordinated bombings and shootings.

* Boko Haram has repeatedly struck churches during services, carrying out attacks at Christmas and Easter which have killed scores of people. An attack on St. Theresa's Catholic church in Madalla on Abuja's outskirts during a packed Christmas mass in 2011, was the deadliest of a series of Christmas attacks on Nigerian churches and other targets by the sect. At least 37 people were killed. Last Easter Sunday an attempted bombing at a church compound in northern Kaduna during a service went wrong and the bomb exploded by a large group of motorbike taxi riders, killing at least 36 people.

Full report at:

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/9/61217/World/International/Major-violence-by-Nigerias-Boko-Haram-A-history.aspx

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South Asia

Three Afghans killed in suicide attack on US base

Dec. 26, 2012

KABUL: A suicide car bombing hit a US-run base in eastern Afghanistan on Wednesday, killing at least three Afghans and wounding seven others, officials said.

Afghan interior ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said the attack was a suicide car bombing and happened near the entrance of Forward Operating Base Chapman in Khost.

“Three Afghan nationals are killed and seven Afghan nationals are wounded.

Full report at:

http://dawn.com/2012/12/26/three-afghans-killed-in-suicide-attack-on-us-base/

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UNGA voices concern for Myanmar’s Muslims

December 26, 2012  

UNITED NATIONS  - The UN General Assembly expressed serious concern on Monday over violence between Rohingya Muslims and Buddhists in Myanmar and called upon its government to address reports of human rights abuses by some authorities.The 193-nation General Assembly approved by consensus a non-binding resolution, which Myanmar said last month contained a “litany of sweeping allegations, accuracies of which have yet to be verified.” Full report at:

http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/national/26-Dec-2012/unga-voices-concern-for-myanmar-s-muslims

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No polls sans CG: Khaleda at Gabtoli

December 26, 2012

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia on Wednesday reiterated that no parliamentary elections will be allowed to be held without the caretaker government system.

"We do not have any objection about the completion of government's tenure, but it has to pass the caretaker government bill in the Parliament," Khaleda said.

Khaleda was speaking at Gabtoli, the first venue of her five roadside rallies scheduled for today.

Full report at:

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/latest_news.php?nid=43471

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Nation united for war crimes trial except BNP-Jamaat

December 26, 2012

The whole nation, except the BNP-Jamaat people, is united for completion of the war crimes trial, Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury said yesterday.

She said the people would not spare those who were trying to foil the trial, guided by Pakistan's intelligence agency, ISI.

Matia alleged that the BNP was calling protest programmes to save the war criminals rather than to restore the caretaker government system and asserted that this government would finish the trial and execute the verdicts within its tenure.

The minister said this while addressing a discussion organised by Bangladesh Krishak League in the capital's Suhrawardy Udyan.

Full report at:

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=262624

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56 Jamaat-Shibir, BNP men held in 3 districts

December 26, 2012

Law enforcers arrested 56 activists of BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir in Naogaon, Noakhali and Lalmonirhat districts yesterday and the day before.

Our Chapainawabganj correspondent reported that police arrested 33 activists of Shibir, including its upazila unit president and secretary, at Baghapara in Manda upazila of Naogaon district yesterday.

Abdullahel Baky, officer in-charge of Manda Police Station, said law enforcers arrested the Shibir men apprehending that they might conduct subversive activities.

Acting on a tip-off, they raided the house of a local Jamaat activist Abul Hossain and arrested the Shibir men, including Sirajul Islam and Sohel Rana, president and secretary of Manda upazila unit, the OC said.

Full report at:

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=262632

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17 Bangladeshis back home from Indian jail

December 26, 2012

After languishing in Indian jail for three years, 17 Bangladeshis returned home Monday evening through Burimari land port under Patgram upazila of the district.

The Changrabandha Immigration police of Cooch Behar district in Pashchimbanga handed them over to Burimari immigration police at around 7:00pm.

They hail from Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Nilphamari and Rangpur districts, BGB sources said.

Burimari BGB Camp Commander Subedar Jabiul Islam said they all are labourers and crossed the border three years ago in search of work.

Full report at:

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=262634

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Karzai govt opposes dialogue outside Afghanistan

By Tahir Khan

December 26, 2012

ISLAMABAD: Days after the Taliban interacted with their nemesis in Paris for the first time to discuss a political solution to the post-2014 Afghanistan, the Afghan government has decided to oppose any Afghan peace talks and agreements outside the country.

The stance of President Hamid Karzai’s administration is likely to cast a shadow over a proposed conference in Turkmenistan that is likely to be attended by the Taliban.

The Turkmen president had planned to host the representatives of the Taliban and their opponents with the help of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in two months.

Full report at:

http://tribune.com.pk/story/484471/peace-talks-with-taliban-karzai-govt-opposes-dialogue-outside-afghanistan/

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Southeast Asia

Rotten Egg Attack by More Than 200 Muslims Mars Indonesia Christmas Celebration

December 26, 2012  

BEKASI, Indonesia  - More than 200 Indonesian Muslims threw rotten eggs at Christians wanting to hold a Christmas mass near land outside Jakarta where they plan to build a church, police and a witness said.Some 100 Christian worshippers intended to hold a mass near empty land where they hope to build a church, about 30-kilometre (18 miles) east of the capital, in a project barred by district government and community members in 2009.Since then, worshippers from the Filadelfia Batak Christian Protestant have held Sunday services under scorching sun outside the property.On Tuesday, however, local community members blocked the road near the land, Andri Ananta, a local police chief on Jakarta's outskirts, told AFP.

Full report at:

http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/national/26-Dec-2012/rotten-egg-attack-mars-indonesia-christmas-celebration

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GKI Yasmin, Filadelfia churches: Another Christmas of persecution

December 26 2012

Members of two Christian congregations whose churches have been forcibly closed down by local governments held a Christmas service in front of the Presidential Palace in Central Jakarta on Tuesday.

Rev. Palti Panjaitan of the Filadelfia Batak Christian Protestant Church (HKBP) in Bekasi, West Java, said that his congregation held the service in front of the palace because hard-line locals blocked the way to their half-built church.

Since Christmas Eve, Panjaitan said, locals had prevented some 150 members of his church Full report at:

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2012/12/26/gki-yasmin-filadelfia-churches-another-christmas-persecution.html

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Indonesian Christians Celebrate Christmas in Peace

December 25, 2012

Jakarta/Makassar. A heavy police presence at churches across the capital helped ensure that Christians in Jakarta were able to celebrate Christmas Eve mass and Christmas Day prayers in peace.

Police deployed 10 to 75 personnel each to churches throughout the city, and 100 each to the Jakarta Cathedral and Immanuel Church, the city’s biggest Catholic and Protestant houses of worship.

Sr. Comr. Rikwanto, a spokesman for the city police, said the security measures also included thorough sweeps at these two places and 15 other large churches, in anticipation of possible bomb threats.

Full report at:

http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/indonesian-christians-celebrate-christmas-in-peace/563598

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8 dead in Christmas Day fires, riot in Philippines

December 26 2012,

Angry residents beat a man to death and threw rocks at firefighters after a shantytown fire left thousands of people homeless, and another Christmas Day blaze in the Philippine capital left seven people dead, officials said Wednesday.

A resident was beaten to death by his neighbors after shouting that he started Tuesday's shantytown fire in suburban San Juan city, Senior Fire Officer Domingo Cabog said.

The man was reportedly drunk and was not responsible for the fire. Cabog said the fire started in a house where children were playing with lighted candles.

Full report at:

 http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2012/12/26/8-dead-christmas-day-fires-riot-philippines.html-0

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Greater Jakarta: City to erect 15 stages for New Year’s Eve

December 26 2012

JAKARTA: The Jakarta administration says that it will construct at least 15 performance stages for New Year’s Eve in the city to avoid centralized crowds that could cause gridlock.

Jakarta Transportation Agency head Udar Pristono said on Tuesday that the stages would be built along Jl. Merdeka Selatan up to the Semanggi clover-leaf bridge on Jl. Sudirman in Central Jakarta. “The fast lane on the roads will be closed starting from 6 p.m

Full report at:

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2012/12/26/greater-jakarta-city-erect-15-stages-new-year-s-eve.html

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300 Rogue Police Officers in Indonesia Dismissed in 2012

Farouk Arnaz

December 26, 2012

The National Police cut some 300 rogue police officers from its ranks in 2012 as part of an effort to curb corruption in the department. 

The reportedly corrupt cops ran the gamut of titles and divisions, from former Traffic Corps. Chief Insp. Gen. Djoko Susilo to the average trooper, Comr. Gen. Nanan Soekarna said.

This year's numbers were similar to last year's where about 300 police officers were cut from the force amid corruption allegations.

Full report at:

http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/home/300-rogue-police-officers-dismissed-in-2012/563649

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North America

Future terrorists to come from various religions: report

Dec. 26, 2012

WASHINGTON: An official US report warns that future terrorists could come from many different religions, including Christianity and Hinduism.

“Right-wing and left-wing ideological groups — some of the oldest users of terrorist tactics — also will pose threats,” the report adds.

But it hopes that the withdrawal of US forces from Iraq and a reduced military presence in Afghanistan will also decrease the terrorists’ ability to use America for stirring up Muslim anger.

“The Future of Terrorism” is part of a larger report that studies global trends between now and 2030. The report was partially released earlier this month but the complete version has now been placed on the US State Department’s website.

“The impending withdrawal of US forces from Iraq and decreases in US forces in Afghanistan will help to reduce the extent to which terrorists can draw on the United States as a lightning rod for anger,” says the report prepared by US intelligence agencies for American policymakers.

Full report at:

http://dawn.com/2012/12/26/future-terrorists-to-come-from-various-religions-report/

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Europe

Kazakhstan military plane crashes, killing 27

25 December 2012

MOSCOW: Kazakhstan’s acting border service chief was among 27 people killed in a military plane crash Tuesday near a southern city, another blow to the agency after he was appointed in June to deal with the aftermath of a mass killing involving a conscript.

The Russian-made An-72 crashed at 1255 GMT (7:55 a.m. EST) about 20 kilometers (12 miles) away from the city of Shymkent near the border with Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan’s Committee for National Security said in a statement.

Full report at:

http://www.arabnews.com/kazakhstan-military-plane-crashes-killing-27

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Australia

Christmas Fatwa Angers Aussie Muslims

OnIslam & News Agencies

Sunday, 23 December 2012 10:26

Muslim leaders were quick to denounce the post as damaging the true image of Islam.

SYDNEY – A new anti-Christmas message posted by Sydney's main mosque has angered Australia Muslims who denounced it for sending a wrong message about Islam’s support for peace, co-operation, respect and holding others in esteem.

"When I saw it I was quite shocked ... It just gives people the wrong impression," Keysar Trad, spokesman of the Islamic Friendship Association, told Australia Associated Press on Sunday, December 23.

Full report at:

http://www.onislam.net/english/news/asia-pacific/460535-christmas-fatwa-angers-aussie-muslims.html

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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/rotten-egg-attack-more-than/d/9806