Saudi Cleric Raped and Murdered His Daughter, Five, Because He Doubted Her Virginity

Maldives ex-president Nasheed flees to Indian embassy to avoid arrest

Feb 13, 2013

MALE: Former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed took refuge in the Indian high commission in Male on Wednesday as police attempted to arrest him, risking fresh protests by his supporters who say he was overthrown in a coup last February.

Nasheed, the country's first democratically elected leader, was removed from office in contested circumstances and his supporters have frequently clashed with security forces in the Indian Ocean archipelago famous as a luxury tourist resort.

Riot police barricaded the street outside the high commission after Nasheed's arrival at noon, as his supporters began to gather in protest against his possible arrest.

"Mindful of my own security and stability in the Indian Ocean, I have taken refuge at the Indian high commission in Maldives," Nasheed wrote on his Twitter page.

A court ordered police to arrest Nasheed after he missed a February 10 court appearance in a case relating to accusations that he illegally detained a judge during the last days of his rule, a police spokesman said.

"We have received the order and we will be trying to carry it out in accordance with the Maldivian constitution and the order itself," spokesman Hassan Haneef added.

Police would wait outside the high commission, said Imad Masood, spokesman for the country's current president, Mohamed Waheed Hussain Manik. "If he doesn't come, then police will begin to talk to high commission officials," he added.

If found guilty in the court case, Nasheed could be barred from standing in a September 7 presidential poll. His party says the trial is an attempt to prevent him from contesting and has challenged the court's legitimacy.

Nasheed says he was forced from power at gunpoint after opposition protests and a police mutiny. A national commission last August said the toppling of his government was not a coup, a ruling that triggered several days of large demonstrations.

The Maldives, a sultanate for almost nine centuries before it became a British protectorate, held its first free elections in 2008. Nasheed defeated Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who was then Asia's longest-serving leader and accused of running the country as a dictator.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/Maldives-ex-president-Nasheed-flees-to-Indian-embassy-to-avoid-arrest/articleshow/18484678.cms

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Have taken refuge in Indian HC in Maldives, tweets Nasheed

February 13, 2013

Male, Maldives: Former Maldives president Mohammed Nasheed on Wednesday confirmed that he has taken refuge in the Indian High Commission in Male, after an arrest warrant was issued against him.

Outside the Indian Embassy in Maldives' capital, a huge posse of police stand guard outside to arrest him as soon as he comes out.

Earlier reports said that Nasheed was "seeking advice" in Indian High Commission and it was not clear if he had sought refuge, but Nasheed confirmed the report by tweeting, "Mindful of my own security and stability in the Indian Ocean, I have taken refuge at the Indian HC in Maldives."

Nasheed sought shelter after an arrest warrant was issued against him for not attending a court hearing - on Feb 10 - in connection with the detention of criminal court judge in January 2012, during his tenure as the president.

The Hulhumale’ Magistrate Court issued the summon after Nasheed failed to turn up at the previously scheduled trial hearing on February 10.

The former President was on an visit to India after being granted permission to depart the country by the court. Despite his permitted travel period expiring on February 9, Nasheed arrived back in Male on February 11, a local news website reported.

Nasheed’s appeal against the arrest warrant will come up for hearing later in the evening.

As the Indian High Commission is a designated diplomatic area, he cannot be arrested till the time he remains inside the complex.

According to Indian officials, the former Maldivian President had sought a meeting with Mulay at Indian High Commission, who flew back to Maldives early morning today from Delhi.

Meanwhile, Nasheed's party has condemned the arrest warrant, saying, “The MDP reiterates its belief that the arrest warrant and the charges against him are politically motivated and calls on the international community to remain vigilant and immediately intervene to ensure a free and fair trial for President Nasheed,” the party said.

MDP also said that police had intended to arrest Nasheed in secret in order to present him at his court hearing today, reported Minivan, a local news website.

Tens of policemen in full combat gear are standing guard outside the embassy even as hundreds of Nasheed’s supporters continue to converge outside the gates to extend him support.

Nasheed, who served as the fourth President of his country from 2008 to 2012, was ousted in February in a coup backed by Islamists and loyalists of former dictator Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

http://zeenews.india.com/news/world/former-maldives-prez-nasheed-takes-refuge-in-indian-embassy_828792.html

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NATO air raid kills 10 civilians: Afghan officials

 February 13, 2013

A NATO air strike killed 10 civilians, mostly women and children, in a raid on a Taliban hideout in a remote region of eastern Afghanistan, local officials said on Wednesday.

"Five children, four women and a man were killed in the raid," Kunar provincial governor, Sayed Fazulullah

Wahidi, told AFP. A spokesman for NATO forces said they were investigating the allegations.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/afghanistan/NATO-air-raid-kills-10-civilians-Afghan-officials/Article1-1010993.aspx

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Afghan Taliban dismiss reports of meeting with Fazlur Rehman

 February 13, 2013

ISLAMABAD: The Afghan Taliban on Wednesday dismissed media reports stating Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Fazlur Rehman met Taliban negotiators in Qatar.

Rehman was reported to be in Qatar to “encourage the negotiators to talk to the Afghan government.”

The group termed the reports incorrect.

“We want to make it categorically clear that the honourable head of the political office of the Islamic Emirate and any other member of the office in Qatar has neither met anyone nor any such meeting had been under consideration,” said the Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.

Full report at:

http://tribune.com.pk/story/506704/afghan-taliban-dismiss-reports-of-meeting-with-fazlur-rehman/

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Dozens injured in Bangladesh war crimes protest

February 12, 2013

DHAKA: Clashes rocked the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka’s main commercial district on Wednesday as police battled with protesters demanding a halt to the country’s war crimes trials.

At least a dozen people were injured by rubber bullets during the clashes, Dhaka Medical College emergency officer Robiul, who uses one name, told AFP.

Police and witnesses said the clashes at Motijheel commercial area, home to top banks, the main stock market and insurers, began after the supporters of Bangladesh’s largest religious  party Jamaat-i-Islami tried to hold marches.

Full report at:

http://dawn.com/2013/02/13/dozen-injured-in-bangladesh-war-crimes-protest/

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Trip to Pakistan: Nepal supports education, fights terrorism

February 12, 2013

After five years in operation, non-profit Marshall Direct Fund is now leading annual trips to visit schools and their operations in Pakistan. For this inaugural year, MDF is tying on an adventurous trek in neighbouring country, Nepal with local tour operator One World Trekking.

Despite what the headlines say, there are large portions of Pakistan that experience mostly peace and harmony. When founder of Marshall Direct Fund was asked to move to Pakistan by one of the parents of an MDF school student, the mother backed it up saying, “There’s so much violence in the US”.

Full report at:

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013\02\13\story_13-2-2013_pg7_18

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Afghan air force desperate for aircraft: Commander

February 13, 2013

KABUL: Afghanistan’s fledgling air force is more like a bicycle than a modern fighting machine, its commander has said, pleading for advanced aircraft to fight the Taliban as US-led Nato forces prepare to withdraw.

Air power is crucial in the rugged country where a poor road network is often mined by insurgents, and the Afghan government is pressing hard for the US to boost its air capability before it pulls out next year.

Full report at:

http://tribune.com.pk/story/506696/afghan-air-force-desperate-for-aircraft-commander/

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India

Muslim Guide Helps Jain Monks Get Their Ph.Ds

By Bharat Yagnik

 Feb 13, 2013

AHMEDABAD: NiranjanMuni (52) completed his thesis on 'Austerities in Jainism and Other Religions: A Comparative Study'. The doctoral degree however has deputy commission of commercial tax IntajMalek beaming, as he is now a proud guide under whose guidance two Jain monks completed their doctoral theses.

A year ago, Chintan Muni (45) completed his doctoral thesis on 'Bhavna Shata Treatise on 12 Reflections of Jainism by Shatavdhani Ratnachandraji Maharaj'.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Muslim-guide-helps-Jain-monks-get-their-PhDs/articleshow/18474097.cms

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Deoband Seminary Wants To Set Up English-Medium School

By Pervez Iqbal Siddiqui

 Feb 12, 2013

LUCKNOW: Leading centre for Islamic studies, Darul Uloom Deoband Waqf (DuDW) has sought the help of the Uttar Pradesh government in setting up an English-medium school in the state.

Often tagged as "conservative" for its "hardline" approach in religious education, the seminary's move is being seen as a significant attempt to strike a balance between religion and modern education.

In his letter addressed to SP national president Mulayam Singh Yadav and chief minister Akhilesh Yadav, DuDW deputy director Maulana Sufiyan Qasmi has demanded that the government should help the community in setting up a full-fledged English-medium school on a par with leading English-medium schools in the country. The letter was handed over to an SP leader from Saharanpur, Ashu Malik, on Monday night. Malik is expected to hand over the letter to his party president on February 14.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Deoband-seminary-wants-to-set-up-English-medium-school/articleshow/18468371.cms

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India sees Pakistani hand in North Korea’s nuclear test

ByIndrani Bagchi & Sachin Parashar

Feb 13, 2013

NEW DELHI: India on Tuesday officially protested against the third nuclear test by North Korea which it sees as evidence of a clandestine proliferation network from Pakistan. Indian sources stressed that if the test was found to have been conducted with enriched uranium, it would confirm Pakistani "proliferation linkages".

Criticizing North Korea for violating international commitments, New Delhi asked Pyongyang "to refrain from such actions which adversely impact on peace and stability in the region". Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-sees-Pakistani-hand-in-North-Koreas-nuclear-test/articleshow/18472552.cms

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Indian Embassy's 'Open House' in Riyadh welcomes workers

 13 February 2013

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh will hold an "Open House" for the members of the Indian community residing in the Kingdom on Thursday. During the open house, Indian workers will have the opportunity to meet Hamid Ali Rao, Indian ambassador, and other senior officers of the embassy, to discuss and seek solutions to their consular problems, labor-related issues or any other grievances.

Full report at:

http://www.arabnews.com/indian-embassys-open-house-welcomes-workers

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Omar Abdullah says no media gag, newspapers chose not to print

Feb 13 2013

Srinagar : As several media offices resumed functioning on Wednesday after a gap of four days, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said there was no ban imposed on publication of newspapers but the dailies had chosen not to print as curfew had made distribution impossible.

“There is NO ban on newspapers in Kashmir. Papers are choosing not to print because restrictions make delivery of newspapers impossible,” Omar wrote on micro-blogging site Twitter.

Full report at:

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/omar-abdullah-says-no-media-gag-newspapers-chose-not-to-print/1073587/

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Centre probing Yasin Malik’s alleged passport violations

NEW DELHI BUREAU

February 12, 2013

With right wing organisations training their guns on Jammu & Kashmir Liberation Front leader Yasin Malik for “attending a public meeting” in Islamabad to protest Afzal Guru’s execution, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Tuesday it would wait for a report from the departments concerned on whether he had violated the conditions on which he had been issued a short term passport.

Full report at:

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/centre-probing-yasin-maliks-alleged-passport-violations/article4407896.ece

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AMU students' union to confer life membership to Sonia Gandhi

Feb 13 2013

Aligarh : The Aligarh Muslim University Students' Union will confer its honorary life membership on Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

Making the announcement today, president of the AMUSU Shahzad Alam said they would extend a ceremonial welcome to the Congress president during her visit to the university on February 16 to deliver the convocation address at the 60th Annual Convocation of the institution.

Full report at:

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/amu-students-union-to-confer-life-membership-to-sonia-gandhi/1073573/

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Pardoned Punjab men return from UAE

 Feb 13 2013

Amritsar : 17 men — 16 from Punjab, one from Haryana — were convicted of murder

The 17 Indians who were convicted of murder in the United Arab Emirates but freed after a hotelier bought their pardon returned home Tuesday. The men — 16 from Punjab and one from Haryana — would reunite with their families at the Golden Temple.

Full report at:

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/pardoned-punjab-men-return-from-uae/1073327/

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18 Kashmiri students held in Dehradun for protesting

February 13, 2013

The police detained 18 Kashmiri students who held a protest march in Dehradun on Tuesday afternoon. No legal action was taken against them till late evening, as saffron brigade workers staged protests at the police station. 

The march had begun after namaz at the Parade ground in the heart of the city. The protesters were walking towards the Clock Tower, 500 m away, when the police intercepted them.

Full report at:

http://www.hindustantimes.com/IndiaSectionPage/uttarakhand/18-Kashmiri-students-held-in-Dehradun-for-protesting/Article1-1010845.aspx

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Indian fisherman escapes Pak jail

Feb 13 2013

Islamabad : An Indian fisherman has escaped from a jail in the southern Pakistani port city of Karachi, according to media reports on Tuesday.

The fisherman, identified by the media as Kishore, escaped while cleaning the main gate of Landhi Jail in Karachi on Monday.

Full report at:

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/indian-fisherman-escapes-pak-jail/1073367/

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Union Minister writes to PM, seeks help on central aid to J&K panchayat heads

 Feb 12 2013

New Delhi : At a time when fresh violence against J&K panchayat members have led many to resign, Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh has in writing sought the Prime Minister’s “guidance” on the state government demand for Rs 75-crore central assistance every year as remuneration for panchs and sarpanchs.

Ramesh’s letter dated January 2 follows a letter to him by J&K Minister for Rural Development, Panchayats, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affair Ali Mohammad Sagar in December 2011 demanding special assistance for panchayat members. He had said that there is lot of resentment among the members on account of non-payment.

Full report at:

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/ramesh-writes-to-pm-seeks-help-on-central-aid-to-j-k-panchayat-heads/1072882/

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Africa

Pope front-runner reached out to Muslims while in Vancouver

February 12, 2013

Nigerian Cardinal Francis Arinze is being ranked by bookmakers as one of the top three contenders to become the next pope, along with Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet. Now 80, Arinze visited Vancouver 12 years ago. He stressed the importance of inter-faith dialogue, particularly of maintaining relations with Muslims following 9/11.

Arinze was present at the Vatican on Feb. 11, 2013, when Pope Benedict XVI announced his retirement (in Latin). Arinze said Benedict’s decision to resign the papacy was a “surprise, like thunder that gives no notice that it’s coming.” As prefect emeritus of the Congregation for Divine Worship, the Nigerian cardinal said from the very first words of Pope Benedict’s statement he began to fear that it would mean the pope’s resignation.

Full report at:

http://blogs.vancouversun.com/2013/02/12/vatican-contender-reached-out-to-muslims-in-vancouver-visit/

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Troops defuse 600-kilo bomb in north Mali: French military

February 12, 2013

GAO: French troops on Wednesday defused a homemade bomb they said contained 600 kilos  of explosives in the centre of northern Mali’s largest city Gao, the target of several attacks by rebels in recent days.

The bomb, which was made of four metal barrels filled with explosives and connecting wires, was in the courtyard of an abandoned house, with heavy machine gun cartridges lying on the ground nearby and several smaller bombs inside the building, an AFP correspondent said.

http://dawn.com/2013/02/13/troops-defuse-600-kilo-bomb-in-north-mali-french-military/

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New Libyan media minister vows to defend press freedom

February 13, 2013

TRIPOLI — Yousef Mohamed Sharif, new Media Minister, has said that the press in Libya need have no fears from him or his ministry. Both, he stated, will uphold the right to free speech and the freedom and independence of the media.

Sharif’s nomination was approved by the General National Congress to head what is an entirely new ministry. There has been no media or information ministry since the revolution, largely because of the post-revolutionary view that the media should be free and unregulated.

Full report at:

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20130213153020

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Fears of 'catastrophic' violence in tense Mali

February 13, 2013

Mali risks descending into "catastrophic" violence, the UN rights chief has warned, after a string of attacks by Islamist rebels increased the pressure on French-led forces in the west African nation.

After four days of suicide bombings and guerrilla fighting in the northern city of Gao, fears of fresh attacks were high following a call from al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) for a holy war.

Full report at:

http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/africa/Fears-of-catastrophic-violence-in-tense-Mali/Article1-1010918.aspx

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Libya government wants to integrate ex-fighters

 12 February 2013

PARIS: Top Libyan and Western officials on Tuesday agreed on a plan to improve security following the 2011 ouster of Muammar Qaddafi, including tighter borders, disarming former fighters and training troops.

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius was joined for the talks by his Libyan counterpart Mohamed Abdulaziz and other top Libyan officials as well as the foreign ministers of Britain, Italy, Denmark, Turkey and Malta.

Full report at:

http://www.arabnews.com/libya-government-wants-integrate-ex-fighters

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Libya to close borders during revolution anniversary

Libya to close borders with Egypt, Tunisia in anticipation of nationwide protests, some of which demand a 'second revolution'

12 Feb 2013

Libya will close its borders with Egypt and Tunisia for four days from Thursday as it marks the second anniversary of the start of the revolution that ousted dictator Muammar Gaddafi, officials said.

Full report at:

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/64650/World/Region/Libya-to-close-borders-during-revolution-anniversa.aspx

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Mideast Asia

Occupation escalates its attacks in the Al-Aqsa Mosque

February 13, 2013

OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, (PIC)–The occupation bulldozers have recently demolished Islamic historic buildings and properties in order to build a synagogue and police and service stations.

This coincided with the recent escalation in extremist settlers’ attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque; through the daily raids in addition to the Israeli municipal authorities’ attempt to turn the courtyards of the mosque into public squares.

Full report at:

http://alhittin.com/2013/02/13/occupation-escalates-its-attacks-in-the-al-aqsa-mosque/

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Iran may allow UN to visit key military site

 13 February 2013

TEHRAN: Iran’s Foreign Ministry yesterday raised prospects that Tehran may allow inspectors from the UN nuclear agency to visit a military site where the country is suspected of conducting nuclear-related experiments.

A ministry spokesman said the upcoming talks with a delegation from the International Atomic Energy Agency could lead to a visit to the site — if a “deal” was struck with the Iranian side.

Full report at:

http://www.arabnews.com/iran-may-allow-un-visit-key-military-site

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Yemen failed to probe killing of protesters

12 February 2013

SANAA, Yemen: An international human rights group accused Yemen on Tuesday of failing to investigate the 2011 killing of 45 anti-government protesters during the uprising against former President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

Human Rights Watch said in a report that top former officials — including Saleh’s relatives, such as his nephew — should be held responsible for the slayings.

The New York-based group was referring to the March 18, 2011 incident, when the government unleashed security forces on the demonstrators in the capital, Sanaa.

Saleh stepped down last year, following yearlong protests against his rule.

Full report at:

http://www.arabnews.com/yemen-failed-probe-killing-protesters

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Iran offers to host Syrian govt-opposition talks

Tehran is ready to host negotiations between Al-Assad government and opposition members, diplomatic source says

 13 Feb 2013

The Iranian ambassador to Syria, Mohammad-Reza Raouf-Shibani, has expressed his country's willingness to host talks between the Al-Assad government and the Syrian opposition, state news agency MENA reported on Wednesday.

"Tehran is ready to host the talks if Syria’s national reconciliation minister, Ali Haidar, and the leader of the foreign-backed Syrian opposition coalition, Ahmed Moaz Al-Khatib, are ready to enter negotiations," Iran's Press TV quoted Raouf-Shibani as saying.

Full report at:

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/64689/World/Region/Iran-offers-to-host-Syrian-govtopposition-talks.aspx

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HRW says Israel violated laws of war in Gaza airstrikes

February 13, 2013

Associated Press

JERUSALEM –  A U.S.-based rights group says Israel violated laws of war in a series of airstrikes during an eight-day military operation last November against the Hamas militant group in the Gaza Strip.

Human Rights Watch says it counted 14 airstrikes in which there didn't appear to be a valid military target, and four others targeting militants, but which used disproportionate force.

Full report at:

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/02/13/human-rights-watch-says-israel-violated-laws-war-in-gaza-airstrikes-during/#ixzz2KmOvn7F9

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Pakistan

Pakistani Islamists protest against Valentine's Day

Feb 13 2013

Peshawar: Supporters of Pakistan's main religious party staged a noisy protest against Valentine's Day today, denouncing it as un-Islamic and calling for a "day of modesty" instead.

The student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami rallied outside the press club in the northwestern city of Peshawar, chanting slogans against Valentine's Day, saying it had "spread immodesty in the world".

Full report at:

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/pakistani-islamists-protest-against-valentines-day/1073503/

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India-Pakistan relations moving in right direction: Ashraf

February 12, 2013

Pakistan has taken a “leap forward” to improve ties with India and the bilateral relations are moving in the right direction, Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has said.

Ashraf made the remarks while speaking at a reception hosted by Pakistan’s High Commissioner Wajid Shamsul Hassan in honour of British parliamentarians at the House of Commons in London on Tuesday.

Full report at:

http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/indiapakistan-relations-moving-in-right-direction-ashraf/article4410931.ece

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For Pakistan, Benedict XVI was a bulwark of religious freedom and a source of guidance for the Church

02/12/2013

Islamabad (AsiaNews) - The announcement of Benedict XVI's resignation caught many by surprise, not only among leaders in the Pakistani Church, but also in government as well as influential moderate Muslim circles. Many, especially in the Muslim world, ask themselves how a pope can resign, what are the procedures of succession, hopeful that the new pontiff would continue the work of interfaith dialogue promoted by Benedict XVI. At the same time, both Christians and Muslims praised the "act of courage and honesty" by someone who is deeply respected in the Asian nation as well as around the world.

Full report at:

http://www.asianews.it/news-en/For-Pakistan,-Benedict-XVI-was-a-bulwark-of-religious-freedom-and-a-source-of-guidance-for-the-Church-27122.html

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Kamran Faisal was subjected to violence: Forensic report

February 13, 2013

LAHORE: The Punjab lab’s forensic report revealed that Kamran Faisal was subjected to violence before he died, Express News reported on Wednesday.

The report compiled by the forensic experts further stated that no intoxicant was found in his body.

Full report at:

http://tribune.com.pk/story/506691/kamran-faisal-was-subjected-to-violence-forensic-report/

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Zardari takes notice of 700 Pakistanis stranded in Saudi Arabia

 February 13, 2013

President Asif Ali Zardari took notice of 700 Pakistani workers stranded in Saudi Arabia because of an employment-fraud involving a Turkish construction company and its Saudi employees, Express News reported on Wednesday.

The Pakistani workers are trapped in the kingdom, deprived of their passports and not allowed to work.

Full report at:

http://tribune.com.pk/story/506697/zardari-takes-notice-of-700-pakistanis-stranded-in-saudi-arabia/

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SC’s decision political, not constitutional: Qadri

February 12, 2013

ISLAMABAD: Soon after the Supreme Court on Wednesday threw out Tahirul Qadri’s petition against the Election Commission on Wednesday, the Tehrik-i-Minhajul Quran (TMQ) chief accused the decision of being political rather than constitutional.

Qadri had filed a petition in the apex court calling for the reconstitution of the ECP due to procedural flaws in the appointments of the chief election commissioner and four ECP members. After grilling Qadri for two days on his dual nationality, the SC finally dismissed Qadri’s petition after deciding that he could not convince the bench on his eligibility to file the case.

Full report at:

http://dawn.com/2013/02/13/scs-decision-political-not-constitutional-qadri/

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Pakistani-Dutch Qaeda suspect battles extradition to US

February 12, 2013

THE HAGUE: Dutch-Pakistani al Qaeda suspect Sabir Khan launched a last-ditch bid on Tuesday to halt his extradition to the United States where he is accused of planning acts of terror, including a suicide attack on a US base in Afghanistan.

Netherlands Justice Minister Ivo Opstelten in December gave his final approval for the extradition of Khan, 26, but his lawyers argue that the US was complicit in his torture in Pakistan, where he was first arrested in 2010.

Full report at:

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013\02\13\story_13-2-2013_pg7_25

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Bail denied in Ahmadi literature case

 February 13, 2013

LAHORE: An additional district and sessions judge on Tuesday rejected an application for after-arrest bail by four men accused of publishing allegedly blasphemous books about the Ahmadi faith.

The judge remarked that the petitioners were found guilty in the investigation and that no previous enmity or grudge on the part of complainant or the police has been established.

Full report at:

http://tribune.com.pk/story/506497/civil-rights-bail-denied-in-ahmadi-literature-case/

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Europe

Russia says kills six militants in turbulent North Caucasus

February 13, 2013

MOSCOW — Russia said security forces had killed six militants on Tuesday in a raid on a forest hideout and a firefight at a house in the North Caucasus, a mainly Muslim region where the Kremlin is fighting an insurgency.

More than a decade after Moscow reasserted federal control over Chechnya following two separatist wars, it is still struggling to contain violence by insurgents seeking to carve out an Islamic state in Russia’s south.

Full report at:

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20130213153059

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Kyrgyzstan sentences former president, brother in absentia

February 12, 2013

BISHKEK: A Kyrgyz military court on Tuesday sentenced in absentia former president Kurmanbek Bakiyev to 24 years in prison and his brother Janysh to life over a murder of a powerful top official in 2009.

Kurmanbek Bakiyev, who was toppled in a bloody 2010 uprising fuelled by his family’s rampant corruption during a half decade in power, was convicted of abuse of power by the Bishkek military garrison court.

Full report at:

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013\02\13\story_13-2-2013_pg14_4

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‘Secret’ Mosque Case Agitates Stavropol, Goes Viral on Russian Internet

February 12, 2013

By: Paul Goble

Just as a fight in a bar in the Karelian city of Kondopoga in August 2006 helped power a dramatic rise in ethnic Russian activism against immigrants from the Caucasus (see EDM, November 6, 2006), so too local media reports in recent weeks that have gone viral on the Russian Internet about an equally obscure event in Stavropol appear likely to pour gasoline on that growing conflagration.

Full report at:

http://www.jamestown.org/single/?no_cache=1&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=40448&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=7&cHash=1369092fa22ca12cee366331a5df3523

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Syria death toll likely near 70,000, says UN rights chief

 Feb 13, 2013

UNITED NATIONS: The death toll in Syria is likely approaching 70,000 - up almost 10,000 from the start of the year - and civilians are paying the price for the UN Security Council's lack of action to end the conflict, the UN human rights chief said on Tuesday.

Navi Pillay, the UN high commissioner for human rights, repeated her call for the 15-member council to refer Syria to the International Criminal Court to send a message to both parties in the conflict that there will be consequences for their actions.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Syria-death-toll-likely-near-70000-says-UN-rights-chief/articleshow/18474930.cms

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Your enemy is our enemy says Cameron to Pakistan

February 13, 2013

LONDON: In an unusual show of warmth in his country’s relation with Pakistan, British Prime Minister David Cameron told his Pakistani counterpart on Monday, “your friends are our friends, and your enemies are our enemies.”

Speaking to journalists after a meeting at 10 Downing Street, Cameron also spoke about the rollercoaster relationship between Pakistan and India, saying “there was a need [for the two nations] to open up the market to harvest economic bonuses”.

Full report at:

http://tribune.com.pk/story/506592/rendezvous-at-10-downing-street-your-enemy-is-our-enemy-says-cameron/

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UN takes charity founder off Al-Qaeda list

 12 February 2013

GRANTS PASS, Oregon: A Saudi Arabian government official who started an Islamic charity in the state of Oregon has been taken off a United Nations list of people subject to sanctions for ties to Al-Qaeda but remains on a similar US list.

The UN Security Council committee monitoring sanctions against Al-Qaeda removed Soliman Al-Buthe, who now is a consultant to Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipalities, from the list Monday.

Full report at:

http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/un-takes-charity-founder-al-qaeda-list

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Russia still delivering air defence systems to Syria

Moscow continues to provide Damascus with military hardware, Russian official reveals

 13 Feb 2013

Russia is still delivering military hardware to the Syrian regime of President Bashar al-Assad including air defence systems, the head of Russia's arms export agency said Wednesday.

"We are continuing to fulfil our obligations on contracts for the delivery of military hardware," Rosoboronexport chief Anatoly Isaikin said quoted by the Interfax news agency. He said the deliveries included anti-missile air defence systems and repair equipment but not attack weapons or aircraft.

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/64683/World/Region/Russia-still-delivering-air-defence-systems-to-Syr.aspx

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North America

Obama was ready to 'rain hell' on Pakistan during bin Laden raid

ByChidanand Rajghatta

 Feb 13, 2013

WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama vetoed the idea of a Seal 6 team tasked with killing Osama bin Laden surrendering if surrounded by Pakistani troops. Instead, he planned to "rain hell" on the Pakistani military in such an eventuality, stirring new insights into the Abbottabad invasion that nailed the world's No.1 terrorist has revealed.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/No-surrender-Obama-was-ready-to-rain-hell-on-Pakistan-during-bin-Laden-raid/articleshow/18472050.cms

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Canada won’t ‘get into another Afghanistan,’ Baird says of Mali conflict

By Lee Berthiaume, Postmedia

February 12, 2013

OTTAWA — Conservative claims of pursuing a “principled foreign policy” came under fire Tuesday after Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird defended the Harper government’s refusal to do more in Mali.

Despite having previously expressed concerns about the threat of Islamic militants in the West African nation, Baird told the House of Commons’ foreign affairs committee the conflict in Mali is becoming an insurgency, and Canada won’t “get into another Afghanistan.”

Full report at:

http://www.canada.com/news/Canada+into+another+Afghanistan+Baird+says+Mali+conflict/7953828/story.html#ixzz2KlYkZ4ob

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Obama announces to withdraw 34,000 US troops from Afghanistan

Feb 13, 2013

WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama today announced to withdraw 34,000 American troops from war-torn Afghanistan in the next one year and showed confidence of ending a decade long war by the end of 2014.

"This spring, our forces will move into a support role, while Afghan security forces take the lead. Tonight, I can announce that over the next year, another 34,000 American troops will come home from Afghanistan," Obama said in his annual State of the Union Address to the Congress.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/Obama-announces-to-withdraw-34000-US-troops-from-Afghanistan/articleshow/18477213.cms

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Obama tells Iran it's time for a diplomatic solution

Feb 13, 2013

WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama told Iranian leaders on Tuesday it was time they ended a standoff over the country's nuclear program, just two weeks before fresh talks with world powers.

"The leaders of Iran must recognize that now is the time for a diplomatic solution, because a coalition stands united in demanding that they meet their obligations," Obama said in his State of the Union address.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/Obama-tells-Iran-its-time-for-a-diplomatic-solution/articleshow/18476769.cms

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Obama’s CIA nominee Brennan a Muslim

 12 February 2013

John Brennan, 57, may have converted to Islam between 1996 and 1999 when he was the CIA station chief in Riyadh, it was reported yesterday.

John Guandolo, who retired from the FBI in 2008, told the US Trento Radio Show on Saturday that there were indications that President Barack Obama’s CIA nominee converted to Islam and visited Makkah and Madinah during Haj along with Saudi officials, who may have induced Brennan to convert, reported Al Arabia.

Full report at:

http://www.arabnews.com/obama%E2%80%99s-cia-nominee-muslim

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Southeast Asia

Benedict XVI and his support for interfaith dialogue elicit respect among Indonesian Muslims

Mathias Hariyadi

02/12/2013

Jakarta (AsiaNews) - Indonesian Christians and Muslims are "struck" by Benedict XVI's resignation, showing "appreciation and deep respect" for the pope's courageous choice. As they wait for the conclave to get underway, they also express hope that Muslim-Christian rapprochement will continue. Over the years, the outgoing pope had "promoted and strengthened it". However, most people were probably affected by the pope's "deeply meditated decision" to give up power, by which he recognised that he could no longer be "of service to the Church" without the appropriate physical and mental vigour.

Full report at:

http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Benedict-XVI-and-his-support-for-interfaith-dialogue-elicit-respect-among-Indonesian-Muslims-27119.html

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Indonesia passes anti-terrorism funding bill

Indonesian parliament passes bill allowing authorities to freeze bank accounts of suspected militants in an attempt to combat terrorism

12 Feb 2013

Indonesia's parliament passed an anti-terrorism bill on Tuesday that allows authorities to freeze bank accounts and confiscate assets with suspected links to militant activity.

"This is an important key piece of legislation in (Indonesia's) efforts to combat terrorism," deputy speaker Priyo Budi Santoso said in a plenary session of the 550-seat house.

Full report at:

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/9/64615/World/International/Indonesia-passes-antiterrorism-funding-bill.aspx

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Thai military kills 19 militants who attacked base

Feb 13, 2013

PATTANI, THAILAND: Thai soldiers fending off a major assault on a military base in the country's violence-plagued south killed 19 insurgents, authorities said Wednesday. The death toll was believed to be the biggest inflicted on the Muslim guerrillas since more than 100 died in a single day nearly a decade ago.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/Thai-military-kills-19-militants-who-attacked-base/articleshow/18477238.cms

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Australia

‘Ban all Muslim men from flights’: A New Zealand politician

New Zealand politician condemned by PM Key for extreme remarks in newspaper column

 February 12, 2013

Wellington: A New Zealand politician has labelled young Muslim men a terrorist threat who should be banned from Western airlines, sparking condemnation from Prime Minister John Key on Tuesday.

Richard Prosser, of the New Zealand First party, also labelled Islam a "stone age religion" in a magazine column, claiming that most terrorists were "angry young Muslim men who hate the West".

Full report at:

http://gulfnews.com/news/world/other-world/ban-all-muslim-men-from-flights-1.1145340

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NZ lawmaker apologises for anti-Muslim rant

 February 13, 2013

A New Zealand politician offered a qualified apology Wednesday for saying young Muslim men were a terrorist threat who should be banned from flying on Western airlines.

After his remarks were condemned across the political spectrum, Richard Prosser of the New Zealand First party said he had failed to acknowledge the vast majority of Muslims were law-abiding and did not support extremism.

Full report at:

http://www.hindustantimes.com/worldsectionpage/world/NZ-lawmaker-apologises-for-anti-Muslim-rant/Article1-1010979.aspx

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Arab World

Saudi Religious Police Deny Intent to Close Flower Shops On Valentine Day

 February 13, 2013

The head of Saudi Arabia’s Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice [CPVPV], denied on Tuesday plans to close shops selling flowers during Valentine’s Day.

Sheikh Abdullatif al-Sheikh told the Saudi daily newspaper al-Jazirah: “This is not our specialty. It is the specialty of other parties. We reject what violates the book (Quran) and the Sunna (the Prophet’s teaching) and Saudi Arabia’s regulations.”

Full report at:

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20130213152999

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Kuwaiti court adjourns blasphemy appeal

Blasphemy charges faced by youths in Bahrain and Kuwait

By Habib Toumi Bureau chief

 February 12, 2013

Manama: Kuwait’s court of appeals has adjourned until March 11 the trial of a Kuwaiti blogger sentenced last year to 10 years in jail on charges of insulting Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).

Hamad Al Naqi reportedly used the Twitter micro blog to post remarks deemed offensive to the prophet, his companions Abu Baker, Omar and Othman, and his wife Ayesha.

Full report at:

http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/kuwait/kuwaiti-court-adjourns-blasphemy-appeal-1.1145379

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World must allow Syrians to 'defend themselves': Saudi foreign minister

Feb 12, 2013

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's foreign minister on Tuesday said the international community should allow Syrians to "defend themselves" against President Bashar al-Assad's regime if it is unable to intervene on their behalf.

"If the international community is not willing to do anything, then they must allow Syrians to defend themselves," Prince Saud al-Faisal told reporters. "The (Syrian) regime's savage aggression demands allowing the people to do so."

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/World-must-allow-Syrians-to-defend-themselves-Saudi-foreign-minister/articleshow/18466969.cms

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Corruption mars ‘beautiful’ Syria revolt: Rebel leader

 February 13, 2013

ATME, Syria — The real revolution in Syria is over, we have been betrayed,” laments a bitter Abu Mahmoud, a respected rebel leader, accusing fellow commanders of marring a “beautiful” revolt through corruption.

“Our beautiful revolution has been confiscated by thieves and corruptors,” Abu Mahmoud tells AFP as he struggles to hide his bitterness at the way the revolt against President Bashar Al-Assad’s regime is being fought these days.

Full report at:

http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20130213153021

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After Muslim rebels seize two priests in Aleppo, there are fears for their life

02/12/2013

Aleppo (AsiaNews) - A group of rebels close to Muslim extremists on Sunday abducted an Armenian Catholic priest, Fr Michael, as well as a yet unknown Orthodox clergyman. Both were working in Aleppo. Sources, anonymous for security reasons, told AsiaNews that the city's Christian community is very concerned about the attack. "Extremist violence is getting worse day by day. Muslim militias are killing anyone suspected of ties with the regime, including women and children. People in the neighbourhoods are comparing these days to the Ottoman conquest five centuries ago."

Full report at:

http://www.asianews.it/news-en/After-Muslim-rebels-seize-two-priests-in-Aleppo,-there-are-fears-for-their-life-27116.html

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Masked men attempt to storm luxury Cairo hotel

Feb 12, 2013

CAIRO: Dozens of masked men carrying wooden sticks and knives smashed the glass front of a luxury hotel in Cairo on Tuesday before fleeing, a security official said.

The scene caused panic in the Shepheard Hotel, close to Tahrir Square, and on the nearby Nile corniche where traffic was briefly disrupted.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Masked-men-attempt-to-storm-luxury-Cairo-hotel/articleshow/18467621.cms

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Egypt hands Israeli duo 2 years for illegal entry

13 February 2013

CAIRO: An Egyptian court has sentenced two Israelis to two years in prison for illegally entering the country, a judicial source said yesterday.

The court issued the verdict on Monday, the source said. Andrey Pshenichnikov, 24, and Ahmed Daif, 33, appear to have entered Egypt separately.

Full report at:

http://www.arabnews.com/egypt-hands-israeli-duo-2-years-illegal-entry

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HRW urges Saudi to free ex-judge

Human Rights Watch calls on Saudi Arabia to release Sulaiman Al-Rashudi, a 76-year-old former judge, who was jailed in 2011 for 'trying to establish a human rights organisation in Jeddah'

 13 Feb 2013

Human Rights Watch on Wednesday urged Saudi authorities to free an ex-judge and founder of a rights group who is serving a 15-year jail sentence for "breaking allegiance to the king."

Sulaiman Al-Rashudi, 76, was one of 16 people detained in 2007 and sentenced to jail in November 2011 "for peacefully trying to establish a human rights organisation in Jeddah" and "breaking allegiance to the king," HRW said.

Full report at:

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/64695/World/Region/HRW-urges-Saudi-to-free-exjudge.aspx

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Egyptian Nasserist defends controversial visit to Syria’s Al-Assad

Co-founder of Egyptian Nasserist Party, Farouq El-Eshri, defends meeting with Bashar Al-Assad, who he describes as 'the last line of defence for Pan-Arabism'

 13 Feb 2013

An Egyptian Nasserist Party (ENP) delegation has stirred controversy by visiting Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad.

“Our visit to Syria in support of Bashar Al-Assad came out of our genuine intention to back the resistance against American and Zionist plans in the region,” Farouq El-Eshri, co-founder of the ENP told Al-Ahram Arabic website.

Full report at:

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/64667/Egypt/Politics-/Egyptian-Nasserist-defends-controversial-visit-to-.aspx

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