Saudi website editor could face death for apostasy: Rights group
New Age Islam News Bureau
23 Dec 2012
India
• Muslims of Gospand Mandal in Kurnool are ion trouble
• Four Muslim youths arrested from Akbar Bagh
• BJP paid Gujarat Muslims not to vote: Digvijaya Singh
• Six teachers, 33 students hospitalised after inhaling acid fumes
• Journalist killed in police firing during bandh
• Violence erupts at India Gate, protesters teargassed
• Gujarat malnutrition rate worse than Somalia: Katju
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Pakistan
• Lashkar Tayyaba mole opens anew window on 26/11 attacks
• Blast in Karachi injures seven
• Kashmiris be included in Indo-Pak dialogue: Mirwaiz
• Arrangements finalized for Qadri’s rally
• Anees Ahmed removed from MQM body
• Bashir Bilour assassinated
• Drone hits began as we sheltered terrorists: Dr Qadri
• Qadri working on foreign agenda, says TTP
• 3 militants killed in Swat clash
• Peace force attacked in Sui
• Pakistan protests Afghans’ torture on its 29 nationals
• No concessions: Seminaries, hostels in DHA to be shut down
• Age-old conflict: APHC urges trilateral talks on Kashmir issue
• Bashir Bilour assassinated: Secretary, 7 others die in blast
• The coming drone attack on America
• Lawmen be love-men: CM
• Mosque sealed on dispute over Imam’s appointment
• Asserting power in Wana: Mullah Nazeer group ‘bans’ cellphone cameras
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Arab World
• Christmas and non-Muslim family ties
• Egypt''s vice president Mahmoud Mekki resigns
• Egypt constitution approved in vote
• Syrian civil war at stalemate, Assad won’t go: Russia
• Bombing kills four, wounds 11 in Iraq
• Syria chemical weapons are secure, says Israel
• Syria Islamists threaten Christians with attack
• Kuwait liberals blast calls to ban Christmas
• Saudi Shura to debate new private sector benefits
• 200 Assad soldiers guarding Damascus airport defect
• KSA divorce rate considerably fell in recent years
• 6 die in Jubail plant explosion
• Rector of Naif Arab University gets French award
• Egypt’s vice president quits amid crisis
• Egyptian judges undermine the hunt for Mubarak's fortune: Judicial official
• Iraq without key mediator as new crisis looms
• Saudi website editor could face death for apostasy: Rights group
• Egyptians approve first post-uprising constitution
• President Morsi announces names of appointed Shura Council members
• Syrian conflict escalates into civil war
• Mohammed honours pioneer teachers and students of Al Ahmadiyah school
• Different hues of a camel’s beauty at Al Dhafra fest
• DoT in Abu Dhabi launches New Website
• Emiratis told to skip travel to Lebanon
• As Charter Passes, Egyptians Face New Fights
• Saudi factory fire kills 6 workers
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Mideast Asia
• CIA chief unhappy with movie on Osama bin Laden hunt
• Israel’s settlement push kills two-state solution
• Iran says Nato missiles harm Turkey security
• Al-Qaeda suspects in Yemen kidnap three foreigners
• Israel says Syria chemical weapons are secure for now
• Iran fighting 'smart economic war': Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
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Africa
• Tunisia auctions of Ben Ali treasures
• S.Sudan must punish those who downed UN helicopte: Russia
• Tunisia Islamists stone hotel hosting opposition meeting
• Tunisia PM kicks off auction of Ben Ali treasures
• Car bomb kills 5 in Damascus
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South Asia
• Taliban call for new constitution in Afghanistan
• Afghan officials torture Pakistani labourers
• Taliban call for new Afghanistan constitution
• US hails talks between Kabul, Taliban
• Taliban call for new Afghanistan constitution
• Karzai blames foreigners for corruption
• Spanish PM on unannounced Afghan visit
• Bishwajit murder: 3 confess to killing: Bangladesh
• Arguments in Azad case starts
• Journos on token hunger strike
• Change lies on Hasina, Khaleda
• Bangladeshi held in India
• Mahbubul Alam Chowdhury
• Fire destroys market in Afghanistan
• Taliban Hint at Softer Line in Talks With Afghan Leaders
• Fire destroys market in Afghan capital
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Southeast Asia
• Terrorist suspect nabbed in Donggala
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North America
• Canada Muslims spread goodwill
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
Photo: In this file photo, Saudi women are seen outside a labor office in Madina. While he number of women getting employment continues to rise, the divorce rate in the kingdom is getting down.
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India
Muslims of Gospand Mandal in Kurnool are ion trouble
23 December 2012
Hyderabad: Muslim residents of Jillella Village in Gospand Mandal of Kurnool District are facing troubles. A Muslim gunman had opened fire a week back on the mob, which attacked him. Three villagers were killed in that incident. After this incident, the local villagers are forcing the Muslims to leave the village. One person’s beard was forcibly shaved.
A delegation of the Muslims of that village met Mr. Zahid Ali Khan, Editor of Siasat yesterday under the leadership of Mr. Mohamemd Farooq Ali Khan, Advocate. Mr. Zahid Ali Khan spoke to Mr. S.A Huda, Additional D.G.P. and requested him to get the details of the incident.
It was reported that the trouble started when the Muslims asked them to shift cowshed from mosque area.
Local Muslims approached Wakf Tribunal and got the orders in heir favour. The judge of Wakf Tribunal passed orders for shifting Gowshala from the premises of the mosque. The local residents approached High Court and obtained stay order on the judgment of Wakf Tribunal. The lock of the Gowshala was opened and animals continued to be kept in it.
Last Sunday, an announcement was made that animals would be kept in Gowahsla. The worshippers who were returning from mosque were assaulted and the house adjacent to mosque was set ablaze. The miscreants went to Mr. Abdul Ghanin’s residence saying that police is coming to the village because of him. They tried to set his house on fire. The matter was brought to the notice of the police. The Muslims of the villagers told Mr. Zahid Ali Khan that they are threatening them to vacate the village.
http://www.siasat.com/english/news/muslims-gospand-mandal-kurnool-are-ion-trouble
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Four Muslim youths arrested from Akbar Bagh
23 December 2012
Hyderabad: Police has started its routine activities soon after the law and order situation in the city became normal. In the name of videography and on the basis of information furnished by police informers, it started arresting the youths. Police is avoiding informing about the arrests immediately to the family members of the arrested persons.
In a similar incident, police arrested Mohammed Aleem, Imran, Irfan and Shaik Fawad from Akbar Bagh area yesterday. It is alleged that they were involved in pelting stones at petrol bunk on 19th November. Police was trying to shift these youths to an unknown place for interrogation. Meanwhile, Mr. Amjadullah Khan Khalid, Municipal Corporator of Azampura Municipal Division reached Madannapet Police station. He protested the attitude of the police and demanded the Govt. to release them.
http://www.siasat.com/english/news/four-muslim-youths-arrested-akbar-bagh
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BJP paid Gujarat Muslims not to vote: Digvijaya Singh
22 December 2012
New Delhi: After Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's hat-trick in the state assembly elections, Congress general secretary Digvijaya Singh Saturday accused the BJP of paying Rs.500 to each Muslim in the state to stop them from voting.
"This has been the BJP's strategy for the last 15-20 years. The BJP cadre and candidates fan out in Muslim-majority constituencies and enforce a lower voter turnout by buying them off. They blatantly distribute cash among the Muslim population and take away their voter ID cards, thus keeping them away from polling booths," Singh told news channel Headlines Today in an interview.
"If you see the voting pattern in Muslim-dominated areas, the turnout is never more than 25-30 percent. Voters are bought over for as less as Rs.500. This is not a wild allegation. I have evidence and am saying it with full responsibility," said Singh.
According to Singh, the BJP swept 12 of the 19 constituencies in Gujarat where Muslims are in majority.
He said Modi's apology for the 2002 communal riots in the state in January had nothing to do with the poll results.
"In some areas, there was polarisation of votes and in most areas, the BJP unleashed its strategy to gag Muslims by forcing a low turnout by paying them off. This is BJP's pogrom not only in Gujarat but all over India. I have proof and there are statistics to back my claim," said Singh.
Responding to a query if battle lines for 2014 were already being drawn for a clash between Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi and Modi, Singh said: "Modi's influence is limited to Gujarat but Rahul has an overarching appeal across the nation. The two cannot be compared. Rahul Gandhi will not project himself as the prime ministerial candidate. Elections will be fought under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi. If we win, the party's parliamentary board will decide on the prime ministerial candidate."
"The BJP is stuffed with prime ministerial aspirants who do not even have a constituency. L.K. Advani contests from Gujarat, Arun Jaitley and (BJP president) Nitin Gadkari have never fought elections and Sushma Swaraj is always on the hunt for a safe seat. Modi is the only leader rooted to the ground. And he's ahead in the race as the prime ministerial candidate," Singh said.
http://www.siasat.com/english/news/bjp-paid-gujarat-muslims-not-vote-digvijaya-singh-0
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Six teachers, 33 students hospitalised after inhaling acid fumes
December 23, 2012
Thirty-three students and six teachers were hospitalised after inhaling acid fumes emanating from a mosque where workers were cleaning toilets, in Musheerabad on Friday.
All of them were admitted to the Fever and Gandhi Hospitals at Nallakunta and Musheerabad respectively and discharged by evening. Workers cleaning toilets in Kareemia mosque in Bholakpur sprinkled acid in excess leading to the fumes entering the classroom of ninth standard section ‘A’ of the abutting Anjuman High School.
“The classroom windows were open. Suffocated by the strong fumes, some students started vomiting while others complained of giddiness and burning sensation in the eyes,” Musheerabad Inspector Shyamsunder said. The building of the government-aided school for girls also accommodates a junior college for girls. A lady teacher in the classroom fell unconscious after inhaling the fumes even while she was ensuring that the students vacated the classroom. On learning this, students and teachers of other classes rushed inside only to be affected by the pungent fumes.
The local police rushed to the school and shifted the students and teachers to the two hospitals. Mayor Mohd. Majid Hussain and GHMC Commissioner M.T. Krishna Babu visited the school. Police did not register any case but details of the incident were entered in the police station’s general diary.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/andhra-pradesh/six-teachers-33-students-hospitalised-after-inhaling-acid-fumes/article4226807.ece
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Journalist killed in police firing during bandh
December 23, 2012
A journalist was killed in police firing on the second day of the indefinite strike in Manipur called by a film body demanding the arrest of a Naga militant for allegedly molesting a film actor.
Nanao Singh (29) was killed this afternoon when the police opened fire at Thangmeiband area in Imphal West district at supporters of the general strike who torched a police vehicle and obstructed the plying of public and security vehicles, official sources said.
Mr. Singh, a reporter of the newspaper ‘Prime News’ was hit by a bullet on his chest. He succumbed to his injury at a hospital.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/journalist-killed-in-police-firing-during-bandh/article4231909.ece?homepage=true
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Violence erupts at India Gate, protesters teargassed
December 23, 201
In a surprise move, Congress president Sonia Gandhi had came out of her residence and met protesters on Saturday night. According to a protester, Ms. Gandhi told them "I am with you. I can’t tell when the justice will be delivered, but surely it will be. We will do something."
Violence erupted at India Gate on Sunday when protesters pelted stones and fought a pitched battles using rods with the police which repeatedly lobbed teargas shells, resorted to use of water jets and used force to disperse the agitators.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/violence-erupts-at-india-gate-protesters-teargassed/article4231465.ece?homepage=true
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Gujarat malnutrition rate worse than Somalia: Katju
December 23, 2012
The Press Council of India chairman Markendya Katju on Sunday lashed out against Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi and heaped praise on Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Citing figures, the Press Council chairman said Gujarat's malnutrition rate was higher than that of poor countries like Somalia. Katju described the so-called development in Gujarat as "phoney", since it had failed to help the common man in any way.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Bhopal/Gujarat-malnutrition-rate-worse-than-Somalia-Katju/Article1-979792.aspx
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Pakistan
Lashkar Tayyaba mole opens a new window on 26/11 attacks
Amir Mir
December 23, 2012
Islamabad: Contrary to Rehman Malik’s recent claim that Abu Jundal, the trainer of the 26/11 Mumbai attackers was an Indian intelligence agent, the Indian authorities had informed their Pakistani counterparts several months ago that Jundal has confessed during interrogations that he had been arrested from the Muzaffarabad headquarters of the Lashkar-e-Tayyaba along with Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi.
Full report at:
http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-6-149984-Lashkar-Tayyaba-mole-opens-anew-window-on-2611-attacks
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Blast in Karachi injures seven
December 23, 2012
KARACHI: Unknown persons threw a grenade at job-seekers at the Zonal police station in Khawaja Ajmer Nagri area in Karachi, which exploded injuring seven persons early on Sunday, DawnNews reported.
According to polic esources unknown motorcycle riders lobbed a RGD-1 grenade at job-seekers lined up to submit applications for the police recruitment being carried out at the Khawaja Ajmer Nagri Zonal police head quarters.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2012/12/23/cracker-blast-in-karachi-injures-seven/
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Kashmiris be included in Indo-Pak dialogue: Mirwaiz
December 23, 2012
LAHORE: Both Pakistan and India should accept that Kashmir is not a bilateral issue but a trilateral matter and “Kashmiris cannot be kept out of the process of dialogue between the two countries”, said All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq at a press conference on Saturday.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2012\12\23\story_23-12-2012_pg7_2
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Arrangements finalized for Qadri’s rally
December 23, 2012
LAHORE: The arrangements for the Minhajul Quran’s Sunday rally at Minar-e-Pakistan have been finalized, Geo News reported.
Caravans of party workers stated pouring in the venue since night hours before the schedule of the rally to be addressed by its chief Dr Tahirul Qadri.
Full report at:
http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-80801-Arrangements-finalized-for-Qadris-rally
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Anees Ahmed removed from MQM body
December 23, 2012
LONDON: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has removed Anees Ahmed Advocate as member of its Coordination Committee, a decision making body of the party, Geo News reported on Sunday.
Full report at:
http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-80800-Anees-Ahmed-removed-from-MQM-body
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Bashir Bilour assassinated
Javed Aziz Khan
Sunday, December 23, 2012
PESHAWAR: In an incident that shocked the country, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Senior Minister Bashir Ahmad Bilour was assassinated in a suicide attack in the Dhaki Naalbandi locality in the historic Qissa Khwani Bazaar here on Saturday.
Eight other people, including Station House Officer (SHO) of the Khan Raziq Police Station, Abdul Sattar Khattak, and Noor Muhammad, personal assistant of Bashir Bilour, were also killed in the suicide bombing.
The banned Tahrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), meanwhile, accepted the responsibility for the attack.
Full report at:
http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-13-19647-Bashir-Bilour-assassinated
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Drone hits began as we sheltered terrorists: Dr Qadri
Sohaib Marghoob
December 23, 2012
LAHORE: Tehrik-e-Minhajul Quran leader Dr Allama Muhammad Tahirul Qadri has said that there was a time when the United States helped Pakistan in constructing the Tarbela and Mangla dams, and when we started sheltering terrorist, the drone attacks started. In an interview on Saturday, Dr Qadri said that no ruler in Pakistan had implemented the articles in the Constitution related to the rights of the people. The Constitution is still suspended in Pakistan. The rulers had made laws and rules repugnant to the Constitution which had to be removed without any delay, he added.
Full report at:
http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-13-19649-Drone-hits-began-as-we-sheltered-terrorists-Dr-Qadri
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Qadri working on foreign agenda, says TTP
Sunday, December 23, 2012
ISLAMABAD: Terming the Tehrik-e-Minhaj-ul-Quran International leader Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri as a ‘foreign actor’, the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Central spokesman Ihsanullah Ihsan on Saturday said that Tahirul Qadri was working on a foreign agenda and could never be a patriot.
Full report at:
http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-13-19653-Qadri-working-on-foreign-agenda-says-TTP
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3 militants killed in Swat clash
Our correspondent
Sunday, December 23, 2012
MINGORA: Three militants were killed during a clash with the security forces in Sarsardaray near the city here on Saturday, official sources claimed.
The sources said the clash took place after the security forces cordoned off Sarsardaray sited several kilometres from Mingora following a tip-off from the locals about the presence of militants. The militants, the sources said, opened fire on the security forces in which a soldier sustained injuries.
Full report at:
http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-7-150049-3-militants-killed-in-Swat-clash
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Peace force attacked in Sui
December 23, 2012
QUETTA: Unidentified people opened fire on the peace force in Sui on Saturday. However, no loss of life was reported. The armed men fled after attacking the peace force’s camp.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2012\12\23\story_23-12-2012_pg7_6
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Pakistan protests Afghans’ torture on its 29 nationals
By: Abrar Saeed and AHMAD NABI
December 23, 2012
ISLAMABAD\KHYBER AGENCY – Islamabad on Saturday lodged a strong protest with Kabul over Afghan security forces’ thrashing of around 29 labourers returning to Pakistan and their illegal confinement and torture on them while in Afghanistan.
Pakistan-Afghanistan border at Torkham, which was closed Saturday morning after these labourers crossed the border and complained about torture on them by Afghan troops, was reopened after Afghan officials assured that action would be taken against those involved in the incident.
Full report at:
http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/national/23-Dec-2012/pakistan-protests-afghans-torture-on-its-29-nationals
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No concessions: Seminaries, hostels in DHA to be shut down
By Naeem Sahoutara
December 22, 2012
KARACHI:
All seminaries and their residential blocks in Defence Housing Authority (DHA) are to be shut down, the housing authority told the court.
In view of the prevailing law and order situation, all mosques within the Defence Officers Housing Authority’s administrative jurisdictions have been directed to wind up their religious schools residential blocks accommodating seminary students. The decision was taken following the use of mosques for residential purposes in violation of the DHA’s building by-laws and a growing unease among the residents in the vicinity of worship places.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/482760/no-concessions-seminaries-hostels-in-dha-to-be-shut-down/
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Age-old conflict: APHC urges trilateral talks on Kashmir issue
December 22, 2012
LAHORE: A trilateral process of negotiations should be introduced between Pakistan, India and Kashmir to inch towards the resolution of the Kashmir issue, said All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) leader Mirwaiz Mohammad Umar Farooq.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/482891/age-old-conflict-aphc-urges-trilateral-talks-on-kashmir-issue/
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Bashir Bilour assassinated: Secretary, 7 others die in blast
Ali Hazrat Bacha
December 23, 2012
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Senior Minister Bashir Ahmed Bilour and at least eight other people were killed and 17 injured in a suicide bomb explosion in Qissa Khwani Bazaar on Saturday evening.
The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for the attack on the Awami National Party leader whose outspokenness had made him a lot of enemies among the militants.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2012/12/23/bashir-bilour-assassinated-%E2%80%A2secretary-7-others-die-in-blast-%E2%80%A2ttp-claims-responsibility-%E2%80%A2govt-declares-day-of-mourning/
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The coming drone attack on America
December 23, 2012
People often ask me, in terms of my argument about “ten steps” that mark the descent to a police state or closed society, at what stage we are. I am sorry to say that with the importation of what will be tens of thousands of drones, by both US military and by commercial interests, into US airspace, with a specific mandate to engage in surveillance and with the capacity for weaponisation - which is due to begin in earnest at the start of the new year - it means that the police state is now officially here.
Full report at:
http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/international/23-Dec-2012/the-coming-drone-attack-on-america
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Lawmen be love-men: CM
December 23, 2012
LAHORE – Reiterating his resolve to bring in police reforms, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif directed lawmen to help justice-seekers.
“A system, which ensures justice, serves the the public. Provision of justice to the masses is my mission and I will not tolerate hindrance the way,” the chief minister said while talking to complainants from various districts at Model Town Saturday. MNA Pervaiz Malik, Punjab Advocate General Ashtar Ausaf Ali, police big guns and other officials concerned attended the meeting.
Full report at:
http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/lahore/23-Dec-2012/lawmen-be-love-men-cm
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Mosque sealed on dispute over Imam’s appointment
December 23, 2012
ISLAMABAD - The Islamabad administration has sealed Jamia Masjid Al-Rasheed in G-8 Markaz after a dispute between two groups over the appointment of Imam in the mosque.
The residents have been offering their prayers in an adjacent park for last two days.
Full report at:
http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/islamabad/23-Dec-2012/mosque-sealed-on-dispute-over-imam-s-appointment
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Asserting power in Wana: Mullah Nazeer group ‘bans’ cellphone cameras
By Zulfiqar Ali
December 23, 2012
DI KHAN: The pro-government militant faction led by commander Mullah Nazeer has banned mobile phones with built-in digital cameras and memory cards in Wana – a subdivision of South Waziristan tribal region which is believed to be a stronghold of the militant leader.
The announcement, which was made through loudspeakers from different mosques, also warned that any tribesman found in possession of such a cellphone would be fined Rs15,000 and his device would be confiscated.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/483340/asserting-power-in-wana-mullah-nazeer-group-bans-cellphone-cameras/
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Arab World
Christmas and non-Muslim family ties
by Ali Gomaa
December 23, 2012
I received a letter from a young Muslim woman who, first of all, I would like to thank deeply for her keenness to know the religious position on the matter of spending time with her mother during Christmas and I equally admire her kindness in keeping ties with her mother and her eagerness to demonstrate an excellent example of what Islam is like.
I am nonetheless appalled by the unauthentic opinions of some self claimed scholars who equate spending time with one’s non Muslim family during Christmas and the like with shirk or polytheism! This opinion is rather a mere aberration of the true authentic teachings of Islam both in letter and spirit.
Full report at:
http://muslimvillage.com/2012/12/23/33262/christmas-and-non-muslim-family-ties/
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Egypt''s vice president Mahmoud Mekki resigns
23 December 201
Cairo, December 23:
Egyptian Vice President Mahmoud Mekki has submitted his resignation to President Mohamed Morsi, the state TV reported Saturday afternoon.
"I realized a while ago that the nature of political work does not suit my professional side as a judge," Mekki said in a statement Saturday.
He added that he had earlier submitted a resignation to President Morsi on Nov. 7, but the busy political scene due to recent Israeli aggression on the Gaza strip and then Mekki''s visit to Pakistan to represent Egypt in the Group-8 Summit made it untimely.
Full report at:
http://www.siasat.com/english/news/egypts-vice-president-mahmoud-mekki-resigns
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Egypt constitution approved in vote
December 23, 2012
CAIRO: Egypt's new constitution, which was drafted by an Islamist-dominated assembly, was approved by 64 percent of voters in a two-round referendum, an official in the Muslim Brotherhood said on Sunday citing the group's unofficial tally.
An official from Egypt's main opposition group, which campaigned against the constitution saying it would deepen divisions in Egypt, also said that its unofficial count indicated the document was approved.
Full report at:
http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-80811-Egypt-constitution-approved-in-vote
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Syrian civil war at stalemate, Assad won’t go: Russia
December 23, 2012
Mainly Sunni Muslim rebels seeking to overthrow Assad are fighting on the edge of the capital Damascus and expanding southwards from their northern strongholds in Aleppo and Idlib into the central province of Hama.
But Assad, from the Alawite minority linked to Shi’ite Islam, has responded with artillery, air strikes and - according to the NATO military alliance which is stationing anti-missile defences in neighbouring Turkey - with Scud-type missiles.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2012\12\23\story_23-12-2012_pg7_18
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Bombing kills four, wounds 11 in Iraq
December 23, 2012
BAGHDAD: An explosion at a shop selling CDs killed four people in a town northeast of the Iraqi capital Baghdad on Saturday.
Police officials say a bomb hidden in a plastic bag exploded near the shop Saturday afternoon in the town of Qazaniyah. Eleven people were wounded in the attack, and the shop was completely destroyed. Qazaniyah is 180 kilometers northeast of Baghdad.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2012/12/23/bombing-kills-four-wounds-11-in-iraq/
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Syria chemical weapons are secure, says Israel
December 23, 2012
Occupied Jerusalem: Syria’s chemical weapons are still secure despite the fact that President Bashar Al Assad has lost control of parts of the country, a senior Israeli defence official said on Sunday.
Amos Gilad told Army Radio that the civil war between Al Assad and opposition forces fighting to topple him had become deadlocked, but that the Syrian leader showed no signs of heeding international calls to step down.
Full report at:
http://gulfnews.com/news/region/syria/syria-chemical-weapons-are-secure-says-israel-1.1122544
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Syria Islamists threaten Christians with attack
December 23, 2012
Damscus: Islamist rebels warned two Christian towns on Saturday they will be attacked if they do not evict regime forces, as the new Greek Orthodox patriarch said Syria’s often-fearful Christians will stay put and urged a peaceful end to the conflict.
Full report at:
http://gulfnews.com/news/region/syria/syria-islamists-threaten-christians-with-attack-1.1122536
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Kuwait liberals blast calls to ban Christmas
December 23, 2012
Kuwait City: Several Kuwaiti liberal civil societies have condemned calls from some organisations and individuals forbidding the celebration of Christmas in the oil-rich Gulf state, a report said on Sunday.
The civil societies said in a statement published by Al Jarida newspaper that every year at this time certain groups declare celebrating Christmas and New Year as forbidden from an Islamic point of view.
Full report at:
http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/kuwait/kuwait-liberals-blast-calls-to-ban-christmas-1.1122556
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Saudi Shura to debate new private sector benefits
By Habib Toumi
December 23, 2012
Manama: A study that recommends limiting working hours in the private sector to 40 hours a week and giving employees a two-day weekend will be reviewed by Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council.
The proposal by the Council’s administration and human resources commission said that adopting the recommendations would make the private sector more attractive to Saudis seeking jobs.
Full report at:
http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/saudi-arabia/saudi-shura-to-debate-new-private-sector-benefits-1.1122535
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200 Assad soldiers guarding Damascus airport defect
ARAB NEWS
Sunday 23 December 2012
Last Update 23 December 2012 3:46 am
DAMASCUS: At least 200 members of a Syrian regime force deployed to protect Damascus’ international airport have defected as clashes broke out near the presidential palace in the capital, a member of the opposition military told Al Arabiya channel yesterday.
The Free Syrian Army said clashes continued through yesterday morning at the airport road, adding that a road connecting the capital with the province of Daraa was closed and declared a military zone.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/middle-east/200-assad-soldiers-guarding-damascus-airport-defect
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KSA divorce rate considerably fell in recent years
JEDDAH: ARAB NEWS
Sunday 23 December 2012
Last Update 22 December 2012 11:51 pm
Saudi Arabia has the lowest divorce rate in the Gulf region according to a statement made by the Ministry of Justice. “There is no basis for the notion that divorce is a phenomenon in the Kingdom. Current divorce rates are not worrisome and have fallen considerably in recent years,” a statement of the ministry said recently.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/ksa-divorce-rate-considerably-fell-recent-years
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6 die in Jubail plant explosion
Sunday 23 December 2012
JUBAIL: Six expatriate workers were killed in the explosion of a chemical waste plant in Jubail Industrial City II yesterday morning. There was an explosion in the diesel and chemicals tanks. Two trucks also caught fire.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/6-die-jubail-plant-explosion
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Rector of Naif Arab University gets French award
23 December 2012
French President Francois Hollande has awarded the rector of Naif Arab University for Security Sciences (NAUSS) Abdul Aziz Al-Ghamdi with a Chevalier class medal in recognition of the university’s efforts to upgrade its relations with security and academic institutions in France.
On behalf of the president, French Ambassador to the Kingdom Bertrand Besancenot decorated Al-Ghamdi with the award in Riyadh on Thursday.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/rector-naif-arab-university-gets-french-award
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Egypt’s vice president quits amid crisis
23 December 2012
CAIRO: Egypt’s vice president resigned from his post on Saturday, saying he wanted to quit last month but had only stayed on to help President Mohamed Mursi tackle a political crisis.
State television also reported that Egypt’s Central Bank chief resigned on Saturday, only to cite a cabinet source later denying that he had stepped down.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/egypt%E2%80%99s-vice-president-quits-amid-crisis
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Omanis hope first local vote is stepping stone toward change
Sunday 23 December 2012
MUSCAT: Hoping for jobs and democratic change, voters in Oman cast ballots in their first municipal election yesterday, a sign of modest reform in response to protests inspired by the Arab Spring.
Its other elections are for the Shoura Council, a body that has some limited legislative powers. Increased democracy was a main demand of protesters in Omani cities during the Arab uprisings last year, along with jobs and an end to corruption.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/omanis-hope-first-local-vote-stepping-stone-toward-change
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Egyptian judges undermine the hunt for Mubarak's fortune: Judicial official
22 Dec 2012
The Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland voided last week a previous decision of the Swiss Federal Prosecution to enable Egyptian authorities access to the results of the Swiss investigations into Mubarak family assets.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/0/61095/Egypt/Egyptian-judges-undermine-the-hunt-for-Mubaraks-fo.aspx
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Iraq without key mediator as new crisis looms
22 Dec 2012
With President Jalal Talabani being treated in Germany after a stroke, Iraq is without a key mediator as a new political crisis brews between the secular Sunni-backed Iraqiya bloc and the Shiite premier.
Talabani's stroke may in itself spark turmoil -- his resignation or death could cause a protracted dispute over his successor.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/61075/World/Region/Iraq-without-key-mediator-as-new-crisis-looms.aspx
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Saudi website editor could face death for apostasy: Rights group
22 Dec 2012
The editor of a Saudi Arabian website could be sentenced to death after a judge cited him for apostasy and moved his case to a higher court, the monitoring group Human Rights Watch said on Saturday.
Raif Badawi, who started the Free Saudi Liberals website to discuss the role of religion in Saudi Arabia, was arrested in June, Human Rights Watch said.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/61112/World/Region/Saudi-website-editor-could-face-death-for-apostasy.aspx
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Egyptians approve first post-uprising constitution
23 Dec 2012
Egypt's hotly disputed draft constitution, the first following last year's uprising, is sure to pass after unofficial results Sunday show that around 64 per cent of Egyptians voted in favour.
A resounding victory in the second phase of the constitutional referendum gave a much-needed boost to Islamists, who believe the new constitution will pave the way for a smooth and swift transition to democracy under President Mohamed Morsi.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/61118/Egypt/Politics-/Egyptians-approve-first-postuprising-constitution.aspx
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President Morsi announces names of appointed Shura Council members
23 Dec 2012
Presidential spokesperson Yasser Ali has announced on Saturday evening the names of 90 members of the Shura Council chosen by President Mohamed Morsi, according to his constitutional prerogatives, to fill one third of the 270-member body.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/61117/Egypt/Politics-/President-Morsi-announces-names-of-appointed-Shura.aspx
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Syrian conflict escalates into civil war
23 December 2012
I was in Aleppo in August. I had been there some days and met Ghaith Abdul-Ahad, the Iraqi journalist working for the Guardian. He introduced me to some fighters from the countryside. I was only with them for a couple of hours on this occasion, although I followed them on other days. The army had been shelling heavily and we were surrounded, and there were machine guns. These guys only had small arms: rifles mostly, the occasional RPGs [rocket-propelled grenades] and sniper rifles. They were motivated, fairly religious and they were nice to me, although we couldn't understand each other. They really wanted to fight and defend their position.
Full report at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/23/syria-conflict-escalates-civil-war
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Mohammed honours pioneer teachers and students of Al Ahmadiyah school
23 December 2012
His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice - President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has honoured pioneering teachers and students of Al Ahmadiyah School in Dubai on the occasion of the 100 anniversary of establishing of the institution as first school in Dubai.
Full report at:
1.asp?xfile=data/nationgeneral/2012/December/nationgeneral_December396.xml§ion=nationgeneral
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Different hues of a camel’s beauty at Al Dhafra fest
23 December 2012
Winning one of the Dh46 million prizes at the ongoing Al Dhafra Festival in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi would be the cherry on top of the cake for any Bedouin taking part in the competitions, but many are content with the good camel trade that takes place alongside the festival.
Full report at:
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/kt-article-display-
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DoT in Abu Dhabi launches New Website
23 December 2012
The Department of Transport in Abu Dhabi has announced today the launch of a new website, www.dot.abudhabi.ae in Arabic and English, designed to enhance official online presence.
Full report at:
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/kt-article-display-
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Emiratis told to skip travel to Lebanon
23 December 2012
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has warned its citizens not to travel to Lebanon for the time being unless necessary.
According to ministry Undersecretary Shaikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, the travel advisory is in the wake of the upcoming New Year holidays and the “difficult and sensitive political circumstances in sisterly Lebanon”.
Full report at:
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/nation/inside.asp?xfile=/data/nationgeneral/2012/December/nationgeneral_December392.xml§ion=nationgeneral
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As Charter Passes, Egyptians Face New Fights
By DAVID
December 23, 2012
CAIRO — An Islamist-backed constitution was approved on Saturday, propelling Egypt’s deeply divided political factions into a new phase in the battle over the country’s future.
After millions went to the polls for the final round of a referendum, the charter’s approval, which had been predicted by all sides, marked an important milestone in Egypt’s chaotic two-year transition to democracy. A “yes” vote of 70 percent on Saturday brought the overall margin of passage to about 64 percent, according to the Muslim Brotherhood.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/24/world/middleeast/as-egypt-constitution-passes-new-fights-lie-ahead.html?ref=world&_r=0&gwh=C6AF184EE22D605A57956A2823AD8352
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Saudi factory fire kills 6 workers
December 23, 2012
RIYADH - A fire broke out in a factory in eastern Saudi Arabia on Saturday killing six workers, a spokesman for the Jubail industrial zone said, updating an earlier death toll of five. Civil defence teams eventually put out the blaze which began during routine maintenance work at an industrial waste processing plant, Abdel Rahman Abdel Kader told the official SPA news agency.
Full report at:
http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/international/23-Dec-2012/saudi-factory-fire-kills-6-workers
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Mideast Asia
NATO to deploy Patriots in Turkey over next few weeks
December 23, 2012
BRUSSELS: NATO said Saturday it would be deploying Patriot missiles in Turkey over the coming weeks to defend against any threats from neighbouring Syria. “The deployment, which will take place over the next few weeks, will be defensive only,” NATO said in a statement, after the military alliance agreed earlier this month to station the missiles on Turkish soil. “It will not support a no-fly zone or any offensive operation.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2012\12\23\story_23-12-2012_pg7_9
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CIA chief unhappy with movie on Osama bin Laden hunt
December 23, 2012
WASHINGTON: Acting CIA director Michael Morell said that “Zero Dark Thirty,” the Hollywood take on the hunt for Osama bin Laden, exaggerates the importance of information obtained by harsh interrogations.
The movie by Academy Award-winning director Kathryn Bigelow tells the story of the decade-long search after September 11, 2001, climaxing in last year’s dramatic and deadly raid in May on the Al-Qaeda terror leader’s hideout in Abbottabad, Pakistan.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2012\12\23\story_23-12-2012_pg7_21
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Israel’s settlement push kills two-state solution
December 23, 2012
The two-state solution is dying. The Palestinian effort late last month at the United Nations to attain non-member observer state status was overwhelmingly approved - 138 to 9 - by the international community. Israel, however, warned that the vote would be purely symbolic and change nothing on the ground. This was a calculated and misleading statement.
Full report at:
http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/international/23-Dec-2012/israel-s-settlement-push-kills-two-state-solution
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Iran says Nato missiles harm Turkey security
December 23, 2012
DUBAI (Reuters) - The installation of Patriot anti-missile batteries sent by Nato members to bolster Turkey’s Defences against a possible missile attack from Syria will only harm Turkey’s security, Iran’s Defence minister was quoted as saying on Saturday. Nato approved Turkey’s request for the air Defence system earlier this month, in a move meant to calm Ankara’s fears of being hit by Syrian missiles.
Full report at:
http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/international/23-Dec-2012/iran-says-nato-missiles-harm-turkey-security
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Al-Qaeda suspects in Yemen kidnap three foreigners
Sunday 23 December 2012
Last Update 23 December 2012 12:39 am
SANAA: Gunmen suspected of links to Al-Qaeda kidnapped two Finns and one Austrian in the Yemeni capital Sanaa on Friday, security officials said.
One official said the three included an Austrian man and a Finnish man, both students of Arabic, and a Finnish woman who arrived recently in Yemen.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/al-qaeda-suspects-yemen-kidnap-three-foreigners
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Israel says Syria chemical weapons are secure for now
23 Dec 2012
Syria's chemical weapons are still secure despite the fact that President Bashar al-Assad has lost control of parts of the country, a senior Israeli defence official said on Sunday.
Amos Gilad told Army Radio that the civil war between Assad and opposition forces fighting to topple him had become deadlocked, but that the Syrian leader showed no signs of heeding international calls to step down.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/iran-fighting-smart-economic-war-mahmoud-ahmadinejad/1049205/
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Africa
Tunisia auctions of Ben Ali treasures
December 23, 2012
Tunisian Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali kicked off viewing yesterday for an auction of thousands of luxury items once owned by ousted dictator Zine El Abidine Ali and his family.
Jebali inspected 40 luxury cars, thousands of clothing, jewellery items and art works on the eve of the public auction which is being held in the Tunis suburb of Gammarth in a bid to raise millions of euros for government coffers.
Full report at:
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=262255
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S.Sudan must punish those who downed UN helicopte: Russia
Saturday 22 December 2012
Last Update 22 December 2012 8:17 pm
MOSCOW: Russia called on South Sudan yesterday to punish those responsible for shooting down a UN helicopter, killing its four Russian crew, and take steps to ensure such incidents do not happen again.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/ssudan-must-punish-those-who-downed-un-helicopte-russia
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Tunisia Islamists stone hotel hosting opposition meeting
22 Dec 2012
Partisans of Tunisia's Islamist ruling party attacked a hotel on Saturday where members of a secular opposition party met to commemorate the alleged murder of one of their officials, an AFP correspondent said.
Hundreds of demonstrators brandishing banners hostile to the opposition party Nidaa Tounes gathered outside Hotel Midoune, on Djerba island, where the meeting was being held, the correspondent said.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/61099/World/Region/Tunisia-Islamists-stone-hotel-hosting-opposition-m.aspx
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Tunisia PM kicks off auction of Ben Ali treasures
22 Dec 2012
Tunisian Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali kicked off viewing on Saturday for an auction of thousands of luxury items once owned by ousted dictator Zine El Abidine Ali and his family.
Jebali inspected 40 luxury cars, thousands of clothing, jewellery items and art works on the eve of the public auction which is being held in the Tunis suburb of Gammarth in a bid to raise millions of euros for government coffers.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/61082/World/Region/Tunisia-PM-kicks-off-auction-of-Ben-Ali-treasures.aspx
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Car bomb kills 5 in Damascus
22 Dec 2012
A car bomb killed five people and wounded dozens in the eastern Damascus district of Qaboun on Saturday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.
Another activist group in Damascus gave no figures for the number of people killed in the blast but said bodies were still being recovered from wreckage caused by the explosion.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/61088/World/Region/Car-bomb-kills--in-Damascus.aspx
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South Asia
Taliban call for new constitution in Afghanistan
December 23, 2012
KABUL: Afghanistan’s Taliban has called for a new constitution as a pre-condition for it joining the nation’s fledgling peace process, according to a declaration issued by representatives at a landmark meeting in France.
Full report at:
http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-13-19661-Taliban-call-for-new-constitution-in-Afghanistan
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Afghan officials torture Pakistani labourers
December 23, 2012
LANDIKOTAL: Torkham border was closed for six hours on Saturday in protest against torture of Pakistani labourers.
Pakistani border security forces closed the border for every kind of traffic and pedestrians in protest against torture of 29 Pakistani labourers in Afghanistan by Afghan security forces.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2012\12\23\story_23-12-2012_pg7_3
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Taliban call for new Afghanistan constitution
December 23, 2012
KABUL: Afghanistan’s Taliban has called for a new constitution as a pre-condition for it joining the nation’s fledgling peace process, according to a declaration issued by representatives at a landmark meeting in France.
Representatives from the country’s warring factions met on Thursday for two days of talks that diplomats hope will bolster relations in the war-torn country. It is the first time since a US-led bombing campaign drove the Taliban from power in 2001 that senior representatives have sat down with officials from the government and other opposition groups to discuss the country’s future, in a meeting brokered by a French think tank.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2012\12\23\story_23-12-2012_pg7_10
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US hails talks between Kabul, Taliban
Anwar Iqbal
December 23, 2012
WASHINGTON: The United States has welcomed talks between Afghan militants and government representatives, hoping that the move would help restore peace and stability to Afghanistan.
“The United States continues to support an Afghan-led peace process. We continue to support Afghans sitting down with other Afghans in pursuit of that goal,” US State Department’s.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2012/12/23/us-hails-talks-between-kabul-taliban/
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Taliban call for new Afghanistan constitution
December 23, 2012
KABUL: Afghanistan’s Taliban has called for a new constitution as a pre-condition for it joining the nation’s fledgling peace process, according to a declaration issued by representatives at a landmark meeting in France.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/2012/12/22/taliban-call-for-new-afghanistan-constitution/
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Karzai blames foreigners for corruption
December 23, 2012
KABUL - President Hamid Karzai on Saturday blamed foreigners for most of the corruption in Afghanistan and said the withdrawal of Nato troops in 2014 would help rid the country of graft.
More than 11 years after a US-led invasion led to billions of dollars in aid flowing into one of the world’s poorest countries, Afghanistan ranks among the most corrupt nations in the world.
The issue has been brought into focus by the Kabul Bank scandal, which saw the nation’s once-biggest lender pushed to the point of collapse by a fraud running into hundreds of millions of dollars.
Full report at:
http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/national/23-Dec-2012/karzai-blames-foreigners-for-corruption
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Spanish PM on unannounced Afghan visit
December 23, 2012
MADRID (AFP) - Spain’s Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy was in Afghanistan Saturday for talks with President Hamid Karzai and for Christmas celebrations with Spanish troops, media reported. The unannounced visit by Rajoy, accompanied by his defence minister Pedro Morenes, is his first to the country since his right-wing government came to power a year ago. Full report at:
http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/international/23-Dec-2012/spanish-pm-on-unannounced-afghan-visit
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Bishwajit murder: 3 confess to killing: Bangladesh
December 23, 2012
Three accused in the Bishwajit killing case on Sunday confessed to killing the 24-year old tailor on December 9.
The accused are: Mahfuzur Rahman Nahid, GM Rasheduzzaman Shaon and Rafiqul Islam Shakil.
They gave the confessional statements before Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Erfan Ullah when Tajul Islam, an inspector of Detective Branch of police and also investigation officer of the case, produced the trio before the magistrate.
Full report at:
The victim was declared dead at Mitford Hospital around 10:00am on the day.
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/latest_news.php?nid=43406
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Arguments in Azad case starts
December 23, 2012
International Crimes Tribunal-2 on Sunday adjourned till tomorrow the recording of closing arguments in war crimes case against expelled Jamaat-e-Islami member Abul Kalam Azad.
The case against Azad, popularly known as Bachchu Razakar has reached on final stage with the recording of closing arguments which started December 23.
The three-member tribunal led by Justice Obaidul Hasan recorded the arguments for nearly two hours starting from around 10:45am.
Full report at:
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/latest_news.php?nid=43400
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Journos on token hunger strike
December 23, 2012
Journalists are observing a mass hunger strike in the capital on Sunday demanding trial of killers of the journalist couple Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi.
The six-hour hunger strike started around 11:00am in front of the Jatiya Press Club.
Sagar, news editor at the private TV station Maasranga and his wife Runi, senior reporter at ATN Bangla, were killed in the early hours of February 11 at their rented apartment in the capital's West Rajabazar.
Full report at:
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/latest_news.php?nid=43398
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Change lies on Hasina, Khaleda
December 23, 2012
Had the two top leaders -- Hasina and Khaleda -- respected each other, politicians would not have the chance to taint one another, said BNP spokesperson and standing committee member Tariqul Islam yesterday.
Referring to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's comment in Jessore on BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and terming the statement “a disgrace”, he said, “The country's politics could not have gone so bad if they [Hasina and Khaleda] showed respect for each other.”
Full report at:
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=262209
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Bangladeshi held in India
December 23, 2012
A Bangladeshi national, Hasibul Jamal Hasu, was arrested by a special task force of police in Kolkata on Friday for his suspected links with Pakistan-based terror outfit Harkatul Jihad al Islami (HuJI).
Another suspected HuJI activist Mizanur Rehman, who was arrested on Wednesday, had met militant group Indian Mujahideen's Second-in-Command Amir Reza Khan in 2008 at a training camp in Bangladesh, according to the task force.
Hasu had been in regular touch with Mizanur for the past 18 months and he had no valid documents to stay in India, it said.
Full report at:
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=262292
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Mahbubul Alam Chowdhury
December 23, 2012
Today is the fifth death anniversary of Mahbubul Alam Chowdhury, a journalist, language movement hero and poet.
Full report at:
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=262225
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Fire destroys market in Afghanistan
23 December 2012
A huge fire swept through a market in downtown Kabul on Sunday, destroying hundreds of shops and forcing the city’s nearby money exchange to evacuate, police and witnesses said.
There were no reports of any casualties in the early morning blaze which destroyed most of the cloth market’s 500 shops, Kabul fire department officials said.
A fire department official speaking on condition of anonymity said an electrical short circuit was the most likely cause of the fire, which was so severe that NATO and Afghan army fire squads were called in to help.
Full report at:
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/kt-article-display-1.asp?xfile=data/international/2012/December/international_December894.xml§ion=international
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Taliban Hint at Softer Line in Talks With Afghan Leaders
By MATTHEW ROSENBERG
December 22, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan — After years of deriding Afghanistan’s government and army as corrupt tools of Western occupiers, the Taliban have begun publicly airing a softer vision for the country’s future, with senior insurgent leaders saying the militants are willing to govern alongside other Afghan factions and even to adopt the current American-financed army as their own.
Full report at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/23/world/asia/taliban-hint-at-softer-line-in-talks-with-afghan-officials.html?hp&_r=0&gwh=136BDF5F51F9632BA6BA08EE38BB0AE0
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Fire destroys market in Afghan capital
December 23, 2012
KABUL: A huge fire swept through a market in downtown Kabul on Sunday, destroying hundreds of shops and forcing the city's nearby money exchange to evacuate, police and witnesses said.
There were no reports of any casualties in the early morning blaze which destroyed most of the cloth market's 500 shops, Kabul fire department officials told AFP.
Full report at:
http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-80840-Fire-destroys-market-in-Afghan-capital
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Southeast Asia
Terrorist suspect nabbed in Donggala
December 23 2012,
The police arrested a terrorist suspect in Donggala regency, Central Sulawesi, late Friday.
The suspect has been identified as Mutun, aka Dani, said Central Sulawesi Police chief Brig. Full report at:
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2012/12/22/terrorist-suspect-nabbed-donggala.html
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North America
Canada Muslims spread goodwill
by OnIslam & Newspapers
December 23, 2012
Forced to flee her home country Uganda four decades ago, Naznin Lakha still remembers the welcome she received with her Muslim family during their first Christmas in Canada.
“Having truly left (Uganda) with the clothes on our back, it was truly touching,” Lakha, 56, told Toronto Star.
In 1972, Lakha’s family was forced to flee persecution under the repressive regime of Idi Amin.
Full report at:
http://muslimvillage.com/2012/12/23/33291/canada-muslims-spread-goodwill/
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