Senior Sunni Cleric Asks Iraq's Sunni Scholars to Invite People to Calm
New Age Islam News Bureau
2
Jan 2014
Muslims protest against the introduction of a Malay language bible that uses the word Allah as a translation for God at a mosque in Kuala Lumpur on April 15, 2011
Arab World
• Senior Sunni Cleric Asks Iraq's Sunni Scholars to Invite People to Calm
• Ramadi mosques call for 'jihad' as Iraq forces move on protest site
• Urgent: 7 Saudi Terrorists Arrested West of Baghdad
• Saudi morality police may relax rules on prayer times-paper
• Syrian hackers break into Skype's social media accounts
• Two killed in clashes between Egyptian police and pro-Islamist protesters
• Syria opposition says jihadists 'serve regime interests'
• Azhar student group calls for Friday rally in Tahrir
• Qaeda militants control parts of Iraq: AFP
• Militants get 100 prisoners freed in Iraq
Europe
• Putin Orders S. Arabia “Destroyed” after Volgograd Terror Strikes
• Russian bombing suspect spoke of 'way of Jihad'
• Lee Rigby Murder, Inspired By Islamic Leader Who Preaches Beating Women, Killing Gays
• Investigation into Volgograd terror attacks brings some results - NAC
North America
• Hillary Facing Criminal Charges over Brotherhood Connection, Incitement of Violence
• Obama’s deputies release leftist who collaborated with Twin Towers jihadis
• Jihad Jane: Despite cooperation, US seeks 'decades' in prison
South Asia
• Jamaat vexed at BNP role: Distances itself from blockade over ally's Mollah reaction
• Beijing calls on other countries not to hide terrorists but to pass them to China
• Jamaat-Shibir men swoop on election campaign
• Bangladesh selected for Global Green Award 2014
Pakistan
• Time to test Sami ul Haq’s much-vaunted influence on the Taliban
• Rangers' raid: Two alleged TTP militants killed in Karachi
• Secretary General of PML terms 1947, 2014 "Years of Withdrawal" of super-powers from region
• Peace negotiations: Dialogue with Taliban to remain on the cards, says PM
• Only jirga can reengage Taliban in talks: JUI-F
• Inquiry should be held into the Kargil episode: Pak defence minister
• Karachi violence claims five lives
Mideast
• Israelis, Palestinians ‘back two-state’
• For first time, Palestinians acquitted of stone throwing
• Turkish PM Erdoğan labels graft probe an ‘assassination attempt’
• Safe that killed Palestine ambassador not opened for 20 years
Southeast Asia
• Terrorists in Ciputat planned suicide bombings: Police
• Malaysian officials seize Bibles over use of word “Allah”
• Convert to Islam, Umno veterans club tells Catholic priest in centre of Allah row
• Putrajaya appeals for calm over Allah row
• DAP wants Jais to apologise for illegal raid on Bible Society of Malaysia
India
• India to conduct on-ground assessment in South Sudan
• UP: Rizwan Ahmad takes over as first Muslim DGP
• 123 properties in prime locations in Delhi may go to Waqf Board
• Narcotic smuggling hits new high along India-Pakistan border
Africa
• Mogadishu hotel targeted by three bombs in attack killing at least 11
• Three people killed in fresh violence in CAR
• Nigerian Muslims to pray for nation
• S Sudan declares emergency in two states
• Tunisia to vote on new charter 3 years after uprising
Australia
• WikiLeaks made 'extraordinary error of judgment' in meeting Assad, says Tony Abbott
For Details and More Headlines from All Regions, Please click, ‘More’
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/senior-sunni-cleric-asks-iraq/d/35106
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Arab World
Senior Sunni Cleric Asks Iraq's Sunni Scholars to Invite People to Calm
Jan 2, 2014
TEHRAN (FNA)- A senior Iraqi Sunni cleric requested religious authorities and scholars in the country to avoid issuing provocative religious decrees (Fatwas) against security forces, warning that such positions are an act of treachery as they mean aligning with terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda and its branch, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
“The Iraqi security and military forces who took part in Al-Anbar operations are part of the Iraqi people and for the same reason they should be supported,” Head of Iraqi Ulema Society Sheikh Khaled Al-Mulla told FNA on Wednesday.
Sheikh Al-Mulla’s remarks came as tensions have been rising over the past few weeks in Anbar, a province that makes up a third of Iraq's territory along the Euphrates River.
He reiterated that Iraq's religious scholars should avoid making statements that would threaten the lives of the country's security forces.
The army launched a major operation in Anbar to flush out Al-Qaeda militants after an attack killed at least 18 soldiers, including an army commander on December 21.
Clashes broke out Monday in the Ramadi area, West of Baghdad, as security forces dismantled a protest camp where demonstrators had gathered for more than a year.
Ten militants died in the fighting, which also spread to the nearby city of Fallujah.
Protests broke out in the area in December 2012 after the arrest of the guards of then-finance minister, Rafa al-Essawi, on terrorism charges.
The Iraqi premier had described the protest site as “a headquarters for the leadership of Al-Qaeda,” and urged the protesters to leave the camps.
Defense Ministry Spokesman Lieutenant General Mohammed al-Askari told state television the decision to remove the camp came after tribal leaders and local government and defense ministry officials reached a deal.
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13921011001000
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Ramadi mosques call for 'jihad' as Iraq forces move on protest site
Jan 2, 2014
Mosques in the city of Ramadi, west of Baghdad, called for "holy war" Monday as gunmen battled security forces seeking to dismantle an anti-government protest site, an AFP journalist said.
Some mosques used loudspeakers to exhort people to "go to jihad," or holy war, the journalist said.
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/afp/131230/ramadi-mosques-call-jihad-iraq-forces-move-protest-site
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Urgent: 7 Saudi Terrorists Arrested West of Baghdad
Jan 2, 2014
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Iraqi security forces have arrested seven Saudi terrorists in Ramadi region, West of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, media reports said.
The arrested Saudi terrorists were in charge of organizing armed rebels in Ramadi region to carry out terrorist operations there, the Arabic-language Al-Mayadeen news website reported.
Clashes broke out Monday in the Ramadi area, West of Baghdad, as security forces dismantled a protest camp where demonstrators had gathered for more than a year.
Ten militants died in the fighting, which also spread to the nearby city of Fallujah.
Protests broke out in the area in December 2012 after the arrest of guards of then-finance minister Rafa al-Essawi, on terrorism charges.
The Iraqi premier had described the protest site as “a headquarters for the leadership of Al-Qaeda,” and urged the protesters to leave the camps.
Defense Ministry Spokesman Lieutenant General Mohammed al-Askari told state television the decision to remove the camp came after tribal leaders and local government and defense ministry officials reached a deal.
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13921011000985
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Saudi morality police may relax rules on prayer times-paper
Jan 2, 2014
Saudi Arabia's morality police may relax the kingdom's strict rules on closing shops and businesses for prayer five times a day, the force's head Sheikh Abdulatif Al al-Sheikh was quoted as saying by local press on Wednesday.
All shops in Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam and the world's top oil exporter, are supposed to shut for half an hour during the daily Muslim prayers, which take place at dawn, midday, mid afternoon, sunset and evening.
However, Al al-Sheikh, a moderate appointed to the post a year ago, said he did not think they needed to close for such a long period, in comments on television carried in the English-language daily Arab News, which is owned by a leading prince.
Al al-Sheikh added that Muslim shop staff could pray at their places of work rather than having to spend time walking to the mosque and back.
The comments are the latest sign of Al al-Sheikh's attempts to improve the image of the morality police, officially known as the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice.
King Abdullah appointed him a year ago after a clip went viral on YouTube showing a morality police patrol harassing a family in a shopping mall.
The organisation enforces the kingdom's rigid interpretation of Islamic law, including strict gender segregation, modest dress and restrained public behaviour.
In 2002 it triggered international outrage when its officers prevented schoolgirls leaving a burning building because they were not wearing veils, leading to several deaths.
Its officers have also been accused inside Saudi Arabia of taking the law into their own hands.
"I will continue with the most moderate and tolerant view to lead this organisation," he was quoted as saying by Arab News.
King Abdullah is praised by his supporters as having introduced cautious social and economic reforms designed to modernise ultra-conservative Saudi Arabia without causing social unrest.
Some of the monarch's critics say these changes merely provide an illusion of reform while the political system in which the ruling family shares power with conservative Muslim clerics, remains unaltered.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/1.566538
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Syrian hackers break into Skype's social media accounts
Jan 2, 2014
The Syrian Electronic Army, an amorphous hacker collective that supports Syrian President Bashar Assad, claimed credit on Wednesday for hacking into the social media accounts of Internet calling service Skype.
The group also posted the contact information of Steve Ballmer, Microsoft's retiring chief executive, on its Twitter account along with the message, "You can thank Microsoft for monitoring your accounts/emails using this details. #SEA"
That message was an apparent reference to revelations last year by former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden that Skype, which is owned by Microsoft, was part of the NSA's program to monitor communications through some of the biggest U.S. Internet companies.
Full report at:
http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/1.566596
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Two killed in clashes between Egyptian police and pro-Islamist protesters
Jan 2, 2014
Two people were killed in violent clashes that erupted late on Wednesday between pro-Islamist protesters and police in Egypt's coastal city of Alexandria, the Ministry of Interior said.
Egypt has been hit by a wave of violent protests since the army removed elected Islamist President Mohamed Morsi from office in July following mass protests against his rule. Hundreds have been killed and thousands arrested since then.
The Interior Ministry said the clashes happened during two marches organized by some 200 Muslim Brotherhood members in Alexandria.
"They (Muslim Brotherhood protesters) blocked the road... set shops on fire, burned a citizen's car, fired guns and bird shot and clashed with and terrorized the people," the Ministry of Interior said in a statement on Thursday.
Full report at:
http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/1.566582
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Syria opposition says jihadists 'serve regime interests'
Jan 2, 2014
Syria's opposition National Coalition on Wednesday accused an Al-Qaeda-linked group in the country of ties to the Syrian regime, saying it was serving the government's interests.
The criticism is the strongest yet by the coalition of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), and comes after the group reportedly tortured and killed an opposition doctor in northern Syria.
"The Coalition believes that ISIL is closely linked to the terrorist regime and serves the interests of the clique of President Bashar al-Assad, directly or indirectly," it said in a statement.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/90603/World/Region/Syria-opposition-says-jihadists-serve-regime-inter.aspx
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Azhar student group calls for Friday rally in Tahrir
World Bulletin/News Desk
Jan 2, 2014
An Azhar University's student group has called for a protest in Cairo's Tahrir Square to demand justice for classmates killed in clashes with security forces.
"All Egyptian students are invited to join the rally," Mahmoud al-Azhari, spokesman of the "students against coup" group, told Anadolu Agency on Wednesday.
The Tahrir Square is the epicenter of mass protests that ended Hosni Mubarak's autocracy in 2011.
Egyptian authorities prevent Morsi supporters from demonstrating in the iconic square.
http://www.worldbulletin.net/?aType=haber&ArticleID=126088
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Qaeda militants control parts of Iraq: AFP
Jan 2, 2014
Al-Qaeda-linked militants were on Thursday in control of more than half of the Iraqi city of Fallujah and parts of Ramadi, a security official and witnesses said.
"Half of Fallujah is in the hands of ISIL (the Qaeda-linked Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) group, and the other half is in the control of" armed tribesmen, an interior ministry official told AFP.
A witness in the city west of Baghdad said that militants had set up checkpoints each manned by six to seven people in central and south Fallujah.
"In Ramadi, it is similar -- some areas are controlled by ISIL and other areas are controlled by" tribesmen, the interior ministry official said, referring to the Anbar provincial capital, which lies farther to the west.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/90629/World/Region/Breaking-Qaeda-militants-control-parts-of-Iraqs-Ra.aspx
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Militants get 100 prisoners freed in Iraq
2014-01-02
RAMADI: Militants freed more than 100 prisoners, clashed with security forces and burned police stations in cities west of the Iraqi capital on Wednesday.
Gunmen attacked the headquarters in the city of Fallujah, but gave the police a chance to leave, which they took, officers said, after which the militants freed 101 prisoners and stole weapons.
Full report at:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1077818/militants-get-100-prisoners-freed-in-iraq
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Europe
Putin Orders S. Arabia “Destroyed” after Volgograd Terror Strikes
Jan 2, 2014
TEHRAN (FNA)- A grim memorandum circulating in the Kremlin written by Federal Security Services (FSB) Director Alexander Bortnikov to outline the new security measures throughout Russia, as ordered by President Putin after the deadly Volgograd terror attacks, warned that the Russian leader has, in effect, vowed to “destroy” Saudi Arabia as he is blaming Riyadh for this horrific crime against humanity.
Of the terror attacks themselves, Russian Deputy Emergency Situations Minister Vladimir Stepanov is reporting to the Kremlin that the two Volgograd explosions have hurt 104 people, of which 32 were killed, Whatdoesitmean reported.
Volgograd (formerly known as Stalingrad) is located 650 kilometers (400 miles) from Sochi which is the site of the 2014 Winter Olympics, and the twin explosions hit a crowed trolleybus and train station.
Full report at:
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13921011000510
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Russian bombing suspect spoke of 'way of Jihad'
By Jim Maceda
Jan 2, 2014
The suspect in the suicide bombing of the Volgograd train station — the first of back-to-back attacks in the Russian city — has been identified as a recent convert to Islam who rebuffed his parents' plea to leave the insurgency and come home.
Police say Pavel Pechyonkin, a former paramedic, carried out the blast that killed 18 people and renewed concerns about security for the Winter Olympics in Sochi six weeks from now.
A second bombing less than 24 hours later blew a trolley bus to bits and killed 13 people. No suspect has been identified in that attack.
Pechyonkin, 26, reportedly converted to radical Islam in 2011 and when he went underground, his parents feared he had joined an armed group in Dagestan, Russian and foreign media reported.
Full report at:
http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/12/31/22125893-russian-bombing-suspect-spoke-of-way-of-jihad
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Lee Rigby Murder, Inspired By Islamic Leader Who Preaches Beating Women, Killing Gays
Jan 2, 2014
In late December Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale, were found guilty of the brutal murder of British soldier Lee Rigby near a military barracks in southeast London in May. Now Adebowale has revealed he was converted to Islam by a preacher who advocates beating women and killing gays.
Adebowale, age 22, awaiting sentence for the murder of soldier Rigby, told a pen pal he converted after listening to Sheikh Khalid Yasin’s lectures.
In the letter, written the day after he and Adebolajo were found guilty of murder, he complains that he has had “little support” from Muslims and disgusted that they are “appalled by his sick crimes.”
Full report at:
http://www.theglobaldispatch.com/michael-adebowale-lee-rigby-murderer-inspired-by-islamic-leader-who-preaches-beating-women-killing-gays-31963/
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Investigation into Volgograd terror attacks brings some results - NAC
Jan 2, 2014
The law enforcement authorities are investigating the terror attacks perpetrated in Volgograd on December 29 and 30, the National Antiterrorism Committee said. The efforts have already yielded some results, it noted.
The explosions at the Volgograd railroad station on December 29 and on a trolley bus on December 30 killed 34 people and injured dozens.
The Russian Health Ministry press service said on Thursday 62 attack victims were hospitalized in Volgograd and Moscow, and five of them were in critical condition.
http://voiceofrussia.com/news/2014_01_02/Investigation-into-Volgograd-terror-attacks-brings-some-results-NAC-9503/
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North America
Hillary Facing Criminal Charges over Brotherhood Connection, Incitement of Violence
Jan 2, 2014
As Hillary Rodham Clinton faces a pivotal year; weighing a 2016 presidential run whilst continuing her attempts to prevent national exposure of her role in the deaths of four Americans in Benghazi, she could now be facing criminal charges in Egypt, over her known Muslim Brotherhood connections and her collusion with the wife of ousted Egyptian President Muhammad Morsi to incite violent revolution in the north African nation.
A complaint filed with Egypt’s Attorney General alleges that Naglaa Mahmoud, Morsi’s wife, was working – with Clinton’s help – to incite armed rebellion aimed at toppling Egyptian top General and Defense Minister Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
After the Muslim Brotherhood-back government of Egypt was overthrown after the military responded to popular, nationwide demonstrations, the new Egyptian government started work on bringing criminal charges against the Brotherhood in an apparent drive to completely outlaw the fundamentalist organization. The numerous known ties between the Obama administration and the Muslim Brotherhood – none of which have been revealed in the American mainstream media – were destined to be exposed during this process. Those ties include:
1) Barack Obama’s half-brother, Malik Obama, has been implicated in fund-raising operations for a known terrorist organization and is said to be involved in the management of funds for the Muslim Brotherhood. These connections were previously explored in an August article in the Guardian Liberty Voice.
Full report at:
http://guardianlv.com/2014/01/hillary-clinton-facing-criminal-charges-over-muslim-brotherhood-connection-incitement-of-violence/
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Obama’s deputies release leftist who collaborated with Twin Towers jihadis
Jan 2, 2014
President Barack Obama’s appointees won an early prison release for a progressive lawyer who collaborated with the Muslim jihadi leader of the 1993 attack on New York’s Twin Towers.
The 1993 attack failed to topple the building, but it did kill six Americans. The jihadi plotters had hoped the first tower would collapse and destroy the second tower in the process, killing all the Americans in both structures.
The failed attack was a model for Osama bin Laden’s successful atrocity in 2001, when his Muslim jihadis killed 3,000 New Yorkers.
The released left-wing lawyer, Lynne Stewart, 74, was sentenced in 2005 to a decade-long sentence for acting as a courier for her jihadi client, Omar Abdel-Rahman, who was jailed in 1995 for urging the Twin Towers attack.
Full report at:
http://dailycaller.com/2014/01/01/obamas-aides-release-leftist-collaborator-with-twin-towers-jihadis/#ixzz2qE6J3kno
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Jihad Jane: Despite cooperation, US seeks 'decades' in prison
Reuters | Jan 2, 2014
WASHINGTON: The Pennsylvania woman who called herself Jihad Jane and a teenage accomplice from Maryland provided "very significant" assistance to US authorities in several terrorism investigations but still remain threats to the public, prosecutors say in new court filings.
Prosecutors said Colleen LaRose, 50, should be sentenced to "decades behind bars" for her role in a failed 2009 plot to kill Lars Vilks, a Swedish artist who offended many Muslims by drawing the Prophet Mohammed on the head of a dog.
After years of delay, the American-born LaRose is expected to be sentenced on Monday in Philadelphia. A similar hearing for Mohammad Hassan Khalid, the youngest person ever charged with terrorism in the United States, is set for Tuesday.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/Jihad-Jane-Despite-cooperation-US-seeks-decades-in-prison/articleshow/28267871.cms
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South Asia
Jamaat vexed at BNP role: Distances itself from blockade over ally's Mollah reaction
Rashidul Hasan
Jan 2, 2014
The Jamaat-e-Islami is gradually distancing itself from its main ally BNP, as the Islamist party is disappointed with the BNP's handling of the ongoing movement and its stance on the execution of Abdul Quader Mollah.
The Jamaat believes it has already “paid dearly” by losing many of its leaders and activists in the violent movement against the government. In most cases, BNP leaders and activists kept themselves from the street agitations.
To the Jamaat, the BNP just wanted to have the pie prepared through Jamaat sacrifice. In addition, the more Jamaat takes to the streets, the more it is perceived as a terrorist organisation. But it could have come out of this stigma had the BNP joined it on the ground.
At the same time, the Jamaat was expecting that BNP chief Khaleda Zia would condemn, at least tactically, the hanging on December 12 of Jamaat assistant secretary general Quader Mollah for war crimes. But she did not do so, which has frustrated Jamaat.
Full report at:
http://www.thedailystar.net/jamaat-vexed-at-bnp-role-5077
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Beijing calls on other countries not to hide terrorists but to pass them to China
Jan 2, 2014
China calls on governments of other countries not to hide terrorists, but to pass them to the Chinese authorities, representative of China’s foreign ministry Qin Gan said on Thursday.
“We have always demanded from the US to return Chinese citizens, who remain in the Guantanamo prison. We are against passing them to third countries, and we are against the practice where other countries are accepting those prisoners,” the diplomat said.
Those prisoners “are members in the Eastern Turkestan Islamic movement, which the UN Security Council has recognised as a terrorist organisation,” he said. “Those people are dangerous not only for China, but also for the accepting countries.”
Full report at:
http://voiceofrussia.com/news/2014_01_02/Beijing-calls-on-other-countries-not-to-hide-terrorists-but-to-pass-them-to-China-6425/
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Jamaat-Shibir men swoop on election campaign
Jan 2, 2014
Jamaat-Shibir men swooped on the campaigners of rebel Awami League candidate Saiful Karim from Satkhira-2 parliamentary constituency and set three motorbikes afire in Padmashakra area under Sadar upazila yesterday.
Though Saiful Karim remained unhurt, three of the campaigners sustained injuries during the attack. The injured are Kabir Hossain, 25, Abdul aziz, 45, and Azizul Islam, 35. They were given first aid at a local clinic.
Full report at:
http://www.thedailystar.net/country/jamaat-shibir-men-swoop-on-election-campaign-5064
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Bangladesh selected for Global Green Award 2014
Jan 2, 2014
Bangladesh has been selected for the “Global Green Award 2014,” Environment and Forests Minister Hasan Mahmud announced at a press briefing at the Secretariat yesterday.
He said Paris-based Otherways Management Association had decided to provide the award to the environment and forests ministry of Bangladesh for its outstanding contribution to the sustainable development of environment.
The award would be handed over at a function in Berlin on March 31, he said.
He informed that the country’s forest area had increased to 13.2% from 9.5% in last five years of the present government.
Full report at:
http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2014/jan/02/bangladesh-selected-global-green-award-2014#sthash.PpqbpyHw.dpuf
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Pakistan
Time to test Samiul Haq’s much-vaunted influence on the Taliban
January 2, 2014
PESHAWAR: By bringing Maulana Samiul Haq into the ambit of the much-hyped peace talks the government seems to have recognised the markers that divide various militant outfits. But will the policy to take all ‘stakeholders’ on board pay off? Is a political settlement to the conflict in Pakistan a possibility at last? And most importantly, how far is the conflict along the Durand Line a local problem now?
Swarmed by journalists a day after his meeting with the Prime Minister – “My resolve to initiate a peace process is unhindered,” Maulana Samiul Haq, told The Express Tribune. However, he refused to comment on any other details for now. “They [journalists] just won’t let him be alone for a few minutes,” says his assistant.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/653665/comment-time-to-test-samiul-haqs-much-vaunted-influence-on-the-taliban/
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Rangers' raid: Two alleged TTP militants killed in Karachi
January 2, 2014
KARACHI: Two alleged militants of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were killed during a joint raid by Rangers and police personnel in Karachi’s Manghopir area, Express News reported on Thursday.
The operation was conducted on a tip off and security officers seized pistols and hand grenades during the raid.
The deceased were identified as Saeedullah and Azam Mehsud.
According to Rangers’ personnel, various identity cards were also recovered from their possession.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/653787/rangers-raid-two-alleged-ttp-militants-killed-in-karachi/
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Secretary General of PML terms 1947, 2014 "Years of Withdrawal" of super-powers from region
Jan 2, 2014
ISLAMABAD (NNI): Secretary General of Pakistan Muslim League and Chairman Senate Defence Committee, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed has said the calendar of Pakistan’s founding year 1947 and 2014 have not only similarities in the sequence of days but also in sense that 1947 was year of withdrawal of the British Empire from the region and hopefully 2014 will be proven as the year of withdrawal of US and NATO forces from the neighboring country, Afghanistan.
He was addressing to an interactive session ‘Catch the Moment with Mushahid Hussain’ organized by NUST Bazm-e-Pakistan (NBPK) to discuss the country’s past, present, future, successes and failures.
Full report at:
http://www.thefrontierpost.com/article/65588/Mushahid-terms-1947-2014-
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Peace negotiations: Dialogue with Taliban to remain on the cards, says PM
January 2, 2014
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Wednesday that dialogue with Tahreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) remains on the cards to tackle extremism without seeking clearance from “big powers” for the talks.
“It was a calculated decision to talk with Taliban and if the government gets a positive response from the other side, the talks can begin as there is no better option than dialogue,” Nawaz said while speaking at a special cabinet meeting.
“As a sovereign nation, it is our right to take policy decisions to resolve our problems,” the premier added.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/653682/peace-negotiations-dialogue-with-taliban-to-remain-on-the-cards-says-pm/
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Only jirga can reengage Taliban in talks: JUI-F
January 02, 201
ISLAMABAD - Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Fazl) on Wednesday welcomed the seriousness of Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif to reengage the Taliban in talks but said that individual politicians could not make it happen until and unless local conflict resolution mechanism called Jirga is involved.
"The Jirga drawing elites including Maliks, religious scholars, political representatives and minorities could mediate between the two sides," according to a press release issued from JUI-F office.
Full report at:
http://www.nation.com.pk/islamabad/02-Jan-2014/only-jirga-can-reengage-taliban-in-talks-jui-f
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Inquiry should be held into the Kargil episode: Pak defence minister
PTI | Jan 2, 2014
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's defence minister Khawaja Asif has said that an inquiry should be held into the Kargil episode and a case should be filed against former military ruler Pervez Musharraf and his then colleagues for the 1999 coup.
Mincing no words, Asif accused the former president of corruption and said bombs were planted near Musharraf's house by his sympathizers and supporters.
Asked if 70-year-old Musharraf should be tried for 1999 coup, Asif said it was his personal opinion that he should.
"A case must be filed against Musharraf and his colleagues who toppled the government of PML-N in 1999. Similarly, inquiry of Kargil incident should also be held. Every citizen of the country is equal in the eye of law.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Inquiry-should-be-held-into-the-Kargil-episode-Pak-defence-minister/articleshow/28278370.cms
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Karachi violence claims five lives
2014-01-02 12:54:11
KARACHI: At least five people were killed in different incident of violence in Karachi, DawnNews reported on Thursday.
Rangers and police forces conducted a joint targeted operation in Kunwari colony of Karachi's Manghopir area early on Thursday during which an exchange of gunfire between suspected terrorists and security forces took place killing two people.
A Rangers spokesman said the two killed in the encounter were members of the proscribed Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) who resisted arrest and opened fire when the raiding team reached the area.
Full report at:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1077897/karachi-violence-claims-five-lives
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Mideast
Israelis, Palestinians ‘back two-state’
Jan 2, 2014
The majority of Israelis and Palestinians support the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel but remain suspicious of the other side, according to a poll released on Jan. 1.
The survey was released hours before U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry’s return to the region. In the poll, 63 percent of 601 Israelis and 53 percent of 1,270 Palestinians surveyed said they back a two-state solution. Support dropped to 54 percent and 46 percent, respectively, when respondents were asked about specifics of a two-state deal.
The Israeli poll, by an Israeli university, had an error margin of 4.5 percentage points. The Palestinian survey, by a West Bank think tank, had an error margin of 3 percentage points. Kerry hopes to narrow differences between Israelis and Palestinians in peace talks this week that are intended to guide the sides toward a deal in April, a senior State Department official said Dec. 31.
Full report at:
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/israelis-palestinians-back-two-state.aspx?pageID=238&nID=60440&NewsCatID=352
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For first time, Palestinians acquitted of stone throwing
Jan 2, 2014
The military court at Ofer army base has acquitted, for the first time, Palestinians charged with throwing rocks at a settler.
The three Palestinians charged were found not guilty recently because police did not summon to court the settler in question, who was said to have thrown stones himself during the clash. The presiding judge stated that under the circumstances, a ruling against the defendants would be discriminatory.
The incident took place in January 2010, near Susya in the south Hebron hills. Footage filmed by a volunteer with B’Tselem shows Ilan Vilanda from the Mitzpe Yair outpost, and three members of the Nawaj’ah family from the Palestinian village Susya. At one point, Vilanda threw stones at the Palestinians and a scuffle ensued.
Full report at:
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/.premium-1.566581
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Turkish PM Erdoğan labels graft probe an ‘assassination attempt’
Jan 2, 2014
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has described the ongoing graft probe as an "assassination attempt hidden in a package of corruption,” during a message to the people broadcast on television on Dec. 31.
“The Dec. 17 plot is an assassination attempt hidden inside the package of corruption. The Dec. 17 plot is targeting the people’s government. It also targeted the national will, the ballot box and democracy,” said Erdoğan in his monthly message titled “on the way to serve people” referring to a graft probe started on Dec. 17.
Twenty-four people have been arrested as part of the corruption investigation that emerged in Turkey last month, including the sons of former Interior Minister Muammer Güler and former Economy Minister Zafer Çağlayan.
Full report at:
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkish-pm-erdogan-labels-graft-probe-an-assassination-attempt.aspx?pageID=238&nID=60437&NewsCatID=338
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Safe that killed Palestine ambassador not opened for 20 years
Jan 2, 2014
The safe which exploded Wednesday at the Prague residence of the Palestinian ambassador had not been opened for about 20 to 25 years, Czech media claim.
According to reports, the lockbox had previously been stored in the old Palestinian embassy building. When the embassy moved to a new location, the safe was taken along and placed in the apartment of PA ambassador Jamal al-Jamal, who moved in only two days ago.
Journalists have quoted Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Malki as saying the envoy wanted to know what was inside the box. He opened the safe and asked his wife to fetch a pen and paper so that he could write a list of its contents. The woman said she had heard a bang as soon as she left the room.
Full report at:
http://voiceofrussia.com/news/2014_01_02/Safe-that-killed-Palestine-ambassador-not-opened-for-20-years-2095/
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Southeast Asia
Terrorists in Ciputat planned suicide bombings: Police
Jan 2, 2014
National Police spokesperson Brig. Gen. Boy Rafli Amar said on Thursday that six terrorists gunned down in a New Year’s Eve raid in Ciputat, South Tangerang, had planned suicide bomb attacks at two or more Buddhist temples in Jakarta.
“From evidence collected, many temples are targets. Two temples (of them) were mentioned as marks in one document,” Boy said at National Police headquarters in Jakarta.
The police’s Densus 88 counterterrorism squad gunned down six suspected militants in an overnight raid in Kampung Sawah, Ciputat. The police suspect that the men were responsible for a string of deadly shootings targeting police officers and the bombing of the Ekayana Buddhist temple ahead of Idul Fitri last year.
The counterterrorism squad confiscated from them six pipe bombs, six handguns, five machetes and knives, bomb-making materials and a sheet of paper listing around 50 Buddhist temples in Jakarta.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/01/02/terrorists-ciputat-planned-suicide-bombings-police.html
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Malaysian officials seize Bibles over use of word “Allah”
Jan 2, 2014
An Islamic religious authority raided the Bible Society of Malaysia on Thursday and confiscated dozens of Bibles in the Malay and Iban languages because they contained the word “Allah,” which Muslims argue is exclusive to Islam.
The move sparked outrage among the minority Christian community.
The newly-appointed director of the Selangor state Islamic Religious Department, Ahmad Zaharin Mohamed Saad, said recently he wanted churches to obey a law that bans non-Muslims from using 35 Arabic words and phrases including “Allah”, “nabi” (prophet) and “injil” (gospel).
In Malaysia, proselytising to a Muslim is a criminal offence.
A team of officers from the religious department, aided by the police, seized 320 copies of the Bible and detained the society’s president Lee Min Choon and manager Sinclair Wong.
Both Lee and Wong were released later on police bail.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/malaysian-officials-seize-bibles-over-use-of-word-allah/article5530191.ece
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Convert to Islam, Umno veterans club tells Catholic priest in centre of Allah row
Jan 2, 2014
A veteran Umno leader has called on a senior Catholic priest to convert to Islam if he insisted on using the word “Allah”, saying that this will cool the rage of Muslims and comply with the Sultan of Selangor’s decree, reported Umno mouthpiece Utusan Malaysia.
Umno Veterans Club secretary Datuk Mustapha Yaakub said they are ready to hold the conversion ceremony anytime for Catholic weekly Herald editor Father Lawrence Andrew (pic).
“We are ready to hold the ceremony for his conversion to Islam anytime after he gets hidayah (guidance) from Allah.
“We will ensure that he becomes an imam (Muslim leader) and a preacher that is successful and respected,” he was quoted as saying by the Malay daily.
Full report at:
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/convert-to-islam-umno-veterans-club-tells-catholic-priest-in-centre-of-alla
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Putrajaya appeals for calm over Allah row
Jan 2, 2014
Putrajaya has appealed for calm in light of increasing tension over the usage of the word Allah by Christians.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Joseph Kurup said he had contacted minister in charge of Islamic Affairs, Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom, who had assured that he would help cool down tensions.
“He will help look into the matter and help calm the situation,” Kurup told The Malaysian Insider.
Christians form about 9% of Malaysia's 29 million population.
Kurup, who is a Christian, advised all quarters not to resort to anything that would strain the good relations that the various races had enjoyed over the years.
Full report at:
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/putrajaya-appeals-for-calm-over-allah-row
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DAP wants Jais to apologise for illegal raid on Bible Society of Malaysia
Jan 2, 2014
The Selangor Islamic Affairs Department (Jais) should issue an official apology for raiding the Bible Society of Malaysia (BSM) today, said DAP.
Party national publicity chief Tony Pua (pic) said the raid on the offices of the BSM clearly infringed the rights of Malaysians to practise religion freely.
Pua said Jais raided the BSM office in Damansara Kim without producing a search warrant or any form of authorisation.
"This raid was not conducted in the spirit of Malaysia's official religion, Islam, and was carried out without any respect for the feelings of other religious communities."
Pua said this was the act of individuals who were extremists, overzealous and misguided.
Speaking to reporters at the Damansara police station, Pua said Putrajaya needs to take a clear stand over the Allah issue, otherwise the situation would deteriorate further.
Full report at:
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/dap-wants-jais-to-apologise-for-illegal-raid-on-bible-society-of-malaysia
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India
India to conduct on-ground assessment in South Sudan
SANDEEP DIKSHIT
Jan 2, 2014
India will conduct an on-ground assessment of its interests in South Sudan, especially the well being of its 2,000 soldiers who are part of a United Nations stablisation team. The Indian Army contingent had lost three men after its camp was overrun in the ongoing ethnic strife. In an earlier ambush in April last year, four Indian soldiers and an officer were shot dead in an ambush.
The Indian Army contingent had to be evacuated by air and the situation is considered so delicate that New Delhi has sent back a senior army officer to serve an unusual second term as the deputy chief of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) because of his knowledge of the land.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-to-conduct-onground-assessment-in-south-sudan/article5527547.ece
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UP: Rizwan Ahmad takes over as first Muslim DGP
Jan 01 2014
Lucknow : The UP government Tuesday appointed 1978-batch IPS officer Rizwan Ahmad as the new Director General of Police (DGP). He is the first Muslim to assume the post in the state.
Ahmad replaces Deo Raj Nagar who retired Tuesday.
Ahmad himself will have a short tenure as he is due to retire in February.
Ahmad’s name for the DGP’s post was doing the rounds in the IPS circles since April when former DGP A C Sharma was on his way out. He had overseen arrangements of the iftaar party hosted by CM Akhilesh Yadav.
However, Nagar was appointed as the DGP in April.
The Akhilesh Yadav government’s image has taken severe beating over the condition of post- riot relief camps where 34 children have died due to the cold.
Sources in the government said the government was earlier hesitant in appointing Ahmad as DGP given that another Muslim officer, Jawed Usmani, holds the Chief Secretary’s post.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/up-rizwan-ahmad-takes-over-as-first-muslim-dgp/1214070/
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123 properties in prime locations in Delhi may go to Waqf Board
Jan 02 2014
New Delhi : The urban development ministry has prepared a draft cabinet note to denotify 123 properties in prime locations in Delhi, and to transfer the ownership rights to the Delhi Waqf Board in a way annulling their acquisition by the British government between 1911 and 1915.
The government of the Raj had acquired a lot of land to build India’s new capital in the years that followed the shift from Calcutta in 1911. Sixty-one of these 123 properties are now owned by the Land & Development Office (L&DO) under the urban development ministry; the rest are with the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/123-properties-in-prime-locations-in-delhi-may-go-to-Waqf-board/1214436/
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Narcotic smuggling hits new high along India-Pakistan border
IANS | Jan 2, 2014
CHANDIGARH: Narcotic smuggling appears to have touched dizzying levels across the India-Pakistan frontier with the Border Security Force (BSF) having recorded its highest seizure of drugs in recent years, netting over 322 kg of heroin in 2013 that would be worth over Rs 1,610 crore ($258 million) in the international market.
Men of the BSF maintain high alert in sub-zero temperatures and a thick blanket of fog along the barbed-wire fenced 553-km international border between the two countries in Punjab. This is the highest seizure of heroin made by the BSF on the Punjab frontier with Pakistan. The previous high was over 288 kg of heroin seized in 2012.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Narcotic-smuggling-hits-new-high-along-India-Pakistan-border/articleshow/28278180.cms
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Africa
Mogadishu hotel targeted by three bombs in attack killing at least 11
Jan 2, 2014
Three bombs exploded within an hour outside a hotel frequented by government officials in a heavily fortified district of the Somali capital on Wednesday, killing at least 11.
The attacks on the Jazira hotel, one of the securest places in Mogadishu, underscore the security challenges facing the country's president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, whose election by lawmakers last year was hailed by many as a way to end two decades of conflict.
The first two bombs came in quick succession and were followed by heavy bursts of gunfire by Somali security forces. The third blast took place about an hour later when a bomb went off inside a car that was being searched by the military.
Full report at:
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/01/mogadishu-hotel-jazira-bomb-attacks-somalia
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Three people killed in fresh violence in CAR
Jan 2, 2014
At least three people have died as residents threw grenades and torched homes in clashes between supporters of the Seleka and anti-Balaka in Central African Republic's capital, witnesses said.
French and African troops deployed in the country have struggled to stop the tit-for-tat violence between the mainly Muslim Seleka, who seized power in March, and predominantly Christian anti-Balaka, meaning "anti-machete", fighters, that killed more than 1,000 people in December.
Full report at:
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/01/three-people-killed-fresh-violence-car-2014122843851111.html
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Nigerian Muslims to pray for nation
Jan 2, 2014
Nigerian Muslims are planning a mass gathering on Sunday in Lagos, the country's commercial nerve center, to pray for the nation – which is currently marking 100 years since unification – and make their political voices heard.
"Muslims comprising all bodies will on January 5 come together to pray for the nation and collectively address issues as they affect Muslims and society, thereon forging the essential unity in the interest of the people," Dish Kamor, a spokesman for the Muslim Public Affairs Center, one of the event's organizers, told Anadolu Agency.
"The event is tagged 'Muslims Pray for the Nation' and it is slated for 9am at the Tarawa Balewa Square, Lagos," he added.
Full report at:
http://www.worldbulletin.net/?aType=haber&ArticleID=126116
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S Sudan declares emergency in two states
Jan 2, 2014
South Sudanese President Salva Kiir has declared a state of emergency in two states, according to the government's official Twitter account.
The decree issued on Wednesday covers Unity and Jonglei, where government troops and rebel forces loyal to Riek Machar, former vice president, have been engaged in fighting.
The declaration came as the rival factions were set to open talks in Ethiopia on Thursday, aimed at bringing an end to the nearly three-week-old conflict, despite reports of an imminent military showdown in Jonglei.
Sources said government and rebel negotiators arrived in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa on Wednesday.
Full report at:
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/01/s-sudan-poised-peace-talks-amid-fighting-201411124436630710.html
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Tunisia to vote on new charter 3 years after uprising
January 02, 2014
TUNIS: Tunisia’s National Constituent Assembly is to begin voting on the future constitution Friday, three years after the country’s popular uprising and after five months of deadlock between the ruling Islamists and opposition.
The adoption of Tunisia’s constitution would represent a crucial milestone in the birthplace of the Arab Spring, where hopes of a successful democratic transition contrast starkly with other countries in the region rocked by regime change.
But with revisions added after intense last-minute negotiations, a final draft had yet to be circulated two days before the scheduled scrutiny of the long-delayed charter, which is to be voted on article by article.
Full report at:
http://www.nation.com.pk/international/02-Jan-2014/tunisia-to-vote-on-new-charter-3-years-after-uprising
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Australia
WikiLeaks made 'extraordinary error of judgment' in meeting Assad, says Tony Abbott
Jan 2, 2014
Tony Abbott, Australia's prime minister, has lashed out at WikiLeaks as a "pretty eccentric" group after a delegation led by Julian Assange's father met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad – an encounter Mr Abbott described as "an extraordinary error of judgment".
The delegation from Australia's WikiLeaks Party, set up by Mr Assange to contest last September's federal election, travelled to Syria late last month to meet with Mr Assad and other high-ranking Syrian officials as part of a "peace and reconciliation" trip. The delegation was headed by John Shipton, Mr Assange's father.
Mr Abbott said the visit should never have proceeded because the Assad regime was "one of the worst in the world".
"It's been guilty of serial atrocities against its own people, and it [the WikiLeaks Party visit] was an extraordinary error of judgment," he told The Australian.
Full report at:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/wikileaks/10546595/WikiLeaks-made-extraordinary-error-of-judgment-in-meeting-Assad-says-Tony-Abbott.html
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/senior-sunni-cleric-asks-iraq/d/35106