Suicide Bombers Wearing Women’s Dresses Arrested In Helmand
New Age Islam News Bureau
4
Apr 2014
Photo: Suicide Bombers Wearing Women’s Dresses Arrested In Helmand
South Asia
• Suicide Bombers Wearing Women’s Dresses Arrested In Helmand
• Two female foreign journalists shot in Khost province of Afghanistan
• Afghan intelligence foil deadly attack plot by Haqqani network in Khost
• Despite Taliban threats Afghans prepare to vote in presidential elections
• Hassan Ali faces arrest warrant for 1971 crimes
• Indian delegation arrives today to discuss visa issue
Arab World
• Syria: Infighting Leads to Death of Tens of Rival Militants
• Iraq attacks kill nine as election looms
• Sham Al-Islam Commander, Many Militants Killed in Syria
• Twitter posts lead to terror charges on Three Saudis
• Syrian Army Continues War on Terrorist Gunmen in Homs, Idlib, Aleppo
• Special Court sentences 18 terrorists to prison
• Syrian Army General: People Confident in Army’s Inevitable Victory
• Saudis Start Cyber Revolution against Poverty: 25% of Citizens Labelled "Poor"
• Kuwait minister under U.S. fire on Syria jihad quits: report
• Lebanon charges 8 over attempted terrorist acts
India
• Shahi Imam of Delhi's Jama Masjid Announces Support for Congress, TMC
• Vote En Bloc to Defeat 'Fascist' Forces, Muslims Told
• U.S. gives Mumbai police equipment to fight terror
• Indian warrior princess Noor Inayat Khan becomes a sensation in Britain
Southeast Asia
• Perlis Mufti Advises Muslims to Avoid Ceremonies of Other Religions
• Malaysia bans Hollywood blockbuster ‘Noah’, says it is insensitive to Muslims
• Another Christian body calls for the return of the seized Bibles
• Pak-Malaysia sign agreement on repatriation of over 3000 illegal Pakistani immigrants
Europe
• U.N. says Chadian soldiers killed 30 in C. African Republic attack
• Lavrov: Westerners Can No Longer Cover Terrorism in Syria
• Four Russian Servicemen Killed in North Caucasus Bomb Attack
• Amnesty International welcomes Palestinian unilateral moves
• Putin defies Obama in Syria as arms fuel Assad
Africa
• Nigerians accuse army of killing 30 Fulani people
• Migrants leaving Israel being sent to Rwanda, Uganda
• Call for Muslim-Christian dialogue in C. African Republic
• Kenyan Muslims issue warning over cleric killings
• C. Africa 'regrets' Chad decision to withdraw troops: Minister
• Islamic banking booming in Ethiopia
Mideast
• Palestinians Set New Conditions for Peace Talks to Continue
• ‘We have to implement it, but we don't have to respect it,’ Turkish PM says on Twitter ruling
• Peres: Freedom, peace the foundations of US-Israel ties
• Israel calls off release of Palestinian prisoners, reviews US-sponsored peace talks
• Iran's Senior Cleric: No Place for EU Office in Iran
Pakistan
• Jundullah declares Bilawal, Musharraf, MQM main targets
• TTP extends ceasefire until April 10
• Catholics and Muslims fasting and praying together for Asia Bibi and Sawan Masih
• LeT operating in Afghanistan, analysts say
• Peace moot wants truce extended, non-combatants freed
• Mass graves: Tribunal’s report expected within a month
• Pakistan keeps close eye on vote in its Afghan backyard
• Zardari vows to fight forces of regression and bigotry
North America
• Kerry: U.S. is evaluating role in Middle East peace talks
• U.S. seeks to boost Algeria in Al-Qaeda fight
• Islamic group gets OK to cut crosses off NY church
• US eyeing exit and mindful of past keeps distance from Afghan election
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/suicide-bombers-wearing-women’s-dresses/d/66414
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South Asia
Suicide bombers wearing women’s dresses arrested in Helmand
Apr 04 2014
Two suicide bombers who had disguised themselves in women’s dress were arrested by Afghan security forces in southern Helmand province of Afghanistan.
Deputy interior minister Gen. Ayub Salangi said the two suicide bombers were arrested in Gresh district.
Gen Salangi also added that four anti-government armed militants were blown up by their own explosives in northern Faryab province.
He said the incident took place in Shirin Tagab district while the militants were placing improvised explosive device (IED) on roadside.
According to Gen. Salangi, at least militants were also injured following the explosion.
The anti-government armed militant groups including the Taliban militants frequently use improvised explosive device as the weapon of their choice to target Afghan and coalition security forces, however the ordinary civilians are mostly targeted in roadside bombings.
http://www.khaama.com/suicide-bombers-wearing-womens-dresses-arrested-in-helmand-2946
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Two female foreign journalists shot in Khost province of Afghanistan
Apr 04 2014
A gunman shot two foreign journalists in eastern Khost province of Afghanistan on Friday morning, local officials said.
Provincial governor spokesman, Mubarez Mohammad Zadran confirming the report said the incident took place inside the Tani district police headquarter.
Mr. Zadran further added that one of the two female journalists was killed and the other one was critically injured following the incident.
He said the attack was carried out by a gunman in Afghan police uniform.
The Associated Press news agency confirmed that Photographer Anja Niedringhaus was killed instantly in the attack while Veteran reporter Kathy Gannon who was injured in the attack was said to be in a stable condition and receiving medical treatment.
This comes as unknown gunmen shot dead a foreign journalist in capital Kabul, while a senior Afghan journalist was killed along with his family members in an attack on Serena hotel.
Swedish Radio’s longtime Asia correspondent Horner was shot dead by unknown gunmen in capital Kabul on Tuesday. The assailant militants managed to flee the area after killing Horner.
Horner was on his way from his hotel to the ruins of a restaurant bombed by Taliban in January. He was expecting to meet a survivor of the incident before he was shot dead.
The AFP senior reporter Sardar Ahmad was killed along with his wife and two children after a group of gunmen attacked the Serena hotel on 20 March in capital Kabul.
http://www.khaama.com/two-female-foreign-journalists-shot-in-khost-province-of-afghanistan-2947
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Afghan intelligence foil deadly attack plot by Haqqani network in Khost
Apr 04 2014
The Afghan intelligence – National Directorate of Security (NDS) operatives thwarted a deadly attack plot by Haqqani terrorist network in eastern Khost province of Afghanistan.
National Directorate of Security (NDS) following a statement said Friday that a group of 12 Haqqani terrorist network militants were arrested in connection to the attack plot.
NDS in its statement further added that the group was looking to carry out coordinated attacks in Khost city and other provinces of Khost province during the elections day.
The statement also added that Afghan intelligence operatives discovered and seized two vehicle borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) along with five motorcycles packed with explosives.
Afghan intelligence operatives also confiscated one RPG rocket launcher along with its 10 rockets, 6 AK-47 rifles, 1 PK machine gun, 7 pistols, 4 magnetic bombs, 7 hand grenades, 1 binocular and 4 sets of communication device, NDS said.
http://www.khaama.com/afghan-intelligence-foil-deadly-attack-plot-by-haqqani-network-in-khost-2948
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Despite Taliban threats Afghans prepare to vote in presidential elections
April 4, 2014
KABUL: Despite Taliban threats, Afghans will line up to vote across the war-shattered country in the crucial elections on April 5.
The crucial elections will pave the way for the country’s first-ever peaceful democratic transfer of power, because the constitution bars the incumbent President, Hamid Karzai, from standing again.
The elections are also considered important for the future of Afghanistan as foreign troops will be leaving the country this year.
President Karzai, who is scheduled to step down in May if a new leader is elected in the first round of the elections, launched a fresh appeal to the citizens to go to the polling centres without any fear and exercise their democratic right.
“The enemies of peace and the involvement of foreign intelligence agencies in subversive activities further strengthen the resolve of our people to bring change,” the beleaguered President said in a TV advertisement in Pashto and Dari languages.
He also urged people to accept the results of the landmark elections and to ignore their pre-election political differences. Karzai also guaranteed transparent and fair elections.
Elections
The election is the third in nearly 13 years since an American-led invasion dislodged the Taliban. The official Bakhtar news agency reported that nearly 13 million people, who are eligible to vote, will go to polling centres. However, an election observer in Kabul told The Express Tribune that the number of registered voters has increased to up to 17 million.
The Afghan body responsible for organizing the polls, the Independent Election Commission (IEC), said that polling would be conducted in 90% of around 7,500 polling centres, with the remaining centres being closed due to security concerns and access issues. A total of 748 polling centres will not be open over security threats.
The IEC Chief Dr Ahmad Yusuf Nuristani, said in Kabul polling will begin at 7:30am local time and will continue until 4pm, without any break in between.
According to officials, the official result of the elections will be announced on May 14. If no presidential candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote, a runoff election will be held on May 22, 2014.
Security concerns
The Afghan Defence Ministry said that about 195,000 security personnel have been assigned to provide security for the elections.
“Our reserve forces are also on red alert and all Afghan National Army (ANA) soldieries are contributing in the security of elections,” MoD spokesperson Zahir Azimi stated in Kabul.
He claimed foreign interests were behind attempts to derail the election process, echoing previous remarks made by other Afghan security officials and politicians in response to the recent surge in violence across the country.
The recent deadly attacks in Kabul including last month’s brazen attack at the heavily-policed Serena Hotel that killed nine people including foreigners raise serious questions regarding the capability of security forces that will bear more responsibility after the Nato withdrawal this year. A security official told The Express Tribune today that around half of the foreigners have left Kabul following the Taliban attacks.
The Taliban have issued a new threat of launching a wave of attacks, asking people to stay away from polling centres.
http://tribune.com.pk/story/691318/despite-taliban-threats-afghans-prepare-to-vote-in-presidential-elections/
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Hassan Ali faces arrest warrant for 1971 crimes
Apr 4, 2014
The International Crimes Tribunal yesterday issued arrest warrant against alleged razakar commander from Tarail of Kishoreganj Syed Mohammad Hachhen alias Hassan Ali accepting a plea of the prosecution.
The three-member tribunal 1 headed by Justice M Enayetur Rahim issued the order and asked the prosecution to submit a progress report of investigation by May 15.
Prosecutor Abul Kalam Azad filed the petition with the tribunal registrar on Tuesday.
Yesterday, prosecutors Mokhlesur Rahman Badal and Azad took part in the hearing in support of their plea, and said the investigation agency came to know about some incidents during the 1971 Liberation War in which the suspect was involved.
Full report at:
http://www.dhakatribune.com/law-rights/2014/apr/04/hassan-ali-faces-arrest-warrant-1971-crimes#sthash.nW90W6ID.dpuf
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Indian delegation arrives today to discuss visa issue
Apr 4, 2014
An Indian joint secretary level four-member delegation is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka tomorrow to discuss issues regarding Indian visa applications from Bangladesh.
The delegation is likely to hold talks with home ministry officials on Tuesday.
Home ministry officials said the discussion would focus on addressing the woes of visa seekers and to stop fraudulent activities of a vested quarter regarding the visas, at the said.
“We would request the Indian delegation to raise the existing slot [for Bangladeshi applicants] as a huge number of our people want to apply for visas,” Home Ministry Additional Secretary Md Shafiqul Islam told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday.
Full report at:
http://www.dhakatribune.com/foreign-affairs/2014/apr/04/indian-delegation-arrives-today-discuss-visa-issue#sthash.bCfTKbU5.dpuf
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Arab World
Syria: Infighting Leads to Death of Tens of Rival Militants
Apr 4, 2014
The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) killed scores of Al-Nusra Front and Ahrar A-Sham militants in heavy infighting in Hasaka province in North-eastern Syria.
The ISIL, Al-Nusra Front and Ahrar Al-Sham continued their heavy infighting in Hasaka province on Thursday.
The ISIL pushed back its rival Al-Nusra Front from its last military base in Hasaka province near Merkadeh town after the battles.
After more than two years of fighting side-by-side and leading one of the bloodiest conflicts in the recent history of Middle-East, al-Qaeda affiliated groups have been making increasing moves against each other in the last few months.
Militants in Syria have been committing numerous war crimes against people and Syrian army soldiers throughout the country during their bloody war.
Sources said the number of antigovernment combat factions has reached 1,750, including the FSA, "ISIL, and other groups working for different agendas.
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13930115000281
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Iraq attacks kill nine as election looms
April 04, 2014
BAGHDAD: Attacks in Baghdad and predominantly Sunni Arab areas of northern and western Iraq killed nine people on Friday, the latest in a surge of bloodshed ahead of a general election.
The shootings and bombings, which also wounded dozens more, came with campaigning in full swing for the April 30 election and with violence at its highest level since 2008.
The unrest has been principally driven by anger in the Sunni Arab community over alleged mistreatment at the hands of the Shiite-led government and security forces, as well as a spillover from the civil war in neighbouring Syria.
Apart from the capital, Friday's attack struck in and around the mostly-Sunni cities of Mosul and Samarra to its north, and Ramadi and Fallujah to its west.
At least nine people were killed and 30 wounded, security and medical sources said.
Militants also destroyed a bridge just north of the capital by setting off several bombs along it.
Full report at:
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Apr-04/252323-iraq-attacks-kill-nine-as-election-looms.ashx#ixzz2xyaU4HwL
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Sham Al-Islam Commander, Many Militants Killed in Syria
Apr 4, 2014
Fierce clashes between army troops and militants raged in neighbourhoods in and around the capital, Damascus amid reports that fighting in a coastal province killed a top foreign fighter who was a former Guantanamo Bay detainee.
Heavy clashes and government air raids were reported in the Damascus suburb of Mliha, as well as the capital’s Eastern Jobar neighborhood, Al-Alam reported.
The so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 10 rebels were killed in the Mliha clashes and three in Jobar, with the army reportedly sending reinforcements to push ahead with its offensive against the rebel-held areas.
It said army forces targeted militants in Mliha with a surface-to-surface rocket.
Syria’s state news agency said four mortar bombs fired by militants slammed into Harasta, Northwest of Damascus, killing six children and wounding five more.
Another five people were wounded when a rebel mortar bomb struck the upscale central neighborhood of Maliki, the agency said.
Full report at:
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13930115000312
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Twitter posts lead to terror charges on Three Saudis
Apr 4, 2014
Three Saudis are to be charged in a special criminal court in Riyadh with incitement to violence and rebellion, said sources at the Commission for Control and Investigation.
A judiciary source said the court will hear the defendants once they are formally arraigned.
The tweets posted on Twitter indicate involvement in such acts, said the source.
The source said that the three defendants will be put on a preliminary list of terrorists who are charged by the Ministry of Interior with participation in or incitement to fighting in conflict zones abroad through issuing Islamic edicts or showing support toward such groups. The list also includes those who disseminate inflammatory material in media outlets, donate money to terrorists or adopt their logos or slogans.
http://www.arabnews.com/news/550016
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Syrian Army Continues War on Terrorist Gunmen in Homs, Idlib, Aleppo
Apr 4, 2014
Syrian tankSyrian Arab Army launched on Thursday military operations against terrorists' dens and assembly points across conflicts' zones around the country.
Al-Manar website correspondent said that the SSA seized control over the aerial defense battalion in Taana, near the industrial city of Aleppo.
He added that the Syrian army also attacked terrorists' hideouts in Sarmin, Bashiriya, Ein Hadid, Qatroun Farm and Haj Hamoud Farm in rural Idlib.
In Homs, the national military fought off an opposition terrorist group while attempting to attack al-Zara electricity station in Rastan city, killing many of the terrorists and injuring others, a military source told SANA news agency.
Full report at:
http://www.almanar.com.lb/english/adetails.php?eid=144098&cid=23&fromval=1&frid=23&seccatid=20&s1=1
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Special Court sentences 18 terrorists to prison
Apr 4, 2014
RIYADH – The Special Court in Riyadh has issued various jail sentences against 18 terrorists. The prison sentences ranged from three months to 27 years. They were also banned from traveling abroad for similar periods.
The charges against the first defendant included providing assistance to a woman to evade police, attempting to forge travel documents for her and her children, helping her to travel with her three children by plane from Riyadh to Jazan without a mahram (a male relative she cannot marry) and participating in smuggling her across the borders to Yemen so as to smuggle her to Syria and then to Iraq.
Full report at:
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20140404200834
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Syrian Army General: People Confident in Army’s Inevitable Victory
Apr 4, 2014
Syrian Army Chief of Staff General Ali Abdullah Ayoub inspected Thursday army units working in the 45th position and the surrounding spots in Lattakia northern countryside, according to SANA.
General AyyoubDuring the tour, General Ayoub met a number of field commanders, listening to the process of combatant tasks, performance level and the military units' readiness to continue their missions in pursuing the armed terrorist groups.
"The successive victories gained by Army and national defense forces are a natural outcome of their ideology and unity with the Syrian people who stand by them in one rank against terrorism and enemies of the Nation," General Ayoub affirmed.
Full report at:
http://www.almanar.com.lb/english/adetails.php?eid=144264&cid=23&fromval=1&frid=23&seccatid=20&s1=1
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Saudis Start Cyber Revolution against Poverty: 25% of Citizens Labeled "Poor"
Apr 4, 2014
An electronic 'intifada' was launched by the Saudis who Saudi Social Medialogged on the social media sites to complain their poverty as 25% of them are labeled 'poor' although the country floats on an oil sea, according to Washington Post.
All the segments of the Saudis reacted positively with the electronic rebellion against the socio-economic calamity which strikes 4 million citizens.
Twitter was a main platform for the e-rebels who accused the Saudi authorities of being responsible for the maldistribution of the national fortune and resources.
A number of tweets revealed that some neighborhoods in Riyadh suffer striking poverty.
Other tweets mentioned that the authorities grant certain countries financial donations.
The Saudi regime led the country to a poverty rate which surpasses that in Lebanon, Palestine and Jordan.
http://www.almanar.com.lb/english/adetails.php?eid=144142&cid=23&fromval=1&frid=23&seccatid=28&s1=1
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Kuwait minister under U.S. fire on Syria jihad quits: report
April 04, 2014
KUWAIT CITY: A Kuwaiti minister, accused by a senior US official of promoting jihad in Syria, has resigned just days after receiving the backing of fellow cabinet members, a report said Friday.
Justice and Islamic Affairs Minister Nayef al-Ajmi, who strongly denies the US accusations, said he had asked to be relieved of his duties for health reasons, Al-Rai newspaper reported.
The US Treasury under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, David Cohen, charged earlier this year that Ajmi "has a history of promoting jihad in Syria."
His appointment to the cabinet in January was a "step in the wrong direction," Cohen said in a lecture in the United States, parts of which were carried by the Kuwait press late last month.
Ajmi said he had "asked to be relieved of his post because of health problems which predated the accusation that he backed terror," Al-Rai reported.
Full report at:
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Apr-04/252298-kuwait-minister-under-us-fire-on-syria-jihad-quits-report.ashx#ixzz2xybefz2e
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Lebanon charges 8 over attempted terrorist acts
April 04, 2014
BEIRIUT: Military Prosecutor Saqr Saqr Friday charged eight Lebanese men, six of them at large, with attempting to carry out terrorist attacks and opening fire on Lebanese soldiers.
Saqr also charged the men with belonging to the Nusra Front and with arms possession.
Judicial sources told The Daily Star the two men were part of an eight-member armed ring that opened fire on Lebanese troops during this week’s crackdown to restore stability in the embattled northern city of Tripoli.
Full report at:
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2014/Apr-04/252303-lebanon-charges-8-over-attempted-terrorist-acts.ashx#ixzz2xybNC5Ay
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India
Shahi Imam Of Delhi's Jama Masjid Announces Support For Congress, TMC
TNN | Apr 4, 2014
NEW DELHI: Shahi Imam of Delhi's Jama Masjid Syed Bukhari on Friday announced his support for Congress in the coming Lok Sabha elections.
Addressing a press conference in Delhi, Bukhari said secular forces must unite to defeat those who are polarizing polls.
The Shahi Imam also appealed for support to Trinamool Congress candidates, praising the role of Mamata Banerjee.
He also announced support for RJD in Bihar as it has allied with Congress for the general election.
Shahi Imam slammed Samajwadi Party for failing to protect Muslims during Muzaffarnagar riots.
"Our biggest concern is secularism," he said.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/lok-sabha-elections-2014/news/Shahi-Imam-of-Delhis-Jama-Masjid-announces-support-for-Congress-TMC/articleshow/33235533.cms?
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Vote En Bloc to Defeat 'Fascist' Forces, Muslims Told
Faizan Ahmad,TNN | Apr 4, 2014
PATNA: About a dozen Muslim socio-religious and educational bodies have appealed to the community to exercise their franchise in large numbers to show their strength. The organizations have asked them to vote for a strong secular candidate who can defeat the 'fascist' forces.
This is for the first time that so many organizations have come out with a joint appeal in any election. In an appeal, the authorities of Jamiat Ulema, Imarat Shariah, Idara-e-Shariah, Imarat Ahl-e-Hadis, Shia Hilal Committee, Momin Conference, Jamiat-ul-Quraish, Milli Council, Rabeta Committee and Flame have cautioned the community against the 'sinister designs of fascist forces who are using all resources to grab power'.
"These forces are indulging in communalism, rumour mongering and wrong propaganda against the minorities and weaker sections. If fascist forces come to power, there is a strong possibility that they will alter the secular constitution and democratic system," the appeal issued on Thursday said.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/lok-sabha-elections-2014/news/Vote-en-bloc-to-defeat-fascist-forces-Muslims-told/articleshow/33194072.cms
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U.S. gives Mumbai police equipment to fight terror
Apr 4, 2014
The Mumbai Police on Thursday received counter-terror equipment from the United States. The explosive incident countermeasures equipment, worth $300,000, which include explosive ordnance disposal suits, specially designed helmets, disruptors and scanners, were handed over to the Mumbai Police, a statement from the U.S. Embassy here said.
Addressing a special function organised to hand over the equipment, the outgoing U.S. Ambassador, Nancy J. Powell, said the relationship between the U.S. and India, the oldest and largest democracies in the world, was very strategic.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/us-gives-mumbai-police-equipment-to-fight-terror/article5869046.ece
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Indian warrior princess Noor Inayat Khan becomes a sensation in Britain
Kounteya Sinha,TNN | Apr 4, 2014
MANCHESTER: It is small enough to disappear in the palm of your hand but packs a real punch when fired. The personal pocket pistol of Britain's revered spy princess Noor Inayat Khan — an Indian princess who later became Winston Churchill's most daring spy, is on public display at the Imperial War Museum North (Manchester).
Noor — a direct descendant of Tipu Sultan, the 18th century Muslim "Tiger of Mysore" who refused to submit to British rule was part of the Special Operations Executive (SOE) — a British secret service set up to promote subversive warfare in enemy occupied territory.
Code named Madeleine, Noor was dropped into occupied France on Churchill's order with the instruction to set Europe ablaze. A hero of the World War II, her pistol has now become a major draw at the IWMN. Charlotte Czyzyk from the museum told the TOI that the Webley M1907 pocket pistol belonging to Noor has been a major draw ever since it has been displayed.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Indian-warrior-princess-Noor-Inayat-Khan-becomes-a-sensation-in-Britain/articleshow/33241116.cms
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Southeast Asia
Perlis mufti advises Muslims to avoid ceremonies of other religions
Apr 4, 2014
Perlis Mufti, Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya has advised Muslims not to be directly involved in the ceremonies of other religions, including the Songkran festival.
He said giving a present or extending good wishes to a non-Muslim in conjunction with that person's religious celebration was not an issue, but they should not be attending the religious ceremonies.
"The Songkran festival is clearly a religious occasion as during the ceremony, the statue of Buddha will be given a bath and the bath water will then be distributed to the attendees for them to receive blessings," he explained.
Because of that, he said, Muslims should not be attending such ceremonies.
It is understood that Perlis will be holding a Songkran festival in Kuala Perlis this Saturday and the festival is included in the state's tourism calendar.
Juanda also reminded Muslim traders who display the photograph of the 25th Sultan of Kedah, the late Sultan Abdul Hamid, at their premises with the aim of bringing luck to their business, to remove the photo immediately as this is contrary to Islamic teachings.
Full report at:
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/perlis-mufti-advises-muslims-to-avoid-ceremonies-of-other-religions-bernama
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Malaysia bans Hollywood blockbuster ‘Noah’, says it is insensitive to Muslims
Apr 4, 2014
The Home Ministry has banned a Hollywood blockbuster movie based on the life of a prophet revered by Muslims as it was deemed insensitive to the community.
Film Censorship Board chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Abdul Hamid told the Sun daily today the decision to ban the movie “Noah” was taken by the board as a “precaution”, as Islamic teachings do not allow the images of the prophets to be shown.
"The movie is banned because for us Muslims, we believe in Prophet Noah (Nabi Nuh) and according to Islamic teachings, it is prohibited to act out any characters of a prophet," he was quoted as saying.
"Any depiction of any prophet is prohibited in Islam."
Noah is a prophet that is revered not only by Muslims, but by Christians as well.
The board, he said, had felt the movie was not appropriate for screening in Malaysia after considering Islamic facts and history.
Full report at:
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/home-ministry-bans-noah-says-it-is-insensitive-to-muslims
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Another Christian body calls for the return of the seized Bibles
Apr 4, 2014
The Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) has joined the Bible Society of Malaysia (BSM) in urging the Selangor government to call for the return of the Bibles which were confiscated by the Selangor Islamic Department (Jais) early this year.
Its chairman Reverend Dr Eu Hong Seng said the CFM is disappointed with the state government's attempt to "wash its hands" of the Jais raid at the BSM premises on January 2 and the seizure of more than 300 Bibles in Bahasa Malaysia (Al-Kitab) and Iban (Bup Kudus).
"The fact remains that Jais had acted under powers purportedly given to it by a State enactment. These Bibles remain in their possession," he said in a statement today.
On Wednesday, Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim advised BSM to write to the Attorney-General for the return of the Bibles, saying that the state exco had agreed that BSM take this course of action.
Full report at:
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/another-christian-body-calls-for-the-return-of-the-seized-bibles
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Pak-Malaysia sign agreement on repatriation of over 3000 illegal Pakistani immigrants
April 04, 2014
Kuala Lumpur—Pakistan and Malaysia have inked treaty on repatriation of over 3000 Pakistani immigrants to Pakistan who are living illegally in Malaysia . During crackdown against over one million expatriates settled illegally in Malaysia, 250 Pakistani nationals were also apprehended.
Newly appointed Pakistan high commissioner in Malaysia, Syed Hassan Raza and community welfare attaché Syed Azhar Hashmi held emergency meetings with Malaysian Immigration authorities and signed an agreement with them on honorable return of these Pakistani expatriates to their home and reduction of fine amount from Rs 100000 to Rs 15000 for each illegal Pakistani immigrant.
To a question from Online community welfare attaché said that the arrested Pakistani immigrants who have been convicted and fined by Malaysian courts will be able to return to home after serving the respective jail terms.
http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=238429
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Europe
U.N. says Chadian soldiers killed 30 in C. African Republic attack
April 04, 2014
GENEVA: Chadian soldiers killed 30 civilians and seriously wounded more than 300 in an indiscriminate attack on a market on March 29 in Bangui, capital of the Central African Republic, a spokesman for the U.N. human rights office said on Friday.
Rupert Colville, reporting on a preliminary investigation that had interviewed survivors, said a convoy of pick-up trucks from Chad's regular army, not part of an African Union peacekeeping force, entered the market and started firing in all directions.
The attack appeared to have stopped when Congolese peacekeepers arrived on the scene, he said.
Previously local officials and aid workers had put the death toll at at least 10, with 30 wounded.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/International/2014/Apr-04/252301-un-says-chadian-soldiers-killed-30-in-cafrican-republic-attack.ashx#ixzz2xycNWZkN
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Lavrov: Westerners Can No Longer Cover Terrorism in Syria
Apr 4, 2014
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the scale of terrorism in Syria has taken a form that can no longer be covered by the Westerners as they used to do.
Lavrov was addressing the journalists in a press conference following a meeting of foreign ministers of the Commonwealth of Independent States in Moscow, Syrian Arab News Agency reported.
West impedes Russian draft statement at UNSC to condemn Kassab terrorist attack
In a relevant context, western countries at the UN Security Council did not allow Russia to secure a reaction that condemns the terrorist attack on Kassab in Lattakia's Northern countryside and shooting on the port of Lattakia by armed groups, the shooting that led to a suspension of the removal of chemical weapons from the country, Russia's official delegation announced.
Full report at:
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13930115000462
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Four Russian Servicemen Killed in North Caucasus Bomb Attack
Apr 04, 2014
Four Russian servicemen were killed and seven wounded after a bomb hit their infantry combat vehicle in the restive North Caucasus republic of Chechnya, Russia’s Interior Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.
The group was carrying out engineering reconnaissance near Yandi village, some 45 km south-east of the regional capital Grozny, when their vehicle was blown up by a concealed explosive device, the statement said.
Russia is fighting an Islamist insurgency in the North Caucasus rooted in two post-Soviet separatist wars in Chechnya. Explosions and shootings now happen almost daily in the region, with violence relatively rare in Chechnya itself.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/international/four-russian-servicemen-killed-north-caucasus-bomb-attack/
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Amnesty International welcomes Palestinian unilateral moves, calls on PA to join ICC
Apr 4, 2014
Amnesty International on Thursday welcomed Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas's move to seek admission in some 15 UN and international organizations, conventions and treaties. The group further urged the Palestinians to sign up to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
Abbas's move came in the midst of efforts to seal a deal by which Israel would have released hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and implemented a partial settlement freeze in exchange for a Palestinian agreement to continue peace talks and refrain from seeking membership in international bodies.
Israeli politicians, including chief negotiator Tzipi Livni, criticized the moves by Abbas as unhelpful to peace talks, but Amnesty International welcomed the moves.
"Amnesty International believes the move should spur the Palestinian Authority into bolstering its commitment to upholding the rights of all people within areas under its control. This will mean, among other actions, conducting independent and effective investigations into all alleged violations by Palestinian Authority security forces, and prosecuting those responsible in fair trials when there is sufficient evidence," the group said in a statement.
Full report at:
http://www.jpost.com/Diplomacy-and-Politics/Amnesty-International-welcomes-Palestinian-unilateral-moves-calls-on-PA-to-join-ICC-347465
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Putin defies Obama in Syria as arms fuel Assad
April 04, 2014
President Vladimir Putin, condemned by NATO for annexing Crimea, is now defying the U.S. in Syria by sending more and deadlier arms to help Bashar Assad score a string of advances against insurgents, military experts say.
Assad’s army, seeking to end a three-year civil war that’s killed 150,000 people and displaced 9 million, started using longer-range Russian Smerch and Uragan rockets for the first time in February, according to Jane’s Defense Weekly and Stratfor, a U.S. geopolitical research company.
Syria has also intensified the use of MiG-29 fighter jets with ground-attack capabilities, Stratfor said, citing analyses of video footage.
“Russia is now doing everything to ensure that Assad wins convincingly,” said Alexei Malashenko, a Middle East analyst at the Moscow Carnegie Center. “If Russia can show it’s capable of carrying out its own foreign policy, regardless of America’s wishes, it will be a major achievement for Putin.”
Full report at:
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Apr-04/252257-putin-defies-obama-in-syria-as-arms-fuel-assad.ashx#ixzz2xybZAbGG
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Africa
Nigerians accuse army of killing 30 Fulani people
World Bulletin / News Desk
Apr 4, 2014
Nigerian soldiers have been accused of killing nearly 30 Fulani people – mostly old men and women – during an attack on their settlement in the Keana local council area of the central Nasarawa State.
"This is the most despicable thing I have seen," Mohamed Hussein, secretary of Miyeti Allah, an association of local Fulani herdsmen, told Anadolu Agency by phone.
He claimed a detachment of Nigerian soldiers had stormed the settlement early on Thursday, shooting at everyone in sight.
"Our people woke up to a day of tragedy," Hussein said.
"I just came back from mortuary, where the corpses are dumped. More than 30 people were killed," he added.
Full report at:
http://www.worldbulletin.net/world/132847/nigerians-accuse-army-of-killing-30-fulani-people
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Migrants leaving Israel being sent to Rwanda, Uganda
Apr 4, 2014
Israel is financing flights and assisting illegal migrants with travel plans to both Rwanda and Uganda, Haaretz reported on Friday.
The unconfirmed report comes days after the state told a maximum-sized nine-justice High Court of Justice panel that two countries had agreed to take some of Israel's migrants, but left the countries' anonymous, at a dramatic hearing over whether to declare the state’s policy on the issue unconstitutional.
Migrants reportedly told Haaretz that Israel paid for their trips and gave them an initial financial package one-time payment of $3,500, but did not assist beyond that point.
., an Eritrean who was living in Israel until he received payment to leave and was sent to Rwanda, spoke to Hamoked for refugeees and migrants, who he told that once he landed in Rwanda, he was only given a 10-day tourist visa. That didn't matter to him, however, because he wasn't optimistic of finding work within the country anyway.
Full report at:
http://www.jpost.com/International/Report-Migrants-leaving-Israel-being-sent-to-Rwanda-Uganda-347535
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Call for Muslim-Christian dialogue in C. African Republic
World Bulletin / News Desk
Apr 4, 2014
A body representing Christian anti-balaka militia on Thursday called for dialogue with other ethnic groups in the Central African Republic to help bloodshed in the restive country.
At a press conference in the capital Bangui, the executive committee of anti-balaka called on the interim government to include all anti-balaka groups into one body.
It called on the international community and the interim government to secure their food needs and medical care until a disarmament program is activated.
Muslim seleka militia leader, Gen. Mohamed Moussa Dhaffane, welcomed the call, saying "Any initiative for peace in the Central African Republic is welcomed".
Full report at:
http://www.worldbulletin.net/headlines/132853/call-for-muslim-christian-dialogue-in-c-african-republic
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Kenyan Muslims issue warning over cleric killings
Apr 4, 2014
The Muslim community in southern Kenya has threatened mass protests if the government does not make progress on the spate of murderers targeting Muslim clerics in the next three days.
Tensions are rising in the Kenyan coastal city of Mombasa after the killing this week of the Islamist cleric Sheikh Abubakar Shariff. It was the latest in a recent string of murders targeting Muslim leaders in the country.
Shariff had been accused by the United Nations and Washington of being a recruiter for al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda affiliated terrorist group from Eastern Africa. He repeatedly denied those accusations, even while justifying attacks by Islamist extremists.
The murders have led to allegations that Kenya's security forces are engaged in a systematic campaign of extrajudicial killings.
Full report at:
http://www.france24.com/en/20140403-video-kenya-islamic-cleric-killings-angry-muslim-mombasa-protest/
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C. Africa 'regrets' Chad decision to withdraw troops: Minister
Apr 4, 2014
The Central African Republic "regrets" a decision by Chad to withdraw from the peacekeeping force trying to quell sectarian violence in the country, foreign minister Toussaint Kongo-Doudou said Friday.
"We learnt with a lot of regret of the announcement... of the withdrawal of Chadian troops from the Misca (African-led force) in the Central African Republic," he said in a statement sent to AFP by the CAR embassy in Paris, a day after Chad announced the withdrawal after being accused of siding with a mainly Muslim movement that held power for most of last year.
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/9/98266/World/International/CAfrica-regrets-Chad-decision-to-withdraw-troops-M.aspx
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Islamic banking booming in Ethiopia
World Bulletin / News Desk
Apr 4, 2014
The newly-introduced Islamic banking is booming in Christian-majority Ethiopia, the head of a private bank said.
"The Oromia International Bank managed to mobilize 300 million Birr within two months since it introduced the new banking service last December," Nuri Hussein, the acting director of the bank's interest-free banking department, told Anadolu Agency.
"Currently, the Islamic banking service is being offered at 46 branches of the bank," he said, going on to say that the number of branches offering the service will increase to 73 by July.
Islamic banking was introduced in Ethiopia in 2013 in an effort to meet the demand of Muslim clients for usury-free banking services.
Full report at:
http://www.worldbulletin.net/economy/132749/islamic-banking-booming-in-ethiopia
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Mideast
Palestinians set new conditions for peace talks to continue
Apr 4, 2014
The Palestinian Authority has set new conditions for agreeing to extend the peace talks with Israel after April, PA officials in Ramallah said Thursday.
Two of the new conditions include Israeli recognition of the pre-1967 lines as the future borders of a Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital and the release of 1,200 more Palestinian prisoners, the officials said.
The Palestinian Authority is now demanding that Israel release three senior terrorists: Marwan Barghouti, Ahmed Sa’adat and Fuad Shobaki.
The conditions also include a complete cessation of settlement construction, the imposition of PA sovereignty over Area C in the West Bank, a halt to Israeli military operations in PA-controlled territories, and “reunion” permits for some 15,000 Palestinians.
Still other conditions include reopening the Gaza border crossings, lifting the blockade on the Gaza Strip, and permitting the return of Palestinian terrorists who were deported to the Gaza Strip and Europe after they sought shelter from the IDF in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem in 2002.
Full report at:
http://www.jpost.com/Diplomacy-and-Politics/Palestinians-set-new-conditions-for-peace-talks-to-continue-347482
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‘We have to implement it, but we don't have to respect it,’ Turkish PM says on Twitter ruling
Apr 4, 2014
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has publicly expressed his discomfort at the Turkish Constitutional Court’s ruling to unblock access to Twitter, describing the move as an attempt to protect “an American company’s product.”
“We have to implement [the ruling], but we don't have to respect it," Erdogan said April 4 in Ankara ahead of a trip to Baku.
Erdogan maintained that the decision disregarded Turkey’s “national values.” “Not only Twitter, but YouTube and Facebook are commercial companies as well. I don’t find it right and patriotic that the Constitutional Court has adopted such a decision two days after a direct application in which there were so many files waiting to be reviewed at the Constitutional Court. While they are protecting an American company, our national and moral values are being disregarded,” he said, also questionning the legality of the ruling.
“The decision was adopted without an appeal to the first instance courts and exhausting all legal avenues through directly applying to the Constitutional Court. The court should have refused it. Second, I don’t find the freedom approach appropriate because [Twitter] is a commercial company,” Erdogan said.
Full report at:
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/we-have-to-implement-it-but-we-dont-have-to-respect-it-turkish-pm-says-on-twitter-ruling-.aspx?pageID=238&nID=64540&NewsCatID=338
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Peres: Freedom, peace the foundations of US-Israel ties
Apr 4, 2014
Israel and the United States share a special relationship based on the principles of freedom and peace and they should work together against any war in the region, President Shimon Peres said on Thursday. The president recorded a special message for The Jerusalem Post Annual Conference in New York on Sunday.
“I know that you are going to discuss the relations between the United States and Israel,” he said. “There is a special relationship, because the United States became great by giving, not by taking.
The United States, in 237 years, gave more than she took. America was always a superpower but never an empire, so it didn’t have to give back land.
“Whatever they won, whatever they got, they gave back to others. And that’s a great lesson, because it’s wiser to make friends than to invest in the maintenance of hostility and enemies.”
Full report at:
http://www.jpost.com/Diplomacy-and-Politics/Peres-Freedom-peace-the-foundation-of-US-Israel-ties-347510
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Israel calls off release of Palestinian prisoners, reviews US-sponsored peace talks
April 04, 2014
Israel has called off a planned release of Palestinian prisoners meant to advance the US-sponsored peace process and called for a review of how the troubled negotiations can make progress, an official briefed on the talks said on Thursday.
The official, who declined to be identified, said Israeli negotiators had informed their Palestinian counterparts of the decision in a Wednesday night meeting held at Washington's behest in an effort to avert a collapse of the talks.
The crisis surfaced at the weekend when Israel refused to release a group of Palestinian prisoners under the terms of a previous accord unless it received assurances the Palestinian leadership would continue with negotiations beyond an initial end-April deadline set by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.
Full report at:
http://www.nation.com.pk/international/04-Apr-2014/israel-scraps-palestinian-prisoner-release-seeks-review-of-talks
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Iran's Senior Cleric: No Place for EU Office in Iran
April 04, 2014
Tehran's provisional Friday Prayers Leader Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Movahedi Kermani blasted the European Parliament for its recent Human Rights draft resolution against Iran, and underlined that there is no place for the European Union's representative office in the country.
Ayatollah Movahedi Kermani's remarks came in reaction to a draft resolution adopted against Iran in the European Parliament's recent meeting in Brussels.
Addressing a large and fervent congregation of the people on Tehran University campus on Friday, Ayatollah Movahedi Kermani said, “The people of Iran will not allow the European Union to open a new spy den (EU's representative office) in the country."
Ayatollah Movahedi Kermani further said Iran’s enemies dream that they could paralyze the Iranian government by adopting anti-Iran resolutions.
Full report at:
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13930115000533
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Pakistan
Jundullah declares Bilawal, Musharraf, MQM main targets
April 04, 2014
PESHAWAR- Terrorist outfit Jundullah has declared People's Party's Patron Bilawal Bhutto, former president Pervez Musharraf and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) as its main targets.
The group in a statement said that it was complying ceasefire announced in March. The militant outfits, Al-Qaida and Jundullah, had agreed over ceasefire in Pakistan, in a joint meeting held at somewhere in Afghanistan in the last month. Former information minister Qamaruz Zaman Kaira has called the federal government to take notice of the threats being issued by the militants to Bilawal Bhutto.
http://www.nation.com.pk/national/04-Apr-2014/jundullah-declares-bilawal-musharraf-mqm-main-targets
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TTP extends ceasefire until April 10
2014-04-04
PESHAWAR: The outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has extended the ceasefire until April 10, the group's spokesman Shahidullah Shahid said in a statement, adding that the Taliban shura would be meeting after the 10th to decide a future course of action.
The extension comes a day after the interior ministry announced that it had released 19 non-combatant Taliban as a goodwill gesture for bolstering the peace process with the TTP.
In a statement issued to the media, Shahid said the group was awaiting the government's reply on its demands.
Shahid said the Taliban shura has extended the deadline and would sit after April 10 to decide about the future of talks.
He said the Taliban were still awaiting a reply from the government regarding the group’s demands, including the release of non-combatants, but despite the passage of three days above the ceasefire deadline, the government had not yet responded to the TTP.
Full report at:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1097702/ttp-extends-ceasefire-until-april-10
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Catholics and Muslims fasting and praying together for Asia Bibi and Sawan Masih
Apr 4, 2014
Lahore (AsiaNews) - The Catholic Church of Pakistan today celebrated a Wednesday of Prayer and Fasting on behalf of Sawan Masih and Asia Bibi, two victims of the Asian country's controversial blasphemy laws.
Both have been sentenced to death and are awaiting for their appeal process to start. Meanwhile, several civil society organisations and ordinary believers have joined the initiative "in favour of the persecuted Christians".
Today activists and religious leaders led various peaceful demonstrations in Lahore and Islamabad in "a sign of kinship and solidarity."
Asia Bibi has become a symbol of the struggle against the "black law". Since she was sentenced to death in November 2010, she has been on death row, held in solitary confinement for her own security. After several delays and long prevarication, her appeal trial should start on 14 April.
Full report at:
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Catholics-and-Muslims-fasting-and-praying-together-for-Asia-Bibi-and-Sawan-Masih-30729.html
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LeT operating in Afghanistan, analysts say
Apr 4, 2014
ISLAMABAD – Analysts have termed the Pakistan-based militant organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) a militant network that is closely linked with al-Qaeda and has been engaged in Afghanistan since the days of Taliban.
"It’s a very ruthless organisation," Peshawar-based analyst and author Aqeel Yusufzai told Central Asia Online. "Even the Taliban once protested the atrocities committed by LeT members in northern Afghanistan."
LeT beyond Pakistan's borders
LeT's primary area of operations has been within Kashmir; lately, though, analysts say, it has focused its attention elsewhere, including in Afghanistan.
"Of all the Pakistani militant organisations, LeT is the front-line outfit engaged in Afghanistan," Yusufzai, the author of several books on militancy in the Pakistani-Afghan border zone, said.
Full report at:
http://centralasiaonline.com/en_GB/articles/caii/features/pakistan/main/2014/04/03/feature-01
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Peace moot wants truce extended, non-combatants freed
2014-04-04
PESHAWAR: A Jamaat-i-Islami-sponsored ‘peace conference’ in the provincial capital on Thursday urged both the government and the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan to immediately extend ceasefire, which expired on April 1.
By unanimously passing a joint declaration, it also demanded that the two sides release all non-combatant prisoners in order to create conducive atmosphere for peace talks.
The declaration asked the government to take quick steps for the restoration of peace in the country.
The conference was attended by leaders of JUI-F, ANP, PML-N and PML-Q, QWP, JUI-S, PTI and other groups.
JUI-S chief Maulana Samiul Haq, who was in attendance, was given the title of the ‘ambassador of peace’.
Full report at:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1097693/peace-moot-wants-truce-extended-non-combatants-freed
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Mass graves: Tribunal’s report expected within a month
April 4, 2014
QUETTA: The Judicial Tribunal tasked to investigate the discovery of 17 dead bodies from mass graves in Tutak area is expected to produce its findings within a month.
The tribunal, headed by Balochistan High Court Judge Justice Noor Mohammed Meskanzai, sought eight more weeks on February 28 as it wanted to record the statements. “The extension of eight weeks will help the tribunal to record the statements of maximum number of people,” Home Secretary Balochistan Asad Gilani told The Express Tribune.
Spokesperson of Balochistan government Jan Mohammed Buleidai said government will trace the culprits responsible for this brutality. “High Court judge is investigating this case and we hope that responsible will be brought to justice.”
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/691225/mass-graves-tribunals-report-expected-within-a-month/
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Pakistan keeps close eye on vote in its Afghan backyard
April 4, 2014
PESHAWAR: Posters of turbaned Afghan presidential candidates are rolling off the presses in Pakistan, which will be keeping close watch on the election in its strategic backyard.
Helped by cheaper labour and a favourable exchange rate, printers in Peshawar, less than 60 kilometres from the border, have been busy making Afghan election banners.
“We have been swamped with work for the past two weeks because of the Afghan elections. One candidate has asked me to print 200,000 posters,” said printer Mohammad Sajid.
Business links with Afghanistan have grown in recent years and analysts say Pakistan wants a stable northwestern neighbour, shifting from the interference of the past.
Fear of encirclement by arch-rival India led generations of Pakistani military thinkers to view Afghanistan as a zone of potential risk – and thus legitimate space for covert intervention.
Afghan officials still regularly accuse Pakistan of colluding with militants, most recently over an assault on a luxury Kabul hotel that left nine people dead.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/691274/pakistan-keeps-close-eye-on-vote-in-its-afghan-backyard/
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Zardari vows to fight forces of regression and bigotry
Apr 4, 2014
ISLAMABAD: Former president Asif Ali Zardari has said that treading in the footsteps of former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who rejected appeasement to save his life, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) workers will reject the policy of appeasement and “vow to fight the forces of regression, bigotry and intolerance and not permit them foist their regressing political agenda through force.”
He said this in a message on the eve of the 35th death anniversary of the PPP founding chairman Bhutto.
“We must confront and not fear the bigots, the militants and the zealots. Only then we will be able to rebuild our lives; only then we will be able to live in dignity and honour and in peace and make progress.”
Rejecting extremism, he called for fighting discrimination against women, minorities and the marginalised behind the facade of religion.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/national/04-Apr-2014/zardari-vows-to-fight-forces-of-regression-and-bigotry
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North America
Kerry: U.S. is evaluating role in Middle East peace talks
World Bulletin/News Desk
Apr 4, 2014
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry warned on Friday the United States was evaluating whether to continue its role in Middle East peace talks after both Israeli and Palestinian sides had taken steps that were not helpful.
Speaking during a visit to Morocco, Kerry said it was "reality check time" and there was a limit to effort the United States could make on the peace process if the parties themselves were unwilling to take constructive measures.
"This is not an open-ended effort, it never has been. It is reality check time, and we intend to evaluate precisely what the next steps will be," Kerry said.
Kerry said he would return to Washington on Friday to consult with the Obama administration on the next step. U.S. officials said Kerry had been blindsided by moves by Israeli and Palestinian leaders that affected the negotiations process.
"There are limits in the amount of time and effort that the United States can spend if the parties themselves are unwilling to take construction steps in order to be able to move forward," Kerry said.
Full report at:
http://www.worldbulletin.net/todays-news/132883/kerry-us-is-evaluating-role-in-middle-east-peace-talks
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U.S. seeks to boost Algeria in Al-Qaeda fight
April 04, 2014
ALGIERS: U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Thursday that Washington was looking to increase its security assistance to Algeria to help it tackle militancy in the vast Sahel region to its south, home to one of the world’s most active branches of Al-Qaeda.
Algeria, a major gas supplier to Europe, is already a key partner in Washington’s campaign against Islamist fighters who have tried to spread across the Maghreb after the French military drove them out of Mali last year.
Kerry was originally scheduled to visit Algeria late last year but arrived just weeks before President Abdelaziz Bouteflika runs for re-election.
Bouteflika is expected to easily win another five-year term after 15 years in power in the vote on April 17, despite concerns over his health since suffering a stroke last year.
Some in the Algerian opposition described the timing of Kerry’s visit as odd, saying it was an indirect statement of support to Bouteflika’s election bid.
Full report at:
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Apr-04/252254-us-seeks-to-boost-algeria-in-al-qaeda-fight.ashx#ixzz2xybSho6r
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Islamic group gets OK to cut crosses off NY church
The Associated Press, New York
April 04 2014
A city board on Thursday gave a Muslim group the go-ahead to remove six crosses from the roof and spires of a century-old former Catholic church so the now-vacant Gothic structure can be used as a mosque.
More than 200 people had signed an online petition calling on the Syracuse Landmark Preservation Board to deny an application by North Side Learning Center, the church's new owner, to remove the crosses and build a 6-foot (1.8-meter) chain-link fence.
Before the vote to allow the church alterations, Chairman Don Radke said the board cannot interfere with a decision that involves religious freedom.
About a dozen people who spoke at the meeting were evenly divided for and against the church conversion, The Post-Standard reported (http://bit.ly/1mDNxfs).
Petition-signers, who included some local residents and former church parishioners, had argued that the former Holy Trinity Catholic Church was a neighborhood landmark built by German immigrants 100 years ago and removing the crosses would deface the architecture.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/04/04/islamic-group-gets-ok-cut-crosses-ny-church.html
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US eyeing exit and mindful of past keeps distance from Afghan election
2014-04-04
Ahead of Afghanistan’s last presidential election in 2009, the United States used its diplomatic and military muscle to try to pull off a successful vote in a nation expected to define the foreign policy of President Barack Obama.
Fast-forward to today: the Obama administration is taking an arms-length approach to Afghanistan’s April 5th elections. US soldiers are no longer taking the lead in safeguarding voters across the central Asian country. US officials have steered clear of appearing to pick sides among rival candidates.
The about-turn reflects Afghanistan’s shrinking role in the foreign policy priorities of the Obama administration, as senior officials turn toward the conflict in Syria, Middle East peace talks, and the crisis in Ukraine.
Full report at:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1097655/us-eyeing-exit-and-mindful-of-past-keeps-distance-from-afghan-election/print
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