Syria Rebels Seize Strategic Town, Execute Alawite Cleric: Activists
New Age Islam News Bureau
26 Aug 2013
Photo: Guests attending the Hari Raya function at the Muhammadiah Mosque in Ipoh
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Arab World
• Syria Rebels Seize Strategic Town, Execute Alawite Cleric: Activists
• Assad says chemical weapons claims ‘insult to common sense’
• Salafist Nour Party agrees to join Egypt constitutional committee
• Militants abduct and kill 6 north of Baghdad
• Syria says any U.S. military action would ‘inflame Middle East’
• Fears of food and water poisoning after Damascus gassings
'• Egypt has overcome a conspiracy against the state': Presidential spokesman
• Syria’s Hama province governor assassinated
• S. Arabia plans to build 16 N-plants by ’30
• Egypt's historical artifacts in peril as unrest continues
• Unified visa for Gulf Cooperation Council member countries by 2014
• 600 Burmese released from Makkah jails
• At least two mortar bombs hit Damascus near UN team's hotel
• 15 Lebanese charged over obtaining Israeli citizenship
• Hezbollah fighters exposed to chemical agents in Syria: source
Pakistan
• Muslims in state of turmoil, says Pakistan Ulema Council Chairman
• Majlis-e-Wahdat ul Muslimeen demands operation against banned terror outfits
• Consensus essential for dialogue with Taliban: Fazl
• Govt finally acknowledged Punjabi Taliban: Gilani
• Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat protest in Karachi ends after negotiations with police
• 12 dead in fresh spate of violence in Karachi
• Spirituality: Three-day Bulleh Shah Urs concludes
• CM Balochistan seeks support of PM to end sectarian violence
• MQM presses Sindh govt for action against outlaws
• Imran be included in Zahra assassination probe: MQM
• Pak orders shut down of govt offices near LoC: report
India
• Breast bomb' threat alert at Indian airports
• Militant violence foremost on Foreign Secretary’s agenda
• PDP Patron calls for urgent de-escalation of tension along LoC
• Alert villager helps police seize cache of arms and explosives in Jammu
• Militants attack police party in J&K, one cop killed
• India cites hurdles in supplying arms to Afghanistan
• Urdu textbooks for Classes 10 and 12 riddled with errors
• 7/11 accused moves HC after being denied books in jail
• Child Welfare Committee stops marriage of minor girl in Puducherry
• Bring back Lord Buddha's begging bowl from Afghanistan: RJD MP
South Asia
• 6 killed in Taliban attack on Afghan Army base
• Jamaat-e-Islami cannot contest by-polls: CEC Bangladesh
• Acting BNP secretary accuses PM’s Son of branding Bangladesh as militant country
• Transparency Maldives voices concerns over Supreme Court integrity
• Karzai holds Pakistan talks on Taliban peace quest
• Nizami was involved in Pabna mass killing Witness tells war crimes tribunal
• Maldives Government to offer scholarship in name of late foreign minister
Mideast
• Israel ignores world outcry, begins work on 1,500 homes
• Yemen foils suicide bomber at English language centre
• Hamas denies setting up training camps with Egypt's Brotherhood in Gaza
• PM: Israel's 'finger on the pulse' of Syria developments, if necessary will also be 'on the trigger'
• Three Palestinians killed in clashes with Israeli Border Police near Jerusalem
• Israel’s new tactic: Classifying Eritreans as Ethiopian to deport them
• For first time, Israeli cop charged with taser abuse
• Yemeni presidency refutes allegation of the USA requesting a a military base
• ‘Turkey’s partiality’ adds to bloodshed in region
• Turkey would join coalition against Syria, says foreign minister
North America
• US says Syria offer to show chemical attack sites 'too late'
• Pentagon chief holds Indonesia talks amid Syria crisis
• Backlash for NYPD as Bloomberg’s 12-year tenure ends
• My trips always met with suspicion: US ambassador to Turkey
Europe
• Britain can't act on Syria till it faces up to the spectre of Iraq
• Muslim soldiers to visit schools to try to counter Islamophobia
• U.N. weapons inspectors visit alleged Syria chemical attack site
• Russia warns US against 'extremely dangerous' Syria attack
• West to decide on Syria response in 'coming days': France
Southeast Asia
• Ipoh mosque features Chinese architecture
• Najib: Malaysia won't be what it is today if not for women
• Christian Federation calls on Malaysians to reject efforts to rouse fear and hatred
Africa
• Somalia demands end to curbs for Shabab financier
• State of Emergency Declared in East Darfur - Governor
• Returning Diaspora Men Transform Mogadishu Wedding Industry
• Nigeria: Four Police Officers Killed as Gunmen Kidnap HR activist
• Nigeria: Boko Haram Accepts Dialogue in FG's Video
• Libya launches national dialogue initiative
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
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Arab World
Syria Rebels Seize Strategic Town, Execute Alawite Cleric: Activists
August 26, 2013
A Free Syrian Army sniper is seen in shooting position in Aleppo's Bustan al-Qasr, August 25, 2013. REUTERS/Malek Alshemali
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BEIRUT: Rebel forces took control of a strategic town in northern Syria on Monday, cutting off government forces' only supply route out of the city of Aleppo, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.
The Britain-based monitoring group also said it had obtained a photograph showing the execution of Alawite cleric Badr Ghazal by hard-line Islamist rebels, highlighting the growing sectarian bloodshed of the 2-1/2-year conflict.
The Observatory, which opposes President Bashar Al-Assad's rule, said rebels took control of Khanasir, a town that sits on the government supply route connecting Aleppo with the central city of Hama.
The rebel gain will leave government forces besieged in Aleppo province, the Observatory said.
Further south, residents in the central province of Homs said rebels also tried on Monday to retake the strategic town of Talkalakh, 4 km (2.5 miles) from Lebanon's northern border. Its capture would allow rebels in the Homs countryside to replenish their supplies.
For weeks, Assad's forces had been on the offensive in Homs, a province they consider vital to securing their hold from Damascus to the president's coastal stronghold. The coast is home to a large number of Assad's Alawite minority sect, an offshoot of Shi'ite Islam, who mostly support the president.
But the advance near Talkalakh and the purported assassination of an Alawite cleric suggest the rebels are tentatively trying to push back in central Syria.
Sectarian violence has increasingly overtaken a conflict that began as peaceful protests against four decades of Assad family rule but has now become an all-out civil war.
Syria's Sunni Muslim majority has largely supported the uprising and hardline Islamist groups among the rebels have increasingly threatened Alawites in retaliation for the killing of Sunnis.
The sectarian dimension of the conflict has drawn in foreign fighters from neighbouring countries. Lebanese Shi'ite militant group Hezbollah has sent men to fight alongside Assad's forces, angering Sunni Muslims in Lebanon and the region.
Some Syrians were sceptical about the purported killing of the Alawite cleric Ghazal, saying there was still no definitive proof. It was not immediately possibly to independently verify the report because of the restrictions imposed on foreign media.
Either way, the alleged killing or capture of Ghazal in Latakia province is a symbolic threat to Alawites on the coast, whose heavily fortified region has largely been spared the violence raging in most of the country.
The Observatory said rebels from the Nusra Front shot Ghazal after he was kidnapped by rebels in the northern suburbs of Latakia earlier this month. It was not clear when the execution had occurred.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Aug-26/228688-syria-rebels-cut-armys-supply-lines-to-aleppo-activists.ashx#ixzz2d4yib4Ao
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Assad says chemical weapons claims ‘insult to common sense’
26 August 2013
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said Western claims his regime used chemical weapons were “nonsense,” warning that the United States “faced failure” if it attacked Syria, in comments to Russian newspaper Izvestia published on Monday.
“The comments (accusing the regime of using chemical weapons) made by politicians in the West and other countries are an insult to common sense... It is nonsense,” Assad said, dismissing the claims as politically motivated.
He added: “The United States faces failure (if it attacks Syria), just like in all the previous wars they waged, starting with Vietnam and up to our days.”
Russia concerned
Russia, in similar comments made by Iran, voiced concerns on Monday over the possibility Washington may respond militarily to a suspected chemical weapons attack by Syria’s government.
“The minister (Lavrov) stressed that the official announcements from Washington in recent days about the readiness of U.S. armed forces to ‘intervene’ in the Syrian conflict have been received in Moscow with deep concern,” Reuters news agency reported the foreign ministry as saying in a statement.
Lavrov also warned U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry over the "extremely dangerous consequences" of launching military action against the Syrian regime.
"Sergei Lavrov drew attention to the extremely dangerous consequences of a possible new military intervention for the whole Middle East and North Africa region," it said in a statement.
Syria’s opposition says more than 1,300 people died when regime forces unleashed chemical weapons against rebel-held towns east and southwest of Damascus Wednesday, while Doctors Without Borders said 355 people had died of “neurotoxic” symptoms.
The Syrian government has strongly denied it carried out such an attack, instead blaming opposition fighters.
Infographic: Chemical weapons claims
Assad's closest ally Iran said on Sunday the United States should not cross a "red line" by attacking Syria.
Two and a half years since the start of a war that has already killed more than 100,000 people, the United States an dits allies have yet to take direct action, despite long ago saying Assad must be removed from power.
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2013/08/26/Assad-says-chemical-weapons-claims-insult-to-common-sense-.html
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Salafist Nour Party agrees to join Egypt constitutional committee
Aug 26, 2013
Egypt’s Salafist Nour Party has decided to participate in the 50-member committee tasked with proposing amendments to the country's temporarily suspended 2012 constitution, state news agency MENA reported.
The decision follows previous statements by Nour spokesmen stating that the party will not take part in the constitutional committee following the removal of article 219 by a technical committee, which amended the constitution before passing it on to the ‘50 committee’.
Article 219 defined Sharia (Islamic law), which is mentioned in Article 2 as the main source of legislation in Egypt. The article was added by the Islamist-dominated constituent assembly in 2012 under the former President Mohamed Morsi. It states that, "the principles of Islamic Sharia include its commonly-accepted interpretations, its fundamental and jurisprudent rules and its widely considered sources, as stated by the schools of Sunna and Gamaa."
The Nour party has previously warned that eliminating this article translates as an attempt to move Egyptians away from their “Islamic identity.”
The group’s decision to join the committee, which is to have the final word on amendments before the constitution is subjected to a plebiscite, was partly taken in order to promote keeping article 219 in the constitution.
One of the aims of participating in the committee is “to defend the articles of identity which constitute a true representation of the Egyptian people’s identity, rather than that of a particular political current,” a statement issued by Nour on Sunday said.
Nour Party is uneasy about the amending of the constitution by two appointed committees – the first of which has completed its work and is comprised of legal experts, and the second, which is made up of representatives from Egyptian society and institutions – despite its agreeing to a transitional roadmap, which was instated after the ouster of Islamist President Mohamed Morsi and included constitutional amendments.
Salafist figures from Nour Party were members of the controversial Constituent Assembly, which drafted the 2012 constitution and was passed via referendum.
Nour Party said in its statement that it has reservations about amending a popularly-elected charter and feels that it exceeds a technical committee’s work to make amendments to the formulations of constitutional articles, thus interfering in the content of them.
Concern over this interference, the party said, is not exclusive to Islamist political parties. Other groups, it said, are also disturbed by indications of a constitution that would take Egypt back to before the 25 January revolution, referring to a return to the single candidacy system of the Mubarak-era, which has been proposed by the technical committee.
Nour Party, the second largest Islamist party in Egypt, was the only Islamist group openly condoning the deposition of Morsi after mass protests against him.
The Muslim Brotherhood, the party that nominated Morsi to the presidency, has rejected all steps taken after his overthrow to initiate dialogue, and insists he be reinstated.
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/79914/Egypt/Politics-/Salafist-Nour-Party-agrees-to-join-Egypt-constitut.aspx
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Militants abduct and kill 6 north of Baghdad
AP
Mumbai, August 26, 2013
Iraqi officials say militants have killed six farmers after abducting them from their houses north of Baghdad. Two police officers say a group of gunmen disguised in military uniforms launched a pre-dawn raid Monday in an agricultural area in the Sunni town of Tarmiyah and took the six
from their homes.
The bodies were found hours later in a nearby orchard with shots to their heads and chests.
Tarmiyah is located about 50 kilometers (30 miles) north of Baghdad.
Insurgents are believed to use the belt of communities around the capital as bases to stage attacks into the city.
A medical official confirmed the deaths.
All officials spoke anonymously as they were not authorized to release information.
Militants frequently disguise themselves in police or army uniforms to carry out attacks.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/restofasia/Militants-abduct-and-kill-6-north-of-Baghdad/Article1-1113132.aspx
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Syria says any U.S. military action would ‘inflame Middle East’
Aug 26, 2013
Syria warned the United States against any military action over a suspected chemical weapons attack in its civil war, saying it would “create a ball of fire that will inflame the Middle East.”
President Bashar al-Assad’s closest ally Iran also said Washington should not cross the “red line” on Syria, where doctors said hundreds were killed in a poison gas attack.
A team of United Nations inspectors are waiting in a hotel in Damascus a few miles from the site of the attack, but Syria suggested they would not be allowed to visit as it was not on a list agreed in July of alleged chemical attacks this year.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2013/08/25/Syria-says-any-U-S-military-action-would-inflame-Middle-East-.html
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Fears of food and water poisoning after Damascus gassings
Reuters, Damascus
Aug 26, 2013
Days after a suspected poison gas attack killed hundreds of people in crop-growing suburbs, residents of the Syrian capital say they are afraid their food and water supplies may be contaminated.
Western countries believe President Bashar al-Assad’s forces carried out the worst chemical weapons attack since Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein gassed thousands of Kurds in 1988. Syria’s government denies any role in the deaths and blames rebels.
Whoever is to blame, grandmother Hana said her three daughters were now fretting about what to feed their children.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/perspective/features/2013/08/25/Fears-of-food-and-water-poisoning-after-Damascus-gassings.html
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Egypt has overcome a ‘conspiracy’ against the state, says spokesman
26 August 2013
Egypt has overcome a “conspiracy” to bring down the state, a presidential spokesman said late Sunday, amid the government’s ongoing crackdown on members of the Muslim Brotherhood and supporters of ousted President Mohammad Mursi.
“We were facing a funded conspiracy against the state, but we have overcome it and we are now ready to move on to building the future for a modern Egypt,” Ahmad el-Meslemani said in a joint news conference with interim presidential aide for scientific affairs, Essam Heggy, reported Ahram Online.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2013/08/26/Egypt-has-overcome-a-conspiracy-against-the-state-says-spokesman-.html
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Syria’s Hama province governor assassinated
August 26, 2013
DAMASCUS : The governor of Hama province in central Syria was killed in a car bombing on Sunday, state television reported, in an attack it blamed on rebels.
“Terrorists assassinated Anas Abdel Razzaq al-Naem, the Hama governor, in a car bomb attack in the Jarajma district of Hama,” it said. The council of ministers said that Naem “died as a martyr, killed by criminal gangs”. Naem was appointed to the post in July 2011, four months after the beginning of the revolt against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. He had replaced Khaled Abdel Aziz, who was sacked by Assad after massive anti-regime protests erupted in the town of Hama, where hundreds of thousands demonstrated against the regime before government troops arrived to crush the protests.
Full report at:
http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/international/26-Aug-2013/syria-s-hama-province-governor-assassinated
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S. Arabia plans to build 16 N-plants by ’30
SYED RASHID HUSAIN
2013-08-26
RIYADH, Aug 25: Saudi Arabia has chalked out plans to build 16 nuclear reactors with a combined generation capacity of 22 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 at a cost of $100 billion. This amounts to half the country’s current electricity output and means that crude oil thus saved will be available for export.
Abdul Ghani bin Melaibari, coordinator of scientific collaboration at King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, told Arab News here that the first two reactors would be ready within 10 years.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/news/1038425/s-arabia-plans-to-build-16-n-plants-by-30
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Egypt's historical artifacts in peril as unrest continues
IANS | Aug 26, 2013
CAIRO: The ongoing political turmoil in Egypt has jeopardised the country's priceless historical artifacts.
In one of the biggest looting incidents the world has even seen, over 1,000 artifacts were stolen from the Malawi museum in central Minya Aug 14, Xinhua reported.
A security vacuum was created after Islamist president Mohamed Morsi was ousted by the military in early July. The situation worsened when clashes erupted between troops and Morsi's loyalists Aug 14 after the dispersal of two pro-Morsi sit-ins in the country.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Egypts-historical-artifacts-in-peril-as-unrest-continues/articleshow/22066730.cms
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Unified visa for Gulf Cooperation Council member countries by 2014
PTI | Aug 26, 2013
DUBAI: Gulf Cooperation Council plans to launch a unified visa for tourists visiting the region by mid-2014, aimed at simplifying travel formalities for the visitors.
"The plan to have a GCC tourism visa, similar to the Schengen visa in Europe, is about to be implemented after obstacles have been cleared," media reports quoted security sources as saying.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Unified-visa-for-Gulf-Cooperation-Council-member-countries-by-2014/articleshow/22066562.cms
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600 Burmese released from Makkah jails
August 26, 2013
More than 600 Burmese inmates have recently been released from general prisons, reformatories and deportation centers in Makkah. Charges against them mainly related to their illegal residency permits or involvement in criminal acts.
Another 200 Burmese prisoners facing deportation order would also be released after their cases are reviewed. A source said that 13 of the released prisoners were women and another was found to be a Bangladeshi national.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/news/462538
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At least two mortar bombs hit Damascus near UN team's hotel
August 26, 2013
DAMASCUS - At least two mortar bombs struck a wealthy district of central Damascus on Monday, in the same area where a team of United Nations inspectors are staying as they investigate alleged chemical weapons attacks.
Full report at:
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20130826178274
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15 Lebanese charged over obtaining Israeli citizenship
August 26, 2013
BEIRUT: Military Prosecutor Saqr Saqr charged 15 Lebanese men in absentia Monday with crossing into Israel and obtaining Israeli citizenship, judicial sources told The Daily Star.
The men crossed into Israel more than two decades ago during the Lebanese civil war.
The judge requested temporary hard labor for the defendants following the Lebanese law dealing with people who worked with Israel during wartime.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2013/Aug-26/228707-15-lebanese-charged-over-obtaining-israeli-citizenship.ashx#ixzz2d4y5uGKw
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Hezbollah fighters exposed to chemical agents in Syria: source
August 26, 2013
BEIRUT: At least four Hezbollah fighters are receiving treatment in Beirut after coming into contact with chemical agents in Syria, a security source told The Daily Star Monday.
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said between four and five members came into contact with the chemical agents while searching a group of rebel tunnels in the Damascus suburb of Jobar over the weekend.
Full report at:
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2013/Aug-26/228701-hezbollah-fighters-exposed-to-chemical-agents-in-syria-source.ashx#ixzz2d4yJot3K
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Pakistan
Muslims in state of turmoil, says Pakistan Ulema Council Chairman
Aug 26, 2013
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) on Sunday convened “Istehkam-e-Pakistan Conference” [conference for stability in Pakistan] in Islamabad to decide a course-of-action with regard to the country’s current situation, violent incidents in Islamabad and Bhakkar, situation at the Line of Control and the government’s offer to the Taliban to hold peace talks.
The conference was attended by leaders of more than 30 religious and political organisations.
Speaking on the occasion, PUC Chairman Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi said Muslims were in a state of turmoil at the moment.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013\08\26\story_26-8-2013_pg7_5
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Majlis-e-Wahdatul Muslimeen demands operation against banned terror outfits
August 26, 2013
KARACHI - Hundreds of Majlis-e-Wahdatul Muslimeen protesters demanded the government to launch a countrywide operation against the banned terror outfits involved in the genocide of Shiite Muslims.
During a protest held outside the Press Club here Sunday, they condemned the banned outfits’ attack on Shia community in Kotla Jam and Daraya Khan areas of district Bhakkar in the patronage of the biased Punjab government. Addressing the demonstration, MWM leaders Allama Sadiq Taqvi, Maulana Dedar Jalbani and Asif Safvi condemned the Punjab government and police for conducting crack down against the Shiite Muslims in Bhakkar and asked why DPO Chaudhry Sarfaraz has not been arrested for his negligence and support to the banned terror outfit.
Full report at:
http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/karachi/26-Aug-2013/mwm-demands-operation-against-banned-terror-outfits
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Consensus essential for dialogue with Taliban: Fazl
Aug 26, 2013
ISLAMABAD: Jamita Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has said that consensus of political and military leadership was essential for dialogue with Taliban and other critical issues facing the country.
Talking to journalists from D.I. Khan at his residence on Sunday, the JUI-F chief said it was a hard fact that political forces were in agreement to enter into dialogue with Taliban.
However, he said if the military leadership wanted for some other option than dialogue, it would have to satisfy the political leadership for that purpose.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013\08\26\story_26-8-2013_pg7_9
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Govt finally acknowledged Punjabi Taliban: Gilani
Aug 26, 2013
MULTAN: Former Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that the existence of ‘Punjabi Taliban’ had now been confirmed on the government level, contrary to the past practices of denial.
Talking to media here on Sunday, the former premiere said it was not easy for Pakistan People’s Party-led coalition government to complete five-year term. He said the then government refrained itself from politics of violence and revenge, ensuring that there were no political prisoners during its whole term.
Gilani said the PPP was enjoying their governments in Gilgit-Baltistan and Sindh.
He congratulated the PPP candidates on winning their seats in the by-election.
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013\08\26\story_26-8-2013_pg7_11
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Ahle Sunnat Waljamaat protest in Karachi ends after negotiations with police
August 26, 2013
KARACHI: The Ahle Sunnat Waljamaat (ASWJ) protested in Karachi on Monday to demand better security measures and blocked parts of Shahra-e-Faisal, the main artery in the city, Express News reported.
The protest came to an end after negotiations with the police. ASWJ spokesperson Maulana Akbar Saeed said that they want the people responsible for Karachi chapter spokesperson Maulana Akbar Saeed Farooqi’s murder caught.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/595369/aswj-protest-in-karachi-ends-after-negotiations-with-police/
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12 dead in fresh spate of violence in Karachi
August 26, 2013
KARACHI: Following the burial of a Sunni Tehreek sector-in-charge in Karachi, the Ahle Sunnat Waljamaat spokesperson and 11 others were gunned down on Sunday.
ASWJ Karachi chapter spokesperson Maulana Akbar Saeed Farooqi, 26, was killed in an assault on University Road after he was returning from a party protest. Unidentified armed men opened fire at him near Safari Park. He was taken to Liaquat National Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/595314/12-dead-in-fresh-spate-of-violence-in-karachi/
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Spirituality: Three-day Bulleh Shah urs concludes
August 25, 2013
KASUR: The three-day 255th urs of sufi poet Bulleh Shah ended here on Sunday.
Thousands of devotees from across the Punjab and other provinces paid homage to the renowned Punjabi poet and sufi, whose given name was Syed Abdullah Shah.
The urs was organised by the shrine committee members, while the Auqaf Department employees remained absent from their duty.
Mushaira and a Heer recitation competition were the main events of the day. Several people, including Saeen Zahoor, presented Bulleh Shah’s poetry.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/595101/spirituality-three-day-bulleh-shah-urs-concludes/
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CM Balochistan seeks support of PM to end sectarian violence
SYED ALI SHAH
QUETTA: Chief Minister Balochistan, Dr Malik Baloch has sought the support and advice of the Sharif brothers to bring an end to growing sectarian violence in Quetta, the capital of restive Balochistan province.
Dr Malik Baloch has requested Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif to extend their full cooperation in bringing peace in the restive part of Pakistan.
“Tell me the peace formula you applied in Punjab for Balochistan,” an insider of the meeting told Dawn.com while quoting a conversation between Dr Baloch and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif regarding deteriorating law and order situation.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/news/1038283/dr-malik-seeks-support-of-pm-to-end-sectarian-violence
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MQM presses Sindh govt for action against outlaws
August 26, 2013
KARACHI - The MQM has demanded the Sindh government to take notice of the poor law and order situation in Karachi, as the prevailing incidents of target killing, extortion and robberies have made the citizens’ lives miserable, halting the economical activities.
In a statement here Sunday, the MQM Coordination Committee deplored the rising incidents of crime in the city. It said the citizens have been left at the mercy of outlaws and terrorists while the government and law enforcement agencies’ silence over the situation is a matter of concern. Various armed groups are operating freely in the city, adopting the kidnapping for ransom as their business, the statement said adding the Karachiites have been left with no other option but to face loss at the hands of criminals.
Full report at:
http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/karachi/26-Aug-2013/mqm-presses-sindh-govt-for-action-against-outlaws
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Imran be included in Zahra assassination probe: MQM
August 26, 2013
KARACHI - The MQM has demanded PTI chairman Imran Khan be included in the probes being carried out in connection with the assassination of Zahra Shahid Hussain.
PTI leader Zahra was shot dead outside here residence in Defence before the re-polling at some polling stations of NA-250 on May 18.
The MQM Coordination Committee on Sunday decided to hold protest demonstration outside the Supreme Court of Pakistan and Sindh High Court registry for the arrest of Zahra Shahid’s assassins. The date for protest would be announced later, it said adding the MQM workers would continue their demonstration until the killers are arrested.
Full report at:
http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/karachi/26-Aug-2013/imran-be-included-in-zahra-assassination-probe-mqm
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Pak orders shut down of govt offices near LoC: report
August 26, 2013
Pakistan has ordered a complete shutdown of its government offices near the LoC for an indefinite period amidst continued tension in the area, a media report said on Sunday.
Tension along the Line of Control between Pakistani and Indian forces has increased in the last few weeks.
All the Pakistani offices within three kilometres of the LoC were ordered to be shut for an indefinite period, Express News reported.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/pakistan/Pak-orders-shut-down-of-govt-offices-near-LoC-report/Article1-1113001.aspx
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India
Breast bomb' threat alert at Indian airports
Aug 26 2013
New Delhi : Days after UK’s Heathrow Airport was put on high alert amid fears that Al Qaeda’s women suicide bombers may target the location with explosives concealed in breast implants, security agencies in India have put all airports on high alert citing the same threat.
Security personnel at the airports have been asked to double check women passengers from now on since India’s airports still do not have full body scanners to detect explosives concealed in such a manner.
The greatest concern, officials said, was respecting the privacy of passengers.
The Heathrow Airport is equipped with full body scanners that can detect any explosives or metal hidden inside the body. In the absence of such technological support, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) officials have a tough task at hand.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/breast-bomb-threat-alert-at-indian-airports/1160006/
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Militant violence foremost on Foreign Secretary’s agenda
SANDEEP DIKSHIT
August 26, 2013
India’s consultations with Afghanistan got into high gear in the days before Afghan President Hamid Karzai is due to visit Islamabad on Monday. As if to underline Indian concerns in Afghanistan, Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh visited Jalalabad this weekend where militants had tried to storm the Indian consulate.
The Foreign Office, detailing her three-day visit after it was over on Sunday, flagged the concern over militant violence as foremost on her agenda.
Her visit, they said, “conveyed a clear message that no terrorist attack can have an impact on India’s strong determination to assist Afghanistan in its reconstruction and development efforts.”
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/militant-violence-foremost-on-sujatha-singhs-agenda/article5059031.ece
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PDP Patron calls for urgent de-escalation of tension along LoC
M Saleem Pandit, TNN | Aug 26, 2013
SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on Sunday said that there is a need for de-escalation of tension along the line of control.
Addressing a press conference here Mufti said the Union government cannot overlook the misery, pain and dislocation that the people of the state have to bear every time peace is shattered along the borders. He said that Nawaz Sharif having won a decisive mandate in Pakistan on promise of reconciliation with India should work as a historic new element in Indo-Pak relations which should not be allowed to derail by isolated incidents howsoever provocative they might appear.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Mufti-calls-for-urgent-de-escalation-of-tension-along-LoC/articleshow/22058135.cms
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Alert villager helps police seize cache of arms and explosives in Jammu
Aug 26 2013
Jammu : Alertness by a village defence committee (VDC) member averted a major tragedy helping the Jammu Kashmir Police seize a huge arms and explosives dump from the banks of Bein nullah flowing between Samba and Kathua districts.
The seized weapons and explosives were dumped by terrorists on the banks of the nullah, nearly 500 meters downstream from the railway bridge, sources said. These included five Chinese pistols along with nearly 200 rounds and two loaded magazines, five wireless sets along with eight antennas, two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) concealed in tiffin boxes, four IED shells and seven remote controlled batteries.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/alert-villager-helps-police-seize-cache-of-arms-and-explosives-in-jammu/1160303/
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Militants attack police party in J&K, one cop killed
TNN | Aug 26, 2013
NEW DELHI: Militants attacked a police patrol in Anantnag in Jammu & Kashmir killing one personnel, according to Times Now.
The terrorists opened fire on the police party in Arwani market in south Kashmir.
Combing operations have been launched in the area to nab the militants.
More details are awaited.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Militants-attack-police-party-in-JK-one-cop-killed/articleshow/22065079.cms
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India cites hurdles in supplying arms to Afghanistan
Shubhajit Roy
Aug 26 2013
New Delhi : India has conveyed to Afghanistan that Delhi finds it difficult to supply weapons to Kabul since it is bound by conditions set by suppliers, sources told The Indian Express. It also cited availability issues in the process of supplying arms to Kabul.
These reasons were put forward by Indian officials to Afghan officials accompanying visiting Vice-President of Afghanistan Karimi Khalili last week. India procures majority of its arms from manufacturers and signs an end-user condition. According to government sources, India cannot transfer weapons of the supplier country to a third country without its approval. This, sources said, constraints Delhi’s hand in giving out weapons to a friendly country like Afghanistan.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/india-cites-hurdles-in-supplying-arms-to-afghanistan/1160069/
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Urdu textbooks for Classes 10 and 12 riddled with errors
Mihika Basu
Aug 26 2013
Mumbai: Hazir (meaning presence) changed to Khizr (which means a leader who shows people the right way), sarisht (nature) has been translated to mean “worship”.
These are a few examples of glaring errors in the state’s Urdu textbooks for Classes 10 and 12 this year. While there are 685 errors in Class 12 textbooks, the figure stands at 261 for Class 10.
“It is with great disappointment and anguish that we bring to your notice the shocking and unbelievable number of errors that are found in “Kumar Bharti”, the first language textbook of Class 10 and “Yuvak Bharti”, the Urdu textbook of Class 12. This will directly affect the performance of students in the 10th and 12th Board exams. We request the state to intervene urgently and take immediate corrective measures,” says a letter, dated August 14, written by the Urdu Headmasters’ Association (Mumbai division) to the state government.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/urdu-textbooks-for-classes-10-and-12-riddled-with-errors/1160053/
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7/11 accused moves HC after being denied books in jail
Aneesha Mathur
Aug 26 2013
New Delhi: An RTI plea filed by a suspect in the 2006 Mumbai train blasts case has once again brought to the fore the thorny question of the constitutional rights of under trials in jails. The issue of whether the right to information and right to education are available to an under trial in prison — and to what extent are the rights available — has been taken up by the Delhi High Court, which has converted the plea of the terror suspect into a writ petition.
Last year, Ehtesham Ahmad Siddiqui, a suspect in the Mumbai train bombings case, had written to the Delhi High Court after the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH), Delhi, denied a request to provide him with copies of 45 books necessary for studying a course.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/711-accused-moves-hc-after-being-denied-books-in-jail/1160066/
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Child Welfare Committee stops marriage of minor girl in Puducherry
Bosco Dominique, TNN | Aug 26, 2013
PUDUCHERRY: The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) has successfully stopped the marriage of minor girl in the Union territory of Puducherry.
The committee, with the help of the police and social welfare department officials, gave the custody of the Class 11 girl to a children's home and shifted her to a new school to prevent her mother and relatives from forcing her into wedlock. The girl will return to her mother when she turns 18.
CWC chairwoman Vidyaa Ramkumar told TOI that a teacher of a government higher secondary school approached Villianur police on Friday stating that one of his students, a 16-year-old girl, was being forced to marry a 22-year-old man against her wish. The teacher revealed that the mother of the girl and relatives had scheduled her marriage with the man, related to her, for Sunday. The girl lost her father a few years ago.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Child-Welfare-Committee-stops-marriage-of-minor-girl-in-Puducherry/articleshow/22069644.cms
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Bring back Lord Buddha's begging bowl from Afghanistan: RJD MP
PTI | Aug 26, 2013
NEW DELHI: A strong demand for bringing back the begging bowl of Lord Buddha from an Afghan museum and installing it at its "original" place at Vaishali in Bihar was made by RJD leader Raghuvansh Prasad Singh in Lok Sabha on Monday.
Raising the issue during Zero Hour, he said the Buddha, who was on his way to attain 'nirvana' (salvation), had presented the 'bhikshapatra' (begging bowl) to the people of Vaishali.
The bowl was later taken away to the capital of Kanishka, 'Purushputra' (now Peshawar), by invaders and then further to Kandahar (then Gandhar), Singh, who represents Vaishali constituency, said, adding several noted historians have written about the historicity of the vase.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bring-back-Lord-Buddhas-begging-bowl-from-Afghanistan-RJD-MP/articleshow/22067712.cms
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South Asia
6 killed in Taliban attack on Afghan Army base
August 26, 2013
Five Taliban insurgents and an Afghan soldier were killed on Monday when the militants attacked an Army base in eastern Afghanistan, an official said.
One of the rebels blew himself up at the gate, and the other four were shot by soldiers, Kapisa provincial government spokesman Qais Qaderi said.
One soldier was killed in the clash, he said.
“A second group of militants opened fire on the soldiers. Ten of them were wounded in a two-hour gun battle,” he said.
Taliban spokesmen claimed responsibility for the attack.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/6-killed-in-taliban-attack-on-afghan-army-base/article5061028.ece
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Jamaat-e-Islami cannot contest by-polls: CEC Bangladesh
Aug 26, 2013
Jamaat will not be able to contest the by-polls to Barguna-2 constituency on October 3, as the High Court verdict declaring its registration illegal remains in force, said Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad yesterday.
No candidate of Jamaat-e-Islami can run in the polls by using the party symbol, but can stand as an independent candidate. This will continue to hold until the Supreme Court stays the verdict, he added.
The CEC made the remarks while announcing the schedule for the by-polls in the conference room of the Election Commission Secretariat.
The constituency fell vacant following the death of lawmaker Golam Shabur Tulu in a road accident on July 26.
Full report at:
http://www.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/jamaat-cannot-contest-by-polls/
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Acting BNP secretary accuses PM’s Son of branding Bangladesh as militant country
Aug 26, 2013
Acting BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday accused the prime minister’s son Sajeeb Wazed Joy of trying to brand Bangladesh as a militant country.
He claimed that Joy in one of his articles had mentioned that around 35 percent members of the Bangladesh Army were militants.
“It is a deep-rooted conspiracy [against the army],” Fakhrul said at a mass campaign programme at Sadar upazila in Thakurgaon.
He urged people to resist “such conspiracies” against the country.
Fakhrul said democracy and people’s life were not safe in the hands of the Awami League-led government.
Full report at:
http://www.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/fakhrul-accuses-joy-of-branding-bangladesh-as-militant-country/
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Transparency Maldives voices concerns over Supreme Court integrity
By Mohamed Naahee | August 25th, 2013
Transparency Maldives has raised questions over the integrity of the Supreme Court after a recent scuffle within the seven-member judges bench over the appointment of parliament’s choice to replace former Chair of Civil Service Commission (CSC) Mohamed Fahmy Hassan.
“Transparency Maldives calls upon the Supreme Court to maintain its actions in such a fashion that the court does not allow further diminishing of its integrity and to be transparent in its functioning and sharing of information to strengthen the public trust towards the institution,” read the statement.
Full report at:
http://minivannews.com/politics/transparency-maldives-voices-concerns-over-supreme-court-integrity-63301
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Karzai holds Pakistan talks on Taliban peace quest
26/08/2013
Visiting Afghan President Hamid Karzai held talks Monday with Pakistan's new prime minister, seeking help to open communication with the Taliban to end 12 years of war.
It is Karzai's first visit to Islamabad in 18 months and signals a desire by both countries to overcome distrust and hostility as 87,000 NATO combat troops prepare to leave Afghanistan next year. The visit began with an out-of-tune rendition of both national anthems by a Pakistani military band, before Karzai inspected an honour guard and swept into talks with Nawaz Sharif.
Full report at:
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/karzai-holds-pakistan-talks-on-taliban-peace-quest.aspx?pageID=238&nID=53235&NewsCatID=356
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Nizami was involved in Pabna mass killing Witness tells war crimes tribunal
Aug 26, 2013
Under Motiur Rahman Nizami’s leadership, the Pakistan army and its local collaborators raided three villages in Pabna and killed at least 450 people on May 14, 1971, a prosecution witness said yesterday.
Jamal Uddin, a freedom fighter from Sathia upazila and the 17th prosecution witness in Jamaat Ameer Nizami’s case, told the International Crimes Tribunal-1 that the mass killing took place following a meeting in the first part of May 1971, which was attended by Jamaat men and addressed by Nizami.
Full report at:
http://www.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/nizami-was-involved-in-pabna-mass-killing/
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Maldives Government to offer scholarship in name of late foreign minister
By Minivan News | August 25th, 2013
The government has decided to offer a new special scholarship under the name of late Foreign Minister Dr Abdul Samad Abdulla.
Dr Samad passed away this Sunday while undergoing treatment after kidney dialysis at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore. The 67 year-old died during treatment at 1:05am Male’ time on Sunday morning, according to the Foreign Ministry.
Full report at:
http://minivannews.com/category/news-in-brief
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Mideast
Israel ignores world outcry, begins work on 1,500 homes
2013-08-26
JERUSALEM, Aug 25: Israel pushed forward on Sunday with plans to construct 1,500 apartments in east Jerusalem in a move that could undermine recently renewed Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.
City spokeswoman Brachie Sprung said city officials had approved plans to lay down infrastructure for the project. She called the move a “standard and bureaucratic process” and said final government approval was still required. Actual construction is still years away, she said.
Still, the move comes just after Israelis and Palestinians resumed talks after a five-year stalemate. Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank and east Jerusalem is one of the thornier issues separating the two sides.
Full report at:
http://dawn.com/news/1038412/israel-ignores-world-outcry-begins-work-on-1500-homes
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Yemen foils suicide bomber at English language centre
Aug 26, 2013
SANAA: Yemeni security forces on Sunday foiled an attack by a would-be suicide bomber on an English language school once linked to the US embassy in Sanaa, a security official said. The assailant, 20, was caught after he hurled a grenade that failed to explode at the Yemen-America Language Institute in west Sanaa, the official said. Security guards found the man wearing an explosives belt, he added. The YALI institute was founded by the US embassy in 1975, but has been run privately for the past few years. Security forces foiled the attack on the same day a powerful blast ripped through a bus carrying Yemeni air force personnel to their Sanaa base, killing one person and wounding 25.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013\08\26\story_26-8-2013_pg4_16
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Hamas denies setting up training camps with Egypt's Brotherhood in Gaza
Aug 26, 2013
Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic resistance movement, has denied establishing joint training camps with the Muslim Brotherhood in southern Gaza.
Samy Abu-Zuhra, Hamas spokesperson, said in a press conference Sunday.
"The movement expresses its deep discontent with Egyptian media reports about establishing joint training camps for Al-Qassam militants and Muslim Brotherhood members in southern Gaza."
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/79878/Egypt/Politics-/Hamas-denies-setting-up-training-camps-with-Egypts.aspx
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PM: Israel's 'finger on the pulse' of Syria developments, if necessary will also be 'on the trigger'
26/08/2013
Netanyahu says situation in Syria is "horrible tragedy, crime"; political leaders meet with French FM, discuss Syria.
Syria's use of chemical weapons against its own people "simply demonstrates" what will happen if Iran gets even deadlier weapons, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said Sunday before a meeting with French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius.
What we see in Syria is how extremist regimes have no reservations whatsoever about using these weapons even when they use it against innocent civilians, against their own people," he said. "In the end, the extremists use these weapons. So we must prevent them from having these weapons."
Full report at:
http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/PM-Israels-finger-on-the-pulse-of-Syria-developments-if-necessary-will-also-be-on-the-trigger-324173
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Three Palestinians killed in clashes with Israeli Border Police near Jerusalem
26/08/2013
Three Palestinians were shot and killed Monday morning during clashes with Israeli Border Police in a refugee camp near Jerusalem. 15 Palestinians were wounded and six of them are in serious condition, Palestinian sources say.
According to reports, a large force of the Border Police entered Qalandiyah early in the morning to arrest a terror susepct. The officers arrived in commercial, non-military vehicles, at the house of the suspect when dozens of young Palestinians spotted them. A clash involving live fire ensued.
Full report at:
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.543587
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Israel’s new tactic: Classifying Eritreans as Ethiopian to deport them
26/08/2013
The Interior Ministry is challenging asylum claims by Eritreans who, it says, are Ethiopian and thus eligible for deportation. A Central District Court judge has ruled in favor of the state in 18 out of 19 petitions against the ministry’s classification.
Eritrean citizens in Israel are granted collective 'temporary protection' and are not deported to Eritrea. There are currently 36,067 Eritreans in Israel, according to Border and Immigration Authority data.
Full report at:
http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/.premium-1.543525
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For first time, Israeli cop charged with taser abuse
26/08/2013
For the first time ever, a policeman has been charged with unreasonable use of a taser. In an indictment filed Sunday by the Justice Ministry’s department for the investigation of police officers, Sa’il Anim, a patrol officer in the Yiftah region of the Tel Aviv District, was accused of deliberately using the stun gun to abuse suspects. The specific charges were abusing a helpless person, assault that caused injury and obstruction of justice.
Full report at:
http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/.premium-1.543513
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Yemeni presidency refutes newspaper report purportedly alleging that the USA requested a zone to establish a military base in Yemen
26/08/2013
Sana'a: August 26 -- (BNA)-- The Yemeni presidency dismissed as incorrect reports regarding Yemen's receiving a request from the United States of America to obtain a zone in the country for use as a logistics support and supply base for the US Army.
The Yemeni News Agency (Sabaa) quoted an official from the Yemeni presidency as saying that "the report which had been published yesterday is totally fabricated, false and incorrect and is maliciously purposeful".
Full report at:
http://www.bna.bh/portal/en/news/576790
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‘Turkey’s partiality’ adds to bloodshed in region
26/08/2013
The Turkish government’s biased approach in regional foreign policy is one of the main factors behind the escalating bloodshed in the “Islamic world,” the main opposition leader has said, while also slamming Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for crying in front of cameras, which he described as “pitiful.”
The remarks from Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu came in a speech delivered in the town of Bayat in the western Anatolian province of Afyonkarahisar, which he was visiting on the 91st anniversary of the “Great Offensive” against Greek forces during the War of Independence.
Full report at:
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkeys-partiality-adds-to-bloodshed-in-region.aspx?pageID=238&nID=53220&NewsCatID=338
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Turkey would join coalition against Syria, says foreign minister
26/08/2013
Turkey would join any international coalition against Syria even if a wider consensus on action cannot be reached at the U.N. Security Council, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu was quoted as saying on Monday.
"We always prioritise acting together with the international community, with United Nations decisions. If such a decision doesn't emerge from the U.N. Security Council, other alternatives ... would come onto the agenda," Davutoğlu told the Milliyet daily.
Full report at:
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-would-join-coalition-against-syria-says-foreign-minister.aspx?pageID=238&nID=53233&NewsCatID=338
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North America
US says Syria offer to show chemical attack sites 'too late'
Reuters | Aug 26, 2013
WASHINGTON: A US military response to alleged chemical weapons attacks in Syria appeared more likely on Sunday after Washington dismissed the Syrian government's offer to allow U.N. inspection of the sites as "too late to be credible."
A senior official of the US administration said there was little doubt the Syrian government had used chemical weapons against civilians in suburbs of Damascus last week and that President Barack Obama was weighing how to respond.
A year ago, Obama said the use of chemical weapons in Syria's war would be a "red line" for the United States. However, Obama has been reluctant to intervene in Syria and US officials stressed that he has yet to make a decision on how to respond.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/US-says-Syria-offer-to-show-chemical-attack-sites-too-late/articleshow/22057085.cms
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Pentagon chief holds Indonesia talks amid Syria crisis
Aug 26, 2013
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel held talks in Indonesia on Monday as part of a tour to bolster US ties with Southeast Asia but a confrontation with Syria threatened to overshadow the trip.
As part of a week-long tour of the region, Hagel met President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in Jakarta before scheduled discussions with his counterpart, Defence Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/9/79936/World/International/Pentagon-chief-holds-Indonesia-talks-amid-Syria-cr.aspx
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Backlash for NYPD as Bloomberg’s 12-year tenure ends
August 26, 2013
By Colleen Long
NEW YORK: New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and his police commissioner took responsibility for keeping the city safe in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. And for years, their approach was seen as nearly beyond question, as the threat of terror attacks was kept at bay and the crime rate fell to record lows. Now, as the mayor and Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly near the end of Bloomberg’s 12-year tenure, they face a backlash against the street stops and surveillance programs they call cornerstones of building “America’s safest big city.”
Full report at:
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/International/2013/Aug-26/228629-backlash-for-nypd-as-bloombergs-12-year-tenure-ends.ashx#ixzz2d4zwNUkM
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My trips always met with suspicion: US ambassador to Turkey
26/08/2013
U.S. Ambassador to Ankara Francis Ricciardone has suggested that Turkish people “love” conspiracy theories and said that wherever he goes they think he is “preparing trouble.”
After being asked whether he was met with claims that he was “spying” during his recent trips to several cities, Ricciardone referred to Twitter. “Sure, because there is a culture that loves conspiracy theories. We are making fun of it. Those theories use to be discussed in cafes, but now they are being circulated on Twitter,” he said.
Full report at:
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/my-trips-always-met-with-suspicion-us-ambassador-to-turkey.aspx?pageID=238&nID=53212&NewsCatID=341
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Europe
Britain can't act on Syria till it faces up to the spectre of Iraq
John Kampfner
Aug 26, 2013
We went in even though the evidence suggested he didn't have them; we won't go in when everyone's pretty sure he does. The relationship between British military intervention and dictators and their chemical weapons is laden with irony. The spectre of Iraq and Whitehall's inability to disentangle truth from wishful thinking looms over the contemporary tragedy of Syria.
President Bashar al-Assad is likely to have calculated that he can get away with gassing his civilian population, because of what happened a decade ago with Saddam Hussein and his elusive weapons of mass destruction.
Full report at:
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/aug/25/syria-sorry-legacy-iraq-war-assad
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Muslim soldiers to visit schools to try to counter Islamophobia
OLIVER WRIGHT
Aug 26, 2013
Ministers are to send serving Muslim soldiers into schools around the country to counter Islamaphobia in the wake of the killing of Lee Rigby, The Independent has learnt.
Muslim servicemen and women will be asked to address school assemblies alongside their Christian colleagues in parts of the country that have seen a significant rise in religious hate crimes. They are likely to include past and present Muslim soldiers who have served in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as some who were injured.
Full report at:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/muslim-soldiers-to-visit-schools-to-try-to-counter-islamophobia-8784494.html
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U.N. weapons inspectors visit alleged Syria chemical attack site
26 August 2013
U.N. weapons investigators on Monday are due to inspect the site of a suspected chemical attack which killed at least 1,300 people last week in Damascus suburbs.
The move follows Syria agreeing on Sunday to allow the inspectors to visit the site, although an American official told reporters the move was “too late to be credible.”
Washington was still weighing how to respond but there was very little doubt that the Syrian government had used a chemical weapon against civilians, the senior U.S. official said, Reuters news agency reported.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2013/08/26/U-N-weapons-experts-in-Syria-to-visit-chemical-attack-site-.html
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Russia warns US against 'extremely dangerous' Syria attack
August 26, 2013
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has warned US Secretary of State John Kerry over the "extremely dangerous consequences" of launching military action against the Syrian regime, the foreign ministry said on Monday. Lavrov told Kerry in a telephone call Sunday that Moscow was "deeply
alarmed" by comments from US officials indicating a readiness to intervene in Syria in the wake of accusations the regime had used chemical weapons, it said in a statement.
"Sergei Lavrov drew attention to the extremely dangerous consequences of a possible new military intervention for the whole Middle East and North Africa region," it added.
Full report at:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/europe/Russia-warns-US-against-extremely-dangerous-Syria-attack/Article1-1113050.aspx
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West to decide on Syria response in 'coming days': France
August 26, 2013
PARIS - The West will decided in the coming days on a response to the Syria crisis after allegations the Damascus regime used chemical weapons in a deadly attack last week, France's foreign minister said Monday.
Asked on French radio about a possible reaction with "force", Laurent Fabius said a decision had not yet been taken, adding: "We have to assess the reactions... and that will be decided upon in the coming days."
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20130826178272
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Southeast Asia
Ipoh mosque features Chinese architecture
BY MANJIT KAUR
Aug 26, 2013
IPOH: The RM4mil Muhammadiah Mosque here is said to be the first Chinese-Muslim mosque in the country with a 100% Chinese architectural design.
The roof is imported from Longyan in China and at a first glance people may mistake the mosque for a Chinese temple. If one were to take a closer look, the inscription at the entrance states “Masjid Muhammadiah”.
Mosque committee deputy chairman Datuk Dr Fadzli Cheah Abdullah said there was a similar mosque in Kelantan, but the architecture was not 100% Chinese.
“That one has Thai architectural influence,” he said.
“Therefore, this makes the mosque in Taman Tasek Jaya the pioneer with such architecture in the country. During the fasting month, several television stations featured the mosque in their documentaries.
Full report at:
http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2013/08/26/Ipoh-mosque-features-Chinese-architecture.aspx
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Najib: Malaysia won't be what it is today if not for women
Aug 26, 2013
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak says women must be treated as equals not only at home but in the office and everywhere else.
The Prime Minister said there was no denying that women – known for their determination, commitment and compassion – were the backbone of the nation.
All the successes the country enjoyed today could not have been attained without their participation, he said.
“We must treat women not only as an equal but with respect everywhere and at all times, be it at home, office and even inside lifts.
Full report at:
http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2013/08/26/Treat-women-as-equals-PM-Malaysia-wont-be-what-it-is-today-if-not-for-women.aspx
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Christian Federation calls on Malaysians to reject efforts to rouse fear and hatred
Aug 26, 2013
As Malaysia prepares to celebrate 56 years of Independence, the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) is praying for an inclusive nation rather than a divisive one.
In a statement, executive secretary Tan Kong Beng called on Malaysians to continue to fashion a legal system that will provide equality and equal protection under the law for all.
"We call on all peaceful and peace-loving Malaysians to reject those who are racists and religious chauvinists in both their speeches and actions.
Full report at:
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/christian-federation-calls-on-malaysians-to-reject-efforts-to-rouse-fear-an
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Africa
Somalia demands end to curbs for Shabab financier
August 26, 2013
MOGADISHU: Somalia’s government has demanded UN sanctions be lifted from a businessman accused of being a chief financier for Al-Qaeda inspired insurgents fighting the internationally-backed authorities, the information minister said Sunday.
Banker and businessman Ali Ahmed Nur Jimale, who was placed on a United Nations Security Council sanction list in February 2012, is accused of being “one of Al-Shabab’s chief financiers,” according to the UN.
But Somali Information Minister Abdulahi Elmoge Hersi said a government committee had investigated the allegations and found no evidence for maintaining the sanctions.
“After long discussions, the Somali government decided that Ahmed Nur Jimale should have his embargo lifted to get his freedom back,” Hersi told AFP.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/news/462478
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State of Emergency Declared in East Darfur - Governor
25 AUGUST 2013
Ed Daein — The Governor of East Darfur state, Abdel Hamid Musa Kasha, has declared a State of Emergency in East Darfur, and extended the brief of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in the area.
In a statement on Saturday, Governor Kasha said that he has authorised regular SAF forces "to deter criminals and militiamen."
Tensions between the Rizeigat and Ma'alia were triggered in the state earlier this month by unresolved disputes concerning access to land resources. An estimated total of 209 people were killed and 305 were wounded in clashes.
Full report at:
http://allafrica.com/stories/201308260227.html
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Returning Diaspora Men Transform Mogadishu Wedding Industry
BY DAHIR JIBRIL
Aug 26, 2013
Mogadishu — Somali men from the diaspora are spending big money on bridal dowries and other wedding costs as they take advantage of safer conditions in Mogadishu to get married.
These grooms-to-be are shelling out tens of thousands of dollars to tie the knot. Some are paying thousands of dollars for wedding parties at newly constructed 24-hour service hotels.
Faisal Omar, 35, spent 15 years in England as a taxi driver, but returned to Mogadishu in July and spent $20,000 on his wedding on August 5th.
Full report at:
http://allafrica.com/stories/201308260068.html?viewall=1
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Nigeria: Four Police Officers Killed As Gunmen Kidnap HR activist
25 AUGUST 2013
Armed bandits were on the prowl again in Benin-City, Edo State capital. They abducted human rights activist and lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN).
Four officers of the Edo Police Command were killed in a gun duel with the kidnappers that ensued in an attempt to rescue Ozekhome.
THISDAY learnt Ozekhome was kidnapped together with his driver. Their abduction occurred barely 48 hours after the state police command paraded 44 suspected kidnappers in Benin-City.
Full report at:
http://allafrica.com/stories/201308250172.html?aa_source=mf-hdlns
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Nigeria: Boko Haram Accepts Dialogue in FG's Video
BY ISIAKA WAKILI
Aug 26, 2013
Boko Haram's highest decision-making body, also known as the sect's Shura committee, has accepted to dialogue with the Federal Government, according to a 30-minute video clip released yesterday by the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Conflict and Security Challenges in the North.
In the video, played for journalists at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the Boko Haram members said though Allah enjoins them to fight enemies and infidels, He also enjoins them to accept dialogue whenever requested. The video was in Hausa and Arabic languages but was subtitled in English.
Full report at:
http://allafrica.com/stories/201308240217.html?viewall=1
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25 August 2013
Libyan Prime Minister Ali Zeidan Sunday announced the launch of a national dialogue initiative to tackle issues ranging from national reconciliation to disarmament, as Libya battles a wave of instability.
The country has in recent months been hit by deadly attacks on military and police officers in the east and strikes at its main oil terminals, in some of the worst unrest since dictator Muammar Qaddafi was toppled in October 2011.
“It is a question of forming a commission made up of Libyan personalities from civil society who will initiate a debate around the issues of the future constitution, national reconciliation, displaced persons, disarmament or security,” Zeidan said.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2013/08/25/Libya-launches-national-dialogue-initiative-.html
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/syria-rebels-seize-strategic-town,/d/13210