Syrian Army Kills Saudi, Lebanese Militants in Fierce Clashes in Homs
New Age Islam News Bureau
16
Feb 2014
JUI-S Maulana Sami-ul-Haq speaks during a convention at a local hotel.— Photo by Online
Arab World
• Syrian Army Kills Saudi, Lebanese Militants in Fierce Clashes in Homs
• Saudi Arabia to shut down offending websites
• Syria adds opposition peace talks delegates to "terrorist list"
• 5 Iraq policemen killed in Kirkuk attack
• Blast on tourist bus in Egypt's Sinai kills three
• Egypt's deposed President Morsi on trial on terrorism charges
• Salafist Call, Nour Party lay out key issues for presidential candidates
South Asia
• 35 Taliban militants killed or injured in Afghan operations
• ‘Jihadology’ Website hosted in US
• ‘Al-Qaeda clip authentication in couple of days’: Shahriar Alam
• Huge cache of Taliban ammunition, explosives seized in Kapisa
• Don’t interfere in Afghan presidential polls: Karzai tells US
• Dhaka seeks Hasina-Manmohan meeting in Bimstec sideline
• 'Prosperous Bangladesh in India’s interest'
• Government will not seek to speed up Nasheed’s trial, says President Yameen
Europe
• Return of 250 Britain-based jihadis sparks terror alert in UK
• More than 100 Foreign Spies Imprisoned in Syria
• Russia, U.S. blame game heightens tensions in Syria
• UN mediator apologizes to Syrians for lack of peace progress
Pakistan
• Religious leaders oppose use of force against militants
• Final war against terrorists to be fought in Sindh: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
• Pak militants using Twitter, Facebook for propaganda
• Pakistani Taliban decide on ceasefire: Reports
• One voice: Ulema back dialogue as only road to peace
• Pakistan stops issuing NOCs for screening of Indian films
India
• India-backed university in former Taliban base a breakthrough: Salman Khurshid
• Karzai hopes Pakistan will give transit route to India
• No lawyer ready to take up cases of Indian prisoners in Pak: Awais Sheikh
• Bangladeshi Speaker pitches for people-to-people contact
Africa
• South Sudan rebels kill 17 civilians: Official
• Jihadists kill 4 near Roman ruins in Tunisia
• S. Sudan's Kiir urges national reconciliation
Mideast
• Israel 'playing with fire' by tampering with Al-Quds sanctities
• Turkey's PM: 'Parallel state' to be pursued within law
• Meretz leader lashes out at rightist MKs over rally near Al-Quds
• Most rebels have left Syria's Yarmouk: Palestinian official
• Islamic nations discuss free trade bloc
Southeast Asia
• Anwar impresses congregation during visit to Holy Family church in Kajang
• Putrajaya’s silence allowing voices of hate to reign, says Anwar
• ‘Slight majority’ of East Malaysians want to secede, warns academic
• Utusan’s wrong assumptions in tirade against non-Malays
North America
• McCain Wants US War on Syria, Only Smaller than Iraq War
• Kerry tours giant mosque in Indonesia
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/syrian-army-kills-saudi,-lebanese/d/35777
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Arab World
Syrian Army Kills Saudi, Lebanese Militants in Fierce Clashes in Homs
16 February 2014
The Syrian army continued its military operations in Homs countryside in Central Syria, and killed a large number of militants, including Lebanese and Saudi terrorists on Sunday.
The army units killed tens of militants, including Lebanese nationals Zia Al-Jarrah, Ezzam Dahdouh, Abdel Rahman Al-Qeisi and Saudi Rahjan Hamdan Al-Alvani.
Meantime, the Syrian army targeted and destroyed several gathering centers of the militants in Al-Moshajjar region in the Southern section of Talbiseh town in Homs countryside.
Elsewhere near Al-Oufieh village in Homs, the army units defused a 70-kilogram bomb planted by the terrorists.
Last week, the Syrian army targeted and destroyed the gathering centers of the militants in two strategic towns in Homs, killing tens of militants, including two notorious terrorists.
Majed Al-Asir, brother of terrorist group leader Sheikh Ahmad Al-Asir, and notorious terrorist Majed Abu Al-Qassem were among more than 60 militants killed in the Syrian army attacks on the militants’ bastions in Yamhad and Al-Zaareh towns in Homs countryside.
Thousands of Syrian families have evacuated the city of Homs as the fighting between the army and militants have intensified there.
On Wednesday, the Syrian government resumed evacuation of civilians from the besieged parts of Homs and delivering aid to the people.
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13921127001106
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Saudi Arabia to shut down offending websites
16 February 2014
Manama: Saudi Arabia’s culture and information ministry has warned online media and websites that they could be shut down if they broke the law by offending Islam, abusing people or insulting community traditions.
“We will deal decisively with all those who affront Saudi Arabia or its citizens,” Abdul Aziz Al Melham, the ministry spokesperson, said. “This includes targeting the Islamic faith and the Prophet, peace be upon him, as well as attacking the customs and traditions of the Saudi society and compromising the security of the homeland,” he said in remarks published by local daily Al Eqtisadiya on Sunday.
The ministry supports all online news sites and deals with them based on the principle of “responsible freedom”, he added.
“Every site is responsible for what it publishes and that includes checking the information and drafting it properly before it is posted,” he said amid reports that the ministry was shutting down 41 online news sites for failing to abide by the rules that require an official licence to go online.
“The ministry is not an obstacle to any news site or website that seeks to convey genuine news and avoid abuses or spreading false or misleading information. Shutting down a site is in application of the regulations that govern electronic publishing,” he said.
Under Saudi regulations, no pre-censorship is imposed on online news sites, but editors are held responsible for the posted content and information.
The ministry is entrusted with the accountability and investigation in the alleged irregularities and complaints, the regulations say.
http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/saudi-arabia/saudi-arabia-to-shut-down-offending-websites-1.1291523
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Syria adds opposition peace talks delegates to "terrorist list"
World Bulletin/News Desk
16 February 2014
Syria has added opposition delegates at peace talks in Geneva to a "terrorist list" and seized their assets, including the house of one of them, anti-government negotiators and a diplomat said on Saturday.
The opposition delegation only learnt of the decision when a copy of the Justice Ministry decision was leaked this week to the opposition website www.all4syria.com, the sources said.
The memorandum, issued by the Justice Ministry, says the assets had been frozen under a 2012 anti-terrorism law.
The decision will further antagonise opposition members and their international backers after a second round of negotiations failed on Saturday to achieve any meaningful gains beyond an agreement to meet again at an unspecified date.
One diplomat said the opposition negotiators had discovered a few days ago that most of them were on a "terrorism list" of 1,500 activists and rebels opposed to President Bashar al-Assad.
"When (opposition member) Suhair al-Atassi saw her name she realised she had lost her house. A tear dropped from her eye for a moment and she then returned to her combative self," said the diplomat, who was meeting the opposition negotiators in Geneva.
Asked why Damascus had put members of the opposition Nation Coalition umbrella group on its terrorism list and frozen their bank accounts, Syrian government delegate Bashar al-Jaafari said: "You are trying to terrorise me and you won't succeed."
He said the decision was made two months before the Geneva talks began. "This has nothing to do with the Geneva conference. Whoever refuses to fight terrorism is part of terrorism."
Members of the National Coalition make up the bulk of the opposition delegation to the talks, which opened on Jan. 22.
One delegate, Ahmad Jakal, said: "The regime wants to prove it can get to us personally. In its sick thinking, anyone who opposes it is a traitor and terrorist."
http://www.worldbulletin.net/headlines/128983/syria-adds-opposition-peace-talks-delegates-to-terrorist-list
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5 Iraq policemen killed in Kirkuk attack
World Bulletin/News Desk
16 February 2014
Five Iraqi policemen were killed in a militant attack in the early hours of Sunday on their checkpoint in the northern city of Kirkuk, a security source said.
"A group of unidentified militants attacked a checkpoint in the south of the city, killing five policemen and seizing their weapons," local police commander Sarhad Qudran told Anadolu Agency.
Elsewhere in the Kirkuk province, a military official said that six Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militants were killed in clashes with army troops in al-Riyad district, west of Kirkuk.
The troops thwarted an attempt by 100 ISIL militants boarding over 20 4x4 vehicles to seize the area, Abdel-Amir al-Zaidi of Degla Operations Room told AA.
Areas in southern and southwestern Kirkuk are plagued by security problems, being the sites of repeated attacks by militant groups against security personnel.
http://www.worldbulletin.net/todays-news/129004/5-iraq-policemen-killed-in-kirkuk-attack
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Blast on tourist bus in Egypt's Sinai kills three
16 February 2014
CAIRO: A blast ripped through a bus near an Egyptian resort town bordering Israel on Sunday, killing at least three foreign tourists, police said.
The cause of the blast near the resort town of Taba in south Sinai was not immediately clear.
Militants in the restive peninsula have waged a deadly insurgency against the military and police since the overthrow of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in July.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Feb-16/247499-blast-on-bus-in-egypts-sinai-casualties-reported.ashx#ixzz2tUYT764V
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Egypt's deposed President Morsi on trial on terrorism charges
16 February 2014
CAIRO: Deposed Egyptian President Mohammad Morsi appeared in court on Sunday on charges of conspiring with foreign groups to commit terrorist acts in Egypt, in a further escalation of the crackdown against his Muslim Brotherhood.
Declaring it "the biggest case of conspiracy in the history of Egypt", prosecutors have detailed a "terrorist plan" dating back to 2005 and implicating Palestinian group Hamas and the Shiite Islamist government of Iran as well as its Lebanese ally Hezbollah.
Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood propelled him to victory in the 2012 presidential election but has been driven underground since the army took power in July after mass protests against his rule.
Full report at:
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Feb-16/247486-egypts-morsi-faces-spying-charges-as-third-trial-to-begin.ashx#ixzz2tUYXjxcY
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Salafist Call, Nour Party lay out key issues for presidential candidates
16 February 2014
The deputy head of the Salafist Call, Yasser El-Borhamy, has said that the group and its political wing, the Nour Party, will judge which candidate to support in the upcoming presidential elections based on a number of factors.
El-Borhamy explained during an interview with Aswat Masriya that candidates' stances on Islamist groups and factions will be a major factor.
The vision of the candidate on how to deal with issues related to Shias, the Sufi movement, Salafist factions, and extremist militant groups is important.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/94309/Egypt/Politics-/Salafist-Call,-Nour-Party-lay-out-key-issues-for-p.aspx
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South Asia
35 Taliban militants killed or injured in Afghan operations
Feb 16 2014
At least 35 Taliban militants were killed or injured following military operations conducted by Afghan national security forces in various provinces of Afghanistan.
The interior ministry of Afghanistan (MOI) following a statement said the militants were killed during the past 24 hours following military operations by Afghan national security forces.
The statement further added that the operations were conducted by Afghan national police, Afghan national army and Afghan intelligence operatives, in Kunar, Zabul, Logar and Helmand provinces of Afghanistan.
Interior ministry confirmed 28 Taliban militants were killed, 7 militants were injured and 7 others were detained during the operations.
Full report at:
http://www.khaama.com/35-taliban-militants-killed-or-injured-in-afghan-operations-3437
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‘Jihadology’ Website hosted in US
16 February 2014
The website named “Jihadology” that posted an audio tape of al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri on Bangladesh is hosted at a domain located in the US.
An IT expert after a quick look at the technical information of the website said “Jihadology” had been created on August 16, 2010, but came into operation in September the same year.
According to the website, the audio clip (having footages of still photos) was taken from “alfidaa.info,” which is hosted in Kuala Lumpur.
The “Jihadology” website at the top of the page said the video message titled “Bangladesh: A Massacre behind a Wall of Silence” was presented by “As-Sahab Media.”
It was difficult to determine the official website of “As-Sahab Media.”
But according to another website named “Global Jihad,” the As-Sahab Foundation for Islamic Media Publication (The Clouds) is the media production house of the al-Qaeda. It distributes the organisation’s point of views for promoting the Global Jihad, encouraging young Muslims to identify themselves with the cause and glorifying the al-Qaeda.
Full report at:
http://www.dhakatribune.com/foreign-affairs/2014/feb/16/jihadology-hosted-us#sthash.q7I6Deq1.dpuf
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‘Al-Qaeda clip authentication in couple of days’: Shahriar Alam
Sheikh Shahriar Zaman
16 February 2014
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam has stated that the authenticity of the audio clip supposed to be released by the al-Qaeda would be confirmed within the next two to three days.
The minister made the statement while briefing the media over the recent threat issued by the al-Qaeda.
“Hopefully it will be made sure within two or three days whether the audio clip was authentic,” he said.
Al-Qaeda has called Bangladeshi Muslims to join jihad against the western countries, claims an unconfirmed audio message published by the Jihadology.net.
http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2014/feb/16/al-qaeda-clip-authentication-couple-days
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Huge cache of Taliban ammunition, explosives seized in Kapisa
Feb 16 2014
Afghan intelligence operatives discovered and seized a huge cache ammunition and explosives belonging to the Taliban group in Kapisa province.
National Directorate of Security (NDS) announced Sunday that the munitions were seized during an operation conducted by NDS operatives.
The munitions incldue 14 BM-21 rockets, 29 rounds of 82mm artillery shells, 20 rounds of RPG7 rockets, 53 rounds of grenade launcher ammunition, 3 rounds of mortar shells, 2 rounds of heavy artillery shells, 1 round of aircraft missile, 2 rounds of tank rockets, 5 boxes of Dshk machine ammunition, 9 improvised explosive device (IED), 1 anti-tank mine, 3 hand grenades, 9 kg of explosives and hundreds round of various weapons ammunition.
Full report at:
http://www.khaama.com/huge-cache-of-taliban-ammunition-explosives-seized-in-kapisa-3440
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Don’t interfere in Afghan presidential polls: Karzai tells US
Press Trust of India | Kandahar | February 16, 2014
Amid his standoff with the Obama administration on a Bilateral Security Agreement, embattled President Hamid Karzai has asked the US and its allies not to “interfere” in Afghanistan’s crucial presidential polls.
Presidential candidates in the war-ravaged country began two months of campaigning on February 2 for an election that Washington and its allies hope will bring much-needed stability before the US-led troops exit after 13 years of inconclusive war.
Karzai, 56, said his government will ensure “transparent and fair” elections to be held on April 5. “Surely, from our side, it will be transparent and fair and that’s what Afghanistan needs and I hope also that the United States and its Western allies will make sure that they refrain from interference and that they allow Afghans to cast their vote and to elect their president,” he said on Saturday in Afghanistan’s second largest city.
Full report at:
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/asia/dont-interfere-in-afghan-presidential-polls-karzai-tells-us/
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Dhaka seeks Hasina-Manmohan meeting in Bimstec sideline
16 February 2014
Bangladesh has sought time from India for a meeting between Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh in the sideline of the Bimstec summit set to be held in Myanmar next month.
The third Bimstec summit, attended by heads of states or governments of the member countries, will be held on March 4 in Myanmar capital Naypyidaw.
“We also sought sideline meetings with the heads of participating states and governments,” said Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haque.
Full report at:
http://www.dhakatribune.com/foreign-affairs/2014/feb/16/dhaka-seeks-hasina-manmohan-meeting-bimstec-sideline#sthash.1JdabBC9.dpuf
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'Prosperous Bangladesh in India’s interest'
16 February 2014
Showing full commitment to Bangladesh’s economic development, President Pranab Mukherjee has said that it was in the interest of India to have a democratic, stable and prosperous Bangladesh.
These views were expressed by the President when Speaker of Bangladesh’s ‘Jatiya Sangsad’ (National Parliament) Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury called on him last evening, reports The Economic Times.
Congratulating her on assumption of the office for the second term, the President said India attaches highest importance to its relations with Bangladesh.
Full report at:
http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2014/feb/16/pranab-prosperous-bangladesh-indias-interest#sthash.byICG286.dpuf
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Government will not seek to speed up Nasheed’s trial, says President Yameen
By Ahmed Nazeer | February 16th, 2014
President Abdulla Yameen has said that the current government will not try to push the courts to speed up the trial of former President Mohamed Nasheed, who was charged for “unlawful arrest of Criminal Court Chief Judge Abdulla Mohamed’’.
Local media did report, however, that Yameen noted the opposition leader must be sentenced if there is rule of law in the country.
Speaking at a ceremony held to open the campaign office of the Progressive Party of Maldives’ Majlis candidate for the Maafannu-West constituency, Yameen noted that there were things the government could to expedite proceedings, but said that the government did not wish to enter the criminal justice procedure.
Full report at:
http://minivannews.com/politics/government-will-not-seek-to-speed-up-nasheed%E2%80%99s-trial-says-president-yameen-77744
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Europe
Return of 250 Britain-based jihadis sparks terror alert in UK
PTI | Feb 16, 2014
LONDON: At least 250 Britain-based jihadis who went to fight in war-torn Syria have returned home, sparking a terror alert as they are now suspected of wanting to carry out attacks in the UK, a media report said on Sunday.
Senior security officials said around 250 "extremist tourists" have returned home, and are now being monitored by security services, The Sunday Times reported.
The figure is five times higher than previously thought and includes several 'veterans' who earlier fought in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
They are now suspected of wanting to carry out attacks or of inciting others to do so in the UK, sparking a terror alert in the country.
MI5 and police have already intercepted an alleged serious plot by jihadis returning from the war-torn region last autumn.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/uk/Return-of-Britain-based-jihadis-sparks-terror-alert-in-UK/articleshow/30525273.cms
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More than 100 Foreign Spies Imprisoned in Syria
16 February 2014
A new report showed that more than 100 foreign intelligence and military agents from Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar are imprisoned in Syria.
According to a report published by the Lebanon-based Al-Manar, 85 Saudi officers, mostly from Saudi intelligence service, are incarcerated in Syria for assisting and training terrorists, Al-Alam reported.
At least 7 of the spy inmates are described as senior officers.
Saudi Arabia's officials, via a mediator, have made numerous appeals to get their agents released. However, the Syrian government has turned down the pleas.
According to the report, 14 Qatari and seven Turkish intelligence officers are also imprisoned in Syria for similar charges.
Full report at:
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13921127000422
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Russia, U.S. blame game heightens tensions in Syria
ATUL ANEJA
16 February 2014
The hardening position of the United States and its allies is driving ties with Russia to a new low, and raising fresh tensions in strife-torn Syria.
The gloves are off as U.S. President Barack Obama has launched an unvarnished verbal assault against Moscow for blocking a western-backed United Nations Security Council resolution for establishing "humanitarian corridors" in Syria.
Addressing U.S. and French journalists accompanying visiting French President Francois Hollande, last Tuesday, Mr. Obama said: "There is great unanimity among most of the Security Council on this resolution [to provide greater aid]. Russia is a holdout". The U.S. President bluntly asserted that John Kerry, the U.S. Secretary of State, and others "have delivered a very direct message to the Russians that they cannot say they are concerned about the well-being of the Syrian people when there are starving civilians. ... [I]t is not
just the Syrians that are responsible; the Russians, as well, if they are blocking this kind of resolution".
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/russia-us-blame-game-heightens-tensions-in-syria/article5693781.ece
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UN mediator apologizes to Syrians for lack of peace progress
Reuters | Feb 16, 2014
GENEVA: International mediator Lakhdar Brahimi apologized to the Syrian people for the lack of progress at peace talks in Geneva after their second round ended on Saturday with little more than an agreement to meet again.
As it became clear that the talks had not even broached the subject of a change of leadership in Syria, both France and Britain, who back the opposition, blamed President Bashar al-Assad for the impasse.
Underlining the gaping rift that remains between the sides, anti-government negotiators and a diplomat said Syria's government had added opposition delegates to a "terrorist list" and had seized their assets.
"I am very, very sorry and I apologize to the Syrian people ... their hopes ... were very, very high here, that something will happen here," Brahimi told journalists.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/UN-mediator-apologizes-to-Syrians-for-lack-of-peace-progress/articleshow/30502075.cms
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Pakistan
Religious leaders oppose use of force against militants
2014-02-16
LAHORE: The heads of about 30 religious parties and groups have opposed the use of force against militants in case the ongoing peace talks between the government and the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan end in failure.
The demand came in the wake of perception that a military operation would be the ultimate choice if the government and the Taliban failed to reach an agreement.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chairman Imran Khan and other mainstream leaders have agreed to give peace a chance before considering the option of an operation to flush out militants, especially from North Waziristan.
But the clerics, in a meeting chaired by the chief of the Taliban’s negotiating committee, Maulana Samiul Haq, unanimously opposed launching a military operation against the Taliban in case there was no breakthrough in the talks between the government and TTP teams. “The government must not use force in case the peace talks fail. Ceasefire is a prerequisite to the success of the talks,” Maulana Haq said while reading a joint statement after the Ulema and Mashaikh convention on the peace talks.
Full report at:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1087384/religious-leaders-oppose-use-of-force-against-militants
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Final war against terrorists to be fought in Sindh: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
2014-02-16
THATTA: PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said on Saturday that efforts for reconciliation between the government and Taliban would prove futile and that the final war with terrorists would be fought in Sindh.
Addressing the concluding event of the Sindh Festival at the Makli Stadium, he said the mothers and sisters of security personnel who died while protecting the nation from terrorists should be asked about the outcome of such negotiations. He said he himself had lost his mother at the hand of terrorists.
He asked whether the nation had forgotten the episode of extremist leader Sufi Muhammad, followed by revival of peace and tranquillity in Swat and maintenance of the writ of the state there by the former PPP government.
Full report at:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1087386/final-war-against-terrorists-to-be-fought-in-sindh-bilawal
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Pak militants using Twitter, Facebook for propaganda
Press Trust of India | Islamabad | February 16, 2014
Terrorist organisations in Pakistan like the Taliban are increasingly using social media networks such as Twitter and Facebook to spread their propaganda and as a means of intimidation. A number of Twitter accounts allegedly managed by members of the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan have emerged, on which they post messages and engage in dialogue with their followers. Facebook pages are used to upload statements and videos.
“The TTP is dominating the media. I feel they are savvier at spreading their message in a subtle way. Tackling them is not just about dialogue or military operations. We need comprehensive and broad policy to neutralise them,” Lt Gen (retired) Talat Masood, a leading security analyst, told PTI.
Full report at:
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/asia/pak-militants-using-twitter-facebook-for-propaganda/
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Pakistani Taliban decide on ceasefire: Reports
PTI | Feb 16, 2014
ISLAMABAD: The Taliban have decided in principle on a ceasefire that is likely to be announced in the next 24 hours but have demanded the release of detained non-combatants and withdrawal of the Pakistani Army from North Waziristan region, media reports said on Sunday.
The outlawed Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)'s political 'shura' or council met in the tribal belt to deliberate on the government's demand for a truce to take forward a controversial and fragile peace process.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Pakistani-Taliban-decide-on-ceasefire-Reports/articleshow/30521967.cms
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One voice: Ulema back dialogue as only road to peace
February 16, 2014
LAHORE: JUI-S ameer and Taliban’s chief intermediary Maulana Samiul Haq has appealed to the government and Taliban to announce a ceasefire.
He made this plea on Saturday while reading out a joint declaration after an Ulema and Mashaikh Peace Convention at a Lahore hotel on Saturday. More than 33 representatives from various religious schools of thought attended the convention.
Participants emphasised the importance of the dialogue process and called for the use of force to be avoided if talks failed.
The convention agreed that dialogue is the only way to end the continuing bloodshed in the country and that a military operation would become the reason of continuous war and unrest.
It was agreed time and again that peace in Pakistan could only be achieved through dialogue, Maulana Sami said. “If force is used, the country’s solidarity and very existence would be under threat.”
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/672408/one-voice-ulema-back-dialogue-as-only-road-to-peace/
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Pakistan stops issuing NOCs for screening of Indian films
PTI | Feb 16, 2014
KARACHI: Pakistani authorities have stopped issuing "No-Objection Certificates" for the screening of Indian films, holding up the release of new movies like 'Gunday' and 'Hasee Toh Phasee'.
The Federal Information and Broadcasting Ministry has told distributors and exhibitors of Indian films that it is processing new laws and regulations and NOCs will not be issued till these are approved by the federal cabinet.
Nawab Siddiqui, one of Pakistan's leading distributors and exhibitors who runs the Atrium Cineplex in Karachi, said authorities stopped the screening of Indian movies last month.
"The whole process has just been stopped and we couldn't get NOCs for new films like 'Gunday' and 'Hasee Toh Phasee', which were eagerly anticipated in our cinemas," he said.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Pakistan-stops-issuing-NOCs-for-screening-of-Indian-films/articleshow/30524894.cms
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India
India-backed university in former Taliban base a breakthrough: Salman Khurshid
PTI | Feb 16, 2014
NEW DELHI: The establishment of war-torn Afghanistan's first agriculture university with India's help in the former Taliban stronghold of Kandahar is a breakthrough in Indo-Afghan strategic partnership, external affairs minister Salman Khurshid has said.
"For India, a strong, prosperous and economically independent Afghanistan is a strategic priority and a key element of our Strategic Partnership Agreement," said Khurshid, who returned last night from Kandahar after inaugurating the Afghan National Agricultural Sciences and Technology University (ANASTU) in the sprawling Tarnak farm.
"We, therefore, see our participation in this Agriculture University project as an important activity of the India- Afghanistan strategic partnership," he said.
Interestingly, the Tarnak farm was al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden's main Afghan residence during much of the late 1990s. From there he oversaw al-Qaeda's plot to fly hijacked airliners into the World Trade Centre in New York and Pentagon in Washington in an attack that killed nearly 3,000 people.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-backed-university-in-former-Taliban-base-a-breakthrough-Salman-Khurshid/articleshow/30522742.cms
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Karzai hopes Pakistan will give transit route to India
PTI | Feb 16, 2014
KANDAHAR: Afghan President Hamid Karzai has expressed hope that Pakistan will provide access for a key transit route for trade between his land-locked country and India, underlining that commerce between the three nations is an essential element for their progress and stability.
"The trade has to happen if they want to establish the region with prosperity and free of conflict. I hope Pakistan will soon give transit route to India," he said.
"Trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and Pakistan and India, and trade between the three countries is an essential element for the progress and stability of the countries," Karzai said here yesterday in the Afghanistan's second largest city after the inauguration of the Afghan National Agricultural Sciences and Technology University (ANASTU), built with India's help.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Karzai-hopes-Pakistan-will-give-transit-route-to-India/articleshow/30514081.cms
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No lawyer ready to take up cases of Indian prisoners in Pak: Awais Sheikh
Yudhvir Rana,TNN | Feb 15, 2014
AMRITSAR: While stating that none of the lawyer was ready to take up the cases of Indian prisoners languishing in Pakistani jails, Pakistan right activist Awais Sheikh who has taken asylum in Sweden along with his family members said that still there were 32 Indian prisoners who were awaiting to be released after completion of their jail terms despite Lahore High Courts orders for their release.
Sheikh was counsel of Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singh who was murdered in Kot Lakhpat jail last year. While talking to TOI on Saturday, Sheikh said "After my abduction in Lahore and getting asylum in Sweden , no lawyer is taking up the cases of Indians languishing in jails" . adding that " All such cases are still unrepresented and pending for adjudication" he said.
He said that even Courts had not taken sou-motto notice on this important issue and no notice had been issued to the Government for implementation of the order on pending cases of Indian prisoners who had completed their sentence.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/No-lawyer-ready-to-take-up-cases-of-Indian-prisoners-in-Pak-Awais-Sheikh/articleshow/30479423.cms
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Bangladeshi Speaker pitches for people-to-people contact
SANDEEP DIKSHIT
Feb 16, 2014
Bangladesh has suggested greater political exchanges to close the gaps in this critical area, which led to India not being able to honour its commitments to a river water accord and land boundary realignment.
In the first high-level contact after the elections, Speaker of Bangladesh Parliament Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, at meetings with President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and her Indian counterpart Meira Kumar, highlighted people-to-people contact as the most important component of overall connectivity, according to Bangladesh High Commission officials
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bangladeshi-speaker-pitches-for-peopletopeople-contact/article5694531.ece
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Africa
South Sudan rebels kill 17 civilians: Official
16 February 2014
A South Sudanese official says at least 17 civilians have been killed at the hands of rebel forces loyal to former vice president, Riek Machar, in the oil-rich state of Upper Nile.
South Sudan’s Upper Nile's State Information Minister Philip Jiben told DPA on Saturday that the rebel fighters had “attacked Manyo County, killed 17 civilians and burnt their houses.”
Jiben further stated that the rebel forces had been “repulsed” after they clashed with the South Sudanese army in Upper Nile on Friday, adding that the situation in the state is “now calm.”
The fighting between troops of South Sudan President Salva Kiir, who is from the Dinka ethnic group, and his former deputy, Machar, a Nuer, erupted around the capital, Juba, on December 15, 2013.
Full report at:
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2014/02/15/350818/south-sudan-rebels-kill-17-civilians/
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Jihadists kill 4 near Roman ruins in Tunisia
16 February 2014
Tunis: Jihadists shot dead two people in a car they stopped at a roadblock near Roman ruins in Tunisia and two policemen who later sped to the scene, the interior ministry said Sunday.
The killings occurred on Saturday night in the Jendouba area of western Tunisia near Bulla Regia, the site of historic Roman ruins, it said in a statement.
Tunisia has been wracked by violence blamed on jihadist groups since the January 2011 Arab Spring revolution that ousted long-time dictator Zine Al Abidine Bin Ali.
The statement said a National Guard patrol was sent to investigate reports that a civilian and a prison warden had been shot dead by an armed group at a roadblock set up by armed men in Jendouba.
Full report at:
http://gulfnews.com/news/region/tunisia/jihadists-kill-4-near-roman-ruins-in-tunisia-1.1291656
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S. Sudan's Kiir urges national reconciliation
World Bulletin/News Desk
16 February 2014
South Sudanese President Salva Kiir on Saturday urged his fellow compatriots to leave behind the bitter memories of the ongoing political crisis and focus on national reconciliation.
"Let us forget about all those who died in the conflict and look at healing the wounds," President Kiir told a gathering of his ruling Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) at the Freedom Hall in Juba.
"I want the Dinka people to stop thinking of revenge and instead spearhead the reconciliation process in the country," he said, referring to his own tribe.
South Sudan has been shaken by violence since last December, when President Salva Kiir accused sacked vice-president Riek Machar of standing behind a failed coup attempt against his regime.
Full report at:
http://www.worldbulletin.net/headlines/128989/s-sudans-kiir-urges-national-reconciliation
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Mideast
Israel 'playing with fire' by tampering with Al-Quds sanctities
World Bulletin/News Desk
16 February 2014
A Palestinian Authority presidential aide warned of the consequences of Israel tampering with holy sites in the occupied Palestinian lands and Al-Quds, saying that the self-proclaimed Jewish state is playing with fire by desecrating the Islamic and Christian sanctities.
"Israel knows that the impact of desecrating the holy sites in Al-Quds (occupied East Jerusalem) would extend beyond Palestinian territories," Ahmed al-Rubaidi, an aide to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, told Anadolu Agency Sunday. "They are playing with fire."
Al-Rubaidi's warning came days ahead of an upcoming Israeli parliament session to discuss listing Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, home to the world's third holiest site for Muslims, under Israeli administration.
Full report at:
http://www.worldbulletin.net/headlines/129017/israel-playing-with-fire-by-tampering-with-al-quds-sanctities
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Turkey's PM: 'Parallel state' to be pursued within law
16 February 2014
Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Saturday his government would pursue legal means to hold to account a 'parallel state' reportedly nestled within the police and judiciary.
The government claims it is targeted by a group within the state that has international links. Erdogan and senior government officials have blamed the group for attempting to run an agenda of its own with an anti-graft operation which began in December.
"Some police officers, prosecutors and judges in this country are receiving orders not from the people, but from other places," Erdogan told a gathering in Istanbul. "The orders tell them to 'use all means (to target the government), and even take hits if necessary, and don't be afraid because such and such countries are behind us.'"
Full report at:
http://www.worldbulletin.net/headlines/128996/turkeys-pm-parallel-state-to-be-pursued-within-law
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Meretz leader lashes out at rightist MKs over rally near Al-Quds
16 February 2014
RAMALLAH – A leftist Israeli leader lashed out at right wing politicians for their participation in a rally in a controversial area near occupied Jerusalem to encourage settlements construction and to protest against the ongoing peace talks.
Zahava Gal-On, Knesset Member and chairwoman of the leftist Israeli Meretz party, told the Israel Radio on Friday evening that they set out to sabotage any chance of reaching a peace settlement with the Palestinians.
Gal-On said that “the participation of ministers from the government and Knesset MKs reveals (Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu’s two-headed monster.”
The rally on Thursday took place at E1 corridor, which links Jerusalem with Ma’aleh Adumim. Settler leaders and Right-wing politicians at the rally called for the state to build homes for Jews in the area.
Full report at:
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20140216195900
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Most rebels have left Syria's Yarmouk: Palestinian official
16 February 2014
DAMASCUS: Most of the Syrian opposition fighters in the Palestinian Yarmouk camp in southern Damascus have now withdrawn, a Palestinian official told AFP on Sunday.
Anwar Abdel Hadi, an official with the Palestine Liberation Organisation, said "most of the gunmen have pulled out of the camp" after an agreement with Palestinian factions in Yarmouk.
"Palestinian fighters have deployed to the outskirts of the camp to prevent the entry of any non-Palestinian gunmen," Abdel Hadi added.
Yarmouk camp was once home to some 150,000 Palestinians, as well as Syrian residents.
But large parts of the camp have been destroyed by fighting and many residents have fled, with just 18,000 left behind and under a tight army siege imposed after rebels took control of the camp.
Full report at:
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Feb-16/247490-most-rebels-have-left-syrias-yarmuk-palestinian-official.ashx#ixzz2tUYcvikv
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Islamic nations discuss free trade bloc
16 February 2014
An Islamic inter-Parliamentary Union has started work in Tehran, to strengthen cooperation among Islamic countries and solve challenges in the Islamic world.
Unity, Fighting Extremism, women's and human rights and Palestine were the main topics discussed by lawmakers and executives in the Islamic Inter-Parliamentary Union in Tehran. Expert level talks have started in Iran laying grounds for the heads of parliament meeting scheduled to start on Tuesday. Over 30 Parliament speakers and 50 Parliamentary delegations from the Organization of Islamic Conference are to address challenges in Islamic Nations.
Iran’s Parliament Speaker, Ali Larijani said, “We hope this meeting in Tehran, with the heads of parliaments of a great number of nations, will address the crises facing the world of Islam. This includes fighting extremism, challenges in achieving democracy in Islamic nations, technical and scientific cooperation and the issue of Palestine.”
Full report at:
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2014/02/15/350878/islam-parl-u/
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Southeast Asia
Anwar impresses congregation during visit to Holy Family church in Kajang
16 February 2014
Rebuffed by keepers of his own faith when he tried to preach at a mosque last month, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was welcomed with open arms at the church of the Holy Family in Kajang after the English and Mandarin masses today.
Parish priest Father George Harrison welcomed the opposition leader as "our brother" before he gave the floor to Anwar, who vowed the 1,200-strong crowd with his 25-minute speech on various issues.
But it was Anwar's bold and direct approach to answering the questions from the congregation that impressed the crowd.
When he was asked about his stand on the religious issues currently affecting the country and the rights of Bahasa Malaysia-speaking Christians to use the word Allah, Anwar said that even international Muslim scholars thought it was a subject unworthy of debate.
Full report at:
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/anwar-impresses-congregation-during-visit-to-holy-family-church-in-kajang
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Putrajaya’s silence allowing voices of hate to reign, says Anwar
16 February 2014
Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today accused Putrajaya of allowing voices of hate, violence and destruction to drown the messages of peace, love and harmony.
Addressing a packed audience at a church in Kajang, Anwar said culprits behind recent incidents provoking religious and racial conflict had been let off the hook while those innocent were hounded like criminals.
"They throw firebombs into church compounds, no one is arrested, they offer rewards to the public to slap other people, yet, no action is taken by the police," he said referring to the recent reward offer made by a Malay NGOs grouping to anyone who could slap DAP's Seputeh MP, Teresa Kok.
Full report at:
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/putrajayas-silence-allowing-voices-of-hate-to-reign-says-anwar
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‘Slight majority’ of East Malaysians want to secede, warns academic
16 February 2014
There are growing calls by ordinary East Malaysians for Sarawak and Sabah to leave Malaysia as they feel that the 50-year-old federation has not benefitted them, a Sarawakian academic said today.
"If you have a frank discussion with ordinary Sarawakians and Sabahans, there will be a slight majority to want Sabah and Sarawak to leave Malaysia.
"They feel that since day one, the federal government has not treated Sabah and Sarawak as separate entities as had been promised since 1963," said Professor James Chin of Monash University Malaysia.
Full report at:
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/slight-majority-of-east-malaysians-want-to-secede-warns-academic
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Utusan’s wrong assumptions in tirade against non-Malays
16 February 2014
Mingguan Malaysia's deputy editor Azman Anuar today wrote about his weekly's pet peeve - non-Malays. In his mind, they must know their limits and not take actions that are construed as insulting Islam, Muslims and the Malay rulers
The newly-promoted newsman also took Putrajaya to task for not defending the religion, race and royalty, saying the lax attitude came about after "respectable and knowledgeable Malay leaders" departed from the scene.
He did not name them although only two leaders have retired in the past decade - Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. No prize for guessing who he is probably referring to.
Full report at:
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/utusans-wrong-assumptions-in-tirade-against-non-malays
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North America
McCain Wants US War on Syria, Only Smaller than Iraq War
16 February 2014
Republican US Senator John McCain called for military action against the Syrian government to change the balance of power in the Arab country in favor of foreign-backed militants who have been leading a brutal war in the Arab country for nearly three years.
“The only way to achieve success at Geneva is to change the balance of power on the ground,” McCain said in a statement on Saturday, referring to the failure of the so-called Syria peace talks in Geneva, Al-Alam reported.
“There are options far short of an Iraq-style invasion that can, and should, be employed to change the calculation of the Syrian regime, stem the violence, and ultimately achieve a negotiated political solution,” he added.
The second round of negotiations ended on Saturday without any concrete results about the unrest in Syria.
Full report at:
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13921127001284
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Kerry tours giant mosque in Indonesia
16 February 2014
JAKARTA — US Secretary of State John Kerry spent part of his Sunday in his stocking feet at an Indonesian mosque, at one point beating a huge drum used to call Muslims to prayer.
Kerry's visit to the modern Istiqlal Mosque in central Jakarta, said to be the largest mosque in Southeast Asia with a capacity of 130,000, was designed to demonstrate his respect for Islam as he visited the world's largest Muslim-majority nation.
Kerry spent about 20 minutes touring the mosque, chatting briefly with women studying Islamic law and admiring the blue ceiling of its dome.
Having removed his shoes in keeping with Islamic custom, Kerry at one point was shown a gigantic, skin-covered drum which rests sideways on the mosque's floor and stood several feet taller than his head.
Full report at:
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20140216195933
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