Vaccination Is Obligatory For Muslims, Says Perlis Fatwa
New Age Islam News Bureau
12
Nov 2016
Muslims in America feel that Trump took advantage of fear and anger. Credit: ITV News
---------
• Vaccination Is Obligatory For Muslims, Says Perlis Fatwa
• Islamic State Slaughters 60 over ‘Treason’ In Mosul
• Muslim Americans Vow to Fight Division Stirred Up By Presidential Election
• Rangers Claim Killing Jundullah Chief in 'Encounter' Near Hub
• Hekmatyar Asks Donald Trump to Withdraw US Forces from Afghanistan
Southeast Asia
• Vaccination Is Obligatory For Muslims, Says Perlis Fatwa
• Sarawak Lawmaker Urges Adenan to Amend Shariah Court Law On Conversion
• Nahdlatul Ulema Cleric Who Defended Pancasila Named Hero
• Zahid’s visit further boosts Malaysia-UK ties
• Ahok-Djarot faces continual opposition on trail
• Group Reports Former President Yudhoyono for Alleged Hatemongering
• Gunmen in Philippines Seize 6 Vietnamese Sailors near Rebel Stronghold
--------
Arab World
• Islamic State Slaughters 60 over ‘Treason’ In Mosul
• Nusra Suffers Heavy Death Toll in Syrian Army's Artillery Shelling in Quneitra
• Top Iraqi Cleric Blasts US President-Elect Over Anti-Islam Comments
• Syria: Terrorists' Front in Aleppo on Verge of Collapse
• Gulf official: US assertions not to change policy toward region
• Daesh used chemicals while fleeing Mosul: HRW
• Egypt police on high alert amid planned anti-austerity protests
• Syria in Last 24 Hours: Army's Missiles Destroy Terrorists' Military Column in Hama Province
• Jeish Al-Fatah Terrorists Use Chemical Weapons in Syria's Aleppo Again
• Russia to Give OPCW Samples Confirming Terrorists Use Chemical Weapons in Syria
• Over 30 Military Vehicles of ISIL Destroyed in Missile Attack in Northeastern Hama
• ISIL's Oil Tankers Destroyed in Syrian Army Attack in Sweida Province
• Syrian Army Starts Large-Scale Attack on Terrorists' Positions in Southwestern Damascus
--------
North America
• Muslim Americans Vow to Fight Division Stirred Up By Presidential Election
• Muslims Remember: Muslims Hold Remembrance Day Service in Toronto
• Muslim students targeted in California campus attacks
--------
Pakistan
• Rangers Claim Killing Jundullah Chief In 'Encounter' Near Hub
• One Killed, Two Injured In Karachi's Suspected Sectarian Attack
• Cultural bonds attract Sikh pilgrims to Peshawar
• Iranian films to be screened in Pakistani cinemas
• 'Sabri murderers' make startling disclosures during initial interrogation, CTD reveals
• Erdogan to address Pakistan parliament on 17th
• Gen Raheel lauds people of Swat for their 'valiant stand against reign of terror'
--------
South Asia
• Hekmatyar Asks Donald Trump to Withdraw US Forces from Afghanistan
• US Airstrike Kill 13 ISIS Militants in East of Afghanistan
• 6 dead as Afghan Taliban hit German consulate
• NATO confirms 4 killed, 14 wounded in attack on Bagram airfield
• Bangladesh Villagers Keep Vigil To Prevent More Attacks On Hindus
• UN aware of plight of Sri Lankan Muslim community
• Foreign Minister Rabbani among 3 ministers dismissed by Afghan parliament
--------
Mideast
• Iran Cleric Warns US President-Elect against 'Playing With Fire'
• Palestine's Abbas Wants Moscow to Play 'Effective Role' In Peace Process
• Yemeni troops, allies capture Saudi military base in Asir
• Turkish governor dies in bomb attack
• Yemeni FM calls UN envoy to put forward new roadmap
• UN’s Syria envoy in Iran for talks
• Iran deplores terrorist attack on German consulate in Afghanistan
• Iran will take other options if JCPOA not honoured: FM
• Spokeswoman: Britain to Continue Efforts to Implement N. Deal with Iran during Trump Presidency
• 19th-century Belarus mosque rebuilt by Turkey inaugurated
--------
India
• New Letters by Indian Muslim Soldiers from WW1 Disclosed
• India, Japan Seek End to Cross-Border Movement Of Terrorists
--------
Africa
• African Muslim Leaders Aghast At Trump Victory
• Militant cells lying low in South Africa, minister says
• UN warns about looming threat of 'genocide' in South Sudan
• Mauritania blogger’s looming death-penalty decision sparks new appeals
--------
Europe
• Islamic State Executes Scores, Stockpiles Chemicals: UN
• In Athens, Refugees Tutored On New Life in Europe
• A year on from the attacks in Paris, we need unity above all
• Man forced to flee his home after converting from Islam to Christianity
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/vaccination-obligatory-muslims,-says-perlis/d/109085
--------
Vaccination is obligatory for Muslims, says Perlis fatwa
November 12, 2016
KANGAR: The Perlis Fatwa Committee has decided that vaccination is the most effective method to prevent diseases and thus obligatory (wajib) for Muslims to take them.
The decision was made during the 23rd meeting of the Perlis Fatwa Committee on October 3-4. “The negligence of parents in discharging this responsibility is sinful since it can endanger the lives of their children,” said the Perlis Fatwa Committee in a statement here yesterday.
“Therefore, the Muslim community in Perlis should not refuse vaccination and the refusal to seek medical prevention is irresponsible. Even if parents do not want the vaccination given to their children, causing a disease outbreak is also sinful,” said the statement.
Vaccination is the process of giving immunisation to infants aimed at preventing infectious diseases that can be given by injection or via the mouth where the side effects (if any) are light and not dangerous.
http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2016/11/12/vaccination-is-obligatory-for-muslims-says-perlis-fatwa/
--------
Islamic State Slaughters 60 over ‘Treason’ In Mosul
November 12, 2016
MOSUL - Elite Iraqi troops battled the Islamic State group in the streets of Mosul Friday, as the UN reported militants had executed dozens of people inside the city for alleged "treason".
With IS also on the defensive in neighbouring Syria, US-backed forces pressed an advance on militant bastion Raqa after a sandstorm eased.
High winds in the desert separating the Syrian Kurdish-Arab militia alliance from the militants' Euphrates Valley stronghold had slowed their advance on Thursday as visibility plummeted.
Iraqi forces had also regrouped after meeting stronger than expected resistance from IS on the east bank of the Tigris River running through Mosul after thrusting into the built-up area last week.
Commanders of Iraq's elite Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) said troops were advancing on two eastern neighbourhoods of the city.
In a house near the front line, Staff Lieutenant Colonel Muntadhar Salem clutched a radio in one hand and a tablet computer in the other with a map showing recaptured buildings.
As the troops waited for orders to push forward, incoming mortar rounds shook the pink curtains on the windows of the house.
Later Friday, the fighting eased off, although CTS forces still occasionally fired mortar rounds towards IS positions in eastern Mosul's Arbajiyah area.
IS fighters reportedly shot dead more than 60 people this week and hung some of their bodies from poles inside Mosul after claiming they had collaborated with Iraqi troops, the UN human rights office said Friday.
"On Tuesday, ISIL (IS) reportedly shot and killed 40 civilians in Mosul city after accusing them of 'treason and collaboration'", rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said in a statement in Geneva.
And on Wednesday, IS slaughtered another 20 people at the Ghabat Military Base in northern Mosul after accusing them of "leaking information," the statement said.
The battle for Mosul is now in its fourth week, and while troops have entered the built-up area, there are weeks, if not months, of fighting ahead.
"Our forces have begun the attack on Arbajiyah. The clashes are ongoing," Salem said. The latest fighting came "after a few days of quiet", he said.
Another CTS officer, Lieutenant Colonel Ali Hussein Fadhel, said that the first row of buildings in Arbajiyah had been seized.
"We are within firing range of Karkukli but the full attack has not yet started," he said of another eastern district.
Iraq began the operation to retake Mosul on October 17, with federal and Kurdish regional forces closing in on the city from three sides.
Pro-government Shiite paramilitaries later began advancing on the town of Tal Afar, which commands the city's western approaches, with the goal of cutting the militants off from territory they control in Syria.
The advance up the Tigris Valley from the south has been slowest. Troops on that front had the farthest to cover and a string of militant-held towns in their path.
On Thursday, the battle neared the remains of ancient Nimrud, some 30 kilometres (20 miles) south of Mosul, raising fears for the famed heritage site already ravaged by militant explosives and sledgehammers.
The International Organization of Migration said Friday more than 47,000 people have been displaced since the Mosul operation began.
In Syria, the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said their advance on Raqa was back on track after a sandstorm swept through the area on Thursday. "We seized control of two new villages yesterday but we didn't advance as far as planned because of the sandstorm," SDF commander Merkhas Kamishlo told AFP.
Fighting has focused on the IS-held village of Al-Heisha, some 40 kilometres north of Raqa.
An AFP correspondent reported heavy air strikes early Friday by the US-led coalition supporting the advance.
"Al-Heisha is totally besieged and overnight the US-led coalition hit four Daesh positions inside the village, and destroyed a vehicle being prepared for use as a bomb," Kamishlo said, using an Arabic acronym for IS.
The SDF offensive, launched last weekend, has been pushing south from areas near the Turkish border towards Raqa.
Kamishlo said forces advancing south from the towns of Ain Issa and Suluk were close to converging at a position around 30 kilometres from Raqa.
The military in Russia, which has sided with the Damascus regime, said Friday it had evidence rebels in Syria's besieged eastern city of Aleppo used chemical weapons, a charge the opposition denied.
"Experts from the Russian defence ministry have found unexploded artillery ammunition belonging to terrorists which contains toxic substances," the military said in a statement.
http://nation.com.pk/international/12-Nov-2016/is-slaughters-60-over-treason-in-mosul
--------
Muslim Americans vow to fight division stirred up by Presidential election
11 November 2016
During his campaign for the presidency, Donald Trump offended many people.
There was barely a minority group left untouched by his divisive rhetoric.
But as the months dragged by, he did make an effort to reach out to them all, to span the divided he's created.
All, that is, except one.
America's three million Muslims are used to ignorance and intolerance, life hasn't been easy for the community since 9/11, but they've always been offered a degree of protection by the state.
Now they fear that may evaporate.
The President-elect has publicly suggested "Islam hates us", he's proposed a ban on all Muslims from entering the USA and suggested mosques should be monitored.
This does not sound like a man who's ready to extend the hand of friendship.
Dearborn, near Detroit, is home to one of the biggest Muslim communities in the United States.
It's a pleasant, middle class municipality much like any other. We met with a group of young Muslims in a bakery on the main street.
As we tucked into a delicious array of traditional Arabic sweets, they told me how proud they were to be American, but they're proudly Muslim, too.
The two have never been mutually exclusive, why should they be? Just as it's perfectly normal to be a white American or a black American, being a Muslim American has never been an issue either.
They believe Donald Trump weaponised American insecurities, he preyed on the fear and anger that much of the country is feeling just now.
Muslims were an easy target, so he dragged them into the fight.
But they're determined he won't succeed. Through dialogue and determination, they'll span the divide he's created.
Love trumps hate, as they say.
http://www.itv.com/news/2016-11-11/muslim-americans-vow-to-fight-division-stirred-up-by-presidential-election/
--------
Rangers claim killing Jundullah chief in 'encounter' near Hub
IMTIAZ ALI —
12 November, 2016
Pakistan Rangers Sindh on Friday claimed to have killed chief of banned militant group Jundullah in an alleged encounter in Hub district, he was reportedly planning attacks on Rangers Headquarter and police’s Special Security Unit (SSU) in Karachi, it has been learnt.
"Acting on tip off by intelligence agencies, Rangers' anti-terrorist force on Thursday night conducted operation at a suspected militant hideout in Hub area of Balochistan," read a statement issued by Rangers spokesperson.
“During exchange of fire, the Jundullah chief and nominated deputy chief of Tehreek-i-Taliban Sindh Saqib alias Arif alias Anjum was killed,” the statement added.
Rangers' spokesperson also revealed that the deceased Jundullah chief along with members of Al Qaeda, Jamaatul Ahrar and Islamic State were involved in several high profile terror acts.
Some of them were allegedly involved in various terror activities including attack on the vehicle of the then Corps Commander Karachi General Ahsan Saleem, suicide attack on Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazal ur Rehman in Quetta, assassination of chief security officer of Asif Ali Zardari, Bilal Shaikh, and attack on Church and members of minority communities.
The Rangers statement also claimed that the killed militant was planning major terror attacks on Rangers’ headquarter and the SSU headquarter in Karachi.
The paramilitary force also recovered explosives from the suspect's house, which was being used as factory for preparing improvised explosive devices (IEDs), claimed the spokesperson.
Rangers also claimed to have recovered huge quantity of automatic weapons, ammunition and hand grenades.
http://www.dawn.com/news/1295697/rangers-claim-killing-jundullah-chief-in-encounter-near-hub
--------
Hekmatyar asks Donald Trump to withdraw US forces from Afghanistan
Nov 12 2016
The leader of Hezb-e-Islami Gulbuddin Hekmatyar has called on the newly-elected US President Donald Trump to withdraw US forces from Afghanistan and let the Afghan people resolve the issue internally.
In a letter issued by Hekmatyar following the victory of Trump in presidential election, Hekmatyar said a free and fair election should be organized so that the Afghan people can elect their leader.
Hekmatyar further added that the presence of the US forces and operations conducted by them lead to civilian casualties in the country.
He specifically pointed towards the recent operation in northern Kunduz province of Afghanistan where over 30 civilians were killed.
The Afghan government signed a peace agreement with Hezb-e-Islami late in the month of September following months of continuous negotiations.
The leader of Hezb-e-Islami had originally demanded the withdrawal of the US forces from the country before he sign the peace agreement with the Afghan government.
However, he later waivered his condition for the withdrawal of the US forces from Afghanistan.
In the meantime, the US Ambassador to Afghanistan Michael McKinley said last week that presidential election in United States will not affect the policies of Washington in Afghanistan and the bilateral pacts available between the two countries.
“Today I was asked many times what the impacts of these elections would be on US-Afghanistan relations and my answer is always the same, America’s long term commitment to our partnership with Afghanistan was renewed this year in Warsaw and Brussels. The US Afghan relationship will remain strong and close because it is based not anyone election, leader or party on our common interests, our people to people ties, our shared values that so deeply rooted,” Ambassador McKinely said.
http://www.khaama.com/hekmatyar-asks-donald-trump-to-withdraw-us-forces-from-afghanistan-02254
--------
Southeast Asia
Sarawak lawmaker urges Adenan to amend Shariah court law on conversion
BY SULOK TAWIE
November 12, 2016
KUCHING, Nov 12 ― Citing religious freedom, Sarawak Opposition lawmaker Baru Bian wants the state government to amend the state Syariah Court Ordinance 2001 to enable natives who have converted to Islam to be allowed to return to their original creeds.
Baru who is also a lawyer said the amendment was necessary after the Court of Appeal dismissed this week the cases of three Muslim converts who wanted to to return to Christianity as beyond its jurisdiction.
“When a person has declared by a statutory declaration or any other legal method that he or she has converted out of Islam, the Shariah court should have no more jurisdiction over that person,” he told Malay Mail Online when contacted for response to the appellate court ruling on his clients.
He argued that jurisdiction should remain with the civil courts, pursuant to Section 25(2) of the Courts of Judicature Act 1964.
“This is consistent with the guarantee of freedom of religion under Article 11 of the Federal Constitution,” he added.
The Ba’Kelalan assemblyman said he would raise the issue with Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem to table a motion at the coming Sarawak Assembly which is to sit from November 21 to 30.
Three Sarawakians: Jenny binti Peter @ Nur Muzdhalifah Abdullah, Mohd Syafiq Abdullah @ Tiong Choo Ting, and Salina Jau binti Abdullah failed earlier this week to persuade the civil appellate court to allow them to be legitimately known as Christians again.
Although a three-judge panel ruled against the trio, it also suggested a remedy may lie in the state legislature.
“Article 11 of the Federal Constitution and the additional powers of the High Court stipulated in Schedule 1 of the CJA, we opined that it must be read in the context of Article 121(1A) of the Federal Constitution, where it is now settled by the long line of authorities that whether a person was a Muslim or not, was a matter under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Syariah court,” said the written judgment of the case penned by Court of Appeal judge Datuk Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat who had chaired the panel.
Baru expressed great disappointment with the judgment that ruled against his clients, but saw the panel’s suggestion as a ray of hope for Muslim converts who wanted to leave the religion.
He also alluded to the recent case of another Sarawakian Muslim who succeeded in his court bid to legally change his name and be known as a Christian again ― Roneey Rebit.
“There is no difference in the legal issue between Roneey and our appeal cases here. All had declared they were no more practising Muslims. Fortunately for Roneey, his case was politically resolved as an election issue,” Baru said.
http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/sarawak-lawmaker-urges-adenan-to-amend-shariah-court-law-on-conversion
--------
Nahdlatul Ulema Cleric Who Defended Pancasila Named Hero
November 11 2016
In the mid-1980s, when then president Soeharto issued a decree forcing all mass organizations in the country to accept Pancasila as their foundation, a policy opposed by the majority of Islamic groups, As’ad Syamsul Arifin was the Muslim cleric who managed to convince the country’s largest Muslim organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), to accept the national ideology.
As’ad argued that Pancasila, dubbed an ideology of tolerance and inclusivism, was in line with the teachings of Islam.
On Wednesday, ahead of National Heroes Day on Nov. 10, As’ad was granted the title of “national hero” by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo for his extraordinary services in leading a struggle for the country to achieve independence and to maintain national unity.
However, it was As’ad’s approach that “religious principles integrated with the spirit of patriotism” that mattered most, said Achmad Azaim Ibrahimy, As’ad grandson who received the award on his behalf during the title-bestowing ceremony at the State Palace.
As’ad is considered one of great NU clerics who played a role in convincing other NU clerics to accept Pancasila as the state ideology during NU’s national meeting held in his Islamic boarding school in December 1983. A year later, the decision was brought to the NU national congress, in which NU became the first Islamic mass organization that recognized Pancasila as the state ideology.
Jokowi’s move to declare As’ad a national hero could not be timelier, as the country is now facing a rise of identity politics, particularly after the blasphemy allegations made against Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/11/nu-cleric-who-defended-pancasila-named-hero.html
--------
Zahid’s visit further boosts Malaysia-UK ties
November 12, 2016
LONDON: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi ended his five-day work visit to United Kingdom (UK) on a highly successful note with Malaysia strengthening bilateral ties even further, particularly in the effort to combat terrorism and global security issues.
The visit also brought a positive impact on the economic ties of both countries whereby total bilateral trade stood at RM10.6 billion last year and RM10.1 billion from January to August.
On a personal note, it was a meaningful trip for Ahmad Zahid who was the first leader to speak at the newly-built Malaysian Auditorium at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS), Oxford University.
He delivered a keynote address entitled “De-Rooting Radicalism and Extremism”.
The deputy prime minister explained in detail on the causes of radicalism, extremism and terrorism, in addition to giving a clearer picture on the misunderstanding by the international community on the issue.
He also urged the global community to join hands and be responsible to de-root radicalism, extremism and terrorism.
Despite his packed schedule, Ahmad Zahid managed to attend meetings and discussions with security agencies, as well as captains of industry in the UK.
“This trip highlighted the concern of the United Kingdom (government) towards Malaysia, not only limited to traditional relations but they want to further strengthen the relations between the two countries in various fields of common interest,” Ahmad Zahid told the Malaysian media at the end of his visit yesterday.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, met newly appointed UK Home Secretary Amber Rudd for the first time and their discussion led to a positive outcome from both countries in their bid to overcome issues concerning terrorism and security.
The UK government has also expressed its interest on the moderation or ‘wassatiyyah’ concept espoused by Malaysia, which has been viewed as the basis for a solution to issues involving the world’s Muslim community.
UK agreed to Malaysia’s proposal to co-organise an international conference on wassatiyyah’ here.
Ahmad Zahid said on the other hand, Malaysia supported UK to become the host for an international conference on modern day slavery, following a decision made during a roundtable discussion in New York on Sept 18.
Full report at:
http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/11/12/zahids-visit-further-boosts-malaysia-uk-ties/
--------
Ahok-Djarot faces continual opposition on trail
November 12, 2016
The political campaign of incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama has suffered a setback as a result of frequent disruptions from protesters who gather near his campaign stops.
On Thursday, Ahok canceled a campaign rally in North Kedoya, West Jakarta, following a protest from local residents who rejected his presence in the area.
Media reports said that when Ahok arrived at the location, there was already a strong presence from riot police, who tried to prevent protesters from taking to the streets and disrupting traffic.
More than 200 police personnel in riot gear and two water cannons were on standby to secure the location prior to Ahok’s arrival.
Concerned that his presence would create tension and traffic congestion, Ahok’s campaign team decided to call off the event.
On Friday, Ahok’s running mate Djarot Saiful Hidayat ordered his campaign team to identify individuals responsible for disrupting the campaign and filed a report with the police.
“I have asked our legal team to file a police report against people who mobilize others to disrupt the AhokDjarot campaign. This is a criminal offense,” Djarot said as quoted by Antara news agency on Friday.
Following a large-scale anti-Ahok rally on Nov. 4, opposition against the governor has intensified, with some even calling for him to drop out of the gubernatorial election.
More than 100,000 Muslim protesters took to the streets last week, calling for the prosecution of Ahok, who they accused of blasphemy.
Ahok has been accused of making a blasphemous remark that some Muslims considered had insulted Islam, regarding the Quranic verse of Al-Maidah: 51 during an official visit to Thousand Islands in September.
On Thursday, Ahok rejected the call for him to quit the race. “I have told [them]. If I am asked to drop out of the race, it’s better for me to be apprehended and imprisoned,” he said.
Ahok suspected that the protests against him were also aimed at President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, who has backed him in the election.
“The President could be ousted as the situation could be uncontrollable. People will stage protests for days. Everything will be more chaotic,” he said as quoted by kompas.com.
Ahok said the blasphemy case was being used by several parties as a pretext to prevent his reelection.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/12/ahok-faces-continual-opposition-on-trail.html
--------
Group Reports Former President Yudhoyono for Alleged Hatemongering
12 November, 2016
Jakarta. A group claiming to be alumni of the Islamic Students' Association, or HMI, reported former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to the National Police's Criminal Investigation Unit in Jakarta on Thursday (10/11), claiming that he had incited ethnic hatred.
The group, known as Forum Silaturahmi Alumni HMI Lintas Generasi (Intergenerational Alumni Forum of the HMI), has studied a speech Yudhoyono made on Nov. 2 before last week's mass rally against incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama and concluded that it contained statements that could have led to racial tensions.
"We have reported former President Yudhoyono for statements he made in his speech. At first it seems that he had called for a peaceful protest. However, after we studied it, it appeared to us that the speech might have contained incitement to ethnic hatred," organization chairman Mustaghfirien said.
Full report at:
http://jakartaglobe.id/news/hmi-alumni-report-former-president-yudhoyono-for-hatemongering/
--------
Gunmen in Philippines Seize 6 Vietnamese Sailors Near Rebel Stronghold
12 November, 2016
Manila. Gunmen abducted six Vietnamese sailors and shot another on Friday (11/11) when a bulk carrier was intercepted in Philippine waters off a southern island stronghold of the militant Abu Sayyaf group, the coastguard said.
The cargo ship was bound for Davao City in another part of the province of Mindanao, but was intercepted when passing through a strait off Basilan island by 10 armed men who came aboard and took hostages.
"One of the crew was shot and was evacuated to a local hospital," said Commander Jerome Cayabyab of the coastguard.
He said the fate of the captives were uncertain after they were transferred to smaller, faster boats. It was the second kidnapping incident in the south in a week.
The Abu Sayyaf, a militant group that swears allegiance to Islamic State, said on Monday it kidnapped a German national. The military said a woman found dead in an abandoned yacht off an island near Basilan was believed to be his female companion.
The latest attack on commercial shipping occurred just hours after the leaders of the Philippines and Malaysia agreed to step up maritime cooperation in their borders to stop the piracy.
Full report at:
http://jakartaglobe.id/international/gunmen-philippines-seize-6-vietnamese-sailors-near-rebel-stronghold/
--------
Arab World
Nusra Suffers Heavy Death Toll in Syrian Army's Artillery Shelling in Quneitra
Nov 11, 2016
The Syrian artillery shelled heavily movements of Fatah al-Sham in Jubata al-Khashab, Tranjeh, Dahret al-Kassar and Tall al- Hamriya while trying to attack army positions in al-Amal Farms.
A number of terrorists were killed or injured and their weapons were destroyed in the attack.
In relevant developments in the province late in October, Syrian Army troops engaged in fierce clashes with Fatah al-Sham Front (the al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group previously known as the al-Nusra Front) near a village in Northern Quneitra, killing all fighters of the group.
The army soldiers engaged in clashes with Fatah al-Sham terrorists in Zahrat al-Kasaar area in the Eastern side of the village of Toranjeh, claiming the lives of all the terrorists and destroying the military hardware.
The Syrian military forces also targeted the terrorists' centers in the village of Masraheh in Eastern Quneitra.
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950821000568
--------
Top Iraqi cleric blasts US president-elect over anti-Islam comments
Nov 11, 2016
Prominent Iraqi cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has censured US President-elect Donald Trump over his "escalating statements against Islam and Muslims," calling on him to refrain from engaging in "new gambles with blood and war."
"Even if the US president changed, the hostile policies against the world will not change,” Sadr said in a statement on Thursday, stressing that Washington’s approach toward the Middle East and Iraq will not alter no matter who the president and vice president are, and which political party is running the US administration.
The prominent 43-year-old Shia cleric also criticized Trump for not distinguishing between radical and moderate Muslims.
Sadr then urged the US president-elect “not to throw himself into new gambles in the world of politics as the results would be nothing other than losses, blood and warfare -- something which would only prolong America’s woes especially at the time it is going through a financial distress.”
Full report at:
http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/11/11/493143/Iraq-cleric-Muqtada-alSadr-US-Presidentelect-Muqtada-alSadr-war-blood
--------
Syria: Terrorists' Front in Aleppo on Verge of Collapse
Nov 12, 2016
After the terrorist groups sustained crushing defeats their offensive on the Western and Southwestern parts of Aleppo, codenamed Great Epic Operation, and suffered thousands of casualties, military sources now say that the terrorist front is on the verge on collapse.
"The recent victories of the Syrian army and popular forces in Southwestern Aleppo and liberation of Housing Project 1070, al-Hikmah School, army's advances in the neighborhood of al-Rashedeen, the Western flank, government forces' successful cleansing operation in Zahiyeh al-Assad and Menyan districts and the continued defeats of the terrorists in Jam'iyat al-Zahra district have caused the terrorists to grow hopeless, paralyzed and depressed," the sources said.
"The terrorists are now accusing each other of betrayal. The accusations find their roots in the escape of several terrorist commanders from battlefields in Western Aleppo and their shooting at each other," the source added.
The army soldiers have imposed full control over Zahiyeh al-Assad district and are now carrying out mop-up operation to hunt the remaining militants hidden in the buildings, the sources said.
Menyan district is also under the full control of the army soldiers, who have laid siege on a number of militants in a small part of the district.
Fierce clashes are underway between pro-government forces and Jeish al-Fatah in the surrounding areas of al-Rashedeen neighborhood.
Reports said earlier today that the Syrian Army and popular forces have fortified their positions in Menyan district to reinvigorate their defense capabilities against Jeish al-Fatah terrorists.
Full report at:
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950822000519
--------
Gulf official: US assertions not to change policy toward region
11 November 2016
A high-ranking official in the Gulf region has said that US officials had comforted Gulf countries about an unchanged policy in the region, adding that the image of the US-Gulf relations would become sharper in the coming weeks.
Commenting on the recent election of Donald Trump as the US president and the effect such a change could have on the US-Gulf relations, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Negotiations at the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council Abdul Aziz Hamad Aluwaisheg said: “Things remain unclear now, and we are still at the beginning. However, the situation will become clearer in the coming weeks.”
Auwaisheg said that until now, there are confirmations that the US policy towards the region would remain the same.
Full report at:
https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2016/11/11/Gulf-official-U-S-assertions-not-to-change-policy-towards-region.html
--------
Daesh used chemicals while fleeing Mosul: HRW
Nov 12, 2016
Human Rights Watch (HRW) says Daesh terrorists have staged chemical attacks in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul in the face of advancing Iraqi troops who are trying to retake the city.
As Daesh militants flee, "they have been repeatedly attacking and endangering the civilians they left behind, increasing concerns for residents of Mosul and other contested areas,” said Lama Fakih, the HRW’s deputy Middle East director, on Friday.
“ISIS has sought to paint itself as protector of Sunni Arabs in Iraq, yet it is willing to use chemical weapons on them in their own homes,” Fakih said, using an English acronym for Daesh.
According to the New York-based organization, Daesh launched at least three chemical attacks on the town of Qayyarah south of Mosul in September and October after the town came under Iraqi control in August.
War crimes
The attacks inflicted burns on at least seven people, which point to the use of chemical warfare agents known as “vesicants.”
Two of the civilian-populated targets attacked by the group have been identified as a family garden and an area in the vicinity of a café.
“ISIS attacks using toxic chemicals show a brutal disregard for human life and the laws of war,” Fakih said, noting that deployment of such weaponry amounted to “war crimes.”
On Friday, UN human rights spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said the terrorist group was reportedly stockpiling ammonia and sulfur agents in Mosul possibly for use as chemical weapons.
Full report at:
http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/11/12/493210/Iraq-Mosul-HRW-Daesh-chemical-weapons
--------
Egypt police on high alert amid planned anti-austerity protests
Nov 11, 2016
Egypt’s riot police were put on high alert on Friday amid calls for mass protests against recent austerity measures introduced by the administration of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
Scores of policemen and high-ranking officers as well as armored vehicles equipped with tear gas canister launchers were deployed to the empty streets of central Cairo, including Tahrir Square, the cradle of the 2011 uprising that toppled former dictator Hosni Mubarak. Authorities also closed Sadat metro station, which leads to the iconic square.
The tightened security measures come as a little-known group calling itself the Movement of the Poor urged Egyptians to take to the streets on Friday in protest against the deepening austerity.
The calls for protests began in August, but they were intensified on social media in the wake of a government decision last week to raise fuel prices and float the country’s currency in an attempt to secure a $12-billion loan from the International Monetary Fund.
Security forces were also deployed to other areas in the capital and other main cities across the country, such as Alexandria, Suez, and Minya.
"Between you and me, this is good," said Shenouda Ishak, a driver in Cairo’s district of Shubra. "I don't think anything will happen but this security presence scares people and ensures nothing does."
Dozens of people have been arrested recently over allegations of inciting unrest.
The anti-government demonstrations have won little support from major opposition groups, though the banned Muslim Brotherhood movement has supported them.
Full report at:
http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/11/11/493124/Egypt-police-protest-Sisi
--------
Syria in Last 24 Hours: Army's Missiles Destroy Terrorists' Military Column in Hama Province
Nov 12, 2016
Scores of terrorists were killed and wounded in the Syrian government forces' missile attacks in Hama province.
The army units also continued their military advances in other parts of Syria, including Deir Ezzur and Damascus provinces, over the past 24 hours.
Hama
Missile units of the Syrian pro-government forces targeted a long military column of ISIL terrorists in Northeastern Hama near Ithriya road to the town of Khanasser in Aleppo, destroying at least 30 military vehicles.
Hundreds of ISIL fighters, deployed on the Eastern side of a road connecting town of Ithriya in Hama to Khanasser raided army defense lines East of the village of Jubb al-Ali to cut off the supply road to Aleppo.
The army missile units targeted terrorists' column with anti-armored missiles and destroyed at least 30 vehicles carrying militants and equipment.
The ISIL also suffered a heavy death toll and pulled the remaining pockets of its forces back from the battlefield.
The terrorists planned to block the army's supply route to Northern Syrian, including to Aleppo, but failed.
Reports said earlier on Friday that Syrian Army troops ambushed a military column of ISIL Terrorists in al-Salamiyah region, killing a number of militants and seizing a large volume of their ammunition.
The army soldiers ambushed ISIL terrorists' convoy of vehicles carrying a large volume of munitions between the villages of al-Amyeh and al-Hasho in the countryside of the town of al-Salamiyah.
A number of the terrorist group’s members were killed in the ambush and around 100 RPG shells and various kinds of ammunition for guns and machineguns were also seized.
Damascus
Syrian Army soldiers resumed their large-scale offensive on the defense lines of Fatah al-Sham Front (the al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group previously known as the al-Nusra Front) in the town of Khan Al-Shieh on Friday after the militant group refused to surrender.
The army troops the stormed defense lines of Fatah al-Sham in the Eastern outskirts of Khan al-Sheih, capturing several buildings between the al-Darousheh and Albuyizeh Farms.
Following their advance in Western Ghouta, the army men established fire-control over al-Zuhour Street inside Khan al-Sheih.
The Syrian Armed Forces decided to resume today's offensive after the terrorists refused to surrender and then attacked the government forces' positions.
Quneitra
Syrian Army's artillery units opened heavy fire at the gatherings and movements of Fatah al-Sham Front in Northern Quneitra, inflicting heavy casualties on the militants.
The Syrian artillery shelled heavily movements of Fatah al-Sham in Jubata al-Khashab, Tranjeh, Dahret al-Kassar and Tall al- Hamriya while trying to attack army positions in al-Amal Farms.
Sweida
Syrian military forces targeted the concentration centers and gatherings of ISIL terrorists Southeast of Sweida, destroying several fuel tankers and military vehicles.
An army unit destroyed a number of ISIL's oil tankers and cars near the village of Sha’af, about 34 km Southeast of Sweida city.
The army troops targeted a gathering of ISIL's vehicles in al-Bayader area to the East of Sha’af village.
Full report at:
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950822000380
--------
Jeish Al-Fatah Terrorists Use Chemical Weapons in Syria's Aleppo Again
Nov 11, 2016
"Jeish Al-Fatah militants fired chlorine gas towards the advancing Syrian Army during their assault on Menyan district last night," the military source said.
Several members of the Syrian Army were in the region when the militants fired chlorine gas munition at their positions, causing many to seek medical treatment following the attack.
The terrorist groups have used chemically armed weapons against the civilian population in Aleppo several times in the last two months.
The Syrian opposition has not commented on these claims.
Full report at:
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950821000708
--------
Russia to Give OPCW Samples Confirming Terrorists Use Chemical Weapons in Syria
Nov 11, 2016
"All the results of the analysis of soil samples and fragments of artillery and ammunition confirm that terrorists used chemical weapons in Aleppo; it will be passed in the prescribed manner to the OPCW. We propose to the leadership of the OPCW to consider the question of deploying OPCW experts to the Aleppo's Housing Project 1070 quarter for the fact-finding mission," the spokesman was quoted as saying by Sputnik.
He also underscored that the Russian reconciliation center in Syria would ensure joint work of OPCW and Russian experts to explore areas where terrorists used chemical weapons.
Full report at:
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950821000723
--------
Over 30 Military Vehicles of ISIL Destroyed in Missile Attack in Northeastern Hama
Nov 11, 2016
Hundreds of ISIL fighters, deployed on the Eastern side of a road connecting town of Ithriya in Hama to Khanasser raided army defense lines East of the village of Jubb al-Ali to cut off the supply road to Aleppo.
The army missile units targeted terrorists' column with anti-armored missiles and destroyed at least 30 vehicles carrying militants and equipment.
The ISIL also suffered a heavy death toll and pulled the remaining pockets of its forces back from the battlefield.
The terrorists planned to block the army's supply route to Northern Syrian, including to Aleppo, but failed.
Reports said earlier today that Syrian Army troops ambushed a military column of ISIL Terrorists in al-Salamiyah region, killing a number of militants and seizing a large volume of their ammunition.
The army soldiers ambushed ISIL terrorists' convoy of vehicles carrying a large volume of munitions between the villages of al-Amyeh and al-Hasho in the countryside of the town of al-Salamiyah.
Full report at:
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950821000671
--------
ISIL's Oil Tankers Destroyed in Syrian Army Attack in Sweida Province
Nov 11, 2016
An army unit destroyed a number of ISIL's oil tankers and cars near the village of Sha’af, about 34 km Southeast of Sweida city.
The army troops targeted a gathering of ISIL's vehicles in al-Bayader area to the East of Sha’af village.
In relevant developments in the province in late October, the Syrian army troops, backed by popular forces and their allies, inflicted major damage and casualties on the terrorist groups stationed in Sweida and Dara'a provinces.
"The Syrian army units targeted the ISIL terrorists who were moving from Wadi al-Qabib region towards Tal Basineh in Northeastern Sweida with artillery fire, killing a large number of them and destroying their military equipment and weapons," the source said.
Full report at:
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950821000516
--------
Syrian Army Starts Large-Scale Attack on Terrorists' Positions in Southwestern Damascus
Nov 11, 2016
The army troops the stormed defense lines of Fatah al-Sham in the Eastern outskirts of Khan al-Sheih, capturing several buildings between the al-Darousheh and Albuyizeh Farms.
Following their advance in Western Ghouta, the army men established fire-control over al-Zuhour Street inside Khan al-Sheih.
The Syrian Armed Forces decided to resume today's offensive after the terrorists refused to surrender and then attacked the government forces' positions.
Reports from Western Damascus said on Thursday that tens of militants were fleeing the battlefield after facing the Syrian army's tightened noose on Khan al-Sheih and the failure of peace talks in the region.
After the liberation of Albuyizeh village and its surrounding farms in recent days, the army seized control of al-Darousheh road to Deir al-Khabiyeh, air-defense housing complex, Ale Taqi Mosque, and Khirbet al-Abbasiyeh region and tightened siege on the militants in the region.
After several days of pause in operations to liberate Khan al-Sheih town to hold negotiations with the terrorists to leave the region, the army restarted its attacks and advanced in the area.
Full report at:
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950821000622
--------
North America
Muslim Americans Vow to Fight Division Stirred Up By Presidential Election
11 November 2016
During his campaign for the presidency, Donald Trump offended many people.
There was barely a minority group left untouched by his divisive rhetoric.
But as the months dragged by, he did make an effort to reach out to them all, to span the divided he's created.
All, that is, except one.
America's three million Muslims are used to ignorance and intolerance, life hasn't been easy for the community since 9/11, but they've always been offered a degree of protection by the state.
Now they fear that may evaporate.
The President-elect has publicly suggested "Islam hates us", he's proposed a ban on all Muslims from entering the USA and suggested mosques should be monitored.
This does not sound like a man who's ready to extend the hand of friendship.
Dearborn, near Detroit, is home to one of the biggest Muslim communities in the United States.
It's a pleasant, middle class municipality much like any other. We met with a group of young Muslims in a bakery on the main street.
As we tucked into a delicious array of traditional Arabic sweets, they told me how proud they were to be American, but they're proudly Muslim, too.
The two have never been mutually exclusive, why should they be? Just as it's perfectly normal to be a white American or a black American, being a Muslim American has never been an issue either.
They believe Donald Trump weaponised American insecurities, he preyed on the fear and anger that much of the country is feeling just now.
Muslims were an easy target, so he dragged them into the fight.
But they're determined he won't succeed. Through dialogue and determination, they'll span the divide he's created.
Love trumps hate, as they say.
http://www.itv.com/news/2016-11-11/muslim-americans-vow-to-fight-division-stirred-up-by-presidential-election/
--------
Muslims Remember: Muslims Hold Remembrance Day Service in Toronto
Nov 12, 2016
Royal Canadian Military College Chaplain, Captain (Imam) Ryan Carter, and Ontario Regional Chaplain for Correctional Services Canada, Imam Michael Taylor, worked together to organize a special Muslim Remembrance Day Service on November 6th, to commemorate the service of Muslims in the Canadian military in times of peace and conflict.
The event was held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 22 in Toronto.
The event was attended by some local Muslim men and women currently serving in the Canadian Armed Forces, including a cadet, members of their families, provincial political representatives, and local community organizers.
The National Council of Canadian Muslims, Canadian Muslim Vote, and the Canadian Council of Imams also sponsored the event.
The Muslim Remembrance Day service followed the format of a traditional Remembrance Day ceremony, with Muslim symbols and readings from the Qur’an included.
According to Imam Michael Taylor, Captain (Padre) Ryan Carter’s reflection highlighted the contribution of Muslims in the previous World Wars and the fact that Muslims in the present continue to contribute to the Canadian Armed Forces and thus like all Canadians, are part of the historical narrative of Remembrance Day. Captain Carter emphasized the human element of loss and why commemorating the fallen must be a collective ritual which transcends religious differences and thus bonds Canadians together as a nation.
Capt. Ryan Carter is originally from the United States where he graduated from Hartford Seminary's Masters Program in Muslim-Christian Relations. Capt. Carter began working with the Royal Canadian Military College (RCMC) in 2012 as a chaplain, offering spiritual, moral, and ethical support to members of the Canadian Armed Forces and their families. As a Muslim Imam, he also offers religious support to Muslim members of the Canadian Armed Forces and runs jummah prayer services for those attending the RCMC.
Full report at:
http://muslimlink.ca/news/blog/muslim-remember-muslims-hold-remembrance-day-service-in-toronto
--------
Muslim students targeted in California campus attacks
November 12, 2016
NEW YORK/LOS ANGELES - Authorities at two universities in California said police were investigating attacks against female Muslim students, one of which was described as a hate crime.
Both attacks came a day after Donald Trump was elected president at the end of a campaign during which the Republican was criticised for divisive and inflammatory language against Muslims.
In one of the incidents, two assailants confronted their victim at San Diego State University and "made comments about president-elect Trump and the Muslim community," according to campus police.
The woman had her purse, backpack and car keys stolen. She went to get help and returned to the scene with police officers, only to find her car had been stolen, police spokesman Ronald Broussard said.
The case was being investigated as a suspected hate crime as well as a strong-arm robbery and auto theft, Broussard said.
"Comments made to the student indicate she was targeted because of her Muslim faith, including her wearing of a traditional garment and hijab," university president Elliot Hirshman and interim police chief Josh Mays said in a joint statement.
San Jose State University police said in a statement they were investigating a similar attack against a female student at a campus parking garage.
A male assailant approached the victim from behind, pulling at the victim's head scarf, choking and throwing her off balance, according to the statement circulated to students.
"Campus officials are closely monitoring the situation as the investigation continues. No arrests have been made," university spokeswoman Pat Harris said in an emailed statement to AFP.
"We are, of course, very concerned that this has occurred on our campus. No one should experience this kind of behavior at San Jose State," she added.
New York University's Muslim Students Association issued a statement saying engineering undergraduates had arrived that morning to find "Trump" scrawled on the door of their prayer room.
The organisation said members were "realising that our campus is not immune to the bigotry that grips America."
A Muslim student at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette told police that she was attacked by two men, one of whom was wearing a white hat emblazoned with "Trump."
Donald Trump, meanwhile, broke the relative silence that had fallen over his often controversial Twitter account Thursday night to blame the demonstrations against his election victory on "professional protesters" who he says have been "incited by the media". "Just had a very open and successful presidential election," Trump tweeted. "Now professional protesters, incited by the media, are protesting. Very unfair!"
He posted the tweet amid the second day of anti-Trump protests in cities across the nation.
The tweet dismissing the protests as being professionally orchestrated and created by the media (it's not clear why the media would need to incite the protesters if they are professionals), seems to conflict with the conciliatory and unifying tone the president-elect had taken since his victory speech early Wednesday.
In fact, the tweet about the protesters came nine minutes after another one describing his "great chemistry" with President Barack Obama. "Melania liked Mrs O a lot!" he tweeted.
Mostly peaceful and orderly protests took place in at least eight cities following the Republican businessman's defeat of Democrat Hillary Clinton in Tuesday's election. Demonstrators have voiced concern Trump would harm Americans' civil rights.
But late-night vandalism and graffiti turned a march in Portland, Oregon, into what police described as a “riot.”
"Due to extensive criminal and dangerous behavior, protest is now considered a riot. Crowd has been advised," tweeted the Portland Police Department, who pointed the finger at "anarchists."
Thousands turned up in Portland's Pioneer Courthouse Square early in the night for a peaceful protest and march but, as the night wore on, individuals were seen vandalizing businesses and property in the city's Pearl District and throwing objects at police.
"Love the fact that the small groups of protesters last night have passion for our great country. We will all come together and be proud!" Trump tweeted early on Friday.
Trump's critics worry that his often-inflammatory campaign rhetoric about immigrants, Muslims, women and others - combined with support from the Ku Klux Klan and other white supremacists - could spark a wave of intolerance against minorities.
East Coast protests took place on Thursday in Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York, while on the West Coast, demonstrators rallied in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Oakland in California, and Portland, Oregon.
Full report at:
http://nation.com.pk/international/12-Nov-2016/muslim-students-targeted-in-california-campus-attacks
--------
Pakistan
One killed, two injured in Karachi's suspected sectarian attack
IMTIAZ ALI
12 November, 2016
A student was shot dead and two others injured in a suspected sectarian attack in Karachi’s Gulistan-i-Jauhar area on Friday evening.
“Three students were on their way on a motorbike when armed pillion-riders attacked them in a deserted street in Block-4 of Guilistan-e-Jauhar and fled,” said Gulshan SP Dr Fahad Ahmad while speaking to Dawn.
One of the students, Murtaza, succumbed to his injuries while being shifted to a hospital.
The injured identified as Shahid Ali and Ihsan Ali were admitted to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), confirmed Dr. Seemin Jamali, head of the emergency department.
“The dead and injured belonged to the Shia community and it appeared to be target killing incident,” added the police official.
Initial reports suggested the victims were students of University of Karachi and Dow University of Health Sciences and were returning from a coaching centre.
Police claimed to have launched a targeted operation against criminals involved in sectarianism and other crimes in various areas of Karachi earlier this week.
http://www.dawn.com/news/1295696/one-killed-two-injured-in-karachis-suspected-sectarian-attack
--------
Cultural bonds attract Sikh pilgrims to Peshawar
SADIA QASIM SHAH
12 November, 2016
PESHAWAR: Sikh yatrees on their visit to the Peshawar Museum on Friday were teary eyed as they looked upon portraits that reminded them of their glorious past and historic connections with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“We consider this land as sacred as Saudi Arabia is for Muslims. I am very happy to be here,” said Navdeep, a pleasant young lady of Indian-origin from California during her first visit to Peshawar. She said that she had got a 15-day visa and wished she could come here again.
“I am not sure about countries but I know for sure that friendship of Muslims and Sikhs is very old one,” she said while answering a question regarding people-to-people contacts to build good relations between countries.
An elderly man Awtaar Singh Jawinda who has been living for the last 42 years in California said around 26 Sikh yatrees were in Pakistan on a 12-day visit. During this visit, they would be going to various temples (Gurdwara) and attending a religious festival too.
They would be observing and celebrating the birthday of Baba Guru Nanak on Nov 15.
“This is the second time that I have come to Pakistan. I am here for the second time because we received love from people here,” said Awtaar Singh, thanking the Tourism Corporation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for hosting a reception and arranging the visit to the historic Peshawar Museum having rare portraits of Sikh rulers.
Mohammad Ali Sayed, manager TCKP, said that Sikh yatrees were visiting Pakistan to attend their religious festival. It was a good opportunity to invite them to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa which the Sikh guests happily accepted.
“Such visits strengthen religious connections with other countries and also help in projecting the historic and cultural heritage of this province,” said Mr Sayed who received the yatrees along with senior officials, and presented them bouquets. Secretary tourism Tariq Khan and managing director Mushtaq Khan welcomed the visitors warmly.
“Under the religious tourism initiative, first monks from Sri Lanka and South Korea visited the Buddhist sites here in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and now Sikh yatrees are coming to Peshawar,” said Tariq Khan.
Full report at:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1295887/cultural-bonds-attract-sikh-pilgrims-to-peshawar
--------
Iranian films to be screened in Pakistani cinemas
12 November, 2016
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani cinemas are all set to screen Iranian films after a ban on Indian content in the country.
The move came in a bid to save the declining Pakistan film industry and restore its glory. The industry was previously functional with screening of Indian movies but after the imposition of the ban it is somewhat facing difficulties, IRNA reported.
Pakistan film distributors have initiated formal contacts in Iran and Turkey for the import of their movies.
Earlier Executive Director of Pakistan National Institute for Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) Fouzia Saeed talking to IRNA said that Iranian movies which are culturally very close to Pakistani society ought to be screened in Pakistani cinemas.
“Iranian movies are being appreciated globally and their screening in Pakistan must be encouraged,” she added.
Full report at:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1295896/iranian-films-to-be-screened-in-pakistani-cinemas
--------
'Sabri murderers' make startling disclosures during initial interrogation, CTD reveals
IMTIAZ ALI
12 November, 2016
Two 'militants' suspected of affiliation with the outlawed Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LJ) disclosed information regarding their motives and modus operandi, a senior Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) official told Dawn on Friday.
The two 'LJ militants' Ishaq, alias Bobby, and Asim, alias Capri, from Liaquatabad were arrested earlier this week for involvement in 28 cases, including the high-profile murder of renowned qawwal Amjad Sabri, who was gunned down in Karachi in June.
The CTD's Raja Umer Khattab, officer in-charge of Transnational Terrorism Intelligence Group (TTIG), told Dawn that during an initial interrogation, Capri confessed the men had targeted the famous qawwal as he used to attend majalis in the month of Muharram.
Capri also claimed that Sabri had done a programme on TV channel in which slain activist Khurram Zaki allegedly uttered some questionable words that the qawwal had supported.
According to Khattab, Capri, originally a resident of Karachi's Gulbahar area, shifted to Amjad Sabri's neighbourhood with the intention of targeting him.
The CTD claimed that Capri's two brothers are also militants who are languishing in jails, whereas his third brother was killed in a sectarian attack.
Full report at:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1295688/sabri-murderers-make-startling-disclosures-during-initial-interrogation-ctd-reveals
--------
Erdogan to address Pakistan parliament on 17th
12 November, 2016
ISLAMABAD: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit Pakistan next week to address a joint sitting of parliament on Nov 17.
President Mamnoon Hussain has summoned the joint sitting on Nov 17 and a session of the National Assembly on the next day.
An official of the Presidency told Dawn that the president had signed a summary regarding the summoning of the joint sitting of the two houses.
The Turkish president will arrive on a two-day state visit and will have one-to-one meetings with President Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
After the address of the Turkish leader, President Hussain will also deliver a speech.
Later, the prime minister and Leader of the Opposition in National Assembly Syed Kurshid Shah will extend a vote of thanks to the guest.
The president will host a lunch in the honour of his Turkish counterpart.
Full report at:
Published in Dawn November 12th, 2016
http://www.dawn.com/news/1295897/erdogan-to-address-parliament-on-17th
--------
Gen Raheel lauds people of Swat for their 'valiant stand against reign of terror'
12 November, 2016
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif on Friday extended his gratitude towards the people of Swat for their valiant stand against reign of terror and standing alongside the security forces to throw terrorists out of the valley for ever.
The army chief, accompanied by Khyber Pukhtunkhwa chief minister and governor, also laid the foundation stone of Swat Cantonment during the visit to Mangora, Kaju and Khwazakhela areas of Swat.
Gen Raheel reaffirmed the military's commitment to continue playing a solid role in ensuring the enduring peace and security to the people of Swat.
"Development of Fata and Malakand is a priority task being executed as a well considered strategy," he said during the ceremony of laying foundation stone of army cantonment in Swat.
Full report at:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1295691/gen-raheel-lauds-people-of-swat-for-their-valiant-stand-against-reign-of-terror
--------
South Asia
US airstrike kill 13 ISIS militants in East of Afghanistan
By GHANIZADA
Nov 12 2016
At least 13 loyalists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group were killed in an airstrike in East of Afghanistan.
Security officials in Nangarhar province said the militants were killed in an airstrike carried out by the US forces.
The officials further added that the militants were targeted in Momand Dara area of Achin district in a drone strike.
According to the officials, the militants killed in the airstrike were all foreign fighters and local residents did not suffer any casualties in the raid.
The loyalists of the terror group have not commented regarding the report so far.
ISIS loyalists and militants belonging to the other insurgent groups are actively operating in a number of the remote districts of Nangarhar province including the restive Achin.
The Afghan forces and US forces based in Afghanistan are regularly targeting the ISIS loyalists and other militant groups.
At least 11 loyalists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group were killed in a similar airstrike in this province last week.
http://www.khaama.com/us-airstrike-kill-13-isis-militants-in-east-of-afghanistan-02253
--------
6 dead as Afghan Taliban hit German consulate
November 12, 2016
MAZAR-I-SHARIF - The death toll from a powerful Taliban truck bombing at the German consulate in Afghanistan's Mazar-i-Sharif city rose to at least six Friday, with more than 100 others wounded in a major militant assault.
The Taliban said the bombing late Thursday, which tore a massive crater in the road and overturned cars, was a "revenge attack" for US air strikes this month in the volatile province of Kunduz that left 32 civilians dead.
The explosion, followed by sporadic gunfire, reverberated across the usually tranquil northern city, shearing off the facades of nearby buildings and blowing out windows several miles away.
"The suicide attacker rammed his explosives-laden car into the wall of the German consulate," local police chief Sayed Kamal Sadat told AFP.
NATO said its quick reaction force helped evacuate all 21 staff members of the consulate to Camp Marmal, a German base in Mazar-i-Sharif.
The city's hospitals received bodies of six civilians, including two killed by bullets, said local doctor Noor Mohammad Fayez. At least 128 others were wounded, some of them critically and many with shrapnel injuries, he added.
Deputy police chief Abdul Razaq Qadri gave a death toll of seven, including two motorcyclists who were shot dead by German forces close to the consulate after they refused to heed their warning to stop. A suspect had also been detained near the diplomatic mission on Friday morning, Qadri added.
"The consulate building has been heavily damaged," the German foreign ministry said in a statement. "Our sympathies go out to the Afghan injured and their families."
A diplomatic source in Berlin said Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier had convened a crisis meeting soon after the attack.
Afghan special forces cordoned off the consulate, previously well-known as Mazar Hotel, after the explosion as helicopters flew over the site and ambulances with wailing sirens rushed to the area.
Full report at:
http://nation.com.pk/national/12-Nov-2016/6-dead-as-afghan-taliban-hit-german-consulate
--------
NATO confirms 4 killed, 14 wounded in attack on Bagram airfield
Nov 12 2016
The NATO-led Resolute Support (RS) mission in Afghanistan confirmed that 4 people were killed and 14 others were wounded in an attack on Bagram airbase, the largest US military base in Afghanistan.
“An explosive device was detonated on Bagram Airfield resulting in multiple casualties. Four people have died in the attack and approximately 14 have been wounded. We will provide updates as appropriate,” the alliance said in a statement.
“To the family and friends of those who lost their lives today, we share your loss and our thoughts are with you. We offer you our deepest condolences. For the family and friends of those wounded in today’s attack, let me assure you they are receiving the best care possible, and we will keep them in our thoughts today,” said General John W.Nicholson, US Army, Commander of Resolute Support.
Full report at:
http://www.khaama.com/nato-confirms-4-killed-14-wounded-in-attack-on-bagram-airfield-02255
--------
Bangladesh Villagers Keep Vigil To Prevent More Attacks On Hindus
November 11, 2016
DHAKA: People living in Bangladesh's Hindu-dominated Nasirnagar area have formed neighbourhood watch teams to keep vigil, after goons set fire to several Hindu homes and temples earlier this month.
Police have also arrested four more people for their alleged involvement in the recent attacks on the Hindu community in Nasirnagar upazila of Brahmanbaria.
Neighbourhood watch teams were formed after criminals set fire to six houses in Banikpara, Akhrapara, Thakurpara, Hashpatalpara and Dattapara on the nights of November 3 and 5.
Meanwhile, four persons were arrested from different areas of Narsingar upazila on Thursday night, Abu Jafar, officer-in-charge of Nasirnagar Police Station, told The Daily Star.
With the arrest, a total of 78 people so far were arrested in connection with the attacks on Hindu people.
A team of eight persons comprising representatives from Hindu and Muslim communities was seen guarding Namasudrapara village on Wednesday, the Daily Star reported.
Mofiz Mia, headmaster of Goalnagar Government Primary School, said, "we don't think about who is a Muslim and who is a Hindu. There are about 20 Muslim families in Namasudrapara, and we guard our village together at night."
Majority of the residents in the Hindu localities are poor fishermen, farmers and small traders, and they depend on their daily earnings to feed their families.
In Kasipara, five youths with torches and sticks stayed put on the outskirts of their village.
Kasipara village is one of the six Hindu-dominated areas in Nasirnagar sub district that came under a mob attack on October 30 following a Facebook post allegedly by a Hindu youth, "hurting the religious sentiment of the Muslims".
At least 10 temples in the area were vandalised and over 100 persons were injured in the attack, which the victims blamed local influential people, the Daily Star reported.
The ruling Awami League suspended three of its Nasirnagar unit leaders for their alleged involvement.
Full report at:
http://www.ndtv.com/world-news/bangladesh-villagers-keep-vigil-to-prevent-more-attacks-on-hindus-1624449
--------
UN aware of plight of Sri Lankan Muslim community
November 11, 2016
The United Nations (UN) says it is aware of the plight of the Sri Lankan Muslim community and it urged the Muslim community to work closely with the UN office in Sri Lanka to address any concerns.
“I encourage you and the Muslim community at large to work in close collaboration with the (UN) Resident Coordinator to turn this complex agenda into tangible results,” UN Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Miroslav Jenca said.
Jenca, a former top diplomat and a Representative of Slovakia to the Political and Security Committee of the European Union, said this in a letter to the Leader of the All Ceylon Makkal Congress and Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen in response to a letter Minister Bathiudeen had sent.
Jenca is responsible for overseeing the divisions in the Department of Political Affairs dealing with the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and the Middle East and West Asia, as well as the Decolonization Unit and the Division for Palestinian Rights. “The Secretary General is very much aware of the plight of the Muslim Community, in particular those who have been directly or indirectly affected by the conflict. During his recent visit to Sri Lanka, he welcomed the opportunity to meet with government officials, Members of Parliament, religious leaders as well as civil society and youth to take stock of an inclusive process, including on transitional justice and constitutional reform, to achieve reconciliation and sustainable peace for all Sri Lankans,” Jenca added.
Full report at:
http://colombogazette.com/2016/11/11/un-aware-of-plight-of-sri-lankan-muslim-community/
--------
Foreign Minister Rabbani among 3 ministers dismissed by Afghan parliament
Nov 12 2016
Afghan parliament dismissed three ministers after they failed to provide satisfactory briefing regarding the expenditure of their development budget.
The three ministers included Minister of Public Works Mahmood Baligh and Labor, Social Affairs, Martyrs & Disabled Nasreen Oryakhel, and Salahuddin Rabbni, the minister of foreign affairs.
The three ministers included Minister of Public Works Mahmood Baligh and Labor, Social Affairs, Martyrs & Disabled Nasreen Oryakhel, and Salahuddin Rabbni, the minister of foreign affairs.
Minister Rabbani received 140 votes by the parliament members to be dismissed against 58 votes of confidence.
Minister Oryakhel received 143 votes to be dismissed against 56 votes of confidence while Minister Baligh was unanimous was dismissed by receiving 33 votes of confidence and 164 votes of dismissal.
Full report at:
http://www.khaama.com/foreign-minister-rabbani-among-3-ministers-dismissed-by-afghan-parliament-02257
--------
Mideast
Iran Cleric Warns US President-Elect against 'Playing With Fire'
Nov 11, 2016
A senior Iranian cleric has warned the next president of the United States against repeating his predecessors’ mistakes about Iran, saying Washington must avoid "playing with fire."
“Iranians are a brave nation. Beware, toying with Iran is [like] playing with fire,” said Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami during a sermon to worshipers at the weekly Friday Prayers in Tehran.
He added that if the US president-elect Donald Trump follows the same path as his predecessors, he would undoubtedly face the same fate.
“The American people are weary of adventurism of the country’s statesmen across the world,” the cleric said.
He added that wherever the slightest turmoil breaks out, the US shows up and said the country’s taxpayers’ money is spent to murder people in Yemen, Syria and other countries.
Khatami said a country grappling with so many problems cannot end the plights of other nations and expressed hope that Trump would act wisely and steer clear of tensions with any country.
On the US presidential election, he added, the Islamic Republic pursued impartiality which was a “very prudent and reasonable policy.”
After the presidential election, Iran also adopted a wise stance because it does not “interfere in [the affairs of] any country and respects the countries' nations and their votes,” Khatami said and noted that Tehran has been committed to this policy since the victory of the Islamic Revolution some 37 years ago.
US Republican presidential candidate Trump won more than the required 270 electoral votes in the 2016 presidential election on Wednesday, becoming the 45th president of the United States.
http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/11/11/493142/Iran-US-Friday-Prayers-Ahmad-Khatami-Donald-Trump
--------
Palestine's Abbas wants Moscow to play 'effective role' in peace process
Nov 12, 2016
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says "Russia should play an effective role” in the Middle East peace process.
Abbas made the remarks at a joint press conference with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in the occupied West Bank city of Ariha (Jericho) on Friday, hours after the arrival of the Russian premier in the city as part of a three-day visit to the region.
Abbas added that they had also discussed the issue of holding peace talks, including one in Moscow and another to be held by year-end in France.
"We discussed the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold a trilateral meeting in Moscow, which the Israelis demanded to postpone. In any case, we believe that Russia should play an effective role in any developments regarding the peace process,” Abbas further said after a private meeting with Medvedev.
The Palestinian president also thanked Moscow for financing reconstruction work in Ariha's historic center.
Abbas also expressed hope that the next US administration would demonstrate commitment to the peace process, adding that Palestinians have to wait and see what stance US President-elect Donald Trump would adopt on the so-called “two-state solution” so that people in the occupied territories can live “next to each other in security and stability.”
“The election of President Donald Trump is an (internal) American issue. We have been watching the election process for the past year and until now. What we care about is what Mr. Trump says after he arrives in the White House,” Abbas added.
Trump has been a staunch opponent of the so-called two-state solution, having referred to East Jerusalem al-Quds as the “undivided” or “eternal” capital of the Israeli regime.
Trump’s top Israel adviser Jason Greenblatt told Israel’s Army Radio on Thursday that the US president-elect did not intend to condemn Israel’s land expropriation policies, and did not view the illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank as an obstacle to peace between Israel and the Palestinians.
Full report at:
http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/11/12/493187/Palestine-Israel-Abbas-Dmitry-Medvedev-peace-Putin-Trump
--------
Yemeni troops, allies capture Saudi military base in Asir
Nov 11, 2016
Yemeni army soldiers, backed by fighters from Popular Committees, have taken full control of a military base in Saudi Arabia’s southwestern region of Asir in retaliation for the Saudi regime’s atrocious aerial bombardment campaign against Yemen.
The media bureau of the operations command in Yemen released footage on Friday afternoon showing Yemeni troopers and allied forces inspecting the hulks of damaged military vehicles at al-Nimsa base after several Saudi soldiers were killed during heavy fighting and the rest ran away.
A Yemeni fighter then shows untouched tactical vests, ammunition belts for a portable machine gun, hand grenades and rocket-propelled grenades that Saudi military forces had left behind in the wake of the Yemeni forces’ advance.
The bodies of a number of Saudi troopers could be seen scattered around as the video concludes with Yemeni soldiers and allied fighters chanting “Death to America and Israel.”
Yemeni artillery units also lobbed a barrage of rockets at al-Dhab’ah and al-Ash bases in Saudi Arabia’s southwestern border region of Najran, leaving scores of soldiers injured.
Additionally, an unnamed Yemeni military source told Arabic-language al-Masirah television network that tens of Saudi-backed militiamen loyal to resigned president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi had been killed and wounded after Yemeni soldiers and Popular Committees thwarted their offensive against the Khabb wa ash Sha'af district of the country's northern province of al-Jawf.
Full report at:
http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/11/11/493175/Yemeni-forces-control-Saudi-base-alNimsa-Asir-airstrike-Hudaydah
--------
Turkish governor dies in bomb attack
November 12, 2016
DIYARBAKIR - A district governor has died after a bomb attack on his office in the largely Kurdish southeast of Turkey and police have detained 30 people in the investigation, security sources said on Friday.
The YPS, a youth wing of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), claimed responsibility for Thursday’s attack in Mardin, according to the ANF news agency, which is close to the militant group.
Derik district governor Muhammed Fatih Safiturk was one of three people hurt in the attack, suffering second-degree burns. He died in hospital in the city of Gaziantep on Friday, having been flown there by helicopter, the Dogan news agency said.
Around 30 people, including staff from the governor’s office, have been detained in connection with the attack, security sources said.
Police were looking into the possibility that explosives were hidden in a bag placed in the governor’s office and detonated remotely, or were sent in a package to the office and exploded on being opened, Dogan said.
Safiturk had been given the additional responsibility in July of running the local municipality as part of moves to replace elected officials from a sister party of the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP).
A report by the HDP on Wednesday said that more than 3 million people were under the leadership of such government-appointed trustees in around 30 municipalities. Ankara accuses the HDP, parliament’s third-biggest party, of ties to the PKK, which is fighting for autonomy in the southeast. The HDP denies any direct links and says it is working for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
Full report at:
http://nation.com.pk/international/12-Nov-2016/turkish-governor-dies-in-bomb-attack
--------
Yemeni FM calls UN envoy to put forward new roadmap
11 November 2016
Yemeni Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister (FM) Abdulmalik Al-Mikhlafi called on the Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary General to Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh to put forward a fresh roadmap to bring about peace, in Yemen, contrary to a recently presented and rejected one by the legitimate government.
In a press statement, following a meeting here with the Ambassador of Russia to Yemen, he emphasized the significance of putting forward a new map, that takes into consideration the references of the Gulf sponsored initiative, UN Security Council resolutions and the outputs of the National Dialogue Conference, in addition to accords reached, in consultations conducive to peace, previously, taken place, in Switzerland as Kuwait.
Full report at:
https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2016/11/11/Yemeni-FM-calls-UN-Envoy-to-put-forward-new-roadmap.html
--------
UN’s Syria envoy in Iran for talks
Nov 12, 2016
The United Nations (UN)’s Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura has traveled to the Iranian capital, Tehran, to discuss the ongoing Syrian conflict with Iranian Foreign Ministry officials.
De Mistura arrived in the Iranian capital on Saturday. He had been invited by Hossein Jaberi Ansari, Iran’s deputy foreign minister for Arab and African affairs, whom he will meet on Saturday.
The UN official has traveled to Iran several times since his appointment as the UN’s envoy for Syria to hold talks with Iranian officials. He last visited Iran in April.
The emissary regularly travels to regional countries to help bring about convergence that could pave the way for the resolution of the Syrian conflict, which has, according to his estimates, killed some 400,000 people so far.
Earlier in the month, he had met with the European Union (EU)’s foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini in Brussels.
Full report at:
http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/11/12/493228/UN-De-Mistura-Iran-Syria-talks
--------
Iran deplores terrorist attack on German consulate in Afghanistan
Nov 11, 2016
The Iranian Foreign Ministry has denounced a terrorist attack on Germany’s consulate in Afghanistan, saying the international community must make comprehensive efforts to seriously fight terrorism.
At least six people were killed and more than 100, including three police officers, injured in a car bomb attack on the German consulate building in Afghanistan’s northern province of Balkh late on Thursday.
The attacker rammed his explosives-laden car into the wall of the consulate in the provincial capital city of Mazar-i-Sharif, located some 400 kilometers northwest of the capital Kabul.
“Such a vicious conduct emphasizes the necessity of an international consensus and all-out efforts by all governments, nations and vigilant consciences in the human society to rigorously and relentlessly fight this ghastly tragedy,” Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi said on Friday.
He extended his condolences to the families of the victims of the horrific and terrorist crime and said the international community is duty-bound to prevent the spread of terrorism and counter savage acts by Takfiri groups.
He said the attack on the German diplomatic mission in Afghanistan showed that terrorist groups are linked with the enemies of the Afghan people, adding, “It seems that these groups and their allies through such measures seek to expand the presence of foreign forces in the country.”
Full report at:
http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/11/11/493154/Iran-Afghanistan-Germany-MazariSharif-Bahram-Qassemi
--------
Iran will take other options if JCPOA not honored: FM
Nov 11, 2016
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has reaffirmed the Islamic Republic’s full commitment to last year’s nuclear agreement with the six world powers but warned of "other options” at Tehran's disposal in case of failure to comply with the deal by other sides.
Speaking in a joint press conference with his Czech counterpart Lubomir Zaoralek in Prague on Friday, Zarif criticized the United States for "not fully implementing" its obligations under the nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries.
“Iran has been implementing its part of the bargain. Unfortunately, the United States, even during the current administration, has not fully implemented its part of the bargain but we believe that JCPOA is a reasonable agreement good for everybody,” he said.
“That's our preference. It doesn't mean that we do not have other options. Iran wants to remain committed to JCPOA provided that everybody else is prepared to do the same," the Iranian foreign minister pointed out.
Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council – the United States, France, Britain, China and Russia – plus Germany started to implement the JCPOA on January 16.
Under the JCPOA, Iran undertook to put limitations on its nuclear program in exchange for the removal of nuclear-related bans imposed against Tehran.
Ever since the deal was struck, its opponents in US Congress have been threatening that a future US administration opposed to the agreement would scrap it.
During the election campaign in the US, now president-elect Donald Trump threatened that he would “tear up” the JCPOA or try to renegotiate its terms if elected president.
However, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Wednesday that the nuclear agreement negotiated with Iran under the outgoing US administration is not a deal with a single country or a single government.
He added that the JCPOA has been reflected in a UN Security Council Resolution, and therefore, cannot be overturned on the back of one government’s decision.
US Republican presidential candidate Trump won more than the required 270 electoral votes in the 2016 presidential election on Wednesday, becoming the 45th president of the United States.
Elsewhere in the presser, Zarif stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation with the Czech Republic in different fields, the development of peaceful nuclear technology in particular.
“And we are now happy to provide the necessary political infrastructure as well as financial infrastructure in terms of banking relations for the private sector to engage in a whole range of possibilities, from railroad, where the Czech Republic is interested in completing the north-south corridor, which connects the Persian Gulf to both the Black Sea and well as Europe, through Russia, so these are possibilities for us to engage,” the Iranian foreign minister said.
Full report at:
http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/11/11/493129/Iran-Czech-US-Zarif-Lubomir-Zaoralek-Jan-Hamacek-Bohuslav-Sobotka-JCPOA
--------
Spokeswoman: Britain to Continue Efforts to Implement N. Deal with Iran during Trump Presidency
Nov 12, 2016
“The nuclear deal, which began implementation nearly a year ago, marked a major step forward in preventing Iran from developing a (the) nuclear weapons capability and in normalising Iran’s relations with the international community. The International Atomic Energy Agency continues to closely monitor the deal. Britain will carry on working closely with international partners on the deal’s continued implementation and success,” a foreign office spokeswoman was quoted as saying by British Press Officer Jenny Adame.
The remarks was made in response to FNA's question if London would agree with US President-elect Donal Trump's demand to renegotiate the Vienna nuclear deal with Iran.
During his election campaign, Trump said he would tear up the nuclear deal with Iran. Yet, he later changed tone and said he would definitely embark on renegotiating the deal.
After Trump's victory in the US presidential election, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif stressed that the US president-elect has no way out but to comply with Washington's undertakings under the nuclear deal signed between Tehran and the six world powers in 2015.
Full report at:
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950822000467
--------
19th-century Belarus mosque rebuilt by Turkey inaugurated
Nov 12, 2016
Turkish and Belarussian leaders inaugurated Minsk Mosque in the eponymous capital of the eastern European country on Friday in a grand ceremony. The mosque, a replica of the original one built in 19th century and destroyed during the Soviet era five decades ago, was built by Diyanet Foundation linked to Turkey's state-run Presidency of Religious Affairs.
Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan opened the mosque in the ceremony that had originally been planned to take place in July but was postponed due to the failed coup attempt in Turkey. Mehmet Görmez, head of the Presidency of Religious Affairs delivered a sermon during the Friday prayers at the mosque.
Praising Belarus as home to a peaceful coexistence of people of different ethnicities and faiths, Erdoğan said the mosque would be a symbol of Turkish-Belarussian friendship.
"This is an instance of viewing differences as wealth rather than as a threat and danger. In Belarus, people of different religions and cultures share the same vision of the future and work hard for Belarus' stability, growth and gain a deserved place in the international community. I think this feature of Belarus is very valuable in these troubled times and unfortunately, it is a rare feature," he said, adding that there was "a spreading plague of intolerance and xenophobia in European countries."
Full report at:
http://www.dailysabah.com/europe/2016/11/11/19th-century-belarus-mosque-rebuilt-by-turkey-inaugurated
--------
India
New letters by Indian Muslim soldiers from WW1 disclosed
Prasun Sonwalkar
Nov 12, 2016
Previously unreported letters from the early 1900s by some of India’s Muslim soldiers who fought in World War 1 have been disclosed by a literature expert at Birmingham City University.
Islam Issa, lecturer in English literature, previously found that at least 885,000 Muslims were recruited by the Allies, having trawled through thousands of personal letters, historic archives, regimental diaries and census reports.
New personal letters discovered by Issa from more than 100 years ago highlight the experiences of Indian soldiers as they shared their impressions of England in comparison to their home country, a university statement said.
Commenting on the police in a letter dated October 1915, A Ali wrote: “The police indeed deserve praise. If one policeman raises his hand every single person in that direction, rich and poor alike, stands still where he is as long as his hand is raised.”
On his trip to a London department store, Ali said: “We visited a shop where 2000 men and women were working and everything can be bought. There is no need of asking as the price is written on everything.”
In the same letter, he shared his experience of the London Underground. “Then we went in the train that goes under the earth, it was for us a strange and wonderful experience – they call it the underground train,” he said.
Issa has been researching individual stories from the Great War for an exhibition commissioned by and held at the British Muslim Heritage Centre in Manchester, called “Stories of Sacrifice”.
In another 1915 letter by Abdul Said, more opinions on shopping and butchers are shared. “Every shop in this country is so arranged that one is delighted to look at them. Whether you buy much or little it is properly wrapped up, and if you tell the shop man to send it to your house. You have only to give him your address and he delivers it.
“The butcher’s shops in Hindustan are very dirty, but here they are so clean and tidy that there is absolutely no smell.”
During his research, Issa found that 1.5 million Indians, 280,000 Algerians, Moroccans and Tunisians and soldiers recruited from other parts of Africa fought for the Allies during World War 1.
The contribution of Muslims to the Allied forces during World War 1. (Islam Issa)
“When I decided to look at soldiers’ letters, I expected a very bleak outlook on the war. Of course, sometimes, that’s exactly what I found. But quite often, the letters were about individual experiences and very normal, human things,” said Issa.
“These anecdotes certainly helped shape my narrative for the ‘Stories of Sacrifice’ exhibition. While there’s an important narrative about the war as a whole, the personal and human narrative was probably more striking. Whatever your ideology or stance, you end up realising that these Muslim soldiers were individual humans and as a result, they were making sacrifices at that individual, human level.”
Complete with a virtual library, lesson plans and a toolkit for schools, the British Muslim Heritage Centre’s exhibition is the first long-term event of its kind, devoted solely to exemplifying the Muslim community’s contribution and sacrifices during World War 1, the statement added.
The exhibition was part of Sadiq Khan’s first visit outside London as mayor, and was also recently visited by the head of the British Army, Gen Sir Nick Carter.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/new-letters-by-indian-muslim-soldiers-from-ww1-disclosed/story-CZeaiB9jTReKIp4epIvQkO.html
--------
India, Japan seek end to cross-border movement of terrorists
Nov 11, 2016
TOKYO: Voicing great concern over the growing menace of terrorism, India and Japan today called upon all countries to work towards eliminating terror safe havens, disrupting their networks and stopping cross-border movement of terrorists, in an apparent reference to Pakistan.
"The two Prime Ministers condemned terrorism in strongest terms in all its forms and manifestations in the spirit of 'zero tolerance'," said a joint statement issued after the annual summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe here.
The two leaders noted with great concern the growing menace of terrorism and violent extremism and its universal reach.
"They called upon all countries to implement the UNSC Resolution 1267 and other relevant resolutions designating terrorist entities," it said, referring to India's bid to get Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar designated as global a terrorist under this resolution.
China - a veto-wielding permanent member of the Security Council - had blocked India's move to put a ban on Azhar under the Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the Council.
The two leaders "called upon all countries to work towards eliminating terrorist safe havens and infrastructure, in disrupting terrorist networks and financing channels, and stopping cross-border movement of terrorists," it said, adding they underlined the need for all countries to effectively deal with trans-national terrorism emanating from their territory.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-Japan-seek-end-to-cross-border-movement-of-terrorists/articleshow/55373769.cms
--------
Africa
African Muslim leaders aghast at Trump victory
11.11.2016
By Hassan Isilow
JOHANNESBURG
Muslim leaders and activists across Africa have reacted negatively to Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S presidential election, with some expressing fears he could intensify global conflict.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency in South Africa on Friday, Iqbal Jassat, an executive of Islamic advocacy group, the Media Review Network, said he feared Muslims will be targeted under a Trump administration:
“We can expect an intensification of the ‘war of terror’ along with all illegal activities spawned by it, such as rendition, torture, detention, drone warfare and Guantanamo-type hell holes.”
He said the election of Trump would have grave consequences for Muslims across the world, but most especially those in the Middle East.
“Islamophobia, as espoused by Trump and the military ambitions of his party to wipe out what it describes as ‘Islamism’ are interconnected. The danger thus posed cannot be confined to certain geographical locations,” Jassat said.
Jassat claimed that although there was no imminent threat to Muslims in South Africa, Trump’s presidency would affirm an extreme right-wing agenda which is at the core of the U.S. Republican Party.
“It is likely therefore that notwithstanding South Africa’s sovereign status, the Trump administration is more than likely to expand its manipulation here,” he added.
A leader of Mozambique’s Muslim community, Sheikh Ameen Uddin, told Anadolu Agency he was astonished that Americans could elect Trump despite his rhetoric’s about minorities and Muslims in the United States.
“This shows there is moral degeneration in the United States,” he said via telephone from Mozambique’s capital Maputo.
Ameen Uddin urged Muslims to focus more on solving their personal problems instead of worrying about who won the U.S. election.
'Unimaginable horror'
Nigeria's Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) said the election of Trump represents "unimaginable horror" with potential damage across the world.
MPAC claimed the comments by Trump about Muslims and Islam show he is an "unfortunate tragedy".
"His horrible rhetoric against the American-Muslim community and Islam in general show the depth of his ignorance and the shallowness of his thoughts," Disu Kamor told Anadolu Agency.
He said American Muslims should view the election of Trump and his time in office as a good opportunity for them to close ranks, roll up their sleeves, build bridges and exemplify the prophetic tradition with honor and pride.
“Good or bad, God Almighty is the Lord of all seasons," he added.
Hajji Nsereko Mutumba, a spokesperson of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council said Trump’s warning that he would stop Muslims from visiting the United States would not harm them because they are not required by their faith to visit the U.S.
"As Muslims we are only obligated to go to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and not the U.S.," he said.
Mutumba claimed the U.S. had been fighting Islam since the reign of President George Bush Senior.
“What Trump said is not new. Islam is for Allah, it can't be erased. As a leader, Trump should think twice, seek peace and keep peace,” Mutumba said.
Meanwhile, Shariff Hussein from the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims told Anadolu Agency he hopes utterances made by Trump during his election campaign were only aimed at winning the contest.
*Anadolu Agency Correspondents Rafiu Ajakaye from Lagos, Athumani Halima from Kampala and Magdalene Mukami from Nairobi contributed to this story.
http://aa.com.tr/en/africa/african-muslim-leaders-aghast-at-trump-victory/683509
--------
Militant cells lying low in South Africa, minister says
Nov 11, 2016
South Africa has identified a number of "sleeper cells" set up by militant groups that aim to use the country as a logistical base, its interior minister said on Friday, without giving further details.
Malusi Gigaba's comments come after police arrested four people in July who they said were planning attacks on U.S. and Jewish-owned targets in the country.
"The South African government is aware that there are people who are using South Africa as a logistic hub, as a hideout, and there are sleeper cells," Home Affairs Minister Gigaba told a news conference.
He said the government knows who they are and has the situation under control.
Asked what action was being taken, he said: "We don't talk about those things. Our security forces are acting on those issues in a manner which we think is best for us."
In July, South African police said they had arrested four people, including twins, who were accused of planning attacks on the U.S. embassy in the capital, Pretoria, as well as on buildings owned by Jewish people.
Full report at:
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-safrica-security-idUSKBN13614C
--------
UN warns about looming threat of 'genocide' in South Sudan
Nov 11, 2016
A United Nations expert has warned that South Sudan's festering civil war could spiral into “genocide.”
There is a "strong risk of violence escalating along ethnic lines with the potential for genocide," Adama Dieng, the UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, said on Friday.
Dieng, who was speaking at a press conference in the capital Juba, cited recent examples of ethnically targeted rape, civilians being killed with machetes, and villages being burned to the ground.
Dieng said South Sudan was awash with weapons, had an undisciplined military, and was in a humanitarian and economic crisis in which civilians were desperate for employment, adding that all the elements were present for a disaster.
"Genocide is a process," said Dieng. To stop the process, Dieng proposed a strategy of reconciliation and dialog among the two ethnically divided groups fighting in South Sudan.
Even as Dieng spoke, a radio station was shut down by South Sudan's National Security Service.
Eye Radio is one of South Sudan's largest national radio stations and known for what is said to be its message of peace and harmony. It is funded in part by the US Agency for International Development.
On Friday, three officials from the country's security service seized the keys to Eye Radio's studios, told journalists to leave, and ordered the head of the station to report to security officials, said Nichola Mandil, a senior journalist with the station.
A spokesman for the security service declined to give an explanation for the shutdown.
When informed that Eye Radio had been shut by the government, Dieng's voice rose with ire and he said the South Sudan government "should have encouraged, congratulated and used (Eye Radio) as a model and said from now onwards that is the message we want." Instead, some of South Sudan's media and social media have spread hate speech, Dieng said.
Full report at:
http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/11/11/493166/UN-genocide--in-South-Sudan
--------
Mauritania blogger’s looming death-penalty decision sparks new appeals
11 November 2016
As the date for Mauritania to review the death penalty case of blogger Mohamed Cheikh Ould Mohamed draws near, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and other free-press advocates have again appealed to the nation’s leaders to reconsider his case.
In a letter Friday to President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, the CPJ reviewed the details of a case that began when the blogger, also known as Mohamed Ould M’Kaitir, published an online piece in 2014 taking aim at the ways that religion is wielded as a weapon to perpetuate caste-system social injustice in Mauritania.
He was subsequently arrested on blasphemy charges and has been sentenced to death, despite admitting wrongdoing and apologizing for his work. The review of Mohamed’s case is scheduled for November 15.
The initial arrest touched off protests in the Islamic Republic, both from those who called for Mohamed to be punished for insulting the faith and those who wished to defend human rights and free speech.
“Regardless of the court’s ruling, we ask you to instruct your government to ensure his physical safety inside and outside prison,” said the letter, signed by CPJ Executive Editor Joel Simon and the heads of other media protection groups.
Full report at:
https://africatimes.com/2016/11/11/mauritania-bloggers-looming-death-penalty-decision-sparks-new-appeals/
--------
Europe
Islamic State executes scores, stockpiles chemicals: UN
November 11, 2016
Islamic State fighters have executed scores more people around Mosul this week and are reportedly stockpiling ammonia and sulfur in civilian areas, possibly for use as chemical weapons, UN human rights spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said on Friday.
A mass grave with over 100 bodies found in the town of Hammam al-Alil was one of several Islamic State killing grounds - Shamdasani said - citing information gleaned from sources on the ground including a man who played dead during a mass execution. Public executions were being carried out for “treason and collaboration” with Iraqi forces trying to recapture the city, or for the use of banned mobile phones or desertion.
Full report at:
http://nation.com.pk/international/11-Nov-2016/islamic-state-executes-scores-stockpiles-chemicals-un
--------
In Athens, refugees tutored on new life in Europe
November 12, 2016
Odile DUPERRY, John HADOULIS
At a Portuguese embassy briefing for Syrian and Iraqi refugees flying out the next morning from Athens, a young man wants to know how many cigarette cartons he can pack, while an elderly woman asks who will care for her once she lands.
About a dozen refugees are at the information session which Portugal, like other EU countries, is offering as part of the effort to relocate them throughout the bloc and help Greece, at Europe's doorstep, cope with a massive influx of desperate people fleeing war and poverty.
A cultural orientation officer from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), which is assisting the European embassies, fields the refugees' questions and gives advice like not packing cooking gas cannisters in luggage as that "can really delay flights".
"They tell me it's good in Portugal, the people are good," says Osama Jasm, a 26-year-old from Damascus, who admits it was his fifth choice for a relocation destination as his parents, four brothers and three sisters are in Germany. But the former law student is hoping to make the best of the situation in Lisbon. "Maybe I can continue my studies," he tells AFP.
Portugal along with France, the Netherlands and Finland have accepted over 3,500 refugees out of some 5,400 that have so far been relocated from Greece throughout EU states.
The bloc had agreed last year to aid Greece as well as Italy after over a million refugees and migrants arrived on their shores in Europe's biggest migration surge since World War II.
The move was also designed to dissuade illegal migration, which comes at deadly risk and helps enrich smuggling networks.
"We want to tackle human smuggling by offering a legal instrument like relocation," explains Andre Baas, project leader for resettlement at the Dutch asylum seekers' reception agency COA.
Once in their new destination, refugees will be given every opportunity to integrate, says the Portuguese ambassador to Greece Rui Tereno. "They will find people of many shapes and colours... they will not stand out," he says.
"The challenge is to provide them with information that gives psychological assurance that they will be welcome and safe and integrated," Tereno adds.
A first look
The EU countries welcoming the refugees have come up with various ways to introduce them to their cultures.
At an Athens hotel, Huda, a 23-year-old Syrian from Damascus, is elated to get her first look at France - images of Chartres cathedral, brie cheese and famous 16th century expatriate Leonardo Da Vinci.
"It's really well organised," she says beaming at a recent cultural session organised by the French embassy for 100 Syrians and Eritreans, whose relocation got the green-light after long delays. "We want them to feel that they are being cared for. That way, they will be even more eager to go to France," says Clelia Seynave, a teacher at the French Institute in the Greek capital.
The Dutch are offering a 2.5-day orientation course at their Athens embassy that includes a quick language lesson and televised messages from former refugees already in the Netherlands.
And the Portuguese have prepared a welcome kit containing a free phonecard, a glossary, some quick facts on life and rights in Portugal, and a T-shirt with symbols that will enable even those who only speak their mother tongue to get directions to a payphone, a bank or a restaurant.
The secular message
A key message that all these EU states want to get across is that they value religious freedom but also gender equality. "You see huge diversity, we also see very conservative people from rural areas who might have some other views," says Baas.
"It's important we are honest to them, and say 'this is what we expect'... management of expectations is so important, because it can prevent a lot of disappointment," he adds.
Several EU states have the additional task of explaining the rules on wearing veils and headscarves.
Full report at:
http://nation.com.pk/international/12-Nov-2016/in-athens-refugees-tutored-on-new-life-in-europe
--------
A year on from the attacks in Paris, we need unity above all
12 November 2016
On 13 November 2015, Islamist terrorism struck France, in Saint-Denis and in Paris, in a way we had never been struck before. Following the bloody, targeted attacks of January 2015, against Charlie Hebdo, police in Paris and Montrouge, and against a kosher shop at the Porte de Vincennes, this time the terrorists sought to kill indiscriminately, and as many people as possible. Their goal was to strike fear into society as a whole, by taking aim at our young people and our lifestyle. In that moment we in France and in other European countries realised that a new totalitarianism, jihadism, could strike anywhere at any time.
And it did strike again, horrifically, in Brussels, in March of this year, then in Nice, on 14 July on our national day. Not a day goes by that I do not think about the 130 people killed on 13 November, about the hundreds of others injured, and about all of the other victims of terrorism and their families. Tomorrow, a day of commemoration, we shall turn first to them, to embrace them with our compassion and our fraternity. Tomorrow, France, united in remembrance, will pause to reflect.
Unity is what we need more than ever, because we have entered a new era, leaving carefree times in the past. As minister of the interior I warned of the dangers of jihadism back in 2012, acutely aware that it would become the major challenge of our age.
The threat weighs heavy and permanent. It is both internal and external, ignoring borders. Individuals – some of them still minors – who have been radicalised and recruited into combat – have returned from Iraq and Syria – and are ready to act. Some 1,700 people from France alone have joined the jihadists in the Levant; 700 of them are still there. The phenomenon of massive terrorist networks concerns every country in Europe to a greater or lesser extent. We saw it again recently in Germany. The threat also comes from all those, who even without ever leaving our countries, are learning crude killing techniques from the internet.
In response, to safeguard our security, we Europeans must take care of ourselves more than ever. All the more so as the US is becoming less and less involved in world affairs. Europe can no longer shelter behind its American ally and shirk responsibility. What that means is, first of all, protecting the EU’s external borders more effectively through systematic, compulsory controls, including for European nationals. A European Border and Coast Guard agency, mobilising at least 1,500 officers, has at last been established, and will provide support whenever a state is unable to secure its own borders alone, as in the case of massive inflows of migrants, which – let us not be naive – can allow terrorists to slip through.
Flows within the EU must also be monitored strictly. This means the movement of people – through passenger name records (PNR) for example, which track an individual’s movements, including on flights within Europe. It also means capital flows, because to combat terrorism, we must also combat the illicit financial flows that fund it. And it means the flow of weapons, which is why the firearms directive is so crucial.
Progress has been made in all of these areas, often on France’s initiative. We must go further, by implementing a European Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), as the US has done, so that security checks can be performed prior to travel.
Taking care of ourselves also means building a European army, with troops who can be mobilised immediately, with full strategic autonomy. That is the idea behind a European defence and security fund, which the European Commission will propose soon. Each country should increase its defence spending to at least 2% of GDP. That is not a ritual amount; it is a necessity if we are to respond to all the types of threats and to carry weight on the world stage. When it comes to defence, there can be no more free riders; we are all in the same boat. France is currently shouldering a large share of the effort to strike Islamic State in its bastions in Iraq and Syria, and to combat jihadist groups in Africa. But France can’t do it alone.
There is the EU, and then there is what each country should do at the national level: allocate the necessary financial resources and staff, and adapt legislation. We have done this in France in addition to developing a new security culture, which fully integrates the threat of terror into our daily lives. Every citizen should contribute to security, by learning first aid, by knowing how to react in the event of a terrorist attack, or by devoting some of their spare time to the security and defence forces. We are developing these policies in France, and I am pleased to say my compatriots have responded with enthusiasm.
Every country must also cooperate fully in the fight against terrorism. Not only through words but actions, going beyond what is already in place. This means improving the data input into the Schengen information system, for example, so that movements of radicalised individuals can be detected and anticipated. All European police forces must have access to this information.
Full report at:
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/nov/12/paris-terror-jihadist-islamic-terror-europe-defeat
--------
Man forced to flee his home after converting from Islam to Christianity
6 Nov 2016
A father-of-six has been forced to flee his home under police guard after he said he suffered ‘years of persecution’ for converting to Christianity.
Nissar Hussain, who converted from Islam 20 years ago, was hospitalised after one attack when two men, armed with a pick-axe, left him with a smashed kneecap.
Last week, he and his family left their home in Bradford, West Yorkshire, to a safe house.
Mr Hussain said: ‘My family are distraught and extremely traumatised to be leaving. But when your life is at stake there is no other choice.’
He added that the harassment and violence escalated after he appeared on a Channel 4 documentary about the mistreatment of Muslim converts.
He points the finger at sections of the Islamic community.
He said: ‘This extreme persecution by certain people in the Muslim community because we are converts has broken us as a family.’
At the time of the attack last year, Hussain said he and his family were being driven out of the city and he was making plans to leave.
This week he had started packing up his belongings when the police arrived on Thursday November 3.
Mr Hussain, who was a nurse before leaving work due to post-traumatic stress disorder, says his children, aged eight to 24, and wife would never see their friends again.
A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said hate crime would not be tolerated and officers had been working with the family.
Full report at:
http://metro.co.uk/2016/11/06/man-flees-home-after-converting-to-christianity-from-islam-leads-to-attack-6239445/
--------
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/vaccination-obligatory-muslims,-says-perlis/d/109085
New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Womens in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Womens In Arab, Islamphobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism, Moderate Islam, Moderate Muslims, Progressive Islam, Progressive Muslims, Liberal Islam