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Islamic World News ( 17 Sept 2014, NewAgeIslam.Com)

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We Love Drinking Blood,’ Says ISIS Vampire, Known as ‘The Palestinian Slayer’


New Age Islam News Bureau

17 Sept 2014


Muslims praying in Frankfurt (File photo: Reuters)

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Arab World

 Nearly 50 Dead In Syrian Air Strikes on Homs

 We Love Drinking Blood,’ Says ISIS Vampire, Known as ‘The Palestinian Slayer’

 Iraqi Forces Kill 16 ISIL Terrorists in Northern Babil

 7 ISIL Terrorists Captured in Iraq's Babel

 Kurds retake Christian villages from Iraq militants

 ISIS Draws a Steady Stream of Recruits From Turkey

 Monitor: Islamic State wins new recruits in Syria after Obama speech

 Assad urges end to funding of armed groups in Syria, Iraq

 

Europe

 German Muslims Invite All Faiths to Day of Prayer against ISIS

 ISIS Could Be Putin’s ‘Chronic Nightmare'

 U.N. Chief Urges Nations to 'Act Decisively' On Islamic State

 Euro court calls on Turkey to amend religious courses

 Kosovo makes arrests in new push to stem flow of fighters to Syria, Iraq

 Poll: Half of Palestinians support armed intifada against Israel

 U.N. brokers agreement to start Gaza rebuilding

 Scottish Muslims push for independence ahead of vote

 

South Asia

 49 Taliban militants killed in clearing operations, MoI says

 Six policemen martyred in Taliban ambush in Herat province

 Clashes in Bangladesh after top Islamist spared death sentence

 China Muslims Work to Change Perceptions after Knife Attacks

 S. Korea to Provide Humanitarian Help in Fight against Islamic State

 Over 14,000 Chinese Muslims to perform Hajj pilgrimage

 

Pakistan

 Air Strikes Kill 40 Suspected Militants in Fresh N Waziristan Blitz

 Shehryar group renews loyalty to TTP chief

 Sit-Ins Tarnishing Pakistan’s Image Abroad: Maulana Fazl ur Rehman 

 Pakistan rejects Afghan terrorism accusations

 US consulate, Balochistan varsity sign accord for Lincoln Corner in 2015

 ‘Revolution’ has turned into ‘national awakening’: Tahir ul Qadri

 Nawaz Sharif threatens to clear protesters

 Rehman Malik urges PTI and PAT to resume dialogue with government

 Pakistan to Vanish From World Map, If Administrative Units Not Formed: MQM

 PIA Flight Delayed By a Technical Fault, Not Because It Waited Dr. Vankwani to Arrive

 

Mideast

 Clashes in Yemen capital suburb kill at least 20

 Erdogan: Turkey against all terror groups

 Gaza mortar fire on Israel for first time since truce: army

 Turkish PM Davutoğlu says ‘even an atheist should have religious knowledge’

 Turkish President Erdoğan slams New York Times over ISIL story

 Minister: Iran is Israel's greatest threat, not ISIS or Hezbollah

 

North America

 Muslim Brotherhood not terrorist, says US

 US Indicts Man for Attempted Support to Islamic State

 Need to build a strong and broad coalition against ISIL: Barack Obama

 Iran's current uranium enrichment 'not acceptable': US

 Half of Iraqi army not OK as US partners: Gen. Martin Dempsey

 

India

 U.P. Govt. Denies Existence of ‘Love Jihad’

 Two militants killed in encounter near LoC

 

Africa

 Key Qaeda branches urge united jihadist front against coalition

 Tunisian forces and militants clash near border, one killed

 Fears for South Sudan's future after foreign worker ban

 

Southeast Asia

 Dewan ulema delegate pays tribute to slain militant, saying he was a martyr

 PAS Ulema demand action against critics, insist on Islamist agenda

 Sabah Christians tell Putrajaya to stop interfering in their religion

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/we-love-drinking-blood,’-says/d/99124

 

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Arab World

 

We Love Drinking Blood,’ Says ISIS Vampire, Known as ‘The Palestinian Slayer’

17 September 2014

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has shocked the world with its beheadings and mass killings and now an alleged member has declared that the group relishes “drinking blood.”

Self-claimed ISIS militant Rabie Shehada, known as “the Palestinian slayer,” made the chilling statement in a video recently posted online.

“I swear we are a people who love death for the sake of God just as you love to live. I swear we are a people who love drinking blood. We came to slaughter you,” he said in the video.

“We love dying for God as much as you love life,” he also said in the brief footage.

The 26-year-old militant is believed to be from Nazareth, a city in northern Israel with a predominantly Arab population, according to an Al Arabiya correspondent.

According to the correspondent, he studied mechanical engineering at a college in Nazareth Illit. He reportedly quit university and disappeared three months after joining.

It was later found that he went to Turkey and crossed into Syria to join the moderate rebel Free Syrian Army (FSA). He later switched to the radical extremist ISIS, according to the correspondent.

In ISIS, he took the nom de guerre of Abu Musaab al-Safouri, after the village of Safouri near Nazareth.

Al Arabiya’s correspondent said his family – he has a wife and a son - remain shocked and are hesitant to talk openly about him.

http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/09/17/-We-love-drinking-blood-says-ISIS-vampire-.html

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Nearly 50 dead in Syrian air strikes on Homs

17 September 2014

At least 48 people including rebel fighters have been killed in Syrian government air bombardments around a town in the central province of Homs, a monitoring group said on Wednesday.

Two days of air strikes left women and children among the dead, including a mother who was killed along with five of her children, said the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors violence in Syria through a network of sources.

Around a dozen fighters and multiple rebel commanders were also confirmed killed in the bombardment, which targeted Talbiseh, a town north of the city of Homs on the country's main north-south highway.

In May, Syrian rebels had abandoned their last stronghold in the heart of Homs city, which had been an epicentre of the revolt against President Bashar al-Assad.

The death toll from the bombardment on Talbiseh - which took place on Tuesday and Wednesday - is expected to rise because dozens of people including children were in critical condition, the Observatory said.

More than 190,000 people have been killed in Syria's conflict and millions more displaced, according to the United Nations. The conflict began more than three years ago as a peaceful protest movement and turned into civil war after a government crackdown.

http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/09/17/Nearly-50-dead-in-Syrian-air-strikes-on-Homs.html

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Iraqi Forces Kill 16 ISIL Terrorists in Northern Babil

17 Sep, 2014

Iraqi security forces killed about 16 terrorists of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group in Northern Babil province.

''The security forces carried out a wide security operation in Sahrawi area at the borders between Jurf al-Sakher and Amiriyat al-Fallujah areas that resulted in killing 16 terrorists,'' a security source said.

''The security forces also managed to destroy several terrorists' shelters during the same security operation,'' the source added.

http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13930626001290

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7 ISIL Terrorists Captured in Iraq's Babel

17 Sep, 2014

Iraq's security forces captured seven members of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist group in an operation in the Eastern city of Babel on Wednesday.

A military source told Iraqi News that fierce clashes broke out between the ISIL terrorists and Iraqi soldiers in the Northern areas of Babel in which seven members of the Takfiri group including four snipers were taken as prisoners.

The Takfiri ISIL terrorists currently control parts of Eastern Syria and Iraq’s Northern and Western regions. They have committed heinous crimes and threatened all communities, including Shiites, Sunnis, Kurds, Christians and Ezadi Kurds, during their advances in Iraq.

The West and its regional allies, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, are giving financial and military support to the militants.

The terrorist group has links with Saudi intelligence, and is believed to be supported by the Israeli regime.

http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13930626001112

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Kurds retake Christian villages from Iraq militants

17 Sep, 2014

Kurdish peshmerga forces on Tuesday recaptured seven Christian villages in northern Iraq in clashes with militants from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), an officer and a cleric said.

Tens of thousands of Iraqi Christians, most of them Chaldeans, fled their homes when ISIS militants launched a renewed drive in the north in early August.

Iraq’s largest Christian town, Qaraqosh, and dozens of other villages were all but emptied in what Christian leaders described as the worst disaster for the minority in centuries.

On Tuesday, peshmerga forces ousted ISIS militants from seven villages west of the Kurdish capital Arbil during fighting in which rockets and mortar rounds were used, a senior officer said.

Full report at:

http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/09/16/Kurds-retake-Christian-villages-from-Iraq-militants-.html

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ISIS Draws a Steady Stream of Recruits From Turkey

17 Sep, 2014

ANKARA, Turkey — Having spent most of his youth as a drug addict in one of the poorest neighborhoods of Turkey’s capital, Can did not think he had much to lose when he was smuggled into Syria with 10 of his childhood friends to join the world’s most extreme jihadist group.

After 15 days at a training camp in the Syrian city of Raqqa, the de facto headquarters of the group, the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, the 27-year-old Can was assigned to a fighting unit. He said he shot two men and participated in a public execution. It was only after he buried a man alive that he was told he had become a full ISIS fighter.

“When you fight over there, it’s like being in a trance,” said Can, who asked to be referred to only by his middle name for fear of reprisal. “Everyone shouts, ‘God is the greatest,’ which gives you divine strength to kill the enemy without being fazed by blood or splattered guts,” he said.

Full report at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/16/world/europe/turkey-is-a-steady-source-of-isis-recruits.html

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Monitor: Islamic State wins new recruits in Syria after Obama speech

17 Sep, 2014

BEIRUT - Islamic State has won new recruits in Syria since President Barack Obama signaled last week that air strikes against the group will be expanded from Iraq to its strongholds in northern and eastern Syria, a group monitoring the war said on Wednesday.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 162 people had joined Islamic State training camps in Aleppo province since Sept 10, when Obama said he would not hesitate to strike Islamic State in Syria.

The new recruits do not represent a big increase in the size of IS, which is estimated by intelligence agencies at 20,000 to 30,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq. But they do illustrate the risk that US-led efforts to crush Islamic State will end up winning it more followers.

http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Monitor-Islamic-State-wins-new-recruits-in-Syria-after-Obama-speech-375595

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Assad urges end to funding of armed groups in Syria, Iraq

17 Sep, 2014

Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad said Tuesday that any campaign against “terrorism” must start with pressure on countries that support armed groups in Syria and Iraq.

“The battle against terrorism starts with pressure on the countries that support and finance terrorist groups in Syria and Iraq and pretend that they want to fight against terrorism,” state news agency SANA quoted Assad as saying.

Damascus characterizes all those seeking Assad’s ouster as “terrorists” and accuses countries backing the Syrian uprising, including the United States, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, of financing and arming them.

The remarks came as Assad met in Damascus with Iraq’s National Security Adviser Falah al-Fayadh, who updated him “on efforts by the Iraqi government to confront terrorism,” SANA said.

Full report at:

http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/09/16/Assad-urges-end-to-funding-of-armed-groups-in-Syria-Iraq-.html

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Europe

 

German Muslims invite all faiths to day of prayer against ISIS

17 Sep, 2014

More than 2,000 German mosques have invited Germans of all religions to join their Friday prayers to present a united front against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) to try to dissuade young Muslims from travelling to fight with radical Islamists in Syria and Iraq.

Germany’s four main Muslim groups announced their plan on Tuesday in response to concerns that German Muslims are joining ISIS and returning home with radical ideas and combat experience, posing a domestic security threat.

“We want to make clear terrorists and criminals do not speak in the name of Islam, they have trampled on the commandments of our religion, and that murderers and criminals have no place in our ranks, in our religion,” the head of the Central Council of Muslims, Aiman Mazyek, told a news conference in Berlin.

The groups are also organising peace rallies across Germany on the same day which senior officials, including Interior Minister de Maiziere and Berlin Mayor Klaus Wowereit, are expected to attend.

Full report at:

http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/09/16/German-Muslims-invite-all-faiths-to-day-of-prayer-against-ISIS.html

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ISIS could be Putin’s ‘chronic nightmare'

17 Sep, 2014

Russia, which has criticized U.S. plans to launch strikes against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Syria, could soon become a victim of the militant group, whose members include extremists from Chechnya.

The Soufan Group, a New York-based intelligence firm, estimated in June that some 200 Chechen fighters were involved in the Syrian conflict.

Earlier this month, ISIS jihadists released a video threatening Russia shortly after they captured an air base in Raqqa, eastern Syria, and seized Russian-made fighter jets.

In the video, a militant said: "This message is addressed to you, oh Vladimir Putin. These are your aircraft which you sent to [Syrian President] Bashar [al-Assad], and with the help of Allah we’ll send them back to you. Remember this. And with the permission of Allah, we’ll liberate Chechnya and all the Caucasus."

Full report at:

http://english.alarabiya.net/en/perspective/analysis/2014/09/16/ISIS-not-Ukraine-could-be-Putin-s-chronic-nightmare-.html

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U.N. chief urges nations to 'act decisively' on Islamic State

17 Sep, 2014

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged countries with the capacity to do so to take decisive action against Islamic State militants, who have taken over large swaths of Iraq and Syria.

"I ... urge the international community, and those with the means, to act decisively and after sober reflection," Ban told reporters Tuesday. "It is critical to keep at the forefront the protection of civilians."

Ban didn't say what steps he hoped U.N. member states would take, but praised recent U.S. air strikes against Islamic State militants, aimed at helping besieged civilians in Iraq.

"These air strikes and military operation which was done at the request of the government of Iraq was able to help the United Nations and other actors to ... save a lot of human lives," he said.

"The United Nations was able to deliver humanitarian assistance to many trapped people in and around Mount Sinjar," Ban said. "It is clear that (Islamic State militants are) a threat to international peace and security, as has already been declared by the Security Council."

U.N. diplomats said that while carrying out air strikes in Iraq didn't raise any legal issues because the Baghdad government has requested it, the legality of bombing militant targets in Syria was problematic.

Full report at:

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/110948/World/Region/UN-chief-urges-nations-to-act-decisively-on-Islami.aspx

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Euro court calls on Turkey to amend religious courses

17 Sep, 2014

The Turkish education system is “still inadequately equipped to ensure respect for parents’ convictions” and violates the “right to education,” the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has concluded, in a case stemming from Alevi complaints about mandatory religious classes.

In 2011, applicants Mansur Yalçın, Yüksel Polat and Hasan Kılıç, who are adherents of the Alevi faith and whose children were at secondary school at the relevant time, complained that the content of the compulsory classes in religion and ethics in schools was based exclusively on the Sunni understanding of Islam, claiming that Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights Protocol No. 1 (right to education) had been violated.

In its ruling, the court observed in particular that in the field of religious instruction, Turkey's education system was still inadequately equipped to ensure respect for parents’ convictions.

“Turkey has to remedy the situation without delay, in particular by introducing a system whereby pupils could be exempted from religion and ethics classes without their parents having to disclose their own religious or philosophical convictions,” said the court.

Full report at:

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/euro-court-calls-on-turkey-to-amend-religious-courses.aspx?pageID=238&nID=71791&NewsCatID=339

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Kosovo makes arrests in new push to stem flow of fighters to Syria, Iraq

17 Sep, 2014

Police in Kosovo arrested 15 people on Wednesday, including a number of imams, in the second major operation in weeks to stem the flow of young ethnic Albanians joining Islamist fighters in Iraq and Syria, a police source said.

Local media reported that an influential imam of the Grand Mosque in the capital, Pristina, was among those arrested, as was the leader of an Islamic-rooted political party.

Most of Kosovo's 1.8 million people are ethnic Albanian Muslims and lead largely secular lives.

A police source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Reuters: "We have arrested 15 people from all over the country. The charges include terrorism, threatening the constitutional order, incitement and religious hate speech."

http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Kosovo-makes-arrests-in-new-push-to-stem-flow-of-fighters-to-Syria-Iraq-375581

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Poll: Half of Palestinians support armed intifada against Israel

 17 Sep, 2014

A public opinion poll published on Tuesday showed that half of the Palestinian public supports an armed intifada against Israel.

The poll, published by the Nablus-based An-Najah University, included 1,360 Palestinians (860 from the West Bank and 500 from the Gaza Strip) above the age of 18, was conducted during the period from 11-13 September. It has a margin of error of three percent.

The poll showed that 49% of respondents favored an armed intifada against Israel as opposed to 44% who said they were against it.

Still, 56% said they supported an unarmed and non-violent resistance against Israel, while 35% expressed their opposition.

http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Poll-Half-of-Palestinians-support-armed-intifada-against-Israel-375565

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U.N. brokers agreement to start Gaza rebuilding

17 September 2014

The United Nations has brokered an agreement to enable the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, entrusting the lead role to the Palestinian Authority, the Associated Press reported the U.N.’s top Mideast envoy as saying on Tuesday.

The agreement was brokered between the Palestinian Authority and Israel and includes monitoring by the United Nations to ensure that construction materials will not be siphoned off for military use, envoy Robert Serry told the U.N. Security Council.

Israel’s Operation Protective Edge, a 50-day-war, left more than 2,100 Palestinians dead, according to Palestinian and U.N. officials. On the Israeli side, 66 soldiers and six civilians were killed.

Full report at:

http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/09/17/U-N-brokers-agreement-to-start-Gaza-rebuilding.html

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Scottish Muslims push for independence ahead of vote

17 September 2014

Millions in Scotland will take part on Thursday in a referendum on whether to remain part of the UK. Some 700 years after the war for a free Scotland, independence this time could be won by a simple vote.

Polls show that it is too close to call, but that most Scottish Muslims, as well as other ethnic minorities, are likely to vote yes. Out of almost 6 million people in Scotland, 1.4% are Muslim.

According to a poll by Asian radio station Awaz FM, 64% of Asians in Scotland, mostly Muslim, would vote for independence.

Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh, a lawyer from Glasgow and national women’s officer for the pro-independence Scottish National Party, says Scotland needs to control its own foreign policy and immigration issues.

Full report at:

http://english.alarabiya.net/en/perspective/features/2014/09/17/Scottish-Muslims-push-for-independence-ahead-of-vote.html

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South Asia

 

49 Taliban militants killed in clearing operations, MoI says

Sep 17 2014

At least 49 Taliban militants were killed and 15 others were arrested during military operations by Afghan national security forces in the past 24 hours.

The operations were jointly conducted by Afghan national police, Afghan national army and Afghan intelligence – National Directorate of Security (NDS) operatives.

Interior ministry following a statement said Wednesday that the militants were killed or injured in Laghman, Kunduz, Jawzjan, Kandahar, Zabul, Kunar, Parwan, Kapisa and Helmand provinces.

The statemetn further added that Afghan security forces confiscated various types of light and heavy weapons along with explosives during the operations.

In the meantime, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in a separate statement said at last 52 Taliban militants were killed and 38 others were injured during operations in the past 24 hours.

The statement said Afghan army forces also confiscated 82 rounds of improvised explosive device (IED) during the operations.

Taliban militants group has not commented regarding the report so far.

http://www.khaama.com/49-taliban-militants-killed-in-clearing-operations-moi-says-8668

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Six policemen martyred in Taliban ambush in Herat province

Sep 17 2014

At least six policemen were martyred following an ambush by Taliban militants in western Herat province of Afghanistan.

According to local government officials, the incident took place in Chesht district on Tuesday.

Obe district police chief, Sher Aqa Alokozay said Taliban militants ambushed a convoy of the police forces while they were on the way to Chesht district.

Alokozay further added that six policemen were martyred and five others were injured following the attack.

The Taliban militants group has not commented regarding the incident so far.

In the meantime, another security official said the death toll has increased to nine personnel.

The official speaking on the condition of anonymity said at least three policemen are also missing following the attack.

http://www.khaama.com/six-policemen-martyred-in-taliban-ambush-in-herat-province-8670

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Clashes in Bangladesh after top Islamist spared death sentence

17 Sep, 2014

Bangladesh's highest court today commuted the death sentence on a top Islamic preacher, triggering angry protests by both his Islamist supporters and secular opponents and clashes with police.

In a surprise ruling, the Supreme Court said 74-year-old Delawar Hossain Sayedee should spend "the rest of his natural life" in jail for crimes during the 1971 liberation war with Pakistan.

Sayedee's death penalty passed last year by a war-crimes tribunal triggered the deadliest political violence in the country's history, and thousands of police were deployed before Wednesday's ruling.

"We had expected that the court would uphold his death sentence," Attorney General Mahbubey Alam said, adding that he was unhappy with the verdict.

Alam said Sayedee was a war criminal and "torturer of women" who had forcibly converted minority Hindus to Islam during the nine-month conflict, which led to the creation of Bangladesh from former East Pakistan.

Full report at:

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/world/article/clashes-in-bangladesh-after-top-islamist-spared-death-sentence#sthash.giaTcdXE.dpuf

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China Muslims Work to Change Perceptions After Knife Attacks

September 17, 2014

KUNMING, CHINA— China says it has sentenced three men to death and one woman to life in prison over a deadly knife attack in March that left more than 30 dead and 140 injured. Beijing says Muslim militants from China's restive western region, Xinjiang, carried out the attacks. Now, more than six months after the incident occurred residents in the city are still coping with the aftermath.

It is clear that the attacks are having a lasting impact here in Kunming. There is a strong police presence throughout the city especially in large shopping areas or at public transportation sites.

Outside Yongning Mosque, one of six key houses of worship for Muslims in Kunming, a police van was on standby. Near the mosque, Jinbi Square was full of police, some in uniform and some not. Plainclothes police followed this reporter around while conducting interviews, but did not interfere.

Full report at:

http://www.voanews.com/content/china-muslims-work-to-change-perceptions-after-knife-attacks/2451397.html

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S. Korea to Provide Humanitarian Help in Fight against Islamic State

September 17, 2014

South Korea says it will contribute humanitarian assistance to the United States-led fight against the militant group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

The South Korean presidential office announced Tuesday that National Security Office Director Kim Kwan-jin outlined Seoul's plans in a meeting with his American counterpart in Washington this week. 

According to the South Korean press release, U.S. National Security Advisor Susan Rice Monday stressed the need for South Korea and other allies to provide active support for efforts to defeat the Islamic State and tackle the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa.

In recent weeks, Washington has been trying to garner international support for its fight against the extremist group.

The three-day visit is Kim’s first overseas trip since assuming the office as South Korea's top security official in June.

http://www.voanews.com/content/south-korea-to-provide-humanitarian-help-in-fight-against-islamic-state/2452122.html

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Over 14,000 Chinese Muslims to perform Hajj pilgrimage

World Bulletin / News Desk

September 17, 2014

More than 14,000 Chinese Muslims are expected to depart for the Islamic holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage to the Holy Ka'bah.

Authorities say that 12,000 have already departed on the government-organized trip, with that number set to exceed 14,000.

This figure, of course, does not include those who have embarked independently or with other organizations.

Acorrding to Xinhuanet, a charter flight with 297 Chinese Muslims from North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on Wednesday morning left Beijing for Mecca.

It was one of a total of 94 flights arranged to transport the pilgrims to their destination and back, with the last plane leaving on Saturday.

Full report at:

http://www.worldbulletin.net/todays-news/144573/over-14000-chinese-muslims-to-perform-hajj-pilgrimage

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Pakistan

 

Air strikes kill 40 suspected militants in fresh N Waziristan blitz

17 Sep, 2014

PESHAWAR: At least 40 terrorists, including unidentified foreign militants were killed and five militant hideouts destroyed in aerial strikes early on Wednesday in Datakhel tehsil of North Waziristan Agency, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

Fighter jets struck suspected terrorist hideouts in the Kiza Madakhel, Datakhel, Ezark areas of the Agency.

The ISPR said that terrorists hideouts and ammunition dumps were destroyed in the strikes targeting Nawae Killi and Zaram Asar villages situated in the north of Datakhel.

However, this information could not be independently verified as the access of media is restricted in the region.

The army has launched an all-out military operation named Zarb-i-Azb on June 15 against local and foreign militants in North Waziristan. Yesterday (Tuesday) saw at least 11 terrorists and three Frontier Corps (FC) soldiers killed when Pakistani security forces thwarted an attack by militants from across the border.

Full report at:

http://www.dawn.com/news/1132507/air-strikes-kill-40-suspected-militants-in-fresh-n-waziristan-blitz

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Shehryar group renews loyalty to TTP chief

September 17, 2014

ISLAMABAD - While Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is fragmented into different internal factions and the head of the outfit is looking for commanders to keep the group intact, the Shehryar Mehsud group of militants has pledged renewed loyalty to Maulana Fazlullah and vowed not to leave the central command of TTP in the lurch.

On Monday, September 15, a section of the media reported that after “denouncing terrorist attacks against the government” - just like Maulana Asmatullah-led Punjabi Taliban - the Shehryar Mehsud group of Taliban had also dissociated from Maulana Fazlullah-led TTP. However, the Shehryar Mehsud group turned down the report as “fabricated” and “baseless”.

“Shehryar Mehsud had signed an agreement of loyalty with Hakimullah Mehsud at the time of joining the TTP and the same accord was renewed when Maulana Fazlullah was taking over charge as head of the group. The group is obeying Maulana Fazlullah in action as it was following Hakimullah Mehsud”, said a member of Shehryar Mehsud group.

Full report at:

http://nation.com.pk/national/17-Sep-2014/shehryar-group-renews-loyalty-to-ttp-chief

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Sit-ins tarnishing Pakistan’s image abroad: Maulana Fazlur Rehman 

September 17, 2014

ISLAMABAD - Criticising both Imran Khan and Allama Tahirul Qadri for causing enormous damage to the national economy, Chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl(JUI-F) Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that due to their prolonged sit-ins in the federal capital the country’s image in the comity of nations is being tarnished.

Talking to media persons here on Tuesday, the JUI-F chief said that on one hand the country was facing worst floods across the plains of Punjab and Sindh while on the other hand the government is confronted with these protesters who according to him have caused more economic loss to the country than corruption and floods.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman regretted that despite a lot of laxity shown by the government to resolve the issue through negotiations the protesting parties are stubborn and have not shown any flexibility to reach at some negotiated settlement of the issue.

To a question, Maulana Fazlur Rehman was all praise for Army which has explicitly cleared its position regarding the protests and said that the state institutions’ role should be like the one demonstrated by the armed forces of Pakistan by standing with the system and remaining within the ambit of constitution.

Full report at:

http://nation.com.pk/islamabad/17-Sep-2014/sit-ins-tarnishing-pakistan-s-image-abroad-fazl

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Pakistan rejects Afghan terrorism accusations

17 Sep, 2014

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan rejected Afghanistan’s accusations regarding involvement of Pakistani intelligence agencies in terrorism across the border.

“We express our dismay at the latest allegations levelled in the statements issued by Afghanistan’s National Security Council and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Repeated attempts by the Afghan side to implicate Pakistan’s intelligence institutions in terrorist activities are both unfounded and counter-productive,” Foreign Office said in a statement. “It has been stressed by us, time and again, that Pakistan remains committed to disallowing its territory to be used against any country. We would not allow anyone to breach Pakistan’s laws in this regard or to undermine our goals of fostering friendly and cooperative relations with neighbouring countries,” it said.

Full report at:

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/national/17-Sep-2014/pakistan-rejects-afghan-terrorism-accusations

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US consulate, Balochistan varsity sign accord for Lincoln Corner in 2015

17 Sep, 2014

KARACHI: United States Consul General Brian Heath and University of Balochistan Vice Chancellor Dr Javeid Iqbal signed an agreement to open a Lincoln Corner in Quetta early 2015.

This first Lincoln Corner in Balochistan province will be located at the University of Balochistan’s Law College.

It has been a long, hard road to get today, said Heath. “We are honoured to be working with Dr Javeid Iqbal and Barrister Amanullah Achakazai Principal Law College University of Balochistan.

The Lincoln Center Quetta will open doors for Pakistanis who want to learn more about America, explore study and exchange opportunities and engage with Americans and alumni, said Heath.

Full report at:

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/sindh/16-Sep-2014/us-consulate-balochistan-varsity-sign-accord-for-lincoln-corner-in-2015

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‘Revolution’ has turned into ‘national awakening’: Tahirul Qadri

17 Sep, 2014

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Tahirul Qadri said on Tuesday that his “revolution” has turned into national awakening as the ongoing struggle led by him is exposing the corruption. “Millions of people across the country have awakened now and everybody is humming ‘go Nawaz go’. He said soon this ‘go Nawaz go’ would be heard inside the Parliament, while a time would come that the PM Nawaz Sharif and Punjab CM Shahbaz Sharif would also be chanting the same. He said the Inqilab March gave courage to the nation and the people were standing up for their rights. “He would turn away from here after driving the rulers out of the power corridors,” Qadri vowed. Addressing to his workers, PAT chief presented a model of decentralization of the country and devolution of powers, in order to provide all the basic rights to the people as a result of his proposed revolution in state. He elaborated bit-by-bit details to the participants that how the local governments would be formed in rural and urban areas and the issues of the people would be resolved in their own villages and towns. “The natives will be having magistrates, doctors and other officials in their own areas and they will not have to travel to distant places,” Qadri said.

Full report at:

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/national/17-Sep-2014/revolution-has-turned-into-national-awakening-qadri

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Nawaz Sharif threatens to clear protesters

September 17, 2014

ISLAMABAD- Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, weakened by weeks of demonstrations calling for him to resign, today threatened to clear a protest camp established more than a month ago outside government offices in Islamabad.

Protesters led by Imran Khan and Tahir ul-Qadri have been locked in a bitter stand-off with the government since mid-August, refusing to leave their camp until Sharif steps down.

The protest leaders accuse Sharif of rigging last year's election which brought him back to power in a landslide.

"Up until now, we have tolerated all this and acted with decency and patience," Sharif said in televised remarks.

"Otherwise it's no hard task for us to clear the way and clear the streets."

The army has denied it was meddling in civilian affairs, saying it is neutral.

http://nation.com.pk/islamabad/17-Sep-2014/nawaz-sharif-threatens-to-clear-protesters

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Rehman Malik urges PTI and PAT to resume dialogue with government

September 17, 2014

Islamabad- Pakistan People’s Party Senator Rehman Malik met PTI’s Jahangir Tareen and PAT’s Raheeq Abbasi and urged the two leaders to resume the dialogue process with the government.

Rehman Malik, in a meeting with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) leaders, said that he can play a role in ending the deadlocks in the negotiation process between government and the two parties. He also urged the leaders to end the political deadlock in the country. Tareen complained that the government holds negotiations with the party and arrests their workers on the other hand. PAT leader Abbasi said that the issue can only be solved via dialogue but the government does not look serious in holding talks.

http://nation.com.pk/national/17-Sep-2014/rehman-malik-urges-pti-and-pat-to-resume-dialogue-with-government

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Pakistan to Vanish From World Map, If Administrative Units Not Formed: MQM

17 Sep, 2014

London – Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Chairman Altaf Hussain has said that new province should be formed; local body system should be incorporated in to the system of the governance, as per the strength of population.

While talking to senior journalist and Editor Ajmal Dehlvi on telephone, the MQM chief expressed these views. He said that Pakistan should stop being stubborn about making new provinces. He said the local body governance system was the only solution to Pakistan’s crisis otherwise it would vanish from the world map.

He said that the population was expanding and the system of governance should be altered accordingly to make it more adaptive and responsive to the general population’s needs for a better Pakistan. He said that creation of new provinces would not weaken the federation but strengthen it.

Full report at:

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/national/17-Sep-2014/pakistan-to-vanish-from-world-map-if-administrative-units-not-formed-altaf

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PIA Flight Delayed By a Technical Fault, Not Because It Waited Dr.  Vankwani to Arrive

 

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Flight Was Delayed By a Technical Fault, Not Because It Waited Dr.  Ramesh Kumar Vankwani to Arrive: Pakistan Hindu Council Strongly Condemns Mistreatment Meted Out to the Minority MNA and Demands Stern Action against the Perpetrators

(Translated from Urdu by Ghulam Rasool Dehlvi, New Age Islam)

 

Pakistan Hindu Council, an apex body of Hindu community in Pakistan, strongly condemned the mistreatment meted out to its president, Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, who is also a minority Hindu member of the ruling PML-N party. Dr. Ramesh was forcibly offloaded from a flight of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Karachi-Islamabad route, when it suffered over two hours’ delay. Expressing grave concern over this incident, Pakistan Hindu Council demanded stern action against the perpetrators. In a press release issued on Wednesday, the council said that Dr. Ramesh Kumar is well-known as a law-abiding Pakistani Hindu citizen and he has set a good record of efforts to protect the minority rights. It further said that Dr. Kumar never sought to promote VIP culture.

According to media reports, PIA spokesperson himself admitted that the flight was not delayed because of parliament members and that PIA does not promote VIP culture but this flight was delayed for an hour and 30 minutes due to a technical fault. Ironically, this unfavorable incident was exploited by members of an anti-government group with an aim to serve their vested interests. Severely criticizing it, the Pakistan Hindu Council said that the hooliganism and disorder prevailing in the national airlines of Pakistan not only put question mark on the airport security forces’ performance but also brought worldwide humiliation and shame to the country, which is steeped in the violation of minority rights.  

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Mideast

 

Clashes in Yemen capital suburb kill at least 20

World Bulletin/News Desk

September 17, 2014

At least 20 people were killed when Shi'ite Muslim rebels clashed with army soldiers and allied tribesmen in an outer suburb of the Yemeni capital of Sanaa, tribal and medical sources said on Wednesday.

Tribal sources told Reuters the rebels had gained control of Wadi Dhahr suburb in the fighting, the latest in an escalating conflict between the Sunni-dominated government and Houthi Shi'ites fighting for more territory and control in the north.

Fighting has also broken out in northern al-Jawf province, where 22 people were killed on Tuesday, following weeks of sometimes bloody anti-government protests by Houthi supporters in Sanaa.

Tribal sources told Reuters that at least 12 Houthi gunmen and gunmen from the Sunni Islah group were killed in Wednesday's clashes.

At least two medical sources said eight army soldiers died, after the Houthis stopped units heading to the suburbs to halt the rebels' advance. A Houthi leader said the rebels had destroyed two of the army's armoured vehicles.

Full report at:

http://www.worldbulletin.net/todays-news/144570/clashes-in-yemen-capital-suburb-kill-at-least-20

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Erdogan: Turkey against all terror groups

World Bulletin / News Desk

September 17, 2014

Turkey is against all types of terrorism and terror groups, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said following Western media allegations that the country has been supporting ISIL militants.

Erdogan's comments came on Wednesday hours after Western media published the claims.

In an address to the Confederation of Turkish Tradesmen and Craftsmen, one of the most powerful non-governmental organizations in Turkey, Erdogan said: "We don't accept a concept like 'Islamic terrorism'.

"No one should equate Islam - the religion of peace - with terror."

He went on: "We cannot accept a concept like 'Sunni terror' or 'Shiite terror'. What is really important to us is that Islam and the principles of our religion are certain on these subjects."

"Some international media institutions try to equate Turkey with terrorism. There is no such thing as Turkey offering weapons and medical aid to terror groups."

Full report at:

http://www.worldbulletin.net/headlines/144571/erdogan-turkey-against-all-terror-groups

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Gaza mortar fire on Israel for first time since truce: army

17 Sep, 2014

JERUSALEM: Palestinians fired a mortar round into southern Israel Tuesday in the first attack since an August 26 ceasefire, without causing any casualties, the Israeli army said.

“For the first time since operation Protective Edge, a mortar shell fired from Gaza hit southern Israel,” Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner said on Twitter, referring to the military offensive in Gaza.

“No damage or injuries reported,” he added.

In July, Israel launched the operation with the declared aim of halting rocket fire from the Gaza Strip.

An ensuing 50-day war with militants killed at least 2,143 Palestinians, nearly 70 per cent of them civilians, and 73 people on the Israeli side.

Full report at:

http://www.dawn.com/news/1132525/gaza-mortar-fire-on-israel-for-first-time-since-truce-army

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Turkish PM Davutoğlu says ‘even an atheist should have religious knowledge’

17 Sep, 2014

Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu has said that “even an atheist should have religious knowledge,” responding to questions over a European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) decision regarding compulsory religious classes in Turkey.

“It is necessary for an atheist to have knowledge of religious culture, just like I know about Marxism despite not being a Marxist,” Davutoğlu said on Sept. 17 during a visit to the Education Ministry.

He also underlined that the need for formal state religious knowledge is essential in Turkey, stressing that any misinterpretation of religion could lead to radicalization as in neighboring countries.

Full report at:

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkish-pm-davutoglu-says-even-an-atheist-should-have-religious-knowledge.aspx?pageID=238&nID=71827&NewsCatID=338

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Turkish President Erdoğan slams New York Times over ISIL story

17 Sep, 2014

Rejecting the term “Islamic terrorism,” President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has slammed the New York Times for a recent story claiming that Turkey is one of the biggest sources of recruits for Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militants.

“A newspaper used a photo yesterday, showing us leaving the Hacı Bayram Mosque [in Ankara]. They used this photo inside a story about ISIL. With the lightest expression, this is shamelessness, sordidness, ignobleness,” Erdoğan said while addressing the Chamber of Turkish Tradesmen and Craftsmen’s (TESK) general assembly on Sept. 17.

“We are the country that paid the heaviest price while fighting terrorism,” he added, referring to Turkey’s 30-year struggle against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which has been instrumental in stopping ISIL’s advance on the battlefield in Syria and Iraq.

The Turkish president then responded to recent criticism on Ankara’s conduct regarding ISIL violence in Syria and Iraq.

Full report at:

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkish-president-erdogan-slams-new-york-times-over-isil-story.aspx?pageID=238&nID=71822&NewsCatID=338

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Minister: Iran is Israel's greatest threat, not ISIS or Hezbollah

17 Sep, 2014

Israel is deeply concerned, Strategic Affairs Minister Yuval Steinitz said on Wednesday, on the eve of the new round of nuclear talks between the P5+1 group of world powers and Iran.

Steinitz, who returned over the weekend from strategic dialogue in Washington that focused largely on Iran, said that the Iranians have shown "no real flexibility."

The positions of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and nuclear negotiator Abbas Araqhchi are no different than the positions of former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and former chief nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili. "The only thing that has changed is the tone," Steinitz said.

"The Iranians continue in their insistence now as they did under Ahmadinejad, to retain most of the centrifuges and the heavy water reactor in Arak. There is no real difference."

Full report at:

http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Steinitz-ahead-of-nuclear-talks-Iran-is-Israels-greatest-threat-not-ISIS-or-Hezbollah-375587

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North America

 

Muslim Brotherhood not terrorist, says US

17 Sep, 2014

WASHINGTON: The United States has not designated the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist outfit, said the US State Department while rejecting the suggestion that it was the ideological source of militancy in the world.

At a recent meeting with Republican congressmen, former US Vice President Dick Cheney called the Egyptian Islamist group the ideological source of militancy in the world. He also claimed that US President Barack Obama had “actually done things that have supported the Muslim Brotherhood”.

At a news briefing in Washington, an Egyptian journalist repeated Mr Cheney’s allegation and reminded, State Department’s spokesperson Marie Harf that Qatar had recently expelled seven Muslim Brotherhood leaders.

“The United States has not designated the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organisation. Obviously, this is a complex issue and you will not be surprised that I disagree with the former vice president on this and probably a number of other things,” said Ms Harf.

President Obama tried to work with the Muslim Brotherhood leader Mohamed Morsi, when he was elected Egypt’s fifth president on June 30, 2012.

But he did not try to prevent the Egyptian army from toppling Mr Morsi when Field Marshal Abdel Fattah el-Sisi toppled him in June 2013 after widespread protests against the Brotherhood.

http://www.dawn.com/news/1132430/muslim-brotherhood-not-terrorist-says-us

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US Indicts Man for Attempted Support to Islamic State

September 17, 2014

A U.S. federal grand jury has indicted a man on charges of attempting to provide support and resources to the Islamic State group and attempted murder of U.S. military members.

The Justice Department said Tuesday that 30-year-old Mufid Elfgeeh of Rochester, New York encouraged two people to travel overseas to fight for the Islamic State, and also sent $600 to a person in Yemen so that they could travel to Syria to fight with the militants.

Attorney General Eric Holder said the U.S. will "remain aggressive in identifying and disrupting" those who try to support terror groups that want to harm Americans.

 “As this case shows, our agents and prosecutors are using all the investigative tools at our disposal to break up these plots before individuals can put their plans into action.  We are focused on breaking up these activities on the front end, before supporters of ISIL can make good on plans to travel to the region or recruit sympathizers to this cause,” Holder said.

The seven-count indictment also includes charges for possessing silenced firearms and receiving unregistered firearm silencers.

http://www.voanews.com/content/us-indicts-man-for-attempted-support-of-islamic-state/2452427.html

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Need to build a strong and broad coalition against ISIL: Barack Obama

September 17, 2014

US President Barack Obama has called for building a strong coalition with broad international participation against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), the terrorist outfit that has gained control over a large part of Iran and Syria. Obama met General (rtd) John Allen, the Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL and Brett McGurk, the Deputy Special Presidential Envoy yesterday, the White House said.

During the meeting Obama stressed that the comprehensive approach to degrade and ultimately destroy ISIL requires a wide range of political, diplomatic, military, economic and other efforts. He also expressed his deep appreciation for the work and sacrifices of US servicemen and women as well as diplomats engaged in the struggle to counter ISIL, the White House said.

The President would meet today his top generals in Tampa, Florida, which is headquarters of the US Central Command, where he will discuss the plan for building an international coalition to degrade and destroy ISIL, White House Press Secretary, Josh Earnest said.

Meanwhile, American forces continued with its air strike against the ISIL positions in Iraq. “As we broaden out this campaign to degrade and ultimately destroy ISIL, the President and his team are insistent on working with the support of an international coalition to succeed in this mission,” Earnest said.

Full report at:

http://indianexpress.com/article/world/middle-east-africa/need-to-build-a-strong-and-broad-coalition-against-isil-barack-obama/#sthash.BEz8UwBw.dpuf

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Iran's current uranium enrichment 'not acceptable': US

17 Sep, 2014

Iran cannot convince the world that its current ability to enrich uranium is acceptable, the top US negotiator said on Tuesday ahead of new nuclear talks with global powers.

After months of intense negotiations the two sides have "identified potential answers to some key questions," Under Secretary of State Wendy Sherman said in a speech at an award-giving ceremony at Georgetown University.

But she warned "we remain far apart on other core issues, including the size and scope of Iran's uranium enrichment capacity."      

As Iran and world powers prepare for new talks starting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly this week in New York, Sherman said she expected the Islamic Republic "will try to convince the world that on this pivotal matter, the status quo ... should be acceptable."       

"It is not," Sherman stressed, as she was given a top award for distinction in the conduct of diplomacy.

Full report at:

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/irans-current-uranium-enrichment-not-acceptable-us.aspx?pageID=238&nID=71821&NewsCatID=359

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Half of Iraqi army not OK as US partners: Gen. Martin Dempsey

17 Sep, 2014

About half of Iraq's army is incapable of partnering effectively with the U.S. to roll back the Islamic State group's territorial gains in western and northern Iraq, and the other half needs to be partially rebuilt with U.S. training and additional equipment, the top U.S. military officer said Wednesday.

Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and a former wartime commander of U.S. training programs in Iraq, said a renewed U.S. training effort might revive the issue of gaining legal immunity from Iraqi prosecution for those U.S. troops who are training the Iraqis. The previous Iraqi government refused to grant immunity for U.S. troops who might have remained as trainers after the U.S. military mission ended in December 2011.

"There will likely be a discussion with the new Iraqi government, as there was with the last one, about whether we need to have" Iraqi lawmakers approve new U.S. training, he said. He didn't describe the full extent of such training but said it would be limited and he believed Iraq would endorse it.

Full report at:

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/110958/World/Region/Half-of-Iraqi-army-not-OK-as-US-partners-Dempsey.aspx

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India

 

U.P. govt. denies existence of ‘love jihad’

SANDEEP JOSHI

17 Sep, 2014

The Uttar Pradesh government has denied the existence of “love jihad” in the State.

The government made the submission before the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court on Tuesday during the hearing of a public interest litigation petition.

The petition sought a ban on the word “love jihad,” saying it was spreading hatred and leading to communal polarisation. The Election Commission, the State government, Union Minister Kalraj Mishra and Yogi Adityanath, MP, have been made respondents.

The Division Bench directed government counsel to file a reply within two weeks.

In the just-concluded by-elections in the State, certain Bharatiya Janata Party leaders openly spoke of “love jihad.” Firebrand MPs Yogi Adityanath and Harisakshi Maharaj alleged that “madrasas” and radical Muslim groups were encouraging Muslim youths to marry Hindu girls and then force their conversion. Political parties and social organisations have been criticising the BJP for promoting divisive politics.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/up-govt-denies-existence-of-love-jihad/article6416315.ece

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Two militants killed in encounter near LoC

September 17, 2014

Two militants were on Wednesday killed in an encounter with security forces near the Line of Control (LoC) in Macchil Sector of Kashmir Valley.

“In the wee hours today, two unknown terrorists were killed in Macchil Sector in an encounter with troops,” an Army spokesman said.

Two AK-47 rifles and one UBGL along with other war-like stores were recovered from the site.

The spokesman did not specify whether the slain militants were infiltrating from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir or were already operating locally.

“In spite of heavy involvement of Army in relief and rescue operations, the troops deployed on Line of Control area vigilant,” he said.

The spokesman said the operation in Macchil sector is still in progress and further details are awaited.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/two-militants-killed-in-encounter-near-line-of-control-in-macchil-sector-of-kashmir-valley/article6418138.ece?homepage=true

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Africa

 

Key Qaeda branches urge united jihadist front against coalition

September 17, 2014

DUBAI, Qatar: Powerful Al-Qaeda branches in Yemen and North Africa called Tuesday for jihadists in Iraq and Syria to unite against the common threat from a US-led coalition.

An unprecedented joint statement from Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb urged their “brothers” in Iraq and Syria to “stop killing each other and unite against the American campaign and its evil coalition that threatens us all.”

AQAP and AQIM also called on the people of 10 Arab countries that have joined the coalition against the Islamic State group to prevent their governments from acting against IS.

And it promised “dark days” to the “alliance of infidelity and evil.”

Al-Qaeda’s leadership under Ayman Al-Zawahiri, the Egypt-born successor to group founder Osama Bin Laden, has disavowed IS, which has seized swathes of Iraq and Syria. And it has its own branch, the Al-Nusra Front, fighting in Syria.

Full report at:

http://www.arabnews.com/featured/news/631051

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Tunisian forces and militants clash near border, one killed

17 Sep, 2014

Tunisian police killed an Islamist militant during clashes near the Algerian border, the interior ministry said on Wednesday, after the government raised the security alert level before elections next month.

Since April, thousands of troops have been deployed in Tunisia's mountainous Chaambi region on the border with Algeria, where Islamist fighters - some of them linked to al Qaeda - have taken refuge.

"Security and army units killed a terrorist and wounded another late on Tuesday in clashes in Kasserine city," Mohamed Ali Aroui, an interior ministry spokesman said.

Aroui said security forces continued to pursue militants in Kasserine but gave no further details.

Full report at:

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/110986/World/Region/Tunisian-forces-and-militants-clash-near-border,-o.aspx

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Fears for South Sudan's future after foreign worker ban

17 Sep, 2014

A move by war-torn South Sudan to turf out foreign workers has been met with shock, consternation and dire predictions that the country is being led towards total collapse.

On Tuesday the government ordered "all non-governmental organisations, private companies, banks, insurance companies, telecommunication companies, petroleum companies, hotels and lodges working in South Sudan... to notify all aliens working with them in all positions to cease working" within a month.

It said the resulting vacancies, ranging from receptionists to company directors, should be filled by government-vetted South Sudanese nationals.

Purportedly designed to "protect the rights and interests of the people of South Sudan", the move comes nine months into a brutal civil war that aid agencies say has pushed the world's youngest nation to the brink of a man-made famine.

According to the United Nations, 1.3 million people have been displaced internally, and many of them are dependent on free food, shelter and healthcare delivered by a network of international aid groups.

Full report at:

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/110980/World/Region/Fears-for-South-Sudans-future-after-foreign-worker.aspx

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Southeast Asia

 

Dewan Ulema delegate pays tribute to slain militant, saying he was a martyr

17 Sep, 2014

A Perak Dewan Ulema delegate today paid tribute to slain former PAS member-turned militant Lotfi Ariffin who was killed fighting in Syria, saying the latter had died a matryr.

At the end of his speech, Norazli Musa asked for silence and for delegates of the party's Muslim scholar’s wing to pray for Lotfi.

"Let us pray for our martyr uztaz Lotfi," Norazli told the audience before leading them in recitation of the Al-Fatiha.

The Islamist party has distanced itself from the ongoing civil war in Syria but Lotfi’s death had brought on a flood of messages on social media from PAS members expressing grief over his death fighting in the holy war.

Lotfi had once been a Dewan Ulema member and information chief for Kedah PAS Youth.

PAS expelled Lotfi and a few of its other members who had joined the rebellion in Syria.

The party has also sought to distance itself from extremists in the Muslim community who have joined militant groups in Syria and Iraq fighting against the regime of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad.

Full report at:

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/dewan-ulama-delegate-pays-tribute-to-slain-militant-saying-he-was-a-martyr#sthash.A9fIcVoc.dpuf

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PAS Ulama demand action against critics, insist on Islamist agenda

17 Sep, 2014

The conservative PAS Ulama wing today demanded action against those critical of party president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and the powerful Syura Council, which peaked in the Selangor Menteri Besar imbroglio.

The Dewan Ulama also wants PAS to get assurances from its Pakatan Rakyat (PR) allies that the coalition will allow the party to implement its Islamist agenda such as the hudud Syariah Penal Code.

These demands were among two motions that were adopted at the ulama wing’s assembly today.

The motion on discipline also called for the censure of two Selangor PAS state assemblymen who had pre-empted the party’s decision in the Selangor Menteri Besar impasse.

The two, Saari Sungib of Hulu Klang and of Hasnul Baharuddin of Morib, had pre-empted their own party’s central committee last month on the PAS’ stand concerning the status of Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

Full report at:

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/pas-ulama-demand-action-against-critics-insist-on-islamist-agenda#sthash.tUvZdreF.dpuf

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Sabah Christians tell Putrajaya to stop interfering in their religion

17 Sep, 2014

Christians in Sabah, already hard pressed in fending off attempts to convert Bumiputera Christians to Islam, have told Putrajaya to leave non-Muslims alone to manage their respective faiths and that laws enacted for the administration of Islam should not be applied to non-Muslims nor should non-Muslims be subject to Shariah law.

They said while Islam is the religion of the federation, people of other religions and faiths should have “the constitutional right and freedom to profess, practise, propagate and manage their respective faiths without interference and intervention by the state”.

They claimed that while freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Federal Constitution and is also set out in the 18- and 20-point conditions of Sarawak and Sabah respectively, to be part of the Malaysia Agreement, “the legislative, executive and judiciary have trampled upon such rights of people of other faiths by making laws and decisions that militate against such freedom”.

Full report at:

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/sabah-christians-tell-putrajaya-to-stop-interfering-in-their-religion#sthash.VsYGRB2v.dpuf

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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/we-love-drinking-blood,’-says/d/99124


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