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Islamic World News ( 19 Jun 2013, NewAgeIslam.Com)

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Which Religion Legitimises Sodomy In The Name Of Jihad? Asks Shia Cleric


New Age Islam News Bureau

19 Jun 2013 


Photo: African Union peacekeepers and unidentified foreigners crouch down outside the main U.N. compound in Mogadishu, Somalia following an attack on it by Al-Qaida-linked militants on Wednesday

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Arab World

 Which religion legitimises sodomy in the name of jihad? Asks Shia cleric

 Large Truck Bomb Reported to Kill 60 Syrian Troops

 Egyptian Muslim cleric receives suspended sentence for burning Bible

 Syrian rebels claim attack on Shi'ites in Lebanon

 Lebanon minister accuses Syria of ‘ethnic cleansing’ of Sunnis

 Saudi Arabia: arrest warrant against the prince Khaled bin Sultan

 Protests planned to save Cairo, Alex historical sites from demolition

 Iraq suicide bomber kills 5 ahead of vote

 Kuwait hangs ‘monster’ child rapist

 Saudi role in Syria driven by fear of Shi'ite 'full moon'

 Mohamed ElBaradei: Morsi Threatened to ‘Burn the Country’ if I Became Prime Minister

 Islamists Press Blasphemy Cases in a New Egypt

 Shooting spree in Lebanon town leaves 1 dead: army

 Egypt court ends Mubarak detention in fraud case

 Hosni Mubarak: No one forced me to step down; I did it to save lives

 Egyptian Cleric Sentenced to 11 Years for Burning Bible, Will Continue to 'Attack the Church'

 Egypt's Mohamed Morsi appoints hard-line Islamist to govern Luxor

 

India

 Kashmir University Students show disrespect to national anthem, Geelani praises

 Seminar on Sufism in Punjabi University, Patiala on June 20

 Fatwa against SRK by Markazi Darul Ifta Dargah Al Hazrat for 'Shariat

 Muslim leaders condemn Israeli President’s statement to disregard the Indian Muslim community

 John Kerry to arrive on Sunday for India-US strategic dialogue

 Peace move in Ayodhya

 Security top on agenda of Khurshid’s Iraq visit

 India assures Pakistan to allow quizzing of 26/11 witnesses

 Pakistan violates ceasefire after infiltration bid foiled

 Religious leaders to counsel feuding couples in Hyderabad's Old City

 

Southeast Asia

 Touting Islam to Draw Votes in Indonesia

 Poso suicide bomber identified, linked to Santoso

 Malaysia a model broadband, internet country, says minister

 Bali leads world Hindu movement

 

Africa

 Tanzanian police torture, rape and assault sex workers, sexual minorities and drug users

 Five Somalis, 7 militants killed in shootout at Mogadishu UN office

 Six Men Sentenced for Attacking Sufi Shrine in Tunisia

 Armed gang kills 48 in raid in Nigeria: Official

 2 Qaddafi Children May Have Violated U.N. Travel Ban

 Tripoli sheikhs play down local Sunni fighter presence in Syria

 New food security alliance is timely for Malawi's path out of poverty

 Rebels in North Mali Sign Peace Deal Allowing In Government Troops

 Mali signs deal with Tuareg separatist rebels

 

Pakistan

 Seven killed in clash between two militant groups

 Ahmadi man killed ‘because of his faith’

 FO expresses concerns over Karzai's criticism at Pakistan

 Waziristan native asks Supreme Court to stop drone attacks

 ‘Cousin Marriages, Diabetes Lead To Blindness’

 Suicide blast at Mardan funeral; death toll rises to 34

 Religious scholars advocate culture of respect for tolerant society

 Advisor to PM hopes ‘drones would die’

 Pakistan welcomes announcement of Taliban office in Qatar

 Mumbai Attacks' case: Pakistani panel cleared to cross-examine witnesses

 Case closed: Cases against Zardari cannot be reopened

 $4.6 million watch worn by PML (N) Leader ticks loud in NA

 NADRA not to discriminate against minorities

 Imran respects me like one does his father: PTI President

 

North America

 U.S. and Taliban Announce Direct Negotiations

 Snowden Issues Defiant Response to Government Threats and Media Lies

 Lives have been saved by surveillance programmes, 50 threats averted, Obama says

 Civil rights groups sue New York police on Muslim spying

 The Conscience of Edward Snowden, Courage Is Contagious

 Taliban Step Toward Afghan Peace Talks Is Hailed by U.S.

 US cabbie pursues charges after anti-Muslim rant caught on tape

 US war games send signal to Bashar al-Assad

 

Europe

 UK Muslims share flowers with their non-Muslim neighbours

 Lawyer for Qaddafi son wants him handed to ICC

 Americans say NSA leaker Edward Snowden should be prosecuted: poll

 U.N. recommends bringing Iraq closer to ending 1990s sanctions

 Drones making things worse, UN told

 Pakistan pushed Afghan insurgents to the table: Experts

 Rise in attacks on Muslims in Europe

 

South Asia

 Afghan attack kills Four US soldiers’ hours after news of talks

 Afghan police officer shoots dead five colleagues

 Israeli-Palestinian peace talks must resume: China

 After Gunfire, Politicians in Afghanistan Trade Accusations

 Afghan Forces Struggle as U.S. Weans Them off Support

 China’s advice to Pakistan: peaceful development

 Taliban claim responsibility in attack on Afghan base

 Hamid Karzai suspends talks with US over Taliban move

 Two hundred Maldivians miss out on Hajj pilgrimage after Saudi slashes quota

 

Mideast

 Hamas Calls on Hezbollah to Leave Syria and Focus on Fighting ‘Zionist Enemy’

 Erdogan Associate Blames American ‘Jewish Lobby’ for Turkey Protests

 Gaza’s children play war in Palestinian summer camp

 Rouhani once spoke approvingly of hiding Iran atomic work

 Three people killed in northern Yemen bombing-official

 Turkish official approves 'standing man' protest

 Israeli general warns of unrest if no peace talks

 

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/religion-legitimises-sodomy-name-jihad/d/12161

 

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Arab World

 

Which religion legitimises sodomy in the name of jihad? Asks Shia cleric

New Age Islam News Bureau, June 19, 2013

Baghdad: The imam of Mosque Buratha of Baghdad, Hujjatul Islam Sheikh Jalaluddin Al Saghir has severely criticised and condemned the fatwas issued by various Muslim clerics legitimising adultery and killing of Muslims saying these so called religious scholars were only distorting the image of Islam. ‘Those who issue such fatwas should realise what the fatwas will lead to’? He said. He further said that they should not think that the fire of takfeer will not burn them too. Those who declare the blood of a particular group of Muslims lawful today so easily will also declare the blood of other groups of Muslims some other day. These takfeeri ulema are not going to let anyone live peace. He said that Sunni Muslims should realise that these takfeeri mullahs consider even some sects of Sunnis like the poets, sufis, Maturidis and Ikhwanul Muslimeen kafirs. Why then are they silent on this issue? He asked. Hujjatul Islam Jalaluddin Al Saghir. He further said that the ulema of Islam have been witnessing that these people are presenting an horrible picture of Islam.

‘Have you heard about any other religion that has legitimised sodomy among the mujahideen in the name of holy war? Have you heard about any religion that has named adultery as Jihad al nikah and declared it lawful for the mujahideen? Does this have anything to do with the religion of the holy prophet pbuh?’ Asked Sheikh Al Saghir. He held the muftis responsible for all the terrorism and bloodshed in Syria as they encourage Muslims to commit terrorism in the name of jihad. He further said that these terrorists are worst than wolves and beasts as the beasts prey on animals only when they are hungry and when their stomach is full they abstain from killing other animals but these terrorists are never satisfies and never abstain from barbarism. It surprising that these beasts do all this in the name of God and his prophet pbuh’, he said.

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Large Truck Bomb Reported to Kill 60 Syrian Troops

By RICK GLADSTONE

 June 18, 2013

Seeking to regain lost momentum, Syrian rebels mounted what appeared to be one of the deadliest strikes against government forces to date on Monday, sending a suicide bomber to detonate what they said was six tons of explosives in a truck. The bombing near the city of Aleppo in northern Syria was said to have killed as many as 60 soldiers.

The blast, reported by rebel activists reached by telephone and on the Web site of Al Jazeera, came a day after a car-bomb attack on a military checkpoint near Damascus that killed up to 20 people. The bombings reflected efforts by some rebel contingents to counter a series of advances by government forces that have emboldened President Bashar al-Assad in recent weeks.

The most important government victory, on June 5, was the routing of outgunned rebel forces in Qusayr, near the Lebanon border, after a protracted siege. Fighters from the Lebanese Shiite militant group Hezbollah helped their Syrian government allies in that effort, raising the possibility that the Syrian conflict, now in its third year, could entangle Lebanon and become a broader sectarian struggle.

Hezbollah’s alliance with Mr. Assad has also created tensions between it and other militant organizations that had been united in their common hostility toward Israel. Hamas, the Islamist group that governs Gaza, on Monday called on Hezbollah to withdraw its fighters from Syria and focus instead on keeping guns aimed “against the Israeli occupation.” Hamas, which once kept its leadership headquarters in Syria, broke with Mr. Assad in early 2012 over his repression of the uprising against him.

After the Qusayr battle, the triumphant Syrian forces turned their attention to recapturing rebel-held stretches of Aleppo, the formerly bustling commercial center of the country, where the two sides have fought steadily for nearly a year.

More than 93,000 people have been killed in the Syrian conflict, the United Nations said last week.

Al Jazeera quoted an activist in Aleppo, identified as Mohammad al-Hadi, saying that a jihadist group affiliated with Al Qaeda carried out the truck-bomb attack in a suburb near the city’s international airport. He was quoted as saying that the vehicle “was filled with six tons of explosives.”

A rebel video posted online showed a young-looking man in a baseball cap climbing into the driver’s seat of a rusty-looking step van; the video said he was the suicide bomber. A second video purported to show a thunderous blast. There was no way to confirm the authenticity of the videos, but activists reached independently said there were a large explosion at a military base in the Aleppo area. An activist who identified himself as Abul Hassan said 60 soldiers were killed in the attack on the base, which he said was a former mental hospital that was taken over by the military.

The Syrian state-run news agency, SANA, made no mention of the Aleppo attack. Instead, its broadcasts were dominated by coverage of an interview Mr. Assad gave to a German newspaper, the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, that was scheduled for publication on Tuesday. In the interview, Mr. Assad warned the European Union not to send arms to the rebels, saying it would “pay the price” by spawning terrorism in its own backyard.

The European Union is debating whether to provide weapons to vetted segments of the rebel forces in Syria. Last week, the Obama administration went one step further, deciding to provide the rebels with limited supplies of small arms, after having concluded that Mr. Assad’s government had used chemical weapons several times.

The American decision to become more directly involved in the conflict appeared to play a role on Monday in a new wave of chaotic selling of the Syrian pound, the national currency, according to Reuters. The news agency quoted currency dealers in Damascus and elsewhere saying that it cost at least 205 Syrian pounds to buy one American dollar, meaning that the Syrian currency had lost 20 percent of its value in a week and had fallen 77 percent since March 2011, when the conflict began. At that time, one dollar cost 47 Syrian pounds.

SANA made no direct mention of the pound sell-off, but it alluded to the problem by quoting Adeb Mayaleh, the governor of Syria’s central bank, as saying that the central bank would provide more foreign currency to Syrian banks “to restore the price of the Syrian pound against the foreign currencies back to normal.”

Hwaida Saad contributed reporting from Beirut, Lebanon, and Fares Akram from Gaza.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/18/world/middleeast/large-truck-bomb-reported-to-kill-60-syrian-troops.html?pagewanted=print

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Egyptian Muslim cleric receives suspended sentence for burning Bible

ASSOCIATED PRESS

16 JUNE 2013

A hard-line Muslim cleric received an 11-year suspended sentence today for tearing up and burning a Bible, Egypt's official news agency said.

Cairo's Nasr City court sentenced Ahmed Abdullah and his son was given a suspended sentence of eight years over the same incident, the Middle East News Agency reported.

The two were ordered to pay a fine of 5,000 Egyptian pounds (Ł446). The ruling can be appealed against.

Abdullah ripped up a Bible and burned it during a September 11 rally by ultraconservative Salafi Muslims in front of the US Embassy in Cairo, protesting against an anti-Islam film produced in the United States.

It was a rare prosecution over attacks on faiths other than Islam. Over the past two years, attacks by extremist Muslims against followers of other religions, mostly Christians, have been on the increase.

According to Egyptian law, showing contempt toward Christianity, Islam and Judaism known as "heavenly" religions is a crime. Lawyers and rights groups complain the definition of contempt of religion is vague and has been used most often against critics of Islam.

Blasphemy charges were not uncommon in Egypt under ousted president Hosni Mubarak, but there has been a surge in such cases in recent months. The trend is widely seen as a reflection of the growing power and confidence of Islamists, after election victories by the Muslim Brotherhood and strong showings by the Salafis, who practice a form of the religion as they believe it existed around the seventh century.

Writers, activists and a television comedian have recently been charged with blasphemy, but Christians seem to be the favourite target of Islamist prosecutors. Abdullah's case brought a rare sentence against a Muslim cleric.

In one of the most recent cases, a Coptic teacher was sentenced to pay a fine of 100,000 Egyptian pounds (Ł9,000) for insulting Islam and the Prophet Mohammed while teaching.

Abdullah, also known as Abu Islam, has become known for hate speech against Coptic Christians in his preaching. Last year, he launched new Islamic TV channel that is run primarily by women covered from head to toe with only their eyes showing. He is a frequent guest on other TV channels.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/egyptian-muslim-cleric-receives-suspended-sentence-for-burning-bible-8661093.html

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Syrian rebels claim attack on Shi'ites in Lebanon

 19 Jun 2013,  Reuters

BEIRUT, June 19 (Reuters) - A Syrian rebel unit has claimed responsibility in a video for killing four Shi'ite men in Lebanon this week as Syria's civil war spills into its smaller, religiously divided neighbour.

In the video, posted on Tuesday by a group calling itself the "Syrian Mujahideen Unit", a fighter says his brigade killed the four men as they were trying to enter Syria.

He said they were members of Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shi'ite militant group that has actively helped Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in his fight against a mostly Sunni Muslim revolt.

Full report at:

http://www.trust.org/item/20130619095353-6jl30/?source%20=%20hpbreaking

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Lebanon minister accuses Syria of ‘ethnic cleansing’ of Sunnis

 19 June 2013

BEIRUT: Syrian President Bashar Assad’s forces have begun ethnically cleansing Sunnis and deliberately pushing refugees across the border into Lebanon, the Lebanese caretaker minister for social affairs said yesterday.

Wael Abu Faour said that during the 27-month-old conflict Syrian forces had committed what was “tantamount to ethnic cleansing next to the Syrian-Lebanese border.”

“(Assad) is trying to displace all the Sunnis to Lebanon and this is why I expect to have more displaced people,” he said. “What began was a wave of people fleeing from violence to Lebanon, but what is happening now is a completely different matter. What is happening now is organized displacement of the Syrian people — organized based on sectarian and political motives,” said Abu Faour, a frequent critic of Assad.

Full report at:

http://www.arabnews.com/news/455415

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Saudi Arabia: arrest warrant against the prince Khaled bin Sultan

VOLTAIRE NETWORK | 17 JUNE 2013

Palace coup led by Prince Khaled bin Sultan, was apparently in the making in Saudi Arabia. To avert it, it is said that King Abdullah dismissed the Defence Deputy Minister (April 20) and the Chief of Defence Staff (May 10).

An arrest warrant against Prince Khaled bin Sultan was reportedly signed by the king upon his sudden return from Morocco, Sunday, June 16, 2013.

http://www.voltairenet.org/article178967.html

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Protests planned to save Cairo, Alex historical sites from demolition

 19 Jun 2013

Heritage activists in Cairo and Alexandria are planning protests on Wednesday at 5pm to demand that government officials take steps to prevent local historical landmarks from being demolished.

In Alexandria, the 'Save Alex' group will organise a rally outside the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. In the capital, meanwhile, the 'Save Cairo' group will organise a similar protest outside the Cairo governor's office in Abdeen Square.

Full report at:

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/32/97/74358/Folk/Street-Smart/Protests-planned-to-save-Cairo,-Alex-historical-si.aspx

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Iraq suicide bomber kills 5 ahead of vote

 19 Jun 2013

A suicide bomb attack in north Iraq on Wednesday killed the leader of a local political party and four relatives, officials said, on the eve of provincial elections his bloc was to participate in.

Yunus al-Ramah, head of the United Iraq party, had been hosting a social gathering in his home in the town of Al-Hadhr, in Nineveh province, when the attack took place early Wednesday, according to security and medical officials.

Full report at:

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/74429/World/Region/Iraq-suicide-bomber-kills--ahead-of-vote.aspx

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Kuwait hangs ‘monster’ child rapist

 18 June 2013

Authorities in Kuwait on Tuesday hanged a 33-year-old Egyptian man dubbed a “monster” for the abduction and rape of 17 children under the age of 10, the public prosecution said.

Hajjaj Saadi, who was handed five death sentences, complained shortly before his execution that had not been given any assistance from the Egyptian government, a witness said.

Saadi strongly denied in court that he had committed any of the crimes, which shocked the Kuwaiti public, and insisted his confessions were extracted under duress.

Full report at:

http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2013/06/18/Kuwait-hangs-monster-child-rapist-.html

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Saudi role in Syria driven by fear of Shi'ite 'full moon'

Jun 19 2013

RIYADH : Saudi Arabia's former intelligence chief, Prince Muqrin, once told American diplomats the Middle East's so-called Shi'ite Crescent where the Muslim sect holds sway was "becoming a full moon" as Iranian influence spread.

For the kingdom's Sunni ruling princes, that fear, revealed in a 2009 U.S. embassy cable released by WikiLeaks, now focuses on Syria. Iran-backed President Bashar al-Assad's forces are advancing with the aid of Lebanese Hezbollah Shi'ite fighters, while Riyadh supports the Sunni rebels fighting against him.

Full report at:

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/saudi-role-in-syria-driven-by-fear-of-shiite-full-moon/1131036/

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Mohamed ElBaradei: Morsi Threatened to ‘Burn the Country’ if I Became Prime Minister

JUNE 18, 2013

Zach Pontz

Leading Egyptian opposition figure Mohamed ElBaradei said Tuesday that President Mohamed Morsi threatened to “burn the country” if he became prime minister.

The comments came during an interview with London-based Al-Hayat newspaper. It is unclear when the threat was made, but ElBaradei cited former military leader Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi as the source of his information,

In 2011, Egypt’s then ruling military council was considering naming former International Atomic Energy Agency Chief ElBaradei as Cairo’s new prime minister, but according to ElBaradei the Muslim Brotherhood “vetoed” the possibility.

Full report at:

http://www.algemeiner.com/2013/06/18/mohamed-elbaradei-morsi-threatened-to-burn-the-country-if-i-became-prime-minister/

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Islamists Press Blasphemy Cases in a New Egypt

By BEN HUBBARD and MAYY EL SHEIKH

 June 19, 2013

DEIR EL GABRAWI, Egypt — Egypt’s prosecutors have been flooded with blasphemy complaints since 2011 as Islamists exercising their new societal clout have pushed for prosecutions and courts have handed down steep fines and prison terms for insulting religion.

This month alone, a Christian teacher in Luxor was fined $14,000 for insulting the Prophet Muhammad in class, a writer was given five years in prison for promoting atheism and a Christian lawyer was sentenced to one year for insulting Islam — in a private conversation.

Blasphemy cases were once rare in Egypt, and their frequency has increased sharply since the revolution. More than two dozen cases have gone to trial, and nearly all defendants have been found guilty. At least 13 have received prison sentences.

Full report at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/19/world/middleeast/islamists-press-blasphemy-cases-in-a-new-egypt.html?pagewanted=all&pagewanted=print

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Shooting spree in Lebanon town leaves 1 dead: army

 June 19, 2013

A shooting spree by gunmen loyal to a controversial Salafist sheikh in the southern Lebanese town of Sidon left one man dead and several wounded, the army and a security source said. Tuesday's shooting by armed men loyal to Sheikh Ahmed al-Assir, who is fiercely opposed to the Shiite

Hezbollah movement, took place in Abra, a suburb of Sidon, the security source said, without giving further details. "The shooting by armed men led to the killing of a citizen and several others have been injured," the Lebanese army said after deploying forces in Sidon following the incident.

Full report at:

http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/restofasia/Shooting-spree-in-Lebanon-town-leaves-1-dead-army/Article1-1078873.aspx

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Egypt court ends Mubarak detention in fraud case

AFP | Jun 18, 2013

CAIRO: An Egyptian court on Tuesday ended the detention of Hosni Mubarak in one corruption case, judicial sources told AFP, but the ousted president will remain in custody on other charges.

The North Cairo misdemeanour court ordered Mubarak's release but said it will continue to investigate accusations that he and his family acquired wealth illegally, the sources said.

Investigators from the illicit gains authority have been questioning Mubarak at the south Cairo prison, where he is being held to look into how he acquired several houses and villas around Egypt.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Egypt-court-ends-Mubarak-detention-in-fraud-case/articleshow/20650874.cms

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Hosni Mubarak: No one forced me to step down, I did it to save lives

 19 June 2013

Toppled Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said that his decision to step down was his own, adding that he could have remained in power if he had wanted to, in an interview with Egyptian daily Al-Watan published on Wednesday.

Mubarak reportedly made the statements in an interview conducted at the Tora Prison Hospital in Cairo.

“I made the decision to step down myself. No one pressured me. It was possible for me to stay in power but I decided to step down to protect people’s lives and not shed blood,” Mubarak said, according to the paper.

Full report at:

http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2013/06/19/Hosni-Mubarak-No-one-forced-me-to-step-down-I-did-it-to-save-lives.html

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Egyptian Cleric Sentenced to 11 Years for Burning Bible, Will Continue to 'Attack the Church'

By Myles Collier , Christian Post Contributor

June 18, 2013

Islamic preacher Abu Islam, who was convicted on charges of contempt of Christianity, incitement to strife and disturbing public security and sentenced to 11 years in jail, says he does not care about the verdict against him yesterday, as it will not prevent him from carrying on to "attack the Church."

Full report at:

http://global.christianpost.com/news/egyptian-cleric-sentenced-to-11-years-for-burning-bible-will-continue-to-attack-the-church-98257/#xemKfV08M83PuTls.99

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Egypt's Mohamed Morsi appoints hardline Islamist to govern Luxor

Concerns for tourism as governor is member of Gamaa Islamiya, the militant group responsible for 1997 Luxor massacre

Patrick Kingsley in Cairo and Associated Press in Luxor

 17 June 2013

The Egyptian president, Mohamed Morsi, has appointed a member of the hardline Islamist group Gamaa Islamiya to the governorship of Luxor – a tourist city in which militants associated with the group killed 58 tourists in 1997.

The symbolism of the appointment has enraged Egypt's sidelined non-Islamist opposition, who see it as further evidence that Morsi is unconcerned about the country's increasing polarisation.

Full report at:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jun/17/morsi-appoints-islamist-governor-luxor

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India

 

Kashmir University Students show disrespect to national anthem, Geelani praises

New Age Islam News Bureau, June 19, 2013

Srinagar: Hurriyat Conference (G) Chairman, Syed Ali Geelani praised the students of Kashmir University for not showing respect to national anthem by remaining seated during the anthem saying that by doing so the students of the university have sent the message to the Indian government that India  could rule their heads by force but could not rule their hearts. ‘India cannot crush our spirit of freedom and it cannot conquer our hearts’, he said. In his statement, Mr Geelani said that by remaining seated during the national anthem, the students and intellectuals of Kashmir University had sent the peaceful message to the Chief Justice of India and other judges that India has no legitimacy to rule Jamun & Kashmir. He said that India had been ruling the region only with the use of force. He alleged that the government of Jammu & Kashmir had made the university a centre of politics and had paid more attention to cultural and social activities in the campus than to education. He further said that the university administration that had put a ban on the establishment of independent organisations in the university had also assisted in these cultural and political activities in the campus.

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Seminar on Sufism in Punjabi University, Patiala on June 20

New Age Islam News Bureau, June 19, 2013-06-19

Patiala:  A one day seminar on Sufism is going to be held in Panjabi University Patiala on June 20, 2013. The seminar will be organised by Baba Farid Centre for Sufi Studies, Patiala in collaboration with the National Council for the Promotion of Urdu Language, New Delhi.

The Director of Baba Farid Centre, Professor Nashir Naqvi said that the seminar will be presided over by Prof. Jaspal Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Punjabi University, Patiala. Apart from Prof. Jaspal, other speakers to read their papers are Prof. Nashir Naqvi, Prof. Azizuddin Hussain, Director of Raza Library, Rampur and Prof. Jamshed Ali Khan, Dean, Colleges, Punjabi University, Patiala.

The introductory lecture will be delivered by Prof. Nashir Naqvi who is also associated with NCPUL. The programme will be held at the Senate Hall, Punjabi University, Patiala.

A journal on Sufism titled Ganj Shakar will also be released in the seminar. The journal is edited by Prof. Nashir Naqvi. The first issue of Ganj Shakar consists of the papers read in the international Sufi seminar held by Baba Farid Centre for Sufi Studies in November last year.

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Fatwa against SRK by Markazi Darul Ifta Dargah Al Hazrat for 'Shariat

Jun 19, 2013

Now, a Fatwa has been issued against Shah Rukh Khan by Markazi Darul Ifta Dargah Al Hazrat for 'Shariat'. He is being blamed for hiring a surrogate mother

http://www.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/surrogate-child-fatwa-against-srk-84132.html

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Muslim leaders condemn Israeli President’s statement to disregard the Indian Muslim community

Press Statement / The Milli Gazette

Jun 19, 2013

We condemn, most forcefully and unreservedly, the Israeli President’s suggestion to the Indian government to disregard the Indian Muslim community in developing and strengthening relations with the Zionist state.

First of all, this is an unacceptable interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign and free state. Moreover, it is a blatant disregard of the democratic principles which take public opinion into consideration while formulating national and international policies. Tiny but highly arrogant Israel should realize that it is committing a mockery of democratic principles by suggesting policies to a country which is 200 times its population. Even the Indian Muslim community Israel wants to be disregarded is 30 times bigger than Israel’s Jewish population.

Full report at:

http://www.milligazette.com/news/7999-indian-muslim-leaders-condemn-israeli-presidents-statement

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John Kerry to arrive on Sunday for India-US strategic dialogue

Sachin Parashar, TNN | Jun 19, 2013

NEW DELHI: The 4th India-US strategic dialogue will take place on Monday with secretary of state John Kerry while the US will also hold the next round of talks on higher education with India. Government sources said Kerry will have a separate meeting with HRD minister Pallam Raju for the purpose on Tuesday.

The first India-US Higher Education Summit was held in Washington in October 2011. The summit highlighted the importance of education as a pillar of the India-US strategic dialogue.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/John-Kerry-to-arrive-on-Sunday-for-India-US-strategic-dialogue/articleshow/20657354.cms

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Peace move in Ayodhya

Sunita Aron

June 19, 2013

Ayodhya doesn’t reverberate with Jai Shri Ram slogans anymore. But Vishwa Hindu Parishad leaders arriving in the temple town on Wednesday for a function organised by Ramjanmabhoomi Trust convener Mahant Nritya Gopal Das are certain to reiterate their resolve to build a Ram temple where a makeshift temple now stands. Nothing new.

What is new is that their feathers will be ruffled this time by a growing group of residents from the Hindu and Muslim communities in Ayodhya and adjoining Faizabad who support a formula to restore peace in their lives.

Full report at:

http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/uttarpradesh/Peace-move-in-Ayodhya/Article1-1078633.aspx

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Security top on agenda of Khurshid’s Iraq visit

Shubhajit Roy

 Jun 19 2013

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid will on Wednesday fly to Baghdad on a two-day visit to discuss “security cooperation” with the Iraqi leadership amid increased violence in the country. He will be the first Indian foreign minister to visit Iraq since I K Gujral in 1990.

While Gujral’s visit was in connection with the evacuation of Indians in the wake of the Gulf war, it is better remembered for the controversial hug he gave to Saddam Hussein.

Full report at:

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/security-top-on-agenda-of-khurshid-s-iraq-visit/1130718/

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India assures Pakistan to allow quizzing of 26/11 witnesses

SANDEEP JOSHI

June 19, 2013

MHA gets written consent from court

India has given a written assurance to Pakistan to let its judicial commission to cross-examine witnesses in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks case.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has obtained a written consent from the Bombay High Court to let the Pakistani judicial commission cross-examine the witnesses that would strengthen the cases against the seven Pakistani accused being tried before a Rawalpindi court.

Full report at:

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-assures-pakistan-to-allow-quizzing-of-2611-witnesses/article4827698.ece

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Pakistan violates ceasefire after infiltration bid foiled

PTI | Jun 19, 2013

POONCH (JK): Pakistani troops on Wednesday violated ceasefire and indulged in indiscriminate firing along line of control (LOC) in Poonch sector after an infiltration bid was foiled by Indian troops.

A group of four armed persons from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) were seen moving towards an Indian forward post in Krishna Ghati sector in Poonch district around 9.50am, PRO defence, SN Acharya, said.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Pakistan-violates-ceasefire-after-infiltration-bid-foiled/articleshow/20663380.cms

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Religious leaders to counsel feuding couples in Hyderabad's Old City

TNN | Jun 19, 2013

HYDERABAD: In an attempt to control the problem of growing incidents of dowry harassment in the Old City, the police have decided to organize an awareness campaign involving Muslim religious leaders.

Tarun Joshi, the deputy commissioner of police (South Zone), said subjects like the status of dowry in Sharia (Islamic law), domestic violence, rights and duties of husbands and wives would be discussed at the awareness session with the public. The discussions will take place at Sana Function Hall near Charminar on June 22.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Religious-leaders-to-counsel-feuding-couples-in-Hyderabads-Old-City/articleshow/20657935.cms

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Southeast Asia

 

Touting Islam to Draw Votes in Indonesia

By JOE COCHRANE

 June 18, 2013

BOGOR, Indonesia — With its tree-lined streets, Dutch colonial buildings and soothing botanical gardens, the quaint West Java mountain town of Bogor hardly appears a hotbed of religious intolerance. Yet Bogor is on the front line of a national debate in Indonesia about religious freedom, amid an increase in discrimination and violent attacks against minority Christians and Islamic sects.

The battle of Bogor centres on its mayor, Diani Budiarto, who for two years has ignored a Supreme Court order to reinstate a building permit he revoked in 2008 for a local Christian congregation, known as GKI Yasmin, and sealed off its church construction site.

The Yasmin case has drawn international attention, including from the Vatican, the United Nations and the U.S. State Department. However, Mr. Diani, who is Muslim, insists he is not discriminating against Christians, but only following national regulations on houses of worship. He said 8 of the 60 required signatures from local residents supporting the new church were forged.

Full report at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/18/world/asia/touting-islam-to-draw-votes-in-indonesia.html?pagewanted=all

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Poso suicide bomber identified, linked to Santoso

Yuliasri Perdani

 June 19 2013

The National Police confirmed the identify of the suicide bomber who attacked the police headquarters in Poso, Central Sulawesi, as being Zainul Arifin alias Arif Petak, an accomplice of the infamous terrorist Santoso.

National Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Agus Rianto said on Tuesday that the identification was confirmed after DNA samples taken from the remains of the suicide bomber were compared with Zainul’s mother, Zumaroh.

“Zainul Arifin was born on June 26, 1979. He was associated with a pesantren [Islamic boarding school] in Lamongan, East Java. His wife, Fatimah, works as a kindergarten teacher in Lamongan,” Agus said at the National Police headquarters in Jakarta.

Full report at:

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/06/19/poso-suicide-bomber-identified-linked-santoso.html

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Malaysia a model broadband, internet country, says minister

JUNE 18, 2013

Malaysia is a model country for its success in closing the digital divide among its people, said Communication and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek.

“For me, we can be proud when compared to other countries as Malaysia has its own success stories in connecting the people through broadband, internet and so on, where our penetration rate from the mobile aspect is more than its population,” he told reporters after launching the Malaysian Pavilion at the Infocomm Media Business Exchange (imbx) exhibition which began today at the Marina Bay Sands Convention and Expo Centre in Singapore.

Full report at:

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/malaysia-a-model-broadband-internet-country-says-minister/

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Bali leads world Hindu movement

BY NI KOMANG ERVIANI

 2013-06-18

The second World Hindu Summit has finally agreed to establish the World Hindu Parisad, a Hindu organization discussion and deliberation forum aiming to expand the network of Hindu devotees around the globe.

In addition, the 500 Hindu leaders and scholars from all over the world also established the World Hindu Center, the implementing structure of the World Hindu Parisad.

Both the parisad and the center are to be based in Bali.

Hindu high priest Ida Pedanda Gede Ketut Sebali Tianyar Arimbawa was elected as the president of the World Hindu Parisad.

Full report at:

http://www.thejakartapost.com/bali-daily/2013-06-18/bali-leads-world-hindu-movement.html

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Africa

 

Tanzanian police torture, rape and assault sex workers, sexual minorities and drug users

18 Jun 2013

NAIROBI (Thomson Reuters Foundation) – Tanzanian police torture, rape and assault sex workers, sexual minorities and drug users, while medical staff deny them healthcare, undermining efforts to reduce HIV infection, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a report on Tuesday.

Homophobia is widespread across Africa and men who have sex with men in Tanzania face a jail sentence ranging from 30 years to life. But the Tanzanian government has committed itself to reduce the stigma attached to marginalised groups and to work towards the decriminalisation of same-sex intimacy and sex work.

“The government’s HIV policy can’t succeed if police are driving away the very people the public health programmes most need to reach,” Neela Ghoshal, a HRW researcher said in a statement.

Full report at:

http://www.trust.org/item/20130617141942-r5lwo/?source=dpagehead

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Five Somalis, 7 militants killed in shootout at Mogadishu UN office

June 19, 2013

Al-Qaida-linked militants detonated multiple bomb blasts and breached the main U.N. compound in Mogadishu on Wednesday, sparking gun battles with security forces that killed at least 12 people. U.N. personnel who reached the compound’s secure bunker all survived, though officials hinted not all reached that bunker.

An ambulance driver said that five Somali civilians were killed and an AP reporter who went inside the U.N. compound after the battle saw two bodies of what appeared to be al-Shabab attackers wearing Somali military uniforms. An official said seven attackers died in total.

Full report at:

http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/five-somalis-7-militants-killed-in-shootout-at-mogadishu-un-office/article4830139.ece

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Six Men Sentenced for Attacking Sufi Shrine in Tunisia

By BEN HUBBARD

 June 19, 2013

CAIRO — A Tunisian court sentenced six men to five years in prison on Tuesday for attacking visitors to a famous Sufi Muslim shrine in Tunis, the capital, and for setting the shrine on fire.

The attack was carried out last October by ultraconservative Salafi Muslims who consider the Sufi practice of visiting and praying at tombs to be heretical.

Salafi Muslims in Egypt, Libya and Tunisia have pressed for a larger role in society in the aftermath of the revolutions that toppled longtime rulers in those countries who suppressed their activities.

Full report at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/19/world/africa/six-men-sentenced-for-attacking-sufi-shrine-in-tunisia.html

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Armed gang kills 48 in raid in Nigeria: Official

19 Jun 2013

An armed gang has raided a northern Nigerian village and killed 48 people in an apparent reprisal attack targeting a local vigilante group, a state official said Wednesday.

"There was an attack by armed bandits early Tuesday on Kizara village where 48 residents were killed in apparent targeted killings by cattle rustlers that have been terrorising the state for some time now," said Ibrahim Birnin-Magaji, commissioner for information in Zamfara state, where the village is located.

Full report at:

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/9/74418/World/International/Armed-gang-kills--in-raid-in-Nigeria-Official.aspx

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2 Qaddafi Children May Have Violated U.N. Travel Ban

By RICK GLADSTONE

 June 19, 2013

Two children of Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi, the longtime Libyan leader felled in the 2011 revolution, appear to have violated a travel ban imposed by the United Nations by moving to Oman from Algeria earlier this year, the chairman of a Security Council sanctions committee said on Tuesday.

The chairman, Ambassador Eugène-Richard Gasana of Rwanda, said the Algerian government had confirmed to the committee on June 5 that the children — a daughter, Aisha, and a son, Mohammed — were among the members of Colonel Qaddafi’s family who had relocated to Oman after having spent nearly two years in Algeria. They had fled to Algeria as rebels strengthened their grip on Tripoli in the weeks before Colonel Qaddafi was caught and killed.

Full report at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/19/world/africa/2-qaddafi-children-may-have-violated-un-travel-ban.html?ref=world&gwh=D6C7393A8275E4EB89276E1FA5BDB26F&pagewanted=print

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Tripoli sheikhs play down local Sunni fighter presence in Syria

June 19, 2013

By Misbah al-Ali

TRIPOLI, Lebanon: Despite rumors of Sunni fighters flooding from Tripoli into Syria, two sheikhs from the northern city insist they discourage young men from participating in the war, putting the number of Tripolitans crossing the border in the mere hundreds.

Contradictory reports have emerged regarding the scope of involvement in the Syrian crisis by Lebanese parties on both sides of the political divide. Estimates for Hezbollah range in the low thousands. The number of Sunni Lebanese fighters from Tripoli, especially those who consider themselves Salafists, is harder to pin down.

Full report at:

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Politics/2013/Jun-19/220821-tripoli-sheikhs-play-down-local-sunni-fighter-presence-in-syria.ashx#ixzz2WdbVjNmc

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New food security alliance is timely for Malawi's path out of poverty

 June 19, 2013

At the nutrition for growth summit, held in London this month, Malawi became a member of the G8's new alliance for food security and nutrition. This is a tremendous opportunity to accelerate my government's efforts to generate greater investment in agricultural development.

The new alliance is important as my government doesn't just view agriculture as an essential means to attaining household and national food security; we see it as a business through which our farmers can generate wealth, improve their livelihoods and transform Malawi's economy. None of this can be achieved without private-sector investment.

Full report at:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/poverty-matters/2013/jun/18/new-alliance-food-security-malawi

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Rebels in North Mali Sign Peace Deal Allowing In Government Troops

By ADAM NOSSITER

 June 19, 2013

DAKAR, Senegal — Nomadic rebels whose revolt in northern Mali last year split the West African nation signed a peace deal Tuesday with the government, resolving a stumbling block to the country’s reconstruction.

The rebels of the Tuareg ethnic group had been clinging to swaths of Mali’s desert north, refusing to disarm or allow the country’s army to enter Kidal, a dusty Sahara outpost near the Algerian border. The peace accord, which calls for the deployment of the Malian Army there, followed a French military intervention at the beginning of the year that itself went some way to putting the fractured country back together.

Full report at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/19/world/africa/mali-and-rebels-reach-peace-deal.html?pagewanted=print&_r=0

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Mali signs deal with Tuareg separatist rebels

 June 19, 2013

(Reuters) - Mali signed a ceasefire deal with Tuareg separatist rebels on Tuesday, paving the way for government troops to return to the northern, rebel-held town of Kidal before a presidential election next month.

At the heart of a region plagued by poverty and Islamic militancy, Mali won a 3.25 billion euros ($4.35 billion) Western aid package last month aimed at shoring up democracy and helping it recover from a coup and an al Qaeda insurgency.

Tuesday's agreement - reached after nearly two weeks of talks mediated by regional powers, the United Nations and the European Union - foresees rebel groups disarming as part of a broader peace process to resolve Tuaregs' longstanding demands for greater autonomy for northern Mali.

Full report at:

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/18/us-mali-rebels-idUSBRE95H14L20130618?feedType=RSS

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Pakistan

 

Seven killed in clash between two militant groups

ABDUL SAMI PARACHA

 June 19, 2013

KOHAT: At least seven militants were killed and several others injured in a clash between two militant groups in Darra Adamkhel on Tuesday.

Official sources said one group led by ‘commander’ Arif Afridi and the other by ‘commander’ Umer Adizai exchanged heavy fire in hills of the Bostikhel area. Both groups were trying to gain control of some areas still in the control of various militant groups despite the presence of security forces in the region.

Full report at:

http://beta.dawn.com/news/1019116/seven-militants-killed-in-clash

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Ahmadi man killed ‘because of his faith’

By Rana Tanveer

 June 19, 2013

LAHORE: A member of the Jamaat-i-Ahmadiya was shot dead in Green Town, allegedly because of his faith.

Four armed teenagers entered Jawad Karim’s house on Monday and shot him dead. They then walked away from the scene, said Imtiaz Adnan, Karim’s brother and a witness to the incident.

Adnan told The Express Tribune that four people armed with pistols had entered their house. One chased Karim to the first storey of the house and shot him in the chest. Adnan said he heard his brother cry out and reached the spot. He said he saw the assailant fleeing. He also saw three of his accomplices standing downstairs. They all simply walked away after killing Karim, said Adnan.

Full report at:

http://tribune.com.pk/story/565175/motive-for-murder-ahmadi-man-killed-because-of-his-faith/

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FO expresses concerns over Karzai's criticism at Pakistan

 June 19, 2013

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday expressed concern on remarks by Afghan President Karzai against state institutions saying Pakistan was keenly interested in promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan.

The foreign office spokesman was commenting on the statement of President Hamid Karzai, who in a interview to a private Pakistani channel, attempted to create an impression as if some institutions of Pakistan are not fully supporting the objectives of bringing peace to Afghanistan.

Full report at:

http://beta.dawn.com/news/1019095/fo-expresses-concerns-over-karzais-criticism-at-pakistan

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Waziristan native asks Supreme Court to stop drone attacks

By Hasnaat Malik

 June 19, 2013

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has been moved on Tuesday to stop the drone attacks in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Moving the petition in person under Article 184(3) of the constitution, Mando Jan, a resident of South Waziristan, has claimed that this is the first ever petition in the SC on drone attacks, filed by a son of the soil. The petitioner made secretaries of interior, foreign affairs, defence and information ministries and United States Ambassador to Pakistan as respondents in his petition. The petitioner told Daily Times that though the SC’s institution branch raised objection to the inclusion of US Ambassador to Pakistan as respondent but he removed this objection by excluding his name in the petition. Full report at:

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013\06\19\story_19-6-2013_pg7_16

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‘Cousin Marriages, Diabetes Lead To Blindness’

 June 19, 2013

ISLAMABAD: A leading eye-care hospital said today the cousin marriages and diabetes are two major causes of blindness, which is growing with a fast pace in Pakistan.

The inherited diseases, including blindness, are due to the common practice of blood-related marriages, said Al-Shifa Trust President Lt Gen (r) Hamid Javaid.

Speaking at an awareness session, he said that many families prefer consanguineous marriages despite knowing the negative impact on the generations to come. More awareness needs to be created about the disease and the pitfall of cousin marriage. He said the premarital testing can help reduce the risks associated with the trend.

Full report at:

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013\06\19\story_19-6-2013_pg11_5

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Suicide blast at Mardan funeral; death toll rises to 34

 June 19, 2013

PESHAWAR: The death toll from a suicide attack at a funeral in Mardan district of restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province rose to 34 on Wednesday after seven victims died overnight in hospital, police said.

At least 29 people, including a provincial lawmaker of the Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf (PTI), were killed Tuesday when a suicide bomber detonated his explosives during a funeral procession in Mardan.

Five persons succumbed to their injuries today, taking the death toll to 34.

Moreover, at least 52 other people were also injured in the blast, said Jaffar Khan, the Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) of police in Mardan.

Full report at:

http://dawn.com/news/1019076/suicide-blast-at-mardan-funeral-death-toll-rises-to-34

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Religious scholars advocate culture of respect for tolerant society

 June 19, 2013

ISLAMABAD: Chairman Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), Maulana Muhammad Khan Sherani on Monday said the culture of respect of opinion and patience would help establish tolerance in the society.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of a workshop as chief guest, he said it was imperative to change ourselves first and than it would be possible to bring about a positive change in society.

The two-day workshop, “Role of Aima and Khutba in establishment of a society with mutual respect and tolerance” was organised by the Shariah Academy of International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI) and International Forum for promotion of tolerance, Jordan.

Full report at:

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013%5C06%5C18%5Cstory_18-6-2013_pg11_2

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Advisor to PM hopes ‘drones would die’

 June 19, 2013

 Javaid-ur-Rahman 

ISLAMABAD- The National Assembly (NA) was informed on Tuesday that US Secretary of State John Kerry is expected to visit Pakistan next week and Pakistan government will raise matter of drone strikes with him.

Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz, responding to the first call-attention notice of the 14th National Assembly (NA), moved by PTI legislator Dr Shireen Mizari, said that Pakistan has expressed serious concerns with the US over drone strikes and it will continue to raise this issue at all fora.

“John Kerry is expected to visit Pakistan so matter regarding drone attacks will be raised with him,” said Sartaj, expressing hope that things would improve, as Pakistan should not adopt threat policy.

Full report at:

http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/national/19-Jun-2013/sartaj-hopes-drones-would-die

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Pakistan welcomes announcement of Taliban office in Qatar

June 19, 2013

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday welcomed the announcement of a new Taliban political office in Doha “for the purpose of bringing peace to Afghanistan and the region,” according to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The MOFA statement also welcomed the start of peace talks between the US and the Afghan Taliban.

Full report at:

http://tribune.com.pk/story/565155/pakistan-welcomes-announcement-of-taliban-office-in-qatar/

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Mumbai Attacks' case: Pakistani panel cleared to cross-examine witnesses

By Asad Kharal

 June 18, 2013

LAHORE: A Pakistani judicial commission tasked with investigating the Mumbai attack case from the Pakistan side is expected to visit India in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai attack case, sources familiar with the matter have revealed to The Express Tribune.

The Indian government on Tuesday gave written consent to the Pakistani authorities associated with the case to visit India and cross-examine witnesses. A dossier of related documents has also been sent by the Indian government to the National Crisis Management Cell (NCMC) of the Ministry of Interior.

Full report at:

http://tribune.com.pk/story/564958/mumbai-attacks-case-pakistani-panel-cleared-to-cross-examine-witnesses/

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Case closed: Cases against Zardari cannot be reopened

 June 19, 2013

ISLAMABAD: The achilles heel of two previous prime ministers – the Swiss cases against President Asif Ali Zardari – have finally been closed.

In a letter written in response to the government’s request to reopen the controversial cases, Swiss authorities have conveyed to the government that cases against the president have been closed on technical grounds, as they have become time barred.

After months of wrangling and the dismissal of a prime minister, the previous government had earlier written to the Swiss authorities to reopen the cases involving billions of rupees in accordance with the directives of the Supreme Court.

Full report at:

http://tribune.com.pk/story/565213/case-closed-cases-against-zardari-cannot-be-reopened/

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$4.6 million watch worn by PML (N) Leader ticks loud in NA

KHAWAR GHUMMAN

 June 19, 2013

ISLAMABAD, June 17: Political sparring in the parliament is timeless but a PPP MNA chose a real watch to pour scorn on the national budget presented by the newly-elected government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

“What else one can expect from a party whose leaders are fond of wearing such expensive personal items,” MNA Shazia Marri said in the National Assembly on Monday, ridiculing the budget and alluding to a $4.6 million watch worn by an unnamed PML-N leader.

Full report at:

http://dawn.com/news/1019034/fabulous-watch-ticks-loud-in-na

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NADRA not to discriminate against minorities

 June 19, 2013

ISLAMABAD: NADRA strictly follows the government’s policy and assures that the minorities will not be discriminated in the provision of registration services or employment at the authority.

A three-member delegation of Christian community led by President Bishop Bishop Samuel Azariah, Bishop of Peshawar (KP) Humphrey Sarfraz Peters, and Presbyter Nasim Fiaz called on NADRA Chairman Tariq Malik at NADRA Headquarter.

The delegation thanked NADRA chairman for taking concrete steps regarding Christian community’s registration-related problems. Earlier the Christian community members approached NADRA chairman for issues being faced by the members of Christian community who have got married in a church and got their marriage certificates issued by the church registered with the union councils in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan.

Full report at:

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013\06\19\story_19-6-2013_pg11_6

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Imran respects me like one does his father: PTI President

By Shahzeb Khanzada

June 19, 2013

LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf President Makhdoom Javed Hashmi has said that Imran Khan respects him a lot and that he (Hashmi) himself had recommended Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s name for the party’s deputy parliamentary leader in the National Assembly.

Speaking in the Express News talk-show To The Point, he said Imran respected him as he would respect his father and refuted rumours of any differences between him and his party chief, adding that he had met the latter on Tuesday as well.

Full report at:

http://tribune.com.pk/story/565243/imran-respects-me-like-one-does-his-father-hashmi/

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North America

 

U.S. and Taliban Announce Direct Negotiations

Jun 18, 2013

After more than 11 years of war in Afghanistan, a country known as “the graveyard of empires” for its inability to be conquered and held, the White House announced Tuesday that it will sit down with the Taliban and try to work things out with words instead of bombs.

Working with the emir of Qatar, all parties have pre-negotiated the opening of an official Taliban office in Doha for the purposes of continued talks. An unnamed senior administration official said in a statement released by the White House that the Taliban agreed to “oppose the use of Afghan soil to threaten other countries; and second, that they support an Afghan peace process.”

Full report at:

http://www.truthdig.com/eartotheground/item/us_and_taliban_anounce_direct_negotiations_20130618/

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Snowden Issues Defiant Response To Government Threats And Media Lies

By Eric London

18 June, 2013

Whistleblower Edward Snowden spoke publicly yesterday for the first time in a week and issued a defiant response to denunciations of his actions by both corporate-controlled parties in the US. He declared, “All I can say right now is the US government is not going to be able to cover this up by jailing or murdering me. Truth is coming and it cannot be stopped.”

Since releasing documents exposing secret spying programs targeting Americans and non-Americans alike, Snowden has been the target of an increasingly vicious campaign in the media and from government officials. The Obama administration is preparing criminal charges, and Democrats and Republicans have denounced him as a “traitor.” Meanwhile, polls show broad public support for the 29-year-old former contractor for the National Security Agency (NSA).

Full report at:

http://www.countercurrents.org/london180613.htm

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Lives have been saved by surveillance programmes, 50 threats averted, Obama says

AP | Jun 19, 2013

BERLIN: President Barack Obama says lives have been saved by sweeping surveillance programs run by the National Security Agency.

Obama says at least 50 threats have been averted because of phone records and Internet information the agency was able to access. He says those threats were not just in the US but also in other countries like Germany.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/Lives-have-been-saved-by-surveillance-programmes-50-threats-averted-Obama-says/articleshow/20664443.cms

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Civil rights groups sue New York police on Muslim spying

Associated Press

 Jun 19 2013

Washington : Civil rights lawyers urged a US judge to declare the New York Police Department's widespread spying programme directed at Muslims to be unconstitutional, order police to stop their surveillance and destroy any records in police files.

In a lawsuit filed today, the lawyers said the spying has hindered the ability of residents to freely practice their religion. It is the third significant legal action filed against the department's Muslim surveillance programme since details of the spy programme were revealed in a series of Associated Press reports in 2011 and 2012.

Full report at:

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/civil-rights-groups-sue-new-york-police-on-muslim-spying/1130976/

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The Conscience Of Edward Snowden, Courage Is Contagious

By Nozomi Hayase

18 June, 2013

As the revelations of mass NSA surveillance raised shock-waves around the globe, 29-year old Edward Snowden came forward to identify himself as the one behind the largest leak in NSA history. His video interview with the Guardian reporter Glenn Greenwald went viral and the the world saw and heard the man who left his life behind to expose this insidious global spying program. Snowden spoke of the motives behind his action:

“I don't want to live in a world where there's no privacy and therefore no room for intellectual exploration and creativity…. My sole motive is to inform the public as to that which is done in their name and that which is done against them.”

Full report at:

http://www.countercurrents.org/hayase180613.htm

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Taliban Step Toward Afghan Peace Talks Is Hailed by U.S.

By MATTHEW ROSENBERG and ALISSA J. RUBIN

 June 19, 2013

WASHINGTON — The Taliban signaled a breakthrough in efforts to start Afghan peace negotiations on Tuesday, announcing the opening of a political office in Qatar and a new readiness to talk with American and Afghan officials, who said in turn that they would travel to meet insurgent negotiators there within days.

If the talks begin, they will be a significant step in peace efforts that have been locked in an impasse for nearly 18 months, after the Taliban walked out and accused the United States of negotiating in bad faith. American officials have long pushed for such talks, believing them crucial to stabilizing Afghanistan after the 2014 Western military withdrawal.

Full report at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/19/world/asia/taliban-ready-for-peace-talks-to-end-afghan-war.html?pagewanted=print

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US cabbie pursues charges after anti-Muslim rant caught on tape

AP | Jun 19, 2013

MCLEAN, Virginia: For the second time in as many months, a Muslim civil rights group is pursuing criminal charges on behalf of a taxicab driver who was subjected to an anti-Islamic rant caught on tape.

In the most recent case, an Ashburn, Virginia, woman unleashed a string of expletives and called the police emergency dispatcher to report that she was afraid for her life because she said her cabbie, Abdikar Aden of Alexandria, Virginia, was "very Muslim."

Aden says the woman also poked him repeatedly in the back of his shoulder, though that part of the confrontation was not captured in a recording provided to The Associated Press.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/US-cabbie-pursues-charges-after-anti-Muslim-rant-caught-on-tape/articleshow/20661264.cms

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US war games send signal to Bashar al-Assad

Associated Press

Jun 19 2013

Zarqa (Jordan) : Under the watchful eye of stern-faced American advisers, hundreds of US-trained Jordanian commandos fanned across this dusty desert plain, holding war games that could eventually form the basis of an assault in Syria.

With the recent deployment of Patriot missiles near the Syrian border, and the mock Syrian accents of those playing the enemy, the message was clear: There is fear of spillover from the Syrian war in this U.S.-allied kingdom, and the potential for a Jordanian role in securing Syria's chemical weapons stockpiles should Bashar al-Assad's regime lose control.

Full report at:

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/us-war-games-send-signal-to-bashar-alassad/1130985/

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Europe

 

UK Muslims share flowers with their non-Muslim neighbors

18 June 2013

World Bulletin / News Desk

Bringing a message of peace and love, Muslims in the south-eastern British town of Wokingham have shared flowers with their non-Muslim neighbors in an effort to counter anti-Muslim hostility in the country.

“We wanted to provide an environment of harmony between Muslims and non-Muslims and were giving flowers to non-Muslims to show peace, friendship and love,” organizer Mafaz Ali, of Munro Avenue in Woodley, told The Reading Post on Monday, June 17.

“We wanted to hold the fair especially after the Woolwich incident. We totally condemn what happened. It was the act of individuals and not the whole community.

“People were coming to us saying ‘we don’t have that image of Islam in our mind’.”

Organized by a group of Muslim women of Pakistani origin, the event aimed to highlight that Islam promotes peace and love.

Full report at:

http://www.worldbulletin.net/?aType=haber&ArticleID=111360

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Lawyer for Qaddafi son wants him handed to ICC

 19 June 2013

THE HAGUE, Netherlands: A lawyer for a son of ousted dictator Muammar Qaddafi has accused Libyan authorities of showing a “blatant disregard” for the International Criminal Court by announcing they will put Seif Al-Islam Qaddafi on trial in August.

In an urgent filing to the Hague-based court yesterday, British lawyer John Jones is asking appeals judges to reject Libya’s request to suspend an order that Tripoli surrender Seif Al-Islam to the court.

Full report at:

http://www.arabnews.com/news/455417

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Americans say NSA leaker Edward Snowden should be prosecuted: poll

 June 18, 2013

A majority of Americans say the former government contractor who leaked information about a vast US electronic surveillance program should be prosecuted, a poll showed on Tuesday. The USA Today/Pew Research Center poll taken Wednesday through Sunday found 54% in favor of prosecuting

Edward Snowden, the former contractor for the National Security Agency.

Some 38% in the poll said Snowden should not be prosecuted.

The survey also found that a similar majority, 53-41%, agreed with US government officials who said the programs have helped prevent terrorist attacks.

Full report at:

http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/americas/Americans-say-NSA-leaker-Edward-Snowden-should-be-prosecuted-poll/Article1-1078473.aspx

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U.N. recommends bringing Iraq closer to ending 1990s sanctions

 June 19, 2013

(Reuters) - U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday recommended bringing Iraq one step closer to ending all U.N. sanctions imposed on Baghdad more than two decades ago after former leader Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait In 1990.

Despite the toppling of Saddam in 2003 after a U.S.-led invasion, the United Nations has not fully lifted the sanctions. U.S.-led troops drove Iraq out of Kuwait in the 1991 Gulf War.

If the U.N. Security Council accepts Ban's recommendation, it will be a significant political boost for Baghdad as it struggles to restore its international standing a decade after Saddam's ouster.

Full report at:

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/19/us-iraq-kuwait-un-idUSBRE95I00L20130619?feedType=RSS

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Drones making things worse, UN told

 June 19, 2013

UNITED NATIONS- A top Pakistani diplomat has called for negotiations to address the issue of damaging effects unleashed by drone strikes, as he stressed the need for steps to protect children in armed conflict.

“For its part, Pakistan believes that the use of armed drones violates sovereignty, causes civilian casualties, and puts communities at risk of reprisal attacks,” Ambassador Masood Khan told the UN Security Council on Monday.

“Drone strikes radicalise disaffected communities and increase the number of terrorists. Urgent and intense negotiations are needed to address the issue of armed drones,” the Pakistani envoy said in a debate on Children in Armed Conflict.

Full report at:

http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/national/19-Jun-2013/drones-making-things-worse-un-told

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Pakistan pushed Afghan insurgents to the table: Experts

 June 19, 2013

WASHINGTON: Pakistan likely played a crucial role in persuading a reluctant Taliban to enter into tentative peace talks with its American and Afghan government foes, experts said here.

For more than two years, the United States has been promoting the idea of negotiations free of preconditions with little result, as Taliban insurgents seemed unwilling to risk talking to their adversaries, particularly Afghan leaders in Kabul.

But Pakistan, which has deep links to the Afghan Taliban, appears to have forced them to come to the table, clearing the way for negotiations after numerous false starts, said Scott Smith, a former UN official who worked in Afghanistan.

Full report at:

http://tribune.com.pk/story/565298/pakistan-pushed-afghan-insurgents-to-the-table-experts/

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Rise in attacks on Muslims in Europe

NIKOLAJ NIELSEN

19th June 2013

BRUSSELS - Violence against Muslims in Europe is on the rise among the handful of member states that officially record such incidents.

A report published on Tuesday (18 June) by the Vienna-based Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) found that Finland, France, and Sweden registered an increase in attacks against Muslims between 2010 and 2011.

Only Austria registered a decline.

Data is missing from every other member state either because they do no collect it or have not published it.

Anti-Semitic attacks during the same period dropped in France and Sweden.

The FRA report notes the trends do not reflect the prevalence of racist, xenophobic and related crimes in the member states because most incidences go unreported.

Full report at:

http://euobserver.com/justice/120548

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South Asia

 

Afghan attack kills Four US soldiers’ hours after news of talks

 June 19, 2013

Four US soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan, hours after the US announced direct talks with the Taliban.

The soldiers were killed by "indirect fire" from insurgents at Bagram air base, US officials said.

Bagram, near the Afghan capital Kabul, is the largest military base for US troops in Afghanistan.

A condition for the talks, due to begin on Thursday in Qatar, was for the Taliban to renounce violence.

In comments made before the news of the attack emerged, US President Barack Obama said the announcement of talks was an "important first step toward reconciliation".

The talks are set to take place in Doha, Qatar, where the Taliban have just opened their first official overseas office.

Full report at:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22963576

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Afghan police officer shoots dead five colleagues

Jun 19, 2013

A member of the Afghan Local Police shot dead five of his colleagues on Wednesday in southern Afghanistan, officials said.

Fahim Musazai, the top district official in Gereshk, in the province of Helmand, said the attacker fled the area, taking with him weapons and ammunition.

Mr. Musazai claimed that the assailant was a Taliban infiltrator.

Taliban spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahmadi claimed responsibility for the attack and said the police officer was “one of our colleagues and joined us.”

http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/afghan-police-officer-shoots-dead-five-colleagues/article4830123.ece

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Israeli-Palestinian peace talks must resume: China

 June 19, 2013

BEIJING: China called for a resumption of peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians at a conference in Beijing Tuesday, as the rising global power seeks greater diplomatic influence in the Middle East.

“We need to redouble efforts to promote peace talks,” Assistant Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu said at the United Nations International Meeting in Support of Israeli-Palestinian Peace, an event attended by diplomats, UN delegates, academics, and figures from the Palestinian and Israeli parliaments.

Full report at:

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013\06\19\story_19-6-2013_pg14_2

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After Gunfire, Politicians in Afghanistan Trade Accusations

By ROD NORDLAND

 June 19, 2013

KABUL, Afghanistan — Even by the standards of an Afghan warlord turned politician, it was a memorable spat, involving wild accusations, duelling news conferences, a Twitter feed and — this being Afghanistan — actual gunplay.

Staff members for Gen. Abdul Rashid Dostum, the Uzbek warlord and former Northern Alliance commander, said he was merely visiting the home of the governor of remote Jowzjan Province on Monday to discuss their party’s strategy for next year’s presidential elections. And he brought his usual contingent of 40 to 50 bodyguards along.

Full report at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/18/world/asia/after-gunfire-politicians-in-afghanistan-trade-accusations.html?pagewanted=print&_r=0

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Afghan Forces Struggle as U.S. Weans Them Off Support

By ROD NORDLAND

 June 19, 2013

KABUL, Afghanistan — When the American-led NATO coalition officially transferred security responsibility for all of Afghanistan to government forces in a ceremony on Tuesday, it was in part a formality. Already this year, Afghan forces have been in the lead in fighting the Taliban in more than three-quarters of the country — and they have been killed and wounded at a record pace, accordingly.

But after Tuesday, these are supposed to be the rules everywhere: while American units may sometimes be close by, Afghan forces must operate without American air support, medical evacuation helicopters or partnered combat units. If they get in trouble, NATO will not be riding to the rescue, except in the most dire cases.

Full report at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/18/world/middleeast/afghan-forces-struggle-as-us-weans-them-off-support.html?pagewanted=print

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China’s advice to Pakistan: peaceful development

By Irfan Ghauri

 June 19, 2013

BEIJING: China is already the world’s second largest economy, after the United States, and some say it has set a target of surpassing the combined economies of the US, EU and Japan by the time the nation celebrates its diamond jubilee in 2049.

By the time that landmark date comes around, China also aims to become the world’s leading technological power and the main force in global innovation and scientific development.

There have been challenges along the way, and the global recession in particular took a toll on China’s export-oriented growth model, a model that had achieved a stunning growth rate of 9% for the Chinese economy. The recession slowed this rate down, but China responded by trying to boost domestic demand and upgrading the quality of its products.

Full report at:

http://tribune.com.pk/story/565226/the-way-of-the-dragon-chinas-advice-to-pakistan-peaceful-development-front-page/

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Taliban claim responsibility in attack on Afghan base

 June 19, 2013

KABUL: The Taliban on Wednesday claimed responsibility for an attack in Afghanistan overnight that killed four US troops, just hours after Washington said its officials would met the insurgents for talks.

“Last night two big rockets were launched at Bagram (air base) which hit the target. Four soldiers are dead and six others are wounded. The rockets caused a major fire,” Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP by telephone.

Full report at:

http://beta.dawn.com/news/1019124/taliban-claim-responsibility-in-attack-on-afghan-base

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Hamid Karzai suspends talks with US over Taliban move

AP | Jun 19, 2013

KABUL: The Afghan president on Wednesday suspended talks with the United States on a new security deal to protest the way his government was being left out of initial peace negotiations with the Taliban meant to find ways to end the nearly 12-year war.

The move by Hamid Karzai could derail the peace process even before it has begun.

In a terse statement from his office, Karzai said negotiations with the US on what American and coalition security forces will remain in the country after 2014 have been put on hold.

The statement followed an announcement on Tuesday by the US and the Taliban that they would pursue bilateral talks in Qatar before the Afghan government was brought in.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/Hamid-Karzai-suspends-talks-with-US-over-Taliban-move/articleshow/20662052.cms

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Two hundred Maldivians miss out on Hajj pilgrimage after Saudi slashes quota

By Minivan News | June 18th, 2013

Two-hundred Maldivians will miss out on the annual Hajj pilgrimage this year after the Saudi Arabian government reduced the quota for Maldives from 1,000 to 800.

Islamic Minister Sheikh Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed said at a press conference yesterday (June 17) that the Saudi government communicated the decision to the ministry this week.

According to local media reports, Shaheem explained that the Saudi government reduced the quota as a result of ongoing work to expand the area around the Kaaba in Mecca.

Consequently, Shaheem added, only 22,000 people would be able to perform the tawaf (circling the Kaaba) in one hour compared to 48,000 in the past.

http://minivannews.com/category/news-in-brief

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Mideast

 

Hamas Calls on Hezbollah to Leave Syria and Focus on Fighting ‘Zionist Enemy’

JUNE 17, 2013

JNS.org - In a rare public rebuke, the Palestinian terror organization Hamas has called on its Lebanese counterpart, Hezbollah, to end its engagement in the Syrian civil war and fight Israel instead.

“We demand of Hezbollah to withdraw its forces from Syria and call on it to leave its weapons directed only at the Zionist enemy,” read a statement by Hamas, posted on the Facebook page of its deputy political leader Moussa Abu Marzouq, theTimes of Israel reported. “The entry of [Hezbollah] forces to Syria has contributed to increasing the sectarian mobilization in the region.”

Full report at:

http://www.algemeiner.com/2013/06/17/hamas-calls-on-hezbollah-to-leave-syria-and-focus-on-fighting-%E2%80%98zionist-enemy%E2%80%99/

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Erdogan Associate Blames American ‘Jewish Lobby’ for Turkey Protests

JUNE 18, 201

An associate of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan posted this past weekend a note to a social media account in which he claimed that the protests now raging in Turkey are part of an effort by the American “Jewish lobby” to undermine Turkey’s government.

Ankara Mayor Ibrahim Melih Gökçek, a member of Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party, has been vocal about his distaste for the protestors in Istanbul’s Gezi Park, having both mocked and criticized them through a series of tweets on his own personal twitter account

But the incendiary rhetoric reached a conspiratorial crescendo when he posted a note on twitter, which claims that Turkish intelligence has learned that the protests are a result of a February meeting of the American Enterprise Institute, which the note further asserts is a branch of the The America Israel Public Affairs Committee. The note claims that it was discussed at the meeting to have Turkish youth spill out into the streets to protest.

The note further claims that present at the meeting were several prominent neoconservative figures often associated with a pro-Israel stance, including: Paul Wolfowitz, John Bolton, Elliot Abrams, Richard Perle, and William Kristol.

http://www.algemeiner.com/2013/06/18/erdogan-associate-blames-american-jewish-lobby-for-turkey-protests/

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Gaza’s children play war in Palestinian summer camp

 June 19, 2013

As the hot weather arrives in Gaza, teenagers head to the town of Rafah for summer camp – not to play sports but to join war games organised by radical Palestinian group Islamic Jihad.

Youngsters wearing military fatigues and the movement’s black insignia capture a fellow camper posing as an Israeli soldier and drag him away – all part of being trained to “resist” the enemy.

Around 100 children under the age of 16 learn from members of Islamic Jihad’s armed wing al Quds Brigades how to strip down an AK-47 assault rifle, crawl through tunnels and run across burning tyres amid the sound of explosions on their assault course.

Full report at:

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013\06\19\story_19-6-2013_pg4_7

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Rouhani once spoke approvingly of hiding Iran atomic work

By Louis Charbonneau

 June 19, 2013

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Years before he became Iran's president-elect, Hassan Rohani spoke approvingly about concealing his nation's nuclear program and said that when Pakistan got atomic bombs and Brazil began enriching uranium, "the world started to work with them."

The comments offer an intriguing window into the past thinking of Rouhani, widely seen as a moderate or pragmatic conservative, whose surprise victory in weekend elections to succeed President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was perceived by the United States and other Western powers as positive - at least at first glance.

Full report at:

http://in.news.yahoo.com/rohani-once-spoke-approvingly-hiding-iran-atomic-051303875.html

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Three people killed in northern Yemen bombing-official

 19 Jun 2013, Reuters

SANAA, June 19 (Reuters) - Three people were killed and eight wounded in a town in northern Yemen on Wednesday when a suicide bomber riding a motorbike blew himself up in a busy market, a security official said.

The attack occurred in Saada, a town near the border with Saudi Arabia and about 130 km (80 mile) north of the capital, Sanaa. Saada has been under the control of Shi'ite Houthi rebels for several years.

Full report at:

http://www.trust.org/item/20130619075608-wbf63/?source%20=%20hpbreaking

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Turkish official approves 'standing man' protest

Associated Press

 Jun 19 2013

Turkey : The new form of resistance that is spreading through Turkey has received a nod of approval from the country's deputy prime minister. Bulent Arinc told reporters Wednesday that the protest by hundreds of people standing motionless for hours in streets and squares were peaceful and "pleasing to the eye.''

He urged protesters, however, not to obstruct traffic and not to endanger their health. It was the first government comment on the passive protest that was started by a lone protester who stood still for some eight hours on Istanbul's Taksim Square on Monday.

Full report at:

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/turkish-official-approves--standing-man--protest/1131080/

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Israeli general warns of unrest if no peace talks

AP | Jun 18, 2013

JERUSALEM: Failure to restart Israeli-Palestinian negotiations could stir unrest in the West Bank, Israel's top army commander in the territory warned on Tuesday.

Maj. Gen. Nitzan Alon, who commands the Israeli military in the West Bank, said Tuesday that US secretary of state John Kerry's efforts helped calm the situation in the West Bank.

Kerry has visited the region four times since taking office in February to try to revive negotiations on the terms of Palestinian statehood that broke off in 2008.

Full report at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Israeli-general-warns-of-unrest-if-no-peace-talks/articleshow/20653361.cms

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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/religion-legitimises-sodomy-name-jihad/d/12161

 

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