World Cup Fans In Qatar Introduced To Islam at a Village Mosque In Doha by Multilingual Male and Female Preachers
New Age Islam News Bureau
24 November 2022
Katara Cultural Village Mosque in Qatar’s capital of Doha has become the focus of attention for World Cup fans who want to get to know about Islam.
-----
• Taliban Confirm First Floggings, Three Women And 11
Men, Since Supreme Leader Orders Enforcing Islamic Law
• Coastal Karnataka, Often Referred To As The
‘Hindutva Factory’, Falling Into Islamic Radicalisation Trap
• Pakistan PM Picks Lt Gen Asim Munir As New Army
Chief
• Iran 'Must Never Acquire A Nuclear Weapon,' UK Says
Arab World
• No Official FIFA World Cup Invite To Zakir Naik,
Qatar Tells India: Sources
• Iran, Saudi Arabia tension-easing talks move from
security to diplomatic phase: Iraq
• Egypt’s president orders developing training
programmes for imams
• Iraq to redeploy federal forces along border with
Iran and Turkey
• Nearly 500 Kurdish targets in Iraq, Syria were hit,
Turkish defence minister says
• World Cup fans have mixed reactions to accommodation
in Qatar
• Yemen rebels withdraw congratulations to Saudi
Arabia over World Cup win
• ‘It’s possible’: Turkey’s Erdogan does not rule out
dialogue with Syria's Assad
• Opposition group blasts Bahraini regime over
‘lingering death’ of jailed activist
--------
South Asia
• Khalilzad Urges Islamic Emirate to Start
Consultative Process
• Islamic Emirate Accuses US of not Living Up to Doha
Agreement
• Muttaqi: World Will Eventually Recognize the Islamic
Emirate
• Taliban Requests Afghan Refugees to Abstain from
Protesting in Pakistan and Iran
• Afghan Investors Exhibit Domestic Products in Kabul
• Now, 400 loudspeakers in Kabul as Taliban encourages
worshippers to pray more
--------
India
• Muslim Candidates Galore In Minority-Dominated Seats
Of Gujarat
• Over Allegations Of 'Love Jihad' VHP, Bajrang Dal
Activists Thrash Muslim Students In Surat College On Camera
• The Accused Yunus Pasha Alias Fayaz Mohammed Rapes,
Blackmails Teen To Convert To Islam In Karnataka, Arrested
• Ahmedabad's Lucky Tea stall built on Muslim
graveyard shows the way
• Afghan’s arrest links Noida plant to Mundra drug
haul: Gujarat ATS
--------
Pakistan
• In last speech, Pakistan army chief slams critics
for ‘anti-military narrative’
• Pakistan urges global action on Islamophobia
• JUI kick-starts anti-PTI, anti-KP govt rallies from
today
• ‘Delusional mindset’: ISPR hits back at Indian army
official for remarks about taking control of parts of AJK
• Interior ministry asks PTI to postpone Pindi rally
over ‘terror’ threats
• Terrorist involved in six cops’ death killed in
Lakki Marwat IBO
• Pakistan, Saudi deputy foreign ministers discuss
bilateral relationship
--------
Europe
• Germany calls on UN Rights Council to ‘raise voice’
for Iran’s people
• EU rejects claims it has been exporting goods to
Russia via Türkiye
--------
Southeast Asia
• China Appears To Ease Up On Islamic Worship In
Xinjiang, But Uyghurs Aren’t Buying It
• Anwar Ibrahim Appointed New Malaysia Prime Minister,
Ending Decades-Long Wait
• Santiago insinuated Naik responsible for LTTE
supporters’ arrest, court told
• PN Supporters Didn’t Wave Taliban Flags, Says Penang
Police Chief
• Malaysian king calls council of sultans to resolve
election crisis
• BN chief Zahid accused of lying to Malaysian King,
going against coalition’s stance
--------
Mideast
• Hezbollah Hails 'Heroic' Al-Quds Operations, Says It
Shows Rejection Of Israeli Occupation
• Iranian Deputy FM Urges West to Quit
Double-Standards on Human Rights
• President Rayeesi Calls on Independent States to
Batter Sanctions
• FM: Western-Led Conspiracy to Foment Civil War in
Iran Thwarted
• Nuclear Chief: No Undeclared Atomic Site in Iran,
IAEA Under Israeli Influence
• Iran Calls on Iraqis to Avoid Terrorists' Hideouts
in Kurdistan Region
• FM: Differences Still Remain Between Iran, US in N.
Talks
• Iran warns of more action over ‘threats’ from Kurds
in neighbouring Iraq
• Erdogan does not rule out dialogue with Syria's
Assad
--------
Africa
• Somali Army Kills 49 Al-Shabaab Terrorists
• Nigeria unveils new bank notes in bid to control
liquidity
• 11 killed in attack on camp sheltering displaced
people in Mali
• Libyan parliament sacks allied central bank governor
over graft
--------
North America
• Muslim, Christian Parents Sue Ohio School Board Over
Transgender Bathroom And Locker Room Policies
• American Muslim's family thank Emirati community for
funeral turnout
• Mexican fan converts to Islam on 2nd day of FIFA
World Cup in Qatar
• Two Americans injured in twin blasts in Jerusalem:
US ambassador to Israel
• US sanctions 3 Iranian security officials over
crackdown on protesters
• US’s Blinken Visits Afghan Refugees Awaiting
Resettlement to US in Qatar
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
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World Cup Fans In Qatar Introduced To Islam at a
Village Mosque In Doha by Multilingual Male and Female Preachers
Katara Cultural Village
Mosque in Qatar’s capital of Doha has become the focus of attention for World
Cup fans who want to get to know about Islam.
-----
Serdar Bitmez and Ali Semerci
24.11.2022
DOHA, Qatar
The Katara Cultural Village Mosque in Qatar’s capital
of Doha has become the focus of attention for World Cup fans who want to get to
know about Islam.
Multilingual male and female preachers at the mosque
explain the religion and tolerance of Islam to tourists.
Electronic boards about Islam in more than 30
languages at the door are positioned to allow visitors to view them on their
phones. And booklets introducing Islam in different languages are distributed
to those who want them.
The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs in Qatar
also launched a pavilion to introduce Islam and its teachings during the World
Cup 2022.
World Cup fans encounter hadiths -- words, actions or
habits of Prophet Muhammad -- on the walls of streets, describing the
importance of good deeds.
The opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2022 was
last Sunday at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor.
The tournament’s official mascot, La’eeb, whose name
is an Arabic word that means super-skilled player, along with the flags of all
32 participating nations were waving on the field.
Source: Anadolu Agency
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original story:
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/life/world-cup-fans-in-qatar-introduced-to-islam/2746647
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Taliban Confirm First Floggings, Three Women And 11
Men, Since Supreme Leader Orders Enforcing Islamic Law
In this picture taken on
October 21, 2022, Taliban fighters ride a vehicle as Afghan men play cricket at
the Chaman-e-Huzuri ground in Kabul. (AFP)
-----
NOVEMBER 24, 2022
Three women and 11 men were flogged Wednesday on the
orders of an Afghan court after they were found guilty of theft and “moral
crimes", a provincial official said.
The lashings are the first to be confirmed since the
Taliban’s supreme leader ordered judges this month to fully enforce Islamic
law, or sharia, saying corporal punishment was obligatory for certain crimes.
Qazi Rafiullah Samim, head of information and culture
for Logar province, told AFP the lashings were not administered publicly.
“Fourteen people were given discretionary punishment,
of which 11 were men and three were women," he said,
“The maximum number of lashes for anyone was 39."
Supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada ordered judges
this month to fully enforce aspects of Islamic law that include public
executions, stonings and floggings, and the amputation of limbs for thieves.
“Carefully examine the files of thieves, kidnappers
and seditionists," he said, according to the Taliban’s chief spokesman.
“Those files in which all the sharia conditions of
hudud and qisas have been fulfilled, you are obliged to implement."
Hudud refers to offences for which corporal punishment
is mandated, while qisas translates as “retaliation in kind" — effectively
an eye for an eye.
Social media has been awash for months with videos and
pictures of Taliban fighters meting out summary floggings to people accused of
various offences.
However, this is the first time that officials have
confirmed such punishment ordered by a court.
Akhundzada, who has not been filmed or photographed in
public since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, rules by decree from
Kandahar, the movement’s birthplace and spiritual heartland.
The Taliban regularly carried out punishments in
public during their first rule that ended in late 2001, including floggings and
executions at the national stadium.
Source: News18
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original story:
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Coastal Karnataka, Often Referred To As The ‘Hindutva Factory’, Falling Into
Islamic Radicalisation Trap
The coastal belt, especially
during elections,is often referred to as the ‘Hindutva factory’
------
Nov 23, 2022,
MANGALURU: The coastal belt, especially during
elections, is often referred to as the ‘Hindutva factory’. However, the Islamic
radicalisation of the coast is becoming a matter of concern with definitive
link with the world of terror coming to light when police had arrested four
persons for alleged links with Indian Mujahideen in 2008. According to an
official, several radical elements have taken advantage of the situation of the
region and indoctrinated the youth of this region. There have been reports that
the Kerala module is being followed here.
In January this year, the National Investigation
Agency (NIA) in cooperation with Karnataka police arrested an IS operative
Deepthi Marla alias Maryam, wife of Anas Abdul Rahiman from Ullal in connection
with an investigation of a case. A probe revealed that after the decline of IS
Caliphate in Syria/Iraq, Deepthi Marla and Mohd Ameen had visited Kashmir in
January and March 2020 for Hijrah (religious migration) and for engaging in
terrorist acts and supporting the activities of IS. An investigation has also
revealed that Deepthi was the kingpin of the instant IS conspiracy along with
Mohd Ameen.
Hence, the cooker bomb case is not the first instance
of youth being influenced and inspired by international terrorist organisations
and being active in the region.
The activities of Mohammed Shariq, an accused in the
low-intensity blast in Mangaluru, came to light about two years ago. In the
first week of December 2020, the city police had Shariq and Mazz Muneer Ahmed,
who was then a third-year engineering student studying in the city and working
for an online food delivery company for writing pro-terror graffiti on the wall
of a building in East police station and a wall in the North police station
limits.
A week later Sadat, a resident of Thirthahalli and
reportedly Shariq’s relative was also picked up. The graffiti read, “Do not
force us to invite Lashkar-e-Taiba and Taliban to deal with Sanghis and
Manuvadis. #Lashkar Zindabad,” and “Gustakh E Rasool Ki Ek Hi Saza Sar Tan Se
Jude.” After writing the graffiti on the wall, it is alleged that the accused
took pictures of it and uploaded them on social media. Shariq’s immediate
handler Arafath Ali is absconding and is suspected to be in Dubai.
ADGP (law and order) Alok Kumar said officers will be
sensitized and the neighbourhood watch scheme will be strengthened in an
attempt to keep a check on criminal activities.
The neighbourhood watch includes educating residents
of a community on security and safety and achieving safe and secure
neighbourhoods.
Also, the stress is on increasing coverage of CCTVs.
Source: Times Of India
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original story:
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Pakistan PM Picks Lt Gen Asim Munir As New Army Chief
Lieutenant General Asim
Munir. Credit: DawnNews
----
Nov 24, 2022
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on
Thursday chose Lt Gen Asim Munir as the new Army chief to replace incumbent
General Qamar Javed Bajwa.
Bajwa, 61, is scheduled to retire on November 29 after
a three-year extension. He has ruled out seeking another extension.
Lt Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza had been picked as the
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC).
New COAS (Chief of Army Staff) Lt Gen Munir is from
the Frontier Force Regiment, and has led the nation’s elite spy agencies- the
Inter-Services Intelligence that focuses on security and military intelligence.
He has served under Bajwa’s direct command in the
often-troubled northern areas that border Afghanistan, China and India.
Imran Khan had removed Munir as ISI chief within eight
months of his appointment and replaced him with an officer considered close to
him.
Gen Munir was due for retirement on November 27. But
with his appointment as army chief, he will serve for the next three years.
Source: Times Of India
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original story:
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Iran 'Must Never Acquire A Nuclear Weapon,' UK Says
Photo: aa.com
----
Ahmet Gurhan Kartal
23.11.2022
LONDON
Iran "must never acquire a nuclear weapon,"
the British foreign secretary asserted on Wednesday.
"Iran is further expanding their nuclear
programme," James Cleverly said on Twitter, adding that this was "yet
more evidence of the danger the regime poses to global security."
"A regime that brutally oppresses its own people
at home will surely threaten our friends and allies abroad. Iran must never
acquire a nuclear weapon," he added.
Cleverly's remarks followed a joint G-7 statement
condemning Iran's decision ealier this week to ramp up uranium production at
the underground Fordow nuclear facility in response to a resolution passed by
the UN's nuclear watchdog.
The International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA)
35-member board of governors had asked Iran last week to urgently cooperate
with its investigation into uranium traces found at three undeclared sites.
The enrichment up to 60% purity is still below the
roughly 90% required for weapons-grade material but is still far higher than
what Iran agreed to enrich under the 2015 nuclear deal.
Source: Anadolu Agency
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original story:
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/iran-must-never-acquire-a-nuclear-weapon-uk-says/2746537
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Arab World
No
official FIFA World Cup invite to Zakir Naik, Qatar tells India: Sources
Geeta
Mohan
Nov
23, 2022
No
official invitation was extended to fugitive Islamic preacher Zakir Naik to
attend the opening of the FIFA World Cup in Doha, Qatar conveyed to India
through diplomatic channels, sources told India Today.
According
to sources, Qatar has called the earlier reports deliberate “disinformation”
being spread by third countries to adversely impact India-Qatar bilateral
relations.
The
statement came after New Delhi told Doha that it would be forced to call off
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankar’s visit to the FIFA World Cup inauguration if
Islamist Zakir Naik is formally invited to watch the grand inauguration of the
event from the VVIP box.
Controversial
televangelist Zakir Naik faces multiple cases of money laundering and hate speech
in India and his organization Islamic Research Foundation is banned in the
country. Naik is also accused of encouraging and assisting IRF’s followers in
“promoting or attempting to promote feelings of enmity, hatred, or ill-will
between different religious communities and groups.”
One
of the charges against Naik is that he was involved in forceful conversions.
Based on evidence, a chargesheet was filed against him for converting people of
other religions to Islam.
Zakir
Naik has been living in exile in Malaysia since 2017 as a runaway fugitive
after India pressed money laundering charges against him.
Even
though Naik has permanent residency in Malaysia, he was banned from giving
speeches in the country in 2020 in the interests of “national security”.
Source:
India Today
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
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Iran,
Saudi Arabia tension-easing talks move from security to diplomatic phase: Iraq
23
November 2022
The
spokesman for Iraq’s foreign ministry says tension-easing talks between Iran
and Saudi Arabia brokered by Baghdad have made tangible progress and moved from
security to the diplomatic phase.
In
remarks published by the official Iraqi News Agency on Wednesday, Ahmed
al-Sahhaf said Baghdad is mediating talks between the representatives of the
two Persian Gulf neighbors, underway since April last year.
“The
Iraqi foreign ministry is working on forging multiple strategic partnership
agreements,” Sahhaf said.
“The
accords are aimed at ensuring the security and stability of the region.
Regional stability is only achieved through concerted efforts to attain common
interests.”
The
spokesman stressed “the importance of strengthening dialogue mechanisms among
regional parties,” noting that the Iraqi foreign ministry is using all
available diplomatic channels for the purpose.
Sahhaf
remarked that Baghdad is trying to bring the positions of Iran and Saudi Arabia
closer and resolve lingering issues between the two countries in a way that
would secure the interests of each party.
The
remarks come after Iraq’s new prime minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani at his
first press conference on November 2 said he hopes to continue hosting talks
between Iran and Saudi Arabia aimed at rapprochement.
Sudani
said his administration had received signs of interest in Iraq continuing to
facilitate a dialogue between the two countries.
“We
were asked to continue,” he said at the time, without providing any further
information.
Back
in July, Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian lauded the
“constructive” role played by Iraq in advancing the regional dialogue and said
there has been “progress” in the last five rounds of talks with Saudi Arabia.
Saudi
Arabia’s foreign minister also said his country intends to establish a close
and friendly relationship with Iran.
“We
certainly have the intent to build a positive relationship with our neighbors
in Iran,” Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud told English-language France 24
television news network in an interview on the sidelines of the 77th UN General
Assembly in New York.
He,
however, added that there were still differences with Tehran that currently
prevented his meeting with Amir-Abdollahian.
Saudi
Arabia severed diplomatic relations with Iran in January 2016 after Iranian
protesters, enraged by the execution of prominent Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr Baqir
al-Nimr by the Saudi regime, stormed its embassy in Tehran.
The
kingdom then pursued a confrontational foreign policy toward the Islamic
Republic, especially during the administration of former US president Donald
Trump, with whom the Saudi rulers shared close ties.
Saudi
Arabia appears to have recently changed its antagonistic course, showing
willingness through diplomatic channels and third parties to mend fences with
Tehran and resume bilateral relations.
The
two neighbors remain deeply divided over a set of regional issues, mainly the
destructive and protracted Saudi war on Yemen.
Amir-Abdollahian:
Saudi Arabia has not yet honored bilateral agreements
Meanwhile,
on Wednesday, Iran’s foreign minister told reporters at a press conference in
the Iranian capital city of Tehran that the Islamic Republic has already
fulfilled its commitments under the agreements negotiated during talks in
Baghdad, but the Saudi side has yet to adhere to its obligations.
“We
consider dialogue and cooperation between Tehran and Riyadh to be useful,
suitable and effective for peace and security in the region.
“Nevertheless,
a Saudi-owned media outlet has been provoking terror and fanning the flames of
riots in Iran for the past eight weeks. We have voiced our complaint and
criticism to Saudi authorities. The Islamic Republic of Iran views the media
campaign as unconstructive and in violation of the agreements reached between
Iranian and Saudi delegations in Baghdad,” Amir-Abdollahian pointed out.
Source:
Press TV
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
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Egypt’s
president orders developing training programmes for imams
23
Nov 2022
El-Sisi
ordered developing the programmes given the important role of the imams in
spreading enlightened religious discourse that aims to help muslims employ
discernment and good judgement in understanding life and the teachings of Islam
and Sharia.
During
the meeting, El-Sisi also affirmed the need for good management of the Ministry
of Religous Endowment's assets and their development, and for providing an
estimate of the ministry’s entitlements according to their fair market value.
Over
the past years, El-Sisi has called for reforming the religious discourse on
more than one occasion to confront extremist thought and waves of terrorism.
Source: Ahram
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/480365.aspx
--------
Iraq
to redeploy federal forces along border with Iran and Turkey
24
November ,2022
Baghdad
said Wednesday it planned to redeploy federal guards along its border with Iran
and Turkey, after repeated bombardments from both neighbouring countries
against opposition groups in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region.
The
announcement appeared to respond in particular to Iran, which had publicly
urged such a move.
Authorities
have decided to “establish a plan to redeploy Iraqi border guards... along the
border with Iran and Turkey”, a statement said, issued after a government security
meeting overseen by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.
The
initiative will be “in coordination with the government of the Kurdistan region
and the peshmerga ministry”, the statement added, referring to the Kurdish
regional forces whose chief was also present at the meeting.
Iraqi
Kurdistan's borders are currently guarded by the peshmerga, who however work in
the area under the direction of the federal defence ministry in Baghdad.
Iran
has blamed outside powers and exiled Kurdish groups for stoking a wave of
protests sparked by the September 16 death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old
Iranian Kurd who died after being arrested by Tehran's morality police.
Iran's
Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian warned earlier Wednesday that Tehran
would continue to act against “threats” from abroad.
Iran's
military operations inside Iraqi Kurdistan will continue until Baghdad's
national forces are stationed on the border and “we will no longer need to act
to defend our territorial integrity”, he said.
Earlier
this week, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani expressed hope
Iraq's government would deploy “border guards at the common border, so that
Iran does not have to take other deterrent measures to repel threats.”
On
Tuesday, a peshmerga delegation met with interior and defence ministry
representatives in Baghdad.
They
“decided on a strategy aimed at enhancing border security and on implementation
procedures that will be followed in the near future”, a statement from the
Kurdish authorities said.
On
Wednesday, Lawk Ghafuri, head of foreign media relations in Kurdistan, also
told AFP that the “Kurdistan regional government will be sending peshmerga
forces as reinforcement at the border”.
Iraqi
Kurdistan has since the 1980s hosted several Iranian-Kurdish opposition groups
which have in the past waged an armed insurrection against Tehran.
In
recent years their activities have declined, but the new wave of protests in
Iran has again stoked tensions.
Source: Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Nearly
500 Kurdish targets in Iraq, Syria were hit, Turkish defence minister says
23
November ,2022
Turkish
Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said Wednesday that Turkey’s military had hit
nearly 500 Kurdish targets across Iraq and Syria as part of a campaign of air
strikes.
“So
far 471 targets have been struck and 254 terrorists were neutralized in the
operation,” Akar was quoted as saying by the official Anadolu news agency.
Ankara
began the series of air strikes as part of Operation Claw-Sword on Sunday.
President
Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday threatened to launch a ground operation into
Syria “with tanks and soldiers” in defiance of international pressure not to do
so.
Turkey’s
air raids followed a bombing in Istanbul on November 13 that killed six people
and wounded 81.
Turkey
blamed the attack on the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which is blacklisted
as a terror group by the European Union and the United States.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
World
Cup fans have mixed reactions to accommodation in Qatar
24
November ,2022
For
scores of foreign football fans, the road to the World Cup in Doha starts every
morning at a campsite in the middle of the desert.
Visitors
who found hotels in central Doha booked up or far beyond their budget have
settled for the faraway, tent village in Al Khor, where there are no locks on
tents or alcohol for purchase. Others simply wanted an adventure.
On
Wednesday, a DJ blasted electronic dance music as a smattering of fans lounged
on beanbags, sipped sodas and gazed up at screens, around an hour from Doha.
Some
said they enjoyed the setting, but lamented the transportation arrangements.
“If
you go into transportation they provide, it’s like a mess, because you have to
take one bus, then another bus, then get to the Lusail train station,” said
Paola Bernal from Mexico.
Meanwhile
at the Free Zone Fan Village, in the desert south of Doha, fans were lugging
suitcases across large swaths of artificial turf under the glare of stadium
lights.
The
manufactured cabins are some of the cheapest available accommodation, starting
at roughly $200 a night.
“Hospitality
is very poor. Very poor. We came here in the morning, but we stood on a queue
for a very long time just to get our rooms. And when we got our rooms, it was
all messy,” said Aman Mohammed from India.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Yemen
rebels withdraw congratulations to Saudi Arabia over World Cup win
Ahmed
Asmar
23.11.2022
Yemen’s
Houthi rebels have withdrawn their congratulations to Saudi Arabia over their
historic World Cup win against Argentina.
Saudi
Arabia defeated Argentina 2-1 in their World Cup opener on Tuesday.
"A
thousand congratulations for the victory of the Saudi national team over its
Argentina team. This victory put Arab football back on the map," Daifallah
al-Shami, a member of the Houthi political bureau, tweeted. He, however,
removed his tweet moments later.
Another
congratulatory message by Abdul-Qader al-Mortada, head of Houthi committee for
prisoners' affairs, was also removed. No explanation was provided by Houthi
rebels for the removal of the congratulatory messages.
Houthi
rebels and Saudi Arabia have been at war since Riyadh and its Sunni allies
launched a military campaign against Houthis in 2015 to reinstall the
internationally recognized government in Yemen, which was unseated by the
Iran-aligned rebels a year earlier.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
‘It’s
possible’: Turkey’s Erdogan does not rule out dialogue with Syria's Assad
23
November 2022
Turkish
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Wednesday that a meeting with Syrian
counterpart Bashar al-Assad is a possibility, suggesting that the two sides are
close to mending fences after 11 years.
Turkey
has for the past 11 years backed armed terrorists that unsuccessfully sought to
topple the democratically-elected government of Assad, with Erdogan even
calling him a "murderer".
Asked
by a reporter in the parliament whether he could meet with the Syrian leader,
Erdogan said “it is possible”.
"It's
possible. There's no room for resentment in politics. Ultimately, steps are
taken under the most favorable conditions,” the Turkish leader said, hinting at
reconciliation.
The
Turkish leader echoed remarks he made last week on revisiting relations with
Assad following the presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for June
next year.
Erdogan
said there was no eternal resentment or quarrelling in politics, according to a
readout of comments he made during his flight back from Bali.
Despite
the two leaders not holding a meeting so far, top spies of the two countries
have been in contact over the past few months, according to reports.
Ankara
snapped its diplomatic ties with Damascus in 2011 in the initial stage of the
protracted foreign-backed war. In recent months, the two estranged neighbors
have made soft overtures in an attempt to open a new chapter in their
relations.
In
August, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Ankara does not have
preconditions for dialogue with the Syrian government
“There
cannot be a condition for dialogue but what is the aim of these contacts? The
country needs to be cleared of terrorists... People need to be able to return,”
Cavusoglu said at the time.
“No
conditions for dialogue but what is the aim, the target? It needs to be
goal-oriented,” he hastened to add.
Erdogan’s
remarks came two days after he said Ankara will launch a ground operation in
northern Iraq and northern Syria to eliminate what he claimed to be “terrorist
threats.”
The
Turkish military has carried out airstrikes against Kurdish-led militant bases
in northern Syria and Iraq in recent days following a deadly bomb attack in
Istanbul earlier this month.
Code-named
Operation Claw-Sword, it is a cross-border aerial campaign against bases of the
Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) militant group and the Syrian Kurdish People's
Protection Units (YPG) militants, which Turkey considers a terrorist
organization and a wing of the PKK.
The
PKK has been seeking an autonomous Kurdish region in Turkey since 1984.
On
Wednesday, reports said Turkey attacked some Kurdish positions inside a Russian
base in Syria, as a result of which one militant of the so-called Syrian
Democratic Forces (SDF) was killed.
Farhad
Shami, an official of the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), said that
in the fresh drone attack, three members of the SDF were wounded, and one
person was killed.
Meanwhile,
a Kremlin official said Tuesday that he hoped Turkey would refrain from using
"excessive force" in Syria amid escalating tensions in a multi-year
war.
Russian
presidential envoy in Syria Alexander Lavrentyev expressed hope that “it will
be possible to convince our Turkish partners to refrain from excessive use of
force on the Syrian territory."
“We
will, of course, call on our Turkish colleagues to show a certain restraint in
order to prevent an escalation of tension, and an escalation of tension not
only in the north, but also in the entire territory of Syria," Lavrentyev
was quoted as saying by the Russian state news agencies in the Kazakh capital,
Astana, ahead of talks on Syria.
Source:
Press TV
Please
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Opposition
group blasts Bahraini regime over ‘lingering death’ of jailed activist
23
November 2022
A
Bahraini opposition movement has blasted the Al Khalifah regime over its harsh
measures against jailed human rights activists and pro-democracy campaigners in
the country, warning of prominent opposition leader Hasan Mushaima's
"lingering death".
“It
is no secret that the Al Khalifah regime is exercising flagrant and deliberate
medical neglect against distinguished opposition figure and Secretary-General
of Haq Movement for Civil Liberties and Democracy, Hasan Mushaima, who has been
incarcerated in prison since 2011,” said the February 14 Youth Coalition.
February
14 Youth Coalition, also known as The Coalition, is a Bahraini youth movement
led by anonymous individuals, taking its name from the date when the popular
uprising against the ruling Manama regime began.
It
added that the 74-year-old veteran political dissident has not received proper
medication and treatment even though he suffers from chronic diseases.
“Prison
officials have been intentionally delaying provision of necessary medicine to
Mushaima, and adamantly refused to take him to hospital for examinations and
required treatments, until his health condition deteriorated sharply," the
group said in the statement.
“Under
pressure from him and his family, he was finally transferred to Hamad Kanoo
Health Center in the city of Riffa, but his situation did not improve much. His
relatives were repeatedly prevented from visiting him, prompting them to stage
a sit-in protest in front of the medical center for two straight days.”
It
further noted that Bahraini regime forces raided the sit-in, arbitrarily
arrested the protesters and took them to Hoora Police Station in the capital
Manama.
“We
call upon our noble people to express firm solidarity with Mushaima, and other
political prisoners. We hold the Al Khalifa regime fully responsible for his
life, especially as he is suffering from a terminal illness, and is languishing
in prisons with a life sentence.
“Since
his arrest in March 2011, prison authorities have neglected his healthcare and
his right to receive required treatment. They have also prevented his family
from visiting him. Such measures are indicative of the extent of repression
that the regime is practicing against opposition figures which could be best
described as slow death as a result of deliberate medical negligence,” the
February 14 Youth Coalition stated.
Meanwhile,
Bahrain's leading Shia cleric Sheikh Isa Qassim has reaffirmed his support for
all Bahraini political prisoners and human rights defenders, and urged people
not to forget them.
“Political
prisoners should not be forgotten, as such an approach amounts to a downfall of
national, religious, moral and patriotic values. They were imprisoned only
because of their struggle for the rights and dignity of the Bahraini nation,”
he wrote in a tweet.
Sheikh
Qassim stressed that the imprisonment of political activists is a tragedy for
the entire Bahraini nation.
Anti-regime
demonstrations have been regularly held in Bahrain since the popular uprising
began in mid-February 2011.
Source:
Press TV
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South Asia
Khalilzad
Urges Islamic Emirate to Start Consultative Process
By
Banafsha Binesh
November
24, 2022
The
former US special envoy for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, urged the Islamic
Emirate to start a “consultative process” for governance.
Khalilzad
made the remarks in an interview with TRT World.
He
said that the Islamic Emirate’s policies “have to respect the views of a
broader society.”
“Taliban
are making some serious mistakes in my view. They appear to be repeating some
of the mistakes that we see in Afghanistan in the last 40 years,” Khalilzad
said.
He
said that the communist government in Afghanistan resulted in civil war.
“In
1978, the communist party faction took power and then they moved against
everyone else and that led to a civil war,” Khalilzad said.
The
analysts give various opinions on the matter.
“As
an Afghan, I call on the Islamic Emirate to resume intra-Afghan negotiations.
First, those who are inside and outside the country should be talked with and
accept their legitimate concerns,” said Amanullah Hotaki, a political analyst.
The
residents of Kabul also urged the Islamic Emirate to hold national dialogues to
address the current challenges in the country.
“The
people of Afghanistan should all come together and discuss the issues via Jirga
including education and work access to women," said Bilal Rahimi, a
resident of Kabul.
Source:
Tolo News
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https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-180882
--------
Islamic Emirate Accuses US of not Living Up to Doha Agreement
By
Banafsha Binesh
November
24, 2022
The
Islamic Emirate accused Washington of not living up to its side of the
agreement between the two sides signed on February 29, 2020, in Doha.
Islamic
Emirate spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said that the normalization of relations
with Afghanistan and the lifting of sanctions are part of the Doha agreement.
“Some
other points which are mentioned there (agreement), such as removal of
sanctions and normalization of contacts and relations with Afghanistan,
unfortunately, the Americans have not come forward in this regard and we want
them to take practical steps,” said Mujahid said.
“The
agreement was widely violated by the Americans. If we see, since the agreement
was signed, no American has been killed but the Americans--who first said to
first recognize the Islamic Emirate but it has yet to be recognized," said
Mohammad Musa Sadat, a political analyst.
The
Doha agreement focused on four main factors including the withdrawal of foreign
troops, the formation of an inclusive government, intra-Afghan negotiations and
preventing Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for terrorists that could
pose a threat to the US and its allies.
“There
are traveling problems sometimes—not due to political issues or economic issues
but it is because of those who imposed sanctions,” Mujahid said.
“It
is better that the two sides sit together and complete the negotiations on the
issues which are not fulfilled yet. And reform the issues that have been
violated," said Aziz Maarij, a former diplomat.
“The
Doha agreement takes us closer to political legitimacy at the international
level,” said Sayed Zia Hosseini, an international relations analyst.
However,
the full details of the Doha agreement have not been shared with the people of
Afghanistan, but many political leaders called for a national dialogue to
discuss the formation of a broad government.
Source:
Tolo News
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https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-180880
--------
Muttaqi:
World Will Eventually Recognize the Islamic Emirate
By
Nasir Ahmad Salehi
November
24, 2022
Acting
Minister of Foreign Affairs Amir Khan Muttaqi appeared optimistic about the
recognition of the Islamic Emirate by the international community.
Speaking
at the graduation ceremony of the police officers in the western province of
Herat, Muttaqi said the situation will get better, but the new recruits must
work hard to keep the support of the people.
“Eventually
the world will reach a point and recognize (the Islamic Emirate) and will
engage with you and will travel but if you stay as disciplined as you are now
and the people support you as they do now,” he said.
More
than 500 police officers graduated after receiving short-term training in
Herat.
“The
world is surprised at how an army or police who were in the frontline against
the invaders over the past 20 years are now active in the cities and are formed
like a proper army,” Muttaqi said.
The
graduates are expected to be deployed in the western provinces of Farah, Herat
and Ghor.
“We
assure you that all the forces will be provided with disciplined uniforms and
will take responsibility with a proper uniform in the cities,” said Mohammad
Ismail Hedayat, commander of the police training center in the western zone of
Afghanistan.
Source:
Tolo News
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https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-180878
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Taliban
Requests Afghan Refugees to Abstain from Protesting in Pakistan and Iran
By
Saqalain Eqbal
November
23, 2022
The
Taliban Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation has requested Afghan refugees
refrain from taking part in protests in Pakistan and Iran.
Afghan
refugees were urged not to participate in the protests since they were
Pakistani and Iranian domestic affairs, according to Abdul Rahman Rashid, the
Taliban’s deputy minister for refugees and repatriation.
The
Taliban representative said in a video message that was released on November 23
that “the demonstrations are their (Iran and Pakistan’s) domestic affairs,
their people are demonstrating, do not ruin your life.”
Iranian
woman Mahsa Amini, 22, died while being held by the Iranian Morality Police for
not observing the mandatory hijab, prompting an unprecedented flurry of public
protests against the Iranian government.
These
widespread protests sparked by Amini’s death, are one of the biggest challenges
faced by the Iranian government and leadership after the 1979 revolution.
Prior
to the Taliban taking control of Afghanistan, 3.4 million Afghan
immigrants—nearly two million of them were undocumented—lived in Iran,
according to statistics from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
However,
UNHCR said that after August of last year when the Taliban took control of
Afghanistan, hundreds of thousands of Afghans fled to Iran.
After
Imran Khan, the former prime minister of Pakistan, was ousted, violent protests
by his supporters occurred parallel with protests in Iran.
While
the ousted PM of Pakistan sustained a shot in his leg in a protest on November
6, he stated that the protest marches towards Islamabad will resume.
Source:
Khaama Press
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Afghan
Investors Exhibit Domestic Products in Kabul
By
Arif Ahmadi
November
23, 2022
Kabul,
Afghanistan – While Afghanistan economy continue to suffer since the takeover
last August, local businesses tend to defy the odds, holding exhibition to
showcase domestic products in Kabul Tuesday.
The
exhibition initiated by the Afghanistan Traders & Investors Union (ATIU),
with the support of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), started on
Tuesday at Qasr-e-Naween of Afghan capital Kabul.
“In
this three-day exhibition, various local and foreign products have been set for
display and sell in more than a hundred booths,” said the Director of
Government Media and Information Center (GMIC), Inamullah Samangani on a
thread.
According
to Samangani, the industrial sectors need to be supported in order to reach
self-sufficiency, saying “this is the time for us to rely on our own strength
and increase our exports and domestic products.”
The
Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) said that efforts are underway in
support of domestic products and private sectors, hopping such exhibitions will
be held outside the country to promote Afghan products.
“We
are hoping for a day that such exhibitions will be held in Arabic countries
like the UAE, and other countries like China and Central Asia as well as
neighboring countries,” said Nooruddin Azizi, acting Minister of the MoIC, as
TOLOnews quoted.
Meanwhile,
participants of the exhibition expressed optimism, saying that such exhibitions
can increase markets for their products in an international level.
Women
entrepreneurs also attended the exhibition.
The
ongoing political crisis since the takeover last August has “hit hard” private
sectors in Afghanistan, where businesses were halted and put to uncertainty,
according to a latest survey conducted by the World Bank.
Due
to shortage in sells, private companies have laid off more than a half of their
employees on average, a rising concern on unemployment rate in the country.
“The
majority of surveyed businesses reported a drastic decline in consumer demand
for their products and services and have been forced to scale back operations,
reduce investments, and lay off employees,” the report said.
According
to the survey, small enterprises have been hit hardest with about 38 percent of
them seizing operation, comparing to a 25 percent among medium and 35 percent
among large businesses in the country.
The
finding shows Afghan domestic inputs have become more expensive and yet
difficult to obtain due to supplier closure and supply chain disruptions, which
all lead to price inflation since the beginning of political uncertainty.
Source: Khaama Press
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https://www.khaama.com/afghan-investors-exhibit-domestic-products-in-kabul/
--------
Now,
400 loudspeakers in Kabul as Taliban encourages worshippers to pray more
Nov
23, 2022
By
Mallika Soni
Hundreds
of loudspeakers have been installed in Afghanistan's capital Kabul to encourage
worshippers to attend prayers, the Taliban's religious enforcers said. The
ministry for the promotion of virtue and prevention of vice said that hundreds
of empty shops and other buildings that were not in use have been converted
into mosques to give everyone the opportunity to pray communally, AFP reported.
"During
the previous government, some of the loudspeakers were removed and people were
not able to listen to the Azan (call to prayer)," the ministry said adding
that 400 loudspeakers had been installed in different parts of Kabul "so
the people could listen to the Azan at the same time".
As
Taliban continue to introduce strict rules and regulations in Afghanistan,
since they returned to power in August last year, in accordance with Islamic
sharia law, women have largely been squeezed out of public life.
Earlier
this month, supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada ordered judges to fully
enforce Islamic law which includes public executions, stonings and floggings,
and the amputation of limbs for thieves.
Source:
Hindustan Times
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India
Muslim
Candidates Galore In Minority-Dominated Seats Of Gujarat
Nov
24, 2022
AHMEDABAD:
In Limbayat assembly seat in Surat district, Muslim voters face a problem of
plenty. Comprising 27% of the total electorate, the minority community has the
option to choose from as many as 36 Muslim candidates. Out of a total 44
candidates in the fray from this seat, the minority representation is over 80%.
This
election, there is an unusual dash to contest assembly polls from seats that
have a significant Muslim vote share. In Bapunagar constituency in Ahmedabad,
of the total 29 contestants, 10 are Muslim candidates; the seat has 28% Muslim
votes. It was carved out after the 2012 delimitation and had elected a Congress
MLA.
Similarly,
Vejalpur seat, which includes the largest Muslim ghetto of Juhapura, has a 35%
Muslim vote share. Here, nine of the 15candidates are Muslims, all contesting
as Independents.
In
the upcoming assembly polls, there are few Muslim candidates fielded by major
political parties. While BJP has not given a ticket to any Muslim, Congress has
given tickets to six, AAP to three and AIMIM to 13 contestants.
In
such a scenario, while the rush to contest polls by Muslims as Independents is
obvious, the participation is rather overzealous in six seats where Congress
has fielded Muslims. On four of these seats, more than half of the candidates
are Muslims. Take Surat (East), where Congress’s Aslam Cyclewala faces stiff
competition from his own Muslim community as 12 of the total 14 candidates are
Muslims. The seat has 22% Muslim votes.
In
Dariapur constituency in Ahmedabad, which as 46% Muslim votes, five of the
total seven contestants in the battlefield are Muslims. Congress’s Gyasuddin
Sheikh won this seat in 2017 by less than 5,000 votes.
Muslims
are majority voters in Jamalpur-Khadia, where Congress’s Imran Khedawala is
seeking his second term. He is facing seven rivals, of which four are Muslims.
Bharuch’s Vagra is no different with six Muslim candidates contesting out of
total nine. In this seat, which BJP won by 14,000 votes, Congress has fielded
Suleman Patel.
Source:
Times Of India
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Over
Allegations Of 'Love Jihad' VHP, Bajrang Dal Activists Thrash Muslim Students
In Surat College On Camera
Nov
23, 2022
A
group of men, faces covered by handkerchiefs and masks, beat up two Muslim
students inside the campus of Mahaveer College in Surat. The video of the
attack has been shared multiple times on social media.
The
men, who claimed to be activists of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Bajrang
Dal, thrashed the two students over allegations of 'love jihad'. However, the
college management has denied the charges.
The
three-minute-long video showed the men raining blows and kicks on the student
as others stood around. As teachers intervened, they dragged him out, while continuing
to thrash and beat him.
The
VHP has linked the assault to the gruesome murder of Shraddha Walkar by her
live-in partner and called it an action taken in self-defence.
Source:
India Today
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The
Accused Yunus Pasha Alias Fayaz Mohammed Rapes, Blackmails Teen To Convert To
Islam In Karnataka, Arrested
Sagay
Raj
Nov
23, 2022
A
man has been charged under the anti-conversion law and the Protection of
Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act by the police in Karnataka for
allegedly blackmailing a 13-year-old girl with compromising pictures and
forcing her to convert to Islam and marry him.
The
accused, identified as Yunus Pasha alias Fayaz Mohammed, lives in the same
neighbourhood as the girl, who is a Hindu.
According
to the police, the accused gifted a smartphone to the girl and they began
talking on video calls. The girl’s family did not know about the phone, they
added.
One
day, the accused took some obscene pictures of the girl on video call and used
them to pressurise her into having physical relations, the police said. When
she refused, he started threatening to disclose their private chats and obscene
photos to her family, they added.
On
November 8, the girl's family went to Shirdi for four days, leaving the girl
home with her grandmother. The accused allegedly took advantage of the
situation and, on November 10, force fed sleeping pills to the girl’s
grandmother by mixing them with her food. When she went unconscious, the
accused allegedly raped the girl.
According
to the complaint filed by the girl’s father on November 19, after returning
from Shirdi on November 12, they saw changes in the girl’s behaviour.
Yunus
promised to marry the girl after allegedly raping her on the condition that she
converted to Islam.
Upset
with this condition, the girl narrated the incident to her family on November
18. The next day, her father filed a rape and blackmail complaint against Yunus
and he was arrested.
The
police found that Yunus is already married and has a child.
Source:
India Today
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--------
Ahmedabad's
Lucky Tea stall built on Muslim graveyard shows the way
23rd
November 2022
AHMEDABAD:
With tables set around a gnarled tree trunk and on either side of graves
cutting through the room, the all vegetarian Lucky tea stall is a local
talisman of sorts, the place where communal divides blur into camaraderie and
comfort.
To
the outsider, the idea of an eatery built on a Muslim graveyard, run by a
Muslim, serving pure vegetarian food and frequented by all communities seems an
anomaly.
Not
so for its customers though, many who believe that Lucky is actually lucky for
them.
Like
Sagar Bhatt, a devout Hindu and a resident of Dariapur, who makes it a point to
stop by for a cuppa every morning after visiting the temple.
"It
feels auspicious to have tea at this place. There is something special about
this place," Bhatt, sporting a red 'tilak' on his forehead, told PTI while
pointing to a grave.
On
one wall is a painting by M F Husain, showing an oasis, camels and a 'kalma' -
'La Ilaha Illallah Muhammadur Rasul Allah' (There is only one God and he is
Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet).
"It
is the only tea shop boasting a Husain painting," said a proud Abdul Rajak
Mansury, who operates the tea stall.
Every
night, the painting by one of India's most valued artists is taken off the wall
and kept away safely.
The
six-decade shop in what is essentially a Muslim-dominated area is a common
person's eating joint, he said.
As
the campaign hots up, the tea stall in Old Ahmedabad's Jamalpur-Khadia is also
an oasis of calm, far removed from the din and aggression of the Gujarat
assembly election being held in two phases on December 1 and 5.
While
the Congress has fielded Imran Khedawala, its sitting MLA, the Aam Aadmi Party
has given a ticket to Haroon Bhai Nagori and the BJP is fielding a Hindu
candidate, Bhushan Bhatt.
The
AIMIM is also contesting the seat with Sabir Kabliwala in the fray.
Talk
of 'dhandha' (business) supersedes 'dharam' (religion) at Lucky - so popular
that the traffic light point is also called Lucky Chowk.
It
is at the centre of several colleges and offices, and a big hit with students
and office-goers.
According
to Bhatt, a small-time construction contractor, economic issues and issues
impacting his business matter more than religious sentiments.
"Sir,
I am following my religion but from the government, I expect to further improve
the economy so that my business flourishes. For us Gujaratis Dhandha sab se
pehle (business comes first)," he said.
On
the menu is the perennial favourite 'bun maska' and a range of Chinese and
Indian dishes. No eggs are used.
College
students Ritu and Tanya said the place is cool. "People feel it is lucky
to have tea here. There is something charming, something random about this
place which makes it cool," said Ritu, a third year commerce student.
The
first-time voter said better jobs and better business environment are bigger
issues for her as a student and daughter of a businessman.
Tanya,
studying chartered accountancy, agreed. "The business environment in maru
Gujarat (my Gujarat) is its USP, it should not be get disturbed at any
cost."
Lucky
started on a handcart under a neem tree, and expanded and developed around the
graveyard as business grew, said Mansury.
The
26 graves have grills around them.
The
staff clean them everyday and place fresh flowers on them.
Some
people put 'chadars' on the graves seeking fulfilment of their wishes.
Source:
New Indian Express
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Afghan’s
arrest links Noida plant to Mundra drug haul: Gujarat ATS
Nov
24, 2022
NEW
DELHI: The recent arrest of an Afghan national from Lajpat Nagar in Delhi is
being linked by the Gujarat anti-terrorist squad officials to the 2,900kg drug
haul in Mundra. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) had, in September
2021, impounded two containers carrying about 2,900kg of heroin at Mundra port,
in what was one of the biggest drug seizures last year.
According
to ATS sources, the 8kg of heroin found in the Afghan national’s possession was
processed by the same factory in Noida that had processed the drugs seized in
Mundra. The ATS sleuths learnt about this connection while interrogating
Hakamtullah Nurullah, the accused. Nurullah is also a suspect in the 50kg
heroin seizure case in Jakhau registered in October this year.
Source:
Times Of India
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Pakistan
In
last speech, Pakistan army chief slams critics for ‘anti-military narrative’
Nov
24, 2022
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan's outgoing army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa Wednesday lashed out at
the "anti-military narrative" of a section of the people and political
establishment, wondering aloud why neighbour India's military is "seldom
the target" of similar criticism within the country despite its record of
"human rights violations".
In
possibly his last public speech as chief of army staff before retiring on November
29, Gen Bajwa said, "Our army, which day and night serves the nation, is
often made the subject of criticism. A major reason for this is the army’s
interference in politics for the last 70 years, which is
unconstitutional."
The
general claimed that under him, the army made a conscious decision to move away
from that template. "This is why, in February last year, the army decided
not to interfere in any political matter. I assure you we are adamant on this
and will remain so," he said.
Gen
Bajwa rued that instead of welcoming the military's decision, "many
sectors used very inappropriate and undignified language while making the army
the target of severe criticism".
In
a veiled reference to ex-PM Imran Khan, the army chief said a "fake and
false narrative was concocted to instil a state of chaos in the country"
and create "an escape route" from this.
Dismissing
Imran’s claim about a "foreign conspiracy" behind the no-trust move
that led to his ouster, Gen Bajwa said if a "regime-change operation"
had indeed taken place at the behest of outside forces, the army wouldn't have
been idle.
"The
Pakistan army has enough opportunities and resources to respond to such a
propaganda, however, it showed courage in the country's larger interest and
refrained from making negative statements," he said during the Defence and
Martyrs' Day ceremony at the army's general headquarters in Rawalpindi.
Source:
Times Of India
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--------
Pakistan
urges global action on Islamophobia
November
24, 2022
Minister
of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar stressed on Wednesday the
importance of continued and robust inter-religious, inter-civilisational and
inter-faith dialogue as a catalyst to promote peaceful co-existence, mutual
understanding, and harmony.
Addressing
the ninth Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC),
being held in Fez, by Morocco, Khar articulated Pakistan’s perspective and
concerns about the growing problem of religious intolerance, discrimination,
Islamophobia and violence worldwide.
She
particularly drew the attention of the delegates towards the state-driven
discrimination, hostility and phobia directed against Muslims and Islam, and
the ensuing climate of impunity for such heinous acts.
“Given
its pervasive and widely documented impacts, it is time for the international
community and the United Nations to formulate an action plan to meaningfully
address the insidious phenomenon of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hatred,” she
said.
UNAOC
was created in 2005 in response to tensions between the Muslim world and the
West in the aftermath of 9/11 attacks in the United States. One of its core
objectives is to advance mutual respect for all cultures, traditions and
religious beliefs.
The
9th Forum is being held under the overarching theme of ‘Towards an Alliance of
Peace: Living Together as One Humanity’. As a member of the UNAOC Group of
Friends, Pakistan has been actively contributing to advancing the Alliance’s
mandate.
Source:
Tribune Pakistan
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https://tribune.com.pk/story/2387904/pakistan-urges-global-action-on-islamophobia
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JUI
kick-starts anti-PTI, anti-KP govt rallies from today
November
23, 2022
ISLAMABAD:
The Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam has announced that it will hold rallies against
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government from Thursday
(today) and announced schedule for the rallies.
According
to the schedule, JUI Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman will kick start party’s
rallies under the banner of Istehkam-e-Pakistan from northern areas on Thursday
(today).
The
JUI will run an awareness campaign against the bad governance of KR government
in the province by holding big protests and taking out rallies. The first rally
under the banner of Istehkam-e-Pakistan will be taken out from Lower Dir on
Thursday, which will be followed by a power show in Mansehra to be addressed
Maulana Fazl on Nov 26. He will also address a public rally in Kohistan the
next day on Nov 27.
On
his arrival in Malakand and Hazara divisions, as many as 2,000 uniformed
volunteers of Ansarul Islam under the command of Muhammad Israr Marwat would
welcome the JUI chief and make arrangements for the security of the rallies.
The
JUI chief would reach Timergarah on Saturday and he would arrive in Kohistan on
Sunday (Nov 27) after a long period. The people of upper and lower Kohistan and
Palis, and leaders of JUI (Kohistan chapter) have made all arrangements to
accord a rousing welcome to their leader.
Source:
Pakistan Today
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‘Delusional
mindset’: ISPR hits back at Indian army official for remarks about taking
control of parts of AJK
November
24, 2022
The
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Thursday denounced a top Indian
military official’s statement about taking control of parts of Azad Kashmir as
an “apt manifestation” of the Indian army’s “delusional mindset”.
“The
unwarranted statement of a high-ranking Indian army officer concerning Azad
Jammu and Kashmir is an apt manifestation of Indian armed forces’ delusional
mindset and showcases the vivid imprint of domestic political showboating on
Indian military thought,” an early morning tweet by the ISPR director general
said.
The
tweet referred to Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi’s statement from Tuesday,
following Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s remarks about “retrieving”
parts of Azad Kashmir and his claims that citizens were subjected to human
rights violations in the region.
According
to Hindustan Times, Dwivedi, who is the general officer commanding-in-chief of
the Indian army’s northern command, responded to the minister’s statement by
underscoring that a resolution on the matter already existed in parliament.
“As
far as the Indian Army is concerned, it will carry out any order given by the
government of India. We are always ready for it,” the report quoted him as
saying.
The
army official from across the border also alleged that “there were around 300
terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir at this time, with another 160 waiting for an
opportunity to cross the LoC (Line of Control) and sneak into India”.
In
its rebuke, the ISPR said: “The fallacious remarks and unfounded allegations of
so-called ‘launch-pads’ and ‘terrorists’ are an attempt to divert attention
from the Indian army’s repressive use of force and gross human rights
violations against innocent, unarmed Kashmiris striving for their right of
self-determination, upheld by international law and enshrined in UN (United
Nations) Security Council resolutions.”
The
military’s media affairs wing further said the Indian officials “lofty claims
and surreal ambition is intellectually insulting.
“[The]
Pakistan military is a force for good and a proponent of regional peace and
stability.”
However,
the ISPR warned, this desire for peace “is matched with our capability and
preparation to thwart any misadventure or aggression against our territory, an
assertion comprehensively validated on numerous occasions, including recently
in the Balakot episode”.
Source:
Dawn
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Interior
ministry asks PTI to postpone Pindi rally over ‘terror’ threats
Iftikhar
A. Khan
November
24, 2022
ISLAMABAD:
Warning of the threat of a terrorist attack by militant groups or “radicalised
youth”, the Interior Ministry on Wednesday asked the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf
(PTI) to postpone its public gatherings as part of the party’s ongoing ‘Haqeeqi
Azadi’ long march.
In
a letter to PTI Secretary General Asad Umar, the ministry said looking at the
country’s security situation “the PTI leadership may consider the possibility
of postponing public gatherings like the one planned in Rawalpindi on Nov 26 to
avoid any untoward incident”.
Earlier
this week, PTI Chairman Imran Khan had asked his supporters to converge on
Rawalpindi on Nov 26 for the resumption of the party’s long march that he is
expected to rejoin in person after recovering from the injuries he sustained in
a gun attack in Wazirabad earlier this month. The march was suspended when it
reached Rawat a few days ago.
The
Interior Ministry in its letter said it had been “sharing alerts on the threats
to the life” of Mr Khan from “anti-state elements”. The alerts had been
generated by credible intelligence sources, it said.
Letter
to Asad Umar quotes intel reports that Imran’s life in danger
The
letter further said that in view of the threats, the federal government had
provided a bulletproof vehicle and deployed police and civil armed forces for
Mr Khan’s stay in the capital. However, the PTI chief was presently in Lahore
and participants of the march had moved to Rawat.
The
ministry expected the Punjab government to take all necessary security measures
in their jurisdiction for the protection of the former prime minister as well
as the march participants.
“Anti-state
elements like Al Qaeda/Daesh, TTP, and radicalised youth of the TLP can take
advantage of soft targets like public gatherings to destabilise the country
through suicide attacks, IEDs (improvised explosive devise) etc,” it warned.
The
letter to former minister Asad Umar stated that “in view of the gravity of the
security threat, the need to exercise maximum caution can hardly be
over-emphasised”.
The
letter regretted, however, that despite repeated requests cautioning the PTI
about the threats, especially in the context of the protest planned in
Rawalpindi on Nov 26, the party leadership seemed “oblivious” to the security
situation.
The
latest intelligence report had been shared with the provincial governments. The
ministry urged the PTI to keep the security situation in view and consider
postponing the rally.
Meanwhile,
in a similar letter to the provincial governments, the Interior Ministry said
it had been learnt through reliable intelligence sources that a serious threat
existed to the life of Mr Khan as well as the general public participating in
the PTI’s long march.
Listing
some of the factors shared by an intelligence agency, which it claimed enhanced
the likelihood of such an incident, the letter mentioned the leaked video
statement of the suspected shooter and belief of the “radicalised and
uneducated” young members of the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) that Mr Khan
had been responsible for the police crackdown on TLP protesters in the past.
Therefore, the ministry said, any attempt of a “lone wolf attack” for vengeance
by any radicalised youth of the TLP couldn’t be ruled out.
It
also referred to the PTI-Majlis-i-Wahdat-i-Muslimeen alliance and the religious
party’s participation in the former ruling party’s long march that made it a target
for anti-Shia militants, claiming a large number of operatives of the militant
Islamic State group had infiltrated from Afghanistan into Pakistan after the
Taliban takeover of Kabul.
“In
addition, Al Qaeda has been dormant for quite some time, however, it has a
penchant for conducting attacks of strategic implications. In this backdrop,
mass bombing/IED attack or suicide attack cannot be ruled out against such soft
targets. In view of the aforesaid, it is requested that extreme vigilance and
caution may be exercised to prevent the possibility of any such incident,” the
ministry wrote in its letter.
Source:
Dawn
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--------
Terrorist
involved in six cops’ death killed in Lakki Marwat IBO
November
23, 2022
DERA
ISMAIL KHAN: The Lakki Marwat district police, flanked by the Counter-Terrorism
Department (CTD) conducted a joint operation and killed a most wanted
terrorist, allegedly involved in attack on mobile police van.
According
to police source on Wednesday, the police claimed to have killed a most wanted
terrorist identified as Waheed Ullah alias Usama, son of Najeebullah, a
resident of Kotka Gul Akhtar during an intelligence-based operation (IBO)
conducted by the law enforcement agencies.
The
IBO was conducted following a tip-off that Waheedullah and his accomplices were
present in the proximity of Ghoriwala Police station and Naurang Police station
while planning subversive activities.
According
to police, as soon as the terrorists sighted the police, they resorted to
firing which was retaliated and during the firing exchange resulted in killing
of Waheedullah.
Source:
Pakistan Today
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Pakistan,
Saudi deputy foreign ministers discuss bilateral relationship
November
23, 2022
RABAT:
Waleed Abdulkarim, the deputy foreign minister of Saudi Arabia, called on his
Pakistan counterpart, Hina Rabbani Khar, on the sidelines of the ninth Global
Forum, the highest-profile event of the UN Alliance of Civilisations, in the
northeastern Moroccan city of Fez.
During
the meeting, the two diplomats reviewed bilateral ties and ways to “enhance
them in all fields of joint cooperation”.
They
also discussed developments in the regional and international arenas and the
efforts made in this regard, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan.
The
cultural capital of Morocco is hosting the event under the theme “Towards an
Alliance of Peace: Living Together as One Humanity”.
The
event opened on Tuesday, with a message from King Mohammed VI of Morocco
highlighting the historic and cultural landscape of Fez, describing its hosting
of the forum as “a privilege.”
Source:
Pakistan Today
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Europe
Germany
calls on UN Rights Council to ‘raise voice’ for Iran’s people
24
November ,2022
German
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock urged the UN Human Rights Council to “raise
its voice” for Iranians, during a special session Thursday about the deadly
crackdown on protests in the country.
“The
Iranian demonstrators have no seat at the Human Rights Council in Geneva, they
have no voice at the United Nations,” she said ahead of the urgent meeting.
So
the council “can raise its voice for the indivisible rights of Iran’s people,”
added Baerbock, who will attend the session.
Thursday’s
meeting, requested by Germany and Iceland with the backing of more than 50
countries, will discuss whether to launch a high-level international
investigation into the Iranian crackdown.
It
follows weeks of demonstrations in Iran sparked by the death of 22-year-old
Mahsa Amini, after she was arrested for an alleged breach of the country’s
strict dress rules for women.
The
protests have spread nationwide, growing into a movement challenging the
theocracy that has ruled Iran since 1979.
Baerbock
said that “day after day, we have had to witness how Iranians have become
victims of brutal violence.”
Germany
supports those “who demand their rights with courage and dignity,” she said.
“Just for making these demands, they are killed by the hundreds, arrested by
the thousands, and oppressed by the millions.”
Diplomats
at the council will Thursday debate a call for an international investigation
of alleged violations linked to the ongoing protests.
Baerbock
called for the council to vote in favor of the resolution, saying: “We owe it
to the victims.”
“Every
vote counts,” she said.
“Our
message is: We are not just looking on. We go where we can use our vote to do
something for the rights of Iranians.”
According
to Norway-based group Iran Human Rights, more than 400 people have been killed
across Iran during the violent suppression of protests.
Source:
Al Arabiya
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
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EU
rejects claims it has been exporting goods to Russia via Türkiye
Ömer
Tuğrul Çam
23.11.2022
BRUSSELS
The
European Union’s foreign policy chief on Tuesday rejected claims that the EU
has exported products to sanctioned Russia by means of Türkiye.
Josep
Borrell made the remarks while answering questions from deputies at the General
Assembly of the European Parliament held in Strasbourg, France.
Replying
to a question from Spanish member of the European Parliament Antoni Comin on
whether Türkiye helped Russia circumvent sanctions by selling it EU goods and
what the EU would do about it, he said he discussed the issue with Turkish
Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in the United Arab Emirates about two weeks
ago.
"Cavusoglu
gave me information about Türkiye's imports from the EU and the country's
exports to Russia which shows Türkiye's significant amount of exports to
Russia," he said.
However,
there was not a significant increase in Türkiye's imports from the EU, he
added.
"So
according to the statistics I got, there doesn't seem to be a theory that the
EU has established an export triangle to Russia via Türkiye."
Reminding
that Türkiye is not in line with the EU in sanctions against Russia, Borrell
said: "We would like Türkiye to be in line with us because it is in the
Customs Union. But I insist on the statistics that Cavusoglu gave me."
Türkiye
has opted for a policy of backing Ukraine while maintaining relations with
Russia since the start of the war.
The
country has focused on bringing the Ukrainian and Russian sides to the table
for negotiations to stop the conflict.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
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Southeast Asia
China
appears to ease up on Islamic worship in Xinjiang, but Uyghurs aren’t buying it
By
Shohret Hoshur for RFA UYghur
2022.11.23
Most
Uyghurs in Xinjiang have not returned to mosques that Chinese authorities have
reopened for limited religious services in response to heavy international
criticism of repressive policies targeting the mostly Muslim ethnic group,
sources inside and outside the country say.
Authorities
in the restive northwestern region began scaling back their crackdown on
religion in early 2020 by reopening some mosques they previously shut down
during the height of religious persecution in 2017.
The
change occurred after the United States and the parliaments of some Western
countries declared China’s repression of the Uyghurs, including arbitrary
detainment and serious human rights violations, amounted to genocide and crimes
against humanity. In late August, the United Nations human rights chief issued
a report into the accusations and concluded that the repression “may constitute
international crimes, in particular crimes against humanity.”
Despite
the “softened” stance toward Islam in Xinjiang, most Uyghurs who lost
confidence in China’s religious policy that officially recognizes five
religions, including Islam, because of the crackdown, have refrained from
returning to the reopened houses of worship.
“After
being criticized by the international community over the concentration camps,
China defended itself by partially relaxing religious restrictions,” said
Ilshat Hassan Kokbore, a political analyst based in the United States and vice
chairman of the executive committee of the World Uyghur Congress.
“However,
since those who were taken to the camps have not been released yet, the
residents did not believe in this ‘softening’ of the policy,” he said.
Fear
that religion could be used to drive separatism
The
Chinese government recognizes five faiths —Buddhism, Catholicism, Daoism,
Protestantism and Islam — but has long feared that foreigners could use
religious practice to induce separatism.
Under
President Xi Jinping, the Chinese Communist Party has focused on Sinicizing
religions to conform with the doctrines of the officially atheist party and the
customs of the majority Han Chinese population.
But
Beijing views expressions of Islam in Xinjiang as extremist because of former
independence movements and occasional violent outbursts in the region.
In
2017, Xinjiang’s government implemented an anti-extremism law and began
arbitrarily detaining Uyghurs in “re-education” centers in an effort to eliminate
“religious extremism” and “terrorism.”
Authorities
also assigned party cadres to stay in Uyghur homes to monitor the behavior of
the inhabitants and destroyed many mosques across the region, claiming they
were structurally unsafe. They also hauled away Muslim imams and religious
scholars as part of the crackdown.
Right
to practice
But
there have been some attempts to loosen controls.
In
January 2020, authorities Korla, known as Ku’erle in Chinese and the
second-largest city in Xinjiang, issued a document informing residents that
they had the right to practice Islam. They then tried to persuade them to
return to local mosques, said a policeman who declined to be named because he
is not authorized to speak with the media.
A
member of a mosque management committee told residents that if they believed in
Islam, they could perform regular religious activities at a local mosque that
can accommodate 100-150 people, he said.
“The
residents said they believed in the faith, and some signed their signatures on
a document,” the officer told RFA.
But
only four or five Uyghur pensioners dependent on government assitance are
attending prayer services there, he said.
In
Hotan prefecture, known as Hetian in Chinese, authorities have touted upgrades
to existing mosques to encourage Uyghurs to return to them.
“Sunny,
spacious and clean”
At
the Jeymehel Mosque, the prefecture’s propaganda department has used
loudspeakers to try to attract worshipers.
The
mosque was built in 1848 and was furnished with an air conditioner, water
cooler, storage spaces for shoes and other personal items and a fire
extinguisher when it was rebuilt in 2019, according to the department’s
pre-recorded announcement.
“Our
mosque conditions are the best,” said the announcement as heard on a Xinjiang
TV broadcast. “It is sunny, spacious, and clean, and the environment is
comfortable. This renovation pleased our worshipers,” says a department
announcement over loudspeakers with the sounds of Quranic verse in the
background.
In
Kashgar prefecture, known as Kashi in Chinese and an area heavily populated by
Uyghurs,
authorities
turned some mosques into centers disseminating political propaganda, locals
told RFA in a 2017 report. They required caretakers of mosques to fly China’s
national flag atop the buildings and ordered them to remove Islamic inscription
from walls and replace them with large red banners expressing love for China
and the CCP.
Authorities
previously shut down three mosques in the Chinese Bazar neighborhood of Ghulja,
known as Yining in Chinese, and sentenced seven members of Tahtiyun Mosque to
prison, sources there said.
Severe
clampdown in past
Religious
suppression has been severe in Ghulja, recently complicated by a strict
lockdown amid outbreaks of the coronavirus this August and September that in
some cases led to the deaths of about 90 from starvation or lack of access to
medicine in the city of roughly a half-million mainly Uyghurs and other Turkic
Muslims.
When
the bodies were collected, authorities didn’t inform the families of the
deceased about whether they handled their remains according to Islamic burial
rituals, according to an earlier RFA report.
Authorities
demolished a mosque on Saman Street and locked up another mosque in Ghulja’s
Tahtiyun neighborhood and removed its minaret, according to a retired police
officer from the Ili Kazakh (Yili Hasake) autonomous prefecture, where Ghulja
is located.
They
also closed the Tung’gan Mosque, a Chinese Hui Muslim structure, where seven
clergymen, including the imam and muezzin, were imprisoned.
A
Chinese Hui Muslim imam from Uch'un Hui village in Ghulja was appointed to hold
Friday prayer services at a mosque built a decade ago in the town of
Qarayaghach, said a security official from the community.
The
locals recruited a Chinese Hui Muslim because no Uyghur imams could be found,
residents said.
Differing
treatment
The
Chinese government’s treatment of Muslims differs according to ethnic and
geographic lines, sources in the country say. Hui Muslims, who are perceived as
less of a threat, are given greater leeway than Uyghurs to practice Islam, such
as fasting during the holy month of Ramadan and wearing headscarves, they say.
“The
worshipers pray only on Friday [when] they open the mosque,” said the village
security chief, who declined to be named for safety reasons.
Four
elderly Uyghur residents who receive government pensions went there to worship
but had difficulty understanding the imam’s sermon because of his poor Uyghur
language skills, which resulted in some words and phrases being almost
comically misspoken, village residents said.
But
the elders dared not laugh at or express dissatisfaction with him, they said.
One
villager said the mosque remains closed on days other than Friday.
Source:
RFA
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.rfa.org/english/news/uyghur/reopened-mosques-11232022170624.html
--------
Anwar Ibrahim appointed new Malaysia prime minister, ending decades-long wait
November
24, 2022
Malaysia’s
king appointed long-time opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister on
Thursday, ending five days of unprecedented post-election crisis after
inconclusive polls.
Anwar’s
appointment caps a three-decade long political journey from a protege of
veteran leader Mahathir Mohamad to protest leader, to a prisoner convicted of
sodomy, to opposition leader and, finally, prime minister.
Markets
surged upon the end of the political deadlock. The ringgit currency posted its
best day in two weeks and equities rose 3% on the Kuala Lumpur stock exchange.
A
general election on Saturday ended in an unprecedented hung parliament with
neither of two main alliances, one led by Anwar and the other ex-premier
Muhyiddin Yassin, immediately able to secure enough seats in parliament to form
a government.
The
75-year-old Anwar has time and again been denied the premiership despite
getting within striking distance over the years: he was deputy prime minister
in the 1990s and the official prime minister-in-waiting in 2018.
In
between, he spent nearly a decade in jail for sodomy and corruption in what he
says were politically motivated charges aimed at ending his career.
The
uncertainty over the election threatened to prolong political instability in
the Southeast Asian country, which has had three prime ministers in as many
years, and risks delaying policy decisions needed to foster economic recovery.
Anwar
leads a multi-ethnic coalition of parties with progressive leanings while
Muhyiddin’s alliance reflects more conservative, ethnic Malay, Muslim views.
His
supporters expressed hope that Anwar’s government would head off a return to
historic tension between the ethnic Malay, Muslim majority and ethnic Chinese
and Indian minorities.
“All
we want is moderation for Malaysia and Anwar represents that,” said a
communications manager in Kuala Lumpur, who asked to be identified by her
surname Tang.
“We
can’t have a country that is divided by race and religion as that will set us
back another 10 years.”
Anwar
told Reuters in an interview before the election that he would seek “to
emphasize governance and anti-corruption, and rid this country of racism and
religious bigotry” if appointed premier.
His
coalition, known as Pakatan Harapan, won the most seats in Saturday’s vote with
82, while Muhyiddin’s Perikatan Nasional bloc won 73. They needed 112 – a
simple majority - to form a government.
The
long-ruling Barisan bloc won only 30 seats – the worst electoral performance
for a coalition that had dominated politics since independence in 1957.
Barisan
said on Thursday it would not support a government led by Muhyiddin, though it
did not make any reference to Anwar.
Police
step up security
Muhyiddin’s
bloc includes the Islamist party PAS, whose electoral gains raised concern
among members of the ethnic Chinese and ethnic Indian communities, most of whom
follow other faiths.
Authorities
warned after the weekend vote of a rise in ethnic tension on social media and
short video platform TikTok said it was on high alert for content that violated
its guidelines.
Social
media users reported numerous TikTok posts since the election that mentioned a
riot in the capital, Kuala Lumpur, on May 13, 1969, in which about 200 people
were killed, days after opposition parties supported by ethnic Chinese voters
made inroads in an election.
Police
told social media users to refrain from “provocative” posts and said they were
setting up 24-hour check-points on roads throughout the country to ensure
public peace and safety.
The
decision on the prime minister came down to King Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan
Ahmad Shah, after both Anwar and Muhyiddin missed his Tuesday afternoon
deadline to put together a ruling alliance.
The
constitutional monarch plays a largely ceremonial role but can appoint a
premier he believes will command a majority in parliament.
Malaysia
has a unique constitutional monarchy in which kings are chosen in turn from the
royal families of nine states to reign for a five-year term.
As
premier, Anwar will have to address soaring inflation and slowing growth as the
economy recovers from the coronavirus pandemic, while calming ethnic tensions.
The
most immediate issue will be the budget for next year, which was tabled before
the election was called but has yet to be passed.
Anwar
will also have to negotiate agreements with lawmakers from other blocs to
ensure he can retains majority support in parliament.
“Anwar
is appointed at a critical juncture in Malaysian history, where politics is
most fractured, recovering from a depressed economy and a bitter Covid memory,”
said James Chai, visiting fellow at ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore.
Source:
CNN
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--------
Santiago
insinuated Naik responsible for LTTE supporters’ arrest, court told
November
23, 2022
KUALA
LUMPUR: A freelance preacher said former Klang MP Charles Santiago gave the
false impression that Zakir Naik had persuaded law enforcement authorities to
act against those who allegedly had links with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil
Eelam (LTTE).
Hussain
Abdullah, 68, told the High Court hearing a defamation case that Santiago gave
the wrong perception, in a news report, that Naik had cajoled the authorities
to act through “backdoor dealings”.
“That
article also painted the wrong picture that Naik had manipulated the
authorities for personal gain,” said Hussain in his witness statement.
Hussain,
who is better known as Ustaz Hussain Yee, said it was clear that Santiago had
defamed Naik by insinuating the latter was responsible for the arrest of
several people said to have ties with LTTE.
He
said there was no basis to make such an allegation against Naik, a permanent
resident who lives in Putrajaya.
Hussain,
the first witness to take the stand, said he informed Naik of the report which
was also published on other social media platforms.
“The
plaintiff (Naik) informed me that he was taking legal action against the
defendant,” he said when giving evidence online.
Hussain
added: “To my knowledge, Naik has dedicated his life to propagating Islam and
carrying out welfare work.”
Naik
filed the suit in December 2019, claiming Santiago had said the arrest of 12
individuals under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma) over
alleged links to the LTTE was because of their criticism of Naik.
Naik
claimed the remarks in the report “Criticism of Zakir Naik may have led to LTTE
arrests, says MP”, which was published by FMT on Nov 26, 2019, were motivated
by malice and hatred.
The
controversial Muslim preacher said the remarks had injured his reputation and
caused him to suffer humiliation and ridicule.
Santiago’s
defence was that the remarks were fair comment of public interest and done
without malice.
Source: Free Malaysia Today
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PN
Supporters Didn’t Wave Taliban Flags, Says Penang Police Chief
Samuel
Chua
November
23, 2022
PETALING
JAYA: Penang police have confirmed that a group of Perikatan Nasional
supporters who rode horses in a street several days ago did not wave Taliban
flags.
The
black-And-white flag, which some social media users mistakenly identified as a
Taliban flag, bears the Kalimah Shahadah (affirmation of faith).
Concerns
over the flag came after a 16-second video of several youths riding on horses
in the Penang street went viral.
The
horse riders were seen waving several flags, including those bearing the PAS
and Perikatan Nasional logos, as well as the Kalimah Shahadah.
In
a statement, Penang police chief Shuhaily Zain said the investigations revealed
that none of the flags was linked to any terrorist or extremist organisation.
Shuhaily
warned members of the public against speculation that could create unrest.
He
said investigations can be carried out under Section 504 of the Penal Code for
intentional insult and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act
(CMA) 1998 for improper use of network facilities.
Source:
Free Malaysia Today
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Malaysian
king calls council of sultans to resolve election crisis
November
24, 2022
KUALA
LUMPUR: Malaysia’s king on Wednesday called a special meeting of his fellow
hereditary sultans to discuss who should be prime minister as an unprecedented
post-election crisis entered its fourth day.
The
king is due to pick a new prime minister after the leading contenders —
opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim and former premier Muhyiddin Yassin — failed to
secure enough support for a majority following a Saturday election that
produced an unprecedented hung parliament.
The
uncertainty over the election prolongs political instability in the Southeast
Asian country, which has had three prime ministers in as many years, and risks
delaying policy decisions needed to foster economic recovery.
The
Council of Rulers, which groups the heads of all nine royal houses, will meet
on Thursday to discuss the formation of a new government, the palace said in a
statement.
“The
purpose of the meeting of the Council of Malay Rulers is for the King to get
the thoughts of the Malay rulers so that he can make a decision for the
wellbeing for the people and the country,” the palace said.
King
Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah is in the spotlight as he considers who
will be the next prime minister, after both Anwar and Muhyiddin missed his
Tuesday afternoon deadline to put together an alliance.
The
constitutional monarch plays a largely ceremonial role but can appoint a
premier he believes will command a majority in parliament.
Malaysia
has a unique constitutional monarchy in which kings are chosen in turn from the
royal families of nine states to reign for a five-year term.
King
Al-Sultan Abdullah made his announcement of a special council after meeting
lawmakers from the incumbent Barisan Nasional coalition.
Anwar’s
coalition, known as Pakatan Harapan, won the most seats in the Saturday
election with 82, while Muhyiddin’s Perikatan Nasional bloc won 73. They need
112 — a simple majority — to form a government.
Barisan
won only 30 seats — the worst electoral performance for a coalition that had
dominated politics since independence in 1957 — but the support of its members
of parliament will be crucial for both Anwar and Muhyiddin to get to 112.
Barisan
said on Tuesday it would not align with either of the rival coalitions.
Muhyiddin
said he had declined the king’s suggestion for the rivals to work together to
form a “unity government”.
Muhyiddin
runs an ethnic Malay Muslim conservative alliance, while Anwar heads a
multi-ethnic coalition.
Muhyiddin’s
bloc includes an the Islamist party PAS, whose electoral gains have raised
concern in a country with significant ethnic Chinese and ethnic Indian
minorities, most of whom follow other faiths.
Investors
have also been spooked over worries about the Islamist party’s possible impact
on policies.
Source:
Dawn
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1722785/malaysian-king-calls-council-of-sultans-to-resolve-election-crisis
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BN
chief Zahid accused of lying to Malaysian King, going against coalition’s
stance
NOV
23, 2022
KUALA
LUMPUR - The chief of Barisan Nasional (BN), Zahid Hamidi, has been accused of
lying to the Malaysian King and going against the coalition’s collective stance
to remain neutral in the bitter fight between two larger alliances to form the
next government.
BN’s
top leadership had agreed on Tuesday that it would take a neutral position as
the Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) alliances raced to secure
support from lawmakers to control Parliament after last Saturday’s inconclusive
general election.
Former
Cabinet minister Annuar Musa has claimed that Zahid carried out a “callous act”
by sending a letter to Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah, who is mediating in the
crisis, claiming that all 30 BN’s Members of Parliament are backing PH.
“If
the letter to the King is an attempt at lying to the ruler, it is a very heavy
offence,” Tan Sri Annuar said in a Facebook posting on Wednesday. He posted a
copy of the letter that was sent to the ruler. Two BN leaders have confirmed
the letter’s veracity.
One
of BN’s four component parties, the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), has
renewed its call for Zahid to resign. MCA secretary-general Chong Sin Woon said
the “claims in the letter were completely out of line with the decision made by
the BN supreme council”.
“In
both meetings, the supreme council resolved that BN will not support anyone as
the prime minister at this moment,” he added.
PH,
led by opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, won 82 seats in the polls, while rival
PN, led by ex-premier Muhyiddin Yassin, won 73.
Both
men are vying to become the 10th Malaysian prime minister and have wooed BN,
which has 30 seats in the 222-strong federal Parliament.
A
minimum 112 seats are needed to secure parliamentary majority.
Zahid
has faced several calls to resign, following BN’s worst electoral performance
in the 15 general elections since independence. It won 30 seats, compared with
the 54 seats it secured in 2018 when the coalition led by then premier Najib
Razak was kicked out of power for the first time.
On
Sunday, former Cabinet minister Khairy Jamaluddin said Zahid must quit,
following BN’s disastrous performance.
In
a tweet, Mr Khairy said a general ought to be dignified and take responsibility
for losing a war. “This especially so when the general’s strategy led to the
loss of many soldiers in the battlefield. The president must step down. Now.”
Meanwhile,
short video platform TikTok said on Wednesday it was on high alert for content
that violates its guidelines in Malaysia, after authorities warned of a rise in
ethnic tension on social media.
“We
continue to be on high alert and will aggressively remove any violative
content,” TikTok, which is owned by the China-based firm ByteDance, said in a
statement.
TikTok
said it had been in contact with Malaysian authorities on severe and repeat
violations of its community guidelines leading up to the election.
PN,
one of the alliances hoping to form a government, is a conservative, largely
ethnic Malay, Muslim group. It includes the Islamist party, Parti Islam
SeMalaysia, which has advocated for a strict interpretation of syariah law.
The
other alliance, PH, has more multi-ethnic, progressive parties that include the
Democratic Action Party, a predominantly ethnic Chinese party that has
traditionally been unpopular with voters from the majority Malay-Muslim
community.
Social
media users have reported numerous TikTok posts since the election that
mentioned a riot in the capital, Kuala Lumpur, on May 13, 1969, in which about
200 people were killed, days after opposition parties supported by ethnic
Chinese voters made inroads in an election.
TikTok
said it had removed videos with May 13-related content, saying it had “zero
tolerance” for hate speech and violent extremism.
Source:
Straits Times
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Mideast
Hezbollah
hails 'heroic' al-Quds operations, says it shows rejection of Israeli
occupation
23
November 2022
Lebanon's
Hezbollah resistance movement has hailed the two operations in the
Israeli-occupied city of al-Quds, which killed at least one Israeli and left 12
others injured, saying it reflects Palestinians’ rejection of the regime’s
occupation of Palestine.
In
a statement on Wednesday, Hezbollah lauded “the two heroic operations carried
out by Palestinian resistance fighters against Israeli occupation forces in
al-Quds,” and congratulated Palestinians on the rise in the number of
retaliatory attacks.
“These
courageous operations are a true embodiment of the Palestinian nation’s
rejection of the continued Israeli occupation, and attest to their strong
determination to confront the enemy’s arrogance and respond to its crimes and
acts of terror,” the statement read.
“The
operations confirm the resistance front’s ability to penetrate into the
rigorous security apparatus of the enemy, and deal painful blows to Zionists in
the proper place and at the right time.”
The
statement hastened to add that the race among young Palestinians to contribute
to the struggle against Israeli occupation proves their determination to
liberate their lands, and sends a message to desperate Israeli occupiers that
there is no safe place for them on Palestinian soil.
The
first explosion took place at about 7 a.m. local time (0400 GMT) on Wednesday
near an Israeli bus station along a highway on the western entrance into
al-Quds that is usually packed with commuters.
Seven
people were injured in the first explosion, according to medics, with at least
two in serious condition.
The
second explosion, which officials described as “controlled,” took place less than
half an hour later at the Ramot junction, in northern Jerusalem. Officials said
five people were lightly injured from shrapnel.
The
explosions came hours after 16-year-old Palestinian teenager, Ahmad Amjad
Shehadeh, was killed by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank city of
Nablus.
He
was shot with a bullet in the heart during a raid by Israeli military forces in
Nablus.
At
least five other Palestinians were injured after being shot with live
ammunition and stun grenades, the Palestinian Health Ministry said, including
one in serious condition with a bullet to the stomach.
Meanwhile,
the Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement expressed its condolences for the death
of Shehadeh, and praised the heroic resistance of Palestinian fighters,
especially by members of the Nablus Battalion, during clashes with Israeli
military forces in Nablus.
The
Gaza-based movement emphasized that the upsurge in the level of Israeli
atrocities will soon prompt strong resistance on the part of Palestinian people
and fighters.
Israeli
forces have recently been conducting overnight raids and killings in the
northern occupied West Bank, mainly in the cities of Jenin and Nablus, where
new groups of Palestinian resistance fighters have been formed.
Since
the start of 2022, Israeli troops have killed at least 200 Palestinians,
including more than 50 children, in the West Bank, occupied East al-Quds and
the besieged Gaza Strip.
According
to the United Nations, the number of Palestinians killed by Israel in the
occupied West Bank this year is the highest it has been in 16 years.
Source:
Press TV
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Iranian
Deputy FM Urges West to Quit Double-Standards on Human Rights
2022-November-23
Baqeri
Kani met and held talks with the ambassadors and heads of political
representatives of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Tehran
on Tuesday.
Regarding
the capacities of cooperation among Asian countries, the senior diplomat called
ASEAN an appropriate capacity to promote economic cooperation and reiterated
that economic cooperation, regional stability, and peace will institutionalize
and eliminate the grounds for foreign interference in regional affairs.
Pointing
to the political and profit-seeking approach of Western governments on
international issues, he stressed that "Western governments are not
looking to fight terrorism and drug trafficking and protect human rights",
while it "forms part of the foreign policy toolkit of these countries, and
therefore, whenever their interests are needed, they support terrorism and
violate human rights".
At
the meeting, each of the ASEAN countries' members emphasized the development of
bilateral and multilateral cooperation and added that bolstering cooperation
between ASEAN members and Iran would sustain the long-term interests of the two
sides.
Iranian
officials say the enemies’ approach against Tehran and the Iranian nation has
always been accompanied by hypocrisy and double standards. They call for an end
to the West's sanctions against Tehran if it really cares for the human rights.
"The
enemies’ cognitive war and hybrid warfare against the Iranian nation will
undoubtedly be recorded beside their hundreds of abject failure cases,"
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kana'ani said in late September.
The
diplomat added that those who claim to be advocating the Iranian nation’s
rights should put their false, threadbare slogans and put an end to decades of tyrannical
and antihuman sanctions against the Iranian people.
Protests
erupted in several cities across Iran over the death of Mahsa Amini, a
22-year-old Iranian woman who fainted at a police station in mid-September and
days later was pronounced dead at a hospital. The demonstrations soon turned
violent.
An
official report by Iran’s Legal Medicine Organization announced that Amini’s
controversial death was caused by an illness rather than alleged blows to the
head or other vital body organs.
Iranian
officials blame Western countries for orchestrating the riots to destabilize
the country.
Supreme
Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei severely censured
the deadly riots, saying they were orchestrated in advance by the United States
and the Israeli regime.
“I
state it clearly that these developments were planned by America, the Zionist
regime and their acolytes. Their main problem is with a strong and independent
Iran and the country’s progress. The Iranian nation proved to be fairly strong
during recent events and will bravely come onto the scene wherever necessary in
the future,” he added.
Iranian
officials have blamed the United States, the European Unions, and several
Western states for meddling in Iran's internal affairs over the death of Mahsa.
They advised the US and its allies against "opportunism and
instrumentalization of the issue of human rights" by misusing the
incident.
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
President
Rayeesi Calls on Independent States to Batter Sanctions
2022-November-23
President
Rayeesi made the remarks in a meeting with Prime Minister of Belarus Roman
Golovchenko on Wednesday morning.
"The
relations between the two countries have always been friendly, and in the recent
meetings of the heads of the two countries, the development of mutual
cooperation has been emphasized," the Iranian president added.
President
Rayeesi said that the development and strengthening of relations between the
countries that are subject to cruel sanctions because of trying to maintain
their independence is one of the effective strategies to neutralize and
confront sanctions.
Pointing
out that the Islamic Republic of Iran has made significant progress in all
fields, including in the economic field, despite the cruel and unprecedented
sanctions, the Iranian president said that today, Iran and Belarus have diverse
and significant capacities to develop interactions with each other.
"The
serious will of the leaders of the two countries to improve the level of
relations can remove possible obstacles on the way to the development of
interactions," he added.
Golovchenko,
for his part, stated that the approach of the Islamic Republic of Iran to
strengthen regional interactions has created a new perspective for improving
the level of relations between the two countries.
"My
visit to Iran follows the emphasis of the President of Belarus to accelerate
the implementation of the agreements made in his two meetings with your
Excellency," he added.
Pointing
out that relations between the two countries have always been friendly and that
Tehran and Minsk have had constructive cooperation in the international fields,
the Prime Minister of Belarus added, "Today, the political coordination
between the two countries is at the highest level and the time has come to
expand economic relations."
In
a relevant development in late September, President Rayeesi said that the
private sector in Iran and Belarus should be strengthened to further broaden
economic and trade relations and cooperation between the two countries.
Iran-Belarus
relations need progress in all areas, including economic and trade, Rayeesi
said in a meeting with new Belarusian Ambassador to Tehran Dmitry Koltsov.
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.farsnews.ir/en/news/14010902000423/Presiden-Rayeesi-Calls-n-Independen-Saes-Baer-Sancins
--------
FM:
Western-Led Conspiracy to Foment Civil War in Iran Thwarted
2022-November-23
"A
foreign conspiracy with the aim of fomenting terrorism and civil war in Iran
and finally disintegrating the country thwarted," Amir Abdollahian stated
at a press conference in Tehran attended by local and foreign journalists on
Wednesday.
The
foreign minister pointed out that the West with "its negative human rights
record" is in no position to comment on human rights in Iran.
"Three
European countries, the US as well as Zionists do not have a correct
understanding about Iran's domestic issues," he stressed, noting the US
and European nations lack legitimacy to opine on the human rights situation in
Iran.
“I
clearly told European officials who claim to defend human rights that the
police in Iran exercised strategic patience and restraint during recent riots,”
Amir Abdollahian remarked.
"The
fact that more than 50 policemen and our security forces were martyred by
rioters with firearms and rocks, and several thousand policemen and our
security defenders were injured, is a sign of respect for human rights and
showing restraint by Iran's police and security forces [during the
riots]," the senior official added.
"The
Western countries fomented riots in Iran by deceiving a group of youths while
they also armed terrorists in the neighboring Iraqi Kurdistan region," the
top diplomat told reporters.
The
foreign minister pointed to a massive rise in foreign interference in the
affairs of Iran during the past eight weeks, declaring that 76 terrorist and
anti-Iranian centers in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq became active as American
and Israeli weapons were smuggled into Iran.
Amir
Abdollahian concluded that riots and newly-imposed sanctions were aimed at
pressuring Tehran to give up its demands at the nuclear talks but the Americans
must have now realized that Iran does not cross its red lines.
Protests
erupted in several cities across Iran over the death of Mahsa Amini, a
22-year-old Iranian woman who fainted at a police station in mid-September and
days later was pronounced dead at a hospital. The demonstrations soon turned
violent.
An
official report by Iran’s Legal Medicine Organization announced that Amini’s
controversial death was caused by an illness rather than alleged blows to the
head or other vital body organs.
Iranian
officials blame Western countries for orchestrating the riots to destabilize
the country.
Supreme
Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei severely censured
the deadly riots, saying they were orchestrated in advance by the United States
and the Israeli regime.
“I
state it clearly that these developments were planned by America, the Zionist regime
and their acolytes. Their main problem is with a strong and independent Iran
and the country’s progress. The Iranian nation proved to be fairly strong
during recent events and will bravely come onto the scene wherever necessary in
the future,” he added.
Iranian
officials have blamed the United States, the European Unions, and several
Western states for meddling in Iran's internal affairs over the death of Mahsa.
They advised the US and its allies against "opportunism and
instrumentalization of the issue of human rights" by misusing the
incident.
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Nuclear
Chief: No Undeclared Atomic Site in Iran, IAEA Under Israeli Influence
2022-November-23
Eslami
on Wednesday lashed out the UN nuclear watchdog for fabricating untrue claims
about Tehran’s nuclear program at “undeclared sites under the influence and
pressure of the Israeli regime and its Western allies".
He
noted that Iran repeatedly announced that it has cooperated and will continue
to cooperate with the IAEA regarding the nuclear agency’s questions about the
so-called undeclared sites in the country.
"Tehran
announced it provided answers to the questions raised by the agency, but it is
unacceptable that the IAEA keeps pursuing the reservations of the US and the
European trio, namely Germany, France and the UK," the senior official
added.
“The
Western countries must not use the agency as a political tool and they should
abandon such methods of pressuring Iran. Iran has always had cooperation with
the IAEA with goodwill, while such cooperation went unnoticed,” the IAEA head
stressed.
“How
can a nuclear site operate at a barn?” the nuclear chief asked.
Eslami
censured the IAEA for allowing the Israeli regime, which he noted is proud of
its history of assassinating Iranian scientists and conducting sabotage
operations at the country’s sites, to advance its claims via the UN nuclear
watchdog.
He
noted that the new capacities that have been created at the Fordow and Natanz
sites are based on the IAEA regulations and political pressure and resolutions
are not the solution.
"We
started increasing the enrichment capacity from 20% to 60% and we will replace
the first-generation centrifuges with the new generation," Eslami
continued.
Iranian
officials have repeatedly called on IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi to stop
Israeli-influenced approach, and emphasized that Tehran would never surrender
to the political behavior of the UN nuclear watchdog that is affected by the
Zionist pressures.
They
rejected remarks by the IAEA boss over "unexplained traces of
uranium" amid efforts to restore the 2015 nuclear deal, officialy known as
the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and advised the IAEA director
general not to raise accusations against Iran based on claims made by the Tel
Aviv regime and anti-Tehran groups.
Iran
has recently increased its enrichment of uranium and use of advanced
centrifuges at its nuclear sites in response to a censure resolution passed
against Tehran at the global nuclear watchdog. (READ MORE)
The
resolution, ratified on Thursday, has criticized Iran for what it called a lack
of cooperation with the nuclear agency. It was put forward by the United
States, Britain, France and Germany, in continuation of their political pressures
on Tehran.
The
resolution was the second passed in six months criticising Iran for alleged
insufficient cooperation with the nuclear watchdog.
After
the IAEA BoG passed a resolution in June that accused Iran of not cooperating
with the UN body, the country turned off a number of IAEA’s cameras which were
functioning outside the Safeguards Agreement.
Tehran
has asked the IAEA to avoid politicizing the issue and focus on technical
aspects in line with the organization’s mandate.
Iran
has always had full cooperation with the IAEA and allowed it to visit the
country’s nuclear sites, but calls the nuclear agency's approach unconstructive
and destructive.
Back
in September, AEOI Spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi stated that Tehran has fully
cooperated with the IAEA about three sites in question inside the country,
adding that detection of nuclear traces at Iranian sites does not mean Tehran
has undeclared nuclear material.
"Iran
has been fully cooperative regarding the three alleged sites brought up by the
nuclear watchdog and has sent information and answers to the nuclear agency's
questions and has also held meetings to resolve the ambiguity," the AEOI
spokeperson asserted.
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Iran
Calls on Iraqis to Avoid Terrorists' Hideouts in Kurdistan Region
2022-November-23
On
Tuesday, the IRGC launched a new barrage of missiles and drones against
positions of militants in the Kurdistan region.
The
IRGC Ground Force used missile and kamikaze drone in the raids that razed bases
of a separatist group calling itself the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK) near the
Northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk.
Commenting
on the military operation, Commander of the IRGC Ground Force Brigadier General
Mohammad Pakpour said “lethal blows” were dealt to terrorists in the region of
Pardi deep inside Iraqi Kurdistan.
“Today,
bases and places belonging to the separatist PAK grouplet, which has played a
role in support of the recent riots and unrest in the country’s Northwest, were
destroyed with accurate, precision-guided missiles,” he stated.
The
senior commander also renewed a warning for the people residing in the vicinity
of terrorist bases to evacuate the area, suggesting that the strikes may
continue.
The
IRGC has in recent weeks launched a series of aerial operations on the
headquarters of Iraqi Kurdistan-based terrorist groups. The military operation
came after the illegal entry of armed teams linked with the Kurdish terrorist
groups into the Iranian border cities in recent months.
The
IRGC Ground Force has announced that the operations against terror bases will
continue until all anti-Iran separatist and terrorist outfits holed up in the
rugged mountainous area lay down their arms and surrender.
The
Permanent Mission of Iran to the UN has announced that diplomacy has failed to
bring an end to the presence of terrorists in Kurdistan region and the terror
activities in the Arab country has left Tehran with no other option but to use
military force against them.
In
mid-October, the Permanent Mission of Iran to the UN sent a letter to the head
of the Security Council to elaborate on Tehran’s reasons for its recent
military operation against terrorist groups in Northern Iraq, explaining that
terrorists have used Iraqi territory to carry out armed attacks against
civilians and Iran's infrastructure.
The
Iranian Armed Forces, specially the IRGC, have repeatedly warned that they will
never tolerate the presence and activity of terrorist groups along the
Northwestern border and will give strong and decisive responses in case of
anti-security activities.
The
IRGC has on countless occasions attacked and destroyed terrorist hideouts in
the Kurdistan region with artillery fire, missiles and drones.
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
FM:
Differences Still Remain Between Iran, US in N. Talks
2022-November-23
Speaking
at a press conference in Tehran on Wednesday, Amir Abdollahian noted that Iran
wants to continue negotiations to revive the 2015 nuclear deal and remove the
anti-Tehran sanctions.
But
the foreign minister noted that there are still a series of outstanding issues
which could pose challenges to the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive
Plan of Action (JCPOA) if they remain unresolved
"We
still have differences of opinion and viewpoints with the US on three
issues," the senior diplomat stated.
He
said the EU top diplomats, Josep Borrell and Enrique Mora, are trying to come
up with a solution.
"One
of these issues is solving the remaining differences between Tehran and the
nuclear agency, and the other issue is related to economic guarantee, and we
tried to formulate this issue," Amir Abdollahian declared.
The
third issue is related to the extension of sanctions to third parties, the
high-ranking official continued.
"The
final text to reach an agreement in the talks must be stronger and include
those three issues," the foreign minister concluded.
Iran
stresses it has not quit the negotiating table with the world powers, but will
not put all its eggs in the negotiation basket and will not wait for the United
States to return to its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal. Iranian
officials stress Tehran has maintained its constructive attitude towards a
good, strong and lasting agreement on the revival of the 2015 accord and
arriving at a deal requires the US pragmatic attitude.
Tehran
says it will not be able to trust Washington as long as President Joe Biden
continues the wrong policy of maximum pressure and sanctions practiced by
Donald Trump against Iran. Iranian officials say the Biden administration has
yet done nothing but hollow promises to lift sanctions against Tehran. They
blast the US addiction to sanctions, and slammed the POTUS for continuing his
predecessor's policy on Iran.
Tehran
and the five remaining parties to the nuclear deal have held several rounds of
negotiations since April last year to restore the agreement, which was
unilaterally abandoned by Trump in May 2018.
The
talks remain stalled since August, as Washington continues to insist on its
hard-nosed position of not removing all sanctions that were slapped on Tehran
by the previous US administration.
In
quitting the agreement, Trump restored sanctions on Iran as part of what he
called the “maximum pressure” campaign against the country. Those sanctions are
being enforced to this day by the Biden administration, even though it has
repeatedly acknowledged that the policy has been a mistake and a failure.
Iranian
officials say the ball is in the US' court, and the Biden administration should
assure Tehran that it will not repeat Trump's past mistakes.
Diplomats
have also criticized Washington for raising excessive demands from Tehran
during the nuclear talks, and blocking efforts to reach an agreement on the
JCPOA. They emphasized the Tehran's will to reach a good, strong and lasting
agreement, and stressed that the US should lift unilateral sanctions, and
assure Iran that it will not repeat its past mistakes.
Source:
Fars News Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.farsnews.ir/en/news/14010902000784/FM-Differences-Sill-Remain-Beween-Iran-US-in-N-Talks
--------
Iran
warns of more action over ‘threats’ from Kurds in neighbouring Iraq
23
November ,2022
Iran’s
Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian warned Wednesday that Tehran would
continue to act against “threats” from abroad, following a series of Iranian
cross-border strikes on Kurdish opposition groups based in Iraq.
Iran
has blamed outside powers and exiled Kurdish groups for stoking a wave of
protests sparked by the September 16 death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old
Iranian Kurd who died after being arrested by morality police in Tehran.
“Fortunately,
the plot conceived with the aim of creating a terrorist war, starting a civil
war and finally disintegrating Iran over the past eight weeks has failed,” said
Amir-Abdollahian.
On
Tuesday, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards carried out their latest cross-border
missile and drone strikes, on the Kurdistan Freedom Party, an Iranian-Kurdish
opposition group based in northern Iraq.
“As
long as there is a threat from neighboring countries against us, our armed
forces will continue to take action within the framework of international law,”
Amir-Abdollahian told a press conference in Tehran.
Iran’s
military operations inside Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdish region would continue
until Baghdad’s national forces are stationed on the border and “we will no
longer need to act to defend our territorial integrity,” he added.
Dozens
of Iranians, mainly protesters but also members of the security forces, have
been killed since the start of the protests and thousands have been arrested,
according to Iran’s authorities, who do not provide exact figures.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Erdogan
does not rule out dialogue with Syria's Assad
23
November ,2022
Turkish
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Wednesday that a meeting with Syrian
counterpart Bashar al-Assad is a possibility, after cutting diplomatic ties
with Damascus throughout the 11-year conflict there.
Turkey
has backed the rebels fighting to topple Assad, with Erdogan calling him a
“murderer”.
Asked
by a reporter in the parliament whether he could meet with the Syrian leader,
Erdogan said: “It's possible. There's no room for resentment in politics.
Ultimately, steps are taken under the most favorable conditions.”
Despite
the lack of contact between Erdogan and Assad, the two countries' spy chiefs
have maintained contacts.
Erdogan
surprised many when he briefly met on Sunday with Egyptian counterpart Abdel
Fattah al-Sisi in Qatar for the first time.
A
photo distributed by the Turkish presidency showed the two leaders shaking
hands.
Erdogan
and Sisi have been sparring since the Egyptian military's 2013 ouster of
president Mohamed Morsi, personally backed by Erdogan.
Source:
Al Arabiya
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
--------
Africa
Somali
Army kills 49 al-Shabaab terrorists
Mohammed
Dhaysane
23.11.2022
MOGADISHU,
Somalia
Somali
government on Wednesday announced that the country’s National Intelligence and
Security Agency (NISA) backed by Somalia’s international partners have
conducted an operation against the al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group
al-Shabaab, killing more than 49 terrorists.
The
operation was targeted al-Shabaab terror group who were planning conspiracies
to hurt the Somali people in the village of Bulo-Madino, in Lower Shabelle
region, said Somali Information Ministry in a statement it issued Wednesday
evening after the operation.
The
Ministry said the operation destroyed all the terrorist military equipment in
the village.
According
to officials in the Lower Shabelle region who spoke to Anadolu Agency over the
phone said an airstrikes was involved in the operation but didn’t disclose
which country helped them from the air during the operation.
Abdi
Isack, an independent security analyst based in the capital Mogadishu who spoke
to Anadolu Agency via phone said the operation show how the current government
is committed to combating the terrorist group al-Shabaab.
“
I believe the government is committed to end al-Shabaab once for all but recent
operations in the central regions show a little bit of unpreparedness in terms
of logistics”, he said.
Somalia's
army killed more than 600 Al-Shabaab fighters and 1,200 wounded in operations,
said the Somali Prime Minister in his first one hundred days in the office.
He
also said the army have liberated over 68 areas in the south and central parts
of the Horn of African country.
Somalia
has been plagued by insecurity for years, with al-Shabaab being one of the main
threats in the Horn of Africa country.
Since
at least 2007, al-Shabaab has waged a deadly campaign against the Somali
government and international forces that has claimed thousands of lives.
The
UN has also warned of growing instability in the country, with its periodic
reports on Somalia this year detailing attacks by al-Shabaab and pro-Daesh/ISIS
groups.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/somali-army-kills-49-al-shabaab-terrorists/2746589
--------
Nigeria
unveils new bank notes in bid to control liquidity
Nov
23, 2022
ABUJA:
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari presented a set of new naira bank notes on
Wednesday, saying the design would make them harder to counterfeit and
replacing old notes would help control liquidity in an economy where most money
is held outside banks.
Under
a plan announced last month, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will start
issuing the new notes to the public from Dec. 15. People have until Jan. 31,
2023, to hand in their old notes and get replacements or place their money in
bank accounts.
"There
was an urgent need to take control of currency in circulation and to address
the hoarding of naira bank notes outside the banking system, the shortage of
clean and fit bank notes in circulation and the increase in counterfeiting of
high-denomination naira banknotes," said Buhari.
The
200-, 500- and 1,000-naira notes are the ones being replaced. The new notes are
made in Nigeria, unlike the previous ones which were imported, and they have
new security features, Buhari said at a ceremony at the presidential villa in
Abuja.
The
plan is unfolding against a complex backdrop in Nigeria's money markets, with
multiple exchange rates, a depreciation of the naira's market value to historic
lows against the dollar and rampant inflation.
Buhari's
administration has sought to keep the currency strong as a matter of national
pride, but that became unsustainable during an oil price crash in 2016. To
avoid a devaluation, parallel exchange rates were introduced.
The
World Bank and other international institutions have called on Nigeria to
harmonise the rates.
CBN
Governor Godwin Emefiele, who took part in the ceremony with Buhari, told
reporters the main point of replacing bank notes was for the central bank to
have control over the amount of cash in circulation and to move towards a
cashless economy.
Source:
Times Of India
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11
killed in attack on camp sheltering displaced people in Mali
Fatma
Esma Arslan
24.11.2022
DAKAR,
Senegal
At
least 11 civilians were killed in a terrorist attack on a camp for displaced
people in northern Mali, local media reported Wednesday.
Terrorists
carried out an attack on the Kadji camp, which shelters civilians who fled
their homes in the Gao region due to terrorist attacks.
Around
60,000 people in the Gao region have fled their homes due to security concerns,
according to UN data.
The
northern regions of Gao and Menaka have been exposed to attacks by
Daesh/ISIS-linked terrorist groups since March.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
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Libyan
parliament sacks allied central bank governor over graft
Moataz
Wanees
23.11.2022
TRIPOLI,
Libya
The
Libyan parliament has sacked the Governor of Eastern Libya’s Central Bank, Ali
al-Hibri, over corruption suspicions.
The
move followed a session held by the East Libya-based assembly in Benghazi city
on Tuesday. A parliamentary statement said that al-Hibri was also relieved from
his role as a chair of two committees responsible for the rebuilding of
Benghazi and Derna cities.
According
to the statement, the parliament asked the Libyan Audit Bureau to check all the
transactions conducted by al-Hibri and asked the Public Prosecutor to take
legal measures over the corruption allegations.
The
statement, however, did not specify the nature of the corruption allegations
against al-Hibri.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
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North America
Muslim,
Christian parents sue Ohio school board over transgender bathroom and locker
room policies
November
23, 2022
A
coalition of Muslim and Christian parents in Bethel, Ohio, with the help of
America First Legal (AFL), are suing a local school board over a policy which
allows students to use bathrooms and locker rooms based on their chosen gender
identity, which the parents claim was implemented secretly without public
consent.
The
parents claim the rule, which could result in children using the same bathroom
as peers of the opposite biological sex, is a violation of their parental and
religious Constitutional rights and Ohio state law.
The
Bethel School District started allowed students to use facilities that align
with their "preferred gender identity" after a faculty member of the
district proposed the change at a September 13, 2021 school board meeting,
according to the lawsuit. Before the rule change and since its founding in
1917, the school district has prevented students from using intimate
facilities, such as restrooms and locker rooms, that didn’t match their
biological sex.
The
faculty member who introduced the rule change to the board said it was unfair
that transgender students had to use a private restroom away from the main
restrooms and that a student who identifies as female could not use the girls’
restroom simply "because they were born a man," according to the
lawsuit.
Between
the board meeting in September and the January adoption of the new rule, there
was no public discussion or vote regarding the rule, the lawsuit states.
The
Bethel School District changed the rule "in secret to avoid community
opposition," which is a violation of the Ohio Open Meetings Act, making
the rule change invalid, the lawsuit argues. Parents felt
"blindsided" by the new rule, which they argue compromises their
beliefs on "safety, privacy, modesty, religion, and historical views of
sex," according to the complaint.
The
board claims it had "no choice" but to make the change in compliance
with Title IX because "the Federal government was threatening school
funding, and potential litigation was imminent." In the lawsuit, AFL
called the school board’s claims "incorrect," noting the Title IX
regulations "expressly provide for Bethel’s historic practice of
separating intimate facilities based on biological sex."
AFL
vice president Gene Hamilton reiterated the organization’s commitment to
ensuring students right to privacy.
"School
districts across the country – the leadership of which have been captured by
woke ideologues and weak-spined bureaucrats – are actively destroying
fundamental rights," Hamilton said in a statement.
"Generations
of Americans have grown up in environments that have unquestionably respected
students’ personal privacy in intimate spaces, separated by biological
sex," he added. "Yet here we are as a society in the year 2022
subjecting students across this country to the kinds of anti-science, social
experiments that would have once been unfathomable and absurd a decade
ago."
Members
of Bethel’s Muslim community, including parents who brought the suit, donated
resources to build a sex-neutral restroom next to the school’s other restrooms,
according to the lawsuit.
They
believed the sex-neutral restroom would allow transgender students to use the
bathroom in the same area as other students, so they didn’t have to use
restrooms in other parts of the building, according to the lawsuit. Instead,
Bethel School District "took the donors’ resources and built the
restroom" but continued with the current policy, "without telling the
donors," AFL argues.
The
school district also said transgender students could use the communal
facilities of their chosen gender identity and if other students did not want
to use those same facilities, they could use a single person private restroom,
like the one provided by the Muslim community.
Multiple
children represented in the lawsuit said that "because of Bethel’s
policies" they "hold their urine and avoid using the restroom at
school if at all possible" and if they do "it causes them anxiety and
emotional distress." One child said she goes to the bathroom with a friend
"to help protect her and make sure that no boy violates her modesty."
The
Muslim parents involved in the lawsuit believe the school’s policies place
their children in a situation of compromised modesty and burdens their right to
raise their children in the Muslim faith because the school promotes LGBTQ+
ideology, according to the lawsuit.
Bethel
students at least as young as fifth grade are required to complete assignments
that promote LGBTQ+ beliefs, according to the lawsuit. In one example, a
fifth-grade reading comprehension assignment tells the story of "a queen who wanted to be a king and her
noble struggle to be accepted as a boy."
AFL
argues the reading assignment is "not directly related to academic
instruction," but is instead intended to affect students' "behavior,
emotions, or attitudes related to sexual identity, gender, and
transgenderism."
The
lawsuit also alleges that Bethel is
administering student surveys "regarding their views on sexual and
transgender issues, without providing notice to parents or obtaining the
consent of parents," to "affect behavioral, emotional, or attitudinal
characteristics of the Plaintiffs’ children related to sex and gender,"
according to the lawsuit.
Congress’
Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) restricts children’s participation
in surveys and the collection of personal information, which would require
parental consent. Because Bethel did not to provide parental notice or obtain
consent as required by the PPRA before administering surveys, it is in
violation of federal law, the complaint alleges.
PPRA
also prohibits psychiatric or psychological treatment "that are not
directly related to academic instruction" and are "designed to affect
behavioral, emotional, or attitudinal characteristics of an individual,"
according to the lawsuit.
The
school board has guaranteed equal educational opportunities for certain
"protected classes," which includes religion, as well as gender
identity and transgender students. Under what the lawsuit described as the
district’s "misinterpretation of Title IX," the board is providing
communal intimate facilities for transgender students in line with their
beliefs, while denying the Muslim and Christian families the policies that
align with their religious beliefs.
Source:
Fox News
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American
Muslim's family thank Emirati community for funeral turnout
Shireena
Al Nowais
Nov
23, 2022
The
family of an American who died in the UAE aged 95 have thanked Emiratis who turned
out in their hundreds for her funeral.
Lois
J Mitchell was laid to rest in Abu Dhabi's Bani Yas graveyard after spending
her twilight years in her adopted homeland.
She
moved to the capital in 2009 with her son and his wife after a long career as a
teacher in Baltimore, Maryland. She embraced Islam and told her family that she
never wanted to leave.
Her
son John Mitchell, 68, splits his time between California and Abu Dhabi, where
his wife Asli works, and was abroad when his mother died peacefully.
With
a small family, Mr Mitchell struggled to think who to call for the funeral,
which was held within 24 hours of her death, as is customary in Islam.
The
Janaza UAE social media page, which publicises local funerals, is followed by
hundreds of thousands of people and word quickly spread.
“When
I arrived at the graveyard and saw all these people I was so confused. Only
later did I realise that they were there for my mum," Mr Mitchell told The
National at his home in Abu Dhabi.
“These
families opened their hearts and homes to me. That is the essence of Islam and
the cornerstone of Emirati culture," he said.
Ms
Mitchell, a home economics high schoolteacher, dedicated her life to her
profession and to caring for young children — many of them troubled and broken
homes in one of America's toughest cities.
Mr
Mitchell is her only son. He said that she would often say that she “wished for
1,000".
He
said Mrs Mitchell, who took the name Latifa when she converted, had that wish
granted when as many as 1,000 people attended her funeral.
Even
among the Emirati community, where families are large and social bonds are
tight, such a large funeral is rare.
“It
was a sea of white," said Mr Mitchell, who is an assistant dean at UC
Berkeley College of Engineering, one of America's leading universities.
“Men
who don’t know me and never knew my mum were coming towards me from every
corner to pay their respects.
“Every
time, I tried to thank them, they would say, 'for what — we are here for her'.
“She
finally had her wishes granted. She never left the UAE and a 1,000 men — sons
that she didn’t give birth to but prayed for her as if she was their own mother
— gathered around her."
Mr
Mitchell, who converted to Islam some years ago, said that he wanted people far
and wide to know the kindness of strangers that exists in the UAE and the Arab
world.
“I
wish the world could know and experience what my words cannot do justice to
convey," he said.
Mrs
Mitchell had rheumatoid arthritis and had required a wheelchair for the past
couple of years.
Her
daughter-in-law, Asli Hassan, said she only really knew the staff in the Amana
hospital, a local care facility, but always had kind words and a smile for
them.
“Whenever
my husband would take her to the hospital and had to lift her to put her in a wheelchair,
people would rush over to carry her and put her in the chair," she said.
“This
is the humanity of this country, one which is hard to see anywhere else and
that I hope it never loses."
Source:
The National News
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Mexican
fan converts to Islam on 2nd day of FIFA World Cup in Qatar
Sakina
Fatima
23rd
November 2022
Doha:
A Mexican fan converted to Islam in a mosque in the Katara cultural village in
Doha, on the second day of the World Cup 2022 in Qatar.
The
Mexican fan was seen pronouncing Shahadah (testimony of faith), prompted by the
preacher Hayyan Al-Yafei, in videos that have been widely shared on social
media platforms.
Shahadah
In
Arabic— أَشْهَدُ
أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ ٱللَّٰهِ
Roman
English– Ashadu an la ilaha illa llahu, wa-ashadu anna muḥammadan
rasulu -llah.
Translation—
“I bear witness that there is no deity but God, and I bear witness that
Muhammad is the messenger of God.”
Al-Yafei
posted the video on his Facebook page, talking about the story of the fan’s
conversion to Islam.
The
preacher Al-Yafei wrote on his Facebook page along with a video, “This man
entered the mosque to learn about the culture of Muslims, then I explained to
him about the pillars of faith, and that Islam is the religion of all the
prophets. A partner for him, then this man wanted to be on the religion of the
prophets and chose to embrace Islam, and I repeated to him, does anyone force
you to do that? He confirmed that no one forced him.”
Al-Yafei
continues, “He told us that he wanted to become a Muslim out of his desire, and
praise be to God who opened his chest and enlightened his heart. We ask God for
us and for him to be steadfast.”
The
Mexican fan’s conversion was widely welcomed, by social media users who
expressed their happiness and congratulated him on this step.
The
Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs in Qatar launched a pavilion to introduce
Islam and its teachings during the World Cup 2022.
The
program, in which preachers of several nationalities participate, includes
distributing printed books in several languages to introduce Islam and present
Arab culture, especially Qatari, and introduce it.
The
FIFA World Cup kicked off on Sunday, November 20, with the opening match
between Qatar and Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium, in the first edition of the
international tournament to be held in the Middle East and the Arab world.
Source:
Siasat Daily
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:
https://www.siasat.com/mexican-fan-converts-to-islam-on-2nd-day-of-fifa-world-cup-in-qatar-2463772/
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Two
Americans injured in twin blasts in Jerusalem: US ambassador to Israel
23
November ,2022
At
least two American citizens were among those injured in Wednesday’s twin
bombings in Jerusalem, according to the US ambassador to Israel.
“Sadly,
I can now confirm that two US citizens were among those injured in today’s
terror attacks in Jerusalem,” Tom Nides said on Twitter. “As we head into
Thanksgiving, I am grateful that they will recover,” he said, in reference to
the Thanksgiving holiday, which is celebrated across the United States on
Thursday.
Two
blasts went off near bus stops in Jerusalem on Wednesday, killing one person
and injuring at least 14, in what police said were suspected attacks by
Palestinians.
The
apparent attacks came as Israeli-Palestinian tensions are high, following
months of Israeli raids in the occupied West Bank prompted by a spate of deadly
attacks against Israelis that killed 19 people.
There
has been an uptick in recent weeks in Palestinian attacks.
Source:
Al Arabiya
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US
sanctions 3 Iranian security officials over crackdown on protesters
Michael
Hernandez
24.11.2022
WASHINGTON
The
US sanctioned three Iranian security officials Wednesday for the ongoing
crackdown on protests that were sparked by the killing of Mahsa Amini in
September.
The
blacklistings include officials who are overseeing a "particularly severe
security response" in two predominantly Kurdish cities, Sanandaj and
Mahabad, the Treasury Department said in a statement.
They
include Sanandaj Gov. Hassan Asgari, and Alireza Moradi, the head of the Law
Enforcement Forces in the city.
Moradi
led the effort to crack down on protests in the city, and Asgari attempted to
blame the death of a protester on a drug overdose, said the Treasury
Department.
Mohammad
Taghi Osanloo, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps' Ground Forces commander
for Iran’s West Azerbaijan province, which includes the city of Mahabad, was
also sanctioned. The agency said West Azerbaijan province is one of the corps'
"most important commands."
“The
Iranian regime is reportedly targeting and gunning down its own children, who
have taken to the street to demand a better future,” said Brian Nelson, the
Treasury Department's top financial intelligence official. “The abuses being
committed in Iran against protestors, including most recently in Mahabad, must
stop.”
Iran
has been roiled by deadly protests since September after the death of Amini at
the age of 22, who was arrested by the morality police for allegedly violating
the Islamic dress code.
Amini
died in police custody with the government blaming her death on a health
condition, an explanation that has been roundly rejected by her family and
demonstrators who maintained she was murdered by police.
Mahabad,
in particular, has been the site of a violent effort by security forces to
crack down on anti-government demonstrations with videos on social media appearing
to show a large contingent of government forces, including the Revolutionary
Guard, to quell the unrest.
Source:
Anadolu Agency
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US’s
Blinken Visits Afghan Refugees Awaiting Resettlement to US in Qatar
By
Saqalain Eqbal
November
23, 2022
US
Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Afghan refugees in Qatar who are
awaiting resettlement to the US.
The
US official wrote on his Twitter handle on Wednesday, November 23, that he
visited and spoke with Afghan refugees in Camp As Sayliyah, a US army base in
Qatar, who will soon be resettled in the US.
According
to Blinken, Qatar’s cooperation was pivotal in the process of evacuating
Afghans to the US. “Qatar’s support to the Afghan people has strengthened our
partnership,” Blinken said.
From
August 15 to August 30 of last year, US soldiers evacuated 124,000 Afghan
nationals as the Taliban regained control of the country.
One
of the several American bases is As Sayliyah, where Afghans who worked for the
US along with their families were relocated after being evacuated from
Afghanistan in August 2021.
Blinken’s
visit comes three months after the US Department of State said it was seeking
to expedite the relocation of Afghans who were in jeopardy.
The
State Department of the US said that eligible evacuees will be transferred to
Camp As Sayliyah, a US Army installation outside of Doha, Qatar, to undergo
interviews with US officials, medical examinations, and security screenings.
Early
in August, a spokesman for the US State Department announced that they had
expanded their efforts to expedite the processing of eligible Afghans,
particularly those who were SIV (Special Immigrant Visa) holders outside of the
US.
Last
year, the US increased its resettlement aid to $1.2 billion and enhanced
facilities for processing refugees, including the As Sayliyah camp.
Source:
Khaama Press
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