No Loudspeakers in Mosques, Dargahs from 10 PM to 6 AM in Karnataka
New
Age Islam News Bureau
17
March 2021
The circular also identified silence zones where
use of loudspeakers would attract a penalty. (PTI file photo)
-----
•
Islamic Countries Must Join Against Islamophobia, Terrorism: Special Aide to
Pakistan PM
•
Israel Upgrades ‘Iron Dome’ Amid Fears of Missile Power in Lebanon, Gaza
•
Amnesty International Embarrassed, Afghan Gov’t Not Protecting Human Rights
Defenders
•
Saudi Regime to Displace 521 Families, Raze Houses in Shia-Majority Qatif
•
American Soldiers Help Mozambique Battle an Expanding ISIS Affiliate
•
UK Columnist, Julie Burchill, Pays Muslim Journalist, Ash Sarkar,‘Substantial
Damages’
•
Former Islamic Affairs Minister Says ‘Allah’ Court Case Was before Pakatan’s
Time in Govt
India
•
No Loudspeakers in Mosques, Dargahs from 10 PM to 6 AM during Azaan, Says
Karnataka Auqaf Circular
•
30 Ayodhya Temples, 3 Mosques in Squatters’ List May Be Moved Out
•
Ex-Shia Waqf Board Chief Charged for Moving Top Court to Remove Quran Verses in
FIR Registered in UP’s Bareilly
•
Wife Moves Delhi HC to Seek Mortal Remains of Husband Wrongly Buried As Per Muslim
Rites in Saudi Arabia
•
'A Hero for All Indians Too': PM Modi Pays Homage to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman On
Birth Anniversary
•
Muslim Man Made Financial Contribution and Organised the Wedding of A Hindu
Girl
--------
Pakistan
•
Islamic Countries Must Join Against Islamophobia, Terrorism: Special Aide to
Pakistan PM
•
Cleric Muhammad Ali Mirza Concerned At Security Denial despite Repeated
Requests
•
Pakistan wants to improve ties with Bangladesh, says Alvi
•
PM launches advisory portal on national security in 'first' Islamabad Security
Dialogue
•
Two ‘Sindhudesh’ militants held in Rangers attack case
•
Deported To Pakistan: Does Death Await Ahmadis?
--------
Mideast
•
Israel Upgrades ‘Iron Dome’ Amid Fears of Missile Power in Lebanon, Gaza
•
Yemen sheds light on ‘direct US-Qaeda relationship under Saleh’
•
Iran Enriching Uranium with New Advanced Machine Type at Natanz Plant: IAEA
•
Iran’s Top Commander Describes IRGC as Invincible Power
•
FM Zarif: West Asia Insecure Due to US Meddling
•
FM Lashes Out at Suppliers of WMDs to Saddam
•
Over 18 Houthi fighters killed in ambush in Yemen’s Taiz: Yemeni army
•
Iran-backed Houthis confirm migrant centre fire, say 44 killed
--------
South Asia
•
Amnesty International Embarrassed, Afghan Gov’t Not Protecting Human Rights
Defenders
•
UN Delegation to Visit Remote Bangladesh Island since Rohingya Moved
•
UN Envoy: Myanmar Generals ‘Could Face Same Fate As Saddam, Gaddafi’
•
Taliban battered in Kandahar, 34 killed
•
John Sopko: Security remains unstable and crucial in Afghanistan
•
Taliban to send delegation to Afghanistan peace meeting hosted by Russia
--------
Arab World
•
Saudi Regime to Displace 521 Families, Raze Houses in Shia-Majority Qatif
•
US Urges International Community to Designate Hezbollah as a Terror Group
•
GCC stands with Saudi Arabia against threats to its security: Secretary General
•
Lebanon’s Hezbollah plays ‘pivotal’ role in resolving regional challenges:
Analyst
•
Saudi Arabia urges extension of Iran arms embargo amid increased Houthi attacks
•
Syrian air defences respond to Israeli ‘aggression’ in southern Syria: SANA
•
At least 12 regime soldiers killed in militant ambush in south Syria: Monitor
•
Lebanon releases activist charged for collaborating with Israel
•
Saudi Arabia condemns protesters storming presidential palace in Yemen’s Aden
•
Arab Coalition destroys Houthi explosive-laden boat off Yemen’s as-Salif
--------
North America
•
American Soldiers Help Mozambique Battle an Expanding ISIS Affiliate
•
Turkey's new envoy aims to advance relations with US
•
U.S. soldier pleads not guilty to plotting ISIS attacks on NYC landmarks
•
US report says Russia, Iran and Hezbollah meddled in 2020 election
--------
Europe
•
UK Columnist, Julie Burchill, Pays Muslim Journalist, Ash Sarkar,‘Substantial
Damages’
•
EU visit to Xinjiang stalled over access request to jailed Uighur academic:
Diplomat
•
EU should renew migration deal with Turkey: Borrell
•
Stansted Airport: German man admits sharing IS videos
•
We shouldn’t forget the horrific crimes of Isis returnees
•
Europe's Experience on Islamism Is a Cautionary Tale for the United States
--------
Southeast Asia
•
Former Islamic Affairs Minister Says ‘Allah’ Court Case Was before Pakatan’s Time
in Govt
•
Use of ‘Allah’ a non-issue in Sabah and Sarawak, say Muslim reps
•
‘Allah’ issue to be discussed at session with muftis tomorrow
•
Malaysia's Anwar says has met with several Umno leaders to discuss cooperation
in next elections
--------
Africa
•
Algeria Seeks 18 Months’ Prison Sentence for Journalist in ‘Defamation’ Case
•
Militants Kill 58 In Separate Attacks in Niger
•
Eastern Libya Forces Say Arrested ‘Prominent IS Leader’ Abu Omar
•
Armed men attack another Nigerian school, as 39 students still missing
•
Suspected Islamists kill at least a dozen villagers in eastern Congo
•
Libyan government hands power to unity team
•
Tunisian president to visit Libya in show of support for new government
•
Niger: Dozens of civilians killed near Malian border
Compiled
by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/no-loudspeakers-mosques-dargahs-10/d/124556
--------
No
Loudspeakers in Mosques, Dargahs from 10 PM to 6 AM during Azaan, Says
Karnataka Auqaf Circular
The circular also identified silence zones where
use of loudspeakers would attract a penalty. (PTI file photo)
-----
17
Mar 2021
In
an order with far-reaching implications, the Karnataka State Board of Auqaf has
issued a circular to all the mosques and Dargahs (mausoleums) in the state,
prohibiting the use of loudspeakers between 10 pm and 6 am during Azaan.
In
the circular dated March 9, the board said, "The loudspeakers shall not be
used at night time, which shall mean from 10 pm to 6 am."
The
Board said the ambient noise level around these structures has
"deleterious effects on human health and the psychological well-being of
people".
However,
the Waqf Board has also made it clear that there will be no ban on Azaan,
adding that the decision to bar loudspeakers during the specified time was
taken to prevent noise pollution.
Further
underlining the "silence zones", the circular said any violation will
be liable for a penalty.
"The
areas comprising not less than 100 metres around hospitals, educational
institutions and courts are declared as silence zones.
"Whoever
uses sound amplifier or burst sound-emitting firecrackers, uses a loudspeaker
or public address system in a silence zone is liable for penalty under the
provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act-1986," the circular read.
These
decisions were taken at the board's 327th meeting held on December 19, 2020
regarding a strict adherence to the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control)
Rules, 2000 in Karnataka and "it unanimously resolved to create awareness
amongst the managements of Masjids and Dargahs".
"It
is observed that increasing the ambient noise level around many a Masjid and
Dargahs due to generator sets, loudspeakers and public address systems has
deleterious effects on human health and the psychological well-being of
people," the order noted.
The
board reminded the mutawallis and managing committees of the mosques and
dargahs that it had issued a circular on July 10, 2017 (when Siddaramaiah
headed the Congress government in Karnataka) to follow the ambient noise
standards in accordance with the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control)
Rules, 2000.
The
circular said loudspeakers should be used only for "azan" and other
important announcements, whereas the congregational Salat, Jumma Qutba, Bayans,
religious socio-cultural and knowledge-based functions shall be performed with
the speakers installed on the premises of the mosques and dargahs.
The
noise-governing apparatus may be installed in the institutions in consultation
with the local environment officers.
The
Khateeb O Imam of Bengaluru's Jamia Masjid, Maqsood Imran, told PTI that he too
has received the circular. He added that they have spoken to the CEO of the
board about revising the circular since the morning "azan" is an
important one.
He
shared a letter written by Waqf Board member and MLA Tanveer Sait to the CEO of
the board.
In
the letter, Sait said, "As the board is an autonomous body, keeping this
instruction in the view, you are hereby directed to issue an amended circular
at the earliest, considering sunrise timings and use of loudspeakers sensibly
between 10 pm to 5 am as the holy month of Ramzan is fast approaching."
Former
chairman of the state Waqf Board Anwar Manippady told PTI, "It is a great
step towards amiability in the society between the two communities --
minorities and majorities."
https://www.livemint.com/news/india/no-loudspeakers-in-mosques-dargahs-from-10-pm-to-6-am-during-azaan-says-karnataka-waqf-board-circular-11615952714149.html
--------
Islamic
Countries Must Join Against Islamophobia, Terrorism: Special Aide to Pakistan
PM
March
17, 2021
ISLAMABAD:
The Special Aide to Prime Minister on Religious Harmony and Middle East, Hafiz
Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, on Tuesday said the situation demands that all
Islamic countries carry out a joint struggle for the elimination of
Islamophobia, extremism and terrorism.
“Islamic
countries must develop a joint strategy against extremist organizations, groups
and individuals,” he said while talking with the Arab media along with
Pakistani and international media here on Tuesday. The Special Aide to Prime
Minister on Religious Harmony and Middle East said Pakistan's stance on
Islamophobia and Namoos-e-Risalat has been recognized in the entire Muslim world.
“Together with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Pakistan is
raising the voice of the entire Ummah and the Islamic world at world fora,” he
said. He said on the request of Prime Minister Imran Khan and the World Islamic
League, the Sri Lankan government has allowed Muslims' burial permission for
the coronavirus victims. Ashrafi said that relations with all Arab countries
are getting stronger and Pakistan's foreign policy towards the Arab Islamic
countries is being praised everywhere. “The stronger the OIC will be, the
stronger the Ummah will emerge,” he said. He said that Pakistan wants unity and
solidarity among all the Islamic countries. “Harmain Al-Sharifain is the center
of the Ummah. If the security and stability of Saudi Arabia comes under threat,
the Ummah cannot remain silent,” he said. He said Pakistan welcomes
reconciliation between the Gulf countries and Qatar and strongly favours ending
all differences among Islamic countries. He said the problems of Islamic
countries can only be solved through dialogue. “Wars only bring destruction,”
he said. Ashrafi said that an organized propaganda campaign was launched to
sour the Pak-Saudi relations but our relations are time-tested and remain very
strong. "We also welcome the development regarding the new government in
Libya," he said.
SAPM
Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi said Pakistan wants to strengthen trade,
cultural, economic and tourism ties with Arab Islamic countries. He said Prime
Minister Imran Khan's priority is to strengthen trade and economic ties, rather
than debt and aid. He said it is unfortunate that the issue of Hijab is
creating problems for Muslims everywhere, including in Europe. “Countries and
organizations striving for interfaith dialogue and harmony should take immediate
steps in this regard,” he said. In the near future, he said it is also planned
to hold conferences of important Muftis of the Islamic world on contemporary
issues. “Many issues are stalled due to the outbreak of Coronavirus and in all
likelihood after Ramazan, the Fifth World Message of Islam Conference will be
held besides another important meeting will be held regarding the Pak-Arab
Forum,” he said. Replying to a question, Hafiz Ashrafi said that talks could be
held with the opposition to eradicate corruption and for development of the
country. He said Pakistan belongs to all of us and every Pakistani has to play
a role for the development and stability of Pakistan. “We are committed to
making Pakistan a moderate Islamic welfare state,” he said.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/805622-islamic-countries-must-join-against-islamophobia-terrorism-ashrafi
--------
Israel
upgrades ‘Iron Dome’ amid fears of missile power in Lebanon, Gaza
In this file picture, an Israeli missile launched
from the Iron Dome missile system, designed to intercept and destroy incoming
short-range rockets and artillery shells, is pictured in the city of Sderot on
November 12, 2019. (By AFP)
-----
17
March 2021
The
Israeli ministry of military affairs says it has upgraded the so-called Iron
Dome missile system to intercept additional kinds of projectiles, amid fears in
Tel Aviv of the increasing defense capabilities of resistance groups in Lebanon
and the Gaza Strip.
Moshe
Patel, who is in charge of the ministry’s missile department, said in a
statement on Tuesday that the missile system had completed a series of tests,
including interceptions of rocket and missile salvos as well as simultaneous
interceptions of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles.
Patel
added the new system would be deployed by Israel’s air force and navy in the
near future.
The
highly-publicized Iron Dome system was designed to detect, assess and intercept
a variety of shorter-range targets such as rockets, artillery and mortars, but
it has proven largely ineffective in serving that purpose during the military
conflicts that the regime has waged over the past years.
The
anti-missile project was first installed in 2011 near Beersheba as a mobile
all-weather system, years after Tel Aviv’s humiliating defeat in its 33-day war
on Lebanon, in which the regime suffered huge losses thanks to the major role
that the Hezbollah resistance movement played in defending its homeland.
The
Israeli regime long tried to portray the “Iron Dome” as an invincible and
all-powerful missile system, but the thoughts of an invulnerable missile shield
evaporated during the regime’s military aggression against the blockaded Gaza
Strip in 2019.
During
that conflict, Palestinian resistance fighters with the Hamas and Islamic Jihad
resistance groups overwhelmed the system by firing around 700 missiles towards
the Israeli-occupied territories in just two days. Only some 240 of them were
intercepted.
Hamas
and Islamic Jihad said back then that they deliberately fired enormous numbers
of rockets at a specific target zone in a new tactic to saturate Iron Dome.
Four Israeli settlers were killed and at least 80 others injured in Gaza’s
retaliatory attacks.
Earlier,
during Israel’s 2014 war on Gaza, five Israelis were killed in the Palestinian
retaliatory rocket fire against the occupied territories, raising serious
questions about the accuracy of the system and causing panic among the Israelis
living in the southern parts of the occupied territories over what they viewed
as the regime’s failure to protect them.
The
performance of Iron Dome had likewise come under scrutiny following a similar
Israeli military aggression against the besieged Palestinian territory two
years earlier in November 2012.
The
Israeli regime suffered low casualties during that conflict, with many media
outlets attributing the figures to the effectiveness of the missile system;
however, close reviews of photographs of Iron Dome interceptor contrails later
revealed that system’s success rate had been very low — as low as 5 percent or
even less — and that the casualty number was low only as a result of emergency
rescue efforts.
The
new report about the upgrades came a day after the regime admitted to a
dramatic growth of Hezbollah’s missile power over the past years.
Senior
Israeli military commander Uri Gordin said the Lebanese resistance group would
be able to fire as many as 2,000 rockets at the occupied territories per day in
a future military conflict.
His
opinion piece, titled “Is Israel ignoring the biggest strategic threat it
faces?”, said that while Israeli authorities have been intensifying their acts
of aggression against Syria, they have not stopped Hezbollah's efforts to
establish an independent capability of producing and manufacturing accurate
missiles on Lebanese territory.
Both
Lebanon’s Hezbollah and the Palestinian resistance groups have repeatedly said
they will not initiate any military conflict with the warmongering regime in
Israel, but warned that they will surprise the regime with their crushing
response if it opts to launch an act of aggression against Lebanon and Gaza
again.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2021/03/17/647474/Israel-announces-upgrade-of-Iron-Dome-system-amid-Hezbollah-increasing-prowess
--------
Amnesty
International Embarrassed, Afghan Gov’t Not Protecting Human Rights Defenders
16
Mar 2021
Amnesty
International condemned The Afghan government for not being committed to its
pledge to establish a functional body for the protection of Human rights
defenders.
In
a statement issued on Tuesday, the global rights watchdog said more than three
months ago a Presidential Decree was issued on the establishment of a Joint
Commission for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders.
About
three months ago a presidential Decree issues on the establishment of a Joint
Commission to protect Human rights defenders, Amnesty International said in a
statement on Tuesday.
According
to the statement, no practical steps were taken by the government to create an
“effective protection mechanism, with a lack of information forthcoming on any
plan or strategy to address the escalating threat faced by members of Afghan
civil society”.
Referring
to UNAMA figures the statement added the dire calamity in Afghanistan has
worsened activity conditions to the human rights community in recent months,
citing the records that at least 11 human rights defenders and media workers
were victims of Targeted attacks since September 2020 and 31 January 2021.
Further
delay in the establishment of a functioning mechanism has costed many lives and
that there is no sign of the violence “abating”, the statement indicated.
The
statement quoted, Amnesty International’s Asia-Pacific Director, Yamini Mishra,
“The announcement of the Joint Commission was a vital step towards providing
human rights defenders across the country with the support and security they so
desperately need” but she said, “it’s a body that currently exists in name
only. In more than three months, during which we have witnessed a frenzied
escalation of killings, attacks, and threats against activists, the Commission
has made no tangible progress or taken any meaningful action,”.
“This
delay has already cost lives and there is no sign of the violence abating. The
Joint Commission must urgently expedite its work and prioritize the immediate
security needs of human rights defenders, investigate all cases of threats,
attacks and other forms of intimidation, and hold those responsible to
account.” Mishra said.
Amnesty
International called on the Joint Commission to provide protection to human rights
defenders where necessary, and the activists should be given relocation
support, relief, and psychosocial facilities.
The
international watchdog said that the Joint Commission was established “for the
purpose of strengthening human rights advocacy and addressing the national and
international concerns of human rights-related issues in Afghanistan”.
https://www.khaama.com/global-watchdog-embarrassed-govt-not-protecting-human-rights-defenders-53453232/
--------
Saudi
regime to displace 521 families, raze houses in Shia-majority Qatif
16
March 2021
The
Saudi regime plans to displace hundreds of families in Saudi Arabia’s
Shia-majority Qatif region and raze their houses as part of a crackdown on
dissent.
Nashet
Qatifi, a renowned Saudi human rights activist, said in a post on his Twitter
account on Monday that the Riyadh government had announced plans for the
eviction of more than 521 families from Qatif within 90 days as well as the
destruction of their houses in retaliation for their children’s participation
in a 2011 anti-regime uprising.
Qatifi
said the families had been offered a fee but did not intend to sell or move out
of the area as the sum offered was not enough to buy a house.
🔴 الحكومة السعودية تهدد بتهجير أكثر من 521 عائلة من #القطيف خلال 90 يوماً من الآن، وتجريف منازلها انتقاماً منهم لمشاركة أبنائهم في الانتفاضة❗️
pic.twitter.com/mckNfQIrYn
—
ناشط قطيفي (@nashetqatifi)
March 15, 2021
Local
sources in the Shia-majority region confirmed the Saudi plan and said the
regime intended to displace hundreds of families from al-Thawra (Revolution)
Street in the city center.
Reports
said the goal of the Saudi regime was to erase any signs and memories of the
demonstrations in 2011, especially al-Thawra Street, which had become a symbol
of the revolution and protests in Qatif.
A
similar incident took place in the al-Masura district of Qatif in 2017, and
many houses were destroyed by bulldozers. In November last year, Saudi
officials also leveled to the ground a Shia Muslim mosque south of al-Awamiyah
Town in Qatif.
Saudi
Arabia’s Eastern Province has been the scene of peaceful demonstrations since
February 2011. Protesters have been demanding reforms, freedom of expression,
the release of political prisoners, and an end to economic and religious
discrimination against the oil-rich region.
The
protests have been met with a heavy-handed crackdown by the regime, whose
forces have ramped up measures across the province.
Ever
since Mohammed bin Salman became Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader in 2017, the
kingdom has ramped up arrests of activists, bloggers, intellectuals, and others
perceived as political opponents, showing almost zero tolerance for dissent
even in the face of international condemnations of the crackdown.
Muslim
scholars have been executed, women’s rights campaigners have been put behind
bars and tortured, and freedom of expression, association, and belief continue
to be denied.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2021/03/16/647441/Saudi-regime-to-displace-521-families,-raze-houses-in-Shia-majority-Qatif
--------
American
Soldiers Help Mozambique Battle an Expanding ISIS Affiliate
By
Declan Walsh and Eric Schmitt
March
15, 2021
NAIROBI,
Kenya — American Special Forces soldiers began training Mozambican troops this
week as part of an effort to repel a spreading insurgency in northeastern
Mozambique that American officials say is linked to the Islamic State. The
insurgency, near some of the world’s biggest gas reserves, has killed at least
2,000 civilians and displaced another 670,000.
The
American program is modest in size and scope: a dozen Army Green Berets are to
train Mozambican marines for the next two months. But it signals the entry of
the United States military into a counterinsurgency effort that has been aided
so far mainly by South African mercenaries, who have faced accusations of human
rights abuses.
The
war in Mozambique is part of an alarming expansion of insurgencies believed to
have ties to the Islamic State in several parts of Africa. In the past year,
militants have captured swaths of territory in the northern province of Cabo
Delgado, including a port on the Indian Ocean, and beheaded hundreds of
civilians, according to human rights groups.
“I
don’t think anyone saw this coming,” Col. Richard Schmidt, the deputy commander
of U.S. Special Operations Forces in Africa, said in a telephone interview from
Maputo, Mozambique’s capital. “For this to crop up so quickly is concerning.”
Last
week the United States formally designated the group, known locally as Al-Sunna
wa Jama’a, as a global terrorist entity and imposed sanctions on its leader,
named by American officials as Abu Yasir Hassan.
But
it is unclear how strong the ties are between the Islamic State in Iraq and
Syria and this group, as well as some others in Africa.
The
insurgency in Mozambique includes some fighters from Tanzania, but most come
from the local area, a place of deep poverty and endemic corruption. The main
Islamic State publications have not mentioned operations in Mozambique since
last fall.
Some
experts worry that the American designation of the group as tied to the Islamic
State could hamper future efforts to end the insurgency through negotiation.
“There
are concerns that this designation could complicate the delivery of
humanitarian assistance in Cabo Delgado, and possible dialogue with insurgents
there,” said Dino Mahtani, deputy director of the Africa program at the
International Crisis Group, who recently visited Mozambique.
Still,
the ferocity of the insurgency in Cabo Delgado, the northernmost province of
Mozambique, has taken American military officers, diplomats and
counterterrorism officials by surprise.
A
group that numbered perhaps a couple of dozen fighters in 2017 has grown to as
many as 800 fighters, with the ability to carry out strikes in neighboring
Tanzania, where analysts believe the group is tied to smuggling and criminal
networks that provide weapons and other equipment.
Mozambican
counterinsurgency efforts have been hampered by divisions between the country’s
military and its powerful police, so it has turned to private soldiers for
help.
In
2019, an estimated 160 contractors from Wagner Group, a Kremlin-linked private
military company, flew into Cabo Delgado. But they quickly withdrew after at
least seven Wagner personnel were killed by insurgents, American officials say.
Then
Mozambique turned to mercenaries from South Africa, specifically the Dyck
Advisory Group, which have come equipped with small helicopters armed with side
guns.
But
Amnesty International recently accused the mercenaries of possible war crimes,
including killings of civilians. More broadly, their effectiveness against the
insurgents has been limited.
John
T. Godfrey, the State Department’s acting coordinator for counterterrorism,
told reporters last week the United States was “concerned” by the presence of
private contractors who have “not demonstrably helped” to win the battle
against the Islamic State.
“It’s
frankly a feature of the landscape in Cabo Delgado that complicates rather than
helps efforts to address the terror threat there,” Mr. Godfrey said.
A
senior State Department official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to
discuss sensitive matters, said the military training program, which will focus
on basic soldiering skills, could lead to more ambitious American help for
Mozambique’s military including combat casualty care, planning and logistics.
The
United States is also looking to step up intelligence assistance for
Mozambique, the official said.
Last
week, the State Department also imposed sanctions on a reported ISIS arm in the
Democratic Republic of Congo and its leader, Seka Musa Baluku. Islamist
insurgents affiliated with the Islamic State are also active in Libya, Mali,
Niger and other parts of West Africa.
Regional
experts, though, say some of those groups may be using the Islamic State name
to sow fear and attract funds, while prosecuting conflicts that are essentially
local in nature.
“They
may be cloaked in the black flag,” said Mr. Mahtani, the Crisis Group analyst.
“But what is motivating them to kill? It could be global jihad, but it could
also be local conflicts and grievances.”
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/15/world/africa/mozambique-american-troops-isis-insurgency.html?utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2107824_
--------
UK
Columnist, Julie Burchill, Pays Muslim Journalist, Ash Sarkar,‘Substantial
Damages’
March
16, 2021
LONDON:
British columnist Julie Burchill has apologized to activist and journalist Ash
Sarkar — and agreed to pay her “substantial damages” — for offensive social
media posts in December.
Following
the settlement of a libel and harassment case, Burchill said on Twitter and
Facebook that her social media activity had “included racist and misogynist
comments” and “played into Islamophobic tropes.”
She
added: “Although it was not my intention, I accept that my statements were
defamatory of Ms Sarkar and caused her very substantial distress.”
The
Sunday Telegraph columnist asked her thousands of social media followers to
retweet and share her apology.
In
her December posts, Burchill claimed that Sarkar was a terrorist sympathizer
and fundamentalist, and speculated about her sex life.
Burchill
also “liked” posts saying Sarkar should kill herself and suggesting she was a
victim of female genital mutilation, while calling on her social media
followers to “wade in on Twitter” against “the Islamists.”
Following
the settlement out of court, Burchill said: “I deeply regret having reacted in
the way I did. I accept that I should have behaved better. On reflection, I
accept that I misjudged the situation, and made statements that simply are not
true, which I now want to put right.”
Sarkar
said Burchill’s “repeated sexual and degrading comments” had “carried a
persistent threatening undertone.”
https://www.arabnews.com/node/1826631/world
--------
Former
Islamic affairs minister says ‘Allah’ court case was before Pakatan’s time in
govt
17
Mar 2021
BY
ASHMAN ADAM
KUALA
LUMPUR, March 17 — The controversial use of the Arabic word “Allah” for God by
non-Muslims that was taken to the courts began long before Pakatan Harapan (PH)
became government in 2018, Amanah vice-president Datuk Seri Mujahid Yusof Rawa
said.
The
former Islamic affairs minister today was commenting on the landmark High Court
judgment that found Jill Ireland Lawrence Bill, a Sarawakian Bumiputera
Christian from the Melanau tribe, has a constitutional right to own books and
compact discs that used the word.
“If
someone says this issue only became a heavily debated topic while I was
minister, it is simply not true. The truth is this issue was brought to court
between 2008 and 2009, and has lasted until now.
“It
only became a hot topic after the Home Affairs Ministry said that a number of
words including ‘Allah’ cannot be used in any non-Muslim publications,” Mujahid
told Malay daily Sinar Harian.
He
claimed the topic became heavily politicised during his tenure in the PH
administration that was cut short in February last year.
On
March 10, the High Court ruled that the federal government’s directive issued
in 1986 with a total ban on the use of the word “Allah” in Christian
publications is unconstitutional and invalid.
The
court also declared that Jill Ireland has a constitutional right to practise
her religion.
Detractors
have vented at Mujahid on social media recently, after the High Court judgment,
as he was part of a Cabinet committee formed by the PH administration to look
into the court case.
But
the committee was led by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who was at
that time the home minister, along with other ministers from Sabah and Sarawak,
the late Datuk Liew Vui Keong, Datuk Darell Leiking and Baru Bian.
Muhyiddin
said he respects the High Court’s decision and called on Malaysians to focus on
safeguarding interfaith harmony.
“It’s
been over 13 years that this case has been debated, imagine if we allow hatred
and hostility to dominate the situation, this country may remain unsettled,” he
was quoted as saying.
He
added that the priority should be to safeguard peace in the country and save
Malaysia from ridicule.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2021/03/17/former-islamic-affairs-minister-says-allah-court-case-was-before-pakatans-t/1958535
--------
India
30
Ayodhya Temples, 3 Mosques in Squatters’ List May Be Moved Out
Mar
17, 2021
Ayodhya:
The district administration in Ayodhya has identified 30 temples and three
mosques that have encroached upon Government land, in keeping with Allahabad
high court’s directive to remove or shift religious structures encroaching on
public roads or sideways.
Talking
to TOI, Ayodhya municipal commissioner Vishal Singh said, “Religious structures
raised before 2011 will be relocated and those built after this cut-off year
may be removed. We have sent a list of 33 such religious structures to the
government for approval. We are yet to zero in on land for relocation of
shrines. Also, we haven’t received a deadline for implementation of court
order.”
It
will be a painstaking exercise as scores of devotees throng these temples
mentioned in the list, he said. Also, for removing three mosques, the administration
would have to talk to Sunni Board as these are waqf properties.
Reacting
to the civic body’s move to shortlist 30 temples, chief priest of Ayodhya’s
Tapaswi Chawni temple, Mahant Paramhans Das, said, “Deities in these temples
have been installed after ‘praan pratishtha’ (consecration). Hence, the
government must re-think its decision and provide alternate land, where these
idols can be placed after temples are removed.”
Talking
to TOI, Dr Najmul Hasan Ghani, state working president of Indian Union Muslim
League, said, “Namaz is being offered since independence at the three mosques
mentioned in the list. These are of archaeological value and Muslim sentiments
will be hurt if removed.” Caretaker of a mosque on Ayodhya Road, Rafat Ansari,
said, “The district administration should take the Sunni Waqf Board into
confidence before initiating any action.”
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/30-ayodhya-temples-3-mosques-in-squatters-list-may-be-moved-out/articleshow/81539324.cms
--------
Ex-Shia
Waqf Board Chief Charged For Moving Top Court to Remove Quran Verses in FIR
Registered in UP’s Bareilly
March
16, 2021
Bareilly:
An FIR has been registered in Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly against former UP Shia
Waqf Board Chairman Waseem Rizvi for allegedly hurting the religious sentiments
of Muslims with his petition in the Supreme Court seeking to remove some verses
of the Quran which he claimed promoted terrorism.
The
FIR was registered at the Kotwali police station on Monday evening following
complaints by Anjuman Khuddam-e-Rasool secretary Shan Ahmed and an organisation
known as Ittehad-e-Millat Council, the police said.
The
case was registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for
"deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of
any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs", Senior
Superintendent of Police (SSP), Bareilly, Rohit Singh Sajwan said.
The
Chairman of the Raja Action Committee, Maulana Afroz Raja Qadri, claimed
sectarian forces were operating behind Waseem Rizvi, and that time has come to
unmask them.
On
Sunday, members of the Muslim community held a protest in Lucknow against
Waseem Rizvi. Shia cleric and senior member of the All-India Muslim Personal
Law Board Maulana Kalbe Jawwad and a large number of people took part in the
protest at the Bara Imambara.
Addressing
the gathering that day, Maulana Syed Salman Hasni Nadvi laid stress on Muslim
unity and described Waseem Rizvi as a "kaafir (non-believer)" and
"mujrim (criminal)".
"We
are believers of the Quran and Allah first, Sunni and Shia later. Hence, there
are no differences among us as far as the Quran is concerned," Mr Nadvi
had then said.
Maulana
Kalbe Jawwad had told reporters that Waseem Rizvi was a part of the
"jamaat (group)" that goes to the extent of falsifying their own
existence and betraying their own religion.
"He
has been indulging in anti-religious activities, but this time, he has broken
all barriers by raising a finger on the Quran," Maulana Kalbe Jawwad had
said, urging the government to immediately arrest Waseem Rizvi and impose a
heavy fine on him.
In
Bareilly, Mufti Ahsan Raja Qadri of the Dargah-e-Aala Hazrat, a prominent
centre of Barelvi Muslims, too had condemned Waseem Rizvi's move and said not
even an iota of change in the holy book is possible.
In
a statement, he had said, "Waseem Rizvi is an enemy of the Quran and
Islam. He is doing this to gather cheap popularity and to save himself from the
Waqf scam."
Waseem
Rizvi filed the Public Interest Litigation in the top court on Thursday.
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ex-shia-waqf-board-chief-waseem-rizvi-charged-for-moving-top-court-to-remove-quran-verses-2392171
--------
Wife
moves Delhi HC to seek mortal remains of husband wrongly buried as per Muslim
rites in Saudi Arabia
March
16, 2021
New
Delhi: A peculiar case came up before the Delhi High Court on Tuesday wherein
the mortal remains of a Hindu man, an Indian citizen, were wrongly buried in
Saudi Arabia as per Muslim rites due to incorrect translation of his religion
on death certificate by Indian Consulate officials in Jeddah.
The
deceased's wife, who has been running from pillar to post to get the mortal
remains, has approached the high court seeking direction to the Ministry of
External Affairs (MEA) to take steps to urgently exhume the remains and
repatriate them to India in a time-bound manner.
Justice
Prathiba M Singh said the woman has been approaching the authorities since
January, since passing away of her husband, and adequate steps ought to have
been taken to bring back the body of the deceased to India to conduct the last
rites.
“Accordingly,
the concerned officer from the MEA not below the rank of deputy secretary shall
join the proceedings on 18 March to apprise this court about the update on steps
taken and status on transportation of mortal remains of the deceased,” the
judge said, adding that it was an “unfortunate” case.
The
Indian man Sanjeev Kumar had passed away on 24 January in Saudi Arabia, where
he was working, due to cardiac arrest and his mortal remains were kept at a
hospital there.
Petitioner
Anju Sharma said in the plea that on getting the news of her husband's death,
the family requested the authorities to repatriate the mortal remains.
“Shockingly,
on 18 February, the Petitioner was informed that the body of her husband has
been buried in Saudi Arabia while the family members of the deceased were
waiting for the mortal remains in India.
“The
officials in Indian Consulate explained that it was due to a mistake committed
by the official translator of Indian Consulate, Jeddah, who wrongly mentioned
his religion as ‘Muslim’ in the death certificate. They also shared a letter of
apology tendered by the official translating agency of Indian Consulate in
Jeddah with the petitioner herein,” said the petition, filed through advocate
Subhash Chandran KR and Yogamaya MG.
It
also said that neither the woman nor any of the family members gave consent to
bury Kumar’s body in Saudi Arabia.
Thereafter,
the woman requested the officials of Indian Consulate in Jeddah to ask the
local authorities there to exhume the mortal remain of her husband so that it
can be transported to India for performing last rites as per the faith of the
family.
“Unfortunately,
even after seven weeks of the death of the husband of petitioner, the
authorities have failed to do necessary formalities to repatriate the mortal
remains of Sanjeev Kumar to India for performing last rites,” the plea said.
It
also sought direction to the Centre to take appropriate departmental actions against
concerned officials of Indian Consulate at Jeddah for their wilful negligence
and also direct the authorities to do appropriate actions for obtaining a
corrected death certificate of the deceased and supply the document to his
wife.
https://www.firstpost.com/india/wife-moves-delhi-hc-to-seek-mortal-remains-of-husband-wrongly-buried-as-per-muslim-rites-in-saudi-arabia-9425031.html
--------
'A
hero for all Indians too': PM Modi pays homage to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on
birth anniversary
Mar
17, 2021
NEW
DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid homage to 'Bangabandhu'
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his birth anniversary and said that the founding
father of Bangladesh is a hero for all Indians as well.
Sheikh
Mujibur Rahman, who is known as the father of the nation in Bangladesh, was
born on March 17, 1920.
"My
heartfelt homage to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a champion of human
rights and freedom, on his birth anniversary," Modi tweeted.
My
heartfelt homage to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a champion of human
rights and freedom, on his birth anni… https://t.co/r7Zc6DGa4d
—
Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 1615954123000
"He
is a hero for all Indians too. It will be my honour to visit Bangladesh later
this month for the historic #MujibBorsho celebrations," he said.
Prime
Minister Modi will visit Bangladesh on March 26 and 27, his first visit to a
foreign country since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.
The
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) made an announcement on Tuesday on Modi's
visit to the neighbouring country following an invitation from Bangladeshi
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
"This
visit is in connection with the commemoration of three epochal events -- Mujib
Borsho, the birth centenary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman; 50 years of the establishment
of diplomatic ties between India and Bangladesh; and 50 years of Bangladesh's
war of liberation," it said.
Modi
had last visited Bangladesh in 2015.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/a-hero-for-all-indians-too-pm-modi-pays-homage-to-sheikh-mujibur-rahman-on-birth-anniversary/articleshow/81544004.cms
--------
Muslim
Man Made Financial Contribution And Organised The Wedding Of A Hindu Girl
Mar
17, 2021
Trichy:
A Muslim man has received appreciation for helping a Hindu woman get married
according to her religious traditions at Orathanadu near Pattukottai in
Thanjavur district. He made financial contribution and organised the wedding.
Priyanka,
23, was working for the last five years in the shop of H Raja Mohamed, 45, who
considered her as his family. After the death of her father, she left her
mother a few months ago following some differences. Not only did Mohamed give
her shelter, he consulted her family members and fixed her marriage with a
Hindu groom. “Her family was unable to afford her marriage following which I
took up the responsibility,” said Mohamed. More than a staff member, she is
like my daughter, said Mohamed who was moved by her responsible nature.
As
she is the sole breadwinner in her family, she was struggling to spend on her marriage,
so Mohamed made a financial contribution. The wedding of Priyanka with Vijay
Kumar was solemnised on March 11 in Visalatchi Amman temple near Orthanadu with
Hindu rituals.
“She
got both her elder sisters married. However, she couldn’t get back the love
from her family so I wanted to do it on their behalf,” Mohamed said.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/trichy/muslim-man-helps-hindu-girl-get-married/articleshow/81538515.cms
--------
Pakistan
Cleric
Muhammad Ali Mirza concerned at security denial despite repeated requests
Waseem
Ashraf Butt
March
17, 2021
GUJRAT:
Religious scholar Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza, who survived yet another attempt
on his life, says he has not been provided with security despite requests to
the Jhelum police.
Narrating
the recent attack, Mr Mirza, who has a huge following online, told Dawn that he
delivered weekly lectures after Zuhr prayers on Sundays in his academy where
each participant had to pass through a security check.
He
said the attacker had managed his entry at around 8am when the academy gate was
opened and hid the sharp-edged weapon. He kept on waiting for the lecture to
finish at around 3:30pm when the participants usually had photo sessions with
the scholar.
“But
a participant from Sialkot breached the queue to be photographed to leave a bit
earlier and just then the suspect’s blade hit the hand of the Sialkot man who
raised some alarm. At this, the suspect rushed towards me to hit me but
security men saved me. The attacker again rushed towards me for the second time
and the blade hit me on the shoulder,” Mirza said. He was discharged from a
local hospital the same day.
He
said he had survived a murder attempt in 2017 and sustained multiple wounds on
his body. The attacker in that incident was also a Lahore-based man; however,
Mirza had pardoned him since he was misled by some religious leaders.
After
the attack in 2017, he said, police had deployed two cops for his security,
which were later withdrawn. He had then arranged his private security.
Sources
in police said a ‘Mufti’ had instigated the accused to attack Mirza.
Engineer
Muhammad Ali Mirza does not follow any particular sect and he points out, in
almost all sects of Islam, ‘contradictions’ with basics of the religion with
reference to books of Ahadith and the Quran. He is a qualified engineer and is
stated to be in government service. He does not take any funds from individuals
or organisations.
Jhelum
DPO Shakir Hussain Dawar says security had not been provided to Mr Mirza
because the district intelligence committee had recommended his name to be
included in the Fourth Schedule for his `controversial’ statements.
He
said the police had recommended the authorities concerned to shut down the
academy of Mr Mirza. Fourth Schedule is the list of proscribed individuals
suspected of terrorism or sectarianism who are kept under observation.
Jhelum
police had arrested Mirza and booked him on charges of uttering remarks against
some religious scholars in May 2020 and he was released by court on bail a day
later after his arrest.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1612958/religious-scholar-concerned-at-security-denial
--------
Pakistan
wants to improve ties with Bangladesh, says Alvi
March
17, 2021
ISLAMABAD:
President Dr Arif Alvi has said Pakistan is keen to improve ties with
Bangladesh and called for utilising all avenues for improving the bilateral
relationship.
Talking
to Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Siddiqui, who had called
on him at the Presidency on Tuesday, Dr Alvi said: “Pakistan highly values its
ties with Bangladesh and wants to further expand cooperation by using the
existing bilateral mechanisms.”
Mr
Siddiqui had been called from Dhaka by the government for consultations on
Bangladesh’s golden jubilee celebrations. Bangladesh is holding its golden
jubilee celebrations from March 17 to 27.
Heads
of states and governments from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and the Maldives
have been invited to the celebrations.
President
Alvi wished Bangladesh well on its golden jubilee.
Mr
Siddiqui briefed the president on various initiatives taken by Pakistan for
improving the relationship with Bangladesh after years of frosty ties.
Last
year saw a major improvement and Prime Minister Hasina Wajed met Mr Siddiqui.
Islamabad, meanwhile, removed all restrictions on Pakistani visas for
Bangladeshi citizens.
Pakistan
and Bangladesh have multiple bilateral mechanisms, including foreign
secretary-level consultations and Joint Economic Commission, but most have been
suspended for years. It is being expected that foreign secretaries’ dialogue,
which has not taken place for about 12 years, may resume in the near future.
President
Alvi called for using all bilateral mechanisms for improving ties.
The
president asked High Commissioner Siddiqui to work on improving bilateral ties
between the two countries with greater focus.
He
underscored the need for enhancing commercial relations, business-to-business
cooperation and people-to-people contacts for the mutual benefit of the two
countries.
Dr
Alvi emphasised the need for enhancing bilateral cultural and political
exchanges as well as cooperation in the field of sports.
The
Pakistan-Bangladesh relationship took a nosedive after Hasina Wajed resumed the
so-called 1971 trial of ‘war crimes’ after starting her second tenure as prime
minister in 2009.
Pakistan
had always considered the bitter past of the 1971 dismemberment a closed
chapter in view of the tripartite agreement signed in April 1974 for
repatriation of war prisoners.
Ms
Wajed’s father and Bangladesh’s founding father Mujibur Rehman had after the
accord agreed that in the interest of regional peace, no one would be put on
trial for alleged crimes committed during the 1971 war.
However,
Ms Wajed was bent upon reviving the ghosts of 1971. She was further emboldened
by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s coming into power in India and
Pakistan-Bangladesh ties went from one low to another.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1612946/pakistan-wants-to-improve-ties-with-bangladesh-says-alvi
--------
PM
launches advisory portal on national security in 'first' Islamabad Security
Dialogue
March
17, 2021
The
National Security Division (NSD) held the "first-ever Islamabad Security
Dialogue" on Wednesday and launched an advisory portal on day one of the
two-day conference which is aimed at unveiling Pakistan's new strategic
direction based on a comprehensive security framework, according to the Prime
Minister's Office.
Prime
Minister Imran Khan addressed the first day of the conference as the chief
guest and launched the advisory portal for the NSD, which will engage think
tanks and academia in policy making.
During
his address, the prime minister said Pakistan needed to have a debate on the
concept of national security, adding that it encompassed more than just matters
and affairs related to strengthening the country's security forces.
"We
are slowly realising that national security relates to areas which no one
thinks about."
The
security conference is a strategic forum envisioned as Pakistan's leading
intellectual platform for issues of national security.
The
premier stressed that it was important for the NSD to connect and coordinate
with universities, think tanks and intellectuals so their input could be
received on the concept of national security and for the overall cohesion of
the country.
"When
you start this dialogue then this coordination will bring a lot of benefit for
inclusivity, nation building and national security in Pakistan," he said.
The
members of the advisory portal will also be able to share policy
recommendations directly with the national leadership, according to Radio
Pakistan.
Special
Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Security Dr Moeed Yusuf, while
addressing the conference, said the idea of more inclusive policy approaches
was very important. He lamented that the public sector had not been able to
effectively utilise the "immense talent" that Pakistan had.
"The
NSD created a council of experts where the best minds on security have been
brought to advise the government," he said, adding that Pakistan should have
a platform for exchange of ideas and the NSD's goal was to make the conference
an annual event.
Climate
change
The
premier also pointed to the issue of climate change and said that it was also
an area concerning national security. He said the issue was something which no
one had paid attention to before, when actually it was a very "frightening
thing" which had the potential to overshadow everything else for upcoming
generations.
"Pakistan
is among those countries taking steps to tackle climate change," he said,
adding that the PTI government had been internationally recognised for its '10
Billion Tree Tsunami' initiative.
PM
Imran stated that food security was another issue, adding that the government
will launch a comprehensive programme regarding this in the coming weeks.
The
prime minister said that the economy also played a key role in national
security. "National security cannot be [envisaged] in a country where
there are some rich people and a sea of poor people."
He
said secure nations were those where every citizen felt they had a stake in the
government and cited the example of China as a model to follow for poverty
eradication. He mentioned initiatives taken by the incumbent government to
tackle poverty in this regard such as the Ehsaas Emergency Cash Programme and
targeted subsidies for the poor.
Regional
peace
Good
relations with countries and neighbours in the region were also paramount for
national security, according to the premier. "We will not be able to take
full advantage of our geo-strategic location until we have regional peace,
until our relations with our neighbours and our trade ties do not
improve."
He
lauded Pakistan's role in the Afghan peace process and said Pakistan had the
"second biggest stake" in the country's peace.
The
prime minister also addressed India and said it was "unfortunate"
that it had rebuffed the PTI government's efforts for peace.
He
said if India gave the people of occupied Kashmir their rights according to the
United Nations Security Council resolutions then "the whole region will
change and both the countries will benefit".
https://www.dawn.com/news/1613025/pm-launches-advisory-portal-on-national-security-in-first-islamabad-security-dialogue
--------
Two
‘Sindhudesh’ militants held in Rangers attack case
March
17, 2021
KARACHI:
The Sindh police’s Counter-Terrorism Department on Tuesday claimed to have
arrested two suspected militants allegedly involved in attacks on the Pakistan
Rangers and law-enforcement agencies’ personnel, said a statement.
It
said that a raid led by SSP CTD Arif Aziz was carried out in Saadi Town which
led to the arrest of two suspects. The arrested suspects were later identified
as Sadiq and Mukhtiar while arms and a hand grenade were also recovered from
their possession.
“The
suspects were involved in killing a constable in Kandhkot,” said the statement.
“They are associated with the Asghar Shah alias Sajjad Shah group of Sindhudesh
Liberation Army (SRA), who were supplied arms by another banned outfit the
Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) terrorists.”
Earlier,
Sepoy Roshan Ali Shaheed of Pakistan Rangers, Sindh who was martyred in
Monday’s bomb blast near a Rangers vehicle in Orangi Town was laid to rest with
full military honours after his Namaz-i-Janaza in Karachi on Tuesday.
“The
martyred Sepoy’s funeral prayer (Namaz-i-Janaza) was attended by Corps
Commander Karachi, Lieutenant General Nadeem Ahmed Anjum, Director General
Rangers Sindh, Senior civil and military officials and relatives of Shaheed,”
said an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release.
“The
Shaheed was buried with full military honour. Sepoy Roshan Ali embraced
Shahadat in Orangi Town Karachi due to bomb blast near Rangers vehicle. The
Shaheed belonged to village Budhal Khan Solangi, District Naushahro Feroze and
has four sons and a daughter.”
https://www.dawn.com/news/1612886/two-sindhudesh-militants-held-in-rangers-attack-case
--------
Deported
to Pakistan: Does death await Ahmadis?
Luisa
von Richthofen
16.03.2021
The
Ahmad family lives in uncertainty. They have no German residency permit. The
father, a qualified engineer, is not allowed to work in Germany.
They
live in a refugee shelter but they can expect a deportation order any day. They
have recently learned that the next collective deportation to Pakistan will
take place on March 17 — and they are afraid they will be on that flight.
Back
in Pakistan, they say, their lives would be in danger.
Second-class
citizens in Pakistan
The
Ahmad family are members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim religious community, a
movement that originated in British India in the 19th century.
The
adherents of the movement referred to as Ahmadis, follow the Islamic
scriptures. But they also believe their movement's founder, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad,
was a messiah. Many Muslims, therefore, regard the Ahmadiyya teachings as
heresy.
"The
exclusion of Ahmadis is even enshrined in the constitution [of Pakistan],"
explained Mohammad Suleman Malik, spokesman for the Ahmadi community in the
German states of Thuringia and Saxony.
Ahmadis
have been forbidden to call themselves Muslims in Pakistan since 1974. They are
also not allowed to call their houses of prayer "mosques," and the
adhan, or call to prayer, is forbidden.
In
a country with some of the strictest blasphemy laws in the world, an
"As-salaam-alaikum" greeting by Ahmadis could result in the death
penalty. As non-Muslims, Ahmadis are second-class citizens.
UNHCR
and Amnesty see the need for protection
Ahmad
and his wife Sahar Kalsoom have also experienced severe hostility. Kalsoom says
she had to change schools and has been called a "kafir," an infidel.
She did not finish her education.
When
her cousin was murdered, the entire family had to flee their home village of
Khureyanwala. After she married Ahmad and the couple had children, they decided
to go to Germany to give their daughters a better future.
According
to Amnesty International, Pakistani authorities have long downplayed violence
against Ahmadis, even supporting it in some cases. The United Nations Refugee
Agency (UNHCR) says Ahmadis in Pakistan represent a persecuted minority and
should be entitled to protection.
For
this reason, Ahmadis in the UK, the US, and the Netherlands have not been
deported for a long time. This is not the case in Germany.
Germany:
'Cases are examined individually'
Some
535 Ahmadis are currently being threatened with deportation in Germany. A
spokesperson for the interior ministry told DW that merely belonging to this
religious community is not sanctioned under criminal law in Pakistan. This is
why "cases are examined individually on the basis of the individual
circumstances."
German
administrative courts often point to safe places for Ahmadis in Pakistan — for
example, to Rabwah, the seat of the largest Ahmadi community in the country
Spokesman
Malik was skeptical about this. "Ahmadis in Pakistan are not safe
anywhere," he said. "Ahmadis are also regularly murdered in
Rabwah."
For
Malik and the Saxony Refugee Council, the deportations, which are now becoming
more frequent, are politically motivated. After the pandemic put them on hold
temporarily, the council claims that the German government wanted to make their
mark with a tough migration policy in this important election year.
"I
think there is a lack of knowledge or political will. This, unfortunately,
comes at the detriment of the persecuted people who live here and are now being
deported in droves," Malik said, shaking his head.
"It's
a matter of life and death for these people," he added.
'Where
can we go?'
The
Ahmad family is not optimistic about their prospects.
"Germans
live in freedom, they may not understand — but when you come here from Pakistan
and leave everything behind, you carry a pain with you," said Sahar
Kalsoon, the mother, struggling through tears.
"It's
not easy to leave a country and leave everything behind. And now that we're
here, we're told we can't stay here. But where can we go?"
Her
husband fears there will be repercussions if they return, as happened to his
uncle who returned from the UK in 2005. A rumor circulated in the village that
he, an Ahmadi, was a foreign spy. He was lynched by a mob.
The
family has long since exhausted all legal possibilities. A petition by Malik to
the state of Saxony was also rejected. They can only wait for the deportation
notice. The walk in the wind is one last moment of normality.
https://www.dw.com/en/deported-to-pakistan-does-death-await-ahmadis/a-56891131
--------
Mideast
Yemen
sheds light on ‘direct US-Qaeda relationship under Saleh’
16
March 2021
Yemeni
armed forces say they have obtained evidence that point to the existence of a
“direct relationship” between the United States and the Takfiri al-Qaeda
terrorist group as well as a former Yemeni administration’s role in the
formation of the ties.
The
armed forces issued a statement on Tuesday, saying it had come by the contents
of telephone calls between former Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh and
George Tennet, an ex-chief of the US’s CIA spy agency.
One
of the conversations pointed to the existence “of direct relationship between
the CIA and al-Qaeda terrorists and cooperation on the part of the Saleh
government’s officials in formation of the relationship,” the statement noted.
In
the conversation, Tennet is insisting that the Yemeni government release an
al-Qaeda member that had been arrested in relation to the terror group’s
alleged attack against American missile destroyer USS Cole in 2000.
Speaking
to al-Masirah, Abdul Qader al-Shami, head of Yemen’s intelligence agency,
identified the person in question as a dual American-Yemeni national, named
Anwar al-Awlaki. Washington assassinated Awlaki in 2011 once it had no more use
for him, he added.
Explaining
the extent of Yemen and al-Qaeda’s cooperation in Yemen, he said, the Americans
train terrorists on the Yemeni soil before sending them overseas to carry out
terror operations. Once these terrorists return to Yemen, Washington accuses
the country of providing safe haven for them, Shami stated.
The
armed forces also detailed the US’s ambitions concerning Yemen during Saleh’s
second tenure as Yemen’s president that lasted from 1990 until 2012.
Among
the documents were a 1998 US State Department report that featured complete
details of Yemen’s geographical, demographical, and economic configurations as
well as details concerning the presence of foreign forces in the country.
The
State Department advises in the report that the United States deploy its forces
to Yemen in support of the country’s Jewish population, in the capital Sana’a
and the northwestern Sa’ada Province.
It
outlines the locations of some notorious amusement centers in the southern city
of Aden, noting that these spots could be used to serve the American forces
that could be stationed in Yemen.
The
State Department report also makes mention of the potential construction of a
US naval base in the southern province of Aden’s al-Buraiqeh District, saying
the facility should be able to be used by reconnaissance aircraft, warplanes,
bombers, aircraft carriers, and warships.
Anthony
Zinni, commander of the US Central Command (CENTCOM) between 1997 and 2000,
reportedly signed an agreement with Saleh’s government in 1998 towards
provision of support for the US Navy in Aden.
The
USS Cole incident that took place in Aden’s coastline, allegedly killing 17 US
Navy sailors and injuring 37 others, provided an excuse for Washington to seek
a political and military foothold in the Arab Peninsula country.
Citing
the signs of cooperation between the US and al-Qaeda, observers have cast the
circumstances surrounding the incident into serious question, speculating that
Washington might have enabled the explosion to conjure up a pretext for its
interference in Yemen.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2021/03/16/647447/Yemen-United-States-al-Qaeda-direct-relationship-Ali-Abdullah-Saleh
--------
Iran
enriching uranium with new advanced machine type at Natanz plant: IAEA
17
March ,2021
Iran
has started enriching uranium at its underground Natanz plant with a second
type of advanced centrifuge, the IR-4, the UN nuclear watchdog said in a report
reviewed by Reuters on Tuesday, in a further breach of Tehran’s deal with major
powers.
Iran
has recently accelerated its breaches of the deal’s restrictions on its nuclear
activities in an apparent bid to pressure US President Joe Biden as both sides
are locked in a standoff over who should move first to save the deal.
For
all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
Tehran’s
breaches began in 2019 in response to the US withdrawal from the deal and the
reimposition of US economic sanctions against Iran under Biden’s predecessor
Donald Trump, who opposed the agreement and sought to wreck it.
Last
year Iran started moving three cascades, or clusters, of different advanced
models of centrifuge from an above-ground plant at Natanz to its below-ground
Fuel Enrichment Plant (FEP). It is already enriching underground with IR-2m
centrifuges. The deal only lets it enrich there with first-generation IR-1
machines.
“On
15 March 2021, the Agency verified that Iran began feeding the cascade of 174
IR-4 centrifuges already installed at FEP with natural UF6,” the International
Atomic Energy Agency said in the report to member states dated Monday,
referring to uranium hexafluoride, the form in which uranium is fed into
centrifuges for enrichment.
Iran
has indicated that it now plans to install a second cascade of IR-4 centrifuges
at the FEP but installation of that cascade has yet to begin, the report said.
Iran has already increased the number of IR-2m machines, which are far more
efficient than the IR-1, installed at the underground plant.
“In
summary, as of 15 March 2021, Iran was using 5,060 IR-1 centrifuges installed
in 30 cascades, 522 IR-2m centrifuges installed in three cascades and 174 IR-4
centrifuges installed in one cascade, to enrich natural UF6 up to 5% U-235 at
FEP,” the IAEA report said, referring to the fissile purity of uranium.
Iran
is enriching up to 20% purity at another plant, Fordow.
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2021/03/17/Nuclear-Iran-enriching-uranium-with-new-advanced-machine-type-at-Natanz-plant-IAEA
--------
Iran’s
Top Commander Describes IRGC as Invincible Power
2021-March-16
“Relying
on the eternal divine power and with the support of a strong nation, the IRGC
has shown that no power can defeat the dear Revolutionary Guards. Today we have
both the power of combat and resistance; meaning that we can attack the centers
of threat and resources of the enemy camp when the day comes in any size, and
at any scale and any intensity,” General Baqeri said in a message on the
occasion of the IRGC Day in Iran on Tuesday.
“The
mission fields of the IRGC and the actions of the Revolutionary Guards prove
that today the power of the Islamic Republic of Iran is a credited,” he added.
General
Baqeri referred to the IRGC’s seizure of a British military vessel which had
illegally entered the Iranian waters and downing of an intruder US drone over
the country’s territories in the past few years, and said, “The capacity has
been developed for destroying the Zionist regime and, with the help of God,
removing the fake, child-killer and ominous regime from the political geography
of the region.”
His
comments came a day after the IRGC Navy unveiled a new missile town containing
a big variety of systems and ballistic missiles with state-of-the-art
equipment.
The
IRGC new missile city was unveiled in a ceremony on Monday in the presence of
the IRCG Commander Major General Hossein Salami, IRGC Navy Commander Rear
Admiral Alireza Tangsiri and a number of top military commanders.
The
missile city is equipped with different systems and cruise and ballistic
missiles enjoying different ranges.
The
new systems and equipment make IRGC Navy capable of launching pin-point
missiles from underground, laying naval mines with various ranges, firing
missiles at 360-degree, confronting electronic warfare, and increasing the
range and destruction power in operations.
All
the mentioned systems have been produced by Iranian experts at defense
ministry, knowledge-based companies, and IRGC research centers.
One
of the newly unveiled missile systems is capable of changing the target after
being launched.
“Today,
part of our missile power that gives superiority in the battlefield and has
been developed by domestic experts enter the operational section of the IRGC
Navy,” Brigadier General Tangsiri said in the ceremony.
“The
process of making IRGC Navy stronger will continue,” he said, warning enemies
that they will receive a “deadly blow” in case of any aggression against Iran.
Major
General Salami also noted in the ceremony that four decades of enemies’ attacks
against Iran has only resulted in their defeat and frustration.
“After
being defeated in military and proxy wars and cultural aggression, enemies are
pursuing other strategies including the imposition of sanctions and waging an
economic war,” he said, adding, “IRGC’s empowerment is aimed at promoting the
grandeur of the Iranian nation.”
https://www.farsnews.ir/en/news/13991226000334/Iran%E2%80%99s-Tp-Cmmander-Describes-IRGC-as-Invincible-Pwer
--------
FM
Zarif: West Asia Insecure Due to US Meddling
2021-March-16
No
doubt the US interference in West Asia has caused the highest level of
insecurity and instability in the region, Zarif said at Tehran Dialogue Forum
2021 on Tuesday, adding that the US wicked activity hasn’t been limited to military
intervention.
"US
economic war against Iran has consequences, including obstacles in fighting the
coronavirus in Iran," he noted.
"Iran
is ready to hold talks with all its neighbors and there is no need for
strangers to outline the future of the region," Zarif went on to say.
He
explained that the US agencies’ reports on wasting seven trillion dollars for
futile wars and military intervention in less than two decades in the region
proved that Washington has made the region the most unstable and the most
insecure spot in the globe.
In
relevant remarks in late December 2020, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National
Security Council Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani said that regional security can be
materialized only through expulsion of foreign forces, adding that the US
military activities in the region stem from their fear of past criminal acts.
Shamkhani
wrote on his Twitter page that security will be brought to the region only if
foreign anti-security forces leave the region, and stressed that the recent
activities of the US troops stem from their vicious measures in the past.
He
went on to say that such moves further spread insecurity in the region.
https://www.farsnews.ir/en/news/13991226000538/FM-Zarif-Wes-Asia-Insecre-De-US-Meddling
--------
FM
Lashes Out at Suppliers of WMDs to Saddam
2021-March-16
He
wrote in a post to his Twitter account on Monday that the Western governments
which provided Saddam with chemical weapons intend to forget the crime of
massacring 5,000 innocent people of Halabja.
On
March 16, 1988, former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussain dropped chemical bombs on
his own people in Halabja to punish the Kurds who did not agree with his war
against Iran.
Tens
of thousands of Iranians were also killed and wounded by chemical weapons
during the 1980-1988 Iraqi imposed war on Iran. Around 100,000 Iranians are
still living with the effects, which include long-term respiratory problems,
eye and skin problems as well as immune system disorders, psychological
disorders, genetic disorders, and probably cancers.
The
chemical materials were supplied to Iraqi Saddam regime by a number of German,
French, and Dutch corporations.
https://www.farsnews.ir/en/news/13991226000487/FM-Lashes-O-a-Sppliers-f-WMDs-Saddam
--------
Over
18 Houthi fighters killed in ambush in Yemen’s Taiz: Yemeni army
Tamara
Abueish
17
March ,2021
Over
18 fighters belonging to the Iran-backed Houthi militia were killed in an
ambush in the Maqbanah District of Yemen’s Taiz, the Yemeni Army said on
Wednesday.
The
army announced on Tuesday that it made significant advances on several position
in western Taiz as the Houthis retreated.
“Yemen
army troops keep on advancing, managing to take control over many positions
& hills western Taiz amid retreating of Houthis coup militia after
experiencing huge losses” the army’s official media center wrote on Twitter.
Fighting
between the internationally-recognized Yemeni government and the Houthis has
recently escalated in the disputed Taiz in the southwestern region of the
country.
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2021/03/17/Over-18-Houthi-fighters-killed-in-ambush-in-Yemen-s-Taiz-Yemeni-army
--------
Iran-backed
Houthis confirm migrant centre fire, say 44 killed
Tamara
Abueish
17
March ,2021
The
Iran-backed Houthis confirmed that 44 Africans migrants were killed in a fire
at a detention center last week in Yemen’s Sanaa, the group’s al-Masirah
television quoted an official as saying.
This
is the first official statement made by the group about the incident.
“The
victims are 44 migrants and the wounded are 193, most of whom have gone to
hospital, and there is an investigation into the reasons for the incident,” the
channel quoted Hussein al-Azi as saying.
Survivors
and local rights activists said the deadly blaze erupted when guards fired tear
gas into the crowded warehouse, trying to end a protest against alleged abuses
and ill-treatment at the facility.
The
United Nations on Tueasday called for an independent investigation into the
cause of the fire.
“There
must be an independent investigation into the cause of the fire,” the UN envoy
for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, told the Security Council.
A
total of 160 African migrants were transported out of Yemen on a UN-sponsored
flight, the Arab Coalition said on Tuesday.
The
Arab Coalition said the flights were organized in coordination with the
international-recognized Yemeni government and come as part of the coalition’s
humanitarian efforts.
“The
Houthi militia committed a gross and heinous violation of the right of migrants
in Sanaa,” the coalition said in a statement.
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2021/03/17/Houthis-express-deep-regret-over-migrant-center-fire-say-44-killed
--------
South Asia
UN
delegation to visit remote Bangladesh island since Rohingya moved
MAR
17, 2021
A
United Nations (UN) delegation will on Wednesday start a three-day visit to a
remote Bay of Bengal island where Bangladesh has moved more than 13,000
Rohingya Muslim refugees since December despite criticism from rights groups.
Bangladesh
wants to eventually transfer 100,000 of the more than 1 million refugees living
in overcrowded border camps to Bhasan Char island, which emerged from the sea
only two decade ago and is considered vulnerable to floods.
"This
initial three-day visit will bring together experts from UN agencies engaged in
the Rohingya refugee response in Bangladesh," the UN refugee agency told
Reuters in an email.
"The
visit will look at the current situation and facilities on Bhasan Char,
appraise the needs of the Rohingya refugees relocated there, as well as discuss
with the authorities and others currently working on Bhasan Char."
The
United Nations earlier said it had not been allowed to conduct a technical and
safety assessment of the island and was not involved in the transfer of
refugees there.
Bangladesh
says the relocation is voluntary, but some of a first group to be moved spoke
of being coerced.
The
Rohingya, a minority group who fled violence in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, are
not allowed to move off the island, which is several hours' journey away from
the southern port.
Bangladesh
has dismissed safety concerns over the island, citing the building of flood
defences as well as housing for 100,000 people, hospitals and cyclone centres.
It
also says overcrowding in refugee camps fuels crime, while some Rohingya said
frequent violence in the camps had driven them to relocate.
"We
hope it will remove any concerns that the UN has about the relocation and they
will get involve in the relocation and provide Rohingya people the support they
need," a senior official at the Foreign Ministry said.
https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/un-delegation-to-visit-remote-bangladesh-island-since-rohingya-moved-101615962953024.html
--------
UN
Envoy: Myanmar Generals ‘Could Face Same Fate As Saddam, Gaddafi’
March
16, 2021
LONDON:
Myanmar military figures have been told that they are following in the
footsteps of Iraq’s Saddam Hussein and Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi as fears of an
imminent civil war mount in the country.
Since
the Feb. 1 coup, 138 protesters have been killed in demonstrations, the UN has
said. Dr. Sasa, the special envoy to the UN of Myanmar’s now-dissolved
Parliament, told Sky News that if fighting continues without a reaction from
the international community, his country’s people will be “forced to defend
themselves.”
Sasa
appealed to the military chiefs now in control of the country to stand down,
free newly detained prisoners and oversee a return to democracy.
He
warned that a failure to do so will result in coup leaders “arrested or
killed,” comparing them to Gaddafi, Saddam and Osama bin Laden.
Sasa
said India, China, the US, the UK, Europe and Myanmar’s neighbors must work
together to pressure the generals who have taken control of his country.
“If
we do not form this international coalition on Myanmar as soon as possible, it
will bring, I’m afraid, the greatest civil war that we have ever seen,” he
added.
“We
don’t need statements anymore. We don’t need the words anymore. We need
actions. So we are asking for action from the international community.
“What
we mean is coordinated, targeted and tougher sanctions, both diplomatically,
economically and politically.”
https://www.arabnews.com/node/1826521/world
--------
Taliban
battered in Kandahar, 34 killed
17
Mar 2021
The
Ministry of Defense in a press release on Wednesday reported that 34 Taliban
fighters were killed in Arghandab, Panjwai, Zherai, and Spin Boldak districts
of Kandahar province.
According
to MoD as part of the clearance operation, Afghan National Defense and Security
Forces backed by Airforce targeted Taliban militants in Panjwai, Zherai, and
Spin Boldak districts of the province.
The
bulletin added, that 34 Taliban fighters were killed and further nine members
of the group were injured during the operation.
Two
Taliban strongholds, 8 motorbikes, a large
number of weapons and ammunition were also destroyed in the operation.
Taliban
have not yet commented on the attack.
In
a separate security incident, two policemen were killed between the Kabul and
Maidan Wardak route.
According
to Kabul police, the incident happened when a police Ranger-vehicle was heading
towards Maidan Shahr, the vehicle was ambushed by the Taliban in the Shah Qadam
area of Paghman district in which two policemen were killed.Taliban so far has
not commented on the incident.
https://www.khaama.com/taliban-battered-in-kandahar-34-killed-534535/
--------
John
Sopko: Security remains unstable and crucial in Afghanistan
17
Mar 2021
John
Sopko, U.S Inspector General during testified at the House Committee on
Oversight and Reform Subcommittee on National Security on Tuesday.
“Security
remains the most crucial and enduring high-risk area for Afghanistan,” Sopko
added, “Terrorist groups in Afghanistan like Daesh and al-Qaeda, although
reduced, remain in the country”, Tolonews Quoted Sopko
Sopko
also indicated that peace talks between the warring parties raise concerns and
questions about the fragile gains made by women in the past decades and will
these gains be preserved.
“Discrimination
persists, and possible policy changes by whatever form of government might
follow an Afghan peace agreement could undermine women’s gains,” he said.
“If there are no boots on the ground, we lose
leverage for all of these issues—women, girls, and all that. And if there’s no oversight, you can just
forget about any of that money that we appropriate for women and girls ending
up helping women and girls”, Sopko indicated.
According
to the report, Sopko also testified that civilian casualties remain high and
many innocent people are violently killed and wounded.
Casualties
in the last quarter of 2020 were the third highest in the last two years, Sopko
added.
The
US Inspector-General for Afghanistan Reconstruction indicated that Afghanistan
remains reliant on foreign aid, he said “risks to a potential peace if they
reduce assistance too much, too fast, or insist on conditions that cannot be
achieved by the parties to the conflict.”
Sopko
referred to the UN development program estimating that poverty in Afghanistan
is defined by the 2,0464 Afghanis of income per person per month that makes
around $1 a day, the poverty and this analysis has worsened to 68% from its
pre-pandemic level of 55%.
“Afghanistan
is poor and suffers from illiteracy, inadequate infrastructure, weak
governance, and now, heavy impacts from the COVID19 pandemic,”, Sopko was
quoted by Tolonews.
In
regards to corruption investigation conducted by SIGAR identified corruption at
every level of Afghan state- from salaries paid by international donors for
Afghan soldiers and police (ghost soldiers who do not exist) to the theft of
US-military-provided fuel on a massive scale.
“While
the Afghan government has repeatedly assured the international community that
it has the political will to combat corruption and make needed institutional
reforms, it has a mixed record of completing them,” Sopko told the
Committee.
House
Committee Oversight and Reform quoted Sopko in their website saying, “I believe
most would agree with our report that achieving our counterterrorism and
reconstruction objectives depends on a strong, stable, democratic, and
self-reliant Afghanistan. Unfortunately,
as our report discusses in great detail, Afghanistan is far from that reality
and maybe fighting for its very survival.
“Afghanistan
is heavily dependent on foreign financial assistance…Yet, as we report, because
international donors have largely lacked the will to impose, and more
importantly, enforce, concrete conditions on their assistance, the Afghan
government has made little, if any progress in combating corruption or illicit
narcotics production, both of which provide critical oxygen to the insurgency”,
Sopko added.
https://www.khaama.com/john-sopko-security-remains-unstable-and-crucial-in-afghanistan-653543/
--------
Taliban
to send delegation to Afghanistan peace meeting hosted by Russia
Mar
16, 2021
The
Taliban will send a 10-person delegation to an Afghanistan peace meeting hosted
by Russia this week, the insurgent group's spokesman said on Monday.
The
delegation will be led by Mullah Baradar, the Taliban's deputy leader and chief
negotiator in US-brokered talks in Qatar, spokesman Mohammad Naeem said in a
statement.
The
Russian-backed conference is scheduled for March 18, one of a number of
diplomatic initiatives to attempt to jumpstart the stalling Afghan peace
process. The Afghan government confirmed on Saturday it would participate in
the conference.
The
U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, has this month been
travelling around the region trying to shake up the peace process and spark
progress as a troop withdrawal deadline nears and Washington reviews its policy
for Afghanistan.
A
spokesman for Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said Khalilzad had met with Ghani
in Kabul on Monday and updated him on his recent trips. Khalilzad had
previously been in Doha, where negotiations are taking place, and also visited
Pakistan.
Khalilzad
has also proposed a meeting among main players to be held in Turkey with heavy
United Nations involvement next month. The Afghan government has said they
would take part in that conference, but the Taliban has not yet confirmed
whether they would attend.
It
comes at a crunch time for the peace process as a May 1 deadline for foreign
troops to withdraw from Afghanistan looms. U.S. President Joe Biden's
administration, which is reviewing arrangements including a deal with the
Taliban made under his predecessor, Donald Trump, has said all options remain
on the table.
Peace
talks have failed to gain momentum since starting in September with both sides
yet to agree on an agenda, while violence has risen.
On
Monday, a blast tore through a minivan in Kabul, according to police who said
15 civilians were injured. It was not clear who was behind the blast.
https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-to-send-delegation-to-afghanistan-peace-meeting-hosted-by-russia-370963
--------
Arab World
US
urges international community to designate Hezbollah as a terror group
16
March ,2021
Joseph
Haboush
The
United States Tuesday called on the international community to push ahead with
designating Lebanon’s Hezbollah as a terrorist organization in its entirety,
shortly after a delegation from the group met with Russia’s foreign minister in
Moscow.
On
Monday, the head of Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc led a four-member delegation
to meet with Russia’s top diplomat, Sergei Lavrov.
A
State Department official condemned the visit and the invite from Russia. “We
urge all countries to reject the false distinction between Hezbollah’s
so-called ‘military’ and ‘political’ wings and to take action with respect to
the group in its entirety as a terrorist organization,” a State Department
spokesperson told Al Arabiya English.
“Hezbollah
is designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and as a Specially Designated
Global Terrorist under US law,” the spokesperson added.
Hezbollah’s
TV station, Al-Manar, quoted Mohammed Raad, who headed the delegation to
Russia, as saying the meeting touched on developments in Lebanon and Syria.
Alongside
Iran and its proxies, including Hezbollah, Russia intervened in the Syrian war
to prop up President Bashar al-Assad when the regime’s numbers appeared to be
numbered years ago.
Apart
from Russia, France, which holds significant influence in Lebanon, has also
given Hezbollah’s so-called political wing legitimacy.
French
President Emmanuel Macron met with Raad during one of his trips to Lebanon
after the Beirut blast in August 2020.
The
European Union continues to differentiate between Hezbollah’s military and
political wings.
In
recent years, a growing number of countries have designated Hezbollah as a
terrorist organization.
Germany,
the United Kingdom and Canada are some Western countries that have designated
the group as a terror organization.
A
majority of the Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain
also consider the Iran-backed Hezbollah, a terrorist organization.
Hezbollah
is responsible for one of the deadliest attacks on US personnel and troops on
foreign soil.
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2021/03/16/Terrorism-US-urges-international-community-to-designate-Hezbollah-as-a-terror-group
--------
GCC
stands with Saudi Arabia against threats to its security: Secretary General
Tamara
Abueish
17
March ,2021
The
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) stands with Saudi Arabia and supports all the
measures the Kingdom takes to preserve its security, Secretary General Nayef
al-Hajraf said during a meeting held with the foreign ministers of the member
states.
Any
future negotiations with Iran must include discussions on the Iranian regime’s
ballistic missiles and nuclear program, he said.
Iran
continues to support militias and destabilize the region, al-Hajraf added.
The
Secretary General condemned the Iran-backed Houthi militia for using civilians
as shields in the ongoing conflict in Marib in Yemen.
He
also condemned the heinous fire at a migrant detention center in Sanaa, which
lead to the death of dozens of African migrants.
For
his part, Bahrain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullatif al-Zayani expressed
the Gulf countries’ support for Saudi Arabia.
“The
GCC stands united with Saudi Arabia in the face of the ongoing threats it
faces,” Bahrain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullatif al-Zayani says.
“We
have witnessed widespread international solidarity with Saudi Arabia against
the Houthi terrorist attacks,” he added.
Al-Zayani
condemned the Iran-backed Houthi militia’s attacks on civilians in the Kingdom.
The
difficult and critical circumstances countries in the region are facing require
a united front, he said, adding that the Al Ula Declaration stressed the need
for Gulf countries to have a united front.
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2021/03/17/GCC-FMs-discuss-bilateral-ties-regional-developments-
--------
Lebanon’s
Hezbollah plays ‘pivotal’ role in resolving regional challenges: Analyst
17
March 2021
Lebanon’s
Hezbollah resistance movement plays an "active and pivotal role" in
resolving the challenges in the West Asia region, a Lebanese analyst says,
adding that a recent meeting between the top Russian diplomat and a delegation
of high-ranking Hezbollah figures shows that Moscow has come to understand that
the popular organization should be viewed as an "independent power."
Nasser
Qandil, a well-known journalist and editor with the Lebanese newspaper
Al-Binaa, made the remarks in an exclusive interview with Press TV on Tuesday,
in which he described the meeting of Hezbollah representatives with Russian
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov beyond the issue of forming a government in the
Arab country.
Lavrov
received a day earlier a delegation of high-ranking Hezbollah figures led by
Mohammad Raad, the head of the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc — the political
wing of Hezbollah — and media reports indicated that the two sides had held
“open and friendly” talks.
Stressing
that the meeting was different from Moscow's previous ones with Hezbollah as it
was the first since the new US administration took office, Qandil told Press TV
that the meeting was held at Moscow’s request and it showed Russia has come to
understand that Hezbollah should be seen as “an independent power.”
“The
meeting goes beyond assessing Hezbollah's field role and tactical plans in the
Syrian crisis, especially in the battles of Aleppo and Russian air support,”
the political analyst said. “Russian leaders have concluded that Hezbollah is
not merely a military and ideological power, but it is a power with political,
strategic and ethical insights that can have a realistic reading of
developments and changes.”
Qandil
also noted that Russia, with Hezbollah delegation's visit to Russia, seeks to
make it clear to Washington and Tel Aviv that its relationship with Hezbollah
is not a bargaining chip.
During
his exclusive interview with Press TV, the Lebanese analyst underlined that,
“Hezbollah, in Russia's eyes, has the pragmatic power to devise appropriate tactics
because it recognizes the camps of enemies and allies.”
Qandil
also said that Russia seeks to make it clear to Hezbollah and its Syrian and
Iranian allies that it will not clinch a deal with the United States on
regional issues without considering them.
“Moscow
and its allies believe that they will not reach a strategic compromise with the
new US administration, and if there is some compromise, it would be based on a
background of strategic hostility,” he said.
Hezbollah
was established following the 1982 Israeli invasion and occupation of southern
Lebanon. Since then, the popular resistance movement has grown into a powerful
military force.
During
the 2000 and 2006 Israeli wars on Lebanon, battleground contribution by
Hezbollah proved an indispensable asset, forcing the Israeli military into a
retreat and shattering the myth of the occupying entity’s invincibility.
Moreover,
Hezbollah has played a critical role in the Syrian military’s counter-terrorism
operations over the past years with the aim of preventing the spillover of the
Syria crisis into Lebanon.
The
US has labeled the entire Hezbollah a terrorist organization and levied several
rounds of sanctions on the Lebanese resistance movement as well as its top
officials.
Unlike
the Western countries, Russia does not consider Hezbollah a terrorist
organization.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2021/03/17/647464/Lebanon-Hezbollah-resistance-movement-active-pivotal-role-West-Asia-region
--------
Saudi
Arabia urges extension of Iran arms embargo amid increased Houthi attacks
Ismaeel
Naar
17
March ,2021
Saudi
Arabia’s Council of Ministers has urged for an extension of the weapons embargo
on Iran amid increased drone and missile attacks from the Houthi militia in
Yemen.
The
statement came following a cabinet session on Tuesday chaired virtually by
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman.
“The
Cabinet underlined the importance of extending weapons embargo on Iran as it is
continuing to provide the terrorist Houthi militias with advanced weapons and
drones used to terrify the Yemenis and target civilians and civil objects in
the Kingdom deliberately and systematically,” read a statement on the cabinet
session published by the Saudi Press Agency.
“The
Cabinet expressed the Kingdom's support for the international efforts aimed at
ensuring that the Iranian regime does not develop a nuclear weapons system and
ballistic missiles, making the Arab gulf region free of all weapons of mass
destruction, and respect the independence and sovereignty of countries and not
to interfere in its internal affairs,” the statement added.
The
Cabinet also reaffirmed the Kingdom's support for the efforts of the United
Nations envoy for Yemen to reach a comprehensive ceasefire and a start of an
inclusive political process according to the three references: The GCC
Initiative and its executive mechanisms, the outcomes of the national dialogue
and the UN Security Council Resolution 2216.
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2021/03/17/Iran-military-Saudi-Arabia-urges-extension-of-Iran-arms-embargo-amid-increased-Houthi-attacks
--------
Syrian
air defences respond to Israeli ‘aggression’ in southern Syria: SANA
17
March ,2021
Syrian
air defenses fended off an Israeli airstrike on Tuesday night, state-run Syrian
media reported.
“Air
defense systems thwarted an [Israeli enemy] aggression in southern Syria,” the
Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) said.
The
Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that the Israeli strikes
targeted at least two weapons depots for Iranian militias and military sites for
the regime forces, a few kilometers from Damascus International Airport.
The
Syrian Television added that explosions were heard in the skies of Damascus.
The
air defense system downed several missiles before they reached their target,
SANA added.
Israel
has carried out hundreds of raids in Syria since the civil war broke out in
2011, targeting Iranian and Hezbollah forces as well as government troops.
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2021/03/17/-Syrian-air-defenses-respond-to-an-Israeli-aggression-in-southern-Syria-SANA
--------
At
least 12 regime soldiers killed in militant ambush in south Syria: Monitor
16
March ,2021
Armed
men killed 12 Syrian soldiers in an ambush in the southern province of Daraa on
Tuesday, a war monitor said.
“At
least 12 members of the Fourth Armored Division and the regime’s intelligence
units were killed in an ambush by militants,” the Britain-based Syrian
Observatory for Human Rights said.
The
soldiers were en route to the al-Mzairib district in the rural west of the
province to arrest a former opposition commander when they came under fire by
militants loyal to him who sought to thwart his capture, Observatory head Rami
Abdul Rahman said.
“The
militants attacked two military trucks and two small buses carrying regime
forces,” he added.
That
sparked a gunfight which forced Damascus to deploy reinforcements to the area,
Abdul Rahman said.
Russia-backed
regime fighters recaptured Daraa from armed factions in 2018, in a symbolic
blow to the anti-government uprising born there in 2011.
State
institutions have since returned, but the army is still not deployed across the
whole province, the Observatory says.
Many
former opposition fighters stayed instead of evacuating under a Moscow-brokered
deal, either joining the army or remaining in control of parts of the province.
They were allowed to keep their light firearms.
Al-Mzairib
is among the districts controlled by former opposition forces.
Since
it came under regime control, Daraa has witnessed a spate of bombings and assassinations
targeting regime forces, former opposition figures and civilians. Most of them
remain unclaimed.
Syria’s
war has killed more than 388,000 people and displaced millions since it started
with anti-government protests in 2011.
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2021/03/16/Syria-crisis-At-least-12-regime-soldiers-killed-in-militant-ambush-in-south-Syria-Monitor
--------
Lebanon
releases activist charged for collaborating with Israel
16
March ,2021
Rawad
Taha
A
military court in Lebanon has approved a request to release Kinda al-Khatib, an
activist who was previously charged for collaborating with Israel, the
state-run National News agency reported Tuesday.
Khatib’s
release on bail for 3 million Lebanese pounds ($2,000 at the official exchange
rate) comes one year after her arrest.
The
military court had previously imposed a three-year prison sentence against her.
For
the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
Lebanon
and Israel are technically at war, and Lebanese citizens are prohibited from
entering Israel or communicating with Israeli citizens.
Upon
her release, al-Khatib said in a video that she was happy to see some roads
blocked by protestors due to the worsening economic situation. “This means that
freedom still exists in this country .” Lebanon has been facing an
unprecedented crisis with approximately 1.7 million people estimated to have
fallen under the poverty line.
“I
am the daughter of Akkar region; Akkar shouldn’t be treated with injustice. It
is unjust to say that the region of Akkar is a collaborator [with Israel].
Akkar is home to the biggest number of Lebanese Army soldiers,” she said.
Khatib
left the women’s prison at the Barbar El Khazen police station in Beirut and
headed to the her hometown in Akkar, accompanied by her brother.
Military
Tribunal Judge Fadi Akiki had charged Khatib with collaborating with “the
enemy,” entering the occupied Palestinian territories, and dealing with Israeli
spies and those working for Israel’s interests.
Khatib’s
family and supporters insisted on her innocence and staged multiple protests
over the past year demanding her release.
After
Khatib’s arrest from her home in Akkar, her supporters speculated that she had
been targeted because of her social media posts criticizing Hezbollah and
President Michel Aoun.
Meanwhile,
opponents of hers alleged that she had been arrested for actual charges of
spying for Israel.
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2021/03/16/Lebanon-releases-activist-charged-for-collaborating-with-Israel
--------
Saudi
Arabia condemns protesters storming presidential palace in Yemen’s Aden
Ismaeel
Naar
17
March ,2021
Saudi
Arabia has condemned in the strongest terms the storming of the al-Maasheeq
presidential palace in Yemen’s southern city of Aden, according to a statement
from the Kingdom’s foreign ministry.
“The
Kingdom affirms the support of the Yemeni government, which began its duties in
the temporary capital of Aden on December 30, 2020 headed by Dr. Maeen
Abdulmalik, and the importance of giving it the full opportunity to serve the
Yemeni people in light of the current difficult humanitarian and economic
conditions,” the statement from the Saudi foreign ministry read.
Saudi
Arabia also called on the parties to the Riyadh Agreement for an urgent
response and the meeting in Riyadh to complete the implementation of the rest
of the agreement, affirming that the implementation of the deal “is a guarantee
to unify the ranks of the various spectrums of the Yemeni people.”
Protesters
stormed the presidential palace in Yemen’s southern city of Aden on Tuesday,
where the internationally-recognized government of Yemen currently resides.
The
Riyadh Agreement signed last year set up a power-sharing structure between the
Southern Transitional Council and the Yemeni government, consisting of 24
ministers from both groups, according to SPA.
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2021/03/17/Saudi-Arabia-condemns-protesters-storming-presidential-palace-in-Yemen-s-Aden
--------
Arab
Coalition destroys Houthi explosive-laden boat off Yemen’s as-Salif
Ismaeel
Naar
16
March ,2021
The
Arab Coalition said it has destroyed an Iran-backed Houthi explosive-laden boat
before an imminent attack off Yemen's coastal village of as-Salif.
“Yemen's
Houthis continue to threaten maritime traffic and international trade and are
using the Stockholm Agreement as an umbrella for the attacks from the Hodeidah
Governorate,” the Arab Coalition said in a statement.
Earlier
in the day, the Arab Coalition destroyed a drone launched by the Iran-backed
Houthi militia heading towards Saudi Arabia’s Khamis Mushait, the coalition
said.
The
latest attacks come less than 24 hours after the Iran-backed group fired two
missiles towards Khamis Mushait on Monday evening.
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2021/03/16/Arab-Coalition-destroys-Houthi-explosive-laden-boat-off-Yemen-s-as-Salif
--------
North America
Turkey's
new envoy aims to advance relations with US
Servet
Günerigök
17.03.2021
WASHINGTON
Turkey's
new US ambassador said Tuesday that he aims to advance relations with the US, a
day after taking office in Washington, DC.
In
a video message addressed to the Turkish American community, Hasan Murat Mercan
said transatlantic relations have been important for Turkey and will continue
to be of importance.
"It
will be among the most important tasks of all of us to carry the existing
political, economic and cultural relations between the two countries much
further," said Mercan.
During
his time in office, he said he would work with members of the Turkish-American
community to promote Turkey better in the US and do his part for the
development of Turkey.
"You
can be sure that we will need your support, participation and advice," he
said.
The
embassy and consulates in the US will work 24/7 to promote Turkey and explain
its interests, he added.
Mercan,
Turkey’s former ambassador to Japan, arrived in the US on Sunday and officially
took office on Monday.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/turkeys-new-envoy-aims-to-advance-relations-with-us/2178476
--------
U.S.
soldier pleads not guilty to plotting ISIS attacks on NYC landmarks
MAR
15, 2021
A
U.S. Army soldier pleaded not guilty Monday to plotting terrorist attacks on
city landmarks with an undercover FBI employee posing as a member of ISIS.
Cole
Bridges faces a maximum of 40 years in prison for attempting to provide
material support to ISIS and attempted murder of U.S. military service members.
Prosecutors say Bridges, 20, shared his disenchantment with the military in
online chats with the undercover FBI employee starting in 2019.
The
radicalized soldier eventually began advising the fake ISIS sympathizer on how
to thwart U.S. military attacks in the Middle East and “provided advice” on
potential targets in New York City, including the 9/11 Memorial, according to a
complaint.
Bridges,
a resident of Stow, Ohio, and member of the Third Infantry Division, was
arrested in January at the Army base at Fort Stewart, Ga.
The
accused traitor even recorded a video of himself in body armor in front of an
ISIS flag and narrated another video hyping what he believed was an an imminent
ISIS ambush of U.S. troops, authorities say.
Bridges’
attorney Sabrina Shroff said during the Manhattan Federal Court hearing that
she expected to discuss a “disposition” of the case before it goes to trial —
meaning the soldier could soon plead guilty.
https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-army-soldier-isis-plea-20210315-ijwspfvojbhdfcq3cw52kew2yi-story.html?utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2107824_
--------
US
report says Russia, Iran and Hezbollah meddled in 2020 election
March
16, 2021
WASHINGTON:
Russian President Vladimir Putin knew of and likely directed a Russian effort
to manipulate the 2020 US presidential campaign to benefit former President Donald
Trump with “misleading or unsubstantiated allegations” against challenger Joe
Biden, US intelligence officials said on Tuesday.
The
assessment was made in a 15-page report into election interference released by
the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. It underscored allegations
that Trump’s allies played into Moscow’s hands by amplifying claims made
against Biden by Russian-linked Ukrainian figures in the run-up to the Nov. 3
election. Biden, a Democrat, defeated Trump, a Republican, and became president
on Jan. 20.
US
intelligence agencies found other attempts to sway voters, including a
“multi-pronged covert influence campaign” by Iran intended to undercut Trump’s
support. Trump pulled the United States out of an international nuclear deal
with Iran and imposed fresh sanctions.
The
report also punctured a counter-narrative pushed by Trump’s allies that China
was interfering on Biden’s behalf, concluding that Beijing “did not deploy
interference efforts.”
“China
sought stability in its relationship with the United States and did not view
either election outcome as being advantageous enough for China to risk blowback
if caught,” the report said.
US
officials said they also saw efforts by Cuba, Venezuela and the Lebanese
militant group Hezbollah to influence the election, although “in general, we
assess that they were smaller in scale than those conducted by Russia and
Iran.”
US
intelligence agencies and former Special Counsel Robert Mueller previously
concluded that Russia also interfered in the 2016 US election to boost Trump’s
candidacy with a campaign of propaganda aimed at harming his Democratic
opponent Hillary Clinton.
The
Russian, Chinese and Cuban Embassies in Washington did not immediately return
messages seeking comment. The Iranian mission to the United Nations and the
Venezuelan Ministry of Information also did not immediately respond to requests
for comment. Moscow, Beijing and Tehran routinely deny allegations of
cyberespionage and subterfuge.
The
new report said Putin knew of and “probably directed” the election interference
efforts. As an example, Putin “had purview over the activities of Andriy
Derkach,” a Ukrainian lawmaker who played a prominent role in the effort and
has ties to Russian intelligence, the report said.
“We
assess Russian leaders preferred that former President Trump win re-election
despite perceiving some of his administration’s policies as anti-Russia. We
have high confidence in this assessment,” the report stated.
A
key role was also played by a second man with Russian intelligence ties,
Konstantin Kilimnik, according to the report. Kilimnik and Derkach met with and
gave materials to Trump-linked people to push for formal investigations, and
Derkach released four audio recordings to try to implicated Biden in corruption,
it said.
That
refers to conversations that right-wing figures in the United States cited as
evidence that Biden tried to protect his son Hunter from a probe in Ukraine.
Kilimnik
was an associate of Paul Manafort, who served as Trump’s 2016 campaign
chairman. Trump last year pardoned Manafort for a criminal conviction that
stemmed from Mueller’s investigation.
Russian
agents also tried to “phish” employees of the Ukrainian energy company Burisma,
“likely in an attempt to gather information related to President Biden’s
family,” it said. Hunter Biden had served on Burisma’s board.
As
in the 2016 election, the Russian so-called troll factory formerly known as the
Internet Research Agency pushed disparaging stories on social media about Biden
and Democrats and complained about censorship by the tech companies, the report
said. It also sought to exacerbate US divisions on racial justice issues, the
report said.
https://www.arabnews.com/node/1826731/world
--------
Europe
EU
visit to Xinjiang stalled over access request to jailed Uighur academic:
Diplomat
17
March ,2021
A
visit by European Union ambassadors to the Xinjiang region of China has stalled
over their request for access to jailed Uighur academic Ilham Tohti, a
diplomatic source confirmed Wednesday.
Since
2019, China says it has invited foreign diplomats and UN human rights chief
Michelle Bachelet to visit Xinjiang, where rights groups allege more than one
million Uighurs and other Muslim minorities are detained in internment camps.
But
there has been little sign of progress.
A
European diplomat told AFP it was because the mission wants to visit Tohti, a
Uighur economist jailed for life on separatism charges in 2014.
He
received the Sakharov Prize - the EU’s top human rights award - in 2019.
“Negotiations
are in a stalemate because of Tohti and other conditions,” the diplomat said.
“I don’t think they are going soon.”
China’s
ambassador to the European Union, Zhang Ming, on Tuesday said “almost
everything had been arranged” for EU member states’ ambassadors to visit
Xinjiang.
But
it had snagged on “unacceptable requests,” he added.
“They
insist on a meeting with one criminal convicted by Chinese law,” he said. “This
is unacceptable, I’m so sorry.”
China
strongly denies allegations of abuse involving Uighurs in Xinjiang and says all
inmates have “graduated” from “vocational training centers”, which it claims
have helped stamp out extremism in the region and raise incomes.
A
delegation of three EU officials who took part in a carefully organized
Xinjiang visit in January 2019 previously said they believed the people they
met in a “training center” were reciting a dictated speech.
Zhang
added that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi extended an invitation to Bachelet
on March 7, after she called for an “independent and comprehensive assessment
of the human rights situation” in Xinjiang late February.
He
insisted that Xinjiang is “open to foreign diplomats, journalists and
tourists.”
All
foreign journalists face extensive harassment and surveillance from Chinese
authorities when attempting to report from Xinjiang over the past year,
according to the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of China.
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2021/03/17/EU-visit-to-Xinjiang-stalled-over-access-request-to-jailed-Uighur-academic-Diplomat
--------
EU
should renew migration deal with Turkey: Borrell
Agnes
Szucs
16.03.2021
BRUSSELS
The
European Union will seek the renewal of the 2016 migration deal with Turkey,
the EU foreign policy chief said Monday.
Speaking
at a press conference following a joint meeting of EU foreign affairs and
interior ministers, Josep Borrell said EU member states and institutions first
among themselves and then later with Turkey had to discuss the renewal of
engagement that the bloc and Turkey concluded.
The
deal “has been very much criticized” but “has produced tangible results. It has
led to a significant decrease of loss of human lives, a reduction in irregular
crossings and improved the situation of refugees and migrants in Turkey,”
Borrell pointed out.
He
also explained that under the deal, the EU had pledged €6 billion ($7.2
billion) in assistance for the refugees, and nearly all of the sum had already
been contracted.
The
EU foreign policy chief also stressed that the refugees were still in Turkey
and “they continue to need our support.”
The
bloc’s future relationship with Turkey will be partially based on the renewed
agreement, he noted, adding “it is our common interest” to “prevent irregular
migration, avoid losses of lives” and to “help Turkey to support the burden” in
hosting “such a big amount of people on its territory.”
The
2016 deal was reached to stop irregular refugee flows and to improve the
conditions of Syrian refugees in Turkey.
Turkey
is the largest host country for Syrian refugees and provides protection to 4
million people who fled the neighboring country.
EU
leaders will discuss the future of EU-Turkey relations during their summit next
week.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/eu-should-renew-migration-deal-with-turkey-borrell/2177199
--------
Stansted
Airport: German man admits sharing IS videos
Mar
17, 2021
A
German man arrested as he was about to board a flight at Stansted Airport has
admitted sharing propaganda videos by the Islamic State (IS) group.
Florian
Flegel, 23, was set to fly to Germany on 12 October when he was arrested at the
airport in Essex.
At
Woolwich Crown Court, Flegel, from Dusseldorf, pleaded guilty to six counts of
disseminating terrorist publications including IS videos.
He
is due to be sentenced at the same court on 26 April.
Judge
Andrew Lees ordered a pre-sentence report to be prepared.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-essex-56404170?utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2107824_
--------
We
shouldn’t forget the horrific crimes of Isis returnees
16
March 2021
Summer
2015. A five-year-old girl is chained up and left outside in the desert sun in
Fallujah, Iraq – a punishment for wetting the bed while feeling unwell. The
little girl slowly died of thirst in temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius.
Condemned to the same inhumane punishment was the girl's mother, made to endure
the additional and unimaginable horror of helplessly watching the life drain
from her daughter's tiny body.
The
mother and child were members of Iraq’s Yazidi religious minority. Their
captors, members of Islamic State (IS), are said to be German and Iraqi. At the
time, Islamic State recruits felt invincible. They taunted the West and ruled
over civilians in their territory with cruelty and terror. Four years later,
their ‘Caliphate’ had crumbled and the German jihadist, Jennifer W., was facing
war crimes charges in her native Munich.
This
case set an important precedent, opening the gates for a handful of other
charges to be brought against German citizens. The little girl’s mother testified
at the trial in Munich: ‘It is very difficult to see your own daughter die in
front of your eyes. I want the whole world to know what they have done.’ But
the biblical scenes which dominated news cycles when IS first descended on the
Yazidis are already fading from memory, and so far, justice for the genocide
has not been delivered.
At
least 6,000 people from Western Europe abandoned their lives to join Isis’s
doomed state-building project, with dozens more from North America and
Australasia. Many were killed, but 450 have returned to Britain, 300 to France
and 150 to Sweden, whereas several hundred who stuck it out until the end are
now stranded in Northern Syria under the watch of Kurdish forces.
So
far, the discussions of the fate of these ‘foreign fighters’ has been
parochial. Largely absent from an emotive and polarised debate has been the
suffering these recruits inflicted on local civilians, none more so than the
Yazidi people – whose terrible fate was captured in the chilling words of one UN
inquiry:
“
‘The
date of 3 August 2014 would become a dividing line, demarcating when one life
ended, and – for those who survived – when another, infinitely more cruel,
existence began.’
Many
of the international recruits to IS joined after this dividing line, and after
the genocide and sexual enslavement of Yazidis was well publicised – mostly by
the group’s own grisly propaganda, loudly trumpeting the restoration of a
glorious ancient institution.
Troubled
by the lack of accountability and debate on their crimes, I wanted to build a
more complete picture of the role of Westerners in the genocide. The findings,
published by the Counter Extremism Project, are uncomfortable, and point to
much more widespread involvement than either debate or court cases indicate.
An
American fighter is reported to have prayed and ritually cleansed before and
after raping his captive. A Frenchman kept his slave in a house with his mother
and two sisters. Brits and Australians bragged about slaves on social media. A
German woman is reported to have enslaved a 13-year-old girl before returning
home and updating her LinkedIn to settle back into the life she previously
abandoned.
Among
a network of Yazidi survivors we polled, at least half had contact with
Westerners in captivity, despite Western recruits comprising a minority within
IS. Some gave details of their rape and torture by British and European
captors. One survivor told us of her heartbreak and confusion that Europeans
would travel thousands of miles to harm a people they had never met. Others
have lost all hope of justice.
Domestically,
an infantilising discourse strips jihadist travellers of their agency, as women
are labelled ‘brides’ and we speculate over their supposed manipulation into
joining such a bloodthirsty cause. Yet according to Yazidi testimony, the Isis
women could be just as vicious as men. In some cases, these ‘brides’ prepared
Yazidi women for rape: applying makeup, choosing outfits; even chaining their
helpless victims down to thwart resistance. Notably, all of the German
jihadists charged for war crimes are women.
As
the fate of hundreds of Westerners hangs in the balance in Northern Syria,
governments must investigate whether crimes against humanity were committed by
their own citizens. This is not only a moral and legal imperative, it can be
effective counter-terrorism. It could help to secure longer sentences and ease
the burden on overwhelmed security services.
Several
hundred people have already returned to Europe and been able to pick up their
lives, while the communities they devastated in Iraq and Syria will not recover
for generations, if at all. Above all, we must not send the message to future
extremists that it is possible to travel overseas to rape, oppress and kill
people already less fortunate, only to return when the going gets tough to
little or no sanction. As a great man once wrote from jail: Injustice anywhere
is a threat to justice everywhere.
https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/we-shouldn-t-forget-the-horrific-crimes-of-isis?utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2107824_
--------
Europe's
Experience on Islamism Is a Cautionary Tale for the United States
M.
ZUHDI JASSER
3/16/21
Is
anyone paying attention to what's happening in Europe? If you care about
freedom in the West, take a look now. Fault lines between Islamists and the
secular West, etched over generations and deepened and fortified by failed
post-9/11 policies, have tectonically shifted. Nearly written off by some,
European nations are suddenly taking serious and significant action to push
back in earnest against encroaching Islamist separatism and radicalization. And
the United States, as an observer, stands to learn a lot.
In
2020, as the world remained deeply embroiled in the pandemic, France, Austria,
and much of the rest of the European Union (EU) began to confront the Islamist
ideological monster within their borders. Led by French President Emmanuel
Macron and Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, European leaders seem to have
woken up from their slumber and realized it wasn't just the militant Islamist
acts of terrorism that they needed to defeat—rather, it was the ideas that
incubated them, political Islam or Islamism.
The
importance of this moment in history and the accuracy of Macron's diagnoses of
Islamism within his country's borders is highlighted by the fact that some of
the world's leading Islamist demagogues, including Turkish President Recep
Tayyip Erdogan, called for the boycott of French products in late October.
Macron swiftly and defiantly responded, "We will not give in, ever."
France's
2020 front in the cultural war against Islamism was sparked by the October 16
beheading of Samuel Paty, a middle school teacher who had the courage to simply
discuss what happened in the massacre of the Charlie Hebdo staff in 2015, when
the magazine staffers showed cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad.
After
Paty's murder, Macron responded swiftly by defending free speech and defending
France's character and values. He sped up his plans for a coordinated,
all-of-government approach against "Islamist separatism." Macron has
thus begun to lead his country in a long-overdue conversation that targets the
root cause of the Islamist threat to France—"Islamist separatism."
Many of us dedicated to Muslim reform against Islamism have been actually
calling for such an open conversation for a long time.
In
a series of speeches since Paty's murder, Macron has laid bare why Islamism is
inherently separatist and "rejects freedom of expression, freedom of
conscience and the right to blaspheme." He correctly laid the diagnosis
and blame at the feet of leaders across the globe who are in "crisis"
and fomenting "jihad." He has called for the
de-"ghettoization" of Muslim communities. Macron introduced legislation
reawakening France's "republican principles" and directly confronting
Islamism's incompatibilities. He lifted up "laicite"—France's
dominant constitutional principle and consciousness of secularism—as the
nation's "cement." Macron essentially declared war on foreign
influence in Muslim institutions, blocking funding while surveilling mosques
and imams as well as other professions.
To
be clear, Islamism is the religio-political-cultural belief system that the
state should have an Islamic identity and be guided only by shariah law
(Islamic jurisprudence). Islamists are part of a global political movement that
ultimately seeks power and international hegemony. Like all totalitarian
systems, Islamism is not compatible with Western secular democratic ideals. Not
all Muslims are Islamists, but all Islamists are Muslims. And while Muslim
migrants in Europe are not a monolithic bloc, among them are innumerable
Islamists and Islamist-sympathizers.
Macron
rightly stated that the "republican reawakening" could help nourish a
form of Islam compatible with Enlightenment values. It is this kind of tough
love that is essential to embracing Muslim immigrants with dignity, as
adults—rather than with a bigotry of low expectations that leaves them
vulnerable to radicalization.
In
parallel, Austria's 2020 front in its cultural war against Islamists was
sparked by a terror attack conducted by an Austrian ISIS supporter in Vienna on
November 2, 2020, which left four dead and 23 injured. The attack spurred
Austria into action, as Chancellor Kurz almost immediately announced a new
policy:
"In
the fight against political Islam, we will create a criminal offense called
'political Islam' in order to be able to take action against those who are not
terrorists themselves, but who create the breeding ground for such. There will
be further possibilities for the closure of places of worship, the introduction
of an imams register...and measures will be taken to drain financial flows for
terrorist financing."
This
is a culmination of programs that began when Kurz took office. Austria had
already implemented a hijab ban in primary schools, as well as a face veil ban.
Austrian law enforcement raided the offices of 60 Hamas- and Muslim
Brotherhood-affiliated organizations last November, following the Vienna
attack, and shut down some mosques connected to the terrorist ideology. On
December 9, President Macron and Chancellor Kurz met with fellow EU leader
German Chancellor Angela Merkel in order to develop a pan-European strategy of
decreasing the infiltration of radical Islamist ideology into their nations.
Hany
Ghoraba wrote for IPT News that these leaders looked to apply "swift
removal of terrorist content online and establish one common instrument for all
member states to this effect. ...This would give the European Parliament authority
in EU member states to order service providers to remove terrorist content or
disable access to it."
But
Europe—and Austria, in particular—should take note here. "Bad
ideas"—like political Islam—will only be defeated by "better
ideas." The U.S. legal system has long upheld a very narrow definition of
incitement of violence (Brandenburg v. Ohio), lest the government head down the
slippery slope of censorship that violates our unalienable right to freedom of
expression.
The
outlawing of "hate speech" historically never works well. Time and
again, the suppression of Islamist movements has only empowered them as they
flourished underground and were shielded from the antiseptic effect of public
exposure and competition from more appealing movements.
Will
this cultural war declared by Macron and Kurz work? In the end, there is no
other option. The sooner they confront political Islam, the better. Continuing
the prior policy of appeasement will only invite continued attacks on our
secular and liberal way of life.
Europe
is a cautionary tale for the United States. We must not continue the course
that France and Austria are now only attempting to alter at great cost. We must
also recognize that Americanism is uniquely situated to be the West's
"last best hope" against Islamism.
We
must stand together against foreign ideas that are incompatible with our social
and constitutional compact. Mobilize our greatest weapons against separatism
and theocracy—Americanism on every plane and every front we can. Lead with an
offense of reform-minded Muslims who would die for our secular republics and
reject the supremacist appeal of the jihad. The sooner we stand up for our
shared American values, the better off we will all be.
M.
Zuhdi Jasser is the president of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy and a
co-founder of the Muslim Reform Movement based in Phoenix, Arizona. He is a
senior fellow at the Center for Security Policy in Washington, D.C. and a
former U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander. Twitter: @DrZuhdiJasser.
https://www.newsweek.com/europes-experience-islamism-cautionary-tale-united-states-opinion-1576075
--------
Southeast Asia
Use
of ‘Allah’ a non-issue in Sabah and Sarawak, say Muslim reps
Willie
Jude and Goh Pei Pei
March
17, 2021
KOTA
KINABALU: Two assemblymen from Sabah and Sarawak today said the use of the word
“Allah” among non-Muslims was never an issue in their states.
Idris
Buang, the Muara Tuang assemblyman representing Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) in
Sarawak, said Christians have been using “Allah” and “Tuhan” for a long time.
Recalling
the days when he was a pupil at a primary missionary school, Idris said he even
followed his classmates to a church, but had never prayed or took part in
rituals there since he was Muslim.
“There
cannot be a monopoly on the term ‘Allah’, others can use it, too,” he said.
He
said the majority of Christians in Sarawak used “Allah” to refer to God in
their Malay-language or Iban bibles.
He
added that authorities had the right to appeal against the court decision
allowing Christians the use of the word “Allah” in their religious education
and books, reiterating that it was never an issue for Sarawak or its governing
party, GPS.
Sabah’s
Sugut assemblyman James Ratib said the “Allah” issue was a “sensitive” topic in
the peninsula, which was “likely being played up in the run-up to the next
general election”.
“The
issue is not a problem here. Many Muslims in Sabah are related to families who
are not Muslims. The unity spirit without looking into race and religion is
still strong here,” he said.
James,
who is also a state assistant minister, said Sabahans should not pay too much
attention to the issue and should focus instead on combating Covid-19 and
reviving the economy.
On
March 10, High Court judge Nor Bee Ariffin ruled that a Dec 5, 1986 home
ministry directive to prohibit the use of the words “Allah”, “Baitullah”,
“Solat” and “Kaabah” by non-Muslims was illegal and unconstitutional.
The
judge said the directive was wrongly issued as it went beyond the aim of the
Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984.
The
government filed an appeal against the decision on Monday.
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2021/03/17/use-of-allah-a-non-issue-in-sabah-and-sarawak-say-muslim-reps/
--------
‘Allah’
issue to be discussed at session with muftis tomorrow
March
15, 2021
KUALA
LUMPUR: A munaqasyah session to scrutinise the issue on the use of the word
“Allah” will be held with muftis from around the country tomorrow, said
religious affairs minister Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri.
Zulkifli
said the opinions of leaders of Islamic non-governmental organisations would
also be sought.
“I
just visited the headquarters of Pertubuhan-Pertubuhan Pembela Islam (Pembela)
to hear the views and thoughts of leaders of Islamic NGOs on the issue (on the
use) of the word Allah.
“I
spent almost 45 minutes exchanging views and trying to find a common
understanding between the government and Islamic NGOs on this issue,” he said
in a Facebook posting today.
He
said the government always regarded NGOs as strategic working partners in all
fields.
Last
week, the High Court in Kuala Lumpur ruled that Christians in Malaysia can use
the word “Allah” and three other Arabic words – Baitullah, Kaabah and solat –
in their religious publications for educational purposes.
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2021/03/15/allah-issue-to-be-discussed-at-session-with-muftis-tomorrow/
--------
Malaysia's
Anwar says has met with several Umno leaders to discuss cooperation in next
elections
Nadirah
H. Rodzi
Mar
17, 2021
KUALA
LUMPUR - Malaysia’s opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said on Tuesday (March 16)
he has met with several Umno leaders to discuss possible political cooperation
but it was too early to come to a decision.
His
press conference followed whispers that political enemies Umno and the Pakatan
Harapan (PH) opposition coalition would work together in the next general
election, which could turn Malaysian politics on its head.
“I’ve
already said it would be premature to indicate any possibility of cooperation in
the next general election. At this stage, we are just discussing,” he said,
confirming what he said in an interview over the weekend with the Mingguan
Malaysia newspaper that a PH-Umno cooperation is possible. “We are just in the
midst of initial discussions.”
Umno
is a member of Malaysia’s governing Perikatan Nasional (PN) alliance led by
Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin in the last one year. But Umno has been at
loggerheads with Tan Sri Muhyiddin’s Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, which
leads the 12-party PN.
Umno’s
internal schism over whether to continue working with PM Muhyiddin has reached
fever pitch this year.
Umno
president Ahmad Zahid Hamid’s faction, which includes former premier Najib
Razak, want to cut ties with the premier’s Bersatu, claiming they have been
handed a raw deal despite being the largest party in government.
But
others, like Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Hussein and Federal Territories
Minister Annuar Musa believe the party must unite with other major Malay
parties which include Parti Islam SeMalaysia to ensure victory in polls
expected later this year.
Mr
Anwar, asked if his discussions included meeting with Najib, said he met with
any and all lawmakers.
“What
is the need for me to deny? I have talks with everyone. I even discussed
cooperation with Tun Mahathir before,” he said, referring to another ex-premier
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, an ally-turned-political nemesis again.
PH
consists of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) which is led by Mr Anwar, the
Chinese-dominated Democratic Action Party (DAP) and small Islamic faction,
Parti Amanah Negara.
PKR
was formed in 1998 as a splinter of Umno following Mr Anwar’s sacking and has
always been a thorn in Umno’s side, while the DAP is constantly used by Umno as
a bogeyman.
On
the flip side, the opposition parties have been attacking Umno for decades.
There
is thus scepticism that Umno, which dominated Malaysian politics until it lost
in the 2018 general election, would be able to work with PH.
There
are also questions whether Umno would let Mr Anwar lead such an alliance to
achieve his burning ambition to become Malaysia’s prime minister.
Amanah
communications chief Khalid Abdul Samad said on Tuesday that Umno had long been
synonymous with “racism, corruption, and power abuse”.
“It
has to be asked, is Umno willing to play second fiddle to Harapan? I think we
all know the answer,” he added.
Mr
Anwar in his news conference said to work with Umno, PH will not compromise on
its reform agenda and the principles of good governance.
“We
are not going to compromise on the principles, the policies, and the values
that we have adopted this far,” he said.
Earlier,
Umno information chief Shahril Hamdan said that it has not budged from a
decision by its top policy-making policy body, the Umno supreme council, of not
working with PKR or the DAP.
“The
decision made at Umno’s annual meeting 2019 is still in effect and numerous
statements by top party leaders made no mention of cooperation with PKR and
DAP.
“Rejecting
cooperation with Bersatu does not mean immediately being together with another
party,” Mr Shahril said in a statement on Tuesday.
Meanwhile,
Mr Anwar at the news conference also addressed the defection of three PKR MPs
in the last three weeks. They defected to support PN.
Mr
Anwar claimed the defections were caused by harassment by the police,
anti-corruption agency and income tax department, and that four other PKR MPs
are being intimidated to cross to PN to get alleged criminal cases against them
removed.
"This
is not politics. This is an abuse of power through exercising pressure,"
he said at the press conference at a hotel in Petaling Jaya.
The
PKR president earlier on Tuesday held a meeting with all 36 party federal
lawmakers who gave their assurance that they won't defect. Both Mr Anwar and
his wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail are also MPs.
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/anwar-to-address-pkr-umno-collaboration-in-malaysias-ge15-at-430pm-sources
--------
Africa
Algeria
seeks 18 months’ prison sentence for journalist in ‘defamation’ case
16
March ,2021
Prosecutors
in Algeria are seeking an 18-month prison sentence for a journalist on charges
including defamation, a penalty Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has slammed as
“disproportionate.”
The
communications ministry has accused Abdelhakim Setouane, editor-in-chief of
Arabic-language news site Essafir Broadcast, of “defamation,” “invasion of
privacy,” “journalistic blackmail,” and “publishing malicious information.”
The
accusations stem from an article alleging the speaker of the lower house of parliament
was having an extra-marital affair, the media rights group said Monday.
The
court in Sidi M’hamed on Monday sought 18 months in jail for Setouane, who has
been in custody since October 20.
RSF
in a statement called the proposed penalty “disproportionate” and called for
the journalist’s immediate release.
Algerian
media said the verdict was expected on March 29.
Algerian
authorities have detained and prosecuted a number of journalists in recent
months.
Among
them is Khaled Drareni, founder of online news site the Casbah Tribune and a
correspondent for RSF and French-language TV5 Monde.
Drareni
was provisionally released last month following a presidential pardon.
“An
unstable political environment is increasing the threats to the freedom to
inform in Algeria,” according to RSF.
“As
a result of judicial harassment, the Algerian media struggle to fulfil their
role.”
RSF
ranked Algeria 146 out of 180 countries and territories in its 2020 World Press
Freedom Index, a 27-place drop since 2015.
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/north-africa/2021/03/16/Algeria-seeks-18-months-prison-sentence-for-journalist-in-defamation-case
--------
Militants
kill 58 in separate attacks in Niger
17
March 2021
Unidentified
armed "bandits" in Niger have staged several attacks in the restive
region of Tillaberi, killing dozens of people, inflicting damage, and stealing
vehicles, the government says.
"The
toll from these barbarous acts (is) 58 dead, one injured, a number of grain
silos and two vehicles burned, and two more vehicles seized," the
government said in a statement read out on public television on Tuesday.
The
attacks took place on a bus coming from the Banibangou market and nearby
villages located in the "tri-border area" — a flashpoint zone where
the frontiers of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali converge — on Monday.
The
government, which announced three days of national mourning for the deaths,
called for "greater vigilance" on behalf of the local population in
the area.
The
tri-border area is one of the most volatile places in the Sahel region. Earlier
this year, 100 people were killed in attacks on two villages in Tillaberi.
Niger
is also the target of attacks by militants from Nigeria, where a decade-old
militancy by the Boko Haram terrorist group has been ongoing.
Thirty
four villagers were massacred in the southeastern region of Diffa, on the
Nigerian border, in December 2020.
More
than 30,000 people have been killed and nearly three million displaced in a
decade of Boko Haram violence in West Africa, according to the United Nations
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Militants
ambush soldiers in Mali
Separately,
11 Malian soldiers were killed and 11 more went missing after militants staged
an ambush on a military patrol in Gao in northern Mali on Monday.
The
Malian army said on Tuesday that 14 soldiers had also been wounded in the
ambush and that eight of them were in serious condition.
It
said that seven militants were also killed in the attack.
Last
year was Mali's deadliest on record due to militant attacks, tit-for-tat
violence between rival ethnic groups, and killings by security forces,
according to data compiled by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data
Project (ACLED).
France
has deployed its military to the Sahel region with a declared objective of
suppressing the militancy.
Last
month, France's President Emmanuel Macron, who faces an upcoming election,
ruled out any immediate decrease in the number of the French troops deployed to
the restive region.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2021/03/17/647485/Niger-militant-attack-Mali-ambush
--------
Eastern
Libya Forces Say Arrested ‘Prominent IS Leader’ Abu Omar
MARCH
15, 2021
Forces
loyal to Libyan military strongman Khalifa Haftar announced Sunday the arrest
of a top Islamic State group figure in the south of the North African country.
The
eastern-based marshal’s forces led an operation in the southern desert town of
Ubari targeting the “most prominent leader” of IS in Libya, Mohamed Miloud
Mohamed — who goes by Abu Omar — leading to his arrest, said a statement by
Haftar’s spokesman Ahmad al-Mesmari.
Abu
Omar was among the top IS leaders in Libya when the group took control of the
central coastal city of Sirte in 2015, the statement added.
The
jihadists made Sirte a stronghold where they trained fighters and orchestrated
attacks, including killing scores of foreign tourists in neighboring Tunisia,
before they were driven out of the Libyan city in 2016.
IS
gained a foothold in Libya amid the chaos that reigned in the country after
dictator Moamer Kadhafi was toppled and killed in a NATO-backed uprising in
2011.
Described
as a “dangerous terrorist,” Abu Omar had “close ties” with Abu Moaz al-Iraqi,
the head of IS in Libya, who was killed last September by pro-Haftar forces,
Mesmari’s statement said.
Abu
Omar is also accused of having abducted in 2015 four Italian engineers, who
were freed after payment of a ransom estimated at four million euros ($4.8
million), it added.
A
political crisis in the wake of Kadhafi’s overthrow saw the oil-rich country
split between rival authorities in the east and west and the disintegration of
security apparatuses, creating fertile ground for jihadist groups like IS to
take root.
After
IS was ousted from Sirte the group was significantly weakened in Libya, but its
members have retreated into the desert or blended in with the population on the
Mediterranean coast.
A
new transitional government was recently approved under a UN-sponsored
inter-Libyan dialogue to unify the country’s institutions and is due to be
sworn in on Monday.
https://www.thedefensepost.com/2021/03/15/eastern-libya-forces-arrest-abu-omar/?utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2107824_
--------
Armed
men attack another Nigerian school, as 39 students still missing
March
15, 2021
Kaduna,
NigeriaArmed men attempted to kidnap more students in Nigeria's Kaduna state
overnight on Sunday, a state government official said, as 39 others from an
earlier attack remain missing.
Attacks
by armed gangs, usually referred to as bandits, have intensified across northwest
Nigeria in recent years. Four school kidnappings since December have provoked
nationwide outrage.
Some
39 students, including a pregnant woman, are still missing from Thursday's
abduction from the Federal College of Forestry Mechanization, in northwest
Nigeria.
Samuel
Aruwan, Kaduna state commissioner of internal security and home affairs, said
police, army and others had repelled attacks on another school and at a local
government office near Kaduna airport.
"The
Kaduna state government extends its unequivocal solidarity to the military,
police, Department of State Services and other security agencies, whose swift
intervention prevented the bandits from abducting more persons," Aruwan
said.
All
307 students at the Government Science Secondary School in Ikara were accounted
for, Aruwan said, adding that the army and air force also repelled an attack on
senior staff quarters in Ifira village in Igabi local government area.
Aruwan
did not refer to a video that circulated on Saturday of missing students from
the Federal College of Forestry Mechanization, showing them being beaten and
cowering.
In
that video, a college student said their captors wanted a 500 million naira
($1.3 million) ransom.
"As
a government, our focus is on getting back our missing students and preventing
further episodes of school abductions," Aruwan said.
President
Muhammadu Buhari, speaking in a video message posted on Twitter on Sunday,
ordered states to tackle security issues at every level and said military
service chiefs would quickly address broader security issues.
"We
are going to be very hard on the criminals," he said, adding that
"confidence must be restored in governance within the next six
weeks."
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/03/15/africa/armed-men-attempt-attack-nigeria-school-intl/index.html?utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2107824_
--------
Suspected
Islamists kill at least a dozen villagers in eastern Congo
MARCH
15, 2021
By
Erikas Mwisi Kambale
BENI,
Democratic Republic of Congo (Reuters) - Attackers killed at least a dozen
villagers in an overnight raid on a village in eastern Democratic Republic of
Congo, a witness and two civil rights groups said on Monday.
They
blamed the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a Ugandan militia active in eastern
Congo since the 1990s, which has committed dozens of brutal reprisal attacks on
civilians since the army began operations against it in late 2019.
Men
armed with knives and other weapons attacked the village of Bulongo, around 30
kilometres (18 miles) east of Beni, on Sunday night, the sources said.
“There
are 12 bodies lying on the ground,” said Mambo Kitambal, head of a civil
society group in Bulongo.
“We
fear that this toll could increase especially since the enemy operated for
several hours. The victims were executed with pickaxes and machetes,” he said.
On
Wednesday the United States designated the ADF as a foreign terrorist
organisation, accusing it of links to Islamic State (ISIS), although U.N.
experts have not found evidence of any direct relationship between the two
groups.
The
ADF killed about 850 people last year, according to U.N. figures.
“Here
in the rain they savagely killed our brothers and sisters with knives and
pickaxes,” said Paul Sakata, a resident of Bulongo.
“We
regret that the army did not respond last night, which reinforces the fear in
the heads of people in this part of the country, who were beginning to hope for
peace.”
Congo’s
eastern borderlands with Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi are home to around 120
different militias, many of which are remnants of the country’s brutal civil
wars that officially ended in 2003.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-congo-security-idUSKBN2B71CF?utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2107824_
--------
Libyan
government hands power to unity team
16
March 2021
Libya's
internationally-recognized government has officially handed over power to a new
interim executive that is expected to unify the war-torn African country after
decade-long violence and division.
Fayez
al-Sarraj, who had been prime minister since 2014, resigned from his post in a
ceremony in the capital, Tripoli, on Tuesday, one day after new interim Prime
Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah and a three-member presidency council took the
oath of office in the Libyan parliament.
Dbeibah,
selected through a United Nations (UN)-facilitated process early last month,
was sworn in to lead the new Government of National Unity (GNU) until elections
are held on December 24.
The
new administration replaces both the Tripoli-based government and a parallel
administration headquartered in the east, which is protected by rebel forces
under the command of a renegade general named Khalifa Haftar.
During
the ceremony on Tuesday, Sarraj gave a brief speech and pointed to the
"endless difficulties" his government had faced over the past several
years, including the war on terrorism, the failed 2019 offensive by Haftar's
rebels to seize the capital, and the interference of foreign forces.
He
said his administration had never won the support of the eastern-based
administration.
Dbeibah,
for his part, expressed the GNU's determination to continue the reforms Sarraj
had started.
Libya's
parliament granted a vote of confidence to Dbeibeh's new unity government last
week.
Dbeibah
has called for the departure of some 20,000 foreign militants present in the
country, adding that he would coordinate with the militants' countries of
origin to arrange for their withdrawal.
On
Sunday, the UN Security Council welcomed the formation of the national unity
government in Libya and called for an immediate withdrawal of all foreign
forces and mercenaries from the conflict-ridden African country.
Libya,
which sits atop the largest oil reserves in Africa, has been grappling with
violence since the overthrow of former dictator Muammar Gaddafi in an uprising
and military intervention by NATO in 2011.
The
country descended into chaos last year after the rebels under the command of
Haftar moved toward Tripoli to seize the city. They were later repelled by
government forces, however.
The
conflict has escalated into a regional proxy war fueled by foreign powers
pouring weapons and mercenaries into the country, with the Tripoli government
receiving major backing from Turkey, and the rebels from the United Arab
Emirates, Egypt, and Jordan.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2021/03/16/647455/Libyan-government-hands-power-to-unity-team
--------
Tunisian
president to visit Libya in show of support for new government
16
March 2021
Tunisian
President Kais Saied is set to head to Libya in a show of support for the country's
newly formed, United Nations-backed unity government, the first presidential
trip between the neighboring countries since 2012.
Saied
will travel to Libya on Wednesday, his office announced in a statement on
Tuesday, adding that the visit aimed to show "Tunisia's support for the
democratic process in Libya" following the swearing-in on Monday of a new
interim prime minister.
The
office did not specify who Saied would meet with during his trip to Libya.
Abdul
Hamid Dbeibah was sworn in as Libya's interim prime minister until elections
are held on December 24, following years-long violence and division in the
North African country.
Dbeibah
was selected through a UN-facilitated process early last month.
Tunisia
hosted UN-backed talks between delegates from Libya's warring sides late last
year, which helped pave the way for the fragile breakthrough.
Dbeibah’s
new interim government replaces two rival administrations, an
internationally-recognized government based in the capital, Tripoli, and
another camp based in the eastern city of Tobruk, backed militarily by armed
rebels.
Libya
descended into unprecedented chaos in 2019 after the so-called Libyan National
Army (LNA), under the command of renegade general Khalifa Haftar, moved toward
Tripoli to seize the city. The rebels were eventually repelled by government
forces, however.
The
conflict has escalated into a regional proxy war fueled by foreign powers
pouring weapons and mercenaries into the country.
Libya
was a major destination for Tunisian farm produce and building materials as
well as migrant labor before plunging into chaos in 2011 following a popular
uprising and a NATO intervention that led to the ouster of long-time dictator
Muammar Gaddafi.
The
years of conflict have resulted in prolonged border closures that have hit the
volume of business.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2021/03/16/647421/Tunisian-president-to-visit-Libya-in-show-of-support-for-new-government
--------
Niger:
Dozens of civilians killed near Malian border
Kane
Illa and Rodrigue Forku
17.03.2021
NIAMEY,
Niger
About
40 Nigerien civilians were killed in an attack in southwestern Niger near the
Malian border on Monday, a security source said.
"They
were villagers returning from a weekly market who were attacked by unidentified
gunmen," the source told Anadolu Agency on condition of anonymity due to
restrictions to speak to the media.
The
government has yet to issue an official statement on the incident that took
place in the Banibangou town of Tillaberi region.
An
ethnic group was targeted in the attack, according to local Actuniger website.
The
Tillaberi region has been frequently targeted by terrorist groups based in Mali
since 2017, with a state of emergency declared in the area.
Niger,
Burkina Faso, and Mali in the Sahel are at the epicenter of one of the world's
fastest-growing displacement and protection crises.
The
region is already hosting 851,000 refugees and nearly 2 million displaced
people, according to the UN Refugee Agency.
In
January, around 100 people were also killed in attacks after the first round of
presidential elections. The incidents occurred in two villages in Tillaberi.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/niger-dozens-of-civilians-killed-near-malian-border/2178426
--------
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