Pakistan SC Judge, Justice Qazi Faez Isa, Deplores Relegation of Quranic Injunctions In Favour Of Retrogressive Practices
New
Age Islam News Bureau
12
March 2021
Justice Qazi Faez Isa has regretted that Quranic
injunctions in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan have at times been relegated in
favour of retrogressive practices. — SC website/File
-----
•
UAE Announces $10 Billion Investment Fund for Israel across Multiple Sectors
•
Muslims in Varanasi Shower Petals on Shiva Devotees, Hail Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb
•
'US Will Directly Raise With China Issue of Genocide against Uighur Muslims'
•
Nigeria Says No Negotiations with Boko Haram Terrorists
•
ISI, Pak-Army Chiefs Hold Talks on Afghan Peace Process in Bahrain
•
Ayatollah Khamenei Blasts US for Lies about Opposition to N. Weapons
•
More Work Needed For Yemen Ceasefire, Houthis Must Halt Saudi Arabia Attacks:
US
•
No Secret That Turkey Plays Extremely Destabilizing Role In Our Region: Armenia
FM
Pakistan
•
Pakistan SC Judge, Justice Qazi Faez Isa, Deplores Relegation of Quranic
Injunctions In Favour Of Retrogressive Practices
•
No Place for Terrorism in Islam: Chancellor of the Jamia Darul Uloom Haqqania
•
Pakistan Ready to Host SAARC Summit: Foreign Office Spokesperson
•
Pakistani Christian, Convicted Of Sending Text Messages Defaming Prophet
Muhammad Gets Death Sentence
--------
Arab World
•
UAE Announces $10 Billion Investment Fund for Israel across Multiple Sectors
•
Islamic Coalition Holds Forum on Guerrilla Warfare
•
Turkey restarts diplomatic contacts With Egypt, says foreign minister
•
US says Syria’s al-Assad has ‘done nothing’ to restore his legitimacy
•
France’s Le Drian says Lebanon’s politicians show no sign of saving their
country
•
Five ISIS suspects given death sentence in Saudi Arabia
•
European Parliament passes resolution blasting Bahrain for flagrant rights
abuses
•
Roadside bomb attacks target US-led coalition convoys across Iraq
•
Russian jets bombard Daesh positions in Syria’s southeastern desert: Monitoring
group
--------
India
•
Muslims in Varanasi Shower Petals on Shiva Devotees, Hail Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb
•
Plea Filed In SC Seeks Release of Rohingyas Detained In Jammu Jail
•
Beyond Ceasefire along LoC: Pakistan Signals Statehood in J&K Key to
Movement Forward
•
No Rise in Militancy, Number of Anti-Terrorist Operations Rising: J-K Police
•
For Hyderabadi Students, Turkey Emerges As New Study Destination
•
BJP Fields 4 Muslim Nominees in Lower Assam
•
Azam Khan Makes His Presence Felt In Sunni Board Poll?
•
Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb: Muslims Shower Petals on Shiva Devotees in Kashi
•
Two JeM terrorists killed in J&K encounter
--------
Southeast Asia
•
'US Will Directly Raise With China Issue of Genocide against Uighur Muslims'
•
Islamic finance players’ crucial role in the digital economy
•
Uighur, Hong Kong issues to make for ‘difficult’ US-China talks
•
Iran says any form of foreign interference undermines stability of Hong Kong
•
Singapore arrests would-be terrorist planning to kill Jews for Hamas
•
‘Allah’ ruling affirms true meaning of word for Sarawakian Bumis, says Yayasan
Perpaduan Sarawak
--------
Africa
•
Nigeria Says No Negotiations with Boko Haram Terrorists
•
Boko Haram Allegedly Kills 30 Nigerian Soldiers In Borno
•
Somalia's security situation in crisis amid political uncertainty
•
Foreign ministers of France, Germany, Egypt, Jordan hail unity govt in Libya
•
Gunmen in northwest Nigeria kidnap college students, exact number unknown:
Police
•
Ethiopia: Sporadic fighting displacing people in Tigray
•
Names of Libya’s new Cabinet released to public
•
Turkey plays important role in election crisis-rocked Somalia
•
Ethiopia: Tigray's deserted Mekele city greets envoys
•
Libya: Al-Sarraj ready to hand over power to new gov't
--------
South Asia
•
ISI, Pak-Army Chiefs Hold Talks on Afghan Peace Process in Bahrain
•
The Resilience of Secularism in Bangladesh
•
MoD rejects the fall of Almar district to Taliban: Faryab
•
Security will remain crucial with or without peace: SIGAR
--------
Mideast
•
Ayatollah Khamenei Blasts US for Lies about Opposition to N. Weapons
•
Iran Asks KRG to Correct Mistake of Publishing Controversial Stamp
•
Israel says joint naval exercise with Greece, Cyprus completed
•
Three Gaza fishermen killed by Israeli drone caught in nets, says Hamas
•
US, Israel discuss Iran threats during first strategic group meeting
•
Heavy clashes break out between Yemeni army, Iran-backed Houthis in Hodeidah
•
Houthis target civilians with missile in Marib as Yemeni army advances
•
Sanctions lead to devastating repercussions like those of terrorism, war
crimes: Iran’s UN envoy
--------
North America
•
More Work Needed For Yemen Ceasefire, Houthis Must Halt Saudi Arabia Attacks: US
•
US Senate resolution calls to hold Assad regime accountable for war crimes
•
Saudi, US ground forces set to launch joint military exercise
•
US says won't incentivize Iran to join JCPOA talks
•
US Far-Right Extremists Making Millions Via Social Media And Cryptocurrency
•
Turkey blasts US court’s parole ruling for diplomat's killer
--------
Europe
•
No Secret That Turkey Plays Extremely Destabilizing Role In Our Region: Armenia
FM
•
Russia, Turkey, Qatar jointly making attempt to seek political resolution to
Syria’s conflict
•
Kyrgyzstan parliament approves referendum on new constitution
•
UN ready to support Turkey's 'Human Rights Action Plan'
•
US' Khashoggi report 'surprising' but disappoints many: Award-winning
journalist
•
UN: Pursuit of justice should step up in Syria
•
European, Arab top diplomats discuss Middle East
Compiled
by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/pakistan-sc-judge-justice-qazi/d/124525
--------
Pakistan
SC Judge, Justice Qazi Faez Isa, Deplores Relegation of Quranic Injunctions In
Favour Of Retrogressive Practices
Justice Qazi Faez Isa has regretted that Quranic
injunctions in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan have at times been relegated in
favour of retrogressive practices. — SC website/File
-----
Nasir
Iqbal
March
12, 2021
ISLAMABAD:
Justice Qazi Faez Isa has regretted that Quranic injunctions in the Islamic
Republic of Pakistan have at times been relegated in favour of retrogressive
practices.
In
a 12-page judgement, Justice Isa, who was part of the two-judge Supreme Court
bench along with Justice Yahya Afridi, observed that radical awakening was
brought about by the Holy Quran as unfamiliar women’s rights were established
for the first time in the scripture.
The
observations came on an appeal against the Jan 11, 2016 Lahore High Court order,
which was moved by Sheikh Mohammad Muneer.
The
case revolves around filing of a suit on March 8, 1999 by the petitioner
seeking specific performance of Aug 3, 1998 agreement through which he had
agreed to buy Ms Feezan’s (respondent) house for which certain amount had
already been paid in advance. But the respondent refused to receive the balance
sale following which the suit was filed.
Justice
Isa rules women enjoy right to retain their income, property
The
agreement showed to be witnessed by three persons namely Mohammad Ali, the
husband of the respondent, Allah Ditta and Mohammad Nawaz.
“A
woman has the right to own and dispose of her property and she enjoys the right
to retain, both before and after her marriage, her income and property, her
ability to do business without permission of her father or husband and keep and
spend what she earns,” observed Justice Isa.
“Men
shall have the benefit of what they earn and women shall have the benefit of
what they earn,” Justice Isa said while citing verse 32 of Surah An-Nisa. He
observed that her entitlement to inherit from her parents and husband was also
precisely ordained in the fourth chapter of An-Nisa of the Holy Quran.
A
woman also does not need permission to acquire or dispose of property. What she
inherits is hers and hers alone and neither her husband, father, brother nor
her son has any entitlement to it.
Justice
Isa then quoted verse 29 of Surah An-Nisa which ordains, do not eat up
(consume) one another’s property and explained that the bridal gifts given at
the time of the marriage were the wife’s property and remained hers.
Her
right to enter into contracts and to witness contracts, the Holy Quran mentions
in great detail, Justice Isa said.
In
this case the respondent woman denied having entered into the agreement which
the petitioner, an attesting witness and the scribe testified that she had.
However, her solitary testimony was to be accepted because this is what the law
and the injunctions of the Holy Quran mandate, Justice Isa observed.
A
chasm existed between a woman’s position in Islam to that which prevailed till
a century ago in Europe and America where upon marriage a wife stood deprived
of her property, which became that of her husband to do with it as he pleased.
Justice
Isa also cited certain observations from a case titled Fawad Ishaq versus
Mehreen Mansoor in which it was stated that discrimination against women
pervaded in other areas too. It was only in 1960 that women in America could
open bank accounts without their husbands’ permission and this right was
acquired by women in the United Kingdom as late as 1975.
Professions
were also barred to women, the judgement said, adding that Myra Colby Bradwell
had passed the bar examinations but was not allowed to practice law; she
asserted her right to practice but in 1873 the United States Supreme Court held
that denying Mrs Bradwell the right to practice law violated no provision of
the federal constitution.
The
court added: “That God designed the sexes to occupy different spheres of
action, and that it belonged to men to make, apply and execute the laws, was
regarded as an almost axiomatic truth.”
The
Supreme Court in the end, however, declined the leave to appeal to the
petitioner with an observation that the high court and judges of the subordinate
court correctly dismissed the suit as the petitioner had failed to establish
that the agreement had been executed by the respondent or that she had agreed
to sell her house to the petitioner.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1612037/sc-judge-deplores-relegation-of-quranic-injunctions
--------
UAE
Announces $10 Billion Investment Fund For Israel Across Multiple Sectors
The UAE, Israeli and US flags sway in the wind at
the Abu Dhabi airport at the arrival of the first-ever commercial flight from
Israel to the UAE, on August 31, 2020.
Image Credit: AFP
-----
Ismaeel
Naar
12
March ,2021
The
United Arab Emirates on Thursday announced it was setting up a $10 billion
investment fund across multiple sectors in Israel, with whom it normalized ties
last year.
The
announcement was made following a call between Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh
Mohamed bin Zayed and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday
after the latter had postponed a visit to the UAE because Jordan has delayed
granting overflight rights.
“Through
this fund, the UAE will invest in and alongside Israel across sectors including
energy, manufacturing, water, space, healthcare and agri-tech. The investment
fund will support development initiatives to promote regional economic
cooperation between the two countries. Fund allocations will derive from
government and private sector institutions,” the UAE said in a statement
published on the state-run Emirates News Agency (WAM).
“The
fund builds on the historic Abraham Accord and aims to bolster economic ties
between two of the region’s thriving economies, unlocking investments and
partnership opportunities to drive socio-economic progress,” the statement
added.
Israel
and the United Arab Emirates reached a historic peace deal on August 13 last
year that led to a full normalization of diplomatic and trade relations between
the two Middle Eastern nations in an agreement that former US President Donald
Trump helped broker.
Israeli
Intelligence Minister Eli Cohen has previously expected that annual trade
between Israel and the UAE is expected to reach $4 billion in just three to
five years.
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2021/03/12/Israel-relations-UAE-announces-10-billion-investment-fund-for-Israel-across-multiple-sectors
--------
Muslims
in Varanasi Shower Petals on Shiva Devotees, Hail Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb
Muslims in Varanasi were seen showering flower
petals on Hindu devotees on Mahashivratri (HT Photo)
-----
Edited
by Abhinav Sahay
MAR
11, 2021
A
group of Muslims in Kashi showered flower petals on devotees of Lord Shiva in
Godowlia area of Varanasi on the occasion of Mahashivratri, a Hindu festival on
Thursday. They said they wanted to give out the message of brotherhood in line
with the Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb (Ganges–Yamuna Culture).
The
devotees were in a long queue leading to the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
“This is Kashi… the abode of Lord Shiva. The ‘Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb’ has been
thriving here for ages and we showered petals on the devotees,” said one
Mohammad Asif, who was among those who felicitated the devotees.
He
said, “I want to give a message that there is no casteism and communalism in
Kashi. We celebrate Eid, Diwali and Holi together. From Kashi, I want to send
the message of brotherhood to the whole world.”
The
Ganga-Jamni Tehzeeb, refers to the fusion Hindu and Muslim cultures found in
the central plains of northern India, especially the region that falls between
the banks of Ganges and Yamuna rivers.
Maha
Shivratri is considered auspicious for spiritual growth. The festival, also
known as 'the great night of Shiva', celebrates the overcoming of darkness and
ignorance.
It
also celebrates the grand marriage of the lord of destruction, Shiva -- with
the goddess of fertility, love, and beauty -- Parvati, who is also known as
'Shakti' (power).
https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/muslims-in-varanasi-shower-petals-on-shiva-devotees-hail-ganga-jamuni-tehzeeb-101615469023659.html
--------
'US
will directly raise with China issue of genocide against Uighur Muslims'
March
12, 2021
The
United States will directly raise with China the issue of genocide against
Uighur Muslims, the Biden Administration said on Thursday. It added that a
range of global issues is expected to part of the conversation of the Quad's
leadership summit.
"Addressing
the genocide against Uighur Muslims is something that will be a topic of
discussion with the Chinese directly next week but certainly this conversation
[Quad summit] tomorrow... I have invited National Security Advisor Jake
Sullivan to come and give you a readout of that meeting."
"I
know there's a lot of interest in the Quad summit tomorrow, but we expect the
conversation to be about a range of global issues," White House Press
Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters at her daily news conference.
The
Quad summit, she reiterated, is not focused on China.
"Of
course, China is a topic on the minds of many leaders and countries, but we
expect they will talk about the climate crisis, about economic cooperation,
about addressing COVID, a range of issues and discussions and you know
certainly the position of the United States is that what is happening is
genocide and we will look for opportunities to work with other partners on
putting additional pressure on the Chinese, but we also raise it directly, and
it will be a topic of discussion next week," she said.
Days
after the Quad summit, US Secretary of State and the National Security Advisor
are scheduled to meet their Chinese counterparts in Anchorage, Alaska on March
18.
"This
meeting next week, we felt it was important to have it on US soil, we certainly
anticipate that National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State
Tony Blinken will be discussing both the challenges we've had, and not holding
back on issues and concerns we have with the behaviour of Chinese leadership,
whether it's on Taiwan or recent, you know, efforts to push back democracy in
Hong Kong or on concerns we have about the economic relationship," Psaki
said in response to another question.
"So
they will certainly raise those issues and the lack of transparency as it relates
to COVID, human rights abuses as well. But they'll also talk about areas of
opportunity and ways we can work together. They will not be holding back in the
conversation. But they wanted to, you know, it's an important moment next week
to engage directly and in person. I know they're looking forward to it. We'll
have a robust readout, I'm sure, when that meeting concludes," Psaki said.
At
a separate news conference, State Department spokesperson Ned Price told
reporters that the US will engage China from a position of strength.
"There will be some difficult conversations, I would expect. We will
certainly not pull any punches in discussing our areas of disagreement,"
he said.
"But
as Secretary [of State Tony] Blinken has said, our relationship with Beijing is
a multifaceted one. It is fundamentally competitive. It is adversarial, in some
ways. And there also are potential areas for collaboration. And so I suspect
all of those elements will come up during these discussions on March 18,"
he said.
The
United States, he said, expects Beijing to demonstrate seriousness regarding
its own often stated desire to change the tone of the bilateral relationship.
"This
will be a difficult conversation. We'll be frank and explain how Beijing's
actions and behaviour challenge the security, the prosperity, the values of not
only the United States, but also our partners and allies," he said.
"Now,
on the flip side of that coin, we also will explore avenues that, for
cooperation, that are in our interest. When Secretary Blinken first spoke with
Director Young, when Secretary—when President Biden first spoke with President
Xi, they made very clear that there will be areas for collaboration, or at
least there will be the potential for areas of collaboration. But there has to
be one common denominator, when it is in our national interests," he said.
"Of
course, climate change, I think, is one of those that we can tangibly point to
is undeniably in our own national interests for the world's largest and the
world's second largest emitters to be able to work productively and
constructively together when it comes to climate change. But the point remains
that we're not looking to engage in talks for the sake of talks, Price said.
The
US is looking for Beijing to demonstrate that seriousness of purpose, to
demonstrate that it seeks to live up to its own oft stated desire to change the
tone of the bilateral relationship.
The
relationship between US and China, he said is multifaceted. "It is
primarily and fundamentally a relationship that is predicated on competition.
Our goal, when it comes to our relationship with Beijing, our approach to
Beijing is to compete and ultimately to out compete with Beijing, in the areas
that are competitive. We have talked about them, the economic realms, the
security realms are primarily competitive," he said.
"There
are, of course, areas in this relationship that are adversarial. And there are
areas for potential collaboration. So I wouldn't want to attach one label to
it, because it truly is multifaceted. We are going to discuss those more
difficult areas with the Chinese," he said.
He
said there was every expectation that when it comes to more difficult
issues—Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Tibet, pressure on Taiwan, broader human rights
abuses, the South China Sea, the Mekong, economic pressure arbitrary
detentions, the origins of COVID-19—they would come up.
https://www.theweek.in/news/world/2021/03/12/us-will-directly-raise-with-china-issue-of-genocide-against-uighur-muslims.html
--------
Nigeria
says no negotiations with Boko Haram terrorists
Adam
Abu-bashal
12.03.2021
Nigeria
announced Thursday that it would not negotiate with the Boko Haram terrorist
group.
Speaking
at a press conference, National Security Adviser Babagana Monguno said the
Nigerian government does not see negotiations as a means to deal with the
worsening security conditions in the country.
“Negotiating
would mean weakness. Instead, we will mobilize all our power to eradicate the
violence in the country,” he noted.
Earlier
this month, President Muhammadu Buhari said that armed groups had been given
two months to lay down their arms and surrender.
Boko
Haram launched a bloody insurgency in 2009 in northeastern Nigeria but later
spread its atrocities to neighboring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, prompting a
military response.
More
than 30,000 people have been killed and nearly 3 million displaced in a decade
of Boko Haram's terrorist activities in Nigeria, according to the UN Office for
the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Violence
committed by Boko Haram has affected some 26 million people in the Lake Chad
region and displaced 2.6 million others, according to the UN Refugee Agency.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/nigeria-says-no-negotiations-with-boko-haram-terrorists/2173243
--------
ISI,
Pak-Army Chiefs hold talks on Afghan peace process in Bahrain
11
Mar 2021
Pakistan
military’s spy wing participated in a regional consultation event on the
extremely slow Afghan peace process.
Pakistani
chief of the army staff Qamar Bajwa and Lt. Gen Faiz Hameed Director General of
Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) have attended a session in Bahrain,
Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations reported on Wednesday.
“Current
developments in the Afghan peace process, border security, and necessary steps
to facilitate an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process were discussed,”
ISPR reported.
The
meeting was reportedly part of US-led international efforts to speed up the
Afghan peace process with the key regional players.
Bahrain’s
National Guard Commander Field Marshal Mohammed Bin Isa Al Khalifa and National
Security Adviser Maj Gen Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa also met with
Bajwa.
Both
parties discussed security issues and common national interests.
This
comes at a time when UN efforts are ongoing to establish a summit in Turkey in
the matter of the Afghan peace process, the summit will also host special
envoys from India, Russia, Pakistan, China, and Iran.
https://www.khaama.com/isi-pak-army-chiefs-hold-talks-on-afghan-peace-process-in-bahrain-654333/
--------
Ayatollah
Khamenei Blasts US for Lies about Opposition to N. Weapons
2021-March-11
“America
is the only government that has used nuclear bombs, but raises its voice to say
that ‘we are against the development of nuclear arms.’ They claim to be against
weapons of mass destruction, while they possess the worst and the most
dangerous such weapons,” Ayatollah Khamenei said on Thursday, on the occasion
of Eid al-Mab’ath, which marks the appointment of MOhammad ibn Abdullah (PBUH)
as the prophet of Islam in the seventh century.
Ayatollah
Khamenei also said Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, inspired by the path of
Islam’s Prophet Muhammad, countered arrogance and tyranny in support of
oppressed people, prompting the world’s villains and criminals to mobilize and try,
albeit in vain, to confront the movement.
“It
(Revolution) was against oppression, tyranny and arrogance…in support of the
oppressed people of any faith or religion. It stood for the deprived and the
downtrodden [people] from any nation, religion or faith. Under all
circumstances, this Revolution invited the entire humanity to [follow] the
straight path of Islam,” the Leader said.
Following
the Revolution, which brought about the Islamic establishment in Iran, the
world’s villains and criminals joined forces and lined up to confront the
Revolution, similar to what happened to Islam’s Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) when he
began his divine mission.
“That
was, of course, not contrary to our expectations. It was crystal-clear from the
start that…the likes of America and the then Soviet Union would confront
[Iran],” he added.
‘Insight,
patience plus perseverance key to foiling enemy plots’
Elsewhere
in his remarks, the Leader elaborated on ways that the nation can thwart the
conspiracies of the US and other enemies against the Islamic Republic.
Ayatollah
Khamenei named “insight” in addition to “patience and perseverance” as the two
important factors required to face the enemies’ plots, saying “if these two
elements are there, the enemies will not be able…to do any harm [to the
country] and will not achieve any success.”
Ayatollah
Khamenei further renewed the warning against the soft war being waged by the
enemies against Iran, who have targeted the nation’s patience and perseverance
and resorted to the distortion of realities about the Islamic Republic in
pursuit of their hostile goals.
In
the face of the war, Iran’s youth have a task to fulfill, the Leader said,
praising them as the “officers of the soft war.”
Ayatollah
Khamenei said the youth should use cyber space as an opportunity to promote
perseverance and insight among the people and prevent them from losing hope.
As
a case in point, Ayatollah Khamenei referred to the Saudi regime’s US-backed
campaign of military aggression against Yemen.
“It
has been six years that America’s Arab partner has been bombarding the
oppressed Yemeni people in homes, hospitals and schools. It has imposed an
economic siege on [the people,] blocking their access to food and medicine.
This has been going on for six years with America’s green light,” the Leader
said.
Ayatollah
Khamenei said the “talented” Yemeni people have succeeded in developing the
required defense equipment to retaliate against the Saudi attacks, but as soon
as they began to respond, the United States, and even the United Nations,
raised an outcry against Yemen’s campaign of self-defense.
The
Leader also pointed to the state-sponsored murder of Saudi dissident journalist
Jamal Khashoggi, who was brutally killed and dismembered in 2018 at Riyadh’s
consulate in Turkey at the hands of the agents of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed
bin Salman.
Ayatollah
Khamenei slammed the United States for turning a blind eye to the gruesome
assassination and keeping up its support for the Saudi regime and still
claiming to be a supporter of human rights.
In
another case, the Leader pointed to Washington’s destructive role in the Middle
East region, where it has been using the Takfiri ISIL terror group to advance
its personal agenda.
“The
US created ISIL and they (the Americans) themselves admitted to it...Then, they
create a military base under the pretext of the existence of ISIL …. They
provide ISIL with modern media facilities and money and allow them to destroy
and sell Syrian oil, then they say ‘we are fighting ISIL’,” Ayatollah Khamenei said.
“They
(the Americans) refer to Iran’s presence in the region with hatred and
resentment. While we do not have a military presence…Wherever we are present,
we are there to defend legitimate governments at their own request. But they
(Americans) themselves attack a country without permission and establish a
military base,” he added.
He
also stressed the need for the US to withdraw its forces from Iraq and Syria
quickly, adding the US itself has created ISIL.
Ayatollah
Khamenei has on many occasions said the Islamic Republic considers the pursuit
and possession of nuclear weapons "a grave sin" from every logical,
religious and theoretical standpoint. On April 17, 2010 Ayatollah Khamenei
issued a fatwa declaring that the production, stockpiling, and use of nuclear
weapons are all haram (religiously banned).
"Iran
is not after a nuclear bomb. Why would Iran want a nuclear bomb? Moreover, when
an atomic bomb is detonated, it does not just kill enemies. Rather, it kills
innocent people as well, and this goes against Islamic beliefs and the
principles of the Islamic Republic of Iran. An atomic bomb does not
discriminate between good and bad people, and it is not something that the
Islamic Republic would use. The Islamic Republic is relying on something that
is not affected by bombs, foreign invasions and other such things. Such things
only strengthen what the Islamic republic is relying on. The Islamic republic
is relying on the people," a part of the fatwa said.
Analysts
believe that the fatwa of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution can well serve
as a beacon of light for Washington in order to find its way out of darkness
and ignorance.
https://www.farsnews.ir/en/news/13991221000355/Ayallah-Khamenei-Blass-US-fr-Lies-ab-Oppsiin-N-Weapns
--------
More
work needed for Yemen ceasefire, Houthis must halt Saudi Arabia attacks: US
Joseph
Haboush
11
March ,2021
The
US Thursday announced “some hopeful progress” toward reaching a ceasefire in
Yemen but said more work was needed and called on the Iran-backed Houthis to
halt their attacks on Saudi Arabia.
Special
Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking returned to Washington after making his second
trip to the region since being tapped for the role by President Joe Biden.
During
his trip, which lasted for almost three weeks, Lenderking met with officials
from Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Qatar and other regional countries.
“Special
Envoy Lenderking devoted extra time in Riyadh and Muscat in an effort to push
the parties closer to a ceasefire,” the State Department said.
The
statement made no mention of Lenderking’s meetings with Houthi officials.
Lenderking
is working in tandem with UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths to ultimately end
the yearslong war in Yemen.
Despite
“some hopeful progress,” the State Department said that more commitment was needed
from all sides.
The
State Department also condemned the daily Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. “To
that end, the Houthis should end their offensive on Marib and their continued
cross-border attacks against Saudi Arabia,” the statement read.
Since
the Biden administration lifted the terrorist designation off the Houthis, its
leader and two other senior officials, the group has upped its offensive on
Marib, one of the government’s last strongholds in the northern part of Yemen.
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2021/03/12/More-work-needed-for-Yemen-ceasefire-Houthis-must-halt-Saudi-Arabia-attacks-US
--------
No
secret that Turkey plays extremely destabilizing role in our region: Armenia FM
Ismaeel
Naar
12
March ,2021
Armenia’s
Foreign Minister Ara Aivazian heavily criticized Turkey on Thursday, saying it
was no secret that Ankara plays a destabilizing role in the region.
“Well,
it's not a secret that Turkey played and continues to play extremely
destabilizing role in our region. That role was vividly exposed during the
recent 44 days of aggression unleased by Azerbaijan,” Aivazian told Al Arabiya
in an interview.
“That
country not only merely supported Azerbaijan but was directly involved in all
military actions and phases of this aggression starting from planning to ground
operations,” he added.
After
six weeks of fighting late last year, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a
Russia-brokered ceasefire for the enclave, which is internationally recognized
as part of Azerbaijan but mainly populated by ethnic Armenians.
Turkey
backs Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, and has criticized the co-chairs of the
Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)’s so-called Minsk
Group for not resolving the long-running conflict in decades of mediation. The
Minsk Group is led by the United States, France and Russia.
“Turkey,
I would like to recall together with Azerbaijan on the threshold of the war,
conducted a large-scale military drill with the involvement of Turkish Air
Force. That country resorted to the now usual toolkit, if the expert of foreign
terrorist fighters to our region for its power projection,” Aivazian said.
Aivazian
warned that lessons must be learned from its experience of the Armenian
genocide, which Turkey still refuses to acknowledge fully.
“160
years have passed since the Armenian genocide, yet Turkey continues to
spearhead new atrocities against Armenia now in our region. And yet the South
Caucasus is not the only target of Turkey,” he said.
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2021/03/12/No-secret-that-Turkey-plays-extremely-destabilizing-role-in-our-region-Armenia-FM
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Pakistan
No
Place For Terrorism In Islam: Chancellor Of The Jamia Darul Uloom Haqqania
March
12, 2021
NOWSHERA:
Maulana Anwarul Haq, chancellor of the Jamia Darul Uloom Haqqanai, on Thursday
said that Pakistan had come into existence in the name of Islam and no one
would be allowed to use its soil for liberal the secular purposes at the behest
of US and West countries.
“Only
Sharia is the key to the solution of all issues in the country,” the Maulana
said while addressing a programme held in connection with the annual
Dastarbandi and Khatm-e-Bukhari Sharif at Jamia Darul Uloom Haqqanai in Akora
Khattak.
Over
1,500 religious scholars who graduated from Jamia Darul Uloom Haqqanai were
donned turbans and they were administered an oath of allegiance to Islam,
Pakistan and the religious institution Jamia Haqqania at the ceremony.
Maulana
Anwarul Haq said that there was no space for terrorism in Islam, adding that
Islamic identity of Muslims was alive owing to madaris. Other religious
scholars, including Maulana Hamidul Haq, Maulana Maghfoorullah Babaji, Maulana
Abdul Halim Dir Babaji, Maulana Mufti Saifullah, Maulana Muhammad Idrees and
Maulana Abdul Qayyum Haqqani and others also spoke on the occasion.
They
shed light on the role of Jamia Darul Uloom Haqqanai and other Islamic
seminaries in promoting the religious education in the country.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/802888-no-place-for-terrorism-in-islam-religious-scholar
--------
Pakistan
ready to host SAARC summit: Foreign Office spokesperson
Mar
11, 2021
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan said on Thursday that it was ready to host the long delayed summit of
the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), which is an
important organisation for regional cooperation.
"Pakistan
is committed to its process and to hold the SAARC summit...It believes that all
artificial obstacles in the way of long overdue SAARC summit should be
removed," Foreign Office spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri told reporters
during his weekly media briefing here.
The
last SAARC summit was held in Kathmandu in 2014.
The
2016 SAARC summit was to be held in Islamabad. But after the terrorist attack
on an Indian Army camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir on September 18 that year,
India expressed its inability to participate in the summit due to
"prevailing circumstances".
The
summit was called off after Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also declined to
participate in the Islamabad meet.
SAARC
summits are usually held biennially and hosted by member states in alphabetical
order. The member state hosting the summit assumes the Chair of the
Association.
In
his message on the occasion of the 36th charter day of SAARC on December 8 last
year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the full potential of the eight-member
bloc can only be realised in an atmosphere free of terror and violence.
On
December 8, 1985 at the first SAARC Summit in Dhaka, the leaders of the seven
South Asian states - the Maldives, India, Bhutan, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh
and Sri Lanka signed a charter to establish the bloc. Afghanistan became the
eight SAARC member in 2007.
During
Thursday's foreign office media briefing, Chaudhri also rejected the reports
that Pakistan is importing Covid-19 vaccine from India.
"Pakistan
has not entered into any bilateral procurement agreement for Covid-19 vaccine
from India," he said in response to a question.
The
spokesman said that Gavi, the international vaccine alliance - offered to
provide vaccine dozes to several countries, including Pakistan under its COVAX
facility and the procurement was responsibility of the Gavi and not the
recipient countries.
Responding
to another question about dialogue with India, the spokesman said Pakistan has
never shied away from talks and has always called for peaceful resolution of
all outstanding disputes, including Kashmir.
When
asked about the inclusion of India in an upcoming conference on Afghanistan, he
said Pakistan supported the regional approach. "As for India's inclusion
in the Afghan peace process, Pakistan supports regional approaches to solving
the conflict in Afghanistan,” he said.
However,
he alleged that India "has not been a constructive partner for peace in
Afghanistan."
To
another question about the grant of provisional status to Gilgit-Baltistan
(GB), Chaudhri said Pakistan has repeatedly maintained that these reforms are
an ongoing process that includes political, administrative and economic
reforms.
"It
has been a long-standing demand of the people of GB. These reforms, aimed at
further empowering the people of GB, will continue in line with their needs and
demands,” he said.
India
has previously slammed Pakistan's attempt to accord provincial status to the
"so-called Gilgit-Baltistan”, saying it is intended to camouflage the
"illegal" occupation of the region by Islamabad.
Responding
to a question on the Afghanistan issue, the foreign office spokesperson said it
was important for Afghan parties to continue negotiations and pursue an
Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process.
"Pakistan
welcomes the US efforts to re-energise the peace process and expedite the final
political settlement,” he said.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/pakistan-ready-to-host-saarc-summit-foreign-office-spokesperson/articleshow/81454207.cms
--------
Pakistani
Christian, Convicted Of Sending Text Messages Defaming Prophet Muhammad Gets
Death Sentence
Kamran
Chaudhry
March
12, 2021
A
Pakistani court has given the death sentence to a Christian previously jailed
for life after being convicted of sending text messages defaming Prophet
Muhammad.
Lahore
High Court on March 10 sent the appeal of hearing of Sajjad Masih Gill, a
member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, to the division bench after
admitting the criminal revision.
In
July 2013, a trial court sentenced Gill, from Gojra town in Punjab province, to
life imprisonment for sending a controversial text message to a Muslim man in
December 2011. The verdict included a fine of 314,500 rupees (US$2,000).
He
had been arrested by police who traced his mobile phone number through a
cellphone tower.
In
2015, his brother and nephew reported being attacked and threatened by unknown
persons while returning home after visiting Gill in Central Jail Sahiwal, the
largest prison in Asia spanning 283,280 square meters.
In
2016, two lawyers of the Legal Evangelical Association and Development reported
similar threats by armed men on the road between Kasur and Lahore. Both had
defended Gill and appealed to the Lahore High Court.
The
news of Gill’s death sentence was praised by a Muslim lawyer in a Facebook
post.
Zeeshan
Ahmed Awan, who was among the prosecuting lawyers in court, said the court had
accepted the prosecution's argument that capital punishment was the only
possible sentence for blasphemy and that life imprisonment was “repugnant” to
the injunctions of Islam.
Pakistan’s
blasphemy laws envisage death as the maximum punishment for insulting Prophet
Muhammad. Rights activists say laws have been used against the followers of other
religions and minority Muslims such as Shias.
Last
month Lahore High Court adjourned without hearing a much-awaited appeal from
Shagufta Kausar and her husband Shafqat Emmanuel, a Christian couple facing the
death penalty for the last seven years after being convicted of blasphemy.
According
to the Lahore-based Centre for Social Justice, the highest number of blasphemy
accused (200) was reported last year. Since 1987, Punjab province experienced
the highest ratio of abuse of law and religion (76 percent) followed by 19
percent in Sindh province.
https://www.ucanews.com/news/pakistani-christian-serving-life-for-blasphemy-gets-death-sentence/91732
--------
Arab World
Islamic
coalition holds forum on guerrilla warfare
March
12, 2021
RIYADH:
The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) on Thursday held a
symposium to discuss guerrilla warfare and its relation to terrorism.
Among
those speaking at the event was Brig. Gen. Yahya Assiri from the Saudi
delegation to the coalition, and Zaki Al-Ruwahi, Oman’s representative, in the
presence of IMCTC secretary-general, Mohammed Al-Moghedi, representatives of
members states, and other coalition officials.
Assiri
said guerrilla warfare was an irregular form of conflict that had become an
international phenomenon with its dimensions and manifestations, and he
highlighted its links to terrorist funding, intelligence, and information.
Al-Ruwahi pointed out that guerrilla groups were a threat to local, regional,
and international security, peace, and stability.
The
Saudi-led IMCTC includes 41 member states collaborating to coordinate and
intensify international efforts to combat extremism and terrorism and preserve
global peace and security.
https://www.arabnews.com/node/1824041/saudi-arabia
--------
Turkey
restarts diplomatic contacts With Egypt, says foreign minister
12
March ,2021
Turkey
has restarted diplomatic contacts with Egypt, state-run Anadolu Agency cites
Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu as saying on Friday.
The
contacts are at the “intelligence and foreign ministry levels, he said.
Cavusoglu
said neither Egyptians nor Turks have sought pre-conditions for the talks. “But
it’s not that easy to move on as if nothing has happened after years of broken
ties, he said.
“There
is no reason to not fix ties with Saudi Arabia. If they take a positive step,
so would we, Cavusoglu said, according to Anadolu. “The same thing applies to
the United Arab Emirates as well.
Relations
between Turkey and Egypt soured after Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi
toppled the country’s extremist leader, Mohamed Morsi, in 2013.
Since
then Egypt and Turkey have also clashed over issues including maritime claims,
Libya and Iraq.
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2021/03/12/Turkey-restarts-diplomatic-contacts-With-Egypt-says-foreign-minister
--------
US
says Syria’s al-Assad has ‘done nothing’ to restore his legitimacy
Joseph
Haboush
11
March ,2021
Syrian
President Bashar al-Assad has “done nothing” to restore his legitimacy and the
United States will not normalize relations with the regime “any time soon,” the
State Department said Thursday.
“Bashar
al-Assad has done absolutely nothing to regain the legitimacy that he has lost
through the brutal treatment of his own people,” State Department Spokesman Ned
Price told reporters.
Assad
has been propped up by Russia and Iran despite ten years of fighting after the
Syrian uprising.
“There
is no question of the US normalizing relations with his government, anytime
soon,” Price said, adding that the US would continue to look to support the
humanitarian plight of the Syrian people.
Asked
if al-Assad “had to go” as previously stated by the last Democratic presidency
under Barack Obama, Price said a political settlement was needed in Syria.
“We
must do more, we know, to aid vulnerable Syrians, including many displaced
within Syria, as well as the refugees who have had to flee their homes,” the
State Department official said.
Price
also said the US was reviewing “what we might do to advance the prospects for
that political settlement” in Syria, but did not elaborate.
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2021/03/11/Syria-crisis-US-says-Syria-s-al-Assad-has-done-nothing-to-restore-his-legitimacy
--------
France’s
Le Drian says Lebanon’s politicians show no sign of saving their country
11
March ,2021
France’s
foreign minister said on Thursday time was running out to prevent Lebanon
collapsing and that he could see no sign that the country’s politicians were
doing what they could to save it.
France
has spearheaded international efforts to rescue the former French protectorate
from its deepest crisis since the 1975-1990 civil war by trying to use Paris’
historical influence to persuade squabbling politicians to adopt a reform
roadmap and form a new government to unlock international aid.
“I
would be tempted to qualify Lebanese politicians as guilty of not helping a
country in danger,” Jean-Yves le Drian told a news conference in Paris.
“They
all committed to act to create an inclusive government and committed to
implementing indispensable reforms. That was seven months ago and nothing is
moving. I think it’s not too late, but the delays are very small before
collapse.
Prime
minister-designate Saad al-Hariri is at loggerheads with President Michel Aoun
and has been unable to form a new government since October.
Groups
of protesters have been burning tires daily to block roads since the Lebanese
currency tumbled to a new lows, deepening popular anger over Lebanon’s
financial collapse.
“It’s
up to the Lebanese authorities to take their destiny in hand knowing that the
international community is looking with concern,” Le Drian said. “There is
still time to act today, but tomorrow will be too late.”
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2021/03/11/France-s-Le-Drian-says-Lebanon-s-politicians-show-no-sign-of-saving-their-country
--------
Five
ISIS suspects given death sentence in Saudi Arabia
11
March ,2021
A
preliminary death sentence was issued against five ISIS suspects in Saudi
Arabia on Thursday, according to an Al Arabiya correspondent.
The
correspondent said that those sentenced to death were linked to terrorist
incidents in the Kingdom.
The
five susepcts are among 45 others who are members of an ISIS terrorist cell,
the correspondent added.
The
terrorist cell carried out criminal activities that took place in Saudi Arabia,
including the assassination of security men, and a mosque bombing in Abha. The
cell was also involved in the bombings of al-Mashhad Mosque in Najran and
al-Rida Mosque in al-Ahsa in Saudi Arabia.
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2021/03/11/Terrorism-Five-ISIS-suspects-given-death-sentence-in-Saudi-Arabia
--------
European
Parliament passes resolution blasting Bahrain for flagrant rights abuses
12
March 2021
The
European Parliament has overwhelmingly adopted a resolution, urging Bahrain to
stop its blatant and deadly violations of the country’s human rights
campaigners and prisoners of conscience.
The
legislative body passed the resolution on Thursday, with 633 votes in favor, 11
against, and 45 abstentions.
It
noted how the overall human rights situation “continues to worsen” in Bahrain
since the kingdom came face to face with a popular uprising against its
suppressive policies.
The
MEPs lent special significance to the situation of death row inmates in the
country and found serious fault with the mistrials that had led to their
convictions.
They
noted how Manama had lifted a de facto moratorium on the death penalty and kept
railroading people into facing the punishment.
“Arbitrary
arrests continue, the death penalty is still being applied, human rights
defenders are prosecuted and harassed, and civil and political rights and
freedoms of association, assembly, and expression continue to be denied,” the
adopted resolution read.
“MEPs
demand that all human rights defenders and prisoners of conscience in the
country be immediately and unconditionally released,” it noted.
“The
Bahraini government must stop harassing human rights defenders and immediately
lift the travel ban on them.”
The
uprising erupted in the Persian Gulf island in 2011 in protest at its drawn-out
discriminatory policies against its Shia Muslim population. The ruling Al
Khalifah regime came down hard on the peaceful rallies, killing scores of
people and jailing hundreds others.
In
its rush to muffle all dissenting voices, the island has also outlawed its main
opposition Al Wefaq group, and stripped many of the country’s oppositionists of
their citizenship.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2021/03/12/647119/Bahrain-European-Parliament-resolution-human-rights-violations
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Roadside
bomb attacks target US-led coalition convoys across Iraq
11
March 2021
Four
roadside bombs have exploded separately near convoys of trucks carrying
logistical equipment belonging to the US-led coalition forces in Iraq’s western
province of Anbar, southern province of Muthanna bordering Saudi Arabia and
Kuwait, the central province of Babil, as well as the southern province of
Basra.
The
Arabic-language al-Sumaria television network, citing an unnamed police source,
reported that the first attack took place when a roadside bomb went off as a
convoy of vehicles was traveling along the international highway leading to
Anbar province on Thursday.
The
blast wounded a woman who happened to be crossing the road at the moment of the
incident.
Sabereen
News, a news channel associated with Iraqi anti-terror Popular Mobilization
Units, later reported that another explosion had occurred near the southern
city of Samawah when a roadside bomb went off near a convoy of trucks carrying
equipment belonging to the US-led coalition forces.
There
were no immediate reports of casualties and damage.
Hours
later, another explosion took place when a convoy of vehicles belonging to the
US-led coalition forces was moving close to Hillah city, located 100 kilometers
(62 miles) south of the capital Baghdad.
No
groups or individuals have claimed responsibility for the attacks yet.
Later
on Thursday, a roadside bomb went off near another convoy belonging to the
US-led coalition's trucks on a highway linking the southern Iraqi city of Basra
to the city of Nasiriyah, located about 360 kilometers (225 miles) southeast of
Baghdad.
Saraya
Awliya al-Dam group, part of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units, claimed
responsibility for the last attack in a brief statement.
The
latest roadside bomb attacks are the latest in a series of explosions and
rocket attacks that have targeted US occupation forces over the past few
months.
On
March 3, a barrage of rockets struck the Ain al-Assad air base hosting American
forces in the western Iraqi province of Anbar.
The
Security Media Cell, affiliated with the Iraqi prime minister’s office,
announced in a statement at the time that 10 Grad rockets had struck the base,
located about 160 kilometers (100 miles) west of Baghdad.
The
statement added that security forces had found the launch pad for the
projectiles.
There
has been a spike in attacks on US military bases and diplomatic missions amid
anti-US sentiment over the assassination of top Iranian anti-terror commander,
Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, and his companions in Baghdad early last
year.
General
Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards
Corps (IRGC), and his Iraqi trenchmate Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy head
of the Popular Mobilization Units, were targeted along with their companions on
January 3, 2020 in a drone strike authorized by former US President Donald
Trump near Baghdad International Airport.
Iraqi
lawmakers approved a bill two days later, demanding the withdrawal of all
foreign military forces led by the United States from the country.
On
January 8, 2020, the IRGC launched a missile attack on the US-run Ain al-Assad
air base in retaliation. Washington put a lid on the true number of casualties
as well as the extent of material damage caused to the base, which was reported
to be immense.
According
to the Pentagon, more than 100 American forces suffered “traumatic brain
injuries” during the counterstrike on the base.
Iran
has described the missile attack on Ain al-Assad air base as a “first slap” in
its “harsh revenge.”
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2021/03/11/647098/Roadside-bomb-attacks-target-US-led-coalition-convoys-across-Iraq
--------
Russian
jets bombard Daesh positions in Syria’s southeastern desert: Monitoring group
11
March 2021
A
UK-based war monitoring group says Russian fighter jets have carried out a new
wave of airstrikes against the positions of Daesh Takfiri terrorist group deep
inside a desert region in southeastern Syria.
The
so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, citing local sources, reported
on Thursday that Russian military aircraft had launched some 25 air raids
against Daesh strongholds across the Syrian Desert, also known as the Syrian
steppe, since early hours of the day.
The
sources added that scores of militants were killed and wounded as a result,
without providing an exact number.
The
development came a day after Russian warplanes conducted 55 air raids against
Daesh positions in the same region, killing a dozen terrorists and destroying
their vehicles.
On
Tuesday, nearly 40 Russian jets conducted more than 130 airstrikes in the
Syrian Desert, killing and wounding tens of Daesh Takfiris.
Turkey
establishing new military base in northern Syria: Report
Meanwhile,
the Turkish military is reportedly constructing a military base on the
outskirts of Ayn Issa town in Syria’s northern Raqqah province.
Hawar
news agency reported that the base is situated one kilometer north of the M4
international road, and lies near the village of Huoshan.
The
military base is said to have a control tower, equipped with radars and heavy
weapons, and is surrounded by high dirt mounds.
The
report added that the base is the fourth of its kind built by Turkish forces on
the outskirts of Ayn Issa town.
The
other three bases have reportedly been established on the northern, eastern and
western flanks of the town over the past 3 months, and are only two kilometers
away from its center.
Local
sources, requesting anonymity, have been quoted as saying that radar and air
defense systems against armed drones or low-flying missiles have been installed
in two Turkish-built bases.
The
sources added that artillery shelling and missile strikes by Turkish military
forces and their mercenaries against a number of villages on the fringes of Ayn
Issa town over the past few weeks have resulted in the death of 6 civilians and
injury of 16 others.
The
Turkish government has been supporting Takfiri militants since they were
deployed to northeastern Syria in October 2019, when the Turkish military
launched a cross-border invasion in a declared attempt to push militants of the
Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) away from border areas.
Ankara
views the US-backed YPG as a terrorist organization tied to the homegrown
Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has been seeking an autonomous Kurdish
region in Turkey since 1984.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2021/03/11/647081/Russian-jets-bombard-Daesh-positions-in-Syria-vast-southeastern-desert
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India
Plea
filed in SC seeks release of Rohingyas detained in Jammu jail
By
Abraham Thomas
MAR
11, 2021
An
application has been moved in the Supreme Court to seek the release of over 150
Rohingya refugees detained in a Jammu sub-jail and stall their deportation by
the Centre.
The
application was filed by two Rohingya Muslim refugees, Mohammad Salimullah and
Mohammad Shaqir as part of a petition that has been pending the consideration
of the top court since 2017.
According
to the application, nearly 150 to 170 Rohingya refugees in Jammu were detained
in a sub-jail on or around March 7 after verification by their embassy, and
face the threat of being deported.
“Disturbing
reports from the Rohingya families have come in that subsequent to a biometric
verification of Rohingya refugees undertaken by the Jammu and Kashmir
administration, some people never returned to the camps from the verification
but were detained and jailed by the police,” stated the application filed on
behalf of the two men by advocate Prashant Bhushan.
The
jail where they have been detained has been converted into a holding centre and
the Inspector General of Police (Jammu) has indicated that the detained
refugees could be deported back to Myanmar, the application said.
On
March 7 (Saturday), HT had reported that at least 155 illegal Rohingya
immigrants who escaped persecution in Myanmar and were living in Jammu and
Kashmir were on Saturday sent to a “holding centre”, under Section 3(2)e of the
Foreigners Act. The immigrants were not holding valid travel documents required
under Section (3) of the Passports Act, said officials. Inspector general of
police (Jammu zone) Mukesh Singh had said on Saturday , “155 illegal immigrant
Rohingyas staying in J&K were today sent to the holding centre established
vide home department notification dated March 5, 2021,” adding, “This was done
under section 3(2)e of the Foreigners Act. Due process of law was followed in
this exercise. These immigrants were not holding valid travel documents
required in terms of section (3) of the Passports Act.”
Bhushan
asked the court to consider issuing directions to immediately release the
refugees detained illegally and direct the government to grant them refugee
identification cards through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office
(FRRO). The application also included a request that the government not proceed
with the deportation of the detained refugees, and instead, allow United
National High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) to intervene and determine the
protection needs of the Rohingya refugees not just in Jammu but in camps across
the country.
According
to information provided in the application, there are close to 6,523 Rohingyas
in Jammu who have escaped from Myanmar fearing persecution. Some of them have
cards issued by UNHCR acknowledging their status as refugees. India does not
have any legislation recognising refugees, but the country adheres to the
principle of non-refoulement (not sending refugees to a place where they face
danger) as part of the customary international law.
On
March 10, HT had reported that the verification of illegal Rohingya immigrants
in Jammu had halted for the third consecutive day, but 18 more immigrants were
shifted overnight to the Hiranagar sub jail — a temporary holding centre in
Kathua district — taking the total number of inmates to 197 on Tuesday. “The
number of inmates at the holding centre is now 197. The figure had gone up to
199, but a couple was let off,” said an official, who didn’t wish to be quoted.
The detentions have been made under Section 3(2) e of the Foreigners Act since
the immigrants were not found with valid travel documents required in terms of
Section (3) of the Passports Act, said a police official.
The
original petition was filed by Mohammad Salimullah and Mohammad Shaqir in the
Supreme Court, and the matter was last taken up in 2017. During those
proceedings, the Centre had filed a scathing affidavit, accusing Rohingya
Muslims in India of having links with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence
and terror organisation Islamic State and thus posing a serious threat to
national security.
But
the petitioners, who represented the large population of Rohingya Muslims
spread across India, told the court that military operations against Rohingyas
led to a lot of bloodshed and violence, forcing a lot of them to seek safe
haven in India. They opposed the government’s response and claimed it was wrong
to label all Rohingya refugees as having links with terror outfits without any
criminal case being lodged against them in this regard.
By
an order dated October 13, 2017, the Supreme Court had allowed the two
petitioners to move the court in case of any contingency. The present
application was filed in light of this permission granted by the court.
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/plea-filed-in-sc-seeks-release-of-rohingyas-detained-in-jammu-jail-101615461934016.html
--------
Beyond
ceasefire along LoC: Pakistan signals statehood in J&K key to movement
forward
by
Nirupama Subramanian
March
12, 2021
Pakistan
has conveyed to India that the February 25 renewal of the 2003 ceasefire along
the Line of Control can lead to a wider engagement only if and when Delhi
restores statehood to Jammu & Kashmir as a “starting point” for a
discussion on the resolution of the Kashmir issue, The Indian Express has learnt.
The
joint statement issued by the Directors General of Military Operations does not
reflect any change in the Pakistani position that Kashmir is a “dispute” and
that its resolution is anchored by the United Nations Security Council
resolutions, said authoritative sources in Pakistan who did not wish to be
identified.
Moreover,
they added, the statement in no way implies the acceptance of the Indian
“narrative” of a “deal” on Kashmir.
In
a first indication of how Pakistan views relations with India after the ceasefire,
and the gap in positions between the two sides, these sources indicated that
for any wider engagement, India must create an “enabling environment” by
restoring statehood to J&K.
This,
they said, would then facilitate “a conversation” that would include “Kashmiri
voices front and centre” on the way forward and open up space potentially for
discussions on other bilateral issues.
The
sources rejected what they called the “narrative” in India that the DGMO
agreement was a sign of Pakistan’s “desperation” and “weakness”, or the notion
that it could be used by India to signal to the world that “Pakistan and India
are talking and everything is fine, or to tell people in (Kashmir) that there
is some underhand deal and that Kashmir is done and dusted”.
For
its part, Delhi has signalled that if the ceasefire holds and no terrorist
incidents occur that could be traced back to Pakistan, wider normalisation of
ties could follow.
At
the same time, it has stressed that restoration of J&K statehood is an
assurance underlined several times in the Lok Sabha by Union Home Minister Amit
Shah and there is little to discuss beyond that.
In
Pakistan’s view, the ceasefire was something it had “talked about publicly” for
nearly two years. It had been on the table, and for “whatever reasons”, India
was reluctant all this time, and for “whatever reasons”, it had agreed now, the
sources in Pakistan said.
They
also stressed that the agreement was purely for tactical reasons because of the
situation at the LoC — “at the end of the day, only innocent people were dying,
and it was not going to change anything on the ground” — and to link it to some
“grand plan” in which this was the first step was “incorrect”.
The
“entire Pakistan system” – the Prime Minister, the Army chief, the Foreign
ministry, the Special Representative on National Security – was on board the
idea that if the agreement opened up spaces for wider engagement, Pakistan
would be “willing to engage”, because it views peace with India as a
pre-requisite for its own economic stability now at the core of its idea of
national security, the sources said.
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/beyond-ceasefire-along-loc-pakistan-signals-statehood-in-jk-key-to-movement-forward-7224498/
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No
Rise in Militancy, Number of Anti-Terrorist Operations Rising: J-K Police
MAR
11, 2021
Assuring
that there is no rise in militancy, Kashmir Inspector General of Police Vijay
Kumar on Thursday said that the security forces have increased the number of
anti-terrorist operations.
"Two
terrorists were killed in an encounter in Kadipura village in Anantnag. They
looked like local terrorists. Militancy isn't rising, the number of
anti-terrorist operations is rising," said IGP Kashmir.
He
further said that information was received yesterday afternoon that
Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists were hiding in the Kadipura village.
"Police,
Indian Army and CRPF jointly started the initial firing yesterday and the
operation was halted in the night. We again resumed the firing today in the
early morning in which two terrorists were eliminated," he added.
On
Tuesday, Al-Badr chief Ganie Khwaja was neutralised while two terrorists
managed to escape during an encounter in Sopore.
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/no-rise-in-militancy-number-of-anti-terrorist-operations-rising-j-k-police-101615457805779.html
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For
Hyderabadi students, Turkey emerges as new study destination
By
Usama Hazari
11th
March 2021
Hyderabad:
For a long time, the status quo for a section of Hyderabadi students was to
migrate to western or Gulf countries, for either higher studies or career
opportunities. However, a new trend has now started, with many now preferring
to go to Turkey instead.
“I
wanted to study in a Gulf country, but it has become very expensive in recent
years. So Turkey is the best option now as the cost of living and education is
cheap and the opportunities there are limitless,” said Adnan, who is a civil
engineering student from Hyderabad.
Adnan
also said that Turkey is very safe for foreign students, especially those from
Hyderabad, as there are some cultural similarities between Hyderabad and
Turkey, given that the former had a Muslim (until 1948) monarchy which was in
fact married to the last Ottoman empire’s two princesses.
Another
Engineering student Safiullah Habib said, “There are many big projects that are
going to start there and it’s a golden opportunity for engineers who want to
make money.” He added said that Turkey right now is what the United Arab
Emirates (UAE) was 15 years ago.
“Those
who went to UAE at that time years ago are now minting money. A similar
opportunity has arrived after 15 years, but in Turkey now,” Habib added.
Increase
in industrialization and R&D attracts youth
Abdul
Samad (name changed), who is studying biotechnology said that one of the main
reasons for preferring Turkey is also the measures taken by the counry’s
government to increase industrialization and investment in research and
development.
“This
looks very promising for someone who’s a biotechnology student” he noted. Sami
also pointed out that current Turkish President Erdogan also commands respect
from many as he is seen as a leading Muslim voice in the world.
“In
the current global situation, where everyone is targeting Muslims and Muslim
leaders are giving awards to our oppressors, it was Tayyip Erdogan who stood up
and became our voice,” Sami added.
Moreover,
there is also the issue of settling down as an immigrant, after the completion
of one’s studies.
Ali
(name changed), a commerce student, told siasat.com that many students want to
go to Turkey because it’s easier to get citizenship there compared to gulf
countries or western countries. “There are also many opportunities there and we
hope that Turkey becomes like USA or China in the upcoming years.”
Leaving
India permanently?
Many
Muslim students who go abroad for studies cited that they will likely settle
down there, and will never come back to India citing socio-economic and
political reasons. Most of them said that the rise of Hindutva and the constant
attacks on the community has left them worried.
Arbaaz
(name changed), a media student, said “A a Muslim, I don’t feel safe anymore in
India. I fear for my family, and I’ve seen how Islamophobic the media is, how
biased the judiciary is, and how hypocritical people have become in general.”
The
youngster said that many of his peers sit and hang out with him, but then vote
for right-wing extremists “behind his back”. “They also openly support them on
social media and I just want to leave here as soon as possible,” he said,
pointing out a trend that India has seen develop after Prime Minister Narendra
Modi came to power in 2014.
Another
graduate student, Amaar (name changed), said that the ruling BJP and its
supporters have “killed” his patriotism. “Now I have no reason to stay here.
When I can get a much better education, job opportunities and most importantly,
safety, why would I remain here?” he ased.
Many
students who go to Turkey more or less do what every person who studies abroad
does: work part-time jobs while studying, and then join . Once they are hired,
it is a matter of years that they settle in Turkey.
Moreover,
the Turkish government is also able to attract many Muslim students from
Hyderabad due to the scholarship programmes (like the Burslari) that it offers.
Hyderabad-Turkey
connection
Though
Turkey may be the new study destination, it however has a much older connection
with Hyderabad. Mir Osman Ali Khan, the last Nizam of the erstwhile Hyderabad
state got two of his sons married to princesses Durru Shevar and Niloufer.
Durru
Shevar was the daughter of the last Abdulmejid II, who was the last caliph of
the Ottoman empire, which ended after World War-1. Princess Niloufer was her
cousin. The former was married to Azam Jah, and her cousin to Moazzam Jah.
https://www.siasat.com/for-hyderabadi-students-turkey-emerges-as-new-study-destination-2108070/
--------
BJP
fields 4 Muslim nominees in lower Assam
Mar
12, 2021
GUWAHATI:
NDA will fight 12 Muslim majority seats in lower Assam, where migrant Muslims
form the biggest group. Out of these, BJP will field four candidates from the
minority community—in Jania, Jaleswar, Baghbar and Salmara South seats.
These
seats have always been a stronghold of Congress or AIUDF and BJP faced a
massive defeat in all in the 2016 assembly polls. While Jania has about 60%
Muslim population, the percentage is 90% in Jaleswar, 95% in Baghbar and 60% in
Salmara South.
However,
BJP leaders believe that migrant Muslims will lean towards the party in this
election as they have benefited from government schemes in the state.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/bjp-fields-4-muslim-nominees-in-lower-assam/articleshow/81458251.cms
--------
Azam
Khan makes his presence felt in Sunni board poll?
Mar
12, 2021
LUCKNOW:
In jail for over a year now in connection with over a 100 FIRs lodged against
him, Samajwadi Party veteran Azam Khan may be out of sight but certainly not
off the political stage. So, it was no surprise when the SP’s Muslim face made
his presence felt during the election of Sunni Waqf Board chairman held on
Tuesday.
The
election saw SP-backed Imran Mabood lose the contest by one vote after a known
Azam associate, Abrar Ahmed, cross-voted. Had Abrar voted on party lines,
Mabood’s victory would have come as a major morale-booster for the SP cadre and
the leadership.
Though
Abrar Ahmad claimed that initially Zufar Farooqui was the unanimous choice, but
at the eleventh hour, ST Hasan and Nafees Ahmad changed their mind and asked
him to vote for Mabood and he refused to change his stance, Samajwadi Party
issued a show-cause notice to him seeking an explanation for his conduct.
A
section of SP leaders is of the view that Abrar’s cross-voting only reflected
his mentor Azam Khan’s disenchantment with the SP cadre and middle-rung leaders
most of whom had maintained a distance from the party veteran ever since FIRs
were heaped on him eventually landing him in jail along with his MLA wife
Tazeen Fatima and son Abdullah. The three had surrendered before a Rampur court
on February 26, 2020. Tazeen Fatima was released on bail on December 22 while
Azam and Abdullah are still lodged in Sitapur jail. "Maybe it is his way
of say that he may be down but certainly not out," said one of the senior
functionaries
While
Akhilesh not only drove down to Sitapur jail to meet Azam Khan within 24 hours
of him being sent to judicial custody, he also made sure that other senior
leaders visited the party MP from Rampur in jail. Barely a fortnight later, SP
veteran and leader of the opposition (LoP) in the Legislative council Ahmed
Hasan along with former assembly speaker Mata Prasad Pandey called on Azam at
Sitapur prison, followed by LoP in the state assembly Ram Govind Chaudhary a
couple of weeks later.
However,
Azam’s displeasure was noticed when his brother-in-law Zameer Ahmed Khan, while
talking to the media said that the senior leader was disturbed by the manner in
which some people stayed away when the state government started targeting him
soon after BJP came to power.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/azam-makes-his-presence-felt-in-sunni-board-poll/articleshow/81457146.cms
--------
Ganga-Jamuni
Tehzeeb: Muslims Shower Petals on Shiva Devotees in Kashi
MAR
11, 2021
VARANASI
Giving a message of brotherhood and ‘Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb’, a group of Muslims
in Kashi showered flower petals on devotees of Lord Shiva in Godowlia area of
Varanasi on the occasion of Mahashivratri on Thursday.
The
devotees were in a long queue leading to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
“This
is Kashi… the abode of Lord Shiva. The ‘Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb’ has been thriving
here for ages and we showered petals on the devotees,” said one Mohammad Asif,
who was among those who showered petals on the devotees.
He
said, “I want to give a message that there is no casteism and communalism in Kashi.
We celebrate Eid, Diwali and Holi together. From Kashi, I want to send the
message of brotherhood to the whole world.”
https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/gangajamuni-tehzeeb-muslims-shower-petals-on-shiva-devotees-in-kashi-101615466673325.html
--------
Two
JeM terrorists killed in J&K encounter
Mar
12, 2021
SRINAGAR:
Two militants were killed in an encounter at Kandipora in Bijbehara area of
South Anantnag district, Kashmir Zone Police said on Thursday.
The
duo has been identified as Adil Ahmad Bhatt and Zahir Ameen Rather, both
affiliated with terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Muhammad. An AK47 rifle and a pistol
was recovered from the spot.
SSP
Anantnag Sandeep Chaudhary said that police acted on specific inputs about the
presence of militants in Kandipora. A joint team comprising personnel from the
Kashmir Zone Police, Army and CRPF cordoned off a large area on Wednesday
evening. As soon as the joint team rushed towards the suspected spot, the
hiding militants opened fire, triggering an encounter. The exchange of fire was
suspended on Wednesday night due to darkness. The gun-fight resumed on Thursday
morning and ended with the death of the two terrorists.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/two-jem-terrorists-killed-in-jk-encounter/articleshow/81458848.cms
--------
Southeast Asia
Islamic
finance players’ crucial role in the digital economy
11
Mar 2021
PETALING
JAYA: The Islamic finance industry can play a more significant role in the
global digital economy by experimenting and employing new technology solutions,
said Bank Islam Malaysia Bhd CEO Mohd Muazzam Mohamed.
Noting
that the pandemic had accelerated digital shifts, he urged industry players to
take charge of the digital economy.
Mohd
Muazzam (pic) said Bank Islam, being the first Islamic bank in the country, had
taken charge to establish the Centre of Digital Experience (CDX) and was now
working to lay a foundation to set up a sub-brand digital banking window to
help harness the growing digital economy.
He
said the CDX would innovate and push new boundaries.
He
said this during a session on “Global Update on Islamic Digital Banking and
Islamic Fintech” at the 16th Kuala Lumpur Islamic Finance Forum held virtually
yesterday. ─ Bernama
https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2021/03/11/islamic-finance-players-crucial-role-in-the-digital-economy
--------
Uighur,
Hong Kong issues to make for ‘difficult’ US-China talks
11
Mar 2021
In
advance of what the United States is forecasting will be “difficult” talks with
Chinese diplomats next week, the White House said Thursday that US officials
will address the “genocide” of China’s Muslim Uighur minority.
Secretary
of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will meet their
Chinese counterparts on March 18 and 19 after their first overseas trip to
Japan and South Korea.
“Addressing
the genocide against Uighur Muslims is something that will be a topic of
discussion with the Chinese directly next week,” White House press secretary
Jen Psaki said Thursday.
UN
experts and rights groups have said China has detained more than a million
Uighurs and other minorities there, actions the US has deemed a genocide.
Beijing has denied abuses, saying facilities in the region are for vocational
training to counter the threat of terrorism.
Meanwhile,
the US condemned China’s moves to change Hong Kong’s electoral system, calling
it a continuing assault on democracy in the territory and predicted “difficult”
talks with China’s top diplomats next week.
“The
changes approved by the National People’s Congress today on March 11 are a
direct attack on Hong Kong’s autonomy, its freedoms and democratic processes,
limiting political participation, reducing democratic representation and
stifling political debate,” State Department spokesman Ned Price told a news
briefing.
China’s
parliament on Thursday approved a draft decision to change Hong Kong’s
electoral system, further reducing democratic representation in the city’s
institutions and introducing a mechanism to vet politicians’ loyalty to
Beijing.
Price
said the US would be frank in telling China how its actions challenge US values
when Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with top Chinese officials on
March 18 in Alaska, the first high-level in-person contacts between the two
sparring countries under the Biden administration.
“There
will be some difficult conversations I would expect,” he said. “We will
certainly not pull any punches in discussing our areas of disagreement,” Price
said, urging Beijing to play its part in improving the frayed relationship.
“We
are looking for Beijing … to demonstrate that seriousness of purpose, to
demonstrate that it seeks to live up to its own oft-stated desire to change the
tone of the bilateral relationship.”
President
Joe Biden’s administration has committed to reviewing elements of US policies
towards China, as the world’s two largest economies navigate relations that
sank to their lowest depths in decades during Donald Trump’s presidency.
Biden
and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, held their first phone call as leaders
last month and appeared at odds on most issues, even as Xi warned that
confrontation would be a “disaster” for both nations.
Price
mentioned a long list of “difficult issues” with Beijing that he said would
come up in talks, including Hong Kong, China’s treatment of Uighurs in
Xinjiang, its position on Taiwan and the South China Sea. He added that
Washington would explore areas for cooperation with China where it was in the
US interest, including climate change.
“The
point remains that we’re not looking to engage in talks for the sake of talks,”
he said.
Chinese
Premier Li Keqiang said on Thursday that China and the US had common interests
and many areas for cooperation and that Beijing hoped ties could develop in a
healthy way based on respecting each other’s core interests, win-win
cooperation and non-interference in internal affairs.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/11/uighur-hong-kong-issues-to-make-for-difficult-us-china-talks
--------
Iran
says any form of foreign interference undermines stability of Hong Kong
Thursday,
11 March 2021
Iran’s
Foreign Ministry spokesman has dismissed any form of foreign interference in
Hong Kong’s internal affairs, saying that such measures will undermine the
stability of the Chinese territory.
Saeed
Khatibzadeh’s remarks came on Thursday after the National People's Congress
(NPC), China's most powerful state body, adopted a decision on improving the
electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
The
decision was passed by an overwhelming majority vote at the fourth session of
the 13th NPC and is seen as another major step taken to improve the HKSAR's
legal and political systems since the Law on Safeguarding National Security in
the HKSAR was adopted in June 2020.
“We
respect China’s sovereign decision. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
is part of China’s territorial integrity. Therefore, all its affairs are
related to China, which has shown in the past years that it is committed to
"one country, two systems" principle,” the Iranian spokesman said.
He
added that the law passed by China’s National People’s Congress is in line with
the powers invested in this institution, adding, “Therefore, any foreign
interference in China’s internal affairs will naturally undermine stability in
Hong Kong and should be rejected.”
On
Monday, Beijing lambasted any interference in the internal affairs of Hong
Kong, emphasizing the “one country, two systems” principle.
“Hong
Kong is China's Special Administrative Region and its affairs are an integral
part of China's internal affairs, which allow no interference by any country,
organization, or individual,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian
said at a press conference at the time.
Last
month, Belarus, as a representative of 70 countries at 46th session of the
United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) delivered a joint statement
reiterating support for China's implementation of the “one country, two
systems” principle.
In
June 2019, unprecedented anti-government protests began in Hong Kong over a
proposed extradition bill. It was shelved under pressure from rallies later on,
but the turbulent demonstrations continued the next several months and became
more violent, endangering the lives and property of citizens.
The
protesters have been demanding Hong Kong’s full secession since then. Beijing
says the US and the UK have been fanning the flames of the unrest in the
semi-autonomous hub by supporting the separatist protesters.
In
May last year, Hong Kong’s legislature debated and passed a Beijing-proposed
bill, criminalizing sedition, secession, and subversion against the mainland.
The law drew harsh criticism from some Western governments, particularly the US
and the UK, which claim that the law threatens the semi-autonomous stance of
the city.
Beijing,
however, insists that the new law does not pose a threat to Hong Kong’s
autonomy and the interests of foreign investors, noting that it is merely meant
to prevent terrorism and foreign interference there, which were evident in the
violent riots in 2019.
In
response to the imposition of the new security law, former US president Donald
Trump last year signed an executive order to end the preferential economic
treatment of the semi-autonomous city to punish China for what he called
“oppressive actions” against the former British colony.
It
marked a new low in relations between the two countries, which have worsened in
recent years over a range of issues, including trade, the South China Sea, arms
sales to Taiwan, and the coronavirus pandemic.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2021/03/11/647093/Iran-China-Hong-Kong-stability-protests-foreign-interference
--------
Singapore
arrests would-be terrorist planning to kill Jews for Hamas
MARCH
10, 2021
A
20-year-old Singaporean man was detained on Wednesday under the Internal
Security Act for his plan to stab local Jewish community members after their
prayer service at Maghain Aboth Synagogue in the city-state, The Straits Time
reported.
The
man, Amirull Ali, was serving as a national serviceman in the Singapore Armed
Forces at the time of his arrest and is believed to have been self-radicalized
since at least the age of 14, when he became interested in the
Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
He
seemed to have operated under the assumption that any Jewish worshipers he
would be able to kill would have been involved in Israel’s actions in the Gaza
Strip.
Home
Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam said that many Jewish people in Singapore
are local citizens and would have served in that country’s defense forces and
not the IDF.
“It’s
perfectly okay to support the Palestinian cause,” the minister said, “but it’s
not okay to go around killing people.”
He
added that no matter how many people would have been killed or hurt, the
planned attack would have had serious implications for social relations in
Singapore itself.
Ali
seemed to have acted on his own, without links to Hamas or other Islamic
groups, and had been angered by news reports of how Israeli security forces
allegedly mistreat Palestinians.
The
latest example was the death of 32-year-old Iyad Halak last year.
Ali
was alleged to be under the impression that, should he die while striking a
blow for Hamas, he would reach heaven.
He
planned several attacks, going as far as to practice stabbing movements with a
practice-knife, learning about the human body to carry out an effective attack,
and visiting the synagogue to familiarize himself with it.
He
was careful not to take pictures of the site when he visited it and instead
studied photographs of it to make his plans.
His
reasons for putting off the attack were that he was concerned he would be
arrested, not killed, and so would not reach heaven and never be able to join
Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
The
Internal Security Department (ISD) was notified about the case by the Ministry
of Defense.
The
ISD said it would act against anyone in Singapore who would resort to violent
means regardless of how they rationalize such an attack.
It
also informed the public that it is vital to remain vigilant “to signs that
someone around us may have become radicalized.”
https://www.jpost.com/international/singapore-arrests-would-be-terrorist-planning-to-kill-jews-for-hamas-661568?utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2089826_
--------
‘Allah’
ruling affirms true meaning of word for Sarawakian Bumis, says Yayasan
Perpaduan Sarawak
12
Mar 2021
KUCHING,
March 12 ― The Kuala Lumpur High Court’s ruling allowing non-Muslims to use the
word “Allah” has affirmed the feelings, sentiments, and appreciation of the
true meaning of the word for all, especially among Sarawakian Bumiputera, said
Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak (YPS) chief executive Datuk Aloysius J. Dris.
“Salute
to our judicial system and process in determining the meaning of the word
‘Allah’. There is no winning or losing in this issue. It just affirms
perceptions and sentiments, especially of the people here in Sarawak regardless
of their religion.
“To
begin with, the usage of the word ‘Allah’ used by Christians has never been an
issue in Sarawak as many native people in both Sarawak and Sabah have been
using Bahasa Malaysia in church and during worship,” he said in a statement
yesterday.
Aloysius
said the High Court’s decision has affirmed that all Malaysians are free to
practise their respective religions and that freedom of religion is very much
respected.
“Let
us move on and strengthen our understanding amongst each other’s differences as
we continue to learn how to appreciate each other’s way of worship,” he added.
The
ruling yesterday by Court of Appeal Justice Datuk Nor Bee Ariffin, who sat as
the High Court judge, quashed the Malaysian government’s directive issued in
1986 for a total ban on the use of the word “Allah” in Christian publications.
Nor
Bee ruled the directive was unconstitutional and invalid, and also declared
orders to affirm Melanau Christian Jill Ireland Lawrence Bill’s right to not be
discriminated against and practise her faith. ― Borneo Post
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2021/03/12/allah-ruling-affirms-true-meaning-of-word-for-sarawakian-bumis-says-yayasan/1957132
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Africa
Boko
Haram Allegedly Kills 30 Nigerian Soldiers In Borno
MAR
10, 2021
Militants
from the Islamic State backed faction of Boko Haram, the Islamic State West
Africa Province (ISWAP), formerly known as Jamā'at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da'wah
wa'l-Jihād, have allegedly killed 30 Nigerian soldiers in Borno state.
According
to ISWAP in a statement released on Tuesday, the soldiers were killed when two
explosive-laden vehicles rammed into a military convoy in Wulgo.
The
suicide bombers were identified as Abu Bakr al-Siddiq and Bana Jundullah.
The
group also claimed four military vehicles were destroyed.
The
claim by ISWAP comes few hours after troops of the Special Forces Brigade
engaged the insurgents in a gun battle at Chikingudu, a community in Marte
Local Government Area.
According
to a military signal seen by SaharaReporters, seven soldiers also sustained
injuries during the clash.
About
25 AK-47 rifles, three anti-aircraft guns, three general purpose machine guns,
two automatic grenade launchers (AGL), and two gun trucks, among other
ammunition, were also recovered by troops.
ISWAP,
which split from the mainstream Boko Haram in 2016, has become a dominant
group, focusing on military targets and high-profile attacks, including against
aid workers.
The
Nigerian army has repeatedly claimed that the insurgency has been largely
defeated and frequently underplays any losses.
The
terror group has caused over 40,000 deaths and displaced millions of
individuals mainly in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states.
http://saharareporters.com/2021/03/10/boko-haram-allegedly-kills-30-nigerian-soldiers-borno?utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2089826_
--------
Somalia's
security situation in crisis amid political uncertainty
10.03.2021
Chrispin
Mwakideu
In
Somalia's capital Mogadishu, no one seems to know where the next terror attack
will come from. On Friday, 25 people were killed and many others injured when
al-Shabaab militants targeted a popular restaurant. Before that, suspected
al-Shabaab insurgents stormed the central prison in Bosaso city in Somalia's semi-autonomous
Puntland region. At least eight soldiers were killed, and more than 400 inmates
were released from captivity.
Puntland's
military officials later said they had recaptured 87 of the hundreds of inmates
that the armed Islamist extremists had freed.
"When
you look at the atrocities perpetrated by terrorist groups in Mogadishu, it is
very obvious al-Shabaab is taking advantage of the political unrest and the
election impasse, Abdullahi Hashi, a Somali security expert, told DW.
"If
this is not addressed urgently, jihadists will continue to launch deadly
attacks"
Political
standoff continues
Tensions
are still running high among the central federal government, two federal member
states, and various opposition groups. Somalian President Mohamed Abdullahi
Mohamed's mandate ended on February 8.
The
need for a fresh elections and new leadership is urgent, opposition
presidential candidate Omar Abdulkadir said: "The mandate of government
institutions, both the executive and the legislative, have expired. What we are
witnessing now is uncertainty," Abdulkadir told DW.
"We
all need to know how long the outgoing administration will be in power and when
the election will take place."
No
more US drone strikes?
On
Monday, the United States military announced that US President Joe Biden had
suspended drone strikes in Somalia, stopping military offences in countries
where the US is not militarily engaged. Consequently, any such operation
outside Afganistan, Iraq, or Syria would now have to get approval from the White
House.
Former
US President Donald Trump had largely left the decision on drone attacks to
commanders on the ground. According to the New America Foundation, during
Trump's four-year-tenure, the US unleashed a total of 208 drone strikes in
Somalia. Trump's predecessor, President Barack Obama, had ordered only 43
airstrikes against al-Shabaab.
Human
rights organizations have frequently criticized the US, saying the drone
attacks had killed many innocent lives in the process.
Searching
for solutions
Somali
civil society groups and the country's international partners, including the US
and UN, are now pushing for renewed talks between Somalia's warring clans.
"The people of Somalia desperately need peace, prosperity, and
development," Abdi Dahir, a civil society activist, told DW.
"The
opposition groups and the government should come together at the soonest and
resolve the issues surrounding the national elections through dialogue,"
Dahir added.
Since
Somalia's former dictator Siad Barre was overthrown in January 1991, Somali
leaders have been warring with various clans in the countryfor more than three
decades now. The main issues between the governments and the clans are the
distribution of resources, military and political power.
The
UN, AU, and other international partners have been seeking to bring stability
to the war-torn nation for years -- with little success.
https://www.dw.com/en/somalias-security-situation-in-crisis-amid-political-uncertainty/a-56828825?utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2089826_
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Foreign
ministers of France, Germany, Egypt, Jordan hail unity govt in Libya
11
March ,2021
The
foreign ministers of France, Germany, Egypt, and Jordan on Thursday hailed a
vote by Libya’s parliament to approve a unity government to lead the
war-ravaged North African nation to December elections.
Speaking
at a joint press conference by the four ministers, France’s Jean-Yves Le Drian
called it a “major advance” while his German counterpart Heiko Maas said it was
an “excellent development.”
Egypt’s
Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry called the development “good news.”
“The
fact that yesterday there was a vote of confidence concerning the political
process that has been started... that’s an important point,” he said.
“It’s
a step towards stability, security and the sovereignty of Libya.”
After
two days of intense debate under heavy security in the central city of Sirte,
Libya’s parliament on Wednesday approved the cabinet of interim prime minister
Abdul Hamid Dbeibah.
The
United Nations mission to the country praised leaders for the “patriotic
efforts that led to this landmark moment in the history of Libya.”
Libya
has been split between the UN-recognized Government of National Accord, based
in the capital Tripoli, and the Libyan National Army (LNA) in the east led by
Khalifa Haftar.
Dbeibah
said on Wednesday that it was time “to turn the page on wars and divisions,”
but the country faces a series of daunting challenges including soaring
unemployment, inflation, and poor or non-existent public services.
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/north-africa/2021/03/11/Foreign-ministers-of-France-Germany-Egypt-Jordan-hail-unity-govt-in-Libya-
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Gunmen
in northwest Nigeria kidnap college students, exact number unknown: Police
12
March ,2021
Gunmen
in northwest Nigeria kidnapped around 30 students overnight from a forestry
college near a military academy, three students said on Friday, in the fourth
mass school abduction since December.
The
Federal College of Forestry Mechanization sits on the outskirts of Kaduna city,
capital of Kaduna state, in a region roamed by armed gangs, who often travel on
motorcycles.
Kaduna
state’s security commissioner, Samuel Aruwan, confirmed the attack but did not
say how many students had been taken.
Sani
Danjuma, a student at the college, said those abducted were all female
students, but authorities were unable to confirm this. Other students said some
of the young women had managed to escape during the attack.
Local
resident Haruna Salisu, speaking by phone, said he had heard sporadic gunshots
at around 11:30 pm.
“We
were not panicking, thinking that it was a normal military exercise being
conducted at the Nigerian Defense Academy,” he said.
“We
came out for dawn prayers, at 5:20 am, and saw some of the students, teachers
and security personnel all over the school premises. They told us that gunmen
raided the school and abducted some of the students.”
Salisu
said he had seen military personnel taking the remaining students into the
academy.
On
Friday morning, relatives of students gathered at the gates of the college,
which was surrounded by around 20 army trucks.
Lawless
region
Banditry
has festered for years in northwest Nigeria, rendering large swathes of the
region lawless.
The
trend of abduction from boarding schools was started by the jihadist group Boko
Haram, which seized 270 schoolgirls from a school at Chibok in the northeast in
2014, around 100 of whom have never been found.
It
has since been taken up by armed criminal gangs seeking ransom.
Within
the last few weeks, 279 schoolgirls were freed after being abducted from their
boarding school at Jangebe in northwest Nigeria’s Zamfara state, and 27 teenage
boys were released after being kidnapped from their school in the north-central
state of Niger, along with three staff and 12 family members. One student was
shot dead in that attack.
Military
and police attempts to tackle the gangs have had little success, while many
worry that state authorities are making the situation worse by letting
kidnappers go unpunished, paying them off or, as in Zamfara, giving them
amenities.
In
late February, the presidency said President Muhammadu Buhari had urged state
governments to “review their policy of rewarding bandits with money and
vehicles, warning that the policy might boomerang disastrously”.
The
unrest has become a political problem for Buhari, a retired general and former
military ruler who has faced mounting criticism over the rise in violent crime,
and replaced his long-standing military chiefs in February.
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2021/03/12/Gunmen-in-northwest-Nigeria-kidnap-college-students-exact-number-unknown-Police
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Ethiopia:
Sporadic fighting displacing people in Tigray
Addis
Getachew
12.03.2021
Even
four months after the cessation of military operations, Ethiopia’s northern
Tigray region bears telltale signs of war, with military vehicles zooming past,
endless checking on the roads, and displaced people still pouring in to take
shelter in Mekele, the regional capital.
Bordered
by Eritrea to the north, Sudan to the west, Ethiopia’s Amhara province to the
south, and the Afar region to the southeast, the semi-arid Tigray region on the
edge of the northern portion of Jurassic limestone plateau is still witnessing
sporadic fighting.
With
commandoes and military personnel guarding every corner of the city, checking
vehicles and people, fighting looks far from over.
There
is continuous arrival of displaced people to Mekele, due to tensions in the
interior regions between Amhara and Tigray ethnic groups.
“Around
80,000 internally displaced people have entered the city of Mekele just last
week,” Etenesh Nigussie, communication head of regional Tigray interim
administration told visiting journalists.
She
said the total population in Tigray has now stood at 5.5 million, of whom
700,000 got internally displaced by the current crisis.
The
conflict in the region was triggered after Tigray People’s Liberation Front
(TPLF) fighters attacked an army base on Nov. 4 last year, killing soldiers and
taking away sizable arms and ammunition.
Responding
to the attack, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared full-scale military
operations that led to the seizure of the area by the federal forces.
Just
two weeks ago, fearing for their lives 577,000 people were uprooted from their
habitats in the western part of Tigray. Out of these 270,000 are living in
makeshift camps in Shirre town, while others are languishing in Axum and Adwa
towns.
As
many as 11,455 displaced persons have been camped in eight schools in Mekele.
Separated
from families
Sheltered
at the Hawelti Secondary School among other 2,000 displaced people Solomon
Haileselassie, 30, said he has been separated from his wife and an
eight-month-old baby. He arrived in the city along with his two daughters of
eight and five years of age from the Mai-Kadra in western Tigray.
Speaking
to Anadolu Agency, he said after the Amhara forces took over the place, there
was fighting that resulted in killings based on the ethnic background of
people.
“After
we came to the city of Mekele, the government has not helped us. It is the
residents of the city of Mekele who have been providing us with food and
clothing. Ever since we came, we have received only 15 kilograms of wheat per
person and edible oil and lentils. Nothing else from the government,” he said.
Metkel
Tesfay, 40, was uprooted from the Humera region bordering Sudan last November
to avoid fighting.
“My
68-year-old father, who is just a farmer, was imprisoned. I came with my
mother, sisters, and my three children, “he said.
He
also complained that over four months, his family has received the aid of just
15 kgs of wheat, lentils, and edible oil only once.
“We
sold the grains to cover our other expenses. We suspect that the food aid
coming in our name is being misappropriated. We are not getting any medical
support while 50-60 people are living crammed in a single classroom. The people
of Tigray from Humera are being dumped at Tekezze River,” he alleged.
Mai-Kadra
was one of the major battlegrounds as the area is being contested by the Amhara
and Tigray regions. Ahead of the Ethiopian army clearing the area from the TPLF
fighters, more than 1,000 ethnic Amhara people were killed by a group called
Samre, allegedly financed by the TPLF, according to the Ethiopian Human Rights
Commission.
But
now people from Mai Kadra like Solomon are accusing the Amhara forces of taking
revenge of this massacre from the hapless Tigrayans.
Give
us peace
Ashebir
Agezo from Mai-Kadra has taken shelter with his two children and wife. For him,
security is more important than food.
“I
do not care if the government gives us food or not. That is not my priority. I
call on the government to stop Tigray people from being killed,” he said.
The
Communication Officer Etenesh said the government has so far distributed
emergency aid to 4.2 million people in the region.
More
than 825,123 quintals of food (wheat) have been distributed out to the needy,
most of whom have been affected by the recent armed confrontations, she said.
She
said there was no shortage of supplies, but admitted that there could be
irregularities in the distribution of relief.
A
statement from the prime minister’s office stated in March that the
international humanitarian organizations including UN specialized agencies such
as the World Food Program have been participating in the relief operations in
the Tigray province. The statement further said the government was providing
70% of humanitarian assistance, while the remaining 30% was coming from the aid
agencies.
On
Tuesday, a Cargo Plane belonging to Samaritan’s Purse an international relief
group landed at the Mekele Airport with 2,000 emergency shelters for displaced
families.
Speaking
to Anadolu Agency, Nick Bechert, Samaritan’s Purse official said that 35,000
metric tons of nutritional package, which is enough for 18,000 children for one
month have also arrived. He added that his organization has distributed the aid
to people in Mekele, Adigrat, and Shirre towns.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/ethiopia-sporadic-fighting-displacing-people-in-tigray/2173381
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Names
of Libya’s new Cabinet released to public
Aydogan
Kalabalik
11.03.2021
TRIPOLI
The
names of ministers in the interim Libyan government formed by Prime Minister
Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh were publicly released on Thursday.
The
ministers in the National Unity Government were determined by the population
density of Libya’s three main regions; Tripolitania in the west, Barqa in the
east, and Fezzan in the south, according to the list published by the House of
Representatives.
Najla
El Mangoush from the east was appointed the country’s first female foreign
minister.
El
Mangoush, with nearly 15 years of experience, has worked in different
international organizations. She has been living in the US since 2012.
Dbeibeh
would act as defense minister in the new Cabinet, while Khaled Tijani Mazen was
nominated as interior minister to represent the southern region.
Mazen
had held the post of deputy interior minister in the former government.
Dbeibeh
named Khaled Al-Mabrouk Abdullah from the south as finance minister, while
Muhammad Ahmad Muhammad Aoun was appointed oil and gas minister to represent
the west.
Five
women were appointed among 33 government posts, including ministers of justice,
culture, social affairs and state for women affairs.
In
a majority vote, Libya's parliament granted a vote of confidence to Dbeibeh’s
new unity government on Wednesday with 132 votes of the 133 lawmakers who
attended the session.
Dbeibeh
proposed a unity government of 27 members on Saturday, promising that it would
prioritize "improving services, unifying state institutions and ending the
transitional period by holding elections."
Dbeibeh
described the vote of confidence as a "historical moment" and pledged
to end the war in Libya.
On
Feb. 5, rival political groups agreed in UN-mediated talks to form an interim
unity government to lead Libya to elections in December, where Dbeibeh was
designated as prime minister and tasked with forming a new government.
Libyans
hope it will end years of civil war that have engulfed the country since the
ouster and killing of strongman Muammar al-Qaddafi in 2011.
The
war was exacerbated when warlord Khalifa Haftar, supported by several countries
including the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Russia, and France, carried out a
military onslaught to topple the Tripoli-based internationally recognized
government for control of the North African country.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/names-of-libya-s-new-cabinet-released-to-public/2173075
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Turkey
plays important role in election crisis-rocked Somalia
Handan
Kazancı
11.03.2021
Turkey
is playing a key role in Somalia even amid a political stalemate in the Horn of
Africa country due to delays in national elections, according to a Turkish
analyst.
“As
a donor country, Turkey has been playing an important role in Somalia since
2011,” Serhat Orakci, a researcher at the Istanbul-based Humanitarian and
Social Research Center (INSAMER), which is part of the Humanitarian Relief
Foundation (IHH), told Anadolu Agency.
“And
because of that, the political instability in the country has been watched
carefully by Turkish officials,” said Orakci, also the author of a 2018 book on
Turkish-African relations.
According
to Orakci, some candidates for the presidential polls have histories of close
ties with Turkey, for instance, former presidents Sheikh Sharif and Hassan
Sheikh Mohamud, who both worked with Turkey.
“However,
Turkey's policy in Somalia seems to focus on the country’s development rather
than particular figures,” he explained.
“I
think Turkey has the ability to work with any candidate who will be the
country’s next president when the election dispute ends.”
A
decade ago, Somalia’s 2011 drought killed over a quarter-million people, and
Turkey played a key role in overcoming the ensuing famine by initiating many
projects, such as a 200-bed training and research hospital that opened in 2015.
During
the 2011 famine, when then-Prime Minister and current Turkish President Recep
Tayyip Erdogan visited the country, he went to camps where internally displaced
people were staying instead of rushing straight to the presidential palace, a
move which inspired Somalis’ feelings of love and solidarity towards the
Turkish people.
Mukhtar
M, Sayid, the head of Somalia’s Peace Justice and Development Party and a presidential
candidate contender, also fondly recalls Erdogan’s visit.
“When
the Turkish government in 2011 went to Somalia to save dying children dying of
famine,” Sayid told Anadolu Agency, “the rest of the world was watching Somalia
die and perish.”
Sayid,
who also has Australian citizenship, added that he divides his time between
Somalia, Turkey, and Australia.
“At
that time, there was not a single embassy in Somalia except for the Ethiopian
Embassy,” he explained.
But
the years that followed saw the Turkish government forge strong bonds with
Somalia and send considerable aid to the country.
It
helped “stop the famine, support the building of hospitals, build the roads,
support the Somali community,” said Sayid.
Later,
he added, an “influx of embassies and foreign diplomats came to Somalia.”
Election
dispute remains
According
to Orakci, the election dispute in Somalia remained unresolved.
“The
COVID-19 pandemic, financial deficits, and disputes between regional states
with the federal government under Somalia's federal system have all caused
delays in the election calendar,” Orakci said.
“Recently,
federal authorities sat down with regional governors but the conference did not
bring any result,” he added.
The
Horn of Africa country hit a political stalemate after presidential and
parliamentary elections were delayed and the president's constitutional mandate
expired on Feb. 8.
Recent
clashes between government forces and opposition protesters have claimed the
lives of at least four people, including soldiers.
President
Mohamed Abdullah Mohamed has called on regional leaders to hold talks to end
the political deadlock.
“The
election process in Somalia is an indirect system, since some parts of the
country still remain under the control of Al-Shabaab,” said Orakci, referring
to an al-Qaeda-linked terrorist group that has committed scores of deadly
attacks in Somalia, including ones directly targeting Turkish projects in the
country.
“Somalia's
election was supposed to take place last year by direct voting, but for
security reasons and center-periphery disputes there have been delays until
today,” he added.
“In
the indirect system, a number of elders choose MPs for parliament, and the MPs
are supposed to choose a new president. However, this system is open to corruption
and it is very doubtful whether it reflects the real opinion of the people or
not,” Orakci explained.
Last
month Turkey expressed concern over unrest in Somalia as tension rose due to
the delayed polls.
“We
are concerned about the recent negative developments arising from the dispute
over the election process in Somalia,” the Foreign Ministry said in a
statement.
“It
is important that all parties act with common sense by avoiding steps that may
lead to violence, and that the Federal Government and Federal Member States’
Leaders come together and try to resolve disputes with an inclusive and
constructive dialogue on the basis of the agreement reached on 17 September
2020,” the statement added.
“We
believe that the friendly and brotherly people of Somalia have the will and
political maturity to determine their own future,” the ministry said.
“In
this context, we hope that a consensus will be reached on the election process,
on the basis of mutual understanding without further delay,” it added.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/turkey-plays-important-role-in-election-crisis-rocked-somalia/2172048
--------
Ethiopia:
Tigray's deserted Mekele city greets envoys
Addis
Getachew Tadesse
11.03.2021
MEKELE,
Ethiopia
Residents
of the city of Mekele, capital of the restive Tigray regional state, observed a
"stay-at-home protest" as ambassadors to Ethiopia and the African
Union paid a visit on Wednesday.
Mekele,
home to more than half a million people, suddenly appeared as a ghost city as
people remained at home, with businesses shut leaving the streets largely
deserted.
“We
have been told to shut our businesses by a group of youths who went
door-to-door while a circular was also distributed to the same effect,” a
restaurateur told Anadolu Agency on anonymity.
A
crew of Anadolu Agency has been in the city of Mekele since last Friday,
observing normal activities of life with people moving about, businesses open,
electricity and telephone operational; but no internet services.
At
around 1 p.m., more than 50 resident ambassadors arrived at the Mekele airport
and were escorted to the famous Planet Hotel. Accompanying the ambassadors were
Redwan Hussein, the deputy foreign minister, and Dina Mufti, the spokesperson
for the Foreign Ministry.
President
of the interim administration for Tigray region, Mulu Nega, briefed the
ambassadors on, what he described, major progress achieved by his
administration since assuming office three months ago – restoring peace and
security, resuming emergency relief supply and instating the administrative
structures across the region.
“We
have organized our administrative structures covering 72% of the Tigray
region,” he said, adding the western zone of Tigray and areas in Southern
Tigray have been occupied by Amhara forces.
“That
is an internal problem and we hope to solve it soon,” he said. “Basic services
have been restored in all the six zones of the regional states such as
electricity, transportation and telephone.”
Humanitarian
access has improved significantly with aid agencies such as USAID, OCHA (Office
for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs), and WFP, among others, visibly
operating.
On
Nov. 4, 2020, the Ethiopian government launched a massive law-enforcement
operation against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front whose forces attacked
the Northern Command of the National Defense Forces. On Nov. 8, Ethiopian Prime
Minister Abiy Ahmed declared the military confrontations over.
According
to Nega, sporadic fighting continued while the 10,000 convicted criminals who
were set free by TPLF as its forces retreated to the bushes were involved in
looting, robbery and other crimes.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/ethiopia-tigrays-deserted-mekele-city-greets-envoys/2171879
--------
Libya:
Al-Sarraj ready to hand over power to new gov't
Walid
Abdullah and Mohamed Ertima
10.03.2021
TRIPOLI,
Libya
Libya’s
Presidential Council head Fayez al-Sarraj said Wednesday that he is ready to
step down and pass his tasks and responsibilities to the new government to
consolidate the principle of peaceful transition of power.
Al-Sarraj’s
remarks came following the country’s House of Representatives’ vote of
confidence to the new Cabinet led by Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh.
"I
congratulate the government of national unity for the vote of confidence and I
wish the new Cabinet success in accomplishing its tasks," al-Sarraj said.
"What
happened today is an important step to end the conflict and division," he
noted, calling on all parties to intensify "cooperation, unity, and
tolerance for the sake of the renaissance of Libya.”
Meanwhile,
the government loyal to the Libyan warlord Khalifa Haftar expressed on Facebook
its "full readiness to hand over tasks, ministries, directorates, and
institutions to the national unity government."
Earlier
Wednesday, in a majority vote, Libya's parliament granted confidence to
Dbeibeh’s new unity government.
Dbeibeh
described the parliament's vote of confidence to his interim government as a
"historical moment" and pledged to end the war in his country.
He
proposed a unity government of 27 members on Saturday, promising that the
government will prioritize "improving services, unifying state
institutions, and ending the transitional period by holding elections."
On
Feb. 5, Libya's rival political groups agreed in UN-mediated talks to form an
interim unity government to lead the country to elections this December, where
Dbeibeh was designated as the prime minister and tasked with forming a new
government.
Libyans
hope that this will end years of civil war that have engulfed the country since
the ouster and killing of strongman Muammar al-Qaddafi in 2011.
The
war was exacerbated when Haftar, supported by the United Arab Emirates, Egypt,
Russia, and France, among others, carried out a military onslaught to topple
the Tripoli-based internationally recognized government for control of the
North African country.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/libya-al-sarraj-ready-to-hand-over-power-to-new-govt/2171755
--------
South Asia
The
resilience of secularism in Bangladesh
Vaishali
Basu Sharma
March
12, 2021
With
a spiritual commitment to Islam and a cultural affiliation to being Bangalee,
Bangladesh is a nation where the two concepts are not mutually exclusive.
Founded on secular principles, Bangladesh has been heralded by the western
world as an example of a model Muslim country, whose people have taken great
pride in its unique syncretic nature. In fact, ethno-nationalism conflicting
with Islamic religious nationalism was the very embodiment of the creation of
Bangladesh.
Although
there have been occasional drifts towards religious extremism, the secular
character has never been threatened seriously. The original constitution was
secular. But after Bangladesh's Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman was assassinated in 1975, successive governments chipped away the
secular edifice. Secularism was removed from the constitution in 1977 by the
5th amendment of the constitution by Ziaur Rahman and Islam was declared as the
state religion in 1988 by HM Ershad. However, the concept was reinstated when in
its 2010 landmark decision the Supreme Court of Bangladesh scrapped the bulk of
the 5th amendment which had allowed religion-based politics to flourish in
Bangladesh. By making religion-based political activities a punishable offence,
Bangladesh's Supreme Court ensured that secularism remained the cornerstone of
the constitution. The Election Commission of Bangladesh demanded the
religion-based parties in the country to amend their charters as they
conflicted with the supreme law of the land.
While
there has been criticism for it retaining
"Bismillah-Ar-Rahman-Ar-Rahim" and the provision for Islam as the
state religion, the fact is that the amended constitution has endeavoured to
give non-Islamic people a sense of belonging by rephrasing the Islamic provisions
of the constitution: second translation of
"Bismillah-Ar-Rahman-Ar-Rahim" was added that reads: "In the
name of the Creator, the Merciful" . In place of the Article 2A that
reads: "The state religion of the Republic is Islam, but other religions
may be practiced in peace and harmony in the Republic", the amended
constitution reads: "The state religion of the Republic is Islam, but the
State shall ensure equal status and equal right in the practice of the Hindu,
Buddhist, Christian and other religions."
While
the Islamisation of certain section of Bangladeshi society has dominated the
headlines, secularism as a sustainable common platform has always withstood
these challenges. Bangladesh has a highly sophisticated civil society, a
population that strongly believes in capitalism (and thinks highly of the
United States – according to a 2014 poll, 76 percent viewed the US favourably)
and a strong religio-cultural tradition grounded in a secular political
platform.
The
world's third largest Muslim country marks a crucial departure with the trend
amongst some other Muslim countries in South and Southeast Asia where an
Islamist agenda has become more apparent or prominent. In the case of
Bangladesh, not only has Islamist militancy failed to take root, but indeed the
country's secular state and civil society have retained its strength and
resilience. Muslim nationalism, which was the basis for the establishment of
Pakistan, tried to rear its head in Bangladesh during the turbulent years from
1999 to 2005. During this period Bangladesh was swept by a wave of Islamist
militancy that triggered considerable media and academic concern that the
country would fall prey to extremism. The Islamist extremism that it
experienced during those years was largely the result of an ideology and
tactics brought back to Bangladesh by returnees of the Afghan war against the
Soviet occupation in the 1980s. Those returnees believed that the radical
Islamist ideology they encountered (and imbibed) in Afghanistan could be
transplanted to the Muslim community of Bangladesh. They tried to radicalise
contemporary Bangladeshi society and politics, competing against Bangalee
ethnicity, language, culture, and secularism ('Bangalee nationalism'). This was
a serious miscalculation. The relative ease by which the Bangladesh
government's anti-terrorism campaign crushed this outbreak of Islamist
militancy demonstrated how seriously the militants had misunderstood Islam in
the Bangladesh context, a context in which Islam is intimately interwoven with
deeper traditions of tolerance and secularism in that culture.
Coinciding
with the rise of the Islamic State in the Middle East, Bangladesh also
witnessed an escalation of deadly attacks on secular activists. Throughout this
period, members of Bangladesh's vibrant civil society, including publishers,
bloggers, and media personnel, continued to receive death threats. Like in
other theatres, violence as a political tactic is used by Islamist parties and
groups in Bangladesh to silence dissent. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)
and Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami encouraged the forces responsible for the
radicalisation, legitimising violence as a political tactic to silences critics
and opponents. The new Islamic identity took hold in at least some segments of
society, evident in the effectiveness of the Islamists casting Shahbagh
protesters in 2013 as "atheists" and their agenda being
"anti-Islam," successfully conflating three concepts: secularism,
atheism, and anti-Islamism. Islamists try to disperse a discourse in which the
rallying call is that "Islam is under attack" or "secularism
equals atheism equals anti-Islamism" and within this they try to
delegitimise and dehumanise outspoken secularists. This discourse is completely
distinct from the traditional understandings of Islam in Bangladesh and appeals
to a very narrow audience. Consequently,
the vast majority of Bangladeshis are held hostage by a small number of
domestic violent networks, some of whom have linked up to global dynamics of
transnational Islamist activism.
The
current administration has taken some serious measures against Islamist
militant outfits, especially in response to the recent targeting of the blogger
community. It has taken laudable measures in countering militancy and pushed
for the War Crimes Tribunal where the defendants come from the Islamist ranks.
Bangladesh
is a paradox that Pakistan failed to understand during the 24 years that the
country formed its eastern wing. Bangladeshis from all sections of society fast
during Ramadan but also celebrate Puja; they pray at the mosque and also sing
Rabindra sangeet, seeing no contradiction between the two activities, and
indeed, there need not be any. Addressing a function during her visit to the
Durga Puja Mandap at Ramkrishna Mission in Dhaka in 2019, PM Sheikh Hasina
said, "Bangladesh is a secular state and we all irrespective of religion,
caste and creed are moving together along the same road. We all are celebrating
festivals including religious ones together which is the best achievement for
us." This embodies the essentially secular spirit of Bangladesh as a
nation.
The
Bangladesh Awami League government's slogan, "Dhormo Jaar Jaar, Utshab
Shobar (religion as per one's own, but festivals common to all)", portrays
the nation's secular face. The sentiment is being implemented on the ground,
with Hindu community people taking the charge of security of Eidgahs during the
Eid congregations and Muslim youths guarding the Puja Mandaps during prayers.
Pahela
Baishakh, which marks the first day of the new year according to the Bengali
calendar, is observed by Bangalees in Bangladesh irrespective of their
religion. Celebrated across Bangladesh with splendor and revelry, the
festivities on the occasion are an affirmation of Bangalee culture that transcends
religion, and a fitting reply to radical Islamists and their designs.
Thus,
in any political rhetoric and history, it can never be forgotten that the war
in 1971 was formally articulated in terms of a struggle for a secular state
based on the existence of a unified Bangalee cultural identity that superseded
religious identity. A competitive democratic system of politics which
accommodates aspects of secularism, language, Muslim identity and Islamic
ethical–moral codes continue to be retained in the political discourse for
forming and consolidating the country's multi-racial, multi-religious national
identity as a sovereign state.
The
author is an international security studies analyst, and former consultant at
National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) of India.
https://www.thedailystar.net/opinion/online-exclusive/news/the-resilience-secularism-bangladesh-2059297
--------
MoD
rejects the fall of Almar district to Taliban: Faryab
11
Mar 2021
The
Taliban took control of the center of Almar district in Faryab province on
Thursday afternoon at about 1 pm, according to local security sources.
Local
sources on Thursday said that the central Almar district of Faryab province has
fallen to the Taliban.
Provincial
governor, Naqibullah Fayeq told media the Afghan security forces had a tactical
retreat from the area to prevent civilian casualties.
According
to reports, 40 local security force members were surrounded by the Taliban but
they managed to escape to a 4 Km away security base called Khwaja Osman.
The
Taliban is said to have captured both the district governor’s office and the
district police headquarters.
Tahir
Rahmani, a provincial council member also confirmed the news and said that
eight Afghan defense forces were killed and eight others are injured following
the clashes with the Taliban.
The
head of the Faryab provincial council says security officials have not been
able to prevent the fall of the district.
Defense
Ministry on the other hand denied the fall of the district to Taliban.
MoD
on Thursday stated that the published news about the fall of the Almar district
is incorrect instead ANDSF had conducted operations and cleared the majority of
the area from Taliban influence.
According
to Mod, the district is currently under the control of Afghan national defense
and security forces.
The
reports emerged as Mohammad Amin Patang, acting district police chief joined
the Taliban on Wednesday afternoon.
Abdul
Karim Yourish, a spokesman for the provincial chief told the media that Patang
was appointed as the acting police chief for the area three months ago.
He
was appointed as acting police chief of Almar three months ago, Yourish said.
Patang
joined the Taliban due to security forces were surrounded and were under the
pressure of the Taliban sources told media
So
far, Taliban has not commented on the Almar district incidents.
https://www.khaama.com/mod-rejects-the-fall-of-almar-district-to-taliban-faryab-535366/
--------
Security
will remain crucial with or without peace: SIGAR
11
Mar 2021
Special
Inspector General on Wednesday warned that security remains crucial and at high
risk, with or without sustainable peace and ceasefire the country will be
threatened by many other extremist organizations.
In
the SIGAR’s 2021 High-Risk report, John F. Sopko Special inspector general said
“with or without a sustainable peace agreement and nationwide ceasefire,
Afghanistan will likely continue to be threatened by multiple violent-extremist
organizations”.
The
report added that the security situation remains crucial and at high risk in
the country because the Taliban have not changed their battle tactics, and
extreme violence, political objectives, terrorist groups like Islamic State
Khorasan (Daesh) and Al Qaeda still remains in the country.
According
to the report “Any political agreement risks subordinate groups going rogue,
possibly manifesting as another insurgency or insecurity from criminal gangs or
networks.
“These
issues could become even more pronounced if US forces are no longer in country
to provide counterterrorism support and to train, advise, and assist
Afghanistan’s security institutions”.
Sopko
indicated, that any political agreement risks subordinate groups going roque
possibly
Presenting
SIGAR’s 2021 High-Risk List to US Congress, John F. Sopko, Special Inspector
General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, said any political agreement risks
subordinate groups going rogue, possibly manifesting as another insurgency or
insecurity from criminal gangs or networks.
Following
the withdrawal of troops if the US will not facilitate Afghanistan in
counterterrorism, support train, assist and advise the Afghan security, such
issues will become even more pronounced, the report added.
Inspector
General Sopko iterated that keeping with SIGAR’s statutory mandate to promote economy,
effectiveness, and efficiency, the High-Risk List identifies serious risks to
the United States’ $143 billion reconstruction effort in Afghanistan.
According
to Sopko, stalled negotiations and continuing high levels of violence are
putting the reconstruction efforts in the country at great risk than ever
before.
Sopko
said, “As we note in this report, whether or not the United States continues to
withdraw its troops from Afghanistan pursuant to last year’s withdrawal
agreement with the Taliban, the new Administration and Congress will have to
decide whether and to what extent reconstruction will continue.
“Although
Afghanistan’s leadership have often stated that their goal is self-reliance,
Afghanistan today is nowhere near to being self-reliant – especially in funding
its government operations, including military and police – from its own
resources.
“And,
as highlighted in our report, reconstruction aid helps keep Afghanistan from
reverting to a terrorist safe haven,”.
“Today the gains from our nation’s investment
in Afghanistan’s reconstruction face multiple threats: continued insecurity,
uncertain post-peace settlement funding, the challenge of reintegrating
fighters, endemic corruption, lagging economic growth and social development,
threats to women’s rights, the illicit narcotics trade, and inadequate
oversight by donors” Sopko stated.
He
also pointed that level of the violence has intensified, including not only the
attacks on Afghan security forces but also bomb attacks and targeted
assassinations on civilians, mid-level officials, prominent women, and
journalists.
Adding
to his statement he said that the coronavirus pandemic is overwhelming
Afghanistan’s health sector and has severely impacted its economy and people.
This
report is “intended to provide an independent and sober assessment of the
various risks now facing the Administration and Congress as they seek to make
decisions about the future of the U.S. mission in Afghanistan.” Sopko said.
By
focusing on elements of US reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan that are
essential to success; at risk of failure due to waste, fraud, or abuse; and
subject to the control or influence of the US government, the High-Risk List
was prepared.
The
key factors using these criteria, SIGAR findings show eight areas at high
risks, which are increasing insecurity, uncertain funding for a post-peace
settlement, the need to reintegrate ex-combatants, endemic corruption, lagging
economic growth and social development, illicit narcotics trade, threats to
women’s right, inadequate oversight.
The
report indicated that the failure of Afghan peace negotiations will be plunging
the country into worse long-term danger and violence against women, “Women and
girls suffer not only loss of life, injury, disability, and mental trauma, but
also the loss of male breadwinners, increasingly desperate poverty, the social
stigma and discrimination that accompany widowhood and permanent disability,
and reduced access to basic services.”
SIGAR
report hinted that there are between 55,000 and 85,000 Taliban fighters in the
country some of who will be integrated into Afghan National Defense and
Security Forces depending on terms of the peace agreement and some will need to
change to productive noncombatants status in the civil society.
It
is reported that Afghanistan still remains reliant on foreign aid with donors
granting at least $8.6 billion annually which covers 80% of the country’s $11
billion public expenditures.
“Afghanistan
remains exceptionally reliant upon foreign assistance, creating both an
opportunity for donors to influence events there as foreign troops depart and
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,”
according to the report
SIGAR
warned that Afghanistan’s limited fiscal capacity is inadequate to sustain
infrastructures such as roads, power generation, and economic supply chains.
“The
Afghan government’s lack of financial sustainability is an issue affecting all high-risk
areas identified by SIGAR,” the report indicated.
SIGAR
also noted that the detrimental effects of the illegal drug trade in
Afghanistan do not only affect the health system but also help fund insurgents,
foster corruption, and provoke criminal violence.
SIGAR
denoted that illegal drugs do not only affect the health system but also fund
insurgents, terrorists, foster corruption and provokes criminal violence.
“Even
in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Afghanistan’s opium economy has remained
resilient. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reported that
Afghanistan’s 2020 opium-poppy harvest was largely uninterrupted by COVID-19,”
read the report.
Another
key risk factor was the government’s failure to effectively address the
systemic corruption in Afghanistan.
The
report also found that the Afghan government has failed to effectively address
systemic corruption, and has taken limited steps to restrict and curb systemic
corruption and that more practical action is required in this regard.
“The
Afghan government often makes “paper” reforms, such as drafting regulations or
holding meetings, rather than taking concrete actions that would reduce
corruption, like arresting or enforcing penalties on powerful Afghans”, the
report added.
Sopko
also reminded the U.S congress that SIGAR is the only authority that remains
the best US defense against waste, fraud, and abuse of US taxpayer funds in
Afghanistan.
https://www.khaama.com/security-remains-crucial-with-or-without-peace-sigar-4324248/
--------
Mideast
Iran
Asks KRG to Correct Mistake of Publishing Controversial Stamp
2021-March-11
Iranian
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh made the remarks on Wednesday,
stressing that it is clear that what is published in public runs contrary to
the principles and rules of the international law.
He
added that while protesting to the Iraqi government over this issue, the
Islamic Republic of Iran calls for immediate collection of stamps and
correction of this unfriendly act.
The
Ministry of Transportation of Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)
published a number of commemorative stamps on the occasion of Pope Francis'
visit to the Northern provinces of the country. Fake maps have been used in the
stamp design.
In
reaction to the move, Iraqi Turkmen Front issued a statement and condemned the
move which undermines Iraqi unity and a direct threat to the region.
Iraqi
Turkmen Front pointed out that interests of Iraqi ethnic groups could only be
achieved through the unity and amity of the country.
https://www.farsnews.ir/en/news/13991221000245/Iran-Asks-KRG-Crrec-Misake-f-Pblishing-Cnrversial-Samp
--------
Israel
says joint naval exercise with Greece, Cyprus completed
12
March ,2021
The
Israeli military said Friday that it has conducted a joint naval exercise with
Greece and Cyprus, in the latest sign of increased cooperation among three
countries that increasingly view Turkey as a rival in the Mediterranean Sea.
It
said the “Noble Dina” exercise, which was led by Israel and also included
France, covered “anti-submarine procedures, search and rescue scenarios, and a
scenario simulating battle between ships.”
The
exercise was concluded on Thursday.
“Over
the past week, the Navy led a large-scale exercise in which it implemented
capabilities in underwater warfare, search and rescue, convoy escort and
surface combat,” Rear Admiral Eyal Harel, the head of Israeli naval operations,
said.
“These
exercises are of paramount importance in strengthening the Navy’s connection
with foreign fleets who share common interests,” he added.
Israel,
Greece and Cyprus have taken a number of steps in recent months to cement ties,
including advancing plans to build a 2,000 megawatt undersea electricity cable
and a 1,900-kilometer (1,300-mile) undersea gas pipeline. The three countries’
defense ministers met in November and agreed to increase military cooperation.
Greece
and Cyprus are embroiled in a dispute with Turkey, which has sent gas
prospecting vessels into waters claimed by Greece and drilling ships into an
area where Cyprus claims exclusive rights.
The
tension brought NATO allies Greece and Turkey close to open conflict last year,
but tensions have eased since then.
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2021/03/12/Israel-says-joint-naval-exercise-with-Greece-Cyprus-completed-
--------
Three
Gaza fishermen killed by Israeli drone caught in nets, says Hamas
11
March ,2021
Three
Palestinian fishermen who died in an offshore blast on Sunday had encountered
an explosive-laden Israeli drone that had fallen into the sea and blew up in
their nets, the Hamas-run Interior Ministry in Gaza said on Thursday.
An
Israeli military spokeswoman had no immediate comment. At the time of the
blast, the Israeli military had denied it had any involvement in the incident.
The
incident came at a time when Palestinian militants have been test-firing
rockets into the sea, and a Gaza-based human rights group, the Palestinian
Center for Human Rights, said on Sunday the fishing boat may have been hit by
accident.
But
Eyad Al-Bozom, the Gaza Interior Ministry’s spokesman, said no Palestinian
rocket had hit the fishing boat, and that parts of an Israeli quadcopter drone
that carried explosives were discovered in its nets. The drone had blown up as
the fishermen were lifting their nets, killing all three.
Bozom
said the drone had probably been in the water since an Israeli attack on a
Palestinian naval craft on February 22 off Gaza.
The
Israeli military said at the time its forces noticed suspicious naval activity
off Gaza’s shore and thwarted a “potential threat to Israeli naval vessels,”
without elaborating on the weapons used.
The
Israeli military rarely comments publicly on the use of explosives-carrying
drones.
The
Hamas militant group, took control of Gaza in 2007, and the seaside strip, home
to 2 million Palestinians, has since been under a blockade imposed by Israel
and Egypt, which cite security concerns for the measure.
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2021/03/11/Three-Gaza-fishermen-killed-by-Israeli-drone-caught-in-nets-says-Hamas
--------
US,
Israel discuss Iran threats during first strategic group meeting
Joseph
Haboush
11
March ,2021
The
US and Israel held their first Strategic Consultative Group meeting Thursday,
which involved discussions on threats from Iran, the White House said.
From
Washington, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan led the US delegation while
his counterpart, Meir Ben-Shabbat, headed Israel’s participation in the virtual
meeting.
“During
the discussion, the two sides shared perspectives on regional security issues
of mutual interest and concern, including Iran, and expressed their common
determination to confront the challenges and threats facing the region,” NSC
Spokesperson Emily Horne said.
Both
sides agreed on the importance of the talks and pledged to continue such
dialogue.
“This
meeting is part of the broader ongoing dialogue between the United States and
Israel on the full range of issues of importance to the bilateral
relationship,” Horne said.
Israel
has been kept at arm’s length by the Biden administration as Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu is up for re-election later this month.
Biden
waited for weeks before he held his first call with the Israeli PM. The White
House denied that Biden was “snubbing” the Israeli official.
Israel
has also reportedly been skeptical of the Biden administration’s approach to
Iran. Biden has made no secret of his hope for Iran to sit down with the US for
direct talks on a nuclear deal.
So
far, Tehran has not accepted Washington’s invitation - via the European Union -
to sit down.
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2021/03/11/US-Israel-discuss-Iran-threats-during-first-strategic-group-meeting
--------
Heavy
clashes break out between Yemeni army, Iran-backed Houthis in Hodeidah
Tamara
Abueish
12
March ,2021
Heavy
clashes between the internationally-recognized Yemeni army and the Iran-backed
Houthi militia broke out in Hodeidah on Friday, a source from the Yemeni army
told Al Arabiya.
The
army has been making great advancements in the area and in their last northern
stronghold Marib in recent days, the source added.
The
Houthis, who currently control Hodeidah, have often used the city as a
launching point for its terrorist operations and attacks.
Until
the Yemeni army gains control of Hodeidah, weapons will continue to be smuggled
to the Houthis, the source told Al Arabiya.
Iran
has backed the Houthis in their war against the Yemeni government, supplying
the group with weapons, such as drones and missiles often used to target
civilians.
The
battles have intensified in recent days as the Houthis face “unprecedented”
losses, an unnamed source told Al Arabiya on Thursday.
The
Iran-backed militia fired a ballistic missile towards civilians in Yemen’s
Marib on Thursday, the source said.
The
British ambassador to Yemen Michael Aron on Friday condemned the Houthis’
treatment of migrants in a camp in Sanaa.
“Appalled
by fire at Houthi-controlled migrant centre in Sana’a. OHCHR & humanitarian
agencies need immediate, unrestricted access to site & those injured. A
credible, transparent, independent investigation must be carried out, including
a full account of those killed & injured.”
“It
is the Houthis inhumane treatment of migrants - including the creation of
overcrowded conditions at the centre - that led to this terrible loss in human
life. It is imperative that the Houthis change their policies towards migrants
& provide them the basic dignity they deserve,” Aron said.
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2021/03/12/Heavy-clashes-break-out-between-Yemeni-army-Iran-backed-Houthis-in-Hodeidah
--------
Houthis
target civilians with missile in Marib as Yemeni army advances
Tamara
Abueish
11
March ,2021
The
Iran-backed Houthi militia fired a ballistic missile towards civilians in
Yemen’s Marib, the Yemeni army told Al Arabiya on Thursday.
The
Yemeni army has made great advancements in Marib against the Houthis, Al
Arabiya cited an official from the army as saying.
Fighters
from the Iran-backed Houthi militia fled to areas bordering Marib, leaving
their weapons behind, the source said.
The
Iran-backed group has faced ‘unprecedented’ losses in Marib, according to the
Yemeni army.
Clashes
between the forces belonging to Yemen’s internationally-recognized government
and the Iran-backed Houthi militia have intensified in Marib in recent weeks.
Iran
has backed the Houthis in their war against the Yemeni government, supplying
the group with weapons, such as drones and missiles often used to target
civilians.
Marib
is the last major northern stronghold for pro-government forces and is home to
one of Yemen’s largest oil infrastructures.
The
offensive in the area would put hundreds of gas and oil fields at risk of
falling under the Iran-backed group’s control.
The
governorate has also been a refuge for hundreds of thousands of displaced
people who, for years, have taken shelter there away from the war that was once
brewing elsewhere in Yemen.
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2021/03/11/Houthi-militia-targets-civilians-with-ballistic-missile-in-Yemen-s-Marib
--------
Sanctions
lead to devastating repercussions like those of terrorism, war crimes: Iran’s
UN envoy
12
March 2021
Iran's
Ambassador to the United Nations Majid Takht-Ravanchi has denounced sanctions
as inhumane, immoral and illegal, saying their far-reaching, devastating and
long-term consequences are as brutal and vicious as terrorism, war crimes and
crimes against humanity.
“In
order to combat food insecurity in the world, it is necessary to lift siege and
sanctions and foster international cooperation,” Takht-Ravanchi said via
videoconference to a meeting of the UN Security Council on Thursday that
discussed how conflict and food security are interlinked.
“The
current number of people at risk of hunger and food insecurity in the world are
alarming, which has made it essential and urgent to deal with this challenge,”
he added.
Takht-Ravanchi
then highlighted the right to food is the fundamental right of everyone to be
free from hunger and malnutrition under any circumstances, whether in peace or
war.
The
senior Iranian diplomat stressed that full realization of such a right requires
a comprehensive approach and effective measures, both at national and
international levels, which would particularly address all root causes of food
insecurity and ensure secure international cooperation.
Takht-Ravanchi
also underlined the need for closer cooperation among the General Assembly, the
United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), as well as the relevant
institutions and agencies of the world body to that goal.
“To
combat the acute food insecurity caused by conflicts, the Security Council
needs to oblige all parties to adhere to these principles, and at the same time
the Council itself must not, under any circumstances, boycott humanitarian
trade, especially food and medicine,” the Iranian ambassador to the UN said.
“Nothing
is more urgent than the immediate lifting of the inhumane siege against the
Yemeni people, and removal of the illegal blockade of Gaza,” Takht-Ravanchi
stated.
He
also referred to sanctions as a main reason behind food insecurity, noting that
the US anti-Iran bans have prevented Tehran from gaining access to food,
medicine as well as medical equipment, and undermined the Islamic Republic’s
ability to effectively deal with the coronavirus pandemic.
“Countries
should not use economic and political coercive tools to put pressure on other
governments; and immediate removal of sanctions should be taken into
consideration as a key step in tackling food insecurity,” Takht-Ravanchi said.
Last
October, Iran’s High Council for Human Rights said despite US claims that
humanitarian affairs are not covered by sanctions, blocking financial
transactions between Iran and the world has practically obstructed importation
of humanitarian articles and drugs used to treat people with serious diseases.
“As
attested to by the American officials’ remarks, measures taken by the
lawbreaking regime of America have clearly taken aim at the health and lives of
[the Iranian] people and are considered 'crime against humanity',” the council
said in a statement at the time.
The
head of the Iranian Judiciary’s High Council for Human Rights also said on
October 5 that the body is planning to prosecute 46 American natural and legal
persons involved in the imposition of unjust sanctions on the Islamic Republic,
which among other things, have prevented the country from importing medications
necessary to treat patients with serious diseases.
“We
are using all legal means, at domestic and international levels, to counteract
these crimes and today, I announce that the names of 46 American natural and
legal persons, who have been one way or another involved in imposing unjust and
inhumane sanctions on the Iranian nation, have been given to Tehran
prosecutor’s office” to prosecute them in accordance with a law on countering
terrorist measures of the United States, said Ali Baqeri-Kani.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2021/03/12/647129/Sanctions-have-repercussions-similar-to-those-from-terrorism-war-crimes-Iran-UN-envoy
--------
North America
US
Senate resolution calls to hold Assad regime accountable for war crimes
Joseph
Haboush
11
March ,2021
A
bipartisan resolution has been submitted by a group of high-ranking senators,
calling for a permanent US policy to maintain humanitarian support for the
Syrian people while holding the Assad regime accountable for war crimes.
The
resolution comes ten years after the Syrian uprising in which thousands of
demonstrators took to the streets to demand democratic reforms in a country
ruled by the Assad family for decades.
But
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, backed by Russia and Iran, successfully
crushed the protests and killed thousands of civilians along the way.
Millions
of Syrians have fled, and it is estimated that there are millions more
internally displaced.
The
US has remained adamant on a political solution based on UN Security Council
Resolution 2254, which calls for free and fair elections and a political
transition.
So
far, Assad, Russia and Iran have not complied with international resolutions.
As a result, the US imposed Caesar Act sanctions last year preventing the
international community from dealing with the regime and choking off potential
reconstruction funds.
The
resolution put forth by Senators Bob Menendez and Jim Risch would ensure a US
policy would be to support international humanitarian efforts to help
civilians, “through support for displaced populations and the promotion of
accountability for perpetrators of human rights abuses.”
This
includes a commitment to “continuing efforts to hold the Assad regime and its
Russian and Iranian backers accountable for war crimes and crimes against
humanity.”
While
some countries, including the United Arab Emirates, have criticized the Caesar
Act for “making it difficult” to re-engage with Syria, the resolution would
support continuing implementing the sanctions regime.
The
senators also called for the US to “reinvigorate diplomatic efforts to resolve
the conflict” while expanding humanitarian aid to the Syrian.
“For
a decade, the world has borne witness to Assad’s brazen willingness to kill,
torture, gas, and starve his own people in order to maintain his grip on power.
The Syrian people have suffered for far too long at the hands of a butcher
whose relentless reign of terror continues to be sponsored by his patrons in
Tehran and Moscow,” Menendez said.
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2021/03/11/Syria-crisis-US-Senate-resolution-calls-to-hold-Assad-regime-accountable-for-war-crimes
--------
Saudi,
US ground forces set to launch joint military exercise
Tala
Michel Issa
12
March ,2021
The
Royal Saudi Land Forces completed all preparations for the launch of a joint
exercise with the US ground forces, the country’s Ministry of Defense said in a
statement on Thursday.
The
military exercise – Falcon Claws 3 – is set to begin next week in the
northwestern region of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabian and US ground forces
previously carried out Falcon Claws 2 in December 2020.
The
exercise “comes as an extension of the joint exercises between the two friendly
countries with the aim of strengthening the harmony of joint military work and
cooperation between them,” the defense ministry said.
The
ministry added that the initiative is aimed at facilitating the exchange of
ideas and expertise and building up the Kingdom’s combat readiness to face any
regional challenges that may arise.
The
exercise comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region, with Iran-backed
militias increasing their attacks on Saudi Arabia.
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2021/03/12/Saudi-US-ground-forces-set-to-launch-joint-military-exercise
--------
US
says won't incentivize Iran to join JCPOA talks
12
March 2021
The
US once again asserts that it will not offer any "incentives" to
prompt Iran to rejoin talks with Washington on "mutual compliance"
with a 2015 nuclear agreement it unilaterally left later, insisting that it is
Tehran that has to take the first step.
"We
will not offer any unilateral gestures or incentives to induce the Iranians to
come to the table,” State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters on
Thursday, Reuters said.
“If
the Iranians are under the impression that, absent any movement on their part
to resume full compliance with the [nuclear deal], …we will offer favors or
unilateral gestures, well that's a misimpression," he added.
Under
his signature “maximum pressure” policy against Iran, former American president
Donald Trump withdrew Washington from a landmark nuclear accord between Iran
and the P5+1 group of states – the US, the UK, France, Russia, and China plus
Germany.
He
then restored the economic sanctions that the deal had lifted. The US also
began threatening third countries with “secondary sanctions” if they did
business with Iran in defiance of the bans.
This
is while the deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
(JCPOA), has been ratified as a United Nations Security Council resolution,
making both the US’s departure from the accord and its snapping the sanctions
back into place unilateral and illegal.
Iran,
in turn, began confronting the sanctions under Leader of the Islamic Revolution
Ayatollah Khamenei’s Resistive Economy directive.
It
also started a number of nuclear countermeasures on the first anniversary of
the US’s withdrawal in line with its rights under the deal to retaliate for the
other side’s non-commitment. The Islamic Republic gradually increased its
counteractions as Washington and its allies in the deal would continue to
violate their JCPOA obligations.
Price
suggested that Washington could consider step-by-step resumption of each
party’s nuclear commitments only after Tehran returned to the negotiation
table.
“If
and only if Tehran comes to the negotiating table, would we be in a position,
would we be prepared to discuss proposals that would help push both sides back
on that path of mutual compliance to the deal," he said. "Ultimately,
that is where we seek to go: compliance for compliance," the spokesman
added.
Iran
has, on the one hand, underscored that, unlike the US, it was never the party
to leave the talks in the first place. On the other, it notes that the JCPOA is
a done deal and does not need any renegotiation.
As
its definitive stance on the issue, the Islamic Republic also emphasizes that
it will only resume its full compliance with the deal once the US lifted all
the sanctions, noting that the sanction relief process is Washington’s
contractual duty and should take place without any preconditions.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2021/03/12/647116/Iran-United-States-talks-nuclear
--------
US
Far-Right Extremists Making Millions Via Social Media And Cryptocurrency
10
Mar 2021
Dozens
of extremist groups and individuals, including some involved in the Capitol
attack, have used social media platforms, cryptocurrencies, tax-exempt status
and other fundraising tools to rake in about $1.5m in the last year, according
to experts.
Two
recent studies by groups that track extremist financing, the Global
Disinformation Index (GDI) and the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC),
underscore the growing threat posed by far-right extremists, including those
who attacked Congress to stop the certification of the 2020 election results.
The
recent studies and testimony delivered to a House committee by representatives
from the SPLC and GDI in late February showed that the Oath Keepers, Proud Boys
and others with white supremacist and anti-immigrant bias, reaped windfalls via
the streaming platform DLive, cryptocurrencies and other fundraising methods.
Megan
Squire, a computer science professor at Elon University and a senior fellow at
the SPLC, found that from 15 April to early February, 55 extremist individuals
and groups used the video streaming platform DLive, which allows
cryptocurrency-based donations for content, to pull in just under $866,700.
“The
idea that multiple hate groups could raise tens of thousands of dollars a month
from bleeding-edge technology and a tiny donor pool should be terrifying, not
ho-hum,” Squire said in an interview. “This is the canary in the coalmine, and
we ignore it at our peril.”
In
a statement, DLive noted its guidelines prohibit hate speech and inciting
violence, and that after the Capitol attack it “indefinitely suspended the
accounts of the individuals who used DLive to livestream from the riots,” and
their access to any “tokens given to them by community members”.
According
to GDI co-founder Daniel Rogers, 44% of the 73 hate groups he has studied have
benefited by securing tax exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service.
In
testimony to the House financial services subcommittee on 25 February, Rogers
revealed that the Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes last year used a podcast
hosted by Mike Adams of Natural News, a conspiracy theorist outlet, to raise
funds for a tax-exempt affiliate dubbed Oath Keepers Educational Foundation.
In
an interview, Rogers said so many groups that “are trying to overthrow the
government” receive tax-exempt status by registering as charitable or social
welfare organizations. “There has been a degradation of enforcement at the
IRS,” he said.
An
IRS spokesperson declined to comment based on federal disclosure law, which
prohibits discussion of individual cases.
Avenues
that extremists have exploited to raise funds are expected to face growing
scrutiny with the widening federal investigations of the 6 January attack that so
far have resulted in charges against over 300 individuals.
Squire
noted in an interview that Nick Fuentes, a leader of the so- called Groyper
Army, used DLive to raise almost $94,000 from last April to January (when he
was barred from the platform after the attack on the Capitol), and received
about $250,000 in bitcoin last December from a mysterious French donor with
far-right ties.
Rogers
said that at least 24 people charged by the justice department for their roles
in the Capitol attack, including eight Proud Boys, have used the Christian
crowdfunding site GiveSendGo to raise nearly a quarter of a million dollars to
help with legal, medical and travel costs.
Jacob
Wells, the chief financial officer of GiveSendGo, noted in a statement that
there have been “no campaigns on GiveSendGo raising funds for illegal
activities”. But Wells said he didn’t see any reason “to prohibit people from
fundraising for their own legal defense”.
More
broadly, Rogers said in his House testimony that the tax-exempt status enjoyed
by so many extremist groups provides them with “automatic access to a whole
spectrum of charity fundraising tools, from Facebook Donations to Amazon
Smile”. Rogers found that the most common fundraising platform these groups
used was Charity Navigator’s “Giving Basket” function.
Some
former DoJ prosecutors also voice strong concerns that numerous extremist
groups have been able to garner tax exempt status from the IRS for years, and
said that under Donald Trump’s administration the IRS was especially lax.
“Many
of the enforcement mechanisms of the IRS have been actively dismantled or
simply allowed to wither,” said Phillip Halpern, who stepped down last fall as
a federal prosecutor after 36 years handling corruption cases in California.
“This
has created a dangerous gap in our law enforcement safety network where
extremist groups can find shelter,” Halpern added. The IRS “which has been
largely sidelined due to political interference – will have to play catch-up in
any fight against domestic terrorism.”
Notwithstanding
their fundraising success, experts stress that in recent months and following
the Capitol attack, extremists have scrambled to adjust their fundraising given
the accelerating investigations.
When
a clandestine group or individual “is operating under duress they tend to
change their strategies”, including fundraising tactics, Squire said in an
interview. “They’re facing greater scrutiny from both law enforcement and
social media platforms.”
Squire
noted that some extremist groups such as the neo-Nazi Daily Stormer website has
recently moved from seeking bitcoin donations to requesting Monero, a
cryptocurrency that is extremely hard to trace.
Historically,
the growth of extremist activity has been well documented: the SPLC in 2019
reported that the number of avowed white supremacist groups doubled from 2017
to 2019.
Pressures
to curb extremist financing are likely to grow as the FBI and DoJ have cast a
wide net: on top of the 300-plus individuals from at least 42 states charged
thus far for their roles in the Capitol attack, DoJ officials have opened files
on some 540 people overall according to CBS news.
The
FBI director, Chris Wray, told a Senate committee last week that the FBI viewed
the 6 January Capitol attack as “domestic terrorism” and that white
supremacists make up the “biggest chunk”.
The
attorney general nominee Merrick Garland pledged at his confirmation hearings
to do “everything in the power of the justice department” to stop domestic
terrorism, a project that is likely to involve investigating how extremist
groups are bankrolled, say former DoJ prosecutors.
Paul
Pelletier, a former acting chief of the DoJ fraud section, suggested in an
interview that new legislation will be needed to mount a serious attack on
domestic terrorists.
“Curbing
the money flows that are used to support domestic terrorism by these extremist
groups will require legislation banning material support similar to the laws
used with respect to foreign terrorist organizations.”
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/mar/10/us-far-right-extremists-millions-social-cryptocurrency?utm_source=iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2089826_
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Turkey
blasts US court’s parole ruling for diplomat's killer
Merve
Aydogan
11.03.2021
Turkey
on Thursday "strongly condemned" a US court's decision to release on
parole an Armenian national who assassinated a Turkish diplomat in Los Angeles
in 1982.
The
Los Angeles County Superior Court recently ruled in favor of release of Hampig
Sassounian. California Governor Gavin Newsom has said he will not appeal
against the decision.
"We
strongly condemn this approach that deeply hurts the conscience of the Turkish
nation," a Turkish Foreign Ministry statement said.
Despite
all the attempts made by the US administration, this “grave decision” was given
which is "incompatible with the universal principles of law and the
understanding of justice."
Noting
that at least 58 Turkish citizens, including 31 diplomats, were martyred by
Armenian terror groups, the ministry said: “At a time when hate crimes are on
the rise and international solidarity is needed the most, the release of a
brutal murderer with political motives harms the spirit of cooperation in the
fight against terrorism."
"This
murder, which the terrorist Sassounian committed in despicable manner and
showed no sign of remorse during his 38-year sentence, will never be forgotten
as a crime that represents a sick and distorted ideology," it added.
“On
this occasion, we pay tribute to our fallen diplomat Kemal Arikan and all the
martyrs who lost their lives in the attacks of Armenian terrorist
organizations,” the ministry said.
Separately,
the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan on Twitter paid tribute to assassinated
Turkish diplomat Arikan. It said "releasing admitted and unreformed terrorist
Sassounian convicted of murdering a diplomat would send a very wrong message
and surely harm interests of diplomacy, especially in a state w/one of the
world’s largest diplomatic corps."
Arikan,
Turkey’s Consul General in Los Angeles, was martyred on Jan. 28, 1982, by
Sassounian and his accomplice Krikor Saliba on behalf of an Armenian terror
group. Sassounian was arrested and sentenced to life in prison.
Fugitive
terrorist Saliba was claimed to be killed in the Lebanese civil war in 1982.
The
vast majority of the attacks on Turkish diplomats and citizens were conducted
by ASALA and JCAG terrorist groups.
The
assassinations took place in the US, Austria, France, Italy, Spain, Lebanon,
Greece, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Canada, Portugal, Iran, and the UK.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/turkey-blasts-us-court-s-parole-ruling-for-diplomats-killer/2173016
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Europe
Russia,
Turkey, Qatar jointly making attempt to seek political resolution to Syria’s
conflict
11
March 2021
Russia,
Turkey, and Qatar are making a joint attempt to help find a lasting, political
solution to Syria’s decade-long conflict, the Turkish foreign minister says.
“Today
we launched a new trilateral consultation process,” said Turkish Foreign
Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Thursday, following trilateral talks he had with
his Russian and Qatari counterparts Sergei Lavrov and Mohammed bin Abdulrahman
Al Thani, respectively.
“Our
goal is to discuss how we can contribute to efforts towards a lasting political
solution in Syria,” Cavusoglu added.
According
to Turkey’s top diplomat, the three foreign ministers were in full agreement
that Syria’s conflict, which has killed hundreds of thousands of people and
displaced millions more, can only be resolved through diplomacy in accordance with
UN resolutions.
The
latest agreement between the three countries and their emphasis on a political
solution as the only way to end the conflict came as Turkey and Qatar have
supported militants seeking the removal of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad from
power.
This
is while Russia fully supports Assad and has since 2015 significantly helped
Damascus, mostly through airstrikes, to seize back territories from
foreign-backed militants and Takfiri terrorists.
“I
can only welcome Qatar’s desire to make its contribution to creating the
conditions for overcoming the current tragic situation in Syria,” said Lavrov,
for his part.
However,
he stressed that the three countries were not seeking to replace efforts which
Turkey, Russia, and Iran had jointly been making since 2017 to curb fighting
and violence in Syria and discuss a political solution.
Lavrov
was pointing to the Astana format, which was initiated by Iran, Russia and
Turkey to bring the warring sides in Syria together to find a permanent
solution to the conflict in the Arab country. The peace process is known as the
Astana process because Kazakhstan’s capital, Nur-Sultan, formerly called
Astana, originally hosted the meetings.
Qatar’s
top diplomat, for his part, said that they had also discussed mechanisms for
distributing humanitarian aid across the entire war-torn Arab country.
“There
is a crucial need to lessen the suffering of the Syrians,” added Mohammed bin
Abdulrahman Al Thani.
However,
he defended the reasons that led to the suspension of Syria from the Arab
League in 2011, when the foreign-backed militancy broke out in the Arab
country.
The
Arab League suspended Syria's membership in November 2011, citing alleged
crackdown by Damascus on opposition protests. Syria has denounced the move as
"illegal and a violation of the organization’s charter.”
Syria
was one of the six founding members of the Arab League in 1945.
In
a joint statement released after the conclusion of their talks, the three top
diplomats also called on the UN agencies and the World Health Organization to
prioritize COVID-19 vaccinations inside the Arab country and urged the United
Nations to “enhance” efforts for delivering humanitarian aid.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2021/03/11/647090/Syria-Russia-Turkey-Qatar-political-solution-Cavusoglu-Lavrov
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Kyrgyzstan
parliament approves referendum on new constitution
11
March 2021
Kyrgyzstan's
parliament has approved a referendum on a draft constitution that would empower
the presidency and allow the country's incumbent leaders to re-run for office.
The
parliament voted on Thursday to put the constitutional changes to a referendum
on April 11. Only six out of the 100 Kyrgyz lawmakers present voted against it.
The
proposed constitutional amendments discard the single presidential term limit
introduced in 2010 and would return cabinet-forming powers to the president.
Kyrgyzstan's
President Sadyr Japarov on January 10 won a landslide victory in Kyrgyzstan's
snap presidential election, which had been triggered by the collapse of the previous
government.
Violent
anti-government protests that erupted last October had sprung Japarov from jail
to the prime minister's chair and culminated in him assuming the interim
presidency before he ran for the full role.
Japarov
has been pushing for a switch to a presidential form of government, which would
grant the president more legislative and executive powers.
The
president is widely viewed as the architect behind the changes and is expected
to sign off on the referendum law.
Critics
have, however, likened the reforms to a power grab and said fresh parliamentary
elections should have been held instead of extending the mandate of the old
legislature.
Japarov
has said he expects parliamentary elections to be held this autumn, a year
behind schedule.
Kyrgyzstan
is a landlocked country of 6.5 million people with a history of political
instability. Over the past years, it has seen the violent overthrow of two
presidents, one in 2005 and the other in 2010.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2021/03/11/647060/Kyrgyzstan-parliament-approves-referendum-on-new-constitution
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UN
ready to support Turkey's 'Human Rights Action Plan'
Bayram
Altug
12.03.2021
GENEVA
The
UN Human Rights Office declared Friday that it is ready to assist Turkey in
implementing its recent Human Rights Action Plan.
"We
are aware of the adoption of a Human Rights Action Plan earlier this month in
Turkey, which channels the renewed commitment of the government to improve the
human rights situation in the country," UN High Commissioner for Human
Rights (OHCHR) spokeswoman Liz Throssell told Anadolu Agency.
Noting
that the OHCHR was not involved in the drafting process of the plan, Throssell
underlined that the document should be "read and acted upon in conformity
with Turkey’s commitments to and obligations under international human rights
law."
"We
reiterate our continued availability to assist Turkey to uphold international
standards, including through an effective implementation of this Action Plan
and other judicial reforms," she added.
Turkish
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the plan on March 2, unveiling 11 main
principles set to be carried out over the course of two years.
It
was designed as a "broad-based" plan to strengthen rights
protections, individual freedoms, and security, judicial independence, personal
privacy, transparency, property rights, as well as protect vulnerable groups
and enhance administrative and social awareness on human rights.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/un-ready-to-support-turkeys-human-rights-action-plan/2173639
--------
US'
Khashoggi report 'surprising' but disappoints many: Award-winning journalist
Ahmet
Gurhan Kartal
12.03.2021
LONDON
A
recently declassified US intelligence report on the 2018 murder of Washington
Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul is
“surprising,” according to British journalist Jonathan Rugman.
Rugman,
a foreign affairs correspondent for Channel 4 and the author of The Killing in
the Consulate, a minute-by-minute analysis of the brutal killing, thinks that
the report’s naming Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as the person who ordered
the operation ending in Khashoggi’s death was unexpected.
“We
knew from leaks of CIA findings in 2018 that the Americans believed the crown
prince was behind the operation to capture or kill Jamal Khashoggi, but it's
still very shocking to see it in black and white,” Rugman told Anadolu Agency.
The
US intelligence community on Feb. 26 formally blamed the crown prince, also
known as MBS, for the grisly murder.
The
Director of National Intelligence's (DNI) long-sought unclassified report
concluded that the kingdom's de facto ruler "approved" the operation
in Istanbul to "capture or kill" Khashoggi.
“The
significance of the report is that the Biden administration has taken a very
different stance to the Trump administration. The Trump administration said
maybe he maybe he wasn't involved,” Rugman said.
Then-President
Donald Trump downplayed the idea of Saudi involvement and refused to make
public the findings of government intelligence analysts, findings only released
last month.
“The
Biden administration has tried to keep to its election campaign promise to hold
the Saudis accountable and specifically the Saudi crown prince,” said Rugman.
“Now
the Saudi Crown Prince has been held accountable by their report in the sense
that it came out and it shames him and embarrasses him and it names him.”
While
Rugman said the crown prince is not “being properly held accountable in a court
of law,” he added that he was also “surprised” that “the Americans have gone as
far as they have.”
“I
know a lot of people will be disappointed Americans didn't go further but they
have sanctioned 21 individuals, leading members of the hit squad, but they
haven't a sanctioned the crown prince himself,” he said.
“The
calculation is clearly being made that the crown prince is too important to be
individually sanctioned, but he's not welcome in America. He's not likely to be
welcomed in America for a long time to come.”
Rugman
also described the report as a disappointment to Agnes Callamard, the UN
rapporteur on summary executions, as well as Khashoggi’s fiancée Hatice Cengiz,
adding that he believes that the US tried to strike a balance in the report, as
they may need to do business with the crown prince in the future as he is in
line for the Saudi throne.
Rugman’s
book
Rugman,
a BAFTA-winning journalist who worked in Turkey in the 1990s, compiled the
findings of his coverage of the Khashoggi murder in a book published in October
2019, the first anniversary of the killing.
Rugman’s
book gives detailed background of the “heinous” crime and looks at the deep,
longstanding links of US administrations with the Saudi Kingdom.
On
Oct, 2, 2018, Khashoggi, a Saudi national and legal resident of the US, was
killed and dismembered by a group of Saudi operatives shortly after he entered
the consulate in Istanbul to get a marriage certificate.
After
weeks of denying involvement, Saudi Arabia admitted that Khashoggi had been
killed at the consulate but claimed that the royal family had no prior
knowledge of a plot to murder him.
According
to reports by the United Nations and other independent organizations, he was
murdered and dismembered. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman accepted
responsibility for the killing but denied ordering it.
Looking
back, Rugman said there was quite a lot of clear evidence of what happened
behind closed doors “because the Turkish government leaked some details of the
transcripts, what happened in the Saudi Consulate.”
“They
also leaked to the press the photos and the pictures, the images of the hit
squad arriving at the consulate and walking through Istanbul Airport,” he
added, detailing Turkish government information on the killing released in the
days after the grisly murder.
He
said that despite seeing pictures of bags being carried by Saudis into the
consul’s residence, it is not easy to say with certainly what exactly the bags
contained.
“Those
bags, we have believed to contain the body but it was difficult,” he explained.
Overreach
by split prince
The
British journalist also evaluated the two sides of MBS, who the US report named
as the top person behind the murder of Khashoggi, the authority who ordered the
killing.
“I
think there's something rough and uneducated about the crown prince … He has
this big, bearded, charismatic look. He looks like a sort of throwback to the
tribal chieftains of the old Saudi Kingdom.
“But
he also has this modernizing streak,” he said, referring to such moves as
opening movie theaters in the Gulf country and granting women the right to
drive.
“He's
granted women the right to drive but put in prison those who campaigned for
that right, so there's a strange split there.”
Pointing
out that Saudi Arabia is still an absolute monarchy, Rugman warned that this
means privileges given to people could also be taken away.
“So
you give women the right to drive but you imprison those who campaign for it.
Because that comes from the prince, from the king, doesn't come from the
people,” he said, adding that the country has “no political parties, no trade
unions.”
Speaking
of the crown prince, he said: “In his hurry to transform Saudi Arabia, he has
overreached himself.”
“He
has taken on too much power. He has stifled rivals. He has arrested them.
They've been accused of treason. We had that incident where hundreds of princes
were rounded up in the Ritz-Carlton Hotel,” he said, referring to a November
2017 political purge.
“We
have the [November 2017] alleged kidnapping of the Lebanese prime minister. We
have the [March 2015] launching of the war in Yemen, which was supposed to last
few months and it's been going on for years.
“So
there's a pattern of reckless behavior accompanied by a desire to change, but
almost an inability to be able to do both.”
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/us-khashoggi-report-surprising-but-disappoints-many-award-winning-journalist/2173502
--------
UN:
Pursuit of justice should step up in Syria
Peter
Kenny
11.03.2021
GENEVA
Repeated
attempts to refer Syria to the International Criminal Court have stalled, but
it is vital that national courts continue to conduct fair, public and
transparent trials, the UN human rights chief said Thursday.
In
a report to the UN Human Rights Council, Michelle Bachelet said that trials for
serious crimes should be complemented by initiatives that further realize
victims' rights.
These
included the "rights to truth and reparation."
Bachelet
noted that Syria is about to enter its 11th year of violence and conflict, and
the pursuit of truth, justice, and reparations for victims must not only
continue but be stepped up.
"The
violence that spiraled into an armed conflict has left hundreds of thousands of
Syrians dead, millions displaced both within and outside the country, and many
Syrian families struggling to establish the truth of what happened to their
loved ones," said Bachelet.
She
said the recent conviction of a former Syrian intelligence officer by a German
trial court for aiding and abetting crimes against humanity was "an
important step forward" on the path to justice.
That
decision follows a series of criminal judgments in recent years in national
courts outside Syria, addressing severe criminality cases committed over the
last decade of conflict.
The
International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism established by the General
Assembly and the Commission of Inquiry on Syria launched by the Human Rights
Council have also played a key role in bolstering such proceedings.
"There
have been repeated attempts to refer the situation in Syria to the
International Criminal Court, but with such efforts stalled, it remains vital
that national courts continue to conduct fair, public, and transparent trials
and reduce the accountability gap for such serious crimes," said Bachelet.
Missing
persons
She
went on to say that missing and disappeared people, already a severe concern in
Syria before 2011, must be addressed.
Given
the UN Human Rights Office's lack of access to Syria, she said it is difficult
to establish with any precision the number of missing men, women, and children,
but the figure is estimated to be in the tens of thousands.
The
missing include those forcibly disappeared and detained in official and
makeshift facilities run by government forces across Syria and victims of
detention and enforced disappearances by non-state armed groups.
"Enforced
disappearance is a continuous crime that has an appalling impact on the
individual whose fate is unknown and on their family, causing continuing trauma
for them and severely curtailing the enjoyment of their human rights," the
UN human rights chief said.
Bachelet
joined the call to create an independent mechanism with an international
mandate to clarify the fate and whereabouts of missing people, identify human
remains, and provide support to their families.
The
rights chief further called on the Syrian regime to disclose all places of
detention, official and unofficial, provide complete lists of names and ensure
formal registration of all those held in these facilities.
Those
detained should be allowed to communicate with their families.
“If
an individual has died, then their body or remains should be returned to their
family, in accordance with international law and in full respect of the
deceased and their loved ones,” she said.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/un-pursuit-of-justice-should-step-up-in-syria-/2173183
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European,
Arab top diplomats discuss Middle East
Busra
Nur Cakmak
11.03.2021
Top
diplomats from France, Germany, Egypt and Jordan on Thursday discussed possible
peace efforts for Palestine and Israel ahead of the elections.
In
a joint news conference in Paris, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian
said they will meet with Israeli and Palestinian officials to discuss
trust-building efforts.
“We
have a very special timetable ahead of us. Because there are elections planned
in Israel and also in Palestine,” said Le Drian.
For
his part, German Foreign Minister Heiko Mass said that the new US
administration's support for a two-state solution is a positive step.
“The
new US administration has also stated that it is in favor of a two-state
solution. It has also stated that it will stand against anything that prevents
a two-state solution from existing and this is, again, a very positive message
and signal that we have been getting there,” said Mass.
“It
is important to restore trust. We have to take steps and measures to achieve
this,” he added.
Egyptian
top diplomat Sameh Hassan Shoukry said it is important to resume peace talks
especially for Palestinian people “who deserve to have the rights restored or
have been cruelly deprived of these rights.”
Jordan’s
Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi also said: “Positive signals from the new
administration in the United States, show us that we will have good relations
with the US administration as well, and work in this direction.”
“Peace
will not be possible, unless the illegal steps taken by Israel are not
corrected. This is particularly the question of building of new settlements or
confiscation of land and destruction of existing structures,” he added.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/european-arab-top-diplomats-discuss-middle-east/2173155
--------
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