RSS Believes Some Religions, Languages and Communities Inferior to Others: Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the US
New Age Islam News Bureau
10 Sep 2024
Leader of Opposition, Shri Rahul Gandhi
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· RSS Believes Some Religions, Languages and Communities Inferior to Others: Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the US
· Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan Men Convicted for Urging Assassinating of Populist Firebrand, Geert Wilders
· Hate Crimes Against Muslims, Palestinians Surge in Chicago, Says US Muslim Group CAIR
· The UN Chief Calls the Death and Destruction in Gaza the Worst He’s Seen
· Jihad Movement: Aggression Against Syria War Crime Added To Zionist Crimes
India
· Row On Himachal Sanjauli Mosque: "We Are Considering It As 'Local Dispute’, Trying To Diffuse It": Himachal Pradesh DGP
· BJP Eyes 15k UP Booths in Muslim-Dominated Areas for Minority Outreach
· Uttarakhand Signboards Row: Civil Society Group Writes ToCM Over 'Discrimination' Against Muslims
· National Conference leader Omar Abdullah’s sons jump into politics
· Borders fully secure; will not allow terrorists to disturb assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir: BSF
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Pakistan
· Leader Claims Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf MNAs Being Coerced To Support ‘Legislative Package’
· Pakistan's envoy to US presents Congressman Al Green with prestigious award
· PM Shehbaz stresses need for political stability, continuity of policies
· Six cops, seven others injured in bomb attack in KP's South Waziristan
· Allies congregate to mull ‘constitutional package’
· Postponed Aug 22 Jalsa at Establishment’s Request: Imran
· GB sees plot behind attacks in Balochistan
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North America
· UN Rights Chief Urges Countries To Challenge Israel’s ‘Blatant Disregard’ For Law
· Police investigate damage to Muslim-owned martial arts studio in Lincoln Square
· Jill Stein could serve as a spoiler candidate in swing states thanks to Muslim voters: Poll
· Muslim vote still up for grabs, could tilt results in battleground states
· A new poll finds a surprising presidential choice for Muslim American voters in Michigan
· US Republicans blame Biden in Afghanistan withdrawal report
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Mideast
· Erdogan demands Muslim leaders convene summit over Temple Mount ‘expansionism’
· Gaza agency says Israeli strike kills 40 in humanitarian zone
· Successful ‘polio pause’ prompts renewed calls for permanent Gaza ceasefire
· Jordan Holds First Election Under New Law, Islamists Expected To Benefit From Gaza War Sentiment
· UN convoy in Gaza released after being detained by Israel
· Charred cars, burning trees after deadly Israeli strikes on Syria
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Arab World
· Full Steam Ahead for Saudi Arabia’s Aquaculture Dream
· GCC strengthens ties with Russia, India, Brazil at Riyadh summit
· Sultan approves plan to build and rebuild 100 mosques at Dhs800 million
· Mecca to build first stone park using recycled materials
· Pakistan’s newly commissioned warship visits Saudi Arabia on maiden voyage
· Riyadh forum discusses nature conservation challenges in West Asia
· National Cultural Awards winners honoured in Riyadh
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Southeast Asia
· ‘I Have Been Promoting Malaysia’s Halal Certification Since 2008’, Teresa Kok Clarifies Stance, Hopes for Peaceful Resolution
· Malaysia, China Strengthen Ties with Focus On Digital Economy And Green Development, Says PM Anwar
· Najib gets two days medical leave due to acute knee pain, trial vacated
· Perlis State Assembly names Baharuddin and Azahar as new senators
· Zambry announces Malaysia’s Centre of Excellence education and training hub for developing, post-war nations
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South Asia
· Congress Report: Biden’s Afghanistan Withdrawal Marked by Critical Failure
· Border clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan continue
· Iranian border officials arrest 14 Afghan traffickers with over 11 kg of drugs
· Ministry of Refugees Plans Land Allocation for Returnees and Cave Dwellers in Bamyan
· Deputy Minister Azizi Calls for Urgent Preservation Measures of Minaret of Jam
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Europe
· ‘English Nationalist’ NHS Consultant Loses Appeal Over Anti-Islamic Views
· Islamic Cultural Centre in Kyiv damaged in Russian missile strike
· Comment of the MFA of Ukraine regarding the summoning of the Chargé d'Affaires of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Ukraine
· Iranian Dissident Man Gang-Raped In Germany By Alleged 'Islamic Republic Loyalists'
· Moscow accuses Kiev of ‘top-level terrorism’
· Software giant names world’s most cyber-attacked country
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Africa
· National Chief Imam, Clergy Pray for Bawumia Ahead of Filing Nomination
· Peter Obi Slams FG for Charging Peaceful Protesters with Treason
· Shi’ite Member Arrested for Allegedly Trying To Secure Colleague’s Release With ₦1.5 Million Bribe
· ‘Stop Arresting People Without Thorough Investigation’ – AGF Fagbemi Warns Anti-graft Agencies
· Petition Against Ajaero Has Been Withdrawn – Air Peace Clarifies
· NLC Issues Red Alert As Details Of Closed-door Meeting Over Arrest Of Joe Ajaero By DSS Emerges
· Death toll rises in Algeria and Morocco following devastating floods
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
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RSS Believes Some Religions, Languages and Communities Inferior to Others: Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the US
Leader of Opposition, Shri Rahul Gandhi
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10.09.24
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the RSS of considering some religions, languages and communities of being inferior to others and said that the fight in India is about this and not about politics.
The Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha was addressing a gathering of several hundred Indian Americans in Herndon, a Virginia suburb of Washington DC, on Monday.
“First of all, you have to understand what the fight is about. The fight is not about politics. That is superficial,” Gandhi said as he asked one of the Sikh attendees in the front rows to give his name. “What is your name, brother with the turban,” he asked.
“The fight is about whether a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear his turban in India or a kada in India. Or he, as a Sikh, is going to be able to go to Gurdwara. That's what the fight is about. And not just for him, for all religions,” said the Congress leader.
Gandhi is currently on a four-day visit to the United States. His first stop was in Dallas which began on Saturday, and he arrived in Washington DC on Monday.
Criticising the RSS for their policies and vision of India, he said, "What the RSS is basically saying is that certain states are inferior to other states. Certain languages are inferior to other languages. Certain religions are inferior to other religions. Certain communities are inferior to other communities. This is what the fight is about." "...that is the ideology of the RSS. Tamil, Marathi, Bengali, Manipuri. These are all inferior languages. That's what the fight is about," he said, asserting that these issues end up in the polling booth, the Lok Sabha and the Vidhan Sabha.
"But the fight is about what type of India we are going to have,” he said.
He asserted that regardless of the region one belongs from, "all of you have your history, all of you have your tradition, all of you have your language, and every single one of them is as important as any other one.” Gandhi also said that the BJP has no "understanding" of India.
“India is called a union of states. And in the Constitution, it's written clearly. India, that is Bharat, is a union of states. It means it's a union of languages, traditions, histories, etc," he said.
"They say this is not a union. These are separate things. Among these, only one is very important. And whose headquarters is in Nagpur,” he said, in a veiled reference to the RSS.
Addressing the diaspora, Gandhi called them "ambassadors of India". "You're the bridge between these two great unions of states. You make us very proud," he said.
"We understand the difficulties and struggles that you have had to deal with. It's not easy. But when you came here, you came with humility, you came with respect, and you came with affection,” he said.
He said that in a BJP system, a person cannot have two identities. "You cannot be India and at the same time be America. That is what the fight is about. That is what we are trying to do in India," he said.
"We are saying, don't spread hatred, spread love. Don't be arrogant, be humble. Don't disrespect people, respect people, respect traditions, respect religions, respect languages, respect communities,” Gandhi said.
Source:telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/rahul-gandhi-in-united-states-rss-believes-some-religions-languages-inferior/cid/2046973
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Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan Men Convicted for Urging Assassinating of Populist Firebrand, Geert Wilders
Far-right and anti-Islam leader Geert Wilders.
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September 10, 2024
Hafiz Saad Hussain Rizvi, who styles himself the “Emir of Pakistan’s Largest Religio-Political Organization,” the Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) party, and Muhammed Ashraf Asif Jalali, an imam linked to the TLP, have been convicted of inciting Muslims to murder Dutch populist leader Geert Wilders. Rizvi and Jalali, tried in absentia in the Netherlands, received four-year and 14-year sentences, respectively. Wilders, whose Party for Freedom (PVV) is the largest in the Netherlands and incorporated into its new anti-mass migration government, was put under an Islamic fatwa by Jalali in 2018. This was sparked by Wilders’, a long-time critic of Islam, organizing a ‘Draw Mohammed’ contest, which had to be abandoned due to jihadist threats. Rizvi called for Wilders’s assassination at a press conference the same year.
Wilders wrote prior to the convictions that he has been “forced to live in various safe houses” since 2004 due to Islamists like Rizvi and Jalali. Theo Van Gogh, another Dutch Islam critic, was murdered in the streets of Amsterdam the same year by a jihadist who pinned a death threat against Ayaan Hirsi Ali to his body with a dagger. Ali, a Somalia-born Islam critic, has since fled Europe for the U.S. Pakistan does not have an extradition treaty with the Netherlands, so Rizvi and Jalali are unlikely to be transported to the Netherlands, but the convictions may limit their travel overseas.
Source:thenationalpulse.com
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https://thenationalpulse.com/2024/09/09/pakistanis-convicted-of-calling-on-muslims-to-assassinate-european-populist-leader/
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Hate Crimes Against Muslims, Palestinians Surge in Chicago, Says US Muslim Group CAIR
Photo: aa.com
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09.09.2024
Ayşe Betül Akçeşme |
A growing number of hate crimes targeting Muslims and Palestinians in the US city of Chicago is raising concerns, according to an official at the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).
Maggie Slavin, operations manager at the CAIR branch in the Midwestern US city, told Anadolu that there has been a 196% increase in hate crimes against Muslims and Palestinians in the city since last October, when Israel’s ongoing offensive against the Gaza Strip began.
Slavin said the incidents are occurring in workplaces, schools, and public spaces, with individuals facing consequences for expressing solidarity with Gaza and Palestine.
She highlighted that the Muslim American community is facing tight censorship. In workplaces, people are punished for expressing support for Gaza, and on campuses, students face administrative sanctions for advocating Palestinian rights, she added.
She said authorities' response to the increase in hate crimes is “uncertain.” While some police departments are cooperative, she said, others require persistent advocacy.
On a recent attack on a Palestinian-owned cafe in the residential area of Uptown, she said the Chicago Police Department initially declined to classify the incident as a hate crime.
"We have to be absolutely relentless until that police department – until the authorities – agree with us that it was a hate crime," she said.
Nabala Cafe, a Palestinian-owned cafe in Uptown that displays a Palestinian flag, was attacked last week.
Actual antisemitism threat to all minorities
The rise in anti-Muslim sentiment is also being echoed by the resurgence of federal surveillance. Slavin compared the current atmosphere to the era after the September 2001 terrorist attacks in the US.
"We've gotten a lot of calls about inappropriate interactions from the FBI or from federal authorities … This kind of feels like a witch hunt," she explained.
When the FBI shows up at people’s doors, they are frightened and call CAIR to ask what to do, Slavin said. "We haven't seen anything like that," she noted. "That's kind of a very scary new thing that's happening."
She expressed frustration with the misuse of the term "antisemitism" to stifle criticism of Israel's policies.
"Actual antisemitism, the actual targeting of the Jewish faith, is a threat to us (Muslims), it's a threat to all minorities," she said.
"But when everything is thrown out as, 'Oh, it's antisemitic,' 'Oh, you're being antisemitic,' it just whittles that down to not being a serious thing," she underlined.
What they are doing is "a legitimate criticism of Israel's policies" and what Israel has been doing in Gaza and the West Bank, she said.
Killing of Turkish American activist was 'targeted attack'
On recent killing of a Turkish American activist by Israeli forces in the West Bank, Slavin said it was no accident. Aysenur Ezgi Eygi was a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights, she said, adding: "We think that it was a targeted attack."
"It just goes to show that even if you're American, if you are Muslim, the IDF (Israeli army) do not care and will erase your humanity to the point of actually murdering you."
Slavin said the Israeli army see nothing but resilience from Palestinians "who are experiencing this brutal genocide."
Doing anything less than being resilient would be a "dishonor" to Palestinians, she said.
*Writing by Yasin Gungor
Source:aa.com.tr
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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/hate-crimes-against-muslims-palestinians-surge-in-chicago-says-us-muslim-group/3325782
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Jihad Movement: Aggression Against Syria War Crime Added To Zionist Crimes
Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine
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09 Sep 2024
GAZA - SABA : September 9, 2024 (Saba) - The Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine has condemned the brutal Zionist aggression against Syria as a war crime added to the crimes committed by the occupier in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon.
The movement stated that the international and Arab silence, along with support from the American administration, encourages the occupying government to continue its aggression without restraint.
Source:saba.ye
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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3369396.htm
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India
Row On Himachal Sanjauli Mosque: "We Are Considering It As 'Local Dispute’, Trying To Diffuse It": Himachal Pradesh DGP
over Sep 10, 2024
[India], September 10 (ANI): Amid the ongoing controversy over the legality of the under-construction Sanjauli Masjid in Shimla (/topic/shimla), Himachal Pradesh (/topic/himachal-pradesh) Director General of Police (DGP) Atul Verma termed it as "local dispute (/topic/local-dispute)" and said that the administration is trying to diffuse the matter and prevent any unfortunate incident in future. Verma said that the district administration, municipal commissioner and SP Shimla (/topic/shimla) are moving forward in this regard. Himachal Pradesh (/topic/himachal-pradesh) DGP, Dr Atul Verma (/topic/dr-atul-verma) on Monday while addressing media persons said, "A meeting took place over the communal threat, all stakeholders attended the meet. We are considering it as a 'local dispute (/topic/localdispute)'. Intelligence was gathered accordingly and preparations were made. District Administration, Municipal commissioner and SP Shimla (/topic/shimla) with the help of all other departments are trying to diffuse it and hopefully, no untoward incident will happen."The matter is listed in the Municipal Commissioner's court in Shimla (/topic/shimla). The next hearing of the case has been scheduled on October 5. On the alleged construction issue of Sanjauli mosque (/topic/sanjaulimosque), an advocate representing Waqf Board, BS Thakur, said on September 7, "A notice regarding unauthorized construction was issued by Municipal Corporation Shimla (/topic/shimla) to HP Waqf Board. We have submitted a reply and documents to the court. The issue related to the construction is sub-judice...Today the court asked about ownership and through documentary evidence we told the court that in 1947, when 9/10/24, 11:10 AM "We are considering it as 'local dispute', trying to diffuse it": Himachal Pradesh DGP over row on Sanjauli mosque https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/we-are-considering-it-as-local-dispute-trying-to-diffuse-it-himachal-pradesh-dgp-over-row-on-sanja… 3/6 TAGS Himachal Pradesh (/topic/himachal-pradesh/) Dr Atul erma (/topic/dr-atul-verma/) Sanjauli mosque (/topic/sanjauli-mosque/) Shimla (/topic/shimla/) local dispute (/topic/local-dispute/) a survey of Waqf properties was conducted throughout India the mosque was the property of the Waqf board...The concerned officers will file a status report of the property. We will submit a reply on the next date of the hearing October 5...The issue regarding the illegal construction is pending before the court. The court will decide on it..." Earlier on September 5, Himachal Pradesh (/topic/himachal-pradesh) assembly LoP and BJP leader Jairam Thakur said that people should maintain peace while he held the Congress government responsible for the situation. "This issue was discussed yesterday also in the Vidhan Sabha...The case was lodged in 2010, but nothing was done in this...I would say that the people should maintain peace and the present government is completely responsible for this...," Thakur told ANI. "Swift action should be taken into the matter, "he added. Himachal Pra esh (/topic/himachal-pradesh) minister Vikramaditya Singh said earlier that if the mosque is 'illegal' then action will be taken. Himachal Pradesh (/topic/himachal-pradesh) Vidhan Sabha witnessed a heated debate on September 4 regarding the construction of the mosque in Sanjauli. (ANI)
Source:.aninews.in
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BJP Eyes 15k UP Booths in Muslim-Dominated Areas for Minority Outreach
Sep 9, 2024,
Lucknow: The BJP has zeroed in on 15,000 Muslim-dominated polling booths across over a dozen districts for the deployment of additional functionaries to expedite the outreach among the minorities during the ongoing membership drive.
Sources said that the party has tasked its minority frontal wing to depute at least two to three active members in these booths with an aim to "dispel" BJP's "anti-Muslim" narrative allegedly peddled by the opposition, primarily the SP and the Congress.
This exercise, which is expected to coincide with PM Narendra Modi's birthday on Sept 17, will be essentially aimed at building grassroots support and countering the narrative about BJP being a party of only the Hindu community, sources said.
Talking to TOI, UP BJP minority frontal wing general secretary and chief of the Muslim membership drive, Zaheer Abbas Zaidi said the wing has around 40,000 active members who would soon be deputed in these booths to bolster BJP's outreach towards Muslims.
The move potentially aligns with the party's effort to project itself as a "more inclusive" outfit ahead of the ensuing bypolls on 10 assembly seats and subsequently the 2027 assembly elections. Zaidi said the party was reaching out to maulvis, madrassas and Sufi seers to seek their help in convincing the minority electorate. As a matter of fact, the BJP has set an ambitious target of making at least 5 lakh members from the Muslim community.
Zaidi claimed that around 20,000 Muslims have reached out to the BJP through phone calls since the campaign started a week ago. This, he said, was besides the members who got enrolled through online membership and through physical verifications. Experts said historically as well as traditionally, the BJP has limited support among Muslim voters, given its alignment with Hindutva ideologies. However, the party has been making desperate efforts to attract sections of the Muslim population, particularly by highlighting welfare schemes and economic opportunities.
Zaidi claimed that the BJP has managed to cover 70% of the eligible Muslims under the prestigious Ayushman scheme. Likewise, Jan Dhan accounts of 80% of the eligible Muslims have been opened by the BJP govt, he said. This initiative may also be part of BJP's larger political outreach, including measures like the appointment of Muslim candidates in certain regions, public engagement with Muslim leaders and efforts to create alliances with Muslim community that may align with the party on specific issues, such as economic development, national security, or educational reforms.
Experts said the success of the outreach depends on how well the party can balance its traditional base while addressing the concerns and aspirations of Muslims.
Source:indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/bjp-eyes-15k-booths-in-muslim-dominated-areas-for-minority-outreach/articleshow/113203995.cms
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Uttarakhand signboards row: Civil society group writes to CM over 'discrimination' against Muslims
Sep 9, 2024
NEW DELHI: In the wake of objectionable signboards appearing at the entrances of villages in several areas of Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag, a civil society group comprising several retired civil servants and academics on Monday wrote to chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami against alleged discrimination targeting Muslims. Villagers in several areas of Rudraprayag district have put up signboards at the entrances of their villages, prohibiting the entry of outsiders. Signboards had been put up in villages such as Sirsi, Rampur-Nyalsu, and others. Initially, the boards stated a ban on "non-Hindus", but the phrasing was later changed to "ban on outsiders" following police intervention, according to villagers.
The police, however, later said objectionable signboards have been removed.
"The signboards put up at six places in Guptkashi police station area were objectionable and have been withdrawn," Deputy Superintendent of Police Prabodh Kumar Ghildiyal said. People have been asked to maintain social harmony, he said.
In a letter to Dhami, Citizens for Fraternity said that as concerned citizens of the country they have watched with dismay, news coming out of various places in Uttarakhand of "discrimination against Muslims, many of whom have been residents for decades and owning businesses there".
The letter is signed by the likes of former chief election commissioner SY Quraishi, former Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung, former AMU vice chancellor Zameer Uddin Shah, former MP Shahid Siddiqui and former IRS Syed Mahmood Akhter, among others.
The Constitution does not discriminate on religion, caste or region, the letter said.
It encourages Indians and does not debar them to travel to other states and set up businesses, which provides employment opportunities to local people and contribute towards the economy, the letter to Dhami said.
"It (putting up of signboards) depicts our country in poor light and offers an opportunity to those not amicable to us to criticise us. How can we aspire to be world leaders if such incidents continue and are not nipped in the bud. The perpetrators of hate, irrespective of religion, must to be booked and stringent action taken against them," the letter said.
"We believe that DMs and SPs in each district should be held accountable if no action is taken, the civil society group said.
Source:indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/uttarakhand-signboards-row-civil-society-group-writes-to-cm-over-discrimination-against-muslims/articleshow/113200502.cms
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Borders fully secure; will not allow terrorists to disturb assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir: BSF
10.09.24
Counter-infiltration measures have been put in place along the borders to ensure that terrorists don't infiltrate and disturb the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, a top BSF officer said on Tuesday.
Inspector General of Border Security Force (BSF), Jammu frontier, D K Boora was speaking to reporters in Bhaderwah area of Doda district which along with six other districts covering a total of 24 assembly segments in south Kashmir and Chenab valley region of Jammu is going to polls in the first phase on September 18.
“The borders are completely secure as the BSF in coordination with sister agencies, including police, have taken all necessary counter-infiltration measures. I want to assure everyone that no such activity (infiltration of terrorists from across the border) will be allowed during the election process,” the BSF officer said.
He said the BSF is capable of dealing with any situation and will play its role in ensuring the conduct of free and fair elections.
“The BSF is an able force and you will find our troops deployed more in difficult terrain as they are capable of dealing with any type of situation and do their job bravely. The BSF is deployed here (in Chenab valley) for safe conduct of the elections,” Boora said.
Referring to recent terror incidents in Doda and Kishtwar districts, the BSF officer said the commanders on the ground are aware of some incidents and are conducting their activities in a tactical way to sanitise the whole area, and “I am hopeful that no untoward incident will happen during elections”.
Earlier, the BSF IG reviewed election security at a meeting with 20 commanding officers of the force whose units are deployed across all the three districts, informing that traces of militancy were found in this area in the recent past.
“They (terrorists) are not in large numbers but since the area has vast forest cover, they are getting an opportunity to survive,” he said, asking his men to be alert and foil any nefarious design of the terrorists.
Source:telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/border-security-force-borders-fully-secure-will-not-allow-terrorists-to-disturb-assembly-polls-in-jammu-and-kashmir/cid/2047025
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Pakistan
Leader Claims Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf MNAs Being Coerced To Support ‘Legislative Package’
Amir Wasim
September 10, 2024
ISLAMABAD: Hours before police swung into action and took into custody the top leadership of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), senior opposition leader Asad Qaiser accused the government of using strong-arm tactics to bully its opponents into supporting what he called ‘a key legislative package’.
Speaking on a point of order on the floor of the National Assembly on Monday, Mr Qaiser said his party’s lawmakers were being “coerced” to support the government’s legislative package and asked deputy speaker Ghulam Mustafa Shah to intervene.
“We have been receiving complaints from our MNAs. They are constantly receiving threats. They are being coerced to support a legislative package which the government is bringing [to the parliament],” said Mr Qaiser, who had served as the NA speaker during the Imran Khan government.
He also alleged that some opposition members were being lured with different offers.
Mr Qaiser, however, did not elaborate the nature of these threats, nor did he identify those approaching his party’s lawmakers. “This is a fascist attitude, condemnable and intolerable,” he added.
“This is our demand to the chair. Give a ruling to protect MNAs and stop the government from using such pressure tactics,” he said.
He also drew the attention of the chair towards the presence of a large number of police personnel outside the Parliament House, asking him to play a role to protect the members.
Later, Mr Qaiser’s fears proved true as police arrested a couple of lawmakers from outside Parliament House soon after adjournment of the session till Tuesday morning (today).
Earlier, during Question Hour, Mr Qaiser had a verbal clash with Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal over the issues of NFC award and a cut in public sector development projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1858034/asad-qaiser-claims-pti-mnas-being-coerced-to-support-legislative-package
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Pakistan's envoy to US presents Congressman Al Green with prestigious award
September 10, 2024
Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh presented Congressman Alexander N Green with the prestigious Sitara-i-Khidmat award during a special investiture ceremony at the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington DC, a statement released by the embassy on Monday stated.
The award recognises Green's exceptional efforts in bolstering Pakistan-US relations, advocating for Islamabad’s positive image in the US Congress, and combating Islamophobia.
The ceremony was attended by Congressman Randy Weber, Representative Henry Ceullar, former Congressman Nick Lampson, Texas State Representative Suleman Lalani, diplomats and prominent members of the Pakistani American community.
According to statement, the ambassador praised Green as "an extraordinary individual whose contributions have significantly strengthened the friendship between Pakistan and United States."
"Your tireless efforts, geared to promoting positive image of Pakistan across various forums, have certainly played a pivotal role in deepening diplomatic and economic ties between our two nations," said the ambassador.
Recalling Green's visit to Pakistan during devastating floods of 2022, the ambassador observed that the Congressman not only expressed his solidarity with the people of the country at the most difficult time, but also returned to the US Congress to passionately advocate for timely assistance.
"Your call to the wealthier nations at that point in time to step in and step up, given Pakistan's minimal contribution to the global emissions, demonstrated your genuine concern for justice and equity at the global level," Sheikh observed.
Meanwhile, Green expressed his gratitude to Pakistan's government and its people for the honour, and said that he considered the honour as a "continuation of the extension of the hand of friendship" between the two nations.
"I went to Pakistan because there was a need in Pakistan. I went because the people of Pakistan, whom I consider a part of my family, were suffering," said Green.
Additionally, Green stressed: "No wedge between us. We cannot allow it. We have too much in common and our needs for each other are too great.
He vowed to "continue to build our people to people relationships to have a lasting relationship that can make a difference for the countries that I represent and that I am eager to see again when I return to Pakistan."
Furthermore, Sheikh also lauded Green's invaluable contributions towards combating terrorism in the region and his support for significant legislative initiatives like the Pakistan Enduring Assistance and Cooperation Enhancement Act of 2009.
Sheikh said that Pakistan and the US shared "long standing relationship built on shared values, mutual respect and common ideals."
He said that the two nations, for more than seven decades, have collaborated on multiple fronts, promoting peace, advancing economic development, and addressing global challenges such as terrorism and climate change.
"The strength of our partnership lies in strong people to people connections and Congressman Al Green has played a critical role in nurturing this important bond," said the ambassador.
Source:thenews.com.pk
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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1228936-pakistans-envoy-to-us-presents-congressman-al-green-with-prestigious-award
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PM Shehbaz stresses need for political stability, continuity of policies
September 10, 2024
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed the need for political stability and continuity of policies in the country.
The prime minister expressed these views while addressing a dinner hosted in the honor of parliamentarians from the coalition parties in Islamabad on Monday night.
Speaking on the occassion, the PM strongly condemned the “inappropriate language” used at the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) power show in Islamabad on Sunday.
A day earlier, the Imran Khan-founded PTI staged a much-hyped power show featuring fiery speeches in Islamabad. During the rally, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister reportedly used foul language against his opponents. He also used derogatory remarks about his Punjab counterpart.
Besides targeting his opponents, the provincial chief executive at the much-hyped Sunday’s power show also hurled allegations at journalists, calling them “sellouts and brokers” without sharing evidence.
The prime minister said that everybody should have to get together to steer the country out of the economic quagmire.
He said terrorism had almost been eliminated from the country under the leadership of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, but unfortunately, it was resurging in some parts of the country. He, however, vowed to uproot the menace again.
PM Shehbaz highlighted the slowdown in inflation to 9.6% in August 2024, citing it as a testament to the government’s effective economic measures.
“The economic experts are forecasting further decline in the inflation rate during the current month which is a good news for the nation”, he said, recalling that in 2018, they had left the government with a single digit inflation rate.
The prime minister attributed the economic progress to the efforts initiated by his last government in April 2022, to save the country from default. The economic team’s efforts had not only stabilised the economy but also put it on a growth trajectory.
The dinner was attended by the members of the National Assembly and the Senate belonging to the government’s allied parties.
The prime minister said that while assuming the responsibilities as “Khadim-e-Pakistan”, he had promised to the people that he would ease their problems at all costs.
Now the positive results of economic reforms had started reaching the people, he said adding that it was not possible to achieve the goal of the country’s development without making the life of the common man easier.
As regards the power tariffs, the prime minister said the government was taking measures to provide maximum relief to the low-income segments of the society.
He said that the process of right sizing and downsizing in the government offices had been started to reduce the expenditures.
Source:thenews.com.pk
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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1228932-pm-shehbaz-stresses-need-for-political-stability-continuity-of-policies
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Six cops, seven others injured in bomb attack in KP's South Waziristan
September 09, 2024
At least six police personnel and seven civilians were injured after a police van was targeted in a remote-controlled bomb attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's (KP) South Waziristan on Monday, Geo News reported citing a hospital official.
The police, meanwhile, confirmed that the bomb went off at the Kir Kot Road in the Wana Rustam Bazar.
The police officials added they reached site of the incident as soon as the blast was reported, while rescue teams arrived there to shifted the injured to the District Headquarters Hospital Wana.
One of the critically injured victims of the attack has been shifted to Dera Ismail Khan.
Meanwhile, Medical Superintendent Dr Hamad Mahmood told Geo News the injured brought to the hospital included both civilians and police personnel.
On the other hand, the police sources mentioned the start of the anti-polio campaign in the region from today.
At least two police vehicles were going towards Krikot Road to provide security to the polio workers in the locality, which is when one of the vehicles was targeted in the attack.
The area, the sources added, has been cordoned off and investigation into the tragic incident has begun.
District Health Officer Dr Inayat Rahman told Geo News that the polio campaign has been started across the district today with at least 70,000 children over the age of five are being vaccinated.
According to the DHO, strict security arrangements have been made throughout the district with 480 police personnel deployed for the security of 297 polio teams.
It should be noted that both security personnel and polio workers remain vulnerable to serious risks of attacks in Pakistan, particularly in its religiously conservative northwestern region.
In many conflict regions, security concerns pose serious risks to polio teams. Over the past decade, dozens of polio workers have been attacked, creating an atmosphere of fear among those tasked with protecting the country’s children.
In July this year, two cops on polio duty were injured in separate attacks in Tank and Dera Ismail Khan districts.
Source:thenews.com.pk
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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1228529-six-police-personnel-seven-others-injured-in-bomb-attack-in-kps-south-waziristan
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Allies congregate to mull ‘constitutional package’
Syed Irfan Raza
September 10, 2024
• President, PM convene separate meetings
• Strategy discussed to muster two-thirds majority for constitutional amendment
• Fazl ‘skips’ meeting despite president’s invite
• PM Shehbaz asks lawmakers to ensure attendance as bill’s passage likely this week
ISLAMABAD: The ruling partners joined heads at the Presidency and the Prime Minister’s Office on Monday to deliberate on an important piece of proposed legislation aiming to set the Chief Justice of Pakistan’s (CJP) term to a fixed three-year period as well as to counter the ‘threat’ posed by the opposition.
One meeting summoned by President Asif Ali Zardari was held at the President’s House whereas Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting at the PM’s Office to take into confidence the allies as well as woo a former partner, JUI-F, to ensure a two-thirds majority in both houses of parliament for a constitutional amendment.
The desired legislation for the three-year tenure of the CJP needs 224 votes in the National Assembly for its passage and the ruling coalition is short of 12 votes. If the JUI-F led by Maulana Fazlur Rehman agrees to support this proposed law, the government will still need four to five more votes in the National Assembly. However, it will have the two-thirds majority in the Senate with the JUI-F support. Amid this numbers game, the PTI has alleged that some of its members are being pressured to vote for the upcoming bill.
A source in the National Assembly Secretariat told Dawn that the bill seeking the constitutional amendment would be tabled in the National Assembly within this week and will aim to increase the tenure of the top judge.
Another important bill seeking an increase in the number of judges of the Supreme Court from 17 to 21 had already been presented in the Senate last week by Senator Abdul Qadir, an independent from Balochistan. The bill has been sent to the relevant committee of the upper house of parliament for review and discussion.
In the Senate, 64 votes are required to obtain a two-thirds majority for a constitutional amendment, whereas the ruling coalition has 55 members in the Senate — PML-N 19, PPP 24, Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) 4, MQM 3, and 5 independents.
Huddles at Presidency and PMO
Interestingly, the huddles in the Presidency and the PMO took place simultaneously at a time when the capital police and local administration of Islamabad arrested several top PTI leaders in a late-night crackdown. In both meetings, parliamentarians of the ruling alliance were asked to ensure their presence in the NA and the Senate in the coming days for the important legislation.
A source said President Zardari had also invited the JUI-F to the meeting, but no one from the party participated. President Zardari underscored the need to strengthen parliamentary democracy and promote political stability to put the country on the path of development, said a statement from the presidency.
The leaders of the Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians, Awami National Party (ANP), Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q), and Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP) attended the meeting At the PM Office, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asked lawmakers to ensure their presence in the two houses of parliament for the upcoming legislation.
Besides legislators of the ruling PML-N, the meeting was also attended by the leaders of the PPP, MQM, and other allied parties. According to the PMO, PM Shehbaz highlighted the slowdown in inflation to 9.6 per cent in August, citing it as a testament to the government’s effective economic measures.
“The economic experts are forecasting further decline in the inflation rate during the current month which is good news for the nation,” he said, adding that in 2018, “we also left the government with a single-digit inflation rate”.
The PM attributed the economic progress to the government’s efforts, which started in April 2022, to save the country from default.
He emphasised that the economic team’s efforts had not only stabilised the economy but also put it on a growth trajectory.
About power tariffs, the prime minister said the government was taking measures to provide maximum relief to the low-income segment of society.
The prime minister stressed the need for political stability and continuity in policies in the country. He also condemned the irresponsible language used by the leaders of a political party at a rally on Sunday.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1858071/allies-congregate-to-mull-constitutional-package
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Postponed Aug 22 jalsa at establishment’s request: Imran
Malik Asad
September 10, 2024
ISLAMABAD: As an accountability court transferred a fresh Toshakhana reference against him and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to a special court of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), PTI founder Imran Khan on Monday hinted at backdoor contacts between his party and the military establishment.
Speaking to reporters after attending accountability court proceedings, he said his party’s Sept 8 rally, originally scheduled to be held on Aug 22, was postponed at the request of the establishment.
Mr Khan claimed that ex-senator Azam Swati visited the Adiala jail at 7am and conveyed the message from the establishment.
The message was conveyed during the ‘extraordinary’ visit to the jail, as a meeting before the start of regular visiting hours (which begin at 9am) could only be possible through special arrangement.
Mr Khan explained that the establishment wanted the postponement of the Aug 22 jalsa primarily for security reasons in the wake of religious parties’ protests on the same day as well as in view of the arrangements for the Pakistan-Bangladesh cricket match. He claimed that the establishment had assured him of the necessary permissions required to hold a jalsa on Sept 8.
He lamented the government attempted to stop protesters by placing containers on roads and issuing directives for the organisers to conclude the jalsa by 7pm.
The ex-premier also alleged that the establishment had previously offered him ‘acquittal in all cases’ if he kept mum for three years. He said he would have fled the country if he wanted to get such ‘relief’.
Interestingly, Mr Khan also criticised the amendments to the National Accountability Ordinance, saying that it would “protect money laundering and theft of national exchequer”, despite the fact that he has sought acquittal in the new Toshakhana reference under the same amended law.
Mr Khan warned of street agitation if the much-hyped constitutional package was introduced through legislation to extend the tenure of Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faiz Isa. He said the former commissioner of Rawalpindi had hurled serious allegations against the CJP regarding rigging in the Feb 8 general elections.
He said efforts were being made to make the SC controversial.
He reiterated the allegation that the then army chief was part of a conspiracy hatched in London against his party. He said when he contacted the then army chief, the latter assured him that the institution would remain ‘neutral’.
Accountability court
Earlier, Judge Mohammad Ali Warraich of the accountability court ruled that the special judge of the FIA court would also hear bail petitions of the couple, despite the request by Mr Khan’s lawyer Barrister Salman Safdar to accept their bail pleas before transferring the case.
The judge observed that since the Supreme Court upheld amendments in the National Accountability Bureau Ordinance, the FIA was relevant forum and not the NAB. The special court of the FIA was competent to entertain the complaint and hear the bail applications, Justice Warraich ruled.
Subsequently, he transferred the case record to the special court.
Earlier, Barrister Safdar argued there was no case against the ex-premier and his wife under the amended law, requesting the accountability court to decide the bail pleas. The NAB prosecution, however, argued that in the light of the amendments, the accountability court could not pass an order on the bail pleas in the instant reference.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1858074/postponed-aug-22-jalsa-at-establishments-request-imran
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GB sees plot behind attacks in Balochistan
Jamil Nagri
September 9, 2024
GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan government and opposition leaders have condemned recent militant attacks on civilians and security personnel in Balochistan and termed them a conspiracy to destabilise the country and undermine the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.
They demanded strict action to eliminate increasing militancy in Balochistan in order to ensure safety of CPEC as Gilgit-Baltistan is its gateway.
GB home minister Shams Lone talking to journalists condemned the attacks in Balochistan. He said such attacks are aimed at destabilising the country and they are a plot against CPEC project.
“These horrific attacks indicate that Baloch militants have intensified their violent campaign against security forces, public installations, Chinese interests and civilians to create anarchy and uncertainty in the country, he said.
Opposition leader Kazim Mesum said international powers have plans to sabotage CPEC project through militants. “As gateway to CPEC, the GB people are more concerned about the increasing violent acts in Balochistan,” he said.
The opposition leader regretted militant groups, particularly BLA, had involved women and children in acts of terror in Balochistan.
Earlier, GB Chief Minister Gulbar Khan condemned the terrorist attacks in Balochistan and said that the GB government shares the grief of the bereaved families.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1857828/gb-sees-plot-behind-attacks-in-balochistan
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North America
UN rights chief urges countries to challenge Israel’s ‘blatant disregard’ for law
09 September 2024
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has called for an immediate end to the Israeli campaign of genocide in the besieged Gaza Strip.
“Ending that war and averting a full-blown regional conflict is an absolute and urgent priority,” Turk said in a speech at the opening of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday.
He said nearly 1.9 million people have been forcibly displaced across the Gaza Strip.
"While the actual number is likely higher, almost 10,000 Palestinians are held in Israeli prisons or ad hoc military facilities, many arbitrarily, with over 50 people having died due to inhumane conditions and ill-treatment."
Israel has killed nearly 41,000 Palestinians in Gaza since October 7, 2023.
Elsewhere in his remarks, the UN rights chief urged the international community to act on Israel’s “blatant disregard” for international law in the occupied Palestinian territories.
He cited an opinion released by the UN top court in July that called Israel’s occupation illegal and said this situation must be “comprehensively addressed.”
“States must not – cannot – accept blatant disregard for international law, including binding decisions of the (UN) Security Council and orders of the International Court of Justice, neither in this nor any other situation.”
Turk warned that "deadly and destructive" operations in the West Bank are at a scale "not witnessed in the last two decades," and they are "worsening a calamitous situation" which is already aggravated by settler violence.
Israeli forces recently launched incursions into different areas including two refugee camps in the northern West Bank and a village in the south of Nablus. They also stormed several homes and abducted a young man in Qalandiya.
They shot another young man in a separate incident in a town east of Bethlehem.
Source:presstv.ir
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https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/09/09/732977/volker-turk-Israel
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Police investigate damage to Muslim-owned martial arts studio in Lincoln Square
Sept 10, 2024
By Emmanuel Camarillo
Chicago police are investigating after apparent bullet holes were found at a Muslim-owned martial arts studio in Lincoln Square, and the Chicago Office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations is calling for the incident to be handled as a hate crime.
Officers responded to assess the damage to Redzovic Jiu-Jitsu, 4900 N. Lincoln, on Sunday, but they were unable to determine what caused the damage to the building’s windows, Chicago police said.
The person who called to report the damage said the incident happened about 9 p.m. on Saturday and was caught on surveillance cameras, police said.
In their report the officers say the video shows that as a vehicle is passing by the building “there is damage to the window,” but it’s not clear what causes that damage, police said. The investigation is ongoing.
A spokesperson for CAIR said the video shows a vehicle circling the area before pulling up by the studio. Some “flashes” can then be seen coming from the vehicle’s window. There were at least three apparent bullet holes discovered, the spokesperson said.
The CAIR spokesperson said the incident appears to be a hate crime because Eddie Redzovic, owner of the studio and its head instructor, is a well-known Muslim American personality. He hosts a show on YouTube called the Deen Show with hundreds of thousands of followers where he talks about his Muslim faith.
Redzovic’s studio is also a gathering place for other Muslims in the community, the CAIR spokesperson said, adding that worshipers often pray there.
The incident is also similar to the vandalism that was discovered at the Muslim Community Center in Irving Park. Apparent bullet holes were also found at that building last week. According to CAIR, the vehicle seen in the latest incident matches the description of a vehicle suspected in the community center incident.
In another incident, someone smashed a window displaying a Palestinian flag at Nabala Cafe in Uptown. On Sunday, the community packed the business to show their support for the cafe.
“It’s heartbreaking to see acts of violence like this in our beautiful city of Chicago, especially when they may be driven by hatred toward Muslims and Islam, as seen in a similar attack on a mosque nearby,” Redzovic said in a statement.
“I trust that our mayor and police chief will bring those responsible to justice, ensuring the safety of our community. Instead of terrorizing us, we invite these individuals to visit the mosque, get to know us, and embrace love over hate, which is what the world truly needs.”
Source:suntimes.com
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https://chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2024/09/09/police-investigate-damage-muslim-owned-martial-arts-studio-eddie-redzovic-lincoln-square-crime-cpd
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Jill Stein could serve as a spoiler candidate in swing states thanks to Muslim voters: Poll
September 9, 2024
Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein could serve as a spoiler candidate again in critical swing states this November, due to a surge of support from Muslim voters who are disgruntled with both mainstream political parties.
A poll from the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) revealed on Monday that Stein was the most popular candidate among Muslim voters in Arizona (with 35%), Michigan (40%), and Wisconsin (44%). Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris was most popular among likely Muslim voters in Georgia (43%) and Pennsylvania (37%), while former President Donald Trump led in Nevada with 27%.
Some Democrats have considered Stein a spoiler candidate in the 2016 election between former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Trump, which saw Trump narrowly defeat Clinton because of Stein's popularity in several swing states.
The poll noted that Stein and Harris were virtually tied overall, with 29.4% of Muslim voters stating they would vote Harris and 29.1% preferring Stein. Approximately 11% said they support Trump over the other candidates, and 4.2% said they prefer Cornel West. But 16.5% of respondents are still undecided.
“These new survey findings make it clear that American Muslim voters have the potential to determine the outcomes in several key battleground states and that they are still up for grabs in the 2024 election,” CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw said in a statement.
“Candidates running for office cannot afford to overlook the issues that matter most to Muslim Americans," he continued. "Ignoring this community or taking their votes for granted could be a costly mistake, particularly in swing states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arizona, Nevada, and Wisconsin, where elections are often won by narrow margins."
The survey was conducted from Aug. 25 through Aug. 27, and polled 1,155 registered Muslim voters. It had a margin of error of plus and minus 2.95 percentage points.
Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.
Source:justthenews.com
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https://justthenews.com/politics-policy/polling/jill-stein-could-serve-spoiler-candidate-swing-states-due-support-muslim
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Muslim vote still up for grabs, could tilt results in battleground states
By Mallory Wilson -
September 9, 2024
A new survey shows that Muslim voter preferences are diverse, which could mean their vote is still up for grabs.
Muslim voters vary depending on their gender, age, race, party affiliation and location when it comes to picking a presidential candidate, according to a recent survey by the Council of American Islamic Relations.
The survey found that 29.4% of American Muslims are leaning towards Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, while 29.1% lean toward Jill Stein of the Green Party and 11.2% lean toward Republican nominee Donald Trump. Some 16.5% are undecided.
Source:washingtontimes.com
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https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2024/sep/9/muslim-vote-still-up-for-grabs-could-tilt-results-/
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A new poll finds a surprising presidential choice for Muslim American voters in Michigan
September 9, 2024
By Steve Carmody
A new poll finds an unexpected popular choice for president among Muslim-American voters in Michigan.
The survey by the Council on American Islamic Relations finds 40% of Muslim-American voters in Michigan say they support Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein.
Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump (18%) and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris (12%) trail far behind in the poll.
“Jill Stein is polling very strong from previous Democratic voters…independent voters,” said Robert McCaw, CAIR’s director of Government Affairs, “And we also see that she’s pulled away from some traditionally voting Republican.”
According to the poll, Michigan is something of an outlier.
Nationally, Harris and Stein each are polling at about 29% among Muslim American voters surveyed. Harris is leading in some other battleground states (Georgia, Nevada and Pennsylvania), while Stein is leading in others (Wisconsin and Arizona).
Jill Stein is scheduled to address a major Arab American conference this week in Dearborn. Dr. Cornel West, another independent presidential candidate is also scheduled to speak at the event. West is polling a distant fourth in the survey of Muslim American voters, at around 4%.
Nearly a quarter of those surveyed said they were undecided or not voting.
Source:michiganpublic.org
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https://www.michiganpublic.org/politics-government/2024-09-09/a-new-poll-finds-a-surprising-presidential-choice-for-muslim-american-voters-in-michigan
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US Republicans blame Biden in Afghanistan withdrawal report
Mike Wendling
10 September 2024
Republicans in the US House of Representatives issued a sharply critical report into the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, putting the blame squarely on President Joe Biden’s administration.
Democrats have hit back, calling the report biased and noting that former President Donald Trump negotiated the withdrawal.
The House report comes after years of investigation into the US pullout.
The withdrawal led to desperate scenes and violence, including suicide attacks at Kabul’s airport which killed 170 Afghans and 13 US soldiers.
Representative Michael McCaul of Texas said the chaos of the withdrawal was “preventable” and that the White House was guilty of a “dereliction of duty”.
“Our investigation reveals the Biden-Harris administration had the information and opportunity to take necessary steps to plan for the inevitable collapse of the Afghan government, so we could safely evacuate U.S. personnel, American citizens, green card holders, and our brave Afghan allies,” Mr McCaul said in a statement in advance of the report release Monday.
“At each step of the way, however, the administration picked optics over security,” he said.
The report says that the administration chose to evacuate non-combatants far too late and had too few personnel and supplies to carry out an effective evacuation. It says that the withdrawal once again created the conditions for terrorist groups to operate in Afghanistan and that the Biden administration spread bad information as part of a “coverup”.
Mr McCaul said his report was not based on politics or influenced by the upcoming presidential election, but the Biden White House and Congressional Democrats pushed back on the account.
"Chairman McCaul's latest partisan report is based on cherry-picked facts, inaccurate characterisations, and pre-existing biases that have plagued this investigation from the start," White House spokeswoman Sharon Yang said in a statement.
“Because of the bad deal former President Trump cut with the Taliban to get out of Afghanistan by May of 2021, President Biden inherited an untenable position,” she said.
"As we have said many times, ending our longest war was the right thing to do and our nation is stronger today as a result,” she said.
House Democrats issued a response letter saying that Republicans took "particular pains to avoid facts involving former President Donald Trump”.
Last year, the White House released a 12-page summary of a classified report of the withdrawal, which mostly put blame on the Trump administration for the deal it made with the Taliban.
Source:bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1k3dp1094ko
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Mideast
Erdogan demands Muslim leaders convene summit over Temple Mount ‘expansionism’
9 September 2024,
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday urged the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to convene an emergency summit to discuss the war in Gaza and what he called Israel’s attacks on Jerusalem.
Erdogan, who has been a vocal critic of Israel since the start of its war against Hamas, following the terror group’s October 7 attack, called on Islamic countries to form an alliance against what he described as Israel’s “expansionism.”
Speaking after a cabinet meeting in Ankara, Erdogan accused Israel of targeting the Al-Aqsa mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem as part of its “expansionist” drive. Actions affecting the flashpoint site are Ankara’s “red line,” the president added.
The OIC has 57 member states, and claims to be the collective voice of the Muslim world.
“It is unthinkable for the OIC, whose duty is to take care of the Jerusalem cause, to remain indifferent to these attacks. It is urgent that the organization convenes at the leadership level without losing more time,” Erdogan said.
In recent weeks, far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has said repeatedly that his policy is to allow Jewish prayer at the site, which is in direct contrast to the unofficial status quo, in which Muslims can pray there while Jews are allowed to visit, but not pray. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly insisted that there is no change to the status quo, though observers have noted open prayer at the site in recent weeks and months with little intervention.
On Monday, Netanyahu stated during the start of his cabinet meeting that ministers in his government should not visit the site without his prior approval, a day after a report emerged that security chiefs have warned that Palestinian anger over the Temple Mount issue could trigger a major escalation of violence.
The Temple Mount, considered the holiest place in Judaism and the third holiest in Islam, draws strong emotions and is frequently invoked as a motivation for religious violence.
Erdogan also said Monday that Turkey would apply to the International Court of Justice in The Hague over Israel’s killing of a Turkish-American woman, Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, at a protest in the West Bank last week.
“We will take every legal step for her blood not to remain on the ground,” Erdogan said. “The genocide-committing Israeli leadership will absolutely be held accountable for the crimes it has committed.”
According to the IDF, during operations near the town of Beita close to Nablus, troops opened fire at a “main instigator” who was hurling stones at the forces and had “posed a threat.” The military said it was investigating the matter further, while her family has demanded an independent probe into her death.
Source:timesofisrael.com
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https://www.timesofisrael.com/erdogan-demands-muslim-leaders-convene-summit-over-temple-mount-expansionism/
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Gaza agency says Israeli strike kills 40 in humanitarian zone
September 10, 2024
CAIRO: Gaza’s civil defense agency said Tuesday that an Israeli strike on a humanitarian zone in the south of the Palestinian territory killed 40 people and wounded 60 others, with the Israeli army saying it had targeted a Hamas command center in the area.
The strike hit Al-Mawasi — in Gaza’s main southern city of Khan Yunis — which was designated a safe zone by the Israeli military early in the war, with tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians seeking refuge there.
However, Israel’s military has occasionally carried out operations in and around the area, including a strike in July that it said killed Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif, and which Gaza health authorities said killed more than 90 people.
Gaza civil defense official Mohammed Al-Mughair told AFP early Tuesday that “40 martyrs and 60 injured were recovered and transferred” to nearby hospitals following the overnight strike.
“Our crews are still working to recover 15 missing people as a result of targeting the tents of the displaced in Mawasi, Khan Yunis,” Mughair added.
In a separate statement, civil defense spokesman Mahmoud Basal said that people sheltering in the camp had not been warned of the strike, adding a shortage of tools and equipment was hindering rescue operations.
“More than 20 to 40 tents were completely damaged,” he said, adding the strike left behind “three deep craters.”
“There are entire families who disappeared under the sand in the Mawasi Khan Yunis massacre.”
The Israeli military said in a statement early Tuesday that its aircraft had “struck significant Hamas terrorists who were operating within a command and control center embedded inside the Humanitarian Area in Khan Yunis.”
“The terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip continue to systematically abuse civilian and humanitarian infrastructure, including the designated Humanitarian Area, to carry out terrorist activity against the State of Israel and IDF troops,” it added.
Hamas said in a statement on Tuesday that claims its fighters were present at the scene of the strike were “a blatant lie.”
Over the course of the war, Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields, an accusation the group denies.
Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel that sparked the war in Gaza resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, mostly civilians, including some hostages killed in captivity, official Israeli figures show.
Militants seized 251 hostages during the attack, 97 of whom are still held in Gaza, including 33 the Israeli military says are dead.
Israel’s retaliatory offensive in the Gaza Strip has so far killed at least 40,988 people, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.
The UN human rights office says most of the dead are women and children.
The vast majority of Gaza’s 2.4 million people have been displaced at least once during nearly a year of war, according to the United Nations.
From 1,200 inhabitants per square kilometer before the war, the Al-Mawasi humanitarian zone now houses “between 30,000 and 34,000 people per square kilometer,” and its protected area shrank from 50 square kilometers to 41, the UN has calculated.
The United States, Qatar and Egypt have been mediating in efforts to forge a ceasefire and hostage-prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas, but talks remain stalled.
Hamas is demanding a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza as part of any deal, but Israel insists troops must remain along the Gaza-Egypt border.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2570745/middle-east
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Successful ‘polio pause’ prompts renewed calls for permanent Gaza ceasefire
September 09, 2024
LONDON: The UN’s polio vaccination campaign in Gaza has been deemed a success, even though it was conducted in “the most dangerous and difficult (place) on the planet.” However, Palestinian civilians remain at significant risk of injury, illness and death amid the ongoing conflict.
A pause in the fighting between the Israeli military and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in and around the vaccination sites has been critical for the immunization campaign. However, elsewhere in the war-torn territory, the fighting continued.
On Sept. 7, just as medical teams were wrapping up the second phase of the vaccination campaign, Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip killed scores of people — including children.
The vaccination campaign was launched in Gaza after an 11-month-old baby was diagnosed with the viral disease in August, marking the first case in the Strip for 25 years, raising fears it could spread to neighboring countries.
Adele Khodr, regional director for the Middle East and North Africa at UNICEF, described the three-phase campaign as one of “the most dangerous and difficult vaccination campaigns on the planet.”
“Even with a polio pause, the vaccination campaign faces grave danger and immeasurable obstacles, including damaged roads and health infrastructure, displaced populations, looting and disrupted supply routes,” she said in a statement on Sept. 4.
“Children have suffered enough,” she added, warning that the reemergence of the virus is now “threatening other children in the region.”
Polio, which spreads through contact with the feces, saliva or nasal mucus of an infected individual, attacks nerves in the spinal cord and the brain stem, leading to partial or total paralysis within hours.
It can also immobilize chest muscles, causing trouble breathing, even leading to death.
Wild poliovirus cases have fallen by more than 99 percent since 1988, from an estimated 350,000 cases in more than 125 endemic countries, to six reported cases in 2021.
Of the three strains of wild poliovirus, Type 2 was eradicated in 1999 and Type 3 was eradicated in 2020. As of 2022, endemic Type 1 remained in just two countries — Pakistan and Afghanistan.
In Gaza, overcrowding, a lack of clean water and hygiene materials, a deteriorating health system, and the destruction of sanitation plants have all contributed to the reemergence of Type 2 in the water supply.
According to UNICEF, the first phase of the polio vaccination program, which ran from Sept. 1 to 3 in central Gaza, reached more than 189,000 children under the age of 10.
The second phase was carried out in southern Gaza, particularly in Khan Younis and Rafah, from Sept. 5 to 8, targeting approximately 340,000 children under 10.
The third phase, which was launched on Sept. 9, is scheduled to run until Sept. 11, targeting some 150,000 children in the north.
Coinciding with the vaccine’s rollout on Sept. 1, the director-general of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, wrote on the social media platform X that “ultimately, the best vaccine for these children is peace.”
However, the area-specific truces that allowed the rollout to take place have done little to provide the children of Gaza with hope of a lasting end to the violence.
While vaccination sites have not been targeted, Gazan families, wearied by 11 months of war and worsening humanitarian conditions, had to make the perilous journey with their children to these locations amid the ongoing bombardment.
Khodr praised the families for turning out “in high numbers” at vaccination sites, “despite relentless attacks on schools and sites sheltering uprooted children, exhausting displacement orders forcing families to relocate time and again, and widespread hunger levels that have at points pushed parts of Gaza to the brink of famine.”
Not only has the journey to vaccination units been long and exhausting for Gazan families, but also for humanitarian teams delivering and administering the vaccines.
With 92 percent of Gaza’s primary roads damaged or destroyed, according to the World Bank, civilians and medical workers were all forced to use a single route — Al-Bahar Street.
“Unfortunately, only one road in Gaza remains operational, and it’s Al-Bahar Street,” Fady Abed, the Gaza communications officer for the medical NGO MedGlobal, told Arab News.
“This is the sole road servicing about 1.9 million displaced people in Al-Mawasi, western Khan Younis, Rafah and Deir Al-Balah.”
An April report by the World Bank and the UN highlighted that severe damage to road networks and the communications infrastructure has hampered the delivery of much-needed basic humanitarian aid to people across Gaza.
When he spoke with Arab News on Sept. 5, Abed of MedGlobal had just returned to Deir Al-Balah in central Gaza from working in Khan Younis.
Describing the logistical challenges his team has been facing, he said the journey between Deir Al-Balah and Khan Younis, normally no more than 15 minutes, now takes over an hour.
Abed also said transportation has been a major challenge due to fuel shortages. “There is no fuel for cars,” he said. “Drivers have resorted to mixing vegetable oil with diesel to keep vehicles running, which results in harmful smoke emissions.
“To vaccinate your child, you risk them suffocating from vehicle fumes.”
And since the vaccine must be kept cold at all times, MedGlobal could only carry as many doses as they expected to administer. Abed said his team “avoided carrying large quantities of the vaccine to prevent it from spoiling after being kept outside coolers for too long.
“At one point, the number of children arriving at the vaccination unit exceeded the available doses. Members of our team had to make the long, arduous journey back and forth to replenish the supply while families waited.
“This was frustrating for both our team and the families, who were exhausted yet eager to have their children vaccinated.”
Israel mounted its Gaza operation in retaliation for the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack, which saw 1,200 killed and 250 taken hostage. At least 40,900 Palestinians have been killed and more than 94,450 injured since the conflict began, according to Gaza’s health authority.
Around 90 percent of the population has been displaced at least once, fleeing from one Israeli-designated “safe zone” to another.
The Israeli bombardment has devastated much of Gaza’s infrastructure, bringing the health sector and sanitation services to their knees and causing the resurgence and spread of multiple infectious diseases.
According to UN figures, the conflict has damaged or destroyed 70 percent of Gaza’s water and sanitation plants.
In late July, Gaza’s health authority declared the enclave a “polio epidemic zone,” attributing the resurgence of the virus to the damage caused by Israel’s bombing campaign.
UNICEF’s Khodr called on the warring parties to continue to respect the polio pauses. Achieving at least 90 percent vaccination coverage in Gaza would stop the virus from spreading, she said.
“Preparing for this ambitious campaign and securing these pauses was not easy but it demonstrates that it is possible to allow supplies into the Strip, silence the strikes and protect civilians.”
Source:arabnews.com
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Jordan holds first election under new law, Islamists expected to benefit from Gaza war sentiment
By REUTERS
SEPTEMBER 10, 2024
Polls opened on Tuesday in Jordan's first parliamentary elections under a new law aimed at diluting the strong impact of tribalism and bolstering political parties, with Islamists expected to gain support due to anger over the Israel-Hamas War.
The 2022 electoral law is meant to be pave the way for political parties to play a bigger role, but the election is still expected keep the 138-seat parliament in the hands of tribal and pro-government factions.
The new law for the first time directly allocates 41 seats for over 30 licensed and mostly pro-government parties. It also raised the quota for women's representation to 18 from 15 seats and lowered the age for elected deputies to 25 from 30.
Of Jordan's 11 million people, 5.1 million are registered voters aged over 18. There are 1,623 candidates, including 353 women, competing for seats over 18 districts
King Abdullah pushes forward
Jordan retains a voting system that favours sparsely-populated tribal and provincial regions over the densely-populated cities mostly inhabited by Jordanians of Palestinian descent, which are Islamic strongholds and highly politicised.
Officials say powerful King Abdullah’s decision to go ahead with the polls was a message that politics is continuing as normal despite the Israel-Hamas War that has cast its shadow over Jordan's economic and political outlook.
In a country where anti-Israel sentiment runs high, the Israel-Hamas War is expected to help the electoral fortunes of the Islamists, the country's largest opposition, who have led some of the region's biggest rallies backing the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas, their ideological allies.
Source:jpost.com
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UN convoy in Gaza released after being detained by Israel
September 10, 2024
UNITED NATIONS/ JERUSALEM: A convoy of United Nations vehicles and staff detained for more than eight hours by Israel in northern Gaza on Monday has been released, the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said.
The Israeli military said on Monday it detained the convoy after receiving intelligence indicating that a number of “Palestinian suspects” were aboard and that it wanted to question them.
“The convoy was stopped at gun point just after the Wadi Gaza checkpoint with threats to detain UN staff. Heavy damage was caused by bulldozers to the UN armored vehicles,” UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini said on X. “All staff & convoy are now released & back safely in the UN base.”
Earlier, the Israeli military contested the assertion that the convoy was carrying polio vaccines for Gaza’s children, saying instead its purpose was to “exchange UN personnel.”
The campaign to vaccinate 640,000 children in Gaza began on Sept. 1, following confirmation from the World Health Organization (WHO) last month that a baby had been partially paralyzed by the type 2 polio virus, the first such case in the territory in 25 years.
Lazzarini disputed Israel’s account, saying that the convoy was en route to roll out the vaccination campaign in Gaza City and northern Gaza. He added that he was unsure if the campaign would resume in northern Gaza on Tuesday.
Source:arabnews.com
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Charred cars, burning trees after deadly Israeli strikes on Syria
September 10, 2024
MASYAF, Syria: Near the usually quiet Syrian town of Masyaf smoke was still billowing from trees while burnt-out cars stood nearby, a day after authorities reported deadly Israeli strikes on military sites.
Syrian health minister Hassan Al-Ghabash told AFP the overnight “Israeli aggression” killed 18 people and wounded 37 others, during a media tour organized by the authorities.
At the entrance to the mountainous town, about 220 kilometers (135 miles) north of the capital Damascus, a partially burned sign read “Masyaf.”
Fire-damaged cars were visible on both sides of the road, with nearby trees still burning and electric cables damaged and tangled, reported an AFP correspondent at the scene.
The raids also blew five large craters in the main road to Masyaf, the correspondent said.
Ambulances were still moving around the area, where one car had been burnt down to its metal frame and a yellow bulldozer was flipped upside down.
Mohammed Akkari, 47, who lives near the site of the strikes with his wife and two children, said they were gripped by fear when their house shook near midnight.
“We had never heard such a sound, a terrifying explosion, my children were terrified,” he told AFP.
At the Masyaf hospital, firefighter Mohammed Shmeil, 36, was being treated for his injured leg and foot.
“What we saw during that incident was something else,” he said, wincing in pain.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said 26 people were killed in what its chief Rami Abdel Rahman said was “one of the most violent Israeli attacks” in years.
The Britain-based Observatory, which relies on a network of sources inside Syria, said the strikes targeted sites “where pro-Iran groups and weapons development experts are stationed.”
The “Israeli strikes... targeted the area of the scientific research center in Masyaf” in Hama province and other sites, destroying “buildings and military centers,” the group said.
He said Iranian experts “developing arms including precision missiles and drones” worked in the government scientific research center that was hit.
Israeli strikes on Syria since 2011 have mainly targeted army positions and Iran-backed fighters including from Lebanon’s Hezbollah group.
Israeli authorities rarely comment on individual strikes in Syria, but have repeatedly said they will not allow arch-enemy Iran, a Damascus ally, to expand its presence in the country.
Israeli raids on Syria surged after Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel sparked war in Gaza, then eased somewhat after an April 1 strike blamed on Israel hit the Iranian consular building in Damascus.
In late August, several pro-Iranian fighters were killed in Syria’s central Homs region in strikes attributed to Israel, the Observatory had said.
Days later, the Israeli military said it killed an unspecified number of fighters belonging to Hamas ally Islamic Jihad in a strike in Syria near the Lebanese border.
Source:arabnews.com
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Arab World
Full steam ahead for Saudi Arabia’s aquaculture dream
NADA HAMEED
September 09, 2024
JEDDAH: The Kingdom decided to introduce aquaculture more than 40 years ago, leading to the establishment of the National Fisheries Center. Since then, the sector has undergone significant development through international partnerships and collaborations, particularly with the Food and Agriculture Organization.
Aquaculture today plays a vital role in helping to achieve the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, diversifying national income sources, and transforming the sector into a genuine industry that contributes to the Kingdom’s food security.
Following its launch, the National Livestock and Fisheries Development Program has enabled the Kingdom to build expertise, forming a solid foundation for achieving future goals.
Abdul Majeed Al-Shehri, director of corporate communications and partnerships at the program, gave Arab News a look at the program and its developments.
He said: “We are working, through integration with other sectors, in food industries to improve production efficiency and add value to achieve self-sufficiency.
“This includes the establishment of Animal Protein City in the Jazan region, which aims to build emerging food clusters and develop logistical services for supply chains. In numbers, we have increased aquaculture production from 32,000 tonnes in 2016 to 120,000 tonnes in 2022.”
Aquaculture is also encouraging growth and prosperity for coastal and rural areas, while preserving biodiversity and the environment.
According to an official statement, the sector has linked with other agricultural, medical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, and contributed to the development of related industries such as seafood processing, feed production, and fishery-based manufacturing industries.
A diverse range of aquatic species have been introduced to suit the various geographic and climatic regions of the Kingdom, including Nile tilapia, carp, ornamental fish, and sturgeon in inland waters, and barramundi, marine tilapia, gilthead seabream, European seabass, and sea cucumber in marine ecosystems.
The introduction of rainbow trout has also seen encouraging success, alongside the implementation of modern technologies like closed systems in farming operations.
The aquaculture sector in Saudi Arabia produces over 140,000 tonnes annually, with a distribution of 25 percent from inland fish farms and 75 percent from marine water projects.
Several cultured products are exported, including shrimps, certain types of fish, ornamental fish, and sea cucumbers. Annually, 59,844 tonnes of fish and shrimps are exported, with a total value of SR1.1 billion ($293 million).
Biosecurity monitoring programs have enhanced quality and safety standards, resulting in Saudi aquaculture products being sought by consumers in nearly 35 countries.
Countries importing shrimps from the Kingdom include Japan, China, the US, Australia, South Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, Myanmar, the Netherlands, South Africa, the EU countries, and Russia.
Al-Shehri said: “In the field of shrimp farming, we cultivate whiteleg shrimp. We also have an initiative for applied research to explore the introduction of several new species suitable for farming in the Kingdom, in collaboration with KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology).
“Additionally, we are working on cultivating several types of microalgae and have studied two species of seaweed.”
Alongside increasing the aquaculture sector’s contribution to food security and achieving self-sufficiency in seafood, Al-Shehri added: “We aim for the sector to play a major role in providing fresh and healthy seafood to the community, with leadership focused on improving quality of life and transitioning to healthier lifestyles.
“This includes increasing the seafood consumption rate to the global average of 18 percent by 2030.”
He added that the seafood consumption rate in the Kingdom had increased from 9 percent in 2016 to 13 percent in 2023.
The National Center for Fisheries Research in Jeddah, which was established in 1982, has played a pivotal role in advancing aquaculture research and development in Saudi Arabia.
The center has contributed to sharing its knowledge with the private sector to boost shrimp production projects, as well as cultivating marine tilapia in fully saline water and introducing barramundi to the Kingdom.
Collaborative studies with institutions like KAUST have been instrumental in assessing stocks of fish species and looking at critical habitats, guiding conservation efforts.
Inland aquaculture initiatives, such as the partnership with the Innovators Center at King Abdulaziz University, highlight the center’s dedication to exploring modern technologies and enhancing productivity in aquaculture systems.
Al-Shehri said: “We (have) launched the National Livestock and Fisheries Development Program, which includes an initiative to develop fishing ports. This initiative has worked on developing 16 fishing ports, intending to develop 28 more, bringing the total number of ports to 44 across various locations in the Kingdom. This initiative has reduced fishing effort by 40 percent.
“We (have) also conducted a study in collaboration with KAUST to assess the stocks of major fish species and critical fishery habitats.”
In addressing the challenge of aquatic diseases, the center has set a high standard for biosecurity and quality control in aquaculture projects.
Since its inception, the program has been highly effective in safeguarding aquaculture organisms from diseases. Currently, 95 percent of aquaculture projects in the Kingdom are certified under Best Aquaculture Practices.
The Fish Health and Safety Laboratory in Jeddah serves as the reference diagnostic laboratory for the World Organisation for Animal Health in the Middle East. The laboratory provides comprehensive diagnostic reports for companies and entities requiring aquatic health testing.
It recently earned the ISO/IEC 17025 certification for testing laboratories and has established a twinning program with the University of Arizona’s Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory.
Saudi Arabia earlier this year chaired the 36th session of the Committee on Fisheries in Rome, an international government forum at which members reviewed and discussed global fishery and aquaculture challenges.
Source:arabnews.com
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GCC strengthens ties with Russia, India, Brazil at Riyadh summit
LAMA ALHAMAWI
September 09, 2024
RIYADH: The 161st Ministerial Council meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council, chaired by Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani and attended by GCC ministers of foreign affairs, was held in Riyadh on Monday.
On the sidelines of the meeting, the GCC held three separate ministerial meetings with Russia, India and Brazil to open new horizons for cooperation.
The seventh GCC-Russia strategic dialogue ministerial meeting was held with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, the GCC-India meeting with Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and the GCC-Brazil meeting with Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji attended all the meetings.
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi underlined that the joint ministerial meetings aim to strengthen strategic relations with countries and organizations.
Participants examined GCC-Russian relations and explored opportunities to strengthen and expand cooperation. They also discussed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis and the international community’s efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution and support initiatives aimed at ensuring global peace and security.
The meeting emphasized the need for increased coordination on regional and international issues, as well as the importance of multilateral cooperation and stronger economic collaboration to achieve the global Sustainable Development Goals.
Albudaiwi underlined that the meeting is “a continuation of the considerable efforts made by both sides to strengthen friendly relations that fulfill their aspirations, particularly given that this dialogue serves as a permanent platform for discussion at the ministerial level, as it facilitates the exchange of views on key issues of mutual concern, including threats to regional and global security, as well as exploring ways to enhance cooperation in various fields to serve common interests.”
He also reaffirmed the GCC’s solidarity with the Palestinian people, demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire and an end to military operations by Israel’s occupying forces, and stressing the importance of ensuring access to all humanitarian and relief aid and essential needs for the residents of Gaza, alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people.
During the first GCC-India meeting, Albudaiwi said that the relations between the GCC countries and India are historical and deep rooted, extending over several centuries and built on foundations of mutual trust and fruitful cooperation, stating that these relations continuously witness significant developments, reflecting the strong will of both parties to enhance the partnership in various fields.
The meeting covered a range of topics, including the joint action plan and ways of bolstering cooperation between the GCC and India. Discussions also focused on reinforcing bilateral and multilateral coordination to enhance international security and peace.
Albudaiwi said: “Today's meeting will contribute to strengthen the ties between us and open new horizons for joint cooperation, as we stand before a great opportunity to enhance collaboration in the various areas addressed in the memorandum of understanding and to implement the joint action plan that has been reached between the GCC and India for the period (2024-2028).”
In his opening remarks, Jaishankar said: “Our meeting today is not just an occasion to reflect on our achievements but an opportunity to chart an ambitious and far-reaching course for the future.
“The relationship between India and the GCC is rooted in a rich tapestry of history, culture, and shared values. These bonds have grown stronger with time, evolving into partnerships that span economics, energy, defense, technology, education, people-to-people ties, and beyond,” the Indian minister said.
Jaishankar said that the framework to grow GCC-India cooperation details “the three Ps: people, prosperity, progress.” He said that close to nine million Indians live and work in the GCC. “Our interactions are key to driving prosperity in the GCC and in India.”
The Indian minister also emphasized that the GCC is a cornerstone of energy supply.
The meeting discussed several reports regarding the implementation of decisions made by the Supreme Council of the GCC during the 44th summit held in Doha in December 2023. The meeting also reviewed memoranda and reports submitted by the ministerial and technical committees and the GCC General Secretariat, as well as topics related to dialogues and strategic relations between GCC member states and various countries and global blocs.
Source:arabnews.com
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Sultan approves plan to build and rebuild 100 mosques at Dhs800 million
SEP 10, 2024
His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has approved a plan to build 60 new mosques and rebuild 40 mosques across the emirate’s cities at a cost of Dhs800 million.
Sheikh Sultan also instructed the authorities concerned to develop and maintain the cemeteries in Kalba City, pave the roads leading to them and the parking lots as well and remove trees and random weeds.
This was announced by Abdullah Khalifa Bin Yarouf Al Sabousi, Chairman of Sharjah Department of Islamic Affairs, to Mohammed Khalaf, Director General of Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, on the Direct Line programme.
Al Sabousi stated that 95 per cent of the mosques currently being replaced are mosques on the main streets, noting that it is planned to open the new mosques within the next two years.
Source:gulftoday.ae
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Mecca to build first stone park using recycled materials
September 09, 2024
Dubai: The Mecca Mayoralty is set to create a unique landmark with the construction of its first stone park, spanning approximately 1,000 square meters.
This initiative is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to enhance public spaces and integrate sustainable practices within the holy city.
The park will be constructed using recycled materials, including leftover stones from various local projects.
The goal is to create a space that not only improves the city’s landscape but also showcases Mecca’s commitment to sustainability and heritage.
The design will feature new amenities such as seating areas, educational paths around the stone features, and play areas for children.
Constructed from durable, eco-friendly materials, the park is designed to be low-maintenance and adaptable to local climate conditions.
The use of stone, which is easy to clean and withstands weather changes, balances environmental responsibility with architectural aesthetics.
Source:gulftoday.ae
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Pakistan’s newly commissioned warship visits Saudi Arabia on maiden voyage
September 09, 2024
JEDDAH: A newly commissioned Pakistani warship, PNS Hunain, visited Jeddah on its first international voyage and conducted a bilateral exercise with the Kingdom’s naval forces, Pakistan’s diplomatic mission in Saudi Arabia said on Sunday.
PNS Hunain, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, was commissioned into the Pakistan Navy in July this year during a ceremony held at Constanta Port in Romania.
The vessel is equipped with advanced electronic warfare systems and is designed for multi-purpose operations, including anti-ship and anti-air warfare.
It also supports search and rescue missions, maritime security operations and can embark helicopters for extended operations.
“The newly commissioned PNS Hunain visited #Jeddah on its maiden voyage,” the Pakistan Embassy in Riyadh informed in a social media post. “Also conducted bilateral exercise with #RSNF Ship Al Riyadh.”
The Pakistan Navy regularly participates in both bilateral and multilateral exercises, particularly with regional countries, to enhance interoperability and ensure collective maritime security.
It is also actively involved in addressing non-traditional threats such as piracy, contributing to the safe passage of trade through critical sea lanes, particularly in the Indian Ocean.
Source:arabnews.com
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Riyadh forum discusses nature conservation challenges in West Asia
HAIFA ALSHAMMARI
September 09, 2024
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia, through the National Center for Wildlife, hosted the 10th Regional Forum of the International Union for Conservation of Nature for West Asia in Riyadh on Monday.
The event was held under the patronage of Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, minister of environment, water and agriculture, and chairman of the center’s board.
The three-day forum gathered more than 200 experts representing union members from West Asia, along with key authorities from the region and the West Asia Regional Office.
The forum addressed nature conservation challenges in West Asia, facilitated program planning, and discussed the region’s participation in the 2025 World Conservation Congress.
It also focused on preparations for the event and enhancing regional cooperation to boost biodiversity preservation.
Mohammed Ali Qurban, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife, said: “Hosting this forum highlights our commitment to preserving the environment and wildlife, while supporting sustainable human, social, and economic development.”
He said the forum aligns with Saudi Arabia’s environmental initiatives, including the launch of protected area system plans, which aim to conserve 30 percent of the Kingdom’s land and marine territories by 2030 under the Saudi Green Initiative.
The forum covered topics such as training on nature-based solutions, integrating reserves into the IUCN Green List, sustainable land restoration, and using innovative techniques for monitoring and combating desertification.
Razan Al-Mubarak, president of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, said: “The successive challenges facing our region, West Asia, such as water scarcity and extreme heat, require a collaborative and creative approach that increases spending on the environment and sustainability.
“Finally, I cannot stress enough the importance of involving the active and inclusive role of local communities in the various regions of West Asia. We must work together to develop realistic and effective solutions and implement them in a way that takes into account the diversity of cultures in our region.”
The forum, held every four years, promotes communication and collaboration among West Asia members, providing a platform for exchanging ideas, addressing environmental challenges and developing conservation strategies.
Source:arabnews.com
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National Cultural Awards winners honored in Riyadh
September 10, 2024
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah honored the Winners of the Fourth National Cultural Awards in Riyadh Monday evening.
The event, which was held under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, saw the creation of two new awards for cultural media and handicrafts.
Cultural Pioneer Award went to Dr. Saad Al-Suwaian, in recognition of his great scientific, literary and cultural contributions over many years in the field, while author and artist Diaa Youssef won the Youth Cultural Award.
Badr Al-Buwardi took home the Business Owners Award, for his family’s efforts in preserving cultural heritage.
The International Cultural Excellence Award went to “Turquoise Mountain“ for their work in protecting heritage and communities around the world.
As for institutions, MBC Group won the Cultural Institutions Award (for-profit). King Faisal Foundation won the award for the non-profit category.
Winners in other cultural sectors were also honored during the ceremony.
To mark the occasion, Prince Badr said that the awards are a supportive and encouraging umbrella for talent and creativity.
“The Ministry of Culture has been keen to adopt a strategy to develop cultural capabilities, in an extended and integrated journey with partners in various sectors,” the minister added.
The awards celebrate the achievements, contributions, and cultural productions of Saudi intellectuals in various cultural sectors every year.
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Southeast Asia
‘I have been promoting Malaysia’s halal certification since 2008’, Teresa Kok clarifies stance, hopes for peaceful resolution
10 Sep 2024
KUALA LUMPUR — Teresa Kok has denied claims that she questioned the halal certification process, reaffirming her respect for the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) and Islam.
The Seputeh MP clarified her position after being questioned by police at Bukit Aman on Tuesday regarding her earlier comments on the impact of a proposed mandatory halal certification regulation.
“I did not question halal certification, Jakim’s role, or disrespect Islam,” she said, as reported by Sinar Harian.
“I have been promoting Malaysia’s halal certification since 2008 when I held the position of Selangor Exco for Trade, Industry, and Investment,” she said.
“Malaysia’s halal certification is one of the highest standards in the world,” she said.
Kok explained that her remarks were made in response to Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar’s proposal to mandate halal certification for all businesses, except those selling pork or alcohol.
“I have fully cooperated with the police investigation and hope the issue will be resolved peacefully,” she said.
Kok, accompanied by lawyers Syahredzan Johan and Ramkarpal Singh, arrived at Bukit Aman at 9.42am and left after providing her statement.
Her lawyer, Syahredzan, mentioned that Kok was questioned for one and a half hours, answering 20 questions related to the investigation.
The investigation follows comments made by Kok on September 6 about a proposal from religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar to mandate halal certification for all restaurants and food businesses, except those selling pork or alcoholic drinks.
Kok said making halal certification mandatory would burden small businesses and increase administrative costs and increase operating difficulties.
She had proposed a review of the mandatory halal certification proposal, saying that it should remain voluntary for businesses to obtain halal certificates based on market demands.
Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Razarudin Husain today said the police aimed to complete the inquiry into Seputeh MP Teresa Kok’s remarks about the halal certification within two days.
The IGP also confirmed that the police have received 50 reports nationwide concerning Kok’s comments as of noon today.
Yesterday, the IGP confirmed that police had launched an investigation under Section 298 and Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, as well as Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 after receiving complaints from individuals and non-governmental organisations.
Source:malaymail.com
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Malaysia, China strengthen ties with focus on digital economy and green development, says PM Anwar
10 Sep 2024
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 — Malaysia and China have laid a solid foundation for the enhanced collaboration in new key and innovative sectors that will drive the nations’ economies forward, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said that both countries have enjoyed longstanding bilateral relations underpinned by robust trade and investment relations.
He pointed out that the visit of Chinese Premier Li Qiang in June this year has reaffirmed the enduring friendship and mutual respect between Malaysia and China.
“The visit witnessed the signing of the Second Cycle of the Five-Year Programme for Economic and Trade Cooperation and the Memorandum of Understanding on Strengthening Investment Cooperation in Digital Economy and Green Development, between both countries,” he said in his keynote address at the 17th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention (17th WCEC) at the KL Convention Centre today.
Anwar said that last year, China remained Malaysia’s largest trading partner for the 15th consecutive year, with total trade reaching US$98.80 billion (RM430 billion).
On the investment front, China is the fifth largest foreign investor in Malaysia for 2023, contributing US$14.5 billion.
Meanwhile, Anwar said that the government has always recognised the contribution of the Malaysian Chinese community in the country’s socioeconomic developments, in the economic, cultural, educational and industrial sectors.
“Under the Madani Economy Framework, I can assure you that we will continue to prioritise the enhancement of our economic landscape, fostering an environment conducive to investment and innovation,” he added.
He said Chinese entrepreneurs have collaborated closely with others and have laid the foundations for forging deeper and stronger business and economic links across national borders.
Globally, they could also assume a bigger role in safeguarding regional economic cooperation, ensuring the security of crucial supply chains and promote our global socioeconomic development agenda. — Bernama
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Najib gets two days medical leave due to acute knee pain, trial vacated
BERNAMA
10-09- 2024
KUALA LUMPUR: Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s trial over alleged power abuse involving RM2.3 billion in 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) funds that was set for today and tomorrow have been postponed as he is on medical leave for two days due to acute knee pain.
Hospital Kuala Lumpur Orthopedic and Traumatology Department senior consultant Dr Siti Hawa Tahir informed Justice Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah that Najib was referred to her yesterday by the Prisons Department after he complained of having acute pain in his right knee.
“Datuk Seri Najib has been given two days of medical certificate (MC) and the current treatment provided to him is a strong analgesic for his pain. As of now, he is on opioids and we want him to be able to walk comfortably with no other complications.
“The medication is an opioid and acts on the brain. Datuk Seri Najib has complaints of drowsiness since we started prescribing him last night and probably other symptoms as well but I have not seen him this morning,“ said Dr Siti Hawa from the witness stand.
When asked by Justice Sequerah if Najib would be fit to attend the trial tomorrow, Dr Siti Hawa said the opioids might make him drowsy so Najib might not be able to stand up for long.
“Whenever any patient is on opioids, the medical team needs to be on standby complete with a resuscitation trolley just in case the patient gets deeper.
“I really cannot comment on how fast the inflammation would settle because it depends from person to person and we need to make sure he is compatible with the treatment we provided or else we might need to continue with some procedures,“ said the doctor.
Justice Sequerah said if Najib’s knee condition is prolonged, he might need Dr Siti Hawa to come back to court and explain further on the situation.
“We just lose two precious days as I will take it as two days MC. We will continue the trial on Thursday,“ said the judge.
Justice Sequerah also reminded parties that the cut-off date for the final submission will be on Oct 4 and he will be ready to set the date for the decision afterwards.
The proceedings have now entered the sixth day of the oral submissions stage, where no witness testimonies are given. The prosecution and defence teams are presenting their final arguments, summarising whether the oral and documentary evidence implicates or clears Najib from the charges facing him.
Najib, 71, faces four charges of abusing his position to obtain RM2.3 billion from 1MDB funds at the AmIslamic Bank Berhad branch on Jalan Raja Chulan, Bukit Ceylon, between Feb 24, 2011, and Dec 19, 2014.
He also faces 21 charges of money laundering involving the same amount at the same bank between March 22, 2013 and Aug 30, 2013.
Najib is charged under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act and could be punished under Section 24(1) of the same law and Section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act.
Source:thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/local-news/najib-gets-two-days-medical-leave-due-to-acute-knee-pain-trial-vacated-OC12984039
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Perlis State Assembly names Baharuddin and Azahar as new senators
10 Sep 2024
KANGAR, Sept 10 — Perlis State Assembly today elected PAS Deputy Commissioner 1 Baharuddin Ahmad and Perlis Bersatu secretary Azahar Hassan as the state representatives to be appointed as senators.
Baharuddin, 68, and Azahar, 54, will be replacing Datuk Aziz Ariffin and Seruandi Saad whose terms ended on August 25.
Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli nominated Baharuddin and Azahar, while Simpang Empat assemblyman Razali Saad and Kuala Perlis assemblyman Abu Bakar Hamzah seconded.
Earlier, Speaker Rus’sele Eizan said the election must be done as the notification of Aziz and Seruandi’s end of term as the state-elected senators had been presented to the Raja of Perlis Raja Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail.
“His Royal Highness also consented to the State Assembly to elect new representatives to fill the vacancies,” he said.
Source:malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/09/10/perlis-state-assembly-names-baharuddin-and-azahar-as-new-senators/149926
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Zambry announces Malaysia’s Centre of Excellence education and training hub for developing, post-war nations
10 Sep 2024
PUTRAJAYA, Sept 10 — Malaysia will develop a Centre of Excellence in Education and Training for youth from developing and post-war countries.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir said the countries to be selected include Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Timor Leste.
He said the matter was agreed upon in a bilateral meeting with the president of the Asean and East Asian Economic Studies Institute (ERIA), Professor Tetsuya Watanabe and Lead Trade Specialist at World Bank Group, Roberto Echandi in his visit to Switzerland from September 6 to 9.
This is a great recognition for the country for getting the mandate to develop the centre,” he said in a statement here today.
At the same time, Zambry said it was one of the efforts of the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) in providing the best access to education to the people of the countries concerned to get higher education and serve their respective countries.
Zambry said Malaysia welcomed the proposal in line with KPT’s focus on internationalising higher education.
“At the initial stage, the Institute of Malaysian and International Studies (|KMAS) at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) will be the coordinator for related programmes in making this initiative a success,” he said.
Zambry who was on a four-day visit to Switzerland at the invitation of the World Trade Institute (WTI), also had several bilateral meetings and discussions as well as delivering keynote speeches in an effort to strengthen cooperation and the internationalisation of higher education.
He said the visit to Switzerland has yielded results and further strengthened bilateral relations and strategic cooperation in making the best talent development agenda and the internationalisation of higher education a success. — Bernama
Source:malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/09/10/zambry-announces-malaysias-centre-of-excellence-education-and-training-hub-for-developing-post-war-nations/149923
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South Asia
Congress Report: Biden’s Afghanistan withdrawal marked by critical failure
ByFidel Rahmati
September 10, 2024
The House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman, Michael McCaul, has criticized the U.S. Department of State for its failure to prepare a proper evacuation plan. Despite the Taliban’s capture of Kabul, the department was unprepared for the evacuation process.
After two years of investigation, McCaul’s committee released a 300-page report detailing the American withdrawal from Afghanistan and its consequences. The report criticizes the decision-making process and operational failures involved.
According to the report, President Biden made the decision to withdraw from Afghanistan based on his political interests and without consulting relevant U.S. agencies. The report highlights a lack of effective communication between Washington and officials in Afghanistan.
McCaul described the report as a historical document aimed at uncovering the truth rather than a political statement. He emphasized the report’s focus on factual accuracy and accountability.
On September 10, following the report’s release, McCaul held a press conference where he revealed that the Biden administration had no plan for evacuating civilians at the time of Kabul’s fall.
McCaul stated that the evacuation plan was not developed until the Taliban reached Kabul and headed towards the U.S. embassy. At that point, Ambassador Ross Wilson was tasked with devising and executing the evacuation plan.
The report also reveals that Ambassador Wilson initially fled through Kabul airport, leaving behind staff, Afghan local partners, and thousands of classified documents. McCaul criticized Wilson for abandoning his responsibilities.
According to McCaul, during the evacuation, the Taliban were given control over the access routes to Kabul airport, further complicating the process. He commented that without a plan, failure was inevitable.
McCaul indicated that the investigation into the U.S. withdrawal would continue even after the presidential election, emphasizing that Americans deserve to know the truth about the evacuation.
The report also noted that the U.S. was aware of the timing and location of a planned ISIS suicide attack during the evacuation. However, due to a lack of preparation, American soldiers were sent to the airport without proper protective measures.
The suicide attack, which occurred at Kabul airport’s Abbey Gate, resulted in 182 deaths, including 13 U.S. Marines, and numerous injuries. McCaul lamented that the attack could have been prevented with a proper plan.
McCaul also pointed out that, due to Biden’s “failed” foreign and border policies, eight ISIS members and a group of 400 operatives were able to enter the U.S. He criticized the current administration’s inability to monitor terrorist activities in Afghanistan effectively.
Source:khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/congress-report-bidens-afghanistan-withdrawal-marked-by-critical-failure/
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Border clashes between Afghanistan and Paksitan continue
ByFidel Rahmati
September 10, 2024
Local sources reported that fighting between Afghan Taliban and Pakistani forces resumed on Monday afternoon in the Zazi Maidan district of Khost Province.
The report indicates that the clashes resulted in casualties, with both sides using light and heavy weapons.
This is the second clash between the Taliban and Pakistani forces in the past three days. On Saturday, September 7, the two sides engaged in a bloody confrontation at the border in Khost Province. While neither the Taliban nor Pakistan have commented on the clash, Pakistani media outlets claimed that at least eight Taliban members were killed and five others were injured at a Pakistani security post.
The clashes reportedly started after the Taliban were attacked by Pakistani border forces while constructing facilities on their territory.
Sources in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also confirmed the border skirmish on Monday, stating that both sides used heavy weapons.
Pakistani air forces were also present in the area and conducted flights.
Local sources in Khost mentioned that due to the ongoing clashes over the past few days, local residents have been forced to leave their homes.
The escalating conflict between the Afghan Taliban and Pakistani forces highlights growing tensions along the border.
The repeated skirmishes and heavy weaponry used by both sides underscore the severity of the situation, impacting local communities who are now displaced due to the ongoing violence. The situation remains fluid, and continued monitoring is essential to assess the broader implications for regional stability.
Source:khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/border-clashes-between-afghanistan-and-paksitan-continue/
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Iranian border officials arrest 14 Afghan traffickers with over 11 kg of drugs
ByFidel Rahmati
September 9, 2024
The commander of the Khorasan Razavi Border Guard has announced the arrest of 14 drug traffickers in the border region of Taybad.
According to Majid Shuja, 664 sealed packages of drugs weighing over 9 kilograms were discovered in the stomachs of 9 Afghan nationals, with more than 2 kilograms found hidden in the shoes of five other Afghans.
On Monday, Shuja told the Iranian news agency IRNA that border guards from the Taybad Border Regiment had uncovered 664 sealed packages of heroin and opium weighing a total of 9 kilograms and 157 grams over the past 10 days.
He mentioned that 9 Afghan nationals swallowed the drugs.
According to IRNA, Shuja also reported that in a separate operation, five Afghan citizens were apprehended for concealing 2.2 kilograms of opium in the soles of their shoes and were handed over to judicial authorities.
The Khorasan Razavi province in northeastern Iran shares a 302-kilometer border with Afghanistan.
IRNA notes that the Taybad border area is located 225 kilometres southeast of Mashhad, the provincial capital of Khorasan Razavi.
Source:khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/iranian-border-officials-arrest-14-afghan-traffickers-with-over-11-kg-of-drugs/
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Ministry of Refugees Plans Land Allocation for Returnees and Cave Dwellers in Bamyan
2024-09-09
KABUL(BNA): The Acting Minister of Refugees and Repatriation has announced plans to allocate land to returnees and cave dwellers in Bamyan province.
According to the Bakhtar News Agency, Mawlawi Khalil-ur-Rahman Haqqani, the Acting Minister of Refugees and Repatriation, visited Bamyan to assess the conditions of returnees, internally displaced persons, and cave dwellers.
During his visit, Mawlawi Haqqani listened to the concerns of the residents, provided cash assistance, and discussed plans to distribute land as shelter for the cave dwellers, displaced individuals, and homeless returnees who have recently returned from abroad.
He urged the residents of Bamyan to uphold national unity and to avoid ethnic, linguistic, and regional prejudices.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Mawlawi Abdullah Sarhadi, the Governor of Bamyan, mentioned a plan to provide shelter for 144 cave-dwelling families. He stated that this plan has been approved by the leadership of the Islamic Emirate, and that the legal procedures for its implementation are currently underway.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/ministry-of-refugees-plans-land-allocation-for-returnees-and-cave-dwellers-in-bamyan/
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Deputy Minister Azizi Calls for Urgent Preservation Measures of Minaret of Jam
2024-09-09
KABUL(BNA): Mawlawi Atiqullah Azizi, Deputy Minister of Culture and Art at the Ministry of Information and Culture, visited the historic Minaret of Jam in the Shahrak district of Ghor province during his recent tour of the region.
According to a statement from BNA, Mawlawi Azizi noted that while recent floods in the Jam River have not caused any apparent damage to the ancient minaret, there remains a significant risk from future floods and natural disasters. Key areas of concern were identified, and immediate measures are planned to address them.
He further explained that, following directives from the Office of the Prime Minister, a joint technical team led by the Ministry of Information and Culture and involving several other ministries has been formed to develop and implement a comprehensive, long-term plan for the stabilization and preservation of the minaret.
Dismissing rumors about the minaret’s structural instability as unfounded, Mawlawi Azizi assured that the monument remains upright and intact.
He also criticized international cultural organizations, particularly UNESCO, for not adequately fulfilling their responsibilities regarding the foundational preservation of the Minaret of Jam in recent years. He expressed hope that these organizations would take tangible actions in the future, emphasizing that their commitments should go beyond mere rhetoric.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/deputy-minister-azizi-calls-for-urgent-preservation-measures-of-minaret-of-jam/
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Europe
‘English Nationalist’ NHS Consultant Loses Appeal Over Anti-Islamic Views
09 September 2024
Steven Thomas lost his appeal after claiming he was discriminated against, and dismissed, over his ‘English nationalist’ beliefs.
Employment judge Sheldon said that although Thomas’ English nationalist beliefs could have been covered by the Equality Act 2010, his accompanying anti-Islamic views were not.
Matthew Ottley, a solicitor in the employment team at law firm SAS Daniels, told HR magazine: “Thomas’ beliefs included a sense of pride in England and the English people, and a strongly held feeling of being predominantly ‘English’ rather than ‘British’. On its own, the employment tribunal held that this form of English nationalism was capable of protection as a philosophical belief.
“However it was the claimant’s anti-Islamic and anti-Muslim views which underpinned his particular belief in English nationalism that prevented them being protected in law.”
Thomas, who worked as a consultant for Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust for just under three months in 2018, had alleged that his assignment had been terminated because of his belief in English nationalism. He claimed that this was belief discrimination contrary to the Equality Act 2010.
The tribunal heard that these views include that Muslims should be forcibly deported from the UK. This was evidenced in tweets where Thomas used the hashtag “RemoveAllMuslims”.
The Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said that his dismissal was due to misleading information on his CV. But the tribunal also found that Thomas’ views were incompatible with the European Convention of Human Rights, which forbids people to engage in acts that obstruct the human rights of others.
Ottley said: “The tribunal was required to determine whether the claimant’s expressed anti-Islamic views were of such a level that they were unworthy of respect in a democratic society because they conflicted with the fundamental rights of Muslims.”
He added that HR should remember that just because a belief is disagreeable, distasteful or not a majority view, does not mean it will be unworthy of respect.
“The tribunal was clear that for a belief to fall outside the protection afforded by human rights legislation, it is not sufficient for a person’s views simply to cause shock or offence to others; they must reach a level where they completely undermine the principles of democracy and the rights of others which human rights law seeks to protect.”
Judge Sheldon concluded: “The claimant is not prevented from holding his views, but he is outside of the right to complain that he has been discriminated against in relation to those beliefs in the circumstances covered by the Equality Act.”
Dealing with extreme views in the workplace involves a careful balance between the rights of the employee holding the opinion and the dignity of others, said Matt Jenkin, employment partner at Herrington Carmichael.
Speaking to HR magazine, he said: “Employers are having to deal with situations whereby employees may hold protected beliefs that other members of the workforce find offensive. That can lead to clashes between colleagues. Whilst employers need to avoid discriminating against employees because they hold certain views, that doesn’t give employees free reign over how they express those beliefs in work.
“Employers need to make it clear, for example in their dignity at work policies, that employees shouldn’t manifest those beliefs in an unreasonable way, and that there will be disciplinary consequences for those that do.”
Ottley recommended dealing with beliefs-based conflicts on a case-by-case basis.
He said: “Context is paramount. HR must not jump to conclusions about what an employee believes based on limited information or on what they might do as a result of a particular belief.
“It is essential that employers conduct thorough investigations into the nature of an employee’s beliefs, and assess situations on a case-by-case basis.
“HR should make clear that whilst there will be occasions where disagreements arise, expression of views should be done respectfully and not incite violence. Expressed views should not justify violence, hatred or intolerance.”
Source:hrmagazine.co.uk
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https://www.hrmagazine.co.uk/content/news/english-nationalist-nhs-consultant-loses-appeal-over-anti-islamic-views
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Islamic Cultural Center in Kyiv damaged in Russian missile strike
September 10, 2024,
Early in the morning on Monday, Sept. 2, 2024, at around 5 a. m, Kyiv was rocked by a missile salvo and drone attack launched by Russia as part of a larger bombardment campaign throughout Ukraine that has led to dozens of deaths throughout the week.
One strike that morning hit the Islamic Cultural Center of the Muslim Association of Ukraine (AMU), a large mosque in the Nivky district in eastern Kyiv and one of the centers for Crimean Tatar religious life in Ukraine.
According to the mosque’s Mufti, Ayder Rustemov, the building was empty at the time. As the community has shrunk during the war, the number of those who come for weekday prayers is already far smaller than before February 2022. Additionally, the building was closed due to the air raid alert being active, so the daybreak Fajr prayer would have had to be done at home that day. Had it not been an emergency, it is unlikely anyone would have been there until 9 a. m.
A Patriot missile defense system intercepted a Russian Kinzhal hypersonic over the mosque, but the shockwave and resulting debris causing significant damage to the building. However, none of the damage is structural and can be repaired. An initial assessment by security services who responded to the attack was that the missile would have hit the same general area had it not been intercepted, causing vastly more destruction.
Part of a nearby business park was destroyed.
Volunteers came out in force throughout the day to clean up the debris from the missile strike, and the premises were largely in order within hours. Due to the Cultural Center's important role in Kyiv’s Crimean Tatar Muslim community, it received both media and diplomatic attention. Turkish Ambassador Mustafa Levent Bilgen, Leader of the Crimean Tatar People Mustafa Dzhemilev, Mufti of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Ukraine "Umma" Murat Suleymanov, and others arrived for a solidarity visit to survey the damage and spread awareness of what happened.
The Muslim Association of Ukraine was established in 2014 by displaced Crimean Tatars who were forced to leave their indigenous homeland of Crimea following the invasion and illegal annexation of the peninsula by Moscow earlier that year. They were able to re-establish themselves in Kyiv, joining the city’s diverse array of Muslim community life.
While many Crimean Tatars do remain in Crimea, the Russian occupation authorities on the peninsula subject them to political repression, harassment from security forces, and even extralegal disappearances. One recent example is Nariman Dzhylal, whom the occupiers held hostage since August 2021 until releasing him in a prisoner exchange with Ukraine in June 2024.
One of the most important tasks of the displaced Crimeans was rebuilding their religious infrastructure. During the Russian invasion, the Crimean Mufti, Emirali Ablayev, decided to collaborate with the occupiers, against the wishes of his community. This left them without a representative and legitimate religious leader, and the displaced persons in Kyiv now needed to replace him. To this end, they elected Ayder Rustemov as the new Mufti in 2016, and the Islamic Cultural Center of the Muslim Association of Ukraine became the home of the exiled Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Crimea (DUMK). The DUMK organized a network of mosques throughout the country, especially in Kherson Oblast, where many displaced Crimean Tatars built new lives for themselves. With the full-scale Russian invasion and occupation of even more of Ukraine, many had to flee once again.
Since 2014, the AMU and DUMK have been facilitating governmental relations with the Crimean Tatar and broader Muslim communities.
Like many religious communities around Ukraine – Muslim, Christian, Jewish, or otherwise – many have become refugees, mainly in Europe, and their active membership is now smaller. However, they are active in supporting the Ukrainian state and military in resisting the Russian invaders who made them their first victims. The AMU and DUMK support Muslim fighters in the Ukrainian Armed Forces by providing them with halal food, which can be a challenge for a minority community that has different needs from the rest of society. Mufti Ayder Rustemov has also taken a leading role in both training Muslim chaplains for their own community, as well as training non-Muslim chaplains in the role of Islam in Ukraine and how to communicate with Muslim soldiers in their charge. They have recently produced a Ukrainian-language pocket prayer book for distribution to whoever may need it.
Outside of the religious functions that war calls on them to perform, the community also takes part in broader aid projects. The Cultural Center is a center of organizing for the Crimean Front NGO. Crimean Front operates mobile kitchens, provides medical aid, and transfers vehicles and drones for military purposes. It is funded both through local partners, such as the famous Kyiv Crimean Tatar restaurant Musafir, and foreign partnerships in the Muslim world, such as Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.
Multiple other locations in Kyiv were also damaged or destroyed on Sept. 2 in Shevchenkivskyi, Svyatoshynskyi, Solomyanskyi, and Holosiivskyi districts. It is part of a broader air strike campaign being conducted by Russia corresponding with Ukrainian Independence Day and the start of the school year.
Source:english.nv.ua
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https://english.nv.ua/life/islamic-cultural-center-in-kyiv-damaged-in-russian-missile-strike-50449571.html
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Comment of the MFA of Ukraine regarding the summoning of the Chargé d'Affaires of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Ukraine
09 September 2024
On September 9, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine summoned the Chargé d'Affaires of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Ukraine Shahriar Amuzegar to express deep concern of the Ukrainian side in connection with the possible transfer of ballistic missiles by Iran to the Russian Federation.
The relevant Comment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine dated on September 7 was handed over to the Iranian diplomat, with a strict warning that confirmation of Iran's supply of ballistic weapons to the aggressor state would have devastating and irreparable consequences for Ukrainian-Iranian bilateral relations.
Source:mfa.gov.ua
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https://mfa.gov.ua/en/news/komentar-mzs-shchodo-vikliku-timchasovogo-povirenogo-u-spravah-islamskoyi-respubliki-iran-v-ukrayini
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Iranian Dissident Man Gang-Raped InGermany By Alleged 'Islamic Republic Loyalists'
10 th September
An Iranian dissident man was gang-raped in Germany by four men who are believed to be Islamic Republic loyalists, in an attack that has shocked the town of Iserlohn in North Rhine-Westphalia, according to German media reports.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday night at an abandoned brewery site, is being investigated as a politically motivated crime with deep ties to Tehran’s repressive government, according to a report by Der Spiegel.
Witnesses, alarmed by the victim’s screams, alerted the authorities, who responded quickly. IKZ reports that emergency services found the victim tied up and severely abused. He was immediately rushed to a hospital, but the full extent of his injuries has not been disclosed.
The attackers fled the scene, but law enforcement, including a helicopter and multiple patrol units, initiated a rapid search and apprehended four suspects—aged 24, 34, 42, and 46—shortly after in a nearby forest. One of the suspects sustained injuries while attempting to evade capture.
Spiegel and WDR report that all four men are believed to be ardent supporters of the Islamic Republic, underlining the political nature of the attack.
According to information obtained by Spiegel, the 30-year-old victim, an Iranian refugee who had fled persecution back home, was targeted due to his outspoken opposition to the Islamic Republic. The alleged perpetrators—four men with alleged loyalty to the Islamic Republic—sought to "sexually humiliate" and silence him, according to German authorities.
'Sexual humiliation'
"Based on the current state of knowledge, the victim should above all be humiliated," said Michael Burggräf, the prosecutor of Hagen in North Rhine-Westphalia, highlighting the intent behind the attack: to silence dissent through sexual violence. "The attack was primarily intended to sexually humiliate the victim."
The German prosecutor's remarks reinforce the suspicion that the assault was more than a mere political dispute and was rather an orchestrated act of brutality meant to break the spirit of a dissident.
This act of violence is being seen as an extension of the Islamic Republic’s long-standing campaign of intimidation and repression against dissidents, even beyond Iran’s borders.
The clerical government has a well-documented history of targeting its critics and defectors, often using extreme measures to silence opposition. The brutal nature of the latest assault echoes the tactics employed by Iran’s intelligence apparatus, which has been linked to various forms of violence and coercion against dissidents in Europe.
Dozens of assassinations have been attempted ever since the 1979 Revolution, often involving non-Iranians that help those who order the attacks deny complicity.
In June, another Iranian dissident escaped an assassination attempt in the Netherlands in what seemed to be yet another sign of Iran’s resolve to silence voices of dissent outside the country. The targeted dissident, Siamak Tadayon Tahmasebi, was singled out in an Iranian intelligence press release last summer, accused of leading a “terrorist” ring inside Iran from exile. On 6 June, Tahmasebi noticed two men attempting to enter his home near Amsterdam. He alerted the police, who arrived in time to arrest the armed intruders.
In May, Israeli and Swedish intelligence agencies revealed that criminal gangs operating on Iran’s behest were behind several terror attacks on Israeli embassies in Europe.
Over the past few years, Iranian journalists working outside Iran have become a prime target for Tehran's campaign of terror and intimidation. Iran International presenter Pouria Zeraati was stabbed outside his home in south London in March but survived with injuries to his leg. Investigations into the crime suggested that the three suspected assailants were recruited in Eastern Europe and flown to the UK to "intimidate" Zeraati. Also in June, another Iran International reporter, Mehran Abbasian, had to be moved to a secure location following threats to his life.
The threats against Iran International staff have become a recurrent issue, stemming back to 2022. The threats reached a climax with the UK's MI5 saying it could no longer protect the team, forcing a temporary relocation to the US.
Source:iranintl.com
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https://www.iranintl.com/en/202409091867
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Moscow accuses Kiev of ‘top-level terrorism’
10 Sep, 2024
Attempts by Ukrainian forces to target the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant amid their incursion into Russia are “top-level terrorism,” according to the secretary of the Russian Security Council, Sergey Shoigu.
The remark was part of an interview with the Russia 24 news channel, which the outlet intends to broadcast later on Tuesday. According to a preview, Shoigu declared alleged Ukrainian attempts to seize the nuclear site a “very significant element” which proves the “terrorist” nature of the government in Kiev.
“We did not negotiate with terrorists, are not negotiating, and will not – and that is who they are,” he said.
Moreover, no peace talks will be possible until Ukrainian forces are “thrown out” of Russia, the former defense minister added.
Last month, Kiev deployed thousands of troops across the border in an attempt to distract the Russian military from the fighting on the front line. The Ukrainians did seize some territory during the ongoing incursion, but failed to advance deeper inside Russia or stop the Russian advancement in Donbass.
Russian President Vladimir Putin cited attacks on civilians in Kursk Region and on nuclear power stations when he revoked his offer of a ceasefire following the Ukrainian incursion. Previously, Putin said he would support a truce conditional on political and military concessions by Kiev.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Ukraine has lost over 11,000 troops in its Kursk operation, along with hundreds of military vehicles and scores of heavy weapons. Putin has said the high casualty rate could result in the full collapse of the Ukrainian army.
Source:rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/russia/603744-shoigu-kursk-incursion-terrorism/
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Software giant names world’s most cyber-attacked country
9 Sep, 2024
Russia has been subjected to more cyber attacks than any other country over the past two and a half years, Kaspersky Lab’s Managing Director for Russia and the CIS, Anna Kulashova, said on Monday in an interview with RIA Novosti.
More than half of Russians users of Kaspersky Lab products were targeted by hackers during the first eight months of this year, according to the executive. She noted that government and financial institutions, as well as the telecoms, the media and industry are the most common targets for cyber criminals.
“To compromise institutions, hackers could use vulnerabilities in publicly available applications, and steal login credentials, which can be obtained by means of password cracking, including through smaller companies that serve as contractors of larger businesses,” Kulashova said.
She noted that a pressing challenge is posed by hacktivism, in which cyber criminals inflict damage on business operations to draw attention to social or political issues, but that most cyber attacks are conducted for financial gain or espionage.
Kulashova recalled that in July, Kaspersky Lab spotted two waves of targeted mailings to domestic businesses, containing malicious software or links. These files were sent to around a thousand employees in the manufacturing, financial and energy sectors, as well as government agency staff. In the event of a successful attack, cybercriminals could gain remote access to computers and download files and confidential documents, she explained.
Kulashova also said hackers have conducted a series of complex targeted attacks on Russian IT firms and government entities. She noted that the malware campaign, conducted by utilizing public cloud infrastructure, including Yandex Cloud and Dropbox, was aimed at stealing confidential information.
Source:rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/business/603728-russia-most-cyber-attacked-kaspersky/
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Africa
National Chief Imam, clergy pray for Bawumia ahead of filing nomination
Sep - 09 - 2024
The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, led prayers on Monday morning for Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
The special prayer session, held at Dr. Bawumia’s residence in Accra, was to express gratitude to Allah and seek His blessings as Dr. Bawumia prepared to file his nomination forms at the Electoral Commission headquarters to contest for the presidency.
Sheikh Sharubutu led a group of scholars, both young and old, in reciting the entire Quran to invoke Allah's mercy and favour. After the recitation, the National Chief Imam thanked Allah for Dr. Bawumia’s life and prayed for divine favour and grace ahead of the upcoming December presidential election.
In addition to the prayers for Dr. Bawumia, Sheikh Sharubutu also prayed for the continued progress of the nation and for a peaceful election process.
Later in the morning, a group of Christian clergy visited the Vice President to offer prayers for him as he prepared to submit his nomination forms. The pastors similarly prayed for God's blessings on Dr. Bawumia and for a successful and peaceful election.
Dr. Bawumia expressed deep gratitude to the National Chief Imam and the clergy for their prayers, stating his satisfaction with committing the historic process of filing his presidential nomination forms to Almighty God.
Source:graphic.com.gh
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Peter Obi Slams FG For Charging Peaceful Protesters With Treason
10 September 2024
By Udeze Ekene
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has slammed the federal government for pressing treason charges against peace #EndBadGovernance protesters.
Peter Obi said the federal government mismanaged the protest even after the citizens gave one month’s notice before the protest.
Speaking with News Central on Monday, on his opinion concerning the treason charge, the former governor of Anambra State said even when he was in office he never used police to arrest protesters.
He argued that it was wrong for the federal government to fail to sit and discuss with the peaceful hunger protesters but move ahead to arrest them with the police.
Obi said: “I’ve said everybody, they have right to protest. I said it before. I would discuss with every protester. They even warned government months before they did that. I would sit down and discuss with them. People protested when I was governor. They even called strike. They shut down schools for months, our hospitals. I was talking with them.
“I have never as a politician, as a governor ask any police to go and arrest anybody. It shouldn’t be. In a democracy, people have right to say no. I’ve said it every day. If I’m managing this facility and everybody loves me, I will resign. This is me.
“Wherever I am, I believe that I have enemies. My job is to convince them. If everybody loves me, that is a problem. There are people who hate me because I’m just Peter. They don’t even need to give me any reason. It is my job to convince them on why it should be. I convinced the teachers why we should return schools to missionaries and they see the result.
“You just have to. It’s a constant thing. Whenever you’re a leader, you’re a communicator. You listen, you talk to the people. The agitators, the protesters, how are they talking to them?”
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/09/10/peter-obi-slams-fg-for-charging-peaceful-protesters-with-treason/
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Shi’ite Member Arrested For Allegedly Trying To Secure Colleague’s Release With ₦1.5 Million Bribe
10 September 2024
By Justina Otio
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has apprehended a member of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, popularly known as Shi’ite, Shuaibu Dass, for allegedly trying to bribe it’s operatives with ₦1.5 million to secure the release of Abdul Kareem Ahmed.
According to the police, Ahmed is a strong member and financier of the Shi’ite group.
The FCT Commissioner of Police, Bennett Igweh stated this while parading the duo on Monday.
He said Ahmed was arrested by the operatives of the State Intelligence Department in connection with the murder of two police officers during their procession on Sunday, August 25, 2024.
The FCT CP said Dass and Ahmed will be charged with bribery and arraigned in court.
According to him, “On September 5, one Alhaji Shuaibu Dass of Durumi 1, a known member of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (Shi’ite sect), approached operatives of the FCT Police command, offering them the sum of N1,500,000 in an attempt to procure the release of one Abdul Kareem Ahmed, a strong member and financier of the Shi’ite sect who was arrested by operatives of the State Intelligence Department in an operation led by ACP Mohammed Baba on the 25/08/2024.
“Both suspects are linked to the murder of two police officers and causing grievous hurt to three others who were posted to Wuse market junction on the 25th of August 2024.
“Both suspects are currently in custody undergoing interrogation and will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations.”
Igweh stated that the police were also going after other sponsors of the group.
He said, “We have a focus, we have intel, we have a lead that we are following. Don’t worry, we are going to get all of them. I told you we are out for them.”
Speaking to journalists, Dass said he brought the money to secure the release of his cousin.
He said, “I brought money to secure the release of my cousin, Mohammed. What happened was that one day, his family called to inform me that he had been arrested, and they didn’t know where he was.”
Mohammed, who confessed to being a member of Shi’ite, said he warned his brother against securing his bail.
He said, “When he came, he said he wanted to bail me out. I explained to him that the Islamic movement had its legal team, and they were already working on securing our release. But he insisted it wasn’t a problem, saying he knew some people who could help bail me out quickly.
“He said I am a farmer and if I stayed in custody longer, my crops would spoil. So, I agreed, telling him that if he could get me out, it was fine. I am not a financier as claimed, I am only a member of Shi’ite.”
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/09/10/shiite-member-arrested-for-allegedly-trying-to-secure-colleagues-release-with-%e2%82%a61-5-million-bribe/
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‘Stop Arresting People Without Thorough Investigation’ – AGF Fagbemi Warns Anti-graft Agencies
9 September 2024
By Richard Ogunsile
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has warned anti-graft agencies in the country against arresting individuals without thorough investigations.
Naija News reports that Fagbemi noted this while declaring that any Nigerian convicted of corruption should not be granted a state pardon.
On arresting individuals considered suspects, the AGF stressed the importance of having solid evidence before calling individuals in for questioning.
During a roundtable discussion hosted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for state attorneys general in Abuja on Monday, Fagbemi said: “I will suggest in our next constitution review exercise that we expunge those found guilty of corruption from benefiting from powers of ‘Prerogative of Mercy’ to serve as a deterrent to others.”
The AGF emphasized the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders, particularly the Attorneys General, in the battle against corruption.
Fagbemi urged the Attorneys General to reject nepotism, political persecution, rivalry, and prejudice in their efforts to combat corruption, even if it means disappointing their governors.
He further stated that there should be no justification for corruption or criminal activities.
He insisted that their legal assessments of cases must be grounded in factual evidence, as is customary in more developed nations, and remarked, “We must resist succumbing to public opinion. In Nigeria, we are divided along political lines.”
“Let us be thorough and take our time before inviting someone for questioning. Don’t do a shoddy job and be quick to say we have caught a big fish…You will catch a big fish. If it is two or three big fish you are able to get in a year, and you are thorough, it is alright.”
The AGF also counselled against filing bogus counts of charges against defendants just to generate frenzy in the public against the suspect.
“Nobody wants a 50-count charge…make it five or six and be sure. Make sure you get him (suspect) in,” he added.'
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/09/09/stop-arresting-people-without-thorough-investigation-agf-fagbemi-warns-anti-graft-agencies/
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Petition Against Ajaero Has Been Withdrawn – Air Peace Clarifies
9 September 2024
By Enioluwa Adeniyi
Air Peace Airlines has denied the reports that the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, was arrested due to failure to honour police invitation over a petition by the airline.
Air Peace clarified that although it petitioned the NLC in 2023 following a dispute that ensued between both parties, the petition had been withdrawn.
A spokesperson for Air Peace, Omotade Makinwa, disclosed this in a statement.
The statement reads, “Air Peace Airline expresses deep concern over recent media reports regarding the arrest of the President of the NLC in connection to a petition filed by the airline in September 2023. This development, which has led to negative publicity, does not reflect the current relationship between Air Peace and the NLC.
“It is important to clarify the events leading up to the petition. On May 3, 2023, the NLC disrupted Air Peace operations as part of a broader conflict with the Imo State government. Although Air Peace had no involvement in the dispute between the NLC and the Imo State government, our airline was unfortunately used as a tool to exert pressure on the government. This unlawful disruption of our services caused significant financial losses and impacted the travel plans of many Nigerians across multiple states.
“In response to this disruption, Air Peace’s legal team submitted a formal petition against the NLC to the Nigerian Police. Despite our repeated efforts to follow up on the petition, the Police failed to take prompt action.
“However, over a year later, the Nigerian Police have chosen to act on the original petition, which has now led to the alleged arrest of the NLC president. Before this arrest, the airline and the NLC had already reached an amicable resolution, and Air Peace had withdrawn its petition, allowing a positive working relationship to resume between the two organisations.”
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/09/09/petition-against-ajaero-has-been-withdrawn-air-peace-clarifies/
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NLC Issues Red Alert As Details Of Closed-door Meeting Over Arrest Of Joe Ajaero By DSS Emerges
9 September 2024
Oladipo Abiola
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) made some fresh decisions during its emergency closed-door meeting following the arrest of its national president, Joe Ajaero, on Monday.
Naija News recalls that Ajaero was arrested on Monday at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) as he was about travelling to the UK on an official assignment.
Following the arrest, the NLC summoned an emergency meeting of its National Administrative Council (NAC) to discuss the arrest and chart a course of action.
At the end of the meeting, the NLC unequivocally condemned the arrest and detention of Ajaero by security operatives. It also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of its detained president before 12 midnight.
The labour union said the arrest was an attack against all Nigerian workers.
The NLC in a communique issued at the end of the meeting, which was signed by its deputy president, Adeyanju Adewale, also placed all its affiliates, state councils and Nigerians on a red alert.
It said the arrest of Ajaero is another attempt to delay the implementation of the new minimum wage.
The union also demanded the immediate reversal of the price of petrol to ₦617 per litre.
In mobilizing for further action, the NLC also summoned an emergency meeting of its National Executive Council (NEC), scheduled for tomorrow, 10th September, to discuss the situation and take fresh action.
The NLC warned the government to stop the dangerous trend of going after dissenting voices, adding that it would not waver in its duty to protect the rights of workers and the freedom of all Nigerians.
The resolution reached from the emergency meeting of the NLC following Joe Ajaero’s arrest are:
– The NLC demands the immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Joe Ajaero before 12 midnight today.
– The NLC also demands the immediate reversal of the current hike in the price of petrol to ₦617/Litre.
– The NLC places all its affiliates, State Councils, Civil society allies, and the Nigerian populace on red alert.
– The NLC summons an emergency meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) by 9:00 AM tomorrow, the 10th day of September, 2024.
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/09/09/breaking-nlc-issues-red-alert-as-details-of-closed-door-meeting-over-arrest-of-joe-ajaero-by-dss-emerges/
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Death toll rises in Algeria and Morocco following devastating floods
10 September 2024
The death toll continues to rise in Algeria and Morocco following deadly flooding caused by torrential rains.
More than 20 people have died and dozens others are missing in both countries after floods swamped villages in the normally arid region.
In Morocco, homes were destroyed and infrastructure including roads, electricity, water supply, and phone networks were damaged.
Officials says the two days of storms on the weekend in some cases saw rain exceeding the annual average rainfall.
The torrential rains came at a time when the country is struggling with a water shortage caused by six consecutive years of drought.
It was a similar situation in neighbouring Algeria, with bridges and train lines also damaged.
The government has sent thousands of civil protection and military officers to help emergency response efforts and assist people trapped in their homes.
Rescue efforts continue in both countries.
Source:africanews.com
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https://www.africanews.com/2024/09/10/death-toll-rises-in-algeria-and-morocco-following-devastating-floods/
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