Sharjeel Imam Walks Out Of Jail For 10 days After Over 6 Years; Delhi Court Imposes Tight Curbs
New Age Islam News Bureau
20 March 2026
· Sharjeel Imam walks out of jail after over 6 years; Delhi court imposes tight curbs
· Palestinians were bystanders to the Iran war. Now they’re victims too
· Saudi Arabia shoots down multiple drones as Iranian attacks continue
· Australian PM Anthony Albanese blames Hizb ut-Tahrir ban backlash for mosque heckling
· Medina County man jailed, facing federal charges connected to threatening mosque
· Rocky start for Muslim-Hindu ‘peace talks’
· Saudi Arabia Welcomes Eid Ceasefire Between Kabul and Islamabad
· Tinubu appeals to Muslim leaders to pray for peace, prosperity
India
· Delhi High Court orders tight security for Eid in Uttam Nagar
· 'Aap pravachan de rahe ho...': Why did court question 'Mohammad' Deepak's request for police protection?
· Why Kerala is celebrating Eid today while the rest of India waits a day longer
· Babri mosque emotion: West Bengal may see Muslim Chief Minister or Deputy CM: Humayun Kabir
· Indian Muslim intellectuals struggling to make sense of Iran crisis. Ummah isn’t the answer
· Shias to skip celebrations, mourn Khamenei’s death
· Mosques in city redefine their role this Ramzan
· ‘Waqf Amendment Act progressive,’ asserts India at UN, rejects rapporteur’s report as ‘false’
· Crescent not sighted, Eid now on Saturday
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Mideast
· Israel and US are winning and ‘Iran is being decimated’ - Netanyahu
· War and displacement mar the run-up to Eid Al-Fitr holiday for many in Lebanon
· Israel hits Tehran with airstrikes on Persian New Year
· Iran to mark Eid Al-Fitr on Saturday: state TV
· Oman foreign minister blames Israel for ongoing conflict
· UN experts warn of ‘state-backed terror squads’ in West Bank as regional war intensifies
· UN rights chief condemns attacks on Gulf states, energy sites as civilian toll mounts
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Arab World
· In Eid message, King Salman commends Saudi troops, Kingdom’s peace role
· Pilgrims benefit as Saudi health sector steps up services during Ramadan
· Integrated health ecosystem enhances emergency response in Madinah
· Saudi Arabia, Egypt sign joint visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic and special passports
· Saudi crown prince, Kuwait’s emir say Iran’s attacks on GCC countries are ‘dangerous escalation’
· Zakaty charity platform records more than SR1bn in donations
· ROSHN Group, Tarmeem Charity renew partnership to renovate 100 homes
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Europe
· John Swinney wishes Glasgow Muslims 'Eid Mubarak' in joyous message of unity
· Four men appear in court over plot to attack Galway mosque
· President Aliyev extends Ramadan greetings to people of Azerbaijan
· Badenoch backs Tory MP in row over Muslim prayer event
· EU faces energy price ‘tsunami’ – Putin envoy
· Zelensky issues new deadline demand to EU
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North America
· Islamic Center expansion draws divided crowd
· Two Islamic schools approved for Texas school choice program after judge’s order
· Mosque Hopping, Late-Night Coffee Runs, and Community—How North Texas Became a Ramadan Hub in America
· CAIR-NJ Held Press Conference with New Jersey Families Impacted by War in the Middle East, Calls on NJ Congressional Representatives to Demand End to War on Iran
· CAIR-Chicago Files HISTORIC Class Action Lawsuit Vs. Canary Mission & StopAntisemitism
· Are US and Israel aligned on Iran war? Deciphering Trump's post after gas field attacks
· US considers lifting sanctions on some Iranian oil
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Southeast Asia
· PM lauds peace initiative by Islamic and Hindu NGOs
· Bali Muslims Pray Without Loudspeakers to Respect Nyepi
· CM: Penang raises funding for mosque, surau development to RM25m this year
· Aaron Ago Dagang, fellow ministers call for unity and compassion this Aidilfitri
· Malaysia to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri on Saturday
· Muslims in Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Cambodia to celebrate Aidilfitri tomorrow
· PM Anwar performs Friday prayers in Bukit Mertajam
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South Asia
· EU Extends Eid al-Fitr Greetings to People of Afghanistan
· Pakistan Missile Strikes Wound Six Civilians in Afghanistan’s Kunar, Reports Say
· President extends Eid al-Fitr felicitations to leaders of Islamic countries and organisations
· Parts of Bangladesh celebrate Eid a day early, following Saudi Arabia
· City corporations ready for Eid congregations in Dhaka
· PM Tarique Rahman chooses Gulshan home over Jamuna
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Africa
· Hon. Bakare Abiola felicitates with Muslims, joins Eid prayers in Ado Odo
· Boko Haram is Exhausting: Please Obliterate Them, By Jibrin Ibrahim
· Rwanda, DRC agree to "ease tensions" after talks in Washington
· Sahel accounts for nearly half of all terror-related deaths: report
· DHQ Clarifies CDS’ Remarks About Borno, Yobe Residents Aiding Terrorists
· ‘Wining, Dining While Nigerians Die’ – PDP Tackles Tinubu
· Borno Attacks Among Deadliest As Nigeria Ranks 4th In Global Terrorism Index
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
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Sharjeel Imam walks out of jail for 10 days after over 6 years; Delhi court imposes tight curbs
Mar 20, 2026
NEW DELHI: Sharjeel Imam, an accused in the 2020 Delhi riots case, walked out of jail after nearly six years after security interim bail from a local court to attend his brother's wedding and to meet his ailing mother.
Sharjeel was granted interim bail on March 9 by additional sessions judge Sameer Bajpai of the Karkardooma court for a period of 10 days, from March 20 to March 30, 2026.
The court allowed the relief upon furnishing a personal bond of Rs 50,000 along with two sureties of the like amount, subject to strict conditions.
Imam had sought six weeks’ interim bail, stating that his younger brother, Muzzammil Imam, is scheduled to get married on March 25.
His counsel submitted that as the elder sibling, he needed to assist with and participate in wedding ceremonies including Mehendi, Haldi, Nikah and the reception, scheduled between March 22 and March 28. The plea also cited his mother’s ill health, noting that the younger brother—her primary caregiver—would be occupied with the wedding arrangements.
The prosecution opposed the plea, arguing that Imam’s presence was not essential for the marriage as preparations had already been made. It also pointed out that his regular bail pleas had earlier been rejected by the trial court, the Delhi high court and the Supreme Court, and raised concerns about possible tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses if he was released.
After considering the submissions and verifying the wedding details, the court granted limited relief of 10 days instead of the six weeks sought.
During the interim bail period, Imam has been directed not to contact any witness or any person connected with the case, to provide his mobile number to the investigating officer and keep it active, and to refrain from interacting with the media or using social media. He has also been instructed to meet only family members and remain either at his residence or at the venues of the wedding functions.
The court further directed that he must surrender before the jail superintendent on the evening of March 30, and a compliance report is to be submitted thereafter.
The case relates to the February 2020 riots in northeast Delhi, which left over 50 people dead and more than 700 injured. According to Delhi Police, the violence was part of a pre-planned conspiracy in the backdrop of protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act.
Source: indiatimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/sharjeel-imam-walks-out-of-jail-after-nearly-6-years-after-securing-interim-bail-in-delhi-riots-case/articleshowprint/129696316.cms
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Palestinians were bystanders to the Iran war. Now they’re victims too
March 20, 2026
Palestinians carry the body of Palestinian woman who died after an Iranian strike, in the West Bank village of Beit Awa, near Hebron, Thursday, March 19, 2026. (AP)
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BEIT AWA, West Bank: For nearly three weeks, Palestinians in the occupied West Bank have mostly been bystanders as Israel and Iran exchange airstrikes. But on Wednesday night, four women became victims of the war.
Along with more than a dozen of their friends and daughters, they were inside a beauty salon when a missile struck only steps away. It sent shrapnel tearing through walls lined with shelves stacked with acrylic nails and bottles of turquoise and scarlet polish.
Mourning friends and relatives on Thursday gathered near the trailer that offered manicures, pedicures and eyebrow services. Hundreds of coffee cups and acrylic nails lay scattered across the salon’s floor, stained red with dried blood. Holes dotted the metal walls and a small crater marked where the strike hit.
Hadeel Masalmeh, the salon’s co-owner, returned with bandages covering shrapnel wounds on her face and body.
“I wasn’t supposed to leave the hospital but I wanted to say goodbye to Sahera,” she said of her business partner and sister-in-law.
The strike killed Sahera along with three other women from the extended Masalmeh family in Beit Awa — Maes, Aseel and Amal, who was six months pregnant and at the salon with her three year-old daughter. The toddler was one of more than a dozen women and children that Palestinian Health Ministry reported as injured in the strike. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said some were undergoing surgery or amputations.
Palestinians lack shelters
In Israel, much of life has revolved around sirens and alerts since the war started, sending people running to shelters, often several times a day. Palestinians have gone about business as usual, barely pausing when distant sirens blare or interceptions boom overhead.
That was the case Wednesday night when sirens sounded from the nearby settlement of Negohot 2 miles (3 kilometers) away. Few reacted until a customer spotted red flares in the sky and Hadeel rushed everyone inside.
“We heard the sound of sirens. But we didn’t pay much attention and didn’t expect any shrapnel or anything like that to fall on us,” she said.
The reaction to the alarm was the same Thursday. Mourners gathered at the family home next to the salon to pay final respects. As women sobbed, few looked up while alerts beeped from the handful of phones with Israeli SIM cards.
The fatalities underscored the lack of protections in the occupied West Bank. Palestinians there don’t have the kind of shelters found in most of Israel, where building codes have required them since the first Gulf War. Even in parts of Israel without home shelters — including many Arab-majority and Bedouin towns — public shelters are often available nearby.
Though not a target, Palestinians have watched missiles streak overhead each night and Israeli interceptors explode them above. Fragments have hit buildings, including last week outside the West Bank city Nablus, where they punched through a three-story house while its owner was at evening prayers.
The ‘golden hour’
Abedullraziq Almasalmeh, a neighbor and relative of the four women killed, heard missiles whoosh and then boom, his house shaking as he reached to dial for ambulances after 10 p.m. Wednesday.
Their drive should’ve been less than 10 minutes but took 25, he said, leaving victims waiting during critical early moments.
The Palestinian Red Crescent blamed an Israeli gate near Negohot that diverted ambulances. “This forced closure caused significant delays, compelling ambulances to take long, rugged alternative routes, which critically impacted the ‘golden hour’ essential for life-saving interventions,” it said in a statement.
Before the beauty salon strike, the group had warned that gates were increasingly preventing them from reaching emergencies.
Qusai Jabr, the manager of the group’s disaster risk management department, told The Associated Press that in the first week of the war alone, delays affected response calls to women in labor, seniors suffering strokes and victims of settler attacks.
Israeli authorities have not imposed the kind of full lockdown seen during last year’s 12-day war with Iran. But the proliferation of hundreds more gates has made travel just as, if not more, difficult. Jabr said there were about 800 gates during last year’s war and now there are roughly 1,100, both manned and unmanned.
Stuck between Iran and Israel
The nature of the strike Wednesday was unclear. Israel’s military called it a direct hit by an Iranian missile, rather than fallen intercepted debris. It said it was a cluster munition, which explodes midair and disperses smaller bomblets across wide areas, trading precision for coverage. The Palestinian Authority’s Interior Ministry called it a fallen interceptor, referring to Israel’s air defenses that shoot down Iranian missiles. Iran’s government has not commented.
Regardless, in Beit Awa, it was merely the latest trauma. The town overlooking the concrete barrier separating Palestinian towns from Israel has struggled economically since Israel revoked tens of thousands of Palestinian work permits after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack and the ensuing war in Gaza.
The surrounding Hebron Hills have long been a hot spot for settler violence and rights groups say settlers have taken advantage of the uncertainty of the war to ramp up attacks.
The Israeli rights group Yesh Din said last week it had documented more than 100 incidents across West Bank communities throughout the Iran war.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has reported 18 Palestinians killed by Israeli settlers and soldiers in the West Bank since the start of 2026, including a 27-year-old man killed by a settler in nearby Masafer Yatta less than two weeks ago.
For many in the area, including funeralgoers in Beit Awa, the feeling of being geographically between Israel and Iran has been inescapable.
“We’re between two fires,” Mahmoud Sweity said.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://www.arabnews.com/node/2636978/middle-east
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Saudi Arabia shoots down multiple drones as Iranian attacks continue
March 20, 2026
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s air defenses have intercepted and destroyed 26 drones since early Friday, the country’s defense ministry confirmed, as aerial attacks on Gulf nations persisted.
Authorities in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates said they were also contending with missile fire and drone threats.
Kuwait Petroleum Corporation’s Mina Al-Ahmadi Port Refinery again came under Iranian drone attacks, with caused a fire in several of its units. No injuries have been reported.
Firefighters are trying to control the fire in the facility, where some units were shut down as a precaution, state news agency UNA reported.
Bahrain’s interior ministry said shrapnel from what it described as “Iranian aggression” sparked a fire at a warehouse, which was brought under control with no reported injuries.
According to the Saudi defense ministry, the majority of the drones were shot down over the Eastern Province, home to the kingdom’s major oil refineries, while one was intercepted over the northern province of Al Jouf.
The fresh wave of attacks comes a day after a drone struck a Saudi oil refinery on the Red Sea, and causing fires at two additional facilities in Kuwait, as Iran escalated its campaign against Gulf energy infrastructure.
These strikes follow significant damage sustained Wednesday at Ras Laffan — Qatar’s vast natural gas hub and the world’s largest — after Iran retaliated for Israeli airstrikes on its South Pars gas field.
The latest figures bring the total number of drone strikes targeting Saudi Arabia to at least 503 since February 28, according to a tally based on defense ministry reports. In addition to the drones, Saudi air defenses have intercepted 42 ballistic missiles and seven cruise missiles over the same period, underscoring the sustained and varied nature of the aerial campaign against the kingdom.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://www.arabnews.com/node/2636991/saudi-arabia
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Australian PM Anthony Albanese blames Hizb ut-Tahrir ban backlash for mosque heckling
Nathan Schmidt
20 Mar, 2026
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Photo / Getty Images
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Anthony Albanese has blamed backlash over the banning of pan-Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir for heckling at Australia’s largest mosque.
Albanese and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke were heckled and accused of being “genocide supporters” during Eid celebrations at Lakemba Mosque in Sydney’s southwest this morning.
In video obtained by the ABC, the pair are seated at the front of the mosque when a man in the crowd shouts “genocide supporters”, while others audibly boo.
When another man attempts to intervene, the heckler says “genocide supporter, man”.
“Genocide supporters. Boo,” he shouts.
Speaking from South Australia, Albanese said there were 30,000 people at the mosque and that “overwhelmingly the reception was incredibly positive”.
“I walked through the crowd to the mosque and not a single person heckled,” he said.
“There were a couple of hecklers inside, they were dealt with ... no one was rushed out, we just sat there, it was dealt with.
“It was dealt with by the community themselves because overwhelmingly they did not want that to occur.”
Albanese thanked organisers for the “very warm reception that occurred”.
“Yes, there were a couple of people who were heckling. Some people don’t like the fact that we have outlawed extremist organisations like Hizb ut-Tahrir, and that brought a response from a couple of people,” he said.
“But if you got a couple of people heckling in a crowd of 30,000, that should be put in that perspective.”
The incident was absent from a subsequent social media post by the Prime Minister.
Albanese can be seen smiling and shaking hands with congregants in the post, which is captioned: “Eid Mubarak. An honour to join thousands for Eid al-Fitr at Lakemba Mosque this morning.”
Cops called on protester
In the video, a physical altercation also appears to break out between at least two men, with one man having his mouth covered by another man’s hand at one stage.
One of the men has since been identified as Stand4Palestine activist Mukhlis Mah.
In a separate video uploaded to the Stand4Palestine Instagram, the group claimed Mah was “thrown out” and that Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA) staff, who administer the mosque, put their hands on his mouth.
“They threw him out and the police took over, throwing him down the stairs and giving him a move-on order,” a caption stated.
In the separate video, a voice shouts to get Albanese and Burke “out of here”.
“How dare you come here? How dare you come here? How dare you come here? This is our sacred place,” the voice shouts before being muffled by the scuffle.
Palestinian-Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah, who shared the video, also shared a separate post that described Albanese and Burke’s invitation as a “reward for supporting the genocide and destruction of our people and homelands”.
“There is no dua (Islamic prayer) strong enough against the traitors who invited them,” she wrote.
“The blood of Palestinians and Lebanese and Iranians is on the hands of the LMA.
“I hope your grants and selfies are worth it.
“There should have been an uprising in that sacred place.”
In a statement, NSW Police said officers were called to the mosque after reports of a “disturbance during a meeting /service”.
“Officers attached to Campsie Police Area Command attended and removed a 33-year-old man from the premises before issuing him a move-on direction, which was complied with,” police said.
In a statement, the LMA said it was aware that “emotions are high”.
“But, we also need to be clear,” it stated.
“Choosing to engage with elected leadership of this country is not a betrayal of those concerns” in regard to wars in Gaza and Lebanon, it continued.
“Walking away from engagement has not advanced our community, nor has it changed outcomes overseas.
“It has not reduced Islamophobia here, and it has not strengthened our ability to influence decisions that affect us.”
In a post, the LMA noted the Prime Minister’s visit was the first in the more than two and a half years since the October 7 attack and Israel’s subsequent war on Gaza, with no invitations to politicians having been issued in that time.
The LMA said Albanese’s office had conveyed his “genuine enthusiasm” to celebrate Eid with the Muslim community alongside Burke, and that no political speeches were delivered.
‘Why is he here?’
Later, another man shouts “Why is he in here? Get him out of here” while Albanese and Burke remain seated.
LMA secretary Gamel Kheir, who was guiding proceedings, pleads with the men to sit down.
“Respect the place you’re in, please,” Keir said.
“This is a mosque.”
The statement prompts another outburst from the heckler, who says “You’ve got to respect us” before reiterating calls to “get him out of here”.
Earlier, Kheir urged calm from the congregants.
“We as Australian Muslims get to have these deep intellectual discussions in regard to how we navigate the path to engaging political leadership, the media, and the wider Australian public,” he said.
“We can neither totally disengage, nor can we invite politicians to our place of worship … to make us feel good about ourselves but never genuinely have a robust and effective communication with them.”
Kheir earlier noted advocacy in the mosque with Albanese over the Yes referendum.
“In response to the positions of the state and federal governments in defending Israel’s actions, we as a collective community decided to actively disengage from any contact or communication with both government, police, and the wider Australian community,” he said.
“This isolationist and non-engagement policy did not did serve an initial purpose.
“However, after one federal election and the continuing war in the Middle East, we must ask ourselves how effective has this engagement really been?”
Kheir said there had been a “dramatic rise of the far-right anti-immigration agenda”, which he described as “so proudly represented by the likes of Pauline Hanson and certain elements of the Coalition party”.
“Yet the Australian Muslim community has had zero impact on the federal election process or the framing of policy legislation and the dramatic rise in Islamophobic attacks.
“In essence, we have been unable to better lobby and advocate the Government in regards to policy and legislation that directly impacts our community.”
Albanese has faced pushback from the Islamic community following the passage of sweeping hate-speech laws after the Bondi Beach terror attack.
Opponents of the measures say they are unfairly targeted, including over criticism of Israel’s war in Gaza.
NSW Premier Chris Minns pulled plans for an iftar dinner with the Muslim community as the relationship between the state government and Islamic leaders deteriorates.
Lakemba Mosque, one of Australia’s largest, has also been targeted by hateful letters.
Source: nzherald.co.nz
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/australian-pm-anthony-albanese-blames-hizb-ut-tahrir-ban-backlash-for-mosque-heckling/WVWNKYLZBNC45H42YDUXOHQUSU/
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Medina County man jailed, facing federal charges connected to threatening mosque
Mar 20, 2026
A Valley City, Ohio, man is scheduled to be in federal court after the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force said he posted threats to a Lorain County mosque on social media.
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VALLEY CITY, OH — A Valley City man is scheduled to be in federal court Friday after the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force said he posted threats to a Lorain County mosque on social media.
Records show 20-year-old Wyatt Brzoska was arrested Saturday on a federal weapons charge and for making threatening communications.
“We are grateful to law enforcement for their swift and decisive action and preventing what would have been a tragic act of violence,” The Ummah Center management wrote in a statement Thursday. “We are in communication with law enforcement while reviewing our own security measures.”
“Honestly it’s quite disturbing,” said Faten Odeh of the Northeast Ohio Chapter of Council on American Islamic Relations. “It’s the holiest month of the year for Muslims and tomorrow is our special holiday marking the end of Ramadan. We’re expecting families to be gathering at their places of worship, at mosques. It’s casting a cloud over our special day.”
According to a criminal complaint, the FBI received a tip in November regarding a “potential mass shooting threat.”
Investigators wrote that they traced the threat to Brzoska’s TikTok account.
An agent wrote that the matter was turned over to the Medina County Sheriff’s Office, which then closed the case after Brzoska said the threats were a joke and that he was just trying to upset people and get a reaction.
But according to the criminal complaint, days later, Brzoska was back on social media.
This time, according to an FBI agent, Brzoska referenced the 2019 mosque shootings in New Zealand that killed 51 people.
According to court documents, law enforcement again interviewed Brzoska, who again said the post was just a joke that he thought was funny.
Agents said Brzoska admitted not liking Muslims because of things said online.
The FBI agent wrote that Brzoska said he planned to try and stay offline more. Odeh called the pattern “concerning.”
“How many people have to come out and say stop it until it escalates and becomes a very serious thing?” she said.
Then, last week, another tip came into the FBI, according to an agent.
This time, the tip concerned videos indicating someone may be planning an attack on a mosque in Columbia Station, according to court documents.
An FBI agent wrote that in one video, Brzoska dressed in what resembled military fatigues and zoomed in on a mosque.
The agent wrote that the text on the video read, “You will feel it.”
The agent went on to write that two days later, Brzoska posted 12 videos on TikTok, including images showing him holding a long gun, wearing a tactical vest with loaded rifle magazines and a recording of what the agent said sounded like a 911 call in which a woman reported a man with a gun, followed by the sound of gunfire.
The agent wrote that Brzoska then made his account private.
Spokespeople for both the US Attorney’s Office and the FBI’s Cleveland Office said they could not comment on the case because of the ongoing investigation.
Brzoska’s attorney said he is waiting for more information before he comments on the case.
Odeh said she’s thankful Brzoska is off the streets and hopes the arrest restores a sense of safety to Northeast Ohio’s Muslim community.
“It's inexcusable, definitely,” said Odeh. “But we do hope that he learns from this and we hope that he can change.”
Source: news5cleveland.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/medina-county-man-jailed-facing-federal-charges-connected-to-threatening-mosque
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Rocky start for Muslim-Hindu ‘peace talks’
Mar 20, 2026
Good morning. Wishing our Muslim readers a Selamat Hari Raya, maaf zahir batin.
The morning brief team will be taking a break. We’ll be back on March 27.
Here's what you should know today.
Key Highlights
Rocky start for Muslim-Hindu ‘peace talks’
DAP turns 60, dreams of ’Malaysia for Malaysians’
Rocky start for Muslim-Hindu ‘peace talks’
A group of Muslim and Hindu NGOs met on Wednesday night in an attempt to resolve rising tensions between the two communities.
It is not clear who organised the peace talks, but it appeared to have government backing as the dialogue was organised under the Madani Harmony banner. Police are also believed to have played a role, and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim lauded the effort.
While those who attended appeared to move in a positive direction, there appears to be little support from Hindu rights groups.
The only major Hindu group present at the talks was the Malaysian Hindu and Temples Association (Mahima), led by MIC treasurer-general N Sivakumar, who is also the son of long-time Batu Caves temple committee chief R Nadarajah.
Rival group Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS) and the National Hindu Temples Steering Committee (NHTSC) rejected the talks, saying that the majority of Hindu NGOs were not present.
Likewise, two DAP politicians, Jelutong MP RSN Reyer and senator RA Lingeshwaran, decided not to attend the talks at the last minute after learning that controversial preachers Firdaus Wong and Zamri Vinoth would be present.
The rejections are likely to undermine the legitimacy of any decisions made by the peace talks group, which have so far called for a land audit on temple lands and the establishment of a special committee by the Prime Minister’s Department.
Meanwhile, hardline ‘activist’ Tamim Dahri Abdul Razak has also panned the talks, implying that Muslims were capitulating to Hindus.
DAP turns 60, dreams of ’Malaysia for Malaysians’
DAP turned 60 on Wednesday, and is celebrating with the theme "Malaysia for Malaysians", with aspirations to return to its roots of being a party for the little people including the poor, marginalised, and hawkers.
DAP chairperson Gobind Singh Deo also said the anniversary should mark a renewal of DAP's goal of building a united country.
The milestone, however, comes less than four months before DAP is set to make a monumental decision - to stay in government positions or quit - amid simmering discontent from supporters that the party isn’t doing enough to protect their base.
Source: malaysiakini.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://www.malaysiakini.com/newsletter/770701
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Saudi Arabia Welcomes Eid Ceasefire Between Kabul and Islamabad
By Fidel Rahmati
March 19, 2026
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry has welcomed the temporary ceasefire between the Taliban and Pakistan announced for Eid al-Fitr, praising both sides for responding positively to calls from Riyadh, Qatar and Turkey.
In a statement, the ministry said it appreciated the two sides’ acceptance of mediation efforts and stressed that dialogue and peaceful solutions remain the best path for resolving outstanding differences.
The ministry added that Saudi Arabia will continue its diplomatic efforts, in coordination with other countries, to support peace, security and stability in the region.
Pakistan and the Taliban announced in separate statements late on Wednesday that they would temporarily halt attacks against each other for Eid, following requests from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey.
The truce marks the first temporary ceasefire between the two sides since clashes began about three weeks ago, raising hopes that the pause could open space for broader talks.
The recent fighting has sparked concern among regional states, with several countries urging restraint and calling on both sides to settle disputes through diplomacy rather than military action.
The ceasefire comes at a sensitive time ahead of Eid al-Fitr, when efforts to lower tensions often intensify and regional actors seek to prevent further violence.
Saudi Arabia’s response underlines its wider effort to encourage de-escalation, though the durability of the truce will likely depend on whether both sides remain committed to dialogue after the holiday.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://www.khaama.com/saudi-arabia-welcomes-eid-ceasefire-between-kabul-and-islamabad/
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Tinubu appeals to Muslim leaders to pray for peace, prosperity
March 20, 2026
As Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nigerian Muslims, seeking renewed commitment to the nation and humanity.
Mr Tinubu urged Muslims to rededicate themselves to the noble teachings of the holy month, which emphasise piety, empathy, and unity among humanity.
“We have a lot to draw from the noble lessons of Ramadan, especially at a time like this. We must continue to abide by the virtues of piety, selflessness, perseverance, kindness and compassion beyond this period,” Mr Tinubu said.
The president encouraged Muslims to extend kindness to the needy of all faiths, furthering unity and camaraderie.
Mr Tinubu also tasked Muslim leaders to use the occasion to offer prayers for peace and prosperity to prevail in the country, according to a statement on Thursday by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.
Source: gazettengr.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://gazettengr.com/tinubu-appeals-to-muslim-leaders-to-pray-for-peace-prosperity/
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India
Delhi High Court orders tight security for Eid in Uttam Nagar
Mar 20, 2026
The Delhi high court on Thursday directed the police and civil administration in Uttam Nagar to take all necessary measures to maintain peace and ensure a secure environment during Eid festivities. The court stressed that the festival is “to rejoice”, and that authorities were duty-bound to prevent any untoward incident.
The directions were issued by a bench led by chief justice DK Upadhyaya while hearing a petition filed by the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (ACPCR) to enhance security arrangements at an Eidgah in the slum colony, as well as in and around other mosques in the locality.
“Eid is celebrated to rejoice. It is the duty of all concerned to ensure that on such a pious occasion, public life is not disrupted by any kind of untoward incident involving any sort of vandalism or hooliganism on the part of a single individual or any other section of society. It is needless to observe that it is the duty of the state, especially the police, is to ensure that every single citizen in the society is able to observe religious rights, including celebration of festivals,” the court said in its order.
ACPCR, in its petition, said that members of the Muslim community were apprehensive of the law and order situation on Eid, as tensions have persisted in the locality since the murder of 26-year-old Tarun Kumar during Holi celebrations on March 4.
It stated that following the incident, multiple rallies and assemblies, including “akrosh rallies (outrage marches),” were held in Uttam Nagar, during which highly provocative and inflammatory speeches allegedly called for violence against members Muslims.
In its order, the bench, also comprising justice Tejas Karia, directed the police to ensure adequate safety arrangements are made to instil a sense of security among residents. The bench ordered that police arrangements remain in place in the area until the festival of Ram Navami, on March 26.
It said, “We thus direct the police and civil administration of the area to take all necessary action permissible under the law to ensure that the situation does not take any ugly turn and that an atmosphere is created conducive to the peaceful and dignified observance of the festival of Eid, which is likely to be tomorrow (Friday). Authorities shall also ensure that no one from any section of society to play any kind of mischief having the potential of creating any untoward situation.”
“Mr Lau (counsel for Delhi Police), ask your police not to be lax. Whatever happens in Delhi has a ripple effect. The police arrangements in place shall continue till the festival of Ram Navami,” it said.
The Delhi Police was represented by standing counsel Sanjay Lau, Centre’s by additional solicitor general Chetan Sharma, and ACPCR by senior advocate Nitya Ramakrishna.
The Delhi Police submitted that adequate security arrangements have been in place round-the-clock since March 5 in the colony where the incident occurred, as well as in the surrounding areas. They said that personnel from Dwarka, along with additional forces of the Delhi Police and central armed forces, have been deployed to ensure peaceful Eid festivities.
Eight companies of armed police personnel have been stationed across all 11 police stations in Dwarka police zone, they said. Additionally, four companies, comprising around 400 personnel, are on active vigil, supported by 400 personnel from the district force, and the police were also closely monitoring social media platforms, the police counsel submitted. Around 50 inflammatory posts have been taken down, and requests have been made to remove 174 posts so far, and an intensive verification drive has been carried out, with the antecedents of 8,862 persons checked, the counsel said.
Lau also submitted that Aman Committee meetings were being held at the district and police station levels, including interactions with heads of religious institutions. He said that over the past two weeks, around 30 such meetings have been conducted and preventive actions have been taken under relevant provisions of the BNSS and the Delhi Police Act to maintain law and order.
The initial clashes occurred on March 4 when an 11-year-old girl threw a water balloon that hit a Muslim woman, triggering an altercation. Tarun Kumar, 26, succumbed to injuries four days later. Police have arrested 14 people and apprehended two minors in connection with the case.
Source: hindustantimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/delhi-high-court-orders-tight-security-for-eid-in-uttam-nagar-101773968173250.html
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'Aap pravachan de rahe ho...': Why did court question 'Mohammad' Deepak's request for police protection?
Shubham Pandey
Mar 20, 2026
‘Mohammad’ Deepak Kumar, an Uttarakhand-based gym owner who came into the limelight after taking a stand against some Bajrang Dal activists allegedly harassing a Muslim shopkeeper in Kotdwar, was questioned in the Uttarakhand high court for seeking police protection and demanding an inquiry into the police investigation.
Deepak had come to the rescue of a Muslim shopkeeper when a group of right-wing activists allegedly harassed an elderly man, pressuring him to change the name of his store from a Hindu name to a Muslim one. The police registered three FIRs following the incident, one of which was filed against Deepak.
A right-wing group accused him of rioting, causing hurt, and intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of peace in connection with the January 26 incident in Kotdwar.
Kumar has now approached the high court seeking quashing of the same FIR. In his petition, he also requested the court to direct the registration of an FIR under Section 196 of the BNS against those who allegedly made hate speeches. Additionally, he sought police protection and an inquiry into the police investigation.
But why did the court questioned his requests in the petition?
A single bench of the high court hearing the matter questioned the validity of the petitions and reprimanded Deepak for seeking protection and a departmental inquiry against police officers investigating the case, alleging partisan conduct, while he himself is a ‘suspected accused’.
The court observed that these were pressure tactics used by him and his counsel to influence and sensationalise the matter, according to a report by PTI. Justice Rakesh Thapliyal, who was hearing the case, said that since Deepak is a ‘suspected accused’, it was unclear how he could seek police protection.
Justice Thapliyal asked the state counsel about the threat perception, to which it was replied that the investigating officer had found no such threat to Deepak.
“Who is pressurising you? You are sensationalising the matter on social media? Police has to maintain law and order, aap pravachan de rahe ho social media pe,” the high court bench questioned Deepak.
Representing Deepak, advocate Navnish Negi argued that his client had been receiving threats since the January 26 incident and that a crowd had gathered outside his gym days later, creating fear. As per The Hindu report, Justice Thapliyal remarked, “The first incident happened on January 26, the second on January 31. February has passed and half of March is over — has anyone touched your client so far?”
The court also expressed displeasure over the drafting of the petition, noting that multiple reliefs had been sought by a ‘suspected accused’ to sensationalise the issue and put pressure on the investigating officers.
Source: hindustantimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/why-did-court-question-mohammad-deepaks-request-for-police-protection-101773980774621.html
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Why Kerala is celebrating Eid today while the rest of India waits a day longer
Mar 20, 2026
Yamini C S
As millions across India prepare to mark Eid-ul-Fitr, there’s a rare calendar split this year – Kerala is celebrating today, while the rest of the country will observe the festival tomorrow. The reason comes down to one simple, centuries-old practice: moon sighting. Kerala saw the moon, the rest of India didn’t.
In Kerala, religious authorities confirmed that the Shawwal crescent moon was spotted on Thursday evening in parts of the state, including coastal regions. With the sighting verified, clerics announced that Friday would mark the beginning of Shawwal – the Islamic month that starts with Eid celebrations, as per a report by news agency PTI.
However, in most other parts of India, including Delhi and northern states, committees tasked with tracking the moon reported no confirmed sightings. As a result, Friday remains the final day of Ramzan for these regions, pushing Eid celebrations to Saturday.
Why this happens
Unlike fixed-date festivals, Ramadan and Eid follow the lunar Islamic calendar, which depends entirely on the visibility of the crescent moon. Since moon sightings can vary by geography and weather conditions, different regions sometimes begin and end months on different days.
A longer month of fasting for many
Because the moon wasn’t seen in most parts of India, Muslims outside Kerala will complete 30 days of fasting this year before celebrating Eid. In contrast, Kerala’s confirmed sighting brings Ramzan to a close a day earlier. The month of Ramzan comprised 29 days last year.
Spirit remains the same
Despite the difference in dates, the essence of Eid remains unchanged – a time for prayer, gratitude, charity, and togetherness. During the month of Ramzan, Islam followers observe a fast from sunrise to sunset.
Religious leaders have also emphasised the festival’s message of unity, even as celebrations unfold on different days across the country. Fatehpuri Masjid Imam Mufti Mukarram Ahmad spoke to reporters and said, “On this occasion, we pray that brotherhood and harmony in the country continues to prosper and is strengthened with love.”
So while Kerala begins festivities today, the rest of India will join in tomorrow, united in spirit, just a day apart on the calendar.
Source: hindustantimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/why-kerala-is-celebrating-eid-today-while-the-rest-of-india-waits-a-day-longer-moon-sighting-time-date-101773977350808.html
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Babri mosque emotion: West Bengal may see Muslim Chief Minister or Deputy CM: Humayun Kabir
March 20, 2026
Suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir said the emotive issue of constructing a new Babri Masjid in Murshidabad at his behest could shape the political discourse ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly polls, asserting that the next State government may, for the first time since Independence, see either a Muslim Chief Minister or a Deputy CM.
In an interview with PTI, Mr. Kabir, who has floated the Am Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) ahead of the high-stakes elections, claimed that a growing sense of political assertion among Muslims in the State could significantly influence the electoral outcome.
He said that his outfit would contest 182 seats in alliance with AIMIM and could emerge as a decisive player in government formation if the verdict produces a fractured mandate.
Suspended Trinamool MLA lays foundation stone of ‘Babri mosque’ in Bengal
“If our party forms the government, then there will be a Muslim chief minister for the first time. But even if we do not form the government, we will bring such numbers that no government can be formed without us,” Mr. Kabir said.
“In that situation, I will demand the post of Deputy Chief Minister. I am saying this clearly — there will be a Muslim deputy chief minister in West Bengal after this election, if not a CM. You can take it from me in writing,” he added.
Mr. Kabir, who was suspended from the TMC last year after a series of disagreements with the party leadership, has in recent months drawn attention with his proposal to construct a mosque in Murshidabad modelled on the demolished Babri Masjid of Ayodhya, triggering sharp reactions from both the ruling party and the opposition.
₹1.30 crore in donations collected for proposed Babri Masjid-style mosque in Bengal's Murshidabad
“Babri Masjid is an emotion; I tried to apply balm on that wound of our community. For establishing the Babri Masjid, if 100 Muslims go to vote, 80 of them will vote for candidates of my party. Wait till May 4, all your questions will be answered,” The 62-year-old leader said.
The AJUP leader said his party would contest 182 seats across the state. “We have started by announcing candidates from Murshidabad and Malda districts. The rest will be announced on March 22,” he said.
Mr. Kabir said his party and the AIMIM, led by Asaduddin Owaisi, reached an electoral understanding.
“AIMIM will contest eight seats — three in Birbhum, three in Murshidabad and two in Malda. The rest of the seats are part of our total of 182,” he said.
Political conspiracy behind construction of Babri Masjid will broaden rift, says RSS chief
In a move that could add a new dimension to the contest in Bhabanipur seat, Kabir said his party would field Poonam Begum, a non-Bengali Muslim candidate, against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
The constituency is expected to witness a fierce contest, with Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari also likely to be in the fray.
Mr. Kabir also claimed that four sitting TMC MLAs contacted him to explore the possibility of contesting the polls on AJUP ticket.
“Please wait till March 22. There will be a good game in Murshidabad district,” Mr. Kabir said, hinting at possible defections before AJUP’s final candidate list is announced.
According to the 2011 Census, Muslims constitute around 27% of West Bengal’s population and are concentrated in districts such as Murshidabad, Malda and Uttar Dinajpur.
In the 2021 Assembly elections, the TMC swept most of these districts. Of the 22 seats in Murshidabad district, the ruling party won 20. In Malda, it secured eight of the 12, while in Uttar Dinajpur it won four of six seats. BJP’s Raiganj MLA later returned to the TMC fold.
Mr. Kabir argued that Muslim voters, who he claimed influence 114 Assembly segments, were increasingly dissatisfied with the TMC. In those seats, whichever way Muslims vote will determine the winner, he said.
“Muslims are about 37% of the population and around 30% of voters. Yet the TMC has given only 47 Muslim candidates. If they truly respected that share, there should have been at least 90 to 100 Muslim candidates,” he said.
“Among the 182 seats we will contest, more than 100 candidates will be Muslims. That shows who is serious about giving Muslims political representation,” he added.
Mr. Kabir accused the TMC of keeping Muslims politically marginalised while claiming to represent their interests.
“They have done nothing for the development of Muslims. Muslims voted for TMC for years because we told them to. Now we are telling them not to vote for TMC. Whether they listen to us or them will become clear when the results are declared,” he added.
Mr. Kabir said his party would play a decisive role in the event of a hung assembly, but declined to say whether he would support BJP or TMC.
“That question will be answered after May 4. Whoever needs our support will have to accept our conditions. My priority is ensuring a Muslim Deputy Chief Minister, if not a CM. Since I lead the party, I will demand that post,” he said.
Mr. Kabir’s political career has been marked by frequent shifts — from the Congress to the TMC in 2011, then briefly to the BJP in 2018, back to the TMC before the 2021 polls, and now launching his own party.
Mr. Kabir, who had won from Bharatpur in 2021, said he would contest this time from two seats — Rejinagar and Naoda.
He dismissed allegations by both the BJP and the TMC that he was secretly working for the other side.
“For me, it's a moral victory. If both sides say this, it means Humayun Kabir has become an important factor in Bengal politics,” he added.
The elections to the 294-member assembly will be held on April 23 and 29.
Source: thehindu.com
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Indian Muslim intellectuals struggling to make sense of Iran crisis. Ummah isn’t the answer
Amana Begam
20 March, 2026
War between the US–Israel and Iran is not just an international affair unfolding far from home. It crosses borders not through soldiers, but through ideas, emotions, and narratives—shaping conversations and political imagination in societies far removed from the battlefield.
Much has already been written about how sections of the Indian Right-wing support Israel, often linked to their own views on Islam. I have also written earlier that Indian Shia Muslims have the right to mourn Ayatollah Khamenei peacefully, even if he remains a deeply controversial figure. I’ve also criticised the Indian Right-wing for villainising the entire community.
But what we rarely examine with the same honesty is the other side—why sections of Indian Muslims, including some intellectual voices, express support for Iran. What shapes that response? Is it purely religious solidarity, political positioning, or something deeper tied to identity and a sense of global belonging?
Many Muslim communities, Shia and Sunni alike, often respond through a religious lens. And to be honest, that lens slips into a tribal thinking, shaped by ideas like the ummah, or by the messaging of religious leaders.
In the case of Iran, especially among Shia Muslims, there is a layer of sympathy rooted in history. Khamenei is not just seen as a political figure but as someone who challenged Western dominance, who turned Shia identity from something passive into something politically assertive.
You can see this playing out in different ways. In India, Shia communities have largely expressed themselves through peaceful mourning and protests. In Pakistan, however, similar sentiments have spilt into more intense and sometimes violent demonstrations, with accusations against their own state being complicit with the US.
I can understand these emotions. They are shaped by religious identity and tribalism. But what unsettles me is that even intellectual voices struggle to move beyond that same tribal framework. You would expect a more layered, more balanced view. But often, the argument remains confined within identity.
I have heard arguments like Iran has been a friend to India, and therefore India should stand with Iran. But then what about Israel? Israel, too, has supported India at critical moments, especially in defence, intelligence, and technology. If foreign policy is reduced to picking sides based on selective memory or identity, then it stops being analysis and starts becoming alignment.
And that, perhaps, is the line many Indian Muslim intellectuals are still struggling to cross.
A simpler argument
The other argument I consistently hear is about human rights violations by Israel—and that is a fair concern. Civilian suffering, loss of life, and questions of accountability deserve to be raised, no matter who is responsible. But then a question naturally follows: Where are the same voices when it comes to human rights violations carried out by the Iranian regime under Khamenei?
I am not trying to compare tragedies or rank suffering. That is not the point. But celebrating or romanticising one authoritarian figure, while condemning another actor for similar or different forms of violence, is not what one expects from intellectuals or those who claim a liberal position. Human rights are a lens that cannot be applied selectively.
The only argument I truly find myself agreeing with is a simpler one—that war is not something to cheer for. It comes at too high a cost, and it is still, at its core, aggression. Whatever language we use around it—strategy, security, prevention—the reality remains the same.
At the same time, using human rights violations in Iran as a justification for military strikes opens a dangerous door. Because if that becomes the logic, then any state can claim the right to attack another by pointing to its internal failures. Where does that end?
Beyond narrow identities
What I keep hearing in interviews and speeches by some prominent Indian Muslim voices is references to pan-Islamism, to the idea of a unified ummah. And that is where they expose themselves. This framing has very little to do with humanity and much more to do with identity.
Ironically, if we look at the current geopolitical reality, a united ummah does not even hold in practice. Muslim-majority countries themselves are divided by interests, alliances, and politics. Yet the emotional appeal of that idea continues to shape reactions.
This is not just about a war far away; it also shows how we think and what shapes our moral compass. It is easy to take sides, to align with identities, to see the world through “us versus them.” It feels natural, even comforting.
But that is also when we lose something important.
When intellectuals, voices who are supposed to rise above immediate emotions, begin to echo the same tribal lines, the space for honest thinking shrinks. If our positions on war, human rights, and justice change depending on who is involved, then they are not really principles.
India, with all its diversity, has always had the opportunity to think beyond these narrow identities. To look at global events not through religious solidarity or political convenience, but through a more grounded, human lens, and that should continue.
Amana Begam Ansari is a columnist, writer, and TV news panellist. She runs a weekly YouTube show called ‘India This Week by Amana and Khalid’. She tweets @Amana_Ansari. Views are personal.
Source: theprint.in
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://theprint.in/opinion/indian-muslim-intellectuals-struggling-to-make-sense-of-iran-crisis-ummah-isnt-the-answer/2884010/
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Shias to skip celebrations, mourn Khamenei’s death
Mar 20, 2026
Pune: Shia Muslims in Maharashtra will not indulge in celebrations on Eid to mourn the death of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israel air strikes on Feb 28.
Members of the community said his death was like a personal loss and festivities would be avoided as a mark of respect. Chief of the Shia Ulema Board of Maharashtra Maulana Aslam Rizvi told TOI that an appeal has been issued to Shias to not celebrate Eid as people across the world are grieving the loss of their leader.
"We are deeply saddened and heartbroken. In the Muslim community, celebrations are avoided if a father or a close family member passes away. Khamenei was like a father figure to us. We will refrain from any activities not directly related to Islam or Sharia," he said.
Rizvi said the community will offer the Eid-ul-Fitr namaz, since it is considered necessary under Sharia. However, customary festivities such as exchanging sweets, wearing new clothes or other celebratory practices will be avoided.
Maulana Shabih Ahsan Kazmi, a senior Shia community scholar of Raza Shah Trust Mosque in Mominpura, said festive gatherings will not take place, this year. "We will wear black bands while offering Eid namaz as a mark of protest to condemn the killing of our leader," he said.
Kazmi said Khamenei was not only a leader of the Shia community, but held influence among Muslims across the globe." All celebratory activities will be avoided to convey to the whole world that our mourning is a protest against oppression," he said.
Junnar resident Habil Hasan Sayyad said, "We usually invite friends and family to our home on Eid, but we have decided not to prepare sweets or celebrate the festival, this year."
Matin Sayyad, a resident of Mominpura, said children in the family eagerly look forward to Eid for new clothes. "This year, we have not bought new clothes for anyone in the family," he said.
Source: indiatimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/shias-to-skip-celebrations-mourn-khameneis-death/articleshowprint/129686604.cms
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Mosques in city redefine their role this Ramzan
Mar 20, 2026
done
Hyderabad: This Ramzan, many mosques in Hyderabad have redefined their priorities, striking a balance between spirituality and everyday affairs. At the top of the agenda was raising awareness about the impending special intensive revision (SIR) of the voters' list, and the documents required to ensure one's inclusion in the electoral rolls. Some mosques hosted coaching classes for school and college students, preparing them for annual and competitive examinations, while others focused on youth empowerment and skill development. A few even provided interest-free gold loans through mutually aided cooperative credit societies.
The movement began around five years ago, with a few mosques in the city looking beyond spirituality and religious rituals by opening their vacant spaces for clinics, gyms, and hospitals equipped with laboratories and mini operation theatres. They also played a key role during vaccination drives in parts of old Hyderabad, particularly when many parents resisted having their children immunised against infectious diseases. Soon, more mosques joined the initiative, with some opening libraries for students, launching coaching centres for competitive examinations, and quite a few others organising interfaith dialogues to foster communal harmony and national integration.
This Ramzan, however, witnessed an even greater number of mosques taking up social service activities. The Royal Mosque in the Public Gardens opened counters to help voters locate their names in the 2002 SIR list, which serves as the base for the impending SIR 2026 in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Masjid-e-Azizia in Humayunagar held special sessions to raise awareness about the documents required for SIR 2026 if one's or their parents' names are missing from the SIR 2002 list. Masjid-e-Baqi in Banjara Hills has set up a mutually aided cooperative credit society to grant interest-free gold loans. Another half-dozen mosques are also running similar cooperative credit societies.
"A mosque plays a significant role among Muslims. It is not just a place for religious congregations and prayers. In the early Islamic period, mosques played an important role in social, cultural, and educational awareness. In modern times, they have become largely religious spaces. But of late, mosques are increasingly hosting secular activities to create awareness among the poorer sections of the principal minority community here," said Zakir Hussain, educationist and former member of the Salarjung Museum Board. He added that many mosques are fostering dialogue, promoting communal understanding, and supporting community welfare.
Community leaders such as Syed Mohsin Ali, Raza Mohammed, Syed Munawwar Hussain, Khaleel, and Abdul Samad have gone a step further by introducing sessions to raise awareness about civic responsibility among Muslim youth. The Chowk-ki-Masjid runs a large library catering to the needs of students and research scholars. "Recently, deputy chief minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka sanctioned financial assistance of 2.28 crore for the renovation of the mosque. We have also set up a reading room," said Munawar Hussain.
Mohammed Abdul Lateef, who is involved in educational and cultural activities, said mosques are now playing a larger social role, with some even conducting classes for NEET and EAMCET aspirants. Mouzam Hussain of MS Education Academy added that a few mosques are also providing guidance and support for candidates appearing for civil services examinations. Regular lectures are conducted by prominent doctors on health and medical care.
The Salarjung Colony Mosque at Toli Chowki conducted electoral awareness programmes, encouraging voter registration. Dr Maulana Hafiz Abdul Rahman Al Hamoomi has been managing alternative dispute resolution mechanisms under the legal services authority at the Royal Mosque in the Public Gardens.
Source: indiatimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/mosques-in-city-redefine-their-role-this-ramzan/articleshowprint/129686311.cms
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‘Waqf Amendment Act progressive,’ asserts India at UN, rejects rapporteur’s report as ‘false’
March 20, 2026
India has strongly rejected criticism of the Waqf Amendment Act 2025 by a United Nations special rapporteur, calling the observations “factually incorrect” and reflective of “hostility” towards the country.
Speaking at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Gaurav Kumar Thakur, Counsellor at India’s UN Mission, dismissed the claims made by Nicolas Levrat, the special rapporteur on minority issues, regarding the law.
India Says Law Aimed at Transparency and Inclusion
Thakur said the Waqf Amendment Act is a “progressive” reform designed to enhance transparency, promote gender equality, and improve the work administration.
He added that the legislation empowers minority Muslim sects such as Bohras and Agakhanis by safeguarding their “right to preserve the interests of their own community by establishing their own worship places”.
UN Rapporteur Flags Concerns Over Religious Autonomy
In his report, Levrat claimed that the Waqf Amendment Act could undermine the ability of Muslim communities to own and operate places of worship. He also noted consultations with the Indian American Muslim Council in New York, as part of his assessment.
UN special rapporteurs are independent experts who present their views in a personal capacity, and their findings do not necessarily represent official positions of the UN.
India Questions Sources of Report
India criticized the basis of the report, alleging that it relied on inputs from organisations with “political agendas” aimed at portraying the country negatively.
“The tone and content of his comments reflect a clear perceived hostility towards India”, Thakur added. His assertions are “factually incorrect and based on a poor grasp of its background and history”, Thakur said on Tuesday at a session of the Human Rights Council on Tuesday in Geneva.
Commitment to Minority Rights Reiterated
Reaffirming India’s stance, Thakur said the country remains committed to protecting and empowering ethnic, religious, and linguistic minorities while upholding its pluralistic character.
He emphasized that India’s Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to all citizens and provides specific protections to minorities, including the right to establish and manage educational institutions.
Key Provisions Focus on Women and Representation
The Waqf Amendment Act 2025 also introduces measures to improve representation and gender inclusion. It mandates the inclusion of at least two Muslim women in the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards, while also safeguarding women’s inheritance rights.
Additionally, the law ensures broader representation of different Muslim sects in Waqf bodies, aiming to make their governance more inclusive and accountable.
Source: thestatesman.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://www.thestatesman.com/india/waqf-amendment-act-progressive-asserts-india-at-un-rejects-rapporteurs-report-as-factually-incorrect-1503572157.html
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Crescent not sighted, Eid now on Saturday
Mar 20, 2026
Hyderabad: Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the culmination of the Muslim month of fasting, will be celebrated in Hyderabad and other parts of India on Saturday, March 21.
The central moon-sighting committee of Telangana, which met here on Thursday, announced that the crescent of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar, was not sighted in Hyderabad or anywhere else in the country. Consequently, Friday, March 20, will be the 30th day of Ramzan, and Eid will fall on Saturday.
The committee met under the leadership of Maulana Syed Hassan Ibrahim Hussaini Qadri Sajjad Pasha, secretary of the Sadar Majlis Ulema Deccan, which supervises the moon-sighting panel.
With the announcement that Eid will be celebrated in India on Saturday, the dream of a universal Eid eluded the Muslim community once again this year. While Singapore announced that it would celebrate the festival on Saturday, Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries said they would celebrate Eid on Friday.
A universal Eid is nearly impossible, as Muslim scholars in India and their counterparts in the Arab world are divided on the method of sighting the moon. While religious leaders in India insist that the moon be sighted with the naked eye, other countries particularly Saudi Arabia prefer the use of optical aids, including observatories. This often results in Eid being celebrated on different days in different parts of the world.
Source: indiatimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/crescent-not-sighted-eid-now-on-saturday/articleshowprint/129686266.cms
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Mideast
Israel and US are winning and ‘Iran is being decimated’ - Netanyahu
March 19, 2026
JERUSALEM: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that Israel and the United States were “winning” the war against Iran, with the Islamic republic “decimated” and unable to enrich uranium or manufacture ballistic missiles.
In an English-language press conference, Netanyahu insisted Israel had “acted alone” in striking Iran’s massive South Pars gas field, while confirming that US President Donald Trump had asked Israeli forces to “hold off” on such attacks moving forward.
The Israeli premier also rejected the notion that he had dragged Trump into the conflict, implying that he was the junior partner in the joint assault on Iran.
“Does anyone really think that someone can tell President Trump what to do?” Netanyahu told reporters.
“He didn’t need any convincing,” he added.
“I don’t think any two leaders have been as coordinated as President Trump and I. He’s the leader. I’m, you know, his ally.”
The veteran Israeli politician sought to paint a broad portrait of success for the nearly three-week conflict that has engulfed the Middle East.
Ballistic missiles
“We are taking action to destroy the industries that make it possible to build missiles. Iran no longer has the capacity to enrich uranium and manufacture ballistic missiles,” Netanyahu said.
“We are winning and Iran is being decimated.”
The offensive is also forging cracks among the surviving leaders of the Islamic republic, divisions Israel is working to deepen, Netanyahu said.
“I’m not sure who’s running Iran right now. Mojtaba, the replacement ayatollah, has not shown his face,” he said, referring to Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, the son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike on the first day of the war.
“What we see is that there is a lot of tension inside the people who are edging for the top,” Netanyahu further said.
“We’re seeing cracks, and we’re trying to propagate them as fast as we can. Not only in the top command — we’re seeing cracks in the field.”
The strike on the Iranian gas field has shaken already jittery world energy markets, and Trump on Thursday indicated displeasure with the attack.
“We’re not doing that anymore,” the president said in the Oval Office.
Netanyahu made clear the message had been received.
“President Trump asked us to hold off on future attacks and we’re holding off.”
Netanyahu also called Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has sent energy prices soaring, “blackmail” that “won’t work.”
The Israeli premier further indicated his campaign against Iran would continue, saying: “There’s still more work to do, and we’re gonna do it.”
But he added: “I also see this war ending a lot faster than people think.”
Source: arabnews.com
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War and displacement mar the run-up to Eid Al-Fitr holiday for many in Lebanon
March 19, 2026
BEIRUT: Back home, Lilian Jamaan would have been shopping for clothes for her daughter and buying meat and sweets in preparation for the Islamic holiday of Eid Al-Fitr that marks the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
But now, “there’s no joy for Eid or for Ramadan or for anything,” she said by phone, speaking from a school-turned-shelter in the Lebanese city of Sidon.
As Muslims worldwide prepare for the typically joyous holiday, Lebanon has crossed a grim milestone. The renewal of the war between Israel and the Lebanese militant Hezbollah group has displaced more than 1 million people in Lebanon. Israeli strikes have killed more than 1,000 people, Lebanese health officials say.
Earlier this month, the Iran-backed Hezbollah entered the wider Iran war by firing rockets at Israel. That prompted heavy Israeli bombardment of southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs, driving many from their homes.
Longing to return home
Basma Alloush, a spokesperson for the International Rescue Committee, said many of the children she spoke with have the same wish — “to just spend Eid at home.”
Instead, they now may have to spend the holiday “in shelters, in displacement,” Alloush said.
The suffering has played out during Ramadan, with scenes of people forced to flee their homes, sleeping in tents on the streets or in their cars. Some have secured coveted spots in schools and other locations turned into shelters or are staying with relatives.
Many others scrambled to find makeshift arrangements — only a fraction of the displaced are in shelters.
For Jamaan, the harsh conditions meant she could no longer observe many aspects of Ramadan — the dawn-to-sunset fasting, increased worship and usually festive gatherings with loved ones.
At home, she said she would fast, pray and read the Qur’an, the Muslim holy book, during Ramadan.
Now, she stopped her fast as the hardships and stress of the war and displacement became too much. She hopes to make up for the missed days when she returns home.
“Food is the last thing on my mind, but the circumstances are difficult,” she said. Jamaan and her daughter sleep with others in the school while her husband sleeps in the car.
She misses her loved ones and her Ramadan routine. “We would break our fast, pray, make and drink coffee and I would go to the neighbors or they would come over after iftar,” the fast-breaking meal, she recalled.
Asmahan Taleb, who’s also displaced in Sidon, said the run-up to Eid has been marred by hardship.
“How can we celebrate Eid when we’re displaced from our homes and our land? Where is the Eid? Where is the happiness?” she said. “It will be Eid when we can return to our homes.”
One crisis after another
As for many Lebanese, this is not Jamaan’s first displacement.
Her daughter, she said, was born during an earlier wave of displacement from a round of fighting that was halted with a tenuous ceasefire in November 2024.
Israel continued to launch near-daily strikes in Lebanon after the ceasefire that it said aimed to stop Hezbollah from rebuilding.
“Lebanon for us is really now the epicenter of the more immediate humanitarian fallout of this broader regional crisis,” said Carl Skau, deputy executive director and chief operating officer of the UN World Food Program.
“People here have endured crisis after crisis. They’ve been displaced before. But that doesn’t make it any easier,” he said.
He said people he met were exhausted and hadn’t yet recovered from their last displacement.
And that’s not all that’s different now.
“My concern is that the funding is not coming forward like it did last time,” he told The Associated Press. “We know there is less money available. We know there is also competing priorities. ... We will need to make an effort that really donors step up.”
Since March 2, the WFP has provided more than half million hot meals to displaced people in shelters across Lebanon.
Response efforts and overwhelming needs
Many volunteers, organizations and businesses have scrambled to make, package and distribute hot meals for iftar and donate essentials — from blankets and clothes to baby formula and medications.
But the needs are many.
“There is a dire need for shelter,” Alloush said, recounting how during a recent thunderstorm, she couldn’t help “thinking about the people that were sleeping outside, sleeping in tents that are not waterproof, sleeping on the mud.”
The IRC has been distributing mattresses, pillows and blankets, as well as coloring books.
“People don’t have enough clothes,” she said. “Children fled with no toys or no activities to kind of get their minds off of the war.”
Eman Abo Khadra, who owns a hair salon in Sidon, said she tried to bring a bit of Eid cheer to some displaced children the way she knows best: giving them haircuts as a gift.
“It’s a morale thing,” she said. “What does a child know about war or no war. … It’s just about planting some joy in their hearts.”
Despite her gesture, the toll is daunting.
“I was telling them, ‘Come on, clap; be happy; laugh,’ but ... tensions are high,” she said. “People are tired.”
Sheltering in Sidon, Alia Ismail said it’s hard to properly observe Ramadan or tap into the Eid joy.
For the holiday, her children tell her, “We want clothes; we want to go out; we want sweets,” she said. “I tell them, ‘I can’t get you that. There’s no money.’“
In normal times, she would have been cleaning her home, buying clothes, meat and sweets for Eid.
Now she sleeps in a school hallway, rolling up some clothes as a pillow under her head, she said.
Striving to recapture a taste of the holiday
In a school that is sheltering hundreds of people in Beirut, Lebanon’s capital, some tried to recapture a taste of Ramadan traditions and the lives they left behind.
Hallways between classrooms were adorned with decorations. One family placed a small gas burner and some meal packages from charities on a few desks lined up together.
Among those living at the school was Shaker Araqa, who lamented how his extended family has been dispersed by this war.
“We used to gather,” he said. “Now, everyone is in a different place.”
Nabila Hijazi, who is also living at the school with her children, say they keep asking her about the holiday.
“They want to live their lives,” she said. “We tell them ‘God Willing, Eid comes and we return to our homes.’”
In Sidon, Jamaan said she prays “for God to stop the war, for us to return to our homes and for there to be peace.”
Source: arabnews.com
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Israel hits Tehran with airstrikes on Persian New Year
March 20, 2026
DUBAI: Israel pounded Tehran with airstrikes Friday as Iranians marked Nowruz, or the Persian New Year, in the midst of a war that has sent shock waves through the global economy and risked drawing Iran’s Arab neighbors directly into the conflict.
Activists reported hearing strikes around Iran’s capital. The attacks came a day after Israel pledged to refrain from more strikes on a key Iranian gas field and Iran intensified attacks on oil and natural gas facilities around the Gulf.
Iran kept up its wave of attacks launched at Israel that have sent millions of people to shelters, with sirens sounding across a wide swath of the north, from Haifa to the Galilee to the border with Lebanon. It came after an intense day that saw more than a dozen missile launches on Thursday alone, according to Israel’s military.
Global fuel supplies have been under intense pressure because of Iran’s stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which a fifth of the world’s oil is transported.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said late Thursday that, at the request of President Donald Trump, Israel will hold off any further attacks on Iran’s offshore South Pars gas field. Iranian strikes in retaliation have led to already elevated global energy prices further surging and spurred Gulf allies to call for Trump to rein in Netanyahu.
Netanyahu says Iran’s military has been severely hit
At Thursday’s news conference, Netanyahu said: “Iran’s air defenses have been rendered useless, their navy is lying at the bottom of the sea … Their air force is nearly destroyed.”
He said he hopes the Iranian people will rise up against the Islamic Republic that has ruled for nearly a half-century. There’s been no sign of any organized opposition since the war began, after Iranian authorities crushed mass protests in January.
The prime minister’s comments to foreign journalists came amid difficult days for Trump and Netanyahu, with a top US intelligence official resigning and claiming Israel pushed Trump into the war, and Israel’s attacks on South Pars, which led to Iran’s retaliatory strikes on the region’s oil and gas fields.
“I misled no one,” Netanyahu said. “And I didn’t have to convince President Trump about the need to prevent Iran from developing its nuclear program.”
Source: arabnews.com
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Iran to mark Eid Al-Fitr on Saturday: state TV
March 20, 2026
TEHRAN: Iran announced the last day of the holy month of Ramadan would be Friday in the Shia Muslim-majority country, with the Eid Al-Fitr holiday beginning the following day, state television reported.
The office of Iran’s supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei said that, after lunar observations, “tomorrow, Friday, will be the 30th day of the blessed month of Ramadan,” followed by the Eid Al-Fitr holiday which marks the end of the fasting period.
The announcement was echoed in Iraq, which also has a Shia majority, by the country’s top Shia cleric, Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani.
Khamenei was named Iran’s supreme leader this month to replace his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated in an air strike at the start of the US-Israeli war against the Islamic republic, which Iran has dubbed the “Ramadan war.”
The timing of the Eid Al-Fitr holiday is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, in accordance with the Muslim lunar calendar.
This year, the last day of Ramadan coincides with Nowruz, the new year celebrated in Iran on the spring equinox.
Observing Ramadan, during which hundreds of millions of Muslims around the world fast from sunrise to sunset, is one of the five pillars of Islam, requiring believers to abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and sex during daylight hours.
Observant Muslims are also encouraged to donate to the poor.
Source: arabnews.com
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Oman foreign minister blames Israel for ongoing conflict
March 19, 2026
PARIS: A negotiated deal between the US and Iran to avert war “appeared really possible,” Oman’s Foreign Minister, who mediated talks between the two sides, said in an article published on Thursday, while blaming Israel for the ongoing conflict.
Writing in The Economist, Badr Albusaidi abandoned the usual reserve of diplomatic language, calling the war a “catastrophe” and saying US President Donald Trump’s administration had “lost control of its own foreign policy.”
Albusaidi claimed the US and Iran had been “on the verge of a real deal” on Iran’s nuclear program twice over the last nine months, including in June last year when the process ended with Israeli-US attacks on Iran.
He mediated a second round of indirect negotiations that resumed in Oman on Feb. 6, with the final round held in Geneva on Feb. 26.
“It was a shock but not a surprise when on Feb. 28 — just a few hours after the latest and most substantive talks — Israel and America again launched an unlawful military strike against the peace that had briefly appeared really possible,” Albusaidi wrote.
The details of what was on the table in Geneva are of major significance, experts say, because Trump justified the war by saying Iran posed an “imminent” threat with its nuclear program.
Albusaidi blamed “Israel’s leadership” for persuading Trump that “an unconditional surrender would swiftly follow the initial assault and the assassination of the supreme leader,” Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the opening salvo of the war.
“The American administration’s greatest miscalculation, of course, was allowing itself to be drawn into this war in the first place.”
“America’s friends have a responsibility to tell the truth,” he continued, adding that one of the messages “involves indicating the extent to which America has lost control of its own foreign policy.”
The Guardian newspaper revealed this week that Britain’s national security adviser, Jonathan Powell, attended the final round of US-Iran talks in Geneva and viewed Iran’s proposals as “significant enough to prevent a rush to war.”
“The UK team was surprised by what the Iranians put on the table,” an anonymous former official who was briefed on the talks told the newspaper.
The US negotiating team comprised Trump’s special envoy, real estate developer Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who did not bring a technical team to advise on complex nuclear issues, reports say.
Source: arabnews.com
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UN experts warn of ‘state-backed terror squads’ in West Bank as regional war intensifies
Ephrem Kossaify
March 19, 2026
NEW YORK: UN independent experts on Thursday accused Israel of accelerating what they described as a campaign of ethnic cleansing and annexation in the West Bank, with increased displacement of Palestinians and a surge in violence by settlers and Israeli security forces.
The experts said Palestinians were facing widespread intimidation and attacks, with entire communities “living in fear of settler terrorism rampaging across the West Bank day and night.”
“Against the backdrop of the US-Israel aggression against Iran and Lebanon, Israel is escalating ethnic cleansing and full annexation of the West Bank,” the experts said.
Since Feb. 28, most road gates across the West Bank had been closed by Israeli forces, restricting access to workplaces, schools, healthcare and humanitarian aid.
The closures have also hindered emergency services, leaving some communities cut off from ambulances and fire brigades.
The experts said thousands of Palestinian families had been forced to flee their homes due to escalating settler attacks and the destruction of infrastructure, particularly in the Jordan Valley. Some of those displaced had already been uprooted from other areas months earlier.
They also raised the alarm over reports of sexual abuse of Palestinian men, women, and children by settlers, and said violence was being fueled by inflammatory rhetoric from senior Israeli officials and what they described as widespread impunity.
The experts’ statement highlighted that settlers have targeted homes, vehicles, and livestock, vandalized crops and olive trees, and damaged water and sanitation infrastructure. Livestock have been killed or stolen, and individuals, including Israeli volunteers attempting to protect Palestinian communities, have been beaten and threatened.
Between Feb. 3-16, at least 86 settler attacks were recorded across 60 Palestinian communities, the experts said. On March 3, armed settlers accompanied by Israeli forces reportedly raided the village of Qaryut in the Nablus district, killing two Palestinians and injuring others. Ambulances were unable to reach the wounded for over an hour due to road closures, they added.
“This is an example of coordinated implementation of Israel’s annexation and ethnic cleansing policy by occupation forces and settlers: these two are birds of a feather,” the experts said.
They cited recent reports indicating that weapons and vehicles had been supplied to settler groups, which they said supported claims that Israeli authorities were relying on settlers to carry out actions on the ground.
The experts also criticized remarks by Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s national security minister, that “Jews are above the law in the West Bank,” while facilitating the issuance of firearm licenses to settlers in occupied East Jerusalem.
The statement reiterated concerns over Israeli government plans to expand settlements, displace Palestinian communities, and register Palestinian land as Israeli state property.
The experts urged states to act in line with a 2024 advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice and a related UN General Assembly resolution calling for an end to the occupation.
“Tragically, states have failed to stop Israel’s crimes, emboldening its impunity and giving it carte blanche to continue its atrocities against Palestinians,” they said.
The statement was issued by Francesca Albanese, Michelle Small, and Ben Saul, among others.
Source: arabnews.com
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UN rights chief condemns attacks on Gulf states, energy sites as civilian toll mounts
Ephrem Kossaify
March 19, 2026
NEW YORK: The UN human rights chief on Thursday condemned escalating attacks on major oil and gas facilities alongside strikes on densely populated areas, warning that the widening regional conflict is exacting a growing toll on civilians.
“Almost three weeks since the US-Israel strikes on Iran commenced, the conflict continues to spread, with its toll disproportionately impacting civilians across the Middle East region and beyond,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said in a statement.
Turk said the targeting of critical energy infrastructure, including South Pars in Iran and Ras Laffan in Qatar, marked a dangerous escalation.
“Attacks on energy infrastructure … will only compound hardship. Disastrous humanitarian, economic and environmental consequences will be triggered if such attacks continue, resulting in deep harm to civilians — potentially for years to come,” he said.
He warned that hostilities were increasingly shifting toward densely populated areas as well as vital infrastructure.
“The human cost of this reckless war is alarming. Hostilities are being waged without regard to the immediate and long-term consequences for civilians across the entire region,” he said.
Turk called for urgent diplomatic efforts to halt the escalation.
“To pull the region back from the brink and prevent the further loss of civilian life and destruction of vital public infrastructure, renewed diplomatic efforts are critical,” he said.
US and Israeli strikes have killed people across Iran and damaged a wide range of civilian sites, including housing complexes, medical facilities, schools, shops, courthouses, UNESCO World Heritage sites and energy installations. The Iranian Red Crescent reported that 67,414 civilian sites had been struck, including 498 schools and 236 health facilities.
The cumulative impact of the hostilities has disrupted electricity supplies and contributed to shortages of essential goods such as medicine, infant formula, and fuel.
Israeli strikes in Lebanon have also caused significant civilian casualties, widespread infrastructure damage and displaced more than 1 million people, while Iranian strikes and Hezbollah rocket fire into Israel have hit residential areas, causing further casualties and damage.
Turk condemned attacks targeting civilian objects and infrastructure indispensable to the civilian population, saying such actions may constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law and amount to war crimes.
“All parties to this conflict are bound by their obligations – irrespective of the conduct of any other party — and must take all feasible measures to avoid harm to civilians and damage to civilian objects,” he said.
He also condemned the impact of sustained Iranian strikes across the wider region, including in Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, which he said had kept populations on high alert and instilled fear and anxiety.
Iranian drones and missiles have struck or been intercepted near hotels, airports, diplomatic premises, ports, tankers, and energy facilities, causing deaths, injuries, and disruption to aviation and shipping.
Turk also condemned the deteriorating situation inside Iran, citing reports of repression, waves of arrests and Internet shutdowns. He said political prisoners faced limited access to food and risks of enforced disappearance and execution, with four executions reported, three linked to nationwide protests in January 2026.
Across the region, civic space has been restricted, with arrests reported on charges including espionage, treason or sharing conflict-related content.
“In times of war, the rule of law, due process and other human rights obligations continue to apply. The ugly reality of war is not a carte blanche to violate human rights,” Turk said.
He noted that many in the region would observe the upcoming Eid Al-Fitr this weekend in circumstances of hardship, uncertainty, and fear.
“I extend my Eid wishes to all those who observe it, and my heartfelt solidarity to all those enduring the hardships of conflict and instability,” he added.
Source: arabnews.com
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Arab World
In Eid message, King Salman commends Saudi troops, Kingdom’s peace role
March 20, 2026
RIYADH: King Salman highlighted the Kingdom’s role in supporting global peace in an Eid message on Thursday evening.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has made persistent efforts to support global peace and maintain security and stability through its firm approach to containing crises, as demonstrated by its positions regarding the unfortunate events currently affecting the region,” said the king in a message on the Saudi Press Agency.
King Salman commended the Saudi military in the message.
“We ask the Almighty to grant victory to our brave heroes and soldiers stationed on our borders. May He protect our precious homeland, the Islamic nation, and the entire world, and may He bless us with lasting security and prosperity.”
Saudi Arabia has been defending itself from missile and drone attacks from Iran after US and Israel launched a war against Iran on Feb. 28.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan warned Thursday that the Kingdom’s restraint in the face of escalating Iranian attacks “is not unlimited.”
The conflict has escalated to include attacks on vital energy sites in the Gulf.
Source: arabnews.com
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Pilgrims benefit as Saudi health sector steps up services during Ramadan
March 20, 2026
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s health sector provided more than 184,000 healthcare services to pilgrims and visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque during Ramadan, it was announced on Thursday.
The figure underscores the Kingdom’s efforts to ensure accessible, high-quality care for all visitors.
A total of 184,509 visits were recorded throughout the holy month as part of an integrated system designed to enhance pilgrims’ health, enabling them to perform rituals safely and comfortably.
Emergency departments accounted for 109,793 visits, while 64,892 patients received primary healthcare services. Hospitals also recorded 8,687 inpatient cases and performed 794 surgeries.
The visits were delivered through coordinated efforts across the Kingdom’s health system, according to the Ministry of Health.
The ministry said it continues to oversee and regulate healthcare services to ensure compliance with approved standards, in line with the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program and the Pilgrim Experience Program under Saudi Vision 2030.
Source: arabnews.com
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Integrated health ecosystem enhances emergency response in Madinah
March 19, 2026
MADINAH: The Saudi Red Crescent Authority has continued to carry out emergency medical duties within the Prophet’s Mosque and the surrounding central area as part of an integrated health ecosystem that aims to enhance emergency response efficiency and provide advanced ambulance services to pilgrims and visitors.
The authority is playing a key role through ambulance teams that respond on-site to emergency cases and provide primary care at the Prophet’s Mosque.
This is done in coordination with participating health entities, reflecting a high level of integration across sectors.
The authority operates within a joint system that includes 17 health entities from the government, private, and non-profit sectors.
It also coordinates continuously with hospitals and health centers in the central area to enhance service readiness, accelerate case transfers, and ensure timely care.
Ambulance teams are deployed across the Prophet’s Mosque, its courtyards, and surrounding areas through foot patrols, positioning points, and ambulance centers.
They are supported by modern, lightweight equipment that enables rapid response in crowded areas.
Source: arabnews.com
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Saudi Arabia, Egypt sign joint visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic and special passports
March 19, 2026
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty signed an agreement in Riyadh on mutual exemption from short-stay visas for holders of diplomatic, special, and service passports between the governments of the Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
The agreement comes within the framework of the distinguished bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries and contributes to advancing joint cooperation, the Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry said on X on Thursday.
The minister also held a coordination meeting with the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Turkiye, and Egypt on the sidelines of the consultative meeting of the foreign ministers of a group of Arab and Islamic countries.
Source: arabnews.com
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Saudi crown prince, Kuwait’s emir say Iran’s attacks on GCC countries are ‘dangerous escalation’
March 19, 2026
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a telephone call with Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the emir of Kuwait, on Thursday to discuss regional issues and security concerns, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The two leaders reviewed the latest developments and their implications for security and stability.
They condemned what they described as repeated hostile attacks by Iran on Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including the targeting of vital facilities, and warned that such actions represented a dangerous escalation, the SPA added.
Both sides stressed that GCC states would continue to deploy all available resources to defend their territories, safeguard security, and preserve regional stability.
The leaders also exchanged greetings on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr, and wished continued security, stability and prosperity for both countries.
Source: arabnews.com
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Zakaty charity platform records more than SR1bn in donations
March 19, 2026
RIYADH: At the end of Ramadan, the Saudi government’s Zakaty charity platform announced it had received more than SR1 billion ($266 million) in donations since launching nine years ago.
The platform was developed by the country’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, and allows people to make charitable donations directly to beneficiaries.
Zakat donations are one of the five obligatory pillars of Islam, requiring all Muslims who meet a minimum threshold to give 2.5 percent of their wealth to the needy.
Charitable donations often surge during the holy month of Ramadan as worshippers endeavor to practice good deeds.
The platform also sees an annual uptick in donations as Eid Al-Fitr nears, with the faithful donating the mandatory Zakat Al-Fitr, the equivalent of 2.5 kg to 3 kg of staple food that must be paid before the Eid prayer.
The Zakat authority has made efforts to develop an integrated system that allows people to make their contributions easily and securely through reliable channels, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Having passed the SR1 billion milestone this Ramadan, the success of the platform reflects a high level of community awareness and trust.
The authority’s spokesman, Hamoud Al-Harbi, told the SPA that the Zakaty platform represents an advanced model in employing technology to serve the third pillar of Islam.
He explained how Zakaty provides a smart calculator for various types of Zakat, including cash, gold, silver, stocks, investment funds, real estate and others.
The platform has multiple secure payment options, in addition to the Zakat time reminder feature, which makes it easier for users.
Al-Harbi added that reaching the milestone reflects the success of concerted efforts in promoting digital transformation in the Zakat sector, supporting the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 in building an integrated digital economy and enabling social solidarity through innovation.
Source: arabnews.com
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ROSHN Group, Tarmeem Charity renew partnership to renovate 100 homes
March 19, 2026
RIYADH: ROSHN Group, a leading enabler of Saudi Vision 2030 for the housing sector, and Tarmeem Charity Association have renewed their partnership to renovate 100 additional homes.
“With the latest renewal of the partnership, signed in the presence of Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed bin Abdullah Al-Hogail, ROSHN Group has committed to the renovation of an additional 100 homes, bringing the total number of families supported through this partnership to 300 across the Kingdom with plans this year to renovate homes in all 13 regions,” the company said in a statement on Thursday.
The commitment to community development is part of its corporate social responsibility program and reflects ongoing efforts to elevate the quality of life for those most in need.
The partnership has now entered its third year, with the significance of the initiative even clearer given the ongoing conflict in the region. Organizations like Tarmeem, Jood Eskan and ROSHN Group remain focused on their shared vision to enhance quality of life, especially for those with limited means.
In the first week of the conflict, many of the company’s volunteers participated in the renovation of homes. Mohammed Ashour, associate director of CSR, said: “Our collaboration with Tarmeem and the involvement with Jood Eskan is addressing more than physical infrastructure. Together we are providing homes as the foundations for the lives of hundreds of families, enhancing comfort and safety, while providing the stability that allows families to thrive.”
ROSHN Group has also expanded its commitment to housing stability during Ramadan with a contribution of SR5 million to the Jood Eskan campaign. This second year of support will see the provision of housing for 33 eligible families across the Kingdom and directly contribute to the Kingdom’s goals of increased homeownership.
Its current partnership model will also see knowledge transferred to smaller, regional associations, creating a sustainable ecosystem of care and support.
Source: arabnews.com
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Europe
John Swinney wishes Glasgow Muslims 'Eid Mubarak' in joyous message of unity
Fahad Tariq
20 Mar 2026
John Swinney has shared a message to everyone celebrating Eid al-Fitr today.
The special celebration comes following the completion of Ramadan, which saw Glaswegians fast from sunrise to sunset for 30 days, going without food or drink to get closer to their faith and give charity.
Eid is about spending time with family and friends, and reflecting on the Islamic holy month just passed. In his Eid message shared today, Friday March 20, the First Minister recognised how much Scotland's Muslim communities bring to the country.
He said: "Scotland’s Muslim communities bring so much to the life of our country, through acts of service, through leadership, through the rich traditions and cultures that continue to strengthen our society. Your commitment to looking after neighbours, supporting the vulnerable, and fostering understanding makes us all stronger."
The statement continues: "Assalamu alaikum. As the holy month of Ramadan comes to a close, I want to extend my warmest wishes to everyone celebrating Eid al‑Fitr.
"Ramadan is a month of deep reflection, self‑discipline and spiritual renewal. It is a time when families and communities come together to break fast, to pray, and to support those who need it most. The dedication shown throughout the month in charity, kindness and patience, is truly inspiring.
"Eid al‑Fitr marks a moment of joy and celebration after weeks of fasting and devotion. It is a time to gather with loved ones, to share meals, and to give thanks. It reminds us of the importance of compassion, generosity and gratitude,values that uplift all of us, regardless of our background or beliefs.
"For many, this past year has brought challenges at home or abroad, and Eid serves as a powerful reminder of the hope and resilience at the heart of the Muslim faith. It is a time to stand together, to support one another, and to reaffirm the bonds that tie our communities together.
"To everyone celebrating, I wish you a joyful, peaceful and blessed Eid. May this Eid bring happiness to your homes, comfort to your hearts, and renewed hope for the months ahead. Eid Mubarak."
Source: glasgowlive.co.uk
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Four men appear in court over plot to attack Galway mosque
19 Mar 2026
Four men have appeared in court in the midlands, charged over an alleged plot by a violent right-wing extremist group to attack a mosque in Galway.
At Portlaoise District Court, Judge Andrew Cody said he was satisfied from the evidence in court today that the threats are real and intended.
Darren Gorman, aged 33, with an address at O'Moore Place, Portlaoise, and 36-year-old Charles Flynn with an address at Castlerock Avenue, Castleconnell, Limerick, face a charge of attempting to engage in a terrorist activity or a terrorist-linked activity.
The charge alleges the men were plotting to set fire to the Maryam Mosque on Monivea Road in Galway.
Garrett Pollock, aged 35, with an address at Kilhorne Greene, Annalong, Co Down, and Karolis Peckauskas, 39, of Newfoundwell Road, Drogheda, Co Louth, also appeared in court today.
They face the charge of attempting to engage in a terrorist activity or a terrorist-linked activity.
Mr Pollock and Mr Peckauskas also face other charges for possession of explosives, hatchets, a knife and a knuckle duster with intent to incapacitate or intimidate.
The explosives, including four threaded pipe end caps and five bottles of hydrogen peroxide, were discovered by gardaí during a search of a car at O'Moore Place in Portlaoise, Co Laois, on 4 November 2025.
The vehicle was allegedly owned by Mr Peckauskas, the court heard, and it was alleged that Mr Pollock was in the car.
A manifesto was recovered from the boot of the car outlining the intent to commit a terrorist offence, and a black balaclava was also recovered, which it is alleged had the DNA of Mr Gorman.
Three of the four men, Mr Pollock, Mr Gorman and Mr Flynn, applied for bail.
Gardaí objected based on the seriousness of the charges and their belief that the men are an obvious threat to the State and could plan further terror attacks.
During bail hearings for three of the accused, the court heard how the men, who claimed to be members of a group called the Irish Defence Army, were involved in a plan to attack a mosque in Galway.
A video recovered from the phone of Mr Pollock, which gardaí said was recorded at O'Moore Place in Portlaoise at around 9pm on 4 November 2025, was played to the court.
The video showed four masked men dressed in black with a tricolour behind them. It was alleged in court that the video was recorded in Mr Gorman's kitchen.
The men spoke of attacking what they called "Ireland's first mosque" in Galway and of their intention to carry out further attacks on other mosques, IPAS centres and anyone who assists and supports them.
In the video, the men said they were "taking a moment to speak honestly and directly recognising that everyone in the country had enough of the poor treatment, particularly children, women and the elderly who have been left homeless, starving, cold, and under threat due to the number of migrants that have been brought into the country by the Government".
They described this as a threat to "our sovereignty and could potentially be a hostile takeover".
They went on to say they "accept responsibility for the actions that has resulted in the destruction of the first mosque that was introduced in Ireland in Co Galway".
They also said this will "not be their last attack" and described their philosophy as an "eye for an eye".
In a written decision, Judge Cody said it was apparent the video was a practice of a statement to be released subsequent to a successful terrorist attack.
He said after hearing the evidence from gardaí today and taking into account the seriousness of the charges, he was refusing bail.
Towards the end of the video, the men remove the balaclavas, and Judge Cody said he was satisfied that the gardaí's opinion that the three accused appear in the video is well-founded.
Judge Cody said the overriding issue in the case is the nature and likelihood of any danger to life or personal safety or danger to the community that may be presented by the release on bail of the three accused.
He said the video played in court indicated the group is intent on causing substantial damage and injury to mosques, IPAS centres and anyone who assists or supports them.
Judge Cody said after viewing the video several times, he is satisfied the threats are real and intended.
He refused bail and remanded the three accused in custody to appear before Portlaoise District Court on 23 March via video-link.
Mr Peckauskas, who did not apply for bail, was also remanded in custody until 23 March.
Judge Cody put reporting restrictions around the naming of any garda involved in the investigation and said that his written decision could be reported on by the media.
Source: rte.ie
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://www.rte.ie/news/2026/0319/1564253-galway-mosque/
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President Aliyev extends Ramadan greetings to people of Azerbaijan
20 March 2026
President Ilham Aliyev has extended Ramadan greetings to the people of Azerbaijan through a post on his official social media accounts.
In his message, as cited by Caliber.Az, he addressed citizens directly, stating: “Dear compatriots! I sincerely congratulate you on the blessed holiday of Ramadan and extend my best wishes to all of you. May Allah accept your fasting and prayers. Happy Ramadan!”
First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva also marked the occasion with a message published on her official social media pages. In her post, she extended congratulations both to the Azerbaijani people and to Muslims worldwide.
“I congratulate all the people of Azerbaijan and Muslims around the world on the holy holiday of Ramadan! May Allah accept your prayers and fasting, grant everyone health and happiness, and bring peace and security to our world!” she said.
Both messages were shared publicly via official accounts, emphasizing well-wishes for health, spiritual fulfillment, and global peace on the occasion of the Ramadan holiday.
Source: caliber.az
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://caliber.az/en/post/president-aliyev-extends-ramadan-greetings-to-people-of-azerbaijan
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Badenoch backs Tory MP in row over Muslim prayer event
Paul Seddon
20 Mar 2026
Kemi Badenoch has said a Ramadan event in central London criticised by one of her shadow ministers should not have been allowed to go ahead at all.
It comes after shadow justice secretary Nick Timothy described public prayers at the gathering in Trafalgar Square as an "act of domination".
Labour has branded the comments "abhorrent" and called on the Conservative leader to sack Timothy from his frontbench role over the remarks.
But Badenoch has backed her party colleague, saying she "didn't like what I saw" in footage she had seen from the event.
The row centres on an event held in the famous London square on Monday evening for Ramadan, the month during which Muslims fast during daylight hours.
The gathering was part of a series of "open iftar" events organised by charity Ramadan Tent Project - referring to the meal shared at the end of a day of fasting, which is commonly accompanied by prayers before or during.
In a post on X, Timothy shared footage showing a group of men, including Labour London mayor Sadiq Khan, praying together during the event.
The West Suffolk MP added: "Too many are too polite to say this. But mass ritual prayer in public places is an act of domination.
"Perform these rituals in mosques if you wish. But they are not welcome in our public places and shared institutions.
"Last night was not like a televised football match or a St Patrick's Day celebration. It was an act of domination and therefore division."
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has also hit out at the event, claiming it showed people "attempting dominance" over the capital.
'British culture'
Labour has called on Badenoch to sack Timothy over the comments, with party chair Anna Turley branding them "utterly appalling".
Khan hit back in a newspaper interview, saying that Trafalgar Square had hosted public events for Christians, Hindus and Sikhs.
"What is so objectionable to the Conservative Party about Muslims celebrating their religion in the way that we do?" he added.
But speaking at an event to launch her party's campaign for May's local elections in England, Badenoch said her "fantastic" frontbench colleague Nick Timothy had been trying to make a point about the "norms of British culture".
Claiming that women at the event had been "pushed to the back," she said the gathering had been "exclusionary".
"It is about how religion is expressed in a shared public space, and whether those expressions fit within the norms of British culture, " she added.
In a BBC interview after the event, she went on to add: "I think that we need to look at exactly why and how it happened in that space.
"We already have loads of planning rules to say what events can go on, and which ones cannot. I don't think that that was one that should have gone on. So let's look at the rules that allowed that to happen."
Asked why she had mentioned the place of women when this had not featured in Timothy's original criticism of the event, she replied: "My position has been very clear, and very consistent.
"We need to bring back British values. We need to make sure that we enforce British identity."
'Open to all'
Ramadan Tent Project said Badenoch's comments were a "gross misrepresentation" of the gathering and "totally untrue".
In a statement, the charity's founder Omar Salha said the event had been "open to all" and there were "no restrictions on anyone in the Square".
He added that representatives from the Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Hindu, and Sikh communities had attended the event, and the "feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive".
Public events in Trafalgar Square are authorised by the Greater London Authority (GLA), with organisers required to fill in a form disclosing the contact details of the event organisers, any planned activities and likely numbers attending.
The GLA told the BBC that Monday's iftar was the sixth such event to have been hosted in Trafalgar Square.
It added that events in the square have included The Passion of Jesus at Easter, and events for the Sikh festival of Vaisakhi and Chanukah, the Jewish holiday.
Source: bbc.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx26gn64zyzo
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EU faces energy price ‘tsunami’ – Putin envoy
19 Mar, 2026
An oil and gas price surge is about to hit Europe, Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev has warned, calling the EU’s rejection of Russian energy, “stubborn stupidity.”
The escalating conflict in the Middle East, triggered by the US-Israeli attack on Iran, has driven extreme volatility in global energy markets. Gas prices have spiked by roughly 70% since March 1, amid strikes on energy infrastructure in the Gulf. Oil prices have climbed above $110 per barrel due to disruptions to maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, the conduit for roughly 20% of global supply.
“An oil and gas price tsunami is about to devastate Europe,” Dmitriev said on Thursday on X. The looming disaster “stems from the stubborn strategic stupidity of Russophobes such as [European Commission President] Ursula [von der Leyen] and [EU foreign policy chief] Kaja [Kallas], who rejected reliable and cost-effective Russian energy,” he argued. Moscow has long maintained that it remains a reliable supplier.
EU imports of Russian energy have declined since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022 and ensuing sanctions. The September 2022 attacks on the Nord Stream pipelines triggered a spike in gas prices.
More recently, Moscow has accused Kiev of escalating attacks on the TurkStream pipeline, one of the last routes for Russian gas to Europe, warning such incidents could worsen the current energy shock.
Risks have also extended to maritime energy flows. A Russian-linked LNG tanker was damaged and left adrift in the Mediterranean in March in what Moscow described as a drone attack.
Against this backdrop, Dmitriev has urged Brussels to discuss reopening Nord Stream at its own expense, warning that the EU could eventually “beg” Russia for energy.
Some EU politicians have already called for a rethink. Belgium’s Prime Minister Bart De Wever has suggested restoring ties with Moscow to regain access to cheaper energy. Hungary and Slovakia have long opposed restrictions on Russian oil and gas.
However, the European Commission has said there will be no return to Russian energy imports and it will continue to pursue a full phase-out of Russian fossil fuels by 2027.
Source: rt.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://www.rt.com/news/635565-eu-energy-tsunami-dmitriev/
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Zelensky issues new deadline demand to EU
19 Mar, 2026
Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky has once again demanded a “clear date” for Ukraine’s accession to the European Union. However, the prospect of Zelensky’s war-torn nation joining the EU is divisive in Brussels.
In an address to the European Council on Thursday, Zelensky declared that with a “clear date” for membership, “Russia will not be able to block our accession in any way.” Ukraine, he claimed, is “carrying out internal reforms and working externally” to secure this accession date, which “is a matter of trust, security, and the future.”
Zelensky has issued similar demands over the last three months. Appearing alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Kiev in February, he said that joining the bloc in 2027 is “very important to us.”
The EU’s 27 member states are divided on the idea of fast-tracking Ukraine into the bloc. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has declared Zelensky’s goal of membership by 2027 “not possible,” pointing out that Ukraine must first stabilize its institutions and economy, and root out corruption. French President Emmanuel Macron has said that he supports the “opening of the first negotiation chapters” between the EU and Ukraine, without offering any potential timeline for accession.
Furthermore, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has promised to veto Ukraine’s accession, arguing that “if Ukrainians become members of the union, this war will also become our war.”
Even von der Leyen – who bestowed candidate status upon Ukraine within weeks of Zelensky applying for membership in 2022 – has balked at the idea of offering an accession date. “From our side dates, by themselves, are not possible,” she told Zelensky in Kiev last month.
Von der Leyen has, however, proposed a so-called ‘membership-lite’ plan for Ukraine, under which Kiev would join the bloc before making the required reforms, gaining the rights of a full-fledged member only after it had passed these hurdles. This scheme, which critics warned would create a ‘two-tier’ union, proved unpopular with member states, and a memorandum released by the European Council on Thursday made no mention of such a plan, or of an accession date for Ukraine.
Instead, the document stated that “the future of Ukraine and its citizens lies within the European Union,” and that technical talks would be opened with Kiev in keeping with the traditional “merit-based approach” to membership.
Source: rt.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://www.rt.com/russia/635574-zelensky-eu-membership-date/
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North America
Islamic Center expansion draws divided crowd
March 19, 2026
A proposed expansion of the Vacaville Islamic Center drew an unusually large and impassioned crowd Thursday evening, as roughly 300 residents filled the McBride Center for a community meeting that quickly revealed deep divisions.
While the congregation has worshiped at 133 Bush Street for nearly three decades, the plan to significantly enlarge the site has sparked widespread debate, transforming what city officials described as an informational session into a tense and, at times, contentious public forum.
Submitted to the city in September of 2025, the proposed project is currently under the zoning designation Downtown Core. The updates would require a conditional use permit, design review and environmental assessment from the city and would grow the building’s footprint to 6,606 square feet across three floors.
The main floor would include a Sahn (exterior courtyard), Musalla (large prayer hall) and Makhphil (smaller prayer hall). A Quabba, or dome, and a Minaret (a tower generally used for the call to prayer) would also be added to the property under the proposal.
The project would create a total of 37 parking spaces at the site with parking aisles optimized for safety and vehicle flow. A welcome lobby would serve as the building’s main entry point, offering a space for security oversight.
Vacaville already hosts nine religious organizations operating within the Downtown Specific Plan Area — eight Christian churches and Jewish Chabad of Solano County.
On November 14, 2023, the city declared 133 Bush Street as surplus land under the Surplus Land Act. On April 23, 2024, the city entered into an ENRA with the Vacaville Islamic Center for 140 Depot Street. On March 11 2025, the city executed a Purchase and Sale Agreement for both properties with the Vacaville Islamic Center.
Claudia Garcia, Assistant Director of Community and Economic Development, introduced the presentation. The meeting was intended to introduce the proposed project, open a dialogue, welcome community feedback, and share information about the next steps in the project. The project will eventually go before the Planning Commission and, if that decision is appealed, before the City Council.
“We are still in the initial phases of reviewing the project,” she said.
Robert Sesar, the project’s architect from A2R Architects, said the need for a larger place of worship has become apparent as the area’s Islamic community has grown. He noted that neighborhood meetings about religious buildings are generally not controversial and not nearly as well attended.
“This is the first time I have ever had a neighborhood meeting where people showed up,” he said. “From St. Mary’s church to the masterplan at Notre Dame school.”
He said the minaret would be similar to the tower at St. Mary’s Catholic and steeples at churches around the community. Vacaville does not allow loudspeakers from towers, he said, and no external speakers or amplified sound will be allowed.
Two large outdoor concrete staircases would offer access to the upper floors, he said, as would interior staircases. The dome reflects centuries of Islamic tradition, he added, and creates a sense of belonging.
Multiple public commenters expressed concern about the size of the building. However, some houses of worship in the city are multiple times larger, including The Father’s House, which totals about 45,000 square feet.
During public comment, Garcia repeatedly asked public commenters to speak about the project, address comments to the front of the room, and be respectful. She found little success. Many opponents raised religious differences rather than policy issues with the proposal. Arguments frequently broke out between audience members, and at one point, a Vacaville Police Department officer stepped in to end a disagreement between two men.
“We provided this space and this meeting as an opportunity to hear each other speak, not to yell at each other,” Garcia said.
Shawn Byrd said the project was zoned for high-density affordable housing and instead sold the land. He alleged that the city council sold the property behind the community’s back in closed session for slightly over $100,000.
“The tower is over 60 feet tall,” he said. “There is nothing compatible with 60 feet and higher in that area”.
Byrd said the word Islam translates to submit, and said Vacaville should not submit to this building.
“This is not going to happen here in Vacaville,” he said to cheers from many in the audience.
Wendy Breckon, a former Vacaville planning commissioner, said one of the properties was involved in redevelopment and ordered to be used for public purposes. She asked the city staff to prove that the sale meets the legal constraints for the sale of redevelopment properties. She also asked how the building would be consistent with the city’s “brand.”
“This is a large-sized and scale facility,” she said. “Please look at the downtown specific plan, which the city spent years getting public comment on.”
Joan Marquand-Wilse said she appreciated that the design is aesthetically pleasing and that the community is working with the city on the project.
“I have learned a lot, and I appreciate having new neighbors,” he said.
Fairfield Planning Commissioner Aiden Ari Sullivan said he is a Muslim American and was frustrated with the fear that he heard from the Vacaville community. He asked the city to judge the project based on the merits and based on the law.
A speaker who identified himself as Matt said Christ is lord and that Islam has no place in America. He asked that the project be rejected and that the community return to “its Christian roots.”
Hassan Sabbagh said his father is a disabled veteran and Muslim American who has lived and worshiped in the city for years.
“When people say Islam isn’t comparable with America, I have to ask what part of that story isn’t American?” he said.
Zach Noorzad, a Vacaville resident, said there have been Muslims in the community for many years and will continue to be so for many years.
“We have freedom of religion,” he said.
Noorzad said he feels Vacaville has singled out Islam with their response to the proposal.
“If it were any other religion, there would be no issue,” he said.
Rabbi Steve Vale, a military chaplain, said he thinks most Muslims are good people but expressed concerns about Sharia Law and Jihad.
“This project is a little bit of an ostentatious ‘hey, we are here!,’” he said.
Aaron Rowden, a candidate for Congress in District 8, said his Catholic ancestors once had to defend their own religious liberty at similar community meetings when trying to get churches built in America.
“We contributed to this country,” he said. “I have no doubt that our Muslim community members will do the same.”
Rowden said he does not envy the planning commission’s decision, but supports religious liberty.
“My wife is a Protestant. There are places in the world where our marriage would be the subject of violence and hatred, but not in America,” he said.
Vacaville Vice Mayor Michael Silva attended the meeting and posted a statement to Facebook the following day. He noted that the Vacaville Islamic Center has peacefully practiced their faith without incident in the community for more than two decades.
“As someone who swore an oath to uphold the United States Constitution, I am committed to protecting every citizen’s right to freedom of speech and to the free practice of their religion,” Silva wrote. “To discriminate against any group solely on the basis of religion is unconstitutional and contrary to our community’s values.”
Silva called religious leaders of all faiths to come together and discuss how to “live with greater love and acceptance for one another.”
“As a lifelong Vacaville resident, I ask our community to approach those who are different from you with an open mind and heart,” he wrote. “The more I have done that, the more I find we have far more in common than not—and that is where our strength and peace truly lie.”
Community and Economic Development Director Erin Morris spoke to The Reporter before the meeting. She said the city chose to schedule it now because they anticipated significant interest in the project.
“We do this early because we’ve found that in many cases the public benefits from having the opportunity to ask questions and to hear information,” she said. “This is all separate from a later part of the process where there would be a formal planning commission public hearing with a decision.”
Asked what the city did to prepare for citizen conduct during the meeting, Morris said her department worked closely with Vacaville Police and intended to avoid arguing and run the meeting as positively as possible. Morris said city staff was aware of significant social media interest in the proposal ahead of the meeting, including comments that were very supportive and comments that were “hateful.” She said city staff met with attendees of the Islamic Center ahead of the meeting to assure them the city wanted it to be a safe space for all participants.
“We want to make sure that this meeting is safe for everybody and that people feel welcome, and that includes everybody that is going to attend, both project proponents and anybody who has concerns or is just here to listen,” she said.
Source: thereporter.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://www.thereporter.com/2026/03/19/islamic-center-expansion-draws-divided-crowd/
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Two Islamic schools approved for Texas school choice program after judge’s order
Mar. 20, 2026
(CBS) - The Texas Comptroller’s Office has approved two Islamic private schools from North Texas to take part in the state’s taxpayer‑funded school choice program. The move comes one day after Houston federal judge Alfred Bennett ordered the state to consider the schools’ applications – a step the schools say Texas had previously refused to take.
Records from the comptroller’s office, which oversees the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program, show Excellence Academy, a private Islamic school in McKinney, has now been approved to participate. By Wednesday afternoon, the school appeared on the state’s website of participating schools.
Ehsan Sayed, a board member and graduate of Brighter Horizons Academy in Garland, told CBS News Texas on Wednesday afternoon that they had just learned the state had also approved their school.
“It’s a big relief,” Sayed said. “We were excited about the vouchers program when it was first even mentioned, years ago, by the governor, because it would really give our parents and families an opportunity to help with their private education.”
Long‑standing school describes its mission
Sayed said his school has been around since 1989 and now has 1,200 students in its K‑12 program.
“It’s a typical private school with all the subjects, all the wonderful recreational and after‑school activities, with the addition of the religious curriculum and classes. And so, as you mentioned, we’ve been around for over 30 years, graduated hundreds. I want to say almost 800 alumni from the school to date. Just normal and everyday Texans.”
Lawsuit alleges religious discrimination
Sayed and other schools and parents sued the Texas Comptroller’s Office. Their attorney, Maha Ghyas, told CBS News Texas that as many as 30 Islamic schools in Texas were blocked from taking part in the application process, which she said violated the Constitution and freedom of religion.
The Texas Comptroller’s Office has approved two Islamic private schools from North Texas to take part in the state’s taxpayer‑funded school choice program. The move comes one day after Houston federal judge Alfred Bennett ordered the state to consider the schools’ applications – a step the schools say Texas had previously refused to take.
Records from the comptroller’s office, which oversees the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program, show Excellence Academy, a private Islamic school in McKinney, has now been approved to participate. By Wednesday afternoon, the school appeared on the state’s website of participating schools.
Ehsan Sayed, a board member and graduate of Brighter Horizons Academy in Garland, told CBS News Texas on Wednesday afternoon that they had just learned the state had also approved their school.
“It’s a big relief,” Sayed said. “We were excited about the vouchers program when it was first even mentioned, years ago, by the governor, because it would really give our parents and families an opportunity to help with their private education.”
Long‑standing school describes its mission
Sayed said his school has been around since 1989 and now has 1,200 students in its K‑12 program.
“It’s a typical private school with all the subjects, all the wonderful recreational and after‑school activities, with the addition of the religious curriculum and classes. And so, as you mentioned, we’ve been around for over 30 years, graduated hundreds. I want to say almost 800 alumni from the school to date. Just normal and everyday Texans.”
Lawsuit alleges religious discrimination
Sayed and other schools and parents sued the Texas Comptroller’s Office. Their attorney, Maha Ghyas, told CBS News Texas that as many as 30 Islamic schools in Texas were blocked from taking part in the application process, which she said violated the Constitution and freedom of religion.
Deadline extension boosts interest
Sayed said he believes the judge’s ruling to extend the state’s filing deadline for parents until March 31 will attract more interest in the program.
“I think it will clear up a lot of confusion we were getting from parents, so we will have a lot more parents applying.”
In a statement Tuesday afternoon, Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock said, “This two‑week extension will give families an additional opportunity to apply for the first year of school choice in Texas. We look forward to building on the record‑setting demand for educational options that we have seen over the first six weeks.”
Hancock was unavailable for an interview on Wednesday.
Applications surge after ruling
Since the federal judge issued the ruling Tuesday, a spokesman for the comptroller’s office said nearly 900 additional students have applied for the program, bringing the total to about 230,000 applications so far.
Source: kbtx.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://www.kbtx.com/2026/03/19/two-islamic-schools-approved-texas-school-choice-program-after-judges-order/
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Mosque Hopping, Late-Night Coffee Runs, and Community—How North Texas Became a Ramadan Hub in America
By Amina Khan
March 19, 2026
Trees wrapped with string lights glow into the driveway of Qalam Institute in Plano, an Islamic educational institute. On a Saturday night by 9:30 p.m., a line of 80 people has already formed to get inside Roots DFW, a community space adjacent to the institute. It snakes into white tents as people wait on a blue tarp for an 11 p.m. lecture led by Ustadh AbdelRahman Murphy.
Attendees in line sip on coffee while others do dhikr (meditation) with bedazzled tasbih counters. Abaya-clad women in alternating colors, their hijabs in chiffon, jersey, and cotton. Men in ankle-length thobes. Some parents bring their young sleeping kids in strollers. They’re all here for nightly Islamic reminders in the midst of the holy month.
During Ramadan, community spaces in Dallas ramp up late-night programs that seem to magnetically attract young Muslims, many of whom aren’t even local. LA-based couple Shahbaz and Ferheen Khan spent years planning their trip to Texas this year. Although lectures are livestreamed, they felt attending in person was drastically different. They flew in from Los Angeles, joined by a few friends from Minnesota, and met up in Dallas.
“[This] communal kind of [feeling] and opportunity to connect—not only with the people that we knew, but others that are there with the intent to grow spiritually,” says Shahbaz. “There’s something different in the air, it’s the lectures and liveliness combined. It’s the nature of the programming, the kind of inclusion that all of the Dallas masjids provide.”
For a young mom like Ferheen, she also finds mosques in Dallas to be undeterred by potentially fussy kids. At other mosques, she would leave the room if her baby cried. Here, volunteers offered to console her child so she could participate in worship. “I feel like there’s just a lot more kids [in Dallas] in general, and so the masjids have to accommodate and they certainly did,” Ferheen says. “I felt very comfortable at almost every single masjid we went to, which was just so wholesome to see.”
The couple’s itinerary throughout their five-day stay included breaking fast at a halal restaurant, then going to one mosque for prayer, then stopping at a friend’s house or coffee shop before heading to a different mosque for a late-night lecture and qiyam (late-night prayer), ending the night around 4 a.m.
“Overall, I had very high hopes and that experience of just five days exceeded them,” says Shahbaz. “It was tremendous and something that we will look to return, insh’Allah, next year and hopefully years beyond.”
As Ramadan progresses, the nights only get longer. During the last 10 nights (considered the most holy and spiritually significant), mosques in North Texas go into overflow mode, with some people praying in tents outside or on a tarp.
At Valley Ranch Islamic Center (VRIC), nightly lectures begin as late as 1 a.m., yet people arrive two hours early to secure a spot inside. Attendees sit shoulder to shoulder, some lightly chatting with friends and others catching up on reading the Qur’an while they wait for the program to begin.
You might be wondering, why Dallas? Newer suburban institutions like Qalam and Valley Ranch, with their welcoming community programming and high-quality video content, have played a huge role in attracting a new generation of Muslims. Qalam Institute, founded by Sheikh AbdulNasir Jangda in 2009, built a reputation for accessible Islamic education with its seminary and intensive programs. The institute recently shared that its podcast had earned over 22 million listens from around the world. Roots’ robust programming has something for young professionals, ages 30 and up, mothers, fathers, kids, and seniors.
Nearby in Irving, Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, founded in 2016 by Dr. Imam Omar Suleiman, has grown into one of the most influential Muslim research organizations, particularly online. It’s amassed over 3 million followers on Instagram and YouTube. (Suleiman himself has 3.3 million followers on Instagram alone.)
During lectures, you’ll see men and women with media vests and cameras walk around. The content captured at the two institutes takes months to edit and produce, but it can reach viewers from Malaysia and Australia, some of whom, for example, even fly to Irving for the last 10 nights after discovering VRIC online, says 19-year-old student Ibraheem Dadabhoy. He’s been volunteering with the production team since he was 10.
“VRIC is one of the first masjid’s to have late-night programming and have such a turnout every year,” says Dadabhoy. “The vibes are just different. During Ramadan, there’s 2 million views across all socials.”
34-year-old Sara Chamma, a director of product education, has been visiting a new mosque every night for taraweeh prayer, a non-obligatory prayer where the entirety of the Qur’an is read in a number of days. She believes VRIC and Qalam laid out the blueprint for the many mosques (whether massive or more modest) scattered around DFW.
“There’s more programming during Ramadan than we’ve ever had before,” Chamma says. Masjids have made an attempt to have programs centered around different groups.” There’s also more female-centric and youth-targeted programming, along with high-caliber guest speakers, like Hamza Yusuf, president of Zaytuna Institute in California.
There are also frequent crossovers where imams from different mosques join for panel discussions. For example, Sheikh Yaser Birjas from VRIC has appeared with Imam Safi Khan, now the imam at the Islamic Center of Frisco (ICF). He has made youth-programming central to the space for the past six months, drawing on what he learned from Qalam.
“You don’t have to fit a certain mold to be Muslim and look a certain way. Imams in Dallas, I think we’ve embraced that mentality and that’s really what attracts so many people,” says Imam Safi. “It has unlocked a new generation of people in Frisco now, which is so cool to see. Because they’ve always been there. Now, they’re coming out of the woodwork.”
Not every mosque in Dallas operates at the same scale. In South Dallas, Masjid Al-Islam, the first and oldest mosque in DFW, is currently being rebuilt but has set up temporary tents for prayer. Establishments like this serve different needs than the newer, bigger suburban institutions like Qalam, which can raise millions in one night. Much of its congregation includes people experiencing homelessness, and it regularly focus on feeding the surrounding community.
“The longer I’ve been in Dallas, the more I have a greater understanding of [Ramadan]. It’s an opportunity to evaluate yourself,” Chamma says. “Our religion just has all of these behavioral modification tools built in and I really [try] to key to that. Dallas programming helped me come to that realization.”
Ramadan nights in Dallas now stretch beyond the mosque. Coffee shops and restaurants extend their hours to accommodate late-night caffeine and bites to fuel the night. For visitors like Shahbaz and Ferheen or locals like Chamma, the routine has become part of the rhythm of the month, connecting the community whether tuning in online or gathering in person.
Source: dmagazine.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://www.dmagazine.com/arts-entertainment/2026/03/ramadan-in-north-texas-dallas/
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CAIR-NJ Held Press Conference with New Jersey Families Impacted by War in the Middle East, Calls on NJ Congressional Representatives to Demand End to War on Iran
March 19, 2026
The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today held a press conference with Iranian, Lebanese, and Palestinian families speaking out against the Israel-US war with Iran and increased violence in the Middle East.
While Eid al-Fitr (March 19th, 2026) traditionally marks a time of communal prayer and celebration, many families in New Jersey find themselves unable to celebrate due to the ongoing Israeli assault in Iran, Gaza, and Lebanon.
The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) partnered with the polling firm Zogby Analytics to conduct a national survey of Iranian Americans examining community views on the war with Iran, U.S. policy, and prospects for diplomacy. Fielded during the first week of the conflict from February 27 to March 5, 2026, the survey provides one of the earliest snapshots of Iranian American opinion as the crisis unfolded.
In a statement, CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said:
“As Ramadan comes to a close and many prepare to mark Eid al-Fitr, countless Muslim families in New Jersey and across the world are unable to celebrate, grieving loved ones and the devastating Israeli aggression facing communities in Iran, Lebanon, and Palestine. Instead of joy, there is pain and uncertainty.
“Today we are calling on our New Jersey congressional representatives to demand an end to the Israel-US war of choice against Iran. The Israel-US preemptive strikes are a continued and unnecessary devastation in the region.”
“Elected officials must use their voices and demand an end to the war that continues to harm innocent families here and abroad. New Jersey families are suffering.”
“Today we heard from various voices, Iranian, Lebanese, Palestinian, and Jewish Americans, who shared stories of their loved ones and unique perspectives on the war.”
“How are New Jersey and New York families supposed to celebrate Eid when their families, their schools and their hospitals in Lebanon, Iran and Palestine have been destroyed by Israel?”
In a statement, a Palestinian-American from New Jersey, Alae said:
“My cousin, NasrAllah Abusiyam, died in the way of protecting others. The Israeli Knesset approved the annexation of the entire West Bank as policy, things will get worse and more Palestinian Americans, Jewish Americans, Christian American allies will be killed by Israelis as a result of the US’s complicity in holding a foreign government accountable.”
SPEAKERS:
Etan Mabourakh — Jewish Iranian-American, NIAC, National Organizing Manager
Hala — Lebanese-American, family displaced in southern Lebanon
Jad Nehme- Lebanese-American, Shia Muslim, has many displaced family members in Lebanon, some killed by Israeli bombs
Alae — Palestinian American, Sunni Muslim – 19-year-old cousin (NasrAllah Abusiyam,American citizen) killed by settlers in February, no arrests
Larry Ham — African-American, Christian, civil rights and human rights leader
NancyStern — Jewish-American professor, daughter of Holocaust survivors, visited West Bank 6 times
RezaFarzan — Iranian American, with family in Tehran who he has not heard from
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
Source: cair.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-nj-held-press-conference-with-new-jersey-families-impacted-by-war-in-the-middle-east-calls-on-nj-congressional-representatives-to-demand-end-to/
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CAIR-Chicago Files HISTORIC Class Action Lawsuit Vs. Canary Mission & StopAntisemitism
March 19, 2026
The Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today announced the filing of a class action lawsuit against the anti-Muslim, anti-Palestinian online blacklist platforms Canary Mission, and StopAntisemitism.
The anonymous, Israel-based platform, “Canary Mission”, and the organization, “StopAntisemitism,” systematically dox Americans—particularly Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian students and young professionals—for engaging in constitutionally protected political speech opposing Israel’s war crimes, mass civilian harm, and U.S. foreign policy regarding complicity in the genocide of Palestinians. Those targeted are frequently accused of promoting “antisemitism” or “anti-Israel” views and face backlash on university campuses, in their workplaces, harassment online, and threats to their personal safety.
Loyola University lecturer, Jewish ally, Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) faculty advisor, and plaintiff Laura Goldstein said:
“In the spring of 2024, I received threatening emails in my work inbox, and I completely froze as a wave of pure fear washed over me. The emails were very violent and related to my gender… Shortly after, I realized that my social media profile as well as my faculty webpage had been published on Canary Mission with extensive articles written to link my work and professional activities to antisemitism.”
Plaintiff Laila Ali, a local artist and activist, said:
“I lost my job after my employer was flooded with coordinated calls and emails demanding my termination simply because I spoke out about Palestinian human rights. That experience was isolating and deeply unjust, and it showed me how far-reaching and damaging these doxing campaigns can be. I became a plaintiff because no one should be punished or live in fear for exercising their right to speak out against injustice. This lawsuit is about accountability—and about ensuring that others are not silenced for their advocacy.”
Emergency medicine physician and plaintiff Dr. Sam Sheikali said:
“The most notorious Zionist doxing networks and pro-occupation physicians launched a coordinated campaign to silence me. They filed complaints, contacted my board, and tried to strip my certification—not for anything I did clinically, but for what I said about humanity. It’s not hard to find someone’s address, and I live just down the street from where six-year-old Wadea was murdered and his mother was critically injured—for being Palestinian. One day, when God asks me what I did as children were starved and massacred, I’ll say I used my hands to heal as many as I could, and I screamed out against the perpetrators until my voice was hoarse.”
CAIR-Chicago’s lawsuit aims to hold these bully hate groups accountable under Illinois’ “Civil Liability for Doxing Act“. These groups threaten individuals nationwide by compiling and publishing dossiers of personal information, photos, and protected political speech—while evading accountability and exploiting gaps in enforcement.
Heena Musabji, Legal Director of CAIR-Chicago, said:
“What we are seeing is not isolated harassment—it is a systemic effort to chill protected free speech by instilling fear, threatening livelihoods, and exposing individuals to real-world harm for speaking out for Palestinian human rights. This lawsuit seeks to disrupt that model and affirm that civil rights protections extend online as much as they do offline. For too long, doxing networks have operated with impunity, relying on fear to do their work for them. This case challenges that impunity and shifts power back to the individuals and communities who have been targeted.”
CAIR-Chicago remains firmly committed to fighting the unjust exposure and defamation of Palestinians, Muslims, students, and activists who have been targeted for taking the morally correct stance against genocide. Individuals who believe they have been doxed in Illinois are encouraged to report the incident to CAIR-Chicago at www.cairchicago.org/doxing.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
Source: cair.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-chicago-files-historic-class-action-lawsuit-vs-canary-mission-stopantisemitism/
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Are US and Israel aligned on Iran war? Deciphering Trump's post after gas field attacks
March 20, 2026
US President Donald Trump has issued a typically strongly worded statement in the wake of attacks on a major gas field shared by Iran and Qatar on Wednesday.
Israel hit Iran's South Pars - part of the world's largest natural gas field – and Tehran retaliated by striking an energy complex in Qatar. The attacks led to a spike in energy prices, and fuelled Trump's wrath.
On his Truth Social media platform, Trump threatened Iran again and said he didn't know about Israel's plans for the attack.
So what does the language used by the US president tell us about the course of the war and the extent to which the US and Israel are aligned on its strategy and goals?
Let's break it down.
The US 'knew nothing' about the attack
The president says the US "knew nothing about this particular attack".
This flies in the face of multiple newspaper reports in Israel in the aftermath of the attack.
The attack "was co-ordinated in advance with the United States and… agreed upon between Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu and US President Trump," the centrist paper Yedioth Ahronoth reported.
Right-wing paper Israel Hayom goes further, saying "President Trump discussed the upcoming Israeli strike in [Iran's coastal city of] Asaluyeh with leaders of three Persian Gulf states over the weekend".
As is often the case with the president's assertions, it is not easy to know where the truth lies.
His choice of words to describe the Israeli attack is also telling. "Out of anger," he says, Israel "violently lashed out" against the gas field. This is the sort of language used to describe some of Iran's wilder retaliations - not a carefully considered military operation by a close ally.
Is Trump suggesting that Israel acted unwisely?
Israel will make 'no more attacks' on gas field
The president's use of capitals is notorious, but in this lengthy post, he resorts to all caps just once.
"NO MORE ATTACKS WILL BE MADE BY ISRAEL pertaining to this extremely important and valuable South Pars Field," he writes, "unless Iran unwisely decides to attack a very innocent, in this case Qatar."
For a president who needs to feel he's in control, was this a reflection of an undertaking already given, or a shot across Benjamin Netanyahu's bows?
As is often the case with Trump's stream-of-consciousness Truth Social posts, it's not easy to tell.
But it carries echoes of reports that Trump was angered by Israel's attacks on Iranian oil depots earlier in the war.
So are Israel and American war aims diverging?
It would probably be a mistake to read too much into a single late-night post from President Trump.
Israeli officials are keen to emphasise that the two countries are in lockstep, even if they occasionally, inadvertently, hint at gaps.
On Thursday evening, Netanyahu held a press conference in which he echoed Trump's statement, saying that Israel had "acted alone" in striking the gas field, and that Trump had asked that Israeli forces "hold off" from further attacks like it.
He repeatedly sought to paint a picture of himself and Trump as united on Iran – with Trump in charge – asking, "Does anyone really think that someone can tell President Trump what to do?" and saying, "I don't think any two leaders have been as coordinated as President Trump and I. He's the leader. I'm, you know, his ally."
On Thursday morning, Alex Gandler, spokesman for the Israeli embassy in London, told the BBC, "We are very much aligned on most or all of our goals regarding the Islamic regime in Iran, the IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps], their ballistic and nuclear programmes," and "We want the same thing."
But while the two allies clearly agree on much, Israel has been much more consistent about its desire to see regime change in Iran.
Officials quoted in the Israeli media this morning have painted the South Pars attack as part of an ongoing effort to undermine the regime's authority.
"The gas supply to citizens is being shut off, and that will bring the uprising closer," one official told Yedioth Ahronoth's Yossi Yehoshua.
Netanyahu has made no secret of his decades-long desire to topple the Islamic regime, which he – and many Israelis – see as intent on destroying the Jewish state.
While the US has concentrated much of its military effort on degrading Iran's missile and drone capability, sinking its Navy and, in recent days, attacking targets along Iran's long Gulf shoreline, Israel has gone to great lengths to assassinate Iran's leaders and attack elements of state control, including paramilitary Basij units responsible for much of the violent crackdown on protests earlier this year.
David Satterfield, a former US special envoy for the Middle East, said Israeli and American objectives are closely aligned - except when it comes to when to call a halt.
"I strongly believe he [Trump] wishes to find a means to credible declare a victory that does not ring empty," he told the BBC. "He is not…looking for a quixotic regime change goal that was never on the cards realistically."
For Netanyahu, Satterfield said, Iran's chaotic breakdown is "a desirable goal."
Iran 'did not know' facts about attack
In his post, President Trump insists that Qatar was neither involved nor had any advance knowledge of the attacks.
But "unfortunately", he writes, "Iran did not know this" before retaliating "unjustifiably and unfairly".
Trump is certainly not letting Iran off the hook here, but he does appear to suggest that Iran did not know the full picture when it struck back - that Tehran may, erroneously, have thought Qatar was involved.
Threat to 'massively blow up' Iran's gas field
Parts of the Truth Social post are classic Trump - threats to use unprecedented levels of violence to get his way.
If Iran attacks Qatar's LNG [liquefied natural gas] facilities again, he warns, the US "with or without the help or consent of Israel, will massively blow up the entirety of the South Pars Gas Field at an amount of strength and power that Iran has never seen or witnessed before".
Trump and his combative Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth are fond of such bombast. Donald Trump, the self-styled "president of peace", frequently deploys this kind of rhetoric.
And it is certainly true that Washington could inflict infinitely more damage on Iran – and its people – than it has already.
The reference to Israeli consent for threatened action is jarring.
Was this a rebuke to Netanyahu – and a reminder, in no uncertain terms, of the need to consult more closely in the future?
With elements of Donald Trump's Maga movement [Make America Great Again] already convinced that it is Israel, not America, calling the shots in this war, there is a risk that some of the president's critics might see this as an unfortunate Freudian slip.
But with oil and gas prices rising again, thanks in part to the latest tit-for-tat attacks between Israel and Iran, and little obvious sign of progress in efforts to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, Donald Trump sounds impatient.
This war continues to throw him curve balls, which the administration does not appear to have anticipated.
Support for the war, still sky high in Israel, is at less than 50% in the US. The conflict could help secure another term as prime minister for Netanyahu, while costing Donald Trump's Republican Party in November's midterm elections.
Israel and the US are close military allies, but this is the first time they've fought a war together.
Between them, they've racked up some impressive achievements in just under three weeks.
But with each passing day, the war is proving more complicated than Donald Trump thought.
Source: bbc.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8x7leknlywo
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US considers lifting sanctions on some Iranian oil
Natalie Sherman
The US is weighing lifting sanctions on some Iranian oil, as it scrambles to contain the impact of its war in Iran on energy markets.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent put forward the idea in a Fox interview, saying it could make more oil available to global buyers. Around the world, energy prices are shooting up as the war takes a toll on shipping and production.
If put into action, the move would mark a stunning reversal of longstanding American policy - and one with highly uncertain pay-off.
Experts said it was likely to have a limited effect on prices, and could boost funds going to the Iranian regime that the US is attacking.
"To put it mildly, this is bananas," said David Tannenbaum, director of Blackstone Compliance Services, a consultancy specialising in maritime sanctions. "Essentially we're allowing Iran to sell oil, which could then be used to fund the war effort."
Before the war, China was the primary buyer of the oil coming out of Iran, scooping up the barrels at a steep discount due to sanctions imposed by the US and other countries.
In the interview with Fox Business programme Mornings with Maria on Thursday, Bessent said a waiver on the sales restrictions could help divert more of those supplies to other countries in need of oil, such as India, Japan and Malaysia, while forcing China to pay "market price".
He said the US was looking at removing sales restrictions on Iranian oil that is already at sea, which he said amounted to about 140m barrels. He estimated that would push down global prices for 10 to 14 days.
But Bessent did not go into detail about how a potential waiver would work or whether it could include rules to prevent money from the sales from flowing back to the Iranian government. The treasury department declined to provide more detail about the proposal.
President Donald Trump, when asked about whether he would move forward with the idea, did not provide a clear answer, telling reporters on Thursday that "we will do whatever is necessary to keep the price" before cutting himself off.
Because the supply under discussion is relatively small compared to overall demand, the waiver would not have much impact on prices, experts warned.
What's more, while lifting sanctions may open up those barrels to more buyers, much of the oil was already making it to market.
"It could add a little bit ... but I don't think it's a game changer and it raises a whole lot of questions," said Rachel Ziemba, an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, a think tank.
The proposal follows other US efforts to boost supply, including the release of millions of barrels of oil reserves and the suspension of some sanctions on Russian oil last week.
That second decision sparked significant blowback from leaders in Europe, who said it would strengthen Putin's regime and prolong the war in Ukraine.
It is not clear whether Bessent's proposal could spark a similar reaction in the US, where the House of Representatives just this week passed a bill aimed at strengthening sanctions on Iran's oil sector.
Mike Lawler, a Republican from New York who sponsored the bill, did not respond to a request for comment. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the foreign affairs committee, also did not respond to a request for comment.
Ziemba said she did not think the US would want money from oil sales to go to Iran's government - but it could be hard to prevent in practice.
That the US is even considering such a step is a sign of the administration's concern about the current energy shock, she said.
"The US government is definitely in an every-barrel-counts situation because of the scale of the supply shock," she said. "They're looking to find additional oil wherever they can."
About a fifth of the 100m barrels of oil that the world consumes every day usually travels via the Strait of Hormuz, which runs along part of Iran's coast. But since the war began at the end of February, shipping in the channel has come to a halt.
While some of the barrels being transported through the strait have been successfully re-routed, experts still estimate that the war has knocked about a tenth of the world's supply out of the market.
Concerns about the situation have increased, as damaging tit-for-tat attacks on a key gas field operated by Iran and Qatar raise the risk that capacity for providing fossil fuels could be constrained for years, even if the conflict is resolved relatively quickly.
Source: bbc.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9d415g55nno
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Southeast Asia
PM lauds peace initiative by Islamic and Hindu NGOs
20 Mar 2026
Anwar lauds Islamic and Hindu NGOs for dialogue to ease tensions, calling it a strong sign of unity and harmony in Malaysia
PETALING JAYA: A rare show of unity between Islamic and Hindu NGOs has drawn strong praise from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who described the peace initiative as a powerful reflection of Malaysians choosing harmony over division.
Anwar said in a statement yesterday that the effort underscored a growing maturity among the people in rejecting conflict and embracing mutual respect, particularly at a time when racial and religious sensitivities remain fragile.
“This is the true spirit and soul of Malaysia – a nation built on compassion, togetherness and respect across communities.”
He stressed that such unity must not be taken for granted but continuously nurtured and strengthened as the bedrock of the country’s stability and progress.
Anwar commended all parties involved in making the initiative possible, including the police for their role in facilitating and safeguarding the process.
His remarks come in the wake of a reconciliation dialogue held on Wednesday, involving more than 30 representatives from Malay and Indian NGOs, aimed at easing tensions and finding common ground over a series of recent controversies.
The four-hour session, which began at 3pm under the Harmoni Madani programme at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre, saw both sides calling for an immediate de-escalation and a peaceful path forward.
Malaysian Muslim Lawyers Association president Datuk Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar said the closed-door dialogue gave both sides space to engage without outside interference.
“We are striving to defuse the current situation. We will engage in dialogue and hold discussions with one another.
“We are no longer looking at third-party comments or provocations by others. This is a starting point, and we want to move forward.”
Malaysia Council of Hindu Temples and Hindu Associations chairman Datuk N. Sivakumar said both sides agreed to immediately de-escalate tensions, including disputes over places of worship and social media rhetoric.
“We have verbally agreed that this is an issue at an early stage of discussion – to sit down and talk with one another. Because this issue has become heated, we need to set aside our egos.”
He added that proposals include setting up a special committee under the Prime Minister’s Department and conducting a nationwide audit of places of worship to determine land status.
Among those present were activist Cikgu Chandra, independent preacher Firdaus Wong and influencer Kumarsan Jothi, also known as Santhanar Dronachariyar.
The reconciliation effort comes amid heightened scrutiny following court cases involving individuals accused of making statements that allegedly caused public alarm.
Zamri Vinoth, 42, whose real name is Muhammad Zamri Vinoth Kalimuthu and activist Arun Dorasamy, 56, whose real name is Arumugam Dorasamy, were among those charged in sessions courts across several states on Wednesday. Both pleaded not guilty.
Anwar expressed hope that the reconciliation initiative would serve as a model for resolving sensitive issues through dialogue, reinforcing national unity and steering the country away from division.
Source: thesun.my
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://thesun.my/news/malaysia-news/people-issues/pm-lauds-peace-initiative-by-islamic-and-hindu-ngos/
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Bali Muslims Pray Without Loudspeakers to Respect Nyepi
Sopian Hadi
March 19, 2026
Denpasar. Muslims in Denpasar, Bali performed Maghrib and Isha prayers on Thursday evening without loudspeakers and with limited lighting, in observance of the Hindu Day of Silence, Nyepi.
Worshippers walked to nearby mosques to avoid vehicle noise that could disrupt the island-wide day of reflection, when most activities are halted. At the Baiturrahmah Grand Mosque in Denpasar, prayers were conducted in a subdued atmosphere with minimal illumination, in line with guidelines set by the Bali Interfaith Harmony Forum.
“We continue to respect one another by not using loudspeakers and keeping lighting to a minimum inside the mosque. Worshippers also come on foot. We respect the Nyepi atmosphere because we have long lived in Bali and value local culture,” said Abdul Malik, a spokesperson for the mosque.
Nyepi, observed by Bali’s Hindu majority, is marked by silence, fasting, and meditation, with restrictions on travel, work, and entertainment across the island.
At the same time, Muslims are observing the fasting month of Ramadan and preparing for Eid al-Fitr, which the government has set to fall on Saturday, March 21. The mosque also held Tarawih prayers during the evening. Followers of Muhammadiyah, one of Indonesia’s largest Islamic organizations, are marking Eid a day earlier on Friday, March 20.
“The atmosphere of worship is a bit different because it coincides with Nyepi. But we respect our neighbors who are observing the holy day,” said Sadami, a local Muslim resident who attended the mosque not only for prayers but also to pay zakat, a key obligation during Ramadan.
Source: jakartaglobe.id
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://jakartaglobe.id/news/bali-muslims-pray-without-loudspeakers-to-respect-nyepi
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CM: Penang raises funding for mosque, surau development to RM25m this year
19 Mar 2026
GEORGE TOWN, March 19 — The Penang government, through the Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP), has allocated RM25.34 million this year for the development of mosques and surau across the state to strengthen religious institutions as centres of worship, education and community unity.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the allocation marks an increase from RM17.67 million last year, noting that there are currently 258 mosques in Penang, including seven newly completed and operational ones, thereby expanding access to places of worship for the local community.
“In line with the Penang Islamic Religious Development Agenda 2030 (APAI2030), which is based on the Vision Penang2030 framework in the field of Islamic education, Penang now has 352 Islamic schools and 222 Al-Quran and Fardu Ain (KAFA) classes registered under the Penang Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAIPP).
“The state government has also channelled RM3.18 million in assistance to Sekolah Agama Rakyat (SAR), in addition to providing RM7.2 million in allowances to 1,650 KAFA teachers and RM4.19 million in allowances to teachers in Penang Islamic schools as a token of appreciation for educators in shaping a knowledgeable and morally upright future generation,” he said in his Hari Raya Aidilfitri message today.
Chow pledged that the state leadership remains committed to strengthening the development of Islamic affairs as part of an inclusive state development agenda.
In conjunction with Aidilfitri, he also called on all communities to become ‘agents of peace’ by refraining from any form of provocation that could undermine unity.
“Let us enliven the festive atmosphere through the tradition of visiting one another, maintaining ties and seeking forgiveness in the spirit of unity to further strengthen harmony in the state,” he said. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/03/19/cm-penang-raises-funding-for-mosque-surau-development-to-rm25m-this-year/213243
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Aaron Ago Dagang, fellow ministers call for unity and compassion this Aidilfitri
20 Mar 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, March 20 — Several Cabinet ministers have extended Aidilfitri greetings, emphasising the importance of unity, family values and moderation in Malaysia’s multiracial society.
National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, in a Facebook post tonight, said Aidilfitri is an ideal platform to strengthen family ties and foster goodwill among people of different faiths.
"Hari Raya is the best platform to strengthen ties among neighbours and build harmony in society,” he said, adding that Malaysia’s strength lies in mutual respect and support among its people.
"Let us preserve these values and not allow negative views, stereotypes or prejudice to influence us. Trust in one another is the foundation of strong unity and harmony,” he said.
Meanwhile, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said Aidilfitri serves as a reminder to return to core values such as family, compassion and togetherness.
He said the open house tradition reflects unity regardless of religion and background.
"This is the true beauty of Malaysia, where hands are extended in greeting and smiles are shared,” he said.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said Syawal should be celebrated with moderation, reflection and sincerity.
"Aidilfitri is not only about celebration, but also a time to return to our true nature, strengthen ties and seek forgiveness with sincerity,” he said.
He added that Ramadan serves as a valuable period for self-reflection and strengthening faith.
"May this Syawal strengthen our bonds and unite us in lasting compassion,” he said. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/03/20/aaron-ago-dagang-fellow-ministers-call-for-unity-and-compassion-this-aidilfitri/213266
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Malaysia to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri on Saturday
19 Mar 2026
PUTRAJAYA, March 19 — Muslims in Malaysia will celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri on Saturday, March 21 this year.
The announcement was made by Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad in a televised broadcast this evening.
“In fulfilment of the command of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, with the consent of the Malay Rulers, I hereby declare that the date of Hari Raya Puasa for all states in Malaysia is Saturday, March 21, 2026,” he said.
The announcement followed new moon sightings tonight at 29 locations nationwide.
The process involved state muftis, astronomy experts, religious scholars and representatives from the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia (JUPEM), among others.
Source: malaymail.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/03/19/malaysia-to-celebrate-hari-raya-aidilfitri-on-saturday/213260
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Muslims in Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Cambodia to celebrate Aidilfitri tomorrow
20 Mar 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, March 20 — Muslims in Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Cambodia will celebrate Aidilfitri tomorrow (March 21).
In SINGAPORE, Mufti Dr Nazirudin Mohd Nasir said based on the imkanur rukyah criteria agreed upon by MABIMS (Ministers of Religious of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore), the crescent moon of Syawal was too low above Singapore’s horizon at sunset yesterday and could not be sighted.
“This means that tomorrow (Friday) marks the completion of the month of Ramadan at 30 days for us in Singapore, and the beginning of the month of Syawal for the year 1447H falls on the day after tomorrow, Saturday, March 21, 2026,” he said in a video clip uploaded onto the Islamic Religious Council (MUIS) website yesterday.
In JAKARTA, Indonesia’s Religious Affairs Minister Nasruddin Umar said the date of 1 Syawal was determined through an ‘isbat’ (confirmation) meeting yesterday, after the hilal (new moon) was not observed nationwide based on both astronomical calculations (hisab) and physical sighting (rukyah).
Based on hisab data, he said the hilal did not meet the visibility criteria set by MABIMS, a regional standard adopted by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, which requires specific thresholds in moon altitude and angular separation to confirm visibility.
In BANGKOK, Thailand’s Sheikhul Islam Arun Boonchom announced via a Facebook Live broadcast that Muslims in the kingdom will celebrate Aidilfitri tomorrow after the moon was not sighted following sunset yesterday.
Islamic councils in 40 provinces conducted moon sightings yesterday.
Thailand is home to about 10 million Muslims, most of whom reside in the southern provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat.
Meanwhile, Cambodia will also join its neighbours in celebrating Eid al-Fitr tomorrow.
Grand Mufti of Cambodia and Chairman of the Highest Council for Islamic Religious Affairs Cambodia Kamaruddin Yusof made the announcement yesterday. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://www.malaymail.com/news/singapore/2026/03/20/muslims-in-singapore-indonesia-thailand-and-cambodia-to-celebrate-aidilfitri-tomorrow/213309
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PM Anwar performs Friday prayers in Bukit Mertajam
20 Mar 2026
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim began his Penang working visit with Friday prayers and community engagements ahead of Aidilfitri.
BUKIT MERTAJAM: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim began a one-day working visit to Penang by performing Friday prayers at Masjid Jamek As-Syakirin in Kampung Pelet.
He arrived at the mosque at 1.12 pm and was received by Permatang Pauh UMNO division chief Datuk Mohd Zaidi Mohd Said and mosque officials.
Anwar then joined nearly 700 worshippers for the sermon titled “Ramadan, Ketika Senja Terakhir Berlabuh”.
The congregation included Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid.
Following the prayers, the Prime Minister visited the Permatang Pasir community to observe Aidilfitri preparations ahead of the nationwide celebration.
He is also scheduled to attend the “Santai Akhir Ramadan Bersama Pimpinan Komuniti Permatang Pauh” programme at the Permatang Pasir Community Hall before concluding his visit.
Source: thesun.my
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South Asia
EU Extends Eid al-Fitr Greetings to People of Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati
March 19, 2026
The European Union’s mission for Afghanistan has extended Eid al-Fitr greetings to the people of the country, wishing Afghan families peace, happiness and comfort as they mark the holiday.
In a post published Wednesday night on X, the EU mission said that with the sighting of the moon and the end of the holy month of Ramadan, it sends its warmest congratulations to every citizen of Afghanistan.
The message added that the EU hopes Eid al-Fitr will bring a new season of light, joy and calm for everyone across the country after a month of fasting and prayer.
The bloc also said it stands with the people of Afghanistan “today and every day,” repeating its message of continued solidarity with ordinary Afghans.
The greeting comes at a time when many Afghans are preparing for Eid under severe economic pressure, with rising poverty leaving countless families unable to celebrate the occasion in a normal way.
Since the Taliban’s return to power, Afghanistan has faced deepening economic hardship, shrinking job opportunities and heavy dependence on humanitarian assistance, placing added strain on households during major religious events.
International organizations have repeatedly warned that millions of Afghans remain in need of aid, as families struggle with unemployment, food insecurity and declining purchasing power across the country.
The EU’s Eid message therefore carries both symbolic and political weight, offering seasonal goodwill while also highlighting the continued need for international support for Afghanistan’s people.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://www.khaama.com/eu-extends-eid-al-fitr-greetings-to-people-of-afghanistan/
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Pakistan Missile Strikes Wound Six Civilians in Afghanistan’s Kunar, Reports Say
By Fidel Rahmati
March 19, 2026
Local officials in Kunar say six civilians were wounded in Pakistani missile strikes on the eastern Afghanistan province on Wednesday, as cross-border attacks continued to hit populated areas.
Ziaur Rahman Spin Ghar, head of information at the Taliban’s Department of Information and Culture in Kunar, said the wounded were injured in Asadabad, the provincial capital, and in Nari district later in the day. He said the victims had been taken to Kunar provincial hospital for treatment.
The Taliban official said Pakistan carried out 63 missile strikes on Nari district, 33 on Manogai, 13 on Sarkani, six on Shultan and six on Asadabad over the past 24 hours. There was no immediate comment from Pakistani officials on the claim.
Missile attacks on border areas of Kunar have continued since the latest fighting erupted between Pakistani forces and the Taliban. Residents in affected districts have repeatedly reported damage to homes and fear of further escalation.
Kunar, which lies along Afghanistan’s eastern border with Pakistan, has long been one of the most sensitive areas for cross-border tensions. The rugged province has frequently seen shelling, displacement and civilian harm during periods of friction between Kabul and Islamabad.
In recent weeks, clashes and air and missile strikes have deepened tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban authorities, with both sides accusing each other of fueling insecurity along the frontier. The violence has raised concerns about a broader deterioration in already fragile relations.
The latest strikes are likely to add to pressure on both sides to prevent further escalation, as civilians continue to bear the brunt of the cross-border conflict.
Meanwhile, Pakistan and the Taliban say they will temporarily halt military operations against each other ahead of Eid al-Fitr after mediation by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar.
Source: khaama.com
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President extends Eid al-Fitr felicitations to leaders of Islamic countries and organisations
20 March 2026
His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has extended warm greetings, on behalf of the Government and the people of the Maldives, to the leaders, governments, and peoples of Islamic countries and organisations as the Muslim Ummah celebrates the auspicious occasion of Eid al-Fitr 1447 AH.
In separate messages to the leaders, the President expressed his wish that the festivities of the day with loved ones and neighbours begin with prayers for the grace of Almighty Allah to strengthen faith and bless upon them a harmonious and joyful day.
He expressed hope that this Eid is filled with good tidings and that it enlivens the spirit of community among Muslim brothers and sisters.
Source: presidency.gov.mv
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://presidency.gov.mv/Press/Article/36341
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Parts of Bangladesh celebrate Eid a day early, following Saudi Arabia
20 March 2026
Eid-ul-Fitr is being celebrated in parts of Bangladesh today, a day ahead of the rest of the country as residents in several districts observe the festival in line with Saudi Arabia, continuing long-standing local traditions based on differing interpretations of moon sighting.
Chattogram
In South Chattogram, followers of Mirzakhil Darbar Sharif in over a hundred villages, including Satkania and Patiya, celebrated Eid today.
Devotees began their Ramadan in line with Saudi Arabia and observed Eid accordingly, following a tradition that dates back around 250 years. The practice is rooted in a belief within the Hanafi school that fasting and Eid can be observed based on moon sighting anywhere in the world.
Darbar authorities said they confirmed the moon sighting through international sources before holding Eid congregations.
Chandpur
In Chandpur, residents of more than 50 villages observed Eid, maintaining a long-established religious practice.
The main congregation was held at Sadra Darbar Sharif in Hajiganj at around 9:30am, led by Pir Mufti Zakaria Chowdhury Al Madani. Worshippers from several upazilas, including Hajiganj, Faridganj, Matlab, Kachua and Shahrasti, joined the celebrations.
Locals said the tradition dates back to 1928 and has been followed consistently by successive generations.
Munshiganj
In Munshiganj, several villages in three unions of Sadar upazila are celebrating Eid on Friday in line with Saudi Arabia.
Congregations were held in areas including Shilai, Adhara and Mollakandi unions, with one of the main prayers taking place at Shilai Eidgah ground around 9:30am. More than 500 worshippers took part in the prayers.
After the congregations, worshippers exchanged Eid greetings, reflecting the festive spirit. Local followers said they observe Eid based on global moon sighting, a practice they have maintained for years.
Jhenaidah
In Jhenaidah’s Harinakunda upazila, Eid prayers were held at three villages -- Upazila Mor, Bhalki and Nityanandapur -- between 7:30am and 8:30am.
Around 90 worshippers from nearby areas participated in the congregations. Locals said they have been observing Eid in line with Saudi Arabia since 2005, believing it aligns with religious principles.
Children and families were also seen attending the prayers, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Rangpur region
Across the Rangpur region, more than one lakh people of around 76 villages across Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Rangpur, Nilphamari and Gaibandha districts are celebrating Eid today.
Congregations were held at around 9:00am, with participation from multiple villages. Residents said they have been observing Eid and other religious rituals in line with Saudi Arabia for several years.
Local leaders and worshippers said the practice brings them a sense of unity and spiritual fulfilment, and the celebrations were held peacefully.
Moulvibazar
In Moulvibazar, hundreds of families observed Eid-ul-Fitr today in line with Saudi Arabia.
The main congregation was held at 7:00am at a residence in the Circuit House area of the district town. Worshippers from different areas, including neighbouring districts, joined the prayers.
After the congregation, special munajat was offered seeking peace, prosperity, and the welfare of the country and its people.
Participants said they hope that Eid will eventually be observed on the same day across the country, reflecting unity among Muslims.
Faridpur
Residents of 12 villages in Boalmari and Alfadanga upazilas of Faridpur celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr today, aligning with Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries.
The decision was taken after confirmation of moon sighting in Saudi Arabia yesterday.
Locals said people of various villages, particularly under Shekhar and Rupapat unions, begin fasting a day earlier than the rest of Bangladesh, following Saudi Arabia. Maintaining this tradition, they have been observing Eid in line with the Middle East for years.
The villages include Katagor, Sohosrail, Dori Sohosrail, Maitkumra, Rakhaltoli, Ganganandapur, as well as Shukurhata and Ichapasha in neighbouring Alfadanga.
On the occasion, three Eid congregations were held in different parts of Shekhar union. The first jamaat took place at Maitkumra village around 8:30am, followed by the second in Rakhaltoli around 9:15am. The third and largest congregation was held at Sohosrail village at about 10:30am.
More than 500 worshippers attended the Sohosrail congregation, while the total number of participants across the three jamaats exceeded a thousand.
After offering prayers, devotees exchanged greetings and embraced each other in a festive atmosphere.
Locals said the practice is not new but a long-standing religious tradition passed down through generations.
It is learnt that the residents of these villages are followers of the Mahmoodabad Mirzakhil Darbar Sharif in Sitakunda, Chattogram.
Md Mahidul Haque, coordinator of Sohosrail Dayra Sharif, said, “We follow Mirzakhil Sharif in Chattogram. Based on their decision and the moon sighting in Saudi Arabia, we observe fasting and Eid. Accordingly, we celebrated Eid a day earlier this year as well.”
Source: thedailystar.net
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/parts-bangladesh-celebrate-eid-day-early-following-saudi-arabia-4132901
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City corporations ready for Eid congregations in Dhaka
20 March 2026
The two Dhaka city corporations have completed preparations to host central Eid-ul-Fitr congregations in the capital, with major jamaats scheduled at the National Eidgah and the old trade fair ground in Agargaon.
The Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) will organise the main Eid congregation at the National Eidgah at 8:30am, where around 35,000 worshippers will be able to offer prayers simultaneously. The event carries special significance this year, as the president and the prime minister are expected to offer prayers together at the venue for the first time in more than three decades.
According to DSCC officials, up to 100,000 worshippers will be able to participate in the jamaat, including those praying in adjacent open spaces and nearby roads if the main ground reaches capacity.
Preparation of the Eidgah ground involved nearly a month of work, including a 28-day intensive effort by more than 100 workers. The large canopy structure has been built using over 43,000 bamboo poles and reinforced with more than 15 tonnes of rope. To ensure protection from possible rainfall, around 1,900 tarpaulins have been installed, along with nearly 900 tube lights for illumination.
DSCC Administrator Abdus Salam said all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure the comfort of worshippers. Separate prayer areas and entry points have been designated for men and women, with facilities for around 3,500 female worshippers.
The ground has been divided into 121 rows -- 65 large and 56 smaller ones. To ease heat-related discomfort, about 1,100 fans have been installed, including ceiling and stand fans, while air conditioning has been arranged for VIP sections.
Facilities for ablution have been set up to accommodate around 140 people at a time, with separate arrangements for men and women. Safe drinking water will be available throughout the venue.
Security arrangements include full CCTV coverage, four entry gates, and seven exit routes to ensure smooth movement. Two medical teams will remain on standby to provide emergency healthcare services.
State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam visited the venue yesterday and said the preparations were satisfactory. In case of adverse weather, the main congregation will be shifted to Baitul Mukarram National Mosque at 9:00am.
Meanwhile, the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has arranged another major Eid congregation at the old Trade Fair Ground in Agargaon, where prayers will be held at 8:00am.
DNCC Administrator Shafiqul Islam Khan said comprehensive steps have been taken to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for worshippers. A steel-structured shed has been installed at the venue to protect attendees from possible rainfall.
Initial arrangements have been made for around 10,000 worshippers, with plans to expand capacity if turnout exceeds expectations. Separate prayer spaces and entry points have been arranged for women to ensure privacy and convenience.
Security measures include the installation of archways at entry points and the deployment of a significant number of law enforcement personnel across the venue.
Source: thedailystar.net
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/city-corporations-ready-eid-congregations-dhaka-4132856
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PM Tarique Rahman chooses Gulshan home over Jamuna
19 March 2026
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will continue to stay at his private residence in Dhaka’s Gulshan instead of moving to the official residence Jamuna.
“Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will stay at his own residence in Gulshan. He is not moving into Jamuna,” PM’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon said.
He said the prime minister is more comfortable living in his Gulshan residence, which is smaller than Jamuna.
“After returning to the country, he moved into this house, and it has been arranged accordingly,” he added.
The previous prime minister's residence at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar was damaged during the mass uprising on August 5, 2024, and was later turned into a museum by the interim government.
During that period, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus used the State Guest House Jamuna as his official residence.
After Tarique Rahman took oath as prime minister, the Ministry of Housing and Public Works prepared Jamuna as the official residence for the prime minister.
Rumon said state functions of the prime minister will be held at Jamuna.
“Two Iftar programmes hosted by the prime minister for diplomats and religious leaders have already been held there,” he said.
He said the prime minister will exchange Eid greetings with diplomats, distinguished citizens and people from all walks of life at 10:00am on Eid day at Jamuna.
Source: thedailystar.net
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/pm-tarique-rahman-chooses-gulshan-home-over-jamuna-4132711
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Africa
Hon. Bakare Abiola felicitates with Muslims, joins Eid prayers in Ado Odo
20 March 2026
By John Ogunsemore
In a remarkable display of unity, humility, and deep connection to his people, renowned chartered accountant and aspirant for the Ogun State House of Assembly, Ado Odo State Constituency, Hon. Bakare Abiola, joined Muslim faithful across Ado Odo Ota Local Government Area for the Eid al-Fitr prayers marking the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.
The well-attended prayer session, held in his hometown, Ado Odo, drew worshippers from different parts of the town, creating an atmosphere filled with spirituality, gratitude, and a shared sense of purpose which reflected the enduring faith and unity that defines the people of Ado Odo.
Hon. Bakare’s presence among the congregants further highlighted his strong grassroots connection and unwavering commitment to the people of Ado Odo.
Addressing the Muslim community shortly after the prayers, he extended heartfelt greetings, saying, “Eid Mubarak to all our Muslim brothers and sisters in Ado Odo and beyond. May this sacred season bring peace, progress, and unity to every home across Ado Odo.”
The prayer session featured a powerful sermon emphasizing the core values of Ramadan—compassion, charity, sacrifice, and communal love—virtues described as essential for the continued growth and harmony of Ado Odo.
While interacting with worshippers, Hon. Bakare reiterated the importance of unity within Ado Odo, stressing that development can only thrive where peace and cooperation exist.
He noted that beyond religious differences, the people of Ado Odo share a common destiny that must be protected and nurtured.
“I am deeply honored to celebrate this sacred occasion with my people here in Ado Odo,” he stated. “Ado Odo is our home, and together, we must continue to build it into a place of peace, progress, and opportunity for all.”
He further urged the Muslim faithful in the community to sustain their prayers beyond Ramadan, especially for the peace, stability, and development of Ado Odo State Constituency, Ogun State, and Nigeria as a whole.
He also emphasized the need for continuous prayers for leaders, noting that good governance requires divine guidance.
The Eid al-Fitr celebration, a significant moment in the Islamic calendar, brought together a large turnout of worshippers across Ado Odo, reflecting the resilience, unity, and spiritual strength of the community despite prevailing challenges.
Hon. Bakare’s participation once again underscores his dedication to the people of Ado Odo—promoting inclusiveness, strengthening community ties, and celebrating the rich cultural and religious diversity that defines the local government.
As the Ramadan season transitions into celebration, his message to the people of Ado Odo remains clear: a call for unity, compassion, and a shared commitment to building a better and more prosperous Ado Odo for all.
Source: thesun.ng
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https://thesun.ng/hon-bakare-abiola-felicitates-with-muslims-joins-eid-prayers-in-ado-odo/
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Boko Haram is Exhausting: Please Obliterate Them, By Jibrin Ibrahim
By Publisher
March 19, 2026
I am tired of writing about Boko Haram. It is mentally exhausting to be chronicling death, destruction and despair for over two decades. The Boko Haram narrative started with its founding in 2002 (some say earlier, others say later) in Maiduguri, Nigeria, by a cleric, Mohammed Yusuf. Originally, the group appeared with a noble objective to “purify” Islam and oppose Western culture, education and influence. It started as a non-violent group focused on proselytization but then started engaging in violent acts. The government of the day, led by President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, was not ready to accept violent groups and ordered that they be obliterated and they were wiped out.
Their leader, Mohammed Yusuf was martyred by the Nigerian Police after the military had handed him over to them for prosecution and the story of the insurgency started. A clear objective emerged after they regrouped and returned to the terrain, the creation of an Islamic state in Nigeria. Following the assassination of their founder in 2009, the group, under Abubakar Shekau, became increasingly violent, adopting terrorist tactics, including suicide bombings, starting with attacks in 2011, such as the Abuja police headquarters bombing. By 2014, they had declared an Islamic Caliphate, controlled about 17 local governments in Nigeria and had a headquarters. It became clear they had to be destroyed, nay, annihilated and obliterated. The exhausting struggle for annihilation continued under Yar’Adua, Jonathan, Buhari and now Tinubu. No light at the end of the tunnel.
Last week, I mentioned in my column that Boko Haram had been attacking military formations and gradually encircling Maiduguri. They responded yes and sent three bomb blasts into the city on 16th March. At least 23 people were killed and over a hundred wounded. I guess it had become such a routine type of mass killing that the President did not even flinch and travelled on to London for his programmed State Visit to the United Kingdom where he received a 42 rather than the normal 21 Gun Salute. Sign.
Meanwhile for Maiduguri, which had suffered the repeated tragedies of bomb blasts spread over the past decade, fear was back in the streets and on people’s faces. The tragedy continues. The Maiduguri explosions came barely 24 hours after terrorists attacked a military base in Kofa, a community close to Ajilari on the outskirts of Maiduguri. Before then, there had been attacks by terror groups across Borno State, including assaults on rural military bases and resettled communities like Ngoshe and Dalwa as reported by HumAngle. The depressing stories are endless.
There is a standard response to such tragedies by the Nigerian government. Enroute to the United Kingdom, the President ordered the Service Chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri and resolve the security crisis. In the past, they have been so ordered numerous times, they had moved to the epi-centre of the security crisis and nothing had been solved. I have never understood the significance of the movement. For months, the terrorists have been attacking military bases in Borno and Yobe States and my civilian thinking was that the military would be so angry that they would hunt down all the terrorists and obliterate them for daring to confront one of Africa’s greatest military. It did not happen.
Way back in 2014, the Nigerian government recruited foreign mercenaries to combat and obliterate Boko Haram. I was very uneasy about the significance of the policy shift. It meant that the government itself no longer believed our armed forces were up to the task. I wondered them whether terrorism will end in my lifetime. Eventually the contract with the foreign military contractor was cancelled and full confidence was reported in the armed forces. They improved their work and all the local government areas taken over by the terrorists were recaptured and it appeared light could be seen at the end of the tunnel. Since then, Boko Haram fighters have spent a lot of energy fighting and killing themselves. I thought that was a great opportunity to move in for the kill. That did not happen. Boko Haram now split into different organisations have been recovering and fully returned to their battle against the Nigerian people and the Nigerian State. Terrorism never really subsided, it simply stopped capturing and keeping territory. It raided, looted, raped, killed, taxed and moved on.
As a country, we have not really been able to directly pose the existential question of why our armed forces have been unable to smash and obliterate terrorism. The Nigerian army, it appears to me, has not changed substantially from the one bequeathed by British colonialism. It has clearly shown its limits in combating terrorists who are mobile and manoeuvrable like the Boko Harams and the bandit terrorists. Our intelligence services have grown and multiplied since the creation of the Nigerian Security Organisation (NSO) by Gen Obasanjo in 1976. It was replaced by a multiplicity of organisations such as DSS, NIA and DMI. We are however yet to see the type of efficiency displayed by the Special Branch of the police in ancient times. But then, what do I know, they may be doing excellent work but the intelligence they gather may be set aside somewhere along the chain of command. As a citizen, I would really like to know what the problem is.
Maybe the question to pose is that after two decades of terrorism, why has Nigeria not publicly posed the question of what the problems of combating terrorism are so that we can collectively search for an alternative route to peace and security. My wish remains, obliterate the terrorists so that we can move on.
Source: newsdiaryonline.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://newsdiaryonline.com/boko-haram-is-exhausting-please-obliterate-them-by-jibrin-ibrahim/
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Rwanda, DRC agree to "ease tensions" after talks in Washington
March 20, 2026
The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda agreed during talks in Washington to take "concrete steps" to ease tensions and advance a peace accord struck last year, a joint statement said.
Conflict in the mineral-rich eastern DRC, where the Rwandan-backed M23 armed group controls key cities, has continued despite the two neighbors signing a peace deal with US President Donald Trump last year.
"On March 17-18, 2026, representatives from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda met in Washington, D.C. and agreed to concrete steps to further implementation of" last year's agreement, a joint US-DRC-Rwandan statement said.
The new pledge comes days after the United States ramped up pressure on Rwanda over the conflict, slapping sanctions on its military and imposing visa restrictions on several unspecified senior officials.
Rwanda criticises US sanctions
Thousands of Rwandan troops are deployed across eastern DRC, "where they actively engage in combat operations and facilitate M23's control of territory," US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on March 2.
Rwanda said the US sanctions were "unjustly targeting only one party," accusing the DRC of violating the peace agreement with "indiscriminate drone attacks and ground offensives."
Rwanda has denied supporting the M23 and has long pressed Kinshasa to crack down on the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), Hutu militants linked to the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.
The joint statement on Wednesday said both countries had agreed to "a series of coordinated steps to de-escalate tensions and advance progress on the ground."
They include "a mutual commitment to specific measures to support each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, the scheduled disengagement of forces/lifting of defensive measures by Rwanda in defined areas in DRC territory, time-bound and intensified efforts by the DRC to neutralize the FDLR, and the protection of all civilians."
Source: africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://www.africanews.com/2026/03/19/rwanda-drc-agree-to-ease-tensions-after-talks-in-washington/
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Sahel accounts for nearly half of all terror-related deaths: report
March 20, 2026
The Sahel region of Africa, which has become the "global epicentre of terrorism," accounted for nearly half of all terrorism-related deaths for the third consecutive year in 2025, the Global Terrorism Report said Thursday.
The index, compiled by the Institute for Economics and Peace think tank, has ranked 163 countries for 13 years according to the impact of "terrorism" based on indicators such as the number of attacks, deaths, injuries and hostages.
It defines terrorism as "the systematic threat or use of violence, by non-state actors, whether for or in opposition to established authority".
In 2024, more than half of the 7,555 deaths due to "terrorism" worldwide were recorded in the Sahel, a semi-arid belt stretching along the Sahara desert's southern rim from the Atlantic to the Red Sea.
The trend remained largely unchanged in 2025, with nearly half of the 5,582 deaths attributed to "terrorists" occurring in the Sahel, although the total number of victims in the region fell, the Australia-based think tank said.
"The Sahel has suffered a tenfold increase in terrorism fatalities since 2007", when it accounted for only one percent of global terrorism-related deaths.
"The epicentre of terrorism has shifted from the Middle East and North Africa, into the Sahel region of sub-Saharan Africa," the report said.
Burkina Faso was the most affected country in the world for two consecutive years but was overtaken in 2025 by Pakistan.
"Deaths from terrorism in Pakistan are now at their highest level since 2013, with the country recording 1,139 terrorism deaths and 1,045 incidents in 2025," the report said.
"This follows a sharp resurgence in terrorist activity driven in part by the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan in 2021," the report said, also pointing to rising violence by the Pakistani Taliban movement and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), the most active separatist militant group.
- JNIM and Islamic State group -
Burkina Faso, meanwhile, saw the largest decline in deaths in 2025, falling 45 percent from the previous year to 846, the report noted.
The reason was mostly an 84-percent reduction in civilian casualties rather than an improvement in security.
The Al-Qaeda-affiliated Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims, known by its Arabic acronym JNIM, which is the main jihadist group active in Burkina, has shifted its strategy to target soldiers rather than civilians in its attacks.
Niger, listed fifth in 2024, climbed to third place with an increase in "terrorism" incidents in 2025 and surpassed Mali and Syria with 703 deaths, more than half of which were civilians.
Nigeria rose to fourth place on the index, with 750 people killed in 2025, up 46 percent from the previous year.
"This marks the highest death toll since 2020, driven by internal instability as well as ongoing conflict between ISWAP and Boko Haram," the report said.
Mali saw a decline in deaths, now ranked fifth on the index, with 341 killed last year compared to 604 in 2024.
The report attributes most attacks in the Sahel to the Islamic State group and JNIM.
It also highlighted the expansion of the jihadist groups to West Africa's coastal countries, particularly Benin, which has shot up to 19th place on the index from 26th.
Other organisations, such as ACLED, which monitors conflict-related casualties worldwide, report higher figures for jihadism-related deaths in the Sahel.
Source: africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://www.africanews.com/2026/03/19/sahel-accounts-for-nearly-half-of-all-terror-related-deaths-report/
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DHQ Clarifies CDS’ Remarks About Borno, Yobe Residents Aiding Terrorists
March 19, 2026
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said that the remarks of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, on the fight against terrorism in Borno and Yobe states were grossly misrepresented.
Naija News reports that the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, in a statement issued on Thursday, said the report falsely portrayed the CDS as accusing the people of Borno and Yobe of complicity in terrorism.
Uba clarified that at no point did General Oluyede indict or generalise that residents of the two North-East states were supporting terrorists, stressing that the CDS emphasised the importance of community partnership, vigilance, and collective responsibility in tackling the evolving security challenges facing the country.
DHQ noted that the CDS’s call for residents to “take ownership” of the counterterrorism fight aligns with globally accepted counterinsurgency practices, which recognise that lasting security can only be achieved through close collaboration between security forces and local communities.
The statement quoted the CDS as saying, “The fight against terrorism is not the responsibility of the military alone. It is a collective duty. The people of Borno and Yobe must reject terrorism in all its forms and actively support security agencies with credible and timely information.”
The statement further clarified that the CDS had referred to specific cases where criminal elements and collaborators exploited community structures to aid terrorist activities.
According to the Defence Headquarters, Olyede’s comment was not a blanket accusation against the people of Borno and Yobe, but a factual observation meant to encourage communities to remain vigilant and support security agencies.
The statement added, “Our people must resolve that this has to come to an end. Together, we shall overcome the enemies of our nation.”
DHQ reaffirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to their constitutional responsibility of defending the nation’s territorial integrity and protecting all law-abiding citizens.
It added that the military continues to record significant successes in ongoing operations across the North-East and other theatres of operation.
The military high command also urged media organisations and content creators to exercise professionalism, verify facts, and avoid sensational reporting that could create unnecessary tension or erode public trust.
Source: naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://www.naijanews.com/2026/03/19/dhq-clarifies-cds-remarks-about-borno-yobe-residents-aiding-terrorists/
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‘Wining, Dining While Nigerians Die’ – PDP Tackles Tinubu
March 19, 2026
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday berated President Bola Tinubu, accusing his administration of neglecting the worsening security crisis in the country.
The party alleged that government officials were “wining, dining, and dancing in the blood of Nigerians in a faraway land” while terrorists continue to unleash violence across the country.
Naija News reports that the opposition party’s criticism followed the release of the 2026 Global Terrorism Index, which ranked Nigeria fourth globally in terms of the impact of terrorism.
According to the report, Nigeria, alongside four other countries, accounted for nearly 70 per cent of all terrorism-related deaths worldwide.
Reacting in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the PDP said the findings were expected given the prevailing insecurity.
“While this report is not surprising to Nigerians, it is most painful that people who promised and were elected and appointed to secure our country are wining, dining, and dancing in a faraway land, whilst terrorists are killing and kidnapping citizens rampantly,” the statement read.
The party further alleged that insecurity had become entrenched and economically driven under the current administration.
“Under President Tinubu’s watch, insecurity has not just become very lucrative, it has attained a trillion-naira economy status,” the PDP claimed.
The opposition party called on the President and the nation’s security leadership to adopt a more proactive and inclusive strategy in addressing terrorism.
“It needs reminding that the primary duty of every government is the protection of lives and property, a task that this administration has consistently failed glaringly,” the statement added.
The PDP stressed that Nigerians were growing increasingly frustrated with the persistent attacks, insisting that “Nigerians are tired of being killed for no reason.”
The latest remarks add to mounting concerns over the security situation in the country, with stakeholders repeatedly calling for decisive measures to curb terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.
Source: naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://www.naijanews.com/2026/03/19/wining-dining-while-nigerians-die-pdp-tackles-tinubu/
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Borno Attacks Among Deadliest As Nigeria Ranks 4th In Global Terrorism Index
March 19, 2026
Nigeria has recorded one of the sharpest increases in terrorism-related fatalities globally, despite a significant drop in terror deaths worldwide, the 2026 Global Terrorism Index has revealed.
The report, published by the Institute for Economics & Peace, showed that fatalities in Nigeria rose by 46 per cent in 2025, highlighting worsening insecurity in parts of the country.
According to the report, “Nigeria recorded the largest increase in 2025, with fatalities rising by 46 per cent to 750.”
It attributed the majority of the killings to extremist groups, noting that “Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram were responsible for 80 per cent of all terrorism deaths in the country.”
The GTI stressed that terrorism remains concentrated in a handful of countries, with Nigeria ranking among the most affected globally.
It stated that “just under 70 per cent of deaths from terrorism occurred in only five countries: Pakistan, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Niger, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
The report further noted that “Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo had the largest increases in deaths from terrorism, with rises of 237 deaths and 102 deaths, respectively.”
Borno Attacks Among Deadliest Globally
Nigeria also recorded two of the 20 most fatal terrorist attacks in 2025, both of which occurred in Borno State.
Detailing one of the incidents, the report said, “Gunmen attacked the village of Darajamal, Bama local government area, Borno State, on September 5, 2025, killing 58 villagers and 5 soldiers.”
It added, “30 of the gunmen were reportedly killed by the Nigerian army after the attack,” although no group officially claimed responsibility.
The report, however, noted that local media attributed the attack to ISWAP.
In another incident, it stated that “jihadists attacked the neighbouring villages of Mallam Karamti and Kwatandashi in Kukawa local government area, Borno State.”
“According to local press reports, approximately one hundred civilians were rounded up and taken into the forest, with fifty-seven bodies later recovered and seventy individuals still missing,” it added, linking the assault to Boko Haram’s JAS faction.
Despite Nigeria’s troubling figures, the report recorded a significant global improvement in terrorism trends.
“Deaths from terrorism fell by 28 per cent to 5,582, and incidents decreased by 22 per cent to 2,944, marking the lowest figures since 2007,” the GTI stated.
However, it warned that the decline was uneven, with Western countries witnessing a spike.
“Western terrorism fatalities rose sharply by 280 per cent to 57 in 2025, largely driven by antisemitism, Islamophobia and political terrorism,” the report added.
Naija News reports that Nigeria ranked 8th in Global Terrorism Index report for 2024.
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The GTI identified Sub-Saharan Africa as the global hub of terrorism, noting that six of the 10 most affected countries are located in the region.
For the first time, Pakistan ranked as the most impacted country, recording 1,139 deaths and 1,045 incidents, its highest level since 2013.
The report also raised concerns over increasing youth involvement in terrorism.
It stated that investigations linked to youth radicalisation have tripled since 2021, while “93 per cent of all fatal attacks in Western countries were carried out by lone actors.”
Globally, the Islamic State and its affiliates remained the deadliest network, responsible for just under 17 per cent of all attacks in 2025.
Other groups contributing significantly to global fatalities include Jamaat Nusrat Al-Islam wal Muslimeen, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, and al-Shabaab.
Highlighting changing dynamics, the report noted that terrorism is becoming more concentrated around border areas.
It stated that “over 76 per cent of attacks occurred within 100 kilometres of an international border in 2025, up from just under 60 per cent in 2007.”
While improvements were recorded in 81 countries, the highest since 2021, the report warned that rising geopolitical tensions could reverse recent gains.
It cautioned that escalating conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, may fuel further instability and spread terrorism across regions.
The report stressed that despite global progress, the sharp rise in countries like Nigeria underscores the urgent need for stronger counter-terrorism measures and sustained international collaboration.
Source: naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story https://www.naijanews.com/2026/03/19/nigeria-ranks-4th-in-global-terrorism-index/
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