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Islamic World News ( 31 Dec 2023, NewAgeIslam.Com)

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Tamil Nadu: Vellore Central Jail Opens Mosque For Inmates

New Age Islam News Bureau

31 December 2023

  

Representational photo | Madhav K, EPS)

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• Tamil Nadu: Vellore Central Jail Opens Mosque For Inmates

• UK Allows Visa-Free Entry To Citizens Of Several Arab Countries From February 22 Next Year Onwards

• American Muslims Launch Campaign To Kick Biden Out Of White House

• Turkey Detains Hundreds Suspected Of Links To Islamic State Group

• Bangladesh & Pakistan: Tale Of Two Elections, And Implications For India

 

India

• BJP Gujarat MLA Says Hindus And Muslims Have Been Divided By 'Some People'

• About 100 Imams, Aalim And Muezzins Meet LG, Praise Mehrauli Archaeological Park Revamp

• Centre Bans J&K's Tehreek-e-Hurriyat For Trying To "Establish Islamist Rule"

• Sunehri Bagh Masjid Removal: 2021 Traffic Study Contradicts NDMC Proposal, Reveals No Congestion At Roundabout

• Lutyens’ Sunehri Bagh Masjid Moves Delhi HC Against Notice

• Ayodhya Has Potential To Become ‘Spiritual Centre Like Vatican City And Mecca’, OYO, Hotel Booking Site  Says

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Europe

• France To End Acceptance Of Foreign-Appointed Imams In 2024

• How the Sunni-Shia split shaped the Islamic world throughout history

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North America

• Vandalism Of West Philly Mosque Is Under Police Investigation; Calls For Hate Crime Probe Arise

• Day 85: Airstrikes hit camps in central Gaza as Biden administration approves new weapons sales to Israel

• Former 'fixer' of Trump admits using Google Bard for ‘fake’ legal cases

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Mideast

• Blood Of General Razi Mousavi Paves Way For Islamic Ummah: Iranian Interior Minister

• Netanyahu issues warning against Iran, Hezbollah

• Air strikes hit Iran-backed militia facilities, truck convoy in Syria

• Israel-Iran Tensions Rise as Israeli Forces Trade Fire With Militias in Syria, Lebanon

• 11 senior Iranian officers killed in Israeli airstrike on Syrian airport, report says

• Pressure Increases On Iran Proxies In Syria And Lebanon

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South Asia

• Give Befitting Reply Through Votes To Poll-Foiling Attempt By International Conspirators: Bangladesh PM Hasina

• Bangladesh sees dramatic rise in lightning deaths linked to climate change

• More than a billion people will head to the polls across South Asia in 2024

• Displaced, crossing borders: Afghan people make tough journeys to survive

• Mujahid: Media outlets working freely in Afghanistan

• Senior Afghan Taliban Leader to Visit Pakistan, TTP Issue on Agenda

• IDB allocates $24.6 million in aid, investment to Afghanistan

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Pakistan

• PTI Calls Rejection Of Nomination Papers ‘State Terrorism’

• PPP struggles to dole out tickets for Islamabad seats amid ‘infighting’

• 5 terrorists killed in intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s Awaran district: ISPR

• Tug of war in JUI-F over Shangla poll tickets

• PTI leaders trying to meet Imran to discuss poll strategy: Qaiser

• UNICEF seeks $135.6m to address Pakistan’s humanitarian crisis

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Southeast Asia

• BeruasMP Ngeh Apologises For Purportedly Interfering Into Islamic Laws

• Fadillah assures GPS’s support to Unity Govt amidst Dubai Move rumour

• Kepung Demi Palestin five-day picket unites Malaysians, Palestinians from all walks of life

• Hajiji: No forces can break Sabah as long as people remain united

• Health minister: 20 Covid-19 cases detected among flood evacuees in Kelantan, Terengganu

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Arab World

• Palestine-Based Islamic Jihad Movement Hails West Bank Operations As Heroic Battles Against Zionists

• Islamic Resistance In Lebanon Mourns Four Martyrs On Road To Al-Quds

• Hijrah exhibition ends run at Saudi National Museum

• Saudi Arabia showcases ‘green future’ at Doha expo

• Saudi ambassador meets ICESCO chief in Morocco

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Africa

• Nigerian Catholics Reject Pope's Approval For Same-Sex Couple Blessings

• Mosque thief caught red-handed ransacking and stealing electronics

• Gov settles Zamfara mosque seven-year dispute

• Damaturu Plunged Into Darkness As Boko Haram Attacks Cut Electricity Grid

• South Africa: Flash floods kill 21 people in coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL:    https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/tamil-vellore-central-jail-mosque/d/131426

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Tamil Nadu: Vellore Central Jail Opens Mosque For Inmates

 

Representational photo | Madhav K, EPS)

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By RajalakshmiSampath

31st December 2023

VELLORE: Over the past three years, Muslim inmates at Vellore Central Jail faced restricted access to the mosque, influenced by prevailing stereotype associating Muslim prisoners with terrorism. Despite no evidence supporting this bias, officials kept the mosque closed, even on significant occasions like Ramadan.

Investigating the story for two months, I encountered threats from local intelligence, but persisted in my pursuit. The motivation behind crafting this story stems from the belief that regardless of an inmate’s background, they deserve basic rights, including the freedom to worship within the confines of the prison. This narrative aims to shed light on the importance of upholding fundamental rights for all individuals, irrespective of their circumstances.

For three years, Vellore Central Jail denied Muslim inmates access to the mosque, citing security concerns, linked to unfounded stereotypes. TNIE story highlighted this unjust restriction, revealing that the mosque remained closed, compelling prisoners to observe religious events within their cells.

After the story was published, up to 30 prisoners were being allowed to pray in the mosque, marking a positive change. The story exposed baseless denial of mosque access to Muslim inmates, dispelling stereotypes and fostering religious freedom.

Source: New Indian Express.Com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original story:

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2023/dec/31/tamil-nadu-vellore-central-jailopens-mosque-for-inmates-2646484.html

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UK Allows Visa-Free Entry To Citizens Of Several Arab Countries From February 22 Next Year Onwards

 

The UK has announced a new Electronic Travel Authorization scheme that will cost £10 ($12.44) for nationals of Jordan and Gulf Cooperation Council states. — AFP

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Murtaza Ali Shah

December 31, 2023

LONDON: The United Kingdom government has announced to grant visa-free entry to travellers from various Arab countries from February 22 next year onwards.

In a significant change to its visa policies, the UK intends to make entry easier for the residents of Jordan and all the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Citizens of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan and Bahrain will not need visas for entry into the UK. They will just need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK from February next year. Qatar’s residents travelling to the UK are already using ETA since November 15, 2023.

A statement released by the British government said the move towards an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system is poised to simplify the entry process, doing away with the necessity of obtaining a visit visa.

Under this new system, tourists of all age groups will be required to electronically apply for a travel permit, priced at £10, which will then be issued for their travel purposes to last for two years. This strategic shift in visa regulations aims to streamline entry procedures, fostering smoother and more accessible travel for citizens of these nations intending to visit the United Kingdom.

Earlier this year, the UK government announced plans to introduce a new ETA scheme as part of a digitisation of the UK border by 2025 to further enhance border security and the customer experience.

An ETA is a digital permission to travel for those visiting or transiting through the UK who do not need a visa for short stays, or who do not currently hold another UK visa.

By cutting costs and visa requirements, the ETA scheme will ensure visitors from the Gulf states and Jordan enjoy travelling with ease to the UK, boosting business and tourism links between these countries, the UK govt said in a statement.

Gulf visitors are highly valuable to the UK economy, with over 790,000 Gulf visitors spending £2 billion during their stays in the UK in 2022.

Source: Www.Geo.Tv

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original story:

https://www.geo.tv/latest/525175-uk-allows-visa-free-entry-to-citizens-of-several-islamic-countries

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American Muslims Launch Campaign To Kick Biden Out Of White House

 

Joe Biden

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30th December 2023

American Muslim community leaders have launched a national campaign to boot Joe Biden out of the White House at the next election because of his support for Israel’s genocidal actions.

At a press conference in Chicago on Saturday the #AbandonBiden campaign pledged to punish Biden over his administration’s failure to call for a Gaza ceasefire.

The Muslim leaders plan to campaign against Biden in all 50 states “guaranteeing” Biden’s loss in the upcoming 2024 election, and are asking non-Muslim Americans to join them.

One of the campaign organisers, Hassan Abdelsalam, a professor at the University of Minnesota, said: “We come to you here today, Muslim leaders from across the nation united and focused on one message – Abandon Biden.

“After droves and droves of us came to the President’s side and made him President of the United States, we came here because of a betrayal of a President who claimed he was committed to the value of life and justice and dignity and then permitted, abetted a genocide that continues not weeks or days after the attacks on Gaza began, but months and no ceasefire has been called.”

Another organiser from Michigan, Khaled Durrani, added: “At a time when a country like South Africa calls for invoking the genocide convention, the Biden administration is using the veto power and all of its diplomatic power to make sure there is no ceasefire… It is almost embarrassing to see that our tax dollars are being used to aid these crimes against humanity… our President has the blood of Palestinian children on his hands.”

Over the past two months, the national #AbandonBiden campaign has been organising Muslims and their allies to defeat Biden in all the swing states – Arizona, Minnesota, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Florida and Wisconsin.

But the leaders have now announced that they will expand their campaign beyond the swing states, calling for a sweeping strategy to ensure Biden’s election loss.

“Biden’s abandoning of Muslim Americans compels Muslim leaders to abandon Biden,” the #AbandonBiden campaign said. “Despite having voted for Mr. Biden in huge numbers in 2020, Muslim Americans are unwavering in their belief that abandoning Biden is a moral obligation.”

Meanwhile, Hassan Abdelsalam said American Muslims are prepared to make sure Biden loses the next election even if that leads to another Donald Trump presidency.

He said: “The idea of the lesser of two evils is not a package that people can support; there is no greater evil than death. Living under a Republican for four years is nothing comparable to a day in Gaza. So we take this sacrifice and we pursue this knowing full well the consequences because we believe it is for the good of the nation.”

According to a recent Gallup poll, President Joe Biden’s job approval rating is 39% – the worst of any modern-day President heading into a re-election campaign.

The main issues in the upcoming election will most likely be the faltering economy, the United States’ role in wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, and immigration.

Source: 5pillarsuk.Com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original story:

https://5pillarsuk.com/2023/12/30/american-muslims-launch-campaign-to-kick-biden-out-of-white-house/

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Turkey Detains Hundreds Suspected Of Links To Islamic State Group

 

In this photo taken on October 1, 2023, members of the Turkish Police Special Forces secure an area near the interior ministry following a bomb attack in Ankara. © Adem Altan, AFP

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30/12/2023

Posting on X, formerly Twitter, Ali Yerlikaya said that 189 suspects had been detained as part of simultaneous operations dubbed "HEROES-38" carried out in 37 cities including Istanbul.

Turkey has in recent months intensified operations against IS jihadists who have claimed a number of deadly attacks on Turkish soil including the January 1, 2017 attack on a nightclub in Istanbul which killed 39 people.

On Friday, Turkish security forces detained 32 IS suspects including three senior members who were planning attacks on churches and synagogues as well as the Iraqi embassy.

Source: France24.Com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original story:

https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20231230-turkey-detains-hundreds-suspected-of-links-to-islamic-state-group

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Bangladesh & Pakistan: Tale Of Two Elections, And Implications For India

 

(Photo caption: The nine-lived Nawaz Sharif seeks  a fourth term, while Sheikh Hasina heads for a win)

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December 31, 2023

by: Michael Kugelman

Bangladesh and Pakistan go to the polls early next year. At first blush, the main storyline for both elections seems the same: Ruling or recent ruling parties are in a strong position to defeat opponents weakened by state crackdowns. But in reality, the two cases have some notable differences. Additionally, the conventional wisdom says that India’s interests won’t suffer from the likely election outcomes. But this may not be altogether true.

For many months, leaders and supporters of the two countries’ main opposition party — the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Tehreek-e-Insaf Pakistan (PTI) — have faced harassment, arrests, and imprisonment. Not surprisingly, these crackdowns have intensified after each party stepped up violence and other destabilising acts — PTI partisans attacked Army facilities in May, and BNP members have staged provocations including blockades since October. But both parties have maintained the capacity to mobilise large crowds. And yet, their electoral strategies are sharply at odds: The PTI is committed to participating in elections, no matter the obstacle, while the BNP has announced it will sit them out.

The PTI faces major challenges. Its popular leader, Imran Khan, is in jail. Most other top PTI leaders have been pressured to switch parties or quit politics. Its main adversary, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif, recently returned from self-exile and promptly received judicial relief for some of his corruption charges, an indication of the backing he now enjoys from a military establishment with which he has had a love-hate relationship. That backing is his biggest asset, and could help him in the same way that it helped Khan, then the military’s favourite son, in the 2018 election. This time around, the PTI will bank on its sizable popularity. But that could be checkmated by military-orchestrated political engineering that shapes the electoral playing field in ways that disadvantage PTI.

Pakistan’s judiciary will be a critical player in the polls. The courts — likely the Supreme Court — will eventually need to rule on whether Sharif is eligible to contest elections. If Nawaz Sharif is ruled ineligible, his brother Shehbaz could return as premier. But no matter how things shake out, no party is likely to win an outright majority: the PTI faces too many constraints, and the PML-N and other major parties lack sufficient public support. A fractious coalition government is a strong possibility. That would benefit the military, as such a set-up would be easy to exploit.

Meanwhile, the BNP had long threatened to boycott the polls unless the Awami League (AL) government steps down and allows a caretaker administration because, in its view, elections can’t be free and fair if the present government oversees them. Dhaka has rejected that demand, deeming it unconstitutional; the Supreme Court struck down Bangladesh’s caretaker clause in 2011. Any combination of non-BNP opposition parties will be hard pressed to defeat the AL, meaning the incumbents are all but assured of a fourth straight term.

Interestingly, in both countries, the caretaker issue is at the heart of a political crisis, but for different reasons. In Bangladesh, the opposition wants it reinstated. In Pakistan, the caretaker clause is in place, but it has angered the opposition because the current caretaker regime has held power longer than constitutionally mandated, thereby delaying elections. In both cases, the caretaker controversies revolve around those in office wanting to retain power as long as possible.

Source: Times Of India.Com

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original story:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/toi-editorials/bangladesh-pakistan-tale-of-two-elections-and-implications-for-india/

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India

BJP Gujarat MLA Says Hindus And Muslims Have Been Divided By 'Some People'

30th December 2023

By Dilip Singh Kshatriya

Dinesh Kushwaha, the BJP MLA from Bapunagar in Gujarat, has triggered a minor controversy by claiming that Hindus and Muslims were living as one family until they were divided by 'some people'.

"Many Muslims sitting here will be from Uttar Pradesh," said Kushwaha -- whose roots go back to Uttar Pradesh -- as he was delivering a speech at the Itihad-e-Millat conference organized by a Muslim religious organization in Bapunagar area of Ahmedabad.

"Hindus and Muslims live side-by-side in Uttar Pradesh (Gaunmein, ekghar Hindu kahotahain, ekghar Muslim kahotahain). That is our culture, that is how we used to live. But some people have divided us," he said.

Source: New Indian Express.Com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:

https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2023/dec/30/bjp-mla-says-hindus-and-muslims-have-been-divided-by-some-people-2646292.html

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About 100 Imams, Aalim And Muezzins Meet LG, Praise Mehrauli Archaeological Park Revamp

Dec 31, 2023

New Delhi: About 100 imams, Aalim and muezzins from mosques across the city participated in ‘Samvaad@Raj Niwas’, an interactive dialogue undertaken by lieutenant governor VK Saxena at his official residence in Civil Lines.

According to officials, several issues were raised by the imams and muezzins in the session, including their pending salaries and poor sanitation around mosques in various parts of the city.

“They appreciated the development work carried out at Mehrauli Archaeological Park, which has led to an increase in footfall," said a Raj Niwas official.

Source: Times Of India.Com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/mosque-officials-meet-lg-praise-mehrauli-park-revamp/articleshowprint/106412626.cms?val=3728

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Centre Bans J&K's Tehreek-e-Hurriyat For Trying To "Establish Islamist Rule"

December 31, 2023

New Delhi: The government on Sunday declared pro-Pakistan separatist amalgam Tehreek-e-Hurriyat (TeH) Jammu and Kashmir a banned organisation for fomenting terrorism and spreading anti-India propaganda in the Union territory.

Announcing the decision, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the group was found spreading anti-India propaganda and continuing terror activities to fuel secessionism in Jammu and Kashmir.

The outfit is involved in forbidden activities to separate J&K from India and establish Islamic rule. The group is found spreading anti-India propaganda and continuing terror activities to…

Source: Www.Ndtv.Com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/centre-bans-jammu-and-kashmirs-tehreek-e-hurriyat-for-trying-to-establish-islamist-rule-4774662

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Sunehri Bagh Masjid Removal: 2021 traffic study contradicts NDMC proposal, reveals no congestion at roundabout

by Damini Nath

December 31, 2023

While the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) recently proposed removing the Sunehri Bagh Masjid in the interest of “sustainable mobility”, a traffic assessment report commissioned by the Central Public Works Department in 2021, as part of its Central Vista redevelopment project, found no congestion at the roundabout then or in the near future.

Earlier this week, NDMC issued a public notice inviting objections and suggestions till January 1 on its proposal to remove the heritage structure. This, NDMC said, was after it “received a reference from Delhi Traffic Police for providing a traffic engineering proposal to ensure sustainable mobility in the vicinity of the roundabout of Sunehri Bagh”.

Source: Indian Express.Com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/traffic-study-in-2021-found-no-congestion-at-sunehri-bagh-mosque-roundabout-9089151/

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Lutyens’ Sunehri Bagh Masjid Moves Delhi HC Against Notice

By ShrutiKakkar

Dec 31, 2023

The plea said the structure was being targeted without any research to support the claim that it was causing traffic congestion

The Imam of New Delhi’s Sunehri Bagh Masjid,Abdul Aziz, has approached the Delhi high court, challenging New Delhi Municipal Council’s (NDMC) public notice seeking opinion on the demolition of the 150- year-old mosque to ease alleged traffic congestion in the area.

The December 24 notice published in various newspapers has led to a row with people claiming that the council was raising the issue of traffic congestion just to demolish the structure that stands near Udyog Bhawan Metro station, at the intersection of Maulana Azad Road, Motilal Nehru Marg and Kamraj Road.

Source: New Indian Express.Com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/sunehri-bagh-masjid-cleric-at-lutyens-mosque-moves-delhi-hc-against-notice-101703957471281.html

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Ayodhya Has Potential To Become ‘Spiritual Centre Like Vatican City And Mecca’, OYO, Hotel Booking Site  Says

31 Dec 2023

Sanchari Ghosh

With Ayodhya's Ram Temple to be inaugurated on 22 January, 2024, OYO predicts that the city has the potential to become as popular as Vatican City and Mecca as a spiritual destination.  

In the recent times, spiritual tourism is rapidly gaining momentum.  And according to OYO's year-end booking data, Puri secured the top spot as the most booked spiritual destination, with Amritsar, Varanasi, and Haridwar following suit. “Recognizing the significance of religious tourism in India, OYO is actively expanding its footprint across major religious corridors in the country, including Katra-Vaishno Devi and the Char Dham route."

The company further predicts that Ayodhya is likely to gain a lot of popularity as a spiritual destination once the Ram Temple is inaugurated.

Source: Www.Livemint.Com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:

https://www.livemint.com/news/trends/travel-trends-in-2024-ayodhya-has-potential-to-become-spirutual-centre-like-vatican-city-and-mecca-oyo-says-11704009781129.html

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Europe

France to end acceptance of foreign-appointed imams in 2024

DECEMBER 31, 2023

France is set to enforce a new regulation from January 1, 2024, disallowing the acceptance of new "foreign-appointed" imams, as per a 2020 announcement by President Emmanuel Macron.

This move, aimed at curbing foreign influence and promoting autonomy in Islamic practices within the country, mandates these imams to either return to their countries or transition into managerial roles in local places of worship.

The decision, originating from President Macron's early 2020 address in Les Mureaux, Yvelines, was part of a broader strategy to combat "separatism." France has provided a three-year notice period for this policy, ending on January 1, 2024.

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin reaffirmed this policy on Friday, emphasizing the government's intent to prevent imams from being financially supported by foreign states.

Source: Www.Jpost.Com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:

https://www.jpost.com/international/article-780168

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How the Sunni-Shia split shaped the Islamic world throughout history

30.12.2023

Toby Matthiesen's new book, "The Caliph and the Imam", explores both the origins of the Sunni-Shia divide, what the two branches of Islam have in common and how the split has shaped the Islamic world

The history of intra-Islamic relations is both complex and complicated, in particular relations between Sunnis and Shias. Why is that?

Toby Matthiesen: I decided to write this lengthy book for that very reason, because the subject is so complex. I'd already written my doctoral thesis on a sub-topic, the Shias in the Gulf and their politicisation, a project that required me to travel widely. In academic settings I was frequently asked: "What are the reasons for this politicisation? What's leading to these conflicts?" I always found it difficult to give a concise answer. I've been interviewed many times on the subject, but it was always rather unsatisfactory.

Source: Qantara.Dde

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:

https://qantara.de/en/article/sunnis-and-shias-islam-how-sunni-shia-split-shaped-islamic-world-throughout-history

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North America

Vandalism of West Philly mosque is under police investigation; calls for hate crime probe arise

BY CHRIS COMPENDIO

DECEMBER 30, 2023

The Masjid Al-Jamia mosque in West Philadelphia became the target of vandalism this week. Surveillance cameras captured footage of an individual spray-painting phrases and symbols on the mosque's entrance.

Philadelphia police are investigating the incident, which had an individual in a red overcoat spray-paint the phrase "Give [peace] a chance" and symbols including the Star of David and what appears to be the Communist hammer and sickle symbol. Mosque administrators discovered the graffiti on Friday morning; it has since been painted over.

The Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Philadelphia) described the graffiti as "biased statements" and called for Philadelphia authorities to investigate the incident as a hate crime. "The kind of violation Masjid Al-Jamia has seen is unacceptable," said CAIR-Philadelphia executive director Dr. Ahmet Tekelioglu.

Source: Www.Phillyvoice.Com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:

https://www.phillyvoice.com/west-philly-mosque-vandalism-police-hate-crime/

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Day 85: Airstrikes hit camps in central Gaza as Biden administration approves new weapons sales to Israel

Dec 30, 2023

DEIR AL-BALAH: Israeli warplanes struck two urban refugee camps in central Gaza on Saturday, as the Biden administration approved a new emergency weapons sale to Israel despite persistent international cease-fire calls over mounting civilian deaths, hunger and mass displacement in the enclave.

Even a brief halt in fighting seems out of reach. A senior Hamas official told The Associated Press in Beirut on Saturday that the group has not budged from its position that a permanent cease-fire has to be the starting point for any further releases of Israeli and foreign hostages the group holds, which runs counter to a recent proposal by Egypt for a staged end to the war.

It's a demand Israel is bound to reject. Israel has said it will pursue its unprecedented air and ground offensive until it has dismantled Hamas, a goal viewed by some as unattainable because of the militant group's deep roots in Palestinian society. The United States has shielded Israel diplomatically and has continued to supply weapons.

Source: Times Of India

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshowprint/106407164.cms

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Former 'fixer' of Trump admits using Google Bard for ‘fake’ legal cases

Dec 31, 2023

Michael Cohen, former lawyer and "fixer" for Donald Trump, has admitted to using Google's AI language model Bard to fabricate citations for non-existent court cases in legal documents. In a rather lame defence, Cohen said that he thought Bard was a “super-charged search engine” and not an AI-powered chatbot. Cohen's admission came to light during a recent court hearing regarding his ongoing legal troubles. He confessed to using Bard to generate references to non-existent legal rulings in an attempt to bolster his arguments.

According to a report by The Verge, Cohen also said that he wasn’t aware of the latest tech trends and the risks associated with them. “As a non-lawyer I have not kept up with emerging trends (and related risks) in legal technology and did not know that Google Bard was a generative text service that, like Chat-GPT, could show citations and descriptions that looked real but actually were not,” Cohen said. “Instead, I understood it to be a super-charged search engine and had repeatedly used it in other contexts to (successfully) find accurate information online.”

Furthermore, Cohen also blamed his lawyer and said that he never realised that the legal pro “would drop the cases into his submission wholesale without even confirming that they existed.”

Source: Times Of India

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/gadgets-news/former-fixer-of-trump-admits-using-google-bard-for-fake-legal-cases/articleshowprint/106412475.cms?val=3728

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Mideast

Blood Of General Razi Mousavi Paves Way For Islamic Ummah: Iranian Interior Minister

December 30, 2023

TEHRAN- The Iranian Interior Minister has stated that the blood of General Razi Mousavi who was assassinated by Israel will pave the way for the Islamic Ummah to break through the barriers erected by adversaries.

Addressing the public on Saturday during the commemoration of martyr Razi, Ahmad Vahidi emphasized the transformative impact of General Razi's sacrifice, portraying him as an exemplary figure for the global youth.

The minister condemned the assassination of the honorable martyr, attributing his martyrdom to a targeted attack by the enemies of God and the people— specifically, the Zionist regime.

Directing his message to the country's youth, Vahidi urged an understanding of the origins, accomplishments, and profound spiritual influence of the martyrs.

Source: Tehran Times.Com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/493105/Blood-of-General-Razi-paves-way-for-Islamic-Ummah-Interior-minister

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Netanyahu issues warning against Iran, Hezbollah

2023-12-31

Tel Aviv , Dec 31 (IANS) Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stern warning to Iran and Hezbollah against attack on Jerusalem and said that the country would not hesitate to land severe blows which they would have never dreamt of.Addressing media persons on Saturday night, Netanyahu said that the war against Hamas in Gaza would continue for months.

He added that the operational plans for fighting against Hezbollah has been approved and said that if Hezbollah expands its fight against Israel, there would be heavy retaliation.

He said: "On the northern border - we are landing heavy blows against Hezbollah, eliminating many terrorists and destroying the enemy's capabilities."

Source: In.investing.Com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:

https://in.investing.com/news/netanyahu-issues-warning-against-iran-hezbollah-3954495

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Air strikes hit Iran-backed militia facilities, truck convoy in Syria

December 30, 2023

ANBAR, Iraq, Dec 30 (Reuters) - Unidentified jets hit buildings and trucks being used by Iran-aligned militia groups in the Syrian town of Albukamal along a strategic border crossing with Iraq late on Friday, Iraqi security and border officials told Reuters.

A local commander with Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), a group of mainly Shi'ite Muslim armed groups also known as HashidShaabi, said four people were killed in the strikes, without giving details of their nationalities.

The strikes targeted an eight-truck convoy, destroying at least four trucks, said the sources who have contacts with the Syrian border officials. The officials said three buildings used by one of the Iranian-backed militia groups were also targeted.

Source: Www.reuters.Com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/air-strikes-hit-iran-backed-militia-facilities-truck-convoy-syria-2023-12-30/

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Israel-Iran Tensions Rise as Israeli Forces Trade Fire With Militias in Syria, Lebanon

30 Dec 2023

Jared Malsin

The Israeli military said it returned fire following a strike from Syria overnight and also launched an airstrike against the militant Hezbollah movement in Lebanon amid a rise in hostilities with Iranian-backed militia groups across the region.

An increase in tensions between Israel, Iran and its militant allies throughout the Middle East is raising concerns about the opening of a second front in the nearly three-month-old war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

Israeli forces have regularly traded fire with Lebanon’s Hezbollah since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack and resulting Israeli offensive in Gaza, but tensions along Israel’s northern border have remained relatively contained, in part due to U.S. and other Western diplomatic efforts to prevent a wider regional war.

Source: Www.Livemint.Com

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https://www.livemint.com/news/world/israeliran-tensions-rise-as-israeli-forces-trade-fire-with-militias-in-syria-lebanon-11703942312347.html

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11 senior Iranian officers killed in Israeli airstrike on Syrian airport, report says

Nathan Rennolds

31-12-1-2023

An Israeli airstrike on an airport in Syria has reportedly killed 11 senior Iranian officers, Saudi Arabian news outlet Al Arabiya reported, citing unnamed sources.

The officers were part of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and they had been at Damascus International Airport to welcome a "senior delegation," per the report.

The IRGC has refuted the claim, with Ramezan Sharif, a spokesperson for the group, labeling the report "baseless," Iranian state media agency the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported.

Source: Www.Businessinsider.In

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https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/11-senior-iranian-officers-killed-in-israeli-airstrike-on-syrian-airport-report-says/articleshow/106407046.cms

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Pressure Increases On Iran Proxies In Syria And Lebanon

31-12-2023

The Israeli Defense Forces announced that they attacked targets in Syria early Saturday, responding to fire from the country, where Iran-affiliated forces are active.

The IDF also said it struck Hezbollah “terror infrastructure” in southern Lebanon, including a launch site used by the Iran-backed group following a number of cross-border attacks earlier Friday.

Local sources reported multiple casualties with different figures, according to some Arab media. Lebanon’s Al Mayadeen said some casualties were Lebanese. Al Arabiya's Arabic television quoted a “security source” to report that eight trucks entering Syria from Iraq had been destroyed.

However, there has been no word from the United States about an attack. Washington announces its air strikes on Iran-affiliated targets, unlike Israel that usually prefers to say nothing. This in turn led to some observers saying that perhaps the reported attack allegedly on weapons depots and trucks carrying Iranian supplies, were conducted by Israel.

Source: Www.Iranintl.Com

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https://www.iranintl.com/en/202312304536

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South Asia

Give befitting reply through votes to poll-foiling attempt by international conspirators: Bangladesh PM Hasina

December 30, 2023

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday said she was confident that the people of Bangladesh would give a befitting reply to attempts by international conspirators to dislodge her from power in the January 7 elections.

Stating that she wants the 12th parliamentary election to be held peacefully, Hasina, also the president of the ruling Awami Party said, “We will take part in the January 7 election with our party’s electoral symbol Boat. Go early to the polling centres to cast a vote (for boat) to show the world that we can hold the election in a free, fair and neutral manner.” “Various conspiracies are being hatched to foil the polls. Many are also involved internationally. They work to bring a third party to power in Bangladesh—we will give a befitting reply to the conspiracies through the January 7 election,” Hasina said while addressing an election rally at Tungipara, about 170 km southwest of Dhaka.

“What can the third party do? They can’t do any development in the country. You had seen what they did in 2007,” Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), the country’s national news agency, quoted Hasina as saying. Amid increasing violence, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has announced that it would boycott the election. BNP had boycotted the 2014 election too but took part in the 2018 polls.

Source: Indianexpress.Com

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https://indianexpress.com/article/world/befitting-reply-votes-poll-foiling-attempt-international-conspirators-bangladesh-pm-hasina-9088783/

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Bangladesh sees dramatic rise in lightning deaths linked to climate change

By RajiniVaidyanathan

31-12-2023

On the day he thought he'd be celebrating his wedding, Mamun buried 16 of his relatives.

Dressed in their finest saris and suits, his family members boarded a boat to join Mamun, when a heavy storm struck. As the rain lashed down the boat pulled over and they took shelter under a tin shed on the riverbank, when they were hit.

Bangladesh, which is blighted by extreme weather and heavy storms, suffers an average of 300 deaths by lightning every year, according to the UN.

It's a heavy burden for the South Asian nation, and for many like Mamun, who is speaking for the first time about what happened on that day in August 2021.

Source: Www.Bbc.Com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-67779223

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More than a billion people will head to the polls across South Asia in 2024

By Rhea Mogul

December 30, 2023

CNN — An election boycotted by the main opposition as the world’s longest serving female prime minister looks set to extend her rule.

A cricket legend and former prime minister languishing in prison versus a one-time fugitive looking to make a comeback as a powerful military keeps watch.

Four South Asian countries are expected to head to the polls next year, in a grand test for democracy that will see nearly 2 billion people across Bangladesh, Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka cast their ballots from January through September.

All former colonies who gained independence from Britain within the last century, each are at a different stage of growth and facing a variety of crises and opportunities.

Source: Edition.Cnn.Com

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https://edition.cnn.com/2023/12/31/asia/india-pakistan-bangladesh-srilanka-elections-2024-intl-hnk/index.html

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Displaced, crossing borders: Afghan people make tough journeys to survive

Dec 31 2023

The barren desert plain among the mountains of eastern Afghanistan is filled with hundreds of thousands of people.

Some live in tents. Others live out in the open, among the piles of the few belongings they managed to take as they were forced from neighbouring Pakistan.

The sprawling camp of people returning to Afghanistan through the Torkham border crossing is the latest facet of Afghans' long, painful search for a stable home.

Source: Www.Business-Standard.Com

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https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/displaced-crossing-borders-afghan-people-make-tough-journeys-to-survive-123123100191_1.html

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Mujahid: Media outlets working freely in Afghanistan

31 Dec 2023

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) has rejected the Afghanistan Journalists Centre’s (AFJC) annual report on the situation of journalists and media in Afghanistan . . .

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Source: Pajhwok.Com

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https://pajhwok.com/2023/12/31/mujahid-media-outlets-working-freely-in-afghanistan/

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Senior Afghan Taliban Leader to Visit Pakistan, TTP Issue on Agenda

By: Shankhyaneel Sarkar

DECEMBER 31, 2023

Senior Afghan leader Mullah SherinAkhund will arrive in Islamabad early next month to resolve the stalemate in bilateral ties and resolve differences caused over the actions of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorist group. He will meet intelligence and foreign office officials.

The visit comes after the Afghan Taliban showed interest in reducing tensions with the Pakistani government over the terrorist group which has caused a fresh wave of terrorism in the country. The terror group now ruling Kabul previously invited Maulana Fazlur Rehman of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Fazal) (JUI-F) in hope to facilitate dialogue.

Pakistan foreign office has downplayed the trip and said it was an invitation meant for a private individual, according to a report by news agency Dawn.

Source: News18.Com

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https://www.news18.com/world/top-taliban-leader-to-visit-islamabad-over-ttp-issue-reduce-pak-afghan-tensions-8723634.html

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IDB allocates $24.6 million in aid, investment to Afghanistan

Vida Qalandari

Dec 31, 2023

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Islamic Development Bank has allocated $24.6 million in aid to Afghanistan by signing several project contracts with aid providing organizations . . .

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Source: Pajhwok.Com

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https://pajhwok.com/2023/12/31/idb-allocates-24-6-million-in-aid-investment-to-afghanistan/

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Pakistan

PTI Calls Rejection Of Nomination Papers ‘State Terrorism’

IkramJunaidi

December 31, 2023

ISLAMABAD: The PTI decried on Saturday the rejection of the nomination papers of several of its election candidates, including Murad Saeed and Sahibzada Sibghatullah.

PTI’s Secretary General Omar Ayub Khan has branded these rejections as “politically motivated”, accusing the “forces of status quo” of resorting to underhanded tactics because they lacked the courage to face the PTI in a free and fair election.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Mr Ayub warned that such “pre-poll rigging” threatened the transparency of the election process, potentially exacerbating political instability and undermining national unity.

Source: Dawn.Com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:

https://www.dawn.com/news/1801992/pti-calls-rejection-of-nomination-papers-state-terrorism

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PPP struggles to dole out tickets for Islamabad seats amid ‘infighting’

Syed Irfan Raza

December 31, 2023

ISLAMABAD: For the three National Assembly seats in Islamabad, the PPP chapter in the federal capital has been accused of ‘promoting the hereditary politics’ amid disagreements within the former ruling party over the award of party tickets to nominees vying for NA-46, NA-47 and NA-48 on the PPP platform.

The PPP has not finalised the names of the candidates, but a party leader told Dawn that almost 20 candidates had filed nomination papers in the three constituencies, hoping that the party would award them a ticket.

Among these nominees are the younger brothers of senior PPP leaders Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and Syed Nayyar Bukhari. Both candidates had lost the previous election in 2018. Raja Imran Ashraf and Sibtul Haider are eyeing NA-46 and NA-47 seats, respectively.

Source: Dawn.Com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:

https://www.dawn.com/news/1802005/ppp-struggles-to-dole-out-tickets-for-islamabad-seats-amid-infighting

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5 terrorists killed in intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s Awaran district: ISPR

Iftikhar Shirazi

December 31, 2023

Five terrorists were killed in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the general Mashkai area of Balochistan’s Awaran district, the military’s media affairs wing said on Sunday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces conducted the IBO on the night of Dec 30 and Dec 31 over the reported presence of terrorists.

“During the conduct of the operation, after intense fire exchange between own troops and the terrorists, five terrorists were sent to hell,” it said.

Source: Dawn.Com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1802082/5-terrorists-killed-in-intelligence-based-operation-in-balochistans-awaran-district-ispr

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Tug of war in JUI-F over Shangla poll tickets

December 31, 2023

SHANGLA: A “tug of war” has been reported in the Jamiat Ulema-I-Islam-Fazl here over nominations for the Feb 8 general elections.

There are several hopefuls for party tickets in NA-11, PK-28, PK-29 and PK-30 with many of them filing nomination papers for multiple constituencies.

Experts say the JUI-F has a “certain” vote bank in the district that put them in the election winning position in the past, but this time around, there is a tug of war in the party over election tickets.

Source: Dawn.Com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1802023/tug-of-war-in-jui-f-over-shangla-poll-tickets

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PTI leaders trying to meet Imran to discuss poll strategy: Qaiser

December 31, 2023

SWABI: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf leader and former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser on Saturday said that his party’s 14 leaders, including lawyers, were trying to meet former prime minister Imran Khan in prison to discuss strategy for the Feb 8 general elections.

Mr Qaiser told reporters at his residence here that the Islamabad High Court had allowed the PTI’s leaders and lawyers to meet Mr Imran in Rawapindi’s Adiala Jail.

PTI founder Imran is currently detained in Adiala Jail in connection with a cipher case registered under the Official Secrets Act, 1923.

Source: Dawn.Com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:

https://www.dawn.com/news/1802018/pti-leaders-trying-to-meet-imran-to-discuss-poll-strategy-qaiser

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Unicef seeks $135.6m to address Pakistan’s humanitarian crisis

Amin Ahmed

December 31, 2023

ISLAMABAD: Unicef is seeking $135.6 million from the donor community for 2024 to meet the critical humanitarian needs of more than 5.5m people in Pakistan, including 3.4m children.

The 2024 funding requirement takes into account the protracted and ongoing nutrition emergency following the 2022 floods, as well as the ongoing response to support Afghan populations in Pakistan, reveals a new Unicef report.

The funding will help 1.3m people gain access to safe water and sanitation, provide essential health and nutrition services for 5m people and enable 18,000 children to access formal or non-formal education.

Source: Dawn.Com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:

https://www.dawn.com/news/1801987/unicef-seeks-1356m-to-address-pakistans-humanitarian-crisis

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Southeast Asia

BeruasMP NgehApologises For Purportedly Interfering Into Islamic Laws

30-12- 2023

KUALA LUMPUR: Beruas Member of Parliament Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham today apologised for his proposal that the government appoint non-Muslim experts to assist the special committee to study issues related to the competencies of state legislative assembly in enacting Islamic laws.

Ngeh also retracted his suggestion, explaining he was unaware that the special committee was actually formed by the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) chaired by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.

“As such, I hereby withdraw my proposal and tender my sincere apology. I have no intention whatsoever to interfere into Islamic affairs,“ he said in a statement today.

Source: Thesun.My

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:

https://thesun.my/local_news/ngeh-apologises-for-purportedly-interfering-into-islamic-laws-OL11924468

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Fadillah assures GPS’s support to Unity Govt amidst Dubai Move rumour

30 Dec 2023

KUCHING, Dec 30 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri FadillahYusof has assured that the GabunganParti Sarawak’s (GPS) support of the Unity Government remains unperturbed, amidst the Dubai Move rumour.

Fadillah, who is PartiPesakaBumiputera Bersatu (PBB) senior vice-president, a component of GPS, also said he had never heard of the Dubai Move, which was an attempt to overthrow the Unity Government.

He added that GPS MPs have no time to entertain political drama as “the main priority now is to put Malaysia’s economy back on the right track.”

Source: Malay Mail.Com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/12/30/fadillah-assures-gpss-support-to-unity-govt-amidst-dubai-move-rumour/109892

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Kepung Demi Palestin five-day picket unites Malaysians, Palestinians from all walks of life

By Soo Wern Jun

31 Dec 2023

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 31 — Kepung Demi Palestin’s five-day picket enters its fifth day and a supporter of the cause, Cikgu Chin made it just in time for the finale tonight.

She had hopped on a midnight bus from Kedah to make her way to JalanTunRazak — in the vicinity of the US Embassy — where the picket is stationed.

“I just wanted to support the organisers in any way I could, and that is to be here in person. I know that we can’t do much as ordinary Malaysians, but being here, I hope to show more people that what is happening in Gaza is not right,” the retired teacher who only wanted to be known as Cikgu Chin told Malay Mail when met here.

Source: Malay Mail.Com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/12/31/kepung-demi-palestin-five-day-picket-unites-malaysians-palestinians-from-all-walks-of-life/109935

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Hajiji: No forces can break Sabah as long as people remain united

31 Dec 2023

KOTA KINABALU, Dec 31 — There are no forces with ill intent which can break Sabah, as long as the Sabahans remain united, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

Hajiji said that, as the Chief Minister, he is committed to seeing the beloved Sabah remain united, prosperous, and inclusive, especially in the coming year.

“We are strong only when we are united. When we are united we will be able to withstand any attempt to undermine stability, and to ensure that development can proceed unhindered,” he said in his New Year 2024 message, here today.

Source: Malay Mail.Com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/12/31/hajiji-no-forces-can-break-sabah-as-long-as-people-remain-united/109973

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Health minister: 20 Covid-19 cases detected among flood evacuees in Kelantan, Terengganu

31 Dec 2023

JELI, Dec 31 — A total of 20 Covid-19 cases were detected among flood evacuees at relief centres in Kelantan, Terengganu, from Dec 22 until yesterday, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad.

“All the reported cases are in stable condition, with 17 cases falling into category two, two cases in category three, and one case in category four.

“The category four Covid-19 case involved a senior citizen with uncontrolled hypertension, however the patient was discharged from Jeli Hospital in Kelantan yesterday,” he told a press conference after visiting flood evacuees at SekolahKebangsaanJeli 1, here today.

Source: Malay Mail.Com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/12/31/health-minister-20-covid-19-cases-detected-among-flood-evacuees-in-kelantan-terengganu/109969

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Arab World

Palestine-Based Islamic Jihad MovementHails West BankOperations As Heroic Battles Against Zionists

30/December/2023

GAZA December 30. 2023 (Saba) - The Palestine-based Islamic Jihad Movement hailed the heroic operations in the occupied West Bank, including the car ramming attack in Hebron that left five Israeli soldiers - one of them seriously - injured, and stabbing attack against two soldiers in Quds.

These heroic operations come in response to settlers' crimes and army's terrorism against civilians, the Movement said in a statement, citing the Zionist field executions on roads in the very eyes of the World.

The Jihad held the US and western governments responsible for backing the Zionist entity with ordnance and political blanket to evade accountability, criticizing Arab governments for keeping silent.

Source: Www.Saba.Ye

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:

https://www.saba.ye/en/news3292152.htm

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Islamic Resistance in Lebanon mourns four martyrs on road to al-Quds

31/December/2023

BEIRUT December 31. 2023 (Saba) - The Islamic Resistance in Lebanon, led by Hezbollah, has mourned four martyrs on the road to al-Quds after Nazi enemy waged a raid near al-Bukamal in the Deirez-Zor countryside, eastern Syria, on the border with Iraq.

This comes after an air attack took place near al-Bukamal in the countryside of Deirez-Zor, eastern Syria on the border with Iraq, which led to a number of martyrs, according to sources to al-Mayadeen news channel.

The aggression targetedal al-Haggana building and Badr Hospital, on the southern side of the city, which also led to a number of injuries.

Source: Www.Saba.Ye

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:

https://www.saba.ye/en/news3292284.htm

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Hijrah exhibition ends run at Saudi National Museum

ARAB NEWS

December 30, 2023

RIYADH: A traveling exhibition about the Prophet Muhammad’s journey from Makkah to Madinah has ended its run at the Saudi National Museum in Riyadh.

“Hijrah: In the Footsteps of the Prophet” attracted large crowds of visitors, including several ambassadors to the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The exhibition was organized by and started its grand tour at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra). It was curated in collaboration with local and international cultural institutions.

Source: Www.Arab News.Com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2434116/saudi-arabia

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Saudi Arabia showcases ‘green future’ at Doha expo

ARAB NEWS

December 30, 2023

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is participating in the Expo 2023 Doha Horticultural Exhibition, which is being held under the slogan “Green Desert, Better Environment.”

The six-month exhibition, organized for the first time in the Middle East, will continue until March 28. It showcases the latest innovations in horticulture and environmental sustainability.

The Saudi pavilion at the expo showcases the Kingdom’s “natural richness,” drawing visitors from around the world. The officials welcome visitors in seven languages to enhance communication and cultural understanding and strengthen international relations between the Kingdom and the world.

Around 80 countries, authorities, non-governmental organizations, international experts, private sector companies, universities and research laboratories are participating in the event, which aims to develop mechanisms and means that support the agricultural sector in desert regions and promote the use of modern technologies for resource sustainability.

Source: Www.Arab News.Com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2434016/saudi-arabia

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Saudi ambassador meets ICESCO chief in Morocco

ARAB NEWS

December 30, 2023

Dr. Sami bin Abdullah Al-Saleh, Saudi ambassador to Morocco, recently met with Dr. Salim Al-Malik, director-general of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed several topics of common interest and touched on the distinguished partnership between the organization and the Kingdom, the Saudi Embassy reported on X.

Al-Malik noted that Saudi Arabia will host the organization’s executive council in Jeddah next month and affirmed the organization’s great appreciation for the support it has received from the Kingdom under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Source: Www.Arab News.Com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2434056/saudi-arabia

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Africa

Nigerian catholics reject Pope's approval for same-sex couple blessings

31-12-2023

Pope Francis has formally approved letting Catholic priests bless same-sex couples - a radical shift in policy aimed at making the church more inclusive while maintaining its strict ban on gay marriage.

But while the Vatican statement was heralded by some as a step toward breaking down discrimination in the Catholic Church, some Nigerians have frowned on the pronouncement.

In Nigeria, where same-sex marriage has been criminalised for a decade, the Catholic Bishops’ association said the pope’s declaration does not contradict the church’s teachings on marriage as an “exclusive union” of a man and a woman.

Source: Www.Africanews.Com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:

https://www.africanews.com/2023/12/25/nigerian-catholics-reject-popes-approval-for-same-sex-couple-blessings/

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Mosque thief caught red-handed ransacking and stealing electronics

31-12-2023

Cape Town - A 21-year-old man accused of ransacking the Cape Town Islamic Education Centre and stealing electronics worth R100 000 will spend the weekend behind bars after being handed over by residents.

At the time, Shaykh Sayed Ridhwaan said that on arrival the next day at the centre, which is at Masjidul Kareem, they found the alleged thief had used a metal object and tried to break down several doors at the mosque.

“He popped the window open and got inside, where he stole a camera, two laptops, camera lenses and a hard drive. So far we estimate the loss to be about R100 000. At this stage these are only the items we know of.

Source: Www.Iol.Co.Za

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:

https://www.iol.co.za/weekend-argus/news/mosque-thief-caught-red-handed-ransacking-and-stealing-electronics-b458da0e-ccb5-478d-916b-e39a00315540

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Gov settles Zamfara mosque seven-year dispute

31st December 2023

By AjisafeOlayiwola

Zamfara State Governor, DaudaLawal, has ordered the reopening of one of the state’s largest Juma’at mosques in Moriki town, Zurmi Local Government Area.

A dispute between two factional groups, according to reports, led to the closure of the central worship centre in the town.

A statement issued on Saturday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris, stated that the intervention was necessary to address the dispute among the people.

Source: Punchng.Com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:

https://punchng.com/gov-settles-zamfara-mosque-seven-year-dispute/

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Damaturu Plunged Into Darkness As Boko Haram Attacks Cut Electricity Grid

by HussainiJirgi

31-12-2023

Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have plunged Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State, into darkness after cutting off the city from the national electricity grid. The attack damaged vital equipment serving the state capital and its surrounding areas.

Credible sources from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) confirmed the incident, stating that Damaturu and its environs are currently disconnected from the grid due to damage inflicted by the insurgents.

LEADERSHIP Weekend gathered that the attack targeted two 330KV transmission towers, bringing them down on Tuesday, December 21st, 2023. This has resulted in a complete blackout across the affected areas.

Source: Leadership.Ng

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:

https://leadership.ng/damaturu-plunged-into-darkness-as-boko-haram-attacks-cut-electricity-grid/

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South Africa: Flash floods kill 21 people in coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal

31-12-2023

Flash floods killed at least twenty one people in the small town of Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal province, South African officials said Saturday.

The floods hit the town on Christmas Day, destroying about 1,400 homes, with the death toll expected to rise as an unconfirmed number of people were still missing, he said.

Source: Www.Africanews.Com

Please click the following URL to read the full text of the original story:

https://www.africanews.com/2023/12/31/south-africa-flash-floods-kill-21-people-in-coastal-province-of-kwazulu-natal/

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