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‘Our Strength Lies in Our Unity - Terrorism, Extremism Continue to Pose Serious Threats to Societies: PM Modiat Global South Summit

New Age Islam News Bureau

17 Aug 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks at the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit through video conferencing, in New Delhi, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024. (PTI Photo)

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·         ‘Our Strength Lies in Our Unity - Terrorism, Extremism Continue to Pose Serious Threats to Societies: PM Modiat Global South Summit

·         New York: Don’t Allow Ram Temple Float in India Day Parade, It’s ‘Anti-Muslim’, Twenty Faith Groups Including IAMC and CAIR Demand

·         Mount Kenya University Builds Mosque to Make Muslim Students Feel at Home

·         Stores in Japan Set Up Prayer Rooms as Muslim Visitors Increase

·Impact of Far-Right Riots On Muslims Revealed in Poll as 92% Feel Less Safe Living in The UK

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India

·         Tensions Rise as Muslims Protest Against Hindu Leader's 'Hurtful' Remarks On Prophet Mohammad

·         In call with Netanyahu, PM Modi stresses need for de-escalation in Gaza

·         Communal tensions in Udaipur after student stabs schoolmate; vehicles set on fire

·         In India illegally, three Rohingya refugees en route to Hyderabad arrested at Agartala Railway Station

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North America

·         Postponed Islamic art exhibit at the Frick Pittsburgh to open Saturday for 2-month run

·         Police: Man stabbed, another shot at Rock Hill mosque

·         Medcalf: Recent attacks against Minnesota mosques, Muslims are unsettling. Does anybody care?

·         CAIR Welcomes HRW Report Highlighting Modi’s Anti-Muslim Rhetoric

·         US warns Iran faces ‘cataclysmic’ consequences if it strikes Israel

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Africa

·         Enugu Governor Mbah Orders Churches, Mosques to Remove Loudspeakers, Issues Ultimatum

·         16 Killed, 20 Abducted in Congo in Attacks Blamed On Islamic State-Linked Rebels

·         Paramilitaries in Sudan Kill 80 While Their Delegates Were Holding Talks On How to End the Country’s 16-Month Civil War

·         U.N. Security Council prolongs mandate of AU peacekeeping in Somalia

·         Tinubu Returns to Nigeria After Three-Day Visit To Equatorial Guinea

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Southeast Asia

·         Country’s sovereignty will be compromised if military officers involved in corruption, power abuse, says King

·         CAAM reviews regulations on foreign-registered Aircraft operating in Malaysia

·         Youth must have courage to speak out - PM Anwar

·         Malaysia acts on PM’s concern to bring injured Palestinians from Egypt - Ahmad Zahid

·         Court dismisses Rosmah’s bid to stay hearing of suit by Lebanon-based jeweller

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Europe

·         CCTV of man defending Darlington mosque throwing missile

·         Man jailed for making threatening calls to mosques

·         Politicians visit Lanarkshire Central Mosque to demonstrate solidarity for Muslim community in wake of far-right violence across the UK

·         French foreign minister visits Beirut in a bid to help ease tensions

·         Imitating the Nazis and desecrating graves: Disturbing actions of Ukrainian troops amid attack inside Russia

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Pakistan

·         3 TTP Terrorists Killed, 1 Injured in North Waziristan Intelligence-Based Operation: ISPR

·         NA committee chief apologises after PTI’s Iqbal Afridi objects to woman’s attire

·         Three drown as chairlift in KP’s Upper Kohistan falls into Indus River

·         Five bullet-riddled bodies found tied to electric pole in Balochistan’s Dalbandin

·         Kabul urged to avoid unprovoked acts against Pak-Afghan border

·         PTI's Iqbal Afridi faces MPs calls for apology over 'misogynistic' statement

·         Army chief honours Olympian Arshad Nadeem at special ceremony

·         Two cops, three others injured in Peshawar 'remote-controlled' explosion

·         Pakistani Army arrests three retired officers tied to ex-ISI Chief’s scandal

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Mideast

·         Iraq’s Yazidis Hope a New Village Will Prompt Survivors Of A 2014 Daesh Massacre To Return

·         Activists prepare to defy Israeli naval blockade of Gaza

·         Six killed in Israeli strike in Lebanon, health ministry says

·         Palestinian village in shock after attack by Israeli settlers

·         Chad opens consulate in Morocco-ruled Western Sahara

·         Abbas visit to Turkish parliament linked to several geopolitical dynamics

·         MPs brawl during debate on jailed opposition lawmaker

·         Egypt FM affirms Arab support for Lebanese security in Beirut talks

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Arab World

·         Reviving Ithmid KohlEye Cosmetic: The Intersection of Health, Beauty and Culture in Saudi Arabia

·         Grand Mosque Imam Visits Shariah Sciences and Modern Studies Centre In Cambodia

·         KSrelief launches Balsam campaign for neurosurgery in Yemen

·         Ministry of Justice starts process for students seeking training at judicial facilities

·         Ghana hospital inaugurates hospital rehab project backed by Saudi Fund for Development

·         Saudi Arabia, Morocco sign MoU to enhance health cooperation

·         Saudi minister attends inauguration of Dominican Republic president

·         How biodiesel could cut greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality in Saudi Arabia

·         Minister hails Saudi Arabia’s higher education milestone

·         Saudi aid agency concludes cochlear implant project in Turkiye

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South Asia

·         BoltonFormer US National Security Adviser: Foreign Terrorists Back In Afghanistan, US Aid To Taliban Must Stop

·         Kamala Harris Appoints Afghan-American Lawyer to Strengthen Ties withMuslim andArab Communities

·         Hamid Khorasani: I stood against my entire ethnic group for the Taliban

·         Iran imposes deadline for Afghan refugees to leave certain regions

·         US to Taliban: Afghanistan’s airspace control is your problem, not ours

·         CPJ: Remaining Media Outlets in Afghanistan driven to the brink

·         Bamyan celebrates Victory Day with running competitions

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/terrorism-extremism-continue-global-summit/d/132971

 

‘Our Strength Lies in Our Unity -Terrorism, Extremism Continue to Pose Serious Threats to Societies: PM ModiAtGlobal South Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks at the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit through video conferencing, in New Delhi, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024. (PTI Photo)

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The summit's theme is "An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future." PM Modi highlighted that the summit will address key areas including development, climate change, health, and energy security.

August 17, 2024

Kicking off the third Voice of Global South Summit virtually on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on Global South countries to remain united, emphasizing that the summit’s focus will be on sustainable development goals and women-led initiatives.

“Our strength lies in our unity, and on strength of this unity we will move towards new direction. Voice of Global South Summit is a platform where we give voice to the needs, and aspirations of those who have been unheard till now,” he said.

The summit’s theme is “An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future.” PM Modi highlighted that the summit will address key areas including development, climate change, health, and energy security.

“Today we are meeting at a time when there is an atmosphere of uncertainty all around. The world has not yet completely come out of the impact of Covid. On the other hand, the situation of war has created challenges for our development journey,” Modi said.

“We are not only facing the challenges of climate change, but now there are also concerns about health security, food security, and energy security,” he said.

Additionally, he stressed that terrorism, extremism, and separatism continue to pose serious threats to our societies.

Under India’s G20 presidency, the agenda was shaped by the expectations, aspirations, and priorities of the Global South, Modi said. He also highlighted India’s contributions, such as setting up hospitals, ventilators, and Jan Aushadhi centers in Africa and the Pacific Islands, and offering assistance to countries like Papua New Guinea and Kenya.

He also lauded the “humanitarian aid” provided amid the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.

Speaking to the media earlier today, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that all Global South countries have been invited to the summit. The discussions will cover global challenges including conflicts, food and energy security crises, and climate change.

Jaiswal also mentioned that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will represent India at the summit. Regarding the situation in Bangladesh, he noted that the Indian government is closely monitoring developments and expressed hope for a swift restoration of normalcy to ensure the safety of Hindu and minority communities.

Source: indianexpress.com

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https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pm-modi-global-south-summit-strength-unity-9518792/

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 New York: Don’t Allow Ram Temple Float in India Day Parade, It’s ‘Anti-Muslim’, Twenty Faith Groups Including IAMC and CAIRDemand

16-08-24

The Ram temple in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya. | Adnan Abidi/Reuters

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The Indian American Muslim Council, the Council on American-Islamic Relations and 20 other faith-based groups in the United States have called for the removal of an “anti-Muslim” tableau depicting Ayodhya’s Ram temple from the India Day Parade that will be held in New York on Sunday.

The Federation of Indian Associations is organising the parade to mark India’s Independence Day. Now in its forty-second year, the event is attended by several thousand persons every year, reported AP.

The contentious tableau is being organised by the United States arm of the Hindutva group Vishwa Hindu Parishad, reported The New York Times. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad is affiliated to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the parent organisation of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

“This float presence represents these groups’ desire to conflate Hindu nationalist ideology with Indian identity,” the Indian American Muslim Council and others wrote in a letter this month to New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “This is not merely a cultural display, but a vulgar celebration of anti-Muslim heat, bigotry and religious supremacy.”

The Ram temple, which is under construction, was inaugurated in a ceremony led by Prime Minister Modi on January 22.

It is being built on the site of the Babri mosque, which was demolished by Hindutva extremists in December 1992 because they believed that it stood on the spot where the Hindu deity Ram was born. The incident had triggered communal riots across the country.

In a statement on Monday, the Interfaith Center NY called on the organisers and the Indian consulate to reconsider the inclusion of the float.

“While the history is complex, the newly (re)built Ram temple sits at the heart of Hindu-Muslim communal conflict,” the group said. “A celebration of the Ayodhya Ram temple even in the seemingly innocuous form as a parade-float replica thousands of miles away in New York City may be seen as an effort by Hindu nationalists to efface the presence of India’s approximately 200 million Muslims.”

The statement added: “The organisers of the India Day Parade have a legal right to celebrate their religious and cultural heritage as they deem appropriate, but we hope they will exercise sound judgement and sensitivity towards their religiously diverse neighbours.”

The Interfaith Center NY said that at a time when geopolitics and conflict “consume the Middle East, Islamophobic riots take place in the UK and attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh are happening”, faith communities have a “special responsibility to take extra care not to inflame local divisions” in New York city.

On Wednesday, in an address to reporters outside New York’s City Hall, Husnaa Vhora of the Indian American Muslim Council said: “This is happening in New York City. For it to happen anywhere in the United States is appalling, but for it to happen in New York City, the Big Apple, the melting pot, amplifies the sentiment.”

Responding to calls for the float’s removal, Federation of Indian Associations Chairman Ankur Vaidya said in a statement: “As we celebrate what we consider a vital aspect of our faith through the celebration of the landmark, we unequivocally reject violence and hate in any form, including any damage to any religious place of worship. We stand for peaceful coexistence and encourage everyone to embrace this value.”

Vaidya rejected the view that the float was “anti-Muslim or meant to celebrate the destruction of the mosque”, reported The New York Times.

The association has described the parade as a “rich tapestry of India’s cultural diversity” and said that floats representing the country’s Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Christian faiths had been featured in its past iterations.

It said that the inclusion of the 18-foot-long, 9-foot-wide and 8-foot-tall float “promises to be a powerful symbol of cultural significance and a testament to a historic moment for the global Indian community”, reported The New York Times.

Ajay Shah, the president of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America, accused the tableau’s critics of “Hindu hate”, The New York Times reported. Shah said that their “full-time job is to malign mainstream Hindus and their faith”.

When asked about the controversy on Tuesday, Adams said that there was “no room for hate” in New York.

“I want to send the right symbolic gesture that the city’s open to everyone,” he said. “If there is a float or a person in the parade that’s promoting hate, they should not.”

This is not the first time that there has been a controversy over what was being displayed. In 2022, the mayor of Edison town in United States’ New Jersey criticised the inclusion of a bulldozer by Hindutva groups during India’s Independence Day parade in the state, saying that “any symbol or action that represents discrimination is unwelcome”.

The bulldozer had carried photos of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The incident was investigated as an act of bias by the local prosecutor’s office and the police, but no charges were eventually filed, according to The New York Times.

In recent years, there has been a growing trend of civic authorities in Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled states summarily demolishing purportedly illegal properties of those accused of crime, mostly Muslims. This has prompted the use of the term “bulldozer justice”. There are no provisions in Indian law to allow for such punitive demolitions.

Source: scroll.in/latest

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https://scroll.in/latest/1072117/faith-based-groups-seek-removal-of-anti-muslim-tableau-depicting-ram-temple-from-new-york-parade

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Mount Kenya UniversityBuilds Mosque to Make Muslim Students Feel At Home

17 August 2024

Founder of Mount Kenya University Simon Gicharu.

Image: COURTESY

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Mount Kenya University has officially launched a new mosque on its main campus to promote religious diversity and inclusivity in education.

The institution said the development will serve the needs of Muslim students and staff.

The 3000-capacity mosque symbolises the institution's diversity.

MKU founder Simon Gicharu said the launch is a milestone for MKU, which continues to expand its infrastructure to meet the diverse needs of its growing student population.

"Today, we are not just opening a building; we are opening doors to greater understanding and respect for all faiths. This mosque is a testament to our commitment to embracing diversity and ensuring that every student feels valued and supported, regardless of their religious beliefs," Gicharu said.

Gicharu said the new space is expected to foster unity and harmony within the university and the nation.

He also addressed concerns surrounding the new government funding model for higher education, saying it has not disrupted the university’s curriculum.

Students and staff expressed gratitude for the new facility, saying it will enhance spiritual lives and contribute to a more inclusive campus environment.

In addition to launching the mosque, Professor Gicharu inaugurated several other key facilities, including professors' offices, a renovated modern student centre and a stunning water fountain at the main gate.

These developments are part of the university’s broader initiative to improve infrastructure and provide a more enriching environment for both students and staff.

Source: the-star.co.ke

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https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2024-08-17-mku-builds-mosque-to-make-muslim-students-feel-at-home/

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Stores In Japan Set Up Prayer Rooms As Muslim Visitors Increase

A man walks past a restaurant with a water sprayer on its roof duting a hot summer day in shimbashi, tokyo, Japan, August 13, 2024. RETERS/Willy kurniawan

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TOKYO, Aug 17 (Bernama-Kyodo) -- Department stores and shopping malls in Japan are increasingly setting up prayer rooms to meet the need for Muslims amid a growing number of visitors from Islamic countries on the back of a weak yen.

According to Kyodo news agency, at the Matsuya Ginza department store in Tokyo's upscale shopping district, a number of people lined up in front of a room designated as a "prayer room" at certain times of the day

The room is equipped with a foot-washing area for cleansing parts of the body before worship and has mats for several people to perform prayers.

A Malaysian woman in her 30s said she had searched for a prayer room online before arriving in Japan, saying she was thankful as it is difficult to find one in the middle of the metropolitan area.

Muslims pray five times a day, though some reduce the frequency to three times while on a trip, according to theJapan Tourism Agency.

Their activities would be limited if they could not find a prayer room and had to return to their accommodation, it added.

Prayer rooms are necessary infrastructure similar to bathrooms and nursing rooms," said a retail industry official,adding that people in the industry need to cooperate to install such facility.

Among other department stores in Tokyo, Shibuya Parco in the Shibuya shopping district has opened a worship room

Aeon Mall Co., which operates large-scale shopping complexes, has installed prayer rooms in seven outlets across Chiba, Kanagawa, Aichi, Hiroshima and Okinawa prefectures, with plans to expand the service to other stores.

The number of visitors to Japan from Indonesia, Malaysia and Turkey surpassed 870,000 in 2023, up 2.7-fold from a decade ago, according to the Japan National Tourism Organisation.

Source: bernama.com

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https://www.bernama.com/en/world/news.php?id=2330092

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Impact of far-right riots on Muslims revealed in poll as 92% feel less safe living in the UK

17-08-24

Muslims attend prayers at the Abdullah Quilliam Mosque last week (Reuters)

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Many Muslims feel less safe living in the UK after far-right rioters targetted mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers, a poll has revealed.

The survey commissioned by Muslim Census, a data organisation focusing on Muslims and ethnic minorities, found 92 per cent feel “much less safe” as a result of the violent disorder. The poll, conducted between 5-6 August with a panel of 1,519 participants from various backgrounds, reported one in six people have personally experienced racist attacks since the riots began on 30 July, while two in three people witnessed one.

Verbal attacks are the most commonly faced by Muslims with 28 per cent followed by 16 per cent recording abuse online. Four per cent said they had experienced a physical attack in the weeks since the disorder.

Muslim Census co-founder Sadiq Dorasat said: “We have heard stories about Hijabis that don’t feel safe to leave their homes or go to work.

“We’ve seen a witch hunt directed to people of the Muslim faith mentioning Allah and His messenger and people are concerned for their safety.”

For days, far-right individuals targeted mosques, Muslim-owned businesses and hotels housing asylum seekers in cities including London, Liverpool, Bristol, Blackpool and Belfast. Violence broke out after misinformation was spread following the deadly stabbings of three girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport on 29 July.

Southport Islamic Centre was one of the mosques targeted by far-right rioters who set cars on fire and pelted local buildings with rocks. Since the riots, more than 900 people have been arrested and more than 400 charged nationwide, including for racial hatred.

Mosques around the country have advised worshippers to take safety measures including refraining from traveling alone, avoid leaving their homes after sunset and consider traveling in groups to “avoid being a target”, Leicester Islamic Centre announced.

The polling expert fears racism cases and widespread security concerns have now increased even more and argued the “shocking spike in Islamophobia” is not an isolated incident.

Mr Dorasat said: “This has been a growing and rising problem. We see it day to day and some people might not even be surprised at the riots that are taking place.

“Since the start of the year, Muslims have been experiencing these Islamophobic incidents and it has only been accelerated in the last week. Nobody should be surprised.”

He argued the rise hasn’t happened overnight and it has been increasing over the past five years like a “domino effect” leading to the violence around the country.

According to the survey, half of the people quizzed have been the victim of a racist attack just in the last year and an overwhelming 93 per cent of Muslims feel Islamophobia has increased over the past five years.

The pollster believes the government should have condemned the violence using stronger terms and criticised party leaders for not working towards establishing a definition for Islamophobia.

“The word has been used very rarely in the last weeks and there is a reluctance to use it and it is because there is no agreed definition of Islamophobia by our current and our previous government,” he added.

The nearest to an official definition in the UK came when an all-party parliamentary group in 2019 defined Islamophobia as “rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness”.

Although the term has been used by some politicians from multiple parties – including Labour, Lib Dems, and Scottish Conservatives – it was never officially recognised by the Tory government at the time.

Mr Dorasat said: “The conversation around the term needs to be brought to the table so that when we are discussing these events, we can label them correctly so we can deal with them appropriately. At the moment some people are just using the term ‘anti-Muslim hate’.”

Following the disorder, Sir Keir Starmer insisted his government is committed to tackle violence and hate against “those affected” and the home secretary promised to grant greater protection to mosques around the country.

Despite the measures, Mr Dorasat urged the prime minister to spell out the threat racism poses for ethnic communities and to “properly call out and punish” the perpetrators.

He added: “We hope that what we are seeing on the streets causes a real reaction to prevent this from going ahead in the future. And it sets a precedent that the targeting towards a specific faith group is going to be called out and properly punished. 

“I urge those people to speak to the police to speak to the Islamophobia response unit. Don’t think this is okay or expected and you just need to be quiet. Raise the alarm because these instances need to be handled correctly.”

Source: independent.co.uk

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https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/muslim-poll-uk-islamophobia-southport-riots-mosque-b2593831.html

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India

 

Tensions Rise as Muslims Protest Against Hindu Leader's 'Hurtful' Remarks On Prophet Mohammad

By: ABP News Bureau |

 16 Aug 2024

Tensions escalated in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city, Maharashtra, on Friday after a group of Muslims gathered outside the City Chowk police station, demanding action against Hindu religious leader Ramgiri Maharaj for his alleged objectionable remarks about Prophet Mohammad, according to officials.

The gathering, comprising a large number of Muslim community members, sought strict action against Ramgiri Maharaj, accusing him of making derogatory comments about Prophet Mohammad and Islam. In response, Inspector Nirmala Pardeshi of the City Chowk police station attempted to pacify the crowd, appealing for peace and assuring them that their concerns would be addressed, news agency PTI reported. She also promised that appropriate action would be taken against the leader.

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: FIRs Lodged Against Ramgiri Maharaj, Maharashtra CM Shinde Shares Stage With Him Amid Row

The police have registered cases against Ramgiri Maharaj at Yeola in Nashik and Vaijapur in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar districts. The FIR in Vaijapur was filed under Section 302 (uttering words with deliberate intent to wound religious feelings of any person) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) based on a complaint lodged by a local resident.

Rafehasan Ali Khan, the complainant in the case, stated that he became aware of a video in which Ramgiri Maharaj was heard making controversial statements, including that one crore Muslims have abandoned Islam and a comment against Prophet Mohammad. "These words by Ramgiri Maharaj have hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims and created a rift between the two communities," the complainant said, as per PTI.

Ramgiri Maharaj, the mahant of Sarla Bet Dham in Shrirampur taluka of Ahmednagar district, defended his controversial remarks during am event. He claimed that his statements were a response to the atrocities being committed against Hindus in Bangladesh and were aimed at uniting the Hindu community. Speaking to Marathi news channel ABP Majha earlier in the day, he stated, "Hindus should remain alert. I have spoken what I wanted to. I am firm on it and I am ready to face its consequences."

Despite the growing row over his comments, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde shared the stage with the religious leader during an event in Nashik district on Friday, referring to him as a "saint." Minister Girish Mahajan and former Ahmednagar MP Sujay Vikhe Patil also showed reverence by touching his feet on stage.

During the event in Nashik, Chief Minister Shinde praised the work of religious leaders like Ramgiri Maharaj, stating, “As many as 25 lakh people visited Pandharpur on Ashadhi Ekadashi this year. The ‘warkari’ community creates public awareness through sermons. As a result, many people have overcome their grief. Saints like Ramgiri Maharaj carry out the work of giving direction to people”, as quoted by PTI.

AIMIM Urges Action Against Ramgiri Maharaj

In a related development, former MP and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) state unit president, Imtiaz Jaleel, wrote to the city police commissioner, urging action against Ramgiri Maharaj. In his letter, Jaleel asserted that the controversial statements were made deliberately in Panchale village, located in Sinnar tehsil of Nashik, with the intent to malign the image of the Muslim community, PTI reported.

Jaleel further alleged that such statements were designed to create divisions between Hindu and Muslim communities and could potentially incite communal riots. He insisted on strict action against Ramgiri Maharaj, accusing him of following orders from external forces. "Permissions are given to Sakal Hindu Samaj to hold protests on the day of community prayers of Muslims. It is a political conspiracy," Jaleel remarked while speaking to reporters in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, as quoted by PTI.

Source:

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https://news.abplive.com/cities/chhatrapati-sambhajinagar-aurangabad-news-tensions-rise-as-muslim-community-protests-against-hindu-leader-ramgiri-maharaj-remarks-on-prophet-mohammad-maharashtra-1710765

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In call with Netanyahu, PM Modi stresses need for de-escalation in Gaza

August 17, 2024

Narendra Modi, Gaza, Gaza Israel conflict, Hamas Israel conflict, Benjamin Netanyahu, Gaza Palestine, Israel and Palestine, Israel Palestine conflict, Israel Palestine relations, Israel-Palestine talks, Palestine-Israel relations, India news, Indian express,Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke to his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and stressed the need for de-escalation in Gaza.  Modi also reiterated India’s call for a ceasefire, release of hostages and the need for continued humanitarian aid.

In a post on X, Modi said Netanyahu had called him to convey his “warm wishes on India’s 78th Independence Day”, which was celebrated Thursday. “We discussed the current situation in West Asia. Emphasised on the need to de-escalate the situation. Reiterated our call for immediate release of all hostages, ceasefire and need for continued humanitarian assistance,” the PM wrote.

Modi also called for an early and peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. Besides, the two leaders also discussed various aspects of the bilateral cooperation and ways to further strengthen the India-Israel strategic partnership, A PMO statement said.

In December 2023, days after India voted in favour of a UN resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, PM Modi had spoken to Netanyahu and highlighted New Delhi’s stand in favour of early restoration of peace in the region.

Modi and Netanyahu last spoke on June 5, a day after the Lok Sabha election results were announced, with the Israeli PM congratulating Modi on his election victory.

Source: indianexpress.com

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https://indianexpress.com/article/india/netanyahu-pm-modi-stresses-need-for-de-escalation-in-gaza-9518486/

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Communal tensions in Udaipur after student stabs schoolmate; vehicles set on fire

Written by Parul Kulshrestha

August 16, 2024

Communal tensions have flared and prohibitory orders banning the assembly of people were imposed in Udaipur on Friday after a fight between two school students from different communities led to one stabbing the other.

After the stabbing incident, which took place at 10.30 am under Surajpole police station limits, right-wing groups called for shops in the market area of the city to shut. Later, a mob burnt some vehicles and pelted stones. The situation is now under control, officials said.

The two students belonged to a government school in the Bhatiyani Chauhatta area. On Friday morning, one of them attacked the other with a knife. The injured boy is receiving treatment and is in stable condition, police said.

The student who stabbed his schoolmate fled the spot after the incident, but has since been detained, police said.

In a video statement, District Collector Arvind Poswal said, “The condition of the injured child is stable. Doctors are giving him the best possible treatment. The city is peaceful now. The SP and I had roamed the city for an hour with police officers. Two-three vehicles were set on fire in some areas, but apart from this, there has been no incident for which the police have had to resort to lathi charge.”

He made an appeal to the people of the city not to pay attention to rumours. “The situation will be normalised in the next two-three hours,” he said.

Udaipur Rural MLA Phool Singh Meena also told reporters that the situation is under control.

“It is unfortunate that a student was stabbed by another student. This is a serious offence and we are trying to control the situation. I have talked to Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, and what is happening in the city has been brought under control to a large extent,” Meena said.

Source: indianexpress.com

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https://indianexpress.com/article/india/communal-tensions-udaipur-schoolmate-vehicles-fire-9518311/

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In India illegally, three Rohingya refugees en route to Hyderabad arrested at Agartala Railway Station

Written by Debraj Deb

August 16, 2024

Rohingya refugees arrested Agartala, Illegal entry India Bangladesh border, Rohingya refugees Coxbazar Bangladesh,Tripura shares 856-km long international border with Bangladesh, parts of which are still unfenced due to local disputes. (Express Archives)

Three refugees from the Rohingya community, who had entered India illegally through the Bangladesh international border with the assistance of a tout, were arrested at the Agartala Railway Station before they could board a train to Hyderabad.

The three accused persons – Kamal Hossain, 27; Rashida, 20, and Ajida, 19 – were putting up at refugee camps at Coxbazar in Bangladesh before they illegally crossed the border. The identity of the tout that smuggled them into the country remains unknown. A case was registered against the trio at the Government Railway Police Station. A senior police official, on the condition of anonymity, said the accused had been presented in court.

Amid heavy security deployment at the Bangladesh International Border, 26 persons were arrested – in two separate incidents – for attempting to illegally cross the border, on August 14, a day before India celebrates its Independence Day. Amid the Bangladesh political crisis, a large number of Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingya refugees have been arrested from across Tripura over the last few months.

Amid increased infiltration, Tripura chief minister Dr Manik Saha held a meeting with top brass of BSF officials in July and asked them to maintain tight vigil across the border and to take strict action against those involved in the infiltration of Bangladeshi nationals into Indian territory.

Meanwhile, the BSF has beefed up vigil in the sensitive border outposts and a series of special operations were launched to crack down on the network of touts and smugglers in the bordering areas, apart from intensifying anti trafficking operations to clamp down on the influx of Bangladeshi nationals and smuggling of contraband items in Tripura.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had arrested several Tripura youths in connection with a case registered at Guwahati last year for involvement in human trafficking of Bangladeshi and Rohingya persons into the Indian territory through the state, the last of them arrested on June 16 this year.

Tripura shares 856-km long international border with Bangladesh, parts of which are still unfenced due to local disputes.

Source: indianexpress.com

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https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rohingya-refugees-agartala-tripura-9518236/

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North America

 

Postponed Islamic art exhibit at the Frick Pittsburgh to open Saturday for 2-month run

Aug. 16, 2024

A postponed exhibit at the Frick Pittsburgh called “Treasured Ornament: 10 Centuries of Islamic Art,” will now be open Saturday and run through Oct. 20.

It was postponed last fall after Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7.

The exhibition was curated by Christopher Hatten and based on research published in the accompanying catalogue written by Walter B. Denny, distinguished professor of the History of Art and Architecture at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and Sue D’Auria, former associate curator at the Huntington Museum of Art. Glenna Barlow, curator of Education at the Columbia Museum of Art in South Carolina, shared the interpretive plan, didactics, and labels from the Columbia Museum of Art’s 2023 presentation of the exhibition.

Source: triblive.com

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https://triblive.com/local/postponed-islamic-art-exhibit-at-the-frick-pittsburgh-to-open-saturday-for-2-month-run/

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Police: Man stabbed, another shot at Rock Hill mosque

Aug. 17, 2024

ROCK HILL, S.C. (WBTV) - A stabbing and shooting happened after services at a Rock Hill mosque on Friday afternoon.

Police said it happened at 2:05 p.m. at the Islam Center of South Carolina, also known as Masjid Al-Salaam, on West Main Street.

When officers got to the scene, they found a 44-year-old man with a stab wound to the abdomen. A 27-year-old man with minor gunshot wounds was found at nearby Laurel Street.

According to the preliminary police investigation, the younger man, identified as Travaughn West, went up to the older man and stabbed him before being confronted by a security guard.

The security guard then confronted West and shot him when he continued to act violently, police said. Afterward, West fled from the mosque.

The man who was attacked was taken to a hospital and is expected to be OK.

West was also taken to a hospital and then will be taken to the Rock Hill Jail. Police said he’ll be served warrants for assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature and possession of a knife during a crime of violence.

Police also said the two men were acquaintances.

This is an active investigation.

Source: wbtv.com

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https://www.wbtv.com/2024/08/16/police-man-stabbed-another-shot-rock-hill-mosque/

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Medcalf: Recent attacks against Minnesota mosques, Muslims are unsettling. Does anybody care?

AUGUST 17, 2024

With his daughter playing in the background, I could hear Jaylani Hussein’s concern expressed over the phone days after Dar Al-Qalam, a mosque in northeast Minneapolis, received more than a dozen threatening calls over the weekend. The person who called the mosque also texted a video of the New Zealand mass shooting that killed 51 people when a mass shooter opened fire at two mosques in 2019. Those threatening calls are the latest in a startling trend of hateful acts targeting Minnesota’s Muslim community in recent months.

But as Hussein and I talked Thursday, I paused when the local Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) executive director mentioned this state’s breathtaking status after logging more than a half-dozen incidents of violence and intimidation against Muslims in the last 12 months.

“By the way, this is a record for the nation,” he said. “There is no other state that has eight attacks against mosques in one year.”

The string of headlines regarding violence against our Muslim community has been unyielding. Earlier this month, Lino Lakes City Council Member Chris Lyden praised an email that called Islam a “declared enemy” amid a proposal to build a Muslim-focused development that would include a mosque and housing. In May, a Minneapolis man driving a minivan struck a pedestrian in the parking lot of a mosque. Last year, two Minneapolis mosques were set on fire days after a St. Paul mosque had been vandalized. And those were not the only documented crimes against the Muslim community over the last year.

But the care Hussein said he had hoped to see from Minnesotans in the wake of these incidents never arrived.

“No one is reacting,” he said. “I mean, very little reaction that we’re seeing. Meaning, the typical emails, the phone calls. ‘What can we do? How can we help? Is there money that’s needed? Can we provide you with some support? We’re sorry.’ You know, that’s typical. It may not take you far, but at least it shows there is a concern.”

That’s unacceptable. Too often, our “that’s awful” reactions do not translate to tangible action. And members of marginalized communities in Minnesota know how difficult it is to sustain the continuity of any support received in these situations.

The truth? People stop caring. And that can’t happen.

The Muslim community is a part of the larger community of Minnesotans. As such, its fears should also belong to the rest of us when dangerous individuals threaten to harm any one of us.

While the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder showcased the power of solidarity amid tragedy, it also exposed another problem. Sometimes, Minnesota needs to see a body before it feels compelled to believe marginalized groups when they announce their pain. Stitched into that truth, however, is also the fact that some Minnesota communities receive more acknowledgement and validation than others.

I told Hussein I am certain that if a group of Black churches in Minneapolis had endured the same violence and threats of violence against its people and institutions over the last year, more people from the larger community would have responded and reacted. But we should not pick and choose which humans to support when hatred looms.

We are all vulnerable and worthy of care when attacked.

“When hate happens, the first thing you should do is just be responsive,” Hussein said when I asked him about what real alliance and support means. “Find out what the community needs. Show up and be present. And we’ve seen that before. It’s not like it hasn’t happened, you know? And I mean, the neighbors who live near that mosque, community leaders, nonprofit organizations, faith leaders, elected officials … there is a sense of duty to respond when a community is hurting and feeling unsafe. So it’s not like we’re asking people to do anything new, we’re just asking them to give us the courtesy that they would give any other community.”

In July, I packed my whole family — sisters, kids, parents — into a large SUV and drove to Mississippi for my father’s family reunion in his small hometown. On that trip, I learned more about our family’s past.

We drove past the land where my grandfather was a sharecropper. The white family that owned the land then still owns the land now. And I also discovered more details about the day my grandfather left town, moved to Milwaukee and didn’t see his family for three years.

An enraged white man in that little town — a Ku Klux Klan member and local police officer — had sent him a message. Leave town or else.

This is the same sentiment that surrounds our Muslim community in Minnesota today.

Hatred is a garden. It is planted, protected and watered before its flowers bloom.

Every form of Islamophobia is sunshine for that garden. The calls, fires and violent attacks did not sprout from barren soil. And that’s what we have to address, as a community awaits more support — support it deserves and needs — in a difficult chapter.

Because it is one thing to feel unloved but it is equally detrimental to feel ignored.

Source: startribune.com

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https://www.startribune.com/medcalf-recent-attacks-against-minnesota-mosques-muslims-are-unsettling-does-anybody-care/601114930

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CAIR Welcomes HRW Report Highlighting Modi’s Anti-Muslim Rhetoric

August 16, 2024

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed a report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) highlighting Indian PM Narendra Modi’s use of hate speech against Muslims and other minorities in his electoral campaign.

CAIR also repeated its request for the State Department to designate India a “country of particular concern.”

HRW said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2024 electoral campaign frequently used hate speech against Muslims and other minorities and the leadership of Modi’s party repeatedly made statements inciting discrimination, hostility, and violence against Muslims and other minority groups during his campaign to win his third consecutive term of office.

HRW noted: “Modi regularly raised fears among Hindus through false claims that their faith, their places of worship, their wealth, their land, and the safety of girls and women in their community would be under threat from Muslims if the opposition parties came to power.

“He repeatedly described Muslims as ‘infiltrators’ and claimed Muslims had ‘more children’ than other communities, raising the specter that Hindus—about 80 percent of the population—will become a minority in India.”

In a statement, CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper said:

“We welcome this disturbing Human Rights Watch analysis of the ongoing Islamophobic rhetoric used by Indian Prime Minister Modi and other government officials to incite hatred against that nation’s Muslim community. Based on this analysis, we again urge the Biden administration to designate India as a ‘country of particular concern.’”

He noted that CAIR previously condemned Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a “hateful and dangerous” campaign speech in which he called Muslims “infiltrators” who would take India’s wealth if allowed to come to power.

Source: cair.com

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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-welcomes-hrw-report-highlighting-modis-anti-muslim-rhetoric/

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US warns Iran faces ‘cataclysmic’ consequences if it strikes Israel

August 16, 2024

WASHINGTON: A US official warned Friday that Iran would face “cataclysmic” consequences and derail momentum toward a Gaza truce if it strikes Israel in response to the killing of a top Hamas official.

The United States “would encourage the Iranians — and I know many are — not to move down that road, because the consequences could be quite cataclysmic, particularly for Iran,” a senior US official told reporters on customary condition of anonymity.

President Joe Biden earlier Friday said that a ceasefire in the 10-month Gaza war was closer than ever after two days of talks in Qatar at which US mediators presented a proposal to narrow gaps.

“It was Hamas, a proxy of Iran, that started this war on October 7, and it would be ironic if Iran was do something to basically derail what we think is the best opportunity at a very comprehensive ceasefire and hostage release deal that we have had in many months,” the US official said.

Iran has warned Israel of a response to the July 31 strike in Tehran that killed Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh, for which Israel is widely suspected but has not claimed responsibility.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said earlier Friday in a joint meeting with his British and French counterparts that he expected support in “attacking significant targets” inside Iran if the Islamic republic strikes Israel.

Asked about Katz’s comments, the US official said only that the United States, with Britain and France, was preparing for “every possible contingency.”

“We are going to do everything that is needed to defend Israel against any attacks from Iran,” he said.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2567688/middle-east

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Africa

 

Enugu Governor Mbah Orders Churches, Mosques to Remove Loudspeakers, Issues Ultimatum

August 16, 2024

Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has directed all churches and mosques in the state to remove their outdoor loudspeakers and install soundproofing measures within their worship centres.

The decision was made during a stakeholders’ engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders, government officials, and media practitioners.

The meeting, organized by the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, aimed to address the implementation of the Enugu State Anti-Noise Pollution Policy.

Governor Mbah stressed that noise pollution has become a significant challenge for the state, with over 1,000 petitions received by his office in just one year. The affected areas include Independence Layout, GRA, Trans-Ekulu, Agbani Road, Abakpa Nike, Ugwuaji, and Mayor.

Uche Anya, Chairman of Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, said, “I have been in this office for one year and in the last year we have received over a thousand petitions complaining about noise pollution. “Noise pollution from Independence Layout to GRA, from GRA to Trans- Ekulu, from Trans-Ekulu to Agbani Road, from Agbani Road to Abakpa Nike, from Abakpa Nike to Ugwuaji, from Ugwuaji to name it to Mayor people are in pains.”

The governor’s directive is in response to the growing concerns of residents, who have complained about noise pollution from churches, mosques, and businesses.

Source: politicsnigeria.com

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https://politicsnigeria.com/enugu-governor-mbah-orders-churches-mosques-to-remove-loudspeakers-issues-ultimatum/#google_vignette

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16 killed, 20 abducted in Congo in attacks blamed on Islamic State-linked rebels

August 17, 2024

KINSHASA, Congo -- At least 16 villagers were killed and 20 others were abducted in northeastern Congo during attacks by militants with ties to the Islamic State group, a local civil society group said Friday.

The assailants with the Allied Democratic Forces staged a series of attacks on locals, some while working on their farmlands, between Wednesday and Friday in Ituri province’s Mambasa territory, said John Vulverio, coordinator of the New Civil Society of Congo.

“The (death) toll remains provisional, as the fate of 20 others kidnapped remains unknown,” he said.

Among those kidnapped in the attacks were the mother and sister of Gilbert Sivamwenda, a local government official, local media quoted the legislator as saying.

Dozens of villages across Congo are besieged by armed groups made up of either local rebels fighting for power and valuable mineral resources or militants with extremist ideologies. The Allied Democratic Forces have carried out growing attacks in the region and sometimes across the border with neighboring Uganda where it was originally formed.

The violence across the central African nation has resulted in one of the world’s biggest humanitarian crises, with more than 7 million people displaced, many beyond the reach of aid.

The 15,000-member U.N. peacekeeping mission in Congo that helped in the fight against rebels for more than two decades was asked by the Congolese government to leave over its failure to end the conflict. The withdrawal is to be completed by the end of 2024.

Source: abcnews.go.com

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https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/16-villagers-killed-20-abducted-congo-attacks-blamed-112910288

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Paramilitaries InSudan Kill 80 While Their Delegates Were Holding Talks On How To End The Country’s 16-Month Civil War

August 17, 2024

RIYADH: Paramilitary fighters in Sudan killed at least 80 people in an attack on a village while their delegates were in Switzerland holding talks on how to end the country’s 16-month civil war.

Witnesses said the Rapid Support Forces initially faced resistance from villagers in Jalgini in Sennar state. “They opened fire, torching homes and killing numerous people,” one man said. “On Friday, some bodies were still strewn on the street.”

Jalgini’s medical centre said: “We received 55 dead and dozens of wounded at the hospital on Thursday, and 25 of them died on Friday, bringing the death toll to 80.”

The war between Sudan’s regular army led by Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and paramilitaries led by his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo has killed an estimated 150,000 people, displaced more than 10 million and pushed the country to the brink of famine. Both sides have been accused of war crimes, including deliberately targeting civilians and blocking humanitarian aid.

Paramilitary delegates are attending a peace conference that began this week in Switzerland co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and the US. The Sudanese army and government have refused to take part.

US envoy Tom Perriello said the talks were having some success, simply by drawing international focus on Sudan at a time “when the world was turning its attention away.”

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2567713/middle-east

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U.N. Security Council prolongs mandate of AU peacekeeping in Somalia

16-08-24

On Thursday, The United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 2748, which allows the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) authority to stay in the nation of Somalia through December 2024.

ATMIS has been scaling back its presence and is expected to turn over security responsibilities to Somali forces at the end of the year.

After the resolution passed, Somali Ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman said, “we recognize the necessity of extending ATMIS resolution until December 2024 to ensure a smooth transition as we prepare for the post ATMIS security arrangement in 2025. It's imperative to commit to the required support enabling Somali National Forces and ATMIS to continue its vital work. This collaborative effort is crucial as we work towards successful transition to the new peacekeeping framework.”

But he added “unfortunately, we have witnessed delays in nearly all phases of the drawdown. Therefore, coordination between TCC countries and UN contractors is paramount in this process. Effective collaborations not only facilitate the safe and orderly withdrawal of peacekeeping forces, but also minimize the potential disruptions that could arise during this critical phase.”

This resolution comes months after Somalia had asked the United Nations to end it's peacekeeping mission in the country to fight back against the al-Qaida-linked extremist group al-Shabab.

Source: africanews.com

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https://www.africanews.com/2024/08/16/un-security-council-prolongs-mandate-of-au-peacekeeping-in-somalia/

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Tinubu Returns To Nigeria After Three-Day Visit To Equatorial Guinea

16 August 2024

President Bola Tinubu arrived back in Abuja on Friday evening after completing a three-day official visit to Equatorial Guinea.

The Gulfstream jet carrying the President touched down at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at about 6:30 pm.

This marks President Tinubu’s 22nd foreign trip since assuming office 15 months ago.

He was welcomed back to the country by top government officials, including Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, among others.

During his visit to the Central African nation, President Tinubu and his Equatorial Guinean counterpart, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, signed an agreement on the Gulf of Guinea Pipeline Project.

The agreement covers legislative and regulatory measures for the gas pipeline, ownership, and general operational principles, strengthening the partnership between the two countries for mutual development.

In remarks made at the signing ceremony, Tinubu emphasized that the new agreement would unlock opportunities for gas exploration and create employment opportunities.

He noted that during a private meeting with President Mbasogo, they discussed critical issues such as employment creation, food security, conflict resolution mechanisms, and the promotion of peace and stability in Africa.

“Concerning Africa, conflicts and conflict resolution were discussed. We discussed various areas of conflict and what we can do to promote peace and stability in our countries and on our continent,” Tinubu said.

The discussions also touched on security challenges, the African Continental Free Trade Area, and addressing food insecurity across the continent.

During a dinner hosted in his honor, Tinubu called on African leaders to make strategic efforts to address the exodus of skills and talent from the continent.

He urged leaders to combat tribalism, reward performance, and reform outdated judicial systems as part of broader efforts to retain talent and foster growth.

The President queried, “Why are we complaining about healthcare problems if our doctors cannot have a home in our continent? If our nurses are faced with destitution, and if our judicial system is archaic?

“Tribalism has no place in our nation or region. We have to strengthen the continent. Cultivate and maintain peace together and help one another.

“We have to develop our resources for our progress. Find solutions among ourselves focus incisively on research and development, and reward those research and development programmes. We must bring out the results ourselves. We must not outsource them or sell them out.

“To the international organizations, we are partners. We will continue to be partners, but we must implement more than half of the results of the research established here. We have many youths to take care of. Millions yearning for progress.”

Equatorial Guinea is the seventh African state Tinubu has visited. So far, he has been to Paris, France (thrice); London, the United Kingdom (twice); Bissau, Guinea-Bissau (twice); Nairobi, Kenya; Porto Norvo, Benin Republic; Pretoria, South Africa; Accra, Ghana; New Delhi, India; Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates; New York, the United States of America; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (twice); Berlin, Germany; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Dakar, Senegal and Doha, Qatar.

Source: naijanews.com

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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/08/16/just-in-tinubu-returns-to-nigeria-after-three-day-visit-to-equatorial-guinea/

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Southeast Asia

 

Country’s sovereignty will be compromised if military officers involved in corruption, power abuse, says King

17-08- 2024

KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, today said that the sovereignty and dignity of the country will be compromised if military officers are involved in corruption and power abuse.

Sultan Ibrahim said that as the supreme leader of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), he will not “give face” to any ATM officer involved in corruption or power abuse, nor those who fail to fulfil their duties.

“A career as a military officer demands honesty and trust as well as unwavering sacrifice and loyalty to defend the country’s sovereignty. There should never be a military officer involved in corrupt practices, especially involving the purchase of government equipment and contracts,“ said His Majesty.

Sultan Ibrahim said this at the Royal Commissioning Parade and Presentation of Certificates to ATM cadet officers at the Sungai Besi Camp here, today.

The ceremony was also attended by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, ATM Commander General Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman, Army Commander Gen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, Acting Navy Commander Vice-Admiral Datuk Zulhelmy Ithnain and Air Force Commander General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan.

The King said it is the responsibility of all military officers to maintain discipline at all times, especially when wearing their uniforms.

“Maintain your manners and never engage in dishonourable actions. Do not undermine the community’s trust in the military, and let not a rotten apple spoil the whole barrel,” said His Majesty.

His Majesty also expressed the need for the government to always emphasise honesty in matters that involve the purchase of equipment and the building of military facilities.

The equipment purchased must be of high quality and meet the needs and requirements of the country’s defence and not be influenced by suppliers or agents offering commissions, said the King, adding that he would personally evaluate all the procurement.

To the cadet officers commissioned today, the King told them that their journey was just beginning as there would be more training and courses they needed to attend to become highly capable military officers.

“My advice is you must be strong and persevere to continue training and gain new knowledge to be able to face the increasingly challenging world and adapt to the latest defence technology.

“If there is anyone who is not willing to face the challenge as a military officer, then please get out of line,“ said His Majesty.

The 664 Cadet Officers commissioned today consisted of those who completed the six-month training at the training academy of the respective wings in ATM.

Source: thesun.my

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://thesun.my/local-news/country-s-sovereignty-will-be-compromised-if-military-officers-involved-in-corruption-power-abuse-says-king-NM12872719

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CAAM reviews regulations on foreign-registered Aircraft operating in Malaysia

17-08- 2024

KUALA LUMPUR: The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has started a comprehensive review of regulation 147 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 2016 pertaining to the operation of foreign-registered aircraft in general aviation.

Its chief executive officer Datuk Captain Norazman Mahmud said the review is in line with the safety recommendations provided by the Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the proposed new regulations are expected to be published by end of 2024.

“This review aims to empower CAAM with improved oversight capabilities regarding foreign-registered aircraft operating within Malaysia, ensuring that all aviation activities in the country adhere to the highest safety standards,” he said in a statement today.

Norazman said the new proposed regulations reflects CAAM’s dedication to continuous improvement of aviation safety practices.

“Following the Elmina incident on Aug 17, 2023, CAAM has intensified its surveillance measures during ramp inspections, particularly at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang, where there is a significant concentration of general aviation activity,” he said.

He also said that these measures demonstrate CAAM’s ongoing commitment to ensure safety and regulatory compliance in all aviation operations.

“CAAM remains steadfast to uphold the highest standards of safety and efficiency in Malaysia’s aviation sector and extends its gratitude to stakeholders for their continued support and cooperation as we implement these important enhancements,” he explained.

In the Aug 17, 2023 incident, a Beechcraft Model 390 jet en route to the Subang airport crashed near Elmina, Shah Alam, Selangor, killing 10 people.

Source: thesun.my

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://thesun.my/local-news/caam-reviews-regulations-on-foreign-registered-aircraft-operating-in-malaysia-AM12872064

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Youth must have courage to speak out - PM Anwar

17-08- 2024

KUALA LUMPUR: The youth must have the courage to speak out on various issues such as humanity, corruption, poverty gaps and environmental concerns guided by strong principles and values, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said society required energetic youths with ideas, ideals and principles, and who believed in freedom, justice and humanity, that could affect change.

“The youth must stand and speak up and champion the cause of humanity, the sufferings of our people, the marginalised, the destruction of the environment, the corruption in our midst,” he said in his speech at the International Young Future Leaders Summit 2024 (iFUTURE 2024) at the World Trade Centre (WTC) Kuala Lumpur, here today.

The inaugural programme organised by the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) for three days beginning today, is an effort to ensure that the next generation of national leaders is exposed to various national and global issues.

It involves over 1,000 local and international student leaders from 46 countries and provides a platform and opportunity for students to showcase their leadership talents, enhance their academic quality and improve their public speaking skills.

Meanwhile, Anwar hoped that the students participating in the programme would make the most of the opportunity to exchange views based on their principles.

“So share your knowledge, interact as much as possible, act wisely, work diligently, learn as much as you can,” he said.

Source: thesun.my

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://thesun.my/local-news/youth-must-have-courage-to-speak-out-pm-anwar-DM12871893

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Malaysia acts on PM’s concern to bring injured Palestinians from Egypt - Ahmad Zahid

16-08- 2024

GUA MUSANG: The effort to bring injured Palestinians from Egypt to Malaysia was made following the decision and instructions of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Prime Minister is deeply concerned about the suffering of Palestinian patients, due to the ongoing Israeli bomb attacks on Gaza.

“These patients will be sent to the Armed Forces (ATM) hospital.

“Once they have received treatment and recovered, efforts will be made to return them to Gaza, so that they can resume a normal life,” he told reporters during a gathering with the Orang Asli community at the district voting centre in Pos Pulat, today.

Ahmad Zahid was responding to questions about the arrival of two Airbus A-400M aircraft of the Royal Malaysian Air Force, which transported injured Palestinians to Subang Air Base, Selangor, today.

The aircraft, which departed from Al Maza Air Force Base in Cairo, Egypt, last night, carried a total of 41 patients and 86 of their relatives.

Earlier, Ahmad Zahid visited four more Orang Asli posts in the Nenggiri state constituency, namely Pos Gob, Pos Tohoi, Pos Simpor and Pos Pasik.

Source: thesun.my

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://thesun.my/local-news/malaysia-acts-on-pm-s-concern-to-bring-injured-palestinians-from-egypt-ahmad-zahid-EM12871432

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Court dismisses Rosmah’s bid to stay hearing of suit by Lebanon-based jeweller

16-08- 2024

KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court here today dismissed Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor’s application to stay the proceedings of the suit filed against her by Lebanon-based jeweller, Global Royalty Trading SAL, over the loss of more than 40 pieces of jewellery.

Her lawyer, Rajivan Nambiar said Judge Ong Chee Kwan dismissed Rosmah’s application with RM5,000 in costs.

According to Rajivan, the application filed on June 7 sought to stay the proceedings of the suit pending the outcome of Rosmah’s appeal at the Court of Appeal. The appeal concerns a High Court decision that dismissed her application to include the government and the police as third parties in the case.

“The intention was that if proceedings before the High Court were to proceed it should not affect the third party proceedings in the event Datin Seri Rosmah succeeds in the appeal.

“The court today said that if Datin Seri Rosmah succeeds in her appeal, the court would give fresh directions on the proceedings between Datin Seri Rosmah and the third parties. In view thereof, the court disallowed the application for stay,“ he said when contacted today.

Rajivan said the trial dates for the suit are scheduled for June 2 to June 6, next year.

Global Royalty filed the suit on May 29, 2023, claiming that Rosmah falsely alleged that 44 pieces of jewellery, including diamond necklaces, bracelets, and tiaras sent to her by the company’s agent, were seized by Malaysian authorities under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.

The jeweller further claimed that the wife of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had shifted the blame onto the Malaysian government when in fact, the jewellery had gone missing.

The company had initially sued Rosmah on June 26, 2018, demanding that she return the 44 pieces of jewellery or pay them USD14.79 million. However, the suit was withdrawn in 2019.

Source: thesun.my

Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story

https://thesun.my/local-news/court-dismisses-rosmah-s-bid-to-stay-hearing-of-suit-by-lebanon-based-jeweller-LM12870784

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Europe

 

CCTV of man defending Darlington mosque throwing missile

CCTV footage of a man throwing a missile during violent disorder while protecting a mosque has been released by police.

Ashkan Kareem was caught on camera throwing a missile towards a group of people in Darlington last Monday evening (August 5).

Dozens of police officers had been deployed to the North Lodge Park area of the town after two large groups, mostly males, had gathered, resulting in small pockets of serious violence.

Kareem, of Grey Street, Bishop Auckland, was arrested on Monday (August 12) following a social media appeal and later charged with violent disorder.

The 33-year-old appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court yesterday afternoon (August 13) where he admitted the offence.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Teesside Crown Court on Friday (August 16) for sentencing.

Abdul Rahman, of Pendower Street, Darlington, was also arrested on Monday and charged with violent disorder.

The 47-year-old did not enter a plea when he appeared before magistrates yesterday.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Teesside Crown Court on Thursday, August 29.

Chief Inspector Victoria Cubby, of Durham Constabulary, said: “We have a team of detectives who are investigating the atrocious scenes in Darlington last week and are continuing to identify suspects and make arrests.

“We will not tolerate criminality and violent disorder in our communities. I reiterate to anybody who commits these types of acts, we will tirelessly look for you and deal with you robustly.

“I’d like to thank those people who have come forward with information that has assisted our investigation. If you have information that could help and haven’t yet spoken to us – please, get in touch.”

Call Durham Constabulary on 101, or use the live chat function on our website.

Information can also be submitted anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website at www.crimestoppers-org.uk

Source: darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk

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https://www.darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk/news/24520525.cctv-man-defending-darlington-mosque-throwing-missile/

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Man jailed for making threatening calls to mosques

16th August 2024

A man has been jailed for two and a half years after making a series of threatening calls to mosques across London.

Blake Hindry, 30, of Rosemary Road, Kent, was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday.

Police immediately began investigating Hindry after a mosque in London reported a terrifying call from a withheld number on Monday, August 5.

The caller was reported to have threatened to kill faith leaders, other occupants and burn down the mosque.

As well as conducting reassurance patrols in the area, officers quickly established that four other mosques had been targeted in London by the same perpetrator.

Hindry was arrested on Thursday, August 8. He appeared at Maidstone Magistrates Court on Saturday, August 10 where he pleaded guilty to making a series of threatening calls to mosques.

Commander Louise Puddefoot, said: “We understand that Muslim communities have felt particularly concerned for their safety following the violent disorder and criminality the country has seen in recent weeks.

“This sentencing demonstrates our determination to bring offenders to justice for racist and criminal behaviour.

“Our teams continue to investigate all offences committed during this period of disorder as we work hard to build trust and confidence in communities.”

Source: 5pillarsuk.com

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https://5pillarsuk.com/2024/08/16/man-jailed-for-making-threatening-calls-to-mosques/

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Politicians visit Lanarkshire Central Mosque to demonstrate solidarity for Muslim community in wake of far-right violence across the UK

16 AUG 2024

Coatbridge and Bellshill's MP and a Central Scotland MSP visited Lanarkshire Central Mosque to demonstrate their solidarity and support for the Muslim community in the wake of the recent far-right violence across the UK.

During their time at the mosque, Frank McNally MP and Labour colleague Mark Griffin took the opportunity to meet with members and community leaders to discuss the impact of recent events - and the importance of standing together against division and hatred.

They emphasised the critical role that diversity plays in strengthening the fabric of Lanarkshire's communities.

Mr McNally expressed his pride in the multicultural makeup of Lanarkshire, saying: "We are incredibly proud of the diversity in our local communities.

"Our strength lies in our unity, and we stand with our Muslim community during this difficult time.

"No one should feel threatened or isolated because of their faith, and we are committed to ensuring that our community remains a place of safety, respect, and inclusion for all.

"Scotland is an open and welcoming nation that will never give in to the far-right’s politics of hate, fear and discrimination.”

Mr Griffin added: "In times of challenge, it is more important than ever to come together and support one another.

"The recent far-right riots in other parts of the UK are a stark reminder of the work we still need to do to combat Islamophobia, prejudice and intolerance.

"It is important that our Muslim community knows they are not alone; we stand with you, and we will continue to work towards a society where everyone feels valued and protected.

"Our strength as a country depends on our diversity and ability to stand up to those that seek to stoke violence and undermine the values that Scots uphold.”

Mohammed Ashraf, president of Lanarkshire Muslim Welfare Society welcomed the visit, saying: "We deeply appreciate the support shown by Mark Griffin and Frank McNally.

"Their presence here is a powerful reminder that we are not alone in facing these challenges.

"The strength of our community is rooted in our shared values of peace, respect, and understanding, and we are grateful for their commitment to these principles.

Source: dailyrecord.co.uk

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https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/in-your-area/lanarkshire/politicians-visit-lanarkshire-central-mosque-33476288

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French foreign minister visits Beirut in a bid to help ease tensions

15-08-24

French Foreign Minister, Stéphane Séjourné was in Beirut for a short visit on Thursday as western powers aim to help ease tensions in the Middle East.

His visit came a day after US senior advisor Amos Hochstein also visited Lebanon.

International mediators were set to hold a new round of talks aimed at halting the Israel-Hamas war and securing the release of scores of hostages, with a potential deal seen as the best hope of heading off an even larger regional conflict.

Diplomats hope it would persuade Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah to hold off on retaliating for the killing of a top Hezbollah commander in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut and of Hamas' top political leader in an explosion in Tehran.

Hezbollah and Israel have traded strikes since Oct. 8, a day after the Palestinian Hamas group’s surprise attack into southern Israel that sparked the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in the besieged Gaza Strip.

Still, Iran and Hezbollah say they do not want a full-blown war, and a cease-fire in Gaza could provide an off-ramp after days of escalating threats and a massive military build-up across the region.

Source: africanews.com

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https://www.africanews.com/2024/08/15/french-foreign-minister-visits-beirut-in-a-bid-to-help-ease-tensions/

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Imitating the Nazis and desecrating graves: Disturbing actions of Ukrainian troops amid attack inside Russia

16 Aug, 2024

Ukrainian troops in Russia’s Kursk Region are subjecting civilians to a campaign of violence and humiliation, footage and testimony from the region increasingly suggests.

As the incursion by Kiev’s forces into Russian territory continues, RT has gathered several particularly disturbing incidents from the attack, which has been condemned as “terrorism” by Moscow.

Wannabe Nazis

One incident last Sunday sparked widespread outrage in Russia after a video filmed by the perpetrators spread online. In the clip, a pair of Ukrainian soldiers are seen gleefully imitating Nazis as they insult a confused elderly man.

The intention to mimic the force responsible for millions of deaths in the USSR during World War II – including in the part of the country that later became modern Ukraine – is unmistakable. One of the Ukrainian troops is seen in a distinct helmet with the insignia of the Schutzstaffel (SS), the military arm of the Nazi party and particularly infamous for its atrocities.

Both the soldier and the cameraman are heard speaking a mix of broken Russian and German, in a manner that Russian popular culture began to depict the invaders decades later, when the horrors of the Nazis had somewhat faded. Judging by the laughter heard in the clip, the Ukrainians found amusement in calling the elderly man a “Russian pig.”

The fondness that some Ukrainians have for Nazi symbology (and ideology) has long been a thorn in the side of their Western backers. The media has tried to explain away multiple incidents of Ukrainian soldiers proudly displaying the double lighting Siegrune, the skull-and-bones of the 3rd SS Panzer Division Totenkopf, and other Nazi emblems as unfortunate quirks of Ukrainian nationalism. Meanwhile, officials in Kiev have casually dismissed this as a way to “troll the Russians.”

In this particular episode in Kursk Region, the man in the helmet was identified by the Russian media, while a senator has offered a bounty for both soldiers involved. The 74-year-old civilian insulted in the clip is said to be missing. The person who uploaded the video reportedly bragged that the man “didn’t find his way to his vodka,” in a grim insinuation of how the encounter ended.

Fighting the dead

Another episode apparently showing Ukrainian troops being deliberately offensive to Russians emerged on Thursday. In the online clip, a pair of soldiers are seen desecrating the grave of a military veteran in the border Sudzha district.

The burial site featured two flags – the sky-blue-and-green standard of the Russian Airborne Troops and the banner of the controversial Wagner paramilitary force, according to a report. The Ukrainians threw both on the ground, stomping on the first one before casually walking away.

FILE PHOTO. ©  Ben Birchall/AP

Western media tend to villainize Wagner troops as bloodthirsty thugs, but their reputation in Russia is complicated. They hold the credit for some of the hardest-won victories against Ukraine, such as last year’s capture of the Donbass city of Artyomovsk (known as Bakhmut in Ukraine). However, Wagner chief Evgeny Prigozhin tarnished his legacy by staging a short-lived mutiny in June 2023, in an attempt to force a replacement of the Russian military leadership. Prigozhin died in a plane crash in August of the same year.

Generally, rank-and-file Wagner troops are respected in Russia, as evidenced by the grave in the drone footage. The vandals were reportedly hit by a kamikaze drone soon after leaving the cemetery, so that the explosion would not damage the gravestones.

Unknown death toll

The government in Kiev claims it is acting strictly in accordance with international humanitarian law, which requires the protection of civilians in war-affected areas. However, Mikhail Podoliak, a top aide to Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky, has made clear that civilians are the target of the incursion. The goal is to unsettle them so that Moscow will supposedly become more pliable during peace talks, he has revealed in interviews.

Thousands of residents have fled from the areas impacted by the hostilities, some dodging tank mines and gunfire on their way out, as evidenced by videos available online.

Others did not make it out alive, such as a 24-year-old pregnant woman, who according to her widower was killed by Ukrainian troops as the family attempted to escape Sudzha in two cars. Their son and the woman’s mother were in the vehicle with the victim at the moment she was allegedly shot dead.

Earlier this week, the regional administration confirmed that at least 12 civilians have been killed and over 120 others injured in Kursk Region, although the exact death toll cannot be established in Kiev-controlled territories. Among the victims were an ambulance paramedic and a telecom repair crew worker, both killed by Ukrainians forces in the line of duty, according to officials.

A captured Ukrainian soldier has claimed that his commander instructed troops before the incursion to violently suppress any resistance from the population. The order stated that civilian men should be shot in the legs and locked up, while those carrying arms should be killed on the spot, the troop told Russian investigators.

The government in Kiev said on Thursday that it intends to “evacuate” civilians from Kursk Region to Ukrainian soil.

Source: rt.com

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https://www.rt.com/russia/602674-ukrainian-incursion-civilians-targeted/

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Pakistan

 

3 TTP terrorists killed, 1 injured in North Waziristan intelligence-based operation: ISPR

August 16, 2024

Three Tehreek-i-Taliban (TTP) terrorists were killed while one was injured during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in North Waziristan’s Razmak area, the military’s media wing confirmed on Friday.

According to a press release from Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation was carried out after security forces were informed of the presence of terrorists in the area.

“During [the] conduct of the operation, intense fire exchange took place between own troops and khwarij, as a result of which, 3 Khwarij of Fitna al Khawarij were sent to hell, while one kharji got injured,” the ISPR said.

It added that weapons and ammunition were also recovered from slain terrorists, who remained actively involved in terrorist activities against security forces as well as target killing of innocent civilians.

“Sanitisation of the area is being carried out to eliminate any other Kharji found in the area as security forces are determined to wipe out the menace of khawarij and terrorism from the country,” the statement added.

Earlier this month, the government declared TTP as Fitna al-Khawarij and all other terrorists associated with the group as khariji (outcasts).

Speaking during a press conference, ISPR Director General (DG) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that the move was made because the TTP was a “mischief-making group” that was “neither an ideology nor has anything to do with Islam or Pakistan.”

He had added that security forces and law enforcement agencies (LEAs) conducted 23,622 small and large-scale IBOs in the country this year, out of which 2,045 operations were carried out in the second half of July.

A day prior, seven TTP terrorists were killed by security forces during another IBO in KP’s Kurram district.

The country has lately witnessed a sharp uptick in the number of attacks targeting security forces, other law enforcement agencies, and security checkpoints, particularly in Balochistan and KP.

Attacks escalated after the TTP broke a fragile ceasefire agreement with the government in 2022 and vowed to target security forces.

Islamabad has blamed Kabul for allowing the TTP — a separate group but aligned with the Afghan Taliban — to use Afghan soil for launching attacks inside Pakistan. However, the Taliban administration has denied the charges.

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1852679/3-ttp-terrorists-killed-1-injured-in-north-waziristan-intelligence-based-operation-ispr

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NA committee chief apologises after PTI’s Iqbal Afridi objects to woman’s attire

August 16, 2024

PTI MNA Muhammad Iqbal Afridi objected to a woman’s outfit during a meeting of a National Assembly standing committee, following which the panel’s chairman, Muhammad Idrees, apologised over the matter.

Afridi objected to the attire of a high-ranking K-Electric official who attended the power division committee’s meeting today at Parliament House. The lawmaker said he raised the issue after the KE official had briefed the panel and left the meeting room.

According to a notification shared by the NA Committees’ official X account, one of the items on the meeting’s agenda was a “comprehensive report/implementation status” of previous recommendations about issues raised by MNAs Afridi and Syed Rafiullah “regarding the disconnection overbilling and unannounced load-shedding of electricity in Karachi and erstwhile Fata”.

Afridi is not a member of the NA committee but was present as a lawmaker from NA-27 (Khyber) who had raised the matter of load-shedding.

Afridi termed the KE official’s attire “objectionable”, adding that she “should not have attended the meeting in such an outfit”.

The PTI lawmaker also said that “standard operating procedures (SOPs) should be devised for women’s clothing”.

Responding to a query if his objection was “ethically correct”, Afridi stressed that the venue was the NA’s standing committee and attended by many people.

“If people come [to gatherings] in such a manner in a respectable society, what will children say?” he asked, adding that the public “learned” from watching them.

“There should not be such democracy here that ruins a society,” Afridi insisted.

He went on to claim that the “manner in which the other woman came risks ruining the system or the society”. “In my opinion, such people showing up in society is not right.”

Meanwhile, Idrees, the power committee’s chairman who presided over the meeting, apologised for the incident, saying it was “inappropriate”.

Asked if someone had the “right” to object to a woman’s dress, Idrees said, “No […] it is an individual’s [choice].”

He said that it was “inappropriate” to object to it, adding: “What he did would have happened under some misunderstanding.

“It does not happen on our forum that someone disrespects or says something like this […] Even if it did happen, then I apologise,” the committee chief said.

‘Regrettable, unacceptable harassment’

Afridi’s comments were criticised harshly by fellow lawmakers.

PPP Senator Sherry Rehman said Afridi’s objection to the woman’s dress was “regrettable and condemnable”.

“Who has made male MNAs ‘policemen’ on women’s clothing?” she asked in a post on X.

 The senior politician said that the woman “must have reached that position owing to her abilities and qualifications” and that Afridi, being a committee member, should have respected her.

“Such objections show a conservative and patriarchal mindset that tries to keep women under their control by targeting their clothes,” Rehman said, adding that such thinking was a “hindrance” to achieving gender equality in the country.

“We want women to be judged by their ideas and services, not by their looks or clothes,” the senator asserted. “Women have the full right to attend any professional environment in clothes that they prefer and are comfortable for them.”

The PPP senator said her party “rejected such discriminatory and contemptuous statements”.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar called on the PTI to take action against Afridi, urging it to suspend their lawmaker’s party membership.

In a statement, Tarar said harassment against women was “not acceptable under any circumstances”.

Referring to the PTI, the PML-N MNA quipped that the “movement of justice has become a movement of injustice for women”.

“Women in our society already face a lot of difficulties,” the information minister said, terming the incident “PTI’s fascism that was coming out in the open”.

‘Regrettable incident, no amount of condemnation will suffice’

Dr Shahida Rehmani, secretary Women Parliamentary Caucus (WPC), said that the incident was regrettable, adding that no amount of condemnation for such incidents would suffice.

“But until when will we keep condemning [such incidents]” she asked in a video message, adding that “elements” such as the PTI MNA were “burdened by slave mentality” and wanted to “keep women subjugated forever”.

“There is a law for it,” she said, requesting the NA speaker to register a first information report (FIR) against such members.

She also called for the suspension of their Parliament membership, adding that commenting on the clothing of women was highly condemnable given that women had climbed their way to such honourable positions because of their ability.

“The constitution of Pakistan and Islam give women the freedom to wear whatever they want and if they [women] are to progress, it would be based on their ability,” she said.

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1852656/na-committee-chief-apologises-after-ptis-iqbal-afridi-objects-to-womans-attire

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Three drown as chairlift in KP’s Upper Kohistan falls into Indus River

August 16, 2024

At least three people drowned after a chairlift collapsed and fell into the Indus River in Seo Tehsil of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Upper Kohistan District on Friday, officials said.

Rescue 1122 spokesperson Abdur Rehman told Dawn.com that the chairlift fell into the river after the foundations supporting the aerial lift collapsed on both sides. The foundations of the manually operated cable car had become weak due to a very high flow of water in the river over the last two days, he explained.

Dasu Station House Officer (SHO) Khalilur Rehman also confirmed the incident, stating that “three persons drowned in the river after the fall”.

He said the chairlift was being used by the residents of Kama village and it was connected with Dasu city.

Rescue 1122 identified the victims as Muhammad Sher, Fidaur Rehman, and Mir Alam — all of whom were residents of Kaiga — and continued searching for the bodies. The victims’ relatives told police they were returning to the village from Dasu via the cable car when it fell.

Kohistan administration also called a Rescue 1122 team from Shangla to participate in the search, while the high flow of water in the Indus River hampered the rescue operation.

Make-shift cable cars are commonly found in many parts of KP and Gilgit-Baltistan, connecting different towns and villages where roads or bridges cannot be built due to the terrain. People use these cable cars as a means of transport.

Last month on July 23, a man drowned in the river Indus in the Bisham area while trying to rescue his son, who was stranded on a chairlift.

Eyewitness Mansoor Ali Khan told Dawn.com that a 13-year-old boy was stranded in the chairlift over the Indus river and his father, Muhammad Aziz, was trying to rescue his son through a rope.

Khan said the rope through which the father was trying to rescue his son snapped, causing the former to fall into the river and be swept away by the strong currents.

He said that the boy remained stuck in the chairlift and was rescued by locals after hectic efforts.

Last year, eight people, including six children, in KP’s Battagram were left stranded in a chairlift when the wires of the lift snapped. The chairlift remained dangling in the middle of a deep ravine surrounded by towering mountains and a rocky surface along with the Jhangri River for hours before the army rescued all passengers with the help of the locals.

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1852646/three-drown-as-chairlift-in-kps-upper-kohistan-falls-into-indus-river

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Five bullet-riddled bodies found tied to electric pole in Balochistan’s Dalbandin

August 16, 2024

The bullet-riddled bodies of five people were found hanging from an electric pole in Balochistan on Friday, government officials said.

The bodies were discovered early morning near a college in Dalbandin city in Balochistan, where separatist militant groups have waged a long and bloody insurgency.

“Five bullet-ridden bodies were found hanging from an electric pylon,” Attiq Shahwani, a senior government official in the area, told AFP.

“They have been shifted to a local hospital. Doctors have ascertained that the cause of death is multiple bullet wounds, mostly in the chest area.”

He said the men were likely killed on Thursday.

No missing persons reports were registered with local police and the men had not yet been identified, he added.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mir Hussain Lehri said that the bodies were not identified, adding that the deceased were shot dead.

He said that it “seemed” all the individuals were Afghan nationals. However, National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) had been requested to ascertain the identity of the deceased using fingerprints.

He added that the police had launched an investigation into the incident after collecting evidence.

Balochistan is home to several militant groups, some fighting for independence or a greater share of the region’s mineral resources, with security forces often the target of bombings.

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1852692/five-bullet-riddled-bodies-found-tied-to-electric-pole-in-balochistans-dalbandin

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Kabul urged to avoid unprovoked acts against Pak-Afghan border

August 17, 2024

Amid rising incidents of cross-border firing, the Foreign Office (FO) on Friday urged the Taliban-led interim government in Kabul to exercise restraint and avoid unprovoked acts against the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch made the remarks while responding to a question about a recent clash between the border forces of Pakistan and Afghanistan near the Torkham border crossing.

Earlier this week, security forces of Pakistan and Afghanistan exchanged heavy fire after the former objected to the construction of a controversial checkpost near the border by the Afghans. The cross-border firing incident resulted in the closure of the border for all types of movement.

Addressing a weekly news briefing in Islamabad, the FO spokesperson said: “First, I would not like to go into history of such border violations from the Afghan side. However, as you know, the recent incident was very unfortunate when on the 12th of August, Afghan forces opened indiscriminate fire at the Torkham border.”

Pakistani forces responded appropriately in self-defence, she added.

“We urge the Afghan authorities to exercise restraint and avoid unprovoked acts against Pakistan-Afghanistan border. They must understand that Pakistani forces will always defend their territory.”

She further said that they remain ready to resolve any misunderstandings through established diplomatic channels.

“I would also like to underline that the relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan is multifaceted, and it encompasses various aspects of bilateral cooperation between the two countries. This is a historic relationship, so seeing this relationship from a narrow prism would not be advisable.”

The spokesperson said Pakistan has consistently raised its concerns about the presence of terrorist hideouts and sanctuaries inside Afghanistan. She said Pakistan expects the Afghan authorities to take effective and robust action against the terrorist groups.

'No talks with India'

Responding to another question, Baloch said that no talks are currently taking place with India for the resumption of bilateral trade.

The spokesperson recalled that following India's illegal and unilateral steps in illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, several measures were taken by Pakistan including the suspension of bilateral trade. This situation remains intact, she added.

Strongly condemning the killing of four Kashmiri youth by Indian occupation forces in Doda district, the spokesperson said this brutal act is yet another example of India's illegal and oppressive steps against the Kashmiri people.

She urged the international community to take immediate and decisive action to hold India accountable for its egregious human rights violations in IIOJK and take steps to protect the rights and freedoms of Kashmiri people.

The Spokesperson strongly rejected allegations about Pakistan's role in the ouster of Sheikh Hasina Wajid saying there is absolutely no truth in them. She said Pakistan believes that the people of Bangladesh have the capacity to settle their affairs and determine their future.

Baloch strongly denounced the storming of Al-Aqsa mosque by hundreds of extremist settlers led by office bearers of Israeli occupation authorities. She said the desecration of one of Islam's holiest sites and obstruction of the rights of worshippers have deeply hurt the sentiments of Muslims worldwide. This act is a violation of the Geneva Convention and blatant disregard of multiple UNSC resolutions.

The spokesperson called upon the international community especially the UN Security Council to take immediate action to end the serious and repeated transgressions against the sanctity of holy sites in Jerusalem, protect the Islamic character of Al-Aqsa and ensure the freedom of worship of the Palestinian people.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1220726-kabul-urged-to-avoid-unprovoked-acts-against-pak-afghan-border

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PTI's Iqbal Afridi faces MPs calls for apology over 'misogynistic' statement

August 16, 2024

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator Sherry Rehman and Sindh Government spokesperson Barrister Arsalan Islam Shaikh on Friday lamented Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MNA Iqbal Afridi’s "misogynistic" remarks targeting a woman’s dressing, demanding an apology from him.

MNA Afridi raised an objection over the attire of a woman during the National Assembly's Standing Committe on Power's meeting. He then received criticism from other members and attendees present at the session.

Responding to Afridi, Senator Rehman said that he should apologise for his behaviour. "This behaviour is reprehensible and falls under the line of harassment. The PTI should make its MNA apologise."

She, while addressing Afridi directly, said: “ No one has the right to comment over a woman’s attire. Don’t make a patriarchal society, who made you a policeman of clothes?”

Additionally, the information minister also condemned the act of the PTI lawmaker, saying: “Harassing women is not acceptable in any condition. The Tehreek-e-Insaf has become tehreek-e-na-insaf [unjust movement] for women.”

“Women face so many difficulties in our society. The PTI should take action against Iqbal Afridi,” he said, adding, “Real justice is that the party membership of Iqbal Afridi should be suspended.”

He further added: “This is the PTI’s fascism, which is coming out openly.”

Parallel to this, the Sindh government spokesperson also said: “There was nothing inappropriate in the clothes of the woman that should have been objected to. Women have full freedom in our society.”

Referring to the PTI MNA, he added: “Iqbal Afridi should be careful of his gaze, his objection over the woman’s clothing does not make sense.”

He added, “Iqbal Afridi should apologise to the woman for his act.”

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1220556-ptis-iqbal-afridi-faces-mps-calls-for-apology-over-misogynistic-statement

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Army chief honours Olympian Arshad Nadeem at special ceremony

August 16, 2024

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir hosted a special ceremony at the Army Auditorium General Headquarters (GHQ) to honour Pakistan's ace javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem for his historic achievement at Paris Olympics 2024, a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Friday.

Nadeem launched a massive javelin throw of 92.97-metre and secured the first-ever individual gold medal in the Olympics for Pakistan, maiden athletics and first gold in any discipline in the last 40 years during the final quest of the Paris Olympics.

The Pakistani star received countrywide massive praise and admiration for his feat in the Olympics.

"The event was attended by sports teams and legendary Olympians including 1984 Olympic and National Hockey Teams, National Cricket Team, Street Football Team, Army Polo Team, Visually Impaired Cricket and Women Goal Ball Teams, Medal Winners of Common Wealth, SAF and Asian Games and participants of Paris Olympics 2024," the ISPR added.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir and Olympian Arshad Nadeems family members during a ceremony at Army Auditorium GHQ in Rawalpindi on August 16, 2024. — ISPR

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir and Olympian Arshad Nadeem's family members during a ceremony at Army Auditorium GHQ in Rawalpindi on August 16, 2024. — ISPR

Moreover, notable legends included Jehangir Khan, Isalah Ud Din, Shahbaz Senior, Sohail Abbas, Muhammad Asif and Aisam-ul-Haq. The event was also attended by Arshad Nadeem’s close relatives, associates and coaches.

"The COAS appreciated Arshad Nadeem's remarkable achievement of winning Pakistan's first-ever gold medal in a singles event and setting a new Olympic record, attributing it to his commitment, perseverance, and passion for excellence. He highlighted Arshad's inspirational journey from humble beginnings to achieving greatness, emphasising the importance of hard work and determination," the ISPR added.

The army chief recognised Nadeem's achievement as a national pride and highlighted that he has been honoured by the complete nation befitting his achievement.

"The COAS reaffirmed the commitment to support and empower not only sportsmen, but the entire wealth of Pakistani youth to achieve excellence towards a prosperous Pakistan. The COAS highlighted the need for Youth Engagement, Development and Entertainment as essential cardinals of a healthy and prosperous society," the ISPR further added.

Nadeem expressed gratitude and emphasised the immense potential of Pakistani youth, stressing the importance of hard work, positivity, and perseverance in overcoming challenges and achieving success.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1220535-army-chief-honours-olympian-arshad-nadeem-at-special-ceremony

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Two cops, three others injured in Peshawar 'remote-controlled' explosion

August 16, 2024

PESHAWAR: Two cops and three others were injured after an explosion targeted a police vehicle at the Warsak Road in Pir Bala on Friday, Geo News reported citing the police.

The target of the blast was the police vehicle, said the law enforcement officials.

The vehicle, according to Warsak Road Superintendent of Police (SP) Arshad Khan, was damaged in the wake of the "remote-controlled" blast.

"Explosives were planted in a cement block," said the policeman, adding that the explosives used in the remote controlled blast weighed five kilograms.

The five people injured in the explosion have shifted to the hospital, Rescue 1122 officials told Geo News.

The spokesperson of Lady Reading Hospital Muhammad Asim said that five injured were brought to the facility which include two policemen and three civilians.

The condition of the injured, the spokesperson added, is out of danger and they are being provided medical aid.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has sought a report on the blast, directing authorities to provide best medical aid to the injured.

Pakistan has experienced a spike in terrorism since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021 with most terror incidents reported in the provinces bordering the neighbouring country — Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

According to the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) report, during the second quarter of the current year, the country witnessed 380 violence-linked fatalities and 220 injuries among civilians, security personnel, and outlaws.

The report stated that these casualties resulted from as many as 240 incidents involving terror attacks and counter-terrorism operations.

Against this backdrop, the federal cabinet in June this year approved Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, a reinvigorated national counter-terrorism campaign following the Central Apex Committee's recommendations under the National Action Plan to root out terrorism.

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Pakistani Army arrests three retired officers tied to ex-ISI Chief’s scandal

August 16, 2024

The Pakistan Army announced that it had arrested three retired military officers on charges of facilitating illegal connections between political figures and former ISI chief Faiz Hameed. Previously, the army had detained Faiz Hameed on charges of corruption and abuse of power.

The Army’s media office stated on Thursday, August 15, that these officers, even after retirement, continued to engage in facilitating illegal relationships between political figures and General Faiz Hameed.

According to the Pakistan Army, these individuals compromised military discipline at the behest of political entities.

Military sources have identified the two accused retired officers as Ghafar and Naeem, noting that they are close associates of General Faiz Hameed.

Earlier this week, the Pakistan Army announced that Faiz Hameed had been detained in connection with the “Top City” housing project scandal, and his military trial has commenced.

Army officials have previously indicated that they are investigating the actions of certain retired officers suspected of instigating instability.

The recent detentions highlight the ongoing efforts by the Pakistan Army to address internal corruption and prevent political interference within its ranks.

As investigations continue, the Army aims to restore discipline and uphold integrity within its institution. The unfolding situation reflects a broader commitment to addressing issues of misconduct and ensuring that former officers do not exploit their connections for illegal purposes.

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Mideast

 

Iraq’s Yazidis hope a new village will prompt survivors of a 2014 Daesh massacre to return

August 17, 2024

KOCHO, Iraq: Ten years ago, their village in Iraq’s Sinjar region was decimated by Daesh militants. Yazidi men and boys were separated and massacred, Yazidi women and children were abducted, many raped or taken as slaves.

Now the survivors are coming back to Kocho, where Yazidi community leaders on Thursday announced plans for an internationally funded new village nearby to house those displaced in what was one of the bloodiest massacres by the Daesh group against their tiny and insular religious minority.

On Aug. 15, 2014, the extremists killed hundreds in Kocho alone. During their rampage across the wider region of Sinjar — the Yazidi heartland — Daesh killed and enslaved thousands of Yazidis, whom the Sunni militants consider heretics. To this day, the Kocho massacre remains as a glaring example of Daesh atrocities against the Yazidi community.

Out of 1,470 people in Kocho at the time, 1,027 were abducted by the Daesh, 368 were killed and only 75 managed to escape, according to a report by the Middle East Center at the London School of Economics.

All the permits have now been finalized and construction for the new village will break ground on Sept. 5, said Naif Jaso, a prominent Yazidi leader.

The New Kocho is planned to be built near the village of Tel Qassab, 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) north from the original Kocho, now mostly in ruins.

The International Organization for Migration, the UN Development Program and Nadia’s Initiative, an nonprofit founded by Yazidi survivor Nadia Murad, are hoping it will provide much-needed housing and infrastructure to encourage displaced Yazidis to return to their historic homeland.

Their return is a thorny issue and few Yazidis have trickled back to their former homes. In Sinjar, the situation is particularly grim, with destroyed infrastructure, little funding for rebuilding and multiple armed groups vying to carve up the area.

Though Daesh was defeated in Iraq in 2017, as of April this year only 43 percent of the more than 300,000 people displaced from Sinjar have come back, IOM says.

Jaso said 133 displaced families have said they are willing to return and settle in New Kocho Village, which envisages parks, marketplaces, a health facility, a psychiatric support center and recreational spaces along with homes for people.

Each house will be built according to the size and needs of each family, Nadia’s Initiative’s spokesperson Salah Qasim said.

Alyas Salih Qasim, one of the few male survivors from Kocho says he plans to go back once the new village is ready. He has been living for years in a displacement camp in northern Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdish region and plans to settle in the new village.

“I would love to return to my original house,” he said but was not optimistic about others — many Yazidis have since migrated and started new lives elsewhere.

But it’s “difficult ... to return to an empty village, and it’s better if we settle in the New Kocho once they finish constructing it,” he said.

Earlier this year, Iraq’s government ordered displacement camps in the Kurdish region housing thousands of Yazidis to be closed by July 30 and even offered payments of 4 million dinars (about $3,000) to those who leave, but later postponed the order.

Fatima Ismael, another survivor of the Kocho massacre who has been living in the same camp as Qasim for nine years and also hopes to settled in the new village, said the old village of Kocho contains too many painful memories.

The remains of her husband and two of her sons were found in a mass graves while three other sons are still missing, with empty graves waiting for them at the local cemetery.

“I can never return home because I can’t look at the empty rooms,” she said, though she misses the old village community. “How can I live with that?”

Survivors still live in fear of Daesh and part of the reason for placing the new Kocho at a distance from the old village is to be closer to mountains where many Yazidis took refuge during the militants’ rampage. Since their defeat, Daesh militants have gone underground but are still able to stage surprise attacks.

Commemorations and ceremonies like Thursday’s bring back traumatic memories.

“It feels like the first day every time there’s a ceremony or event to remember these days,” Qasim said. “Whatever they do for us, or how hard they try, what we saw is unbearably terrible and impossible to forget.”

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Activists prepare to defy Israeli naval blockade of Gaza

August 16, 2024

VALLETTA: Peace activists from several countries are setting out on a converted trawler to defy an Israeli blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

“The purpose of this mission is to send a message that civil society is not OK with what’s happening in Gaza,” said Fellipe Lopes, the Portuguese media coordinator of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition on board the ship Handala during a stopover in Malta.

It will be a trip fraught with danger. Another coalition ship on a similar mission to Gaza in 2010 was stopped and boarded by Israeli troops, and nine activists died. Other ships were similarly stopped and boarded, without loss of life.

“We expect to encounter resistance throughout our mission,” said Australian activist Michael Coleman.

“Ours is not an illegal activity in any shape or form. The International Court of Justice has asked them to grant unfettered access to aid into Gaza and I implore them to let us and other aids through immediately,” he said.

The Handala was visited in Malta by 78-year-old retired US Army Col. and diplomat Ann Wright, who was on board another coalition ship boarded by Israeli troops in 2010, in the incident in which nine activists died.

“These people are very brave, because we don’t know what’s going to happen. If the Israelis stop them, we know it’ll be brutal,” Wright said.

The brightly colored Handala carries activists from Italy, France, Norway, Australia, the Netherlands, Syria and a number of Palestinians. It has made several port calls around Scandinavia and the Mediterranean to raise awareness about the situation in Gaza.

Its hull carries slogans reading: “Free Palestine,” “Gaza you are not alone” and “Stop the Genocide,” while its humanitarian aid cargo consists mostly of medicines.

The trip along the Eastern Mediterranean to Gaza will take a week but organizers said they might stop over in another harbor on the way.

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Six killed in Israeli strike in Lebanon, health ministry says

August 17, 2024

CAIRO: At least six people were killed and three others were wounded by an Israeli strike on a residential building in Nabatieh city, in southern Lebanon, the Lebanese health ministry said early on Saturday.

Tensions have soared in the region in recent weeks, after a deadly rocket strike in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights that Israel blamed on Hezbollah. Israel responded with the killing of a top Hezbollah commander in the suburbs of Beirut.

Hezbollah has also vowed to retaliate against Israel, as has Iran, for the killing in Tehran of the political chief of the Palestinian Hamas group, Ismail Haniyeh.

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Palestinian village in shock after attack by Israeli settlers

August 17, 2024

JIT, Palestinian Territories: The Israeli settlers who attacked Hassan Arman’s village of Jit in the occupied West Bank had a simple aim, he says: “To burn, kill, or destroy” — all of which took place that night.

Residents hid in fear while dozens of settlers ransacked their northern village late on Thursday, burning homes and cars, until eventually a young Palestinian man was shot dead.

Arman, whose car was destroyed by fire during the attack, said he had “never seen anything like it” in Jit as he opened the charred door of his vehicle.

Inside, everything had melted, leaving just a skeleton of twisted metal.

When the Jewish settlers reached his house, they were “in full uniform, armed with knives, a machine gun, and a silencer,” he said.

A few houses down, Muawiya Al-Sada struggled for words as he stood in the scorched remains of his living room. Only the burnt wooden frame of his sofa remained after the cushions and fabric went up in flames.

“After they burned the house there, they came to this house, broke the windows, and threw firebombs — Molotov cocktails — inside,” he told AFP, while shards of glass from his window panes crunched under the weight of his boots.

Sada and his neighbors then heard gunshots which they later learned caused the death of Rashid Sada, 23, who was said to have been shot in the back.

After that, “there was a brief period of calm, and then the army entered (the village).”

Crowds gathered for the funeral on Friday where the young man’s body, wrapped in a Palestinian flag, was borne aloft by mourners and carried through the streets.

At the funeral, his uncle Muhannad Sada told AFP: “A bullet came from behind him and exited the other side, and he was martyred.”

“It was not the army who fired the bullets, but the settlers,” he added.

CCTV footage released by one resident showed masked men in black hoodies emerging from a field, setting fire to a car and breaking into a home, then setting upon a villager when he tried to chase them away.

The army said it dispersed the settlers from Jit, detaining one Israeli civilian.

The Palestinian Authority, which rules the West Bank from Ramallah, called the attack “organized state terrorism.”

Israel’s president and prime minister both denounced the attack, which drew condemnation from around the globe.

The White House, Germany and France all called the attack “unacceptable,” while Britain’s foreign minister described it as “abhorrent” and the United Nations termed it “horrific.”

EU’s top diplomat Josep Borrell said he would propose sanctions against Israeli government “enablers” of settler violence.

The incident came at a tense time for the region, as negotiators try to hammer out a Gaza war ceasefire that could also douse threats by Iran and its proxies to attack Israel.

“Any action that could jeopardize the negotiation process toward a ceasefire deal is unacceptable,” French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne said in Jerusalem.

Violence in the West Bank, a Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967 and separated from the Gaza Strip by Israeli territory, has surged during the Gaza war.

Israeli settlement of the occupied land — considered illegal under international law — has also hit new records since the war began on October 7.

Since then, at least 633 Palestinians have been killed in violence with settlers or Israeli troops, according to the Palestinian authorities.

At least 18 Israelis, including soldiers, have been killed in attacks involving Palestinians, according to official Israeli figures.

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Chad opens consulate in Morocco-ruled Western Sahara

August 17, 2024

RABAT: Chad opened on Wednesday a consulate in Western Sahara, joining African and Arab countries that have established diplomatic missions there in a sign of support for Morocco’s claim to the disputed territory.

Morocco considers Western Sahara its own territory, but the Algeria-backed Polisario Front wants to establish its own state there.

So far 29 countries have opened consulates in Western Sahara cities of Layoune and Dakhla in full support of Morocco’s sovereignty over the territory.

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Abbas visit to Turkish parliament linked to several geopolitical dynamics

August 16, 2024

ANKARA: After meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Mahmoud Abbas visited Ankara and gave key messages about efforts for Palestinian unity and a ceasefire at a tense time during the Israel-Hamas war.

Abbas heads the Fatah Palestinian movement, a rival to Hamas, and has a more distant relationship with the Turkish government.

However, Turkiye’s invitation to Abbas was strategic as it came shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to the US Congress on July 25, which Ankara condemned.

“We will show that Mr. Abbas has the right to speak in our parliament, just as Netanyahu has the right to speak in the US Congress,” Erdogan told members of his ruling Justice and Development Party on Wednesday, before meeting Abbas in Ankara on Wednesday.

A staunch supporter of Hamas, President Erdogan said that Turkiye had also planned to invite Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh before he was assassinated in Tehran.

Abbas was addressing an extraordinary session of the Turkish parliament on Thursday, decorated with photographs of Haniyeh, who frequently visited Turkiye and had close ties with Erdogan.

The parliament’s presidency said that the special session for Abbas aimed to “demonstrate strong support for the Palestinian people and their cause and ensure that the voice of the oppressed Palestinian people is heard worldwide.”

During his speech, which was interrupted several times by applause, Abbas — based in Ramallah in the West Bank — said that he would visit the besieged Gaza Strip to protest Israel’s war on the enclave, adding that the conflict could not end until Israel withdrew from occupied Palestinian land.

Abbas has not gone to Gaza since Hamas took power in 2007.

He also said that he would stand by the Palestinian people “even at the cost of his life” and added: “There cannot be a Palestinian state without Gaza.”

The last time Abbas visited Turkiye was on March 5.

But this time the visit coincides with a tense geopolitical situation and speculation about retaliation against Israel by Iran and Hezbollah.

Ankara, meanwhile, is also grappling with its position on Hamas following the appointment of Yahya Sinwar, who is seen as closer to Iran, after Haniyeh’s assassination.

Turkiye recently imposed a temporary one-week block on Instagram after the social media platform blocked condolence posts on the killing of Haniyeh.

Betul Dogan-Akkas, assistant professor of international relations at Ankara University’s department of international relations, believes that Abbas’s visit to the Turkish parliament is linked to several dynamics in regional and global politics.

“Turkiye is known for its social and political support for the Palestinian cause, but in the last decade it has become more and more involved with Hamas,” she told Arab News.

“However, Ankara’s support for Palestine goes beyond its ties with Hamas or Fatah,” Dogan-Akkas said.

“Inviting Abbas to deliver a speech in parliament shows Turkiye’s current efforts to adopt a comprehensive approach to the resistance without differentiating between the West Bank and Gaza.”

Dogan-Akkas believes that the visit was also significant for Middle East politics in the wake of Haniyeh’s assassination.

“Abbas can speak safely in Turkiye, and Turkiye is happy to host him to pave the way for the unification of the Palestinian resistance,” she said.

He had also dedicated an important part of his speech to the resistance in Gaza. “Having the opportunity to speak on behalf of Palestine, his discourse was inclusive and representative of both the West Bank and Gaza, despite the ongoing fragility of Palestinian domestic politics.”

Abbas “is an important figure in the Middle East, and hosting him in the Turkish parliament means that Turkiye is keeping channels of communication open with various powers in the Middle East, especially in Palestine,” Dogan-Akkas said.

“However, his visit is more oriented to the international community as Turkiye has recently submitted a request to join South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocide,” she said.

Galip Dalay, a senior consulting fellow at Chatham House, thinks that the significance of the visit is largely symbolic.

“Politically, the Palestinian Authority, despite its international legitimacy, has no influence in Gaza and limited one in West Bank, where its popularity is quite low,” he told Arab News.

“Turkiye’s most important role in the Palestinian cause at present lies in its ability to promote a common framework of governance and leadership within Palestine, contributing to the creation of a reformed and unified Palestinian leadership,” Dalay said.

“This includes restructuring the Palestine Liberation Organization to ensure broader representation of all Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Fatah elements. In addition, Turkiye envisages the emergence of a new government that is not linked to any existing organization.”

According to Dalay, this approach also applies to Turkiye’s relationship with Fatah and aims to contribute to the internal Palestinian dialogue.

“Turkiye is trying to internationalize the Palestinian issue by involving Arab and non-Arab, Western and non-Western actors as well as international institutions,” he said.

Many experts believe that Turkiye’s increased engagement with the Palestinian issue is for domestic consumption, as one of the ruling government’s rivals, the New Welfare Party, with a strong Islamist tendency, has criticized Ankara for not being active enough on the Palestinian issue, creating significant domestic pressure on the issue.

Mehmet Akif Koc, a researcher on Middle East politics, considers Abbas’s visit to Turkiye significant for three main reasons.

“His stop in Ankara after Beijing and Moscow underscores Turkiye’s role in global diplomacy,” he told Arab News.

The visit comes as Turkiye “seeks to normalize relations with Syria and increase its influence in Iraq, positioning itself to take more initiative in the Middle East,” Koc said.

According to Koc, in the aftermath of the Gaza massacre on Oct. 7 and Haniyeh’s assassination, Turkish public opinion has leaned strongly toward Hamas.

“For the flexibility and maneuverability capacity of Turkish foreign policy, balancing the Fatah aspect is important, particularly from a state perspective,” he said.

Koc said that the visit helped to balance the pressure on Mahmoud Abbas from Israel and encouraged a more supportive approach to Gaza and Hamas under difficult conditions.

Abbas “had not indicated plans to visit Gaza for the last 11 months since the beginning of the massacre, and it is evident that he chose Ankara as the place to announce this.

“It is not difficult to speculate that Ankara may have pressured Abbas for this significant move, making this visit a crucial step toward fostering Palestinian unity,” he said.

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MPs brawl during debate on jailed opposition lawmaker

August 16, 2024

ANKARA: A brawl broke out in Turkiye’s parliament on Friday after lawmakers convened to discuss the status of a jailed opposition figure controversially stripped of his parliamentary immunity earlier this year.

They were meeting after the country’s constitutional court struck down parliament’s decision to oust Can Atalay from his parliamentary seat earlier this month.

Lawyer and rights activist Atalay was deprived of his seat in January following an ill-tempered parliamentary session, despite efforts by fellow leftist deputies to halt the proceedings.

He was one of seven defendants sentenced in 2022 to 18 years in prison following a controversial trial that also saw the award-winning philanthropist Osman Kavala jailed for life.

From prison, 48-year-old Atalay ran for a seat in parliament representing the earthquake-ravaged Hatay province in last May’s general election.

He was elected as a member of the leftist Workers’ Party of Turkiye, or TIP, which has three parliamentary seats.

However, that election win led to a legal standoff between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s supporters and opposition leaders, who pushed Turkiye to the verge of a constitutional crisis last year.

Parliament’s decision in January to oust Atalay came after the Supreme Court of Appeals ruling that upheld his conviction, clearing the way for the move to strip him of his parliamentary immunity.

But on Aug. 1, the constitutional court — a body reviewing whether judges’ rulings comply with Turkiye’s fundamental law — published its verdict on the case.

It ruled Atalay’s ouster as a member of parliament was “null and void.”

On Friday, TIP deputy Ahmet Sik defended Atalay against the attacks on him by ruling party lawmakers.

“It’s no surprise that you call Atalay a terrorist,” he said.

“All citizens should know that the biggest terrorists of this country are those seated on those benches,” he said, indicating the ruling majority.

That comment drew angry responses from ruling party lawmakers, prompting the chairman to call a break.

Scuffles broke out after former footballer Alpay Ozalan, a lawmaker from Erdogan’s ruling AKP party, walked to the rostrum and shoved Sik to the ground, said an AFP journalist in parliament.

Another opposition MP was injured when she tried to calm the session.

Footage online showed the brawl and staff cleaning blood stains from the parliament floor afterward.

Turkiye’s parliament has previously voted to lift immunity from prosecution of opposition politicians — many of them Kurds — who the government views as “terrorists.”

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Egypt FM affirms Arab support for Lebanese security in Beirut talks

August 16, 2024

BEIRUT: Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said in Beirut on Friday that Cairo will “make every possible effort to spare Lebanon and its brotherly people the woes of any uncalculated escalation.”

Abdelatty condemned “all provocative policies, including the violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty.”

He repeated Egypt’s rejection of “the Israeli aggression on Beirut’s southern suburb and the policy of assassinations.”

Abdelatty added that the security and stability of Lebanon “is an Egyptian interest and an Arab interest that we are working on maintaining.”

His talks in Beirut came two days after visits by US mediator Amos Hochstein and French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne.

Hochstein and Sejourne had urged the need for deescalation, in parallel with the Doha talks targeting a ceasefire in Gaza and the exchange of hostages.

Abdelatty — under the assignment and direction of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi — met several Lebanese officials.

The talks were part of Arab and international efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza between the Israeli army and Hamas, and deescalate the situation on the Lebanese border between Israel and Hezbollah.

Following his meeting with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Abdelatty said that he delivered a “message of support and solidarity from the Egyptian people to the Lebanese people.”

Abdelatty highlighted the importance of “stopping the escalation and not dragging the region into a comprehensive regional war.

“We are working to stop this escalation, and we must act to the fullest extent and as quickly as possible to reach an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and stop the Israeli aggression,” he said.

“The core of the conflict in this region is the persistence of the Palestinian cause without a solution, and the continued failure of the Palestinian people to obtain their legitimate rights, most importantly their right to establish an independent state on the entire national territory on the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.”

According to his media office, Berri said: “The success of the efforts exerted in Doha to reach a ceasefire is the main gateway to restoring stability and solutions in the region.”

He praised the “great effort made by Egypt and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to stop the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip.”

Abdelatty also met Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and his ministerial counterpart, Abdallah Bou Habib.

Mikati repeated his country’s commitment to “fully implementing” UN Resolution 1701.

“Pressure must be exerted on Israel to implement the resolution and stop its aggression against Lebanon,” he added.

As diplomacy intensified to prevent a wider regional conflict, Hezbollah again warned of a possible response to the assassination of its senior military commander, Fouad Shukr, who was killed in Beirut’s southern suburb in July.

In a threatening message to Israel, the militant group released a video on Friday containing footage of an underground facility carved from rock.

The site featured huge, illuminated tunnels containing steel doors, motorbikes, missile launchers and trucks.

Hezbollah’s military media said in a statement on the video: “Western media talks a lot about the tunnels.”

The clip was titled “Our mountains are our strongholds” and aimed to reveal Hezbollah’s extensive military capabilities.

It included a clip of a previous speech by Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s secretary-general.

He said: “The resistance now possesses precision and non-precision missiles, along with its weapons capabilities, so that if Israel imposes a war on Lebanon, Israel will face a destiny and reality it didn’t expect any day.”

Hezbollah sources told Lebanese media that the location, and entrances and exits, of the tunnel facility, were secret.

“It is unknown where this underground facility begins, where our fighters are operating, where it ends and what it is connected to,” they said.

“What we are revealing today is a small part of the real capabilities of the resistance, especially in terms of precision missiles.”

The video was accompanied by a message from the Iranian Embassy, which commented on the video.

The embassy said: “We call underground missile installations within rocks and mountains ‘missile cities.’ They are spread throughout the geography of Iran, instilling fear in the hearts of Iran’s enemies. If necessary, we can strike the enemy from any point within Iran.”

On Friday, Hezbollah launched a series of missile attacks on Israeli military sites in the Upper Galilee.

The party mourned one of its fighters who was killed by an Israeli air-to-surface missile on the border town of Aitaroun. He was identified as Ibrahim Shawqi Salameh from the town of Blida.

Israel again targeted the town of Kfar Kila and the outskirts of Rmeich, Ramia, Beit Lif, Al-Qouzah, Naqoura and Mays Al-Jabal.

Also on Friday, the leader of the Lebanese Forces party, Samir Geagea, said that Hezbollah’s actions on the southern border “are not in support of Gaza, but rather in support of Iran’s strategic interests in the region.”

Addressing a press conference, Geagea said: “Implementing Resolution 1701 would significantly improve our situation.”

He urged the government to “take a stance based on Lebanon’s national interest, rather than echoing Hezbollah’s actions.”

Former Lebanese president Michel Aoun had “put us in one hell,” and now the Axis of Resistance is “putting us in another hell and digging our hole even bigger,” Geagea added.

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Arab World

 

Reviving Ithmid KohlEye Cosmetic: The Intersection of Health, Beauty and Culture in Saudi Arabia

August 16, 2024

RIYADH: The resurgence of ithmid in the Saudi market among the youth has sparked interest and discussion in recent months.

Ithmid, also known as kohl, is a type of eye cosmetic that has been used in cultures the world over. It is made of ultra-fine and homogenized powder containing a mixture of minerals or elements.

Ithmid has a long history of use in the Arabian Peninsula and other parts of the Middle East. But for Muslims it holds special significance because it was used by the Prophet Muhammad for its benefits to eye health.

Many young people are embracing this ancient tradition as a way to connect with their heritage and express their cultural identity.

In addition to its cultural significance, the revival of ithmid can also be attributed to its perceived health benefits.

Owners of the Athmad19 Instagram store told Arab News: “Prophet Muhammad recommended its use for many reasons, mainly its many benefits for improving eye health and for cosmetics.”

The owners said that they were inspired to create their business because of the lack of authentic ithmid kohl.

“We strive to revive the Sunnah of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and remind people of the benefits of ithmid kohl,” they said.

Ophthalmologists and scientists have conducted studies on the efficacy and safety of ithmid for use around the eyes. These studies found that authentic ithmid can have benefits, such as reducing eye irritation and improving vision.

According to the World Health Organization, Andalib et al. carried out research to inform frequent users of ithmid about its toxic and beneficial effects.

The study’s results demonstrate the chemical makeup of ithmid and its safe use as a cosmetic and therapeutic product for maintaining the health of human eyes, with no adverse outcomes. 

One of the primary benefits of ithmid kohl is its antibacterial effect. Studies have shown that ithmid can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, making it an effective treatment for eye infections such as conjunctivitis.

Bushra Al-Saeed, 25, discovered the healing powers of ithmid kohl for her persistent pink eye, or conjunctivitis.

“My eye doctor prescribed me antibiotics for recurring pink eye, but to no avail,” she said.

Then her grandmother told her to try the traditional remedy of ithmid kohl. “To my surprise, my eye quickly began to heal and my lashes grew darker and thicker,” Al-Saeed said.

he solution not only cured her pink eye but also opened her eyes to the wonders of natural remedies.

A study by Hasson et al. showed the successful treatment of bacterial endophthalmitis using ithmid, claiming it as “an innovative approach that has shown promise and may potentially serve as a viable alternative in clinical practice.”

Ithmid is also known for its cooling and soothing effect on the eyes. Its natural ingredients help reduce inflammation and redness, providing relief to those suffering from eye discomfort. This makes it a popular choice for people who spend long hours in front of screens or under harsh lighting.

To reap the benefits, Athmad19 owners said that it is important to be able to identify authentic ithmid from fake products that claim to be pure ithmid.

“Fake ithmid causes itching and redness continues, and this is a sure factor that the kohl is fake and contains high levels of lead, iron or glass.”

They said that their ithmid is sourced from a guaranteed supplier, which they carefully study.

There are several methods used to ensure its authenticity, such as the magnet experiment.

“When the ithmid kohl sticks to the magnet, it is conclusive evidence that the kohl is not original and contains iron filings,” they said.

Some ithmid retailers incorrectly claim that if the product sticks to the magnet, it is evidence that the kohl contains beneficial minerals.

“This is just a promotional method and has nothing to do with the originality of the ithmid kohl at all because beneficial minerals are not attracted to the magnet.”

Another method of finding out if the ithmid is original is to check for its shine. The owners of Athmad19 said: “If the ithmid kohl powder is highly reflective, then that means that it is fake, because ithmid loses its shine after being ground into powder.”

They also said that people purchasing ithmid should buy it from a seller who can show the stone being ground into powder.

Overall, studies show that ithmid is a safe and natural alternative to modern eye treatments that may contain harsh chemicals. Its long-standing use in traditional medicine globally highlights its efficacy and safety, giving consumers peace of mind when using it for eye care.

Source: arabnews.com

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Grand Mosque imam visits Shariah sciences and modern studies center in Cambodia

August 16, 2024

PHNOM PENH: Dr. Bandar bin Abdulaziz Baleelah, imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, who is also a member of the Council of Senior Scholars, visited Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq Center, which specializes in Shariah sciences and modern studies, in Kampong Chhnang province, Cambodia.

Theodora visit is part of a tour of the country supervised by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance and organized in coordination with several official entities.

Baleelah toured the center’s facilities, comprising halls, classrooms and an Islamic library, and was briefed about the educational and cultural services provided by the center to the Cambodians.

Hassan bin Saleh, the center’s director, acknowledged the ongoing efforts exerted by the Kingdom’s leaders to serve Islam and Muslims all around the world.

Source: arabnews.com

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KSrelief launches Balsam campaign for neurosurgery in Yemen

August 16, 2024

RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center and Al-Balsam Association for Training and Health Development have launched a neurosurgery campaign at Prince Mohammed bin Salman Hospital in Aden.

Running from Aug. 17-23, the campaign aims to perform 25 free surgeries and examine and diagnose over 200 cases.

According to Al-Balsam Association a team of Yemeni doctors will collaborate with the association’s team in the operating rooms, as well as during the examination and preparation stages for surgeries at the hospital, which is supervised by the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen.

Prof. Ibrahim Al-Naami, consultant and professor of neurosurgery at King Khalid University and head of Al-Balsam Association’s medical team to Yemen, said: “The neurosurgery campaign, supervised by the KSrelief, will take place from Aug. 17-23 at Prince Mohammed bin Salman Hospital in Aden. The campaign will feature an integrated team of neurological and spinal surgeons, along with anesthesiologists, anesthesia technicians, and nurses.”

Al-Naami explained that preparations for the medical campaign in Yemen began several months ago, following its approval by KSrelief, which chose Al-Balsam Association to execute it.

He emphasized that the association is committed to ensuring the campaign’s success, adhering to the regulations and procedures set by KSrelief, which is renowned for its global leadership in humanitarian work in countries in need of such medical care.

Al-Naami highlighted that extensive efforts have been made in all aspects, including procuring necessary surgical equipment and preparing for the campaign to achieve its objectives and uphold its noble humanitarian mission under KSrelief supervision.

Al-Balsam Association also conducted a medical campaign in Yemen last May, focused on open-heart surgery and interventional catheterization at Prince Mohammed bin Salman Hospital.

During the campaign, 251 procedures were performed, including 25 open-heart surgeries and 166 interventional catheterizations for adults, and three open-heart surgeries, along with 57 interventional catheterizations, for children.

All procedures were successful and were carried out in collaboration with a team of local Yemeni doctors.

Source: arabnews.com

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Ministry of Justice starts process for students seeking training at judicial facilities

August 16, 2024

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Justice has begun the process of application submissions for university students seeking training opportunities at judicial facilities during the new academic year.

Universities reopen for the new academic year on Sunday after the summer vacation.

The ministry announced the submissions process on its official website.

Interested applicants can apply through the cooperative training service on the ministry’s official portal, where they can browse various training options and select the ones that suit them best.

The program offers students practical training and learning experiences at judicial facilities throughout the Kingdom.

Through this initiative, students will gain hands-on experience in operational and service processes, the ministry said.

Cooperative training is designed to equip students with the skills to navigate a professional work environment, collaborate effectively with colleagues, enhance their communication abilities, and explore practical interests, the ministry said.

Osama Ghanem Al-Obaidy, a law professor in Riyadh, told Arab News: “This is a good learning opportunity for university students seeking training opportunities at judicial facilities. This will help in enhancing skills and providing valuable training in operational and service processes, for the university students.”

Source: arabnews.com

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Ghana hospital inaugurates hospital rehab project backed by Saudi Fund for Development

August 17, 2024

RIYADH: Work on the Saudi-backed rehabilitation and expansion project of Ghana’s Bolgatanga Regional Hospital has begun.

Ghana President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo led the inauguration of the project on Friday, with Saudi and other officials of the west African republic in attendance, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

Representing the Kingdom were Saudi Ambassador Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Dakhil and Director General Mohammed bin Adhan Al-Shammari of the Saudi Fund for Development's Department of Africa Operations.

The project is funded by SFD in two phases with a total value of $32 million through two development loans, according to the report.

"The project includes the construction and equipping of various buildings, including specialized medical departments, emergency services, maternity and pediatric wards, and emergency units. This aims to help reduce the spread of diseases and epidemics and enhance the level of integrated healthcare," the report added.

SFD has supported 10 development projects and programs in Ghana through concessional development loans amounting to over $124 million, aimed at enhancing sectors such as education, health, transport, energy, and agriculture.

About SFD

Since it started operating in 1975 until the end of 2020, the SFD had provided 730 development loans to finance 692 development projects and programs for the benefit of 84 developing countries worldwide, according to the Fund's website.

SFD has also contributed to the signing of two financing agreements with the International Development Association (IDA), with a total amount of SR905.01 (over $240 million), to bring the total amount provided by the SFD to SR69 billion (over $18.3 billion).

Many countries in Africa have benefitted from the SDF's soft loans. During the Saudi-Arab-African Economic Conference in Riyadh last November, the Fund signed 14 new development loan agreements worth over $580 million with 12 African ministers.

The amount is to fund projects in healthcare, water, education, and transportation sectors in Angola, Burkina Faso, Benin, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Guinea, Malawi, Mozambique, Niger, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania.

One of SFD’s projects for the continent is the Saudi Program for Drilling of Wells and Rural Development in Africa, which aims to sustain livelihoods by providing sustainable access to water resources.

Among the most enduring projects of this particular program are water wells in Gambia's rural communities.

Safiya Saidi, a 50-year-old Mandinka woman from Gambia who has served as a caretaker of one of the SFD-funded water wells, said that her family and nearly 2,000 other residents of two villages had relied on the well for their water supply for more than three decades.

"Most people rely on this water well for years; it’s a source of water and food security for all of them,” she said.

Source: arabnews.com

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Saudi Arabia, Morocco sign MoU to enhance health cooperation

August 17, 2024

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and Morocco signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Friday to enhance cooperation on health, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Saudi Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel and Moroccan Minister of Health and Social Protection Khalid Ait Taleb inked the accord in Rabat.

The MoU aims to support and develop health services and exchange expertise, and it covers therapeutic and preventive medicine, digital health, and pandemic management, said the report.

A statement by Morocco’s health ministry also said the accord calls for cooperation on improving healthcare quality and patient safety, and in combating pandemics and epidemics, including early detection and control measures, as well as in scientific research in health and medicine, and facilitates information exchange in telemedicine.

The MoU will also “allow exploring opportunities for collaboration in blood services to ensure the availability of safe and sufficient blood supplies in both countries," said the statement, as reported by The Barlaman Today, a Moroccan publication.

Moreover, the MoU’s provisions will be implemented through an exchange of information and expertise, organizing expert visits, conferences, and seminars, as well as training in the health sector.

Minister Ait Taleb briefed the Saudi delegation on Morocco’s extensive healthcare reform initiatives, including efforts to expand social protection, achieve universal health coverage, and advance the pharmaceutical and vaccine industries, the statement added.

In remarks to the media following the meeting, Al-Jalajel said that his visit to Morocco “is part of the historical relations between the two brotherly countries within the framework of joint Arab action.”

Al-Jalajel’s meeting with his Moroccan counterpart was attended by Saudi Ambassador to Morocco Sami bin Abdullah Alsaleh and an official delegation from the ministry, including Assistant Deputy Health Minister Rakan Khalid bin Dohaish, in charge of international collaboration affairs.

The delegation visited several governmental and private institutions in Morocco, including the National Institute of Health and a vaccine manufacturing plant, during which opportunities for cooperation were explored and discussed.

Source: arabnews.com

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Saudi minister attends inauguration of Dominican Republic president

August 17, 2024

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed El-Khereiji attended the inauguration ceremony of President Luis Rodolfo Abinader, who was re-elected as leader of the Dominican Republic in May.

Representing King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, El-Khereiji took part in the ceremony on Friday in the capital Santo Domingo and conveyed the Saudi leaders’ best wishes to the president and the Dominican people.

A number of regional dignitaries, including the leaders of Panama, Paraguay and Uruguay, were also in attendance.

Abinader, a former businessman, secured a second four-year term in May, gaining 58% of the vote on a pro-business platform and a campaign against corruption. In an address to guests at the National Theater, the 57-year-old promised a path of economic growth and a set of social reforms for the North American country.

El-Khereiji also attended a reception where he met the president and other Dominican officials.

Saudi Arabia and the Dominican Republic established diplomatic ties back in 2012 and last year the island state supported the Kingdom’s winning bid to host Expo 2030 in the capital Riyadh.

Source: arabnews.com

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How biodiesel could cut greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality in Saudi Arabia

August 16, 2024

RIYADH: Although Saudi Arabia’s economy has long relied on oil and gas, the Kingdom is setting its sights on a greener future, aiming to diversify its energy resources and adopt sustainable practices for future generations.

One promising solution to help Saudi Arabia achieve its green agenda is the adoption of biodiesel — an alternative fuel that could significantly improve air quality and help combat climate change.

“Biodiesel has proven to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 86 percent compared to petroleum diesel, making it a key player in achieving global climate goals,” the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory said in its recent “Biofuels and Climate Change” report.

Biodiesel is a renewable, biodegradable and clean-burning fuel derived from vegetable oils such as soybean and algae, animal fats, or recycled cooking oils. It has gained traction in Europe and the US as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based diesel, offering a viable path to cutting carbon emissions.

According to the European Biodiesel Board, the EU is the world leader in producing and using biodiesel, with nearly 200 plants producing about 13 million tonnes annually.

This shift is driven by biodiesel’s ability to release lower levels of harmful chemicals, including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, and unburned hydrocarbons when combusted, making it a more environmentally friendly option.

“The adoption of biodiesel not only reduces harmful emissions but also enhances energy security by decreasing reliance on imported fossil fuels,” David Woollard, director of the EBB, said in the board’s 2023 annual report.

In Saudi Arabia, the real estate development company Red Sea Global has taken a pioneering step by adopting low-carbon biofuels for its delivery vehicles. The biofuel used by RSG emits just 0.17 kilograms of carbon dioxide per liter, compared with 2.7 kg per liter from traditional diesel.

This significant reduction in emissions not only benefits the environment but also has a positive effect on public health, because diesel exhaust is linked to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and many types of cancer.

By adopting biodiesel, Saudi Arabia could set a new standard for green development, playing a crucial role in balancing air pollution and mitigating climate change in the region.

The UN Sustainable Development Goals report on Saudi Arabia’s air pollution interventions highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to stricter air emission standards, improved vehicle inspections, and stronger enforcement of environmental codes.

However, Saudi Arabia’s reliance on energy-intensive industries, such as desalination and petrochemicals, presents challenges to its green development goals.

Trucks and heavy vehicles are significant contributors to diesel emissions, making the widespread adoption of biodiesel critical to reducing air pollution and achieving the Vision 2030 sustainable development targets.

“Biodiesel use in transport can significantly lower particulate matter emissions, improving air quality and public health in urban areas,” according to the International Council on Clean Transportation’s report on “Alternative Fuels for Sustainable Transport.”

Globally, many countries are transitioning from conventional diesel to biodiesel blends to address the growing climate crisis.

In the US, for instance, B20 — a blend of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent traditional diesel — has become a popular choice due to its balance of cost, reduced emissions and compatibility with existing engines.

According to the US Department of Energy, B20 can reduce particulate matter emissions and greenhouse gases, as the carbon dioxide released during combustion is offset by the carbon dioxide absorbed by the plants used to produce biodiesel

For Saudi Arabia, incorporating biodiesel into its energy mix could be a significant step toward meeting its commitments under the Paris Agreement on climate change. The Kingdom aspires to reach net-zero emissions by 2060 and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by generating 50 percent of its electricity from renewable sources.

Incorporating biodiesel into the transportation sector, or even fully replacing traditional diesel, would bring Saudi Arabia closer to these goals and demonstrate its commitment to protecting the environment.

As the Kingdom continues to diversify its energy mix and modernize its industries, the adoption of biodiesel is likely to be a key component of its strategic planning for a sustainable future.

Source: arabnews.com

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Minister hails Saudi Arabia’s higher education milestone

August 16, 2024

RIYADH: A total of 12 Saudi universities have secured positions among the world’s top 1,000 institutions in the prestigious 2024 Shanghai Ranking, marking a significant milestone for the Kingdom’s higher education sector.

Saudi Education Minister Yousef Al-Benyan congratulated the Saudi leadership on the achievement, praising its steadfast support for education, particularly at university level.

Al-Benyan said that this progress aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Human Capability Development Program’s strategic objectives, and added: “This is to ensure the development of the education and research system and to position Saudi universities among the best globally.”

The minister said that the University Affairs Council was working with the higher education system and relevant bodies, with support from the leadership, to guarantee that universities achieved the highest levels of excellence and leadership in research and educational fields.

The Kingdom’s King Saud University led the pack and was in 90th place globally, surpassing the target set by the Human Capability Development Program in Saudi Vision 2030.

Source: arabnews.com

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Saudi aid agency concludes cochlear implant project in Turkiye

August 17, 2024

REHANLI: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief has concluded a volunteer medical project for ear, nose and throat operations and cochlear implants in Reyhanli, Turkiye.

The project involved 21 volunteer medical professionals. The agency’s medical team performed 41 surgical procedures during the campaign, all of which were successful.

The project is an extension of the volunteer medical initiatives provided by the Kingdom through its humanitarian arm, KSrelief, to assist populations and countries in need around the world.

Source: arabnews.com

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South Asia

 

BoltonFormer US National Security Adviser: Foreign Terrorists Back InAfghanistan, US Aid To Taliban Must Stop

August 16, 2024

John Bolton, the former US national security adviser, recently claimed that foreign terrorists have returned to Afghanistan. He argued that the United States should stop providing assistance, warning of the potential threats this situation poses.

In an interview with Newsmax TV, Bolton criticized the agreement made by the Donald Trump administration with the Taliban in February 2020. He stated that this agreement excluded a legitimate government in Afghanistan and was doomed from the start, as it was evident that the Taliban would not honor its commitments.

Bolton further criticized the decision to withdraw from Afghanistan, labeling it as “catastrophic.” He pointed out that while the decision itself was flawed, the Biden administration also failed in its implementation.

Bolton expressed concern that foreign terrorist fighters have returned to Afghanistan and have started launching attacks not just in the Middle East but also in Europe. He even claimed that these fighters attempted an attack on three Taylor Swift concerts recently.

Serving as a former US ambassador to the United Nations, Bolton suggested that the United States should prioritize isolating the Taliban regime. He emphasized that the US should not be providing any assistance, whether directly or indirectly, to the current regime in Kabul.

Bolton mentioned that despite official claims, reports are suggesting that US funds are still reaching agencies that assist the Taliban-led government. He highlighted that the US contributes 22% of the UN’s assessed budget, which might inadvertently be aiding the Taliban.

According to Bolton, the Taliban is now harboring terrorist groups like Daesh and al-Qaeda, which could pose significant threats to both Afghanistan and the wider world. He warned that Afghanistan could once again become a refuge for terrorists under the current regime.

John Bolton’s remarks underscore a deep concern about the current situation in Afghanistan, particularly regarding the resurgence of terrorism and the unintended consequences of international aid. His criticisms reflect broader anxieties about the effectiveness of US foreign policy in the region and the potential risks posed by the Taliban’s governance.

Source: www.khaama.com

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Kamala Harris appoints Afghan-American lawyer to strengthen ties with Muslim and Arab communities

August 17, 2024

Kamala Harris’s campaign has appointed Afghan-American lawyer Nasreen Barakzai as an advisor on Muslim and Arab-American community affairs.

Barakzai previously served as an advisor to the U.S. Vice President on various political issues, including Muslim and Arab communities, the Gaza conflict, reproductive rights, voting, and democracy.

According to NBC News, Nasreen Barakzai worked as a political advisor in Kamala Harris’s office from 2021 until July of this year.

Harris’s campaign officials have confirmed that Barakzai will have similar responsibilities in Kamala Harris’s campaign, focusing on engaging with Muslim and Arab-American communities.

Many Muslim Americans, especially Arabs, are dissatisfied with the Democratic Party and Kamala Harris due to the Biden administration’s policies on Gaza and strong support for Israel.

These communities believe that Kamala Harris will continue Biden’s policies regarding Gaza and Israel, which has led to discontent among them.

Barakzai’s primary task in Harris’s campaign will be to engage and consult with Muslim and Arab-American communities to garner their support for Harris’s campaign.

In a statement from Harris’s campaign, Barakzai expressed her pride in continuing her work with the Vice President, advising on key issues in this election, including democracy, reproductive rights, and matters concerning Muslims and Arabs.

Nasreen Barakzai was born in 1979 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, during the Soviet invasion. She fled to Pakistan with her family to escape the bombings when she was about two years old.

After three years in Pakistan, Barakzai resettled in the United States in 1985. She graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law in 2005.

Before joining the U.S. Vice President’s office in 2021, Barakzai worked as a legal expert and national security attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

Barakzai led projects on civilian casualties in Afghanistan and Iraq and opposed indefinite detention without legal process at Guantanamo Bay, which she called “illegal” in 2008.

Nasreen Barakzai’s diverse legal background and experience advocating for civil rights, particularly in sensitive areas like Palestine-Israel relations and national security, position her as a significant figure in Kamala Harris’s campaign. Her role highlights the importance of engaging with Muslim and Arab-American communities in the upcoming election.

Source: www.khaama.com

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Hamid Khorasani: I stood against my entire ethnic group for the Taliban

August 16, 2024

The former Taliban district governor of Ahmadabad in Paktia province, Abdul Hamid Khorasani, says that when everyone in Panjshir was against the Taliban, he stood against his own “ethnic group” and supported the Taliban.

Abdul Hamid Khorasani stated that now the leadership of the Taliban is in the hands of “one ethnic”, and others are treated like “servants.”

Abdul Hamid Khorasani recently responded to comments made by Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid. Mujahid had described Khurasani as a “wanderer” and claimed that he had no role in the Taliban administration.

In response, Khorasani said: “At a time when the people of Panjshir were strongly opposed to the Taliban, and it was impossible for them to fire even a single bullet, I supported the Taliban and stood against my own people. Now that you have gained power and control, you label me a wanderer while claiming ownership of the house?”

Khorasani also mentioned that before the Taliban entered Kabul, officials, including Zabihullah Mujahid, asked him to take military actions in Panjshir. However, now that they have seized power, they refer to him as a wanderer.

Previously, Zabihullah Mujahid, in an interview with Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, stated that Khurasani holds no position within the Taliban administration, and his statements do not reflect the group’s views.

Khorasani, despite once holding Taliban security roles, has been criticized for causing tensions, with his actions drawing ire from both Afghanistan and neighboring countries like Iran.

Abdul Hamid Khorasani, originally from the Panjshir Valley, was a key figure during the Taliban’s efforts to consolidate control over the region. Despite his initial support for the Taliban, Khurasani has become increasingly vocal about his dissatisfaction with the current leadership, particularly their monopolization of power by a single group/ethnic, which he believes undermines the unity and inclusivity of the movement.

Source: www.khaama.com

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Iran imposes deadline for Afghan refugees to leave certain regions

August 16, 2024

Iran’s Economic News Agency has reported that banners have been put up in various areas of Fars Province, giving Afghan residents a two-month deadline to leave these regions.

Previously, an Afghan migrant from Isfahan also reported a similar deadline being posted in the Koh-e Rah Haq region.

The Iranian news agency mentioned that images of a banner warning homeowners in the city of Tasuj and the villages of Dashtak and Vali Asr have been circulating on social media.

These banners instruct Afghan migrants to vacate their rented homes within two months and return them to their owners. The banners also warn that legal action will be taken against those who do not comply.

It remains unclear who is responsible for putting up these banners. Images shared on social media and Iranian news outlets show that in Vali Asr village, the deadline for Afghan migrants to leave is set for October 22, while in Dashtak village, they have until September 21 to vacate.

This situation highlights ongoing human rights violations, as Afghan refugees in Iran and Pakistan face increasing pressure, forced deportation, and a lack of protection. Despite the dire humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, both countries continue to forcibly deport Afghan refugees, raising serious concerns about their safety and well-being.

The forced deportations amid such a crisis violate international human rights obligations, including the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to a country where they may face serious harm.

The actions of Iran and Pakistan not only exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan but also place thousands of vulnerable people at risk as they are forced to return to a country struggling with conflict, poverty, and instability.

The international community must urgently address these violations to protect the rights and lives of Afghan refugees.

Source: www.khaama.com

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US to Taliban: Afghanistan’s airspace control is your problem, not ours

August 16, 2024

The United States Department of Defense stated on Thursday that the Taliban government’s inability to control Afghanistan’s airspace is an issue for them to address, not the responsibility of the United States.

Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh highlighted in a press briefing that the “over-the-horizon” program is an effective way for the U.S. to monitor and manage activities in Afghanistan.

The Taliban officials have repeatedly accused the U.S. of violating Afghanistan’s airspace by flying drones without permission.

Reports have emerged of American drones patrolling the skies over Kandahar, Kapisa, Kabul, Badakhshan, Panjshir, Nimroz, Herat, and several other provinces in Afghanistan.

The Taliban have accused Pakistan of allowing American aircraft to enter Afghan airspace.

Singh responded to these accusations by saying, “That seems like a problem for them, not for us.” She reiterated that the U.S. over-the-horizon capabilities are indeed effective.

After withdrawing from Afghanistan, the U.S. government stated that it would monitor terrorist activities in Afghanistan through aerial surveillance. As part of this plan, the U.S. military has enhanced its capability to monitor, control, and, if necessary, strike terrorist targets in the region.

Recently, John Bolton, the former US national security adviser, claimed that foreign terrorists have returned to Afghanistan and the US must stop aiding the group.

Despite criticism from experts who believe that terrorist groups like al-Qaeda are re-establishing themselves in Afghanistan, the Pentagon’s deputy spokesperson reiterated on Thursday that the U.S. over-the-horizon program has been successful in combating terrorism in Afghanistan.

Source: www.khaama.com

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CPJ: Remaining Media Outlets in Afghanistan driven to the brink

August 16, 2024

On the third anniversary of the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on the group to halt the “unprecedented destruction of Afghanistan’s media and the brutal repression of journalists.”

The CPJ expressed concern that the Taliban has driven the few remaining media outlets in the country to the brink of collapse.

In a statement released on August 14, the CPJ reported that over the past year, the Taliban has detained 16 Afghan and foreign journalists, shut down four radio and television stations, banned one media outlet, and suspended the licenses of 14 others.

They also noted that at least one detained journalist had been severely beaten.

The CPJ’s Asia Program Coordinator stated, “The gross injustices committed by the Taliban are symbolic of their regime. The brutal crackdown has pushed the few remaining media outlets in Afghanistan to the edge.” She urged global countries to facilitate the resettlement of journalists.

The CPJ also highlighted that the Taliban’s restrictions on women working in media had created a “hostile” environment, forcing many Afghan journalists to flee to neighboring countries.

Earlier, Reporters Without Borders and the Afghanistan Journalists Center also voiced concerns over the state of journalism and media under Taliban rule.

These international bodies have underscored the dire situation facing journalists in Afghanistan, emphasizing the need for international support and intervention to safeguard press freedom and the rights of media workers in the country.

Source: www.khaama.com

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Bamyan celebrates Victory Day with running competitions

August 17, 2024

The Physical Education and Sports Department of Bamyan Province organized a series of running competitions, bringing together 350 athletes. The event was held in honor of the country’s third-anniversary victory, showcasing the commitment of Bamyan’s sports sector to promoting fitness and unity. The races were conducted under the supervision of professional coaches and sports officials, ensuring a fair and well-organized competition. Participants exhibited outstanding athleticism and sportsmanship, making the event memorable for athletes and spectators alike. The winners were awarded medals and certificates, recognizing their hard work and dedication to the sport. In addition to promoting physical fitness, the event also aimed to foster a sense of national pride and unity among the people of Bamyan. The timing of the competitions, coinciding with the third anniversary of the country’s independence, highlighted the importance of sports in bringing people together and celebrating national milestones. The running competitions in Bamyan were a resounding success, reflecting the province’s growing interest in sports and physical activities. The event not only encouraged healthy lifestyles but also strengthened community bonds, leaving a lasting impact on the participants and the local population. The Kabul Times

Source: thekabultimes.com

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