| Islamic World News | |
| 20 Sep 2009, NewAgeIslam.Com | |
| Muslims say goodbye to Ramadan, welcome to Eid al-Fitr | |
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| Obama extends Eid greetings to Muslims Hillary reiterates US desire to seek relationship with Muslims based on mutual interest, respect Miliband offers Eid greeting as UK Muslims celebrate festivity India: Another Khan shows he can How real is Pak action on Hafiz? War against terrorism to get boost if India joins Friends of Democratic Pakistan: Zardari Pakistan raids US embassy's security firm, seizes arms Iran Prez's words on Holocaust unacceptable' Global military strikes take toll on Qaida Nigerians-as-cannibals gets film banned 10 terrorists killed, 27 apprehended, 22 surrendered in operation Rah-e-Raast Don't eat near Ramadan fasters, Home Office staff told Thousands of West Bank Palestinians denied entry into Al-Aqsa Mosque Hamas calls all resistance factions to reply to violations of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque Engaging books give insights into Islamic history US wanted safe exit for Musharraf: US envoy Pakistan extends Taliban leader Sufi Mohammed's detention Bangladeshi poor 'beyond the razor's edge': UN Three arrested for false statements in terror probe Nanavati not to summon Modi by Rathin Das Modi needs to be cross-examined to arrive at truth, says Manch Compiled by Aman Quadri URL of this page: http://newageislam.net/NewAgeIslamArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=1775 -------
Muslims say goodbye to Ramadan, welcome to Eid al-Fitr 20 September 2009 Today more than 1.5 million of the world's Muslims bid farewell to the holy month of Ramadan, deemed the most blessed and beneficial of all months, and enthusiastically welcome Eid al-Fitr. Eid al-Fitr is a three-day holiday that marks the end of the month of fasting.
Eid is an Arabic term meaning "festivity" or "celebration," while fitr means "to break the fast" and can also mean "nature" from the word "fitra." Eid falls on the first day of Shawwal, the month which follows Ramadan in the Islamic calendar. It is a time to give in charity to those in need and celebrate with family and friends the completion of a month of blessings and joy. On the first day of Eid, Muslims wake up very early and pray the Morning Prayer. Afterwards, they eat a small meal, a symbolic act that reminds them that Ramadan is over. They then gather in mosques to perform the Eid prayer -- congregational prayers held for the occasion of Eid. The prayer is made up of two cycles and is followed by a sermon.
Worshippers greet and hug one another in a spirit of peace and love after the congregational prayer in celebration of one another's Eid. They later disperse to visit their families and friends, give gifts to one another and make phone calls to distant relatives to convey good wishes for the holiday. Eid lasts for three days and is generally an official holiday in Muslim countries. Muslims around the world share in the great blessing of the tranquil and spiritual Eid morning. It is a joyous occasion of important religious significance, celebrating the increase in piety with which God blesses the world during the month of Ramadan. It is a day of forgiveness and moral victory as well as of brotherhood and unity. Muslims celebrate not only the end of fasting, but also thank God for the help and strength that he bestowed upon them throughout the month of fasting, during which they endured their fast with not only a physical but also a spiritual asceticism -- that is, they have controlled their stomachs, their tongues and their hearts, so they have successfully passed the test of servant hood. It is a time of giving and sharing. Common greetings during this holiday are the Arabic greeting "Eid mubarak," (May your Eid be blessed). Turks and Muslims living in areas where the Ottoman presence heavily influenced local customs say "Bayramin mübarek olsun" during Eid, also meaning "May your Eid be blessed." Muslims put on their best clothes, called "bayramlik" in Turkey, often purchased just for the occasion. They visit loved ones and pay their respects to the deceased in cemeteries. Young ones kiss the right hand of the elderly and press it to their forehead as a gesture of respect. Children go around their neighbourhood to wish everyone a happy Eid and collect candy and chocolate. Guests are offered traditional sweets such as baklava and lokum (Turkish delight). Young visitors are generally offered a small amount of money. Television and radio stations broadcast a variety of special Eid programs, which include movie specials, musical programs and celebratory addresses from celebrities and politicians. Eid is more than a religious festivity for Turks, who also associate it with sweets and candy. A centuries-old tradition of offering sweets to guests during Eid al-Fitr has led to this festivity being called Seker Bayrami, with "seker" meaning sugar or sweet in Arabic and Turkish.
Candy store owners and patisseries await Eid with great expectations as the festivity brings with it an increase in sales and, therefore, rising profits. They begin preparing months before the occasion and try to attract customers with colorful and delicious delicacies. The exact day on which Eid falls depends on the sighting of the new moon -- the hilal, which is only visible just after sunset. Muslims look for the hilal to determine the beginning and end of Islamic months.
Many Muslim countries around the world have hilal-sighting committees that declare the beginning and end of the months. Hilal sighting was recommended by the Prophet Muhammad. The following are some sayings (hadith) of the Prophet on the subject of sighting the new moon: "Do not fast until you see the new moon and do not break the fast until you see it." "Whenever you see the new moon [of Ramadan], observe the fast. And when you see the new moon of Shawwal, break it. If [due to clouds] the actual position of the moon is concealed from you, you should then observe the fast for 30 days." Source: http://www.sundayszaman.com/sunday/detaylar.do?load=detay&link=187631 -------
Obama extends Eid greetings to Muslims
* Hillary reiterates US desire to seek relationship with Muslims based on mutual interest, respect
WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama has sent Eidul Fitr greetings to Muslims around the world on the eve of the festival that marks the completion of Ramzan.
"As Muslims in the United States and around the world complete the month of Ramzan and celebrate Eidul Fitr, Michelle and I would like to extend our personal greetings on this joyous occasion," he said.
"Throughout the month, Muslim communities collect and distribute zakatul fitr so that all Muslims are able to participate in this day of celebration. As I said in Cairo, my administration is working to ensure that Muslims are able to fulfil their charitable obligations not just during Ramzan, but throughout the year. On behalf of the American people, we congratulate Muslims in the United States and around the world on this blessed day. Eid Mubarak," he added.
Mutual respect: In a separate message, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also greeted Muslims on Eid, reiterating the US' desire to seek a new beginning with Muslims around the world, one based on mutual interest and mutual respect.
"In 1996, my husband and I were privileged to host the first ever White House Eid celebration, which has now become a tradition. And this year, I hosted an Iftar at the State Department, with Muslims and non-Muslims attending. We hope that reinforces every year that all faiths have a home here in the United States," she added. app
Miliband offers Eid greeting as UK Muslims celebrates festivity LONDON, Sept 20 (APP) The UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband Sunday greeted the British Muslim community on the festive occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr as multitude of faithful thronged mosques across the country to celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan. He said this was an important part of the Muslim calendar and a time to reflect and think about local and global responsibilities. Miliband said: 'I am very proud to be the Foreign Secretary of a country where over two million Muslims make a massive contribution to politics, to the arts, to business and also to diplomacy itself through the Foreign Office." He spoke about various challenges and said these are real. "There is a real yearning in Britain and elsewhere for a new coalition between states like ours and between Muslim majority countries, but above all between people across boundaries of race, religion and region." Meanwhile, the UK's largest Muslim organisation-The Muslim Council of Britain-has also greeted the community saying that times are Eid are unique in Britain as it has a vast and vibrant range of Muslim cultures and backgrounds living here. Full Report at: http://www.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=86313&Itemid=2 ---- Another Khan shows he can 20 September 2009 Patience pays, even in the hurlyburly world of Bollywood. For years, Feroz Abbas Khan was approached by big budget producers to make huge films with big stars. Khan would mull over the proposals, begin writing the screenplay, give it up half-way and go back to his first love: theatre. Then, in 2007, he got a chance to make a film on a subject close to his heart. Gandhi, My Father based on his play Mahatma v/s Gandhi happened and the rest, as they say, is history. "I was comfortable making a film on Gandhi as I knew this area. I also had the conviction of telling the story about an aspect of his life that had not been dealt before," says Khan. No wonder he won two National Film Awards (best screenplay and special jury prize) last week for the film that tells the story of Gandhi's personal conflict with his eldest son, Harilal.
Khan recalls the days when he wrote the script for the movie. It was a formidable task as it would be the second big movie on the leader after Richard Attenborough's Gandhi, which incidentally, won eight Oscars in 1982. But he was convinced a movie on Gandhi's personal life would work. "We had the political Gandhi in Attenbourough's movie. We had a bit of fun with him in Munnabhai. There was a bit of him in Shyam Benegal's The Making I was very clear that I was going to tell the truth without hurting anyone. We have to be careful about the legacy of people like Gandhi and Nehru. So, when we look at their personal life, we have to be sure we don't denigrate their big ideas. Today, the Gandhi idea is much bigger and more important than Gandhi the father. Yes. In one scene, Harlial, who cheated someone, comes to Gandhi and the father says: 'How long can we go on protecting the crimes of our children? What kind of society do we want to create?' I think that is Gandhi's real legacy. It may be symbolic, but a message is going out that you have to be continuously engaged with the people. Soon. Hollywood is now putting pressure in terms of copyright and audience expectations are changing. This will lead to original scripts. of Mahatma. But what was missing was his personal life — what kind of a father and family man he was, how did he behave during the freedom struggle, how did he cope with his personal struggle because of his eldest son Harilal," says Khan.
Though the director moved from theatre to films easily, at heart, he remains a theatre person. He believes the audience should be "emotionally involved and intellectually engaged" in the story, something that's easier in theatre than films. Khan was artistic director at Mumbai's Prithvi Theatre when he and film star Anil Kapoor decided to collaborate for a movie based on Mahatma v/s Gandhi.
The play's first show in Mumbai in 1997 was sensational. When he took it to New York a few years later, the New York Times called it the "finest English play to emerge from India in a long time." After the grand success of his earlier play Tumhari Amrita, which featured Shabana Azmi and Farooq Sheikh and which did hundreds of shows across the world since 1992, it was Gandhi that put him in the league of theatre directors being wooed by Bollywood.
But, Khan took his time. "I wanted to make the film relevant in contemporary times. I wanted the audience to connect with Gandhi," he says. If commercial success, critical acclaim and now, national awards are an indication, it seems the director's patience has finally paid off. ---- How real is Pak action on Hafiz? September 20th, 2009 The booking of Hafiz Saeed, Pakistan's ideologue of India-specific terrorism and founder of Jamaat-ud-Dawah and Lashkar-e-Tayyaba, under that country's anti-terrorism legislation should not lull us into believing that Islamabad is shifting gears on getting tough on those who launch terrorist assaults against India. If that were unequivocally shown to be the case, the India-Pakistan dynamics would look up dramatically. But we are far from being there, going by the totality of circumstances. First things first. The filing of charges on two counts against Hafiz Saeed is in no way related to the assault on Mumbai last November. Thus, in a basic sense, the action has little to do with India, although creating hatred against this country and instigating terrorist attacks against it are the raison d'être of the outfits that Hafiz Saeed heads. The official move against the ideological fountainhead of Pakistan's anti-India terrorism cabal has come in the wake of his calls for "jihad" against unbelievers and seeking of financial donations in the cause of that "holy war". Some rightly see in the move the playing out of diplomatic tactics days before the Indian external affairs minister and the foreign secretary are to meet their Pakistani counterparts on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in New York. Given the soup in which Islamabad finds itself in dealing with its international interlocutors, it is in its interest to at least create the illusion that it is being reasonable in dealing with India. It is to that end that registering cases against Hafiz Saeed is intended, though the charges are in no way related to giving India satisfaction in the Mumbai matter. If the Pakistan authorities pursue these cases with sincerity and are able to put away Hafiz Saeed, the LeT is likely to be demoralised, at least for a time. That would be cause for raising half a cheer in this country. So, it will be interesting to see how these cases move, given the constant inter-cutting of the spheres of law, politics and the shady realm of the intelligence network, which has a pride of politics in Pakistan. During his recent working visit to the US, the Union home minister, Mr P. Chidambaram, appears to have made a convincing case against the activities of Hafiz Saeed — named by the UN as an international terrorist — that are prejudicial to India's interest. In New Delhi on Friday, the US ambassador spoke out in favour of "swift and lengthy punishment" for the six LeT suspects in the Mumbai case. Earlier he had said that going after Hafiz Saeed and dismantling the terror infrastructure that he commands were important for New Delhi and Washington. This is self-evident, of course, but it is useful to reiterate it. If Pakistan continues to disregard India's concerns on terrorism, it is hard to see how America's Af-Pak policy can be meaningfully prosecuted. For this reason, the US must continue to persuade Pakistan to change tracks. But it has been seen all too often in the past that Washington says the right things as far as Pakistan goes, but doesn't follow this up with the right actions. http://www.deccanchronicle.com/dc-comment/how-real-pak-action-hafiz-845 ----- War against terrorism to get boost if India joins FoDP ISLAMABAD, Sep 20 (APP): It could prove to be a meaningful step in the ongoing fight against terrorism and a breakthrough in bilateral relations, if India accepts Pakistan's proposal to join the forum of Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FoDP). President Asif Ali Zardari made India the offer to join FoDP during his address at the International Institute of Strategic Studies in London last Friday. This initiative of the President has caught the eye of political leaders and opinion makers in Pakistan. Awami National Party, the main ally of the ruling PPP in the centre and the NWFP province, is fully supportive of the move. Senior Vice President of ANP Senator Haji Adeel in a statement welcomed the initiative saying the offer would contribute to progress of Pakistan, which is worst hit by international war against terrorism. Pakistan is part of a global war against terrorism and was not only defending itself, but also protecting the world including India from the fires of militancy, he noted. The countries and international bodies included in the Friends of Pakistan group are the United States, United Kingdom, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Australia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, European Union, European Commission and United Nations. The Friends of Democratic Pakistan provides a forum to friendly countries to build strategic partnership with Pakistan to foster peace and stability in the region, promote economic stability and address energy needs. Full Report at: http://www.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=86317&Itemid=2 ----- Pakistan raids US embassy's security firm, seizes arms AP 20 September 2009, 02:27am IST ISLAMABAD: Pakistani police raided a local security firm that helps protect the US embassy on Saturday, seizing dozens of allegedly unlicensed weapons at a time when unusually intense media scrutiny of America's use of private contractors has deepened anti-US sentiment here. Two employees of the Inter-Risk company were arrested during the raids in Islamabad, police official Rana Akram told a news conference. Reporters were shown the disputed weapons — 61 assault rifles and nine pistols. Akram said police were seeking the firm's owner. US embassy spokesman Rick Snelsire said the US contract with Inter-Risk took effect at the start of 2009. It is believed to be the first contract the firm has signed with the US, said Snelsire, who did not have a figure for its amount. "Our understanding is they obtained licenses with whatever they brought into the country to meet the contractual needs," he said. Akram said he had no idea about any US links to Inter-Risk, but the company was recently mentioned in local media reports that have been trying to establish the types of private security firms American diplomats use in Pakistan. In particular, Pakistani reporters, anti-US bloggers and others have suggested the US is using the American firm formerly known as Blackwater — a claim that chills many Pakistanis because of the company's alleged involvement in killings of Iraqi civilians. ---- 'Iran Prez's words on Holocaust unacceptable' AFP | Moscow Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's statement that the Holocaust was 'a myth' is 'totally unacceptable', the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Saturday. Such statements, wherever they come from, contradict the truth and are unacceptable," Ministry spokesman Andrei Nesterenko said. "Attempts to rewrite history, especially as the 70th anniversary of the start of World War-II is being marked this year, are an offence to the memory of all victims and all those who fought Fascism," he added. Nesterenko said Ahmadinejad's comment "does not contribute to creating an international atmosphere that would foster a fruitful dialogue on issues concerning Iran." Iran and six powers — Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States — are to meet again on October 1 on Iran's nuclear programme amid fears that Tehran is planning to build an atomic bomb.
Ahmadinejad made the statement as he addressed the annual Quds Day rally in Tehran yesterday, reiterating earlier comments that had sparked outrage around the world. The US, Britain, France and Germany all issued statements slamming his latest outburst dismissing the killing of some six million Jews of occupied Europe by the Nazis during World War II. ---- Global military strikes take toll on Qaida AP 20 September 2009 LONDON: Recent targeted attacks that killed militants in Somalia, Indonesia and Pakistan have chipped away at al-Qaida's power base, sapping the terror network of key leaders and experienced operatives who train recruits and wage attacks. Intelligence officials said that the military strikes have reduced al-Qaida's core leadership to only a handful of men and diminished its ability to train fighters. This, they said, has forced al-Qaida to turn to its global affiliates for survival. The killings of Saleh Ali Saleh Nabhan in Somalia, Noordin Muhammed Top in Indonesia and Baitullah Mehsud in Pakistan — all in recent weeks — have been the latest blow. A US counterterrorism official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak on the subject, said the deaths deal "a major near-term blow to their respective militant groups". Since the start of the year, American forces have stepped up strikes against militants in terrorist hubs, including Pakistan and Somalia. U.S. National Intelligence Director Dennis Blair said this week that such strikes have been possible because of a greater understanding of al-Qaida. ---- Nigerians-as-cannibals gets film banned AP 20 September 2009 ABUJA: One of the summer's biggest blockbusters — a sci-fi morality tale about aliens and apartheid — is not welcome in Nigeria because of its portrayal of Nigerians as gangsters and cannibals, Nigeria's information minister said on Saturday. Information minister Dora Akunyili has asked movie houses in the capital of Abuja to stop screening 'District 9' because the South Africa-based sci-fi movie about aliens and discrimination makes Nigerians look bad. "We have directed that they should stop public screening of the film," she said. "We are not happy about it because it portrays Nigeria in bad light." Akunyili said she has asked Sony for an apology and wants them to edit out references to Nigeria and to the name of the main Nigerian gangster Obesandjo, whose name closely resembles that of former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo. She and other government officials first saw the movie on Wednesday during a private screening. Full Report at: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/world/rest-of-world/Nigerians-as-cannibals-gets-film-banned/articleshow/5032362.cms ---- 10 terrorists killed, 27 apprehended, 22 surrendered in operation Rah-e-Raast 20 Sept, 2009 ISLAMABAD, Sept 20 (APP): Ten more terrorists including a local commander were killed, 27 suspect terrorists apprehended and 22 others surrendered before the security forces as part of operation Rah-e-Raast in Swat and Malakand Division. Meanwhile, a miscreant commander Sher Muhammad alias Qasab (Butcher) who was nabbed in injured condition has succumbed to injures on Sunday. The details issued by ISPR here revealed that the security forces conducted search operation at Bara Banda and killed 2 terrorists including terrorist commander Chamtu Khan. 21 suspects were also apprehended including first cousin of a terrorist's commander Muslim Khan. Full Report at: http://www.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=86314&Itemid=2 ----- Don't eat near Ramadan fasters, Home Office staff told By Jason Lewis 19th September 2009 Home Office staff were officially warned not to eat in front of their fasting Muslim colleagues during Ramadan – in case it made them feel hungry. The advice came in a taxpayer-funded internal document listing do's and don'ts during the Muslim holy month, which ends this weekend. But the guide is now at the centre of a row with Islamic groups who said it was more likely to incite hatred of Muslims than promote understanding. The Home Office Islamic Network produced the five-page information sheet which says: 'In practical terms, please be sensitive when eating lunch near a Muslim colleague who is fasting. This can make an individual feel hungrier and make it more challenging to observe the fast.' During the holy month devout Muslims do not drink or eat from dawn until sunset and, according to the document, must avoid 'all obscene and irreligious sights and sounds'. It also urged Home Office managers to be flexible over working arrangements. It says: 'The most likely need Muslim staff may present to managers during this period is for flexibility around working hours and break times as those fasting will have a slightly different routine from usual. Managers and Muslim staff should discuss what their needs are and be responsive and sensitive.' Managers were also told: 'Muslim staff who are fasting and whose environment allows it may wish to set out for work earlier than usual and finish their working day correspondingly early...in line with flexi-time arrangements.' Full Report at: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1214691/Dont-eat-near-Ramadan-fasters-Home-Office-staff-told.html ----- Thousands of West Bank Palestinians denied entry into Al-Aqsa Mosque OCCUPIED JERUSALEM The Israeli occupation government denied entry to thousands of West Bank Palestinian Muslims into occupied Jerusalem to attend the Eid prayers at the Aqsa Mosque. Palestinians present at the Qalandia checkpoint which disconnects the West Bank from Jerusalem confirmed that IOF troops manning the checkpoint stopped thousands of worshipers from entering occupied Jerusalem because they "did not have the necessary permits," the usual cited excuse. The Israeli occupation soldiers denied West Bankers entry into occupied Jerusalem to attend prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque throughout Ramadan allowing only elderly people and those who have a pass from the occupation government. The Israeli occupation government acts breach the Palestinians' right to freedom of worship. Full Report at: http://www.aljazeerah.info ------ Hamas calls all resistance factions to reply to violations of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque GAZA Hamas called on all Palestinian factions to retaliate to the violations by the Israeli occupation forces and illegal Israeli settlers against the holy city of Jerusalem and the third holiest shrine of Islam, Al-Aqsa Mosque. MP Yusuf al-Sharafi said during a huge rally on the International Quds Day in the northern Gaza Strip said that Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque are the subject of a conspiracy, never experienced before in the Palestinian issue, adding that the features of the conspiracy are becoming clearer as the occupation tries to cleanse the holy city from its indigenous population and the continued digging underneath Al-Aqsa Mosque. Sharafi added that Zionists would have not dared go this far if they did not have collaborators in Palestine who are guarding them and chasing resistance fighters and torturing them to death. He said, resistance fighters should not surrender to those traitors and react to the crimes against Jerusalem and the Aqsa in "the way the Zionist enemy understands." He greeted the residents of Jerusalem for their steadfastness in the face of the Zionist onslaught and their protection of Al-Aqsa Mosque. Full Report at: http://www.aljazeerah.info ----- Engaging books give insights into Islamic history Lesley Hazleton's warning is ominous: "History is often made by the heedless." And as the British-born, Seattle-based author demonstrates in her new book, leaders of any constituency, in any era, who fail to pay attention to the context of a conflict will meet with devastating results. Hazleton is a veteran Middle East journalist. "After the Prophet" is her latest effort to explain the intertwined religion, politics and history of a vast region that too many Americans conceive of still as featureless desert. But Hazleton's gripping narrative of the rise of Islam and the split between Shia and Sunni branches paints a picture that is more epic, nuanced and tragic. The prophet of the title is Muhammad, the founder of Islam and the man whose success in uniting Arabia began to fray even as he lay dying, with a succession crisis that pitted Ali, his relative and trusted confidant, against his favorite surviving wife, Aisha. The disagreement has been passed down through generations – rife with conflicting notions of loyalty, piety and ambition, and defined by stunning examples of forbearance, treachery and martyrdom. Hazleton unspools this tangled tale with assurance and admirable clarity. A few of the players clearly are self-interested scoundrels, but many of the key figures had legitimate differences of opinion, and Hazleton details the competing viewpoints with empathy. Also woven into this lively parade are explanations of Islamic customs and practices that sometimes have been regarded with perplexity or apprehension by the rest of the world. Hazleton's point in writing this book is to demonstrate how powerfully the Shia-Sunni split animates the struggle for the hearts and minds in Islam even today. Full Report at: http://www.thenewstribune.com/ae/books/story/886218.html ----- US wanted safe exit for Musharraf: US envoy PTI 20 September 2009 ISLAMABAD: The United States has revealed, for the first time, that it wanted a "safe exit" for former Pakistan military ruler Pervez Musharraf after he was forced to step down from the post of head of state last year. Anne W Patterson, the US Ambassador to Pakistan, said that Washington wanted a "safe exit" and a dignified retirement for the former president, the Daily Times newspaper reported, quoting a private TV news channel. The US envoy underlined that Washington had wanted a peaceful transition to democracy.The possibility of Musharraf being tried for treason has arisen after the Supreme Court recently declared the emergency imposed by him in 2007 as unconstitutional and illegal. However, the US envoy said the demands for Musharraf's trial for treason under Article 6 of Pakistan's constitution were the country's internal matter. "Now he [Musharraf] has become a thing of the past and we have no position on him," she was quoted as saying in the report by the Pakistani daily. Last week, a row had erupted among political parties here after media reports quoted President Asif Ali Zardari as saying that former military ruler was given a "safe exit" after his resignation last year because of a negotiated settlement guaranteed by "international and local" stakeholders. ---- Pakistan extends Taliban leader Sufi Mohammed's detention 2009-09-20 Peshawar: The Pakistani government has extended the detention of Taliban leader Sufi Mohammed by 30 days, the Online news agency reported. The decision against the chief of the banned Tehrik-e-Nafaz-e-Shariat-e-Mohammedi, was taken Saturday by the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) government. Sufi Mohammed, who is currently lodged in the Peshawar Central Jail, was arrested along with his three sons by the security forces in Peshawar. Sahibzada Mohammed Anis, district coordination officer of Peshawar said his detention was extended till Oct 20, the Online reported citing a private TV channel. ---- Bangladeshi poor 'beyond the razor's edge': UN 19 Sep, 2009 DHAKA: Millions of impoverished Bangladeshis are barely sustaining a hand-to-mouth existence that would be wrenched from their grasp by any fresh 'economic shock,' according to the UN food aid agency. World Food Programme (WFP) country head John Aylieff said two million children aged under five in Bangladesh are suffering from acute malnutrition, which by World Health Organization standards represents a 'nutritional emergency.' The population is beyond the razor's edge, so that any other economic shock is going to have an immediate and direct impact on malnutrition,' Aylieff told AFP. Bangladesh was cushioned from the worst ravages of the global financial meltdown, but experts warn remittances and exports could be badly hit towards the end of this year. In addition, the WFP is facing a global funding crisis, raising only 3.7 billion of the 6.7 billion dollars needed for its food assistance programmes worldwide in 2009. In Bangladesh, it had planned programmes to help 6.9 million 'completely destitute' people this year, but Aylieff said four million fell through the funding net. 'These are the bottom of the poverty scale. These are the ones micro-credit institutions wouldn't dream of looking at,' Aylieff said. Food prices in Bangladesh almost doubled in 2008 after the country's grain production was devastated by major flooding and a catastrophic cyclone the previous year, pushing an extra 7.5 million people below the poverty line, according to the WFP. Aylieff said most of those people were still suffering even though prices had eased. Despite economic growth of six percent a year in the past five years the benefits have not trickled down to the poorest. 'What is unpredictable is what will happen in the garment industry. One family member works in Dhaka and supports a whole family,' he said. Clothing exports hit a record high of 12.35 billion dollars in the financial year to June 30. But July showed a seven percent dip year-on-year. 'Another economic shock, even if it was smaller in size from the high food price crisis, would result in a direct and immediate impact on malnutrition, which is already above the emergency threshold,' Aylieff added. The Bangladeshi government estimates the number of overseas jobs for its workers has plunged 30 percent from January to August as major job markets in the Middle East, Malaysia and Singapore were battered by the global downturn. Monthly remittance figures to Bangladesh -- about 10 percent of its annual gross domestic product -- have been hitting record figures in recent months but the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the Asian Development Bank have all forecast a slowdown. Bangladesh, which has a population of 144 million, is one of the world's poorest countries, with 65 million people -- or 45 percent -- living below the poverty line, according to the WFP. Aylieff said unless more funding came forward, programme cuts would affect people who could already barely feed themselves. 'If you're already spending 85 percent of your income on food and the price goes up there is nowhere else to go, you can only cut your consumption of food,' he said. 'That's what all of the ultra poor did during the high food price crisis last year and that's why we see such a huge spike in malnutrition.' ----- 3 arrested for false statements in terror probe Sep 20, 2009 DENVER — The FBI arrested a 24-year-old Colorado man on charges of making false statements to federal agents in an ongoing terror investigation, and supporting documents contend the man admitted receiving weapons and explosives training from al-Qaida in Pakistan. Najibullah Zazi of the Denver suburb of Aurora was arrested late Saturday after undergoing three days of questioning by the FBI. Zazi, a legal permanent resident from Afghanistan, was due to appear in federal court on Monday. Also arrested were Zazi's father, Mohammed Wali Zazi, 53, in Denver; and an associate, Ahmad Wais Afzali, 37, of Queens, N.Y., the Justice Department said Sunday. Both also were charged with making false statements to federal agents, a charge that carries a penalty of eight years in prison. Court appearances for both also were set for Monday. Zazi has repeatedly denied to reporters any connection to al-Qaida or to a purported terrorist plot. A senior U.S. intelligence official in Washington told The Associated Press Friday that Zazi has indicated that he is directly linked with al-Qaida. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in order to discuss intelligence matters, said Zazi played a crucial role in an intended terrorist attack but that it was not immediately clear what the targets were. The FBI is investigating several individuals in the United States, Pakistan and elsewhere in an alleged plot to detonate explosive devices in the United States, the Justice Department said in a statement. "The arrests carried out tonight are part of an ongoing and fast-paced investigation," said David Kris, assistant attorney general for national security. "It is important to note that we have no specific information regarding the timing, location or target of any planned attack." A joint FBI-New York Police Department task force feared Zazi may have been involved in a potential plot involving hydrogen peroxide-based explosives like those cited in an intelligence warning issued Monday, according to two other law enforcement officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about the investigation. Zazi denies any ties to al-Qaida or terrorism. Full Report at: http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/09/20/3292009-3-arrested-for-false-statements-in-terror-probe ----- Nanavati not to summon Modi Rathin Das | Ahmedabad The Nanavati Commission probing the 2002 post-Godhra riots has rejected the demand to summon Chief Minister Narendra Modi for testifying before it. The two-judge commission comprising Justice (Retired) GT Nanavati and Justice (Retired) Akshay Mehta, however, issued notices to some staff members in the CMO to file affidavits regarding their telephonic conversations with certain Ministers and leaders during the riots that broke out in the state following the Godhra train inferno killing 58 passengers. The demand for summoning Modi to testify about his role in the riots was made by the Jan Sangharsh Manch which represents the 2002 victims and survivors. The Commission had earlier on July 15 reserved its ruling on the contentious issue of summoning Modi and others on the basis of cell phone call records during the rioting days in 2002. The order passed by the two-judge commission said that CMO staff members Om Prakash Singh, Tanmay Mehta and Sanjay Bhavsar should file affidavits revealing the nature of telephonic talks they had with then Minister of State for Home Gordhan Zadaphia, Health Minister Ashok Bhatt and VHP leader Jaydeep Patel during the days of riot here in 2002. Full Report at: http://www.dailypioneer.com/203785/Nanavati-not-to-summon-Modi.html ----- Modi needs to be cross-examined to arrive at truth, says Manch Manas Dasgupta Nanavati-Akshay Mehta commission's arguments to reject plea do not hold water: Mukul Sinha Manch's arguments fall short of proving any direct or indirect involvement of Modi: commission Petitioner's reliance on ex-DGP Shreekumar's statement not justified AHMEDABAD: Mukul Sinha, counsel for the Jan Sangharsh Manch, on Saturday said the arguments of the G.T. Nanavati-Akshay Mehta judicial commission, probing the Godhra train carnage and subsequent Gujarat communal riots in 2002, of lack of evidence for summoning Chief Minister Narendra Modi and others did not hold water. For, the stage had not yet reached for submitting evidence, but at least cross-examining them was necessary to "arrive at the truth." Counsel said the application for summoning them was made only after the State government in July 2004 expanded the terms of reference of the commission to include the offices of Chief Minister, his Council of Ministers and senior bureaucrats and police officers to inquire into their "roles" in the riots. If the collective opinion of the State government was that the role and conduct of these persons, including the Chief Minister, required to be looked into by a judicial inquiry commission, "there is no justification for the commission to refuse to do so," Dr. Sinha said. On the Manch's allegation that prima facie Mr. Modi was in the "knowledge" of the riots, the commission said none of the arguments justified his summoning "at this stage." These fell short of proving any direct or indirect involvement of the Chief Minister or dereliction of duty on his part or that of the State police and administration, of which he was the head. The commission, however, has not rejected the authenticity of two compact discs (CDs) containing the list of mobile phone numbers. Though the government pleader, questioning their genuineness and authenticity, wanted the data contained in the CDs "ignored completely," the commission did "not accept the suggestion in toto." Though it did not "justify issuing summons to the persons," the data, "if found not manipulated, is likely to help this commission in finding out the truth about involvement of these persons in the incidents of violence against the minority community." Full Report at: http://www.hindu.com/2009/09/20/stories/2009092059250800.htm ---- URL of this page: http://newageislam.net/NewAgeIslamArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=1775
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