17 Sep 2010, NewAgeIslam.Com
Darul Uloom Deoband appeals people to respect Ayodhya verdict
Forced veiling debate divides Bangladeshi women
13 killed, 19 injured in tribal clash in Kurram
10 killed, 3 hurt in Turkey minibus blast
Many faiths, but one humanity
India first, mandir, masjid later: Religious leaders
Babri verdict: Government appeals for calm
Kalyan's 'show of strength' at Ayodhya is a flop show
Haj subsidy un-Islamic? Govt overlooks view from within
Hindus, Muslims agree to have temple next to mazar in India
Pakistan is a major transit country for opiates and hashis: Obama
Low support for radicalism among European Muslims
Senior Pakistani politician killed in UK
First female captain for UAE's Etihad Airways takes flight
Ashtiani denies being whipped
VHP plans ‘dharma sansad' on Ayodhya verdict day
Forget 'Ground Zero Mosque', It's the Great Sharia Conspiracy
Priests keep reporter in illegal' detention
Kashmir is a tough place and Omar is a youngster, give him time and support: Rahul
French parliament bans facial veil with great majority, 246 to 1
NATO troops shoot armed protester in S. Afghanistan
‘Shaheed Benazir group’ in PPP in the offing
7 militants killed in J&K
More women needed in law, says UAE’s first female judge
1.7L pilgrims to go on Haj this year
U.N. praises Pakistan
Islamic Society encourages Muslims to lay low this month
From 0% to 20% illiteracy — an Iraqi feat
Arab states snub US over Israel resolution at IAEA meet
Ahmadinejad: Muslims 'are not against Americans, Jews, Christians'
India, Pak, Afghanistan and 17 others on US drug 'Major List'
Obama commemorates 9/11 with appeal for tolerance
‘Mushrraf accepted 7 US demands in 24 hours after 9/11’
Karzai says Pakistan to play role in talks with Taliban
US school kicks girl out over nose ring
Lawyers stone man to death in Gujrat
Army set to foil Hurriyat plot
Discotheque to change its name after Muslim protests
Afghan stability vital for Pakistan: Gilani
Chechen independence leader to surrender to Polish prosecutors
Taliban vow to attack Afghan elections on polling day
India may strike terror training camps post Mumbai-II: US counter-terrorism expert
Security forces kill 2 Taliban in Swat
ANP activist gunned down
‘Mideast peace talks rich in symbolism’
15 die in Somalia as parliament demands government vote
Terror-funding case dropped; Yassin Al-Qadi stands vindicated
National Award for Indian School-Dammam principal
General who threatened Saad Hariri summoned
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
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Darul Uloom Deoband appeals people to respect Ayodhya verdict
17 Sep, 2010
MUZAFFARNAGAR: Leading Islamic seminary Darul Uloom Deoband has appealed to people to respect the verdict of the Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court on the Ayodhya title suit.
"We have full confidence in the judicial system of the country. We appeal to people to respect the verdict of the Court and maintain peace and communal harmony in the country," Seminary's deputy vice-chancellor Maulana Abdul Khalique Madrasi said.
Supporting the view of Deoband, Uttar Pradesh Imams' Organisation President Mufti Zulfikar Ali said, "We should respect the verdict and if any party is not satisfied with the judgement it could appeal to the Supreme Court."
The Allahabad High Court will pronounce its judgement on Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit on September 24.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Darul-Uloom-Deoband-appeals-people-to-respect-Ayodhya-verdict/articleshow/6566720.cms#ixzz0zlFO3rsq
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Forced veiling debate divides Bangladeshi women
By Cat Barton
17 Sep, 2010
A woman’s right not to wear the veil has become a hot topic in Bangladesh, with three high court rulings in less than six months banning forced veiling in the Muslim-majority country
When a Bangladeshi government official told Sultana Arjuman Banu she was an “uncultured prostitute” for not wearing a burqa, the outraged headmistress took him to court. In a landmark verdict, Bangladesh’s High Court ruled that attempts to coerce or impose a dress code on women clearly amount to a form of sexual harassment.
A woman’s right not to wear the veil has become a hot topic in Bangladesh, with three high court rulings in less than six months banning forced veiling in the Muslim-majority country. The veil is neither compulsory nor customary in Bangladesh but public opinion is divided on the politically-charged issue, and even as the courts affirm a women’s right to go bare-headed, more women are opting to cover up.
“My hijab is my freedom,” said 19-year-old television presenter Fahmida Islam, who reads the news on the privately-owned Diganta Channel and wears a full-length veil. “Bangladesh should embrace its Islamic heritage more,” she said. Bangladeshi women traditionally wear saris or salwar kameez, and the veil is a relatively new arrival — which some credit to the influence of the Bangladeshi Diaspora, particularly the millions of migrant workers in the Gulf.
Burqa-clad women are an increasingly common sight both in the capital Dhaka and in rural areas, though Fahmida said many people have the wrong concept of the veil, some girls wear burqas but take them off to go to parties. The veil has become a new front in the battle — fought in the courts, in parliament and the education system — to keep the Bangladeshi state officially secular, despite the country’s predominantly conservative population.
In March, the high court banned police from hassling women who do not wear the full-face veil after police in northern Rangpur district arrested nine teenage couples in a public park and ordered the girls to wear burqas. “A girl can only be arrested if there is a criminal case against her, not because of what she is wearing,” the country’s deputy attorney general, Rajik Al Jalil, said at the time.
In April, the court banned forced veiling of female workers after an official insulted Sultana Arjuman Banu, trying to force her and fifty other female teachers at the school in Kurigram district to wear headscarves. “How an educated man could utter the word prostitute to a headmistress of a government primary school is not comprehensible,” the court said in its ruling, before ordering the official to make an unqualified apology.
Last month, the high court issued a ruling banning the imposition of any religious clothing on students, following reports that a principal at a state-run college in northern Bangladesh has forced students to wear veils. “No girl should be repressed, harassed or punished for not wearing burqa or religious attire,” education secretary Syed Ataur Rahman said in a Ministry of Education order issued to support the court verdict.
“Forcing a girl to wear veil or any religious wear or barring her from sports and cultural activities will be considered an offence,” he said. Bangladesh was created as a secular democracy in 1971 after a bloody battle for independence. A series of constitutional amendments in the 1970s and 1980s made Islam the state religion and legalised religion-based political parties.
The Awami League government, which came to power in December 2008 elections, is committed to protecting the secular status of the state — moving to ban religious political parties and launching an overhaul of the education system. But Bangladesh is also a deeply patriarchal society, experts say, where the idea that a woman should dress modestly to prevent sexual harassment is accepted across the social spectrum.
“It is a justification often used in ordinary conversations as well as policy rhetoric — ‘oh, well, women really ask for it, they should be modestly dressed,’” said barrister Sara Hossain. “Ultimately, this can get pushed to an extreme where women feel safest if they are covered up,” said Hossain, a petitioner on headmistress Sultana Arjuman Banu’s case.
The recent court rulings are a step towards turning this situation around, by “creating safer, securer spaces and putting the burden on others to make sure that they don’t assault women,” Hossain said. “The rulings will give space and strength to women who do not want to observe these kind of [Islamic] dress codes or who want to be freer in the way that they want to conduct themselves,” she said.
But many women, like Samia Islam — who started wearing the veil a few years ago, after her husband completed the Hajj pilgrimage — argue the veil is the best way for women to stay safe. “When I started wearing the veil properly, it changed my experience of my own country,” Samia said, adding irritating, insulting rough talk, she used to hear from men had transformed into polite compliments about her veil.
“Most women wear the veil because of their family — this was all me, willingly I’ve embraced the veil as a Muslim woman. I think all women should do this. It protects them from all types of unwanted attention,” she said.
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\09\17\story_17-9-2010_pg20_9
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13 killed, 19 injured in tribal clash in Kurram
17 Sep, 2010
LAHORE: At least 13 people were killed and 19 injured in a clash between two rival tribes in the Upper Kurram Agency, a private TV channel reported on Thursday. According to sources, the clashes between the two tribes, namely Mengal and Turi from Shalozan Tangi and Khewas had continued for the last 12 days, pushing the death toll to 51, with 62 injured. Around seven houses had also been set on fire. The tribesmen were using rockets, mortars shells and other heavy weapons against each other. The clashes erupted due to a water dispute two weeks ago, the channel reported.
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\09\17\story_17-9-2010_pg7_7
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10 killed, 3 hurt in Turkey minibus blast
Sep 17, 2010
DIYARBAKIR (TURKEY): A roadside bomb killed ten people and wounded three when it exploded under their minibus in a region of southeast Turkey where Kurdish militants are active, security officials said.
The blast occurred near the village of Gecitli in Hakkari province, near the borders with Iraq and Iran. The security officials said the explosion was caused by a remote-controlled explosive device, though a mayor said it was a landmine.
A 15-month-old baby was among the injured, Turkish media said. Roadside bombs have become a favoured mode of attack for separatist Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants. They usually target security forces, and there was no immediate claim of responsibility for the latest attack.
The PKK declared a ceasefire last month, which is not due to expire until September 20. Before the ceasefire there had been a surge in violence between the army and the rebels since June. Several thousand PKK guerrillas are based in mountains of northern Iraq.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/10-killed-3-hurt-in-Turkey-minibus-blast/articleshow/6568587.cms#ixzz0zlMtGntI
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Many faiths, but one humanity
Moh Yasir Alimi, Semarang
17 Sep, 2010
While there are many faiths there is only one humanity. Stabbing a human being is like stabbing all human beings. The Koran says killing one human being is equal to killing all human beings.
That is why the stabbing of a Christian fellow in Bekasi was akin to the stabbing of me or you, Muslims or non-Muslim, and every human being on earth.
I can feel the pain of when the blade cut the tissue, the blood that wets their clothes, and the pain in their hearts.
It is not only the Hasian Lumbantoruan that bled, it is humanity that bleeds. It is not only the HKBP priest that hurts, it is humanity that hurts. Hasian has been hospitalized and is getting better, but humanity still hurts and bleeds. She still lies on the ground, calling out for a help.
The attack has left a deep wound on humanity.
Full report at:
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2010/09/16/many-faiths-one-humanity.html
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India first, mandir, masjid later: Religious leaders
17 September 2010
Lucknow: True to Indian culture, several prominent hindu seers and muslim clerics joined hands on Thursday pledging to maintain peace and brotherhood in wake of court's judgment over Ayodhya issue. The religious gururs in one voice proclaimed 'India First' during a press meet organised by muslim group Momin Conference in Lucknow Thursday.
"The first priority is our country, if it remains there can be many more mandir and masjid," said the gurus including Naib Imam Aishbagh Eidgah, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahli, Imam-e-Juma and shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawwad, Prdhan Pujari, Ram Janam Bhoomi, Acharya Satyendra Das Ji Maharaj, Mahnat of Shri Ram Janki Ghat Bada Sthan, Ayodhya Janmayjay Sharan Ji and Swami Ganeshacharya Ji Maharaj of Nasik beside state president of Momin Conference, Haji Mohd Raees Ansari.
Full report at:
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Babri verdict: Government appeals for calm
17 Sep, 2010
NEW DELHI: Wary of extreme reactions to the Allahabad High Court judgement on Ayodhya dispute expected on September 24, the government on Thursday appealed for peace, saying the judicial recourse will not end till all sections are satisfied and further legal remedies would be available.
The issue was discussed at the Union Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, and it passed a resolution, appealing for peace after the delivery of the judgement.
"It goes without saying that the judgement needs to be treated with the utmost respect," said the resolution passed by the Cabinet and read out by Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni to the media.
"At the same time, we must remember the fact that the judgement, at this state, is one step in the judicial process. The determination of the issues need not necessarily end with this judgement unless it is accepted by all parties," it said.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Babri-verdict-Government-appeals-for-calm/articleshow/6566618.cms#ixzz0zlEbMO00
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Kalyan's 'show of strength' at Ayodhya is a flop show
Shobhan Saxena
17 Sep, 2010
AYODHYA: In a desperate bid to stay relevant in state and national politics, former UP CM Kalyan Singh arrived on Thursday amid tension and heavy security at the disputed site, but his planned show of strength turned out to be a total flop show.
Kalyan, who was sacked as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister in December 1992 when the Babri Masjid was demolished by a mob of Hindu fanatics, tried his best to anoint himself as the new leader of the Hindus by trying to rake up old, emotional issues. He criticised Muslims for their "rapid population increase" and demanded that Parliament "enact a law to construct the Ram temple".
As he hopped from one temple to another, his small band of supporters tried to energise the local shopkeepers and bystanders with "Jai Sri Ram" and "Mandir yahin banayenge" slogans, but they got no response. "Because of so much security today, our business is down and pilgrims are staying away from temples, said Akhilesh Yadav, a sweetshop owner. "He has already done enough damage to Ayodhya in 1992. Why is he trying to create trouble now?"
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Kalyans-show-of-strength-at-Ayodhya-is-a-flop-show/articleshow/6569256.cms#ixzz0zlEtIJkS
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Haj subsidy un-Islamic? Govt overlooks view from within
Sep 17, 2010
NEW DELHI: An unusual opinion tendered by the ministry of minority affairs opposing Haj subsidy on the grounds that it was not consistent with Islam has been overruled with the government clearing this year's programme at Thursday's Cabinet meeting.
While there is no likelihood of the Haj support programme being discontinued, the ministry of minority affairs' view has certainly caught the attention of the government. Stating its opposition to the subsidy in religious terms is perhaps quite unprecedented even though the issue has otherwise been debated.
The injunction that a person should undertake a Haj pilgrimage only when he or she is financially capable of doing so is well known, but it is being argued that a grant or support might be seen as a legitimate addition to a person's income. This would not put the pilgrimage scheme at cross purposes with what is seen to be an Islamic viewpoint.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Haj-subsidy-un-Islamic-Govt-overlooks-view-from-within/articleshow/6568043.cms#ixzz0zlEjJDCT
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Hindus, Muslims agree to have temple next to mazar in U.P.
17 Sep, 2010
Lucknow: People of Duswakalan village in Maharajganj district of Uttar Pradesh have set an example by amicably agreeing to the construction of a temple next to a mazar, after idols of Lord Shiva and Nandi were recovered during renovation of the mazar.
Idols recovered
The idols were recovered while digging a mazar of Malang Baba here, following which members of the Hindu and Muslim communities held a panchayat, Additional Director General (Law and Order) Brij Lal said on Thursday.
Taking note of the sentiments of both the sections, the panchayat unanimously decided that of the total land of mazar, a temple would be constructed on one half and a mazar on the rest of the area, he said.
http://www.hindu.com/2010/09/17/stories/2010091764732200.htm
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Pakistan is a major transit country for opiates and hashis: Obama
Sep 17, 2010
WASHINGTON: Pakistan is a major transit country for opiates and hashish for markets around the world, especially for narcotics originating in Afghanistan, US President Barack Obama has said.
Identifying it among the 20 countries of the world as others as major drug transit or major illicit drug-producing countries of the world, Obama in a memorandum to the secretary of state said, "Pakistan also is a major transit country for precursor chemicals illegally smuggled to Afghanistan where they are used to process heroin."
"Pakistan is still challenged by extremist groups who have power over parts of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, particularly where most of Pakistan's poppy is grown," the president said.
These extremist groups are also found to be settled in areas of Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa Province such as its capital, Peshawar and the Swat Valley.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Pakistan-is-a-major-transit-country-for-opiates-and-hashis-Obama-/articleshow/6569758.cms#ixzz0zlMpJYkK
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Low support for radicalism among European Muslims
17 Sep, 2010
Support for radical Islamist groups is low among European Muslims and some leading groups with overseas roots are now cooperating with local governments and encouraging Muslims to vote, according to a new report.
European groups linked to wider Islamist movements such as the Muslim Brotherhood and Jamaat-i-Islami now focus more on conditions for Muslims in Europe than their original ideologies from Egypt and Pakistan, according to the report by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life.
The report also cited tensions between “jihadists” and peaceful Islamists in Europe, saying some groups linked to the Muslim Brotherhood were working with police to counter militants.
Full report at:
http://blogs.reuters.com/faithworld/2010/09/16/low-support-for-radicalism-among-european-muslims/
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Senior Pakistani politician killed in UK
Sep 17, 2010
LONDON: Imran Farooq, a leading member of Muttahida Quami Movement -- Pakistan's third largest political party, has been stabbed to death outside his London home last evening, the police said.
The Metropolitan Police said they were called to reports of a serious assault in Green lane at Edgware in north London.
"When officers arrived, they found an Asian male, aged 50, suffering from multiple stab wounds and head injuries. He was treated by paramedics at the scene but was pronounced dead at 18.37 hours (local time)," a Met Police spokesman said.
"The next of kin have been informed." He said, so far, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Senior-Pakistani-politician-killed-in-UK/articleshow/6569336.cms#ixzz0zlEV4ccw
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First female captain for UAE's Etihad Airways takes flight
17 Sep, 2010
ABU DHABI: Sophie Blanchard shares the name of a French aviation pioneer and has now become one herself -- as the first female captain, or pilot in command, for Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways.
"I am very happy. It still is a pretty macho environment, but my colleagues here encouraged me a lot, and the flight attendants are very proud," said the 33-year-old mother of two, a French citizen.
Blanchard joined Etihad as its first female pilot three years ago and last week took off from Abu Dhabi to London on her first flight as captain, sitting in the left-hand seat of an Airbus A330-200.
Her 18th century namesake was the first professional female balloon pilot, who even attracted the attention of French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/First-female-captain-for-UAEs-Etihad-Airways-takes-flight-/articleshow/6563757.cms#ixzz0zlNRQwiF
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Ashtiani denies being whipped
17 Sep, 2010
TEHRAN: An Iranian woman facing death by stoning after being convicted for adultery appeared on state TV to say she has not been whipped or tortured.
Sakineh Mohammad Ashtiani, whose stoning sentence was suspended in July, was allegedly given 99 lashes on Sept. 2 after a British newspaper ran a picture of an unveiled woman mistakenly identified as Ashtiani, her lawyer said at the time.
“I have not been tortured, at all. All these words are my own words. Nobody has forced me to appear before camera and whatever I say is my own words,” said a blurry image of a woman identified as Ashtiani in brief video footage broadcast Wednesday.
She said reports that she had been lashed for the photograph were “false and rumors.” The case has caused an international uproar with several countries condemning the sentence and treatment of the woman.
This is the second time Ashtiani has appeared on television to counter some of the outrage over the case.
http://arabnews.com/middleeast/article140244.ece
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VHP plans ‘dharma sansad' on Ayodhya verdict day
Neena Vyas
17 Sep, 2010
NEW DELHI: With the clock ticking away for judgment day on the Ayodhya issue, top guns of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and its affiliates, the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad have been confabulating in the last two days, assessing the situation and the public mood. The verdict in the case will be delivered by the Allahabad High Court in Lucknow on September 24.
On September 24 and 25, the VHP plans to organise a ‘baithak' (meeting) of ‘sants' associated with its `dharma sansad' (religious parliament). The RSS brass will be at hand for consultations. The decision by the Sangh Parivar is to allow the ‘sants' to lead from the front and give a call for building a grand Ram temple at Ayodhya, irrespective of the verdict, and with the help of legislation, if necessary.
The BJP is expected to take a back seat, having “admitted” to the RSS and the VHP leaders that it was a “mistake” for it to have politicised the Ram temple issue for political gain through L.K. Advani's ‘rath-yatra' and the earlier Palampur resolution.
Full report at:
http://www.hindu.com/2010/09/17/stories/2010091757321400.htm
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Forget 'Ground Zero Mosque', It's the Great Sharia Conspiracy
By Daniel Luban
17 Sep, 2010
WASHINGTON, Sep 16, 2010 (IPS) - A new report denouncing the threat to the U.S. from sharia, or Islamic law, marks the latest development in a summer filled with intensifying attacks on Islam in the United States.
Several Republican members of Congress endorsed the new Center for Security Policy (CSP) report, "Shariah: The Threat to America", at a press conference in the U.S. Capitol Wednesday afternoon.
The report proposes the alarming conclusion that many apparently-lawful U.S. Muslims are waging a "stealth jihad" to impose sharia on the U.S. through peaceful means, and that virtually all major Muslim-American organisations are affiliates of the Muslim Brotherhood, the Sunni fundamentalist organisation.
Full report at:
http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=52863
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Priests keep reporter in illegal' detention
17 Sep, 2010
CHENNAI: Priests and officials at the house of Father Chinnappa, archbishop of Madras Mylapore, on Wednesday kept the reporter and cameraman of Times Now news channel under illegal detention for more than two hours inside the archbishop's compound. They had gone there to talk to an advocate commission which had come to record the bishop's statement in a court case. Times Now reporter Vikram Gopinath and cameraman Ramesh said they were locked up inside the premises without any reason.
When mediapersons who gathered outside the compound demanded their release, some priests, along with a few policemen, allegedly hurled abuses and tried to manhandle the journalists. About 100 mediapersons blocked the Santhome High Road and demanded action against the policemen and the priests. A large posse of police rushed to the spot and senior officials including additional commissioner of police, law and order, Shakeel Akhter, and joint commissioner P Sakthivelu held talks with mediapersons and the archbishop.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Priests-keep-reporter-in-illegal-detention/articleshow/6562254.cms#ixzz0zmVdPYRx
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Kashmir is a tough place and Omar is a youngster, give him time and support: Rahul
17 Sep, 2010
KOLKATA: Amid reports of a meeting between PDP patron Mufti Mohammed Sayeed and Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh on Tuesday night that raised speculation over a new political alignment in Jammu & Kashmir, Rahul Gandhi said CM Omar Abdullah "needs time and support".
Addressing a press conference here, he also ruled out his intervention in affairs of Jammu and Kashmir and refused to comment on demands for withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from the state.
"The government has supported Omar Abdullah. National Conference is the party in power. He is a youngster. Kashmir is a difficult place. Omar is doing a tough job and he should be given time and support," Gandhi told a press conference when asked whether Omar had failed.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/6564196.cms#ixzz0zlEmJsvq
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French parliament bans facial veil with great majority, 246 to 1
17 Sep, 2010
French senators passed a bill Tuesday that bans wearing a burqa and other facial veils with a majority of 246 votes to one. If confirmed by the Constitutional Council, expected within a month, the ban would come into effect by March 2011.
Perhaps the most interesting fact about the bill is the heavy fine that will be imposed on men, be they husbands of male family members who force a woman to wear the burqa or any other form of veil that cover all of the face but the eyes.
While a veil-wearing woman herself will have the choice between a fine of 150 Euro ($195) or attending a class giving lessons in French citizenship, a man who demands from a woman to wear a veil will not only have to pay 30,000 Euro ($39,300) but do jail time as well.
Full report at:
http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/297637#ixzz0zlbQTtYw
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NATO troops shoot armed protester in S. Afghanistan
17 Sep, 2010
KABUL: NATO-led forces shot an armed protester on Thursday when he tried to enter a foreign military base in southern Afghanistan on Thursday, the alliance said.
The man was among some 100 Afghan civilians demonstrating outside Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mirwais in Chora district of southern Uruzgan province, over an alleged Koran burning incident at the base, a spokesman for the NATO-led force said.
The incident is the latest in a string of protests in Afghanistan that have turned violent in the last week and comes only two days before a parliamentary election. The Taliban have threatened to disrupt the poll.
The top U.N. envoy in Afghanistan, Staffan de Mistura, has warned that militants could attempt to exploit anti-Western sentiments in the run-up to the poll.
Around 100 Afghan civilians started throwing rocks at foreign forces guarding FOB Mirwais on Thursday, the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said in a statement.
Full report at:
http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/world/nato-troops-shoot-armed-protester-in-s-afghanistan-jd-04
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‘Shaheed Benazir group’ in PPP in the offing
By Amir Wasim
17 Sep, 2010
ISLAMABAD: Serious efforts are reported to be afoot to launch a new faction of the ruling Pakistan People’s Party comprising party leaders and activists who profess loyalty to former prime minister Benazir Bhutto but have been “sidelined” by the present leadership.
Arbab Khizer Hayat Khan, a PPP leader from Peshawar, is meeting PPP dissidents all over the country and persuading them to join the “PPP-Shaheed Benazir Group” which he plans to launch in Islamabad in a couple of weeks.
Sources told Dawn that Mr Hayat Khan had recently met Naheed Khan, former political secretary to Benazir Bhutto, and her husband Senator Safdar Abbasi, asking them to take a lead in joining the group which, according to him, had become “a need of the time to free the party from the clutches of opportunists”.
Full report at:
http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/the-newspaper/front-page/shaheed-benazir-group-in-ppp-in-the-offing-790
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7 militants killed in J&K
Sep 17, 2010
SRINAGAR: Seven militants were killed in fierce encounters with security forces in Pulwama and Bandipora districts of Jammu & Kashmir on Thursday. While five militants were killed in forest areas of Sajan-Dudkulan in Tral area of Phulwama, two others gunned down at Gurez in Bandipora.
Defence spokesman said the encounters took place during search operations by troops of Rashtriya Rifles. He said security forces confronted the militants and asked them to surrender but they started firing, triggering gunbattle in Phulwama.
In Gurez, two more militants were killed in the ongoing operation, raising the number of slain ultras to 13, Brar said. The operation began on September 6, when troops guarding LoC intercepted militants trying to sneak from across the border.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/7-militants-killed-in-JK/articleshow/6569222.cms#ixzz0zlF1gyKV
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More women needed in law, says UAE’s first female judge
Melanie Swan
17 Sep, 2010
AL AIN // Young Emirati women need role models who inspire them, but they must also take charge of their own destiny, according to the country’s first female judge.
“Women are more ambitious these days and are educating themselves,” said Kholoud al Dhaheri, who was appointed by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department in 2008. “The only reason that women were not in these positions before was because their level of education was not high enough, but things have changed.”
Ms al Dhaheri, 33, was speaking as part of a panel addressing new students at UAE University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in Sharia and law before working as a lawyer for eight years.
The legal profession needed more women, she said, because “women have a different point of view, which benefits everyone”.
Full report at:
http://www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100917/NATIONAL/709169824/1010
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1.7L pilgrims to go on Haj this year
Sep 17, 2010
NEW DELHI: Approving various proposals concerning this year's operations, the government on Thursday said approximately 1,70,000 pilgrims from India will be going to Saudi Arabia. Of these 1,25,000 pilgrims will go through Haj Committee of India.
The number of pilgrims who could perform Haj during a particular year from a country is decided by the Saudi Arabian government. "Air travel arrangements for these 1,25,000 pilgrims will be made by the ministry of civil aviation. These pilgrims will be carried from 21 embarkation points through chartered flights. Bhopal and Goa have been added as new embarkation points this year," said the government after the Union Cabinet meeting on Thursday.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/17L-pilgrims-to-go-on-Haj-this-year/articleshow/6567960.cms#ixzz0zlFFAhGf
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U.N. praises Pakistan
Anita Joshua
17 Sep, 2010
ISLAMABAD: Moved by Pakistan's decision to continue providing refuge to the 1.7 million Afghan refugees living here despite the devastating floods, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres on Thursday said: “It is high time the international community matched the hospitality shown by Pakistan and provides adequate financial support to Pakistan.”
Speaking to mediapersons after a two-day visit to the flood-affected areas, Mr. Guterres said UNHCR was grateful to Pakistan for not using the floods as a pretext to push out the Afghan refugees who constitute the largest refugee population in any country.
His tour of Pakistan coincided with the visit of Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai, who concluded his two-day trip on Thursday after reaching an agreement to deepen bilateral engagement on not just security issues but also trade, commerce and infrastructural development.
Full report at:
http://www.hindu.com/2010/09/17/stories/2010091763031100.htm
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Islamic Society encourages Muslims to lay low this month
17 Sep, 2010
Islamophobia is on the rise. Maybe it’s the Ground Zero Mosque—the one that’s actually a cultural center with a prayer room in it (similar to the prayer room that was in the World Trade Center’s south tower). Or maybe it’s Reverend Terry Jones’ 9/11 Koran burning—the one that didn’t even happen. Or maybe it’s the lingering war in Afghanistan that seems increasingly futile or maybe something else altogether. But for one reason or another, the irrational fear of Muslims has spiked.
Imam Aslam Abdullah, director of the Islamic Society of Nevada, recognizes this much. Earlier this month, he asked local Muslims to try and keep a low profile throughout September, even though September marks the end of Ramadan.
Full report at:
http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/news/2010/sep/15/islamic-society-encourages-muslims-lay-low-month/
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From 0% to 20% illiteracy — an Iraqi feat
By DAVID E. MILLER
17 Sep, 2010
BAGHDAD: One in five Iraqis aged 10 to 49 cannot read or write, with large discrepancies in literacy levels between men and women, a report by United Nations has found.
The report, released by the UN Inter-Agency Information and Analysis Unit, found that illiteracy among women in Iraq (24 percent) is more than double that of men (11 percent) while inhabitants of rural areas are much more likely to be illiterate (25 percent) than those in urban areas (14 percent).
The areas worst affected by illiteracy are the Kurdish provinces of Dahuk, Irbil and Sulaimaniya in Iraq's north, and the predominantly Shiite provinces of Wassit, Qadissiya and Muthanna in the south.
"In general, Iraq is one of the better countries in the region in terms of literacy," Nour Dajani, an education program specialist in Iraq for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), told The Media Line. "In the 1980's Iraq was recognized by UNESCO as achieving zero illiteracy. It was one of the few countries in the world to do so."
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/middleeast/article140251.ece
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Arab states snub US over Israel resolution at IAEA meet
Sep 17, 2010
VIENNA: Arab states refused on Thursday to drop plans to chide Israel over its assumed nuclear arsenal at a UN nuclear conference next week, despite US suggestions that such a move would jeopardise Middle East peace talks.
"The Arab Group urges to keep the item 'Israeli nuclear capabilities' on the agenda of the general conference and... will submit a draft resolution" to the assembly next week, Sudan's ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency Mahmound El- Amin said, speaking on behalf of 22 Arab states.
"The Arab Group requests the IAEA member states to support the draft resolution and vote in favour of it."
El-Amin made the statement to a closed-door session of the IAEA's 35-member board of governors which is preparing for the organisation's 54th annual general conference next week.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Arab-states-snub-US-over-Israel-resolution-at-IAEA-meet/articleshow/6569354.cms#ixzz0zlN1JMJe
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Ahmadinejad: Muslims 'are not against Americans, Jews, Christians'
17 Sep, 2010
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says there is no hate between Muslims and Americans despite an apparent escalation in tensions fueled by controversies over a proposed mosque near ground zero in New York and a plan by a Florida pastor to burn Qurans.
"People (in Islamic countries) are against that ugly behavior," he said in an exclusive interview with NBC News' Andrea Mitchell. "They are not against the people of the United States. They are not against Americans, they are not against Jews. They are not against Christians or Christianity."
Protests erupted around the world denouncing the United States after a small Florida church had threatened to burn the Quran on the Sept. 11 anniversary, marking the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center towers in New York.
Full report at:
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/39202371/ns/world_news-mideastn_africa/
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India, Pak, Afghanistan and 17 others on US drug 'Major List'
Sep 17, 2010
WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama has identified India, Pakistan and Afghanistan, and 17 other countries as a major drug transit or a major illicit drug- producing nations of the world.
The other countries on the list includes the Bahamas, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Laos, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela.
A country's presence on the 'Majors List' is not necessarily an adverse reflection of its government's counter-narcotics efforts or level of cooperation with the United States, President Obama said in a memorandum sent to the Secretary of State in this regard.
"One of the reasons that major drug transit or illicit drug producing countries are placed on the list is the combination of geographic, commercial and economic factors that allow drugs to transit or be produced despite the concerned government's most assiduous enforcement measures," the President said.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-Pak-Afghanistan-and-17-others-on-US-drug-Major-List/articleshow/6570250.cms#ixzz0zlESE9Qr
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Obama commemorates 9/11 with appeal for tolerance
Erica Werner
17 Sep, 2010
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama appealed to an unsettled nation Saturday to honor the memory of the Sept. 11 attacks by hewing to the values of diversity and tolerance. “We will not sacrifice the liberties we cherish or hunker down behind walls of suspicion and mistrust,” the president declared.
Speaking at the Pentagon, where nine years ago a hijacked plane smashed into the west side of the building and killed 184 people, Obama conjured a solemn remembrance of that horrible day but also spoke strongly in defense of religious freedom.
“As Americans we are not — and never will be — at war with Islam,” the president said. “It was not a religion that attacked us that September day — it was al-Qaida, a sorry band of men which perverts religion.”
His comments came on a Sept. 11 anniversary unlike others. In years past, the day was devoted to remembrances of the nearly 3,000 who died in jetliner attacks here, in New York City and in Pennsylvania, and to vows to serve in their honor and continue to pursue the terrorists behind the attacks.
Full report at:
http://www.baystatebanner.com/natl17-2010-09-16
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‘Mushrraf accepted 7 US demands in 24 hours after 9/11’
17 Sep, 2010
* Classified document reveals Musharraf tried to convince Bush administration to negotiate with Taliban
LAHORE: As the US prepared to invade Afghanistan in 2001 after the 9/11 attacks, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) wanted America to enter into a dialogue with the Taliban, but the Bush administration “bluntly” told former president Pervez Musharraf that it had no inclination to do so.
According to classified documents released by the National Security Archive of the George Washington University, two days after al Qaeda unleashed terror on the US, its envoy to Pakistan, Wendy Chamberlin, “bluntly” told Musharraf on September 13, 2001 that there was “absolutely no inclination in Washington to enter into a dialogue with the Taliban, which controlled Afghanistan at that time”. “The time for dialogue was finished as of September 11,” she told Musharraf, the documents said. However, Pakistan, as the Taliban’s primary sponsor, disagreed.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\09\17\story_17-9-2010_pg7_19
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Karzai says Pakistan to play role in talks with Taliban
By Baqir Sajjad Syed
17 Sep, 2010
ISLAMABAD: President Hamid Karzai reassured on Thursday Pakistani leaders of a role in the reconciliation process with Taliban and other Afghan warring factions as his country headed for parliamentary elections this weekend.
The message was common in his interaction with both civilian and military leaders in Islamabad. The situation in Afghanistan and the political process for wooing back the militants came up for discussions during the meetings.
Mr Karzai told Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani that Kabul would enter into consultations with Islamabad over the reconciliation process a proposed high level council for talks with the warring groups was named.
The Afghan government is expected to announce the 35-member peace council soon.
The composition of the council, likely to be led by former mujahideen commander Burhanuddin Rabbani, has been discussed with the Pakistan government.
Full report at:
http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/the-newspaper/front-page/karzai-says-pakistan-to-play-role-in-talks-with-taliban-790
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US school kicks girl out over nose ring
17 Sep, 2010
RALEIGH (NORTH CAROLINA): A soft-spoken 14-year-old's nose piercing has landed her a suspension from school and forced her into a fight over her first amendment right to exercise her religion.
Ariana Iacono goes to Clayton High School, about 15 miles southeast of Raleigh. She has been suspended since last week because her nose ring violates the Johnston County school system's dress code. "I think it's kind of stupid for them to kick me out of school for a nose piercing," she said. "It's in the first amendment for me to have freedom of religion."
Iacono and her mother, Nikki, belong to the Church of Body Modification, a small group unfamiliar to rural North Carolina, but one with a clergy, a statement of beliefs and a formal process for accepting new members.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/US-school-kicks-girl-out-over-nose-ring/articleshow/6568545.cms#ixzz0zlOUaAcl
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Lawyers stone man to death in Gujrat
17 Sep, 2010
LAHORE: Two lawyers and three of their accomplices stoned a man to death following a traffic accident in Gujrat, a private TV channel reported on Thursday. The deceased Tariq Mehmood was travelling in his car when his vehicle collided with a motorcycle at Bhambar Road, near Aziz Bhatti Shaheed Hospital. Advocates Nadeem Tahir and Nadeem Sindhu were riding the motorcycle. The resulting dispute was however resolved and Tariq apologised to the two lawyers. However, both the lawyers kept on following Tariq and stopped him in another part of the city. They were then joined by three of their aides and overpowered Tariq. They threw bricks and stones at him and severely injured him. Punjab Police personnel, who reached the spot, did nothing to stop the lawyers. The injured was brought to the nearest hospital, however, he succumbed to injuries. Locals later managed to capture the five accused, however, Civil Lines Police SHO Sarwar Gondal, Sub-Inspector Mubarik and four constables helped them escape from the crime scene, the channel reported. Later on, the relatives and locals held a protest against the brutal incident and blocked the GT Road. A case has been registered against the five accused. However, no arrests had been made so far. An investigation has also been launched against police officials involved in the incident, the channel said. Mehmood’s post-mortem report confirmed that he died due to severe injuries sustained at the hands of the accused. Police has said that it would soon arrest the accused. Punjab Chief Minster Shahbaz Sharif has taken notice of the incident, the channel reported.
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\09\17\story_17-9-2010_pg7_14
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Army set to foil Hurriyat plot
September 17, 2010
Even as the security forces shot dead nine militants in Kashmir Valley on Thursday, the Army has taken a serious note of the separatists’ plans to stage protest demonstrations in front of its camps and formations besides hampering movement of the convoys.
To counter the threat, the Army and police have devised a strategy to ensure smooth movement of the security forces besides appealing to the people to “avoid falling into the trap being laid by Hurriyat leaders”.
Five militants of Hizbul Mujahideen were killed in Tral pocket of south Kashmir while four militants were shot dead in Bandipora pocket of north Kashmir.
The hardline faction of Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani, which has been spearheading a stir in Kashmir for the past three months, has asked the people to stage protest demonstrations in front of Army and security forces’ camps on September 21. “I have urged people to stage peaceful sit-in protests in front of Army and security forces’ camps in Kashmir,” Geelani said at a Press conference.
Full report at:
http://www.dailypioneer.com/283739/Army-set-to-foil-Hurriyat-plot.html
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Discotheque to change its name after Muslim protests
17 Sep, 2010
MURCIA (SPAIN): A Spanish discotheque called Mecca which has angered Muslims will change its name, a Muslim representative said on Thursday in the southern city of Murcia.
The discotheque in Aguilas near Murcia will also modify controversial features of its architecture, said Mohammed Reda el-Qady, secretary of the Union of Islamic Communities in Murcia.
Features that were deemed offensive by Muslims included a minaret-like tower, a blue dome with a half-moon on top which made the building look like a mosque, and verses of the Quran inside.
The discotheque owners reached an agreement with local Muslims after its name and style sparked a wave of protests on the internet.
A hacker even broke into the website of the establishment, threatening with "a war between Spain and the people of Islam".
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Discotheque-to-change-its-name-after-Muslim-protests/articleshow/6566595.cms#ixzz0zlFROhH3
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Afghan stability vital for Pakistan: Gilani
17 Sep, 2010
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Thursday said that Pakistan attached great significance to Afghanistan’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity and remained committed to its reconstruction.
“We want stability, peace and prosperity in Afghanistan,” Gilani said during a meeting with visiting Afghan President Hamid Karzai and his delegation at the PM’s House.
PM Gilani stressed that Pak-Afghan strategic partnership held the key to regional peace, stability and the prosperity.
“Both sides should redouble their efforts to strengthen the strategic partnership and expansion of cooperation in economic and commercial areas,” the PM said. The PM suggested the initiation of a bilateral security dialogue between the two countries.
Referring to recent allegations from Afghan and US officials against Pakistani intelligence agencies, Gilani said that any blame game should be avoided, and instead issues should be addressed bilaterally.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\09\17\story_17-9-2010_pg1_2
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Chechen independence leader to surrender to Polish prosecutors
Sep 17, 2010
WARSAW: Chechen independence leader Akhmed Zakayev, wanted by Russia for alleged terrorism, will surrender Friday to Polish prosecutors who have said they must detain him, a supporter said.
"Mr Zakayev, who does not want to hide or cause problems for Poland, will present himself tomorrow morning at 8 am (0600 GMT) at the prosecutor's office on Chocimska street with friends and a lawyer to ask why he is being sought," Adam Borowski told the Polish news agency PAP.
Zakayev came to Poland on Thursday for a two-day congress of exiles from the conflict-torn region.
Polish authorities had warned that he could face arrest if he came to Poland under the international warrant issued by Russia, and that a Polish court would have to decide if he would be extradited.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/Chechen-independence-leader-to-surrender-to-Polish-prosecutors/articleshow/6570144.cms#ixzz0zlND7AxA
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Taliban vow to attack Afghan elections on polling day
17 Sep, 2010
KANDAHAR: The Taliban vowed on day to launch attacks on Afghanistan's imminent parliamentary poll, saying election workers and security forces will be the main target.
"All the roads leading to polling centers will come under attack and election workers and security forces will be our primary targets," Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid told AFP.
More than 2,500 candidates are contesting the election on Saturday for the 249 seats in the lower house of parliament in the second poll of its kind since the Taliban were ousted from power in a 2001 US-led invasion.
"Civilians are not our target because we support local people and we have local support," he said, speaking by telephone from an undisclosed location.
"But if people go to polling centers they will get hurt." The militants have already killed three candidates and dozens of election workers in the lead-up to the poll.
"We have repeatedly asked civilians and we again ask them to avoid election centers and all the roads leading to polling centers," Mujahid said.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/Taliban-vow-to-attack-Afghan-elections-on-polling-day/articleshow/6566465.cms#ixzz0zlNGxxa0
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India may strike terror training camps post Mumbai-II: US counter-terrorism expert
Sep 17, 2010
WASHINGTON: In the event of another Mumbai- type attack, India is most likely to strike back by eliminating terrorist training camps across the border which may lead to a "full-blown" Indo-Pak war involving possibility of a nuclear exchange, a noted US counter-terrorism expert has said.
"I think a very serious concern that we should all be collectively worried about is the possibility of a Mumbai II attack," Peter Bergen, the Counter-terrorism Strategy Initiative Co-Director at New America Foundation, said in his testimony before the House Homeland and Security Committee.
Mumbai-II, Bergen, said would change every strategic calculation in South Asia.
"I think the Indians showed great restraint after the last Mumbai attack. But their populations are going to demand some kind of retribution if a large-scale attack happens on Indian soil by a Pakistani militant group, which I think is one of the more foreseeable foreign policy challenges we have going forward," he told the committee, which had organised a hearing on the evolving nature of terrorism nine years after 9/11.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-may-strike-terror-training-camps-post-Mumbai-II-US-counter-terrorism-expert/articleshow/6570351.cms#ixzz0zlEHpG7O
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Security forces kill 2 Taliban in Swat
17 Sep, 2010
MINGORA: Security forces on Thursday killed two Taliban responsible for killing civilians when the Swat district was under their control, military sources said.
Commanders Abdul Baseer and Samiul Haq were regarded as hardcore terrorists of the Khawazakhela tehsil and their elimination was seen as a ‘milestone’ towards a terrorist-free Swat. “The two terrorists were entering Khawazakhela, when forces intercepted them, and both were killed in an encounter,” sources told Daily Times.
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\09\17\story_17-9-2010_pg7_3
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ANP activist gunned down
17 Sep, 2010
KARACHI: Tension engulfed North Karachi after an Awami National Party (ANP) activist was gunned down in Shahnawaz Bhutto Colony on Thursday, the Khwaja Ajmair Nagri police said.
Station House Officer (SHO) Sajid Javed said the 22-year-old victim Faris Khan was at his general store situated near a W-22 bus stop where unidentified suspects arrived on a motorcycle and opened fire on him.
The suspects escaped, while Khan sustained two bullet wounds, he added.
Police took him to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) where he succumbed to his serious injuries during treatment, he said.
Khan, who operated a general store, was a resident of the same area and an ANP activist, he added.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\09\17\story_17-9-2010_pg12_1
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‘Mideast peace talks rich in symbolism’
17 Sep, 2010
JERUSALEM—In less than a month, globe-trotting Mideast peace makers have traveled from the regal grounds of the White House to the calm shores of the Red Sea and the holy city of Jerusalem in a series of carefully choreographed meetings rich in symbolism.
In Middle East peacemaking, symbolism is often just as important as substance. Each venue in the recently renewed talks, the first in nearly two years, has been carefully chosen — a set of gestures meant to send important messages to key constituencies.
Launched on the lawn of the White House on Sept. 2, the peace efforts moved this week to the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, the Israeli prime minister’s official residence in Jerusalem, the West Bank and then to Jordan.
Full report at:
http://dailymailnews.com/0910/17/FrontPage/index.php?id=13
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15 die in Somalia as parliament demands government vote
17 Sep, 2010
MOGADISHU, Somalia: Mortar rounds fired by suspected Islamist insurgents crashed into Somalia's government complex on Thursday, killing three government soldiers, wounding a member of parliament and triggering a counterattack that killed a dozen more people.
The attack happened while parliament was in session to pass a motion asking leaders of the shaky government to appear within three days for a vote of confidence.
One member of parliament was wounded in the face and five government troops were also hurt. Government and African Union troops responded by firing into the main Bakara Market. At least 12 people were killed and 40 were wounded there, said Ali Muse, the head of Mogadishu's ambulance service.
The legislators accuse Somalia's transitional government of failing to perform its duties, including trying to foster peace between the country's warring factions and increasing humanitarian efforts.
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/world/article140075.ece
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Terror-funding case dropped; Yassin Al-Qadi stands vindicated
By P.K. ABDUL GHAFOUR
17 Sep, 2010
JEDDAH: A court in the southern district of New York has acquitted Saudi businessman and philanthropist Yassin Abdullah Al-Qadi of terror-funding charges while giving its verdict in a case filed against him by the victims of 9/11 attacks.
“Al-Qadi has succeeded in having dismissed in their entirety the civil claims brought against him in the US on behalf of the families of the 9/11 victims,” a statement issued by the businessman’s lawyers said.
District Judge George Daniels ruled that the claim against Al-Qadi must be dismissed on the ground that the allegations made in the complaint were insufficient to state a claim. He further ruled that the court lacked any personal jurisdiction over Al-Qadi.
Speaking on the occasion, Al-Qadi described the move to incriminate him and others by accusing them of funding terrorism without any evidence as “a financial Guantanamo.”
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article139435.ece
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National Award for IISD principal
17 Sep, 2010
ALKHOBAR: The Indian government has honored International Indian School-Dammam Principal E.K. Mohammed Shaffe by conferring a national award on him.
Shaffe received the award from Indian President Pratibha Patil in New Delhi last week. The annual award, which is given away every year, is meant to recognize the services of meritorious and talented teachers.
“This National Award belongs to all those who have supported me wholeheartedly in executing my duties as a principal,” Shaffe told Arab News. “Without the support of the Indian community in Saudi Arabia it would not have been possible to achieve the excellent results that we have been producing all these years.”
Shaffe comes from Cochin in the south Indian state of Kerala. He became the principal of Dammam school in 2006. He served as vice principal, principal and director of the International Indian School-Jeddah between 2000 and 2006. He has been in the teaching profession for the last 35 years, 25 of which were spent in various Gulf states.
http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article140296.ece
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General who threatened Saad Hariri summoned
By ZEINA KARAM
17 Sep, 2010
BEIRUT: A Lebanese general who called Prime Minister Saad Hariri a liar and urged people to topple his government has been summoned for questioning by the state, a judicial official said Thursday.
Brig. Gen. Jamil Sayyed was among four pro-Syrian officers who were jailed without charge for nearly four years in the 2005 assassination of Hariri's father, Rafik. They were freed last year for lack of evidence.
In a news conference Sunday, Sayyed accused Hariri of selling his father's blood to frame Syria for the killing, which at the time set off a wave of turmoil that led to the withdrawal of Syrian troops after nearly 30 years.
Sayyed, who left the country shortly after his remarks, also said Hariri supported “false witnesses” who misled the investigation into his father's death.
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/middleeast/article140255.ece
URL: http://www.newageislam.com/NewAgeIslamIslamicWorldNews_1.aspx?ArticleID=3443
8:30 PM
Moderate Islamist here
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