02 Oct 2010, NewAgeIslam.Com
Bangladesh would not send troops to Afghanistan: Hasina
Fresh moves afoot for out-of-court settlement of Ayodhya issue
Ram temple located in ward represented by Muslim corporator
18 killed in three drone strikes in northwest Pakistan
Blast kills 2 Nato soldiers in Afghanistan
Pak blockade disrupts NATO supplies for fourth day
Kasab's ex-lawyer, Veena Malik to figure in 'Bigg Boss'
No free entry to Taj for CWG visitors
Curfew in Srinagar to scuttle separatist march
BJP serves cyber fraud notice to Congress
Comeback man Musharraf calls Nawaz Sharif 'brainless'
Ahmadinejad says US has 'dragged the world in mud'
Israeli border guard kills Palestinian in Jerusalem
Officials: Three killed in Pakistan over alleged spy ties
Three questioned in Nigeria terror attack that killed 12
Without a chair at the table, Iran seeks influence nonetheless
Iraq sets world record for delay in govt-formation
Separatists instigated violence after Machhil encounter: Omar
Ban asks Israel to cease settlements in West Bank
Gilani Left Red In Face By Zardari
US Sorry For Infecting Guatemalans With Virus
Pak Court Puts Off Decision On Commission For Mumbai Case
Pak & terrorism top CIA chief ’ s Delhi trip
Moderate scholar Dr Farooq shot dead in Mardan
Nato’s stolen combat material seized near Islamabad
No talks until Israel halts settlements, PLO says
Police arrest Saudi who axed mother to death
30-day test run for Makkah metro
Palestinians mull talks walk-out over settlements
Iran arrests 'nuclear spies' accused of cyber attacks
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
Photo: Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina
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Muslims have ruled, been ruled, & now share power: Justice Khan
Oct 2, 2010
It was probably the most-awaited judgment in independent India's history and the burden of those expectations and the sense of dealing with something that would go well beyond the limited issues raised in the civil suits themselves came out quite clearly in the prelude and epilogue that the man heading the bench, Justice S U Khan, had in his order.
Here's what the prelude had to say:
"Here is a small piece of land (1500 square yards) where angels fear to tread. It is full of innumerable land mines. We are required to clear it. Some very sane elements advised us not to attempt that. We do not propose to rush in like fools lest we are blown. However we have to take risk. It is said that the greatest risk in life is not daring to take risk when occasion for the same arises.
"Once angels were made to bow before Man. Sometimes he has to justify the said honour. This is one of those occasions. We have succeeded or failed? No one can be a judge in his own cause.
"Accordingly, herein follows the judgment for which the entire country is waiting with bated breath."
The epilogue was even more unusual. Check out these excerpts:
"My judgment is short, very short. Either I may be admired as an artist who knows where to stop, particularly in such sensitive, delicate matter or I may be castigated for being so casual in such a momentous task. Sometimes patience is intense action, silence is speech and pauses are punches.
"I have not delved too deep in the history and the archaeology. This I have done for four reasons. Firstly, this exercise was not absolutely essential to decide these suits. Secondly, I was not sure as to whether at the end of the tortuous voyage I would have found a treasure or faced a monster (treasure of truth or monster of confusion worst confounded). Thirdly, having no pretence of knowledge of history I did not want to be caught in the crossfire of historians. Fourthly, the Supreme Court in Karnataka Board of Waqf Vs. Government of India, 2004 (10) SCC 779 has held in Para-8 as follows:-
'As far as a title suit of civil nature is concerned, there is no room for historical facts and claims. Reliance on borderline historical facts will lead to erroneous conclusions.'
"As this judgment is not finally deciding the matter and as the most crucial stage is to come after it hence I remind both the warring factions of the following.
"The one quality which epitomized the character of Ram is tyag (sacrifice). When prophet Mohammad entered into a treaty with the rival group at Hudayliyah, it appeared to be abject surrender even to his staunch supporters. However the Quran described that as clear victory and it did prove so. Within a short span there from Muslims entered the Mecca as victors, and not a drop of blood was shed."
He then went on to talk of how resilient India proved itself in the aftermath of the 1992 demolition of the structure in Ayodhya and wondered whether the country's buoyant economic growth had a role to play. He also warned, however, quoting the poet Iqbal to make the point (the same poet he had quoted earlier to underline the point about India's resilience) that we shouldn't take it for granted that each fall will be followed by a bounce back.
In the same context, he also cited Darwin's dictum that "Only those species survived which collaborated and improvised", noting that it was ironical to be quoting Darwin in a religious context.
Finally, he makes an appeal to Indian Muslims in the following words: "Muslims must also ponder that at present the entire world wants to know the exact teaching of Islam in respect of relationship of Muslims with others. In this regard Muslims in India enjoy a unique position. They have been rulers here, they have been ruled and now they are sharers in power (of course, junior partners). They are not in majority but they are also not negligible minority.
"In other countries either the Muslims are in huge majority which makes them indifferent to the problem in question or in negligible minority which makes them redundant. Indian Muslims have also inherited huge legacy of religious learning and knowledge. They are therefore in the best position to tell the world the correct position. Let them start with their role in the resolution of the conflict at hand."
Read more: Muslims have ruled, been ruled, & now share power: Justice Khan - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Muslims-have-ruled-been-ruled-now-share-power-Justice-Khan/articleshow/6669082.cms#ixzz11AnwxNyM
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Ayodhya verdict doesn't justify demolition: Chidambaram
Oct 2, 2010
NEW DELHI: The day after the Ayodhya verdict saw a certain disquiet among Muslims, with some seeking to shake off their disappointment by emphasizing the country's need to move on, while others openly voiced their resentment and talked of "yet another act of betrayal".
Sensing the mood, the Centre on Friday tried to calm the community by drawing its attention to an imminent appeal before the Supreme Court against the judgment and the prospect of an intervention by the court.
Addressing the media here, home minister P Chidambaram stressed that the verdict was not going to change the status quo at the disputed site. "The judgment is indeed an important document. But it is not operational. It is a fair assumption that appeals may be lodged (in Supreme Court). It is also a fair assumption that the Supreme Court will pass interim orders," he said, emphasizing that the status quo decreed by SC will be maintained.
The home minister strongly rebutted the suggestion that the verdict, handing down the site of Babri Masjid to Hindus, justified the demolition of the Babri Masjid on December 6, 1992.
Replying to a question on the demolition, he said, "That act was completely unacceptable and it was an act done by people who took law and order into their hands. That remains, in my view, a criminal act. Also, please don't attribute to the judges (of the Allahabad HC) any attempt to justify what was done in 1992."
The interpretation that the order serves as a post-facto rationalization for the demolition seems to be aggravating the grim mood in the minority community, especially because no one has yet been punished for the mosque's destruction.
Chidambaram's assertion was timely. Sensing the Congress's discomfiture, its rivals like SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and UP chief minister Mayawati sought to stoke Muslim disenchantment.
Mulayam criticized the judgment for relying on faith and belief. The strong criticism is seen as designed to tap into the sentiments of sections of the Muslim community and calculated to hurt the Congress.
Mayawati, an equally strong contender for the Muslim vote, tried to place Congress in the line of fire by saying the responsibility for both implementation of the order and maintenance of law and order lay with the Centre.
Addressing the media around the same time these leaders were giving their statements, Chidambaram asserted, "There is no role for the Centre now. The judges have given a stay and ordered a status quo. The judgment is not operational as of now."
The strong emphasis on the status quo is a critical element of Congress's evolving line on the issue. The party which was surprised by the judgment has, starting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's statement on Thursday, stressed that nothing has changed in Ayodhya.
Chidambaram seemed to be taking it forward when he hinted at the possibility of an intervention by SC well before the three-month freeze ruled by the court expires.
As part of the same effort, Chidambaram, just like the PM the day before, tried to downplay the import of the judgment. He told the media not to "over interpret" the verdict.
Read more: Ayodhya verdict doesn't justify demolition: Chidambaram - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Ayodhya-verdict-doesnt-justify-demolition-Chidambaram/articleshow/6668094.cms#ixzz11ApAqwdJ
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Some Muslims open to moving mosque
Mohammed Wajihuddin
Oct 2, 2010
The faithful stream out of a mosque in Ayodhya, very close to the disputed site, after Friday namaz.
MUMBAI: A day after the Allahabad high court verdict on the Ayodhya title suit, a section of Muslims have started looking at the option of taking their mosque away from the Ram Janmabhoomi site. Some prominent clerics, peace activists and Islamic scholars feel that by not appealing in the Supreme Court and paving the way for Ram temple in Ayodhya, Muslims will earn a great deal of Hindu and secular Indians' goodwill. Significantly, the option is not un-Islamic.
"The Sunni Waqf Board and All India Muslim Personal Law Board should show a gesture and vacate the land the court has allotted them. It should not be seen as surrender," said Islamic scholar Zeenat Shaukat Ali. Ali added that there are precedents in Muslim history where Muslims had showed generosity and given up their places of worship once they found that these were built on places of worship of other religions.
She further said, "In the 8th century, the Ummayid caliph Ummavi Waleed surrendered the land of a mosque to Christians which his predecessors had grabbed. In Ayodhya, even if Muslims believe, and even if the court has vindicated their stand that the Babri mosque was not built on razed temple, they should be practical and build a mosque away from the temple site."
The fear of Muslims is that once they give up their claim on the Ayodhya land, Hindutva organisations might raise the issues of Mathura and Kashi. Leading Islamic scholar Maulana Wahiduddin Khan said this fear was removed once the Places of Worship Act 1993 was brought which says that the status quo of all the place of worship, except Ram Janmabhoomi- Babri Masjid, will be maintained as on August 15, 1947. Moreover, the Maulana maintained, several mosques have been relocated in countries like Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
"It's not in Quran and Hadith that once there's a mosque, it's always a mosque. It was later made part of Muslim belief by some fuqhas (Islamic jurists). Nobody is saying that Muslims should give up their claim on the mosque. They can relocate it," said Khan.
Javed Anand of Muslims for Secular Democracy (MSD) argued that even if the SC endorsed the HC verdict and Muslims got their share in the disputed land, it was almost impossible that Muslims would ever be able to rebuild a mosque on the same site. "The best option is that they gift the land to the Hindus and set an example of magnanimity. It will open a new chapter of Hindu-Muslim unity," said Anand.
Echoing this, Dongri-based businessman and president of Ekta Welfare Association Iqbal Memon Officer said a petition in the Supreme Court would only keep the issue boiling.
Read more: Some Muslims open to moving mosque - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Some-Muslims-open-to-moving-mosque/articleshow/6669107.cms#ixzz11AnmarZu
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Ayodhya verdict: Dismay among Friday worshippers but sermons call for calm
Oct 2, 2010
Soon after muezzins across the country called for Friday prayers, imams exhorted Muslims to maintain calm and introspect on the Allahabad High Court judgment. While there was indeed faithful adherence to the spirit behind the jumma namaz in most cities, the surface calm betrayed disappointment beneath -- forced, perhaps at places, by regional political compulsions.
Bihar, for instance, which goes to polls next month, reported widespread dismay among Muslims, who did not mince their words in criticizing the three-judge bench converting the title suit into a "partition" suit. "What's left for Muslims and the Babri Masjid now," asked Maulana Wali Rahmani, the head of Khanqah Rahmani in Munger. All- India Muslim Personal Law Board and Imarat Sharia in Bihar shared the sentiment.
Most mosques brimmed over as imams asked the devout to keep patience, but were unanimous that the matter needed to be taken to the Supreme Court. Maulana Mohammad Alam Qasmi, Imam of Jama Masjid of Daryapur in Bihar said: "We're dissatisfied. But we must not agitate, we must move the Supreme Court. Let's hope God has welfare stored for us in the next order."
While the Shahi Imam in Delhi's Jama Masjid termed the verdict a joke, the clergy in Kolkata tried lifting the sagged spirit of namazis. Shahi Imam Barkati of Tipu Sultan Masjid said, "Aapko is faisle se raasta mil raha. Aap bhi kamiyab hain. Shart ye hai ki Supreme Court me ye maamla theek se rakkha jaye; natija achha aayega (the verdict shows us the way. You've also gained something. Now we need to fight our case properly in the Supreme Court and we'll get good result)."
Imam Barkati further said that the verdict was based on faith, not law, and that he believed that law would prevail in the SC. He expressed happiness that certain sections of the Hindu community, too, had taken exception to the verdict.
In contrast, the old city area of Lucknow, long considered communally sensitive, appeared businesslike on Friday. There is ennui with the seemingly interminable legal battle over the Ayodhya title suit, a feeling underlined by Rafat Khan (40), who said, "We've to look forward. Our children have to study and make a career. We have to do business. That's all we need now." The police presence outside the mosque left him bemused. "What does the administration fear? This is not 1992. It's the 21st century. We want drinking water and electricity, not mosque or temple."
Meanwhile, the imams in Mumbai prayed to Allah for peace and communal harmony during the Friday namaz. "We don't agree with the view of the court on the Ayodhya title suit. However, we have faith in the judiciary and the country's constitution. We will give up our claim on the land once we lose the case in the apex court," said Mufti Salim Akhtar, imam of the mosque at Squatters' Colony in Malad (E).
In Hyderabad's 400-year-old Mecca Masjid, the jumma prayers passed off without an incident amid heavy security. Normally around 10,000 people offer prayers at the mosque, but this week only about 7,000 turned up. Although Muslims appeared unhappy with the verdict, they weren't vocal about it. Leaders like Asaduddin Owaisi said Muslims held the legal right to challenge the verdict and that violent demonstrations would be counterproductive.
Most Muslims seemed particularly upset that the judges, instead of delivering a verdict based on evidence, chose to accept 'faith' as the basis of their pronouncement. One said the judges have gone beyond their mandate of deciding the title suit and talked with authority on where exactly Lord Ram was born. Many feared increased radicalisation among Muslim youth.
In Nagpur, mosques saw unusually large turnouts with dissatisfaction palpable among the namazis. There was substantial police presence but the sermons ended with just a small mention of the verdict, with greater emphasis on communal restraint.
Javed Ansari of the United Students Association said the ownership of land should have been settled. "The Muslims would have accepted if the entire site had gone to the Hindus as our scriptures do not permit offering prayers from a site on which one does not have a legitimate claim."
In Thiruvananthapuram, the faithful at Juma Masjid in Palayam were advised to curb their emotions. "Like the Prophet showed in his life, we must learn to forgive and ensure that unfortunate confrontations don't take place," said Moulavi Jamaludheen Mankada, who also expressed disappointment.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Ayodhya-verdict-Dismay-among-Friday-worshippers-but-sermons-call-for-calm-/articleshow/6667975.cms#ixzz11AnVuZwt
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'There were enough artefacts to prove site a scared place': Archaeological Survey of India
B Sivakumar
Oct 2, 2010
CHENNAI: Artefacts found by archaeological excavations at the disputed site in Ayodhya proved that it had been a sacred place and not merely a human habitation, according to archaeologist R Nagaswamy. He had given expert advice to the Allahabad high court's Lucknow bench that heard the title suits in the Ayodhya case. The oldest structure for which evidence was dug up belonged to the 3rd century BC, said Nagaswamy, former director of archaeology in Tamil Nadu.
"The excavations done by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) brought to light several carved stones that indicated the presence of a sacred place. Some of the material unearthed included pillars with engravings on them, an outlet for water in the form of a crocodile mouth," he said.
While the ASI carried out excavations on the HC's orders in 2003, Nagaswamy presented a report to the court, explaining in detail the artefacts unearthed by the ASI. "The artefacts proved that they belonged to a sacred place and not just any human habitation. The existence of a shrine was one of the crucial pieces of evidence presented to the judges," Nagaswamy said.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/There-were-enough-artefacts-to-prove-site-a-scared-place/articleshow/6669027.cms#ixzz11Ao2dRah
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A temple and a mosque in this Ajmer shrine
Shoeb Khan
Oct 2, 2010
SOMALPUR (AJMER): While the entire country was glued on to television watching the Allahabad High Court verdict on Ayodhya, Ram Mishra 'Uvasiya' a Brahmin and Gaddi Nashin (successor) of a seven-decade-old holy shrine of a Muslim Sufi saint Hazrat Sayed Baba Badam Shah — was busy reciting Qur'anic verses (fatiah) at the shrine in Ajmer's Somalpur village.
The shrine houses a Hindu as well a Muslim place of worship. Every day, the aarti takes place in the Shiv temple here, followed by the Azan at the adjoining mosque. The Sufi saint never discriminated amongst his followers who were from different faiths. He built the temple and the mosque for his followers besides his prayer seat by inviting donations from people of all faiths.
The Sufi was also known as Sat Guru 108 Shri Hazrat Sayed Baba Badam Shah Uvasiya. The shrine's present Gaddi Nashin, Ram Mishra has been taking care of the sanctum sanctorum ever since his father Hari Prasad 'Uvasiya' passed away in 2008. Late Hari Prasad was a follower of Sufi saint and received the title of 'Kalandar' from him.
The Sufi had come to Ajmer from village Galib in UP's Mainpuri district at the age of 14 in search of a guru. He spent a year at the Shrine of Khwaja Gharib Nawaz before settling down at Somalpur after attaining a divine healing touch.
The Mishra family, which now has around 50 members, came in contact with the Sufi saint five years before he died on November 26, 1965. The saint, during his last days, declared Hari Prasad Mishra his successor. Hari Prasad was so intensely in love with his Guru that he declared that he too should be buried in accordance with the Islamic teachings. His grave, which is in the same village, is equally revered by the devotees visiting the shrine.
The Sufi saint had authorized the Mishra family to perform all ceremonies in the Dargah in accordance with Islamic teachings.
Read more: A temple and a mosque in this Ajmer shrine - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/A-temple-and-a-mosque-in-this-Ajmer-shrine/articleshow/6668990.cms#ixzz11Ao7FuQm
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A shop that sells the scent of faith
Shoeb Khan
Oct 2, 2010
JAIPUR: Barely 200 meters from the revered shrine of Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer is a century-old shop named Lala Sitaram Ayodhya Prasad. The shop is run by a Hindu family and sells 'ittar' (scent) to devotees visiting the Sufi saint's shrine. For visitors, the name 'Ayodhya Prasad' means just one thing — the only place to look for quality scents.
Originally from Kannauj, the founder of the shop, Ayodhya Prasad, came to Ajmer in 1851 with the sole aim of selling 'ittar' to the devotees of the Khawaja. Over the years Ayodhya Prasad's ittar has become a brand name among the Khawaja's devotees. The shop has a dedicated clientele, most of whom are Muslims. In the last 60 years, the temple-mosque dispute at Ayodhya may have been a source of discord between the two communities, but the sellers of the 'ittar' have never faced any problem because of the shop's name or its owners' religion in dealing with the clients.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/A-shop-that-sells-the-scent-of-faith-/articleshow/6668982.cms#ixzz11AoD17SP
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Puja & namaaz, part of this community
Oct 2, 2010
JAIPUR: For the Cheetah-Mehrat community, the Ayodhya land dispute is a non-issue. An embodiment of the true spirit of the Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb, this community practises both Hinduism and Islam. They offer puja and namaaz under one roof. There are families in the Cheetah-Meharat community, half of whose members worship at a mosque while the rest go to the temple to pray the Hindu way.
"There is nothing better than peace, harmony and love for mankind. Religion doesn't teach hatred. Whatever causes tension, should be discarded by all," said Chand Bhai, sarpanch of Khakheri village, around 10km from Pushkar.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Puja-namaaz-part-of-this-community/articleshow/6668970.cms#ixzz11AoGq9no
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In Ayodhya, it's a sad Friday for Muslims
Rukmini Shrinivasan
Oct 2, 2010
AYODHYA: Until Thursday, neither community in this town was particularly exercised over the veracity of the claim that Ram was born here. With the high court having decided to step in, however, the birthplace issue has become a polarizing one.
At the noon prayers at the Badi Masjid in Ayodhya's Tedhi Bazaar, just a few hundred metres from where the Babri Masjid once stood, and the scene of horrific arson and rioting in 1992, Imam Haji Mohammed Aslam talks of the early years of Islam and steers mostly clear of matters current. Towards the end of his tehreek (sermon), though, he says, "Some times, you may pray for something very hard, and yet you do not get it and feel disappointed. You may feel you are being punished for a crime you did not commit. But there are some faults inside everyone that only Allah knows; try and fix them."
After his tehreek, once his flock has left and he is locking up the neat, whitewashed mosque, Aslam strikes a slightly less conciliatory tone. "We will always maintain peace and brotherhood with our brothers. But I will say this; courts are supposed to take decisions based on evidence, this was a decision based on faith," he says.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/In-Ayodhya-its-a-sad-Friday-for-Muslims/articleshow/6668920.cms#ixzz11AoKY3Sl
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The man who was Ram Lalla's 'next friend'
Swati Mathur
Oct 2, 2010
Ayodhya title suit went in favour of Ram Lalla Virajmaan, part of the credit goes to Ram Lalla's 'sakha' (friend) Deoki Nandan Agarwal.
A senior advocate and retired Allahabad High Court judge, Agarwal died on April 8, 2002. He was regarded as a "committed" devotee of Lord Ram. A resident of Allahabad's Katra Mohalla, he spent his childhood in Faizabad where his father was an inspector of schools and his mother, a devotee of Lord Ram. The Agarwal family was Vaishnav. For several years, Agarwal was the president of Aurobindo Society.
The 'next friend' of Ram Lalla, Triloki Nath Pandey, said, "His (Agarwal's) mother Ram Sakhi would often tell him that he would be the Lord's 'sakha' one day."
After retiring in 1983, Agarwal went to Faizabad and collected data, including revenue records, to prove that the land belonged to Ram Lalla. He filed a writ petition at Allahabad High Court's Lucknow bench on July 1, 1989 seeking his appointment as Ram Lalla's 'sakha' (friend).
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/The-man-who-was-Ram-Lallas-next-friend/articleshow/6668887.cms#ixzz11AoVCKuV
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Waqf board handles Muslim rulers' property
Oct 2, 2010
LUCKNOW: The UP Sunni Central Waqf Board (UPSCWB) is a legal body responsible for management, upkeep, preservation and utilisation of properties donated or constructed by Muslim rulers or people from the community for public use.
Waqf means a property dedicated to the society. It's a religious endowment in Islam, typically devoting a building or plot of land for Muslim religious or charitable purposes. It could be a madrassa, mosque, tomb or graveyard. Waqf boards are formed by the government under the Waqf Act, 1995 through a gazette notification.
Earlier, Waqf Boards in worked as per the UP Waqf Act enacted in 1936 and later amended in 1960. The Sunni Waqf means a Waqf governed by the Sunni law. There is a separate Waqf Board for Shia Muslims. While the state governments are authorised to form Waqf Boards in their respective states, the Central government constitutes the Central Waqf Council.
Besides physical surveys carried out by the Board, historical accounts such as badshahnamas (biographies) of Mughal emperors are the main source of identifying and listing Waqfs.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Waqf-board-handles-Muslim-rulers-property-/articleshow/6668877.cms#ixzz11AoZvQ92
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Bouquets and brickbats for Ayodhya verdict in Pakistani press
Oct 1, 2010
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani newspapers had different takes Friday on the Allahabad High Court verdict on the Ayodhya issue. One held that the trifurcation of the disputed land into two parts for the Hindus and one for the Muslims seemed to be the "only tenable solution", while another hailed it as the victory of "inflamed Hindu mobs".
"Perhaps this was the only tenable solution considering the divergent views of the three-member bench: Justice Sudhir Agarwal felt 'the building in dispute was constructed after demolition of a non-Islamic religious structure i.e. a Hindu temple", while Justice SU Khan's findings were that 'no temple was demolished for constructing the mosque'," an editorial in Dawn said.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Bouquets-and-brickbats-for-Ayodhya-verdict-in-Pakistani-press/articleshow/6667566.cms#ixzz11ApaHP9U
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Osama behind 26/11-like plot in Europe cities
Oct 2, 2010
WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD: The world's most wanted terrorist Osama bin-Laden is masterminding an unfolding plot to launch Mumbai-style attacks on European cities and top US officials have told Islamabad that the Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Haqqani network are working on the plan with al-Qaida.
Bin-Laden, believed to be deep in hiding in the tribal areas of Pakistan, used couriers to send messages to Qaida affiliates and partners several months ago, telling them he would like to see a Mumbai-style attack on at least three strategic targets – the UK, Germany and France, the US National Public Radio (NPR) said, citing American officials.
The radio said gunmen planned to fire at busy European tourist sites and take over hotels in a plot that would mark a new style of attack for Qaida.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/Osama-behind-26/11-like-plot-in-Europe-cities/articleshow/6668997.cms#ixzz11ApG6k2R
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Pervez Musharraf launches new party in London
Oct 1, 2010
LONDON: Pakistan's former military ruler Pervez Musharraf on Friday announced his much-anticipated return to mainstream politics with an apology for the "political mistakes" of the last years of his regime and promised to start his career with a "clean slate".
Launching his new banner -- the All Pakistan Muslim League -- thousands of miles away from Pakistan, the former President said he would return to his country and contest the 2013 general elections.
"On this occasion, I apologise to the people of the country," Musharraf, who is on self-imposed exile since the general election of 2009, said.
The 67-year old also said his party would strive for friendly and peaceful relations with India, but after peaceful resolution of all issues.
"I acknowledge that during the last years of my regime, there were some decisions, which I can term as political mistakes," he said at a crowded press conference in central London.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Pervez-Musharraf-launches-new-party-in-London/articleshow/6666077.cms#ixzz11ApTQ4mf
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Militants attack NATO oil tankers in Pak, 5 killed
Oct 2, 2010
ISLAMABAD: Militants in Pakistan on Friday carried out two separate attacks on vehicles carrying fuel for NATO and US forces in Afghanistan, killing five persons and injuring several others.
In the first attack, a group of about 20 militants fired rockets at nearly 40 oil tankers parked at two petrol stations in Shikarpur, a city in southern Sindh province, officials said.
Many tankers caught fire during the attack. Police sources said at least three people died due of burn injuries while three others were injured.
The dead and injured were sleeping in the tankers. Drivers and police officials said 28 tankers and two roadside petrol stations were destroyed in the attack early this morning.
A truck driver and his assistant were burned alive in the second attack on an oil tanker in the parking lot of a restaurant at Khuzdar in southeastern Balochistan province, police said. The tanker caught fire after it was attacked by several armed militants.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Militants-attack-NATO-oil-tankers-in-Pak-5-killed-/articleshow/6668246.cms#ixzz11ApeTQuh
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Iraq's Shiite union backs incumbent Nuri al-Maliki as PM
Oct 2, 2010
BAGHDAD: Iraq's Shiite alliance backed incumbent Nuri al-Maliki as the next prime minister on Friday after months of argument, but he still faces severe obstacles in his bid for a second term.
Maliki won the nomination with support from the political movement of anti-US cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, which previously opposed a second term for the prime minister, who sent troops to crush its Mehdi Army militia in 2008.
The decision by the National Alliance, a merger of Maliki's Shiite-led State of Law coalition and the Iran-friendly Iraqi National Alliance (INA), marked a breakthrough in talks among Iraq's political factions since the parliamentary election on March 7, which produced no clear winner.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Iraqs-Shiite-union-backs-incumbent-Nuri-al-Maliki-as-PM-/articleshow/6669018.cms#ixzz11ApkkAEQ
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Worm wars: Was Israel behind Iran cyber attack?
John Markoff & David E Sanger
Oct 1, 2010
An Iranian security man outside the reactor building at the Russian-built Bushehr nuclear power plant in southern Iran. The Stuxnet computer worm infected 30,000 computers in Iran but failed to 'cause serious damage,' Iranian officials were quoted as saying on September 26, 2010. (AFP Photo)
Deep inside the computer worm that some specialists suspect is aimed at slowing Iran's race for a nuclear weapon lies what could be a fleeting reference to the Book of Esther, the Old Testament tale in which the Jews pre-empt a Persian plot to destroy them.
That use of the word "Myrtus" — which can be read as an allusion to Esther — to name a file inside the code is one of several murky clues that have emerged as computer experts try to trace the origin and purpose of the rogue Stuxnet program, which seeks out a specific kind of command module for industrial equipment.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Worm-wars-Was-Israel-behind-Iran-cyber-attack/articleshow/6661848.cms#ixzz11AprMtjy
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Mulayam trying to mislead Muslims: Kalyan
Atiq Khan
LUCKNOW: The convener of Jan Kranti Party and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Kalyan Singh, on Friday alleged that Samajwadi Party president Mulayam Singh was playing the Muslim card.
Mr. Mulayam Singh said earlier in the day that Muslims were feeling let down and disappointed with the verdict in the Ayodhya case.
Mr. Kalyan Singh accused his erstwhile friend of trying to mislead Muslims. The SP president had lost his support base and people should expose leaders like him. His thinking was always “communal.” The Ayodhya verdict was based on evidence and not on faith and belief, he said.
A grand Ram temple would be built in Ayodhya as the entire land at the disputed site belonged to “Ram Lalla Virajman” and the construction could start after three months, he said, but refused to comment on division of Ayodhya land.
http://www.hindu.com/2010/10/02/stories/2010100265301800.htm
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U.S. denies linking UNSC seat for India with Kashmir
02 October, 2010
Washington: The United States has categorically rejected reports that settlement of the Kashmir issue is a pre-condition set by it for endorsing India's bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, saying there is no link between the two.
“I don't see a link between the two,” State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said at a press conference when asked about a media report that claimed that the Obama administration has linked its endorsement of a permanent UNSC seat for India with resolving the Kashmir issue.
Full report at:
http://www.hindu.com/2010/10/02/stories/2010100260291600.htm
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Floods In Pak ‘Worry’ Osama
Oct 02nd, 2010
Cairo, Oct. 1: Al Qaeda has released a new audio tape of Osama bin Laden in which the leader of the terror network calls for the creation of a relief body to aid Muslims harmed in natural disasters and wars.
In a copy of the message provided by the US-based SITE Intelligence Group, bin Laden also criticises governments in Muslim countries for spending more money on armies than on their citizens.
The bin Laden tape comes after similar messages from al Qaeda figures that accused the Pakistani government of failing to provide for its people after massive floods in the country killed hundreds and left some 8 million people homeless.
The authenticity of the tape could not be immediately verified.
“What governments spend on relief work is secondary to what it spends on its armies,” bin Laden said in the 11-minute tape called, Reflections on the Method of Relief Work.
http://www.asianage.com/international/floods-pak-%E2%80%98worry%E2%80%99-osama-417
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US Aid Reduces Tech Gap Between India-Pak
Oct 02nd, 2010
New Delhi: Terming US arms aid to Pakistan as a challenge, India on Friday said the latest F-16s, missiles and munition being supplied to Pakistan Air Force (PAF) could “reduce the technological gap” with the IAF.
“The US arms aid is certainly a challenge, no doubt about that,” IAF’s Western Air Command chief, Air Marshal N.A.K. Browne, said.
“Earlier the difference of assets was a certain amount. But their acquisitions have reduced the gap between the PAF and IAF in terms of capability of their aircraft, beyond visual range missile systems, day and night operations and precision guided munitions,” Mr Browne said.
He was replying to questions on the US arms aid to Pakistan including F-16s, purportedly for counter-terrorism operations along its Afghanistan border.
“There are things actually that tend to reduce the gap. Pakistan is catching up with the IAF, which has always had an edge in terms of its size and platforms. But I don’t think that PAF would match the IAF in the future,” he said.
He also said the 16 F-16 Block-50/52 being delivered to PAF was a conventional weapon platform. It can switch its roles from sub-conventional to conventional warfare.
http://www.asianage.com/international/us-aid-reduces-tech-gap-between-india-pak-415
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Iran slams India over J&K protests, India hits back, issues demarche
Pranab Dhal Samanta
Oct 02 2010
New Delhi : New Delhi has lodged a strong diplomatic protest with Tehran after the Iranian foreign ministry condemned Indian action against protesters in Jammu and Kashmir. These demonstrations had been provoked by an Iranian channel, Press TV, which showed clips of alleged desecration of the Koran in the US.
While India banned the channel from being broadcast in J&K after over 20 people were killed in the protests on September 13, Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Ramin Mehmanparast spoke out against the Indian government five days later and went to the extent of saying that to counter such protests could be “interpreted as supporting acts of sacrilege.” On September 18, Mehmanparast said it was “perfectly acceptable for Muslims to react to the desecration of the Koran” and called upon the Indian government to show “self-restraint”.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/story-print/691411/
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Dozens killed in Indonesian train crash
Oct 02 2010
Petarukan (Indonesia) : Dozens of people were killed or badly injured when two trains collided in Indonesia's central Java province early on Saturday morning, officials said.
Local television showed several carriages had overturned or were badly mangled. Rescue and transport ministry officials put the death toll at around 22 to 23 with many more injured, while local news agency Antara said 33 people had been killed in the crash. Indonesia needs to spend billions of dollars on improving its ageing infrastructure, including roads, power plants, railways, and airports.
Underinvestment in the years since the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis has resulted in several accidents in the transport sector, and has hampered economic development, with the result that Indonesia's GDP growth is well below potential and lags that of China and India.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/story-print/691486/
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Nigeria bombing death toll rises to 15; world condemn blasts
02 2010
Abuja : Several countries have condemned the three explosions that rattled the Nigeria's 50th independence day here even as the death toll has risen to 15.
Condemning the attacks, Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan promised that those behind the act "will pay dearly for this heinous crime."
Nigeria's former colonial master, Britain condemned the act and promised to partner with Oil-rich African nation to bring the attackers to book even as United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon also denounced the attacks.
United States also condemned the attack and condoled with families of those who lost their lives.
Yesterday, three explosions, including one at the venue where the Nigerian President was present just 40 metres away, rocked the country's 50th independence day celebrations. But the ceremony went ahead despite the explosions.
About 15 foreign leaders, including a representative of Queen Elizabeth 11 and a delegation from India led by Corporate Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid were present during the attack.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/story-print/691485/
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‘Seed of dispute in 1986 order’
By Gyanant Singh in New Delhi
AN irresponsible order by a judge to unlock the Babri Masjid during late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s regime aggravated the dispute between Hindus and Muslims. That is what justice Sibghat Ullah Khan, one of the three Lucknow bench judges who delivered the Ayodhya verdict, believes.
In his judgment on the title suit, justice Khan said the event of 1986 catapulted the dispute to national attention leading to a chain reaction that culminated in the demolition of the mosque in 1992.
Justice Khan noted that the “ utter disregard for procedure’’ and the “ undue haste’’ shown by the then Faizabad district judge in passing the order could not be ignored. “ The appeal was filed on January 31, 1986, and was allowed the next day. The reason for this haste is not mentioned in the judgment,” he said.
The judgment, he added, was passed at 4.15 pm and the structure unlocked within minutes.
Full report at:
Mail Today
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‘Other options’ if Nato strikes go on: Gilani
By Raja Asghar
02 Oct, 2010
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani told the National Assembly on Friday his government would consider unspecified “other options” to protect Pakistan’s sovereignty if Nato strikes into its tribal area from Afghanistan did not halt, but rebuffed a shouting ex-general on opposition benches who suggested (we) “beat them back”.
The prime minister said Pakistan would not compromise on its sovereignty and integrity because of its cooperation in the so-called “war on terror” which, however, “is our own war”, but “being a sovereign country and a nuclear power we will not do anything irresponsible”.
Responding to an angry speech by a PML-N back-bencher, Lt-Gen (retd) Abdul Qadir Baloch, at the fag-end of the day’s sitting, the prime minister said Pakistan’s concern about Nato helicopter strikes — aimed at suspected militant hideouts but one of which also killed three Pakistani paramilitary troops on Thursday — had been taken up with Nato headquarters in Brussels and “they have apologised”.
He said he had also told US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry, who telephoned him on Thursday, that Pakistan would not allow infringement of its sovereignty and collateral damage and that “if you don’t rectify and apologise, we have other options to consider. If Pakistan’s sovereignty is attacked, we will think of other options.”
Full report at:
http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/the-newspaper/front-page/other-options-if-nato-strikes-go-on-pm-200
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We know how to fight for democracy: Zardari
By Hashim Khan Bhurgari
02 Oct, 2010
BADIN: President Asif Ali Zardari has said the government has the mandate of 170 million people and there are not many ‘brave hearts’ who can destabilise or remove it.
Addressing a gathering at the Circuit House here at a function held on Friday to mark the balloting of Benazir Smart Waseela-i-Haq card, he said that being a large party, the PPP was working to strengthen democracy as envisioned by Benazir Bhutto.“We are not afraid of anyone and the government will complete its tenure,” the president said.
“We know how to fight and die for the sake of democracy. We do people’s politics and will continue to serve the masses.”
He said the government was facing a lot of problems because of devastating floods, but “we will not rest till the rehabilitation of every affected person”.
“I wanted to celebrate Eid with flood-affected people in Badin, but could not come because of inclement weather,” the president said.
He said the Smart Cards of Waseela Haq Benazir Support Programme would help the holder during the lifetime and after his death his heir would get an insurance benefit of Rs100,000.
Full report at:
http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/the-newspaper/front-page/we-know-how-to-fight-for-democracy-zardari-200
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US supports civilian govt in Pakistan, says official
02 Oct, 2010
WASHINGTON, Oct 1: The United States is doing everything it can to support the civilian government in Pakistan, says the State Department while also urging Pakistani rulers to rebuild their relationship with their own people.
The comments, given at a news briefing on Thursday, followed a question on Foreign Minister Shah Mahmud Qureshi’s speech at a dinner in Washington this week in which he brushed aside suggestions that the Pakistani armed forces were preparing to oust the democratically elected government in Islamabad.
“We are doing everything that we can to support the civilian government in Pakistan and the improvement in the capabilities and performance of the civilian government,” said State Department spokesman P. J. Crowley.
Full report at:
http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/the-newspaper/front-page/us-supports-civilian-govt-in-pakistan,-says-official-200
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Nato attack row not to affect ties: Holbrooke
By Anwar Iqbal
02 Oct, 2010
WASHINGTON, Oct 1: US special envoy Richard Holbrooke said on Friday that the row over Nato incursions into Fata would not change the fundamental relationship between Pakistan and the United States.
In a debate at the Washington Ideas Forum, Mr Holbrooke pointed out that Pakistan had closed the supply route to Afghanistan in reaction to continued violation of its territorial integrity by Nato and US forces. The closure had slowed, but not halted the supplies as other routes were open, he said.
“Let me try to phrase it very precisely: first of all, I don’t believe that it’s going to change the fundamental relationship between our two countries,” the US envoy said when asked to comment Nato incursions into Pakistan.
“Apparently some events ... crossed the border ... an area that is ill-defined in areas is complicated and very rough terrain. It was very unfortunate and an investigation is going on by Nato, as it should be, but I do not think it will change the fundamentals of our relationship,” he said.
Full report at:
http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/the-newspaper/front-page/nato-attack-row-not-to-affect-ties-holbrooke-200
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Iraq’s Shia bloc backs Maliki for premiership
02 Oct, 2010
BAGHDAD, Oct 1: Iraqs main Shia parliamentary bloc chose incumbent Nuri al Maliki as its candidate for premier on Friday, clearing the way for an end to the country’s nearly seven-month political deadlock.
The announcement by the National Alliance (NA), which remains short of an absolute majority in the 325-member Council of Representatives, is the first sign of hope in months of a government forming after the March 7 elections.
“The National Alliance has chosen Maliki as its candidate for the premiership,” coalition member Falah Fayadh said at a news conference. He said that the coalition’s members voted “by consensus”, but did not elaborate.
Mr Maliki’s State of Law Alliance had finished second in the polls, two seats behind the Iraqiya bloc of ex-premier Iyad Allawi. But Maliki joined forces with the Iraqi National Alliance (INA) in early May.
Full report at:
http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/the-newspaper/international/iraqs-shia-bloc-backs-maliki-for-premiership-200
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US apologises for sex-transmitted disease tests in Guatemala
02 Oct, 2010
WASHINGTON, Oct 1: The United States apologised on Friday for a study conducted more than 60 years ago in Guatemala in which US-led researchers infected hundreds of people with syphilis and gonorrhoea without their consent.
The study conducted between 1946 and 1948 was “clearly unethical”, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in a statement issued jointly with Health Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, in which the two officials extended an apology to “all the individuals who were affected by such abhorrent research practices.” Clinton told Guatemalan President Alvaro Colom by phone of her “personal outrage and deep regret that such reprehensible research could have occurred,” Assistant Secretary of State Arturo Valenzuela told reporters.
Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the US government body that funded the study, called it “deeply disturbing” and “an appalling example in a dark chapter in the history of medicine.” Senator Robert Menendez, a member of the congressional Hispanic caucus, called the experiments in Guatemala one of the “darkest moments” in US history.
Full report at:
http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/the-newspaper/international/us-apologises-for-sextransmitted-disease-tests-in-guatemala-200
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World Bank approves $430m for Pakistan flood recovery
02 Oct, 2010
ISLAMABAD: The World Bank on Friday approved a $430 million credit for Pakistan. The money will be used to help the country in flood relief and rehabilitation efforts and for repair of highways damaged or destroyed by the floods.
The loan includes $300 million credit for flood-related imports, which will be made available through the International Development Association (IDA). The loan will mature in 40 years and will have a 10-year grace period. According to a World Bank announcement, this support, which is part of a $1 billion commitment for Pakistan’s floods recovery and reconstruction efforts, will finance critical flood-related imports, like food, medicine, tents, fuel and machinery. The bank said it has also approved a $130 million credit line to repair the country’s highways that were damaged or destroyed by the floods.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\10\02\story_2-10-2010_pg7_2
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US may abandon Pak-Afghan supply route
By Amir Mir
LAHORE: Upset over mounting terror attacks targeting the Nato/ISAF supply trucks travelling to Afghanistan via Pakistan, the high command of the US-led allied forces stationed in Afghanistan has warned the decision makers in Islamabad that their failure to prevent such assaults could force them to abandon Pakistan as the major supply route to Afghanistan.
According to highly-informed diplomatic sources in Islamabad, the rising number of terrorist attacks on the Nato-ISAF convoys, coupled with the sudden crisis brought about by the recent floods in Pakistan, which have washed away several key bridges and highways, have compelled the high ups of the US-led allied forces to seek alternative supply routes for the international forces stationed in Afghanistan.
Pakistan currently receives a huge reimbursement of economic and military assistance from the United States for providing these logistical facilities to the war-torn country. The Nato/ISAF convoys travelling through Pakistan are the principal source of logistical support for the US-led allied forces in Afghanistan. It being the shortest and most economical route, almost 75 per cent of ammunition, vehicles, foodstuff and around 50 per cent of fuel for the Nato-ISAF forces fighting against the Taliban militia in Afghanistan have been transported via Pakistan for the last many years.
Full report at:
http://www.thenews.com.pk/02-10-2010/Top-Story/1021.htm
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Iran blasts US interference
02 Oct, 2010
TEHRAN: Tehran hit out on Friday against US ‘interference’ after Washington ordered sanctions against senior Iranian officials for alleged human rights abuses during a crackdown on post-election protests last year.
’This decision is in line with the US interference in the internal affairs of Iran for the past 30 years,’ foreign ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast was quoted as saying by the official IRNA news agency.
’It goes against international law,’ he added. US President Barack Obama imposed the sanctions against eight senior Iranian officials on Wednesday over the crackdown against anti-government protesters who rejected the outcome of the Islamic republic’s 2009 presidential election.
Full report at:
http://www.thenews.com.pk/02-10-2010/World/7835.htm
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Obama envoy ends Mideast talks with no breakthrough
Oct 2, 2010
RAMALLAH, West Bank: A US envoy concluded talks with Palestinian and Israeli leaders on Friday without agreement on how to keep alive peace negotiations that are on hold due to a dispute over Jewish settlement building.
US envoy George Mitchell said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas had agreed to keep talking indirectly. He has been shuttling between the leaders for the last two days.
US President Barack Obama’s drive to end the six-decade old conflict appeared to be faltering just a month after his administration launched the direct talks in Washington.
“Both the president and the prime minister have agreed that we will continue our discussions, ongoing in an effort to move forward in this process toward what we all share as a common goal: the establishment of comprehensive peace in the Middle East,” Mitchell told reporters in Ramallah.
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/middleeast/article151603.ece
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Madinah corruption probe report denied
By MUHAMMAD HUMAIDAN
Oct 2, 2010
JEDDAH: The Supreme Judicial Council has denied media reports that it is investigating financial and administrative corruption in Madinah, according to a statement posted on its website.
“No accusations against any of the judges at the General Court in Madinah have come to the Supreme Judicial Council,” said the statement that was issued on Wednesday.
Local newspapers reported last week that a committee from the Supreme Judicial Council was investigating a judge at the Shariah Court in Madinah who was alleged to have taken SR200 million worth of bribes to issue land ownership deeds.
The reports also alleged that 16 court, municipality and Ministry of Agriculture employees were also involved in the scam, and that Interpol had been contacted for help in bringing some of the accused back to the Kingdom.
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article151585.ece
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Quarrel over camping sites ... long before Eid
By MUHAMMAD AL-SULAMI
Oct 2, 2010
JEDDAH: Though the Eid Al-Adha holidays are still more than a month away, Yanbu residents have already started fighting over camping spots along the coast for their vacation.
They make their reservations by laying down the materials needed to erect tents in desired locations, including stones, wood and iron rods. The camping area extends for about 20 km from the Yanbu museum up to the Al-Sharm area along the shore.
Camping in the desert and along coastlines is a common habit for Saudis during school summer vacations and Eid holidays, which can last up to two weeks.
Ghanyan Al-Alwani, an elderly man from Yanbu, told Arab News he was reserving the place where he used to camp for many years when a young well-built man asked him to leave.
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article151577.ece
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Mahmoud Abbas may quit Oct. 6
By MOHAMMED MAR'I
Oct 2, 2010
RAMALLAH, West Bank: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas may resign Wednesday. "This is the last time you are traveling with me,” Naser Al-Lahham, the editor in chief of the independent news agency Ma'an, quoted Abbas as saying to Palestinian journalists on board the presidential plane.
The development came as a senior Palestinian official said that US Middle East envoy George Mitchell failed to achieve a breakthrough on the issue of construction in West Bank Jewish settlements that impede the resumption of direct peace talks between the Palestinians and Israel.
Al-Lahham, who accompanied Abbas in his last visit to the United Nations and Europe, said that the Palestinian president declined to elaborate. He expected Abbas to announce his resignation during a meeting of Arab foreign minister in Cairo on Oct. 6. The ministers are to assess the direct talks and advise the Palestinian leadership.
On Wednesday, the Palestinian daily Al-Ayyam quoted Abbas as saying that he will "make historic decisions" during the meeting of the Arab League.
http://arabnews.com/middleeast/article151610.ece
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Iranians brace for big jump in gasoline price
By ROBIN POMEROY
Oct 2, 2010
TEHRAN: Gasoline prices in Iran will rise sharply in the coming weeks as the government cuts subsidies on essential goods, an official said on Friday, telling motorists the biggest in the first phase of cuts would be in car fuel.
Iranians are nervously waiting to see the impact of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's plan to phase out $100 billion of subsidies which economists say is a necessary but politically risky step in the world's fifth-largest oil exporter.
A sudden price rise or scarcity of essential goods could risk re-igniting popular unrest which flared after the hard-liner was re-elected in June 2009, analysts say.
The Iranian economy is also under pressure from sanctions over its nuclear program and, most recently, from a slump in the value of its currency which prompted the central bank to intervene this week.
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/economy/article151631.ece
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Jordan disputes Al-Jazeera TV jamming charge
By ADAM SCHRECK
Oct 2, 2010
DUBAI: Al-Jazeera Television says it has evidence that a widespread disruption of its regional feed during the World Cup originated in Jordan — a charge the kingdom disputes.
A Jordanian government official on Friday called Al-Jazeera’s allegations “absolutely baseless and unacceptable,” and said his country is willing to cooperate with an independent investigation of the claims.
Qatar-based Al-Jazeera says that its investigators determined a site in Jordan was used to deliberately jam the satellite signal during the broadcast of World Cup games, garbling some and completely blocking others.
The disruption sparked outrage among football fans across the Middle East, many of whom had to pay extra for special TV packages allowing them to watch the games at home.
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/middleeast/article151599.ece
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Arabs hold general strike to mark October 2000 clashes
Oct2, 2010
RAMALLAH: Thousands of Arab Palestinians inside Israel demonstrated Friday to commemorate the 13 Arab youths killed by Israeli police during the October 2000 clashes. The Higher Arab Monitoring Committee (HAMC) also declared a general strike in all Arab towns to mark the anniversary.
HAMC said that all Arab cities and towns, including Umm el-Fahm, Sakhnin, Arrabeh, Taybeh, as well as Arab neighborhoods in mixed cities such as Haifa and Jaffa, closed their businesses, local authorities said.
It added that in addition to Arab public figures and representatives of the families of those killed, representatives of various embassies attended the rallies. Israeli police said it has gathered near the demonstrations and outside the villages in order to prevent rioting, but expect the demonstrations to be peaceful.
The events of October 2000 have become a contentious issue for Arabs inside Israel, many of whom say Israel has failed to properly investigate the circumstances of the riot and take action against the police officers who killed the youths.
The Arabs have expressed anger over the issue by holding demonstrations and strikes during the month of October in the years since the incident.
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/middleeast/article151600.ece
URL: http://www.newageislam.com/NewAgeIslamIslamicWorldNews_1.aspx?ArticleID=3489
2:53 AM
Moderate Islamist here
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