| Islamic World News | |
| 02 Nov 2010, NewAgeIslam.Com |
Taliban publicly flog men for 'taking drugs' against their diktat
Twelve terrorists killed in Orakzai operation
Saudi clerics challenge Riyadh on women's jobs
Saudis shocked by fatwa banning women cashiers
Sri Lankan Muslims neighbours’ of housemaid Rizana Nafeek, pray for God’s Mercy
Sri Lanka Muslim Congress to ‘wait-and-see’ ruling party stance
Mention of Kashmir by Obama will be explosive: Riedel
Christians: A declining community in Middle East
The United States created Iraqi terror groups for torture
Tip-off from former Al-Qaeda man
Suspect freed, Yemenis rejoice
Geelani drops protest plan on Diwali
China seeks to improve dialogue with Muslim world
ISLAMABAD: SC summons Punjab chief secy on abduction of prisoners
Yemen must not be new Afghanistan: British military chief
British PM warns of ‘terrorist cancer’ in Yemen region
ANP, MQM criticise each other over law and order in Karachi
Drone attack kills 5 in North Waziristan
Has the Lashkar-e-Tayyaba split as well?
Avoid ball-by-ball commentary, PC tells interlocutors
'26/11 terrorists planned to attack Mumbai police HQ'
Afghanistan's Badakhshan libraries equipped by ICRO
Two Afghan women charity workers shot dead
Greece finds mail bomb addressed to Sarkozy
Spate of attacks in Pakistan
Air India wants to shut offices in Pak, but gets no visas, keeps paying Rs 32 lakh yearly rent
Madani for measures to facilitate return of displaced Kashmiris
Erdogan the new Saladdin for the Muslims world
Complaint filed against Geelani, Arundhati
Kashmiri Pandits want sedition case against Roy
RSS campaign to counter ATS ‘disinformation’
Two policemen killed in Swabi suicide attack
Islamic Jihad rep opposes Palestine's partition, reconciliation talks
Israel renews ban on Palestinians officiating in Jerusalem
Hezbollah Declares War on Its Host Lebanon
American Muslims look to exercise their vote in midterm elections
FBI using pre-emptive prosecution in War on Terror
Canada to repatriate former child soldier Omar Khadr
Iran postpones start of trial for 3 Americans
Israel mulls US proposal on leasing Palestinian land: Report
US to share with India findings of 'full review' on Headley: Chidambaram
Indonesia volcano shoots new blast; 21 more rumble
Students hold demonstration for Dr Aafia’s release
Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III – first president of Muslim League
‘Reconciliation policy of BB promoted democracy’
Afghanistan’s Khogyani district captured from Taliban
Kingdom vows full support for Iraq
Iran envoy: Atom bomb would be strategic mistake
Gitmo Canadian to serve 8 more years in prison
Sweden plans to start Afghan withdrawal in 2012
PKK denies responsibility for Sunday’s Istanbul bomb
Palestinian children face increasing settler violence
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
Photo: All India Congress Committee (AICC) President Sonia Gandhi
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Congress accuses RSS of being involved in terror activities
Nov 2, 2010
NEW DELHI: Pledging to fight communal and terrorist elements, the Congress on Tuesday accused the RSS and its sister organizations of being involved in terrorist activities.
"Recent revelations through detailed investigations have exposed the true character of the RSS and its sister organisations. The investigations indicate the involvement of its members in terrorist activities," said an AICC statement circulated to members at the AICC session in New Delhi.
It said the party would fight "at any cost" communal and terrorist elements, whichever source they originate from that aim at destroying the national fabric.
"The Indian national Congress will fight against all such sources that spread religious hatred, prejudice and bigotry and that seek to polarise our people along religious lines," the statement said.
The statement is likely to be adopted at the conclusion of the one-day AICC session which began here with the hoisting of the party tricolour at the Talkatora Stadium.
Apparently concerned over the spiralling prices of essential commodities, the party asked the government to "redouble its efforts" to ensure that prices remain at "affordable levels".
The Congress also put the onus of reining prices on the state governments, saying their role was "absolutely essential and critical" in this regard.
Noting that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir had deteriorated, it welcomed the appointment of interlocutors to carry forward the dialogue process with various stakeholders.
It said normalcy was being restored with the cooperation of the state government.
Expressing concern over the Maoist activities in some parts of the country, it said the extremists have caused serious law and order situation leading to senseless killing of civilians and security forces and wanton destruction of public property.
"Armed struggle against the State by any section of the society cannot be tolerated. The Government should take all appropriate steps to curb it," the statement said.
It noted that lack of development was leading to alienation of tribals and sought time-bound implementation of the Integrated Action Plan of the government for tribal and backward areas.
The AICC congratulated Sonia Gandhi for getting elected as the party president for the fourth term.
"Under her leadership, two successive Congress-led coalition governments have been formed at the Centre.
She has injected new life and dynamism in this 125-year-old organisation through her untiring efforts and selfless work and unique qualities of sacrifice demonstrated by not assuming the highest office offered to her," it said.
It also commended the "wise and sagacious leadership" provided by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, saying he had brought "renewed prestige" to India by ensuring sustained high economic growth amidst the global economic crisis.
The AICC also appreciated and supported the initiatives taken by the Youth Congress and the NSUI under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi "to bring about a new era of inclusive participation of youth in national service".
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/RSS-involved-in-terror-activities-says-Pranab/articleshow/6858086.cms#ixzz146jxy1up
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Taliban publicly flog men for 'taking drugs' against their diktat
2 November 2010
ISLAMABAD: Taliban fighters publicly flogged 65 men after they were convicted by a militant "court" for selling and using drugs in the restive Orakzai tribal region, barely days after a senior official had claimed that 90 per cent of the area had been cleared of rebels.
Members of the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan detained 65 tribesmen on the "charge" of selling and using hashish and heroin.
The men were brought before a " Shariah court" in Mamozai area of Orakzai Agency and they reportedly admitted they had violated a Taliban-imposed ban on using and selling drugs.
After they were "sentenced" by the militant court, the men were taken to a ground on Sunday and each of them was given 10 lashes by Taliban fighters as a large crowd watched.
Hafiz Saeed, the Taliban spokesman in Orakzai Agency, told reporters on phone that the tribesmen had confessed to the "Shariah court" that they had been using drugs despite warnings by the militants.
He said the men were publicly punished so that no one would dare violate the Taliban's warnings in the tribal region.
Frontier Corps inspector general Maj Gen Nadir Zeb had claimed to the media recently that security forces had broken the backbone of militants during military operations in Orakzai Agency and secured control of 90 per cent of the tribal region.
Local residents said the situation in the region is still tense and security forces were facing tough resistance from Taliban fighters.
They said the Taliban still had complete control of some areas in upper and central Orakzai Agency and had established Shariah courts.
The government launched a military operation against the Taliban in Orakzai Agency in 2007 and the campaign is still continuing.
Many tribesmen fled their homes after the operation was launched and took shelter in Hangu and Kohat districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Taliban-publicly-flog-men-for-taking-drugs-against-their-diktat/articleshow/6853401.cms#ixzz145sSuEHv
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Twelve terrorists killed in Orakzai operation
2 November 2010
LAHORE: At least twelve suspected terrorists were killed while nine were injured by shelling conducted by the security forces gunship helicopters in different areas of lower Orakzai Agency, a private TV channel reported on Monday. The gunship helicopters targeted three terrorists hideouts in Gowak, Haindara and Atam Ankhel, areas of lower Orakzai. Earlier, the military had claimed that Orakzai Agency had been cleared of terrorists, with which the repatriation of the displaced people begun. However, there have been several attacks on security forces and people who have returned back on condition to maintain peace in their respective areas, the channel reported. daily times monitor
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\11\02\story_2-11-2010_pg7_33
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Saudi clerics challenge Riyadh on women's jobs
2 November 2010
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia's top clerics have challenged the government's policy to expand jobs for women, with a fatwa ruling that they should not work as cashiers in supermarkets, said a report on Monday.
The official fatwa issuing body said “it is not permissible for a woman to work in a place where they mix with men,” said the news website Sabq.org.
“It is necessary to keep away from places where men congregate.
Women should look for decent work that does not make it possible for them to attract men or be attracted by men,” it said.
The ruling came from the Committee on Scholarly Work and Ifta, the official issuer of fatwas, or religious rulings, under the Council of Senior Scholars, the top authority for Islamic issues in the kingdom.
The fatwa was in response to a question, published with the ruling, asking specifically if women should work as cashiers in supermarkets, Sabq reported.
The ruling was unambiguous, and signed by Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz al-Sheikh, head of the Senior Scholars Council, and six other members of the fatwa committee.
The fatwa came some four months after the labour Ministry quietly authorised stores in the western city of Jeddah to employ women as cashiers, in an attempt to open up opportunities for women who are forcibly segregated from men under the strict Saudi version of Sunni Islam.
http://www.hindu.com/2010/11/02/stories/2010110265272000.htm
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Saudis shocked by fatwa banning women cashiers
2 November 2010
JEDDAH: Saudis have been left shocked after the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta issued a fatwa on Sunday banning women cashiers from working in the Kingdom’s supermarkets.
“It is not permitted for a Muslim woman to work in a mixed environment with men who are not related to them, and women should look for jobs that do not lead to them interacting with men which might cause attraction from both sides,” the fatwa stated.
The Kingdom’s top government-sanctioned board of senior Islamic scholars has endorsed the fatwa, which also calls for a ban on women cashiers because it violates the Kingdom’s rules on the segregation of sexes. The decision comes after a conservative preacher called for a boycott of supermarkets, which employ women cashiers.
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article177726.ece
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Sri Lankan Muslims neighbors’ of housemaid Rizana Nafeek, pray for God’s Mercy
2 November 2010
Sri Lankan Muslims of Muthur- hometown of 22 year-old Rizana Nafeek, Lankan-born house maid who is sentenced to death by courts of Saudi Arabia, offered prayers and signed a petition appealing King Fahad bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, to commute her capital punishment.
Father of Nafeek, Mohammed Nafeek, was also seen praying with Muthur residents.
Tagline- sign a petition appealing King Fahad of Saudi Arabia, to commute her capital punishment
Earlier on October 29, Governor of the country’s Western Province, Alavi Moulana, appealed to all Muslim congregations to conduct prayers appealing for God’s intercession, in order to save Nafeek from the executioner’s blade in Saudia Arabia.
Full report at:
http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2010/11/02/sri-lankan-muslims-neighbors%E2%80%99-housemaid-rizana-nafeek-pray-god%E2%80%99s-mercy
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Sri Lanka Muslim Congress to ‘wait-and-see’ ruling party stance
By Santhush Fernando
2 November 2010
The Sri Lanka’s largest Muslim political party- Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) says that it had adopted a ‘wait-and-see’ approach until the stance of the ruling United People’s Freedom Alliance over the controversial Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Bill, is made known.
National Organiser of Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, Shafeek Rajabdeen said that though his party had earlier decided to extend unconditional support for the bill, the government was yet to inform its position over the two amendments, proposed by SLMC.
Tagline- SLMC proposes two amendments; one over the delimitation process and the other on dissolution of an authority
Full report at:
http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2010/11/02/sri-lanka-muslim-congress-%E2%80%98wait-and-see%E2%80%99-ruling-party-stance
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Mention of Kashmir by Obama will be explosive: Riedel
Nov 02 2010
Washington : Any mention of Kashmir by US President Barack Obama during his trip to India can be potentially explosive, a top American strategic expert has said, adding that Pakistan will dominate in his talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Noting that Obama's visit would take place against the backdrop of the revival of Kashmiri question, Bruce Riedel of Brookings Institute in his latest comment on the region said that Pakistan will move to capitalise on the unrest.
"The intifada that exploded this summer in Kashmir cannot be ignored by the President during the visit but any comments on it will be potentially explosive," said Riedel, a former CIA official, who is a known American expert on South Asian affairs.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/mention-of-kashmir-by-obama-will-be-explosive-riedel/705970/
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Christians: A declining community in Middle East
2 November 2010
CAIRO: Christians in the mainly Muslim Middle East, with several communities facing insecurity and exclusion, were the target of an al-Qaida group which claimed a deadly hostage-taking in a Baghdad church.
The region which is the cradle of Christianity counts 20 million Christians, including five million Catholics, out of a population of 356 million, according to figures released by the Vatican.
Conflicts, political instability, economic troubles, discrimination and the rise of militant Islam have driven many Christians out of their home countries, particularly Iraq.
Egypt's Copts make up the Middle East's largest Christian community with between six to 10 percent of Egypt's 80 million population. The Coptic Church says its congregation numbers more than 10 million.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Christians-A-declining-community-in-Middle-East/articleshow/6854885.cms#ixzz145rgKNKB
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The United States created Iraqi terror groups for torture
Nov 02 2010
The 391,832 reports ("The Iraq War Logs"), document the war and occupation in Iraq, from 1st January 2004 to 31st December 2009 (except for the months of May 2004 and March 2009) as told by soldiers in the United States Army. Each is a "SIGACT" or Significant Action in the war. They detail events as seen and heard by the US military troops on the ground in Iraq and are the first real glimpse into the secret history of the war that the United States government has been privy to throughout.
Full report at:
http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2010/11/02/united-states-created-iraqi-terror-groups-torture
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Tip-off from former Al-Qaeda man
2 November 2010
London: A former Al-Qaeda member provided the pivotal information that led investigators to a pair of explosives-laden cargo packages last week, Britain's BBC reported on Monday.
Jaber al-Faifi turned himself in to authorities in Saudi Arabia two weeks ago. Remorse led him to divulge the information that led to the discovery in Britain and Dubai of the packages sent from Yemen. Faifi reportedly was at one time held at the Guantanamo Bay detention centre. He allegedly joined Al-Qaeda in Yemen after his release.
http://www.hindu.com/2010/11/02/stories/2010110265232000.htm
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Suspect freed,Yemenis rejoice
02 November, 2010
Sanaa: Thousands of cheering Yemenis on Monday greeted the student detained briefly on suspicion of having sent two parcel bombs found on United States-bound planes last week.
Yemeni police arrested computer science student Hanan al-Samawi on Friday after tracing her through a telephone number left with a freight company but released her the next day,saying she had been a victim of identity theft.
Samawi,accompanied by her father,appeared at a rally on Monday at the edge of Sanaa University campus,where students and teachers hugged her and threw roses.
I thank everyone for supporting me, Samawi told reporters.A banner held up at the rally read: We want the facts revealed in the case of Hanan al-Samawi while the crowd chanted: No to the arrest of students.
Full report at: Times of India
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Geelani drops protest plan on Diwali
Nov 2, 2010
Kashmir will be alive and open this Diwali. Opposition from minority groups has led Syed Ali Shah Geelani to announce a day's grace on November 5 in his 10-day schedule of protests and hartals to coincide with Barack Obama's India visit.
Geelani said the decision to drop protests was taken after many delegations of minorities approached him.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Geelani-drops-protest-plan-on-Diwali/articleshow/6856346.cms#ixzz145s1PDuB
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China seeks to improve dialogue with Muslim world
Nov 02 2010
China is trying to establish open dialogue with the Muslim world with the hope of promoting a better understanding of the Muslim communities that are part of Chinese society, a senior Turkish official from a government agency dealing with Islamic affairs has said.
Religious Affairs Directorate Deputy President Mehmet Görmez told Today’s Zaman that he had witnessed a sincere effort on the Chinese side to discuss and find solutions to problems the Muslim communities living in China face during a visit by an official delegation two weeks ago.
A committee composed of delegates from 10 countries visited China to convey the demands and expectations of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) to Chinese authorities regarding Muslim minorities in the country. Görmez represented Turkey on the committee, which included high-ranking officials from Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Full report at:
http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/news-225967-102-china-seeks-to-improve-dialogue-with-muslim-world.html
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SC summons Punjab chief secy on abduction of prisoners
2 November 2010
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Monday summoned the Punjab chief secretary for today (Tuesday) to explain alleged abduction of 11 prisoners from Adiala Jail.
A three-member SC bench comprising Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Justice Ghulam Rabbani and Justice Khalilur Rehman Ramday was hearing a case regarding the abduction of 11 prisoners from Adiala Jail by intelligence agencies.
The court reprimanded the Punjab home secretary and Prisons inspector general (IG) after the Punjab additional advocate general informed it that police had failed to make any headway into the recovery of the abducted prisoners.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\11\02\story_2-11-2010_pg1_2
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Yemen must not be new Afghanistan: British military chief
2 November 2010
London : Yemen must not become a new Afghanistan, the head of Britain's armed forces said on Monday, playing down the prospect of military action in the wake of a foiled parcel bomb plot.
General Sir David Richards insisted that the Yemeni government was "extremely onside" and that Britain would remain supportive of their efforts to combat violent extremism.
His comments, made to the BBC, came after two bomb parcels heading for the United States were sent from Yemen in a plot which sparked a huge international security alert.
The bombs have also fuelled concerns about the activities of Al-Qaeda in Yemen.
Asked whether Yemen could become another Afghanistan, Richards said, "It mustn't become so...I don't think we want to open up another front there and nor do the Yemenis want us to do that."
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/yemen-must-not-be-new-afghanistan-british-military-chief/705618/
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British PM warns of ‘terrorist cancer’ in Yemen region
2 November 2010
LONDON: British Prime Minister David Cameron warned Monday that the threat from violent extremists in Yemen had grown but vowed to “cut out the terrorist cancer” from the region following a foiled bomb plot.
Cameron was addressing the House of Commons shortly after chairing a meeting of the COBRA emergency committee to discuss Britain’s response to the plot.
One of two parcels containing bombs and addressed to synagogues in Chicago was found at East Midlands airport in central England, having originated from Yemen. The other was found in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
Full report at:
http://public.dawn.com/2010/11/01/british-pm-warns-of-terrorist-cancer-in-yemen-region.html
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ANP, MQM criticise each other over law and order in Karachi
2 November 2010
ISLAMABAD: The coalition partners of the government, the Awami National Party (ANP) and the Mutahidda Qaumi Movement (MQM), on Monday blamed each other during the Senate session over the law and order situation, as well as the target killings in Karachi.
The legislators of both parties’ levelled allegations against each other for the target killings, as ANP Senator Haji Adeel and Jamaat-e-Islami Senator Professor Khursheed moved a jointly formal motion.
While participating in the debate, Senator Adeel demanded that the military operation in Karachi should overcome the current wave of violence in the city. He also demanded the deweaponisation of Karachi and the withdrawal of Bengalis, Beharis and Afghan refugees from the city for the sake of restoration of peace, saying that around five million aliens were living in the city with fake Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs).
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\11\02\story_2-11-2010_pg7_2
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Drone attack kills 5 in North Waziristan
2 November 2010
PARACHINAR: A US drone attack killed five people in northwest Pakistan on Monday, local intelligence officials said, the latest in a barrage of such strikes against al Qaeda and the Taliban seeking sanctuary in the region. Also in the northwest, four terrorists stormed a police complex, killing two officers, and gunmen attacked tankers carrying fuel for NATO and US troops just across the border in Afghanistan, wounding a driver and his assistant, police said. Four US missiles were fired at a house in North Waziristan, said the officials. The identities of those killed were not immediately known. Some locals say many of those killed are often civilians; others say nearly all the victims are militants or those actively harbouring them. There were at least 20 suspected US missile strikes in Pakistan last month.
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\11\02\story_2-11-2010_pg7_10
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Has the Lashkar-e-Tayyaba split as well?
By Ali K Chishti
2 November 2010
The NATO and ISAF command in Afghanistan has recently witnessed a new kind of enemy, which, according to a NATO commander, “is not the Taliban or the Haqqani group”, Daily Times confirmed. Officials confirm the presence of a new, more modern and sophisticated Punjabi Taliban in Kunar province of Afghanistan. They are a more militant section of the Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Tayyaba (LeT) who had broken off from their mother organisation and refused to take orders from LeT supremo, Hafiz Saeed.
In reality, this rebellious group, which had just split from the LeT, is the old Tehreekul Mujahideen (TM) and a faction of the previously split Kairun Naas (KN) of the LeT, which had been formed by the more fanatical Ahl-e-Hadith that held the Kashmir Conference in 1990, attended by both Hafiz Saeed and Professor Sajid Mir.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\11\02\story_2-11-2010_pg7_13
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Avoid ball-by-ball commentary, PC tells interlocutors
Nov 2, 2010
NEW DELHI: In a firm message to the team of interlocutors on Kashmir headed by noted journalist Dileep Padgaonkar, home minister P Chidambaram on Monday advised them to be cautious in their comments and to not give a "ball-by-ball" commentary on their assignment.
With some of the remarks made by the interlocutors, particularly Padgaonkar and academic Radha Kumar, drawing critical reactions from BJP, Chidambaram sought to remind the team that its task was best served by a low profile, listening approach.
He did not run down the interlocutors' mission, agreeing that their interventions had helped change the discourse in Jammu and Kashmir which had been dominated by violence and deaths in incidents of shooting almost every day. With the interlocutors expected to help calm down inflamed emotions, the tendency to shoot from the lip worried the government and Congress.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Avoid-ball-by-ball-commentary-PC-tells-interlocutors/articleshow/6855844.cms#ixzz145s5GEoQ
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'26/11 terrorists planned to attack Mumbai police HQ'
Nov 2, 2010
NEW DELHI: Had the 26/11 attackers landed during the day on Mumbai's coast, the Mumbai police headquarters at Crawford Market would have also been attacked on the first day of the carnage.
The 10 Pakistani terrorists including Ajmal Kasab — the lone arrested attacker — landed ashore on November 26 night and therefore they moved to CST as per the Lashkar's Plan B.
This was shared by American Lashkar terrorist David Coleman Headley with interrogators of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in June. He also told the Indian sleuths that originally, 13 attackers — including an Indian (possibly from Maharashtra) who was considered a good "asset" — were trained for the attack, but Lashkar commander Sajid Majid later dropped three of them from the mission.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/26/11-terrorists-planned-to-attack-Mumbai-police-HQ/articleshow/6856183.cms#ixzz145s8SsGJ
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Afghanistan's Badakhshan libraries equipped by ICRO
Nov 02 2010
IBNA: In order to develop the scientific and cultural competence of the visitors of Badakhshan province's libraries, which is a venue for scholars, researchers and the public, the ICRO in Kabul had donated the collection since the main need of Afghanistan's society is to boost reading facilities.
The donated collection contained 2427 book titles, 350 volumes of Roshd magazines and 20 Qurans.
Badakhshan is an historic region comprising parts of what is now northeastern Afghanistan and southeastern Tajikistan. The name is retained in Badakhshan Province which is one of the thirty-four provinces of Afghanistan, in the far northeast of Afghanistan, and contains the Wakhan Corridor.
Much of historic Badakhshan lies within Tajikistan's Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province located in the in south-eastern part of the country.
http://www.ibna.ir/vdchxzn6.23n-6d10t2.html
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Two Afghan women charity workers shot dead
02 November, 2010
KABUL: Police on Monday found the bullet-riddled bodies of two women relatives working with an Afghan charity in the volatile south of the country, an official said.
One of the dead was the founder and head of the non-governmental organisation (NGO) Mahjuba, which helps women in Helmand province learn vocational skills such as tailoring, provincial spokesman Daud Ahmadi said.
“Police found the bullet-riddled bodies of the women this morning,” Ahmadi told AFP, adding they were discovered on the outskirts of Lashkar Gah, the provincial capital.
Mahjabin, who established the NGO, and her cousin Nazanin had been travelling between Lashkar Gah and Garmser, a volatile area in the Helmand River valley, when they were attacked late Sunday, Ahmadi said.
Each woman was identified by only one name.
“We are not sure whether they were killed by militants or robbers,” he said.
Prominent women in Afghanistan are often targeted by religious extremists who use religion as an excuse for women to remain confined to their homes.
A Taliban spokesman contacted by AFP said the group was not responsible for the killings.
http://public.dawn.com/2010/11/02/two-afghan-women-charity-workers-shot-dead.html
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Greece finds mail bomb addressed to Sarkozy
Nov 2, 2010
ATHENS: Greek police said it had intercepted on Monday a booby-trapped parcel addressed to French President Nicolas Sarkozy, after another package exploded at a courier company in Athens.
"One of the explosive devices that the suspects were carrying was addressed to the president of the French republic, Nicolas Sarkozy," a police spokesman told Reuters.
He said the other parcels were addressed to the embassies of Belgium, Netherlands and Mexico. The latter one exploded earlier in Athens, slightly injuring one female employee at a courier company. The others were detonated by police.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/Greece-finds-mail-bomb-addressed-to-Sarkozy/articleshow/6855941.cms#ixzz145sNSftG
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Spate of attacks in Pakistan
Anita Joshua
ISLAMABAD: In a spate of renewed violence across the country, Monday saw a fresh round of drone strikes, tankers ferrying oil for the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan coming under attack and terrorists attacking a police complex.
The terrorists struck at the police lines in Swabi town in Khyber-Pukhtoonkhwa in the morning killing three people, including two policemen, and injuring a dozen. One of the attackers blew himself up while another — also donning a suicide jacket — was shot down by the police. A search has been launched for the remaining terrorists who fled the scene after their attempt was foiled.
Full report at:
http://www.hindu.com/2010/11/02/stories/2010110265202000.htm
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Air India wants to shut offices in Pak, but gets no visas, keeps paying Rs 32 lakh yearly rent
Smita Aggarwal
Nov 02 2010
Trying to cut costs by shutting its overseas offices, Air India (AI) is facing a unique problem in Pakistan. Islamabad has refused to grant visas to AI staff who want to go over to wind up operations.
AI has offices in Karachi and Lahore, but no direct flights to Pakistan. “We want to shut down our offices in these two cities as we do not operate from there anymore. Already all the staff have been called back,” AI CMD Arvind Jadhav told The Indian Express.
The airline pays about Rs 32 lakh per annum as rent for the two offices.
Earlier, it was decided that Jadhav would visit Pakistan to shut down the offices. But he was denied a visa. He then delegated the task to some senior executives, who too failed to get visas.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/air-india-wants-to-shut-offices-in-pak-but-gets-no-visas-keeps-paying-rs-32-lakh-yearly-rent/705823/
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Madani for measures to facilitate return of displaced Kashmiris
November 02, 2010
The Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, the powerful body of Muslim clerics, has said the social, political and geographical unity of the country cannot be compromised but it has put forward a set of resolutions to improve the situation in Jammu & Kashmir.
Addressing a Kashmir Conference here last evening, Jamiat leader and Rajya Sabha MP Maulana Mehmood Madani said measures should be taken to facilitate the return of the Kashmiris, who have been displaced as a result of violence in the Valley.
Full report at:
http://www.dailypioneer.com/293871/Madani-for-measures-to-facilitate-return-of-displaced-Kashmiris.html
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Erdogan the new Saladdin for the Muslims world
Nov 02 2010
Recently, the Prime Ministers of Turkey and Pakistan ‘vowed’ for joint efforts to face international and regional challenges. This is a dream that every Muslim has and nurtures. If memory serves right, the idea of Muslim unity politically was attributed to Liaquat Ali Khan, the first PM of Pakistan. Ideologically, the concept of Ummah is the basic theme in the Holy Quran, but we pay only lip service to the idea. [Few] Muslim leaders [have] tried to put the idea into practical shape. Bhutto had convened a Muslim Summit at Lahore and hopes were kindled that the Ummah may become united politically. But alas! Hopes and dreams of Muslim unity were shattered; the dream of a Muslim ‘Block’ vanished with the assassination of Liaquat Ali and hopes of Muslim unity died with the hanging of Bhutto. So, the ‘vow’ made by the PMs of Turkey and Pakistan have rekindled the old hopes. If they are able to move in this direction even one step, Muslims will move one step closer to that ideal.
Full report at:
http://www.islamabadglobe.com/?p=30811
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Complaint filed against Geelani, Arundhati
November 02, 2010
A complaint was today filed in a Delhi court seeking prosecution of hardline Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani and writer Arundhati Roy on the charge of sedition for their alleged anti-India statements.
Metropolitan Magistrate Navita Kumari Bagha is likely to hear on November three the complaint filed by Aditya Raj Kaul under various provisions of the IPC and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, dealing with sedition, promoting enmity between classes, hurring religious sentiments and indulging in unlawful activities.
Full report at:
http://www.dailypioneer.com/293714/Complaint-filed-against-Geelani-Arundhati.html
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Kashmiri Pandits want sedition case against Roy
November 02, 2010
Jammu-Kashmir Vichar Manch, an organisation of Kashmiri Pandits, on Monday asked the Centre to initiate a sedition case against writer Arundhati Roy for the remarks she made recently in Delhi on the Kashmir issue.
Ajay Bharti, president of the Manch, said in Thiruvananthapuram that the writer herself might not be afraid of such a case but an act like that could deter others from making such irresponsible statements and joining separatist forces.
Speaking at a seminar, Bharti said that Roy’s remarks were focused only on a limited part of Kashmir and alleged that the ground realities in the Valley were being ignored by a section of people. He said Roy’s remarks sympathising with the displaced Kashmiri Pandits were made “out of compulsion”.
Full report at:
http://www.dailypioneer.com/293833/Kashmiri-Pandits-want-sedition-case-against-Roy.html
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RSS campaign to counter ATS ‘disinformation’
November 02, 2010
State unit of RSS would start an extensive campaign from November 10 to counter the disinformation by ATS of Rajasthan, which is allegedly trying to implicate senior RSS functionary Indresh Kumar in Ajmer Dargah bomb blast case.
Though in a meeting RSS leadership at Pune decided to launch such nation-wide campaign, Rajasthan unit was particularly asked not to spare any efforts to make this campaign most effective one. This was done because case is related to Rajasthan, where Indresh Kumar had served for four years from 2002. In the chargesheet, filed by ATS in Ajmer Court, name of Indresh Kumar was figured as suspect conspirator. It said his role in the cases needed to be investigated further.
Full report at:
http://www.dailypioneer.com/293748/RSS-campaign-to-counter-ATS-%E2%80%98disinformation%E2%80%99.html
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Two policemen killed in Swabi suicide attack
2 November 2010
PESHAWAR: Two policemen were killed and 12 others, including six cops, were injured on Monday in a commando-style suicide attack on a police headquarters in the Swabi district, officials said. Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.
Mardan DIG Abdullah Khan said it was a Manawa-like attack. Four men took part in the attack. “They first opened fire at the cops killing one and injuring others. Then the attackers tried to enter the police headquarters, and at its main entrance one bomber blew himself up,” Khan was quoted as saying. Eyewitnesses said the second bomber was killed after police chased him.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\11\02\story_2-11-2010_pg1_4
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Islamic Jihad rep opposes Palestine's partition, reconciliation talks
Nov 02 2010
TEHRAN (ISNA)-Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement representative to Tehran Naser Abu Sharif stressed opposition against Palestine's partition, rejecting reconciliation talks and formation of two separate Palestine, Israel states.
"Palestinian groups believe that any reconciliation with Zionist regime or talks with it are doomed to fail, since it has occupied Palestine, so talks cannot be held with it," he told ISNA.
He then referred to ineffectiveness of Palestinian Authority's talks with Zionist regime, saying that, "the negotiation proved vain and ineffective and cannot find a solution."
"We believe that talks either direct or indirect under current conditions will bring no result," Abu Sharif said.
Full report at:
http://www.isna.ir/ISNA/NewsView.aspx?ID=News-1645318&Lang=E
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Israel renews ban on Palestinians officiating in Jerusalem
Nov 02 2010
Jerusalem : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has renewed a ban on Palestinian leaders holding official functions in annexed Arab east Jerusalem in the face of reports of plans by prime minister Salam Fayyad to open two schools.
"Mr Netanyahu has ordered the security services to prevent the Palestinian Authority from organising events or ceremonies within the Jerusalem municipal area," his office said.
Israel's Haaretz newspaper reported that Fayyad had intended to attend a school opening in the Dahayat al-Salam neighbourhood of Jerusalem today but that police had sealed the premises.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/israel-renews-ban-on-palestinians-officiating-in-jerusalem/705963/
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Hezbollah Declares War on Its Host Lebanon
Shinta Dewi
November 2nd, 2010
News-worthy.info — The day after its attack on UN investigators, Hezbollah conducted a command exercise in all parts of Lebanon aimed to test its armed militia’s readiness for what its leaders called “zero hour”.
“Zero hour” is the term that Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah used in the speech referring to the time of asserting the terror-group’s grip on Lebanon and “cornering” the Lebanon Prime Minister Saad Hariri.
During the exercise, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah extended his speech which, by all other Lebanese factions, interpreted as a declaration of war on the current government of Lebanon.
Full report at:
http://www.news-worthy.info/hezbollah-declares-war-on-its-host-lebanon/2527/
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American Muslims look to exercise their vote in midterm elections
By M. SCOTT BORTOT
2 November 2010
WASHINGTON: Discussions over Islam’s place in America ahead of national midterm elections are prompting American Muslims to make their voices heard through voting.
Muhammed Malik, a South Florida Muslim community advocate, said debate over the Park51 Community Center in Manhattan, the rescinded threat to burn Qur’ans in Florida, and Muslim fears of racial profiling have created a positive moment in American history.
“When you look at it historically, we are really stepping up to the plate, I think, in very positive, peaceful ways that are really joining that great American tradition of becoming the fabric of this country,” Malik said. “Once you get politically engaged, we become what people think of what it means to be an American.”
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/world/article177680.ece
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FBI using preemptive prosecution in War on Terror
02 November, 2010
Imagine being targeting as a criminal before a crime has even been committed. Analysts say the US is now prosecuting suspected terrorist on the basis of their intentions, not actions.
It's called preemptive prosecution, and many argue the FBI is concocting scenarios to incarcerate innocent people.
International human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have been silent on the matter.
In post-9/11th America, the Bush Administration utilized the practice of preemptive strikes overseas. Within the US, attorney Steve Downs accused Washington of using preemptive prosecution against its own citizens.
Full report at:
http://rt.com/Top_News/2010-11-02/entrapment-prosecution-fbi-terror.html
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Canada to repatriate former child soldier Omar Khadr
02 November, 2010
OTTAWA: Canada on Monday said it would allow the repatriation of Guantanamo inmate Omar Khadr, who must serve eight years in jail after pleading guilty to killing a US soldier in Afghanistan.
“The government of the United States has accepted that Omar Khadr return to Canada and we will carry out the (plea) agreement between Mr Khadr and the US government,” Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon told parliament.
A US military tribunal at the Guantanamo Bay naval base in Cuba sentenced Khadr to 40 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to throwing a grenade that killed a US sergeant in Afghanistan in 2002.
Full report at:
http://public.dawn.com/2010/11/02/canada-to-repatriate-former-child-soldier-omar-khadr.html
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Iran postpones start of trial for 3 Americans
2 November 2010
TEHRAN, Iran: The start of the trial of three Americans charged with spying on Iran has been postponed because one of them has not been summoned to return to the country to appear in court, Iran's judiciary spokesman said Monday.
Sarah Shourd was freed on bail in September after nearly 14 months in a Tehran prison and returned to the United States. Her fiance, Shane Bauer, and their friend Josh Fattal remain in prison. Their trial was expected to begin on Saturday.
The three Americans were reportedly hiking in July 2009 in northern Iraq's Kurdistan region near the Iranian border, when Iranian forces took them into custody and accused them of intentionally crossing over.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Iran-postpones-start-of-trial-for-3-Americans/articleshow/6854774.cms#ixzz145rjOqKM
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Israel mulls US proposal on leasing Palestinian land: Report
2 November 2010
JERUSALEM: Israel is mulling a US proposal for addressing key security concerns that would entail leasing swathes of the Jordan Valley from a future Palestinian state, army radio said on Monday.
The radio quoted anonymous Israeli officials as saying Washington had suggested a seven-year lease. They said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had not rejected the idea out of hand but was looking for a far longer period.
"Anything less than a 99-year lease is not worth talking about," an unnamed cabinet minister was quoted as saying.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Israel-mulls-US-proposal-on-leasing-Palestinian-land-Report/articleshow/6854188.cms#ixzz145rmeB6d
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US to share with India findings of 'full review' on Headley: Chidambaram
2 November 2010
NEW DELHI: Amid India's complaint that the US did not share information relating to David Headley before or after 26/11, the United States has promised to share the outcome with India the findings of a "full review" on when and what inputs it received about the Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist.
Home minister P Chidambaram on Monday said the issue of the US not sharing information about Headley was "blown out of proportion" as the US had shared intelligence with India in the months leading to 26/11 as well as after 26/11, though the name of Headley was not mentioned.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/US-to-share-with-India-findings-of-full-review-on-Headley-Chidambaram/articleshow/6853259.cms#ixzz145sH5zgA
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Indonesia volcano shoots new blast; 21 more rumble
Nov 2, 2010
MOUNT MERAPI (INDONESIA): No casualties were reported in Mount Merapi's new blast, which came as Indonesia struggles to respond to an earthquake-generated tsunami that devastated a remote chain of islands. The two disasters unfolding on opposite ends of the country have killed nearly 500 people and strained the government's emergency response network. In both events, the military has been called in to help.
Merapi has killed 38 people since it started erupting a week ago. Monitoring officials have also raised alert levels at some of the 129 active volcanoes in Indonesia, with two under watch for possible eruption within two weeks and 19 showing increased activity — more than double the usual number on the watch list, an official said.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/Indonesia-volcano-shoots-new-blast-21-more-rumble/articleshow/6856494.cms#ixzz45sKib33
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Students hold demonstration for Dr Aafia’s release
2 November 2010
LAHORE: Students from various colleges and schools, and few local political figures held a protest demonstration for the release of Dr Aafia Siddiqui at the Liberty Chowk on Monday.
Dr Fauzia Siddiqui, sister of Dr Aafia led the demonstration. Local leaders of the Jamaat-e-Islami, including Farooq Chohan and others, were also present at the occasion. More than two dozen students wearing school uniforms, carried posters of Dr Aafia, and banners and placards against the US and its courts for convicting the Pakistani doctor. Dr Aafia had been sentenced by a New York court for being allegedly involved in terrorist activities.
The students belonging to various educational institutes, including KIMS, Beaconhouse National University (BNU) and the Scholars College, shouted slogans demanding the release of Dr Aafia.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\11\02\story_2-11-2010_pg7_16
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Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III – first president of Muslim League
By Khwaja Hussain Bux
2 November 2010
His Royal Highness Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III was one of those Muslim stalwarts who believed in Islam as a global religion and who worked ceaselessly for its triumph and glory throughout their lives. He had always been passionately interested in promoting unity and understanding among Muslims all over the world and contributed immensely to the social, cultural, political, economic and educational development of the ummah. In studying his services to Islam and the Muslims in general and that of the Indo-Pak subcontinent in particular, one would find that the most remarkable and distinguished aspect of his work is his untiring efforts to unite the Muslim community, irrespective of their geographical, political, sectarian or denominational differences and affiliations.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\11\02\story_2-11-2010_pg7_17
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‘Reconciliation policy of BB promoted democracy’
2 November 2010
ISLAMABAD: The government has embarked upon the policy of reconciliation and consensus in politics as introduced by Benazir Bhutto, which has now promoted a new democratic culture in the country, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said on Monday, adding that the time has come when all democratic forces should respect the public mandate, which has given the elected governments five years to execute policies for the well being of the masses.
The PM made these comments in a meeting with Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) Leader Riaz Hussain Pirzada who called on him at his chamber in the Parliament House Chamber.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\11\02\story_2-11-2010_pg7_21
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Afghanistan’s Khogyani district captured from Taliban
2 November 2010
GHAZNI: An Afghan governor said Monday that security forces had recaptured a remote southern district that had been overrun by Taliban guerrillas.
Militants stormed Khogyani district in the troubled province of Ghazni late Sunday, seizing the local administration, provincial governor Musa Khan Akbarzada told reporters.
“This morning our national security forces — police, army and intelligence — mobilised and took back the control of the district,” he said in Ghazni, the provincial capital.
“Our security forces are stationed in the district. They are in control now,” he said, declining to give further details.
Full report at:
http://public.dawn.com/2010/11/01/afghanistan%E2%80%99s-khogyani-district-captured-from-taliban.html
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Kingdom vows full support for Iraq
2 November 2010
RIYADH: The Council of Ministers on Monday commended Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah’s new initiative to establish peace and stability in Iraq and end the war-torn country’s political deadlock.
“Saudi Arabia will leave no stone unturned to support the Iraqi people and provide them assistance to achieve peace and security in their country,” said a Cabinet statement after its weekly meeting.
In his appeal on Saturday, King Abdullah invited President Jalal Talabani and all Iraqi parties that took part in the elections and the political process for reconciliation talks in Riyadh after the Haj season.
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article177800.ece
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Iran envoy: Atom bomb would be strategic mistake
By FREDRIK DAHL
2 November 2010
VIENNA: Building nuclear bombs would be a strategic mistake for Iran, its envoy to the UN atomic agency said on Monday, and a leading Western expert said Tehran should be taken seriously when it insists it will not obtain such arms.
Ali Asghar Soltanieh, Iran’s ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), suggested the Islamic Republic could never compete in terms of the numbers of warheads possessed by the nuclear-armed major powers.
It would therefore be at a disadvantage in relation to these countries if it developed atomic bombs, Soltanieh said.
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/middleeast/article177699.ece
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Gitmo Canadian to serve 8 more years in prison
By JANE SUTTON
2 November 2010
GUANTANAMO BAY US NAVAL BASE, Cuba: A US war crimes tribunal on Monday sentenced a young Canadian to 40 years in prison, but he may serve only a few more years under a deal that included his admission he was an Al-Qaeda conspirator who murdered a US soldier.
Toronto native Omar Khadr’s plea agreement capped his sentence at eight years, in addition to the eight he has already spent in detention at the Guantanamo Bay US naval base in Cuba.
The deal calls for Guantanamo’s youngest prisoner to be sent home to Canada in one year to serve the rest of his sentence. Washington and Ottawa exchanged diplomatic notes that said both governments supported the transfer, and acknowledged Khadr could apply for parole in Canada after serving one third of the sentence.
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/world/article177622.ece
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Sweden plans to start Afghan withdrawal in 2012
By MALIN RISING
2 November 2010
STOCKHOLM: Sweden’s center-right government said Monday it plans to start withdrawing its 530 troops from northern Afghanistan in 2012 and complete the hand-over of security tasks to Afghan forces by the end of 2014.
Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt announced the plans after his minority government reached an agreement with two opposition parties — the Social Democrats and the Green Party.
The Swedish troops are part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force near the city of Mazar-e-Sharif.
Reinfeldt said Sweden will focus on helping train Afghan security forces and increasing humanitarian assistance, in line with the plans outlined at the Kabul conference that was jointly hosted by Afghanistan and the UN in July.
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/world/article177666.ece
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PKK denies responsibility for Sunday’s Istanbul bomb
2 November 2010
ISTANBUL: The outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) on Monday denied responsibility for a suicide bomb attack in Istanbul that wounded 32 people and said they were extending a cease-fire until Turkey’s general elections in 2011.
Officials had said the PKK, a guerrilla group that has fought a 26-year-long insurgency for autonomy in Turkey’s southeast, was emerging as the most likely suspect for the bombing in Taksim Square.
Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city and its financial capital, has been been targeted in the past by Kurdish separatists, Al-Qaeda and militants from the far-left.
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/middleeast/article177540.ece
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Palestinian children face increasing settler violence
2 November 2010
JERUSALEM — Palestinian children are coming under increasing attack by a handful of violent, extremist Jewish settlers, a rights group said Monday in a report on the human cost of settlement expansion.
The study, which was compiled over two years by Defence for Children International-Palestine (DCI), investigated 38 separate incidents of settler violence towards minors, which resulted in the deaths of three children and injuries to 42 others.
Details of the attacks were set out in sworn affidavits and compiled in the report: “Under Attack: Settler violence against Palestinian children in the occupied Palestinian territory.”
Such attacks are usually carried out in groups and tend to be characterised by verbal harassment, intimidation, physical assaults and the destruction of property, the study found.
Full report at:
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/displayarticle.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2010/November/middleeast_November9.xml§ion=middleeast&col=
URL: http://www.newageislam.com/NewAgeIslamIslamicWorldNews_1.aspx?ArticleID=3613
10:52 PM
Moderate Islamist here
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