| Islamic World News | |
| 20 Nov 2010, NewAgeIslam.Com |
Asma Jahangir awarded UN prize for promoting human rights
Zardari orders review of blasphemy case against Christian woman
Mirwaiz slams Omar remark on Maoist-JK militant links
LeT operative killed in J&K encounter
Indonesian president condemns Saudi torture of maid
Calgary teen belted his sister for flirting
Bomb blast kills at least three in east Afghanistan
'Pakistani leadership lives in self-delusion'
Muslims should reach out to fellow citizens to counter Islamophobia in Canada
Islamic Society to host 1st of 5 Thanksgiving interfaith worship services
Enforcement of Islamic Dress Code for Women in Chechnya
Taliban missiles fired from Afghanistan kill three in Pak
FO strongly rejects drone operations expansion idea
26/11 attackers wanted separate state for Muslims: Nikam
Israel 'to raze 88 Palestinian homes'
Oklahoma: Striking the constitution to hit Sharia law
NATO to erect missile shield for Europe, says Obama
US missiles kill 4 in vehicle, say Pak officials
11 Islamic and Quranic Software Products to Be Published
Seminary Students from 72 Nationalities Attending Quran& Hadith Olympiad
10,000 Copies of Quran Translations to Be Distributed in Netherlands
Islamist group posts Hebrew-language threat online
India diminished in Afghanistan
Countering terrorism
Islam presentation aims to educate, promote understanding
Gambian President preaches peace on Eid feast
Nawaz Sharif's 2000 pact with Saudis set to expire next month
Pak should control 'terror machine': PM
Talk to Osama over hostages: Qaida to France
US invites India, Pak to be engaged in transition in Afghan
Iranian envoy summoned for Khamenei's K-remark
Kashmir interlocutors create sceptical buzz in the Valley
Hezbollah threat puts BBC’s ‘ Murder in Beirut’ in limbo
US to pack more punch into its battle against Taliban
Ban ammonium nitrate to curb IEDs: US Senators to Pak
USD 60B arms deal with Saudi Arabia goes through
Afghan handover is an issue at summit
Afghan sweep may have killed 40 insurgents: NATO
Govt committed to protect rights of children: president
Apology for a sacrifice
Far right marches 'drive muslims to militancy'
Brit right wing protests breeding Muslim extremism in UK
Will Osama be handed to US if caught in Pakistan?
Nigeria: Mosque Attack Signals a New Round of Violence
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
Photo: Asma Jahangir
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Haridwar 'seer' arrested for link to Hyderabad masjid blast
Rahul Tripathi
Nov 20 2010
NEW DELHI: The CBI on Friday claimed a major breakthrough in its probe against the Hindu terror web blamed for devastating attacks on Hyderabad's Mecca Masjid, the Sufi shrine at Ajmer and earlier at Malegaon, with the arrest of a senior Abhinav Bharat ideologue who was hiding in a Hardwar ashram under the guise of a Hindu seer.
The arrest of Swami Aseemanand (59), named by CBI as an accused in Mecca Masjid terror attacks, will help the agency join the dots between Ajmer, Mecca and Malegaon as investigators believe he scripted all three attacks.
The agency is also learnt to have confiscated several documents and has telephone phone tap transcripts that proved the role of Aseemanand and his fellow plotters from Abhinav Bharat.
The CBI termed the arrest as a major catch that could lead to two absconding accused in the case — Sunil Dangre and Ramchandra Kalsangra. There is a reward of Rs 10 lakh each for the two. Aseemanand, a botany graduate from Hoogly in West Bengal, has been variously known as Jatin Chatterjee and Naba Kumar Sarkar. CBI said that he was living under an assumed name and sleuths found a passport issued by RPO Kolkata, a ration card and an election card issued by Hardwar authorities from his possession.
CBI brought the fake seer to Delhi and produced him before Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Ajay Pandey at the Tis Hazari court which allowed the plea of CBI to take him to a court in Hyderabad within 48 hours. He will be produced there on Sunday. CBI sources said they had informed officials of the National Investigative Agency and Rajasthan ATS for a joint interrogation as there several contradictions were likely to appear during his examination. His name also finds mentions in the chargesheet filed by Rajasthan ATS in Ajmer blasts cases.
He has been on the run after the arrest of Malegaon terror attack suspect Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur in 2008. The CBI and Maharashtra ATS had carried out searches in 2009-10 at various places in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat after receiving information about his presence.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Haridwar-seer-arrested-for-link-to-Hyderabad-masjid-blast/articleshow/6957866.cms#ixzz15nXxHTjr
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Asma Jahangir awarded UN prize for promoting human rights
Nov 20 2010
LAHORE: The Asian Human Rights Commission on Friday congratulated Asma Jahangir on the announcement that she has been named as this year’s winner of a UN award that recognises outstanding individual contribution to promoting a culture of human rights around the world, an official statement said.
The director-general of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, Irina Bokova, nominated Asma as laureate of this year’s Bilbao Prize for the promotion of a culture of human rights in recognition of her work in Pakistan’s Supreme Court, where she championed the rights of religious minorities, women and children. Asma is the president of the Supreme Court Bar Association, a founding member of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and has served as its secretary-general and chairperson. The award carries a $25,000 cash reward, a diploma and a bronze trophy, which will be presented at a ceremony in Bilbao, Spain, on December 10, which is observed globally as Human Rights Day.
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\11\20\story_20-11-2010_pg7_16
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Zardari orders review of blasphemy case against Christian woman
By AZHAR MASOOD
Nov 20 2010
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday asked the Ministry of Religious Affairs to review the case of a Christian woman convicted under blasphemy law.
The president has called for a report from the Ministry of Minorities Affairs over the sentencing to death of the Christian woman for blasphemy, a statement from the president's house said.
Aasia Bibi, a resident of Nankana Sahib in Punjab was sentenced to death under Sections 295 B and C of the Pakistan Penal code, following an incident in which an altercation took place between her and her co-workers over the issue of fetching water from fields. Media reports said police took her into protective custody to shield her from an angry mob and later registered a case of blasphemy against her.
Farhatullah Babar said the president asked the Minorities Affairs Minister Shahbaz Bhatti to submit a report within three days.
Earlier, Pope Benedict XVI had appealed to the government of Pakistan to free Aasia Bibi, mother of five.
Aasia Bibi was sentenced on charges of blasphemy and has been in prison for over a year.
According to reports and an investigation by the National Commission on the Status of Women, Aasia is a victim of vendetta. A landlord is said to have framed the woman to settle scores.
http://arabnews.com/world/article196422.ece
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Mirwaiz slams Omar remark on Maoist-JK militant links
Nov 20 2010
Srinagar : Moderate Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Saturday rejected the remarks of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah that "supporters of militant violence" in Kashmir have links with Maoists, saying it is an attempt to malign the "indigenous movement".
"We reject the statement of the Chief Minister. It is an unfortunate attempt to malign the indigenous movement of people of Jammu and Kashmir by linking it to outside forces," Mirwaiz told reporters at his residence, where he continues to be under house arrest since Eid-eve.
The Hurriyat Conference leader said he would not be surprised if the Chief Minister claims that the teenagers who died during recent protest were liked to al-Qaeda. "I will not be surprised if Omar in near future says that the boys, who were protesting over the summer, had links with al-Qaeda."
Mirwaiz's reaction came a day after Omar in a New Delhi function said "We have no experience with Maoist insurgency, even though of late we find efforts being made to build bridges between the Maoists and Naxalites of the rest of India with militants of Kashmir and also some Left-thinking academicians and students in Jammu region as well."
"We have seen evidence of it (of bridges being built between Maoists and insurgents in Kashmir). A lot more effort to build a sort of interaction. A lot of movement of known Maoist sympathisers now travelling to Srinagar and organising seminars and conferences with supporters of militant violence in Jammu and Kashmir as well," he had said.
Abdullah was apparently alluding to Maoist sympathisers like writer-activist Arundhati Roy who had expressed support to Kashmiri separatists at a programme here where pro-Azadi slogans were also raised. Later, Roy and others visited Jammu and Kashmir to espouse their cause.
The Mirwaiz said the separatist leadership was encouraged by the statements emanating from Iran, China and the US, "which have clearly accepted Kashmir as a dispute".
"We are encouraged by the statement of support from Ayatollah Ali Khamnaei and China's continued policy to treat Kashmir as a dispute," he said adding the US President Barack Obama during his India visit had clearly stated that Kashmir was a "dispute pending resolution".
The Mirwaiz demanded that the governments of India and Pakistan should initiate a sustained dialogue process with Kashmiri leadership for resolution of Kashmir issue.
"We would like to reiterate that bilateralism between India and Pakistan and New Delhi and Srinagar has failed. So there has to be a dialogue process, call it trilateral or triangular, involving the leadership of the state," he said.
The Mirwaiz said Centre should accept the ground reality in Kashmir. "People of Kashmir have spoken and spoken very clearly over the years that they want their birthright.
Government of India should abandon the military approach and adopt a political approach for resolution of the issue."
The Mirwaiz, who became the first head priest of Kashmir to be prevented from offering Eid prayers on Wednesday, said he will call on ambassadors of Islamic countries in New Delhi and "apprise them about the situation in Kashmir and the interference in religious affairs by the government."
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/mirwaiz-slams-omar-remark-on-maoistjk-militant-links/713830/
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LeT operative killed in J&K encounter
Nov 20, 2010
JAMMU: A Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative-cum-guide was killed while a group of at least three-four militants managed to escape during a fierce gun battle with security forces in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir early on Saturday, police said.
Meanwhile, an OGW-cum-Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) motivator was apprehended by security forces in Pinjrari area of Dachhin, Kishtwar a few days back.
Police said, "Following specific information about the movement of three to four militants led by LeT 'district commander' Habib Salman in Keshwan belt of Kishtwar district, a joint operation by the special task force of police (STF) assisted by the army was launched and the target area - gujjar mohall - was cordoned late Friday night.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/LeT-operative-killed-in-JK-encounter-
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Indonesian president condemns Saudi Wahhabbi torture of maid
Nov 20 2010
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has demanded justice for the "extraordinary torture" of an Indonesian maid in Saudi Arabia.
(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has demanded justice for the "extraordinary torture" of an Indonesian maid in Saudi Arabia.
Sumiati Binti Salan Mustapa, 23, is in a stable condition in hospital.
Her injuries include gashes to her face and cuts to her lips, allegedly inflicted by her employers using scissors. She was also burned with an iron, officials say.
A senior member of the Saudi Shura Council promised justice would be done.
"The Saudi official authorities shall investigate the matter and will give all parties their due; therefore they should rest assured that justice shall be attained," the official, Dr Saddaqa Yehyia Fadel, told the BBC Arabic Service.
Full report at:
http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&Id=213780
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Calgary teen belted his sister for flirting
Nov 20 2010
A Calgary teen will avoid a criminal record after beating his younger sister with a belt for flirting with boys at school.
Court heard a relative had told him it was his duty to punish her under Islamic culture, but a local imam says that's not part of the religion's teachings.
In a judgment released on Thursday, youth court Judge Lillian McLellan granted a conditional discharge to the offender, who pleaded guilty to assault with a weapon and says he wants to become a police officer.
Defence lawyer Jim Conway said there was definitely a cultural aspect to the case.
He said the sister, then 16, was doing something improper and a relative told the brother he had a duty to discipline her as the oldest male in the family.
Conway said the girl reported the assault to her school counsellor and her brother, then 17, was charged.
Full report at:
http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Calgary+teen+belted+sister+flirting/3853788/story.html#ixzz15nyX7Lin
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Bomb blast kills at least three in east Afghanistan
Nov 20 2010
KABUL: A remote-controlled bomb attached to a bicycle exploded at a checkpoint in eastern Afghanistan, killing at least three people and wounding more than two dozen others, police said.
Ghulam Aziz Ghranai, the police chief in Laghman province, said the explosion occurred Saturday morning as vehicles were waiting to be searched at a police checkpoint on a road leading into the provincial capital of Mehtarlam.
Deputy provincial governor Edayutullah Qalanderzai said a woman, a child and an elderly man were killed and 25 others were wounded, including one Afghan policeman.
Mehtarlam is about 60 miles east of Kabul.
http://www.dawn.com/2010/11/20/bomb-blast-kills-at-least-three-in-east-afghanistan.html
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'Pakistani leadership lives in self-delusion'
Nov 20 2010
New Delhi: Pakistan is a victim of many delusions - a country where the army and civilian leadership "live in perpetual self-delusion" and take on "jihadist overtones" that does not rule out orchestration of another Mumbai-style attack in the future, says a Europe-based, Pakistan-born political analyst.
However, if that were to happen, pressure will mount on India to act.
Ishtiaq Ahmed, professor emeritus of political science at Stockholm University and also honorary senior fellow of the Institute of South Asian Studies, said here: "Pakistan is a victim of many delusions. The army and the civilian leadership live in perpetual self-delusion and this is the main problem which they must overcome."
Ahmed, who is of Pakistani descent, was here for a roundtable discussion on "From Jihad to Jihadism: Lessons for Southern Asia".
Full report at:
http://sify.com/news/pakistani-leadership-lives-in-self-delusion-news-national-
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Muslims should reach out to fellow citizens to counter rise of Islamophobia in Canada
MOHAMMED AZHAR ALI KHAN
Nov 20 2010
Canada is a model country that operates under the rule of law and respect for human rights and diversity. But in these harsh times signs are mounting that it is not immune to the Islamophobia that is sweeping through Western countries.
Ottawa’s Carleton University has become the first university in North America to offer courses in defense against terrorism. Engineering students will study, among other subjects, national security, intelligence and terrorism.
The government has also decreed that passengers at Canadian airports must show their faces at boarding gates in addition to producing passports and other photo identification.
These actions follow the arrest of some Muslims on terrorism-related charges — and the conviction, in recent years, of some Canadian Muslims for planned terrorism in Canada or Europe.
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/opinion/columns/article195612.ece?comments=all
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Islamic Society to host 1st of 5 Thanksgiving interfaith worship services
By Gretchen Becker
Nov 20 2010
A series of five worship services leading up to Thanksgiving starts tonight.
Interfaith Hunger Initiative of Indianapolis will host the second Thanksgiving services, said Shari Lipp-Levine, event spokeswoman.
The goal is for people of different faiths to gather to give thanks as well as help feed those in need.
Last year, the services brought in more than 800 people.
The Initiative of more than two dozen "faith communities" will collect canned food for Gleaners Food Bank. The organization works to collect food for Indiana residents through Gleaners and schools in Kenya through the Umoja Project.
http://www.indystar.com/article/20101118/LOCAL/11180438/Islamic-Society-to-host-1st-
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Enforcement of Islamic Dress Code for Women in Chechnya
Nov 20, 2010
In the past few years the situation of women's rights in Chechnya has deteriorated significantly, requiring immediate attention from the Russian government and Russia's international partners.
Chechen women have essentially become the target of a quasi-official "virtue" campaign. For several years, the Chechen authorities have discriminated against women who refuse to wear headscarves, prohibiting them from working in the public sector. Female students are also required to wear headscarves in schools and universities. Though these measures have not been codified into law, they are strictly enforced and vocally supported by the republic's leader,
Full report at:
http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2010/11/19/enforcement-islamic-dress-code-women-
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Taliban missiles fired from Afghanistan kill three in Pak
Nov 20 2010
KURRAM: The Taliban fired missiles from within Afghanistan on Eid, that killed a woman and two children and injured eight others in the Pakistani village of Shalozan, sources told Daily Times.
According to the sources, the Taliban fired a series of missiles on the village from three kilometres away. The majority of missiles hit trees in the area, but two to three different missiles fell on houses in the village, killing a woman and two children and injuring eight others, some of them critically. The tribal elders of Kurram Agency condemned the attack. Also, in Parachinar, tribal elders belonging to the Turi and Bangash tribes protested after Eid against what they said was “state terrorism” and “step-mother treatment”. Earlier the Eid congressional prayers were held in the central Eidgah of Parachinar, where more than fifty thousand people participated. Ulema and tribal eldersm addressing the Eid prayers and later on during the protest demonstration, said that Parachinar was under continuous siege for the last four years. special reporter
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\11\20\story_20-11-2010_pg7_4
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FO strongly rejects drone operations expansion idea
Nov 20 2010
ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit on Saturday said the United States has been clearly conveyed that action against militants in Pakistani territory will be carried out by Pakistan.
Pakistan strongly rejects the idea of expanding drone attacks, Basit told DawnNews.
“We are allies of the United States in the war against terror, however, Pakistan will not compromise on sovereignty,” Basit said.
The United States well knows the repercussions of expansion of drone operations to other regions within Pakistani territory, he said.
Basit said there was a need for increased intelligence cooperation between Pakistan and the United States.
Full report at:
http://www.dawn.com/2010/11/20/us-knows-repercussions-of-drone-operations-
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26/11 attackers wanted separate state for Muslims: Nikam
Nov 20 2010
MUMBAI: Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab and his companions were instructed by their Lashkar-e-Taiba handlers on telephone to hold as many hostages as possible during the 26/11 terror attacks to demand from the Indian government the creation of a "separate state for Muslims".
This was stated today by Government counsel Ujjwal Nikam to the Bombay High Court which is hearing confirmation of death sentence awarded to Kasab, who was captured alive after the terror attacks on the night of November 26-27, 2008.
To fulfil the demands for a separate state for Muslims in India and liberation of Kashmir, LeT advised the terrorists on phone to take VIPs as hostages to compel the Government to act on them, Nikam told the court to justify Kasab's conviction on the charge of "Waging war against the nation".
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/26/11-attackers-wanted-separate-state-for-
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Israel 'to raze 88 Palestinian homes'
Nov 20 2010
Israel has ordered demolition of around 88 Palestinian homes in the East al-Quds (Jerusalem) neighborhood of Silwan, Palestinian officials say.
(AhlulBayt News Agency) - Israeli Attorney Yehuda Weinstein ordered the destruction in al-Bustan area under the pretext that they were illegally built, said Ahmed al-Rowaidhi, the chief of al-Quds Unit at the Palestinian presidency.
"Israeli will evict 1,500 Palestinians from al-Bustan to make room for a tourist center in the area," Rowaidhi said.
Full report at:
http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&Id=213705
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Oklahoma: Striking the constitution to hit Sharia law
Nov 20 2010
Sharia law, with its harsh medieval elements, should never be enforced in the United States. But we can't protect Constitutional rule of law by disregarding our Constitution. In the recent election, voters in Oklahoma overwhelmingly approved an initiative that specifically denied any recognition for Sharia law by judges or government agencies, and a federal judge promptly and properly put a hold on enforcing the initiative.
If the "establishment clause" of the First Amendment means anything, it prevents government from taking sides among religions; the law can't explicitly endorse or condemn any one particular faith. If Oklahomans denied recognition of all religious law-whether Christian, Jewish or Muslim-they might have argued more effectively for the initiative. But the best protection against hateful, Islamic-style theocracy remains an unbreakable ban on government singling out one faith or another to support or decry.
http://www.mynorthwest.com/?nid=321&sid=393169
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NATO to erect missile shield for Europe, says Obama
Nov 20 2010
LISBON, PORTUGAL: President Barack Obama won NATO summit agreement Friday to build a missile shield over Europe, an ambitious commitment to protect against Iranian attack while demonstrating the alliance's continuing relevance — but at the risk of further aggravating Russia.
On another major issue, Obama and the allies are expected to announce plans on Saturday to begin handing off security responsibility in Afghanistan to local forces next year and to complete the transition by the end of 2014.
That end date is three years beyond the time that Obama has said he will start withdrawing U.S. troops, and the challenge is to avoid a rush to the exits as public opinion turns more sharply against the war and Afghan President Hamid Karzai pushes for greater Afghan control.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/NATO-to-erect-missile-shield-for-Europe-says-
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US missiles kill 4 in vehicle, say Pak officials
Nov 20 2010
MIR ALI, Pakistan: Suspected US missiles destroyed a moving vehicle near Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan on Friday, killing four alleged militants inside it, Pakistani intelligence officials said.
The attack by unmanned drones is the second in a week to hit North Waziristan as the US intensifies its search-and-destroy missions in the strongholds of Taleban and Al-Qaeda-linked fighters who plot attacks on NATO troops across the border in Afghanistan.
The aircraft fired two missiles at the vehicle Friday afternoon near Marsi Khel village, according to two Pakistani intelligence officials.
The identity of those killed was not immediately known but they were said to be militants, the officials said. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to release the information.
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/world/article196187.ece
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11 Islamic and Quranic Software Products to Be Published
Nov 20 2010
Up to 11 software packages featuring Islamic sciences are to be produced by IT researches department of Qom Seminary by the end of this year, according to a source familiar with the project.
(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Up to 11 software packages featuring Islamic sciences are to be produced by IT researches department of Qom Seminary by the end of this year, according to a source familiar with the project.
Ahmad Sharif, the manager of project control of the IT researches department affiliated to Qom Seminary, told IQNA that “ Seerah of the Infallible”, “Iran’s History”, “Meshkat-ol-Anvar”, “Complete works of Allamah Hassanzade Amoli”, “Orvat-on-Noor”, and “Noor-ol-Faghahah” are some of the software products to be released in the near future.
Full report at:
http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&Id=213349
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Seminary Students from 72 Nationalities Attending Quran& Hadith Olympiad
Nov 20 2010
Some 9000 seminary students from 72 nationalities have taken part at the 16th International Quran and Hadith Olympiad of the Al-Mustafa International University.
(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Some 9000 seminary students from 72 nationalities have taken part at the 16th International Quran and Hadith Olympiad of the Al-Mustafa International University.
This is according to Mohammad Reza Saleh cultural and educational deputy of the university speaking at a press conference in Qom yesterday, November 15.
Mr. Saleh said that in this edition of the Olympiad, the number of categories has risen to 56 including 40 oral and written categories as well as 16 categories featuring Quranic and Hadith works.
Full report at:
http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&Id=213361
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10,000 Copies of Quran Translations to Be Distributed in Netherlands
Nov 20 2010
Some 10,000 copies of translation of Islam’s holy book will be distributed among Muslims and non-Muslims in the Netherlands, Turkey’s Hurriyet Daily reports.
(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Some 10,000 copies of translation of Islam’s holy book will be distributed among Muslims and non-Muslims in the Netherlands, Turkey’s Hurriyet Daily reports.
The translations are in Dutch language and publishing them started in the holy month of Ramadan (September).
The move has been planned by Turkey’s Waqf Dianat Organization on the occasion of naming 2010 as the Year of the Holy Quran.
It is aimed at combating the growing trend of Islamophobia in Europe and presenting the true image of Islam and the teachings of the Noble Quran to Europeans.
The plan is implemented in association with the Religious Cooperation Organization based in the Hague.
http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&Id=213781
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Islamist group posts Hebrew-language threat online
Nov 20 2010
An Islamist group on Thursday posted a Hebrew-language threat on the Internet, pledging revenge for the killing of two militants in an Israeli air strike on Gaza City a day earlier.
(AhlulBayt News Agency) - The 30-second clip, in which a man speaks in heavily-accented Hebrew, was posted on an Islamist website which contains references to Gaza.
"Our letter is to the Jewish attackers that the killing of our brothers will not stop us from the continuation of jihad," it said, naming the two militants killed when an Israeli missile slammed into their car in Gaza City on Wednesday.
The strike, for which the Israeli military claimed responsibility, killed Islam Yassin, 39, and his brother Mohammed, 20, both members of the Army of Islam, a radical group with an ideology similar to Al-Qaeda.
Full report at:
http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&Id=213721
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India diminished in Afghanistan
Ashok K Mehta
Nov 20 2010
The picture of Afghanistan that has emerged after the London Conference in January is that both reintegration of and reconciliation with the Taliban are key ingredients of the US-led coalition exit strategy. The West has realised that the Taliban cannot be defeated as long as Pakistan continues to provide succour and sanctuary to the Taliban — its strategic asset for its long-term interests.
Despite this, Pakistan has reinforced it position as the frontline state by being accepted as the lead facilitator in reconciliation with the Taliban. Pakistan’s Army Chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and ISI chief Lt Gen Shuja Pasha have scored a major victory in getting the US to recognise Islamabad’s “legitimate strategic quest for strategic depth”. The one-year extension to Lt Gen Pasha who was to retire next month will ensure continuity and facilitate his promotion as the next Army Chief in case Gen Kayani does not get an extension.
Full report at:
http://www.dailypioneer.com/242717/India-diminished-in-Afghanistan.html
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Countering terrorism
Ashok K Mehta
Nov 20 2010
Ever since 9/11 what has worked best in neutralising jihadi plots to strike terror is effective intelligence-sharing and counter-terrorism
Now that the Commonwealth Games have ended successfully, besides investigating corruption, it is time for also instituting a ‘Lessons Learnt Commission’ about efficient event organisation, including its security cover. While Union Home Secretary GK Pillai held a briefing to announce that terror attacks expected on October 12 and 13 were thwarted, Delhi Police Commissioner YS Dadwal dismissed the threats as “not real”. Doing the rounds were bizarre stories about glider-borne terrorists striking during the CWG when airspace over Delhi had been completely sanitised. Intelligence-sharing and counter-terrorism cooperation were key to an incident-free CWG.
Full report at:
http://www.dailypioneer.com/292510/Countering-terrorism.html
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Islam presentation aims to educate, promote understanding
By: Melissa Stoffel
Nov 20 2010
The Islamic Society of Milwaukee will be giving a presentation on understanding the Islamic religion on December 2 at West Campus from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Room 117. The event is sponsored by West Campus Student Government.
The featured speaker will be discussing the rumors and stereotypes related to Muslims and their religion. According to Scott Dennis, West Campus Student Government Vice President, the purpose of the presentation is not to change the opinions of students, but to address any confusion or questions those present may have about the culture and religion.
When asked her opinion on having this presentation, MATC West Campus staff member Carrie Martin feels that everyone is entitled to their own beliefs and hopes to attend.
Full report at:
http://media.www.matctimes.com/media/storage/paper696/news/2010/11/18/News/Islam.
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Gambian President preaches peace on Eid feast
Nov 20 2010
Moslem Feast of Eid Gambia - Gambian President, Yahya Jammeh, in his traditional message on the occasion of the Moslem Feast of Eid, has sued for global peace, reite rating that 'Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance,' PANA reported from here Thursday.
Jammeh argued: 'It is therefore rather unfortunate that Islamophobia around the world has been and continues to be on the rise,' saying that this became evident 'in the aftermath of the September 11 incident that had nothing absolutely to do with Islam and its divine teaching about the value all Moslmes must attach to human life and property.'
The Gambian leader said that Islamic civilization had flourished for some 1,400 years and among the emphasized core values of the civilization 'is tolerance and compassion, and the peaceful co-existence of Moslems and non-Moslems alike at all times.
Full report at:
http://www.afriquejet.com/news/africa-news/gambian-president-preaches-peace-on-eid-
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Nawaz Sharif's 2000 pact with Saudis set to expire next month
Nov 20 2010
LAHORE: An unpublicised agreement between Nawaz Sharif and the Saudi Arabian government that provided for the former Pakistani premier to stay away from active politics in return for the dropping of criminal charges against him is set to expire in next 12 days.
And the country is agog with speculation as to what steps the PML-N strongman will take once his commitment is over.
The agreement, signed by Sharif and the Saudi royal family, was valid for 10 years and barred him from taking part in active politics during this period.
Sources said the pact will end on December 2. It was following this pact in 2000 that former President Pervez Musharraf dropped the charges levelled against the PML-N chief and allowed him and his family to go into exile in Saudi Arabia.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Nawaz-Sharifs-2000-pact-with-Saudis-
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Pak should control 'terror machine': PM
Nov 20 2010
New Delhi : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday said India has been making efforts to normalize relations with Pakistan but made it clear that dialogue cannot take place until the "terror machine" there is brought under control.
"We are willing to discuss all outstanding issues (with Pakistan) provided the terror machine (there) is brought under control," he said in response to a question on Pakistan at a summit here.
He was asked when the dialogue with Pakistan, suspended since Mumbai attacks, could resume.
"Our efforts have been to normalise relations with Pakistan," he said, adding he had often said that "we can choose our friends but we cannot choose our neighbours. We have no choice."
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/pak-should-control-terror-machine-pm/713802/
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Talk to Osama over hostages: Qaida to France
Nov 20, 2010
PARIS: France on Friday rejected demands from an al-Qaida cell holding five French hostages in northern Africa that it negotiate their freedom with Osama bin Laden and pull its troops out of Afghanistan.
"France cannot accept that its policy be dictated by anyone outside," new foreign minister Michele Alliot-Marie said after al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) head Abdelmalek Droukdel made the demands in an audio recording.
His message said that France would have to negotiate personally with bin Laden to secure the release of five French hostages seized in Niger in September along with a Togolese and a Madagascan and believed held in Mali. "France is doing all in its power for the hostages, wherever they are, to be freed safe and sound," Alliot-Marie said.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/Talk-to-Osama-over-hostages-Qaida-to-
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US invites India, Pak to be engaged in transition in Afghan
Nov 20 2010
WASHINGTON: In what is being viewed as the "most significant change" in its Afghan strategy, the Obama administration has invited both India and Pakistan to be engaged in transition process of the war-torn nation, where the US intends to transfer security to Afghan forces by 2014.
"Our strategy is a regional strategy and we have invited countries from Pakistan to India to be engaged in and support this transition in Afghanistan," State Department spokesman P J Crowley told reporters in response to a question.
His remarks came more than a week after President Barack Obama's visit to India, where he discussed the Afghan situation with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/US-invites-India-Pak-to-be-engaged-in-
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Iranian envoy summoned for Khamenei's K-remark
Nov 20 2010
NEW DELHI: Angry at the critical statements by Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Kashmir, India on Friday summoned the charge d'affaires of the Iranian embassy on Friday to lodge a formal protest. In retaliation, India also, for the first time, abstained from a UN vote on human rights violations in Iran (every year, India votes in favour of Iran).
The Iranian diplomat, Reza Alaei, said sources, was told that India was "deeply disappointed" (by Khamenei's statements). India's demarche against Iran came after at least three comments by Khamenei in the past few months on Kashmir that have appeared to challenge Indian sovereignty. Senior government sources said, "When our territorial integrity is questioned, you do what you have to do."
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Iranian-envoy-summoned-for-Khameneis-K-
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Kashmir interlocutors create sceptical buzz in the Valley
Nirupama Subramanian
Nov 20 2010
SRINAGAR: The interlocutors appointed by the Centre to restart a dialogue process in Kashmir have made two visits to the State, travelling widely to meet political and civil society representatives but scepticism dominates opinion in the Valley about the three-member panel's mandate, “non-political” character, what it can achieve, its intentions and the weight it carries with those who matter in New Delhi.
The interlocutors — well-known journalist Dileep Padgaonkar, Jamia Milia Islamia academic Radha Kumar, and Information Commissioner M.M Ansari — were appointed in October.
Home Minister P. Chidambaram said their mission was to begin a “sustained and uninterrupted dialogue” with “all shades of opinion” in the State towards a resolution of the Kashmir problem.
Full report at:
http://www.hindu.com/2010/11/20/stories/2010112066431600.htm
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Hezbollah threat puts BBC’s ‘ Murder in Beirut’ in limbo
By Neha Tara Mehta in New Delhi
Nov 20 2010
THE BBC HAS abruptly pulled out a three- part film series, Murder in Beirut, on the 2005 assassination of then Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq al- Hariri.
Its decision came a day after the series — due to be aired on Saturday — was slammed by a Beirut daily linked to the Hezbollah, a Lebanese Shia militant group said to be backed by Iran.
Christopher Mitchell, who has produced the films and is curating an ongoing showcase of documentaries on the Middle East at the India International Centre ( IIC), was informed on Tuesday of the BBC’s decision to delay the broadcast.
Full report at: Mail Today
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US to pack more punch into its battle against Taliban
November 20, 2010
Although the United States is planning to begin the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan next July, its military is getting set to pack more punch into its battle against the Taliban in the coming weeks.
For the first time in the nine-year war, the US military is sending heavily armoured battle tanks to Afghanistan in a signal of escalation of its aggressive tactics, the Washington Post reported, citing defence officials.
The deployment of a company of M1 Abrams tanks will allow ground forces to target insurgents from a greater distance and with more lethal punch than is possible from any other US military vehicles, officials indicated.
Full report at:
http://www.dailypioneer.com/297683/US-to-pack-more-punch-into-its-battle-against-Taliban.html
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Ban ammonium nitrate to curb IEDs: US Senators to Pak
Nov 20 2010
Washington : Expressing serious concerns over illegal flow of ammonium nitrate, a key ingredient of IEDs being used by terrorists in Af-Pak region, US Senators have asked Pakistan to take strong action and asked Obama Administration to ensure that Islamabad takes appropriate step in this regard.
"The amounts of ammonium nitrate reportedly ferried into Afghanistan from Pakistan are staggering," said Senator Tom Casey at a Congressional hearing.
The Los Angeles Times reported in May that as much as 85 tons of ammonium nitrate was smuggled into Afghanistan and Pakistan in a single night, a shipment that could yield more than 2,500 Improvised Explosive Devices, he noted.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/ban-ammonium-nitrate-to-curb-ieds-us-senators-to-pak/713782/
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USD 60B arms deal with Saudi Arabia goes through
Nov 20 2010
Washington : A USD 60 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia that raised eyebrows among pro-Israeli lawmakers was expected to be a done deal at midnight on Friday.
The Defence Department notified Congress of the plan last month, and lawmakers had 30 days to try to block or amend the deal. Without loud objections voiced by Israel, the matter received little debate and lawmakers focused their attention on the November 2nd congressional elections.
The 10-year deal is considered one of the largest-ever single US arms sales. It is intended to strengthen Saudi defence forces as a counter to Iran's growing power in the Persian Gulf region.
The package includes 84 new F-15 fighter jets, upgrades to 70 existing Saudi F-15s, 190 helicopters and a wide array of missiles, bombs and delivery systems, as well as accessories such as night-vision goggles and radar warning systems.
Full report at:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/usd-60b-arms-deal-with-saudi-arabia-goes-through/713477/
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Afghan handover is an issue at summit
November 20, 2010
President Barack Obama and the leaders of NATO’s 27 other member nations open a two-day summit on Friday aimed at finding ways to keep the Cold War alliance relevant in the 21st century with revamped roles including ballistic missile defense, anti-piracy patrols and counter-terrorism.
But the meeting is being overshadowed by the escalating war in Afghanistan, where the alliance is struggling to contain Taliban militants.
NATO officials say they expect unanimous support from the allies for Obama’s plans for a new, expanded missile defense system in Europe that would be based on an existing shield meant to defend military units from attack. The US already has a missile defense system based mainly in North America, and it is planning one for its European allies.
Full report at:
http://www.dailypioneer.com/297718/Afghan-handover-is-an-issue-at-summit.html
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Afghan sweep may have killed 40 insurgents: NATO
Nov 20 2010
KABUL: Allied forces may have killed more than 40 insurgents in a sweep in eastern Afghanistan this week, the military said on Thursday, an operation that saw the worst allied loss in a single battle in six months.
Afghan troops and the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) wrapped up the four-day operation in the Pech River valley of volatile Kunar province on Thursday, ISAF said in a statement.
“Reports indicate more than 40 insurgents may have been killed in the security sweep of the area,” it said.
The raid, called Operation Bulldog Bite, came amid an upsurge in fighting ahead of the two-day summit meeting of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) starting in Lisbon on Friday.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\11\20\story_20-11-2010_pg7_31
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Govt committed to protect rights of children: president
Nov 20 2010
* Zardari says task of child protection needs public-private partnership
* Gilani says Benazir laid emphasis on rights of children
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari while reiterating the government’s firm commitment to accord high priority to safeguarding the rights of the children has called for public-private partnership to achieve the task.
“The task of child protection requires partnership between public and private agencies. I, therefore call upon the civil society, NGOs, volunteers, philanthropists, international development partners, media, corporate sector and particularly the children themselves to come forward and play their role for ending violence against children and promoting their welfare,” the president said in his message on the occasion of Universal Children’s Day, observed every year on November 20.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\11\20\story_20-11-2010_pg7_24
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Apology for a sacrifice
By Hassan Shehzad
Nov 20 2010
ISLAMABAD: The sight of blood and gore is not only disliked but also dreaded matter-of-factly. Nevertheless, it is a common sight in this country. Baffling is the fact that religion is found behind much of the most shedding of blood, which has a cycle: a mullah declares all other than his likeminded people must be eliminated. Beards are out for this ‘cause’. Neither there is a shortage of mullahs, nor of must-to-be-killed folks. On Eidul Azha, streets run with blood of animals that are sacrificed to save humanity philosophically but this sacrifice ends up in extending the cycle of human killings religiously.
I listened to Eid sermon of a cleric from the terrace of my house. The bottom line was that we Muslims, which according to the cleric a dominant majority of us is not, should prepare ourselves for ‘self-sacrifice’ because the real sacrifice is ‘us’, not the lamb. ‘Every Muslim keep ready for sacrificing himself (no herself here), his children and his wife for Allah. Wake up, now is the time for this sacrifice. Your Deen is calling you.’
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\11\20\story_20-11-2010_pg11_2
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Far right marches 'drive muslims to militancy'
Nov 20 2010
LONDON: Demonstrations by far right groups like the English Defense League (EDL) act like recruiting sergeants for Islamic militants across Britain, the head of a regional counter terrorism unit said on Friday.
Detective Superintendent John Larkin from West Midlands police said EDL marches and counter-demonstrations often ended in violence, with evidence they end up pushing some members of the community toward radicalization.
“In some areas, we have evidence that once they have gone ... there’s fertile ground for those groups (to say) ‘this is the way white Western society sees us,’” he told BBC Radio.
“And that’s a potential recruiting carrot for people and that’s what some of these radicalizers look for — they look for the vulnerability, for the hook to pull people through and when the EDL have been and done what they’ve done, they perversely leave that behind.”
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/world/article196412.ece
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Brit right wing protests breeding Muslim extremism in UK: Brit counter terror unit
Nov 20 2010
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The English Defence League (EDL), a right-wing group formed in 2009, is encouraging Muslim extremists in the United Kingdom with its violent protests, police have claimed.
The EDL uses street-based marches against 'Muslim extremism', which the organization believes is typified by the spread of Islamism, Sharia law and Islamic extremism in England.
According to West Midlands Counter Terrorism unit, the EDL's marches and protests encourage retaliation and drive young Muslims to extremism.
Full report at:
http://sify.com/news/brit-right-wing-protests-breeding-muslim-extremism-in-uk-brit-counter-terror-unit-news-international-klup4gbbjaa.html
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Will Osama be handed to US if caught in Pakistan?
Nov 20 2010
Toronto: Pakistan may not have handed over al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden immediately to the US if he was caught on Pakistani soil with former president Pervez Musharraf asserting that the "matter is sensitive" and Islamabad would have to "think about it when such a situation arises”.
Musharraf, here to attend a convention organised by his newly floated All-Pakistan Muslim League, was asked the question the question by the CBC network. In answer, he replied: "Well, that is a very, uh, difficult question to answer. It has great sensitivities.``
"My policy on handing over people in the past was we will not hand over any Pakistani. We will ask, first of all, the country of origin of the person to take that person over. And if that does not happen - and invariably none of the countries accepted the al Qaeda people that we apprehended - then we handed them over to anyone and the United States.” "Now in this case, since the matter is so sensitive, one will have to think about it when such a situation arises,`` he said.
Full report at:
http://www.zeenews.com/news669348.html
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Nigeria: Mosque Attack Signals a New Round of Violence
Nov 20 2010
Two men were killed and one child was wounded after suspected members of Boko Haram, an Islamic sect whose name means “Western education is sacrilege” in the Hausa language, ambushed a mosque in northeastern Nigeria during Friday Prayer, in what a police spokesman said was the first daytime attack by the group in a new wave of violence. More than 1,000 worshipers were at the Gomari Jumat mosque in Maiduguri on Friday afternoon when two men arrived by motorcycle and used Kalashnikov assault rifles to kill their victims. The child was wounded by stray bullets, he said. Thirteen suspects were arrested in the attack and other killings in the area, he said.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/20/world/africa/20briefs-MOSQUE.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
URL: http://www.newageislam.com/NewAgeIslamIslamicWorldNews_1.aspx?ArticleID=3703
9:07 PM
Moderate Islamist here
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