| Islamic World News | |
| 31 Dec 2010, NewAgeIslam.Com |
US alarmed at thousands of Baluchi separatists missing in Pakistan
The evil eye an obsession for most Middle Eastern families
Urdu publishers look for buyers in Delhi Book Fair
Pakistani writers and poets should be granted Indian visas, demands Aiwan-e-Ghalib
Nationwide movement for the protection of Urdu need of the hour: Urdu Council
Muslim youth of Sholapur provide blankets to the needy
Iran now a nuclear country: Ahmadinejad
Obama’s Muslim Adviser Says Sharia Law Misunderstood
Seven killed by suspected radical Islamic sect in Nigeria
Parliament attacker’s rough freedom ride
Women’s Protection Act 2006: Top Islamic body may examine the law
Mullahs ban DJ and display of dowry goods in weddings
Grenade attack in Kandahar kills child
Taliban free detained Pakistani tribesmen
Godse was not an RSS man: RSS Spokesman Ram Madho
‘Culture Shock Pakistan’ A ‘mem-sahib’ view
Once critical, Cong now toes Advani line, eulogises Jinnah
NIA books 17 SIMI activists for secret meet
Maldives: Christmas decoration gets restaurant in trouble
Ashok Singhal accuses Sonia Gandhi of attempt to destroy Hindu culture
10 militants get 12-yr jail in Indonesia
Islamabad says won't repeal blasphemy law
Pak disappearances another US sore point
Lifeline for 17 Indians in murder case in Sharjah
Two Christians killed in Baghdad attacks
Yemen releases hundreds of rebels
Pakistani hit musicians salute 2011 in Dubai
Pakistan to fight U.S. case against ISI chief
BJP slams CBI on Arushi case closure, raises Mecca Masjid blast too
Nigeria's Christians in plea to halt killings
'Taliban shadow governor killed in Afghanistan'
India, Iran to discuss oil payment crisis
Jamiat to back Wakf Board
India frees Pakistan fishermen
Turkey not to use Kurdish in official business
No legal requirement for India to access 26/11 accused: Pak
HC stays proceedings in Macchil fake encounter
UK mulled to help Afghan Mujahideen after Soviet invasion
Danish terror plot was on 26/11 lines
Pakistan to defend ISI chief in US suits
West quickly agreed to back Afghan resistance in 1980: British files
Cops arrest yoga teacher for using girls as sex slaves
Govt not to amend blasphemy law: Khursheed Shah
Taliban continue with anti-education activities
Exhibition depicting BB’s life opens at Lok Virsa
Blog that advocated killing Muslims deleted
‘Muslims must be assertive in Indian polity’
IIROSA to promote east Sudan charitable projects
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
Photo: Thousands of Baluchi separatists missing in Pakistan
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All-women Taliban death squads: 'Human bomb' spills beans
Dec 31 2010
Islamabad: Taliban have set up all women suicide squads to carry out deadly terror mission on both sides of the Afghan-Pak border, a captured 12-year-old girl has revealed.
Meena Gul, trained to be a 'human bomb' was apprehended from the Munda area, in Dir close to the Afghan border in January, and her disclosures have sent shivers down the spine of Pakistani security establishment. Gul said that women suicide bombers were trained for their deadly task in small cells on both sides of the porous border and were dispatched to their missions with a sermon, "God will reward you with a place in heaven".
The 12-year-old Afghan girl was quoted by the Express Tribune as having told the police that she trained in a group which was headed by her sister-in-law Zainab and she battled Pakistani troops dressed as a man. She claimed that her younger sister blew herself up in a suicide attack in Afghanistan, but she had managed to escape as she was too scared to die.
Nato trucks attacked in Pakistan, driver killed: Taliban militants in Pakistan attacked two Nato supply trucks, killing a driver and wounding two others. Half a dozen militants launched the attack in Landikotal, in Khyber district bordering Afghanistan.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Human-bomb-spills-beans-on-all-
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US alarmed at thousands of Baluchi separatists missing in Pakistan
December 31, 2010
The United States has voiced acute concern over reports that thousands of political separatists from the restive Baluchistan province have disappeared into the hands of Pakistani police and security forces, and that some may have been tortured or killed.
A State Department report asking Pakistan to address this issue of human rights abuses could become yet another source of friction between Washington and Islamabad, The New York Times reported on Thursday.
In the report submitted to US Congress, the State Department has said it “remains concerned about allegations of gross violations of human rights, including extrajudicial killings, by Pakistani security forces; humanitarian organisations’ access to detainees and displaced persons; and cases of disappearances in Baluchistan, the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), and other conflict zones in Pakistan”.
It reflects the concerns of human rights groups, which have reported that Pakistan’s security services have rounded up thousands of people over the past decade, mainly in Baluchistan, and are holding them incommunicado without charges. “Hundreds of cases are pending in the courts and remain unresolved,” says the report, unclassified summary of which has been accessed by The Times.
Some American officials think that the Pakistanis have used the pretext of war to imprison members of the Baluch nationalist opposition that has fought for generations to separate from Pakistan, the daily reported, adding: “Some of the so-called disappeared are guerrillas; others are civilians.”
A diplomatic cable, recently leaked by WikiLeaks, quoted the US Embassy in Islamabad as saying in February 2007 that “disappeared Pakistanis — innocent and guilty alike — have fallen into a legal black hole”.
“There continue to be gross violations of human rights by Pakistani security forces,” the State Department report says, while noting that the Pakistani Government “has made limited progress” in advancing human rights and continues to face human rights challenges.
The report goes on to say that the State Department “continues to press military and civilian authorities in Pakistan, at the highest levels, to take serious and sustained action to eliminate extrajudicial killings, provide humanitarian access, and investigate all cases of disappearances”. Apart from the Baluchi separatists, the document has separately voiced concerns that the Pakistani military had killed unarmed members of the Taliban instead of putting them on trial.
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Rehman Malik, however, has taken the stand that everything would be done to improve the situation in Baluchistan, without mentioning the disappearances. In August 2009, however, he had reportedly acknowledged that 1,291 people were missing in the country.
In an e-mail response to The Times, Pakistan’s Ambassador to US Husain Haqqani has taken the stand that “the courts and the government are investigating cases of disappearances with a view to establishing the whereabouts of the disappeared persons and the circumstances under which the alleged disappearances took place.”
http://www.dailypioneer.com/307398/US-alarmed-at-thousands-of-Baluchi-separatists-
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The evil eye an obsession for most Middle Eastern families
Dec 31 2010
JEDDAH: Some Saudi and Arab families are overly obsessed with the fear that someone will envy them or give them the evil eye. As a result, some people resort to extreme measures, such as living poorly or always pretending to be sick.
Like many other cultures, the evil eye concept exists in Arab societies, with envy and hatred often considered a cause. As a result, many people believe the evil eye can cause impairment, sterility, childbirth problems, deficient breast milk, domestic problems, accidents, illnesses and unemployment.
The evil eye is also thought to affect children, adults, livestock and people’s possessions. People who are young, wealthy and particularly handsome are considered more at risk.
Hala Yehya, a Saudi housewife, said the evil eye is a reality that exists in society. She doesn’t care if people get angry at how she reacts when someone expresses his or her admiration at her beauty or something that she is wearing.
“I immediately ask them to say ‘Masha Allah’ or repeat certain phrases to drive away the evil eye. It is always difficult to deal with people who are prone to give the evil eye. Those are people I try to avoid as much as possible. Reading certain phrases of the Holy Qur’an to avoid the evil eye gives some protection but it doesn’t work with some,” she said.
“We’ve heard about traditional ways to avoid the evil eye by saying ‘Masha Allah’ in front of the person who is envious. Some people get angry when I act this way but I don’t care because my health is more important than how they feel,” Yehya said.
Hnadi Al-Hassoon, a Syrian housewife, is living a very narrow life as she does not trust her friends and always fears someone will become envious of her lifestyle and happy marriage.
“Recently, when I moved to a new apartment, a friend of mine who is well known for casting the evil eye visited me and complemented the house without saying ‘Masha Allah’. Two days later and without any warning one of the rooms went on fire as a result of an electricity short circuit. Some might say it is a coincidence but no one can convince me that it was not the evil eye,” she said.
Buthaina Maghrabi, a Saudi employee at the Ministry of Education and mother of three girls, believes that keeping everything secret is the perfect way to avoid the evil eye.
“My elderly daughter graduated from Effat University two years ago. People around us told us that she would get a good job and a husband in no time. My daughter’s been unlucky on both counts,” she said.
“Learning from this experience, I’ve decided to keep everything secret and not make announcements. Recently, when a man asked for my elder daughter’s hand in marriage, I didn’t inform anyone and will still keep it a secret until things are finalized,” she added.
Nahed Abu Asal, a Jordanian housewife and mother of one, said she has always claimed her son is sick and weak since giving birth to him to ensure he doesn’t get the evil eye.
In her tradition, the birth of sons is much more valued than the birth of daughters.
North African families still stick to their old traditions to avoid the evil eye, said Saaeda Boushwisha, a Moroccan mother of three.
“To avoid the evil eye we sprinkle water at places where envious people have sat in your home. They also sprinkle water on the door once an envious person leaves,” said Boushwisha.
“In our tradition, to protect a newborn from the evil eye, we put a knife under his or her pillow. When I gave birth to my two sons, my mother became very obsessed and insisted I follow old traditions to avoid the evil eye. I gave birth to my third baby in Saudi Arabia and forgot what my mother did. I only read the Qur’an to protect him,” he said.
Mansour bin Askar, a professor in Islamic studies at King Saud University, said the belief in the evil eye is part of Arab tradition.
“The belief in the evil eye is embedded in the folklore of all traditional Middle Eastern societies. The common Arabic name for the evil eye is ‘ayn’,” he said.
“Islam advises people to use various methods to protect themselves from the evil eye and to treat its symptoms. These methods of protection and cure are performed by faith healers who play a vital role in treating the evil eye,” he said, adding that they sometimes work and sometimes do not.
Beliefs regarding the evil eye persist.
“Islam has clarified that the evil eye does exist and one should avoid it. Most families get angry when people complain about the evil eye, but they should not. It is mentioned in the Qur’an,” he added.
http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article226841.ece
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Urdu publishers look for buyers in the Book Fair
New Age Islam News Bureau
Dec 31 2010
New Delhi: The faces of the four or five bookstall owners present a wary look because of a lack of interest in Urdu books in the Urdu speaking community. This correspondent visited the Urdu book stalls in the fair and found the owners of the stalls especially the religious ones lamenting the absence of Urdu book lovers. Although one aspect of the fair is that there are very few Urdu book lovers but it is also a fact that the publishers have published few new titles. When the correspondent asked Madhur Sandesh Sangam and Al Mustafa from Okhla, Goodword from Basti Nizamuddin and the government body National Urdu Council, they unanimously said that Urdu speaking people do not have interest in buying books. Mr Naziruddin of Madhur Sandesh said that they published mostly religious books in Hindi and English but got very few buyers. He felt that the interest in reading books in Urdu speaking community was on the wane. He further said that the purpose behind publishing religious books in Hindi was to remove the misconceptions about Islam. He said that they published the Quran priced at only Rs 30. He added that 90 per cent of the visitors to their stall were non-Muslims but the Muslim visitors were few and far between. After this the correspondent went to the Goodword publishers and spoke with the owner Shah Imran Hasan who had smile on his face as his stall was getting buyers in other languages. However, he rued the fact that Urdu speaking people did not come to the stall in large numbers. Agha Mohammad and Md Sayeed of Al Mustafa Publications had the same views about the lack of Urdu buyers. However, the stall of the National Urdu Council seemed to be getting some buyers. The council publishes books mostly on Urdu literature and social issues. Council’s representative Mr Zakir Hussain said that buyers were visiting the stalls in good numbers and books were being sold. However, he said that the fair had a small number of Urdu stalls probably because of the high costs of putting stalls and the publishers might be waiting for the World Book Fair.
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Pakistani writers and poets should be granted visas
New Age Islam News Bureau
Dec 31 2010
New Delhi: The Director of Aiwan-e-Ghalib Shahid Mahli and the Secretary Siddiqur Rahman Qidwai today said that it was unfortunate that a number of Pakistani writers and poets would not be able to participate in the four day cultural programmes including the International Ghalib Seminar and the Annual Ghalib Award programme organised by Aiwan-e-Ghalib because they have not been granted visas. He said that India has agreement with many other countries on cultural exchanges and so there is people do not face any hassles travelling to India but since India and Pakistan do not have such agreement, often they face problems in getting visa. Shahid Mahli said that during the programmes that will last till January 3, will be dedicated to the famous poet Mir Taqi Mir. 7 awards will be presented and a special award will be presented to the IAS topper Shah Faisal. The other literary and cultural figures to receive the award are Professor Lutfur Rahman for research and criticism in Urdu, Prof Ghulam Rasul Jan for Persian criticism and research, Dr Iqbal Mateen for Urdu prose, Bashar Nawaz for Urdu poetry, Nadira Zahir Babbar for Urdu Drama and Shahid Ali Khan for the service to Urdu language and literature. Programme will be inaugurated by Shamsur Rahman Farooquee and presided over by S Y Quraishi. Mr Shahid Mahli demanded that the governments of India and Pakistan should have an agreement of cultural exchange so that the relations between the peoples of the two countries can be further strengthened.
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Nationwide movement for the protection of Urdu need of the hour: Urdu Council
New Age Islam News Bureau
Dec 31 2010
Patna: The issue of the protection and promotion of Urdu is becoming graver by the day. Though Urdu has been recognised as the second official language in some states it has been done only on papers. Practically Urdu has been deprived of its rights. Even after 29 years, even the Urdu nameplates could not be put in government offices in Bihar. The most ridiculous fact is that all the work in the Urdu Directorate established in 1995 for the practical use of Urdu on government level is done in Hindi and Urdu is nowhere to be seen. There cannot be bigger proof of injustice to Urdu. These views were expressed by the lovers and activists of Urdu in an advisory meeting organised by the Urdu Council Hind. The meeting was presided over by prominent social and political figure Shakil Hasan Advocate. Full report at:
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Muslim youth of Sholapur provide blankets to the needy
New Age Islam News Bureau
Dec 31 2010
The youth today are generally interested in recreation and entertainment. Their conversations revolve round fashion, mobile and bikes. But there are others who are passionate about service to the people especially to the needy. The youth of Sholapur in Maharashtra have set an example. Currently the region is gripped by cold wave as the temperature has dipped to 9 degree Celsius. People shiver despite being locked indoors and wrapped in blankets. In this situation, homeless people who take shelter on footpaths, dargahs or mandirs have a tough time. They often catch pneumonia or die of cold. These youth realised their plight and decided to distribute blankets among them. The group of these youths comes out on bikes at night and distributes blankets among the poor and the needy in the different parts of the city. The group comprising Azharuddin Gadwal, Shamsuddin Kakarmakar, Mohsin Tamboli, Gadwal, Azhar Shahpure, Md Ali Mandewadi and Saib Syed has expressed their resolve to continue their charity work. They said that they get spiritual joy in doing this and their religion also preached service to mankind.
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Iran now a nuclear country: Ahmadinejad
New Age Islam News Bureau
Dec 31 2010
Tehran: President of Iran Mahmoud Ahmadinejad today said that Iran was now a nuclear country. He said that Iran had learnt to produce electricity with nuclear energy. The US and its allies have been putting pressure on it to abandon its nuclear programme but they have failed in their efforts as Iran has become a nuclear power, he said. The local PressTV said that the President of Iran said to an assembly of people in the northern city of Karaj that the issue of Iran’s nuclear programme could be solved only with co-operation and not with confrontation. In his address he said that they were ready to extend cooperation on the basis of our rights and warned the western countries that Iran will respond strongly if any country tries to prevent it from acquiring its rights. Speaking on the sanctions imposed on Iran by the UNO he said that sanctions had made Iran stronger. Only yesterday Israel’s minister Moshe Yalon had said that Iran has postponed its programme of building nuclear weapons and it would require another three years to make the nuclear bomb.
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Obama’s Muslim Adviser Says Sharia Law Misunderstood
Dec 31 2010
President Barack Obama’s adviser on Muslim affairs, Dalia Mogahed, has provoked controversy by appearing on a British television show hosted by a member of an extremist group to talk about Sharia Law.
Miss Mogahed, appointed to the President’s Council on Faith-Based and Neighbourhood Partnerships, said the Western view of Sharia was “oversimplified” and the majority of women around the world associate it with “gender justice.”
http://romanticpoet.wordpress.com/2010/12/30/obamas-muslim-adviser-says-sharia-law-misunderstood/
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Seven killed by suspected radical Islamic sect in Nigeria
Dec 31 2010
PAUL OHIA ABUJA: Suspected members of a radical Islamic sect set on fire a police vehicle and killed seven persons including three police officers in the trouble-hit Maiduguri town in northern Nigeria.
The attack that is suspected to have been carried out by radical outfit Boko Haram, is the latest in a series of such assaults in the town.
Seven persons, including three police officers, were killed and eight others wounded when the militants attacked a police checkpoint and set a police vehicle on fire.
The group had claimed responsibility for the Christmas day bombings that killed 80 people in the central city of Jos. The day had also seen attacks on churches in Maiduguri that had led to the death of six persons.
On Tuesday, in a similar attack in the same town suspected Boko Haram members fired shots into a teaching hospital, killing a police officer and two.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/Seven-killed-by-suspected-radical-Islamic-sect-in-Nigeria/articleshow/7193235.cms#ixzz19fFspVrO
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Parliament attacker’s rough freedom ride
By Hakeem Irfan
Dec 31 2010
WHEN SHAUKAT Hussain Guru — a convict in the 2001 Parliament attack — walked out of Tihar Jail on Wednesday evening after serving a nine- year sentence, he hardly had any money. Behind him was Tihar, the prison where his wife gave birth to their son Arsalaan, a place he would never forget; ahead was a long, unfamiliar road.
Clad in a rumpled shirt and trousers, Shaukat had no idea how to reach Kashmir, his home. Draped in snow, its roads and highways were blocked. In Delhi, he couldn’t remember any relative to contact.
“ He talked to us on phone and we were happy. We want a reunion such as this for every Kashmiri detainee,” Shaukat’s brother Yaseen Guru said from Kashmir. “ It was a rebirth for him. For the first time, he was speaking to his father without the fear of being lodged in jail,” Yaseen added.
Shaukat also spoke to his nineyear- old son who was born in June 2002 in Tihar Jail where his wife was also detained then.
Full report at: Mail Today
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Women’s Protection Act 2006: Top Islamic body may examine the law
Dec 31 2010
ISLAMABAD: The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) may examine the Protection of Women Act 2006 after some of its clauses were struck down by the Federal Shariat Court (FSC) last week, The Express Tribune has learnt.
The CII, the top constitutional advisory body, will study and decide whether or not the law is in conformity with the Holy Quran and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
The FSC had examined the constitutional aspect of the law and the CII will have to check it against Islamic principles, the source said.
“Deliberations on the act” will be one of the items on the CII’s agenda when it convenes some time in the next two months, a CII official told The Express Tribune, requesting anonymity.
However, the agenda is yet to be approved by CII Chairman Maulana Muhammad Khan Sheerani. “He will decide whether or not the act should be discussed in the CII’s next meeting,” he said.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/96672/womens-protection-act-2006-top-islamic-
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Mullahs ban DJ and display of dowry goods in weddings
Dec 31 2010
Muzaffarnagar: The Muslim clerics of Jamiat Ulema Hind have called for a ban on using Disc Jockeys (DJ) and display of dowry goods by community members during weddings' saying it is against Islamic law.
The clerics also appealed the ulema to avoid performing nikah in such marriages.
The decision came during a meeting held yesterday in which several Muslim clerics were present.
The clerics decided to ban DJs and exhibition of dowry goods during marriage saying that it is against the Shariat law.
The clerics who participated in the meeting included President of Utter Pradesh Imam Organisation Mufti Zulfikar, District President of Jamiat Ulema Hind Maulana Nazar Mohammad and District Secretary Maulana Tahir Kasmi.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/mullahs-ban-dj-and-display-of-dowry-goods-in-
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Grenade attack in Kandahar kills child
Dec 31 2010
KABUL: Insurgents threw hand grenades into two houses in the province of Kandahar, killing a child in one and wounding six people — including a woman and a child — in the other, a local official in southern Afghanistan said.
The Kandahar governor’s spokesman, Zelmai Ayubi, said the attack occurred Friday morning in the district of Zhari, a Taliban heartland west of Kandahar city at the centre of the 30,000-soldier US surge earlier this year.
Ayubi said authorities were investigating why the two houses were targeted. He said the wounded had been taken to a nearby Nato base for medical help, and that two of the wounded were in serious condition.
http://www.dawn.com/2010/12/31/grenade-attack-in-kandahar-kills-child.html
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Taliban free detained Pakistani tribesmen
Dec 31 2010
MIRAMSHAH: Taliban militants on Friday freed 23 tribesmen whom they had detained this month for meeting Pakistan’s army chief in the country’s tribal belt.
Taliban spokesman Azam Tariq told AFP from an undisclosed location that a militant “court” freed the 23 tribesmen after “they swore on the Holy Quran that they would never support the government in future”.
Officials had said 23 elders from the district of South Waziristan were summoned by the Taliban to Razmak, a town in neighbouring North Waziristan, on December 17 and had not returned.
Local intelligence and administration officials confirmed the release.
The military carried out an offensive last year in parts of South Waziristan targeting the headquarters of the country’s main Taliban faction, following an increase in militant bomb attacks in late 2009.
Many of the Taliban commanders and their foot soldiers are believed to have fled into North Waziristan.
http://www.dawn.com/2010/12/31/taliban-free-detained-pakistani-tribesmen.html
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Godse was not an RSS man: Ram Madho
New Age Islam News Bureau
Dec 31 2010
New Delhi :(IANS)The RSS had expressed its indignation at linking the killer of Mahatma Gandhi with the RSS. The Congress has published a book in two parts on on the occasion of completing 125 years. A chapter of the book says that Nathuram Godse who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi was a member of the RSS and the Hindu Maha Sabha. The RSS has reacted saying that it was a lie and was being propagated for political gains. The book has been edited by the senior Congressman Pranab Mukherjee. The spokesman of the RSS, Ram Madho said that in the book the Congress had done some introspection and it should do the same regarding the incidents about Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination. Madho said that Godse had parted ways with the RSS way back in 1930 and said that the organisation was being maligned deliberately. He further said that the court judgements were sufficient proof that the RSS had no role in the assassination of Gandhiji. Asked if the RSS will take legal steps in this matter, Madho did not give a straight reply saying they will study the book and then decide.
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‘Culture Shock Pakistan’ A ‘mem-sahib’ view
Dec 31 2010
The new style guidebook, “Culture Shock! Pakistan,” written by Zafar Ihsan and Karin Mittmann, tells visitors how to respond when faced with expected culture shock in Pakistan.
First published in 1991, it was received with mixed feelings both inside and outside the country. Call it an aftershock, the book has been published and republished many times. As Pakistan continues to shock and attract the world, the publishers have printed its many editions from print points as far apart as London, Oregon and Singapore.
This is a daughter-in-law and son-in-law book — Ihsan, the co-author, is also Mittmann’s Pakistani son-in-law. Mittmann comes from Berlin, but after marrying a Pakistani in 1955, she came to Pakistan. Even though her marriage broke up, she chose to stay behind in the shocking country.
According to the authors, there is no understanding of the magnitude of the situation of life in the “country of extremes.”
“Pakistan is not a country for the lightweights . . . even its beauty is grave or mighty,” the book says.
The first-time visitor to Pakistan is therefore told to be prepared for the culture shock he or she is going to experience — though many readers say the book is meant for men only. A few essential tips are offered on how to adapt and how to be successful without causing any offense.
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/lifestyle/art_culture/article225974.ece
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Once critical, Cong now toes Advani line, eulogises Jinnah
December 31, 2010
Five years after it went hammer and tongs against senior BJP leader LK Advani for his pro-Mohd Ali Jinnah remarks, the Congress has now itself called the first Prime Minister of Pakistan as someone who strove hard to promote Hindu-Muslim unity. It also says Jinnah felt lonely in the Congress which ultimately resulted in his exit from the party.
Talking about the Congress-Muslim League Pact or Lucknow Pact during the Congress’s Lucknow annual session in 1916, the party’s book Congress And The Making Of The Indian Nation says, “Behind this pact was a sincere desire to allay minority fears about majority domination. (Gangadhar) Tilak and Jinnah were the forces behind this since both of them emphasised the importance of Hindu-Muslim unity.”
Full report at:
http://www.dailypioneer.com/307455/Once-critical-Cong-now-toes-Advani-line-eulogises-Jinnah.html
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NIA books 17 SIMI activists for secret meet
Dec 31, 2010
KOCHI: The National Investigation Agency ( NIA) on Thursday filed a chargesheet against 17 persons — all from the banned Student Islamic Movement of India ( SIMI) — in a Kerala court for allegedly conspiring "to advocate, incite and abet unlawful activities for secession of Kashmir from India".
It is alleged that the accused had a secret meeting in the Happy Auditorium at Panayikulam where they planned to wage war against India through various means.
During investigation, it was found that there were 17 persons in the room and some of them were making inflammatory speeches. Seventeen persons were arrested and later let out on bail. Books and pamphlets, which were pro-Pakistani, anti-government, seditious and provocative in content with the aim of creating religious animosity, were seized.
One of accused, Rasheed, turned approver while another one, Nasser, is absconding and is in the Gulf and efforts are being made for his extradition. According to the chargesheet, P A Shaduly, Abdul Rasik, Ansar, Nizamuddin and Shammi had entered into a criminal conspiracy in Ernakulam and other places.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/NIA-books-17-SIMI-activists-for-secret-meet/articleshow/7194012.cms#ixzz19fG5h4wL
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Christmas decoration gets restaurant in trouble
R.K. Radhakrishnan
Dec 31 2010
COLOMBO: A special Christmas promotion aimed at foreigners at a Maldivian restaurant got the restaurant owners into deep trouble.
Islam is the official religion in Maldives and constitutionally, there is only place for Sunni Muslims; practice of other religions is prohibited. Display of other religious symbols attracts police action.
In this case, the restaurant was decorated for Christmas with items related to the celebration.
This led to protests from religious groups such as the Adhaalath Party and the Islamic Foundation of the Maldives, which led to the arrest of one restaurant employee, the independent Maldivian newspaper Minivan News reported.
“Some people gathered and protested against the decorations, because it was like celebrating Christmas,” police spokesman Ahmed Shiyam told AFP. The offending streamers were quickly removed.
http://www.hindu.com/2010/12/31/stories/2010123168412100.htm
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Ashok Singhal accuses Sonia Gandhi of attempt to destroy Hindu culture
December 31, 2010
Pune, Dec 30 (ANI): Lashing out at Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) chief Ashok Singhal has alleged that she was destroying Hinduism and that she was "deputed by the Vatican."
Speaking to reporters here on Wednesday, Singhal said: "She (Sonia Gandhi) wants to destroy Indian religion, culture and traditions. We are opposing this, since we will not let this happen. She realises that our strength is growing, and she is scared of our power. That is why she is opposing us. We are not in any way connected to extremism. Neither the VHP, nor the saints and RSS are involved in any way to militancy."
He questioned Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi's intelligence for his criticism of the RSS and reported remarks that Hindu terror was a bigger threat than LeT.
Full report at:
http://news.oneindia.in/2010/12/30/ashoksinghal-accuses-sonia-gandhi-of-attempt-to-
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10 militants get 12-yr jail in Indonesia
December 31, 2010
An Indonesian court has sentenced 10 Islamist militants to up to 12 years in jail each. Mukhtar bin Ibrahim, a member of the Islamic Defenders Front, received a 12-year term on Thursday from the Jakarta District Court for attacking foreigners in Aceh province last year.
He was convicted of shooting and injuring a German Red Cross worker, throwing grenades at a UN Children’s Fund office and shooting at the house of two Americans lecturers.
In another trial, nine militants were sentenced for attending a militant training camp in Aceh that was raided by police in February. One received nine years in jail, while eight were sentenced to eight years each.
http://www.dailypioneer.com/307391/10-militants-get-12-yr-jail-in-Indonesia.html
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Islamabad says won't repeal blasphemy law
Omer Farooq Khan
Dec 31 2010
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan government on Thursday ruled out a revocation of the country's controversial blasphemy law amid a groundswell of opinion among the civil rights groups against it.
The conviction of a Christian woman under the law recently provoked outrage across the country with a member of the ruling party and former minister Sherry Rehman introducing a bill in Pakistan's parliament for its revocation.
The government, which had earlier called for the need to review the law, seems to have lost its nerve ahead of a proposed bandh in the law's favour on Friday. A coalition of the religious right has called for the countrywide shutter down strike. It earlier held a conference in the law's favour in Islamabad on December 15.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Islamabad-says-wont-repeal-blasphemy-
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Pak disappearances another US sore point
Eric Schmitt
Dec 31 2010
WASHINGTON: The Obama administration is expressing alarm over reports that thousands of political separatists and captured Taliban insurgents have disappeared into the hands of Pakistan's police and security forces, and that some may have been tortured or killed.
The issue came up in a State Department report to Congress last month that urged Pakistan to address this and other human rights abuses. It threatens to become the latest source of friction in the often tense relationship between the wartime allies.
The concern is over a steady stream of accounts from human rights groups that Pakistan's security services have rounded up thousands of people over the past decade, mainly in Baluchistan, a vast and restive province far from the fight with the Taliban, and are holding them incommunicado without charges. Some American officials think that the Pakistanis have used the pretext of war to imprison members of the Baluch nationalist opposition that has fought for generations to separate from Pakistan. Some of the so-called disappeared are guerrillas; others are civilians.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Pak-disappearances-another-US-sore-
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Lifeline for 17 Indians in murder case in Sharjah
Amira Agarib
31 December 2010
In a sudden twist to the case of 17 Indians who have appealed the death penalty for killing a Pakistani man in Sharjah, the victim’s family told the Court that it is ready to accept compensation, including blood money.
If the defendants disagreed, the family wanted them to be executed.
Till the last hearing, the victim’s family had refused any such settlement and wanted the 17 Indians to be executed as ruled by the Sharjah Shariah Court of First Instance. In fact, Ramadan, a relative of the victim, had told the court in the last hearing that the family wanted the death sentence to be executed.
The Court of Appeal adjourned Wednesday’s hearing to February 17, 2011 after a representative of the victim’s family presented their new request.
The representative, who has official authorisation from the victim’s family, told the court, “The family wants compensation, including ‘diya’ (blood money), or ‘qasas’ (death sentence) if the defendants refuse to pay the compensation.”
Full report at:
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle09.asp?xfile=data/theuae/2010/December/
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Two Christians killed in Baghdad attacks
31 December 2010
BAGHDAD — At least two Christians were killed and nine wounded in a string of six attacks on Christian homes in Baghdad on Thursday, an interior ministry official said.
The worst incident was in the central district of Al-Ghadir, where a homemade bomb exploded around 8:00 pm (1700 GMT), killing the two Christians and wounding three others, including one Christian, the official said.
The attacks started at 7:30 pm and continued over two hours in six different parts of the capital as the Christian community still reels from a massacre at a Baghdad cathedral on October 31 in which 44 worshippers and two priests died.
Al-Ghadir is an area with a significant Christian population, though many have fled following the massacre and in light of threats by Al Qaeda to target them.
Other blasts, also from homemade bombs, injured another nine Christians.
Two bombs exploded in west Baghdad, one in the garden of a home in Yarmuk, where one person was hurt, and another in Khadra, wounding two Christians.
Another was hurt in an explosion in the Karrada district, which is where the cathedral is located.
Full report at:
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle08.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2010/December/
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Yemen releases hundreds of rebels
31 December 2010
SANAA — A rebel spokesman says Yemen authorities have released hundreds of rebel detainees. Mohammed Abdel-Salam says at least 428 Hawthi detainees were freed on Thursday.
Abdel-Salam said on Thursday the release was mediated by Qatar, which brokered a cease-fire between President Ali Abdellah Saleh’s government and the Hawthi rebels last February.
The Hawthi tribesman in Yemen have waged an on-and-off struggle against the government for the last six years. Prisoner releases come periodically.
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle08.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2010/December/
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Pakistani hit musicians salute 2011 in Dubai
Praseeda Nair
31 December 2010
DUBAI — Pakistani music icons Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan took Dubai by storm in their first ever on-stage collaboration, Salam 2011, on Thursday.
Khaleej Times spoke with the vocalists just ahead of the concert.
As a student and nephew of legendary qawwali singer Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Rahat began performing on stage at the age of 11 with his ustad in 1985. “What keeps us going as musicians is a strong belief and passion for music and its power to unite,” he said.
As a renowned qawwali singer who is equally well known for his contributions to the Bollywood music scene, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has garnered a huge fan-base in India after composing over 50 songs for box office hits like ‘Dabangg’ and ‘My name is Khan’.
“Both countries share common passion — a love for films and cricket. Through this, we all must surely try to bring the neighbours together. I have always tried to advocate peace on both sides of the border through my singing and will continue to do so,” the singer told Khaleej Times. “Pakistani bands are much popular in India as Indian songs are popular in Pakistan. Since the audiences look for change, they accept the new thing that comes their way.”
Full report at:
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle08.asp?xfile=data/theuae/2010/December/
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Pakistan to fight U.S. case against ISI chief
Anita Joshua
Dec 31 2010
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has decided to “strongly contest” the law suit filed in a United States court against the Director-General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and his predecessor by the relatives of a Jewish rabbi and his wife who were killed in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack.
In a statement, the Foreign Office on Thursday said: “The Government of Pakistan and the Pakistan Embassy in Washington shall defend the legal suit on behalf of ISI and its Directors-General fully and properly”. The statement also drew attention to the assurance given by Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani in the National Assembly last week when members expressed concerns about the DG ISI being summoned by a U.S. court.
Intervening in the discussion, Mr. Gilani had said: “We do not believe the ISI, as an agency of the government of Pakistan, or its present and former officials could be subjected to civil litigation in the courts of the United States and we intend to take appropriate steps to obtain dismissal of this action.”
India's request
Full report at:
http://www.hindu.com/2010/12/31/stories/2010123168452100.htm
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ARUSHI TALWAR MURDER BJP slams CBI on case closure raises Mecca Masjid blast too
Dec 31 2010
THE BJP on Thursday slammed the CBI for filing a closure report in the Arushi murder case, terming it a "complete let-down", but curiously linked the development with the agency's investigations into the Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter case and the Mecca Masjid blast case in connection with which RSS leader Indresh Kumar was questioned recently.
The party said it was "absolutely shocked and dismayed" by the fact that the CBI submitted a closure report in the Arushi case. It argued that the same CBI shows "extra interest" when it comes to investigating cases against former Gujarat minister Amit Shah and Indresh Kumar and "take steps to build up a case against them when there is none".
Full report at: India Express
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Nigeria's Christians in plea to halt killings
Dec 31 2010
LAGOS — Nigeria's largest Christian body on Friday condemned attacks on the community which have left dozens dead over the Christmas period and heightened religious tensions months before a general election.
A series of Christmas Eve bomb blasts in the central city of Jos and reprisals killed at least 80 people, the emergency agency said, while in the northern city of Maiduguri, six people were killed in attacks on churches.
The attacks continued on Thursday, when suspected Islamists killed eight people, including three police, in Maiduguri.
"These acts of violence and arson against peace loving and law abiding Christians and our churches... must stop now as churches are not political/party offices," the Christian Association of Nigeria said in a statement.
"There is a limit to human tolerance," it warned in the statement, issued in Abuja at the end of an emergency meeting on the recent bloodshed.
The Christian body called on its members to observe a fast on January 1 and the first of each month for peace and unity.
Full report at:
Copyright © 2010 AFP. All rights reserved.
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'Taliban shadow governor killed in Afghanistan'
Dec 31 2010
KUNDUZ, Afghanistan — A top Taliban commander and his bodyguard were killed during an overnight operation by Afghan and NATO forces in northern Afghanistan, police said on Friday.
Mawlawi Bahadur was killed Thursday night in Chahar Dara, a militant-plagued district of Kunduz province, provincial police spokesman Haroon Aryayenezhad told AFP.
Bahadur was the Tailban's shadow governor for the northern Afghan province. One of his bodyguards was also killed and four others accompanying him injured in the operation, Aryayenezhad said.
"Mullah Bahadur was appointed as Taliban Governor for Kunduz province around two months ago," he said.
"He (Bahadur) was directly responsible for organising military operations against Afghan and Coalition troops in Kunduz province," Aryayenezhad added.
Full report at:
Copyright © 2010 AFP. All rights reserved.
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India, Iran to discuss oil payment crisis
Sujay Mehdudia
Dec 31 2010
NEW DELHI: Indian and Iranian representatives will meet in Mumbai on Friday to put in place a new mechanism for Indian oil companies to make payments for the Iranian crude oil they buy.
On December 23, the Reserve Bank of India stopped facilitating payments for crude oil imported from Iran. “We are working on an alternative settlement mechanism. It is being discussed at length with the Ministry of Finance, and a solution will be found in the next few days,” Petroleum Secretary S. Sundareshan told journalists here on Thursday.
The RBI said companies would be allowed to settle current account and trade transactions with Iran outside the Asian Clearing Union (ACU), a regional payment arrangement. ACU participants settle transactions in either U.S. dollar or Euro.
Iran has refused to sell oil under the new rules.
Mr. Sundareshan said officials of the RBI and the Iranian Central Bank would discuss a mechanism, under which payments could be made in any currency.
Full report at:
http://www.hindu.com/2010/12/31/stories/2010123167151700.htm
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Jamiat to back Wakf Board
Dec 31 2010
New Delhi: The national executive of the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind (JUH) on Thursday unanimously resolved to offer support to the Sunni Central Wakf Board in fighting the Ayodhya case. The Wakf Board has already moved the Supreme Court against the Allahabad High Court's judgment in the title suits.
This is significant in view of the divergent opinions expressed after the verdict by Maulana Mehmood Madani, a key member of JUH. Mr. Madani, who has since taken over as its general secretary, had advised the Muslim community to accept the court verdict and draw up a settlement with the Hindu parties to the dispute. A JUH spokesperson said the organisation's decision to back the Wakf Board was taken after assessing the report of an expert committee, which was in turn advised by a panel of lawyers.
http://www.hindu.com/2010/12/31/stories/2010123166611200.htm
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India frees Pakistan fishermen
Dec 31 2010
NEW DELHI: India released and repatriated 52 Pakistani fishermen and 24 Pakistani prisoners, who had completed their sentence, to their country on Tuesday through Attari border.
``During the year 2010, the government released and repatriated 163 Pakistani fishermen and 130 Pakistani prisoners to Pakistan,” an official release of the Home Ministry said here on Thursday.
http://www.hindu.com/2010/12/31/stories/2010123167752000.htm
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Turkey not to use Kurdish in official business
December 31, 2010
Turkey’s President ruled out the use of the Kurdish language in official business on Thursday, a day after the country’s civilian and military leaders rejected the minority’s demands for autonomy.
Kurdish politicians and activists have been aggressively promoting official use of Kurdish in recent months as part of their growing demands for regional autonomy — a goal shared by rebels whose fight has killed tens of thousands of people so far. The pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party, buoyed by steps taken by the Government in expanding the use of Kurdish, including radio and television broadcasts and letting politicians campaign in the language, insist on regional autonomy. Their demands have fueled nationalist sentiment and tensions threaten to derail efforts to end the armed conflict.
President Abdullah Gul travelled to Diyarbakir, the largest city in the Kurdish-dominated southeast, on Thursday and cautioned against exploiting the issue.
Full report at:
http://www.dailypioneer.com/307393/Turkey-not-to-use-Kurdish-in-official-business.html
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No legal requirement for India to access 26/11 accused: Pak
December 31, 2010
Days after India proposed sending a panel to Islamabad to quiz LeT’s Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi and other key accused in the Mumbai attacks, Pakistan on Thursday said there is no legal requirement for an Indian commission to be granted access to the terror suspects in this country.
Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit said Pakistan’s proposal to send a commission to India to interview lone surviving attacker Ajmal Kasab and officials who probed the attack was a legal requirement to take forward the prosecution of Pakistani suspects.
However, he said there was no legal requirement for India’s request to send a commission to question terror suspects linked to the Mumbai incident. “Whereas the visit of our judicial commission is a legal requirement in order to pursue the Mumbai attacks trial in Pakistan... Full report at:
http://www.dailypioneer.com/307371/No-legal-requirement-for-India-to-access-26/11-accused-Pak.html
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HC stays proceedings in Macchil fake encounter
December 31, 2010
Jammu and Kashmir High Court on Thursday stayed the proceedings in the Macchil fake encounter case relating to the killing of three youth near the LoC in the Valley in April this year.
Justice Hakim Imtiyaz Hussain stayed the proceedings after Union of India filed a petition seeking orders to set aside the rulings of the subordinate courts on the option of having the accused Armymen in the alleged fake encounter case tried in a court martial.
Advocate D S Thakur, who appeared on behalf of Union of India, said the petition was filed as jurisdictional issues were involved.
The petition has sought setting aside of orders passed by Chief Judicial Magistrate Sopore on July 15 and Principal District and Sessions Judge Baramulla on December 13 in which they had rejected the Army’s claim to option of trying the accused personnel.
Full report at:
http://www.dailypioneer.com/307495/HC-stays-proceedings-in-Macchil-fake-encounter.html
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UK mulled to help Afghan Mujahideen after Soviet invasion
December 31, 2010
Within three weeks of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, Britain discussed plans to help Mujahideen and channel clandestine Western military aid to them to eject the Russians, according to UK Cabinet documents released on Thursday.
According to British files from 1980, Cabinet Secretary Sir Robert Armstrong negotiated how to channel covert military aid towards the “Islamic resistance” that was fighting the Russians in Afghanistan. The documents released by the National Archives detail how swiftly clandestine weapons routes were opened up to aid the Mujahideen.
The files show how extensive military and diplomatic efforts — co-ordinated with western allies — were made to defeat the USSR and the lengths to which the then PM Margret Thatcher went to discourage participation in the 1980 Olympics, the Guardian reported. Shortly after KGB special forces seized control of Kabul on 27 Dec 1979, Foreign Secretary Lord Carrington had said, “The Russians are resorting to big lie by saying that they intervened at the invitation of Afghan authorities.”
http://www.dailypioneer.com/307367/UK-mulled-to-help-Afghan-Mujahideen-after-Soviet-
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Danish terror plot was on 26/11 lines
Dec 31, 2010
GLOSTRUP: Three men suspected of planning a deadly "Mumbai-style" plot to massacre staff at a Danish newspaper appeared on Thursday before a court which charged them with an attempted act of terrorism and possession of weapons, officials said.
Police detained four men in Denmark and one in Sweden on Wednesday on suspicion of plotting an assault on the offices of Jyllands-Posten, the Danish daily that outraged Muslims in 2005 with cartoons of Prophet Muhammad.
The three — one Tunisian and two Swedish citizens — pleaded not-guilty to the charges, Lykke Sorensen, an official of Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET), said.
On Wednesday, Danish security police chief Jakob Scharf had said that the arrests prevented an "imminent terror attack" that aimed "to kill as many as possible" of the people present at the Copenhagen offices of the newspaper.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/Danish-terror-plot-was-on-26/11-
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Pakistan to defend ISI chief in US suits
Dec 31 2010
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has said that it will contest the two US lawsuits that link ISI and its chief Gen. Ahmed Shuja Pasha to the deadly 26/11 attacks in Mumbai.
A foreign ministry statement on Thursday said, "Pakistan will ``fully and properly'' defend ISI chief Gen. Ahmed Shuja Pasha against the accusations."
The statement shows how sensitive Islamabad is to allegations that its intelligence services were involved in the assault that killed 166 people in Mumbai.
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has already said that Pasha cannot be made to testify in the New York civil lawsuits. He wants the cases dismissed.
The plaintiffs include relatives of the victims who are seeking financial damages.
Experts say such cases rarely succeed beyond being symbolic. Many international defendants claim immunity or don't bother to respond.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Pakistan-to-defend-ISI-chief-in-US-
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West quickly agreed to back Afghan resistance in 1980: British files
Dec 31 2010
LONDON: Western powers met in secret soon after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and formed plans to back Islamic resistance, according to British files from 1980 released.
Senior officials from Britain, France, then West Germany and the United States met in Paris on January 15 that year to discuss the West's response to the December 24, 1979 invasion.
The National Archives' release of the secret papers after 30 years in the vaults comes as Western allies prepare to enter another year of conflict in Afghanistan, battling Islamist insurgents.
US national security adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski was among those at the Paris meeting, as was Britain's cabinet secretary Robert Armstrong, the top civil servant.
He said support for the mujahideen should be coordinated by "our friends" -- a euphemism for MI6, Britain's foreign intelligence agency, and its peers from the allies.
Armstrong reported from the Paris meeting that while they wanted to avoid sparking a border war with Pakistan in the volatile tribal region, there was still much they could do.
He said that the powers at the meeting concluded "it would be in the interests of the West to encourage and support resistance".
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/uk/West-quickly-agreed-to-back-Afghan-
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Cops arrest yoga teacher for using girls as sex slaves
Dec 31 2010
Selangor : Police in the Malaysian city of Kuala Kubu Baru have arrested a 54-year-old yoga instructor for holding three girls as sex slaves in his house for about a month.
Police raided his house on Wednesday evening and rescued the girls, two of who were aged 16, while the third was aged 20.
It is believed that the yoga instructor had repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted the girls. The victims were found shackled and chained to a bed in the house.
They had been reported missing since late November, The Star reports.
Police formed a special task force to investigate the case after one of the victim’s parents, a 38-year-old rubber tapper, lodged a police report on November 30.
Selangor police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Tun Hisan Hamzah confirmed the arrest.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/cops-arrest-yoga-teacher-for-using-girls-as-sex-
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Govt not to amend blasphemy law: Khursheed Shah
Dec 31 2010
KARACHI: Federal Minister for Labour and Religious Affairs Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah on Thursday said the government would not amend the blasphemy law.
Addressing a press conference at the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Sindh Media Cell, he said the government would not amend the blasphemy law and no bill for this purpose had been submitted to the assembly.
Khursheed appealed to clerics to withdraw the strike call after an assurance was given in the National Assembly in this regard.
PPP Sindh Media Cell In-charge MPA Sharjeel Inam Memon and MPA Anwer Mahar were also present on the occasion.
The federal minister said some elements were hatching conspiracies against the government for their personal interests, adding that the PPP believes that Islam is our religion.
He said his party would never hurt the feelings of 180 million Muslims, adding that when the government had given clear assurances on the floor of the National Assembly that no bill regarding the blasphemy law is being tabled before the House then giving a strike call on the issue was unfair.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\12\31\story_31-12-2010_pg7_16
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Taliban continue with anti-education activities
By Akhtar Amin
Dec 31 2010
PESHAWAR: The Taliban militants kept their focus on bombing of government and private schools in capital city of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and tribal belt in 2010, but could not achieve their goal of spreading terror as the students continued their studies without any fear.
They started bombing of schools from Malakand Division in 2006 and expanded this anti-state and anti-education activity to other parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and tribal belt to spread terror among the people.
In 2010, the militants blew up more than two dozen schools in the provincial metropolis, majority were government girls’ schools. They bombed most of the schools at night.
On February 23, the militants blew up a government girls’ school in Matni area, destroying a room and surrounding walls. On April 8, they blew up three schools during a night including Government Girls’ High School Landi Arbab, Government Girls’ Primary School Safaid Dhairy and Government Girls’ Primary School Regi Maskeen Abad.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\12\31\story_31-12-2010_pg7_20
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Exhibition depicting BB’s life opens at Lok Virsa
Dec 31 2010
ISLAMABAD: Depicting various facets of former Prime Minister Shaheed Benazir Bhutto’s life and her political contributions for democracy, through the camera lens - a photographic exhibition titled ‘Fighter of Democracy’ kicked off at Lok Virsa, Shakarparian.
Federal Minister for Culture Pir Aftab Hussain Shah Jilani inaugurating the exhibition at Lok Virsa Heritage Museum here on Thursday said, “The photographs of different phrases of life of Mohtarma Shaheed are displayed over here. It’s a display of historical moments.
Shaheed Benazir Bhutto had a vision about culture and she was a hope for the people of Pakistan. She talked about the empowerment of women, gave a voice to the people and history remembers those who sacrificed their lives for the people of the country, the minister maintained.
Lok Virsa Executive Director Khalid Javaid in his welcoming address explained that the exhibition is an effort on the part of Lok Virsa to pay tribute to the Shaheed BB, who sacrificed her life for the people and democracy in Pakistan.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\12\31\story_31-12-2010_pg11_8
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Blog that advocated killing Muslims deleted
Dec 31 2010
WASHINGTON: The Council on American-Islamic Relations announced on Thursday that an Internet blog containing posts that advocated burning mosques, making false bomb threats implicating Muslims, desecrating Muslim graves, and that recommended the “proper way to shoot a muslim [sic]” has been deleted by its hosting company.
CAIR said visitors to “Bootislam's Blog,” hosted by WordPress.com, now see the message: "bootislam.wordpress.com is no longer available. This blog has been archived or suspended for a violation of our Terms of Service."
CAIR on Wednesday called on American Muslims and other people of conscience to contact WordPress.com to ask that the Internet hosting company drop the blog for violating its Terms of Service, which prohibit blogs that "contain threats or incite violence toward individuals or entities."
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/world/article226861.ece
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‘Muslims must be assertive in Indian polity’
Dec 31 2010
JEDDAH: Muslims should be assertive and be ready to thwart those hell-bent on denying them their rightful place in the Indian political set up, said a member of the Rajya Sabha (India's upper house of Parliament).
“We must assert ourselves with full force for our share of the power in every walk of life in India,” said Muhammad Adeeb.
“Muslims should stop believing and behaving that they are tenants in India, for they are not. It's their country and they must get equitable share in power, development and prosperity,” he said.
“I always wonder why Muslims are given Minority and Waqf ministries in the name of power-sharing? If it continues like this then one day Muslims will be made 'Roza Minister' and 'Namaz Minister.' This has to stop,” he said, adding, “Why can’t a Muslim become finance or external affairs minister?” He said, “Congress must change this mindset and fulfill its commitments made to the community in 2004, before the community completely deserts it.”
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/world/article226825.ece
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IIROSA to promote east Sudan charitable projects
Dec 31 2010
JEDDAH: The International Islamic Relief Organization-Saudi Arabia (IIROSA) has pledged to implement a number of health, educational, social and developmental programs and projects to the tune of SR37.75 million in eastern Sudan.
The organization announced the pledge during an international conference of donors and investors in Kuwait recently.
Adnan Khalil Basha, the organization's secretary-general who attended the conference, said IIROSA, through its usual mechanisms and modalities of charity work, wished to promote these projects in the region.
He stressed the importance of the conference, which was attended by 675 people representing 42 countries, 30 regional and international organizations, 78 civil society bodies and 24 private establishments.
The nongovernmental organizations, which participated in the conference, announced their determination to establish a charity fund to finance welfare projects in the region with a capital of $100 million.
Full report at:
http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article226851.ece
URL: http://www.newageislam.com/NewAgeIslamIslamicWorldNews_1.aspx?ArticleID=3856
10:53 PM
Moderate Islamist here
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