| Islamic World News | |
| 19 Apr 2011, NewAgeIslam.Com |
| UK ex-soldier jailed for desecrating Of Holy Quran By a British Court | ||
More than 100 dead in west Libya district Pakistan rights group raises concern over forced conversions Pakistan: One more Christian arrested under Blasphemy in Punjab Car bombs in central Baghdad kill nine Mastermind of Sakhi Sarwar, Pak blast arrested Pak: Car bomb explosion in Quetta injures two Suspected explosive reported at North Jakarta Islamic Center Dual Voting Right can ensure equal right for Christian in Pakistan An Insurgent Bomber in army fatigues strikes Afghanistan Def. Ministry, kills 2 Respect our efforts if you want to succeed in war on terror: Pak PM tells US Musharraf pledges to return to Pak despite threats to life Pasha’s US visit was govt-approved: Pak - PM SC wants President to reframe Z. A. Bhutto reference Muslim leaders condemn Salman Khurshid’s statement on reservation for Muslims Civilians slain as Gadhafi’s forces pound Misrata Libya charge like Iraq WMD claim: Seif U.N. chief calls for ceasefire in Libya West wants military, aid action to end Libya crisis US trying to sow discord among Shiites and Sunnis: Ahmadinejad 12 Iranian engineers kidnapped in Afghanistan NATO: 3 service members killed in attacks US pullout only solution to Afghan problem Syrian forces fire at protesters, unrest intensifies Mourning turns to rage in Syria Tension rises between Iran and Gulf states Turkish envoy: Democracy will spread King Abdullah meets with Bahraini premier Bahrain PM says protesters will be held accountable for coup attempt Israel to lose important maritime passages following Arab revolutions Turkish-French ties stand to gain from 'genocide' ruling Turkish PM's 'retreat' on Kurdish issue draws criticism Stability in Lebanon depends on that of Syria: Pro-Assad gathering 'US secretly funding stir in Syria' Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau Photo: Andrew Ryan had stolen a copy of the holy book from the library | ||
-------- UK ex-soldier jailed for desecrating Holy Quran by a British Court April 19, 2011 LONDON: A British court on Monday jailed a former soldier for 70 days for burning a copy of the holy Quran. Andrew Ryan, an unemployed 32-year-old, stole the copy of the Muslim holy book from a library and set it on fire with a cigarette lighter in front of a crowd in the northern English city of Carlisle. Ryan, who pleaded guilty to religiously aggravated harassment and theft at an earlier hearing, was witnessed waving the burning book and shouting abuse about the Muslim faith. Following his arrest shortly after the incident on January 19, Ryan told police: “I just hope I have not caused World War III.” Passing sentence, judge Gerald Chalk told him: “This is a case of theatrical bigotry... It was pre-planned by you as you stole the book deliberately. You went out to cause maximum publicity and to cause distress.” His defence lawyer Margaret Payne said Ryan, who served in the army from the age of 16 to 20, lost his temper after looking at “a website which had shown radical people burning poppies and abusing British troops returning from abroad.” At least 24 people have been killed in Afghanistan in protests against desecration of the holy Quran by a US pastor. afp http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2011\04\19\story_19-4-2011_pg1_4 ------- More than 100 dead in west Libya district April 19, 2011 BENGHAZI: More than 100 people have been killed in 24 hours in Libya's rebel-held Al-Jabal Al-Gharbi district west of Tripoli after it was pounded by Kadhafi forces, residents said on Monday. "Kadhafi battalions have not stopped pounding the region, particularly Yafran and Nalut, with Grad rockets," one Yafran resident said. "There have been 110 dead (since Sunday), civilians and rebels, in both cities." A resident of Nalut, near the border with Tunisia, accused forces loyal to Libyan strongman Moamer Kadhafi of "carrying out a massacre" in the mountainous region. "There have been at least 100 dead in two days," the resident said. "They are firing Grad rockets on homes and hospitals. Several families had to flee towards Tunisia." Yafran is 130 kilometres (80 miles) southwest of Tripoli, while Nalut, a town of 66,000 people, is 235 kilometres (145 miles) west of the capital. (AFP) http://www.thenews.jang.com.pk/NewsDetail.aspx?ID=14349 ------- Pakistan rights group raises concern over forced conversions April 19, 2011 Islamabad : Pakistan's leading human rights body has voiced concern over forced conversions of members of minority and vulnerable communities, citing an instance of an alleged forcible conversion of a 12-year-old girl. Members of the Working Group on "Communities Vulnerable Because of Their Beliefs" of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan said they had documented an instance where a magistrate recorded the statement of the 12-year-old girl that she had voluntarily converted to Islam despite objections by her family's lawyer that she was a minor. The incident was mentioned in HRCP's "State of Human Rights" report for 2010. However, the report did not state where the incident had occurred or give further details. The report described forced conversions as "one of the biggest concerns for minority and vulnerable communities in Pakistan for many years". It noted that the Standing Committee on Minorities Affairs of the Senate or upper house of parliament had expressed concern over the abduction and forcible conversion of Hindu girls in Sindh province in October last year and demanded concrete measures to stop such conversions. Members of HRCP's Working Group said that courts asked to adjudicate on matters of forcible conversion "invariably came under immense public pressure, with courtrooms often packed with slogan-chanting zealots". Full report at: http://www.indianexpress.com/story-print/777744/ -------- Pakistan: One more Christian arrested under Blasphemy in Punjab April 19, 2011 Lahore: April 16, 2011. (PCP) Farrukh Mushtaq Gill and his father Mushtaq Gill, have been arrested for Blasphemy on April 15, 2011, in Gujuranwala, reports British Pakistani Christian Association BPCA website. The case of blasphemy is registered on burning pages of Quran against Father and Son in Gujranwala city where Farrukh Gill was working as a Welfare Officer at "National Bank", and his father is a teacher at the "Christian Technical Training Center" Guranjawala Pakistan. BPCA quotes from noting of BF page of one retired Christian officer in Pakistan Army that "Danish Andrew Gill The local administration appears to understand that this incident is a farce to get even with the Gill Family. The little boys who were handed the blasphemous papers by someone say that neither the father nor the son are the ones who handed over the papers. However the handwriting has remarkable similarity. The two are in protective custody." According to Pakistan Christian Post PCP, there have been dozens of cases of defiling name of Prophet Mohammad and desecration of Pages of Quran against Christians in Lahore, Kasur, Faisalabad, Sheikhupura, Tobe Tek, Sialkot, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Multan, Bahawalpur , Layyah, Nankana Sahib, Jhang and Sargodha districts of Punjab province of Pakistan. There are 36 total districts of Punjab province of Pakistan in which Faisalabad leads in cases against Christians under blasphemy. The Lahore district leads in killing of Christians accused of blasphemy law while Faisalabad on 2nd and Sialkot on 3rd number. The Kasur district of Punjab leads in attacks of Muslim mobs on Christian life and property while Faisalabad on 2nd number. The Faisalabad is 1st on burning Christian alive on accusation of blasphemy while Lahore and Sialkot tie on killing Christians accused of blasphemy in jails. Lahore is the district of Punjab where blasphemy accused Christians were stabbed to death in Hospital and Police Stations. Lahore is 1st in shooting Christians accused of blasphemy in vicinities of courtrooms while Faisalabad stands on 2nd number. It is alarming situation of Punjab province of Pakistan where Christians are on 2nd number in population after Muslims and in same province the cases registered against Christians under blasphemy law are 98% while in Sindh 1% and Khyber Pukhtunkhawa 1%. There is one province in Pakistan where there is 0% of cases registered against Christian after enforcement of Section 295 B and C PPC in 1986, and that is Balochistan province of Pakistan. http://www.pakistanchristianpost.com/viewnews.php?newsid=1722 -------- Car bombs in central Baghdad kill nine By AP / HAMID AHMED Monday, Apr. 18, 2011 (BAGHDAD) — Suicide bombers detonated two explosives-packed cars Monday outside Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone, killing at least nine people and wounding 23, officials said. Baghdad military spokesman Maj. Gen. Qassim al-Moussawi said the bombers appeared to be targeting the motorcades of two senior government officials — one from the military, the other from the Cabinet — who were headed to work. He declined to elaborate. The cars blew up shortly after 8 a.m., in a line of vehicles that were waiting to be cleared into the Green Zone, which houses Iraq's parliament and ministry offices, as well as several foreign embassies. Two police officers and an official at al-Yarmouk hospital said nine people, including five Iraqi soldiers, were killed and 23 people were wounded in the attack. Al-Moussawi put the number of dead at six, with 14 wounded, but added that "this is not a final death toll." Conflicting casualty numbers are common in the immediate aftermath of attacks. The vehicles blew up about 400 meters (yards) from the security checkpoint on a western road between the Green Zone and Baghdad's international airport. The explosion set ablaze some of the cars that were waiting to enter the Green Zone, al-Moussawi said. A few miles (kilometers) away, two more roadside bombs exploded a few minutes later in what appeared to be an unrelated strike. Police said nine passers-by were wounded in the attack outside a restaurant in Jadriyah, a mixed Sunni-Shi'ite neighborhood on the southeastern side of the Tigris River. Violence has ebbed across Iraq since the days of sectarian fighting just a few years ago that brought the country to the brink of civil war. But deadly bombings and shootings still occur on a near daily basis as insurgents seek to highlight Iraq's continued instability as U.S. troops prepare to withdraw by the end of the year. -------- Mastermind of Sakhi Sarwar, Pak, blast arrested April 19, 2011 DERA GHAZI KHAN: The mastermind of Sakhi Sarwar blast tragedy, Behram Khan, has been taken under arrest along with his four other aides, Dera Ghazi Khan police claimed this on Monday night. Meanwhile, police have also succeeded to obtain a ten-day physical remand of the suspect from an anti-terrorism court, sources said. According to details released by police, commander Ayub, Darra Ali and Behram Khan plotted to trigger a string of suicide attacks on a number of shrines in Mir Ali in December 2010. Full report at: http://www.thenews.jang.com.pk/NewsDetail.aspx?ID=14346 -------- Pak: Car bomb explosion in Quetta injures two April 19, 2011 QUETTA: A car bomb exploded on the New Al-Gilani Road in Quetta injuring two people on Tuesday, DawnNews reported. According to police officials, explosives were planted in a car as a result of which two people were injured. The injured were immediately rushed to the Civil Hospital. The blast caused considerable damage to nearby shops, buildings and vehciles. Witnesses said that due to the intensity of the blast, it was heard across the city. http://www.dawn.com/2011/04/19/loud-explosion-heard-in-quetta.html -------- Suspected explosive reported at North Jakarta Islamic Center April 19, 2011 North Jakarta Police reports that it was called to inspect a suspicious black suitcase suspected to contain a bomb at the Islamic Center in Koja, North Jakarta, on Sunday evening. Police received the report on the suitcase from local residents. The bomb squad decided not to take any chances and used a remote detonation device to render the suspected explosive harmless. Following this, police found that the suitcase had not contained a bomb. “The suitcase had contained only photos and a cellular phone,” North Jakarta Police chief Sr. Comr. Andap Budi Revianto said Monday. Full report at: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/04/18/suspected-explosive-reported-north-jakarta-islamic-center.html -------- Dual Voting Right can ensure equal right for Christian in Pakistan April 19, 2011 Karachi:The Central Council of Pakistan Christian Congress PCC Secretariat in Karachi issued statement of PCC Chief Dr. Nazir S Bhatti demanding election of Christian representation in parliament instead of Selection under Jo Dr. Nazir S Bhatti, President of Pakistan Christian Congress PCC said that violence against 20 million Pakistani Christian have risen after abolishment of Separate Electorate in Pakistan by General Parvez Musharraf in 2002. The attack on Christian life and property on pretext to blasphemy was at peak on imposition of Joint Electorate on minorities in Pakistan. The hundreds of Christian homes were destroyed by Muslim mobs. There were broad day light killing of blasphemy accused Christians by hands of radical Muslims. The Christian children, women and elders were burnt alive by extremist Muslim after Joint Electorate system in Pakistan. Dr. Nazir Bhatti said “ Joint Electorate which enables Muslim political groups to Select Christian parliamentarians is not democratic and turns them to be 3rd class citizens in Pakistan“ Full report at: http://www.pakistanchristianpost.com/viewnews.php?newsid=1721 -------- An Insurgent Bomber in army fatigues strikes Afghanistan Def Ministry, kills 2 April 19, 2011 KABUL: An insurgent killed two people in the Afghan defence ministry in the third attack on security installations in four days, with the violence likely to raise questions about military transition plans due to start this year. A man in an Afghan army uniform opened fire in the ministry in central Kabul, killing two employees and wounding seven, said defence ministry spokesman Zaher Azimy. The man was also wearing a suicide-bomb belt, but did not have time to detonate it, said Azimy, who had earlier described the man as a soldier rather than an insurgent in army uniform. "The attacker was shot dead before he set off his explosives, and the situation is normal," he said. The attack comes months before the start of a transfer of security responsibilities from foreign to Afghan forces, and after Nato-led troops claimed solid progress in efforts to bolster the numbers and quality of the Afghan police and army. Full report at: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/Bomber-in-army-fatigues-strikes-Afghanistan-def-ministry-kills-2/articleshow/8022376.cms -------- Respect our efforts if you want to succeed in war on terror:Pak PM tells US April 19, 2011 Tanveer Ahmed ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani urged the US on Monday to end its drone strikes in Pakistan and said that Washington should share intelligence better to allow the country to wage its own war on terror. While speaking in the National Assembly (NA), Gilani said that the issue of drone strikes was discussed in detail during his meeting with US House Speaker John Boehner and that he appraised Boehner about the growing unrest among the public due to the US unmanned aerial strikes. Gilani said, “I told him that you will have to respect our political and military efforts if you want to succeed in the war on terror.” “We are trying to secure drone technology from the US so that after gaining information from their intelligence reports, we can hit the militant hideouts in tribal region”, he added. He reiterated that the war against terrorism is Pakistan’s own war, which Pakistan would fight to eliminate the enemy that is posing a serious threat to the country. Responding to Opposition’s criticism on the drone attacks, Gilani said that the government is sensitised about public concern arising from such attacks, which also has its effects on the national defence. Full report at: http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2011\04\19\story_19-4-2011_pg1_7 -------- Musharraf pledges to return to Pak despite threats to life April 19, 2011 ISLAMABAD: Former military ruler Pervez Musharraf has pledged to return to Pakistan despite threats to his life from the Taliban and other extremist groups, saying he is not afraid of anyone except God. In a video address to workers of his new All Pakistan Muslim League party in Lahore, Musharraf said he had seen death from close quarters several times and was ready to face any contingency. He said no one could harass or cause any damage to him. "I will be with you soon if you promise to show the same zeal and fervour at the time I land at Lahore airport," Musharraf said during the meeting on Sunday night as his supporters shouted slogans. Venue of the meet was decorated with banners and portraits of the former military ruler, who has been living in self-exile in London since 2009. Musharraf, who quit as President in 2008 to avoid being impeached by the Pakistan People's Party-led government, recently formed the APML with an eye on contesting the 2013 general election. He has vowed to come back to Pakistan on several occasions but is yet to set a date for his return. Full report at: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Musharraf-pledges-to-return-to-Pak-despite-threats-to-life/articleshow/8016063.cms -------- Pasha’s US visit was govt-approved: Pak PM April 19, 2011 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Monday said that his government had proved to the world that civil and military leaderships had no differences on the issues of national interests, Geo News reported. He said DG ISI Ahmed Shuja Pasha’s visit to US was government-approved, advising ministers and political leaders not to suspect Pakistan’s intelligence agencies. “Our government will not compromise the sovereignty and national interest of Pakistan,” PM claimed. Full report at: http://www.thenews.jang.com.pk/NewsDetail.aspx?ID=14347 ------- Muslim leaders condemn Salman Khurshid’s statement on reservation for Muslims April 19, 2011 New Delhi: Reacting sharply to the statement made by union state minister for minority affairs Mr. Salman Khursheed that reservation is not the only means to solve Muslims’ economic problems, Muslim leaders unanimously condemned it saying that Muslims need and deserve the reservation. Commenting on Salman Khursheed’s statement, the Imam of Masjid Fatehpuri, Dr. Mohammad Mukarram Ahmad said, “This is on account of reservation that backward people are visible today in every department.” Rejecting the objection that no reservation could be given on the basis of religion, he said, “After all, the lower castes included in race for progress through reservation also belong to one religion or the other.” He expressed his satisfaction on the efforts of Muslim organizations, movements and NGOs to uplift the community. “Muslims are doing every bit possible and Muslim organizations, movements and NGOs are guiding and helping them, but government should ensure reservation for Muslims on ground it has been offered to backward castes because Muslims condition is worse than Dalits” he said. Taking part in motion to thank to president for her joint address JUH leader and Rajya Sabha member Maulana Mahmood Madani said, “We do not demand reservation for Muslims on the basis of religion but why can they not be given reservation on the basis of their backwardness?” He demanded revision of reservation policy to ensure justice and equality for all, especially the deprived people. “True democracy, proper justice, correct values and acceptable reconstruction are not possible in India unless equal opportunities and equal share is not given to all” he added. Expressing anguish over Mr. Khursheed’s statement, the general secretary of All India Milli Council Dr. Manzoor Alam said, “The minister is not aware of suffering of the community to which he belongs. Allusion to Muslim quota in Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh should not be hidden from him” he said. “The minister’s statement is negating Prime Minister’s statement that Muslims have first claim to country’s resources”, Dr. Manzoor added. He also demanded government to take immediate steps for implementation of recommendations made by Sachar Committee and Mishra Commission.” Abdul Khaliq, the spokesman of Lok Jan Shakti Party said, “My party feels that minister’s words have swamped 20 crore strong minority’s hopes.” Recalling Congress Party’s pre-polls pledges for granting reservation to Muslims, he said, “Other states have already granted reservation to Muslims.” Lok Jan Shakti Party has demanded the government to place Action Taken Report in parliament for wholesome discussion. n Bhopal, Nazim of Jamia Mhammadiya Bagh Maulana Mohammad Qasim said in a press note, “No Indian government can prosper by excluding Muslims.” Criticizing government’s laziness in helping Muslims in education, trade and employment, he demanded “In accordance with their population, grant 20 per cent reservation to Muslims before bringing Women’s Reservation Bill in parliament.” http://www.ummid.com/news/June/12.09.2009/muslim_leaders_condemn_salman_khurshid.htm ------- SC hints at summoning PM to ‘argue’ NRO review petition April 19, 2011 ISLAMABD: The Supreme Court on Monday took strong exception to the stance taken by a Ministry of Law and Justice’s solicitor general, Nasir Ali Shah, and Advocate-on-Record (AoR) Raja Abdul Ghafoor over the federation’s representation issue during the hearing of the annulled National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) by serving show cause notices on them. The court also hinted that it would summon the prime minister if the federation’s lawyers did not represent it on the NRO review plea. The apex court issued notice to the AoR, asking him that as to why his name should not be removed from the rolls of the Supreme Court under Rules 3 as he failed to discharge his duties properly. A similar show cause notice was served on the solicitor general for his false statement. Full report at: http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2011\04\19\story_19-4-2011_pg1_2 -------- Civilians slain as Gadhafi’s forces pound Misrata April 19, 2011 BENGHAZI, Libya: Libyan government artillery bombarded Monday the besieged city of Misrata that now symbolizes the struggle against Moammar Gadhafi’s rule. A rebel spokesman said four civilians were killed and five wounded by government shellfire which pounded Misrata for a fifth day Monday. He raised Sunday’s death toll to 25, mostly civilians, because several of the wounded had died, and said about 100 had been wounded. In another development, Tunisia’s official news agency said Monday that three Libyan security officials in Gadhafi’s regime have defected, arriving at a Tunisian port in a boat with some 20 other Libyans. TAP said that a colonel, a captain and another officer in the internal security forces turned up at Al-Ketf port in the Ben Guerdane region Sunday. The defections follow those of five army officers who fled to Tunisia Friday with 13 of their countrymen. Full report at: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/Apr/19/Civilians-slain-as-Gadhafis-forces-pound-Misrata.ashx#axzz1Jx7xUHD4 -------- Libya charge like Iraq WMD claim: Seif April 19, 2011 Washington : Libyan strongman Muammar Gaddafi’s son Seif has hit out at Western nations for the air strikes against his country on a premise he termed as false as Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction, while insisting that his regime did not commit any crime against its people. “The world had gone to war with Libya based on nothing more than rumour and propaganda,” the 38-year-old Seif-al-Islam Gaddafi, the second son of Gaddafi, said in an interview to The Washington Post. He claimed the UN Security Council resolution for establishing a no-fly zone over Libya was based on claims that Libyan air force was bombing Tajoura and Fashloom districts in Tripoli and killing thousands, but there was “zero” evidence of such a bombardment. “Show me one trace, one evidence that we bombarded Tajoura. Zero,” Seif said. “So you go there and ask anybody. So everything was based on rumours. It’s exactly like the WMD. WMD, WMD, WMD, go and attack Iraq. Now, civilians, civilians, civilians, go and attack Libya. It’s the same thing, it’s a repetition of history,” he said. Full report at: http://www.indianexpress.com/story-print/777916/ -------- U.N. chief calls for ceasefire in Libya April 19, 2011 DUBAI: Alarmed by the deepening humanitarian crisis in Misurata, United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon has called for an immediate ceasefire in Libya, where forces loyal to Libyan strongman Muammar Qadhafi are battling an armed opposition that is seeking regime change. Speaking in Budapest on Monday, Mr. Ban called for an “immediate, effective ceasefire”. He stressed that it was “absolutely necessary that Libyan authorities stop fighting and killing people.” Pro-Qadhafi forces have besieged and heavily shelled Misurata, Libya's third largest city for the past seven weeks. Regime loyalists have managed to advance to the city centre but the Libyan opposition holds significant portions, including its lifeline, the port area. The New-York based Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused the government of firing in Misurata's residential areas, deadly cluster bombs, which most countries no longer use during combat because of their indiscriminate impact. The Libyan regime has strongly denied the accusation, and challenged HRW to substantiate its allegations with incontrovertible proof. On Sunday, an opposition spokesman in Misurata said shelling by government forces had killed 17 people and wounded around 100. Full report at: http://www.hindu.com/2011/04/19/stories/2011041958111800.htm -------- West wants military, aid action to end Libya crisis April 19, 2011 BENGHAZI, Libya - NATO may have to intensify attacks on government forces to break the military stalemate in Libya, while the United Nations pushes for a humanitarian presence to help civilians trapped in the conflict. Both approaches, aimed at carrying out a UN Security Council mandate to protect Libyan civilians from attack by President Muammar Gaddafi’s troops, will focus on the western city of Misrata, the only west Libyan city still in rebel hands. Hundreds of people are thought to have been killed in the seven-week siege of the port city, where thousands of foreign migrant workers are stranded. A rebel spokesman said at least 31 people were killed in Misrata on Sunday and Monday by government shellfire and snipers. Two months after the Libyan rebellion broke out in earnest, inspired by uprisings against autocratic rulers elsewhere in the Arab world, the insurgents control only the east of the country from their Benghazi stronghold, and part of Misrata. Full report at: http://www.khaleejtimes.com/displayarticle.asp?xfile=data/international/2011/April/international_April823.xml§ion=international&col= -------- US trying to sow discord among Shiites and Sunnis: Ahmadinejad April 19, 2011 Tehran : President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Monday accused Tehran's arch-foe the United States of wanting to create tension between Iran and Arabs, adding that the attempt would fail. "America is trying to sow discord among Shiites and Sunnis... they want to create tension between Iran and Arabs ... but their plan will fail," the hardliner said at Iran's annual Army Day parade, where the military displayed a range of home-built drones and missiles. "America is not an honest friend and the record shows it has drawn swords against its own friends and those who have sacrificed themselves for America," Ahmadinejad said in a speech broadcast live on state television. "America has done it in order to save its interests. But they should know that they have no place among nations," Ahmadinejad said. He said Iran was a "close friend" of world nations and "with alertness of people and their politicians, the new plot by the world arrogance will not prevail," and added that the "Zionist" leaders in the US would also fail in their attempt to save the "Zionist regime" in Israel. Full report at: http://www.indianexpress.com/story-print/777609/ -------- 12 Iranian engineers kidnapped in Afghanistan April 19, 2011 TEHRAN: Armed assailants kidnapped 12 Iranian engineers building a road in western Afghanistan, said Iranian and Afghan officials Monday. Iran Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said the Iranian engineers were working for a construction company in the western Farah Province and the incident was under investigation by Iranian and Afghan authorities. Militants in the area claimed responsibility for the kidnapping and threatened to kill the hostages if work on the road is not halted, said Gen. Sayed Mohammad, the police chief for Farah province. Full report at: http://arabnews.com/world/article364800.ece -------- NATO: 3 service members killed in attacks April 19, 2011 KABUL (AP): Three more NATO service members were killed in attacks in Afghanistan on Saturday, the international coalition said, making a total of eight killed on one of the deadliest days for NATO troops this year. The three deaths announced Sunday came from two separate bomb attacks in the south on the same day that five NATO service members were killed in a suicide bombing by a Taliban sleeper agent at a U.S. base in the east. NATO officials have said they expect a particularly violent spring and summer in Afghanistan as insurgents try to pour back into areas taken over by international troops over the winter. Fighting usually increases in Afghanistan as the weather warms and insurgents climb back over the mountainous border with Pakistan. This year, NATO has pushed further into Taliban strongholds in the south and has said their goal is to hold these areas so that militants cannot re-establish themselves. The next couple months are particularly key for the United States, because President Barack Obama has pledged to start drawing down troops in July. Full report at: http://www.thefrontierpost.com/News.aspx?ncat=an&nid=878 -------- US pullout only solution to Afghan problem April 19, 2011 PESHAWAR: Former Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Qazi Hussain Ahmed has asked Ulema to become a shield against the conspiracy of anti-Islam powers to create a fight between Muslims on the basis sectarianism. Addressing the Ulema and Mashaikh Convention at Al-Markaz-e-Islami here on Sunday, he asked the Ulema to preach people for avoiding and sectarian clashes including Shia-Sunni as the anti-Islamic powers were bent upon creating a rift between the Muslim Ummah. He urged the Ulema to hold special arrangements for women in the mosques so that they could also offer Friday prayers in the mosque. "If women can go to markets and participate in different ceremonies, why they could not offer prayers in mosques," Qazi Hussain said. He said the role of Ulema in creating harmony and brotherhood among different sects was important. Later while talking to media, he said the only solution to the Afghan problem was that the US forces should quit the war-torn country. Full report at: http://www.thefrontierpost.com/News.aspx?ncat=cn&nid=1232 -------- Syrian forces fire at protesters April 19, 2011 Syrian forces fired shots at hundreds of protesters who had gathered overnight in Homs city in defiance of warning by the authorities to halt what they called an insurrection, a rights campaigner said on Tuesday. A member of the security police addressed the protesters at Clock Square through a loud speaker asking them to leave, and then the forces opened fire, said the human rights campaigner, who is in contact with protesters in the square. Tear gas was also used. At least one protester was injured, the activist added. Two residents of Homs also said they heard the sound of gunfire coming from around the square. Several hours earlier, Syrian state television broadcast an interior ministry statement that described the wave of unrest in Syria as an insurrection, pointing specifically to Homs as one of two cities where "armed groups belonging to Salafist organisations" were trying to terrorise the population. Full report at: http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/latest_news.php?nid=29400 -------- Mourning turns to rage in Syria April 19, 2011 AMMAN: Thousands demanded the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar Assad Monday at the funeral of eight protesters killed in the central city of Homs as unrest swelled despite a promise to lift emergency law. Activists in Homs said the eight were killed late Sunday during protests against the death in custody of a tribal leader. Wissam Tarif, a rights activist in contact with people in Syria, said he had the names of 12 people killed in the city. “From alleyway to alleyway, from house to house, we want to overthrow you, Bashar,” the mourners chanted, according to a witness at the funeral. YouTube footage showed thousands of people in a city square. Assad, facing a month of demonstrations against his authoritarian Baath Party rule, said Saturday that legislation to replace nearly half a century of emergency law should be in place by next week. But his pledge did little to appease protesters calling for greater freedoms in Syria, or curb violence which human rights organizations say has killed at least 200 people. “Homs is boiling. The security forces and the regime thugs have been provoking armed tribes for a month now,” a rights activist told Reuters from the city. Civilians who took to the streets “were shot at in cold blood,” he said. Full report at: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/Apr/19/Mourning-turns-to-rage-in-Syria.ashx#axzz1Jx7xUHD4 -------- Tension rises between Iran and Gulf states April 19, 2011 Tension between Gulf states and Iran has risen again, with the Sunni monarchies accusing their Shiite neighbour of "flagrant" meddling and Tehran charging Washington with sowing regional discord. In a strong statement on Sunday, Gulf Cooperation Council member states told Iran on Sunday to stop its "provocations," a month after Bahrain quelled a Shiite-led uprising, triggering a tirade of Iranian condemnation. The group called on "the international community and the (UN) Security Council to take the necessary measures to stop flagrant Iranian interference and provocation aimed at sowing discord and destruction" among GCC nations. Saudi Arabia on Sunday also threatened to recall its diplomats from Tehran unless they were better protected, a week after students protested outside the Saudi embassy against Riyadh's military intervention in Bahrain last month. "The main reason (for the GCC move) is the uncovering of Iranian (espionage) cells in Gulf countries, in addition to direct and indirect interference," said the head of the Dubai-based Gulf Research Centre, Abdulaziz Sager. Earlier this month, Bahrain said two Iranians were being put on trial on charges of spying for Tehran, and Kuwait announced plans to expel Iranian diplomats for alleged links to a spy ring working for Tehran. Full report at: http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/10322/World/Region/Tension-rises-between-Iran-and-Gulf-states.aspx -------- Turkish envoy: Democracy will spread April 19, 2011 07 RABIEH: Turkey’s ambassador to Lebanon, Inan Ozyildiz, believes that despite the recent political uncertainty, all political actors in Lebanon are “engaging in dialogue,” and expects democracy to take root in every country in the Arab world. Since the collapse of Saad Hariri’s government in January, political uncertainty on local and diplomatic levels has grown, but according to Ozyildiz, who spoke with The Daily Star Monday, Turkey’s relationship with Lebanon cannot be affected by a change of government. “Our relations are so deep and developed that they cannot be affected by a change of government,” said Ozyildiz, who added that Turkey supports a politically stable, independent and sovereign Lebanon. “Turkey has very good ties and ongoing dialogue with every political group in the country.” Full report at: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Local-News/Apr/19/Turkish-envoy-Democracy-will-spread.ashx#axzz1Jx7xUHD4 -------- King Abdullah meets with Bahraini premier April 19, 2011 RIYADH: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah held talks here Monday with Bahraini Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa on issues of mutual concern, the Saudi Press Agency said. Prince Khalifa conveyed his condolences to King Abdullah on the death of his sister Princess Seeta bint Abdul Aziz. The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal and Prince Bandar bin Sultan, secretary-general of the National Security Council. Earlier in an arrival statement, Prince Khalifa highlighted the strong relations between Saudi Arabia and his country. He thanked King Abdullah and the Saudi government for supporting Bahrain. GOSI chief's term extended Meanwhile, King Abdullah issued a royal decree on Monday extending the term of Suleiman Al-Humaid, governor of the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI), for another four years. http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article365035.ece -------- Bahrain PM says protesters will be held accountable for coup attempt April 19, 2011 MANAMA: Bahrain’s Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa said protesters, who had called for his removal, would be held to account and described the anti-government unrest as a coup attempt. “Bahrain has witnessed a coup attempt,” he said in remarks over pro-government media Monday. “No one will get away with it. All co-conspirators and abettors will be held accountable.” Weeks of protests in February and March by the Shiite majority demanded more freedom, an end to discrimination and a constitutional monarchy in the Sunni-ruled country. The International Trade Union Confederation said in a statement that about 2,000 workers who took part in the protests had been fired, including 22 local trade union leaders. “The authorities are clearly targeting and discriminating against workers due to their involvement in union activities,” the trade union group said. It called for the International Labor Organization to form a commission to probe the firings. The opposition says the government has launched a campaign against Shiites, whether or not they had joined the protests. Full report at: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/Apr/19/Bahrain-PM-says-protesters-will-be-held-accountablefor-coup-attempt.ashx#axzz1Jx7xUHD4 -------- Israel to lose important maritime passages following Arab revolutions April 19, 2011 The transformations underway in the Arab world are a precursor to an Israeli strategic crisis. That is the analysis of an Israeli strategic expert based on the possible transfer of control of important water crossings to powers that oppose Israel and the West. In an article published in Israeli daily Haaretz, Professor Alexander Bligh said that the four most important maritime passages for Israel are the Suez Canal, the strait of Bab-el-Mandeb, the Strait of Hormuz and the Black Sea straits. Bligh added that the upcoming elections in Egypt will lead to the ascent of anti-Israeli entities to power, whether secular or Islamist. In Yemen, which controls the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, the current regime is another strong ally of the West leading to fears that any replacement will be more hostile to Israel and its interests. Full report at: http://english.ahram.org.eg/~/NewsContent/2/8/10309/World/Region/Israel-to-lose-important-maritime-passages-followi.aspx -------- Turkish-French ties stand to gain from 'genocide' ruling April 19, 2011 The French senate’s legal commission has ruled on the inadmissibility of the law penalizing denial of Armenian genocide claims, a decision that, if endorsed by lawmakers, will remove a major irritant in relations with Turkey. “The decision was taken unanimously,” Jacques Blanc, the president of the France–Turkey friendship group in the senate said Monday. The commission, presided over by a former judge, ruled that the draft law was inadmissible because it violated freedom of expression, according to Blanc. “The decision of the commission means that we can’t even have a debate on the issue and if this decision is accepted by the senators it will be impossible to bring it back to the agenda. That will enable us to turn the page on the issue,” he told the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review. Full report at: http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=armenian-claims-loses-ground-in-french-senate-2011-04-18 -------- Turkish PM's 'retreat' on Kurdish issue draws criticism April 19, 2011 There is no longer a “Kurdish question” in Turkey, but problems of citizens of Kurdish descent, the prime minister declared Monday, drawing criticism from opposition parties. “There is no longer a Kurdish question in this country. There are issues of my Kurdish brothers. There is an exploitation of my Kurdish brothers but they will not be deceived,” Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said at a ceremony held to introduce his party’s parliamentary candidates to the press. Criticizing the pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party, or BDP, and the main opposition Republican People’s Party, or CHP, for politically “exploiting” the Kurdish issue in Turkey, Erdogan employed what was seen as unusually nationalistic language. After freely referring in earlier statements to the “Kurdish question,” Erdogan seemed to backtrack Monday on his party’s determination to solve the decades-old problem, often associated with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, which previously sought to carve out its own state, but has retreated from its separatist goals. Full report at: http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=pm8217s-retreat-from-8216kurdish-quest8217-draws-reactions-2011-04-18 -------- Stability in Lebanon depends on that of Syria: Pro-Assad gathering April 19, 2011 BEIRUT: Stability in Lebanon depends on stability in Syria and vice versa, Damascus’ Lebanese allies said Monday in support for Syrian President Bashar Assad’s regime, as it faces unprecedented protests. “Today, we stand yet again by our sister Syria … and by Syria’s leaders who have refused to give into pressure or … to conspire against the resistance,” Hezbollah MP Nawwaf Moussawi told a pro-Syrian gathering titled “In Support of Syria Against the Conspiracy” held at one of the Beirut hotels. “We are certain Syria will overcome this passing phase … there is no stability in Lebanon without stability in Syria, no security in Lebanon without security in Syria,” Moussawi added. Moussawi’s ally, Speaker Nabih Berri’s Amal Movement MP Ali Hassan Khalil, said Syria’s support for Lebanon had made the latter more confident and able to deal with any obstacle it might face. Full report at: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Local-News/Apr/19/Stability-in-Lebanon-depends-on-that-of-Syria-Pro-Assad-gathering.ashx#axzz1Jx7xUHD4 -------- 'US secretly funding stir in Syria' April 19, 2011 WASHINGTON: The state department has been secretly financing opponents of Syrian president Bashar Assad, The Washington Post reported, citing previously undisclosed diplomatic documents provided to the newspaper by the WikiLeaks website. One of the outfits funded by the US is Barada TV, a London-based satellite channel that broadcasts anti-government news into Syria, the Post reported on Sunday. Barada's chief editor, Malik al-Abdeh, is a cofounder of the Syrian exile group Movement for Justice and Development. The leaked documents show that the US has provided at least $6 million to Barada TV and other opposition groups inside Syria, the newspaper said. The Obama administration has reached out to Assad's regime, hoping to persuade it to change its policies regarding Israel, Lebanon, Iraq and support for extremist groups. In January, the US stationed an ambassador in Damascus, the capital, for the first time in five years. The Post said it was not clear from the WikiLeaks documents whether the US was still financing Assad's opponents, though they showed funding had been set aside through September 2010. Syrian activists have been staging protests against Assad's authoritarian regime for more than a month. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/US-secretly-funding-stir-in-Syria/articleshow/8022415.cms URL: http://www.newageislam.com/NewAgeIslamIslamicWorldNews_1.aspx?ArticleID=4483 | |
10:13 PM
Moderate Islamist here
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