Photo: The Syrian Ground and Air Forces' joint operations to thwart the terrorist groups' large-scale attacks in the Southern part of Aleppo province did not leave any chance for the militants to remain in the village of al-Khalediyeh for more than two-three hours, several military sources said.
Terrorist Groups Pull Forces back from al-Khalediyeh South of Syria's Aleppo
34 Suspected Militants Killed In Baluchistan’s Kalat District
Turkey Sends Special Forces to Aleppo City to Help Al-Nusra Terrorists Fight Kurds
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Arab World
Terrorist Groups Pull Forces back from al-Khalediyeh South of Syria's Aleppo
Al Qaeda Ambush Kills At Least 20 Yemeni Soldiers: Military Source
Russian Air Force, Syrian Army Preparing To Free Aleppo- Agencies
Terrorists Suffer Heavy Casualties in Clashes with Syrian Army, Hezbollah in Aleppo
ISIL Leader Executed in Deir Ezzur As Sign of Warning
Syrian Army, Popular Forces Push Terrorists back from more Positions East of Damascus
Air Force Destroys ISIL's Military Positions in Deir Ezzur
ISIS frees most of 300 abducted cement workers, kills 4
After Iraq, John Kerry confronts similar problems in Afghanistan
Syria cease-fire ‘about to collapse,’ says opposition
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Pakistan
34 Suspected Militants Killed In Baluchistan’s Kalat District
Pakistan Navy Successfully Test-Fires Shore-Based Anti-Ship Missile
Qadri’s Family, Supporters Drop Chehlum Plan
Pak court issues non-bailable arrest warrant against Musharraf
Bomb hoax creates panic at Rawalpindi hotel
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Mideast
Turkey Sends Special Forces to Aleppo City to Help Al-Nusra Terrorists Fight Kurds
CHP Leader ‘Non-Existent,’ Says Erdoğan
Istanbul Police on Alert after Explosion, Security Warnings
Presidential system ‘will divide country,’ Kılıçdaroğlu says
Iran to hold three-day military drill near Pak border
US warns of ‘credible threats’ to Turkish tourist spots
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South Asia
26 Militants, 11 Soldiers Killed In Latest Wave of Violence
3 Afghan Civilians Killed, 4 Wounded In Iranian Border Guards Firing
4 Young Suicide Bombers Arrested In Kunduz Province of Afghanistan
National Unity Government’s Duration is 5 years, says John Kerry
Explosions hit Afghan capital Kabul after Kerry visit
Kerry arrives in Kabul on unannounced visit to support unity government
Powerful 6.6 magnitude earthquake jolts Afghanistan
Afghan MP Hanafi under fire for controversial interview about rape
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Southeast Asia
23 Dead In Clashes between ISIS, Army in Philippines
‘Destination Europe` Exhibition Held in Jakarta
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Europe
British Muslims Disagree With the Rest of the Country on a Range Of Key Issues
Brussels: 'Bombers initially planned to attack France'
Terror suspect Abrini admits he's 'man in hat' at Brussels airport
Sixth suspect held in Brussels attacks raids: official
Russia Readying Flankers for Delivery to Iran
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India
Indo-Pak Border Troops Exchange Fire across Line of Control
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Africa
Muslims and Christians Groups Come Together At Greeley Mosque Open House
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North America
US Admiral's Message Still On Point: Islam Is a Political Movement
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
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Muslims And Christians Groups Come Together At Greeley Mosque Open House to embrace differences and move past misconceptions
With an eye toward embracing differences and moving past misconceptions, officials at the Greeley Mosque on Saturday hosted the city’s first Islam Open House.
Cars whooshed past the mosque, 8th Avenue and 16th Street, about 11 a.m. as about 50 residents, most from Christian congregations in Greeley and Evans stepped out of their shoes and into an event Mohamed-Mahad Darar called the first of its kind.
“This open house marks a historic event,” Darar said, as he kicked off the open house.
The point of the open house, which officials first discussed about six months ago, was to spread awareness of the Muslim community in Greeley, and to address problems those officials say Muslims and Christians can solve together.
“With the increasing threat of religious bigotry and terrorism from transnational organizations, the Muslim community in Greeley embraces this opportunity to denounce such activities in the strongest possible terms,” Darar said.
Omar Elmagbari, the local imam, said he was happy with the turnout. He shared a simple message.
“We need people to know we are Americans,” Elmagbari said.
Along with talks, the open house featured a video, lunch provided by Najah African Restaurant, a prayer demonstration and a question and answer session.
Don Orange, pastor at Fellowship Christian Reformed Church, presented Elmagbari with a peace lily as one of many Christian leaders who attended the open house.
Jesus says to love your neighbor, Orange said.
Elmagbari’s son, Faraj, a former Greeley West High School, University of Northern Colorado and professional basketball player who is now a successful banker, went a step further, saying he would die for the country that has provided so many opportunities.
Differences are good, Faraj said, because people can learn so much from each other. In a world of more than 6 billion, most of those people are good, Faraj said. He pointed to the attendance at the open house as reason for optimism.
“It really warms my heart for you guys to take the time out of your days to visit our mosque,” Faraj said.
Tyler Silvy covers education for The Greeley Tribune. Reach him attsilvy@greeleytribune.com. Connect with him at Facebook.com/TylerSilvy or @TylerSilvy on Twitter.
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Terrorist Groups Pull Forces back from al-Khalediyeh South of Syria's Aleppo
10th, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian Ground and Air Forces' joint operations to thwart the terrorist groups' large-scale attacks in the Southern part of Aleppo province did not leave any chance for the militants to remain in the village of al-Khalediyeh for more than two-three hours, several military sources said.
"The terrorists of al-Nusra Front, Jund al-Aqsa, Harakat Ahrar al-Sham, Ajnad al-Sham, Faylaq al-Sham and the Free Syrian Army, who had launched massive joint offensives to capture the town of Khan Touman, captured the village of al-Khalidiyeh for a few hours but the heavy fire of the Syrian Army and Hezbollah fighters, backed up by the country's fighter jets, forced them to retreat from the village," the sources informed.
"The terrorist groups suffered a heavy death toll and fled the village and its surroundings to evade more casualties," they added.
Al-Khalediyeh is fully under the control of the Syrian government forces.
Earlier reports said that the Syrian army troops and the Lebanese Hezbollah Resistance Movement's fighters fended off the terrorist groups' offensives in Southern and Southwestern parts of Aleppo province and killed over 30 of them.
The terrorists groups' attempts to break through the government forces' positions near the strategic town of Khan Touman along Aleppo-Damascus highway, Zaytan and Birnah were thwarted by the strong defense of the Syrian soldiers and their Lebanese allies.
Over 30 terrorists were killed and their tanks and machinegun-equipped vehicles were destroyed in their failed attacks.
The terrorist groups left behind their wounded or dead members and fled the battlefield.
en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950122000756
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34 suspected militants killed in Balochistan's Kalat district
10th, 2016
QUETTA: Security forces on Saturday claimed to have killed 34 suspected militants, including a key commander in Balochistan’s Kalat district.
One security official was killed while two others sustained injuries during the exchange of fire.
“A key militant commander, Abdul Nabi Bangulzai, was also among the dead,” said Home Minister Sarfaraz Bugti in a press conference.
The operation was launched by personnel of security forces and intelligence agencies, against elements involved in target killings and bombings in the Johan area of Kalat, added Bugti.
“Abdul Nabi was involved in the assassination of Balochistan High Court Justice Nawaz Marri in 2000,” stated the home minister.
Security forces also recovered a large amount of arms and ammunition from the militants, and Bugti added that those killed were also involved in attacking passengers in the Mastung area of the province.
The home minister, elaborated during the press conference that security forces have intensified their operations on the basis of intelligence received.
“There is no tolerance for terrorists,” said Bugti.
All the dead militants belonged to a proscribed outfit, which was active in the area and was involved in multiple terror attacks.
Militants have conducted attacks against security forces and national installations in Balochistan, which has been plagued by an insurgency and growing sectarian killings for more than a decade.
dawn.com/news/1251055/34-suspected-militants-killed-in-balochistans-kalat-district
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Turkey Sends Special Forces to Aleppo City to Help Al-Nusra Terrorists Fight Kurds
10th, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Kurdish sources disclosed that the Turkish army's special forces have arrived in the city of Aleppo in Northern Syria after the al-Nusra Front and its allies asked for reinforcement troops to escape a crushing defeat from the Kurdish forces.
The Turkish special forces have now gathered near Sheikh Maqsoud district of Aleppo city, Kurdish-language news agencies reported on Saturday.
Turkey's government troops have been dispatched to Aleppo city's Sheikh Maqsoud to support Al-Etelaf battalion (Kataeb al-Etelaf) terrorists who are supported by Ankara and Riyadh governments, a Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) commander said this afternoon.
Al-Etelaf Battalion has carried out several attacks on Sheikh Maqsoud region over the past several months, but all of them have failed.
Also, a commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said two troopers from the Turkish army special forces named Dougan and Aslan have been killed in their failed attacks in the last few days.
Informed sources in Aleppo city said that the Turkish forces were members of Turkey's intelligence apparatus (MIT) and have arrived in Aleppo city after passing Bab al-Hawa border crossing near the city of Idlib.
The Arabic service of the Russian Sputnik news agency also reported on Thursday that 100 Turkish special forces have arrived in Aleppo city.
The Arabic-language al-Ahd news website also quoted Kurdish sources as saying that the Turkish special forces are now in Aleppo city as the Kurdish forces are engaged in fierce clashes with the Takfiri terrorists.
Earlier on Saturday, the YPG foiled an attempt by the Takfiri terrorists to capture Sheikh Maqsoud district in Aleppo city.
The Al-Nusra Front and their allies tried to take control of Sheikh Maqsoud area, but they were forced to retreat by the YPG fighters.
The Takfiri terrorists sustained heavy casualties and losses in fierce clashes with the Kurdish forces.
On Friday, a 100-member group of the Turkish Army troops crossed the border from Turkey to Syria's Northwestern province of Idlib.
The Turkish soldiers crossed into the Syrian terrorist-held province of Idlib form the Bab al-Hawa border crossing.
A report said on Wednesday that the winning back of the strategic town of al-Eis and its adjacent hill in Southern Aleppo was a crucially important step paving the way for the Syrian army to move to Idlib province.
The Syrian army and their allies managed to recapture the strategic town of al-Eis and Tal al-Eis during an intense night operation, military sources said.
Winning back of Tal al-Eis gave the pro-government forces the high ground in Southern Aleppo, which allows them fire control over the strategic Aleppo-Damascus Highway (M-5 Highway) that flows into the provincial capital.
With thousands of soldiers in the strategic towns of Al-Hadher, Al-Safira, and Al-Eis, the pro-government forces shifted their attention to the key village of Al-Zorba and the nearby ICARDA Farms that provide the government forces a gateway to regions Northeast of Idlib province.
The Syrian army and popular forces pushed their way to the outskirts of the ICARDA Farms, where they are currently engaged in a fierce battle with Al-Nusra Front, Jund Al-Aqsa, Ahrar Al-Sham Movement, Ajnad Al-Sham, and the Free Syrian Army’s “Division 13”.
en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950121001261
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Arab World
Terrorist Groups Pull Forces back from al-Khalediyeh South of Syria's Aleppo
10th, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA) - The Syrian Ground and Air Forces' joint operations to thwart the terrorist groups' large-scale attacks in the Southern part of Aleppo province did not leave any chance for the militants to remain in the village of al-Khalediyeh for more than two-three hours, several military sources said.
"The terrorists of al-Nusra Front, Jund al-Aqsa, Harakat Ahrar al-Sham, Ajnad al-Sham, Faylaq al-Sham and the Free Syrian Army, who had launched massive joint offensives to capture the town of Khan Touman, captured the village of al-Khalidiyeh for a few hours but the heavy fire of the Syrian Army and Hezbollah fighters, backed up by the country's fighter jets, forced them to retreat from the village," the sources informed.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950122000756
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Al Qaeda ambush kills at least 20 Yemeni soldiers: military source
Apr 10, 2016
MARIB: Al Qaeda militants killed at least 20 Yemeni soldiers on Saturday when they ambushed their convoy in the south of the war-torn country, a military source said.
“Armed members of Al Qaeda ambushed a group of young soldiers travelling in three civilian vehicles in the province of Abyan, killing at least 20 of them," said the source, who requested anonymity.
The militants ordered the soldiers to get out of the vehicles and gunned them down early in the morning in the town of Ahwar, the source told AFP.
The soldiers were young recruits who were being deployed as part of the internationally recognised government's efforts to restore security to areas under its control.
They had been travelling to a military camp in Hadramawt, the neighbouring province whose capital has been held by Al Qaeda since April last year.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1251059/al-qaeda-ambush-kills-at-least-20-yemeni-soldiers-military-source
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Russian air force, Syrian army preparing to free Aleppo- Agencies
Reuters | Apr 10, 2016
ALEPPO: The Russian air force and Syrian army are preparing for a joint operation to liberate Aleppo, Syrian Prime Minister Wael al-Halaki told visiting Moscow lawmakers on Sunday, Russian news agencies reported.
"We, together with our Russian partners, are preparing for an operation to liberate Aleppo and to block all illegal armed groups which have not joined or broken the ceasefire deal," he was quoted as saying by TASS news agency.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Russian-air-force-Syrian-army-preparing-to-free-Aleppo-Agencies/articleshow/51765362.cms
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Terrorists Suffer Heavy Casualties in Clashes with Syrian Army, Hezbollah in Aleppo
10th, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian Army troops and the Lebanese Hezbollah Resistance Movement's fighters fended off the terrorist groups' offensives in Southern and Southwestern parts of Aleppo province and killed over 30 of them.
The terrorists groups' attempts to break through the government forces' positions near the strategic town of Khan Touman along Aleppo-Damascus highway, Zaytan and Birnah were thwarted by the strong defense of the Syrian soldiers and their Lebanese allies.
Over 30 terrorists were killed and their tanks and machinegun-equipped vehicles were destroyed in their failed attacks.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950122000481
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ISIL Leader Executed in Deir Ezzur As Sign of Warning
10th, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- People in al-Mayadeen city in Deir Ezzur found the hanging body of Abu Zaid Tunissi, a notorious ISIL ringleader, along with a letter that said his execution was the last warning to the terrorist group to withdraw from the city, local sources said on Saturday.
According to the sources, al-Tunissi was in charge of finding and punishing those who violate ISIL's Wahhabi-Takfiri rules.
Tunissi's unknown executors hung his body in a street in al-Mayadeen city, Eastern Syria.
Sources said that a note was left with Tunissi which threatened the ISIL to retreat from Deir Ezzur.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950121001246
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Syrian Army, Popular Forces Push Terrorists back from more Positions East of Damascus
10th, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian Army and the National Defense Forces continued to advance against the terrorist groups in Eastern Ghouta and took control over more territories there.
The Syrian government forces stormed strongholds of al-Nusra Front and Faylaq al-Rahman terrorists and forced them to retreat from the Farms of Kanakri and Doumani Poultry near the town of Bala, which ended in the killing of at least seven terrorists and wounding of several more.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950122000409
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Air Force Destroys ISIL's Military Positions in Deir Ezzur
10th, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian air force pounded the military positions and gathering centers of the Takfiri terrorists in Deir Ezzur province, inflicting heavy losses on them.
Meantime, the Syrian army and popular forces continued their military advances in other parts of Syria, including Aleppo and Hasaka, over past 24 hours.
Tens of terrorists were killed and dozens more were injured during the Syrian army's operations in Syria's key provinces.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950122000452
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ISIS frees most of 300 abducted cement workers, kills 4
AP | Apr 9, 2016
BEIRUT: The Islamic State group has released most of the 300 cement workers it abducted near Damascus after questioning them to find out who were Muslims and killing four who were members of the minority Druze sect, a Syrian opposition monitoring group and a news agency linked to the extremists reported on Saturday.
The reports came two days after IS abducted the cement workers and contractors from their workplace in Dumeir, just northeast of the capital, after a surprise attack on government forces.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/ISIS-frees-most-of-300-abducted-cement-workers-kills-4/articleshow/51756476.cms
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After Iraq, John Kerry confronts similar problems in Afghanistan
Apr 9, 2016
KABUL: US secretary of state John Kerry hoped a brief stop in Afghanistan would help promote cooperation from a would-be "unity" government that has proved largely incapable of running the country less than two years after he worked to install the leadership team.
For America's top diplomat, it was the second visit in as many days to a country that the United States long has wished to stabilize. On Friday in Baghdad, Kerry backed efforts by Iraq's prime minister to settle a political crisis and stressed the importance of having a ``unified and functioning government'' to confront the Islamic State group.
In Kabul, Kerry scheduled a joint meeting with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his rival, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, and later planned to see each leader separately. Kerry was expected to participate in talks on security, governance and economic development.
Afghanistan remains largely lawless, is rife with corruption and struggling to check the Taliban's stubborn insurgency.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/After-Iraq-John-Kerry-confronts-similar-problems-in-Afghanistan/articleshow/51756564.cms
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Syria cease-fire ‘about to collapse,’ says opposition
April/10/2016
The cease-fire in Syria “is about to collapse,” an official from the opposition said in an interview published on April 10, just days before the resumption of peace talks in Geneva.
“Over the last 10 days we have seen a very serious deterioration and the ceasefire is about to collapse,” Bassma Kodmani, a member of the High Negotiations Committee of the Syrian opposition, told Journal du Dimanche, saying “the use of barrel bombs has resumed.”
“The U.S.-Russian mission monitoring the cease-fire is powerless,” she told the French newspaper.
Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/syria-cease-fire-about-to-collapse-says-opposition.aspx?pageID=238&nID=97565&NewsCatID=352
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Pakistan
34 suspected militants killed in Balochistan's Kalat district
10th, 2016
QUETTA: Security forces on Saturday claimed to have killed 34 suspected militants, including a key commander in Balochistan’s Kalat district.
One security official was killed while two others sustained injuries during the exchange of fire.
“A key militant commander, Abdul Nabi Bangulzai, was also among the dead,” said Home Minister Sarfaraz Bugti in a press conference.
The operation was launched by personnel of security forces and intelligence agencies, against elements involved in target killings and bombings in the Johan area of Kalat, added Bugti.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1251055/34-suspected-militants-killed-in-balochistans-kalat-district
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Pakistan Navy successfully test-fires shore-based anti-ship missile
PTI | Apr 9, 2016, 07.27 PM IST
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy on Saturday successfully test-fired shore-based anti-ship missile 'Zarb', bolstering its defence mechanism.
The missile was launched from a coastal site and successfully hit the surface target in the Arabian Sea, a statement released by director general public relations said.
Naval chief Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah said the launch of new missile system was part of Pakistan Navy's continuous effort to enhance its capabilities.
He termed the successful test as hallmark of Pakistan Navy's preparedness.
Deputy Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi said that with the successful test launch significant capability has been added to the Pakistan Navy's arsenal.
He said that it would further bolster the defence mechanism of the country and contribute towards peace and stability in the region, according to the statement.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Pakistan-Navy-successfully-test-fires-shore-based-anti-ship-missile/articleshow/51756969.cms
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Qadri’s family, supporters drop chehlum plan
April 10th, 2016
RAWALPINDI: After building pressure on the local administration, a brother of Mumtaz Qadri on Saturday announced that there would be no chehlum as it was already held on March 27 in consultation with the family and religious parties
Malik Dilpazeer Awan, the Qadri’s brother, made the announcement at a press conference along with a number of local religious leaders at Jamia Ghousia Ziaul Uloom in Rawalpindi.
Flanked by Sunni Tehreek’s Shahdab Rizvi, Jamia Mohammadia custodian Pir Syed Ziaul Haq Shah, Pir Syed Jalal Shah, Pir Syed Inayat Shah, Mr Awan made it clear that there would be no chehlum of his brother on April 10.
“We held the chehlum jointly and the reports in social media about divisions among religious parties and family of Mumtaz Qadri are baseless. We have decided to observe the death anniversary of Mumtaz Qadri on March 1 every year. But on every Monday, we will arrange special prayers at his grave,” he said.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1251181/qadris-family-supporters-drop-chehlum-plan
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Pak court issues non-bailable arrest warrant against Musharraf
PTI | Apr 9, 2016
ISLAMABAD: An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan has issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against former military ruler Pervez Musharraf for his failure to appear before the court in the 2007 judges' detention case.
72-year-old Musharraf, who last month flew to Dubai for purported treatment after the Supreme Court lifted bars on his foreign trips, was not present at the anti-terrorism court (ATC).
ATC judge Sohail Ikram expressed displeasure at absence of Musharraf and said he should have sought permission from the court before proceeding abroad, while hearing the case against Musharraf for allegedly putting the judges of the superior courts under detention after imposing emergency in 2007.
The court was not satisfied at the argument of his lawyer Akhtar Shah that Musharraf went out of the country after he was allowed by the government. It also rejected contention of state prosecutor Amir Nadeem Tabish that government allowed Musharraf to leave after orders of the Supreme Court.
Later, the ATC judge issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against Musharraf.
However, it is highly unlikely that the orders will be executed as several times in the past various courts issued orders to produce Musharraf but he easily dodged such orders citing security and health reasons.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Pak-court-issues-non-bailable-arrest-warrant-against-Musharraf/articleshow/51754628.cms
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Bomb hoax creates panic at Rawalpindi hotel
April 10th, 2016
RAWALPINDI: A bomb hoax in a hotel created panic in the Saddar area on Saturday.
Police informed the management of Pearl Continental (PC) Hotel that a bomb had been planted on its premises.
The police and the district administration carried out a search operation on the premises of the hotel for four hours.
The police said they were informed by the interior ministry that a bomb had been planted in the hotel. The Special Branch of the police, bomb disposal department, civil defence and the district administration reached the hotel.
“We got general information that there would be an explosion on the hotel premises and we reached the site at 12 noon. All the departments carried out the search operation with detectors but found nothing,” said Deputy Superintendent of Police Civil Lines Farhan Aslam.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1251179/bomb-hoax-creates-panic-at-rawalpindi-hotel
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Mideast
Turkey Sends Special Forces to Aleppo City to Help Al-Nusra Terrorists Fight Kurds
10th, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Kurdish sources disclosed that the Turkish army's special forces have arrived in the city of Aleppo in Northern Syria after the al-Nusra Front and its allies asked for reinforcement troops to escape a crushing defeat from the Kurdish forces.
The Turkish special forces have now gathered near Sheikh Maqsoud district of Aleppo city, Kurdish-language news agencies reported on Saturday.
Turkey's government troops have been dispatched to Aleppo city's Sheikh Maqsoud to support Al-Etelaf battalion (Kataeb al-Etelaf) terrorists who are supported by Ankara and Riyadh governments, a Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) commander said this afternoon.
Al-Etelaf Battalion has carried out several attacks on Sheikh Maqsoud region over the past several months, but all of them have failed.
Also, a commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said two troopers from the Turkish army special forces named Dougan and Aslan have been killed in their failed attacks in the last few days.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950121001261
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CHP leader ‘non-existent,’ says Erdoğan
April/10/2016
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has chastised main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, saying his position was “almost non-existent.”
“From now on, the main opposition party’s leadership position is vacant for us, it is no longer valid,” Erdoğan said of the CHP leader on April 9 at an event in Istanbul, as the row between the two over Family Minister Sema Ramazanoğlu’s remarks on the Ensar Foundation escalated in the past week.
“For us this person [Kılıçdaroğlu] is non-existent. I am talking as a constituent, as citizen Erdoğan. Since he does not have a criminal capacity, he is excused by us no matter what he says, what he does. This person’s situation is a medical case, not a political one. I have said [he is a] ‘political pervert’... When the main opposition party assigns someone with a political and humanitarian representation capability to that position, then it would also have an addressee,” added Erdoğan.
Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/chp-leader-non-existent-says-erdogan.aspx?pageID=238&nID=97583&NewsCatID=338
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Istanbul police on alert after explosion, security warnings
April/10/2016
Police units in Istanbul stepped up their security measures in Istanbul’s central Taksim Square on April 10 following an explosion in central Istanbul on April 9 amid reports of possible terror threats targeting the city.
Police closed the square with barricades ahead of ceremonies for the 171st anniversary of the Turkish police department’s foundation. Special operations police officers were placed on top of high buildings nearby while a number of armed police officers were ready around the square.
Interior Ministry undersecretary Selami Altınok examined the square’s security measures, which will reportedly continue to be taken in the area.
Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/istanbul-police-on-alert-after-explosion-security-warnings.aspx?pageID=238&nID=97574&NewsCatID=341
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Presidential system ‘will divide country,’ Kılıçdaroğlu says
April/10/2016
Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) will not support a shift to a presidential system which will “divide the country,” its leader has said.
“If you are strengthening the parliamentary system, come and we will support it,” CHP head Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu said at an event in the northwestern province of Sakarya on April 9, referring to the Justice and Development Party’s (AKP) demand that the new constitution be based on a presidential system.
“If you want a more democratic constitution come and we will give all kinds of support, but we won’t support a regulation that will lead to the division of Turkey,” Kılıçdaroğlu added.
Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/presidential-system-will-divide-country-kilicdaroglu-says.aspx?pageID=238&nID=97584&NewsCatID=338
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Iran to hold three-day military drill near Pak border
10th, 2016
TEHRAN: Iran's official IRNA news agency is reporting that the country's Revolutionary Guards will begin a ground forces drill near the shared border with Balochistan on Tuesday.
The Sunday report quotes the chief of IRGC's ground forces, Mohammad Khakpour, as saying the three-day exercise will be carried out in four provinces and it will use and test the IRGC's latest equipment ─ including the guards' new helicopter unit.
The drills come over two weeks after the arrest of Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav was announced, an incident which Iranian President Hassan Rouhani denied discussing with Pakistani leadership ─ contrary to the Inter-Services Public Relations.
Jadhav, who is suspected of having entered Balochistan through Iran, was arrested during a raid in Chaman.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1251227/iran-to-hold-three-day-military-drill-near-pak-border
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US warns of ‘credible threats’ to Turkish tourist spots
April 10th, 2016
ISTANBUL: The US embassy in Turkey on Saturday warned of “credible threats” to tourist areas in Istanbul and the resort city of Antalya, intensifying fears in a country hit by four suicide bombings this year.
The fresh alert comes a day after Israel reissued a warning to its citizens to avoid Turkey or “leave as soon as possible”, citing an imminent risk of an attack.
The US alert comes three weeks after a suicide bomber struck a popular shopping street in the heart of Istanbul — killing four people and injuring dozens — in an attack which authorities blamed on the militant Islamic State (IS) group.
“The US Mission in Turkey would like to inform US citizens that there are credible threats to tourist areas, in particular to public squares and docks in Istanbul and Antalya,” read an emergency travel warning published on the US embassy’s official website.
A series of attacks in the capital Ankara and Istanbul — blamed on Kurdish militants or militants — have left 79 people dead since January and created jitters among residents and tourists alike.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1251079/us-warns-of-credible-threats-to-turkish-tourist-spots
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South Asia
26 militants, 11 soldiers killed in latest wave of violence
By Khaama Press - Sun Apr 10 2016
At least 26 militants were killed in the latest counter-terrorism operations conducted by the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) in the past 24 hours.
The Ministry of Defense (MoD) said at least 8 militants were also wounded during the same operations conducted in Khost, Takhar, and Kapisa provinces.
A statement by MoD said at least 11 of the militants were killed in Alisher district of Khost province and 4 others were killed in Darqad district of Takhar province.
The statement further added that 3 militants were killed during a separate operation in Kohband and Nejrab districts of Kapisa province.
According to MoD, at least 11 soldiers of the Afghan National Army (ANA) lost their lives during the same operations.
“The Afghan National Army (ANA) forces are prepared for all kinds of devotion and with all force to maintain security and comfort for the people of Afghanistan,” the statement by MoD said, adding that 11 Afghan soldiers were martyred during counter-terrorism operations against the internal and foreign terrorists.
The anti-government armed militant groups have not commented regarding the reports so far.
khaama.com/26-militants-11-soldiers-killed-in-latest-wave-of-violence-0602
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3 Afghan civilians killed, 4 wounded in Iranian border guards firing
By Khaama Press - Sun Apr 10 2016
At least 3 Afghan civilians were killed and 4 others were wounded in indiscriminate firing by the Iranian border guards across the Afghan-Iranian border.
According to the local officials in western Herat province of Afghanistan, the victims were residents of Kohsan district of Herat province.
The officials further added that the incident took place as the Afghan men were trying to cross into the Iranian soil.
Full report at: khaama.com/3-afghan-civilians-killed-4-wounded-in-iranian-border-guards-firing-0601
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4 young suicide bombers arrested in Kunduz province of Afghanistan
By Khaama Press - Sat Apr 09 2016
At least four young suicide bombers were arrested by the Afghan National Security Forces in northern Kunduz province of Afghanistan before they manage to carry out attacks.
According to the local security officials, the young bombers were looking to carry out suicide attacks in different parts of Kunduz province and were arrested by intelligence operatives.
Full report at: khaama.com/4-young-suicide-bombers-arrested-in-kunduz-province-of-afghanistan-0595
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National Unity Government’s Duration is 5 years, says John Kerry
By Khaama Press - Sun Apr 10 2016
The US Secretary of State John Kerry has said the duration of the Afghan National Unity Government is five years, ruling out speculations that the agreement ends at the end of two years since its formation.
Kerry appeared in a press conference with President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani on Saturday night following his visit to Kabul.
He said “There is no end to this agreement at the end of two years or in six months from now. This agreement ends – this is an agreement for a unity government, the duration of which is five years.”
Kerry further added that the agreement did mention the effort to try to have the potential of a Loya Jirga at some point within two years. That was a goal.
According to Kerry, the agreement for the formation of National Unity Government in no way has some particular termination.
Full report at: khaama.com/national-unity-governments-duration-is-5-years-says-john-kerry-0600
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Explosions hit Afghan capital Kabul after Kerry visit
AFP | Apr 9, 2016
KABUL: Several explosions rang out in central Kabul on Saturday, shortly after the US secretary of state John Kerry left the Afghan capital following an unannounced visit to call for the Taliban to re-enter peace talks.
Authorities were not immediately able to comment on the nature of the blasts nor on whether they had claimed any casualties, but Taliban insurgents frequently attack government and military installations in the city.
"We heard several explosions, but we don't know what caused them," a police official told AFP on condition of anonymity.
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Kerry arrives in Kabul on unannounced visit to support unity government
10th, 2016
KABUL: US Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in Kabul Saturday on an unannounced visit to encourage the revival of peace talks with the Taliban and show support for Afghanistan's beleaguered unity government which he helped create 18 months ago.
His visit comes as the Afghan Taliban is experiencing a resurgence following the withdrawal of US-led combat troops in 2014, announcing recently it was preparing for “decisive” battles in its upcoming spring offensive.
Speaking ahead of a meeting with Afghan Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani, Kerry said: “We'll clearly reaffirm the strength of our bilateral ties through today's session”, adding his support for a “democratic and increasingly prosperous Afghanistan”.
He is later set to meet Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, who were sworn to power in September 2014 three months after a tainted election led to the formation of a unity government in a deal brokered by Kerry.
Kerry's first port-of-call was NATO headquarters, where he met with General John Nicholson, the newly appointed head of the alliance's Resolute Support mission, and US troops.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1251058/kerry-arrives-in-kabul-on-unannounced-visit-to-support-unity-government
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Powerful 6.6 magnitude earthquake jolts Afghanistan
By Khaama Press - Sun Apr 10 2016
A powerful earthquake jolted capital Kabul this afternoon and some other areas of the country.
The tremors were also felt in parts of Islamabad and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan as well New Delhi the capital of India.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported a 6.6 magnitude earthquake with epicenter recorded in Ashkasham district of northeastern Badakhshan province.
According to USGS, the location of the quake has been recorded at 36.492°N 71.156°E, having a depth of 210.4 kilometer.
Full report at: khaama.com/powerful-earthquake-jolts-afghanistan-0604
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Afghan MP Hanafi under fire for controversial interview about rape
By Khaama Press - Sun Apr 10 2016
A video purportedly showing parts of an interview with the Afghan MP and Cleric Qazi Nazir Ahmad Hanafi has put him under fire as the video has rapidly gone viral on the internet.
The video shows a female foreign reporter asking questions from Qazi Hanafi regarding violence against women.
The reporter apparently faces a harsh response from Hanafi as she asks ‘What if a husband rapes his wife? Is that domestic abuse? Should the man be punished or should the woman be punished?’
Full report at: khaama.com/afghan-mp-hanafi-under-fire-for-controversial-interview-about-rape-0603
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Southeast Asia
23 dead in clashes between ISIS, Army in Philippines
April 10, 2016
23 dead in clashes between IS, Army in Philippines Picture: A Muslim woman holds an automatic rifle for a souvenir picture while being assisted by a soldier during a display of the government's arsenal to mark the 117th Philippine Independence Day celebration in Manila, June 12, 2015. [Representational Image]Reuters
At least 23 people died in the Phillipines after a prolonged battle between soldiers and militants of the Islamic State group, an army spokesman said Sunday. Philippine soldiers battled at least 120 Abu Sayyaf militants in an island of the country.
Full report at: ibtimes.co.in/23-dead-clashes-between-isis-army-philippines-674087
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`Destination Europe` Exhibition Held in Jakarta
10th, 2016
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - As many as 22 European Union countries and three other European countries took part in the Destination Europe, a European tourism and cultural exhibition, held on 9-10 April 2016.
The exhibition, which is held at Balai Kartini, presents cultural shows and exhibitions about European tradition and lifestyle.
"Through this exhibition, we invite Indonesian people to visit as we invite Europeans to visit Indonesia," said High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini in Jakarta on Saturday.
The opening of the exhibition was also attended by Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister RI Retno Marsudi and ambassadors of European Union countries.
The exhibition also showcases cooking demonstration, language culture and culinary festival.
en.tempo.co/read/news/2016/04/10/199761290/Destination-Europe-Exhibition-Held-in-Jakarta
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Europe
British Muslims Disagree With the Rest of the Country on a Range Of Key Issues
10 April 2016
British Muslims disagree with the rest of the country on a range of key issues such as sexuality, freedom of speech and polygamy, according to new research.
A poll carried out by ICM discovered that more than half of Muslims disagree with homosexuality being legal in Britain, while a quarter support Sharia law being introduced into parts of the country instead of British law.
The full findings will feature in a Channel 4 documentary presented by Trevor Philips, former head of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, on Wednesday.
Entitled What British Muslims Really Think, the programme will investigate the 'split' between Britons who follow Islam and the rest of the population.
I thought Europe's Muslims would gradually blend into the landscape. I should have known better.
Full report at: dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3532355/More-half-Muslims-want-gay-sex-outlawed-nearly-quarter-support-areas-UK-run-sharia-law.html
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Brussels: 'Bombers initially planned to attack France'
10 Apr 2016
The attackers who struck Brussels last month had initially planned to launch a second attack on France, Belgium's Federal Prosecution Office has said.
But the group was "surprised by the speed of the progress in the ongoing investigation" and decided to rush an attack on the Belgian capital instead, the office said in a statement on Sunday.
Two suicide bombers killed 16 people at Brussels Airport on March 22. A subsequent explosion at the city's Maelbeek subway station killed another 16 people the same morning.
Investigators found links between the cell behind the Brussels attacks and the group that killed 130 people in Paris on November 13.
Sunday's statement confirmed what many had suspected: the series of raids and arrests in the week leading up to the Brussels attacks - including the capture of key Paris attacks fugitive Salah Abdeslam - pushed the killers to action.
On Saturday, Belgian authorities charged four men with participating in "terrorist murders" and the "activities of a terrorist group" in relation to the Brussels attacks.
One of them, Mohamed Abrini, has also been charged in relation to the Paris attacks, prosecutors said.
Full report at: aljazeera.com/news/2016/04/brussels-bombers-initially-planned-attack-france-160410101403924.html
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Terror suspect Abrini admits he's 'man in hat' at Brussels airport
AFP | Apr 10, 2016
BRUSSELS: Paris attacks suspect Mohamed Abrini confessed on Saturday to being "the man in the hat" caught on video with suicide bombers at Brussels airport last month, images that had sparked a massive manhunt.
"This is an important step forward," a source close to the investigation told AFP.
Abrini made the admission on the day he was charged with terrorist murders over the November attacks in Paris that left 130 people dead, prosecutors said.
Terror suspect Osama Krayem, a Swedish national, received the same charges over his role in a suicide bombing at a Brussels metro station on March 22, which occurred an hour after the airport blasts. A total of 32 people died in the coordinated attacks.
Full report at:
timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/Terror-suspect-Abrini-admits-hes-man-in-hat-at-Brussels-airport/articleshow/51762762.cms
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Sixth suspect held in Brussels attacks raids: official
AFP | Apr 9, 2016
BRUSSELS: A sixth person was arrested during raids Friday over the Brussels airport and metro bombings which netted top Paris attacks suspect Mohamed Abrini, the Belgian prosecutor's office said.
The prosecutor had said on Friday that five people had been been arrested but a spokesman confirmed Saturday that a sixth was being held.
He declined to give any details about the sixth arrest.
A statement is expected later Saturday.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/Sixth-suspect-held-in-Brussels-attacks-raids-official/articleshow/51756622.cms
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Russia Readying Flankers for Delivery to Iran
10th, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The contract to sell the advanced Russian fighter jets, Sukhoi 30 (NATO reporting name: Flanker), to Iran will be finalized by the end of this yea, media reports said.
The Sukhoi Su-30 is a twin-engine, two-seat supermaneuverable fighter aircraft developed by Russia's Sukhoi Aviation Corporation.
It is a multirole fighter for all-weather, air-to-air and air-to-surface deep interdiction missions.
Tehran and Moscow started talks on the supply of the Russian-made Sukhoi 30 fighter jets to Iran on March 26.
The talks were held on the sidelines of the MAKS 2015 air show in the town of Zhukovsky near Moscow during which Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian Vice-President for Science and Technology Sorena Sattari were present.
"Today, we visited different parts of the exhibition and the fighter jets' air show for three and a half hours accompanied by Mr. Putin which was a rare opportunity," Sattari told FNA at the time.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950121000993
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India
Indo-Pak border troops exchange fire across Line of Control
10th, 2016
RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Army troops and Indian Border Security Forces exchanged fire along the Line of Control in the Neza Pir sector early Sunday morning, an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement said.
The statement claimed Indian troops along the border "resorted to heavy unprovoked firing and shelling" at around 11:40pm on Saturday. The "unprovoked firing" continued until about 4:45am, the ISPR said, adding that Pakistan Army troops provided a 'befitting reponse'.
No loss of life or property has been reported so far, the ISPR said.
This is the first instance of cross-border firing reported in nearly six months, according to NDTV.
A border ceasefire agreement signed by India and Pakistan in 2003 has largely held, but both frequently accuse each other of breaching it.
dawn.com/news/1251222/indo-pak-border-troops-exchange-fire-across-line-of-control
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Africa
Muslims And Christians Groups Come Together At Greeley Mosque Open House
10th, 2016
With an eye toward embracing differences and moving past misconceptions, officials at the Greeley Mosque on Saturday hosted the city’s first Islam Open House.
Cars whooshed past the mosque, 8th Avenue and 16th Street, about 11 a.m. as about 50 residents, most from Christian congregations in Greeley and Evans stepped out of their shoes and into an event Mohamed-Mahad Darar called the first of its kind.
“This open house marks a historic event,” Darar said, as he kicked off the open house.
The point of the open house, which officials first discussed about six months ago, was to spread awareness of the Muslim community in Greeley, and to address problems those officials say Muslims and Christians can solve together.
“With the increasing threat of religious bigotry and terrorism from transnational organizations, the Muslim community in Greeley embraces this opportunity to denounce such activities in the strongest possible terms,” Darar said.
Omar Elmagbari, the local imam, said he was happy with the turnout. He shared a simple message.
“We need people to know we are Americans,” Elmagbari said.
Along with talks, the open house featured a video, lunch provided by Najah African Restaurant, a prayer demonstration and a question and answer session.
Don Orange, pastor at Fellowship Christian Reformed Church, presented Elmagbari with a peace lily as one of many Christian leaders who attended the open house.
Jesus says to love your neighbor, Orange said.
Elmagbari’s son, Faraj, a former Greeley West High School, University of Northern Colorado and professional basketball player who is now a successful banker, went a step further, saying he would die for the country that has provided so many opportunities.
Differences are good, Faraj said, because people can learn so much from each other. In a world of more than 6 billion, most of those people are good, Faraj said. He pointed to the attendance at the open house as reason for optimism.
“It really warms my heart for you guys to take the time out of your days to visit our mosque,” Faraj said.
Tyler Silvy covers education for The Greeley Tribune. Reach him attsilvy@greeleytribune.com. Connect with him at Facebook.com/TylerSilvy or @TylerSilvy on Twitter.
Source: greeleytribune.com/news/21513092-113/groups-come-together-at-greeley-mosque-open-house#
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North America
US admiral's message still on point: Islam is a political movement
10th, 2016
About a year ago, retired U.S. Navy Admiral James Lyons addressed a conference on terrorism in Washington, D.C. Since then, his remarks at the conference have gone viral, perhaps because, in retrospect, what he said was almost prophetic.
Speaking at the Center for Security Policy in February 2015, the retired admiral cited remarks by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who, explaining efforts to enhance his country's Islamic character in 2007, said that "the term 'moderate Islam' is very ugly, it is offensive and an insult to our religion. There is no moderate or immoderate Islam. Islam is Islam and that's it." He cited another remark, made by Erdogan in the 1990s while still mayor of Istanbul: "Democracy is a train that takes you to your destination, and then you get off."
Full report at: israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=32981
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5:38 AM
Moderate Islamist here
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