Bad
Time to Nuclearise Saudis: US Senators Warn Trump
On
Capitol Hill, Persecuted Muslims Unite To Protect Religious Minorities’ Rights
JUI-F
Lawmaker Plans To Eliminate Women and Minorities Seat
Iran
Calls for Global Battle against Takfiri Ideology, Islamophobia
Blasphemy
Cases Rise Sharply In Indonesia
Brunei
Sultan Seeks Conservative Support with Hardline Sharia Laws
UK:
Right-Wing Extremists Learn Bomb-Making from Daesh
Top
Commander: Kurds Not Thinking of Separation from Syria
After
Hype, It’s No Show for Waseem Rizvi’s ‘Ram Ki Janmabhoomi’ In Lucknow
North America
Bad
Time to Nuclearise Saudis: US Senators Warn Trump
On
Capitol Hill, Persecuted Muslims Unite To Protect Religious Minorities’ Rights
US
Says It Will Use All Available Resources to Blacklist Masood Azhar
US
envoy Brian Hook says three countries cut Iran oil imports to zero
US
expects Turkey to buy Patriot system instead of Russia's S-400: Pentagon
--------
Pakistan
JUI-F
Lawmaker Plans To Eliminate Women and Minorities Seat
Govt,
opposition at odds after ex-IB chief sworn in as minister
UN
adopts resolution as Pakistan warns of threat to global peace from Islamophobia
Anti-terror
law full of ‘ambiguities’, says CJP Khosa
Will
define what constitutes as terrorism: CJP
--------
Mideast
Iran
Calls for Global Battle Against Takfiri Ideology, Islamophobia
Turkey’s
Top Cleric Marks Muslim Holy Night
Arab
Coalition intercepts two Houthi drones over Saudi Arabia
Palestinian
shot dead by Israeli settler in West Bank
--------
Southeast Asia
Blasphemy
Cases Rise Sharply In Indonesia
Brunei
Sultan Seeks Conservative Support with Hardline Sharia Laws
Malaysia
Police Likely Behind Religion-Linked Abductions: Enquiry
Anwar:
Non-Muslims' right to drink, MB's right to resign golf club presidency
Brunei
implements Islamic law: Facts about Shariah around the world
--------
Europe
UK:
Right-Wing Extremists Learn Bomb-Making from Daesh
UN
Chief Warns Against Rising Anti-Muslim Hatred
Britain,
France, Germany seek full UN report of Iran missile activity
YouTube
Tightens Restrictions on Top UK Islamophobe
Far
right now catching up with ISIS threat in Britain
--------
Arab World
Top
Commander: Kurds Not Thinking of Separation from Syria
Over
200 Children Killed in US-Backed SDF's Camp in Hasaka
'Khashoggi
Children Receive Luxury Homes, Monthly Payments From Riyadh'
SDF
Launches Forced Recruitment in Eastern Syria
Syrian
Army Launches Air, Ground Attacks on ISIL Strongholds near Palmyra
US
Sends New Military Equipment to SDF in Eastern Syria
Egypt
sentences dozens to prison on terror charges
Top
cleric Sheikh Qassim censures Bahrain’s plan to host Israeli delegation
--------
India
After
Hype, It’s No Show for Waseem Rizvi’s ‘Ram Ki Janmabhoomi’ In Lucknow
UAE
deports Jaish terrorist Nisar Tantray wanted for 2017 CRPF camp attack in
Kashmir: NIA
India
asks Pakistan to free 400 prisoners, seeks access to Kulbhushan Jadhav
FATF
Could Blacklist Pak Due To ‘Lobbying By India’: Qureshi
Pope's
UAE Trip Inspires India's Religions to Plot Peace
--------
South Asia
Afghan
Special Forces Kill 37 Militants during Their Latest Counter-Terrorism
Operations
13
ISIS-K Militants Killed, 55 Taliban Fighters Surrender In Kunar Province: Silab
Corps
Bangladesh
should stop expelling Rohingya students: HRW
Trump
calls ongoing war in Afghanistan as ‘unfortunate and ridiculous’
--------
Africa
Islamic
State-Backed Boko Haram Faction Publishes 'Execution' Video
Libya’s
Haftar anticipates ‘unity’ gov’t within month
Somali
government vows to retake regions held by al-Shabab
Somalia
army foils 'major terror attack' on Mogadishu
Nigeria
arrests 2 cops after killing of youth
Compiled
by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: http://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/new-age-islam-news-bureau/bad-time-to-nuclearise-saudis--us-senators-warn-trump/d/118216
--------
Bad
Time to Nuclearise Saudis: US Senators Warn Trump
Apr
3, 2019
A
bipartisan group of American lawmakers have raised concerns about Washington’s
nuclear dealings with Saudi Arabia despite Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s
“deeply troubling actions” and his not-so-secret penchant for acquiring nuclear
weapons.
In
a letter drafted to US Energy Secretary Rick Perry on Tuesday, Senators Robert
Menendez, the senior Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and
Republican committee member Marco Rubio questioned the recent approvals for
American companies to share nuclear energy information with Saudi Arabia.
The
senators specifically pointed to Riyadh’s insistence on forgoing Washington’s
so-called 123 agreement, a set of nonproliferation standards required by
Section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act of 1954.
The
123 agreement, often referred to as Washington’s “gold standard” for foreign
civil nuclear cooperation, prevents the foreign entity from enriching uranium
or reprocessing plutonium made in reactors - two routes to making nuclear
weapons.
“As
has been reported, Saudi Arabia has repeatedly asked during nuclear cooperation
negotiations that no limitations in a 123 agreement be placed on its ability to
enrich uranium and reprocess its spent nuclear fuel,” the senators write.
“Many
in Congress therefore worry that Saudi Arabia’s interest in someday producing
its own stocks of nuclear fuel—despite the fact the Kingdom could purchase fuel
on the international market more cheaply—could lead to it to divert fuel to a
covert nuclear weapons program.”
Negotiations
between the US and Saudi Arabia for nuclear cooperation came to a halt under
the administration of former President Barack Obama, after Riyadh refused to
accept Washington’s proposed standards.
In
its never ending quest for more money, the Trump administration resumed the
talks and is reportedly considering a deal that would allow Riyadh to enrich
and reprocess uranium and pave the way for American companies to build nuclear
reactors in the kingdom.
Financially,
the deal is assumed to be lucrative enough to match the money-driven politics
of Trump, a businessman-turned-politician who is not afraid of overstepping
boundaries for more dollars.
In
2017, Trump flew to Saudi Arabia and secured a $110 billion deal to provide the
kingdom with advanced weapons. Last year, he famously said that the deal would
help America keep “a million jobs.”
Rubio
and Menendez warned in their letter that it was not a good idea to provide
Saudis with nuclear technology or know-how amid Congress’ attempts to
reevaluate ties with the kingdom in the wake of its “many deeply troubling
actions.”
“The
Kingdom has engaged in many deeply troubling actions and statements that have
provoked alarm in Congress and led lawmakers to begin the process of
reevaluating the US-Saudi relationship and our long-term stability and
interests in the region,” read the letter.
“We
therefore believe the United States should not be providing nuclear technology
or information to them at this time,” it added.
The
senators also raised questions about the process that led to Washington’s
decision to push ahead with nuclear talks despite many tell-tale signs that
provided a glimpse into Riyadh’s real intentions.
“What
are the nonproliferation risks associated with these authorizations? What
negotiations has the department engaged in with Saudi Arabia? How did these
negotiations lead to the development of the authorizations? What was the
interagency process behind the authorizations? How were the approvals
coordinated?” Rubio and Menendez asked Perry.
Trump,
Kushner’s possible gains from Saudi dealings
The
Trump administration has so far ignored calls at home and abroad for it to
confront bin Salman over the kingdom’s murder of dissident journalist Jamal
Khashoggi in October, which experts and members of both parties believe bin
Salman had a hand in.
In
fact, Trump has gone as far as suggesting that punishing Riyadh for a crime
that it has openly admitted to would endanger Israel and hurt Washington’s own
interests.
"I
don't want to lose all of that investment being made into our country. I don't
want to lose a million jobs, I don't want to lose $110 billion dollars in terms
of investment," Trump told reporters in late October. "But it's
really $450 billion if you include other than military. So that's very
important."
Trump
went off-script, exposed Saudi-Israel alliance
Trump’s
critics associate his reluctance to come face to face with Riyadh to his
possible financial interests in the kingdom, a hot topic that is set to undergo
an investigation by the Democratic-controlled US House of Representatives later
this year.
“There
are a whole set of potential financial conflicts of interest and emoluments
problems that Congress will need to get to the bottom of,” Democratic
California Representative Adam Schiff said in late November, before being
elected as the head of the House intelligence committee. “If foreign investment
in the Trump businesses is guiding US policy in a way that’s antithetical to
the country’s interests, we need to find out.”
There
are also questions about the possible interests of Trump’s son-in-law, Jared
Kushner, who is believed to be the driving force behind many financial deals
between the US administration and the Riyadh regime, including the $110 billion
arms deal.
The
Washington Post reported February last year that officials from at least three
countries -- Mexico, China and the United Arab Emirates – and Israel had
discussed ways they could use Kushner's complicated business arrangements, lack
of experience and financial woes to manipulate him and affect US policies.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2019/04/03/592465/US-Saudi-nuclear-Rubio-Menendez-letter-Perry-Trump-Salman
--------
On
Capitol Hill, persecuted Muslims unite to protect religious minorities’ rights
April
2, 2019
Aysha
Khan
(RNS)
— More than 125 members of the minority Ahmadi Muslim sect spent Monday (April
1) on Capitol Hill advocating for international religious freedom causes —
particularly lending their voices on behalf of beleaguered Uighur Muslims.
As
part of its ninth annual Day on the Hill project, Ahmadi delegates from around
the country met with more than 200 members of Congress or their staffers in
Washington to encourage support for the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2019.
“Islam
teaches absolute justice and human rights for all,” said Amjad Mahmood Khan,
national director of public affairs for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA.
“Our faith asks of us not to rest until the international community protects
the rights of all people of faith, including the Uighur community, who have
endured unspeakable cruelties.”
Delegates
also brought attention to the rights of Myanmar’s Rohingya Muslims and Middle
Eastern Christians, whose persecution has been the focus of Hill visits in
previous years.
“As
a community that is persecuted ourselves in some parts of the Muslim world, we
are obligated to stand up for our brothers and sisters in faith who are
suffering,” said Khan.
Ahmadi
Muslims, who belong to a sect that began in South Asia in the late 1800s, are
subject to severe state-sanctioned persecution.
In
Pakistan, the constitution forbids Ahmadis from calling themselves Muslim and
the penal code imposes the death penalty for Ahmadis who practice their faith
freely. Just last month, after years of advocacy from human rights advocates
and U.S. political leaders, Pakistan released an 83-year-old Ahmadi bookseller
partway through his eight-year prison sentence for propagating his faith.
“What
we want for ourselves, we also want for everybody to have that,” explained
Mansura Minhas, an Ahmadi woman from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., who visited four
congressional offices during her visit. “Hearing these personal accounts of
Uighurs was simply harrowing. We also understand the repercussions of having
religious freedom taken away, so we stand with all our brothers and sisters,
regardless of their faith.”
Reports
suggest that China has systematically detained more than 1 million members of
the largely Muslim Uighur ethnic minority in western parts of the country,
confining them in a massive network of extralegal detention camps.
Authorities
insist the camps are for vocational training, but eyewitnesses say detainees
are subjected to psychological indoctrination, forced labor, sleep and food
deprivation, beatings, waterboarding and other forms of torture, and have been
forced to renounce their religion. China’s rapidly expanding surveillance state
has also been deployed as part of the brutal crackdown on Uighur and Islamic
culture.
“Everything
that makes the Uighurs unique has been treated as an abnormality and targeted:
language, culture, history, religion and ethnic identity,” said Rushan Abbas,
founder and director of Campaign for Uyghurs. Abbas says her aunt and sister
vanished in Xinjiang six days after she publicly spoke out about her in-laws’
disappearance.
“Where
is the outrage against such horrendous, repugnant catastrophe that is happening
on our watch?” Abbas asked at a reception held Monday for the Ahmadiyya Muslim
Caucus, a 5-year-old group made up of members of Congress from both sides of
the aisle. “Isn’t anyone seeing that Uighurs are facing cultural and physical
genocide today because of their identity and religion?”
Abbas
and other Uighurs — including a woman whose husband, scholar Yalqun Rozi, was
sentenced to 15 years in prison for his Uighur-language writings — joined
Ahmadi delegates at the reception, as did human rights leaders and several members
of Congress.
“It’s
very unusual that a group that is under siege themselves takes the time to
reach out on behalf of another community and realizes that religious freedom
must be truly universal,” said Rep. Pete King, co-chair of the 32-member
caucus, which formed in 2014 to focus on global religious freedom and remains
the only Muslim caucus in Congress.
In
February, a coalition of more than 130 U.S. Muslim leaders and scholars signed
an open letter calling for the release of Uighur detainees from internment
camps in Xinjiang. But Muslim leaders and governments of Muslim-majority
countries around the world have largely remained silent in the face of mass
detention of Uighurs.
“The
violation of human rights at this scale is a crime against humanity requiring
immediate intervention,” Harris Zafar, assistant director of public affairs for
the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA, told Religion News Service. “Muslim
countries have been surprisingly silent on the extreme treatment of Uighur
Muslims. Some have even forcibly returned Uighurs to China.”
In
the U.S., bipartisan political leaders have been increasingly taking up the
Uighur cause. Four U.S. representatives published an open letter last month
calling on the White House to make good on its promise to explore sanctions on
China for its human rights abuses.
Two
bills in the House and Senate, which the Ahmadiyya Muslim Caucus is rallying
support for, would direct federal resources to address China’s human rights
violations, including the intimidation and threats reported by U.S. Uighurs
like Abbas.
“China
seems to be at war with faith, and it’s a war they will not win,” noted Sam
Brownback, U.S. ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom, at the
reception. “Governments come and go, but faith stays.”
Brownback,
who attended an Ahmadi convention over the summer and met with the group’s
international faith leader in October, urged all Americans to bring the Uighur
crisis to lawmakers’ attention.
“We
need to push this and we need to push this aggressively,” he said. “Advocate,
advocate, advocate. Push, push, push. And then also include these issues in
your prayers. Put them up in front of God.”
About
400 Muslims from the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the U.S. Council
of Muslim Organizations were also on Capitol Hill on Monday, hosting their
fifth annual National Muslim Advocacy Day to discuss domestic issues affecting
Muslim communities.
https://religionnews.com/2019/04/02/on-capitol-hill-persecuted-muslims-unite-to-protect-religious-minorities-rights/
--------
JUI-F
lawmaker plans to eliminate women and minorities seat
APRIL
3, 2019
Reserved
seats for women and minorities to be eliminated in a proposal put forward by
the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) lawmaker on Tueday.
JUI-F
lawmaker Aliya Kamran proposed to wipe away the reserved seats for women and
minorities saying the reserved seats were weakening the minorities.
“Issues
of minorities would not be addressed even if we increase the number of seats
for them because they would not be able to address their issues. Moreover, Dr
Vankwani was a part of the previous government and his similar bill could not
sail through parliament then. Now he is also a part of the government but it is
not for sure if his bill would sail through the parliament,” she said.
https://dailytimes.com.pk/372743/jui-f-lawmaker-plans-to-eliminate-women-and-minorities-seat/
--------
Iran
Calls For Global Battle Against Takfiri Ideology, Islamophobia
Apr
2, 2019
Iran’s
chargé d’affaires to the United Nations has called for the world’s unified
stance against Takfiri ideology and Islamophobia.
In
his Tuesday address to a Security Council meeting on racism and xenophobia,
Es’haq Al-e Habib (seen below) urged serious dialogue to find a new means of
fighting Islamophobia, hate and discrimination.
Al-e
Habib criticized the international community’s failure to address the root
causes of terror and racism, saying, "A global fight against such
phenomena, with their abhorrent and evolving forms and manifestations, must be
a matter of high priority at the national, regional and international
levels."
Referring
to the last month terror attacks in New Zealand, the Iranian diplomat said
numerous people are falling victim to such assaults which are rooted in racism
and supremacist ideology.
"These
abhorrent incidents are illustrative of the fact that the international
community is far behind in attaining the primary objectives to combat
terrorism, racism, racial discrimination and related intolerance because,
mainly, the root causes of these instances were not adequately addressed,"
he said.
"Over
the last few decades, there has been an unsettling rise of a vast network of
xenophobic propaganda outlets masquerading as news platforms, hate groups
masquerading as think tanks and even civic groups promoting a hostile and
abusive environment against Muslims and other minorities, such as migrants, in
the West," he stated. "As a result, we are witnessing a political
tolerance to hostility and discrimination as well as an incitement of hate have
gained the ground against persons belonging to religious minorities in
particular Muslims, in recent years."
"Such
efforts to spread this propaganda are enabled by well financed institutions
backed by affluent, government-tied tycoons," Al-e Habib noted, adding,
"If unchecked, this wicked network of xenophobia, with its socially
motivated feelings of hate, has the capacity to undermine the stability of many
societies and strain the relationship between States and great religions,
thereby jeopardizing international peace and security."
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2019/04/02/592443/Iran-UN--battle-Takfirism-Islamophobia
--------
Blasphemy
cases rise sharply in Indonesia
April
3, 2019
Blasphemy
cases in Indonesia more than doubled last year, according to a human rights
group.
There
were 25 reported cases as opposed to only nine cases in 2017, said the Setara
Institute for Democracy and Peace, which attributed the rise to a hate speech
crackdown and an increase in using religion as a tool in politics.
Prior
to that, Indonesia only saw a single-figure number of cases per year on average
dating back to 1965 when the blasphemy law was introduced.
Probably
the most prominent case was Meliana, a 44-year-old Buddhist woman who was
sentenced to 18 months in prison by the Medan District Court in North Sumatra
in August, Setara’s research director Halili told ucanews.com.
The
Chinese-Indonesian mother of four was accused of blasphemy after she complained
to the daughter of the caretaker of a nearby mosque that the call to prayer on
loudspeakers was too loud.
Muslims
in her hometown of Tanjung Balai took her comments to mean she wanted the call
to prayer stopped. Mobs attacked her home and ransacked more than a dozen
Buddhist temples, said Halili, who like many Indonesians goes by one name.
Halili
said misuse of the 1965 blasphemy law which recognizes only six religions —
Buddhism, Catholicism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam and Protestantism — and
bans others as well as prohibits alternative interpretations of recognized religions
including Islam contributed to the increase.
The
2016 Electronic and Transactions Law, which outlaws the spread of so-called
hate speech against ethnic groups, religions and races, had also played a
significant role in bringing about blasphemy charges and also other acts that
were considered acts against religious freedom.
“Both
[laws] are often used to repress others,” Halili said.
Setara’s
deputy chairman Bonar Tigor Naipospos also pointed to the politicization of
religion as a main factor in the sharp rise in blasphemy cases.
“If
polarization [along ethnic and religious lines] continues and the
politicization of religion is used by competing political parties, we will see
what we call ‘the generation of the reporter’ in which people will file blasphemy
reports to overcome their political opponents,” he said.
The
defeat of Christian former governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama in 2016 after being
accused by hardline Muslims of blasphemy potentially opened the floodgates, he
said.
https://www.ucanews.com/news/blasphemy-cases-rise-sharply-in-indonesia/84872
--------
Brunei
sultan seeks conservative support with hardline sharia laws
April
2, 2019
Brunei's
imposition of harsh sharia laws, including death by stoning for gay sex and
adultery, is a bid by the country's ruler to boost support among conservatives
and highlights a steady drift away from the West, observers say.
The
tough punishments, which also include amputation of a hand and foot for theft,
will come into force Wednesday when a new penal code is fully implemented after
years of delays.
The
decision to move ahead with the laws has sparked a global outcry, with the
United Nations branding them "cruel and inhumane" and actor George
Clooney leading calls for Brunei-owned hotels to be boycotted.
By
making his country the first in East or Southeast Asia to introduce a sharia
penal code on a national level, analysts believe all-powerful Sultan Hassanal
Bolkiah is seeking to burnish his Islamic credentials among conservative
supporters at a time the economy is weakening.
Brunei,
a resource-rich former British protectorate on Borneo island with a population
of about 400,000, was plunged into recession in recent years as oil prices
plummeted and its crude reserves declined.
"Brunei
is becoming Southeast Asia's Saudi Arabia," Bridget Welsh, a Southeast
Asia expert from John Cabot University, told AFP.
"The
regime has increasingly been relying on religious legitimacy, appealing to a
conservative Islamic ideology. The weakening economy in Brunei as well as concerns
about possible erosion of support underscore this increasing reliance on
religion."
Shift
to China
The
Muslim-majority nation's implementation of punishments that may scare off
Western businesses also signals a shift towards investment from China, which
typically refrains from criticising trading partners on human rights, observers
said.
As
in many other parts of Asia, Chinese companies are investing huge sums in the
absolute monarchy, part of an infrastructure drive aimed at extending Beijing's
economic and geopolitical clout.
Initiatives
include a multi-billion-dollar oil refinery -- Brunei's biggest ever foreign
investment project -- a dam and a highway. Xi Jinping visited the country in
November last year, the first trip by a Chinese president in 13 years.
Experts
say it is hard to gauge the level of public backing for sharia law in Brunei,
as most citizens would not publicly voice criticism of the sultan.
But
it is believed to have substantial support among the country's Muslim ethnic
Malays, who make up some 70 percent of the population. Those who speak publicly
generally welcome it.
"I'm
proud, because implementing the law feels like it solidifies the Islamic
identity of Brunei," Muhammad Antoni, a 27-year-old oil and gas company
worker, told AFP.
Others
were irritated at the calls for a boycott of nine Brunei-owned hotels in Europe
and the United States.
"Regarding
celebrities calling for a boycott, it's not their place," said Haziah
Zainal, a 36-year-old civil servant. "These actions seem ignorant as they
have not even been here to experience what it's like."
There
was some unease online, however, where people can comment more freely.
"This
worries me so much for Brunei’s economy," one user posted on social media
platform Reddit, adding that it would mean "losing more business
overseas".
Global
alarm
In
reality, it is not yet clear if the toughest punishment -- death by stoning --
will be implemented.
Brunei
has long had capital punishment, and any execution should be carried out by
hanging. But the last known instance of someone being put to death in the
country was in 1957, according to Matthew Wolfe of human rights group The
Brunei Project.
While
condemning the new penal code, Amnesty International said the country was
"abolitionist in practice" when it comes to the death penalty.
The
burden of proof is high before someone can be sentenced to death by stoning. An
accused person must either confess to the offence, or it must be witnessed by
at least four people who have to then testify.
The
sultan, the world's second-longest ruling monarch, has weathered controversies
before -- the monarchy was deeply embarrassed over revelations the ruler's
brother Jefri allegedly embezzled billions of dollars -- and is unlikely to
back down.
In
a weekend statement, the government defended its right to introduce the new
penal code, saying that sharia law "aims to educate, respect and protect
the legitimate rights of all individuals".
https://www.thejakartapost.com/seasia/2019/04/02/brunei-sultan-seeks-conservative-support-with-hardline-sharia-laws.html
--------
UK:
Right-wing extremists learn bomb-making from Daesh
Muhammad
Mussa
02.04.2019
LONDON
Far-right
extremists in the U.K. are learning how to make explosives from online manuals
by the terror group Daesh, a top British security official said on Tuesday.
Addressing
parliament’s Defense Committee, Securities Minister Ben Wallace warned of how
certain individuals of the U.K. far-right pose significant dangers and risks.
“The
methods that are bringing these people to our threshold is predominantly
through the Internet,” Wallace said of the U.K. far right.
“They
communicate through the Internet, sometimes we find them actually looking at
Isis [Daesh] terror manuals to learn how to make bombs,” he added.
Wallace
also addressed the role of the Internet in empowering the far-right, saying
using the Web has brought the far right “better organization and better
momentum.”
He
also warned of the risk posed by certain right-wing individuals to British
society.
“It
is a bubbling group of extremists, and we need to get in there using diversion,
to prevent them becoming tomorrow’s terrorist groups,” he testified.
When
asked if the U.K. far-right are a new phenomenon, Wallace said that neo-Nazis
have always been “at large” in the U.K. but their recent rise has shown them to
be more capable and organized, “which is also the same as Isis [or] Daesh.”
According
to research by Internet outlet The Independent, far-right extremism is growing
in the U.K., and white British people are more likely to sympathize with
extremism that those of Asian Muslim descent.
The
government has been warned to not solely focus on Muslim-oriented extremism, as
far-right extremism is a growing threat.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/uk-right-wing-extremists-learn-bomb-making-from-daesh/1440811
--------
Top
Commander: Kurds Not Thinking of Separation from Syria
Apr
02, 2019
The
Arabic-language Sky News quoted Kobani as saying that the SDF forces are a part
of Syria and do not intend to be separated from the country.
He
added that ties between the SDF and the US have darkened after Washington
declared withdrawal from Syria, complaining that the White House decision has
emboldened Turkey to threaten the Kurds with military operations in Eastern
Euphrates region.
Kobani
said that the SDF has established closer relations with Damascus after the US
decision to backtrack its support for the Kurds, and stressed the need for
resolving the differences between the SDF and the Syrian government through
talks.
His
remarks came after commander the so-called 'National Army' affiliated to Turkey
in Northern Aleppo Mostafa Seijari underlined the immediate start of military
operations against the Kurds in Eastern Euphrates, adding that they are waiting
for the final order.
Also,
the Turkish defense minister had earlier declared formation of a joint
operations room at the borders with Syria to confront the US-backed SDF
fighters.
Relevant
reports said earlier today that the SDF had detained hundreds of young people
in Eastern Syria amid increased threats by Turkey for military operations
against the Kurds in Eastern Euphrates region.
Media
activists in Eastern Syria reported that the SDF has arrested over 500 young
civilians in Hasaka city and the nearby areas in the past two days.
They
added that the so-called Asayesh forces affiliated to the SDF want to evacuate
important bordering areas with Turkey, including Tal Abyadh, Ain Issa and
Salouk in Raqqa province, Ra'as al-Ain and al-Darbasiyeh in Hasaka province
from civilians for the fear of the Turkish army's attacks.
Also,
the SDF has dispatched fresh forces and new military equipment to Tal Abyadh to
dig tunnels and strengthen the bordering areas with Raqqa.
Field
sources in Hasaka had also reported on Monday that the SDF had detained a
number of civilians in different districts of Hasaka city, including Tal Hajar,
Qawiran, al-Aziziyeh and al-Salehiyeh, with the aim of recruiting more
fighters.
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13980113000506
--------
After
hype, it’s no show for Waseem Rizvi’s ‘Ram ki Janmabhoomi’ in Lucknow
Apr
03, 2019
Multiplexes
and cinema hall owners in Lucknow have refused to screen the controversial
movie ‘Ram ki Janmabhoomi’, written and produced by UP Shia Central Waqf Board
chairman Waseem Rizvi.
The
movie chronicling the history of events related to Ram Janmabhoomi and Babri
Masjid issue in Ayodhya was set for release in a multiplex and cinema hall in
Lucknow on April 1, but their owners cancelled the shows at the last moment.
“I
had deposited money with the SRS multiplex in Gomti Nagar for the screening of
the movie on Monday. Several viewers had made online bookings for the show and
I was also going but at the last moment I got a call from the owner saying they
had cancelled the show,” said Waseem Rizvi.
Sudarshan
cinema hall in Old Lucknow, which was also set to screen the movie, followed
suit.
“The
movie was taken down after owners of commercial establishments inside the mall
met the management and voiced their apprehension. There have been protests
against the movie. What if those opposed to it indulged in violence and arson,
we would have been at the receiving end,” said Rehan, who works in one of the
shops inside SRS Mall. Ashish Aggarwal, general secretary of the UP Cinema Hall
Owners’ Association, said he was not aware as to why multiplexes were not
willing to screen the movie.
“After
all, who would take a risk for a non-star cast movie?” said Rajesh Tandon of
the Novelty cinema hall adding this was one of the reasons why he did not go
for it. Known for his pro-temple stance, Rizvi, however, said that his movie
was running in cinema halls in Varanasi and Mathura. The Supreme Court recently
rejected a petition seeking a ban on the release of the movie due to the
sensitive nature of its content.
But
a fresh petition for restraint on the movie’s release has again been filed by
one Hussain Akhtar of Faizabad before the Allahabad HC, which fixed April 15
for hearing the matter. Several Muslim outfits and NGOs have questioned the
timing of the movie, which they allege contains provocative content. “It is an
attempt to incite communal passions ahead of LS polls,” they said. “The movie
is highly objectionable. It vilifies Muslims, especially clerics, and is a
product of a depraved and sick mind whose aim is to spread hatred in the
society,” said Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangi Mahli, Imam Eidgah Lucknow.
“Islam
does not subscribe to the practice of ‘halala’ and divorce as shown in the
movie. It is totally against ‘shariah’ (Islamic practice and laws),” said
Maulana Rashid, also a member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board.
Shia
cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawad also demanded a ban saying that the release has been
timed to incite communal passions and its provocative content could vitiate the
atmosphere of the country. He alleged that Rizvi had taken a pro-temple stand
only to save his skin as there were corruption charges against him.
“Rizvi
is a career politician, a one-time acolyte of Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan.
But, he knows when to switch political loyalty. He has no experience of
film-making. From the trailer, it becomes clear that the movie has been made to
promote a particular ideology, create schisms in the society," said Athar
Hussain, who runs Centre for Objective Research and Development (CORD), an NGO.
ABOUT
THE MOVIE
The
movie starts with the firing on the ‘kar sevaks’ in Ayodhya in 1990, shows the
practice of instant triple ‘talaq’ (divorce) and Halala (temporary marriage)
and portrays Muslim clerics opposing the construction of Ram temple as
Pakistani agents.
The
film represents the timeline of Ayodhya and starts with the firing on “kar
sevaks” on November 2, 1990. Apart from chronicling the history of the age-old
dispute, the role of politicians and radical clerics in fanning the divide
between the Hindus and the Muslims, the two-and-a-half-hour-long movie also
highlights another controversial practice, Halala (temporary marriage), among
the Muslims.
https://www.hindustantimes.com/lucknow/after-hype-it-s-no-show-for-waseem-rizvi-s-ram-ki-janmabhoomi-in-lucknow/story-ZTJrSWiUeiu9KAZYjsBSeI.html
--------
North America
US
says it will use all available resources to blacklist Masood Azhar
Apr
03, 2019
The
United States on Tuesday stated it will “utilize all available resources” to
ensure Jaish-e-Mohammad founder Masood Azhar, was held accountable countering
Chinese charges that it has circumvented UN security council’s sanctions
committee to blacklist the Pakistan-based terrorist leader.
“While
we strongly prefer that UNSC designations take place through the committee
process, the United States and its allies and partners, including those on the
UN Security Council, will utilize all available avenues to ensure that the
founder and leader of the UN-designated terrorist organization JeM is held
accountable by the international community,” a US state department spokesperson
said in a statement to Hindustan Times.
The
spokesperson also confirmed “that we circulated a draft UNSC resolution with
U.K. and French support”.
The
state department was responding to China criticizing the United States, France
and the United Kingdom for moving a draft resolution at the UNSC as “not a
constructive move” and that it “set a bad example”.
Beijing
has said the process should have stayed in the 1267 sanctions committee where
progress had been made and that the United States was aware of it and yet it
“insists on pushing” the UNSC draft resolution.
The
United States, France and the United Kingdom moved a draft resolution at the
UNSC last week after what they saw was China’s failure to agree to the
designation by removing the technical hold it had put three weeks ago on a
proposal the three powers had moved before the sanction committee following the
Pulwama attack on a CRPF convoy that killed 40 troopers.
They
were understood to have agreed among themselves to give discussions with China
some more days, but not weeks and month. They were prepared, at the same time,
to escalate the issue to the full Security Council for an open debate and vote,
to force China to either agree or end up defending a known terrorist. China had
blocked or put a hold on four proposals to list Azhar a ‘global terrorist’ so
far.
The
draft resolution set off “informal discussions”, which could lead to that open
debate, but not if the designation was cleared in the interim.
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/us-says-it-will-use-all-available-resources-to-blacklist-masood-azhar/story-HKhr00oqHuPAooqPmlegqO.html
--------
US
envoy Brian Hook says three countries cut Iran oil imports to zero
3
April 2019
Three
of eight countries granted waivers by Washington to import oil from Iran have
now cut the imports to zero, a US official said on Tuesday, adding that
improved global oil market conditions would help reduce Iranian crude exports
further.
The
United States re-imposed sanctions on Iran after President Donald Trump last
May withdrew the country from a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and several
world powers, accusing it of supporting terrorism and conflicts in Syria and
Yemen.
While
the United States has set a goal of completely halting Iran’s oil exports, it
granted temporary import waivers to China, India, Greece, Italy, Taiwan, Japan,
Turkey and South Korea to ensure low oil prices and no disruption to the global
oil market. The Trump administration is currently in consultations with the
countries ahead of a May 2 deadline when the waivers expire.
“In
November, we granted eight oil waivers to avoid a spike in the price of oil. I
can confirm today three of those importers are now at zero,” Brian Hook, the
special US envoy for Iran, told reporters.
Hook
did not identify the three countries.
“There
are better market conditions for us to accelerate our path to zero,” Hook said.
“We are not looking to grant any waivers or exceptions to our sanctions
regime.”
Hook
said US oil sanctions against Iran removed about 1.5 million barrels of Iranian
oil exports off the market since May 2018.
“This
has denied the regime access to well over $10 billion in (oil) revenue - a loss
of at least $30 million a day,” he said.
Oil
prices on Tuesday hit their highest level so far in 2019, with Brent crude
approaching $70 a barrel on the prospect that more sanctions against Iran and
Venezuelan disruptions could deepen an OPEC-led supply cut.
Analysts
believe the administration is likely to extend the waivers to the remaining
five countries to placate top buyers China and India and to decrease the chance
of higher oil prices.
China,
India, Japan, South Korea and Turkey are likely to be given waivers that could
cap Iran’s crude oil exports at about 1.1 million barrels per day, US-based
analysts at Eurasia Group said in January. That would remove Italy, Greece and
Taiwan from the waivers list.
Hook
said a decision on whether to extend the waivers would be made “in due course.”
A total of 23 countries that once imported Iran oil had cut imports to zero, he
added.
“With
oil prices actually lower than they were when we announced our sanctions and
global production stable, we are on the fast track to zeroing out all purchases
of Iranian crude,” Hook said.
A
senior Trump administration official told reporters on Monday that the US
government was considering additional sanctions against Iran that would target
areas of its economy that have not been hit before.
Hook
said more than 26 rounds of US sanctions against Iran had restricted the
country’s cash flow and constrained its ability to operate in the region.
Full
report at:
https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/world/2019/04/03/US-envoy-Brian-Hook-says-three-countries-cut-Iran-oil-imports-to-zero-.html
--------
US
expects Turkey to buy Patriot system instead of Russia's S-400: Pentagon
Apr
3, 2019
The
United States expects Turkey will buy its Patriot missile systems instead of
the Russian S-400 missile defense system, the Pentagon says.
On
Tuesday, US Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said he was confident
that Turkey would cancel its plan to purchase the Russian system.
"I've
had a number of conversations with Defense Minister (Hulusi) Akar and I really
think we'll resolve this situation with our strategic partners," Shanahan
told reporters.
"I
am very confident in the Patriot proposal that we've delivered to Turkey, its
availability, its pricing, and very importantly, the industrial participation
that comes along with the Patriot system."
Asked
whether that meant he expects Turkey will buy the Patriot system, Shanahan
said: "I expect we'll solve the problem so that they have the right
defense equipment in terms of Patriots and F-35s."
Meanwhile,
Turkey has said the S-400 will be delivered by Russia despite the US pressure
on the NATO member. According to multiple reports, the production has been
estimated to be completed in May for subsequent delivery to Turkey in July.
This
comes after the US said Monday it had stopped shipment of equipment for F-35
equipment to Turkey over the country’s defensive cooperation with Russia.
Reuters
cited two unnamed sources in a report, suggesting that the Turkish officials
had been notified about the matter by their American counterparts “in recent
days.”
“The
next shipment of training equipment, and all subsequent shipments of F-35
related material, have been canceled,” read the report citing sources speaking
on condition of anonymity.
Also,
the Pentagon said in a statement, "Pending an unequivocal Turkish decision
to forgo delivery of the S-400, deliveries and activities associated with the
stand-up of Turkey's F-35 operational capability have been suspended while our
dialogue on this important matter continues with Turkey."
Shanahan
was also asked Monday about whether the US will deliver the F-35s planned for
Turkey, and he replied, "I expect them to be delivered."
Full
report at:
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2019/04/03/592454/US-patriot-Turkey-Russia-S400
--------
Pakistan
Govt,
opposition at odds after ex-IB chief sworn in as minister
Amir
Wasim
April
03, 2019
ISLAMABAD:
President Dr Arif Alvi on Tuesday administered the oath to newly appointed
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs retired Brigadier Ijaz Ahmed Shah despite
opposition from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League
(PML-N) which believed that Mr Ijaz’s appointment would further spoil the
environment in parliament.
The
oath-taking ceremony, attended by a limited number of guests, including
Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Mohammad Khan, was held at
President House.
The
government had on Friday appointed former Intelligence Bureau (IB) chief Ijaz
Shah as the federal minister for parliamentary affairs. The decision sparked a
controversy — for the opposition in general and the PPP in particular — because
before her assassination in December 2007, former prime minister Benazir Bhutto
had claimed that Mr Shah was among the people who had hatched a conspiracy to
kill her.
Mr
Shah had served as the IB director general from 2004 to 2008. He was accused of
using the organisation for victimisation of political opponents. He was elected
MNA on a ticket of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) from NA-118, Nankana
Sahib-II.
The
former IB chief was said to be a close confidant of former military ruler Gen
Pervez Musharraf and was reportedly accused of orchestrating the formation of
the PML-Q as the ‘king’s party’ before the general elections of 2002 by
acquiring loyalties of PML-N leaders.
Mr
Shah has taken the charge of his ministry 10 days before the start of the
National Assembly’s new session on April 12.
When
contacted, PPP leader Syed Khursheed Shah said that though Prime Minister Imran
Khan had the powers to appoint any member of parliament as his minister, it
seemed that he had intentionally chosen a “controversial” man as the new
parliamentary affairs minister to “provoke” the opposition in parliament.
Mr
Shah said that it would be difficult for his party members to interact with a
person who was allegedly involved in the murder case of Ms Bhutto.
“In
fact, Ijaz Shah is being made the minister to make parliament redundant and to
further degrade it,” the PPP leader said, adding that Mr Khan himself had no
respect for parliament which was evident from his attendance in the National
Assembly over the past nine months.
The
PPP leader from Sukkur questioned the credentials of the former military man
for the important office of parliamentary affairs and said that “Minister of
State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Mohammad Khan is at least a genuine
political worker”.
The
PPP leader said that Mr Khan had previously claimed that he would bring neat
and clean people to his cabinet, but later the nation witnessed inductions of
the members of the Gen Musharraf cabinet one by one. He alleged that the prime
minister had actually been “brought to power as an alternative” to Gen
Musharraf after the latter’s inability to return to the country.
Similarly,
when contacted, PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb said that her party considered
Ijaz Shah’s appointment an “unnecessary move”.
“It
is just a new addition to the existing cabinet of Gen Musharraf being presided
over by selected PM Imran Khan,” she added.
On
the other hand, federal Minister for Information Fawad Chaudhry refuted the PPP
allegation that Ijaz Shah was nominated by Ms Bhutto in one of her letters to
then president Musharraf and some international journalists for his possible
involvement in the eventuality of her assassination.
Talking
to Dawn, the information minister said Mr Shah had been cleared in a number of
inquiries conducted after the death of the former prime minister during the PPP
regime when Asif Ali Zardari was the country’s president.
“He
is a clean man as he has been cleared in all inquiries conducted against him,”
he said.
Mr
Chaudhry said that the opposition was simply finding “excuses” as it had no
interest in running parliament smoothly.
Responding
to the allegation that a majority of members of the present cabinet were Gen
Musharraf’s aides, Mr Chaudhry said that a number of lawmakers in the former
president’s assembly had joined the PPP, including former foreign minister Hina
Rabbani Khar.
Asked
why Ijaz Shah was appointed federal minister for parliamentary affairs despite
being a former head of the IB, Mr Chaudhry said that he had been made the
minister because the PTI wanted to give representation to central Punjab in the
federal cabinet.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1473575/govt-opposition-at-odds-after-ex-ib-chief-sworn-in-as-minister
--------
UN
adopts resolution as Pakistan warns of threat to global peace from Islamophobia
April
03, 2019
The
United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday unanimously adopted a resolution,
co-sponsored by Pakistan, that strongly condemns violence and acts of terrorism
targeting individuals, including persons belonging to religious minorities.
After
the passage of the resolution that decried the recent Islamophobic terrorist
attack in New Zealand, Pakistani Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi highlighted the rise
of extreme nationalistic and populist ideologies in the West and also in
Pakistan's neighbourhood.
The
trend, she said in an obvious swipe at India's Hindutva ideology, was giving
rise to “bigotry, intolerance, anti-Muslim hatred and xenophobia”.
“Pervasive
Islamophobia is a global phenomenon," she said and called for a
collaborative, coherent and committed global response in this regard.
“The
adoption of the resolution today is a strong manifestation of our shared
commitment to stand united against racial and religious hatred.”
The
assembly through the resolution, titled “Combating terrorism and other acts of
violence based on religion or belief", condemned the heinous, cowardly
terrorist attack aimed at Muslim praying in two mosques in Christchurch, and
expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims.
The
assembly urged states to protect and promote freedom of religion and belief and
to foster a domestic environment of religious tolerance, peace and respect.
In
her speech, Ambassador Lodhi, noting that nine victims of the Christchurch
attack hailed from her country, said that profiling and stigmatising people
from one country leads to drastic consequences.
“Our
thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and survivors of this
cowardly terrorist attack."
While
expressing solidarity with the people and government of New Zealand, she
saluted Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern for her “exemplary leadership” in the
face of this tragedy.
The
Christchurch terrorist, she said, was only the latest manifestation of a
growing phenomenon rooted in hate, bigotry, racism, and the extremist ideology
of racial and white supremacy.
“The
rise of extreme nationalist and populist ideologies in liberal Western
democracies and elsewhere, including in our region, are fanning the flames of
bigotry, intolerance, anti-Muslim hatred and xenophobia,” the Pakistani envoy
added.
The
growing prejudice against Islam was “evident in policies aimed at creating
walls and barriers against displaced populations, as much as in attempts to denigrate
Islamic beliefs and our sacred personalities on the pretext of freedom of
expression”.
“The
political falsehood of equating people of different religions with violent
extremism, in order to garner political support for the forces of hate lies at
the heart of this phenomenon,” Ambassador Lodhi said.
Freedom
of expression, she said, was often used as an excuse to enable such vile
expression to prosper and for hate speech to enter the mainstream. The
Christchurch tragedy also exposed social media's radicalising role.
“It
is time that we evolve ways to ensure that social media companies are held
accountable for their content that incites violence or spreads hatred,” she
said, adding that Islamophobia posed a grave threat to global peace and
security.
“We
must strengthen efforts to foster a global dialogue on the promotion of a
culture of tolerance, dialogue and peace at all levels, she said, while
emphasizing respect for human rights and diversity as well as space for diverse
voices, religions, worldviews and faith traditions.
Pakistan,
she said, was committed to continuing its efforts to build bridges of
understanding and challenge and resist those who seek to construct walls of
bigotry and hatred.
"We
look towards all those who believe in humanity's common future, to help in
evolving a consensus for action to combat the forces of Islamophobia,
xenophobia and racism."
Introducing
the resolution, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, told the 193-member
assembly that the international community must stand up against the spiral of
hate. Sending condolences to the families of the Muslims who were killed in
Christchurch in a clearly planned terrorist attack, he said that Islamophobia
and racism go hand in hand.
Full
report at:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1473634/un-adopts-resolution-as-pakistan-warns-of-threat-to-global-peace-from-islamophobia
--------
Anti-terror
law full of ‘ambiguities’, says CJP Khosa
Apr
03, 2019
ISLAMABAD:
Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Asif Saeed Khosa on Tuesday said that the
Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) was full of “ambiguities”, as a seven-member larger
bench on Tuesday reserved its verdict in a case pertaining to the definition of
‘terrorism’ and the types of cases that should be tried under the
anti-terrorism law.
The
larger bench was hearing reviews petitions in the Sibtain Vs the State and
Fazal Bashir Vs the State cases.
Heading
the seven-judge bench, CJP Khosa regretted that “routine criminal cases are
also tried in anti-terrorism courts”.
“Every
grave crime is not an act of terrorism,” he said, adding that “God willing, we
will define what constitutes as terrorism”.
Khosa
noted that “planned proliferation of insecurity is [defined as] terrorism”, but
also observed that “all crimes result in extension of insecurity”. He reasoned
that if a crime is committed with the intention of spreading insecurity, then
maybe that ought to be classified as terrorism.
At
this point, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah said that the intention of a perpetrator
cannot be ascertained just by the extent of the damage they inflict.
Chief
Justice Khosa noted that neither the United Nations nor United States had ever
been able to give a singular definition of terrorism. He added that cases seem
to be “referred to anti-terrorism and military courts whenever there is a need
to temporarily calm media uproar or to tackle a crisis”.
As
the verdict was reserved, the chief justice vowed that the court would
ascertain at a universal definition of terrorism.
Full
report at:
https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2019/04/02/anti-terror-law-full-of-ambiguities-says-cjp-khosa/
--------
Will
define what constitutes as terrorism: CJP
Apr
03, 2019
The
Supreme Court on Tuesday reserved its verdict in a case pertaining to what
constitutes ‘terrorism’ and, consequently, what cases should be tried under the
Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA).
Last
month, the apex court formed a seven-member larger bench to examine the issue
when the matter came under discussion while the court was hearing two reviews
petitions.
Chief
Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, during the hearing in Islamabad, remarked that the
ATA was full of “ambiguities” and regretted that “routine criminal cases are
also tried in anti-terrorism courts”.
“Every
grave crime is not an act of terrorism,” the top judge remarked at one point.
“God willing, we will define what constitutes as terrorism.”
The
chief justice noted that “planned proliferation of insecurity is [defined as]
terrorism”, but also observed that “all crimes result in extension of
insecurity”. He reasoned that if a crime is committed with the intention of
spreading insecurity, then maybe that ought to be classified as terrorism.
Justice
Mansoor Ali Shah, at this point, observed that the intention of a perpetrator
cannot be ascertained just by the extent of the damage they inflict.
Justice
Khosa also noted that neither the United Nations nor the United States had ever
been able to give a singular definition of terrorism.
Full
report at:
https://dailytimes.com.pk/372670/will-define-what-constitutes-as-terrorism-cjp/
--------
Mideast
Turkey’s
top cleric marks Muslim holy night
Ozgun
Tiran, Ufuk Ertop
03.04.2019
One
of the most important things that Lailat al Miraj reminds us about is al-Aqsa
Mosque in Jerusalem, the head of Turkey’s Religious Affairs Directorate
(Diyanet) said Tuesday.
Ali
Erbas marked Lailat al Miraj, or the “Night of Ascension”, during a program
organized by a mosque in Turkey’s northwestern Kirklareli province.
“I
pray that this holy night brings blessings to the entire Muslim world,” Erbas
said.
“Al-Aqsa
Mosque must be free,” he added.
Lailat
al Miraj is observed in Turkey as one of the five holy nights when the minarets
of mosques are illuminated and there are special prayers.
The
event marks the night that Allah took Prophet Muhammed on a journey from Makkah
to Jerusalem and then to heaven.
The
night is generally observed on the 27th day of the Islamic month of Rajab, the
seventh month in the Islamic calendar.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkey-s-top-cleric-marks-muslim-holy-night/1440995
--------
Arab
Coalition intercepts two Houthi drones over Saudi Arabia
3
April 2019
The
Arab Coalition intercepted two drones launched by the Iranian-aligned Houthi
militias toward the city of Khamis Mushait in Saudi Arabia, Saudi press agency
SPA said on Wednesday.
Five
people were injured by debris, including a woman and a child, SPA added. Some
houses were damaged as well, along with four vehicles.
“At
21:35 local time (1835 GMT), Tuesday, the Royal Saudi Air Defense systems
detected two unidentified objects headed towards civilian objects in (Khamis
Mushait). They were directed at densely populated civilian areas, and were
intercepted and destroyed according to the Rules of Engagement,” Colonel Turki
Al-Malki, the coalition’s spokesman, said.
Al-Malki
said that continued attempts to target civilians in Saudi Arabia by the “Houthi
terrorists” from Hodeidah is an attempt to provoke the coalition into taking
military action.
He
also reaffirmed the coalition’s commitment to supporting the political efforts
spearheaded by Martin Griffiths, the UN’s special envoy to Yemen, and Michael
Anker Lollesgaard, chairman of the Redeployment Coordination Committee, to
successfully implement the Stockholm Agreement.
Full
report at:
https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/gulf/2019/04/03/Arab-Coalition-intercepts-two-Houthi-drones-over-Saudi-Arabia.html
--------
Palestinian
shot dead by Israeli settler in West Bank
Apr
3, 2019
An
Israeli settler has shot and killed a young Palestinian over an alleged
stabbing attempt south of the occupied West Bank city of Nablus.
The
deadly shooting took place at the Huwara checkpoint on Wednesday. The victim
was identified as Mohammed Abdel Moneim Mohammed Abdel-Fattah.
Footage
went viral of the victim lying on the ground bleeding after being shot. It
shows a number of Israeli settlers and soldiers standing over his body, while
two of them search the victim.
According
to Israeli media, the Palestinian victim was taken in a military ambulance in
serious condition to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The
Palestinian Ma’an news agency reported that the Israeli settler had opened fire
on the Palestinian under the pretext that he was attempting to carry out a
stabbing attack.
Another
young Palestinian man, who was standing in the area, was also injured by the
gunfire.
The
Israeli army said that there were no Israeli casualties in the alleged stabbing
attack.
Israeli
media reported that an assailant had attempted to open the door of a vehicle
driven by an Israeli man to stab his daughter with a knife.
However,
witnesses rejected any stabbing attempt, saying that the shooting came after
one of the Palestinians – a driver -- got out of his truck because of the
closure of the road by the Israeli settler.
The
Israeli military regularly opens fatal fire on Palestinians, accusing them of
seeking to stab its personnel.
Full
report at:
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2019/04/03/592476/Israel-Palestine-Nablus
--------
Southeast Asia
Malaysia
police likely behind religion-linked abductions: Enquiry
Apr
03, 2019
Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia - A Malaysian human rights commission enquiry into the
abduction of two people more than two years ago has found the pair was probably
disappeared by the intelligence branch of the country's police.
The
three-member panel, which began investigating the cases in October 2017, called
on the government to open a new and independent investigation while criticising
parts of the official investigation into one of the cases as an "affront
to common sense and logic".
The
families "need some closure and answers can only be provided by the
state", Mah Weng Kwai, a retired Court of Appeal judge, told the enquiry
on Wednesday.
"It
is believed that those who have been put in charge so far are withholding the
answers to these questions or are refusing to undertake a diligent exercise to
discover them. Hence, a new and separate task force needs to be set up."
Social
activist and pastor Raymond Koh, 62, was kidnapped by masked men as he drove
along a suburban Kuala Lumpur street on February 13, 2017.
The
abduction, captured on CCTV cameras, shocked the country. Koh's disappearance
led to the revelation that Amri Che Mat, a Muslim shia who, like Koh, worked
with the poor and underprivileged, was kidnapped in the northern state of
Perlis in November 2016.
A
week later, Joshua Hilmy, a pastor, and his Indonesian wife Ruth Sitepu
disappeared after leaving their house in Kuala Lumpur.
At
the inquiry, Amri's wife Norhayati Mohd Ariffin, wept as Mah offered the human
rights commission's apologies for the "grief, anxiety and sadness"
that she and her children suffered.
"We
would like to see the perpetrators, the ones responsible and involved in this,
to be brought to book," said Susanna Liew, Koh's wife after the commission
announced its findings.
"We
want to see justice and we want the truth to be revealed. We still don't know
what happened to our husbands," added Liew, showing the frustration on the
families' part with the lack of progress made by the police.
Repeated
allegations that Koh was trying to convert young Muslims have shocked Liew and
her children.
Islam
is Malaysia's official religion but other faiths can be practised in
"peace and harmony". About 61 percent of the population is Muslim.
Attempting to convert someone out of Islam is a criminal offence.
Norhayati,
meanwhile, found herself being asked whether Amri was attempting to spread shia
teachings.
"Four
is not just a number," said Mohammad Faizal Musa, an academic at
Malaysia's National University focussing on religious minorities in Malaysia.
"It
represents significant religious minorities. There are Christians and there are
shias. It goes back to the Malaysia-Saudi Arabia relationship, to Malaysia's
failure to recognise minorities anymore and to investment. It is a serious
matter."
Liew
said the families would consider legal action if the government did not act on
the commission's findings within six months.
The
enquiry took place over 45 days and heard testimonies from 40 witnesses,
including a lawyer who witnessed Koh's abduction, the police officers in charge
of the investigation, Special Branch officers, family members, friends and the
now-retired Inspector General of police, Khalid Abu Bakar.
Between
1980 and 2016, the UN's Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances
received only two cases of enforced disappearance from Malaysia.
Koh
and Amri's disappearances highlighted an "ugly spectre" in Malaysian
life, the lawyers for the families wrote in their final submission to the
enquiry.
"The
evidence points to circumstances suggesting that the organs of the State either
orchestrated the abduction, or supported it; or, at a minimum, had knowledge of
the act and stood by to allow the act to occur or continue," the lawyers
concluded.
The
commissioners were also told how both men were threatened before their
disappearances.
After
a 2011 fund-raising dinner was broken up by Islamic religious authorities and
the police, Koh was sent two bullets in the post. His wife was mailed an
envelope, filled with white powder, with the words "We want to kill
you" written in Malay.
'Freedom
of religion'
The
commissioners noted that both men were monitored because of their religion and
called on the authorities, including the police and the Islamic authorities,
respect the "fundamental right to freedom of religion" spelled out in
Malaysia's constitution.
The
state's mufti visited Amri after he had come to the attention of the religious
authorities in Perlis. Norhayati detailed in her police statement that her
husband had been monitored by the Special Branch, the intelligence arm of the
police, and taken by them without the knowledge of the regular police.
The
police set up a special taskforce to investigate the kidnappings, and suggested
that a drug-smuggling gang involved in a fatal shoot-out in northern Malaysia
was also involved in Koh's kidnapping, saying they had found photos of the
pastor while searching the group's house.
The
police did not attend the panel findings despite being invited.
During
the enquiry, police witnesses often said they could not remember what happened
or that they could not reveal details because of the Official Secrets Act.
In
their written submissions to the enquiry, which was obtained by Al Jazeera, it
said there was no evidence of police involvement and that investigations were
continuing.
Police
inconsistencies
After
the CCTV footage was played to the commissioners, showing seven vehicles and 15
men kidnapping Koh, most of the men wearing black balaclavas, former police
chief Khalid dismissed the evidence.
"These
are all learned from the movies," he said to the amazement of those
present. "They try to emulate that."
During
the enquiry, the families' lawyers pointed out inconsistencies in the police
account of the incident and the discovery of the photos.
Mah
dismissed the evidence for that theory as "full of inconsistencies and
material contradictions" and an "affront to common sense and
logic".
They
also revealed that a car seen parked outside Amri's house prior to his
disappearance was also seen at the place of Koh's kidnapping.
The
vehicle was traced to a police officer who had worked for the force for 18
years but when the human rights commission sought to interview him, the police
said the officer was no longer serving and could not be located.
Questions
were also raised about the police's sudden decision to charge an Uber driver,
Lam Chang Nam, for Koh's kidnapping, even though he had earlier been ruled out
as a suspect – a decision which forced the suspension of the enquiry.
Lam's
trial is yet to begin and he is due in court on April 17.
The
enquiry's term ended before it could investigate the other two disappearances.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/04/malaysia-police-religion-linked-abductions-enquiry-190403062636367.html
--------
Anwar:
Non-Muslims' right to drink, MB's right to resign golf club presidency
April
3, 2019
Anwar
Ibrahim says he agrees with the decision of Aminuddin Harun to step down as the
president of a golf club in Seremban in Malaysia where beer was sold to
non-Muslim members.
The
People's Justice Party (PKR) president said although he had no problems with
non-Muslims consuming alcohol, the club members should respect Aminuddin's
decision to resign after they overturned the club management's decision to stop
selling beer on March 24.
"It
is the right of non-Muslims if they wish to drink alcohol, but in Islam, you
can be considered as abetting something prohibited in our faith if as,
president, you allow the sale of beer.
"So
all the MB said was that he would respect the right of non-Muslims to continue
having it at the club, but members should also allow him to respect his
religion which prohibits him from being complicit in something that is
unIslamic," he said during a speech on Tuesday night.
Aminuddin
resigned as president of the Seremban International Golf Club early last week
saying that he could not helm a club that sold and served beer to its members
and patrons when he was also the state's Islamic Affairs committee head.
He
was made president last August as the club rules stipulate that Aminuddin is
the automatic choice for the post.
The
management then abruptly stopped the sale of beer, but this did not go down
well with members who said the brew had been made available to non-Muslims
since the club opened more than 60 years ago.
An
EGM was then held on March 24 where the decision was overturned, prompting
Aminuddin to resign.
The
18-hole course is owned by the state government, while the clubhouse and other
facilities belong to the members.
Anwar
said when he was elected Unesco president in Paris when in government, he did
not allow wine to be served at a ceremony.
"And
that was in Paris where sipping wine is the norm. I didn't allow it and yet I
won the presidency," he said.
According
to Anwar, during a visit to China back when he was Deputy Prime Minister, the Chinese
government did not allow alcohol to be served at events he attended.
"I
told them that they could serve alcohol at other tables and yet they did not.
"That
was the kind of respect the Chinese government had for me as they knew I was a
Muslim," he said.
Anwar
hoped non-Malays would not misunderstand Aminuddin.
"Some
people have told me that they are worried as the MB is too strict.
Full
report at:
https://www.thejakartapost.com/seasia/2019/04/03/anwar-non-muslims-right-to-drink-mbs-right-to-resign-golf-club-presidency.html
--------
Brunei
implements Islamic law: Facts about Shariah around the world
03
April 2019
HONG
KONG (AFP) - Brunei on Wednesday (April 3) introduced harsh new Shariah laws -
including death by stoning for adultery and gay sex - despite a storm of global
criticism from rights groups.
Although
most Muslim nations incorporate elements of Shariah law in their legal systems,
very few carry out the harsher punishments - known as hudud - which even Muslim
scholars disagree on.
Here
are some facts about Shariah law and how it is interpreted around the world.
WHAT
IS SHARIAH LAW?
Shariah
is a religious law forming part of the Islamic faith derived from the Quran and
the hadiths - the words or actions of the Prophet Muhammad.
The
manner of its application in modern times has been a subject of dispute between
conservative and liberal Muslims, and it remains a contested topic around the
world.
Some
aspects have been widely accepted - such as how it applies to banking - with
even Western companies introducing Islamic finance products to attract Muslim
customers.
Hudud,
which means "boundaries" in Arabic, is the punishment meted out for
sins such as adultery, rape, homosexuality, theft and murder.
Extreme
punishments are rarely carried out, as many offences must be proved by a
confession or by having been witnessed by several adult Muslim males.
COUNTRIES
WHICH FOLLOW EXTREME SHARIAH LAW INCLUDE:
Saudi
Arabia
Shariah
is the basis for all Saudi law, and until fairly recently, extreme hudud
punishments carried out in public were common.
Homosexual
acts are not only illegal but also punishable by execution - although the usual
penalty has been limited to flogging and imprisonment.
Beheadings
and amputations by sword are usually carried out on Fridays, before midday
prayers. In extreme cases, such as the rape of a child, the condemned man is
sometimes ordered to be crucified after execution.
The
law also allows for literal eye-for-an-eye punishment, known as
"qisas", in cases of personal injury.
The
family of a murder victim can pardon a condemned person - often in exchange for
blood money.
Afghanistan
Afghanistan's
Constitution is based on Islamic law but how that is interpreted has a complex
history influenced by local custom and tribal traditions.
The
Taleban followed a brutal interpretation of Shariah law during its rule from
1996-2001.
For
instance, it confined women to their homes, allowing them outside only with a
male escort and hidden beneath a burqa.
Hudud
punishments were widely practiced all over the country.
The
militants now control more territory in Afghanistan than any time since 2001,
and again are imposing their strict interpretation of Shariah, although they
have also recently indicated they could loosen some of their strictest
interpretations if they return to power.
Indonesia
Indonesia's
conservative Aceh is the only province in the world's biggest Muslim-majority
country that imposes Islamic law.
Public
flogging is common for a range of offences in the region at the tip of Sumatra
island, including gambling, drinking alcohol, adultery and having gay sex.
Despite
calls for it to end, the practice has wide support among Aceh's mostly Muslim
population.
Aceh
adopted religious law after it was granted special autonomy in 2001, an attempt
by the central government to quell a long-running separatist insurgency.
While
Indonesia has the death penalty, the government last year warned that Aceh's
plan to usher in beheading as a punishment for murder was banned under existing
national laws.
Sudan
Sudan
adopted Shariah law in 1983 but since then has implemented it randomly,
activists say.
Death
by stoning remains a judicial punishment but has not been implemented in
decades - although activists claim that hundreds of women are flogged every
year for "immoral behavior" under the criminal code.
In
recent weeks, several women protesters were sentenced to flogging for
participating in protests against President Omar al-Bashir's rule, but an
appeals court overturned the sentence.
Pakistan
In
1979, military dictator Zia ul Haq introduced the widely criticised Hudood
Ordinances, part of a sweeping Islamisation of Pakistan
Shariah
courts implementing the laws ran parallel to the mainstream British-influenced
Pakistan Penal Code, and covered adultery, false accusations in court, property
crimes and prohibition of drugs and alcohol.
Women
were not allowed to testify in the most severe cases, involving stonings or
amputations, and the laws on rape or adultery required four adult Muslim males
of good character to testify to the act.
In
2006, MPs overwhelmingly approved the Women Protection Law, voting that rape
and adultery cases should no longer be heard under the harsh religious system,
but in the mainstream courts.
Rulings
in Shariah courts can also now be appealed in the mainstream courts.
Nigeria
Some
12 of Nigeria's 36 states have extended Shariah to criminal matters and courts
can order amputations - although few have been carried out.
The
rest of Nigeria has a mixed legal system of English common and traditional law.
Qatar
Flogging
is still used in Qatar as a punishment for alcohol consumption by Muslims or
illicit sexual relations. The punishment for adultery is 100 lashes.
Adultery
is punishable by death when a Muslim woman and a non-Muslim man are involved.
The
Islamic State in Iraq and Syria
Although
not a country, under its "caliphate", declared vanquished on March
23, the Islamic State group ran its own courts and implemented its brutal
interpretation of Islam in areas it controlled in Syria and neighbouring Iraq.
Full
report at:
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/brunei-implements-islamic-law-facts-about-Shariah-around-the-world
--------
Europe
UN
chief warns against rising anti-Muslim hatred
April
2, 2019
CAIRO:
UN chief Antonio Guterres warned Tuesday against growing hatred of Muslims,
less than a month after a deadly attack on mosques in New Zealand killed at
least 50 people.
His
remarks came during a speech at Egypt’s Al-Azhar, the Sunni Muslim world’s
foremost religious institution, where he met Grand Imam Ahmed al-Tayeb.
“Around
the world, we are seeing ever-rising anti-Muslim hatred, anti-Semitism, racism
and xenophobia,” the UN secretary general said.
He
cited the March 15 New Zealand mosque attacks by a white supremacist as well as
a 2018 synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh that killed 11 people and is believed
to be the deadliest against Jews in US history.
Guterres
warned of a surge in hate speech he said was “entering the mainstream,
spreading like wildfire through social media.”
“We
see it spreading in liberal democracies and as well as in authoritarian
states.”
Guterres
is on a two-day trip to Egypt, Following his visit to Al-Azhar, he was
scheduled to meet President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
On
Sunday, he attended an Arab League summit in Tunisia. --AFP
https://www.nst.com.my/world/2019/04/475435/un-chief-warns-against-rising-anti-muslim-hatred
--------
Britain,
France, Germany seek full UN report of Iran missile activity
2
April 2019
Britain,
France and Germany are accusing Iran of developing missile technology,
following recent activities, that they said was inconsistent with a UN
resolution, and are calling for a full UN report, according to a letter
released on Tuesday.
The
European trio cited Iran’s launch of a space vehicle and the unveiling of two
new ballistic missiles in February as forming “part of trend of increased
activity inconsistent” with the resolution, according to the letter sent to UN
Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
UN
Security Council Resolution 2231 -- adopted just after the 2015 nuclear deal --
calls on Iran “not to undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles
designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons.”
Tehran
insists that its missile program is defensive and that it has no intention of
developing a nuclear capability.
The
three countries asked Guterres to “report fully and throughly on Iranian
ballistic missile activity” in his next report, which is expected in June.
The
letter from the European countries, which are signatories to the nuclear deal
along with the United States and Russia, came nearly a month after the United
States made a similar appeal to the council, saying it was time to bring back
tougher international restrictions on Tehran.
Sanctions
reimposed
President
Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the nuclear accord in May last
year and reimposed sanctions on Iran, citing concerns about missile development
among its reasons.
At
a council meeting in December, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called for
tighter restrictions on Iran to curb its missile program but Russia flatly
asserted that there was no proof that Iran’s missiles can carry a nuclear
payload.
The
European countries said the Safir space launch vehicle used for a satellite
blastoff on February 6 is based on two other missiles and uses technology
closely related to the development of long-range and intercontinental ballistic
missiles.
On
February 7, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guards unveiled the Dezful
surface-to-surface missile which they claimed had a range of 1,000 kilometers,
according to the letter sent on March 25.
During
a public display in Tehran on February 4, Iran revealed a variant of the
Khorramshahr ballistic missile that the letter said was “potentially an
intermediate-range ballistic missile.”
Full
report at:
https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2019/04/02/Britain-France-Germany-seek-full-UN-report-of-Iran-missile-activity-.html
--------
YouTube
tightens restrictions on top UK Islamophobe
Apr
2, 2019
YouTube
has further increased restrictions on the activities of the top UK Islamophobe
Tommy Robinson amid calls on the giant online video-sharing website to ban the
controversial figure for good.
YouTube
announced on Tuesday that the new restrictions included turning comments and
likes off on Robinson’s channel while making his videos undiscoverable.
The
company said a content warning will be placed on Robinson’s videos before they
play and they won’t appear as recommendations while the controversial figure
will no longer be able to use the live streaming option on the website.
It
said view counts won’t appear on any of videos on Robinson’s channel on the
website which has over 388,000 followers. The Google-owned company also
tightened the demonetizing restrictions it had imposed on Robinson in January,
making him completely unable to generate income from advertisements.
A
YouTube spokeswoman said the new measures were in response to users flagging
Robinson’s content as potentially violating rules against hate speech and
extremism.
“After
consulting with third-party experts, we are applying a tougher treatment to
Tommy Robinson’s channel in keeping with our policies on borderline content,”
said the spokeswoman while insisting that the content posted by the
Islamophobic figure were not illegal.
Robinson
has a history of criminal convictions in Britain and is banned from travelling
to the United States where he has high-profile supporters among politicians and
campaigners. He has already been banned by major social media organizations
like Facebook, Twitter and PayPal.
The
controversial figure, whose real name is Stephen Axley-Lennon, has staged
numerous anti-Muslim demonstrations across the UK over the past years while
openly condoning attacks against Muslims in the country.
Full
report at:
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2019/04/02/592438/YouTube-tightened-restrictions-Tommy-Robinson
--------
Far
right now catching up with ISIS threat in Britain
Nicky
Harley
April
2, 2019
Far-right
terrorism has risen neck and neck with the threat from Islamist extremists,
according to an assessment from Britain’s security minister.
The
number of referrals to the UK’s terrorism-prevention scheme, Prevent, now
stands at 43 per cent from the extreme right wing, compared with 45 per cent
for concerns relating to Islamist militants. Latest figures reveal the number
of referrals for far-right activity to the programme increased by more than a
third last year.
During
a hearing in London on the global terrorist threat, Ben Wallace, the security
minister, said immediate action needs to be taken to stop the rise of the far
right as the terrorists of tomorrow. Measures are in place to ensure that the
depth and scope of the threat did not reach levels such as those achieved by
groups such as ISIS and Al Qaeda.
“It’s
a case of concern,” he said. “It has not yet reached the point where they are
at the same level of determined conspiracy or cultural religious depth that we
have seen in the Islamist [militants].
“But
individuals are starting to pose a significant danger and that is why Prevent
is very important to head them off.
“If
I go back to the early 2000s where the Al Muhajiroun network and Anjem Choudary
were fomenting and recruiting, before these people were crystallised into ISIS
fighters and volunteers, that is where we are seeing the far right.
“It
is a bubbling group of extremists and we need to get in there using Prevent,
using diversion to prevent them becoming tomorrow’s terrorist groups.”
Sarah
Kay
@K_interarma
Interesting.
Ben Wallace, the security minister, has launched a counter terrorism platform
for an interdisciplinary audience, specifically targeting the private sector
for a greater integration into counter terrorism policing
https://www.counterterrorism.police.uk/online-hub-for-counter-terrorism-advice/
…
1:31
PM - Mar 22, 2019
Twitter
Ads info and privacy
New
Counter-Terrorism Information Sharing Platform
An
interactive online sharing platform which provides expert counter-terrorism
security advice to businesses and public sector is given the go ahead.
counterterrorism.police.uk
See
Sarah Kay's other Tweets
He
said that the far right was becoming a “global community” similar to ISIS and
had recently become “better organised and have better momentum” and has
attributed the change to there not being “the international borders there used
to be”.
“There
have always been, as we know, neo-Nazis at large, but it is a recent phenomenon
that they are more capable and more organised and able to live in a global
community," he added.
Security
officials have discovered the groups are using the ISIS social media model and
its terrorism manuals on how to build bombs.
The
assessment comes after the atrocity in Christchurch last month where 50 people
were killed and dozens injured in shootings in two mosques.
Australian-born
self-proclaimed white supremacist Brenton Tarrant has been charged over the
terrorist attacks.
The
UK’s anti-radicalisation Prevent scheme has previously being criticised for
unfairly targeting Muslim communities.
It
was also lambasted for missing opportunities that could have helped prevent
atrocities in the UK, including the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing when concerns
about the attacker were not acted upon.
The
scheme aims to identify vulnerable people and intervene at the earliest
opportunity, Mr Wallace believes the programme is key in tackling the far-right
threat.
At
the security hearing, government ministers repeated calls for financial
sanctions on social media giants to force platforms to immediately remove
terrorist propaganda.
Those
calls follow the live-streaming of the New Zealand shootings on Facebook.
It
revealed 4,000 referrals a month are made on inappropriate posts but claim the
companies are not passing on the reports to the authorities.
The
major issues of how the UK will deal with returning foreign fighters came up at
the hearing. Officials said only 40 of the 400 British ISIS fighters who
returned to the UK have been prosecuted.
Full
report at:
https://www.thenational.ae/world/europe/far-right-now-catching-up-with-isis-threat-in-britain-1.844387
--------
Arab World
Over
200 Children Killed in US-Backed SDF's Camp in Hasaka
Apr
02, 2019
The
London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported on Tuesday
that 13 children have recently been killed in al-Houl due to the lack of food,
medicine and hygiene possibilities.
It
added that the number of children killed in the camp since last December has
increased to 207.
The
SOHR had also reported on Wednesday that over 27 children were killed in the
camp in a week for the severe lack of hygiene, drugs and food.
It
added that 71,000 people are residing in the camp.
Meantime,
field sources reported that civilians in the camp have held protest rallies
against the SDF for hard living conditions in al-Houl, adding that the
US-backed forces fired at the protestors.
The
World Health Organization (WHO) announced earlier this month that 73 Syrian
refugees had died in al-Houl camp in the past few months, adding that two third
of them are children.
It
said about 23,000 people, mainly women and children fleeing hostilities in
rural areas of neighboring Deir Ezzur, had reached the camp over that period.
Displaced
Syrian people sheltering in al-Houl camp earlier staged massive rallies over
the death of tens of children.
Field
sources from Hasaka province reported that the rallies were held to protest at
SDF's incapability to supply the needs of the displaced community sheltered in
the camp.
The
camp population is suffering lack of basic needs and commodities, hygiene and
cold, the locals said.
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13980113000424
--------
'Khashoggi
Children Receive Luxury Homes, Monthly Payments From Riyadh'
Apr
2, 2019
Six
months into the state-sponsored murder of dissident Saudi journalist Jamal
Khashoggi, a new report reveals that his four children have received
multi-million dollar homes and are being paid thousands of dollars a month by
the kingdom in an apparent attempt to hush up the gruesome assassination.
The
Washington Post, for which Khashoggi had been a columnist, reported on Monday
that the payments to the slain Saudi critic’s two sons and two daughters were
meant for them to “show restraint” in public statements about the murder, which
is reported to have been ordered by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The
payments “are part of an effort by Saudi Arabia to reach a long-term
arrangement with Khashoggi family members, aimed in part at ensuring that they
continue to show restraint in their public statements,” the report said.
It
also noted that Khashoggi’s children each received houses in the port city of
Jeddah worth up to $4 million.
In
addition, the children are getting $10,000 or more per month and may also
receive larger payments that could amount to tens of millions of dollars each,
the report added.
One
source told The Washington Post that King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud approved
the payments to Khashoggi’s family late last year in a bid to acknowledge that
“a big injustice has been done” and “to make a wrong right.”
Khashoggi
— a late but vocal critic of bin Salman— was killed and his body was
dismembered by a Saudi hit squad after being lured into the kingdom’s consulate
in Istanbul, Turkey, on October 2, 2018.
His
fate was unknown for several weeks, until Saudi Arabia confirmed under rising
international pressure that he had been murdered at the diplomatic mission.
Riyadh,
however, has attempted to shift the blame to bin Salman’s underlings and away
from the prince himself. It has not produced Khashoggi’s body to this day.
The
administration of US President Donald Trump has sided with the Saudi regime in
the scandal, despite a conclusion by the CIA that Prince Mohammed personally
ordered the murder — a development first reported by The Washington Post.
In
an opinion piece published on Monday, the newspaper said Trump has so far done
nothing to hold those responsible for the killing accountable.
The
US president, the article read, has shied away from criticizing bin Salman and
taking any action against the kingdom other than placing sanctions on the 17
individuals implicated in the murder.
“In
this impotent response, Trump isn’t just violating the law. He is also
undermining the credibility and moral authority of the United States,” it said.
“Another six months cannot pass without accountability for this abhorrent
crime. Justice for an innocent journalist — and America’s most crucial
interests — require nothing less.”
Bin
Salman and the coordinator of the murder operation, Saud al-Qahtani, have
enjoyed freedom from repercussions, according to the article.
Full
report at:
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2019/04/02/592391/Saudi-Arabia-Jamal-Khashoggi
--------
SDF
Launches Forced Recruitment in Eastern Syria
Apr
02, 2019
Media
activists in Eastern Syria reported on Tuesday that the SDF has arrested over
500 young civilians in Hasaka city and the nearby areas in the past two days.
They
added that the so-called Asayesh forces affiliated to the SDF want to evacuate
important bordering areas with Turkey, including Tal Abyadh, Ain Issa and
Salouk in Raqqa province, Ra'as al-Ain and al-Darbasiyeh in Hasaka province
from civilians for the fear of the Turkish army's attacks.
Also,
the SDF has dispatched fresh forces and new military equipment to Tal Abyadh to
dig tunnels and strengthen the bordering areas with Raqqa.
Meantime,
commander the so-called 'National Army' affiliated to Turkey in Northern Aleppo
Mostafa Seijari, underlined the immediate start of military operations against
the Kurds in Eastern Euphrates, adding that they are waiting for the final
order.
Also,
the Turkish defense minister had earlier declared formation of a joint
operations room at the borders with Turkey to confront the US-backed SDF
fighters.
Field
sources in Hasaka had also reported on Monday that the SDF had detained a
number of civilians in different districts of Hasaka city, including Tal Hajar,
Qawiran, al-Aziziyeh and al-Salehiyeh, with the aim of recruiting more
fighters.
Also,
media reports said that the SDF had stopped a humanitarian aid convoy sent by
the Syrian government from entering Hasaka.
The
Arabic-language al-Watan Online reported on Monday that the SDF had stopped a
convoy of the Syrian Red Crescent and Red Cross societies sent to the flooded
people in the villages of Tal Hamis and Tal Borak in Northern Hasaka from
entering the region, forcing them to return to Qamishli.
Full
report at:
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13980113000344
--------
Syrian
Army Launches Air, Ground Attacks on ISIL Strongholds Near Palmyra
Apr
02, 2019
The
Syrian army troops engaged in heavy clashes with the ISIL terrorists in
al-Halbeh region in the Eastern Badiyeh of Palmyra on Tuesday, inflicting tolls
on them.
Meantime,
the artillery units of the Syrian army targeted the positions and moves of the
terrorists near battlefields, destroying several of their hideouts.
The
Syrian air force also launched airstrikes on ISIL movements near the road
linking Hamimeh region and T2 station at the common borders of Homs and Deir
Ezzur provinces and areas near Awiraz dam in the Eastern Badiyeh of Palmyra,
leaving heavy tolls and damages on the militants.
The
Syrian army had last week strengthened its positions in Badiyeh region of Homs
province in line with preparations for an operation to purge the remaining ISIL
terrorists from the region.
Field
sources reported last Friday that the Syrian army has sent a large military
convoy, consisting of hundreds of forces and military equipment, to its bases
on Deir Ezzur-al-Sukhna road in the Eastern Badiyeh of Homs.
They
added that the military convoy has been dispatched to the region after the ISIL
terrorists' offensives against the military points in Badiyeh, noting that the
Syrian army intends to fully cleanse the region from the remnants of the
terrorists.
Full
report at:
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13980113000269
--------
US
Sends New Military Equipment to SDF in Eastern Syria
Apr
02, 2019
The
London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported on Monday that
the US-led coalition has sent new military convoys, including tens of trucks
carrying military aid and logistic equipment, from Iraqi Kurdistan region to
the areas occupied by the SDF in Eastern Euphrates.
It
added that nearly 400 trucks, carrying vehicles and military and logistic
equipment of the US-led coalition have arrived from Iraq in Hasaka bases and
Kharab Ashk in Kobani in Northern Aleppo in the past two weeks.
Last
month, Washington-backed Kurdish fighters in Syria declared their final victory
over the ISIL terrorist group, ending bloody battle against the group that once
held territory spanning a third of Syria and Iraq.
The
US Defense Department also announced that the Islamic State no longer holds any
territory in Syria, according to former White House Spokeswoman Sarah Sanders.
In
December 2018, US President Donald Trump declared the ISIL terrorist group
defeated in Syria and announced American troop pullout from the country but
gave no timeline. The surprise announcement resulted in the resignation of
Secretary of Defense James Mattis, US anti-IS coalition envoy Brett McGurk and
Pentagon Chief of staff Rear Admiral Kevin Sweeney who disapproved of the
American president's decision.
But
last month, the American leader confirmed that 400 US soldiers will remain in
the war-torn country indefinitely. Notably, Trump did not give any credit to the
Syrian Army, Russia and other allies for reducing the self-styled caliphate to
its current miserable state.
Notably,
the US troops have been operating in Syria as part of an international
coalition for about five years without the permission of Syrian authorities or
the UN Security Council. The United States has, in particular, supported the
Kurdish-led militia controlling the territories to the East of the Euphrates
and opposing the Syrian government.
Full
report at:
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13980113000174
--------
Egypt
sentences dozens to prison on terror charges
2
April 2019
Egypt
has sentenced more than 70 suspected members of the Muslim Brotherhood group to
prison on terror-related charges.
The
Ismailia criminal court on Tuesday sentenced nine of the defendants to 15 years
in prison and 43 others to 10 years. Another 22 were sentenced to three to
seven years, and 14 were acquitted. Nearly half of the defendants were tried in
absentia.
The
defendants were accused of burning police vehicles and attacking a coffee shop.
The violence came in response to the dispersal of two pro-Muslim Brotherhood
mass sit-ins in Cairo in 2013.
https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2019/04/02/Egypt-sentences-dozens-to-prison-on-terror-charges.html
--------
Top
cleric Sheikh Qassim censures Bahrain’s plan to host Israeli delegation
Apr
3, 2019
Bahrain’s
top Shia cleric Sheikh Isa Qassim has denounced the Manama regime for a plan to
host an Israeli delegation later this month, describing it as a step on the
path to “humiliation and capitulation” to the foremost enemy of the Muslim
world.
“Hosting
and greeting the Zionists at the Global Entrepreneurship Congress, which is to
be held in Bahrain, is a bold step on a dishonorable path; that of humiliation,
capitulation and shamelessness,” Sheikh Qassim said in a statement carried by
Arabic-language Lua Lua TV network on Tuesday.
Four
Israelis are expected to speak at the three-day event due in Manama on April
15-18.
The
top cleric said the Israeli regime tops the list of the Muslim world’s enemies.
He added that Manama’s plan to take the Israelis was in line with its attempts
to compromise and normalize ties with the enemy, with which Bahrain – like most
other Arab countries -- has no open diplomatic contacts.
This
is a clear sign of the Manama regime’s disregard for Islam and the will of the
nation, said Sheikh Qassim, the spiritual leader of Bahrain’s dissolved
opposition bloc the al-Wefaq National Islamic Society, who had his citizenship
revoked in 2016 as part of the Al Khalifah regime’s suppression campaign
against dissidents.
“It
is an open confrontation with our nation and a fierce battle against our
existence,” he added.
Sheikh
Qassim further warned that any compromise with the enemy would “pave the way
for it to advance its conspiracies within the ranks of the Bahraini nation,”
and lead to “a very catastrophic outcome for the nation and its unity.”
The
planned visit has triggered a backlash among Bahraini lawmakers, who have
stressed their support for the Palestinian cause and voiced their opposition to
the hosting of Israel's represenatives in their country.
Israel
has full diplomatic ties with only two Arab states, Egypt and Jordan, but
latest reports suggest the regime is working behind the scenes to establish
formal contacts with Saudi Arabia and its allies, one of them being Bahrain.
Last
year, there were reports suggesting that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu might visit Bahrain. Bahraini Foreign Minister Khalid bin Ahmed Al
Khalifa denied an imminent visit by Netanyahu but said he would not hesitate to
announce it if one was planned.
Inside
Bahrain, however, the public opinion is largely against Manama’s potential
normalization of ties with Israel, which is viewed as a blow to the Palestinian
struggle against occupation.
Reports
of Manama’s overtures to the regime in Tel Aviv have sparked many protests
across the kingdom over the past years.
Israel
and several Arab states have had secret contacts for years, but the two sides
have stepped up their attempts to bring their clandestine relations out into
the open.
In
February, a US-organized summit in the Polish capital of Warsaw brought
together Netanyahu and representatives from a number of Arab states, including
Bahrain, Oman, Morocco, Saudi Arabic, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan,
Egypt, Tunisia and Kuwait, among other participants.
Full
report at:
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2019/04/03/592460/Bahrain-Israel-Isa-Qassim
--------
India
UAE
deports Jaish terrorist Nisar Tantray wanted for 2017 CRPF camp attack in
Kashmir: NIA
Apr
03, 2019
Nisar
Ahmed Tantray, the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist accused of being a key
conspirator in the 2017 attack on the Pulwama Lethpora CRPF camp, has been
deported by the United Arab Emirates, an official of the National Investigation
Agency said. Nisar Tantray had been detained by the UAE authorities at New
Delhi’s request and deported to national capital Delhi on 31 March. He had
escaped to the UAE just a few weeks earlier.
Five
CRPF personnel were killed after JeM militants attacked the camp in Pulwama
district’s Lethpora in December 2017. The NIA had previously arrested an
operative of the terror group in February for providing logistical support in
the attack.
Tantray’s
deportation is seen as another example of deepening security cooperation with
West Asia countries over the last few years, particularly Saudi Arabia and UAE.
The
NIA official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Nisar Ahmed Tantray was
flown in on a special aircraft from Dubai on Sunday and arrested by the NIA at
the Delhi airport.
Nisar
had been on the run after the December 2017 attack when three heavily-armed
hurled grenades and entered the 185th battalion camp of the CRPF in Lethpora at
around 2am. The NIA official said that a warrant for Nisar’s arrest was issued
for having acted as one of the conspirators in the Lethpora attack.
An
official of the home ministry said that Nisar fled to the UAE on February 1.
Intelligence
agencies recently zeroed in on his location following which the Indian
government pursued the matter with UAE authorities for his deportation amid a
crackdown on JeM in India, the home ministry official said, requesting not to
be named.
Nisar
Tantray is brother of Noor Mohammed Tantray, the most brutal of Jaish
commanders. He was just a little over 3 feet tall but was a deadly terror
planner. Noor Mohammed Tantray was also reported to have played a key role to
draw the young into the group.
Noor
Mohammed, who was famously reported to have been referred to as a “merchant of
death” by a Delhi court, had been killed a few days before the 2017 CRPF camp
attack. His killing is treated as a major success for the security
establishment in light of his attempts to revive the Pakistan-based outfit.
According
to reports, Mudasir Ahmed Khan, alias ‘Mohd Bhai’, the 23-year-old electrician
who arranged the vehicle and explosives used in the suicide bombing that killed
40 CRPF jawans in Pulwama this February had also been recruited by Noor
Mohammed.
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nisar-tantray-jem-terrorist-wanted-for-2017-lethpora-attack-arrested-by-nia/story-Ti4oJbrDuZTmKlTg9aDK9L.html
--------
India
asks Pakistan to free 400 prisoners, seeks access to Kulbhushan Jadhav
Apr
02, 2019
Rezaul
H Laskar
India
on Tuesday called on Pakistan to release and repatriate 400 Indian prisoners,
including some who were still in jail despite having completed their sentences
nearly four to five years ago, people familiar with developments said.
New
Delhi also sought consular access to five civilian prisoners, including former
naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav, whom its officials have been unable to meet
despite repeated requests, the people said. Jadhav was sentenced to death by a
Pakistani military court after being arrested on charges of spying and
subversive activities in 2016.
The
demand for the release of 385 fishermen and 15 other prisoners and consular
access to five prisoners was made through a note verbale – an unsigned
diplomatic correspondence – sent to the Pakistan high commission in New Delhi,
the people said.
They
added India had expressed “deep concern” over its long-pending request for the
release and repatriation of prisoners and fishermen with their boats,
especially those who had completed their sentences and whose nationality had
been confirmed.
India
sought the “immediate release” of 10 civilian prisoners who had completed their
sentences, including two who had served their terms by 2014 and 2015. It also
called for urgent steps to repatriate 385 fishermen whose nationality had been
confirmed and who were still in jail despite serving their sentences.
Another
five prisoners had been confirmed as Indian nationals and India sought their
“early release and repatriation”.
Full
report at:
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-asks-pakistan-to-free-400-prisoners-seeks-access-to-kulbhushan-jadhav/story-9hPFxWZ1JPpiYpiUSl6pyI.html
--------
FATF
could blacklist Pak due to ‘lobbying by India’: Qureshi
Apr
02, 2019
Imtiaz
Ahmad
Pakistan
could be blacklisted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) due to “lobbying
by India”, foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said at a press conference in
Lahore on Monday.
Qureshi
said he estimated that the country could suffer $10 billion loss annually if it
remains on the watchdog’s grey list.
“The
Foreign Office is calculating the annual loss if Pakistan is pushed in the
black-list by the FATF as India is lobbying for this,” foreign minister Qureshi
told reporters at the Governor’s House in Lahore.
In
June last year, the Paris-based FATF had placed Pakistan on the grey list of
countries whose domestic laws are considered weak to tackle the challenges of
money laundering and terrorism financing. The FATF has asked Pakistan to
reassess the operation of banned terrorist outfits in the country. Ahead of the
team’s visit, Pakistan wrote to FATF president Marshall Billingslea to appoint
other member as co-chair of the Asia-Pacific’s Joint Group, in place of India,
to ensure that the FATF review process is fair, unbiased and objective.
A
group of experts from the FATF recently visited Pakistan to review whether
Islamabad has made enough progress on global standards against financial crimes
to warrant its exclusion from the watchdog’s grey list.
During
its three-day visit to Islamabad in the last week of March, a delegation of the
Asia-Pacific Group (APG) on money laundering, a regional affiliate of the FATF,
expressed serious reservations over insufficient physical actions on ground
against banned groups to block flow of funds and activities.
The
FATF noted that Pakistan had revised its terror financing risk assessment but
did not demonstrate a proper understanding of the risks posed by the Islamic
State group, Al-Qaeda, Jamaat-ud-Dawah , Falah-i-Insania , Lashkar-e-Taiba,
JeM, Haqqani Network and persons affiliated with the Taliban.
To
a question on the suspension of dialogue on the Kartarpur corridor for Sikh
pilgrims from India to visit his country, Qureshi said: “Pakistan went to India
for a meeting on Kartarpur despite the escalation [of tensions] on borders, but
India hesitated for a second meeting scheduled for April 2. I ask India to
bring its apprehensions on the table for review by Pakistan but avoid
cancelling meetings.”
Full
report at:
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/fatf-could-blacklist-pak-due-to-lobbying-by-india-qureshi/story-VZhnVlFQPc0fCTemddqcsJ.html
--------
Pope's
UAE trip inspires India's religions to plot peace
April
2, 2019
Muslims
and Christians in India are working to popularize a document on human fraternity
released during Pope Francis' historic visit to the United Arab Emirates in
February.
The
"Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together"
focuses on religious tolerance, cross-faith dialogue and world peace, and it
transcends all faiths, Delhi Minority Commission chair Zafarul-Islam Khan said
at a conference in the Indian capital on March 29.
"It
talks about brotherhood, love, peace, women's and children's rights, and the
futility of war and terrorism. [It contains] words of wisdom from the highest
level," he said. However, "very few people know about it, so we want
to give it more publicity." The Jesuit-run Islamic Studies Association
joined New Delhi's Minorities Commission in consulting on the paper penned by
Vatican and Muslim scholars.
The
Jesuit organization works to build Christian-Muslim relations in South Asia,
while the state commissions are tasked with caring for the interests of these
and other religious minorities.
Pope
Francis and Ahmed el-Tayeb, the grand imam of Al-Azhar, signed the document at
an interfaith meeting in Abu Dhabi on Feb. 4 which was also attended by 500
religious leaders, scholars and diplomats.
Akhtarul
Wasey, an Islamic scholar and vice chancellor of Maulana Azad University in
Jodhpur, said it has come at a time when people are talking about a "clash
of civilizations."
But
the paper "negates such thinking and pronounces something positive,"
he said.
The
Islamic scholar said that despite theological disagreements, Christians and
Muslims have much in common.
"Religious
and theological differences are not inter-religious but intra-religious and a
reflection of internal democracy. This should not be construed as a
weakness," Wasey said.
"If
religious pluralism exists, then it is God's will. Our work is to propagate the
truth. Prophets were sent to communicate, not convert."
Father
Poulose Mangai from the Jesuit-run Vidyajyoti College of Theology in Delhi said
the Catholic Church only started opening up to other religions after the Second
Vatican Council.
Pope
Francis' visit to Gulf, the first of its kind by any pope, also coincided with
the 800th anniversary of another historic meeting between St. Francis of Assisi
and Sultan al-Malik al Kamil of Egypt.
That
is credited with paving the way for improved Muslim-Christian relations despite
the bitter memories of the Crusades.
"The
world's religions should serve as warnings to humanity to act against injustice
and never be resigned to the tragedies of the world," Wasey said.
A
minute's silence was observed before the start of the conference in memory of
those slain in the twin terror attack on mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand,
on March 15.
"There
is no alternative. We either build the future together or there will be no
future," Father Mangai, editor of the Vidyajyoti Journal of Theological
Reflections, quoted Pope Francis as saying.
Jesuit
Father Victor Edwin said the pontiff had lit the way by communicating so openly
with other religions.
"This
document gives us an alternative vision, a vision that looks to peace and
reconciliation, which is deeply rooted in religion, deeply rooted in
humanity," said the Jesuit, who has run the Islamic Studies Association
since 1979.
He
warned that "unauthentic, politicized religions" were spreading
hatred and violence.
Basit
Jamal, who popularizes Islamic values via parables told at schools, said the
Quran exhorts Muslims to pursue good relations with those who do not fight or
persecute Muslims.
Full
report at:
https://www.ucanews.com/news/popes-uae-trip-inspires-indias-religions-to-plot-peace/84871
--------
South Asia
Afghan
Special Forces kill 37 militants during their latest counter-terrorism
operations
02
Apr 2019
At
least 37 militants have been killed during the operations of the Afghan Special
Forces which were conducted during the recent days in Faryab, Farah, Paktiya,
and Paktiak provinces.
Informed
military sources said Tuesday that the Afghan Special Forces conducted a raid
in Qaisar district of Faryab province during which 5 Taliban fighters were
killed and 5 others were detained.
The
sources further added that the 207th Corps conducted a multi-day operation
killing 22 Taliban fighters, wounding 23 and destroying 36 IEDs in western
Farah province.
The
Afghan Special Forces conducted an operation in Paktiya province killing 4
Taliban fighters, the sources said, adding that 6 militants were killed during
a similar operation in Paktika province.
The
anti-government armed militants including Taliban have not commented regarding
the operations so far.
https://www.khaama.com/afghan-special-forces-kill-37-militants-during-their-latest-counter-terrorism-operations-03630/
--------
13
ISIS-K militants killed, 55 Taliban fighters surrender in Kunar province: Silab
Corps
03
Apr 2019
At
least 13 ISIS Khurasan militants were killed and 55 Taliban fighters have
surrendered during the ongoing operations in eastern Kunar province, the Afghan
military said Tuesday.
The
201st Silab Corps of the Afghan Military in the East said counter-terrorism
operations are underway in eastern Kunar province to suppress the enemies.
According
to a statement released by 201st Silab Corps, the operations were launched
three days ago and at least 13 ISIS Khurasan militants were killed and 55
Taliban renounced and joined peace process after surrendering to armed forces.
The
statement further added that the ground forces are also being supported by the
air forces and artillery units of the military.
The
anti-government armed militants including Taliban and ISIS loyalists have not
commented regarding the operations so far.
Full
report at:
https://www.khaama.com/13-isis-k-militants-killed-55-taliban-fighters-surrender-in-kunar-province-silab-corps-03632/
--------
Bangladesh
should stop expelling Rohingya students: HRW
SM
Najmus Sakib
02.04.2019
A
U.S.-based rights group asked Tuesday the Bangladeshi government to terminate
the expulsion of Rohingya refugee students from schools.
The
Bangladeshi government has expelled scores of Rohingya refugee children from
schools in southeast Bangladesh since late January 2019, Human Rights Watch
said in a statement.
The
country’s officials have ordered secondary schools near the refugee settlements
in the Cox’s Bazar district to dismiss Rohingya students, who lack Bangladeshi
citizenship, the HRW said adding that Bangladesh should ensure formal education
for all children.
“The
Bangladeshi government’s policy of tracking down and expelling Rohingya refugee
students instead of ensuring their right to education is misguided, tragic, and
unlawful,” said Bill Van Esveld, senior children’s rights researcher at Human
Rights Watch.
“Education
is a basic human right. The solution to children feeling compelled to falsify
their identities to go to secondary school isn’t to expel them but to let them
get the education they deserve,” Esveld added.
The
HRW said it interviewed 13 Rohingya refugee students, all of whom said that
school authorities read out a government-issued notice ordering their
expulsion.
“As
long as Rohingya refugee children aren’t able to obtain a formal education in
the camps, Bangladesh should allow them to enroll in local schools,” Van Esveld
said. “The government should stop thwarting Rohingya students’ right to learn.”
Responding
to the statement, Md Abul Kalam, head of the state-run Refugee Relief and
Repatriation Commission (RRRC) said: “We have an informal education opportunity
for the Rohingya people, but there is a restriction for them to take formal
education as they don’t have Bangladeshi citizenship.”
A
persecuted people
The
Rohingya, described by the UN as the world's most persecuted people, have faced
heightened fears of attack since dozens were killed in communal violence in
2012.
According
to Amnesty International, more than 750,000 Rohingya refugees, mostly women and
children, have fled Myanmar and crossed into Bangladesh after Myanmar forces
launched a crackdown on the minority Muslim community in August 2017.
Since
Aug. 25, 2017, nearly 24,000 Rohingya Muslims have been killed by Myanmar’s
state forces, according to a report by the Ontario International Development
Agency (OIDA).
More
than 34,000 Rohingya were also thrown into fires, while over 114,000 others
were beaten, said the report, titled "Forced Migration of Rohingya: The
Untold Experience."
Some
18,000 Rohingya women and girls were raped by Myanmar’s army and police and
over 115,000 Rohingya homes were burned down and 113,000 others vandalized, it
added.
The
UN has also documented mass gang rapes, killings -- including of infants and
young children -- and brutal beatings and disappearances committed by Myanmar
state forces.
Full
report at:
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/bangladesh-should-stop-expelling-rohingya-students-hrw/1440690
--------
Trump
calls ongoing war in Afghanistan as ‘unfortunate and ridiculous’
03
Apr 2019
The
U.S. President Donald Trump has called the ongoing war in Afghanistan as
‘unfortunate and ridiculous’ while informing that the U.S. and its allies have
made great strides to resolve the crisis in the country.
President
Trump made the remarks during a meeting with the NATO Secretary General Jens
Stoltenberg in Washington, the White House said in a statement.
“I
think we’ve made a lot of great strides recently in Afghanistan. It’s — we call it the “endless war.” Nineteen years. The real number is 19 years. It’s unfortunate. It’s ridiculous. And it’s been a very interesting period of
time,” Trump was quoted as saying in the statement.
However,
he said “But we’ve made a lot of strides.
A lot of things are happening in Afghanistan that are very
positive. So we’ll see how that all
comes out. And I appreciate your help.”
Full
report at:
https://www.khaama.com/trump-calls-ongoing-war-in-afghanistan-as-unfortunate-and-ridiculous-03631/
--------
Africa
Islamic
State-backed Boko Haram faction publishes 'execution' video
APR
3, 2019
KANO,
NIGERIA - Boko Haram’s Islamic State-backed faction has claimed to have
executed five Nigerian soldiers but security sources told AFP on Tuesday three
of those killed were civilian militia members.
The
Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) video, dated April 1 and said to
have been filmed in Borno state, northeast Nigeria, was published online by the
IS propaganda arm Aamaq.
It
showed two men in military fatigues and three in red-orange jumpsuits
reminiscent of those worn by IS hostages in Syria and Iraq. All five are shot
in the head at point-blank range.
Nigerian
Army spokesman Sagir Musa said only that he had seen the video. But three
senior security sources said at least three of the five were not soldiers.
“We
have identified three of them as CJTF (Civilian Joint Taskforce) who were held
by ISWAP in Baga in December,” said one of the sources on condition of
anonymity.
The
CJTF assists the military with security. ISWAP attacked military bases in and
around Baga, on the shores of Lake Chad, in northern Borno, in December last
year.
The
sources said the militia members were trying to flee with civilians when they
were detained. All three had been presumed dead.
“The
first three from the right are known to us by name. … We are still working to
establish the identity of the other two,” said one source.
“What
is surprising is that one of them in military uniform was arrested in his
civilian clothing and now he was given some military uniform to make him look
like a soldier.”
The
video comes as Nigerian and regional forces have intensified their activities
against ISWAP in northern Borno, particularly around the towns of Monguno and
Marte.
The
Nigerian Army and the Multinational Joint Taskforce (MNJFT) comprising troops
from Nigeria, Benin, Cameroon, Chad and Niger both claim to have inflicted
heavy losses.
The
video will fuel speculation about the direction of ISWAP, which has claimed or
been blamed for a spate of attacks against military bases since July last year.
There
is also wider concern about an increase in jihadi activity in the wider Sahel
region, particularly in Burkina Faso, after IS’s Middle East “caliphate” was
declared defeated.
ISWAP
under Abu Mus’ab Al-Barnawi broke away from the group led by Abubakar Shekau in
mid-2016 in opposition to his indiscriminate targeting of civilians.
Well-informed
sources told AFP last month Al-Barnawi had been ousted, some six months after
his deputy, Mamman Nur, was killed by more hard-line fighters.
They
had been angry at Nur’s more moderate approach and back-channel talks with the
government, which is seeking an end to the conflict after nearly 10 years and
27,000 deaths.
He
was also accused of pocketing a putative ransom payment for the release of more
than 100 schoolgirls abducted from a school in Yobe state in February last
year.
ISWAP
previously published a video online showing the execution of an aid worker
kidnapped in a raid in the Borno town of Rann last year.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/04/03/world/islamic-state-backed-boko-haram-faction-publishes-execution-video/#.XKSERfczazc
--------
Libya’s
Haftar anticipates ‘unity’ gov’t within month
Jihad
Nasr
02.04.2019
TRIPOLI
Libyan
military commander Khalifa Haftar has reportedly hinted that a “unity
government” could be drawn up “within weeks or a month”.
According
to a source close to the military commander, Haftar made the assertion on
Saturday while addressing young people in the eastern city of Benghazi.
Haftar,
the source added, had attributed the phenomenon to “the failure of Libyan
leaders to provide the country’s young people with adequate employment
opportunities”.
Officials
from Libya’s Tripoli-based government have yet to comment on Haftar’s reported
remarks.
Late
last month, however, Ghassan Salameh, the UN’s envoy to Libya, said a
UN-sponsored National Conference would be held on April 14 in Libya’s
northwestern town of Ghadames.
Libya
has been beset by turmoil since 2011, when a bloody NATO-backed uprising led to
the ouster and death of President Muammar Gaddafi after more than four decades
in power.
Full
report at:
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/libya-s-haftar-anticipates-unity-gov-t-within-month/1440534
--------
Somalia
army foils 'major terror attack' on Mogadishu
03.04.2019
MOGADISHU,
Somalia - Somalia’s military says special forces foiled a “major terrorist
attack” aimed at Mogadishu during an offensive against the Somali-based
terrorist group al-Shabab, Garowe Online reports.
The
country's Ministry of Information said Tuesday the Somali National Army [SNA]
forces have seized a tanker truck loaded with explosives in Sabiid village of
Lower Shabelle region on Monday, April 1, 2019.
It
added the extremist group was plotting to carry out a wide-scale terrorist
attack in Somalia, but, the government forces 'thwarted' and arrested a number
of militants following the liberation of the area.
Sabiid
lies about 40 kilometres [25 miles] southwest of the capital, Mogadishu. The
foiled attack was described as "the largest bombs" ever made by the
Al-Qaeda-affiliated Al-Shabaab group in history.
Al-Shabaab
is blamed for Somalia's deadliest attack, a massive truck bomb in Mogadishu on
14th October 2017 that killed over 500 people and injured hundreds.
The
group frequently stages attacks in the capital in an attempt to topple the
government and expel 22,000 African Union [AU] soldiers protecting it.
Meanwhile,
the ministry announced that SNA forces seized control of Baladul Amiin, after
flushing out the militants from Omar Berre, Sabid and Anole villages, all
located in Lower Shabelle region.
The
latest raid comes amid an increase of Al-Shabaab car bombings and
assassinations in the capital.
The
AU envoy for Somalia and AMISOM head, Francisco Madeira welcomed the capture of
Sabiid, saying the control of such strategic areas will deny the enemy freedom
to continue to terrorize Somali people.
This
is the first military gains against Al-Shabaab made by the UN-backed weak
Somali government based in Mogadishu since president Farmajo came to power in
February 2017.
Full
report at:
https://www.garoweonline.com/en/news/somalia/somalia-army-foils-major-terror-attack-on-mogadishu
--------
Nigeria
arrests 2 cops after killing of youth
Rafiu
Ajakaye
02.04.2019
Nigerian
police on Tuesday said two cops, who allegedly shot dead a youth in the
commercial capital Lagos on Sunday, have been arrested.
Inspector
Ogunyemi Olalekan and Sergeant Godwin Orji, both attached to the police
Anti-Cultism Squad, have been arrested and may be prosecuted after a probe into
the incident, according to a statement by Lagos police spokesman Bala Elkanah.
Johnson
had died from a “stray” bullet fired by the squad as he was heading to watch a
football match in his neighborhood on Sunday evening, witnesses and family
members said.
The
death -- coming on the heels of accusations of extrajudicial killings and
torture against police special squads -- has sparked a fresh nationwide outrage
and deafening calls for the special crimes’ squads to be scrapped.
The
police insisted the issue would be thoroughly investigated.
“[The
cops] will be subjected to internal disciplinary procedures, and may be
prosecuted in conventional court if implicated by ongoing investigation,”
Elkanah said.
Full
report at:
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/nigeria-arrests-2-cops-after-killing-of-youth/1440642
--------
URL: http://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/new-age-islam-news-bureau/bad-time-to-nuclearise-saudis--us-senators-warn-trump/d/118216
New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African
Muslim News, Arab
World News, South
Asia News, Indian
Muslim News, World
Muslim News, Women
in Islam, Islamic
Feminism, Arab
Women, Women
In Arab, Islamophobia
in America, Muslim
Women in West, Islam
Women and Feminism