5-Year Islam Practice To Create A Waqf Clause Put On Hold: Supreme Court Imposes Partial Stay On Waqf Act
New Age Islam News Bureau
15 September 2025
· 5-Year Islam Practice To Create A Waqf Clause Put On Hold: Supreme Court Imposes Partial Stay On Waqf Act
· Democrat Judge In America's 'Muslim Capital' Bans Gay Pride Flags After Islamic Outrage
· Qatar PM Urges World To ‘Stop Using Double Standards’ And Punish Israel
· Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh Wants Constitutional Order For The July Charter To Be Implemented
· Fiji Muslim League Urged To Support Overseas Muslim Inmates In Fiji Prisons
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India
· BJP Leader's Order Against Muslim Salesmen At Indore Market Stirs Up Row; Says It Was To Curb "Love Jihad"
· No Handshake Row: Pakistan Protests With ACC; Who Is Behind India’s Decision?
· Protest Over Social Media Posts Targeting Prophet Muhammad, Quran In UP: FIR Against 200 After Violence
· Waqf Order: BJP Hails, Muslim Bodies Reiterate Demand For Complete Stay
· Ahead Of Bihar Polls, AIMIM Knocks On The Door Of A Reluctant INDIA
· Assam: Muslim Man, Arrested In May Crackdown On ‘Foreigners’, Dies In Detention
· Why Would Anyone Convert If Hinduism Had Equality: Siddaramaiah's Remarks Draw Ire
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North America
· Religions Leaders Gather To Support Warren Mosque
· US to float plan at UN to combat asylum abuse – media
· 'Very careful': Donald Trump cautions Israel over actions in ‘key ally’ Qatar; calls for action on Hamas
· Marco Rubio On 2 Day Trip To Meet Families Of Hostages Held By Hamas
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Mideast
· ‘Qatar Is Not Alone, Arab And Islamic Worlds Stand Beside It,’ Says Arab League Chief
· Hamas: Rubio & Netanyahu’s Talmudic Rituals At Western Wall Are Blatant Attack On Mosque's Sanctity
· British Surgeon Recounts Gaza ‘Catastrophes’
· Jordanian medical teams’ efforts to treat Palestinians continue
· Palestinian factions address open letter to Arab & Islamic summits in Doha
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South Asia
· Former U.S. Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad Calls on Pakistan to Seek Talks With TTP
· Islamic Emirate Supports Local Pharma to Ensure Affordable Medicines, Boost Self-Reliance, Minister
· Beradar, Adam Emphasize Strengthening U.S.-Afghanistan Relations, Continued Engagement
· Afghanistan, Iran Seek to Boost Mining Sector Investment
· UN Warns Afghanistan Earthquake Survivors May Not Survive Winter Without Urgent Aid
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Europe
· Religion Meets Realpolitik: Why Iran Fears Azerbaijan’s Independent Diplomacy
· Christian councillors threaten legal action over planned mosque
· Worcester LGBT Comments On Tommy Robinson Protest In London
· Glasgow mosques tighten security after Islamophobic attacks
· UK and US unveil nuclear energy deal promising thousands of jobs
· NATO has no defences against drones – Western media
· Starmer denies protesters right to use ‘diverse’ UK flag
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Arab World
· Diriyah Art Futures Celebrates Inaugural Cohort With ‘Continuum’
· Gulf Research Centre hosts Saudi-German roundtable in Riyadh
· Riyadh’s Steer Studios developing new Tom and Jerry mobile game
· Tourism ‘catalyst for inclusive social progress,’ Saudi vice minister says
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Africa
· US Judge Blasts Trump Govt Over Deportation Of Nigerians, Gambians To Ghana
· ‘World Bank, IMF Insisted Govt Must Remove All Subsidies’ – Falana
· ‘No Victory Worth Rivers Blood’ – Ibas Calls For Peace Ahead Of Fubara’s Return
· ‘Do No Encourage Illegality’ – SERAP Warns INEC, Demands Sanctions Against Early Campaigns
· ‘Peace Better Than War’ – Onoja Urges Bello, Natasha To Reconcile Amid Senate Suspension Row
· Flotilla carrying aid and activists to Gaza departs Tunisia
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Southeast Asia
· ‘Malaysia Madani’ Slogan Meant To Deceive The People, Says PAS President
· Anwar joins world Islamic leaders at Doha summit on Gaza crisis, to voice Malaysia’s stand tonight
· PAS Says Ready To Lead Malaysia, Vows Governance Rooted In Islam
· Anwar to attend Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit in Doha
· Anwar calls for global unity to defend dignity and end violence
· Young and female voters become key for PAS as it targets Pahang, Perak, Selangor
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/islam-practice-waqf-supreme-court-act/d/136848
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5-Year Islam Practice To Create A Waqf Clause Put On Hold: Supreme Court Imposes Partial Stay On Waqf Act
Sep 15, 2025
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday refused to put the entire Waqf law on hold, citing the "presumption" of constitutionality in its favour, but stayed the operation of key provisions -- including the clause requiring a person to have practised Islam for five years to create a waqf.
However, the top court said, "some sections need some protection." It also directed that, as far as possible, the Chief Executive Officer of the Waqf Board should be a Muslim, but allowed the amendment that permits a non-Muslim to be appointed as CEO.
Here are the three key provisions that SC stayed -
Five-year practice rule: The court stayed the requirement that a person must have practised Islam for at least five years before creating a waqf. The court noted that, without rules framed by state governments to determine such eligibility, the clause could lead to arbitrariness.
Non-Muslim representation cap: The court restricted the presence of non-Muslims in Waqf bodies. It ruled that the number of non-Muslim members in the Central Waqf Council cannot exceed four, and imposed similar limits on State Waqf Boards. However, it did not stay the provision allowing a non-Muslim to serve as CEO of a State Waqf Board, though it said a Muslim should be appointed “as far as possible.”
Encroachment disputes freeze: The court froze the clause empowering the government to derecognise Waqf land while a dispute over encroachment is pending before a government officer. Calling such powers contrary to the separation of powers, the court said that disputed Waqf land will remain protected until title is decided by a tribunal or court, and no third-party rights should be created during this period.
The court further said that a government official’s report on whether a property is valid Waqf land would not change the title of the property without approval from the high court. During this process, the Waqf Board cannot create third-party rights over the disputed property.
A bench of Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice AG Masih said courts should normally treat laws passed by Parliament as valid and should only grant a stay in very rare cases.
CJI BR Gavai, writing the interim order, said that although the Supreme Court is not issuing a binding direction, it would be appropriate for the Centre not to nominate more than three non-Muslims to the 11-member Central Waqf Council and to ensure that the ex-officio chairperson is from the Muslim community.
On May 22, a bench led by CJI Gavai had reserved interim orders after extensive hearings from both sides.
Earlier, on April 25, the Union ministry of minority affairs submitted a massive 1,332-page affidavit defending the law, urging the court not to grant a “blanket stay” on a statute that carries the presumption of constitutionality because it was enacted by Parliament.
The Centre had notified the amended law on April 8 after receiving President Droupadi Murmu’s assent on April 5. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 itself had cleared the Lok Sabha on April 3 and the Rajya Sabha a day later, setting the stage for the current legal challenge.
Source: indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/5-year-islam-practice-clause-put-on-hold-sc-imposes-partial-stay-on-waqf-act-3-key-provisions-stayed/articleshow/123893064.cms
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Democrat Judge In America's 'Muslim Capital' Bans Gay Pride Flags After Islamic Outrage
14 September 2025
A federal judge has upheld a ban on gay pride flags after a years-long battle by an all-Muslim city council to remove the rainbow because it did not reflect their community's values.
The court found that Hamtramck, an enclave surrounded by Detroit with a significant Muslim immigrant population, did not violate the US Constitution when it banned the flag from public buildings in 2023.
After a pride flag was flown in the city during Pride Month in 2021 and 2022, the city council said it clashed with the beliefs of some residents, so they voted to allow only five flags to be flown on publicly-owned property.
US District Judge David Lawson, who was appointed by Bill Clinton, dismissed a lawsuit that was brought against the city for its flag restrictions, saying the ban was okay because the policy targeted all private flags.
'Hamtramck's refusal to display the Gay Pride flag did not violate the Constitution,' the judge said.
Hamtramck has a population of around 27,000, and more than 40% of its residents are immigrants. A large proportion of them are Muslim with Yemeni or Bangladeshi descent.
The city is right next to Dearborn, a larger enclave city in the Detroit area that the Wall Street Journal once called 'America's Jihad Capital' in a piece that claimed the city's leadership supported Hamas and Hezbollah. The publication was widely criticized for the moniker.
The Hamtramck flag ban restricted public property to only display the American flag, Michigan flag, city flag and flags that represent the 'international character' of the city's population.
Businesses and residents are still allowed to fly whatever they want on private property.
Opponents of the ban said it was a violation of free speech, but Lawson said publicly-owned property is not a free speech zone or public forum and that the government is allowed to impose restrictions on it.
'It's BS to say that you can't fly a certain flag. But I guess it's only on government buildings, so it guess that kind of makes sense,' said local venue owner Scott Curnow.
From a legal standpoint, flag restrictions must be neutral, so the ban included all religious, ethnic, racial, political and other related flags.
The month after the flag ban was passed, two members of the city's Human Relations Commission were fired for flying Pride flags on city property.
'This Council believes in fairness, neutrality towards our residents, and the rule of law, amongst other things for this community,' city council member Khalil Refai said in a statement at the time.
'We passed a resolution recently to do just that, and two of our sworn commissioners outright defied it, and did what they wanted.'
Hamtramck's flag ban controversy began percolating in 2021 when the city council at the time narrowly voted in favor of raising a pride flag in a public park.
That moment began a public conversation among the city's leadership about its role in engaging with LGBTQ rights. Some mayoral candidates at the time and current city council members signed a 'Statement of Unity' to reaffirm diversity and inclusivity in Hamtramck.
Of the three currently-serving city council members that were involved in the conversation, only one of them, Muhith Mahmood, signed the document. Councilmembers Khalil Refai and Abu Musa did not sign.
Musa also faced controversy last month after he was caught stuffing an election drop box with absentee ballots on camera days before he won his re-election bid in a local primary.
When the flag ban was proposed in 2023, the city council voted unanimously in its favor.
After the ban was put in place, Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib, who is a Yemeni Muslim, said: 'We're not targeting anybody.
'We are trying to close the door for other groups that could be extremist or racist.'
Ghalib was nominated to be the US ambassador to Kuwait by President Donald Trump.
Recently there has been a rise in thefts and destruction of pride flags in Hamtramck.
Ripping the flags down, stealing and destroying them are crimes, and Hamtramck police are investigating to find those responsible.
Source: dailymail.co.uk
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https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15097625/Democrat-gay-pride-flag-ban-dearborn-detroit.html
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Qatar PM urges world to ‘stop using double standards’ and punish Israel
September 14, 2025
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani urged the international community on Sunday to punish Israel for what he described as its “crimes.” (File/AP)
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RIYADH: Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani urged the international community on Sunday to “stop using double standards” and punish Israel for what he described as its “crimes.”
He was speaking at a preparatory meeting on the eve of an emergency summit of Arab and Islamic leaders organized by Qatar after Israel carried out an unprecedented air strike on Hamas leaders in Doha.
“The time has come for the international community to stop using double standards and to punish Israel for all the crimes it has committed, and Israel needs to know that the ongoing war of extermination that our brotherly Palestinian people is being subjected to, and whose aim is to expel them from their land, will not work,” the prime minister said.
Sheikh Mohammed said Doha remained committed to working with Egypt and the United States to reach a ceasefire in the war that has devastated the Gaza Strip. However, he said that the Israeli strike that killed six people — five members of Hamas and a local Qatari security force member — represented “an attack on the principle of mediation itself.”
“This attack can only be described as state terrorism, an approach pursued by the current extremist Israeli government, which flouts international law,” the minister said. “The reckless and treacherous Israeli aggression was committed while the state of Qatar was hosting official and public negotiations, with the knowledge of the Israeli side itself, and with the aim of achieving a ceasefire in Gaza.”
The preparatory meeting of foreign ministers for the emergency joint Arab-Islamic summit commenced on Sunday in Doha under Sheikh Mohammed’s leadership.
The summit is to discuss a draft statement regarding the Israeli attack on Qatar on Sept. 9, which targeted the residences of several Hamas officials in Doha, according to the Qatar News Agency.
The airstrikes were widely condemned across the Arab and Islamic world as a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and international law.
Foreign ministers of the Arab League and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation member states are attending the summit on Sunday, including Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denounced the Israeli attack as an “aggressive act” and reiterated the Kingdom’s solidarity with Doha, stressing the need for the international community to hold Israel accountable for its actions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2615264/middle-east
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Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh Wants Constitutional Order For The July Charter To Be Implemented
Sep 15, 2025
Hamidur Rahman Azad. Photo: Courtesy/Prothom Alo
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The Jamaat-e-Islami has called for the July Charter to be implemented through a Provisional Constitutional Order or by referendum to prevent any political party from challenging the charter in court.
"There are precedents for both. If the political parties fail to reach a consensus, the people can deliver their verdict through a referendum," Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad said during talks with the National Consensus Commission yesterday.
In a set of proposals submitted to the National Consensus Commission, the Jamaat said all parties and candidates must swear an affidavit or oath of allegiance to the charter as a precondition for participating in elections.
Those refusing to do so, it suggested, should be disqualified.
The party further proposed that any candidate who campaigns against the charter should face not only disqualification but also sedition charges.
Speaking to journalists after the commission's meeting yesterday with political parties at the Foreign Service Academy, attended by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, Jamaat's Azad defended the proposal.
Asked whether requiring an affidavit, oath, and punishing dissent would amount to forcing people, he said it was not about coercion but about honouring the July uprising.
"Anyone who rejects the July Charter would, in effect, be siding with fascism," he said. "If you deny July, you deny the revolution. Then how can you do politics in Bangladesh?"
He added that just as politics must be based on the spirit of the 1971 Liberation War, future politics must also be based on the July Charter, and those unwilling to accept it should not be allowed to contest elections.
Azad also said the Jamaat believes the upcoming national election would only be free, fair, and acceptable if held under the July Charter.
According to the party's proposal, the Provisional Constitutional Order implementing the July Charter shall remain valid and enforceable until a new constitution is passed by parliament with at least a three-fourths majority and subsequently ratified by the citizens of Bangladesh through a referendum.
The Jamaat further recommended that all provisions of the new constitution must remain consistent with the principles of this order.
Once the constitution is adopted, its legality and constitutionality should no longer be open to challenge by any authority, the party said.
It added that all institutions and authorities would be considered created and governed under the framework of the new constitution.
The party argued that this step is necessary to prevent any political party from legally disputing the July Charter in the future, thereby providing a stable foundation for reforms, governance, and upcoming elections.
Source: thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/july-charter-jamaat-wants-constitutional-order-or-referendum-3986046
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Fiji Muslim League Urged To Support Overseas Muslim Inmates In Fiji Prisons
September 15, 2025
Acting Commissioner of Corrections, Sevuloni Naucukidi shares a light moment with a FML member yesterday – Picture/FCS
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The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) has called on the Fiji Muslim League to play a greater role in supporting Muslim inmates, particularly those from overseas, who lack family support while incarcerated.
This appeal was made during the League’s Annual General Meeting and Council Meeting held yesterday at Nadi Muslim College.
Acting Commissioner of Corrections, Sevuloni Naucukidi, and Director of Training and Rehabilitation, Superintendent Isireli Dausiga, attended the event as invited guests.
Commissioner Naucukidi highlighted the unique challenges faced by Muslim inmates from abroad.
“Many of these inmates are far from home, with no relatives or community support outside prison walls. This is where the Muslim League can make a real difference,” he said.
He emphasised the effectiveness of faith-based support in rehabilitation, noting that spiritual guidance has helped many inmates positively engage in the reintegration process.
Superintendent Dausiga also delivered a presentation on inmate demographics, noting a steady rise in Indo-Fijian and Muslim inmate numbers over the past decade.
He introduced FCS’s new Five-Year Strategic Development Plan, themed “You Can Only Give What You Have,” which prioritises community partnerships and holistic rehabilitation.
Source: fijitimes.com.fj
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https://www.fijitimes.com.fj/muslim-league-urged-to-support-overseas-muslim-inmates-in-fiji-prisons/
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India
BJP Leader's Order Against Muslim Salesmen At Indore Market Stirs Up Row; Says It Was To Curb "Love Jihad"
Sep 14, 2025
Indore's oldest and most popular Sheetlamata Market, known for decades as a hub for women's clothing, has now become the latest flashpoint of politics.
A verbal diktat issued by local BJP leader and MLA's son Eklavya Singh Gaur has sparked outrage, fear, and deep uncertainty among hundreds of workers who depend on the market for survival. According to traders, Mr Gaur announced in a recent meeting that no Muslim salesmen would be allowed to work in any of the 501 shops in the market.
He further "instructed" that if any shop is rented to Muslim traders, it must be vacated within two months. The justification offered was the need to curb so-called "love jihad".
The directive has cast a long shadow over livelihoods. Muslim youth, who have been working in these shops for years, now face the threat of sudden unemployment.
Pappu Maheshwari, General Secretary of Sheetlamata Market, confirmed that the meeting was held and that the diktat was accepted. "It was ordered that all the Muslim boys working in Sheetlamata Market will be removed immediately, and those whose shops are on rent too. Time has been given to them to decide in two months where they want to work," he said.
Mr Maheshwari attempted to soften the decision by claiming that Muslim women customers would still be served without discrimination. Yet, with nearly 50 percent of the market's clientele coming from the Muslim community, critics point out the obvious contradiction: while Muslim women are welcome as buyers, Muslim youth are being pushed out as sellers.
The political heat around the issue has intensified. City Congress president Chintu Chouksey told NDTV, "The Bharatiya Janata Party government and its leaders have adopted a single agenda in which people are being made to fight each other in the name of religion, society and caste. This new development is directly challenging the government administration. Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians all have equal rights in this country. Brotherhood and unity are the foundation of India. I request the Indore Collector and Commissioner to take cognizance of the matter and take appropriate action so that the atmosphere of Indore is not spoiled. If no action is taken, Congress will organize a big movement in the city."
Source: ndtv.com
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https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bjp-leaders-order-against-muslim-salesmen-at-indore-market-stirs-up-row-9276751
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No Handshake Row: Pakistan Protests With ACC; Who Is Behind India’s Decision?
15 Sep 2025
Pakistan lodged a protest with the Asian Cricket Council over the Indian players’ decision not to shake hands after their Asia Cup encounter on Sunday. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) termed India’s actions “unsporting” and said it was against the spirit of the game. PCB team manager Naveed Cheema filed a formal complaint, and the board also noted that their captain was not sent to the post-match ceremony in protest.
“Team manager Naveed Cheema lodged a strong protest against Indian players’ behaviour of not shaking hands. It was deemed as unsporting and against the sport of the game. As a protest we did not send our captain to the post match ceremony,” the PCB statement read.
According to PTI, Suryakumar Yadav said the team’s decision was a mark of solidarity with the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack in April. “This was our way of showing respect and support to the families affected by the Pahalgam attack,” he explained.
"Together, we came here, we took a call and I feel we came here just to play the game. I think we gave the proper reply," Suryakumar added.
In his post-match press conference, AFP reported, Yadav said that the team was “aligned with the government and Board of Control for Cricket in India” in not shaking hands with the Pakistan team.
Several media reports, citing Telecom Asia Sport, added that head coach Gautam Gambhir advised the Indian players to refrain from handshakes and verbal exchanges with the Pakistani team, in line with the gesture of solidarity toward the victims’ families.
Meanwhile, PTI also reported that Gambhir was only extending his support for the team’s decision to refrain from handshakes, and added that the BCCI and team management had held discussions before finalising the stance, which senior players reportedly endorsed. The report also noted that the decision was made following deliberations, with senior officials in the BCCI reportedly giving their approval.
When a Pakistani journalist asked whether the refusal to shake hands with opposition players after the seven-wicket win was "politically motivated", the skipper replied: "I feel few things, few things in life are ahead of sportsman's spirit also. We stand with victims of Pahalgam terror attack and dedicate this victory to our Armed Forces."
The clash marked the first India-Pakistan match since the Pahalgam attack and India’s subsequent ‘Operation Sindoor’ to dismantle terror infrastructure across the border in May. On the field, India dominated comprehensively, securing a seven-wicket win and outplaying Pakistan in all departments.
India resisted calls to boycott the T20 match between the nations, who have not played in any bilateral Test series since deadly attacks in Mumbai in 2008 were blamed on Pakistan militants.
Pakistan's head coach Mike Hesson told reporters he was "disappointed" with the Indian team's decision.
"We were ready to shake hands at the end of the game," the New Zealander said. "We are disappointed that the opposition did not do that.
"We went over there and they were already gone to the changing room, so that was obviously a disappointing way to finish the match," reported AFP.
Pakistan's team management's statement said that they had "lodged a protest with match referee Andy Pycroft after the match".
"The behaviour of Indian players was against the spirit of sportsmanship," the statement added. "That is why skipper (Salman) Agha was not sent to the post match ceremony."
On the field in Dubai, Pakistan batted first but were constrained to 127-9 in their 20 overs.
In reply, India lost two wickets after a fiery 31 off 13 balls from opener Abhishek Sharma, but Suryakumar hit an unbeaten 47 to achieve the target with 25 balls to spare.
Abhishek had come out roaring as he hit Pakistan pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi for a four and a six and, despite the fall of Shubman Gill in the next over, kept up the charge.
Swashbuckling Abhishek cracked four boundaries and two sixes before he mistimed another attempt for a maximum to be caught at long-off, off spinner Saim Ayub.
The captain, who turned 35 on Sunday, hit the winning six as Indian fans celebrated at a stadium dotted with empty seats, and the players from both teams went off without handshakes.
Earlier, India's bowlers set up the dominant win as Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav combined to rattle the opposition batting.
Hardik Pandya struck in the first over to dismiss opener Ayub for a golden duck and fellow quick Jasprit Bumrah sent back wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Haris for three.
Sahibzada Farhan, who top-scored with 40, attempted to rebuild the innings along with Fakhar Zaman, who made 17, in a partnership of 39.
Axar broke the stand with his left-arm spin as he had Zaman caught out and in his next over had skipper Agha out for three.
Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep came into the attack and struck twice on successive balls to pack off Hasan Nawaz (5) and Mohammad Nawaz (0) as Pakistan slipped to 64-6 inside 13 overs.
Wickets kept tumbling, but number nine Afridi took on the opposition attack with four sixes in his unbeaten 33 off 16 balls to push the total past 120 and play out Pakistan's full 20 overs.
India, with two wins from two, are nearly through to the next Super Fours stage of the tournament with their final group match against Oman on Friday.
Pakistan play UAE next on Wednesday and despite the defeat to India are expected to make the next stage.
Source: newindianexpress.com
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https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Sep/15/no-handshake-row-pakistan-protests-with-acc-who-is-behind-indias-decision
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Protest Over Social Media Posts Targeting Prophet Muhammad, Quran In UP: FIR Against 200 After Violence
15.09.25
Police here have registered a case against 200 unknown people in connection with the protest that erupted here on Friday following objectionable social media posts against Prophet Muhammad and the Quran.
This came after police arrested a 45-year-old man for his derogatory social media posts against Prophet Muhammad and the Quran.
Soon after the arrest on Friday, several people tried to enter the police station around 9 pm and raised slogans amid the protest that turned violent as they set two two-wheelers on fire.
They did not relent even after the police explained to them that the man behind such posts had been arrested.
Shahjahanpur Superintendent of Police Rajesh Dwivedi said that personnel of the force had to resort to baton-charge to disperse the crowd. The protesters then blocked the Lal Imli crossing, and it was cleared after a lot of persuasion, he said.
Dwivedi said a case was registered on Monday against 200 unnamed people who held the protests on Friday on the complaint of Sadar police outpost in-charge Shivam Agarwal.
On Saturday, police arrested a woman for her alleged indecent posts on Facebook about Hindu deities, while a few people were booked for propagating those social media posts.
The SP said the situation in Shahjahanpur was calm, but police force has been deployed at strength across the city as a precautionary measure. Police are continuously conducting flag marches in the market areas, he said.
"We have appealed to the people not to make comments against any caste, religion or anyone on social media. No such posts should be made that may spoil communal harmony. However, our social media monitoring team has made a list of those who have posted or forwarded the derogatory post," he added.
The police officer added that a team has been formed to identify the protesters by scanning viral videos, clips made by the police and CCTV footage.
Source: telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/protest-over-social-media-posts-targeting-quran-in-up-fir-against-200-after-violence/cid/2123118
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SC’s Waqf Order: BJP Hails, Muslim Bodies Reiterate Demand For Complete Stay
September 15, 2025
After the Supreme Court’s order on Monday on the controversial Waqf Amendment Act, BJP leaders praised the ruling, saying it aligns with the law’s goals of welfare and administrative reform. Congress said it would wait for the detailed judgment before commenting, while Muslim bodies welcomed the partial stay but reiterated their demand for a complete halt of the implementation.
On SC’s order in the Waqf Amendment Act, BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said that the court has the right to scrutinise any law of Parliament, and the government has presented its side.
He slammed the alleged corruption and mismanagement of the Waqf properties by the State Waqf Board and said, “Unfortunately, the corrupt lobby wants a license to loot…That is why they are trying to create uproar, commotion and imaginary illusions. They are people who made the whole system of Waqf ‘touch me not’… They want a formula of communal entry or no entry in this secular country. No one from another religion can become a part of this administrative law… No kind of communal attack should be accepted on this.”
Naqvi added that the order of the apex court is for the of improvement in the entire Waqf system and “purely for the protection of faith and reform of order”.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju lauded the apex court and said, “The case was presented in great detail. On behalf of the government, our solicitor general has presented in detail the provisions of the Act and its intention and the government’s thinking, in the Supreme Court and I believe that whatever the Supreme Court bench has decided is a very good sign for our democracy, because when any law is made in the Parliament, it cannot be reject and this is what the Supreme Court has approved today… I am satisfied with the judgment of the Supreme Court, and because it is the highest court of the country, whenever any decision comes from the Supreme Court, it has an impact, and in a way, the decision of the Parliament of India has been upheld.”
Reflecting upon the stay on the provision that a person should be a practitioner of Islam for at least 5 years till rules are framed by State Governments to provide mechanism to determine this question, Rijiju said, “We will see the case of a practising Muslim and what should be included in the rules”.
Congress MP Tariq Anwar said, “It will not be right to give any comment immediately. Until the full judgment is out, and we have seen and read it, only after that will it be appropriate to make any comment.”
MLC and former Minister of State Mohsin Raza welcomed the decision of the Supreme Court stating that the Modi government makes decisions for the public welfare.
Chairman of the Islamic Center of India Khalid Rashid Firangi welcomed the stay on the requirement of being a practising Muslim for five years. He said, “Today the SC in its interim order has not given a complete stay on the Act but has stayed certain provisions, and we welcome those provisions, especially Sections 3 and 4, and the requirement of being a practising Muslim for five years.”
He said that his demand is that there must be a stay on the entire Act but the court has not given such an order.
“However, the Court has stayed many provisions, and we welcome the stay on certain provisions, such as a person who wants to make a Waqf should be a practising Muslim for at least 5 years,” he added.
Khalid said that the court has also clarified that the CEO must be from the Muslim community, and the overriding powers given to the District Collector for deciding whether a property is a Waqf or not have also been stayed.
The stay on Sections 3 and 4 is a very welcome step, and we expect that whenever the final decision comes, we will be given 100% relief, Khalid stated.
SC did not stay the provision allowing a non-Muslim to be the CEO of the State Waqf Board. The court, however, said that as far as possible, a Muslim person should be appointed.
Reacting on the same, Uttar Pradesh Minister OP Rajbhar said, “Supreme Court has permitted the inclusion of three other non-Muslim individuals in it… the Supreme Court’s decision will be respected… the government was also saying the same thing that people from other communities should also be in that committee.”
Source: thestatesman.com
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https://www.thestatesman.com/india/scs-waqf-order-bjp-hails-muslim-body-reiterates-for-complete-stay-congress-declines-to-comment-1503486508.html
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Ahead of Bihar polls, AIMIM knocks on the door of a reluctant INDIA
September 15, 2025
Amit Bhelari
The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), led by Asaduddin Owaisi, is once again set to emerge as a factor in the upcoming Assembly election in Bihar. While the party claims to have made an impact in the State, it is, like in the past, concentrating its efforts on the Seemanchal region.
Seemanchal, located in north Bihar, comprises the districts of Purnea, Katihar, Kishanganj, and Araria, which together account for 24 Assembly constituencies. The region is considered crucial for both the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc.
This time, AIMIM is pressing to be part of the INDIA bloc in Bihar. Its State president and MLA, Akhtarul Iman, even attempted to meet Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad but was unsuccessful.
In the 2020 Assembly elections, AIMIM won five seats in Seemanchal - Bahadurganj, Jokihat, Amour, Kochadhaman, and Baisi - giving a tough fight to candidates of both the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan. The party had earlier contested six seats in 2015 but lost all.
According to the 2023 caste-based survey, Muslim voters are decisive in 47 of Bihar’s 243 Assembly seats. In 11 constituencies, Muslims constitute more than 40% of the electorate, while in seven, the figure exceeds 30%. In 29 seats, Muslim voters account for 20%–30%. In parts of Seemanchal, their share goes up to 70%.
“I went to the residence of Lalu ji to put our demand that AIMIM should also be included in the INDIA bloc in Bihar. We only want that secular votes should not be divided and that’s the reason we want to be part of the grand alliance,” Mr. Iman told The Hindu.
He added, “Last time we won five seats and this Assembly election, we will be contesting for more seats. If there would be no alliance with the INDIA bloc then we will form a third front with other political parties and will contest in 100 Assembly seats in Bihar. However, the exact number of seats would be decided by our party chief Owaisi ji.”
Mr. Iman criticised the RJD, saying its “wrong policies” had enabled the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to remain in power. He alleged that while the RJD relied on Muslim votes, it did not allow Muslim leadership to take charge. Citing 2005, he said that Lok Janshakti Party leader Ram Vilas Paswan had proposed a Muslim Chief Minister, which the RJD did not accept, leading to a failed bid to form the government.
“I went to the residence of Lalu ji but they did not even open the gate and no one met me. If this would be the attitude of the RJD then they are going to face a lot of problems in days to come,” said Mr. Iman, who represents the Amour Assembly seat in Purnea district.
Party sources said AIMIM is keen on joining the INDIA bloc as it would enhance its chances of victory, especially in Seemanchal. The party is reported to have demanded six seats in the region. However, leaders of the RJD and Congress are reluctant.
“Once we include AIMIM as our alliance partner then it will be very difficult for us because they will create their own space. If they retain those five seats as part of the INDIA bloc, how will we claim to be the lone messiah of Muslims? We do not want to give them that credit. Congress is already there with us. AIMIM is a party considered for vote polarisation like RSS and VHP. There is no difference between them,” a senior RJD leader said.
Of the five AIMIM MLAs elected in 2020, four later joined the RJD. Sources said this history makes the RJD wary of any alliance, as these defections could fuel tensions within the party in Seemanchal.
For over three decades, Muslims have largely supported the RJD and its allies. At NDA meetings, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar frequently highlights his work for the community since 2005, including graveyard fencing, madrasa registration and recognition, and granting parity in salaries for madrasa teachers with government schoolteachers.
Muslims constitute 17.7% of Bihar’s population of over 13 crore and play a decisive role in government formation. In the 2020 elections, none of the JD(U)’s 11 Muslim candidates won, though seven finished in second place. In earlier elections, however, JD(U) fielded and secured victories for Muslim candidates - 13 in 2010 (five won) and five in 2015 in alliance with the RJD.
Source: thehindu.com
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https://www.thehindu.com/elections/bihar-assembly/aimim-seeks-entry-into-india-bloc-ahead-of-bihar-assembly-election/article70049006.ece
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Assam: Muslim man, arrested in May crackdown on ‘foreigners’, dies in detention
Rokibuz Zaman
Sep 14, 2025
A 56-year-old Muslim man of Bengali origin who was arrested in May amid a crackdown on declared foreigners in Assam died in detention on Sunday. He was suffering from cancer, which was detected on August 11.
Amzad Ali, a resident of Rowmari village under Tarabari Police Station of Barpeta district, had been lodged in the Matia detention centre since his arrest on May 28.
Ali died at the State Cancer Institute Guwahati, where he had been admitted on Thursday, Dwipen Khanikar, the medical superintendent of the facility, told Scroll.
“His health first deteriorated in the camp in August and we sent him to the Goalpara Civil Hospital, from where he was referred to the Guwahati Medical College and Hospital on August 1,” said an official at the Matia detention centre.
On August 11, his clinical reports showed that he was suffering from cancer.
“Doctors at the Guwahati Medical College and Hospital had said that there is no treatment for the cancer and he will be given only palliative care,” the detention centre official told Scroll. “We were taking his care at the transit camp. But his health became serious as he stopped eating.”
On September 1, Ali’s cousin Abdul Jalil wrote to the Goalpara Deputy Commissioner seeking his release on account of his cancer diagnosis and rapidly deteriorating health condition.
“The superintendent of the detention camp has already informed and advised me to take him home for proper hospitalisation and medical treatment,” read the letter.
Jalil told Scroll that the authorities refused to release Ali.
He is survived by his mother, wife, three sons and four daughters.
Ali was tagged as a “D” voter, or a doubtful voter, during the 1997 revision of the Assam electoral rolls by the Election Commission.
In 2017, the foreigners tribunal in Assam issued a notice to him.
Foreigner tribunals are quasi-judicial bodies unique to Assam, which rule on citizenship cases. They have been accused of arbitrariness and bias, and of declaring people foreigners on the basis of minor spelling mistakes, a lack of documents or lapses in memory.
Ali contested the case, but the tribunal declared him a foreigner on April 1, 2021.
“The superintendent of the detention camp has already informed and advised me to take him home for proper hospitalisation and medical treatment,” read the letter.
Jalil told Scroll that the authorities refused to release Ali.
He is survived by his mother, wife, three sons and four daughters.
Ali was tagged as a “D” voter, or a doubtful voter, during the 1997 revision of the Assam electoral rolls by the Election Commission.
In 2017, the foreigners tribunal in Assam issued a notice to him.
Foreigner tribunals are quasi-judicial bodies unique to Assam, which rule on citizenship cases. They have been accused of arbitrariness and bias, and of declaring people foreigners on the basis of minor spelling mistakes, a lack of documents or lapses in memory.
Ali contested the case, but the tribunal declared him a foreigner on April 1, 2021.
“The superintendent of the detention camp has already informed and advised me to take him home for proper hospitalisation and medical treatment,” read the letter.
Jalil told Scroll that the authorities refused to release Ali.
He is survived by his mother, wife, three sons and four daughters.
Ali was tagged as a “D” voter, or a doubtful voter, during the 1997 revision of the Assam electoral rolls by the Election Commission.
In 2017, the foreigners tribunal in Assam issued a notice to him.
Foreigner tribunals are quasi-judicial bodies unique to Assam, which rule on citizenship cases. They have been accused of arbitrariness and bias, and of declaring people foreigners on the basis of minor spelling mistakes, a lack of documents or lapses in memory.
Ali contested the case, but the tribunal declared him a foreigner on April 1, 2021.
“The superintendent of the detention camp has already informed and advised me to take him home for proper hospitalisation and medical treatment,” read the letter.
Jalil told Scroll that the authorities refused to release Ali.
He is survived by his mother, wife, three sons and four daughters.
Ali was tagged as a “D” voter, or a doubtful voter, during the 1997 revision of the Assam electoral rolls by the Election Commission.
In 2017, the foreigners tribunal in Assam issued a notice to him.
Foreigner tribunals are quasi-judicial bodies unique to Assam, which rule on citizenship cases. They have been accused of arbitrariness and bias, and of declaring people foreigners on the basis of minor spelling mistakes, a lack of documents or lapses in memory.
Ali contested the case, but the tribunal declared him a foreigner on April 1, 2021.
“The superintendent of the detention camp has already informed and advised me to take him home for proper hospitalisation and medical treatment,” read the letter.
Jalil told Scroll that the authorities refused to release Ali.
He is survived by his mother, wife, three sons and four daughters.
Ali was tagged as a “D” voter, or a doubtful voter, during the 1997 revision of the Assam electoral rolls by the Election Commission.
In 2017, the foreigners tribunal in Assam issued a notice to him.
Foreigner tribunals are quasi-judicial bodies unique to Assam, which rule on citizenship cases. They have been accused of arbitrariness and bias, and of declaring people foreigners on the basis of minor spelling mistakes, a lack of documents or lapses in memory.
Ali contested the case, but the tribunal declared him a foreigner on April 1, 2021.
“The superintendent of the detention camp has already informed and advised me to take him home for proper hospitalisation and medical treatment,” read the letter.
Jalil told Scroll that the authorities refused to release Ali.
He is survived by his mother, wife, three sons and four daughters.
Ali was tagged as a “D” voter, or a doubtful voter, during the 1997 revision of the Assam electoral rolls by the Election Commission.
In 2017, the foreigners tribunal in Assam issued a notice to him.
Foreigner tribunals are quasi-judicial bodies unique to Assam, which rule on citizenship cases. They have been accused of arbitrariness and bias, and of declaring people foreigners on the basis of minor spelling mistakes, a lack of documents or lapses in memory.
Ali contested the case, but the tribunal declared him a foreigner on April 1, 2021.
“The superintendent of the detention camp has already informed and advised me to take him home for proper hospitalisation and medical treatment,” read the letter.
Jalil told Scroll that the authorities refused to release Ali.
He is survived by his mother, wife, three sons and four daughters.
Ali was tagged as a “D” voter, or a doubtful voter, during the 1997 revision of the Assam electoral rolls by the Election Commission.
In 2017, the foreigners tribunal in Assam issued a notice to him.
Foreigner tribunals are quasi-judicial bodies unique to Assam, which rule on citizenship cases. They have been accused of arbitrariness and bias, and of declaring people foreigners on the basis of minor spelling mistakes, a lack of documents or lapses in memory.
Ali contested the case, but the tribunal declared him a foreigner on April 1, 2021.
His family members alleged that he was unaware of the ruling till the police arrived at his home in May. “The advocate representing him never informed my cousin about the verdict,” Abdul Jalil, Ali’s cousin from Barpeta, told Scroll.
Ali had submitted the National Register of Citizens prepared in 1951, which listed his parents’ names, and voter lists from 1966 and 1970 that featured his maternal grandparents.
“His father’s name is in the 1951 NRC, but the tribunal did not accept the documents citing minor inconsistencies and linkage issues,” Jalil told Scroll.
His mother had told the tribunal that Ali was her son, but it rejected her submission, saying “she failed to give evidence of the correct entry of the date of the birth of her own son”.
The tribunal order also claimed that she was “hired and tutored for the purpose of the creating evidence before the tribunal”.
This is the second instance of an inmate at the Matia detention centre dying this year. In April, Md Abdul Motlib, a 42-year-old resident of Madertali village in Assam’s Hojai district, who was lodged at the centre, died at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital.
According to government data, 31 persons declared as “illegal foreigners” by Assam’s foreigners tribunals and lodged in detention centres have died between 2015 and 2022.
Ali’s death came months after the Supreme Court stated that the conditions at the Matia detention centre for refugees are “far from satisfactory” and directed the Assam government to improve the facilities within a month.
The detention centre in Goalpara became operational in January 2023. It is the largest detention centre in India. As of September 18, 2024, it held 274 inmates.
On October 4, the top court directed the Assam Legal Services Authority to make surprise visits to inspect the living conditions of refugees at the detention centre.
In November, the Supreme Court noted that the detailed report submitted by the Legal Services Authority pointed out that even basic amenities are lacking at the detention centre.
In July 2024, the court had rapped the state government for the “sorry state of affairs” at the centre, including inadequate water supply and the lack of proper toilets. It also said that the quality of food being served to refugees needs to be assessed, along with the availability of healthcare services.
In May, the border police in Assam arrested several people from Golaghat, Dhubri, Barpeta and Cachar districts who had been declared foreigners in the past by foreigners’ tribunals.
Source: scroll.in
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https://scroll.in/latest/1086563/assam-muslim-man-arrested-in-may-crackdown-on-foreigners-dies-in-detention
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Why would anyone convert if Hinduism had equality: Siddaramaiah's remarks draw ire
Sep 15, 2025
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah triggered a political row after remarks on religious conversions, stating that “if there was equality in our Hindu community, then why would anyone convert?”
He added, “If there was equality, why did untouchability come into existence? Did we create untouchability? There can be inequalities in Islam, Christianity, or any religion. Neither we nor the BJP asked anyone to convert, but people do convert, and it is their right.”
BJP Leader of Opposition in Legislative Assembly R Ashoka also joined the criticism, targeting the Chief Minister for focusing on Hinduism. “When it comes to equality, you always target Hinduism, don’t you, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah? Do you have the courage to question Muslims on equality?” he asked.
Ashoka questioned various practices in Islam, citing the Pahalgam terror attack and restrictions on women in mosques, opposition to banning triple talaq, and Quranic references to non-Muslims.
“Yes, caste system is a curse within Hindu society, this is a fact. But many great reformers have taken birth to correct and transform Hindu society with time. The Hindu community has the strength to self-correct and change. From Basavanna to Swami Vivekananda, from Dr BR Ambedkar to the present, countless reformers have worked, and continue to work, towards improving Hindu society. But in Islam, the deep-rooted fundamentalism and jihadi mindset have never been questioned or corrected. Even if reformers have emerged, Muslims have never accepted such change,” Ashoka said.
He further argued that Muslims historically looked up to figures like Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan, rather than reformers such as Saint Shishunala Sharif or Dr Abdul Kalam. Ashoka also urged the Chief Minister to set aside what he described as a leftist perspective that demeans Sanatana Dharma and Hindus, and to speak as a responsible leader.
Leader of the Opposition in Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanswamy criticised Siddaramaiah, accusing him of attempting to divide people based on caste and religion. “Now the caste survey has options such as Dalit Christian, Lingayat Christian, Vokkaliga Christian. This is nonsense, and he has done this to please Sonia Gandhi,” he said.
Former Karnataka chief minister Basavaraj Bommai also weighed in, stating that “equality doesn’t come from religion, but from love, affection, and honour. No religion can truly bring equality.” He criticised the survey, saying that conducting a census is unconstitutional, adding, “Only the Government of India has that authority. They can do surveys, but not a census.”
Bommai further argued that Siddaramaiah’s initiative was politically motivated. “If a column is added for converted Christians, then there should also be columns for converted Hindus and Muslims. It is illegal to add a ‘conversion’ column. There already exists an ‘Others’ column which even includes ‘Nastik’ (atheists),” he said.
Source: indiatoday.in
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https://www.indiatoday.in/india/karnataka/story/ktaka-cm-siddaramaiah-if-there-was-equality-in-hinduism-why-would-anyone-convert-christianity-islam-bjp-conversion-2787542-2025-09-15
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North America
Religions Leaders Gather To Support Warren Mosque
September 14, 2025
By Susan Smiley
Members of the Metro Detroit religious community gathered Friday at the Islamic Organization of North America in Warren in support of the mosque after it was vandalized last weekend.
The gathering was organized by the Interfaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit.
IONA head Imam Steve Elturk showed attendees the area of the mosque, which is under construction, where mirrors were broken and graffiti was written. The word “gay” was also spray painted on a piece of construction equipment outside of the building.
“Peace be with you,” Elturk said. “I think many of you know how much we were opposed coming to Warren to build the first mosque in the city, but many years later we face similar conditions as in the past with this vandalism that occurred over the weekend.
“Vandalism is not just breaking windows or spraying paint; it is violating a sacred space and deeply wounding a community,”
The message from religious leaders representing multiple faiths was one of forgiveness and peace.
Catholic Archbishop of Detroit Edward Weisenburger decried all attacks on people of faith. He talked about a church in southern Arizona being burned to the ground when he was serving as Bishop of Tucson.
“We are experiencing all around the world real hostility toward religion and people of faith,” said Weisenburger. “We never allow such hardships to erode our own identity, who we are.
“In my experience when a community has been harmed or wounded as this one has, they build back,always stronger and on a more firm foundation.”
Rabbi Alica Harris of the Congregation Shir Tikvah in Troy emphasized the importance of different religious communities supporting each other.
“We will never stand in silence when any religious institution is violated,” said Harris. “It is never OK to make a holy space a violent one.
“Our houses of worship are sacred spaces where we go to connect with community, to the divine, to our ancestors, our history and our traditions.”
Woman’s Interfaith Solutions for Dialogue and Outreach in Metro Detroit board member Paula Drewek is a Warren resident who remembers lobbying for establishment of the IONA mosque several years ago. A member of the Baha’i community, Drewek said while Warren has become more diverse over the past 20 years, there are still some that cling to a policy of isolation.
“Many members of this community are still stuck in the old world where enclaves of different ethnicities are entirely separate and don’t have much to do with each other,” Drewek said. “The world today, as we know, is a different world; it is a world where all of us are challenged to come together, to find ways of connecting with one God and to struggle through the problems that presents.”
Warren Consolidated Schools Superintendent John Bernia remarked when his school system first started becoming more diverse several years ago, educators used discipline to counter acts of discrimination. Once the district focused on educating students about different cultures, the problems were greatly reduced.
“We went through a brief period where diversity was not as welcome as it could have been and initially, I reacted with a lot of discipline,” said Bernia. “Imam Elturk heard about some of the problems we were having and he proposed a different solution; instead of meeting intolerance with discipline we met intolerance with education.
“He came into our schools and provided resources and opened a dialogue that had not yet existed.”
Warren Police Commissioner Eric Hawkins spoke briefly assuring attendees his department is conducting a full investigation of the incident and that hate will not be tolerated.
A press release issued Sept. 10 by the Warren Police Department states that thus far, no evidence has been found to indicate bias or hate-related motive in the destruction of property at the mosque.
Source: macombdaily.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.macombdaily.com/2025/09/14/religions-leaders-gather-to-support-warren-mosque/
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US to float plan at UN to combat asylum abuse – media
14 Sep, 2025
The US is planning to press for curbs on global migration at the United Nations this month, insisting that asylum seekers should request protection in the first country they enter rather than choosing their preferred destination, according to several media reports.
The current global asylum system “has long been abused by bad actors and economic migrants to fuel the global migration crisis,” the State Department’s statement cited by Bloomberg said, adding that the administration of US President Donald Trump believes that these “abuses have disrupted entire regions, enriched criminal cartels, and violated the sovereignty of nations.”
According to Reuters, US officials have prepared an event to be held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York later in September, which is expected to call for “commonsense and necessary reforms” to the asylum system.
Under the proposed framework, asylum seekers would be required to claim protection in the first country they reach, not a destination of their choosing, a State Department spokesperson told the Daily Caller. The official added that the administration’s position is that every nation has a right to control its borders, asylum should be temporary, and host governments should decide when conditions in a person’s home country are safe enough for return.
Reuters noted that the Trump administration’s plan could mark a significant shift from global migration policies that have been in place since the middle of the 20th century, noting, however, that the US has no authority to unilaterally change the global framework.
Trump has made curbing migration in the US a centerpiece of his domestic and foreign policy. He has repeatedly warned against so-called migrant “caravans” from Latin America, portraying them as a threat and claiming they were full of criminals. Rights groups, however, argue that these groups consist mainly of poor people fleeing gang violence who travel together for protection.
The Trump administration has also tightened domestic asylum rules, declared a national emergency on the southern US border, increased deportations, and pressured Latin American governments to stop migrant flows.
Source: rt.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.rt.com/news/624644-us-plan-curb-asylum-abuse-migration/
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'Very careful': Donald Trump cautions Israel over actions in ‘key ally’ Qatar; calls for action on Hamas
Sep 15, 2025
US President Donald Trump urged Israel to be “very careful” in its actions concerning Qatar, highlighting the Gulf nation’s role as a key ally of the United States.
Speaking to reporters at Morristown Airport, Trump was asked whether he had a message for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following last week’s airstrikes on Hamas leaders in Qatar, which reportedly failed to eliminate their targets, Times of Israel reported.
“My message is that they have to be very, very careful. They have to do something about Hamas, but Qatar has been a great ally to the United States. A lot of people don’t know that,” Trump said.
The US President's remarks come days after he hosted Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani for dinner in New York.
Trump described the Qatari leader as a “wonderful person” and said he had advised Qatar to improve its public image. “People talk of it so badly, and they shouldn’t be,” Trump added.
Trump was joined at the dinner by Middle East Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, as the president marked the anniversary of the September 11 attacks in New York.
“Great dinner with POTUS. Just ended,” Qatar’s deputy chief of mission, Hamah Al-Muftah, said in a post on X.
The meeting followed an Israeli strike in Doha that killed six people, including a Qatari security officer, though Hamas leaders escaped unharmed. The attack, which took place in the Katara district, drew condemnation from Qatar as “state terrorism.”
Earlier, US President has expressed concern over the strike, saying he was “not thrilled about the whole situation” and warning that it could undermine ongoing efforts to secure a fragile Gaza ceasefire.
“I’m not thrilled about the whole situation. It’s not a good situation,” he told reporters at the White House. “But I will say this, we want the hostages back, but we are not thrilled about the way that went down,” he added.
The US President sought to distance himself from the strike, emphasizing that it “does not advance Israel or America’s goals,” and assured Qatar that such an incident would not be repeated.
Source: indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/very-careful-donald-trump-cautions-israel-over-actions-in-key-ally-qatar-calls-for-action-on-hamas/articleshow/123891937.cms
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Marco Rubio On 2 Day Trip To Meet Families Of Hostages Held By Hamas
Sep 15, 2025
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel on Sunday morning, beginning a two-day visit focused on the ongoing war in Gaza.
Rubio was accompanied by his wife Jeanette Dousdebes Rubio. They were welcomed at Ben Gurion Airport by US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and his wife Janet.
The State Secretary is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Netanyahu at 10 am (local time) on Monday, the State Department said.
Following the talks, the two leaders will deliver joint press statements in Jerusalem at 1.55 pm, as reported by Times of Israel.
During his visit, Rubio will also meet with families of hostages still held by Hamas. Many of them have voiced concerns over Israel’s planned operation in Gaza City, fearing it could endanger their relatives.
Before his departure, Rubio wrote on social media that his priorities included securing the return of hostages, ensuring humanitarian aid reaches civilians and addressing the threat posed by Hamas.
“Hamas cannot continue to exist if peace in the region is the goal,” he said.
Shortly after arriving, Rubio met one-on-one with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. The two later visited the Western Wall along with their spouses, where Netanyahu said they placed a note among the stones and offered a joint prayer for the safety of hostages and a special prayer honoring US President Donald Trump.
“I think his visit here is a testament to the resilience and strength of the American-Israeli alliance, which is as durable and strong as the stones of the Western Wall that we just touched,” Netanyahu said.
Israeli prime minister also thanked Rubio for his support, calling the alliance under Trump and Rubio “stronger than ever.” He said Israel’s gratitude extended not only to its people today but also to generations of Jews before them who had long hoped to rebuild their country with the support of friends like him, ABC News reported.
"Under President Trump, Secretary Rubio and their entire team, this alliance has never been stronger, and we appreciate it very much," Netanyahu said.
According to the US State Department, Rubio’s visit is aimed at reaffirming America’s commitment to Israel’s security while addressing broader regional concerns. Discussions are expected to include Israel’s planned operation to seize Gaza City, where residents were recently ordered to evacuate.
It added that Rubio will underscore that securing the hostages’ return remains a top priority.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces destroyed at least 30 residential buildings in Gaza City and forced thousands of people from their homes, Palestinian officials said.
Israel has said the operation is part of its declared aim to eliminate Hamas, which it calls a threat to its security. The city, where about a million Palestinians have been sheltering since the start of the conflict, is now under intensified bombardment as the military prepares for a ground offensive to seize control., news agency Reuters reported.
Ahead of his visit, Rubio said Washington’s focus would be on efforts to secure the release of the 48 hostages still held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip and on plans to rebuild the war-torn coastal enclave. Only 20 of the hostages are believed to be alive.
“What’s happened has happened,” he said. “We’re going to meet with the Israeli leadership and talk about what the future holds.”
Source: indiatimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/marco-rubio-visits-israel-secretary-of-state-on-2-day-trip-to-address-gaza-conflict-to-meet-families-of-hostages-held-by-hamas/articleshow/123892912.cms
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Mideast
‘Qatar Is Not Alone, Arab And Islamic Worlds Stand Beside It,’ Says Arab League Chief
September 15, 2025
DOHA: Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit on Sunday criticized Israel and warned that “silence in the face of a crime ... paves the way for more crimes.”
Speaking at a preparatory meeting on the eve of an emergency summit of Arab and Islamic leaders in Doha, Aboul Gheit said that the summit itself sends a powerful message: “Qatar is not alone. The Arab and Islamic worlds stand beside it.”
He warned that Israel’s actions are “the direct outcome of two years of international silence on the genocide in Gaza, which has emboldened the occupiers to act without consequence.”
Qatar organized the summit after Israel carried out an unprecedented air strike targeting the residences of several Hamas officials in Doha on Sept. 9, 2025.
According to Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Majed Al-Ansari, Monday’s meeting of Arab and Islamic leaders will consider “a draft resolution on the Israeli attack on the state of Qatar.”
Speaking during the same preparatory meeting, Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani urged the international community to “stop using double standards” and punish Israel for what he described as its “crimes.”
“The time has come for the international community to stop using double standards and to punish Israel for all the crimes it has committed, and Israel needs to know that the ongoing war of extermination that our brotherly Palestinian people is being subjected to, and whose aim is to expel them from their land, will not work,” said Sheikh Mohammed, who also serves as foreign minister.
Although the Israeli strike, which killed six people, missed the Hamas peace negotiators who were its real targets, the brazen act represented “an attack on the principle of mediation itself.”
The attack “can only be described as state terrorism, an approach pursued by the current extremist Israeli government, which flouts international law,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
“The reckless and treacherous Israeli aggression was committed while the state of Qatar was hosting official and public negotiations, with the knowledge of the Israeli side itself, and with the aim of achieving a ceasefire in Gaza,” he said.
Ahead of the summit, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held phone consultations with his counterparts in Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan.
Egypt’s Foreign Ministry said the talks focused on assessing the crisis and “exploring ways to confront the severe political and security challenges facing the region.”
The ministers emphasized the need for Arab-Islamic unity and for sustained coordination across political, diplomatic, and economic fields to safeguard common interests and stabilize the region.
Among the leaders attending will be Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani. Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas arrived in Doha on Sunday.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was also expected to attend, Turkish media reported.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2615306/middle-east\
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Hamas: Rubio & Netanyahu’s Talmudic rituals at Western Wall are blatant attack on mosque's sanctity
14 Sep 2025
The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) considered the performance of Talmudic rituals by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and war criminal Netanyahu, wanted by the International Criminal Court, at the Western Wall—which is an inseparable part of the Al-Aqsa Mosque—a blatant assault on the mosque’s sanctity and a flagrant violation of the historical and legal status quo in occupied Al-Quds.
In a press statement received by the Yemeni News Agency (SABA) today, Sunday, Hamas added that this “brazen attack is a direct provocation to the feelings of Arabs and Muslims, a blatant breach of international laws and norms, and further confirms the complete bias and partnership of the current U.S. administration in the occupation’s crimes against our people, our land, and our holy sites.”
Hamas emphasized that “the Western Wall is an inseparable part of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and will remain purely Islamic. All the schemes of the Zionist entity and its supporters to change its historical and Islamic features will fail. The pure stones of Al-Aqsa will expel all invaders and will crush the dreams and illusions of extremist Zionists on their firm rocks and the steadfastness of its resolute defenders.”
Source: saba.ye
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British Surgeon Recounts Gaza ‘Catastrophes’
September 14, 2025
RIYADH: Nearly two years into Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, the enclave’s shattered health system is collapsing under siege, bombardment and hunger.
Few outsiders have seen its decline as closely as Dr. Nick Maynard, a consultant surgeon at Oxford University Hospitals who has volunteered in Gaza for 15 years with Medical Aid for Palestinians.
Appearing on the Arab News current affairs program “Frankly Speaking,” Professor Maynard offered one of the starkest eyewitness testimonies yet. Asked whether any particular medical cases continue to haunt him, he grew somber.
“Golly, I mean, I could spend hours telling you about moments that haunt me,” he told “Frankly Speaking” host Ali Itani, standing in this week for Katie Jensen.
Initially, most cases were explosive injuries from bombs, shells and drones. But recently, he said, “we saw a huge increase in gunshot wounds.”
“They were predominantly young teenage males, 11-, 12-, 13-, 14-year-olds, who were being shot at the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation food distribution points.
“I saw these gunshot wounds almost daily. And the narrative we were getting from the victims, from their families, and indeed from Gazan healthcare colleagues of mine who used to go to these food sites to get food for their own starving families, the narrative was identical.
“These young teenage boys who were getting food for their starving families were being shot by Israeli soldiers. And these are terrible gunshot wounds.”
On his second or third day in Nasser Hospital, a 12-year-old boy died on Maynard’s operating table. “We couldn’t save his life because of the severity of his injuries, having been shot by an Israeli soldier.”
What struck him most was the pattern of wounds. “On one day we saw four young boys who all came in with gunshot wounds to the testicles,” he recalled.
“The clustering of these injuries, the pattern of the gunshot wounds was so striking that it was beyond coincidence in our view … it was as if the Israeli soldiers were playing target practice.”
Alongside war injuries, hunger is now claiming lives. “The malnutrition I saw was just awful. Newborn babies dying of starvation, children dying of starvation, adults dying,” Maynard said.
Two children stand out in his memory. “Zainab, who was a seven-month-old girl who died because there was no formula feed. There was no infant formula feed to feed her at all in Nasser Hospital.
“And while she was dying, from the luggage of American doctors I knew who were coming into Gaza with formula feed in their luggage, the formula feed was being taken out by the Israeli border guards.
“Every single can of formula feed was removed and those cans could have saved Zainab’s life.”
Then there was Habiba, aged 11. “I spent the whole night repairing her esophagus only for her to die four weeks later because we couldn’t get the right nutrition to feed her.”
The long-term effects of the hunger crisis will be catastrophic, he said. “Even if there was unlimited food going into Gaza today, there would still be catastrophic consequences from the existing malnutrition for many, many years to come.”
Maynard rejected Israel’s claims that its strikes on Gaza’s hospitals were intended to target Hamas militants. “I was in Gaza in May 2023, five months before the events of Oct. 7,” he said.
“I’d gone out there for a week to carry out cancer surgery and we were caught up in a massive aerial bombardment from Israel when Islamic Jihad were firing rockets into Israel and we saw, we witnessed with our own eyes, how sophisticated the targeting of the Israeli bombing could be.
“Roll forward to post-Oct. 7, we’ve seen whole communities, whole towns, whole camps being destroyed by indiscriminate bombing. This is not targeted bombing. This is not protecting civilians. This is a widespread attack on the whole infrastructure of living in Gaza.”
Asked about repeated denials by Israeli officials of famine and civilian targeting, Maynard was blunt.
“They’re lies. And I think that the world media need to call them out for these lies and not keep asking people like me or keep telling us in interviews that the Israelis claim this hasn’t happened,” he said.
“I think our governments, our media need to call them out, to their faces, and say no, you are lying about this.”
He added: “We have multiple eyewitness testimonies from healthcare workers from abroad who’ve been in Gaza and come back with photographic evidence, with detailed testimony. So, they need to be called out and they need to be told to their face that we know you are lying.”
For Maynard, Western governments and institutions have failed Palestinians. “I think that academic institutions and medical institutions in my country, in the UK, and indeed around the Western world, have failed Gaza. They’ve largely been silent,” he said.
Drawing a comparison with how the same institutions responded to the war in Ukraine, he said: “The double standards and the hypocrisy are extreme.”
Western leaders, he believes, are “complicit” in Israel’s actions. “The Gazan population is being destroyed and the Western world, our Western governments, are allowing that to happen. You are all complicit in this.”
Maynard believes doctors cannot stay silent. “I do believe we have a duty to share it and to tell the world what is going on, because our governments are not doing that, our media are not being allowed to do that.”
He added: “Gaza has been fundamentally let down by the Western media; is being fundamentally let down by our Western governments.”
Maynard has worked in Gaza throughout the period since Israel imposed its indefinite embargo on the enclave in 2007 and has witnessed several upticks in violence during that time, but he says the devastation of the past two years far surpasses anything he has seen before.
Even before the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack that triggered the current war in Gaza, the blockade made care difficult. Now, he says, it is nearly impossible.
“On the last trip I was there just a few weeks ago, the health system has been almost completely destroyed,” he said.
“And even in Nasser Hospital, where I was working, which is the last remaining major hospital, that’s only very partly functioning.
“Every single hospital has been attacked by the Israeli military assault. Nasser has been attacked several times.
“The most recent attack was just after I left, although they claimed they were attacking Hamas militants, they in fact bombed the roof of the intensive care unit, the roof of the operating theater complex. So, a significant part of Nasser Hospital has been destroyed.”
Shortages compound the devastation. “The fuel to keep the hospital going almost runs out every week,” he said. “You don’t know whether you’ll be able to power the ventilators, the lights, the operating theaters, the incubators.”
“The materials we use in the operating theater — the gauze swabs, the sterile drapes, the sterile gowns, the sterile gloves — they’re in extremely short supply. We often run out of all of those things and you have to use other equipment to try and make up for the lack of sterile equipment.
“The instruments we use are failing, so you’re having to do operations with sometimes very unfamiliar instruments. So, it is dire and you never know from day to day whether there’s going to be enough equipment to treat patients the following day.”
For Maynard and his colleagues, there is little respite.
“You never really get a chance to relax at all because you never know when you’ll be needed. You’re living in the hospital, so you’re effectively on duty 24 hours a day and you could be woken up any second to go and treat mass casualties,” he said.
“Every day we had mass casualties, sometimes two or three times a day. So, there is no chance to relax.”
But he is quick to stress that for Gazan doctors, this has been daily life for nearly two years. “They’ve been living every second like this. So how they’ve coped with it is quite remarkable really.”
Maynard says he intends to return to Gaza, despite the risks. “What keeps me going is my love for the people of Gaza … . It is the Gazan people who are the most heroic, the most inspirational people I have ever met in my life,” he said.
And despite the devastation, Maynard remains convinced Gaza’s health system can recover if given the chance.
“They have the most remarkable ability to rebuild these structures. So, yes, once there is a ceasefire, with the help of the rest of the world, they absolutely can rebuild it,” he said.
Until then, he warns, “what we do is a drop in the ocean compared to the atrocities that continue every single day.”
Source: arabnews.com
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Jordanian medical teams’ efforts to treat Palestinians continue
September 14, 2025
LONDON: Medical teams from Jordan conducted a complex operation on a 60-year-old patient at a field hospital in the southern Gaza Strip on Sunday, as part of humanitarian efforts to support Palestinians in the coastal enclave.
The patient had a comminuted fracture of the humerus, along with severe tissue damage. The hospital commander said the operation involved specialized surgeons, along with operating and anesthesia technicians. The patient’s injury involved missing bone that hindered healing, he added.
An orthopedic surgeon explained that the patient had dead and infected tissue removed, the bone stabilized with plates and screws, and grafts from the pelvis and fibula used to fill the gap and support recovery, according to the Jordan News Agency.
The patient’s family thanked King Abdullah II of Jordan and praised the field hospital’s staff for their efforts to mitigate the impact of the conflict on Gaza’s population.
A new Jordanian field hospital began operating in Gaza in August, offering medical services in various specialties to support the Palestinian health sector.
Jordan has been at the forefront of providing humanitarian aid and food supplies to Palestinians in Gaza since the start of the Israeli attacks in October 2023, whether through aid convoys or airdrops.
Source: arabnews.com
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Palestinian factions address open letter to Arab & Islamic summits in Doha
14 Sep 2025
Palestinian factions on Sunday issued an open letter to the Arab and Islamic summits convening in Doha, seeking to convey what they described as “the voice of the steadfast Palestinian people in Gaza, Al-Quds, the West Bank, the 1948 territories, the refugee camps and diaspora.”
The letter began:
“The ongoing Zionist aggression against the Gaza Strip has now entered its twenty-fourth month, leaving behind unprecedented humanitarian tragedies: hundreds of thousands of martyrs, missing persons, prisoners, and wounded; widespread destruction of life and infrastructure; a suffocating blockade; starvation; and forced displacement that threatens the very survival of our people on their land.”
It added:
“We are facing a full-fledged war of genocide aimed at killing and uprooting the Palestinian people, while seeking to erase their identity, existence, national aspirations, and fundamental rights — backed by complete American sponsorship and partnership.”
The factions further stated:
“Israeli crimes have not been limited to the Palestinian people alone. Their impact has extended to threaten the security and stability of our entire Arab and Islamic nation. The recent Israeli aggression on the Qatari capital, Doha, targeting the negotiating delegation and killing six martyrs from both the Qatari and Palestinian peoples — preceded by attacks on Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Iran, and Tunisia, alongside Netanyahu’s brazen unveiling of the so-called ‘Greater Israel’ plan — all serve as clear evidence that Netanyahu’s criminal, terrorist government is relentlessly advancing a dangerous project that targets not only Palestinian land, but the entire Arab homeland and nation.”
Addressing the leaders of the Arab and Islamic worlds, the factions affirmed:
“Your historic and moral responsibility demands decisive action that goes beyond issuing statements, moving instead toward practical, unified decisions that reflect the weight of our nation, its role, and the magnitude of the challenge threatening our very existence.”
They expressed their hope to “collectively and urgently initiate agreed-upon measures aimed at stopping the genocide in Gaza, including the use of all available Arab pressure tools — among them activating the Joint Defense Agreement, leveraging oil as a weapon, and imposing comprehensive Arab sanctions on the occupying state.”
The factions stressed the importance of “mobilizing with the international community to enforce severe sanctions on Israel to compel it to immediately end the genocide and lift the unjust blockade on Gaza.”
They also called for “the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid to our besieged people in Gaza — particularly for hospitals, medical clinics, civil defense, and displaced families inside the Strip — in addition to securing tents, prefabricated homes, and establishing a reconstruction fund.”
Furthermore, the factions urged for “a unified Arab and Islamic stance against the ongoing Israeli aggression on our nation, through a joint action plan that includes a package of Arab and Islamic sanctions against Israel and its supporting states, entities, and companies. This must include severing all forms of ties with this usurping entity, which not only threatens but also brazenly assaults numerous countries and peoples of the region, undermines their national security, and acts as a rogue terrorist state that respects no law.”
They emphasized the need to “adopt a unified strategy to protect Al-Quds from Judaization, Al-Aqsa from division, and the West Bank from annexation, displacement, and uprooting.”
The factions concluded by calling for “strengthening Arab and Islamic solidarity to consolidate unity, ensuring that the great causes of the nation are not left prey to Israeli massacres and aggressions.”
They affirmed that “the summit convened today in Doha represents a historic opportunity to raise the voice of the nation, reaffirm its unity, champion the values of justice and human dignity.”
Source: saba.ye
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South Asia
Former U.S. Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad Calls on Pakistan to Seek Talks With TTP
By Fidel Rahmati
September 15, 2025
Former U.S. envoy Zalmay Khalilzad urged Pakistan to abandon its military-first approach, calling instead for political dialogue with Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan to address escalating violence.
Zalmay Khalilzad, the former U.S. envoy for Afghanistan peace, has urged Pakistan to rethink its approach as violence escalates between security forces and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants.
Writing on the social media platform X on Sunday, September 14, Khalilzad said the mounting deaths of Pakistani troops and civilians show that military reliance cannot end the crisis.
He criticized Pakistan’s leadership for lacking a coherent strategy against the insurgents, arguing that the time has come to replace battlefield tactics with a political dialogue.
Khalilzad pointed out that in the past Islamabad consistently advised Washington and Kabul to negotiate with the Afghan Taliban, but now must follow its own advice.
He further stressed that the Afghan Taliban should contribute positively by assisting Pakistan in reaching a settlement rather than allowing tensions to spiral.
Khalilzad’s intervention highlights growing doubts about Islamabad’s security-first policy and raises questions about its long-term capacity to manage the TTP insurgency.
His call for negotiations signals wider concern that without political engagement, Pakistan risks deepening instability at home and further straining its regional relations.
Source: khaama.com
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Islamic Emirate Supports Local Pharma to Ensure Affordable Medicines, Boost Self-Reliance, Minister
September 15, 2025
KABUL: Mawlavi Noor Jalal Jalali, the country’s Minister of Public Health, said the other day that the Islamic Emirate has always been committed to supporting local pharma to ensure affordable medicines and boost self-reliance.
He made the remarks during the inauguration of Elmy Complex Pharma in Kabul, the ministry said in a statement.
Calling it a “historic step,” Minister Jalali said the initiative reflects the Islamic Emirate’s commitment to promoting local manufacturing and reducing reliance on imported goods, according to the statement.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Mirwais Elmy, founder of Elmy Complex Pharma, emphasized the company’s commitment to producing high-quality medicines that meet international standards, noting, “Our mission goes beyond production; we aim to build public trust and contribute meaningfully to the country’s health sector.”
This step is regarded as a major achievement for Afghanistan’s journey toward self-sufficiency, national production, and the overall development of the health sector.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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Beradar, Adam Emphasize Strengthening U.S.-Afghanistan Relations, Continued Engagement
September 15, 2025
KABUL: Mullah Abdul Ghani Beradar Akhand, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs of the Islamic Emirate, met on Sunday with a U.S. delegation headed by Adam Boehler, President Donald Trump’s Special Representative for Prisoner Affairs and discussed strengthening bilateral relations and interaction.
The delegation also included Dr. Zalmay Khalilzad, former U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation. During the hours-long meeting, the two sides discussed the current situation in Afghanistan, regional and global developments, and exchanged views on strengthening bilateral political and economic relations, the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.
Beradar said that after the return of the Islamic Emirate to power, the economic situation improved.
“There is no administrative corruption, drug cultivation and trafficking have been completely prevented, the unemployment rate has decreased, and the value of the Afghani against foreign currencies has remained stable,” the statement quoted him as saying.
The Deputy PM added that progress has been made in the banking sector, in addition to exports, the level of imports and national revenues has increased, domestic production has grown, work on major projects has begun, and industry, trade and transit have also progressed.
Referring to the imposed sanctions on Afghanistan by the United States and the international community, Beradar noted that in some sectors, progress has not yet been made as needed. “And the reason for that is the economic sanctions imposed on Afghanistan by the United States and the international community.”
Baradar also said that by adopting a balanced and economy-oriented foreign policy, they have been able to establish good political and economic relations with some countries.
The Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs referred to the development of simple laws to attract investment and said that simple laws have been enacted to attract investment and that everyone’s rights and demands are being addressed in the light of Islamic principles.
In part of his speech, Mullah Abdul Ghani Beradar Akhund added that investment in the electricity, mining, agriculture, transport, infrastructure, telecommunications, technology and health sectors, as well as in many other fields, is one of the basic needs of Afghanistan, and the Islamic Emirate has provided investment opportunities for foreign investors in all areas, along with local investors.
Pointing out to the Haji Gak Iron Mine in Bamyan, the Katwaz and Helmand Oil companies, the Herat oil field and the Naderah mines, he said that suitable opportunities are available for investment.
The Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs maintained that opportunities have been created for investment in the construction of roads, railways and transport terminals, construction, agricultural products, medicine, food, handicrafts, regional connectivity and banking.
Mullah Beradar added that an inter-ministerial committee has been formed to facilitate investors providing complete facilitation for domestic and foreign investors. “An economic advisory board for economic development is also being established, and the practical work on the five-year national development strategy of Afghanistan is underway.”
The Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs called on the U.S. delegation to focus on interaction in Afghanistan instead of confrontation, play their role in the reconstruction of Afghanistan, and take advantage of the investment opportunities available in various sectors. Meanwhile, Adam Boehler, President Trump’s Special Representative for Prisoners’ Affairs, said that the U.S. and Afghanistan have implemented the Doha Agreement well and that neither side has violated this agreement. He praised the economic progress made in Afghanistan and emphasized the further development of relations and interaction between the two countries.
About citizens detained in Afghanistan and the United States, Adam Boehler said that both countries will exchange their prisoners.
The American delegation expressed its readiness to cooperate in the economic sector in Afghanistan and stated that it is prepared to invest in the country. The Kabul Times
Source: thekabultimes.com
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Afghanistan, Iran Seek to Boost Mining Sector Investment
2025-09-15
KABUL(BNA): In a recent meeting in Kabul, the Deputy Minister of Mines and Petroleum, Sheikh Abdul Rahman Qanit, engaged with a delegation from Iran’s private sector to discuss expanding economic cooperation in Afghanistan’s mining sector.
The meeting included key figures such as Mehrdad Akbarian, Head of Iran’s Iron Ore Association, and Hossein Roustaei, a representative from the Iranian Embassy. Both parties explored opportunities for exploration, extraction, and investment in Afghanistan’s rich mineral resources, emphasizing the importance of strengthening bilateral economic relations.
Akbarian expressed appreciation for the warm welcome from the Afghan ministry’s leadership and highlighted the Iranian private sector’s keen interest in investing in Afghanistan’s mining industry.
In response, Qanit assured that the Afghan government would facilitate the necessary cooperation in line with existing laws and mining regulations.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
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UN Warns Afghanistan Earthquake Survivors May Not Survive Winter Without Urgent Aid
By Fidel Rahmati
September 15, 2025
The United Nations warned thousands of earthquake survivors in eastern Afghanistan face extreme winter risks, urging 139 million dollars in urgent aid to secure shelter, food, and healthcare.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and UNDP warned that thousands of earthquake-hit families in eastern Afghanistan risk not surviving the coming winter without urgent international support.
Special Representative Roza Otunbayeva urged the global community to respond quickly, stressing that the UN has appealed for 139 million dollars to meet immediate needs.
Otunbayeva also emphasized the importance of women’s role in delivering humanitarian aid, saying that restrictions imposed on female aid workers have made supporting victims extremely difficult. She added that women’s presence in this process is vital for reaching families, especially vulnerable women and children.
The 6.0-magnitude quake struck Nangarhar, Kunar, and Laghman provinces, killing hundreds, injuring thousands, and leaving tens of thousands homeless, according to local and aid officials.
UNDP emphasized “community-based recovery,” offering cash-for-work programs so survivors can earn income while participating in debris removal, housing reconstruction, and restoring infrastructure.
The UN stressed that earthquakes disproportionately affect the poorest, who live in fragile homes and lack resources for recovery. Support must go beyond relief, expanding into jobs, education, healthcare, and long-term resilience.
The humanitarian agencies underscored that alongside displaced Afghans, many recent returnees from Pakistan and Iran are among the victims—making targeted aid for women, returnees, and vulnerable groups essential.
Source: khaama.com
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Europe
Religion meets realpolitik: Why Iran fears Azerbaijan’s independent diplomacy
14 September 2025
The intersection of religion and diplomacy has throughout history been a source of contradictions, antagonism, and ambiguous perceptions. In particular, the tendency of religious authorities towards sectarianism and radicalism brings them into a somewhat isolated position. Iran has always shared historical and cultural commonality with Azerbaijan – this is an undeniable fact, but the view of the issue through a religious prism takes on a rather different shape. For the sake of simple explanation, let us, for now, refrain from delving deep into history. I shall simply provide clarification regarding the latest argument of Ali Akbar Velayati, the senior adviser to Iran’s supreme religious leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, who has frequently dominated the agenda with statements designed to stir the waters. Velayati claims that he rejects the summit of Israeli rabbis held in Azerbaijan, and considers this step, in his own words, as one against Islam, as well as against the global reputation of Shiism. He further under
First of all, it should be noted that during the early centuries of Islam (7th–10th centuries), the majority of Iran’s population were simply Muslims adhering to Sunnah. Shiism, by contrast, existed largely as a minority current. The strengthening of this current is connected with the Safavid state (1501–1736). In other words, it was precisely in this period that Shiism acquired the status of state religion. In 1501, Shah Ismail Khatai Safavid came to power and declared Twelver Shiism (the Jafari school) the official religion of the state. This step led to the mass spread of Shiism in Iran and set Iran at odds with the Sunni Ottoman state.
In my view, this brief historical excursion is sufficient for now. The fact itself simply holds up a mirror to Velayati’s conflation of Islam with sectarianism. Iran uses Shiism not only within the country but also as a political instrument across the region. According to the concept of velayat-e faqih, the religious leader stands at the head of both religious and political authority. Through Shiism, Iran has extended its sphere of influence into countries such as Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen. In short, under the leadership of Ayatollah Khomeini, a monarchy was toppled in a country that had been somewhat secularised, and the Islamic Republic of Iran was established. Shiism became the principal ideological pillar of the state. In the constitution, Twelver Ja‘fari Shiism was enshrined as the official sect.
So what, then, is Iran’s real concern?
In recent years, Azerbaijan has demonstrated its independent diplomatic course with greater clarity and determination. In this process, its cooperation with Turkiye, Israel, Western states and regional partners has deepened. This, in turn, increases Tehran’s unease. Iran’s portrayal of the Israeli rabbi summit in Azerbaijan as an “anti-Islamic step” and its labelling of Baku’s possible approach towards the Abraham Accords as a “blow to the prestige of Shiism” are, in fact, rooted in several strategic and ideological factors.
Firstly, the ideological factor. Iran sees itself as the principal guardian of Shiism and seeks to maintain ideological control over Shia communities around the world. Azerbaijan, however, despite a certain segment of its population being Shia, applies a secular model of statehood and does not elevate religion onto the political plane. Therefore, in Tehran’s view, the more independent diplomatic steps Azerbaijan takes, the weaker Iran’s position as a “centre of Shiism” becomes.
Secondly, the Israel factor, which makes Azerbaijan’s cooperation with Israel – one of Iran’s greatest strategic rivals – a sensitive subject for Tehran. Baku cooperates with Israel in the fields of energy, technology and defence, and this contradicts Tehran’s conception of regional balance. The summit of Israeli religious leaders in Azerbaijan, in Iran’s eyes, is not simply a diplomatic event, but rather the consolidation of its enemy’s foothold in the region.
Thirdly, the matter is linked to the Abraham Accords. Iran regards these agreements as acts of “betrayal” by Arab countries normalising relations with Israel and as moves against itself. The possibility of Azerbaijan moving closer to this process could deepen Tehran’s isolation. Therefore, by presenting it as a “blow to Shiism”, Tehran is in reality seeking to safeguard its regional geopolitical interests.
Fourthly, the regional power balance. As Azerbaijan pursues an independent diplomacy and strengthens its integration with the West, Turkiye and Central Asia, Iran’s influence narrows. Moreover, Azerbaijan’s secular model of development may serve as an alternative example for the millions of Azerbaijanis living in Iran, which poses a risk to Tehran’s domestic stability.
Finally, the domestic political factor is also of crucial importance here. The Iranian leadership makes use of external “threats” to compensate for crises of legitimacy and social discontent within the country. Azerbaijan’s rapprochement with Israel is, in this sense, exploited as a propaganda tool internally – Tehran presents this both in the light of religious zeal and in terms of national security. A simple comparison of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s moderate stance in regional policy with the views of Supreme Leader Khamenei is quite sufficient. On the one hand, a theocratic authority isolated in the world and drawing hatred from its domestic audience; on the other, a regime making wide use of such tactics in order not to be completely excluded from regional relations. Yet since the fundamental principle of the state is built upon Shiism, it cannot remain indifferent to sensitive subjects.
Iran’s reaction is not confined purely to religious motives. It is a fusion of claims to ideological hegemony, regional rivalry and domestic political calculations. As Azerbaijan consolidates itself as an independent actor, Iran’s room for manoeuvre narrows, and Tehran responds with harsher rhetoric. In essence, this confrontation is an indication of which model will prevail in the future geopolitical order of the Caucasus: the Azerbaijani model based on secular and independent diplomacy, which is in harmony with progressive world politics, or the Iranian model that seeks to remain as a centre of religious-ideological influence.
Source: azernews.az
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Christian councillors threaten legal action over planned mosque
14 September 2025
Christian councillors have threatened to take legal action against a Labour and Green-run council after it allowed a former library to be used as a mosque, The Telegraph can reveal.
Monmouthshire county council agreed to lease the former Carnegie Library in Abergavenny to the Monmouthshire Muslim Community Association (MMCA) for use as a mosque and Islamic centre earlier this year.
Three councillors have threatened to take legal action, claiming the tender process to lease the library was not transparent.
Tory councillors Louise Brown and Rachel Buckler, along with independent Simon Howarth and resident John Hardwick, have threatened a judicial review.
In a pre-action letter seen by The Telegraph, the councillors demand that local authority bosses withdraw the 30-year lease offer to MMCA, refrain from entering into any agreement with the organisation and conduct a new, fully transparent tender process with adequate publicity and timeframes.
It is also argued that the lease was awarded to MMCA at an annual rent of £6,000, despite internal council estimates suggesting the property could command between £20,000 and £25,000 a year.
According to the legal letter, three other options were received for a 10-year lease for day-care nursery facilities, a three-year lease with a 12-month break clause for community activities and “an unconditional offer by an applicant to purchase the property or alternatively to lease it for 30 years for community activities”.
Ms Brown told The Telegraph: “Council taxpayers need to know that the council is adhering to its values of openness, transparency and fairness in its use of limited council resources and not operating in a hidden, unaccountable secretive way.”
Mr Howarth added: “This decision never appeared on the forward planner. That undermines scrutiny and the democratic process. The constitution needs to change so this cannot happen again.”
The councillors argue that the lease violates Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972, which requires councils to obtain best value unless specific conditions are met.
They also cite concerns over religious impartiality, restrictive covenants on the property, the proximity to single elderly residents in nearby almshouses, as well as the impact on residents, including increased traffic and noise due to prayer activities scheduled outside of the hours of 8am and 8pm.
Police previously started an investigation after anti-Muslim propaganda was sprayed on the former library in June. Written in Arabic, the word “masjid”, meaning mosque, appeared next to the word “no”.
First mosque in Monmouthshire
The Grade II-listed sandstone building, which was built in 1905, was marketed for fewer than four weeks over the Christmas period last year. It was built and funded by Scottish-American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.
Plans to turn the library into a mosque, which would be the first in Monmouthshire, were announced in May.
The three councillors forced a review using the council’s call-in process, which allows members to scrutinise decisions before they take effect.
Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, who is helping the councillors with the legal action, said: “This case raises serious questions about transparency, fairness, and the proper use of public assets.
“The people of Abergavenny deserve to be heard, and their concerns must not be brushed aside. We will stand with these councillors as they urge the council to be democratically accountable and to abide by the rule of law.”
However, at a council meeting in June, Councillor Ben Callard, who is responsible for resources including leases, said the former library was put out for a competitive tender and it returned the figures proposed by the MMCA, which was the highest submission.
Cllr Callard said the lease was on a “full repair” basis, which will pass all maintenance responsibilities to the tenants, and he described the building as having “significant liabilities”.
In a business case submitted to council bosses, the MMCA said: “The Muslim population is increasingly growing and Monmouthshire has benefited from the skills, value and resources this community brings.
“There is currently no mosque in Monmouthshire county. The proposal will address the gap and be momentous in establishing the first mosque in the history of Monmouthshire.”
Monmouthshire county council was approached for comment.
Source: yahoo.com
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Worcester LGBT comments on Tommy Robinson protest in London
14th September
By Daniel Kelly
A CITY GROUP says 'there is growing fear' after more than 100,000 people joined a Tommy Robinson lead protest in London.
Worcester LGBT said there was a growing fear among immigrants, Muslims and LGBTQ+ people following the Unite the Kingdom Protest in London yesterday (September 14).
A spokesperson for Worcester LGBT said: "These movements often promote anti-immigration, anti-Muslim, and anti-LGBTQ+ views that threaten the safety, dignity, and human rights of many of the people we support.
"As a network that supports LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and refugees, WLGBT stands firmly against all forms of hate, racism, xenophobia, and Islamophobia. We know from experience that far-right rhetoric can directly fuel harassment, discrimination, and violence — especially for people at the intersection of multiple vulnerabilities.
"We are seeing growing fear among immigrants, Muslims, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Many in our community are feeling unsafe — and they are right to be concerned.
"These are not isolated incidents. They are part of a global pattern of scapegoating, division, and dehumanisation.
"In these times of rising hostility, our response must be clear: solidarity, compassion, and collective action."
Worcester LGBT supports LGBTQ+ individuals nationwide with particular focus on providing vital resources and support for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers.
Although organisers had asked protestors to be peaceful, 25 protestors were arrested.
Speaking at the protest, Tommy Robinson claimed that the UK courts found the rights of undocumented migrants supersede those of the “local community”.
He said: “Last week, they took Epping community to court and they said in court that the rights of migrants, undocumented migrants that we know nothing about, supersede the rights of the local community.
“They told the world that Somalians, Afghanis, Pakistanis, all of them, their rights supersede yours – The British public, the people that built this nation.”
As well as Elon Musk, the “Unite” protest featured speeches from Tommy Robinson and other right wing activists, including former actor Laurence Fox, former Apprentice candidate Katie Hopkins, along with musical performers.
Around 110,000 people were estimated by police to have gathered in Whitehall, London, for the Unite the Kingdom event, which faced counter-protests by around 5,000 anti-racism campaigners.
Source: worcesternews.co.uk
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Glasgow mosques tighten security after Islamophobic attacks
14th September
By Fiona Brown
MOSQUES across Scotland have increased their security measures following several Islamophobic attacks and a foiled terror plot.
As first reported by LBC, some worship centres have now instated security guards, whilst the mosque in Glasgow – the country’s largest – has introduced 24/7 patrols.
It comes after a number of attacks were carried out at centres throughout the country, including in Aberdeen, Elgin, Newton Mearns and Greenock.
In March, the Aberdeen Mosque and Islamic Centre (AMIC) Spital Mosque was vandalised with paint and a rock was thrown through a window whilst worshippers gathered inside.
In April, a mosque in Elgin was targeted for the third time, having multiple windows damaged.
Earlier this week, police launched a hate crime investigation after a Muslim schoolgirl was allegedly attacked by a man in Newton Mearns, who is also said to have made threatening remarks about Muslims to the girl.
A Greenock teenager was jailed for 10 years last month after planning a mass-murder by setting fire to the Inverclyde Muslim Centre.
The 17-year-old – who cannot be named for legal reasons – followed Nazi ideology and had planned the attack for several months, befriending members of the mosque in order to gain access.
Omar Afzal, member of the Scottish Association of Mosques, told LBC: "There's a great deal of fear and alarm within the community. It's feeling really under threat and really vulnerable.
"Mosques across the country are really looking at their security measures and increasing them.
"Some are looking at bringing in security guards and some already have. The country's largest, for example, Glasgow Central Mosque, has 24-hour security now as a result of what's happened over the last few months."
Afzal went on to criticise the normalisation of anti-immigration and Islamophobic rhetoric over the past year, noting that communities had “seen this coming” and urging politicians to be mindful of the language they use.
“I think it's time now that we take some real tangible action to try and tackle this”, he added.
First Minister John Swinney previously condemned the rise of Islamophobia in Scotland, saying: “Violence, prejudice, racism, Islamophobia and antisemitism, have no place in our society, and nobody should ever be subjected to them.
"This Government will always work to ensure every person living in Scotland is protected, and that we are united in our opposition to anyone who would seek to use disorder as a means of division."
Source: glasgowtimes.co.uk
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UK and US unveil nuclear energy deal promising thousands of jobs
Charlotte Edwards
14 September 2025
The UK and US are set to sign a landmark agreement aimed at accelerating the development of nuclear power.
The move is expected to generate thousands of jobs and strengthen Britain's energy security.
It is expected to be signed off during US President Donald Trump's state visit this week, with both sides hoping it will unlock billions in private investment.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the two nations were "building a golden age of nuclear" that would put them at the "forefront of global innovation".
The government has said that generating more power from nuclear can cut household energy bills, create jobs, boost energy security, and tackle climate change.
The new agreement, known as the Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy, aims to make it quicker for companies to build new nuclear power stations in both the UK and the US.
It will streamline regulatory approvals, cutting the average licensing period for nuclear projects from up to four years to just two.
'Nuclear renaissance'
The deal is also aimed at increasing commercial partnerships between British and American companies, with a number of deals set to be announced.
Key among the plans is a proposal from US nuclear group X-Energy and UK energy company Centrica to build up to 12 advanced modular nuclear reactors in Hartlepool, with the potential to power 1.5 million homes and create up to 2,500 jobs.
The broader programme could be worth up to £40bn, with £12bn focused in the north east of England.
Other plans include multinational firms such as Last Energy and DP World working together on a micro modular reactor at London Gateway port. This is backed by £80m in private investment.
Elsewhere, Holtec, EDF and Tritax are also planning to repurpose the former Cottam coal-fired plant in Nottinghamshire into a nuclear-powered data centre hub.
This project is estimated to be worth £11bn and could create thousands of high-skilled construction jobs, as well as permanent jobs in long-term operations.
Beyond power generation, the new partnership includes collaboration on fusion energy research, and an end to UK and US reliance on Russian nuclear material by 2028.
Commenting on the agreement, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: "Nuclear will power our homes with clean, homegrown energy and the private sector is building it in Britain, delivering growth and well-paid, skilled jobs for working people."
And US Energy Secretary Chris Wright described the move as a "nuclear renaissance", saying it would enhance energy security and meet growing global power demands, particularly from AI and data infrastructure.
Sir Keir has previously said he wants the UK to return to being "one of the world leaders on nuclear".
In the 1990s, nuclear power generated about 25% of the UK's electricity but that figure has fallen to around 15%, with no new power stations built since then and many of the country's ageing reactors due to be decommissioned over the next decade.
In November 2024, the UK and 30 other countries signed a global pledge to triple their nuclear capacity by 2050.
And earlier this year, the government announced a deal with private investors to build the Sizewell C nuclear power station in Suffolk.
Its nuclear programme also includes the UK's first small modular reactors (SMRs), which will be built by UK firm Rolls Royce.
Source: bbc.com
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NATO has no defenses against drones – Western media
15 Sep, 2025
This week’s incident in Poland has demonstrated NATO’s vulnerability to a large-scale drone attack, according to several Western media outlets, including Politico and Austria’s Kurier daily.
The Polish government reported 19 violations of its airspace by alleged Russian drones on Wednesday, calling the incident “unprecedented” and requesting an emergency UN Security Council meeting. Moscow rejected the accusations of a deliberate “attack,” saying Warsaw’s claims lack evidence and are being amplified by the “European party of war.”
During the incident, NATO forces reportedly scrambled Dutch F-35 fighter jets, along with an Italian surveillance plane and a German Patriot air defense system, to track and intercept the UAVs, Politico reported.
Kurier said drones costing just over $11,000 were shot down with air-to-air missiles worth $400,000 each. The paper also lamented that only 7 out of 19 drones were intercepted. The Polish authorities said that only three or four were actually downed, while the rest did not pose a threat.
The incident was discussed during a meeting between NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and EU ambassadors in Brussels on Thursday. According to Politico, many participants acknowledged the bloc’s lack of readiness to defend against these types of attacks.
Officials said NATO could not feasibly deploy F-35 jets every time to intercept drones. “Rutte himself concluded that, and no one disagreed,” a diplomat familiar with the meeting told the outlet.
Polish media also questioned the country’s preparedness. Rzeczpospolita described Poland as “powerless” against drones and reported that the recently acquired SkyCTRL anti-drone systems already require modernization and upgrades.
According to internal NATO calculations cited by the Financial Times in May, the US-led military bloc has only 5% of the air defenses needed to adequately protect member states in Eastern Europe, the Baltics, and Scandinavia.
The Russian Defense Ministry stated that all of its recent drone operations were aimed solely at Ukrainian military targets and not at Poland. Moscow reiterated its readiness to hold constructive consultations with Warsaw, as opposed to engaging in “megaphone diplomacy.”
Russia has rejected claims that it plans to attack NATO, calling the speculation “nonsense.” President Vladimir Putin has accused Western governments of deceiving their populations in order to justify inflated military budgets and distract from domestic economic problems.
Source: rt.com
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Starmer denies protesters right to use ‘diverse’ UK flag
15 Sep, 2025
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has criticized anti-government protesters in London, telling them to keep their hands off the national flag, which he said represents “diversity,” not the “division” they promote.
Tens of thousands attended the “Unite the Kingdom” rally on Saturday, organized by right-wing activist Tommy Robinson, who described it as “the UK’s biggest free speech festival.” Demonstrators marched through the city with Union flags and St. George’s crosses, carrying placards reading “Stop the Boats” and displaying images of conservative American influencer Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated last week.
Police deployed around 1,000 officers and imposed restrictions to separate the estimated 150,000-strong crowd from a counter-protest of approximately 5,000 people. Clashes broke out when some demonstrators attempted to breach a cordon near the main stage, resulting in at least 26 injuries and 25 arrests.
In a post on X on Sunday, Starmer condemned the “assaults on police officers” and accused the rally of “intimidating” residents of different backgrounds and skin colors.
“Britain is a nation proudly built on tolerance, diversity, and respect. Our flag represents our diverse country, and we will never surrender it to those who use it as a symbol of violence and division,” he wrote.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon and who is known for his nationalist views, said the rally also aimed to defend British heritage and culture. Some rally-goers expressed anger over immigration, describing it as an “invasion.”
Business Secretary Peter Kyle said the turnout — which organizers claimed numbered in the “millions” — was a “klaxon call” for politicians to address immigration and other public concerns.
The rally came one year after anti-immigration riots erupted in several UK cities. It also follows government efforts to ban the Palestine Action group and the arrests of peaceful protesters, as well as growing controversy over Britain’s strict hate speech and online safety laws, which critics say police “wrong” opinions on social media.
Source: rt.com
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Arab World
Diriyah Art Futures celebrates inaugural cohort with ‘Continuum’
Nada Alturki
September 14, 2025
RIYADH: Diriyah Art Institute’s inaugural exhibition “Continuum” opened on Saturday, presenting works by 11 international artists who form the first cohort of the Diriyah Art Futures residency.
Curated by Irini Papadimitriou, the show brings together installations, audiovisual pieces, VR works and AI-generated art that explore themes of memory, identity, displacement, migration, environmental concerns and our relationship with technology.
“‘Continuum’ is an umbrella title that we’ve decided to adopt for the program, and the exhibition is a celebration of the work that everyone has been creating and developing over a year at DAF,” Papadimitriou said at the opening.
Among the works is UK-based artist William J. Brooks’ “Clastic Resonance,” a sound installation built with Riyadh sandstone boulders.
Low-frequency recordings of the mechanized rhythms of urban development, captured during the city’s ongoing physical and cultural transformation, are transmitted as vibrations perceptible through direct touch.
The piece reflects on impermanence and the sonic memory of place, drawing on the rhythms of the city’s rapid transformation.
“We’re in a specific moment in time in Riyadh, and Saudi in general, where there’s a tremendous amount of construction projects occurring. I was particularly interested in the transient sonic output that comes from this,” Brooks told Arab News.
As visitors touch the rocks, they feel subsonic vibrations that ebb and flow, resembling the rhythm of breathing. Brooks uses the piece to question how construction sounds affect the surrounding environment and how an artist might respond to them.
“When I first came here, I became really aware of the ecology in Riyadh and the call to prayer, because I’m not familiar with that. I became super conscious of the sounds occurring and the sheer volume of the city,” he added.
Another striking work is Jordanian artist Aya Abu Ghazaleh’s “It Grows Within,” which reflects on forced displacement through an immersive installation centered around a tree trunk built from wooden clothespins.
The object, both ordinary and symbolic, represents the belongings left behind when uprooted.
The piece takes a circular form, spiraling around an invisible clothesline that holds traces of rust and embroidery. The design creates an enclosed loop that visitors cannot escape.
She said: “It’s a trap, actually. You can never leave; the circularity. It’s not typically the way you see clothes being hung, but now it’s become more of a circular (experience) ... You never sit in a corner, you just keep rotating.
“It’s like someone is still looking for home and never stopping.”
The installation incorporates sounds collected from the area, including Dabkeh chants, the call to prayer, and alarms, layering archival noise into the experience of loss and repetition.
Tunisian artist Dhia Dhibi’s “Archiving Retention” interrogates the fragile relationship between digital traces, historical memory, and online archives. Reflecting on the flood of images of war shared over the past year, he asked: “What images are there to preserve afterwards? Or in other words, does it really matter to preserve any digital content online?”
His exploration took him back to 2010, when internet access in Tunisia first became more widely available.
“It actually kind of induced or helped the revolution to happen, because people were used to certain mass media images and then all of a sudden they were exposed to images or videos of protests that were unprecedented. For me, it’s my sort of archeology of media, in a way,” he told Arab News.
The work builds on three elements: videos, posts, and sounds. Most central is a large 29-level pyramid-like piece, symbolizing the 29 days of the uprising, made of stills taken from videos that were posted during each day.
Developed in collaboration with Le Fresnoy Studio National des Arts Contemporains in France, the Emerging New Media Artists Programme provides participants with professional equipment, a production budget, and a wide range of multidisciplinary learning opportunities.
The first cohort includes artists from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Algeria, Jordan, Tunisia, Morocco, Bahrain, Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and South Africa.
Their works collectively highlight the global and regional conversations shaping the future of art in a digital age.
The exhibition will run until Nov. 15.
Source: arabnews.com
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Gulf Research Centre hosts Saudi-German roundtable in Riyadh
September 14, 2025
RIYADH: The Gulf Research Center organized a roundtable discussion, entitled “Saudi-German Relations,” which was attended by Ambassador Dr. Geza Andreas von Geyr, State Secretary of the Federal Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany, along with his accompanying delegation and a group of experts interested in Saudi-German relations.
The roundtable took place at the GRC office in Riyadh on Sunday.
Source: arabnews.com
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Riyadh’s Steer Studios developing new Tom and Jerry mobile game
Lama Alhamawi
September 14, 2025
RIYADH: Savvy Games Group’s Steer Studios, more than half of whom are Saudi nationals, is developing a new Tom and Jerry game in the Kingdom, in its first partnership with Warner Bros.
“We are honored and delighted to be working with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and look forward to delivering a fun, innovative game that lives up to the legendary status of the Tom and Jerry universe,” Steer Studios CEO Yannick Theler said.
The project is a milestone for the company, which has built a base in Riyadh, combining local talent with international expertise.
Talks with Warner Bros. began in 2023 and led to the announcement of plans for an officially licensed mobile game featuring the famous cat and mouse.
Asked about the release date, Theler said the game was in development and expected to launch next year.
Based on the animated series created in 1940 by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, the game involves a team of programmers, artists and designers. A key part of Steer Studios’ initiative is to support Saudis in the gaming sector and help make the Kingdom a global hub for gaming.
“Half of the team is from Saudi Arabia and we will be able to increase the ratio. This is what I have done in China,” Theler said, referring to his work at Ubisoft in Switzerland and China.
“We have an internship that we started three years ago. It is called the Elite Internship. It is a six-month program; we have seven people who started last week. Our aim is to train them.”
On the future of Steer Studios, he said: “I want us to be an elite studio, which means developing qualitative games and making a difference in the market.
“If in 10, 15 years we can be X, Y, Z number of people — and ensure the ecosystem is developed with sustainable games operated from Riyadh to the world and with Saudi leads as well — that would be the dream.”
Source: arabnews.com
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Tourism ‘catalyst for inclusive social progress,’ Saudi vice minister says
September 14, 2025
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia recently took part in the G20 Tourism Ministerial Meeting and Tourism Investment Summit in South Africa.
Vice Minister of Tourism Princess Haifa bint Mohammed Al-Saud represented the Kingdom at the meeting, highlighting the country’s role in shaping the future of the global industry, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
“Saudi Arabia shares and celebrates the G20’s commitment to advancing tourism growth and placing sustainability at the heart of our efforts,” she told delegates from the world’s top 20 industrialized and emerging-market nations.
“The lesson from South Africa and Saudi Arabia is clear: Lasting transformation happens when we share ideas and build together. This is why we created Tourise, the first global platform for action, year-round collaboration and meaningful impact. We invite the world to join us this November to design and deliver the future of tourism in partnership.
“Tourism has the power to change lives, transform economies and bring the world closer together. Through Saudi Vision 2030 we are showing that tourism is not only a driver of economic prosperity but also a catalyst for inclusive social progress. But this potential can only be realized if we act boldly and collaboratively.”
As a permanent member of the G20, Saudi Arabia helped shape the final ministerial declaration, ensuring that sustainability, digital transformation, inclusivity and skills development remain priorities in global tourism policy, the report said.
Princess Haifa also hosted a ministerial dinner on behalf of Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb, inviting guests to Tourise — a gathering of public- and private-sector leaders, innovators and investors — to design a global tourism agenda for the future.
Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is among the fastest growing in the world. Last year the number of domestic and inbound visitors rose 6 percent from 2023 to 116 million, according to the SPA.
The growth was fueled by investment in destinations, flight routes, airport capacity and infrastructure, including giga-projects such as Neom, Qiddiya and Diriyah.
Source: arabnews.com
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Africa
US Judge Blasts Trump Govt Over Deportation Of Nigerians, Gambians To Ghana
September 14, 2025
By Enioluwa Adeniyi
A U.S. federal judge, Tanya Chutkan, on Saturday criticised the administration of President Donald Trump for allegedly attempting to bypass immigration laws by deporting Nigerian and Gambian migrants to Ghana.
Chutkan, sitting in Washington, D.C., said the move appeared to be an “end run” around U.S. legal safeguards against sending migrants to countries where they face persecution.
She said during an emergency hearing, “These are not speculative concerns. The concerns are real enough that the United States government agrees they shouldn’t be sent back to their home country.”
The judge directed the administration to explain by 9 p.m. EDT what steps it was taking to prevent Ghana from further transferring the deportees to Nigeria or Gambia.
The ruling followed reports that Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, had confirmed an agreement with the U.S. to accept West African deportees. Mahama said 14 people, including Nigerians and Gambians, had already been received.
A lawsuit filed Friday revealed disturbing details of how the migrants were allegedly treated.
Lawyers said five men were removed from a Louisiana detention centre, shackled, and flown on a U.S. military plane without being told their destination. Some were reportedly restrained in straitjackets for 16 hours.
One plaintiff, a bisexual man, was deported to Gambia and has since gone into hiding, while four others are being held under harsh conditions at a Ghanaian military facility.
The Department of Justice argued that since the deportees were no longer in U.S. custody, the court could not intervene in what it described as diplomatic matters.
The Department of Homeland Security, while denying that straitjackets were used, failed to address the central legal concerns raised in court.
The deal has also sparked backlash in Ghana. Opposition lawmakers described the arrangement as illegal, insisting that parliament should have been consulted before such an agreement was signed.
They warned that the deal risks portraying Ghana as complicit in what they called “harsh and discriminatory” U.S. immigration policies.
Source: naijanews.com
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‘World Bank, IMF Insisted Govt Must Remove All Subsidies’ – Falana
September 15, 2025
By Rachel Okporu Fadoju
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has accused the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) of pushing the federal government to remove fuel subsidy.
Naija News reports that Falana, while speaking in an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday, stated that no country in the world has completely abolished subsidies.
The human rights activist further criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the decision to remove the fuel subsidy.
He said, “There’s no way you can remove subsidy completely. No country in the entire world has abolished subsidies completely.
“Even leading Western countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, France and others subsidise electricity, agriculture, and many aspects of the lives of their people.
“So, when the Nigerian Government said it was removing subsidies, as a matter of fact, if I must say this, it was the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, IMF, that insisted that the government must remove all subsidies.”
Meanwhile, Femi Falana has challenged the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to prove that they are not terrorist organisations.
Recall that a Canadian Federal Court had described both parties as entities that have engaged in conduct amounting to terrorism under Canadian law.
The judge, Justice Phuong Ngo, made the declaration while dismissing the asylum appeal of a Nigerian, Douglas Egharevba, ruling that Nigeria’s two main political parties, APC and PDP, were “terrorist organisations” because they allegedly use violence, coercion and subversion of democratic institutions in their bid to acquire political power.
Source: naijanews.com
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‘No Victory Worth Rivers Blood’ – Ibas Calls For Peace Ahead Of Fubara’s Return
September 14, 2025
By Richard Ogunsile
The outgoing Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has reflected on his six-month stewardship, saying the state was deeply divided before President Bola Tinubu stepped in to restore stability.
Speaking at a Thanksgiving service held on Sunday at the Ecumenical Centre in Port Harcourt, Ibas said he deliberately sowed seeds of love and peace during his tenure and urged residents to nurture them as the state transitions back to democratic governance on September 18.
“By God’s grace, and with the support of Mr President and all of you, we have walked through those difficult days together; the survival and relative stability we enjoy today is a testimony of God’s faithfulness,” Ibas said.
He warned political actors against plunging the state back into chaos.
“Political actors must sheath their swords, because no political victory or personal gain is worth the blood of any Rivers citizen. The progress and prosperity of Rivers State must be placed above personal or partisan interest,” Ibas declared.
Ibas also urged young people to reject being used as instruments of violence, stressing that they should instead deploy their energy into building a prosperous state.
He further appealed to community leaders, elders, and clerics to continue offering wisdom, guidance, and prayers for stability.
“The youth should not avail themselves to be used as instruments of violence but to instead channel their energies into building a peaceful and prosperous state,” he said.
What Led To Ibas’ Appointment As Rivers’ Sole Administrator
Naija News recalls that Ibas’ appointment as sole administrator of Rivers State in March 2025 was a product of months of political chaos in the state.
President Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara following an intractable power struggle with his predecessor and political godfather, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The crisis had split the Rivers House of Assembly, led to violent clashes in Port Harcourt, and triggered mass defections between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) camps.
To prevent a breakdown of law and order, Tinubu appointed Ibas, a retired naval chief and former Chief of Naval Staff, as a neutral caretaker for six months while negotiations continued.
Fubara’s Expected Return
With Ibas’ tenure ending this week, political attention has turned to the anticipated return of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Naija News understands that arrangements are being finalised for his reinstatement, following assurances that he would work towards reconciliation and stability.
Many residents hope the governor’s reinstatement will bring lasting calm, while others fear old rivalries could resurface if political actors fail to prioritise the state’s progress.
Meanwhile, delivering the sermon at the Thanksgiving today, Pastor Barasin Ogan of the Chapel of Everlasting Grace, Government House, urged Rivers people to forgive past wrongs and unite behind their leaders.
“Let us work together as one family to heal the wounds of yesterday and secure a brighter future for Rivers State,” he said.
Source: naijanews.com
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‘Do No Encourage Illegality’ – SERAP Warns INEC, Demands Sanctions Against Early Campaigns
September 14, 2025
By Richard Ogunsile
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to identify and penalise politicians or political parties engaging in early campaigns, or be prepared to face legal action.
In a letter dated September 13, 2025, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP said the electoral umpire could not afford to act helplessly while politicians flout the legally prescribed period for election campaigns.
The organisation maintained that early campaigns are unconstitutional and illegal, stressing that INEC has a duty to check such infractions.
“INEC should not be seen to be encouraging or giving legitimacy to political parties, candidates and other politicians carrying out early election campaigns outside the legally prescribed campaign period,” the letter read in part.
INEC had, last week, expressed worry over the spate of early electioneering activities by some political parties.
The commission argued that the trend undermines its ability to effectively track campaign finance limits, adding that no sanctions currently exist for such violations.
Reacting, SERAP insisted that INEC’s constitutional and statutory mandates extend to sanctioning or penalising electoral offences, including premature campaigns.
The group further warned that prolonged electioneering could worsen Nigeria’s fragile economy.
“Early election campaigns have adverse effects on economic development due to prolonged electioneering frenzy.
“As INEC is yet to publish the timetable and schedule of activities for elections, early election campaigns are inconsistent and incompatible with the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act and the country’s international human rights obligations,” the organisation stated.
Source: naijanews.com
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‘Peace Better Than War’ – Onoja Urges Bello, Natasha To Reconcile Amid Senate Suspension Row
September 14, 2025
Former Kogi State Deputy Governor, Edward Onoja, has expressed optimism that former governor Yahaya Bello and suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, can put aside their differences and reconcile.
Speaking on the Mic On podcast on Saturday, Onoja recalled that Bello and Natasha once enjoyed a cordial relationship, insisting that peace remained the best option.
“I will advise them to reconcile, that is what brothers and sisters do,” Onoja said.
“Once upon a time, Natasha was at our party, APC, invited in by Yahaya Bello, and they dined together; they have been friends. I just believe that peace is better than war.”
Onoja also dismissed speculations that Bello orchestrated Natasha’s current ordeal in the Senate, where she is facing suspension.
Asked directly about the rumours, he responded: “Was said, I didn’t say that, I didn’t know that, and I don’t want to believe that.”
He maintained that there was no concrete evidence to tie Bello to the Senate saga, urging the public not to jump to conclusions.
The former deputy governor recounted an incident at the Kogi Government House in Lokoja, where Bello personally instructed him to greet Natasha during her time in the APC.
“She was in our party and she attended one occasion in Glass House – Kogi State Government House. His Excellency made me stand up from my seat to go and greet her, and I did. Once you are directed by your principal, you just do it,” Onoja recalled.
Naija News reports that Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who won the Kogi Central Senate seat in 2023 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been one of Bello’s fiercest critics since leaving the APC.
Her recent suspension from the Senate has stirred political debates, with some alleging interference by political heavyweights in Kogi.
But Onoja insists the matter can still be resolved amicably.
“Peace will always serve the people better than political battles. It is in the interest of Kogi people that both of them find a way to work together again,” he said.
Source: naijanews.com
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Flotilla carrying aid and activists to Gaza departs Tunisia
September 14, 2025
An international activist flotilla seeking to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza left Tunisia on Saturday, after a stopover in the North African country marked by weather delays and suspected drone attacks.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, which includes Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau, is aiming to sail Gaza with around 20 boats, carrying a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza.
The activists group planned to stop in Tunis for other boats to join. The group said their vessels were attacked on both Monday and Tuesday night last week by drones that dropped projectiles which caused fires on the boats.
The flotilla was moved to Bizerte on Thursday.
Many of the Tunisian boats were unable to continue on, facing technical difficulties and unable to get to Bizerte from the port town of Sidi Bou Said near Tunis.
Rana Hamida, a Palestinian commanding one of the vessels, said the events at the Sidi Bou Said port did not deter her.
"We're not scared,” she said. “Just remember, the purpose of attacks like this is to deflate the energy of the people and to distract people, and to shake them. What it actually does is that it brings people together."
Source: africanews.com
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Southeast Asia
‘Malaysia Madani’ Slogan Meant To Deceive The People, Says PAS President
By Malay Mail
15 Sep 2025
ALOR SETAR — PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang has claimed that the “Malaysia Madani” slogan introduced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government is nothing more than a tool to deceive the people.
In his keynote address at the party’s 71st annual congress in Kedah today, Hadi announced this year’s theme — “Returning to Islamic Solutions” — while lashing out at the Madani concept, according to a report published in Malaysiakini.
Hadi argued that the “Madani” idea mirrors the Western-influenced movement of haddathah (reform), which he equated with terms such as reformist, progressive, conservative, liberal Islam and secular Islam — all of which, he said, could mislead the faith.
“The true Madani is Islam having the authority to govern human affairs. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the greatest model for the modern era, when humankind has been granted the knowledge that connects the entire world.
“The problem is that ‘Malaysia Madani’ has been turned into a slogan to trick the people with a shallow understanding devoid of knowledge — a meaningless slogan without direction or guidance. It has also been narrowed down merely to this small patch of land called Malaysia, instead of the wider world.
“On the economy, we have witnessed the failures of socialism and communism as they go against human nature. Now, we are also seeing signs of liberal capitalism’s downfall for the same reasons,” he said.
Also present at today’s congress were Perikatan Nasional leaders including Bersatu president and PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, Gerakan president Datuk Dominic Lau, and Malaysian Indian People’s Party president P Punithan.
The Madani concept was introduced by Anwar in January 2023 as a national governance framework anchored on principles of good governance, justice, and equality.
It outlined six core values — sustainability, prosperity, innovation, respect, trust, and compassion — aimed at building a more humane, progressive, and prosperous Malaysia for all.
Addressing over 4,400 delegates at the Kedah PAS Complex, Hadi, who is also the Marang MP, further stressed that the economy must be restructured so wealth does not remain concentrated among a select few.
“The country is now burdened with heavy debts, and worse still, plagued by the sin of usury — forbidden and fought by Allah and His Messenger. Yet usury remains the foundation of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, which serve as the economic qiblah for materialist nations.
“We must democratise the economy with people’s participation, ensuring that its benefits reach the majority. Wealth must not be recycled among the same circles. Limited resources can be managed and grown through knowledge and wisdom, while leakage can be curbed by faith in sin and reward, and by upholding noble morals to prevent misconduct, abuse, and corruption.
“Meanwhile, urban development must be balanced — in terms of progress, demographics, and people’s wellbeing — without sidelining or marginalising any group,” he said.
Source: malaymail.com
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Anwar joins world Islamic leaders at Doha summit on Gaza crisis, to voice Malaysia’s stand tonight
15 Sep 2025
DOHA, Sept 15 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to deliver Malaysia’s national statement at the Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit, condemning the recent Israeli airstrike in Doha that targeted Hamas leadership, and highlighting the ongoing humanitarian suffering in Gaza.
Anwar is expected to address the summit at 6 pm local time (11 pm Malaysia time) on Sept 15.
He will reaffirm Malaysia’s unwavering solidarity with Qatar and its firm commitment to defending the rights of the Palestinian people, while condemning Israel’s ruthless aggression.
The Prime Minister is attending the extraordinary summit at the invitation of Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
Anwar landed at Hamad International Airport at 9.30 pm local time last night (2.30 am, Sept 15 in Malaysia) and upon arrival, he was accorded a Guard of Honour by Qatar’s Amiri Guard and welcomed by Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
The meeting will be attended by leaders and representatives of member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Among the leaders expected to attend are Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
On the sidelines of the summit, Anwar is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with several Islamic leaders.
Accompanying the Prime Minister are Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan, as well as senior officials from the Foreign Ministry.
The Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit is expected to adopt a Final Communiqué outlining collective actions and unified positions on the issue.
The summit was preceded by a ministerial-level Preparatory Meeting on Sept 14.
Key agenda items include the latest developments in Gaza and Palestine, as well as the Israeli airstrike in Doha targeting Hamas leadership, which killed six people, including a Qatari security officer. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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PAS says ready to lead Malaysia, vows governance rooted in Islam
By Malay Mail
15 Sep 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 15 — PAS has declared its readiness to govern the country and to put forward a prime ministerial candidate from within its leadership.
Party president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang said PAS would govern by upholding the Federal Constitution while adhering to what he described as the true interpretation of Islam, according to a report published in Utusan Malaysia today.
He stressed that the party would not sideline the rights and interests of other communities, in line with Malaysia’s multi-ethnic society.
“All parties must believe that only Islam, as a complete, just and merciful religion, can unite a plural society in harmony and safety.
“This is PAS’s commitment to non-Muslims — that Islam prioritises peace and brotherhood, without compulsion in faith, even when Islam holds full power,” he said.
He made the remarks while delivering his keynote address at PAS’s 71st annual congress at the Kedah PAS Complex in Kota Sarang Semut today.
Also present were Perikatan Nasional chairman and Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, along with Gerakan president Datuk Dominic Lau.
Abdul Hadi added that Islam obliges rulers to act justly towards all and allows followers of other religions to practise what is permitted in their faiths, while respecting the sensitivities of Muslims.
At the same time, he said, Islam also commands its followers to respect the sensitivities of non-Muslims, even in matters of divine faith.
Source: malaymail.com
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Anwar to attend Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit in Doha
Harith Kamal
2025-09-15 PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim heads to Doha today to
attend the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit, convened after Israel’s recent attack on Qatar.
Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research senior fellow Prof Dr Azmi Hassan said Anwar’s attendance signals Malaysia’s solidarity with Qatar and the wider international community while carefully managing ties with global powers.
“It is very important for the prime minister to be there. The attack on Qatar by Israel showed that no country is safe. If Israel wants to do something, they will do it because they have the backing of the United States (US).”
Azmi said Malaysia’s foreign policy rests on principles, not alliances.
“Malaysia is neutral. We may not be happy with the US but we are not disengaging either. Our approach is pragmatic, balancing relations with major powers while protecting national interests.”
He said Malaysia’s stance must ultimately be for the country’s benefit.
He added that economic interests also shape this balance, with Malaysia keeping
ties with both the US and China while eyeing new markets such as the European Union, which is negotiating a free trade agreement with Kuala Lumpur.
Beyond diplomacy, Azmi said the summit carries weight in building momentum ahead of the Sept 22 United Nations General Assembly debate on a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.
“It’s an opportunity to reinforce support for Palestinian sovereignty, especially after the assembly’s resolution backed by 142 countries recognising Palestine as a state. We want overwhelming support so that Israel and opposing states are isolated.”
Azmi said Malaysia’s backing stems not only from religious but also humanitarian concern.
“What’s happening to Palestinians in Gaza goes beyond normal decency.”
He added that Malaysia is unlikely to play a mediating role in the Gaza conflict, unlike Qatar or Egypt, as it has no direct communication with Israel.
“Israel does not trust us and we do not trust Israel. Unlike in the Thailand-Cambodia conflict, where Malaysia had good ties with both sides, mediation here would be very difficult.”
Source: thesun.my
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Anwar calls for global unity to defend dignity and end violence
theSun Local
2025-09-14
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged the Arab-Islamic world and international community to unite in defending dignity and ending violence.
Anwar stated that Israel’s attack on Qatar demonstrates that Zionist cruelty knows no boundaries.
He emphasised that the oppression extends beyond Palestinians to threaten the sovereignty of all Arab and Islamic nations.
Malaysia strongly condemns this oppressive act and will not remain silent while such aggression continues.
The Prime Minister departed for Doha to attend the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit at Qatar’s invitation.
Anwar will deliver Malaysia’s National Statement expressing solidarity with Qatar following the September 9 attack.
The Israeli strike in Leqtaifiya involved approximately 15 fighter jets and resulted in six casualties.
Among the dead were the son of Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya, his office manager, and a Qatari security officer.
Hamas’ top leaders reportedly survived the attack that prompted the emergency summit.
Malaysia maintains its steadfast support for the oppressed people of Palestine against ongoing aggression. – Bernama
Source: thesun.my
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Young and female voters become key for PAS as it targets Pahang, Perak, Selangor
By Malay Mail
15 Sep 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 15 — PAS has set its sights on winning control of three more states in the next general election, aiming to strengthen Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) position, including at the parliamentary level.
Party president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang said Pahang, Perak and Selangor were on the party’s radar, alongside efforts to boost its performance in the southern states and Sabah, Utusan Malaysia reported today.
“In the 15th General Election (GE15), PAS achieved its greatest success since its founding by forming governments in four states and securing the highest number of MPs compared to other parties.
“Therefore, we must defend the state assemblies and parliamentary seats we already hold. Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis, which are under PAS and PN, are our ‘base states’ that must be protected,” he said.
He made the remarks while delivering his keynote address at PAS’s 71st annual congress at the Kedah PAS Complex in Kota Sarang Semut today.
Elaborating further, Abdul Hadi said PAS’ Youth and Muslimat wings were responsible for maintaining the support of young voters in GE16 and must step up programmes that resonate with them across political and ethnic lines.
“Meeting grounds must be diversified so that this key group can be drawn closer to the Islamic struggle, thereby strengthening support ahead of the election.
“Youth and Muslimat must also showcase more figures who can serve as the people’s voice and as icons for young voters.
“They must take the lead in championing community issues that can shape public thinking and guide a generation that is rapidly changing,” he said.
According to him, young and female voters would be the decisive battleground for PAS in GE16.
Meanwhile, Abdul Hadi said PAS Supporters’ Congress (DHPP), the National Unity Council and the Dakwah Committee carried an important role in reaching out to non-Muslim-majority areas and swing constituencies in Muslim-majority seats.
He said such efforts must be carefully planned and impactful, whether through involvement in state governments or by proving that religious rights would not be undermined under PAS’ leadership.
Source: malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/09/15/young-and-female-voters-become-key-for-pas-as-it-targets-pahang-perak-selangor/191202
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/islam-practice-waqf-supreme-court-act/d/136848