‘Will Not Let Reservations Be Given To Muslims’: PM Modi
New Age Islam News Bureau
10 May 2024
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
------
·
‘Will Not Let Reservations Be Given To
Muslims’: PM Modi
·
Religious Tenets Forbid Live-in Relationships
for Muslims with Living Spouses: Allahabad HC
·
Spain, Ireland To Recognize Palestinian State
On May 21 — EU’s Foreign Policy Chief
·
Iranian Director Mohammad Rasoulof Sentenced To
Lashings And 8 Years In Prison Ahead Of Cannes Film Festival, Lawyer Says
·
Thwarted By US, Palestinians Look To UN General
Assembly
India
·
EAC-PM Report On Muslim Population In India
Misinterpreted, 'Misleading' And 'Inaccurate': Population Foundation Of India
·
Priyanka Gandhi Responds To Question On Muslim
Population: "Where Did The Question Come From?"
·
4% Muslim reservation will continue: Andhra
Pradesh CM Reddy
·
In Sambhal, Muslims allege UP police stormed
booths, snatched IDs and beat up voters on polling day
--------
Europe
·
Detained Muslim Union Members speak out:
allegations of torture and unhygienic conditions
·
Greece slams Turkey for converting Byzantine
church into mosque for 2nd time
·
Russia celebrates victory in World War II as
Putin accuses the West of fuelling global conflicts
·
Kazakhstan Highlights OIC’s Vital Role in
Ensuring Peace in Muslim States
·
New Islamic school seeks to be ‘catalyst for
regeneration’ for whole district
--------
Mideast
·
Hamas Says ‘Ball Is Completely’ In Israel’s
Hands In Gaza Truce Talks
·
Netanyahu On US Threat To Withhold Arms: Israel
Will Fight With Its ‘Fingernails’ If Needed
·
Hezbollah attacks Israeli barracks after party
members killed in drone strike
·
Turkiye, Kuwait Deals Signal Rise Of
‘Nonaligned Axis’ In Region
·
Islamic Resistance Targets Enemy’s Malkiya Site
·
Israeli demonstrators torch part of UN compound
in Jerusalem
·
Israel strikes eastern Rafah as ceasefire talks
end with no deal
--------
North America
·
How Arizona State University's Muslim Students
Have Dealt With Tensions Over The War In Gaza
·
CAIR Condemns Haim Saban for “Unhinged”
Anti-Muslim Message to White House, Calls on Biden to Reject and Cut Ties
·
Greece criticizes Turkey for converting ancient
church to mosque
------
South Asia
·
Afghans Will Have A Good Future Under The
Shadow Of Islamic System: Haqqani
·
Mawlawi Kabir: If We Had Means, No Foreign
Drones Would Patrol Airspace
·
US State Dept Asks Pakistan to Respect
'Non-Return Advisory'
·
Ban On Cooperation With Afghanistan
International Radio And TV Violates Media Law: AFJC
·
Deputy PM Kabir Highlights Islamic Emirate’s
Cooperation with Regional Countries in Humanitarian Efforts
--------
Pakistan
·
Minister For I & B Calls For Global
Measures To Curb Fake News, Misuse Of Social Media
·
Over a dozen rounded up as PTI marks May 9 in
Rawalpindi
·
Rallies held across KP to show solidarity with
armed forces
·
Fazl asks army to leave merged districts, shun
role in politics
·
PM Shehbaz wants more Qatari investment in
Pakistan
·
Iran decides to repatriate illegal Afghans in
view of terror threat
·
Force Commander FCNA pays tribute to martyrs
·
Conspiracy against state, army: No pardon for
plotters, executors of May 9: Shehbaz
--------
Arab World
·
World Red Cross, Red Crescent Day Marked With
Conferences, Exhibitions
·
2 Saudi Students Among Top Coding Winners In
Apple’s Swift Student Challenge
·
KSrelief sends food and shelter aid to Pakistan
and Sudan
·
KSrelief provides free eye treatment in Sri
Lanka
·
EU ambassador holds Europe Day celebration in
Riyadh
·
Saudi foreign minister receives letter from
counterpart in Belarus on developing ties
·
Madinah Accredited As An ‘Autism-Friendly City’
·
Saudi FM discusses developments in Rafah with
Palestinian PM
·
Awqaf Ministry to attract Qatari citizens for
Imam jobs
--------
Africa
·
In Surprise Move, Somalia Asks UN To End
Political Mission
·
Rebels pledged to Islamic State kill eight in
attack on DR Congo health centre
·
Miyetti Allah alleges killing of members by
local vigilantes in S’East
·
Bauchi Chief Judge cautions magistrates, Sharia
court judges against remand of debtors
·
Al-Sunni discusses with the representative of
Mozambique the developments of the situation in Libya and Gaza.
--------
Southeast Asia
·
Guan Eng Slams PAS President For Accusing DAP
Of Destroying Islam And Malays
·
PM Anwar describes death of MutangTagal a great
loss to Sarawak and nation
·
Hamzah making up claim about Umno position
offer, says Zahid
·
Malaysia should move faster to build robust
ecosystem to drive AI development, adoption - PM
Compiled by
New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/reservation-muslim-pm-modi/d/132295
------
‘Will
Not Let Reservations Be Given To Muslims’: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
------
10 May
2024
Prime
Minister Narendra Modi during a public address today in Maharashtra's Nandurbar
said that providing quota benefits on basis of religion is against the very
values and principles enshrined in our Constitution.
PM Modi
held an election rally in Maharashtra on Friday ahead of the fourth phase of
polling of the Lok Sabha elections that is scheduled to take place on May 13.
He is set to address another rally in Telangana today. The PM visited Nandurbar
to showcase support for the respective Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidates.
Top
five-quotes from the election rally
Condemning
quota benefits on basis of religion, he said, “As long as I am alive, I will
not let reservations of Dalits, Adivasis, OBCs to be given to Muslims on basis
of religion," in the election rally.
He said,
“Congress never bothered about welfare of Adivasis."
“Congress
spreading lies on reservation and Constitution; religion-based quota against Dr
Babasaheb Ambedkar."
“Congress
government in Karnataka included all Muslims in OBC category overnight and gave
them reservation."
“Hidden agenda of Congress to rob you of your
quota and give it to Muslims."
Member of Parliament Heena VijaykumarGavit,
who was the winning candidate from the Nandurbar Lok Sabha constituency in the
2019 Lok Sabha elections, has been fielded by the BJP against Congress'
candidate GowaalPadavi.
GowaalPadavi,who
is the son of former state minister and Congress MLA KC Padavi, is in the fray
from Nandurbar for the third time.
PM Modi
is scheduled to hold another public meeting in Telangana's Mahabubnagar at 3:15
pm today. Later in the day, PM Modi will be seen campaigning for BJP in
Hyderabad where he is scheduled to address the public at 5:30 pm. Indian
actress and politician, MadhaviLatha is BJP's candidature from Hyderabad Lok
Sabha constituency standing against AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi. This marks
the first time, the party fielded a female candidate from the Hyderabad seat.
It is
important to note that Asaduddin Owaisi is a four-time Lok Sabha MP from the
Hyderabad seat. It is worth mentioning that this is the first time that the BJP
has fielded a female candidate from the Hyderabad constituency.
Voting
for all 17 seats in Telangana state will take place in the fourth phase of the
ongoing Lok Sabha polls while the counting of votes is scheduled for June 4.
Source: livemint.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.livemint.com/news/pm-modi-opposes-quota-benefits-on-the-basis-of-religion-will-not-let-reservations-be-given-to-muslims-11715323532919.html
--------
Religious
Tenets Forbid Live-in Relationships for Muslims with Living Spouses: Allahabad
HC
Allahabad
High Court
------
MAY 10,
2024
The
Allahabad High Court recently criticised an interfaith couple’s plea
“virtually” seeking legitimisation of their live-in relationship. The court
noted that the man, a Muslim, was already married and had a five-year-old child
with his legally wedded wife.
“The
religious tenets to which the petitioner No.2 (the man) belongs to, does not
permit live-in-relationship during the subsisting marriage,” the bench of
Justices Attau Rahman Masoodi and Ajai Kumar Srivastava observed. “A person
reposing faith in Islam cannot claim any rights in the nature of a
live-in-relationship, particularly when he has a living spouse. The constitutional
protection under Article 21 of the Constitution of India would not lend an
un-canalized support to such a right, once the usages and customs prohibit such
a relationship between the two individuals of the above description.”
The
court opined that allowing the live-in relationship between the petitioner
couple any further would be untenable considering the rights of the Muslim
man’s lawful wife and the welfare of the child born from their legal union.
“Thus,
the direction for continuation of a live-in-relationship as has been prayed for
in the present writ petition, the court would strongly deprecate and deny,” the
bench held while emphasising that “the constitutional morality and social
morality in the matter of marriage institution requires to be balanced failing
which social coherence for achieving the object of peace and tranquility in the
society would fade and disappear”.
The
order was passed in a successive writ petition filed by the couple, who sought
to quash a case filed against the man on April 24, 2024, by the woman’s family.
Additionally, they requested a direction to safeguard their lives and
liberties. The petitioners asserted that they had willingly engaged in a
live-in relationship.
The
couple’s first writ petition was taken up by the court on April 25 but it was
consigned to record as their counsel sought permission to withdraw it, with the
liberty to file a fresh one later.
Through
both the petitions, the petitioner-man declared that he married a Muslim lady
in 2020, and they have a daughter as well. He mentioned that his first wife,
due to illness, has no objection to his live-in relationship with his current
partner. He also declared that he had given ‘triple talaq’ to his wife who was
currently residing in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh.
However,
the court found the man’s claim untrue as it was revealed that the first wife
of the petitioner was currently living with her in-laws in Mumbai.
The
court observed that the situation would have been different if the petitioners
were unmarried and being major they had chosen to lead their lives in a way of
their own.
The
constitutional morality in that situation may come to the rescue of such a
couple and the social morality settled through the customs and usages over ages
may give way to the constitutional morality and protection under Article 21 of
the Constitution of India may step in to protect the cause, the court said.
It
clarified that “customs and usages are an equal source of law recognised by the
Constitution as the law made by the competent Legislature” and “once there is a
recognition of the customs and usages as a valid law within the framework of
our Constitution, even such laws become enforceable in an appropriate case”.
However,
it asserted that constitutional protection under Article 21 of the Constitution
of India would not lend uncanalised support to such a right, once the usages
and customs prohibit such a relationship between the two individuals as in the
present case.
The
court, therefore, denied any relief as sought by the petitioners. Instead, it
ordered the investigating officer to escort the petitioner-woman safely to her
parental home and submit a report to the court of her being handed over to her
parents.\
Source: news18.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.news18.com/india/religious-tenets-forbid-live-in-relationships-for-muslims-with-living-spouses-allahabad-hc-8884679.html
--------
Spain,
Ireland To Recognize Palestinian State On May 21 — EU’s Foreign Policy Chief
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell attends a meeting with European
and Arab foreign ministers held in Riyadh on April 29, 2024. (Fayez Nureldine /
AFP)
-----
May 10,
2024
MADRID:
Spain, Ireland and other European Union member countries plan to recognize a
Palestinian state on May 21, the EU’s foreign policy chief, JosepBorrell, said
late on Thursday ahead of an expected UN vote on Friday on a Palestinian bid to
become a full member.
Spanish
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in March that Spain and Ireland, along with
Slovenia and Malta, had agreed to take the first steps toward recognition of a
Palestinian state alongside Israel, seeing a two-state solution as essential
for lasting peace.
Asked on
local Spanish radio station RNE if May 21 was when Spain, Ireland and other EU
countries would recognize a Palestinian state, Borrell said yes, mentioning
Slovenia as well.
“This is
a symbolic act of a political nature. More than a state, it recognizes the will
for that state to exist,” he said, adding that Belgium and other countries
would probably follow.
Previously,
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares had said the decision on
recognition had been made, although he did not give a date.
International
calls for a ceasefire and permanent end to Palestinian-Israeli conflict have
grown along with the death toll from Israel’s offensive in Gaza to rout out
Hamas after the militants’ deadly cross-border attack on Oct. 7.
Israel
has said plans for Palestinian recognition constitute a “prize for terrorism”
that would reduce the chances of a negotiated resolution to the Gaza conflict.
On
Friday the United Nations General Assembly is set to back a Palestinian bid to
become a full UN member by recognizing it as qualified to join and sending the
application back to the UN Security Council to “reconsider the matter
favorably.”
Ireland’s
national broadcaster RTE said on Thursday that Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and
Malta had been waiting for the UN vote and were considering a joint recognition
on May 21.
A
spokesperson for the Spanish Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a
request for comment. There was no immediate comment on the date from the other
countries.
Slovenian
Prime Minister Robert Golob said earlier this week his country would recognize
Palestine’s statehood by mid June.
Since
1988, 139 out of 193 UN member states have recognized Palestinian statehood.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2507836/world
--------
Iranian
Director Mohammad Rasoulof Sentenced To Lashings And 8 Years In Prison Ahead Of
Cannes Film Festival, Lawyer Says
Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof
-----
May 9,
2024
The
award-winning Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof has been sentenced to eight
years in prison and lashings just ahead of his planned trip to the Cannes film
festival, his lawyer told The Associated Press Thursday.
Rasoulof,
51, known for his film "There Is No Evil," has become the latest
artist targeted in a widening crackdown on all dissent in the Islamic Republic
following years of mass protests, including over the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini.
Iranian
authorities haven't acknowledged the sentence but Rasoulof and other artists
had co-signed a letter urging authorities to "put your gun down" amid
demonstrations over a 2022 building collapse that killed at least 29 people in
the southwestern city of Abadan. In the time since then, artists, athletes,
celebrities and others have been called for questioning or faced prison
sentences.
"This
judgment is issued due to Mr. Rasoulof signing statements in support of the
Iranian people," his lawyer BabakPaknia told the AP. He said that those
statements, along with his tweets and further social activities, were found to
be instances of 'action against national security.'
Rasoulof
faced trial in Tehran's Revolutionary Court, Paknia added.
The
tribunals, often handling cases of those with Western ties later used in
prisoner swaps by Iran, have been internationally criticized for not allowing
those on trial to pick their own lawyers or even see the evidence against them
in closed-door hearings.
The
director also faces lashings, fines and asset seizures, his lawyer said.
Iran's
mission to the United Nations did not respond to a request for comment over
Rasoulof's sentencing. He had been scheduled to head to Cannes for the premiere
of his new film, "The Seed of the Sacred Fig," later this month.
Paknia
said Iranian authorities had summoned for questioning some crew members
involved in the production of "The Seed of the Sacred Fig," adding
that they were under pressure to have it withdrawn from the Cannes festival.
Some
crew members have been "interrogated" in recent weeks while actors
had also been questioned and barred from leaving Iran, the lawyer said.
It was
not immediately clear how many people involved in the production have been
interrogated.
"There
Is No Evil," which tells four stories loosely connected to the use of the
death penalty in Iran, won the Golden Bear prize at Berlin in 2020. Rasoulof
wasn't there to accept the award due to a travel ban imposed on him by Iranian
authorities. Shortly after receiving the award, he was sentenced to a year in
prison for three films he made that authorities found to be "propaganda
against the system."
He has
faced repeated prison sentences and film bans in his native Iran, whose Shiite
theocracy long has railed against Western-embraced artists as a part of a
"soft war" against its policies. Yet Iran has become known on the
international film circuit for daring, thought-provoking movies outlining the
challenges of life in the Islamic Republic.
Fellow
filmmaker Saeed Roustayi and his producer similarly faced legal action last
year after traveling to Cannes to show "Leila's Brothers."
Last
month, an Iranian court sentenced rapper ToomajSalehi to death for supporting
protests sparked by Amini's death. U.N. human rights officials issued a
statement demanding Salehi's immediate release and urging Iranian authorities
to reverse the sentence. The Revolutionary Court had accused Salehi of "assistance
in sedition, assembly and collusion, propaganda against the system and calling
for riots," Raisian said.
Months
of unrest following Amini's death in September 2022 saw hundreds of people
killed including dozens of security personnel, and thousands more arrested.
Iranian officials labelled the protests "riots" and accused Tehran's
foreign foes of fomenting the unrest.
Source: cbsnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/iran-director-mohammad-rasoulof-sentenced-lashings-prison-lawyer-says/
--------
Thwarted
by US, Palestinians look to UN General Assembly
UN
general assembly/AP
------
May 10,
2024
UNITED
NATIONS: After a US veto foiled the Palestinians’ drive for full UN membership,
the General Assembly is expected on Friday to grant them some additional rights
in the global body — a symbolic win that has already irked Israel.
With the
war in Gaza raging, the Palestinians in April relaunched a request dating back
to 2011 to become full members of the United Nations, where their current
status is a “non-member observer state.”
To
succeed, the initiative needed a Security Council green light and then a
two-thirds majority vote in the General Assembly.
But the
United States — one of five veto-holding members on the Security Council and
Israel’s closest ally — blocked it on April 18.
Now the
Palestinians are turning to the General Assembly, where diplomats and observers
say a resolution calling for their full UN membership is likely to win broad
majority support.
The
draft resolution, introduced by the United Arab Emirates, says “the State of
Palestine is qualified for membership in the United Nations in accordance with
article 4 of the Charter and should therefore be admitted.”
It calls
on the Security Council to “reconsider the matter favorably.”
That is
unlikely to occur, as the United States opposes any recognition of statehood
outside of a bilateral accord between the Palestinians and Israel, whose
current right-wing government is adamantly opposed to a two-state solution.
“You
could have a sort of diplomatic doom loop, with the Assembly repeatedly calling
for the Council to grant Palestine membership and the US vetoing it,” said
Richard Gowan, an analyst with the International Crisis Group.
The
draft resolution nonetheless gives the Palestinians certain “additional rights
and privileges” starting in the next session of the General Assembly, in
September.
The text
explicitly rules out letting them be chosen to sit on the Security Council or to
vote in the General Assembly.
But it
would let the Palestinians submit proposals and amendments directly, without
having to go through another country, as is the case now.
It would
also give them the right to be seated among member states in alphabetical
order.
“When
you build a building, you build it one brick at a time. If some think it’s
symbolic, for us it’s important as we are moving forward toward our natural and
legal right to be a full member of the UN,” Palestinian ambassador Riyad
Mansour told reporters Thursday.
“The
symbolism is what matters,” said Gowan. “This resolution is a very clear signal
to Israel and the US that it is time to take Palestinian statehood seriously.”
Israel
has criticized the initiative, with ambassador Gilad Erdan saying it will
“grant the Palestinian Authority the rights of a state de facto” and violates
the UN Charter by “bypassing the Security Council.”
The
United States also expressed reservations.
“We’re
concerned about the precedent it sets,” said deputy US ambassador Robert Wood.
An
earlier draft of the resolution was more vague, granting “the State of
Palestine the rights and privileges” necessary to take part in the work of the
assembly “on equal footing with Members States” but without specifying what
rights.
The new
version is in line with the UN charter, said Samuel Zbogar, the ambassador of
Slovenia, which currently sits on the Security Council.
“It
makes clear what additional rights will Palestine get as observer but it
doesn’t touch on those elements that belong only the members,” he added.
As
Israel presses on with its war in Gaza against Hamas in response to the October
7 attack, the UN vote will allow the Palestinians to see which countries
support them.
It may
also show that — were it not for the US veto — the Palestinians would have
enough votes in the assembly for full UN membership.
In
December, 153 countries out of 193 backed a call for an immediate ceasefire in
the Gaza war. Ten voted against, including the United States, while 23
abstained.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2507736/world
--------
India
EAC-PM
Report On Muslim Population In India Misinterpreted, 'Misleading' And
'Inaccurate': Population Foundation Of India
10 May
2024
Amidst
widespread media coverage of a report on the significantly growing Muslim
population and shrinking Hindu population in India within the time frame of
1950 to 2015, the Population Foundation of India (PFI), an independent think
tank, raised concerns against the media's 'selective portrayal of data' and
termed it 'misleading' and 'inaccurate' reporting.
A day
before, based on a study titled 'Share of Religious Minorities: A Cross-Country
Analysis (1950-2015)' released by the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory
Council (PM-EAC), several news outlets published news articles highlighting the
changes in the country's population from the religious point of view.
Across
publications, the headlines primarily emphasized a notable shift in India's
demographic landscape as the Muslim population's share increased from 9.84
percent in 1950 to 14.09 percent in 2015 while the share of Hindu population
exhibited a decline from 84.68 percent to 78.06 percent over the same period.
What did
PFI say?
According
to Poonam Muttreja, Executive Director, PFI, "The study's focus on changes
in the share of majority and minority religious groups globally over a 65-year
period should not be used to incite fear or discrimination against any
community. The media's selective portrayal of data to highlight the increase in
the Muslim population is an example of misrepresentation that ignores broader
demographic trends."
Citing
the Census of India data, PFI rather highlighted a nuanced representation of
demographic trends. According to the Census, over the past three decades, the
decadal growth rate among Muslims has been following a downward trajectory
compared to the Hindus.
"Specifically,
the decadal growth rate for Muslims decreased from 32.9 per cent in 1981-1991
to 24.6 percent in 2001-2011. This decline is more pronounced than that of
Hindus, whose growth rate fell from 22.7 per cent to 16.8 per cent over the
same period. The census data is available from 1951 to 2011 and is quite
similar to the data in this study, indicating that these numbers are not
new," PFI said in a statement.
Furthermore,
citing examples of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, PFI also mentioned that the Total
Fertility Rate (TFR) among all religious groups has been steadily declining
owing to several broader socio-economic factors including access to education
and healthcare which share a direct relation with lower fertility rates across
all religious lines.
According
to Muttreja, the most effective way to manage population growth is through
investing in education, economic development, and equality.
“Our
analysis indicates that women's education is the most critical factor in
reducing fertility rates. Therefore, interventions should focus on providing
education and family planning services irrespective of religion,” she said.
Source: outlookindia.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.outlookindia.com/national/eac-pm-report-muslim-population-in-india-misreported-pfi
--------
Priyanka
Gandhi Responds To Question On Muslim Population: "Where Did The Question
Come From?"
May 09,
2024
Congress
General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra took a reporter by surprise when she
was asked for a response regarding a recent study conducted by the Economic
Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM).
The
study titled 'Share of Religious Minorities: A Cross-Country Analysis
(1950-2015)' claimed a significant shift in the population demographics of
India over the last several decades, with the Hindu population share declining
by 7.81 per cent between 1950 and 2015, while the share of minorities,
including Muslims, increased during the period.
When
asked for her response to the report, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was in
Raebareli to campaign for Rahul Gandhi, queried, "Where did the question
come from?"
The
reporter responded that it originated from the office. In a somewhat cryptic
retort, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, "From the office, right? Tell the
office Priyanka is asking who sent them (the question)".
When
asked for her response to the report, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was in
Raebareli to campaign for Rahul Gandhi, queried, "Where did the question
come from?"
The
reporter responded that it originated from the office. In a somewhat cryptic
retort, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, "From the office, right? Tell the
office Priyanka is asking who sent them (the question)".
The BJP
on Thursday seized upon the revelations made in the working paper and expressed
concern over the pace of increase in Muslim population in the country. Wondering
its impact on the reservation provided to SCs, STs and OBCs, BJP spokesperson
Sudhanshu Trivedi claimed that the Congress is "hell bent" on
providing quota to the minority community if voted to power.
“It's a
very well-known fact, which has been in the public domain for around a decade.
If you see the 1951 census, Hindus were having 88 per cent population and
Muslims 9.5 per cent. In the 2011 census, Hindus (population) reduced to 79.8
percent from 80 percent while Muslims' percentage went up by more than 14.5,”
Sudhanshu Trivedi told PTI.
"But,
the question arises that if by this pace the population is increasing and
Congress is hell bent upon giving reservation to the Muslims on the basis of
population, they will cut the share of the SCs, STs and the OBCs," he
added.
Source: hindustantimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-responds-to-question-on-muslim-population-tell-the-office-101715254647100.html
--------
4%
Muslim reservation will continue: Andhra Pradesh CM Reddy
May 10,
202
Andhra
Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has affirmed that the 4%
reservation for Muslims in the state will continue.
He made
the announcement during a public gathering in Kurnool amid a contentious debate
between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and opposition leaders over
reservation and minority quotas.
Notably,
since 2007, Muslims have had 4% reservations in education and government jobs
under the Other Backward Classes category in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Political
discrepancies
Reddy
criticizes Naidu's inconsistent stance on reservation
At the
rally, the YSR Congress Party chief also questioned Telugu Desam Party (TDP)
supremo Chandrababu Naidu's alliance with the National Democratic Alliance
(NDA), which plans to abolish the 4% reservation.
He
further alleged that Naidu, together with BJP state president D Purandeswari,
were impeding the distribution of welfare schemes in Andhra Pradesh.
"4%
reservation given to minorities is not based on religion but on par with social
justice practices..butChandrababu's politics is akin to that of
chameleon," said Reddy.
Election
impact
Reddy
highlights implications of upcoming Lok Sabha elections
Calling
the upcoming elections in the state "the battle of Kurukshetra,"
Reddy said, "This election is not to elect MLAs and MPs, this election
will decide the future of ongoing schemes and the development of every
household."
He
warned that electing Naidu could potentially disrupt all welfare programs
initiated by his government.
Reddy
also criticized Naidu's term as chief minister, asserting that his
administration has implemented welfare initiatives impartially without favoring
any religion, caste, community, or political group.
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Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Andhra Pradesh will take place on May 13.
The
counting of votes for both elections will be done on June 4.
In the
2019 Assembly elections, the YSRCP gained 151 seats, while the TDP received
only 23.
In the
Lok Sabha elections, the YSRCP won 22 seats, while the TDP only got three.
Source: newsbytesapp.com
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In
Sambhal, Muslims allege UP police stormed booths, snatched IDs and beat up
voters on polling day
Ayush
Tiwari
10-05-24
The sun
was scorching when Mohammad Jamal, 18, stood in the queue to vote for the very
first time in his life. It was around 10.30 am at the primary school in
Mansoorpur village in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal parliamentary constituency.
Suddenly,
nearly 10 SUVs came to a halt outside the polling centre, Jamal and other
eyewitnesses said. About 30-40 police officials got out, entered the centre,
snatched identity cards and voting slips from the voters and assaulted them
with fibre batons and wooden lathis, they alleged.
It was
May 7 and the third phase of voting for the Lok Sabha elections was underway.
“Two of
the policemen came up to me and asked for my Aadhaar,” recalled Jamal, anxious
and fidgety. “I was scared and handed it to them. Then a third one slapped me
on my neck from behind. They kept beating me till I had left the booth.”
The
polling centre turned desolate within minutes as voters ran out to escape the
police assault. Jamal, whose legs still bear the imprint of the lathis, limped
back home.
Scroll
found reports of similar assault by the Uttar Pradesh police at polling centres
in several Muslim-dominant villages in Asmauli Assembly constituency in
Sambhal. In these villages, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has traditionally
lagged behind its opponent, Samajwadi Party. In 2019, Samajwadi Party
candidate, the late Shafiqur Rahman Barq, won the seat by 1.75 lakh votes.
Barq’s
grandson, Zia Ur Rehman, is the Samajwadi Party candidate for Sambhal. Both
Rehman and the Bahujan Samaj Party candidate Chaudhary Saulat Ali confirmed
that such assaults were perpetrated in Muslim-dominant villages across Sambhal
constituency. Rehman said he plans to register a complaint with the police as
well as take legal action.
Prashant
Kumar, the director general of police in Uttar Pradesh, told Scroll that the
police will investigate the matter if it receives any complaints about it.
‘Only in Muslim villages’
Before
they had arrived in Mansoorpur, the policemen had attacked voters in Shahbazpur
Kala and stormed a polling centre in Ovari village, eyewitnesses alleged. In
Ovari, some managed to capture the attack on video.
After
Mansoorpur, the police allegedly drove to Mubarakpur Band village, where they
assaulted a Dalit man and his mother at the polling centre, villagers alleged.
This
came weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Uttar Pradesh
government and Chief Minister Adityanath’s “law and order” model.
Across
the four villages in Sambhal district that Scroll visited, most Muslim voters
said that they returned to the polling centre later to vote, but some, like
Jamal, never came back.
Inzamam
Ul-Haque, 26, who was stationed at the booth in Mansoorpur as a polling agent
for Samajwadi Party, told me that this village of 2,906 electors cast 1,641
votes on May 7 – a turnout of 56.5%.
This was
lower than the 63.6% turnout Mansoorpur recorded during the 2022 assembly
elections and 59.09% turnout in 2019 Lok Sabha elections, according to
booth-level data available with the Election Commission of India.
“This
was done not just to suppress votes for the INDIA alliance but also to
humiliate Muslims,” said Javed Akhtar, the former gram pradhan of Mansoorpur,
who was detained for six hours at the local police station on polling day.
Akhtar said he was not given any reason for his detention. “The police have
carried out such violence only in Muslim villages. This was planned and the
district magistrate and the superintendent of police are involved in it.”
In the
adjacent Khaspur, a Thakur-dominant village, residents said they voted without
any hitch on May 7.
A viral
video
Around 4
km from Mansoorpur, Ovari is a village of 4,500 electors, most of whom are
Muslim.
Around
10 am on May 7, Bano, 70, was walking out of the Junior High School, the
designated polling centre, after casting her vote when she saw men in khaki charging
at her. “It was a male policeman who beat me,” she recalled, showing her
swollen right cheek and a bruised knee. “I have voted all my life but never
seen anything like this.”
While
Bano was being attacked, Mohammad Anish, 35, and Shan Alam, 41, were still in
one of the eight queues inside.
“They
got out of their cars and one of them came and snatched my parchi,” said Anish,
referring to a voter information slip. “There was no provocation. They just
started beating everyone up indiscriminately.”
Shan,
too, said that the police officials snatched his Aadhaar card and voter
information slip. There were about 30-40 police officials at the polling centre
– all men, he added.
Shan,
who sells samosas for a living, has red baton marks on his thigh and back. Anish
was injured in his face, hand and knee. Both of them said that before the
police officials arrived, voting was smooth and orderly inside their polling
centre.
A viral video from May 7 shows voters in this
village running away from the Junior High School, as police officials outside
chase them away, hit them with lathis and snatch pieces of paper from their
hands. The video does not show what transpired inside.
Among
those who tweeted this video was journalist Swati Chaturvedi.
At 3.30
pm that day, Manish Bansal, the Sambhal district magistrate, said that he had
investigated the video and found that an “excessive number of people were
unnecessarily inside the booth” in Ovari and the police officials “made them
leave and carried out the voting after forming queues”.
The next day, the Election Commission of
India, relying on the district magistrate’s statement, labelled Chaturvedi’s
tweet as “false” and “misleading”.
But
voters like Bano, Anish and Shan countered the district magistrate and the
Election Commission’s claims.
The
second video from Ovari
More
videos of police action in Ovari managed to reach social media platforms by
afternoon. One of them shows an old man lying on the street, with two young men
beside him, and several police officials watching from a few metres away.
The old
man is 70-year-old Raees Qureshi, who had been diagnosed with a heart condition
just four months ago. The two men are his sons Mustagir, a daily wager, and
Mohammad Alam, who is part of the Pradeshik Armed Constabulary of the Uttar
Pradesh Police in Bareilly.
Qureshi
had cast his vote at 9 am. An hour later, when his wife, Kalsoom, alerted him
about the violence, he rushed to the polling centre, worried about his
daughter, Shabana, and two sons, who were still at the Junior High School.
“There was chaos,” recalled Qureshi. “When I reached there, the police
officials punched me on my chest and on my back. I couldn’t even walk.”
As
Qureshi’s sons, Alam and Mustagir, carried him back home, police officials
allegedly blocked their way. That is when they put their father down on the
street, as the video shows, and asked other villagers to capture the scene on
their phones.
“I
wanted everyone to see what the police were doing,” said Alam.
One of
the police officials in the video wore a name badge that read ‘Balban Singh’,
said Alam.According to a Uttar Pradesh Police database, Singh, 43, joined the
police force in 2000 and has been posted at the Agra Commissionerate since
2018.
Inspector
Singh denied allegations of assault on the villagers. “There was a PAC
personnel there who was misbehaving with the deputed police officials,” he
said. “His father was in the queue to vote. He seemed mentally unstable and he
picked up his father and kept him on the road. I also had duty in Shahbazpur,
Mansoorpur and Mubarakpur. Not one person there will say that I assaulted
anyone.”
As this
video went viral on social media, three hours later, at 1.30 pm, police
officials returned to Ovari. They allegedly grabbed Mustagir and threw him into
a car, as Alam filmed this on his phone.
Source: scroll.in
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--------
Europe
Detained
Muslim Union Members speak out: allegations of torture and unhygienic
conditions
9 May
2024
TalehBagyrzade,
the chairman of the Muslim Union Movement, and a prominent theologian, has
allegedly faced threats to his life during his nine-year imprisonment.
Reports
suggest that within Penitentiary No. 12, where he is held, Bagyrzade and other
religious detainees have experienced instances of torture.
According
to accounts provided by the movement to Meydan TV, Bagyrzade detailed the challenges
faced within the penitentiary, particularly regarding a chronic water shortage
worsening unhygienic conditions, which he had repeatedly raised with prison
authorities through various channels, including media outlets, citing the
health risks posed by it.
Bagyrzade
recounted a recent protest he initiated on May 8, voicing his grievances over
the lack of water. Instead of addressing the issue, the prison administration
allegedly opted to retaliate against him and fellow protester Rafael, as well
as four other believers, Kamran Huseynli, RasimMasiyev, FuadAsgarov, and
RafigShahverdiyev. They were subjected to harsh treatment and torture,
reportedly conducted by a group led by a prison guard called Aziz Taghiyev.
The
Muslim Union Movement highlighted Taghiyev’s alleged death threat against
Bagyrzade as indicative of a broader pattern of endangerment faced by prisoners
within the institution:
“In
addition to numerous reports of torture within prisons where arbitrary
practices prevail, instances of fatalities emphasize the precarious safety of
inmates. The threat issued by an employee like Aziz Taghiyev against
TalehBagyrzade signals a grave concern demanding immediate attention.”
The
movement has appealed to both local and international authorities, including
the Office of the Ombudsman, urging intervention to safeguard the lives of
those incarcerated:
“The
menacing threats posed to innocent individuals within prison walls necessitate
thorough investigation and the enforcement of punitive measures against perpetrators.”
The
Penitentiary Service’s stance on the reported water shortage and prisoner abuse
within Penitentiary No. 12 remains undisclosed.
Previous
complaints regarding mistreatment within the facility prompted a collective
plea from detainees addressed to President Ilham Aliyev, criticizing
intolerable conditions, widespread corruption, and instances of torture. The
Penitentiary Service’s public relations department refuted these allegations,
emphasizing the strict regime imposed on repeat offenders or those convicted of
serious crimes.
Bagyrzade,
detained since November 2015 in connection with the Nardaran events, maintains
his innocence despite facing charges including murder, terrorism, and illegal
possession of weapons, alleging his arrest was politically motivated. He
attributes the deaths of four civilians and two policemen during the Nardaran
operation to the Organized Crime Control Department (“bandotdel”), denying any
involvement in violent acts.
Despite
allegations of torture by Bagyrzade and his co-defendants, the Ministry of
Internal Affairs denies these claims. Bagyrzade has served seven years of his
twenty-year sentence in Gobustan prison. Presently, over seventy members of the
Muslim Union, including Bagyrzade, are incarcerated, all refuting the charges
against them as politically driven.
Source: meydan.tv
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--------
Greece
slams Turkey for converting Byzantine church into mosque for 2nd time
09.05.2024
Greek
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis criticized Turkey for turning the Byzantine
Chora church—which had been a museum for many decades—in Istanbul into a
mosque, Kathimerini reported.
The
actual decision to turn this medieval church into a mosque was made several
years ago, but its final opening as a mosque to the Muslim faithful took place
on Monday.
Chora
was already a mosque during the Ottoman Empire. But after the secular reforms
in the mid 20th century, it was turned into a museum, and its old frescoes and
mosaics, which were covered with plaster during the Ottoman times, were
reopened.
Greek PM
Mitsotakis said that he considers Turkey's move "unnecessary" and “an
action which insults Istanbul’s rich history as a crossroads of
civilizations."
He said
that he will discuss this matter with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
during his visit to Ankara next week.
"Turning
the Chora monastery into a mosque is a bad signal; after all, it is an object
of cultural heritage. If we want to have good relations, we must respect the
shared values," said the President of Greece, Katerina Sakellaropoulou.
fter
Erdogan formally opened this church as a mosque on Monday, the Greek foreign
ministry said it "alters and insults its character as a UNESCO world
cultural heritage monument belonging to humanity."
Source: news.am
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https://news.am/eng/news/822316.html
--------
Russia
celebrates victory in World War II as Putin accuses the West of fueling global
conflicts
May 10,
2024
MOSCOW:
Russia on Thursday wrapped itself in patriotic pageantry for Victory Day, as
President Vladimir Putin celebrated the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II
by hailing his forces fighting in Ukraine and blasting the West for fueling
conflicts around the world.
Even
though few veterans of what Russia calls the Great Patriotic War are still
alive 79 years after Berlin fell to the Red Army, the victory remains the most
important and widely revered symbol of Russia’s prowess and a key element of
national identity.
Putin
has turned Victory Day — the country’s most important secular holiday — into a
pillar of his nearly quarter-century in power and a justification of his
military action in Ukraine.
Two days
after beginning his fifth term in office, he led the festivities across Russia
that recall the nation’s wartime sacrifice.
“Victory
Day unites all generations,” Putin said in a speech in Red Square that came on
the coldest May 9 in decades amid some snow flurries. “We are going forward
relying on our centuries-old traditions and feel confident that together we
will ensure a free and secure future of Russia.”
As
battalions marched by and military hardware — both old and new — rumbled over
the cobblestones, the sky cleared briefly to allow a flyby of warplanes, some
of which trailed smoke in the white, red and blue of the Russian flag.
Putin
hailed the troops fighting in Ukraine as “our heroes” for their courage,
resilience and self-denial, adding that “all of Russia is with you.”
He
accused the West of “fueling regional conflicts, inter-ethnic and
inter-religious strife and trying to contain sovereign and independent centers
of global development.”
With
tensions with Washington over Ukraine soaring to their highest level since the
Cold War, Putin issued another stark reminder of Moscow’s nuclear might.
“Russia
will do everything to prevent global confrontation, but will not allow anyone
to threaten us,” he said. “Our strategic forces are in combat readiness.”
Nuclear-capable
Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles were pulled across Red Square,
underscoring his message.
The
Soviet Union lost about 27 million people in World War II, an estimate that
many historians consider conservative, scarring virtually every family.
Nazi
troops overran much of the western Soviet Union when they invaded in June 1941,
before being driven back all the way to Berlin, where the USSR’s hammer and sickle
flag was raised above the ruined capital. The US, U.K, France and other allies
mark the end of the war in Europe on May 8.
The
immense suffering and sacrifice in cities like Stalingrad, Kursk and Putin’s
native Leningrad — now St. Petersburg — still serve as a powerful symbol of the
country’s ability to prevail against seemingly overwhelming challenges.
Since
coming to power on the last day of 1999, Putin has made May 9 an important part
of his political agenda, featuring missiles, tanks and fighter jets.
Medal-bedecked veterans joined him Thursday to review the parade, and many —
including the president — wore the black-and-orange St. George’s ribbon that is
traditionally associated with Victory Day.
About
9,000 troops, including about 1,000 who fought in Ukraine, took part in
Thursday’s parade.
Although
the US and UK ambassadors did not attend, Putin was joined by other dignitaries
and presidents of several former Soviet nations along with a few other Moscow
allies, including the leaders of Cuba, Guinea-Bissau and Laos.
In his
speech, he accused the West of “revanchism … hypocrisy and lies” in seeking to
play down the Soviet role in defeating Nazi Germany.
Putin
described Victory Day as “very emotional and poignant.”
“Every
family is honoring its heroes, looking at pictures with dear faces and
remembering their relatives and how they fought,” he said.
Putin,
71, talks frequently about his family history, sharing memories of his father,
who fought on the front during the Nazi siege of the city and was badly
wounded.
As Putin
tells it, his father, also named Vladimir, came home from a military hospital
during the war to see workers trying to take away his wife, Maria, who had been
declared dead of starvation. But the elder Putin did not believe she had died —
saying she had only lost consciousness, weak with hunger. Their first child,
Viktor, died during the siege when he was 3, one of more than 1 million
Leningrad residents who died in the 872-day blockade, most of them from
starvation.
For
several years, Putin carried a photo of his father in Victory Day marches — as
did others honoring relatives who were war veterans — in what was called the
“Immortal Regiment.”
Those
demonstrations were suspended during the coronavirus pandemic and then again
amid security concerns after the start of the fighting in Ukraine.
As part
of his efforts to burnish the Soviet legacy and trample on any attempts to
question it, Russia has introduced laws that criminalized the “rehabilitation
of Nazism” that include punishing the “desecration” of memorials or challenging
Kremlin versions of World War II history.
When he
sent troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, Putin evoked World War II in seeking
to justify his actions that Kyiv and its Western allies denounced as an
unprovoked war of aggression. Putin cited the “denazification” of Ukraine as a
main goal of Moscow, falsely describing the government of Ukrainian President
Volodymyr Zelensky, who is Jewish and lost relatives in the Holocaust, as
neo-Nazis.
Putin
tried to cast Ukraine’s veneration of some of its nationalist leaders who
cooperated with the Nazis in World War II as a sign of Kyiv’s purported Nazi
sympathies. He regularly made unfounded references to Ukrainian nationalist
figures such as Stepan Bandera, who was killed by a Soviet spy in Munich in
1959, as an underlying justification for the Russian military action in
Ukraine.
Many
observers see Putin’s focus on World War II as part of his efforts to revive
the USSR’s clout and prestige and his reliance on Soviet practices.
“It’s
the continuous self-identification with the USSR as the victor of Nazism and
the lack of any other strong legitimacy that forced the Kremlin to declare
‘denazification’ as the goal of the war,” Nikolay Epplee said in a commentary
for Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center.
The
Russian leadership, he said, has “locked itself up in a worldview limited by
the Soviet past.”
Source: arabnews.com
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Kazakhstan
Highlights OIC’s Vital Role in Ensuring Peace in Muslim States
10 MAY
2024
A Kazakh
delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister AlibekBakayev and other event
participants addressed urgent topics on the international agenda, including
promoting the Middle East process and ensuring sustainable development in the
OIC space.
Bakayev,
in his speech, emphasized the relevance of the Kazakh initiative to create the
OIC-15 Dialogue Platform, uniting 15 leading Muslim countries in science and
technology, as well as the increased role of the Islamic Organization for Food
Security. Particular attention was paid to Kazakhstan’s initiative to create an
International Biosafety Agency.
On the
sidelines of the summit, Bakayev held talks with the foreign ministers of
Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia,
Gabon, Togo and Senegal to discuss prospects for strengthening bilateral
relations.
As a
result, the meeting participants adopted the Banjul Declaration and the Final
Communiqué, which reflected the Kazakh initiatives.
The OIC
(until 2011 – the Organization of the Islamic Conference) was created in 1969.
The General Secretariat of the OIC is located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
At
present, the OIC has 57 member states with a total population of more than 1.7
billion people. It is the second largest international organization after the
United Nations (UN). Kazakhstan became a member of the OIC in December 1995.
Source: astanatimes.com
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--------
New
Islamic school seeks to be ‘catalyst for regeneration’ for whole district
9 MAY
2024
A
planned new independent school for 200 pupils has the aim of ‘regenerating a
neighbourhood’. A planning application for the Islamic faith school has been
submitted this week for land previously used as a car park at Dinsdale Drive,
in the Rumworth area of Bolton.
The
application has been lodged by the Hadhrat Shaykh Muhammad Zakariyya
Foundation, founded in 2021. They are a charity who claim to be ‘committed to
addressing educational gaps in Bolton by establishing a mainstream faith-based
educational facility for up to 200 pupils between the ages of 11-18’.
The charity
said the school, which would have 14 classrooms, would also be capable of
supporting people with special educational needs (SEN). The foundation’s
website states their aims.
It said:
“We have the noble aim of making a positive impact on the underprivileged
children in the Rumworth ward of Bolton. The foundation is committed to
building an outstanding educational and community centre devoted to providing a
secure and nurturing learning environment for the children in the area,
particularly those with special educational needs.
“It is
our core belief that every child deserves access to quality education and
resources, regardless of their background or circumstances. As such, this
foundation will work tirelessly towards the betterment of the children in the
area, providing them with facilities that will meet their educational, social,
and emotional needs.”
The
school would be built from modular classrooms which have previously been used
at Kings Leadership Academy. Although modular, they have a lifespan of between
25 and 30 years.
The
plans also include a MUGA sports pitch, car parking and drop-off area. The
foundation said the plans would see broader benefits for the area.
They
said: “The foundation aims to transform the site in to a vibrant educational and
community hub that will act as a catalyst for the broader regeneration of the
neighbourhood, improving security, the aesthetics of the area and reducing
anti-social behaviour and crime.
Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
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https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/new-islamic-school-seeks-catalyst-29138788
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Mideast
Hamas
says ‘ball is completely’ in Israel’s hands in Gaza truce talks
May 10,
2024
GAZA
STRIP: Palestinian militant group Hamas said early Friday that its delegation
attending Gaza ceasefire negotiations in Cairo had left the city for Qatar,
adding the “ball is now completely” in Israel’s hands.
“The
negotiating delegation left Cairo heading to Doha. In practice, the occupation
(Israel) rejected the proposal submitted by the mediators and raised objections
to it on several central issues,” the group said in a message to other
Palestinian factions, adding it stood by the proposal.
“Accordingly,
the ball is now completely in the hands of the occupation.”
State-linked
Egyptian outlet Al-Qahera News reported Thursday that representatives of both
camps left Cairo after two days of negotiations aimed at finalizing a ceasefire
deal in the seven-month war in the Gaza Strip.
Efforts
by Egypt and other mediators, namely Qatar and the United States, “continue to
bring the points of view of the two parties closer together,” the outlet added,
citing a high-level Egyptian source.
Hamas
said Monday that it had accepted a ceasefire proposal put forward by mediators.
The
deal, the group said, involved a withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the
return of Palestinians displaced by the war, and the exchange of hostages held
by militants for Palestinian prisoners detained in Israel, with the aim of a
“permanent ceasefire.”
Netanyahu’s
office at the time called the proposal “far from Israel’s essential demands,”
but said the government would still send negotiators to Cairo.
Israel
has long been resistant to the idea of a permanent ceasefire, insisting it must
finish the job of dismantling Hamas.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2507716/middle-east
--------
Netanyahu
on US threat to withhold arms: Israel will fight with its ‘fingernails’ if
needed
May 10,
2024
JERUSALEM:
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that a US threat to withhold
some arms would not prevent Israel from continuing its offensive in Gaza,
indicating it might proceed with an invasion of the packed city of Rafah
against the wishes of its closest ally.
President
Joe Biden has urged Israel not to go ahead with such an operation over fears it
would exacerbate the humanitarian catastrophe in the Palestinian enclave. On
Wednesday, he said the United States would not provide offensive weapons for a
Rafah offensive, raising pressure on Netanyahu.
But in a
statement released Thursday, Netanyahu said “if we have to stand alone, we will
stand alone. If we need to, we will fight with our fingernails. But we have
much more than fingernails.”
Israel’s
top military spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, also appeared to downplay the
practical impact of any arms holdup. “The army has munitions for the missions
it plans, and for the missions in Rafah, too — we have what we need,” he said
in response to a question at a news conference.
Israel
has repeatedly threatened to invade Rafah, where some 1.3 million Palestinians
— over half the population — have sought refuge. The city in southern Gaza is
also the main hub for humanitarian operations, which have been severely
hindered by the closure of Gaza’s two main crossings this week.
Israel
says Rafah is the last stronghold of Hamas and that the army must go in if it
hopes to dismantle the group and return scores of hostages captured in the Oct.
7 attack that triggered the war.
In an
earlier response to Biden’s decision, Israel’s far-right National Security
Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir wrote a post on the platform X with a heart between
the words “Hamas” and “Biden.” He and other ultra-nationalist members of
Netanyahu’s coalition support a large-scale Rafah operation and have threatened
to bring down his government if it doesn’t happen.
Aid
groups say a Rafah invasion would be catastrophic. The UN says most of the
territory’s 2.3 million Palestinians suffer from hunger and that northern Gaza
is already experiencing “full-blown famine.”
Even the
limited operation Israel launched earlier this week, in which a tank brigade
captured the Gaza side of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, has thrown
humanitarian operations into crisis.
It also
complicated what had been months of efforts by the US, Qatar and Egypt to
broker a ceasefire and the release of hostages. Hamas this week said it had accepted
an Egyptian-Qatari ceasefire proposal, but Israel says the plan does not meet
its “core” demands. Several days of follow-up talks appeared to end
inconclusively on Thursday.
Some
analysts said Biden’s tough line against Israel, and the rift between the
allies, threatened to weaken Israel’s negotiating position and harden Hamas’
stances. Hamas has demanded guarantees for an end to the war and a full Israeli
withdrawal from Gaza as part of any deal — steps Israel has ruled out.
“It
sends a discordant message at a time when Hamas is holding out on a hostage
deal in the hopes that pressure will grow on Israel and it will gain a
ceasefire without having to give anything in return,” said the Israel Policy
Forum, a pro-Israel organization based in New York.
The war
began with Hamas’ surprise attack into southern Israel, in which it killed some
1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took another 250 hostage. The militants are
still holding some 100 captives and the remains of more than 30 after most of
the rest were released during a ceasefire last year.
The war
has killed over 34,800 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to
the Gaza Health Ministry. Israel’s offensive, waged with US-supplied munitions,
has caused widespread devastation and forced some 80 percent of Gaza’s
population to flee their homes.
Israel’s
capture of the Rafah crossing Tuesday forced the closure of a key entry point
for fuel, and it’s unclear when it will reopen. The UN agency for Palestinian
refugees, known as UNRWA, said it only has enough stocks to maintain operations
for a few days and has started rationing.
Israel
reopened its side of the nearby Kerem Shalom crossing — Gaza’s main cargo
terminal — after a rocket attack over the weekend, but UNRWA, the main provider
of aid in Gaza, says aid cannot be brought in on the Palestinian side because
of the security situation.
A
recently reopened route in the north is still functioning, but only 60 trucks
entered on Tuesday, far below the 500 that entered Gaza each day before the
war.
The
first aid ship bound for an American-built floating pier to be installed in
Gaza departed early Thursday. But it’s unclear when that corridor will be up
and running, and even then it won’t be able to handle as much aid as Gaza’s two
main land crossings.
Maj.
Pete Nguyen, a Pentagon spokesman, said Thursday that parts of the pier are
still in the Israeli port of Ashdod awaiting more favorable seas before being
moved into position off Gaza. He said the US vessel Sagamore, which left
Cyprus, would transport aid to another ship, the Roy P. Benavidez, which is off
the coast of Gaza.
“In the
coming days, the US will commence an international community-backed effort to
expand the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza using a
floating pier,” he said.
Source: arabnews.com
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--------
Hezbollah
attacks Israeli barracks after party members killed in drone strike
May 09,
2024
BEIRUT:
Hezbollah launched several attacks on Israeli military targets across Lebanon’s
border on Thursday after four of its members were killed in Israeli strikes,
security sources said.
Israeli
drones on Thursday had struck a car in Bafliyeh, Tyre — 99 km from Beirut —
that was transporting Hezbollah members.
The
group announced the death of two of its members, followed by a third who died
from severe injuries.
Although
Bafliyeh is located south of the Litani Line, it has never been targeted over
the past seven months, making the attack a violation of the rules of
engagement.
The town
is located in a vital area, close to Tyre and surrounded by villages where
UNIFIL forces operate.
A
security source said that four Israeli drones hovered over several towns in the
vicinity of Tyre and chased a car on the Bafliyeh-Arzoun road.
The
drones then fired several missiles at the vehicle, destroying it.
Lebanon’s
civil defense rescue force said that its members extinguished a fire inside a
car that Israeli drones had struck.
It said
that the bodies of the victims were pulled out of the car by the rescue force
and transferred to hospital.
Hezbollah
announced the death of Ali Ahmad Hamza, born in 1958, from Debaal, southern
Lebanon, as well as Ahmad Hassan Maatouk, born in 1989, from the Lebanese
southern village of Sir Al-Gharbiyeh.
It later
confirmed the death of Hussein Ahmad Hamdan from Burj Al-Barajneh, located in
the southern suburbs of Beirut.
Hezbollah
responded to the assassination by striking Israeli military sites, including
destroying “technical systems” developed in the Israeli Ramia outpost.
It also
struck a new command center in the Natur settlement with artillery as well as a
“group of soldiers in the Al-Jerdah site, killing and injuring them.”
The
escalation on the southern Lebanese front coincided with further Israeli
threats of open war against Lebanon.
Israeli
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said: “We will achieve our goals in the north and
south. We will paralyze Hamas, destroy Hezbollah and achieve security.”
Hezbollah
struck Israeli military sites and settlements in the north with dozens of
missiles on Wednesday evening after Gallant visited his army’s positions in the
north.
Gallant
addressed the reserve forces of the 91st Division (affiliated with the Northern
Command and responsible for the front with Lebanon, from RasNaqoura to Mount
Hermon) at the Branit Barracks.
The
minister warned troops to be “prepared for a hot summer.”
Gallant
said that Tel Aviv “is determined to return the residents of the northern areas
that were evacuated amid the ongoing border confrontations with Hezbollah.”
He added
that “the mission is not accomplished” in the area.
According
to Israeli media, Hezbollah missiles “targeted the headquarters of the 91st
Division” shortly after Gallant left.
According
to an Israeli statement, Gallant, during his visit, was briefed on “operations
to adapt operational activities in confronting Hezbollah forces.”
Hezbollah
said in a statement that its members targeted the headquarters of the 91st Division
in the Branit Barracks “with a heavy-caliberBurkan missile, causing a direct
hit.”
Israeli
shelling and airstrikes on the border area on Wednesday night led to the
killing of five members of Hezbollah and the Islamic Jihad movement.
Hezbollah
mourned Hassan Mohammed Ismail (born in 1993) from Kfarkela in the south and
Mustafa Ali Issa (born in 1988) from Dlafy in western Bekaa.
Also on
Thursday, the Lebanese branch of the Al-Quds Brigades — the military wing of
the Islamic Jihad movement — mourned Mahmoud Mohammed Balawni, Ahmed Mohammed
Halawa and Mohammed Hussein Joud from the Martyr Ali Al-Aswad Brigade — Syrian
Square.
Israeli
threats emerged after Lebanon received warnings from European sources about the
potential for escalation in southern Lebanon over the coming months.
A
political observer said that several Lebanese officials who visited Paris had
conveyed warning messages regarding the situation.
In
Beirut, the parliamentary foreign affairs committee listened to a report from
Human Rights Watch on documented Israeli attacks on civilians in Lebanon.
MP
FadiAlame spoke of “war crimes committed, especially the deliberate shelling of
journalists and the martyrdom of some, the use of white phosphorus in Gaza and
Lebanon and the resulting damages, and the type of weapons used to kill
paramedics.”
He said:
“The government submitted a report through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
requesting the international court to conduct necessary investigations into
violations and war crimes, and the foreign affairs committee is coordinating
with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure the effectiveness and speed of
action.
“This is
Lebanon’s right to demand (compensation) for the damage incurred.”
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--------
Turkiye,
Kuwait deals signal rise of ‘nonaligned axis’ in region
May 09,
2024
ANKARA:
Turkiye and Kuwait recently strengthened their bilateral relations by signing
six cooperation agreements in the fields of defense, trade, energy, tourism,
health and diplomacy during Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah’s
visit to Ankara, where he was received by Turkish President Recep Tayyip
Erdogan in a grand state ceremony.
These
agreements, including a protocol on defense procurement and a memorandum of
understanding on strategic dialogue, followed discussions between the leaders
and their delegations.
The
visit is significant as it is Sheikh Meshal’s first to a non-Arab country since
taking office in December, and coincides with the 60th anniversary of
diplomatic relations between Turkiye and Kuwait.
EyupErsoy,
a visiting fellow in the Department of International Relations at the London
School of Economics and Political Science, said that the progress in bilateral
relations is bound to have an impact on regional politics.
“There
is a recently revived Turkish interest in developing its relations with the
states of the region which are keen to adopt a neutral position in the polarized
regional geopolitics. Accordingly, there seems to be a cluster of countries in
the Middle East that are trying to stay out of the entanglements of regional
geopolitics,” he told Arab News.
“With
the consolidation of Turkish-Kuwaiti relations, this nonaligned axis is
expected to establish itself as a third alternative in the polarized region. In
this regard, the signing of a strategic dialogue agreement signifies the
commitment of the two states to align their regional policies.”
According
to Turkiye’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Tuba Nur Sonmez, who spoke to Kuwait’s state
news agency KUNA, the visit included discussions on bilateral relations and
regional issues such as the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Both
countries aim to increase their trade volume to $1 billion from $688 million
last year, with Turkish exports to Kuwait exceeding $583 million last year. In
addition, Kuwait sealed a $367 million deal with Turkish drone manufacturer
Baykar to buy TB2 armed drones in 2023.
According
to Ersoy, the defense industry supply agreement signed during the visit
indicates a mutual interest in advancing defense industry cooperation between
the two states.
“The
content of the actual transactions will be determined by the Kuwaiti
leadership’s assessment of Kuwait’s defense industry needs and the extent to
which Turkiye could supply relevant defense industry products,” he said.
However,
Ersoy said that trade volume between the two countries is not high compared
with their other trading partners.
“For
example, in 2022, Turkiye ranked 19th among Kuwait’s export destinations, while
Kuwait ranked only 56th for Turkish exports,” he said.
“Therefore,
both sides are keen to strengthen their trade relations, as indicated by the
statement during the visit on the need to revitalize the Joint Economic
Commission.
“In
addition, Kuwait’s leadership is seeking to diversify its economy in line with
its Vision 2035 strategy, as its revenues are almost entirely based on the
export of hydrocarbons. Increased trade with Turkiye has the potential to
contribute to this ambitious macroeconomic goal,” Ersoy said.
Kuwaiti
direct investment flow in Turkiye, which stood at $2 billion last year, has
also continued, reaching $1.5 billion so far this year.
“More
Kuwaiti participation in the Turkish economy, especially through direct and
portfolio investment, is imminent,” said Ersoy.
Kuwait
is also expected to take steps to reduce its trade imbalance with Turkiye, he
added.
In the
tourism sector, Istanbul broke a 10-year record last year with a surge of Gulf tourists
visiting the city. Trabzon, Bodrum, and Izmir are other top destinations for
Kuwaiti tourists visiting Turkiye during the summer.
However,
Arab visitors have been the targets of sporadic attacks amid anti-Arab
sentiment in Turkiye. Last year, a Kuwaiti tourist was attacked in the northern
city of Trabzon.
BetulDoganAkkas,
an assistant professor of international relations at Ankara University, said
bilateral relations between Turkiye and Kuwait were based on mutual respect and
trust, stemming from a historical and diplomatic legacy.
“There
is capital in these relations to promote cooperation, especially in the
economic sphere, including the defense industry,” she told Arab News.
“Kuwait
is open to consolidating its trade, and for Ankara, partnerships with Gulf
countries are win-win moves both economically and politically.
“The key aspect in analyzing these relations
is the current willingness of both sides to build long-term goals. So far, we
have seen mostly reactionary or short-term economic and political moves,“
DoganAkkas said.
“Now is
the right time for relations to institutionalize diplomatic capital. This
requires leadership support, and both parties have it, as the emir of Kuwait
visited Turkiye as his first non-Arab trip.”
DoganAkkas
also believes that the level of success and structure of political
decision-making are crucial to strengthening relations.
She said
that Turkiye’s ambassador to Kuwait is using her position to “achieve a
comprehensive and well-structured long-term goal.”
Another question
about this visit is the significance of its timing.
Ersoy
believes that the Turkish president’s recent visit to Iraq appears to have
eased a source of tension in Gulf politics by demonstrating Ankara’s
willingness to cultivate more constructive and cordial relations with a
critical neighbor of Kuwait.
“Turkiye’s
receptiveness to regional political dialogue and economic prosperity has shaped
the Kuwaiti leadership’s assessments in strengthening Kuwait’s ties with
Turkiye,” he said.
Kuwait
recently showed unease at being left out of the development road project
linking Iraq to Turkiye and the Gulf states. During Erdogan’s recent visit to
Iraq, Ankara secured the signing of a quadrilateral memorandum of understanding
between Iraq, Qatar, the UAE, and Turkiye.
However,
the project, which will significantly boost regional transport, will be
launched from Iraq’s Faw port, adjacent to Kuwait’s Mubarek port, whose delayed
completion has been criticized in Kuwait.
But
there was no mention of this unease during the visit to Ankara.
In
addition, Ersoy said, national security imperatives appear to have contributed
to the recent visit.
“Kuwait’s
neutrality in the regional struggle does not guarantee immunity from coercive
diplomacy or punitive strategies in a militarized and highly volatile region,”
he said.
“Therefore,
exploring and building a security partnership with Turkiye appears prudent for
the Kuwaiti leadership, which is another reason for the recent high-level
visit.”
In this
context, DoganAkkas underlined the importance of the regionalizing their
cooperation.
“If
Kuwait and Turkiye take their cooperation to a regional or subregional level,
as leaders in certain regional affairs, the political capital will be properly
implemented,” she said.
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--------
ISLAMIC
RESISTANCE TARGETS ENEMY’S MALKIYA SITE
NNA -
The following statement has been issued by the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon:
"In
support of our resilient Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and in solidarity
with their brave and honorable resistance, and after monitoring and observing
the movements of the Israeli enemy forces, upon their arrival at Al-Malkiya site,
the fighters of the Islamic Resistance targeted them with artillery shells at
00:50 on Friday, May 10, 2024, achieving confirmed hits."
Source: nna-leb.gov.lb
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--------
Israeli
demonstrators torch part of UN compound in Jerusalem
May 10,
2024
JERUSALEM:
The main United Nations aid agency for Palestinians closed its headquarters in
East Jerusalem after local Israeli residents set fire to areas at the edge of
the sprawling compound, the agency said.
Philippe
Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, said in a post on the social media platform X
that he had decided to close the compound until proper security was restored.
He said Thursday’s incident was the second in less than a week.
“This is
an outrageous development. Once again, the lives of UN staff were at a serious
risk,” he said.
“It is
the responsibility of the State of Israel as an occupying power to ensure that
United Nations personnel and facilities are protected at all times,” he said.
UNRWA,
set up to deal with the Palestinian refugees who fled or were forced from their
homes during the 1948 war around the time of Israel’s creation, has long been a
target of Israeli hostility.
Since
the start of the war with Gaza Israeli officials have called repeatedly for the
agency to be shut down, accusing it of complicity with the Islamist movement
Hamas in Gaza, a charge the United Nations strongly rejects.
Israel
considers all of Jerusalem its indivisible capital, including eastern parts it
captured in a 1967 war, which Palestinians seek as the future capital of an
independent state.
Lazzarini
said staff were present at the time of the incident but there were no
casualties. However outdoor areas were damaged by the blaze, which was put out
by staff after emergency services took time to respond.
There
was no immediate comment from the Israeli police.
Lazzarini
said groups of Israelis had been staging regular demonstrations outside the
UNRWA compound for the past two months and said stones were thrown at staff and
buildings in the compound this week.
In
footage shared with Lazzarini’s post, smoke can be seen rising near buildings
at the edge of the compound while the sound of chanting and singing can be
heard.
A crowd
accompanied by armed men were witnessed outside the compound chanting “Burn
down the United Nations,” Lazzarini said.
Source: arabnews.com
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--------
Israel
strikes eastern Rafah as ceasefire talks end with no deal
May 09,
2024
CAIRO/RAFAH/WASHINGTON:
Israeli tanks and warplanes bombarded areas of Rafah on Thursday, Palestinian
residents said, after President Joe Biden said the United States would withhold
weapons from Israel if its forces mount a major invasion of the southern Gaza
city.
A senior
Israeli official said that the latest round of indirect negotiations in Cairo
to halt hostilities had ended and Israel would proceed with its operation in
Rafah and other parts of the Gaza Strip as planned.
Israel
has submitted to mediators its reservations about a Hamas proposal for a
hostage release deal and the Israeli delegation was returning from the Egyptian
capital, the official added.
In Gaza,
Palestinian militant groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad said their fighters fired
anti-tank rockets and mortars at Israeli tanks massed on the eastern outskirts
of the city.
Residents
and medics in Rafah, the biggest urban area in Gaza not yet overrun by Israeli
ground forces, said an Israeli attack by a mosque killed at least three people
and wounded others in the eastern Brazil neighborhood.
Video
footage from the scene showed the minaret lying in the rubble, two bodies
wrapped in blankets and a wounded man being carried away.
On the
city’s eastern edge, residents said a helicopter opened fire, while drones
hovered above houses in several areas, some close to rooftops.
Israel
says Hamas militants are hiding in Rafah, where the population has been swelled
by hundreds of thousands of Gazans seeking refuge from bombardments elsewhere
in the coastal enclave, and it needs to eliminate them for its own security.
One of
the displaced, Mohammad Abder-Rahman, said he feared the Israeli bombardments
presaged an invasion of the city.
“It
reminds me of what happened before Israeli tanks stormed our residential areas
in Gaza City, heavy bombardment usually allows tanks to roll toward places they
intend to invade,” the 42-year-old told Reuters via a messaging app.
Ceasefire
talks in Egypt’s capital made some headway but no deal was reached, according
to two Egyptian security sources.
The
Hamas delegation left for Doha for consultations, blaming Israel for the lack of
agreement so far.
Israel
has said it is open to a truce, but has rejected demands for an end to the war
as it has vowed to demolish Hamas.
Biden,
who says Israel has not produced a convincing plan to safeguard civilians in
Rafah, issued his starkest warning yet against a full ground invasion.
“I made
it clear that if they go into Rafah, ... I’m not supplying the weapons,” Biden
told CNN in an interview on Wednesday.
Israel’s
assault on Gaza has killed nearly 35,000 Palestinians and wounded nearly
80,000, most of them civilians, the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said.
It
launched its offensive in response to a cross-border attack by Hamas militants
on Israel on Oct. 7 in which they killed about 1,200 people and abducted 252.
Some 128 hostages remain in Gaza and 36 have been declared dead, according to
the latest Israeli figures.
80,000
PALESTINIANS FLEE AGAIN THIS WEEK
On
Tuesday, Israeli tanks seized the Gaza side of the Rafah border crossing with
Egypt on Tuesday, cutting off a vital aid route and forcing 80,000 people to
flee the city this week, according to the United Nations.
“The
toll on these families is unbearable. Nowhere is safe,” the UN agency for
Palestinian refugees said in a post on X.
An
Israeli military statement on Gaza operations on Thursday morning did not refer
to Rafah.
The
United States is by far the biggest supplier of weapons to Israel, and it
accelerated deliveries after the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7 that triggered
Israel’s offensive in Gaza. Biden acknowledged that US bombs have killed
Palestinian civilians in the seven-month-old offensive.
US
officials have said Washington paused delivery of a shipment of 1,800
2,000-pound bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs to Israel because of the risk to
civilians in Gaza.
Israel’s
United Nations ambassador Gilad Erdan said the US decision to pause some
weapons deliveries to Israel would significantly impair the country’s ability
to neutralize Hamas’ power, according to Israeli public radio.
But
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told Israel’s “enemies and friends” it would do
whatever necessary achieve its war aims in Gaza, underlining the scale of the
standoff.
Israel
kept up tank and aerial strikes across Gaza and tanks advanced in the
Zeitounneighborhood of Gaza City in the north, forcing hundreds of families to
flee, residents said. The Israeli military said it was securing Zeitoun,
starting with a series of intelligence-based aerial strikes on approximately 25
“terror targets.”
Deir
Al-Balah in central Gaza was heaving with people who had fled Rafah in recent
days. Palestinian medics said two people, including a woman, were killed when a
drone fired a missile at a group of people there.
CIA
DIRECTOR SHUTTLES BETWEEN JERUSALEM AND CAIRO
In
Cairo, delegations from Hamas, Israel, the US, Egypt and Qatar had been meeting
since Tuesday. CIA Director William Burns has shuttled between Cairo and
Jerusalem, meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday.
Izzat
El-Risheq, a member of Hamas’ political office in Qatar, said the Hamas
delegation had left Cairo, having reaffirmed its approval the mediators’
ceasefire proposal. The plan entails the release of Israeli hostages held
captive in Gaza and a number of Palestinians jailed by Israel.
MEDICAL
SECTOR COLLAPSED
The
closure of the Rafah crossing with Egypt has prevented the evacuation of the
wounded and sick and the entry of medical supplies, food trucks and fuel needed
to operate hospitals, the Gaza health ministry said on Thursday.
The only
kidney dialysis center in the Rafah area had stopped operating due to the
shelling.
“There
used to be medical aid coming in, and now there is no medical aid,” said Ali
Abu Khurma, a Jordanian surgeon volunteering at Al Aqsa hospital in Deir
Al-Balah.
“The
entire medical sector has collapsed.”
Source: arabnews.com
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--------
North America
How
Arizona State University's Muslim Students Have Dealt With Tensions Over The
War In Gaza
May 9,
2024
Tensions
have been high on college campuses around the country this spring as
pro-Palestinian protesters have erected encampments and thousands have been
arrested as a result.
More
than 70 protesters were arrested at Arizona State University last month. As graduation
festivities take place this week, a fence is now erected around Alumni Lawn,
including "No trespassing" signs.
Universities
nationwide have struggled with how to respond to the debate over the war in
Gaza — and the protests it has sparked. They’ve come under fire for violating
students’ First Amendment rights, and faced backlash for not stopping
antisemitism on campuses.
Previously
on The Show, we heard from the executive director of Hillel at ASU, an
organization that supports Jewish students on campus. Now, turn to Imam Omar
Tawil, the chaplain for Muslim life at ASU as well as the Imam at the Islamic
Community Centre of Tempe, which is located in downtown Tempe by ASU’s main
campus.
He told
me Muslim students are feeling the effects of this every day. The Muslim
Student Association sent ASU leadership a letter months ago saying they have
been met with "alienation and dismissal” and feel the administration has
taken sides.
Since
the protests and on-campus arrests, ASU has said its Office of General Counsel
will review the removal of the encampment and will release its findings when it
is complete.
In
response to the accusations about Muslim protesters having their hijabs removed
when they were arrested, ASU released a statement saying they appreciate the
“cultural concerns expressed” and they are reviewing the matter.
Full
conversation
OMAR
TAWIL: One of the main concerns that people have had actually is that they have
felt in multiple instances, the temperature in the room rising, they felt that
there's more tensions with certain events that they've gone to or certain
classes. There's a few students complaining that there were sudden changes in
the way that they were treated or in the ways that they were addressed in
class. There was one sister who wears the face veil who says that she was
commanded to take it off during an exam. And that they were just treated
differently and, and unnecessarily than before Oct. 7, literally in the same
semester.
So what
they saw was something that they've been unfamiliar with because they're young.
But a lot of what I've been hearing has been reminiscent of post-9/11. You
know, what did college campuses, what did high schools and even middle schools
look like? And I think we've seen multiple examples of that not just only in
Arizona State University or in the state of Arizona, but all over the country.
LAUREN
GILGER: So let's talk about the kind of lead up to these protests, the
encampments. This wasn't necessarily, you know, coordinated by the Muslim
Students Association or anything like that. But do you know students who were
involved? I know you were there, right.
TAWIL:
Yeah, I was there throughout the whole morning and evening. And it came down to
me seeing what was going on on campus and me hearing different, you know,
reports from the police and from the ASU admin and also from the students, some
of which was obviously corroborated by students recording what had happened.
You know, you had an officer pull out a knife and start cutting tents and, and,
and start, you know, slashing at water bottles or other equipment that the
students had put on the encampment or on the, on the property, which is itself
alarming.
And then
I, I did get to meet some of the students that were behind it, Muslim and
non-Muslim, you know, some of whom were also Jewish students. Which again, it
fits everything that you've seen across the country, which is, it's not only
Muslims, it's not only Palestinians, you have atheists, you have people of
different political ideologies and you have people of different religious
backgrounds all supporting it, and they're trying to come together and let the
administration know that they stand against this.
GILGER:
Is there any kind of disagreement or at least conversation within the Muslim
student community at ASU about about how to approach this about the discussions
around this? Does everyone want to protest?
TAWIL:
You don't have a unified voice in terms of how to best go about it. You know,
some people are more like, hey, follow the policies; and then you have some who
say no, we're going to be a very American about this and have civil
disobedience. You have students who disagreed with the encampment but they came
out. They may not have stayed past a certain time, but they were there to show
support. Some of some students who may say, you know what? I don't wanna
necessarily encamp on the property, but I'm gonna bring water, I'm going to
bring food. You even have certain students, medical school students and even
other medic, physicians who say, you know what I may not encamp, but I'm going
to be there for anyone who needs medical attention as the events unfold.
So you,
you had various forms of support due to what they're protesting. Even if they
may not 100% agree with the method. And sometimes I feel like this is very,
quite honorable because you're not going to let your differences in method take
away from the voice that needs to be spoken or that needs to be heard. So I
found that to be really beautiful.
GILGER:
What do you make of how that ended? And the arrest that happened of, of several
dozen people.
TAWIL:
At first, I, I appreciated that the response was a lot more mild. Yes, arrests
took place. And this was my initial reaction. This is as I'm there watching it
unfold. You know, I'm making sure that students understand what's going to
happen. And I got, I got, I was able to come across to some students, not all,
but I spoke to them and I made sure, OK, at least you know what you're putting
on the line and if you're willing to do that and lose something for the sake of
what you believe in and for the sake of speaking your piece, then I'm with you.
So at first I was impressed, I was happy that it was not as violent as I've
seen on, on other campuses.
But then
later when I found out, you know, that same evening, actually, a few hours
after I had gotten home, that there were Muslim women who had their hijabs
removed. It's like, OK, where were we? Yeah, the students, the students were
removed. Thankfully, no one was severely hurt or hurt according to my knowledge.
And I could be wrong on that. But people were hurt in different ways.
GILGER:
What do you make of the administration's response in general to the kind of
conflict and these debates that are playing out across campus? I know some
Muslim students, including the Muslim Student Association, you know, has, has
been unhappy with some of the statements that ASU has put out.
TAWIL:
Some of the administrative responses I respect. They're trying to make sure
that students are protected and that they are safe. They're ensuring that the
campus environment is safe for everybody and inclusive for everybody, and
that's respectable and I commend them on their hard work. Other aspects of the
administration's response is honestly just overwhelmingly confusing for students,
and I can understand why and I agree with why. At a university, what are we
taught? We are taught how to become a citizen of a moral conscious, educated.
And in that process, we learn about the likes of Rosa Parks, the Reverend
Doctor Martin Luther King, we learn about Malcolm X. We learn about the
protests of 1968 during the Vietnam War. We learn about the boycott divestment
and sanctions that ended apartheid in South Africa.
But on
this issue, we're told to forget all that, on this issue we're told, no, not
here, this is different. So they see this as a moral failing of the
administrators that are supposed to be facilitating this education towards a
moral consciousness as American citizens. And they're honestly confused, and I
feel, I feel with them.
GILGER:
I spoke with the head of a Jewish student organization yesterday on The Show
who talked about how hard it's been for many Jewish students to sort of
separate this idea of being against Zionism and for Judaism, right? And they
felt like this was other sort of defining what it means to be Jewish for them.
Do you hear, I wonder, like, similar concerns from Muslim students about
assumptions being made about what they believe or who they are?
TAWIL:
Yeah. There's definitely assumptions about what they believe. I haven't seen
any student-led calls. Yes, there are agitators. There are, you know,
hoaxsters. Yet, I haven't seen any student-led calls for any discrimination
against any Jewish students. Let's take ASU's encampment. There were a couple
of agitators, the student leaders that were trying to bring this together and
even some of the students, we're boxing them out, like they're not with us.
They don't speak us. They're, they're not here, they're not here with us.
They're not part of any of our organizations. They're not part of any of this.
And they actually edged them out. They, they pushed them out. They're like, no,
no, no, you're gonna ruin our message. Our message is not this. And that's why
they had a very big poster that said: Judaism, yes. Zionism. No.
Judaism
being a religious people or people who call towards God or people who call
towards moral and ethical behavior. People who follow prophets and a tradition
that is very old and ancient. Zionism being a product of the 19th century, the
late 19th century and 20th century. This, it is a political ideology. So there
is no call from any Muslim student-led efforts. There is no call from any
Muslim student organizations or protests to any violence or any intolerance
towards Jews. But there is a call out towards a political ideology and the
problems that it's currently causing in the lands of Israel and Palestine.
GILGER:
Let me ask, lastly about what's happening on the university campus. Like you
are a chaplain to Muslim students at ASU, you've been sort of on the front
lines of all of this. I wonder, like, do you see any coming together? What are
the things you can offer and counsel students right now?
TAWIL:
Definitely. I've seen an uptick in students who've been coming to the mosque,
even non-Muslims, Christians, we've had Jews who have come by to offer their
support, to offer their presence. It has been a bit overwhelming. We've had a
lot more people come to the mosque, I guess because they quite literally are
experiencing an existential crisis, and it's become a safe haven for a lot of
students.
Source: kjzz.org
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https://kjzz.org/content/1879449/how-asus-muslim-students-have-dealt-tensions-over-war-gaza
--------
CAIR
Condemns Haim Saban for “Unhinged” Anti-Muslim Message to White House, Calls on
Biden to Reject and Cut Ties
May 9,
2024
The
Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil
rights and advocacy organization, today condemned political donor Haim Saban
for a “hateful, petulant” anti-Muslim email he reportedly sent to the White
House demanding that President Biden to continue sending military supplies to
Israeli government even if it escalates its attacks on Rafah. CAIR also called
on the Biden administration to condemn Saban and cut ties with him.
In an
email full of misspellings and improper punctuation, Saban said that “there are
more Jewish voters, who care about Israel, than Muslim voters who care about
Hamas (sp).”
“We
strongly condemn Haim Saban’s unhinged, hateful and petulant message, which was
both virulently anti-Muslim and also erased the many Jewish Americans who
oppose the Israeli government’s attacks on the people of Gaza. The White House
should reject Mr. Saban’s threatening email, condemn his hateful message and
cut ties with him. Megadonors like Haim Saban should have no more access to
policymakers or influence over public policy than the average American. The
fact that Mr. Saban felt that he could send such a childish and disrespectful
message to senior White House staff is a troubling sign about the amount of
weight he thinks his voice carries in the Biden administration.”
Source: cair.com
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the text of the original Story
https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-condemns-haim-saban-for-unhinged-anti-muslim-message-to-white-house-calls-on-biden-to-reject-and-cut-ties/
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Greece
criticizes Turkey for converting ancient church to mosque
May 09,
2024
ATHENS —
Turkish
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has officially dedicated an ancient Byzantine
church as a mosque, drawing a protest from Greece. Many Greeks want a summit
scheduled for Monday in Ankara between Erdogan and Greek Prime Minister
Kyriakos Mitsotakis to be canceled.
Greece’s
criticism centers on the formal opening of the Church of St. Saviour in Chora
as a Muslim house of worship, four years after it was converted. The ancient
site was a museum before its conversion to a mosque and is a United
Nations-protected monument revered for its mosaic masterpieces.
Turkish
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan presided remotely over the opening ceremony this
past Monday from the presidential palace in Ankara.
While
the move to open the site as a mosque has won praise from the Muslim faithful
in Turkey, it has angered many Greeks, among them Prime Minister Kyriakos
Mitsotakis.
He said
Erdogan’s decision is “unnecessary” and an insult.
Speaking
after talks Thursday with Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Mitsotakis
said if anything, the church’s conversion is an affront to, as he put it, the
rich cultural history that Istanbul has to show for… at the crossroads of many
civilizations.
The
Church of St. Saviour in Chora is the latest ancient church that Erdogan has
converted since ordering Istanbul’s prized landmark, the Hagia Sophia, to be
transformed in 2020 to a Muslim house of prayer.
Analysts
view the conversions as part of an attempt by Erdogan to consolidate the
conservative and religious support base of his ruling party amid an economic
downturn gripping Turkey.
The
latest conversion has also drawn criticism from the United States, with the
State Department calling on Turkey to preserve the monument’s diverse history
and allow access to all visitors.
In
Athens, many political leaders are urging Mitsotakis to cancel a meeting he has
scheduled with Erdogan for next week as part of a previously agreed plan to
ease relations between the longtime foes.
Nikos
Androulakis, the leader of Greece’s socialist party, is among those calling for
the talks to be called off.
“There
is no way that I would go,” Androulakis said, adding, “This is a provocation.”
The
prospect of canceling the talks is a “no-go,” said Mitsotakis.
“It is
imperative to keep all channels of communication open,” said Mitsotakis.
He went
on to say, “It is much better that I face President Erdogan in person and
express my strong opposition to this latest conversion, than allow this matter
to spark another crisis between the two countries.”
Relations
between Greece and Turkey have long been strained. The two neighbors and NATO
members nearly went to war in 2020 over contested energy reserves in the
Mediterranean. They have also been at odds over the divided island of Cyprus;
it is split between a Turkish-Cypriot north and a Greek-Cypriot south.
Since
1974, several efforts by the United Nations and the United States to reunite
the island have failed.
In
recent remarks, Erdogan said all problems can be resolved between Greece and
Turkey. In December, Erdogan made an official visit to Greece, where he met
with Prime Minister Mitsotakis. They agreed on several measures to ease
tensions.
Source: voanews.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.voanews.com/a/greece-criticizes-turkey-for-converting-ancient-church-to-mosque/7604839.html
--------
South Asia
Afghans
will have a good future under the shadow of Islamic system: Haqqani
May 10,
2024
Acting
Minister of Interior Sirajuddin Haqqani has said in a meeting with the European
Union envoy in Kabul that Afghans will have a good future in peace and under
the shadow of the Islamic system.
According
to a statement released by the Ministry of Interior on Friday, Haqqani, in his
meeting with RaffaellaIodice, the European Union’s Chargé d’affaires to Afghanistan,
said that Afghans will work hard, endure hardships and will be on the path of
progress.
The EU
envoy expressed her hope for continued peace and a better future for Afghans,
according to the statement.
Source: ariananews.af
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.ariananews.af/afghans-will-have-a-good-future-under-the-shadow-of-islamic-system-haqqani/
--------
Mawlawi
Kabir: If We Had Means, No Foreign Drones Would Patrol Airspace
Mawlawi
Abdul Kabir, the political deputy of the Prime Minister's Office, at a public
meeting in Panjshir said that American drones patrol the country's airspace due
to the lack of sufficient equipment to prevent them.
The
political deputy added that the Islamic Emirate has not received any financial
aid from Washington for the patrolling of American drones, and the claims of
talks are merely rumors.
Mawlawi
Abdul Kabir further said in the public meeting: "There is no doubt that
this money comes to Afghanistan, but it does not come to the Islamic Emirate
and is not under the control of the Islamic Emirate. We appoint institutions
and we approve and welcome those that are trustworthy and perform well. Drone
operations are problematic because we and you lack the necessary equipment, and
if we had the equipment, just as they are not on the ground, they would not be
in the air either."
Acting
Minister of Borders and Tribal Affairs Noorullah Noori said: "The Islamic
Emirate advances its domestic and foreign policies based on Sharia law and seeks
good relations, movement, and trade with the world."
The
political deputy of the Prime Minister's office once again urged opposition
figures to return to the country. Mawlawi Abdul Kabir pledged that they would
be supported and backed.
Several
acting ministers were also present at this meeting.
Acting
Minister of Vice and Virtue Mohammad Khalid Hanafi, welcomed the resistance and
standing of the Panjshir people against the Russian Soviet Union and added that
the jihad led by Ahmad Shah Massoud first started from the province of
Panjshir.
Mohammad
Khalid Hanafi said: "When the Red Army invaded our sacred country, the
jihad began right from this Panjshir valley. Commander Ahmad Shah Massoud then
went from here towards Nooristan and the situation got worse day by day."
Mohammad
Agha Hakim, the governor of Panjshir, said at the meeting: "The leadership
of the Panjshir province has created a competent and separate commission for
addressing the problems of the people and listening to complaints."
The
acting Minister of Vice and Virtue emphasized again the inclusiveness of the
current government in Afghanistan.
At the
same time, a number of religious scholars at the meeting demanded uniform
justice.
"The
unity of the Muslims and the people of Afghanistan comes with social justice.
Social justice from the Pamir in Badakhshan to Panjwayi in Kandahar must be
observed uniformly," said Mohammad Yahya Anabi, a religious scholar in
Panjshir.
Nooruddin
Azizi, the acting minister of Industry and Commerce, speaking at this meeting
said that in recent days, approximately $6 billion dollars have been invested
in the mining sector in the country and ten new factories have been established
in several provinces.
Source: tolonews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-188710
--------
US State
Dept Asks Pakistan to Respect 'Non-Return Advisory'
As the
deportation of Afghan migrants continues from Pakistan, the U.S. State
Department has requested the Pakistani government not to deport Afghan migrants
from the country.
Matthew
Miller, the U.S. State Department spokesperson, said at a press conference that
in light of the situation in Afghanistan, the U.S. encourages Afghanistan's
neighbors, especially Islamabad, to refrain from deporting Afghan migrants.
“We will
continue to work with the Government of Pakistan to address any issues or
concerns. It is in both our countries’ interests to ensure the safe and
efficient resettlement of those individuals. And we will continue to encourage
Afghanistan’s neighbors, including Pakistan, to respect the non-return
advisory, given the dire situation in Afghanistan, and to coordinate with
international humanitarian organizations to provide humanitarian assistance,
and to support the implementation of critical protection screening mechanisms,”
Miller added.
Meanwhile,
some Afghan migrants in Pakistan have complained about their dire conditions.
"I
ask the government of Pakistan, human rights-supporting countries, and the
United Nations to assist these migrants who have sought refuge here today and
are far from their homes, they need your help, cooperation, and kindness,"
ShafiqullahKohzad, an Afghan migrant in Pakistan, told TOLOnews.
"We
do not have access to basic services in Pakistan. We cannot freely receive
medical treatment in hospitals." said Mohammad Sirat, another Afghan
migrant in Pakistan.
In
addition to the deportation and difficult conditions of Afghan migrants in
Pakistan, Afghan migrants in Iran are also facing a similar plight.
The
Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation reported that nearly 3,000 Afghan
migrants have been voluntarily and forcibly returned to the country from Iran
yesterday (Wednesday, May 8).
Source: tolonews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-188713
--------
Ban on
cooperation with Afghanistan International Radio and TV violates media law:
AFJC
May 10,
2024
The
Afghanistan Journalists Center has stated that the Taliban’s announcement
banning work and cooperation with Afghanistan International Radio and
Television is against the media laws.
On
Thursday, May 9, the Afghanistan Journalists Center issued a statement calling
this action contrary to the essence of free speech and violating the country’s
media laws. The center urged the Taliban to respect the rights of free media
and their audiences according to the law.
The
organization has described the Taliban’s Media Violations and Complaints
Commission’s statement on this matter as rooted in political pressures and
motivations.
The
statement said: “The Taliban should respect and adhere to the rights of free
media and their audiences based on media law and allow the Commission to
address complaints and potential violations by Afghanistan International
according to media law.”
On
Wednesday, the Taliban’s Media Violations Commission called on all journalists
and experts in Afghanistan to cease their cooperation with Afghanistan
International Radio and Television.
At the
commission’s meeting, it was decided that participation in discussions and
facilitating the broadcast of this media in public places are prohibited.
Afghanistan
International Radio and Television has been accused by the Taliban’s Media
Violations Commission of “inciting prejudice, character assassination, and
distorting news.”
These
media restrictions highlight a broader pattern of the Taliban’s efforts to
control the narrative within Afghanistan. By shutting down independent media
outlets like Barya and Noor, they restrict the flow of information, ensuring
that only government-sanctioned news reaches the public. This approach stifles
free speech and limits the ability of Afghan citizens to access diverse
viewpoints and news.
The
international community has expressed concern over these actions, as they
represent a significant step backwards for media freedom in Afghanistan.
Organizations advocating for press freedom have called on the Taliban to
reverse these decisions and allow for a free and independent media landscape,
essential for a functioning democracy and informed public.
Despite
these calls, the situation for journalists and media personnel in Afghanistan
remains precarious. Many journalists face threats to their safety and freedom,
forcing some to flee the country or go into hiding. The ongoing suppression of
the media is a clear indication of the challenging environment that continues
to prevail under Taliban rule, impacting not just the media sector but also the
general populace’s right to information.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.khaama.com/ban-on-cooperation-with-afghanistan-international-radio-and-tv-violates-media-law-afjc/
--------
Deputy
PM Kabir Highlights Islamic Emirate’s Cooperation with Regional Countries in
Humanitarian Efforts
2024-05-09
KABUL
(BNA) In a ceremony organized by the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) to
commemorate World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, Mawlavi Abdul Kabir, Deputy
Prime Minister for Political Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan,
expressed the Islamic Emirate’s commitment to cooperation with regional
countries in various sectors.
The
event, titled “Protecting Humanity,” brought together government officials,
members of the cabinet, ARCS leadership, Red Cross representatives, and
volunteers.
During
his speech, Mawlavi Abdul Kabir acknowledged the vital role played by the Red
Crescent and Red Cross in Afghanistan and other Islamic countries, where
millions of people continue to rely on their humanitarian activities. He
praised these organizations for saving countless lives and emphasized the
ongoing need for their services.
Recognizing
the efforts made by the Red Cross and Red Crescent in Afghanistan, the Deputy
Prime Minister expressed the Islamic Emirate’s appreciation for their
dedication and thanked them for their humanitarian activities in the country.
Despite
national security being ensured under the rule of the Islamic Emirate, Mawlavi
Abdul Kabir noted that millions of Afghans still require humanitarian aid.
Mawlavi
Abdul Kabir also addressed the challenges faced by the Islamic Emirate, such as
restrictions on the banking system, reduced foreign aid, and economic
difficulties, which hinder their activities.
The
Islamic Emirate’s Deputy Prime Minister’s speech highlighted the ongoing
cooperation between the Islamic Emirate and regional countries in various
sectors, emphasizing the need for continued humanitarian support for
Afghanistan.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/deputy-pm-kabir-highlights-islamic-emirates-cooperation-with-regional-countries-in-humanitarian-efforts/
--------
Pakistan
Minister
For I & B Calls For Global Measures To Curb Fake News, Misuse Of Social
Media
May 10,
2024
Minister
for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has emphasized the need for
measures at global level to curb the spread of fake news and misuse of social
media.
Talking
to a visiting delegation of Bangladeshi journalists in Islamabad on Friday, he
said the government recognizes the importance of freedom of press and
expression and is determined to protect the rights of journalists.
The
Information Minister also alluded to the economic indicators saying these are
on positive trajectory.
He said
the government is taking steps to invest in infrastructure projects which will
not only promote the economy but also create employment opportunities.
Attaullah
Tarar said Special Investment Facilitation Council has been established to
attract foreign investment and facilitate investors.
The
delegation of Bangladeshi journalists emphasized the importance of such visits
saying these will improve people to people contacts and relations between the
two countries.
Source: radio.gov.pk
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.radio.gov.pk/10-05-2024/attaullah-calls-for-global-measures-to-curb-fake-news-misuse-of-social-media
--------
Over a
dozen rounded up as PTI marks May 9 in Rawalpindi
May 10, 2024
RAWALPINDI:
As a small number of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) supporters took to the
streets in Rawalpindi to mark the first anniversary of the May 9 riots
triggered by the arrest of its founder Imran Khan, the police rounded over a
dozen, including two local leaders, for violation of Section 144.
The
protesters demanded the release of Imran Khan, who is imprisoned in Adiala jail
following his conviction in multiple cases, and also chanted slogans against
the PML-N government.
On Rawal
Road, a group of up to 30 PTI workers led by ex-MPA Seemabia Tahir gathered at
‘Gaye (cow) Chowk’ near Shehbaz Sharif Park. The rally which originated from
Amarpura hoisted a large PTI flag on the road near the park and shouted slogans
in favour of their ex-chairman and against the government.
The
police, which had been deployed to ensure law and order, used teargas to
disperse the protesters and detained Ms Tahir, while other protesters managed
to evade the police and escaped towards Sadiqabad Chowk.
Before
the arrest, the police were seen trying to engage the PTI leader asking her to
accompany them to the police station in a car instead of a police mobile.
She was
shifted to the women’s police station. “Ma’am, come with me,” a police official
was heard saying. Even though it was a minor protest, the commuters still faced
problems due to traffic mess on Rawal Road.
Another
rally, led by PTI leader Shaharyar Riaz was organised in the Banni area. A
handful of PTI workers shouted slogans in favour of the PTI founder, demanding
his release. Likewise, a handful of political workers also organised a demo in
Gujar Khan for the release of the PTI founder.
A police
official said they would register cases against those who violated Section 144
imposed in Punjab.
On the
other hand, the police have made effective security arrangements with the
deployment of more than 2,600 police personnel to ensure peace in the city.
In
addition, 400 traffic police personnel were performing duties to maintain the
flow of traffic.
As part
of the security, 62 special pickets had been set up on the entrance and exit
roads of the city, and police mobiles, as well as the dolphin force, patrolled
their respective areas.
‘Solidarity
with army’
In
addition to the PTI, several groups, including the All Pakistan Ex-Servicemen
Association, organised rallies in various areas of Rawalpindi to express
solidarity with the Pakistan Army and condemn the May 9 violence.
Acknowledging
the sacrifices made by the armed forces in ensuring national security, the
speakers lauded the efforts of the security forces in “combating terrorism and
promoting stability”. They also condemned attempts by “anti-state elements to
sow discord and undermine the unity of the nation”, reaffirming the unwavering
support of the people for the Pakistan Army.
Furthermore,
the speakers called for swift and decisive action against those responsible for
the May 9 riots. They stressed the importance of holding individuals
accountable for their actions to prevent similar incidents in the future and safeguard
the country’s security interests.
The
rallies concluded with a renewed commitment to uphold the principles of unity,
integrity, and resilience, echoing the words of the Quaid-i-Azam that no force
can dismantle Pakistan.
The
Rawalpindi Waste Management Corporation also organised a rally in support of
the Pakistan Army.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1832530/over-a-dozen-rounded-up-as-pti-marks-may-9-in-rawalpindi
--------
Rallies
held across KP to show solidarity with armed forces
May 10,
2024
PESHAWAR:
The workers of different political parties, students, traders and members of
civil society organisations took out rallies in different areas of the
provincial metropolis to show solidarity with armed forces.
The
rallies were led by elected representatives of different political and
political leaders. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz MNA Sardar Yousuf led a
procession from Mansehra to Peshawar. Leaders of PML-N including opposition
leader in provincial assembly Dr Ibad Khan, women MPA Sobia Khan and MPA Malik
Tariq Awan also led processions.
Pakistan
Peoples Party MPA Arbab Zarak took out a separate procession. In addition,
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Parliamentarians (PTI-P) MPA Arbab Waseem also led a
procession. Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl MNA Noor Alam Khan also took out a
procession to show solidarity with armed forces.
The
rally of business community was led by Tajir Insaf Group president Shahid Khan,
Malik Khan Said and others.
Participants
demand punishment for people involved in May 9 riots
In the
morning, the students of Army Public School Peshawar visited Radio Pakistan
building and lit candles to express solidarity with armed forces. The
participants of the rallies were carrying banners and placards inscribed with
slogans against those, who damaged government buildings and state
installations.
Addressing
the participants, the leaders of rallies came down hard on arsonists, who
ransacked army installations in different parts of the country and government
properties. They said that armed forces were a symbol of national security.
They
said that personnel of security forces sacrificed their lives to protect the
motherland. They said that armed forces rendered tremendous sacrifices in the
war against terrorism to restore peace in the country.
Speakers
said that causing damage to properties of government and armed forces was an
act of enemy. They said that they would not allow any worker of any political
party to use foul language against the defenders of the country’s borders. They
vowed to raise voice for support of armed forces in future too.
In
Swabi, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said that no patriotic Pakistani could ever
forget riots on May 9, 2023. He said that all the people involved in the riots
should be awarded exemplary punishment.
Talking
to journalists during his visit to the mausoleum of Captain Karnal Sher Khan
Shaheed, he said that the protesters politically instigated by Pakistan
Tehreek-i-Insaf leaders caused anarchy in the country. He said that it was a
pressing demand of all Pakistanis that the group, party and people involved in
May 9 riots should be punishment.
The
governor laid wreath on the mausoleum of Karnal Sher Khan and offered fateha.
In
Kohat, a rally was held on Indus Highway by political activists and social
workers to show solidarity with army. People from Kohat, Karak, Hangu, Orakzai,
Kurram districts and Darra Adamkhel participated in the rally to show
solidarity with army.
In
Mohmand, local elders held a rally in support of army in Safi tehsil. The
rally, led by Malik Sadol Khan and Malik Ibrahim Khan, started from Mamad Cadet
College and ended at Qanadahri Bazaar.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1832556/rallies-held-across-kp-to-show-solidarity-with-armed-forces
--------
Fazl
asks army to leave merged districts, shun role in politics
May 10,
2024
PESHAWAR:
Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said here on
Thursday that the army should leave merged districts and put an end to its role
in politics.
He was
addressing a big public gathering arranged by JUI-F on Dalazak Road to protest
the alleged rigging in February 8 general elections. He subjected military and
its political role to harsh criticism.
The
JUI-F chief said that army should now leave the merged areas. He said that time
was over for expressing sympathy in the garb of military operations. He said
that tribesmen were destroyed in the name of restoring peace during 15 years
long military operations.
Mr
Rehman said that he had been opposing military operations since day one. He
said that if he was wrong in opposing military operations then why terrorism
and terrorists were still there.
He said
that Pakistani government fenced the Pak-Afghan border and claimed that it
would stop the movement of terrorists. He alleged that 40,000 people went to
Afghanistan to fight there and then returned to Pakistan by destroying the
fence.
Responding
to the press conference of ISPR director general, Mr Rehman said that the
official spoke for about three hours but there was no clarity as to what he was
saying. He said that ISPR director general was though giving the impression of
addressing someone else, however, at the same time he was trying to respond to
his [Mr Rehman] criticism.
“He is
saying that army has no role in politics but I want to tell him that
Constitution, laws and rules do not allow him to discuss politics,” he said. He
added that army men became a subject of criticism when they violated their oath
and took part in politics.
“I have
been in politics for 45 years. I claim that you have taken part in politics,
therefore, you are not soldier of Pakistan and thus do not earn my respect,”
said the JUI-F chief. He said that army had no role in creation of Pakistan as
it was built by people.
“Your
role is in the breakup of the country in 1971 which brought the infamy to this
nation,” he said. He added that army should stop taking part in politics role
and return to its original role.
Mr
Rehman said that his fears regarding the Fata merger had come true. He said
that Fata could neither become settled nor remained tribal after its merger
with the province.
He said
that federal government promised to spend Rs1 trillion on development of the
region over a period of a decade, however, in eight years only Rs100 billion
was spent in former Fata.
The
JUI-F chief said that Pakistani government failed to make a proper statement on
the Gaza war. He said that Israel was bombing civilian areas and killing
innocent women and children. “More than 40,000 people have been martyred in
indiscriminate Israeli bombing of civilian population,” he added.
He said
that his party rejected the assemblies and government, which came into
existence owing to rigged elections. He also announced a public meeting in
Muzzafarghar area of Punjab on June 1.
Other
JUI-F leaders including Maualana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, Maulana Attaur Rehman,
Rashid Mehmood Somroo and Asad Mehmood also addressed the gathering.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1832560/fazl-asks-army-to-leave-merged-districts-shun-role-in-politics
--------
PM
Shehbaz wants more Qatari investment in Pakistan
May 10,
2024
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday received a message from his Qatari
counterpart underscoring potential avenues for reinforcing bilateral ties.
“Prime
Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin
Jassim Al-Thani has sent a written message to Prime Minister of Pakistan
Shehbaz Sharif, pertaining to bilateral relations and way to support and
develop them,” Qatari newswire QNA reported.
The
message was delivered to PM Sharif by the visiting Qatari Minister of State for
Foreign Affairs, Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, who is accompanied by a
delegation from the Qatar Investment Authority.
PM
Sharif said his government would like to see Qatar expand its investment
portfolio in Pakistan in priority sectors and offered facilitation by Special
Investment Facilitation Council.
Receives
message from counterpart to improve bilateral ties
Dr
Al-Khulaifi also called on Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq
Dar. During their meeting, the two sides reviewed Pakistan-Qatar bilateral
relations and trade and investment ties, with particular focus on cooperation
in sectors like energy, mining and aviation, according to the Foreign Office.
May 9
trials
The
Foreign Office said the government is firmly committed to enforcing the law and
ensuring that those responsible for the disturbances on May 9, 2023, are held
accountable.
FO
spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said: “We are committed to upholding our laws
and to holding those responsible for the May 9 events to account and ensure
public safety and protect public property.”
A day
earlier, the US State Department stressed the importance of guaranteeing
the safety and security of all detainees, including former prime minister Imran
Khan.
In response
to US concerns about detainees, Ms Baloch asserted that Pakistan’s judicial
system was fully capable of making decisions in accordance with country’s laws
and the Constitution, emphasising that due process and justice were fundamental
components of the legal framework.
“We do
not need directions from anyone with regard to Pakistan’s domestic laws,” she
said.
Source: dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1832605/pm-shehbaz-wants-more-qatari-investment-in-pakistan
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Iran
decides to repatriate illegal Afghans in view of terror threat
May 10,
2024
Iran has
decided to repatriate illegal Afghans in view of the terror threat.
According
to the Iranian Interior Minister, more than 1.3 million illegal immigrants were
sent back from Iran so far.
The
Iranian Interior Minister also indicated to take strict measures to prevent the
return of illegal Afghan citizens to Iran in the future.
Source: radio.gov.pk
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https://www.radio.gov.pk/10-05-2024/iran-decides-to-repatriate-illegal-afghans-in-view-of-terror-threat
--------
Force
Commander FCNA pays tribute to martyrs
May 09,
2024
In
Gilgit Baltistan, Force Commander FCNA Major General Kashif Khalil paid tribute
to the martyrs.
Force
Commander FCNA Major General Kashif Khalil visited the native village of
HavaldarLalak Jan (Nishan Haider) in Handur. He laid floral wreath at the
mausoleum of HavaldarLalik Jan Shaheed and recited Fatiha.
He also
met the family members of Lalak Jan Shaheed and the ghazis of Pakistan Army.
Force
Commander FCNA assured the families of the martyrs and the Ghazis that the
Pakistan Army is committed to protecting the sanctity of its martyrs.
Source: radio.gov.pk
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Conspiracy
against state, army: No pardon for plotters, executors of May 9: Shehbaz
May 10,
2024
RAWALPINDI:
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir said on Thursday May 9 will
undoubtedly remain a black day in the history of Pakistan. The indoctrinated
and insidiously guided miscreants attacked the symbols of the state and national
unity, disgracefully desecrating the Shuhada monuments, he added.
The COAS
deplored that now the plotters of the incidents were brazenly and shamelessly
trying to twist the narrative and implicate the state in this despicable
endeavour. “This mindset is precisely the reason why there can be no compromise
or deal with planners and architects of this dark chapter in our history,” he
warned.
Gen
Munir underscored that inimical forces and their abettors have unleashed
digital terrorism and are trying hard to create division between the armed
forces and the people of Pakistan through lies, fake news and propaganda.
“However, the designs of all these forces will be defeated with the support of
the nation,” he said.
The COAS
visited the Lahore Garrison on Thursday and laid a wreath at the martyrs’
monument and paid solemn tribute to the Shuhada who sacrificed their lives for
the motherland. He maintained that the real leaders of miscreants, who present
themselves as victims now, will be held accountable for their actions,
particularly when there is irrefutable evidence of their involvement and
complicity in organised violence and sabotage.
The COAS
was given a detailed briefing on the operational preparedness of the formation.
Addressing the garrison officers and soldiers at the corps headquarters, the
COAS lauded troops for their services to the nation and appreciated their
professionalism. He said due to deplorable acts of criminally orchestrated
violence, enemies of Pakistan were provided the opportunity to mock the state
and the nation.
General
Asim Munir asserted that every soldier and officer of the Pakistan Army puts
his duties and responsibilities first, regardless of any other affiliations or
preferences and continues to render extreme sacrifices on daily basis. He said
those gullible elements who did not understand the real motive behind this
criminal enterprise and were used as cannon fodder for the political ambitions
of the masterminds had already been accorded reasonable benefit of the doubt on
the direction of Supreme Court of Pakistan.
The COAS
reassured the officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army that no one would be
allowed to disrespect Shuhada, their families or the institution. Planners,
abettors, facilitators and culprits of May 9 would be brought to justice
according to the law of the land and “our patience not to respond to daily
provocations in this regard made in brazen violation of the Constitution has
limits and it must never be misconstrued as weakness”.
Later,
the COAS, while inaugurating the Jinnah Library at Lahore Garrison, stated that
“We, being the constructive forces, have rekindled the memory of Quaid by
building this public library over the piles of ash and rubble, created by the
destructive forces”. Earlier on arrival, the COAS was received by the commander
Lahore Corps.
Separately,
the armed forces, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) and services
chiefs maintained that there could neither be any compromise with the planners,
facilitators and executors of tragedy nor they would be allowed to hoodwink the
law of the land. “Bringing the real culprits of May 9 to justice is paramount
to ensure that in future, no one dares to desecrate the memories of our heroes
and the symbols of our unity through such an unwarranted conduct,” the
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.
The
statement said that on one of the darkest days in national history, politically
motivated and brainwashed miscreants, in an act of rebellion, deliberately
resorted to violence against state institutions and vandalised sacred symbols
of the state and the sites belonging to national heritage. The ISPR said it was
a futile attempt to bring about a misplaced and short-sighted revolution in the
country. “By displaying utmost restraint during this deliberate and brazenly
orchestrated violence, the Pakistan armed forces thwarted the insidious
conspiracy by the planners, facilitators and executors, who wanted to
destabilise Pakistan by inciting confrontation between the people and the armed
forces,” the ISPR added.
Failing
to undermine national harmony and stability, the planners, facilitators and
executors of the conspiracy embarked upon a sinister campaign of hate against
the armed forces and the state with an intent to twist the narrative to their
advantage and shift the blame on the state institutions. The armed forces
renewed their resolve to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of
Pakistan and defeat the nefarious designs of the enemies of Pakistan, both
external and internal. “Our Shuhada and their families are pride of Pakistan,”
added the statement. “Today, let’s join hands to strongly denounce the
conspiracies to weaken Pakistan and work together for prosperity and stability
of our beloved country,” the ISPR statement added.
Separately,
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif termed May 9 incidents a revolt against the state
and its institutions, adding that the real objective of the onslaught was to
topple democracy, bury the Constitution, and bring dictatorship in the country
besides undermining the national unity to cause social unrest.
Chairing
a special meeting of the federal cabinet at the Parliament House, he said May 9
was a black day in Pakistan’s history when the rioters attacked the defence
institutions and the monuments of martyrs and Ghazis. The sinister plan of May
9 was not just a conspiracy against Pakistan but also the state, Pakistan Army
and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, he said. “But thanks to Allah
Almighty that evil designs were thwarted. However, the nation wants to know as
to why the culprits have not been punished despite passage of a year,” he
added. The premier reiterated that the culprits would not go unpunished and
there would be no pardon for the plotters and executors of the evil acts on May
9.
The
cabinet meeting was held at the Parliament House aimed at delivering a message
of unity and unison, in addition to expressing solidarity with the nation’s
martyrs and heroes. The PM said the May 9 onslaught was carried out to
undermine the PDM government’s efforts to stabilise the economy, impede the
normalisation of strained ties with friendly countries and cover up the foreign
funding, Toshakhana, and 190-million-pound corruption scams, and ensure
appointments to key posts without merit.
He said
except for May 9, the politicians despite facing tough circumstances, played a
role in pacifying the situation either through the slogan of ‘Pakistan Khappay’
or tolerated the hardships without uttering a single word against the country.
He said the nation had witnessed the May-9 riots and also those who
orchestrated and executed the anti-state conspiracy with some people also
confessing the same in videos. He said even today, anti-Pakistan propaganda was
being spread from abroad, and letters were being written by some elements to
destabilise the national economy.
In his
remarks at the special cabinet meeting, Minister for Law and Justice Azam
Nazeer Tarar said the May 9 incidents were tragic and emphasised that the
nation always needed to find a corrective course. He lauded PM Shehbaz for
taking immediate action and overseeing the probe into the May 9 attacks. The
law minister presented before the cabinet a report of a committee, formed by
the caretaker government, under the Interim Law Minister Ahmed Irfan on the May
9 incident, which declared the PTI leadership directly responsible for the
riots.
He said
the PTI leadership called the no-confidence motion against its government a
foreign conspiracy, and the party leadership had also called for playing up the
narrative. The committee also suggested multiple actions like awareness among
youth, creating national harmony and legislation on provincial and federal
levels to ensure effective prosecution.
However,
Political Affairs Adviser Rana Sanaullah termed the cabinet report
unsatisfactory and traditional, lacking clear identification of those involved
in the incidents. It was decided in the session that the recommendations of the
interim cabinet committee would be discussed in parliament for legislation.
Meanwhile,
addressing families of martyrs at the Convention Centre, PM Shehbaz Sharif said
the government would definitely go after the culprits of May 9 with strict
punishments through courts, so that such unfortunate incidents would not recur.
“There is no reprieve for such culprits. I assure you that the law will take
its due course and that no such incident will recur in the country,” he said.
The event was organised by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to mark
the first anniversary of the May 9 (2023) violent incidents and to express
solidarity with the martyrs and their families.
Earlier,
Inspector General of Police Islamabad Ali Nasir Rizvi said he was the DIG
Operations Lahore on the fateful day and supervised the operation against
rioters despite eye injuries for two and a half hours. The family members of
the martyrs also expressed their feelings and shared memories of their loved
ones. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, National
Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, cabinet members and political figures also
attended the event.
The
Punjab Assembly passed a resolution condemning the May-9 incidents, amid strong
protest from the opposition. The resolution demanded strict punishment for the
culprits. The opposition MPAs gathered in front of the speaker’s dais and
chanted slogans against the PMLN government and tore the copies of resolution.
The resolution, moved by Provincial Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Mian
Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman, stated that the residence of Quaid-e-Azam was torched
and an effort was made to tarnish Pakistan’s image globally. The resolution
also lauded the country’s institutions which foiled the conspiracy against
Pakistan and saved the country from destruction. It called for exemplary
punishment for the perpetrators of the May 9 incident.
Talking
to the media outside the Punjab Assembly, Opposition leader Ahmad Khan Bachar
said May 9 incident was a controversial occurrence that took place under the
caretaker set-up.
Senate
Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani termed May 9 a dark day in the history of Pakistan
and strongly condemned the incidents, vandalism and attacks on sensitive
facilities including Jinnah House. He said such incidents were not allowed in
civilised societies. He said every Pakistani was still saddened by what
happened on May 9.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi came down hard on PTI leader Asad Qaiser for his
recent statement wherein he rejected any apology to anyone. He said Asad Qaiser
should not utter such words as his party had instigated people to create chaos.
Kundi
was talking to media persons at the mausoleum of Captain Karnal Sher Khan
Shaheed (Nishan-e-Haider) who is a hero of the Kargil War. Recalling the May 9
violence of last year, he said the protesters were instigated by the PTI
leaders and they created disturbance in the country.
Punjab
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in her message said, “The nation will neither
forget nor forgive May 9.” She added, “May 9 is a dark chapter of our national
history. The authoritarians, in their lust for power, did what even the enemy
could not do. It is very crucial to bring the anti-Pakistan plotters to
justice, because their power lust has crossed the red line of honour and
dignity of the nation.”
Also,
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah described May 9 incident as a deep-rooted
conspiracy to divide the nation and target the national institutions. Speaking
at Paigham-e-Amn event, organised by the Sindh Information Department at a
local hotel, he said the enemies of Pakistan led by PTI founder wanted to
divide the country.
Separately,
political activists, lawyers, social, and cultural organisations, students and
traders observed the black day in Multan against May-9 vandalism. They held a
rally and expressed solidarity with the armed forces, saluted them and paid
rich tribute in Multan and south Punjab cities. The Multan District Bar
Association observed a complete strike. To condemn the attack on Jinnah House
and installations of armed forces on May 9, 2023, rallies were brought out in
all cities of Toba Tek Singh district. Employees of government departments,
activists of PMLN, PPP and pro-government religious organisations participated
in these rallies.
PMLN
Ulema-Mashaikh Wing Punjab General Secretary Sahibzada Hafiz Muhammad Amjad
said those responsible for May 9 tragedy must be punished. Pakistan Ulema
Council (PUC) Chairman Hafiz Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, alongside prominent
religious leaders, said May 9 was one of the darkest days in Pakistan’s
history.
Source: thenews.com.pk
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https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1187314-conspiracy-against-state-army-no-pardon-for-plotters-executors-of-may-9-shehbaz
--------
Arab World
World
Red Cross, Red Crescent day marked with conferences, exhibitions
May 10,
2024
RIYADH:
The Saudi Red Crescent Authority marked World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day
this week with various events, exhibitions and conferences in the Kingdom.
The
SRCA’s activities included marches on the main roads of several governorates as
well as lectures and training courses to raise community awareness.
The day
is celebrated on May 8 every year to emphasize the importance of alleviating
the suffering of people worldwide, especially in countries afflicted by
conflict and natural disasters.
In the
Eastern Province, the SRCA in collaboration with Alasala College in Dammam,
held a series of awareness events on the vital humanitarian work carried out by
both organizations.
Those
attending had the opportunity to observe medical workers undertake a drill
using ambulances for emergencies under difficult circumstances.
There
was also an exhibition featuring the latest emergency medical equipment and
information provided when using the hotline number 997.
Lectures
were delivered on topics including risks associated with overcrowding, the
importance of allowing unimpeded access for ambulances, and guidelines for
handling different emergency situations.
Visitors
were also introduced to volunteering opportunities, training programs, and the
Family Links initiative.
In the
northwestern province of Tabuk, the SRCA’s Director-General Nawaf bin Mayah
Al-Anazi led the celebration, with awareness programs and skills training at
Tabuk Park Mall.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2507721/saudi-arabia
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2 Saudi
students among top coding winners in Apple’s Swift Student Challenge
May 09,
2024
RIYADH:
Two Saudi students have used their skills in coding and app creation to put
social issues under the spotlight.
Afrah
bin Jubeir and Jawaher Al-Anzi recently showcased their abilities in Apple’s
Swift Student Challenge, where they were named among the top coding winners.
“This
challenge offers us a platform to acquire skills that are applicable in the
real world, and I am very excited to share the solutions and innovations I
developed,” said Jubeir. “It is an opportunity not only to boost my knowledge
and skills but also to make a positive impact in the tech community.”
Passionate
about the sea and marine life, the 26-year-old created an app called “Fin’s
Adventure.” It was developed not only as an entertaining game but also an
educational tool to promote awareness of maritime environment matters and the
importance of preserving the oceans.
“The
game revolves around a fish character named ‘Fin’ who tries to survive in an
ocean filled with plastic pieces,” Jubeir told Arab News. “The player will have
to help Fin avoid these threats and promote awareness of the importance of
keeping the oceans clean.”
The
inspiration behind “Fin’s Adventure” came after Jubeir attended a conference
where she noticed games had significant capabilities to convey educational
messages and raise awareness.
She
designed the game to be exciting and educational, introducing players to the
negative impacts of plastic pollution and encouraging them to take small steps
towards a more sustainable lifestyle.
“Owing
to its fun and interactive delivery method, the game attracts both kids and
adults, making it an effective tool that contributes to changing behaviors in
the long run,” she said.
Jubeir
began her vocational training in September 2023 when she joined the Apple
Developer Academy. A nine-month program enhanced her software skills and
understanding of advanced technologies, before she decided to apply to the
Swift Student Challenge.
She said
other students considering an application should ensure they understood the
necessary requirements first. They should start with a unique idea addressing a
specific problem, before going on to develop a seamless design and attractive
user experience.
“Ask for
feedback from your friends and acquaintances to improve your project and
remember that any challenge you face is an opportunity to learn and progress.
Even if you don’t win, the opportunity itself adds to your experiences and
teaches you,” she said.
Al-Anzi,
a 27-year-old from Riyadh, competed against 350 other students from 35
countries and was named one of 50 Distinguished Winners in the challenge.
Her app,
“My Child,” aims to help children with speech impediments and was inspired by
her own story.
As a
child, following the death of her grandfather, she developed a stutter. She
eventually overcame it and, years later, began training at the Apple Developer
Academy in Riyadh.
“It took
around a month to build the application, from coming up with the idea to
executing it,” she told Arab News.
“The
application will contribute to solving stuttering among all members of the
community of different ages. Hopefully, in the near future, it will be
available for download on the App Store.”
She said
her experience of participating in the Apple competition paved the way for her
app creation.
“It’s an
opportunity to create an application and learn how to build projects and new
techniques, in addition to creating an application that contributes to helping
society as a whole.”
Asked
what advice she would give others hoping to follow in her footsteps, she said
it would be the same advice that was given in the Apple academy: “Everyone can
code.”
Source: arabnews.com
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KSrelief
sends food and shelter aid to Pakistan and Sudan
May 10,
2024
RIYADH:
The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has sent food and shelter aid to Pakistan and
Sudan, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.
A total
of 450 shelter bags were distributed in Sudan’s El-Gadarif state, benefiting
2,588 individuals.
In
Pakistan’s Pakhtunkhwa province 710 food baskets for 4,970 individuals were
handed to vulnerable families in flood-affected areas. This was a part
KSrelief’s Food Security Support Project in Pakistan 2024.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2507826/saudi-arabia
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KSrelief
provides free eye treatment in Sri Lanka
May 10,
2024
COLOMBO:
The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has provided 200 eye surgeries in its ongoing
campaign in the Sri Lanka town of Kattankudy, the Saudi Press Agency reported
on Thursday.
Staffers
of the “Saudi Noor Volunteer Program to Combat Blindness” have also examined
2,000 individuals so far.
The
campaign, in cooperation with the International Sight Foundation, started May 4
and will conclude on May 11, the SPA stated.
The
mission is a part of KSrelief’s aid efforts in several countries worldwide.
Source: arabnews.com
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EU
ambassador holds Europe Day celebration in Riyadh
May 09,
2024
RIYADH:
Christophe Farnaud, the EU ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman,
marked his first Europe Day celebration in the Kingdom, inviting fellow
European nation ambassadors, Saudi foreign affairs officials, and friends of
the embassy to celebrate the occasion in his residence in the diplomatic
quarter.
“There
is a very dynamic partnership between Saudi Arabia and the European Union,”
Farnaud told Arab News.
He
added: “It’s political, economic, and it’s also cultural, and since the Kingdom
is in the process of this very impressive, this very spectacular
transformation, it is important for us as Europeans to be present because we
have strong relationships.”
Attending
as guest of honor was Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed El
Khereiji.
Discussing
Saudi-EU ties, Farnaud said: “I think it is important that we do more, and I
think that the challenges of the world now, which are pandemics, economic
transitions ... but also the globalization which is going on, it needs
countries to have partners, reliable partners people that you know, that you
can trust, and which whom you can bring solutions.
“For me
as European ambassador, it is key to build on that with Saudi Arabia because I
think the potential of this country is enormous and I am glad that people
enjoyed tonight because it’s a good sign for the relations.”
To open
the Europe Day celebration, the ambassador gave his opening remarks
highlighting the bilateral ties between not only Saudi Arabia and the EU but
also the wider GCC region.
Farnaud
noted the multiple visits of EU officials to the region, including
JosepBorrell, the EU high representative for foreign affairs and security
policy, and vice president of the European Commission to the Kingdom.
“Regular
exchanges foster a useful dialogue. Last January, the European Union and the
GCC held their first regional security dialogue followed by a high-level forum
on regional security and cooperation at a ministerial level last month in
Luxembourg.
“These
exchanges reflecting common views and interests for the most part are
indispensable. We must work together to contribute to lasting solutions,” he
said.
Europe
Day is celebrated annually on May 9 in all EU member states to mark the Schuman
Declaration of May 9, 1950, by French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman which
laid the foundations for the modern-day EU.
Saudi
Arabia and the EU have maintained strong relations over the decades, and
developed cooperation in key strategic areas and sectors.
Farnaud
also highlighted Saudi Arabia and the EU’s strong trade relations, saying that
the EU is Saudi Arabia’s second-largest trading partner.
Within
the same day of the national day celebrations, the European Chamber of Commerce
in Saudi Arabia held its inauguration with guests including Ibrahim Al-Mubarak,
assistant minister of investment; and Luigi Di Maio, EU special representative
for the Gulf.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2507636/saudi-arabia
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Saudi
foreign minister receives letter from counterpart in Belarus on developing ties
May 09,
2024
RIYADH:
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has received a written
message from Sergei Aleinik, his counterpart in Belarus, regarding bilateral
relations between the countries and ways to support and enhance them.
The
message was received by Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji during
a meeting in Riyadh with his opposite number in Belarus EvgenyShestakov, the
Kingdom’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
The
parties discussed ways to strengthen relations, along with regional and
international developments.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2507621/saudi-arabia
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Madinah
accredited as an ‘autism-friendly city’
May 09,
2024
MADINAH:
Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz has highlighted the importance
of equipping public places and developing programs to meet the needs of people
with autism spectrum disorder, helping them to actively engage in the
community.
An
agreement was signed between Al-Madinah Association for Autism (Tamakkon) and
the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards,
accrediting Madinah as “an autism-friendly city.”
The
governor praised the role of Tamakkon in expanding services and boosting
learning opportunities for beneficiaries around the region.
He also
inspected the Prince Faisal bin Salman Autism Center’s facilities and services,
including diagnostic and comprehensive assessment clinics, speech therapy
clinics, and a number of departments that provide comprehensive care from early
childhood.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2507596/saudi-arabia
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Saudi FM
discusses developments in Rafah with Palestinian PM
May 09,
2024
RIYADH:
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed developments
in the Gazan city of Rafah with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa on
Thursday.
During a
meeting in Riyadh, the two officials also discussed strengthening cooperation
relations between their countries, and the Palestinian government’s priorities
and work program.
Israeli
forces massed tanks and opened fire close to built-up areas of Rafah on
Thursday, residents said, after US President Joe Biden vowed to withhold
weapons from Israel if its forces launch a major invasion of the southern Gaza
city.
Israel
has defied international objections by sending in tanks and conducting
“targeted raids” in the border city, which is crowded with displaced
Palestinian civilians.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2507471/saudi-arabia
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Awqaf
Ministry to attract Qatari citizens for Imam jobs
10 May
2024
DOHA:
The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has announced its continued efforts
to attract Qatari citizens to work as imams and preachers under the
multi-category reward system, alongside retaining their primary positions in
state institutions, governmental bodies, and private sectors.
In this
context, Assistant Undersecretary for Daawah and Mosques Affairs Mohammed Hamad
Al Kuwari said that the Ministry of Awqaf places great importance on the
project to attract and qualify Qatari imams and preachers, in compliance with
the directives of the wise leadership and as part of the ministry’s strategy to
provide mosques across the country with Qatari imams and preachers who are
better equipped to understand societal issues, needs, and aspirations, and
address them with knowledge, awareness, and wisdom.
Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
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https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/10/05/2024/awqaf-ministry-to-attract-qatari-citizens-for-imam-jobs
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Africa
In
surprise move, Somalia asks UN to end political mission
May 10,
2024
NAIROBI:
Somalia’s government has requested the termination of a UN political mission
that has advised it on peace-building, security reforms and democracy for over
a decade, according to a letter the foreign minister wrote to the Security
Council.
The
request for the departure of the 360-member United Nations Assistance Mission
in Somalia (UNSOM) when its mandate expires in October took the mission by
surprise, three UN officials told Reuters, asking not to be named.
In the
face of continuous conflict since 1991, including a two-decade insurgency by
Al-Qaeda-linked militants, Somali authorities have taken steps to restore
services and provide a measure of security. But the Horn of Africa nation of 17
million people remains among the world’s most violent and impoverished.
The end
of the political mission is separate to a UN-mandated African Union
peacekeeping mission, currently comprising at least 10,000 soldiers, which is
due to withdraw and hand over to the Somali state by the end of this year.
The
three UN officials confirmed the authenticity of the May 5 letter, which was
circulated on social media on Thursday. Somali officials did not respond to
requests for comment.
’More
assertive’ state
In the
letter, Minister of Foreign Affairs Aimed Moa Fiji did not give reasons, saying
only that the government believes “it is now appropriate to transition to the
next phase of our partnership.”
A Somali
presidential adviser confirmed the authenticity of the letter and said Somalia
no longer needed support from the UN to coordinate with the international
community as was the case under UNSOM.
“UNSOM
played a critical role, but now it outlived its usefulness,” the adviser said,
adding that the mission also had a high annual cost of $100 million.
Matt Bryden,
a Somalia analyst and co-founder of the Sahan think tank, noted that the
federal government had previously accused UNSOM of interfering in internal
affairs.
President
Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has been moving to centralize authority through changes
to the constitution and other reforms while UNSOM has been trying to strike a
balance between the federal government’s agenda and the desire of individual
states for more autonomy, Bryden said.
“We
should expect more assertive and unilateral FGS (federal government of Somalia)
initiatives with respect to constitutional revisions, federalism, and
elections,” Bryden said.
In a
statement to Reuters, UNSOM said Somalia’s request was “a testament to the work
of UNSOM in support of the Somali authorities these past years.”
Other UN
offices, including humanitarian agencies, would continue to operate in Somalia,
said UNSOM, which was created in 2013.
Source: arabnews.com
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Rebels
pledged to Islamic State kill eight in attack on DR Congo health centre
May 9,
2024
Eight
civilians died in an assault on a health centre in DR Congo's North Kivu
province, local sources said Thursday, blaming ADF militia linked to the
Islamic State group.
The
group arrived from Ituri province to Mantumbi on Wednesday, Beni territory
civil society leader Omar Kalisia told reporters.
"For
now we have a toll of eight dead, including the sick and the accountant at the
health centre," he said, adding that one nurse was missing.
A house
had also been set on fire, he said.
A Beni
area chief, Leon Siviwe, listed 10 dead, including a nurse. He also attributed
the killings to ADF rebels.
He said
a Ugandan army "position" was very close.
At the
end of 2021, Kampala and Kinshasa launched a joint military operation, so far
unsuccessful, against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
The ADF,
originally mainly Muslim Ugandan rebels, have established a presence over the
three decades in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, killing thousands of
civilians.
They
pledged allegiance in 2019 to Islamic State, which portrays them as its central
African incarnation. The group is also accused of recent attacks on Ugandan
soil.
Source: barrons.com
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Miyetti
Allah alleges killing of members by local vigilantes in S’East
May 10,
2024
The
Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, has accused
indigenous security outfits in the South-East of being behind the killings of
their members in the zone.
MACBAN’s
National Deputy Director-General, GidadoSiddiki, while addressing newsmen in
the company of its members in Enugu, on Thursday, said in the past two months,
they have mourned the loss of 16 individuals and hundreds of cattle in Anambra
and Enugu States.
Siddiki
emphasized that it was distressing to note that some of the perpetrators were
observed wearing uniforms resembling those of forest guards, and urged
authorities to investigate those incidents thoroughly and bring the culprits to
justice.
“Regrettably,
we have consistently found ourselves targeted by criminal elements and at the
same time, unfairly blamed for criminal acts we have no involvement in.
“Our
markets have been indiscriminately destroyed under the guise of rooting out
criminality, yet no evidence of wrongdoing has been found.
“Even in
the remote areas where we graze our cattle, we face increasing threats from
criminals without due response from the government or local leadership.
“We
appeal to the government of the South East and the leaders of our host
communities to recognise us as strategic stakeholders and refrain from
unfounded attribution of wrongdoing to every herdsman out there.
“We
implore them to support us in times of need and instruct their security forces
to discern between genuine pastoralists and criminal elements masquerading as
such,” Siddiki said.
According
to him, MACBAN is a legitimate pastoralist organisation engaged in the lawful
tending of cattle across Nigeria, but that they have unfortunately been
misconceived as criminals.
The
group stated that it was deeply concerned about the violence perpetrated
against their members and their livestock, as well as the unfounded blanket
accusations levelled against them in certain areas of the South-East.
Source: dailypost.ng
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Bauchi
Chief Judge cautions magistrates, Sharia court judges against remand of debtors
May 9,
2024
The
Chief Judge of Bauchi State, Justice Rabi Talatu Umar, has warned chief
magistrates and Shari’a Court judges to refrain from unnecessary remand of
debtors in correctional centres in the bid to recover debts.
The
chief judge spoke during her routine quarterly review cases visit to various
correctional centres across the state on Thursday.
DAILY
POST reports that the purpose of the visit was to free inmates awaiting trials
to speed up the dispensation of justice and reduce congestion in the centres.
According
to the chief judge, disputes on debts and marriages can be resolved through
mediation and exploring avenues for amicable settlement.
She
added that such action is retrogressive and not a solution to the problem.
She
further warned the judges and magistrates not to allow their courts to be
stepping stones for litigants to intimidate debtors.
“Don’t
use your good offices to abuse the powers given to you. Are you supposed to
keep a person, especially a female, in a correctional centre for just 30k? You
caused a reprimand of your debtor and at the same time you want your debt to be
recovered. What magic do you want your debtor to do, who is under detention in
a correctional centre,” She said.
“If you
cause the remand of a debtor, you are responsible for feeding him or her while
in the correctional centre no matter how long he or she stays because
government cannot shoulder that responsibility at your instance, so I’m
reminding correctional centre officials about this responsibility,” the chief
judge added.
This is
as she freed no fewer than 22 awaiting trial inmates.
The
inmates released were from Darazo, Misau, Ningi, Jama’are, Azare and Bauchi
correctional centres.
She
counselled the released persons to seek pardons from their parents, and equally
engage in a lawful venture to fend for a living.
Source: dailypost.ng
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Al-Sunni
discusses with the representative of Mozambique the developments of the
situation in Libya and Gaza.
2024-05-09
Tripoli,
May 9, 2024 (LANA) - Libya’s permanent representative to the United Nations,
Al-Taher Al-Sunni, discussed on Wednesday evening with Pedro Afonso, the
representative of Mozambique, whose country presided over the Security Council
for this month, the political situation in Libya and the African Group’s
support for the will of the Libyans for stability and an exit from the current
crisis.
Al-Sunni said in a tweet posted on the X platform,
“The meeting that took place at the latter’s headquarters at the United Nations
also touched on the session that the Security Council will hold on Libya on the
fourteenth of this month, in which the Prosecutor of the International Criminal
Court will present his briefing.”
According to Al-Sunni, the meeting also
discussed the latest developments in the situation in Gaza, the recent threats
to storm the city of Rafah, and the importance of working to implement Security
Council Resolution 2728 regarding an immediate ceasefire.
Source: lana.gov.ly
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https://lana.gov.ly/post.php?id=307010&lang=en
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Southeast Asia
Guan
EngSlams PAS President For Accusing DAP Of Destroying Islam And Malays
By John
Bunyan
10 May
2024
KUALA
LUMPUR, May 10 — DAP national chairman Lim Guan Eng slammed PAS president Tan
Sri Abdul Hadi Awang for accusing DAP of destroying Islam and the Malays.
Lim said
in a statement that Abdul Hadi’s claims were highly irresponsible and
dangerous.
“Firstly,
Abdul Hadi cannot show any proof or evidence of his claims. More importantly,
no force on earth can destroy Islam as one of the great religions in history.
“Islam
is here to stay and will be the largest religion in the world in the next 30
years.
“No one,
much less Abdul Hadi himself, will believe that DAP wants to destroy Islam.
Such outrageous lies are a clear and present danger to racial and religious
harmony in the country,” he said.
The
Bagan MP also stressed that PAS and PerikatanNasional (PN) are unfit for
office, whether in the Kuala KubuBaru state seat or Putrajaya, as they persist
in perpetuating extremist tropes of racist and religious profiling to win votes
at the expense of national unity instead of focusing on the economy.
“In his
maiden campaign appearance at the Kuala KubuBaru by-election last night, Abdul
Hadi spoke only of threats to Islam and Malays by forces he implicitly referred
to non-Malays and non-Muslims.
“Hadi is
lying when he cautioned Umno members and supporters in Selangor not to repeat
the mistake of losing political power in Singapore, because Umno had never won
power in Singapore.
“Further,
DAP had no official relations and communications with Singapore’s People’s
Action Party (PAP) after Separation in 1965, as a result of the PAP’s policy of
maintaining good relations with the Alliance/BarisanNasional-led Malaysian
government,” he explained.
Lim also
pointed out that DAP only had official communications with the Singapore
government when Pakatan Rakyat won power in five states following the political
tsunami of 2008 general elections.
“PAS
state governments in Kelantan also welcomed the visit of Singapore founder Lee
Kuan Yew. PAS appears to have good relations with Singapore as compared to DAP
state governments.
“On
October 10 last year, PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man
even welcomed a high-powered Singapore delegation comprising its National
Development Minister Desmond Lee and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.
“Tuan
Ibrahim spoke of cooperation and investments from Singapore into the four PAS
states of Kedah, Perlis, Kelantan and Terengganu,” he said.
Lim said
that the irony now is that Abdul Hadi was attacking DAP through Singapore and
questioned why no action was taken against Tuan Ibrahim for consorting with
high-ranking officials of Singapore if the latter was such a danger to Islam
and Malays.
“Abdul
Hadi is again wrong for saying that DAP intends to eradicate race. DAP has
never talked of eradicating Chinese, Malays, or Indians.
“DAP
wants to unite Malaysians regardless of race and religion on a common platform
of economic prosperity for all, socio-economic justice, rule of law and basic
human rights, equal opportunity and upholding the Federal Constitution.
“This
contrasts with Abdul Hadi’s focus on arbitrarily targeting and discriminating
against minority groups and even other Muslims and Malays who disagree with
Abdul Hadi, on the pretext of protecting Islam and Malays,” he said.
Source: malaymail.com
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PM Anwar
describes death of MutangTagal a great loss to Sarawak and nation
10 May
2024
KUALA
LUMPUR, May 10 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim described the passing
of the Senate president Datuk MutangTagal this morning as a great loss not only
to Sarawak, but also to the country.
In a
post on Facebook, Anwar also expressed condolences to the senator’s family,
hoping that they would stay strong in their moment of bereavement.
“He was
the first Dayak (of LunBawang ethnicity) to hold the office of the Senate
President and his passing is indeed a great loss for the people of Sarawak and
the country.
“All his
good deeds and contributions will always be remembered,” he said.
The
Office of the Senate President, through a media statement, announced that
Mutang died at the National Heart Institute (IJN) here at 11.46am today at the
age of 69.
It said
he was admitted to IJN shortly after arriving from Azerbaijan on May 6.
He is
survived by his wife DatinHo May Leng and three children.
Mutang
was appointed as the 20th president of the Dewan Negara on February 19,
replacing Dr Wan JunaidiTuankuJaafar, who relinquished the post following his
appointment as Sarawak Governor. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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Hamzah
making up claim about Umno position offer, says Zahid
10 May
2024
KOTA
KINABALU, May 10 — Umno President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has denied
offering Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin the post of Umno
secretary-general in exchange for his support to be president in 2018.
Zahid,
who is also deputy prime minister, called Hamzah a “germ” and “parasite” for
the claim that he said was entirely fabricated by the PartiPribumi Bersatu
Malaysia leader.
“I would
like to tell him, there was no offer for him to become the Umno
secretary-general, let alone (me) holding the Quran,” said Zahid.
Zahid
brought up the video of Hamzah who was campaigning in the Kuala KubuBaru
by-election for PerikatanNasional.
“He is a
habitual liar. Every time there is a by-election or a state election, he lies.
“I’ve
known him for so long, since our younger days, he is always lying, even till
now even though he has grandchildren. Unfortunately, he is now the Opposition
leader. I hope he does not lie in Parliament,” he added.
Hamzah,
who is the Bersatu secretary-general, claimed in a campaign speech that he was
offered the position of Umno secretary-general to back Ahmad Zahid as Umno
President back in 2018.
Hamzah,
a former Umno supreme council member, claimed he had been invited to Ahmad
Zahid's house where the latter swore on the Quran to honour the promise.
Source: malaymail.com
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Malaysia
should move faster to build robust ecosystem to drive AI development, adoption -
PM
10-05-
2024
KUALA
LUMPUR: Malaysia should move faster to build a robust ecosystem to drive the
development and adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the
current post-normal era, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said
that after leading the government for a year and a half, he saw that the
country’s challenge was the lack of determination to explore new thinking and
to do it quickly.
“We
cannot use the old approach. If we need to have more engineers, then, an
immediate approach should be taken (to get them) because this post-normal era
compels and demands us to make changes swiftly and promptly,” he said while
launching the 2024 Malaysia Artificial Intelligence Nexus (MY AI NEXUS)
programme here today.
Anwar
also outlined the four cores of the ecosystem, namely AI governance to ensure a
systematic AI innovation ecosystem; AI catalyst through the Malaysia Artificial
Intelligence Consortium (MAIC) to ensure coordination in the field of
education, development and AI application; AI industry which will see
collaboration with multinational companies; and AI talent that includes
professionals and skilled individuals through education and training programs
as well as industry collaboration with academia.
Also
present at the event were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul
Kadir, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo,
and Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang.
At the
same event, Anwar also launched the AI Faculty at UniversitiTeknologi Malaysia
(UTM), and praised the university's success in establishing the faculty within
just four months upon request by the government.
“This
means we are capable of making changes. If universities, which are the beacon
and leaders of national and people’s thinking, are not ready to embrace
enlightenment, reach for new heights of thought, explore uncharted territories,
and fail to demonstrate this capability, we will be left behind,” he said.
The
Prime Minister also emphasised the need to produce more skilled engineers as
Malaysia currently lacks about 30,000 engineers to meet industry demands.
Therefore,
Anwar urged the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), universities, and training
institutions to interact with industry representatives regarding the need to
enhance training quality to produce highly skilled engineers.
“I have
asked the representatives of Nvidia, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Huawei and
Ericsson and they all said that in terms of discipline, our new engineers and
science graduates are quite good, but we are still lacking in terms of the
skills, abilities and specialisation required,” he said.
The
Prime Minister said universities and training institutions need to emphasise
the quality of engineers produced and not just the number because investment in
the country will be affected if the industry feels their skills are not up to
the required level.
Anwar
also stressed the need to re-engage the interest of young people, especially
students, in Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology (STEM) subjects
which are currently eroding.
“Otherwise,
the ecosystem will not be built. We can talk and launch AI today, but
preparations from the grassroots to higher levels are not there,” he said.
To that
end, Anwar said all levels of the Ministry of Education and schools should
think of methods to make the subject interesting and not boring, adding that
teaching through AI technology could be considered to attract their interest.
Source: thesun.my
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URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/reservation-muslim-pm-modi/d/132295