EU Elections 2014: 'I Can Hear the Boots of the 1930s Marching through Europe'

Christer Havung in his bakery in Malmö

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Far-Right parties are poised to make unprecedented gains at the European elections. Jake Wallis Simons explores how fear and loathing is winning votes

Christer Havung is not happy.

“The situation in Sweden is very worrying,” says the 51-year-old as he arranges croissants on the counter at the Bread and Friendship café in Malmö. “You can almost hear the boots from the Thirties marching in the streets.”

Through the window of his café, the slogans “fight for Malmö” and “fight for Showan” can be seen scrawled on walls and lampposts. In April, Showan Shattak, a 25-year-old man of Iranian origin, was stabbed by four neo-Nazis two miles away. This sparked the biggest anti-fascist demonstrations the city has ever seen, with more than 10,000 people taking to the streets. The city is a tinderbox; and today the far-Right is coming to town.

Traditionally, Sweden is one of the most tolerant countries in Europe, with a long-standing open door policy towards refugees. But tensions have been building. Racist violence is becoming more frequent; concerns are growing over the non-integration and segregation of immigrants; and a far-Right party, Sweden Democrats, has become the third largest in the country, gaining 20 parliamentary seats.

As the European election approaches, a similar story is playing out in much of the northern and eastern parts of the continent. According to the latest polls, radical Right parties from 12 out of the 28 European Union countries are expected to win representation. This will amount to up to 44 far-Right MEPs – an increase of almost 20 per cent since the last elections in 2009. » | Jake Wallis Simons, Malmö | Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Italian Girls Fined $3,500 Each for Wearing Swimsuits Near Muslims on Italian Beach

THE DAILY DOSE: The encroachment of Sharia Law continues virtually unchecked or, as in this case, aided by a complicit Italian court. It appears that when one goes to the beach in Italy, it is wise to pack a complete wardrobe containing other country beach attire and then conduct a survey of those on the beach to determine the lowest common denominator of flesh to be exposed in order to avoid offending foreigners; Especially rich ones who consider themselves superior to women and the local population in general.

A justice of the peace in Messina, Italy has fined three girls an amount of approximately $3,500 each for wearing what is considered common beach wear in Italy, based upon the supposed offense to the sensitivities it created for some Saudi Arabian tourists who were also at the private resort of Taormina.

It has become common place for Muslims to make demands upon others to adhere to their standards, so it should not come as too great of a surprise that they filed their complaint. What is surprising is that the Italian court concurred and fined their citizens for engaging in normal behaviour.

Until the judges come to their senses, the ladies of Italy should make certain they pack a sheet and a hajib with their towels and sunscreen. It’s a lot less than $3,500. » | Rick Wells | Posted on May 12, 2014

Jobs for the Boys: Biden's Son Signs for Ukraine Gas Giant

A son of the US Vice-President has joined the board of directors of Ukraine's largest private gas producer. Hunter Biden now leads the company's legal unit - getting the position a few weeks after his father's trip to Kiev. And, as Marina Portnaya explains, this could be more than just a coincidence.

Islamist Leader of Mega Mosque Bid and Ally of George Galloway Picked as Tory Candidate!

Vetted? London Tories concerned at how George Galloway's ally
Mufti Shah Sadruddin picked by party.

DAILY EXPRESS: AN ISLAMIST leader of the campaign to build a “mega mosque” near Britain’s Olympic Stadium is standing as a Tory in this month’s council elections, raising concerns about the party’s vetting procedures.

Mufti Shah Sadruddin, who believes in the notion of Islamic states, has no known previous links to the Tories, and has been an enthusiastic supporter of Respect MP George Galloway.

The Conservative party in the east London borough has also selected two other candidates who have previously stood for socialist Respect.

London Mayor Boris Johnson has been briefed on the situation and is understood to be concerned the party is being exploited as a vehicle of convenience.

Mr Sadruddin has been using his Facebook page to urge all Muslims to vote for any party that stands the best chance of ousting the borough’s incumbent directly elected mayor, Labour’s Sir Robin Wales.

Anonymous leafelts have been circulating in the borough listing the Muslim candidates people should vote for, regardless of party.

A central theme of Mr Sadruddin’s campaign is his desire to punish Sir Robin for his opposition to the Mega Mosque project, which is also known as the London Markaz.

Sir Robin was opposed to the construction of the Markaz, believing it to be too large. Read on and comment » | Ted Jeory | Wednesday, May 14, 2014

One in Four People Worldwide Holds Antisemitic Views, Study Finds

Nazis arresting Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto.

THE GUARDIAN: A survey of people from over 100 countries by the Anti-Defamation league also found that 46% of those taking part did not know about the Holocaust

An estimated 1.09bn adults have antisemitic views, new research has suggested.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a Jewish nongovernmental organisation, surveyed over 50,000 adults from 102 countries and territories to produce the ADL Global 100 report.

They judged that 26% of those surveyed had antisemitic attitudes, which the group estimates represents 1.09bn people worldwide. » | George Arnett | Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Margaret Thatcher Addresses Canadian Parliament (1988)

A Conversation with Margaret Thatcher

In 1991, KERA's Lee Cullum talked with Margaret Thatcher as part of the station's "Conversations" series. At the time of the interview, Thatcher had recently resigned as the 49th prime minister of Great Britain. The former leader recounts her years at the pinnacle of her career and reveals unexpected facets of her personality, her love of poetry and her devotion to her father.

Margaret Thatcher – BBC Good Morning Summer 1995 Interview

Interesting and entertaining interview with former British prime minister Baroness Margaret Thatcher on BBC´s show "Good Morning Summer" 1995

North Korea Threatens to 'Wipe Out' South Korea's Government

THE INDEPENDENT: Reclusive state hits out at neighbour's 'intolerable' provocation

North Korea threatened on Tuesday to “wipe out” South Korea's government in a furious response a day after a Seoul official said the North “must disappear soon,” in an escalation of rhetoric between the rivals.

The North's powerful National Defence Commission called the South Korean comments an “intolerable” provocation that showed the South wants to take over the North.

It said in a statement carried by state media that North Korea will launch “all-out ... merciless” strikes to “wipe out every last person” in South Korean President Park Geun-hye's government. (+ video) » | Hyung-Jim Kim | Seoul | AP | Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Vollverschleierung: Studentin darf mit Niqab nicht zur Uni

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Ohne Schleier an die Uni: Eine Studentin muss in Gießen für Seminare und Vorlesungen ihre Niqab ablegen. Ein angemessener wissenschaftlicher und akademischer Diskurs sei vollverschleiert nicht möglich, entschied die Hochschule.

Eine Studentin der Universität Gießen darf nicht mit einem Ganzkörperschleier an Hochschulveranstaltungen teilnehmen. Ein angemessener wissenschaftlicher und akademischer Diskurs sei durch ihre Verschleierung nicht möglich, "weil Mimik und Gestik als wichtige Aspekte der Kommunikation nicht zur Verfügung stehen", teilte eine Uni-Sprecherin mit. Das habe man der Studentin in einem persönlichen Gespräch erläutert. » | fln/dpa | Dienstag, 13. Mai 2014

Does the Muslim World Need to Be More Accountable?

May. 12, 2014 - 6:08 - Juan Williams and Mary Katharine Ham on the schoolgirls kidnapped in Nigeria

Obama Presidency Too PC on Islam Even for Liberals?

May. 12, 2014 - 5:12 - Bill Maher raises eyebrows by taking on Boko Haram and blasting liberals for not outright condemning brutal Islamic laws that go against equality and freedom and brutalize women

Iranian Women Post Pictures of Themselves without Hijabs on Facebook

THE GUARDIAN: Campaign set up by London-based Iranian journalist Masih Alinejad attracts more than 130,000 likes on social media site

Thousands of Iranian women are taking off their veils and publishing pictures of themselves online, igniting a debate about the freedom to wear or not wear the hijab.

A Facebook page set up by London-based Iranian journalist Masih Alinejad 10 days ago has attracted more than 130,000 likes, with women across Iran sending unveiled pictures taken in parks, at the seaside and in the streets.

"My stealthy freedom while driving in the streets of Tehran," wrote Maryam alongside an image showing her behind the wheel. "I like to feel the wind blowing on my face." » | Saeed Kamali Dehghan | Monday, Monday 12, 2014

Inequality for All

Bill Moyers talks with Economic analyst Robert Reich about the new film Inequality for All. Opening in theaters across the country next week, the film aims to be a game-changer in our national discussion of income inequality.

Syria Crisis: Iran and Assad Have Won, Say Top Tehran Foreign Policy Figures

THE GUARDIAN: Insiders say western strategy in Syria encouraged radicals and backfired, leading to threat to European security from returning jihadis

Iran and its close ally President Bashar al-Assad have won the war in Syria, and the US-orchestrated campaign in support of the opposition's attempt to topple the Syrian regime has failed, senior Iranian officials have told the Guardian.

In a series of interviews in Tehran, top figures who shape Iranian foreign policy said the west's strategy in Syria had merely encouraged radicals, caused chaos and ultimately backfired, with government forces now on the front foot.

"We have won in Syria," said Alaeddin Borujerdi, chairman of the Iranian parliament's national security and foreign policy committee and an influential government insider. "The regime will stay. The Americans have lost it."

Terrorism perpetrated by al-Qaida-linked jihadist groups and individuals armed and funded by Sunni Muslim Arab countries was now the main threat facing the Syrian people, Borujerdi said. Many foreign fighters who had travelled to Syria from Britain and other European countries could soon return. "We are worried about the future security of Europe," he said. » | Simon Tisdall in Tehran | Sunday, May 11, 2014

Suffering & Sorrow: Torture, Abuse Against Afghan Women On Rise

Millions of Afghan women turned out to vote last month in the country's presidential election. But despite signs of social progress, the oppression of women is again on the rise. And as RT's Lucy Kafanov reports, brutal physical and sexual abuse is still rampant.

Saudi Arabia Issues Deadly Mers Warning and Tells All People Handling Camels to Wear Face Masks and Gloves

THE INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY: First such warning as cases of virus reach 500 and amid fears it could spread further afield

Saudi Arabia has issued a rare public health warning to anyone handling camels as the country struggles to contain cases of a potentially deadly respiratory virus.

More than a quarter of those diagnosed with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (Mers) have died, and as well as around 500 cases in the kingdom it has also spread to Europe and the US – where the first case was confirmed last month.

Health experts have warned that camels are the most likely animal source for the infection, which currently only rarely transfers from person to person.

The kingdom’s agriculture ministry issued a statement via the official Saudi Press Agency today which advised people to “exercise caution and follow preventive measures” when dealing with the animals, the first time it has done so in the time since Mers was first reported two years ago.

The country has a special association with camels based on its historically nomadic culture, and has reportedly largely avoided the issue of a link between Mers and the animals despite extensive research overseas. » | Adam Withnall | Sunday, May 11, 2014

We Should Hail the Celebrity Boycott of the Dorchester over the Sultan and Sharia Law

THE OBSERVER: It may be a 'fashion thing' but the stance taken against the sharia-loving sultan reflects a new pro-activism

In his almost 50 years as a successful absolute ruler, the Sultan of Brunei has naturally encountered little opposition. It will have helped that criticism of the Brunei royal family, an outfit close to the heart of Prince Charles, is prohibited. Public gatherings of 10 or more people require a government permit. As for elections, there have not been any since 1962, when the British helped crush a popular uprising.

Accordingly, when the sultan announced the imposition of full sharia law, including stoning to death for adultery and homosexuality, and amputation for thieves, there was every reason to suppose this innovation, described by Amnesty as a return to the dark ages, would go swimmingly within the dictatorship and cause little trouble abroad.

His career in oppression has never, after all, impaired the Sultan's warm relations with the UK, which for some reason rents him a battalion of Gurkhas, or his business as a hotelier, proprietor of the Dorchester Collection. Unlike the Obamas, for instance, the Sultan was an honoured guest at the wedding of William and Kate; just last month Baroness Warsi, Britain's "human rights minister", allowed herself to be entertained by this supporter of laws which value her testimony at one half of a man's.

On the other hand, the Sultan has not previously annoyed Ellen DeGeneres, Stephen Fry, Richard Branson, much of the fashion industry and another force he is unlikely to encounter in his kingdom, the unionised LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender) activists, whose efforts brought his planned barbarism to celebrity attention. Now, days after the first phase of sharia law came into effect, the Sultan is, in fashion terminology, a thing. Boycotts are having a moment.

The Sultan's name is rubbished on Twitter, petitions are circulating, disrespectful placards and demonstrations assault his hotels in cities far beyond the reach of Brunei's sedition laws. In Beverly Hills, the council demands that the sultan sell up the Beverly Hills hotel or denounce his own legislation. Fry, who cancelled his own stay at the hotel group's Coworth Park, Ascot's "exclusive pampering destination", tweets followers to: "Take action against the Sultan of Brunei and his new anti-gay law by putting sanctions in place," while Yves St Laurent is one of several big names pitting fashion against sharia, with a pledge that, until the law is repealed in Brunei, none of its employees will stay in a Dorchester Collection property. Read on and comment » | Catherine Bennett | Saturday, May 10, 2014

Related »

Hollywood Turns on Sultan of Brunei

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Stars boycott Polo Lounge in protest at Sultan of Brunei's plans to introduce Sharia law at home - but waiters say it's only them who will suffer

Amid the opulent surroundings of the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel, for decades the scene of Hollywood power lunches and celebrity tete-a-tetes [sic], a pall has descended.

Secluded booths once occupied by A-listers who stepped in from Sunset Boulevard lie empty as waiters stand idly by under the green-striped ceiling, listening to a pianist play Coldplay's Viva La Vida.

The lounge, once frequented by stars from Elizabeth Taylor and Marlene Dietrich to Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Cruise, has become an unfortunate casualty of a movie industry boycott aimed at the Sultan of Brunei, the hotel's ultimate owner.

Last week Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah confirmed he was pushing ahead with a plan to introduce Sharia law for the 70 per cent of his 400,000 subjects who are Muslims, and the first phase came into effect on Thursday.

Unsurprisingly, the prospect of punishments such as death by stoning for adultery and same-sex relationships, amputations by sword for theft, and 40 lashes from a rattan cane for drunkenness, has not gone down well in Hollywood and the Sultan has been unofficially declared persona non grata. Read on and comment » | Nick Allen, Los Angeles | Saturday, May 10, 2014

My comment:

I wonder what Prince Charles has to say about the introduction of full sharia'h law in the Sultanate of Brunei? After all, the Sultan is one of Prince Charles' big chums. – © Mark

This comment appears here too.

Related »

Prince Andrew Praises Bahrain, Island of Torture

THE INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY: World View: Kingdom that represses its Shia majority is to receive seal of approval from the Duke of York

The Duke of York will be the keynote speaker at a conference in London this Friday celebrating Bahrain as a place of religious freedom and tolerance of divergent opinions. Speaking during a visit to Bahrain last month, he said: "I believe that what's happening in Bahrain is a source of hope for many people in the world and a source of pride for Bahrainis."

This is very strange, as the island kingdom of Bahrain has a proven record of jailing and torturing protesters demanding democratic rights for the Shia majority, an estimated 60 per cent of Bahraini citizens, from the Sunni al-Khalifa monarchy. In its annual report on human rights, the US State Department identifies many abuses, the most serious of which include "citizens' inability to change their government peacefully; arrest and detention of protesters on vague charges, in some cases leading to their torture in detention". It draws attention to the fact that "discrimination [has] continued against the Shia population".

None of this should be too surprising. In March 2011, the government in Bahrain crushed the Bahraini version of the Arab Spring, treating protesters and anybody associated with them, such as doctors who treated injured demonstrators, with extreme brutality. The Bahrain independent commission of inquiry, set up by the Bahraini government itself, described at least 18 different techniques used to mistreat or torture detainees including electric shocks, beating on the soles of the feet with rubber hoses, sleep deprivation and threats of rape. More than 30 Shia mosques, religious meeting places and holy sites were bulldozed on the pretext that they had no planning permission.

Prince Andrew has long and controversial experience of Bahrain which he used to visit frequently as special representative for trade and investment. In 2010, an excoriating account of Prince Andrew's behaviour was published in the Daily Mail by Simon Wilson, British embassy deputy chief of mission in Bahrain from 2001 to 2005, who wrote that the prince was known to the British diplomatic community as HBH: His Buffoon Highness. Read on and comment » | Patrick Cockburn | Sunday, May 11, 2014

Margaret Thatcher – Capitalism and a Free Society

Margaret Thatcher and William F Buckley Jr. touch on a variety of subjects including economic incentives, minimum wage and redistribution of wealth.

Margaret Thatcher about the Weakness of European Countries

Council Expecting 'Firestorm' Over Islamist Schools 'Plot'

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Teachers and governors in Birmingham have been told to expect a "firestorm" when Ofsted, the schools inspectorate, publishes the findings of its investigations into the alleged "Trojan Horse" plot

Schools in Birmingham at the centre of an alleged Islamist plot have been told to expect a “firestorm” when the results of a series of official inspections are published next month.

BBC Radio 4's Today programme reported that senior officials at Birmingham City Council suggested a report by Ofsted, the schools inspectorate, will focus on claims about the governance and leadership at the schools.

However teachers and governors are said to have been told at a meeting this week that the officials had seen no evidence of the alleged “Trojan Horse” plot.

The disclosure comes after the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) said it had found “concerted efforts” to infiltrate at least six schools in Birmingham. Head teachers also warned that schools across Britain are likely to have been targeted.

The acknowledgement from the professional body followed a series of exposés by The Telegraph which disclosed how alleged plot had put schools under pressure illegally to segregate classrooms and change teaching to reflect radical Islamic beliefs. » | Edward Malnick | Saturday, May 10, 2014

Germany Alarmed Over Violent Neo-Nazi Groups

Worldwide Outcry: Online Activist Latest Victim Of Saudi Régime

A decade behind bars, a thousand lashes and a hefty fine. That's the fate of a Saudi online activist - the latest victim of Riyadh's prosecution machine. Raif Badawi was charged with cybercrime and insulting Islam after creating an online platform for public debate.

Overdose: The Next Financial Crisis

Question Time: Thursday, May 8, 2014

David Dimbleby presents from Southampton. Taking questions from the audience are Grant Shapps MP, Chuka Umunna MP, Shirley Williams, Nigel Farage MEP and Caroline Lucas MP.
Watch the programme here

Our Bank Accounts Are Not Safe

US Condemns North Korea's Obama 'Monkey' Jibes

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Pyongyang's description of US leader as 'crossbreed' and 'wicked black monkey' dismissed as 'ugly and disrespectful' by White House

The United States has condemned descriptions in North Korean state media of President Barack Obama as a "crossbreed" and a "wicked black monkey".

A spokeswoman in Washington DC said the comments were "ugly and disrespectful".

The Korea Central News Agency had released stories that graphically described the US leader as a "monkey" in comments by North Koreans in the days after he paid a state visit to South Korea.

"How Obama looks makes me disgusted," said Kang Hyuk, a worker at the Chollima Ironworks Factory, in a translation by the NK News website.

"As I watch him more closely, I realise that he looks like an African native monkey with a black face, gaunt grey eyes, cavate [sic] nostrils, plump mouth and hairy, rough ears.

"He acts like a monkey with a red bum, irrationally eating everything," Mr Kang added. "Africa's national zoo will be the perfect place for Obama to live, licking breadcrumbs thrown by visitors." » | Julian Ryall in Tokyo | Friday, May 09, 2014

José Manuel Barroso: UK Will Not Stop EU from Building Much Closer Union

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: EU's "closer union" will continue despite opposition from Britain, says president of the European Commission

The EU will remain committed to "closer union" and Britain's "special case" will not lead to treaty change in the near future, Jose Manuel Barroso has warned the Prime Minister.

In a major speech the president of the European Commission acknowledged Britain's longstanding hostility to the EU but rejected David Cameron's demand for a treaty renegotiation to give the UK a special status over the next year.

"I do acknowledge that for historical, geopolitical and economic reasons the case of the UK may be seen as a special one. Precisely because of this, it would be a mistake to transform an exception for the UK into a rule for everybody else," he said.

"We can, and should, find ways to cater to the UK's specificity, in as much as this does not threaten the Union's overall coherence. But we should not confound this specificity - even if it is shared at some moments by several governments - with an overall situation of the Union."

Mr Barroso's comments, similar to those made by the German Chancellor and French President, are a setback for Mr Cameron who has asked for the EU treaty's commitment to "ever closer union" to be scrapped or amended so it does not include Britain. » | Bruno Waterfield, Brussels | Thursday, May 08, 2014

It's Up To Retailers Whether They Clearly Label Halal Products, No 10 Says

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Downing Street says that David Cameron does not support compulsory labelling of halal products and that he has no concerns about the meat he buys or eats in restaurants

David Cameron has refused to call for clearer labelling of halal products in supermarkets and restaurants.

Downing Street has said that the Prime Minister has “no concerns” about the meat that he buys and said it is for retailers and restaurants to decide whether to provide more information about halal products.

It came just hours after Nick Clegg, the Deputy Prime Minister, called for clearer labelling of all halal meat products.

Mr Clegg said that while he had “no problem” eating a pizza with halal meat, it would be “relatively straightforward” for businesses to tell people how the meat they were eating “arrived on their plates”.

His comments echoed those made by religious leaders, who have said that shoppers must be told exactly how animals have been killed through clear labelling on food packaging.

In a letter to the Telegraph, the faith leaders suggested that all menus and packets should specify how animals have been slaughtered regardless of whether they are kosher or halal.

Their intervention follows disclosures that diners have been unknowingly served halal chicken in Pizza Express and other restaurant chains.

More than 70 per cent of all New Zealand lamb in supermarkets is from halal abattoirs – a fact not stated on labelling. » | Peter Dominiczak, Assistant Political Editor | Thursday, May 08, 2014

Christians 'Crucified Again' for Refusing Islam

Raymond Ibrahim is author of
'Crucified Again: Exposing Islam's
New War on Christians'

THE CHRISTIAN POST: To the awe of its readership, a recent Daily Mail article reports that the "jihadist Islamic State of Iraq and Levant [ISIL]," which is currently entrenched in Raqqa, Syria, "publicly crucified two Syrian rebels in northeastern Syria in revenge for a grenade attack on members of their group."

While the Daily Mail is to be commended for exposing these barbaric acts-along with posting photos of the crucified-it nonetheless minimized their significance, in two important ways: 1) by repeatedly saying things like "even al-Qaeda is distancing itself from ISIL," and so implying that the act of crucifixion is some wild aberration that even the poster-child of jihadi terror, al-Qaeda, wants nothing to do with it; and 2) ignoring the much "sexier" story that Christians in Syria are also being crucified simply for refusing to embrace Islam (as opposed to the rather mundane but politically more correct story of Islamic jihadis crucifying each other in the context of vendetta killings).

Consider the atrocities earlier committed in Ma'loula, Syria, an ancient Christian village where the inhabitants still spoke Aramaic, the language of Christ.

According to recent Arabic news media, "a Syrian nun testified to the Vatican news agency that some Christians in Ma'loula were crucified for refusing to convert to Islam or pay jizya" (tribute subjugated Christians are required to pay to their Islamic conquerors in order to exist as Christians, per Koran 9:29).

Incidentally, they were crucified by the al-Qaeda linked Nasra Front (so much for Daily Mail's portrayal of al-Qaeda "distancing" itself from the apparently "extra-extremist" ISIL for crucifying its victims).

Sister Raghad, the former head of the Patriarchate School in Damascus who currently resides in France, told Vatican Radio how she personally witnessed jihadi rebels terrorize Ma'loula, including by pressuring Christians to proclaim the shehada-Islam's credo that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger-which, when uttered before Muslim witnesses transforms the speaker into a Muslim, with the death penalty for apostasy should the convert later "renege" by returning to Christianity. » | Raymond Ibrahim, CP Op-Ed Contributor | Tuesday, May 06, 2014

Iran Bans WhatsApp After Facebook Purchase because Zuckerberg "Is an American Zionist"

THE INDEPENDENT: Iranian censors have reportedly banned popular messaging app WhatsApp because Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, whose company recent bought the app, is an “American Zionist”.

The Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that the ban has triggered “an open dispute” within the Iranian government, especially in the light of President Hassan Rouhani’s recent shift towards more moderate policies for the Islamic Republic.

The ban was announced by the secretary of the Committee for Determining Criminal Web Content Abdolsamad Khorramabadi who has been quoted as saying that "the reason for this is the adoption of WhatsApp by the Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, who is an American Zionist." » | James Vincent | Wednesday, May 07, 2014

HAARETZ: Rohani rejects Iranian WhatsApp ban: Iranian president orders a stop to the proposed ban by the Iranian censorship committee. » | JTA | Wednesday, May 07, 2014

World's First Trillionaire Is Alive Today

THE INDEPENDENT: It’s pretty tough to understand exactly how ludicrously large a figure one trillion dollars is. ‘One with twelve zeroes’ doesn’t do it justice, but instead imagine this: even if you were profligate enough to spend a million dollars a day it would still take you 2,739 years to burn through a trillion dollars. It's that much money.

The owner of such a sum would be wealth enough to give out $140 to everyone on the planet, or – if the whim took them - buy the entirety of central London at today’s real estate prices, as The Times [£] has recently reported. » | James Vincent | Tuesday, May 06, 2014

François Hollande versus the French People: President Flops in TV Questioning

THE INDEPENDENT: François Hollande, the most unpopular French president in living memory, demonstrated the perils of wanting to be known as the “normal” leader by subjecting himself to a surreal hour-long television and radio grilling to mark the second anniversary of his election.

He took questions from listeners, including a 61-year- old woman who asked him whether he could live on her €662 (£550) monthly pension. “No,” he replied.

Earlier, the BFM TV interviewer Jean-Jacques Bourdin took a leaf out of Jeremy Paxman’s book to accuse the President of “amateurism” and of conducting a “reckless” private life which had cheapened the presidency. “You talk about [economic] recovery,” said Bourdin, “where is it?”

The Socialist President, who admitted to “regrets”, batted away the criticism and vowed to speed up economic reforms. He said that he should be judged on results “at the end of my mandate” in 2017. » | Anne Penketh | Paris | Tuesday, May 06, 2014

Vladimir Putin Signs Ban on 'Foul language' in Films, Books and Performances

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Russian president signs Soviet-era style legislation which will impose fines for swearing and requires books containing banned terms to carry cover warnings

Vladimir Putin, Russia's president, has signed a Soviet-style law banning swearing in films, television broadcasts, books and public performances.

In a move harking back to the cultural conservatism of Russia's Communist years, books containing "foul language" will have to carry a special warning, and offenders may be subject to fines of up to £830.

The text of the new law “bans the use of obscene language while ensuring the rights of Russian citizens to the use of the state language, and protecting and developing language culture,” the Kremlin said in a statement.

Films containing banned words may be refused distribution, while actors using prohibited language face performance bans of up to three months, according to CNN.

The law follows a similar measure passed in April 2013 which banned swearing in the media. » | Andrew Marszal | Tuesday, May 06, 2014

Hollywood-Protest gegen Scharia in Brunei: "In welchem Jahr leben wir?"

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Brunei hat das Scharia-Strafrecht eingeführt, in Hollywood formiert sich der Protest. Dem Sultanat gehört auch das glamouröse Beverly Hills Hotel, wo die Stars der Szene am Pool entspannen. Jetzt wird zum Boykott aufgerufen.

Los Angeles – Das Beverly Hills Hotel ist vor allem für seine glamourösen Geschichten bekannt, es gehört mit den Legenden seiner mehr als hundertjährigen Historie zum Inventar Hollywoods. Hier stiegen Elizabeth Taylor und Richard Burton ab; hier ignorierte Marlene Dietrich die Vorschrift, dass Frauen im Restaurant keine Hosen tragen dürfen; hier betrachtete Faye Dunaway nach der Oscar-Nacht ihre Goldstatue im Bademantel am Swimmingpool.

Nun müssen die Hotel-Manager jedoch mit einer äußerst unangenehmen Geschichte umgehen. Am Montag versammelten sich Dutzende Demonstranten, um gegen den Besitzer des Hotels und dessen Politik zu protestieren.

Seit Jahren gehört das Beverly Hills Hotel einer staatlichen Investmentgesellschaft aus Brunei. In dem Sultanat auf der Insel Borneo wurde in der vergangenen Woche das Scharia-Strafrecht eingeführt, was Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah als "großartigen Fortschritt" pries. Auf Ehebruch und homosexuelle Handlungen können demnach in Brunei künftig der Tod durch Steinigung stehen.

Zum Protest vor dem Hotel hatten unter anderem Feministinnen und Homosexuellenverbände aufgerufen. Unter den Teilnehmern war auch der berühmte Moderator Jay Leno. "In welchem Jahr leben wir? 1814? Kommt schon, Leute. Es ist 2014", sagte Leno laut "Variety.com". "Das Böse blüht, wenn gute Leute nichts tun." » | hut/AP/dpa | Dienstag, 06. Mai 2014


VARIETY: Jay Leno Among Sultan of Brunei Protesters at Beverly Hills Hotel: As it is embattled with a growing list of prominent organizations dropping out of events, the Beverly Hills Hotel on Monday faced the public spectacle of a protest across the street as entertainment figures and political leaders rallied against a harsh Islamic code imposed by the sultan of Brunei, who owns the fabled venue as well as other prominent tony hotels. » | Ted Johnson | Senior Editor | Monday, May 05, 2014

LOS ANGELES TIMES: Brunei law on gays, women sparks Beverly Hills Hotel boycott: The tiny, oil-rich country of Brunei has been a quiet steward of the Beverly Hills Hotel and Hotel Bel-Air, undertaking multimillion-dollar renovations of the landmarks. ¶ But in recent days both hotels have come under siege from Hollywood feminists and gay rights advocates because of new laws in the Southeast Asian sultanate. ¶ Brunei last week imposed new criminal codes, based on Islamic law, with harsh penalties for homosexuality and adultery, including death by stoning. » | Martha Groves, Nabih Bulos, Matt Stevens | Monday, May 05, 2014

Ukraine Close to War, Says Germany

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Germany has formally advised its citizens to leave east and south Ukraine because it is just a "few steps" away from war

Ukraine is only a "few steps" away from "military confrontation", the German foreign minister warned on Tuesday, as his country formally advised its citizens to leave the eastern regions.

This deeply pessimistic assessment from Frank-Walter Steinmeier came as the airport serving Donetsk region – the most populous area of Ukraine – cancelled all international flights until further notice.

The information board in the departures hall of Sergei Prokofiev Airport showed a string of cancelled flights to destinations including Moscow, Munich and Istanbul. Read on and comment » | David Blair, Donetsk | Tuesday, May 06, 2014

Oliver Stone Tears Apart Obama's Empire

Abby Martin sits down with Academy Award Winning Director, Oliver Stone, and Historian Peter Kuznick, to talk about US foreign policy and the Obama administration's disregard for the rule of law.

Geert Wilders: Ukip Will Join Our Far-Right Bloc in the EU

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Ukip is expected to overcome its distaste for Marine Le Pen and will work with a new far-Right Eurosceptic alliance after EU elections, Geert Wilders tells the Telegraph


Europe’s leading far-Right leader has predicted Ukip will end up in an alliance for Marine Le Pen and other Eurosceptic forces in the new European parliament following this month’s elections.

Geert Wilders told the Telegraph that he expects Nigel Farage to ditch a promise never to work with the French National Front after Ukip’s expected successes in European elections later this month.

Mr Wilders and Miss Le Pen have joined forces to create a “European Freedom Alliance” and both are leading the opinion polls for Europe-wide elections in their respective countries, the Netherlands and France.

Mr Farage, who has not ruled out working with Mr Wilders despite the Dutch politican’s controversial views on Islamic and immigrants, has stayed out of the alliance.

He refused because the National Front has “anti-Semitism and general prejudice in its DNA”.

However, the Dutch Freedom Party leader is convinced that he can persuade Mr Farage to overcome his distaste for with Miss Le Pen’s “Front National” after the voting finishes in elections on 25 May. » | Bruno Waterfield, The Hague | Monday, May 05, 2014

First Openly Gay Anglican Bishop Gene Robinson Announces Divorce

Mark Andrew, left, and Bishop Robinson during their civil union
ceremony in 2008, two years before they officially married

THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: Bishop Robinson, who became a symbol for gay rights far beyond the church while deeply dividing the world's Anglicans, plans to divorce his husband

Gene Robinson, the first openly gay bishop in the Anglican church, whose ordination split the church in the United States, is to divorce his husband after four years of marriage.

The 66-year-old retired bishop married in 2010 when the state of New Hampshire legalised gay marriage, but had been in a relationship with his partner, Mark Andrew, for more than 25 years before announcing the split in an email to the diocese of New Hampshire last weekend.

In an article explaining the divorce, Bishop Robinson said that specific reasons would be remain private, but said responsibility fell “on the shoulders of both parties” while paying tribute to Mr Andrew as one of the “kindest, most generous and loyal human beings on earth”.

“It is at least a small comfort to me, as a gay rights and marriage equality advocate, to know that like any marriage, gay and lesbian couples are subject to the same complications and hardships that afflict marriages between heterosexual couples,” he wrote on The Daily Beast website.

“All of us sincerely intend, when we take our wedding vows, to live up to the ideal of ’til death do us part. But not all of us are able to see this through until death indeed parts us.” » | Sunday, May 04, 2014

THE DAILY BEAST: A Bishop’s Decision to Divorce » | Gene Robinson | Sunday, May 04, 2014

KT McFarland: Benghazi Is 'about Abuse of Power'

May. 01, 2014 - 7:32 - Fox News national security analyst sounds off

Jordanian Christian Kills Daughter for Converting to Islam

WORLD BULLETIN: The woman was killed by her father on Wednesday a short time after she converted to Islam when she attended a lecture by prominent Saudi preacher Mohamed al-Arefe at the Jordanian University in Amman.

Scores of Jordanians on Thursday tried to break into a church in the northern Ajloun province in protest against the reported killing of a local girl by her Christian father on the background of her recent conversion to Islam, a Jordanian security source said. » | World Bulletin / News Desk | Friday, May 02, 2014

Foreign Jihadis in Syria Pledge Their Own 9/11

THE INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY: World View: Ambitious al-Qa'ida-type groups now control - or are free to operate in - an enormous area

It is only a matter of time before jihadis in al-Qa'ida-type groups that have taken over much of eastern Syria and western Iraq have a violent impact on the world outside these two countries. The road is open wide to new attacks along the lines of 9/11 and 7/7, and it may be too late to close it.

Those who doubt that these are the jihadis' long-term intentions should have a look at a chilling but fascinating video posted recently by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isis), formerly al-Qa'ida in Iraq. It shows a group of foreign fighters burning their passports to emphasise their permanent commitment to jihad. Many of the passports thrown into the flames have grass-green covers and are Saudi; others are dark blue and must be Jordanian. Some of the fighters show their faces while others are masked. As each one destroys his passport, sometimes tearing it in half before throwing it into the fire, he makes a declaration of faith and a promise to fight against the ruler of the country from which he comes.

A Canadian makes a short speech in English before switching to Arabic, saying: "It is a message to Canada, to all American powers. We are coming and we will destroy you." A Jordanian says: "I say to the tyrant of Jordan: we are the descendants of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi [the Jordanian founder of al-Qa'ida in Iraq killed by US aircraft in 2006] and we are coming to kill you." A Saudi, an Egyptian and a Chechen make similar threats. Read on and comment » | Patrick Cockburn | Sunday, May 04, 2014


ISIS Fighters Burn Their Passports to Create One Islamic State

MERS Outbreak: Q & A

There is growing concern about Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS): What is it? Am I at risk? What are the symptoms?

Read the Telegraph article here | Richard Spencer, Middle East Correspondent | Saturday, May 03, 2014

Gotteskrieg als Jugendtrend

DIE PRESSE: Zwei junge Wiener Mädchen gingen nach Syrien, um dort in den Jihad zu ziehen. In Wien fragt man sich inzwischen: Wie konnte der Krieg Teil der Jugendkultur werden?

Im Nachhinein fragen sich alle, wie das hatte passieren können. Zwei Mädchen, 15 und 16 Jahre, beschließen, nach Syrien in den Jihad zu ziehen. Mittlerweile sollen sie dort verheiratet sein, besagen Foren-Einträge. Die Polizei bestätigt das nicht, nur so viel: Die Mädchen sind in die Türkei geflogen, und die Familie war und gilt als völlig unauffällig. Nun sucht Interpol nach den beiden Jugendlichen, deren Eltern in den 1990er-Jahren aus Bosnien vor dem Krieg flüchteten. » | Von Eva Winroither (Die Presse) | Samstag, 03. Mai 2014

Dutch Muslim Rapper: I Hate Jews More Than Nazis

Ismo's official video clip for the song 'Eenmans' (YouTube screenshot)

THE TIMES OF ISRAEL: Ismo’s hate-filled video a YouTube hit; man who complained about it gets death threats

THE HAGUE, Netherlands – Dutch police are investigating a Muslim rapper who used hateful language against gays and Jews in one of his songs.

The rapper Ismo, whose real name is Ismael Houllich, included the text in his first single. The official video clip for the song titled “Eenmans” (or “One Man’s”) shows Ismo singing: “I hate those fucking Jews more than the Nazis,” “don’t shake hands with faggots” and “don’t believe in anything but the Koran.”

The clip, which was filmed in the southern border city of Breda, had received 125,000 viewers on YouTube before a 19-year-old homosexual resident of the city, Lars Hobma, filed a complaint with police against Ismo for alleged incitement to hatred, the news site of the Algemeen Dagblad daily reported Friday. » | JTA | Friday, May 02, 2014

HT: Robert Spencer @ Jihad Watch »

Alex Salmond: 'Scotland Is a Nation of Drunks'

THE INDEPENDENT: The First Minister said drinking culture in Scotland had changed since his youth

Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond has suggested that Scotland is a “nation of drunks” and that he is “significantly” concerned by the nation’s relationship with alcohol.

In an interview with former Labour spin-doctor Alistair Campbell which was published in GQ magazine on Thursday, Mr Salmond explained that apparent drinking problems stemmed from: “the availability of cheap alcohol and the cultural changes that has introduced.”

“When we were young we would go out for a drink. People now go out drunk, having drunk cheap booze before. That is social change for the worse,” he said.

“Then there is something deep about Scotland’s relationship with alcohol that is about self-image – lack of confidence, maybe, as a nation – and we do have to do something about it.”

He then went on to defend the Scottish Government’s plan to introduce minimum alcohol pricing, which has been criticised by the whisky industry.

“I promote whisky,” Mr Salmond told Mr Campbell.

“I do it on the argument that it’s a quality drink, has a worldwide cachet and that its recent great success in markets like China is about social emulation and authenticity, not cheapness.

"My argument is that if you are promoting it as authentic and of great worth, you cannot promote it from a nation of drunks. You’ll never be able to say it is healthy and life giving, but you can say it’s authentic and high quality," he said. » | Kashmira Gander | Thursday, May 01, 2014

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Alex Salmond: Regierungschef nennt Schottland "Nation der Säufer": Alex Salmond geht mit seinen Landsleuten hart ins Gericht. Schottland habe ein gravierendes Alkoholproblem, diagnostiziert der Regierungschef. Die Opposition ist empört » | syd | Freitag, 02. Mai 2014

Europe Must Increase Defence Spending In Face Of Russian Aggression, Warns Chuck Hagel

US Defence Secretary warns aggression in Ukraine should shatter myth that risk of conflict has reduced since Cold War as British Secretary of Defence warns Vladimir Putin not to breach "red line" around Nato nations

Read the Telegraph article here | Ben Farmer, video by Heathcliff O'Malley | Friday, May 02, 2014

Inside Story: Uncomfortable Truths: How Free Is the Press?

Global watchdog says world press freedom has hit its lowest level in a decade.

Wilders' Viewpoint: EU Will Burst At Seams After European Parliament Elections - Geert Wilders

The Ukrainian crisis comes as nations within the European Union prepare to cast their votes in the May European Parliament elections. Eurosceptic parties are raising their voices, and their popularity is rapidly growing, as citizens continue to grow tired of austerity and bureaucracy ruling Europe. Will the May elections change the stakes? To find this out, Sophie talks to Dutch politician and leader of the Eurosceptic Party for Freedom, Geert Wilders.

Islam Creates Monsters Says Psychologist

LIBERTY VOICE: Danish psychologist Nicolai Sennels, an expert in working with Muslim youth criminal offenders, has written a new book entitled Among Criminal Muslims. A Psychologist’s Experience from the Copenhagen Municipality, and in an essay supporting the book, he claims that “Islam creates monsters.” A recent study out of Germany supports Sennels’ statement. It found that devout Muslims were more prone to violence than the non-Muslim participants in the study.

Sennels says Islam is different from other religions because the way it is taught brainwashes its youth with violent messages. Parents inflict violence on their children repeatedly, Sennels claims, and at the same time, deliver religious ideology. He says this behavior makes Muslim extremists far more violent than extremists of other religious faiths.

The brainwashing, as Sennels terms it, begins very early on in a child’s life, and religious messages are repeated vigorously along with a heavy dose of physical discipline. It is this combination of pain and reinforcement, Sennels claims, that creates Islamic “monsters” who then feel justified in torturing and killing innocent people.

Sennels points out that parents want to indoctrinate their children into the religion as early as possible so that the kids will remain Muslim instead of looking to another faith—under Sharia law, turning against Islam is a crime punishable by death. » | Added by Rebecca Sevastio | Friday, May 02, 2014

MERS Virus Arrives in U.S. from Middle East

CHICAGO TRIBUNE: Two years after it first cropped up in the Middle East, a potentially fatal respiratory illness arrived in the United States aboard a jetliner that landed at O'Hare International Airport 10 days ago.

The news that Middle East respiratory syndrome, or MERS — a virus that by one estimate has killed roughly a quarter of the relatively small number of patients confirmed to be infected by it — is on U.S. soil quickly triggered investigations by federal and state health authorities. (+ video) » | Juan Perez Jr., Tribune reporter | Saturday, May 03, 2014

MERS virus spreads to US via Britain »

Intimate Portrait – Grace Kelly (Princess Grace)

Grace Kelly reigned as one of Hollywood's brightest stars before she took on her role as the wife of Prince Rainer of Monaco. This is a rare Intimate Portrait about the fascinating life of Princess Grace of Monaco.

Related »

Festival de Cannes: Le film «Grace de Monaco» boycotté par les enfants de la princesse

Un portrait de Grace Kelly décédée dans un tragique accident en 1982

TRIBUNE DE GENÈVE: Leurs parents se sont rencontrés grâce au festival, mais les enfants de Grace Kelly n'iront pas à Cannes cette année, ulcérés par le film consacré à leur mère, un «détournement» de l'histoire familiale.

Albert II, Caroline et Stéphanie n'en démordent pas: le film d'Olivier Dahan «Grace de Monaco», qui sera projeté à l'ouverture du 67e Festival de Cannes en avant-première mondiale (mais hors compétition),«ne peut en aucun cas être qualifié de biopic».

Tous trois fustigent par voie de communiqué une «bande-annonce fantaisiste» qui «renforce la conviction laissée lors de la lecture du scénario qu'il s'agit d'une production, d'une page de l'histoire de la Principauté, basée sur des références historiques erronées et littéraires douteuses».

Les enfants de la princesse, décédée le 14 septembre 1982 dans un accident de voiture au-dessus de Monaco, assurent que «le réalisateur et les producteurs (ont) refusé de prendre en considération les très nombreuses observations formulées par le Palais, qui auraient eu pour conséquence une remise en question globale du scénario et des personnages». » | afp/Newsnet | vendredi 02 mai 2014




Related: The Last Interview with Grace Kelly »

Psychogramm eines Diktators In Hitlers Gedankenwelten | HD Doku

Germany's Interest in Adolf Hitler at Record Levels

Some 2,000 books on Hitler were published in Germany last year

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Germans more interested in Adolf Hitler than at any time since the Allied defeat of his Third Reich at the end of the Second World War, study finds

Germans are more interested in Adolf Hitler that at any time since the end of the Second World War, a new study has concluded.

The German Media Control research group, which monitors broadcasting, found that documentaries about Hitler are aired twice a day on German television channels and that books and films about the Nazi leader are being produced in record numbers.

It established that 242 programmes dealing specifically with Hitler had been shown on television during the first four months of 2013, while 500 other films and documentaries that had dealt with the Nazi era in general had also been aired.

Some 2,000 books on Hitler were published in Germany last year. » | Tony Paterson in Berlin | Friday, April 02, 2014

Head Teachers Raise 'Serious Concerns' Over Islamic School Take-over

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Head teachers' leaders voice concerns for the first time over an alleged Islamic plot to infiltrate schools in Birmingham as Ofsted confirm that its own investigation has spread to three more state primaries

Head teachers today raised "serious concerns" for the first time over an alleged plot to spread Islamic principles in the state education system as it emerged that an official investigation has spread to more schools.

The National Association of Head Teachers said it had found "concerted efforts" to infiltrate a series of its members' schools in Birmingham.

In a statement, the union said attempts had been made to "alter their character in line with the Islamic faith", including sidelining parts of the curriculum and attempting to influence the appointment of Muslim staff.

Russell Hobby, the general secretary, also warned that the action was unlikely to be "limited to Birmingham" and may have spread to other areas, adding: "I think it is connected into the large cities around the country."

The disclosure was made as Ofsted confirmed that its own investigation into the plot - dubbed Trojan Horse - had spread from 18 to 21 schools in Birmingham. The three additional schools are primaries. » | Graeme Paton, Education Editor | Friday, May 02, 2014

Jeremy Clarkson 'Begs Forgiveness' Over N-word Footage

Jeremy Clarkson came under fire after apparently using the
N-word in unbroadcast footage from the BBC's Top Gear

THE GUARDIAN: Top Gear presenter says his efforts to obscure word while reciting eeny meeny miny moe 'weren't quite good enough'

Jeremy Clarkson has begged viewers' forgiveness after he appeared to use the N-word during filming of his BBC programme Top Gear.

In a video statement posted online on Thursday, he said that he had tried to obscure the word when reciting the "eeny, meeny, miny, moe" nursery rhyme to chose between two cars, but that his efforts to do so "weren't quite good enough".

Clarkson had previously issued a robust denial of the allegation, telling his 3.2 million Twitter followers: "I did not use the N-word. Never use it. The Mirror has gone way too far this time."

But footage of the incident was later posted on The Daily Mirror website. In it Clarkson recites the beginning of the children's nursery rhyme "eeny, meeny, miny, moe" before apparently mumbling: "Catch a nigger by his toe."

His apology came after a day of growing calls for the BBC to sack him. The corporation issued a strongly worded statement saying: "Jeremy Clarkson has set out the background to this regrettable episode. We have made it absolutely clear to him, the standards the BBC expects on air and off. We have left him in no doubt about how seriously we view this." » | Josh Halliday, Nicholas Watt and Kevin Rawlinson | Thursday, May 01, 2014

English Jargon Invading the French Workplace

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: France's language police powerless to stem a flood of English and franglais from invading the office with jargon such as 'brainstorming'

English words are invading the French workplace at an ever-faster pace, including office jargon such as “workshop”, “ASAP” and “brainstorming”, a new dictionary suggests.

While the “immortals” from the Académie Française – official custodians of the French language who come up with French alternatives to Anglicisms – have managed to keep English terms at bay in the public sector, their linguistic sway over the French office has proved to be far less effective.

Already the bane of native-speaking English employees, Anglo office jargon is now taking French companies by storm with a tide of terms like “benchmarking”, “bullet points”, and “burnout”, and an even greater number of “franglais” words, like “overlooker”.

That is according to the “Dictionnaire du Nouveau Français” – Dictionary of New French – published last week. The work by Alexandre des Isnards lists 400 neologisms that have entered the French language but have not yet been picked up by official dictionaries, and around half of them come from English.

In many cases, this simply means stealing the English term, such as drawing up a “to-do-list” rather than a “liste de choses à faire”, or meeting a “deadline” rather than respecting a “délai” – the French term. » | Henry Samuel, Paris | Thursday, May 01, 2014

1er mai : Marine Le Pen déclare la guerre à «cette Europe»

Lire l’article du Figaro ici | Par Emmanuel Galiero | jeudi 01 mai 2014

Bundesregierung verteidigt Gauck gegen Erdogan

Partnerin Schadt, Gauck, Imam: "Stolz auf unseren Bundespräsidenten"

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Die Bundesregierung teilt Joachim Gaucks Kritik an der Türkei. Innenminister de Maizière sagt sogar: "Ich bin stolz auf unseren Bundespräsidenten."

Berlin - Im Streit zwischen dem türkischen Ministerpräsidenten Tayyip Erdogan und Bundespräsident Joachim Gauck bezieht nun auch die Koalition Stellung. Die von Gauck bei seinem Türkei-Besuch benannten Punkte böten auch der Bundesregierung Anlass zur Besorgnis, sagte Merkels Sprecher Steffen Seibert. "Da gibt es keinen Unterschied zwischen der Einschätzung des Bundespräsidenten und der Bundesregierung." » | vks/dpa/Reuters/AFP | Mittwoch, 30. April 2014

Ukraine Reinstates Conscription as Crisis Deepens

BBC: Ukraine's acting President Olexander Turchynov has reinstated military conscription to deal with deteriorating security in the east of the country.

The move, announced in a decree, came as pro-Russia militants seized the regional prosecutor's office in the eastern city of Donetsk.

Ukraine blames Russia for organising the seizures of a number of offices in the east, a claim Moscow denies.

Some 40,000 Russian troops are stationed near the Ukrainian border.

Mr Turchynov admitted on Wednesday that his forces were "helpless" to quell the unrest in some parts of the east, saying the goal was now to prevent it from spreading.

He also said Ukraine was on "full combat alert", amid fears that Russian troops could invade.

On Thursday, his office said in a statement that conscription was being introduced "given the deteriorating situation in the east and the south... the rising force of armed pro-Russian units and the taking of public administration buildings... which threaten territorial integrity". » | Thursday, May 01, 2014

German Student Diren Dede Killed in 'Castle Doctrine' Case

Diren Dede's football team-mates and friends gather to remember
him in Hamburg on Wednesday

BBC: The father of a German exchange student shot dead in Montana after he trespassed in a man's garage has said the US cannot continue to "play cowboy" with firearms.

Markus Kaarma has been charged with deliberate murder in the Sunday killing of Diren Dede, 17, of Hamburg.

But he says Montana's self-defence law allowed him to shoot the boy.

Celal Dede said he would not have allowed his son to study in the US had he been aware of the lenient gun laws.

"I didn't think for one night that everyone here can kill somebody just because that person entered his back yard," Mr Dede told the German news agency dpa. » | Thursday, May 01, 2014