Richard Holbrooke in Berlin: „Unser engster Partner ist Deutschland“
FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE ZEITUNG: Richard Holbrooke hat Deutschland für die zivilen Bemühungen in Afghanistans als engsten Verbündeten bezeichnet. Weiter sagte der amerikanische Sonderbotschafter, die afghanischen Bodenschätze beschäftigten Washington schon lange.

Das Thema der afghanischen Bodenschätze beschäftigt die amerikanische Regierung schon seit Monaten. Das machte der Beauftragte Washingtons für Afghanistan und Pakistan, Richard Holbrooke, am Freitag in Berlin deutlich. Holbrooke wies in einem Gespräch mit mehreren deutschen Medien, darunter dieser Zeitung, auf die Bedeutung dieses Themas für Afghanistan hin. Er sei darüber mit Außenministerin Clinton seit Monaten im Gespräch, ebenso mit dem zuständigen Beamten im Pentagon.

Für die zivilen und diplomatischen Bemühungen um eine Stabilisierung Afghanistans bezeichnete der amerikanische Diplomat die Bundesregierung als engste Verbündete. Zugleich appellierte er an Deutschland, trotz seiner Haushaltsschwierigkeiten an seinen entwicklungspolitischen Zusagen in der Region festzuhalten. >>> F.A.Z./löw. | Freitag, 18. Juni 2010

Islam: Anrainer kämpfen gegen Moscheen
DIE PRESSE: In Graz und Wien sorgen Pläne für Moscheen und islamische Kulturzentren für Aufregung, auch wegen der Wahlen im Herbst. Bürgerinitiativen bringen das Thema Islam auf die Agenda.

Graz/Wien. Die Wogen gehen hoch in Floridsdorf und der Grund dafür ist – wieder einmal – ein islamisches Kulturzentrum. Nach viel sieht es noch nicht aus in dem alten Industriebau an der Ecke Rappgasse/ Koloniestraße, den der türkische Verein Atib dafür auserkoren hat. Die 150 Teilnehmer einer Bürgerversammlung, die gestern emotional über die Initiative diskutiert haben, finden sich in einer schmucklosen Fabrikhalle wieder, der Putz bröckelt von den Wänden, Lüftungsrohre ragen aus der Decke. Nur eine Gebetstreppe zeugt von der Verwendung des Raumes.

Dass die Baupolizei ankündigt, wegen des Zustands der Bausubstanz bis auf weiteres regelmäßige Vereinsaktivitäten in dem Gebäude zu untersagen und eine Strafe gegen den Verein erwägt, der dort schon seit April regelmäßig Gebete mit mehreren 100 Personen abhält, freut die „Bürgerinitiative Rappgasse“. Diese Gruppe von Anrainern kämpft gegen das Kulturzentrum, in dem neben Gebeten auch Religionsunterricht, ein Gemischtwarenhandel und ein Kindergarten Platz finden soll – man fürchtet den Lärm, Parkplatzmangel und die Entstehung einer Parallelgesellschaft in der bisher so ruhigen Rappgasse. Ein Minarett ist bei dem Kulturzentrum übrigens nicht geplant. >>> Klaus Höfler, Erich Kocina und Georg Renner (Die Presse) | Donnerstag, 17. Juni 2010

New Dark Age Alert! Obama’s Internet Megalomania!
MAIL ONLINE: President Obama will be given the power to shut down the Internet with a 'kill switch' in a new law being proposed in the US.

He would be able to order popular search engines such a Google and Yahoo to suspend access [to] their websites in times of national emergency.

Other US based Internet service providers as well as broadband providers would also come under his control in times of a 'cybersecurity emergency.' Any company that failed to comply would be subject to huge fines.

Critics of the new law, which has been proposed by former presidential candidate Joe Liebermann, said it would be an abuse of power to let the White House control the internet.

TechAmerica, one of the largest U.S. technology lobby groups, said the new law had the 'potential for absolute power.'

The proposed legislation, introduced into the US Senate by Lieberman who is chairman of the US Homeland Security committee, seeks to grant the President broad emergency powers over the internet in times of national emergency.

A sustained terror attack on multiple cities would be considered a national emergency as would a cyber attack by 'hackers' on the US financial system. Obama to be given the right to shut down the internet with 'kill switch' >>> Paul Thompson | Friday, June 18, 2010

French Resistance Anniversary Marked in London
THE GUARDIAN: Carla Bruni and Samantha Cameron lead their husbands to lunch inside 10 Downing Street


To the gallery >>>

US and Europe ‘Must Be Prepared for Iranian Missile Attack by 2020’
THE TIMES: The United States and Europe need to be protected by 2020 from a potential attack from Iran that could involve a “scores or even hundreds of missiles”, the US Defence Secretary warned yesterday.

Robert Gates painted the alarming scenario as he defended a US plan to deploy a new, advanced shipborne anti-missile system called SM3 Block 2B, which will have the range of an intercontinental ballistic missile, within ten years.

Appearing before the US Senate Armed Services Committee, Mr Gates underlined the importance of deploying the anti-missile weapon to meet the potential Iranian threat, “especially if we fail to stop them getting nuclear weapons”.

“If Iran launched missiles on Europe, it wouldn’t be a handful but a salvo, maybe scores or even hundreds of missiles, so the SM3 2B would give us the ability to defend [against such an attack],” Mr Gates said. Read on and comment >>> Michael Evans, Pentagon Correspondent | Thursday, June 17, 2010

Watch Stakelbeck on Terror


CBN NEWS: On this week's first edition of Stakelbeck on Terror, CBN News goes one-on-one with Israel's Ambassador to the U.S. Michael Oren in "The Sitdown."

Also, watch as we explore the relationship between Iran and al Qaeda, and for an exclusive report featuring an interview with a radical Islamic leader some call Great Britain's most hated man.

The "War Council" segment features a roundtable debate on the Obama administration's refusal to use terms like "jihadist" and "radical Islam" to describe our enemies.

Then, go Inside Israel with a report from Jerusalem showing the Palestinian Authority's regular incitement against Israeli civilians.

And if you've heard of Islamic Sharia Law, don't miss this week's "Sharia Flaw," which provides shocking video of a Muslim college student's public call to genocide against Jews. [Source: CBN News] | Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Stakelbeck’s Blog >>>

Muslim View: The Future of Islam in Europe
AL-AHRAM WEEKLY ON-LINE: While Western Islamophobia is a reality to contend with, Muslims based in the West often don't help matters, writes Khalil El-Anani*

The current Western obsession with the niqab, or full- face veil, often seems part of a subconscious plot to restrict anything Arab and Islamic, symbolic as that may be. The niqab is not really Islamic garb, this I am sure something that Western politicians know. And yet it is becoming a target of hate because it is seen as a cultural symbol that is extraneous, and indeed dangerous, to European societies.

Sometimes I wonder, what if it were Indian women, or Sikhs and Buddhists for that matter, who wore the niqab ? Would European parliaments still spend entire sessions discussing the niqab ?

Theological debate on niqab aside, Western outrage against the niqab seems to be a by-product of Islamophobia, a phenomenon that is raging like wildfire across Europe, asserting itself sometimes as mosque- phobia and at other times as minaret-phobia. Should this trend continue, the day may come when European parliaments ban men from wearing their beards long and shaving their moustaches. I wonder what kind of phobia we'll name that one!

There is a real crisis of conscience in the West. When it comes to Islam, Europe seems to be negating its past of freedom and equality, the very essence of what it claims to be defending today. What damage is done to 65 million in France, 22 million in Australia, and 10 million in Belgium, and a similar number in the Netherlands from hundreds, or even thousands of niqab -clad women? Whether the niqab is an expression of faith or habit, I fail to see the damage it is being blamed for.

Meanwhile, the Western intelligentsia seem silent on the matter. For all their loud defence of homosexual rights and of gay and lesbian marriages, the European intelligentsia remain sympathetic to anyone who criticises Islam and Muslims. Criticism of Islam is seen as part and parcel of Europe's freedom of expression. >>> Khalil El-Anani | Thursday June 17 – Wednesday June 13, 2010

* The writer is senior scholar at the Institute for Middle East and Islamic Studies, Durham University, UK.

Oil Spill: Russian President Dmitry Medvedev Fears BP's 'Annihilation'
THE TELEGRAPH: Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has expressed concerns that the massive Gulf of Mexico oil spill could lead to the "annihilation" of BP.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev fears BP's 'annihilation' over the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. Photo: The Telegraph
Mr Medvedev stopped short of saying the disaster would prompt a review of Russia's partnership with BP, but he said: "This is a wake-up call."

"Certainly, we are not indifferent to their future... Hopefully, they can absorb the losses," he told the Wall Street Journal.

BP shares, which have fallen around 46pc since the spill began, rose 4.5pc in early tradiing on Friday.

BP is present in Russia through TNK-BP, the third largest oil producer in the country, accounting for roughly a quarter of BP's global production. It owns half of TNK-BP and the other half is owned by Alfa Access-Renova, a consortium of Russian businessmen.

When asked how the oil spill would affect Russia's view of BP as a partner, he said: "What I know is that BP will have to pay a lot of money this year.

"Whether the company can digest those expenditures, whether they will lead to the annihilation of the company or its breakup into pieces is a matter of expediency."

Mr Medvedev's comment come as estimates of the damage caused by the US's biggest environmental accident spiral[.] >>> | Friday, June 18, 2010

Medvedev Sees Risk to Euro
Russian President Dmitry Medvdev speaks with The Wall Street Journal. Photograph: WSJ
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL: ST. PETERSBURG, Russia—Russian President Dmitry Medvedev expressed doubts about the future of Europe's common currency and said the Gulf of Mexico oil spill could threaten the survival of BP PLC.

Asked whether Europe's debt turmoil could threaten the euro, Mr. Medvedev said, "I don't exaggerate the threat, but it can't be underestimated."

The Russian president didn't rule out financial assistance to struggling European nations, but said the European Union should bear the burden of any major "financial injections."

"Russia's prosperity, to a large extent, depends on how well things are going on the European continent," Mr. Medvedev said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. "We are not a member of the EU, but we are a European country."

On the eve of his first state visit to the U.S. next week, Mr. Medvedev also questioned whether the Gulf oil spill might lead to the "annihilation" or breakup of BP, as the company faces billions of dollars in losses from the disaster.

He stopped short of saying Russia would re-evaluate BP's lucrative partnership in Russia, which represents almost a quarter of its oil production, but predicted the spill will prompt a fundamental rethinking of oil exploration around the world.

"This is a wake-up call," Mr. Medvedev said. Of BP's fate, he added: "Certainly, we are not indifferent to their future. ... Hopefully, they can absorb the losses." >>> Gregory L. White, Robert Thomson, and Rebecca Blumenstein | Friday, June 18, 2010

Home Secretary Theresa May Bans Radical Preacher Zakir Naik from Entering UK
THE TELEGRAPH: A radical preacher who claimed that “every Muslim should be a terrorist” has been banned from coming to Britain, The Daily Telegraph can disclose.

Zakir Naik, a 44-year-old Indian televangelist, has been banned from coming to Britain. Photo: The Telegraph
In her first major test of being tough on extremism, Theresa May, the new Home Secretary, said she was banning Zakir Naik from entering the UK.

Dr Naik, a 44-year-old Indian televangelist, had been due to give a series of lectures at arenas in Wembley Arena and Sheffield.

The Home Secretary can exclude or deport an individual if she thinks that their presence in the UK is not conducive to the public good.

There had been speculation that Dr Naik would be allowed into the UK. However Mrs May said she was excluding him because of the “numerous comments” he made were evidence of his “unacceptable behaviour”.

This behaviour applies to anyone who writes or publishes material which can “foment justify or glorify terrorist violence” or “seek to provoke others to terrorist acts”.

Mrs May told The Daily Telegraph: “I have excluded Dr Naik from the UK. Numerous comments made by Dr Naik are evidence to me of his unacceptable behaviour.

“Coming to the UK is a privilege not a right and I am not wiling to allow those who might not be conducive to the public good to enter the UK.

“Exclusion powers are very serious and no decision is taken lightly or as a method of stopping open debate on issues.”

Home Office sources said Dr Naik had been filmed on a website making inflammatory comments such as “every Muslim should be a terrorist”. >>> Christopher Hope, Whitehall Editor | Friday, June 18, 2010

BP's Tony Hayward Savaged by US Congressmen Over Oil Spill
THE TELEGRAPH: BP’s chief executive Tony Hayward has been subjected to a blistering attack by US Congressmen over the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, who accused the company of “astonishing complacency”.

BP Chief Executive Tony Hayward was singled out for failing to ignore warnings signs before the fatal rig explosion. Photograph: The Telegraph
The boss of the oil giant was appearing before an influential committee a day after pledging a £13.5bn compensation fund to make amends for the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

Britain’s largest firm was condemned for increasing the risk of a “catastrophic blowout” by cutting “corner after corner”. It was accused of having a “cavalier attitude towards risk”.

Mr Hayward was singled out for failing to ignore warnings signs before the fatal rig explosion, which left 11 people dead and hundreds of thousands of barrels of oils spewing into the Gulf. BP has failed to contain the leak despite numerous attempts.

Henry Waxman, a California Democrat known as one of the toughest investigators in Congress, told Mr Hayward: “There is not a single email or document that shows that you paid even the slightest attention to the dangers at this well.

“There is a complete contradiction between BP’s words and deeds. You were brought in to make safety the top priority of BP, but under your leadership, BP has taken the most extreme risks.”

In a pointedly nationalist remark, Bart Stupak, from Michigan, said that while Mr Hayward could take “a golden parachute back to England, we in America are left to recover for years from the disaster”. >>> Alex Spillius, in Washington | Thursday, June 17, 2010

It really is difficult to see how Tony Hayward can remain in his position as BP’s chief executive. The buck stops with him. If the man had any honour, he’d resign; and without the golden parachute that these people have come to expect in recent years. The company, BP, has fouled up under his watch. The consequences should be faced. – © Mark

Wilders’ Chance of Dutch Cabinet Post Fades
FINANCIAL TIMES: The chances of Geert Wilders, the controversial anti-Islam politician, becoming a minister in the next Dutch government receded on Thursday after the Christian Democrat party declined to enter talks with either Mr Wilders or the Liberal party that won last week’s general election.

Mark Rutte, leader of the Liberals, was seeking to form a rightwing coalition of his party, Mr Wilders’ Freedom party, the PVV, and the Christian Democrats, CDA, in order to command a 76-seat parliamentary majority.

“It’s very disappointing, the CDA is pulling the plug on this,” Mr Wilders, who wants to end immigration from Muslim countries, told reporters. “The PVV would like nothing more than to govern. We want to be in the cabinet to change the Netherlands.” >>> Michael Steen in Amsterdam | Thursday, June 17, 2010

Islamischer Extremismus am Filmfestival von Cannes
SCHWEIZER FERNSEHEN: Am Filmfestival von Cannes könnte das Themenspektrum der gezeigten Werke nicht breiter sein. Von der Finanzkrise über Robin Hood bis zu den Kriegswirren in Algerien. Letztere wird im französischen Wettbewerbsbeitrag «Des Hommes et des Dieux» thematisiert. Erzählt wird die grausame Ermordung von französischen Mönchen im algerischen Atlas-Gebirge. Der Film beruht auf einer wahren Geschichte.

Clegg Clobbers the Traditional Family
MAIL ONLINE: New rights for flexible parental leave / Grandparents to get more rights when couples split / Crackdown on ads and marketing aimed at children / Labour's child tax credit scheme scaled back / Move to protect playgrounds and playing fields

Nick Clegg today vowed to end the tradition that sees mothers do the lion's share of looking after children by giving fathers the right to far more flexible leave.

The Deputy Prime Minister attacked the 'measly' two weeks he was given when his third son was born as he gave a major speech on the family.

And he insisted the whole premise that mothers will be the main carers should be destroyed in what amounts to a revolution of parents' rights.

A new Childhood and Families Ministerial Task Force will look at the best way to re-balance the family set-up.

In a speech to the Barnado's charity in central London, Mr Clegg said: 'Many couples find it enormously difficult to strike the right balance between work and home.

'Traditional arrangements that see mothers take the lion's share of leave simply don't suit everyone's needs.

'I know from my own experience - my own measly two weeks off following the birth of my third son - how frustrating it is for fathers who want to spend more time with their young children.

'Breaking down the old, outdated attitude to who-should-give-up-work-when is hugely important for men, hugely important for women but most importantly, children benefit enormously from having both parents actively involved from day one.' Clegg vows to end tradition of women doing bulk of parenting by offering flexible leave for dads >>> Daily Mail Reporter | Thursday, June 17, 2010

Bill O’Reilly’s Talking Points – June 16: The far left turns on President Obama

Congress Grills BP CEO: Highlights: Tony Hayward answers lawmakers' questions on Gulf oil crisis

Does Anyone Owe BP an Apology? : Brother of oil rig explosion victim rates Tony Hayward's remarks at Congressional hearing

Photo: Fox News
Lawmaker Warns Parks Takeover by Mexican Cartels, Illegals 'Intensifying'
FOX NEWS: Federal environmental laws are handcuffing U.S. Border Patrol agents to a foot-and-horseback strategy as they try to battle Mexican drug cartels and illegal immigrants who are turning wide swaths of America's border with Mexico into a virtual no-man's land.

Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, ranking Republican on the House Parks and Public Lands Subcommittee, said the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge in southern Arizona -- part of which was closed in 2006 because it was considered too dangerous for Americans to visit -- is just the tip of the iceberg.

He said there's plenty of other parkland along the border that's either closed to the public or is considered too dangerous because of concern about drug gangs, human smugglers and illegal immigrants, and that the problem is getting worse.

"You travel here in America at your own risk," Bishop told FoxNews.com. >>> FoxNews | Thursday, June 17, 2010

Protester Disrupts Hayward Hearing: Woman says BP CEO should be charged with a crime and go to jail

Facing Congressional Wrath, BP Chief Apologizes for Oil Disaster
BP CEO Tony Hayward arrives on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, June 17, 2010, to testify before the House Oversight and Investigations subcommittee hearing on "the role of BP in the Deepwater Horizon Explosion and oil spill. Photo:
FOX NEWS: In a congressional hearing Thursday that some have described as a public execution, BP chief executive Tony Hayward told Congress that he is "deeply sorry" for the oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico.

Hayward's testimony came after members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee's oversight and investigations subcommittee took turns in a long-awaited public flogging intended to capture the outrage of the nation.

Hayward sat grim-faced before the panel, which is investigating the explosion that killed 11 workers and unleashed a flood of oil that has yet to be stemmed.

Lawmakers accused Hayward, who has come to represent charges of corporate arrogance and greed, of being oblivious to the risks of the company's deepwater operations.

Some of the sharpest criticism came from Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich.

"We are not small people. But we wish to get our lives back," he told Hayward. "I'm sure you'll get your life back, and with a golden parachute to England."

It was a reference to Hayward's much-criticized earlier remark that some day he hoped to get "my life back" and to comments on the White House driveway on Wednesday by BP Chairman Carl-Henric Svanberg that "we care about the small people" of the Gulf Coast.

Hayward sipped a beverage and jotted notes as one lawmaker after another scorched him. Read on and comment >>> | Thursday, June 17, 2010

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Race Row Ignited in Australia after Former Coach Calls Aboriginal Footballers 'Cannibals'
THE TELEGRAPH: A race row has erupted in Australian sport after a senior Australian Football League figure referred to Aboriginal players as "cannibals" who could not be seen in the dark.

Mal Brown. Photo: The Telegraph
In a speech at a charity lunch in Melbourne, Mal Brown, a former coach and player, said that when he was making his team selection at a night-time game years ago he couldn't pick Aboriginal players out because of poor lighting at the ground.

"We had a distinct disadvantage, the West Australians, because the Victorians picked both sides," Mr Brown said. "They cheated, they picked the best players. And because there were no (stadium) lights, I couldn't pick any of the cannibals.

"I couldn't pick (Aboriginals) Nicky Winmar or Michael Mitchell or Chrissy Lewis. All the good black fellows, we couldn't pick them because they couldn't see them in the light." >>> Bonnie Malkin in Sydney | Thursday, June 17, 2010

Iran Shocked by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's Condemnation of Religious Crackdown
THE TELEGRAPH: Not content with taking on America and the West, Iran's combative president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has attacked a key policy of his supporters in the religious establishment.

Mr Ahmadinejad baffled conservatives in the ruling elite by declaring his opposition to the annual crackdown on "immodest appearance and behaviour" in the young.

Police use the onset of summer to issue fines to women found wearing make-up and nail polish, or figure-hugging clothes. Veils are tightened to stop showing so much hair, with light, nearly transparent head-coverings a particular target. Men deemed to be 'harassing' women while driving are also stopped.

In a television interview marking the anniversary of his re-election, Mr Ahmadinejad said he did not approve, and that the police actions were "designed to create tumult".

"The government does not agree with this behaviour and will respond to and control it as much as it can," he said. "It is an insult to ask a man and woman walking on the steet about their relation to each other. Nobody has the right to ask such questions." >>> Richard Spencer, Middle East Correspondent | Thursday, June 17, 2010

Birmingham Stops Camera Surveillance in Muslim Areas
THE GUARDIAN: Project halted after Guardian exposed use of 200-plus cameras in predominantly Muslim areas for counterterrorism

A project to spy on two Muslim areas in Birmingham using more than 200 CCTV cameras has been dramatically halted after an investigation by the Guardian revealed it was a counterterrorism initiative.

Bags are being placed over the cameras, recently installed in the neighbourhoods of Washwood Heath and Sparkbrook, to reassure the community their movements are not being monitored while a "full and in-depth consultation" takes place.

In a joint statement last night, West Midlands police and Birmingham city council announced the cameras would not be turned on. They apologised for not being "more explicit" about the funding arrangements of the project, which stipulated they should be used to combat terrorism, a mistake they conceded may have "undermined public confidence".

But officials insisted the £3m project would go ahead following a retrospective public consultation, arguing the cameras would help reduce crime. >>> Paul Lewis | Thursday, June 17, 2010

David Hoffman: 'They Were a Gang of Bullies Who Burst into My House'
THE GUARDIAN: On election day David Hoffman had a knock on his door by the police, who instructed him to take down a poster he had in his window of David Cameron with the word 'wanker' written on it. Moments later he was handcuffed and threatened with arrest WARNING: contains explicit language

Watch video here

Cameron Sets Out 'Red Lines on Economic Sovereignty
THE INDEPENDENT: David Cameron today set out Britain's "red lines" on economic sovereignty at his first summit encounter with fellow EU leaders.

He said Britain would not submit its annual Budget for "peer review" to Brussels as part of a new economic surveillance crackdown.

And he warned that proposed hefty sanctions against countries breaching deficit and debt limits set by the EU must apply only to the single currency member states.

The new boy in the bloc was invited to speak early on in today's summit debate on EU "economic governance" and, after formally introducing himself, set out Britain's well-established defence against central control over the domestic budget programme.

Summit conclusions on the table seem to offer the Prime Minister a way out of the "peer review" plan, which would require all countries to submit annual national Budget details and analysis to Brussels before presenting them to MPs.

The text backed by most EU leaders proposes that, from 2011, in the interests of strengthening budgetary discipline across the EU, member states should present their budgetary plans to the Commission each Spring "taking account of national budgetary procedures". >>> Press Association | Thursday, June 17, 2010

BP Chairman Apologises Over ‘Small People’ Gaffe
THE TIMES: BP’s chairman was forced into a new apology after calling those affected by the Louisiana oil spill “the small people”.

Hours after saying sorry for the worst oil spill in American history, Carl-Henric Svanberg was again apologising for what he admitted was “clumsy” wording. The latest misfortune came after BP had been forced into suspending dividends to shareholders and setting aside $20 billion (£14 billion) for compensation claims.

Carl-Henric Svanberg said that he was very sorry after he had earlier remarked: “I hear comments sometimes that large oil companies are greedy companies or don’t care, but that is not the case with BP. We care about the small people.” Read on and comment >>> Susan Thompson, Catherine Philp, Giles Whittell, Washington | Thursday, June 17, 2010

'We Care About the Small People': BP chairman's message for Gulf Coast residents affected by oil spill

Uzbek Survivors Tell of ‘Hurricane of Hatred’ from Kyrgyz Gangs
THE TIMES: Stunned by the hurricane of hatred that has devastated their lives and swept away their homes, the survivors recounted the same story: the ethnic slaughter in Osh, they insisted, was not simply a clash between Kyrgyz and Uzbek groups but an attempt to expel, even exterminate, the Uzbek community in Kyrgyzstan’s second-largest city.

Police and soldiers, they said, had been in the vanguard of mobs that shot unarmed civilians and ransacked Uzbek neighbourhoods.

In the ruins of the city’s Uzbek district of Cheryomushki, traumatised residents described three waves of attack as Kyrgyz gangs systematically destroyed their homes in an orgy of murder, rape, looting and arson. They claimed that an armoured personnel carrier led the initial charge, with men in uniform firing at civilians.

“Soldiers shot at people, then Kyrgyz groups went from house to house attacking Uzbeks with knives and guns,” Kustniden Azhimjanov, 36, said. “They raped women in their homes. We could hear the screaming but we could not help them because we had no guns.

“Then the third group came through, stealing everything they could and setting fire to the houses. They were shouting ‘Uzbeks get out or we’ll kill you all’! ” Read on and comment (+ video) >>> Tony Halpin, Osh | Thursday, June 17, 2010

Son of Former Kyrgyzstan President ‘Claims Asylum’ in Britain
THE TIMES: The Home Office was embroiled last night in a diplomatic dispute over the Osh conflict, as the son of Kyrgyzstan’s former leader remained in detention in Britain.

Roza Otunbayeva’s interim Government is seeking the extradition of Maxim Bakiyev, 32, over allegations of corruption. Mr Bakiyev, the youngest son of the ousted former President, Kurmanbek Bakiyev, landed in a private jet in Farnborough, Hampshire, on Sunday night. He was detained by the UK Border Agency on an Interpol warrant.

His links to this country are unclear but he has reportedly claimed asylum in Britain. While he had no travel documents, The Times understands that he has access to both an ordinary and diplomatic passport.

The nature of Britain’s extradition status with Kyrgyzstan remained uncertain last night. The Government has no formal treaty with the former Soviet bloc country but it is understood there are mechanisms that could be used to deport Mr Bakiyev. The Home Office was unwilling to comment on any extradition arrangements.

A UK Border Agency spokesperson said: “On 13 June a 32-year-old man was questioned by UK Border Agency staff after arriving at Farnborough airport without the necessary documentation to enter the UK. We are not able to comment further on this case.” >>> Fiona Hamilton, London Correspondent | Thursday, June 17, 2010

Janet Daley: British Media Fall Out of Love with Obama
Barack Obama addresses the US from the Oval Office. Photo: The Telegraph
THE TELEGRAPH – BLOGS – JANET DALEY: The BBC reports of Barack Obama’s speech last night are about as derisive as it would be possible to be about someone you were describing only a few months ago as the incarnation of Hope and Optimism. Yes indeed, the romance is over. The British media have decided that it was all a cruel deception: Obama is just one more ranting populist president who will do anything to divert attention from his own failure to get a grip. And this is not just about BP and the fate of all those pension funds. Read on and comment >>> Janet Daley | Wednesday, June 16, 2010

I hate to say this, but I will anyway: I told you so! It should have been clear from the very start that this president was different from many others. The whole thing was about one person: about him! Obama is a great president if you want a president who poses, flabs (talks), and indulges in self-aggrandisement. If what you want is a man of substance, then Obama is not the man for you! He is far too taken-in with himself, far too aware of his own importance.

A little humility would go a long way from this man; alas, humility is one human quality we are very unlikely to see from him. The way he speaks tells it all. Just listen to him with a critical ear. That will tell you everything you need to know about this president.

The media gave this man a free ride when he ran for office. He kept spouting the terms “hope and change”; but not one journalist had the sense to ask him what he meant by those terms. How stupid was that?

As for the British media falling "out of love with Obama", I'd say this: They should never have fallen in love with him in the first place! – © Mark

Survivors of Ethnic Violence Share Tales

Queen Noor Calls for Support of Refugees

Palin on Obama's Handling of the Oil Spill

France Floods Leaves Many Dead and Missing


Verbundenes Video: Flut in Frankreich >>>

American Arrested While Hunting Bin Laden in Pakistan
LOS ANGELES TIMES: Pakistani police say Gary Faulkner of Denver was trying to make his way into Afghanistan. Faulkner's brother says he's determined to catch the Al Qaeda leader on his own.

Reporting from Denver and Islamabad, Pakistan — The U.S. has spent nine years and billions of dollars trying to hunt down Osama bin Laden amid the rugged, lawless badlands along the Pakistani-Afghan border.

But according to Pakistani officials and his own family, Gary Brooks Faulkner of Denver thought he could get the job done himself, with a pistol, a dagger and night-vision goggles.

Faulkner talked with family members about his quest, and at Denver International Airport on May 30 he was asked what his family should do if he came back from Pakistan in a body bag.

Faulkner, 50, and his younger brother Scott discussed Gary's desire for cremation. Scott snapped a farewell picture on his BlackBerry. Then Gary, a construction worker with failing kidneys, boarded a plane for Pakistan.

On Tuesday, Pakistani police said they had arrested Faulkner in a remote, mountainous region near the Afghan border.

"He's not insane," Scott Faulkner told reporters in Denver on Tuesday. "He's just very passionate."

Since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, Scott said, his brother — a devout Christian with no military training — has taken at least six trips to Pakistan to find Bin Laden.

"After Osama mocked this country on 9/11 and it seemed that the military wasn't doing enough, it became his passion, his mission, to track down Osama and kill him or bring him back alive," said Scott Faulkner, a physician. He described his brother, who is divorced with one adult son, as charming, chatty and in fine mental health. >>> Nicholas Riccardi and Alex Rodriguez, Los Angeles Times | Wednesday, June 16, 2010

BP Agrees to $20 Billion Escrow Fund; Cancels Dividends
President Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Attorney General Eric Holder and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, right, meet with BP executives at the White House. BP has agreed to put $20 billion into an escrow account for reimbursing oil spill damages. Photograph: Los Angeles Times
LOS ANGELES TIMES: Reporting from Washington -- The Obama administration has reached a preliminary agreement with BP executives that would see the oil company pay $20 billion over several years into an independently controlled escrow account to be established to compensate Gulf of Mexico residents affected by the disastrous oil spill, and BP's board of directors has eliminated the company's stock dividend, at least temporarily.

The agreement on the escrow was negotiated in a meeting at the White House on Wednesday morning, the first face-to-face gathering between President Obama and senior BP leadership. A White House official said that, under the terms of the deal, the fund would be administered by attorney Kenneth Feinberg, currently serving as the special master for executive pay under the Troubled Asset Relief Program. Feinberg ran a fund that compensated victims of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Immediately after the meeting, BP Chairman Carl-Henric Svanberg said that the oil company's board of directors has decided not to pay any more dividends this year. >>> Mike Memoli and Peter Nicholas | Wednesday, June 16, 2010

BP to Set Aside $20 Billion for Oil Spill Claims


BP Promises to Repair Damages to Gulf Region

Saïda Keller-Messahli vom Forum für einen fortschrittlichen Islam hat kein Verständnis für einen Gesichstschleier*
SCHWEIZER FERNSEHEN: Auch wenn es in der Schweiz nur wenige Musliminnen gibt, die ihr Gesicht mit einem Schleier verhüllen, steht die Forderung nach einem generellen Verbot der Burka im Raum. Ist der Ganzkörperschleier eine Bedrohung für die hiesigen Werte? Ist er ein reales Problem? Die Gäste im «Club» haben über das Pro und Contra eines Burka-Verbots diskutiert.



Das Progam wurde in Schweizerdeutsch übertragen. Saïda Keller-Messahli spricht klar und deutlich gegen den Ganzkörperschleier. Bravo!

Frauenbeauftragte des Zentralrats, Nora Illi*, zur Verschleierung



*Eine Schweizerin, die sich zum Islam bekehrt hat.

The Euro Mutiny Begins
The Colosseum in Rome, Italy, where economists have openly questioned the euro's future. Photo: Google Images
THE TELEGRAPH: The rebellion against the 1930s fiscal and monetary policies of the Euro-complex is gathering pace.

Il Sole has published a letter by 100 Italian economists warning that the austerity strategy imposed by Brussels/Frankfurt risks tipping Europe into a self-feeding downward spiral. Far from holding the eurozone together, it will cause weaker countries to be catapulted out of EMU. Others will leave in order to restore sovereign control over their central banks and unemployment policies.

At worst it will blow the EU apart, leading to the very acrimony that the European Project was supposed to prevent.

For readers of Italian, it’s here.

While I don’t share the big-state Left-Keynesian perspective of these professors — nor their implicit hostility to the free market — I do agree with much of their overall analysis. >>> Ambrose Evans-Pritchard | Wednesday, June 14, 2010

Lettera di 100 economisti contro la manovra e la linea (europea) dell'austerità >>> mercoledi 16 giugno 2010

Jüdischer Schulleiter unterstützt Idee islamischer Schulen*
SCHWEIZER FERNSEHEN: Einige Muslime in der Schweiz wünschen eigene Schulen. Diese Forderung hat in der vergangenen Woche für hitzige Diskussionen gesorgt. Andere Glaubensgemeinschaften wie die Juden haben schon lange eigene Schulen. Die NOAM in Zürich-Enge, gibt es seit 30 Jahren. Simon Christen hat die Schule besucht und den Schulleiter gefragt, was er von der Forderung islamischer Schulen halte.



*Dieses Video wurde in Schwyzertüütsch, sogar Züritüütsch, ausgestrahlt.

Auch in Schwyzertüütsch;

Wenig Interesse an Muslim-Friedhof
SCHWEIZER FERNSEHEN: An vielen Orten fordern Muslime eigene Grab-Felder. In Luzern haben sie sich einen Platz erkämpft. Bis heute liess sich aber kaum jemand auf diesem Friedhof beerdigen. Die meisten Einwanderer der ersten Generation wollen ihre letzte Ruhe in ihrem Heimatland.

Flut in Frankreich: Die Wassermassen standen bis zu zwei Meter hoch
SCHWEIZER FERNSEHEN: Sintflutartige Regenfälle haben im Südosten Frankreichs für Chaos gesorgt und mindestens drei Menschen das Leben gekostet. In einigen Orten wälzten sich bis zu zwei Meter hohe Wassermassen durch die Strassen.



Oder auch hier

Only 14 of World's 1,000 Billionaires Are Self-made Women
THE TELEGRAPH: Only 14 of the world's 1,000 billionaires are self-made women, and only nine of them had no help from relatives, a new list has found.

In a list of the world's richest self-made women, American business magazine Forbes published the names of 14 women who have accrued $1 billion or more thanks to their own entrepreneurship rather than inheriting part or all of their fortune.

Seven of the women on the list were Chinese, Harry Potter author JK Rowling was the only British-born woman, and of the fourteen, at least five built their business empires with the help of husbands and brothers or sometimes both.

By contrast, Forbes said that 665 of the world's 1,011 dollar billionaires, including the three wealthiest men on the planet, Carlos Slim, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, were self-made men. That, it said, meant that the 'female billionaires' club' accounted for two per cent of the total number of self-made billionaires.

"All of these self-made female billionaires have impressive personal stories, but the dearth of them is itself a story, and begs the question of why so few?" Forbes wrote. >>> Andrew Osborn in Moscow | Tuesday, June 15, 2010

The World’s Richest Self-made Women >>> | Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Laura Bush For Gay Marriage & Pro-Choice!

Franco-German Relations Hit New Low Over EU Recovery
THE TELEGRAPH: Franco-German relations have hit a new low after Angela Merkel slapped down Nicolas Sarkozy to assert Germany's control over the European Union's economic recovery.

Nicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel. Photo: The Telegraph
The French president has surrendered to the German Chancellor's demands on EU economic governance and her idea of "red cards" for member states that break spending rules set in Brussels.

Mr Sarkozy had been determined to create an "economic government" of the 16 eurozone countries with a powerful secretariat to coordinate national budgets, tax and spending.

But Chancellor Merkel refused to accept his plan, insisting that it extend to all 27 states with the euro continuing to be run by the European Central Bank.

She won out after a tense meeting saying it was a red line issue for Germany.

"The members of the EU have to look at themselves as a kind of economic government. We must not create the members of the first and second class," she said.

The German victory is also bad news for David Cameron who had been hoping for French support in keeping Britain out of such measures. They include an EU demand to vet the British budget before it is presented to the House of Commons or the public.

President Sarkozy was then bludgeoned into accepting a German ultimatum that euro zone states that persistently breach budget deficit limits should have their voting rights suspended on economic issues, even if that requires changing the EU treaty. Previously, the issue of treaty change has been taboo for Mr Sarkozy who fears a French referendum. "If a treaty change is needed we will propose it," he conceded in Berlin.

Attempting to paint a gloss of unity over the talks, the French president claimed that "more than ever, Germany and France are determined to talk with one voice".

Nicolas Dupont-Aignan, a French Eurosceptic MP, blasted Mr Sarkozy's climbdown as "a capitulation while in pitched battle".

"Germany has imposed its European choices on a submissive France, which has definitively given up on its own (choices)," he said. "Faced with a suicidal and unilateral Germany, France has once again been totally absent, forgetting that in a couple, it takes two to tango". >>> Henry Samuel in Paris and Bruno Waterfield in Brussels | Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Barack Obama Vows to Make BP Pay for Oil Spill 'Recklessness'
THE TELEGRAPH: President Barack Obama has vowed to "make BP pay" for not only the multi-billion dollar clean-up of the Gulf of Mexico but also the restoration of the region's economy, undertaking to force the British oil giant to set aside the money he believes it owes as "a result of [its] recklessness."



The US President, in his fiercest rebuke against the company in the 58 days since the Deepwater Horizon rig explosion 40 miles off the coast of Louisiana causing the catastrophic oil spill in the Gulf, promised to get tough with BP and to ensure that it meets all costs he believes it should pay.

In a direct attack on the company's dividend policy, Mr Obama said that BP must place the money needed to cover the as-yet unquantifiable costs in an independent "escrow" account to be run by a third party.

The staunch words – which came in Mr Obama's first national address from the historic Oval Office in the 18 months since he took office – came ahead of his crucial meeting with Carl-Henric Svanberg, BP's chairman, and Tony Hayward, its chief executive, at the White House later today.

"We will make BP pay for the damage their company has caused", he promised the millions of Americans who were expected to watch the televised prime-time address.

"I will meet with the chairman of BP and inform him that he is to set aside whatever resources are required to compensate the workers and business owners who have been harmed as a result of his company's recklessness," he continued.

"This fund will not be controlled by BP. In order to ensure that all legitimate claims are paid out in a fair and timely manner, the account must and will be administered by an independent, third party." >>> James Quinn, US Business Editor | Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Drink Drive Limit to Be Lowered Under New Plans
THE TELEGRAPH: The drink-drive limit could be lowered so that one drink is enough to put motorists over the limit, under plans to be considered by the new Transport Secretary.

Among the other controversial measures that could be introduced are giving the police more power to randomly stop drivers, an even lower limit for learner drivers and lifetime bans for repeat offenders and those considered “high risk.”

The report, drawn up by Sir Peter North and commissioned by the former Labour government, recommends that the limit for drink-driving falls from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to 50mg. That would bring Britain into line with most other European countries.

Philip Hammond, the Transport Secretary, will publish the report today and will study its findings. If he goes ahead and backs the new lower drink drive limit it will be controversial, as the Conservatives had opposed such a move in opposition.

Sir Peter, who is the former Principal of Jesus College, Oxford, is likely to urge a tightening of other aspects of the procedures that surround drink-drive arrests. >>> Andrew Porter, Political Editor | Wednesday, June 16, 2010

All the pleasures of life are either bad for you, sinful in the eyes of God (if you believe in Him), or increasingly illegal. Cigarettes went out of the window a long time ago. Booze is being clamped down on at an alarming rate. Sex gets you into trouble if you aren’t careful; or in any case can be controversial these days, to say the least. Eating makes you fat. Sugar causes diabetes. Salt causes hypertension. Soon there’ll be little else to do but turn to Mekkah and pray to Allah. At least that way, all being well, you should eventually get 72 virgins, unlimited wine (which is forbidden to the faithful on this earth), and dark-eyed houris more beautiful than one can possibly imagine! Furthermore, as an added bonus, they tell me that there aren’t any politicians up in Heaven – no politicians whatsoever, of any hue. Now that’s got to be a good thing! – © Mark

For Christ’s Sake, Spare Us, the US, and BP from the Bliar*! BP Oil Spill: Tony Blair Is the Right Man to Be BP Chairman
THE TELEGRAPH: It's not a sinecure after all, being chairman of an international oil company. Nobody blames Carl-Henric Svanberg for taking the job at BP – it was an honour to be asked, and lack of experience in the oil business did not prevent his predecessor, Peter Sutherland, coping with his own crisis well enough.

Unfortunately, Svanberg's crisis is of a different order. The fall of chief executive John Browne when Sutherland was chairman was awkward for BP; the gusher in the gulf is potentially life-threatening.

Svanberg has failed to provide leadership and public support for his CEO, Tony Hayward. He will have to go. There seems little prospect of Hayward keeping his job, either.

The BP directors have dithered about the dividend so long that they have lost control; the fate of the payout is now effectively in the hands of the US president. Read on and comment >>> Neil Collins, Reuters Breakingviews | Wednesday, June 16, 2010

*It seems to be a case of, tell lies, will rise! The unrelenting rise of the Bliar! I have an alternative suggestion: Put the man out to graze? He’s past his sell-by date. – © Mark

Interdiction d’un apéro géant "saucisson-pinard"
TRIBUNE DE GENÈVE: PARIS | La police a interdit mardi un projet d’apéro géant "saucisson et pinard" qui devait se tenir vendredi dans un quartier à forte population musulmane de Paris, largement relayé sur internet par divers groupes mêlant extrême droite et militants laïcs.

La préfecture de police a justifié cette interdiction, qui concerne aussi tout projet de contre-manifestation, car "cet événement (...) est créateur de risques graves de troubles à l’ordre public".

L’invitation à manger du porc et boire du vin à la Goutte d’Or, un quartier populaire du 18e arrondissement dans le nord de Paris, perçue comme une provocation à l’égard des musulmans, avait été lancée par l’intermédiaire du réseau social Facebook. Elle s’inspirait d’un procédé, l’apéro géant, qui fait débat en France car les participants y finissent parfois très imbibés d’alcool.

Mais cette fois, l’apéro avait une vocation politique: elle visait à dénoncer la prière du vendredi qui rassemble des dizaines de musulmans dans la rue, faute de place dans les mosquées du quartier.

Sur leur groupe Facebook, les instigateurs se plaignent que des rues du quartier "sont occupées, particulièrement le vendredi, par des adversaires résolus de nos vins de terroir et de nos produits charcutiers".

L’appel a été lancé apparemment il y a deux semaines. Mais sa notoriété a explosé véritablement lundi par sa révélation dans les médias. Mardi à la mi-journée, le groupe Facebook comptait 6.700 membres, certains se proposant déjà d’organiser d’autre apéros à Lille ou Bruxelles, voire un apéro "bacon and beer" à Londres.

La créatrice du groupe se fait appeler Sylvie François et a assuré au journal Libération être une habitante du quartier "depuis plusieurs générations".
L’invitation a été relayée par des associations d’extrême droite, comme le Bloc identitaire, qui avaient déjà tenté par le passé de lancer des soupes populaires (repas pour les plus démunis) "au cochon", dans le but d’en exclure les musulmans. >>> AFP | Mardi 15 Juin 2010

Lien en relation avec l'article ici

Shirin Ebadi. Bild: Die Presse
Ebadi: "Im Iran spielt Recht schon lange keine Rolle"
DIE PRESSE: Friedensnobelpreisträgerin Ebadi berichtete in Wien, wie Teherans Regime sie einschüchtern will. Ebadi schätzt, dass 800 Anhänger der Oppositionsbewegung in Haft sind, zusammengepfercht mit Schwerverbrechern.

WIEN. Seit Shirin Ebadi bei der Durchsicht von Dokumenten zufällig auf ihr eigenes Todesurteil stieß, ist sie auf der Hut. Doch einschüchtern lässt sich die iranische Friedensnobelpreisträgerin nicht. „Ich werde nicht schweigen“, sagt die 63-jährige Menschenrechtsaktivistin, und ihr bestimmter Blick verrät, dass sie das ernst meint. Komme, was da wolle. Vergangene Woche strahlte Irans Staatsfernsehen im Hauptabendprogramm einen Beitrag aus, in dem Ebadis Ehemann, Jawad Tawasolian, seine eigene Frau diffamiert. Politisch fehlgeleitet sei sie und eine schlechte Gattin auch. Sogar seine Brille habe sie zerbrochen, behauptet da Tawasolian. Shirin Ebadi erzählt die Episode vor Journalisten im Wiener Hotel Sacher ganz ruhig. Nicht den Anflug einer inneren Erschütterung will sich die kleine, zierliche Frau anmerken lassen. Diesen Triumph gönnt sie ihren Gegnern nicht. >>> Christian Ultsch, Die Presse | Dienstag, 15. Juni 2010

Reversing Stereotypes Is Driving Force for the Palestinian Speed Sisters
Helen Elstrop, left, is giving expert tuition to women racing drivers known as the Speed Sisters, a group of Palestinian women trying to break stereotypes — and records. Photo: The Times
THE TIMES: “I love cars, I love speed and I love to drive fast,” said the driver on a makeshift race course near Ramallah, on the West Bank. The sentiments are not unusual — but the long hair sweeping out from under the helmet and the eyeliner are signs that this is not a typical racer.

Mona Einab, 24, is a former contestant for Miss Palestine. She is also one of the Speed Sisters, a group of Palestinian female racing drivers trying to break stereotypes — and records. “It’s doesn’t matter that I am a girl. I love being a girl. But you can be a girl and a serious racer in Palestine.”

Led by Suna Aweideh, 39, known as Queen of the Car Races, the Speed Sisters are open to new drivers but number between five and seven regulars. “We are getting better and better, thanks to a little help from our friends,” said Ms Aweideh, pointing to the two British women.

Sue Sanders, a professional trainer, and Helen Elstrop, a racer, flew in this week to provide two days of instruction to the “sisters” in a project initiated by the British Consulate in Jerusalem. “These girls are welcoming us with open arms. They just want to know as much as possible. They are so eager,” Ms Sanders said.

While she has focused on mental preparation, Ms Elstrop put the girls through their paces on a makeshift course. The consulate is also paying for equipment and arranging sponsorship through local organisations. Read on and comment >>> Sheera Frenkel, Ramallah | Tuesday, June 15, 2010

General David Petraeus Collapses in Senate Hearing
THE TIMES: General David Petraeus, America’s best-known military commander, collapsed while giving testimony on the campaign in Afghanistan to a Senate hearing.

His face turned deathly white and his head fell forward on to the desk in front of him just as he was being closely questioned during a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee about President Obama’s decision to start withdrawing US troops from Afghanistan.

General Petraeus — commander of US Central Command which is responsible for both Afghanistan and Iraq — recently had treatment for prostate cancer but had insisted he was fully healthy. He is fanatical about his health and runs every day.

His sudden collapse, which brought his staff rushing to his side, came after he was being questioned by Senator John McCain, the former Republican presidential candidate and a Vietnam veteran, who had given grave warnings about the “negative trends” in Afghanistan.

He decried Mr Obama’s “arbitary” timetable for starting to withdaw US troops in July next year which, he claimed, had sent the wrong signal to Kabul. It was this timeline, he said, which he believed had persuaded President Karzai that the US wanted to get out of Afghanistan and had begun to refocus his efforts towards an accommodation with the Taleban and Pakistan’s military.

“It’s time for the President to say unequivocally that we will stay in Afghanistan until we succeed,” Mr McCain said. Read on and comment >>> Michael Evans, Pentagon Correspondent | Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Gaza Crossing Points Opened as Israel Bows to International Pressure
THE TIMES: Israel bowed to international pressure yesterday when it agreed to reopen crossing points into Gaza for everyday goods.

The decision was prompted by criticism of its bloody interception of an aid flotilla two weeks ago and condemnation of the Gaza blockade by the Red Cross.

Tony Blair, Middle East peace envoy, hailed the move as significant after the Israeli Prime Minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, agreed in principle to relax restrictions on goods entering Gaza. It will replace the current narrow list of permitted items with a list of specifically prohibited goods.

Mr Blair also welcomed the proposal from Mr Netanyahu for an Israeli inquiry into the flotilla raid, with Lord Trimble, the former First Minister of Northern Ireland, named as one of two international observers — despite him having started, coincidentally, a Friends of Israel Initiative on the day of the flotilla raid.

Turkey, however, immediately rejected the format of the inquiry, overseen by a senior Israeli judge. The United Nations had called for an independent, international investigation of the incident in which nine Turkish activists died. Read on and comment >>> David Charter, James Hider | Tuesday, June 15, 2010

No Greater Love
THE TIMES: Can a documentary about a group of nuns living in virtual silence really speak to a modern audience?

I suspect that many people, Catholic or not, would form instinctive ideas about a group of women who spend the vast proportion of their days in silence, rarely venture outside of their monastery walls, and who have made vows of poverty, chastity and obedience before God.

As No Greater Love begins we are led into the Carmelite Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity in Notting Hill, which houses these devout women and clarifies their lifestyle from the outset.

Consequently my immediate expectations assumed a story of naïve, well-meaning and dedicated nuns whom I would respect and admire, but whose narrative might prove slightly tedious after half an hour. >>> Madeleine Teahan* | Wednesday, May 19, 2010

*Madeleine Teahan, 23, is Roman Catholic and a parliamentary researcher

I'm Trying for Bin Laden's Grandchild: Briton's Surrogacy Deal with Son of Terror Chief
MAIL ONLINE: A British woman has agreed to become a surrogate mother to Osama Bin Laden's grandson.

Louise Pollard is having fertility treatment in an attempt to conceive using the sperm of Bin Laden's son Omar and the eggs of his British wife Jane Felix Browne.

The couple have been unable to have children since marrying in 2007 and contacted 24-year-old Miss Pollard through a surrogacy website.

If she is successful, it will mean that the world's most wanted terrorist will have a British grandchild.

So far, however, three attempts at conception have been unsuccessful. But Mrs Pollard is due to have another pregnancy test soon.

If the result is negative, she has vowed to make a fourth attempt using her own eggs and Bin Laden's sperm.

Omar, the fourth eldest child of Bin Laden, has had several visa applications to live in Britain rejected. But a British son may help his attempts, though Home Office officials said he would not automatically be granted a visa.

He is said to be deeply saddened that Mrs Pollard, who has already given away two surrogate babies and is thought to be the youngest surrogate mother in the UK, has yet to conceive. >>> Claire Ellicott and Amy Oliver | Friday, June 11, 2010

Die verlorene Ehre
SCHWEIZER FERNSEHEN: In einem 50-minütigen Dokumentarfilm* rollt das Schweizer Fernsehen heute abend den Ablauf der Libyen-Krise auf. Der Film zeigt mit bisher unbekanntem Material Hintergründe der Geiselaffäre.



Falls Sie das eingebettete Video nicht erhalten können, bitte hier klicken.

*Der Film ist zum Teil in Schweizerdeutsch übertragen.

Daniel Hannan – I Admit It: I Was Wrong to Have Supported Barack Obama
THE TELEGRAPH – BLOGS – DANIEL HANNAN: In three and a half years of blogging, this has been my single most unpopular post. There’s little point, I know, in reminding readers that my support for Barack Obama was qualified; that I simultaneously endorsed GOP Congressional candidates; that I never saw Obama as a messiah and, indeed, was repelled by the millenarian fervour of his supporters. Nor is there much purpose in rehearsing John McCain’s shortcomings. The fact remains that I backed the Democrat.

I was wrong. Not that Obama is without his good points, obviously. His commitment to school choice is unfeigned. His foreign policy has been a jolly sight cheaper than McCain’s would have been. The election of a mixed-race president who opposed the Iraq war has made the USA slightly more popular.

None of these advantages, however, can make up for the single most important fact of Obama’s presidency, namely that the federal government is 30 per cent larger than it was two years ago[.] Continue reading and comment >>> Daniel Hannan | Monday, June 14, 2010

Sarkozy’s ‘Reign of Terror’? Journalist Faces Jail Over Leak of Nicolas Sarkozy's Rebuke for TV Technician
THE TELEGRAPH: A French journalist who leaked footage of Nicolas Sarkozy reprimanding a "rude" television studio worker is facing five years in jail.

Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife Carla Bruni. Photo: The Telegraph
Augustin Scalbert, who works for the news website Rue89.fr, was charged with receiving stolen goods.

The allegations concern off-air clips of the French president accusing a technician of not having any manners, and poking fun at another journalist.

As he is waiting to appear on an evening bulletin, he begins to mock those around him. He says "Hello" to a technician fitting a microphone, but the man does not reply and Mr Sarkozy says: "When you're invited, you have the right for people to say hello to you.

"Otherwise we might as well be at a street rally - it's unbelievable!'"

Mr Sarkozy then asks one of the bulletin's journalists, Gilles Leclerc, why he had not been seen on-screen for months suggesting he was being kept "in reserve - in a cupboard".

The footage has already been seen millions of times on video-sharing websites. >>> Peter Allen in Paris | Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Winston Churchill's Cigar Airbrushed from Picture
THE TELEGRAPH: A photograph of Winston Churchill giving his victory salute has been airbrushed to remove his signature cigar.

The original image (left) was taken in 1948 during the opening of a new military headquarters, and (right) the airbrushed image. Photographs: The Telegraph
In the well-known original image, Churchill makes a "V" shaped symbol with his fingers – while gripping a cigar in the corner of his mouth.

But in a reproduction of the picture, hanging over the main entrance to a London museum celebrating the wartime leader, he has been made into a non-smoker through the use of image-altering techniques.

It is unclear who is responsible for doctoring the photograph, with the museum – The Winston Churchill's Britain at War Experience – claiming not to have noticed the cigar was missing.

John Welsh, manager of the museum, admitted he was shocked to learn of the alteration, but declined to reveal who was responsible for the display and for enlarging the image. >>> Nick Collins | Tuesday, June 15, 2010

MAIL ONLINE: Spot the difference: How today’s airbrushing PC censors decided Churchill could do without his cigar >>> Beth Hale | Tuesday, June 15, 2010

French Is a ‘Useless’ Language, Says Former Foreign Minister
MAIL ONLINE: A former Foreign Office minister has branded French a 'useless' modern language.

Chris Bryant, now a shadow Foreign Office minister, told the Commons other languages - such as Mandarin, Spanish, Portuguese, and Arabic - were more important.

'Unless we have sufficient numbers of people who speak modern foreign languages - and not just the useless modern foreign languages like French ...,' the Labour MP said.

Amid Tory protests that this was 'insulting' to the French, Mr Bryant, who was minister for the EU before Labour lost power, said: 'I've said this to the French. I think they realise there are problems.'

He defended his remark, insisting that while French had been the 'most useful language to use because it was the diplomatic language', things had changed over the last 30 to 40 years and now 'it certainly isn't.'

He said the most significant languages to speak now, aside from English, were Mandarin, Spanish, Portuguese, and Arabic. >>> Daily Mail Reporter | Tuesday, June 15, 2010

One could be forgiven for concluding that this man is a philistine! – Mark