Nick Clegg: I Was Wrong to Use Father’s Help to Secure Bank Internship
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Nick Clegg’s drive to stop privileged children with "sharp-elbowed" parents monopolising internships was undermined when he admitted securing a placement at a bank with the help of his father.

The Deputy Prime Minister was embarrassed as he launched his landmark social mobility strategy, which includes at its heart a plan to open up work experience to all classes, after it emerged that he also employed unpaid interns in his parliamentary office.

Speaking at an event to launch the strategy, he said it had been “wrong” of his wealthy banker father to have secured him a placement at a Finnish bank by “having a word” with a friend who worked there.

“I think the whole system was wrong,” he added. “I am not the slightest bit ashamed of saying that we all inhabited a system that was wrong.”

Mr Clegg announced that he was banning the practice of unpaid work experience across his party after a former intern came forward to say that he had not even been paid out of pocket expenses such as travel and lunch while working for free for the Liberal Democrat leader.

The Coalition is moving to take action on the “tacit conspiracy” which sees privileged professionals give their children a leg up in life by using contacts to secure internships, which are often viewed as the first step on the career ladder.

As part of the strategy, Mr Clegg called on employers to pay interns the minimum wage, or at least reasonable expenses, to avoid excluding those who could not afford to work for free. » | Rosa Prince, Political Correspondent | Tuesday, April 05, 2011

Jeremy Irons Says Smokers Deserve Special Protections, Like Disabled People
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Jeremy Irons has said that smokers deserve to be protected like disabled people and children, during a scathing attack on New York's crackdown on lighting up in public.

The veteran British actor has become one of the most high profile critics of efforts by Michael Bloomberg, the Mayor of New York, to improve public health by banning smoking in city-owned open spaces.

Earlier this year, Mr Bloomberg – himself a reformed ex-smoker – pushed through a law making it illegal to light up in 1,700 parks, public squares and beaches, including Central Park and Times Square.

The ban, which carries a £31 fine, came eight years after Mr Bloomberg prohibited smoking in all of the city's bars and restaurants. A similar ban was imposed in Britain four years later.

Mr Irons, who was in New York to guest-star in an episode of Law & Order, a television series, described the measures as "ludicrous and a terrible bullying of a minority that cannot speak back."

Smokers should be protected like "handicapped people and children", he told an interviewer for New York magazine [sic], who said the 62-year-old's teeth were "a testament to a life of indulgences." » | Jon Swaine, New York | Monday, April 04, 2011

AFP: 'Home-grown' rebellion fights New York smoking ban » | Sebastian Smith, AFP | Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Labour Attacks Nick Clegg Over Social Mobility Plan
BBC: Nick Clegg has come under fire over his plan to improve social mobility, with Labour claiming it is "mission impossible" with him at the helm.

In an angry Commons exchange, deputy leader Harriet Harman accused Mr Clegg of "betraying a generation of young people" by raising tuition fees.

But the deputy PM said Labour had failed to improve social mobility despite doubling public spending.

He said the coalition's "overriding mission" was to make society fairer.

The deputy prime minister faced questions in the Commons after unveiling the government's social mobility and child poverty strategies – entitled Opening Doors, Breaking Barriers.

He said he wanted to stop people getting on in life purely because of "who they know" and has announced that informal internships for young people in Whitehall would be banned.

"They should get an internship because of what they know," he told the BBC.

"It's not just because of someone who's met somebody at the tennis club or the golf club, who's whispered something into someone's ear and they've got an internship for their son or daughter." (+ video) » | Tuesday, April 05, 2011

Prince Harry Can’t Quit Ciggies Habit
THE SUN: PRINCE Harry is back on the cigs, The Sun can reveal.

The royal soldier, 26, tried to give up after his ten-week stint in Afghanistan in 2008.

But he has been seen smoking again and took his favourite Marlboro Golds on his Walking with the Wounded North Pole challenge.

A source said: "Harry has really battled with fags, but he doesn't seem able to give up once and for all.

"One reason he smokes is boredom. He's been learning to fly helicopters - which is great when you're flying but there's a lot of sitting around, doing nothing.

"Harry has been training hard for his ice trek, but that hasn't stopped him puffing away.

"If he wants to give up, he's clearly got a challenge on his hands." » | Duncan Larcombe, Royal Editor and Richard White | Monday, April 04, 2011

Sarkozy's Debate Targets Muslims
THE GUARDIAN: A week before the burqa ban, French Muslims find themselves accused of violating republican values

Claude Guéant, France's interior minister, was in typically conciliatory mood when he described the growing number of Muslims in his country as a "problem". Pointing to the fact that this community had grown from "very few" when the republic became a secular one in 1905, to 5-10 million today, Guéant highlighted the sight of many of them "praying in the street" as particularly undesirable. Guéant's government has chosen a period of unprecedented tension and volatility in the Arab world to launch a debate about the negative influence of Islam on French society. As his own pilots attack Libya with a ferocity so far not displayed by other coalition members, President Nicolas Sarkozy will settle down on Tuesday to watch the epic discussion unfold at a Paris hotel. Continue reading and comment » | Nabila Ramdani | Tuesday, April 05, 2011

My comment:

I have full sympathy for Sarkozy and for what he is trying to achieve. The man has courage indeed. That’s more than can be said for the wimps that govern us.

It must be remembered that France takes its secularism very seriously. They didn’t have a revolution for nothing! The revolution stood for liberté, egalité, and fraternité. Those three concepts are precisely what Islam does not stand for. Islam does not stand for liberty (unless one is talking about the liberty to worship Allah); Islam does not stand for equality (unless one is a member of the faith and referring to the equality of Muslim brothers and sisters); and Islam does not stand for farternity (unless one is talking of the fraternity of the ummah).

So it is very understandable that Sarkozy and his colleagues want to launch this debate on Islam, secularism, and la République. Were I to be he, I should wish to do the same; moreover, I wish that our politicians had the courage to stand up for what we believe in too. Alas, they are far too cowardly. – Mark

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Islam in Deutschland: Eurabia Rising

Study Finds Poorer Health among Older Gays, Lesbians and Bisexuals
PINK NEWS: A study of older gay men, lesbians and bisexuals in California suggests that they have poorer health than their straight counterparts.

According to the data from the California Health Interview Survey, gay and bisexual men between 50 and 70 have higher rates of physical disability, diabetes and high blood pressure than straight men of the same age.

Older gay and bisexual men were 45 per cent more likely to report psychological distress and one in five said they were living with HIV.

Half lived alone, compared to just 13 per cent of straight men.

Lesbian and bisexual women also had poorer health, with higher rates of physical disability and psychological distress.

They were also more likely to live alone than straight women.

Steven P Wallace of the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, who led the research, said: “Many aging LGB Californians do not have biological children or strong family support. » | Jessica Geen | Tuesday, April 05,

First Irish Public Civil Partnerships Take Place
PINK NEWS: Ireland’s first public civil partnership ceremonies were due to take place this afternoon.

The law came into force on January 1st, although the vast majority of couples were required to give three months notice of their intent to tie the knot.

Six couples who obtained a special court exemption have had civil partnerships since February 7th. The couples, who all requested privacy, will have been granted exemptions on compassionate grounds, for example, when one partner is terminally ill.

Today, Dublin couple Hugh Walsh and Barry Dignam will be the first to have a civil partnership without a court exemption. Another couple is expected to follow them. » | Jessica Geen | Tuesday, April 05, 2011

The Great Jesus Swindle
The greatest lie ever told

Egypt's Emergency Law
Egypt's former leaders ruled the nation with what many deemed "excessive force", locking up people without due process and keeping them incarcerated even after courts demanded their release.
Since the fall of Mubarak, however, concern has been growing at the army's use of military tribunals and quashing of dissent.
Al Jazeera's Zeina Khodr reports from Cairo on the calls to scrap Egypt's emergency law

Inside Story: Libya's Peace Pleas Not Enough
After more than a month of fighting, Muammar Gaddafi the Libyan Leader has once again renewed diplomatic efforts seeking an end to the crisis. 
On Sunday, Abdel Ati Obeidi, Libya's deputy foreign minister landed in Athens, carrying a message to the Prime Minister from Gaddafi. Gaddafi's message: to seek an end to the fighting. 

This was followed by a trip to Turkey and then to Malta.
 The Greek foreign minister said his country wants to reinforce the demands of the UN resolution.
 Also Franco Frattini, Italy's Foreign Minister dismissed Al Obeidi's message from Gaddafi as "not credible", reiterating that Gaddafi had to leave power. At the same time, Italy recognised the Libyan Opposition National Council as the only legitimate authority in the country. But Libyan opposition are still refusing any kind of settlement saying they will accept a UN-demanded ceasefire only if Gaddafi pulls his forces from all Libyan cities. Inside Story, with presenter Dareen Abughaida, discusses with guests: Ashur Shamis, a Libyan journalist and writer; Dimitris Papadimitriou, a reader in European Politics at the University of Manchester and Claire Spencer, head of Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House.
 This episode of Inside Story aired on Monday, April 4, 2011

Sanctions Are Dropped Against Libyan Defector
THE NEW YORK TIMES: WASHINGTON — The Obama administration dropped financial sanctions on Monday against the top Libyan official who fled to Britain last week, saying it hoped the move would encourage other senior aides to abandon Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi, the country’s embattled leader.

But the decision to unfreeze bank accounts and permit business dealings with the official, Moussa Koussa, underscored the predicament his defection poses for American and British authorities, who said on Tuesday that Scottish police and prosecutors planned to interview Mr. Koussa about the 1988 Lockerbie bombing and other issues “in the next few days.”

Mr. Koussa’s close knowledge of the ruling circle, which he is believed to be sharing inside a British safe house, could be invaluable in trying to strip Colonel Qaddafi of support.

But as the longtime Libyan intelligence chief and foreign minister, Mr. Koussa is widely believed to be implicated in acts of terrorism and murder over the last three decades, including the assassination of dissidents, the training of international terrorists and the bombing of Pan Am 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland.

“He was both the left arm and the right arm of the regime, its bloodhound,” said Dirk Vandewalle, a Dartmouth professor who has studied Libya for many years.

Mr. Vandewalle recalled a dinner with friends in Libya a few years ago when one man mentioned Mr. Koussa’s name, a dangerous faux pas. “The conversation just stopped,” he said. “People switched to a different topic. Koussa was considered beyond the pale.” » | Scott Shane | Tuesday, April 05, 2011

Unrest in Yemen Seen as Opening to Qaeda Branch
THE NEW YORK TIMES: WASHINGTON — Counterterrorism operations in Yemen have ground to a halt, allowing Al Qaeda’s deadliest branch outside of Pakistan to operate more freely inside the country and to increase plotting for possible attacks against Europe and the United States, American diplomats, intelligence analysts and counterterrorism officials say.

In the political tumult surrounding Yemen’s embattled president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, many Yemeni troops have abandoned their posts or have been summoned to the capital, Sana, to help support the tottering government, the officials said. Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, the group’s affiliate, has stepped in to fill this power vacuum, and Yemeni security forces have come under increased attacks in recent weeks.

A small but steadily growing stream of Qaeda fighters and lower-level commanders from other parts of the world, including Pakistan, are making their way to Yemen to join the fight there, although American intelligence officials are divided on whether the political crisis in Yemen is drawing more insurgents than would be traveling there under normal conditions. » | Eric Schmitt | Moonday, April 04, 2011

National Gallery Visitor Attacks Gauguin Painting, Officials Say
THE WASHINGTON POST: A painting at the Gauguin exhibit at the National Gallery was attacked last week by a gallery visitor, provoking considerable commotion, according to other museum visitors and gallery officials.

Screaming “This is evil,” a woman tried to pull Gauguin’s “Two Tahitian Women” from a gallery wall Friday and banged on the picture’s clear plastic covering, said Pamela Degotardi of New York, who was there.

“She was really pounding it with her fists,” Degotardi said. “It was like this weird surreal scene that one doesn’t expect at the National Gallery.”

Gallery spokeswoman Deborah Ziska said no damage to the 1899 painting was immediately apparent after the 4:45 p.m. incident. But she said a more thorough examination will be conducted Monday.

In the painting, both breasts of one woman are exposed, as is one of the second woman’s breasts.

The woman who allegedly attacked the painting was “immediately restrained and detained” by the museum’s federal protection ser­vices officers, who charged her with destruction of property and attempted theft, Ziska said in a statement. » | R. Smith and Martin Weil | Monday, April 04, 2011

PINK NEWS: Woman attacks ‘evil homosexual’ Gauguin painting: A woman who attacked a Paul Gauguin painting in Washington DC’s National Gallery claimed she did it because it is “very homosexual”. » | Jessica Geen | Tuesday, April 05, 2011

Haia Officers Get Training to Combat Black Magic
ARAB NEWS: JEDDAH: A total of 30 officials of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (Haia) have been trained on how to deal with cases of black magic.

The three-day training program was held in the Eastern Province city of Al-Ahsa.

The commission has achieved remarkable successes in combating black magic in various parts of the country. It has set up nine specialized centers in the main cities to deal with black magicians. » | MD Humaidan | ARAB NEWS | Monday, April 04, 2011

How to Keep Up with the Letwins
THE INDEPENDENT: In this anti-elitist age, snobbery seems ridiculously outmoded. But, argues John Walsh, there's an awful lot of it about ...

Like a duchess unwarily revealing her pants to the world's gaze, Oliver Letwin, the Cabinet Office minister, reportedly let slip a tiny flash of bigotry. He was talking to Boris Johnson about whether there should be more airports when he allegedly said: "We don't want more people from Sheffield flying away on cheap holidays."

Instantly, he revealed himself as a ridiculously old-fashioned snob – the kind who assumes that Northerners are whippet-owning paupers, that the poor should be persuaded to stay in their place, and that cheap holidays are less acceptable than expensive ones in Letwina, or wherever the minister goes in August.

The besetting sin of snobbery is that it reduces people, places, things and behaviour to one dimension, which can be despised without further thought (Kate Moss – common; Birmingham – ghastly; Saturday TV – vulgar; brown shoes worn in town – not done.) With luck they will live, and converse, with other snobs who agree with their views, so they can share conspiratorial shrieks about Kate Middleton's family background or Osborne & Little wallpaper. Sometimes, though, they'll misjudge their audience (to be fair, Letwin was speaking to a fellow Old Etonian) and the cat will be out of the bag. » | John Walsh | Tuesday, April 05, 2011



My comment:

This excellent article sums it all up perfectly. Thank you! The British have cornered the market in snobbery, I'm afraid. There's no snob like a British snob. The English, in particular, are past masters at the silly little game. Nowhere else in the world – and I have worked in a few countries – have I observed snobbery as bad as in the UK. By the way, looking at that photo of Oliver Letwin, it's hard to see what he has to be snobbish about! – © Mark

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Where Are the Republicans Who Can Beat Obama in 2012?
THE GUARDIAN – BLOGS – RICHARD ADAMS: "GOP presidential contest begins to warm up," the Los Angeles Times declared. That was on 7 March. In the weeks since then, can you feel the excitement? No, me neither.

In fact the most dramatic thing to happen during the nomination contest to date is Barack Obama's announcement that he's running for re-election. And he faces no primary opposition.

Compared with the same stage in 2007, when the presidential primary season was running at full steam, 2011 is a flat tire. But it's not just the lack of activity – the Republican candidates being touted are a collection of has-beens, nobodies and deadbeats, several of them barely household names in their own households. And those are the most electable ones. Continue reading and comment » | Richard Adams | Tuesday, April 05, 2011

Libyan Rebels Scoff at Idea of Gadhafi's Son Taking Over
CNN: Tripoli, Libya -- With no end to Libya's bloody war in sight, a source close to the country's leadership said a Libyan envoy is floating the idea of ruler Moammar Gadhafi passing his power to a son -- a notion rebel leaders deem merely cosmetic.

Under the proposal, Saif al-Islam Gadhafi, 38, would help to usher in swift reform, the source said. But Saif Gadhafi has become one of his father's most outspoken defenders since the start of the unrest, despite once being perceived as a leading reformer in the Libyan government.

But a proposal to shift power from Gadhafi to his second-oldest son is "a ridiculous offer," said Ali Aujali, a former Libyan ambassador to the United States who now represents the Libyan opposition in Washington.

"Libyan people, they decided, and they will not go back at all (to) Gadhafi or any member of his family," Aujali said. "His sons, they are killers -- they're just like their father."

Aujali said the rebels are willing to offer Moammar Gadhafi and his family safe passage out of Libya in an exchange for an end to the fighting -- but that's as far as their offer goes. » | CNN Wire Staff | Tuesday, April 05, 2011

FRANFURTER ALLGEMEINE – DER KOMMENTAR: Gaddafis Manöver: Gaddafis Versuch, über Verhandlungen sein Gesicht zu retten, ist zum Scheitern verurteilt. Schließlich ist die Gegenregierung im Aufwind: Ein französischer Diplomat wurde bereits in Benghasi akkreditiert, Qatar hat die Übergangsregierung anerkannt. » | Von Wolfgang Günter Lerch | Montag, 04. April 2011

Prince of Wales Lays Wreath at Moroccan Tyrant's Tomb
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: The Prince of Wales risked controversy on Monday as he laid a wreath at the tomb of a tyrannical former ruler of Morocco.

The Prince and the Duchess of Cornwall arrived in Rabat amid continuing protests against the country's undemocratic regime, and paid their respects at the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, where the late king and his son Hassan II are buried.

The reign of Hassan II, who died in 1999, was marred by the deaths of hundreds of people who protested against his regime, including more than 300 people who were killed during demonstrations and 174 who died in custody.

Morocco is in the middle of a "peaceful revolution" after the present king, Mohammed VI, promised to give up his executive powers, including the right to choose the prime minister and other ministers, following widespread street protests in the past two months.

Fouad Abdelmoumni, an economist and pro-democracy campaigner, suggested the timing of the Prince's visit to Hassan II's tomb was far from ideal.

He said: "Some people would think that it's not the best time for him to do this kind of thing, and not the best place to visit."

One of the leaders of the protests, who asked not to be named, said: "Hassan's human rights record was appalling and the families of people who were killed during his rule will not be happy with Prince Charles laying a wreath at his tomb, though I don't think the wide majority of Moroccans will have strong opinions about it."

Despite concerns before the visit that the Prince and the Duchess could be confronted by protesters during their three-day stay, the only time they saw demonstrators was when they drove past a group of teachers camped outside the education ministry demanding better pay and conditions. » | Gordon Rayner, Rabat | Monday, April 04, 2011

EXAMINER.COM: Charles and Camilla arrive in Morocco, meet King Mohammad VI » | Megan Knight | Royal News Examiner | Tuesday, April 05, 2011

Related »

George W Bush 'Invited Son of Osama bin Laden to White House'
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: The son of Osama bin Laden has claimed he was invited to the White House in the final days of George W Bush's presidency in a last-ditch attempt to discover the whereabouts of the world's most wanted terrorist.

Omar bin Laden, the fourth son of the al-Qaeda leader, claims he received a visit from White House staff in January 2009 at his home in Doha, the capital of Qatar.

"They invited me to accompany them to the White House, offered to defend, help and protect me, on the condition that I helped them find my father," he told Spanish daily newspaper La Vanguardia, in an interview published on Monday.

But the 29-year-old said he refused because of filial duty. "I told them I was sorry but it wasn't something I could do. He is my father and I am his son, and as is the way the son must love and respect his father," he said, adding: "Even if in many cases a man may be against the ideas of his father."

But the son who was once groomed to take over from bin Laden later admitted that he had had no contact with his father for almost a decade. Read on and comment » | Fiona Govan, Madrid | Tuesday, April 05, 2011

Libya: Diplomatic Initiative Opens Up Rift between Gaddafi Sons
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: A rift in the Gaddafi family has emerged as two hardline sons of the Libyan leader have dismissed efforts to implement a ceasefire as part of a diplomatic initiative to end the Nato bombing campaign.

Mutassim Gaddafi, the National Security Adviser and Khamis Gaddafi, the commander of elite forces, have confronted supporters of a peace plan that has circulated in diplomatic circles in Tripoli.

Diplomats have said that Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, another son, had offered to act as interim president to oversee a transition to a democratic system. The offer would mean Col Muammar Gaddafi's withdrawal from power and the end of the family's tyrannical hold on power.

But one family aide said there had been arguments over Saif's initiative, which is supported by Saadi, another brother with power in the armed forces. He said: "It is not in the military interest of the government to have a ceasefire now. While we have the momentum, Mutassim wants to keep going." The official said that the brothers had argued over a ceasefire.

While Saif believes that talks would be impossible without a ceasefire, Mutassim wants to ensure the regime cannot be beaten. He is reported to have said: "People get sick of dying, we have to keep fighting until we've beaten the opposition."

Mutassim and Saif have been rivals for almost a decade. A US diplomatic cable said that Saif's overseas reputation – he cultivated British and US leaders while living in London as a PhD student – had made Mutassim jealous.

All four brothers are known to enjoy glamorous social events. The singer Beyoncé performed for Mutassim in the Caribbean at the New Year. » | Damien McElroy, Foreign Affairs Correspondent | Monday, April 04, 2011

Alleged Libyan Rape Victim Speaks Out

Charles and Camilla Welcomed with Milk in Morocco
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall arrived in Morocco today where they were welcomed in traditional style - with a glass of milk.

The royal couple were greeted off their plane at Rabat airport by Prince Moulay Rachid, brother of the Moroccan King Mohammed VI and immediately sat down to milk, pastries and dates.

The traditional offering symbolises ''sweet and pure intentions'', the Moroccan hosts said, and it appeared to please the British royals who chatted animatedly with the prince and his wife, Princess Lalla Joumala Alaoui.

The visit comes as the North African nation reaches a historical crossroads following the Arab Uprisings.

Morocco has so far avoided persistent unrest but several people died in February during violence linked to protests.

King Mohammed made a rare television appearance on March 9 announcing major constitutional reform.

Speaking before he was introduced to the British royals, Moroccan prime minister Abbas El Fassi described it as a ''peaceful revolution''.

He said: ''This is a very big event for Morocco, for the King to have invited the Prince, and it will reaffirm the historic relationship between the two countries.

''There is conformity in our views in many areas - international problems, regional problems and the fight against terror.

''This visit is a symbol because it comes at a moment of instability in many countries and the Prince, by visiting Morocco, is confirming that Morocco is a stable country.'' » | Monday, April 04, 2011

Verstahltes Wasser fließt ins Meer

Verbunden »

Westerwelles Erklärung im Wortlaut

Merkel will Westerwelle als Außenminister

Radikale Muslime in Deutschland

Adolf Eichmann Regretted Not Killing All Europe's Jews
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Adolf Eichmann, the bureaucratic mastermind of the Holocaust, regretted that he failed to exterminate all of Europe's Jews, saying "there was more we could have done", recordings have revealed.

Eichmann showed only disappointment that some survived, according to newly declassified files. Looking back on his role in organising the systematic slaughter of Jews, gipsies and other groups, he says: "We didn't do our work correctly."

Recordings of Eichmann were made in the 1950s while he was hiding in Argentina. They have come to light after the German news magazine Der Spiegel found them in 4,500 files on his case recently opened by Germany's intelligence services. » | Matthew Day, Warsaw | Monday, April 04, 2011

Italy Recognizes Libyan Rebels
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL: ROME—Italy has recognized the governing body of rebel forces opposed to the regime of Col. Moammar Gadhafi as Libya's sole "legitimate interlocutor," Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said Monday as Rome seeks a way to re-establish its access to Libyan oil and natural gas.

Speaking at a news conference after meeting with Ali al-Essawi, the foreign envoy of the rebel-backed Libyan National Transitional Council, Mr. Frattini said Italy planned to send an envoy to Libya in the coming days, becoming the latest Western nation to establish diplomatic relations with the council.

Rome's support is a boost to rebel forces, because Italy is Libya's largest trading partner and the biggest buyer of the North African country's oil and natural-gas supplies. Italy, which imports a quarter of its oil and 10% of its natural gas from Libya, is eager to revive Italy's access to oil production now in rebel territory.

"We have decided to recognize the council as the only political, legitimate interlocutor to represent Libya," Mr. Frattini said. He also said Italy is seeking to send medical supplies and other aid to Misrata. » | Stacy Meichtry | Monday, April 04, 2011

Glenn Beck: An Introduction to Shariah Finance
Christopher Holton, the Center for Security Policy's Vice President for Administration, Marketing & Development, joins Glenn Beck to discuss Shariah Compliant Finance. Also in conversation is Daniel Pipes of the Middle East Forum. "Shariah: The Threat to America" includes an introduction to Shariah Compliant Finance, explaining the dangers of this trojan horse into our banking system

Sternstunde Philosophie vom 03.04.2011
In der momentanen Situation, wo Alarmisten Recht bekommen und Beschwichtiger Lügen gestraft werden, erklärt der Soziologe, warum der Diskurs über bevorstehende Krisen für unsere Gesellschaft so wichtig ist

Gaddafi geht diplomatisch in die Offensive
REUTERS DEUTSCHLAND: Tripolis/Athen - Nach drei Wochen westlicher Luftangriffe und festgefahrenen Bodenkämpfen wirbt der libysche Machthaber Muammar Gaddafi für einen Waffenstillstand.

Gaddafi diplomatische Offensive stieß am Montag auf ein geteiltes Echo: Während Italien den Vorstoß aus Tripolis kategorisch zurückwies, äußerte die Türkei die Bereitschaft zur Vermittlung. Auf dem Schlachtfeld gab es dagegen keine Anzeichen für eine bevorstehende Feuerpause. Die Kämpfe um die ost-libysche Ölstadt Brega und den Rebellen-Vorposten Misrata im Westen des nordafrikanischen Landes gingen mit unveränderter Härte weiter. Die Menschen in Misrata seien "in der Hölle gefangen", sagte ein Verwundeter.

Der stellvertretende libysche Außenminister Abdelati Obeidi traf am Sonntag überraschend in Athen ein, um bei der griechischen Regierung für einen Waffenstillstand zu werben. Ein Sprecher des griechischen Außenministeriums sagte, es müsse nun abgewartet werden, ob in Libyen ein nationaler Dialog möglich sei. Die Türkei, die am Montag den Besuch Obeidis erwartete, erklärte sich zur Vermittlung bereit. Die Regierung in Ankara wolle darüber auch mit einem Vertreter der Rebellen beraten. Beide Seiten hätten mitgeteilt, wie sie über einen möglichen Waffenstillstand dächten. Der türkische Ministerpräsident Tayyip Erdogan hatte Gaddafi im März vergebens zu überzeugen versucht, einem gewählten Präsidenten oder einer gewählten Führung die Macht zu übertragen. Am Dienstag wird Obeidi auf Malta erwartet. » | © Reuters | Montag, 04. April 2011

Japan befürchtet radioaktive Verseuchung des Pazifik
REUTERS DEUTSCHLAND: Tokio (Reuters) - Die japanische Regierung befürchtet katastrophale Auswirkungen für den Pazifik, wenn weiterhin radioaktiv verseuchte Substanzen aus dem havarierten AKW Fukushima ins offene Meer strömen.

"Wir müssen die Ausbreitung in den Ozean so bald wie möglich stoppen", sagte Regierungssprecher Yukio Edano. AKW-Betreiber Tepco ließ am Montag Millionen Liter schwach radioaktives Wasser ins Meer ab, um Platz in den Reaktoren zu schaffen. Angesichts der Erdbeben- und Tsunami-Katastrophe sprachen sich in einer Umfrage zwei Drittel der Japaner für die Bildung einer Regierung der nationalen Einheit aus.

"Wenn die gegenwärtige Lage mit der Anreicherung radioaktiver Substanzen über lange Zeit anhält, wird es riesige Auswirkungen auf den Ozean haben", sagte Edano. Die Betreiberfirma Tepco forderte er auf, schnell zu handeln. Diese ließ jedoch erst einmal zehn Millionen Liter schwach radioaktiv belastetes Wasser aus dem AKW ab. Es sei 100 Mal stärker verstrahlt als rechtlich zulässig, teilte das Unternehmen mit. Bei dem Wasser handelt es sich um Kühlwasser, das sich in den Reaktoren angesammelt hat. Es müsse abgelassen werden, um Platz für stärker belastetes Kühlwasser zu schaffen. » | © Reuters | Montag, 04. April 2011

Un mode d'emploi pour l'interdiction de la burqa en France
REUTERS FRANCE: PARIS - Le gouvernement français a diffusé un mode d'emploi pour l'interdiction du voile intégral musulman, stipulant qu'elle ne s'appliquerait pas près des mosquées et que les policiers ne pourront arracher le vêtement.

Cette loi votée en septembre et promulguée en octobre, qui entrera en vigueur le 11 avril, interdit "la dissimulation du visage dans l'espace public" et sert officiellement à réaffirmer les valeurs de la République et les droits des femmes.

Le texte, qui concernerait au maximum quelques milliers de personnes dans toute la France, prévoit une amende de 150 euros pour les porteuses de voile intégral - burqa ou niqab - couvrant tout le corps à l'exception des yeux.

La circulaire aux préfets signée le 31 mars par le ministre de l'Intérieur Claude Guéant, dont Reuters a eu copie, précise qu'il est toujours autorisé de dissimuler son visage avec un casque intégral de moto, des bandages médicaux, un masque de soudeur, un masque d'escrimeur et des déguisements de carnaval.

L'interdiction du voile s'applique partout sauf dans les domiciles privés, les chambres d'hôtel, les locaux d'une association ou d'une entreprise, sauf pour les parties dédiées à l'accueil du public. » | Thierry Lévêque, Nicolas Bertin, édité par Yves Clarisse | Lundi 04 Avril 2011

Boycott, Protests Set Stage for French Islam Debate
REUTERS AFRICA: PARIS - France's ruling conservatives are pressing ahead with a public debate on Islam and secularism on Tuesday despite criticism that it is an excuse to pander to far-right voters ahead of a general election next year.

Sarkozy's UMP party said in December that it would host a public forum to address fears about Islam's role in French society, following controversy over Muslim street prayers, halal-only restaurants and full-face Islamic veils.

But a hail of criticism from religious leaders and some party members has forced the UMP to downsize the event and fight off accusations that a focus on Islam will provide cover for the airing of anti-Muslim prejudices among the French.

"They can't cancel it now," said Jean-Francois [sic] Doridot, an analyst at the Ipsos polling agency. "It's a sort of trap that is closing around the UMP, and they are trying to get themselves out of it one way or another."

Amid sharp criticism from religious leaders, party officials have bickered over the need to hold a debate at all, France's largest Muslim group has announced a boycott, and Prime Minister Francois [sic] Fillon declined his invitation to attend.

The guest list for Tuesday's debate has yet to be confirmed, but Interior Minister Claude Gueant -- who came under fire recently for saying the French "no longer felt at home" -- will attend, as will party spokesman Jean-Francois Cope [sic].

With France's controversial ban on full-face veils going into effect next week, Gueant defended the debate by saying that some Muslim practices were problematic and needed to be addressed. » | Nick Vinocur | Monday, April 04, 2011

Analysis: Billion-dollar Obama to Run Moneyed Campaign
REUTERS: President Barack Obama is no longer the outsider candidate who fueled his bid for the White House in 2008 with a flood of small donations from new and young voters inspired by his message of hope and change.

As a sitting president he has far greater authority and media access and his 2012 re-election campaign is expected to raise $1 billion, which is unprecedented in U.S. politics.

"In 2008, he was very much an insurgent candidate, somebody from out of nowhere with a wholly different story. And the Obama campaign was as much a crusade as it was a traditional campaign for president," said Christopher Arterton, a professor of political management at George Washington University who has also been a Democratic consultant.

With early polls showing Obama leading potential Republican rivals, he announced his re-election campaign on Monday with e-mails and text messages to supporters and a video on the website www.barackobama.com. He is expected to file campaign papers with the Federal Election Commission as early as Monday.

That would allow him to start campaign fund-raising and much of his war chest is expected to come from the kind of big-money donations he has criticized in the past. » | Patricia Zengerle | WASHINGTON | Monday, April 04, 2011

Libyan Girl Hit by Shrapnel
Apr 4 - A six-year-old girl is among the victims of renewed fighting between rebels and government in Brega, Libya. Jessica Gray reports

Yemen Unrest: Troops Fire on Taiz Protesters
BBC: Yemeni security forces have fired on anti-government protesters, killing at least 15 people and wounding many more, medical sources say.

Witnesses said snipers opened fire from the rooftops when protesters reached the governor's offices in Taiz.

Snipers had also reportedly shot at protesters during a march in the fourth-largest city, Hudaida.

The unrest follows weeks of nationwide protests calling for President Ali Abdullah Saleh to stand down.

He has ruled the country for 32 years, and has signalled that he has no plans to leave immediately. (+ video) » | Monday, April 04, 2011

Inside Story - Europe's Rising Anti-Islam Trend
Geert Wilders stands trial on charges of inciting hatred and discrimination against Muslims. Just who is fuelling the rising anti-Islam trend across Europe? And should the continent be alarmed? (October 2010)

GATES OF VIENNA: Time to Unmask Muhammad » | Geert Wilders | Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Pastor Terry Jones Is No More to Blame for the Afghan Violence than Martin Scorsese Was for the Shooting of Ronald Reagan
TELEGRAPH – BLOGS – BRENDAN O’NIELL: The American pastor Terry Jones might be a bit of a weirdo with an unhealthy obsession with the Koran, but he’s right about one thing: he is not responsible for the fatal rioting in Afghanistan. His burning of the Koran can no more be blamed for those acts of violence than Martin Scorsese can be blamed for the attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan in 1981. (Reagan’s wannabe assassin, John Hinckley Jnr, claimed to have been inspired by Taxi Driver.) The feverish attempts to pin the blame for the Afghan instability on Pastor Jones demonises freedom of speech as something terrifying, even murderous, and it treats Muslims as brainless, wide-eyed automatons who can’t be held responsible for their actions.

Jones’s burning of the Koran was daft. But it did not directly cause “the tragic, deadly violence” in Afghanistan, as one Pentagon spokesman claimed. To suggest that it did, to argue that Jones has “blood on his hands”, as the New York Daily News put it, is to overlook the fact that there is an important bridge between words and actions. That bridge is us, people, the audience, the public, who are possessed of free will and thought and who must make a decision about whether, and how, to act on the words we hear. The idea that words lead directly to action, that the image of a burning Koran in the US leads inevitably to violence in Afghanistan, is to cut out these middle men and present speech as an all-powerful force that dictates world events.

Such an outlook is dangerous for two reasons. First because there would be no limits to the curbing and policing of speech if we all bought into the mad notion that it can directly cause other people’s deaths. If words really are so dangerous, then surely they should be treated as just another weapon, like gun and knives, whose usage must be tightly controlled by the cops and powers-that-be? Already, post-Koran controversy, some Democratic politicians in the US are hinting that the First Amendment, which guarantees free expression, might need to be rethought, since certain forms of speech “endanger the lives of a lot of innocent people”. The consequence of calling into question the free will of people who hear or read certain words is to generate an Orwellian rush to clamp down on anything judged to be “problematic speech”. Continue reading and comment » | Brendan O'Neill | Monday, April 04, 2011

Inside Story: US Rethinks Policy on Afghanistan
It began with the burning of the Quran by an American pastor. President Barak Obama called it an act of extreme intolerance and bigotry. But the US president also criticised the violent protests in Afghanistan that were sparked by the incident. Anger spread to the main southern Afghan city of Kandahar, the spiritual heartland of the Taliban. Protests here took place a day after seven UN staff were among 14 people killed in the northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif.
 They overwhelmed guards at the UN compound before setting it ablaze. It was the worst attack on the world body since the 2001 US-led invasion.
 Last year Pastor Terry Jones drew condemnation over his aborted plan to burn copies of the Quran on the anniversary of the September 11th 2001 attacks on the US. A top UN official blames the pastor for the violence now erupting in Afghanistan.

So where does this leave the US-led efforts to bring stability to the country? 
Inside Story, with presenter Hazem Sika, discusses with guests: Prince Ali Seraj - President of the National Coalition for Dialogue with the tribes of Afghanistan; Phil Rees, journalist and author of "Dining with Terrorists" and Doug Bandow, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute, specialising in foreign policy and civil liberties.
 This episode of Inside Story aired Sunday, April 3, 2011

Whitewashing the Past
YNET NEWS: Op-ed: New criminal Germany emerging, with anti-Semitism shifting to anti-Israel views

Forty-seven percent of Germans are of the opinion that Israel is exterminating the Palestinians according to a poll undertaken by the University of Bielefeld for the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, affiliated with the German Social Democratic Party. These findings raise fundamental questions about the future of German society and not only about those Germans who falsely accuse Israelis of behaving like their own totalitarian or murderous ancestors.

The recent data should not surprise anyone. It even marks some progress when compared with the past. This same university undertook a major poll in 2004. Some 68% percent of Germans then agreed with the allegation: “Israel undertakes a war of destruction against the Palestinians.” Fifty-one percent shared the opinion: “The way the State of Israel acts toward the Palestinians is in principle no different from the Nazis’ behavior in the Third Reich toward the Jews.”

Simultaneously with the accusations against Israel, many Germans are whitewashing their country’s past. Historian Susanne Urban writes about current narratives that should be seen as modern German myths. In her view, an impression is fostered of a National Socialism without National Socialists and a Holocaust without or almost without perpetrators.

The influx of Jews to Germany in recent decades plays an important role in concealing a nasty reality. Urban says that the presence of a substantial number of Jews in the country is very important publicly as “proof” that Germany has developed into a diverse and democratic open society. » | Manfred Gerstenfeld | Monday, April 04, 2011

YNET NEWS: Poll: Anti-Semitism among US Latinos – National survey finds nearly half of American Latinos believe US foreign policy too supportive of Israel » | Ynetnews | Monday, April 04, 2011

'Lehi Considered Assassinating Winston Churchill'
THE JERUSALEM POST: Report: Declassified MI5 files reveal Jewish underground member wanted to kill British PM, foreign secretary in attempt to end the mandate.

The Lehi considered killing Winston Churchill, The Telegraph reported on Monday, citing declassified MI5 files.

Eliyahu Bet-Zuri, a member of the underground group during the time of the British mandate, reportedly suggested in November 1944 that Lehi, or Stern Gang, members fly to London to kill the prime minister and force the British out of Mandatory Palestine, sparking concern in MI5 that Jewish extremists might try to assassinate foreign secretary Ernest Bevin, as well.

"As soon as [Bet-Zuri] returned to Stern Group headquarters, he proposed to suggest a plan for the assassination of highly placed British political personalities, including Mr. Churchil, for which purpose eimssaries should be sent to London," a sources within the Lehi told Major James Robertson from MI5's Middle East section.

Four months later, Bet-Zuri was executed in Cairo for assassinating Lord Moyne, the British Minister in the Middle East. » | JPOST.COM STAFF | Monday, April 04, 2011

Saudi Arabia: High Suicide Rate Linked to Mental Illnesses
ARAB NEWS: JEDDAH: Psychiatrists, sociologists and other experts have expressed alarm over rising suicide rates and called for increased efforts to raise awareness about mental illnesses and how they can be treated.

They called on families, workplaces and schools to accept mentally ill people and never think of them as lunatics.

Suicide cases in the Kingdom reached 787 in 2010, an increase of 39 percent over the previous year, according to the Jeddah General Psychiatrist Hospital.

An official source at the hospital told Arab News Friday that between 100 and 120 patients come to the hospital every day seeking treatment for various psychological disorders. “At least five of these cases need to be admitted,” he added.

The hospital has 120 beds, of which 20 have been set aside for women. “These figures are enough proof that mental illnesses are on the rise throughout the Kingdom,” the source said on condition of anonymity.

He added many mentally ill Saudis shy away from psychiatric hospitals and prefer to go to faith healers and magicians for treatment. “Some of the patients do not know that they are psychologically unwell and hence will keep silent until their conditions have deteriorated,” he said. » | MD Humaidan | ARAB NEWS | Sunday, April 03, 2011

Middle Class Brother from Weymouth Turns to Allah, Prophet Muhammad
MAIL ON SUNDAY: Pressing his loudspeaker tighter into his mousy-brown bush of a beard, Salahuddin's bright-blue eyes fill with hatred.

'When the Taliban defeat the allies we will establish Sharia law and take the fight to the enemy,' he preaches before a baying crowd of extremist friends at a demo in Barking, Greater London.

But just a year ago Salahuddin was known to his middle-class friends and family simply as Rich, a 27-year-old security guard for the BBC.

As a youngster, growing up in the sunny seaside town of Weymouth, Dorset, he harboured dreams of becoming a builder. That was before his transformation.

Now he refuses to use his right hand to shake hands with step-brother Robb Leech from whom he was inseparable last summer on a family holiday to Cyprus.

Instead he uses his 'dirty' left hand - the same one he uses after going to the toilet.

Within the space of just six months he has abandoned his family and believes the UK should be run by strict Sharia law - which means cutting off the hands of thieves and stoning women for cheating.

Now, in a controversial new documentary made by his brother, Robb has attempted to understand Rich's journey throughout this drastic change in lifestyle. Why did my middle class brother turn into an Islamic extremist who won't be seen on TV with our mother if she's not wearing a veil? » | Daily Mail Reporter | Sunday, April 03, 2011

Devolved Parliaments Soon to Come Under the Spell of Multiculturalism: Devolved Scotland and Wales Slow to Embrace Ethnic Minorities
THE GUARDIAN: Lack of black and Asian faces in both legislatures strengthens case for positive action, campaigners believe

Despite being set up to empower and involve the people of Scotland and Wales, both their devolved legislatures have been slow to include the countries' ethnic minorities. On this count at least, they have been arguably weaker than Westminster.

Despite having at least 170,000 people from an Asian, black or mixed race background among its electorate – 4% of the Scottish population – Holyrood has only ever had one non-white MSP elected, four years ago.

The Welsh assembly too, despite Cardiff's long history of black settlement and having an overall minority ethnic population of roughly 100,000 people across Wales – at least 3% of the population – first had a minority ethnic member elected in 2007.

In both legislatures there is a black democratic deficit, said Ashok Viswanathan, deputy director of the campaign organisation Operation Black Vote (OBV). » | Severin Carrell , Scotland correspondent | Monday, April 04, 2011

Ruler's Son Reportedly Floats Handover, Democracy Plan
THE AUSTRALIAN: A PEACE plan under which Muammar Gaddafi would hand over power and set Libya on course to become a constitutional democracy has been privately floated by his son, according to diplomatic sources.

Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, the Colonel's British-educated son, would take control of the country in the interim under plans that he has proposed himself.

The sources said that the idea was being discussed by "eminent people" in Tripoli, although they cautioned that neither Colonel Gaddafi nor the rebel council in Benghazi appeared ready to accept such a move.

"This is the beginning position," they said, but added that there were currently no talks.

The plan, which follows a visit to London last week by Mohammed Ismail, one of Saif Gaddafi's aides, indicates that members of the dictator's inner circle are considering their options.

The revelations came as diplomatic efforts to find a way out of the seven-week conflict escalated. » | Deborah Haynes, Roland Watson, Martin Fletcher and Zahid Hussain | The Times | Monday, April 04, 2011

Gbagbo Regime on Verge of Collaspe [sic]
THE AUSTRALIAN: IVORY Coast has been plunged into full-scale civil war as the forces of Laurent Gbagbo fought to save his regime from collapse.

The sounds of mortars and gunfire echoed through the streets, reports of massacres reached the principal city, Abidjan and the UN evacuated its headquarters after coming under attack from soldiers who were loyal to Mr Gbagbo.
He has refused to stand down despite losing presidential elections in November. » | Jonathan Clayton | The Times | Monday, April 04, 2011

Hundreds of Yemenis Wounded in Taiz Protests
Hundreds of protesters have been wounded in the Yemeni city of Taiz, after police reportedly fired tear gas and live ammunition to disperse the crowds. Medical sources have told Al Jazeera that as many as 1,600 people have been injured.
Omar al Saleh reports

Canada Pushes for Healthy Street Food
Vancouver has become the first North America city to impose strict healthy food regulations for potential street vendors. In its attempt to cut down on unhealthy street food, the Canadian government is trying to lessen the number of carts selling foods that are high in sodium, fats or sugars.
But public opinion about the move remains divided.
Al Jazeera's Imtiaz Tyab reports from Vancouver

Turkey Sails in to Help Injured Libyans
Shifting away from the focus on Libya's air war, Turkey has concentrated on the humanitarian needs of the current conflict.
A Turkish ferry, the Ankara, has rescued 250 severely injured people from Misurata. And there are hundreds of others still waiting to escape the violence there, as Gaddafi forces continue to attack the city that is a key rebel stronghold.
Al Jazeera's Laurence Lee reports from Benghazi

Libya 'Sends Official to Meet Greek Leader'
AL JAZEERA ENGLISH: Abdel Ati al-Obeidi, Libya's deputy foreign minister, is in Athens to deliver a message to the Greek prime minister.

Abdel Ati al-Obeidi, Libya's deputy foreign minister, arrived in Athens to deliver a message from Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi to the Greek prime minister, raising the prospect of diplomatic efforts to end a war facing stalemate on the battlefield.



Obeidi crossed into neighbouring Tunisia and travelled from Djerba airport to the Greek capital on Sunday, according to a security worker at the airport. 



"They (Libyan government) requested to send an envoy with a message for prime minister George Papandreou and that is why he is in Athens," a senior Greek government official said.



In Tripoli, the Libyan capital, Libyan officials were not immediately available to comment on Obeidi's movements.



The Libyan official met with Papandreou later on Sunday evening.



"What the message is, we don't know yet," Al Jazeera's Anita McNaught reported from Tripoli.



Papandreou's office said Baghdadi al-Mahmudi, the Libyan prime minister, requested Obeidi's visit during a phone conversation on Saturday. Papandreou also discussed the Libyan crisis with Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish prime minister, on Sunday.



Papandreou has been talking by phone with the leaders of Qatar, Turkey and Britain over the last two days. » | Source:
Al Jazeera and agencies | Sunday, April 03, 2011

New Television Channel for a "Free Libya"
While rebel fighters and forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi battle for control of key coastal towns, some Libyans have found another way of getting their opinions heard.
 A new satellite television channel was launched in the Gulf state of Qatar on Saturday.

 Simply called Libya, it is a mix of news and talk shows covering developments in the North African country, with funding from abroad.
 Al Jazeera's Nazanin Sadri reports from the capital, Doha. (03 April 2011)

Syria Uprising: Dissidents Seized from Their Homes
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Suspected dissidents were seized from their homes in Syria on Saturday as the country's Ba'athist regime deployed its feared secret police in an operation to spread renewed fear among opposition sympathisers.

here were reports of pre-dawn raids across the country, highlighting the risks faced by those who dared publicly to challenge Bashar al-Assad, Syria's president of 11 years, even when they were not braving live fire on the streets.

After days of using his aides to signal his willingness to make concessions, Mr Assad abruptly changed tack on Wednesday in a defiant television address in which he denounced protesters as conspirators in the pay of foreign powers.

The uncompromising new strategy appeared to yield dividends, with fewer taking to the streets on Friday than opposition activists had hoped.

But, showing that the challenge to Mr Assad was far from over, tens of thousands were still willing to defy him in demonstrations across the country despite widespread expectation of savage retaliation from the security forces.

Once again, as has happened so often in over a fortnight of unrest, they were met with violence and live fire by police and military units as well as unidentified loyalists in plain clothes who took up sniper positions on rooftops and balconies.

In a country that has effectively sealed itself off to the outside world, it is nearly impossible to establish an accurate death toll. But opposition activists told of as many as 27 deaths in four different towns and cities. » | Adrian Blomfield, Middle East Correspondent and Loveday Morris | Saturday, March 02, 2011