Germany Threatens to Reintroduce Border Checks in Row over Tunisian Refugees
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Germany has threatened to reinstate border checks "against the interests" of the EU's free movement zone in an escalating row with Italy over Tunisian refugees.

Italy has promised to give over 20,000 Tunisian refugees temporary visas allowing them to travel freely in the border-free Schengen zone, which covers all EU countries except Britain and Ireland.

Over 26,000 illegal migrants have reached Italy by boat through the small Mediterranean island of Lampedusa, which is close to Tunisia. The Italian authorities have insisted other European countries must help take the burden.

Italy said last week that it would give six-month residence permits to all the migrants who have arrived since the beginning of the year.

Franco Frattini, the Italian foreign minister, said: "Thousands, tens of thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands of migrants could come from Tunisia. It's a purely European affair."

But during bad-tempered European talks on Monday, Germany warned Italy that it will not accept the migrants and that Berlin will tear up the EU's border-free travel arrangements to stop them. » | Bruno Waterfield, Brussels | Monday, April 11, 2011

hier und hier

Gillian Duffy Takes On Nick Clegg
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Nick Clegg has been publicly confronted by the woman infamously labelled a “bigot” by Gordon Brown.


Read the article here | James Kirkup, Political Correspondent | Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Israel: Jesus[’] Crucifixion Nails 'Found'
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Two of the nails used to crucify Jesus have been dsicovered in a 2,000-year-old tomb, according to a new film.


The film, 'The Nails of the Cross' by Simcha Jacobovici, follows three years of research during which he presents his assertions - some based on empirical data, others requiring much imagination and a leap of faith.

He hails the find as historic, but most experts and scholars dismissed his case as far-fetched, some calling it a publicity stunt.

Many ancient relics, including other nails supposedly traced back to the crucifixion, have been presented over the centuries as having a connection to Jesus. Many were deemed phony, while others were embraced as holy.

Mr Jacobovici, who sparked debate with a previous film that claimed to reveal the lost tomb of Jesus, says this find differs from others because of its historical and archaeological context.

"What we are bringing to the world is the best archaeological argument ever made that two of the nails from the crucifixion of Jesus have been found," he said. » | Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Inside Story - Prosecuting Mubarak
The Egyptian public prosecutor has issued an order to summon Hosni Mubarak, the former president of Egypt, and his two sons, Alaa and Gamal, for questioning over allegations of corruption. Just hours earlier Mubarak had made his first public statement since his dramatic departure from office. He denied being involved in corruption and denied having financial assets in foreign countries. For his part the public prosecutor said Mubarak's speech will not have any impact on the legal measures against him and his family. All this follows a crackdown on protestors in Tahrir Square on Friday and Saturday, in which two people were killed and 70 injured. So, would a trial appease those worried about a counter revolution in Egypt? Or might it further strain relations between the army and the people?

Japan Raises Nuclear Alert
The Japanese nuclear disaster is 100 times worse than officials first thought. 



The severity level of the nuclear crisis at the quake and tsunami damaged Fukushima plant has been raised from five to seven, the highest level on the international scale, and on a par with Chernobyl - the biggest nuclear disaster ever.



It comes as Japan was hit by yet another series of powerful aftershocks on Tuesday.



Anu Nathan reports.

France’s Burka Ban Is a Victory for Tolerance
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Britain’s politicians take fright at the idea – but Sarkozy’s brave step is both popular and right, says William Langley.

Despite some high-profile protests, France’s banning of the burka is enormously popular with the public. Unfortunately, as in Britain, almost anything politicians do that the voters approve of tends to be denounced as populisme – a particularly dread charge among the over-earnest French political class – and instead of enjoying the deserved benefits, President Nicolas Sarkozy has found himself on the defensive.

Sarko’s modest measure (the burka is forbidden only in public places, the fines are piffling and the enforcement procedures incomprehensible) has led to much talk of sledgehammers and nuts, warnings of an apocalyptic Muslim backlash and claims that the Republican tradition of liberté is being compromised in a seedy ploy to combat the resurgence of the hard-Right Front National under its new leader Marine Le Pen.

Almost anything, in fact, than an acknowledgement that the public overwhelmingly sees the ban as right for France, beneficial to its Muslim communities and justified – if on no other grounds – as a statement in support of liberalism against darkness. Approval runs right across the spectrum, with Fadela Amara, the Algerian-born former housing minister in Sarkozy’s government, calling the burka “a kind of tomb, a horror for those trapped within it”, and André Gerin, the Communist MP who headed the commission investigating the grounds for a ban, describing it as “the tip of an iceberg of oppression”.

So what do we get in Britain? Theresa May, the Home Secretary, rules out a ban because “it would be out of keeping with our nation’s longstanding record of tolerance”, while the Leftist commentariat continues – with apparent seriousness – to suggest that the face veil is a “lifestyle choice” and essentially no different from a balaclavas worn by middle-class types on the ski slopes of Courcheval. I suspect this thinking is going to have to change. Continue reading and comment » | William Langley | Monday, April 11, 2011

This Ignorant, Useless Prime Minister! David Cameron Brands 'All White' Oxford University a Disgrace
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: David Cameron branded Oxford University "disgraceful" after claiming that the institution admitted only one black student in the last academic year.

On a visit to the north of England, the Prime Minister singled out Oxford for criticism when he accused elite institutions of having a "terrible record" of enrolling teenagers from state schools.

Senior officials at the university described the figure as "highly misleading" as it related only to British students who described themselves as black Caribbean. They said Oxford admitted another 27 students who described themselves as black African and another 14 who were mixed race.

The university also said that only 452 black students across the country had even achieved the A-level results demanded by Oxford to meet its minimum entry requirements for the 2009-10 academic year.

Leading academics and MPs said Mr Cameron risked undermining the ancient institution with his "ignorant", "absurd" and "mind boggling" comments. It followed controversy last week over Mr Cameron's claim that Britain was responsible for many of the world's historic problems, including the conflict in Kashmir between India and Pakistan.

The latest fallout will add to growing controversy that the Coalition is attempting to "socially engineer" university admissions by asking top institutions to set targets for recruiting students from state schools, poor backgrounds and ethnic minorities. » | Andrew Porter, Graeme Paton and James Kirkup | Monday, April 11, 2011

Chris Brown – Forever

Barack Obama Complains about Lack of Privacy as President
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: President Barack Obama has complained about the loss of privacy that comes with being leader of the free world, regretting the loss of simple pleasures such as a long walk or a trip to the car wash or supermarket.

"I just miss – I miss being anonymous," he said. "I miss Saturday morning, rolling out of bed, not shaving, getting into my car with my girls, driving to the supermarket, squeezing the fruit, getting my car washed, taking walks. I can't take a walk."

His dream, he said, was to "go through Central Park and watch folks passing by ... spend the day watching people – I miss that".

Faced with simmering criticism for playing more golf than most previous occupants of the White House, he explained that the sport was simply the best way of getting away from it all.

"It's the only excuse I have to get outside for four hours at a stretch," he told Hearst magazines. » | Alex Spillius, Washington | Monday, April 11, 2011

From what you say, Obama, you don't deserve to occupy the White House. You really should have thought about these things before running for president, especially the loss of privacy. Any old fool could have told you about the loss of privacy!

How on earth can someone wish to become President of the USA and retain their anonymity? This truly beggars belief!

The fact of the matter is that you were too young and inexperienced for this most prestigious of positions. You were a greenhorn. A greenhorn unworthy of the high office that was bestowed upon you. Now, the poor Americans must suffer.

Most people would give their eye teeth to become the man that you now are: the President of the US of A. But you find it within yourself to complain about the restrictions of the position. How pathetic you sound, Mr. President!

How nice it would have been if you had chosen to go walk in Central Park instead of running for president. That way, you would have spared many people many a sleepless night.

Do yourself a favour and renounce your chance of running this time. Many will thank you for it. – © Mark

Libyan Revolutionary Council Rejects African Union's Peace Initiative
THE GUARDIAN: Rebels say deal is unacceptable because it does not require Gaddafi to step down

Libya's revolutionary leadership has flatly rejected an African Union peace initiative because it does not require Muammar Gaddafi to immediately relinquish power.

The rebels' interim ruling council met an AU delegation from five countries – led by three presidents and two foreign ministers – the day after Gaddafi endorsed the African "roadmap to peace", which included an immediate ceasefire, the suspension of Nato air strikes and talks towards a political settlement.

But Mustafa Abdul Jalil, the revolutionary council chairman, said the rebels had told the AU its proposal had been outdated by events, including the UN security council resolution authorising air strikes, and was in any case unacceptable because it left Gaddafi in power while both sides negotiated.

"From the very beginning we have been asking that the exit of Gaddafi and his sons take place immediately. We cannot consider this or any future proposal that does not include this peoples' requirement," said Jalil. "He leaves on his own or the march of the people will be at his doorstep."

That view was strongly backed by thousands of demonstrators outside the Benghazi hotel where the talks were held. They waved revolutionary flags and carried signs saying: "No solution with Gaddafi staying". » | Chris McGreal in Benghazi, Harriet Sherwood in Tripoli, Ian Traynor in Brussels and Nicholas Watt | Monday, April 11, 2011

Die «Grand Nation» führt drei Kriege, SF-Korrespondent Adrian Arnold versucht Frankreichs Motivation zu ergründen. («Tagesschau» [Schweiz], 06.04.2011)
Was treibt Frankreich dazu, in der Elfenbeinküste wie in Libyen so schnell zur Waffe zu greifen? – Das gleiche Frankreich, das vor acht Jahren den US-geführten Einmarsch im Irak noch vehement abgelehnt hat. Eine Einschätzung

BNP 'Koran Burning' Charge Dropped
PRESS ASSOCIATION: A British National Party election candidate accused of publicly burning a copy of the Koran has been freed after the charge against him was unexpectedly dropped.

Sion Owens, 41, of Bonymaen, Swansea, South Wales, was arrested and charged at the weekend under Section 29 of the Public Order Act.

The BNP candidate in next month's Welsh Assembly elections spent the weekend in custody before appearing at Swansea Magistrates' Court.

He has been warned that police are continuing to investigate the alleged incident and to expect further action.

It is understood that his release was due to a technicality regarding the Act under which he was arrested and charged. » | UKPA | Monday, April 11, 2011

Related »

Inside Story: Conspiracy over Syria Protests
There is mounting international condemnation of Syria's handling of pro-democracy protests - as more people are killed on streets. 



Bashar al Assad's regime insists it is a foreign conspiracy against his country. Others suggest a more sinister third party is involved. 



Inside Story discusses with guests: Marwan Kabalan, a professor of political science from Damascus University; Lamis Andoni, a writer and political commentator on Middle East affairs; and Patrick Seale, a leading British writer on the middle east, and author of "Asad of Syria". 



This episode of Inside Story aired on Sunday, April 10, 2011.

White House Dismisses Donald Trump's 'Sideshow' Presidential Run
THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: The White House has dismissed Donald Trump's potential presidential run as a "sideshow", saying there is no way the billionaire businessman would be "hired" by the American people.

Mr Trump, renowned for his New York bluster, is considering a tilt at the White House and according to some polls is running second among prospective Republican candidates, behind former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney.

As part of his flirtation with a presidential bid, Mr Trump has controversially brought up the non-issue of Mr Obama's birthplace.

The president was born in the US state of Hawaii and released a certificate of live birth to prove it in June 2008, but some on the right-hand fringes of American politics still like to pretend it is an issue.

"I think I saw Donald Trump kind of rising in some polls and given his behaviour with respect to the last couple of weeks I hope he keeps on rising," Mr Obama's campaign adviser David Plouffe told ABC's "This Week" program.

"I think there's zero chance that Donald Trump would ever be hired by the American people to do this job." » | Sunday, April 10, 2011

French Burka Ban: Police Arrest Two Veiled Women
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: French police arrested two veiled women this morning just hours after the country's new ban on wearing the burka in public came into force.

The women were arrested along with several other people protesting in front of Notre Dame cathedral in Paris against the new law.

Jourrnalists at the scene said the arrests came after police moved in to break up the protest which had not been authorised.

On Saturday police arrested 59 people, including 19 veiled women, who turned up for a banned protest in Paris against the draconian new law, the first of its kind to be enforced in Europe.

Earlier, French police said they will be enforcing the country’s new burka ban "extremely cautiously" because of fears of provoking violence.

They fear Muslims extremists will use the law to provoke fights with officers, while rich visitors from countries like Saudi Arabia will also cause trouble.

All garments which cover the face were officially banned from first thing this morning, with offenders facing fines of 150 euros (£133).

But police admitted that they feared being accused of discrimination against Muslims, whether approaching women in tinderbox housing projects or on the Champs Elysee [sic].

"The law will be very difficult to apply on certain estates," said Patrice Ribeiro, of the Synergie police union.

Referring to two Paris suburbs where riots regularly break out because of alleged discrimination against Muslims, Mr Ribeiro said: "I can’t see police going to book dozens of veiled women doing their shopping in Venissieux or in Trappes.

"It will be the same when a police officer is about to arrest a veiled Saudi who is about to go into Louis Vuitton on the Champs Elysees. In all cases, the forces of order will have to be measured and cautious in their behaviour." » | Peter Allen, in Paris | Monday, April 11, 2011

Burning the Koran Makes You a Dummkopf, Not a Criminal
TELEGRAPH BLOGS – DANIEL HANNAN: Book-burning neatly symbolizes the know-nothing bellicosity that lies behind so many authoritarian movements. As the fascist general, José Millán-Astray, screamed when confronted with an idea he disliked: ¡Muera la inteligencia! ¡Viva la muerte!

Sion Owens, a BNP candidate in Wales who was arrested when police discovered that he had burned a Koran in his garage, was behaving with extraordinary narcissism. Even the BNP dunderheads who troll this blog can’t have failed to notice that a similar stunt has led to a spate of murders in Afghanistan. What Owens was effectively saying was: “My right to indulge in this little jape matters more to me than any increased threat to my country’s interests or citizens”. He would no doubt argue that he is not to blame for any bloody consequences and, in a sense, this is true: any retaliation will be entirely the responsibility of its perpetrators. But so what? At best, Owens is causing needless offence; at worst, he is seeking to provoke a violent response. The man is evidently – there is no way of putting this gently – a total dick. Continue reading and comment » | Daniel Hannan | Monday, April 11, 2011

My comment:

One of the things I hate about my country is that there is nothing written on paper that explains our rights. In other words, there is no written constitution. Our rights are merely those that Her Majesty and Her government think our rights ought to be – they are fluid, to say the least.

This is anachronistic; and if something isn't done about it soon, I fear that I shall turn from being a pro-monarchist into a full-blown republican! I am sick to death of politicians – most of whom I would not rate as being very intelligent – telling me what I can, or can't, do – and it's usually the latter! 'Ban' seems to be the middle name of so many of the Dummköpfe (thickos, dimwits, fools)! One immediately springs to mind: Tony Ban Blair! And when so many politicians have a love affair with banning, having a written constitution becomes more important than ever.

Regarding burning the Koran, especially on one's own property, is, or should be, no concern of the police at all. How dare the police interfere in one's private affairs! He was not creating any public disorder. So what's the big deal? As Archbishop Cranmer said: The police wouldn't react in this way if one were burning the Bible. They wouldn't give a damn! So why is the Koran given special treatment?

Personally, I would not burn the Koran, because I don't think it serves any purpose. I would prefer to show better. But it is rather irksome to think that my country has travelled so far down the road of dhimmitude. And that it has done so does not auger well for the future; on the contrary, it bodes ill.

One cannot help but ask oneself the question: Has the fact that Sion Owens – It appears that he can't spell his own name! It should be spellt 'Siôn', being as it is Welsh (of Hebrew origin) for John – is a BNP candidate in Wales got anything to do with this arrest, I wonder? Were they trying to discredit him?

Be all that as it may, I am sick to death with spineless politicians (of all hues) using political correctness as a reason to do nothing about the growth of Islam in Europe in particular, and the West in general. Perhaps if they were to take a stand for Judeo-Christian culture, there would be no need for extremists to take matters into their own hands and burn Korans. – © Mark

This comment also appears here

Prince Andrew Attacked for Opening Door to Arms Dealers
THE AUSTRALIAN: PRINCE Andrew, the Duke of York was criticised for "opening doors for arms dealers" yesterday, while senior business and political figures gave their backing to his role as a government trade envoy.

Prince Andrew arrived back from his visit to Indonesia, which is seeking the lifting of a British arms export ban so that it can buy military jets.

His trip took place six weeks after David Cameron was criticised for promoting the sale of British weapons in Egypt as the country went through a bloody revolution.

It was his first trip as trade envoy since the revelation of his links to an American sex offender and support for deals with countries with questionable human rights records.

During the three-day trip he met President Yudhoyono and Mari Pangestu, the Indonesian Trade Minister, both of whom he had also met in Switzerland in January.

The Times revealed last month that Indonesia has made an informal approach to acquire as many as 24 Eurofighter Typhoon jets in a deal worth up to pounds 5billion ($7.7 billion AUD). Separately, BAE Systems has offered to upgrade the country's Hawk aircraft.

Gerald Howarth, the Defence Minister, attended a defence summit in Jakarta last month where he said that he expected to discuss sales of the Typhoon.

Sales of military equipment to Indonesia were banned in 1999 after reports that the Hawks were used to attack civilians in East Timor and West Papau.

Kaye Stearman, a spokeswoman for Campaign Against Arms Trade, said that Indonesia bought half of its military equipment from Britain in the five years leading up to the export ban.

"It seems that Prince Andrew's role is to open doors to arms deals rather than to do the actual negotiation," Ms Stearman said. "People in some of these countries are still impressed by the British royalty, but it is highly damaging for the Royal Family to be associated with such deals." » | David Brown | The Times | Monday, April 11, 2011

Breaking News! Japan Earthquake: Fukushima Nuclear Plant Evacuated Following Aftershock
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: A magnitude 7.1 aftershock has rattled Japan on the one-month anniversary of the magnitude 9 earthquake that spawned a deadly tsunami.

Authorities issued a warning for a three feet high tsunami after today's earthquake. The quake's epicentre was in Fukushima prefecture.

Workers battling to contain a crisis at the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant were ordered to evacuate after the powerful aftershock, operator TEPCO said.

"The company ordered workers to withdraw and stay in a quake-proof building," a spokesman for the operator said. "We don't know many workers were involved."

People at a large electronics store in central Sendai in Miyagi prefecture screamed and ran outside, though the shaking made it hard to move around. Mothers grabbed their children, and windows shook.

The news comes four days after northern Japan was hit by a 7.4 magnitude earthquake with an epicentre 25 miles under water near Sendai, a city devastated by the tsunami on March 11. » | Monday, April 11, 2011

THE AUSTRALIAN: Strong earthquake rocks Japan, tsunami alert issued for Pacific: JAPAN has issued a tsunami alert after a strong quake struck the east and northeast of the country, one month after the devastating March 11 earthquake-tsunami disaster. » | Staff writers | News Core | Monday, April 11, 2011

African Union Leaders Meet with Gaddafi
Apr 10 - A delegation from the African Union met with Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi Sunday evening, the latest diplomatic effort to stop the bloodshed in Libya. Jon Decker reports

REUTERS: Gaddafi accepts peace plan but rebels say he must go » | Maria Golovnina | TRIPOLI | Monday, April 11, 2011

Michel Houellebecq dénonce l'attitude "collaborationniste"
Dans une interview à la chaîne israélienne Guysen TV, le prix Goncourt 2010 a déploré un "surcroît revendicatif de la part des musulmans" et considéré que les écologistes ont vis-à-vis d'eux un "comportement de collaborationniste".

Michel Houellebecq dénonce l'attitude... by Nouvelobs
NOUVELOBS.COM: Houellebecq: les écolos sont les collabos de l'islamisme – Michel Houellebecq a beau n’être pas «un citoyen» et considérer la France comme «un hôtel», ça ne l’empêche heureusement pas de participer, à distance, au débat sur l’islam – pardon, sur la laïcité qu’organise ces jours-ci l’UMP. » | Grégoire Leménager | Mardi 05 Avril 2011

„Menschlicher Tsunami“: Heftiger Streit über Flüchtlinge aus Nordafrika
FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE: Vor dem Treffen der EU-Innenminister in Luxemburg hat sich der Streit über den Umgang mit den Flüchtlingen aus Nordafrika innerhalb der Europäischen Union verschärft. Während Bundesinnenminister Friedrich die Flüchtlingswelle für ein italienisches Problem hält, fordert Berlusconi Solidarität.

In Deutschland wird die Kritik an der Flüchtlingspolitik Italiens lauter. Bundesinnenminister Hans-Peter Friedrich (CSU) sagte vor einem EU-Innenministertreffen in Luxemburg an diesem Montag der Zeitung „Die Welt“: „Italien muss sein Flüchtlingsproblem selbst regeln“. Bayern und Hessen wollen die Einwanderung tunesischer Flüchtlinge notfalls mit der Wiedereinführung von Kontrollen an den deutschen Grenzen verhindern.

Mindestens 22.000 Flüchtlinge sind seit Beginn der politischen Unruhen in Nordafrika im Januar allein auf der italienischen Mittelmeerinsel Lampedusa angekommen. Die meisten von ihnen stammen aus Tunesien. Die Regierung in Rom hatte angekündigt, Flüchtlingen befristete Aufenthaltsgenehmigungen zu geben, mit denen sie auch in andere EU-Staaten einreisen könnten.

Der Flüchtlingsstrom nach Italien sorgt in der Europäischen Union für Streit. Die EU-Innenminister wollen sich an diesem Montag in Luxemburg mit der Flüchtlingsfrage befassen. Nach EU-Recht ist das Land, in dem Flüchtlinge EU-Boden betreten, für die Prüfung von Asylanträgen und Aufenthaltsbegehren zuständig. Strittig ist zwischen Rom und anderen EU-Ländern vor allem, ob Italien die Flüchtlinge aus Nordafrika innerhalb der EU weiterreisen lassen darf oder nicht. » | FAZ.NET | Sonntag, 10. April 2011

Fukushima: Evakuierungszone wird ausgeweitet
FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE: Die japanische Regierung weitet die Evakuierungszone rund um die Atomruine Fukushima nach wochenlangem Zögern nun doch aus. Bislang galt die Sperrzone nur für einen 20-Kilometer Radius um das Atomkraftwerk.

Die japanische Regierung weitet die Evakuierungszone rund um die Atomruine Fukushima aus. Das berichtete die Nachrichtenagentur Kyodo am Montag unter Berufung auf den Regierungssprecher Yukio Edano. Bislang galt die Sperrzone nur für einen 20-Kilometer Radius um das Atomkraftwerk. » | Montag, 11. April 2011

Un frère de l’ex-président Ben Ali a été arrêté
TRIBUNE DE GENÈVE: L’un des frères de l’ex-président tunisien Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Slah Ben Ali, a été arrêté dimanche à Sousse, à 150 km au sud de Tunis, a déclaré lundi une source autorisée au ministère de l’Intérieur.

Slah Ben Ali a été arrêté dimanche à Sousse et fait l’objet de trois mandats d’amener, dont la teneur n’a pas été précisée. » | ATS | Lundi 11 Avril 2011

La loi sur le voile intégral entre en vigueur
LE POINT: Porter un voile intégral dans la rue est désormais passible d'une amende de 150 euros et/ou d'un stage de citoyenneté.

Les femmes qui porteront un voile intégral dans la rue sont désormais passibles d'une amende de 150 euros et/ou d'un stage de citoyenneté, en conséquence de l'entrée en vigueur, lundi, de la loi du 11 octobre 2010 interdisant la dissimulation du visage. En France, il y aurait environ 2 000 femmes intégralement voilées, selon diverses estimations. » | Le Point.fr | Lundi 11 Avril 2011

Voile : une femme en niqab prend le train
LE POINT: La jeune femme affirme que la loi interdisant le port du voile intégral dans l'espace public est "une atteinte à (ses) droits européens".

Une jeune femme portant le niqab a pris le train lundi matin pour Paris en gare d'Avignon, affirmant s'opposer à la loi interdisant le port du voile intégral dans l'espace public, qui est "une atteinte à (ses) droits européens", a constaté un journaliste. "J'ai été invitée pour participer à une émission de télévision à laquelle je me rends et il se trouve que nous sommes le 11 avril, premier jour de l'application de la loi sur le voile intégral", a expliqué Kenza Drider, 32 ans, bénévole dans une association. » | Le Point.fr | Lundi 11 Avril 2011

Lien en relation avec les articles »

Defying France's Full Veil Ban
After more than a year of controversy, the ban on full face veil in France has just come into effect.



But some women are already vowing to defy the restriction, Al Jazeera's Tim Friend reports from Paris.



As the extreme right wing gains increasing popularity in France, President Sarkozy has been accused of trying to win back votes ahead of next year's presidential election by deliberately stigmatising Muslims.



The government vehemently denies this, and argues that the full veil is a symbol of male oppression.


LE FIGARO: Voile, signes religieux : ce qui est interdit en France : FOCUS [–] La loi sur le voile intégral qui entre en vigueur ce lundi vient s'ajouter à celle déjà existante sur les signes religieux dans les écoles. Récapitulatif des pratiques non-autorisées. » | Par Pauline Fréour | Lundi 11 Avril 2011

Gaddafi Accepts Roadmap to Peace
There has been more than a month of fighting in Libya - and at last there appears to be some hope on the horizon. 



And it has come in the form of the African Union. 



A delegation from the organisation, including South African president Jacob Zuma, has visited the capital, Tripoli.



And they say Muammar Gaddafi has accepted their road map to peace.



Al Jazeera's Anita McNaught reports from Tripoli.

Bradley Manning: Top US Legal Scholars Voice Outrage at 'Torture'
THE GUARDIAN: Obama professor among 250 experts who have signed letter condemning humiliation of alleged WikiLeaks source

More than 250 of America's most eminent legal scholars have signed a letter protesting against the treatment in military prison of the alleged WikiLeaks source Bradley Manning, contesting that his "degrading and inhumane conditions" are illegal, unconstitutional and could even amount to torture.

The list of signatories includes Laurence Tribe, a Harvard professor who is considered to be America's foremost liberal authority on constitutional law. He taught constitutional law to Barack Obama and was a key backer of his 2008 presidential campaign.

Tribe joined the Obama administration last year as a legal adviser in the justice department, a post he held until three months ago.

He told the Guardian he signed the letter because Manning appeared to have been treated in a way that "is not only shameful but unconstitutional" as he awaits court martial in Quantico marine base in Virginia.

The US soldier has been held in the military brig since last July, charged with multiple counts relating to the leaking of thousands of embassy cables and other secret documents to the WikiLeaks website.

Under the terms of his detention, he is kept in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day, checked every five minutes under a so-called "prevention of injury order" and stripped naked at night apart from a smock. » | Ed Pilkington in New York | Sunday, April 10, 2011

Woman Who Cut Internet to Georgia and Armenia 'Had Never Heard of Web'
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: A 75-year-old woman arrested for single-handedly cutting off the internet in Georgia and Armenia has tearfully insisted she is innocent and had never heard of the internet.

In a case that has attracted worldwide interest, pensioner Hayastan Shakarian is accused of forcing thousands of people in both countries offline for hours after hacking into a fibre-optic cable while digging for scrap metal.

But Shakarian, a Georgian of Armenian origin, told AFP that she was just a "poor old woman" who was not capable of committing such a crime.

"I did not cut this cable. Physically, I could not do it," she said, repeatedly bursting into tears as she spoke.

Ms Shakarian, who lives in the poverty-stricken Georgian village of Armazi, around 10 miles from the capital Tbilisi, said that she had only been collecting firewood.

"I have no idea what the internet is," she added. » | Monday, April 11, 2011

British Muslim Radical Banned from France ahead of Burka Ban
THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: A British Muslim radical has been banned permanently from France as the country steps up security before the introduction of a nationwide burka ban on Monday.

Anjem Choudary, head of the outlawed Islam4UK which advocates Sharia law, was turned back as he tried to join an illegal protest against the measure in Paris on Saturday.

He was served with a legal notice informing him that the French Interior Ministry was banning him permanently.

Abu Izzadeen and Omar Bakri, who are similarly controversial figures based in Britain, also tried to get to the event but were stopped by police.

France is on a high state of alert after al Qaeda issued warnings that it would attack the country following the introduction of the ban, which imposes fines of £130 to women caught wearing Islamic veils.

Men who force their wives or daughters to cover up illegally will face up to a year in prison, and fines of up to £25,000.

In October Jacques Myard, a senior member of President Nicolas Sarkozy's ruling UMP party who helped introduce the burka ban in France, said Britain was "losing the battle against Islamic extremism" and thus "opened the door to terrorism". » | Peter Allen in Paris | Sunday, April 10, 2011

Libya: Britain Told US Not to Intervene in Lockerbie Bomber Release
THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: The British ambassador to the US told America it should not intervene to stop the release of the Lockerbie bomber from a Scottish prison, according to leaked diplomatic cables obtained by WikiLeaks and passed to the Daily Telegraph.

Nigel Sheinwald told James Steinberg, the US Deputy Secretary of State, that he was "concerned" that the demands of victims' families were unduly influencing US policy.

His comments came during critical negotiations over whether Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, who was convicted of the murder of 270 passengers on Pan Am Flight 103, should be switched to a Libyan jail to serve the remainder of his sentence.

Sir Nigel was Tony Blair's foreign policy adviser between 2003 and 2007 and played a key role, alongside the Libyan Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa, in bringing Colonel Muammar Gaddafi back into the international fold. He was at Mr Blair's side for the first meeting with Colonel Gaddafi in 2007 that resulted in a substantial BP oil contract.

The cable, obtained by WikiLeaks and passed to the Daily Telegraph, is dated February 2009. It states: "Sheinwald asked that the US continue to consult with the UK in the possible transfer of ailing Pan Am bomber Abdel-Basset al-Megrahi from the UK to Libya. Specifically, he said HMG supported the discussions this week between UK and US officials to define a common strategy.

"Sheinwald cited concern that the Pan Am victims' families were asking for direct US intervention to stop the transfer. He asked that the United States delay "for a few days" any intervention with the Scottish authorities, who will ultimately decide on the transfer." » | Steven Swinford | Sunday, April 10, 2011

Australia Unveils Ugly Cigarette Packets in Fight against Smoking
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Tobacco companies will be forced to drop logos and branding from cigarette packs in Australia in an attempt to make smoking less glamorous.

As part of the toughest antismoking legislation in the world, which is expected to go before parliament later this year, all packets would be the same colour – an ugly olive green – and will come plastered with graphic health warnings including pictures of diseased eyes, rotting teeth and young children in hospital.

The product's name would appear on the front of the pack in a standard font size and style.

The move is intended to reduce the smoking rate in Australia to 10 per cent in less than 10 years but has been strongly opposed by the tobacco lobby, which has vowed to mount a legal challenge against the proposed laws.

British American Tobacco Australia have warned that the legislation would infringe international trademark and intellectual property laws.

"The new packs have been designed to have the lowest appeal to smokers and to make clear the terrible effects that smoking can have on your health," said Nicola Roxon, the health minister.

"The government knows that big tobacco companies are going to fight this," she said. » | Bonnie Malkin, Sydney | Thursday, April 07, 2011

Here we go again! Why don’t legislators leave people alone, and use education and infomercials to keep informing people of the dangers of smoking, and leave it at that? Why do innocent people have to be subjected to this barrage of attacks on their rights to use a legal substance.

I would be the last person in the world to advocate that anyone smoke. I have myself successfully given up the habit. But some people still enjoy smoking. Let them smoke, for goodness’ sake. Many people have far worse habits than smoking a few cigarettes. Even Prince Harry enjoys a ciggy!

I listened to an interesting story the other day: A mother told me that young people today, because cigarettes have been made so expensive, have taken to rolling their own and lacing the tobacco with illegal substances! If this is the case, aren’t we in danger of trying to stub out one bad habit and replacing it with another habit far worse? We all know about the ‘law of unintended consequences’!

Now regarding this proposal to use ugly cigarette packets Down Under... I predict that it will fail to have the desired result of reducing smoking. What could well happen is this: People could return to the old habit of taking their cigarettes out of the ugly packets and placing them in attractive cigarette cases, as people so often used to do in years gone by. I’d be willing to wager that people will rediscover the fashion. If I were still a smoker, and if I lived in Australia and were confronted with such hideous cigarette packs, I’d find a glamorous cigarette case to fill!

Some enterprising company will no doubt start to market such cases. If this happens, the law will become meaningless. – © Mark

Libya: Rebel Defences 'Failing' as Gaddafi Forces Move towards Benghazi
THE GUARDIAN: Soldiers loyal to Muammar Gaddafi reach heart of strategic town of Ajdabiya, 90 miles from city at centre of revolution

Muammar Gaddafi's forces continued to fight their way toward Benghazi, the city at the heart of Libya's revolution, as five African leaders arrived in Tripoli in an attempt to broker a ceasefire and political settlement.

Rebel defences around Ajdabiya appeared to be failing as Gaddafi's soldiers broke into the heart of the strategic town, 90 miles from Benghazi, and engaged in running street battles after again outmanoeuvring the revolutionaries.

Although western powers continued their air strikes, the strikes did not appear to deter Gaddafi's forces.

Rebels said government forces shot down a Russian-made helicopter sent to the fight by revolutionaries only two days before. Nato forced a rebel MIG jet to land because of the UN-imposed no-fly zone.

Shelling around the southern entrance to Ajdabiya continued , with loud explosions heard and thick black smoke rising over parts of the town.

Much of Ajdabiya was deserted after civilians fled amid the prospect of Gaddafi's troops taking the town for the second time in as many weeks. » | Chris McGreal in Ajdabiya | Sunday, April 10, 2011

Frankreich: Festnahmen im Vorfeld des Burka-Verbots
SCHWEIZER FERNSEHEN: Ab Montag ist in Frankreich das Tragen von Gesichtsschleiern in der Öffentlichkeit verboten. Das Verbot gilt für die muslimischen Schleier wie den Nikab und die Burka. In Paris hat die Polizei am Samstag während einer unbewilligten Demonstration gegen das Verbot über 60 Personen festgenommen, darunter auch 19 Frauen.

59 Personen seien festgenommen worden, als sie auf der Place de la Nation im Osten von Paris demonstrieren wollten. Zudem seien auch zwei Personen festgenommen worden, die von Grossbritannien nach Belgien reisen wollten, hiess es.

Die Kundgebung gegen das Verschleierungsverbot war von der Polizei am Freitag verboten worden, weil sie darin einen Aufruf zu Gewalt und Rassenhass sah. Dieser habe sich weniger auf die Kundgebung an sich, als vielmehr auf die Reden bezogen, hiess es.

In Frankreich sind ab Montag Gesichtsschleier verboten. Dies bezieht sich vor allem auf die muslimischen Schleier wie den Nikab, bei dem nur ein Schlitz für die Augen bleibt, oder den Ganzkörperschleier, die Burka. » | dpa/sda/muei | Sonntag, 10. April 2011

Frankreich beschliesst Burka-Verbot
Das französische Parlament hat ein landesweites Verbot der Burka verabschiedet. Die Abgeordneten stimmten mit 336 zu einer Stimme für das Gesetz, das die Gesichtsverschleierung aus der Öfffentlichkeit verbannt

CNN: French police arrest burqa ban protesters: Paris -- Police in Paris arrested dozens of people for trying to hold an unauthorized demonstration to protest a ban on the wearing of Islamic veils such as burqas, they said Sunday. » | Niki Cook, CNN | Sunday, April 10, 2011

Hamas to Impose Ceasefire with Israel
THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: Hamas is ready to impose a ceasefire with Israel after the heaviest bombing of the Gaza Strip since the war in 2009 killed 19 Palestinians.

A spokesman for the radical Islamic party said that the group would stop firing at Israeli cities after a punishing set of retaliatory airstrikes. Hamas triggered the outbreak of fighting by carrying out a missile attack on a school bus on Wednesday, severely injuring a teenager and wounding the driver.

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli leader, warned that it could step up the assault on the Palestinians. He said: “If the attacks on Israeli citizens and soldiers continue, the response will be far harsher.” » | Damien McElroy, Foreign Affairs Correspondent | Sunday, April 10, 2011

Prince of Wales 'Abused and Ridiculed' over His Attempts to Promote Inter-faith Dialogue
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: The Prince of Wales complained of being "abused and ridiculed" over his attempts to promote inter-faith dialogue as he addressed religious leaders in Morocco.

The Prince, who has spent decades trying to encourage better understanding of different religions around the world, said he would not allow the criticism to not [sic] stand in his way.

During a discussion with Islamic scholars at the Al-Qarawiyyin University [جامعة القرويين] in Fez, the Prince said: "One of the hardest things is to remind people of the great truth of traditional Islam, not distorted Islam, and trying to remind people of the great truth of traditional Christianity, not distorted Christianity, and we know there are problems in both religions.

"It's the issue of stereotypes that is difficult. It's so easy to concentrate on the negative and not the positive.

"But what I do is remind people of what we share in common." » | Gordon Rayner, in Fez | Wednesday, April 06, 2011

Ann Barnhardt Rebuts Lindsey Graham's Remarks Regarding the First Amendment

Part 2 »

Moubarak dément s’être enrichi
20 MINUTES ONLINE: L'ancien président s'est exprimé pour la première fois depuis sa chute.

L'ancien président égyptien Hosni Moubarak a démenti avoir abusé de son autorité pour accumuler biens et richesses, dans un message sonore diffusé dimanche par la chaîne Al-Arabiya. C'est la première intervention de l'ex-raïs depuis sa chute le 11 février après 18 jours de manifestations.

Hosni Moubarak se dit prêt à coopérer à toute enquête des autorités égyptiennes pour démontrer, a-t-il souligné, qu'il ne possède pas de biens ni de comptes à l'étranger. L'ancien chef de l'Etat se trouve actuellement en résidence surveillée avec sa famille dans un palais de Charm el-Cheikh, station balnéaire sur la mer Rouge. Enquête sur les avoirs demandée » | ap | Dimanche 10 Avril 2011

Mubarak to Al Arabiya: I Welcome Inquiry into My Assets
Slams critics, denies having assets abroad
AL ARABIYA: In his first public remarks since stepping down as Egyptian president in Ferburary, Hosni Mubarak on Sunday hit back at critics who have accused him and his family of improper activity.



“I have spent my whole life in serving the nation with honesty and integrity,” he said in a recorded message broadcast exclusively on Al Arabiya. “I cannot remain silent in face of the continual campaigns of defamation and false accusations that aim at ruining the reputation and integrity of my family and me.” 



He said he welcomed inquiries into his finances. “I will stick to all my legal rights to have action against everyone who tried to mess with the reputation of me and my family whether inside or outside the country.” » | Abeer Tayel, Al Arabiya | Sunday, April 10, 2011

Western Intervention Has Made an Incredible Mess in Libya - Anti-war Activist

Arab Spring Clearing Path for Iranians?
Apr 8, 2011 – How is Iran taking advantage of unrest?

Medvedev Stresses Islam’s Importance for Russia (July 15, 2009)

Flüchtlingsstrom aus Nordafrika: Bayern droht mit Grenzkontrollen zu Österreich
SPIEGEL ONLINE: Hauptsache nicht zu uns! Bayern will die Einreise von Flüchtlingen aus Nordafrika verhindern - und droht mit Kontrollen an der österreichischen Grenze. Dies sei "das letzte Mittel", sagte Innenminister Herrmann. Vor allem Italiens laxe Visa-Politik nervt Deutsche und Franzosen.

München - "Ihren Ausweis bitte" - diesen Satz könnten Reisende demnächst wieder an der deutsch-österreichischen Grenze zu hören bekommen. Denn Bayern will notfalls mit der Wiedereinführung von Grenzkontrollen die Einwanderung von Flüchtlingen aus Nordafrika verhindern.

Weil die italienische Regierung mit dem Flüchtlingsstrom aus Nordafrika nicht mehr zurechtkommt, kündigte sie an, den Menschen befristete Aufenthaltsgenehmigungen zu geben, mit denen sie auch in andere EU-Staaten einreisen könnten. Das bringt den bayerischen Innenminister Joachim Herrmann (CSU) in Rage. "Wir werden es nicht hinnehmen, dass die italienische Regierung die Tunesier einfach zu Touristen erklärt und sie auf diese Weise in andere Länder schiebt", sagte Herrmann der "Welt am Sonntag". "Die Wiedereinführung von Grenzkontrollen ist das letzte Mittel."

Die gegebenenfalls nötigen "lageangepassten Grenzkontrollen" würden das Verhältnis zwischen Deutschland und Italien aber erheblich belasten, sagte er. "Deshalb erwarten wir von Regierungschef Silvio Berlusconi, dass sein Land das Einwandererproblem selbst regelt und nicht auf andere EU-Länder ablädt."

Italien sei ein so großes Land, dass es auch 23.000 tunesische Migranten aufnehmen könne. Nur zehn Prozent dieser Menschen hätten einen Asylantrag gestellt, sagte Herrmann. "Es handelt sich meist um Wirtschaftsflüchtlinge. Das ist etwas völlig anderes als in Libyen, wo die Menschen vor einem Bürgerkrieg fliehen." Berlusconi würde sich einen Gefallen tun, wenn er Wirtschaftsflüchtlinge konsequent wieder in deren Heimat zurückbringen ließe, sagte Herrmann. "Dazu müsste die italienische Marine wohl in der Lage sein." » | mmq/dapd/dpa | Sonntag, 10. April 2011

Cameron's F-word Outburst at Reporters over British Empire 'Gaffe'
MAIL ONLINE: David Cameron swore angrily on the plane journey back from his trip to Pakistan after he learned of the row caused by his comment that Britain is to blame for many of the world’s problems.

The Prime Minister turned on a journalist who had reported his remark and said, ‘You f*****!’.

The outburst came after Mr Cameron’s apparent attempt to distance himself from the UK’s imperial past had received a warm welcome from his audience in Pakistan.

Asked about the long-running row between Pakistan and India over Kashmir, which dates back to the days of the British Empire, he said: ‘I don’t want to try to insert Britain in some leading role where, as with so many of the world’s problems, we are responsible for the issue in the first place.’ Continue reading and comment » | Simon Walters | Sunday, April 10, 2011

My comment on this:

The F-word uttered with a posh accent is still the F-word. Uttering it with a plum in one's mouth doesn't make it any better, any more acceptable, especially from our sitting prime minister. A few days ago, we read that Nicolas Sarkozy had told the editor of Le Point that he should "smash his face in" for calling his wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, a "man-eater." Now the F-word from our 'Conservative' prime minister. What are we going to hear next? Clearly, the calibre of our leaders is going down and down. – © Mark

Screwed by Corporate America

Saudi Arabia Has a Divorce Every 30 Minutes
EMIRATES 24/7: Saudi Arabia has one of the highest divorce rates in the world, with such cases averaging one every half an hour in 2010, according to a local newspaper.

The Gulf Kingdom, the world’s dominant oil power, had 18,765 recorded divorce cases last year, one of the world’s highest rates compared to its population, Alsaudi Arabic language daily said. » | Staff | Sunday, April 10, 2011

Russia's Unruly North Caucasus: Islam Inflamed
THE ECONOMIST: Muslim fundamentalism is on the rise in the north Caucasus. To stop it, Russian policy must change

THE world is fearful of Islam’s rising influence in Afghanistan, Pakistan and across the newly restive Arab world. But it has barely noticed what is happening in Russia’s troubled north Caucasus. After two decades of political and military failure in this violent part of the world, the government in Moscow is losing its legitimacy there, and fundamentalist Islam, which had no purchase in Soviet days, has taken hold.

The north Caucasus may take up only a small space on the map, but it looms large for Russia. The region has often decisively influenced the course of Russia’s own development. Boris Yeltsin’s decision to send in troops to stop Chechnya’s march towards independence helped to weaken Russia’s fledgling democracy in the mid-1990s. Vladimir Putin’s vow to rub out Chechen rebels “in the shithouse” helped to propel him into the presidency. Eleven years on, the north Caucasus is still one of Russia’s biggest headaches. Terrorist attacks, like the bombing at Domodedovo airport in January, have become almost commonplace. In its largely unreported fighting in the north Caucasus, Russia is suffering as many losses every year as Britain has lost in ten years in Afghanistan. » | Leaders | Thursday, April 07, 2011

Pakistan's Controversial Religious Schools
The Pakistani government is trying once again to reform the country's religious schools, locally known as madrassas. 



Critics argue they fail to teach students a wider curriculum, and have become a nursery for future extremists. But those who run the schools, and the 
students themselves, strongly disagree.



Al Jazeera's Kamal Hyder reports from Peshawar.

Syria Unrest: Violence Continues to Escalate
A Syrian human rights group says at least 37 people were killed across the country on Friday.

Meanwhile, Syrian state television has shown video of what it says were armed criminals firing in the central city of Homs.

Earlier in the day, the government claimed armed gangs had killed 19 policemen and wounded 75 in Daraa.

Al Jazeera's Cal Perry reports from Damascus.



Warning: This package contains images that may disturb or offend some viewers.

A Rare Glimpse of Gaddafi Forces
So far the conflict in Libya has been reported only from one side, as no press was allowed to cover Gaddafi forces on the battleground but Al Jazeera has now exclusive access to footage which offers rare glimpse of pro-government forces.



Filmed in mid-March, the video shows government army pushing forward to crush the eastern uprising before NATO got green light to launch airstrikes.



The footage shows young men being taken into custody and beaten up by Gaddafi loyalists and government forces roaming the streets of Ajdabiya.

Leading Bahrain Activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja Arrested
BBC: Security forces in Bahrain have arrested and beaten one of the country's leading human rights activists, his daughter says.

The activist, Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, was seized in the middle of the night and taken away with his two sons-in-law.

It is the latest in a series of violent night-time arrests of opposition activists, say human rights workers.

The Bahraini government accuses them of inciting unrest and trying to divide the Sunni and Shia Muslim communities.

Mr al-Khawaja's daughter says in the very early hours of Saturday morning up to 20 armed and masked policemen broke down the door of their apartment and began attacking her father.

Maryam al-Khawaja says he offered no resistance but that the men beat him unconscious and dragged him downstairs, leaving a trail of blood.

She said the family have no idea where he has been taken, what he is accused of, or how long he will be held. » | Frank Gardner, BBC security correspondent, Bahrain | Saturday, April 09, 2011

BBC: Police brutality turns Bahrain into 'island of fear': The BBC has obtained images of alleged police brutality against peaceful protesters in the Bahraini capital Manama, where fears of a systematic crackdown on pro-democracy activists are growing. » | Bill Law, Crossing Continents, BBC News | Thursday, April 07, 2011

Berlusconi: 'Human Tsunami' Arriving in Lampedusa
BBC: The Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, has warned Europe of what he called a "human tsunami" arriving on the island of Lampedusa.

Tens of thousands of migrants have reached the tiny Italian island in recent weeks amid fighting and political unrest in North Africa.

Mr Berlusconi called on his European counterparts to do more to help with the worsening humanitarian situation.
Will Grant reports. Watch video » | Sunday, April 10, 2011

Dutch Ritual Slaughter Ban a Step Closer

EURONEWS: In Holland, a proposal to ban Kosher and Halal slaughter methods has moved a step closer to reality, with a majority of the country’s MPs now supporting the ban.

In order to reduce stress, in the EU animals slaughtered for meat are normally stunned before they are killed. But Kosher and Halal butchery requires the animals to be fully conscious when their throats are cut. » | © Euronews | Friday, April 08, 2011

'Burqa Ban' in France: Housewife Vows to Face Jail Rather Than Submit
THE OBSERVER: Muslim woman says that she will not accept pressure from mosques or state over 'burqa ban' that begins on 11 April

Kenza Drider, a respectable mother-of-four, will leave her home in Avignon's Place de la Résistance on Monday with the intention of committing a crime. If the police are waiting for her – and they have had more than enough warning – she will be cautioned, perhaps be asked to accompany officers to the local station, possibly face a fine and, perhaps, will leave with a criminal record.

It is unlikely she will end up in jail, but who knows? It is a risk she is willing to take. Drider is not only determined to become a miscreant; she sees it as her absolute duty to do so.

This 32-year-old French housewife has become the face of the country's "burqa brigade", the women in France who cover themselves from head to toe in full veils. She will fall foul of a law that comes into effect on Monday 11 April tomorrow and forbids French citizens from covering their faces in public places; despite the ban's deliberately general wording, there is no doubt that its target is very specific: Muslim women.

Drider's first offence will be to set foot inside Avignon's TGV rail station where she is due to take a train to Paris. For this she risks a €150 fine and, if she repeats the offence, being sent on a "citizenship course".

"I will be going about my business in my full veil as I have for the last 12 years and nothing and nobody is going to stop me," she declares, swathed in the material she refuses to take off even while speaking to a female journalist in her own home.

Like most of the women concerned by this law, Drider wears a niqab veil that reveals only her eyes, as opposed to a burqa, the full body covering worn by Afghan women. » | Kim Willsher | Sunday, April 10, 2011