L'Italien enlevé à Gaza a été exécuté
TRIBUNE DE GENÈVE: L'Italien enlevé à Gaza est mort par suffocation. Deux de ses ravisseurs présumés ont été arrêtés.

Le ressortissant italien enlevé par un groupe salafiste à Gaza a été exécuté par ses ravisseurs. Son corps a été retrouvé dans la nuit de jeudi à vendredi, ont indiqué les services de sécurité du Hamas. Deux des ravisseurs présumés ont été arrêtés.

Mort étouffé 


Les services de sécurité recherchent leurs complices, a ajouté la même source. «L’Italien a été exécuté par suffocation et son corps a été retrouvé dans une rue de la ville de Gaza», a déclaré un porte- parole des services de sécurité du mouvement islamiste qui contrôle la bande de Gaza. » | ATS | Vendredi 15 Avril 2011

La Corée du Nord célèbre l’anniversaire de son fondateur
TRIBUNE DE GENÈVE: Les Nord-Coréens célébraient vendredi la «fête du Soleil», l’anniversaire de la naissance de Kim- Il song, père de l’actuel dirigeant du pays. Parallèlement étaient lancés depuis le Sud des tracts appelant à la chute du régime.

La Corée du Nord célébrait vendredi la naissance de son fondateur dans une ambiance festive, selon la propagande du régime, alors que des activistes lançaient depuis le Sud des tracts appelant à la chute du régime dirigé par son fils Kim Jong-Il.

La «fête du Soleil» célèbre l’anniversaire de la naissance de Kim- Il song, père de l’actuel dirigeant, proclamé «président pour l’éternité» à sa mort en 1994. La foule a déposé des fleurs au pied de la statue du fondateur du régime et d’immenses portraits de Kim étaient affichés dans les rues de Pyongyang, a rapporté l’agence de presse officielle KCNA. » | AFP | Vendredi 15 Avril 2011

Une prison américaine interdit tout autre ouvrage que la Bible
TRIBUNE DE GENÈVE: Seuls avec la Bible. Un shérif de Caroline du Sud est accusé d’interdire aux détenus d’une prison toute autre lecture que le texte saint, qui leur est "proposé" gratuitement.

Le ministère américain de la Justice a lancé des poursuites judiciaires à l’encontre d’un shérif de Caroline du Sud accusé d’interdire aux détenus d’une prison toute autre lecture que la Bible.

Selon la plainte du ministère, déposée cette semaine devant un tribunal de Charleston (sud-est), le bureau du shérif Sheriff H. Wayne DeWitt refuse systématiquement les demandes de prisonniers souhaitant recevoir des journaux, des revues ou même des cours par correspondance.

"Le seul livre, magazine, journal ou publication religieuse" que le Centre de détention du comté de Berkeley autorise "est la Bible", affirme la plainte. » | AFP | Vendredi 15 Avril 2011

Vince Cable Backtracks on Criticism of David Cameron's Immigration Claims
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Vince Cable has indicated his support for the Government’s policy on tackling immigration, despite earlier accusing David Cameron of “inflaming extremism”.

The Business Secretary earlier said the Prime Minister had been “very unwise” in giving a speech warning that mass immigration had led to "discomfort and disjointedness" in some communities.

However, he later appeared to backtrack on his criticism, telling reporters that the Coalition was “completely united” on the issue.

Questioned about his earlier comments, which he made to the BBC, Mr Cable, a Liberal Democrat, said: "I don't want to develop that, and I think I have said what I wanted to say.

"We have a common consensus, a compromise in the coalition on our policy on the immigration cap and I don't think I need to add to that.

"We are completely united behind the policy and the policy is about a cap." (+ video) » | Thursday, April 14, 2011

Related »

Cannes 2011: 'Embarrassing' Nicolas Sarkozy Biopic to Debut
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: A biopic of Nicolas Sarkozy that charts his rise to power and break-up of his marriage has been selected for the Cannes Film Festival, threatening to turn the unpopular French president into an international laughing stock.


La Conquête (The Conquest) will receive its world premiere at the French festival on May 18 after months of fevered speculation about its content. The drama charts Mr Sarkozy’s victory in the 2007 election.

It also shows him fretting about his height and using colourful language to describe his enemies. Yet it brings out a more sympathetic side of the French leader as he struggles to cope with the break-up of his marriage to Cécilia, his second wife. She left him for another man shortly after the presidential race.

Mr Sarkozy now faces a dilemma over his attendance at the festival. He had been expected to walk his wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, down the red carpet at the premiere of her film, Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris, which will open the 10-day event.

Critics of Mr Sarkozy await its unveiling with glee, after a teasing trailer for the film showed him proclaiming: “I am a Ferrari. You open the hood with white gloves on.”

The premiere spells potential embarrassment for Mr Sarkozy and could dent his bid for a second presidential term at a time when his disapproval rating amongst the French electorate stands at 74 per cent. » | Anita Singh, Henry Samuel in Paris | Thursday, April 14, 2011

Libya: Col Muammar Gaddafi 'Parades through Tripoli in a Jeep'
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Libyan television on Thursday broadcast footage of what it claimed was Col Muammar Gaddafi driving around Tripoli and said the outing occurred while the Libyan capital was being bombed by Nato.

Wearing a green safari hat, dark glasses and a black jacket, state television showed Col Gaddafi pumping his fists in the air and waving, standing through the sunroof of an open-top sport utility vehicle.

A screen caption said the trip had taken place a short while ago, while the Libyan capital was under Nato air attack. Read on, and watch The Telegraph video here » | Thursday, April 14, 2011

Obama's Bid to Beat the Deficit: Tax the Rich
THE AUSTRALIAN: BARACK Obama has set the scene for an ideological battle in next year's presidential election, announcing tax increases for the wealthy.

The proposed hike is part of his plan to reduce the federal budget deficit by $US4 trillion ($3.8 trillion) over 12 years.

In a break from his conciliatory style, Mr Obama has ripped into his Republican opponents for trying to put the burden of deficit reduction on the poor and elderly while continuing to cushion the wealthy.

The President announced a broad plan for reducing the US budget deficit yesterday, including cuts to government health programs and defence spending.

But he raised Republican hackles by refusing point blank to extend tax cuts introduced by the Bush administration for people earning more than $US250,000 a year.

Mr Obama said he had agreed to renew the tax cuts for high-income earners once, as part of a deal with Republicans to guarantee cuts for the middle class. "I refuse to renew them again," he said. » | Brad Norington, Washington Correspondent | The Australian | Friday, April 15, 2011

Denmark's Royal Twins Christened Vincent and Josefina
Danish Crown Princess Mary holds her three-month-old daughter Josefina while Crown Prince Frederik holds her twin brother Vincent at their christening in Copenhagen. Picture: The Australian
THE AUSTRALIAN: NEARLY 300 guests crammed into the Holmens Church in Copenhagen this morning for the christening of the latest additions to the Danish royal family: twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josefina.

The youngest children of Crown Prince Frederik and Australian-born Crown Princess Mary were baptised Vincent Frederik Minik Alexander and Josefina Sofia Ivalo Mathilda.

Following three months of speculation, the babies' names, a closely-kept secret since their birth on January 8, immediately became the top news story in Denmark. » | AFP | Friday, April 15, 2011

Ending Kusa Sanctions 'Astonishing'
LONDON EVENING STANDARD: An EU decision to lift sanctions on Muammar Gaddafi's former right-hand man Musa Kusa has been condemned as "astonishing".

Kusa, who made a high-profile defection to Britain last month, no longer faces travel restrictions or an asset freeze.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "Sanctions are introduced to invoke behavioural change and as Musa Kusa has chosen to leave the regime he is no longer sanctioned in this way." » | Thursday, April 14, 2011

Catherine Zeta Jones Treated for Bipolar Disorder
BBC: Catherine Zeta Jones has received treatment for bipolar disorder after dealing with the stress of her husband's battle with throat cancer.

Zeta Jones, 41, made a decision to check into a "mental health facility" for a brief stay, said her publicist.

Michael Douglas, who was diagnosed last year, said in January his tumour had gone and he was beating the disease.

Last September, Zeta Jones said she was "furious" that doctors failed to detect the cancer earlier.

Bipolar, also known as manic depression, causes severe mood swings, that usually last several weeks or months.

Zeta Jones's publicist Cece Yorke said the actress sought treatment for the condition following the stress of her husband's cancer fight.

"After dealing with the stress of the past year, Catherine made the decision to check in to a mental health facility for a brief stay to treat her Bipolar II disorder," said Yorke.

"She's feeling great and looking forward to starting work this week on her two upcoming films."

It is unclear when Zeta Jones, who is from Swansea, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder or where she received treatment. (+ video) » | Thursday, April 14, 2011

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Zeta Jones spoke of being enveloped by a 'dark cloud': Catherine Zeta Jones gave a nod towards her struggles with depression when she spoke of being enveloped by a "dark cloud" months before she checked into a rehabilitation clinic for treatment. » | Anita Singh, Showbusiness Editor | Friday, April 15, 2011

David Cameron Rejects Cable Immigration Criticism
BBC: David Cameron has hit back at criticism by cabinet colleague Vince Cable over his promise to cut immigration to "tens of thousands" of people a year.

The Lib Dem business secretary said the prime minister had been "very unwise" and that such a target was Conservative - not coalition government - policy.

He added that Mr Cameron's comments, made in a speech to Tory activists, "risked inflaming extremism".

But the prime minister denied this and said his words had been "measured".

Labour leader Ed Miliband said ministers had to "get a grip" on immigration and stop fighting amongst themselves.

The Conservatives' 2010 election manifesto calls for "steps to take net migration back to the levels of the 1990s - tens of thousands a year, not hundreds of thousands".

However, the coalition agreement between the Conservatives and Lib Dems pledges only an "annual limit" on people coming to the UK from outside the European Union for economic reasons, making no reference to specific numbers. » | Thursday, April 14, 2011

Comment on this story here »

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Dubai Death Briton Lee Brown 'Choked on Vomit'
BBC: A British tourist died in police custody in Dubai after choking on his own vomit, officials have said.

Lee Brown, 39, of east London, was held at the luxury Burj Al Arab hotel after being accused of physically and verbally abusing a female staff member.

The UK has called for an inquiry amid reports he was assaulted by officers.

But the claim was denied by an unnamed police official quoted by local media and Dubai's attorney general said the force followed the "highest standards".

Dubai attorney general Issam Al Humaidan said a post-mortem examination concluded Mr Brown's death was caused by suffocation after vomit leaked into his respiratory tract.

In a statement he expressed condolences to Mr Brown's family and said that police in the Gulf emirate dealt with prisoners with respect and were "governed by the highest standards to preserve human rights". » | Thursday, April 14, 2011

Related »

Islam : «Sarkozy est dans une course poursuite avec le FN»

"Attacke" auf Christian Wulff Der Eierwurf von Wiesbaden
STERN.DE: Der Bundespräsident steckte es locker weg, wechselte kurz das Jackett und ging zur Tagesordnung über. Zuvor hatte ihn ein "Wiederholungstäter" mit einem Ei beworfen.


Der Bundespräsident nahm es locker. "Ich möchte den Kontakt zu den Bürgern haben. Das setzt voraus, dass man auch einmal von einem Ei getroffen wird", sagte Christian Wulff nach der "Attacke" von Wiesbaden [E]. Und bereits wenige Minuten nach der Attacke kam Wulff im neuen Jackett wieder aus dem Landtag und ließ sich mit einer Gruppe Mädchen fotografieren, die am "Girl's Day" das hessische Parlament besucht hatten. Später sprach Wulff auch noch mit älteren Wiesbadenern.

Ein 48-Jähriger hatte aus der Menge heraus ein Ei auf Wulff und Hessens Ministerpräsidenten Volker Bouffier (CDU) abgefeuert, das beide traf und das präsidiale Jackett mit Dotter beschmierte. Ein weiteres Ei verfehlte die Politiker.

Dass der Werfer auf den Hessen zielte, der Wulff nach Wiesbaden eingeladen hatte und mit ihm durch die Landeshauptstadt spazierte, ist aber unwahrscheinlich. Ein Blick auf seine Vergangenenheit weist ihn als notorischen Präsidentenbewerfer aus: So hatte der Mann 2007 schon das damalige Staatsoberhaupt Horst Köhler attackiert. » | ben/DPA | Donnerstag, 14. April 2011

Kampala Journal: Pulling Out All the Stops to Push an Antigay Bill
THE NEW YORK TIMES: KAMPALA, Uganda — They entered through Parliament’s gates, an eclectic group. Their leader, the Rev. Martin Ssempa, wore sunglasses and long black robes embroidered with matching red crosses and two campaign buttons. One said, “Debate Our Bill Now!” and the other, simply, “No to Sodomy.”

Mr. Ssempa’s mission is to get Uganda’s Parliament to pass a highly contentious antigay bill and eradicate homosexuality throughout the country — or, after more than a year of the law’s languishing in the legislature, to at least debate the proposed law.

To many here, Uganda’s gay population does not represent a sexual minority advocating for its rights, but an underground threat promoting a cancerous vice. They accuse gay men and women of recruiting children in secondary schools, and maybe giving them H.I.V.

In 2009, Uganda’s Parliament tabled legislation calling for the execution of gays under certain circumstances and requiring citizens to report any known act of homosexuality to the police within 24 hours.

The bill drew ire from Western nations and has drifted listlessly in Parliament over the last 18 months. When David Kato, a prominent gay-rights activist, was murdered in January after his photo ran on the cover of a newspaper calling for gays to be hanged, the bill became politically toxic.

But with Parliament closing next month, Mr. Ssempa, a leading religious figure from an independent sect of Christianity, made a last-ditch push last week, bringing a coalition of religious leaders, civil society organizers and two self-described former homosexuals to meet directly with the speaker of Parliament, Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi. They presented him with a petition containing what they said were more than two million signatures in support of the bill.

The Anti-Homosexuality Bill was introduced in 2009, only a month after a seminar with American ministers about “curing” homosexuality and the dangers of “the gay movement.” Last year, an evangelical Christian from Missouri, Lou Engle, held an event in Uganda at which the bill was promoted (though after he left to travel home, he says).

But Uganda, a poor and heavily Christian nation of 35 million with a large American missionary community, has long held its own conservative views on sexuality. Mr. Ssempa says his movement is about African culture, and while the United States has continued to debate its own societal values, similar conversations are happening here. » | Josh Kron | Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Arianna Huffington Scorns 'Painful' Blogger Lawsuit
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Arianna Huffington, the co-founder and editor of The Huffington Post, has hit back at the group of bloggers filing a major lawsuit against her, saying the accusation that she treated them like “slaves” is “painfully unoriginal”.

EXTRACT: “It seems that AOL's purchase of HuffPost suddenly opened his eyes to the fact that we are a business. I guess he'd missed the ads that appeared on the same page as his blog posts the 216 times he decided, of his own free will, to post something on our site.”

She went on to compare free blogging to appearing for free on a TV show and said that blogging had changed media landscape forever.

“People blog on HuffPost for free for the same reason they go on cable TV shows every night for free: either because they are passionate about their ideas or because they have something to promote and want exposure to large and multiple audiences,” she argued.

“Our bloggers are repeatedly invited on TV to discuss their posts and have received everything from paid speech opportunities and book deals to a TV show…

“Bottom line: the vast majority of our bloggers are thrilled to contribute -- and we're thrilled to have them. Indeed, we are inundated with requests from people who want to use our platform. People are looking to join the party, not go home early. Read the whole article here, and comment » | Emma Barnett, Digital Media Editor | Thursday, April 14, 2011

Related »

Vaclav Klaus, The President of the Czech Republic: A Penchant for Other People’s Pens!

Plenty of pens for Mr. President’s pocket: Two cheeky Czechs have launched a campaign aimed at gathering writing implements for the country’s President Václav Klaus. In doing so, they express their support to the leader, who has recently found himself in an embarrassing situation. » | Wednesday, April 13, 2011

America Loves Debt!

US Dollar Should Be Replaced by New Global Reserve – Leading Economist

«Bernanke pumpt eine weitere Blase auf»
TAGES ANZEIGER: Der Chef des Bostoner Vermögensverwalters GMO, Jeremy Grantham, hält Aktien für überbewertet und warnt vor grossen Risiken am Bondmarkt.

Wenige Investoren haben in den vergangenen Jahren so viel Klarsicht bewiesen wie Jeremy Grantham. Der Gründer des Bostoner Vermögensverwalters GMO warnte vor 2007 wiederholt vor einem Kollaps am US-Immobilienmarkt und vor einem Börsencrash. Im März 2009, auf dem Höhepunkt der Marktpanik, empfahl er in einem Kundenbrief mit dem Titel «Reinvesting When Terrified» den Kauf von Aktien. Heute ist er skeptisch. Die Aktienmärkte seien als Folge der enorm expansiven Geldpolitik der US-Notenbank bereits überbewertet, während der Bondmarkt für Investoren «tödlich» sei – ein Riesendilemma für Anleger, sagt Grantham. Er rät zum Aufbau von Cashreserven. » | Von Mark Dittli, Finanz und Wirtschaft | Donnerstag, 14. April 2011

Nato-Außenminister in Berlin: Langer Kampf gegen Gaddafi befürchtet
FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE: Die Außenminister der Nato-Staaten haben sich auf eine Forderung an den libyschen Machthaber Gaddafi geeinigt: Der Diktator soll seine Soldaten wieder in die Kasernen zurückzubeordern. Korrespondenten berichten unterdessen von einem schweren Luftangriff auf Gaddafis Residenz in Tripolis.

Die Außenminister der 28 Nato-Staaten haben den libyschen Machthaber Muammar al Gaddafi bei ihrem Treffen in Berlin aufgefordert, seine Soldaten wieder in die Kasernen zurückzubeordern. Dies sei unerlässlich, um einen wirklichen und kontrollierbaren Waffenstillstand zwischen Regierung und Rebellen zu vereinbaren. Nach Angaben von Diplomaten waren sich die Minister bei ihrem Treffen am Donnerstag in Berlin über diese Forderung einig.

Sie wollten eine gemeinsame Erklärung zu Libyen beschließen. Die Sanktionen gegen das Gaddafi-Regime sollten strikt angewendet werden, hieß es. Damit werde der Nachschub für die libysche Regierung ausgetrocknet. Dem Vernehmen nach herrschte in der Ministerrunde weitgehende Einigkeit darüber, dass die internationale Gemeinschaft sich auf einen längeren Konflikt mit Gaddafi einrichten müsse. An dem Treffen in Berlin nahmen auch Vertreter von sechs weiteren Staaten teil, die die Militäraktion direkt oder indirekt unterstützen. » | FAZ.NET mit dpa/dapd | Donnerstag, 14. April 2011

Un verre de vin par jour n'est pas si sain
TRIBUNE DE GENÈVE: Jusqu'ici, la science a toujours dit qu'un verre de vin par jour était bon pour le coeur. De nouvelles recherches remettent en cause cette thèse.

La nouvelle en surprendra plus d'uns. Un verre de vin par jour augmenterait les risques de cancer. C'est une étude effectuée sur 360'000 personnes issues de huit pays d'Europe qui le dit. La recherche, publiée dans le "British medical Journla [sic] online", est décortiquée jeudi par le quotidien zurichois "Tages-Anzeiger". Elle s'oppose à de nombreuses publications antérieures et au célèbre "French paradox".

La recherche, menée par une équipe internationale de scientifiques, a étudié l'impact de l'alcool sur le cancer. La consommation d'alcool est responsable d'un cancer sur 10 chez les hommes et d'un sur 33 chez les femmes, selon l'étude. Ces cas sont surtout liés à une forte consommation d'alcool.

Mais les petits buveurs seraient aussi concernés, affirme les chercheurs, qui montrent qu'un à deux verres de vin ou de liqueur par jour favorise également les risques de cancer. Même en petite quantité, l'alcool peut en outre causer des problèmes cardiaques et de circulation.

Les cancers concernés touchent le foie, la bouche, la gorge, le larynx et l'oesophage. Les cancers du sein et des intestins pourraient également être liés à l'alcool, mais dans une moindre mesure. » | Rédaction online | Jeudi 14 Avril 2011

La France pas prête à armer la rébellion libyenne
LE POINT: Alain Juppé estime qu'il n'y a pas de solution militaire au pays de Kadhafi.

La France n'entend pas fournir des armes aux rebelles libyens, la solution à la crise étant politique et non militaire, a déclaré jeudi Alain Juppé. Le ministre français des Affaires étrangères s'exprimait à son arrivée à une réunion informelle à Berlin sur la Libye avec ses homologues des 28 pays de l'Otan. » | Source Reuters | Jeudi 14 Avril 2011

Inside Story: Qatar Seeks Political Solution for Libya
Arab and Western leaders met Libyan rebels in Doha on Wednesday, as part of a Libya contact group set up last month. 



The delegates debated the issue of NATO's role, recent peace initiatives and the possibility of arming Libya's rebels. 



The talks took place amid continuing miltary action ... and fears of a deepening humanitarian crisis in Misurata....



Inside Story, with presenter Teymoor Nabili , discusses with guests: Nassif Hitti, the Arab League's ambassador to Europe; Oliver Miles, a former British ambassador to Libya; and Waheed Burshan, a political strategist at the Transition Council on Humanitarian Issues.

Briton 'Beaten to Death' in a Dubai Police Cell after Being Arrested for Swearing
MAIL ONLINE: 'The guards tried to hush it up and pretend nothing had happened’

A British tourist was beaten to death by officers in a Dubai police station after being arrested for swearing, it was claimed yesterday.

Lee Bradley Brown, 39, was on holiday at a £1,000-a-night hotel in the Arab state when he was thrown into a filthy cell.

Police sources say he was ‘badly beaten up’ by a group of police officers, leaving him unconscious on the floor.

Inmates told how they watched officers bundle him into a body-bag and drag him out of the building.

During Mr Brown’s six days in Bur Dubai police station, guards refused to give him enough food and water and did not let him see a lawyer, it is alleged.

His sister learned about the attack when she received a phone call from an inmate on Sunday, claiming her brother had been beaten.

The prisoner found her phone number on a photocopy of her brother’s passport which had been left behind in the cell.

She contacted the British Embassy in Dubai, and on Monday an official was sent to visit Mr Brown at the police station.

But the official was turned away by an officer who claimed Mr Brown did not want to see him and had ‘declined consular assistance’. » | Arthur Martin, Nick McDermott and and Rebecca Evans | Thursday, April 14, 2011

Vince Cable: David Cameron's Immigration Claims 'Risk Inflaming Extremism'
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Vince Cable, the Business Secretary, has accused David Cameron of “inflaming extremism” with his speech on immigration.

The Prime Minister will today claim that uncontrolled immigration has undermined some British communities.

Pledging to cut the numbers entering Britain to tens of thousands, rather than hundreds of thousands, Mr Cameron will say that "for too long, immigration has been too high".

Mr Cameron’s speech, his first major address on the issue since the general election, will please many Conservative MPs and voters.

But Mr Cable, a Liberal Democrat, described the speech as “very unwise” and suggested it could fuel extremism over immigration.

“The reference to the tens of thousands of immigrants rather than hundreds of thousands is not part of the coalition agreement, it is Tory party policy only,” Mr Cable told the BBC.

“I do understand there is an election coming but talk of mass immigration risks inflaming the extremism to which he and I are both strongly opposed.”

The Conservatives and Lib Dems agreed in their Coalition deal to take differing views on immigration, but Mr Cable’s forthright criticism of Mr Cameron may raise questions about his position in the Cabinet. Continue reading and comment » | James Kirkup, Political Correspondent | Thursday, April 14, 2011



My comment:

Doesn't Vince Cable understand that he is in office to serve the people? Doesn't he understand that the people's concerns should be of paramount importance in a so-called democracy? The good British people are fed up of all this unrestrained immigration into our once rather homogenous land. Do the people's wishes mean nothing to this man? If he is concerned about extremism, the one thing he and his colleagues could do to nip extremism in the bud is bring immigration under control. It is precisely in countries where immigration has been allowed to get out of hand that we are seeing the growth of the so-called extremist parties. Now surely you can get that, Dr. Cable! – © Mark

This comment also appears here

David Cameron: Migration Threatens Our Way of Life
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: David Cameron will claim today that uncontrolled immigration has undermined some British communities.

In his most forthright speech on the issue since he became Prime Minister, he will say that mass immigration has led to "discomfort and disjointedness" in neighbourhoods because some migrants have been unwilling to integrate or learn English.

Pledging to cut the numbers entering Britain to tens of thousands, rather than hundreds of thousands, Mr Cameron will say that "for too long, immigration has been too high".

He will also promise to "stamp out" forced marriages, saying that "cultural sensitivity" cannot be allowed to stop the Government from acting.

In the speech to party members in Hampshire, the Prime Minister will attack Labour for claiming it was racist to talk about immigration, saying it is "untruthful and unfair" not to speak about the issue, however uncomfortable. Continue reading and comment » | Andrew Porter, Political Editor | Wedmesday, April 13, 2011

My comment:

He won't do anything about this problem, because his chums, the captains of industry, want cheap labour. What has he done about curbing bankers' bonuses? Not a lot! This is all politicians' talk: sweet words to appease the common folk! – Mark

This comment also appears here

Pop Goes Islam
In 2009, Egyptian entrepreneur Ahmed Abu Haiba launched the world's first-ever Islamic music channel. Based in Cairo, 4Shbab branded itself as "Islam's Own MTV". In its first few months on air, the channel shocked thousands of viewers and enthralled thousands more.

Kate Middleton Confirmed in Secret Ceremony ahead of Royal Wedding
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Kate Middleton has been confirmed in the Church of England ahead of her wedding to Prince William on April 29.

The ceremony was carried out by the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Richard Chartres, who will give the address at the Royal wedding ceremony.

Miss Middleton, 29, has been baptised but was not confirmed as a schoolgirl.

The ceremony, which marks the point where baptised Christians make a firm commitment to their faith, was held on March 10. » | Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Inside Story: Gaddafi Goes Back to School
The conflict in Libya has approached a stalemate. The opposing armies continue to move back and forth along the coastal road, capturing and relinquishing the same territory in an increasingly futile military ebb and flow.



So the people of Libya are left to endure a continuing war of attrition - one that will only be resolved when one side or the other has a change of heart and mind. 



Inside Story, takes a step away from its usual format of discussion and analysis, taking you to the heart of this conflict, offering a small glimpse into mind of Muammar Gadaffi. 



This episode shows a film of Libya's leader making a trip to a school in Tripoli.

Syrian Soldiers Shot for Refusing to Fire on Protesters
THE GUARDIAN: Witnesses claim soldiers who disobeyed orders in Banias were shot by security services as crackdown on protests intensifies

Syrian soldiers have been shot by security forces after refusing to fire on protesters, witnesses said, as a crackdown on anti-government demonstrations intensified.

Witnesses told al-Jazeera and the BBC that some soldiers had refused to shoot after the army moved into Banias in the wake of intense protests on Friday.

Human rights monitors named Mourad Hejjo, a conscript from Madaya village, as one of those shot by security snipers. "His family and town are saying he refused to shoot at his people," said Wassim Tarif, a local human rights monitor.

Footage on YouTube shows an injured soldier saying he was shot in the back by security forces, while another video shows the funeral of Muhammad Awad Qunbar, who sources said was killed for refusing to fire on protesters. Signs of defections will be worrying to Syria's regime. State media reported a different version of events, claiming nine soldiers had been killed in an ambush by an armed group in Banias.

Activists said not all soldiers reported dead or injured were shot after refusing to fire. "We are investigating reports that some people have personal weapons and used them in self-defence," said Tarif. » | Katherine Marsh in Damascus | Tuesday, April 12, 2011

The Burka Is an Alien, Cultural Monstrosity
MAIL ONLINE: The decision by the French government to outlaw all forms of public face-masking, including the burka and niqab, is welcomed by all thinking Muslims around the world.

The Muslim Educational Centre of Oxford which has pioneered an enlightened and egalitarian Islam salutes France for its bold legislative steps to eradicate this hideous tribal dress code that is deliberately given a completely false veneer of Islam.

However, since Britain tackles social problems in its own particular way and has different ways of doing things, the scourge of this foreign face-masking fad that is unfortunately growing in popularity in the Muslim community has to be confronted imaginatively and not exclusively through legal channels.

What is critical is that every effort should be made to disparage and discourage this tribal trend and cultural custom from infesting British society. The burka is an alien, cultural monstrosity.... and it CAN be banned in Britain » Dr. Taj Hargey | Tuesday, April 12, 2011

«Ich war 50 Schafe wert»
Mädchenhandel in Afghanistan

Bloggers Sue Arianna Huffington After 'Being Treated Like Slaves’
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Arianna Huffington faces a large lawsuit from unpaid contributors who claim The Huffington Post, recently acquired by AOL for $315 million, treated them like ‘modern day slaves’.

A group of angry bloggers, being led by freelance journalist and trade unionist Jonathan Tasini, filed the class action in New York federal court, after Huffington sold her internet newspaper in February for $315m without paying contributors a penny.

Tasini, who wrote more than 250 posts for The Huffington Post on an unpaid basis leading up to the site’s sale, said: “Huffington bloggers have essentially been turned into modern day slaves on Arianna Huffingtons’s plantation”. He said he was suing because “people who create content…have to be compensated” for their work.

The complainant and his lawyers believe that bloggers’ articles helped contribute to approximately a third of the sale value of the site, with about 9,000 people writing for the [sic] Huffington Post for free. » | Sam Shead | Wednesday, April 13, 2011

About Me, About My Blog
First of all, I should like to welcome all my guests. Of course, there is an especially warm welcome for my regular guests and followers.

I am a graduate of economics and political science. My honours degree was obtained from the University of London.

I have worked in the Middle East – I worked there over the course of many years. It was whilst working there that I became both fascinated by Islam, and fearful of it. When I say fearful, I mean fearful of its potency, fearful of its all-enveloping nature, fearful of its ability to get a hold on its adherents, and yes, fearful of the fervour of Muslims. I have met few others in life that feel so passionately about their religion, I have met few others in life that feel so much love for their prophet. We have all experienced by now the propensity of Muslims to become intoxicated by their religion; we have all seen the willingness with which the fanatics of the faith are ready to give up their earthly lives in Allah's cause. But I am also fearful of the West's seeming inability to deal with this rapidly-growing faith in our midst.

However, if you have come to this weblog in order to find ranting and raving, if you have come to this weblog to read hateful things about Muslims and Islam, you have come to the wrong weblog! This blog is not about those despicable things; rather, this blog is about education, knowledge, information, interest, news, views, and sometimes even entertainment. Largely, I let the guest make up his/her own mind about the content. If I have a particularly strong viewpoint on something, I will usually place a comment underneath the article, or write an essay. Though the absence of a comment or essay does not mean that I do not have an opinion. It is far more likely to mean that I do not have the time to write anything.

If any of you are interested in what I think about a topic or subject, you cannot conclude anything simply from the postings. I often post things because they are topical, or interesting, or indeed, controversial. A little controversy can give food for thought. Life without a little controversy now and then would be awfully bland!

If political correctness is what you are looking for, you have come to the wrong weblog. Click over! This website is not for you! Ditto, Christian religious fundamentalism. That's not my thing. Am I a Christian? Yes. I was raised in the Christian tradition, and I believe that the Christian way of life is a good life, perhaps the best one. But like all forms of extremism, Christian extremism is not for me.

I should add that this website is not about pushing anything. I do have views, often quite strong views – you can read them in my essays or any books I write. You cannot conclude what my viewpoint is on a subject from the posts I put up.

As I have already said, you can make up your own mind. On this website, you will find all sorts of interesting subjects. The thrust of the website is Islam and the threat of Islam to Western civilization; but sometimes, events take over, such as the tragic earthquake(s) and tsunami in Japan of late. These stories simply cannot be ignored, because they impact so greatly on the world in which we live.

In addition, you should not conclude that I hate Islam or Muslims simply because I find it a threat to our free way of life. It is my opinion that Islam and democracy are immiscible. But that doesn’t mean that I hate Islam or Muslims! It does, however, mean that I understand the nature of that faith.

Sometimes, you will find posts about gays and homosexuality. Sometimes you might wonder about them. Why are they here, you might well ask yourselves. Well this site is gay-friendly. This is not a site that tolerates hatred of anyone, including gays. But if you see a post on the homosexual lifestyle, you should not conclude that I am pushing an agenda. I am not! But by nature, I am an open person. I am also extremely tolerant. I veer to the right on most political issues; but not on all. But having said that, when I speak to some Americans, my 'right' seems 'left' to them!

I try to make this website as varied and interesting as possible. I also try hard to make it inclusive. That goes for Muslims as well. They, too, are most welcome here.

Lastly, I should comment on the foreign language posts. They are here because I have a love of languages. In this regard, I am not typically British. Most Brits like to speak only English. Speaking only English is not for me. But the fact that I speak German, for example, in no way makes me less patriotic. Far from it!

In the UK, ability in foreign languages has hitherto been sidelined, much to my dismay. In my opinion, however, ability in foreign languages should be fostered. Any abilities that I have—and I am sure they are wanting—have enriched my life beyond measure. I hope I can infect you all with my love of language. Foreign languages are one of life's great pleasures.

Best wishes to you all; and again, a warm, warm welcome!

Mark

Moubarak est dans un état de santé "instable"
LE POINT: L'ex-président égyptien a été victime d'une crise cardiaque mardi soir, lors d'un interrogatoire à Charm el-Cheikh.

L'état de santé de l'ex-président égyptien Hosni Moubarak, qui a été placé en détention mercredi matin, est "instable", a annoncé l'agence officielle Mena en citant une source médicale à l'hôpital de Charm el-Cheikh où il a été admis mardi. » | Source AFP | Mercredi 13 Avril 2011

New Dark Age Alert! Choosing Islam - Converts Tell Their Stories

Austria Arrests Former Neo-Nazi Leader Gottfried Kuessel Over Website
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Former Austrian neo-Nazi leader Gottfried Kuessel has been arrested in connection with a probe into a website targeted by the country's strict anti-Nazi law.

Mr Kuessel, 52, former leader of the now-banned neo-Nazi group VAPO, was believed to be one of the main figures behind the alpen-donau.info website, a key forum for Austria's neo-Nazi movement that was shut down in March.

Half a dozen house searches were conducted late on Monday in Vienna and southern Styria province, during which investigators seized documents, computers, hard-disks, weapons and Nazi paraphernalia, Vienna prosecution spokesman Thomas Vecsey said.

Mr Kuessel and a second person were arrested overnight, he added.

The prosecution said it had received help from US investigators to gain access to the website's servers, which were based in the United States and were long out of reach for the Austrian authorities. » | Wednesday, April 13, 2011

KURIER.AT: U-Haft für Gottfried Küssel: Der bekannte Rechtsextremist wurde als mutmaßlicher Drahtzieher der Alpen-Donau-Homepage verhaftet. » | Dienstag, 12. April 2011

MAIL ONLINE: The far right is on the march again: the rise of Fascism in Austria – In Austria's recent general election, nearly 30 per cent of voters backed extremist right-wing parties. Live visits the birthplace of Hitler to investigate how Fascism is once again threatening to erupt across Europe. » | Billy Briggs | Wednesday, March 18, 2009

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: British neo-Nazis plotted to kill Spanish judge Baltasar Garzón: A British based neo-Nazi group allegedly plotted to assassinate one of Spain's leading judges over his attempt to investigate the crimes of Spanish dictator Gen Francisco Franco, it has emerged. » | Fiona Govan, Madrid | Wednesday, February 09, 2011

Misrata in Libyen: Tod, Hunger und Verzweiflung
FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE: Heute berät die internationale Libyen-Kontaktgruppe in Doha über das weitere Vorgehen gegen Gaddafi. Seit sieben Wochen belagern dessen Truppen die libysche Stadt Misrata. Die Stadt ist zum Beispiel dafür geworden, wie der Despot mit denen umgeht, die nicht auf seiner Seite stehen.

Die Vereinten Nationen beklagen in Misrata eine „katastrophale Lage“. An ihre Heimatstadt Beirut auf dem Höhepunkt des Bürgerkriegs fühlt sich die libanesische Journalistin Hala Jaber erinnert. Und die Menschenrechtsorganisation Human Rights Watch beschreibt detailliert, wie grausam Gaddafis Truppen gegen die Zivilbevölkerung von Libyens drittgrößter Stadt vorgehen. Misrata ist zum Beispiel dafür geworden, wie Gaddafi mit denen umgeht, die nicht für ihn sind. Seine Truppen belagern die Stadt seit sieben Wochen auf allen drei Landseiten und kontrollieren Teile von ihr. Die Krankenhäuser haben seither 257 Leichname gezählt. Die Ärzte schätzen die Zahl der Getöteten aber auf mehr als 1000. » | Von Rainer Hermann | Mittwoch, 13. April 2011

Pröll tritt zurück: "Entscheidung für meine Gesundheit"
DIE PRESSE: Der Vizekanzler und ÖVP-Chef hat heute den Rückzug aus allen politischen Funktionen verkündet. Er begründete die Entscheidung mit seinem Gesundheitszustand. Seine Nachfolge ist noch offen.

Vizekanzler und Finanzminister Josef Pröll (ÖVP) zieht sich aus allen politischen Funktionen zurück. Das gab er am Mittwochvormittag in einer kurzfristig einberufenen Pressekonferenz bekannt.

"Ich habe mich nicht gegen die Politik entschieden, aber für meine Gesundheit und meine Familie", sagte der ÖVP-Chef. Seine Lungenembolie Mitte März sei "ein Warnschuss und eine Zäsur in meinem Leben" gewesen. Danach habe er viel Zeit gehabt, nachzudenken. Er habe sich auch intensiv mit seinen Ärzten beraten, erklärte Pröll. Seine gesundheitliche Situation sei mit engagierter Spitzenpolitik nicht vereinbar: Für die großen Aufgaben der Zukunft "bräuchte ich heute noch mehr Kraft, und nicht weniger".

"Es war eine spannende Zeit", sagte Pröll über die vergangenen Jahre. Man habe viel erreicht, vor allem die Bewältigung der Wirtschaftskrise. "Ich verlasse die Politik mit Dankbarkeit". » | Red. | Mittwoch, April 13, 2011

L’Iran ne ravitaille plus les avions européens en kérosène
TRIBUNE DE GENÈVE: En représailles à une mesure similaire frappant les avions iraniens, l'Iran a décidé de cesser de ravitailler les avions européens. On ne sait toutefois ni si la mesure est entrée en vigueur, ni quelles compagnies sont concernées.

L’Iran a décidé de cesser le ravitaillement des avions européens, en représailles à une mesure similaire frappant les appareils iraniens en Europe, a annoncé le premier vice-président Mohammad Reza Rahilmi, cité mercredi par le quotidien gouvernemental Iran.

"Récemment, le ravitaillement des avions commerciaux iraniens en Europe a été stoppé. (...) L’Iran a immédiatement décidé de répondre en cessant la livraison de carburant aux appareils occidentaux atterrissant en Iran", a déclaré M. Rahimi. Il n’a pas précisé si cette mesure était déjà entrée en vigueur, ni quelles étaient les compagnies aériennes visées.

Les principales compagnies pétrolières occidentales ont progressivement cessé depuis l’automne dernier de ravitailler les appareils iraniens dans les aéroports européens, conséquence du renforcement des sanctions économiques occidentales contre l’Iran lié au contentieux nucléaire.


Après Shell, BP ou Q8 à l’automne, l’autrichien OMV a annoncé le 25 mars la fin de ses livraisons de kérosène à Iranair, tandis que le français Total prenait la même décision sans l’annoncer. » | AFP | Mercredi 13 Avril 2011

U.S. Sends Another Top Official To Saudi Arabia
NPR: The Obama administration is sending another official to Saudi Arabia to try to smooth over relations damaged by the so-called Arab Spring. The Saudis think the U.S. is being naive about the democracy movements and canceled recent plans for Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to visit. They hosted, but only briefly, Defense Secretary Robert Gates last week, and this week it is National Security Adviser Tom Donilon's turn. Analysts say it will be difficult for the U.S. to support democracy in the Middle East and keep this strategic alliance on track. Read the transcript » | Michele Kelemen | Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Barack Obama Must Speak Out on Bahrain Bloodshed
THE GUARDIAN: Bahrainis are suffering the same violent repression as Libyans – so why does Barack Obama have nothing to say?

Three days after Hosni Mubarak resigned as the long-standing dictator in Egypt, people in the small Gulf state of Bahrain took to the streets, marching to their version of Tahrir: Pearl Square, in the capital city of Manama. Bahrain has been ruled by the same family, the House of Khalifa, since the 1780s – more than 220 years. Bahrainis were not demanding an end to the monarchy, but for more representation in their government.

One month into the uprising, Saudi Arabia sent military and police forces over the 16-mile causeway that connects the Saudi mainland to Bahrain, an island. Since then, the protesters, the press and human-rights organisations have suffered increasingly violent repression.

One courageous young Bahraini pro-democracy activist, Zainab al-Khawaja, has seen the brutality up close. To her horror, she watched her father, Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, a prominent human-rights activist, be beaten and arrested. She described it to me from Manama: » | Amy Goodman | Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Arrest of Egyptian Bloggers Provokes Doubt
Human rights groups have condemned the prison sentence of the 26-year -old Egyptian blogger Maikel Nabil. 



Nabil was sentenced to three years in jail by a military tribunal for a blog entry he wrote called "The people and the army were never hand in hand".



His jailing raises questions whether the regime in Egypt has changed at all since former President Hosni Mubarak stood down.



Al Jazeera's Zeina Khodr reports from Cairo.

Mubarak, Sons Detained for 15 days
Egypt's ex-president Hosni Mubarak along with his two sons have been placed in detention for 15 days, prosecutors said

Related »

Egypt: Hosni Mubarak's Sons Detained
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Egyptian prosecutors have ordered the detention of the former president's powerful sons as their role in violence against protesters and corruption allegations are investigated.

The order came just hours after former President Hosni Mubarak, 82, was hospitalised with heart problems as investigations began over his own role in corruption and suppressing the protests calling for his ouster.

Many of Mr Mubarak's top associates are now being questioned for their activities in the previous regime, but the detention of his sons is by far the most startling development since his Feb. 11 removal from office.

Gamal Mubarak, his younger son, was a top official in the ruling party and was widely seen as being groomed to succeed his father before popular protests brought down the regime.

While the ex-president was in the hospital in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh where he has been living since being removed from power, his sons were taken for questioning to the nearby courthouse by prosecutors from Cairo.

An angry crowd of 2,000 people gathered outside and demanded the two be arrested. » | Wednesday, April 13, 2011

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Egypt detains former president Hosni Mubarak for 15 days: Egypt's public prosecutor has ordered that former president Hosni Mubarak be detained for 15 days for investigation for corruption and abuse allegations. » | Damien McElroy, in Doha | Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Related »

IMF Warns US to Make a 'Down Payment' on Deficit
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: The US should make a 'down payment' this year on tackling its budget deficit, the International Monetary Fund has warned, as it emerged that the world's biggest bond investor is shorting the country's bonds.

America will rack up a budget deficit of 10.8pc of gross domestic product this year, the largest of any of the developed economies, the IMF said in its latest Fiscal Monitor report.

In sharp contrast to Britain and much of the rest of Europe, the US has so far delayed any move to cut its budget deficit. Instead, through a combination of extending tax cuts and a second, $600bn round of quantitative easing, Congress and The White House have focused efforts on trying to quicken a recovery that failed to take off last year. » | Richard Blackden, US Business Editor | Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Hosni Mubarak Has Heart Attack before Questioning
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Hosni Mubarak, Egypt's ousted president, has reportedly suffered a heart attack just hours before being questioned by prosecutors alongside his sons on corruption charges.

State television said that Mr Mubarak suffered a heart attack before questioning by prosecutors investigating graft and abuse allegations, which prompted his admission to hospital.

Two security officials said Mr Mubarak arrived under heavy police protection to the main hospital in Sharm al-Sheikh and, according to two doctors in the hospital, he stepped out of his armored Mercedes unaided and was taken to the presidential suite.

Mr Mubarak has lived in Sharm al-Sheikh since being deposed by the army in response to mass protests in February.

Al-Ahram, the official newspaper, said the president may not have to travel to Cairo to attend the prosecutors summons because of his admittance to hospital.

"Mubarak was admitted to the Sharm el-Sheikh International Hospital this afternoon amid a very heavy security presence in the town," a security official said.

Mr Mubarak's sons, Gamal and Alaa, were reported to be facing 15 days on remand for questioning. Egypt's army-run Higher Council has bowed to popular pressure to target former officials for corruption, leading to the arrest of a raft of senior figures. » | Damien McElroy, Cairo | Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Ex-Muslim 'Allah is a Gangster'
Watch the YouTube video here

Crazy Muslim Cleric Describes the Perfect Virgins in Heaven

Allah: "Don´t Feel Sorry for Kafirs!" - Anjem Choudary Vs. Walid Shoebat Vs. Bakri

The Saudi Women Taking Small Steps for Change
BBC – NEWSNIGHT: Before I flew to the Saudi capital Riyadh to make a film about the position of women in the kingdom, I met a Saudi woman studying in the UK who told me, "Saudi Arabia is the biggest women's prison in the world".

Can I quote you? I asked. "You can quote me," she said, "but you can't name me."

I heard that same sentiment and request to remain anonymous repeated during my 10-day stay in the kingdom.

Few dare criticise the 
country openly, though the restrictions on women are scarcely believable in the 21st Century. A woman can't drive and she is not allowed to work or travel without the permission of her male guardian, father or husband.

Customs such as arranged marriages, under-age marriage and polygamy still prevail.

Workplace revolution

The on-going battles to bring about change tend to be small ones.

Twenty-year-old Dina, with her heavily kohl-rimmed eyes and diamante cuffs on her abaya (the burka of Saudi Arabia), is a revolutionary in the workplace. She sits in the Jeddah studio at Radio Mix FM with a man.

Up until a few years ago, men and women were not allowed to work in the same room and broadcast journalism has so far proved one of the very few exceptions.

But, beyond that, Dina's message is hardly revolutionary. She acts as a kind of agony aunt for the station's young audience.

A 17-year-old girl sends in an e-mail complaining of boredom. Dina tells her to take up a hobby like painting or photography which, because an unaccompanied girl is not allowed to leave the house, she will have to do at home.

If an 18-year-old wrote in asking how to meet a member of the opposite sex, Dina says she would respond by saying, "It is not possible and [you] must accept it - it is our culture".

At the end of her shift, her boss accompanies her down on to the street and waits until her brother's car pulls up to collect her.

"You present your own radio show and yet you can't drive?" I asked. "It's normal," she said, and closed the car door.

She has to watch what she says. The radio station receives angry calls from the country's religious conservatives who are appalled that women like her are allowed to sit in the same room as an unrelated man.

Any false step or unguarded remark could see the station closed. (+ video) » | Sue Lloyd-Roberts, BBC Newsnight | Monday, March 28, 2011

Russia Celebrates Conquest of Space
Russia marked a half century since Yuri Gagarin became the first man in space, the greatest victory of Soviet science which expanded human horizons and is still remembered by Russians as their finest hour.



At 0907 Moscow time on April 12, 1961 Gagarin uttered the famous words "Let's Go" as the Vostok rocket, with him squeezed into a tiny capsule at the top, blasted off from the south of the Soviet republic of Kazakhstan.



After a voyage lasting just 108 minutes that granted the 27-year-old carpenter's son historical immortality, Gagarin ejected from his capsule and parachuted down into a field in the Saratov region of central Russia.



From that moment on, his life, and the course of modern space exploration, would never be the same again.



Al Jazeera's Neave Barker reports.

Witness - Greece: Protesting the Protesters
This unusual take on the Greek protests centres on a small group of 'anti-activists' who think the austerity measures undertaken by the government are in fact a good thing for the crisis-ridden Greek economy. We follow Fotis and his friends in their Liberal Party as they mount their own campaign, while around them the masses gather on the streets for the huge protests that regularly rock the capital.

Misurata Civilians Under Siege
Britain and France say NATO is not doing enough to protect civilians in Libya. At the same time, Libyan State TV is reporting air strikes on Monday killed government security forces as well as civilians in an area south of Tripoli.



Fighting has continued a day after the African Union failed to broker a peace deal. An African Union delegation is now in the Algerian capital for talks with president Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
 


The African leaders say they're determined to find a solution that would end the fighting, and are asking for full cooperation from the pro-democracy fighters.



Al Jazeera's Hoda Abdel Hamid reports on the ongoing battle for Libya.

Moussa Koussa Leaving Britain for Doha
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Moussa Koussa, the former Libyan foreign minister and long-time top aide to Muammar Gaddafi, is going to Doha for meetings with the Qatari government and Libyan representatives, Britain has confirmed.

An international contact group is due to hold talks on Libya's future in the Qatari capital on Wednesday. Moussa will not participate in the meeting but is expected to hold talks on the sidelines, British sources said.

Mr Koussa, the most prominent Libyan defector, sought refuge in Britain on March 30. A friend said he quit in protest at attacks on civilians by Gaddafi's forces.

The former spy chief was later questioned by Scottish police over the 1988 Lockerbie bombing, which killed 270 people, but the British government said he was now free to travel.

"We understand he is travelling today to Doha to meet with the Qatar government and a range of Libyan representatives to offer insight in advance of the contact group meeting," a Foreign Office spokesman said.

"Moussa Koussa is a free individual who can travel to and from the United Kingdom as he wishes," the spokesman said. » | Tuesday, April 12, 2011