Liechtenstein sagt Ja zu «Homo-Ehen»

SCHWEIZER FERNSEHEN: Im Fürstentum Liechtenstein können sich gleichgeschlechtliche Paare künftig registrieren lassen. Das liechtensteinische Stimmvolk hat sich mit einem deutlichen Ja-Stimmenanteil von 68,8 Prozent für das Partnerschaftsgesetz ausgesprochen.

Bei einer Stimmbeteiligung von 74,2 Prozent setzten 9239 Stimmberechtigte mit ihrem Ja ein klares Signal für eine offene und liberale Gesellschaft. 4199 Stimmberechtigte oder 31,2 Prozent folgten den Argumenten der Gegner, die darin eine Schwächung der Familie sehen.

Die Regierung und das Parlament, der Landtag, standen geschlossen hinter dem neuen Partnerschaftsgesetz. Es sieht vor, dass homosexuelle Partnerschaften auf dem Zivilstandsamt beurkundet werden. Nicht zulässig sind die Adoption von Kindern und die Anwendung von fortpflanzungsmedizinischen Verfahren wie Samenspende oder Leihmutterschaft. Tolerantes Liechtenstein » | sda/blur | Sonntag 19. Juni 2011

Inside Story - The King and the Constitution
Morocco's King Mohammed VI promises changes as part of a "historic transition" into democracy but are people buying it?

Exklusive Bilder aus Nordkorea
Was sich in Nordkorea abspielt, wissen nur wenige. Denn das stalinistische Regime untersagt es normalerweise westlichen Journalisten, mit nordkoreanischen Menschen zu reden. «10vor10» ist es nach langwierigen Verhandlungen gelungen, eine Drehgenehmigung zu erhalten. Nächste Woche startet eine Serie

Church of England to Approve First Openly Gay Bishop
THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: The Church of England is to give the go-ahead for the appointment of openly homosexual bishops.

The Church will publish legal advice on Monday that says that homosexual clergy in civil partnerships can become bishops - as long as they remain celibate.

The legal guidance makes clear that it would be wrong for a cleric's sexual orientation to be taken into account when considering their suitability as a bishop.

However, the guidance will say that homosexual clergy should be made to clarify that they are not in an active sexual relationship - effectively make a promise that they are and will remain celibate.

It would also mean candidates for a bishopric being questioned over their previous sex life and asked whether they repent having gay sex.

The advice is likely to trigger a new row over the role of homosexual priests in the Church. Conservatives and liberals are bitterly divided over the issue. » | Jonathan Wynne-Jones, Religious Affairs Correspondent | Sunday, June 19, 2011

My comment on this appears here. It is not a stand-alone comment. It is a response to someone else's.

Repression in Syrien: „Sogar die Katzen haben Angst“
FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE: Im F.A.S.-Interview spricht eine syrische Ärztin über ihren Einsatz im seit Wochen von der Armee belagerten Homs, die Rolle der Frauen bei den Protesten und die wachsenden Spannungen zwischen den Konfessionen: „Der Geruch von Bürgerkrieg liegt in der Luft.“ Mit Joud sprach Gabriela M. Keller.

Patienten kann Joud nur noch im Untergrund behandeln. Die Sicherheitskräfte haben ihr verboten, verwundete Demonstranten zu versorgen. Joud, eine angesehene Ärztin und Aktivistin, lebt in der syrischen Industriestadt Homs. Die Millionenmetropole nahe der Grenze zum Libanon ist eine Hochburg des Widerstands gegen Präsident Assad. Am 9. Mai rückten Soldaten mit Panzern und Sturmgewehren in die Stadt ein, sie schossen auf Zivilisten und Wohnhäuser, Dutzende Menschen wurden getötet. Seitdem leben die Bewohner im Zielkreuz von Scharfschützen. Am Freitag töteten die Sicherheitskräfte abermals neun Menschen, die gegen Assad protestierten. In einem Telefonat per Internet beschreibt Joud, wie sie Verwundeten hilft, warum sie ihr Leben aufs Spiel setzt und wie das Regime versucht, die Bevölkerung zu spalten. Ihren wahren Namen müssen wir verschweigen, um sie zu schützen. » | Von Gabriela M. Keller | Sonntag 19. Juni 2011

Christians Are More Militant Than Muslims, Says Government's Equalities Boss

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Muslims are integrating into British society better than many Christians, according to the head of the Government's equality watchdog.

Trevor Phillips warned that "an old time religion incompatible with modern society" is driving the revival in the Anglican and Catholic Churches and clashing with mainstream views, especially on homosexuality.

He accused Christians, particularly evangelicals, of being more militant than Muslims in complaining about discrimination, arguing that many of the claims are motivated by a desire for greater political influence.

However the chairman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission expressed concern that people of faith are "under siege" from atheists whom he accused of attempting to "drive religion underground".

In an interview with the Sunday Telegraph ahead of a landmark report on religious discrimination in Britain, he said the Commission wants to protect Christians and Muslims from discrimination, admitting his body had not been seen to stand up for the people discriminated against because of their faith in the past. » | Jonathan Wynne-Jones, Religious Affairs Correspondent | Saturday, June 18, 2011

This man is a joke! What on earth has he been smoking? Christians are more militant than Muslims? I don't think so! Muslims are integrating into British society better than Christians? I certainly don't think so! To start with, Christians don't have to integrate into British society. This is a Christian country, Trevor. Don't forget that! You people talk nonsense. You talk drivel! – © Mark

THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: Trevor Phillips wades into debate on religion in modern society: Trevor Phillips, chairman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, has made a wide-ranging intervention into the growing debate on the place of religion in modern society. » | Jonathan Wynne-Jones, Religious Affairs Correspondent | Sunday, June 19, 2011

Second comment:

What the hell has Phillips bin smokin'? The man is talking through his hat. This man is dangerous, and shouldn't hold the position he does.

To say that Christians are more militant than Muslims is absurd. To say that Muslims are integrating better into British society than Christians is also totally absurd. To start with, Christians don't have to integrate into British society. They are a part of it. This is a Christian country; so Christians are the indigenous population. Since when does the indigenous population of a country have to integrate? It's part of the mainstream by definition. The man is talking twaddle! To talk about the integration of Christians into British society is to reduce them to foreigners in their own land.

This multicultural experiment has gone too far. We need to halt it. It will lead to bloodshed on the streets of our country.

The man is a dangerous fool; and he should be sacked. – © Mark

This comment also appears here

Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali's Family Tree – Interactive

THE GUARDIAN: Tunisia's former leader Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali was the first despot to be toppled by the Arab uprisings. Find out what has happened to the family that ran the country until Arab protesters claimed their first victory

Click here to find out more.

What’s Going On in Greece Now Is War – Journalist

EU Losing Its Appeal to Turkey

Aufstand in Syrien: Der Konflikt greift auf den Libanon über
FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE: Bei Kämpfen zwischen Gegnern und Anhängern des syrischen Präsidenten Baschar al Assad sind im Libanon sechs Menschen getötet worden. Auch in Syrien rüstet die Opposition zunehmend auf. Derweil prüft Washington, ob gegen Assad Anklage wegen Kriegsverbrechen erhoben werden kann.

Drei Monate nach Beginn des Aufstands in Syrien hat der Konflikt den Libanon erreicht. Am Freitag kamen bei Kämpfen in der Hafenstadt Tripoli sechs Menschen ums Leben, ein weiterer Mann erlag am Samstag seinen Verletzungen. In der nur zwanzig Kilometer von der syrischen Grenze gelegenen Gemeinde hatten zunächst sunnitische Anhänger des früheren Ministerpräsidenten Saad Hariri gegen Syriens Präsidenten Baschar al Assad demonstriert, in einem anderen Viertel alawitische Gefolgsleute Assads dem Herrscher des Nachbarlandes ihre Unterstützung ausgedrückt. Daraus entspann sich ein Feuergefecht mit Waffen und Panzerfäusten. Sniper beschossen Passanten, Bewohner flohen aus der Stadt.

In Tripoli ist es in der Vergangenheit immer wieder zu Gefechten zwischen sunnitischen und alawitischen Kämpfern gekommen. In der sunnitischen Hochburg spiegelt sich der Konflikt im Kleinen, der ganz Syrien entlang konfessioneller Linien zu spalten droht: Während das Regime von der alawitischen Herschaftclique um Assad, seinem Bruder Maher und dessen Cousin Rami Makhlouf beherrscht wird, ist eine große Mehrheit der Bevölkerung sunnitisch. Auch der Großteil der von Menschenrechtsgruppen auf inzwischen 1300 geschätzten Opfer des syrischen Aufstands sind Sunniten. Die Zahl der in den Libanon geflohenen Syrer beläuft sich inzwischen auf fast 10.000. » | Von Markus Bickel | Samstag 18. Juni 2011

Historique! L’ONU s'attaque aux discriminations contre les homosexuels
TRIBUNE DE GENÈVE: La Haut Commissaire de l’ONU aux droits de l’homme devra ordonner une étude pour documenter les discriminations basées sur l’orientation sexuelle dans toutes les régions du monde. Le groupe africain a fait pencher la balance pour le texte.

Le Conseil des droits de l’homme a adopté pour la première fois une résolution visant à lutter contre les discriminations sexuelles lors d’un vote serré, en dépit de l’opposition de l’Organisation de la conférence islamique (OCI). Le groupe africain a fait pencher la balance. » | ATS | Vendredi 17 Juin 2011

Naked Nazis: Book Reveals Extent of Third Reich Body Worship

SPIEGEL ONLINE INTERNATIONAL: Science fiction, jokes and forbidden love: The book market in Nazi Germany was surprisingly varied. But perhaps the most bizarre bestseller to make it past the censors was an unabashed collection of nudist photography. It was a celebration of the Aryan body.

What did Germans read during the Nazi era? In search of the answer, author Christian Adam surveyed a total of 350 bestsellers from the 12 years of the Third Reich's existence -- making striking discoveries in the process. In addition to well-known propaganda books like Adolf Hitler's "Mein Kampf" and Alfred Rosenberg's "The Myth of the Twentieth Century," there were schmaltzy regional novels, science fiction, mysteries, love stories, joke books and cross-media marketed accompaniments to radio programs and films.

The rich variety of reading material likely arose because different censorship offices competed to have the last word on what books publishers could print, Christian says. The paradoxical effect is that some of the books printed seem surprising today. Perhaps the oddest of them all was Hans Surén's "Mensch und Sonne," or "Humans and Sun," a collection of nude photographs that includes lyrical praise of the male member, instructions for yoga-like exercises and even naked skiing.

It could be seen as a precursor to the sexual revolution and "Freikörperkultur (FKK)," or "free body culture" of the late 1960s, if it weren't so blatantly racist, researcher Adam told SPEIGEL ONLINE in an interview. » | Interview conducted by Hilmar Schmundt | Thursday, June 16, 2011

Photo Gallery: Naked Nazis and a Surprise Bestseller »

This article originally appeared in German on einestages.de, SPIEGEL ONLINE’s history portal.

EINESTAGES.de: FKK im “Dritten Reich”: Körperschau mit Nacktmodellen »

Syria: Angelina Jolie Speaks Out on Turkey Refugee Visit
In her role as UN Goodwill Ambassador actress Angelina Jolie admits to being "impressed and disturbed" as she visits refugees forced to flee into Turkey by the escalating unrest in Syria

Read short article here

Moroccan King Announces Constitutional Reform

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Morocco's King has unveiled sweeping constitutional reforms that reduce his powers in a bid to calm protests and avoid popular uprising inspired by events in Tunisia and Egypt.

King Mohammed VI announced draft reforms that will curb his political power and lead to greater democracy with the future head of government chosen by the people.

The new constitution, which will be put to the nation in a referendum on July 1, will serve as "a new contract between the monarchy and the people", the monarch said in a televised address Friday evening.

The 47-year old monarch pledged an independent judiciary and said the government will take over executive powers although the King will retain exclusive control over military and religious fields. » | Fiona Govan | Saturday, June 18, 2011

Women Driven to Confusion in Saudi Arabia

THE GUARDIAN: The current situation of gender discrimination against who can and cannot drive is unsustainable

On 11 March, when Saudi protesters' "day of rage" did not materialise, Fouad al-Farhan, a human rights activist, tweeted:

"My fear is that the ceiling of our reformist demands will be lowered to women driving for some and combating westernisation for others."

Two months later, his fears became a reality. A campaign to allow women to drive in Saudi Arabia was started on Facebook. Currently this issue has overtaken all others online, in the press and on the ground.

The movement particularly caught fire when a face for it emerged. A Saudi woman, Manal al-Sharif, came forward and posted a Youtube video advising how to go about the campaign. The plan was that starting from 17 June, Saudi women with international driving licences would begin driving their own cars rather than letting a male driver do it for them.

So far approximately 45 women have driven cars all across the kingdom in connection with the campaign and many of them have posted videos of their excursions online.

That there are women in Saudi who are distressed at the ban on their driving is well known. On the other hand the religious establishment has also been staunch in its demand to maintain the ban. Some of them have even gone so far as to call the campaign western-backed "female terrorism" and "soft terrorism". Others claimed that the campaign to allow women to drive is an Iranian/Shia conspiracy to destabilise the country. » | Eman Al Nafjan | Saturday, June 18, 2011

Freedom of Expression Explodes in Libya
There has been an explosion of freedom of expression in the Libyan city of Benghazi. Dissent was banned, until rebels assumed control. As Sue Turton reports, today it looks like the writing could be on the wall for Muammar Gaddafi.

N Koreans Risk Lives for Freedom
Thousands of North Korean refugees, desperate to find new lives, undertake arduous journey by foot to find shelter in South Korea.

But many of them are intercepted in Thailand.

While South Korea has offered to pay to take care of the migrants, Thailand fears this will encourage more North Koreans to leave.

Al Jazeera's Aela Callan reports from Chaing Saen in northern Thailand

Cannabis dépénalisé : Fillon dit trop fois non

FRANCE SOIR: François Fillon s'est dit fermement opposé à la dépénalisation du cannabis vendredi. Une option qu'il ne peut « envisager une seconde », a insisté le chef du gouvernement.

« Ni sur le plan sanitaire, ni sur le plan politique, ni sur le plan moral, je ne puis envisager une seconde de voir l'Etat annoncer officiellement à sa jeunesse que le cannabis est désormais en vente libre ». François Fillon est venu grossir les rangs des anti-cannabis déclarés vendredi, deux jours après le plaidoyer du député socialiste Daniel Vaillant en faveur d'une « légalisation contrôlée » de cette drogue. « J'ai pris connaissance avec peine des débats ambigus qui agitent le Parti socialiste sur la dépénalisation du cannabis », a commenté le Premier ministre lors d'un meeting devant des militants UMP à Nice. » | Par Actu France Soir | Vendredi 17 Juin 2011

Dhimmitude and Appeasement in extremis: Traitorous Simon Hughes Gives Nauseating Speech, Calls for Muslim Cabinet Members and PM

HT: Michael Arch

Col Muammar Gaddafi: Libya Will Defeat Nato
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Muammar Gaddafi, the Libyan leader, taunted Nato, predicting a military victory against the alliance even if it used nuclear bombs to oust him.

In an speech broadcast in audio by state television, Libya's Brother Leader delivered a trademark tirade that heaped scorn on the increasingly protracted campaign to bolster the rebellion against his 42-year rule.

"This is the first time they are facing an armed nation of millions," Col Gaddafi said. "They will be defeated. The alliance will be defeated.

"We are in our country and we insist on staying until death. We are staying, we are staying. Let them even use nuclear bombs."

The Libyan leader appeared to revel in the growing disquiet over the Nato campaign, which has now lasted longer than the 1999 air offensive that ousted the Serbs from Kosovo, mocking western leaders for their reluctance to deploy troops on the ground.

"If they come to the ground, we will wait for them, but they are cowards, they will not dare," he said. » | Adrian Blomfield, Middle East Correspondent | Friday, June 17, 2011

Empire: The New Ottomans?
Following another resounding electoral victory, Prime Minister Erdogan's 'Justice and Development Party' has been emboldened to further increase Turkey's role on the world stage. Ankara has rediscovered its global ambitions.

Thousands of Syrians Demand Assad Resign
Thousands took to the streets in Syria, calling for the removal of President Bashar al-Assad.

Protests were reported in Homs, Deraa and Hama, despite security forces' lethal gun fire.

Videos shot and uploaded onto the internet by activists show that the more the government cracks down, the bolder the call for freedom becomes.

Al Jazeera's Jamal Elshayel reports.

French Women Become First to Stand Trial for Wearing Niqabs
THE GUARDIAN: State prosecutor requests €150 fines for pair charged with defying ban while protesting on streets of Meaux, near Paris

A court this week heard the first case against women for wearing the niqab – or Islamic face veil – since a ban came into force in April. One of the defendants was banned from entering the courthouse because she was still wearing the niqab.

The two women on trial were stopped in the street on 5 May near the town hall of Meaux, east of Paris. The mayor, Jean-François Copé, is an architect of the ban and head of Nicolas Sarkozy's ruling rightwing UMP party.

The women were wearing their niqabs during a demonstration against the law. They were supported by the Don't Touch My Constitution group, which has led protests against the ban. » | Angelique Chrisafis | Friday, June 17, 2011

Saudiarabische Frauen setzen sich ans Steuer und twittern
Frauen in Saudi-Arabien dürfen nicht Auto fahren. Mehrere Aktivistinnen haben sich deshalb heute hinter das Steuer gesetzt und protestieren gegen das Verbot. Auf sozialen Netzwerken wie «Twitter» berichten sie von ihren Ausfahrten.

Den Artikel hier lesen

Inside Story: NATO's Mission in Libya
Inside Story discusses with Justin Logan, associate director of foreign policy studies at the Cato Institute; Guma el-Gamaty, the UK Representative for Libyan Transitional National Council; and Philip Stonor, a former Royal Navy Warfare officer.

A Divided Island - Cyprus
Watch Journeyman Pictures video here

The Real Reason Anthony Weiner Had to Quit

Saudi Women Driving for Change
Thousands of women activists in Saudi Arabia planned to start driving on Friday in defiance of a longstanding ban that prohibits women from even getting a drivers license.

The protest action comes after a campaign launched on social media began calling for women's right to drive in the Kingdom.

Al Jazeera's Nick Toksvig reports.


FOX NEWS: Saudi Women Hit the Road in Driving Ban Protest: RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – A number of Saudi women drove cars Friday in response to calls for nationwide action to break a traditional ban unique to the ultra-conservative kingdom. » | Friday, June 17, 2011

Strauss Kahn Claimed 'Diplomatic Immunity'
Newly released documents reveal the former head of the IMF told police he had diplomatic immunity when he was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault

Argentinian President Ridicules Cameron Over Falklands

THE GUARDIAN: Cristina Kirchner dismisses as 'arrogant, mediocre and stupid' the PM's vow that islands should remain British

The Argentinian president has criticised David Cameron for insisting the Falkland Islands should remain a British territory.

Cristina Kirchner described the prime minister as "arrogant" and said his comments were an "expression of mediocrity and almost of stupidity".

Cameron had been prompted by Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell during prime minister's questions to remind Barack Obama that the British government would not accept any kind of negotiations over the south Atlantic islands, over which Argentina and Britain fought a 10-week war in 1982.

Cameron told the Commons: "I would say this: as long as the Falkland Islands want to be sovereign British territory, they should remain sovereign British territory – full stop, end of story."

In her criticism of his comments, Kirchner said Britain "continues to be a crude colonial power in decline". » | Haroon Siddique | Friday, June 17, 2011

News Bulletin – 14:35GMT Update
The main headlines on Al Jazeera English, featuring the latest news and reports from around the world

Islam ist in Luxemburg eingetroffen! Aloyse, 60, bekehrt sich zum Islam

Eton and The Ritz on al-Qaeda Hit List
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Eton College and The Ritz hotel were on a hit list of British targets found on the dead body of a senior al-Qaeda leader according to reports.

The high-profile targets were found on the body of Fazul Abdullah Mohammed, the network's commander in East Africa, after he was shot dead last week in Somalia.

Discovery of the list prompted security services to hold a summit with Government ministers and warn the school.

America's security services have also issued a warning to major hotel chains.

Mohammad was on the United States' list of 26 most wanted terrorists and had a £3.5 million bounty on his head for his role in the 1998 bomb attacks on US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania which killed 224.

He is also believed to have masterminded attacks on the Paradise Hotel in Mombasa and a missile strike on an Israeli charter flight in 2002. » | Ben Farmer, in Kabul | Thursday, June 16, 2011

Afghanistan: Taliban greifen pakistanische Dörfer an
FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE: Bei einem Großangriff hunderter afghanischer Taliban-Kämpfer auf zwei pakistanische Dörfer sind am Donnerstag mindestens fünf Menschen getötet worden, teilten die Behörden mit. Es ist der dritte derartige Angriff binnen eines Monats.

In den pakistanischen Stammesgebieten an der Grenze zu Afghanistan haben hunderte Taliban-Kämpfer nach Angaben örtlicher Behörden zwei Dörfer angegriffen und mindestens fünf Zivilisten getötet. Etwa 25 weitere Zivilisten seien verschleppt worden, hieß es. » | FAZ.NET mit AFP/dpa | Donnerstag 16. Juni 2011

Pat Condell: You’ll Turn to God

Ben Ali risque la peine de mort

FRANCE SOIR: L'ex président tunisien, Zine el Abidine ben Ali sera jugé, à partir de lundi prochain, par contumace pour deux des 93 chefs d'accusations pour lesquels il est poursuivi. Il risque en tout, de cinq ans de prison à la peine de mort.

Le Premier ministre de transition, Béji Caïd Essebsi, l’a annoncé mardi : l’ancien raïs, qui s'est enfui sous la pression de la rue, sera jugé par contumace « par des tribunaux militaire et civil », a-t-il précisé lors d'une interview accordée à al-Jazeera. En tout, pas moins de 93 chefs d'accusations allant de l'homicide volontaire, du blanchiment d'argent, au complot contre la sécurité de l'état. » | Par Actu France Soir | Mercredi 15 Juin 2011

Pat Condell: Islamic Cultural Terrorism

HT: Always On Watch »

Iran Intensifies Dress Crackdown
The Iranian government has launched a crackdown against Western-style clothing.

More than 70,000 so-called "moral police" officers have been deployed in the capital Tehran, to enforce a government approved dress code.

Women will be arrested if their headscarves do not fully cover their hair or their clothes show their figures too clearly.

Men will be stopped for wearing necklaces or having hairstyles seen as inappropriate.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jabbari reports from Tehran.

Inside Story: Greece Protests at Austerity Measures
Inside Story with presenter Teymoor Nabili discusses with guests: Vagelis Agapitos, independent economist; Yanis Varoufakis, professor of economics at the University of Athens; and Fotis Boblas, an activist and protester.

Falklands Hero’s Son Becomes Argentine
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: A Falkland Islander whose father helped British forces fight Argentina during the 1982 war has given up his British passport for an Argentine national identity card in the first case of its kind.

James Peck, 43, an artist who has lived in Buenos Aires with his Argentine wife since 2006, was personally given the document by President Cristina Kirchner. » | Robin Yapp, Sao Paulo | Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Al-Qaeda Appoints New Osama bin Laden: Ayman al-Zawahri Chosen to Lead Terrorist Organisation
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Al-Qaeda has chosen Ayman al-Zawahri as its new leader following Osama bin Laden's death in a US commando raid last month, according to a statement apparently issued by the movement’s general command.


The Egyptian surgeon was al-Qaeda’s number two for more than a decade and was widely expected to take on the top role when bin Laden was shot dead by US Navy Seals in Pakistan.

“The general command of al-Qaeda announces, after consultations, the appointment of Sheikh Ayman al-Zawahiri as head of the group,” said the statement which was posted on an Islamist website.

Al-Zawahiri, 59, issued a eulogy for bin Laden last week saying al-Qaeda’s leader had terrified the US when he was alive and would continue to do so in death. » | Rob Crilly, Islamabad | Thursday, June 16, 2011

JOY ONLINE: Profile: Ayman al-Zawahiri » | Thursday, June 16, 2011

BLOOMBERG: Al-Qaeda Names Egypt-Born Ayman Al-Zawahiri to Replace Bin Laden as Leader » | Chris Dolmetsch and Mariam Fam | Thursday, June 16, 2011

YOUTUBE: New Ayman Al Zawahiri Video Released »

Cuban Cigar Sales on the Rise Again

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Production of Cuban cigars are once again on the rise after falling victim to smoking bans and the international financial crisis.

The dexterous fingers of Cuba's cigar makers rolled out 81.5 million of the much sought-after smokes last year, compared with 75.4 million in 2009, according to a report released by the National Statistics Office on its Web page.

Cuba's finest tobacco leaf is grown and cured in westernmost Pinar del Rio province where the just-concluded harvest produced 25.4 million leaves, according to local radio reports, compared with the previous year's 22.4 million leaves.

While the figures are up, they are still well below 2008 when Cuba produced more than 100 million cigars for export and Pinar del Rio's tobacco harvest totalled 26 million leaves.

The partial recovery is due largely to growing demand in Asia – particularly China – where the new rich are keen for the largest and most expensive cigars, said Gonzalo Fernandez, deputy director of marketing at Habanos S.A., the worldwide distributor of Cuban cigars.

China has climbed into third place, behind Spain and France, among the largest markets for Cuban cigars.

Cigars are one of Cuba's top exports. » | Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Australia: Ibrahim Siddiq-Conlon on Islam

Greece in Turmoil as Papandreou Tries to Salvage Government

THE GUARDIAN: PM concedes he is unable to muster enough support for cuts required by international creditors to balance Greece's books

The economic and social mayhem gripping Europe's peripheries appeared to have claimed the scalp of another government after the Greek prime minister admitted he could not drive through reforms to shore up the beleaguered economy, and offered to make way for a government of national unity.

After a day on which tens of thousands marched on parliament to oppose the swingeing austerity measures designed to stave off bankruptcy, George Papandreou effectively conceded that he had not been able to muster enough support in parliament for the swingeing cuts required by international creditors to enable Greece to balance its books.

Emerging from intense negotiations with his conservative opposite number, Antonis Samaras, Papandreou said that his bid to create a unity government of broad acceptance had failed.

Catching even his own cabinet ministers off guard, the US-born leader had offered to step down if his political opponent accepted further cost-cutting measures.

"I will form a new government and seek a vote of confidence," the prime minister said in an address to the nation following the talks. » | Helena Smith in Athens and agencies | Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Libya: Anti-Gaddafi Activists Speak Out in Tripoli

BBC: Opposition activists in government-controlled Libya have told the BBC that Col Muammar Gaddafi is more unpopular than ever but is clinging on to power through intimidation and murder.

Tripoli is penetrated by fear and suspicion.

There are police stationed on every street corner and, more to the point, there are thought to be thousands of state agents in workplaces, schools and cafes.

They report back anything or anyone who could be regarded as remotely suspicious.

Wanting to know what Libyans are really thinking, we gave our government minders the slip and headed across the capital to meet four young opposition activists in a safe house.

They all said they had suffered at the regime's hands in one way or another.

Friends have been killed. They're tired of the corruption and nepotism and say pressure is mounting on Col Gaddafi to go.

Salem (not his real name) told me it was, for now, simply too dangerous to head out, unarmed, on to the streets to protest because the risk of being fired on by the security services was simply too great. » | Wyre Davies, BBC News, Tripoli | Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Griechenland in der Finanzkrise: Schwere Krawalle in Athen
Griechenland im Ausnahmezustand: Im Anschluss an Massenproteste gegen das Sparprogramm der Regierung haben sich Demonstranten und Polizisten in Athen erneut schwere Straßenschlachten geliefert

Papandreou angeblich zum Rücktritt bereit

SCHWEIZER FERNSEHEN: Griechenlands Ministerpräsident Giorgos Papandreou hat nach Informationen aus Regierungskreisen der Opposition seinen Rücktritt angeboten. Er schlug demnach die Bildung einer gemeinsamen Regierung der «Nationalen Einheit» vor. Papandreou soll dabei im Gegenzug auch bereit sein, auf sein Amt zu verzichten, hiess es weiter.

Nach der dramatischen Zuspitzung der Lage mit Massendemonstrationen in Athen gegen das neue Sparpaket der sozialistischen Regierung habe Papandreou diesen Schritt der grössten oppositionellen bürgerlichen Partei Nea Dimokratia (ND) vorgeschlagen, heisst in Regierungskreisen.

«Wenn es sein muss» sei Papandreou zum Amtsverzicht bereit, hiess es. Diese Einheitsregierung solle alle nötigen und schmerzhaften Reformendurchsetzen, die notwendig sind, um weitere Milliardenhilfen von der EU und dem Internationalem Währungsfonds (IWF) zu erhalten. » | sda/koua | Mittwoch 15. Juni 2011

Anti-austerity Greek Protesters Barricaded by Police
Protesters gathered at Syntagma Square in Athens are frustrated in their plan to prevent deputies from attending an austerity debate in the parliament

Bailouts Could Have Disintegration Effect on Europe - German MP

Klaus-Peter Willsch »

Watch Al Jazeera English Live

Witness - The Deadliest Beat
Two working days with two Mexican newspapers reveal the deadly beat that journalists tread when reporting on Mexico's violent drugs war

Necklace Ban for Men as Tehran's 'Moral Police' Enforce Dress Code

THE GUARDIAN: More than 70,000 trained forces sent out to streets as part of effort to combat 'western cultural invasion'

Iranian men have been banned from wearing necklaces in the latest crackdown by the Islamic regime on "un-Islamic" clothing and haircuts.

Thousands of special forces have been deployed in Tehran's streets, participating in the regime's "moral security plan" in which loose-fitting headscarves, tight overcoats and shortened trousers that expose skin will not be tolerated for women, while men are warned against glamorous hairstyles and wearing a necklace.

The new plan comes shortly after the Iranian parliament proposed a bill to criminalise dog ownership, on the grounds that it "poses a cultural problem, a blind imitation of the vulgar culture of the west".

The Irna state news agency said the trend was aimed at combating "the western cultural invasion" with help from more than 70,000 trained forces, known as "moral police", who are sent out to the streets in the capital and other cities.

With the summer heat sweeping across the country, many people, especially the young, push the boundaries and run the risk of being fined, or even arrested, for wearing "bad hijab" clothing. » | Saeed Kamali Dehghan | Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Saudi Arabian Lingerie Law Ends

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: A campaign to end an anomaly under which only men could sell lingerie to women in Saudi Arabia has been won after direct intervention by the king.

Rules against "mingling" of the sexes at work in the kingdom, whose laws are based on a strict interpretation of Muslim Sharia, mean that most shops have male assistants only.

Until now that included lingerie shops, leading to complaints that assistants who tried to be helpful often tried to guess customers' bra sizes by staring hard at their abayas, the long all-enveloping gowns worn by Saudi women in public. » | Richard Spencer, Middle East Correspondent | Tuesday, June 14, 2011

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Leading Surgeon Interrupts Cameron Hospital Visit
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: A senior surgeon interrupted a hospital visit by David Cameron and Nick Clegg to complain that the TV crews filming them were not observing strict hygiene rules.


David Nunn left the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister stunned with his angry outburst during the walkabout at Guy’s hospital in London Bridge.

He stormed into the ward shouting “sorry, sorry, sorry” as the politicians were about to sit down and talk to patients, before confronting the cameramen who had failed to roll up their sleeves as medics are required to do in order to combat the spread of superbugs in the NHS.

Mr Nunn, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Guy’s since 1990, pointed out his own short sleeves and demanded: “Why is it that we’re all told to walk around like this, and these people aren’t?”

He was ushered away by aides while Mr Clegg looked on open-mouthed, while Mr Cameron attempted to calm the situation by waving the cameramen towards the door.

Mr Nunn started to speak to the Prime Minister but he held his hands up, said he agreed with him and explained to the TV crew: “It’s because we’ve all taken our ties off.” » | Martin Beckford and Stephen Adams | Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Interview mit inhaftiertem Unternehmer: Michail Chodorkowskij kritisiert den Westen

FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE: In einem schriftlich geführten Interview mit der F.A.Z. hat der zu insgesamt 13 Jahren Haft verurteilte ehemalige Ölunternehmer Michail Chodorkowskij die westlichen Regierungen wegen ihrer „Trägheit in Fragen der Menschenrechte“ in Russland kritisiert.

Michail Chodorkowskij hat die westlichen Regierungen wegen ihrer „Trägheit in Fragen der Menschenrechte“ in Russland kritisiert. In einem schriftlich geführten Interview mit mehreren europäischen Zeitungen, darunter dieser Zeitung, warnte der in zwei offensichtlich politischen Prozessen zu insgesamt 13 Jahren Haft verurteilte ehemalige Ölunternehmer, für diese Zurückhaltung würden sowohl Europa als auch Russland „im direkten und im übertragenen Sinn“ noch teuer zahlen. Manche im Westen verwechselten im Verhältnis zu Moskau Realpolitik mit dem Verzicht auf die Verteidigung von demokratischen Werten und Rechtsstaatlichkeit.

Chodorkowskij äußerte sich pessimistisch über seine Aussichten auf eine vorzeitige Haftentlassung: Dazu wäre ein entsprechender politischer Wille nötig; er werde aber dennoch versuchen, die vorzeitige Entlassung, auf die er „theoretisch“ schon jetzt ein Recht habe, durchzusetzen. » | Von Reinhard Veser | Dienstag 14. Juni 2011

France: L'Assemblée rejette la loi sur le mariage homosexuel
LE POINT: Le groupe UMP et le Nouveau Centre ont voté contre le texte qui propose d'ouvrir le mariage aux personnes de même sexe.

Les députés ont rejeté mardi, par 293 voix contre 222, une proposition de loi du groupe socialiste visant à ouvrir le mariage aux couples de même sexe. Le groupe UMP - à l'exception de plusieurs de ses membres comme Franck Riester ou Henriette Martinez - et celui du Nouveau Centre (NC) ont voté contre la proposition de loi d'introduire un nouvel article dans le Code civil. » | Source Reuters | Mardi 14 Juin 2011

Barack Obama: There Are Days When I Say One Term Is Enough

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: President Barack Obama has said his family was "not invested" in a second term in the White House and would have been content if he had decided against running for re-election.

He said first lady Michelle Obama would be the first to encourage him to do something "a little less stressful" if she no longer believed in what his administration was doing.

"Michelle and the kids are wonderful in that if I said, 'You know what, guys, I want to do something different', they would be fine," he told NBC.

"They're not invested in daddy being president or my husband being president."

There were, he conceded, days when he thought "one term was enough", but "if the family is doing well and Michelle is putting up with me I've got enough energy to do the work I am doing".

Despite the hothouse atmosphere of the White House, he said that his two daughters Malia, 13, and Sasha, 10, were turning out to be "poised, kind and well mannered". » | Alex Spillius, Washington | Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Obama is giving himself an out because he knows that he might well not be re-elected for a second term. This president is about as ambitious as presidents get. I don't believe that he doesn't want a second term deep down. In any case, his big ego will drive him to seek re-election. Wasn't this man supposed to be the Messiah? Wasn't this man going to change everything in US politics in particular, and in the US in general? One lesson he has surely learnt whilst in office: It's a lot easier talking about being a president than it is being one. And what was that nonsense Michelle said about her husband? "This man doesn't take a day off. "Oh yeh? What about all the holidays he's taken whilst in office? What about all the golfing days he's had? Weren't those days off?

Obama is toast, and he knows it. – © Mark

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Inside Story - A Hollow Victory for Turkey's Erdogan?
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling AK party won a third term in Sunday's parliamentary elections.

It won just under 50 per cent of the vote, and secured 326 of the 550 seats in parliament. But the AKP will not be able to make unilateral constitutional changes.

The mandate is 40 seats short of the two-thirds majority needed to re-write the constitution without the co-operation of other parties.

The AKP is also short of the 330 seats it needs to refer a constitutional reform to a public vote.

However, it is the party's largest electoral victory since it came to power in 2002.

Many say Erdogan's support rests on his success in creating a booming economy and in ending decades of chaotic coalitions, military coups and failed international financial bailouts.

He has promised to build consensus with opposition parties to write a free civilian constitution that unites and embraces all parts of Turkish society.

Does another resounding election victory make Recep Tayyip Erdogan the most successful prime minister in the history of Turkey?

Inside Story with presenter Jane Dutton discusses with Yusuf Kanli, a columnist for the Hurriyet Daily News in Ankara; Nicole Pope, the author of Turkey Unveiled, A History of Modern Turkey in Istanbul; and Mustafa El-Labad, the director of Al Sharq Centre for Regional and Strategic Studies in Cairo.

MoD Issues Videos Warning Twitter Generation that 'Careless Talk Costs Lives'

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: The Ministry of Defence has issued "Careless talk costs lives"-style public information videos on YouTube, warning servicemen and women and their families of the security risks involved in using social networking websites.

In one, a mother learns from her son, an airman, that he is expecting a"VVIP" visit at his base. She writes on Facebook: "Mark is ok and enjoying his first week at FOB Jackson. Very excited by VVIP visit." Then the doorbell rings, and a figure in a balaclava, camouflage gear and crossed bandoliers comes in and drinks a cup of tea with her while looking at her son's baby photos. On-screen text warns: "It may not just be friends and family reading your status updates". » | Tom Chivers | Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Thailand Monks on Edge in Muslim South
In parts of Thailand, the act of collecting donations can be a dangerous one for Buddhist monks.

Armed groups in the mainly Muslim southern provinces have been fighting for an independent state, and many carry out regular attacks on Buddhist symbols in the region.

As Al Jazeera's Wayne Hay reports from Pattani, Thailand, the almost daily acts of violence touch everyone in the area, including those in the Muslim community.

DSK : L’avocat star Norman Siegel ne défendra pas Nafissatou Diallo

FRANCE SOIR: Poids lourd de l’équipe légale entourant Nafissatou Diallo, le célèbre justicier des droits civiques a confirmé jeudi qu’il ne représentait plus la victime présumée de Dominique Strauss-Kahn.

Norman Siegel, un des piliers de la défense de Nafissatou Diallo, a confirmé jeudi qu’il ne faisait plus partie de l’équipe d’avocats chargée de représenter la victime présumée de DSK. Il n’a pas souhaité donner les raisons du revirement. « Je ne représente plus cette femme, a-t-il simplement dit par téléphone. C’est tout ce que je dirai pour l’instant. » » | Par Par Alexis Buisson, correspondant à New York | Lundi 13 Juin 2011

Trial of Tunisia's Ousted President Ben Ali to Begin Next Week

THE GUARDIAN: Authorities prepare to bring charges in absentia of conspiring against the state, voluntary manslaughter and drug trafficking

The trial in absentia of former Tunisian president Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, who fled to Saudi Arabia in January, will begin next week, Tunisia's interim prime minister said on Monday.

"Ben Ali's trial will start on 20 June," Beji Caid-Essebsi said in an interview on al-Jazeera television. "He will be tried in a military and in a civilian court."

Ben Ali fled to Jeddah after he was toppled by mass protests on 14 January after 23 years in power. Several members of his family and security and some of his closest allies were detained shortly after he was forced out. » | Reuters in Tunis | Tuesday, June 14, 2011