Le président pakistanais : "La France considère le Pakistan comme un partenaire responsable"
Nicolas Sarkozy serre la main à son homologue pakistanais sur le perron de l'Élysée. Photo: Le Point
LE POINT: Le président pakistanais Asif Ali Zardari a estimé lundi que la France considérait le Pakistan comme "un partenaire responsable", à l'issue d'un entretien avec son homologue Nicolas Sarkozy. "La France considère le Pakistan comme un partenaire responsable", a assuré Asif Ali Zardari, s'exprimant devant des journalistes au palais de l'Élysée. >>> AFP | Lundi 02 Août 2010

Mongolian neo-Nazi group the Tsagaan Khas ('White Swastika') salute on the streets of the capital Ulan Bator. Photograph: The Guardian
Mongolian Neo-Nazis: Anti-Chinese Sentiment Fuels Rise of Ultra-nationalism
THE GUARDIAN: Alarm sounds over rise of extreme groups such as Tsagaan Khass who respect Hitler and reject foreign influence

Their right hands rise to black-clad chests and flash out in salute to their nation: "Sieg heil!" They praise Hitler's devotion to ethnic purity.

But with their high cheekbones, dark eyes and brown skin, they are hardly the Third Reich's Aryan ideal. A new strain of Nazism has found an unlikely home: Mongolia.

Once again, ultra-nationalists have emerged from an impoverished economy and turned upon outsiders. This time the main targets come from China, the rising power to the south.

Groups such as Tsagaan Khass, or White Swastika, portray themselves as patriots standing up for ordinary citizens in the face of foreign crime, rampant inequality, political indifference and corruption.

But critics say they scapegoat and attack the innocent. The US state department has warned travellers of increased assaults on inter-racial couples in recent years – including organised violence by ultra-nationalist groups.

Dayar Mongol threatened to shave the heads of women who sleep with Chinese men. Three years ago, the leader of Blue Mongol was convicted of murdering his daughter's boyfriend, reportedly because the young man had studied in China.

Though Tsagaan Khass leaders say they do not support violence, they are self-proclaimed Nazis. "Adolf Hitler was someone we respect. He taught us how to preserve national identity," said the 41-year-old co-founder, who calls himself Big Brother.

"We don't agree with his extremism and starting the second world war. We are against all those killings, but we support his ideology. We support nationalism rather than fascism." >>> Tania Branigan in Ulan Bator | Monday, August 02, 2010

Baroness Warsi Is Just Plain WRONG!
MAIL ONLINE: Wearing a burka does not prevent Muslim women ‘engaging in everyday life’ in Britain, the Conservative Party chairman Sayeeda Warsi claimed today.

In comments that will reignite the row about the full face veil, Baroness Warsi defended the right of Muslim women to ‘choose’ to wear the burka.

Backbench Tory MPs have launched a bid to ban the wearing of the burka in public.

Critics claim the burka is a symbol of oppression, with some Muslim women ordered to wear the full face veil by their husbands.

But Lady Warsi, the first Muslim woman to serve in the Cabinet, yesterday launched a passionate defence of the burka. She suggested that many Muslim women choose to wear the veil of their own free will.

Lady Warsi, who was named last year as Britain’s most powerful Muslim woman, said: ‘Just because a woman wears the burka, it doesn’t mean she can’t engage in everyday life.

‘Why should we tell women what to wear? What it boils down to is choice. If women don’t have a choice over what to wear then they are oppressed.

‘But if a woman has a choice, and she chooses to wear whatever she chooses to wear then she’s not oppressed is she? She’s choosing what she wants.’

Critics claim that the burka alienates Muslim women from the rest of society. But Lady Warsi said the burka did not act as a barrier in itself.

She added: ‘There are women who wear the burka who run extremely successful businesses – internet businesses, which don’t actually require you to be there face to face.’

Lady Warsi’s intervention is the latest bid by the coalition Government to close down debate about the burka. Tory party chairman says Muslim women SHOULD be allowed to wear the Burka >>> Jason Groves | Monday, August 02, 2010

Österreich: Gadhafi-Clan soll Haiders geheime Konten gefüllt haben
ZEIT ONLINE: Neue Enthüllungen um den verstorbenen Rechtspopulisten Haider: Er soll über Geheimkonten in Liechtenstein Millionen verschoben haben. Geld kam angeblich auch aus Libyen.

46 Geheimkonten, 45 Millionen Euro: Jörg Haider soll ein Netzwerk von Briefkastenfirmen in Liechtenstein betrieben haben. Bild: Zeit Online
"Das dreckige Dutzend": So fasst das österreichische Nachrichtenmagazin profil die neuen Enthüllungen über den verstorbenen Rechtspopulisten und früheren Kärntner Landeshauptmann Jörg Haider zusammen. Es geht um Geld "aus dunklen Kanälen", um ein "dichtes Netz aus Treuhandkonstruktionen", das Staatsanwälte in drei Ländern beschäftigt. Haider soll in Liechtenstein mehr als ein Dutzend Briefkastenfirmen unterhalten und über diese Geheimkonten rund 45 Millionen Euro am Fiskus vorbei geschleust haben.

Wie das Magazin berichtet, stießen Sonderermittler aus Österreich, Deutschland und der Schweiz auf die Konten, als sie in zwei anderen Fällen gegen Haider ermittelt hatten: den Kauf der Hypo Group Alpe Adria Bank (HGAA) durch die deutsche BayernLB im Jahr 2007 sowie die Privatisierung der österreichischen Wohnungsbaugesellschaft Buwog im Jahr 2004. Insgesamt seien 46 von Treuhändern eingerichtete Briefkastengesellschaften gefunden worden, von denen ein Dutzend Haider zugerechnet werden.

Von den einst 45 Millionen seien inzwischen aber nur noch rund fünf Millionen Euro übrig. Der Rest wurde dem Magazin zufolge bereits vor Jahren verspekuliert. Vieles deute darauf hin, dass die Mittel weder der Freiheitlichen Partei (FPÖ) noch dem Bündnis Zukunft Österreich (BZÖ), sondern ausschließlich Haider zur Verfügung gestanden hätten. Schon als der Politiker im Jahr 2000 die Führung der FPÖ abgab, sei die vermeintlich prall gefüllte Parteikasse bis auf die staatliche Parteienfinanzierung leer gewesen. >>> Zeit online, dpa, Reuters, AFP | Montag, 02. August 2010

Verbunden: Das dreckige Dutzend >>> Von Michael Nikbakhsh und Ulla Schmid | Samstag, 31. Juli 2010

Reality Show Concludes Hunt for 'Ultimate Young Imam'
THE INDEPENDENT: An Islamic reality TV show that made its contestants counsel promiscuous teenagers and bury corpses has named a mosque prayer leader as Malaysia's top role model for young Muslims.

Producers voiced hopes yesterday of launching similar versions of Imam Muda, or "Young Leader", in other Muslim-majority countries after the Malaysian show's first season became the most-watched programme to ever air on the Islamic channel of the Astro pay-TV network.

Muhammad Asyraf Ridzuan, 26, beat Hizbur Rahman Omar Zuhdi, an Islamic schoolteacher, to win the competition late on Friday in an event broadcast nationwide from an auditorium packed with spectators who had secured the highly coveted tickets. It was the culmination of a 10-episode run to find a man whose religious devotion could inspire other Malaysian Muslims of his generation.

Ridzuan's victory earned him prizes that mixed the spiritual – a new job as prayer leader at a prestigious Kuala Lumpur mosque and an all-expenses paid pilgrimage to Mecca – with the secular, including a car, iPhone, laptop and 20,000 ringgit (£4,000) in cash. >>> Sean Yoong in Kuala Lumpur, AP | Monday, August 02, 2010

Related articles here and here

Islamic Bank of Britain Gets Cash Boost for Sharia-compliant Loans
THE INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY: A fortnight after it was revealed by The Independent on Sunday that Lloyds banking group had abandoned its landmark Islamic mortgage offer, one of its rivals has outlined plans to expand the number of home loans offered which comply with sharia law.

The Islamic Bank of Britain has secured an extra £20m of investment from Qatar International Islamic Bank so that it can increase the number of sharia-compliant home loans and savings products. Under sharia, the payment and receipt of interest is banned, as is investment in areas such as arms manufacturing, alcohol and tobacco. >>> | Sunday, August 01, 2010

Hobart's Smoking Ban Begins
THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD: A controversial ban on smoking in Hobart's outdoor malls has been well received, the city's council says.

Hobart City Council in May passed a ban on smoking at three outdoor malls in central Hobart, which took effect on Sunday.
Smoking in Hobart's alfresco dining areas will be illegal from August next year.

The ban caused controversy when first announced, with retailers expressing concern it could affect business.

But the council said at the time it was proud to have some of the nation's most stringent anti-smoking laws. >>> AAP | Monday, August 02, 2010

Australia – Election 2010: Tony Abbott Definitely Against Gay Marriage
THE DIRT: No time was wasted as the radio duo pressed Abbott over his views on gay marriage.

Just like Prime Minister Julia Gillard, marriage in his view is always between a man and a woman. (+ audio of Tony Abbot on gay marriage) >>> Posted by Jason | Monday, August 02, 2010

Chile Senator to Sponsor Gay Marriage Bill
REUTERS CANADA: SANTIAGO - The head of Chile's Socialist party, Fulvio Rossi, told reporters on Sunday that he planned to sponsor a bill to legalize gay marriage in the country, as occurred last month in neighboring Argentina.

"This is a project that I will present ... and I am also calling on the Church to be more welcoming, and I say that as part of the Church," the senator said, responding to remarks from Chilean Cardinal Francisco Javier Errazuriz who described the same-sex weddings in Argentina as "an aberration." >>> Reporting by Maria Jose Latorre; Writing by Laura MacInnis | Sunday, August 01, 2010

Cameron Terrorism Row: High Commissioner in Pakistan Summoned to Meeting
THE TELEGRAPH: The British High Commissioner has been summoned to meet Pakistan's foreign minister as the effects of David Cameron's remarks on terrorism continue to be felt.



Adam Thomson will meet Shah Mehmood Qureshi after David Cameron said he would not apologise for his comments about Pakistan exporting terrorism when he meets the country’s president for talks this week.

Relations between London and Islamabad soured last week when Mr Cameron said Pakistan could not be permitted to "look both ways" in promoting the export of terror while publicly working for stability in the region.

His comments were made in India, which added to the negative reaction across the border.

President Asif Ali Zardari has been facing pressure to cancel the talks with Mr Cameron at Chequers, which he has so far resisted.

Last Wednesday, while In Bangalore, Mr Cameron said: "We cannot tolerate in any sense the idea that this country [Pakistan] is allowed to look both ways and is able, in any way, to promote the export of terror."

A Downing Street spokeswoman said the high commissioner and Pakistan foreign minister had covered a "broad range of issues".

"They discussed a broad range of issues including preparations for President Zardari's visit," she said. >>> Andrew Porter, Political Editor, and Andy Bloxham | Monday, August 02, 2010

«Emir vom Kaukasus» tritt zurück: Doku Umarow – Rebellenchef und Terrorist
NZZ ONLINE: Der tschetschenische Rebellenführer und selbst ernannte «Emir vom Kaukasus», Doku Umarow, ist von seinem Posten zurückgetreten. Er hatte sich im März zum Bombenanschlag in der Moskauer Metro bekannt.

In einem Video, das am Sonntagabend auf verschiedenen Websites veröffentlicht wurde, gab Umarow zugleich die Ernennung von Aslambek Wadalow zum neuen «Emir vom Kaukasus» bekannt.

Dieser sei «jünger und energischer», sagte Umarow, der sich im März zu den Attentaten auf die Moskauer U-Bahn mit 39 Toten bekannt hatte. «Das bedeutet nicht, dass ich mich vom Heiligen Krieg zurückziehe», sagte der 46-jährige Umarow. Er werde seinen Nachfolger «mit Worten und Taten» unterstützen, sagte Umarow. Lesen Sie weiter und schreiben Sie einen Kommentar >>> sda/afp | Montag, 02. August 2010

No Oprah or Obama as Chelsea Clinton Weds Marc Mezvinsky
THE GUARDIAN: Tight security and low celebrity count as Bill and Hillary Clinton's daughter marries investment banker

In the end, Oprah Winfrey was a no‑show. In fact, the occasion was notable for its relatively modest sprinkling of celebrities, in tune with the family event that the woman at its centre had wanted it to be.

Not that the wedding of Chelsea Clinton on Saturday was low-key. Beaming in a veiled Vera Wang dress on a gorgeous day in upstate New York, she was led down the aisle by her father Bill, the former president, who kept his promise not to cry and certainly looked as though he had also lost his pledged 15lbs judging from the set of photographs given out by the family.

Hillary Clinton wore a dress by Oscar de la Renta.

The groom, investment banker Marc Mezvinsky, who was a childhood friend of Chelsea's and who shared some of the peculiarities of her upbringing by being the son of Democratic politicians, wore a yarmulke and a tallit prayer shawl. >>> Ed Pilkington in New York | Sunday, August 01, 2010

Cuba to Relax State Control of the Economy
THE TELEGRAPH: Raul Castro has said that his government will scale back controls on small businesses, lay off unnecessary workers and allow more self-employment - significant steps in a country where the state dominates nearly every facet of the economy.

Fidel Castro (left) and brother Raul. Photo: The Telegraph
Cuba's president, however, quashed notions of a sweeping overhaul to the country's communist economic system in response to the financial crisis it is facing.

"With experience accumulated in more than 55 years of revolutionary struggle, it doesn't seem like we're doing too badly, nor that desperation or frustration have been our companions along the way," the president said.

Speaking in parliament, Castro said that authorities would "update the Cuban economic model," suggesting reforms could be on the horizon. Cuban officials plan to reduce state control of small businesses, authorize more Cubans to become self-employed and build a new tax structure that will compel state employees to contribute more. >>> | Monday, August 02, 2010

Raúl Castro to Allow Cubans More Private Sector Jobs
THE GUARDIAN: Leader says prohibitions on licences and commercialisation will be rolled back in effort to reduce 'bloated' state sector

More Cubans will be allowed to work for themselves and hire their own workers, the country's president has said, while ruling out wholesale reform of the communist economy.

Raúl Castro, who was speaking to parliament at the opening of its biannual session, said the steps were aimed at creating jobs as the government seeks to cut jobs from the public sector over the next five years.

About 95% of all Cubans work for the government and Castro suggested that as many as one in five state employees were redundant in what he called a "bloated" state sector.

Castro said those left out of work would be retrained or reassigned to other jobs but warned that few sectors would be immune to cuts. While sketchy, his comments signalled a liberalisation of the economy at a time of financial crisis. Raúl Castro took power from Fidel, first temporarily, then permanently, in July 2006. He has a reputation for being more pragmatic than his brother. >>> Mark Tran | Monday, August 02, 2010

NZZ ONLINE: Raul Castro will den Sozialismus zukunftsfähig machen: Kuba erlaubt Privatwirtschaft im Kleinen– Die kommunistische Führung in Kuba hat beschlossen, Kleinbetriebe mit Angestellten zuzulassen und den Staatsapparat verkleinern. Präsident Raul Castro will so das soziale System des Landes für die Zukunft erhalten. >>> sda/dpa | Montag, 02. August 2010

Rockets 'from Egypt' Hit Eilat and Jordan
THE TELEGRAPH: A suspected short-range rocket salvo from the Egyptian Sinai, an area where Islamist militants have operated in the past, have struck Red Sea ports in Israel and Jordan.

Several rockets hit the Israeli holiday resort of Eilat, while four people were injured when further rockets hit the nearby Jordanian port of Aqaba.

There was no word of casualties in Eilat, District Port Commander Moshe Cohen said, adding that his forces were still trying to confirm that five explosions heard in the morning had been caused by shelling.

Mr Cohen told Israel Radio that two of the suspected rockets or mortar bombs appeared to have landed in the sea, while another struck the nearby Jordanian port of Aqaba.

Asked where the salvo was launched, Mr Cohen said: "It's a little early to say, but it is reasonable to assume that it came from the southern area."

He was referring to neighbouring Egypt and the Sinai desert which is known for Islamist militant acitivty. >>> | Monday, August 02, 2010

Iran's President Ahmadinejad Challenges Barack Obama to TV Debate
THE TELEGRAPH: Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has invited Barack Obama, his US counterpart, to face him in a televised one-on-one debate to see who has the best solutions for the world's problems.

The provocative proposal came as Iran dealt with a new wave of international sanctions - driven by Washington - aimed at pressuring the Islamic Republic over its nuclear programme.

"Toward the end of summer we will hopefully be there for the (UN) General Assembly and I will be ready for one-on-one talks with Mr Obama, in front of the media of course," Mr Ahmadinejad said in an address broadcast live on state television. >>> | Monday, August 02, 2010

Minarette, Erdogan und Christen in der Türkei

Argumente gegen Türkei EU Beitritt

Merkel gegen EU Beitritt der Türkei

Fortsetzung: Helmut Schmidt außer Dienst
Teil 5:



Teil 6:



Teil 7:



Teil 8:



Teil 9:



Verbunden: Teil 1 bis Teil 4 >>>

Iran Stoning Woman Offered Asylum by Brazil's President Lula
THE GUARDIAN: Offer raises hopes Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, the Iranian woman sentenced to death by stoning for adultery, will be spared

Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has stepped into the international outcry over Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, the Iranian woman sentenced to death by stoning for adultery, by offering his country as a refuge, a move which raised hopes her life will be spared.

The surprise offer prompted an immediate reaction from Iran, which considers Brazil a key ally. Iranian officials softened their tone with Ashtiani's family over the weekend and official media reported full details of the story for the first time.

"I don't think Iran can ignore Brazil as easily as it ignored other countries," Ashtiani's son, Sajad, told the Guardian today. "It is very important that Brazil, as one of Iran's most significant allies in the world, has offered a haven for my mother."

He hoped Turkey, which also carries influence with Tehran, would add its voice. "No countries in the world can have such impacts that Brazil and Turkey can have on Iran now. These two countries can save my mother's life," said Sajad. >>> Saeed Kamali Dehghan, Tom Phillips in Rio de Janeiro, and Rory Carroll | Sunday, August 01, 2010