THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Nick Clegg has been publicly confronted by the woman infamously labelled a “bigot” by Gordon Brown.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Two of the nails used to crucify Jesus have been dsicovered in a 2,000-year-old tomb, according to a new film.
The film, 'The Nails of the Cross' by Simcha Jacobovici, follows three years of research during which he presents his assertions - some based on empirical data, others requiring much imagination and a leap of faith.
He hails the find as historic, but most experts and scholars dismissed his case as far-fetched, some calling it a publicity stunt.
Many ancient relics, including other nails supposedly traced back to the crucifixion, have been presented over the centuries as having a connection to Jesus. Many were deemed phony, while others were embraced as holy.
Mr Jacobovici, who sparked debate with a previous film that claimed to reveal the lost tomb of Jesus, says this find differs from others because of its historical and archaeological context.
"What we are bringing to the world is the best archaeological argument ever made that two of the nails from the crucifixion of Jesus have been found," he said. » | Tuesday, April 12, 2011
The Japanese nuclear disaster is 100 times worse than officials first thought.
The severity level of the nuclear crisis at the quake and tsunami damaged Fukushima plant has been raised from five to seven, the highest level on the international scale, and on a par with Chernobyl - the biggest nuclear disaster ever.
It comes as Japan was hit by yet another series of powerful aftershocks on Tuesday.
Anu Nathan reports.
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Britain’s politicians take fright at the idea – but Sarkozy’s brave step is both popular and right, says William Langley.
Despite some high-profile protests, France’s banning of the burka is enormously popular with the public. Unfortunately, as in Britain, almost anything politicians do that the voters approve of tends to be denounced as populisme – a particularly dread charge among the over-earnest French political class – and instead of enjoying the deserved benefits, President Nicolas Sarkozy has found himself on the defensive.
Sarko’s modest measure (the burka is forbidden only in public places, the fines are piffling and the enforcement procedures incomprehensible) has led to much talk of sledgehammers and nuts, warnings of an apocalyptic Muslim backlash and claims that the Republican tradition of liberté is being compromised in a seedy ploy to combat the resurgence of the hard-Right Front National under its new leader Marine Le Pen.
Almost anything, in fact, than an acknowledgement that the public overwhelmingly sees the ban as right for France, beneficial to its Muslim communities and justified – if on no other grounds – as a statement in support of liberalism against darkness. Approval runs right across the spectrum, with Fadela Amara, the Algerian-born former housing minister in Sarkozy’s government, calling the burka “a kind of tomb, a horror for those trapped within it”, and André Gerin, the Communist MP who headed the commission investigating the grounds for a ban, describing it as “the tip of an iceberg of oppression”.
So what do we get in Britain? Theresa May, the Home Secretary, rules out a ban because “it would be out of keeping with our nation’s longstanding record of tolerance”, while the Leftist commentariat continues – with apparent seriousness – to suggest that the face veil is a “lifestyle choice” and essentially no different from a balaclavas worn by middle-class types on the ski slopes of Courcheval. I suspect this thinking is going to have to change. Continue reading and comment » | William Langley | Monday, April 11, 2011
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: David Cameron branded Oxford University "disgraceful" after claiming that the institution admitted only one black student in the last academic year.On a visit to the north of England, the Prime Minister singled out Oxford for criticism when he accused elite institutions of having a "terrible record" of enrolling teenagers from state schools.
Senior officials at the university described the figure as "highly misleading" as it related only to British students who described themselves as black Caribbean. They said Oxford admitted another 27 students who described themselves as black African and another 14 who were mixed race.
The university also said that only 452 black students across the country had even achieved the A-level results demanded by Oxford to meet its minimum entry requirements for the 2009-10 academic year.
Leading academics and MPs said Mr Cameron risked undermining the ancient institution with his "ignorant", "absurd" and "mind boggling" comments. It followed controversy last week over Mr Cameron's claim that Britain was responsible for many of the world's historic problems, including the conflict in Kashmir between India and Pakistan.
The latest fallout will add to growing controversy that the Coalition is attempting to "socially engineer" university admissions by asking top institutions to set targets for recruiting students from state schools, poor backgrounds and ethnic minorities. » | Andrew Porter, Graeme Paton and James Kirkup | Monday, April 11, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: President Barack Obama has complained about the loss of privacy that comes with being leader of the free world, regretting the loss of simple pleasures such as a long walk or a trip to the car wash or supermarket."I just miss – I miss being anonymous," he said. "I miss Saturday morning, rolling out of bed, not shaving, getting into my car with my girls, driving to the supermarket, squeezing the fruit, getting my car washed, taking walks. I can't take a walk."
His dream, he said, was to "go through Central Park and watch folks passing by ... spend the day watching people – I miss that".
Faced with simmering criticism for playing more golf than most previous occupants of the White House, he explained that the sport was simply the best way of getting away from it all.
"It's the only excuse I have to get outside for four hours at a stretch," he told Hearst magazines. » | Alex Spillius, Washington | Monday, April 11, 2011
From what you say, Obama, you don't deserve to occupy the White House. You really should have thought about these things before running for president, especially the loss of privacy. Any old fool could have told you about the loss of privacy!
How on earth can someone wish to become President of the USA and retain their anonymity? This truly beggars belief!
The fact of the matter is that you were too young and inexperienced for this most prestigious of positions. You were a greenhorn. A greenhorn unworthy of the high office that was bestowed upon you. Now, the poor Americans must suffer.
Most people would give their eye teeth to become the man that you now are: the President of the US of A. But you find it within yourself to complain about the restrictions of the position. How pathetic you sound, Mr. President!
How nice it would have been if you had chosen to go walk in Central Park instead of running for president. That way, you would have spared many people many a sleepless night.
Do yourself a favour and renounce your chance of running this time. Many will thank you for it. – © Mark
THE GUARDIAN: Rebels say deal is unacceptable because it does not require Gaddafi to step downLibya's revolutionary leadership has flatly rejected an African Union peace initiative because it does not require Muammar Gaddafi to immediately relinquish power.
The rebels' interim ruling council met an AU delegation from five countries – led by three presidents and two foreign ministers – the day after Gaddafi endorsed the African "roadmap to peace", which included an immediate ceasefire, the suspension of Nato air strikes and talks towards a political settlement.
But Mustafa Abdul Jalil, the revolutionary council chairman, said the rebels had told the AU its proposal had been outdated by events, including the UN security council resolution authorising air strikes, and was in any case unacceptable because it left Gaddafi in power while both sides negotiated.
"From the very beginning we have been asking that the exit of Gaddafi and his sons take place immediately. We cannot consider this or any future proposal that does not include this peoples' requirement," said Jalil. "He leaves on his own or the march of the people will be at his doorstep."
That view was strongly backed by thousands of demonstrators outside the Benghazi hotel where the talks were held. They waved revolutionary flags and carried signs saying: "No solution with Gaddafi staying". » | Chris McGreal in Benghazi, Harriet Sherwood in Tripoli, Ian Traynor in Brussels and Nicholas Watt | Monday, April 11, 2011
PRESS ASSOCIATION: A British National Party election candidate accused of publicly burning a copy of the Koran has been freed after the charge against him was unexpectedly dropped.
Sion Owens, 41, of Bonymaen, Swansea, South Wales, was arrested and charged at the weekend under Section 29 of the Public Order Act.
The BNP candidate in next month's Welsh Assembly elections spent the weekend in custody before appearing at Swansea Magistrates' Court.
He has been warned that police are continuing to investigate the alleged incident and to expect further action.
It is understood that his release was due to a technicality regarding the Act under which he was arrested and charged. » | UKPA | Monday, April 11, 2011
Related »
There is mounting international condemnation of Syria's handling of pro-democracy protests - as more people are killed on streets.
Bashar al Assad's regime insists it is a foreign conspiracy against his country. Others suggest a more sinister third party is involved.
Inside Story discusses with guests: Marwan Kabalan, a professor of political science from Damascus University; Lamis Andoni, a writer and political commentator on Middle East affairs; and Patrick Seale, a leading British writer on the middle east, and author of "Asad of Syria".
This episode of Inside Story aired on Sunday, April 10, 2011.
THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: The White House has dismissed Donald Trump's potential presidential run as a "sideshow", saying there is no way the billionaire businessman would be "hired" by the American people.Mr Trump, renowned for his New York bluster, is considering a tilt at the White House and according to some polls is running second among prospective Republican candidates, behind former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney.
As part of his flirtation with a presidential bid, Mr Trump has controversially brought up the non-issue of Mr Obama's birthplace.
The president was born in the US state of Hawaii and released a certificate of live birth to prove it in June 2008, but some on the right-hand fringes of American politics still like to pretend it is an issue.
"I think I saw Donald Trump kind of rising in some polls and given his behaviour with respect to the last couple of weeks I hope he keeps on rising," Mr Obama's campaign adviser David Plouffe told ABC's "This Week" program.
"I think there's zero chance that Donald Trump would ever be hired by the American people to do this job." » | Sunday, April 10, 2011
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: French police arrested two veiled women this morning just hours after the country's new ban on wearing the burka in public came into force.The women were arrested along with several other people protesting in front of Notre Dame cathedral in Paris against the new law.
Jourrnalists at the scene said the arrests came after police moved in to break up the protest which had not been authorised.
On Saturday police arrested 59 people, including 19 veiled women, who turned up for a banned protest in Paris against the draconian new law, the first of its kind to be enforced in Europe.
Earlier, French police said they will be enforcing the country’s new burka ban "extremely cautiously" because of fears of provoking violence.
They fear Muslims extremists will use the law to provoke fights with officers, while rich visitors from countries like Saudi Arabia will also cause trouble.
All garments which cover the face were officially banned from first thing this morning, with offenders facing fines of 150 euros (£133).
But police admitted that they feared being accused of discrimination against Muslims, whether approaching women in tinderbox housing projects or on the Champs Elysee [sic].
"The law will be very difficult to apply on certain estates," said Patrice Ribeiro, of the Synergie police union.
Referring to two Paris suburbs where riots regularly break out because of alleged discrimination against Muslims, Mr Ribeiro said: "I can’t see police going to book dozens of veiled women doing their shopping in Venissieux or in Trappes.
"It will be the same when a police officer is about to arrest a veiled Saudi who is about to go into Louis Vuitton on the Champs Elysees. In all cases, the forces of order will have to be measured and cautious in their behaviour." » | Peter Allen, in Paris | Monday, April 11, 2011
TELEGRAPH BLOGS – DANIEL HANNAN: Book-burning neatly symbolizes the know-nothing bellicosity that lies behind so many authoritarian movements. As the fascist general, José Millán-Astray, screamed when confronted with an idea he disliked: ¡Muera la inteligencia! ¡Viva la muerte!
Sion Owens, a BNP candidate in Wales who was arrested when police discovered that he had burned a Koran in his garage, was behaving with extraordinary narcissism. Even the BNP dunderheads who troll this blog can’t have failed to notice that a similar stunt has led to a spate of murders in Afghanistan. What Owens was effectively saying was: “My right to indulge in this little jape matters more to me than any increased threat to my country’s interests or citizens”. He would no doubt argue that he is not to blame for any bloody consequences and, in a sense, this is true: any retaliation will be entirely the responsibility of its perpetrators. But so what? At best, Owens is causing needless offence; at worst, he is seeking to provoke a violent response. The man is evidently – there is no way of putting this gently – a total dick. Continue reading and comment » | Daniel Hannan | Monday, April 11, 2011
My comment:
One of the things I hate about my country is that there is nothing written on paper that explains our rights. In other words, there is no written constitution. Our rights are merely those that Her Majesty and Her government think our rights ought to be – they are fluid, to say the least.
This is anachronistic; and if something isn't done about it soon, I fear that I shall turn from being a pro-monarchist into a full-blown republican! I am sick to death of politicians – most of whom I would not rate as being very intelligent – telling me what I can, or can't, do – and it's usually the latter! 'Ban' seems to be the middle name of so many of the Dummköpfe (thickos, dimwits, fools)! One immediately springs to mind: Tony Ban Blair! And when so many politicians have a love affair with banning, having a written constitution becomes more important than ever.
Regarding burning the Koran, especially on one's own property, is, or should be, no concern of the police at all. How dare the police interfere in one's private affairs! He was not creating any public disorder. So what's the big deal? As Archbishop Cranmer said: The police wouldn't react in this way if one were burning the Bible. They wouldn't give a damn! So why is the Koran given special treatment?
Personally, I would not burn the Koran, because I don't think it serves any purpose. I would prefer to show better. But it is rather irksome to think that my country has travelled so far down the road of dhimmitude. And that it has done so does not auger well for the future; on the contrary, it bodes ill.
One cannot help but ask oneself the question: Has the fact that Sion Owens – It appears that he can't spell his own name! It should be spellt 'Siôn', being as it is Welsh (of Hebrew origin) for John – is a BNP candidate in Wales got anything to do with this arrest, I wonder? Were they trying to discredit him?
Be all that as it may, I am sick to death with spineless politicians (of all hues) using political correctness as a reason to do nothing about the growth of Islam in Europe in particular, and the West in general. Perhaps if they were to take a stand for Judeo-Christian culture, there would be no need for extremists to take matters into their own hands and burn Korans. – © Mark
This comment also appears here
THE AUSTRALIAN: PRINCE Andrew, the Duke of York was criticised for "opening doors for arms dealers" yesterday, while senior business and political figures gave their backing to his role as a government trade envoy.
Prince Andrew arrived back from his visit to Indonesia, which is seeking the lifting of a British arms export ban so that it can buy military jets.
His trip took place six weeks after David Cameron was criticised for promoting the sale of British weapons in Egypt as the country went through a bloody revolution.
It was his first trip as trade envoy since the revelation of his links to an American sex offender and support for deals with countries with questionable human rights records.
During the three-day trip he met President Yudhoyono and Mari Pangestu, the Indonesian Trade Minister, both of whom he had also met in Switzerland in January.
The Times revealed last month that Indonesia has made an informal approach to acquire as many as 24 Eurofighter Typhoon jets in a deal worth up to pounds 5billion ($7.7 billion AUD). Separately, BAE Systems has offered to upgrade the country's Hawk aircraft.
Gerald Howarth, the Defence Minister, attended a defence summit in Jakarta last month where he said that he expected to discuss sales of the Typhoon.
Sales of military equipment to Indonesia were banned in 1999 after reports that the Hawks were used to attack civilians in East Timor and West Papau.
Kaye Stearman, a spokeswoman for Campaign Against Arms Trade, said that Indonesia bought half of its military equipment from Britain in the five years leading up to the export ban.
"It seems that Prince Andrew's role is to open doors to arms deals rather than to do the actual negotiation," Ms Stearman said. "People in some of these countries are still impressed by the British royalty, but it is highly damaging for the Royal Family to be associated with such deals." » | David Brown | The Times | Monday, April 11, 2011
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: A magnitude 7.1 aftershock has rattled Japan on the one-month anniversary of the magnitude 9 earthquake that spawned a deadly tsunami.
Authorities issued a warning for a three feet high tsunami after today's earthquake. The quake's epicentre was in Fukushima prefecture.
Workers battling to contain a crisis at the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant were ordered to evacuate after the powerful aftershock, operator TEPCO said.
"The company ordered workers to withdraw and stay in a quake-proof building," a spokesman for the operator said. "We don't know many workers were involved."
People at a large electronics store in central Sendai in Miyagi prefecture screamed and ran outside, though the shaking made it hard to move around. Mothers grabbed their children, and windows shook.
The news comes four days after northern Japan was hit by a 7.4 magnitude earthquake with an epicentre 25 miles under water near Sendai, a city devastated by the tsunami on March 11. » | Monday, April 11, 2011
THE AUSTRALIAN: Strong earthquake rocks Japan, tsunami alert issued for Pacific: JAPAN has issued a tsunami alert after a strong quake struck the east and northeast of the country, one month after the devastating March 11 earthquake-tsunami disaster. » | Staff writers | News Core | Monday, April 11, 2011
REUTERS: Gaddafi accepts peace plan but rebels say he must go » | Maria Golovnina | TRIPOLI | Monday, April 11, 2011
Michel Houellebecq dénonce l'attitude... by Nouvelobs
NOUVELOBS.COM: Houellebecq: les écolos sont les collabos de l'islamisme – Michel Houellebecq a beau n’être pas «un citoyen» et considérer la France comme «un hôtel», ça ne l’empêche heureusement pas de participer, à distance, au débat sur l’islam – pardon, sur la laïcité qu’organise ces jours-ci l’UMP. » | Grégoire Leménager | Mardi 05 Avril 2011
FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE: Vor dem Treffen der EU-Innenminister in Luxemburg hat sich der Streit über den Umgang mit den Flüchtlingen aus Nordafrika innerhalb der Europäischen Union verschärft. Während Bundesinnenminister Friedrich die Flüchtlingswelle für ein italienisches Problem hält, fordert Berlusconi Solidarität.In Deutschland wird die Kritik an der Flüchtlingspolitik Italiens lauter. Bundesinnenminister Hans-Peter Friedrich (CSU) sagte vor einem EU-Innenministertreffen in Luxemburg an diesem Montag der Zeitung „Die Welt“: „Italien muss sein Flüchtlingsproblem selbst regeln“. Bayern und Hessen wollen die Einwanderung tunesischer Flüchtlinge notfalls mit der Wiedereinführung von Kontrollen an den deutschen Grenzen verhindern.
Mindestens 22.000 Flüchtlinge sind seit Beginn der politischen Unruhen in Nordafrika im Januar allein auf der italienischen Mittelmeerinsel Lampedusa angekommen. Die meisten von ihnen stammen aus Tunesien. Die Regierung in Rom hatte angekündigt, Flüchtlingen befristete Aufenthaltsgenehmigungen zu geben, mit denen sie auch in andere EU-Staaten einreisen könnten.
Der Flüchtlingsstrom nach Italien sorgt in der Europäischen Union für Streit. Die EU-Innenminister wollen sich an diesem Montag in Luxemburg mit der Flüchtlingsfrage befassen. Nach EU-Recht ist das Land, in dem Flüchtlinge EU-Boden betreten, für die Prüfung von Asylanträgen und Aufenthaltsbegehren zuständig. Strittig ist zwischen Rom und anderen EU-Ländern vor allem, ob Italien die Flüchtlinge aus Nordafrika innerhalb der EU weiterreisen lassen darf oder nicht. » | FAZ.NET | Sonntag, 10. April 2011
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