Treffen in Indien: Tibets junge Mönche wollen Kampf gegen China
Foto dank der Welt
WELT ONLINE: Das Treffen der Exil-Tibeter in Indien legt einen Generationenkonflikt offen. Die Geister scheiden sich am Umgang mit Peking. Noch hat der Dalai Lama die Kontrolle. Er duldet nur friedlichen Widerstand. Doch jüngere Mönche sind das Warten auf ein Einlenken Chinas leid. Sie wollen die Autonomität ihres Landes erkämpfen.

Der alte Mönch in der dunkelroten Kutte hält die Hitzköpfe zurück. Noch. Ohne den Dalai Lama und seinen unerschütterlichen Glauben an eine gewaltfreie Lösung wären die Tibeter womöglich längst zu einer zweiten Palästinenserbewegung oder IRA geworden. Sie hätten ihre verlorene Heimat vielleicht mit Bomben und Terror von den chinesischen Besatzern zurückgefordert. Doch ihr geistiges Oberhaupt hält sie an der Leine und beharrt seit fast 50 Jahren auf dem „mittleren Weg“: Kompromisse, friedlicher Dialog und stoisch sanftes Lächeln. Jetzt aber scheint der Friedensnobelpreisträger mit seinem Latein am Ende. „Mein Vertrauen in die chinesische Regierung schwindet“, hatte er kürzlich resigniert erklärt und offen wie nie zuvor ein mögliches Scheitern seiner Bemühungen zugegeben.

Jetzt sollen Jüngere entscheiden, wie es weitergehen kann. Der Dalai Lama rief im nordindischen Dharamsala zu einer Krisensitzung über den künftigen Kurs der Tibeter gegenüber China – die erste ihrer Art, seit die tibetische Regierung vor fast fünf Jahrzehnten über den Himalaja in die Freiheit floh.

Seine Heiligkeit selbst hält sich heraus, wartet auf die Ergebnisse, die ihm am Sonntag vorgelegt werden. Sechs Tage lang haben rund 600 Delegierte hinter verschlossenen Türen diskutiert. >>> Von Sophie Mühlmann | 22. November 2008

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Stupid Is as Stupid Talks!

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Hillary Clinton Accepts Barack Obama's Offer to Be Secretary of State
Photo of Hillary Rodham Clinton courtesy of The Times
THE TELEGRAPH: Senator Hillary Clinton has accepted President-Elect Barack Obama's offer to become Secretary of State, the second most prestigious job in the country, according to friends.

She will give up her seat as a senator for New York and become the international face of the administration of the man who defeated her in a long and sometimes bitter battle for the Democratic Party's nomination.

With other reports saying Mr Obama will name his economic team on Monday, he could have completed much of his most important recruitment at an unprecedented early stage, just three weeks after his momentous victory on Nov 4.

NBC News reported that he will nominate Timothy Geithner, 47, as treasury secretary. As head of the New York federal reserve bank he has been involved with $700 billion bailout of Wall Street, which he will take charge of if he is confirmed.

After days of deliberation, friends of Mrs Clinton told the New York Times that she had put aside her doubts about yielding her senate seat after consulting Mr Obama again on what her role would be.

Friends were earlier quoted as saying that the 61-year-old former First Lady is concerned about what would come after her four years - the usual term - as the nation's top diplomat. As a representative of liberal New York state, she probably had a safe Senate seat for life.

However she is the junior of two senators from the state, and even after eight years in the Senate remains a long way down the pecking order of Democratic senators. She is several years away from one of the coveted committee chairmanships, such as foreign affairs, health or the environment, and the party's leadership in the Senate is unwilling to break precedent by letting her jump the queue.

As Secretary of State she would be arguably the second most powerful person in the country, and would be serving at a particularly critical time in US history.

"She will be aware that the influence of secretary of state on foreign policy is comparable to the whole of the senate," said Michael O'Hanlon, a senior fellow at the liberal Brookings Institution think tank.

The only doubts about her appointment within the Obama camp were removed after the vetting team pronounced themselves satisfied after examining his extensive overseas financial connections. >>> By Alex Spillius in Washington | November 21, 2008

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Thor Steinar and the Changing Look of the German Far Right
SPIEGELONLINE INTERNATIONAL: Shaved heads, bomber jackets, black boots with white shoelaces -- it used to be easy to spot a neo-Nazi. But young far-right extremists are wearing more stylish and more coded clothes.

Lilian Engelmann never thought she would see neo-Nazis on her block. The young art curator works in a gallery in the trendy district of Mitte, a neighborhood in central Berlin. Her neighbors include an international cinema, designer hat store, Vietnamese restaurant and -- as of last February -- a store called Tönsberg, which sells clothing popular among right-wing extremists.

"By coming here, the neo-Nazis tried to come into the center of society," Engelmann told SPIEGEL ONLINE. Once local residents and shopowners learned that Tönsberg planned to sell the clothing brand Thor Steinar, they organized against the store. The group led by Engelmann and other shopowners called itself the "Mitte Initiative Against the Far Right," and mounted regular protests.

Neo-Nazis are a fringe group in Germany, where Holocaust denial, praise of Adolf Hitler and the display of Nazi symbols are all illegal. The Office for the Protection of the Constitution, the government's domestic intelligence agency, estimates there are about 40,000 active members of the German far right. The agency can shut down Kameradschaften, gangs or brotherhoods which tend to be violent, but many other groups in the neo-Nazi scene often fly under the legal radar -- like rock bands with suggestive lyrics or stylish clothing companies with coded symbols. As long as they don't display swastikas or explicitly support Hitler or his party, these groups are left alone.

Do These Sneakers Make Me Look Neo-Nazi?

Thor Steinar goods were banned in 2004 because of the logo's similarity to symbols worn by SS officers. But the company has rebranded, and its new look is legal. This presents a dilemma for Engelmann's group. Symbols and speech not obviously related to Nazism are protected by German law. So instead of trying to run the store out, her group decided to educate passersby about Tönsberg.

The group won permission from authorities in Mitte to set up a public display detailing the history of the Holocaust, the recent far right scene and neo-Nazi symbols and culture. Three tall boxes plastered with dossiers dot Rosa-Luxemburg Street in Berlin, where Engelmann's gallery stands near Tönsberg.

"We've had people come in and ask, 'If I buy these sneakers, are they sending neo-Nazi signals?'" said Engelmann. "People have a better idea of what kind of store it is."

"People" includes passersby, but also landlords. On Oct. 14, a Berlin court ruled that Tönsberg's landlord was allowed to kick the store out because Tönsberg had failed to fully disclose what types of products it would sell. A similar court decision on Oct. 28 will clear out a store selling Thor Steinar clothing in Magdeburg, a city in eastern Germany. A Hamburg store shut down in early October after protests. Three further stores in Germany sell Thor Steinar goods, but a legal decision on one of them, in Leipzig, is pending.

The brand also stirred a recent controversy in Berlin after a plainclothes policeman wore a Thor Steinar shirt while on duty at a demonstration to mark the anniversary of Kristallnacht -- the Nazi-orchestrated pogroms that swept Germany on November 9, 1938. Dieter Glietsch, head of police in Berlin, said ignorance of the brand was not an excuse. "That a police officer walks around wearing Thor Steinar clothes during the anniversary of the pogrom calls for a thorough investigation," he told the Tagesspiegel newspaper. "It is not as if in Berlin people don't know what the label stands for." >>> By Rachel Nolan in Berlin | November 20, 2008

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Yemen 'Faces Crisis as Oil Ends'
BBC: Yemen is facing an economic and political crisis as the country's oil resources near exhaustion, a report by a London-based think-tank says.

The Royal Institute for International Affairs warns that instability there could expand a zone of lawlessness from northern Kenya to Saudi Arabia.

It describes Yemen's democracy as "fragile" and points to armed conflicts with Islamists and tribal insurgents.

One diplomat says that the country's prospects get worse every month.

The World Bank predicts that Yemen's oil and gas revenues will plummet over the next two years and fall to zero by 2017 as supplies run out.

Given that they provide around 90% of the country's exports, this could be catastrophic.

An unnamed energy expert is quoted in the report as saying that this points to economic collapse within four of five years time. >>> By Martin Plaut, BBC News | November 20, 2008

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An Insight into the Mind of Anjem Choudary

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Obama and Islam

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US Jews, Muslims Launch Unprecedented Drive against Anti-Semitism, Xenophobia
HAARETZ: Dozens of synagogues and mosques across the United States and Canada are to take part in a first-of-its-kind three-day joint public relations campaign against anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim xenophobia beginning on Friday.

The initiative, which was given the code-name "Twinning," calls for close cooperation between rabbis and imams based in some of the largest cities in North America, including Boston, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, Palm Beach, St. Louis, and Washington DC.

Organizers say the venture, which will encompass an estimated 100,000 Jews and Muslims, will feature rabbis appearing before Muslim congregants in mosques while imams address Jewish worshipers at synagogues. In addition, workshops and symposiums will be held to examine ways to combat anti-Semitism and anti-Islamic hatred. >>> By Shlomo Shamir, Haaretz Correspondent | November 21, 2008

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Massenproteste in Bagdad gegen Sicherheitsplan der USA: Sadr fordert sofortigen Abzug der US-Truppen aus Zweistromland
NZZ Online: Tausende von Iraker haben in der irakischen Hauptstadt Bagdad gegen das Sicherheitsabkommen mit den USA protestiert, das den weiteren Einsatz der amerikanischen Truppen in dem Land regeln soll.

(sda/afp) Die Demonstranten, die am Freitag einem Aufruf des radikalen Schiitenpredigers Moktada Sadr gefolgt waren, forderten den sofortigen Abzug der amerikanischen Soldaten. >>> | 21. November 2008

ASSOCIATED PRESS: Bush Effigy Burned in Anti-US Protest in Baghdad

BAGHDAD — Followers of a Shiite cleric on Friday stomped on and burned an effigy of President George W. Bush in the same central Baghdad square where Iraqis beat a toppled statue of Saddam Hussein with their sandals five years earlier.

Chanting and waving flags, thousands of Muqtada al-Sadr's followers filled Firdous Square to protest a proposed U.S.-Iraqi security pact that would allow American troops to stay for three more years. The Bush effigy was placed on the same pedestal where U.S. Marines toppled the ousted dictator's statue in one of the iconic images of the 2003 U.S.-led invasion.

After a mass prayer, demonstrators pelted the effigy with plastic water bottles and sandals. One man hit it in the face with his sandal. The effigy fell head first into the crowd and protesters jumped on it before setting it ablaze.

Before it fell, the effigy held a sign that said: "The security agreement ... shame and humiliation."

Iraq's parliament is expected to vote next week on the plan to keep U.S. forces in Iraq for another three years. But the noisy opposition by the Sadrists indicates that even if it is approved, the deal could remain divisive in a country struggling for reconciliation.

Opponents view the security deal as a surrender to U.S. interests despite Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, a Shiite, saying the pact would eventually lead to full sovereignty.

Al-Sadr, who is believed to be in Iran, was not at the protest, though he wrote a sermon read by his representative, Sheik Abdul Hadi al-Mohammadawi, calling the U.S. "the enemy of Islam."

"The government must know that it is the people who help it in the good and the bad times. If it throws the occupier out all the Iraqi people will stand by it," the sermon read, using common rhetoric for the United States.

Al-Sadr reiterated in the sermon that his followers in both the armed and the peaceful factions of his movement will continue to work for the removal of U.S. forces. >>> By Hamza Hendawi | November 21, 2008

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Muslime im Lande der Gauchos: In Buenos Aires steht die grösste Moschee Lateinamerikas
NZZ Online: In Argentinien leben rund eine halbe Million Muslime. Sie vertreten eine moderate Form des Islam, und das Zusammenleben der drei monotheistischen Religionen gilt als problemlos. Saudiarabien hat vor zehn Jahren die grösste Moschee Lateinamerikas finanziert.

Buenos Aires, im November

Es ist 12 Uhr mittags. Vor dem Eingang zum islamischen Kulturzentrum «König Fahd – Wächter der zwei heiligen Moscheen» in Buenos Aires warten gut drei Dutzend Personen auf eine öffentliche Führung. Wie der Direktor des Zentrums, der Saudi Saad Helail Alzewaihri, später im Gespräch erklärt, ist es ihm sehr wichtig, dass das Zentrum auch für Nichtmuslime offensteht. Deshalb finden zweimal wöchentlich öffentliche Führungen statt, zu denen man ohne Voranmeldung erscheinen kann. Das zwischen 1998 und 2000 von Saudiarabien für 22 Millionen Dollar errichtete Zentrum beherbergt die grösste Moschee Lateinamerikas mit zwei stattlichen Minaretten. Die Moschee bietet Platz für 1500 Gläubige, wobei für die Frauen ein um ein Stockwerk erhöhter separater Gebetsraum mit Blick in den Hauptraum geschaffen wurde.

Für die Zukunft geplant

Das grosszügig angelegte Zentrum ist in einem schlichten Stil mit arabischen Architekturelementen erbaut. Es umfasst eine Fläche von nicht weniger als 3,6 Hektaren, wovon 2 Hektaren überbaut sind. Auf dem Rundgang kommt es einem etwas menschenleer und überdimensioniert vor. In der Tat füllt sich die Moschee zum Freitagsgebet nicht, wie unser Führer, Fernando Refai, erzählt, doch zur Feier am Ende des letzten Ramadan seien immerhin über 1000 Personen gekommen. Offensichtlich wurde beim Bau des Komplexes mit einem deutlichen Anstieg der Zahl der Gläubigen gerechnet. Bei einer kurzen Einführung in der Eingangshalle zur Moschee erhalten die Besucher mehrere religiöse Broschüren, die ihnen den Islam näherbringen sollen. Die Gewinnung neuer Gläubiger scheint auch ein Ziel des Zentrums zu sein. Direktor Alzewaihri spricht von einer nicht unbedeutenden Zahl von Übertritten in letzter Zeit.

Ansteigen wird auf jeden Fall die Zahl der Schüler in der integrierten, vor zwei Jahren eröffneten Schule. Diese besteht zurzeit aus der Vorschulstufe und dem 1. und 2. Schuljahr. Jedes Jahr soll ein weiteres Schuljahr hinzugefügt werden. Zurzeit sind 130 Schüler eingeschrieben, überraschenderweise sind 90 Prozent davon keine Muslime. Das Zentrum bietet attraktive Schulgebühren. Es folgt dem gesetzlich festgelegten argentinischen Lehrplan und offeriert zusätzlich – fakultativ, wie der Führer betont – Arabisch- und Islam-Unterricht. Zukünftig soll für Schüler aus dem Landesinnern auch ein Internat eingerichtet werden.

Das Zentrum verfügt auch über eine öffentlich zugängliche Bibliothek mit Büchern auf Spanisch und Arabisch – die grösste Sammlung arabischer Literatur in Argentinien, wie der Direktor stolz erklärt. Arabisch wird für Erwachsene in kostenlosen Kursen angeboten. Das Zentrum besitzt ausserdem Räumlichkeiten für Konferenzen sowie für temporäre Ausstellungen, die den Argentiniern das arabisch-islamische Kulturgut näherbringen sollen. Auf dem Areal befindet sich sogar ein Fussballplatz, der von den Jugendlichen des Quartiers benützt werden darf und auf dem regelmässig Freundschaftsspiele zwischen Botschaften verschiedener Länder ausgetragen werden. >>> Werner Marti, Lateinamerikakorrspondent der Neuen Zürcher Zeitung | November 2008

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The Sun: Michael Jackson si è convertito all'islam
RAINEWS 24: Michael Jackson la celebre e discussa pop star americana si e' convertita all'Islam: lo scrive il tabloid britannico Sun. Il suo nome musulmano sarebbe ora Mikaeel, quello di uno degli angeli di Allah.

La pop-star, cresciuta dalla famiglia come Testimone di Geova, si sarebbe convertita per migliorare la propria vita, come successo a molti suoi amici recentemente diventati musulmani. Secondo il giornale la cerimonia sarebbe avvenuta, alla presenza di un imam, in casa dell'amico Steve Porcaro, a Los Angeles.

Michael Jackson e' atteso nel fine settimana a Londra, dove deve deporre nella causa intentata contro di lui da uno sceicco del Bahrein che lo accusa di aver violato un contratto, e chiede un indennizzo di 7 milioni di dollari. Jackson dovrebbe deporre in aula da lunedi'. [Origine: RAINEWS 24] Londra | 21 novembre 2008

THE SUN: The Way You Mecca Me Feel

MICHAEL JACKSON has become a Muslim — and changed his name to MIKAEEL.

The skint superstar, 50, donned Islamic garb to pledge allegiance to the Koran in a ceremony at a pal’s mansion in Los Angeles, The Sun can reveal.

Jacko sat on the floor wearing a tiny hat after an Imam was summoned to officiate — days before the singer is due to appear at London’s High Court where he is being sued by an Arab sheik.

A source told last night how Jacko, brought up as a Jehovah’s Witness, decided to convert as he used a studio at the home of his chum to record a new album.

The star — whose hits include The Way You Make Me Feel — was spotted looking “a bit down” by a producer and a songwriter who had both embraced Islam. >>> By Neil Syson | November 21, 2008

THE TELEGRAPH: Michael Jackson 'Converts to Islam and Changes Name to Mikaeel'

Michael Jackson apparently used to walk about Bahrain in a woman’s abayah. Photo courtesy of The Telegraph
Michael Jackson has reportedly become a Muslim and changed his name to Mikaeel.

The singer, who was raised as a Jehovah's Witness, converted to Islam in a ceremony at a friend's house in Los Angeles.

He is said to have sat on the floor and worn a small hat while an imam officiated.

According to The Sun, the ceremony took place while Jackson, 50, was recording an album at the home of Steve Porcaro, a keyboard player who composed music on his Thriller album.

The former Jackson 5 star was counselled by David Wharnsby, a Canadian songwriter, and Phillip Bubal, a producer, who have both converted. >>> By Graham Tibbetts | November 21, 2008

Is it to be Muhammad, Abdullah or just Mikha'el Jackson? >>>

BILD: Michael Jackson ist jetzt Moslem

Er wurde als Zeuge Jehova aufgezogen, jetzt ist er Moslem: Popstar Michael Jackson (50) hat die Religion gewechselt.

Die Zeremonie in Los Angeles vollzog „Jacko“ alle nötigen Riten. Zu dem Schritt entschlossen hat er sich, während er im Tonstudio eines Freundes an einem neuen Album arbeitete. Das berichtet die „Sun“

Ab jetzt heißt Michael nicht mehr Michael, sondern „Mikael“. Den Namen „Mustafa“, der ihm zuerst angeboten wurde, lehnte er ab.

Quellen zufolge soll Michael, oder besser gesagt Mikael, in L.A. auch Besuch von Yousef Islam (60) bekommen haben, der mit ihm feierte. Der Sänger, besser bekannt als Cat Stevens, war bereits Ende de siebziger Jahre zum Islam konvertiert. >>> | 21. November 2008

BLICK: Michael Jackson ist Muslim!

LOS ANGELES - Erst sein Aussehen, jetzt sein Glaube: Michael Jackson konvergiert [konvertiert / hat sich bekehrt] zum Islam. Doch das ist dem Popstar nicht genug: Er hat jetzt auch noch einen neuen Namen!

Michael Jackson ist wahrlich ein Meister der Verwandlung. Und das in relativ grundlegenden Angelegenheiten. Der Popstar änderte einst seine Hautfarbe. Jetzt wechselt er auch noch seine Konfession. Kein Witz: Michael Jackson ist neu ein Muslim!



Den Religionswechsel vollzog Jackson im Haus eines Freundes in Los Angeles. Bei der Zeremonie war auch ein Imam anwesend. >>> | 21. November 2008

LA STAMPA: Michael Jackson sceglie l'Islam "Da oggi chiamatemi Mikaeel"

La popstar folgorata da Allah lunedì sarà in tribunale. E' accusato di aver intascato il denaro di uno sceicco

LONDRA
Dopo le mille evoluzioni fisiche grazie al bisturi, Michael Jackson si evolve anche nell’anima: il cantante è diventato musulmano e ha cambiato il suo nome in Mikaeel, il nome di uno degli angeli di Allah. È quanto scrive The Sun rivelando i particolari della cerimonia di conversione e ricordando che ciò avviene pochi giorni prima che Jacko, 50 anni, si presenti davanti alla Royal Court of Justice di Londra perché accusato di aver indebitamente intascato 7 milioni di dollari da Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, secondogenito dello sceicco del Bahrein.

La cerimonia è avvenuta nella casa di Los Angeles di un suo amico, Steve Porcaro, musicista e autore che compose alcuni dei brani contenuti nell’album «Thriller». Erano presenti anche David Wharnsby, compositore canadese, e il produttore Phillip Bubal, entrambi già convertiti all’Islam. Il rito è stato ufficiato da un Imam a un Michael Jackson-Mikaeel, un tempo Testimone di Geova, vestito con la tradizionale tunica bianca. >>> | 21/11/2008

ALL NEWS WEB: Al-Qaeda Welcomes Michael Jackson to Islam

Initial reports are already filtering through that Al-Qaeda has warmly welcomed Michael Jackson into their faith and are confident that this high profile conversion will prove to be the turning point whereby millions of young Americans, already disillusioned by the economic crisis that is sapping Americas confidence will turn to the Koran for inspiration. Sources close to Al Qaeda leadership are said to have have confirmed open satisfaction by leaders including Deputy Ayman Al-Zawahiri according to some Pakistani news services.

It is claimed that Al Qaeda were already most surprised by the fact that Americans were prepared to vote in as President a candidate with some recent Muslim heritage, even if the President-elect is a practising Christian. Now with this latest celebrity conversion feel Al-Qaeda hope that the west is moving religiously towards Mecca. None of this stopped Ayman Al-Zawahiri referring to Obama as a ‘house negro ‘in a recent speech, however much praise was lavished on Malcolm X within the same speech. >>> | November 22, 2008

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Sun Sets on US Power: Report Predicts End of Dominance
THE GUARDIAN: US intelligence: 'We can no longer call shots alone' / European Union will be 'hobbled giant' by 2025 / Triumph of western democracy not certain

The United States' leading intelligence organisation has warned that the world is entering an increasingly unstable and unpredictable period in which the advance of western-style democracy is no longer assured, and some states are in danger of being "taken over and run by criminal networks".

The global trends review, produced by the National Intelligence Council (NIC) every four years, represents sobering reading in Barack Obama's intray as he prepares to take office in January. The country he inherits, the report warns, will no longer be able to "call the shots" alone, as its power over an increasingly multipolar world begins to wane.

Looking ahead to 2025, the NIC (which coordinates analysis from all the US intelligence agencies), foresees a fragmented world, where conflict over scarce resources is on the rise, poorly contained by "ramshackle" international institutions, while nuclear proliferation, particularly in the Middle East, and even nuclear conflict grow more likely.

"Global Trends 2025: A World Transformed" warns that the spread of western democratic capitalism cannot be taken for granted, as it was by George Bush and America's neoconservatives.

"No single outcome seems preordained: the Western model of economic liberalism, democracy and secularism, for example, which many assumed to be inevitable, may lose its lustre – at least in the medium term," the report warns.

It adds: "Today wealth is moving not just from West to East but is concentrating more under state control," giving the examples of China and Russia.

"In the wake of the 2008 global financial crisis, the state's role in the economy may be gaining more appeal throughout the world."

At the same time, the US will become "less dominant" in the world – no longer the unrivalled superpower it has been since the end of the Cold War, but a "first among equals" in a more fluid and evenly balanced world, making the unilateralism of the Bush era no longer tenable.

The report predicts that over the next two decades "the multiplicity of influential actors and distrust of vast power means less room for the US to call the shots without the support of strong partnerships."

It is a conclusion that meshes with president elect Obama's stated preference for multilateralism, but the NIC findings suggest that as the years go by it could be harder for Washington to put together "coalitions of the willing" to pursue its agenda. >>> Julian Borger, diplomatic editor | November 20. 2008

TIMESONLINE: National Intelligence Council Report: Sun Setting on the American Century

The next two decades will see a world living with the daily threat of nuclear war, environmental catastrophe and the decline of America as the dominant global power, according to a frighteningly bleak assessment by the US intelligence community.

“The world of the near future will be subject to an increased likelihood of conflict over resources, including food and water, and will be haunted by the persistence of rogue states and terrorist groups with greater access to nuclear weapons,” said the report by the National Intelligence Council, a body of analysts from across the US intelligence community.

The analysts said that the report had been prepared in time for Barack Obama’s entry into the Oval office on January 20, where he will be faced with some of the greatest challenges of any newly elected US president.

“The likelihood that nuclear weapons will be used will increase with expanded access to technology and a widening range of options for limited strikes,” the 121-page assessment said.

The analysts draw attention to an already escalating nuclear arms race in the Middle East and anticipate that a growing number of rogue states will be prepared to share their destructive technology with terror groups. “Over the next 15-20 years reactions to the decisions Iran makes about its nuclear programme could cause a number of regional states to intensify these efforts and consider actively pursuing nuclear weapons,” the report Global Trends 2025 said. “This will add a new and more dangerous dimension to what is likely to be increasing competition for influence within the region,” it said.

The spread of nuclear capabilities will raise questions about the ability of weak states to safeguard them, it added. “If the number of nuclear-capable states increases, so will the number of countries potentially willing to provide nuclear assistance to other countries or to terrorists.” >>> Tim Reid in Washington | November 21, 2008

Read the report in full >>>

NZZ Online:
US-Geheimdienst erwartet Niedergang der USA: Russland und Kanada könnten vom Klimawandel profitieren - Prognose für 2025 vorgelegt >>> | 21. November 2008

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NGOs: Teach Islam to Jews and Judaism to Muslims
THE JERUSALEM POST: A coalition of non-governmental organizations and educators hope to improve Muslim-Jewish coexistence in Israel by teaching Islam to Jews and Judaism to Muslims in the nation's public schools.

"We believe that if there will be more knowledge about Islam among Jews and if Israeli Muslims know more about Judaism this would have a positive effect on social relations," said Rabbi Ron Kronish, head of the Interreligious Coordination Council (ICCI).

"There is a high level of ignorance on both sides which leads to mutual suspicion and stereotyping."

Relations between Israeli Arabs and Jews have deteriorated over the past eight years, particularly after 13 Arabs were killed in what has become known as the October riots of 2000, in support of the second Palestinian intifada.

Acre, one of the few cities in which Jews and Arabs live together, was the most recent flashpoint of violence. Arabs and Jews clashed in the streets after an Arab inadvertently drove his car into a Jewish neighborhood on Yom Kippur.

On Monday in Jerusalem's Mishkanot Sha'ananim neighborhood, a special symposium entitled "Teaching Islam to Jews and Judaism to Muslims in Israel" will be hosted by ICCI together with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung foundation in Israel, al-Qasemi College in Baka al-Gharbiya and the Nemia Levtzion Center for Islamic Studies at the Hebrew University.

The symposium marks the launching of an effort to encourage a deeper understanding of religious differences and similarities. >>> By Matthew Wagner | November 19, 2008

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Far Right Posting Gains in England
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR: Fueled by the recession, the groups have won members and seats in recent elections.

LONDON - For decades, the tiny city of Stoke-on-Trent in central England has been a stronghold for the country's left-leaning Labour Party, but disillusionment among poorer white residents and tensions with their Muslim neighbors is pushing the city to the far right.

The whites-only, anti-immigration British National Party (BNP), has gone from being a fringe group to gaining a 15 percent stake in Stoke-on-Trent's governing council. Many observers now believe the group could win enough votes to control the council by 2011.

Some mainstream politicians are now voicing concerns that BNP is poised to make nationwide gains. While white Britons have lived in relative harmony with immigrants for years, the nation's deepening recession is raising concerns of heightened anti-immigrant sentiment, and is sparking support for the far right, says Jon Cruddas, a parliamentarian who represents the London borough of Barking and Dagenham.

"History suggests that the far right tends to do well in times of economic trouble," says Mr. Cruddas, who was appointed by Prime Minister Gordon Brown to spearhead a campaign against the far right.

Of the roughly 8,000 town council members scattered across England, only 50 or so are members of the BNP. But during June elections, the BNP is expected to make significant gains and could win up to three of England's 59 seats in the European Parliament, according to experts. Such results would also indicate a chance for the party to potentially capture two seats in the United Kingdom's national parliament. >>> By Ben Quinn, Contributor to The Christian Science Monitor | November 20, 2008

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Petzners Beziehung zu Haider war der Partei zu intim
TAGES ANZEIGER: Der nach dem Unfalltod von Jörg Haider zum neuen Chef des rechtspopulistischen Bündnisses Zukunft Österreich (BZÖ) ernannte Stefan Petzner ist von seinem Posten zurückgetreten.

Er habe den Entschluss freiwillig gefasst und sei nicht demontiert worden, sagte Petzner dem Fernsehsender ORF.

Petzner war ursprünglich Generalsekretär der Partei und galt als Ziehsohn des Kärntener Landeshauptmanns. Nach Haiders Tod Mitte Oktober wurde er einstimmig zum neuen BZÖ-Chef gewählt.

In den vergangenen Wochen zog er sich jedoch den Unmut vieler Parteifreunde zu, da er in Interviews ausführlich über seine innige private Beziehung zu Haider berichtete. >>> | 20. November 2008

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Saudi Arabia: Asian Immigrant Forced to Clean Mosques for 'Skipping Prayers'
ADNKRONOS INTERNATIONAL (AKI): Riyadh - A Saudi civil court has ordered an Asian immigrant to clean mosques next month during this year's Hajj pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca after religious police caught him skipping Friday prayers several times, Saudi daily al-Watan reports. The man will have to clean five mosques along the highway into Mecca twice daily for eleven days, the court ruled.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs will be tasked with checking if the immigrant obeys the court order. If he fails to do so, the court has warned that he will be tried before a criminal court.

Instead of handing out custodial sentences, a number of Saudi judges have recently ordered minor offenders to clean buildings and cars, memorise the Koran (the Muslim holy book) or do community work.

Earlier this month, a judge ordered a young man to memorise part of the Koran and 40 sayings of the Prophet Mohammed as a punishment for appearing in public with a woman who was not a relative.

This year's Hajj is taking place in the first half of December. Last year, two million Muslim pilgrims attended.

The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is an obligation for all able-bodied Muslims to attend at least once during their lives, provided they can afford it. [Source: AKI] | November 18, 2008

Hat tip: Robert Spencer

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Settlers Spray Inflammatory Graffiti on Mosque
INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE: HEBRON, West Bank: Jewish settlers on Thursday spray-painted graffiti on a mosque slurring the Prophet Muhammad and defaced a Muslim cemetery, Israeli military officials said, threatening to worsen tensions in this volatile West Bank city.

Israeli security forces quickly removed the graffiti and were cleaning the cemetery, the army said.

The mosque stands next to a building that has become a flashpoint for tensions between settlers and Palestinians. Settlers say they bought the building from a Palestinian, but the Palestinian denies the claim.

Settlers inside the building have ignored an order from Israel's Supreme Court to leave while the ownership dispute is settled. Israel's defense minister has pledged to evict them within 30 days if they don't leave voluntarily.

Hebron is divided into Israeli and Palestinian-controlled sections. About 500 settlers live in guarded enclaves in the city's center among 170,000 Palestinians. >>> AP | November 20, 2008

TIMESONLINE: Jewish Settlers Daub 'Muhammad is a pig' on Palestinian Mosque

An escalating stand-off between the Israeli Army and a group of extremist Jewish settlers encamped illegally in a Palestinian town took a sinister turn today after radicals desecrated a Muslim cemetery and mosque and attacked soldiers.

Israel's military, which is trying to force the settlers to leave the property in Hebron, said it had removed the graffiti "Muhammad is a pig" from a local mosque and had cleared the cemetery, in which gravestones were sprayed by radicals with Stars of David.

The wave of vandalism is part of a campaign of violence and disorder by nine settler families, who make up some of the most extreme hard-right-wingers in Israel.

They have promised to use force against local Palestinian residents and soldiers trying to enforce an Israeli court order demanding their departure from a house they have occupied in the town, which is densely populated by Palestinians.

The settlers believe they have a biblical right to settle anywhere in the West Bank, and bitterly oppose Israel's negotiations to give up large swaths of the occupied territory in exchange for a Palestinian state and a permanent peace settlement. Currently, about 500 settlers live in guarded enclaves in Hebron's city centre among 170,000 Palestinians.

The Israeli Army stepped back from its original plan to forcibly evacuate the settlers yesterday, fearing extreme violence. Instead, Ehud Barak, the Defence Minister, has pledged to force their removal within 30 days.

Amid a wave of vandalism perpetrated by settlers yesterday in the aftermath of the court decision, a group of men was seen gathering near a mosque, daubing abusive graffiti on it.

Mouatassem Daana, a Palestinian resident, said that he saw settlers gathered near the mosque building “writing demeaning graffiti on the wall of the mosque insulting the Prophet Muhammad” and breaking windows. Later, the cemetery was also vandalised. >>> David Byers | November 20, 2008

BBC: Security Increase in Tense Hebron

Israel has increased security in the West Bank city of Hebron ahead of a Jewish pilgrimage there.

This comes at a time of increased tension in Hebron, where hundreds of Jewish settlers live in the heart of the Palestinian city.

A number of them are currently defying an Israeli high court order to leave a building in the centre of the Palestinian city.

On Wednesday, a mosque and Muslim cemetery were defaced by settlers.

Israeli troops later painted over the offensive graffiti. A soldier was injured in scuffles with settlers, the army said. >>> | November 21, 2008

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Iran Blocks Access to More than Five Million Websites
THE TELEGRAPH: Iran has blocked access to more than five million internet sites, whose content is mostly perceived as immoral and anti-social, a judiciary official was has said.

"The enemies seek to assault our religious identity by exploiting the internet," Abdolsamad Khoram Abadi, an adviser to Iran's prosecutor general, was quoted by Kargozaran newspaper as saying.

The internet "inflicts social, political, economic and moral damage, which is worrying," he said, adding that "social vice caused by the internet is more than that by the satellite network," Mehr news agency reported.

With about 21 million users, the internet is widely popular in Iran, which information ministry officials say ranks among the top 20 user countries.

In recent years, internet service providers have been told to block access to political, human rights and women's sites and weblogs expressing dissent or deemed to be pornographic and anti-Islamic.

The ban has also targeted such popular social networking sites as Facebook and YouTube, as well as news sites.

Iran's reformist press was hit by a massive crackdown in 2000, and many journalists turned to blogging after their publications were shut down.

The closures have continued under President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, elected in 2005, and targeted newspapers and other media, including websites and news agencies, of all political persuasions. [Source: The Telegraph] | November 19, 2008

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Al-Qaeda Vows to Hurt Obama's US
BBC: The second-in-command of Islamic militant network al-Qaeda has called on Muslims to harm "criminal" America.

In a message purportedly from Ayman al-Zawahiri, the al-Qaeda deputy accused US President-elect Barack Obama of betraying his Muslim roots.

He likened him to a "house slave" - who had chosen to align himself with the "enemies" of Islam.

Mr Obama has said stamping out al-Qaeda "once and for all" will be a top priority during his administration.

On Sunday, he said capturing or killing Osama Bin Laden was "critical" to US security.

He has also promised to bolster the US presence in Afghanistan - a policy that would fail, said the al-Qaeda deputy.

The US said the message did not signal any increased threat against America.

This is undoubtedly a message aimed at sustaining anti-American sentiment among Muslims in the face of Barack Obama's election, says the BBC's defence correspondent Rob Watson.

But it is a risky approach, our correspondent says.

Barack Obama is hugely popular world-wide and his colour and background make him a much tougher target to attack than President George W Bush in the eyes of a global audience, he says.

'Trespassing crusader'

Zawahiri, an Egyptian by birth, is often referred to as Osama Bin Laden's right-hand man and the chief ideologue of al-Qaeda.

The audio message, which ran with photographic stills and some video footage, appeared on militant websites.

Mr Obama's election did not mean that US policy towards the Muslim world had changed, Ayman al-Zawahiri said, according to the 11-minute message.

He warned Mr Obama of failure if he followed the policies of the Bush administration.

The change of leadership in the US did not mean that America should be perceived differently, he added.

"America, the criminal, trespassing crusader, continues to be the same as ever, so we must continue to harm it in order for it to come to its senses," he said.

Zawahiri also criticised Mr Obama - whose father is Muslim - for betraying the Islamic world.

"You were born to a Muslim father, but you chose to stand in the ranks of the enemies of the Muslims, and pray the prayer of the Jews, although you claim to be Christian, in order to climb the rungs of leadership in America," he said.

Mr Obama was not an "honourable black American" like Malcolm X, he said, but an "abeed al-beit" - a word that translates as house slave but was rendered "house negro" in the message's English subtitles. >>> | November 19, 2008

Listen to BBC audio: A clip from al-Qaeda's message >>>
CNN: Al Qaeda Leader Mocks Obama in Web Posting

Al Qaeda's No. 2 leader is heard in a Web posting Wednesday warning President-elect Barack Obama that "a heavy legacy of failure and crimes awaits" him.

In the message, purportedly from Ayman al-Zawahiri, the speaker criticized Obama's foreign policy positions on Afghanistan and Israel and ridiculed the president-elect's worldview, comparing him unfavorably to Malcolm X, the fiery African-American Muslim activist from the 1950s and 1960s.

The posting, an 11 minute and 23 second audio message in Arabic with subtitles in English, appeared on the Web on Wednesday. Its authenticity cannot yet be confirmed.

It shows a graphic with the words "The departure of Bush and the arrival of Obama." That graphic also contains a still image of Malcolm X on a Muslim prayer rug in a mosque; images of Obama, wearing a Jewish skullcap, at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, and a picture of al-Zawahiri.

There are also archival videos in the message, including clips of speeches from Malcolm X.

"You have reached the position of president, and a heavy legacy of failure and crimes awaits you. A failure in Iraq to which you have admitted, and a failure in Afghanistan to which the commanders of your army have admitted," the message said.

The speaker also said Obama's plan to pull troops from Iraq and send them to Afghanistan "is a policy which was destined for failure before it was born."

"If you still want to be stubborn about America's failure in Afghanistan, then remember the fate of Bush and Pervez Musharraf, and the fate of the Soviets and British before them," the message said. "And be aware that the dogs of Afghanistan have found the flesh of your soldiers to be delicious, so send thousands after thousands to them."

The message said Obama appears "to be captive to the same criminal American mentality towards the world and towards the Muslims." The speaker cited Muslims' ire toward Obama's support of Israel.

The message said Obama represents the "direct opposite of honorable black Americans" like Malcolm X.

The speaker also said Obama, former and current secretaries of state Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice, and "your likes" fit Malcolm X's description of "house slaves."

The English translation of the message used the term "House Negroes," Malcolm X's term for blacks who were subservient to whites.

Laura Mansfield, a terrorism analyst, said this wouldn't be the first time al-Zawahiri used the Arabic term "abayd al bayt," which literally translates as slaves or servants of the house. >>> | November 19, 2008

NZZ Online: Kaida droht Barack Obama: Geplante Truppenaufstockung in Afghanistan «zum Scheitern verurteilt»

Die Nummer zwei des Terrornetzwerkes Kaida, Aiman as-Sawahiri, hat den künftigen amerikanischen Präsidenten Barack Obama davor gewarnt, weitere Truppen nach Afghanistan zu entsenden. Ein solches Vorhaben sei «zum Scheitern verurteilt», sagte Sawahiri in einer Mitteilung.

(sda/afp) Obamas Vorhaben, amerikanische Soldaten aus dem Irak nach Afghanistan zu verlegen, sei «zum Scheitern verurteilt», sagte Sawahiri in einer im Internet veröffentlichten Audiobotschaft, die am Mittwoch von der auf die Beobachtung islamistischer Websites spezialisierte SITE Intelligence Group veröffentlicht wurde.
Wenn Obama sich weiterhin weigere, das «Versagen der USA» in Afghanistan anzuerkennen, solle er sich an das Schicksal des scheidenden Präsidenten Bush, Pakistans zurückgetretenen Staatschef Pervez Musharraf sowie die Niederlagen Grossbritanniens und der Sowjetunion in Afghanistan erinnern. >>> | 19. Novemebr 2008

TRIBUNE DE GENÈVE: Le numéro 2 d'Al-Qaida traite Obama d'"esclave noir" au service des Blancs

DUBAI | Le numéro 2 d'Al-Qaida, Ayman Zawahiri, a traité le président élu des Etats-Unis, Barack Obama, d'"esclave noir" au service des Blancs, dans un message diffusé mercredi sur l'internet.

Dans sa première intervention depuis la victoire de Barack Obama le mois dernier, l'adjoint égyptien d'Oussama Ben Laden traite le premier Noir élu président et d'autres Noirs occupant ou ayant occupé d'importantes fonctions aux Etats-Unis, "d'esclaves noirs domestiques" qui vivaient dans la maison de leurs maîtres blancs.

"Ce que Malcom X disait au sujet des esclaves employés de maison s'applique à vous et à des gens comme vous", a dit Zawahiri mentionnant l'ancien secrétaire d'Etat Colin Powell et son successeur Condoleezza Rice.

Le message présente une photo de Malcolm X, un militant musulman noir américain qui fut assassiné en 1965.

"Vous représentez l'opposé de Noirs américains honorables comme Malcom X", ajoute Zawahiri, alors que l'on entend en fond sonore des discours du militant américain sur les droits de l'homme et l'égalité. >>> AFP | 19.11.2008

REUTERS: Qaeda Scorns Obama with Racial Slur

WASHINGTON - Al Qaeda's deputy leader accused Barack Obama of betraying his race and his father's Muslim heritage on Wednesday and urged more attacks, as the group tried to counter the incoming U.S. president's global popularity.

Osama bin Laden's second-in-command Ayman al Zawahri attacked Obama as a "house Negro," a racially-charged term used by 1960s black American Muslim leader Malcolm X to describe black slaves loyal to white masters.

"You represent the direct opposite of honorable black Americans like ... Malcolm X," Zawahri said in an 11-minute recording publicized on the Internet on Wednesday. It was al Qaeda's first high-level commentary on Obama's election on November 4. Bin Laden could also release a message on Obama within the next two weeks or so, one analyst said.

Zawahri criticized Obama's support for Israel and plans to send more U.S. troops to Afghanistan, where he said they were destined to fail. He urged Islamist fighters to keep striking a "criminal" United States until it withdraws from Muslim lands.

The recording was distributed on a videotape that carried pictures of Obama at the Western Wall in Jerusalem and Malcom X, flanking Zawahri in the center. >>> By Randall Mikkelsen | November 20, 2008

FOX NEWS:
TRANSCRIPT: English Translation of Zawahiri Message >>> | Wednesday, November 19, 2008

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Saudis Label Pirates 'Terrorists' after $100m Loss
TIMESONLINE: The Saudi Royal Family condemned Somali pirates as terrorists today after losing $100 million worth of oil in an audacious heist that saw bandits seize a supertanker in the Arabian Sea.

The Sirius Star, which was carrying two million barrels of oil, a quarter of the Kingdom's daily output, was captured with its multi-national crew, including two Britons, 450 miles off the coast of Kenya on Sunday.

The hijack was the biggest ever act of piracy in the perilous shipping lanes off the east coast of Africa. Vela International, the ship’s owners, said today that the crew were safe and that their response team was awaiting further contact with the gang.

The furious Saudi foreign minister said the banditry was akin to terrorism and demanded an international crackdown on the pirates.

Prince Saud Al-Faisal said: “Piracy, like terrorism, is a disease which is against everybody, and everybody must address it together.

“This outrageous act by the pirates, I think, will only reinforce the resolve of the countries of the Red Sea and internationally to fight piracy,”

The prince suggested that several nations in the Red Sea region were willing to form a coalition to combat the ascendency of pirates in the Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters. >>> Nico Hines and Catherine Philp | November 18, 2008


THE TELEGRAPH:
Somali Pirates Demand $25 Million Ransom in 10 Days >>> By Tim Butcher, Middle East Correspondent | November 20, 2008

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Obama will beim Klimaschutz vorangehen: Künftiger amerikanischer Präsident verspricht Kurswechsel seines Landes
Foto von Obama dank der Neuen Zürcher Zeiting
NZZ Online: Der künftige amerikanische Präsident Barack Obama will beim Klimaschutz eine Kursänderung seines Landes. Er hat sich per Videobotschaft in eine Konferenz in Los Angeles eingeschaltet und eine Führungsrolle der USA angekündigt.

(ap/sda) Der künftige amerikanische Präsident Barack Obama hat eine führende Rolle seiner Regierung im Kampf gegen den Klimawandel angekündigt. «Meine Präsidentschaft markiert ein neues Kapitel der amerikanischen Führungsrolle», sagte Obama in einer Videobotschaft an die Teilnehmer einer Klimaschutzkonferenz in Los Angeles. Eine Leugnung sei keine annehmbare Antwort auf die Erderwärmung, sagte Obama weiter. >>> | 18. November 2008

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300,000 Foreigners Wrongly Allowed into UK Every Year
THE TELEGRAPH: Millions of illegal immigrants could be in the UK after a visa watchdog revealed 300,000 people are allowed in every year who should not be.

In a staggering admission, Linda Costelloe-Baker, who monitors visa refusals, told MPs around 15 per cent of short-term visas are wrongly approved because it is easier to let them in than reject applications.

She said officials were "under pressure" to issue visas rather than reject them to help hit productivity targets.

It means hundreds of thousands of people arriving in the UK each year who should not be here.

And if they are a potential risk then it means they are more likely to overstay the visa and slip under the radar as an illegal immigrant.

The Government has previously estimated there could be as many as 570,000 illegal immigrants here but with so many visas being incorrectly issued over the years, that figure could now run in to the millions.

Ms Costelloe-Baker, the independent monitor for entry clearance refusals, told the Commons Home Affairs Select Committee officials considering visa applications found it much easier to approve than reject them because it was a "much faster" process.

"I don't think there has been adequate scrutiny of decisions to issue," she said. "I think there is pressure to issue visas because it helps people hit their productivity targets."

Committee member and Tory MP David Davies asked if it was reasonable to assume that 15 per cent of approval notices were "incorrectly approved".

"I think that's a reasonable supposition," Ms Costelloe-Baker said.

He continued: "I'm trying to make an assumption here which is reasonable based on the evidence and that is that a large number of visa applications have been incorrectly approved in the country where they were requested."

She said: "I think that's a reasonable assumption."

Nearly two million visas are approved each year, giving foreign nationals the right to come to the UK for six months.

Embassies and consulates examine 2.4 million applications each year from tourists, businessmen and people visiting relatives to check if they intend to leave after their visa expires, that they have enough money to live in the country and are not looking for a job, she said. Around 80 per cent are approved. >>> By Tom Whitehead, Home Affairs Editor | November 18, 2008

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BNP Fury as ENTIRE Membership List of 10,000 Is Leaked onto Internet and Party Threatens Legal Action
MAIL Online: The entire British National Party membership list - including the names of children - has been posted on the internet.

Among more than 10,000 activists listed are a serving police officer, members of the Armed Forces, an actor, leading businessmen and former civil servants.

It shows just how deep the message of the far-Right organisation has penetrated the British political psyche.

And the leak caused huge alarm in companies and public bodies across the country as they searched the list for employees.

Internet chat sites, meanwhile, were awash with messages from members whose names, addresses, ages and other 'relevant' information had appeared, as they feared for their jobs.

One online comment read: 'I'm on the list, I could be chucked out of the Army. What is going on?'

Another blamed BNP leader Nick Griffin.

It said: 'The membership should demand Griffin stand down over this breach. He has put thousands of members at risk, and proved unfit to lead.'

Mr Griffin was last night said to have reported the incident to police, claiming a breach of the Human Rights Act. >>> By Michael Lea | November 18, 2008

BBC: Police and Teachers on BNP List

Serving and former police officers, teachers and soldiers are listed as members of the British National Party in a leaked document published online.

The list, which dates from 2007, has the names, addresses, jobs and phone numbers of more than 10,000 people.

Since 2004, police officers have been banned from being members of the anti-immigration party.

The party's leader, Nick Griffin, said the leak was "a disgraceful act of treachery" by former members.

In a statement on the BNP website, Mr Griffin said he had lodged a complaint with Dyfed-Powys Police on the grounds that the publication breached human rights and data protection laws.

He told the BBC's Today programme the party would be using the Human Rights Act to try to protect the identities of its members, despite the BNP being against the European legislation. >>> | November 19, 2008

Listen to BBC audio: Nick Griffin on the Today programme >>>
TIMESONLINE: Policeman on Merseyside Is First Victim of BNP List Leak

A male police officer in Merseyside is the first alleged BNP member to face consequences at his job after the far-Right party's full membership list was leaked online.

Police called in independent investigators today after the officer's name, occupation and contact details were listed among more than 12,000 BNP supporters on an internet blog posted on Sunday night.

A spokesman for the Independent Police Complaints Commission said it is waiting for official referral of the complaint about the Merseyside officer.

Police are banned from becoming members of the BNP because it would damage race relations, according to the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo).

“Membership or promotion of the BNP by any member of the police service, whether police officer or police staff, is prohibited," said Acpo’s workforce development spokesman, Peter Fahy.

“This is because such membership would be incompatible with our duty to promote equality under the Race Relations Amendment Act and would damage the confidence of minority communities. >>> Jenny Booth | November 19, 2008

MAIL Online: Radio DJ Fired after BNP Teachers, Police and Lawyers Are Exposed in Membership List Leak

Soldiers, police officers, teachers and doctors were in fear of losing their jobs today after the entire membership list of the BNP was posted on the internet.

More than 10,000 members of the far-Right organisation are listed, including a serving police officer, a vicar, members of the Armed Forces, an actor, leading businessmen and former civil servants. Many children are also named.

Today a DJ was dropped and a police officer was facing investigation for his alleged membership as alarmed bosses started to scour the list for employees' names.

Talksport radio said it would 'no longer use' DJ Rod Lucas who covered late night shifts for the station earlier this year.

Mr Lucas's name was published along with his address and contact numbers. His profession was given as 'media: radio/tv production'.
Meanwhile, the Independent Police Complaints Commissions is awaiting an official referral of a complaint made about a male officer at Merseyside who was also listed. >>> By Michael Lea and Nicola Boden | November 19, 2008

THE INDEPENDENT: Union: 'Ban Teachers Who Are BNP Supporters'

Union calls for action after far-right party's 12,000 members are listed online

The wide array of jobs held by BNP supporters – exposed in a leaked internal document – brought demands last night for a ban on BNP membership in public sector professions.

The disclosure of the membership list, containing 12,000 names, phone numbers and addresses, prompted an investigation into the activities of a Merseyside police officer and a presenter's departure from a talk radio station. Several people named on the list denied ever having been members of the far-right organisation and called police after receiving death threats.

A 25-year-old model from London said she had been listed after signing a petition against the building of a super mosque. "I didn't know the petition was organised by them and have had nothing to do with them since. I don't know anything about politics."

The list contained the names of 15 teachers, four nurses, 16 members of the armed forces, civil servants, a police officer and even a member of the Royal household.

Merseyside Police said it was investigating PC Steve Bettley for "an alleged association with the party".

Paul Murray, a storesman at Windsor Castle, denied having any involvement with the party but admitted that he and his wife were once invited to a BNP social event, which they did not attend. A spokesman for Buckingham Palace said that Mr Murray, who used to live in the Royal Mews within the palace grounds, would not lose his job.

Membership of the BNP is forbidden under the contract that police and prison officers sign but supporters are allowed to take other public sector posts if they do not discuss their views.

Doctors, nurses and teachers are permitted to join the party provided that their views do not interfere with their professional conduct. But under new legislation, trade unions could win the right to expel members of the BNP if their opinions are judged to be incompatible with those of the union. >>> By Nigel Morris, Terri Judd and Chris Green | November 20, 2008


MAIL Online:
Eight Al Qaeda Fanatics Working for the Police (But They Don't Dare Sack Them) >>> Bt Stephen Wright | July 7, 2008

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Bush telefoniert mit Ghadhafi: Historisches Gespräch - Staatschefs sprechen über Entschädigung für Terroropfer
Foto von Bush dank der Neuen Zürcher Zeitung
NZZ Online: Der amerikanische Präsident George W. Bush hat mit dem libyschen Staatschef Muammar Ghadhafi telefoniert. Dies gilt als weiteres Zeichen für die verbesserten Beziehungen zu dem langjährigen Erzfeind der USA.

(sda/dpa) Wie ein Sprecher des Weissen Hauses mitteilte, standen die jüngsten Entschädigungszahlungen Libyens für Terrorismusopfer im Mittelpunkt des Telefonats. Gemäss der «Washington Post» war es offenbar das erste Mal überhaupt, dass ein amerikanischer Präsident mit Ghadhafi sprach, der sein Land seit 1969 regiert.

Die amerikanische Aussenministerin Condoleezza Rice wollte zudem am Dienstag in Washington mit dem Sohn des Staatschefs, Saif al-Islam Ghadhafi, zusammentreffen. Er hält sich privat in der Stadt auf. >>> | 18. November 2008

VOICE OF AMERICA: Gadhafi's Son Meets Senior US Officials

A son of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi met senior Bush administration officials Tuesday in another sign of improved U.S.-Libyan relations. Saif al-Islam Gadhafi sees Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Thursday. VOA's David Gollust reports from the State Department.

Saif al-Islam Gadhafi holds no official position in the Libyan government, but he has been a diplomatic trouble-shooter and heads a family charitable foundation. 



His high-level talks in Washington reflect a continued warming in a relationship that was openly hostile, until Libya renounced terrorism and weapons of mass destruction in 2003.



The son of the Libyan leader met Tuesday with Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs David Welch, who brokered a recent agreement settling remaining compensation claims from 1980s acts of terrorism attributed to Libya.



State Department Spokesman Sean McCormack said the younger Gadhafi will also see White House officials and members of Congress before his Thursday meeting with Rice.



The claims settlement last month cleared the final obstacle to the full normalization of relations, though the Gadhafi government remains under criticism for human rights abuses and political curbs. >>> By David Gollust | November 18, 2008

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White Indigenous British People to Become Minority within 70 Years
BNP: White British people are set to become a minority in this country within 50 or 60 years, if current levels of immigration are left unchecked, an analysis of the latest official figures show.

Immigrants — mainly from the Third World — have boosted the population by 1.8 million since Labour came to power, and left unchecked, will guarantee that this country’s population will reach 70 million by 2031. >>> BNP News | November 18, 2008

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Addiction Service to Help Doctors
BBC: Doctors and dentists who have an addiction or other health problems often leave it late to seek help because they fear being recognised or worry about putting their career in jeopardy.

But the launch of a specialist service on Monday may help push them to seek the treatment they need.

The government-funded project expects to see 500 cases a year.

It's already been getting inquiries before the formal launch.

The idea of specialised help was proposed by the Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, some years ago.

But it gained momentum after inquiries into the serial killer GP, Harold Shipman, and other doctors who've mistreated patients.

GP-run

The service - named the Practitioner Health Programme - is based in a normal GP practice, near a busy transport hub in central London.

However, doctors and dentists who turn up here won't have to linger in the waiting area as confidentiality is a key priority.

The consulting room is more like a psychiatrist's study, with comfortable chairs and a coffee table.

There is no computer sitting between the doctor and patient, and no examination couch.

Addiction to drink or drugs is expected to be a common concern.

By the time health professionals acknowledge that they need help, they're likely to be highly distressed - so up to two hours are set aside for an initial assessment. >>> By Jane Dreaper, BBC News health correspondent | November 18, 2008

BBC: Intoxication 'Rife among Doctors'

The British Medical Association has called for action over alcohol and drug abuse among medics after a BBC survey showed the problem was widespread.

BBC One's Real Story found over the last 10 years 750 hospital staff in England had been disciplined over alcohol and drug-related incidents.

The BMA estimates one in 15 medics have a problem with drugs or alcohol at some point in their life-time.

Ethics Committee chairman Michael Wilks said the profession was in denial. >>> | June 13, 2008

Listen to BBC audio: Addiction help service to help doctors >>>
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Growing Numbers Convert to Islam in PNG [Papua New Guinea]
ABC News (Australia): In Papua New Guinea a growing number of people are now choosing to pray at a mosque rather than a church.

PNG is experiencing a sharp increase in the number of people turning their backs on Christianity and converting to Islam.

"A lot of Papua New Guineans are converting to Islam not because they don't like the other religion. It's just they've become, they feel comfortable in there," said Khalid, an Imam who received his training in Malaysia.

"The practice of Islam is much easier than the other religions. In the religion of Islam you are your own preacher. You learn how to pray.

"God is not only in the mosque, it's everywhere. So if I don't come into the mosque, the house of prayer, I can pray under the trees, in the house, anywhere."

Papua New Guineans began converting to Islam in the early 1980s, and there are now more than 4,000 followers with recent reports of entire villages converting at the same time.

Many are drawn to Islam because of the similarities the religion has with Melanesian customs, says Isa Teine, the general secretary for PNG's Islamic Society.

"When we greet people we hug them. This is Islam. We don't shake hands and leave them, so most of our cultures are Islamic," she said.

"Polygamy - this is Islam. Islam encourages four wives. Before Islam came in, people already had two, three, four wives. This is Islam.

"So when the religion came in and said, 'oh we have to do this, our Islamic culture, we have to do this and that', people fit in easily. So it's very easy for Papua New Guineans to embrace Islam.

"Once the religion itself spread I tell you, I'm just predicting in 20, 30 years' time, all Papua New Guinea will submit to Islam." >>> | November 17, 2008

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Brigitte Gabriel: Hate Preaching in Mosques

Hat tip: Robert Spencer

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Government Seen Helping Islamic Finance
INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE: KUALA LUMPUR: Islamic banking is set to rise from its modest 2 percent share of bank assets as the government encourages growth and Muslims overcome their suspicion, sharia lender Gatehouse Bank said on Tuesday.

Islamic finance, which rejects interest-based lending and speculation in favour of profit and loss sharing between venture partners, has been in Britain since the 1970s, but only a small number of Muslims have embraced it.

In recent years, Britain has been viewed as the European leader in providing Islamic financial services, aiming to serve both domestic Muslim markets as well as tapping into the vast wealth of Gulf investors.

"The government is very keen on social inclusion and economic inclusion and it feels that still there are areas of the UK where there's not enough economic inclusion," Gatehouse Chairman Richard Thomas told reporters on the sidelines of an Islamic finance forum in Malaysia.

"So they feel that if they open up alternative finance such as Islamic finance then that will allow people to be included in the British economy in a way they weren't before."

He did not give estimates for the Islamic finance industry's growth.

Britain intends to issue its own sovereign sharia-compliant sukuk debt in a rolling programme worth around 2 billion pounds, although it has said legal barriers still remain and it will make a final decision later. >>> Reuters (Reporting by Liau Y-Sing) | Novemebr 18, 2008

THE GUARDIAN: Standardisation Moves to Help Sharia Finance-scholar

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 18 (Reuters) - Efforts to standardise the reading of the sharia will not stifle the Islamic finance sector, a leading sharia scholar said on Tuesday, dismissing concerns that the industry risks being smothered by too much regulation.

A lack of standardisation in Islamic finance contracts is one of the biggest complaints among bankers in the $1 trillion industry, but there are also worries that a growing effort to harmonise across the globe could create a one-size-fits all approach in structuring deals.

"In Islamic law we encourage debate, research, scholarship and it is an ongoing process which cannot be stopped by anybody," Sheikh Nizam Yaquby, a highly regarded scholar, told reporters on the sidelines of an Islamic finance forum.

"However, for the purpose of standardisation, it is important to have certain prudential rules and basic contracts especially repetitive ones to be accepted among a group."

Sharia scholars are experts in Islamic law and international finance. They are seen as the industry's gatekeepers as they sit on the Islamic boards of institutions and rule on whether or not proposed products are sharia compliant.

Islamic law is open to diverse interpretations, resulting in some financing structures that aren't accepted by all Islamic markets.

An Islamic finance structure called bai bithaman ajil that is popular in Malaysia, for example, is not accepted by Middle East markets as Islamic.

Under bai bithaman ajil, a bank purchases an asset for its customer and sells it to him at a profit, with the sum to be repaid in instalments.

Recent attempts to harmonise industry standards include a plan by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association to launch standards next year for over-the-counter sharia-compliant derivative contracts. >>> Reuters, Tuesday November 18 2008

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Türkei: Erdogan gesteht Iran indirekt Recht auf Kernwaffen zu
DIE PRESSE: „Diejenigen, die dem Iran verbieten, Atomwaffen herzustellen, sollten ebenfalls keine Kernwaffen besitzen.“ Erdogans Äußerungen stellen einen Wandel der offiziellen Haltung Ankaras dar.

ISTANBUL/TEHERAN (keet.). Wenn etwas der türkischen Regierung derzeit vorzüglich von der Hand geht, dann ist es die Außenpolitik. Doch am Wochenende patzte ausgerechnet der Chef, und das auch noch in der sensiblen Frage der iranischen Atompolitik. In einer Rede vor der angesehenen Brookings Institution, einem den Demokraten nahestehenden Think Tank der USA, sagte Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan: „Diejenigen, die dem Iran verbieten, Atomwaffen herzustellen, sollten ebenfalls keine Kernwaffen besitzen.“ Da die Nuklearmächte ihre Waffen aber nicht gleich verschrotten werden, heißt das, dass auch der Iran das Recht auf Atomwaffen haben soll. >>> | 17. November 2008

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Les talibans menacent la France
LE FIGARO: Dans une vidéo, qui contient une revendication de l'embuscade dans laquelle dix soldats français ont été tués, un chef taliban menace Paris.

Si les Français ne se retirent pas d'Afghanistan, « ils entendront notre réponse à Paris ». Telle est la menace lancée par les talibans dans un enregistrement vidéo diffusé lundi par la chaine de TV arabe al-Arabiya. >>> L.S. (lefigaro.fr) avec agences | 18.11.2008

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