Here a Mosque, There a Mosque...
LIVING LAKE COUNTRY: "Islam isn't in America to be equal to any other faith, but to become dominant. The Qur'an should be the highest authority in America, and Islam the only accepted religion on earth." - Omar Ahmed, Chairman of the Board of CAIR (Council on America-Islamic Relations)

In a 2008, a survey was begun by the Washington-based Center for Security Policy. Named the "Mapping Sharia in America Project," the investigation was designed to infiltrate mosques and Islamic Centers throughout the United States in an effort to bring to attention those that posed a threat to the national security of the country. Agents- consisting of former FBI, CIA, and U.S. military counterintelligence and counterterrorism personnel - discovered that out of the initial 100 (mosques and Islamic centers) mapped, 75 were preaching sermons calling for insurrection and jihad. Such places also had Saudi-trained Imams. In addition, anti-Western literature, videos and textbooks were available for purchase. This study was not sponsored by the United States government. Instead, it was a major undertaking by a group of concerned former law enforcement types wishing to bring to our attention what they felt is a major threat.

One of the agents had this to say regarding the project: "The first thing I learned was that the political ideology of winning over the West and the world for an Islamic Caliphate is NOT specific to some extremist group of Muslims. This is mainstream Islam and Shari’a. Historical, traditional and authoritative Islamic law mandates every Muslim to work to that end through personal development (or internalized Jihad), and outreach (or dawa), and external Jihad or war. It is certainly true that not all Muslims are faithful to their full calling, but any Shari’a faithful Muslim, meaning any Muslim who accepts Islamic law as authoritative (even if he himself does not live up to its standards) strives for or at least dreams of the day when his country and the world will live under the mandates of Islamic law.

Given the almost universal respect Muslims give to Shari’a (even if they fail to live up to its standards), it should be apparent we have a real problem in this country. What makes matters worse, is that one of the most radical and virulently violent sects of Islam, the Salafists or more derogatorily referred to as Wahhabi’ists (named after the sect’s founder as if to suggest his approach was an innovation and that he was not appropriately submissive to Allah, Mohammed and the traditions which developed subsequently), principally situated in Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf States, are financing and providing the leadership for the vast majority of the mosques and Islamic day schools in the US." >>> Amy L. Geiger-Hemmer | Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Call for 80 Per Cent of Men in Africa to Be Circumcised to Prevent Spread of Aids
THE TELEGRAPH: More than 4 million new HIV infections could be prevented in eastern and southern Africa by 2025 if male circumcision rates were increased to 80 per cent, researchers have claimed.

Sub-Saharan Africa carries the greatest burden of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS, accounting for 67 per cent of the 33.4 million people living with the virus worldwide. Photo: The Telegraph
Expanding circumcision services to 80 per cent of adult and newborn males in the region would also save $20.2 billion in HIV-related health costs between 2009 and 2025, they said.

"With global resources spread thin, we must focus on expanding proven and cost-effective methods like male circumcision to prevent HIV transmission," Krishna Jafa, an HIV expert at health aid group Population Services International (PSI), said at an AIDS conference in Vienna.

Mr Jafa's comments echoed former US President Bill Clinton and philanthropist Bill Gates, who both used speeches to the conference to call for rapid scale-up of male circumcision as a cost-effective way to prevent the spread of HIV.

Sub-Saharan Africa carries the greatest burden of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS, accounting for 67 per cent of the 33.4 million people living with the virus worldwide. An estimated 1.9 million people were newly infected with HIV in the region in 2008.

Research cited by the World Health Organisation has shown that male circumcision can reduce a man's risk of getting HIV by up to 60 per cent. >>> | Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Iran's Khamenei Calls on Muslims to Fight 'Terrorism' Fuelled by US and UK
THE TELEGRAPH: Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called on Muslims to fight the "blind and savage terrorism" fuelled by the United States and Britain, whom he blamed for deadly bombings of an Iranian mosque.

Photograph: The Telegraph
"In our region ... the blind and savage terrorism is born out of the evil policies of the United States, Britain and their state and non-state mercenaries," Khamenei said in a statement marking the seventh day of mourning for victims of the bombings of a Shiite mosque in southeastern Iran.

"All Muslims are required to combat and confront this evil and sinister offspring which is the epitome of corruption on earth and of waging war against God," he said in the statement read out on state television.

On Thursday, two suicide bombers blew themselves up at a Shiite mosque in Zahedan, the capital of Sistan-Baluchestan province of Iran which borders Afghanistan and Pakistan, killing 28 people and wounding hundreds.

Sunni rebel group Jundallah (Soldiers of God) said it carried out the attacks to avenge the execution of its militant leader Abdolmalek Rigi in Tehran's Evin prison on June 20.

Jundallah says it is fighting for the rights of the Sunni Baluchis who make up a significant population in Sistan-Baluchestan. Tehran has blamed the group for several such deadly attacks over the past few years.

Iranian officials say that Jundallah, and particularly its executed leader Rigi, received support from US, British, Israeli and Pakistani intelligence services for launching cross-border attacks inside Iran.

Khamenei repeated the accusation, blaming US, Britain and Israeli spy agencies for the latest bombings in Zahedan despite Washington and the European Union leading a chorus of condemnation of the attacks. >>> | Wednesday, July 21, 2010

West Believes Mubarak Dying
YNET NEWS: Washington Post reports US, European sources closely following Egyptian president's health, believe he has terminal cancer, with 12 – 18 months to live

Cairo's attempts to hide President Hosni Mubarak's deteriorating medical condition are not fooling the world. The United States and Western intelligence agencies believe Egypt's 82-year-old president is dying of terminal cancer, and that he doesn't have long to live.

The Washington Post reported on Monday that the administration of US President Barack Obama fears the day after Mubarak's' death, and is closely following the situation in Egypt. American sources said the US Central Command and National Intelligence Council are already drawing up possible scenarios that could become a reality after his passing.

A central European intelligence officer told the paper that his agency believes Mubarak will be dead within a year, before Egypt's presidential elections scheduled for September 2011. >>> Ynet | Monday, July 19, 2010

Egypt: Mubarak in Good Health
YNET NEWS: Information minister denies reports president is suffering from terminal cancer, calls them rumors

Reports about a deterioration in Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's health are categorically false, his information minister said on Tuesday, two days after a US newspaper said Mubarak was dying of cancer.

"The president is in good health and has been given a clean bill of health by his doctors, following his recent gallbladder surgery in Germany," Information Minister Anas El Fekky said in a statement to Reuters.

"We obviously understand the interest in this issue given Egypt's geopolitical weight, and the president's role as a force for stability in the Middle East. However, the media reports published on the president's health are based on nothing more than rumor and speculation without any factual basis whatsoever, including a recent report citing anonymous intelligence sources."

An article in The Washington Times on Sunday said Mubarak was thought by most Western intelligence agencies to be suffering from terminal cancer affecting his stomach and pancreas. >>> Reuters | Tuesday, July 20, 2010

U.S. Senator Scott Brown (R-Mass.) walks towards the Senate Chamber in Washington. Photograph: The Globe and Mail
Naked Ambition: Ex-Cosmopolitan Centrefold Is Now a Congressional Powerhouse
THE GLOBE AND MAIL: Republican Scott Brown’s legislative vote is a key to deal makers on both sides of the aisle

As captain of his Senate office softball team, Scott Brown wears the number “41” on his uniform. But the figure applies only episodically to the Massachusetts Republican’s batting record in Congress.

Instead of hewing faithfully to the Tea Party forces that fuelled his January election as the 41st GOP senator needed to block Barack Obama’s ambitious legislative program, Mr. Brown can regularly be found lining up with Democrats – or at least talking to them – to become the critical 60th Senate “yea” in favour of the President’s agenda.

In today’s Washington, where rabid partisanship rules, that makes him highly unorthodox. It also makes him indispensable to deal makers on both sides of the congressional aisle, not to mention the head honcho in the White House.

“He is definitely one of the most powerful people in government right now,” Gabriel Lenz, a political science professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said in interview. “If you put senators on a spectrum from the most liberal to the most conservative, the 60th most liberal member just has so much power. And he’s that person.” >>> Konrad Yakabuski | Tuesday, July 2010

Related articles and video here, here, here, here, here, and here

Belgian Queen Receives Wave of Death Threats
THE TELEGRAPH: Belgian police stepped up protection for Queen Fabiola on the eve of Belgium's national holiday after she received a new wave of death threats.

Queen Fabiola has received a wave of death threats. Photo: The Telegraph
Prosecutors are investigating two new threats against the 82-year-old widow of king Baudouin.

A postcard was sent in early July which told the queen she only had 21 days left to live. >>> | Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Times Loses Almost 90% of Online Readership
THE GUARDIAN: Less than three weeks after the Times paywall went up, data shows a massive decline in web traffic

The Times has lost almost 90% of its online readership compared to February since making registration mandatory in June, calculations by the Guardian show. >>> Josh Halliday | Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Faut-il interdire les terrasses aux fumeurs ?
RTL: Deux ans et demi après l'instauration de l'interdiction de fumer dans les lieux publics, plusieurs restaurateurs parisiens ont décidé de franchir un nouveau cap, en interdisant la cigarette en terrasse. Cet endroit où s'abritaient les fumeurs en hiver leur sera désormais inaccessible. Aucune loi ne prévoit une généralisation de ce phénomène, mais ces restaurateurs sont d'ores et déjà soutenu par l'association Droit des non-fumeurs, qui compte recenser dès la rentrée sur son site Internet la liste des terrasses sans cigarette. [Source: RTL] | Mardi 20 Juillet 2010

Iran will Raucher aus Regierungsämtern fernhalten
SUEDDEUTSCHE: Berlin - Der Iran will künftig keine Raucher mehr für Ämter etwa in Ministerien zulassen. Bewerber für solche höheren Regierungsämter sollten künftig weder rauchen noch Alkohol trinken oder andere Drogen konsumieren, berichtet die Nachrichtenagentur ILNA. Die neue Verordnung sei vom Kabinett abgesegnet worden. Ziel sei es, die mentale und physische Gesundheit der Mitglieder des Regierungsapparates zu gewährleisten. Präsident Mahmud Ahmadinedschad muss die Verordnung noch unterschreiben. [Quelle: Sueddeutsche] dpa | Montag, 19. Juli 2010

Schweiz: EU-Beitritt hat beim Volk weiterhin keine Chance
SCHWEIZER FERNSEHEN – TAGESSCHAU: Ein Beitritt der Schweiz zur EU hat nach wie vor einen schweren Stand bei den Schweizer Stimmberechtigten. Fast zwei Drittel der Befragten gaben in einer Isopublic-Umfrage an, sie würden einen EU-Beitritt ablehnen. Für einen Beitritt sprachen sich 25 Prozent aus.

Auf die Frage, ob man im Falle einer Abstimmung am nächsten Wochenende einem EU-Beitritt zustimmen oder ihn ablehnen würde, votierten 63 Prozent für eine Ablehnung, wie Isopublic am Dienstag mitteilte. 25 Prozent gaben an, sie würden Ja stimmen. 12 Prozent 
waren unentschieden. Kaum Unterschiede bei Altersgruppen >>> sda/frua | Dienstag, 20. Juli 2010

Interview Amiri im iranischen TV (Farsi, engl. Untertitel)
SCHWEIZER FERNSEHEN: Der iranische Physiker Shahram Amiri, behauptet, dass die USA wollten, dass er aussagt ein iranischer Spion zu sein. So sollte Amiri Teil eines Austauschs von Spionen mit Teheran werden. Amiri bekräftigte in einem Interview zudem seine Aussagen, dass er im Juni 2009 in Saudi-Arabien von US-Geheimdienstmitarbeitern entführt wurde.



Schahram Amiri schildert die Entführung
SCHWEIZER FERNSEHEN: Der iranische Atomforscher Schahram Amiri ist auf dem Weg nach Hause in den Iran, wohl via ein Drittland. Der Forscher war vor einem Jahr verschwunden und am Dienstag überraschend in der pakistanischen Botschaft in Washington wieder aufgetaucht. Nun will Amiri im iranischen Fernsehen bekannt geben, wie es zu seiner Befreiung kam. Teheran wirft den USA die Entführung des Atomphysikers vor.



Verbunden >>>

Spanish Lawmakers Reject Plan for Burqa Ban Study
REUTERS: MADRID - A proposal for a study of a ban on full-length Islamic veils in public places was thrown out by the Spanish parliament on Tuesday, weeks after France and Belgium outlawed the wearing of the garments.

The conservative opposition Popular Party had submitted a resolution asking the Socialist government to study prohibiting the veils, known as burqas or niqabs, which cover the face and body and are worn by some Muslim women.

It was rejected by a margin of 21 votes in the 350-seat lower house. Even if it had been approved it would not have been binding on the Socialist government.

Opponents of a ban say it will harm democracy and violate religious rights while supporters say it is a matter of national security and of adaptation to local customs.

PP legislator Soraya Saenz de Santamaria said banning the veil would restore dignity and identity to women.

"How can our soldiers be fighting in Afghanistan for the liberty of these women while the government has no courage to defend them here?" she said.

Women's and Muslim groups say only a handful of women in Spain wear the niqab, which reveals only the eyes, and perhaps none use the burqa, which has a screen over the eyes. >>> Alice Tozer | Tuesday, July 20, 2010

NZZ ONLINE: Spanisches Parlament will kein Burka-Verbot: Regierende Sozialisten lehnen Initiative der Opposition ab >>> | Dienstag, 20. Juli 2010

Related article here

Spain Considers Burqa Ban
THE TELEGRAPH: Spain could become the third European country to ban the burqa in public places on the grounds that it oppresses women.

Spain is considering a ban on the burqa in public places. Photograph: The Telegraph
The proposal follows approval of such a prohibition in both France and Belgium earlier this month.

The growing anti-burqa sentiment spreading across Europe has already led to a ban against the veil being worn in some parts of Catalonia and Andalusia both areas where Spain's Muslim immigrant population is concentrated.

However, not all headcovering veils would be included in a ban because they form part of traditional Spanish dress, with women often covering their heads with a "mantilla" during religious festivals.

Several local councils, including that of Spain's second largest city Barcelona, passed such legislation in recent months but their powers were limited to banning the veil only in municipal buildings and not in the street or public places.

Spanish lawmakers will now consider passing a nationwide ban with a debate scheduled to start on Tuesday in Spain's Congress.

A vote by Spain's lower house is planned following the debate but may be delayed until after the month-long summer recess, which begins next week.

The debate follows a motion introduced by Spain's conservative opposition Popular Party, but it has won cross-party support and is widely predicted to be passed into law, unless the country's highest court rules it unconstitutional. >>> Fiona Govan in Madrid | Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Gemeinsam gegen Israels Gazablockade: Der türkische Aussenminister Ahmet Davutoglu sowie Syriens Präsident Bashar Assad und Libanons Ministerpräsident Saad Hariri. Bild: NZZ Online
Neue Front gegen Israel: Syrien und die Türkei wollen Ende der Gaza-Abschottung erzwingen
NZZ ONLINE: Die Türkei und Syrien bauen eine neue Front gegen Israel auf, dessen Ziel es ist, die Abschottung des Gazastreifens zu erzwingen. Ferner sollen die verfeindeten palästinensischen Bewegungen Fatah und Hamas wieder an den Verhandlungstisch geführt werden.

Die Blockade des Gazastreifens wird für Israel immer mehr zur Belastungsprobe; der Druck auf die Regierung wächst von Tag zu Tag. Netanyahus Kabinett hat unlängst Besserung in Aussicht gestellt. Doch die Lockerung der Blockade, die bloss tröpfchenweise Linderung bring, sorgt nicht für eine nachhaltige Verbesserung der prekären Lebenssituation im Küstenstreifen. Weiter lesen und einen Kommentar schreiben >>> hoh. | Dienstag, 20. Juli 2010

Goldman Denies Links with Global Food Crises
THE TELEGRAPH: Goldman Sachs has angrily defended itself against a public campaign that claims the bank is exacerbating global food crises through its commodity trading operations.

An advert from the World Development Movement's online campaign which claims banks are earning huge profits from betting on food prices in unregulated financial markets. Image: The Telegraph
The Wall Street bank has dismissed as "disingenuous and downright misleading" the conclusions by the World Development Movement that its activities have led to increased food prices, food riots, and poverty around the world.

The WDM, a London-based non-governmental organisation, on Monday started an on-line campaign to persuade the public to report Goldman to the Financial Services Authority (FSA) as the biggest bank allegedly distorting commodities markets.

The organisers said they want to put pressure on authorities to limit the ability of banks and hedge funds to trade in commodity futures.

The move came as Armajaro, a hedge fund run by Anthony Ward, was accused of cornering the cocoa market and pushing up prices after buying £650m, or 240,000 tonnes, of cocoa beans.

The campaign follows the publication of a report by the WDM called The Great Hunger Lottery: how banking speculation causes food crises, in which the lobby group accuses banks and hedge funds of "gambling on hunger." The report concludes that commodity trading is "dangerous, immoral and indefensible." >>> Louise Armitstead | Tuesday, July 20, 2010

La Syrie interdit le niqab à l'université
Deux Syriennes portant le niqab font leurs courses lundi à Damas. Photo : Le Figaro
LE FIGARO: Damas, qui veut protéger son «identité laïque», n'autorise plus depuis dimanche les étudiantes à porter le voile intégral. Déjà, en juin, 1200 enseignantes du primaire, qui l'arboraient, avaient été mutées dans des services administratifs.

Le débat sur le voile intégral n'agite pas uniquement les pays européens. Il s'est aussi emparé du Proche-Orient. La Syrie interdit depuis dimanche aux étudiantes des universités de porter la burqa ou le niqab. Dorénavant, les étudiantes arborant le voile intégral ne pourront plus s'inscrire dans les établissements privés et publics du secondaire. En revanche le foulard reste toujours autorisé. Du coté des autorités syriennes, on explique avoir voulu protéger «l'identique laïque» du pays.

Le ministre de l'Education supérieure, qui a publié le décret, affirme avoir reçu de nombreuses plaintes de parents demandant «à ce que leurs filles soient éduquées dans des lieux dépourvu de tout extrémisme». «Nous ne laisserons pas nos filles être la proie de telles idées», a promis le ministre à ses collaborateurs. Pour Ghiath Barakat, «le voile intégral va à l'encontre des principes académiques et des règles des campus», rapporte la chaîne Al-Arabiya. >>> Par lefigaro.fr | Mardi 20 Juillet 2010

Syria Bans Niqab from Universities
THE GUARDIAN: Regime fears face-covering Islamic veil poses threat to country's secular identity

Niqabs such as this will not be seen in any Syrian university once the country's new measures come into force. Photograph: The Guardian
Syria has banned the face-covering Islamic veil from the country's universities to prevent what it sees as a threat to its secular identity, as similar moves in Europe spark cries of discrimination against Muslims.

The education ministry issued the ban on Sunday, according to a government official. The ban, which affects public and private universities, is only against the niqab – a full Islamic veil that reveals just a woman's eyes – not headscarves, which are far more commonly worn by Syrian women.

The billowing black robe known as a niqab is not widespread in Syria, although it has become more common recently – a move that has not gone unnoticed in a country governed by a secular, authoritarian regime.

"We have given directives to all universities to ban niqab-wearing women from registering," the government official said today.
The niqab "contradicts university ethics," he added, saying the government was seeking to protect its secular identity. >>> Associated Press in Damascus | Tuesday, July 20, 2010

June 26: President Obama and British Prime Minister Cameron talk at the conclusion of the G20 conference in Ontario, Canada. Photograph: Fox News
Cameron's First U.S. Visit Overshadowed by Lockerbie Bomber Outrage
FOX NEWS: In an effort to defuse what will likely be the biggest point of contention in their Tuesday White House meeting, British Prime Minister David Cameron is expected to tell President Obama that the release of convicted Pan Am Flight 103 bomber Abdel Baset al-Megrahi was "wrong."

In their first White House meeting, the two leaders are also expected to discuss Afghanistan, BP's handling of the oil spill in the Gulf and its alleged role in the release of al-Megrahi.

In an interview with BBC news, Cameron, who was elected prime minister in May, said he "deeply regrets" the pain the decision caused but asserted that the release of al-Megrahi in August of last year was the decision of the Scottish government alone.

"All I know is, as leader of the opposition, I could not have been more clear that I thought the decision to release al-Megrahi was completely and utterly wrong," be told the BBC.

Al-Megrahi was convicted in 2001 and sentenced to life in prison for his role in the December 1988 bombing which killed 259 people on board and 11 people on the ground in Lockerbie, Scotland. >>> Anne McGinn | Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Key Issues for Australian Voters

Audio Purportedly from Al Qaeda No. 2 Says Victory Coming
CNN: A man identified as Ayman al-Zawahiri, al Qaeda's No. 2 man, promises his followers victory in Afghanistan and Iraq, vowing that these wars will eventually lead to a battle to liberate Jerusalem, in an audio message posted Monday on jihadist websites.

The audio was released by As-Sahab Media, al Qaeda's production company. CNN could not verify the authenticity of the message.

Radical Islamists often use the Arab-Israeli struggle as a propaganda tool to recruit militants because they believe that Israel has no right to exist on what they consider to be Muslim and Arab land.

In the message, the speaker also says mujahedeens -- Islamic militants backed by the Taliban and al Qaeda -- are moving from one victory to another in Afghanistan against U.S.-led forces.

The offensive in Afghanistan's Marjah district, known as Operation Moshtarak, was launched in February by an international coalition of 15,000 troops including Afghans, Americans, Britons, Canadians, Danes and Estonians.

The Taliban had set up a shadow government in Helmand province's Marjah region, long a bastion of pro-Taliban sentiment. It is a key area in Afghanistan's heroin trade, producing much of the opium used to fund the insurgency.

Less than three weeks ago, Gen. David Petraeus -- the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan -- said Operation Moshtarak is not going as well "as the most optimistic (initial) predictions." While progress is being made, it has been harder and slower than anticipated, Petraeus told the Senate Armed Services Committee during his confirmation hearing.

The audio message criticizes media coverage of the operation in Marjah, saying, "They made a big deal when they covered the Marjah battle ... but later on, they didn't want to report what was really happening on the ground, that the Mujahedeens were winning."

The speaker says the relationship between al Qaeda and the Taliban is stronger than ever -- an apparent reaction to reports that suggested the United States might be willing to deal with the Taliban if it distanced itself from al Qaeda. The message pledges al Qaeda's allegiance to Taliban leader Mullah Omar, calling him "the commander of the faithful." >>> CNN Wire Staff | Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Greek Journalist Shot: An investigative journalist has been killed by gunmen on the doorstep of his home in Athens, the first killing of a journalist in Greece in more than 20 years


THE INDEPENDENT: Greek journalist investigating corruption shot dead at his home >>> Menelaos Tzafalias in Athens and Archie Bland | Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Iraq Inquiry: Saddam Posed Very Limited Threat to UK, Ex-MI5 Chief Says
THE GUARDIAN: Eliza Manningham-Buller tells Chilcot inquiry that Iraq invasion radicalised part of a generation of Muslims

Eliza Manningham-Buller. Photo: The Guardian
The former MI5 director general Eliza Manningham-Buller today delivered a withering assessment of the case for war against Iraq.

Manningham-Buller said the threat posed by Saddam Hussein was low and that the US-led invasion in 2003 had done more harm than good.

Giving evidence to the Chilcot inquiry, she said Saddam's threat to the UK was "very limited and containable".

In evidence that undermined the case for war presented by the former prime minister Tony Blair, she was asked whether it was feared Saddam could have linked terrorists to weapons of mass destruction, facilitating their use against the west.

"It certainly wasn't of concern in either the short term or the medium term to me or my colleagues," she replied.

Manningham-Buller said the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan had radicalised parts of a generation of Muslims who saw the military actions as an "attack on Islam". >>> Haroon Siddique | Tuesday, July 20, 2010

We Will Allow Gay Couples to Get Married, Says Top Lib Dem
MAIL ONLINE: Gay couples will be granted the right to marry, Lib Dem deputy leader Simon Hughes has suggested.

Mr Hughes predicted the change would be in place in time for the next General Election.

He said that a consultation will take place on taking civil partnerships to the 'next level'.

The reforms would see same-sex civil partnerships given the same legal and social standing as those between a man and a woman.

However, they would not apply to ceremonies in church - only those in a register office or other licensed venue.

Mr Hughes made the remarks in an interview with Yoosk, a website on which users can question important figures.

He said: 'It would be appropriate in Britain in 2010, 2011, for there to be the ability for civil marriage for straight people and gay people equally.

'That's different of course from faith ceremonies which are matters for the faith communities... they have to decide what recognition to give. >>> Gerri Peev | Tuesday, July 20, 2010

'Decriminalise Personal Drug Use', Suggests Chairman of the Bar Council
THE TELEGRAPH: Personal drug use should be legalised, the leader of the country’s barristers has suggested.

Nicholas Green QC, the chairman of the Bar Council for England and Wales, said it was "rational" to consider "decriminalising personal drug use". Photo: The Telegraph
Nicholas Green QC, the chairman of the Bar Council for England and Wales, said it was “rational” to consider “decriminalising personal drug use”.

Taking such a step would save the economy billions of pounds – drug-related crime costs the economy £13billion a year - free up police time, cut crime and improve public health.

However campaigners and MPs rounded on the remarks, made in a newsletter to barristers, saying it sent out the wrong message on drug use.

Mr Green, who runs body which the 4,500 criminal and defence barristers, said: “A growing body of comparative evidence suggests that decriminalising personal use can have positive consequences.

“It can free up huge amounts of police resources, reduce crime and recidivism and improve public health. All this can be achieved without any overall increase in drug usage. If this is so, then it would be rational to follow suit.”

Mr Green, who has made his name primarily as an expert in competition law and arbitration issues, said the Council was apolitical and could speak out in favour policies “which work and not those which simply play to the gallery.

"And this will save money and mean that there is less pressure on the justice system.” >>> Christopher Hope, Whitehall Editor | Tuesday, July 20, 2010

What a ridiculous suggestion! What do we want? The streets full of stoned people? How sensible a suggestion can this be at the very time that smokers of tobacco have been all but criminalized? Are we to eliminate one bad habit and replace it with another one which is far, far worse?

I would be the last person to sing the praises of smoking cigarettes, smoking is an unhealthy habit, but it’s a damn site better than taking drugs. Common sense, it seems, has been thrown out of the window. – © Mark

'Yemen Will Be Obama's Afghanistan' Warns Al Qaeda Cleric
THE TELEGRAPH: An American-born cleric with links to al-Qaeda has warned the American people that President Barack Obama will mire US forces in Yemen just as in Afghanistan, in a message appearing on militant websites.

The 13-minute audio message, in English, comes days after the US Treasury department put Anwar al-Awlaki on its list of Specially Designated Global Terrorists.

"If George W. Bush is remembered as being the president who got America stuck in Afghanistan and Iraq, it's looking like Obama wants to be remembered as the president who got America stuck in Yemen," he said.

Born in New Mexico, al-Awlaki, 39, is not perceived by American officials as a major tactical terror leader on par with al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden.

But his role as an inspirational exhorter for al-Qaeda's cause and his growing involvement in plots aimed at the US has made him a prime target in the effort to counter the militant movement.

Six months ago the US government put al-Awlaki on a secret list of targets to be captured or killed, according to US officials.

In another message released separately, al-Qaeda's deputy leader Ayman al-Zawahri vowed that the American troops would leave both Afghanistan and Iraq in "defeat." >>> | Tuesday, July 20, 2010

The Burka Empowering Women? You Must Be Mad, Minister
MAIL ONLINE: These British apologists for the burka make me see red, whatever side of the political spectrum they come from.

They can be Left-wingers who'll countenance no criticism, however valid, of hardline Muslims. They can be Right-wing libertarians who insist any woman has the right to wear whatever she chooses.

And, as we discovered this week, they can be members of the British Cabinet who ludicrously claim the burka actually empowers women.

Yes, Caroline Spelman, the Environment Secretary, really did claim that the burka delivers its wearer blissful freedom. As a Muslim, you might expect me to agree with her, but I can't. She is wrong. Her fatuous and ill-conceived defence of the burka rendered me apoplectic with fury.

Does she even understand the harm she does by sanctioning this perversion of our faith?

Immigrant Muslims who came to Britain to get away from Stalinist ayatollahs, mullahs and women-hating fanatic regimes in their home countries must be spitting their teeth out after hearing Spelman's astounding endorsement of this dreadful garment.

We Muslims who came here wanted the freedom that Britain's proud history of democracy was renowned for. We wanted better education for our children and to live and pray in peace in a country which, for all its faults, gives us civil rights and equality between the sexes.

Yet Spelman's support for the burka suddenly puts all of our expectations under threat; for the most obvious manifestation of the oppressive Islam we left behind is welcomed here with the blessing of the ruling elite.

I'd like to invite Mrs Spelman to prove she believes what she says by wearing the black sheet and mask - surely she should do that as an act of solidarity with the 'empowered' Muslim sisters she admires so much.

And if she chooses not to, if she feels she would find wearing a burka limiting and suffocating, why on earth is she breezily recommending it as a garment for other women?

Would she honestly be so upbeat about the burka if a daughter of hers hid herself away inside its veil, or if her son brought home a totally veiled bride-to-be? I don't think so. She and the rest of the 'liberal-minded' burka brigade can only afford to be generous because the burka does not - and never will - affect their own lives, nor test their powers of endurance. To check out the shrouded sisters who tell me they feel ' beautifully' liberated under a veil, I tried wearing a burka for a day - and threw it off in a couple of hours, wheezing asthmatically.

I felt wiped out, a nobody - lifeless and voiceless. A Pakistani shopkeeper said I made him nervous because he couldn't see my face. I saw others shrinking away from me - and I could understand their reactions. So, will the defenders of the burka brand me and the shopkeeper racist? I wouldn't put it past them.

In truth, I am a life-long anti-racist and die-hard defender of Muslims - yet one who abhors veils as do countless other Muslims.

It is a view that has provoked fury and warnings from veiled women, who self-righteously tell me that uncovered Muslim females will end up in hell unless they repent. Women like me, they warn, are 'western whores' who should be thrown on the eternal fire, along with our mothers.

Of course, many veiled Muslim women argue that, far from being forced to wear burkas by ruthless husbands, they do so out of choice. And I have to take them at their word. But it is also very apparent that many women are forced behind the veil. Continue reading and comment >>> Yasmin Alibhai-Brown | Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Another £6bn for Goldman Bankers: They're Picking Up an Average of £350,000-plus
MAIL ONLINE: Goldman Sachs is today expected to earmark almost £6billion for its annual salary and bonus pool, handing staff a 15 per cent pay rise.

The windfall means Goldman bankers will take home an average of £356,000 this year.

Many senior deal-makers and star traders will pocket seven or even eight-figure packages, despite the bank's pivotal role in the financial crisis.

The payouts - to be confirmed in the group's financial results for the first half of the year - are likely to anger taxpayers here and in the U.S.

They come days after the Wall Street giant agreed to pay a £356million penalty to settle one of the most explosive fraud cases in U.S. banking history.

Goldman cut a face-saving deal with America's financial watchdog after it was charged with tricking clients into buying an investment that was designed to collapse.

Government-controlled Royal Bank of Scotland lost about £550million in this way, effectively leaving British taxpayers out of pocket.

Goldman is expected to set aside as much as 45 per cent of its first-half turnover for salary and bonuses.

Although markets have been shaken by the eurozone debt crisis, Goldman's turnover is forecast to hit £13.2billion, meaning £5.9billion will be channelled into the pay pool.

For the typical worker at Goldman, this equates to some £178,000 for just six months work. >>> Simon Duke | Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Uproar After Minister Says: Let Women Wear a Burkha
DAILY EXPRESS: A CABINET minister provoked outrage last night by suggesting wearing a burkha could be “empowering” for some Muslim women.

Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman claimed that a full-face veil was seen as “conferring dignity” in some Islamic societies, such as Afghanistan.

And she vowed to oppose calls for Britain to follow France in outlawing burkhas in public.

She said: “We are a free country, we attach importance to people being free and for a woman it is empowering to be able to choose each morning when you wake up what you wear.”

But her remarks sparked an angry reaction from ­critics last night.

UK Independence Party Euro MP Nigel Farage, whose party is pressing for the ­burkha and other face ­coverings to be outlawed, said: “It is astonishing that a member of the Government in the 21st century can say that women covering their faces empowers them.

“It does not. It disadvantages them in every walk of life. Her comments are ignorant and ill-founded.” Mrs Spelman spoke out ­yesterday after the Government ruled out banning the burkha, the niqab and other face veils. >>> Macer Hall, Political Editor | Monday, July 19, 2010

Related >>>

The Hal Lindsey (July 5, 2010)

USA und Einwanderung: Barack Obama hat neue Helfer - rechte Christen
SUEDDEUTSCHE: In Arizona tritt das schärfste Einwanderungsgesetz der USA in Kraft, doch die Nation ist gespalten. Bei seiner Kritik bekommt Präsident Obama nun überraschende Unterstützung - von rechts.

Arizonas strenges Einwanderungsgesetz SB 1070 spaltet die Nation. Photo: Sueddeutsche
Einwanderung ist eines der heißesten Eisen in der amerikanischen Innenpolitik - eines, das alle Politiker am liebsten links liegen lassen würden. Doch kurz vor dem Inkrafttreten von SB 1070 in Arizona, dem schärfsten Immigrationsgesetz des Landes, ist das Thema in aller Munde. US-Präsident Barack Obama hat das Gesetz bereits scharf kritisiert. Das Bundesjustizministerium klagt dagegen. Und der Senat erarbeitet einen Entwurf für ein Bundesgesetz.

Einig sind sich alle, dass etwas getan werden muss. Nur was, da ist die Nation gespalten. Die Demokraten wollen Illegalen unter bestimmten Bedingungen die Staatsbürgerschaft ermöglichen. Die Republikaner verunglimpfen diese Pläne als "Massenamnestie" und fordern stattdessen eine Verstärkung des Grenzschutzes und harte Maßnahmen gegen illegale Immigranten.

Nun unterstützen aber ausgerechnet diejenigen die Linie des Präsidenten, die bisher die treuesten Parteigänger der Republikaner waren: die evangelikalen Christen. Der Schwenk geht zurück auf das Engagement einiger politisch aktiver Pastoren, die lateinamerikanische Wurzeln haben. Sie überzeugten einen beträchtlichen Teil ihrer Glaubensbrüder, dass ein hartes Vorgehen gegen Einwanderer dem christlichen Menschenbild widerspräche. >>> Von Barbara Vorsamer | Montag, 19. Juli 2010

Die Queen geht auf Urlaub - und das gleich bis Oktober
Bild: Kronen Zeitung
KRONEN ZEITUNG: Jetzt kommt auch für Königin Elizabeth II. die schönste Zeit des Jahres. Die britische Monarchin beginnt Ende Juli ihren Sommerurlaub auf Schloss Balmoral (kl. Bild) in Schottland, konkreter will ihr Sprecher im Buckingham-Palast nicht werden. Fest steht aber, es ist ein ziemlich langer Urlaub: Denn nicht drei Wochen, nicht vier Wochen, nein, um die zehn Wochen dauert "Her Majesty's annual holiday". Erst Anfang Oktober kehrt die 84-Jährige zurück.

Und dies ist nicht der einzige Langstreckenurlaub von Elizabeth II. Am 20. Dezember verabschiedet sich die Königin traditionell in die Weihnachtsferien nach Schloss Sandringham in Ostengland. Und erst nach dem 6. Februar kommt sie zurück. Warum gerade am 6. Februar? "Es ist der Todestag ihres Vaters, der Tag, an dem sie Königin wurde", erläutert ihr Sprecher.

Wenn die Queen nicht auf Urlaub ist, verbringt sie zumindest ein verlängertes Wochenende auf Schloss Windsor. Das dauert von Freitagmittag bis Montagmittag. Dennoch kommt sie im Jahr noch auf etwa 350 offizielle Termine. "Außerdem öffnet sie auch im Urlaub täglich ihre Red Box", betont der Sprecher. Die Red Box ist ein roter, bombensicherer Aktenkoffer, in dem Mitglieder der britischen Regierung wichtige Papiere aufbewahren. >>> | Montag, 19. Juli 2010

Bild: Die Presse
Schweiz: Warnung vor Anti-Ausländer-Volksbegehren
DIE PRESSE: Die Schweizer Volkspartei will kriminelle Ausländer automatisch abschieben. Würde das Volksbegehren angenommen, hätte das sogar gravierende wirtschaftliche Folgen, so eine Studie.

Der Think Tank "Forum Außenpolitik" warnt vor dem Anti-Ausländer-Volksbegehren, das die Schweizer Volkspartei (SVP) am 28. November zur Abstimmung bringt. Würde das Volksbegehren angenommen, hätte das gravierende außen- und wirtschaftspolitische Konsequenzen, warnt das "foraus" in seiner jüngsten Studie. Das Begehren "Für die Ausschaffung von kriminellen Ausländern" sei nicht mit der Schweizer Rechtsordnung und den völkerrechtlichen Verpflichtungen der Schweiz vereinbar, so "foraus"-Präsident Nicolas Forster. 



Mit der Initiative verfolgt die SVP das Ziel, dass kriminelle Ausländer konsequent ausgewiesen werden. Automatisch das Aufenthaltsrecht verlieren soll, wer wegen eines Tötungs- oder Sexualdelikts sowie wegen Raubes oder Einbruchs verurteilt wurde. Auch der missbräuchliche Bezug von Sozialhilfe soll ein Grund sein. Konflikt mit EU-Abkommen >>> Ag. | Montag, 19. Juli 2010

Bristol Palin, reine de la communication et des tabloïds
LE FIGARO – BLOG – PEOPOLITIQUE: La républicaine Sarah Palin se retrouve à nouveau dans les pages people des magazines. Sans l’avoir recherché. Dans un rebondissement digne des meilleurs soap-opéras, sa fille aînée, Bristol, a annoncé jeudi ses fiançailles avec Levi Johnston, le père de son enfant… dont elle était séparée depuis deux ans.

Un scoop rendu public avec l’aisance d’une vétéran(e) de la peopolisation. Bristol, 19 ans, et Levi, 20 ans, ont réservé l’exclusivité de leur réconciliation à US Weekly. La jeune femme, fiancée depuis quinze jours, avait donné peu avant une interview au concurrent People, où elle était restée très évasive. Des rumeurs, démenties par la rédactrice en chef d’US Weekly, prétendent que l’hebdomadaire aurait versé 100.000 dollars aux tourtereaux.

Bristol, dont la grossesse adolescente hors mariage, si peu conforme aux valeurs conservatrices prônées par sa mère, avait défrayé la chronique lors de la présidentielle américaine de 2008, confie avoir renoué avec Levi Johnston au cours leurs rendez-vous destinés à trouver le meilleur accord de garde pour leur fils, Tripp, 18 mois. D’ailleurs la jeune femme n’a pas annoncé à Sarah Palin ses fiançailles. «Tout révéler à maman était intimidant. J’espère qu’elle se fera à l’idée. Se fiancer semble naturel même si nous n’avons pas l’approbation de nos parents», explique Bristol. Continuez à lire et écrire un commentaire >>> Par Constance Jamet | Lundi 19 Juillet 2010

White House Shifts Afghanistan Strategy Towards Talks with Taliban
THE GUARDIAN: Senior Washington officials tell the Guardian of a 'change of mindset' over the Obama administration's Afghanistan policy

Any negotiations with the Taliban would be conducted largely in secret, through third parties, Washington sources reported. Illustration: The Guardian
The Obama administration is revising its Afghanistan strategy to embrace the idea of negotiating with senior members of the Taliban through third parties – a policy to which it had previously been lukewarm.

Negotiation with the Taliban has long been advocated by Hamid Karzai, the Afghanistan president, and the British and Pakistan governments, but resisted by the US.

The Guardian has learned that while the official position of the US government is still resistant to the idea of talks with Taliban leaders, behind the scenes a shift is under way, and Washington is now encouraging Karzai to take a lead in such negotiations.

"There is a change of mindset in DC," a senior official in Washington said. "There is no military solution. That means you have to find something else. There was something missing." The missing element is talks with the Taliban leadership, the official added.

The US rethink comes in the aftermath of the departure in June of General Stanley McChrystal, the top US commander in Afghanistan Barack Obama, apparently frustrated at the way the war is going, reminded his national security advisers that while he was on the election campaign trail in 2008, he had advocated talking to America's enemies.

A US review of Afghanistan policy is under way, and is due for completion in December, but officials in Washington, Kabul and Islamabad with knowledge of internal discussions said feelers have already been put out. Negotiations would be conducted largely in secret, through a web of contacts, involving governments such as Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, or organisations with back-channel links to the Taliban. >>> Ewen MacAskill in Washington and Simon Tisdall | Monday, July 19, 2010

«Verschleierte Bedrohung?» – Eine Burka-Trägerin lauscht dem Schuldspruch in einem französischem Gericht in Nantes. Die Frau wurde verurteilt, weil sie verschleiert Auto gefahren ist. Bild: NZZ Online
Der Blick der Anderen: Verstösst die Verschleierung des Gesichts oder verstösst das Verbot solcher Verschleierung gegen die Prinzipien einer offenen Gesellschaft?
NZZ ONLINE: Die Debatte um die Frauen, die in der Öffentlichkeit «offener» Gesellschaften ihr Gesicht gänzlich verhüllen, geht weiter. Letzte Woche hat die französische Nationalversammlung ein Verbot der Verschleierung verabschiedet, während die amerikanische Philosophin Martha Nussbaum sich gegen Verbote wandte.

Ein Gespenst geht um in Europa; es trägt einen Ganzkörperschleier und regt nicht nur die Phantasie an, sondern, wenigstens in einigen Ländern, auch die Gesetzgebungstätigkeit. Durch rechtsverbindliche Kleiderordnungen will man das vermummte Schreckgespenst aus der Öffentlichkeit vertreiben. Ist aber Angst eine gute Ratgeberin? Und sind Verbote das Mittel der – klugen – Wahl in einer liberalen Demokratie?

Es sind verschiedenste Argumente im Umlauf, die für ein Verbot sprechen könnten. Die in Chicago lehrende Moral- und Rechtsphilosophin Martha Nussbaum greift unter der Überschrift «Veiled Threats?» – «Verschleierte Bedrohungen?» – auf dem «Opinionator»-Online-Forum der «New York Times» einige häufig ins Feld geführte Begründungen auf und versucht sie zu entkräften. Als Richtschnur dient ihr dabei die Frage, «whether they treat all citizens with equal respect». Weiter lesen und einen Kommentar schreiben >>> Uwe Justus Wenzel | Montag, 19. Juli 2010

NZZ ONLINE: Debatte um Burka-Verbot erreicht Grossbritannien: Gesetzentwurf gegen Ganzkörperschleier im Parlament eingebracht – Die in mehreren europäischen Ländern geführte Debatte um ein Verbot der Vollverschleierung muslimischer Frauen hat nun auch die Politik in Grossbritannien erreicht. Ein Abgeordneter der Konservativen brachte einen entsprechenden Gesetzentwurf im Unterhaus ein. >>> sda/afp | Sonntag, 18. Juli 2010

Public Prayer Illegal?

Two Trains Collide in Eastern India: A fast moving passenger train rams into the back of a stationary train in West Bengal state, killing dozens

Pitching to Voters in Australia: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and opposition leader Tony Abbott hit the campaign trail


Related video >>>

Sarah Palin Invents Word in Twitter Gaffe
THE TELEGRAPH: Sarah Palin has run into language difficulties in the course of attempting to write an entry on her Twitter account about plans to build a mosque near the Ground Zero site in New York.

Sarah Palin has struggled with the English language. Photo: The Telegraph
The former vice-presidential candidate, who regularly uses the social networking website to communicate her views, made three attempts before writing an error-free Twitter entry, which can only contain 140 characters.

In her first effort, she asked "peaceful Muslims to "pls refudiate" the mosque. Having invented a word, in her second attempt she used "refute" incorrectly, calling on "peaceful New Yorkers to "refute the Ground Zero mosque plan". >>> Alex Spillius in Washington | Monday, July 19, 2010

Indonesian Muslims Praying to Kenya, Not Mecca, After Faulty Edict
THE TELEGRAPH: Indonesia's highest Islamic body has been forced to apologise to the country's Muslims after admitting they have been praying towards Kenya rather than Mecca.

The Indonesian Ulema Council, or MUI, has since asked followers to shift direction slightly northward during their daily prayers. Photo: The Telegraph
Officials in the world's most populous Muslim country admitted on Monday that they made a mistake when issuing an edict in March saying the holy city in Saudi Arabia was to the country's west.

The Indonesian Ulema Council, or MUI, has since asked followers to shift direction slightly northward during their daily prayers.

"After a thorough study with some cosmography and astronomy experts, we learned they've been facing southern Somalia and Kenya," said Ma'ruf Amin, a prominent cleric of the MUI.

"We've revised it now to the north-west."

He said Indonesians need not worry, however.

"Allah understands that humans make mistakes," he said. "Allah always hears their prayers." >>> | Monday, July 19, 2010

Russie: le Sénat approuve une loi élargissant les pouvoirs de l'ex-KGB
LE POINT: La chambre haute du Parlement russe a a approuvé lundi une loi élargissant les pouvoirs des services spéciaux (FSB, ex-KGB) vertement critiquée par les défenseurs des droits de l'homme, ont rapporté les agences russes.

Ce texte qui permet aux services spéciaux d'émettre des "avertissements" à toute personne soupçonnée de "créer des conditions pour la perpétration d'un crime", avait été voté la semaine dernière par la Douma (chambre basse). >>> AFP | Lundi 19 Juillet 2010

Inquiry Urged Into Lockerbie Bomber Release
THE INDEPENDENT: A UK public inquiry should be held into the release of the Lockerbie bomber, a backbench Tory MP said today.

Daniel Kawczynski, who chairs the Westminster all-party group on Libya, also called on Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill to apologise for the "huge error" in releasing Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi almost a year ago.

David Cameron is expected to face criticism from American politicians over claims that BP lobbied for the release of Megrahi to secure an oil deal, as the Prime Minister flies into the US today for his first official visit since taking office.

Mr MacAskill has already said he would be prepared to assist any inquiry held into circumstances surrounding Megrahi's release.

But Mr Kawcynski, the MP for Shrewsbury and Atcham, told BBC Radio Scotland today: "Clearly Mr MacAskill has made a huge error which has impacted on British foreign policy. Continue reading and comment >>> Scott Macnab, Press Association | Monday, July 19, 2010

LE POINT: Attentat de Lockerbie - La libération de Megrahi a été une "erreur complète", pour Cameron : La libération, en 2009, du Libyen Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, condamné pour l'attentat de Lockerbie, a été "une erreur complète et totale", a affirmé lundi le Premier ministre britannique David Cameron, avant de s'envoler pour sa première visite officielle aux États-Unis. >>> AFP | Lundi 19 Juillet 2010

Related articles here and here

Kulturkampf in Iran: Pomade für den sittsamen Iraner
ZEIT ONLINE: Lippenstiftverbot, "islamisch korrekte" Haarschnitte, Sittenwächter: Teheran zieht mal wieder verstärkt gegen vermeintlich westliche Werte zu Felde.

Staatsschnitt: Teheran schreibt jetzt auch die Frisuren vor. Bild: Zeit Online
Erst wurden die Proteste auf den Straßen mit roher Gewalt niedergeknüppelt, jetzt will das Regime Front machen gegen die „kulturelle Invasion des Westens“. Die Islamische Republik soll noch islamischer werden, auf allen Ebenen werden die Zügel angezogen. Ob männlicher Haarschnitt oder weibliches Kopftuch, ob Lehrbücher an Schulen oder Curricula an Universitäten, ob Filme, Bücher oder Konzerte – die allmächtigen Revolutionswächter haben ihren Kulturkampf ausgerufen gegen die verderblichen Einflüsse des Auslands.

So präsentierte das iranische Kulturministerium zum „Festival für Schleier und Sittsamkeit“ neue Richtlinien für „islamisch korrekte“ Haarschnitte für Männer. Das Plakat zeigt bartlose Gesichter mit Scheitel, kurzem Haar und wuchtigen Koteletten, einige auch mit Pomadefrisur – nie aber mit Pferdeschwänzen oder dem im Iran so populären Stachel-Look. Alle Designs seien auf „die Größe des Kinns eines typischen iranischen Mannes sowie das Aussehen seines Nackens abgestimmt“, betonte Jaleh Khodayar, die das Festival organisierte.

Die spezielle Mischung aus islamischer Tradition und modischem Schick sei geeignet, „den kulturellen Angriff des Westen auf unser Land zu parieren“. Bei jedem Coiffeur sollen die Modelle künftig hängen – neue Vorschriften für weibliche Haarmode unter dem Schleier hat sie bereits in Arbeit. Weiter lesen und einen Kommentar schreiben >>> Von Martin Gehlen | Dienstag, 13. Juli 2010

Verbunden / Related >>>

Atom-Programm: Hamburger Bank soll Iran bei Atom-Geschäften geholfen haben
ZEIT ONLINE: Eine in Deutschland ansässige Bank ist offenbar an iranischen Atomgeschäften beteiligt. Damit hat das Geldinstitut Iran geholfen, die Sanktionen der UN zu umgehen.

An iranischen Rüstungsgeschäften beteiligt: die Sepah-Bank. Foto: Zeit Online
Mithilfe einer kleinen Bank in Deutschland hat die iranische Regierung die im Atomstreit verhängten Sanktionen umgangen. Dies berichtet das Wall Street Journal. Demnach wickelte die in Hamburg ansässige Europäisch-iranische Handelsbank (EIH) Milliarden-Geschäfte für iranische Unternehmen ab, die an den umstrittenen Atom- und Rüstungsprogrammen Teherans beteiligt sind. Zu den Kunden des Geldinstituts gehörten auch die iranischen Revolutionsgarden.

Nach Informationen der Zeitung war die EIH im vergangenen Jahr Teil eines groß angelegten Versuchs der iranischen Führung, an den vom UN-Sicherheitsrat verhängten Sanktionen vorbei Geschäfte zu machen. So habe das Institut unter anderem Überweisungen für die iranische Sepah-Bank ausgeführt, die in Europa und den USA wegen ihrer Rolle bei iranischen Rüstungsdeals auf der schwarzen Liste steht. Weiter lesen und einen Kommentar schreiben >>> Zeit Online, AFP | Montag, 19. Juli 2010

Australian PM Announces Elections: After three weeks in office, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has announced a federal election set for August 21st.

Clinton Unveils Major Aid Package* to Pakistan


*Where on earth is all this money going to come from? Does this Democratic government not yet realize that America is on its uppers? The US government is already trillions of dollars in debt, and now, not satisfied with the current debt already spiralling out of control, Obama & Co. want to add to the Americans’ woes by giving aid to Pakistan! Isn't it high time this nonsense stopped? – © Mark

LE POINT: Le Pakistan et les États-Unis vantent l'amélioration de leurs relations : Le Pakistan et les États-Unis ont vanté lundi l'amélioration de leurs relations, Hillary Clinton annonçant à Islamabad plusieurs projets d'aide civile destinés à "jeter les bases d'un partenariat de long terme" avec son allié stratégique face au terrorisme. >>> AFP | Lundi 19 Juillet 2010

Clinton Offers Aid to Pakistan: U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announces $500 million in new aid projects for Pakistan

Syria's Niqab Ban Is Part of a Clash Within Islam Itself
THE GUARDIAN: Far from the heated debates of Europe, Syria has banned the niqab in classrooms, adding another layer to this complex story

Quietly, away from the fanfare that accompanied the French vote on banning the niqab in public, and calls by Philip Hollobone to impose a ban in Britain, the Syrian government has instituted its own, more limited, ban, removing teachers who wear the full face veil from teaching in public schools.

At first glance, such a move might seem puzzling: Syria, with dozens of religious sects and a nominally secular government, has managed for decades to use a light touch, at least when it comes to personal faith.

But the rise of religion among the population has shaken the leadership: with overt displays of faith on the rise and a rare terrorist attack in Damascus two years ago attributed to Islamists, the government appears to be moving against hardline religious ideas.

The niqab ban in public schools is a fairly blunt instrument but, on such a small scale, it may be intended to send a message. Egypt, too, has instigated a similarly limited ban (for university exams), a move opposed by Islamists but upheld by the courts.

But Syria's struggle with Islamists and visible symbols of Islam is part of a wider clash, a clash within Islam itself. Political Islam is gaining ground across both the Arab world and Muslim-majority countries. What happens in this debate matters profoundly, because the same debate is taking place within Muslim communities in the west.

The debate, crudely put, is over the space between the personal and the political. Secular-minded governments have tried to keep faith out of state institutions; Islamists want their faith to guide those institutions. Personal space has also increasingly been politicised, with a rise in the wearing of the headscarf and the veil in Syria and in most Muslim-majority countries. Read on and comment >>> Faisal al Yafai | Monday, July 19, 2010

White Christian Britons Being Unfairly Targeted for Hate Crimes by CPS, Civitas Claims
THE TELEGRAPH: White Christian Britons are being unfairly targeted compared with minority groups for committing hate crimes, a new report says.

Ben and Sharon Vogelenzang, who were prosecuted and then cleared last December of a religiously aggravated hate crime after a strongly worded discussion with a Muslim guest at their hotel about the relative merits of their respective religions. Photo: The Telegraph
The study from think-tank Civitas argues that new hate crime legislation is restricting freedom of speech, and has effectively introduced a new blasphemy law into Britain by the back door.

A foreword attached to the main report, “A New Inquisition: religious persecution in Britain today”, argues that prosecutors and police are unfairly singling out alleged crimes by white Christians, while ignoring other similar offences by minority groups.

It says: “Some police forces and the CPS [Crown Prosecution Service] seem to be interpreting statutes in favour of ethnic and religious minorities and in a spirit hostile to members of the majority population, defined as ‘White’ or ‘Christian’.”

Report authors said it is “legitimate to ask” whether these agendas are being driven by “sectarian groups” within either police forces or inside the CPS.

It claims “there is evidence of biased application of the law”, citing the case of a Muslim man who sprayed the words “Islam will dominate the world – Osama is on his way” and “Kill Gordon Brown” on a war memorial in Burton-Upon-Trent.

He was prosecuted for criminal damage – “that is neither a racially nor a religiously aggravated offence”.

The CPS had argued that “the defacing the memorial did not attach to any particular racial or religious group” despite the fact that the monument was “a Christian and British memorial, carrying Christian and British symbols.

"People who read the story found themselves thinking that, if a non-Muslim had defaced a Muslim building the system would have thrown the book at him".

This compared with a Christian couple in Liverpool, Ben and Sharon Vogelenzang, who were prosecuted and then cleared last December of a religiously aggravated hate crime after a strongly worded discussion with a Muslim guest at their hotel about the relative merits of their respective religions. >>> Christopher Hope, Whitehall Editor | Monday, July 19, 2010