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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hillary Clinton wore a dress by Oscar de la Renta.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Minarette, Erdogan und Christen in der Türkei

Argumente gegen Türkei EU Beitritt

Merkel gegen EU Beitritt der Türkei

Fortsetzung: Helmut Schmidt außer Dienst
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Verbunden: Teil 1 bis Teil 4 >>>

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

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

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

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

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

Horseshit! Babies Don't Suffer When Mothers Return to Work, Study Reveals
THE OBSERVER: Findings overturn earlier research on working mothers / Gains of being in employment outweigh disadvantages

A ground-breaking study has found that mothers can go back to work months after the birth of their child without the baby's wellbeing suffering as a result.

By assessing the total impact on a child of the mother going out to work, including factors outside the home, American academics claim to have produced the first full picture of the effect of maternal employment on child cognitive and social development. Their conclusion will provide comfort for thousands of women who re-enter the employment market within a year of giving birth.

"The good news is that we can see no adverse effects," said American academic Jane Waldfogel, currently a visiting professor at the London School of Economics. "This research is unique because the question we have always asked in the past has been: 'If everything else remains constant, what is the effect of a mum going off to work?' But of course everything else doesn't stay constant, so it's an artificial way of looking at things.

"Family relationships, family income, the mental health of the mother all change when a mother is working and so what we did was to look at the full impact, taking all of these things into account."

In one of the most fraught areas of social policy and research, several studies over the past two decades have suggested that children do worse if their mothers go back to work in the first year of their lives.

Recent research by the Institute for Social and Economic Research at Essex University found that children of mothers who went back to work within the first three years were slower learners, and a 2008 Unicef study recommended that mothers stay at home for the first 12 months or "gamble" with their children's development. The Pew Research Centre in Washington found high levels of anxiety among women over the issue.

The new study, led by New York's Columbia University School of Social Work, was published last week by the Society for Research in Child Development. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study of Early Child Care followed more than 1,000 children from 10 geographic areas aged up to seven, tracking their development and family characteristics.

It found that, while there are downsides to mothers taking work during their child's first year, there were also significant advantages – an increase in mothers' income and wellbeing, and a greater likelihood that children receive high-quality childcare. Taking everything into account, the researchers said, the net effect was neutral. >>> Tracy McVeigh and Anushka Asthana | Sunday, August 01, 2010

This study is suspect, to say the least. To start with, wasn’t it conducted by a working mother?

To say that “babies don’t suffer when mothers return to work” is about as stupid as it gets! Do these idiots think that babies bring themselves up?

This study flies in the face of hundreds, nay thousands, of years of experience with raising our offspring. It also seems to fly in the face of earlier, probably more believable, studies.

Fact is that children need mothers at home. We can see this when we look around us, and see how badly-raised so many children are today. It’s the mother who gives the child the informal education it needs. Formal education comes from the schools it attends; but informal education comes from the home. And if there is no-one in the home to supply it, the child has to do without it. This is exactly what is happening today, because so many mothers today are selfish and choose to work instead of raising their offspring.

Whilst material goods are nice to have, they are no substitute for the love, support and guidance a stay-at-home mother can give. The fact that many young people today have abysmal language skills, no dress sense or no culinary skills, no table manners, and further, they are often obese to the point of endangering their own health, all point to children who have lacked a good start in life. To say that babies don’t suffer when their mothers return prematurely to the workplace is about as stupid as saying that one’s partner, when gravely ill, will not suffer when one goes out to work and leaves him or her to the gods! – © Mark

Saudi Arabia to Block BlackBerry Messaging
THE NEW YORK TIMES: DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- The UAE said Sunday it will block key features on BlackBerry smart phones, citing national security concerns because the devices operate beyond the government's ability to monitor their use. Neighboring Saudi Arabia quickly indicated it planned to follow suit.

The decision could prevent hundreds of thousands of users in the Mideast country from accessing e-mail and the Web on the handsets starting in October, putting the federation's reputation as a business-friendly commercial and tourism hub at risk.

Blackberry data is encrypted and routed overseas, and the measure could be motivated in part by government fears that the messaging system could be exploited by terrorists or other criminals who cannot be monitored by the local authorities.

However, analysts and activists also see it as an attempt to more tightly control the flow of information in the conservative country, a U.S. ally that is home to the Gulf business capital Dubai and the oil-rich emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Within hours of the announcement, a telecommunications official in neighboring Saudi Arabia said the desert kingdom would begin blocking the BlackBerry messaging service starting later this month. The Saudi official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to talk to the media, said the country's telecommunications regulator would issue a statement on the move soon.

Like in Saudi Arabia, government censors in the UAE already routinely block access to websites and other media deemed to carry content that runs contrary to the nation's conservative Islamic values or could stoke political unrest. >>> The Associated Press | Sunday, August 01, 2010

President's Debut on 'The View': Obama dazzles live audience on daytime talk show, but did he dazzle press?

Protesters outside the Karachi Press Club yesterday burn an effigy of David Cameron. Photograph: The Independent on Sunday
Pakistan Withdraws from Terror Talks in Cameron Protest
THE INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY: Prime Minister's comments on terrorism provoke anger in the government and streets of Karachi

David Cameron's comments about Pakistan's alleged links with terrorism threatened to cause a full-scale diplomatic row last night after the country's intelligence officials boycotted a counter-terrorism summit in the UK and demonstrators burned an effigy of the Prime Minister on the streets of Karachi.

Three days before President Asif Ali Zardari is due to arrive in London, members of his intelligence services cancelled a planned conference with British counterparts over the stinging criticism delivered by Mr Cameron in India last week.

Pakistan's information minister Qamar Zaman Kaira said yesterday that there was "resentment" in his country over the comments made during a visit to its traditional rival. But, amid warnings that the intervention could cause unrest among young British Pakistanis, he said he hoped the crisis could be resolved when the leaders meet this week at the PM's country retreat, Chequers. >>> Brian Brady, Whitehall Editor | Sunday, August 01, 2010

As David Cameron Calls for Turkey to Join the EU, Peter Hitchins on the Disturbing Picture of Growing Repression at the Heart of ‘Eurabia’
THE MAIL ON SUNDAY: Among the bayonet-like minarets of ancient Istanbul, an East wind is blowing. It will chill us all... says The Mail On Sunday columnist in the week David Cameron calls for Turkey to join the EU

Down a glum, dark back alley in Istanbul, I found a sinister sight. In a workshop two stern and bearded men were bent over sheets and patches of very black cloth, their sewing-machines whirring urgently.

I was plainly unwelcome and they objected to the very idea of being photographed. I quickly saw why. They were making dark robes and masks for women to wear. They looked to me as if they longed for the day when every woman in sight was clad in their workmanship.

They knew the women would wear them, because one day, not far off, they would have to. These robes would be, literally, a 'must-have' for the women of Turkey.

Those who think of Turkey as a relaxed holiday destination, or as a Westernised Nato member more or less 'on our side' need to revise their view.

And that very much includes our Prime Minister, David Cameron, who last week joined in the fashionable chorus urging Turkish membership of the European Union. Mr Cameron plainly hasn't been properly briefed.

Leave aside the fact that such a step would allow millions of Turks to live and work in Britain, and give us - as EU members - a common border with Syria and Iraq. Mr Cameron really ought to realise that the new Islamist Turkey he so ignorantly praises is much more interested in making friends with Iran than it is in joining the EU. And it is becoming less free and less democratic by the day.

I would say there is a strong chance that we will soon lose Turkey to the Islamic world, much as we lost Iran to the ayatollahs 30 years ago. And there is not much we can do about it - least of all the daft scheme to include this nation in the EU.

Panic-mongering? Well, perhaps. But I would rather monger a bit of panic now than ignore what I saw.

I will come in a moment to the bizarre alleged plot against the Turkish state, which has swept dozens of government opponents into prison in dawn raids.

But first let us take a stroll round the Istanbul district of Fatih. It is noon, and the rival calls to prayer of two mosques are wavering in the baking, humid air.

Not far away is a gigantic Palestinian flag draped over the side of a building. Nearly opposite, a group of pale, intense men in turbans loiter on a street corner whispering into their mobile phones. Where am I? The flag suggests Gaza. The whispering men bring to mind Peshawar or some other Taliban zone.

Or am I in Saudi Arabia? For round the corner comes a phalanx of veiled women, under the vigilant eyes of a bossy man in a prayer cap. There are several grades of these women. First there are the wholly shrouded, their downcast eyes glimpsed through a slot, imprisoned in shapelessness. Most disturbing for me - because I have been to Iran - are those in chadors exactly like those commanded by the ayatollahs in Tehran. There is something particularly harsh about the inverted triangle through which their pale and sombre faces peer.

With them come the women they call 'Tight-heads' - 'Sikmabash' in Turkish. These are a new feature of Istanbul since I was last here a few years ago, in evidence all over this enormous city.

They are mostly young and often attractive. But they have swathed their heads tightly in voluminous, brightly coloured scarves. Their lower limbs are covered by long dresses or trousers, and over this, in the oppressive heat, they wear thin raincoats. Such outfits are available in a successful chain of shops called Tekbir, which means 'God is great'.

Covering up the female sex is big business here now. The owner of an independent Islamic clothes shop complains to me that trade isn't as good as it used to be because he now faces so much competition. He notes that more and more of his clients are young women, rather than conservative rural grandmas. Continue reading and comment >>> Peter Hitchins in Istanbul | Sunday, August 01, 2010

My essays on Turkey joining the UK:

Turkey in the EU >>> Mark Alexander | Friday, September 30, 2005

More Reasons Why Turkey and the EU Should Not Join in Union! >>> Mark Alexander | Saturday, October 01, 2010

Greece Will Be a War Zone, Sect of Revolutionaries Warns Tourists
THE OBSERVER: Security forces fear wave of terror as austerity programme provokes strikes, protests, violence – and assassination

A protesting lorry driver argues with a police officer outside the Ministry of Transport in Athens. Photograph: The Observer
Greek security forces have warned of a wave of violence reminiscent of the terror that stalked Italy in the seventies after urban guerillas threatened last week to turn the country into a "war zone".

"Greece has entered a new phase of political violence by anarchist-oriented organisations that are more murderous, dangerous, capable and nihilistic than ever before," said Athanasios Drougos, a defence and counter-terrorism analyst in Athens.

"For the first time we are seeing a nexus of terrorist and criminal activity," he said. "These groups don't care about collateral damage, innocent bystanders being killed in the process. They are very extreme."

The threats came from a guerrilla group called the Sect of Revolutionaries, as it claimed credit for the murder of Sokratis Giolas, an investigative journalist. Giolas was shot dead outside his Athenian home on 19 July, in front of his pregant wife.

The gang promised to step up attacks on police, businessmen, prison guards and "corrupt" media – and, for the first time, threatened holidaymakers.

"Tourists should learn that Greece is no longer a safe haven of capitalism," its declaration said.

"We intend to turn it into a war zone of revolutionary activity with arson, sabotage, violent demonstrations, bombings and assassinations, and not a country that is a destination for holidays and pleasure."

In an accompanying picture, the group displayed an arsenal that included AK 47 assault rifles, semi-automatic pistols and brass knuckledusters.

"Our guns are full and they are ready to speak," it said. "We are at war with your democracy." >>> Helena Smith, Athens | Sunday, August 01, 2010

Fury as Israel President Claims English Are 'Anti-Semitic'
THE TELEGRAPH: Israel's president has accused the English of being anti-semitic and claimed that MPs pander to Muslim voters.

Shimon Peres said England was "deeply pro-Arab ... and anti-Israeli", adding: "They always worked against us."

He added: "There is in England a saying that an anti-Semite is someone who hates the Jews more than is necessary."

His remarks, made in an interview on a Jewish website, provoked anger from senior MPs and Jewish leaders who said the 87-year-old president had "got it wrong".

But other groups backed the former Israeli prime minister and said the number of anti-semitic incidents had risen dramatically in the UK in recent years.

The controversy follows the furore last week over David Cameron's remark that Gaza was a "prison camp", as he urged Israel to allow aid and people to move freely in and out of the Palestinian territory.

Mr Peres, a Nobel Peace Prize winner who is three years into his seven-year term as president and was awarded an honorary knighthood by the Queen in 2008, said that England's attitude towards Jews was Israel's "next big problem".

"There are several million Muslim voters, and for many members of parliament, that's the difference between getting elected and not getting elected," he said.

"And in England there has always been something deeply pro-Arab, of course, not among all Englishmen, and anti-Israeli, in the establishment.

"They abstained in the [pro-Zionist] 1947 UN partition resolution ... They maintained an arms embargo against us in the 1950s ... They always worked against us. They think the Arabs are the underdogs."

By contrast, relations with Germany, France and Italy were "pretty good", he added. >>> David Harrison and Adrian Blomfield in Jerusalem | Saturday, July 31, 2010

Shimon Peres has got this right. MPs do pander to Muslims for votes. Further, the Foreign Office and the establishment of this country has long been pro-Arab. Bravo, Mr Peres for having the courage to state the truth! I applaud you. – © Mark

THE GUARDIAN: Israel president Shimon Peres accuses Britain of pro-Arab bias: Veteran politician claims MPs pander to Muslim voters with anti-Jewish rhetoric and glorify Palestinians as underdogs >>> Harriet Sherwood in Jerusalem | Sunday, August 01, 2010

Sarkozy: Un discours polémique
leJDD.fr: Nicolas Sarkozy l'a évoqué vendredi dans un discours prononcé à Grenoble. Mais l'annonce d'une possible déchéance de la nationalité française des délinquants d'origine étrangère ne passe pas. Opposition et associations dénoncent une menace contraire au principe d'égalité, qui s'aligne sur les thèses du Front national.

Au lendemain du discours de Nicolas Sarkozy à Grenoble, les propos du chef de l'Etat font polémique. S'ils s'insurgent du retour du thème de l'insécurité sur le devant de la scène politique à moins de deux ans de la présidentielle, opposition et associations dénoncent également l'une des principales annonces du président de la République. Vendredi, Nicolas Sarkozy a menacé de déchoir de la nationalité française toute personne d'origine étrangère qui porterait atteinte à la vie d'un policier, d'un gendarme ou d'un représentant de l'autorité publique. >>> Anne-Charlotte Dusseaulx (avec Reuters) - leJDD.fr | Samedi 31 Juillet 2010

Julia Gillard 'Heading for Defeat' in Australian Election
THE TELEGRAPH: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard is heading for a shock defeat at elections on August 21 according to a new opinion poll.

Miss Gillard, who became prime minister five weeks ago, has had her election campaign hampered by government in-fighting and damaging cabinet leaks.

Defeat for Miss Gillard, though still considered unlikely by most other opinion polls and political experts, would sink her plans to place a 30 per cent tax on iron ore and coal mines, to introduce carbon-trading and to build a $33 billion broadband network.

Miss Gillard took the leadership of Australia from unpopular premier Kevin Rudd, who was dumped by his own Labor MPs.

But their gamble on the country's first woman prime minister leading them back to government is looking riskier by the day. >>> | Saturday, July 31, 2010

Helmut Schmidt außer Dienst
Teil 1:



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Es wird fortgesetzt.

Al Gore Will Not Be Prosecuted Over Masseuse Allegations
THE TELEGRAPH: Al Gore, the former Vice President, will not be prosecuted over allegations by a masseuse that he groped and assaulted her in his Oregon hotel room in 2006, the county prosecutor has confirmed.

District Attorney Michael Schrunk said the case has numerous problems and is not appropriate for a criminal prosecution.

Mr Gore, who served as US Vice President under Bill Clinton, denied the charges, including under questioning July 22 by local detectives. His aides welcomed the news.

"Mr Gore unequivocally and emphatically denied this accusation when he first learned of its existence three years ago," spokesman Kalee Kreider said in a statement. "He respects and appreciates the thorough and professional work of the Portland authorities and is pleased that this matter has now been resolved." >>> | Saturday, July 31, 2010

David Cameron Effigy Burned In Terror Row
YAHOO! NEWS: A group of demonstrators in Pakistan have burned an effigy of David Cameron in protest at the recent comments made by the Prime Minister.

The British politician provoked an angry response this week when he told an audience in India that elements in Pakistan were promoting the export of terror.

About a dozen activists with the group Shabab-e-Milli, an affiliate of the radical Jamate Islami, chanted anti-PM slogans outside the Karachi Press Club.

The protesters shouted "Down with Cameron," and held up a banner reading "David Camroon - The loos mouth".

Rally organiser Mohammad Yousuf Munir called on his country to cut diplomatic ties with the UK.

He added: "There should be a protest on an international level as Pakistan is working in coordination with the international community in its war against terror. It's a sheer injustice."

Pakistan's information minister, Qamar Zaman Kaira, said there was "resentment" in his country over Mr Cameron's comments. >>> Sky News | Saturday, July 31, 2010

Son Excellence Nicolas Sarkozy, plus royal que jamais
GALA.fr: Depuis le XVIe siècle, le chef d'Etat français partage avec l'évêque espagnol d'Urgell le titre de coprince d'Andorre, petit territoire montagneux de 468 km2 et 84 000 habitants, enclavé dans les Pyrénées. 


Pour tourner la page d'une période orageuse qu'il avait ouverte en menaçant d’abdiquer si la principauté ne sortait pas de la liste des paradis fiscaux, Son Altesse Sarko a décidé d’honorer ses sujets, au cœur de l'été. >>> | Vendredi 30 Juillet 2010

Bed Bugs vs. NYC: The Battle Is On
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL: The city that never sleeps? Tell that to New York's bedbugs. The tiny blood suckers specialize in feeding off sleeping bodies and this summer in the Big Apple they're enjoying the pickings of their lives, specialists say.



Related articles here and here

Fox and Friends: Pamella Geller on SIOA Honor Killing Awareness Campaign and The Post-American Presidency


HT: Jihad Watch >>>

Church Plans Quran-burning Event


CNN: Church plans Quran-burning event: In protest of what it calls a religion "of the devil," a nondenominational church in Gainesville, Florida, plans to host an "International Burn a Quran Day" on the ninth anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks. >>> Lauren Russell, CNN | Saturday, July 31, 2010

Rick Sanchez seems to be totally oblivious of the fact that Muslims trash Bibles all the time. Go, Sir, to Saudi Arabia for a trip, and take a Bible with you. Then see what happens to your Bible! – © Mark

Related >>>

Der Super-Imam und die Islamisierung Malaysias
WELT ONLINE: Der Erfolg einer religiösen Talentshow ist symptomatisch dafür, wie die einstige Liberalität Malaysias langsam schwindet.

Der Sieger: Muhammad Asyraf Mohd Ridzuan gewann die Talentshow. Bild: Welt Online
Asyraf hat das verzückte Gesicht zum Himmel erhoben. Der 26-Jährige steht allein im grellen Licht der Scheinwerfer und reckt beschwörend die Hände in die Höhe, als er seine Stimme dramatisch anschwellen lässt. Vor seinem Kinn ist ein modernes Kopfmikrophon befestigt – die einzige Parallele zu westlichen Talentshows, die diesem TV-Programm aus Malaysia als Vorbild dienten. Asyraf schmettert keinen schwülstigen Popsong, er predigt. Die Predigt ist die letzte große Herausforderung der malaysischen Castingshow „Imam Muda“, junger Imam. Zwei der ursprünglich zehn Kandidaten sind noch übrig: Muhammad Asyraf Bin Mohd Ridzuan und der 27-jährige Hizbur Rahman Bin Omar Zuhdi. Noch einmal müssen sie beim großen Finale der Talentshow zeigen, was sie können. Noch einmal darin wetteifern, wer der beste Nachwuchsimam des Landes ist.

Schließlich kommt die Stunde der Entscheidung – und das ganze Land hält den Atem an. In langen schwarzen Mänteln mit goldenen Borten stehen die beiden Finalisten da, stocksteif, die Hände vor dem Bauch verschränkt. Bewegt wird sich grundsätzlich nicht viel bei „Imam Muda“. Endlich bricht der gestrenge Ustaz Hasan Mahmud al-Hafiz, der „Dieter Bohlen“ der Show und früherer Chef-Imam der Nationalmoschee, die Spannung. Mit schnarrender Stimme verkündet er den Sieger: Asyraf, der 26-jährige Religionsstudent aus dem Bundesstaat Penang, ist der „Imam Muda“, Malaysias Religionsführer der Zukunft.

Die Castingshow hat in dem südostasiatischen Staat sämtliche Rekorde gebrochen. Islamisches Reality-Fernsehen: In der Erfolgssendung des Kabelsenders Astro Oasis traten zehn Wochen lang junge Männer zwischen 18 und 27 Jahren gegeneinander an. Sie maßen sich in Religionswissen und Riten, in Theorie und Praxis. Sie mussten Leichen waschen, Schafe schlachten und jungen Mädchen vorehelichen Sex ausreden – und das alles vor den strengen Augen der Religions-Juroren. Kein Fernsehen, keine Handys, kein Internet >>> Von Sophie Mühlmann | Samstag, 31. Juli 2010

Jörg Haider. Bild: Google Images
Das dreckige Dutzend
PROFIL ONLINE: Haiders zwölf Briefkästen: Der verstorbene Kärntner Landeshauptmann soll 45 Millionen Euro aus dunklen Kanälen nach Liechtenstein geschleust haben. Bei Kontoöffnungen stießen die Behörden auf ein dichtes Netz an Treuhandkonstruktionen.

Die Geschichte war bisher nicht viel mehr als eine Zote. Aber sie ist so unterhaltsam, dass sie in politischen Zirkeln seit geraumer Zeit als Bonmot kursiert – und das weit über die Kärntner Landesgrenzen hinaus. 



Sie geht so: Kurz nach dem Unfalltod von Jörg Haider im Oktober 2008 werden bei dessen Witwe Claudia zwei Herren vorstellig. Die Brüder Kurt und Uwe Scheuch. Der eine ist Klubobmann des BZÖ im Kärntner Landtag, der andere Landesrat. Die langjährigen Weggefährten des Landeshauptmanns plagt eine Frage, die sie der Hinterbliebenen ohne Umschweife stellen: „Claudia, wo ist das Geld?“



Frau Haiders Antwort wird in der Anekdote nicht überliefert. Heute, zwei Jahre später, verdichten sich die Hinweise, dass dahinter sehr viel mehr stecken dürfte. 



Jörg Haider hat nach profil-Recherchen im Laufe seiner politischen Karriere ein weit verzweigtes Netzwerk von Treuhandkonten in Liechtenstein aufgezogen, über das er Millionen Euro verschieben ließ. Geld, von dessen Existenz nur ein handverlesener Kreis von Personen wusste. Jetzt beschäftigt es die Staatsanwaltschaften dreier Länder. Exklusiv: Haider soll 45 Millionen Euro nach Liechtenstein geschleust haben >>> Von Michael Nikbakhsh und Ulla Schmid | Samstag, 31. Juli 2010

THE TELEGRAPH: Far-right Austrian leader Joerg Haider secretly had £40 million in Liechtenstein: More than 45 million euros in undeclared cash belonging to Austria’s late far-right leader Joerg Haider has been found in the secretive European principality of Liechtenstein, according to reports. >>> | Sunday, August 01, 2010

Gay Love: Two Military

Israel Retaliates with Air Strikes in Gaza
THE TELEGRAPH: Israel has carried out air strikes on targets in Gaza after militants in the territory fired a rocket into the Jewish city of Ashkelon, the first such attack in more than a year.



Late on Friday, aircraft shot at least four missiles at buildings used by Hamas security forces in Gaza City, wounding eight, medics said.

Warplanes also hit smuggling tunnels on the border with Egypt, without causing casualties, witnesses said.

Palestinians reported several explosions in Gaza City and Israeli aircraft could be heard flying over the territory.

There were no immediate reports of injuries.

The earlier rocket attack, seen by some observers as an attempt to undermine the possible resumption of direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, marked a significant escalation in the attritional campaign Islamist groups based in Gaza have waged on Israeli civilians living nearby.

It came a day after Arab foreign ministers meeting in Cairo told Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian leader, that they would not stand in his way if he decided to talk to Israel face-to-face. >>> Adrian Blomfield in Jerusalem | Friday, July 30, 2010

Garland of Arabia: The Forgotten Story of TE Lawrence's Brother-in-Arms
THE TELEGRAPH: He was a mentor to Lawrence of Arabia, a maverick explosives expert who played a pivotal role in the Arab insurgency against the Ottoman Empire.

But the part that Major Herbert Garland, a British scientist turned soldier, played in the First World War has largely been ignored, airbrushed from history in the wake of his more famous brother-in-arms.

Now the Royal Society of Chemistry is to finally commemorate the army officer who wrecked his health leading the Arab rebellion before dying forgotten and almost penniless in Gravesend aged just 38.

Dr Richard Pike, chief executive of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), said he was a very rare and "courageous soldier" who was admired by TE Lawrence for his daring and cleverness.

“I am pleased that we are remembering him now, even if it is nine decades after his rather lonely death, far from the desert where his reputation should have been made, as it was with Lawrence, who had learned so much from him,” he said. >>> Richard Alleyne, Science Correspondent | Friday, July 30, 2010

Photo of a historic protest in New York. Photograph: Google Images
Debate Heating Up on Plans for Mosque Near Ground Zero
THE NEW YORK TIMES: An influential Jewish organization on Friday announced its opposition to a proposed Islamic center and mosque two blocks north of ground zero in Lower Manhattan, intensifying a fierce national debate about the limits of religious freedom and the meaning of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The decision by the group, the Anti-Defamation League, touched off angry reactions from a range of religious groups, which argued that the country would show its tolerance and values by welcoming the center near the site where radical Muslims killed about 2,750 people.

But the unexpected move by the ADL, a mainstream group that has denounced what it saw as bigoted attacks on plans for the Muslim center, could well be a turning point in the battle over the project.

In New York, where ground zero has slowly blended back into the fabric of the city, government officials appear poised to approve plans for the sprawling complex, which would have as many as 15 stories and would house a prayer space, a performing arts center, a pool and a restaurant.

But around the country opposition is mounting, fueled in part by Republican leaders and conservative pundits. Sarah Palin, the 2008 Republican vice-presidential nominee, has urged “peace-seeking Muslims” to reject the center, branding it an “unnecessary provocation.” A Republican political action committee has produced a television commercial assailing the proposal. And former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has decried it in speeches.

The complex’s rapid evolution from a local zoning dispute into a national referendum highlights the intense and unsettled emotions that still surround the World Trade Center site nine years after the attacks.

To many New Yorkers, especially in Manhattan, it is a construction zone, passed during the daily commute or glimpsed through office windows. To some outside of the city, though, it stands as a hallowed battlefield that must be shielded and memorialized.

Those who are fighting the project argue that building a house of Muslim worship so close to ground zero is at best an affront to the families of those who died there and at worst an act of aggression that would, they say, mark the place where radical Islam achieved a blow against the United States. >>> Michael Barbaro | Friday, July 30, 2010

Episcopal Committee Is Working on Gay Rite
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Armed with a new $400,000 grant and the support of the Episcopal Church, a Berkeley seminary is convening priests from across the country to craft the liturgical rite for same-sex couples to receive religious blessings.

The new rite, which will take years to complete, will most likely consist of a series of original prayers, Bible readings and two essays: one on the theological meaning of same-sex blessings, and one advising priests who administer the new rite. If approved, the new blessing would be just the third addition to Episcopal liturgy since 1979.

“This is very significant,” said the Rev. Ruth Meyers, chairwoman of the church’s Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, who is heading the effort. “It does acknowledge a fuller participation of gays and lesbians in the life of the church.” >>> Richard Parks | Thursday, July 29, 2010

As Some Young Muslims Turn to Radicalism, Concern Grows
THE NEW YORK TIMES: FRANKFURT — Before Abi left her parents’ house in northern Germany last year, she asked her father, “Daddy, what can I bring you from my journey?” He looked up from his book and answered, “Some perfumed oil.” “Will do,” she said, hugging him goodbye.

He is still waiting, more than a year later, for her to return.

Abi, now 23, and her husband never made the trip they said they had planned to Saudi Arabia to visit Mecca and Medina. Instead they became part of a growing number of young Muslims from Germany and other European countries who travel to the Pakistan-Afghanistan border region, eventually ending up in the camps of groups affiliated with Al Qaeda or the Taliban.

One German man, Eric Breininger, was later reported killed in a battle with Pakistani troops.

A Turkish-language Web site announced that in recent days nine foreign fighters were killed as they traveled to carry out operations with the Taliban. Two of them were identified as Germans, from Bonn and Berlin.

Others have been arrested on a variety of charges. In one case, several people were convicted of planning attacks against American military facilities in Germany.

Intelligence officials are concerned that the young people, most in their 20s, will be used by the militants for propaganda purposes or trained to take up arms. They also worry that some will slip back into Germany to recruit others or to join sleeper cells and ultimately commit acts of terrorism.

“This is a very dangerous situation and German security services are very nervous about it,” said Guido Steinberg, terrorism expert of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs in Berlin. “Al Qaeda and other organizations have put Germany on their target priority list as one of the top places.” >>> Souad Mekhennet | Friday, July 30, 2010

Berlusconi schmeisst Erzrivalen Fini aus Partei
SCHWEIZER FERNSEHEN: Italiens Ministerpräsident Silvio Berlusconi wirft Gianfranco Fini aus der Partei. Damit läutet dieser einen möglichen Regierungszusammenbruch ein. Einschätzungen von Gianluca Galgani, SF-Korrespondent, in Rom

Griechenland ohne Benzin
SCHWEIZER FERNSEHEN: Wegen des seit Tagen andauernden Streik griechischer Tanklastwagenfahrer bleiben die Tankstellen trocken.

In Russland wütet das ewige Feuer
SCHWEIZER FERNSEHEN: Wegen der langen Hitzeperiode sind in Russland mehrere Waldbrände ausgebrochen. Mehr als 20 Menschen wurden dabei schon getötet. Einschätzungen von Christof Franzen, SF-Korrespondent, in Moskau


Verbunden / Related >>>

Chelsea Clinton: Teure Hochzeit steht bevor
SCHWEIZER FERNSEHEN: Am Samstag heiratet die frühere Präsidententochter Chelsea Clinton den Investmentbanker Marc Mezvinsky. Es wird die wohl spektakulärste US-Hochzeit des Jahres.

Chelsea Clinton mit Marc Mezvinsky: Allein der Blumenschmuck ihrer Hochzeit soll von 300'000 Franken kosten. Foto: Schweizer Fernsehen
Wahnsinnig romantisch und ganz sicher wahnsinnig teuer: Chelsea Clintons Hochzeit schlägt alle Rekorde. Während eine Hochzeit in den Vereinigten Staaten üblicherweise um die 24'000 Dollar (knapp 25'000 Franken) kostet, beläuft sich der Aufwand bei Chelsea nach Schätzungen von Hochzeitsexperten auf mehrere Millionen Dollar. Allein die Torte könnte demnach 20'800 Franken kosten.

Designerkleid für Chelsea Clinton soll über 20'000 Franken kosten

Sally Kilbridge, stellvertretende Chefredakteurin der Zeitschrift «Brides», rechnet damit, dass Chelsea Clinton ein Kleid der bekannten US-Designerin Vera Wang tragen wird. Schliesslich sei sie dabei fotografiert worden, wie sie in eine New Yorker Boutique der Designerin ging. Ein massgeschneidertes Kleid von Wang kostet um die 20'800 Franken, wie Kilbridge erklärt. Auch beim Blumenschmuck werde sich Chelsea nicht zurückhalten, glaubt Kilbridge, er falle sicher sehr glamourös aus. Kosten in Höhe von 300'000 Franken hält die Redakteurin für denkbar. Dies sei gar nicht mal so viel Geld, wenn man bedenke, dass US-Unternehmer Donald Trump sich die Blumen bei seiner Hochzeit über eine halbe Million Franken habe kosten lassen. Weiter lesen und einen Kommentar schreiben >>> | Freitag, 30. Juli 2010

Clintons Prepare for Chelsea's Wedding
THE TELEGRAPH: Bill and Hillary Clinton sent the town of Rhinebeck into a frenzy as they gathered with friends and family ahead of daughter Chelsea's wedding.

Arm in arm, Mr and Mrs Clinton descended from their blacked-out car and quickly went into the hotel. Photo: The Telegraph
The Clintons arrived at the Beekman Arms Hotel, where many of their guests are thought to be staying, shortly before 11pm.

Arm in arm, Mr and Mrs Clinton descended from their blacked-out car – the former First Lady, wearing a long green dress, waved to the cheering crowd waiting behind metal barricades – and quickly went into the hotel. The couple left about a half-hour later.

Earlier in the day, the former president of the USA made an appearance around lunchtime, popping out of a car and walking to a restaurant, greeting people on his way.

"We love it here," he said to well-wishers who called out to him.

"Chelsea loves the area as well."

Asked what he thinks of his daughter's fiancé, Marc Mezvinsky, Mr Clinton replied: "I like him very much, I really do. I admire him. Hillary feels the same way."

The sight of an ex-president captivated many in the crowd. >>> | Saturday, July 31, 2010

THE WALL STREET JOURNAL: Is Chelsea Clinton Setting a Bad Example? >>> Brett Arends | Friday, July 30, 2010

Helen Thomas Statue Campaign Stirs Controversy
DETROIT FREE PRESS: The Arab American National Museum in Dearborn has launched a fund-raising drive to pay for a statue of legendary journalist Helen Thomas that concerns some in the Jewish community.

Thomas, a former White House correspondent and native Detroiter born to Lebanese immigrants, was forced to quit her job at Hearst Newspapers last month after saying Israelis should "get the hell out of Palestine." She apologized.

On Tuesday, the museum started a 45-day campaign to raise the remaining $10,000 for the roughly $30,000 statue. Some in the Jewish community are wary of honoring Thomas.

"I just hope that the support for this memorial is there despite her anti-Israel and anti-Semitic views and not because of them," said Richard Nodel, president of the Jewish Community Relations Council.

Anan Ameri, director of the museum, said she disagrees with her comments, but Thomas "spent her life ... doing a lot of good things." >>> Niraj Warikoo, Free Press Staff Writer | Thursday, July 29, 2010

HT: Weasel Zippers >>>

Cameron Backs Turkey EU Membership *
SKY NEWS: On his first official visit to Turkey David Cameron has pledged to support the country's bid for EU membership.



* Yes, Mr Cameron, and it makes us angry that we are being led by weak and ill-informed politicians like you who are not prepared to safeguard our Judeo-Christian civilization from the onslaught of Islam! And believe me, it will be one huge onslaught if Turkey is allowed into the EU. It’s bad enough as things stand. You people do nothing to stop the destruction of Western values. That makes us angry!

It is to be hoped that Germany and France will continue to thwart the efforts of the arrogant British establishment who are working assiduously to bring Turkey into the EU against the wishes of the majority of the British people. The Foreign Office and politicians like you, Mr Cameron, should be working FOR the people, not AGAINST them, since after all is said and done, it’s the taxpayer that keeps you people in employment.

So a little less arrogance and a little more listening to the wishes of the electorate would go a hell of a long way. – © Mark

Immigration Law Divides The US
SKY NEWS: Barack Obama has won the first round in his fight against a controversial new immigration law in Arizona. Opponents claim parts of the law requiring police to find out the immigration status of all they arrest is 'racial profiling'. Greg Milam reports.

Cameron Defends Pakistan 'Terror' Comments
SKY NEWS: In an interview with Sky News' political editor Adam Boulton, David Cameron has defended his Pakistan 'terror' comments.

Women 'View Modesty as Sign of Weakness'
THE TELEGRAPH: Women are attracted to macho men and see modesty as a sign of evolutionary weakness, a study has shown.

Research suggested that females have found the rise of the 'more feminine man', or 'metrosexual', a big turn-off. Photo: The Telegraph
Research suggested that females have found the rise of the “more feminine man”, or “metrosexual”, a big turn-off.

Women see modesty amonsgt men as a poor character trait that could adversely affect their employability or earnings potential.

The study of 132 female and 100 male student volunteers found, however, that men did not view female modesty negatively. >>> Peter Hutchison | Friday, July 30, 2010

Chavez affirme avoir déployé des troupes militaires à la frontière avec la Colombie
Hugo Chavez a également annoncé la création d'une nouvelle "région militaire" à la frontière avec la Colombie. Photo : Le Monde
LE MONDE: Après avoir rompu les relations diplomatiques avec son voisin colombien la semaine dernière, le président vénézuélien Hugo Chavez a affirmé, vendredi 30 juillet, que son pays avait déployé des unités d'infanterie et de l'armée de l'air à la frontière avec la Colombie, en prévision d'une éventuelle attaque de cette dernière.

"Nous avons déployé des troupes, de l'armée de l'air (...) de l'infanterie, mais en silence parce que nous ne voulons déranger personne dans la population", a-t-il déclaré par téléphone à la télévision d'Etat VTV, sans donner de détails sur les troupes déployées. "Uribe [président sortant de Colombie] est capable de n'importe quoi dans les jours qui lui restent [au pouvoir] (...) Cela est devenu une menace de guerre et nous ne voulons pas la guerre", a poursuivi M. Chavez. Arrivé au terme de son dernier mandat, Alvaro Uribe transmettra ses pouvoirs le 7 août à son successeur élu Juan Manuel Santos. >>> LEMONDE.FR avec AFP et Reuters | Samedi 31 Juillet 2010