The EU should be stronger and more united. Great Britain should belong to the Union.
Die EU sollte stärker und geeinter sein. Großbritannien sollte der Union angehören.
L'UE devrait être plus forte et plus unie. La Grande-Bretagne devrait appartenir à l'Union.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Image: Google Images
EU-Eklat – "Ein Volk, ein Reich, ein Führer"
WELT ONLINE: Bei der EU liegen offenbar die Nerven blank. Nun beschimpfte der britische Euroskeptiker Godfrey Bloom den Sozialdemokraten Schulz als "Faschisten".
„Ein Volk, ein Reich, ein Führer“ – wegen dieses Nazi-Spruches ist der britische Euroskeptiker Godfrey Bloom aus dem Straßburger Plenarsaal geworfen worden. Bloom war bei einer Debatte über die Zukunft Europas am Mittwoch dem Sozialdemokraten Martin Schulz ins Wort gefallen.
Im Saal gab es sofort empörte Reaktionen und Rufe „Raus! Raus!“. „Das geht zu weit“, sagte der französische Christdemokrat Joseph Daul. Eine förmliche Entschuldigung lehnte Bloom ab und setzte stattdessen noch eins drauf. Schulz sei ein „undemokratischer Faschist“. Weiter lesen und einen Beitrag abgeben >>> dpa/pku | Mittwoch, 24. November 2010
Anglican Church Faces 'Piece by Piece Dissolution', Warns Archbishop
THE GUARDIAN: Rowan Williams tells warring factions to pull together for crucial General Synod vote on church's future
Rowan Williams speaking at the General Synod. Photograph: The Guardian
Dr Rowan Williams, the archbishop of Canterbury, warned of the risk of "piece-by-piece dissolution" of worldwide Anglicanism in a heartfelt personal plea today to warring factions in the Church of England.
At the opening of the church's general synod in London, he called for all parties to put aside their disputes and agree on a fresh framework for settling differences across the 70 million-strong international communion.
The synod votes tomorrow on the Anglican covenant, which has been seven years in the making, and sets the Church of England at a crucial crossroads. The church is already facing probable defections to Roman Catholicism by some priests opposed to the ordination of women bishops.
The covenant was devised in response to divisions caused by the US Episcopal Church's decision to endorse the election of the openly-gay bishop of New Hampshire, Gene Robinson, and it has to be endorsed by all 38 previously autonomous provinces of the communion across the world. The vote will be crucial as not only is the Church of England the mother church of the communion, but Williams is its spiritual head. A senior church official told the Guardian: "There is no Plan B. If this falls, the communion is in ruins."
In advance of the vote – which is technically to refer the covenant to dioceses for consultation – supporters and opponents have indulged in heated rhetoric; liberal Anglicans claimed it would spell the end of individual churches' autonomy and subject decisions of the Church of England to the prior approval of reactionary churches such as the homophobic conservatives of equatorial Africa. Gregory Cameron, the Bishop of St Asaph in Wales, the canon lawyer mainly responsible for drawing up the covenant, likened opponents to the BNP. Read on and comment >>> Stephen Bates and Riazat Butt | Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Donating Blood Is Un-Islamic: Deoband
THE TIMES OF INDIA: MUZAFFAR-NAGAR/NEW DELHI – In a potentially controversial decree, Islamic seminary Darul Uloom Deoband has said that donation of blood and body parts was against the tenets of Islam, but observed that giving blood to save the life of a near and dear one was acceptable.
However, the opinion of the prominent Islamic seminary has not gone down well with several Muslim intellectuals who have asserted that religious bodies have already stated that there was no (no) problem with blood donation.
In a 'fatwa' issued in response to a question, the seminary said donating blood or body parts was not permitted in Islam as human beings are not the "owners" of their bodies.
The decree is posted on the website of Darul Uloom's fatwa section dealing with 'haram and halal' issues, where a questioner asked the seminary its opinion on whether taking part in blood donation camps is right or wrong. Terming the fatwa as 'incorrect,' noted scholar Maulana Wahiduddin Khan said it should not deter the Muslim community from donating blood. >>> TNN | Wednesday, November 24, 2010
The Danish Cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad
Danish cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad. Images: Google Images
Fitna the Movie
Bruce Bawer: Multiculturalism, Freedom of Speech and Appeasing Islam
Nick Clegg Warned to Stop Cycling Over Security Threat from Angry Students
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Nick Clegg, the Deputy Prime Minister, has been advised to stop cycling to Downing Street because of a threat from students angry at his broken tuition fees pledge.
The security warning came ahead of a planned mass protest today which is expected to see thousands of young people around the country targeting Liberal Democrat MPs, including Mr Clegg.
Lib Dems have become the focus of student anger because in the run up to the general election they promised to scrap tuition fees altogether, only to support a substantial increase in rates after entering into a Coalition Government with the Conservatives.
Mr Clegg’s security personnel are understood to have told him that it was no longer safe for him to bicycle from his home in Putney, south west London, to his office in the Cabinet Office, beside 10 Downing Street.
There were fears that the Deputy Prime Minister could be knocked from his bicycle or pelted with objects. >>> Rosa Prince, Political Correspondent | Wednesday, November 24, 2010
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Foreign languages will be made virtually compulsory up to the age of 16 under an overhaul of the education system being announced today.
A shake-up of league tables used to rate schools will force growing numbers of teenagers to take GCSEs in subjects such as French, German and Spanish.
The Coalition said the move would counter the "catastrophic decline" of languages witnessed under Labour following the decision to make them optional at 14.
Ministers say the reforms will also promote the study of other traditional subjects such as history, geography and science, which have fallen in popularity over the past 13 years. >>> Andrew Porter, Robert Winnett and Graeme Paton | Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Taliban Threaten Netherlands Over Geert Wilders
POLITICALLY INCORRECT: Somehow, the Taliban don’t seem to like the Dutch government under the tolerance of Geert Wilders’ PVV. Their speaker for Afghanistan, Zabiullah Mujahid, let it be known that a “Jihadist group” from the little country will be administered, if the anti-Islam policies are forced. >>> | Sunday, November 21, 2010
The New Old Turkey
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL – LETTERS: Regarding the Nov. 10 news article "EU gauges member readiness," it is regrettable that the current Turkish government refuses to recognize its continued shortcomings in the areas of freedom of speech and freedom of religion.
Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu appeared quick to respond in terms of Turkey's patience and how long it might last, but he seems oblivious to the suffering of millions in a country where there is virtually no freedom of speech unless one supports the ruling AKP party's ultimate aim: an all-out Islamic state.
Would Mr. Davutoglu be so quick to respond to questions on whether there are any independent media at all in Turkey capable of reporting freely and without recrimination? Let us not forget that, during the recent debates about changes to Turkey's constitution, the opposition were denied equal and unbiased media access.
I sincerely hope the EU delegation has taken note of this, as well as of the restrictive religious practices currently imposed on Turkey's non-Muslim population. >>> Tayfun Balkan | Wednesday, November 24, 2010
President Hugo Chavez Bans Unauthorised Use of His Image
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: President Hugo Chavez, of Venezuela, has banned the use of his image in propaganda unless he has explicitly granted permission in advance.
A decree issued by his Government outlaws the unauthorised use of his "name, image or figure" on "infrastructure projects, constructions, educational establishments or public buildings of any kind."
Murals, graffiti and posters featuring images of President Chavez by amateur artists wanting to show their support have become a common sight in the capital city, Caracas, and many other parts of Venezuela.
Political opponents have expressed concern about the widespread use of his image in public areas. >>> Robin Yapp in Sao Paulo | Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Benoît XVI : "L'homosexualité s'oppose à la volonté de Dieu"
"En tant qu'êtres humains, (les homosexuels) méritent le respect" écrit le pape Benoît XVI. "Mais l'homosexualité s'oppose à la volonté divine." Photo : Le Point
LE POINT: L'homosexualité est injuste, s'oppose à la volonté de Dieu et est inconciliable avec la vocation de prêtre, estime le pape Benoît XVI dans son livre-entretien présenté mardi à la presse, La lumière du monde, une position qui a suscité l'indignation des gays italiens. "En tant qu'êtres humains, (les homosexuels) méritent le respect (...) ; ils ne doivent pas être rejetés à cause de cela. Le respect de l'être humain est tout à fait fondamental et décisif", affirme-t-il. "Mais cela ne signifie pas que l'homosexualité soit juste pour autant. Elle reste quelque chose qui s'oppose à l'essence même de ce que Dieu a voulu à l'origine", s'empresse-t-il de préciser. >>> Source AFP | Mardi 23 Novembre 2010
La famille Palin, nouvelle star du petit écran américain
La famille de Sarah Palin, à droite sa fille Bristol. Photo : Le Point
LE POINT: C'est le vote le plus important de l'année. Toute l'Amérique - ou presque - est suspendue aux résultats du scrutin de mardi soir qui doit couronner ou non la célèbre Palin. Non ! pas Sarah, mais Bristol, sa fille ! Rappelez-vous, c'est celle qui a avoué, en 2008 pendant la campagne présidentielle, qu'elle était enceinte, à 18 ans, et dont le petit copain l'a lâchement abandonnée, se répandant dans tous les médias en disant pis que pendre des Palin, avant d'annoncer dans un tabloïd leur mariage, puis de prendre à nouveau la poudre d'escampette... Entre-temps, Bristol a été recrutée comme ambassadrice pour une association qui prône l'abstinence avant le mariage. Mais elle est surtout devenue cette saison l'une des concurrentes de Dancing with the stars, un show très populaire dans lequel danseurs professionnels et célébrités souvent has been dansent le tango ou le cha-cha-cha. Le plus doué gagne. Du moins en théorie. Cette saison, même si Bristol Palin se meut avec la grâce d'un crapaud arthritique, elle est la star de l'émission. Toutes les semaines, cette fille un peu ronde écope des plus mauvais scores décernés par les juges et, toutes les semaines, elle est immanquablement sauvée de l'élimination par le vote du public. À tel point qu'elle a réussi à atteindre la finale. >>> De correspondante du Point à Washington, Hélène Vissière | Lundi 22 Novembre 2010
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Ten alleged Islamists have been detained in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany suspected of plotting an attack in Belgium, according to the prosecutor's office.
The arrests were part of "an inquiry into international jihadist terror," a spokesman for the federal prosecutor's office said.
"In total 10 people suspected of preparing an attack in Belgium were arrested in Belgium, Holland and Germany," he said.
The suspects are from Belgium, the Netherlands, Morocco and Chechnya, the prosecutor's office said in a statement. The group used the extremist website Ansar Al Mujahideen.
The target of the plot was unknown. >>> | Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Aung San Suu Kyi Reunited with Her Son
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma's pro-democracy leader, has been reunited with her son who[m] she last saw a decade ago.
In an emotional moment at the Yangon airport, 10 days after her release from detention, Ms Suu Kyi met Kim Aris, 33, who was finally granted a visa by the military regime after waiting for several weeks in neighbouring Thailand.
Just before walking into the airport terminal, the 65-year old Ms Suu Kyi, who was released earlier this month after more than seven years under house arrest, said: "I am very happy."
A smiling Ms Suu Kyi slipped her arm around her son's waist as the two posed briefly for photographers.
Through her lawyer Nyan Win, Ms Suu Kyi thanked the Burmese authorities for issuing the visa to her son, who resides in Britain and last saw his mother in December 2000. He has repeatedly been denied visas ever since by the ruling junta. >>> | Tuesday, November 23, 210
Austria – Free Speech: The Trial of Elisabeth Sabaditsch-Wolff Commences
Elisabeth Sabaditsch-Wolff Enters Vienna Courtroom
Ground Zero Mosque Developers Apply for Federal Funding
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: The developers of an Islamic community centre and mosque near Ground Zero in New York have applied for millions of dollars in public money from a post-September 11 reconstruction fund.
Interior view of the proposed Park51 community center and mosque. Photo: The Daily Telegraph
The Park 51 group has risked reigniting a debate over its project by requesting the grant, which is reported to total $5 million (£3.1 million), from the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation.
Its plan to build a base for local Muslims two blocks away from the World Trade Centre site is opposed by a majority of Americans, polls suggest, and has been criticised by high-profile Republican politicians.
President Barack Obama was also criticised after endorsing the project before backtracking and saying he had only meant that it was legally entitled to go ahead.
Sharif El-Gamal, the 15-storey project's lead developer, is now seeking public money through the Corporation's $17 million "community and cultural enhancement" programme. >>> Jon Swaine in New York | Tuesday, November 23, 2010
‘Ground Zero Mosque’ Outrage
FOX NEWS – LIVESHOTS: He wants your money. The developer of the so called "Ground Zero Mosque" is applying for federal taxpayer money to help him build the controversial and contentious project. The funds are designated to help lower Manhattan recover from the 9-11 terrorist attacks, which took place just around the corner from the proposed mosque and cultural center location.
Sharif El-Gamal, the head of SOHO Properties, says the money will be used for a variety of services for Park51, as the project is called.
In a statement, El-Gamal said he is, "…committed to exploring all sources of revenue and funding to build the community center," noting that the request for a reported $5 million would help provide "social service programs....such as domestic violence prevention, Arabic and other foreign language classes, programs and services for homeless veterans, two multi-cultural arts exhibits and immigration services."
El-Gamal did not specify exactly how much of the taxpayers' funds would be allocated to "build the community center."
"It's absolutely disgraceful," said an angry Congressman Peter King (R-NY) who is likely to be the new chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee. Read on and comment >>> Eric Shawn | Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Federal Aid for 'Ground Zero Mosque'?
Park51 developers apply for $5 million federal grant
Extremist Muslim Schools: Islamism's Most Worrying Manifestation of All
TELEGRAPH – BLOGS – ANDREW GILLIGAN: I’ve just finished watching John Ware’s excellent BBC Panorama about what’s being taught in some Muslim schools: a subject which I, and others, believe is the single most worrying aspect of Islamist and radical activity in Britain.
At present the vast majority of British Muslims have little or no truck with Islamist ideas. But in some Muslim schools – not in all, but in a significant and growing number – a new generation is being raised to be much more radical than its parents.
The BBC’s film is another encouraging sign of the growing pressure under which Islamism now finds itself. But the Telegraph has been following this story for a while. As I’ve reported in the paper over the last couple of years, some British schools (most but not exclusively Muslim) are teaching impressionable children to suspect, even despise, the society in which they will have to live. Other schools are teaching an overly narrow, Islamic-focused curriculum, turning out students ill-equipped for life in anything other than a Muslim ghetto. This is, quite simply, a betrayal of the children involved and a recipe for social conflict.
The most shocking and headline-grabbing aspect of the film was, understandably, the Saudi-sponsored weekend schools which teach children racism, anti-Semitism and Sharia punishments. It was fun watching the Islamists’ usual transparent wriggling and lies – the Saudi government trying to deny responsibility for its own textbooks, and so on. Read on and comment >>> Andrew Gilligan | Tuesday, November 22, 2010
North Korea Bombs South Korea's Yeonpyeong Island
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Two South Korean soldiers were killed and a dozen injured after North Korea fired dozens of artillery shells onto a South Korean island setting more than 60 houses ablaze and sending civilians fleeing in terror.
The attack, which comes days after it emerged that North Korea was pressing ahead with its illegal nuclear programme, marks a serious further escalation of tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
The incident is believed to have been sparked by South Korean military exercises in the area, which the North had objected to.
Officials said “dozens” of artillery rounds had landed on Yeonpyeong Island at in the Yellow Sea, 50 miles off the South’s northwest coast in an area close to a disputed sea border. Other reports suggested around 200 shells could have been fired in the attack which began at 2.34pm local time (7.34am GMT).
F-16 fighter jets were scrambled and South Korean land-based forces returned fire on the North as civilians were evacuated to emergency bunkers, according to witnesses quoted by the Seoul-based cable news television channel YTN. >>> Peter Foster in Beijing | Tuesday, November 23, 2010
German Army 'to Suspend' Conscription in 2011
BBC: Germany is to suspend conscription in July 2011 and switch to a volunteer military service, defence minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg has said.
Conscription of German men will end but will remain in the country's constitution, Mr zu Guttenberg said.
The 250,000-strong German army, the Bundeswehr, is to be cut to around 185,000 soldiers, he added.
Currently all young German men are called to serve, but conscientious objectors can opt for social work.
Mr zu Guttenberg said the slimmed-down German army would focus on missions abroad. >>> | Monday, November 22, 2010
Queen Opens Church General Synod Amid Signs of Change
BBC: After a special service at Westminster Abbey later, the Queen is to open the Church of England's General Synod.
The synod gets the honour of a royal inauguration because this is the established, state church and the Queen is its supreme governor.
The synod - the Church's legislative body - is the only institution outside parliament that can make laws, even if it does have to get its decisions approved by a special parliamentary committee.
One of the most important laws likely to emerge in the synod's five-year term starting on Tuesday is the introduction of women bishops.
It has already been a debate that has deeply divided traditionalists from progressives, and led some on the Catholic wing of the Church to say they will take up the Pope's offer of a place in the Roman Catholic Church.
To many outside the Church - and to some Anglicans as well - so much anguish and dispute over what they regard as a logical progression from the ordination of women priests 16 years ago is unaccountable.
But for traditionalists - from both Anglo-Catholic and Protestant backgrounds - there is something fundamental at stake.
Some see it as part of a struggle for the soul of the Church, suggesting that the future starting with this new synod will bring in a more liberal Anglicanism which has less time for traditionalist values.
They point to the growing "feminisation" of the Church as a cause for concern. >>> Robert Pigott, Religious affairs correspondent, BBC News | Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Xenophobic Violence in South Africa
Poor South Africans are taking out their frustrations on poor foreigners.
WikiLeaks Release: WikiLeaks to Release Three Million Secret US Documents
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: The WikiLeaks website has announced it plans to publish nearly three million more secret US documents in its next mass release of confidential material.
It would be seven times larger than its release last month, when it posted some 400,000 secret documents about the war in Iraq on its site.
"Next release is 7x the size of the Iraq War Logs. Intense pressure over it for months. Keep us strong," WikiLeaks said on its Twitter feed, adding a link to a donations website.
"The coming months will see a new world, where global history is redefined." it added in a later message.
It would be WikiLeaks' third mass release of classified documents after it published 77,000 secret US files on the Afghan conflict in July. >>> Alex Spillius in Washington | Monday, November 22, 2010
NATIONS UNIES : La réforme du Conseil de sécurité, maintenant ou jamais?
Photo : Le Temps
LE TEMPS: Le récent soutien du président Barack Obama à une entrée de l’Inde lors de sa visite à New Delhi relance le débat
Barack Obama ou Joseph Deiss? Chacun à sa manière, l’Américain et le Suisse sont appelés à inscrire quelques notes supplémentaires dans l’une des plus longues et des plus complexes partitions diplomatiques qui soient: la réforme du Conseil de sécurité des Nations unies. Tout le monde, ou peu s’en faut, considère cette réforme inévitable, depuis des années. Plusieurs fois, elle a même donné le sentiment d’être à deux doigts de se réaliser. Aujourd’hui, plusieurs éléments pourraient jouer à nouveau en sa faveur. Ce sera peut-être à quitte ou double.
La liste fait rêver: aux côtés des cinq «Grands» (Etats-unis, Russie, Chine, France et Grande-Bretagne), voici réunis l’Inde, le Brésil, l’Allemagne, l’Afrique du Sud, le Nigeria. Telle sera la composition du Conseil de sécurité l’année prochaine. Mais ce n’est là qu’un simple hasard. Et les nouveaux Etats, qui ne feront leur apparition qu’en tant que membres non permanents, repartiront une fois passée leur présence de deux années. A moins que… >>> Luis Lema | Lundi 22 Novembre 2010
So vernetzen sich Europas Rechtspopulisten
WELT ONLINE: In ganz Europa sind Rechtspopulisten auf dem Vormarsch. Doch der blanke Rassismus der "English Defence League" lässt sogar eingefleischte Islam-Gegner wie Geert Wilders auf Distanz gehen.
Markets thrown into turmoil amid fears of a collapse in Ireland’s government. Photograph: The Guardian
Financial markets were thrown into turmoil today amid fears that an imminent collapse of Ireland's beleaguered government would have a knock-on effect across the eurozone.
The announcement of the potential €90bn international bailout for debt-laden Ireland – of which the UK could contribute up to £10bn – offered only a temporary respite to nervous markets.
By tonight, concerns that Portugal and even Spain might also need their own rescue packages were rising and sent the euro and shares falling while the risk of holding the debt of potentially vulnerable countries rose alarmingly.
After a tumultuous day in Dublin, where protesters tried to storm the parliament building, the prime minister, Brian Cowen, defied calls for his resignation but conceded he would call an election in the new year. The move was forced upon him after the Green party pulled out of his fragile coalition government, unnerving markets on a day which was supposed to restore confidence in Europe's decade-old single currency.
Instead there was a sense of growing unease in the markets amid evidence that investors felt Portugal would not survive without aid., Dealers said sentiment in the markets was reminiscent of the days after the collapse of Lehman Brothers in September 2008. Read on and comment >>> Jill Treanor, Nicholas Watt and Henry McDonald in Dublin | Monday, November 22, 2010
Panorama: British Schools, Islamic Rules
Or watch the programme on a BBC iPlayer here if you are a resident of the UK.
BBC: Panorama reporter John Ware travels to Birmingham to Al Furqan Community College. The school strives to nurture a genuine sense of respect for other faiths and values. But not all religious schools are as willing to open their doors to other communities. Watch BBC video >>>
Saudische Islamschulen: Judenhass und Handabhacken im Lehrplan
BBC-Web-Seite (Screenshot): Anleitung für das Abhacken von Körperteilen. Screenshot: Spiegel Online
SPIEGEL ONLINE: Hand ab für Diebe, Steinigung für Homosexuelle: Derart drakonische Strafen werden in saudi-arabischen Schulbüchern erklärt und mit dem Koran begründet. Antisemitismus steht ebenfalls auf dem Lehrplan - auch in Islamschulen in Großbritannien. Die Regierung in London ist empört.
Aus Saudi-Arabien kommen immer wieder Meldungen über die archaische Strafjustiz des Landes. Enthauptung mit dem Schwert, Amputationen als Strafe für Diebstahl, Steinigung bei Ehebruch oder homosexueller Liebe - in kaum einem Land der Welt sind die Strafen drakonischer und grausamer als in dem Königtum auf der Arabischen Halbinsel.
Dass dieses Rechtsverständnis offenbar auch in saudischen Wochenend- und Abendschulen in Großbritannien unterrichtet wird, empört derzeit die britische Regierung. Rund 5000 Schüler zwischen sechs und 18 Jahren besuchen eine der etwa 40 muslimischen Religionsschulen, die Kinder und Jugendliche in religiösen Fragen und in saudi-arabischer Kultur unterweisen.
Wie man Dieben Hände und Füße amputiert und dass sich Juden in Schweine oder Affen verwandeln - derart bizarrer Lehrstoff wird nach Recherchen des Fernsehsenders BBC auch in Großbritannien muslimischen Kindern beigebracht, die in den saudi-arabischen Einrichtungen lernen. Antisemitismus und Schwulenfeindlichkeit "absolut unangemessen" >>> cht/AFP/dpa | Montag, 22. November 2010
German Terror Threat: Reichstag Building Closed for Terror Threat
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Germany's parliament says it is closing down the cupola of the Reichstag building to visitors over security concerns.
In a statement the parliament gave no reasons for the closure, which also covers the historic building's roof terrace. Pre-arranged group visits were still allowed, however.
A spokeswoman for parliament said the popular tourist site - from which one can get a panoramic view of the city - would be shut until further notice.
Birget Landskron also said "it has to do with the security situation" but would not elaborate further.
The move comes after Der Spiegel magazine reported on the weekend without citing sources that an informer claimed to German authorities that al-Qaeda planned a possible attack early next year on the parliament building. >>> Martin Banks | Monday, November 22, 2010
Jüdische Siedler protestieren gegen neuen Baustopp
Tausende von Demonstranten vor dem Amtssitz Netanyahus in Jerusalem
NZZ ONLINE: Mehrere tausend Siedler haben gegen einen neuen Baustopp im Westjordanland demonstriert. Die Demonstranten hielten Spruchbänder in die Höhe und riefen Slogans gegen einen Baustopp.
Die israelischen Siedler haben ihre Proteste gegen einen erwarteten neuen Baustopp im Westjordanland verschärft. Mehrere tausend Siedler demonstrierten vor dem Amtssitz des israelischen Ministerpräsidenten Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, wie israelische Medien berichteten. Weiter lesen und einen Beitrag abgeben >>> sda/dpa | Sonntag, 21. November 2010
USA : les fouilles corporelles dans les aéroports dérangent
Un agent de la sécurité aérienne pratique une fouille corporelle sur un passager, le 17 novembre à Denver. Photo : Le Figaro
LE FIGARO: Les nouvelles mesures destinées à améliorer la sécurité dans le transport aérien soulèvent une vague de mécontentement outre-Atlantique. Continuez à lire et réagir à cet article >>> Par Adèle Smith | Lundi 22 Novembre 2010
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Snow will fall in Britain later this week as an early winter blast from the Arctic brings freezing temperatures across the country.
The mercury will start to drop today falling throughout the week until maximum temperatures hit just 36F (2C) in some areas.
Overnight temperatures will fall as low as 14F (-10C) in Scotland and the North, bringing widespread frosts.
The snow will blow in from Scandinavia and Russia on Tuesday falling first in Scotland and the North East, before spreading to the rest of the country. Snow to hit Britain as freezing temperatures sweep country >>> Louise Gray | Monday, November 22, 2010
New Dark Age Alert! Muslim Pupils Learn to Cut Off Hands of Thieves
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Muslim children are being taught how to chop off thieves’ hands and that Jews are plotting to take over the world at a network of Islamic schools, it has been disclosed.
A diagram from one of the text books. Diagram: The Daily Telegraph
Up to 5,000 pupils attending weekend schools across Britain are being exposed to textbooks claiming that some Jews were transformed into pigs and apes, and that some offences could be punished with stoning. One book for six year-olds warns that those who do not believe in Islam will be condemned to “hellfire” in death.
Another text for 15 year-olds teaches that thieves who break Sharia law should have their hands cut off for a first offence and their feet amputated for a subsequent crime. Teenagers are presented with diagrams showing where the cuts should be made.
Tonight’s Panorama on BBC One will claim that the books were discovered at a network of 40 private schools teaching the Saudi Arabian national curriculum. The programme claims to have uncovered evidence apparently linking the schools to the Saudi embassy. Officials at the embassy deny any link.
Panorama also found examples of private Muslim schools using extremist sentiments on their websites. >>> Graham Paton | Sunday, November 21, 2010
Muslim-schooling Is Anti-Semitic
BBC: The BBC's Panorama programme has found evidence that Muslim schoolchildren in England are being taught anti-Semitic and homophobic material from a Saudi textbook.
The syllabus used at a network of more than 40 weekend schools details the correct way to chop off the hands and feet of thieves and advocates the death penalty for homosexuality. Watch video here or here.
Saudi King Abdullah to Go to US for Medical Treatment
The king had a new flare-up of back pain on Friday, the palace said. Photograph: BBC
BBC: Saudi Arabia's ailing 86-year-old King Abdullah is to go to the US for treatment for a back problem, Saudi officials have said.
He has a herniated disc worsened by an accumulation of blood around the spine and is to leave for the US on Monday.
Crown Prince Sultan, who is himself said to be unwell, is to return from an extended overseas holiday to take over. >>> | Sunday, November 21, 2010
Whitney Houston - I Will Always Love You (Official Music Video)
Kate Middleton and Prince William. Photograph: Google Images
Royal Wedding: Bishop Predicts Prince William's Marriage to Kate Middleton Will Only Last Seven Years
THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: A leading bishop has been criticised after publicly denouncing Prince William’s engagement to Kate Middleton and predicting that their marriage will only last for seven years.
The Rt Rev Pete Broadbent, the Bishop of Willesden, chastised the “nauseating tosh” surrounding the announcement and likened the Prince and his fiancée to “shallow celebrities”.
He said the Royal Family was full of “broken marriages and philanderers” and expressed disappointment that the wedding would cost the public “an arm and a leg”.
Bishop Broadbent’s comments, made on his Facebook page, provoked anger and embarrassment amongst Church of England members and MPs. >>> Victoria Ward | Sunday, November 21, 2010
In one of the biggest musical events ever to take place in the country, pop star Farhad Darya performed last night in Lashkar Gah, in Helmand province.
George Clooney Honoured
Hollywood star George Clooney has been given an award for his humanitarian work around the world.
Kaida hält misslungene Paketbomben-Aktion für erfolgreich
Genugtuung über Milliardenausgaben für Sicherheitsmassnahmen
NZZ ONLINE: Die Kaida-Zelle im Jemen sieht ihren versuchten Paketbomben-Anschlag als Erfolg an. Die Terroristen stellen zufrieden fest, der durch die Paketbomben entstandene wirtschaftliche Schaden sei enorm.
Die Kaida auf der Arabischen Halbinsel feiert ihren misslungenen Anschlag mit zwei Paketbomben als Erfolg. Die Operation zwinge den Westen zu Milliardenausgaben für neue Sicherheitsmassnahmen, heisst es in einer Erklärung der im Jemen beheimateten Zelle der Terrororganisation.
Dabei habe die Aktion die Kaida gerade mal 4200 Dollar gekostet: «Das nennt sich Hebelwirkung.» Die Erklärung in englischer Sprache wurde in der Nacht von islamistischen Websites veröffentlicht. >>> sda/ddp | Sonntag, 21. November 2010
Afghanistan: Convert from Islam to Christianity Faces Capital Trial for Apostasy
JIHAD WATCH: Said Musa faces death for apostasy from a government the U.S. installed and in accordance with a Constitution that the U.S. endorsed. An update on this story. "Afghan Christian faces trial for alleged conversion from Islam," by Matiullah Mati for CNN, November 21 (thanks to Mackie):
An Afghan Christian, detained for months for allegedly converting to Christianity from Islam, could face trial as early as next week - and could face a potential death penalty, officials said Sunday. [...]
The Afghan Constitution does not mention converting from one religion to another, so the judge will take Islamic law into account, officials said.
"According to Afghanistan's constitution, if there is no clear verdict as to whether an act is criminal or not in the penal code of the Afghan Constitution, then it would be referred to sharia law where the judge has an open hand in reaching a verdict," Shenwari said.
Under sharia law, converting from Islam to Christianity is punishable by death....
GATES OF VIENNA: The clash of civilizations, the collision between cultures, forecast by Samuel P. Huntington, has long since become an obvious fact in modern-day Europe, finding its clearest expression in the confrontation of Islam with the remnants of European Christianity. This collision not only is echoed in the form of terrorist attacks but also as a bitter battle of ideals between two systems of values that could hardly be more opposed to each other, namely the archaic totalitarian value system of Islam and the one represented by post modern European Enlightenment.
In the wake of this quarrel, the world of Islam has already achieved considerable partial success, thanks to something we might call “value indifference coupled with blind tolerance” exhibited by European political elites, which has already lead to a process of disintegration of both Europe’s ethic-religious foundations and its sphere of rights. In the end Islam may well emerge as victorious should Europe fail to rethink its occidental Christian roots. Read on and comment >>>Michael Mannheimer | Sunday, November 21, 2010
Irland bittet IWF und EU um Milliardenhilfe
WELT ONLINE: Jetzt also doch: Irland wird unter den Euro-Rettungsschirm schlüpfen. Das hochverschuldete Land braucht "mehrere zehn Milliarden Euro".
Die hohen Staatsschulden der Iren bedrohen die Stabilität der Euro-Zone. Bild: Welt Online
Irland wird als erstes Land offiziell um Finanzhilfe aus Mitteln des Rettungsschirms der Euroländer und des Internationalen Währungsfonds bitten. Finanzminister Brian Lenihan sagte am Sonntag im irischen Sender RTE, es gehe um „mehrere zehn Milliarden Euro“, nannte jedoch keine konkrete Summe. Griechenland hatte im Mai 110 Milliarden Euro erhalten, allerdings gab es damals den 750 Milliarden Euro umfassenden Rettungsschirm noch nicht. Er werde einen entsprechenden Vorschlag noch am Sonntag im Kabinett machen, sagte Lenihan. >>> dpa/cat | Sonntag, 21. November 2010
THE NEW YORK TIMES: DUBLIN — Antoinette Shields had a plan to keep her tall, blue-eyed son, Kevin, close at hand. When she took over her boss’s construction company in 2002, she hoped to retire at 55 and give her son the business.
But it is not working out that way. Mrs. Shields’s company, which once employed 26 people, is now down to 8, still afloat in Ireland’s collapsed economy, but barely. Though Kevin graduated from college two weeks ago, she has no work for him, and he expects to emigrate to the United States or Canada next year.
“That is where we are,” Mrs. Shields said. “Sad, isn’t it?”
Just three years ago as Ireland’s economy boomed, immigrants poured in so fast that experts said this tiny country of 4.5 million was on its way to reaching population levels not seen since before the great potato famine of the mid-19th century. The conditions that prompted the Irish statesman Éamon de Valera to express the hope that Ireland’s children would no longer “like our cattle, be brought up for export” seemed like quaint history.
That has abruptly turned around. >>> Suzanne Daley | Saturday, November 20, 2010
FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE ZEITUNG: Deutschland in Angst vor einem Blutbad - eine Gruppe aus dem Ausland soll Anschläge planen. Aber es wächst auch die Sorge, dass islamistische Einzeltäter zuschlagen. Die Polizei hat Urlaubssperre, denn es gilt die Alarmstufe rot.
Nennen wir ihn Thomas. Er ist 26 Jahre alt. Seine Eltern sind geschieden, in Kindheit und Jugend fehlt dem Jungen das, was gemeinhin eine Orientierungsperson genannt wird. Das Gymnasium schafft er nicht, auch nicht die Höhere Handelsschule. Als Jugendlicher finanziert er seinen Lebensunterhalt mit Drogengeschäften, er wird dafür zu mehreren Jahren Haftstrafe verurteilt. Der Aufenthalt im Gefängnis verändert sein Leben. Dort wird Thomas von muslimischen Häftlingen angesprochen, die ihm die Gemeinschaft ihrer Gruppe und ein klares Weltbild anbieten.
Freund und Feind sind darin säuberlich getrennt. Noch während seiner Haftzeit konvertiert er zum Islam, zu dessen radikaler, islamistischer Variante. Heute vertritt er eine strikte Auslegung seiner neuen Religion für alle Belange des Lebens. Er hat sich einen Bart wachsen lassen, hat sein Äußeres, wie er sagt, dem Propheten Mohammed angepasst. Und er hat einen Sprachkurs in Arabisch besucht. Nach Einschätzung des Verfassungsschutzes in Nordrhein-Westfalen befindet sich Thomas in einer Phase der Radikalisierung.
Was bringt einen jungen Deutschen dazu, sich dem radikalen Islam zu verschreiben? Was bewegt ihn dazu, zu konvertieren? Und wie läuft das ab? In Düsseldorf hat sich der Verfassungsschutz diese Fragen gestellt und in einem aufwendigen Verfahren die Lebensläufe von 140 männlichen Konvertiten untersucht, die in der umtriebigen islamistischen Szene an Rhein und Ruhr verkehren, die in diesen Tagen der Terrorgefahr Polizei und Verfassungsschützer in Atem halten. Die Behörde hat dafür alle Daten zusammengetragen; mehr als ein Viertel der Konvertiten war für die noch unveröffentlichte Untersuchung bereit, sich in Interviews mit Polizeihauptkommissaren zu den Beweggründen ihrer Konversion zu äußern. Weiter lesen und einen Beitrag abgeben >>> F.A.S. | Sonntag, 21. November 2010
