Tirana: Tote bei Protesten gegen albanische Regierung
WELT ONLINE: Blutige Proteste in Albanien: Bei gewaltsamen Zusammenstößen zwischen Polizei und Demonstranten in Tirana sind mindestens drei Menschen ums Leben gekommen.

Mit heftigen Protesten forderten in der albanischen Hauptstadt Tirana mehr als 20.000 Anhänger der Opposition die Ausrufung von Neuwahlen. Die Demonstrationen forderten unter anderem drei Tote. Foto: Welt Online
Bei heftigen Protesten in der albanischen Hauptstadt Tirana sind mindestens drei Menschen erschossen und Dutzende weitere verletzt worden. Mehr als 20.000 Anhänger der Opposition versammelten sich in der Innenstadt und forderten die Regierung zur Ausrufung von Neuwahlen auf. Nach Angaben der Polizei warfen einige Demonstranten mit Steinen und setzten Autos in Brand. Die Sicherheitskräfte reagierten mit Tränengas, Plastikgeschossen und Wasserwerfern. Etwa 30 Zivilpersonen und 25 Polizisten wurden verletzt, wie die Gesundheitsbehörden mitteilten. >>> Autor: Llazar Semini | Freitag, 21. Januar 2011

Islam is such a peaceful religion, don’t you think? Jesus = Prince of Peace; Muhammad = Prince of Strife. – © Mark

Verbunden >>>

Suspicion of Islamic Teaching Is a Cause of Increasing Disquiet in Britain
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH – LETTERS: Growing concern over influence of Islamic world-view.

SIR – There does seem to be growing disquiet at the increasing influence of the Islamic world-view. Perhaps this is due to a greater understanding of what the Koran and hadith (Muslim traditions) teach.

For example, those within Islam who might call for reform, tolerance, and a “dialogue between civilisations” are easily silenced by the authority of the Koran, which has many verses rousing believers to wage jihad against unbelievers.

Suras 2:228 and 4:34 make it clear that women are inferior to men and must be obedient to them. Anti-Jewish sentiments are frequently found in Islamic religious texts and apostates are to be executed, according to sharia.

Further, the attitude of pious Muslims to non-Muslims can be seen in the Arabic word kafir, which goes beyond the neutral English word unbeliever. A kafir is to be shunned and Muslims are not to socialise with such people (Koran, 3:28).

Mark Ponsford
Sidmouth,
Devon

[Source: The Daily Telegraph] | Friday, January 21, 2011

People's Revolution Tunisia 2011: Call for Khilafah / Islamic Law

Call for Khilafah in Tunisia

Caliphate / خلافة >>>

Islamist Movement at Forefront of Tunisia's Protests
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Tunisia's underground Islamic movement has emerged at the forefront of nationwide protests against its leadership and appears set to emerge as the strongest political force in elections.

Al-Nadha is lead by the London-based exile Rachid Ghannouchi who has said that he will return to the country as soon as the threat of life in prison is lifted.

Mr Ghannouchi has the best claims to an electoral following in Tunisia after the disintegration of the ruling party. He has wide core support at the country's universities and his followers secured 17 per cent in 1989's election – an unrivalled following in Tunisia's rigged electoral system.

Senior lieutenants of the fundamentalist leader were yesterday prominent in the thousands strong crowd that demanded the resignation of all ministers – including Prime Minister Mohammed Ghanouchi – tainted by service to ousted dictator, Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali.

Sadouk Chourou, a Tunis lawyer, has been seen organising groups within the protest.

Ali Laraiedh, the Al-Nadha vice president, said that party activists of the banned movement had been mobilised. >>> Damien McElroy, Tunis | Friday, January 21, 2011

Renaissance Party / Hizb al-Nahda / Parti de la Renaissance / حزب النهضة >>>

Bernard Lewis: Muslims "About to Take Over Europe"

Douglas Murray - Muslim Immigration into Europe

Douglas Murray: Islam in Europe

Douglas Murray on BBC Newsnight

Douglas Murray: Should We Embrace Sharia Law?

The Centre for Social Cohesion >>>

Sayeeda's "Islamophobia": Murray & Hussain

Tunisians Savour Taste of Freedom After Ben Ali Ousted
BBC NEWS AFRICA: A week ago writing an article for the BBC would have been a sacking offence for Tunisian journalists, writes Haykel Tlili - who works for Le Temps paper, owned by the ex-president's son-in-law. Here he assesses how Tunisians are taking to changing times.

Since the overthrow of President Zine al-Abedine Ben Ali last week the people of Tunisia wake up each day in what still seems to be a dream.

Sometimes this turns to a nightmare with the sound of gunfire, something Tunisians are unaccustomed to hearing.
But there is a tangible sense of joy and pride that people feel about the popular uprising.

They are determined not to let what has been dubbed the "Jasmine Revolution" falter as the country accustoms itself to the change of guard.

Change and all that it heralds is being savoured across Tunisia like the smell of the sweet jasmine flower as it opens at night. >>> | Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Viewpoints: Anti-Muslim Prejudice in Europe
BBC: Baroness Warsi, the chairman of the main party in Britain's governing coalition, has said that anti-Muslim prejudice has "passed the dinner table test" and become socially acceptable in the UK.

Here are the views of Muslims from around Europe on whether they think anti-Muslim attitudes are now considered acceptable in their countries. >>> | Friday, January 21, 2011

Brother of Harry Potter Star Jailed for Attacking Her
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: The brother of a Harry Potter star has been jailed for six months for a ''prolonged and nasty'' attack in which she was beaten and branded a ''slag'' for dating a non-Muslim.

Afshan Azad. Photo: The Daily Telegraph
Afshan Azad, 21, who played Padma Patil, a classmate of the teenage wizard, in the blockbuster Hollywood films based on JK Rowling's children's books, feared for her life during the three-hour ordeal, Manchester Crown Court heard.

She was punched, dragged around by her hair and strangled by her brother Ashraf Azad, 28, who threatened to kill her after he caught her talking on the phone to her Hindu boyfriend on May 21 last year, the court was told.

During the row at the family home in Longsight, Manchester, which also involved her mother and father, she was branded a ''slag'' and a ''prostitute'' and told: ''Marry a Muslim or you die!'' >>> | Friday, January 21, 2011

Ben Laden menace directement la France
leJDD.fr: Les otages français en Afghanistan et au Niger risquent sont plus que jamais en danger. Par le biais d'un enregistrement sonore transmis vendredi à la chaîne de télévision arabe Al Jazira, le terroriste international, Oussama Ben Laden exige le retrait des forces françaises d'Afghanistan.

"La France va payer cher en Afghanistan et ailleurs". Tel est le message audio que la chaîne de télévision arabe Al Jazira affirme avoir reçu d'Oussama Ben Laden, ce vendredi. Le chef désigné d'Al-Qaïda a dénoncé la présence de l'armée tricolore en "terres musulmanes", menaçant directement des otages français. Ben Laden a précisé qu'ils "ne seront libérés qu'après le départ des soldats [français] d'Afghanistan ". Qui sont les "prisonniers" qu'évoque le terroriste international ? Al-Qaïda au Maghreb islamique (Aqmi) détient cinq ressortissants français enlevés en septembre sur le site d'Areva à Arlit (Niger) tandis que la branche afghane du mouvement maintient deux journalistes de France 3 en captivité. Ces derniers, Hervé Ghesquière et Stéphane Taponier, sont retenus depuis le 30 décembre 2009. >>> Par Vanessa Droz, leJDD.fr | Vendredi 21 Janvier 2011

«Le signe d'une radicalisation d'al-Qaida contre la France»


THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Osama bin Laden threatens to kill French hostages in new tape: Osama bin Laden has released a new audiotape warning that French hostages will be killed if President Nicolas Sarkozy does not withdraw forces from Afghanistan. >>> Richard Spencer, Middle East Correspondent | Saturday, January 22, 2011

US Senate Leader Calls Hu Jintao 'a Dictator'
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Leading Democrat Harry Reid has called Chinese President Hu Jintao "a dictator" during a television interview before quickly backtracking on his comment.

The Senate majority leader made the accusation during an outspoken interview given to a Nevada station.

He said: "I'm going to go back to Washington tomorrow to meet with the president of China. He is a dictator. He can do a lot of things through the form of government they have."

Realising the strength of his statement, Mr Reid immediately appeared to backtrack, saying: "Maybe I shouldn't have said 'dictator''. >>> Daniel Bird | Friday, January 21, 2011

Religious Transformation in China?
Many citizens of atheist country embracing different spiritual path

Jerusalem Can Never Be Surrendered, Khalifa Says
GULF NEWS: Abu Dhabi Declaration urges OIC countries to recognise palestine [sic]

Abu Dhabi: The UAE is pressing for taking a firm stand against countries which move their embassies to occupied Jerusalem or recognise it as the capital of Israel.

The Abu Dhabi Declaration confirmed recognition by the OIC member countries of the State of Palestine that includes all of the territories captured in 1967, including occupied east Jerusalem.

It demanded all member countries immediately recognised the Palestinian State and raise the diplomatic representation to an embassy level.

President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan said the Arab-Muslim [occupied] Jerusalem can never be surrendered as history, law and international legitimacy confirm Muslims' inalienable rights to it, irrespective of the Israeli occupation's measures to increase the Jewish presence there.

His speech at the meeting of Inter-parliamentary Union of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) was read out by His Highness Shaikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.

The Abu Dhabi declaration demanded that the UN Security Council issue a resolution recognising the independent Palestinian state.

Parliamentary leaders also condemned the Israeli occupation's atrocities in Palestine, especially in the Gaza Strip, which claimed the lives of many innocent people, demanding that Israeli officials be brought to account for their war crimes in Gaza.

The UAE has also urged the OIC member countries to take action to halt Islamophobia in the West.

Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, Speaker of the Federal National Council, said concerted efforts were necessary to stop the spread of Islamophobia that impaired Muslim-West relations. >>> Samir Salama, Associate Editor | Thursday, January 20, 2011

MELANIE PHILLIPS: And Now, What She [Baroness Warsi] Actually Said...
THE SPECTATOR: Here is the text of the speech that Baroness Warsi actually delivered. Lots of gracious references to Christians and Jews -- but also note the disreputable suggestion that certain Old Testament passages provide excuses for stoning people to death for adultery and the like.

The fact is, however, that unlike Islam Judaism has always mediated such passages through rabbinic interpretation, with the result that such activities have not been tolerated. Jews pose no threat to anyone -- other than those who try to wipe them out. The sly insinuation that Islam is inherently no more dangerous to life, liberty and human rights than is Judaism is quite wickedly false -- and all too telling. >>> Melanie Phillips | Friday, January 21, 2011

Tony Blair at the Iraq Inquiry – LIVE
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Tony Blair is appearing for the second time at the Chilcot Inquiry to face questions over his role in taking Britain into the Iraq war.


Read and comment >>> Peter Hutchison and Laura Roberts | Thursday, January 20, 2011

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Iraq inquiry: Tony Blair tells Sir John Chilcot that notes to George Bush were 'very private' – Tony Blair had told the Chilcot Inquiry into the Iraq war that messages he shared with President George W Bush must remain confidential because they were of a "very private" nature. >>> Rosa Prince, Political Correspondent | Friday, January 21, 2011

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Chilcot Inquiry: Tony Blair heckled as he expresses regret for this loss of life in the Iraq war – Tony Blair was heckled during emotional scenes at the Chilcot Inquiry as the former prime minister expressed regret for the loss of life in the Iraq war. >>> | Friday, January 21, 2011

Danish Cartoonist Tells Court He 'Faced Certain Death'
BBC: A Danish cartoonist who caricatured the Prophet Muhammad has told a court in Aarhus that a man who broke into his home meant to kill him with an axe.

Mr Westergaard was in the house with his grand-daughter when his front door was broken down. Photograph: BBC
Kurt Westergaard, 75, was testifying against Somali defendant Mohamed Geele, 29, who told the court he only wanted to "frighten" the cartoonist.

Mr Westergaard said Mr Geele had hacked at the door of his panic room.

When police arrived, they shot and wounded the suspect, who denies charges of terrorism and attempted murder.

Mr Westergaard's cartoon of a turban bomb was one of 12 published in Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten in 2005 that prompted protests among Muslims around the world.

Mr Westergaard first went into hiding but then decided to live openly in a heavily fortified house. >>> | Thursday, January 20, 2011

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar *: "Islamophobia" Is "On the Rise"

HT: Robert Spencer of Jihad Watch >>>

WIKI: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar >>>

Ahmadinejad: le modèle «islamo-iranien» capable de «conquérir le monde»
TRIBUNE DE GENÈVE: IRAN | Lors d'un discours, le président iranien Mahmoud Ahmadinejad a défendu le "modèle islamo-iranien de développement" basé sur les valeurs morales et islamiques, ajoutant: "Avec ce modèle nous pouvons conquérir le monde".

Le président iranien Mahmoud Ahmadinejad a dénoncé la société occidentale où l’homme est "égaré dans le désert de la concupiscence", prônant un modèle de développement "islamo-iranien" capable de "conquérir le monde", a rapporté jeudi l’agence Isna.

"Nous ne voulons pas d’une société où l’homme est égaré dans le désert de la concupiscence", a déclaré le président Ahmadinejad en affirmant, lors d’un déplacement en province, la nécessité de renforcer l’institution du mariage et de favoriser les naissances.

"Le slogan deux enfants suffisent appartient à l’humanisme occidental où l’on dit l’enfant est gênant, allez profiter de votre vie", a-t-il affirmé dans une allusion au slogan officiel en vigueur en Iran pour faire baisser le taux de croissance de la population. >>> AFP | Jeudi 20 Janvier 2011

Übertritt zum Islam: Konvertierte Schweizer im Porträt
SCHWEIZER FERNSEHEN: Die meisten in der Schweiz lebenden Muslime stammen ursprünglich aus einem muslimischen Land. Es gibt aber auch Schweizer, die zum Islam übertreten. 10vor10 fragte zwei von ihnen nach ihren Beweggründen.

Das Video * hier abspielen

* Das Video ist teils in Deutsch und teils in Schwyzertüütsch gemacht worden.

Tunisian Army Fires Warning Shots at Protesters
THE GUARDIAN: Rounds fired into air as demonstrators converge on headquarters of former ruling party

Tunisians protest against the interim government outside the headquarters of the former ruling party. Photograph: The Guardian
The Tunisian army fired warning shots in the capital today as demonstrators converged on the headquarters of the long-time ruling party.

Protesters climbed over the RCD party offices in central Tunis and dismantled the sign bearing its name.

The new unity government has been criticised for being mostly made up of politicians from the RCD party, which was founded by Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, the ousted president who fled to Saudi Arabia on Friday after 23 years in power.

Another member of the government, Zouheir M'dhaffer, resigned today after four ministers quit earlier this week. M'dhaffer, who was administrative development minister, had been a member of Ben Ali's party but was not considered close to the ousted leader.

The army fired rounds into the air outside the party headquarters, scattering some protesters. The building was protected by an army tank, trucks and troops. >>> Associated Press | Thursday, January 20, 2011

Full-bred Aussie with a Longing for Sharia Law
Australian-born Muslim extremist Ibrahim Siddiq-Conlon addresses supporters and opponents in Sydney last night. Photograph: The Australian
THE AUSTRALIAN: IBRAHIM Siddiq-Conlon has a message for Australians, whether they want to hear it or not.

"One day Australia will be ruled by sharia, no doubt," he declares. "That is why non-Muslims are worried, because they know one day they won't be able to drink their beer, they won't be able to eat their pork and they won't be able to do their homosexual acts, because one day they know they will be controlled."

Siddiq-Conlon sits on the steps of the NSW Parliament House, the location he has chosen to launch his rhetorical attack on democracy, which he describes as "an evil system of life".

"Right now in the Western world we're on the edge of a crisis, of extinction, because of democracy. OK, so don't tell me democracy has the answers and is peaceful. Democracy is the reason for the world's problems."

Siddiq-Conlon is the face and voice of Sharia4Australia, a group formed in Sydney's southwest to agitate for Islamic law, starting with the introduction of sharia courts and ending, in his ideal world, with Islamic rule.

While he claims to eschew violence, he unapologetically preaches hate. An online video posted by his group describes its members as "uncompromising [in] their disallegiance, disloyalty and hate for the disbelievers".

"I hate the parliament. I hate [democracy] with a pure hate," he says. Moreover, it is obligatory for all Muslims to reject democracy, because it is a challenge to God's law: "They must hate it, speak out against it, and if that doesn't work, take action against it."

Siddiq-Conlon formed Sharia4Australia last year, styling himself as the new champion for Islamic law in Australia.

An online video announcing its emergence stated: "For far too long now Aust has been ruled by a corrupt evil infedile [sic] group of people who are clear disbelievers in the sight of Allah. It is time for change. Time at least for the truth. >>> Sally Neighbour, The Australian, Friday, January 21, 2011

THE AUSTRALIAN: PM go and 'let the Muslims take over': ISLAMIC preacher Ibrahim Siddiq-Conlon points heavenwards to emphasise his message for the governments of Australia -- there is no God but Allah and only his laws should be obeyed. >>> Sally Neighbour, The Australian | Thursday, January 20, 2011

Ibrahim Siddiq-Conlon Explains Why and How He Came to Islam

Ibrahim Siddiq-Conlon Islamic Architecture & Education >>>

Interview with Ibrahim Siddiq-Conlon on Zaky Mallah Show Dec 2010

Gaga Fashion for Men
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Lady Gaga's stylist presents his debut Mugler menswear collection.

Click here to view the tripe!

To call this rubbish “men’s fashion” is an insult. These styles from ‘Lady Gaga’ are a despicable, disgusting aberration. These styles connote a civilization in steep decline. Little wonder that Muslims worldwide feel that they have the upper hand in their Jihad against a morally bankrupt West. Ugh! Such decadence! – © Mark

Family Of Tunisian President Rounded Up

SKY NEWS ONLINE: Tunisian state television has reported that 33 family members of the ousted president have been arrested for crimes against the nation as protests continue in the capital. >>> Rob Cole, Sky News Online | Thursday, January 20, 2011

Muslims in Sweden Shooting Rockets at Passing Cars Like in Israel

Tunisia Protesters Vow to Overthrow Government

Tunisian Ripple Effect in Jordan

A Look at Pastor Terry Jones’ Past

Pat Condell: Your Faith Is a Joke

Pat Condell: American Islamophobia

Related >>>

Tunisie : les ministres quittent le parti de Ben Ali
lePARISIEN.fr: Le gouvernement de transition donne des gages. Avant la tenue du premier conseil des ministres ce jeudi, une source officielle a annoncé que les ministres encore membres du parti de l'ex-président Ben Ali, le Rassemblement constitutionnel démocratique (RCD), avaient démissionné de cette formation. Lors de manifestations, mercredi, des milliers de personnes avaient réclamé la dissolution du RCD.

Mais ils ont également demandé le départ pur et simple du gouvernement des ministres issus de l'ancien régime. >>> Leparisien.fr | Jeudi 20 Janvier 2011

Frankreichs Tunesien-Politik: Alter Freund, neues Problem
Politiker Sarkozy, Ben Ali: Vom Partner zum Paria. Bild: Spiegel Online
SPIEGEL ONLINE: Der Sturz von Tunesiens Diktator Ben Ali stürzt die französische Regierung in ein Dilemma. Jahrelang feierte Paris den Alleinherrscher als Freund, jetzt bereut Präsident Sarkozy die Lobeshymnen - und muss seinen Kurs in Nordafrika komplett überdenken.

Missverstanden fühlt sie sich, "falsch interpretiert" und - bitteschön - sie ist nachgerade "schockiert": Michèle Alliot-Marie, Frankreichs unlängst gekürte Außenministerin, gab vor dem Parlament jüngst die Rolle des unschuldigen Opfers. Der Anlass: Die Abgeordneten der Opposition hatten die Ressortchefin zu ihren Einlassungen zur den Entwicklungen in Tunesien befragt.

Denn noch am Dienstag vergangener Woche - inmitten der blutigen Revolte gegen die Herrschaft von Staatschef Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali - hatte Alliot-Marie vor der Pariser Volksvertretung "Frankreichs weltweit anerkanntes 'Know-how' unserer Sicherheitskräfte" zum Einsatz in Tunis angeboten - zur Stärkung der Regierung Ben Ali, mit der nun niemand mehr etwas zu tun haben möchte.

Die fragwürdige Offerte empörte nicht nur die politischen Gegner, auch Kabinettskollegen der umtriebigen Ministerin gingen auf Distanz. "Die ist völlig übergeschnappt", zitiert der Pariser "Canard Enchaîné" Ministerpräsident François Fillon. Und Präsident Nicolas Sarkozy grummelte angeblich: "Das sind Äußerungen, die Frankreichs Position geschwächt haben."

Doch das eigentliche Problem ist nicht das seltsame Angebot der Außenministerin. In Frage steht jetzt der außenpolitische Kurs Frankreichs in der gesamten Region Maghreb und Naher Osten, den bisher kaum jemand öffentlich in Frage gestellt hat. Während die USA schon früh Unterstützung für die Protestbewegung in Tunis signalisierten, beharrte Paris auf seiner Politik der Regimehilfe. >>> Von Stefan Simons, Paris | Donnerstag, 20. Januar 2011

To the Tyrants of the Arab World...
AL JAZEERA ENGLISH: Tunisians have sent a message to the Arab world, warning leaders they are no longer immune to popular anger.

In cities across the Arab world, people have been reinvigorated by the Tunisian uprising. Photograph: Al Jazeera English
The Tunisian uprising, which succeeded in toppling Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, the Tunisian president, has brought down the walls of fear, erected by repression and marginalisation, thus restoring the Arab peoples' faith in their ability to demand social justice and end tyranny.



It is a warning to all leaders, whether supported by international or regional powers, that they are no longer immune to popular outcries of fury.



It is true that Ben Ali's flight from the country is just the beginning of an arduous path towards freedom. It is equally true that the achievements of the Tunisian people could still be contained or confiscated by the country's ruling elite, which is desperately clinging to power.



But the Tunisian intifada has placed the Arab world at a crossroads. If it fully succeeds in bringing real change to Tunis it will push the door wide open to freedom in Arab word. If it suffers a setback we shall witness unprecedented repression by rulers struggling to maintain their absolute grip on power.



Either way, a system that combined a starkly unequal distribution of wealth with the denial of freedoms has collapsed. >>> Lamis Andoni | Sunday, January 16, 2011

THE TIMES – LEADING ARTICLE: Yearning to Breathe Free: The taste of freedom for Tunisians could whet the appetite of their neighbours >>> | Thursday, January 20, 2011 [£]

Suicide That Sparked a Revolution
Tunisia's political upheaval began last month after a young vendor set himself on fire after police confiscated the fruits and vegetables he sold. The act of self-immolation sparked a series of protests and riots that ultimately led to the end of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali's 23-year rule. Al Jazeera's Ayman Mohyeldin traveled to the man's hometown of Sidi Bouzid for this exclusive report

Iran Sees 'Islamic Republic of Tunisia' Coming Soon
MIDDLE EAST ONLINE: In one word, the Tunisians are after establishing Islamic law and rules: Ahmadinejad.

TEHRAN - Tunisians are on the path to establishing Islamic rule in their country after having toppled a Western-backed dictator, Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Wednesday.

"It is very clear that the nation of Tunisia rose up against a Western-backed dictator using Islamic, humane, monotheistic and justice-seeking slogans," he told a cheering crowd in the central city of Yazd.

"In one word, the Tunisians are after establishing Islamic law and rules," the hardliner said in a speech broadcast live on state television.

Lawmakers from Iran's conservative parliament voiced their support on Tuesday for what they said is the "revolutionary movement" of the Tunisian people, the Fars news agency reported.

"The parliament of the great Iranian nation strongly supports the revolutionary movement of the brave Tunisian people ... and wishes success to them," a statement signed by 228 members of the 290-strong parliament said.

"The freedom-seeking scream of the people of Tunisia ended the tyranny and atrocity and put a smile on the face of the oppressed people of Tunisia," said the statement. >>> Middle East Online | Thursday, January 20, 2011

British Woman Held in Dubai Over Love Triangle Case
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: A British woman who became unwittingly embroiled in a love triangle with a New Zealand banker has been held in a police cell in Dubai for over a month after the affair ended in early morning violence.

Danielle Spencer, 25, had been on a date with Toby Carroll, a real estate analyst for HSBC bank in the Gulf emirate and had returned with him to his flat.

The next morning Mr Carroll's Brazilian former girlfriend, who has been named only as Priscilla, arrived at the flat and found them in bed together, according to police.

Mr Carroll had only broken up with her the day before. >>> Richard Spencer, Dubai | Thursday, January 20, 2011

Tunisia Orders Investigation into £5bn Fortune of Ben Ali
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Tunisian officials announced an investigation into the vast fortune of former president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and his relatives on Wednesday as Switzerland announced it had frozen the assets of the exiled dictator.

Members of 'The Family' exerted total dominance of the Tunisian economy, owning banks, commercial enterprises, factories, tourist resorts and vast land holdings.

By conservative estimates Mr Ben Ali's immediate family had a £5 billion fortune, while brothers and sisters of his hated wife Leila Trabelsis accumulated even greater wealth.

The official TAP news agency said a judge had accepted a petition by prosecutors to investigate bank accounts, real estate and other assets.

The hasty departure of 30 or more Ben Ali and Trabelsis family members has brought the Tunisian economy to its knees – 43 banks, 66 shops and 11 industrial plants have been destroyed since Mr Ben Ali fled.

Demonstrators mobbing central Tunis have demanded swift action to seize Ben Ali assets inside the country and cash stashed abroad. Few believe the interim government led by Mr Ben Ali's former acolytes has the stomach for the task. >>> Damien McElroy, Tunis | Wednesday, January 19, 2011

An All-American State Dinner for Chinese President
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: It was jazz on stage and a mix of Hollywood A-listers, big business types and prominent Chinese-Americans in the audience on Wednesday night as Michelle and Barack Obama threw a "quintessentially American" state dinner for Chinese President Hu Jintao.

What was for dinner at the hottest event in town? Meat and potatoes, washed down with apple pie and ice cream for dessert, of course.

Singer Barbra Streisand, her husband-actor James Brolin and action film star Jackie Chan were supplying some of the celebrity star power for the A-list guest list.

Big business turned out in force, too, including Microsoft's Steven Ballmer and JP Morgan Chase's Jamie Dimon, among others. Other big names: fashion's Vera Wang, Vogue's Anna Wintour, artist Maya Lin, Olympic figure skater Michelle Kwan, and Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer to add some gravitas. Bill Clinton made the cut, too. >>> | Thursday, January 20, 2011

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Barack Obama welcomes Hu Jintao with human rights rebuke: Barack Obama issued a challenge to the Chinese president over the country's human rights record as he made his welcoming address at the White House. >>> Toby Harnden, in Washington | Wednesday, January 19, 2011


AL JAZEERA ENGLISH: China's Hu admits rights failings: At meetings with US counterpart, Chinese leader says "a lot still needs to be done" on human rights in his country. >>> Source: Al Jazeera and agencies | Wednesday, January 19, 2011

China on Equal Footing with US as Hu Jintao Visits Washington
THE GUARDIAN: China's inferiority in 'hard power' has turned to Beijing's advantage, and signs of its growing 'soft power' abound

Hu Jintao, accompanied by the US vice-president, Joe Biden, receives a red-carpet reception at Andrews air force base in Maryland. Photograph: The Guardian
The last time Hu Jintao arrived in Washington, back in 2006, he was given a White House working lunch, and by all accounts never forgave George W Bush for the perceived insult.

In contrast, it is highly unlikely China's leader could find fault with the welcome laid out by the Obama administration: a private White House dinner tonight to be followed later in the week by a full state banquet, a 21-gun salute and all the pomp and circumstance of a review of the troops.

The message is absolutely clear – these are the world's two leading powers meeting together as equals. It is that sense of equal status that distinguishes this Washington summit from earlier such encounters. >>> Julian Borger, Ewen MacAskill and Phillip Inman | Tuesday, January 18, 2011

TUNESIEN: Neue Regierung lässt islamistische Terroristen frei
WELT ONLINE: Tunesien lässt politische Häftlinge frei, darunter auch Terroristen. Derweil läuft die Suche nach dem Vermögen von Ex-Machthaber Ben Ali.

Die Übergangsregierung in Tunesien hat nach eigenen Angaben alle politischen Häftlinge freigelassen. Ministerpräsident Mohammed Ghannouchi habe ihm versichert, dass alle politischen Gefangenen aus der Haft entlassen worden seien, sagte Minister Mustapha Ben Jafar, der am Dienstag aus dem neuen Kabinett zurückgetreten war. Er hatte sich mit Ghannouchi getroffen, um über eine mögliche Rückkehr in die Regierung zu beraten. Unter den Freigelassenen befanden sich laut Ben Jafar wegen Terrorismus verurteilte Islamisten. Wie viele politische Häftlinge insgesamt aus der Haft entlassen wurden, war unklar. >>> Autor: Hadeel Al-Shalchi | Donnerstag, 20. Januar 2011

Trente-trois membres de la famille Ben Ali auraient été arrêtés
LE MONDE: Selon des informations de l'agence Reuters, trente-trois personnes de la famille de l'ex-président tunisien Ben Ali auraient été arrêtées mercredi 19 janvier. Elles sont soupçonnées de "crimes contre la Tunisie", a annoncé la télévision tunisienne, qui diffuse des images de bijoux et d'or saisis lors des interpellations. "Des enquêtes vont être menées pour qu'elles soient traduites en justice", dit un communiqué lu à l'antenne, émanant d'une "source officielle". >>> LEMONDE.FR avec AFP et Reuters | Mercredi 19 Janvier 2011

Palestinian State Looming
YNET NEWS: Op-ed: Eitan Haber says we are quickly approaching the establishment of Palestinian state

In recent weeks, the Israeli and global media have been publishing a series of boring, repetitive stories: Ecuador has recognized the Palestinians state. Argentina has recognized the Palestinian state. And Brazil as well. And Bolivia too. And, ouch, also Uruguay. What’s going on here? It’s the same boring story every time, with only the country’s name changing. >>> Eitan Haber | Thursday, January 20, 2011

No Politics for Ben Ali in Kingdom
Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and his wife Leila. Photo:
ARAB NEWS: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal has spelt out the Kingdom's terms for giving asylum to the ousted Tunisian leader. He has also said in a wide-ranging interview with Saudi TV that the Kingdom has abandoned its efforts to mediate in Lebanon's political crisis.

SHARM EL-SHEIKH: Saudi Arabia announced Wednesday that it would not allow deposed Tunisian President Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali to engage in any political activity from the Kingdom. "This act (of sheltering) should not lead to any kind of activity in Tunisia from the Kingdom ... There are conditions, and no act in this regard will be allowed,” Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal said in an interview with Saudi Television.

Prince Saud reiterated Saudi Arabia’s total support for the Tunisian people. "We support the Tunisian people in reaching their goals," the minister said, expressing his hope that peace and stability would prevail in Tunisia and its people would achieve greater progress, prosperity and freedom. “The Tunisian foreign minister has explained the situation in his country. We all stand by the Tunisian people to achieve their demands,” he said.

Prince Saud said Saudi Arabia agreed to receive Ben Ali in line with an old tradition. “This is not the first time that the Kingdom helps someone seeking protection ... I do not believe that this affects the Tunisian people and their resolve, or it represents an interference in internal affairs," the foreign minister said. Several other leaders who found refuge in Saudi Arabia in the past were allowed in under the same conditions. >>> Arab News | Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Controversial US Pastor Terry Jones Barred from UK
THE GUARDIAN: Preacher sparked outrage last year when he announced plans to burn copies of the Qur'an to mark 9/11 anniversary

Terry Jones at his Florida-based church last year. Photograph: The Guardian
The controversial US pastor Terry Jones has been barred from the United Kingdom, the Home Office said tonight.

The preacher sparked outrage when he announced plans by his Florida-based church to burn copies of the Qur'an to mark the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on America.

A Home Office spokesman said: "The government opposes extremism in all its forms which is why we have excluded Pastor Terry Jones from the UK."

The spokesman added: "Numerous comments made by Pastor Jones are evidence of his unacceptable behaviour.

"Coming to the UK is a privilege, not a right, and we are not willing to allow entry to those whose presence is not conducive to the public good. >>> Press Association | Wednesday, January 19, 2011

So now we have no freedom of speech in the UK. This is the price we have to pay for allowing Islam to take root in our once glorious country. One would have thought that the Conservatives who are largely in power would have seen to it that Britons retain their hard-won freedoms. Alas, the Conservatives today are a shadow of their former selves. I await the downfall of Britain as we came to know and love it. It is just a matter of time, for britons without balls will NEVER be able to keep Britain British. – © Mark