Egypt Crisis: Hosni Mubarak Loses Control of State Media
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Hosni Mubarak's control of Egypt's state media, a vital linchpin of his 30-year presidency, has started to slip as the country's largest-circulation newspaper declared its support for the uprising against him.

Hoping to sap the momentum from street protests demanding his overthrow, the president has instructed his deputy to launch potentially protracted negotiations with secular and Islamist opposition parties. The talks continued for a second day on Monday without yielding a significant breakthrough.

But Mr Mubarak was dealt a significant setback as the state-controlled Al-Ahram [Eng.], Egypt's second oldest newspaper and one of the most famous media publications in the Middle East, abandoned its long-standing position of slavish support for the regime.

In a front-page leader, the newspaper's editor-in-chief, Osama Saraya hailed the "nobility" of what he described as a "revolution" and demanded that the government embark of irreversible constitutional and legislative changes.

"The state and all its denizens, the elder generation, the politicians and all other powers on the political stage must humble themselves and rein themselves in to understand the ambitions of the young and the dreams of this nation," he wrote.

There was no call on the president to resign and while it may yet prove that Al Ahram's editorial shift may be tactical rather than genuine, opposition supporters expressed astonishment at the development. >>> Adrian Blomfield, Cairo and Adrian Michaels in Herzliya, Israel | Monday, February 07, 2011

Egypt’s Ire Turns to Confidant of Mubarak’s Son
THE NEW YORK TIMES: CAIRO — As Egyptians turned their anger on symbols of the state late last month, torching police stations along with the headquarters of President Hosni Mubarak’s ruling party, they reserved a special hatred for a garish building with black tinted windows in an upscale neighborhood, setting fire to it three times.

It belongs to a steel tycoon and ruling party insider named Ahmed Ezz, a close friend and confidante of Mr. Mubarak’s son Gamal. For many years, Mr. Ezz has represented the intersection of money, politics and power, controlling two-thirds of the steel market, leading the budget committee as a member of Parliament and serving as an officer and loyal lieutenant in the governing party. Public resentment at the wealth acquired by the politically powerful helped propel the uprising already reshaping the contours of power along the Nile.

Mr. Ezz’s world has come undone. He is treated as a liability by an old guard intent on saving itself from fed-up and furious protesters. He is under investigation on suspicion of corruption. His assets have been frozen and his right to travel taken away. He has denied accusations of corruption in the past, and his location was not known Sunday. Now his name is part of the derisive chants in Tahrir Square, a symbol of all that was wrong with Mr. Mubarak’s government.

“Ahmed Ezz sucks the blood of the people,” said Osama Mohamed Afifi, a student who joined the protesters in the square on Sunday. “He is the only man who can sell steel in all of Egypt, and he sells it for much more than if we could buy steel from someone else like China.”

Hosni Mubarak’s Egypt has long functioned as a state where wealth bought political power and political power bought great wealth. While hard facts are difficult to come by, Egyptians watching the rise of a moneyed class widely believe that self-dealing, crony capitalism and corruption are endemic, represented in the public eye by a group of rich businessmen aligned with Gamal Mubarak, the president’s son, as well as key government ministers and governing party members.

“The people around Gamal became the wealthiest group in the country,” said Hala Mustafa, a political scientist who quit the ruling party years ago, saying it was not committed to political reform. “They monopolized everything.” >>> Kareem Fahim, Michael Slackman and David Rohde | Sunday, February 06, 2011

DAILY NEWS EGYPT: Steel Tycoon Responds to Accusations of Monopoly: CAIRO: Steel tycoon Ahmed Ezz has been in the media spotlight — or more accurately, under the microscope — this past week as he confronted rumors surrounding his wealth, accusations of monopolizing the local steel market, and what many see as his conflicting positions as both businessman and influential politician. >>> Tamim Elyan and Amira Salah-Ahmed | Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Cameron Begins Extremism Crackdown as Cash Withheld from 'Suspect Groups'
THE GUARDIAN: • Funding cut to Muslim bodies after PM speech
• Steps to combat rise of radicalism in universities

The government has already started to withdraw state cash from what it regards as suspect Islamist groups that had previously been funded to reach young Muslims at risk of being drawn to terrorist networks. New, tougher criteria are being applied, with hundreds of thousands of pounds being withdrawn from specific groups after it was deemed they were too soft on Islamic extremism.

Ministers are also awaiting a report in the next fortnight from a Universities UK working group, which has been in preparation for a year, on how to combat Islamic extremism on university campuses.

The working group, including eight vice-chancellors, was established in response to the arrest of Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab in the US for an attempted act of terrorism. Abdulmutallab studied at University College London between 2005 and 2008.

The report is likely to call for greater rigour in the selection of speakers and stronger oversight of religious societies. University vice-chancellors have been accused by thinktanks such as Quilliam, a Muslim counter-extremist group, of being complacent about the radicalisation that is taking place in higher education.

Today, it was being stressed by the government that David Cameron's call for a more "muscular liberalism" to combat home-grown terror, made in a speech in Munich on Saturday, was not simply rhetorical. It would lead to practical changes, including the wholesale review of the Prevent strategy set up by Labour. >>> Patrick Wintour and Jenny Percival | Sunday, February 06, 2011

Anti-Berlusconi Protest Turns Violent
A weekend of protests against Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi came to an end on Sunday night with violent scuffles between demonstrators and police outside the premier's villa in Milan. Video courtesy of Reuters

Verbunden >>>

AOL to Buy Huffington Post for $315m
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: AOL, the online company, is buying [The] Huffington Post, the internet newspaper, in a $315m (£196m) deal that represents a big bet on the future of online news.

The acquisition, which will put [The] Huffington Post co-founder Arianna Huffington in charge of all AOL content, brings AOL an additional 25m unique visitors a month.

That could help AOL begin to turn around its display advertising business, which has struggled to grow as the company tries to turn itself into a content provider and moves farther away from its roots providing dial-up Internet.

The deal "will create a next-generation American media company with global reach that combines content, community, and social experiences for consumers," Tim Armstrong, the AOL chief executive, said in a statement announcing the deal on Monday.

Founded in 2005, [The] Huffington Post is owned by Arianna Huffington, Kenneth Lerer and a group of other investors. AOL will pay $300m of the purchase price in cash.

Arianna Huffington will be named president and editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post Media Group, which will include all [The] Huffington Post and AOL content, including Engadget, TechCrunch, MapQuest, Patch and more. >>> AP | Monday, February 07, 2011

AOL-HuffPo Leaders Talk About Acquisition
AOL's Tim Armstrong and Arianna Huffington talk about the $315 million acquisition of the Huffington Post by the Internet giant

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Is The Huffington Post really worth $315 million? >>> Emma Barnett, Digital Media Editor | Monday, February 07, 2011

HSBC Chief Executive Stuart Gulliver In Line for £9m Bonus
THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: Stuart Gulliver, the new chief executive of HSBC, is expected to accept a bonus of as much as £9m later this month in reward for his stewardship of the bank's investment arm.

Mr Gulliver, who took over from Mike Geoghegan at the turn of the year, is set to be awarded the windfall as part of an overall compensation package which could take the total amount he receives for 2010 to in excess of £10m.

Although the bank's remuneration committee, chaired by HSBC's deputy chairman, John Thornton, has not yet finalised any executive bonuses, City sources with knowledge of the situation believe that a bonus of £9m is highly possible.

If so, it would mirror the amount Mr Gulliver received for 2009, and would be in line with the amount his counterpart at Barclays, Bob Diamond, is set to be paid.

Stephen Hester, the chief executive of Royal Bank of Scotland, and Eric Daniels, the chief executive of Lloyds Banking Group, are likely to be in line for awards of £2.5m and £2m respectively. >>> James Quinn and Kamal Ahmed | Sunday, February 06, 2011

David Cameron Won’t Stop the Bonuses >>>

Egypt Moves Towards Transition by Opening Talks with Muslim Fundamentalist Faction
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Egypt's influential Muslim Brotherhood agreed to join talks with President Hosni Mubarak's embattled regime Sunday, a historic turning point in relations between the state and the banned group.


The army stepped up pressure overnight on the protesters who have occupied central Cairo's Tahrir Square, tightening a cordon around the area, but on the political front new avenues of dialogue opened up.

Protesters celebrated a mass in the square - the epicentre and symbol of the revolt against the regime to remember the estimated 300 people who have been killed since demonstrations against Mubarak began.

"God bless the dead. God bless the dead," recited a Coptic priest wearing a crucifix. By his side, a Muslim sheikh stood holding a Koran, as the faithful chanted "A single hand. A single hand" in inter-faith solidarity. Senior Brotherhood leader Mohammed Mursi said the group is sticking to the protesters' main condition that President Hosni Mubarak step down.

These would be the first known discussions between the government and the Brotherhood, suggesting the banned fundamentalist group could be allowed an open political role in the post-Mubarak era. >>> Telegraph’s Foreign Staff | Sunday, February 06, 2011

Egypt Opposition Wary after Talks
BBC: Egypt's opposition groups say government proposals on how to end the political crisis are not enough.

The banned Muslim Brotherhood and other groups took part in landmark talks with the government after 13 days of street protests aimed at forcing President Hosni Mubarak to resign.

The government has proposed a review body to amend the constitution.

The opposition says the talks are only a first step and the government's offer is insufficient.

President Mubarak has refused to resign immediately, saying that to do so would cause chaos and has said instead that he will not stand for re-election in September.

Tens of thousands have again joined demonstrations in Cairo and other cities, calling for him to quit.

Meanwhile, many banks opened for the first time in a week, drawing long queues as people waited to withdraw money.

In all, six groups were represented at the talks hosted by Vice-President Omar Suleiman, including a coalition of youth organisations, and a group of "wise men".

Egyptian state TV said the participants had agreed to form a joint committee of judicial and political figures tasked with suggesting constitutional amendments.

It was the first time the government and the long-banned Brotherhood have held talks. Read on (+ video) >>> | Sunday, February 06, 2011

Egypt’s Economy in Turmoil

Rally for Egypt Held in San Francisco
Thousands pack San Francisco plaza

Henry Kissinger On The Egypt Crisis
The former Secretary of State talks Egypt

Obama, Don’t Be a Hypocrite
YNET NEWS: Op-ed: President Obama must demand Palestinian democracy, just like he’s doing with Egypt

The Obama Administration quickly turned its back on President Hosni Mubarak when it started talking about “an orderly transition to lasting democracy.” Yet as is the case in Egypt, Palestinian society is also struggling with a corrupt, undemocratic, authoritarian, and divisive PA leadership with a long record of human rights violations and an economy artificially resuscitated by handouts from foreign donors.

Hence, Israel’s government should not agree to negotiate for the establishment of a Palestinian state in the strategic hills of the West Bank until the Palestinian people first have a chance to cleanse its leadership and move towards lasting democracy, as Obama has demanded from Egypt. Israel needs to know who will be the ultimate true representative of the Palestinian people before giving away strategic assets.

It is quite dangerous for Israel - and hypocritical of Obama - to ask the Jewish State to agree to the establishment of a state that eventually through free elections or a military coup may be taken over by an Islamic, pro-Iranian terrorist organization. After all, Hamas’ stated goal is the destruction of the Jewish state and global Islamic rule. >>> Shoula Romano Horing | Friday, February 04, 2011

Iran TV Says No to Pasta, Pizza
YNET NEWS: Cooking shows ordered to shun Italian, French dishes, highlight Iran's achievements instead

After ridding Iranian universities of "Western subjects," authorities in Tehran are making sure that local cooking shows also adhere to the spirit of the Ayatollah regime.

On Sunday, Iran's broadcasting authority forbade television channels in the country to air cooking shows featuring "Western" dishes. As it turns out, the doze[n]s of official TV stations in Iran currently feature shows that offer their viewers recipes for Italian and French dishes, an apparently grave sin in the Islamic republic.

"Television should show viewers abroad and Persian speakers the great and important achievements of the Islamic revolution," the broadcasting authority's deputy director, Ali Darabi, was quoted as saying as he explained the move. The decision was taken ahead of "Islamic Revolution Day," which will mark the 32nd anniversary of the Persian shah's downfall. >>> Dudi Cohen | Sunday, February 06, 2011

Death Knell for Cancer
SUNDAY EXPRESS: BRITAIN’S top cancer specialist predicts that new medical miracles will end the death toll of most cancers within a generation.

Professor Karol Sikora, former cancer adviser to the World Health Organisation, says death from the world’s most feared disease will be rare by 2025.

Speaking exclusively to the Sunday Express, he said an emerging revolution of drugs and technology will change the killer disease into “a stable chronic condition like diabetes that people can live with but not die of”. >>> Lucy Johnston | Sunday, February 06, 2011

Millionaire Bankers' Message to Britain: We're All Right, Jack
THE INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY: Britain’s bankers are celebrating bumper bonuses. Whatever happened to the Government’s pledge to tackle them?

After umpteen calls for restraint by ministers, weighing the public relations impact, and consulting colleagues and advisers, Barclays chief executive Bob Diamond has made his most difficult decision. The multi-millionaire is set to accept a £9m bonus, one of the largest in the world, and will be followed by the bosses of the other major banks. This shows that they are all in something together, even if it's not what the rest of us are in.

Mr Diamond canvassed close City friends before deciding to take the bumper bonus which he fears will reignite the row over bankers pay. Sources close to him said: "Bob's been in a real dilemma as he can't stand this country's culture of banker-bashing and finds our attitude to bonuses extraordinary. But he is also aware of public opinion, so sounded out people about whether he should turn down his bonus again for the third year, take less or give some to charity."

Despite rising public anger about the scale of City payouts, David Cameron insisted last night that he was not interested in "headlines satisfying people today and tomorrow that I've given the banks a good kick in the pants. Can we do more on bonuses, particularly on those banks we own? Yes we can, and yes we will," he told The Sunday Telegraph. "But look, we've just been talking about growth. I don't believe actually in the long run, you can deliver the enterprise-growth agenda while having a running war with the British banking industry at the same time."

Some of those whom Mr Diamond – or his advisers – have consulted counselled him to show restraint. But the American decided that when he is offered the pay package – somewhere between £7m and £10m – he is minded to take it. >>> Margareta Pagano, Business Editor | Sunday, February 06, 2011

Why don’t they jail these SOBs? Then they would show some restraint! – © Mark

THE SUNDAY TIMES: Dominic Lawson: The Rich List can’t touch these guys: As Hosni Mubarak and Zine Ben Ali — and a host of other despots — have proved, there’s no business like kleptocracy >>> Dominic Lawson | Sunday, February 06, 2011 [£}

THE SUNDAY TIMES: Banks to hand out £6bn bonuses: A bonanza for British lenders will embarrass the chancellor as he tries to agree pay curbs and lending targets >>> Iain Dey | Sunday, February 06, 2011 [£]

Get Ready for the Muslim Brotherhood
THE NEW YORK TIMES: WASHINGTON — In 1985, as a teenager in Kenya, I was an adamant member of the Muslim Brotherhood. Seventeen years later, in 2002, I took part in a political campaign to win votes for the conservative party in the Netherlands.

Those two experiences gave me some insights that I think are relevant to the current crisis in Egypt. They lead me to believe it is highly likely but not inevitable that the Muslim Brotherhood will win the elections to be held in Egypt this coming September.
As a participant in an election campaign, I learned a few basic lessons:

• The party must have a political program all members commit to with a vision of how to govern the country until the next election. Dissent within the party is a sure way of losing elections.

• Candidates must articulate not only what they will do for the country but also why the other party’s program will be catastrophic for the nation.

• The party has to be embedded in as many communities as possible, regardless of social class, religion or even political views.
• Candidates must constantly remind potential voters of their party’s successes and the opponent’s failures.

The secular democratic and human-rights groups in Egypt and in the rest of the Arab world show little sign of understanding these facts of political life. The Muslim Brotherhood, on the other hand, gets at least three out of four.

True, they have never been in office. But they have a political program and a vision not only until the next elections, but, in their view, until the Hereafter. And they are very good at reminding Egyptians of why the other party’s policies will be ungodly and therefore catastrophic for Egypt. Above all, they have succeeded in embedding themselves in Egyptian society in ways that could prove crucial. >>> Ayaan Hirsi Ali | Thursday, February 03, 2011

HT: Always On Watch >>>

9 Millionen Touristen aus Ägypten ausgereist
Das Tourismusland Ägypten kommt zum Erliegen. 9 Millionen Touristen haben das Land am Nil bereits verlassen, die Reisebranche rechnet nicht mit baldiger Erholung.

Widerstand gegen Berlusconi wächst
Tausende demonstrieren in Mailand und Florenz gegen den Ministerpräsidenten
NZZ ONLINE: Rund 10'000 Personen haben sich in Mailand an einer Protestkundgebung gegen den italienischen Premierminister Silvio Berlusconi beteiligt. Aus ganz Italien strömten Demonstranten zur Kundgebung, die von der Oppositionsbewegung «Freiheit und Gerechtigkeit» organisiert wurde.

An der Kundgebung gegen Berlusconi in einer grossen Mailänder Sport-Arena nahmen unter anderen der ehemalige Staatspräsident Oscar Luigi Scalfaro, Oppositionspolitiker, Intellektuelle, Künstler und Schriftsteller, wie die Star-Autoren Umberto Eco und Roberto Saviano, teil. «Berlusconi, trete zurück!», lautete die Losung der Demonstranten. >>> sda/apa | Samstag, 05. Februar 2011

George W. Bush Cancels Visit to Swiss Charity Gala over Fears He Could Be Arrested on Torture Charges
MAIL ON SUNDAY: Former U.S. President George W. Bush has cancelled a visit to Switzerland over fears he could have been arrested on torture charges.

Mr Bush was due to be the keynote speaker at a Jewish charity gala in Geneva on February 12.

But pressure has been building on the Swiss government to arrest him and open a criminal investigation if he enters the country.

Criminal complaints against Mr Bush alleging torture have been lodged in Geneva, court officials said.

Human rights groups said they had intended to submit a 2,500-page case against him in the Swiss city tomorrow for alleged mistreatment of suspected militants at Guantanamo Bay.

Left-wing groups have also called for a protest on the day of his visit, leading organisers at Keren Hayesod's annual dinner to cancel Mr Bush's participation on security grounds.

The New York-based Human Rights Watch and International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH) said the cancellation was linked to growing moves told him accountable for the use of torture, including waterboarding.

He had admitted in his memoirs and TV interviews to ordering the use of the interrogation technique which simulates drowning.

Reed Brody, a lawyer for Human Rights Watch, said: 'He's avoiding the handcuffs.' >>> | Sunday, February 06, 2011

Multiculturalism: Sadiq Khan Smears David Cameron
MAIL ON SUNDAY: A major row over Islamic extremism erupted last night after Labour accused David Cameron of being a far-Right ‘propagandist’.

Sadiq Khan made the incendiary remark in response to an outspoken speech by the Prime Minister attacking ‘state multiculturalism’, calling for a stronger British identity and signalling a crackdown on Muslim groups.

Mr Khan, the Shadow Justice Secretary, infuriated Downing Street by claiming that Mr Cameron was ‘writing propaganda for the English Defence League’. The EDL is an anti-Islamist street protest movement that numbers BNP supporters among its members.

Labour MPs then weighed in by accusing Mr Cameron of inflammatory timing for making his speech on the day when the EDL was marching in Luton.

But Tory Chairman Baroness Warsi described Mr Khan’s remarks as an attempt to ‘smear’ the Prime Minister as a Right-wing extremist.

‘This is outrageous and irresponsible,’ she said.

‘David Cameron has made it clear he wants to unite Britain around our common values, and he has done so in measured language.

'It is right that we make it clear: extremism and Islam are not the same thing. Mr Khan ran Ed Miliband’s leadership campaign. He must apologise and Mr Miliband needs to disown his colleague’s baseless accusation.’ Fury as Labour ‘smears’ David Cameron after he attacks multiculturalism >>> Glen Owen | Sunday, February 06, 2011

Une "sortie digne" pour Moubarak
leJDD.fr: L’administration Obama et les chefs de l’armée égyptienne offrent une retraite dorée au vieux président.

C'est en faveur d’une "sortie honorable" d’Hosni Moubarak que l’administration Obama œuvre depuis plusieurs jours, multipliant les contacts avec les responsables égyptiens, politiques et militaires. Le président égyptien "doit prêter attention à ce que réclament les gens et prendre une décision ordonnée, constructive et sérieuse", déclarait, vendredi, Barack Obama, avant de confirmer que des "discussions" étaient engagées sur la transition politique… mais en se gardant bien de demander clairement le départ du raïs de 82 ans. >>> Alexandra Geneste, correspondance à New York, Le Journal du Dimanche | Dimanche 06 Février 2011

Tunesische Polizei erschiesst Demonstranten
Schwerster Zusammenstoss seit der Flucht Ben Alis ins Exil
NZZ ONLINE: Im Nordwesten Tunesiens hat die Polizei auf eine aufgebrachte Menge geschossen. Dabei wurden nach Angaben des Innenministeriums zwei Menschen getötet und 17 weitere verletzt. Nach Angaben von Augenzeugen und Gewerkschaftsvertretern starben zwei weitere Menschen auf dem Weg ins Spital.

Der amtlichen tunesischen Nachrichtenagentur zufolge hatten rund 1000 Menschen die Polizeiwache in der Stadt Kef angegriffen, nachdem sich der Polizeichef einer Person gegenüber ungebührlich verhalten habe. Augenzeugen sagten dem staatlichen Fernsehen, der Polizeichef habe eine Frau geschlagen. >>> sda/dapd/afp/Reuters | Sonntag, 06. Februar 2011

Saudi Top Cleric Blasts Arab, Egypt Protests-Paper
REUTERS AFRICA: RIYADH - Saudi Arabia's top Islamic scholar condemned anti-government protests in Egypt, Tunisia and elsewhere as a plot by enemies of Islam to spread instability, Saudi newspapers said on Saturday. Hundreds of thousands of Egyptians marched peacefully in Cairo on Friday to demand an end to President Hosni Mubarak's 30-year rule, but no end to the confrontation was in sight as the unrest entered its 12th day.

Top oil exporter Saudi Arabia has said it is worried that the unrest might lead to instability in Egypt, its main Arab ally. King Abdullah called Mubarak to express his support, Saudi state media said on Jan. 29. >>> Reporting by Ulf Laessing, editing by Tim Pearce | Saturday, February 05, 2011

Diese Leute sehen in allen Ecken Gespenster! – Mark

Mass Saudi Exodus from Egypt
ASHARQ ALAWSAT: Jeddah – A Saudi Arabian Airlines official informed Asharq Al-Awsat that a total of 21,000 Saudi citizens had left Egypt, returning to Saudi Arabia on a total of 75 airplanes since the start of the unrest in Egypt. The official also revealed that the last batch of Saudi Arabian returnees had departed from Egypt on a fleet of 8 airplanes on Wednesday. A Saudi citizen who spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat on the condition of anonymity claimed that 5 Saudi Arabian families had paid for these tickets. >>> Badr Al-Qahtani | Thursday, February 03, 2011

Die Protestwelle erreicht Saudi-Arabien
Web-Aktivisten fordern Reformen
NZZ am SONNTAG: Auch in Saudi-Arabien hat sich der Unmut über die Regierung in Protesten entladen: Etwa 40 Frauen haben vor dem Innenministerium die Freilassung von Gefangenen gefordert und Web-Aktivisten fordern politische Reformen. In dem Land ist öffentlicher Widerspruch verboten.

Nach den Demonstrationen in Tunesien und Ägypten regt sich auch in Saudi-Arabien Widerstand - wo Proteste gegen die Regierung äusserst selten sind. In der Hauptstadt Riad forderten am Samstag etwa 40 Frauen vor dem Innenministerium die Freilassung von Gefangenen.

Die Häftlinge würden ohne Gerichtsverfahren festgehalten, sagten Aktivisten. Den Frauen standen zahlreiche Polizisten gegenüber, die aber nicht eingriffen.

Amnesty International und andere Menschenrechtsgruppen werfen Saudi-Arabien seit langem vor, tausende Reform-Aktivisten unter dem Deckmantel einer Kampagne gegen die Extremisten der Kaida festzuhalten. Riad bestreitet dies. In Saudi-Arabien ist öffentlicher Widerspruch verboten. >>> sda/Reuters | Sonntag, 06. Februar 2011

Political Changes in Cairo
On a day of political maneuverings, protesters trying to overthrow the Egyptian government found themselves ringed by a much heavier troop presence than usual.

Elisabeth Sabaditsch-Wolff’s Speech in Luton

HT: Baron Bodissey of Gates of Vienna >>>

20 MINUTES ONLINE: Des milliers d’extrêmistes de droite défilent: Plusieurs milliers de partisans d'extrême droite ont manifesté à l'appel de l'organisation de la Ligue de défense anglaise (EDL) samedi à Luton. >>> ats/afp | Samedi 05 Février 2011

Rabbi Nachum Shifren at Speaker's Corner, London

I Am an Englishman
The English people fought long and hard for the rights and freedoms that we enjoy today. They were not simply handed over to us on a plate and we should never ever take them for granted because there are those who would see them taken from us. Our people paid a heavy price, more often than not paid in blood, for the principle that our voices would be heard and that our leaders would represent us and not themselves

Shocking Footage Emerges of Taliban Stoning Couple to Death
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: A disturbing video of a man and woman being executed by the Taliban has been released by Afghan security forces.

Read article and watch video here | Thursday, January 27, 2011

Egypt Protests: Hosni Mubarak's Power Fades as US Backs His Deputy
THE GUARDIAN: Omar Suleiman's call for orderly reform wins backing of Hillary Clinton on day senior members of ruling NDP resign

America yesterday swung its support behind Egypt's vice-president, Omar Suleiman, and the political transition he is leading, calling for a process of orderly reform. The policy, made clear by Hillary Clinton at the Munich Security Conference, was the latest sign of steps by the US and senior members of the Egyptian military to nudge President Hosni Mubarak aside and contain the potential for street violence.

The move came as senior members of the leadership of the ruling National Democratic party resigned from the party in response to the protests. They included Mubarak's powerful son, Gamal, long expected to succeed his father. A relative liberal, Hossam Badrawi, was appointed the party's new secretary general.

The mass, announced yesterday afternoon, resignation is likely to be seen as a further sign of Mubarak's weakness and will only strengthen the demands of protesters determined to topple him. It appeared to be part of a strategy agreed with the US to manage the transition, with or without Mubarak, as power shifts to Egypt's vice-president, who is backed by the Americans to head the political transition. >>> Julian Borger in Munich and Chris McGreal in Cairo | Sunday, February 06, 2011

David Cameron Stands by His Attack on Islamism
THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: David Cameron is standing by his decision to attack multiculturalism and hit back at Labour claims that he was helping the far Right.

An angry row broke out after Sadiq Khan, Labour's shadow justice secretary, accused the Prime Minister of "writing propaganda" for the nationalist English Defence League by calling on Britons to be more robust in rejecting Islamist extremism.

Ministers demanded that Mr Khan apologise for "smearing" the Prime Minister by linking him with the EDL, whose members demonstrated on the streets of Luton on Saturday, chanting "Muslim bombers off our streets" and holding banners aloft, some of which read "No more mosques".

Baroness Warsi, the Conservative party Chairman, said: "For Sadiq Khan to smear the Prime Minister as a Right-wing extremist is outrageous and irresponsible.

"Mr Khan is Labour's shadow justice secretary and ran Ed Miliband's leadership campaign. He must apologise, and Mr Miliband needs urgently to disown his colleague's baseless accusation."

The Prime Minister was also criticised by Muslim groups for pronouncing that multiculturalism had failed in Britain because it had led to segregation.

In a major speech tackling the threat posed by Islamic extremists, the Prime Minister warned that "hands-off tolerance" of unacceptable practices by minority communities had only served to encourage extremism.

He called for a "muscular" defence of British values.

Speaking to a conference in Munich, Mr Cameron said that the threat of terrorism must be confronted not only though intelligence and surveillance, but by taking on the ideology of Islamist extremism at home.

"Frankly, we need a lot less of the passive tolerance of recent years and much more active, muscular liberalism," the Prime Minister said.

While a "passively tolerant" society allows its citizens to do what they like, so long as they do not break the law, a genuinely liberal country "believes in certain values and actively promotes them", Mr Cameron said.

"Freedom of speech. Freedom of worship. Democracy. The rule of law. Equal rights, regardless of race, sex or sexuality. It says to its citizens: This is what defines us as a society. To belong here is to believe these things.

"Each of us in our own countries must be unambiguous and hard-nosed about this defence of our liberty." Read on and comment >>> Melissa Kite, Deputy Political Editor | Saturday, February 05, 2011

My comment on Mr. Cameron's speech:

Cameron's speech is indeed encouraging. At last, a public figure has shown some courage when speaking about extremist 'religious' ideologies. But he needs to find some more courage. He needs to recognise, and articulate, that almost all terrorism these days is linked to Islam. Further, he has convinced me that he doesn't truly understand the nature of Islam. He continues to articulate the canard that "Islamist extremism" has nothing to do with Islam. WRONG, Mr. Cameron! WRONG! Islamism is a term made up by the infidel for the infidel. To a practising Muslim, it is a meaningless term. A true Muslim would only recognise one belief system: Islam. And we shall have to learn to face the fact that Islamism is merely the practice of Islam in its fundamental form. Islamists are people who want to practise Islam as the prophet Muhammad envisioned. To say anything different is to distort the truth.

But I must applaud Mr. Cameron for taking a bold step forward, for taking a bold step to help open up the debate. This debate is sorely needed. But I’m sorry to say that Mr. Cameron has some homework to do if he truly wants to come to terms with, and get a grip on, the real danger facing the UK and the West today. – © Mark

This comment also appears here

THE GUARDIAN: David Cameron sparks fury from critics who say attack on multiculturalism has boosted English Defence League: • Prime minister is accused of handing PR coup to the far right
• Jack Straw calls David Cameron's comments 'ill-judged' >>> Toby Helm, Matthew Taylor and Rowenna Davis | Saturday, February 05, 2011

"Activists, some wearing balaclavas and others waving English flags, chanted "Muslim bombers off our streets" and "Allah, Allah, who the fuck is Allah". EDL supporters from Newcastle, Scotland, London, West Yorkshire and Sheffield joined Luton-based supporters. There were also flags representing German, Dutch and Swedish Defence Leagues." [Source: The Guardian]

Verwirrung um Hosni Mubaraks Parteimandat
Erst kam die Meldung, Mubarak habe den Vorsitz seiner Nationaldemokratischen Partei (NDP) abgegeben, später kam das Dementi. In Kairo ist die Lage unübersichtlich. Einschätzungen von André Marty, SF-Sonderkorrespondent in Kairo

Cameron Warning To Extremists
David Cameron has told a security conference in Munich that multi-culturalism in the UK has failed and the time has come to get tough with extremists. Sky's Peter Sharp reports


Cameron Extremism Speech Applauded
Sky's Europe Correspondent Alex Rossi says David Cameron's speech in Munich signalling a crackdown on extremism reflects a growing concern among EU leaders that multi-culturalism is failing

Is This the End?
MAIL ONLINE: 'Al-Qaeda-linked terror groups may be behind pipeline blast / Gas company boss says explosion and fire were due to leak, not terrorism / Reports of 'Organised attack' on vice president Omar Suleiman / Mubarak's son Gamal also resigns from National Democratic Party

President Hosni Mubarak has resigned as the head of Egypt ruling party, according to State television.

It comes as the country was on the verge of descending into chaos as newly appointed vice president Omar Suleiman reportedly survived an assassination attempt and saboteurs allegedly attacked an oil pipeline.

The balance of power hung precariously as demonstrations against president Mubarak entered their 12th day - and the army was beginning to reassert control on the streets.

The resignation comes just days after Mubarak said he would not resign immediately – because he feared there would be ‘chaos’.

White House press secretary Robert Gibbs refused to confirm the alarming reports of an 'organised attack' on Omar Suleiman. Two of his bodyguards were said to have been killed in the incident several days ago.

The pipeline attack has been linked to Islamist militants and, along with the apparent assassination attempt, represents a frightening new element in the popular uprising that has seen one of the U.S.'s greatest Middle Eastern allies descend into chaos.

The head of Egypt's natural gas company, Magdy Toufik, said today that the explosion and fire at a gas terminal in the northern Sinai Peninsula was caused by a gas leak.

There were no reported casualties from the fire, but officials had to shut off the flow of gas to neighbouring Jordan and Israel to contain the blaze. Mubarak quits as party leader after 12 days of bloodshed and riots in Egypt >>> Daily Mail Reporter | Saturday, February 05, 2011

SKY NEWS: 'Top Figures In Egypt's Ruling Party Resign' >>> Stuart Ramsay, in Cairo, and Gary Mitchell | Saturday, February 05, 2011

David Cameron Tells Muslim Britain: Stop Tolerating Extremists
THE GUARDIAN: PM says those who don't hold 'British' values will be shunned by government

David Cameron will today signal a sea-change in the government fight against home-grown terrorism, saying the state must confront, and not consort with, the non-violent Muslim groups that are ambiguous about British values such as equality between sexes, democracy and integration.

To belong in Britain is to believe in these values, he will say. Claiming the previous government had been the victim of fear and muddled thinking by backing a state-sponsored form of multiculturalism, the prime minister will state that his government "will no longer fund or share platforms with organisations that, while non-violent, are certainly in some cases part of the problem".

In a major speech to a security conference in Munich, he will demand: "We need a lot less of the passive tolerance of recent years and much more active, muscular liberalism."

He will say that "some organisations that seek to present themselves as a gateway to the Muslim community are showered with public money while doing little to combat extremism. This is like turning to a rightwing fascist party to fight a violent white supremacist movement."

Cameron's aides, aware the speech may prove highly controversial, refused to identify the organisations in his sights, but it is clear one target is the Muslim Council of Britain.

Last night some Muslim groups criticised the prime minister for making the speech on the same day that the English Defence League is holding its biggest ever demonstration, in Luton. >>> Patrick Wintour | Saturday, February 05, 2011

Clashes at English Defence League March in Luton
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Far right activists have clashed with anti-fascist demonstrators at a rally by the English Defence League.


Thousands of supporters from the English Defence League gathered in Luton on Saturday for the rally.

Campaigners from Unite Against Fascism are also planning to conduct a demonstration in the town and more than 1500 police are on duty to police the event.

Confrontations flared as early as 10am, however, as supporters of the English Defence League arrived at the train station in Luton and were confronted by dozens of protesters from Unite Against Fascism who attempted to block their exit.

Both sides hurled insults as tensions rose and the English Defence League supporters had to be escorted through a back exit by police.

Up to 7,000 EDL supporters are expected to gather in Luton St George's Square on Saturday.

The rally is expected to be the biggest in the EDL's 20-month history. The group was originally formed in Luton in 2009 and has staged more than 30 protests since. >>> Rebecca Lefort | Saturday, February 05, 2011

EDL Founder Claims He Is Target of Islamist Death Threat
THE GUARDIAN: Stephen Lennon says police have urged him to leave his home before English Defence League's anti-Islamist protest in Luton

The founder of the English Defence League claims he has been warned that his life is in danger if he leads a protest in Luton.

Stephen Lennon, 28, said senior police officers were urging him to leave his home town ahead of the anticipated arrival of thousands of EDL supporters.

The militant anti-Islamist campaigner said he was under police protection. He claimed Bedfordshire police had issued him with an "Osman warning", which are given by the police to advise individuals that they are at serious risk of being killed by someone who appears to have the capability to make good their threat. >>> Press Association | Friday, February 04, 2011

Egypt Protesters Hold Their Ground
With protests demanding end to Mubarak's rule entering the 12th day, people in Tahrir Square prepared to wait him out

This Is How Democracy Happens – the West on Egypt

London's Neediest Curse City Bonuses

TERRORWARNUNG: Al-Qaida nimmt Wall-Street-Banker ins Visier
WELT ONLINE: Steht New York ein neuer Anschlag bevor? US-Ermittler befürchten nach Hinweisen einen Angriff auf das Herz des Kapitalismus, die Wall Street.

Sicherheitsbehörden in den USA haben die Banken an der Wall Street und deren Spitzenpersonal vor möglichen Anschlägen des Terrornetzwerks al-Qaida gewarnt. Entsprechende Drohungen kämen von der Gruppe al-Qaida auf der Arabischen Halbinsel, sagte ein Sicherheitsvertreter der Nachrichtenagentur AFP in Washington. "Wir sind wachsam und haben Warnungen angesichts dieser gewalttätigen Pläne herausgegeben“, sagte er weiter. Er bestätigte damit einen Bericht des US-Senders NBC. >>> AFP/mac | Mittwoch, 02. Februar 2011

Egypt Crisis Shines Spotlight on Muslim Brotherhood
Reaction to Hannity's showdown with imam

A Need for Discretion in Egypt
Bolton on Egypt, Obama and secrecy

Mubarak Family Fortune Could Reach $70bn, Say Experts
THE GUARDIAN: Egyptian president has cash in British and Swiss banks plus UK and US property

Gamal and Hosni Mubarak are reported to have built up huge fortunes, including properties in London. Photographs: The Guardian
President Hosni Mubarak's family fortune could be as much as $70bn (£43.5bn) according to analysis by Middle East experts, with much of his wealth in British and Swiss banks or tied up in real estate in London, New York, Los Angeles and along expensive tracts of the Red Sea coast.

After 30 years as president and many more as a senior military official, Mubarak has had access to investment deals that have generated hundreds of millions of pounds in profits. Most of those gains have been taken offshore and deposited in secret bank accounts or invested in upmarket homes and hotels.

According to a report last year in the Arabic newspaper Al Khabar, Mubarak has properties in Manhattan and exclusive Beverly Hills addresses on Rodeo Drive.

His sons, Gamal and Alaa, are also billionaires. A protest outside Gamal's ostentatious home at 28 Wilton Place in Belgravia, central London, highlighted the family's appetite for western trophy assets.

Amaney Jamal, a political science professor at Princeton University, said the estimate of $40bn-70bn was comparable with the vast wealth of leaders in other Gulf countries.

"The business ventures from his military and government service accumulated to his personal wealth," she told ABC news. "There was a lot of corruption in this regime and stifling of public resources for personal gain. >>> Phillip Inman | Friday, February 04, 2011

Analysis: Saudi Arabia's War between God and Archaeology
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: For decades, Saudi Arabia's powerful clerics have waged a bitter battle against pagan faiths, idol worship, heresy, alcohol – and archaeology.

News that David Kennedy, an Australian scholar, has succeeded in identifying almost 2,000 unexplored archaeological sites using Google Earth has focused attention on the wages of that battle: the destruction of Saudi Arabia's own heritage More than 90 per cent of the archaeological treasures of the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, experts estimate, have been demolished to make way for hotels, apartment blocks and parking facilities.

The $13 billion project that led to a wave of demolitions in the middle of the last decade was part of an effort to modernise infrastructure in the ancient cities, where millions of pilgrims gather for the Hajj each year.

Sami Angawi, an expert on Arabian architecture, lamented that history had been " bulldozed for a parking lot". "We are witnessing now the last few moments of the history of Mecca,", he said.

The Kingdom's ultraconservative clerics believe that the veneration of ancient sites associated with the Prophet Mohammad and his family is heretical, and want potential shrines obliterated.

In October last year, a Saudi clerical body was reported to have renewed long-standing calls for the demolition of several historic Islamic sites – including the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the grave of his mother. >>> Praveen Swami | Friday, February 04, 2011

Muslims Must Embrace Our British Values, David Cameron Says
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: British Muslims must subscribe to mainstream values of freedom and equality, David Cameron will say as he declares that the doctrine of multiculturalism has “failed” and will be abandoned.

Entering the debate on national identity and religious tolerance, the Prime Minister will declare an end to “passive tolerance” of divided communities, and say that members of all faiths must integrate into wider society and accept core values.

To be British is to believe in freedom of speech and religion, democracy and equal rights regardless of race, sex or sexuality, he will say. Proclaiming a doctrine of “muscular liberalism”, he will say that everyone, from ministers to ordinary voters, should actively confront those who hold extremist views.

He will also warn that groups that fail to promote British values will no longer receive public money or be able to engage with the state.

His speech, to an international security conference in Munich, comes after The Daily Telegraph disclosed the extent to which the British intelligence community fears the “unique threat” of terrorist attacks by radicalised British Muslims.

Mr Cameron will promise a new willingness to argue against and “defeat” extremist ideologies that lead some to engage in terrorism.

That means abandoning the notion that different communities should be able to live according to their own values and traditions as long as they stay within the law. “Under the doctrine of state multiculturalism, we have encouraged different cultures to live separate lives, apart from each other and the mainstream,” Mr Cameron will say. “We have failed to provide a vision of society to which they feel they want to belong.” >>> James Kirkup, Political Correspondent | Friday, February 04, 2011