Inside Story: Qatar Seeks Political Solution for Libya
Arab and Western leaders met Libyan rebels in Doha on Wednesday, as part of a Libya contact group set up last month. 



The delegates debated the issue of NATO's role, recent peace initiatives and the possibility of arming Libya's rebels. 



The talks took place amid continuing miltary action ... and fears of a deepening humanitarian crisis in Misurata....



Inside Story, with presenter Teymoor Nabili , discusses with guests: Nassif Hitti, the Arab League's ambassador to Europe; Oliver Miles, a former British ambassador to Libya; and Waheed Burshan, a political strategist at the Transition Council on Humanitarian Issues.

Briton 'Beaten to Death' in a Dubai Police Cell after Being Arrested for Swearing
MAIL ONLINE: 'The guards tried to hush it up and pretend nothing had happened’

A British tourist was beaten to death by officers in a Dubai police station after being arrested for swearing, it was claimed yesterday.

Lee Bradley Brown, 39, was on holiday at a £1,000-a-night hotel in the Arab state when he was thrown into a filthy cell.

Police sources say he was ‘badly beaten up’ by a group of police officers, leaving him unconscious on the floor.

Inmates told how they watched officers bundle him into a body-bag and drag him out of the building.

During Mr Brown’s six days in Bur Dubai police station, guards refused to give him enough food and water and did not let him see a lawyer, it is alleged.

His sister learned about the attack when she received a phone call from an inmate on Sunday, claiming her brother had been beaten.

The prisoner found her phone number on a photocopy of her brother’s passport which had been left behind in the cell.

She contacted the British Embassy in Dubai, and on Monday an official was sent to visit Mr Brown at the police station.

But the official was turned away by an officer who claimed Mr Brown did not want to see him and had ‘declined consular assistance’. » | Arthur Martin, Nick McDermott and and Rebecca Evans | Thursday, April 14, 2011

Vince Cable: David Cameron's Immigration Claims 'Risk Inflaming Extremism'
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Vince Cable, the Business Secretary, has accused David Cameron of “inflaming extremism” with his speech on immigration.

The Prime Minister will today claim that uncontrolled immigration has undermined some British communities.

Pledging to cut the numbers entering Britain to tens of thousands, rather than hundreds of thousands, Mr Cameron will say that "for too long, immigration has been too high".

Mr Cameron’s speech, his first major address on the issue since the general election, will please many Conservative MPs and voters.

But Mr Cable, a Liberal Democrat, described the speech as “very unwise” and suggested it could fuel extremism over immigration.

“The reference to the tens of thousands of immigrants rather than hundreds of thousands is not part of the coalition agreement, it is Tory party policy only,” Mr Cable told the BBC.

“I do understand there is an election coming but talk of mass immigration risks inflaming the extremism to which he and I are both strongly opposed.”

The Conservatives and Lib Dems agreed in their Coalition deal to take differing views on immigration, but Mr Cable’s forthright criticism of Mr Cameron may raise questions about his position in the Cabinet. Continue reading and comment » | James Kirkup, Political Correspondent | Thursday, April 14, 2011



My comment:

Doesn't Vince Cable understand that he is in office to serve the people? Doesn't he understand that the people's concerns should be of paramount importance in a so-called democracy? The good British people are fed up of all this unrestrained immigration into our once rather homogenous land. Do the people's wishes mean nothing to this man? If he is concerned about extremism, the one thing he and his colleagues could do to nip extremism in the bud is bring immigration under control. It is precisely in countries where immigration has been allowed to get out of hand that we are seeing the growth of the so-called extremist parties. Now surely you can get that, Dr. Cable! – © Mark

This comment also appears here

David Cameron: Migration Threatens Our Way of Life
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: David Cameron will claim today that uncontrolled immigration has undermined some British communities.

In his most forthright speech on the issue since he became Prime Minister, he will say that mass immigration has led to "discomfort and disjointedness" in neighbourhoods because some migrants have been unwilling to integrate or learn English.

Pledging to cut the numbers entering Britain to tens of thousands, rather than hundreds of thousands, Mr Cameron will say that "for too long, immigration has been too high".

He will also promise to "stamp out" forced marriages, saying that "cultural sensitivity" cannot be allowed to stop the Government from acting.

In the speech to party members in Hampshire, the Prime Minister will attack Labour for claiming it was racist to talk about immigration, saying it is "untruthful and unfair" not to speak about the issue, however uncomfortable. Continue reading and comment » | Andrew Porter, Political Editor | Wedmesday, April 13, 2011

My comment:

He won't do anything about this problem, because his chums, the captains of industry, want cheap labour. What has he done about curbing bankers' bonuses? Not a lot! This is all politicians' talk: sweet words to appease the common folk! – Mark

This comment also appears here

Pop Goes Islam
In 2009, Egyptian entrepreneur Ahmed Abu Haiba launched the world's first-ever Islamic music channel. Based in Cairo, 4Shbab branded itself as "Islam's Own MTV". In its first few months on air, the channel shocked thousands of viewers and enthralled thousands more.

Kate Middleton Confirmed in Secret Ceremony ahead of Royal Wedding
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Kate Middleton has been confirmed in the Church of England ahead of her wedding to Prince William on April 29.

The ceremony was carried out by the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Richard Chartres, who will give the address at the Royal wedding ceremony.

Miss Middleton, 29, has been baptised but was not confirmed as a schoolgirl.

The ceremony, which marks the point where baptised Christians make a firm commitment to their faith, was held on March 10. » | Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Inside Story: Gaddafi Goes Back to School
The conflict in Libya has approached a stalemate. The opposing armies continue to move back and forth along the coastal road, capturing and relinquishing the same territory in an increasingly futile military ebb and flow.



So the people of Libya are left to endure a continuing war of attrition - one that will only be resolved when one side or the other has a change of heart and mind. 



Inside Story, takes a step away from its usual format of discussion and analysis, taking you to the heart of this conflict, offering a small glimpse into mind of Muammar Gadaffi. 



This episode shows a film of Libya's leader making a trip to a school in Tripoli.

Syrian Soldiers Shot for Refusing to Fire on Protesters
THE GUARDIAN: Witnesses claim soldiers who disobeyed orders in Banias were shot by security services as crackdown on protests intensifies

Syrian soldiers have been shot by security forces after refusing to fire on protesters, witnesses said, as a crackdown on anti-government demonstrations intensified.

Witnesses told al-Jazeera and the BBC that some soldiers had refused to shoot after the army moved into Banias in the wake of intense protests on Friday.

Human rights monitors named Mourad Hejjo, a conscript from Madaya village, as one of those shot by security snipers. "His family and town are saying he refused to shoot at his people," said Wassim Tarif, a local human rights monitor.

Footage on YouTube shows an injured soldier saying he was shot in the back by security forces, while another video shows the funeral of Muhammad Awad Qunbar, who sources said was killed for refusing to fire on protesters. Signs of defections will be worrying to Syria's regime. State media reported a different version of events, claiming nine soldiers had been killed in an ambush by an armed group in Banias.

Activists said not all soldiers reported dead or injured were shot after refusing to fire. "We are investigating reports that some people have personal weapons and used them in self-defence," said Tarif. » | Katherine Marsh in Damascus | Tuesday, April 12, 2011

The Burka Is an Alien, Cultural Monstrosity
MAIL ONLINE: The decision by the French government to outlaw all forms of public face-masking, including the burka and niqab, is welcomed by all thinking Muslims around the world.

The Muslim Educational Centre of Oxford which has pioneered an enlightened and egalitarian Islam salutes France for its bold legislative steps to eradicate this hideous tribal dress code that is deliberately given a completely false veneer of Islam.

However, since Britain tackles social problems in its own particular way and has different ways of doing things, the scourge of this foreign face-masking fad that is unfortunately growing in popularity in the Muslim community has to be confronted imaginatively and not exclusively through legal channels.

What is critical is that every effort should be made to disparage and discourage this tribal trend and cultural custom from infesting British society. The burka is an alien, cultural monstrosity.... and it CAN be banned in Britain » Dr. Taj Hargey | Tuesday, April 12, 2011

«Ich war 50 Schafe wert»
Mädchenhandel in Afghanistan

Bloggers Sue Arianna Huffington After 'Being Treated Like Slaves’
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Arianna Huffington faces a large lawsuit from unpaid contributors who claim The Huffington Post, recently acquired by AOL for $315 million, treated them like ‘modern day slaves’.

A group of angry bloggers, being led by freelance journalist and trade unionist Jonathan Tasini, filed the class action in New York federal court, after Huffington sold her internet newspaper in February for $315m without paying contributors a penny.

Tasini, who wrote more than 250 posts for The Huffington Post on an unpaid basis leading up to the site’s sale, said: “Huffington bloggers have essentially been turned into modern day slaves on Arianna Huffingtons’s plantation”. He said he was suing because “people who create content…have to be compensated” for their work.

The complainant and his lawyers believe that bloggers’ articles helped contribute to approximately a third of the sale value of the site, with about 9,000 people writing for the [sic] Huffington Post for free. » | Sam Shead | Wednesday, April 13, 2011

About Me, About My Blog
First of all, I should like to welcome all my guests. Of course, there is an especially warm welcome for my regular guests and followers.

I am a graduate of economics and political science. My honours degree was obtained from the University of London.

I have worked in the Middle East – I worked there over the course of many years. It was whilst working there that I became both fascinated by Islam, and fearful of it. When I say fearful, I mean fearful of its potency, fearful of its all-enveloping nature, fearful of its ability to get a hold on its adherents, and yes, fearful of the fervour of Muslims. I have met few others in life that feel so passionately about their religion, I have met few others in life that feel so much love for their prophet. We have all experienced by now the propensity of Muslims to become intoxicated by their religion; we have all seen the willingness with which the fanatics of the faith are ready to give up their earthly lives in Allah's cause. But I am also fearful of the West's seeming inability to deal with this rapidly-growing faith in our midst.

However, if you have come to this weblog in order to find ranting and raving, if you have come to this weblog to read hateful things about Muslims and Islam, you have come to the wrong weblog! This blog is not about those despicable things; rather, this blog is about education, knowledge, information, interest, news, views, and sometimes even entertainment. Largely, I let the guest make up his/her own mind about the content. If I have a particularly strong viewpoint on something, I will usually place a comment underneath the article, or write an essay. Though the absence of a comment or essay does not mean that I do not have an opinion. It is far more likely to mean that I do not have the time to write anything.

If any of you are interested in what I think about a topic or subject, you cannot conclude anything simply from the postings. I often post things because they are topical, or interesting, or indeed, controversial. A little controversy can give food for thought. Life without a little controversy now and then would be awfully bland!

If political correctness is what you are looking for, you have come to the wrong weblog. Click over! This website is not for you! Ditto, Christian religious fundamentalism. That's not my thing. Am I a Christian? Yes. I was raised in the Christian tradition, and I believe that the Christian way of life is a good life, perhaps the best one. But like all forms of extremism, Christian extremism is not for me.

I should add that this website is not about pushing anything. I do have views, often quite strong views – you can read them in my essays or any books I write. You cannot conclude what my viewpoint is on a subject from the posts I put up.

As I have already said, you can make up your own mind. On this website, you will find all sorts of interesting subjects. The thrust of the website is Islam and the threat of Islam to Western civilization; but sometimes, events take over, such as the tragic earthquake(s) and tsunami in Japan of late. These stories simply cannot be ignored, because they impact so greatly on the world in which we live.

In addition, you should not conclude that I hate Islam or Muslims simply because I find it a threat to our free way of life. It is my opinion that Islam and democracy are immiscible. But that doesn’t mean that I hate Islam or Muslims! It does, however, mean that I understand the nature of that faith.

Sometimes, you will find posts about gays and homosexuality. Sometimes you might wonder about them. Why are they here, you might well ask yourselves. Well this site is gay-friendly. This is not a site that tolerates hatred of anyone, including gays. But if you see a post on the homosexual lifestyle, you should not conclude that I am pushing an agenda. I am not! But by nature, I am an open person. I am also extremely tolerant. I veer to the right on most political issues; but not on all. But having said that, when I speak to some Americans, my 'right' seems 'left' to them!

I try to make this website as varied and interesting as possible. I also try hard to make it inclusive. That goes for Muslims as well. They, too, are most welcome here.

Lastly, I should comment on the foreign language posts. They are here because I have a love of languages. In this regard, I am not typically British. Most Brits like to speak only English. Speaking only English is not for me. But the fact that I speak German, for example, in no way makes me less patriotic. Far from it!

In the UK, ability in foreign languages has hitherto been sidelined, much to my dismay. In my opinion, however, ability in foreign languages should be fostered. Any abilities that I have—and I am sure they are wanting—have enriched my life beyond measure. I hope I can infect you all with my love of language. Foreign languages are one of life's great pleasures.

Best wishes to you all; and again, a warm, warm welcome!

Mark

Moubarak est dans un état de santé "instable"
LE POINT: L'ex-président égyptien a été victime d'une crise cardiaque mardi soir, lors d'un interrogatoire à Charm el-Cheikh.

L'état de santé de l'ex-président égyptien Hosni Moubarak, qui a été placé en détention mercredi matin, est "instable", a annoncé l'agence officielle Mena en citant une source médicale à l'hôpital de Charm el-Cheikh où il a été admis mardi. » | Source AFP | Mercredi 13 Avril 2011

New Dark Age Alert! Choosing Islam - Converts Tell Their Stories

Austria Arrests Former Neo-Nazi Leader Gottfried Kuessel Over Website
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Former Austrian neo-Nazi leader Gottfried Kuessel has been arrested in connection with a probe into a website targeted by the country's strict anti-Nazi law.

Mr Kuessel, 52, former leader of the now-banned neo-Nazi group VAPO, was believed to be one of the main figures behind the alpen-donau.info website, a key forum for Austria's neo-Nazi movement that was shut down in March.

Half a dozen house searches were conducted late on Monday in Vienna and southern Styria province, during which investigators seized documents, computers, hard-disks, weapons and Nazi paraphernalia, Vienna prosecution spokesman Thomas Vecsey said.

Mr Kuessel and a second person were arrested overnight, he added.

The prosecution said it had received help from US investigators to gain access to the website's servers, which were based in the United States and were long out of reach for the Austrian authorities. » | Wednesday, April 13, 2011

KURIER.AT: U-Haft für Gottfried Küssel: Der bekannte Rechtsextremist wurde als mutmaßlicher Drahtzieher der Alpen-Donau-Homepage verhaftet. » | Dienstag, 12. April 2011

MAIL ONLINE: The far right is on the march again: the rise of Fascism in Austria – In Austria's recent general election, nearly 30 per cent of voters backed extremist right-wing parties. Live visits the birthplace of Hitler to investigate how Fascism is once again threatening to erupt across Europe. » | Billy Briggs | Wednesday, March 18, 2009

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: British neo-Nazis plotted to kill Spanish judge Baltasar Garzón: A British based neo-Nazi group allegedly plotted to assassinate one of Spain's leading judges over his attempt to investigate the crimes of Spanish dictator Gen Francisco Franco, it has emerged. » | Fiona Govan, Madrid | Wednesday, February 09, 2011

Misrata in Libyen: Tod, Hunger und Verzweiflung
FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE: Heute berät die internationale Libyen-Kontaktgruppe in Doha über das weitere Vorgehen gegen Gaddafi. Seit sieben Wochen belagern dessen Truppen die libysche Stadt Misrata. Die Stadt ist zum Beispiel dafür geworden, wie der Despot mit denen umgeht, die nicht auf seiner Seite stehen.

Die Vereinten Nationen beklagen in Misrata eine „katastrophale Lage“. An ihre Heimatstadt Beirut auf dem Höhepunkt des Bürgerkriegs fühlt sich die libanesische Journalistin Hala Jaber erinnert. Und die Menschenrechtsorganisation Human Rights Watch beschreibt detailliert, wie grausam Gaddafis Truppen gegen die Zivilbevölkerung von Libyens drittgrößter Stadt vorgehen. Misrata ist zum Beispiel dafür geworden, wie Gaddafi mit denen umgeht, die nicht für ihn sind. Seine Truppen belagern die Stadt seit sieben Wochen auf allen drei Landseiten und kontrollieren Teile von ihr. Die Krankenhäuser haben seither 257 Leichname gezählt. Die Ärzte schätzen die Zahl der Getöteten aber auf mehr als 1000. » | Von Rainer Hermann | Mittwoch, 13. April 2011

Pröll tritt zurück: "Entscheidung für meine Gesundheit"
DIE PRESSE: Der Vizekanzler und ÖVP-Chef hat heute den Rückzug aus allen politischen Funktionen verkündet. Er begründete die Entscheidung mit seinem Gesundheitszustand. Seine Nachfolge ist noch offen.

Vizekanzler und Finanzminister Josef Pröll (ÖVP) zieht sich aus allen politischen Funktionen zurück. Das gab er am Mittwochvormittag in einer kurzfristig einberufenen Pressekonferenz bekannt.

"Ich habe mich nicht gegen die Politik entschieden, aber für meine Gesundheit und meine Familie", sagte der ÖVP-Chef. Seine Lungenembolie Mitte März sei "ein Warnschuss und eine Zäsur in meinem Leben" gewesen. Danach habe er viel Zeit gehabt, nachzudenken. Er habe sich auch intensiv mit seinen Ärzten beraten, erklärte Pröll. Seine gesundheitliche Situation sei mit engagierter Spitzenpolitik nicht vereinbar: Für die großen Aufgaben der Zukunft "bräuchte ich heute noch mehr Kraft, und nicht weniger".

"Es war eine spannende Zeit", sagte Pröll über die vergangenen Jahre. Man habe viel erreicht, vor allem die Bewältigung der Wirtschaftskrise. "Ich verlasse die Politik mit Dankbarkeit". » | Red. | Mittwoch, April 13, 2011

L’Iran ne ravitaille plus les avions européens en kérosène
TRIBUNE DE GENÈVE: En représailles à une mesure similaire frappant les avions iraniens, l'Iran a décidé de cesser de ravitailler les avions européens. On ne sait toutefois ni si la mesure est entrée en vigueur, ni quelles compagnies sont concernées.

L’Iran a décidé de cesser le ravitaillement des avions européens, en représailles à une mesure similaire frappant les appareils iraniens en Europe, a annoncé le premier vice-président Mohammad Reza Rahilmi, cité mercredi par le quotidien gouvernemental Iran.

"Récemment, le ravitaillement des avions commerciaux iraniens en Europe a été stoppé. (...) L’Iran a immédiatement décidé de répondre en cessant la livraison de carburant aux appareils occidentaux atterrissant en Iran", a déclaré M. Rahimi. Il n’a pas précisé si cette mesure était déjà entrée en vigueur, ni quelles étaient les compagnies aériennes visées.

Les principales compagnies pétrolières occidentales ont progressivement cessé depuis l’automne dernier de ravitailler les appareils iraniens dans les aéroports européens, conséquence du renforcement des sanctions économiques occidentales contre l’Iran lié au contentieux nucléaire.


Après Shell, BP ou Q8 à l’automne, l’autrichien OMV a annoncé le 25 mars la fin de ses livraisons de kérosène à Iranair, tandis que le français Total prenait la même décision sans l’annoncer. » | AFP | Mercredi 13 Avril 2011

U.S. Sends Another Top Official To Saudi Arabia
NPR: The Obama administration is sending another official to Saudi Arabia to try to smooth over relations damaged by the so-called Arab Spring. The Saudis think the U.S. is being naive about the democracy movements and canceled recent plans for Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to visit. They hosted, but only briefly, Defense Secretary Robert Gates last week, and this week it is National Security Adviser Tom Donilon's turn. Analysts say it will be difficult for the U.S. to support democracy in the Middle East and keep this strategic alliance on track. Read the transcript » | Michele Kelemen | Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Barack Obama Must Speak Out on Bahrain Bloodshed
THE GUARDIAN: Bahrainis are suffering the same violent repression as Libyans – so why does Barack Obama have nothing to say?

Three days after Hosni Mubarak resigned as the long-standing dictator in Egypt, people in the small Gulf state of Bahrain took to the streets, marching to their version of Tahrir: Pearl Square, in the capital city of Manama. Bahrain has been ruled by the same family, the House of Khalifa, since the 1780s – more than 220 years. Bahrainis were not demanding an end to the monarchy, but for more representation in their government.

One month into the uprising, Saudi Arabia sent military and police forces over the 16-mile causeway that connects the Saudi mainland to Bahrain, an island. Since then, the protesters, the press and human-rights organisations have suffered increasingly violent repression.

One courageous young Bahraini pro-democracy activist, Zainab al-Khawaja, has seen the brutality up close. To her horror, she watched her father, Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, a prominent human-rights activist, be beaten and arrested. She described it to me from Manama: » | Amy Goodman | Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Arrest of Egyptian Bloggers Provokes Doubt
Human rights groups have condemned the prison sentence of the 26-year -old Egyptian blogger Maikel Nabil. 



Nabil was sentenced to three years in jail by a military tribunal for a blog entry he wrote called "The people and the army were never hand in hand".



His jailing raises questions whether the regime in Egypt has changed at all since former President Hosni Mubarak stood down.



Al Jazeera's Zeina Khodr reports from Cairo.

Mubarak, Sons Detained for 15 days
Egypt's ex-president Hosni Mubarak along with his two sons have been placed in detention for 15 days, prosecutors said

Related »

Egypt: Hosni Mubarak's Sons Detained
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Egyptian prosecutors have ordered the detention of the former president's powerful sons as their role in violence against protesters and corruption allegations are investigated.

The order came just hours after former President Hosni Mubarak, 82, was hospitalised with heart problems as investigations began over his own role in corruption and suppressing the protests calling for his ouster.

Many of Mr Mubarak's top associates are now being questioned for their activities in the previous regime, but the detention of his sons is by far the most startling development since his Feb. 11 removal from office.

Gamal Mubarak, his younger son, was a top official in the ruling party and was widely seen as being groomed to succeed his father before popular protests brought down the regime.

While the ex-president was in the hospital in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh where he has been living since being removed from power, his sons were taken for questioning to the nearby courthouse by prosecutors from Cairo.

An angry crowd of 2,000 people gathered outside and demanded the two be arrested. » | Wednesday, April 13, 2011

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Egypt detains former president Hosni Mubarak for 15 days: Egypt's public prosecutor has ordered that former president Hosni Mubarak be detained for 15 days for investigation for corruption and abuse allegations. » | Damien McElroy, in Doha | Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Related »

IMF Warns US to Make a 'Down Payment' on Deficit
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: The US should make a 'down payment' this year on tackling its budget deficit, the International Monetary Fund has warned, as it emerged that the world's biggest bond investor is shorting the country's bonds.

America will rack up a budget deficit of 10.8pc of gross domestic product this year, the largest of any of the developed economies, the IMF said in its latest Fiscal Monitor report.

In sharp contrast to Britain and much of the rest of Europe, the US has so far delayed any move to cut its budget deficit. Instead, through a combination of extending tax cuts and a second, $600bn round of quantitative easing, Congress and The White House have focused efforts on trying to quicken a recovery that failed to take off last year. » | Richard Blackden, US Business Editor | Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Hosni Mubarak Has Heart Attack before Questioning
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Hosni Mubarak, Egypt's ousted president, has reportedly suffered a heart attack just hours before being questioned by prosecutors alongside his sons on corruption charges.

State television said that Mr Mubarak suffered a heart attack before questioning by prosecutors investigating graft and abuse allegations, which prompted his admission to hospital.

Two security officials said Mr Mubarak arrived under heavy police protection to the main hospital in Sharm al-Sheikh and, according to two doctors in the hospital, he stepped out of his armored Mercedes unaided and was taken to the presidential suite.

Mr Mubarak has lived in Sharm al-Sheikh since being deposed by the army in response to mass protests in February.

Al-Ahram, the official newspaper, said the president may not have to travel to Cairo to attend the prosecutors summons because of his admittance to hospital.

"Mubarak was admitted to the Sharm el-Sheikh International Hospital this afternoon amid a very heavy security presence in the town," a security official said.

Mr Mubarak's sons, Gamal and Alaa, were reported to be facing 15 days on remand for questioning. Egypt's army-run Higher Council has bowed to popular pressure to target former officials for corruption, leading to the arrest of a raft of senior figures. » | Damien McElroy, Cairo | Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Ex-Muslim 'Allah is a Gangster'
Watch the YouTube video here

Crazy Muslim Cleric Describes the Perfect Virgins in Heaven

Allah: "Don´t Feel Sorry for Kafirs!" - Anjem Choudary Vs. Walid Shoebat Vs. Bakri

The Saudi Women Taking Small Steps for Change
BBC – NEWSNIGHT: Before I flew to the Saudi capital Riyadh to make a film about the position of women in the kingdom, I met a Saudi woman studying in the UK who told me, "Saudi Arabia is the biggest women's prison in the world".

Can I quote you? I asked. "You can quote me," she said, "but you can't name me."

I heard that same sentiment and request to remain anonymous repeated during my 10-day stay in the kingdom.

Few dare criticise the 
country openly, though the restrictions on women are scarcely believable in the 21st Century. A woman can't drive and she is not allowed to work or travel without the permission of her male guardian, father or husband.

Customs such as arranged marriages, under-age marriage and polygamy still prevail.

Workplace revolution

The on-going battles to bring about change tend to be small ones.

Twenty-year-old Dina, with her heavily kohl-rimmed eyes and diamante cuffs on her abaya (the burka of Saudi Arabia), is a revolutionary in the workplace. She sits in the Jeddah studio at Radio Mix FM with a man.

Up until a few years ago, men and women were not allowed to work in the same room and broadcast journalism has so far proved one of the very few exceptions.

But, beyond that, Dina's message is hardly revolutionary. She acts as a kind of agony aunt for the station's young audience.

A 17-year-old girl sends in an e-mail complaining of boredom. Dina tells her to take up a hobby like painting or photography which, because an unaccompanied girl is not allowed to leave the house, she will have to do at home.

If an 18-year-old wrote in asking how to meet a member of the opposite sex, Dina says she would respond by saying, "It is not possible and [you] must accept it - it is our culture".

At the end of her shift, her boss accompanies her down on to the street and waits until her brother's car pulls up to collect her.

"You present your own radio show and yet you can't drive?" I asked. "It's normal," she said, and closed the car door.

She has to watch what she says. The radio station receives angry calls from the country's religious conservatives who are appalled that women like her are allowed to sit in the same room as an unrelated man.

Any false step or unguarded remark could see the station closed. (+ video) » | Sue Lloyd-Roberts, BBC Newsnight | Monday, March 28, 2011

Russia Celebrates Conquest of Space
Russia marked a half century since Yuri Gagarin became the first man in space, the greatest victory of Soviet science which expanded human horizons and is still remembered by Russians as their finest hour.



At 0907 Moscow time on April 12, 1961 Gagarin uttered the famous words "Let's Go" as the Vostok rocket, with him squeezed into a tiny capsule at the top, blasted off from the south of the Soviet republic of Kazakhstan.



After a voyage lasting just 108 minutes that granted the 27-year-old carpenter's son historical immortality, Gagarin ejected from his capsule and parachuted down into a field in the Saratov region of central Russia.



From that moment on, his life, and the course of modern space exploration, would never be the same again.



Al Jazeera's Neave Barker reports.

Witness - Greece: Protesting the Protesters
This unusual take on the Greek protests centres on a small group of 'anti-activists' who think the austerity measures undertaken by the government are in fact a good thing for the crisis-ridden Greek economy. We follow Fotis and his friends in their Liberal Party as they mount their own campaign, while around them the masses gather on the streets for the huge protests that regularly rock the capital.

Misurata Civilians Under Siege
Britain and France say NATO is not doing enough to protect civilians in Libya. At the same time, Libyan State TV is reporting air strikes on Monday killed government security forces as well as civilians in an area south of Tripoli.



Fighting has continued a day after the African Union failed to broker a peace deal. An African Union delegation is now in the Algerian capital for talks with president Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
 


The African leaders say they're determined to find a solution that would end the fighting, and are asking for full cooperation from the pro-democracy fighters.



Al Jazeera's Hoda Abdel Hamid reports on the ongoing battle for Libya.

Moussa Koussa Leaving Britain for Doha
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Moussa Koussa, the former Libyan foreign minister and long-time top aide to Muammar Gaddafi, is going to Doha for meetings with the Qatari government and Libyan representatives, Britain has confirmed.

An international contact group is due to hold talks on Libya's future in the Qatari capital on Wednesday. Moussa will not participate in the meeting but is expected to hold talks on the sidelines, British sources said.

Mr Koussa, the most prominent Libyan defector, sought refuge in Britain on March 30. A friend said he quit in protest at attacks on civilians by Gaddafi's forces.

The former spy chief was later questioned by Scottish police over the 1988 Lockerbie bombing, which killed 270 people, but the British government said he was now free to travel.

"We understand he is travelling today to Doha to meet with the Qatar government and a range of Libyan representatives to offer insight in advance of the contact group meeting," a Foreign Office spokesman said.

"Moussa Koussa is a free individual who can travel to and from the United Kingdom as he wishes," the spokesman said. » | Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Germany Threatens to Reintroduce Border Checks in Row over Tunisian Refugees
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Germany has threatened to reinstate border checks "against the interests" of the EU's free movement zone in an escalating row with Italy over Tunisian refugees.

Italy has promised to give over 20,000 Tunisian refugees temporary visas allowing them to travel freely in the border-free Schengen zone, which covers all EU countries except Britain and Ireland.

Over 26,000 illegal migrants have reached Italy by boat through the small Mediterranean island of Lampedusa, which is close to Tunisia. The Italian authorities have insisted other European countries must help take the burden.

Italy said last week that it would give six-month residence permits to all the migrants who have arrived since the beginning of the year.

Franco Frattini, the Italian foreign minister, said: "Thousands, tens of thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands of migrants could come from Tunisia. It's a purely European affair."

But during bad-tempered European talks on Monday, Germany warned Italy that it will not accept the migrants and that Berlin will tear up the EU's border-free travel arrangements to stop them. » | Bruno Waterfield, Brussels | Monday, April 11, 2011

hier und hier

Gillian Duffy Takes On Nick Clegg
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Nick Clegg has been publicly confronted by the woman infamously labelled a “bigot” by Gordon Brown.


Read the article here | James Kirkup, Political Correspondent | Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Israel: Jesus[’] Crucifixion Nails 'Found'
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Two of the nails used to crucify Jesus have been dsicovered in a 2,000-year-old tomb, according to a new film.


The film, 'The Nails of the Cross' by Simcha Jacobovici, follows three years of research during which he presents his assertions - some based on empirical data, others requiring much imagination and a leap of faith.

He hails the find as historic, but most experts and scholars dismissed his case as far-fetched, some calling it a publicity stunt.

Many ancient relics, including other nails supposedly traced back to the crucifixion, have been presented over the centuries as having a connection to Jesus. Many were deemed phony, while others were embraced as holy.

Mr Jacobovici, who sparked debate with a previous film that claimed to reveal the lost tomb of Jesus, says this find differs from others because of its historical and archaeological context.

"What we are bringing to the world is the best archaeological argument ever made that two of the nails from the crucifixion of Jesus have been found," he said. » | Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Inside Story - Prosecuting Mubarak
The Egyptian public prosecutor has issued an order to summon Hosni Mubarak, the former president of Egypt, and his two sons, Alaa and Gamal, for questioning over allegations of corruption. Just hours earlier Mubarak had made his first public statement since his dramatic departure from office. He denied being involved in corruption and denied having financial assets in foreign countries. For his part the public prosecutor said Mubarak's speech will not have any impact on the legal measures against him and his family. All this follows a crackdown on protestors in Tahrir Square on Friday and Saturday, in which two people were killed and 70 injured. So, would a trial appease those worried about a counter revolution in Egypt? Or might it further strain relations between the army and the people?

Japan Raises Nuclear Alert
The Japanese nuclear disaster is 100 times worse than officials first thought. 



The severity level of the nuclear crisis at the quake and tsunami damaged Fukushima plant has been raised from five to seven, the highest level on the international scale, and on a par with Chernobyl - the biggest nuclear disaster ever.



It comes as Japan was hit by yet another series of powerful aftershocks on Tuesday.



Anu Nathan reports.

France’s Burka Ban Is a Victory for Tolerance
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Britain’s politicians take fright at the idea – but Sarkozy’s brave step is both popular and right, says William Langley.

Despite some high-profile protests, France’s banning of the burka is enormously popular with the public. Unfortunately, as in Britain, almost anything politicians do that the voters approve of tends to be denounced as populisme – a particularly dread charge among the over-earnest French political class – and instead of enjoying the deserved benefits, President Nicolas Sarkozy has found himself on the defensive.

Sarko’s modest measure (the burka is forbidden only in public places, the fines are piffling and the enforcement procedures incomprehensible) has led to much talk of sledgehammers and nuts, warnings of an apocalyptic Muslim backlash and claims that the Republican tradition of liberté is being compromised in a seedy ploy to combat the resurgence of the hard-Right Front National under its new leader Marine Le Pen.

Almost anything, in fact, than an acknowledgement that the public overwhelmingly sees the ban as right for France, beneficial to its Muslim communities and justified – if on no other grounds – as a statement in support of liberalism against darkness. Approval runs right across the spectrum, with Fadela Amara, the Algerian-born former housing minister in Sarkozy’s government, calling the burka “a kind of tomb, a horror for those trapped within it”, and André Gerin, the Communist MP who headed the commission investigating the grounds for a ban, describing it as “the tip of an iceberg of oppression”.

So what do we get in Britain? Theresa May, the Home Secretary, rules out a ban because “it would be out of keeping with our nation’s longstanding record of tolerance”, while the Leftist commentariat continues – with apparent seriousness – to suggest that the face veil is a “lifestyle choice” and essentially no different from a balaclavas worn by middle-class types on the ski slopes of Courcheval. I suspect this thinking is going to have to change. Continue reading and comment » | William Langley | Monday, April 11, 2011

This Ignorant, Useless Prime Minister! David Cameron Brands 'All White' Oxford University a Disgrace
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: David Cameron branded Oxford University "disgraceful" after claiming that the institution admitted only one black student in the last academic year.

On a visit to the north of England, the Prime Minister singled out Oxford for criticism when he accused elite institutions of having a "terrible record" of enrolling teenagers from state schools.

Senior officials at the university described the figure as "highly misleading" as it related only to British students who described themselves as black Caribbean. They said Oxford admitted another 27 students who described themselves as black African and another 14 who were mixed race.

The university also said that only 452 black students across the country had even achieved the A-level results demanded by Oxford to meet its minimum entry requirements for the 2009-10 academic year.

Leading academics and MPs said Mr Cameron risked undermining the ancient institution with his "ignorant", "absurd" and "mind boggling" comments. It followed controversy last week over Mr Cameron's claim that Britain was responsible for many of the world's historic problems, including the conflict in Kashmir between India and Pakistan.

The latest fallout will add to growing controversy that the Coalition is attempting to "socially engineer" university admissions by asking top institutions to set targets for recruiting students from state schools, poor backgrounds and ethnic minorities. » | Andrew Porter, Graeme Paton and James Kirkup | Monday, April 11, 2011

Chris Brown – Forever

Barack Obama Complains about Lack of Privacy as President
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: President Barack Obama has complained about the loss of privacy that comes with being leader of the free world, regretting the loss of simple pleasures such as a long walk or a trip to the car wash or supermarket.

"I just miss – I miss being anonymous," he said. "I miss Saturday morning, rolling out of bed, not shaving, getting into my car with my girls, driving to the supermarket, squeezing the fruit, getting my car washed, taking walks. I can't take a walk."

His dream, he said, was to "go through Central Park and watch folks passing by ... spend the day watching people – I miss that".

Faced with simmering criticism for playing more golf than most previous occupants of the White House, he explained that the sport was simply the best way of getting away from it all.

"It's the only excuse I have to get outside for four hours at a stretch," he told Hearst magazines. » | Alex Spillius, Washington | Monday, April 11, 2011

From what you say, Obama, you don't deserve to occupy the White House. You really should have thought about these things before running for president, especially the loss of privacy. Any old fool could have told you about the loss of privacy!

How on earth can someone wish to become President of the USA and retain their anonymity? This truly beggars belief!

The fact of the matter is that you were too young and inexperienced for this most prestigious of positions. You were a greenhorn. A greenhorn unworthy of the high office that was bestowed upon you. Now, the poor Americans must suffer.

Most people would give their eye teeth to become the man that you now are: the President of the US of A. But you find it within yourself to complain about the restrictions of the position. How pathetic you sound, Mr. President!

How nice it would have been if you had chosen to go walk in Central Park instead of running for president. That way, you would have spared many people many a sleepless night.

Do yourself a favour and renounce your chance of running this time. Many will thank you for it. – © Mark

Libyan Revolutionary Council Rejects African Union's Peace Initiative
THE GUARDIAN: Rebels say deal is unacceptable because it does not require Gaddafi to step down

Libya's revolutionary leadership has flatly rejected an African Union peace initiative because it does not require Muammar Gaddafi to immediately relinquish power.

The rebels' interim ruling council met an AU delegation from five countries – led by three presidents and two foreign ministers – the day after Gaddafi endorsed the African "roadmap to peace", which included an immediate ceasefire, the suspension of Nato air strikes and talks towards a political settlement.

But Mustafa Abdul Jalil, the revolutionary council chairman, said the rebels had told the AU its proposal had been outdated by events, including the UN security council resolution authorising air strikes, and was in any case unacceptable because it left Gaddafi in power while both sides negotiated.

"From the very beginning we have been asking that the exit of Gaddafi and his sons take place immediately. We cannot consider this or any future proposal that does not include this peoples' requirement," said Jalil. "He leaves on his own or the march of the people will be at his doorstep."

That view was strongly backed by thousands of demonstrators outside the Benghazi hotel where the talks were held. They waved revolutionary flags and carried signs saying: "No solution with Gaddafi staying". » | Chris McGreal in Benghazi, Harriet Sherwood in Tripoli, Ian Traynor in Brussels and Nicholas Watt | Monday, April 11, 2011

Die «Grand Nation» führt drei Kriege, SF-Korrespondent Adrian Arnold versucht Frankreichs Motivation zu ergründen. («Tagesschau» [Schweiz], 06.04.2011)
Was treibt Frankreich dazu, in der Elfenbeinküste wie in Libyen so schnell zur Waffe zu greifen? – Das gleiche Frankreich, das vor acht Jahren den US-geführten Einmarsch im Irak noch vehement abgelehnt hat. Eine Einschätzung

BNP 'Koran Burning' Charge Dropped
PRESS ASSOCIATION: A British National Party election candidate accused of publicly burning a copy of the Koran has been freed after the charge against him was unexpectedly dropped.

Sion Owens, 41, of Bonymaen, Swansea, South Wales, was arrested and charged at the weekend under Section 29 of the Public Order Act.

The BNP candidate in next month's Welsh Assembly elections spent the weekend in custody before appearing at Swansea Magistrates' Court.

He has been warned that police are continuing to investigate the alleged incident and to expect further action.

It is understood that his release was due to a technicality regarding the Act under which he was arrested and charged. » | UKPA | Monday, April 11, 2011

Related »

Inside Story: Conspiracy over Syria Protests
There is mounting international condemnation of Syria's handling of pro-democracy protests - as more people are killed on streets. 



Bashar al Assad's regime insists it is a foreign conspiracy against his country. Others suggest a more sinister third party is involved. 



Inside Story discusses with guests: Marwan Kabalan, a professor of political science from Damascus University; Lamis Andoni, a writer and political commentator on Middle East affairs; and Patrick Seale, a leading British writer on the middle east, and author of "Asad of Syria". 



This episode of Inside Story aired on Sunday, April 10, 2011.

White House Dismisses Donald Trump's 'Sideshow' Presidential Run
THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: The White House has dismissed Donald Trump's potential presidential run as a "sideshow", saying there is no way the billionaire businessman would be "hired" by the American people.

Mr Trump, renowned for his New York bluster, is considering a tilt at the White House and according to some polls is running second among prospective Republican candidates, behind former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney.

As part of his flirtation with a presidential bid, Mr Trump has controversially brought up the non-issue of Mr Obama's birthplace.

The president was born in the US state of Hawaii and released a certificate of live birth to prove it in June 2008, but some on the right-hand fringes of American politics still like to pretend it is an issue.

"I think I saw Donald Trump kind of rising in some polls and given his behaviour with respect to the last couple of weeks I hope he keeps on rising," Mr Obama's campaign adviser David Plouffe told ABC's "This Week" program.

"I think there's zero chance that Donald Trump would ever be hired by the American people to do this job." » | Sunday, April 10, 2011