Malaysia to Ban Sex Manual for Obedient Muslim Wives

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Malaysian authorities plan to outlaw a book about sex published by a group of Muslim women who call themselves the Obedient Wives Club and advocate subservience to husbands.

The Malay-language book titled "Islamic Sex" is not available in shops but is believed to have been read by hundreds of members of the club formed this year by a small Malaysian Islamic sect that practices polygamy.

The book contains no explicit photographs but was written by the club's 56-year-old founder to describe her experiences and opinions on marriage. It has passages on how couples should physically and spiritually approach sex, claiming that most women only satisfy ten percent of their husbands' sexual needs.

The government's Islamic affairs department studied the 115-page book and recommended banning it because it could cause confusion among Malaysia's Muslim majority about acceptable religious teachings, a Home Ministry official said on condition of anonymity. Read on and comment » | Telegraph’s Foreign Staff | Friday, November 04, 2011

Followers of no other faith can be more sex-driven than Muslims are. It's all to do with the nature of the faith, of course. Force women to live in purdah, forbid the co-mingling of the sexes, encourage carnal pleasures (in secret, of course), and bang!, what do you get? A huge appetite for the pleasures of the flesh! – © Mark

This comment also appears here

Saving Charlie Hebdo
FRANCE 24: The firebombing of satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo dominates the French press - with other papers rallying around and seeing this as a press freedom issue.

Trois «Charlie» sous protection policière
LIBÉRATION: Le directeur de la publication, Charb, le directeur de la rédaction, Riss et le dessinateur Luz ont été placés sous protection rapprochée jeudi.

Charb, le directeur de la publication de Charlie Hebdo, le dessinateur Luz et le directeur de la rédaction, Riss, sont sous protection policière en raison des menaces proférées à leur encontre, a déclaré jeudi Patrick Pelloux, l'un des chroniqueurs du journal : «Ils sont sous protection policière rapprochée. La police ne veut pas prendre de risques.»

L'enquête de la police judiciaire (PJ) sur l'incendie criminel mercredi des locaux de l'hebdomadaire satirique n'excluait jeudi soir "aucune hypothyèse", disposant "d'au moins un témoignage direct" pouvant mettre en cause deux hommes aperçus sur les lieux.

Deux hommes ont été vus par "au moins un témoin direct", vers 1 heure, peu après l'heure supposée du début du sinistre, s'enfuir des lieux. Continuez à lire et ajouter un commentaire » | Source AFP | jeudi 03 novembre 2011

More Death Threats as Newspaper Escalates Mohamed Cartoon Row
THE INDEPENDENT: Death threats have closed the website of a French satirical magazine fire-bombed this week after featuring cartoons of the Prophet Mohamed, but that did not deter the daily Libération from publishing new drawings yesterday in a show of solidarity.

The Belgian company which runs Charlie Hebdo's internet site pulled the plug yesterday after anonymous threats were emailed. The magazine has been the victim of an intensive cyber war waged from the Muslim world, especially Turkey, since it published an edition on Wednesday which it said was "guest-edited by Mohamed", and was littered with Mohamed cartoons.

Charlie Hebdo's Facebook page has been inundated with messages in English, French, Turkish and Arabic, rejoicing in the Molotov cocktail attack which destroyed the magazine's offices in Paris in the early hours of Wednesday. Messages, repeated over and over, include, "Go to the devil, Charlie Hebdo" and "Shame on Charlie Hebdo".

The centre-left Libération risked the wrath of Islamic extremists yesterday by publishing a special edition of Charlie Hebdo, including two new Mohamed cartoons. A four-page supplement, wrapped around the main newspaper, carried a joint Charlie Hebdo-Libération masthead and 17 cartoons drawn by the magazine's regular contributors.

One cartoon showed a bearded man's head on the body of a fire-breathing dragon. The caption asked, "Is this the real face of Mohamed?" Other drawings were self-mocking. One showed a cartoonist in the centre of a defensive ring of heavily armed soldiers. The cartoonist says, "I have got another hilarious gag." A soldier replies, "I was afraid of that." » | JOHN LICHFIELD | PARIS | Friday, November 04, 2011

Related articles here, here, and here

Carla Bruni-Sarkozy rend hommage à sa tante Gigi

GALA.fr: La Première dame explique pourquoi elle a choisi le prénom Giulia

Alors que toutes les hypothèses possibles ont été suggérées autour du prénom Giulia, - même Dahlia a été évoqué- la vérité éclate enfin au grand jour. Avec Giulia, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy souhaite rendre hommage à sa tante Gigi, de son patronyme complet Giulia. » | par Pauline Gallard | jeudi 03 novembre 2011

Julian Assange : "Je lui ai appris à dire la vérité" dit sa mère

FRANCE SOIR: Alors que l'extradition vers la Suède du fondateur de WikiLeaks, Julian Assange, a été confirmée mercredi par la Haute Cour de Londres, sa mère annonce ce jeudi qu'il a été « crucifié » pour avoir dit la vérité. Chose qu'elle lui a toujours appris mais à laquelle elle ne croit plus...

Depuis l'Australie, dont Julian Assange est originaire, la mère du fondateur de WikiLeaks met en avant une éducation de la vérité donné à son fils. Selon elle, il est pourchassé pour avoir défendu son idéal de « vérité et de justice ». L'homme qui a fait trembler les Etats-Unis avec les révélations sur son site internet de 250.000 télégrammes diplomatiques américains en novembre 2010 est accusé par deux Suédoises d'avoir eu des relations contraintes et non protégées avec elles en août 2010.

Il a été « crucifié parce qu'il fait ce pour quoi il a été élevé », a poursuivi Christine Assange. « J'ai appris à mon fils à dire la vérité, à croire en la justice. Il a été élevé en pensant vivre dans une démocratie où il devait réparer toute injustice dont il était témoin. Aujourd'hui, je ne crois plus en tout cela », a-t-elle conclu. » | Par Actu France Soir | jeudi 03 novembre 2011

Iran Warns US to Avoid Clash over Nuclear Programme

THE GUARDIAN: Iranian foreign minister says America has 'lost its wisdom and prudence' as tensions mount over Tehran's enrichment efforts

Iran has warned the US not to set the two countries on a collision course over Tehran's nuclear enrichment programme, as diplomatic tensions reflected growing concern that the Middle East might be on the verge of new conflict.

The Iranian foreign minister, Ali Akbar Salehi, spoke amid reports that the Israeli prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, has been trying to rally support within his country for an attack.

The Guardian revealed that the UK was advancing contingency plans for joining American forces in a possible air and sea campaign against military bases in Iran.

The revelations led to Nato insisting on Thursday that it would play no part in any military action, and provoked the rebuke from Salehi, who insisted that any attack by either Israel or the US would provoke immediate retaliation. He also accused Washington of recklessness.

"The US has unfortunately lost its wisdom and prudence in dealing with international issues," he told reporters during a visit to Libya. "Of course we are prepared for the worst, but we hope that they think twice before they put themselves on a collision course with Iran."

In a separate interview with a Turkish newspaper, Salehi claimed Tehran was ready for war with Israel. "We have been hearing threats from Israel for eight years. Our nation is a united nation … such threats are not new to us," he said. "We are very sure of ourselves. We can defend our country." » | Nick Hopkins, Julian Borger and Ian Black | Thursday, November 03, 2011

Landmark Ruling Lifts 'Veil of Secrecy' from Prince of Wales's Duchy of Cornwall Estate

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: The 700-year-old “veil of secrecy” covering the workings of the Prince of Wales’s Duchy of Cornwall estate will be partially lifted after a landmark legal ruling that could open up the Royal family to far greater public scrutiny.

A tribunal ruled that the Duchy, which provided the Prince with an income of £17.8 million last year, was no longer exempt from freedom of information laws.

Since 1337 the Duchy, which owns 132,000 acres of land in 23 counties, has been the private domain of the heir to the throne.

But after a three-year legal battle by a local environmental campaigner, a judge decided that the Duchy is, in fact “a public authority”.

The decision means the Duchy, and by implication other royal assets such as the Duchy of Lancaster, owned by the Queen, must abide by some of the same rules of disclosure as local councils.

The case is also potentially embarrassing for the Prince, who prides himself on his environmental campaigns, as it revolved around the Duchy’s refusal to discuss the possible environmental impact of an oyster farm in its waters.

Michael Bruton, the environmentalist who has now forced the Duchy to answer his questions about the oyster farm, said: “It was clear that the Duchy did not want people to peer into its affairs and it has spent the last three years stalling. Read on and comment » | Gordon Rayner, Chief Reporter | Thursday, November 03, 2011

Michael Jackson 'Paid with His Life' for Conrad Murray's Recklessness

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Michael Jackson was killed by the recklessness of his personal physician Dr Conrad Murray who violated the "hallowed" bond of trust between doctor and patient, a court heard.

In his closing speech at the end of a five week trial prosecutor David Walgren told a jury that Dr Murray was guilty of "gross negligence" and had left the singer's children Prince, 14, Paris, 13, and Blanket, nine, fatherless.

Dr Murray, who denies a single charge of involuntary manslaughter, is accused of causing Jackson's death on June 25, 2009 by giving him propofol, a surgical anaesthetic intended only for use in hospitals, in the bedroom of his Los Angeles mansion.

Mr Walgren told the jury of seven men and five women that Jackson "paid with his life" for the criminal negligence of Dr Murray.

"The evidence in this case is overwhelming. It is absolutely clear that Conrad Murray acted with criminal negligence, that Conrad Murray caused the death of Michael Jackson, that Conrad Murray left Prince and Paris and Blanket without a father.

"For them this case does not end today, tomorrow or the next day. For Michael Jackson's children this case will go on forever because they do not have a father." Continue reading and comment » | Nick Allen, Los Angeles | Thursday, November 03, 2011

Der Islam gehört nicht zu Deutschland
Papst Benedikt hat bei seiner Deutschlandreise gesagt, dass Muslime ein "Merkmal Deutschlands" sind. PI München ist in dem folgenden Video der Frage nachgegangen, für welche Bereiche dies wohl maßgeblich zutreffen könnte. In jedem Fall ist diese Aussage des Papstes weitaus realistischer als der weder historisch noch faktisch belegbare Satz von Bundespräsident Wulff, dass der Islam zu Deutschland gehöre.

Wir haben am Beispiel Münchens einmal genauer untersucht, welche Spuren der Islam im Laufe der Zeit dort hinterlassen hat. Egal, ob es die Theatinerkirche am Odeonsplatz, die Propyläen am Königsplatz oder die "Vierte Moschee" in Freimann ist - man kann nicht davon sprechen, dass irgendetwas davon mit positiver Symbolik besetzt ist.

In der Vergangenheit hat der Islam Europa nur bedroht, in der Gegenwart stellt er hauptsächlich Forderungen, spaltet die Gesellschaft, sorgt für Sicherheitspobleme, reduziert den Wohlstand und in der Zukunft dürfte er eine ernste Gefahr für den Fortbestand der demokratischen, freien und toleranten Grundordnung darstellen. Daher widersprechen wir mit diesem Video ganz klar der Feststellung des Bundespräsidenten.

Es ist auch kein Zufall, dass Moslems mit ihrem "Tag der Offenen Moschee" dem "Tag der Deutschen Einheit" eine direkte Konkurrenz liefern. Klarer kann man kaum ausdrücken, wie das interne Wertesystem gelagert ist.

Herzlich Willkommen in ihrem Land: Deutschland

Référendum: les raisons de la volte-face de Papandréou
L’EXPRESS.fr: Le Premier ministre grec a laissé entendre en fin de journée que le référendum n'aurait finalement pas lieu. Les pressions exercées de toutes part auront donc eu raison de lui. Récit d'une journée extraordinaire.

Une journée en enfer pour le premier ministre grec. En l'espace de quelques heures, des pressions venues de l'Europe, de l'opposition, et même de son propre parti ont forcé Georges Papandréou à prendre le chemin de l'abandon du référendum sur le plan d'aide européen qu'il avait annoncé avec fracas ce mardi. Car depuis 48h, ce choix de consulter le peuple empoisonne ses relations avec l'Europe entière et avec les membres de sa propre majorité. Retour sur une spectaculaire volte-face. » | Ali Bekhtaoui | jeudi 03 novembre 2011

Israel Freezes UNESCO Funding after Palestinian Membership
HAARETZ: Netanyahu decides to hold $2 million Israel transfers to UN cultural body yearly; Israel decided Tuesday to expedite settlement building in West Bank in response to PA's UNESCO membership.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided Thursday to freeze funding to UNESCO after it had granted the Palestinians membership on Monday.

Israel transfers some $2 million to the UN cultural body yearly. A source in the Prime Minister's Office said that Netanyahu instructed to transfer those funds to initiatives working toward regional cooperation. » | Barak Ravid | Thursday, November 03, 2011

Drohungen gegen Israel – Irans Außenminister: Wir sind bereit zum Krieg
FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE: Nachdem in Israel seit Tagen über einen möglichen Angriff auf iranische Atomanlagen diskutiert wird, hat Iran Israel nun mit „apokalyptischen“ Konsequenzen gedroht. Die Zeitung „Guardian“ berichtet unterdessen, auch Großbritannien bereite sich auf einen Angriff gegen iranische Ziele vor.

Iran hat Israel für den Fall eines Angriffes mit Konsequenzen in „apokalyptischem“ Ausmaß gedroht. Eine entsprechende Warnung veröffentlichte das iranische Staatsfernsehen am Donnerstag auf seiner Internetseite. Israel seien die militärischen Fähigkeiten Irans gut bekannt, heißt es dort: „Die iranische Raketenindustrie ist in der Region die beste und in der Welt eine der besten.“ Irans Außenminister Ali Akbar Saleh sagte der Zeitung „Hürriyet Daily News“, sein Land sei „immer bereit zum Krieg“. Drohungen seien für Iran nicht neu.

In Israel wird seit mehreren Tagen über einen möglichen Angriff auf iranische Atomanlagen diskutiert. Laut Presseberichten versuchten Ministerpräsident Netanjahu und Verteidigungsminister Barak, im Kabinett Zustimmung für ein militärisches Vorgehen zu gewinnen. Mehrere Minister seien jedoch dagegen. In Israel werden die jüngsten Warnungen vor den Gefahren des iranischen Atomprogramms, wie die von Netanjahu zu Wochenbeginn geäußerte, unterschiedlich gedeutet. » | Quelle: F.A.Z./hcr./Lt./rüb./anr. | Donnerstag 03. November 2011

Turkish Prime Minister in Berlin: Erdogan Escalates Germany Criticism

SPIEGEL ONLINE INTERNATIONAL: A ceremony on Wednesday to mark 50 years since the first Turkish 'guest workers' arrived in Germany should be a friendly photo opportunity for the leaders of the two countries. But many tensions still exist, and Turkish leader Erdogan has taken aim at Germany once again in a controversial interview.

When Angela Merkel and Recep Tayyip Erdogan meet today at the Foreign Ministry in Berlin, the pictures of two important world leaders should be nice, friendly ones; the German chancellor and the Turkish prime minister shaking hands as they cement the friendship between their two countries. The ceremony is being held to mark the 50th anniversary of the first 'guest workers' arriving in Germany from Turkey, and ahead of the prime minister's visit, Merkel praised the migrants, saying they had become part of the country.

The reception for Erdogan laid on by German President Christian Wulff on Tuesday evening was also a harmonious affair. But the kind words and grand gestures between the two countries cannot cover the fact that serious tensions exist between them -- tensions underlined by inflammatory comments made by Erdogan in an interview with German daily Bild on Wednesday.

Turkey is one of the world's up and coming nations, and its economy is booming. At the same time, Erdogan is pursuing a new, aggressive foreign policy which is viewed with the utmost concern not only by Turkey's immediate neighbours, but also in Berlin.

After the ceremony in the Foreign Ministry, therefore, the leaders are likely to talk turkey, so to speak. Erdogan and Merkel will meet for a frank exchange of opinions in which sensitive foreign policy issues will be on the agenda -- including the situation in North Africa and the Middle East, the conflict with the Kurds and bilateral relations. » | Anna Reimann | Wednesday, November 02, 2011

Des hackers turcs revendiquent le piratage de "Charlie Hebdo"

LE NOUVEL OBSERVATEUR: Dans un message transmis au "Nouvel Observateur", le groupe Akincilar lance : "'Charlie Hebdo' est devenu notre cible après cet affront à nos valeurs religieuses".

Le groupe de hackers Akincilar a revendiqué, jeudi 3 novembre, le piratage du site de "Charlie Hebdo", justifiant sa démarche comme "une lutte contre une publication qui attaque [ses] croyances et [ses] valeurs morales".

Dans un message transmis au "Nouvel Observateur" et accessible en ligne, les hackers turcs plaident : "Le site www.charliehebdo.fr est devenu notre cible [après] cet affront à nos valeurs religieuses. Puisqu'il est méprisant envers notre prophète, nous avons mis notre contenu sur la page d'accueil [du site] pour protester".

Akincilar propose de revoir une version de www.charliehebdo.fr lorsqu'il était piraté. » | Boris Manenti - Le Nouvel Observateur | jeudi 03 novembre 2011

Muslim Canadians must abide by Canada's laws: OUR OPINION
THE BARRIE EXAMINER – EDITORIAL: Canadians should be concerned about a recent survey that found 62% of Muslims living in this country want some form of Shariah law here.

And that 15% of Muslims say Shariah law should be mandatory.

The study was conducted by the MacDonald Laurier Institute and involved phone interviews with 455 Muslims in Ottawa, between May and July 2008, with a margin of error of five percentage points.
A small sample, done more than three years ago, but of concern nonetheless.

Shariah means an Islamic way of life, not just a system of criminal justice. It is a code of living that most Muslims adopt as part of their faith. Some countries formally institute it as the law of the land, enforced by the courts.

Because many Muslims believe Canada is a secular country, they feel our secular legal system makes it difficult for them to govern themselves by the personal rules of their own religion. Canada's marriage and divorce laws differ from Muslim law, for example.

But there is considerable opposition to Shariah law in Canada, as there should be.

The National Association of Women and the Law, the Canadian Council of Muslim Women and the National Organization of Immigrant and Visible Minority Women of Canada have all argued that under Shariah law, men and women are not treated equally.

These groups argue that women fare much worse in divorce, child custody and inheritance matters under Shariah law.

This flies in the face of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, our Constitution, which guarantees that women and men are treated equally under Canadian law.

Two of Canada's largest provinces have already rejected Shariah law. » | The Barrie Examiner | Thursday, November 03, 2011

Regierungskrise in Griechenland: Papandreou droht Schlappe bei Vertrauensvotum
SPIEGEL ONLINE: Griechenland schlittert in eine schwere Regierungskrise. Bei der für Freitag geplanten Vertrauensabstimmung im Parlament steht Premier Papandreou eine Niederlage bevor. In Europa wächst die Wut auf Athen, auch ein Euro-Aus für Hellas wird nun ernsthaft erwogen.

Athen - Die Regierungskrise in Griechenland hat sich am Donnerstag dramatisch verschärft. Bei der für Freitag geplanten Vertrauensabstimmung im griechischen Parlament könnte die Regierung ohne Mehrheit dastehen. Zwei Abgeordnete der Sozialisten haben angekündigt, Regierungschef Georgios Papandreou nicht das Vertrauen aussprechen zu wollen. Dies berichtet der griechische TV-Sender Net. Papandreou verfügt im Parlament derzeit nur noch über eine hauchdünne Mehrheit von 152 der 300 Abgeordneten, ohne die Parlamentarierinnen wären es 150. » | jok/dpa/Reuters/dapd | Donnerstag 03. November 2011

Israël étudie l'option d'un raid contre l'Iran

LE FIGARO: Selon la presse israélienne, les modalités d'une attaque préventive contre les installations nucléaires iraniennes se précisent.

Israël serait en train d'envisager plus sérieusement que jamais une attaque préventive contre les installations nucléaires iraniennes. Depuis plusieurs semaines déjà, des diplomates étrangers s'alarment des préparatifs israéliens. L'éditorialiste Nahum Barnea du quotidien Yedioth Ahronoth a porté le débat sur la place publique en Israël vendredi dernier, en laissant entendre que Nétanyahouet son ministre de la Défense Ehoud Barak auraient déjà pris la décision de lancer une attaque contre l'Iran.

Barak a précisé lundi qu'aucune décision n'avait été arrêtée. Sans vraiment convaincre, puisqu'il a ajouté le lendemain à la Knesset qu'il pouvait y avoir «des situations sensibles dans lesquelles Israël devra défendre ses intérêts vitaux de façon indépendante».

Mercredi, le quotidien Haaretz, citant une source officielle israélienne, confirmait que Nétanyahou et Barak s'efforçaient de convaincre une majorité au sein du cabinet, et que Liberman, le ministre des Affaires étrangères, se serait déjà rallié à cette option. » | Par Adrien Jaulmes, correspondant du Figaro à Jérusalem | mercredi 02 novembre 2011

Egyptian Blogger Claims Authorities Are Betraying Revolution
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: An Egyptian activist detained by the military authorities has smuggled a letter out of prison condemning them for betraying the revolution to topple President Hosni Mubarak which he helped initiate.

Alaa Abdel-Fattah is one of thousands of people, many activists and bloggers, arrested by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, the military council running Egypt, since the Tahrir Square revolution.

But his detention has caused particular outrage because he is accused of instigating violence during a protest by Christians last month, where video evidence clearly showed troops driving into and shooting at unarmed demonstrators.

In his letter, published in local media, he describes how being imprisoned reminds him of a previous arrest under Mr Mubarak.

"I'm alone, in a cell with eight men who shouldn't be here; poor, helpless, unjustly held – the guilty among them and the innocent," he writes. "As soon as they learned I was one of the "young people of the revolution" they started to curse out the revolution and how it had failed to clean up the ministry of the interior. Continue reading and comment » | Richard Spencer, Middle East Correspondent | Wednesday, November 02, 2011

Marine Le Pen Defends US Trip Despite Political Snubs
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Marine Le Pen, the French far-right candidate, said her trip to the United States remained a success despite scoring meetings with only a small handful of political figures.

"Even before I left for the United States, the French media said it was already a failure. That's not at all the case," she told a throng of French journalists.

Miss Le Pen, of the anti-immigrant National Front party, had an agenda filled more with visits to centres of power like the US Capitol than with meetings with political leaders.

But the office of Republican representative and presidential hopeful Ron Paul said he had a "quick private meeting" with Le Pen earlier Wednesday.

"They primarily discussed monetary policy and the gold standard," spokeswoman Rachel Mills told AFP. » | Wednesday, November 02, 2011

Herman Cain Accuses Rick Perry of Smear Campaign over Sexual Harassment Allegations

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Herman Cain has launched a blistering attack on his rival Governor Rick Perry, accusing him of mounting a “despicable” smear campaign by orchestrating the leak of sexual harassment allegations against him.

Aides to the Republican presidential front-runner demanded that Mr Perry, the Governor of Texas, “apologise to Herman Cain and quite frankly to America", as a third woman who worked for him in the 1990s alleged that he had behaved inappropriately towards her.

The pizza tycoon’s chief of staff, Mark Block, said an adviser to Mr Perry, Curt Anderson, had learned about the allegations while working on Mr Cain’s unsuccessful 2004 campaign for the US Senate. He accused Mr Anderson of giving the details to reporters after joining Mr Perry’s team a fortnight ago.

"It is an outrage,” Mr Block said. “The antics of the Perry campaign are despicable ... Mr Cain has never committed any sexual harassment. Period. » | Jon Swaine, New York | Wednesday, November 02, 2011

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Pressure mounts on Herman Cain as third woman claims sexual harassment: The presidential campaign of Republican Herman Cain has been thrown into deeper trouble after a third woman came forward to accuse the former pizza chief executive of inappropriate behaviour when he headed a restaurant industry lobbying group in the 1990s. » | Jon Swaine, New York | Thursday, November 03, 2011

With Gaddafi Gone, Iran Is Once Again Top of the West's List of Problems

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: The drumbeat of war against Iran is set to beat much louder when the UN’s nuclear watchdog publishes the findings of its long-awaited report next week that the country is well advanced in its attempts to build a nuclear bomb

Because of Libya, international concern over Iran’s controversial nuclear programme has taken second place to the Nato-led effort to overthrow Colonel Muammar Gaddafi’s regime.

But now that Nato has officially declared the Libya mission at an end, the far more problematic issue of how to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions is once again making all the headlines on the international security agenda.

Next week’s report by the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is widely expected to be the most unequivocal assessment of Tehran’s nuclear intentions in more than a decade. » | Con Coughlin | Wednesday, November 02, 2011

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Iran: the damning nuclear evidence – Iran is attempting to engineer and test nuclear weapons at a series of banned production sites in defiance of United Nations sanctions, according to a report to be released next week. » | Damien McElroy, Adrian Blomfield in Jerusalem, Duncan Gardham and Alex Spillius | Wednesday, November 02, 2011

Hugo Chavez's Family 'Want Him to Give Up Presidency due to Cancer'

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: A doctor who fled Venezuela after claiming President Hugo Chavez has only two years to live has said he only spoke out at the request of the radical left-wing leader's own family because they want him to step down.

Salvador Navarrete was labelled "a great con man" by Mr Chavez last month after telling a magazine that the cancer which the Venezuelan leader says he has already overcome was "very aggressive" and probably terminal.

Shortly afterwards, the doctor hurriedly left Venezuela with his family for an undisclosed location, amid reports that police had visited his offices in Caracas.

Now a new statement, released via medical colleagues of Dr Navarrete, threatens to undermine further Mr Chavez's insistence that he has been declared free of cancer and will be fit to fight next year's presidential election.

"Whom [sic] requested Dr Navarrete to make the announcement on Chavez's health was the presidential family, his daughters and his mother; they want Hugo Chavez to give up the presidency so he can rest and spend time with his family", said the statement.

It added that "the presidential family is concerned because his kidneys are not working; he is being submitted to dialysis almost daily, he is being bombarded with steroids". » | Robin Yapp, Sao Paulo | Wednesday, November 02, 2011

UK Military Steps Up Plans for Iran Attack amid Fresh Nuclear Fears

THE GUARDIAN: British officials consider contingency options to back up a possible US action as fears mount over Tehran's capability

Britain's armed forces are stepping up their contingency planning for potential military action against Iran amid mounting concern about Tehran's nuclear enrichment programme, the Guardian has learned.

The Ministry of Defence believes the US may decide to fast-forward plans for targeted missile strikes at some key Iranian facilities. British officials say that if Washington presses ahead it will seek, and receive, UK military help for any mission, despite some deep reservations within the coalition government.

In anticipation of a potential attack, British military planners are examining where best to deploy Royal Navy ships and submarines equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles over the coming months as part of what would be an air and sea campaign.

They also believe the US would ask permission to launch attacks from Diego Garcia, the British Indian ocean territory, which the Americans have used previously for conflicts in the Middle East. » | Nick Hopkins | Wednesday, November 02, 2011

Condamnation unanime de "l'attentat" contre les locaux de "Charlie Hebdo"

LE MONDE: De gauche à droite, et avant même que l'identité du ou des coupables soit connue, toute la classe politique a dénoncé l'incendie volontaire du siège de l'hebdomadaire satirique Charlie Hebdo le jour où sortait un numéro spécial rebaptisé Charia Hebdo.

Le premier ministre, François Fillon, a fait part de son "indignation" : "La liberté d'expression est une valeur inaliénable de notre démocratie et toute atteinte à la liberté de la presse doit être condamnée avec la plus grande fermeté. Aucune cause ne saurait justifier une action violente", affirme dans un communiqué M. Fillon. » | LEMONDE.FR | mercredi 02 novembre 2011

Pourquoi il faut soutenir "Charlie Hebdo"
LE MONDE – EDITORIAL: Six ans après la publication des caricatures du Prophète Mahomet par le journal danois Jyllands-Posten et la tempête qu'elle a provoquée dans les communautés musulmanes du monde entier, un incendie d'origine criminelle a partiellement détruit, mercredi 2 novembre dans la nuit, les locaux de l'hebdomadaire satirique Charlie Hebdo à Paris. Parallèlement, le site Internet de la publication a été la cible d'attaques informatiques qui l'ont rendu inaccessible, du moins mercredi matin.

Sous le titre "Charia Hebdo", l'hebdomadaire consacre la couverture de son numéro mis en vente mercredi à la montée des islamistes en Libye et en Tunisie."Mahomet" est supposé en être le "rédacteur en chef". Un supplément "Charia Madame" est annoncé, ainsi qu'un "apéro halal". Soulignant la dimension satirique de ce numéro, une caricature de Mahomet menace : "Cent coups de fouet si vous n'êtes pas morts de rire". » | Editorial du “Monde” | mercredi 02 novembre 2011

Liens en relation avec cet éditorial »

Charlie Hebdo and Its Place in French Journalism

BBC: Charlie Hebdo is part of a venerable tradition in French journalism going back to the scandal sheets that denounced Marie-Antoinette in the run-up to the French Revolution.

The tradition combines left-wing radicalism with a provocative scurrility that often borders on the obscene.

Back in the 18th Century, the target was the royal family, and the rumour-mongers wrought havoc with tales - often illustrated - of sexual antics and corruption at the court at Versailles.

Nowadays there are new dragons to slay: politicians, the police, bankers and religion. Satire, rather than outright fabrication, is the weapon of choice.

But that same spirit of insolence that once took on the ancien regime - part ribaldry, part political self-promotion - is still very much on the scene.

Charlie Hebdo is a prime exponent.

Its decision to mock the Prophet Muhammad may be called courageously principled or dangerously irresponsible. What is undeniable is that it is entirely consistent with its historic raison d'etre [sic].

Urge to challenge

As a newspaper, Charlie Hebdo suffers from constant comparison with its better-known and more successful rival, Le Canard Enchaine [sic].

Both are animated by the same urge to challenge the powers-that-be.

But if Le Canard is all about scoops and unreported secrets, Charlie is both cruder and crueller - deploying a melange of cartoons and an often vicious polemical wit. » | Hugh Schofield | BBC News | Paris | Wednesday, November 02, 2011

Related links here and here

WikiLeaks Founder Julian Assange Loses Extradition Battle

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has lost his High Court bid to block extradition to Sweden where he faces sex crime allegations.

Two judges rejected claims that extraditing the 40-year-old Australian would be "unfair and unlawful".

The Swedish authorities want him to answer accusations of "raping" one woman and "sexually molesting and coercing" another in Stockholm in August last year.

Mr Assange, whose WikiLeaks website published a mass of leaked diplomatic cables that embarrassed several governments and international businesses, denies the allegations and says they are politically motivated.

The High Court upheld a ruling by District Judge Howard Riddle at Belmarsh Magistrates' Court, south London, in February that the computer expert should be extradited to face investigation.

Dressed in a sharp, navy blue suit and wearing a Remembrance Day poppy, the world's most famous whistleblower was mobbed as he approached the court building and police had to redirect him away from the crowd. » | Wednesday, November 02, 2011

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Herman Cain Recalls New Details as Sexual Harassment Story Shifts Again

THE GUARDIAN: Republican frontrunner changes version of events for second time in 24 hours as criticism grows over his handling of crisis

Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain was struggling to maintain a credible response to allegations of sexual harassment as he shifted his version of events for the second time in 24 hours.

After insisting on Monday that he had no recollection of any settlements being paid to two women who complained about his conduct when he was president of the National Restaurant Association, Cain changed his story on Monday night when he said he could, in fact, recall such a payout.

He also recalled that he had compared one of the women in height to his wife, and raised his hand to his chin to demonstrate his wife's height. The woman was apparently uncomfortable with the gesture, though Cain said his office door had been open and an assistant had been sitting outside.

On Tuesday morning, he added a new twist, admitting that there had been "a couple of other things" in the complaint he had not previously mentioned. He dismissed these as "ridiculous", but declined to elaborate on what they were, saying he could not remember. » | Ewan MacAskill, Washington | Tuesday, November 01, 2011
Related articles here and here

Giorgos Papandreou, vom eigenen Volk gehasst

WELT ONLINE: Der griechische Ministerpräsident will sein Land retten, doch die meisten Griechen halten ihn für einen Verräter. Mit dem Referendum setzt er auf volles Risiko.

Giorgos Papandreou hat ein schweres Jahr unerwiderter Liebe für sein Land hinter sich. Der Spross einer der drei großen politischen Dynastien ist so etwas wie griechischer Hochadel, und er ist überzeugt von einer gewissermaßen angeborenen Pflicht, seinem Land Gutes zu tun.

In Amerika geboren und sozialisiert, fühlt er sich berufen, seinen Teil zur Modernisierung der „Wiege des Abendlandes“ beizutragen. Seit 2009 darf und will er beweisen, dass er der Retter Griechenlands sein kann.

Die letzten zwölf Monate müssen für Papandreou daher eine emotionale Hölle gewesen sein. Die meisten Griechen hassen ihn, den Halb-Ausländer, als einen, der nicht zu ihnen gehört. Er gilt als ein Verräter, der das Land den gierigen Profiteuren der EU verkauft.

Man wirft ihm vor, der Schoßhund der brutalen westlichen Finanzwelt zu sein, man beschuldigt ihn, er lasse Griechenland von Brüssel regieren. Im Drama um die griechischen Staatsschulden soll er mehr als einmal an Rücktritt gedacht haben.

Innerhalb der eigenen Partei wurde er an den Rand gedrängt. Seit einem Jahr übernimmt immer deutlicher der „starke Mann“ der sozialistischen Partei das Ruder der Politik, Finanzminister Evangelos Venizelos. » | Autor: B. Kálnoky, F. Hassel und C. Roumeliotis | Mittwoch 02. November 2011

Greek Government Teeters On Brink of Collapse in Wake of Referendum plan

THE GUARDIAN: France and Germany battle to save the single currency as Europe is plunged back into turmoil days after rescue deal

The French president Nicolas Sarkozy and German chancellor Angela Merkel will hold emergency talks on Wednesday in a desperate attempt to hold the eurozone together and formulate a response to the Greek prime minister's plan for a referendum on the austerity measures imposed by his European partners.

George Papandreou's socialist government is on the brink of collapse after his referendum plan sparked an angry reaction within his own party and plunged Europe back into turmoil, just days after a complex rescue deal had been agreed – requiring Greece to embark on tough cost-cutting measures.

While Papandreou's cabinet approved unanimously his decision to hold a referendum, it threatens to split the prime minister's Pasok party. One MP, Milena Apostolaki, has quit in disgust at the idea of a referendum and several colleagues have said that if it is not abandoned they will join her. Papandreou faces a vote of confidence on Friday. A split in the Pasok party would almost certainly bring down the Greek government, which now has a majority of just two MPs in parliament.

The Greek finance minister, Evangelos Venizelos, who was rushed to hospital before the referendum announcement, said Papandreou had kept him in the dark over his plan to announce a vote. » | Phillip Inman and Helena Smith in Athens | Wednesday, November 02, 2011

Nicolas Sarkozy réagit au référendum en Grèce
Suite à l’annonce d’un référendum sur l’accord européen, Nicolas Sarkozy a rappelé que ce plan est “la seule voie possible pour résoudre le problème de la dette grecque”.

Julian Assange Awaits High Court Ruling on Extradition

THE GUARDIAN: WikiLeaks founder will hear on Wednesday if he has won his bid to block extradition to Sweden to face sex crime allegations

The WikiLeaks founder, Julian Assange, is due to appear at the high court in London to find out whether he has won or lost his appeal againstextradition to Sweden to face rape allegations.

Lord Justice Thomas and Mr Justice Ouseley are due to hand down their judgment at 9.45am on Wednesday in the 40-year-old Australian's case against a European arrest warrant issued by Swedish prosecutors after rape and sexual assault accusations made by two Swedish women following his visit to Stockholm in August 2010. » | Press Association | Wednesday, November 02, 2011

French Satirical Newspaper Firebombed after Prophet Mohammed Announcement
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: The offices of French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo have been destroyed by a petrol bomb, a day after it named the Prophet Mohammed as its “editor-in-chief” for this week’s issue.

The fiercely anti-clerical magazine said the move, which included renaming the publication “Sharia Hebdo”, was intended to "celebrate" the victory of Islamist party Ennhada in Tunisia's election.

Charlie Hedbo's editor-in-chief, known as Charb, told France Info radio: "We no longer have a newspaper. All our equipment has been destroyed or has melted."
No injuries have been reported[.]

A single Molotov cocktail was thrown at the offices of Charlie Hebdo in Paris’s 20th arrondissement at around 1am. The ensuing fire was rapidly put out, but a large amount of material in the office was destroyed, police said.

“We cannot, today, put together a paper,” said Charb. “But we will do everything possible to do one next week. Whatever happens, we’ll do it. There is no question of giving in,” he said, adding that the magazine is filing a legal complaint against persons unkown.

According to Europe 1 radio, police are searching for two suspects seen near the scene.

Charlie Hebdo's website has also been hacked with a message in English and Turkish cursing the magazine.

The message said: "You keep abusing Islam's almighty Prophet with disgusting and disgraceful cartoons using excuses of freedom of speech.

"Be God's curse upon you!" » | Henry Samuel, Paris | Wednesday, November 02, 2011-11-02

Related »

THE GUARDIAN: French magazine offices petrol-bombed after it prints Muhammad cartoon: Satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo is burned out by 1am petrol bomb attack on the day 'sharia' edition was to hit news stands » | Angelique Chrisafis in Nice | Wednesday, November 02, 2011

Incendie criminel à la rédaction de Charlie Hebdo
La rédaction de Charlie Hebdo, qui publie ce mercredi un numéro spécial après les élections en Tunisie, a été détruite dans la nuit de mardi à mercredi par un incendie criminel. «Deux individus auraient lancé un objet incendiaire», selon le chroniqueur P. Pelloux sur BFMTV.


Charlie Hebdo : Delanoë condamne l'acte de violence
Bertrand Delanoë a «condamné avec la plus grande fermeté» l’incendie criminel de la rédaction de Charlie Hebdo. « Si je peux aider Charlie Hebdo à retrouver des locaux pour pouvoir faire vivre son journal et sa liberté, je le ferai», a assuré le maire de Paris sur BFMTV et RMC.

LE FIGARO: Un incendie criminel ravage
le siège de Charlie Hebdo : Les locaux parisiens du journal satirique, qui sort aujourd'hui un numéro sur la charia, ont été attaqués au cocktail molotov. Son site Internet a par ailleurs été piraté. » | Par lefigaro.fr | mercredi 02 novembre 2011

REUTERS FRANCE: Les locaux de l'hebdomadaire Charlie Hebdo incendiés : PARIS - Un incendie s'est déclaré dans les locaux parisiens de l'hebdomadaire satirique Charlie Hebdo dans la nuit de mardi à mercredi sans faire de victimes, a déclaré à Reuters une source policière, alors que le magazine publie un numéro renommé "Charia Hebdo". ¶ Selon le directeur de la publication de Charlie Hebdo, Stéphane Charbonnier, l'incendie, qui a détruit la rédaction du journal, a été provoqué par un cocktail Molotov. » | Marine Pennetier et Matthias Blamont, édité par Patrick Vignal | mercredi 02 novembre 2011

Scharia-Ausgabe: Anschlag auf französisches Satire-Magazin
SPIEGEL ONLINE: Das französisches Satire-Magazin "Charlie Hebdo" ist Ziel eines Anschlags geworden: Unbekannte schleuderten einen Molotow-Cocktail in das Büro der Redaktion. Die Zeitschrift zeigt in einem Sonderheft zum Wahlerfolg der Islamisten in Tunesien den Propheten Mohammed auf dem Cover.

Paris - Für die Redaktion der satirischen Wochenzeitung "Charlie Hebdo" war es ein kleiner Scherz: Ihre Sonderausgabe zum Wahlsieg der islamistischen Partei al-Nahda in Tunesien hatte sie kurzerhand in "Scharia Hebdo" unbekannt, dazu gibt es auf dem Cover eine Darstellung des Propheten Mohammed. "100 Peitschenhiebe, wenn Sie sich nicht totgelacht haben", steht dazu neben Mohammed in einer Sprechblase. Der Prophet war zudem zu einer Art Chefredakteur ernannt worden. Man habe damit den Sieg der al-Nahda in Tunesien "feiern" wollen, hieß es. » | heb/ala/hen/dpa/AFP | Mittwoch 02. November 2011

Zur Fotogalerie »



My comment:

Newspaper columnists should be outraged by what happened in France today. But no; they'd rather appease. It's all rather pathetic. How many newspapers have had the guts to print the cartoons? How many newspapers have had the guts to print the front page of "Charia Hebdo"? As things stand, everyone is sh** scared of Muslims. At this rate, all the freedoms that our forefathers fought and died for will soon be gone – for ever! – © Mark

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World Faces Years of Social Unrest as Economies Falter
THE INDEPENDENT: The international economy is on the brink of a deep new economic crisis that could cost millions of jobs around the globe and trigger mass social unrest, the world's most powerful nations were warned yesterday.

As the leaders of the G20 countries prepare for emergency talks on averting a return to worldwide recession, the United Nations' International Labour Organisation (ILO) issued a grim forecast of the social effects of the continuing economic crisis.

The UN agency warned that it could take until 2016 for global employment to return to the levels of three years ago – and that anger could erupt on the streets of Europe and other continents as a result.

The economic gloom was exacerbated yesterday by Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou's surprise announcement that his country would hold a referendum on the European debt deal that was struck last week. The vote could put the tortuously conceived package in jeopardy.

The Greek Finance Minister, Evangelos Venizelos, said the announcement was prompted by popular discontent at the terms of the deal. » | NIGEL MORRIS, BEN CHU | Tuesday, November 01, 2011

E-petition Demands Drastic Action to Stop Britain's Population Hitting 'Unsustainable' 70million
MAIL ONLINE: A campaign was launched yesterday for drastic action to prevent Britain’s population reaching an ‘unsustainable’ 70million.

The ‘e-petition’ calls on David Cameron to clamp down on immigration, which is seen as the major factor behind the rising numbers.

Organisers Migration Watch are seeking the 100,000 signatures needed to force a Parliamentary debate on the issue.

National statisticians predict the UK will be home to 70million people within just 16 years.

According to Migration Watch, two thirds of the increase will be the result of future immigration. Sir Andrew Green, who chairs the group, said: ‘Politicians need reminding that this is an issue that is consistently one of the top concerns of voters and it must be addressed.’ » | James Slack | Tuesday, November 01, 2011

Sign the petition here

Perry's Cornerstone Speech Highlights

Rick Perry ivre ? | Rédigé par Lorraine Millot »
GLOBE AND MAIL: Rick Perry uses fake Occupy Toronto quote in speech to discredit protesters: Rick Perry's fumbling, stumbling campaign to win the Republican presidential nomination can add another gaffe to its growing roster: the Texas governor is the latest conservative to ridicule a fake quote in a satirical Globe and Mail piece in an effort to discredit the Occupy Wall Street protesters. » | LEE-ANNE GOODMAN | Tuesday, November 01, 2011

La Libye a un nouveau Premier ministre
lePARISIEN.fr: Le nouveau visage de la Libye s'appelle Abdel Rahim al-Kib. Cet universitaire, originaire de Tripoli, est devenu lundi soir, le Premier ministre du gouvernement de transition du pays. Le titulaire du poste, Mahmoud Djibril, a donc tenu ses promesses et démissionné comme prévu, après la «libération totale» de la Libye proclamée le 23 octobre dernier. » | LeParisien.fr | lundi 31 octobre 2011

Référendum grec - Sarkozy : "Le plan adopté est la seule voie possible"
LE POINT: Le président a réuni François Fillon et ses principaux ministres à l'Élysée après l'annonce-surprise d'Athènes.

Le plan adopté à Bruxelles est "la seule voie possible pour résoudre le problème de la dette grecque". Nicolas Sarkozy n'a pas mâché ses mots, mardi soir, au terme d'une réunion interministérielle de crise organisée après la décision grecque d'organiser un référendum sur le plan de sauvetage du pays.

"Cette annonce a surpris toute l'Europe. La France tient à rappeler que le plan adopté jeudi dernier à l'unanimité des 17 membres de la zone euro est la seule voie possible pour résoudre le problème de la dette grecque", a dit Nicolas Sarkozy. "Donner la parole au peuple est toujours légitime mais la solidarité de tous les pays de la zone euro ne saurait s'exercer sans que chacun consente aux efforts nécessaires", a-t-il ajouté. » | LE POINT.FR | mardi 01 novembre 2011

Hillary Clinton's Mother Dies
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: The 92-year-old mother of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton died early on Tuesday after her health took a turn for the worse, causing the chief US diplomat to cancel foreign travel plans.

Dorothy Rodham, who was born in Chicago on June 4, 1919, died shortly after midnight on Tuesday surrounded by her family, the family said in a short statement.

"Her story was a quintessentially American one, largely because she wrote it herself," the statement said. » | Tuesday, November 01, 2011

Der Islam In Deutschland

Australian Boy, 14, Goes On Trial in Bali
THE GUARDIAN: Teenager faces up to 12 years in prison if found guilty of buying marijuana while on holiday with his parents

A 14-year-old Australian boy charged with possessing marijuana during a holiday with his parents in Bali has gone on trial, prosecutors and the boy's lawyer said.

The boy, wearing a mask to protect his identity, arrived at Denpasar district court with his mother for a brief, closed-door hearing. » | Associated Press in Bali | Tuesday, November 01, 2011

Demonstration in Kairo für verhafteten Blogger

Militärführung Ablenkung von Verantwortung für blutige Zusammenstösse vorgeworfen
NZZ ONLINE: Mehr als 3000 Personen sind in der ägyptischen Hauptstadt Kairo aus Protest gegen die Festnahme eines prominenten Bloggers auf die Strasse gegangen. Bei der friedlichen Demonstration forderten sie am Montag die Freilassung des Aktivisten Alaa Abdel Fatah. » | sda/ddp | Dienstag o1. November 2011

Griechenland: Papandreou kündigt Referendum über Hilfspaket an

FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE: Die Griechen sollen über die neuen Finanzhilfen für Griechenland und den angebotenen Schuldenschnitt abstimmen. Das kündigte Ministerpräsident Papandreou am Montagabend an. FDP-Fraktionschef Brüderle zeigte sich von der Ankündigung „irritiert“ und forderte, sich auf einen Bankrott des Landes einzustellen.

Der griechische Ministerpräsident Georgios Papandreou hat ein Referendum über das europäische Hilfspaket von 130 Milliarden Euro sowie den in Aussicht gestellten Teilerlass griechischer Staatsschulden und damit über den unpopulären Sanierungskurs seiner Regierung angekündigt. Er werde zudem im Parlament die Vertrauensfrage stellen, sagte Papandreou bei einer Fraktionssitzung der regierenden Pasok. Über die Vertrauensfrage wird das Parlament voraussichtlich in der kommenden Woche abstimmen, das Referendum soll noch in diesem Jahr stattfinden. Die Pasok stellt 153 der 300 Abgeordneten im griechischen Parlament. » | Von RAINER HERMANN, ATHEN | Montag 31. Oktober 2011

Zum Video »

BBC: Greek PM Papandreou faces party revolt over bailout: Six leading members of Greece's governing Pasok party have called on Prime Minister George Papandreou to resign, the day after he called a referendum on the proposed EU bailout. » | Tuesday, November 01, 2011

LE FIGARO: Madrid critique le référundum [sic] grec : Le choix d'organiser un référendum en Grèce sur le plan de sauvetage financier du pays "n'est pas une bonne décision pour l'Europe" et "pas non plus pour l'Espagne", a affirmé mardi le porte-parole du gouvernement espagnol José Blanco. » | AFP | mardi 01 novembre 2011

Prophet Mohammed to 'Guest Edit' French Satirical Magazine
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: A satirical French magazine is to publish an edition 'edited' by the prophet Mohammed, in "honour" of Islam's influence on the Arab Spring.

"In order fittingly to celebrate the Islamist Ennahda's win in Tunisia and the NTC (National Transitional Council) president's promise that sharia would be the main source of law in Libya, Charlie Hebdo asked Mohammed to be guest editor," said a statement.

The weekly has been rebaptised Sharia Hebdo for the occasion, and will feature on its cover a picture of Mohammed saying: "100 lashes if you don't die of laughter!"

On the back page, a picture of Mohammed wearing a red nose is accompanied by the words: "Yes, Islam is compatible with humour." » | Monday, October 31, 2011

Quand Charlie Hebdo devient "Charia Hebdo"

leJDD: A la une de l'hebdomadaire cette semaine? Une nouvelle caricature de Mahomet. Le prophète devenant même le rédacteur en chef de ce numéro du journal satirique. "On a l'impression simplement de faire notre boulot comme d'habitude", a affirmé à l'AFP le directeur de la publication.

"On n'a pas l'impression d'avoir fait une provocation supplémentaire", assure à l'AFP le directeur de la publication de Charlie Hebdo, Charb. Car l'hebdomadaire satirique risque de faire parler de lui : il a décidé de mettre une nouvelle caricature de Mahomet en couverture. Le dessin représente le prophète visiblement joyeux avec ces mots : "100 coups de fouet, si vous n'êtes pas mort de rire!". Mais, le journal va plus loin en faisant de Mahomet le rédacteur en chef de cette édition rebaptisée "Charia Hebdo". Une manière de "fêter la victoire" du parti islamiste Ennahda en Tunisie. "Le prophète de l'islam ne s'est pas fait prier pour accepter et nous l'en remercions", précise l'hebdomadaire dans un communiqué publié lundi. » | A-Ch. D. (avec AFP) - leJDD.fr | lundi 31 octobre 2011

Roman Abramovich: I Am Not a Fraudster

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Roman Abramovich was forced to deny being a fraudster and an arms dealer as he gave evidence in a British court for the first time yesterday.

The 45 year-old owner of Chelsea FC, who guards his privacy as closely as he guards his billions, faced an uncomfortable afternoon in the witness box at the High Court in London as he disclosed details of his personal and business life.

The oligarch is being sued for $6.5 billion by Boris Berezovsky, his former associate who accuses Mr Abramovich of swindling him out of shares in companies they allegedly set up together.

Mr Abramovich set out his rags-to-riches tale of how he had gone from selling rubber ducks to sitting on a £10.3 billion oil and minerals empire in just two decades. And while he acknowledged Mr Berezovsky’s role in helping him to win friends in the Kremlin, he described the 65 year-old as a “megalomaniac” who “behaved like a child”.

As the costly legal battle entered its fifth week, Mr Berezovsky stared intently at the man he says was his protégé as he entered the witness box. Mr Abramovich cut a strangely unassuming figure. Unable to read or speak any English, he gave his evidence via a translator and wore headphones to hear barristers’ questions in his native Russian. » | Duncan Gardham, and Gordon Rayner | Tuesday, November 01, 2011

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