As Syria Burns, Assad's British-born Wife Goes On £270,000 Online Shopping Spree and Imports Chandeliers, Rugs, Sofas, Tables and Eleven Ottomans from London

THE MAIL ON SUNDAY: Asma al-Assad, 36, placed the order with exclusive London store DN Designs in the King's Road, Chelsea, West London / Among the 130 items were 11 ottomans costing over £20,000, a dining room table priced at almost £10,000 and a rug worth just under £11,000

She has been dubbed the Princess Diana of the Middle East, combining beauty and style with tireless charity work.

In a region blighted by dictatorships and conflicts, the First Lady of Syria, Asma al-Assad, was billed as the modern and caring face of the Arab world.

But emails obtained by WikiLeaks show Mrs Assad, 36, spent £270,000 buying furniture from an exclusive London store for one of her presidential palaces last March – as Syria was descending into a bloody civil war.

British-born Mrs Assad sent her order – which included five chandeliers costing £8,800 – to upmarket furniture store DN Designs in the King’s Road, Chelsea, West London.

The emails, seen exclusively by The Mail on Sunday, emerged as more than 200 people were believed to have been massacred by government forces in the village of Tremseh last Thursday. » | Abul Taheer | Sunday, July 15, 2012

Westerwelle gibt Assad Schuld an Massaker in Syrien
REUTERS DEUTSCHLAND: Beirut/Washington (Reuters) - Bundesaußenminister Guido Westerwelle hat Syriens Präsident Baschar al-Assad die Schuld an dem Massaker in dem Dorf Tremse gegeben.

"Das Assad-Regime setzt schwere Waffen wie Hubschrauber, Geschütze und Panzer für grausame Gewalt, für einen regelrechten Krieg gegen das eigene Volk ein", sagte der deutsche Chef-Diplomat der Zeitung "Bild am Sonntag". "Das ist unsere klare Erkenntnis aus den Berichten über die Geschehnisse von Tremse." US-Außenministerin Hillary Clinton bezeichnete die syrische Führung offen als Mörder. Der Sondergesandte Kofi Annan forderte den wegen einer Blockade durch Russland und China gelähmten UN-Sicherheitsrat zu einem härteren Vorgehen auf.

Beobachter der Vereinten Nationen fanden in dem Dorf Blutspuren, zerstörte Häuser und eine niedergebrannte Schule vor. Der Angriff unter Einsatz von Artilleriegeschützen, Granaten und kleineren Waffen habe sich offenbar gezielt gegen Überläufer der Armee und Oppositionelle gerichtet, sagte ein Sprecher des UN-Einsatzes. Regierungsgegner sprachen von bis zu 220 getöteten Zivilisten. » | Sonntag, 15. Juli 2012

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Le Front national va porter plainte contre Madonna
REUTERS FRANCE: PARIS - Le Front national va porter plainte contre Madonna après la diffusion samedi lors d'un concert de la chanteuse au Stade de France, d'un clip vidéo dans lequel Marine Le Pen apparaît brièvement affublée d'une croix gammée sur le front.

"Une plainte pour injure avec constitution de partie civile sera déposée la semaine prochaine devant le tribunal de grande instance de Bobigny, dont la juridiction couvre le Stade de France", a dit dimanche à Reuters Florian Philippot, vice-président du FN, confirmant une information donnée par le JDD.fr.

La vidéo, déjà diffusée lors de concerts précédents de Madonna, montre le visage de la star mêlé à celui d'autres personnalités comme Benoît XVI ou Hosni Moubarak et donc Marine Le Pen. L'image de la présidente du FN apparaît quelques secondes, suivie du visage d'un personnage qui ressemble à Adolf Hitler. » | Patrick Vignal | Reuters | dimanche 15 juillet 2012


leJDD.fr: Le Pen-Madonna : "Une plainte sera déposée pour injures" : INTERVIEW - Après la diffusion, samedi soir au Stade de France, lors du concert de Madonna, d'un clip vidéo représentant Marine Le Pen avec une croix gammée sur le front, le FN a vivement réagi dimanche matin. Contacté par leJDD.fr, Florian Philippot, vice-président du Front national, indique que "de manière évidente", une plainte sera déposée la semaine prochaine "pour que tous les responsables soient trouvés". "Ce qui me paraît encore plus grave, c'est la relativisation du nazisme" durant ce spectacle, a-t-il ajouté. » | Arnaud Focraud - leJDD.fr | dimanche 15 juillet 2012

Saudi Arabia Considers Law Against Insulting Islam
REUTERS INDIA: Saudi Arabia is studying new regulations to criminalise insulting Islam, including in social media, and the law could carry heavy penalties, a Saudi paper said on Sunday.

The potential regulations come five months after a Saudi blogger and columnist Hamza Kashgari, 23, was arrested for tweeting comments deemed as insulting the Prophet Mohammad. Kashgari said there were things he liked and disliked about him.

"Within the next two months the Shura Council will reveal the outcome of study on the regulations to combat the criticism of the basic tenets of Islamic sharia," unnamed sources with knowledge of the matter told al-Watan, adding that there could be "severe punishments" for violators.

Criticism penalised under the law would include that of the Prophet, early Muslim figures and clerics, it said.

"The (regulations) are important at the present time because violations over social networks on the Internet have been observed in the past months," the sources said.

Saudi Arabia follows a strict version of Sunni Islamic law, referred to as Wahhabism. Blasphemy can be punishable by death. » | JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia | Sunday, July 15, 2012

Deutschland – Beschneidung: Muslime werden nicht auswandern

Syria Denies Use of Heavy Weapons in Tremseh
Foreign ministry says Kofi Annan statement that government used helicopters and artillery in Hama village is "rushed".

Mali : Les Touaregs renoncent à l’idée d’un Etat séparé

TRIBUNE DE GENÈVE: Le mouvement qui s'était emparé du nord du Mali en avril a annoncé dimanche avoir abandonné l'idée de former un Etat indépendant au Mali.

Les rebelles touareg du Mouvement national de libération de l’Azawad (MNLA [A]) ont annoncé dimanche avoir renoncé à leur intention de créer un Etat séparé au Mali. Ils s’étaient emparé du nord du pays en avril avec des islamistes liés à Al-Qaida, mais ont été supplantés par leurs ex-alliés.

«Nous aspirons à une indépendance culturelle, politique et économique mais pas à la sécession», a déclaré par téléphone Ibrahim Ag Assaleh, l’un des dirigeants du MNLA. » | ats/Newsnet | dimanche 15 juillet 2012

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Mali: Islamisten terrorisieren Bevölkerung
SPIEGEL ONLINE: Unverschleierte Frauen werden ausgepeitscht: Islamisten im Norden Malis terrorisieren zunehmend die Bevölkerung. Frankreichs Präsident Hollande kündigte an, dass er zu einer Militärintervention bereit sei. Ob dies den seit Monaten schwelenden Bürgerkrieg lösen kann, ist ungewiss.

Bamako - Die seit Monaten anhaltenden Aufstände in Mali erreichen eine neue Dimension. Nach Augenzeugenberichten terrorisieren Islamisten zunehmend die Bevölkerung des westafrikanischen Landes. In dem Ort Goudam nahe Timbuktu hätten bewaffnete Anhänger einer islamistischen Gruppe Frauen angegriffen, die am Brunnen Wasser holten. Die Männer hätten nicht voll verschleierten Frauen mit Peitschenhieben gedroht, zitiert die Nachrichtenagentur dpa einen Bewohner Goudams.

Der Nachrichtenagentur AP zufolge gingen die Islamisten von Tür zu Tür, nahmen rund 90 Menschen fest und ließen sie auspeitschen. Die Maßnahme war offenbar als Abschreckung gedacht, nachdem zuvor in der Stadt gewaltsamen Proteste gegen die Islamisten ausgebrochen waren. Dabei hätten erboste Bewohner Teile des Hauptquartiers der Islamisten zerstört, berichtete ein Bewohner. » | lei/AP/dpa/Reuters | Samstag, 14. Juli 2012

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Saudi Arabia Condemns Russian Comments On Human Rights
REUTERS.COM: Saudi Arabia on Saturday condemned comments by Russia's human rights envoy on the situation in the kingdom as "hostile" and an unjustified interference in the kingdom's internal affairs, the Saudi state news agency (SPA) reported.

The rare public exchange appeared to reflect tensions over the 16-month-old uprising in Syria where Russia has resisted introduction of Western- and Arab-backed sanction against President Bashar al-Assad.

Russian Human Rights envoy Konstantin Dolgov had expressed "great concern" about the situation in eastern Saudi Arabia following what he described as clashes between law enforcement and peaceful demonstrators in which two people were killed and more than 20 were wounded, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry website.

The Saudi interior ministry has said there were no clashes but that two people were killed by unknown assailants last Sunday in the east, where the country's minority Muslim Shi'ite population is concentrated. » | DUBAI | Sunday, July 15, 2012

US Free Market Group Tries to Halt Sales of Cigarettes in Plain Packets in UK

THE OBSERVER: Alec, organisation that funds Tea Party members, moves to derail UK government's proposals

A powerful US lobbying group that bankrolls climate change sceptics and leading members of the Tea Party is mobilising British opposition against plans to sell cigarettes in plain packs.

As the UK government considers the proposals, it has emerged the American Legislative Exchange Council (Alec), an organisation sponsored by big tobacco and other corporate interests, is playing a key role in trying to scupper them.

Supporters of the plans say they will deter young people from smoking. But opponents say there is little evidence this is the case and warn that generic packs will encourage counterfeiting.

Alec, which is heavily supported by Charles and David Koch, the billionaire oil baron brothers, has launched a sophisticated global lobbying campaign against the plan.

Alec, which proclaims its "belief in the power of free markets and limited government to propel economic growth", has warned countries looking to impose plain packaging that they will be violating intellectual property provisions laid down by the World Trade Organisation, opening themselves to legal challenges.

It is targeting the UK, where the government has recently pushed the deadline for its consultation on plain packaging back by a month until the end of August as lobby groups on both sides of the debate make their submissions. » | Jamie Doward | Sunday, July 15, 2012

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Exclusive Interview: Why I Defected from Bashar al-Assad's Regime, By Former Diplomat Nawaf Fares
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: The most senior Syrian official to defect from Bashar al-Assad's regime has told how the "tragic and unbelievable" destruction of his country moved him to join the growing opposition movement.

Nawaf Fares, a former regime hardliner and security chief who was Syria's ambassador to Iraq, spoke out in an exclusive interview with The Sunday Telegraph yesterday - his first since announcing his dramatic decision to quit last week. As the first senior diplomat to abandon the government, it is thought his departure may pave the way for others to follow, leaving President Assad's regime even more exposed.

Yesterday, in a wide-ranging interview conducted by telephone from Qatar, where he has now sought refuge, Mr Fares made a series of devastating claims against the Assad regime, which he said was determined to be "victorious" whatever the cost.

• Jihadi units that Mr Fares himself had helped Damascus send to fight US troops in neighbouring Iraq were involved in the string of deadly suicide bomb attacks in Syria

• The attacks were carried on the direct orders of the Assad regime, in the hope that it could blame them on the rebel movement

• President Assad, who had a "violent streak" inherited from his father, was now living "in a world of his own"

Mr Fares spoke out as the violence in Syria continued unabated, with at least 28 people killed across the country yesterday. The town of Khirbet Ghazaleh in southern Syria was attacked by hundreds of troops backed by tanks and helicopter gunships, according to the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Meanwhile, United Nations observers visited the village of Treimsa, in central Hama province, in which up to 200 people are feared to have died on Thursday.

It was precisely such atrocities as these that forced Mr Fares to gradually question his own allegiance to the regime, ending 35 years of loyal service in which he worked as a policeman, regional governor and political security chief, becoming entrusted with some of its most sensitive tasks.

"At the beginning of the revolution, the state tried to convince people that reforms would be enacted very soon," he said. "We lived on that hope for a while. We gave them the benefit of the doubt, but after many months it became clear to me that the promises of reform were lies. That was when I made my decision. I was seeing the massacres perpetrated – no man would be able to live with himself, seeing what I saw and knowing what I know, to stay in the position." » | Ruth Sherlock, Beirut | Saturday, July 14, 2012

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White House Reporter Who Quit After Anti-Semitic Comment Honored by Abbas

HAARETZ: After a long silence following her infamous ‘Jews should go back to Germany’ comment, Helen Thomas receives a medal from PA President Mahmoud Abbas in Washington.

Nearly two years have passed since the long time journalist Helen Thomas was forced to resign after making anti-Semitic comments on camera. Since then, Thomas has been the subject of fierce criticism from both ends of the American political spectrum and from her fellow journalists. But on Sunday, she received an award - an honor from none other than Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

In May 2010, Thomas, a senior White House writer, was asked for her opinion of Israel. “Tell them that they need to get out of Palestine, and return home to Germany, Poland, and America,” Thomas responded on camera.

As a result of her comment, an onslaught of public criticism forced Thomas to apologize and retire. Shortly after her retirement, however, Thomas claimed she said “exactly what she thought.” As a result of the comments, the Society of Professional Journalists decided to discontinue the yearly lifetime achievement award bearing Thomas’ name.

It seems, however, that there is in fact someone who sees Thomas and her comments in a more positive light. On Sunday, dozens of diplomats and journalists assembled in Washington for an event in her honor. The man responsible for organizing the event was none other than the head of the Palestine Liberation Organization General Mission to the U.S., Maen Areikat. » | Barak Ravid | Monday, April 02, 2012

Hundreds Clash with Riot Police in Madrid

Read the article here | Saturday, July 14, 2012

Weltweite Ohnmacht
In Syrien wird gemordet und die ganze Welt schaut zu. Sie weiss um die Gräuel im Land, weil Privatpersonen Filme drehen und aufs Internet stellen. «10vor10»-Reporterin Bettina Ramseier wollte wissen, weshalb alle nur ohnmächtig zuschauen.

Zum Teil in Schweizerdeutsch (Schwyzertüütsch) übertragen worden.

Clinton Arrives in Egypt for Talks with Morsi
Democratic transition and economic development on agenda for US Secretary of State's first meeting with new president.

Gruselbilder: EU-Kommission will Rauchern Angst machen
FRANKFURTER RUNDSCHAU: Politiker in Brüssel wollen die Regeln für die Vermarktung von Zigaretten deutlich verschärfen. Vorbild könnte das australische Modell sein, das auf eine besonders drastische Methode setzt.

Die EU-Kommission plant die Regeln für die Vermarktung von Zigaretten noch einmal deutlich zu verschärfen. Das sagte am Donnerstag ein Sprecher von Gesundheits- und Verbraucherkommissar John Dalli der Frankfurter Rundschau. „Wir wollen Jugendliche noch stärker davor abschrecken, mit dem Rauchen anzufangen“, erklärte er. Die neuen Vorschriften wolle die EU-Kommission Ende Oktober oder Anfang November vorstellen.

Schon jetzt sickern einige der Ideen der Brüsseler Politiker durch. Von Gesundheitskommissar Dalli ist bekannt, dass er Sympathien für das rigorose australische Modell hegt: Dazu gehören Einheitspackungen für alle Zigarettenmarken mit gruseligen Abbildungen von missgebildeten Babys oder kranken Lungen. Zudem würden die Markenlogos von den Schachteln verschwinden.

Die Tabakkonzerne sind gegen diese Vorschriften vor das höchste australische Gericht, den High Court in Canberra, gezogen. Sie beklagen unter anderem, dass sie enteignet würden, wenn sie ihre Logos nicht mehr verwenden dürften, die sie mit Milliardeninvestitionen aufgebaut hätten. Dafür wollen sie entschädigt werden, was für Australien im Falle einer Niederlage teuer würde. » | Von Daniel Baumann | Freitag, 13. Juli 2012

RT.COM: Californian city extends smoking ban to include apartments: The ability to light up a cigarette in Santa Monica is about to go up in smoke for many residents of the coastal town outside of Los Angeles. The city’s board voted this week to soon impose a ban inside the homes of local tenants. » | Friday, July 13, 2012

The Rise of Pakistan’s Televangelists

BBC: Islamic groups in Pakistan were initially hostile to cable TV because of concerns about "obscene" foreign imports, but religion now dominates the airwaves. A new breed of Islamic TV evangelist has emerged, leading to a confrontation with liberals.

On any day of the week, television in Pakistan is a potent cocktail of soap operas, fiery political debate and, increasingly, pop-Islam.

This last strand of programming has a set format. Viewers call up to ask questions about Islamic rulings on everything from hair removal to ethical mortgages. The anchors - part celebrity, part religious leaders - dish out bite-size fatwas (theological rulings) for audiences with a seemingly insatiable appetite for religion on TV.

Controversy has surrounded many of these programmes and the pious presenters that front them.

Farhat Hashmi has been accused of embezzling funds from her television show and fleeing to Canada to avoid prosecution, although she denies any wrongdoing. And Mehar Bukhari, known for her political interviews, sparked outrage by declaring the politician she was speaking to was a heretic.

Another mullah clashed with a Bollywood actress on live television after condemning her behaviour - that clip subsequently became a viral hit.

But the best-known of all the TV evangelists is Dr Amir Liaqat. From a glossy television studio above a parade of run-down shops in Karachi, he had an audience of millions for Alim aur Alam, a live one-hour show that went out five days a week across Pakistan.

The programme allowed Dr Liaqat to play the role of a religious "Agony Uncle", remedying the religious dilemmas of his audience.

In September 2008, Liaqat dedicated an entire episode to exploring the beliefs of the Ahmedis, a Muslim sect which has been declared as "un-Islamic" by much of the orthodoxy. In it, two scholars said that anyone who associated with false prophets was "worthy of murder".

Dr Khalid Yusaf, an Ahmedi Muslim, watched the programme with his family, and says he was shocked that a mainstream channel would broadcast this kind of material.

"They talked about murder as a religious duty. A duty for 'good' Muslims." » | Mobeen Azhar, BBC World Service, Karachi | Saturday, July 14, 2012

Saudi Religious Police Accused Over Fatal Car Accident
BBC: A family in Saudi Arabia has accused religious police of being responsible for a fatal car accident.

Morality police argued with the driver of a car listening to children's songs with his family in a park in Baha province, reports say.

The driver, Abdulrahman al Ghamdi, drove off and was pursued by the police at speed before losing control of the car and dying in the crash.

The officers involved have been detained and are being questioned.

The incident happened in early July near the small town of Baljurashi in the south-western province. » | Sebastian Usher, BBC News | Saturday, July 14, 2012

États-Unis : Un Américain inculpé pour meurtre avec décapitation
TRIBUNE DE GENÈVE: Un Américain de 37 ans a été arrêté à Nashville après avoir décapité son colocataire. La tête de la victime été découverte dans une poubelle derrière la petite maison où il vivait.

Un Américain de 37 ans a été arrêté vendredi et inculpé du meurtre avec décapitation de son colocataire. Le corps tatoué, sans tête et à moitié dévêtu de la victime de 48 ans avait été retrouvé jeudi partiellement décomposé dans un champ dans les quartiers sud de Nashville.

Sa tête avait ensuite été découverte dans une poubelle derrière la petite maison où il vivait, a indiqué la police locale dans un communiqué. Le meurtrier présumé cohabitait avec la victime, sa femme et les trois enfants de celle-ci. » | ats/Newsnet | vendredi 13 juillet 2012

THE TENNESSEAN: Nashville tattoo artist admits to decapitating man, police say: Man says he killed roommate in argument over woman, police say » | Brian Haas, The Tennessean | Saturday, July 14, 2012

Appel: La crise au Mali fait sortir Chirac de son silence

TRIBUNE DE GENÈVE: L'ancien président français et le secrétaire général de l'Organisation internationale de la Francophonie Abdou Diouf appellent vendredi à «sauver Tombouctou pour sauver la paix au Sahel».

«Ne pas abandonner le Mali.» Tel est en substance le message lancé ce vendredi dans une tribune au journal Le Monde par Jacques Chirac et Abou Diouf.

«Au moment où des groupes extrémistes ont entrepris de détruire les mausolées et mosquées de Tombouctou, et menacent les manuscrits conservés dans cette ville, patrimoine irremplaçable de l'islam et du monde, c'est l'avenir de l'Afrique sahélienne qui se joue», mettent en garde les deux hommes dans une prise de position titrée «Sauver Tombouctou pour sauver la paix».

«C'est un danger global: l'indifférence est impossible car, si une poignée d'extrémistes réussit à imposer sa loi dans cette région aux équilibres fragiles, c'est l'ensemble des pays du Sahel qui peut être déstabilisé, avec des conséquences funestes d'abord pour les populations locales, ensuite pour tous les partenaires de ces pays, au premier rang desquels tous les voisins du Mali ainsi que l'Europe», préviennent-ils. » | afp/Newsnet | vendredi 13 juillet 2012

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Syria Working to Secure Chemical Weapons, Say Israeli Officials

THE GUARDIAN: Move is in response to international concern that chemical arsenal could fall into terrorist hands or be damaged in fighting

Syria's armed forces have taken steps to secure deadly chemical weapons in response to mounting international concern that they could fall into rebel or terrorist hands or be accidentally damaged in fighting, according to Israeli officials.

Syria's undeclared chemical arsenal, the largest in the Arab world, is believed to include mustard gas as well as nerve agents such as Sarin, Tabun and VX, which have been "weaponised, tested and deployed", according to the Israelis, for whom Syria is a priority intelligence target.

US sources said Bashar al-Assad's forces had started to move part of the stockpile out of storage facilities, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday. Israeli officials monitoring the escalating violence believe that Damascus is working to protect its chemical warfare arsenal.

"It is dispersed and under the control of a dedicated army unit that has a high degree of loyalty to the regime and is commanded by senior Alawites [Assad's sect]," said a senior official in Jerusalem. "It has not been involved in the nitty-gritty of fighting. It has been impacted by it but has not been used to fight the people. There are signs that Syria has understood the problem." » | Ian Black in Jerusalem | Friday, July 13, 2012

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Merkel to Allow Circumcision in Germany Despite Ban

RT.COM: The German Chancellor’s spokesman says the Jewish and Muslim communities will be free to carry out the rite of circumcision despite an earlier court ban, which sparked outrage and concern for religious freedom in the country.

"For everyone in the government it is absolutely clear that we want to have Jewish and Muslim religious life in Germany," Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert told journalists. "Circumcision carried out in a responsible manner must be possible in this country without punishment."

"It is well known that in the Jewish religion early circumcision carries great meaning, so it is a matter of urgency that this right be restored," Seibert said, adding that Merkel's own office would be involved in efforts to resolve the problem.

"We know a quick decision is needed and that this cannot be put off. Freedom of religious practice is a very important legal right for us," he added. » | Friday, July 13, 2012

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New Dark Age Alert! Islamists' Hold Over Mali Threatens Europe, Diplomat Warns

THE GUARDIAN: Al-Qaida-linked insurgents using their control over north of country to recruit, arm and train growing numbers of fighters

Islamist groups are using their hold over key urban areas of Mali to recruit, arm and train growing numbers of fighters and could pose a threat to Europe within two years, government and security sources believe.

The al-Qaida-linked rebels have taken exclusive control of the north, having pushed out secular Tuareg separatists.

"If Islamists continue to control vast areas of Mali where they can do what they like, then this will pose a direct threat to Europe," a senior western diplomat in the capital, Bamako, said.

"You cannot forget how close this region is to Europe. They are currently recruiting people in northern Mali, offering them money, training and weapons. If this continues, it is a matter of time before it affects Europe directly."

Northern Mali has been under insurgent control since the government was toppled in a military coup in March. Tuareg rebels – who are demanding an independent state of "Azawad" in the Sahara – initially joined forces with groups backed by al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) including Ansar Dine, Mujao and Nigerian terrorist organisation Boko Haram.

But the alliance broke down recently with fighting breaking out between different factions. On Thursday, Islamists consolidated their control of the region, driving Tuareg rebels from their last stronghold in the town of Ansogo, leaving the entire northern section of Mali, including Gao – the main base of the Malian army – in Islamist hands. » | Afua Hirsch in Bamako | Friday, July 13, 2012

Europe Is In More Danger Than at Any Time Since the 1930s. One Nationalist Demagogue Could Cause an Earthquake
TELEGRAPH BLOGS – THOMAS PASCOE: Ours is a complacent continent. Despite impending events that would have precipitated a revolution in almost any other place at almost any other time in history – either a collapse of the currency or the complete secession of budgetary control to a supra-natural body in the EU – we expect the fabric of European society to endure without major changes. I think we are wrong.

There is a presumption of perpetual peace in Europe which rests in turn on a presumption of the perpetuity of our existing capital structures. Once the latter are undermined, the former is called into question.

The great wars of the secular age have all been fought between ideologies which seek to restructure the relationship between capital and the people. As popular support grows for such plans, Western Europe is entering its most dangerous phase since the 1930s. » | Thomas Pascoe | Friday, July 13, 2012

My comment:

The cauldron bubbles away ever more ferociously. The witches and wizards of the City and political class look on. Some (the stupid ones) are gleeful because of their spoils, many more (the naïve ones) are clueless to correct the imbalances. The man in the street awaits the future with trepidation, helplessness, and anxiety. Bad times have already arrived for many; worse times are yet to come. The überrich are surely nervous, the poor are surely seething, those in the middle are, as always, complacent. But they smell trouble a-brewing. Upheaval is surely nigh. – © Mark

This comment also appears here

Une chaîne de télévision 100% niqab en Égypte

LE FIGARO: Le 20 juillet prochain sera lancée «Mariya», la première chaîne satellitaire animée uniquement par des femmes portant le voile intégral.

Le physique ne devrait pas être un critère d'embauche pour les présentatrices de la nouvelle chaîne de télévision qui suscite la polémique en Égypte. La chaîne satellitaire, qui sera lancée pour le début du ramadan, le 20 juillet, sera en effet animée uniquement par des femmes portant le niqab.

La chaîne Mariya, du nom de l'une des épouses du prophète Mahomet, une esclave égyptienne copte offerte par le roi d'Égypte, diffusera ses programmes six heures par jour via Umma Islamic Channel, selon le site d'information égyptien Ahram Online. Cette chaîne ultraconservatrice diffusait déjà des émissions dans lesquelles n'apparaissaient que des femmes voilées.

Les présentatrices ne seront pas les seules à se couvrir intégralement: toute l'équipe devra se plier à la règle vestimentaire. Même les personnes interviewées devront porter le voile intégral. Et si l'on ne trouve pas d'experte voilée? Mariya a tout prévu: soit la personne sollicitée acceptera de mettre le niqab le temps de l'interview, soit son visage sera flouté.

Pas question de voir un seul homme, que ce soit sur le plateau ou dans les coulisses. Seul le propriétaire de la chaîne, le salafiste Cheikh Abu Islam Ahmad Abd Allah, jouera à titre exceptionnel un rôle consultatif dans la programmation. » | Par Laura Raim | jeudi 12 juillet 2012

The Islamist Ascendancy
THE WASHINGTON POST – OPINIONS: Post-revolutionary Libya appears to have elected a relatively moderate pro-Western government. Good news, but tentative because Libya is less a country than an oil well with a long beach and myriad tribes. Popular allegiance to a central national authority is weak. Yet even if the government of Mahmoud Jibril is able to rein in the militias and establish a functioning democracy, it will be the Arab Spring exception. Consider:

Tunisia and Morocco, the most Westernized of all Arab countries, elected Islamist governments. Moderate, to be sure, but Islamist still. Egypt, the largest and most influential, has experienced an Islamist sweep. The Muslim Brotherhood didn’t just win the presidency. It won nearly half the seats in parliament, while more openly radical Islamists won 25 percent. Combined, they command more than 70 percent of parliament — enough to control the writing of a constitution (which is why the generals hastily dissolved parliament).

As for Syria, if and when Bashar al-Assad falls, the Brotherhood will almost certainly inherit power. Jordan could well be next. And the Brotherhood’s Palestinian wing (Hamas) already controls Gaza.

What does this mean? That the Arab Spring is a misnomer. This is an Islamist ascendancy, likely to dominate Arab politics for a generation. » | Charles Krauthammer, Friday, July 13, 2012

Etats-Unis: Menace contre Michelle Obama: le Secret Service enquête

TRIBUNE DE GENÈVE: La police chargée de protéger le président des Etats-Unis et sa famille ouvre une enquête relative à un policier de Washington qui aurait proféré des menaces de mort adressées à la First Lady.

Le Secret Service, la police chargée de protéger le président des Etats-Unis et sa famille, va lancer une enquête au sujet d'un policier de Washington qui aurait proféré des menaces de mort contre la Première Dame Michelle Obama.

"Nous sommes au courant de l'incident, et nous allons prendre les mesures d'enquête nécessaires", a affirmé le porte-parole du Secret Service, Edwin Donovan, sollicité après des révélations du Washington Post sur cette affaire. » | afp/Newsnet | vendredi 13 juillet 2012

Neun Tote am Mont Blanc
Durch eine Lawine im Gebiet des Mont Blancs sind neun Menschen gestorben. Unter den Todesopfern ist auch ein Schweizer. 15 weitere Bergsteiger wurden verletzt. Einschätzungen von SF-Korrespondentin Alexandra Gubser aus Charmonix (12.07.2012)

Eva Rausing: Husband Hans Kristian Rausing Arrested on Suspicion of Murder

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Tetra Pak heir Hans Kristian Rausing has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of his wife Eva Rausing. He is currently being treated for alcohol withdrawal.

• Hans Kristian Rausing arrested on suspicion of the murder of his wife Eva

• Post-mortem carried out but inconclusive. Further toxicology tests ordered

• Hans Kristian Rausing being treated for alcohol withdrawal

• Small amount of drugs found in car of Hans Kristian Rausing when stopped by police

• Police found lifeless body of Eva Rausing when they searched Chelsea mansion

Tetra Pak heir Hans Kristian Rausing has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of his wife Eva Rausing, an inquest heard today.

Police are still waiting to question the 49-year-old after interviews were suspended on Tuesday so he could be treated for alcohol withdrawal.

The mother-of-four's body was discovered after her husband, Tetra Pak heir Hans Kristian Rausing, 49, was stopped by police officers in Wandsworth, south London, after being spotted driving erratically.

Mr Rausing, whose family is worth an estimated £4.5 billion and were ranked as Britain's 12th richest in last year's Sunday Times Rich List, is being represented 7/7 barrister Neil Saunders QC.

A post-mortem has been carried out by Home Office pathologist Nat Carey, in the presence of defence pathologist Simon Poole, but no obvious cause of death has been found.

Further tests including toxicology are pending. » | Friday, July 13, 2012

Related »

Saudi Arabia Finally Allows Two Female Athletes to Compete in London 2012 for First Time in Olympic History
MAIL ONLINE: • Wodjan Ali Seraj Abdulrahim Shahrkhani will compete in judo while runner Sarah Attar will run 800m • Sarah Attar: 'I hope it can really make some big strides for [Saudi] women to get more involved in sport' • The Gulf kingdom will also include female officials in their Olympic delegation for the first time • Strict rules include dressing modestly, being accompanied by a male guardian at all times and not mixing with men during the Games

Saudi Arabia will send two female athletes to the London Olympics, ending the ultraconservative Muslim country's record of sending only all-male teams to the games.

Wodjan Ali Seraj Abdulrahim Shahrkhani will compete in the +78kg judo competition while runner Sarah Attar will be at the start line for the 800m at the Olympic Stadium.

The Gulf kingdom will also include female officials in their Olympic delegation for the first time, one of the officials said.

While in previous Games, men have been able to wear shorts and singlets, the women will almost certainly have to compete with their heads, legs and arms covered - and most likely in leggings.

Speaking from her training base in the US, Sarah Attar said: 'It's such a huge honour and I hope that it can really make some big strides for women over there to get more involved in sport.'

Competing in the Olympics is such a huge step for women in Saudi Arabia, they are happy to abide by the strict caveats laid out by their country's leaders.

These include dressing modestly, being accompanied by a male guardian at all times and never mixing with men during the Games, Prince Nawaf bin Faisal told the Al-Jazirah newspaper. » | Matt Blake | Thursday, July 12, 2012

Allah in Ehrenfeld
In Köln leben über 120.000 Muslime. Die rheinische Metropole hat damit prozentual mehr Einwohner islamischen Glaubens als jede andere deutsche Großstadt. Bisher war der berühmte gotische Kölner Dom das Wahrzeichen der Stadt. Nun soll ein zweites spektakuläres Gotteshaus die Skyline prägen: Im innenstadtnahen Viertel Ehrenfeld wird eine der größten und modernsten Moscheen Europas errichtet - von Paul Böhm, dem Architekten aus der renommierten Architekten-Dynastie, die für ihre christlichen Kirchenbauten berühmt ist. Doch schon der Entwurf für den weithin sichtbaren Kuppelbau mit den zwei Minaretten spaltet die Stadt in vehemente Gegner und Befürworter.
Das Video hier abspielen | Dienstag, 10. Juli 2012

Germany: Exclusive Interview with Bashar Al-Assad
Watch the interview here [Übersetzt] | Sunday, July 08, 2012
ARD 1: Rückschau – Syrien Exklusiv-Gespräch mit Syriens Präsident Assad » | Sonntag, 08. Juli 2012

Al-Qaeda Free to Tighten Its Grip on Africa
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Ayman al-Zawahiri's terror network is exploiting political unrest in Mali and throughout the region

Just when we think we have one network of al-Qaeda terrorists on the run, up pops another one to take its place and resume the relentless campaign of terror against the West and its allies.

The forthcoming withdrawal of British troops from Afghanistan is based on the assumption that Osama bin Laden’s al-Qaeda network, the original casus belli for military intervention, has been dismantled and no longer threatens our security. It is, of course, entirely feasible that the remnants of the organisation currently being run by Ayman al-Zawahiri, the Egyptian doctor who replaced bin Laden as al-Qaeda’s leader in May 2011, might be able to regroup once Nato’s Afghan mission is over, especially if, as seems likely, no political settlement with the Taliban is forthcoming by the time our troops pack up and return home at the end of 2014.

But, in the meantime, rather than waiting for events to turn in its favour in Afghanistan, the al-Qaeda brand is busily extending its franchise to other parts of the Muslim world where weak or dysfunctional governments allow it the space and opportunity to pursue its nefarious designs. » | Con Coughlin | Thursday, July 12, 2012

Al-Qaeda in Syria »

Al-Qaeda Tries to Carve Out a War for Itself in Syria
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Al-Qaeda has infiltrated into Syria and is working to establish footholds in the war-torn northern provinces.

Whilst the militant Islamic organisation's influence remains small, home-grown jihadist groups that are linked with, or sympathetic to the ideals of movement are growing.

The Daily Telegraph has seen al-Qaeda's flag flying openly in some areas of Idlib and Aleppo provinces that straddle the borders with Turkey and Iraq and fighters in the rebel Free Syrian Army have told how representatives of the militant group have tried in past months to win control of towns and villages.

"An al Qaeda group led by a man who called himself Abu Saddiq took control in Der Tezzeh," said one FSA rebel speaking on condition of anonymity.

"I was a member of the Revolution Council there. Suddenly there was a new way of thinking. Abu Saddiq was installed as the 'Emir', or 'Prince' of the area for three months. I was told to put my hand on the Koran and to obey him.

"He wanted to build a religious country. He did not want democracy but a religious leader in power. He wanted to use suicide bombers as a way of fighting government troops in the area." » | Ruth Sherlock, Idlib Province | Thursday, July 12, 2012

MI6 Chief Sir John Sawers: 'We Foiled Iranian Nuclear Weapons Bid'

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: MI6 agents have foiled Iran’s attempts to obtain nuclear weapons but the Middle Eastern state will succeed in arming itself within the next two years, the head of the Secret Intelligence Service has warned.

Sir John Sawers said that covert operations by British spies had prevented the Iranians from developing nuclear weapons as early as 2008.

However, the MI6 chief said it was now likely they would achieve their goal by 2014, making a military strike from the US and Israel increasingly likely.

Sir John gave a secret briefing to the Cabinet in March about Iran’s growing military threat but this is the first time his views on the issue have been made public.

It is extremely rare for the head of MI6 to disclose details of operations by the intelligence service.

Sir John made the remarks at a meeting of around 100 senior civil servants in London last week in only his second public speech since he was appointed to the post in 2009.

Speaking at the Civil Service Live event in Olympia he said that Iran was now “two years away” from becoming a “nuclear weapons state”.

He said that “when that moment came” Israel or the United States would have to decide whether to launch a military strike. » | Christopher Hope, Senior Political Correspondent | Thursday, July 12, 2012

Related »

Ex-Revolutionary Guards General Reveals Dissent Within Elite Iranian Force

THE GUARDIAN: Former senior officer accuses Khamenei of having 'blood on his hands' and questions intentions over nuclear programme

A former general of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards has accused the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, of having blood on his hands over the brutal crackdown on the opposition, and described government claims that its nuclear programme is entirely peaceful as a "sheer lie".

In a letter to prominent opposition activist Mohammad Nourizad (website in Farsi), the former officer gives a rare glimpse of political dissent within the ranks of the elite force in charge of the nuclear programme and Khamenei's personal security.

Identified only by his initials, the general says that he and a number of his colleagues were threatened with execution for disloyalty and then – after a series of secret courts-martial – dismissed "because we refused to participate in the betrayals and the crimes committed by our seniors".

"I'm writing this letter to you to tell our people that there are still many generals and members of staff within the Revolutionary Guards who are opposed to these crimes and are waiting to join the people," the letter reads. » | Saeed Kamali Dehghan | Thursday, July 12, 2012

Shiite Cleric Convicted for Blasphemy in Indonesia
abc NEWS: An Indonesian court sentenced a Shiite cleric to two years in jail for blasphemy Thursday in a case rights activists have called a setback to religious freedom in the world's third-largest democracy.

The three-judge panel found Tajul Muluk guilty of insulting Islam with his religious teachings.

Citing testimonies from witnesses, the panel said Muluk had taught about revising daily obligatory prayers from five to three, saying the current holy book of Quran was no longer authentic and considering companions of the Prophet Muhammad to be infidels.

"The defendant has been legally and convincingly proven guilty of blasphemy," said presiding judge Purnomo Amin Tjahjo. "His acts, in principle have insulted Islam."

He added that Muluk had dispensed Shiite religious teachings that were declared heretical by the influential Indonesia Ulema (preacher) Council. The council and most Indonesian Muslims are Sunni. » | Associated Press, Sampang, Indonesia | Thursday, July 12, 2012

Islamic Tartan Unveiled in Scotland
EXAMINER: And I'll be in Makkah afore ye...

One would have to ask a MacDonald or a Stewart or a MacPhail or a Campbell how they felt about this.

This would be due to what many would argue that only a true Scotsman's opinion would count in this particular situation.

As reported by the United Kingdom Press Association, an Islamic-inspired tartan will soon be presented to the public in the land of whiskey and golf.

According to Glaswegian Dr. Azeem Ibrahim, he contacted both Islamic experts and Scottish tartan designers to come up with his first ever melding of the two cultures.

Doctor Ibrahim stated he intended his design to "weave the diverse Muslim identity into the fabric of Scotland." » | Timothy Whiteman | Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Scheidung von Scientology?: Das jähe Ende von TomKat
Katies Flucht besiegelte das spektakuläre Ende von TomKat: der Ehe von Superstar und Super-Scientologen Tom Cruise und der 17 Jahre jüngeren einstigen Seriendarstellerin Katie Holmes. Eine anfangs perfekt inszenierte Lovestory auf den roten Teppichen der Welt ist Geschichte. Welche Rolle spielte die Sorge um Tochter Suri? Sektenaussteiger schildern ihre Erlebnisse.
Das Video hier abspielen | Montag, 09. Juli 2012
Related »

Religiöses Ritual: Grüne wollen Beschneidungen gesetzlich regeln

WELT ONLINE: Die Grünen streben die gesetzlich geregelte Zulassung von religiös begründeten Beschneidungen in Deutschland an. Die Europäische Rabbinerkonferenz sieht "die Existenz jüdischer Gemeinden" bedroht.

Die Grünen streben eine gesetzliche Regelung für die Zulassung von religiös begründeten Beschneidungen an. "Wir wollen nach der Sommerpause zusammen mit Fachleuten und Verbänden diskutieren, ob es einen Weg gibt, dieses Problem gesetzlich zu regeln und Rechtssicherheit für Juden und Muslime zu schaffen", sagte Grünen-Fraktionschefin Renate Künast "Welt Online".

Ihr "Grundimpuls", so Künast, bestehe darin, "in der Abwägung von drei Grundrechten – körperliche Unversehrtheit des Kindes, elterliches Sorgerecht und Religionsfreiheit – einen Weg zu finden, bei dem die Beschneidung nicht bestraft wird." » | Von Matthias Kamann und Julian Schick | Donnerstag, 12. Juli 2012

Verbunden »

"Tweetgate" : Thomas Hollande est amer

EUROPE 1: Le fils du président dit que les propos rapportés par Le Point ont été - en partie - "déformés".

"Ce que je reproche au tweet, c’est d’avoir fait basculer la vie privée dans la vie publique". Dans un article du Point à paraître jeudi, Thomas Hollande semble avoir la dent dure contre Valérie Trierweiler et son tweet de soutien à Olivier Falorni, opposant de Ségolène Royal dans la bataille des législatives à La Rochelle.

Alors que la polémique est retombée depuis, le fils de François Hollande et de Ségolène Royal se dit aujourd'hui peiné par ce geste "hallucinant" de la Première dame et attristé pour son père. "Ça me fait de la peine pour mon père. Ça détruit l’image normale qu’il avait construite", estime-t-il, selon les termes rapportés par Le Point. Il accuse le magazine d'avoir déformé ses propos » | Par Hélène Favier | jeudi 12 juillet 2012

Related »

WELT ONLINE: Die Krise der Patchwork-Familie im Élysée-Palast: Die Flitterwochen des französischen Präsidenten sind vorbei: Familiendramen und Job-Krisen trüben den Nationalfeiertag für François Hollande. Jetzt redet Sohn Thomas nicht mehr mit der First Lady. » | Von Sascha Lehnartz | Donnerstag, 12. Juli 2012

Casualty of Media War: Gulf States Ditch Syrian TV Dramas

US Could Put Assange to Death If It Gets Him – Former Senior NSA Official
The power elites don’t like dirty linen being aired, warns Thomas Andrews Drake

Inside Story – Libyans: Separating Religion from Government?
We analyse hints of a new political direction emerging from early results of Libya's election.

Syria Ambassador to Iraq Defects
Syria's ambassador to Iraq has defected in protest at the military crackdown by Assad's forces against a 16-month uprising. In exclusive statement to Al Jazeera, Nawaf al-Fares said that his decision came in the wake of what he described as horrible massacre committed against the Syrian people by the regime. Nicole Johnston reports.

Related »

Egyptian Leader's Visit Sends Signal to Saudis
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL: Egypt's Mohammed Morsi made the first foreign visit of his presidency to Saudi Arabia in what political observers called an apparent effort to offer assurances about his aims as the most visible symbol of the rise of political Islam in the region.

The visit by Mr. Morsi, who won the presidency as the candidate of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood, takes him to a security-minded monarchy wary that homegrown Islamist movements will take encouragement from the political rise of Islamist blocs in countries transformed by Arab Spring uprisings.

Mr. Morsi's choice for his inaugural foreign trip amounts to a sign to the Gulf's rulers that he won't seek to tip the regional power balance toward Iran, the country Saudi Arabia regards as its biggest threat, analysts said.

Mr. Morsi arrived in the coastal city of Jeddah on Wednesday, and was greeted by Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud. He later met with King Abdullah, according to the Saudi state news agency.

Saudi leaders have signaled an openness to working with a man who, though he quit the Muslim Brotherhood after his election in June, is seen as a representative of an Islamist movement they hoped never to see in power. "Saudi Arabia will receive President Morsi as president of Egypt. We don't receive him as a representative of Ikhwan," said Abdullah al-Shammri, a Saudi political analyst close to the government, using the Arabic for the Muslim Brotherhood. "Saudi Arabia cares about his practices, his policies. It will not care about his background."

Saudi Arabia and other Gulf monarchies were shaken in February 2011 when street uprisings and a withdrawal of military support toppled Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, who during his three-decade rule suppressed the Islamist blocs that now worry Gulf leaders. » | Ellen Knickmeyer in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Matt Bradley in Cairo | Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Genf – das Eldorado der Kriminaltouristen
In Genf herrscht die höchste Kriminalitätsrate aller Schweizer Städte. Für einen Grossteil der Straftaten sind Kriminaltouristen verantwortlich. Viele von ihnen stammen aus den Banlieues der nahegelegenen Stadt Lyon. «10vor10» zeigt, dass die Gangster immer brutaler und ihre Waffen immer schwerer werden.