Diplomatic Row as Russia Demands 'Clarification' on Prince Charles 'Hitler' Comments

Prince Charles likened Russia's annexation of Crimea to the
actions of Nazi Germany

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Russia demands Foreign Office clarifies 'official position' after Prince Charles likens President Putin to Hitler

A senior Russian ambassador is to meet an official from the Foreign Office on Thursday after the Prince of Wales caused a diplomatic row by comparing Vladimir Putin to Adolf Hitler.

The Prince made his remark, in which he likened Russia’s annexation of Crimea to the actions of Nazi Germany, during a visit to a museum of immigration in Halifax, Canada.

He told a woman whose relations were murdered in the Holocaust: “And now Putin is doing just about the same as Hitler.”

Russian diplomats contacted the Foreign Office on Wednesday night seeking an urgent meeting to clarify whether Prince Charles’s provocative remarks amounted to an “official position”.

As a result, Russia’s deputy ambassador will meet a senior FCO official on Thursday, The Telegraph understands. » | Matthew Holehouse, Political Correspondent, Gordon Rayner, Roland Oliphant | Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Ägypten: Mubarak zu drei Jahren Haft verurteilt

Hosni Mubarak

DIE PRESSE: Ex-Präsident Hosni Mubarak ist auch unter dem neuen Militärregime nicht vor Strafen gefeit. Er muss wegen Veruntreuung staatlicher Gelder hinter Gitter.

Kairo. Ein Strafgericht in Kairo hat am Mittwoch Hosni Mubarak zu drei Jahren Haft verurteilt. Der Richter befand den ägyptischen Ex-Machthaber, der im Februar 2011 durch sein Volk zum Rücktritt gezwungen worden war, schuldig, für den Ausbau seiner privaten Residenzen seit 2002 öffentliche Mittel in Höhe von 12,5 Millionen Euro veruntreut zu haben. Mubaraks mitangeklagte Söhne Alaa und Gamal erhielten vier Jahre. Die Verurteilten müssen den gesamten Schaden ersetzen und eine Geldstrafe von 2,2 Millionen Euro zahlen. » | Die Presse | Mittwoch, 21. Mai 2014

Prince Charles 'Should Abdicate' after Comparing Putin to Hitler, Says MP

Prince Charles (right) pictured with the Russian president
Vladimir Putin in 2003

THE GUARDIAN: Labour MP Mike Gapes calls for prince to 'abdicate and stand for election' if he wants to make controversial statements

Prince Charles is facing a call for his abdication and a frosty response in Moscow after reportedly comparing Vladimir Putin to Adolf Hitler over Russia's annexation of Crimea.

Charles blundered into the international crisis over Russia's actions in Ukraine during a tour of Canada, when he spoke to a woman who fled the Nazis and lost family members during the Holocaust.

According to the Daily Mail, the prince compared the Russian president to the Nazi leader when talking to Marienne Ferguson, a museum volunteer who moved to Canada with her Jewish family when she was just 13. "Now Putin is doing just about the same as Hitler," Charles is reported to have said.

Charles's remarks have been criticised across the political spectrum in Britain: the Labour MP Mike Gapes called for his abdication, while the outspoken Ukip leader, Nigel Farage, said the prince was wrong to get involved. Read on and comment » | Matthew Weaver, Rowena Mason and agencies | Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Pharrell Williams - Happy

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Jean-Marie Le Pen: Ebola Epidemic Would Solve Immigration Problems

Founder and honorary president of the French far-right Front National,
Jean-Marie Le Pen, speaks at a campaign meeting in Marseille

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Front National founder shocks France by saying a deadly Ebola epidemic would solve the country's problems with immigration and world's population 'explosion'

The deadly Ebola virus could solve France's immigration problems "in three months", Jean-Marie Le Pen, founder and honorary president of France's far-Right Front National, has said in remarks which have shocked the country's political establishment.

Speaking on Tuesday night in Marseille shortly before a joint rally with Marine Le Pen, his daughter and current party leader, Mr Le Pen, 85, said: "There is a demographic explosion in the world and a risk of submersion. A replacement of (the national population) is under way."

However, he added: "Monsieur Ebola can solve the problem in three months." » | Henry Samuel | Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Ebola : la solution finale, selon Jean-Marie Le Pen »

Young Iranians Arrested for 'Vulgar' Pharrell Williams' Happy Dance

Six Iranians, some of whom were filmed without veils, forced to apologise to state for 'vulgar clip which hurt public chastity'

Read the Telegraph article here | Josie Ensor and Ahmad Vahdat | Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Nazi Salute 'Not Always Punishable' as Racial Discrimination, Swiss Court Rules

An anti-racism law in 1995 forbids the public display and
dissemination of racist symbol, but only in cases when they are
used to promoted racist ideologies

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Nazi salute not illegal racial discrimination if done as personal statement, court in Switzerland rules

A Nazi salute is not illegal racial discrimination provided it is intended as a personal statement, Switzerland's top court ruled on Wednesday.

The Federal Tribunal's ruling, entitled "Hitler salute in public not always punishable," said the gesture is a crime only if someone is using it to try to spread racist ideology to others, not simply declaring one's own conviction.

The ruling by the Lausanne-based court overturned a lower court's conviction last year of a man who was charged with racial discrimination after he took part in an August 2010 demonstration with 150 participants.

The demonstration was held a week after the Swiss National Day on the famous Ruetli Meadow above Lake Lucerne where, according to legend, the modern Swiss Confederation was born in 1291. » | AP | Wednesday, May 21, 2014

A Terrorist Storm Is Heading for the West, and the Brutal ISIS Is Behind It

Read and comment on the Telegraph blog here | Tom Rogan | Wednesday, May 21, 2014
My comment:

Isn't this multiculturalist thingy such a boon to UK society? Hasn't it enriched our society so much? Oh the joys of diversity! What the hell have idiotic Western politicians inflicted upon the poor, innocent British population? This is an intractable problem for us to deal with, and it will take decades to solve – if indeed it ever will be solved. – © Mark

This comment appears here too.

Belfast Pastor James McConnell Denounces Islam as the Devil's Doctrine at Whitewell Metropolitan Tabernacle Church Sermon

BELFAST TELEGRAPH: Controversial clergyman tells audience "people say there are good Muslims in Britain — that may be so — but I don’t trust them"

An outspoken evangelical pastor has defended describing the Islamic faith as "satanic" and a "doctrine spawned in hell".

Senior Pastor James McConnell made the remarks as he addressed his congregation at the Whitewell Tabernacle Metropolitan Church on Sunday evening.

They were described as "very offensive", "hurtful" and "irresponsible" by a representative from the Belfast Islamic Centre.

There has also been an outcry on social media, with some calling for a police investigation into his comments.

One posted: "If this was a Muslim Imam speaking about Christianity, he would be arrested for inciting hatred."

During his sermon, the clergyman said: "Islam is heathen, Islam is satanic, Islam is a doctrine spawned in hell." (+ video) » | Claire Williamson | Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Austrian Town Produces Guide for Arab Tourists: 'Don't Haggle, and Don't Eat on the Floor'

The Austrian ski resort of Zell am See

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Austrian holiday town has produced a special guide for Middle Eastern visitors including advice to avoid haggling and not eat on the floor in hotel rooms

Austria's alpine towns of Zell am See and Kaprun have been criticised for producing an eight-page guide for Middle Eastern tourists, featuring "cultural advice" on how to behave.

The booklet, in English and Arabic, features tips such as the idea that Austrian shopkeepers do not expect haggling over prices, and that eating on the floor in hotel rooms is a "no-no". Drivers are informed that wearing seatbelts is compulsory, and they will be given guidance on understanding road signs, to reduce their risks while driving.

Visitors are also advised not to wear burkas, and to "adopt the Austrian mentality".

The guide states: "Austrian women are free to choose their own dress style, and this is visible in their choice of modern, colourful clothes. Here the colour black symbolises mourning, and is rarely worn in daily life.

"In our culture, we are accustomed to look into the smiling face of the person opposite us in order to gain a first impression and establish mutual trust. It would be a great pleasure for us if you could join us in celebrating the uniquely joyful Austrian mentality and show us your colourful scarves and dresses and, in this way, show us your smile." » | Harriet Alexander | Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Salzburg under fire for leaflet to Arab visitors telling them to stop haggling over prices, eating on hotel floors and wearing burkas »

Apostasy Case: Former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey Calls on British Muslim Leaders to Back the Right to Convert from Islam

Lord Carey said some ex-Muslims in the UK were forced
to 'almost go underground'

THE INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY: Lord Carey, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, has called on leading British Muslims to support the right to convert from Islam to another religion after a court in Sudan sentenced a woman to death for apostasy.

The peer said it was “accepted doctrine” that Muslim converts should face the death penalty. He also said there were examples of ex-Muslims in Britain who had been forced to “almost go underground”.

“Isn’t there something fundamentally wrong with Islam at its core that it cannot allow people to change their religion?” he told The Sunday Times.

“It is accepted doctrine in Islam [that] you don’t convert and if you do the penalty may be death.” He added: “I want to hear Muslim leaders say ‘we allow Muslims to become Christians if they wish to’.” » | Ian Johnston | Sunday, May 18, 2014

Apostasy: What you need to know »

Global outcry as Sudanese woman sentenced to death for renouncing Islam »

Abu Hamza Trial: London Cleric Found Guilty on Terror Charges by US Jury

Muslim cleric, Abu Hamza al-Masri, was on trial in New York
on terror charges

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Jury takes less than two days to find radical preacher guilty on terror and kidnapping charges

Abu Hamza, the radical hook-handed cleric, has been found guilty on terrorism charges by a New York court.Br />
A jury delivered their verdicts in 11 criminal counts, including assisting Yemeni militants who took a group of Western tourists hostage in 1998.

The jury also returned a guilty verdict on charges of sending followers to Oregon to establish a training camp and to Afghanistan to assist al-Qaeda and the Taliban.

He now faces a possible life sentence in the federal “supermax” high-security prison in Colorado that already houses several other convicted terrorists. A judge will sentence him at a later date.

The jury of eight women and four men delivered their verdicts on the second day of deliberation after a five-week trial in a federal courtroom just a few blocks from the scene of the World Trade Centre attacks on Sept 11, 2001. » | Philip Sherwell, New York | Monday, May 19, 2014

New York relève à 21 ans l'âge pour acheter des cigarettes

LA PRESSE: «Vous avez une pièce d'identité?»: le buraliste scanne la carte de sa jeune cliente et vérifie son âge avant de lui tendre un paquet de cigarettes. Depuis dimanche à New York, il faut avoir 21 ans pour acheter du tabac.

«En dessous de 21 ans, pas de tabac», prévient un petit panneau à l'entrée du magasin Bouverie Iconic Magazine, qui vend tabac, journaux, bonbons, café et pâtisseries, dans le quartier de Nolita. Et pas question de tricher. La carte d'identité est passée au scanneur, et sans pièce d'identité, pas de cigarettes.

La mesure est sans précédent dans une grande ville américaine. Elle relève l'âge légal de 18 à 21 ans pour acheter cigarettes, tabac ou cigarettes électroniques. Signée le 19 novembre par l'ancien maire Michael Bloomberg, elle a pris effet six mois plus tard. » | Brigitte Dusseau | Agence France-Presse | New York | dimanche 18 mai 2014

Africa Leaders Declare 'War' on Nigeria Boko Haram

BBC: African leaders meeting in Paris have agreed to wage "war" on Nigeria's Boko Haram Islamic militants.

President Hollande of France, who hosted the summit, said regional powers had pledged to share intelligence and co-ordinate action against the group.

Last month it abducted 223 schoolgirls in north-eastern Nigeria, where it is based. Fresh attacks were reported in Nigeria and Cameroon overnight.

Thousands of people have been killed by Boko Haram in recent years.

The Paris summit brought together President Francois Hollande, Nigeria's Goodluck Jonathan, and their counterparts from Benin, Cameroon, Niger and Chad.

Afterwards, Mr Hollande said participants had agreed on a "global and regional action plan". (+ video) » | Saturday, May 17, 2014

Ads Linking Hitler to Islam to Run on DC-area Buses

Pamela Geller: 'My intent is to leapfrog over a media that is not even-handed'
WND: An organization run by an anti-Mulsim blogger has purchased billboards on the sides of twenty Washington DC Metro buses featuring Adolph [sic] Hitler and calling for an end to ‘all aid to Islamic countries.’

The ads are paid for by American Freedom Defense Initiative, an organization devoted to fighting “global jihad and Islamic supremacism,’ and headed by Long Island-based Atlas Shrugs blogger Pamela Geller, according to WJLA. » | Agence France-Presse | Sunday, May 18, 2014

Netherlands: Saudi Arabia May Curb Trade Ties Over Wilders' Anti-Islam Slogans

Freedom Party (PVV) leader Geert Wilders speaks during an
interview with Reuters in The Hague April 17, 2014

REUTERS.COM: Saudi Arabia is considering trade sanctions against the Netherlands because of stickers printed by far-right politician Geert Wilders which display anti-Islam slogans in the colors of the Saudi flag, a Dutch foreign ministry spokesman said.

Wilders, leader of the anti-immigration Dutch Freedom Party, is tied in first place with the Democrats in national opinion polls before European Parliament elections that will be held in the Netherlands on Thursday.

His virulent anti-Islam statements have angered many and Wilders has lived under round-the-clock armed guard since he received death threats in 2004.

"We have indications that Saudi Arabia is considering measures because of the insults to its flag and religion by Geert Wilders," Foreign Ministry spokesman Friso Wijnen said. » | Reuters | Amsterdam | Saturday, May 17, 2014

Saudis drohen Den Haag mit Sanktionen wegen Islamkritik »

Dick and Lynne Cheney Talk Ukraine, Benghazi and Hillary

May. 18, 2014 - 11:53 - First joint interview since leaving the White House

'Hump Day' Under Fire from PC Police

May. 18, 2014 - 3:39 - Has political correctness gone overboard?

Saudis drohen Den Haag mit Sanktionen wegen Islamkritik

DIE PRESSE: Der niederländische Rechtspopulist Geert Wilders verbreitet Aufkleber gegen den Islam. Riad stellt wirtschaftliche Strafen in den Raum.

Den Haag/Riad. Die diplomatischen Spannungen zwischen den Königreichen der Niederlande und Saudiarabien verschärfen sich: Nachdem der niederländische Populist und Islamkritiker Geert Wilders mit einer neuen Anti-Islam-Aktion Aufsehen erregt hat, will Saudiarabien Wirtschaftssanktionen gegen Den Haag. „Wir nehmen diese Drohungen aus Riad sehr ernst und beraten uns über eine Antwort“, sagte der niederländische Ministerpräsident Mark Rutte am Wochenende.

Sein Stellvertreter, der Sozialdemokrat Lodewijk Asscher, war weniger diplomatisch: Er verteidigte den Rechtspopulisten Wilders und sagte: „In den Niederlanden besteht Meinungsfreiheit. Es ist glasklar, dass Herr Wilders nicht den Standpunkt der Regierung vertritt. Die Drohungen aus Saudiarabien nenne ich daher schwachsinnig.“ » | Die Presse | Sonntag, 18. Mai 2014

Isa Haider Alaali Case: Bahraini Teen Fears Torture After Losing Asylum Claim

THE INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY: A Bahraini teenager fears he will be tortured when he is deported to the repressive Gulf state this week after his asylum application was rejected by the British Government.

Isa Haider Alaali’s deportation comes as the Royal Family have been playing host at the Royal Windsor Horse Show to the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and his son Prince Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who faces a High Court judicial review over whether he has immunity from prosecution for alleged torture.

Activists staged protests over the weekend at an equestrian event as Prince Andrew – long criticised for his cozy relationship with the Gulf state – entertained Bahraini royals at Windsor on Friday.

Home Office documents obtained by The Independent show the 19-year-old is due to be flown back to Bahrain on Thursday morning. Mr Alaali, who was sentenced to five years in prison in absentia by a Bahraini court in March on charges of illegal gathering and rioting, is unable to appeal the decision. » | Alex Delmar-Morgan | Sunday, May 18, 2014

Sunday Times Rich List: Wealthiest Britons Own a Third of the Nation’s Wealth

THE INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY: The richest people in Britain are better off than ever before with the top 1,000 individuals owning a third of the nation’s wealth.

The 1,000 wealthiest Britons now own £518.975 billion - the equivalent of a third of Britain’s gross domestic product (GDP) - with their combined worth rising 15.4 per cent on last year's total of £449.654 billion, according to the Sunday Times Rich List.

The top 64 names have a combined fortune of £255 billion, which is equivalent to the combined wealth of the poorest 30 per cent.

Chris Leslie, Labour's Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, said: “No wonder the super-rich have got much richer over the last year when David Cameron has given millionaires a huge tax cut.

“Yet at the same time working people have continued to face a cost-of-living crisis and are £1,600 a year worse off since 2010.” A minimum of £85 million is needed to even be considered for the list this year - compared to £80 million in 2008 at the height of the pre-crash boom and £75 million last year. » | William McClennan | Sunday, May 18, 2014

'Trojan Horse' Teacher Breaks into Girl's Phone

THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: Parent complains to police over school's action to uncover 'forbidden' relationship with a fellow 16-year-old pupil

A teacher at one of the Birmingham state schools allegedly taken over by Muslim radicals in the so-called “Trojan Horse” plot has been reported to police after he broke into a female pupil’s mobile telephone to prove she was having a “forbidden” relationship with a boy.

The girl, who at 16 is over the age of consent, had her telephone confiscated by the teacher during a Sunday event at Park View School last month. Two members of staff told The Telegraph the device was then taken, without her permission, to a shop for its passcode to be broken, and its contents unlocked and examined by the school.

Images of the girl with the boy, a fellow Year 11 pupil at Park View, and text messages between them, obtained from the phone, were used by the school as evidence to suspend her, weeks before her GCSE exams. The boy was also suspended, but more briefly. » | Andrew Gilligan | Sunday, May 18, 2014

Panorama: From Jail to Jihad

The current affairs programme investigates the radicalisation of some Muslims within the prison system, as Raphael Rowe interviews extremists about their experiences inside.
Watch the programme here | Monday, May 12, 2014

ABBA: Super Trouper

ABBA: Angel Eyes

ABBA: Our Last Summer

Immigrants Must Learn to Be British, Says Asian Tory

Sajid Javid says voters have legitimate fears over 'excessive' immigration

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Culture minister Sajid Javid, the first Asian Secretary of State, says those coming to the UK must learn English and "respect our way of life"

Immigrants must learn English and “respect our way of life”, the new Culture Secretary says as he criticises migrants who have lived here for years but still cannot speak the language.

In an exclusive interview with The Telegraph, Sajid Javid says voters have legitimate fears over “excessive” immigration and are justified in wanting Britain to have more control over its borders.

Mr Javid, the first Asian Secretary of State, defends Nigel Farage, the leader of the UK Independence Party, against charges of racism but insists that only the Conservatives can deliver the reforms to European Union laws needed to cut immigration.

“People want Britain to have more control over its borders, and I think they are right,” Mr Javid, who is the son of Pakistani immigrants, says.

“People also say, when immigrants do come to Britain, that they should come to work, and make a contribution and that they should also respect our way of life, and I agree with all of that. It means things like trying to learn English.” The tough message on immigration, coming from Britain’s highest ranking Asian MP, who is also the Minister for Equalities, will provoke debate on controls to migration in a crucial week of elections. » | Tom Ross, Political Correspondent | Saturday, May 17, 2014

Educated Jews Harassed and Attacked in Malmö Sweden by Unproductive Muslim Immigrants

German TV special about Jews facing tremendous harassment in Swedish city of Malmö. Upper and middle class, highly educated professional Jews of Malmo, Sweden are leaving that city as the growing unemployable, unproductive Moslem immigrants harass and attack them. The Muslims of Sweden learn their anti-Jewish hatred from the Quran, hadiths, imams and their mosques. The Swedes are allowing hatred, ignorant prejudice against the Jewish people by not addressing this growing problem. The main source of this hatred is the cult of Islam that teach lies against the Jewish people. Islamic doctrine teaches Muslim people that the Jew is evil and against Allah. The Swedish government needs to address this hatred and ignorant prejudice or it will get worse and turn on them.

This is not only happening in Sweden, but all across Europe. Jews are fleeing France, Germany, England, UK, Norway, Nederlands, The Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Russia, Canada, Ireland, Dutch, Belgium, USA, Wales, Great Brittan, Australia, Austria, and other Western European countries.

French National Front: Far-right – Or Hard-left?

Marine Le Pen succeeded her father, but she has projected a softer image

BBC: At the May Day rally, the politician accused the government of "helping the richest 1%, to reassure credit ratings agencies and international finance".

She inveighed against a "draconian policy of austerity" that favoured "globalised elites at the expense of the people".

The speaker was not a left-wing firebrand, but the leader of the far-right National Front, Marine Le Pen.

The Front first emerged in the 1980s as a mainly anti-immigration group. Ms Le Pen is careful not to neglect this core issue, but nowadays she frames her nationalist message in anti-globalisation terms.

Under both the right and the left, she contends, France has surrendered its sovereign powers to EU bureaucrats who are setting interest rates and tearing down borders for the sole benefit of big business.

"The grave diggers of Brussels," as Ms Le Pen put it, "are setting France on the path to under-development".

She found a receptive audience among the struggling workers who had come from all over France to hear her speak. (+ video) » | Henri Astier | BBC News | Paris | Friday, May 16, 2014

British-born Boko Haram 'Ringleader' Was 'Radicalised at UK University'

Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche was held in Sudan on an
international arrest warrant

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche, arrested on suspicion of carrying out bomb attacks in Nigeria, threatened to cut off hands of non-believers while living in Britain

A British-born "ringleader" of the Islamist group responsible for the kidnapping of hundreds of school girls in Nigeria was radicalised while studying at a UK unversity, according to friends.

Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche, 29, was arrested on Wednesday in connection with two recent bombings carried out by Boko Haram in the Nigerian capital Abuja that killed nearly 100 people.

He is suspected of co-masterminding the attacks - one in the suburb of Nyanya that killed 75 people on April 14 and a second attack just yards away which killed 19 earlier this month.

Interpol put out an international arrest warrant for Mr Ogwuche, who was discovered after a reward of £100,000 led to his discovery in Sudan.

Mr Ogwuche, who is the son of a retired Nigerian colonel, was said by fellow students at University of Glamorgan in Wales to call himself "The Lion of God" and threatened to cut the hands and feet of non-believers while living in Britain. » | Josie Ensor, and Colin Freeman | Friday, May 16, 2014

Volksabstimmung: Schweiz entscheidet über höchsten Mindestlohn der Welt

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Am Sonntag stimmt die Schweiz über eine Mindestlohninitiative ab. 18 Euro pro Stunde sind vorgesehen, so viel gibt es sonst nirgendwo. Wirtschaftsvertreter bangen schon um die Zukunft ihres Landes.

Bern/München - Vom Ende der Welt kommen derzeit Signale, über die manche Schweizer nur lächeln können: In Australien wächst die Kritik an der Höhe des dortigen Mindestlohns. Derzeit liegt er bei 16,37 australischen Dollar (rund 11,20 Euro). Die Regierung in Canberra hat der für die jährliche Festlegung zuständigen Kommission zuletzt Zurückhaltung empfohlen.

Die Schweiz dagegen würde in die Vollen gehen, sollte die Initiative der Gewerkschaften für eine gesetzliche Lohnuntergrenze am Sonntag eine Mehrheit finden: Stimmen die Eidgenossen dafür, gilt in der Schweiz künftig ein Mindestlohn in Höhe von 22 Franken (rund 18 Euro) pro Stunde. Es wäre der höchste der Welt. Die 8,50 Euro, die künftig in Deutschland gelten und lange Zeit politisch umstritten waren, würden sich dagegen geradezu mickrig ausnehmen.

"Ein starkes Land braucht faire Löhne", erklärt der Schweizerische Gewerkschaftsbund (SGB). Rund 330.000 Menschen würden in der Schweiz zu Stundenlöhnen von weniger als 22 Franken arbeiten, ohne davon "anständig leben" zu können. Ein Ja zur Mindestlohn-Initiative würde nicht nur für mehr Gerechtigkeit sorgen, sondern auch Kaufkraft und Arbeitsplätze schaffen. » | Von Björn Hengst | Freitag, 16. Mai 2014

Inside Story: UK Bill: Passport to Statelessness?

Proposed law would give government more power to strip terror suspects of citizenship.

Barack Obama Aide Condemned Norway for 'Fawning' over President by Awarding Him Nobel Prize

The decision to give Obama the Nobel prize was met with
considerable derision and criticism

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Rahm Emanuel launched verbal assault on Norway's then ambassador after President was awarded peace prize early in his first term

A senior Norwegian diplomat says his country's former ambassador to the United States was given a verbal lashing by Barack Obama's chief of staff when the president was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009.

Morten Wetland said Thursday the ambassador, Wegger Stroemmen, was approached by Rahm Emanuel, now Chicago's mayor, who accused Norway of "fawning" to the newly elected U.S. leader.

Wetland, the Norwegian ambassador to the United Nations at the time, told The Associated Press he did not witness the dressing down but said there was an air of embarrassment in Washington that Obama had been given the award so early in his presidency. » | AP | Thursday, May 15, 2014

Pregnant Woman Faces Death in Sudan for Apostasy

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Christian woman sentenced to death for refusing to convert to Islam after being raised as a Christian

A Christian doctor has been sentenced to hang for apostasy, or the abandonment of religion, by a court in Khartoum, the Sudanese capital.

Meriam Yehya Ibrahim, 27, who was born to a Muslim father but brought up a Christian by her mother, was convicted on Sunday and given three days to recant her faith or face a possible death sentence.

“We gave you three days to recant but you insist on not returning to Islam. I sentence you to be hanged,” Judge Abbas Mohammed Al-Khalifa told Mrs Ibrahim, addressing her by her father’s name, Adraf Al-Hadi Mohammed Abdullah. » | Lucy Kinder | Thursday, May 15, 2014

Ukip Candidate Lambasts Islam as 'Totalitarian Ideology'

THE GUARDIAN: Email emerges in which Brent Ukip candidate Heino Vockrodt says Islam is against everything modern Britain stands for

The UK Independence party has become embroiled in a fresh race row after it emerged that one of its local election candidates has described Islam as a "totalitarian ideology" that is "against everything modern Britain stands for".

Labour said the "deeply offensive" views – aired in an email apparently sent last year by Heino Vockrodt to the London council on which he wishes to sit – undermined Nigel Farage's insistence that he did not lead a racist party.

In a diatribe complaining about an alleged planning breach by the Afghan community in Brent, north London, Vockrodt said parts of the borough resembled Afghanistan's Helmand province.

"Being Muslims, they ignored both refusals and did it anyway," he wrote of what he said were unlawful changes to a cultural centre.

Political correctness was preventing the council taking action, he alleged, "for fear of being called racists, when, just like in all the other cases where Muslims are grooming children to be sex slaves under the eyes of the authorities, the council does nothing".

He claimed the neighbourhood was "already exploding under the weight of segregation" and shopkeepers had been "squeezed out by Muslims".

"The entire parade – once lovely owner/occupier shops – resembles Helmand province now. Time to call in MI5 and MI6 for sure," he wrote.

"Islam is a mono-cultural, totalitarian ideology," he added. "It is NOT a religion. It is against multi-culturalism and only promotes its own culture. It is against everything modern Britain stands for." » | Press Association | Thursday, May 15, 2014

Turkey Mine Explosion: PM's Aide Pictured Kicking Protester in Mining Town

A protester is kicked by Yusuf Yerkel, advisor to Tayyip Erdogan,
as Special Forces officers hold him down

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Recep Tayyip Erdogan is embroiled in row after an aide was seen kicking a grieving relative during scuffles while visiting the Soma mine disaster

Fury has erupted in Turkey after a close aide to the Recep Tayyip Erdogan brutally assaulted a man thought to be grieving for relatives in the mining town where almost 300 people lost their lives underground.

Mr Erdogan, who has led Turkey for 11 years, was visibly shocked by the hostile reaction in Soma during a visit on Wednesday when he was forced to take refuge at a supermarket.

Video published in Turkey showed scuffles around the prime minister and one of his staff, Yusuf Yerkel, kicking a man being held down by paramilitary police. Mr Yerkel, who was a PhD candidate at Soas in 2010, told BBC Turkish that he would be making a statement about the image on Thursday.

The angry crowds in Soma called Mr Erdogan a murderer and thief and booed strongly. » | Damien McElroy | Thursday, May 15, 2014

EU Elections 2014: 'I Can Hear the Boots of the 1930s Marching through Europe'

Christer Havung in his bakery in Malmö

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Far-Right parties are poised to make unprecedented gains at the European elections. Jake Wallis Simons explores how fear and loathing is winning votes

Christer Havung is not happy.

“The situation in Sweden is very worrying,” says the 51-year-old as he arranges croissants on the counter at the Bread and Friendship café in Malmö. “You can almost hear the boots from the Thirties marching in the streets.”

Through the window of his café, the slogans “fight for Malmö” and “fight for Showan” can be seen scrawled on walls and lampposts. In April, Showan Shattak, a 25-year-old man of Iranian origin, was stabbed by four neo-Nazis two miles away. This sparked the biggest anti-fascist demonstrations the city has ever seen, with more than 10,000 people taking to the streets. The city is a tinderbox; and today the far-Right is coming to town.

Traditionally, Sweden is one of the most tolerant countries in Europe, with a long-standing open door policy towards refugees. But tensions have been building. Racist violence is becoming more frequent; concerns are growing over the non-integration and segregation of immigrants; and a far-Right party, Sweden Democrats, has become the third largest in the country, gaining 20 parliamentary seats.

As the European election approaches, a similar story is playing out in much of the northern and eastern parts of the continent. According to the latest polls, radical Right parties from 12 out of the 28 European Union countries are expected to win representation. This will amount to up to 44 far-Right MEPs – an increase of almost 20 per cent since the last elections in 2009. » | Jake Wallis Simons, Malmö | Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Italian Girls Fined $3,500 Each for Wearing Swimsuits Near Muslims on Italian Beach

THE DAILY DOSE: The encroachment of Sharia Law continues virtually unchecked or, as in this case, aided by a complicit Italian court. It appears that when one goes to the beach in Italy, it is wise to pack a complete wardrobe containing other country beach attire and then conduct a survey of those on the beach to determine the lowest common denominator of flesh to be exposed in order to avoid offending foreigners; Especially rich ones who consider themselves superior to women and the local population in general.

A justice of the peace in Messina, Italy has fined three girls an amount of approximately $3,500 each for wearing what is considered common beach wear in Italy, based upon the supposed offense to the sensitivities it created for some Saudi Arabian tourists who were also at the private resort of Taormina.

It has become common place for Muslims to make demands upon others to adhere to their standards, so it should not come as too great of a surprise that they filed their complaint. What is surprising is that the Italian court concurred and fined their citizens for engaging in normal behaviour.

Until the judges come to their senses, the ladies of Italy should make certain they pack a sheet and a hajib with their towels and sunscreen. It’s a lot less than $3,500. » | Rick Wells | Posted on May 12, 2014

Jobs for the Boys: Biden's Son Signs for Ukraine Gas Giant

A son of the US Vice-President has joined the board of directors of Ukraine's largest private gas producer. Hunter Biden now leads the company's legal unit - getting the position a few weeks after his father's trip to Kiev. And, as Marina Portnaya explains, this could be more than just a coincidence.

Islamist Leader of Mega Mosque Bid and Ally of George Galloway Picked as Tory Candidate!

Vetted? London Tories concerned at how George Galloway's ally
Mufti Shah Sadruddin picked by party.

DAILY EXPRESS: AN ISLAMIST leader of the campaign to build a “mega mosque” near Britain’s Olympic Stadium is standing as a Tory in this month’s council elections, raising concerns about the party’s vetting procedures.

Mufti Shah Sadruddin, who believes in the notion of Islamic states, has no known previous links to the Tories, and has been an enthusiastic supporter of Respect MP George Galloway.

The Conservative party in the east London borough has also selected two other candidates who have previously stood for socialist Respect.

London Mayor Boris Johnson has been briefed on the situation and is understood to be concerned the party is being exploited as a vehicle of convenience.

Mr Sadruddin has been using his Facebook page to urge all Muslims to vote for any party that stands the best chance of ousting the borough’s incumbent directly elected mayor, Labour’s Sir Robin Wales.

Anonymous leafelts have been circulating in the borough listing the Muslim candidates people should vote for, regardless of party.

A central theme of Mr Sadruddin’s campaign is his desire to punish Sir Robin for his opposition to the Mega Mosque project, which is also known as the London Markaz.

Sir Robin was opposed to the construction of the Markaz, believing it to be too large. Read on and comment » | Ted Jeory | Wednesday, May 14, 2014

One in Four People Worldwide Holds Antisemitic Views, Study Finds

Nazis arresting Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto.

THE GUARDIAN: A survey of people from over 100 countries by the Anti-Defamation league also found that 46% of those taking part did not know about the Holocaust

An estimated 1.09bn adults have antisemitic views, new research has suggested.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a Jewish nongovernmental organisation, surveyed over 50,000 adults from 102 countries and territories to produce the ADL Global 100 report.

They judged that 26% of those surveyed had antisemitic attitudes, which the group estimates represents 1.09bn people worldwide. » | George Arnett | Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Margaret Thatcher Addresses Canadian Parliament (1988)

A Conversation with Margaret Thatcher

In 1991, KERA's Lee Cullum talked with Margaret Thatcher as part of the station's "Conversations" series. At the time of the interview, Thatcher had recently resigned as the 49th prime minister of Great Britain. The former leader recounts her years at the pinnacle of her career and reveals unexpected facets of her personality, her love of poetry and her devotion to her father.

Margaret Thatcher – BBC Good Morning Summer 1995 Interview

Interesting and entertaining interview with former British prime minister Baroness Margaret Thatcher on BBC´s show "Good Morning Summer" 1995

North Korea Threatens to 'Wipe Out' South Korea's Government

THE INDEPENDENT: Reclusive state hits out at neighbour's 'intolerable' provocation

North Korea threatened on Tuesday to “wipe out” South Korea's government in a furious response a day after a Seoul official said the North “must disappear soon,” in an escalation of rhetoric between the rivals.

The North's powerful National Defence Commission called the South Korean comments an “intolerable” provocation that showed the South wants to take over the North.

It said in a statement carried by state media that North Korea will launch “all-out ... merciless” strikes to “wipe out every last person” in South Korean President Park Geun-hye's government. (+ video) » | Hyung-Jim Kim | Seoul | AP | Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Vollverschleierung: Studentin darf mit Niqab nicht zur Uni

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Ohne Schleier an die Uni: Eine Studentin muss in Gießen für Seminare und Vorlesungen ihre Niqab ablegen. Ein angemessener wissenschaftlicher und akademischer Diskurs sei vollverschleiert nicht möglich, entschied die Hochschule.

Eine Studentin der Universität Gießen darf nicht mit einem Ganzkörperschleier an Hochschulveranstaltungen teilnehmen. Ein angemessener wissenschaftlicher und akademischer Diskurs sei durch ihre Verschleierung nicht möglich, "weil Mimik und Gestik als wichtige Aspekte der Kommunikation nicht zur Verfügung stehen", teilte eine Uni-Sprecherin mit. Das habe man der Studentin in einem persönlichen Gespräch erläutert. » | fln/dpa | Dienstag, 13. Mai 2014

Does the Muslim World Need to Be More Accountable?

May. 12, 2014 - 6:08 - Juan Williams and Mary Katharine Ham on the schoolgirls kidnapped in Nigeria