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South Asia
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Issue 21
Thursday, 08.12.11
A special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court on Monday extended the police custody of journalist Jigna Vora, and another accused Paulson Joseph arrested in connection with the murder of MiD-Day journalist J Dey till December 9. Opposes bail The prosecution opposed bail for Ms. Vora on the ground of emergence of fresh evidence. Special Public Prosecutor Dilip Shah said a friend of Ms. Vora surrendered a mobile phone belonging to her. Furthermore, the police had to trace her original mobile phone. This phone was different from the three mobile phones Continued on page 4 >>
NEWS
Chinas president tells navy to prepare for combat to safeguard national security
BEIJING Chinese President Hu Jintao Tuesday urged the navy to prepare for military combat amid growing regional tensions over maritime disputes and a U.S. campaign to assert itself as a Pacic power. The navy should accelerate its transformation and modernization in a sturdy way, and make extended preparations for military combat in order to make greater contributions to safeguard national security, he said. Addressing the powerful Central Military Commission, Hu said: Our work must closely encircle the main theme of national defense and military building. His remarks, which were posted on a statement on a government website, come amid growing U.S. and regional concerns over Chinas naval ambitions, particularly in the South China
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Bangladesh at 40
12th- 18th Dec 2011, The BBC Asian Network
The BBC Asian Network celebrates Bangladeshs war of Liberation as the country marks 40 years of Independence. Dont miss Asian Network Reports special with Konnie Huq, live coverage of the celebrations plus two Bengali programmes live from Dhaka. The Rape Victim: Ferdousi Priobhashini says she suffered terribly during the war - she told us how she was repeatedly raped by Pakistani soldiers. She is now a celebrated Bangladeshi sculptor and Asian Networks Konnie Huq spoke to her surrounded by her work at home in Dhaka.
Sea. China claims all of the maritime area, as does Taiwan, while four Southeast Asian countries declare ownership of parts of it, with Vietnam and the Philippines accusing Chinese forces of increasing aggression there. In a translation of Hus comments, the ofcial Xinhua
news agency quoted the president as saying Chinas navy should make extended preparations for warfare. But the Pentagon on Tuesday downplayed Hus speech, saying that Beijing had the right to develop its military, although it should do so transparently.
A Disappointing Landslide
Poor Election Showing Weakens Putin; United Russia Wins Less Than 50%
It may have won by a huge margin, but the results of Sundays Duma election in Russia are still disappointing for Vladimir Putins United Russia. The party won just under half of the vote, a massive decline compared to the 2007 election. The result reveals growing discontent with Putin among the Russian population. Poll results gave United Russia a disappointing 49.5 percent of the vote by Monday morning after State Duma elections that took place amid an unprecedented series of detentions, threats and attacks against the independent media, election observers and opposition activists. Poll results gave United Russia slightly less than 50 percent of the vote by Monday morning after State Duma elections that took place amid an unprecedented series of detentions, threats and attacks against the independent media, election observers and opposition activists. With 95 percent of ballots counted, the ruling party had garnered 49.5 percent, the Central Elections Commission said on its website. Preliminary results on Sunday night ranging from 46 percent to 49 percent were in line with two exit polls, both of which showed United Russia with less moral right to continue to pursue its pro-Kremlin course. Based on this result, we can ensure the stable development of our state, Putin said, speaking at the same venue late Sunday night, Interfax reported. Many thanks to everyone who contributed to this result. Election day kicked off with a series of denial-of- service attacks that brought down the web sites of major liberal media outlets, including the Ekho Moskvy radio, the Kommersant daily, the New Times weekly and the Slon.ru business news portal. In 2012, Putin wants to return to the position of Russian president. The parliamentary elections were therefore a kind of litmus test for the incumbent prime minister ahead of the presidential elections in March. After United Russias poor result, the future of the Putin-Medvedev duo looks in doubt, argues Alexei Mukhin of the Center for Political Information, a Moscow-based research institute. Medvedev is supposed to become prime minister next year, swapping positions with Putin. Now, Putin might be tempted to sacrice Medvedev, Mukhin says, thereby shaking off the taint of the disappointing parliamentary elections.
than 50 percent. As the elections commission continued to update results throughout the night, the gure for United Russia ticked higher. It will uctuate until all of the ballots have been counted. Yet the results already indicate that the party, which has crushingly dominated the countrys politics for years, is on track to lose its twothirds majority in the Duma. In the 2007 elections for State Duma, United Russia got 64 percent of the vote. On Monday morning, the Communist Party was placing second, with about 19.2 percent, up from 11.6 percent in 2007, the elections commission reported. The Communists were followed by A Just Russia, with 13.2 percent (up from 7.7 percent), and the nationalist Liberal Democratic
Party, with about 11.7 percent (up from 8.1 percent). No other parties cleared the 7 percent threshold. Voter turnout was 60.2 percent, according to the Central Election Commissions website. In 2007, it was 63.7 percent. It was unclear what a less than 50 percent showing for United Russia might mean for President Dmitry Medvedev, who led the partys ticket. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who is expected to return to the Kremlin in the presidential election next year, has said he would make Medvedev his prime minister if United Russia performed well Sunday. Speaking before the nal results were announced, Medvedev praised United Russias showing, saying at the partys campaign headquarters that they showed the party had a
NEWS
Eurozone debt crisis: safeguard the City or Ill veto new EU treaty, warns David Cameron
David Cameron has threatened to veto a far-reaching deal to save the euro unless he wins safeguards for the City of London and the European single market. British PM says he will not sign any new deal that doesnt safeguard Britains nancial services
Pair agree on series of reforms to address eurozone sovereign debt crisis Proposals will be presented to EU President on Wednesday They include a modied EU treaty, ideally for all 27 EU members, but prepared to cut down to 17 eurozone members if needed They want automatic sanctions on countries failing to meet 3% decit rule Eurozone leaders should meet once a month until crisis is sorted They agreed Eurobonds is NOT a solution to the problem Cameron: New treaty will not trigger referendum Shares gain as markets remain optimistic on scal union
Germany and France have agreed a common position on tackling the euro-zone debt crisis by pushing for a new EU treaty to enforce budget discipline through automatic sanctions. They plan to bring forward the permanent euro bailout mechanism to 2012 from 2013 -- and both remain opposed to euro bonds. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy gave a crucial show of unity in the euro crisis on Monday, announcing after a meeting in Paris that they will push for a new treaty, either among all 27 EU members or just the 17 countries in the euro zone, to force member states to adhere to tighter budget discipline in the future. The two leaders also agreed to bring forward the establishment of the permanent bailout fund, or European Stability Mechanism, for ailing member states to next year from the original launch date of 2013. They plan to submit their proposals to European Council President Herman Van Rompuy on Wednesday ahead of what is being billed as a make-orbreak summit on the euro crisis on Thursday and Friday. Things cannot continue as they have done up until today, Sarkozy told a joint news conference with Merkel after the meeting. Our preference is for a treaty among the 27 (EU members), so that nobody feels excluded, but we are open to a treaty among the 17 (euro members), open to any state that wants to join us. Automatic Sanctions and BalancedBudget Rules Sarkozy said the treaty would enshrine automatic sanctions on countries that breach the EUs budget decit ceiling of 3 percent of GDP, and would also contain a golden rule under which member states would declare balanced budgets as a requirement in their national constitutions. Both leaders were at pains to quell rumors of behind-the-scenes brakes, which can be veried by the European Court of Justice. ECB Could Step in to Calm Markets Even if Merkel and Sarkozy can secure agreement for treaty changes at the EU summit, the moves will reiterated their opposition to euro bonds, or jointly issued debt, an idea that had been aired by EU ofcials as a way to contain the crisis by reducing the borrowing costs of highdebt nations. Both also said they had settled differences on the involvement of private sector creditors in future sovereign defaults. Merkel said the creditors would be involved in accordance with the rules of the International Monetary Fund. She said there would be no Lex Europa that would treat investors in Europe worse than investors elsewhere in the world. British Prime Minister David Cameron made a referendum, suggesting that the issue of whether or not to call one will not arise. He added: I have always said that if there is treaty change in Europe then we will make sure that Britain gets something in order to enhance, protect, defend and promote our national interest in Europe. I think that is absolutely the key... If there is treaty change at the level of 27, then Britain has its desires and requests to make sure our relationship with Europe is properly managed. Downing Street has insisted that any new treaty would not involve a transfer of powers from Westminster
disagreements on how to tackle the crisis. In this extremely worrying period and serious crisis, France believes that the alliance and understanding with Germany are of strategic importance, Sarkozy said. Risking a disagreement would be risking the euro zone exploding. Merkel said: It is very important that we work as closely together as possible... We are in a difcult situation and we need to regain trust, as the belief that we can be taken at our word has suffered. That is why at the summit we need to regain some of this condence and trust in our word. We want structural changes which go beyond agreements. We need binding debt
take months to implement. The European Central Bank could step in to stabilize markets in the meantime through bond-buying and interest rate cuts. The ECB last week signalled exibility if leaders made progress on scal integration. The two leaders also agreed that the rules of the permanent rescue fund, called the European Stability Mechanism, are to be changed so that it will no longer be possible for an individual member state to veto decisions. Decisions on ESM moves will only require 85 percent approval, rather than the originally envisaged 100 percent, to go through, they said. Both Sarkozy and Merkel also
clear that a new treaty to sort out the eurozone crisis would not necessarily trigger a referendum in the UK. Answering questions following a speech in London, he said: Clearly, there are negotiations going on in Europe. I will be part of those negotiations on Thursday and Friday. If there is a treaty at the level of 27, and if that passed powers from Britain to Brussels, there would be a referendum. If it didnt pass powers from Britain to Brussels, I would still want to make sure that British interests are pursued. Mr Cameron indicated that he does not expect any treaty change signicant enough to require
to Brussels. The Prime Minister will argue treaty changes will affect only the 17 countries in the eurozone. But last night a senior minister told the Daily Mail: I dont think its possible to have a signicant move towards scal union without a signicant renegotiation of our relationship with the eurozone. Its inconceivable that we dont do something about that. To claim that it will only affect the eurozone is unsustainable. Another senior Tory warned Mr Cameron that he risks a bigger rebellion than the 81 MPs who demanded a referendum on pulling out of the EU in October.
NEWS
EDITORIAL
Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah said his group was increasing its weapons stockpiles shortly after he made a rare public appearance at a Beirut Ashura procession Tuesday. Our power has increased and so have our arms day after day, Nasrallah said in a video link on the occasion of Ashura, the tenth day of Muharram the rst month of the Muslim lunar calendar. This resistance and its weapons will continue to exist and your conspiracies as well as your psychological, political and intelligence wars will not destroy us, Nasrallah told crowds at a packed stadium in the southern suburbs of Beirut less than half an hour after making a rare public appearance at the venue. Thousands of men dressed in black applauded as Nasrallah yelled: The resistance in Lebanon, with Continued from page 01 >>
its weapons and mujahedeen, God willing, will continue to exist. We will hold onto our arms ... our weapons do not rust. They are being renewed. During his brief public appearance, Nasrallah, speaking from a openair podium, told cheering crowd: I wanted to be with you for a few minutes ... to renew our pledge with al-Hussein who stood at this day alone in the face of 30,000 individuals. We tell all those who bet on scaring us or threatening us that we are the companions of Imam Hussein, who says he will never be humiliated, Nasrallah added before he was whisked out of al-Rai Stadium in the southern suburbs of the capital. During his televised speech, Nasrallah touched on both local and regional matters. On the Arab Spring, Nasrallah reiterated accusations that the U.S.
was steering the uprisings in the Arab world and urged people to be aware of this conspiracy. We must alert, remind and warn everybody that the real threat to this nation and all its peoples is the U.S.Israeli project, Nasrallah said via a video link. He said the U.S. administration had revived its new Middle East project after attempts by Washington were thwarted by resistance operations in the region and by rejectionist countries with Iran and Syria at the forefront. The U.S. now woke up to reactivate the new Middle East project by igniting sectarian strife. A good section of his speech was devoted to Syria, saying that while he supported reforms he would stand by a regime that has stood by the resistance for a long time. Nasrallah said the United States aimed to destroy Syria.
There are some who dont want civil peace or stability and want to destroy Syria. There are some who want to make up for their defeat in Iraq and their inevitable loss in any change in the situation in Syria for the benet of Israel, Nasrallah told the packed stadium. On local matters, Nasrallah touched on the issue of false witnesses in the case of the assassination of former Prime Minister Rak Hariri. Nasrallah said the issue had caused tensions in ties between Lebanon and Syria and called on the government to address the divisive topic. There is a need to resolve the issue of false witnesses and that of the four ofcers who were jailed, Nasrallah said, referring to the four generals who were held without charge for nearly four years before the Special Tribunal for Lebanon probing Hariris assassination ordered their release.
and a memory card given to the police by one Murtuza Diwan. He claimed that they all belonged to Ms. Vora, who had given them to him for safekeeping. The prosecution claimed that two witnesses had accused Mr. Paulson of destroying certain SIM cards. Hence, the custody of Ms. Vora and Mr. Paulson was sought for further interrogation. He also said that Ms Vora was not cooperating with the investigation. Ms Vora, Deputy Chief of Bureau of Asian Age, was recently arrested under Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) on charges of supplying licence plate number of the motorcycle and address of the slain journalist to Rajan. According to the police, Chhota Rajan was upset with two articles written by Mr Dey which portrayed him in bad light and hence ordered him to be killed;
he wanted to send a message to the media that those who write against him would be killed. The police also say that Ms Jigna had instigated Rajan to kill Mr Dey due to professional rivalry. Voras police custody was extended after public prosecutor Dilip Shah argued that new material had come to light in the last few days and this needed to be probed. He also said that Vora was not cooperating in investigation. Shah said a lady who was known to Vora had given the police a mobile phone saying it belonged to the journalist while one more cell phone of Vora was yet to be recovered. Besides, two more witnesses have come forward to give their statements in the case. Paulson, charged with giving Rs 5 lakh contract money to killers on the instructions of Chhota Rajan, was also produced before the special court which remanded him in police custody. Earlier, Paulson was in judicial custody and police wanted him in their custody to confront him with Vora. Dey, 56, was shot dead by assailants on motorcycles in broad daylight in Powai, a Mumbai suburb. He was believed to have been investigating the alleged nexus between the underworld, police and oil maa.
NEWS
Syria: UN human rights chief calls for action rebuffed by China and Russia
The United Nations human rights chief has urged world powers to take action to protect civilians in Syria from ruthless repression, but her call was rebuffed by China and Russia.
The UN also condemned Assads rule, but a resolution that could have paved the way for intervention was blocked by Russia and China. They believe the UN continues to ignore reports of atrocities committed by opposition ghters and warn that foreign meddling may worsen the situation. Franklin Lamb says the regime is extremely nationalistic to be brought down by Western interference in the form of sanctions as the majority of population will strongly oppose them. The history going back to Iraq and before teaches us that sanctions are not really effective in changing the behavior of the regime they are dramatic for local consumption, Lamb claims, saying the US Congress thrills of sanctions against Syria and Iran will bring no fruit in real political terms. Both sides have got to nd another way to defuse the situation, he maintains.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called for military intervention in Syria to bring down the ruling regime as sanctions continue to be piled on Damascus. But political activist Franklin Lamb has doubts on how effective they can be. According to Commissioner Navi Pillay, more than 4,000 people, including 307 children, have been killed in the last nine months of clashes between the government forces of President Bashar al-Assad and armed opposition.
After she spoke, envoys from Russia and China, which both have oil projects in Syria, took the oor to warn against foreign interference in Syria in the name of human rights. Russia has delivered anti-ship cruise missiles to Syria, the Interfax news agency cited an unnamed military source as saying on Thursday, days after a UN commission of inquiry called for an arms embargo on Damascus. Chinas envoy He Yafei said that although China was deeply
concerned, views on how to resolve the situation differed widely. Member states of the United Nations should follow the principles and purposes of the UN and refrain from resolving differences through force or threat of force, he said. Syria, which does not allow access to most foreign journalists, says it is ghting an insurgency by armed groups supported from abroad, who have attacked its troops trying to defend the peace.
At Fridays summit, Syrias ambassador Faysal Khabbaz Hamoui gave an angry speech that won support from Russia, China and Cuba. The Syrian problem is one that can be resolved only by Syrians. It is only a domestic, national solution that is possible, he said, referring to reforms promised for 2012. The solution cannot come from the corridors of the international community, he said. It is only resolutions trying to put more oil on the re.
professor from the Chinese National Defense University says if Iran is attacked, China will not hesitate to protect the Islamic Republic even by launching the Third World War. Major General Zhang Zhaozhong said, China will not hesitate to protect Iran even with a third World War. The United States and Israel have repeatedly threatened Tehran with the option of a
Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak warned that time has come to deal with Iran. Israeli President Shimon Peres also threatened on November 6 that an attack against Iran is becoming more and more likely. Iranian ofcials have promised a crushing response to any military strike against the country, warning that any such measure could result in a war that would spread beyond the Middle East.
NEWS
Amnesty International has called for several African nations to arrest and detain former President George W. Bush for authorizing the use of waterboarding and other forms of torture. Mr. Bush is visiting Ethiopia, Tanzania and Zambia this week to raise awareness about cervical and breast cancer and HIV/AIDS. The international human rights groups written statement recognizes the value those goals, but says it cannot lessen the damage to the ght against torture caused by allowing someone who has admitted to authorizing waterboarding to travel without facing the consequences prescribed by law. The organization called for the governments of Ethiopia, Tanzania and Zambia to arrest Mr. Bush
and to secure his presence during the investigation of his alleged involvement in and responsibility for torture. It is not the rst time human rights groups have called for Mr. Bushs arrest. Amnesty called for his arrest in October during a visit to Canada and the former president canceled a visit to Switzerland in February on fears that he may have faced legal action there. Mr. Bush wrote in his memoir, Decision Points, that he personally approved the use of waterboarding, an interrogation technique that simulates drowning, for alleged September 11 mastermind Khalid Sheik Mohammed. New York Rep. Peter King called Amnestys action misguided. If Amnesty International had
any intellectual honesty, it would give President Bush a medal to honor him for liberating so many oppressed Muslims in Iraq and Afghanistan and for assisting millions of AIDS victims in Africa, said the Republican chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security.
The U.S. ambassador to Belgium is under re for comments he made appearing to blame Israel for antiSemitism among Muslims. Howard Gutman made the remarks Wednesday at a Jewish conference on anti-Semitism, reportedly apologizing to the audience in advance if his words were not to their liking, according to reports. Gutman said a distinction should be made between traditional anti-Semitism, which should be condemned, and Muslim hatred for Jews, which stems from the ongoing
Julian Assange wins last chance to ght, but chance of success extraordinarily slim
ULIAN Assange last night won a nal chance to battle his extradition to Sweden to face sex allegations when Britains High Court allowed a hearing that will keep him in the country until next year. Mr Assange was given permission to take his case to the British Supreme Court, but High Court judge John Thomas dampened any optimism among the Assange supporters by saying he believed the Australians chances of success at the hearing were extraordinarily slim.
NEWS
because of our inherent laziness, which we euphemistically term convenience, or just for the sake of relieving boredom is a matter of personal preference. Most scientic
robots have been developed which are enabled to conduct surgical procedures such as the da Vinci Surgical System. Undeniably, the introduction of robotic surgery has
how machines are transforming the way in which we interact. We no longer rely on Carol from the Met Ofce to relay to us the topsy-turvy weather forecast as many now have
Marisa Paulson
[Previously: ...My skin looked off, like I was sick, quite pale even, I looked really ill...I didnt have a good sleep...a nightmare...my left arm... nothing was there...I didnt know whether it was real or I simply dreamt it...there was nothing now...perhaps it was all a gment of my imagination... Still...] Forcedly I ung my head out of the basin, gasping, hyperventilating, consuming air around me. Water splashed everywhere as Id done so. A fringe of hair fell across my eyes. I hastily whipped them away from...eyes...widened as I gawked upon myself in the
in Shangs room, playing video games, of course. The day was late, a near ending Saturday, 4:37pm. Since my whole incident with Worthall Anderson eleven days had passed, and within that passing, strange things had been announcing. Id remember that day like no other, the day I just stared and stared and stared, the day my spine twisted back and forth and snapped, the day my blood boiled hot, sizzling hot in a fryer pan, and that day, the day my tip of my tongue tasted death. That pain was hell, excruciating, I longed to have swallowed the death becoming me whole. Luckily I lived, living and now alive.
NEWS
ENTERTAINMENT
Ignorance is Bliss
Keziah-Ann Abakah
Its amazing in fact I dare to say it is astounding how blissful ignorance is. The Ignorant speak before they think, they point ngers before they look and they state opinions instead of facts. To me it seems that the Ignorant have found what we have all failed to acquire, for they posses happiness, freedom of speech and superior knowledge to us all. If its a common known fact that ignorance is bliss quite simply I ask...Why arent we all ignorant? If you put aside the fact that most people will make attempts on your life. Overlook the knowledge that you will be a source of repulsion and pay no notice to the fact that people like you are the reason we have Genocide the short falls of being ignorant are minor. Who cares if you inspire people to act as if one race is superior to another? Who cares if those who work just as hard as you and sometimes even harder are subjected to snide comments about their ancestral origin? And who cares if young children are exposed to these one sided views that are often coated in a layer of colourful language surely not the ignorant. Its not important to remember that most if not all high end brands are made in countries outside of Britain by an assortment of ethnic groups, look no further than the sole of your shoes, the tag of your jacket or even the interior of your gloves to have this fact proved. Its not important to remember that Mc Donalds, Kebab, Pizza Hut and Chinese take out were not invented by the British but still provide excellent food on those days when we cant be bothered to cook and lastly Its not important to acknowledge the fact that a large majority of tax payers are British citizen but arent one racial colour. In the mind of the ignorant these facts are negligible. The Ignorant live an uninformed and unconcerned life where they can be as incompetent as they please and they demonstrate this incompetence at any time and any place. They disregard the implications of their words and actions, they bear little to no factual content and they act as a prime example of why certain aspects of society have not changed so why oh why arent we all... Ignorant?
Cheering squad paid to greet the hollywood star at airports vip exit. Some of them did not even know who the actor was, but 300 for an hour is easy money A hired crowd is better. It behaves itself and listens to us, said a security ofcer . Organizers denied any knowledge of a paid arrangement.
FASHION
A Different print very season, its never ending! But I am here to the rescue, ok well not rescue, but to update you on the prints hitting the high-street this season. From Aztec to monochrome, here are some items that will surely make you a trend setter...
ADVICE
Dear Miss R, I was never really popular throughout primary school and it has never been easy for me to make friends. I am in year 10 and even now I have very few friends and nd it difcult to socialise with kids in my school and around my age. My mum is constantly nagging me, telling me to get out more and hang out with people my own age. So, recently a new girl joined our school and started talking to me which made me feel great and not like such an outcast as shes very nice and looks like a model. However, the rst time she spoke to me she offered me a cigarette and I didnt know what to do so I accepted and I absolutely hated it. But now she thinks I like to smoke and probably drink too. I am not sure whether to tell her or not I dont actually smoke but Im worried she might not want to be friends with me and think Im not mature enough to be her friend. But it does feel great to have a friend I can talk to and hang out with. Amelia Dear Amelia Its great that you have made a new friend and feel as though you are tting in however it is on the wrong terms and you are giving into peer pressure. First of all, smoking is an awful habit and you should denitely not do it, especially if you do not like it. I am sure youve learnt all about the effects of smoking and how it can cause lung cancer etc so do not give in at all to the pressure. You should simply tell your friend you dont like it and she should accept that and also appreciate that you are a strong person who can stand up for what they want. Also, friendship is based on the truth so your friend will accept that you do not smoke and respect that around you. Who knows you may be able to help her quit too? Your mum is right
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Islamabad concurred with the ofcials assessment, saying there is enough evidence to tell us of Lashkar-e-Jhangvis involvement. I cant get in to the specics of intelligence information, but there were warnings oating around recently of a big attack in the pipeline, and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi was a key suspect. President Hamid Karzai said he believed this claim, although he did not elaborate. We are investigating this issue and we are going to talk to the Pakistan government about it, Karzai told reporters as he visited a hospital where scores of people wounded in the attack were being treated. He said the attack was not just an act of hate against Muslims, but against mankind. Afghanistan cannot ignore the blood of all the victims of this incident, especially the children, he added. Pakistani military spokesman Gen. Athar Abbas dismissed any suggestions that the violent sectarian group has links to the countrys intelligence agencies. The unprecedented sectarian attack which killed 55 Shia worshippers in Kabul is likely to have been the work of al-Qaida or a group closely associated with it, security sources and analysts believe. A spokesman for an obscure Pakistani extremist group called Lashkar-e-Jhangvi al Almi claimed responsibility in a phone call to Radio Mashaal a Pashto language radio station. Lashkar-e-Jhangvi al Almi is a small faction based in Pakistans tribal area and is considered an even more radical offshoot of Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, (LeJ), a murderous anti-Shia group founded in 1996. Both groups act as surrogates for alQaida. The Taliban was quick to distance itself from Tuesdays bombing and the Afghan Taliban has generally avoided sectarian violence.
international
fghanistans president vowed Wednesday to confront the government in Islamabad over a devastating suicide bombing against a Shiite shrine in Kabul that he said originated on Pakistani soil. Lashkar-e-Jhangvi al Almi, an obscure Pakistani extremist group claims responsibility for attack that killed at least 55 people A Western diplomat in
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NEWS
said after initial medical inspection, the doctors in Dubai said the presidents health was satisfactory. Dubais ruler, Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashed al-Maktoum, paid a visit to Pakistans president at a hospital in the emirate after he suffered a minor heart attack, state media reported on Wednesday. Sheikh Mohammad, also vice president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, wished Zardari a speedy recovery, the ofcial WAM news agency reported, without giving any further details. The president will remain under observation and return to resume his normal functions as advised by the doctors. said Mian Munir Hans. He walked to his car in the airport and was not on any ambulance, adding that he was accompanied by his
doctor and petroleum minister Asim Hussain. Zardari was taken straight to the American Hospital in Dubai, said Hans. He also said that President Zardari will travel back to Pakistan following a few days of rest in Dubai. Hans, however, rubbished media reports that the Pakistani president had any brain hemorrhage attack after the hearth attack. Earlier a minister conrmed that Zardari suffered a minor heart attack and was in Dubai for a small operation and said that he will return to Islamabad on Thursday as he was in good health. On Wednesday, a US magazine had reported that President Zardari might resign due to ill-health. The report quoted a former US government ofcial saying that when US President Barack Obama spoke to Zardari regarding the Nato attack,
Zardari was incoherent. Other media reports had stated that Zardari was rushed to the hospital after suffering a minor heart attack and was undergoing angioplasty after reaching Dubai via an air ambulance. In September 2011 Presdient Asif Zardari visited London for his medical checkups and had angioplasty as well, at that time Presidential spokesman Farhatullah Babar told the reporters that the visit had been planned much in advance in view of medical appointments already made for Zardari. President Zardari is having cardiology health problem for the past ve years. He was earlier due to heart attack in also admitted for 17 days in a Dubai hospital for the treatment and angioplasty as well. At that time he was in a critical condition, doctors advised immediate operation.
Hasina said gas could be imported from Myanmars block no. A-2 and block no. L.She sought cooperation from Myanmar to stop smuggling of illicit drugs into Bangladesh. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has emphasized on importing electricity and gas from Myanmar to meet Bangladeshs decit. There is also need for direct road and air links between the two countries to boost bilateral trade and investment, she said when Myanmars Foreign Minister Wunna Maung Lwin met with her at Hotel Myat Taw Win this (Monday) afternoon. During the meeting, issues relating to the repatriation of Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh and trade and investment were discussed. Referring to bilateral trade, the Prime Minister said Myanmar can import RMG, knitwear, pharmaceuticals, ceramics and jute goods from Bangladesh. She said Myanmars investors can also make investment in Bangladeshs potential sectors by taking advantage of the incentives offered by her government for overseas investors. About tourism, Hasina favored signing of a MoU in the future to promote tourism between the two close neighbors. In response, the Foreign Minister of Myanman said his country is
functioning as a bridge among the South Asian countries. He said Myanmar is gradually moving towards market economy. Foreign Minister Dipu Moni, Ambassador at-Large Mohammad Ziauddin, Foreign Secretary Mijarul Quayes and PMs Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad were present. Earlier, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was given a red carpet reception as she arrived in the new capital of Myanmar this afternoon on a three-day ofcial visit. A special ight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying Sheikh Hasina and members of her entourage landed at Nay Pyi Taw airport at 4 pm local time. Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Wunna Maung Lwin and Bangladesh Ambassador to Myanmar Anup Kumar Chakma received the Prime Minister at the airport. A tiny tot presented a ower bouquet to the Prime Minister. After the airport ceremony, Sheikh Hasina in a motorcade was taken to Hotel Myat Taw Win, where she will stay during her visit. The roads and road islands were decorated with Bangladesh and Myanmar national ags and banners welcoming Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Large billboards with the
Senior executives at Bell Pottinger told undercover reporters that they were so inuential that they had written a key speech given by the Sri Lankan President to the United Nations. During the address by President Mahinda Rajapaksa last year, which the company said was used in preference to one prepared by the Sri Lankan foreign ministry, the President suggested rules governing the humanitarian conduct of war should be re-examined. He also described his troops action against Tamil Tiger separatists as humanitarian. President Rajapaksa also claimed in the speech that a Commission established by the government to look into the last years of the civil war, was giving full expression to the principles of accountability. The Commission has been heavily criticised by human rights groups including Amnesty International because it does not have a mandate to hold individuals to account for war crimes. We had a team working in the Presidents ofce. We wrote the
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both seen as pivotal to any end to the bloody strife in Afghanistan a decade on decided to stay away from Bonn, dampening already modest hopes for real progress. Some 140,000 international troops are in Afghanistan, and all Nato-led combat forces are due to leave by the end of 2014, when Kabul will assume responsibility for the countrys security. The events host, German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, insisted there would be no rush to the exit, even as a looming global recession threatens to distract the West from the enormous challenges facing the strife-wracked nation. We send a clear message to the people of Afghanistan: we will not leave you alone, you will not be abandoned, he said, pledging help in comments echoed by Merkel in a brief address. Clinton announced the United States
was ending a freeze on hundreds of millions of dollars in development funds due to nancial reforms by Kabul. Ofcials said Washington took its cue from the International Monetary Funds decision last month to approve a new loan for Afghanistan after a year of difcult talks stalled by the massive Kabul Bank scandal. Rage over an air strike late last month by Nato troops stationed in Afghanistan that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers led Islamabad to snub the gathering. Clinton lamented the boycott in her speech to the conference. The entire region has a stake in Afghanistans future and much to lose if the country again becomes a source of terrorism and instability and that is why we would of course have beneted from Pakistans contribution to this conference, she
said. We continue to believe that Pakistan has a crucial role to play, she told reporters later, adding that she was encouraged by remarks by a Pakistani government ofcial that it will continue cooperation, including in the ght against terrorism. In a conciliatory gesture, the conference made special note of the strain on Pakistan and Iran in dealing with refugees from the war-ravaged country. We acknowledge the burden of Afghanistans neighbours, in particular Pakistan and Iran, in
A trillion dollars worth of gold under the hills of war-torn Afghanistan is set to be mined, as the Afghan government starts its tendering process. The Afghan Ministry of Mines has four separate projects up for grabs, to let global companies mine both gold and copper across the troubled country. The four projects are in Badakshan, Zarkashan, Balkhab and Shaida. While the exact size and value of the metal reserves are unknown, the ministry is condent that there is at least $1trillion worth available - good news for potential investors. Gold may start being produced as early as 2013, as contracts are hoped to have been nalised by July 2012. Revenues from the mined precious metals will give a
the ames of occupation. Pakistan is also boycotting the event after an air strike by NATO troops stationed in Afghanistan killed 24 Pakistani soldiers last week. Islamabad is considered key to bringing the Taliban to the
The Afghan government and the international backers should encourage the Taliban to take part in this conference because the Taliban are part of this land and without their participation, the Bonn conference will not give positive results.
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the newly created information and communication technology (ICT) ministry, while the state minister for ICT and science and communication ministry, architect Yeafesh Osman, remains with the science and technology ministry. The cabinet division issued a gazette notication in this regard on Monday morning. Suranjit and Kader were inducted to the council of ministers on
November 28. On December 4, the government formed two new ministries the railways ministry and the ICT ministry, by splitting the Communications Ministry and the Ministry of Science, Information and Communication Technology. A highly placed source hinted that after the prime minister returns to Dhaka, another reshufe is on the cards, due to the poor performance
18 lakh electricity connections HSBC, Star honour climate heroes to villages by 2015
the villages under the governments Vision 2021 programme. We are doing necessary ground work and preparation for providing 18 lakh new connections under the project by 2015, REB chairman Moin Uddin told the news agency yesterday. He said the infrastructures to bring 18 lakh people under electricity coverage would be built through all the REBs nationwide 70 Palli Biddyut Samity areas while the development was expected to boost rural economy and poverty elimination. US Ambassador in Dhaka Dan W Mozena addresses a press conference at the American Club in the capital on Thursday. US Ambassador in Dhaka Dan W Mozena said on Thursday that his country plans to reach a strategic partnership with Bangladesh during Secretary of State Hillary Clintons visit to Dhaka. This is my goal, this is my dream, he said at his maiden press conference at the American Club in the capital. He, however, did not mention any specic timetable for Clintons visit. He said he would work hard and work with Bangladesh government to make the visit happen. Asked about the strategic partnership, Mozena said it would be creating a forum to discuss issues like countering terrorism, food security, global climate change and energy. In reply to a question about political standoff over the next general election, the US ambassador, who had a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Thursday, said US supports strong democratic process and democratic institution. We hope all political players will work together to create a productive democratic process for the interest of the people of Bangladesh.
The Rural Electrication Board (REB) is expected to launch a project to provide 18 lakh new connections in next four years as part of a massive government campaign to cover all
From left, Hishamuddin B Saleh, managing director of Bengal Glass Works Ltd, AKM Zakaria, joint director of Rural Development Academy in Bogra, Mosqua Haque, director of Radio Today, Tore Johnsen, CEO of Grameenphone, and Md Nurul Aktar, CEO of Energypac Electronics Ltd, pose with HSBC-The Daily Star Climate Awards at Radisson Hotel in the capital yesterday.
Batons and teargas canisters ew through the air as Bangladeshi police violently dispersed a general strike in the capital Dhaka. A local ofcial claimed eight people have been injured in the dawn clashes.
Some 13,000 police ofcers were deployed throughout the city, as schools and business had all but shut down amid Sundays strife. Protesters became unruly as they pelted bricks and stones
at police and torched a police van and motorcycle. We red teargas to prevent vandalism, deputy commissioner of Dhaka police Khorshed Alam told the AFP news agency. The strike was carried out at
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nance more than 13 months essential imports. He also said growth in merchandise imports will continue to increase while domestic supply will be more than domestic demand. However, trade and current account decits will be offset and nanced by net inows through ofcial grants and loans, thereby resulting in a projected positive overall balance of payments. For the 2012-2013 scal year, gross international reserves is forecast to be sufcient to nance 14 to 15 months of merchandise imports. We had to be prudent, while considering this option, because our reserves are mostly made up of grants
and aids, and small inows from tourism and exports, Daw Tenzin said yesterday in Thimphu at the annual conference with the nancial institutions. Grants and aid make up 80 percent of the countrys foreign currency reserve. But the governor made it clear that selling dollars was only a short-term measure, and the economy might again start borrowing from SBI by next year-end. We dont expect substantial
Drukair will operate two ights each to Singapore and the Indian city of Mumbai, according to its summer schedule (May to December 2012) to be released this weekend. National airline Drukair has added two new routes for its summer schedule 2012. Drukair commercial manager, Tshering Penjor, did not reveal airfare specics on the two new routes. He said that the airfare to Singapore would be marginally higher than its Paro-Bangkok route. Bhutanese are currently charged Nu 25,546 for a full fare round trip to Bangkok, and Nu 12,487 for a oneway journey. Tshering Penjor claimed that the Drukair airfare for Singapore would be cheaper than stopping over in Bangkok and ying to the city state.
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NEWS
integrity of Pakistan would be protected at all costs. Gilani said that PPP founder Zulkar Ali Bhutto had laid down the foundation
Pakistan has not delivered on its promise to bring the 26/11 perpetrators to justice, Home MinisterP Chidambaram has said, adding that Islamabads overt support to state and non-state actors involved in cross-border terror has diminished. In an interview to Doordarshan, Chidambaram said Pakistani ministers had promised him that seven people whose names had been handed over in connection with the 26/11 attack would be arrested and their voice samples delivered. They have not delivered on the promise. The trial has not started. The judge has been changed four or, may be, ve times. Now what do I conclude - that
Pakistan is not serious about bringing to justice real perpetrators behind 26/11, Chidambaram said. I think they have realised that any overt support to state actors or non-state actors, if that is discovered, they will pay a heavy price. So I think overt support has certainly diminished. Covert support, I really cant make an assessment, Chidambaram said. On reports about facilities provided to Haz Sayeed and Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi - accused in the 26/11 conspiracy - Chidambaram said Pakistans attitude is there for all to see and diminishes its credibility. If this one guy (Lakhvi) is treated with with such kindness, generosity what does say about the
A day after Australias ruling Labor Party approved uranium sale to India, Pakistan has demanded it be allowed to buy the nuclear raw material if the Gillard administration proceeds with sales of yellowcake to New Delhi. Pakistans High Commissioner to Australia, Abdul Malik Abdullah, said if Australia is willing to export uranium to India then it should sell it to Pakistan as well. If Australia is going to lift the ban on a country which has not signed NPT (Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty) it is much hoped that will also apply to Pakistan the same way, Abdullah was quoted as saying by The Australian newspaper today. Labor Party yesterday voted to overturn a decades-old ban on uranium sale to India, paving the way for Canberra to supply yellowcake to a nation outside the NPT. Abdullah said Pakistan has not made a request to buy Australian uranium but this could change in the future. In that case we will hope that we will also be treated at par with other non-NPT signatories, he said. Interestingly, Julia Gillard had recently asked Pakistan to do more to combat terrorism and extremism.
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committed any mistake and has not apologised to me, she later told NDTV. Harsimrat Kaur promised action against the sarpanch. I condemn the incident. It happened before I came there. There can be no reason to hit a woman. I will
speak with the Superintendent of Police as well that action should be taken, said Mrs Badal. With the support Im getting, I hope Ill get justice, Barinder told NDTV. The police says it is investigating the
Parliamentary panel seeks more India asks social websites time to submit report on Lokpal to censor user content
One more meeting of the committee is likely for nal adoption and giving an opportunity to members to give their dissent notes which BJP and other opposition parties have planned. At a meeting last week, the committee had nalised the draft report on the Bill which excludes Group C ofcials out of the Lokpals ambit but BJP and Left parties objected to some of the recommendations. The initial draft report of the committee excludes the Prime Minister and the judiciary from the ambit of the Lokpal.
The Parliamentary committtee examining the Lokpal Bill has sought one more week to submit its report on the subject. The Committee, which was to submit its report on December 7, has sought the additional time apparently to hold another round of
meeting to nalise the report to be presented to Parliament. Rajya Sabha Chairman Mohd Hamid Ansari has called the committees head Abhishek Singhvi on Tuesday to explain the necessity for seeking extension of time.
The Parliamentary Standing Committees decision to exclude the lower bureaucracy from the ambit of the Lokpal Bill came after Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhis intervention, anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare alleged on Friday. At a press conference in his native town of Ralegan Siddhi, he said the government was lacking in coordination. The government works as per the instructions of Rahul Gandhi. I think that after the earlier decision was taken, he instructed them not to include Class 3 and 4 employees under the Lokpal. Asked whether he had any evidence to prove Mr. Gandhis intervention, he said: This is my guess. There cannot be any smoke without re. The corruption affecting the poor will come down only when
Communications Minister Kapil Sibal takes strong exception to the uploading of disparaging and defamatory content, particularly those related to Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, on some social networking sites, and asked these websites to remove all such content or face action. Mr. Sibal, who met senior functionaries of these websites, including those from Facebook, Google, YouTube and Yahoo, asked them to evolve a mechanism to lter such inammatory and defamatory content that could create social tension. Besides referring to uploading of pictures and videos having morphed images of popular leaders, he mentioned the use of material that could hurt peoples religious sentiments. These websites have been told to be more vigilant towards such content and ensure that such objectionable matter is not used on the Internet. They have been asked to inform the government of such controversial matter so that immediate remedial measures could be taken. We have asked them to actively screen and lter all such material before they are uploaded, a senior ofcial of the Department of Telecommunications said. It is learnt that the Centre, Mr. Sibal in particular, took a strong view on the use of morphed images of Ms. Gandhi and
Dr. Singh on Facebook. Mr. Sibal even warned of stern action against these rms if they failed to act. He also pointed to the safety concerns expressed by Indian intelligence agencies which want to monitor these websites for security reasons. The functionaries of social networking websites have expressed their helplessness on pre-screening of content due to the large amount of content being uploaded, besides the server being located in foreign locations, particularly the U.S. They are also averse to the governments attempt to monitor and control the Internet. India today has over 10-crore Internet users, third largest in the world after China and the U.S., which is likely to more than double by 2015. India also has over 2.8-crore Facebook users and is the fth largest Facebook user base in the world and is expected to become second largest by the end of 2012. The websites, however, offered their support in prosecuting such elements found misusing the Internet. We have told the government that we will cooperate with the government in penalising those found guilty of uploading objectionable content we have urged them to prosecute such elements under relevant Acts by ling cases against them, said a senior ofcial of a social networking website.
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Ahmet Davutolu is the Davutolu is the Foreign Minister of Turkey. He Ahmet Foreign Minister of Turkey. He is a political science political science academic who became ambassador is a academic who became ambassador and then chief advisor to the Prime Minister before being and then chief advisor to the Prime Minister before being appointed Foreign MinisterForeign Minister on May , . Davutoglu appointed on May , . Davutoglu is considered to be considered to be thefigure important figure for redefinis the most important most for redefining the new framework of Turkish foreign policy under ing the new framework of Turkish foreign policy under the s rule. the s rule.
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Political Political Praise Country: Saudi Arabia Country: Saudi Arabia The new ranking was praised by Saudi ofcials are proving that Born: 51) Born: 10 Feb 1960 (age10 Feb 1960 (age 51) Westerners care about what is going on in the Muslim world. Country: UAE Country: UAE in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Born: 12 July 1949 (age 62) Born: 12 July 1949 (age 62) This is a positive thing because it focuses on the Muslim world, in Dubai, Trucial States in Dubai, Trucial States Dr. Abdullah Bin Beeh told The Saudi Gazette. Al Sudais is theAl Sudais is the chief of the Imams at the Grand Mosqu chief of the Imams at the Grand Mosque Putting king Abdullah on the top ranking, the SaudiSheikhwas king Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is Al Maktoum is the Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid the Ruler of Mecca. the Quran at the age of , and of Mecca. He memorized He memorized the Quran at the age of , an H.E. Dr Anwar Ibrahim Ibrahim H.E. Dr Anwar also praised for his work in supporting Islamic work and Dubai as well asH.E.as well asH.E.Davutoluand Prime Minisof Dubai Dr Ahmet Dr Ahmet Davutolu the Vice President of solving the Vice President and Prime Minisstudied Sharia studied Sharia at Riyadh University, Imam Muhamma at Riyadh University, Imam Muhammad Muslim issues. ter of the United After taking a heavy taking a heavy hit bin Saud Islamic University, andUniversity, and Univer- Qura Unive Political Political Political Political ter of the United Arab Emirates. Arab Emirates. Afterhit bin Saud Islamic Umm al Qura Umm al The international acknowledgment for king Abdullahduring the finanacial crisis,finanacial well back on itswell back on its way sity. Al Sudais is also popular foralso popular for his sermons and stanc is not the during the Dubai is crisis, Dubai is way sity. Al Sudais is his sermons and stance rst. to recovery, out still leader Turkey a and to recovery, and still stands and as a stands of visionleader of vision and on peaceful conflict-resolution. Country: Malaysia on peaceful conflict-resolution. Country: Turkey Country: out as Country: Malaysia Forbes Magazine recently listed him as the sixth practice70 the practice Al Maktoum(agea52) 1959 (agea52) out of in region. in the region.isAl well-respected well-respected Born: 26 Feb 1959 Born: 26Maktoum is Feb Born: 10 August 1947 (age 64) in 1947 (age 64) in Born: 10 August politician in theHe has launched multiEast. inuential personalities in the world. politician in the Middlein Takent, Konya, TurkeyHeKonya, Turkey multiEast. Middlein Takent, has launched Cherok Tok Kun, Penang,Tok Kun, Penang, Malayan Cherok Malayan Adnan Oktar Union Union ple charity Dubai,Uthman Taha ple charity such as Dubai Cares It chose King Abdullah for his unique leadership qualities and his initiatives frominitiatives from Dubai, such as Dubai Cares which has donatedArts & Culture over youth education which has donated over million to million to youth education social, political and economic reforms. (Harun Yahya) Dr Zakir Abdul Zakir Abdul Karim Naik Dr Karim Naik H.E. Grand Ayatollah Ayatollah H.E. Grand initiatives in impoverished countries since its inception It praised his decision to grant women the right to beinitiatives in impoverished countriesthe Foreign Minister of Turkey. He Ibrahim is a Malaysian politician of global & Technology members Ahmet Davutolu is the Foreign Minister of Turkey. He Ahmet Davutolu is since its inception Ibrahim is a Malaysian politician ofHe is stature. He Science stature. global in MohammadCountry: FayadhIshaq Fayadh . in . Preacher Preacher Mohammad Ishaq Syria in the Shoura Council, to vote and nominate themselves for science academic who became ambassador ambassador the former Deputyformer MinisterPrime Minister of Malaysia, form is a political is a political science academic who became the Prime Deputy of Malaysia, former Born: the before being municipal councils. and then chief advisor to chief advisor to1934Prime Minister of Aleppo, and then the PrimeScholarly(age 77) outside before being Finance Minister and isMinister and is currently the leader of the M Minister Finance currentlyCountry: Turkey the Mathe leader of Scholarly Syria Senior ofcials in Islamic organizations also praised King Foreign Minister on May , . Davutoglu Country: India appointed appointed Foreign Minister on May , . Davutoglu laysian Opposition Coalition. In Born: 2he India awarded was awarde laysian OppositionCountry: wasIn (age 55) Feb 1956 he Coalition. Born: 18 October 1965 (age October 1965 Born: 18 45) in Abdullah for his work in supporting Islamic work and considered tois Country: Iraq be Country:is important figure for redefin- the lifetime achievement award from The Ankara, Turkey (age 45) in is solving be the most importantmostIraq water, considered like water, figure for redefinthe the lifetime achievementin Association of Association o award from The Money is to Money like ing the new framework of Turkish inblockTurkish under policy under Muslim Social MuslimMumbai,ScientistsMumbai, ). He is well-know ing the 1930 (age 81) foreign itsGhazni, in Jaghori, Ghazni, Scientists (Maharashtra, IndiaMaharashtra, India Social ). He( is well-known Muslim issues. block framework 1930 flow foreign Born: new its flow Jaghori,(age 81) Born: of policy the s rule. UthmanitTahastagnate. Afghanistan acclaimed Arabic for his liberal Islamic stance on politics,nameisHarun Yahya, is influenti theand Afghanistanan internationally s will is and it will stagnate. rule. for his liberal Islamic stance oninfluential Adnan O The Muslim nation respects King Abdullah as a sagacious Writing under the pen and politics, and as a leader Oktar people. young people. Ibrahim role model for young Uthman Taha political leader, a pioneer of inter-civilizations dialogue Sheikhcalligrapher. AfterMaktoum Al the worlds top calligra- as a leader andtarAdnan and role model for Ibrahims as a spokespe and has gained international prominence SheikhH.H. Amir Sheikh Mohammed Mohammed Al training with Maktoum Sheikh controls coalition isof Yahya) also a stateIfinfluence intelle state governments. led H.H. 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Naik his The Atla [often free-of-charge], ingCountry: Turkey about most famously the faith. ist approach istPolitical to politics and well-respected Muslims approach Syria an important partner in global decision-making process, the to politics and is well-respected isthe Quran and especially ing understanding about 210 Saudi Arabia51)also challenges also challenge Born: Country: Feb1956 (age 55) Born: Feb 1960 (agetens of thousands of copies of th Country: UAE across thethe Shia population of Creation indebates to public debates that leaders in other faiths to inin Riyadh, Saudi Arabiaare broadcast are broadca leaders public which that other faiths amongst the Shia population of South Asia. of South Asia. amongst globe. report said. Born: 12 July 1949 (age 62) Born: in Ankara, Turkey51) Country: UAE book were delivered to schools, scholars and research in around the world on Peace Feb 1960on Peacechannel satellite channel tha around 10 a satellite a that the world (age in Dubai, Trucial States King Abdullah has a sharp vision and insight and is very keen on in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Al Sudais is the chief ofthroughout Europe and Islamic Born: 12 July 1949 (age 62) stitutesisthe Imams founder of Mosque he helped to found. helped to found.the Grand the the Unitedof the Islami he He also the at He is also the founder States. He reinforcing solidarity between Muslim countries, they added. Taha Sheikh Mohammed Trucialacclaimed Arabic Ruler Uthman is an internationally States Maktoum is the Writing Foundation, about QuranUnited of , and United as Darwin of Mecca. 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HeIslamic University,ideasUmminfluenceof , and the son bin Saud memorized also Quran the West.Univer- his for creationismScholarlygarnersat al Qura from but his and in the age Scholarly Political sity. Al Sudaistation popular for his sermons Muhammad also of of Dubaior mushafs the Vice President and Prime for the its way as with finanacial Fahd Complex back on Quran, as wellduring the the King crisis, Dubai is wellMinisstudied Sharia extensivelyUniversity, Imamand stance numerous and atisRiyadh distributed publications about to recovery, and still stands out as a leader of vision and on peaceful conflict-resolution. ter of theof the Holy Quran. Of the copies he has worked 33. Dr Aaidh Al Qarni 16. Hajji Mohammed Abdal Wahhab Printing United Arab Emirates. After taking a heavy hit bin Saud Islamic University, and Umm al Qura UniverIslam, and Islamic Country: Switzerland childrens books. Over Switzerland practice in theIran Country: lavishly Iran Country: region. Al Maktoum is a well-respected during the finanacial crisis, Dubai isCountry:He on are way multiwell back has launched Saudi Scholar Amir of Tablighi Jamaat, Pakistan on, over million have been distributed and its consity. Al Sudais is also popular been internationally distrib- 49) for his sermons and 1962 (age proudced books, which haveAugust 1962 (ageAuguststance politician in the Middle East. March 1942 (age 69) Born: 26 49) Born: 26 34. Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah sought ple charity 2 March 1942 (age 69) such as Dubai Cares 17. Dr. K.H. 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He became imam inhis in Sirte, Libya with ancoopvarious mosques A prolific artist who producedmaster , who was He held notable positions in the past including 42 years. dressed the . otherare aired on international satelliteeration, then returned to the ,and secular values,Cambridge an eccentric life: and is maintained a studio,country. tion. He promotion of democratictheology atenwhere he gained an estimated capgreat influence over never the ofBaktashis the generations director artists in leaders maintain power and Scholarly andYemen in following for his popular various subjects which Justice of Jordanfor his strong advocacy of gained a until ital finished his secondarysets onLibya for nearly Achieve- regarded as the Picasso of India where he wielded es Leader of and he lived University he to soon he of billion. He was awarded the Lifetime educawidely Murad) around, paintings, Influence: Chief Islamic gineering degree. He became of various A prolific artist who produced some He was a hero in much of Africa, Africa. was known to Iran. of the prophets. He increasingly became more mosques whereand ambassador he lives Colonel Gaddafi, ruler of ,insince hisimam overthrowtion. returnedgainedAwardEastern of Studies in of Jordan influencehotel College of artists the barefoot to peace by he42 his popular TheologyHaxhi Dede over generations in Cambridge. gained and great Wolfson Bardhi was the world country. ment a following for King He wasserved as a jurist consult (legal He thenand soonAnwar Al Awlaki years. Abdullah sets on with channels. Hehaving aalso a religious leader in the Jordanian armythe advisor)encouragingtheLibyawhereH.M.European en-Central Asia. in painted in his Reshatroom, and walked inleader of the also United States of at
MENTIONS
Honorable
Ibrahim is a Malaysian politician of global stature. of global stature. He Ibrahim is a Malaysian politician He is the former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, formerMalaysia, forme the former Deputy Prime Minister of Finance MinisterFinance currently the leader of thethe leader of the M and is Minister and is currently Malaysian Opposition Coalition. In he was awarded he was awarde laysian Opposition Coalition. In the lifetime achievement award from The Association of Association o the lifetime achievement award from The Muslim Social Scientists Social Scientists is well-known is well-know Muslim ( ). He ( ). He for his liberal Islamichis liberal Islamic stanceis influential and is influentia for stance on politics, and on politics, as a leader and rolea model for youngmodel for young people. Ibrahim as leader and role people. Ibrahims coalition now controls of state governments. If led coalition now controls of state governments. If le Sheikh Abdul Rahman next by Anwar, it would have a fair wouldSheikh Abdul of winning the nex by Anwar, it chancehave a fair chance Rahman of winning the national electionnational election in . In December , he was su in Al-Sudais Al-Sudais was sus. In December , he pended from Parliament from months. forRecitor pended for Parliament Quran months. Quran Recitor
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not my forces. He denied there was any order to kill protesters, saying: no government in the world kills its people. He also said he
did not feel guilty about attacks on protesters because he had done his best. Responding to questions from veteran
The Russian ambassador said that he had an additional permission from the Qatari Foreign Ministry to carry diplomatic documents without inspections. Thus, the version about the erroneous attack does not withstand any criticism. It appears that the actions of the Qatari servicemen had been preliminary approved by authorities. At least, Qatar had ve days to correct the mistake. It did not happen. To put it in a nutshell, such a tiny country as Qatar may have masterminded such a blatant act as an attack against the head of the Russian diplomatic mission in the country. The tiny country attacks the worlds largest. It is not the rst time, when Qatar demonstrates its anti-Russian stance. The Qatar-based Al-Jazeera TV channel broadcast fraudulent reports about the war in the Caucasus in 2008. Moreover, some terrorist leaders took shelter in Qatar after the second Chechen war. One of those Chechen terrorists, Zelimkhan Yandarbiev, was destroyed on the territory of Qatar.
It was said after the incident in Qatar that the anti-Russian action was directly connected with Russias position on Syria. It was particularly said that the Qatari administration was unhappy about Russias intention to defend Bashar Assads regime. Sergei Demidenko, a specialist for Arab countries, does not think that the incident at the airport could be purely incidental. I am not sure, though, that the attack against the Russian ambassador was caused with Russias views on Syria.
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the present day with a sense of pilgrims coming from everywhere and particularly from the UK and then go back in time and focus on four main journeys, each of which has a gathering point whence pilgrims set off and at an appointed time, including
that acted as the gathering place for pilgrims from the Middle East and West. The third hub is
Damascus the longest route in the exhibition. The Ottomans took their responsibilities looking after the pilgrims incredibly seriously, said Porter. They called it the srra the purse not only because the caravan organizers had to pay off the Bedouin tribes but also because of the money they provided for the refurbishment of Makkah. All the way through we were trying to communicate the arduousness of the trip, she said. Pilgrims took months to accomplish this and to travel from Damascus to Makkah cost the Haji the price of an average house in the city. Well show the landscape as well. One of the features of the exhibition is that we are not only going to show objects but a lot of contextual images to give a sense of place. The exhibition also examines the journey and arrival from India, Indonesia and as far East as China. Of particular interest is the story during the British Colonial era Thomas Cook for example taking charge of pilgrim ships. In 1886 the Indian government appointed Thomas Cook and Son to be the sole agent for transport of pilgrims from India to the Hijaz. The British government afrmed that it had special obligations to protect the stream of Muhammadan pilgrims
going to the sacred places at Makkah. On display is a ticket from one of the Haj ships, a Hajproxy certicate issued to those who are unable to perform the pilgrimage and have asked friends or family to perform it on their behalf, and pilgrims diaries. Porter said that she wanted to show the logistics of the task of catering for the huge numbers of pilgrims. It is really incredible. We shall show how well it works and what it involves, she said, adding that the journeys were but one part of the whole but they are to the heart of Islam. Even though the journey nowadays is much easier, it is still arduous and life changing. Qaisra Khan, project curator in the department of the Middle East section at the museum, said that a section on
Venetia Porter, curator of the British Museums Islamic and Contemporary Middle East Department that will mount starting January 2012 the biggest exhibition ever devoted to Haj
elements of Haj from the rst to the last day. Its very important that people understand what these rituals mean to people, why they do them and what their origin was, Porter explained. Augmenting the lm of the rituals is a section examining the rituals through objects, photographs, manuscripts, Zam Zam water bottles and the like. In this section is a display on the history, signicance and crafting of the kiswa, the black cover of the Kaaba.
including important historic pieces as well as new contemporary artworks that reveal the enduring impact of Haj around the globe and across the centuries. Three key strands make up the exhibition, including the pilgrims journey with an emphasis on the major routes used through history those from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East; the Haj today, its associated rituals and what the experience means to the pilgrim; and Makkah, the nal destination of Haj, its origins and importance. The journey element will start with
Kufah, Cairo, Damascus and Jeddah. The essence of the routes to Makkah section is the incredible effort needed to make the Haj in early times. In a sense the groups are chronological but are from several hubs. The rst we show is across Arabia Darb Zubayda from Kufah to Makkah, she explained. Named after Zubayda, the wife of the Abbasid Caliph Harun Rashid who endowed the route with 54 way stations, hostels, forts and watering places, the route led from Kufah in southern Iraq to Makkah. The second route shown is from Cairo
Makkah talks about the sanctuary and its history going back to the time of Abraham and then goes into the ner points of the rituals themselves through lm, manuscript and photographs where the rituals are explained in detail, for example the tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba) and the standing at Arafat and why this is such a pivotal moment. A short lm will detail all the ritual
We also want to convey what Haj feels like and has been viewed by artists, said Khan, noting that there were works by contemporary and traditional artists on display. There is also a wall of quotes about what the spiritual journey has meant to them. We hope that our visitors will leave the exhibition uplifted. For more information: http://www. britishmuseum.org/Haj
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This is a fog of war situation. Investigation is going on, McCain said on CNNs State of the Union program, referring to
the November 26 air strikes on a Pakistani border post that plunged relations between the two erstwhile allies into crisis.
Tariq Khosa refuses to head Pakistan wants those responsible commission on memogate for attack punished
Earlier, former law minister Babar Awan had questioned Khosas nomination at a press conference by saying that he was a brother of the Punjab chief secretary and a judge of the Supreme Court. But those who worked with Khosa called him an upright man and a clean government ofcer. The scandal erupted when US citizen of Pakistani origin, Mansoor Ijaz, accused Pakistans former ambassador to the United States, Husain Haqqani, of masterminding an alleged memo sent to a senior US military ofcial asking for help to rein in the Pakistani military after the American raid that killed Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad in May. Haqqani denied the allegation and resigned from his position of ambassador in the wake of the controversy. Setting terms for renewal of ties with the United States, Pakistan has sought punishment for and an apology from those responsible for Saturdays deadly Nato attack on two of its border posts. The demand, military sources say, was made through a letter sent to Washington earlier this week. Nothing short of this will be acceptable, a senior ofcial said in a background interview with Dawn, adding that Pakistan would otherwise be constrained to reconsider its partnership in the war on terror. Even as the inquiry initiated by the US military is yet to identify who, if anyone, is culpable, a Pakistani general at a media brieng on Tuesday said that International Security Assistance Force chief Gen John Allen was ultimately responsible in his capacity as commander. However, both sides have been interacting quite regularly to nd the way forward, but the mood in Islamabad and Rawalpindi suggests that no progress is likely until the Americans come up with a tangible response to Pakistani demands. Robert Raines, a spokesman for the US Embassy, said discussions were taking place. However, he refused to conrm or deny if any specic demands had been made. A Pakistani diplomat at the Foreign Ofce conrmed the demand and said Washington had been categorically told to stop treating Pakistan as a client state. Relations between Pakistan and the US have been on a downward spiral since the start of this year, but the most recent incident has made the much talked about likely breakdown in bilateral ties more imminent.
SLAMABAD: Former DirectorGeneral of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Tariq Khosa has refused to head a one-man commission to investigate the memo scandal, DawnNews reported on Saturday. The commission was set up by the Supreme Court. Khosa, who has also served as inspector general of Balochistan police, is a brother of Justice Asif Saeed Khosa and Punjab Chief Secretary Nasir Khosa.
military ofcials would not explicitly say if they would like to see his (Gen Allens) exit. Moreover, the US has been asked to clarify why its helicopters returned to attack the post after they had disengaged following contacts between senior Pakistani and Isaf commanders. Civilian and military leaderships from
wrote Ijaz. Ijaz also claimed that Haqqani had been trying to divert attention from President Zardari in the scandal. Ijaz wrote that Haqqani only chose him to deliver the memo because he knew how unpopular Ijaz were to the majority of Islamabad leadership and it would be easier to deny chargeslater, if the matter become public. Haqqani changed his BlackBerry Handset
three times since May to hide its messages record, wrote Ijaz. However original messages from him were still saved and can be produced as evidence, he added. Mansoor Ijaz further wrote that the President Zardari was the architect of the whole memogate episode. He said Haqqani received pat on the back from the president when he reached Islamabad after completing the
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Mustafa earlier alleged that the government was importing cheap medical products from China and selling them at high prices claiming that they were imported from
the SAARC member countries and are not polytheistic idols. He underscored the importance of seeking proper knowledge before speaking in the affairs of the religion. President Nasheed assured the people of Maldives that his government would always uphold the religion of Islam.
Presidents Ofces Chief of Staff, Ahmed Mausoom sent a letter addressed to Hoarafushi MP Ahmed Rasheed, Thimarafushi MP Mohamed Mustafa, FuahMulaku MP Shifag Mufeed mentioning concern of the President over their claims of corruption against the govt. President Mohamed Nasheed has expressed concern over the allegations of corruption against the government.
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candidate, said UCPN-M vicechairman and Deputy PM Narayan Kaji Shrestha. Hardline leader of UCPN-M CP Gajurel claimed the consensus candidate for PM would be nalised soon. The top leaders will do the groundwork to chalk out the programmes and modality of the new government and nd a consensus candidate at the earliest, said NC
leader Ram Chandra Paudel. Since settling the issues of federalism, bringing laws to implement it and holding new general elections as per the new constitution are the major
According to SRC Spokesman Krishna Hachhethu, no member would attend any programme concerning federalism owing to time constraints and for attention to the job at hand. A meeting of the State Restructuring Commission (SRC) on Monday decided that none of the commissioners would share their opinion on sensitive matters of state restructuring with media. He also claried that the commission would work towards actualisation of the earlier commitment to not being inuenced by a political party or an ethnic group. Hachhethu added the meeting also reviewed the work done till date and decided to hold intensive discussions on the preliminary ndings of the four panels formed by the commission to look into various aspects of state restructuring. The meeting was chaired by Ramesh Dhungel. The commission is scheduled to meet next Monday.
Injured and disabled combatants at the Fifth Division have threatened to launch protests if the state does not address their demands. The physically challenged combatants issued the warning at a programme in Dirgha Memorial Brigade, Sangram. They said around 500 combatants were wither wounded or disabled. They have demanded pension, free education to their offspring and free health facility. We will stage
sit-ins in front of the PMs ofce if the government does not address our demands by December 7, said Khushi Ram Chaudhari, brigade assistant commander. We feel bad that the government kept us in the same category as the able-bodied ghters, Chaudhari added. He said they have formed a struggle committee, a talk team and an advisory committee to make the government address their demands.
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Hambantota District MP Sajith Premadasa compromised and set aside his effort to become party leader for the sake of party unity at the most controversial working committee meeting on April 12. We appointed Gampaha District MP
Any talks doomed to fail Lanka named among six best without Muslim dimension
SLMC Leader and Minister of Justice Rauff Hakeem said that if the TNA is shunning the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC), a new mechanism should be proposed where Muslims also could play a positive role. It should not on the sidelines in the form of a bilateral discussion with the TNA as had been happening for several years now with no end in sight , he said. It must be a collective exercise involving all stakeholders which is what the SLMC wants. This must be a forum where their grievances can be best addressed as simple bilateral discussions with one party alone cannot solve a multi dimensional problem, Hakeem suggested. Meanwhile, Government sources said to nd a solution to longstanding ethnic issue question. For Muslims, the PSC is the best forum because we nd that all shades of political opinion which have an exclusive mandate from different ethnicities will have a place, Hakeem said in an interview with The Sunday Island. For the TNA to refuse to participate in the PSC and moreover, not even permit a tri-partite discussion involving the SLMC, I feel is unfortunate and I must once again reiterate here while it is TNAs right to participate or not to participate, as far as the Muslims are concerned, we welcome the PSC because we feel it is a forum where issues concerning our dimension can be addressed, he noted.
that President Mahinda Rajapaksa had consented to speak to TNA leader R. Sampanthan, MP, to impress upon him the view that the partys participation in the PSC sittings would have a positive impact on the outcome of the process
in the Sabaragamuwa province to inuence the vote of the monks there, Jayasekara said.UNP Vice President Gamini Jayawickrama Perera, joining in the debate, criticised the Secretary to Buddhasasana Ministry. He told Prime Minister D. M. Jayaratne: I know you are helpless. But, if you can pluch up courage and take action against this ofcial, people will hold you in high esteem. That is more
National Geographic Traveler magazine has named Sri Lanka among its top six destinations for world travelers in 2012, lauding the island nations heritage sites, wildlife, lush landscapes and pristine beaches. Sri Lanka, Traveler writes in its November/December issue, means resplendent isle, and the natural charms of this pear-shaped island in the Indian Ocean that nearly kisses the southeast tip of India are indeed splendid. Sri Lankas hill country features stunning scenery, tea plantations, and ancient Buddhist temples. Nat Geographic Traveler magazine also mentions Sri Lankas many heritage sites and its colonial history: The Portuguese and the Dutch once waged proxy wars here; by 1802 the island was a British colony. And it notes the successful conclusion of the most recent conict, against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, which ended with the terrorist groups defeat in 2009, opening the door to increased tourism. Today peace
prevails, Traveler reported. Sri Lanka tourism has grown impressively, with a 52 percent increase in 2010 compared to 2009. An even larger increase is expected for all of 2011. With those increases, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority has outlined a plan to reach a 30,000 hotel-room capacity by 2015, when the total number of annual tourists is expected to reach 2.5 million. Special focus has also been put on increasing the level of service in tourist-related industries. Recently, top hotel chains such as Starwood (Sheraton), Marriott, Shangri La and Taj have announced plans for new construction in Sri Lanka. A number of existing hotels are also undergoing renovation. Sri Lanka offers visitors a wide variety of unique venues, from broad white beaches to mountain vistas, wildlife parks teeming with elephants, leopards and more, rolling tea plantations, spas, adventure tourism, surng and ancient UNESCO World Heritage sites.
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Distrust, anger and frustration with police were the key reasons for the August riots across England, according to the biggest study into their cause.
A survey of 270 rioters carried out by The London School of Economics (LSE) and The Guardian also found opportunism was a contributing factor. But of those questioned, 85% said policing was an important or very important factor in why the riots happened. It was second only to poverty, which saw 86% of rioters class it as one of the main causes of the four consecutive nights of unrest during the summer. Unlike in the 1980s, when there was genuine grounds for grievance between the community and the police in lots of inner-city areas, relations between the police and the community in places like Tottenham have improved greatly. Andrew Gilligan, London editor of The Daily Telegraph LSE appointed experts analysed 1.3 million words from rst-person accounts of rioters who took part in the disturbances, as part of the project called Reading the Riots. The research also included analysis of over two and half million riot-related tweets. Although antipathy towards police was found to be the key force behind the riots which began on August 6 this year, the study revealed a complex mix of political, social and economic grievances also contributed to the unprecedented trouble. According to the data, 80% of rioters said government policy was an important or very important cause of the riots, with unemployment scoring 79%, the
shooting of Mark Duggan scoring 75% and social media - which is believed to have helped facilitate the spread of the trouble across the UKs cities - scoring 74%. Many of those questioned admitted opportunism, or a chance to get hold of free stuff spurred their involvement. Others
cited a sense of injustice, describing the riots as a chance to get back at police - some 70% of interviewees said they had been stopped and searched in the past year. Those involved in the riots were mainly young males but from a cross-section of local communities, the study found. Just
under half of those interviewed in the study were students. Of those who were not in education and were of working age, 59% were unemployed. Although half of those interviewed were black, people who took part in the disorder did not consider these race riots. Poor parenting and gangs were also said to be an important cause of the trouble, which led to the deaths of ve people and saw more than 4,000 arrested. Analysts said the view that the police were the biggest gang out there was a reoccurring theme among rioters. The riots broke out in Tottenham, north London, on August 6, following the fatal shooting by police of Mr Duggan, 29. It then spread to other parts of the capital and other
English cities including Birmingham, Liverpool, Nottingham, Manchester and Salford. But critics say sour relations between police and the public is an out-of-date excuse. Andrew Gilligan, London editor of The Daily Telegraph, said: Unlike in the 1980s, when there was genuine grounds for grievance between the community and the police in lots of inner-city areas, relations between the police and the community in places like Tottenham have improved greatly. I dont think anyone can or should deny that. And I think a lot of the time this is just an excuse. Now, if people are complaining that theyre being stopped and searched, well, if theyre criminals and rioters perhaps they deserve to be stopped and searched.
felt part of British society compared with 92% of the wider population. Many said they were angry about perceived social and economic injustice, complaining about lack of jobs,
benets cuts and the closure of youth services. Just under half of those interviewed were students, and younger interviewees often expressed frustration over the increase in tuition fees and the scrapping
of the education maintenance allowance. Last week it emerged there are now more than a million unemployed young people in the UK. Youth unemployment dened as the number of 16 to
24-year-olds not in education, employment or training currently stands at 21%. Fifty-nine percent of the rioters interviewed in the study who were of working age and not in education were unemployed.
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The Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol star is preparing for the world premiere of his lm on Wednesday
Legendary Bollywood actor-director Dev Anand has died in London of a heart attack, aged 88, family
NEW DELHI Hollywood star Tom Cruise says his visit to India this week follows a lifelong desire to see the country. He said while touring the iconic, white-marble Taj Mahal mausoleum in Agra that he is very excited about being in the country for a fan screening of his latest action-thriller, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, days ahead of its world premiere on Wednesday. Cruise joins Bollywood star Anil Kapoor for the red-carpet screening Sunday in Mumbai. The lm sees Cruise reprise his role as secret agent Ethan Hunt, while Kapoor plays an Indian business tycoon. Cruise told reporters , I wanted to come to India my whole life, so I am very excited. Cruise met with co-star Anil Kapoor and the two headed straight for the Taj Mahal, much to the surprise of onlookers. The Mission Impossible star later took to a special red-carpet screening of the lm, where he revealed he wouldnt say no to starring in a Bollywood lm. I love watching Hindi movies. There are many Hindi movies that come out... but I do watch a few of them. [If offered a Bollywood lm] I would never say no, he said. Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol is due for its global release this week.
Veena Malik naked FHM cover causes uproar amid fake claims in Pakistan
Veena Malik, a Pakistani actress, model and comedienne, has denied posing nude for after an alleged photo of her appeared on the Indian online edition of FHM. Veena Malik, a Pakistani actress who posed in the nude for an Indian magazine with the initials of Pakistans intelligence agency on her arm, has triggered fury across this conservative nation. The photo on the website of FHM India, in advance of its publication in the magazines December issue, has been lighting up social network website Facebook and Twitter since earlier this week. Many here anticipate a backlash. Malik has broken Pakistani social and national taboos in the past. She is a target for conservative ire and a heroine to some Pakistani liberals. Conservative cleric Maulana Abdul Qawi declared on Aaj TV on Saturday that the latest controversy was a shame for all Muslims. Farzana Naz, interviewed by the same channel on the streets of Lahore, said that the actress had bowed all us women in shame. Twitter commentator Umair Javed however called on Pakistanis to make copies of the picture and bury it in your backyard. This way, our grandkids will know against the magazine for violating terms and condition. Magazine editor Kabeer Sharma said Malik did all with her full consent. We have all the record(s), he told the Pakistani television station. Veena was very excited about that ISI idea. The photo shoot was done in Mumbai on November 22. We have a video of the photo shoot. I also have an email from Veena in which she says she has seen the photos and is happy with them, and that shes looking forward to seeing the cover. Malik does most of her work in India. The entertainment sector there is booming, while Pakistans is relatively moribund. Her ties to India have landed her in controversy in the past. As reported Veenas PR manager Sohail Rashid conrmed to one newspaper that these pictures are faked. Veena knows her limits. I know we have done quite bold stuff/shoots, those which are available on our website, but she knows her parameters. Yes we need to be bold for international magazines, but she wont cross her limits.
Veena Malik - 2nd Nude Picture for FHM Magazine FHM India 2nd Cover Option with Veena Malik
there were some amongst us who lived free! Asked by reporters whether Pakistan would pursue the matter legally, the countrys Interior Minister Rehman Malik said Saturday, First, let us see whether it is real or fake. Malik for her part says that the photo at the root of the current uproar was published in violation of her agreement with FHM India. In an interview with Pakistani Geo television
broadcast Saturday, Malik acknowledged having been photographed for a bold but not nude shot. She said the editor of the magazine had promised that he would cover most of the photo with the ISI initials. Malik said that the photo was intended to poke fun at the Indian fear of Pakistani spies: Whatever happens (in India), people say ISI is behind that. Malik said she would probably take a legal action
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and that Islamists would face stiff competition from new revolutionary faces. Egypts Muslim Brotherhood, emerging as the biggest winner in the rst round of parliamentary elections, is seeking to reassure Egyptians that it will not sacrice personal freedoms in promoting Islamic law. The deputy head of the Brotherhoods new political party, Essam el-Erian, told in an interview on Saturday that the group is not interested in imposing Islamic values on Egypt. We represent a moderate and fair party, el-Erian said of his Freedom and Justice Party. We want to apply the basics of Shariah law in a fair way that respects human rights and personal rights, he said, referring to Islamic law. The slogan of the Muslim Brotherhood was and still is Allah is our objective. The Prophet is our leader. Quran is our law. The nal ultimate goal of the Muslim Brotherhood is the recreation of a new Caliphate, unied Muslim state in the Middle East. The Muslim Brotherhood, in the beginning, opposed violent means to achieve its goals. Later events in the Middle East, such as the creation of Israel in 1948, the Socialist Arab regimes in the Middle East that oppressed Islamic political organizations, especially the Baath party in Syria and Iraq, and the ongoing Western interference in the Middle East promoted a change. Sayyid Qutb, a famous Islamic writer and the most prominent ideologist gure in the Muslim Brotherhood, wrote that physical power is sometime
the Middle East. The use of the Muslim Brotherhood by MI6 and the CIA in Egypt, Syria and Iran The Chicago Sun-Times reported, 28 November 2005: Egypt, the worlds most populous Arab country, is suddenly roiling with a wide-open, combative election that seems certain to end with the countrys main Islamic group, the banned Muslim Brotherhood, as a big winner. The countrys rulers, longtime American allies, are starting to show signs of panic: Police have barred voters from polls and thugs have attacked Brotherhood supporters in recent days in an apparent effort to blunt the groups growing momentum. Even before the nal round of voting Thursday, Brotherhood loyalists have increased their seats in parliament vefold. Thats not enough to unseat the ruling party, but is still seen as a slap to President Hosni Mubarak. Prior to World War II British Intelligence cultivated ties with the Brotherhood through agent Freya Stark, the British adventurer and writer (1). These covert connections were used to keep track of the growing German presence in North Africa and to stay informed of the many different political movements that were springing up. The Muslim Brotherhood spread throughout the Muslim world and has evolved into something like a Muslim equivalent of the Wests Masonic brotherhood. It became one of the rst Islamic Fundamentalist terror
movements against Nasser and other secular forces. The CIA was following the example of British Intelligence and sought to use Islam to further its goals. They wanted to nd a charismatic religious leader that they could promote and control and they began to cooperate with groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood. With the rise of Nasser the Brotherhood was also courted more seriously by the pro-Western Arab regimes of Saudi Arabia and Jordan. They needed all the popular support that they could muster against the rise of Nasser-inspired Arab nationalism to keep their regimes intact. The Muslim Brotherhood was an obvious ally against Nasser, because he had abolished it from Egypt after it was involved in a failed assassination attempt on his life in 1954. The Brotherhood rejected Nassers policy that, for the most part, kept religion out of politics. Ofcially the Brotherhood was an outlawed organization, but it remained inuential and active within Egypt working against the secular regime, often hand-in-hand with British Intelligence. In June of 1955 MI6 was already approaching the Brotherhood in Syria to agitate against the new government that showed strong left-wing tendencies and a desire to merge with Egypt (2). The Brotherhood became an even more important asset after Nasser announced the Egyptian takeover of the Suez... In Syria, in 1982, there was a major conict between the Muslim Brotherhood and the Syrian
Intelligence agent... states in his report on Irans Islamic Revolution (11) that the Muslim Brotherhood was created by the great names of British Middle East intelligence ...and that their mission was to keep the Middle East backward so that its natural resource, oil, could continue to be looted... Dr. Coleman writes that in 1980 the broadcasts of Radio Free Iran divided the enemies of the Shah into four categories: 1. Iranian politicians bought by the Israeli Shin Bet, 2. The CIAs network of agents, 3. The feudal landowners, 4. The Freemasons and the Muslim Brotherhood (viewed as the same enemy). In his report Dr. Coleman writes that in Iran, At one time there was even a joke about the mullahs being stamped made in Britain. When the Shah introduced his plan for modernization in 1963 the Ayatollah Khomeini emerged as the leader of the religious opposition. Up until his exile from Iran in 1964, Khomeini was
2011 that the Muslim Brotherhood has reversed course and announced that it will send representatives to begin talks about a government transition. Ian Johnson reports on his blog at The New York Review of Books, that the US has been doing business with the Muslim Brotherhood for a very long time and, for some reason, the Muslim Brotherhood always seems to do quite well in those business dealings. Johnson reports: Since the 1950s, the United States has secretly struck up alliances with the Brotherhood or its offshoots on issues as diverse as ghting communism and calming tensions among European Muslims. And if we look to history, we can see a familiar pattern: each time, US leaders have decided that the Brotherhood could be useful and tried to bend it to Americas goals, and each time, maybe not surprisingly, the only party that clearly has beneted has been the Brotherhood.
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state and strategy to make sure that it does not once again plunge into lawlessness, civil war, and externally sponsored extremism and terrorism, Krishna said.
Emirates resumes India, Pakistan, Bangladesh remittances top uplift aid operations to Maldives
new immigration. Destination countries: Sources of remittances According to the report, the growth in remittances can also be attributed to the fact that some countries are sending migrant workers to a diversifying group of destinations to work. For example, while the U.S. and Europe saw a decline in Filipino workers, more Filipino workers went to the Middle East, mainly to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, to Asian countries like Hong Kong and Singapore, and to Africa. In the U.S., a steep fall in new housing construction, a sector that has traditionally employed Latin American migrants, in 2006 appears to have stabilised, but migrant employment in construction remains well below pre-nancial crisis levels, according to the report. The U.S. and Spain are the main sources of remittances for developing countries in Latin America, while six Gulf countries account for a signicant portion of remittances to South Asia and one third of remittances for Europe and Central Asia originate in developing countries such as Russia. The report also noted that the socalled Arab Spring has had an effect on migrant workers and remittances migrant workers in Libya have returned home, but migrants from many other Sub-Saharan African countries, often unskilled and illegal, have been stuck and vulnerable to abuse in Libya. Development aid uncertain Remittances have a variety of positive effects, the report said. They can reduce poverty, help people accumulate wealth, lead to more spending on health and education and reduce child labour, to name a few.
India, Pakistan, Bangladesh are among top 10 countries receiving top remittances this year . Despite a global economic crisis, worsening employment prospects for immigrants and hardening views on immigration in the U.S. and Europe, migrant workers are sending more money home, according to a World Bank report on global remittances released Wednesday. According to the Migration and Development Brief, released at the fth meeting for the Global Forum on Migration and Development in Geneva, global remittances to developing countries will reach 351 billion dollars in 2011, and remittances to all countries will total 406 billion dollars. Countries receiving top remittances this year are India, China, Mexico and the Philippines. Other top recipients include Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Vietnam, Egypt and Lebanon. Remittance ows to developing countries have remained resilient, said Hans Timmer, director of the Banks Development Prospects Group. Remittance ows to all developing regions have grown this year, for the
rst time since the nancial crisis. The World Bank also cited higherthan-expected growth in remittances to four out of six World Bankdesignated developing regions. Part of that growth can be attributed to exchange rates, it said. When foreign currencies weaken against the currency in worker destination countries - against U.S. dollars, for example - workers such as those working in the U.S. can send more money home, Merrell TuckPrimdahl, a communications ofcer with the World Bank, told IPS. That is certainly one of the factors behind the ows and why they picked up. The report also noted that remittance ows to Latin America and the Caribbean grew this year for the rst time since the nancial crisis began, although that growth was lower than the World Bank expected because of continuing weaknesses in the U.S. economy. The report underscored that persistent unemployment in Europe and the U.S. is affecting employment prospects of existing migrants and hardening political attitudes toward
Emirates has resumed operations to the Maldives after the tires of the landing gear of the airlines ight from Colombo burst on landing at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport Friday evening. An ofcial of Indias GMR, which manages the airport, said the problem was resolved and the aircraft ew off from the Maldives yesterday. The ight left the Maldives this [yesterday] morning with the passengers it was carrying. EK [Emirates] has resumed normal operations to the Maldives and no further problems were found, the ofcial said last evening. The tyres of the Boeing 777-300
aircraft burst after it landed at the airport around 10.30pm, causing the airport to halt operations and signicant delays in the ights of Singapore Airlines, Sri Lankan Airlines, and Malaysian Airlines. The stationary aircraft was towed to the apron and operations resumed around 7am yesterday. An Emirates spokesperson said yesterday that the EK-653 ight from Colombo to Dubai via Male sustained damage to two tyres of the left hand main landing gear. The EK-653 ight was also on schedule for 10.30pm last evening. Civil Aviation Department, meanwhile, launched an investigation into the incident.
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COMMENT
Tribune Comment
But times have since changed, and our Muslim community is now led, with but few exceptions, by men who neither know nor live Islam, and by scholars who betray Islam. We even have Muslim leaders here in Trinidad who are consummate moneylenders, placing their money in highest yielding xed-deposits in the international money market. They then use their bloated check-books that drip with the blood of the masses they have exploited, to bribe their way into winning elections and assuming posts of President-General of Islamic organizations. Those with the intellectual acumen of cattle then legitimize such (checkbook) leaders. Even Islamic scholars have fallen by the wayside so badly that when a Trinidadian (money-lending) bank organizes a function to commemorate Eid al-Fitr, an Imam who is described as a Maulana accepts an invitation to deliver a feature address at the function. Then his photograft appears in the daily newspaper posing with bank ofcials. And so, there is both widespread ignorance of the divine law pertaining to the prohibition of Riba, and, worse, wanton violation of that law. In this essay we direct attention to Fixed Deposits as well as to so-called Murabaha transactions in an attempt to explain such to be moneylending transactions. At the heart of the Islamic prohibition of usury (Riba) is the maxim that if you do not plant, you cannot reap. This constitutes a rejection of the false claim to a time-value of money. Money by itself cannot increase over time without any input of labor, or without the risk (of loss or of gain) inherent in an authentic business transaction. The blessed Prophet declared that any transaction involving an exchange of money for money
must be an equal exchange, i.e., with no difference in amount of money exchanged. He declared that an unequal exchange (that would open the door for money to increase over time) would be Riba. Islam also insists that all business transactions must involve risk and hence prot or loss. Allah Most High can then intervene to distribute and redistribute wealth by taking from some and giving to others. In this way the rich would not remain permanently rich, and the poor would not be imprisoned in permanent poverty In his masterpiece entitled Merchant of Venice, William Shakespeare likened Riba or usury to a pound of esh. And in a dream Prophet Muhammad saw the moneylender exposed as a bloodsucker since he was standing in a river of blood. We noted earlier that the Prophet cursed all four, and declared that they were all equally guiltythe ones who took Riba, gave Riba, recorded
must also be recognized that he has not entered into a business transaction since he is guaranteed the return of his money plus an additional amount. There is no risk. There is no possibility of loss. And hence that is not business! In fact, in making a Fixed Deposit, he has lent his money on interest (Riba), and has hence become a cursed moneylender. Those (Muslims, Christians, Hindus, etc.) who read this essay and, in consequence of fear of Allahs eternal punishment, promptly respond by breaking their Fixed Deposits, would want to know what they could do with their Riba money. They can neither use it themselves, nor can they give it to others as charity. BACK-DOOR RIBA Islamic Banks and other Islamic nancial institutions are today lending money on interest through the back-door by disguising a loan as a sale on credit. They call it murabaha! But it is most certainly not murabaha! It is Riba! What the
Islamic Banks and other Islamic nancial institutions are today lending money on interest through the back-door by disguising a loan as a sale on credit.
the transaction, and the two witnesses. Whoever dies with the curse of a Prophet upon him can never escape the hellre. The Quran itself declared that the moneylender would be punished with eternal hellre: Those who devour usury will not stand (before their Lord for Judgment) except as stands one whom Satan by his touch hath driven to madness.That is because they claim that: Business is like lending on interest, but Allah hath permitted business and forbidden usury. Those who after receiving direction from their Lord, desist, shall be pardoned for the past; their case is for Allah (to judge); but those who persist (in claiming the interest due from xed deposits or other such loans on interest) are Companions of the Hellre; they will abide therein (forever). (Quran, al-Baqarah, 2:275) What, then, is the status of someone who makes a Fixed Deposit with his money in a bank or any other nancial institution? It should rstly be clear that he has not gifted the money. It bank does is to offer an item on sale in a credit transaction with a price substantially higher than the cash price. While credit transactions are Halal, since the blessed Prophet (sallalahu alaihi wa sallam) himself engaged in such transactions, there is no evidence that the credit price in such transactions was ever higher than the cash price. When credit price is higher than cash price then the implication would be that time has value. And the essence of Riba is that money grows over time. When a client wishes to purchase something, but does not possess the cash with which to purchase it, the socalled Islamic bank enters into the ction of purchasing the item at its cash price and then selling it to the client on credit. The interest charges are added to the selling price thus making a credit price for the item substantially higher than the cash price. In fact the bank never actually purchases the item. Rather, it writes out a check to the client who then purchases the item in his name with the
bank holding a lien on the item until the sale price is eventually paid to the bank. The bank therefore sold something that it never actually owned and that is Haram! In actual fact the sale, also, was entirely ctitious. What the bank actually did was to lend a specic sum of money on interest over a specic period of time and to then denominate the loan in the amount of a nal total that included the total interest payments as money due on a sale. It is when the client defaults on payment of installments of money due to the bank that one is treated to ridiculous and utterly scandalous nancial gymnastics. Consider the following: a client entered into a so-called murabaha transaction with an unnamed Islamic Bank to purchase a house with a market price of $500,000. The bank wrote out the check to him for $500,000. with which he then purchased the house in his name. He thus became legal owner of the house. The bank then transacted with him a ctitious sale agreement to sell to him on credit a house that the bank never owned (and hence could not sell) for a total of $1 million. The difference between the credit and cash prices was thus $500,000. One month after entering into the agreement the client defaulted on his payments. The bank then repossessed the house and sold it on the open market for $500,000. But the bank went on to sue the client for an outstanding balance of almost $500,000. The court, however, dismissed the claim and ruled that the bank was entitled to nothing more than the interest payment for the actual duration of the contract (i.e., the amount of time it took the bank to recover its $500,000.) We have a stern warning to deliver to those scholars of Islam who persist in defending the socalled murabaha transactions of Islamic Banks today. They defend the transaction with Fatwas (fatawa) that are as invalid as the Fatwas (fatawa) which today blindly declare paper money of the modern world to be Halal, and would equally blindly declare tomorrows electronic money to be Halal. If they obstinately persist in their defense of todays so-called Murabaha transactions, and then learn in Allahs court that it was not Murabaha but Riba, at that time they cannot plead for mercy from Allah for they will have misguided people, nor can they say I did not know.
NEWS
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By Rukshana Nanayakkara Asias leading economies may be experiencing high levels of growth, but a lack of anti-corruption measures threatens fair distribution of wealth. Rukshana Nanayakkara, Transparency Internationals Senior Programme Coordinator for South Asia, looks at the corruption challenges facing Asias emerging economies. The 2011 Corruption Perceptions Index results are a clear message to governments in Asia Pacic for stringent action to counter corruption. If the 21st century is to truly be Asias as predicted, comprehensive actions are needed to increase integrity and structural equality throughout the region. But to do this, governments and civil society must work together to
counter corruption effectively. The release of the index reveals an alarming level of corruption in the Asia Pacic regions public sector. The index, which covers 183 states, scores countries on a scale from 0- highly corrupt, to 10- very clean. The majority of countries in the region score lower than ve, denoting a serious corruption problem. Of these countries, quite a number appear at the tail end of the ranks. Although few countries, such as New Zealand, Singapore and Australia, secure places in the top 10, 16 countries in the region score below three. Among others, countries include Vietnam (2.9), Bangladesh (2.7), Philippines (2.6), Pakistan (2.5) and Papua New Guinea (2.2). Afghanistan, Myanmar and
North Korea rank bottom globally, with scores of 1.5, 1.5 and 1 respectively. The emerging economic giants in the region, China and India, rank 75th and 95th. This indicates a lower level of competitiveness in countering corruption in comparison to their economic rivals in northern developed countries such as Germany, Japan Canada and the United States. In China, greater economic freedom has failed to bring along a framework that hinders corruption, posing a serious challenge to sustained economic growth in the country. For example, recent research by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences states that since 1990, a number of high ranking government ofcials and senior managers of state-owned enterprises have ed the country with stolen assets worth US $123 billion. Although India boasts a larger
democratic space for public activism in countering corruption and opacity, little commitment has been delivered on the governments part for substantive eradication. The scores reect these inadequacies, and call on a comprehensive approach for counter measures. According to gures from the International Monetary Fund, a number of other countries in the region such as Bangladesh, Indonesia, Maldives, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Sri
Lanka, Timor-Leste and Vietnam will see signicant economic growth by the end of 2011. Nevertheless, these countries poor scores signify clear risks of corruption, resulting in unequal distribution of wealth and potentially lower investors condence in the long run. If this pattern continues, the costs of corruption shall persist, leaving the possibility of both social and political unrest in the region becoming an ever increasing likelihood.
Protecting your savings and investment. Seminar Sponsored by Redbridge Council and Big Lottery and orginised by ETHOS UK. Fund main speaker Mr Md Azizur Rahman said, we invest our spare money, the money that we leave aside after spending for living. Every body does it. Some save more, some less. On a personal level, it is the surplus of household income over expenditure. This saving is done on a voluntary basis. You save because you want to leave aside some money for rainy days or old ages. There is a semi mandatory saving practiced now a days. Every one is required to save for his pension. Often those are taken direct from your income and put in pension a fund. Whether the money is left aside by you or taken into a pension fund, the trouble starts from the very moment this money is ear marked for savings. It means that you are not spending it now, but will do so at a later time, say 30 or 40 years later. That brings the issue that money must be kept somewhere where it
must hold its vale and /or grow in value over these years until you start taking it out. Under the present economic environment, where ination and unemployment is very high all kinds of saving investment policy including stock and share market investment looks like unsafe except investment in Gold or Silver. Gold is the most popular precious metal in which people invest. It is a safe-haven against any economic, political, social or currencybased crises, such as: investment market declines, currency failure, ination, war and social unrest. Gold is unlike a bond. Gold pays no interest. But, Gold cannot become worthless like a bond can. The values of both rise and fall in free market trading. In the discussion session among others notables participants are Mr Mujibur Rahman, Mrs Ruma Ishaque and Mr Souket Ali. The seminar was chaired by Dr H M Wasiul Islam and declared closed at 3.30 pm.
Growing digitization, media consumption and improving demographics are leading drivers for industry growth The Indian Media and Entertainment (M&E) industry registered revenues of US$16.3 billion in 2010 and is expected to be in excess of US$25 billion in the next four years, according to Ernst & Youngs report - Spotlight on Indias Entertainment Economy. The study released today shows that Indias growing digital media consumption and favorable demographics are key drivers for the media and entertainment industrys future growth. Enticed by economic liberalization, near double-digit annual growth, a fastgrowing middle class and a huge volume of demand for leisure and entertainment, there has been a surge in investment by global media companies in India. The Indian media and entertainment industry now nds itself at a new turning point digital media. A surge in mass broadband adoption is expected, led by the launch of 3G and 4G services. By 2015, 90% of Indias projected 187 million broadband subscribers will access the net through wireless devices. This presents global M&E
companies with exciting opportunities to develop anytime, anywhere content that caters to a new generation of Indian digital consumers. The M&E industry in India has been, and will continue to be, one of the biggest beneciaries of Indias favorable demographics, said Farokh Balsara, Ernst & Youngs media and entertainment leader for Europe, Middle East, India and Africa. Having one of the worlds youngest populations, high volumes of content consumption, a favorable regulatory framework and growing digital adoption, makes India an attractive investment destination for global media and entertainment companies. Key ndings from the report include: -- Indias increasing per capita income, growing middle class and working population are generating huge domestic demand for leisure and
entertainment. The country has more than 600 television channels, 100 million pay-television households, 70,000 newspapers and produces more than 1,000 lms annually. -- India has diverse regional markets with distinct cultures, languages and content preferences. These markets provide global media and entertainment companies with a variety of opportunities to deliver localized content. -- Indias favorable regulations and reforms are creating investment opportunities for global media and entertainment companies. -- The newspaper industry, which is facing declining readership in many international markets, continues to thrive in India, driven by increasing literacy rates, consumer spending and the growth of regional markets and specialty newspapers. Newspapers account for 42% of all advertising spend in India, the most of any medium. -- The mandatory digitization of Indias television distribution infrastructure is driving growth of digital cable and DTH and creating a need for these companies to fund expansion.
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Special Feature
are still learning. We are trying to do our job right and were trying to help our own people We have our own democracy. You cannot transport your democracy to us we are different. For example, our democracy comes from the Koran. As long as journalists dont step on somebody else, then you are free do what you like. Evidently, Journalistic freedom in the United Arab
The topic of Emiratisation and whether the worry of the nationals becoming complacent was a thought that rested within the Rulers mind, Sheikh Mohammed dismissed the worry stating that what the Nationals receive from their country may be a basic yet comfortable living, but people seek more. There is free education, healthcare and no taxes but people search for a better life.
perfect. And we are not perfect. Were doing a lot for our people. Theres still more to do. So, we hope these ve will become better citizens for their own good and their people. Burnett: It just leads to the question of one thing over the years covering the UAE. People will say the press isnt totally free. People cant really say everything that they really think. Do you think thats part of how, in this society, you need to govern? HH Bin Rashid: As long as they dont say something wrong about a person or whatever it is, they can say whatever they want. As I told you, we are not perfect. We Emirates is still as the Ruler stated, a growing procedure where the country is focusing more on helping its own nationals but it can be boiled down to one basic excerpt that we were all taught as children. If you dont have anything nice to say about someone, dont say anything at all. When His Highness was asked about the state of the Arab Spring he commented that an event like this is sometimes bound to happen every once in a while but everyone must be careful. The Gulf States are safe from it now; for the time being, he added.
The city of Dubai is built on foundations that are steeped in history and tradition. From the evocative Dubai Museum to the spectacular Jumeirah Mosque, and from the breathtaking Bastakiya to the imperious Heritage Village. There are many mysteries waiting to be unravelled. Explore Dubai at your pace and relive great traditions from day gone by.
DEFINITELYDUBAI.COM
SPORTS
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West Indies beat London 2012 Olympic ceremonies budget doubled India in third ODI
The government has doubled the budget for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic ceremonies to more than 80m after David Cameron saw the plans. The prime minister gave the goahead for an increase of 41m above the 40m already budgeted for the opening and closing nights shows. The extra money comes from within the 9.3bn Olympic public funding package. The venue security allocation has also risen by 271m to 553m after the number of security guards was revised. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport said it now estimated 23,700 security staff would be required at Olympic and Paralympic venues next summer, more than double the original estimate of 10,000. Funding for the venue security budget is likely to rise from 282m to 553m but the government said the increase in numbers of security guards was not in response to any specic security threat. Following a review of security arrangements in 2010 it said it was condent the core safety and security programme could be delivered within the 475m announced in the
December 2010 Spending Review. However, it said further funding was being made available to support Olympic organisers, Locog, in delivering security at all 2012 venues by funding extra security staff as well as specialist search and screening equipment. Mr Robertson said: The government and Locog have now undertaken detailed analysis of the numbers of security staff required to protect the more than 100 Olympic venues. The Olympics is set to be one of the UKs biggest security tests - a 64-day operation, from when the Olympic village opens on 13 July to the time the Paralympic village closes on 12 September, covering 34
venues across Britain. Last month Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said ground-to-air missiles would be deployed to protect the 2012 Olympics if deemed operationally necessary, after reports emerged the US was unhappy with the UKs security plans. The Guardian had claimed the US was furious with security plans and wanted to send up to 1,000 of its own people, including 500 FBI agents, although the US Embassys Charge dAffaires later rejected the story and said she had the utmost condence in the British governments arrangements to ensure safety and security for the Games.
Ravi Rampaul and debutant Sunil Narine shared six wickets to bowl the West Indies to a crucial 16-run victory over India in the third oneday international on Monday. Fast bowler Rampaul nished with 4-57 and off-spinner Narine with 2-34 as the West Indies bowled India out for 244 despite Rohit Sharmas solid 95 after posting a challenging 260-5 in the must-win match in Ahmedabad. India now lead 2-1 in the ve-match series following their victories in the opening two games, with Mondays defeat also ending their
has also been asked for a report. The issue has received diplomatic
11-match winning streak in oneday internationals at home. India earlier looked like restricting the West Indies to a modest total when the tourists reached 167-4 after 43 overs, but Darren Sammy (41 not out) and Andre Russell (40) plundered 79 off the last 34 balls. The hosts were reeling at 105-6 but Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin (31) rallied their team with a 91-run stand for the seventh wicket before Narine struck a vital blow when he trapped Ashwin leg-before. The West Indies also let off the Indian pair during the early stages of their stand, with Sammy dropping Ashwin off Narine and then Sharma off paceman Kemar Roach. The dangerous-looking stand was nally broken by debutant Sunil Narine (2/34) when he had Ashwin LBW in the 40th over. And then Sharma was brilliantly by run out West Indies skipper Darren Sammy with a direct hit four overs later to tilt the balance of the match.
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