Madrasas in Andhra Pradesh Celebrate Independence Day
The Moderate French Imam: On a Mission to Unite France While Dodging IS Assassins
Leaked ISIS Documents: The Majority of Recruits Knew Nothing about Islam
Detained ISIS Militant in Afghanistan Admits He Was Trained In Pakistan
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India
Madrasas in Andhra Pradesh Celebrate Independence Day in Style
Those Who Attack Music in Islam's Name Are Faith's Enemies: M J Akbar
Top Sangh Leader Hoists Tricolour in a Bohra Madrasa in Nagpur
Bank details give agencies clues on IS-leaning youths
Four killed in fresh clashes in Kashmir, toll climbs to 62
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Europe
The Moderate French Imam: On a Mission to Unite France While Dodging IS Assassins
The London Muslim Mosque Applauds De-Radicalization Plan
Europe on HIGH ALERT: Armed troops now on French, Italian and Spanish on beaches
Hollande to meet Pope this week after French priest's murder
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Arab World
Leaked ISIS Documents: The Majority of Recruits Knew Nothing about Islam
Syrian Military Planes Drop "Surrender Now" Leaflets over Idlib
Nine Civilians Killed as Saudi Jets Bomb Regions across Yemen
Syrian Army Inflicts Heavy Losses on Terrorists in Eastern, Western Ghoutas
Egyptian judoka sent home from Olympics after refusing to shake Israeli opponent’s hand
Top Taliban Commander Arrested in Afghanistan’s Kunduz Province
Russia Confirms Bombers Hit Major ISIL Arms Depots in Syria after Takeoff from Iran
Syrian Army Repulses Terrorists' Attack in North-western Sweida Province
Jeish Al-Fatah to Lead Negotiations with Russia on Slain Pilots
Senior Negotiator Warns of Iran's Tough Reaction to Powers' Disloyalty to N. Deal
Jeish Al-Fatah Terrorists Admit Syrian Army's Advances in Southern Aleppo City
Two Million People in Need of Aid in Syria's Aleppo
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South Asia
Detained ISIS Militant in Afghanistan Admits He Was Trained In Pakistan
US Sends 3 Afghan Prisoners to UAE from Guantanamo Bay Prison
Afghan forces prepare to retake lost district in Baghlan province
Taliban’s Special Forces commander arrested in Kunduz province
US encourages President Ghani, CEO Abdullah to work together
NATO rejects ISIS claim regarding killing of US commander in Kabul
India should speak out against rights’ violations, says B’desh opposition party
Bangladesh police name third prime suspect in July cafe attack
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Mideast
PKK Attack Kills Seven in Turkey’s Southeast
Turkish PM Suggests Three-Step Road Map for Syria
MHP refers Akşener, emergency convention delegation to disciplinary board
Azerbaijan probes Gülen supporters
Turkey’s FM in talks with European leaders over criticism of post-July 15 measures
Turkish police raid 44 firms in coup attempt probe, to detain executives
Detention warrants issued for 83 Istanbul court personnel over coup attempt
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Pakistan
COAS Confirms Death Sentences Of 11 'Hardcore Terrorists'
Activists Light Candles at Wagah, Call for Indo-Pak Peace
Pak Army launches operation along Afghan border
Hafiz Saeed asks Pak military to send troops into Kashmir to teach India lesson
Indian High Commission in Pak celebrates 70th Independence Day
Pakistan invites India for talks on Jammu and Kashmir
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Africa
Regional Groups in Africa See Continuing Al-Shabab Threat
ISIS in West Africa Shows Clashes with Nigerian Army & African Coalition
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Southeast Asia
Myanmar's Muslims: A Long Way down Aung San Suu Kyi's To-Do List
Cellphone find leads Thai cops to seek Malaysia cooperation in fatal resort bombings
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North America
Trump's Message Not Sitting Well With Some Valley Muslim-Americans
Humayun Khan Isn’t the Only Muslim American Hero
Donald Trump Wants to Test Muslim Immigrants on Gay Equality
Hundreds gather to remember Muslim cleric as suspect charged in shooting
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
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Madrasas in Andhra Pradesh Celebrate Independence Day In Style
Aug 16, 2016
HYDERABAD: As many 1,500 madrasas across the state celebrated Independence Day, the Jamiat-e-Ulema, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh (JUTAP), a body of Islamic clerics, announced on Monday.
"The celebrations were on a grand scale this year. Further, celebrations and hoisting of the tricolour was performed at all district offices of the Jamiat-e-Ulema, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh," JUTAP general secretary Khaleeq Ahmed Sabir said on Monday.
Nazims of madrasas said that just as is the case with schools which offer a modern education, Independence Day celebrations at madrasas were organised to familiarise students with the freedom struggle. Celebrations were organised at the Madrasa Tajweed-ul-Quran in Hafez Baba Nagar, the Islamic seminary Ashraful Uloom in Khaja Bagh and the all girls seminary Madrasa Behr ul Uloom in Old City, among many others.
According to noted scholar of Islam Mufti Abdul Mughni Mazaahiri, who later in the day addressed a celebratory meeting at Officer's Mess in Malakpet, said Muslims have played a crucial role in the country freedom struggle. Explaining freedom from a religious standpoint, he said, "Freedom is a characteristic right. The faith expounds on the need for freedom. There have been several scholars of Islam who have fought alongside people of other faiths for a free India. There is a long list which includes Maulana Ahmed Shaheed, Ismail Shaheed, Haji Imadullah, Hafiz Zamin Shaheed and, of course, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad." The scholar of Islam also added that freedom is a humanitarian concept and that Islam has sought to break the manacles of slavery. "Several jurists in light of the texts have fought against slavery. If slavery itself is not permissible, then being enslaved to another people cannot be right," the mufti said.
The tricolour was hoisted at importants masjids such as Masjid-e-Zam Zam in Amberpet and Masjid-e-Saleem Khatoon in Himayat Nagar. A large number of Muslim clerics including JUTAP president and former legislator Hafiz Peer Shabbir too was present as well as those from other walks of life.
The Deeni Madaris Board, a consortium of around 400 small and large Islamic seminaries in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, also organised celebrations at madrassas associated with it. According to Maqsood Yamani, an office bearer of the organisation, the tradition of celebrating Independence Day has been central to Islamic seminaries. "The tricolour is always hoisted at several madrassas across the city and state. The love for one's country is a part of Islam," he said.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Madrassas-in-state-celebrate-Independence-Day-in-style/articleshow/53715670.cms
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The Moderate French Imam: On a Mission to Unite France While Dodging IS Assassins
Monday, August 15, 2016
Outside the main mosque in Bordeaux, France, worshippers are scanned with metal detectors and heavily armed soldiers stand with guns ready.
The city's Grand Imam, Tareq Oubrou, is a marked man and in a country reeling from repeated Islamist terrorist attacks, no one is prepared to take any chances.
"Threats don't scare me," he tells us, as he welcomes us inside.
"The goal of terrorism is to create fear in communities and to affect you mentally. The best response is to just be yourself."
Six months ago, the Islamic State terrorist group posted the address of this mosque in one of its propaganda publications and called for Imam Oubrou's assassination.
The reason? The Imam urges his followers to reject fundamentalism and adapt their religious practices to France's secular society.
Recently he described the Hijab as a cultural "invention" of last century.
At a time when the debate over Islam is dividing France, Imam Oubrou is running a public campaign to try to combat fears some people have about his religion.
"We need intellectual work on integrating Islam because Islam is a religion," he said.
"It's not a political system, it's not a civilisation, it became one, but originally it's a spirituality that adapted throughout history, across the world to many different cultures.
"It's true the Catholic Church has already adapted [to French society] but it took 200 years."
At Friday prayers Imam Oubrou's sermon about tolerance is warmly received.
Some in his congregation believe the French are now less welcoming of Muslims, in the wake of attacks in Paris, Nice and most recently, Normandy.
"There is a lot of racism, or Islamophobia, so I'm really scared for the future," Rofaida Merzeouki, a member of the congregation, said.
"Will I be able to wear my headscarf, work like everyone else, do research, care for people, work at the hospital?
"I'm really scared but I want to fight because it's my country and I live here."
In his youth, Imam Oubrou was once a member of the Muslim brotherhood, a political movement founded in Egypt, that has the stated aim of introducing Islamic law, or Sharia.
Although he denies ever having fundamentalist views of Islam, he said he understands how radicalisation takes place.
"Sometimes there is no dividing line between teaching and indoctrination," he said.
"It is really easy to engage people in a movement if they don't have the right tools and knowledge."
Imam Oubrou has thrown his support behind a new centre trying to prevent Bordeaux's Muslims being indoctrinated.
The program runs from a secret location in the city and it is currently tracking 30 at-risk young people.
Faoud Sanaadi, from the CAPRI de-radicalisation centre, said they are most worried about outsiders attacking Bordeaux.
"We are afraid terrorists might choose a town where everything is going well.
"I'm not afraid of the people in Bordeaux but more an attack from outside that will pit different communities against one another."
France's socialist government has repeatedly promoted Imam Oubrou's views and work, as it tries to "reform" Islam and tackle the number of home-grown jihadis.
But there is a level of scepticism in France about what exactly "moderate" or "reformed" Islam means.
A cartoon in the controversial Charlie Hebdo magazine this week poked fun at the Burkini bans in southern France by calling on moderate Muslims to "loosen" up and go skinny-dipping.
The drawing reflects the view among some community and political groups that elements of Islam, however moderate, will continue to clash with liberal secular French society.
Imam Oubrou does not seem fazed by the criticism of his religion or the repeated threats on his life.
He said his main concern is getting French Muslims and non-Muslims to live happily side-by-side.
"Death is in God's hands, no-one can predict when they will die," he said.
"It could happen by accident, by terrorist attack. What interests me is that I am serene and peaceful."
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-08-16/french-imam-on-isis-hit-list/7747702
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Leaked ISIS Documents: The Majority of Recruits Knew Nothing about Islam
AUG 16, 2016
A recent series of leaked Islamic State documents have revealed that most of ISIS' recruits had a rudimentary knowledge of Shariah law - the legal system that governs people of the Islamic faith.
The thousands of leaked IS documents shed light on over 4,000 recruits that made their way into Syria during ISIS' heyday. These documents, after being analyzed by the Associated Press, showed that 70% of recruits had just a "basic," the lowest possible category, knowledge of Shariah, while 24% had an "intermediate" knowledge, and 5% "advanced."
According to the AP, this recent revelation suggests that individuals with a limited knowledge of the Islamic faith may be more susceptible to recruitment by ISIS militants - more so than those with a deeper, fundamental understanding of the faith.
This theory is supported not only by AP's documents, but by court testimonies from European ISIS recruits who have allegedly defected from the terrorist organization.
"I realized that I was in the wrong place when they began to ask me questions on these forms like 'when you die, who should we call?," a 32-year-old recruit, who claimed to believe that he was joining the Syrian rebellion to fight against President Bashar Assad's forces, said.
The anonymous recruit also detailed the intake process that he and fellow enlistees underwent: new recruits were indoctrinated with videos with IS propaganda, visited by imams - Muslim religious leaders - who encouraged martyrdom, forced to sever ties with their family, and were required to surrender their electronic devices.
ISIS suspect
This trove of documents from the AP disclosed that one of the mentioned recruits, Karim Mohammad-Aggad, was identified as having a basic knowledge of Shariah. He detailed that he and fellow recruits were smooth-talked by an ISIS recruiter that even went barhopping with them. After claiming to have been treated as "a dirty Arab" in France, he left for Syria where his exploits didn't go as planned - he allegedly left the organization after being treated like an "apostate" - someone who had renounced their faith.
After returning to France in 2013, Mohammad-Aggad and his associates were arrested. Unfortunately, French officials missed one of the suspects, Mohammad-Aggad's brother, who happened to be one of the three men that killed 130 people at the Bataclan on November 13.
"My religious beliefs had nothing to do with my departure," he claimed during a court testimony. "Islam was used to trap me like a wolf."
Muslim woman reads the Quran
Perhaps no other example could personify the lack of familiarity with the faith than two other convicted terrorists, this time from Britain that had ordered copies of “The Koran for Dummies” and Islam for Dummies from Amazon, prior to their trip to Syria to join ISIS.
Former CIA case officer Patrick Skinner explained in the AP report that most of these recruits are those who yearned for a sense of belonging, notoriety, and excitement.
"Religion is an afterthought," said Skinner.
Although many of these oblivious recruits may appear to be prepared for martyrdom, the fate of those that possessed an advanced or intermediate knowledge of Shariah may differ.
"Those with the most religious knowledge within the organization itself are the least likely to volunteer to be suicide bombers," states a report from the United States Military Academy's Combating Terrorism Centre.
Tariq Ramadan, an Islamic Studies professor at Oxford, elaborated on the implications of ISIS' convoluted messages to AP, "The people who are doing this are not experiencing martyrdom, they are criminals. They are killing innocent people. Nothing in Islam, nothing ever can justify the killing of innocent people, never, ever."
http://www.businessinsider.in/Leaked-ISIS-documents-The-majority-of-recruits-knew-nothing-about-Islam/articleshow/53715202.cms
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Detained ISIS militant in Afghanistan admits he was trained in Pakistan
Tue Aug 16 2016
A loyalist of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group has admitted he received terrorist activities training in Pakistan.
The loyalist of the terror group was arrested by the Afghan intelligence, National Directorate of Security (NDS) operatives from Nangarhar province.
The militant was among three people arrested by the NDS operatives and admitted that he received training in Kuchlak area, located near Quetta city, the provincial capital of Balochistan province.
The man admits he originally hails from the southern Zabul province of Afghanistan and was taken to Kuchlak to receive the necessary training to conduct insurgency activities under the ISIS flag.
This comes as local officials in Nangarhar earlier said the loyalists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group who are fighting in Afghanistan are mostly the residents of Orakzai Agency of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan.
Provincial governor’s spokesman Ataullah Khogyani has said the documents obtained from the dead bodies and those arrested during the operations in Achin, Kot, Haska Mina and other parts of Nangarhar, reveal that they are originally residents of Orakzai Agency.
Khogyani further added that the intelligence information gathered by the government also reveal that the ISIS loyalists are mostly comprised of Pakistani nationals.
According to Khogyani, the residents of Tajikistan are also fighting alongside the Pakistani nationals for ISIS terrorist group who are mainly deployed after completing training in Pakistan.
http://www.khaama.com/detained-isis-militant-in-afghanistan-admits-he-was-trained-in-pakistan-01705
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India
Madrasas in Andhra Pradesh Celebrate Independence Day In Style
Aug 16, 2016
HYDERABAD: As many 1,500 madrasas across the state celebrated Independence Day, the Jamiat-e-Ulema, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh (JUTAP), a body of Islamic clerics, announced on Monday.
"The celebrations were on a grand scale this year. Further, celebrations and hoisting of the tricolour was performed at all district offices of the Jamiat-e-Ulema, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh," JUTAP general secretary Khaleeq Ahmed Sabir said on Monday.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Madrassas-in-state-celebrate-Independence-Day-in-style/articleshow/53715670.cms
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Those who attack music in Islam's name are faith's enemies: M J Akbar
August 16, 2016
India's Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar has denounced those who attack music in the name of Islam as the enemies of the faith.
"What more requisite expression of faith can there be than the Azaan," he asked, referring to the musical call to prayer with an affirmation of the Muslim faith that is made every day from mosques.
Full report at: business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/those-who-attack-music-in-islam-s-name-are-faith-s-enemies-m-j-akbar-116081600490_1.html
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Top Sangh Leader Hoists Tricolour in a Bohra Madrasa in Nagpur
16th August 2016
NEW DELHI: Senior RSS leader and patron of the RSS-affiliated Muslim Rashtriya Manch Indresh Kumar unfurled the National Flag at a Bohra madrasa in Nagpur on Monday. Speaking at another event in Nagpur on Sunday evening, Kumar had given a call for Akhand Bharat (united India) by bringing together those areas which had separated from India and urged the youth to take a vow to make it a reality. “No land should remain detached from Bharat. People should respect each and every inch of the nation’s land; only then there will be love, peace, harmony in society, and people will work to re-unite the separated land.”
Full report at: newindianexpress.com/nation/Top-Sangh-leader-hoists-Tricolour-in-a-madrassa/2016/08/16/article3581661.ece
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Bank details give agencies clues on IS-leaning youths
Aug 16, 2016
MUMBAI: Agencies investigating terror cases have come across a new trait among youths inclined towards the Islamic State. The youths have stopped using savings accounts in banks and instead are operating current accounts. Reason: they do not want interest on money lying in banks.
This characteristic came to their attention while they were probing recent cases involving IS sympathisers+ , including those who have left the country to join the IS.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bank-details-give-agencies-clues-on-IS-leaning-youths/articleshow/53714993.cms
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Four killed in fresh clashes in Kashmir, toll climbs to 62
August 16, 2016
Srinagar: Four persons were killed and several others injured in security forces action against stone-pelting protestors in Budgam and Anantnag districts of Kashmir today where normal life remained paralysed for the 39th consecutive day due to curfew, restrictions and separatist-sponsored strike.
Full report at: siasat.com/news/four-killed-fresh-clashes-kashmir-toll-climbs-62-1002172/
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Europe
The Moderate French Imam: On a Mission to Unite France While Dodging IS Assassins
Monday, August 15, 2016
Outside the main mosque in Bordeaux, France, worshippers are scanned with metal detectors and heavily armed soldiers stand with guns ready.
The city's Grand Imam, Tareq Oubrou, is a marked man and in a country reeling from repeated Islamist terrorist attacks, no one is prepared to take any chances.
"Threats don't scare me," he tells us, as he welcomes us inside.
"The goal of terrorism is to create fear in communities and to affect you mentally. The best response is to just be yourself."
Full report at: abc.net.au/news/2016-08-16/french-imam-on-isis-hit-list/7747702
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The London Muslim Mosque Applauds De-Radicalization Plan
Monday, August 15, 2016
The London Muslim Mosque welcomed news from Ottawa that the government is moving ahead with a nationwide program to combat radicalization.
“This is in line with what we’ve been talking about,” mosque spokesperson Nawaz Tahir said Monday.
“We’d be happy to lend any support we can. This is a multi-disciplinary issue. It’s not a London issue, it’s a macro issue and it requires a national response.”
Full report at: lfpress.com/2016/08/15/mosque-applauds-de-radicalization-plan
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Europe on HIGH ALERT: Armed troops now on French, Italian and Spanish on beaches
Tue, Aug 16, 2016
Soldiers will become a common site at tourist hotspots on the continent following a series of high profile terror attacks, including the Bastille Day massacre in Nice.
France is still in a state of national emergency which was imposed in the aftermath of the Paris terror attacks, carried out by Islamic State (ISIS) gunmen, whilst Spain is also facing a growing Islamist threat.
Full report at: express.co.uk/news/world/700343/Europe-high-alert-armed-troops-French-Italian-Spanish-beaches
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Hollande to meet Pope this week after French priest's murder
15-08-2016
French President François Hollande will meet Pope Francis at the Vatican this week, following the jihadist murder of a French priest. Thousands of Catholics on Monday prayed for peace in the pilgrimage centre of Lourdes, while bishops appealed to the faithful to pray for France across the country on the Feast of the Assumption.
Hollande's office did not say what the president and the Pope would discuss when announcing the meeting Monday.
Full report at: en.rfi.fr/europe/20160815-hollande-meet-pope-week-after-french-priests-murder
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Arab World
Leaked ISIS Documents: The Majority of Recruits Knew Nothing about Islam
AUG 16, 2016
A recent series of leaked Islamic State documents have revealed that most of ISIS' recruits had a rudimentary knowledge of Shariah law - the legal system that governs people of the Islamic faith.
The thousands of leaked IS documents shed light on over 4,000 recruits that made their way into Syria during ISIS' heyday. These documents, after being analyzed by the Associated Press, showed that 70% of recruits had just a "basic," the lowest possible category, knowledge of Shariah, while 24% had an "intermediate" knowledge, and 5% "advanced."
Full report at: businessinsider.in/Leaked-ISIS-documents-The-majority-of-recruits-knew-nothing-about-Islam/articleshow/53715202.cms
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Syrian Military Planes Drop "Surrender Now" Leaflets over Idlib
August 16, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian air force dropped leaflets over the terrorist-held regions in Idlib province, calling on the militants to surrender and vowing to liberate the region soon.
The Syrian army aircraft dropped leaflets reading "Surrender Now" over Jisr al-Shoghour city to give the Takfiri terrorists a last chance to lay down their arms and surrender to the authorities.
Military sources disclosed that hundreds of leaflets have been dropped over Jisr al-Shoghour for several times now.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950526000769
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Nine Civilians Killed as Saudi Jets Bomb Regions across Yemen
August 16, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- At least nine people, including two children, were killed in the latest Saudi military airstrikes against residential neighborhoods in Yemen.
Saudi fighter jets struck a vehicle on Tuesday as it was traveling along a road in the Abs district of the northern Yemeni province of Hajjah, leaving five people dead, Yemen Al-Yawm reported.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950526000698
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Syrian Army Inflicts Heavy Losses on Terrorists in Eastern, Western Ghoutas
August 16, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian army backed by the country's air force continued its military advances in Damascus countryside, inflicting heavy losses on the terrorists' military positions in Eastern and Western Ghoutas.
The Syrian fighter jets pounded heavily the gathering centers of the terrorists in the surrounding areas of the town of Ataya on Tuesday.
The terrorists' military positions in the town of al-Sheyfouniyeh in Eastern Ghouta also came under the Syrian airstrikes.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950526000873
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Egyptian judoka sent home from Olympics after refusing to shake Israeli opponent’s hand
August 15,2016
An Egyptian judoka has been reprimanded and sent home by the International Olympic Committee for refusing to shake the hand of an Israeli competitor who beat him on Friday, according to the Associated Press.
Full report at: washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2016/08/15/egyptian-judoka-sent-home-from-olympics-after-refusing-to-shake-israeli-opponents-hand/
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Top Taliban Commander Arrested in Afghanistan’s Kunduz Province
August 16, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- A commander of Taliban’s special forces was arrested during clashes with the security forces in Northern Kunduz province of Afghanistan, local authorities said.
The Afghanistan’s Ministry of Interior said the Taliban commander was identified as Faizullah who was leading the special forces of the Taliban in Kunduz province, Khaama Press reported.
The ministry further added that Faizullah was arrested after attacking a security post in Chardara district.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950526000728
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Russia Confirms Bombers Hit Major ISIL Arms Depots in Syria after Take off from Iran
August 16, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- ISIL terrorist group’s Aleppo arms depots used to supply ISIL militants near Aleppo were destroyed by Russian planes taking off from an Iranian airbase, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
The report was published by Sputnik news agency after Al-Masdar News reported Moscow and Tehran signed a military agreement allowing Russian aircraft to station at Hamadan Airport in Western Iran, RT reported.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950526000775
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Syrian Army Repulses Terrorists' Attack in Northwestern Sweida Province
August 16, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian army fended off an attack by terrorists on its military positions near a strategic village in the Northwestern part of Sweida province.
The terrorists tried to capture the Syrian army's military position in the surrounding areas of Waqam village Northwest of Sweida province, but they were pushed back by the timely counterattack of the Syrian army.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950526000654
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Jeish Al-Fatah to Lead Negotiations with Russia on Slain Pilots
August 16, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Sources in Idlib disclosed that the Jeish al-Fatah terrorist group has transferred the bodies of slain Russian pilots to its secret bases to use it as a winning card in any future negotiations with Moscow on prisoners' swap.
According to Hadath news website, the General Foundation for Prisoners' Affairs, consisting of the leaders of the main terrorist and dissident groups active in Syria, had four months ago announced that it is the only body responsible for any negotiations on swapping the prisoners but Jeish al-Fatah opposed it, saying that it has different demands, including the freedom of prisoners and seeks to materialize them in talks with Russia.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950526000591
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Senior Negotiator Warns of Iran's Tough Reaction to Powers' Disloyalty to N. Deal
August 16, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister and senior negotiator Seyed Abbas Araqchi warned the US and other world powers against breaching the contents of the nuclear deal signed with Tehran last year.
"There are still some laggings, negligence and disloyalty by the other side and we confront them very strongly and remind the other side of its responsibilities," Araqchi said after meeting the Iranian legislators in Tehran on Tuesday.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950526000453
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Jeish Al-Fatah Terrorists Admit Syrian Army's Advances in Southern Aleppo City
August 16, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Jeish al-Fatah terrorists acknowledged that they have lost a major portion of the cement factory in the Southern countryside of the city of Aleppo.
The Syrian army has recaptured vast areas in the Southern countryside of Aleppo City, Jeish al-Fatah terrorists confirmed.
Hundreds of Jeish al-Fatah terrorists launched heavy attacks against the Syrian army's positions on Sunday evening.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950526000566
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Two Million People in Need of Aid in Syria's Aleppo
August 16, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The United Nations remained deeply concerned over the plight of up to 2 million people in need of assistance across Aleppo city and for those in the surrounding areas near the Syrian city, a UN spokesman said.
The humanitarian situation in Aleppo was dire, including in the East of the city where between 250,000 to 275,000 people remain trapped following the July closure of the Castello Road, the deputy UN spokesman Farhan Haq said at a news briefing, Xinhua reported.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950526000648
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South Asia
Detained ISIS militant in Afghanistan admits he was trained in Pakistan
Tue Aug 16 2016
A loyalist of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group has admitted he received terrorist activities training in Pakistan.
The loyalist of the terror group was arrested by the Afghan intelligence, National Directorate of Security (NDS) operatives from Nangarhar province.
Full report at: khaama.com/detained-isis-militant-in-afghanistan-admits-he-was-trained-in-pakistan-01705
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US sends 3 Afghan prisoners to UAE from Guantanamo Bay prison
Tue Aug 16 2016
At least three prisoners were among 15 inmates shifted by the United States to United Arab Emirates from the Guantanamo Bay detention center, it has been reported.
According to the reports, the remaining prisoners hailed from Yemen and the shift of the prisoners to UAE is considered as the single largest release of detainees during the Obama administration.
Full report at: khaama.com/us-sends-3-afghan-prisoners-to-uae-from-guantanamo-bay-prison-01704
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Afghan forces prepare to retake lost district in Baghlan province
Tue Aug 16 2016
Afghan armyThe Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) are preparing to retake control of the lost Dahana-e-Ghori district in northern Baghlan province.
Local security officials are saying the operations will be launchd in Dahana-e-Ghori and Baghlan-e-Markazi districts in the near future.
Provincial police spokesman Ahmad Jawed Basharat said the provincial security forces and additional forces have arrived in the area and are preparing to launch a major offensive to retake the lost areas.
Full report at: khaama.com/afghan-forces-prepare-to-retake-lost-district-in-baghlan-province-01703
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Taliban’s special forces commander arrested in Kunduz province
Tue Aug 16 2016
Dead Taliban in Baghlan_censoredA special forces commander of the Taliban group was arrested during a clash with the Afghan security forces in northern Kunduz province of Afghanistan.
The Ministry of Interior (MoI) said the Taliban commander was identified as Faizullah who was leading the special forces of the Taliban in Kunduz province.
MoI further added that Faizullah was arrested after attacking a security post in Chardara district.
Full report at: khaama.com/talibans-special-forces-commander-killed-in-kunduz-province-01702
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US encourages President Ghani, CEO Abdullah to work together
Tue Aug 16 2016
The United States reaffirmed support to National Unity Government amid concerns followed by Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah’s remarks for calling President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani as unfit for the office.
The US State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau was responding to a question regarding the latest upheavals and whether US would send a delegation to help resolve the issue.
Full report at: khaama.com/us-encourages-president-ghani-ceo-abdullah-to-work-together-01701
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NATO rejects ISIS claim regarding killing of US commander in Kabul
Mon Aug 15 2016
The NATO-led Resolute Support (RS) mission in Afghanistan rejected claims by the loyalists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group regarding the alleged killing of a US military commander in Kabul.
“There is no truth to any claims that a U.S. military commander was killed in today’s #Kabul explosion, several ANA members were wounded only,” the alliance said.
Full report at: khaama.com/nato-rejects-isis-claim-regarding-killing-of-us-commander-in-kabul-01700
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India should speak out against rights’ violations, says B’desh opposition party
Aug 16, 2016
India should broaden its ties beyond the ruling party and speak up against rights’ violations in Bangladesh, the neighbouring country’s main opposition party, the BNP, has said.
The Modi government seemed to be following the UPA’s Bangladesh policy of focusing on the ruling party which amounted to ignoring other outfits, said Amir Khosru Chowdhury, adviser to Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader and former prime minister Khaleda Zia.
Full report at: hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-should-speak-out-against-rights-violations-says-b-desh-opposition-party/story-BhIxMKA13ysQ57fqhpuYXI.html
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Bangladesh police name third prime suspect in July cafe attack
Aug 16, 2016
Bangladeshi authorities named a third prime suspect on Monday in their investigation into the 1 July attack at a Dhaka cafe in which 20 hostages were killed, most of them foreigners.
Mohammed Saiful Islam from Dhaka's counter-terrorism police said Nurul Islam Marjan, a commander from the Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) militant group, had been identified on information from several different sources.
Full report at: firstpost.com/world/bangladesh-police-name-third-prime-suspect-in-july-cafe-attack-2958326.html
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Mideast
PKK attack kills seven in Turkey’s southeast
August 15, 2016
Five police officers and two civilians, including a child, were killed in an attack by the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in the southeastern province of Diyarbakır on Aug. 15.
Another 21 were wounded in the attack on a traffic police station at around 1:10 p.m.
The militants staged their attacks on the Murat Uçar Regional Traffic Inspection Station with a bomb-laden truck in the Şükürlü village located between the Çınar and the Bismil districts, Doğan News Agency reported.
Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/pkk-attack-kills-seven-in-turkeys-southeast.aspx?pageID=238&nID=102859&NewsCatID=341
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Turkish PM suggests three-step road map for Syria
August 15, 2016
Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım has suggested a three-pronged road map for a solution to the five-year-old war in Syria, which has not only affected neighboring countries but also many parts of the world with the flight of more than 4 million refugees.
Stating that he was optimistic that a solution was at hand due to the changing nature of Turkish foreign policy, in which Ankara aims to make more friends and decrease its number of enemies, Yıldırım said the time had come for Turkey to mend relations with Syria after taking steps for rapprochement with Israel and Russia, adding that they would overcome the Syrian problem together with regional actors.
Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/turkish-pm-suggests-three-step-road-map-for-syria-.aspx?pageID=238&nID=102851&NewsCatID=510
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MHP refers Akşener, emergency convention delegation to disciplinary board
August 16, 2016
The Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) referred dissident candidate Meral Akşener and its emergency convention delegation to the party’s disciplinary board on Aug. 16 with a demand for their expulsion from the party on the grounds that they violated Article 11 of the party code.
Ayhan Erel, Ali Sağır and Mehmet Bilgiç were the members of the emergency convention delegation that were referred to the disciplinary board.
Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/mhp-refers-aksener-emergency-convention-delegation-to-disciplinary-board.aspx?pageID=238&nID=102890&NewsCatID=338
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Azerbaijan probes Gülen supporters
August 16, 2016
Azerbaijan said on Aug. 15 it has launched a criminal investigation into the supporters of US-based preacher Fethullah Gülen, whom Ankara blames for orchestrating the last month's abortive coup attempt.
"In order to prevent illegal actions on the territory of Azerbaijan by the supporters of the terrorist organisation of Fethullah Gülen, the prosecutor general has launched a criminal case," spokesman Eldar Sultanov told AFP.
Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/azerbaijan-probes-gulen-supporters-----.aspx?pageID=238&nID=102885&NewsCatID=355
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Turkey’s FM in talks with European leaders over criticism of post-July 15 measures
August 16, 2016
Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu is in the midst of a series of telephone contacts with European counterparts amid ongoing tension between Turkey and the European Union in the aftermath of the attempted coup plot of July 15.
Çavuşoğlu’s contacts with Elmar Brok, the chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament, and Estonian Foreign Minister Marina Kaljurand took place on Aug. 15 upon his counterparts’ request, Turkish diplomatic sources told the Hürriyet Daily News on Aug. 16.
Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/turkeys-fm-in-talks-with-european-leaders-over-criticism-of-post-july-15-measures.aspx?pageID=238&nID=102888&NewsCatID=510
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Turkish police raid 44 firms in coup attempt probe, to detain executives
August 16, 2016
Turkish police launched simultaneous raids on 44 companies in Istanbul on Aug. 16 and had warrants to detain 120 company executives as part of the investigation into last month's attempted military coup, state-run Anadolu Agency reported.
It said the companies were accused of giving financial support to the movement of U.S.-based preacher Fethullah Gülen, who is accused of orchestrating the July 15 coup attempt. He denies the accusation.
Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/turkish-police-raid-44-firms-in-coup-attempt-probe-to-detain-executives.aspx?pageID=238&nID=102883&NewsCatID=341
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Detention warrants issued for 83 Istanbul court personnel over coup attempt
August 16, 2016
Detention warrants were issued for 83 court personnel in Istanbul early on Aug. 16 as part of the ongoing probe into the Fethullahist Terror Organization (FETÖ), which is believed to have been behind Turkey’s failed coup attempt of July 15.
The suspects working at the Anadolu Courthouse on the Asian side of the city are suspected of having links to the organization, according to judicial sources.
Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/detention-warrants-issued-for-83-istanbul-court-personnel-over-coup-attempt.aspx?pageID=238&nID=102887&NewsCatID=341
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Pakistan
COAS confirms death sentences of 11 'hardcore terrorists'
August 16, 2016
RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif on Tuesday confirmed the death sentences of 11 'hardcore terrorists' involved in committing "heinous offences related to terrorism," said an Inter-Services Public Relations statement.
The convicts were involved in killing of DIG Fayyaz Sumbal and ASI Raza Khan of Balochistan Police and Inspector Kamran Nazir of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) at Quetta, ISPR said.
The convicted terrorists also include those who were involved in sectarian killings, kidnapping and killing of civilians and personnel of Frontier Constabulary and killing of Major Majeed of Pakistan Army.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1277918/coas-confirms-death-sentences-of-11-hardcore-terrorists
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Activists light candles at Wagah, call for Indo-Pak peace
August 16, 2016
LAHORE: Hundreds of peace activists from India and Pakistan participated in a candlelit vigil on Wagah/Attari borders on the night between Aug 14 and 15 to pay homage to the freedom struggle.
The event was organised by the South Asia Free Media Association (Safma) on Wagah border and Hind-Pak Dosti Manch and Folklore Academy on Attari border in India.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1277835/activists-light-candles-at-wagah-call-for-indo-pak-peace
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Pak Army launches operation along Afghan border
August 16, 2016
Islamabad: The Pakistan Army on Tuesday announced the launch of an operation along the Pakistan- Afghanistan border in Rajgal valley.
The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement said the operation was launched “to reinforce troop deployment in Rajgal valley to effectively check and guard against” movement across the porous border in Khyber Agency, reports the Dawn.
Full report at: siasat.com/news/pak-army-launches-operation-along-afghan-border-1002186/
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Hafiz Saeed asks Pak military to send troops into Kashmir to teach India lesson
August 16, 2016
Islamabad: Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed commenting on the recent Kashmir issue which had been on the boil for more than a month with at least 58 killed and thousands wounded during protests against the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani last month, has asked Pakistan military to send its troops into Kashmir to teach India a lesson.
According to Pakistan media, the 26/11 mastermind Saeed has asked this to Army chief General Raheel Sharif.
Full report at: siasat.com/news/hafiz-saeed-asks-pak-military-send-troops-kashmir-teach-india-lesson-1002164/
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Indian High Commission in Pak celebrates 70th Independence Day
August 16, 2016
Islamabad: The Indian High Commission in Islamabad today celebrated the 70th Independence Day with zeal and fervor.
Indian tri-colour was unfurled by High Commissioner Gautam Bambawale with Indian diplomats witnessing the event.
Meanwhile in India, nation celebrated the day with full gusto.
Indian President Pranab Mukherjee earlier laid wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti on Independence Day.
Full report at: siasat.com/news/indian-high-commission-pak-celebrates-70th-independence-day-1001976/
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Pakistan invites India for talks on Jammu and Kashmir
August 16, 2016
Islamabad: Pakistan Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry has invited his Indian counterpart S. Jaishankar to Islamabad for talks on the Jammu and Kashmir issue.
Chaudhry on Monday afternoon called in Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Gautam Bambawale and handed over a letter addressed to his Indian counterpart, inviting him to visit Pakistan for talks on Jammu and Kashmir, which he termed “the main bone of contention between India and Pakistan”, said the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in a statement issued here.
Full report at: siasat.com/news/pakistan-invites-india-talks-jammu-kashmir-1001974/
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Africa
Regional Groups in Africa See Continuing Al-Shabab Threat
August 15, 2016
An East Africa regional organization says the Somalia-based militant group al-Shabab is actively plotting attacks in countries throughout the region.
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development, or IGAD, says the militant group has expanded and formed special military wings dedicated to carrying out attacks in Kenya and even in Ethiopia.
Full report at: voanews.com/a/regional-groups-in-africa-see-continuing-al-shabab-threat/3464992.html
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ISIS in West Africa Shows Clashes With Nigerian Army & African Coalition
August 15, 2016
In a new video purportedly released by the Islamic State, Boko Haram militants in “Wilayat Gharb Afriqiya” are shown combatting West African counterterrorism troops. The video was released on August 15 on ISIS terrorist channels.
In March 2015, Boko Haram pledged allegiance, or “bayat,” to the Islamic State, formerly declaring themselves as “Wilayat Gharb Afriqiya,” or the Islamic State of West Africa. Since then, they have been causing havoc in the region under ISIS’ flag and releasing similar propaganda. In one particularly brutal video, they gun down civilians.
Full report at: heavy.com/news/2016/08/new-isis-islamic-state-daesh-amaq-amaaq-news-pictures-videos-abubakar-shekau-boko-haram-isis-video-west-africa-full-uncensored-youtube-video-mp4-download/
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Southeast Asia
Myanmar's Muslims: A long way down Aung San Suu Kyi's to-do list
16 August 2016 5:56PM
When Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy finally came to power in Myanmar last year, there was much scepticism among ethnic minorities as to whether the nobel laureate would speak up for their rights. So far, the new government has not done much to change this view, particularly among the Rohingya minority whose lack of citizenship and poor living conditions are a recurring theme in refugee movements around the region.
Full report at: lowyinterpreter.org/post/2016/08/16/Myanmars-Muslims-A-long-way-down-Aung-San-Suu-Kyis-to-do-list.aspx
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Cellphone find leads Thai cops to seek Malaysia cooperation in fatal resort bombings
AUG 16, 2016
BANGKOK – Thai police said Monday they have sought Malaysia’s cooperation in investigating last week’s blasts in southern Thailand that killed four Thais and injured more than 30 people, including foreign tourists.
National Police Chief Chakthip Chaichinda told a press conference that Thai police asked their Malaysian counterparts for help after finding that one of the mobile phones used in the blasts does not come from Thailand.
Full report at: japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/08/16/asia-pacific/crime-legal-asia-pacific/cellphone-find-leads-thai-cops-seek-malaysia-cooperation-fatal-resort-bombings/#.V7L2d1t97IU
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North America
Trump's message not sitting well with some Valley Muslim-Americans
Aug 16, 2016
While Donald Trump was greeted by cheers at Youngstown State University's Kilcawley Center, his message didn't resonate well with some Muslim-Americans in the Valley.
A Boardman business owner and Muslim-American, Ned Seder, says Trump needs to stop grouping Muslims into one terrorist group.
"There is radical everywhere in every religion. That's why we should believe in faith," Seder said. "Faith is love. Islam is love."
Full report at: wfmj.com/story/32765955/trumps-message-not-sitting-well-with-some-valley-muslim-americans
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HUMAYUN KHAN ISN’T THE ONLY MUSLIM AMERICAN HERO
AUGUST 15, 2016
I went to Arlington National Cemetery this month to visit the grave of Humayun Khan, the Muslim soldier killed in Ir Myanmar's Muslims: A Long Way doaq whose father spoke at the Democratic Convention. I walked among four hundred thousand white marble headstones to Section 60, the fourteen-acre plot for the fatalities of America’s recent wars. Khan, a handsome man with penetrating eyes, died when a suicide bomber driving an orange taxi sped toward his base. He shouted “Hit the dirt!” to his men while he tried to stop it. The bomb detonated. Khan was twenty-seven. He was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. His grave-site locator is 7986. He is buried between Jeremiah Savage, who died in Iraq, and Robert Mogensen, who was killed in Afghanistan—all three within seventeen days in May, 2004.
Full report at: newyorker.com/news/news-desk/humayun-khan-isnt-the-only-muslim-american-hero
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Donald Trump Wants to Test Muslim Immigrants on Gay Equality
AUGUST 15 2016
Donald Trump wants to bar any Muslim who supports the death penalty for gays from entering the United States. That’s among a long list of reasons he outlined today that a person could be denied entry — or even ordered to leave the country after already immigrating here.
"I call it extreme vetting," he told a raucous crowd during a foreign policy speech delivered in Ohio. Trump began the speech by rattling off a list of terror attacks and their casualties worldwide. He included the Pulse shooting in Orlando, saying “and I’ll tell you what, we can never ever allow this to happen again.”
Full report at: advocate.com/election/2016/8/15/donald-trump-wants-test-muslim-immigrants-gay-equality
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Hundreds gather to remember Muslim cleric as suspect charged in shooting
Tuesday 16 August 2016
A suspect was charged on Monday in the fatal shootings of an imam and another Muslim man, as hundreds of mourners gathered in Queens, New York, to remember the victims and call for justice.
Late Monday night, Oscar Morel, 35-year-old Hispanic male from Brooklyn, was charged with two counts of murder and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon, police said. He had already been charged with a hit and run and assaulting an officer.
Full report at: theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/15/imam-maulama-akonjee-fatal-shooting-new-york-muslim-community-funeral-thara-uddin
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