Saturday, April 2, 2016

Islam Rejects Terrorism, Head of Turkish Religious Affairs Tells American Muslims


Photo: Palmyra: Mass Grave 'Containing Bodies Of Beheaded Women and Children' Found After ISIS Driven Out Of Syrian City

Palmyra: Mass Grave 'Containing Bodies Of Beheaded Women and Children' Found After ISIS Driven Out Of Syrian City
Deadly Denial: War Party’s Dark Footprint in Iraq and Syria
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Mideast
Islam Rejects Terrorism, Head of Turkish Religious Affairs Tells American Muslims
Islamic State Threat Growing As Turkey Focuses On Kurds
Obama raises press freedom concerns against Erdoğan
Parliamentary panel adopts protocol on fight against foreign fighters
Suspect of PKK bomb attack that killed 7 policemen arrested
Zarrab declines to seek bail, will be transferred to New York
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Arab World
Mass Grave Found In Syria's Palmyra After City Recaptured From Islamic State
ISIS Inflicts Irreparable Damage on Palmyra
Infighting, Explosion Kill over 45 ISIL Terrorists East of Syria
Over 90 Percent of Lattakia Province under Full Control of Syrian Army, Hezbollah
Emir of Raqqa, Several ISIL Commanders Killed in Syrian Air Attacks
Army Wins Back More Strategic Regions near Ancient Palmyra
Iranian Navy Responds to US-Led Coalition Warship's Threat
Iranian Navy's 38th Flotilla Returns Home after Long Mission in Gulf of Aden
Syria: Russian Warplanes Hit ISIL Positions Hard in Raqqa
Senior Terrorist Commanders Killed in Clashes with Syrian Army in Aleppo
ISIL Running Advanced Bomb-Making Factory in Iraq
Syrian Army Clears Chunk of Palmyra-Deir Ezzur Highway from Land Mines
Syrian Armed Forces Fend off Terrorists' Offensives in Aleppo Province
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North America
Deadly Denial: War Party’s Dark Footprint in Iraq and Syria
Maryland Complex Set To Bring Turkish, Islamic Touch to US
How $100m Muslim centre is building bridges in the US amid Islamophobic climate
Imam, rabbi, priest to take part in mercy panel at Elms College
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South Asia
Large-Scale Military Operation to Kick Off In Nangarhar
11 Killed, 6 Wounded In A Deadly Traffic Incident in West of Afghanistan
ISIS loyalists claims to have shot down drone in Nangarhar province
Turkey’s Chief of Army Staff pledges continued military support to Afghanistan
Daudzai says Pakistan is against peace and stability in Afghanistan
Fight against corruption as important as fight against terror: Massoud
Impressed Afghan prisoner sculpts Hillary Clinton
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Africa
Tunisian Al Qaeda Battalion Claims Ambush near Algerian Border
From Senegal to Libya: An African Student Joins Islamic State
Growing Islamist drive highlights insecurity of African Christians
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Pakistan
Wafaq ul Madaris Keeps Jamia Hafsa, Affiliated with Lal Masjid, Out Of Its List
Poppy Flowers 'Found' Growing In Islamabad's Red Zone
Shahbaz, Nisar and army chief discuss anti-terror operation in Punjab
Ministry to change ‘Shia question’ in Haj application
Ex-militants get vocational training
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India
India Protests China's Move to Block UN Blacklisting Of Jaish Chief Masood Azhar
PM Modi Vows to Deploy Technology against Nuclear Terrorism
‘It’s Time for India, Pakistan to Realise Terrorism Is Not the Only Problem’
Pathankot attack: No date yet for Indian probe team's visit to Pakistan, Kiren Rijiju says
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Southeast Asia
Southeast Asian Muslims Should Appreciate Own Culture: Islamic Studies Scholar
Religions for Peace Advances Reconciliation and Peace building
Contemporary terrorism's cross-border threat
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Europe
Most European ISIS Fighters Come From France, Germany, UK – Study
Delivery driver plotted to kill soldiers at UK base
More violence reported among Afghan and Syrian migrants in Greece
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

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Islam rejects terrorism, head of Turkish Religious Affairs tells American Muslims
WASHINGTON - Anadolu Agency
American Muslims should not apologize for terrorists who claim affiliation with Islam, Turkey’s head of Religious Affairs, Mehmet Görmez said March 1 at a sermon in the newly built Diyanet Center of America in Maryland, some 21 kilometers from Washington D.C.
“My message to you is that you should continue to hold your head high, with honor and dignity, and don’t be defensive or apologetic for the horrible acts that have been committed overseas by criminals who claim affiliation with your faith,” Görmez told thousands of Muslims gathered at the mosque for Friday prayers.
Görmez was apparently sending a message to the anti-Muslim rhetoric orchestrated by some Republican presidential candidates in the wake of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) attacks in Paris and Brussels.
“We all know that all the crimes that are committed against humanity can never find any justification in Islam, nor can they find any basis in the Holy Quran, or the Sunnah of the prophet of mercy,” he added.
The top religious official also recommended Muslims not “deviate from the middle path of Islam,” which requires peace and understanding toward other will and beliefs.
He said that distorted ideologies propagated by terrorists has no place in the hearts and minds of pious Muslims.
“The region of this world that is the birthplace of the Abrahamic religions is now suffering from a severe hardship. The ideologies and the theologies that have ravaged the heart of that sacred land have no place in Islam and should be rejected by every Muslim,” he said.
The new complex features classic Ottoman architecture built on a 60,000 square-meter area. It includes traditional Turkish baths for men and women, swimming pools, a multi-purpose hall and an indoor sports complex.
The mosque at the center of the complex has two minarets, built on 879 square meters.
During the sermon, Görmez said the center is going to serve as a bridge between communities in the U.S.
“This place that we are in right now is not just a masjid or a community center, but is also a sanctuary of comfort and growth for all human beings, Muslims or non-muslims in America,” he said.
hurriyetdailynews.com/islam-rejects-terrorism-head-of-turkish-religious-affairs-tells-american-muslims.aspx?pageID=238&nID=97224&NewsCatID=341
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Palmyra: Mass Grave 'Containing Bodies Of Beheaded Women and Children' Found After ISIS Driven Out Of Syrian City
April 2, 2016
A mass grave including the bodies of women and children has been uncovered in the former Isis stronghold of Palmyra.
Syrian state media reported the grim discovery as troops loyal to Bashar al-Assad and his supporters continued work to clear the city after driving militants out.
The government-controlled Syrian Arab News Agency (Sana) said at least 40 corpses had so far been recovered from the site, with some beheaded and others showing signs of “brutal” torture.
The report linked the discovery to a massacre documented in May 2015, when Isis militants were reported to have slaughtered more than 400 mostly women and children in Palmyra just two days after capturing the city.
State employees, their families and those believed to be loyal to the regime were said to be among those targeted.
Isis committed numerous atrocities during its reign over Palmyra, when its world-famous ancient ruins became a favoured backdrop for gruesome propaganda videos showing the execution of prisoners.
The Roman Arch of Triumph and Temple of Baalshamin were among the archaeological sites destroyed by the group, which left the area littered with improvised explosive devices and mines.
independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/palmyra-mass-grave-containing-bodies-of-beheaded-women-and-children-found-after-isis-driven-out-of-a6964856.html
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Deadly Denial: War Party’s Dark Footprint in Iraq and Syria
April 2nd, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The US government is in its deadliest form of denial in Iraq and it is as always in the weasel circumlocutory jargon which distorts and evades, and seldom stands up to reality and the rule of International Law.
As is, the War Party continues to deny that thousands of its soldiers and generals are involved in active combat missions suspiciously against the terrorist group of ISIL in Iraq. Washington claims it maintains a light footprint in a bid to reassure the world public that its vicious military is not back in Iraq. The only problem is that there are now “reportedly” 12 Pentagon generals there, meaning the War Party’s footprint is not so small after all.
According to the Pentagon reports, the generals are in charge of the war, the ground war, security cooperation (things like military sales, intelligence, and operations), future operations, targeting, and theatre support. There are also an untold number of Special Forces commanders in the battlefield whom the Pentagon does not speak publicly about – including those that travel between Iraq and Kuwait.
In addition, the top-heavy war fight includes generals stationed in places like Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar to support the new mission creep in Iraq. And we haven’t even started talking about the generals from the 60 “coalition” countries that support their American counterparts in this never-ending “War on Terror” fallacy, like all those over-enthusiastic flag officers from Australia and Britain.
Regardless, the War Party claims all these generals and colonels are in Iraq to coordinate and sign off authority on the use of firepower. It means what it means: That this many troops, generals, flag officers, and coalition partners have indeed been deployed in an active combat mission in Iraq, which, by the way, enjoys no United Nations mandate and certainly no endorsement from the government in Baghdad.
Worse yet, the War Party is adding to the number of its troops and generals on the ground in the ISIL war in Syria, equally denying the people of Syria their own human dignity and capacity for freedom and choice at all levels of International Law.
This only adds to the speculations surrounding the new mission creep, that it is not about defeating ISIL, and certainly not about giving “advice and assist” to the anti-Syria forces. It is about “Occupation Forever” for the Empire of Chaos and its rogue partners.
The point is that if President Obama says the new mission creep is important in the ongoing war on terrorism and extremism, it doesn’t become so. The War Party has shut down, gone into denial, and is hiding things from itself and others – with deadly consequences for everyone.
It takes a lot of courage to face up to things Obama and his war machine can’t do because he feeds himself so much denial.
As long as the US government refuses to be honest, the chances for the annihilation or - in President Obama's words - containment of the threat of ISIL and other terrorist outfits in Iraq and the Levant by Washington and its allies will be zero.
The Real War on Terror does not need another US-led mission creep based on denial and avoidance of some of its effective and genuine players, including Iran, Russia and Lebanon’s Hezbollah. It needs a global movement to reform and renew its mission. In one way, Obama has been in denial for some time, knowingly burning the candle at both ends and finding that it often gives a lovely light!
en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950113000488
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Mideast
Islam rejects terrorism, head of Turkish Religious Affairs tells American Muslims
WASHINGTON - Anadolu Agency
American Muslims should not apologize for terrorists who claim affiliation with Islam, Turkey’s head of Religious Affairs, Mehmet Görmez said March 1 at a sermon in the newly built Diyanet Center of America in Maryland, some 21 kilometers from Washington D.C.
“My message to you is that you should continue to hold your head high, with honor and dignity, and don’t be defensive or apologetic for the horrible acts that have been committed overseas by criminals who claim affiliation with your faith,” Görmez told thousands of Muslims gathered at the mosque for Friday prayers.
Görmez was apparently sending a message to the anti-Muslim rhetoric orchestrated by some Republican presidential candidates in the wake of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) attacks in Paris and Brussels.
Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/islam-rejects-terrorism-head-of-turkish-religious-affairs-tells-american-muslims.aspx?pageID=238&nID=97224&NewsCatID=341
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Islamic State threat growing as Turkey focuses on Kurds
By Dominique Soguel
April 1, 2016
ISTANBUL — As Turkey pushes its campaign against Kurdish militants linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party another deadly foe is gaining momentum — the Islamic State group.
The jihadist network is considered responsible by Ankara for four out of six suicide attacks in the country since last summer, the most recent March 12 in Istanbul, where a suicide bombing killed four tourists on Istikal Street. It was the second time tourists were targeted in the city, coming just months after a Jan. 12 attack that killed a dozen German tourists in one of Istanbul's most historic areas. Turkish authorities have blamed the group for two other attacks that killed a total of 136 people.
The acceleration of suicide bombings in Turkey comes after the country increased its involvement in the U.S.-led campaign against the Islamic State group in Syria and amid renewed conflict between Turkish security forces and militants linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, which Ankara and its allies label as a terrorist organization. Analysts question whether Turkey has concentrated its counterterrorism efforts too narrowly on the Kurdish threat.
Full report at: stripes.com/news/middle-east/islamic-state-threat-growing-as-turkey-focuses-on-kurds-1.402266
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Obama raises press freedom concerns against Erdoğan
WASHINGTON
April 2nd, 2016
Obama raises press freedom concerns against Erdoğan
U.S. President Barack Obama raised April 1 criticism over press freedom in Turkey, saying that he had expressed these sentiments directly to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
"It's no secret that there are some trends within Turkey that I have been troubled with," Obama said, when asked whether he considers the Turkish leader an authoritarian.
"I think the approach they have been taking toward the press is one that could lead Turkey down a path that would be very troubling."
Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/obama-raises-press-freedom-concerns-against-erdogan.aspx?pageID=238&nID=97226&NewsCatID=510
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Parliamentary panel adopts protocol on fight against foreign fighters
Turan Yılmaz-ANKARA
April 2nd, 2016
Parliamentary panel adopts protocol on fight against foreign fighters
A parliamentary commission has approved a protocol of the Council of Europe (CoE) aimed at addressing the issue of foreign terrorist fighters.
Turkey was among first seventeen signatory states of the Additional Protocol to the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism, which was opened for signatures in October 2015.
The parliament’s foreign affairs commission approved the additional protocol late March. The government bill favoring adoption of the protocol said it would offer an opportunity to strengthen legislation in the fight against terrorism, while also reaffirming Turkey’s determination in this global fight.
Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/parliamentary-panel-adopts-protocol-on-fight-against-foreign-fighters.aspx?pageID=238&nID=97201&NewsCatID=338
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Suspect of PKK bomb attack that killed 7 policemen arrested
DİYARBAKIR – Doğan News Agency
April 2nd, 2016
A suspect of an outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) car bomb attack in the southeastern Turkish province of Diyarbakır, which killed seven police officers and wounded more than 27, has been arrested in Kocaköy, a Diyarbakır village.
The suspect, who appeared in a video footage as he parked the car loaded with 300 kilograms of bombs near a bus terminal, then walked away before he triggered the bomb using a remote controller.
The police had detained nine people for links to the terror attack.
Some 13 police officers and 14 civilians were wounded in the attack that came on a daw when ministers visited Diyarbakır.
On April 1, Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu visited the city, calling on the people in a public meeting not to fear.
hurriyetdailynews.com/suspect-of-pkk-bomb-attack-that-killed-7-policemen-arrested.aspx?pageID=238&nID=97227&NewsCatID=341
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Zarrab declines to seek bail, will be transferred to New York
WASHINGTON
April 2nd, 2016
Reza Zarrab, the controversial Turkish-Iranian businessman who was arrested in the U.S. last month on charges that he and others conspired to conduct hundreds of millions of dollars in financial transactions for the Iranian government or other entities to evade U.S. sanctions, waived a right to a bond hearing in Miami, Florida.
U.S. Judge Edwin Torres accepted a petition by Zarrab”s lawyer Lee Stapleton, who withdrew from a bail hearing and the court ruled on canceling the April 4 session. Zarrab will now be sent to New York but no exact date for his first hearing has been marked.
“Reza Zarrab declines to seek bail in Florida court, to be transported to New York for further proceedings,” said New York prosecutor Preet Bharara, who presented the indictment about Zarrab, in a posting on his twitter account.
Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/zarrab-declines-to-seek-bail-will-be-transferred-to-new-york.aspx?pageID=238&nID=97225&NewsCatID=358
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Arab World
Palmyra: Mass Grave 'Containing Bodies Of Beheaded Women and Children' Found After ISIS Driven Out Of Syrian City
April 2, 2016
A mass grave including the bodies of women and children has been uncovered in the former Isis stronghold of Palmyra.
Syrian state media reported the grim discovery as troops loyal to Bashar al-Assad and his supporters continued work to clear the city after driving militants out.
The government-controlled Syrian Arab News Agency (Sana) said at least 40 corpses had so far been recovered from the site, with some beheaded and others showing signs of “brutal” torture.
Full report at: independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/palmyra-mass-grave-containing-bodies-of-beheaded-women-and-children-found-after-isis-driven-out-of-a6964856.html
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ISIS Inflicts Irreparable Damage on Palmyra
AFP
April 2nd, 2016
PALMYRA: Militants have reduced several temples, columns and other treasures to heaps of stone in Syria’s ancient city of Palmyra, which archaeologists fear will never be fully restored to its former glory.
On the rocks at the entrance to the 2,000-year-old Temple of Bel, militants have written in black: “The Islamic State. No entry for civilians or brothers (fighters).” While the temple’s outer walls, main entrance and courtyard have survived, the main cella or prayer chamber has been destroyed, according to journalists who visited the world heritage site.
Ochre and beige-coloured blocks of stone that once formed the cella walls, rooftop and eight 16-metre tall fluted columns now lie on the ground.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1249403/is-inflicts-irreparable-damage-on-palmyra
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Infighting, Explosion Kill over 45 ISIL Terrorists East of Syria
April 2nd, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Fierce clashes between the Syrian and non-Syrian members of the ISIL terrorist group ended in the killing of 30 combatants from both sides while a car explosion left 16 ISIL terrorists dead in the Eastern province of Deir Ezzur.
Heavy fighting erupted between the Syrian and foreign combatants of the ISIL in Mouhassan which claimed the lives of 30 terrorists.
In the meantime, a bomb-laden car of the ISIL, which was ready to be used in suicide attacks, was exploded before any attack in the village of Albu Omar, killed 16 terrorists and wounded many others.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950114000448
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Over 90 Percent of Lattakia Province under Full Control of Syrian Army, Hezbollah
April 2nd, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian Army and the Lebanese Hezbollah fighters have thus far pushed the terrorist groups back from more than 90 percent of Lattakia province's territories and are resolved to continue their mop-up operations to take back the rest of the costal province, army sources said.
"The Syrian soldiers and the Hezbollah combatants have cleansed over 90 percent of Lattakia province after months of non-stop operations against the terrorist groups, which have inflicted major losses on the terrorists in large scale," the sources said.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950114000156
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Emir of Raqqa, Several ISIL Commanders Killed in Syrian Air Attacks
April 2nd, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian warplanes, tipped off by intelligence agents about the venue of ISIL commanders' meeting, bombed Raqqa governor-general's building, killing several terrorist commanders, including the Emir of Raqqa.
The Syrian fighter jets targeted heavily the building of the governor-general in the Central parts of Raqqa, where senior ISIL commanders and Emir of Raqqa Abu Mojahid Libi were in a secret meeting.
Several ISIL commanders and the Emir were killed and several more were wounded in the airstrikes.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950114000730
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Army Wins Back More Strategic Regions Near Ancient Palmyra
April 2nd, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian army and its allies made significant advances against the ISIL terrorists in the Central province of Homs after seizing back more key areas in the vicinity of the ancient city of Palmyra (Tadmur).
Meantime, the Syrian army and popular forces continued their military advances in other parts of Syria, including Damascus and Deir Ezzur, over past 24 hours.
The Syrian army and air force destroyed ISIL's gathering centers and military positions in the Western parts of Homs province.
The ISIL's military positions were razed down by the Syrian fighter jets in Quaryatayn and al-Sukhneh regions.
Meantime, the Syrian army continued its advances in the surrounding areas of Quaryatayn on Friday.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950114000377
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Iranian Navy Responds to US-Led Coalition Warship's Threat
April 2nd, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Army Commander Major General Ataollah Salehi underlined the country's supremacy in the Persian Gulf, and said the Naval forces have given a firm response to the threat of the US-led coalition warships to an Iranian oil tanker.
"The regional and trans-regional warships deployed in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz don't have any supremacy since the most powerful warships and equipment in the region are afraid of blows and damage (that they might receive in any possible clash), and as they, themselves, say they sail through the Persian Gulf with a multi-layer escort," General Salehi said, addressing a ceremony to welcome the Navy's 38th flotilla of warships which returned home on Saturday after a 75-day-long mission in the international waters.
"A while ago, an Iranian oil tanker was threatened by a warship of a (US-led) coalition member, but the Navy's 38th flotilla (deployed in the international waters at the time) rushed to the scene and warned the warship that the oil tanker was supported by the Islamic Republic of Iran's military fleet," he added.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950114000597
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Iranian Navy's 38th Flotilla Returns Home after Long Mission in Gulf of Aden
April 2nd, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Iranian Navy's 38th fleet of warships returned to Bandar Abbas port, in Southern Hormuzgan province, after 75 days of deployment in international waters and tracing and identifying 282 vessels in the Gulf of Aden.
The 38th flotilla of warships returned home on Saturday after its successful mission that involved training, search and rescue, as well as anti-piracy missions in the international waters.
The patrolling mission was designed to protect the country's ships and interests in free waters.
The 38th fleet, comprised of Naqdi destroyer and helicopter-carrier Bushehr and Lavan warships, left the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas on January 20 for its mission in the Indian Ocean, the Sea of Oman and the Gulf of Aden.
The flotilla which visited Tanzania within the framework of a training exercise, also berthed at the Dar es Salaam Port as well as Salaleh port in Oman.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950114000332
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Syria: Russian Warplanes Hit ISIL Positions Hard in Raqqa
April 2nd, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Russian fighter jets carried out a number of airstrikes on Friday night and Saturday morning, hitting several sites of the ISIL near the Hama-Raqqa axis in Northeastern Syria.
The Russian Air Force bombed heavily the Tabaqa Military Airport that is located in the Western part of Raqqa province and is used by the terrorist group to train new recruits and house a large number of their fighters.
The Russian Air Force has specifically targeted this military facility due to its strategic location and large stock of weapons, ammunition, and military supplies that the ISIL relies on. According to a military source from the Syrian Air Defense, the Russian fighter jets conducted several air raids over the Tabaqa Military Airport, striking any vehicles in the site.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950114000707
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Senior Terrorist Commanders Killed in Clashes with Syrian Army in Aleppo
April 2nd, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Two notorious commanders of the terrorist groups, including a Saudi national, were killed in heavy fighting with the Syrian Army troops in two different battlefields in the Northern province of Aleppo.
The Syrian army fended off joint attack of the al-Nusra Front and the Free Syrian Army on government forces' positions, which ended in the killing of many terrorists, including their Saudi commander Abu Mousa al-Jazrawi.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950114000602
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ISIL Running Advanced Bomb-Making Factory in Iraq
April 2nd, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The ISIL terrorist group has used the University of Mosul's chemistry laboratory to assemble the explosive devices which have likely been detonated in the terrorist attacks in Europe, an Iraqi Army General said.
"The University of Mosul is the best ISIL research center in the world," Iraq’s top explosives officer Gen. Hatem Magsosi said.
"The trainees go to Raqqa (ISIL stronghold in Northern Syria), then to Mosul university to use the existing facilities," he further added.
"Materials made at the lab include peroxide-based chemical bombs, suicide bomb vests, nitrate-based explosives and chemical weapons," Magsosi said.
The ISIL captured Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest city, without any resistance from the US-trained and equipped Iraqi army in June 2014.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950114000393
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Syrian Army Clears Chunk of Palmyra-Deir Ezzur Highway from Land Mines
April 2nd, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Syrian Army's Mine Clearance Teams have demined several kilometers of a strategic highway connecting the recently liberated city of Palmyra (Tadmur) and Deir Ezzur, military sources said.
"The demining of the road network around Palmyra continues. Syrian engineering units have demined four kilometers of the Palmyra-Deir Ezzur highway, clearing a total of 36 mines," the sources said.
A report said on Thursday that the Syrian army defused hundreds of explosives and mines in Palmyra in one day of demining operation.
The army's engineering unit demined over 1,000 mines and explosives in Palmyra.
The defused explosives included mines and roadside bombs laid by the ISIL terrorists before they fled Palmyra.
Last week, the General Command of the Syrian Army and Armed Forces confirmed the recapture of the ancient city of Palmyra and the mountains and hills overlooking it.
"Security and stability has been restored to Palmyra following a series of precise and effective military operations that were carried out by the army units with the help of the popular defense groups, being backed by the Syrian and Russian Air Forces," the Army Command said in a statement.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950114000340
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Syrian Armed Forces Fend off Terrorists' Offensives in Aleppo Province
April 2nd, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian Ground and Air Forces thwarted al-Nusra Front's large-scale attacks on government forces' strongholds in the Southwestern parts of Aleppo province and inflicted heavy death toll on the terrorists.
Massive assaults of the al-Qaeda-affiliated al-Nusra Front on the Syrian army and Hezbollah's positions near Tal al-Eis, Khan Touman and Tal Arbayeen were repulsed by the Syrian army backed up by the Syrian fighter jets.
Al-Nusra terrorists crossed Idlib-Aleppo border and attacked the positions of the army and Hezbollah fighters, but their attempts to prevail over the government forces' defense lines were badly failed.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950114000218
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North America
Deadly Denial: War Party’s Dark Footprint in Iraq and Syria
April 2nd, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The US government is in its deadliest form of denial in Iraq and it is as always in the weasel circumlocutory jargon which distorts and evades, and seldom stands up to reality and the rule of International Law.
As is, the War Party continues to deny that thousands of its soldiers and generals are involved in active combat missions suspiciously against the terrorist group of ISIL in Iraq. Washington claims it maintains a light footprint in a bid to reassure the world public that its vicious military is not back in Iraq. The only problem is that there are now “reportedly” 12 Pentagon generals there, meaning the War Party’s footprint is not so small after all.
According to the Pentagon reports, the generals are in charge of the war, the ground war, security cooperation (things like military sales, intelligence, and operations), future operations, targeting, and theatre support. There are also an untold number of Special Forces commanders in the battlefield whom the Pentagon does not speak publicly about – including those that travel between Iraq and Kuwait.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950113000488
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Maryland complex set to bring Turkish, Islamic touch to US
DAILY SABAH
ISTANBUL
Friday, April 1, 2016
Maryland complex set to bring Turkish, Islamic touch to US
The Diyanet Center of America, an ambitious social and religious complex Turkey built in Maryland, was inaugurated on Saturday in Turkey's latest bid to reach out to Muslim communities in other countries and promote peace
The Diyanet Center of America, a Turkish-funded complex located in a quiet neighborhood in Maryland will be officially unveiled on Saturday by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has been in the country for nearly one week.
With its distinguished architectural style, which makes the building stand out among other buildings in the area, the Diyanet Center of America is more than a curiosity. Funded by Turks in the United States and the Presidency of Religious Affairs (DİB), the complex houses social and religious buildings built in the fashion of Ottoman and Seljuk architecture.
Full report at: dailysabah.com/nation/2016/04/02/maryland-complex-set-to-bring-turkish-islamic-touch-to-us
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How $100m Muslim centre is building bridges in the US amid Islamophobic climate
Samanth Subramanian
April 1, 2016
PHILADELPHIA // Even as Republican presidential candidates create acrimony towards Muslims, a new US$100 million Islamic community centre – the largest in the United States – is trying to build stronger ties between people of different faiths.
The Diyanet Centre of America, which was funded by Turkey’s religious directorate, will be inaugurated on Saturday by Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Mr Erdogan is in the US to attend the two-day Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, DC, which began on Thursday.
The Diyanet Centre, which takes its name from a Turkish word denoting the authority for Islamic religious affairs, is spread across more than 6 hectare of Lanham, in the state of Maryland, roughly 21 kilometres from the capital.
Full report at: thenational.ae/world/americas/how-100m-muslim-centre-is-building-bridges-in-the-us-amid-islamophobic-climate
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Imam, rabbi, priest to take part in mercy panel at Elms College
Anne-Gerard Flynn
April 01, 2016
CHICOPEE – Martin J. Pion, a professor in the religious studies department at Elms College, hopes an upcoming interfaith panel on campus will help foster unity around the topic of mercy in a world often divided by religious beliefs and defined by a lack of compassion.
Presenters include Imam Rasul Seifullah, resident imam at the Al-Baqi Islamic Center for Human Excellence in Westfield; Rabbi Devorah Jacobson, director of spiritual life at JGS Lifecare in Longmeadow; and the Rev. Warren J. Savage, Catholic chaplain at the Albert and Amelia Ferst Interfaith Center at Westfield State University.
Full report at: masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2016/04/imam_rabbi_priest_to_take_part.html
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South Asia
Large-scale military operation to kick off in Nangarhar
By ZABIHULLAH MOOSAKHAIL - Sat Apr 02 2016
Afghan-armyA large-scale military operation is scheduled to be launched in eastern Nangarhar province.
Spokesperson for the provincial governor said that the operation would kick off before armed opponents start their spring offensive.
Ataullah Khogyani told Azadi Radio that the operation would be carried out in Khogyani, Achin, Chaparhar, Haska Mina, Bati Kot and some other districts.
This comes amid fears that Taliban would rampant their activities after the failure of the Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG) efforts to bring them to the negotiation table with government.
Full report at: khaama.com/large-scale-military-operation-to-kick-off-in-nangarhar-4782
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11 killed, 6 wounded in a deadly traffic incident in west of Afghanistan
KHAAMA PRESS - Sat Apr 02 2016
Afghanistan road accidentAt least 11 people were killed and 6 others were wounded in a deadly traffic incident in west of Afghanistan, local officials said.
The incident took place in the outskirts of Herat city after at least three vehicles collided head on as they were travelling towards a recreational area.
The officials said the victims were residents of Badghis province who were on their way Robat Sangi district from Kamar Kalagh area.
Full report at: khaama.com/11-killed-6-wounded-in-a-deadly-traffic-incident-in-west-of-afghanistan-0515
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ISIS loyalists claims to have shot down drone in Nangarhar province
KHAAMA PRESS - Sat Apr 02 2016
ISIS down drone in AfghanistanThe loyalists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group in Afghanistan have claimed to have shot down a drone aircraft in eastern Nangarhar province.
According to the photographs posted by the loyalists of the terror group in social media, the drone seems to be of surveillance type.
However, the authenticity of the photographs could not be independently verified as the terror group claims the drone belongs to US forces in Afghanistan.
They have also claimed that the drone was downed in Achin district of Nangarhar which was once a stronghold of the terror group in east.
Full report at: khaama.com/isis-loyalists-claims-to-have-shot-down-drone-in-nangarhar-province-0514
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Turkey’s Chief of Army Staff pledges continued military support to Afghanistan
KHAAMA PRESS - Fri Apr 01 2016
Turkey army chief of staff visit KabulTurkey has pledged continued military support to Afghanistan in the format of NATO-led Resolute Support (RS) mission, the country’s Chief of Army Staff Hulusi Akar said.
Akar arrived to Afghanistan and met with President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani this afternoon to discuss bilateral relations between Kabul and Ankura and cooperation between the two nations.
Full report at: khaama.com/turkeys-chief-of-army-staff-pledges-continued-military-support-to-afghanistan-0512
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Daudzai says Pakistan is against peace and stability in Afghanistan
KHAAMA PRESS - Fri Apr 01 2016
Mohammad Omar DaudzaiThe former Afghan interior minister Mohammad Omar Daudzai has said Pakistan is against peace and stability in Afghanistan, insisting that the Afghan government should not expect the country to help in bring peace in Afghanistan.
In his speech during a ceremony to mark the death anniversary of a senior police official Hekmatullah Haqmal, Daudzai said Pakistan was never in favor of peace in Afghanistan.
This comes as Daudzai earlier said Pakistan is approaching its own interests in the Afghan peace process.
“Because they went via Pakistan. We have already been through that route, and we saw it. Pakistan was not ill yesterday so that they recover and step in to assist us,” he said during a gathering in capital Kabul earlier last month.
Full report at: khaama.com/daudzai-says-pakistan-is-against-peace-and-stability-in-afghanistan-0511
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Fight against corruption as important as fight against terror: Massoud
KHAAMA PRESS - Fri Apr 01 2016
The presidential special envoy for good governance Ahmad Zia Massoud insisted on the vital role of fight against corruption during a gathering in capital Kabul.
Massoud said combating the growing graft in the country was as important as fight against the terror groups, insisting that majority of the corruption cases have not been looked after the relevant authorities.
He was speaking during a gathering to commemorate the death anniversary of a prominent security official Hematullah Hekmatullah who was assassinated by the Taliban militants in Helmand province last year.
Full report at: khaama.com/fight-against-corruption-as-important-as-fight-against-terror-massoud-0513
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Impressed Afghan prisoner sculpts Hillary Clinton
ZABIHULLAH MOOSAKHAIL - Sat Apr 02 2016
ClintonAn Afghan prisoner has been impressed by Hillary Clinton’s hopes-giving speeches and statements during her presidential campaign.
Shir Hussain Hoaida, a 34-year-old man who has been serving third year of his six-year sentence in central Afghanistan told Voice of America (VOA) that the Democratic presidential front-runner’s plea for friendship and brotherhood between Christians and Muslims moved him to make the sculpture.
Full report at: khaama.com/impressed-afghan-prisoner-sculpts-hillary-clinton-4781
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Africa
Tunisian Al Qaeda battalion claims ambush near Algerian border
CALEB WEISS , March 31st, 2016
The Uqba bin Nafi Battalion, al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb’s (AQIM) branch in Tunisia, has claimed an attack on Tunisian border guards near the town of Bouchebka on the Algerian border.
In a statement released online by one of AQIM’s media wings, the jihadist group says its forces “wounded a number of soldiers with differing degrees of severity and burned a military vehicle.” The statement then says that the ambush took place against the “national guards on the path leading to the Bouchebka area in the state of Kasserine.” No photos were released from the assault, however.
Tunisian authorities have confirmed the attack took place, but the officials said that only one border guard was wounded in the ambush. Al Arabiya reports that 15 jihadists were involved in the ambush, with the assailants fleeing towards the Mount Chaambi area after the attack according to the Tunisian Interior Ministry.
Full report at: longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/03/tunisian-al-qaeda-battalion-claims-ambush-near-algerian-border.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+LongWarJournalSiteWide+%28The+Long+War+Journal+%28Site-Wide%29%29
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From Senegal to Libya: an African student joins Islamic State
News - National | 2016-04-01
ZIGUINCHOR - When Sadio Gassama decided to go into medicine, he started by giving free check-ups at his mosque in Senegal's poor southern region of Casamance.
Now, the 25-year-old medical student says he is treating Islamic State fighters in Libya.
Until recently, many thought the peaceful, tolerant Sufi brotherhoods in countries such as Senegal could prevent more conservative and radical versions of Islam from taking hold in poorer parts of West Africa, like Mali and Niger.
But security experts say Gassama's story shows how the penetration of hardline Islamic Salafism, coupled with Gulf money and militant propaganda, is aiding recruitment, even from stable and democratic Senegal.
In particular, in their appeals to Africans, Islamic State propagandists are calling on doctors to make “hijrah”, or pilgrimage, to their African stronghold of Sirte in Libya.
Pictures posted on Gassama's Face­book page before he joined Islamic State show him hugging his young niece. Now, he is brandishing a machine gun, his name stitched on to his military uniform.
Full report at: namibian.com.na/From-Senegal-to-Libya-an-African-student-joins-Islamic-State/38941/read
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Growing Islamist drive highlights insecurity of African Christians
Jonathan Luxmoore 
Apr. 2, 2016
When a new president was installed on March 30 in the Central African Republic, religious leaders here and elsewhere hoped the event will signal a new beginning after four years of strife. Yet with Islamist insurgencies now spreading fear across much of the continent, peace and stability still look some way off.
"I hope our new head of state will gather people from east and west, north and south, and at last bring reconciliation," said Archbishop Dieudonné Nzapalainga, head of the Central African Republic's Catholic church. "But this will mean standing upright and working for our country's development, as well as understanding the fractures in our society and bringing justice for conflict victims."
Faustin-Archange Touadéra, a practicing Protestant, won the presidency with a two-thirds majority in the Central African Republic's mid-February election, conducted under the watchful eyes of heavily armed international peacekeepers.
The ballot had been repeatedly postponed because of violence in the country, one of Africa's poorest. A fifth of the population has fled fighting between mainly Muslim and Christian militias. But church leaders urged Catholics to vote, and believe the peaceful outcome owed much to a late November visit by Pope Francis to the capital, Bangui.
Full report at: ncronline.org/news/global/growing-islamist-drive-highlights-insecurity-african-christians
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Pakistan
Wafaq ul Madaris Keeps Jamia Hafsa, Affiliated with Lal Masjid, Out Of Its List
KALBE ALI
April 2nd, 2016
ISLAMABAD: Wafaq ul Madaris al Arabia, the board of seminaries belonging to the Deobandi school of thought, has decided to keep Jamia Hafsa Islamabad delisted, rejecting its fresh application for the enrolment of the students.
Jamia Hafsa is affiliated with Lal Masjid, and its principal is Ume Hasaan, wife of Maulana Abdul Aziz, the administrator of the seminary.
The seminary was struck off from the board’s list in 2007 after protests and political activities by its students.
A letter written by the board on March 30 stated that the executive council of Wafaqul Madaris al Arabia Pakistan discussed Jamia Hafsa’s application and decided to keep it off the list.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1249476/wafaqul-madaris-keeps-jamia-hafsa-out-of-its-list
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Poppy flowers 'found' growing in Islamabad's Red Zone
SADIA RAFAY
April 2nd, 2016
ISLAMABAD: Poppy flowers were found growing in Islamabad's Red Zone area along Constitution Avenue and opposite the Supreme Court and Election Commission of Pakistan, complete with score marks down their sides.
The poppy is not a naturally occurring plant in Islamabad, meaning the flowers have been intentionally planted at the onset of spring.
Capital Development Authority (CDA) is responsible for the spring planting drive every year, but a CDA spokesman denied knowledge of the plants and speculated that gardeners of other institutions in the neighbourhood may have planted the flowers.
Growing poppy flowers is illegal in Pakistan, even for ornamental purposes.
The unripe seed pods carried score marks, meaning the 'poppy tears' or latex inside has already been harvested for opium.
The sap is also processed into heroin.
dawn.com/news/1249323/poppy-flowers-found-growing-in-islamabads-red-zone
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Shahbaz, Nisar and army chief discuss anti-terror operation in Punjab
BAQIR SAJJAD SYED
April 2nd, 2016
ISLAMABAD: After initially resisting the military operation in Punjab, the provincial government is now trying to reach an understanding with the army on the issue that at one stage appeared to be disturbing the civil-military equation.
Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan quietly met Army Chief Gen Raheel Sharif at the General Headquarters on Thursday evening. This was the first high-level contact between the military leadership and the civilian government since the army unilaterally went ahead with launching a crackdown on terrorist networks and their infrastructure in the province after Sunday’s bomb attack in a Lahore park.
The meeting was not made public by either side, but senior civilian and military officers confirm it in their private discussions.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1249512/shahbaz-nisar-and-army-chief-discuss-anti-terror-operation-in-punjab
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Ministry to change ‘Shia question’ in Haj application
THE NEWSPAPER'S
April 2nd, 2016
LAHORE: The Ministry of Religious Affairs undertook before the Lahore High Court on Friday to rephrase a question in the Haj application form, “Are you Shia?”, to “Do you require Shia facilities?” as it offended the community.
A deputy attorney general submitted an undertaking to the court on behalf of the secretary of the religious affairs ministry during the hearing of a petition filed by Syed Ali Hadi and others, questioning the alleged discrimination against the Shia community during Haj.
They complained that the authorities did not provide facilities to Shia pilgrims as per their sect.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1249518/ministry-to-change-shia-question-in-haj-application
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Ex-militants get vocational training
FAZAL KHALIQ
April 2nd, 2016
MINGORA: The 49 former militants, who have been rehabilitated by the Pakistan Army in Swat, have said they have learned about the true teachings of Islam at the de-radicalisation centres in the district.
They were gathered at a ceremony organised here in Khwazakhela area for distribution of certificates on the completion of a rehabilitation training programme.
Malakand division general officer commanding Major-General Nadir Khan chaired the event, where DIG Malakand police Azad Khan, DC Swat Atifur Rehman, local elders, civil society members and army officials were in attendance.
The de-radicalisation centres were established in 2010 after a successful military operation against militants. Major-General Nadir Khan told participants that he was really delighted to see former militants return to peaceful life.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1249456/ex-militants-get-vocational-training
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India
India protests China's move to block UN blacklisting of Jaish chief Masood Azhar
AFP
April 2nd, 2016
WASHINGTON: India protested Friday against the blocking of its latest bid to have Jaish-i-Muhammad chief Masood Azhar put on a United Nations terror blacklist following a deadly attack on an Indian air force base.
New Delhi wants the UN Security Council committee monitoring sanctions against Al Qaeda, the militant Islamic State (IS) and other extremist groups to designate Azhar as a terrorist. Jaish-i-Muhammad or Mohammad's Army, is already blacklisted.
Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup said the failure to designate Azhar is "incomprehensible" and demonstrates "a selective approach to combating terrorism". He was speaking on the sidelines of a nuclear security summit in Washington.
India most recently requested the designation of Azhar after the Jan 2 attack on the base in the northern town of Pathankot, near the Pakistan border, in which seven Indian soldiers died.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1249535/india-protests-chinas-move-to-block-un-blacklisting-of-jaish-chief-masood-azhar
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PM Modi vows to deploy technology against nuclear terrorism
Saturday, April 2, 2016
PM Modi vows to deploy technology against nuclear terrorism
Washington: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to develop and deploy technology to defend against nuclear terrorism as President Barack Obama called on global leaders to jointly confront the growing threat of the Islamic State.
He made the pledge Friday at the conclusion of a two-day Nuclear Security Summit that brought 50 world leaders to Washington to discuss how to prevent terrorists and other non state actors from gaining access to nuclear materials.
Modi had at a working dinner for the summiteers hosted by Obama Thursday night highlighted the global nature of terrorism and how state actors working with nuclear traffickers and terrorists presented the greatest risk.
India, he said at the plenary session Friday, will continue to accord a high national priority to nuclear security through strong institutional framework, independent regulatory agency and trained and specialised manpower.
Full report at: zeenews.india.com/news/india/pm-modi-vows-to-deploy-technology-against-nuclear-terrorism_1871708.html
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 ‘It’s Time For India, Pakistan To Realise Terrorism Is Not The Only Problem’
By: Express News Service   
Chandigarh
Apr 2, 2016
INTERACTING WITH social activists and journalists in Chandigarh about Indo-Pak relations on Friday, Pakistan-based journalist and foreign policy expert Mariana Baabar said that for India and Pakistan to co-exist, India should help in strengthening the democratic set-up in Pakistan.
In a discussion over the state of affairs in India and Pakistan, Baabar added that for building strategic ties between the two countries, it was important for the military forces to come forward and have a dialogue.
Also present during the talk was Pakistani strategic affairs columnist Dr Ayesha Siddiqa. “Since the 1990s, the political leadership in Pakistan has understood the importance of improving ties with India. Not just for external purposes, but primarily for internal reasons, Pakistan needs to make its peace with India,” she said.
Full report at: indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/talk-on-indo-pak-relationship-its-time-for-india-pakistan-to-realise-terrorism-is-not-the-only-problem/
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Pathankot attack: No date yet for Indian probe team's visit to Pakistan, Kiren Rijiju says
PTI | Apr 1, 2016,
NEW DELHI: The meeting between Indian and Pakistani investigators has been "positive" and the Pakistani side "has not contradicted" India's findings in the Pathankot airbase attack probe, Union minister Kiren Rijiju said on Friday.
He, however, said no date has been fixed for the visit of the Indian investigation team to the neighbouring country.
"The meeting between Indian and Pakistani investigators is positive. They (Pakistani team) have not contradicted our findings," the minister of state for home told reporters here.
Rijiju was replying to a question on the visit of a Pakistani joint investigation team (JIT) to India in the Pathankot terror case during which they recorded the statements of the witnesses.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Pathankot-attack-No-date-yet-for-Indian-probe-teams-visit-to-Pakistan-Kiren-Rijiju-says/articleshow/51645815.cms
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Southeast Asia
Southeast Asian Muslims should appreciate own culture: Islamic studies scholar
By Lua Jiamin and Lin Xueling
01 Apr 2016
In an interview with Channel NewsAsia's Conversation With, Dr Aref Ali Nayed says that amid an “Arabisation” of Islam in the region, Malays should not give up their own culture to prove they are more Islamic.
SINGAPORE: Muslims in Southeast Asia should embrace their unique cultural traditions instead of adopting Arabic customs, according to Libya’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Dr Aref Ali Nayed.
“I think that it’s high time that Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei actually appreciated the traditions that have been taught in small schools and villages for several centuries now,” said Dr Nayed, who is also the founder and director of think-tank Kalam Research and Media.
Full report at: channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/southeast-asian-muslims/2656718.html
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Religions for Peace Advances Reconciliation and Peace building
In Sittwe, Rakhine State, Myanmar
29 March, 2016
On 28-29 March 2016, U Myint Swe, President of RfP Myanmar and Rev. Kyoichi Sugino, Deputy Secretary General of RfP International, visited Sittwe, Rakhine State, Myanmar, the scene of major inter-communal violence between Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims in 2012. Further sporadic outbreaks since then have left scores dead and over 140,000 displaced.
RfP Myanmar members have been working in their respective communities in Rakhine State (Buddhists and Muslims) to provide humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations, especially children, affected by conflict.
Full report at: campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?m=1112171845262&ca=d064b9c0-5c76-4dd2-b396-2a313a184cd9
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Contemporary terrorism's cross-border threat
Barry Desker For The Straits Times
02 Apr 2016
Terrorist networks overwhelm national security agencies. Foreign universities offering dubious Islamic studies lure our students. It's time to develop a local university degree programme in Islamic studies.
The recent spate of terrorist attacks and the diverse extremist Muslim groups involved have highlighted the changing nature of the terrorist threat. The reality is that these terrorist groups are unlikely to take over governments, whether in Asia, Africa or Europe.
They pose a threat in ungoverned zones like those held by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Syria and Taleban-controlled areas in Afghanistan, where they provide a semblance of order under duress while providing support to far-flung supporters.
But the fear of attacks forces governments around the world to divert resources to combat possible threats. It also fosters a climate of suspicion, as seen in the negative European reaction to the current flood of Muslim refugees from the Middle East and the anti-Muslim tone of the campaign by the front runners in the American Republican presidential campaign.
The March 22 morning rush-hour attacks in Brussels, involving two explosions at its main international airport and a third in a subway station, have shaken the complacency of the European public.
Full report at: straitstimes.com/opinion/contemporary-terrorisms-cross-border-threat
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Europe
Most European ISIS fighters come from France, Germany, UK – study
Published time: 1 Apr, 2016
French, German and British citizens constitute the majority of the European foreign fighters that joined the ranks of Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) in Syria and Iraq, the latest study by an independent research center based in The Hague says.
Trends
EU refugee & migrant influx, Islamic State
France is the primary country of origin for the people who left to fight for the Islamic State terrorist group in the Middle East, as more than 900 its citizens traveled to Syria and Iraq to join the extremists, a research conducted by the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT) and published on April 1 says.
Full report at: rt.com/news/338080-europe-isis-foreign-fighters/      
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Delivery driver plotted to kill soldiers at UK base
April 1, 2016
British Islamic extremist is facing a life sentence after being found guilty of planning a terror attack on American military personnel in Britain.
Delivery driver Junead Khan, 25, used his job with a pharmaceutical firm as cover to scout United States Air Force (Usaf) bases in East Anglia, his trial heard.
Detectives later found he had been exchanging chilling online messages with an Islamic State (IS) fighter in Syria calling himself Abu Hussain at the same time, including describing attacking military personnel after faking a road accident.
Prosecutors claimed Hussain was in fact British-born fanatic Junaid Hussain, who was killed in a US drone strike in the IS stronghold of Raqqa just weeks after his link with the planned UK attack was discovered.
After Khan was arrested in July, police found pictures on his phone of him posing in his bedroom with an Islamic State-style black flag which they later found in the attic. His computer was also found to contain an al Qaida bomb manual and Amazon searches for a large combat knife.
Full report at: asianimage.co.uk/news/14398781.Delivery_driver_plotted_to_kill_soldiers_at_UK_base/?ref=ebln
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More violence reported among Afghan and Syrian migrants in Greece
By KHAAMA PRESS - Fri Apr 01 2016
violence among Afghan and Syrian refugeesA distressing photo purportedly showing violence among the Afghan and Syrian refugees has emerged from Greece amid reports of persistent tensions among the refugees.
The photograph was posted in a report published in local newspaper TO BHMA, a day after reports emerged regarding a bloody clash among the Afghan and Syrian refugees in Greek port.
Full report at: khaama.com/more-violence-reported-among-afghan-and-syrian-migrants-in-greece-0510


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