Photo: The man who filed the petition at Madras High Court also said that the Jamat is preventing him from entering the local mosque to offer prayers during the Holy month of Ramadan. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
Man Moves Court against Jamat Functionaries over Occupation of a Mosque
Pakistan Continuing To Sell Nuclear Materials to North Korea, Reveal U.S. Sources
Not ‘Haram’ For Preacher to Lie During Ramadan?
Over 140 ISIL Terrorists Killed in Clashes with SDF in North-eastern Aleppo
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South Asia
‘Bangladesh Assured Muslim World of Fighting Terrorism’
Infighting among Taliban in Herat Leaves Scores of Militants Dead
Bangladesh: Literacy Program Pushes Imams to Deliver Anti-Militancy Sermons
ALP commander critically wounded in an explosion in Parwan
Taliban claims snatching passengers on highways is not kidnapping
Key militant commander Gul Khan killed in drone strike in Kunduz
UN Security Council briefed regarding the situation of Afghanistan
Afghan forces to receive $3 billion a year from US from 2018 to 2020
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India
Man Moves Court against Jamat Functionaries over Occupation of a Mosque
Members of Two Communities Clash over Installing Loudspeaker on a Mosque
To corner Pak, India eyes UN curbs on IM
Terrorists hiding near Pathankot: Rijiju downplays speculations
US support for India’s NSG bid part of greater design: Pak NSA
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Pakistan
Pakistan Continuing To Sell Nuclear Materials To North Korea, Reveal U.S. Sources
Not Lobbying Against Pakistan’s Interests Says Ex-Envoy, After Aziz’s Remarks
US drone strike disrupted Afghan peace process, Pakistan tells UN
Word ‘420’ causes a stir in KP Assembly
Local PPP chapter skips Benazir’s birth anniversary
Honour Killing: Couple Murdered by Girl’s Father, Brothers
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Southeast Asia
Not ‘Haram’ For Preacher to Lie During Ramadan?
Religion, Gender and the State in Indonesia
Indonesia grants scholarships for 30 ARMM Islamic students
Indonesians have to wait for 37 years to perform Haj
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Arab World
Over 140 ISIL Terrorists Killed in Clashes with SDF in North-eastern Aleppo
Iran Urges Impartial Int'l Bodies to Investigate Al-Khalifa Rulers' Bahraini Nationality
Iranian FM Asks Muslim World's Unity against Terrorism
ISIL Fails to Break through SDF Positions near Border with Turkey
Gov't Forces Continue to Hunt Terrorists in Northern Aleppo
Bahrainis Voice Solidarity with Senior Cleric Qassim
ISIL Suspects Arrested in Turkey over Attack Plot
Large Arms Depot of ISIL Destroyed in Syrian Airstrikes in Deir Ezzur
World Assembly of Islamic Awakening Condemns Bahrain's Move on Sheikh Qassim
Syria: Top Terrorist Commander in North-western Aleppo Killed in Russian Airstrikes
ISIL Command Centre Hit Hard in Syrian Army's Offensive North of Sweida
Senior Terrorist Commanders Killed in Clashes with Syrian Army West of Damascus
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Africa
Obama Nominee to Lead US Military in Africa, Favours Powers to Strike Islamic State
New Foundation Formed To Promote Islamic Knowledge in Ghana
Aqeel holds Iftar dinner for Islamic finance industry players
Terror in East Africa: Al Shabaab
Fear Stalks Minnesota Muslims?
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Europe
Imam Qari Asim: 'The UK and Europe Are Stronger, Safer and Better Off Together'
The Tamar Yonah Show – Are Muslims Making Up the Bulk of the French Military?
What a Brexit could mean for the UK’s aspiring Islamic finance market
Anjem Choudary backs Remain as EU 'stops prosecution of Islamists'
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North America
Gains against Islamic State Not Yet Enough, Could Backfire: U.S. Officials
How American Christians Should Respond To Islamic Extremism
Calling Muslims ‘un-American’ is un-American
Two California men convicted of plotting to support IS
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Mideast
Anti-PKK Operations Over, Time for Reconstruction: Turkish PM
Turkey’s First Ever ‘Refugee Council’ Holds First Congress
Greek Cypriots accept Turkish help to fight forest fire
Jets hit PKK targets in Turkey’s southeast, northern Iraq
Three ISIL suspects arrested over plot to attack LGBT march in Istanbul
Turkey ranks 20th most popular spot for FDI, rising two spots
U.N. Ro-Ro offers North African route to Turkish exporters
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
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‘Bangladesh Assured Muslim World Of Fighting Terrorism’
Tue Jun 21 2016
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today told the parliament that Bangladesh assured the Muslim world of doing everything necessary to fight militancy and terrorism.
“Bangladesh government is determined in this regard,” she said in reply to a lawmaker’s query.
“Islam is the religion of peace. We will always try to take this peace-loving religion to new heights. Our government will do whatever necessary to curb terrorism and militancy,” she said.
“Our government has taken the decision to show zero-tolerance against militancy and terrorism. In no way shall we allow these militants and terrorists,” she said.
SAUDI ALLIANCE A CHANCE FOR MUSLIMS TO UNITE
Premier Hasina said she spoke of a united stand of the Muslim Ummah against militancy and terrorism to the King of Saudi Arabia, the OIC and other Muslim countries.
“The Saudi government has taken an initiative to fight militancy and terrorism. Bangladesh has joined the Islamic coalition. Almost 40 Muslim countries are in the coalition. It paved a way for the Muslim world to unite. Bangladesh has taken up this opportunity.”
In a supplementary question, ruling Awami League Whip at the Parliament Shahiduzzaman Sarkar asked the premier whether her government took any initiative to unite the Muslim Ummah to combat militancy and terrorism carried out in the name of Islam in Muslim countries.
thedailystar.net/country/bangladesh-assured-muslim-world-fighting-terrorism-1243723
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Man Moves Court against Jamat Functionaries over Occupation of a Mosque
June 22, 2016
The Madras High court on Tuesday ordered issue of notice to the functionaries of a Jamath on a petition by a man seeking a direction to forebear the Rajasingamangalam Muslim Jamath from excommunicating him from the local Jamath and permit him to enter the mosque at R S Mangalam and perform worship during this Holy month of Ramzan.
Hearing the Petition filed by S Anwar, Justice S Vimala ordered notice to the Jamath functionaries including S A Basheer Ahamed (President) and M Seeni Mohammed (Secretary) seeking their explanation within two weeks.
Anwar submitted that that Basheer and Seeni and 20 others “arbitrarily” selected the new office bearers of the Jamath against which gave a complaint.
He had also complained about misappropriation of funds of the Jamath by the committee office bearers and encroachement of the properties by third parties.
Anwar filed a petition before the High Court seeking to remove the encroachments and the court directed Ramanathapuram District Collector to take action within six weeks.
The President and secretary also conducted “Katta panchayat” (Kangroo court) and arbitrarily imposed fine on him against his actions following which he gave a police complaint, he submitted.
He also filed a writ petition against the actions of the Jamath functionaries.
The High court ordered Collector and Police to take appropriate action on the representation from him following which a case was registered against the functionaries under various IPC Sections.
He submitted that on June 10, the functionaries had passed a resolution excommunicating him from the Jamath and it was recorded in the minute book.
They were also preventing him from entering the mosque even to offer prayer.
He submitted that though he had sent a complaint to the Collector and police officials, no action was taken so far following which he approached the High Court.
Living in R S Mangalam and offering prayer at the Mosque was his fundamental right. By excommunicating, the fundamental right guaranteed under constitution had been violated, he contented.
indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/chennai-man-moves-court-against-jamat-2868408/
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Pakistan continuing to sell nuclear materials to North Korea, reveal U.S. sources
June 22, 2016
Washington : Pakistan is continuing to sell nuclear materials to North Korea, while at the same time urging the international community to accept its membership to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), according to highly placed U.S. sources who are involved with the tracking of nuclear commerce.
In making this dramatic revelation, the sources said that entities of the Pakistan Energy Commission (PAEC) have been continuing to supply restricted
Items such as ‘ Monel ‘ and ‘ Inconel ‘ material to North Korea in violation of U.N. sanctions.
The sources said that nuclear materials supplied to the PAEC by Chinese entities have also found their way to North Korea, with the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) recently receiving a written complaint that supplies of a Chinese company, Beijing Suntech Technology Company Limited, to Pakistan were being diverted to North Korea by the Pakistani authorities.
The Chinese Government hushed up the matter as it could have consequences for Beijing’s bid to support Pakistan at the NSG. But this information leaked out of North Korea and came to the knowledge Of Western Governments who are members of the NSG.
In another alarming revelation, informed sources said Pakistan has been giving North Korea equipment which has a direct bearing On producing nuclear weapons. Sources said the Beijing Suntech Technology Company Limited manufactures Vacuum Induction Melting (VIM) furnaces which find application in refining hard metals such as uranium and plutonium, which are used in making nuclear warhead cores. Pakistan is known to have procured these items from China and has passed them along to North Korea.
When asked if this evidence of Pakistan’s illicit nuclear trade with North Korea has been brought to the notice of NSG nations, U.S. sources said all proof and evidence which confirms the violation of sanctions against North Korea and more so the ongoing dangerous nuclear trade has been brought to the notice of “those who need to be informed at the NSG level.”
Behind the scenes Pakistan is aware that it’s nuclear trade with North Korea has been uncovered, but is counting on China to keep the global pressure at bay, said sources.
Giving details of North Korea’s nuclear commerce links with Pakistan, informed sources mentioned that two North Korean diplomats – Kim Yong Choi and Jang Yong Son –posted in the North Korean Embassy in Tehran visited Pakistan eight times between 2012 and 2015. They were associated With the Korea Mining Development Trading Corporation ( KOMID ) – an entity sanctioned several times by the United Nations Security Council since 2005 for its involvement in North Korea’s Weapons of Mass Destruction ( WMD ) programme.
These diplomats met with Pakistani officers involved in the nuclear program. They were tracked and investigated by the Western authorities as yet another proof of Pakistan’s continuing nuclear links with North Korea.
Based on Western inputs on these links, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) 1718 Committee, which is monitoring the implementation of sanctions against North Korea, sought information from Pakistan in November 2015 regarding the frequent visits of the two North Korean diplomats from Tehran to Islamabad and Karachi.
At first, say informed sources, Pakistan denied it, but when confronted with photographs and other recorded evidence, Pakistan acknowledged that the two North Korean officials under investigation had indeed visited Islamabad and Karachi.
Highly placed sources said that the West has so far kept this information under wraps in recognition of Pakistan’s value in the war against terror.
But now, when Pakistan has gone into overdrive to upset the equilibrium of the NSG, Western nations of the grouping are saying that Islamabad needs to “look at itself in the mirror ” and ask “how can it run with the hare and hunt with the foxes”, meaning it can’t claim to fulfill the NSG’s requirements, and at the same time, sell nuclear weapons materials to North Korea.
siasat.com/news/pakistan-continuing-sell-nuclear-materials-north-korea-reveal-u-s-sources-976406/
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Not ‘Haram’ For Preacher to Lie During Ramadan?
June 22, 2016
Padang Serai Division Chief Shaharuddin Ibrahim of PAS delivered a sermon at a mosque two weeks ago, where he allegedly said the DAP would ban the azan (call to prayer) if they ever came to power.
After listening to his sermon on YouTube, I must say it was all political in content as he accused the Penang state government of being anti-Islam while he himself campaigned hard for the Hudud Bill.
He also lied through his teeth that the azan had been banned in the state. I live in an area with a large Malay community and there are three surau and a mosque within walking distance. I hear the azan every single day.
His words were “Kalau DAP menguasai negara … nuu Pulau Pinang tuan-tuan, bang (azan) dah tak boleh dah, bang (azan) tak boleh dah, tuan tuan!” (“If DAP controls the country, let alone Penang, gentlemen, the sounding of the call for prayer will not be possible.”)
Now does Islam sanction the telling of lies, let alone telling blatant lies during the holy month of Ramadan? This is how bigots give Islam a bad name and yet no Islamic authority is disciplining them. What’s even worse is that the “sermon” is believed to have been delivered in a mosque.
When will politics and religion be separated so that places of worship are strictly for worship? During the 50s and 60s, such things were unheard of. In those days, I never heard “sermons” of the kind heard today. Prayers used to be a solemn affair and sermons were not delivered in battle-cry tones.
Is peaceful co-existence no longer feasible or desirable in this multi-racial, multi-cultural nation?
Why are our leaders keeping their heads buried in the sand about all this bigotry that is so openly taking place and damaging the unity of the races and cultures?
What happened to the actual teaching of the Koran? It surely looks like political considerations take precedence over the actual teachings of the Koran.
freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2016/06/22/not-haram-for-preacher-to-lie-during-ramadan/
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Over 140 ISIL Terrorists Killed in Clashes with SDF in Northeastern Aleppo
June 22, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) repelled ISIL's large scale offensives near Manbij, killing 142 terrorists in the battlefield.
The ISIL stormed the SDF positions from Jarabulus, al-Bab and Maskaneh to remove the SDF siege on the trapped terrorist in the town of Manbij, but their attacks were fended off by the SDF.
The ISIL left behind at least 142 dead and many more wounded members and fled the battlefields.
In relevant developments on Tuesday, the ISIL terrorists struck the SDF strongholds near the recently-liberated village of Arimeh, Owseh Jeli, Towq al-Khalil, Mohtareq al-Kabireh, Qor'at al-Kabireh and al-Saghireh, Qor'eh, Jubb al-Ashreh, Khirbet Ashreh, Khirbet al-Rous, Naimeh, and Jubb al-Sheikh in Western bank of Euphrates river to open a way towards Manbij and save their under the siege comrades in the town, but the Kurdish-led SDF fighter did not allow them to advance.
The ISIL terrorist, who face strong defense of the SDF fighters, left behind scores of the dead and wounded members and fled the battles without any result.
en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950402000611
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South Asia
‘Bangladesh Assured Muslim World Of Fighting Terrorism’
Tue Jun 21 2016
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today told the parliament that Bangladesh assured the Muslim world of doing everything necessary to fight militancy and terrorism.
“Bangladesh government is determined in this regard,” she said in reply to a lawmaker’s query.
“Islam is the religion of peace. We will always try to take this peace-loving religion to new heights. Our government will do whatever necessary to curb terrorism and militancy,” she said.
Full report at: thedailystar.net/country/bangladesh-assured-muslim-world-fighting-terrorism-1243723
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Infighting among Taliban in Herat leaves scores of militants dead
Wed Jun 22 2016
Mullah-RasoolAt least 24 Taliban militants have reportedly been killed in the latest infighting among the rival groups in western Herat province which ended late on Tuesday.
According to the local government officials, the incident took place in Pashtoon Zarghoon district after the supporters of Taliban Chief Mawlavi Haibatullah Akhundzada clashed with the dissident Taliban leader Mullah Rasool.
Provincial governor’s spokesman Jilani Farhad said they are aware regarding the latest infighting among the rival Taliban groups.
He said preliminary reports suggest at least 7 supporters of Mawlavi Akhundzada have been killed in the infighting and 6 others were wounded.
Full report at: khaama.com/infighting-among-taliban-in-herat-leaves-scores-of-militants-dead-01320
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Bangladesh: Literacy Program Pushes Imams to Deliver Anti-Militancy Sermons
Tue Jun 21 2016
After 100,000 Bangladeshi Islamic clerics and scholars issued a fatwa last week against religious extremism, the country’s religious affairs minister told parliament on Tuesday that tens of thousands of imams were already giving anti-militancy sermons.
Imams at 55,180 mosques which have enrolled in the government-sponsored Mosque-Based Child and Mass Literacy program were now delivering Islam’s “peaceful messages” and denouncing “all forms of unrest, terrorism and militant activities” in their sermons before prayers, Minister Motior Rahman told lawmakers in response to an MP’s question.
“This program has been progressing well. It has a huge positive impact on children who are prone to be the victims of the abusers of Islam, the militants. Anything you hear in childhood has a huge impact in future. When a child hears that militancy is prohibited in Islam, he will never be radicalized,” said Rahman, who sometimes volunteers as an imam is also a member of a parliamentary Standing Committee on Religious Affairs.
Full report at: benarnews.org/english/news/bengali/imam-message-06212016154023.html
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ALP commander critically wounded in an explosion in Parwan
Tue Jun 21 2016
A commander of the Afghan Local Police (ALP) forces was critically wounded in an explosion in northern Parwan province of Afghanistan.
The provincial criminal investigation department chief Gen. Abdul Samad Zalmai said the incident took place in Charikar city earlier today.
He said the incident took place near the provincial government’s office in Charikar city but did not disclose further information.
Full report at: khaama.com/alp-commander-critically-wounded-in-an-explosion-in-parwan-01319
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Taliban claims snatching passengers on highways is not kidnapping
Tue Jun 21 2016
The Taliban militants group in Afghanistan has claimed that snatching passengers from the highways is not an act of kidnapping.
The Taliban group spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid issued a statement following the kidnapping of scores of passengers in Helmand province.
In his statement, Mujahid said the Taliban fighters took passengers from at least 3 buses with them amid suspicions they work for the security institutions of the country.
Mujahid further added that 27 people were taken by the Taliban militants and the remaining militants were released after they went through a preliminary interrogation process.
He said the remaining 27 people would be released if found not guilty or would be handed over to the judiciary of the Taliban group if they had role in working with the security institutions.
Full report at: khaama.com/taliban-claims-snatching-passengers-on-highways-is-not-kidnapping-01318
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Key militant commander Gul Khan killed in drone strike in Kunduz
Wed Jun 22 2016
A key commander of the anti-government armed militants was killed in a drone strike in the restive northern Kunduz province of Afghanistan.
According to the local security officials, Gul Khan also well known as Khanjar was killed along with four of his fighters in the airstrike.
The officials further added that the airstrike was carried out in the vicinity of Imam Sahib district where the anti-government armed militants are actively operating.
The officials also added that the airstrike did not incur any casualties to the local residents.
The anti-government armed militant groups including the Taliban insurgents have not commented regarding the report so far.
Full report at: khaama.com/key-militant-commander-gul-khan-killed-in-drone-strike-in-kunduz-01325
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UN Security Council briefed regarding the situation of Afghanistan
Wed Jun 22 2016
The United Nations Security Council was briefed regarding the latest upheavals in Afghanistan by the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan Nicholas Haysom.
Haysom said Afghanistan has taken positive steps to overcome five key challenges for the survival of the unity government in 2016.
Recalling his statement to UNSC in March, Haysom said Afghanistan had to tackle a potent conflation of political, economic and security challenges and two additional challenges, including that of securing medium-term financial and military assistance from the international community and making headway in laying the foundation for an effective peace process.
Full report at: khaama.com/un-security-council-briefed-regarding-the-situation-of-afghanistan-01324
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Afghan forces to receive $3 billion a year from US from 2018 to 2020
Wed Jun 22 2016
The Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDS) will receive $3 billion a year from 2018 through 2020, it has been reported.
According to the reports, the issue has been shared by the US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Olson on Tuesday.
He informed regarding the commitment by US as he was at a think tank and said the United States planned to ask Congress for about $1 billion a year in development and economic assistance for Afghanistan from 2018 through 2020.
Full report at: khaama.com/afghan-forces-to-receive-3-billion-a-year-from-us-from-2018-to-2020-01322
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India
Man Moves Court against Jamat Functionaries over Occupation of a Mosque
June 22, 2016
The Madras High court on Tuesday ordered issue of notice to the functionaries of a Jamath on a petition by a man seeking a direction to forebear the Rajasingamangalam Muslim Jamath from excommunicating him from the local Jamath and permit him to enter the mosque at R S Mangalam and perform worship during this Holy month of Ramzan.
Hearing the Petition filed by S Anwar, Justice S Vimala ordered notice to the Jamath functionaries including S A Basheer Ahamed (President) and M Seeni Mohammed (Secretary) seeking their explanation within two weeks.
Full report at: indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/chennai-man-moves-court-against-jamat-2868408/
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Members of Two Communities Clash over Installing Loudspeaker on a Mosque
June 22, 2016
TENSION PREVAILED in Tiwaripur of Gorakhpur city on Tuesday following a clash between members of the Hindu and Muslim communities over the installation of a loudspeaker at a madrasa.
Police said members of Gorakhpur MP Yogi Adityanath’s Hindu Yuva Vahini objected to the installation of the loudspeaker before the afternoon Namaz and wanted it removed. As police arrived at the spot, both groups were brought to police station where attempts were made to strike a compromise.
Full report at: indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/gorakhpur-members-of-two-communities-clash-over-installing-loudspeaker-2868059/
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To corner Pak, India eyes UN curbs on IM
Jun 22, 2016
NEW DELHI: Indicating its determination to keep up the pressure on Pakistan, the government is seeking to move the UNSC sanctions committee against seven top Indian Mujahideen members. This, despite India's attempt to get Jaish-e-Muhammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar designated a terrorist by the UN security council being blocked by China earlier this year.
The list of seven Indian nationals includes some currently in Pakistan. IM co-founders Amir Reza Khan, Riyaz Bhatkal and Iqbal Bhatkal are among those on the list. It also names some members of the jihadi group who are fighting alongside Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. India will want them designated terrorists under United Nations' al-Qaeda-Taliban sanctions committee.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/To-corner-Pak-India-eyes-UN-curbs-on-IM/articleshow/52859232.cms
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Terrorists hiding near Pathankot: Rijiju downplays speculations
June 22, 2016
New Delhi : With the parliamentary panel cautioning the Centre of another terrorist strike at the Pathankot airbase, Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday said that it would not be appropriate to comment on speculative matters.
“To estimate and comment on this matter won’t be right. There can be a possibility of it, but it would not be appropriate for me being a minister to comment on the same,” Rijiju told ANI.
Full report at: siasat.com/news/terrorists-hiding-near-pathankot-rijiju-downplays-speculations-976403/
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US support for Indias NSG bid part of greater design: Pak NSA
June 22, 2016
Islamabad: Pakistans National Security Adviser Nasser Janjua has alleged that Americas efforts to include India in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) was part of a “greater design” to contain China and prevent the resurgence of Russia.
“Its [part of] a greater design,” Janjua said at a seminar on Pakistans case for NSA membership yesterday.
Janjua said the current move by the US to induct India into the 48-nation exclusive nuclear club should be seen in the context of global power politics trends.
He then listed “contain China, prevent the resurgence of Russia and keep the Muslim world in a controlled chaos” as some of the leading trends in the current global power politics, The Express Tribune reported.
Full report at: siasat.com/news/us-support-indias-nsg-bid-part-greater-design-pak-nsa-976407/
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Pakistan
Pakistan continuing to sell nuclear materials to North Korea, reveal U.S. sources
June 22, 2016
Washington : Pakistan is continuing to sell nuclear materials to North Korea, while at the same time urging the international community to accept its membership to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), according to highly placed U.S. sources who are involved with the tracking of nuclear commerce.
In making this dramatic revelation, the sources said that entities of the Pakistan Energy Commission (PAEC) have been continuing to supply restricted
Items such as ‘ Monel ‘ and ‘ Inconel ‘ material to North Korea in violation of U.N. sanctions.
The sources said that nuclear materials supplied to the PAEC by Chinese entities have also found their way to North Korea, with the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) recently receiving a written complaint that supplies of a Chinese company, Beijing Suntech Technology Company Limited, to Pakistan were being diverted to North Korea by the Pakistani authorities.
Full report at: siasat.com/news/pakistan-continuing-sell-nuclear-materials-north-korea-reveal-u-s-sources-976406/
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Not lobbying against Pakistan’s interests says ex-envoy, after Aziz’s remarks
June 22, 2016
Islamabad : Reacting strongly to the comments made by Sartaj Aziz, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s advisor on foreign affairs, the country’s ex-envoy to the United States, Husain Haqqani, said that he was not lobbying against Islamabad’s interests as claimed by the former.
Addressing lawmakers in the National Assembly yesterday, Aziz claimed that a former Pakistani ambassador to the U.S. was ‘ lobbying against his own country’ and ‘creating hurdles for the government’, the Dawn reported.
He however, did not mention the name of the ambassador.
Haqqani, in his rejoinder said he knew that Aziz was talking about him because another minister had attacked him by name with similar claims.
Full report at: siasat.com/news/not-lobbying-pakistans-interests-says-ex-envoy-azizs-remarks-976388/
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US drone strike disrupted Afghan peace process, Pakistan tells UN
June 22, 2016
UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan told the UN Security Council Tuesday that a United States drone attack that killed Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour in Balochistan had dealt a blow to the Afghan peace process, further complicating the regional situation.
“The US drone strike on our territory was a violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity and a blatant breach of the principles of the UN Charter and international law,” Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi said, while speaking in a debate about the situation in Afghanistan.
“This unacceptable action,” the Pakistani envoy said, had “added to the intensity and complexity of the Afghan conflict.”
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1266501/us-drone-strike-disrupted-afghan-peace-process-pakistan-tells-un
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Word ‘420’ causes a stir in KP Assembly
June 22, 2016
PESHAWAR: A slang expression over a cut motion triggered scuffle and exchange of abusive language among lawmakers of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf and senior ministers in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Tuesday.
The trouble started in the house when PTI MPA Babar Saleem presented the ‘Rs420’ cut motion on a demand for grant for the department of science technology and information technology.
The word ‘420’ is used in Urdu for defrauding. In the Pakistan Penal Code, Section 420 pertains to fraud, cheating and dishonesty.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1266432/word-420-causes-a-stir-in-kp-assembly
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Local PPP chapter skips Benazir’s birth anniversary
June 22, 2016
RAWALPINDI: For the first time since her assassination on December 27, 2007, the Rawalpindi PPP chapter did not celebrate former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto’s birth anniversary on Tuesday.
Till last year, the party would arrange events to observe the former prime minister’s birthday and for nine years, set up blood donation camps at the place of her assassination in Liaquat Bagh.
This year, various party leaders observed the day on their own while there was no event at the party level, for which local party leaders and workers blame the lack of formal leadership in the party.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1266414/local-ppp-chapter-skips-benazirs-birth-anniversary
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Honour Killing: Couple Murdered by Girl’s Father, Brothers
June 22, 2016
GUJRAT: Another young girl and her alleged lover fell victims to honour killing at Keeranwala village near Mungowal in the precincts of Kunjah police on Tuesday.
According to police, Waqar Naeem, 24, of Baltian village of Daska tehsil, Sialkot district, had an affair with Moamina Zaman of Keeranwala village.
As Naeem was on a secret visit to the girl’s house, her father, Zaman, saw the couple in a room. The enraged man, along with his two sons, gunned down the lovers.
Police on being informed of the incident took Zaman into custody, whereas his sons Faisal and Rizwan fled the scene.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1266457/couple-murdered-by-girls-father-brothers
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Southeast Asia
Not ‘Haram’ For Preacher to Lie During Ramadan?
June 22, 2016
Padang Serai Division Chief Shaharuddin Ibrahim of PAS delivered a sermon at a mosque two weeks ago, where he allegedly said the DAP would ban the azan (call to prayer) if they ever came to power.
After listening to his sermon on YouTube, I must say it was all political in content as he accused the Penang state government of being anti-Islam while he himself campaigned hard for the Hudud Bill.
He also lied through his teeth that the azan had been banned in the state. I live in an area with a large Malay community and there are three surau and a mosque within walking distance. I hear the azan every single day.
Full report at: freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2016/06/22/not-haram-for-preacher-to-lie-during-ramadan/
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Religion, gender and the state in Indonesia
22 June 2016
Religious identity and gender relations are integral to women’s experiences of citizenship in Indonesia. While around 88 per cent of Indonesia’s population is Muslim, it is emphatically not an Islamic state, in which state law and Islamic law are coterminous. So what is the relationship of religion to citizenship rights for women in the Muslim majority?
Muslim women read the Quran during the holy fasting month of Ramadan at a mosque on the outskirts of Jakarta, Indonesia, 9 June 2016. (Photo: AAP).
Religious prescriptions affect women’s rights, most notably in the area of marriage law and rights within the family. In the Dutch colonial period, family law was largely left to Islamic authorities. But during its slow spread through the archipelago, Islamic law accommodated itself to the existing practices there, particularly in regard to polygyny and property rights: the former was unpalatable in much of the archipelago, and indigenous customs commonly recognised women’s inheritance and other property rights.
Full report at: eastasiaforum.org/2016/06/22/religion-gender-and-the-state-in-indonesia/
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Indonesia grants scholarships for 30 ARMM Islamic students
June 22, 2016
COTABATO CITY -- The education department in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on Monday said the Indonesian government has offered scholarships for 30 students.
Indonesia, the world's biggest Muslim country in terms of population, will facilitate the schooling in Aceh of 30 Muslim or Islamic theology students, according to Imam Alzad Sattar, regional undersecretary for Islamic studies of the Department of Education-ARMM.
Sattar said scholarship agreement was forged last June 17 by the ARMM government, the Indonesian embassy, and the Yayasan Sukma School in the Aceh.
Full report at: interaksyon.com/article/129394/indonesia-grants-scholarships-for-30-armm-islamic-students
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Indonesians have to wait for 37 years to perform Haj
Jun 22, 2016
JEDDAH — There are 3.2 million Indonesians on the Haj wait list, said Joko Asmoro, chairman of the Indonesian Muslim Association for Haj and Umrah Travels.
Being the largest Muslim country with some 220 million Muslims, Indonesia faces a huge demand from its citizens eager to perform Haj.
The process, he said, requires people to register their names for Haj in advance to be included on the government Haj list.
“The average waiting time for Haj is 37 years,” said Asmoro.
“This has increased the demand for Umrah as it is less expensive and requires less waiting,” he added.
Full report at: saudigazette.com.sa/saudi-arabia/indonesians-wait-37-years-perform-haj/
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Arab World
Over 140 ISIL Terrorists Killed in Clashes with SDF in Northeastern Aleppo
June 22, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) repelled ISIL's large scale offensives near Manbij, killing 142 terrorists in the battlefield.
The ISIL stormed the SDF positions from Jarabulus, al-Bab and Maskaneh to remove the SDF siege on the trapped terrorist in the town of Manbij, but their attacks were fended off by the SDF.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950402000611
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Iran Urges Impartial Int'l Bodies to Investigate Al-Khalifa Rulers' Bahraini Nationality
June 22, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Hassan Firouzabadi called on impartial international bodies to study the al-Khalifa dynasty's claim of having Bahraini origins.
"One of the high-ranking Bahraini security officials told me in a meeting 34 years ago that the al-Khalifa are stateless pirates and Saudi Arabia has paved the ground for their control over Bahrain island with the help of the British and the Bahraini people are out of patience with them," Firouzabadi said on Tuesday night.
"What should be now studied by unbiased international bodies is the documents of al-Khalifa's origin and nationality," he added.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950402000259
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Iranian FM Asks Muslim World's Unity against Terrorism
June 22, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif called on all Muslim states to increase unity and solidarity in campaign against terrorist groups.
"We, in the Muslim world, need to show how we can fight against terrorism which has entangled Islam and the Muslim world," Zarif said in Paris on Tuesday night, addressing the Muslim countries' representatives and envoys.
He underscored the necessity for strengthening unity in the Muslim world against terrorism, and said, "We should decrease our differences to the least against attacks and violence."
Zarif also said that the most important injustice against the Muslim world is Israel's cruelty and injustice against the Palestinians.
Full report at: xen.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950402000307
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ISIL Fails to Break through SDF Positions near Border with Turkey
June 22, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Two ISIL attacks to penetrate into the Syrian Democratic Forces' (SDF) positions in Northeastern Aleppo were repelled by the SDF fighters, Kurdish sources said, adding that the ISIL suffered a heavy death toll in the failed attacks.
"The ISIL terrorists stormed the SDF positions near the village of Zounfal in Jarabulus region using bomb-laden suicide vehicles, but the SDF fighters targeted their vehicle before reaching their positions," the sources said, adding, in the meantime, the Kurdish fighters fended off another attack of the ISIL in the town of Sarrin and forced the Takfiri terrorists to retreat from the battlefield without any gain."
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950402000667
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Gov't Forces Continue to Hunt Terrorists in Northern Aleppo
June 22, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian Army troops and popular forces hit the terrorist groups' concentration centers heavily in Northern Aleppo to cut the supply lines to militant-held districts in Aleppo city.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950402000439
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Bahrainis Voice Solidarity with Senior Cleric Qassim
June 22, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- People of Bahrain took to the streets across the Persian Gulf island country to express their anger with Al-Khalifa regime's flagrant move to strip the prominent Shiite cleric Sheikh Isa Qassim of his citizenship.
Demonstrations were held in several Bahraini regions including Bilad al-Qadeem, a suburb of the capital, Manama, al-Musalla Village, the Northern village of Bu Quwah, the Northwestern village of Diraz, and the town of A’ali, with protesters chanting slogans against the ruling Al-Khalifa regime in condemnation of the measure against the 79-year-old clergyman.
The Bahrainis also expressed their solidarity with the spiritual leader of Bahrain’s main opposition bloc, carrying the portraits of Sheikh Isa Qassim, as well as other prominent Bahraini opposition figures, the al-Wefaq National Islamic Society, and national Bahraini flags.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950402000746
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ISIL Suspects Arrested in Turkey over Attack Plot
June 22, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Three suspected ISIL militants were arrested in Istanbul after a tip-off they had arranged an attack on a planned march in the Turkish most-populated city.
The suspects, one Turkish national and two from Russia's volatile Dagestan, were ordered held in custody pending formal charges by an Istanbul court, Dogan reported.
The reported arrests came after police late last week confiscated suicide vests during raids in two Istanbul suburbs. Officers said they had acted on intelligence reports the suspects were plotting to attack a rally on June 19.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950402000861
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Large Arms Depot of ISIL Destroyed in Syrian Airstrikes in Deir Ezzur
June 22, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian fighter jets, tipped off by intelligence agents, traced and targeted a large depot of ISIL arms and ammunition in the Southwestern countryside of Deir Ezzur city.
The Syrian warplanes bombed the ISIL depot in Tal Kroum region, which not only destroyed the entire depot's buildings and underground storages but claimed the lives of several militants guarding in the area.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950402000835
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World Assembly of Islamic Awakening Condemns Bahrain's Move on Sheikh Qassim
June 22, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Secretary-General of the World Assembly of Islamic Awakening Ali Akbar Velayati in a statement on Wednesday deplored the al-Khalifa regime for revoking senior cleric Ayatollah Sheikh Issa Qassim of citizenship.
"The World Assembly of Islamic Awakening advises the Bahraini rulers to respect the people's right of self-determination and the citizens' primary rights and respect the religious and political Bahraini leaders, specially Ayatollah Sheikh Issa Qassim," the statement said.
Stressing that the al-Khalifa regime's past methods of sowing sectarian and religious strife, imprisonment of Bahraini leaders and activists and closing the civil institutions have failed to yield any results, it said, "This wrong policy (of stripping a religious leader of citizenship) will also lead the Bahraini people's move into a new stage of fight whose result will be destructive for the puppet and reactionary rulers."
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950402000454
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Syria: Top Terrorist Commander in Northwestern Aleppo Killed in Russian Airstrikes
June 22, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- A senior commander of al-Nusra Front in Northwestern Aleppo was reportedly killed in Russian air attacks.
Abu Abdollah Jabal, who led al-Nusra Front during recent battles near al-Eis and Khan Touman, was killed by a Russian airstrike, but other reports claimed the Takfiri terrorist was killed by an IED (roadside bomb) by unknown assailants during a meeting in the region.
Also on Sunday, a senior commander of the al-Nusra Front terrorist group was badly wounded in a targeted attack in Idlib province.
Abu Bakr al-Uzbeki was seriously injured when his vehicle exploded in an attack in Idlib province.
en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950402000792
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ISIL Command Center Hit Hard in Syrian Army's Offensive North of Sweida
June 22, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian military forces targeted one of the main headquarters of the ISIL in Northern Sweida, inflicting major losses on the militants.
The Syria soldiers' anti-terrorism operation near the hilltop village of Tal Ishihayb destroyed the ISIL command center and meantime left scores of the Takfiri terrorists dead or wounded.
In relevant developments in the Southern province on Monday, the Syrian soldiers' attacks on terrorists' bases in Rajem al-Dawleh and Tal Asfar regions ended in destruction of at least five military vehicles carrying arms, ammunition and fresh forces.
Meanwhile, the Syrian army men engaged in heavy fighting with the ISIL terrorists in Mashbak al-Widian East of Sweida, which not only left several militants dead but destroyed their rocket launchers, vehicles and other military equipment.
en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950402000692
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Senior Terrorist Commanders Killed in Clashes with Syrian Army West of Damascus
June 22, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Two notorious commanders of Ahrar al-Sham were killed in heavy fighting with the Syrian military troops in Western Ghouta.
The commanders of Ahrar al-Sham were killed near the city of Darayya in Southeastern Damascus.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950402000323
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Africa
Obama nominee to lead US military in Africa, favours powers to strike Islamic State
June 22, 2016
President Barack Obama’s nominee to lead the US military in Africa on Tuesday backed the idea of gaining greater power to strike Islamic State, including in Libya, which he described as the group’s Plan B as it loses territory in Iraq and Syria.
Marine Lieutenant General Thomas Waldhauser told his Senate confirmation hearing that the US military was making preparations for possible military strikes in Libya against the militants.
But Waldhauser noted limitations on the current commander’s ability to order strikes against the group in Libya, which require adhering to White House guidance. That differs from the rules of engagement in Iraq or Syria.
Full report at: indianexpress.com/article/world/world-news/us-barack-obama-us-military-africa-isil-2867758/
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New foundation formed to promote Islamic knowledge in Ghana
June 21, 2016
The other members of the delegation from Ghana were Hajia Aida Jibirin and Hajia Salma Tahir both of them Ghanaian women Islamic preachers. Known as Mohammed Khamis Foundation, the foundation has its headquarters in Rabat morocco, with branch offices to be opened in African countries such as Senegal, Chad, Sudan, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, and Ghana.
Sheikh Mustapha Ibrahim said the foundation will recruit Islamic scholars to help spread the true meaning of Islam and wipe out misconceptions about the religion thereby stamping out extremism on the continent.
Sheikh Ibrahim who is also a renowned Ghanaian author and Islamic scholar who has written many books on Islam for schools and general reading said the foundation will soon open offices after the current Ramadan fast period in all member countries including Ghana. The new offices will among other things offer support to Islamic preachers known in Arabic as duats and provide scholarships to needy Islamic students.
Full report at: newsghana.com.gh/new-foundation-formed-to-promote-islamic-knowledge-in-ghana/
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Aqeel holds Iftar dinner for Islamic finance industry players
Jun. 22, 2016
Aqeel Consulting Limited played host at an Iftar dinner for Islamic finance industry players at the Intercontinental Hotel over the weekend.
The dinner unveiled a team to deliberate on the modalities of forming an Association for Islamic Finance in Kenya has been unveiled.
Kenya is the first country in East Africa to introduce Islamic Finance, with two full-fledged Islamic banks in First Community and Gulf Africa. Four conventional banks are now offering Sharia compliant and services and products through Islamic windows.
The country also boast of one stand alone Sharia-compliant insurance company, Takaful.
Among those in attendance were Takaful Insurance of Africa Group CEO Hassan Bashir, Aqeel director Abdullatif Essajee, CBK board chairman Mohammed Nyaoga and KCB's head of Islamic Banking Jaafar Abdulkadir.
the-star.co.ke/news/2016/06/22/aqeel-holds-iftar-dinner-for-islamic-finance-industry-players_c1373062
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Terror in East Africa: Al Shabaab
Jun. 22, 2016
Al Shabaab was originally formed from the Al-Itihaad Al-Islamiya group, which emerged in the post regime change in the nineties. Al-Itihaad Al-Islamiya (AIAI) was focused on implementing strong Sharia law, seizing strategic locations in the country and bringing order and control in previously lawless areas. Though this may seem like a solid plan, establishing some kind of order in a chaotic region, even through Sharia, is better than total lawlessness; the Ethiopian government had other plans.
Full report at: globalresearch.ca/terror-in-east-africa-al-shabaab/5532093
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Fear Stalks Minnesota Muslims?
Jun. 22, 2016
On the Left, it is widely held that the biggest problem with Islamic terrorism is that it might give rise to “Islamophobia.” That mentality was on display today in the Minneapolis Star Tribune: “Fear stalks Minnesota Muslims as anti-Islam feeling builds.”
Pig intestines wrapped around the front door handles of the halal grocery store in St. Cloud sent a clear message to store manager Liban Said and his customers: You’re not welcome here.
Full report at: powerlineblog.com/archives/2016/06/fear-stalks-minnesota-muslims.php
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Europe
Imam Qari Asim: 'The UK and Europe are stronger, safer and better off together'
June 22, 2016
Tomorrow, Britain will make a once in a life-time decision: should we remain within the European Union, or come out of it. As British Muslims we must play our role in this historic vote to decide the future direction of our country and Europe. This vote is of huge significance for everyone, particularly for younger people, as they have the most at stake in this EU referendum. It is their futures that are on the ballot paper.
The decision will have repercussions for many years to come, and will have a huge role in shaping young people’s lives.
Ethnic minorities are following the debate as much as rest of the country, and are navigating their way through the Remain and Leave Camps. Survation’s ethnic minority poll for British Future, identity thinkthank, in 2015 found a 54 per cent to 28 per cent split in favour of Remain, with 18 per cent undecided.
Full report at: asianimage.co.uk/columnists/14572505.Imam_Qari_Asim___The_UK_and_Europe_are_stronger__safer_and_better_off_together_/
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The Tamar Yonah Show – Are Muslims Making Up the Bulk of the French Military?
June 22nd, 2016
Europe is having an identity crisis. With their population not having children and the massive Islamic immigration into their countries, more and more of Europe’s youth is now Muslim…and this includes making up a good size of their military.
Full report at: jewishpress.com/multimedia/israel-news-talk-radio/tamar-yonah-show/the-tamar-yonah-show-are-muslims-making-up-the-bulk-of-the-french-military/2016/06/22/
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What a Brexit could mean for the UK’s aspiring Islamic finance market
June 21 2016
As the referendum on whether to leave or remain in the European Union (EU) looms in the UK, voices are getting louder, particularly in the country’s financial industry that it would not necessarily be a good idea to vote for a Brexit. Since the weight of the UK in the global financial market is substantial – the financial sector of the City of London has a 20% share in the global market for trading foreign securities and a sizeable part of it depends on the UK’s access to the internal EU market – such a strong position would be certainly threatened.
This could have serious impact on the growing role of Islamic finance in Europe which is entrenched in the UK and from there makes its way into the continent. Since the 1990s, when the first mortgages in the UK were set up in line with Shariah law, the country has aggregated the most advanced experience in Shariah-compliant finance in the Western world. Corporate sukuk followed a decade later, and in 2014, the UK became the first country in the EU to issue some sovereign sukuk and listed them on the London stock exchange. From then on, Islamic finance steadily entered the rest of Europe.
Full report at: gulf-times.com/story/498862/What-a-Brexit-could-mean-for-the-UK-s-aspiring-Isl
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Anjem Choudary backs Remain as EU 'stops prosecution of Islamists'
22nd June 2016
The controversial Muslim – who is facing charges for allegedly inviting people to join Islamic State – said leaving the EU was not an “advantage” for members of the Muslims community.
Choudary, 49, said: “If you want my view on it, I think Britain will be worse off [leaving the EU].
“I think that is something that is probably not in our advantage from a Muslim perspective.”
Choudary is facing trial on June 27 over allegedly encouraging people to travel to territory controlled by twisted ISIS terrorists and trying to drum-up support for the so-called caliphate.
He hinted that Britain would be safer within the European Union, saying: “With all the security implications, you know, while the rest of the world is trying to unite together with common purpose, this is not the time from a security perspective to be isolating.
“And I think about what some of them are saying about Scotland having another referendum, and Britain will be even smaller.”
Full report at: dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/524653/Anjem-Choudary-EU-Referendum-Remain-Islamists-terror-Islamic-State-court
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North America
Gains against Islamic State not yet enough, could backfire: U.S. officials
21 June 2016
President Barack Obama and some administration officials have hailed recent military gains against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, but other U.S. officials and outside experts warn that the U.S.-backed air and ground campaign is far from eradicating the radical Islamic group, and could even backfire.
While Islamic State’s defeats in Iraq and Syria have erased its image of invincibility, they threaten to give it greater legitimacy in the eyes of disaffected Sunni Muslims because Shi'ite and Kurdish fighters are a major part of the campaign, some U.S. intelligence officials argue.
A second danger, some U.S. officials said, is that as the group loses ground in the Iraqi city of Falluja and elsewhere, it will turn increasingly to less conventional military tactics and to directing and inspiring more attacks against "soft" targets in Europe, the United States and elsewhere.
Full report at: reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-usa-iraq-idUSKCN0Z80CO
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How American Christians Should Respond to Islamic Extremism
June 21, 2016
Americans are appropriately responding to last Sunday’s terrorist attack in Orlando, which took dozens of innocent lives, with unfathomable grief and a sense of stabbing darkness. As is said in Orthodox Christian memorial services, may their memory be eternal.
But it would be a disservice to these forty-nine innocent Americans if grief alone comprised the totality of the nation’s reaction. The time has also come to start asking and answering some specific, difficult questions about Islamic extremism and American policies to address it. This starts with acknowledging the threat and evil of Islamic extremism specifically by its name—and understanding that Islamic terrorism, much like Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union during the Cold War, seeks the very destruction of America. In this war on terror, it’s difficult to envision anything beyond two outcomes: either the nation will confront and defeat the threat of Islamic extremism, or it will continue to inflict vast death and suffering on Americans and Christians globally.
Full report at: nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/how-american-christians-should-respond-islamic-extremism-16665
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Calling Muslims ‘un-American’ is un-American
June 21, 2016
“Un-American” distills the anti-Muslim script of this year’s election season into a single word.
The latest example was presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump claiming that American Muslims weren’t “assimilating.”
Many have denounced his statement but few have questioned why a number of Americans see me and other Muslims as not part of “us”?
Some inevitably will point to terrorism. Muslims can’t be counted as “us” if they want to kill us, they argue. This ignores the fact that the majority of American fatalities due to terrorists are at the hands of white supremacist or antigovernment extremists, the types of groups that support the Republican presumptive nominee. While most conservatives surely condemn these group’s actions, their “American-ness” is rarely questioned.
Full report at: sfchronicle.com/opinion/openforum/article/Calling-Muslims-un-American-is-un-American-8316334.php
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Two California men convicted of plotting to support IS
21 June 2016
A federal court convicted Nader Elhuzayel and Muhanad Badawi, both 25, after a two-week trial.
The pair were arrested last year after Elhuzayel attempted to board a Los Angeles plane headed to Turkey with the intent of joining IS.
Badawi had bought Elhuzayel a one-way ticket to Israel via Istanbul.
The two Anaheim, California, residents had "expressed a desire to die as martyrs" on social media, according to a statement from the US attorney's office.
Prosecutors also said a Facebook account appearing to belong to Badawi featured posts showing he intended to join IS.
Full report at: bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-36592643
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Mideast
Anti-PKK operations over, time for reconstruction: Turkish PM
June 22, 2016
Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım has declared the end of military operations in Turkey’s southeast and said the government is entering a “second phase” by launching a massive campaign for the reconstruction of cities damaged by clashes between the security forces and the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
“Now the operations are over, there will be physical and social renovation. We are replacing destroyed buildings with more beautiful ones. Work is underway,” Yıldırım said during his parliamentary address to ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) lawmakers on July 21.
Ankara also plans to take legal action against municipalities and mayors from the Kurdish problem-focused Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) who are alleged to have transferred state resources to the PKK, he added.
Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/anti-pkk-operations-over-time-for-reconstruction-turkish-pm-.aspx?pageID=238&nID=100726&NewsCatID=338
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Turkey’s first ever ‘refugee council’ holds first congress
June 22, 2016
Efforts to build a superstructure which would bring together various civil society organizations (CSOs) working to overcome the ongoing humanitarian crisis facing Turkey, which is hosting around 3 million refugees, have yielded a result, as the Center of Refugee Aid Organizations was formed on June 20, World Refugee Day.
The first Center of Refugee Aid Organizations Congress was held at a hotel in Ankara on June 20 with the participation of 14 founding member organizations, as well as some soon-to-be-members, from all corners of the country.
Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/turkeys-first-ever-refugee-council-holds-first-congress.aspx?pageID=238&nID=100739&NewsCatID=341
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Greek Cypriots accept Turkish help to fight forest fire
June 22, 2016
The Greek Cypriot administration has accepted an offer of assistance from Turkey to help fight a wildfire raging for the last three days in the island’s Troodos Mountains.
A statement from the Greek Cypriot administration on the evening of June 21 confirmed that the Turkish Forestry Ministry, in coordination with Turkish Cypriot President Mustafa Akıncı, offered two extinguisher helicopters and a firefighting airplane.
The offer was accepted by Greek Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades, state-run Anadolu Agency reported, adding that Anastasiades accepted the offer on grounds that the Turkish aircrafts were “a part of the firefighting force from Israel, Greece, U.K., France, Italy and the European Union which have come for help.”
Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/greek-cypriots-accept-turkish-help-to-fight-forest-fire-.aspx?pageID=238&nID=100763&NewsCatID=351
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Jets hit PKK targets in Turkey’s southeast, northern Iraq
June 22, 2016
Turkish warplanes conducted air operations on June 21 targeting outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) positions both inside the country and in northern Iraq.
Turkish jets destroyed a total of 20 PKK targets in rural areas of the Lice district in the southeastern province of Diyarbakır between 4 p.m. and 4:16 p.m., in addition to another air operation in rural areas of the Şemdinli district in the southeastern province of Hakkari between 7:45 p.m. and 8:05 p.m.
Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/jets-hit-pkk-targets-in-turkeys-southeast-northern-iraq.aspx?pageID=238&nID=100760&NewsCatID=352
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Three ISIL suspects arrested over plot to attack LGBT march in Istanbul
June 22, 2016
Three suspected Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militants were arrested in Istanbul late on June 17 after a tip-off that they had planned to attack an LGBT Trans Pride march held on June 19 in the city’s central Taksim Square.
The suspects - one Turkish national and two from Russia’s volatile Dagestan republic – were detained after a simultaneous operation in Istanbul’s Başakşehir and Pendik districts, on Istanbul’s European and Asian sides, respectively.
Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/three-isil-suspects-arrested-over-plot-to-attack-lgbt-march-in-istanbul.aspx?pageID=238&nID=100761&NewsCatID=509
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Turkey ranks 20th most popular spot for FDI, rising two spots
June 22, 2016
Turkey became the 20th most popular destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow in 2015, rising two spots from its 22nd ranking the previous year, a fresh report showed on June 21.
Turkey saw an FDI inflow worth $16.5 billion in 2015, a 36 percent increase from the previous year, rising by four points to 8th among emerging markets, according to the latest World Investment Report 2016 by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-ranks-20th-most-popular-spot-for-fdi-rising-two-spots-.aspx?pageID=238&nID=100732&NewsCatID=344
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U.N. Ro-Ro offers North African route to Turkish exporters
June 22, 2016
At a time struggling Turkish exporters are looking for ways to diversify their target markets, Turkey’s leading roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) company is offering easier access for goods to North Africa.
The Tunisian, Algerian and Moroccan markets are increasing their shares in Turkey’s exports, and it is possible to send goods to these destinations in seven days, according to U.N. Ro-Ro CEO Sedat Gümüşoğlu.
“The total population of 85 million in these countries carries a major potential for our exporters and they can be competitive in these markets with short transit periods thanks to the Ro-Ro voyages via Toulon and Marseille,” Gümüşoğlu told a group of journalists invited to the southern French city of Toulon over the weekend.
Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/un-ro-ro-offers-north-african-route-to-turkish-exporters.aspx?pageID=238&nID=100731&NewsCatID=345
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