Solsticewitch13's BOS: [unitedstatesaction.com news] October 14, 2009 News

October 14, 2009 News - UnitedStatesAction.com

(Pakistan) Militant and Terrorist Groups Spreading in Pakistan
http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20091013/wl_time/08599192993100
-- Why Pakistan Must Widen Its Hunt for Militant Bases
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1929931,00.html?xid=rss-fullworld-yahoo

Pakistan: Taliban leader warns India will be 'attacked'
-- "The Pakistani Taliban's new leader Hakimullah Mehsud warned India of future attacks and sent a message to Pakistan's army that if it wanted a halt to attacks, it would have to stop taking orders from the Americans."
-- "'We are fighting the Pakistan army, police and the frontier corps, because they are following American orders. If they stop following their orders, we will stop fighting them,' said Mehsud in a video interview aired by British news channel Sky News on Wednesday."
-- "'We want an Islamic state. If we get that, then we will go to the borders and help fight the Indians.'"
http://www.adnkronos.com/AKI/English/Security/?id=3.0.3877342737

(Pakistan/U.S.) Tablighi Jamaat - Preaching Jihad - by Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/123722

(Pakistan/U.S.) Kerry denies aid package hits Pakistan sovereignty
http://geo.tv/10-14-2009/50888.htm
-- Pakistan's concerns to be addressed: Kerry
http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/world/13+pakistan+concerns+to+be+addressed+kerry-za-08
-- Clarification to be part of KL Bill: Kerry
http://geo.tv/10-14-2009/50945.htm

(Pakistan/U.S.) Barack Obama's Pakistan policy in disarray after opposition to $7.5bn aid conditions
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6873616.ece

(Pakistan/U.S.) United States unveils first of 18 new F-16 fighter aircraft for Pakistan
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/United-States-unveils-first-of-18-new-F-16-fighter-aircraft-for-Pakistan/articleshow/5122352.cms

(Pakistan/U.S.) Restriction on US officials' unfettered movement at Islamabad airport
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Restriction-on-US-officials-unfettered-movement-at-Islamabad-airport/articleshow/5123325.cms

(Pakistan) Series of attacks show Taliban's muscle
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009\10\14\story_14-10-2009_pg1_9

(Pakistan) Sindh: 'Over 100 spots in Sindh under threat'
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009\10\14\story_14-10-2009_pg12_11

(Pakistan) Sindh's Karachi: TTP commander arrested
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009\10\14\story_14-10-2009_pg12_10

(Pakistan) Sindh's Karachi: "Mother of nine killed over honour"
-- Pakistan Daily Times reports on Karachi "honor killing:"
-- "A man surrendered himself to the police after killing his wife, mother of nine children, in the wee hours of Tuesday."
-- "Mochko police said that Mohammad Rehman confessed to the crime and surrendered himself to them after killing Mash Parri, 52, in Khyber Mohalla of Ittehad Town"
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009\10\14\story_14-10-2009_pg12_4

Pakistan: Top Pakistan university to ban kissing
http://www.realcourage.org/2009/10/pakistan-top-pakistan-university-to-ban-kissing/
http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/1014/p06s05-wosc.html

Pakistan: 'Zero tolerance' on violence against women, Pakistan tells UN
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009\10\14\story_14-10-2009_pg7_24

Pakistan - IPS: "Repeal of Blasphemy Laws Still a Pipe Dream"
http://www.realcourage.org/2009/10/pakistan-ips-repeal-of-blasphemy-laws-still-a-pipe-dream/
-- IPS reports:
http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=48736
-- "In 2000, then President Pervez Musharraf promised to repeal the laws. 'He retracted when the 'mullahs' (religious teachers) threatened protests,' recalled Zohra Yusuf, vice chairperson of the Sindh chapter of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP)."
-- "Rights activist Tahira Abdullah said mobs using the law to inflict harm on others are acting 'like private vigilante groups,' she said."
-- "No less than governor of Punjab, Salman Taseer has called for a repeal of the blasphemy laws. But his bold call on Sep. 16 for the controversial laws' repeal was met with a warning from the president of the conservative Pakistan Muslim League (Quaid-e-Azam), Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, who said that his party would resist any attempt to annul the blasphemy laws."
-- "Continued state inaction on the much-maligned blasphemy laws has only reinforced perceptions that 'the present government has no intention of repealing the laws,' said Yusuf."
-- "I.A. Rehman, noted rights activist and secretary general of the HRCP, told IPS '(neither) the present government (nor any) government in Pakistan is likely to have the courage to repeal the blasphemy laws". He added that "the state has committed the folly of making obscurantist fanatics stronger than itself." Calling for a repeal of the law "is the only rational way out' although 'this demand is unlikely to be met.'"

Pakistan: Meeting to suggest changes in blasphemy laws postponed until January 2010
http://www.realcourage.org/2009/10/pakistan-meeting-to-suggest-changes-in-blasphemy-laws-postponed-until-january-2010/
-- Pakistan Daily Times reports:
--- Federal Minister for Minority Affairs Shahbaz Bhatti "said despite discussing the issue in the meeting, the final draft to bring amendments to the laws could not be made"
--- Shahbaz Bhatti: "We have asked assembly members to discuss the issue with the leadership of their parties and then a draft would be prepared, so that when it would be brought in the national assembly, it has the support of all political parties, therefore we have postponed the meeting till January 2010"
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009\10\14\story_14-10-2009_pg12_13

Pakistan Blasphemy law is root cause of violence against Christians -- George Murad
http://www.pakistanchristianpost.com/headlinenewsd.php?hnewsid=1459
http://www.realcourage.org/2009/10/pakistan-blasphemy-law-is-root-cause-of-violence-against-christians-george-murad/

(Pakistan) Army facing threat from Punjabi, Qaeda terrorists
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009\10\14\story_14-10-2009_pg7_29

(Pakistan) Al-Qaeda no. 2 slams Pakistan's 'Crusader' army
-- AKI reports:
-- "Pakistan's army has become a "Crusader" tool to save United States and NATO troops from certain defeat in Afghanistan, Al-Qaeda's second-in-command, Ayman al-Zawahiri, claimed in a new video posted to Muslim extremist websites."
-- "'At this moment Pakistani forces are playing the central role in this crusade that has been imposed on Islam and Muslims,' al-Zawahiri said in the 26-minute video which appeared late on Tuesday."
-- "'And this [Pakistan Army] has completely become a tool for the crusaders against its own public, neighbouring countries and the Islamic world,' he added."
http://www.adnkronos.com/AKI/English/Security/?id=3.0.3877031722

(Pakistan) Al-Qaeda's guerrilla chief lays out strategy
-- Asia Times reports: "Al-Qaeda's target remains the United States and its allies, such as Europe, Israel and India, and it does not envisage diluting this strategy by embracing Muslim resistances on narrow parameters. In this context, militant activity in Pakistan is seen as a complexity rather than as a part of al-Qaeda's strategy."
-- "Ilyas Kashmiri gave his views on what the upcoming battle will look like, what its targets will be, and how it will impact the West in relation to the destabilization of a Muslim state such as Pakistan."
-- "If today al-Qaeda is divided into three spheres, Osama bin Laden is undoubtedly the symbol of the movement and his deputy Ayman al-Zawahiri defines al-Qaeda's ideology and broader strategic vision. Ilyas, with his unmatched guerrilla expertise, turns the strategic vision into reality, provides the resources and gets targets achieved, but he chooses to remain in the background and very low key."
-- "'So should the world expect more Mumbai-like attacks?' I asked."
-- "'That was nothing compared to what has already been planned for the future,' Ilyas replied."
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/KJ15Df03.html

Pakistan army headquarters attack: 40 suspects picked up in Lahore
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Pakistan-army-headquarters-attack-40-suspects-picked-up-in-Lahore/articleshow/5123615.cms

(Pakistan) FATA: Around 90,000 flee South Waziristan fearing operation
http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/pakistan/04-around-90%2C000-flee-south-waziristan-fearing-anti-taliban-push-qs-08

(Pakistan) NWFP: Detention of Sufi Muhammad's sons
http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=203160

(Pakistan) Islamabad: United Nations in Pakistan mourns slain staff members
http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=203169

(Afghanistan/U.S.) NYC Terror Plot Suspect Zazi Contacted by Al Qaeda's Afghan Head
-- "Intelligence officials say the terrorist operative who contacted an Afghan immigrant accused of plotting a New York attack was the head of Afghanistan's Al Qaeda operations."
-- "The U.S. officials say Mustafa Abu al-Yazid used an intermediary to contact the 24-year-old Najibullah Zazi, of Colorado, as he hatched a plot to attack New York's mass transit system."
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,566222,00.html
http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/news/national/091014_al_qaeda_leader_contacted_zazi
-- Sources: Senior al-Qaida figure contacted Zazi
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33313081/ns/world_news-terrorism/

(Afghanistan) Obama: Afghanistan decision in 'coming weeks'
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091013/ap_on_re_us/us_obama_afghanistan

(Afghanistan) AP sources: Afghan corruption worries McChrystal
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091014/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/us_us_afghanistan_7

(Afghanistan) McChrystal: More U.S. Troops May Not Prevent Afghanistan From Falling to Terror Haven
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/10/13/mcchrystal-troop-increase-afghan/?test=latestnews

(Afghanistan) NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) warns against loss of political will in fight against Taliban
http://www.thenews.com.pk/updates.asp?id=89103

(Afghanistan) London Times: "Maybe we can buy our way to victory in Afghanistan, says general"
-- Lieutenant-General Sir Graeme Lamb suggests giving amnesty and money to Taliban Islamic Supremacists
-- "'There's no question about it: amnesty would be part of this initiative,' Lieutenant-General Sir Graeme Lamb told The Times. The insurgents might have blood on their hands, but 'who doesn't?'"
-- "The only way to end the eight-year war was to win over the 'vast majority' of insurgents fighting simply because they were being paid by the Taleban, had grievances, or had been brainwashed, he said."
-- "But he doubts that the hardliners account for more than ten per cent of the insurgency. The rest, he categorises as 'upset brothers' or 'guns for hire,' and insists that they can be persuaded to switch sides through dialogue and economic inducements."
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/Afghanistan/article6873537.ece

(Afghanistan) Britain ready to send 500 more troops to Afghanistan
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20091014/wl_nm/us_britain_afghanistan

(Afghanistan) UK Daily Telegraph reports: "Analysis: Al-Qaeda on the back foot in global jihad"
-- uses article to rationalize not "escalating the much more complex counter-insurgency against the Afghan Taliban"
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/afghanistan/6317298/Analysis-Al-Qaeda-on-the-back-foot-in-global-jihad.html

(Afghanistan) President Karzai: War on Terror Against al Qaeda Not in Afghanistan, Election Was 'Good and Fair'
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Afghanistan/afghan-president-hamid-karzai-speaks-diane-sawyer/story?id=8812586
-- Karzai questions credibility of UN vote fraud panel
http://trak.in/news/karzai-questions-credibility-of-un-vote-fraud-panel/13961/

(Afghanistan) Resource-hungry Communist China heads to Afghanistan
http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/10/14/2098654.aspx

(Iraq) Some 40 civilians killed, injured by 3 blasts in Karbala -- police
http://www.kuna.net.kw/NewsAgenciesPublicSite/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2032107&Language=en
-- Iraq police: 3 bombs explode in Karbala
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Iraq-police-3-bombs-explode-in-Karbala-killing-6/articleshow/5124727.cms

Iraq government: 85,000 Iraqis killed in 2004-08
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091014/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_iraq

(Iraq) Archbishop of Kirkuk: for 1600 Years, Iraq Has Been a 'Country of Martyrs'
http://www.aina.org/news/20091013161948.htm

Al Qaida Operatives Are Still Shuttling From Iraq to Iran, Syria
http://www.aina.org/news/20091013160558.htm

(U.S.) New York-Based Muslim's Web Site Calls for God to 'Kill the Jews'
-- "Yousef al-Khattab, who runs RevolutionMuslim.com and pedals a pedicab in New York City, insists the words he has posted on his Web site are a prayer, and not a threat — and that his hatred is protected by the First Amendment."
-- "Yousef al-Khattab, formerly Joseph Cohen"
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,565365,00.html

(U.S.) Ship built of World Trade Center salvaged steel
http://geo.tv/10-14-2009/50923.htm

(U.S.) Washington to tone down criticism of Russian human rights record
-- Daily Telegraph: "Washington will tone down its criticism of Russia's human rights record in order to win Kremlin backing for possible sanctions against Iran, it has been claimed."
-- "Mrs Clinton's trip was part of what Washington is calling a 'reset' with Moscow, a new more constructive relationship with the Kremlin that President Barack Obama wants to be based on pragmatism rather than the confrontation of the past."
-- "Michael McFaul, Mrs Clinton's top Russia adviser, told Kommersant, an influential daily Russian newspaper, Washington was ready to dilute its criticism of Kremlin rights abuses."
-- "'We have decided that we need a reset in this sphere and to scrap our previous approach,' he said, adding that the US had decided it would no longer preach to Russia about democracy so as not to irritate Moscow."
-- "US officials said the newspaper had misinterpreted Mr McFaul's remarks but human rights activists pleaded with Mrs Clinton not to downgrade human rights.
-- "Oleg Orlov, head of rights group Memorial, said: 'I told Clinton that for me the reset in Russian-American relations does not mean ending criticism of the human rights situation.'"
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/barackobama/6318943/Washington-to-tone-down-criticism-of-Russian-human-rights-record.html

(Lebanon) Hezbollah removes rockets from bomb site
-- UPI reports: "Surveillance footage released by the Israeli Army shows Hezbollah operatives removing rockets from a house where an explosion occurred in south Lebanon"
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/International/2009/10/13/Hezbollah-removes-rockets-from-bomb-site/UPI-31011255436693/

(Lebanon) Hizbullah: No UN resolution violation, arms cache was north of Litani
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1255450648015&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Syria Praises Turkey for Canceling Drill With Israel
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,565441,00.html
-- Syria: We held exercise with Turkey
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1255450643051&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Israel: Goldstone report 'legitimizes terrorism'
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/290171,israel-goldstone-report-legitimizes-terrorism--update.html

(Yemen/Saudi Arabia) Al-Qaeda suspects die in shootout
-- BBC: "Two suspected al-Qaeda militants and a police officer have been killed in a clash at a checkpoint in Saudi Arabia, near the Yemeni border, officials say."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8305919.stm
-- Shootout kills 2 al-Qaeda members, 1 Saudi soldier
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3789600,00.html

South African Government Promises World Cup 2010 Security Against Terrorism
http://www.goal.com/en/news/1863/world-cup-2010/2009/10/14/1560889/south-african-government-promises-world-cup-2010-security

(Zimbabwe) Tsvangirai ally Roy Bennett to stand trial on terror charges in Zimbabwe
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/africa/article6874643.ece
France: "Nuclear scientist suspect 'plotted attack on oil refinery'"
-- Daily Telegraph: "Nuclear scientist and al-Qaeda suspect, Adlene Hicheur, planned to blow up a Total oil refinery with an explosion which would have destroyed a city "the size of London", a security source has claimed."
-- "The 32-year-old is also alleged to have drawn up a list of senior European politicians as "assassination targets", thought to have included top French figures including Nicolas Sarkozy, the French president."
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/6318206/Nuclear-scientist-suspect-plotted-attack-on-oil-refinery.html
-- French Investigate Scientist in Formal Terrorism Inquiry
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/14/world/europe/14cern.html?_r=1&hp

France: Physicist Adlene Hicheur offered to assist al-Qa'ida
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,26205894-30417,00.html

France: Brother of French physicist reportedly denies al-Qaida link
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1255450648469&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

France: Terrorist mastermind who was granted asylum in Britain for 10 years is jailed for life for Paris bombings
-- Daily Mail: "Rachid Ramda, 39, pointed his fingers skyward and shouted 'I'm innocent - praise Allah' as a Paris appeal court confirmed his sentence for a series of attacks on the city's underground system which left eight dead and hundreds injured."
-- "Despite being a prime suspect for the 1995 bombing of the St Michel Metro station, Algerian-born Ramda was granted political asylum in Britain soon afterwards."
-- "Although he was imprisoned while in the UK, his time there caused a diplomatic protest, with the French dubbing the capital 'Londonistan' because of its reputation for sheltering Muslim terrorists."
-- "It was not until after the 7/7 attacks on the London Underground in 2005 that Ramda was finally sent back to France to face trial."
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1220284/Terrorist-mastermind-granted-asylum-Britain-10-years-jailed-life-Paris-bombings.html

Philippines - Mindanao Police: Fr. Sinnott in the hands of the MILF. But no confirmation so far
http://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=16581&theme=5&size=A
http://www.realcourage.org/2009/10/philippines-mindanao-police-fr-sinnott-in-the-hands-of-the-milf-but-no-confirmation-so-far/
-- Philippines asks rebels to help free Irish priest
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/world/AP/story/1282248.html

Indonesia: Two Indonesian Churches Receive Bomb Threats
http://www.realcourage.org/2009/10/indonesia-two-indonesian-churches-receive-bomb-threats/
-- Compass reports "Islamic groups demand halt to threatened congregation's worship."
http://www.compassdirect.org/english/country/indonesia/10530/
-- "Two churches in the greater Jakarta area have received bomb threats."
-- "In East Jakarta, the pastor of a Batak Protestant Christian Church (Huria Kristen Batak Protestan, or HKBP) on Bogor Street received a threatening phone call before Sunday services on Oct. 4. The church building is located near the headquarters of an elite police corps."
-- "The unknown caller to the Rev. Abidan Simanungkalit's cell phone said the bomb would explode during the morning worship service, the pastor told Compass."
-- "'I was startled to receive the short message,' he said. 'I immediately phoned some church leaders and then called police.'"
-- "Scores of police and bomb squad officers came to the site and combed the area for a bomb, discovering a black package in a garbage container near the front of the church building. It contained four large batteries, a small wall clock and a tin can, and after a two hours police determined that it was not a bomb."

Islamic Supremacist War on Women:

Pakistan: "Mother of nine killed over honour"
-- Pakistan Daily Times reports on Karachi "honor killing:"
-- "A man surrendered himself to the police after killing his wife, mother of nine children, in the wee hours of Tuesday."
-- "Mochko police said that Mohammad Rehman confessed to the crime and surrendered himself to them after killing Mash Parri, 52, in Khyber Mohalla of Ittehad Town"
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009\10\14\story_14-10-2009_pg12_4

Pakistan: 'Zero tolerance' on violence against women, Pakistan tells UN
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009\10\14\story_14-10-2009_pg7_24

Indonesia: Cleric cleared of sex abuse over 12 year old child bride
http://www.realcourage.org/2009/10/indonesia-cleric-cleared-of-sex-abuse-over-12-year-old-child-bride/
-- AKI: "Cleric cleared of sex abuse over child bride"
-- AKI reports: "An Indonesian court has acquitted controversial Muslim cleric Pujiono Cahyo Widianto over child sexual molestation charges for marrying an underage girl, aged 12 last year.... The girl is his second wife."
http://www.adnkronos.com/AKI/English/Religion/?id=3.0.3876967805
--- September 13, 2009 - Council for Foreign Relations (CFR): "A Muslim Model: What Indonesia Can Teach the World"
http://www.cfr.org/publication/20199
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/09/13/a_muslim_model_what_indonesia_can_teach_the_world/
--- July 17, 2009 - Wall Street Journal: "Indonesia Is a Model Muslim Democracy"
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124779665773055715.html#mod=rss_opinion_main

Netherlands: Married at thirteen
-- Islam in Europe reports:
-- "In her book Generous Betrayal Prof. Unni Wikan brings several cases where Norwegian authorities let down immigrant girls in need. I recently translated an article from the Norwegian media about children as young as 14 who are being forcibly married off by their parents."
-- Trouw reports:
-- "Suat, 18 years old, has already lived an adult's life. She had been married off, probably when she was 13, maybe when she was 15, it remains unclear if it was in the Netherlands or in her land of origin. The 'wedding' started off a life of rape, abuse, shelters and social help. Professionals have been discussing her case for years, and yet it went wrong. Since March, Suat has disappeared without a trace."
http://islamineurope.blogspot.com/2009/10/netherlands-married-at-thirteen.html

U.S. - CNN iReport Says Says Rifqa Bary Case Indicative of Human Rights Threats to Thousands
http://www.realcourage.org/2009/10/u-s-cnn-ireport-says-says-rifqa-bary-case-indicative-of-human-rights-threats-to-thousands/
-- CNN: iReport.com of Rifqa Bary: 'Teen's plight not an isolated incident'
-- PunjabiPower: "This probably happens every day in families who are Muslim or who are from conservative cultures such as South Asia"
-- "The plight of the Ohio teen is not an isolated incident or a simple family matter. This is a disregard of the basic human rights experienced by countless teens, men and women of Muslim Faith and conservative cultures such as South Asia and the Middle East."
http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-327484

Book Chronicles Disturbing "Honor Killings" of Women
-- book ascribes honor killings to misogyny, but not ideological pressures
-- Amnesty International coordinates book signings by Jordanian journalist Rana Husseini - "Murder in the Name of Honor"
http://www.opposingviews.com/articles/opinion-book-chronicles-disturbing-honor-killings-of-women-r-1255453244
-- to be introduced by Pakistani woman Rafia Zakaria "an expert on Islamic Law"
http://www.altmuslim.com/a/a/c_rzakaria
http://www.muslimalliancein.com/mai/enews_brief_april18.htm
--- See also:
--- February 21, 2009: Indiana University's Rafia Zakaria mocks America's "sob stories" over economy,
condemns drone attacks against Al-Qaeda and Taliban, praises potential "political victory" for Sharia law deal
--- Rafia Zakaria: positively views Sharia law deal with Taliban
as "calculated ceding of control could produce the political victory that is impossible to achieve through military means"
--- Rafia Zakaria: admits the cost to Pakistan population in NWFP "is terrible and unfortunate"
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009\02\21\story_21-2-2009_pg3_3

(UK/Morocco) British schoolgirls stranded in Africa in custody battle
-- Daily Telegraph: "Two British schoolgirls have been left stranded with a family in Africa after allegedly being abducted by their own mother who wants to bring them up as Muslims."
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/morocco/6319147/British-schoolgirls-stranded-in-Africa-in-custody-battle.html

Other News:

(U.S.) House Republicans accuse Muslim group of trying to plant spies
-- The Hill reports: "Republican members of the Congressional Anti-Terrorism Caucus said the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) have tried to plant 'spies' within key national-security committees in order to shape legislative policy."
-- "Reps. Sue Myrick (R-N.C.), John Shadegg (R-Ariz.), Paul Broun (R-Ga.) and Trent Franks (R-Ariz.), citing the book Muslim Mafia: Inside the Secret Underworld that's Conspiring to Islamize America, called for the House sergeant at arms to investigate whether CAIR had been successful in placing interns on key panels. The lawmakers are specifically focused on the House Homeland Security Committee, Intelligence Committee and Judiciary Committee."
http://thehill.com/homenews/house/63023-republicans-accuse-muslim-advocacy-group-of-trying-to-plant-spies
-- UPI: "House members call for 'Muslim spy' probe"
-- "The four GOP members -- Reps. Sue Myrick of North Carolina, Paul Broun of Georgia and John Shadegg and Trent Franks of Arizona -- accused the Council on American Islamic Relations of attempting to place interns on Congressional security committees, the Washington publication The Hill reported Wednesday."
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2009/10/14/House-members-call-for-Muslim-spy-probe/UPI-27521255546552/
-- Politico: "Islam group ridicules Muslim 'spies' claim"
-- "In an unusual announcement this morning, four conservative Republicans — Reps. John Shadegg (Ariz.), Paul Broun (Ga.), Trent Franks (Ariz.) and Sue Myrick (N.C.) — formally asked the House Sergeant at Arms to launch an investigation of the Center for American-Islamic Relations. They accused CAIR, a non profit group, of trying to infiltrate Capitol Hill with interns and staffers."
-- "The claim was quickly denounced as 'racist' and 'insidious' by the Council on American Islamic Relations, and the effort appears to have little support from GOP leaders."
-- "'We would love to help people find jobs on Capitol Hill,' said Ibrahim Hooper, the communications director for CAIR. 'There's a Muslim Staffer Association. Should they be investigated?'"
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1009/28283.html

(Afghanistan) Shariah-based banking hit with Afghans
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=6&section=0&article=127376&d=14&m=10&y=2009

Egyptian woman protest ban on austere veil
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/10/13/niqab/index.html

Italy's equal opportunities minister Mara Carfagna calls for burqa ban
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/6316392/Italys-equal-opportunities-minister-Mara-Carfagna-calls-for-burqa-ban.html

Italy: Lesbians 'attacked' by North African immigrants
http://www.adnkronos.com/AKI/English/Security/?id=3.0.3877067523

Italy: Muslim intellectual urges integration
http://www.adnkronos.com/AKI/English/Religion/?id=3.0.3877234413

Iran: "Nobel Peace Laureate Shirin Ebadi says human rights compatible with Islam"
http://www.examiner.com/x-26140-Denver-Interfaith-Examiner~y2009m10d13-Nobel-Peace-Laureate-Shirin-Ebadi-says-human-rights-compatible-with-Islam

(U.S.) John Esposito Meets with Dalia Mogahed, Sheikh Ali Gomaa, ISNA's Ingrid Mattson at Georgetown University Conference
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-l-esposito/muslim-and-christian-lead_b_317497.html

(U.S.) Washington to tone down criticism of Russian human rights record
http://www.realcourage.org/2009/10/washington-to-tone-down-criticism-of-russian-human-rights-record/

(UK) Birmingham leading the way on Sharia finance
-- Birmingham Post: "Mohammed Nazir, of the Birmingham-based Nazir Associates consultancy, said: 'Sharia finance has well and truly arrived'"
http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/financial-business-news/2009/10/14/birmingham-leading-the-way-on-sharia-finance-65233-24923757/

UK: "Islamic finance could help student debt"
-- Dr. Asutay: "A number of newspaper attempt to link Islamic finance with fundamentalism or radicalism and such attitudes do not help...linking Shariah law only to brutal criminal codes is a huge mistake."
-- "Despite such negativities, at least in the wholesale and fund management areas, British institutions including leading law companies are moving into Islamic finance. Thus, there is a huge potential for Islamic finance to develop in Britain and beyond."
http://www.journal-online.co.uk/article/5939-islamic-finance-could-help-student-debt

(UK) Anti-Islamic Dutch MP Geert Wilders to visit UK within days
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article6874619.ece
-- Dutch MP Wilders challenged to public debate by Quilliam Foundation
http://www.hillingdontimes.co.uk/news/asianspotlight/spotlight/4681662.Dutch_MP_Wilders_challenged_to_public_debate/

(UK) Death threats over mistaken identity
http://www.oldhamadvertiser.co.uk/news/s/1171565_death_threats_over_mistaken_identity

(Russia) Muslims of Kazan will offer Hillary Clinton to adopt Islam
http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=6540

UN urges swift release of Nepal's child soldiers
http://www.realcourage.org/2009/10/nepal-un-urges-swift-release-of-nepals-child-soldiers/
-- "The United Nations Wednesday called for the "swift and orderly" release of child soldiers from Nepal's Maoist army, which has been confined to UN-monitored camps since the civil war ended in 2006."
-- "Almost 24,000 former Maoist fighters live in camps around the country as part of a 2006 peace agreement that ended 10 years of bloody fighting between left-wing rebels and the government."
-- "Checks by the UN Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) found that nearly 3,000 camp inmates were minors when the war ended, and the government announced in July that they would be discharged."
-- "Coomaraswamy said Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal, known as Prachanda, had assured her the discharge process would begin immediately."
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gnWnhvVCHSq-ea_W1WGVT3EfA9oQ
--- Same Prachanda who bragged about tricking the United Nations on video
http://www.realcourage.org/2009/05/washington-times-nepals-maoist-double-cross/

(U.S.) North Carolina "Church" Plans Bible Burning'
-- WLOS reports: "A Canton church plans a special event for Halloween. Pastor Marc Grizzard says they're holding a bible burning to burn what he calls perversions of the bible. They also plan to burn music and books from authors he calls heretics, like Billy Graham and Rick Warren."
http://www.wlos.com/shared/newsroom/top_stories/wlos_vid_1033.shtml

Against Totalitarianism News:

Chinese human-rights activist lauded
-- "Fang Zheng, a Christian and a top Chinese athlete in 1989, had been chosen to represent China in the Olympics, but his dream was destroyed in the Tiananmen Square riots."
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Persecution/Default.aspx?id=721888

Against Racial Supremacism News:

Washington State: Tacoma woman finds racist graffiti at work, on car door
http://www.realcourage.org/2009/10/washington-state-tacoma-woman-finds-racist-graffiti-at-work-on-car-door/
-- King 5 News reports: "After finding a swastika and the letters "KKK" carved into the side of her car door, Katrina Johnson had enough, and called police."
-- "The Tacoma African-American woman said she has found the same racist messages around her cubicle at work."
http://www.king5.com/localnews/stories/NW_101309WAB-AP-racist-graffiti-tacoma-KS.2132ebf91.html

New York: Ithaca Schools Win Appeal on Racial Harassment Case
http://www.realcourage.org/2009/10/new-york-ithaca-schools-win-appeal-on-racial-harassment-case/
WBNG reports:
-- "The New York Human Rights Division ordered the district to pay $400-thousand in damages to Amelia Kearney and her daughter, Epiphany."
-- "The Kearney's claim the district did nothing to stop white boys from taunting Epiphany with racial slurs and KKK signs."
-- "A State Supreme Court judge dismissed the case, saying the Human Rights Division had no jurisdiction."
-- "The judge cited a recent ruling that schools are not education corporations or associations."
-- "So, they are outside of the authority of the Human Rights Division to hear complaints."
http://www.wbng.com/news/local/64144817.html

Against Nazi News:

Holocaust survivors: Don't allow deportation of 1,200 children of migrants
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1255450650237&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

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