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Posted on 06/01/2007 7:57:59 PM PDT by nwctwx
YNET NEWS.com: "TERRORISTS' PLOT TO ATTACK MODI'IN SYNAGOGUE THWARTED Shin Bet apprehends 12 PFLP members who planned to attack shul in Modi'in, kidnap American citizens in order to swap them for group's imprisoned leader Saadat" by Efrat Weiss (Note: See Photos.) (Published June 19, 2007, 19:01) (Read More...)
Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/2007/s07060135.htm
ASSIST News Service (ANS) - PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net — E-mail: assistnews@aol.com
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Iraqi church leaders: Iraqi government failing nation’s Christians
By Dan Wooding
Founder of ASSIST Ministries
LONDON, UK (ANS) — Five London-based Iraqi church leaders have denounced the “reprehensible failure” of the Iraqi government to protect Christians from persecution, journalist Simon Caldwell has reported in a story posted on the Catholic News Service website (www.catholicnews.com).
Caldwell quoted a letter sent to British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Queen Elizabeth II, which said, “Iraqi Christians have been targeted by a wave of attacks on their persons, churches, monasteries, homes and businesses,” The letter went on to say that Iraqi Christians expected their government to ensure their “safety, security and justice.”
The letter stated that since the March 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, there had been “thousands of attacks” on the country’s Christian minority. It also said Christians in Baghdad were being made to choose between converting to Islam, paying high taxes or leaving their homes.
“Terrors are being incited by a number of imams in the mosques and other fanatics against the ‘Christian infidels,’” the letter said.
“The developments that follow will be even more serious,” it said. “We ask the United Nations, all peace-loving governments, human rights organizations and individuals to help the Christians of Iraq.
“The reprehensible failure of Iraq to guarantee religious freedom, justice and accountability toward Christians simply amounts to an invitation to continue the same in the future,” it added.
The letter was signed by Syrian Orthodox Bishop Toma Dawod, Father Stephen Turkhan of the Assyrian Church of the East, Father Habib Jajou al-Noufaly of the Chaldean Catholic Mission, the Rev. Khoshaba Georges of the Ancient Church of the East and Father Nizar Semaan of the Syrian Catholic Mission. It was dated June 6 but was made public June 20 by Aid to the Church in Need, a Catholic charity helping persecuted Christians around the world.
Caldwell added that Father Jajou told the charity that Christians were fleeing Iraq at the rate of 50,000 a month.
“At this rate, there will be no Christians at all in Baghdad, Mosul or Basra a decade from now,” said the priest. “The situation is very, very miserable.”
Caldwell’s story concluded: “Figures from the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees revealed last year that about 44 percent of Iraqi refugees are Christian, although Christians account for just 4 percent of the total population of Iraq.”
Dan Wooding is an award winning British journalist now living in Southern California with his wife Norma. He is the founder and international director of ASSIST (Aid to Special Saints in Strategic Times) and the ASSIST News Service (ANS). He was, for ten years, a commentator, on the UPI Radio Network in Washington, DC. Wooding is the author of some 42 books, the latest of which is his autobiography, “From Tabloid to Truth”, which is published by Theatron Books. To order a copy, go to www.fromtabloidtotruth.com. danjuma1@aol.com.
** You may republish this story with proper attribution.
Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/2007/s07060127.htm
ASSIST News Service (ANS) - PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net — E-mail: assistnews@aol.com
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Pakistan’s abuse of blasphemy laws decried
By Dan Wooding
Founder of ASSIST Ministries
WASHINGTON, DC (ANS) — Incessant persecution of Christians and other religious minorities in Pakistan, a country perpetually recognized for its poor track record in upholding religious autonomy, is generating increased concern from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).
This was stated by Jennifer Thurman in a story posted on the Baptist Press website (www.bpnews.net).
She wrote, “A recent news release from the USCIRF expressed outrage over the Islamic country’s abuse of its blasphemy laws, which implement punishments, including death, to any person who defiles the name of Muhammad.”
Felice D. Gaer
Thurman quoted Commission Chair Felice D. Gaer as saying in the written statement, “Pakistan’s blasphemy laws are inherently arbitrary, and they de facto restrict freedom of speech and other freedoms guaranteed by international human rights norms. These insidious laws lend themselves to misuse and abuse, resulting frequently in severe violations of freedom of religion or belief in Pakistan.”
Thurman continued, “Younis Masih, a 29-year-old Christian Pakistani, was a victim of his country’s manipulation of the blasphemy laws. According to the USCIRF news release, Masih asked that a noisy group of Muslims remain quiet around his home in September 2005 after his nephew had died and his family was in mourning.
“Angered by Masih’s request, the group of Muslims accused him of insulting the Islamic religion, which signifies blasphemy under Pakistani law, the news release stated. The situation sparked repeated attacks on other homes in the area that belonged to Christians, and Masih and his wife were beaten during the attacks. Masih has been imprisoned for nearly two years and was sentenced to death May 30.
“The USCIRF cited Masih’s case as one of many in which due process is ignored. Pakistani laws passed in October 2004 declare that only a senior police official can bring an indictment against a Pakistani accused of blasphemy. However, the USCIRF news release said this requirement is not consistently followed.”
She quoted Gaer as saying, “In fact, the case against Younis Masih demonstrates that the officially required new procedures are not even heeded.”
As a result, a blasphemy indictment can be placed on an individual without any evidence or proof of intent, USCIRF says. There is no penalty for bringing a false allegation, meaning that extremists often use the blasphemy laws to threaten religious minorities such as Christians, Ahmadis and Hindus.
“In addition,” her story continued, “trials for Pakistanis accused of violating the blasphemy laws are often chaotic. Records show the accused are attacked and sometimes killed by vigilantes while waiting for trial. Pakistanis who receive an acquittal at trial often are forced to flee the country because of persistent threats from vigilantes.
“Pakistan received international backing for its blasphemy laws in March by successfully presenting a resolution at the United Nation’s Human Rights Council in Geneva that supports drastic measures to ‘halt the defamation of religions.’”
Thurman stated that the USCIRF news release indicated that although these measures are implemented in the name of religious tolerance, they “routinely criminalize and prosecute what is deemed —- often capriciously by local officials in countries where such laws exist —- to be ‘offensive’ or ‘unacceptable’ speech about a particular religion.”
She said, “Concern about religious persecution in Pakistan does not end with the blasphemy laws. A current draft bill before Pakistan’s National Assembly would enforce the death penalty for individuals accused of apostasy — that is, converting from Islam to any other religion. The bill states that testimony from two or more adults is sufficient evidence to impose the death sentence.”
“This proposed bill would violate human rights standards because it would criminalize an internationally protected right,” Gaer said. “Every effort should be made by the government of Pakistan to ensure that such repressive legislation is not passed.”
The USCIRF, she stated, has requested that the U.S. government urge Pakistan to instigate policy changes to the blasphemy laws, such as requiring an investigation of death threats and full due process during trial. Such measures by the Pakistani government would eliminate current loopholes and place the country on a path to ultimately dismantling the blasphemy laws.
In addition, the USCIRF is encouraging the U.S. government to press Pakistan to withdraw the draft bill on apostasy and implement more stringent efforts to eliminate Islamic extremism in the country.
“The commission calls on the U.S. government forcefully to raise all of these serious religious freedom concerns promptly with the government of Pakistan,” Gaer said. “These repressive measures exacerbate religious tensions rather than advance freedom of religion, and have no place in a country that claims to respect rights.”
Note: Jennifer Thurman, a senior at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA., is a Baptist Press intern in Washington, D.C.
Dan Wooding is an award winning British journalist now living in Southern California with his wife Norma. He is the founder and international director of ASSIST (Aid to Special Saints in Strategic Times) and the ASSIST News Service (ANS). He was, for ten years, a commentator, on the UPI Radio Network in Washington, DC. Wooding is the author of some 42 books, the latest of which is his autobiography, “From Tabloid to Truth”, which is published by Theatron Books. To order a copy, go to www.fromtabloidtotruth.com. danjuma1@aol.com.
** You may republish this story with proper attribution.
Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/2007/s07060124.htm
ASSIST News Service (ANS) - PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net — E-mail: assistnews@aol.com
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Alcoholic prohibition and Christian prayer team worker murdered in Kerala
By Michael Ireland
Chief Correspondent, ASSIST News Service
KERALA, INDIA (ANS) — A worker involved in the alcoholic prohibition movement, who was also a Christian prayer team member, was murdered on June 15 at Konny in Pathanamthitta District of Kerala State in India.
The dead body of Joy Anthariyeth, 52, was found at Kavil junction near a bridge over a rivulet at Thannithodu.
Joy was a member of the action council seeking to shut down the alcoholic toddy shop of Thannithodu. He was also one of the active members of the SVM Prayer Fellowship.
Joy was brutally murdered as he was going back home on Friday night after attending a prayer meeting, according to Salem Voice Ministries News Service.
“Joy was threatened several times by the toddy shop authorities for leading the agitation against the toddy shop for shutting it down,” Police officials told Rev. Paul Ciniraj, the Director of the Salem Voice Ministries and SVM News Service.
Police said Joy was walking through the south side of the Kavil bridge on Friday, June 15. An eight-member group of men drove by and pulled him through the bridge and beat him. Joy tried to escape through the narrow path which is between the Marthoma Church and the Federal Bank, but the attackers together beat him severely death and threw the dead body from the bridge into the rivulet.
N.Rajesh, the Circle Inspector of Konny, investigated the case and arrested five of the suspected murderers on Wednesday, June 20. Another three suspects are in hiding.
According to SVM, Somarajan, who is also known as Karatte Madhu (37), Mohanan (47), Shibu (27), Sahadevan (36) and S. Animon (28) were the suspects arrested by the police. P.T. Biju (31), Santhosh (32) and Sunil (24), who are also suspects, are still at large.
The suspected murderers were believed to be Hindu extremists.
** Michael Ireland is an international British freelance journalist. A former reporter with a London newspaper, Michael is the Chief Correspondent for ASSIST News Service of Lake Forest, California. Michael immigrated to the United States in 1982 and became a US citizen in September, 1995. He is married with two children. Michael has also been a frequent contributor to UCB Europe, a British Christian radio station.
** You may republish this story with proper attribution.
UPDATE:
Note: The following posts are a quote:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1855384/posts
Iraq - ‘Chemical Ali’ and two former Saddam officials sentenced to death by hanging
AFP via translation | June 24, 2007
Posted on 06/24/2007 1:54:11 AM PDT by HAL9000
via translation -
ALARM - Genocide Kurdish: death penalty by hanging for “Ali the chemical one”
BAGHDAD - “Ali the Chemical one”, cousin of Saddam Hussein, was condemned Sunday to the death penalty by hanging by the High Iraqi penal court for the genocide having cost the life some 182.000 Kurds in 1988.
TOPICS: Breaking News; Foreign Affairs; News/Current Events; Click to Add Topic
KEYWORDS: almajeed; anfal; chemicalali; genocide; getarope; iraq; kurds; majeed; saddamtrial; Click to Add Keyword
[ Report Abuse | Bookmark ]
1 posted on 06/24/2007 1:54:15 AM PDT by HAL9000
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies | Report Abuse ]
To: HAL9000
Reuters - Iraq strongman “Chemical Ali” sentenced to death
2 posted on 06/24/2007 1:55:34 AM PDT by HAL9000
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies | Report Abuse ]
To: HAL9000
AP News Alert
An Iraqi court has sentenced Saddam Hussein’s cousin known as “Chemical Ali” to death by hanging for his role in the 1980s scorched-earth campaign against Kurds.
3 posted on 06/24/2007 1:57:16 AM PDT by HAL9000
Honest to pete...this article begs for an appropriate cartoon to go with it.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070623/od_uk_nm/oukoe_uk_iran_president
“Iran president turns to butcher for economy tips”
Sat Jun 23, 8:59 AM ET
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “TEHRAN (Reuters) - Highlighting a common touch that has become a trademark of his presidency, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said he keeps his finger on Iran’s economic pulse by talking to his butcher, newspapers reported on Saturday.
ADVERTISEMENT
“We have hardworking shopkeepers in our neighbourhood from whom I get important economic information because they are living among the people,” Ahmadinejad, the son of a blacksmith, was quoted by Iran’s Sharq daily as saying.
“For example, there is an honourable butcher in our neighbourhood who is aware of all the problems of the people and I also get important economic information from him,” he said in a meeting with worker unions, Sharq reported.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7KnWHDFsjo
“Yusuf Islam on UK TV 1989 Discussing Salmon Rusdie”
(Added April 25, 2007)
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1161.html
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Sun Jun 24 2007 02:33:25 GMT-0700.
Worldwide Caution
April 10, 2007
PERSECUTION.ORG
http://www.persecution.org
US-CERT.GOV
http://www.us-cert.gov
###
RECAP:
http://www.internet-haganah.com/harchives/006097.html
~
“Worm points the way to Arabic viruses
W32.Alnuh could be the first stage in an Arabic blitz”
Matt Chapman, vnunet.com 08 Jun 2007
http://www.truthusa.com/IRAN.html
#
blog:
Sunday, June 24, 2007
“Iranian MP: Rushdie Knighthood ‘Will Not Be Left Unanswered’”
#
http://www.isna.ir/Main/NewsView.aspx?ID=News-947769&Lang=E
“Iran parliament speaker: Granting Rushdie title won’t go unanswered”
Service: Foreign Policy
1386/04/03
06-24-2007
16:37:34
News Code :8604-01788
ISNA - Tehran
Service: Foreign Policy
TEHRAN, Jun. 24 (ISNA)-
News Code: 8604-01788
Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=46523
Afghan, Coalition Troops Kill, Detain Insurgents
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 24, 2007 – Afghan and coalition forces killed more than 32 insurgents and detained 20 others in Afghanistan over the past three days, military officials reported.
Early yesterday, Afghan and coalition forces detained 20 militants in operations against al Qaeda militants at three compounds in the Giro district of Ghazni province. The detainees are being held for questioning.
Coalition forces acted on credible intelligence that pointed to the various compounds as sheltering al Qaeda fighters. The insurgents fired rocket propelled grenades and machine guns at the coalition forces as they approached one of the compounds; the forces returned fire, killing the assailants. No civilians were injured in the operations.
While searching the compound from which the attack was launched, combined forces discovered a Russian-made machine gun with 250 rounds of ammunition, an AK-47 assault rifle with four full magazines, and two fragmentation grenades.
Elsewhere in Afghanistan yesterday, enemy fighters engaged Afghan national army members and coalition forces near Langar Village in the Washer District of Helmand province.
Combined forces repelled the initial attack with small arms and then requested close air support to suppress the enemy fighters.
The battle continued throughout the day and additional enemy fighters reinforced enemy positions in the area. Combined forces maneuvered to defendable positions and then directed coalition helicopters and close air support aircraft to drop munitions on positively identified enemy positions. More than 12 enemy fighters were killed in the prolonged battle, military officials said.
One coalition soldier and one Afghan national army member died in the fighting and two coalition forces and one Afghan army member were wounded. The wounded forces were evacuated to a nearby facility for medical treatment. There were no Afghan civilian injures reported.
“Afghan national army and coalition forces are currently fighting to stop the spread of the Taliban to the western portions of Afghanistan,” said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman. “This attempt at westward expansion on the part of the Taliban will not be successful.”
A day earlier, soldiers from 2nd Kandak, 1st Brigade, 209th Afghan national army corps and coalition members received machine gun fire from an unknown number of enemy fighters near the village of Sayed Nabi in the Shah Wali Kot District of Kandahar province.
Combined forces returned fire and then pursued the enemy attackers as they attempted to escape. Troops killed nearly 20 enemy fighters during the seven hour firefight that ensued. No Afghan civilian injuries were reported.
Elsewhere in the Shaheed Hasas District of Oruzgan province, a small number of enemy fighters fired multiple rockets at a 205th Afghan national army corps and coalition base. Combined forces returned fire and then quickly maneuvered on the enemy’s position, killing several fighters near the Mjani-Do village.
“Afghan national army and coalition soldiers will continue to pursue and defeat all enemy fighters who threaten the government of Afghanistan,” Belcher said. “With the support and resolve of the Afghan people, enemy fighters will be unable to derail the efforts of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.”
(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 82 News Releases.)
Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=46524
Forces Kill 11 Insurgents, Detain 25 Suspects in Iraq
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 24, 2007 – Iraqi and coalition forces killed 11 insurgents, detained 25 suspects and discovered several weapons caches in Iraq over the past three days, military officials reported.
Coalition forces killed four terrorists and detained 14 suspected terrorists today during operations around Iraq targeting al Qaeda leaders and operatives.
Operations south of Hawija targeted an al Qaeda terrorist leader known for helping foreign fighters move into Iraq, military officials said. As coalition forces approached the targeted building, four men got into a vehicle and drove away.
Coalition forces followed the men, one of whom was believed to be the targeted terrorist. When the vehicle stopped, the men got out of the vehicle with weapons in hand. Coalition forces, responded to the threat, engaged the armed men and killed them.
Inside the vehicle, coalition forces found rocket-propelled grenades. They safely destroyed the vehicle and weapons on site and moved to the next targeted building, where they detained four suspected terrorists who are allegedly involved with the al Qaeda leader.
In Baghdad today, coalition forces targeted operatives in the al Qaeda network when they raided two buildings in the city. One man was wounded as coalition forces entered the building. He was taken to a military medical facility for treatment.
Inside the building, coalition forces detained four suspected terrorists for their alleged association with al Qaeda. Ground forces also discovered two vehicles that tested positive for explosives residue, which they safely destroyed.
Coalition forces captured an alleged al Qaeda religious leader during a raid west of Taji, and detained four more suspected terrorists for their involvement with the targeted individual.
“As long as al Qaeda in Iraq continues to operate, we will continue to target them and disrupt their network,” said Army Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. “Removing al Qaeda from the population remains a top priority.”
In Iraq yesterday:
— Coalition troops killed five men armed with rifles, light machine guns and grenades during raids against al Qaeda operatives in Fallujah. At one raid site, coalition forces discovered two vehicles containing ammunition, hand grenades and mortar rounds.
— Coalition forces targeting a senior al Qaeda leader in Tikrit killed two men inside a vehicle that continued to speed towards them, failing to heed visual and audio signals to stop. Troops discovered an improvised explosive device on the back seat. Forces detained two suspected terrorists at the site.
— Coalition forces detained three suspects during operations in Sadr City as part of an effort to deny Iranian influence in Iraq. The detained Iranian surrogates are suspected of smuggling explosively formed projectiles and other munitions to be used against coalition forces and civilians in sectarian violence, military officials said.
— Iraqi army and coalition forces conducted a joint raid in Mosul, discovering a large factory used to make home-made explosives, improvised explosive devices and car bombs.
During operations June 22 in Iraq:
— Coalition forces in Mosul captured an alleged Kurdish extremist associated with
attacks in northern Iraq areas. The suspect is believed to be involved in helping foreign fighters move into Iraq, as well as conducting financial and media operations
for al Qaeda, military officials said. Four other suspected terrorists were detained in
nearby raids.
— Iraqi special operations forces detained a key rogue Jaysh al-Mahdi insurgent leader in Sadr City. The suspect is allegedly responsible for coordinating and conducting kidnappings, death squad killings and improvised explosive device attacks against innocent civilians and Iraqi and coalition forces, military officials said.
— Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers discovered several caches during clearing operations in Baghdad’s East Rashid Security District. The caches contained 17 60mm mortar rounds, one Dragunov sniper rifle, 18 armor-piercing rifle rounds, more than 700 small-arms ammunition, cell phones, cell phone initiators used in roadside bombs and 10 blasting caps.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps News Releases.)
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=46525
ombined Security Forces Help Iraqi Citizens During Operation Arrowhead Ripper
“American Forces Press Service”
WASHINGTON, June 24, 2007
Correction in post no. 1134:
Combined Security Forces...
http://off-topic.internet-haganah.com/archives/001248.html
(JPOST.com - THE JERUSALEM POST): “MILITARY INTEL CHIEF: CONFLICT MAY ERUPT THIS SUMMER”
(June 24, 2007)
#
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1182409625606&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Jun. 24, 2007 12:53 | Updated Jun. 24, 2007 18:17
“MI chief: Conflict may erupt this summer”
By HERB KEINON, AP, AND MARK WEISS
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Iran, Hizbullah, Hamas, World Jihad, and Syria are all actively working against Israel, and may force a conflict as early as this summer, head of Military Intelligence Maj.-Gen. Amos Yadlin told ministers on Sunday during the weekly cabinet meeting.
“Any one of these authorities can bring about a deterioration in the situation this summer,” Yadlin said. He added that while none of these actors want to initiate a conflict with Israel in the short-term, a miscalculation by any of them could force a confrontation.
Adding to Yadlin’s security assessment, Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) head Yuval Diskin told ministers that Hamas in Gaza is weighing the option of carrying out a terror attack. He noted, however, that at the present time they are maintaining quiet in order to consolidate their position.”
http://www.internet-haganah.com
http://www.memri.org/jihad.html
#
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=globaljihad
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=internet
#
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=irhabi007
(1 example of the Internet/Global Jihad connection.)
#
http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/017081.php
June 24, 2007
“Internet Jihad in the UK: ‘This is a much greater threat than people realise’”
(Sunday Telegraph)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=lebanon
http://osint.internet-haganah.com/archives/001249.html
OSINT.INTERNET-HAGANAH.com: “4 PEACEKEEPERS KILLED IN LEBANON BLAST”
(June 24, 2007)
http://osint.internet-haganah.com/archives/001246.html
OSINT.INTERNET-HAGANAH.com: “LEBANESE ARMY KILLS SIX TERRORISTS IN TRIPOLI”
(June 24, 2007)
http://www.globalpolitician.com/articledes.asp?ID=2978&cid=2&sid=5
GLOBAL POLITICIAN.com: “SYRO-IRANIAN MASSACRE OF LEBANESE POLITICIANS”
by Walid Phares, Ph.D.
(June 21, 2007)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1855647/posts
“Look Out! The Ladies are Armed”
The Signal ^ | June 24, 2007 | Rachel Stern
Posted on 06/24/2007 4:22:36 PM PDT by concentric circles
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