31 Aug, 2014

Israeli propaganda in a changing media landscape | GulfNews.com

Palestinian losses were no longer hidden behind dull statistics, but were there for everyone to see. And the culprit was the Israeli army, dropping bombs and firing missiles indiscriminately. Indeed, the more than 2,100 Palestinians killed and more than 10,000 injured served as social media content, which Israeli propaganda, despite its fair amount of tweeting […]

31 Aug, 2014

Urumqi Air makes maiden flight

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BEIJING, Aug. 29, (Xinhua) — Urumqi Air, the first airline based in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, made its maiden flight on Friday, from the region’s capital Urumqi to the western city of Yining which borders Kazakhstan. Starting on Saturday, there will be two round-trip flights every day between Urumqi and Yining. The carrier […]

30 Aug, 2014

Israel’s Controversial Palestinian Policy Polarizes American Jewish Community | Alternet

The rising tensions between the supporters of Israel’s use of military force and the dissenters has led to an unprecedented polarization in the American Jewish community as Operation Protective Edge continues without a permanent cease fire, much less visible prospects for the moribund peace process. While #IfNotNow’s actions and protests thus far have been tiny—numbering […]

30 Aug, 2014

The way we work is insane – Sydney Morning Herald

There’s a clever scene in the movie Con Air in which a psychopath talks fondly of famous murderers. Nicholas Cage eventually snaps, labelling them insane. The psychopath responds: “What if I told you insane was working fifty hours a week in some office for fifty years at the end of which they tell you to […]

30 Aug, 2014

Stopping the boss from following you home – Sydney Morning Herald

There is a certain kind of person for whom the phrase “work-life balance” is meaningless, because work is life, and life is work. The body may be home with the dog and the TV, but the mind is still a whirr of stock options and invoices and client meetings; the clock may have ticked past […]

29 Aug, 2014

MH17, Gaza and the ‘Genius’ of Western Propaganda – English pravda.ru

Not a month goes by without the West invoking yet another affront to humanity, another crime against humanity, another wave of sanctions, or yet another UN Security Council resolution. This is what North Korea would be like if it is ever armed with social media. Occasionally, we were treated to a new Weapons of Mass […]

29 Aug, 2014

RM6 billion recovery plan unveiled for Malaysian Airlines

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KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 29 (NNN-Bernama) – The Malaysian government investment arm Khazanah Nasional has unveil a RM6 billion recovery plan for ailing Malaysia Airlines (MAS). Khazanah Nasional, which has a majority share in the airline has outlined a 12-point enabling plan for returning MAS to sustain profitability and revive Malaysia’s national flag carrier. The 12-point […]

29 Aug, 2014

Chinese govt spending on trips, vehicles, receptions stabilizes

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Beijing, (Xinhua), 2014-08-27 – The Chinese government has kept its January-July budget on overseas trips, vehicles and receptions level with last year’s figure amid the country’s frugality campaign, according to an official report issued on Wednesday. China has long been bedeviled by officials tapping expenses accounts to sightsee abroad in the name of official visits, […]

29 Aug, 2014

The harsh realities of American fatigue – Joschka Fischer, GulfNews.com

The chaotic consequences of the gradual disintegration of Pax Americana are becoming increasingly clear. For seven decades, the United States safeguarded a global framework, which — however imperfect, and regardless of how many mistakes the superpower made — generally guaranteed a minimum level of stability. At the very least, Pax Americana was an essential component […]

29 Aug, 2014

UN Alliance of Civilizations Facing Funding Shortfall, Seeks “Meaningful Partnerships”

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Opening Remarks by Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, the United Nations High Representative For The Alliance Of Civilizations Before The Sixth UNAOC Global Forum, Bali, 29 Aug 2014 Your Excellency Mr. Susilo Bambang Yudhiyono, President of the Republic of Indonesia Your Exellency Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, United Nations Secretary-General, Your Excellency Mr. John Ashe, President of the UNGA, […]

29 Aug, 2014

UN Secretary-General: “Man-made Crises Driven by Those Who Exploit Fear for Power”

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Full Text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon’s remarks to the Sixth Global Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations, Bali, 29 August 2014 Thank you for your strong commitment and participation in this very important initiative of the United Nations. I am honoured to address this Sixth Global Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations under the […]

29 Aug, 2014

Indonesian President: World Not in Good Shape but “Global Conscience” is Emerging

PROF. DR. SUSILO BAMBANG YUDHOYONO, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA

Full text of a Keynote Speech At The Sixth Global Forum Of The United Nations Alliance Of Civilizations, Bali, 29 August 2014 Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim Assalaamu’alaikumwa-Rahmatullahiwa-Barakatuh, Om Swastyastu, Peace Be upon Us All, Your Excellency United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, My Dear Friend, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao of Timor-Leste, Your Excellency, Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo, Minister for Foreign […]

29 Aug, 2014

Israeli PM loses support of young American Jews | GulfNews.com

As Palestinians and Israelis once again sat down to negotiate a long truce, if not a peace settlement, after Israel launched in early July its genocide against the besieged Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, a significant development emerged in an Israeli poll. It showed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approval rating had plunged to 38 per […]

29 Aug, 2014

No victory for Israel despite weeks of devastation – Robert Fisk, The Independent

Hamas – the vicious, horrible, terrorist Hamas with whom “we” (as in “the West”, Tony Blair, Israel, the US and all honourable men and women) cannot talk – has indeed won a victory. Israel said it must be disarmed. It has not been disarmed. Israel said it must be smashed/destroyed/rooted out. It hasn’t been smashed/destroyed/rooted […]

29 Aug, 2014

The Continual, Unconscionable Failure to Punish Israel for its Crimes Against Humanity | Dissident Voice

In view of Israel’s latest diabolical and devastating spree codenamed Operation Protective Edge — some 17,000 homes bombed and destroyed, over 2,000 civilians killed including 500 children, and over 500,000 people made homeless — the time for that reckoning has to be now! People everywhere, including all those Americans who are either politically illiterate or […]

29 Aug, 2014

India trapped in communal cauldron; Uttar Pradesh atop five worst-hit states – Hindustan Times

Repeated communal flare-ups have put the heat on the Uttar Pradesh government and the Centre, but data available with Parliament show such incidents are not new. UP leads the table of five worst-hit states between 2009 and 2013. In these five years, UP, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Gujarat have witnessed 2,389 cases of communal […]

28 Aug, 2014

This war was not a war, it was a massacre – Mondoweiss

Mohammad J. Abulriban and Justin Randle on August 27, 2014 11 Comments – See more at: http://mondoweiss.net/2014/08/this-not-massacre.html?utm_source=Mondoweiss+List&utm_campaign=84ac576a04-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b86bace129-84ac576a04-398454497#sthash.goYCOUaY.dpuf Mohammad J. Abulriban and Justin Randle on August 27, 2014 11 Comments – See more at: http://mondoweiss.net/2014/08/this-not-massacre.html?utm_source=Mondoweiss+List&utm_campaign=84ac576a04-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b86bace129-84ac576a04-398454497#sthash.goYCOUaY.dpufMohammad J. Abulriban and Justin Randle on August 27, 2014 11 Comments – See more at: http://mondoweiss.net/2014/08/this-not-massacre.html?utm_source=Mondoweiss+List&utm_campaign=84ac576a04-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b86bace129-84ac576a04-398454497#sthash.goYCOUaY.dpuf Mohammad J. Abulriban and Justin […]

28 Aug, 2014

Chile Files Lawsuit against Israeli Prime Minister – Wake Up From Your Slumber

2014-08-25 – On Friday, Chilean congressman Hugo Gutierrez (Communist Party) filed a lawsuit against the Israeli Prime Minister for “crimes against humanity”. He was accompanied by the Palestinian Federation of Chile. The congressman noted that various international organizations, such as the United Nations, have already described the Israeli attacks as “crimes against humanity”. Noone should […]

28 Aug, 2014

Time For Parents To Discuss The Risks Of College Drinking

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BETHESDA, Md., Aug. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — As college students arrive on campus this fall, it’s a time of new experiences, new friendships, and making memories that will last a lifetime. Unfortunately for many, it is also a time of excessive drinking and dealing with its aftermath—vandalism, violence, sexual aggression, and even death. According to research […]

28 Aug, 2014

London, 24 Sept: Invitation to Exclusive Screening of “Open Bethlehem”

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 BUY TICKETS   Y O U    A  R  E    C  O  R  D  I  A  L  L  Y    I  N  V  I  T  E  D     T  O     A  N     E  X  C  L  U  S  I  V  E     S  C  R  E  E  N  I […]

28 Aug, 2014

NGOs meet at UN to help shape new global development, prosperity agenda

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United Nations, (UN News Centre), 27 August 2014 – Civil society converged on United Nations Headquarters in New York today to make their voices heard regarding the future global development agenda that will point the way forward on a range of issues such as eradicating poverty, eliminating hunger and combating disease. The 65th Annual UN […]

28 Aug, 2014

Judicial Watch Sues TSA over Cover-Up: Passenger Complaints “Assaults Relating to Sexual Misconduct”

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AUGUST 21, 2014, (Washington D.C.) – Judicial Watch announced today that it filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit against the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seeking “Incident Reports” of alleged sexual misconduct throughout 2013 by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Dulles, Chicago, Denver, Miami, and Los Angeles airports (Judicial Watch […]

28 Aug, 2014

Survey: U.S. Travelers Want Full Airfare Prices Listed in Ads

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CHICAGO, Aug. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — The majority of air travelers prefer to see fares, fees and taxes listed as one total cost, according to surveys conducted by The GO Group, LLC, an international  ground transportation service provider and GO Airport Express, a GO member and Chicago-based ground transportation company serving O’Hare International and Midway airports. The […]

28 Aug, 2014

India: 12 Modi Cabinet members face criminal cases, Uma Bharti tops list – Hindustan Times

12 Team Modi members face criminal cases, Uma Bharti tops the list Read the rest: 12 Team Modi members face criminal cases, Uma Bharti tops the list – Hindustan Times.

27 Aug, 2014

PressTV – The US government’s creeping war on journalists

As states move to hide details of government deals with Wall Street, and as politicians come up with new arguments to defend secrecy, a study released earlier this month revealed that many government information officers block specific journalists they don’t like from accessing information. The news comes as 47 federal inspectors general sent a letter […]

27 Aug, 2014

ITU Telecom World seeks technological, social, design innovations that change lives

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Geneva, (International Telecommunications Union) – The ITU has announced a call for innovations, a global hunt for the innovators, makers or entrepreneurs who are using technologies such as 3D printing or advanced robotics, or working within fields such as bio-mimicry, which uses technological innovations to imitate nature in order to solve problems – those who can […]

27 Aug, 2014

China acts to boost safety of its students abroad

By Zhao Xinying

Beijing, 2014-08-25, (China Daily) – Concerns about the safety of students studying overseas have led specialists from education, foreign affairs and student associations to focus on better preparation for those planning to study in other countries. The Ministry of Education has held more than 60 sessions this year in 27 cities to boost student awareness […]

27 Aug, 2014

China plans to further expand 72-hour visa policy for foreigners

By Su Zhou (China Daily)

Beijing, China Daily, 2014-08-22 – China is aiming to attract more overseas tourists by expanding a 72-hour visa-free policy for foreigners and launching more promotional websites in a variety of languages. Officials are considering measures to expedite visa processing and develop the system of visa-free stays for international transit passengers, the State Council said in a […]

26 Aug, 2014

British film-maker Ken Loach calls for cultural boycott of Israel – theguardian.com

Ken Loach has called for a boycott of all cultural and sporting events supported by the Israeli state, and condemned the support offered to Israel by the US and UK. Speaking at the Sarajevo film festival, Loach was presenting the Katrin Cartlidge Foundation award to two documentary-makers from Gaza, Abdel Salam Shehadeh and Ashraf Mashharawi. […]

25 Aug, 2014

Indian, Pakistani film industries need to grow together: Shaan – DAWN.COM

Pakistani actor and current megastar, Shaan Shahid’s, upcoming action thriller film, Operation 021 has gained a lot of media attention as fans eagerly await its release on Eid-ul-Azha. The film tells the story of an Afghani man (Ayub Khoso) and his Pakistani ally (Shaan), who collaborate in a plan to save both their countries – […]

25 Aug, 2014

“Pedal Powered” Smoothies to Help Tackle Youth Obesity, Encourage Healthy Lifestyles

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SYRACUSE, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–August 21, 2014 – UnitedHealthcare and New York State 4-H Youth Development are expanding a successful partnership called Eat4-Health that helps tackle obesity by promoting healthy eating and active lifestyles among youth and families. UnitedHealthcare is providing Cornell University Cooperative Extension, which administers 4-H programs in New York, a $40,000 grant to support […]

25 Aug, 2014

Australian taxmen cracking down on cash economy, cafes, restaurants – Sydney Morning Herald

The Tax Office is cracking down on the black economy, targeting businesses that are not declaring cash revenues, from restaurants through to home cleaners, in a bid to bring billions of dollars back into the tax net. The Tax Office told Fairfax Media it had stepped up audits of small businesses including cafes and restaurants, […]

25 Aug, 2014

China teams up with APEC members in anti-graft fight

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Beijing, (chinadaily.com.cn), 2014-08-25 – Anti-graft issue has gained more attention at this year’s Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings than the previous sessions as China strengthens cooperation with APEC members, including the US, in the fight against corruption, reported Beijing Youth Daily. International cooperation on anti-graft was upgraded when the APEC Network of Anti-Corruption Authorities […]

25 Aug, 2014

India steps up projects to help growing number of People with Disabilities

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New Delhi, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, 23-August-2014 – An interactive daylong Conference with Ministers of Social Welfare in States/UTs dealing with issues related to disability was held under the Chairmanship of Mr Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment here today. Welcoming all the State Social Welfare Ministers, the Minister said […]

25 Aug, 2014

China moves to strengthen corporate transparency regulations

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BEIJING, Aug. 23, (Xinhua)  — An interim regulation on disclosure of corporate information, to take effect on Oct. 1, 2014, has been approved by the State Council, China’s cabinet, and endorsed by Premier Li Keqiang. Companies will be obliged to deliver annual reports to industrial and commercial authorities between Jan. 1 and June 30 each year. […]

25 Aug, 2014

China UnionPay International card to be launched in Myanmar

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Xinhua, August 22, 2014 YANGON, — China UnionPay International (UPI), in cooperation with Myanmar’s Cooperative Bank (CB), will introduce EASi Travel UnionPay card for the first time in Myanmar starting on Sept. 1 to facilitate Myanmar citizens in domestic and international payment, a bank official said here Friday. The EASi TRAVEL UnionPay Card issued in […]

25 Aug, 2014

Fewer satisfied with life: survey | The Japan Times

A life satisfaction survey conducted by the government shows the number of people who claim to be content with their lives dropped 0.7 percentage point from last year to 70.3 percent, the first decline in six years. By contrast, 29 percent of the respondents said they were dissatisfied with their lives, up 1.4 points, findings […]

25 Aug, 2014

High-Tech To The Rescue For Indian Haj Pilgrims

Compiled by Imtiaz Muqbil & Sana Shamsi

A compilation of stories of interesting events and developments in the world of Islam for the week ending 25 August 2014 (28 Shawwal 1435). Pls click on any of the headlines below to go to the story. ============ ISLAMIC TOURISM CENTRE – GATEWAY TO MALAYSIA, THE MUSLIM-FRIENDLY DESTINATION The Islamic Tourism Centre in Malaysia has […]

24 Aug, 2014

UK Liberal Democrat Party plans to widen disclosure of executive pay – The Observer

All companies with more than 250 employees should be forced to publish the salaries of their highest earners and told to consult their employees on executive pay, Vince Cable, the Liberal Democrat business secretary, will say on Sunday. The radical idea, which would involve new legislation, is to be included in the Liberal Democrats’ election […]

24 Aug, 2014

Jewish Holocaust survivors from around the world call for justice in Gaza

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[8/22/14 San Francisco, CA] 40 Jewish survivors the Nazi Holocaust and 287 descendants of survivors and victims issued a letter this weekend condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza. “As Jewish survivors and descendants of survivors and victims of the Nazi genocide we unequivocally condemn the massacre of Palestinians in Gaza and the ongoing occupation and colonization […]

23 Aug, 2014

Value of data on European consumers could hit Euro1 trillion by 2020 – Justice Commissioner

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European Commission, Lyon, France 18 August 2014 – The value of data on EU citizens held by search engines and other companies was worth EUR 315 billion in 2011 and could grow to nearly EUR 1 trillion by 2020, according to Martine Reicherts, EU Justice Commissioner. Speaking at the IFLA World Library and Information Congress […]

23 Aug, 2014

India cuts myriad of licenses for hotel classification

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Ministry of Tourism , 22-August-2014 (Press Information Bureau) – In a significant move, the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India has decided to simplify the hotel classification and re-classification procedure by not seeking the licenses and clearances which are issued by various Local, State and Central Government authorities for operation of hotels. These include the […]

23 Aug, 2014

In photos: Gaza families face horror and devastation | The Electronic Intifada

After nearly twenty days of war, the southern Gaza neighborhood of Khuzaa, near Khan Younis, was still off limits on 26 July. Israeli ground forces fired warning shots at neighborhood residents who had gathered one hundred meters from the entrance. They hoped in vain to look for missing relatives and check on the state of […]

23 Aug, 2014

Hospitality Asset Managers Study: Growing Revenue Acquisition Costs Outpacing Hotel Revenue Growth

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August 20, 2014, BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Officials of the Hospitality Asset Managers Association (“HAMA”) today announced the results of a multi-year study that demonstrates that revenue acquisition costs outpaced hotel revenue growth from 2009 through 2012. The results were presented in “The Rising Costs of Customer Acquisition,” a white paper commissioned in late 2013. The white paper […]

23 Aug, 2014

Canada’s tax-deductible support for Israel’s crimes | The Electronic Intifada

It’s unknown exactly how many Canadians are participating in Israel’s ongoing attacks on Gaza but an Israeli military spokesperson has said there were 139 Canadians in the Israeli military in 2013. The Nefesh B’Nefesh Lone Soldiers Program, an organization supporting the Israeli military, has referred to 145 Canadians in the Israeli military. That figure, however, […]

21 Aug, 2014

Int’l students now eligible for residency in Korea via manufacturing jobs

By Yoon Sojung

Seoul, Aug 19, 2014, (Korea.net) — The range of jobs through which international students become eligible for permanent residency will be widened to include the manufacturing industry. Non-Korean graduates who have worked in the manufacturing sector for more than five years can now become entitled for permanent residency in Korea. The Ministry of Trade, Industry […]

21 Aug, 2014

Korea unveils tourism mega-projects, visa relaxation to promote investment

By Limb Jae-un

Seoul, Aug 20, 2014 (Korea.net) – The government intends to support the establishment of integrated tourist resorts that feature hotels, casinos and performance venues, as well as for-profit hospitals on Jeju Island and in free economic zones across the country. Also, beginning next year, Chinese tourists will be allowed to file group visa applications online […]

21 Aug, 2014

Stunning whistleblower disclosure: ′U.S. National Security Agency’s main motives: power and money′ – DW.DE

DW: In your testimony, you described the NSA as “totalitarian,” and many commentators say that Germany’s Stasi history has made the country more sensitive to NSA revelations. But others have suggested this comparison is too easy. After all, the Stasi also targeted intellectuals and general writers opposed to the East German regime. Sure, they haven’t […]

20 Aug, 2014

People’s Daily Online launches int’l media coverage of the ‘New Silk Road’

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(People’s Daily Online), August 18, 2014 – The opening ceremony of international media coverage of the “New Silk Road” by People’s Daily Online was held in Beijing, Xi’an, and Quanzhou at the same time today. Two reporting teams consisting of more than 60 journalists, celebrities, opinion leaders will work along the Silk Road economic belt […]

20 Aug, 2014

China to rein in executive pay

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BEIJINGm (Agencies) 2014-08-19  – China’s president has promised to rein in “unreasonably high” pay for executives at government-owned companies in an apparent effort to mollify public frustration at the wealth of state industry. President Xi Jinping’s announcement, carried by the official Xinhua News Agency, comes as the Communist Party is pressing government officials to cut […]

20 Aug, 2014

6,017 Chinese officials punished for violating rules in July

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(Xinhua), August 18, 2014 – A total of 6,017 people were punished for breaches of anti-bureaucracy rules in July, the Communist Party of China (CPC)’s discipline agency said Sunday. The violators were found to have been involved in 4,480 cases, the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) said in a monthly release on this […]

20 Aug, 2014

Asia’s reform trinity, shift gear now – by Kishore Mahbubani

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(China Daily), August 18, 2014 – Asia is poised to enter a historical sweet spot, with three of its most populous countries – China, India and Indonesia – led by strong, dynamic and reform-minded leaders. In fact, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesia’s President-elect Joko “Jokowi” Widodo could end up […]

20 Aug, 2014

The Rush for Africa’s Resources: A Chinese Perspective

By Chen Weihua

(China Daily) 2014-08-15 – I laughed it off when news came last week that US President Barack Obama had made pointed remarks about China’s activities in Africa and played up the United States’ role on the continent. Obama said “we don’t look to Africa simply for its natural resources, we recognize Africa for its greatest […]

20 Aug, 2014

Probe into MH17 lost in US-created chaos – By O.P.Rana

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(China Daily) 2014-08-19 – The sordid drama continues. The investigation into the Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 crash hasn’t reached anywhere, at least officially, even a month after it blew up into pieces. The Western powers, led by the United States, have intensified their diatribe against Russia. The G7 has imposed fresh sanctions on Moscow, condemning […]

20 Aug, 2014

China to build influential new-type media groups

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BEIJING, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) — President Xi Jinping said Monday that China will build several new-type media groups that are strong, influential and credible. Xi made the remarks when presiding over the fourth meeting of the Leading Group for Overall Reform. He called on the nation to integrate traditional and new media to diversify its […]

20 Aug, 2014

Growing rage over U.S. Govt Inaction to Curb Systemic Anti-Muslim Conduct

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WASHINGTON, D.C., 8/14/14 — A coalition of 75 civil rights, ethnic, gender-rights and religious groups has sent a joint letter to the Obama administration urging it to take “immediate action to end the use of anti-Muslim training materials and address anti-Muslim conduct exhibited by agencies throughout the federal government.” In a letter to Assistant to […]

20 Aug, 2014

US$22 trillion needed to finance new phase of sustainable development – UN report

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United Nations, 19 August 2014, UN News Centre – The General Assembly formally received today an expert report setting out options that can be weighed by Member States on ways to finance the United Nations-driven sustainable development agenda, which will aim to improve people’s lives and protect the planet for future generations. The report, Forwarded […]

19 Aug, 2014

UK Paedophile advised Home Office on reforms to children’s care homes – The Independent

A paedophile who worked as a child protection and care worker expert advised the Home Office on children’s homes, it has been revealed. Peter Righton, who died in 2007, advised the government on reforms to the care home system in 1970, for a report that detailed how new homes should be controlled by local government. […]

19 Aug, 2014

MDG Momentum: UN launches 500 days of action to build a better world

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United Nations, UN News Centre, 18 August 2014 – With Malala Yousafzai by his side, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today marked 500 days of action until the deadline to reach the Millennium Development Goals, known worldwide as the “MDGs.” “Action now will save lives, build a solid foundation for sustainable development far beyond 2015 and help […]

18 Aug, 2014

PressTV – Korean film directors slam Israel ‘war crime’

World-renowned Korean film directors have thrown their weights behind a petition, which has denounced Israel for “war crime.” The petition has been signed by 100 people, including Park Chan-wook (Oldboy, Stoker, Joint Security Area) and Ryoo Seung-wan (The Berlin File, The Unjust). The other signatories comprise academics, legal experts, and religious figures. Mincing no words […]

18 Aug, 2014

Russia to set up national hotel booking service – English pravda.ru

The Russian government plans to set up a national system for booking hotels and tourist services. The national system would be similar to the well-known Booking.com. Russian Federal Agency for Tourism, Rosturizm and the Ministry for Communications were entrusted with the task, the Moskovsky Komsomolets wrote. The main objective of the national system, specified in […]

18 Aug, 2014

EU sanctions against Russia strangle European economy slowly but surely – English pravda.ru

The German economy, for the first time since 2012, dropped by 0.2 percent in the second quarter, resulting in the absence of GDP growth in the eurozone. The Ukrainian crisis and the trade war with Russia have played a significant role in the setback, which casts doubts on the plans to restore the growth in […]

18 Aug, 2014

′Peace is the only way to give Gaza safe water′ – DW.DE

DW: How has the current bombardment affected water infrastructure and supply in Gaza? Amir Dakkak: Since July 29, almost all of the population has little or no access to clean water. Three of the five wastewater treatment plants have been hit directly. That led to sewage going into the Mediterranean Sea directly, up to 90,000 […]

18 Aug, 2014

Russian sanctions create surplus of European produce – DW.DE

Volunteers at a food bank in the Dutch town of Maassluis diligently pack ripe tomatoes and chicory into little bags for those who need it. They only open once a week, and when they arrived this week, it was to find a donation of 32 boxes of fresh produce. Dutch farmers are not the only […]

18 Aug, 2014

Ethnic minorities marginalized in German media – DW.DE

Ever since the shooting death of Michael Brown, the racism debate has dominated the US media. But German media also often perpetuate stereotypes of ethnic minorities, instead of breaking down prejudices. Read the rest: Ethnic minorities marginalized in German media | Germany | DW.DE | 18.08.2014.

18 Aug, 2014

′Don′t forget the trauma of people in Gaza′ – DW.DE

Nada Doumani is a spokeswoman for the International Committee of the Red Cross. Now the ceasefire is holding, but one has to remember that when hostilities stop it does not mean that things are all right. One has to remember that Gaza already was in a very difficult situation. The population is alienated and there […]

18 Aug, 2014

UK CEOs earning 143 times more than their company averages, new pay study reveals – The Guardian

The bosses of Britain’s 100 biggest listed companies are earning on average 143 times more than their staff, according to data that exposes the growing imbalance between how the nation’s workforce and its business leaders are rewarded. The pay gap is widest at Rangold Resources, where boss Mark Bristow was paid £4.4m last year, nearly […]

18 Aug, 2014

BBC News – Dutchman returns Holocaust medal after family deaths in Gaza

A Dutchman honoured by Israel for hiding a Jewish child during World War Two has handed back his medal after six of his relatives were killed in an Israeli air strike on Gaza. Henk Zanoli, 91, wrote to the Israeli embassy in The Hague to say he could no longer hold the honour. He said […]

18 Aug, 2014

US$300m Trans-Pacific Cable System to boost Internet traffic

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Tokyo, Aug 11, 2014 – (JCN Newswire) – A consortium of six global companies announced that they have signed commercial agreements to build and operate a new Trans-Pacific cable system to be called “FASTER” with NEC Corporation as the system supplier. The FASTER cable network will connect the United States to two landing locations in […]

18 Aug, 2014

Tips on How Dancing Can Help Ward Off Life-Altering Diseases

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St. Louis, MO (PRWEB) August 15, 2014 – Dance Pizazz, the St. Louis area funnest, friendliest dance studio (http://www.dance-pizazz.com), keeps a close eye on the latest developments in health and fitness in order to better serve all dancers. That’s why Dance Pizazz is sharing its top three ways that dancing as a form of exercise […]

18 Aug, 2014

Non-aeronautical revenue up North American airports

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Boca Raton, FL (PRWEB) August 15, 2014 – Airport Revenue News (ARN) has released the sales performance results for the top 50 performing North American airports in the 2014 edition of the Fact Book, the more than 500-page resource book containing the most comprehensive information on North American airport concessions. In its 18th year of […]

18 Aug, 2014

Omni Hotels Boosts “Thought Leadership” sessions for meeting planners

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August 11, 2014, DALLAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Omni Hotels & Resorts announced today details for the fourth annual Be Collaborative road-show, a professional development series offered to meeting planners across the nation. Each year the program offers new insights on how clients and suppliers can collaborate by embracing each other’s points of views and achieving mutual success. The […]

18 Aug, 2014

US$4.1 million funding boost to raise job skills of Persons with Disabilities

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August 13, 2014, LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Accenture and Leonard Cheshire Disability today announced that Accenture and the Accenture Foundations have awarded the charity an additional US$4.1 million to build on and expand their Access to Livelihoods program, which increases the economic participation of persons with disabilities around the world. The grant, which will provide job and entrepreneurial […]

18 Aug, 2014

More Than 575 Million U.S. Payment Cards to Feature Chip Security in 2015

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August 13, 2014, NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Payments Security Task Force (PST) today provided an update on its discussions and activities since its inception. The task force, which represents a diverse group of U.S. electronic payment industry players, has initially focused on continuing the momentum of EMV chip implementation in the United States. In a recent […]

18 Aug, 2014

Ricoh Europe Research: Offices Should Prepare for Augmented Reality, Robots and Drones

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August 14, 2014, LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Europe’s public sector workforce predicts that within the next 20 years their offices will be dominated by highly sophisticated technologies that will drastically change the way they work. The future gazing research commissioned by Ricoh Europe and conducted by Coleman Parkes reveals how public sector employees anticipate the arrival of a […]

18 Aug, 2014

Indian Railways to get Smart Cards, Wi-fi access, e-ticketing

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New Delhi, Ministry of Railways, 13-August-2014 – In a move to provide more hassle-free services to railway users, the Minister of Railways, Mr. S.D.Sadananda Gowda launched new IT initiatives/applications at a function here today. These initiatives have been  developed by Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS), an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Railways. Mr. […]

18 Aug, 2014

Tourist-Targeting Scams and How to Avoid Them

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico (PRWEB) August 15, 2014 – When it comes to travel-related scams, they are almost always geared towards distracting tourists. More often than not, these scams also occur in places where there are lots of activities going on, such as a town square, marketplace or busy sidewalk. In order to help travelers […]

17 Aug, 2014

Trade Expo Indonesia 2014 to be held October 8-12

Compiled by Imtiaz Muqbil & Sana Shamsi

A compilation of stories of interesting events and developments in the world of Islam for the week ending 18 August 2014 (21 Shawwal 1435). Pls click on any of the headlines below to go to the story. ============ ISLAMIC TOURISM CENTRE – GATEWAY TO MALAYSIA, THE MUSLIM-FRIENDLY DESTINATION The Islamic Tourism Centre in Malaysia has […]

16 Aug, 2014

New Trade Show to Tap Myanmar’s Oil & Gas Bonanza

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Singapore, Aug 11, 2014 – (ACN Newswire) – The inaugural edition of Oil & Gas Myanmar 2014, a dedicated industry trade event focusing on Oil & Gas Exploration and Production & Refining, will be unveiled at the Myanmar Convention Centre (MCC) from 15 to 17 October 2014 amidst an exciting and promising era in the […]

16 Aug, 2014

“Senses” Theme: Lexus Calls for Entries to 2015 Design Award Competition

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Tokyo, Aug 11, 2014 – (JCN Newswire) – Lexus International today announces its call for entries to the third Lexus Design Award competition. First launched in 2013, the Lexus Design Award is an international competition that aims to foster young creators that use design to solve problems. The award has received worldwide attention for its […]

16 Aug, 2014

How Israel blocks travel by Palestinian academics and students | Mondoweiss

By Nazmi Al-Masri Over the one-year period from July 2013 to July 2014, I was supposed to participate in six international academic conferences and meetings as a partner in four international projects: three EU-funded projects (two from Erasmus-Mundus, one Tempus) and one British Arts and Humanities Research Council-funded project. Because of the siege and the […]

16 Aug, 2014

Regulators: Mega-Banks Like Citigroup and Goldman Sachs Still a Giant Threat to America | Alternet

August 13, 2014 | We hear a lot of big talk about how Dodd-Frank has made the financial system safer. That law was enacted to make certain that the country never gets blown apart by a financial crisis like the one in 2008. But does anybody really believe it? The bank regulators sure don’t. The […]

16 Aug, 2014

Thailand tops new Global Beachfront Awards with 1,250 beachfront hotels

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Bangkok – Thailand is riding a crest in humanity’s age-old love affair with the beach that has helped it overtake traditional beach countries like Spain, Mexico and Greece in the new Global Beachfront Awards. Thailand has beaten traditional beach destinations such as Spain, Mexico, USA, Greece and Turkey to take the number one position in […]

13 Aug, 2014

Gaza’s children: ‘Israel creating a new generation of enemies’ – The Guardian

Doctors and mental health specialists in Gaza can draw on a bitter store of experience of treating traumatised children. After Operation Cast Lead, a study by the Gaza community mental health programme (GCMHP) found that 75% of children over the age of six were suffering from one or more symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, with […]

12 Aug, 2014

Israel attacks university — with bombs and lies | The Electronic Intifada

By Rami Almeghari On Saturday, the Israeli military boasted of bombing a “weapons development center” at the Islamic University of Gaza (IUG). I teach journalism at this university. The section of the campus where I work is close to the administrative department, the target of Israel’s dawn attack. That department hosts teaching staff belonging to […]

12 Aug, 2014

Be warned, BJP-RSS combine’s agenda is to divide and rule – Hindustan Times

A disturbing tendency visible during the election campaign appears to have become the perfected strategy of the RSS/BJP now in government with an absolute majority in the Lok Sabha, albeit with a mere 31% share of those who voted. This tendency, true to their character, is to speak/act with a forked tongue — one for […]

12 Aug, 2014

Hamas wants Israel to allow Gaza airport and seaport – The Washington Post

Hamas, as well as the people in the Gaza Strip, want something big in exchange for a truce with Israel. They want a seaport. And an airport. They want movement between their seaside territory and the outside world. “Everything is ready. We have the engineering studies, the business plans, environmental assessments, all that is needed. […]

12 Aug, 2014

Gaza homes ‘uninhabitable’ as tens of thousands come back to rubble – The Guardian

Tens of thousands of people across Gaza returned to their homes on Monday as a tenuous ceasefire held and hopes rose of an end to the month-long conflict between Israel and Hamas. Local officials and humanitarian workers began to inspect the latest damage the war had caused in the overcrowded enclave, with assessments indicating earlier […]

12 Aug, 2014

Barneys will pay $525K to settle racial profiling allegations – The Washington Post

Upscale retailer Barneys New York will pay $525,000 in penalties to settle racial profiling complaints. The settlement came after a nine-month-long investigation launched by the New York State Attorney’s office when two black customers at the flagship store on Madison Avenue said they were falsely accused of credit card fraud. New York State Attorney General […]

12 Aug, 2014

Afghanistan: No justice for thousands of civilians killed in US/NATO operations

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11 August 2014, Amnesty International media release – The families of thousands of Afghan civilians killed by US/NATO forces in Afghanistan have been left without justice, Amnesty International said in a new report released today. Focusing primarily on air strikes and night raids carried out by US forces, including Special Operations Forces, Left in the […]

12 Aug, 2014

South African Editor: Africa doesn’t need U.S. as benefactor

By Ellis Mnyandur

(China Daily), 2014-08-12 —  By all accounts, the United States – which generally prides itself on being a trendsetter – is essentially a “Johnny Come Lately” to the “Africa Rising” story. As if to make amends, US President Barack Obama held the largest ever gathering of African heads of state and business leaders in Washington […]

12 Aug, 2014

Biggest Airline, Alliance, Fuel Efficiency and More Stats in IATA 2013 World Air Transport Stats Report

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Montreal, 12 August 2014 (IATA media release) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) published the 58th edition of the World Air Transport Statistics (WATS), a leading yearbook of the airline industry’s annual performance containing extensive statistical information and analysis. “Commercial aviation began 100 years ago with a single airplane, a single passenger and a […]

12 Aug, 2014

Essay: The West on the wrong path – Handelsblatt Publisher

We interrupt our own train of thought: “History is not repeating itself!” But can we be so sure about that these days? In view of the war events in the Crimean and eastern Ukraine, the heads of states and governments of the West suddenly have no more questions and all the answers. The US Congress […]

12 Aug, 2014

EU Funds Research to Boost Safety of Cruise Ships

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Brussels, 8 August 2014, European Commission Press release – When choosing their summer holidays, many European opt for a cruise, or use a ferry to get where they are going. A very important aspect of passenger shipping is safety. Thanks to EU-funded research, evacuating large passenger ships could be even smoother and safer in future. […]

12 Aug, 2014

Aug 19 World Humanitarian Day: More people than ever need help

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United Nations, (UN News Centre) 11 August 2014 – Spotlighting humanitarians who often take great risks to help communities in need, World Humanitarian Day 2014 will feature events ranging from a 5K run/walk in Mogadishu, a wreath-laying ceremony at London’s Westminster Abbey, a radio talk show with disaster management experts in Papua New Guinea, and […]

12 Aug, 2014

Shanghai requires five fast-food chains to disclose suppliers

By WU YIYAO

Beijing, 2014-08-11, (China Daily) – Shanghai’s food and drug administration is requiring five restaurant chains to release information on their suppliers on their websites, according to a city government circular released on Saturday. The five enterprises－Yum! Brands, McDonald’s, Dicos, Burger King and Carl’s Jr.－were all involved in a food scandal that exposed Shanghai Husi Food […]

12 Aug, 2014

Chinese commentary: Do not let U.S. stoke disputes amongst ASEAN

By Zhao Minghao

Beijing, 2014-08-12 (China Daily) – The annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held recently in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, with the disputes and situation in the South China Sea on the agenda. This is not the first time that the ARF has touched upon the South China Sea disputes. […]

12 Aug, 2014

Chinese discipline body seeks tipoffs to curb lavish spending by government officials

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Beijing, 2014-08-12 Xinhua (China Daily)  – As the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival nears, the Communist Party of China’s top discipline agency is calling on the public to report incidents of officials lavishly spending during the holiday. The CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection opened a column on its website to invite the public to submit tipoffs […]

12 Aug, 2014

U.S. airlines hiring more flight attendants fluent in Chinese

By ADELINA ZHANG

New York (China Daily USA), 2014-08-12 – As the number of flights between China and the US increases, US airlines are looking to hire more Chinese speaking flight attendants to better serve their customers. American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines are among the US carriers seeking flight attendants fluent in Chinese. Some of the […]

12 Aug, 2014

U.S. top destination for fleeing Chinese fugitives

By Zhang Yan

Beijing, (Xinhua), 2014-08-11 – More than 150 economic fugitives from China, most of whom are corrupt officials or face allegations of corruption, remain at large in the United States, according to an official from the Ministry of Public Security. “The US has become the top destination for Chinese fugitives fleeing the law,” said Liao Jinrong, […]