31 Dec, 2014

Dry January: How to cut down your alcohol intake – The Independent

By Joel Harrison As a drinks writer, it is difficult for me to take a whole month off the booze. However, I often take a short break of a week, sometimes two if it is quiet, away from anything with an alcoholic content above about 0.5% abv. It is tempting, after a week of sampling […]

31 Dec, 2014

Saudi ex-coach plans to open 30 anti-obesity gyms | Arab News

Jeddah – A local businessman plans to open 30 gyms across the Kingdom to help fight the country’s obesity epidemic. Makarem Sobhi Batterjee, previous coach of the Kingdom’s youth team, who heads Shababco Lifestyle Co., said that the government should also assist in setting up gyms to counter this growing trend. He said that America […]

31 Dec, 2014

Confucius hometown offers free tours for Analects-chanting foreigners

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Qufu City, (Xinhua)  2014-12-28 – Foreigners who can recite five famous quotes of Confucius will be given free tours to his birthplace, according to a new policy by China’s Qufu city aimed at promoting the wisdom of the ancient philosopher. The city in east China’s Shandong province says from Friday foreigners can get free tickets […]

31 Dec, 2014

Right-of-centre ideology lost UK the war in Afghanistan and much more – The Observer

By Will Hutton It is part of Britain’s national self-image that we win wars. The army may be smaller than it was, but it remains the world’s best. Losing is impossible to conceive. Yet in Afghanistan, Britain has just suffered a humiliating defeat, the worst in more than half a century and, arguably, ranking with […]

31 Dec, 2014

Now Indian Buddhist group wants to reconvert followers back from Hinduism – The Hindu

An estimated 6,000 OBC (1,600) families in Maharashtra have registered themselves with an organisation engaged in a campaign for ghar vapsi for ‘Buddhists’ who were converted recently. They want to embrace Buddhism, claiming it as their “real home”. As the right-wing Hindu organisations give an aggressive push to their ghar vapsi agenda in a bid […]

31 Dec, 2014

Outrage over BJP MP’s remarks on farmers suicide – The Hindu

Coming on the heels of a dozen reported farmer suicides within three days in Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region, BJP MP Sanjay Dhotre has kicked up a major controversy after he said that farmers should be “let to die” if they are incapable of or cannot afford farming. “Let these farmers fend for themselves. If crops fail, […]

31 Dec, 2014

Chinese Commentary: Is the world becoming more dangerous?

By Zhou Bo

Beijing, (Chinadaily.com.cn)  2014-12-30 – Is the world becoming more dangerous? This question was recently asked by strategists, scholars and foreign policy practitioners from across the world at Ditchley Park, Oxfordshire, without an affirmative answer. Looking back at 2014, the sky of the West didn’t have much of a silver lining. The key words that marked […]

31 Dec, 2014

Majority of China’s white-collar workers unhappy with life

By Liu Wei

Beijing, (chinadaily.com.cn) 2014-12-30 – More than half of white-collars employees describe their life as unsatisfying, according to zhaopin.com, a Chinese job seeking and hiring website said in a report released on Monday, reported thepaper.cn. The majority of the participants who took part in the study with 9,272 valid samples said they don’t work out, don’t have […]

31 Dec, 2014

New website launched to mark Malaysia’s Chairmanship of ASEAN 2015

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PUTRAJAYA, Dec 23 (Bernama) — In conjunction with the assumption of Chairmanship of ASEAN 2015 by Malaysia from 1 January 2015, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched a dedicated website http://asean2015.gov.my to provide extensive coverage, information, updates and news on important events that will take place in 2015 during the Chairmanship. This dedicated website […]

31 Dec, 2014

As oil prices fall, Qatar National Bank predicts more global economic upheaval in 2015

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Doha, December 21 (QNA) – As 2014 comes to an end, the global economy shows signs of weakness with significant downside risks. Some of these risks are likely to materialise next year, leaving the global economy in worse shape than in 2014, QNB said in its Economic Commentary today. The following is the full text […]

31 Dec, 2014

Islamophobia on the rise in Germany

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ANKARA, December 26, 2014 (Anadolu Agency) – Since 17,500 Germans stood in front of the Dresden City Opera House on Monday chanting, “No more lies. We are the people,” it has become clear that the far right is again on the rise in Germany. The Patriotic Europeans against the Islamization of the Occident group has […]

31 Dec, 2014

UN vote on Palestine guarantees more Middle East conflict in 2015

United Nations, (UN News Centre) 30 December 2014 – Falling short of the required number of positive votes and faced with a veto from one of its permanent members, the United Nations Security Council today failed to adopt a draft resolution that would have affirmed the “urgent need” to reach within 12 months a peaceful […]

31 Dec, 2014

Their nation in pieces, Iraqis ponder what comes next | The Japan Times

The machine gun poking out from between a framed portrait of a Shiite imam and a stuffed toy Minnie Mouse was trained on anyone who approached the checkpoint. Like dozens of other communities in Iraq, this small Sunni settlement in northern Salahuddin province’s Tuz Khurmatu district has been reduced to rubble. In October, Shiite militiamen […]

30 Dec, 2014

Thai-Muslims Learn How “Halalness” can Benefit Them, Thailand, ASEAN and Islam

Imtiaz Muqbil was the only travel trade journalist to cover this milestone event.

Bangkok – Although the term “halal” is widely assumed to denote just observance of Islamic dietary and lifestyle norms, the broader economic, geopolitical and socio-cultural benefits of the multi-billion dollar halal industry were very much in focus at the first Thailand Halal Assembly in Bangkok between 28-30 December 2014. Both Thai Prime Minister Gen Prayut […]

30 Dec, 2014

Muslim scholars drop out of Oriental meet after threats from ‘Hindutva’ group – The Hindu

At least seven participants of the All India Oriental Conference (AIOC) to be held in Guwahati next month, have dropped out after receiving threatening letters. The letters, received only by Muslim scholars say, “If you will come at Gauwhati, Assam, our people will kill you” (sic). They are under the letter head of “Rashtriya Hindu […]

29 Dec, 2014

World Islamic Travel Summit To Debut In Abu Dhabi, October 2015

Compiled by Imtiaz Muqbil & Sana Shamsi

A compilation of progressive, positive, inspiring and motivating events and developments in the world of Islam for the week ending 29 December 2014 (07 Rabee’ al-Awwal 1436). Pls click on any of the headlines to go to the story. ============ A WORD FROM MY SPONSORS: TOURISM MALAYSIA NOW YOU CAN BUY EXQUISITE MALAYSIAN HANDICRAFTS ONLINE Malaysian […]

28 Dec, 2014

Modi govt must stop the celebration of Gandhi’s killer – Hindustan Times

The fruits of the development that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised will take some time to kick in, but we have reasons to be concerned about the deteriorating social climate in the meanwhile. Abusive language and behaviour by BJP leaders, the VHP’s ghar wapsi conversions, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s declaration that India is a […]

28 Dec, 2014

Digital detox retreats let stressed Japanese log out | The Japan Times

Kyodo, Dec 26, 2014 – While many tourists go to great lengths to always be digitally accessible, a growing number of gadget-weary travelers in Japan are seeing what it is like to leave behind mobile phones and social media services altogether. Joining a trend that started overseas last year, they are ditching their phones and […]

27 Dec, 2014

Council of American-Islamic Relations Christmas commentary: Jesus and Muhammad are Brothers

By Ibrahim Hooper

During the Christmas season, Christian families seek to maintain a focus on Jesus and his legacy. Many of our Christian brothers and sisters may be surprised to know that Muslims love and revere Jesus as one of God’s greatest messengers to mankind, just as we love and revere the Prophet Muhammad, may peace be upon […]

27 Dec, 2014

Muslim-majority Indonesia observes peaceful Christmas – The Jakarta Post

The country observed a peaceful Christmas on Thursday, which was marked by an unusually large number of Muslim government officials publicly sending “Merry Christmas” wishes to Christians nationwide, a move that many see as controversial in a country with the most Muslims in the world. One of the high-profile officials who wished Christians a “Merry […]

27 Dec, 2014

Survey: Many New Year Thai revellers plan to drink and then drive home – The Nation

Nearly a third of people planning to go drinking at New Year parties also plan to drive themselves home, a survey has revealed. The survey conducted on 3,000 people by the Public Health Ministry revealed that 36.6 per cent of potential partygoers had no qualms about being behind the wheel even after consuming alcohol. “This […]

27 Dec, 2014

Israeli Bus Driver Hurls Racist Abuse at Muslim Female Students

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NAZARETH, December 25, 2014 (WAFA) – An Israeli bus driver made racist remarks on Wednesday against a group of Palestinian female students studying at the Tel Aviv University when they got on the bus, because they were wearing the Islamic attire and headscarf. In a phone call with the bus company Dan, CEO Shmuel Refaeli, […]

27 Dec, 2014

Phuket, Phang-nga remember 10th anniversary of tsunami

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BANGKOK, 26 December 2014 (NNT) – State agencies in Phuket and Phang-nga today held memorial services for December 2004’s tsunami that killed at over 5,000 people in Thailand, on the 10th anniversary of the disaster. The Phuket provincial administrative organization and the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Center Region 18 hosted a lecture attended by community […]

27 Dec, 2014

No ban on alcohol for the New Year period – The Nation

Partygoers will be able to buy booze during New Year celebrations as the Alcohol Control Committee has decided to defer its decision on banning the sale of alcohol during this period. The ban was proposed on grounds that alcohol consumption is responsible for hundreds of road deaths during the New Year holidays every year. “We […]

27 Dec, 2014

People flock to Thai beaches to honour 2004 tsunami victims – The Nation

One decade on, people gathered at various seaside spots in tsunami-hit provinces to remember those who perished in the deadly waves. Yesterday marked the 10th anniversary of the tsunami that killed more than 5,000 people of various nationalities in this country. In Phuket province, people laid flowers and lit candles in memory of tsunami victims […]

27 Dec, 2014

Marking 10 years since Indian Ocean tsunami, UN says world better prepared for natural disasters

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United Nations, (UN News Centre) 26 December 2014 – It has been ten years since a massive tsunami swept across the Indian Ocean killing more than 200,000 people and devastating coastline communities from Indonesia to Somalia. Today, the world is much better prepared to mitigate such disasters, senior United Nations officials have declared. Caring has […]

26 Dec, 2014

China warns officials against extravagance during holiday season

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BEIJING, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) — The central authorities have warned officials to rein in spending and luxury gifts during a season known for over consumption. The circular, which was recently issued by the general offices of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council, underscored that officials must remain frugal and […]

26 Dec, 2014

Australians detained for assault, urination | The Jakarta Post

Two Australian brothers, Scott O’Hehir, 32, and Timothy O’Hehir, 27, have been detained at the North Kuta Police station after they allegedly assaulted a local man in Canggu village, North Kuta, Bali. The brothers reportedly beat up and injured the man after the latter reprimanded them for urinating inside a shop construction site and behind […]

26 Dec, 2014

Tourism developers want to wipe out mangroves that saved Thai village from tsunami – Al Jazeera

Baan Nai Rai, Thailand – Ten years ago when a massive tsunami swept away every house in this small Muslim village in southern Thailand, Cham Khiaw-Nin didn’t lament the loss of his property but rather the damage done to the mangrove forest. “Mangroves are vital to us. We survive thanks to them because fish grow […]

26 Dec, 2014

Christmas in Gaza: A season without hope as fears grow of renewed conflict with Israel – The Independent

Kim Sengupta Gaza City, Thursday 25 December 2014 -The sermons were about the sacrifice made by the Saviour, an affirmation of faith and belief in redemption, as befits a service on Christmas Day. But this is Gaza and there were also reminders of shared suffering and sorrow, the need for unity at a time of […]

26 Dec, 2014

Ban alcohol firms from sponsoring sports clubs and events, doctors urge – The Guardian

Leading doctors are demanding a ban on alcohol firms sponsoring sports clubs and events because they claim that the “outrageous” practice is fuelling underage drinking by children. The leaders of Britain’s nurses, A&E specialists and hospital doctors are among those urging ministers to outlaw the sort of deals that have seen Everton and Celtic football […]

26 Dec, 2014

PressTV – Russians angry over sanctions, wipe feet on US flag doormats

A Russian shopping mall in Moscow is using American flags as doormats in a bid to express anger over economic sanctions imposed by the United States against Russia. The mall in central Moscow invites customers to wipe their feet at its entrance on doormats bearing the United States flag. The mall’s workers said in a […]

26 Dec, 2014

It’s official: Fast-food Dulls the Brain, Retards Academic Growth in Students

By: Jeff Grabmeier

COLUMBUS, Ohio, December 22, 2014, (Ohio State University media release) – The amount of fast food children eat may be linked to how well they do in school, a new nationwide study suggests. Researchers found that the more frequently children reported eating fast food in fifth grade, the lower their growth in reading, math, and […]

26 Dec, 2014

Pope Rues “Globalization of Indifference” in Christmas Day Message – NYTimes.com

Dear brothers and sisters, may the Holy Spirit today enlighten our hearts, that we may recognize in the Infant Jesus, born in Bethlehem of the Virgin Mary, the salvation given by God to each one of us, to each man and woman and to all the peoples of the earth. May the power of Christ, […]

26 Dec, 2014

Religious Intolerance in India – NYTimes.com

Hope is in danger of crumbling that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would rein in the divisive agenda of his militant Hindu-nationalist supporters and allow India to concentrate on the important work of economic reform, and the blame lies squarely with Mr. Modi. During the last days of its winter session ending on Tuesday, Parliament was […]

25 Dec, 2014

Wikileaks: How CIA Operatives With Fake IDs Evade Border Checks

Wikileaks media release

(English | Spanish | French) Today, 21 December 2014, WikiLeaks releases two classified documents by a previously undisclosed CIA office detailing how to maintain cover while travelling through airports using false ID – including during operations to infiltrate the European Union and the Schengen passport control system. This is the second release within WikiLeaks’ CIA […]

25 Dec, 2014

Israel allows only 500 Gaza Christians to visit Bethlehem

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Dec 24, 2014, PressTV – Israeli forces have announced that they will maintain severe restrictions on Christians arriving from the Gaza Strip for this year’s festivities while there is no restriction for Christians from around the world to visit the city. This year, only a few hundred Christians living in the coastal enclave, either younger […]

25 Dec, 2014

What I’ve learned from living through three wars in the Gaza Strip

Alaa Radwan Alaa Radwan Alaa RadwanBy By Alaa Radwan in Gaza I am 22 years old now; and three times in my lifetime wars have taken place. The first war was the hardest and the most shocking to me since it was the first. Later I tried to get myself “used” to the worst so […]

25 Dec, 2014

Christmas message from Jerusalem: Join the Babe of Bethlehem in Creative Resistance

Muna Mushahwar and Robert Smith, Co-Moderators, PIEF Core Group

Christmas greetings from Jerusalem. Even in the midst of lights and decorations in the Christian Quarter, Scout groups marching in Bethlehem, and amazing parties in Beit Sahour and Beit Jala, the reality of the situation in Israel and Palestine continues to challenge our Christmas joy. Just today, we received news that demolition orders have been […]

25 Dec, 2014

China Focus: 40 mln employees face pension reform

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BEIJING, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) — About 40 million members of government, Party, and public institution staff will be affected by the reform of China’s pension system. China’s Vice Premier Ma Kai on Tuesday reported on the social security system at the ongoing bi-monthly session of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, saying the basic […]

25 Dec, 2014

Construction starts on new Beijing airport on Friday

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BEIJING, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) — Work will begin on Beijing’s new airport on Friday, according to a senior Chinese official. The international aviation hub will be constructed on the principles of frugality, efficiency, convenience and comfort, Zhou Laizhen, deputy director of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), said on Wednesday. The airport is designed […]

24 Dec, 2014

2004 tsunami survivors recall how mosques stood firm | The Japan Times

AP, Dec 24, 2014, BANDA ACEH, INDONESIA – When powerful tsunami smashed into this Indonesian city 10 years ago, the only structures left standing in many neighborhoods were mosques. For the hundreds who found refuge within their walls, the buildings’ lifesaving role has not been forgotten — and for many, that experience strengthened their faith. […]

24 Dec, 2014

Debating India’s conversion conundrum – Shiv Visvanathan, The Hindu

What one is facing is a tinderbox of emotions where each group lights its own matchstick. I am personally against conversion. I feel it should be restricted to real changes and beliefs. To use it as a political act, to rectify history or the inequities of caste creates deep violence. When the Bajrang Dal threatens […]

24 Dec, 2014

Islamic organizations in Poso help to secure churches | The Jakarta Post

The Poso chapter of Nahdlatul Ulama’s young wing, Barisan Ansor Serbaguna (Banser NU), says it is ready to help police and military personnel ensure peace and safety for Christians in Poso, Central Sulawesi, who will conduct religious ceremonies for Christmas. “We will help secure Christmas celebrations in Poso but we can manage to secure only […]

24 Dec, 2014

We are passive consumers of the pornography of violence – The Guardian

Ours is the culture of the repeat, the freeze-frame and the slow-motion action sequence; ours is the highly advanced civilisation that developed the capability to put a camera on the nose of a laser-guided bomb so that, like Major “King” Kong (the deranged cold war warrior played by Slim Pickens in Kubrick’s Dr Strangelove), we […]

24 Dec, 2014

Ryanair boss: ‘No company has done more in last 30 years to boost European integration’ – The Independent

Michael O’Leary, the controversial chief executive of Ryanair, claims that his airline now dominates Europe – and has outperformed all other organisations in unifying the Continent. The Ryanair boss was speaking exclusively to The Independent about the two decades since he took over in 1994. Today the airline carries more passengers than any other European […]

24 Dec, 2014

China’s rich-poor income gap rises to “alarming level”

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Beijing, (ecns) 2014-12-24 — China’s income gap has widened to an alarming level, much higher than that of Russia and the US, according to the 4th Income Distribution and Enterprises Salary Reform Summit. The average salary among the top 20 percent high-income earners is about 10.7 times higher than that of the bottom 20 percent […]

24 Dec, 2014

Chinese customs seize more than 3,000 crocodile skins

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XIAMEN, (Xinhua) 2014-12-24 – Customs authorities in East China’s Fujian province seized a staggering 3,022 crocodile skins illegally shipped from Taiwan. In mid-June, a Fujian-based trade company lodged a declaration for a batch of frozen fish balls from Taiwan, but later customs officers found 1,328 crocodile skins disguised by the fish balls in the port […]

24 Dec, 2014

Balinese Hindus commemorate victory of good over evil | The Jakarta Post

Millions of Balinese Hindus across the island observed Galungan, to commemorate good’s victory over evil, on Wednesday. From early morning, people flocked to temples and shrines to perform prayers. Wearing their best colorful Balinese attire, they brought offerings, including many kinds of fruit, cakes and canang sari (a delicate banana leaf arrangement with petals on […]

24 Dec, 2014

Mass conversion in India PM’s home state sparks anger | Arab News

AHMEDABAD, India: Hard-line Hindu groups came under fire Sunday after some 200 Christians were converted in the Indian prime minister’s home state, amid increasing concern at the right-wing government’s perceived pro-Hindu tilt. The radical Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP or World Hindu Council) said it converted Christian tribal people to their original Hindu faith in Prime […]

24 Dec, 2014

Billion-dollar Investment Opportunities Seen in Cuba

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WASHINGTON, Dec 24 (NNN-CARIBBEANNEWS) — A leading investment group has identified billions of dollars worth of opportunities in Cuba following US President Barack Obama’s announcement of plans to re-establish relations with the Caribbean island nation. The Cuba Business Outlook, produced by the business intelligence group Global News Matters, reported many opportunities — with investments required […]

24 Dec, 2014

Respecting opinion of mankind – Uri Avnery

Almost a thousand Israeli personalities have already signed an appeal to European parliaments for their governments to recognize the State of Palestine. I am honored to be among the signatories, which include former ministers and members of the Knesset, diplomats and generals, artists and businessmen, writers and poets, including Israel’s three outstanding writers Amos Oz, […]

24 Dec, 2014

Princess Cruises “Relaxation Report”: Holiday season sees women get more stressed than men

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SANTA CLARITA, Calif., Dec. 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — With the holidays in full swing, a new survey released by Princess Cruises found that this is a more stressful time for women than men, with women feeling more pressure cooking meals and hosting parties, while men feel more stress by shopping and receiving unwanted gifts. The survey […]

24 Dec, 2014

MH370 was ‘shot down by the US military’, former Proteus Airlines CEO claims – The Independent

A French former airline director has claimed that the US military may have shot down Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 and covered it up. Marc Dugain, who headed Proteus Airlines and is an established author, speculated that the Americans may have targeted the aircraft because they feared a September 11-style attack on a military base in […]

24 Dec, 2014

Chinese commentary: In New World Order, U.S “Should Stop Trying to Play God”

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BEIJING, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) — China on Tuesday conducted an interim review of the implementation of a government action plan on human rights protection, highlighting the considerable progress it has made since 2012 and pledging to strive for greater improvement. The meeting, which gave floor to state organs and agencies at various levels to report […]

24 Dec, 2014

TripAdvisor fined in Italy over false reviews | GulfNews.com

Rome: Italy’s antitrust authority has slapped a 500,000 euro (Dh2.2 million) fine on TripAdvisor for failing to do enough to prevent false reviews. The move follows complaints from hoteliers of negative and, in some cases, defamatory reviews regarding their businesses. Italy is the world’s fifth largest destination for international tourism with about 46m international visitors […]

24 Dec, 2014

Hundreds of Singaporeans Visit al-Aqsa Mosque in Solidarity with Palestinians

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JERUSALEM, December 23, 2014 (WAFA) – Hundreds of Muslim Singaporeans Tuesday visited al-Aqsa Mosque in the city of Jerusalem as an act of support, in light of the recent heightened Israeli measures against worshipers and protection of Israeli settlers, which have spiked tensions in the old city. This visit comes at a time of mounting […]

24 Dec, 2014

Palestinian President: All I Want from Christmas is Justice

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RAMALLAH, December 22, 2014 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas Sunday called upon the international community to recognize the State of Palestine on the 1967 border and support the United Nations initiative to set a deadline to end the Israeli occupation. “This Christmas, we deliver a very special message to the world: All I want from […]

24 Dec, 2014

Palestine Advocates Protest Israeli Diamond Store in NYC for Human Rights Violation Complicity

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NEW YORK, December 22, 2014 (WAFA) – A total of 40 New York human rights advocates protested on Saturday at the Israeli billionaire Lev Leviev’s flagship Madison Avenue diamond store, which is known for being complicit in the Israeli occupation and settlement activities in the West Bank. The advocates had been gathering for eight years […]

23 Dec, 2014

The CIA guide to how to travel like James Bond – The Independent

Take it easy at the Christmas party if you plan to fly the next day. According to the CIA’s secret travel guide for spies, travellers with “shaking or trembling hands, rapid breathing for no apparent reason, cold sweats, pulsating carotid arteries, a flushed face, and avoidance of eye contact” will arouse suspicion. That is one […]

23 Dec, 2014

Campaign in Argentine town calls for boycott of Israeli tourists – Haaretz

A campaign against Israeli backpackers has been launched in the Patagonian region of Argentina, where Israelis make up about 10 percent of the lucrative tourist trade. Posters appeared Monday in the city of Bariloche, a major tourism center located in the foothills of the Andes Mountains in which most of the stores have signs in […]

22 Dec, 2014

In pictures: Tragic human cost of the lies that led to war in Iraq – The Independent

When did you start getting into photography, and what do you enjoy most about it? Pretty early, but not seriously until the 1990s when I started doing my own LP covers. Why did you decide to photograph wounded veterans? What bothered me, was all the lies when we went to war in the Middle East: […]

22 Dec, 2014

E-encyclopedia documents Haj through the ages

Compiled by Imtiaz Muqbil & Sana Shamsi

A compilation of progressive, positive, inspiring and motivating events and developments in the world of Islam for the week ending 22 December 2014 (30 Safar 1436). Pls click on any of the headlines below to go to the story. ============ A WORD FROM MY SPONSORS: TOURISM MALAYSIA NOW YOU CAN BUY EXQUISITE MALAYSIAN HANDICRAFTS ONLINE Malaysian […]

21 Dec, 2014

Hindu Mahasabha wants to install Gandhi killer’s bust at public places – The Hindu

Projecting Mahatma Gandhi’s assassin Nathuram Godse as a ‘nationalist political leader’ and terming him as ‘an irreplaceable asset to the intellectual discourse of Hinduism’, the Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha wants to install Godse’s busts at ‘public places’. The Mahasabha, which has already procured a sculpted Godse bust, currently on display at its headquarters in central […]

21 Dec, 2014

More European Groups Call for Formal Recognition of Palestine

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STRASBOURG, December 18, 2014 (WAFA) – In yet another supportive gesture in favor of the Palestinian statehood bid, the European United Left/Nordic Green Left European Parliamentary Group (GUE/NGL MEPS) called on member states to formally recognize a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. The group welcomed the European Parliament […]

20 Dec, 2014

International Cruise Victims Applauds Legislation to Increase Public Access to Cruise Safety Info

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PHOENIX–(BUSINESS WIRE)–December 15, 2014 – International Cruise Victims (ICV) is pleased to announce the passage of new legislation which will require a numerical accounting of missing persons as well as requiring that all applicable alleged crimes committed on cruise ships be reported publicly regardless of the investigative status of the incident. In a bipartisan fashion, […]

20 Dec, 2014

New initiative launched to support Americans to study in China

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WASHINGTON – (Xinhua) – 2014-12-18 – China and the United States launched a new fellowship initiative on Wednesday to support mid-career American professionals to study in China. The initiative, known as Zhi-Xing China-Perfect World U.S.-China Young Leaders Fellowships, aims to sponsor 15 to 20 American professionals who are interested in Chinese culture and China-related work […]

20 Dec, 2014

European Union Helps Consumers by Capping Credit Card Fees While U.S. Lags

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WASHINGTON, December 18, 2014, (BUSINESS WIRE)–The following press release was issued by Merchants Payments Coalition: American merchants applaud the European Union for taking steps to cap card fees at a seventh of what U.S. retailers pay their banks. The 28 countries of the European Union agreed with a committee of the EU’s Parliament to cap […]

20 Dec, 2014

China, US vow to boost tourism

Imtiaz Muqbil

CHICAGO, (Xinhua), 2014-12-18 – China and the United States vowed on Wednesday to further enhance bilateral cooperation in boosting tourism and people-to-people exchanges. At a forum on China-US tourism cooperation held here as part of the ongoing 25th session of the US-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT), visiting Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang […]

19 Dec, 2014

Asia Times Online: Netanyahu shatters Israel’s image

No Israeli government has shattered Israel’s international image more than the administration of Benjamin Netanyahu has done over the past six years. Not only have Netanyahu and his cohorts systematically engaged in rancorous public narratives against the Palestinians, they have taken action that could only attest to his unwavering commitment to expand the settlements and […]

19 Dec, 2014

Palestinian President: Independent State by 2017

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RAMALLAH, December 18, 2014 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas Thursday said the bid aims for the conduct of serious negotiations with Israel to put an end to the military occupation and establish an independent Palestinian state by the year 2017. During a televised speech at the Palestinian leadership meeting, Abbas said the Palestinian bid for […]

19 Dec, 2014

Geneva Conference Addresses Israeli Violations of International Law

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GENEVA, December 17, 2014 (WAFA) – The High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions met in Geneva on Wednesday to discuss Israel’s failure to comply with international law with regards to the Palestinian inalienable rights, according to Palestine’s Permanent Mission in Switzerland. The meeting discussed Israel’s impunity by a High Contracting Party and disregard of […]

19 Dec, 2014

Jewish Fanatics Break into Al-Aqsa Mosque amid Growing Tensions

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JERUSALEM, December 16, 2014 (WAFA) – A group of Jewish extremists on Wednesday broke into the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem in a provocative tour, shortly following clashes that erupted throughout the city last night after Israeli army killed a Palestinian in nearby Qalandia refugee camp. Local media sources said one of the Jewish […]

19 Dec, 2014

Dennis Kucinich: Three Members of Congress Just Reignited the Cold War While No One Was Looking – Truthdig

Late Thursday night, the House of Representatives unanimously passed a far-reaching Russia sanctions bill, a hydra-headed incubator of poisonous conflict. The second provocative anti-Russian legislation in a week, it further polarizes our relations with Russia, helping to cement a Russia-China alliance against Western hegemony, and undermines long-term America’s financial and physical security by handing the […]

19 Dec, 2014

Martin Place siege: Acknowledge errors to prepare for the future – Sydney Morning Herald

Australians approach the end of 2014 feeling markedly less secure than they began it. More than a feeling, this is a fact conceded by no less an authority than the government itself. Acting on the advice of its defence and security experts, the official “National Terrorism Public Alert System” currently ranks the domestic threat as […]

19 Dec, 2014

Air France Flight Forced To Land Because Of … Chili Peppers

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SANTO DOMINGO, Dec 19 (NNN-AGENCIES) — An Air France flight from Santo Domingo to Paris made an emergency landing in Ireland on Sunday after an alarm indicated the possibility of fire or smoke in the cargo hold, according to the Irish Independent. The culprit turned out to be chili peppers – yes, chili peppers – […]

19 Dec, 2014

Chinese commentator to U.S.: Criticizing is easier than self-criticism

By Chen Weihua

Washington DC, (China Daily) 2014-12-12 – Now we all know why it’s never the United States, but the rest of the world that engages in torture. It’s simply because the US doesn’t call it torture, it calls it enhanced interrogation techniques, or EIT. But no matter how much nicer it sounds, EIT is heinous and […]

19 Dec, 2014

Gulf Arab economies respond tactically to offset oil price plunge

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DUBAI, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) — The question of how much the fall in oil prices will affect the Gulf Arab economies in 2015 is the” talk of the town” in the region with officials and business executives differing in their assessments. The drop in oil would not change the bullish prospects for the United Arab […]

19 Dec, 2014

China announces major holiday dates for 2015

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BEIJING, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) — The State Council, China’s cabinet, announced major holiday dates for 2015: New Year’s Day: Jan. 1 – Jan. 3, with Jan. 4 (Sunday) as a working day. Spring Festival (Chinese Lunar New Year): Feb. 18 – Feb. 24. Feb.15 (Sunday) and Feb. 28 (Saturday) are working days. Qingming (Tomb-Sweeping Day): […]

19 Dec, 2014

China Beware! The British Gunboats are Back! – People’s Daily Online

By David Ferguson December 16, 2014 – It’s ok. The headline is just a joke. We’re not coming back in our gunboats. We haven’t got any left. We will have an aircraft carrier some time in the next five years or so, but as a result of the joined up thinking of our outstanding politicians, […]

19 Dec, 2014

ADB, Cambodia Sign Loans to Boost Tourism, Water Supply and Financial Sectors

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PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA, ADB Media release, 18 December 2014 – Cambodia’s Minister of Economy and Finance Aun Pornmoniroth and Asian Development Bank (ADB) today signed loan agreements totaling $67 million for three support operations which will further improve the country’s water supply, tourism, and financial sectors. The loan agreements cover the Third Financial Sector Program–Subprogram […]

19 Dec, 2014

Drone shot down in Beijing suburb, operators charged

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Beijing, (Chinadaily.com.cn), 2014-12-16 — Three people have been charged with involuntarily endangering public security by flying drones for surveying and mapping, according to a recent report in People’s Liberation Army Daily. The drone forced several commercial airliners to alter their paths or delay their flights before it was shot down by air force, the report […]

19 Dec, 2014

Chinese travel agencies told to regulate tourist behavior

By Su Zhou

Beijing, (China Daily) 2014-12-15 – Tourism authorities will urge travel agencies to monitor tour groups and will explore the use of personal credit reports to identify possible offenders in advance. The move comes after four Chinese travelers poured hot water on a Thai flight attendant and triggered public outrage online. The China National Tourism Administration […]

19 Dec, 2014

GMS summit in Thailand: China eyes bigger role in boosting connectivity

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BANGKOK, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Keqiang’s expected attendance at a Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) summit in Thailand signals China’s more active role in efforts to bolster regional economy and connectivity and to expand the scope of cooperation. Also on Li’s agenda is the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on China-Thailand […]

19 Dec, 2014

The lesson of the Sony hack: Don’t email. Don’t text. Don’t send photos – Sydney Morning Herald

This month’s news provides yet another occasion for a friendly public-service reminder to anyone who uses a digital device to say anything to anyone, ever. Don’t do it. Don’t email, don’t text, don’t update, don’t send photos. At least, don’t do it if you have any expectation that what you say will remain private — […]

19 Dec, 2014

Magaluf declared ‘mature tourist zone’ in crackdown on drunken excess – The Guardian

Authorities in Magaluf will on Friday announce plans aimed at ridding the resort of its image as a place for alcohol-fuelled, sexually charged debauchery, especially among young British holidaymakers. Officials have also appealed to British police to help patrol Magaluf and its main tourist strip, Punta Ballena, after officers from France and Germany were brought […]

19 Dec, 2014

World wood production up but paper stagnant as electronic publishing grows – UN report

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United Nations, (UN News Centre) 18 December 2014 – Continuing steady growth in 2013 for the fourth consecutive year, global wood production has fully recovered from the economic downturn of 2008-2009, though production of pulp and paper stagnated largely due to a decline in consumption in China, data released by the United Nations’ Food and […]

19 Dec, 2014

China corruption crackdown hits Macau’s gambling revenue

By DENG YANZI/ZHANG HAIZHOU

Beijing, (China Daily) Updated: 2014-12-19 – It is time for Macao to diversify its economy from an over-reliance on gambling, as this year may mark the city’s first yearly decline in gaming revenue, industry insiders and analysts urge. Macao is looking to develop as a leisurely tourist destination to offer visitors, mostly from the Chinese […]

19 Dec, 2014

Chinese commentary: Water more important for Asian security than tanks and warships

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(People’s Daily Online), December 18, 2014 – When talking about Asian security, many analysts tend to start with the number of naval vessels and warplanes each country possesses. The recent water crisis in the Maldives has reminded us that the Asian security issue should be viewed comprehensively. On Dec. 15, a desalination plant in Male […]

19 Dec, 2014

Lee Daniels: ‘I was brainwashed by U.S. media about Arabs’ – GulfNews.com

Dubai – There’s never a dull moment during an interview with Oscar-nominated director Lee Daniels. The man behind gritty dramas such as Precious and The Butler and who was on call at the Dubai International Film Festival to be the head of the Muhr Narrative Films jury commands your attention with his concise — albeit […]

19 Dec, 2014

India’s Modi orders party to rein in pro-Hindu agenda – Reuters

NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned his lawmakers for the first time to stop promoting controversial issues such as religious conversions and to focus on economic reforms as he struggles to pass legislation needed to kickstart the economy. A right wing Hindu group called off a plan to convert thousands of Muslims to […]

19 Dec, 2014

Christian enclave in India fears violence as Hindus press for conversions – The Washington Post

ALIGARH, India — The trouble started a few months ago, when Hindu nationalists swept into a small village where several families had converted to Christianity more than a decade earlier. They held a fire purification ceremony with the villagers, tore a cross off the local church and put up a poster of the god Shiva. […]

17 Dec, 2014

‘Terror has no religion’: Russian MP urges media ban on phrase ‘Islamic terrorist’ — RT

A Russian lawmaker proposes a ban on expressions such as ‘Islamic terrorist’ and ‘Islamist militant’ in the mass media, claiming they give people the wrong impression about Islam and put ordinary believers at risk. Shamsail Saraliyev (United Russia) stepped up with this initiative at this week’s session of the State Duma Committee for Information Policy, […]

17 Dec, 2014

Tourist Influx Helps Rural Lao PDR Thrive

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Vientiane, Lao PDR, ADB Feature | 8 December 2014 – When Noy Sae Lee was a young woman in northwest Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) in the 1970s, her small ethnic Lanten community subsisted on slash-and-burn cultivation, virtually isolated from the outside world, save for limited trade in opium and wildlife in this fabled […]

17 Dec, 2014

Ancient Trade Route Boosts Tourism, Commerce Within Greater Mekong Subregion

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Vientiane, Lao PDR, ADB News Feature, 12 December 2014 – A modern highway and bridge connecting three countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion are reviving an ancient trade route and bringing new life to local communities. More than 1,200 years ago, during the Tang Dynasty, merchants in Yunnan, People’s Republic of China (PRC) began forging trade routes to […]

17 Dec, 2014

$50 Billion Greater Mekong Plan to Focus on Building Economic Corridors

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VIENTIANE, LAO PDR (ADB media release) 12 December 2013 – Member countries of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) have agreed to draw up a $50 billion pipeline of potential projects under a new Regional Investment Framework (RIF), including investments in non-traditional areas like railways and multisector projects to be made over the next decade. “The […]

17 Dec, 2014

Global Coalition Launched to Help the World’s Poorest Access Affordable Health Coverage

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12 DECEMBER 2014 (Rockefeller Foundation media release) – A new global coalition of more than 500 leading health and development organizations worldwide is urging governments to accelerate reforms that ensure everyone, everywhere, can access quality health services without being forced into poverty. The coalition was launched today, on the first-ever Universal Health Coverage Day, 12 […]

17 Dec, 2014

EU Agrees Money Laundering Transparency Reforms, but Full Access Denied

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17 December 2014 (Released by Transparency International Liaison Office to the European Union)  – Transparency International has welcomed new landmark legislation to tackle money laundering and anonymous shell companies in the European Union. The revisions to the 4th Anti-Money Laundering Directive agreed by the European Parliament and EU Council are an important step forward in […]

17 Dec, 2014

Delhi’s indifference to 1984 riots led to other massacres – Hindustan Times

The 30th anniversary has passed by — almost unnoticed — of the days when Delhi was engulfed in the tumult of the bloodiest frenzy of communal slaughter after the Partition riots, extinguishing over 3,000 lives. Ganga Kaur, who lost her husband, brother-in-law and four nephews in the carnage, sighs, “Every time November returns, we remember. […]

16 Dec, 2014

Sydney siege: Why my heart sank when I saw an Islamic flag – Sydney Morning Herald

By Mariam Veiszadeh As a mother and a fellow Australian, I join the rest of the nation in grieving the loss of two innocent Sydneysiders who so tragically lost their lives in the Martin Place siege. My thoughts and prayers are with their families, the rest of the hostages and their loved ones. I went […]