11 Oct, 2014

Disentangling the burqa from Australian national security – The Age

By Julie Szego In this febrile, hyperbolic and downright surreal moment in national affairs, every appalling action has a facile and opposite reaction. So it was with last week’s burqa controversy. Extremists in the Coalition tried to whip up fear against a vulnerable minority. In reaction, it seems we must now smother any hint of […]

10 Oct, 2014

Shlomo Sand: ‘I wish to resign and cease considering myself a Jew’ – The Guardian

During the first half of the 20th century, my father abandoned Talmudic school, permanently stopped going to synagogue, and regularly expressed his aversion to rabbis. At this point in my own life, in the early 21st century, I feel in turn a moral obligation to break definitively with tribal Judeocentrism. I am today fully conscious […]

10 Oct, 2014

Zero Australian Terrorism Deaths vs 1 Million Preventable Australian Deaths

By Dr Gideon Polya One can estimate that 81,000 Australians die preventably each year, and over 1 million have died thus since the US Government’s false-flag 9-11 atrocity (3,000 killed) as compared to only 6 Australian deaths by terrorists (none Muslim) in the last 36 years. Yet the major Australian parties, the currently ruling Coalition […]

10 Oct, 2014

The remnants of Gaza – In Pictures – Al Jazeera English

Weeks after Israel ended its bombardment of Gaza, Palestinian residents have started coming back to what remains of their homes and livelihoods. Operation Protective Edge reduced entire neighbourhoods to rubble, flattened iconic buildings and killed more than 2,000 people. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, more than 100,000 people were […]

10 Oct, 2014

Why banning Arab authors from US is censorship – Al Jazeera English

On September 30, Jordanian poet and novelist Amjad Nasser was scheduled to give the inaugural address at the Gallatin Global Writers series. Nasser is a major Arab poet, whose “A Song and Three Questions” was chosen by The Guardian as one of the 50 greatest love poems of the past 50 years and whose debut […]

10 Oct, 2014

Australian spies can access my metadata, so why can’t I? – Sydney Morning Herald

By Ben Grubb, Deputy Technology Editor. This hearing isn’t where I expected to be 15 months ago when I sent Telstra an email requesting access to my metadata. But, after more than a year of phone calls and emails and a private mediation session, it still hasn’t released the information or answered my one key […]

10 Oct, 2014

Dozens of anti-Muslim attacks in Australia – Sydney Morning Herald

There have been at least 30 attacks on Muslims – mainly against women wearing the hijab – in the three weeks since the police anti-terror raids and threats by Islamic State put relations between the Islamic community and mainstream Australia on edge. Muslim community leaders are compiling a register of religiously motivated incidents, which includes […]

10 Oct, 2014

Why outgoing PATA CEO Martin Craigs lasted only one term

Imtiaz Muqbil

Bangkok – When his resignation was announced at the PATA Travel Mart in Phnom Penh this past September, outgoing PATA CEO Martin Craigs took an indirect swipe at the PATA board. He was quoted by the TTG Asia e-Daily as saying that it needed more diversity, thus: “People who have served their time on the […]

10 Oct, 2014

Modi campaigns for legislature candidate with criminal taint – Hindustan Times

Prime Minister Narendra Modi campaigned for a controversial Bharatiya Janata Party candidate on Thursday, asking people gathered at a rally in Maharashtra’s Rahuri city to re-elect the local legislator who faces a dozen criminal charges, including that of murder and extortion. The Prime Minister’s support to Shivaji Kardile, ironically, came in a speech exhorting the […]

9 Oct, 2014

Islamophobia on U.S. cable news is out of control – Vox

On September 17, 2001, President George W. Bush gave his “Islam is peace” speech from the Islamic Center of Washington DC, tucked into a leafy stretch of embassy row. He urged the country to embrace “fellow Americans” who are Muslim as well as Islam itself “with respect,” explaining to a country full of “anger and […]

9 Oct, 2014

Fear factor gone, post-Modi Gujarat turns communal again – The Times of India

AHMEDABAD: Narendra Modi’s tallest claim at the end of his almost 13-year reign as Gujarat chief minister was flawless law and order situation in the state, but for the blemish of Godhra riots. “After 2002, Gujarat has not seen violence,” he would often say. After Modi’s flight to New Delhi five months ago, the fear […]

8 Oct, 2014

EXCLUSIVE: Incoming PATA CEO Plans to Restore the Balance, Boost Focus & Efficiency

Imtiaz Muqbil

Bangkok – Just 10 months after being appointed Chief Operations Officer of the Pacific Asia Travel Association, Mario Hardy is to take over as Chief Executive Officer, effective Nov 1. In an exclusive interview, his first since the official announcement, he has pledged to maintain the original agenda of creating a more focussed, results-oriented organisation, […]

7 Oct, 2014

RSS-BJP: Unmaking the Indian Republic – Hindustan Times

….the moment our prime minister returned to India having “conquered” the US, inviting them to invest in India — “Make in India” — US President Barack Obama in his weekly radio address to the nation said that “it was America and not India or China that was the most attractive investment destination in the world”! […]

7 Oct, 2014

Non-Muslim women offer flowers in show of solidarity with Canberra’s Islamic community – Sydney Morning Herald

Ten non-Muslim women, wearing hijabs and carrying flowers, have touched Canberra’s Islamic community with their simple message of love and solidarity. After a week of heightened anti-Islamic rhetoric in Canberra, where numerous politicians discussed banning the burqa, 10 women armed only with flowers attended an ACT Islamic festival to show support for their fellow Canberrans. […]

6 Oct, 2014

Merged Islamic Tourism Mart – Indonesian Travel Fair to be held 24-26 Oct

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 06 October 2014 (12 Dhul Ḥijjah 1435). 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 […]

6 Oct, 2014

First halal tourism conf in Spain awakens Europe to US$181 billion Islamic market

Imtiaz Muqbil

Granada, Spain – Spanish tourism authorities could double the number of visitor arrivals if they better market the country’s rich Islamic heritage, a unique competitive advantage over the rest of Europe. Indeed, speakers at the first Halal Tourism Conference (HTC) organised in Europe between 22-23 Sept 2014 sent clear messages that countries, companies and communities […]

4 Oct, 2014

Myanmar, Sri Lanka Buddhist extremists join hands | Arab News

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka: A hard-line Buddhist monk from Myanmar known for his anti-Muslim stance said his movement would join hands with a like-minded Sri Lankan group to “protect” Buddhists, whom he called an endangered world minority. Ashin Wirathu, leader of 969, a fundamentalist movement, was a special invitee Sunday at a rally of Bodu Bala […]

2 Oct, 2014

Chinese commentary: New Western crusade in Middle East has no better prospects than last

Beijing (Global Times)  September 17, 2014 – Washington’s foreign policy has an increasingly Alice in Wonderland character. But President Barack Obama’s policy toward the Islamic State (IS) does not surprise. To consider the new US crusade, it is helpful to get first the context and narrative into perspective. The present mess in the Middle East […]

2 Oct, 2014

Ex-Afghan leader Karzai slams US, Pakistan in farewell speech – DAWN.COM

Kabul: Outgoing Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Tuesday blamed the United States for his country’s long war, a final swipe at the country that helped bring him to power 13 years ago but towards which he has become increasingly bitter. His farewell speech came days ahead of the planned swearing in of a new president, […]

2 Oct, 2014

Russia cancels FLEX student exchange with the US | DW.DE

The Russian government decided on Wednesday to ditch a 20 year-old exchange that sent Russian high school students to the US amid escalating tensions between the former Cold War enemies. According to a report in the AFP news agency, the Kremlin accused the US of encouraging a student to stay behind under the guardianship of […]

2 Oct, 2014

What if every hotel room in the world displayed this “Poster of Peace”?

Imtiaz Muqbil

What if every hotel room in the world were to display this multi-lingual “Poster of Peace”? I pose this question in this special dispatch on Oct 2, universally marked as a Day of Non-Violence in commemoration of the birth anniversary of Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi, whose Ahimsa philosophy of non-violent resistance was at the […]

1 Oct, 2014

Netanyahu’s message of unending war – Haaretz

Netanyahu is not interested in an agreement with the Palestinians, denies the existence of the occupation and is unwilling to withdraw from the West Bank in any case. Want peace? Look for it in Abu Dhabi and Cairo, not in Jerusalem and Ramallah. Even Abbas — who, like Netanyahu, awoke the national traumas in his […]

29 Sep, 2014

Islamic Fashion Market estimated at $322 billion by 2018

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 September 2014 (05 Dhul Ḥijjah 1435). 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 […]

28 Sep, 2014

A ‘Goebbels propaganda prize’ for the corporate western media? – English pravda.ru

by Professor Arthur Noble Pravda (‘Truth’) is indeed aptly named: its factual, accurate and objective reporting on current geopolitical events stands in stark contrast to the lies that are churned out and regurgitated daily by the Western media, for which ‘Falsehood’ would be an appropriate collective description. To counteract the farce of the Nobel Peace […]

28 Sep, 2014

2014: Clash of civilizations? – pravda.ru

At the beginning of the Millennium, much was said about a clash of civilizations between the West and Islamist movements, terminology which was unacceptable to the former and more and more used by the latter. Today, we see increased intrusion by the West not only in Islamic States but also in Eastern Europe and growing […]

28 Sep, 2014

Airport Cameras Get Even More Orwellian | Alternet

By Sander Venema A few days ago I read an article about how TNO (the Dutch Organization for Applied Scientific Research, the largest research institute in the Netherlands) developed technology for smart cameras for use at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. These cameras — installed at Schiphol airport by the Qubit Visual Intelligence, a company from The […]

28 Sep, 2014

European MEP denied entry to Russia – pravda.ru

European Parliament member Rebecca Harms was denied entry to Moscow, which caused extreme dissatisfaction from the German Ministry for Foreign Affairs. “The refusal from the Russian authorities to deny entry (to Harms) in the country is unacceptable,” a message posted on the official Twitter account of the German Foreign Ministry said, RIA Novosti reports. Harms […]

27 Sep, 2014

Ultra-Orthodox Jews cause ’11-hour long nightmare’ on flight to Israel – The Independent

A flight from New York to Tel-Aviv descended into an “11-hour long nightmare” after ultra-orthodox Jewish passengers on board refused to sit next to women, delaying take-off and causing further disruption during the flight. On Wednesday, the eve of Rosh Hashanah, the El Al flight to Israel was carrying a large number of ultra-Orthodox Jews […]

26 Sep, 2014

Chinese Commentary: As possibility of Third World War exists, China needs to be prepared

By Han Xudong

Beijing,  (Global Times), September 16, 2014 – As the Ukrainian crisis deepens, international observers have become more and more concerned about a direct military clash between the US and Russia. Once an armed rivalry erupts, it is likely to extend to the globe. And it is not impossible that a world war could break out. […]

26 Sep, 2014

Gallup Polls: Americans Continue to Say a Third Political Party Is Needed

by Jeffrey M. Jones

PRINCETON, NJ – September 24, 2014 – Gallup Polls – A majority of U.S. adults, 58%, say a third U.S. political party is needed because the Republican and Democratic parties “do such a poor job” representing the American people. These views are little changed from last year’s high. Since 2007, a majority has typically called […]

22 Sep, 2014

New smartphone app gives sight to the blind | The Japan Times

SAN FRANCISCO – Jonathan Mosen, who has been blind since birth, spent a recent evening snapping photos of packages in the mail, his son’s school report and labels on bottles in the fridge. In seconds, he was listening to audio of the printed words the camera had captured, courtesy of a new app on his […]

22 Sep, 2014

Bypolls message for BJP: the Hindu voter is secular – Hindustan Times

Do you know what I find most heartening about the recent by-election results? It’s the loud, clear and firm message from India’s Hindu voters. My bet is it will resonate across our political firmament for a while to come. India’s Hindu voters — and I use that description deliberately — have refused to accept the […]

22 Sep, 2014

Japan’s high-speed shinkansen marks its 50th year | The Japan Times

Oct. 1 will be the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of the shinkansen super-express trains. The shinkansen has become the envy of the world, studied, imitated and emulated, but never quite matched. Though the younger generation may take it as a given, the “bullet train” will continue to be an important part of Japanese life […]

22 Sep, 2014

Free Admission To Egyptian Museums On World Tourism Day Sept 27

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 September 2014 (27 Dhul Qa’dah 1435). 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 […]

22 Sep, 2014

UNWTO Congress Merges Power of Pilgrimages & Tourism to Drive Spiritual & Material Growth

Imtiaz Muqbil

Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain — The global travel industry took another giant leap forward with the organisation of the first Congress on Tourism and Pilgrimages in this historic UNESCO World Heritage site city between 17-19 September. In what proved to be a unique interaction, religious leaders of all castes and creeds became tourism promoters, […]

21 Sep, 2014

Backlash of hate crimes against Muslims in Australia – Sydney Morning Herald

A car has been damaged and daubed with offensive comments, threatening letters have been sent and women have been abused in the street. A backlash of hate crimes against the Muslim community after the police raids last week has also sparked a rash of social media comments such as “this is how they should deal […]

17 Sep, 2014

15 lessons a man should have learned by age 30 – Sydney Morning Herald

Patrick Smith I have something in common with Prince Harry: we both turn 30 this year. While he’s been working tirelessly on the Invictus Games, I’ve been trying – and failing – to come to terms with waving goodbye to my twenties. Here, to mark the tombstone – I mean milestone – of our 30th […]

15 Sep, 2014

Gallup Polls: Americans’ trust in all branches of federal govt at or near record lows

by Jeffrey M. Jones

PRINCETON, NJ, September 15, 2014 (Gallup media release) — Americans’ trust in each of the three branches of the federal government is at or near the lows in Gallup’s trends, dating back to the early 1970s. Americans’ trust in the legislative branch fell six percentage points this year to a new low of 28%. Trust […]

15 Sep, 2014

Chris Hedges: How the U.S.-Israeli power elites lie to justify state terror – Truthdig

Chris Hedges gave this speech Saturday at the Sauk County Fairgrounds in Baraboo, Wis., before a crowd of about 2,000. I would like to begin by speaking about the people of Gaza. Their suffering is not an abstraction to me. I was the Middle East bureau chief for The New York Times. I spent seven […]

15 Sep, 2014

Bureau of Investigative Journalism files case challenging UK govt over media surveillance

by Rachel Oldroyd

Brussels, (BIJ media release), September 14, 2014 – The Bureau of Investigative Journalism is asking a European court to rule on whether UK legislation properly protects journalists’ sources and communications from government scrutiny and mass surveillance. The Bureau’s application was filed with the European Court of Human Rights on Friday. If the court rules in […]

15 Sep, 2014

Snowden leak: U.S. Govt tapping expats to help maintain global “supremacy”

Imtiaz Muqbil

From students to academics and businesspeople, American expatriates and citizens are being tapped to provide the U.S. government with information on anything that could help uphold its global supremacy, especially in the sectors of business, science, technology and defence, according to the latest Edward Snowden leak published by journalist Glenn Greenwald on 05 September. The […]

15 Sep, 2014

New Authority To Restore Historic Cairo

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 15 September 2014 (20 Dhul Qa’dah 1435). 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 […]

14 Sep, 2014

Global NGOs Warning: Mega-corporations trying to hijack UN Climate-Change Summit

Full text of statement circulated by Focus on the Global South, Bangkok.

Invitation to sign on statement to denounce corporate takeover of Climate Summit (Español, Français, Italiano below) We call upon all fellow social movements, peoples organizations and environmental and climate justice movements to sign on this statement and join us in this call to action. On the 23rd of September, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, […]

13 Sep, 2014

Asia Times Online : Gaza and the Threat of World War

“There is a taboo,” said the visionary Edward Said, “on telling the truth about Palestine and the great destructive force behind Israel. Only when this truth is out can any of us be free.” For many people, the truth is out now. At last, they know. Those once intimidated into silence can’t look away now. […]

13 Sep, 2014

Gurdwara a symbol of communal harmony in flood-hit Srinagar – Hindustan Times

The Shahid Bunga Gurdwara in Burzulla area of the city has emerged as a major relief centre for people who have been affected by the devastating floods in the Kashmir valley. Mohammad Amin and Nazeer Ahmed from Allauchi Bagh are among over 1,500 Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and Ladakhis who have registered at the control room […]

13 Sep, 2014

Hindu tradition of tolerance is showing strain, says eminent Indian jurist – Hindustan Times

Eminent jurist Fali Nariman hit out at the Narendra Modi government on Friday calling it ‘majoritarian’, and also expressed the view that Hinduism is losing its tolerance. Arguing that the ‘Hindu tradition of tolerance is showing strain’, he said, “My apprehension is Hinduism is changing its benign face because…it is believed and proudly proclaimed by […]

13 Sep, 2014

Raging conflicts trigger boom in sales of security hardware – The Guardian

“Warriors”, says the sign emblazoned in huge letters across the top of the Marriott conference center in downtown Oakland. It refers to the Golden State Warriors, the hometown basketball team who have their practice facilities here, but it might equally apply to the unusual gathering inside the hotel. Sprawled across the ground floor of the […]

13 Sep, 2014

Amazon deforestation jumps 29% – theguardian.com

The destruction of the world’s largest rainforest accelerated last year with a 29% spike in deforestation, according to final figures released by the Brazilian government on Wednesday that confirmed a reversal in gains seen since 2009. Satellite data for the 12 months through the end of July 2013 showed that 5,891 sq km of forest […]

13 Sep, 2014

BBC News – Israeli intelligence veterans refuse to spy on Palestinians

Dozens of veterans of an elite Israeli military signals intelligence unit have said they will no longer serve in operations against Palestinians. Forty-three past and present reservists signed a letter about Unit 8200, which carries out electronic surveillance. They said the intelligence it gathered – much of it concerning innocent people – was used to […]

13 Sep, 2014

How Billionaires Like the Koch Brothers, Sheldon Adelson and Sam Walton Are Destroying America | Alternet

Sheldon Adelson, Charles and David Koch, Sam Walton, Rupert Murdoch, Linda McMahon, or hedge fund honchos like John Paulson and Steven Cohen all conform in one way or another to this historic profile. Powers to be reckoned with, they presume to know best what we should teach our kids and how we should do it; […]

11 Sep, 2014

Impact of Japan-China islands dispute fades but cloud remains

By ZHANG YUNBI in Beijing and CAI HONG in Tokyo

(chinadaily.com.cn), 2014-09-09 -Public opinion polls in both China and Japan revealed that the impact of the Diaoyu Islands dispute on bilateral ties is showing signs of moderating, yet pessimism about future ties continues. The 10th Public Opinion on China-Japan Relations survey, co-sponsored annually by China Daily and Japanese nonprofit think tank Genron NPO, was released […]

11 Sep, 2014

ISIS, Love Jihad And Peaking of Islamophobia by Ram Puniyani

The ‘social common sense’ is so heavily weighted against Islam and Muslims that to talk of reason in understanding religion and its abuse for political goals seems to be a very difficult exercise. To understand that religions are for morality and peace is accepted for other religions but not for Islam in popular perception. Many […]

11 Sep, 2014

Threats force closure of Muslim-owned hotel in Gujarat – Countercurrents.org

Hotelier Mustafa Patel from Gujarat- owner of Jyoti Hotel – is a very sad these days. His famous hotel– which used to lie on Viramgam highway, merely ninety minute drive from Ahmedabad, is now closed. Anyone who has travelled on that road would vouch about its quality preparations, all the employees who worked with him […]

11 Sep, 2014

The IS behemoth, yet another Western project gone wrong – DAWN.COM

It is a typical summer flick, but it holds a great lesson for the global power politics. Hercules, released earlier in the summer, shows how the son of Zeus fights against tyrants only to realise later that he has been tricked into fighting against the good guys. President Barak Obama must also feel very Herculean. […]

11 Sep, 2014

Indonesian Conglomerate to Invest US$5b in ASEAN retail and healthcare, property – The Business Times

[SINGAPORE] Indonesian conglomerate Lippo Group is looking to invest up to US$5 billion in healthcare, food retailing and telecoms mainly in the Philippines, Vietnam and Myanmar over the next three to five years, its top executive said. “Partly, it’s diversification, but partly also new growth markets,” James Riady, chief executive of one of the biggest […]

11 Sep, 2014

Dynamic Modi faces daunting challenges | The Japan Times

Finally, an urgent task awaiting the new government is the need to build cohesion out of diversity. The Muslim population of India is close to 15 percent and this community is a vibrant part of India. Yet, on every economic and social measure, it ranks low. While the reasons for this are complex, the reality […]

9 Sep, 2014

Facebook addiction can leave you lonely, depressed – Hindustan Times

Do you often feel you have wasted time on Facebook or termed it as a meaningless activity but still cannot let your eyes move away from the screen? You are at the risk of developing depression. According to new research, while the social networking site is there to help you stay in touch with your […]

9 Sep, 2014

A mirage called ‘Modi Magic’ – Sitaram Yechury, Hindustan Times

In Japan, he thundered, that in his first 100 days as prime minister, he has performed miracles. Stating that he was new to national politics, apprehensive of moving to Delhi, he had nevertheless reversed the ‘paralysis’ that had gripped India under the earlier government. Justifying this claim, he quoted statistical data pompously announced by the […]

9 Sep, 2014

GDP contraction revised to deeper than estimated 7.1% | The Japan Times

The economy shrank more than estimated in the April-June quarter, revised data showed Monday, piling pressure on the Abe administration to delay another consumption tax hike and the Bank of Japan to expand its stimulus. The figures will come as a blow to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as his program aimed at rejuvenating growth struggles […]

9 Sep, 2014

Two trillion becquerels of radioactive material may have escaped No. 1 | The Japan Times

Some 2 trillion becquerels of strontium-90 and cesium-137 may have flowed into the bay of Tokyo Electric Power Co.’s crippled Fukushima No. 1 plant during the 10 months to May this year, it was learned Sunday. The amount exceeds by 10 times the limit of radioactive material releases Tepco set before the March 2011 meltdown […]

9 Sep, 2014

For Israel, the beginning of wisdom is to admit mistakes – Avi Shlaim, The Guardian

By any objective criterion, the outcome of the (Gaza) conflict was a draw. But for a small and poorly armed militia to stand its ground against one of the mightiest armies in the world is a remarkable achievement. Not only did its fighters stand firm, they also succeeded in imposing on the enemy what it […]

8 Sep, 2014

Website launched for Palestine Museum of Natural History

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 08 September 2014 (13 Dhul Qa’dah 1435). 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 […]

7 Sep, 2014

Chomsky: U.S. Plunges Cradle of Civilization into Disaster, While Its Oil-Based Empire Destroys the Climate – Alternet

September 5, 2014 | It is not pleasant to contemplate the thoughts that must be passing through the mind of the Owl of Minerva as the dusk falls and she undertakes the task of interpreting the era of human civilization, which may now be approaching its inglorious end. The era opened almost 10,000 years ago […]

7 Sep, 2014

Between Gaza and Israel, a Border Crossing in Need of Travelers – NYTimes.com

EREZ CROSSING, at the Israel-Gaza border — At 375,000 square feet, the terminal through which travelers pass between Israel and the Gaza Strip is a vast, high-tech hangar with a capacity of 45,000 people per day. Current traffic: 400 or fewer. It was built, for about $60 million, starting in 2005, the year Israel withdrew […]

4 Sep, 2014

Six ways to fine-tune your body language — Sydney Morning Herald

It’s not just first impressions that count. Your everyday body language can be what determines whether people like or trust you – and ultimately whether they want to do business with you. If someone has already made up his or her mind about you it can be very difficult to change, so making sure your […]

4 Sep, 2014

The EU and Russia Policy: Happily Forgotten Lies – RIA Novosti

MOSCOW, September 2 (RIA Novosti) – Some of the world’s worst criminals claimed that they committed their crimes in a fit of forgetfulness or oblivion, without actually realizing they were doing something wrong. Khodorkovsky for example complained to the German magazine Der Spiegel that he “sometimes suffers from memory holes.” But of all the powerful […]

4 Sep, 2014

Palestinian director Suha Arraf decries Israeli discriminatory treatment – Hindustan Times

Villa Touma’s importance lies in the fact that the movie caused a tempest, weeks before its premiere in Venice. Made by a Palestinian director (known for works such as The Syrian Bride and The Lemon Tree), Villa Touma was largely funded by Israeli organisations. But when Arraf decided to call it a Palestinian film, Tel […]

3 Sep, 2014

Modi’s 100 days: Biding his time, circling the wagons – Al Jazeera

If there is one arena where the Modi government and the prime minister personally are seen as having done poorly in their first 100 days, it is in their failure to control BJP leaders and members engaging in hate speech and divisive politics. Although the Uttar Pradesh assembly does not go to the polls till […]

2 Sep, 2014

Mark World Day for Decent Work – October 7, 2014

Statement by Sharan Burrow, General Secretary, ITUC

Geneva, 2 Sept 2014 (ITUC media release) — The world is on an unsustainable path. Vast numbers of working people face insecurity in their jobs and the highest levels of inequality in living memory. One half of working families have experienced unemployment or reduced working hours in the past two years, while 1.2 billion people […]

2 Sep, 2014

Being Palestinian Got Me Barred from Visiting Palestine | Alternet

By Amanda Michelle This is my first time at the Israeli-controlled border between Palestine and Jordan. I am traveling with 15 young Arab-Americans, mostly Palestinian, to do community service work and connect with our heritage and homeland.​ We have arrived at the Allenby Bridge anxious & apprehensive, having heard countless stories of harassment by Israeli […]

2 Sep, 2014

UK PM gives spy agencies power to vet airline flight lists – The Guardian

David Cameron will make it easier for intelligence agencies to access information about airline passengers and announce measures to intensify cooperation with Turkey and Germany as the government moves to stem the flow of British-born jihadis travelling to and from Syria and Iraq. As the king of Saudi Arabia warned that terror groups would attack […]

1 Sep, 2014

Spanish Chain To Help Convert Oman’s Forts, Castles Into Hotels

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 01 September 2014 (06 Dhul Qi’dah 1435). 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 […]

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 […]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 […]

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

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 […]