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Showing posts from February 15, 2015

The return of Jew-hatred

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TOULOUSE, Brussels, Paris and now Copenhagen. The list of European cities where Jews have lately been murdered for being Jews grows longer. It adds poignancy that this should happen in Denmark, which saved most of its Jews from the Nazis by helping them flee to Sweden. There are many smaller outrages, such as the desecration of Jewish graves. And what to make of Roland Dumas, a former French foreign minister, who claims that Manuel Valls, the prime minister, acts under “Jewish influence” because his wife is Jewish? No wonder Jews in Europe ask themselves questions they hoped had been banished long ago: is it safe to wear a  kippah  (skullcap), send one’s children to Jewish schools or attend synagogue? And, given the rise of populist and far-right groups, is it time to leave Europe (see  article )? Such worries are understandable, but they need to be put in context. The shooting at the Great Synagogue on Krystalgade does not herald another Kristallnacht. Jews are targets, but so

Ukrainian neo-Nazis ‘taboo subject in the West’

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The active role far-right groups have played on the pro-government side in Ukraine since the violent coup of the last year has been ignored in the West merely because those groups are anti-Russian, journalist and broadcaster Neil Clark, told RT. RT:   As we've heard, Ukraine's ambassador has said far-right units are not just fighting alongside the army, but are also controlled by Kiev. Shouldn't the admission spark worries in Europe? Neil Clark:  Well, it should do, but it won’t I’m afraid because we’ve been seeing this all along. And I think the very active role that far-right groups have played on the pro-government side in Ukraine since or before the violent coup of the last year has been ignored, has been a sort of taboo subject in the West. We are not supposed to notice the very strong element of neo-Nazism, fascist and far-right elements on the pro-western side in Ukraine. We are not supposed to mention it. And it’s quite interesting, isn’t it? We compare the

Sharif for action against seminaries supporting militancy

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has ordered authorities to take stern action against madrasas involved in extremism and militancy in the country, in the wake of a series of deadly attacks on mosques.  No terrorist or militant organisation should be spared, Sharif said yesterday while presiding over a meeting of the Balochistan Apex Committee, set up recently to deal with the menace of militancy in the southwestern province.  These committees were formed in Pakistan's other provinces as well after the horrific Peshawar School massacre that killed 150 people, mostly students.  "No one will be allowed to wage insurgency and commit violence under the patronage of sectarian and other organisations," Sharif was quoted as saying by the Dawn.  Religious seminaries (madrasas) and organisations involved in terror activities should be identified and proceeded against, he said, adding that his government was committed to eradicate terrorism and extremism.  Sharif ask

Lukewarm response to bandh call by Maoists

VISAKHAPATNAM: The bandh call given by Maoists in protest against the `anti-people' policies of the central and state governments passed off peacefully in the AndhraOrissa border (AOB) areas on Friday . There were no reports of any untoward incidents. The APSRTC withdrew its services to interior areas of Visakha Agency as a precautionary measure.Bus services were also affected in remote areas of Malkangiri and Koraput districts in Odisha.  However, transport services were not affected in Paderu, Hukumpeta, Araku, Chintapalli and Koyyuru. The weekly markets at Paderu and Araku valley on Friday functioned without any interruption. All government offices, shops and business establishments remained open throughout the day .  CPI Maoists central regional bureau official spokesman Pratap said the bandh was in protest against the efforts of security forces to flush out Maoists from Bastar in Chhattisgarh and the Polavaram project in Andhra Pradesh. The Maoists had given the bandh call in

Five Maoists Arrested in Malkangiri Forest

KORAPUT:Five Maoists were arrested by security personnel from near Tekguda forest under Kalimela police limits in Malkangiri district on Thursday evening. The arrested Maoists are Ananda Madhi, Bhima Madkami, Erama Kabasi, Bandi Madhi and Madhi Ganga who were working for Kalimela division of the CPI (Maoist). During a combing operation in the forest, Special Operation Group and District Voluntary Force (DVF) personnel found the Maoists roaming. When the Left ultras saw the personnel approaching, they tried to flee but were nabbed. They were produced in a local court which remanded them in judicial custody. Ganga had joined the banned outfit as a member of Jana Natya Mandali and was wanted for his involvement in several Maoist-related violence including the Alampaka ambush in 2008. Kabasi was a member of Kalimela Area Committee of Andhra-Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee (AOBSZC) and carried a reward of Rs one lakh on his head. Kabasi had joined the outfit in 2007 as a mil

East London Mosque calls for worshippers to help trace missing schoolgirls feared to have joined IS in Syria

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The three girls, pictured at Gatwick airport, who are believed to have joined to fight with IS Picture: Metropolitan Police Worshippers at one of London's biggest mosques have been asked to join the hunt for three schoolgirls who are feared to have travelled to join the Islamic State in Syria. The appeal was made at the East London Mosque during Friday prayers after  counter-terror police discovered the girls, from Tower Hamlets, had flown to Turkey after disappearing from their homes last week. Scotland Yard said Shamima Begum, 15 - possibly travelling under the name of 17-year-old Aklima Begum -, Kadiza Sultana, 16 and a third unnamed 15-year-old are close friends from the Bethnal Green Academy. Appeal: the East London Mosque in Whitechapel The East London Mosque said it, along with others in Tower Hamlets, appealed to worshippers at the request of the Met. The mosque's executive director, Dilowar Khan, said: "We are all extremely concerned about the fat

Maoist Regional HQ Destroyed, Three Arrested in Bihar

Security forces today destroyed a regional headquarters of Maoists and arrested three rebels besides recovering a huge cache of arms in Bhimbandh forest area in this district. After getting intelligence inputs about the presence of East Bihar North Jharkhand (EBNJ) headquarters of Maoists in the forest, CRPF and police had launched a joint operation on February 17, Munger Deputy Inspector General (DIG) S P Shukla said. Terming it a "major success" in the fight against Maoists, Shukla said the headquarters was being controlled by most wanted leader Parvez Da. "Our forces surrounded the entire Bhimbandh area, which is a difficult terrain due to hills and dense tropical forest, and zeroed-in on the headquarters during late hours yesterday. Around 40 to 50 men and women Maoists were present there, but most of them managed to escape under cover of jungle and darkness. "However, our forces arrested three of them," Shukla said. The security forces seized a huge cache

French Minister asks FB, Google, Twitter to fight online extremism

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AP French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve with Google executives at the search engine giant's headquarters in Mountain View, California. The French Interior Minister, Bernard Cazeneuve, said he has asked Google, Facebook and Twitter to work directly with French officials during a live investigation and to immediately remove terrorist propaganda when authorities alert them to it. Mr. Cazeneuve met on Friday representatives from the search engine and social networks during a one-day visit to the Silicon Valley and San Francisco. Mr. Cazeneuve said he hopes the meeting is the first step in building a strong relationship between the tech companies and the French government. He said he invited them to come to Paris in April to continue the conversation. The Minister’s visit to Northern California follows terrorist attacks in Paris that killed 17 people in January. Source:  http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/france-asks-fb-google-twitter-to-fight-onli

Rebels allow former President to leave Yemen

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AP Yemen’s former President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi (in picture) left the country's capital Sana’a on Saturday after Shia rebels who surrounded his house let him go under international and local pressure. Aides say former President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi plans to leave the country to receive medical treatment. Yemen’s former President left the capital after Shia rebels who surrounded his house let him go under international and local pressure, aides close to him said on Saturday. The aides said former President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi left Sanaa and later arrived in Aden. They say Mr. Hadi later plans to leave the country to receive medical treatment. The aides say the rebels let Mr. Hadi go after pressure from the United Nations, the U.S., Russia and local political parties. The aides spoke on condition of anonymity as they weren’t authorised to speak to journalists. Witnesses said the Houthis and others in the area later ransacked Mr. Hadi’s house and at le

Chelsea fans sought over London station racist chants

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The racist chanting happened after the men travelled from Paris Gare du Nord to St Pancras International Police are investigating racist chanting at St Pancras station by men thought to be Chelsea fans returning from a Champions League match in Paris. It comes after an incident of alleged racism by Chelsea supporters on the Paris Metro, when footage showed a black man being pushed from a train. The chanting in London happened on Wednesday evening, the day after the club's 1-1 draw with Paris St-Germain. British Transport Police say anyone with information should contact them. Chelsea has already barred five fans from attending Stamford Bridge following the earlier incident. It took place at Richelieu-Drouot station in the centre of the French capital on Tuesday ahead of the club's 1-1 draw with Paris St-Germain. Manager Jose Mourinho has said he was "ashamed" by the alleged racism.  The Metropolitan Police has released CCTV images of three men they are looking for in

Afghanistan conflict: Ash Carter makes first visit

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Mr Carter was met by Gen John Campbell, the top US commander in Afghanistan New US Defence Secretary Ash Carter has arrived in Afghanistan days after taking up the post, saying he wants "lasting success" for the country. Mr Carter will meet US commanders and Afghan heads on the unannounced visit. He said he had made Afghanistan his first visit as the 10,000 US troops still in the country "come first in my mind, always". Foreign troops ended their combat role in December but the nation still faces a bloody Taliban insurgency. The US troops still in the country are engaged in training and advisory roles. 'Here to assess' Mr Carter, who was sworn in on Tuesday, said: "We're looking for success in Afghanistan that is lasting. "How to do that, what the best way to do that is, is precisely what I'm here to assess." Afghan forces still face a bloody Taliban insurgency He revealed little to reporters travelling with him about any future policy

Militant hideout busted in J-K, arms recovered

New Delhi, Feb. 21 (ANI): Security forces have busted a militant hideout in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir by launching a search operation in Amrai Nala near Chilli area. According to reports, one AK-47, four 12 bore rifles, one Pistol, four AK-47 magazines, two SLR Magazines, 150 rounds of 7.62 mm AK-47 and 100 Rounds of 7.62mm assorted ammunition were among the cache of arms recovered by the forces. The recovered arms reportedly belonged to a Hizbul Mujahideen militant. (ANI) Source https://in.news.yahoo.com/militant-hideout-busted-j-k-arms-recovered-034629773.html

Two militants killed in Baramulla encounter

New Delhi, Feb. 21 (ANI): Two militants were killed in an encounter in Rafiabad area of North Kashmir's Baramulla district on Saturday. A search operation is currently underway in the area. The encounter reportedly began when the militants fired at security personnel when they were searching a house. (ANI) Source https://in.news.yahoo.com/two-militants-killed-baramulla-encounter-075213926.html

European Jihadis Unable to Join Islamic State, Locked at Home

Beirut:  The flow of European fighters from Europe to territory held by the ultra-hardline Islamic State is drying up due to tighter restrictions imposed by European states that have prevented would-be jihadis from travelling, fighters from the group said. Fighters in Syria and Iraq contacted by Reuters said the impact was limited on the battlefield since European fighters make up only a fraction of the forces of Islamic State. "Now most of the (foreign) fighters are coming from Asian countries, like Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. They are tough fighters," an Islamic State militant who fought with the group in both Syria and Iraq, told Reuters via the internet. Some also said that restrictions might backfire on European countries when jihadis who are prevented from travelling to the Middle East are encouraged to wage individual attacks at home. European countries are working hard to reduce recruitment by the group, sometimes referred to by the acronyms ISIS or ISIL, which has sei

Brutal Islamic State Videos Show Potency of Shock Value

BEIRUT:  The killings have been both deliberately lurid and strangely intimate. Designed for broadcast, they have helped the Islamic State militant group build a brand of violence that shocks with its extreme brutality, yet feels as close to viewers as the family images on their smartphones. Broadcast specifically to frighten and manipulate, the Islamic State's flamboyant violence consumes the world's attention while more familiar threats, like the Syrian government's barrel bombs, kill far more people but rarely provoke widespread outrage. A few human rights advocates and anti-government activists in Syria are trying to reciprocate, creating shocking if nonviolent images and videos - even herding children in orange jumpsuits into a cage - to call attention to the wider scope of violence. So far, though, their voices have hardly been heard. The Islamic State's campaign of high-profile killings is not war at a remove, with the mechanized distance of drone strikes or carp

Retaliation seen in three Libya attacks

CAIRO - Militants loyal to the Islamic State said three suicide car bombers staged attacks Friday in eastern Libya, killing at least 35 people in apparent retaliation for Egyptian airstrikes after the mass beheadings of Christian migrant workers.   The bloodshed in Qubba - near the Islamic State stronghold of Derna on the Mediterranean coast - was among the deadliest attacks by the militants against civilians in Libya as they have sought to expand amid the country's internal chaos. It also comes less than a week after Egyptian warplanes targeted Islamic State sites in Derna in response to the beheading of 21 Christians, all but one from Egypt. Later Friday, the spokesman for the Libyan National Army said Libyan warplanes had carried out strikes against the Islamic State in Sirte. The militants posted a statement online claiming that the strikes caused no damage. A statement posted to an online militant forum claimed responsibility for the attacks in Qubba as "revenge" for

Police hunt for ‘IS-bound’ London girls

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PHOTO COURTESY: METROPOLITAN POLICE LONDON:  British counter-terrorism police issued an appeal for information regarding three London school girls suspected of travelling to areas controlled by Islamic State in Syria and Iraq via Turkey,  Al Arabia News  reported.  Photos were released by the Counter Terrorism Command (SO15) showing Shamima Begum, 15, Kadiza Sultana, 16, and a third unnamed girl travelling through Gatwick airport before they boarded a flight to Turkey. PHOTO COURTESY: DAILY MAIL Authorities posted a statement in the Metropolitan Police website, stating that the girls were last seen on the morning of February 17 at their East London homes. PHOTO COURTESY: METROPOLITAN POLICE The statement added that anyone who had seen the girls on their way or at the airport should immediately contact the police, explaining that “any piece of information, no matter how small, could help the UK or Turkish authorities locate them so they can be safely returned home to the UK.” PHOTO COUR

Privacy & Cybercrime Use The Same Tools

In light of recent privacy laws, regulations, technology developments, and news stories (for example, the eavesdropping Samsung SmartTV), it’s fair to consider just how much privacy one can expect while surfing online or even just sitting around the house. The US has more than a handful of laws designed to protect an individual’s rights, but there are some cases where federal or state law may actually impinge upon user privacy. A case in point:  the Texas Cyber-bullying Law that was designed to stop online bullying, but somewhat contradicted other privacy laws that allow for individual rights. Privacy is getting hard to come by, especially in light of new regulations designed to improve both corporate security transparency and user online safety. That’s prompted many people to look for new tools to anonymize themselves online. Some of these tools, however, are also used by cyber-criminals, so average citizens should think carefully about their choices for improving privacy. P