Reader’s links for July 21 – 2016

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In order to preserve the flow of conversation about various posted items, and also in order to make it easier for visitors to find the list of related links being shared by other readers, regulars and interested parties in one place, each day a post is automatically created at a minute past midnight ET.

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Thank you all for those that take the effort to assist this site in keeping the public informed. Below, typically people can find the latest enemy propaganda, news items of related materials from multiple countries and languages, op-eds from many excellent sites who write on our topics, geopolitics and immigration issues and so on.

About Eeyore

Canadian artist and counter-jihad and freedom of speech activist as well as devout Schrödinger's catholic

139 Replies to “Reader’s links for July 21 – 2016”

  1. French authorities order the destruction of all cctv surveillance recordings of the Nice terrorist attack !!!!!
    ****************************************************************************

    Attentat de Nice : quand la justice demande à la mairie de détruire 24 heures d’images

    Une réquisition judiciaire urgente a été envoyée au centre de supervision urbain de Nice mercredi 20 juillet. Le parquet de Paris évoque un souci «d’éviter la diffusion non contrôlée de ces images».

    Panique et incompréhension à la mairie de Nice. Mercredi à 11 heures, la sous-direction antiterroriste (SDAT) a envoyé aux agents qui gèrent la vidéosurveillance de la ville une réquisition citant les articles 53 et L706-24 du code de procédure pénale et de l’article R642-1 du Code pénal leur demandant l’effacement «complet» de 24 heures d’images provenant de six caméras nommées et numérotées, mais aussi de toutes les scènes depuis le début de l’attentat ayant eu lieu sur la promenade des Anglais, dans la nuit du 14 juillet.

    De quoi mettre en état de sidération les agents du centre de supervision urbain de Nice. «C’est la première fois que l’on nous demande de détruire des preuves, précise une source proche du dossier. Le centre de vidéosurveillance et la ville de Nice pourraient être poursuivis pour cela et d’ailleurs les agents en charge du dispositif n’ont pas compétence pour se livrer à de telles opérations».

    La demande paraît d’autant plus étonnante que la SDAT a envoyé depuis vendredi dernier des serveurs afin de récupérer les 30.000 heures de vidéosurveillance liées aux événements. Une opération de sauvegarde qui va s’étendre encore sur plusieurs jours. «Nous ne savons pas si donner un ordre de destruction alors que nous sommes en pleine sauvegarde ne va pas mettre en rideau tout le système», s’inquiète-t-on dans l’entourage du dossier.

    Contacté par Le Figaro, le parquet de Paris a confirmé l’information et précisé: «cela a été fait dans ce cas précis pour éviter la diffusion non contrôlée et non maîtrisée de ces images». Du côté de la police nationale, on rappelle que «sur les mille caméras installées à Nice, 140 présentaient des éléments d’enquête intéressants. La police judiciaire a récupéré 100% des vidéos de ces dernières. La PJ et le parquet ont donc demandé d’effacer les images de ces 140 caméras afin d’éviter l’utilisation malveillante de ces dernières par souci de la dignité des victimes et pour éviter la reprise de ces images par les sites internet djihadistes à des fins de propagande». Enfin, à la chancellerie, on précise que la demande d’un effacement «complet» s’explique par l’impossibilité de procéder à des destructions partielles sur ce type de matériel.

    Images partagées par plusieurs services

    Le lendemain du drame tragique de la promenade des Anglais, des officiers de police judiciaire étaient venus faire une première recension des caméras en prise directe avec l’événement. Cela a donné lieu à un premier rapport envoyé au ministère de l’Intérieur. Étrangement, ce serait ces mêmes caméras qui sont visées par la réquisition de la SDAT.

    Dès samedi, l’Élysée avait demandé copie des images de l’attentat. Une autorisation accordée par le parquet de Paris. «Ce n’est pas choquant que le président de la République ait voulu visionner l’attentat. Faudra-t-il demander à l’Élysée de restituer le CD qui lui est parvenu?», s’interroge un bon connaisseur du dossier. En tout état de cause, ces vidéos sont partagées par plusieurs services concomitamment à savoir ceux de la Police et de la gendarmerie nationales, de la police judiciaire et des pompiers.

    http://www.lefigaro.fr/actualite-france/2016/07/21/01016-20160721ARTFIG00225-attentat-de-nice-quand-la-justice-demande-a-la-mairie-de-detruire-24-heures-d-images.php

  2. USA: Kerry touts military success against IS, says $1.2 bln raised for ‘stabilisation’

  3. DAILY MAIL Welcome BACK to the Jungle: Number of migrants at ‘demolished’ Calais camp swells to record 7,300 – with numbers expected to rise to 10,000 within weeks

    Nearly 50 people per day are arriving at the tent community in Calais and there are now 7,307 migrants living there
    Majority fled to Europe from Afghanistan and Sudan. Comes despite part of camp being demolished in February
    Currently border checks on French side of Channel but Calais mayor wants Britain to deal with refugees after Brexit

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3701313/Migrants-Jungle-camp-Calais-swell-record-7-000.html

  4. Child Beheading in Syria Triggers Backlash Against Rebels

    A U.S.-supported Syrian rebel group said Wednesday it will open an investigation into the beheading of a Syrian boy on spy accusations, calling it an “individual mistake” that does not represent the overall policies of the group.

    The Nour el-Din al-Zinki group, a relatively moderate group that fights the Syrian government and the Islamic State group, condemned the beheading which was captured on video and triggered an instant backlash against the group.

    […]U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said he has seen the “appalling report” but could not confirm it happened. “Obviously we’re very concerned certainly if it’s accurate,” he said, adding that if the report is proven it would “give us pause about any assistance or, frankly, any further involvement with this group.”

    http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/conflicting-reports-explosion-southern-syrian-town-40728333

    PIC – The Nour el-Din al-Zinki group
    https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cn4xhqMWEAARd_a.jpg:large

  5. FRANCE -Anti-terror op carried out in northern Paris suburb, some 20 people reported arrested

    The operation took place near the Dassault mosque and Al Bayyinah Islamic library in the town, French media reported.

    Le Parisien newspaper reported that the first search took place on Parc avenue near the mosque and targeted a particular family living at a house there.

    All members of the family, including children, were arrested.

    The second search was in the Val Sud neighborhood and also targeted a household.

    At least four women were arrested during the second search, the paper added.

    Both zones were cordoned off by police.

    Local witnesses told Le Parisien that police used rubber bullets during the operation.

    A helicopter was reportedly deployed in the area, iTele added.

    The operation was not connected to the recent Nice attacks, a justice official told Reuters.

    https://www.rt.com/news/352479-paris-police-anti-terror/

    France: Around 20 arrests made in Paris suburb amid anti-terror operation

    A large anti-terror operation took place in Argenteuil, a northwestern suburb of Paris on Thursday. Initial reports estimated around 20 arrests were made but that no explosives or arms were found during the operation.

    French newspapers reported that two different addresses were raided, one on Parc avenue near the Dassault mosque and another in the Val Sud neighbourhood. Both zones were cordoned off by the police.

  6. Kalash under fire for calamity in northwest Pakistan

    The Animist Kalash people in Pakistan’s northwest are complaining that conservative Muslims are blaming them for a powerful earthquake that flattened entire villages in October.

  7. GERMANY – Migrants to be trained as German pool lifeguards to reduce escalating sex attacks by refugees at public baths

    Authorities trying to combat spate of sexual assaults by migrants in pools
    Federal Association of German Swimming Professionals backs provision
    The group claim the ‘inclusive measure’ would benefit everyone concerned
    Leaked police memo cited ‘grave concern’ over escalating sex crimes

    A professional swimming association in Germany wants to reduce escalating sex attacks by refugees at public baths by training migrants to become pool lifeguards.

    The Federal Association of German Swimming Professionals (BDS) says this would be ‘an inclusive measure that would benefit everyone.’

    Last month a secret police document was leaked in Duesseldorf voicing the ‘grave concern’ of police chiefs about escalating sex crimes carried out by refugees at public swimming baths.

    […]And the SPD – Labour Party – state parliamentarian integration expert Ibrahim Yetim added: ‘If there is a way to educate refugees to become lifeguards, that would be a great thing. It is important to give a perspective to the young refugees.’

    But Cologne lifeguard chief Berthold Schmitt believes there is a ‘fundamental problem’ for refugees in 6000 indoor andoutdoor and school swimming pools in Germany.

    He said: ‘The ‘new people’, as we call them, have three problems: they speak no German, have no knowledge of German or European bathing culture, and most cannot swim.’

    At least 20 refugees are reported to have drowned in Germany this year.

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3701385/Migrants-trained-German-pool-lifeguards-leaked-Dusseldorf-memo-reduce-sex-attacks.html?

  8. Levi Shirley, American Fighting ISIS in Syria, Killed in Combat: Family (nbcnews, July 21, 2016)
    http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/isis-terror/levi-shirley-american-fighting-isis-syria-killed-combat-family-n614306

    “A young American who joined Syria’s Kurdish fighters on the front lines battling ISIS was killed during combat operations, his mother told NBC News.

    Susan Shirley said Thursday that she first received an email from a Kurdish captain Tuesday relaying that her son, Levi Shirley, had been killed. Kurdish forces later announced on Facebook that he died on July 14…”

  9. ‘I was ready to die’: The Nice scooter hero speaks out (thelocal, July 21, 2016)
    http://www.thelocal.fr/20160721/i-was-ready-to-die-nice-scooter-hero-speaks-out

    “The scooter rider who was caught on camera desperately trying to stop Nice truck killer has spoken out for the first time about his heroic act, saying he was ready to give his life to stop the murderous rampage.

    The man, named only as Franck, was caught in a video chasing after truck driver Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel as he mowed down revellers on Nice’s Promenade des Anglais on July 14th.

    He was one of two passers-by who tried to stop the rampage that left 84 dead.

    In his first interview since the massacre Franck told Nice Matin newspaper that he was ready to die in order to stop the carnage.

    “We heard the cries and my wife said to me ‘stop something isn’t right’. The truck overtook me on the pavement,” said Franck.

    “In my mind I had images of bodies flying everywhere. I immediately understood what was happening,” said the man who works at Nice airport.

    Franck, who had gone down to the promenade with his wife to enjoy an ice cream, did not hesitate to act, fearful in the knowledge that his son was nearby in Place Massena.

    He left his wife and sped off on his scooter.

    “To catch up with the truck I had to slalom between the people, both the living and the dead. I was determined to go to the end, to do whatever it takes. I wanted to stop him at any price,” he said.

    “When I got level with the cabin, I asked myself a question ‘what are you going to do with your little scooter?’ So I just threw it against the truck.”

    His attempts were broadcast on news channels across the world.

    Franck then continued to run after the truck until he got level with the cabin again. He climbed up the steps to the cabin and began to hit the driver.

    “I hit and hit and hit him again with all my strength. I had to use my left hand even though I am right handed,” he said.

    “I hit him in the face but he said nothing, he did not flinch. He had his gun in his hand and pointed it in my face. He pulled the trigger but it did not work.”

    “I was ready to die.”

    In the end he was hit on the head by the butt of the gun and fell from the truck to the road below.

    Reports on the night of the massacre suggested the terrorist had an accomplice who was seen jumping from the truck, but it may well be that witnesses had seen the hero being beaten back and falling from the vehicle.

    Franck was questioned by police, “who naturally thought I was a terrorist” before being let go.

    As the days passed the mystery of the fate of the man who became known as the “scooter hero” deepened with many presuming he had been killed in the chaos.

    Thankfully he was one of the lucky ones who survived, although for his courageous efforts he did suffer a broken rib, bruises and a “small depression of his rib cage”.

    The other hero of the night was a 31-year-old French crane driver called Alexander who also tried to halt the driver by climbing into his cabin.

    He was also forced away when Lahouaiej Bouhlel pointed his gun in his face.”

    • How many could have been saved if either one of those two had been carrying a handgun?

      • That’s why Israel has minimized the death toll after months of near-daily savage attacks. Of course few outside Israel know much of what’s been going on there since October. But the most important lesson is that citizens protect one another by vigilance – backed up by firearms.

  10. Brawl breaks out between Danish asylum centres

    Upwards of 100 minor asylum seekers were involved in a brawl described by a witness as a “blood frenzy”.

    A couple who lives next to the football pitch said part of the brawl spilled over into their yard and up to 15 boys went at it with both their fists and iron chains.

    “Our own grandchildren can’t visit us anymore because their parents are afraid of what could happen if they are out playing in the yard at the wrong time,” she said.

    http://www.thelocal.dk/20160721/brawl-breaks-out-between-danish-asylum-centres

  11. A Guantanamo ‘à la française’ on an idyllic French Island? (thelocal, July 21, 2016)
    http://www.thelocal.fr/20160721/a-guantanamo-a-la-franaise-on-an-idyllic-french-island

    “As France searches for ways to deal with the threat from jihadists, lawmakers are suggesting radical ideas with one suggesting a French Guantanamo should be opened on an idyllic island off the west coast.

    The tranquil island of Ile de Ré, which lies just off the La Rochelle on France’s west coast, is used to welcoming tourists from the UK and France in search of peace and quiet.

    But as France struggles to adapt to the increased threat from jihadists, the French MP who led a parliamentary inquiry into the November terror attacks in Paris believes Ile de Ré should also welcome the country’s most dangerous jihadists.

    George Fenech, MP for centre-right Les Republicains party, believes a Guantanamo à la Francaise could be set up on the island to house all those jihadists who are expected to return from fighting in Iraq and Syria…”

  12. Germany’s De Maiziere calls for more ‘accountability’ from websites (DW, July 21, 2016)
    http://www.dw.com/en/germanys-de-maiziere-calls-for-more-accountability-from-websites/a-19419811

    “Berlin wants internet platforms to take “responsibility” in the fight against terrorist propaganda, says German Interior Minister Thomas De Maiziere. However, he claims the state has no intention to practice censorship.

    The authorities are “intensively” negotiating with internet providers about deleting illegal content, De Maiziere told reporters in Berlin on Thursday.

    “I don’t think it is too much to ask that hate mail, bomb-making instructions and similar content is removed from the web faster,” the minister told reporters in Berlin, adding he expected “more accountability” from the providers.

    The minister said the authorities did not want “censorship,” but added that prevention of crime needed to be possible online…”

  13. Morocco Invites Russian Companies to Invest in Its Oil, Gas Sector (moroccoworldnews, July 21, 2016)
    http://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2016/07/191937/morocco-invites-russian-companies-invest-oil-gas-sector/

    “The Moroccan delegation taking part in the Moroccan-Russian working group monitoring bilateral cooperation in the energy field presented investment opportunities for Russian gas and oil companies, Secretary General of the Ministry of Energy, Mines, Water and Environment, Abderrahim El Hafidi, said…”

    • As Russia takes over as the protector/power broker in the Mideast the nations there are looking to make deals that will ensure the Russians support them.

  14. Flynn at RNC: Stop ‘Bullsh*t’ with Muslim Ban Stories

    https://pjmedia.com/election/2016/07/21/flynn-at-rnc-stop-bullsht-with-muslim-ban-stories/

    CLEVELAND – Retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn told PJM the leaders of Arab countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran and Kuwait are not condemning radical Islamic terrorism on the world stage and they “need to speak up.”

    He also warned that the Obama administration is “playing very defensive ball” against radical Islamic terrorism.

    “Where are they? I mean, I try to flip through Sky News Arabia and see some of these other things. Our president steps out and makes a comment. I don’t agree with what he says about what we are doing and how he lacks clarity, but at least our president will get up there and have to say something,” Flynn said in an interview at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland.

    “Where are those guys? Why aren’t they saying, ‘You know what? This is a sick part of our system, we recognize it, we are doing all we can to stop it.’ OK? That’s what I want those leaders to do,” he added.

    • Remarks by Obama at Eid Reception

      East Room

      5:00 P.M. EDT

      THE PRESIDENT: Hello, everybody. (Applause.) Well, Eid Mubarak.

      AUDIENCE: Eid Mubarak.

      THE PRESIDENT: Can everybody please give Aisha a big round of applause? (Applause.) It was such a kind introduction. I want to thank her for her eloquent letter and speaking out not just for herself, but on behalf of Muslim Americans everywhere. She was a little nervous when she came out, and she did great. I was nervous the first time I did this — (laughter) — but I have to admit, I’ve done this a while now.

      I want to thank Raahima for sharing words from the Holy Koran. I want to welcome to the White House everybody who is here.

      For the past seven years, we’ve held our annual Iftar dinner. Some of you have joined us on those occasions. This year, for my last year as President, I wanted to do something a little bit different, and I’m very proud to host this Eid celebration at the White House. (Applause.) I want give some particular thanks to our White House liaison to the Muslim American community, Zaki Barzinji — (applause) — for his great work on our event. And we’re joined by so many proud and patriotic Muslim Americans from across the country and from all walks of life.

      This Ramadan, we said goodbye to somebody who was not only a friend to many here, a great American — somebody who I had the great honor to know — the Greatest, the Champ, Muhammad Ali. (Applause.) And as proud of his blackness as he was of his faith, the Champ taught us that the most important thing in life is to be ourselves. And so today, we are especially honored to be joined by his wonderful wife, Lonnie, and six of his children. So let’s give them a big round of applause. (Applause.)

      So we’re coming together to celebrate Eid and the blessings of another holy month of Ramadan. I know we are a little late this year. (Laughter.) The advantage is that you’re not as hungry as you were a couple of weeks ago. (Laughter.) But our celebration is just as festive, the food is just as good.

      For Muslims across the United States and around the world, this is a time of spiritual renewal — a time to reaffirm your duty to serve one another, especially the least fortunate among us. And it’s a time to reflect on the values that guide you in your faith — gratitude, compassion and generosity. And it’s a reminder that those values of Islam — which comes from the word salaam, meaning peace — are universal. They bind us all, regardless of our race or religion or creed, in a common purpose, and that is in our shared commitment to the dignity of every human being.

      Today is also another reminder that Muslims have always been a part of America. In colonial times, many of the slaves brought over from Africa were Muslim. We insisted on freedom of religion, in Thomas Jefferson’s words, for, “the Jew and Gentile, the Christian and the Mahometan.” For more than two centuries, Muslim Americans of all backgrounds — Arab and Asian, African and Latino, black and white — have helped build America as farmers and merchants, factory workers, architects, teachers and community leaders.

      And Muslim Americans have enriched our lives every single day. You’re the doctors we trust with our health, entrepreneurs who create jobs, artists who inspire us, activists for social justice — like the LGBT Muslims who are on the frontlines in the fight for equality. (Applause.) You’re the athletes that we cheer for — like American fencing champion Ibtihaj Muhammad — (applause) — who is going to be proudly wearing her hijab when she represents America at the Rio Olympics. No pressure. (Laughter.)

      Muslim Americans help keep us safe. You’re our firefighters, our police officers — like Deputy Police Chief Malik Aziz of the Dallas Police Department, who’s helping that community that is still grieving heal after the tragic attack against law enforcement in that city. “There can be no actual progress unless we actually work together,” Malik has said. “The police and the community must work together. There is no us versus them.” So we thank Malik for his outstanding service. (Applause.)

      And Muslim Americans serve proudly in our armed forces, risking their lives to defend our freedom. (Applause.) We’re especially honored to be joined by veterans here today like Sheikh Nazeem Abdul Karriem, who fought in World War II. (Applause.) He said he’s 95, but I think he’s lying. (Laughter.) He looks younger. He says he tells people he’s 59. (Laughter.) But we are so proud of him and what he’s done to fight for our freedom. And I’d ask all our proud servicemembers and veterans, if you can, to raise your hands so that we can thank you for your service. (Applause.)

      By the way, I should mention that Muslim Americans aren’t just heroes in real life. One of today’s most popular comic book superheroes is a Pakistani American girl named Kamala Khan, also known as Ms. Marvel. (Applause.) And I’m a comic book fan. (Laughter.) But it’s important that our children see positive, rich portrayals of all people, including Muslims, from all walks of life — not just in the national security context. In the news and TV and movies, the diversity and depth of the Muslim American experience needs to be portrayed.

      So let’s be clear: Muslim Americans are as patriotic, as integrated, as American as any other members of the American family. (Applause.) And whether your family has been here for generations or you’re a new arrival, you’re an essential part of the fabric of our country.

      Now, of course, we can’t deny that we’re in challenging times right now. This is a difficult time for Muslim Americans.

      AUDIENCE MEMBER: Four more years!

      THE PRESIDENT: Well, that —

      AUDIENCE: Four more years! Four more years!

      THE PRESIDENT: No, no, no, no, no. No, no. Michelle is going to come down and scold you. (Laughter.) Don’t say that.

      Like all Americans, you worry about the threat of terrorism. But on top of that, you fear that your entire community will be blamed for the violent acts of a few WHO DO NOT REPRESENT YOUR FAITH

      As many of you know, earlier this year I had the chance to visit the Islamic Society of Baltimore, and I met with some outstanding Muslim Americans from across the country. And they told me about the great work they’re doing in business and education, and medicine and social justice. But they were very honest with me about their anxieties and their fears of being targeted because of their faith.

      And I get heartbreaking letters like the one from Aisha. She told me, “There were moments in my life where I would want to just take off my hijab and leave my identity behind so I can fit in with my peers.” That’s a young American, full of promise, full of possibility, fearful because of her faith. And we’ve seen a spike in Muslim Americans, including children, being attacked, mosques being targeted, especially during the final, holiest days of Ramadan. And that shouldn’t be happening in the United States of America.

      Singling out Muslim Americans, moreover, feeds the lie of terrorists like ISIL that the West is somehow at war with a religion that includes over a billion adherents. That’s not smart national security. In fact, it is ISIL and al Qaeda, and organizations like those that are waging war on Muslim communities, even during the holy month. And discriminating against Muslim Americans is also an affront to the very values that already make our nation great.

      So on days like this, and on every day, we need to be clear about what we stand for. Muslim Americans — and all Americans — have to reject hatred. Muslim Americans — and all Americans — have to reject discrimination. Muslim Americans — and all Americans — have to answer those who would peddle hate, OR SUGGEST THAT SOMEHOW THEIR INTERPRETATIONs OF THEIR FAITH JUSTIFY VIOLENCE

      All of us have those obligations — whether we are Christian, or Jew, or Hindu, or Muslim, or of no faith at all. We have to reaffirm that in this country, it is our obligation to abide by the law, to look out for each other, to be part of a single community — and that we can still appreciate our differences and retain those things that are essential to our identities, and still strongly affirm our commitment and our faith in this country.

      We’ve got to rededicate ourselves to make sure that no American feels isolated or second-class citizens. And I especially want to speak to the young people who are here, to make sure that you know that we see you, that we believe in you. And despite what you may sometime hear, you’ve got to know that you’re a valued part of the American family, and there’s nothing that you cannot do. (Applause.)

      So during what was a difficult Ramadan, where we saw hundreds of innocent lives taken in Istanbul and Dhaka, and Baghdad and Medina, as well as in Orlando and Nice —

      AUDIENCE MEMBER: Syria.

      THE PRESIDENT: And Syria — I was getting to Syria, but — well, look, I mean, the brutal images and suffering that are taking place there are heartbreaking. And so the message has to be sent that we will stand with our friends and our allies around the world, including Muslim communities; that we will engage with those who want peace; that we will go after those who will harm innocents; that we will encourage dialogue not just between faiths, but oftentimes within the Muslim faith itself, which has driven violence in some parts of the world.

      And in the face of terrorism, we will prevail. But we will prevail by working together, not driving each other apart. (Applause.)

      That’s ultimately what we have to do as Americans — to stand together and look out for one another. And we welcome those who believe in the basic promise of our country that no matter who you are, what you look like, where you’re from, how you worship, if you work hard, if you are responsible, if you are law-abiding, then you can make it here in America.

      That’s the story of Aref and Aida Saad. Where are they? There you are way in the back. You can see their hands. In 1973, Aref and Aida decided to pack up their lives in Lebanon and come to America in search of a better life. The couple settled down in Detroit, Michigan. Aref spotted an opportunity — he started a distribution company that specialized in halal meat, to serve the growing Muslim population in Detroit. Forty years later, it’s a thriving company. And they’re now paying it forward — one of their daughters, Fayrouz, used to work in my administration — she now she works with the Detroit Mayor’s office helping to welcome today’s immigrants and refugees. (Applause.)

      So the Saads, they set a great example for new arrivals like Heba and Rahaf Alrahawan. Heba and Rahaf, where are you? There you are. So back home in Syria, these two sisters watched as the growing violence leveled their neighborhood, demolished their home, destroyed their father’s car company. And in 2012, their family fled Syria and spent four years in Malaysia as refugees. Four months ago, they were able to come to Brooklyn to start their lives over. In their first week, they signed up for English classes. Heba works in a clothing store on the weekends, studies English during the weekdays — hopes to save enough money to enroll in college to study information technology.

      So when you look at the life that the Saads have built, you look at Muslim Americans in this room who’ve made incredible contributions in every possible field, it’s not hard to imagine that these two sisters are going to do the same. So, Heba, Rahaf, welcome to America. (Applause.) We’re proud to have you here.

      And that’s what makes this country special. You work hard, you do the right thing, and you can not only make a difference for ourselves and our families, but we can make a difference for the life of the nation.

      So today, we celebrate this wonderful holiday and honor a great faith, but we also recommit ourselves to building an America where everybody has the opportunity to achieve their dreams. And we reaffirm the values of democracy, and freedom of religion, and tolerance, and community building, and understanding, and hard work that allows all of us — whatever our faiths — to prosper.

      So, I’m proud of all of you. I hope you enjoy this wonderful reception. Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America. (Applause.)

      END
      5:23 P.M. EDT

      https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/07/21/remarks-president-eid-reception

  15. ‘Kill them wherever you find them’ ISIS release chilling new video to followers (express, July 21, 2016)
    http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/692060/ISIS-release-chilling-new-video-to-followers

    “ISLAMIC State (ISIS) has released a chilling new video calling on its followers to launch more terror attacks – especially in France.

    The professionally-produced three minute clip begins with the slogan “kill them wherever you find them”, before cutting to footage of French president Francois Hollande speaking in the wake of last month’s terror attack in Nice.

    The video then cuts to two smiling jihadis, identified as Abu Abdil Aziz Al-Jaza Iri and Abu Idris Al-Baljiki, and another unnamed fighter who shoots at a wall, telling viewers the bullets are “a gift for Francois Hollande”.

    The slick video tells ISIS supporters who have not yet carried out an atrocity they should be “ashamed”, just days after men, women and children celebrating Bastille Day fireworks in the French city were mown down by a jihadi in a truck.

    It says “you silence is killing you” – and urges jihadis living in French cities to “deliver” on their promise.

    A portion of the video focuses on the Paris terror attacks last November, with a map highlighting the areas where jihadis opened fire or detonated bombs on innocent people atbar, restaurants, the Stade de France and the Bataclan Theatre.

    In total, 130 people during the coordinated in Paris last winter. Eighty-four people died in Nice last week, although this figure could still rise with a number of victims still in a critical condition.

    And at least 15 people were injured this week when an Afghan refugee carried out an axe attack on a train in Germany. The teenager was “self-radicalised”, according to investigators, and a lone wolf.

    ISIS regularly release videos on social media calling for lone wolf attacks, although it also occasionally makes direct threats of coordinated attacks or takeovers of Western cities.

    Last year, the crazed killers released a video which, using special effects, showed tanks advancing on Rome and the Vatican City.

    The sinister video, set to chilling music, showed Rome turned to a desert of dust. It features heavily-armoured terrorists approaching the Colosseum and the home of the Catholic church, before the narrator claims ISIS will take over Rome, destroying crucifixes and taking Christian women as slaves.

    Another recent film showed a convoy of armoured cars, jihadis using heavy weaponry and a series of 60 flags – including the Union Jack – representing countries ISIS are determined to destroy.”

  16. England had 5,700 recorded cases of FGM in 2015-16, figures show (theguardian, July 21, 2016)
    https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/jul/21/england-fgm-cases-recorded-2015-2016?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

    “There were 5,700 new cases of female genital mutilation recorded in England in 2015-16, the first annual statistics show.

    The figures, published on Thursday by the Health and Social Care Information Centre and covering the period of April 2015 to March 2016, show that in 18 cases the practice had been undertaken in the UK.

    The age group for which FGM was most common was five- to nine-year-olds, accounting for 43% of the total number of cases where the age at the time of being cut was known.

    In all there were 8,660 attendances where FGM was identified or a medical procedure for the practice was undertaken, according to the statistics, the first to be published since the government introduced compulsory reporting for NHS trusts and GP surgeries.

    The Royal College of Nursing said more had to be done to end the practice, which has been illegal in the UK since 1985.

    Carmel Bagness, the RCN’s professional lead for midwifery and women’s health, said: “Collecting and publishing these statistics is an important part of the fight against FGM. They can be used to better plan local services to meet the needs of women and girls, and to target training for nurses and midwives.

    “What these statistics show is that there is still a lot of work to do to eradicate this abuse. A lot has been achieved in the past few years, but these efforts must continue for as long as there are still women and girls subjected to this criminal abuse.”

    The vast majority (87%) of women whose pregnancy status was known were pregnant at the time of attendance, suggesting that this was what led to FGM being self-reported or identified by a medical professional. Self-reporting accounted for 73% of FGM identification, where the identification method was known.

    Women and girls born in Somalia accounted for 37% of all newly recorded cases of FGM with a known country of birth. Of the women and girls with a known country of birth, 90% were born in Africa. Of the total number of newly recorded cases, 43 involved women and girls who said they had been born in the UK.

    More than half of all cases – 52% of newly recorded cases and 58% of total attendances – related to women and girls from the London NHS commissioning region.

    A national campaign by the Guardian, the Bristol-based charity Integrate and Change.org led to compulsory training for public sector workers to help teachers, doctors and social workers identify and assist girls at risk. The Department for Education has written to schools about the dangers of FGM.

    More than 20,000 girls a year are thought to be at risk of FGM in the UK. Medical groups, trade unions and human rights organisations estimate that there are 66,000 victims of the practice in England and Wales.”

  17. High-Alpes: the mysteries of aggression

    A criminal investigation of attempted murder was opened against the 37 year old man who stabbed a mother and her three daughters in a holiday village.

    The blur is still around the grounds of the stabbing of a mother and her three daughters at the Village Vacances Familles (VVF) Lagrand, Hautes-Alpes, by B. Mohamed, a Moroccan father old 37 years. The four victims, all affected and suffering from chest wounds serious enough, are now out of danger, although very shocked.
    ……….
    Transferred to Grenoble on Thursday morning, the suspect has meanwhile been brought before a judge of the criminal division. Deputy Prosecutor Olivier Nagabbo, has opened a criminal investigation against him for attempted murder of the mother and attempted murder aggravated the three girls, aged under 15 years. He also requested his provisional detention.

    Tuesday morning, at breakfast time, Mohamed B. knife attacked four neighbors in the VVF, and without apparent reason. Two of the victims have since told investigators he did not hear about any of the part of the perpetrator at the relevant time. Instead, they claim to have always had cordial exchanges with him, including a few minutes before the tragedy.
    ………
    This Thursday, the deputy prosecutor of Grenoble has dismissed a religious or ideological motivation to explain the gesture of the alleged perpetrator, while still referring to a “religious culture background” about it. In addition, during his first auditions, and while the police officers were trying to be fingerprinted, Mohamed B. would have opposed it by carrying and shouting repeatedly, “Allah akbar.”
    (google translate)
    http://www.lefigaro.fr/actualite-france/2016/07/21/01016-20160721ARTFIG00299-hautes-alpes-les-mysteres-d-une-agression.php?utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=Echobox&utm_source=Twitter&utm_term=Autofeed&link_time=1469123898#xtor=AL-155-%5Btwitter%5D

  18. “pellet gun” reports in suburban Virginia
    https://fcpdnews.wordpress.com/2016/07/20/daily-blotter-july-20-2016/
    OFFICIAL NEWS AND INFORMATION FROM THE FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
    … FAIR OAKS DISTRICT STATION …UNLAWFUL DISCHARGE OF PNEUMATIC GUNS: 12000 Government Center Pkwy, 07/19/16, 7:18 p.m. Officers responded to a report of two men walking near the county government center with a long gun and a handgun allegedly firing shots. The subjects were located and an investigation determined the weapons were pellet rifles.

    https://www.arlnow.com/2016/07/21/police-nab-men-who-shot-pellet-gun-at-east-falls-church-metro/ Arlington County Police have arrested two men for using a pellet gun to shoot holes into a kiosk window outside of the East Falls Church Metro station and shatter a glass enclosure at a nearby bus stop last night.

    https://fcpdnews.wordpress.com/2016/07/20/did-you-hear-gunshots/
    Franconia Police District – The sounds of suspected gunfire are generally heard after dark and some citizens have subsequently found damage to their vehicles from gunfire. There is no suspect information at this time and the investigation is ongoing.

  19. Are we Witnessing the Death Of Liberty In Turkey

    Turkey is currently undergoing very alarming changes. Her people and her neighbor question what her fate will be in the wake of these changes. Marshall law like state of emergency has been declared in the wake of upheaval in the military.

    As I reported, there was a coup attempted, blamed on an opposition leader. This leader is in exile in America. Since then, the government has begun gradually increasing crackdown.

    The Washington Post reports

    Turkey signaled possible harsher crackdowns ahead Thursday, suspending an international rights accord just hours after taking steps toward a nationwide state of emergency in the wake of a failed military coup.

    The hard-line moves contrasted sharply with an effort by Turkish officials to reassure the country that the post-coup upheavals — including tens of thousands of people in custody or under investigation — would not harm the economy or permanently roll back democracy.

    http://constitution.com/witnessing-death-liberty-turkey/

  20. Is The US Government Setting Up To Murder Thousands Of Its Own Soldiers In A Repeat Of Ben Ghazi But This Time In Turkey?

    We covered earlier this week how Turkish President Erdogan used a false flag military “coup” to consolidate his own power, eliminate the remaining opposition, and rally support to himself and his perverted aim of rebuilding the Ottoman Menace into its former Empire. This “Ottoman dream” is a threat to the entire world, because if Turkey successfully rebuilds itself into what Erdogan desires, and now there is no obstacle to stop him from doing so, the days of the 16th century will return with a great Muslim army, backed by the other Muslim nations, acting with a unified will to subjugate the world and try to destroy the Christian faith. All of the evils which the West fought against the Muslims when it was under Christendom will return with a vengeance.

    “I am getting reports from people on the ground at the US base in Turkey. They still do not have external power and they are now having to try and fly in water. They were told to be ready for evacuate, then were told NO because [someone in] the STATE DEPARTMENT doesn’t want them to leave.”