Each day at just after midnight Eastern, a post like this one is created for contributors and readers of this site to upload news links and video links on the issues that concern this site. Most notably, Islam and its effects on Classical Civilization, and various forms of leftism from Soviet era communism, to postmodernism and all the flavours of galloping statism and totalitarianism such as Nazism and Fascism which are increasingly snuffing out the classical liberalism which created our near, miraculous civilization the West has been building since the time of Socrates.
This document was written around the time this site was created, for those who wish to understand what this site is about. And while our understanding of the world and events has grown since then, the basic ideas remain sound and true to the purpose.
So please post all links, thoughts and ideas that you feel will benefit the readers of this site to the comments under this post each day. And thank you all for your contributions.
This is the new Samizdat. We muse use it while we can.
HOW AND WHY HAMAS FOUNDED CAIR
Ilhan Omar’s Los Angeles CAIR speech — the one that has attracted the current attention — gives the received CAIR origin fable that is recited as fact by the mainstream media outlets. I mean the one that serves up CAIR as a civil rights organization. Mosaic reminds us this morning:
Controversy broke out last week concerning remarks Congresswoman Ilhan Omar made at a gathering of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). Last week also marked the fifth anniversary since CAIR—widely regarded by American journalists and politicians as a legitimate representative of U.S. Muslims—successfully pressured Brandeis University into canceling its plans to grant an honorary degree to the apostate Muslim and women’s-rights activist Ayaan Hirsi Ali. At the time, Andrew McCarthy responded with an updated version of a chapter from his 2010 book, in which he explained how Hamas operatives created CAIR.
Mosaic quotes this passage:
When 25 [Hamas] members and supporters gathered at a Marriott Hotel in Philadelphia on October 27, 1993, they were unaware that the FBI was monitoring their deliberations. The confab was a brainstorming exercise: how best to back Hamas and derail the Oslo Accords while concealing these activities from the American government? . . . In the U.S., Hamas was [by this time] perceived as the principal enemy of the popular “peace process.” . . .
https://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2019/04/how-and-why-hamas-founded-cair.php
CNN -Dublin – Nancy Pelosi: ‘We have no taint’ of anti-Semitism
In an exclusive interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says using 9/11 in a political attack is ‘wrong’; and Democrats won’t take the bait.
Ep. 959 The Curious Case of Julian Assange. The Dan Bongino Show 4/16/2019.
The Notre Dame Fire (YT, PJW, Apr 16, 2019)
How is This a Thing? 16th of April 2019
Rondell Henry, a 28-year-old Maryland man recently arrested for planning an ISIS-inspired ramming attack in the Washington. D.C. area, regularly led prayers at the Islamic Society of Germantown (ISG).
Here is Clarion’s exclusive profile of the ISG, noting its Islamist connections:
The ISG invited guest speakers from the Qalam Institute
https://clarionproject.org/exclusive-maryland-mosque-arrested-led-prayers/
Twenty-three minutes that could have saved Notre Dame? Alarm was raised during mass at 6.20pm but staff could not find the fire until 6.43pm ….when the inferno was raging out of control (dailymail, Apr 16, 2019)
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6926807/Devastating-aftermath-Notre-Dame-inferno-leaves-world-mourning.html
“Officials attending the Notre Dame blaze initially couldn’t find any sign of fire despite the alarm being raised 23 minutes before the structure went up in flames.
Paris public prosecutor Rémy Heitz announced on Tuesday that firefighters were called to the world-famous cathedral at 6.20pm CET, almost half an hour before the roof caught fire after a fire alarm was triggered.
But after an initial inspection they said they were unable to find any evidence of fire.
Firefighters remained inside Notre Dame until a second alarm went off at 6.43pm and eventually discovered a fire in the network of wooden beams under the cathedral’s roof – but were unable to put it out.
Mr Heitz said this evening: ‘What we know at this stage is that there was an initial alarm at 6:20 p.m., followed by a procedure to verify this but no fire as found.
‘Then, there was a second alarm at 6:43 p.m. and at that point a fire was detected in the structure.
‘The investigation is going to be long and complex,’ he added. ‘We are in the process of interviewing witnesses.’………..
Mr le Bras told reporters at the scene: ‘We want more than anyone for light to be shed on the origin of this drama.’
He said his company has 12 workers involved in the refurbishment, though none were on site at the time of the fire.
He insisted that ‘all the security measures were respected’ and that ‘workers are participating in the investigation with no hesitation.’
The 32-year-old construction boss had previously heralded his firm’s ‘technical ability and competence’ and ‘pride’ in restoring historic buildings.
In a film posted online, Mr Le Bras said: ‘We are proud of our work on historic buildings. We have the technical ability and the competence for his work….”
France: Rector of Paris’ Great Mosque ‘unable to describe pain’ over Notre Dame
The rector of the Great Mosque of Paris Dalil Boubakeur expressed sorrow over the Notre Dame fire while speaking in Paris on Tuesday after visiting the cathedral along with a dozen of other officials led by French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner.
“We received the news with sorrow that we’ve lost the Notre Dame of Paris, for us it’s symbol reflecting our existence, our lives and our love of France,” said Boubakeur.
“I entered, thanks to the personnel of Mr. Minister. We saw a part of a hole on top, the roof was down. We realised the significance of destruction, it’s such a madness to see that. I don’t have words to describe my pain, to describe this sorrow or this curse,” he added.
The cause of the blaze is not yet known, although there are indications that it may be linked to restoration work that was underway at the cathedral.
War, Westerbork, and “White Privilege”
The heroes of World War II – and the privileged “Zombies” who dodged the conflict.
April 16, 2019
Lloyd Billingsley
In April of 1945, the conflict in Europe was winding down but the peril was far from over for the inmates of the Westerbork transit camp in Holland. There the Nazis kept Dutch Jews before sending them to killing centers in other parts of occupied Europe.
From July 1942 until September of 1944, the Nazis deported 97,776 Jews from Westerbork. A full 54,930 were shipped to Auschwitz, 34,313 to Sobibor, 4,771 to the Theresienstadt ghetto and 3,762 to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. Most of those deported to Auschwitz and Sobibor were killed on arrival, so a grim fate awaited the 876 Westerbork inmates on April 12, 1945.
That day the “B” Squadron of the 8th Canadian Reconnaissance Regiment approached the camp. The Canadians forced the Nazis to flee and liberated the 876 inmates, saving them from certain death.
The 8th Reconnaissance, motto “First in, last out,” was mostly composed of Canadian prairie farm boys who could shoot straight. One of them was my uncle, James Richard Billingsley, who signed up at 19, when he should have been heading to college. He was wounded twice, once by a Nazi sniper. He was offered the opportunity to enter intelligence work but chose to return to his regiment and fight on.
My father, Kenneth Billingsley, was only 17 in 1941 when he lied about his age to join the Canadian Army. He wound up spending the bulk of the war in the Merchant Marine, where he was in as much danger as troops on the ground. As those troops knew full well, without supplies the Allies don’t win, and National Socialist darkness sweeps over the world.
https://www.frontpagemag.com/fpm/273447/war-westerbork-and-white-privilege-lloyd-billingsley
875 Catholic Churches in France Were Vandalized in 2018 by Radical Secularists and Muslims
For over 850 years, Notre-Dame de Paris survived the French Revolution, two world wars, terror threats and pollution
But on Monday the historic Notre Dame Cathedral was engulfed in flames and nearly destroyed.
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2019/04/875-catholic-churches-in-france-were-vandalized-in-2018-by-radical-secularists-and-muslims/?utm_source=TGPemail&utm_medium=email&utm_content=subscriber_id:553016019&utm_campaign=Auto%20Send%20from%20The%20Gateway%20Pundit%20on%20April%2016,%202019%20at%2011:06:06%20AM
Liberal Florida Congresswoman Claims Protests Against Her Equal “Hate Crimes”
South Florida Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel Powell claimed that she was a victim of a hate-crime during last Tuesday’s high-profile congressional hearing with tech giants on the issue of “hate-speech”, according to Florida Daily and live feeds available during the hearing.
Powell, who was confronted in 2018 at a South Florida joint campaign event with Donna Shalala and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi by a group of Cuban-American activists and conservative groups, asserted that citizens expressing their free-speech rights was an “act of hate.”
The activists at one point caught Pelosi going in the back door of the event space and screamed that she was a “f****** communist” and that her Democrats needed to “get the f*** out of here.” While profane, the activists were occupying a public walkway and did not physically engage anyone at any point.
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2019/04/liberal-florida-congresswoman-claims-protests-against-her-equal-hate-crimes/?utm_source=TGPemail&utm_medium=email&utm_content=subscriber_id:553016019&utm_campaign=Auto%20Send%20from%20The%20Gateway%20Pundit%20on%20April%2016,%202019%20at%2011:06:06%20AM
“Queer Flashmob Dance” Protest at Stephen Miller’s Apartment
Odd spelling of “shonda,” Yiddish meaning “for shame”
Palestinians Develop Tiny 3D-Print Knife To Stab Israeli 3D-Printed Heart (satire)
In what scientists are calling the second major scientific breakthrough from the region in as many days, researchers at Bir Zeit University have produced a weapon with the specific characteristics to neutralize a Tel Aviv University medical development announced yesterday.
TAU scientists announced yesterday its researchers had created a heart the size of a cherry, made of human cells that can contract, and that can be formed using a 3D printer. In response, Palestinian scientists rushed to develop their own 3D-printed counter to the heart, and produced a 3D-printed knife of the size and shape that can stab the Israeli heart. Experts called the Palestinian creation a technological marvel.
“The adaptive qualities of the Palestinian resistance movement keep increasing,” observed Dr. Tulsi Scabbard, Professor of Biophysics at New York University. “In the past one might have expected a Palestinian response to Israeli innovation to take some time, and to occur only after the Israeli innovation had been in practical use. In this case, however, the Palestinian adaptation occurred more or less immediately following the announcement of the Israeli innovation, which will not really be ready for clinical use for years.”
“It’s evidence of a step up in Palestinian abilities,” agreed analyst Raoul Panim. “I’m sure we’re on the cusp of Palestinians developing something that will actually benefit humanity for once.”
http://www.preoccupiedterritory.com/palestinians-develop-tiny-3d-print-knife-to-stab-israeli-3d-printed-heart/
Republican Rep. George Holding is calling for an investigation into a conference hosted by Duke and UNC where video footage reportedly showed anti-Semitism and anti-Israel bias.
The conference was held despite worries from organizations and alumni that the conference would be anti-Semitic.
Political filmmaker Ami Horowitz captured videos of Palestinian rapper Tamer Nafar singing a “brazenly anti-semitic song.” YouTube twice censored Horowitz for posting videos of the conference.
Republican North Carolina Rep. George Holding called on Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos Monday to launch a federal investigation into a conference hosted by Duke and UNC after video footage surfaced of reported anti-Semitism and anti-Israel bias.
https://dailycaller.com/2019/04/16/george-holding-anti-semitism-duke-unc/
The US Must Stop Iran’s Takeover of Yemen
by Majid Rafizadeh
April 16, 2019 at 5:00 am
https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/14077/iran-yemen-takeover
One of the primary revolutionary ideals to which the ruling clerics of the Islamic Republic of Iran are dedicated to upholding is not to limit the implementation of its version of Islamic laws to just Iran. The ruling clerics are also committed to exporting Iran’s revolutionary principle and expanding the fundamentalist mission to other nations.
How do they carry this out? By effectively taking over other countries. Lebanon, through Iran’s proxy Hizballah, was the first. Then came Syria, and finally, Iraq — with the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip waiting in the wings.
With each victory, the ruling mullahs of Iran have grown increasingly lethal and increasingly bold. At present, and for several years, Iran has set its sights on Yemen.
This is not a random or new philosophy. This mission is part of Iran’s constitution. Its preamble states that it “provides the necessary basis for ensuring the continuation of the Revolution at home and abroad.”
The document goes on to say that Iran’s Army and Revolutionary Guards
https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/14077/iran-yemen-takeover
Denmark: Change Appears Elusive Despite Anti-Immigration Movements
by Ole Hasselbalch
April 16, 2019 at 4:00 am
https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/14047/denmark-immigration
Although Denmark is home to one of Europe’s most successful anti-mass-immigration movements, the bleak facts concerning the effects of mass-immigration have not been taken seriously by the mainstream media, and politicians are often reluctant to address the matter.
How did this situation come about?
In 1983, the Danish Parliament enacted a new “foreigners’ law”, the “Memorandum on Migration policy.” Preparatory work for the new law was performed by an official committee of public servants and Hans Gammeltoft-Hansen, chairman of the private (heavily subsidized) Danish Refugee Council. Going against the majority of the committee, which included the president of the Supreme Court, Gammeltoft-Hansen succeeded in promoting an alternative bill that opened Denmark’s borders to anyone claiming asylum.
At that time, information on immigration was monopolized by the Danish Refugee Council and similar organizations, which — in an apparent eagerness to seem welcoming and kind-hearted — usually painted false rosy pictures of the results. With little to contradict those false rosy pictures, the Danish Refugee Council was quite successful at molding public opinion favorably toward migration.
Notre Dame: An Omen
The symbolism of the burning of Notre Dame Cathedral, the most renowned building in Western civilization, the iconic symbol of Western Christendom, is hard to miss.
It is as if G od Himself wanted to warn us in the most unmistakable way that Western Christianity is burning — and with it, Western civilization.
Every major Western (and one major non-Western) social and intellectual force has conspired to rid Europe of Christianity and the civilization it produced.
Within the Western world, the French Enlightenment — the intellectual basis of the French Revolution and the modern West — sought to replace Christianity, and religion in general, with secularism rooted in reason. No G od, Bible or Ten Commandments is necessary for morality or meaning: reason (and science) will replace them.
Read more at http://www.jewishworldreview.com/0419/prager041619.php3#Q6kzRhLb33xIk30s.99
Another limp response.
Bill Barr Just Let Us Know the Hunters Are About to Become the Hunted
Barbara Kay: Anti-Semitic ‘blood libels’ get poster treatment at Toronto-area school
Peel District School Board has promised a ‘full investigation,’ acknowledging the ‘hurt and harm’ the class project caused
This banner, which was posted in a Toronto-area high school as part of a social justice project, refers to two widely circulated anti-Semitic myths, Barbara Kay writes. The Peel District School Board has apologized for the incident at Stephen Lewis Secondary School and for not removing the poster as soon as concerns were raised.CIJA/Facebook
Barbara Kay
Barbara Kay
April 16, 2019
4:18 PM EDT
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As part of a recent week-long “social justice” program, pro-Palestinian students at Stephen Lewis Secondary School in the Toronto area’s Peel District mounted a banner in a school hallway, reading, “If animal testing is NOT OKAY … Then why is human testing OKAY?” The banner was also displayed on social media.
The cryptic message refers to two widely circulated anti-Semitic myths: that Israel subjects Palestinian prisoners to pharmaceutical experiments as part of their military agenda; and that Israel harvests organs from Palestinian prisoners.
These accusations are “blood libels,” which throughout history have led to extreme violence against Jews, and represent anti-Semitism in its most abhorrent verbal form. In medieval times, individual Jews were accused of draining the blood of Christian children to bake into their Passover matzo. The contemporary transfer of evil to a vampiric Jewish state reflects the evolution of anti-Semitism from its religious focus, no longer tolerated in polite society, to a political platform; Israel-bashing is often well tolerated as a conduit for Jew hatred.
https://nationalpost.com/opinion/barbara-kay-anti-semitic-blood-libels-get-poster-treatment-at-toronto-area-school
SYDNEY WATSON and AVI YEMINI Detained by FBI at U.S BORDER! Why?!
TNotre Dame – An Overt Act of War??, 2640
Locusts from Arabian Peninsula Threatening Iran (tasnimnews, Apr 16, 2019)
https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2019/04/16/1990822/locusts-from-arabian-peninsula-threatening-iran
“A locust outbreak in the Arabian peninsula has been spreading to Iran, threatening crops and food security in large areas of the coastal province of Hormozgan, an official said.
Director of a department at Horkozgan’s agricultural organization told Tasnim that Iran is facing the worst locust attack in the past 40 years.
He said several swarms of locusts have come from the Arabian peninsula to Iran over the last 10 weeks, some of which have penetrated into farmlands of the province as far as 200 kilometers from the coast.
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said in February that a locust outbreak in Sudan and Eritrea was spreading rapidly along both sides of the Red Sea to Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
The FAO also noted that good rains have allowed generations of locust breeding since October 2018, leading to a substantial increase in locust populations and the formation of highly mobile swarms.
The UN agency had also highlighted the control measures in Iran after at least one swarm arrived on the southern coast at the end of January.
Adult locust swarms can fly up to 150 km a day with the wind and adult insects can consume roughly their own weight in fresh food per day. A very small swarm eats as much in one day as about 35,000 people, posing a devastating threat to crops and food security.”
Suspected IS bombing targets Iraqi troops in Fallujah (alaraby, Apr 16, 2019)
https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2019/4/16/suspected-is-bombing-targets-iraqi-troops-in-fallujah
“A bomb explosion has injured 17 Iraqi soldiers in the western city of Fallujah, local police officer said on Tuesday.
An explosive device detonated as a military force was clearing mines in Naimiyah, south of Fallujah, said Captain Ahmed al-Dulaimi.
Iraqi security and medical sources said some of the injured soldiers were in a serious condition, local media reported.
A security source said the explosive device is likely a remnant of the Islamic State group.
Nuaimiya witnessed some of the fiercest fighting betweem Iraqi forces and the militant group…”
Ex-New York police chief: Omar ‘infatuated with terrorists’ (memo, Apr 16, 2019)
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190416-ex-new-york-police-chief-omar-infatuated-with-terrorists/
“A former New York police commissioner has said that Muslim Congresswoman Ilhan Omar is “infatuated” with “terrorists” including Al-Qaeda, Hamas, Hezbollah and that she should be removed from office.
Bernard Kerik appeared on Fox News yesterday, where he added that as a member of Congress, “you can’t support terrorist organisations”, pointing to Omar’s appearance as a keynote speaker for the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).
Since November 2014, the UAE has listed CAIR as a terrorist organisation, claiming that they are affiliated to the Muslim Brotherhood…”
Turkish FM: French, Italian recognition of Armenian genocide will harm ties (memo, Apr 16, 2019)
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190416-turkish-fm-french-italian-recognition-of-armenian-genocide-will-harm-ties/
“Ankara is hitting back after the Italian and French governments this week made decisions in recognition of the Armenian genocide…”
Late night shelling in Tripoli as Europe, Gulf divided over Haftar’s push (reuters, Apr 16, 2019)
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-security/late-night-shelling-in-tripoli-as-europe-gulf-divided-over-haftars-push-idUSKCN1RS1BT
“Shelling could be heard late on Tuesday in several parts of the Libyan capital Tripoli as Europe and the Gulf were divided over a push by eastern forces commander Khalifa Haftar to seize the city.
Nearly two weeks into its assault, the veteran general’s eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA) is stuck in the city’s southern outskirts battling armed groups loyal to the internationally-recognized Tripoli government.
But residents in central districts could hear just before midnight shelling louder than in previous nights. No more information was immediately available.
Forces allied to Tripoli have accused the LNA of firing rockets into residential areas, but the LNA said in a statement it had nothing to with the late night shelling, accusing instead a Tripoli-based group.
As the rockets fell, the U.N. Security Council was due to consider a British-drafted resolution that would demand a ceasefire in Libya and call on all countries with influence over the warring parties to ensure compliance.
Foreign powers are worried but unable to present a united front over the latest flare-up in the cycle of anarchy gripping Libya since dictator Muammar Gaddafi was toppled in 2011.
The conflict has brought a growing humanitarian toll – 174 people killed, 756 injured and almost 20,000 displaced, according to the latest United Nations tallies – and sunk for now an international peace plan.
It threatens to disrupt oil flows, foment migration across the Mediterranean Sea to Europe, and allow jihadists to exploit the chaos.
Qatar said an existing U.N. arms embargo on Libya should be strictly enforced, to prevent Haftar, 75, from receiving arms.
Benghazi-based Haftar enjoys the backing of Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, who view him as an anchor to restore stability and combat Islamist militants.
Those three nations cut ties with Qatar in 2017, accusing it of support for militants and Iran.
Qatar’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani told Italian daily La Repubblica a postponed U.N. peace forum should be rescheduled and Haftar’s army made to withdraw.
The arms embargo must be implemented “to prevent those countries that have been providing ammunitions and state-of-the-art weapons from continuing to do so,” he said.
Past U.N. reports say the UAE and Egypt have both supplied Haftar with arms and aircraft, giving him air superiority among Libya’s multiple factions. East Libyan authorities say Qatar and Turkey back rival, Islamist-leaning factions in western Libya.
U.N. MAY DEMAND CEASEFIRE
The Gulf diplomatic divisions echo those in Europe, where former colonial ruler Italy and France have sparred over Libya.
Paris has given Haftar support in the past, viewing him as the best bet to end the chaos since a NATO-backed rebellion to end Gaddafi’s murderous four-decade rule.
Italy, with considerable oil interests in the OPEC member, supports the Tripoli government of Prime Minister Fayez al-Serraj and was furious with French reluctance to back a recent European Union resolution urging Haftar to halt his advance.
Nevertheless, Serraj has managed to hold the LNA at bay, thanks largely to armed groups that have rushed to aid them from other western Libyan factions.
“The war ends with the withdrawal of these (LNA) forces and return from where they came,” Serraj said in a statement on Tuesday.
Though Haftar presents himself as a champion against what he calls terrorism, opponents cast him as a would-be dictator in the mold of Gaddafi. About 70 people protested against him at the central Algiers Square in Tripoli on Tuesday.”
Italy: Libyan VP warns of humanitarian crisis amid combat escalation in Tripoli
Vice President of the Presidential Council of Libya Ahmed Maiteeq said his country is facing a humanitarian crisis as a result of the escalation of the combat around Tripoli. Maiteeq was speaking in Rome on Tuesday.
Malls to engage visitors on tolerant values of Islam (gulfnews, Apr 16, 2019)
https://gulfnews.com/uae/government/malls-to-engage-visitors-on-tolerant-values-of-islam-1.63368198
“Dubai: This Ramadan malls in Dubai will be at the forefront of a monthlong festival to engage residents and visitors through a series of activities, offering insight into the idea of the holy month, the values of Islam and the life of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).
The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department Dubai (IACAD) on Tuesday announced the launch of the first Ramadan Dubai festival that will see a host of events organised throughout the month under a single umbrella, including Rashid Bin Mohammad Ramadan Forum, Ramadan Dubai Majlis, Iftar Dialogue, Ramadan Nights and Squares, Journey with Prophet Mohammad [PBUH] and Names of Allah among others.
The basic idea of organising the event is to spread the tolerant and compassionate message of Islam, said Dr Hamad Al Shaibani, Director General of IACAD, announcing the details of the event during a press conference on Tuesday.
“Ramadan Dubai aims to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence among different communities of the UAE based on the principles of Quran and Sunnah (lifestyle of Prophet Mohammad [PBUH]). Through this we would like to reach out to all sections of the society,” said Al Shaibani.
In a first, Dubai Mall and several other shopping centres will host dedicated booths and exhibitions based on the exalted names of Allah, while a documentary will take people on a journey with Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).
Apart from awareness booths and exhibitions, another interesting activity is the Iftar Dialogue, where those who gather at the Iftar tents will have a chance to clarify their doubts and discuss their issues with Islamic scholars and jurists.
The activities will also include forums, symposia, lectures and interactive sessions in different languages catering to all segments of society.
“Our idea is to reach out to all segments of the society with special focus on our youth as they are the future of our society so they need to learn more about our traditions, values and religious practices, helping us build a tolerant and compassionate society,” said Dawood Al Shezawy, Head of organising committee, Ramadan Dubai.
As part of Ramadan Dubai, IACAD has licensed 313 iftar tents this year, providing free iftar for all, while also facilitating charitable activities through various channels.
Popular guest scholars and imams will be arriving in Dubai to lead Taraweeh or special night prayers, which is an important feature of Ramadan evenings, throughout the month and especially during the last 10 nights of Ramadan.”
Morocco’s Ruling PJD Party Punishes Scarf-Scandal MP Amina Maelainine (moroccoworldnews, Apr 16, 2019)
https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2019/04/270770/morocco-pjd-punishes-scarf-scandal-amina-maelainine/
“Morocco’s ruling Justice and Development Party (PJD) party has finally decided to punish Amina Maelainine, a female PJD MP at the heart of a party scandal since January for appearing to wear “un-Islamic” clothing.
During a party meeting on Saturday, April 14, the party’s majority spoke in favor of stripping Maelainine of her relatively influential position as seventh vice-president of the House of Representatives, PJD’s deputy Secretary General Sliman El Amrani announced on the party’s website.
The move is set to complicate the MP’s political fate. Maelainine has also subtly been distanced from her previous party visibility. She will be restrained to her seat at the Parliament as the PJD MP for the Hay Hassani district in the Casablanca-Settat region.
Meriem Boujemaa, a member of the PJD secretarial general, will replace Maelainine. Boujemaa is known to support Head of Government Saad Eddine El Othmani. Barring an unforeseen intra-party leadership reshuffling, there are indications that Maelainine will not be considered as a PJD candidate when her current tenure as MP comes to an end.
Maelainine, a philosophy graduate and teacher whose articulated defense of PJD’s Islamist discourses and trenchant criticism of Moroccan liberals opened her door after door in PJD’s leadership world, recently came under fierce scrutiny after photographs of a recent Parisian holiday showed her without her traditional veil.
The scandal divided the party for weeks. Abdelilah Benkirane, former PJD head and known “protector” of Maelainine, defended her within the party leadership.
He argued that she deserved a second chance and forgiveness in line with the Islamic teaching of mercy. Benkirane said the PJD should not leave their own MP “helpless and defenseless” as she faced critics.
However, as Maelainine was seen as a Benkirane protegee, the former PJD leader’s intervention in her favor has been interpreted as a desire to keep an influential pro-Benkirane faction within the party’s highest echelons.
Benkirane’s plea for his “protegee” came along more as a subtle defiance of El Othmani, the PJD leader who was adamant from the beginning that defending Maelainine ran counter to PJD’s identity.
“We must set an example, especially those at the forefront of public opinion,” El Othmani said. He appeared to refer to PJD critics’ labels of “hypocrisy” challenging the party’s commitment to its professed Islamist values.
But the PJD’s choice of Meriem Boujemaa, an El Othmani loyal, to replace a Benkirane protegee is set to be interpreted as a rebuttal to Benkirane.
Benkirane has recently taken aim at El Othmani on several occasions. He has questioned El Othmani’s ability to lead both the party and the government. Benkirane has also requested that El Othmani resign instead of surrender to external pressures hurting Morocco’s national pride.
In response, El Othmani has said that his government’s fate should be the least of Benkirane’s concerns and that only the King has the legitimate authority over whether his government should stay.
“As long as the King is satisfied with my government’s performance, I will not resign,” El Othmani has been quoted in Moroccan news outlets as saying.”
This Is How We’re Going To Win
Morocco Bust Criminal Ring Involved in Hacking, Robbing International Banks (moroccoworldnews, Apr 16, 2019)
https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2019/04/270821/morocco-criminal-ring-hacking-robbing-banks/
“The Central Bureau for Judicial Investigation (BCIJ) dismantled a criminal network suspected of robbing large sums of money from several international banks.
In coordination with the Directorate-General for Territorial Surveillance (DGST) and Spanish authorities, the BCIJ busted a criminal ring suspected of misappropriating large sums of money through the use of malware and by hacking bank accounts in collusion with some center employees.
A statement from the BCIJ said on Tuesday that the dismantling of the criminal network, based on accurate information provided by the DGST services, is part of efforts to strengthen international security cooperation to fight terrorism and cross-border organized crime.
Search operations resulted in the seizure of electronic equipment used in these criminal acts, as well as large sums of money resulting from these criminal activities, according to the same source.
The 16 individuals, who come from Moroccan cities, including Casablanca, Meknes, Khénifra, Oujda, Marrakech and El Hajeb, were arrested for their alleged links to the criminal network.
The authorities have placed the suspects under police custody, awaiting further investigation under the supervision of the Public Prosecutor.”
Another day in Tard World. Police arrest a Moroccan in Utrecht, the Netherlands, crowd tries to interfere.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGGV5DBSXjI
More videos here. The top one is 3 videos from different angles spliced together.
https://www.geenstijl.nl/5147223/filmpjes-is-dit-excessief-politiegeweld/
No migrant will be left on the street – Fugatti (ansa, Apr 16, 2019)
http://www.ansa.it/english/news/politics/2019/04/16/no-migrant-left-on-the-street-fugatti_3e61f6df-b71c-4227-9c51-1900740921e1.html
“Rome, April 16 – No migrants will be left on the streets, Trento Provincial Governor Massimiliano Fugatti told an ANSA Forum Tuesday.
“Trentino had already spent too much for (migrant) reception, then the government cut funding and we adjusted, the resources were not sufficient at that point and therefore those managing reception were told: do it with the resources that are there”, he said. “On this issue the Trentini say we are right and in any case we have not left anyone on the street”.”
Widow of prominent IS terrorist reportedly living quiet life in Germany (DW, Apr 16, 2019)
https://www.dw.com/en/widow-of-prominent-is-terrorist-reportedly-living-quiet-life-in-germany/a-48357266
“German citizen Omaima A. went to Syria, joined the Islamic State group and married late terrorist Denis Cuspert. Now that same woman seemingly lives a quiet life in Germany, as a Lebanese reporter has uncovered…”
Gang of African teens storm an Optus store and try to steal mobile phones – before bowling over an 81-year-old woman and breaking her pelvis while trying to flee (dailymail, Apr 17, 2019)
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6929747/Gang-African-teenagers-storm-Optus-store-bowling-elderly-woman-fleeing.html
“A gang of African teenagers who stormed an Optus store and tried to steal a mobile phone display knocked an elderly woman unconscious as they fled the store.
CCTV footage captured the group of up to 15 boys entering the store during the alleged attempted robbery at Casula Mall in Sydney’s south-west last Friday.
The woman, 81, remains in hospital with a broken pelvis after she was bowled over by one of the boys as he sprinted towards the shopping centre exit. ..”
DAILY MAIL – ‘It is a sign of hope’: Parisians and tourists gather outside Notre Dame for candlelight vigil as they share their relief that beloved cathedral is still standing despite blaze gutting much of the iconic landmark
Parisians and tourists met outside Saint Sulpice church in the 6th arrondissement before walking to cathedral
Group sang hymns and lit candles outside beloved Catholic architectural landmark which lost much of its roof
Comes after footage of people softly singing classic hymn ‘Ave Maria’ went viral yesterday, with 15m views
Parisians and tourists gathered outside the Notre Dame in Paris this evening for another candlelit vigil after a fire tore through the structure’s iconic spire and much of the roof last night.
Locals met at the Saint-Sulpice church in the 6th arrondissement before walking to the iconic cathedral where they sang hymns outside.
The Saint-Suplice church, built in the 17th century and important to French Catholicism, caught on fire last month but had nowhere near as much damage as the older cathedral.
The vigil comes as footage of people softly singing the classic hymn ‘Ave Maria’ and kneeling outside the 856-year-old building during the 12-hour blaze last night went viral, racking up nearly 15million views.
Earlier today, Parisians were relieved to see the bell towers and great stained-glass rose window were still standing this morning despite fears the whole building would collapse.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6929365/Parisians-tourists-gather-outside-Notre-Dame-candlelight-vigil.html
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Notre Dame fire: Thousands march through Paris streets in solidarity
Notre-Dame : après l’incendie, “rien n’est fini” selon l’ex-architecte en chef
TÉMOIGNAGE. Alors que le ministre de la Culture Franck Riester affirmait ce matin que la structure de la cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris était “sauvée”, “rien n’est fini”, selon l’ancien architecte en chef des Monuments historiques Benjamin Mouton, en charge de l’édifice religieux jusqu’en 2013.
Au lendemain d’un incendie qui a englouti une grande partie des toitures et l’intégralité de la flèche de la cathédrale Notre-Dame, les inquiétudes ne retombent pas. Ce matin sur Franceinter, le ministre de la Culture Franck Riester a affirmé que “la structure principale [était] sauvée” mais que des inquiétudes demeuraient du côté des architectes sur place, en lien avec les quantités d’eau déversées sur la structure pour venir à bout de l’incendie.
En tant qu’architecte en chef des Monuments historiques, Benjamin Mouton a été en charge de la cathédrale Notre-Dame de 2000 à 2013, pour laquelle il a piloté le lourd chantier de la détection incendie. Ce dernier n’a pas encore pu se rendre à l’intérieur de l’édifice, mais redoute déjà l’impact de l’incendie et de l’effondrement des charpentes sur la stabilité globale de l’édifice.
Reprenant les propos de son successeur Philippe Villeneuve, avec qui il est en contact, Benjamin Mouton affirme auprès de Batiactu que ce dernier était “totalement incrédule” face à cet incendie qui aurait pu partir du chantier de rénovation, et que les soupçons pourraient se porter sur la “noue”, où se croisent la nef et le transept de la cathédrale.
“Rien n’est fini, tout commence”
“L’ensemble des charpentes effondrées, cela ne fera pas de bien aux voûtes, et cela crée un choc mécanique important”, craint Benjamin Mouton. Et d’attirer notamment l’attention sur l’état des pierres qui composent la voûte, “calcinées” par l’incendie, et qui constituent la partie “la plus importante” de la structure.
“La protection incendie mise en place dans la cathédrale était à son plus haut niveau”
“Les pierres vont se transformer en chaux, et les jets d’eau lancés par les pompiers créent un deuxième choc thermique. L’incendie est peut-être terminé mais rien n’est fini, tout commence”, confie-t-il, voix grave.
Lors d’un point presse commun aux côtés de Franck Riester, le secrétaire d’Etat à l’Intérieur Laurent Nunez a confirmé des “points de vulnérabilité” constatés sur la voûte, en partie détruite par la chute de la flèche de 96 mètres de haut. Le pignon du transept nord et une partie du beffroi sud sont également surveillés de près. Des travaux d’urgence de sécurisation dureront 48 heures.
Un important dispositif de détection et protection des incendies
“En 40 ans d’expérience, je n’ai jamais connu un incendie de la sorte”, affirme celui qui estime que la protection incendie mise en place dans la cathédrale était à son plus haut niveau.
“Lorsque je me suis occupé de la détection incendie, qui a été un dispositif très onéreux, il fallait très peu de minutes pour qu’un agent aille faire la levée de doute, nous avons fait remplacer de nombreuses portes en bois par des portes coupe-feu, nous avons limité tous les appareils électriques, qui étaient interdits dans les combles”, affirme-t-il auprès de Batiactu.
“Il faut une vraie charge calorifique au départ pour lancer un tel sinistre.Le chêne est un bois particulièrement résistant.”
Le mystère sur les causes de l’incendie reste donc entier. Un expert du secteur de la construction, confie également son incompréhension auprès de Batiactu : “L’incendie n’a pas pu partir d’un court circuit, d’un simple incident ponctuel. Il faut une vraie charge calorifique au départ pour lancer un tel sinistre. Le chêne est un bois particulièrement résistant.”
https://www.batiactu.com/edito/notre-dame-apres-incendie-rien-n-est-fini-selon-ex-56147.php
b>Pierre Cassen : Notre-Dame : pourquoi je ne crois pas à un “accident” !
Michelle Obama reveals ‘disbelief’ over Paris fire
Dr. Qanta Ahmed: Rep. Omar is a disgrace to Islam
BBC – When child asylum seekers are wrongly classified as adults
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
This means many vulnerable child asylum seekers are denied the protections they are entitled to.
+ comments on the YT page
BBC – US election 2020: Who will challenge Trump?
How might the Democrats take on Donald Trump in the next election?
Emily Maitlis is joined by The Atlantic’s David Frum, who is former speechwriter for George W Bush,
Amanda Renteria, political director of Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign,
and Paris Dennard, Trump 2020 campaign advisory board member.