Reader’s Links for February 27, 2020

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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 must use it while we can.

About Eeyore

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

124 Replies to “Reader’s Links for February 27, 2020”

  3. Just a few comments for those who do not seem to understand:

    Canadian Imam Zafar Bangashof the York Region Islamic:
    “It is time for us to pick up stones to stone these people to death for their abomination…… Allah imposes this responsibility upon us”.

    No No No You are in Canada and we do not act like barbarians, you are not allowed to stone people.

    Imam at the The Al Sunnah al-Nabawiah
    “You must kill any Muslim who does not practice his religion”.

    No No No When Justine Trudeau visited your mosque in his Papineau Riding did he not tell you killing anyone is against the law in Canada?

    • India will become preferred trade nation of the USA. There are a lot of very hardworking and intelligent people in India. So much more trustworthy and better than China that steals technology and know-how.

      • My youngest niece married a Hindu. His parents came from India to the wedding. Great family.
        India and Israel are having a love affair. Tourism, trade, India-4-Zion communities. Shared values.

        As a nation, Indians are the most thoughtful and generous. I’d love nothing better than a bond between the US and India as strong as Israel’s is with both.

        That said, Americans have to be aware of serious limitations with respect to India:
        -1- They’re at least as corrupt as the Chinese. Their internal trade barriers and bureaucracy will be a major challenge.

        -2- They won’t distance themselves from Russia. The relationship is deep and personal. The only news outlets that cover India fairly are Sputnik and RT. And Russia is their veto at the OIC-dominated UN.

        -3- They don’t trust us. The next Demonrat administration will treat them even WORSE than 0.
        Our Deep State, like our media, is anti-Hindu, pro-tard. It will only get worse as jihad-squads metastasize in Congress.

        -4- Don’t count on them paying for more than a tiny fraction of the billions pledged in the MOU. That’s diplomacy, not commitment.

    • Putin cracked a good one today.
      After Syria/Russia bombed Turkish soldiers, the Caliph went ballistic and threatened Putin without having a plan in mind.
      To save face, Caliph announced talks between Putin and himself next week in Istanbul.
      Suddenly, social media in Turkey was shut down.
      Many wondered why.
      Caliph wanted to save face, once again.
      Putin had refused Caliph’s offer and Caliph didn’t want his citizenry to know.

  8. Lebanon begins ‘historic’ offshore oil drilling amid crisis (abcnews, Feb 27, 2020)
    https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/lebanon-begins-historic-offshore-oil-drilling-amid-crisis-69256105

    ” Lebanon’s president Thursday inaugurated the Mediterranean country’s first offshore exploratory drilling for oil and gas, calling it a “historic day” for the cash-strapped country.

    Michel Aoun spoke aboard the drill ship Tungsten Explorer, which will be conducting the drilling operations of the first exploration well, located approximately 30 kilometers (18 miles) offshore from the capital Beirut.

    “Today is a happy day for us and for all Lebanese, and we hope the dream we’ve all imagined is realized today. It is a historic day,” he said.

    The ceremony at sea contrasted sharply with Lebanon’s crippling financial and economic crisis, including a deepening liquidity crunch and soaring public debt. The limits have prompted protests against the financial institutions — including violent attacks on ATM machines and some bank branches.

    Lebanon has one of the highest debt to GDP ratios in the world, standing at about $87 billion or more than 150% of the country’s GDP. Teetering on economic and financial collapse, the Lebanese government is now considering whether to pay or default on its $1.2 billion Eurobond debt, which matures next month…”

  10. 3,000-strong African force planned against Sahel extremism (abcnews, Feb 27, 2020)
    https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/3000-strong-african-force-planned-sahel-extremism-69258094

    “African leaders have decided to work on deploying 3,000 troops to West Africa’s troubled Sahel region as extremist attacks surge, an African Union official said Thursday.

    The force would be a significant new player in the sprawling, arid region south of the Sahara Desert where fighters linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group killed thousands of people last year — at times working together in an unprecedented move.

    The decision by African leaders comes as the United States considers cutting its military presence in Africa while urging African solutions to African problems. That has sparked pressure from worried security allies including France and regional countries as well as a rare bipartisan outcry among lawmakers in Washington.

    Smail Chergui, the African Union commissioner for peace and security, relayed the new troop decision that was taken at the recent AU summit during a meeting Thursday with visiting European Union officials.

    The AU continental body is expected to work with the West African regional counterterror force G5 Sahel as well as the West African regional body ECOWAS, which has formed peacekeeping units in the past, Chergui said.

    ECOWAS in September announced what Chergui called a “very bold” plan to counter extremism in the region, including mobilizing up to $1 billion through 2024.

    “As you see and recognize yourself, the threat is expanding and becoming more complex,” Chergui said. “Terrorists are now even bringing a new modus operandi from Afghanistan and al-Shabab” in Somalia.

    It was not immediately clear what the next steps would be in forming the AU force for the Sahel, which has become the most active region in Africa for extremist attacks.

    The force would join France’s largest overseas military operation, the 5,100-strong Barkhane, and the 15,000-strong United Nations peacekeeping force in Mali, one of the hardest-hit countries in the attacks along with Burkina Faso and Niger.”

  11. Greek islanders protest planned migrant centers for 4th day (abcnews, Feb 27, 2020)
    https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/greek-island-residents-protest-4th-day-migrant-plan-69252415

    “Demonstrators protested for a fourth consecutive day Thursday on the eastern Greek islands of Lesbos and Chios against government plans to build new migrant detention centers, while island mayors met with the prime minister in Athens in an effort to resolve growing tension.

    The protests come amid growing anger and occasional violence on islands that are the main entry point for tens of thousands of people seeking better lives in the European Union.

    Shops and services were shut on Lesbos as workers extended an initial 24-hour strike into a second day as part of the protests.

    The mayors of Lesbos, Chios and the nearby island of Samos met with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis Thursday evening. The mayors and the prime minister agreed on “the need to immediately ease overcrowding on the islands,” the prime minister’s office said after the meeting.

    Mitsotakis’ office announced he would visit all three islands, starting in coming days with Samos whose migrant camp has the most severe overcrowding problem.

    On Wednesday, protests degenerated into violence with hundreds of demonstrators armed wit petrol bombs, shotguns and stones attacking police guarding the building sites of planned migrant detention camps on Chios and Lesbos. A crowd also laid siege for hours to a Lesbos army camp where riot squads were staying.

    Officials have said 43 police officers were injured in violence in Lesbos, and another nine in Chios, where a mob burst into a hotel being used by riot police and beat officers resting in their rooms.

    The government has said it will pull out many of the riot police deployed to the islands earlier this week. But it has insisted its plan to tackle migration, including building new detention centers, speeding up asylum procedures and deportations and beefing up border controls, will go ahead.

    “It is the only plan that can be implemented,” Mitsotakis said in opening remarks during a Cabinet meeting Thursday morning.

    The prime minister condemned attacks against police officers, saying those who participated in the violence “will be located and will answer for their actions.”

    “At the same time however, incidents of excessive violence by the police will be investigated,” Mitsotakis said. “Serious accusations have been made, we have a duty to investigate them.”

    Mitsotakis said he had ordered a “significant increase” in the number of patrol boats and patrols given what he called an increased public health risk from the new coronavirus, as new arrivals include people from Iran, where cases of the virus have increased significantly in recent days, and people who had crossed through Afghanistan.

    Greece’s eastern Aegean Sea islands have been the main entry point into the European Union for tens of thousands of people fleeing conflict and poverty in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Under a 2016 deal between the EU and Turkey, new arrivals must stay on the islands pending deportation back to Turkey until their asylum applications are processed.

    Long delays in the asylum process and increased migrant flows have led to severe overcrowding in the island camps, which are several times over capacity.

    Island residents have demanded that all migrants be moved to the mainland, and vehemently object to new camps being built in their areas.”

  12. The FBI agent who ran the bureau’s warrantless spying program said Wednesday he warned ex-Director James Comey and his deputy, Andrew McCabe that the program was a useless waste of taxpayer money that needlessly infringed Americans’ civil liberties but his bosses refused to take action.

    Retired Special Agent Bassem Youssef ran the FBI’s Communications Analysis Unit from late 2004 until his retirement in late 2014. He told Just the News he fears the deeply flawed program, which was started in response to the Sept. 11 attacks, was allowed to keep going to give Americans a false sense of security in the war on terror and possibly to enable inappropriate spying, such as that which targeted President Trump’s 2016 campaign.

    https://justthenews.com/government/courts-law/ex-fbi-unit-chief-blows-whistle-comey-mccabe-over-warrantless-spying-0

  14. PATERSON – NJ – GETS MUSLIM POLICE CHIEF & ISLAMIC CALL TO PRAYER OVER LOUDSPEAKERS
    On Wednesday, the City Council voted unanimously…to grant preliminary approval to the Islamic call to prayer being broadcast over loudspeakers in the city. This followed the swearing-in earlier this month, on the Qur’an, of course, of Paterson’s new police chief, Ibrahim “Mike” Baycora, the first Muslim police chief in an American city. Celebrate diversity, right? Sure. The problem is that it is by no means certain that this diversity will celebrate us. Robert Spencer
    https://pjmedia.com/trending/good-news-paterson-nj-gets-muslim-police-chief-and-islamic-call-to-prayer-over-loudspeakers/

  15. Live Updates: 22 Turkish Troops Killed Under Fire in Syria’s Idlib (sputniknews, Feb 27, 2020)
    https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/202002271078422764-nine-turkish-troops-killed-under-fire-in-syrias-idlib-governor-of-hatay-province-claims/

    “Earlier in the day, Syrian air defences downed a Turkish attack drone that had violated Syrian airspace to carry out strikes against government positions in the province, the Russian military said.

    Some 22 Turkish servicemen have been killed as a result of an airstrike in the Syrian province of Idlib, Anadolu Agency reported on Thursday citing Rahmi Dogan, the governor of Hatay province is located close to the Turkish border with Syria.

    Initially, Dogan reported nine casualties.

    “There has been an airstrike by the regime forces against our military in Idlib. After this attack, nine of our soldiers were martyred”, Dogan said. “We have seriously injured, who have been received at our Cilvegozu border gate into Turkey”.

    Meanwhile, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has chaired an emergency security meeting on the situation in Idlib, Anadolu Agency said.

    The situation has escalated in the northwestern province of Syria since early February as local militants have intensified attacks against the Syrian government forces. The Russian military has revealed that Ankara had backed the militants in the area with artillery fire.

    In December, Damascus launched a counter-terror operation to recapture areas of Idlib that are mostly under the control of the militants from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (formerly known as Al-Nusra Front*).

    *Al-Nusra Front (also known as Jabhat al-Nusra, Jabhat Fatah al-Sham, or al-Qaeda in Syria) is a terrorist group outlawed in Russia

    Turkey Threatens Retaliation After Death of 22 Soldiers in Idlib
    “The blood of our hero soldiers will not be left on the ground, our ongoing activities in the Syrian field will continue until the hands extended to our flag are broken”, Fahrettin Altun, Communications Director of the Turkish Presidency, said…”

  17. CHINESE CITY OFFERS $1,000+ REWARD FOR SELF-REPORTING CORONAVIRUS SYMPTOMS
    https://www.rt.com/news/481790-china-coronavirus-symptoms-reward/
    +
    CONSTRUCTION WORKERS AT LEISHENSHAN HOSPITAL, WUHAN, LEFT WITHOUT GOING THROUGH QUARANTINE – 5 mins 24 secs
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeeYCJjhmaE
    +
    HOMEOWNERS IN A JINGDEZHEN NEIGHBORHOOD LOST HOMES THROUGH DEMOLITION DURING CORONAVIRUS CRISIS – 55 secs
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWE0X6WxTto
    +
    WORKERS RETURNING TO WORK FACE VARIOUS TROUBLES – 33 secs

  19. SILENCE: Adult Migrant ‘High School Students’ Charged With Raping 11-Year-Old Girls In Maryland

  20. TEHRAN UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC: TODAY, PEOPLE WHO REACH POWER IN IRAQ MUST BE ACCEPTABLE TO IRAN
    video – 1 minute 16 seconds [Persian with English subtitles]
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deYBbZp-SLk

    IRANIAN TV HOST DELAVARI CRITICIZES GOVERNMENT’S CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE
    video – 1 minute 15 seconds [Persian with English subtitles]
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxIbI2haVyE

    IRAN’S HEALTH MINISTER TESTS POSITIVE – BUT WHAT ABOUT THE OTHERS IN THE ROOM
    video – 5 mins 50 secs

  24. GET CHILDREN OUT OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS – WARNS ARIZONA EDUCATION CHIEF
    video – 7 minutes 8 seconds

  25. France declares Strait of Hormuz military mission fully operational
    https://thedefensepost.com/2020/02/27/france-declares-emasoh-strait-of-hormuz-military-mission-fully-operational/

    “France this week declared the military component to its maritime surveillance and security mission in the strategic Strait of Hormuz fully operational.

    Operation Agenor, the military component of the European-led Maritime Situation Awareness in the Strait of Hormuz (EMASOH) initiative, was declared at full operational capacity in a ceremony at a French base in the Abu Dhabi on February 25, the Ministry for the Armed Forces said on Thursday.

    “The declaration of the full capability of this operation embodies the political project, led by eight European countries, to implement a maritime surveillance and security mission in the Strait of Hormuz,” the ministry said…”

  27. Turkey will no longer stop Syrian migrant flow to Europe – Turkish official

    ANKARA (Reuters) – Turkey has decided to no longer stop Syrian refugees from reaching Europe by land and sea, a senior Turkish official told Reuters on Thursday, in anticipation of the imminent arrival of refugees from Syria’s Idlib where nearly a million have been displaced.

    Turkish police, coast guard and border security officials have been ordered to stand down, the Turkish official added. Earlier on Thursday, a local Turkish governor said an attack on Turkish military in Idlib killed nine soldiers.

    https://www.thestar.com.my/news/world/2020/02/28/turkey-will-no-longer-stop-syrian-migrant-flow-to-europe—turkish-official

    ===============================

    https://in.reuters.com/article/syria-security-turkey-migrants/turkey-will-no-longer-stop-syrian-migrant-flow-to-europe-turkish-official-idINKCN20L34C

    ======================================

    video – Anadolu agency – Migrants gather on Bosnian border to enter Croatia

    https://www.aa.com.tr/en/vg/video-gallery/migrants-gather-on-bosnian-border-to-enter-croatia/0

  32. OIC condemns anti-Muslim violence in India
    http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/589878/SAUDI-ARABIA/OIC-condemns-anti-Muslim-violence-in-India

    “The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned the recent alarming violence against Muslims in India, resulting in the death and injury of innocent people, and the arson and vandalism of mosques and properties.

    In a press statement issued on Thursday, the pan Islamic body offered its sincere condolences to the families of the victims of these heinous acts.

    The OIC called on Indian authorities to bring the instigators and perpetrators of these acts of to justice. It also urged the authorities to ensure the safety and security of all Muslim citizens and the protection of Islamic holy places across the country.”

  33. US city grants mosques preliminary approval to broadcast call to prayer over loudspeakers
    https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/new-jersey-city-paterson-approves-noise-ordinance-broadcast-adhan-muslim-call-prayer

    “The US city of Paterson, New Jersey, has backed an ordinance to allow the adhan, the Muslim call to prayer, to be broadcast over loudspeakers.

    Under the new measure, which still has to go through two public hearings before being implemented, the adhan would be exempt from the city’s noise control ordinance and allowed to be broadcast outside every day between 6am and 10pm.

    The resolution was approved by council members on Tuesday by a vote of 7-0, with two members abstaining.

    “We applaud Paterson officials for taking this admirable step toward inclusion, and encourage them to pass the proposed ordinance,” said Salaedin Maksut, executive director of the New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).

    “Their open-mindedness to such laws is a concrete demonstration of respect and mutual understanding between the residents of our rich and diverse communities.”

    Paterson has approximately 30,000 Muslim residents, along with more than 15 mosques scattered across the area.

    Maksut compared the sounds made from the Muslim call to prayer to church bells, which are allowed to be broadcast in communities all across the United States.

    “The Islamic call to prayer is an integral aspect of a Muslim’s five daily prayers,” he said.

    “Like church bells, it summons worshipers to enter the prayer space, to turn one’s body, mind and spirit toward God.”

    Council members said during the lengthy debate that some mosques in the city currently use outdoor speakers to call Muslims to perform their five daily prayers.

    Supporters of the proposal said that the proposed revision would prevent mosques from receiving a noise summons for broadcasting the call.

    “We’re solving a problem that doesn’t exist,” Councilman William McKoy said in support of the measure.

    In the United States, some cities allow for the adhan to be broadcast, such as in Hamtramck, Michigan, which passed a similar ordinance in 2004.”

  34. Turkish army retaliates against ‘all known’ Syrian government targets
    https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-turkey-military-artill/turkish-army-retaliates-against-all-known-syrian-government-targets-idUSKCN20L39K

    “The Turkish army is retaliating with artillery fire at Syrian government targets in Syria after an airstrike killed 22 Turkish soldiers in the northwestern Idlib province, two Turkish security officials said on Friday.

    “All known” Syrian government targets are under fire by Turkish air and land support units, Turkey’s communications director Fahrettin Altun said separately on Friday, according to state-run Anadolu news agency. Turkey has decided to “respond in kind” to the attack by the Syrian government, Altun added.”

  35. Moroccan Embassy in Rome Denounces Racist School Questionnaire
    https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2020/02/294739/moroccan-embassy-in-rome-denounces-racist-school-questionnaire/

    “The Moroccan embassy in Rome expressed its “firm rejection” of a questionnaire submitted to high school students in Bergamo, northern Italy.

    The questionnaire contains biased statements and stereotypes about the identity of the Moroccan community living in Italy, according to a press release issued by the embassy on Wednesday, February 26.

    The embassy “was surprised to learn the unpleasant initiative of the questionnaire presented [to students] by the Andrea Fantoni Institute,” said the embassy.

    The survey included several stereotypes about Moroccans residing in Italy, revealed the document.

    The act contradicts the Italian society’s values of tolerance, cordiality, and coexistence, continued the press release.

    The diplomatic representation “is convinced that the Italian authorities will not tolerate such an act and will not fail to provide the appropriate response,” concluded the statement.

    Italian media were the first to react and share images of the infamous questionnaire. Local newspapers called the survey “shocking” and “racist.”

    The questions from the questionnaire included:

    – In your opinion, is it true that the criminal behavior of Moroccans is due to the cultural differences of these people?

    – Do you think Moroccans are descendants of populations with less developed skills?

    – What do you think of Moroccans who work in Italy?

    – Do you think that crime has increased with the increase of Moroccans in our country?

    – Would you give a helping hand to a Moroccan if necessary?

    – Do you think that living with Moroccans can enrich our culture?

    – Have you ever felt admiration for a Moroccan?

    – Have you ever hated someone just because they are Moroccan?”

  36. Debate on Role of Arabic Language, Islam Rages On in France
    https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2020/02/294762/debate-on-role-of-arabic-language-islam-rages-on-in-france/

    “President of the Arab World Institute Jack Lang participated in a heated debate with French essayist and journalist Eric Zemmour about the Arabic language and its link to Islam.

    The debate was broadcast on television channel CNews on Tuesday, February 25.

    Lang appeared on the show to introduce his recently-published book “The Arabic Language, Treasure of France.” The book explores the cultural value of the Arabic language in France.

    On the other side of the set, Zemmour, known for his controversial statements about Arab culture, migration, and Islam, was also invited to give his opinion on the book and its theme.

    Despite recognizing the “beauty of Arabic” and describing the language as “poetic,” Zemmour said that Arabic cannot be a language of science, because it has “an indestructible bond” with Islam, and the religion opposes all scientific thinking.

    “What a mistake!” retorted Lang, explaining that linking Arabic to Islam is a “historical error.” The head of the Arab World Institute invited Zemmour to visit the ongoing exhibition “Al Oula” at the institute that traces the origins of the Arabic language.

    “Arabic precedes Islam by centuries,” he continued, saying that “political agendas are behind the association of Arabic to Islam.”

    “When you say that the Arabic language is foreign to science, you leave me astonished,” protested Lang.

    A significant part of ancient knowledge was translated into Arabic, said Lang. However, Zemmour disputed the historical fact, because “it was Christians conquered by Arabs who translated the Greek texts.”

    Arabs indeed translated mathematics, astronomy, and medicine, affirms Zemmour. However, according to the essayist, Arabs never translated philosophical texts because “they would contest the Quran and God.”

    Outraged by the switch of topic from language to religion, Lang threatened to leave the set.

    “Tell the producer to end the show,” he angrily said to the host before turning towards Zemmour: “We’re here to talk about a book. Your fanaticism prevails over everything. Your obscurantism dominates truth and reason.”

    The heated debate continued for a few more minutes until Zemmour accused Lang of being an “idiot who wants to re-Arabize and re-Islamize” France.

    “You are the agent of Islamization! You want to leave the learning of Arabic in the hands of propagandists and manipulators while I want language teaching to be done inside schools,” lashed out Lang in response to the accusation.

    Lang, who is a former Minister of Culture, published his new book on February 13. The publication aims to defend the status of the Arabic language in France amid a raging national debate about Islamism and migration.

    Zemmour is known for his right-wing stances against migrants and Muslims in France. He started his journalism career in 1986 and worked as a reporter for several publications, including Le Figaro. Since 2011, Zemmour has hosted a weekly talk show on national television.

    Earlier this month, the essayist argued that Muslims who name their children Mohammed, the name of Islam’s prophet, or wear the veil are engaging in self-discrimination.”

    • JACK LANG – “Pedophile Minister” friend of Moroccan king

      Jack Lang, (1939) a French politician, held a ministerial post in several French governments. In his own words, he is defender of the rights of homosexuals. He also says he is a friend of the king of Morocco, Mohammed VI. In 1977, he signed an open letter, published in Le Monde, demanding the release of adults accused of paedophilia with minors.

      […]At the time, the French philosopher Luc Ferry accused a former French minister of “having paedophile relations in Morocco” without naming him. To RTL Luc Ferry said that “a former French minister has sexually abused minors in Marrakech (Morocco)”.

      https://medium.com/@AmazighInformatieCentrum/pedophile-minister-friend-of-moroccan-king-733f254eba7e
      =======================================
      Latest sex crime claims leave French press sceptical

      Earlier in the week, philosopher and former centre-right Education Minister Luc Ferry said on TV that he had been informed by senior French officials that a fellow former minister (whom he did not name) had once been caught in an “orgy with little boys” in Marrakech.

      […]A stringent French law protecting an individual’s right to privacy has prevented the French press from speculating about which politician Ferry may have been alluding to. But weekly magazine L’Express reported that former Culture Minister Jack Lang was considering filing a lawsuit for slander. The article mentions that Lang’s sexuality has long been the subject of rumours (that were furthermore examined in a 2005 profile of Lang published in the magazine).

      https://www.france24.com/en/20110602-latest-sex-crime-claims-leave-french-press-sceptical-luc-ferry

      ===============================================
      Calls for legal child sex rebound on luminaries of May 68

      Some causes championed in the Paris revolt are now seen as very troubling

      Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir and the current French health and education ministers Bernard Kouchner and Jack Lang were among the signatories of petitions in the 1970s calling for paedophilia to be decriminalised, it emerged yesterday.

      […]The petitions were issued after a 1977 trial that saw three men jailed for non-violent sex offences against children aged 12 and 13. “Three years in prison for caresses and kisses: enough is enough,” one petition, signed by Mr Kouchner and Mr Lang, said.

      https://www.france24.com/en/20110602-latest-sex-crime-claims-leave-french-press-sceptical-luc-ferry
      ================================================
      Débat entre Jack Lang et Eric Zemmour sur l’apprentissage de la langue arabe, sur CNEWS

  37. Sale of Ottoman sultan’s throne stirs debate
    https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/sale-of-ottoman-sultans-throne-stirs-debate-152504

    “throne, which is believed to belong to Abdülhamid II, the 34th sultan of the Ottoman Empire, has been sold for 100,000 Turkish Liras ($16,200) on the condition that it was not taken abroad, but the sale has stirred reactions.

    A businessman bought the throne at the Istanbul Art and Antiques Fair by Nilgün ?ensoy, a lecturer and antiquarian at the Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University.

    Y?ld?z Palace, where Abdülhamid II used to stay, was looted and partially burned by the public upon the abolition in 1909 after the 31 March Incident, a counter-coup by the anti-monarchist Ottoman generals.

    Although ?ensoy stresses that the throne does not belong to Abdulhamid II, she says that the throne was made by the Armenian Hapet and Nezeren Brothers, the carpenters who used to work for Y?ld?z Palace and was gifted.

    “After each sultan was deposed, his belongings used to be sold by auction. My grandfather bought it at auction. My mother lived in a modern house, hiding this throne in the attic,” she said.

    Sebahattin Türko?lu, the former museum director of Y?ld?z Palace, reminded of the historical looting incident and said that another throne was put up for sale 20 years ago during his mission, but he stopped the sale and seized the throne.

    “Does this work really belong to Y?ld?z Palace, it is doubtful. If this throne really came out of the palace, the authorities would have to seize this work and bring it to the museum,” he said.

    UNESCO Turkey National Committee member Nezihi Ba?gelen said that the people who owned the artifact should be investigated how they obtained it.

    “Y?ld?z Palace is a looted palace. We know that many works have been sold at auction before,” he added.”

  38. Turkey deported more than 7,900 foreign fighters: Minister
    https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-deported-more-than-7-900-foreign-fighters-minister-152503

    “Turkey has deported 7,918 foreign terrorists of 102 different nationalities so far, Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu said on Feb. 27.

    Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Soylu stated that Turkey also banned the entry of over 90,000 foreigners affiliated with terrorist organizations.

    Turkish authorities have been in contact with countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom and Spain, and established joint mechanisms in order to solve foreign fighters problem, the minister added.

    Forty-eight terrorists surrendered this year after being persuaded by Turkish security forces, the minister noted.

    Soylu argued that the PKK “rests on the shoulders of women, with their

    participation in terror acts at 56 percent.”

    “All of our institutions are engaged in the fight against terror, but

    it will end only with the courage of mothers,” he added…”

  39. Turkey rejects claims it targets Russia in Idlib
    https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkey-rejects-claims-it-targets-russia-in-idlib-/1747459

    “Turkey rejected allegations Thursday by Russian media outlets that claimed Turkish Armed Forces opened fire against Russian aircrafts in Idlib, northwestern Syria.

    The allegations that Turkey targeted Russia in Idlib de-escalation zone do not reflect the truth, according to information Anadolu Agency obtained from reliable sources.

    Earlier on Thursday, Turkish and Russian delegations held a meeting in Ankara to discuss the situation in northwestern Syria.

    Turkish side told their Russian counterparts the importance of implementing the 2018 Sochi deal and restoring the cease-fire between the conflict parties, according to diplomatic sources…”

  40. Turkey ‘neutralizes’ 1,709 regime elements in Idlib, Syria
    https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkey-neutralizes-1-709-regime-elements-in-idlib-syria/1747480

    “Turkey has neutralized a total of 1,709 regime elements in operations in Idlib, northwestern Syria over the past 17 days, security sources said.

    Turkish authorities often use the term “neutralized” to imply the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.

    The Turkish Armed Forces have destroyed a total of 55 tanks, three helicopters, 18 armored vehicles, 29 howitzers, 21 military vehicles, four Docka anti-aircraft guns, six ammunition depots, and seven mortars in the operations, said the sources on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

    In September 2018, Turkey and Russia agreed to turn Idlib into a de-escalation zone in which acts of aggression are expressly prohibited.

    But more than 1,300 civilians have been killed in attacks by the regime and Russian forces in the de-escalation zone since then as the cease-fire continues to be violated.

    The de-escalation zone is currently home to 4 million civilians, including hundreds of thousands displaced in recent years by regime forces throughout the war-torn country.

    More than 1 million Syrians have moved near the Turkish border due to intense attacks.

    Since the eruption of the bloody civil war in Syria in 2011, Turkey has taken in some 3.7 million Syrians who fled their country, making it the world’s top refugee-hosting country.”

    • Turkey: Survivors rushed to Hatay hospital after Idlib air strike kills dozens of soldiers

      The governor of Turkey’s Hatay province said at least 29 Turkish soldiers were killed and many more injured in an air strike in the Syrian province of Idlib on Thursday.

      Footage shows emergency services and onlookers as some of the injured were taken to the Reyhanli state hospital.

      Turkey reportedly launched retaliatory strikes against the Syrian Arab Army (SAA).

      SAA forces have been trying to retake Idlib from armed groups supported by Turkey.

    • VOA – At Least 33 Turkish Soldiers Killed in Syria Airstrike

      An airstrike by Syrian government forces killed 33 Turkish soldiers in northeast Syria, a Turkish official said on Friday, marking the largest death toll for Turkey in a single day since it first intervened in Syria in 2016.

      The losses came after weeks of growing tensions between rebel supporter Ankara and Damascus ally Moscow.

      In a statement, the US State Department said it is “very concerned” about the reported attack, adding “we standing by our NATO ally Turkey.”

    • twitter

      Just in: Trump ally Sen. Lindsey Graham pushing for an aggressive US response in Syria amid reports of 30+ Turkish troops killed in a Russian airstrike in Idlib, calling on POTUS to establish a no-fly zone “to stop the slaughter and get ahead of a humanitarian crisis”

      https://twitter.com/JackDetsch_ALM/status/1233124151726104576

      ===============================================

      Reports coming in of a large number of Turkish casualties in a Russian or Syrian government air strike in Idlib. Erdogan is hosting an emergency security meeting. Turkey has dug itself into quite a hole in Syria. How does it get itself out.

      https://twitter.com/LizSly/status/1233121426833575936

      ============================================

      Trump admin is mulling sending a high-level delegation to Turkey after at least 29 troops died in a Russian strike in Syria. But US lacks legal authority to shoot down Assad’s Air Force, Sr State Dept official says

      https://twitter.com/JackDetsch_ALM/status/1233212263156322304

      ======================================

      • Sen. Lindsey Graham – phooey!
        MB/ISIS – filthy Turk apologist!
        How much did it cost the Turk lobby to buy these corruptocrats?

  42. Demolition Company Employee Accused of Providing Swedish Gangs with Explosives
    https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2020/02/27/demolition-company-employee-accused-of-providing-swedish-gangs-with-explosives/

    “An employee of a demolition company in the Swedish county of Östergötland has been charged after police suspect he may have been selling explosive materials to gang members.

    The unidentified man was arrested last year along with a known member of one if Gothenburg’s violent criminal gangs, with both being under the influence of drugs at the time of their arrest, broadcaster Sveriges Radio reports.

    The arresting police also found a quantity of dynamite in the apartment during the arrest of the two men and another search of the home of the employee later revealed more explosives and explosive equipment.

    While the man has denied selling or giving explosives to gang members in Gothenburg, prosecutors have decided to press charges against him.

    Last year, Sweden saw a total of 257 explosive incidents across the country with varying amounts of physical destruction.

    Some of the largest explosions, such as the bombing of an apartment building in Linkoping, also located in Östergötland, have caused major damage. The Linkoping bombing also led to 25 people being injured as a result of the heavy blast.

    Police have speculated on where the high-powered explosives have originated, as previously most explosive attacks had involved hand grenades or high-powered fireworks.

    Some, such as Criminologist Sven Granath, have suggested that the explosives could have been stolen from construction sites. “You can only really speculate. It may be stolen from a building site and sold on, or maybe smuggled in,” he said.

    More explosions have also been seen this year, with a pair of large blasts taking place at residential buildings in Stockholm’s no-go suburbs on the same day in late January. Another explosion, that took place a week before in Östermalm, was confirmed to have been linked to drug dealing.

    Swedish centre-right Moderate Party leader Ulf Kristersson has slammed the leftist government’s handling of the trend of explosions saying, “Unfortunately, this government has lost control of what is happening in Sweden.”

    “The situation has thus escalated sharply and according to the police, there is no international equivalent,” he added.”

    • So is every Chinese chef!

      I see Duck Pate on the market for a long time to come. And by the way, duck pate is un real its so good.

  44. Disney World Jungle Cruise Boat Sinks With Passengers On Board in Mid-Ride Mishap
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    One Walt Disney World attraction just became a little too immersive for riders.

    Around midday on Thursday, one of the boats used in the classic Jungle Cruise ride at the Orlando theme park started sinking while filled with passengers.

    Witnesses documented the mishap on social media, showing guests still standing inside the boat as the murky water slowly rose around their legs. All those on board were safely rescued, but later images captured the vessel nearly completely submerged, its canopy roof still visible and what appears to be a lone park employee on board.

    “Our boat on the jungle cruise sank today. Fun times! #wdw,” one park-goer tweeted.

    “The water in the boat was about a foot and half. Happened about noon,” wrote the same Twitter user. “We went from floating to sunk in about a minute. Everyone was fine and we were rescued in about 20 minutes.”

    RELATED: Cinderella’s Castle at Disney World Is Getting a ‘Bold’ New Look — See the Concept Art

    a small boat in a body of water: (088636.ME.Disney.DOK)?? are back on the Jungle Cruise. And the famous teacups are spinning© Provided by People (088636.ME.Disney.DOK)?? are back on the Jungle Cruise. And the famous teacups are spinning
    The ride, located in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland area, is for all ages and lasts approximately 10 minutes, according to the official Disney World website, which describes it as a “journey that you won’t soon forget.”

    The beloved attraction is best known for its quirky skippers, who entertain guests with jokes and puns throughout the riverboat excursion. Animatronic wildlife can also be seen along the banks.

    Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories

    A Disney spokesperson told PEOPLE that employees immediately engaged the Reedy Creek Fired Department to respond to the event.

    Everyone made it off the boat safely, and staff members worked individually with the guests to ensure the rest of their park visit went smoothly, the representative said. The attraction has since reopened.

  45. Germany: “They put a target on the victims” – MPs hold AfD responsible for Hanau attack

    Members of Parliament from the Interior and Homeland Committees as well as representatives of immigrant organisations blasted the German far-right and Alternative for Germany (AfD) specifically, for rhetoric which they say led to attacks such as the Hanau shooting, during a press conference in Berlin on Thursday.

    “We clearly see a co-responsibility of the AfD for the attack in Hanau, but also for other events beforehand,” said Christian Democratic Union MP Mathias Middelberg.

    “Us democrats have to speak more clearly here in Parliament and in the media and say that the AfD but also the racists street mobilisation with Pegida are part of the problem,” said Left (Die Linke) MP Martina Renner. “I would even formulate it more strongly – they put a target on the victims.”

    Cihan Sinanoglu, a spokesperson for the Turkish Community in Germany said, “Hanau did not come out of the blue, but Hanau has a long blood trail, which starts earlier.”

    On Wednesday, February 19, a 43-year-old German citizen from Hanau opened fire outside a shisha bar at Heumarkt district, driving off to a second location in Kesselstadt district, where he opened fire again.

    The double shooting left at least 10 people dead, with five injured, before the suspect and his 72-year-old mother were found dead at his address in the early hours of Thursday morning.