Reader’s Links for October 14, 2020

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

101 Replies to “Reader’s Links for October 14, 2020”

  1. Two Americans, 240 Yemen Rebels Freed in Apparent Swap
    https://www.thedefensepost.com/2020/10/14/americans-freed-yemen-swap/

    “Two captive Americans were freed Wednesday in Yemen as more than 200 supporters of the country’s Houthi rebels were allowed to return home, in an apparent swap involving Saudi Arabia and Oman.

    The White House announced the release of US citizens Sandra Loli and Mikael Gidada, saying that the two had been held captive by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels who control much of Yemen.

    The rebels also sent back the remains of a third American, Bilal Fateen, the White House said, without describing the circumstances of how he died.

    Robert O’Brien, the national security advisor, stopped short of describing an exchange of people but thanked Saudi King Salman and Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al-Said “for their efforts to secure the release of our citizens.”

    President Donald Trump “continues to prioritize securing the release and repatriation of Americans held hostage abroad,” O’Brien said in a statement.

    “We will not rest until those held are home with their loved ones,” he said.

    The Houthis, who are backed by US arch-enemy Iran, said that 240 of their supporters returned to Yemen after being stranded in Oman, where they traveled two years ago for medical treatment.

    “Thanks to God, about 240 fellow countrymen, who had been wounded and stranded, arrived in Sanaa on board two Omani planes,” said Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdel Salam.

    “Among them were the wounded people who left for Muscat during the Sweden talks, and the United Nations did not return them according to the agreement,” he said referring to the UN-sponsored peace process.

    The Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen which supports the internationally recognized government did not comment on the release or whether there was a deal to exchange the 240 Huthi supporters.

    But senior Houthi political official Mohamed Ali al-Huthi accused the coalition of refusing to allow the group to travel back earlier from Oman — which acts as a broker in a range of regional disputes.

    “Today we were pleased to receive some wounded brothers who were stuck outside the country as a result of the brutal and continuous siege on our country. The coalition obstructed their exit and entry, one of its war crimes against Yemenis,” al-Huthi said in a tweet.”

  2. US Pressures on Iran Futile: Official
    https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2020/10/14/2369765/us-pressures-on-iran-futile-official

    “The chief of staff of the Iranian president highlighted the failure of American sanctions and pressures against Tehran, saying Washington has no option but to change policy towards the Islamic Republic no matter who wins the US presidential election.

    Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a weekly cabinet session on Wednesday, Mahmoud Vaezi reminded the White House of the “futility” of sanctions and pressures on Iran.

    “Whatever happens in the US and whoever takes power –be it the current administration or another president– … the US cannot achieve results against this (Iranian) nation, this government and this establishment through pressure,” he underscored.

    Pointing to the “tough conditions” resulting from the US sanctions, the president’s chief of staff thanked the people of Iran for “realizing that the administration, the government and the three branches of power do not accept such conditions, as they are doing their utmost, and are not going to give in to the enemy’s pressures or bow down.”

    “This is the price we are paying for our independence,” he said.

    While the enemies had formulated plans for Iran’s economic collapse within three months, their plots have gone nowhere after two years and nine months despite all the pressures and sanctions, Vaezi added.

    He touched on the recent sanctions the US has imposed on 18 Iranian banks, saying Tehran had made arrangements beforehand to deal with the sanctions since two months ago.

    Iran would not make its plans public, because the enemy may block the new ways for Iranian trade, he added, noting that most of the Iranian ministries working with foreigners use “special methods” to bypass the sanctions.

    “However, we would pay a higher cost. Under normal situation, we could have handled the exports more easily and our imports would also cost less. All in all, the situation is difficult. We have always maintained that we are sorry for people, we are sorry because of the pressures,” Vaezi stated, according to the government’s official website.

    “There is no other option for it (the US) to change stances. Those who had made plans for three months (have gone nowhere) after two years and some nine months now. So I believe that the situation will be better in future, God willing,” he concluded.”

  3. Iran Urges Trade Partners to Meet Commitments
    https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2020/10/14/2369757/iran-urges-trade-partners-to-meet-commitments

    “Iran’s president called on the friends and trade partners to honor their commitments to bring a good image among the Iranian people.

    In an address to a Wednesday session of the cabinet, President Hassan Rouhani was briefed on the results of the recent visits by Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and Governor of the Central Bank of Iran Abdolnasser Hemmati to China and Iraq to release Iran’s assets.

    Hailing the positive results of the missions for unfreezing the country’s financial resources held abroad, the president called on the friendly states and the trade partners to honor their legal and moral commitments to prevent the Iranian public opinion’s pessimism about the future of relations with those countries.

    On Tuesday, Rouhani said Iran has stepped up efforts to use its foreign currency reserve assets frozen in other countries despite the US pressures.

    Hemmati said on Monday that his negotiations with the Iraqi officials have yielded “positive” results, as the Arab country has given its approval to the release of Iran’s frozen assets for the purchase of basic commodities.

    The top Iranian banker held meetings with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq Mustafa Ghalib Mukheef, and Chairman of Trade Bank of Iraq (TBI) Salem Jawad Abdul Hadi Al-Jalabi during his visit to Baghdad.”

  4. Iran Can Begin Free Arms Trade on Sunday: President
    https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2020/10/14/2369404/iran-can-begin-free-arms-trade-on-sunday-president

    “Iran will be able to freely sell and buy weapons as of October 18, as the UN arms embargo will be terminated under the 2015 nuclear deal, President Hassan Rouhani said.

    Speaking at a cabinet session on Wednesday, Rouhani congratulated the Iranian nation on the termination of the arms embargo that would take effect on coming Sunday.

    “As of Sunday, we’ll be able to sell our weapons to whoever we’d like, and buy arms from anybody we’d want,” he said, adding that Iran struggled for four years for the termination of the embargo.

    The US made every effort to impede the removal of the arms embargo on Iran, but the Iranian nation’s resistance yielded results, he added.

    The president also reminded the critics of the JCPOA that the termination of the arms embargo on Iran is one of the results of the nuclear deal.

    The US suffered an embarrassing diplomatic defeat in August when the United Nations Security Council rejected a proposal to indefinitely extend the arms ban.

    The embargo on conventional arms is due to expire on October 18 under the terms of a resolution that blessed the Iran nuclear deal, signed in July 2015 and officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.”

  5. G20 Meetings: Religious Leaders Call For Coexistence, Rejection of Hate Speech
    https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2563956/g20-meetings-religious-leaders-call-coexistence-rejection-hate-speech

    “Representatives of 10 different religions and cultures convened in a virtual forum hosted by Saudi Arabia on Tuesday to discuss specific solutions to consolidate ties, counter hate speech, and face Islamophobia.

    The forum falls within the meetings of the Group of 20 (G20) – currently chaired by the Kingdom – and is held prior to the leaders’ summit next month.

    The G20 Religious Values Forum will continue until Saturday, with the participation of 500 international religious leaders and experts in religious and humanitarian organizations, including 130 speakers from 45 countries.

    Tuesday’s opening session featured addresses by former Australian Prime Minister Anthony Abbott, the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, the Archbishop of Constantinople, the President of the Pontifical Council for Interfaith Dialogue, the President of the European Council of Rabbis, and others.

    Three round tables were held simultaneously on the role of religion in building bridges of peace and resolving conflicts. The meetings discussed the importance of coexistence, unity, solidarity and brotherhood, and strengthening communication between different religions and cultures.

    Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Abdellatif Al-Sheikh emphasized the Kingdom’s humanitarian role and global position in various parts of the world.

    He emphasized the need to unify the efforts of governmental and national religious institutions and international organizations to confront the discourse of extremism and Islamophobia and to instill the values of moderation within societies.

    For his part, the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Dr. Youssuf Al-Othaimeen, noted that the global challenges resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic have highlighted “the necessity to converge the views of religious leaders and belief organizations over the values of tolerance, solidarity, and moderation.”

    The Archbishop of Constantinople, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, touched on “the importance of human dignity and equality between the peoples of the world,” stressing “standing against all forms of racism and injustice, and any other form of discriminatory practices.”

    Meanwhile, the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Al-Issa, said that while “moderate voices reject all forms of hatred, racism, discrimination, and marginalization, other isolated extremist voices only represent their hateful views, which are driven by bad motives.”

    “The problem is not in the religious texts, nor the ideas of the great pioneers, but in the understanding and application of these texts, rather than distorting their meaning,” he stated.

    In the same context, the President of the Pontifical Council for Interfaith Dialogue, Cardinal Miguel Angel Ayuso Guixot, underlined the importance of the work of religious leaders “in spreading hope” within societies.”

    • This is so they all are on the same page when bible believers bring attention to Gods Sabaath is saturday and the popes is sunday. Informing people of Gods commandments and the final prophecy will be deemed hate speech. People that believe the bible will be called christian extremists full of hate.

  6. US, Saudi Launch Strategic Dialogue, Agree to Counter Iran’s Threat
    https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2564721/us-saudi-launch-strategic-dialogue-agree-counter-iran%E2%80%99s-threat

    “US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo?and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud?launched on Wednesday the US-Saudi Strategic Dialogue in Washington, marking a new era in the two countries’ relations as they both seek to counter Iran’s threat.

    “Ever since President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and King Abdul Aziz Al Saud first laid the foundation for our ties 75 years ago, Saudi Arabia has been an important partner in this volatile region,” said Pompeo after the dialogue’s inaugural.

    “Our conversations this morning reflected a mutual willingness to grow not only our security and economic ties, but our whole partnership,” he said.

    He revealed that the US is preparing to acquire a 26-acre site for a new US embassy in Riyadh.

    On regional security, Pompeo said that Iran’s destabilizing behavior threatens Saudi Arabia’s security and disrupts world trade.

    “That’s clear from Iran’s ballistic missile attacks on Saudi oil facilities in the fall of last year, and the frequent, ongoing Houthi bombardment of Saudi territory using rockets, drones, and other lethal technology supplied by the regime in Tehran,” he told the press.

    “Today we reaffirmed our mutual commitment to countering Iranian malign activity, and the threat it poses to regional security and prosperity,” he added.

    As for the Saudi FM, he said the Kingdom looks forward to expand its ties with the US.

    “Our strong partnership is vital in confronting the forces of extremism and terrorism that threaten our security and prosperity,” said Prince Faisal.

    He slammed the Iranian regime for its continued financial and material support to terrorist groups, including Yemen’s Houthis, who have launched more than 300 Iranian-made ballistic missiles and drones towards the Kingdom.

    The actions of the Iranian regime and its malign activities represent a grave danger to the region and the world, he stated, adding: “We are both committed to counter and deter Iran’s destabilizing behavior.””

  7. Head of Saudi Chambers urges end to business with Turkish companies
    https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/599139/SAUDI-ARABIA/Head-of-Saudi-Chambers-urges-end-to-business-with-Turkish-companies

    “The head of the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce, Ajlan Al-Ajlan, on Wednesday called on all Saudis to stop doing business with Turkish companies in the Kingdom, reiterating his call for a boycott of “everything Turkish.”

    On Oct. 3, Al-Ajlan called for a boycott of “everything Turkish” including imports, investment, and tourism. Al-Ajlan said it is “the responsibility of every Saudi to act”.

    “I say it with certainty and clarity: No investment, no import, no tourism,” said the head of Saudi Chamber of Commerce Ajlan Al-Ajlan in a tweet.

    “We, as citizens and businessmen, will not have any dealings with everything Turkish. Even the Turkish companies operating in the Kingdom, I call not to deal with them,” he added.

    Al-Aljan said it was the “least response” Saudis can do amid “continued Turkish hostility and insult to our leadership and our country.”

    “Boycotting everything Turkish, whether on the level of imports, investment or tourism, is the responsibility of every Saudi — trader and consumer — in response to the continued hostility of the Turkish government against our leadership, our country, and our citizens,” said Al-Ajlan tweeted.

    The Turkish lira has taken a nosedive, descending to a record low last week at over 7.7 versus the US dollar. The lira is one of the world’s worst-performing currencies this year, down 22 percent, according to Reuters.

    The impact of the coronavirus combined with a currency crisis that began in 2018 has led to a sharp recession, with gross foreign exchange reserves at the central bank falling by nearly half this year.

    The call for a boycott comes after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said earlier this month that some countries in the Arabian Gulf were targeting Turkey, and questioned the existence of these countries.

    “It should not be forgotten that the countries in question did not exist yesterday, and probably will not exist tomorrow; however, we will continue to keep our flag flying in this region forever,” said Erdogan on Oct. 1 in addressing Turkey’s General Assembly. — SG”

  8. UAE joins 7 states to sign pact for moon exploration
    https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20201014-uae-joins-7-states-to-sign-pact-for-moon-exploration/

    “Eight states, including the UAE, have signed an international pact for moon exploration, NASA said yesterday.

    The pact, called the Artemis Accords, is intended as a framework for best practice on moon and space exploration, covering guidelines on the use of resources, making rocket fuel, safe operations and emergency assistance.

    The United Arab Emirates, UK, Japan, Australia, Canada, Italy and Luxembourg signed the US-led agreement yesterday, with more countries expected to follow suit.

    “What we’re trying to do is establish norms of behaviour that every nation can agree to,” NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine told reporters, according to Al Jazeera.

    Under the pact, the US will seek to send the first woman to the moon as early as 2024, as part of a project called Artemis.

    The planned return to the moon will mirror the Apollo missions of the 1960s and 70s, the BBC said, but unlike earlier visits, astronauts will seek to establish a permanent presence…”

  9. Qatari government uses lies to jeopardise stability of nations: Egypt’s SIS
    http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/388387/Egypt/Politics-/Qatari-government-uses-lies-to-jeopardise-stabilit.aspx

    “Egypt’s State Information Service (SIS) stressed on Wednesday that the government of Qatar has created a sea of lies and used it to jeopardise the stability and security of many nations under the pretext of defending and propagating freedom of opinion and expression.

    “Of course they mean freedom of opinion and expression to everyone except the people of Qatar. The Qatari regime has muzzled the Qatari people and deprived them of their inalienable right to freedom of expression through a bunch of brutal and oppressive laws,” the SIS said in a report published Wednesday on its website.

    “Actually if these laws are applied to a Qatari citizen who attempts to emulate the conduct of Al Jazeera and its employees in his/her own country he/she would definitely spend a great many years in Jail,” the report read.

    The SIS pointed out that such laws aim “to smother the voice of the helpless people of Qatar while their oppressive regime preaches freedom and democracy to other Nations and governments.”

    The report also states that “such behaviour by the Qatari regime can only be perceived as hypocritical to say the least.”

    The report tackled three laws that restrict freedom of opinion and expression, which are the Penal Code, the Cybercrime Law and the Printing and Publication Law.

    “Article 115 of the penal code punishes those who spread false date or rumours concerning the Qatari State abroad with a 5-year prison sentence; and at times of war this penalty is doubled to 10 years in prison,” the report highlighted.

    “This is quite ironic as Qatar offers itself as a platform for those who spread misinformation about their own countries, bearing in mind that most of the time they come from States that are at odds with Qatar and its irresponsible policies that threaten regional stability.”

    The report added that Article 122 of the penal code lands a 5-year prison sentence on those who provide any footage, maps, documents or any form of information regarding the situation in Qatar to a foreign country.

    “Indeed, this means that any Qatari correspondent to a foreign entity faces the danger of imprisonment at any moment under such conditions and again ironically Al Jazeera engages in the same activities criminalized by Qatari laws but against other nations,” said the report.

    Also according to the report, Article 6 of the Cybercrimes Law says that anyone who establishes or administers a website to spread false news will be sentenced to 3 years in prison and pay a hefty fine of half a million riyals.

    Also, Article 8 of the same law states that anyone who violates the societal traditions and principles through spreading fake news, footage or voice recordings shall be imprisoned for 3 years and will pay a fine of 100,000 riyals.

    The report also states that the Printing and Publication Law devoted its seventh Chapter to imposing penalties on journalists and press workers, and these penalties varied between freedom-depriving penalties, fines, shutting down institutions and confiscating publications.”

  10. Court orders to complete confiscation of Nawaz Sharif’s assets by Oct 29
    https://tribune.com.pk/story/2268195/court-orders-to-complete-confiscation-of-nawaz-sharifs-assets-by-oct-29

    “An accountability court in Islamabad on Tuesday ordered the process of confiscating former premier Nawaz Sharif’s assets to be completed by October 29.

    During a hearing of the Toshakhana reference, a report was submitted to the court, providing complete details of the confiscation of assets, shares in companies and freezing of bank accounts of the PML-N supremo.

    The investigating officer said the confiscation process is underway, to which the court ordered the confiscation to be completed by October 29.

    Earlier this month, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) submitted a report to an accountability court, providing complete details of the movable and immovable assets of convicted former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

    Islamabad Accountability Court-II judge Azam Khan on September 10 declared Nawaz a proclaimed offender in the case after the PML-N chief failed to appear before the court despite repeated summons.

    According to the SECP, Nawaz owns 467,950 shares in Muhammad Bakskh Textile Mill, 343,425 shares in Hudabiya Paper Mills, 22,213 shares in Hudabiya Engineering Company and 48,606 shares in Ittefaq Textile Mills.

    He also has eight accounts in various private banks, including three foreign currency accounts and has Rs612,000 in five bank accounts and in his foreign currency accounts, Nawaz has €566, $698 and £498 respectively.

    Zardari and Sharif have been accused by the country’s top anti-corruption body of illegally retaining expensive vehicles gifted to them by different foreign states and dignitaries instead of depositing them in the Toshakhana.”

  11. Efforts against Islamophobia to continue: PM
    https://tribune.com.pk/story/2268336/efforts-against-islamophobia-to-continue-pm

    “Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday expressed his pleasure over Pakistan’s re-election to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and pledged that the country would “stand resolute against Islamophobia and in support of mutual respect”.

    The premier also vowed that the country would continue exposing the human rights violations being perpetrated in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

    “We remain committed to upholding human rights for all, prioritising advancement of tolerance and constructive engagement,” the premier tweeted a day after the country bagged a seat in the UN’s human rights body with an overwhelming majority.

    He added that the country would continue its efforts towards consensus building and ensuring that the HRC’s work was guided by principles of universality, impartiality, dialogue and cooperation.

    The prime minister further said Pakistan would continue to expose human rights violations committed with impunity by the Indian occupation forces in IIOJK.

    Among the five candidates from the Asia-Pacific region vying for four seats, Pakistan secured 169 votes in the 193-member UN General Assembly elections that were held in New York on Tuesday.

    Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that Pakistan was supported by every region in its election to the UNHRC. “Influential and important countries also backed Pakistan,” he added.

    He said that Prime Minister Imran Khan wrote letters to heads of different countries to seek their support in these elections, whereas he [Qureshi], being the foreign minister, also contacted his counterparts from various countries.”

  12. Turkey to give Greece answer it deserves over east Med
    https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-to-give-greece-answer-it-deserves-over-east-med-159146

    “Turkey will give Greece and Greek Cyprus the answers they deserve on the ongoing dispute in regards to the hydrocarbon activities in the eastern Mediterranean, President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an has vowed, signaling the return of the Yavuz drilling ship back off the Cyprus Island.

    “We will continue to give Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration – who fail to keep their promises at the EU and NATO platforms – the answer they deserve on the ground,” President Erdo?an said in an address to his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) lawmakers on Oct. 14.

    Turkey has already redeployed the Oruç Reis seismic research vessel to the eastern Mediterranean in a reaction to EU’s failure in meeting its promises and to Greece’s continued maximalist demands through its Meis Island…”

  13. Turkey nabs FETO suspects attempting to flee to Greece
    https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkey-nabs-feto-suspects-attempting-to-flee-to-greece/2006433

    “Four people suspected of links to the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) were nabbed in northwestern Turkey while they were trying to escape to Greece illegally, security sources said Wednesday.

    The four suspects and two drivers were taken into custody in Edirne, a northwestern Turkish province bordering Greece, after they were arrested in the Ipsala district, sources said on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

    FETO and its US-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated a defeated coup in Turkey on July 15, 2016, leaving 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

    Turkey also accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.”

  14. Turkey ‘neutralizes’ 5 PKK terrorists in northern Iraq
    https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkey-neutralizes-5-pkk-terrorists-in-northern-iraq/2006706

    “Turkish security forces “neutralized” five PKK terrorists in an air operation in northern Iraq, the Turkish Defense Ministry said Wednesday.

    The terrorists, who were plotting an attack, were “neutralized” in Hakurk region after they were located through reconnaissance and surveillance, the ministry said on Twitter.

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

    Turkey’s anti-terror operations continue without any letup, the statement added.

    The ministry also shared footage of the operation…”

  15. French police arrest Muslim NGO head in raid
    https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/french-police-arrest-muslim-ngo-head-in-raid/2006384

    “French police raided Wednesday the home of Muslim NGO BarakaCity’s founder and arrested him, the organization, which broadcast the raid live on its social channels, said.

    Idriss Sihamedi, the NGO’s president, was beaten up and arrested in front of his four children.

    “Search this morning at the home of the president of BarakaCity,” it wrote on Facebook and Twitter, along with images “of the beds turned over, tables broken, baskets and linen turned over.”

    “Idriss was violently beaten by a police officer who pressed his head against the [floor] tiles while he was not resisting and cooperating.”

    A BarakaCity employee later filmed the interior of the premises, showing torn switches, broken surveillance cameras and doors, books and files completely turned over.

    No official statement has yet been made by the authorities but Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin had recently accused Sihamedi of “condoning terrorism” before deleting his tweet.

    In a press conference on Tuesday, he said a total of 73 mosques, private schools and workplaces have been closed since the beginning of this year “in the fight against radicalization.”

    The raid is one of many that took place across France following President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement to fight “Islamist separatism” in the country.

    He argued that “Islamic separatism” was problematic, and added: “The problem is an ideology which claims its own laws should be superior to those of the republic.”

    Sihamedi had called for a united Muslim response to Macron’s attempts to control Muslim public life and private beliefs.

    Macron’s speech was widely criticized by French Muslims due to fears that the bill, which will be submitted to parliament in December, could trigger abuse against them.

    Some NGOs or organizations which “act against the law and values of the country” might be closed or face tight financial audits, according to the controversial plan.

    It has sparked criticism, with some representatives of the Muslim community describing the move as Islamophobic and discriminatory.”

  16. Tens of thousands flee Taliban attacks in southern Afghanistan as peace talks stall
    https://www.france24.com/en/20201014-tens-of-thousands-flee-taliban-attacks-in-southern-afghanistan-as-peace-talks-stall

    “Tens of thousands of people in southern Afghanistan have fled their homes following days of heavy fighting between the Taliban and security forces, officials said Wednesday, as violence continues to soar despite ongoing peace talks.

    Taliban militants launched a series of attacks on the city of Lashkar Gah in restive Helmand province on Sunday night, prompting the US to call in air strikes to defend Afghan forces.

    The fighting triggered an exodus by local residents who crammed onto motorcycles, taxis and buses.

    “More than 5,100 families or 30,000 people… have fled the fighting so far,” Sayed Mohammad Ramin, director of the refugees department in Helmand, told AFP…”

  17. Paris court jails man for 28 years for 2017 hammer attack at Notre Dame Cathedral
    https://www.france24.com/en/20201014-paris-court-jails-man-for-28-years-for-2017-hammer-attack-at-notre-dame-cathedral

    “A Paris court on Wednesday jailed an Algerian man for 28 years after convicting him of attempted terrorist murder for attacking police guarding Notre Dame Cathedral with a hammer in 2017, crying: “This is for Syria!”

    The assault by Farid Ikken, now 43, outside one of France’s most-visited monuments came after a string of Islamic extremist attacks around France in 2015-2016, and was among multiple violent acts targeting security forces.

    In the Notre Dame incident, one police officer was lightly injured, and Ikken — a former doctoral student — was shot and wounded by officers. At least 600 people were trapped inside the 12th century cathedral while police secured the surrounding streets and combed the pews.

    At the time prosecutors said police found a declaration of allegiance to the Islamic State group in a self-filmed video on his home computer but said the attacker appeared to have acted alone.”

  18. Toronto mosque threats spark calls to dismantle white supremacy

    Community leaders say the federal government needs to step up and do more to dismantle white supremacy in Canada.

    The renewed calls come after Islamophobic threats were made against a Toronto mosque over the weekend.

    • Toronto mosque receives threatening messages

      Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other officials speak out, after a Toronto mosque received violent messages and threats of “Christchurch all over again”.

      The mosque was forced to shut down, for it’s own safety.

      Now, the National Council of Canadian Muslims is calling for a national action plan to combat white supremasists and other hate groups in the country.

    • Trudeau condemns Islamophobic threats made against Toronto mosque

      The prime minister says “Islamophobia and right-wing extremism have no place in our country.”

      • Trudeau needs to be removed from office while we still have a CHRISTIAN country. What a disgraceful THING.