More U.S. banks put on "probation"

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(Reuters) – U.S. federal regulators have raised the number of struggling banks which they have essentially put on probation, forcing them to fix their problems to avoid potential failures, the Wall Street Journal said.

Citing data obtained under the Freedom of Information Act requests, the paper said The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), along with the Federal Reserve, have issued more memorandums of understanding so far this year than in all of 2008. At the current rate of at least 285, the Fed, OCC and Federal Deposit Insurance Corp are in line to issue nearly 600 of these secret agreements this year, the paper said, compared with last year when 399 such agreements were issued. The memorandums — which can force financial institutions to increase their capital, overhaul management or take other major steps — are not bound to be made public by the banks, the Journal said. The OCC, a division of the Treasury Department that supervises national banks, could not be reached outside regular business hours.

Egypt:Al-Azhar senior scholar refused to describe Shia as Infidel

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Al-Azhar senior scholar, Sheikh Ashour, rejected the claim of Sheikh Yaqub based on “Shias are infidel” and stressed that Shias are not infidel and they are not going out of Islam.  In a TV program “Cairo Today”, quarrel was erupted between Mahmoud Ashour, and Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Yacub, senior scholars of Al-Azhar, about Shia doctrine and their expansion in Egypt. Yacub called Shia as Muslims who are out of Islam because they are allegedly insulting the Sahaba and believe that Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s) is the first succession of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). He said: “there are fundamental differences between Shia sand Sunnis. By Observing the Shia TV program we can easily understand the deep differences between Shia and Sunni. On the other hand, Sheikh Ashour said that Shias were not going out of Islam, because after reciting the word “there is no God but Allah” all of them are Muslim and belong to Islam. He pointed out that the Shias differ from Sunnis in the jurisprudence, but they are agree in the word “there is no God but Allah and prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is the messenger of God”, as well as the holy Quran is the book of God and the miracle of the Messenger of Allah and Kaaba is our Qiblah, so they are not infidels even if they imprecate Sahaba. He pointed out that the Shias may have some differences between themselves, as well as Sunnis, but we should not imprecate each other, because this is a big plot against Muslims which planned by enemies and unbelievers. He added: Egyptians fond the household of Prophet (pbut), but they are not Shia. There is no horror because of converting some people to Shiite religion and it doesn’t mean in future we would encounter the wave of Shia thoughts.

Ahmadinejad receives presidential order on August 3

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The conformation ceremony takes place on Monday, where re- elected president receive his order from Supreme Leader in front of influential figures.
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will be sworn in as the 10th president of the Islamic republic on August 5. 

Iraq:Grand Ayatollah Sistani Emphasizes National Unity

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In a meeting with the Iraqi government spokesman, Ali ad-Dabbagh, he emphasized the need for the government officials to serve the people. And latest political conditions in the country.
In related news, the Iraqi News Agency announced that in separate meetings that Dabbagh had with Iraqi other sources of jurisprudence in holy Najaf, including Ayatollah Ishaq al-Fayyaz and Ayatollah Mohmmad Sa’eed Hakim the religious authorities stressed unity and national confidence in order to guarantee Iraq’s future.  The government spokesman briefed them on the latest political conditions in the country.

UN chief calls Benazir Income Support Programme model for other countries

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UNITED NATIONS, July 31 (APP): Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday praised the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), saying it was oriented along the lines of his vision of helping the world’s most vulnerable people. The secretary-general made these remarks during a meeting with Chairperson of BISP Farzana Raja at UN Headquarters in New York when she briefed him on the progress resulting from the eight-months-old programme, which is aimed at empowering women and reducing poverty. Ms. Raja told Pakistani journalists after the 30-minute meeting that the Secretary-General took note of the fact that BISP is based on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the globally agreed set of social and economic targets that are supposed to be realized by 2015. She said that Ban proposed that Pakistan share this “model programme”  with other countries, especially those in South Asia. “I congratulate the President (Asif Ali Zardari) and you for helping the most vulnerable people of your country,” Ban told the Chairperson. “This programme is good for your country, good for your people and should be shared with other countries.” Through sheer hard work, she said, programme is already extending financial help to 2.2 million deserving families against the target of 3.5 million in which the household woman receives Rs. 1,000 per month. The idea, she added, was to bring the women into the mainstream.  Besides cash help, the programme caries other benefits like health and accident insurances as well as vocational training so that the recipients ultimately become self-sufficient. Farzana Raja said she also told the secretary-general that the programme was non-partisan designed to help the most deserving Pakistanis. “This is not a party specific programme, it is for the people of Pakistan, because of its transparency, the entire world, donor agencies are cooperating and are sending their offers to us,” she said. Ms. Raja said a poverty census was being carried out across the country with the help of the World Bank to identify more deserving households so that they could benefit from the programme. In addition, She said the BISP was also helping the families of the victims of bomb blasts and those of the earthquakes as well as the displaced persons from the Swat region.

During the meeting, Ms. Raja also conveyed messages of greetings from President Zardari and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani to the secretary-general who warmly reciprocated their sentiments. She also said she invited Ban on behalf of the Government of Pakistan and he accepted the invitation.

Farzana Raja also paid a courtesy call on the President of the UN General Assembly, Miguel D’Escoto Brokmann. Earlier, she conferred with Ajay Chibber, Assistant Secretary-Generl and Regional Director at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

In Islam, men and women are equal.but…

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Fatemeh Badaqi, the member of cultural and social service in Iranian parliament said in an private interview with Iwna:” with an entire view to this issue we can say that there is no law discrimination between men and women, but, accordance with the qualifications, features, and duties of men and women, we sense some law discriminations between men and women. These differences have been arranged in terms of their creation. The commands are accord with these different creations. Difference is apart from discrimination.” Iwna reported.

She added:” the differences arranged according to the tastes and features, but discrimination is injustice. The differences in qualifications arranged according to wisdom to any one take a specific duty and be their supplementary top each other.”

He added:” the differences produce more symmetry amid men and women for conjugal life. God has established appropriate commands due to differences in men and women’s nature, maybe, in social relations, some affairs are of worth for men and some for women, like providing expenses is men’s duty and family’s consumed economic arrangement is on women. So, if some social positions considered masculine, not only is not indicative of women’s inferiority, but also a duty division to better access to perfection.

Mrs. Behrouzi, the researcher in this issue, said: “In human evolution program, there is no difference between men and women, but a perfect equality lies. For better understanding, refer to some verses of Koran:” if any religious men and women do a good deed, he/she would enter the paradise and would receive not a little cruelty.”

“In another verse, we have: God has offers bless for all Muslim men and women, like verse 195, Ale Emran Sura, 97 Nahl, 40 Qafer and 13 Hojarat.

Also, Imam Sadeq said:” women’s blood price is half of the men’s.” we have this, too, in Sunni disciples.

“Blood price in Islam, has been compiled according to men and women, difference not only adds men’s dignity, but also not decreases women’s. Men and women’s differences return to their creation and their roles in family.” She said.

Also, men’s duty is apart from women’s. This makes his economic duty becomes further in family. So, his economic value gets more than women’s, not his humane value, for men’s humane value is equal with women’s humane spiritual value. We can estimate the humane value’s price.”

“In ability to achieve moral perfections, both are equal. In blood price, the spiritual aspects of the murderer do not affect, but, it is the economic value of the murdered person. If the murdered is a man, his blood price is more, due to his abilities and the duties he has got on his back and remained after his murder. If the murdered is woman, her blood price is less, for she has no specific duties. This is difference not discrimination.” She speculated.

“On the other side, men’s doubled blood price does mean that all the family members exploit his fund, because their expenses are on man’s shoulders. So, it spends in family affairs, which women are a part of it, especially it leads to death sometimes. More blood price is not received to the men of the family, but to all of the individuals within, consisting women.” She stated.

Referring to men and women’s giving evidence, Badaqi classified:

1. Giving evidence in court is not a right taken away from women, but a duty, and its reticence are forbidden. It is apparent that not hiding the evidence and sins makes sense in the places of responsibilities not right.

2. Law-making is not a value of discussion, but a relation arrangement in which duty division according to the abilities and capacities and also social realities, are one of its certain principles.

According to the above points, we conclude:

“In most of law cases, men and women’s moral mechanism is difference. Giving evidence and informing the judge, is not related to men and women’s identity and nature, in some cases, when the evidence is related to women, men’s evidence is not admitted, for men can not be evidence in such situations, in the cases that the men’s presence are further, the women’s evidence is not necessary.”

“On the other side, according to psychological opinions, women have got fragile spirit, they are more sentimental and easy of belief, so, they accept more rapidly and more affected, and give evidence according to these features.” She added. Iwna reported.

In some cases, Islam, has exempted men from giving evidence and placed it in women’s realm. But, in some other cases, in contrary, it has exempted women from giving evidence and placed it in men’s realm, and in some, two women’s evidence is equal with one man’s.

Two women’s evidence is equal with one man’s in some cases like murder and adultery is properly due to women’s psychology, for:

1.  Women are more decent than men. Due to their dignity, they don not gaze at some scenes like adultery, unlike men who are much more curious to find out. Women’s procedures in confronting with such cases are not a deficiency, but, naturally, the possibility of error in identifying the people is more in them. The increased number of evidence reduces the rate of errors.

2. Women are more sentimental than men. This is not considered a deficiency for them, but their perfection. But, these features have specific situational impression of which we should be aware.

Women’s half heritage does not mean their personality is divided. In Islam, the women’s humane identity is equal with men. Subject of Heritage is an economic and financial which is based on social justice in Islam.

There are three assumptions in this issue consisting:

1. The cases in which men and women inherit equally, like when the deceased has got parent, each of them inherits equally about one sixth. Father’s share is not more than mother’s due to his paternal status.

2. The cases in which men inherit less than women like daughters who inherit less than sons.

3. The cases in which women inherit more than men, like when the deceased does not have any other Hair, save his father and a daughter. Here, father inherits one sixth and the daughter more than that Iwna reported.

  • Referring to Imam Reza’s statement, Badaqi said:” When a girl married a man, she takes a property as her marriage portion. Life’s expenses are on man’s shoulder. Man should pay woman’s expenses, but there is no duty on woman, so, man’s right is more than woman’s in here.”woman

swine flu cases reached 50 in Iran

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ILNA: Iran Health Ministries confirmed 50 cases of A (H1N1), most cases infected by virus during Pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.The Health Ministries also stated along with Saudi Arabia, US, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia confirmed cases of A (H1N1). Health Ministries advised all Iranians to avoid unnecessary trips to countries with reported cases of the H1N1.

Lebanon:Conflict over Names, Portfolios between Allies and Rivals Starts

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The “difficult stage” in the cabinet formation process ended, but the “toughest” one just started!
Indeed, and at the time “optimism” finally triumphed over “pessimism” on the eve of May 1, it seemed that the “birth” of the “partnership government” will have to wait for some days more to finalize the “technical” stage represented by “negotiations” over names and portfolios…
Furthermore, “conflicts” emerged between the “allies” and “rivals” over the “type” of the representation in the cabinet given that the majority of political parties are seeking the “sovereign” and “service-oriented” portfolios which is creating “chaos” between the allies, especially within the March 14 bloc.
Lebanese daily An-Nahar said on Thursday that exceptional efforts are being made to choose the ministers ahead of Army Day on August 1. However, the daily emphasized that “the rate of success seems limited” since all political forces want to claim the services portfolios after agreeing on the defense, foreign, interior and finance ministries.
Meanwhile, and although the process of allocation of cabinet portfolios is in its early stages, it is now clear that the president’s share will include Elias Murr as defense minister, Interior Minister Ziad Baroud and Adnan al-Sayyed Hussein who will get the Shiite seat. A Sunni minister from the president’s share and a fifth Catholic remain to be chosen.
In terms of wrangling over cabinet portfolios, Lebanese daily As-Safir said PM-designate Saad Hariri is seeking to give his Future movement the telecommunications ministry currently held by Minister Gebran Bassil. But, according to press reports, the head of the Change and Reform parliamentary bloc Michel Aoun has made it clear that he won’t relinquish Bassil.
The biggest conflict seems, however, to be between the so-called “allies.” MP Walid Jumblatt is asking for the public works ministry which the Lebanese Forces is also eying. In this context, Jumblatt told Lebanese daily As-Safir that he did not want the ministry of the displaced and information, adding he has only asked for the public works ministry which was held by Ghazi Aridi in the previous cabinet. “It seems that we are second and even third class citizens and we don’t have the right to any key ministry,” the PSP leader said.
Moreover, the LF and Phalange are asking for two ministers each although there is a tendency by Hariri to give both of them three ministers only.
Aoun is holding onto naming two Maronite ministers and one Catholic, which means that Suleiman Franjieh, who wants the health ministry, has to name an Orthodox minister. The Tashnag, in its turn, would choose the Armenian minister.

Saudi authorities indirectly ordered: Shia Adhan (Islamic call to prayer اذان) eliminates in Iraq Media

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Director of Al-Iraqiya satellite channel expressed that the Adhan of Shia would be omitted after the order of Iraq’s Prime Minister Office under the request of Saudi Arabia. Director of Al-Iraqiya news channel, Abdul-Karim Hamadi, announced: “Iraq’s prime minister, Noori al-Maliki, upon his return from America said, this decision will be implemented in order to complete the national reconciliation, that it was imposed on the Prime Minister on the request of the United States. Hamadi added: it was said that behind the scene of the negotiations of senior officials from Saudi Arabia and USA, Saudi authorities promised to US officials; they will help Iraq to reach national reconciliation if Iraq state accept their conditions. Some of conditions which imposed on Iraq’s government are: Eliminating Shia Adhan in Iraq’s Official media, Returning  Ba’ath Party to Iraq’s security organizations and so on.

IRAQ:BARZANI RE-ELECTED KURDISTAN PRESIDENT

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Iraq’s election commission has announced the re-election of Massud Barzani as the regional president of Kurdistan with the majority of the votes. According to IRIB, official results showed on Wednesday evening that Massud Barzani had won 69.6 percent of the presidential vote in the weekend elections.
Barzani’s nearest challenger university professor Kamal Miraudly came in second with 25.35 percent of the vote.
The official results also revealed that Kurdistan’s two-party ruling alliance -Barzani’s Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and Iraqi President Jalal Talabani’s Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) — had won 57 percent of the vote in the regional elections.
Almost 80 percent of the region’s 2.5 million eligible voters cast their vote in the region’s second presidential and parliamentary elections since the US invasion of the country in 2003.

Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan vow to fight against terrorism; cooperate in trade, energy

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DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, Jul 30 (APP): Pakistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan on Thursday expressed their resolve to cooperate in effectively addressing the menace of terrorism and organized crime, besides strengthening joint cooperation in trade, energy and communication sectors for mutual benefits and development of the region. This was agreed in a trilateral meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari, Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon at Varzob ‑ a picturesque tourist resort some 40 kilometers from capital Dushanbe.

The three leaders, who also signed a joint declaration, discussed the prospects of further promoting friendly relations, trilateral cooperation in different areas including trade, energy and communication, as well as regional and international issues.

“Today we will write another page in the history of region and bring the concept of regional ownership to the war in Afghanistan,” President Zardari told a joint press stakeout with leaders of Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Pakistan after the meeting.

“We stand together and will face all eventualities,” Zardari said pointing to threats to national interests by terrorists.

He said the three countries will bring their strengths together for the progress and prosperity of the people and region.

The President reiterated his support to the leaders of Afghanistan and Tajikistan in the endeavors for joint cooperation and strengthening of relations.

Impressed by the serene venue President Zardari said, “I propose to the two Presidents to meet every year in this beautiful surrounding to make it memorable and historical occasion.”

He also thanked President Rahmon for hosting the summit and bringing the leaders of three countries together.

President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan said during the meeting three sides discussed all issues of mutual interest and concern including the cooperation in trade, energy, transportation, roads etc., adding, “We all are satisfied on the outcome of the meeting.”

President Karzai of Afghanistan termed the meeting “a good beginning” for jointly dealing with the issues and for ensuring peace and security and development in the region.

During the meeting the three leaders underscored the importance of further promoting bilateral and economic relations, with implementation of joint projects in areas of energy transfer from Tajikistan to Pakistan and Afghanistan as well as construction of inland rail road for transportation of passengers and goods.

The three sides agreed that terrorism is a regional phenomenon that necessitates a comprehensive, concerted and coordinated approach with full participation of regional states and local communities.

“Militancy, separatism, extremism and organized crimes undermine regional peace and stability and pose a threat to the security of all regional states.  Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan declare their readiness to cooperate in effectively addressing the menace of terrorism and organized crime,” said a joint declaration signed by the three Presidents.

The leaders of three countries expressed concern over the increased turnover and trafficking of narcotics, which provide a ready source of terror funding, and pose a threat to social stability and cohesion regionally, and globally.

Pakistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan underlined the need to significantly improve and upgrade their economic and trade relations for durable development of the region and, in this regard, agreed to create favorable atmosphere and working conditions for encouraging interaction among their businessmen and investors in their territories.

The three sides expressed their support and commitment to strive to practically implement the construction of rail, roads and highways on the route Panji Poyon‑Sherkhon and Bandar‑Kabul‑Peshawar, giving Tajikistan access to sea through Pakistani seaports. They agreed to take all measures to facilitate early operationalization of the route.

Pakistan and Afghanistan supported the efforts of Tajik government for establishment of regional electricity networks, and in this connection the three sides emphasized that concrete measures will be taken for early realization of CASA‑1000 and establishment of the regional Central Asia ‑ South Asia energy market.

The three countries will adopt collective measures and evolve joint programmes to prevent plantation, production and use of narcotics and will conduct joint struggle against the organized groups of drug dealers.

In this regard, Tajikistan and Pakistan expressed their readiness to assist Afghanistan implementation of programmes related to the plantation of substitute crops. Simultaneously, Pakistan and Afghanistan found the proposal of Tajikistan to establish a regional Counter Narcotics Center as reasonable and an effective way to deal with this menace.

Pakistan and Tajikistan also renewed their support to the Government of Afghanistan for efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan, as well as for the country’s economic development and reconstruction.

The three countries declared their readiness to cooperate within the framework of UN, ECO, OIC and SCO and within the frameworks of other international and regional organizations. The three sides  will coordinate and support their stance on regional and international issues through exchange of views and discussion.

Security improving in eastern borders with Pakistan: Iranian FM

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TEHRAN, July 29 (MNA) — Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said here on Wednesday that the security situation in Iran’s borders with Pakistan is improving.

Mottaki, who attended Majlis Wednesday’s session to explain about the country’s measures against terrorist groups along Iran-Pakistan borders, said “I testify that the current situations are improving”.

He did not elaborate on the issue.

In recent telephone conversations between the officials of the two countries, Pakistan’s high-ranking officials were informed of Iran’s clear-cut stance, Mottaki added.

Judiciary chief calls for rulings on detainees by August 3

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TEHRAN, July 27 (MNA) — Judiciary Chief Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi has ordered senior judicial officials to make rulings on the status of detainees who were arrested in the post-election unrest by August 3.

In a meeting of senior judicial officials in Tehran chaired by Ayatollah Hashemi Shahroudi, a committee tasked with studying the cases of people detained in the post-election unrest delivered their report, Judiciary spokesman Ali-Reza Jamshidi said on Monday.

There are currently 300 people in prison who were arrested in connection with the post-election incidents, he added.

Hashemi Shahroudi gave orders that the committee or their representatives must meet with all the detainees; and he also ordered the committee to prepare a report on the prisoners’ situation and the way interrogations have been conducted and to submit the report to him, Jamshidi stated.

The Judiciary chief also ordered Tehran Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor General Saeed Mortazavi to speed up the process of examining the prisoners’ cases and to release on bail all detainees who are not facing serious charges, he added.

He also said that the Judiciary chief ordered the Tehran Justice Department and the Armed Forces Judicial Organization to open offices to respond to complaints by anyone who was subjected to violence or suffered any financial loss in the recent incidents.

Meanwhile, on Monday the Majlis established a committee comprised of 10 MPs to follow up the issue of the post-election unrest detentions.

The committee is chaired by MP Parviz Sorouri and its members are from the parliament’s national security and foreign policy, judicial and legal, and education and research committees.

On Monday, Mortazavi attended a meeting of the Majlis special committee tasked with investigating the detentions and the death of a number of detainees in prison.

Mortazavi elaborated on the causes of the post-election unrest detentions, the situation of the detainees, and the death of Mohsen Rouholamini.

Improvement in Pak-India ties, peace in Afghanistan must for regional trade promotion: Kaira

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 28 (APP): Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Qamar Zaman Kaira Tuesday said improved relationship between Pakistan and India, resolution of Kashmir issue, peace in Afghanistan were the pre-requisites to promote regional trade and development.Addressing a post trade policy-2009-12 press conference here, he said the un-resolved Kashmir issue and crisis in Afghanistan were the two main hurdles in the progress of regional trade and prosperity in South Asia.Qamar Zaman Kaira hoped Pak-India dialogue process would start soon for the resolution of issues including Kashmir. Secretary Commerce Suleman Ghani, Additional Secretary Commerce Chaudhry Qamar Zaman and senior officials of the ministry were also present on the occasion. Giving details about the Federal Cabinet meeting held Monday, the Minister said beside according approval to strategic trade policy framework 2009-12, it also discussed two important issues. The most important issue discussed was shortage of electricity and the load-shedding facing the country, he said and added the Cabinet Committee on Power Issues briefed the Cabinet about the measures being taken by the government to overcome this problem.

CELEBRATING BIRTH OF IMAM ZAINUL ABIDIN(PBUH)

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Imam Zainul Aabidin Alī ibn Ḥussain(PBUH) was born on 15th Jamadiulawwal or 5th Shabaan 38 AH (654) in Medina. His father,Imam Ḥussain ibn ‘Alī Ibn Abi Talib (PBUH), was a grandson of Prophet hazrat Muhammad(PBUH). His brothers were Ali Akbar ibn Hussain and Ali Asghar ibn Hussain. His sisters were Sakina bint Hussain and‘Alī ibn Ḥussain(PBUH), like his grandfather, cultivated land and palm date orchards. All the human qualities and attributes were collectively present in his personality. He was the complete specimen of tolerance, forgiveness and self-sacrifice. During the prayers he would get himself so absorbed that he did not have any attention towards anything except God. He traveled to Mecca, on foot, twenty times and continuously guided and conducted people through the attractive melody of the Qur’anic verses.

As the son of Imam Ḥusasin ibn ‘Alī(PBUH), he was under great scrutiny and could not directly guide those who secretly followed the household of Muhammad. But he conveyed his understanding of the relationship between human and God by the prayers and supplications that he offered God during his extensive nighttime vigils in the mosque of the Prophet in Medina. These prayers and supplications were written down and then disseminated by his sons and the subsequent generations. Among them is the Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya, which is known as the Psalms of Islam.

He looked after and administrated hundreds of houses of the poor and hunger stricken. Daily a number of goats were slaughtered in his house and he distributed all their meat among the afflicted. He dressed the naked and the destitute ones and paid their debts and loans. But he himself took simple meals and put on simple dress.

When the nights would become dark and all the people went to sleep, ‘Imam Alī ibn Ḥussain(PBUH)would get up put the food in a sack and on his shoulder. He covered his face so that he is not recognized. Then he took that food to the houses of the inflicted and have-nots and gave it to them.

sajad

Iran refuted Western theory of government: Ahmadinejad

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TEHRAN — Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said that the June 12 presidential election refuted the Western theory of government.

“They have devised their own rules and criteria and view themselves as the judges… and even if a country holds 30 elections, based on their rules they will say that democracy is not being put in practice while they approve of the most dictatorial states,” he said inTehran at a meeting with Iranian ambassadors and diplomats based in Europe.

Ahmadinejad said that the Western powers have developed a model called liberal democracy which is dominated by three elements: money, political parties, and media outlets.

“People in this system do not have the right to make a choice outside factional alignments and if the three elements are taken away, there will be nothing left of liberal democracy,” he added.

After the recent Iranian presidential election, the principles of the Western theory for managing the world were put into question, and the election delivered a serious blow to the Westerners, and they are therefore very angry, he stated.

Majlis vows to follow guidelines of Leader

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205 Majlis representatives issued a statement on Sunday, voicing their readiness to carry out the commands of the Islamic Revolution Leader Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei. In the statement, the Majlis deputies pledged to spare no efforts to thwart plots of the enemies. Congratulating the IR Leader on the holy month of Sha’ban, the statement read that the MPs have reviewed the past election developments and once again reaffirm their allegiance to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution. “Wise leadership and vigilance of the grand Leader of the Islamic Revolution is the reminiscent of the Late Imam Khomeini and his path,” said the statement. “The guidelines of the IR Leader which restored tranquility and security to the society and provided the country’s intellectuals with a yardstick to mind their words was a move forward and helped forge unity among the Iranian people,” it said. “The government takes its legitimacy from Velayat-e Faqih (the supervision and leadership of a devout expert in Islamic issues over the country’s affairs),” pointed out the statement, adding that only the approval of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution would grant legitimacy to any elected president. Highlighting the significant role of Leadership Expert Assembly in connection with recent developments in the country, the statement said the assembly’s role once again proved how the architect of the Islamic Revolution late Imam Khomeini was prudent in designing the institution. “Once again, we reaffirm our commitment to the historical statement made by the grand Leader and declare our readiness to help materialize the cause of the Islamic Revolution,” concluded the statement.

Local terrorist commander killed, 9 apprehended: ISPR

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ISLAMABAD, July 26 (APP)- A local commander of terrorists was killed while the security forces have apprehended nine others including an Imam Mosque during the last 24 hours from various parts of Swat and Malakand.According to ISPR here on Sunday, two soldiers embraced shahadat when the security forces encountered an IED near Sarkari Qila during search operation in Bajur.In search operation in area around Tal, Kamari Banda and Maira Banda a local commander Qambar identified as Maaz was killed. Security forces conducted search operation at Darmai near Fatehpur and apprehended an Imam Masjid (supporter and sympathizer of terrorists).During search operation at Ghaznavi near Piochar the security forces destroyed a tunnel and recovered communication equipment while two tunnels were destoryed in other areas. The security forces conducted search operation at Manda Jungle near Waliabad and destroyed 4 other tunnels.The Security forces apprehended six terrorists in search operation at Ghariabad near Charbagh while recovered 17 rifles, 3 machine guns and 4 pistols from Tutan Banda.Security forces conducted search operation at village Pia near Maydian and apprehended 3 terrorists while defused 5 IEDs in Khanai and Lal Qila.

Security forces also conducted search operation at Jowar-Bampokha-Kingargali route and demolished 3 terrorists hideouts at Dewana Baba and  Kalpanai.

Sayed Abdulaziz Hakim, congratulates President Jalal Talabani and Kurdistan regional president Massoud Barzani on the success of the elections in Kurdistan

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Sayed Abdulaziz. Hakim, congratulates President Jalal Talabani and Kurdistan regional president Massoud Barzani on the success of the elections in Kurdistan

He said:The high turnout in the parliamentary elections and the presidency of the region a clear indication of the depth of faith to our Kurdish people in Kurdistan, which the new political experience will be positively reflected on all the experience in Iraq.

A terrorist attack in Iraq, 8 killed and injured

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The Iraqi police news resources affirmed, near municipality building in center of al Anbar province a car bomb explosion caused killing of three Iraqis and injuring five others as well. Two of three killed were policemen and two security guards and two children who were also near the explosion wounded severely.
According to the report, most of inhabitants of al Anbar province are Sunni. Al Anbar province in earlier years of American attack on Iraq has been changed into sanctuary of al-Qaida who has been driven out of the city by local militias.

CELEBRATING BIRTH OF IMAM HUSSAIN A.S

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In the House of the Holy Prophet S.A.W, which presented the best image of both the worlds – the heaven and the earth- a child who benefited humanity as if he was a Divine Impression reflecting the earth, was born on one of the nights of the month of Sha’ban. His father was Imam ‘Ali A.S, the best model of kindness towards his friends and the bravest against the enemies of Islam, and his mother was Hazrat Fatimah S.A, the only daughter and child of the Holy Prophet, who had as universally acknowledged, inherited the qualities of her father.

On the very day when Imam Hussein A.S was born, Allah S.W.A ordered angel Jibriel to descend and congratulate the Holy Prophet A.S on His Behalf and on his own. While descending, Jibriel passed over an island where the angel Futrus had been banished due to his delay in executing a commission assigned by Allah S.W.A. He was deprived of his wings and expelled to the island where he remained for several years praying and worshipping Allah S.W.A and asking for His forgiveness. “When the angel Futrus saw Jibriel, he called out, ‘ Where are you going, O Jibriel?’ To this he replied, ‘ Hussein, the grandson of Muhammad S.A.W is born, and for this very reason Allah S.W.A has commanded me to convey His congratulations to His Apostle.’ Thereupon, the angel said, ‘ Can you carry me also along with you? May Muhammad S.A.W recommend my case to Allah S.W.A.’ Jibriel took the angel along with him, came to the Holy Prophet S.A.W, offered congratulations to him on behalf of Allah S.W.A and himself and referred the case of the angel to him. The Holy Prophet S.A.W said to Jibriel, ‘Ask the angel to touch the body of the newly-born child and return to his place in Heaven.’ On doing this, the angle re-obtained his wings instantly and praising the Holy Prophet (S A) and his newly- born grandson, ascended towards the Heaven.

Some sayings of the Holy Prophet (S A) During his Lifetime with Reference to Imam Hussein A.S:

1. Hasan and Hussein are the Leaders of the Youths of Paradise.

2. Hussein is from me and I am from Hussein, Allah befriends those who befriend Hussein and He is the enemy of those who bear enmity to him.

3. Whosoever wishes to see such a person who lives on earth but whose dignity is honoured by the Heaven- dwellers, should see my grandson Hussein. My son! thy flesh is my flesh and thy blood is my blood; thou art a leader, the son of a leader and the brother of a leader; thou art a spiritual guide, the son of a spiritual guide and the brother of a spiritual guide; thou art an Apostolical Imam, the son of an Apostolical Imam and the brother of an Apostolical Imam; thou art the father of nine Imams, the ninth of whom would be the Qa’im (the last infallible spiritual guide).

4. The punishment inflicted on the murderer of Hussein in Hell would be equal to half of the total punishment to be imposed on the entire sinners of the world.

5. When the Holy Prophet S.A.W informed Hadrat Fatimah S.A of the martyrdom in store for his grandson, she burst into tears and asked, “O my father ! when would my son be martyred?” “In such a critical moment,” replied the Holy Prophet S.A.W, “When neither I nor you, nor ‘ALI would be alive.” This accentuated her grief and she inquired again, “Who then, O my father, would commemorate Hussein’s martyrdom? ” The Holy Prophet S.A.W said, “The men and the women of a particular sect of my followers, who will befriend my Ahlul-Bayt, will mourn for Hussein and commemorate his martyrdom each year in every century.”

Khwaja Mu’inu ‘d-Din Chishti says:

He gave his head, but did not put his hand into the hands of Yazid. Verily, Hussein is the foundation of la ila ha illa Allah. Hussein is lord and the lord of lords. Hussein himself is Islam and the shield of Islam. Though he gave his head (for Islam) but never pledged Yazid. Truly Hussein is the founder of “There is no Deity except Allah.” Brown in his A Literary History of Persia writes: As a reminder, the blood-stained field of Karbala’ where the grandson of the Apostle of God fell at length, tortured by thirst and surrounded by the bodies of his murdered kinsmen, has been at any time since then sufficient to evoke, even in the most lukewarm and heedless, the deepest emotion, the most frantic grief and the exaltation of spirit before which pain, danger, and death shrink to unconsidered trifles. Yearly, on the tenth day of Muharram, the tragedy is rehearsed in Persia, in India, in Turkey, in Egypt, wherever a Shi’ite community or colony exists; . . . As I write it all comes back; the wailing chant, the sobbing multitudes, the white raiment red with blood from self inflicted wounds, the intoxication of grief and sympathy.

Miracle at Birth of Imam Hussein

Imam Hussein (A.S.) was born in Medina on the 3rd of Sha’ban 4 A.H.

On the day he was born, Allah told the angel Jibraail to go and congratulate the Prophet (S.A.W.), Imam Ali (A.S.) and Sayyida Fatima Az-Zahra (A.S.).

On the way down from the heavens, Jibraail passed an island where the angel Fitrus was banished to (as a punishment for taking too long in doing something Allah had ordered him to do). His wings had also been taken away. “Where are you going, Jibraail?” Fitrus asked. Jibraail told him he was going to congratulate the Prophet (S.A.W.) and his family on the birth of Imam Hussein (A.S.) “Can I come with you?” Fitrus asked. With Allah’s permission, Jibraail took Fitrus with him. They congratulated the Prophet (S.A.W.). The Prophet (S.A.W.) asked Fitrus to touch the cradle of Imam Hussein (A.S.).

As soon as he touched the cradle, with the permission of Allah his wings were restored. He thanked the Prophet (S.A.W.) When Fitrus returned to the heavens; all the other angels asked him what perfume he had used because there was a fragrance coming from him. Fitrus replied:

“I am the lucky one who has touched the cradle of Imam Hussein (A.S.)huss6

Pakistan’s efforts against terrorism acknowledged

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ISLMABABD, July 25 (APP): Interior Minister, Senator Rehman Malik Saturday said that the whole international community has acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts against terrorism, saying that there was no emphasis on do more policy now. He was talking to media persons at the sidelines of the handing over ceremony of bullet proof jackets, which were provided by the French government to Pakistan. French government would also provide Pakistan sophisticated electronic security equipments besides sending experts to impart training at police academies, Rehman Malik added.

He said that French Interior Minister is also scheduled to visit to Pakistan in coming September.

He said the efficiency of law enforcing agencies would  further enhance after the supply of such security equipments, adding that the equipments would help identify improvised devises and suiciders.

Praising the French government for providing assistance for rooting out terrorism, Rehman Malik said that these jackets would be provided to police officials deployed in Malakand Division.

He said that some other friend countries have also provided such bullet proof jackets to beef up security system.

All the forces are being equipped with modern and sophisticated gadgets in order to further enhance their capabilities.

Replying to a question, he said that consignment of scanners was on way to capital city adding that these scanners would be installed at all the entry and exists points of the capital to enhance security.

Speaking on the occasion, French Ambassador to Pakistan, Daniel Touanneau lauded Pakistan’s effort in rooting‑out terrorism saying that Pakistan security forces, leadership and its people have rendered supreme sacrifices to curb terrorism.

He said that France was keen to help Pakistan to win the fight against terrorism saying that his country would provide all necessary equipments and training to Pakistan’s law enforcing agencies for eradicating the menace of terrorism from its soil.

He said that his government valued its ties with Pakistan and scores of agreement would be signed with Pakistan in the forthcoming visit of President Nicolas Sarkozy.

Iran:IRGC commander dismisses notion of Middle East defense umbrella

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TEHRAN, July 25 (MNA) — The commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps has said the U.S. and Israel will not be able to set up a defense umbrella in the Middle East.

The Zionist regime’s recent anti-missile system test was a failure, and what the U.S. and Israeli officials have been saying about a missile-defense shield is just empty talk, Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari told reporters at a press conference in Tehran on Saturday.

On Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton suggested that the United States might extend a defense umbrella over the Middle East in response to what she called a potential Iranian threat.

However, over the past week, Israeli and U.S. military officials aborted a test of a missile-defense shield under development by the two countries.

Jafari also stated that Iran has the ability to hit targets anywhere in Israel and will fire scores of ballistic missiles at Israel if it attacks the Islamic Republic.

“The Israelis might be able to intercept a limited number of missiles, but they can not do anything about a barrage of missiles,” he added.

A military action against the Islamic Republic would not be logical, but given the enemies’ foolishness and their fear of Iran’s progress, it is not inconceivable that they would make such a blunder, he said.

“In the event of a military action against the Islamic Republic of Iran… our response would be firm,” he added.

Jafari also said that certain forces inside Iran currently pose the most serious threat to the Islamic Revolution.

The recent incidents showed that the nature of the threats against the country has changed, he stated.

“The IRGC will take any measure necessary in the cultural, political, social, and security spheres to safeguard the Islamic Revolution,” he added.

Iraqi Kurds End Vote; Country Awaits Results

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Iraqi Kurds voted on Saturday in polls expected to keep President Masoud Barzani in power in Kurdistan.
Ballots were provisionally counted after voting was extended for one hour in the largely autonomous region. A final tally is expected to take at least 2-3 days.

Barzani looked certain to defeat five competitors, the first time the relatively peaceful northern enclave has elected a president directly.
Turnout was high, at 78.5 percent across Kurdistan, the Electoral Commission said.

The region’s powerful ruling parties — Barzani’s Kurdish Democratic Party (KDP) and the Democratic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) of Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, a Kurd — are running jointly against 23 alliances of smaller parties.

During the campaign, Kurdish leaders have churned out fiery rhetoric on claims to territories they contest with Baghdad’s government.

The row over oil-producing Kirkuk and other disputed areas is seen as a major threat to Iraq’s long-term stability as sectarian violence fades. But many Kurds support Barzani’s approach against Baghdad, from where Saddam Hussein launched deadly attacks against Kurds in the 1980s.

The Kurd-Arab row has held up critical energy laws in the national parliament and complicates government efforts to secure investment in the oil sector, the anchor of Iraq’s economy.

Speaking in Washington, Iraq Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said the vote would “have a big role in solving problems and differences we inherited from the past regime.”

If the mosques are closed, we establish prayer on the roads

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One of the prominent and famous Shiite cleric, Syed Mohammad Baqir al Nasir refusing all Saudi officials orders regarding closing of the Shiite’s mosques expressed, if closing of Shiite’s mosques continue, we will say our prayers on the roads.

He emphasized anyone who thinks closing the files in al Khubar Shiite mosques, Shiite religious freedom is restricted, is totally in the wrong.
Mohammad Baqir al Nasir added, we are the citizens of the Saudi Arabia and for slavery and worship of god have right and country law cannot prevent this right being.
According to al Rasid news website, al Nasir criticizing official council of human rights asked king Abdullah to stop oppression and tyranny in the country

Saudi authorities begin to arrest Shia Muslims in Al-Ahsa

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Saudi security authorities have launched a new campaign against Shia citizens in Saudi provinces on the auspicious occasion of the Birthday Anniversary of Shiite Imams. They arrested 5 Shia Muslims in al-Ahsa.

According to news agencies, al-Ahsa inhabitants said: Saudi forces arrests Shias under pretext of participation in religious ceremonies. Two Shia youths are from the village of Rumaila; Hussein Badr al-Harbi(19 years) and Mr. Hassan Mustafa (26 years).

Hassan, was arrested on charges of fixing black religious banners in the streets. He was married only three days ago.

Nazmi Bojabbarp, Hayder Abdullah and Asamail Hosseinieh were arrested on charge of performing Imam Hussain’s (a.s) birthday ceremony and another young was arrested because of distributing sweets as prophet’s Mab’ath in his workplace.

The detainees were taken to the prison for a period of one month.

The recent sectarian arrests against Shias are on the threshold of Shaban’s Idds.

In recent years in Al-Ahsa province, Saudi extremist forces have arrested a series of Shia Muslims and closed dozens of mosques and the religious councils, under the direct supervision of the governor of the region.

Jafaria allince pakistan strongly condemn the terrorism and barbarism

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Jafarir News:Pakistan jafaria allince strongly condemn the terrorism and barbarism throughout the country andannounce with profound grief that in Quetta today at 11.am Ali Mohammad.manager pepsi cola.co,Is seriously injured and Tahir Memon have mrrtyred by firing at Eastern Bypass.It is high time that we strengthen ourselves by uniting instead of scattering in to pieces.

Iraqi Kurdistan’s crucial vote

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TEHRAN, July 24 (MNA) — The election for the presidency and parliament of the semi-autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan tomorrow is expected to have a large turnout and the two main political factions, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), will face an unprecedented challenge to their 18-year monopoly on power from a slate named simply Change.

Iraqi Kurdistan is clearly the biggest beneficiary of the downfall of Saddam Hussein in 2003. The people of the region have experienced a long period of peace while other regions have suffered from civilian casualties from bomb blasts, a refugee crisis, sectarian strife, and other security-related problems.

The Kurds won self-rule in 1991, after the Americans and their allies chased Saddam Hussein out of Kuwait in the south and then prevented him from attacking the Kurds in the north. Since then, two parties, the KDP, long a fief of Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) President Masoud Barzani, and the PUK, run by Iraqi President Jalal Talabani’s clan.

Mr. Barzani heads the most powerful Kurdish clan unchallenged, as his father did before him.

Goran, meaning change, is a new party that says it wants to improve the lives of Kurds across the northern region of Iraq. It has criticized corruption in the KDP and the PUK, accusing the two parties of doing a poor job of defending Kurdish interests in the federal parliament in Baghdad.

Change’s leader is Nawashirwan Mustafa, 65, who broke away from the PUK two years ago, saying that the KDP-PUK leadership had bred corruption, cronyism, and nepotism to the detriment of ordinary Kurds.

Mr. Mustafa uses the Wusha Foundation, a media outfit that runs a daily newspaper, a popular website, and a satellite TV station, to spread his message.

Interestingly, “Change” has been a major slogan for many politicians during recent elections, including reformist Iranian presidential candidate Mir-Hossein Mousavi, U.S. President Barrack H. Obama, and Afghan presidential candidate Abdullah Abdullah. Although Change’s leaders deny any conscious connection with Mr. Obama’s campaign, the movement’s official campaign slogan is “Yes, We Can Change It.”

The deputy prime minister of Iraq’s central government, Barham Salih, has been drafted by the PUK-KDP coalition to head its list during the election. If this coalition survives, Mr. Salih, a respected PUK man, may replace the Kurdish region’s incumbent prime minister, KDP member Nechirvan Barzani.

The law dictates a closed list system, where voters choose parties or coalitions rather than individual candidates. This system tends to favor voting along ethno-sectarian lines.

Kirkuk Province

Kirkuk is a fiercely disputed oil-rich province which the Kurds say they won’t “compromise” on. KRG President Barzani said Sunday, “We are committed to the application of Article 140 (of the Iraqi Constitution) and we promise that we will absolutely not compromise on this issue…” Article 140 calls for a referendum to decide the fate of Kirkuk, which the Kurds have declared as the future capital of the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region of northernIraq.

The dispute over Kirkuk Province has repeatedly held up legislation needed to hold the vital post-war national parliamentary elections due in January.

The region is rich in oil and gas, and the Kurdish government has signed several oil and gas production and exploration deals with foreign firms which the federal government regards as illegitimate. The Iraqi Oil Law, dictating who controls what and where, is still unarticulated.

Change, the KDP, and the PUK have the same goals for Kirkuk, but Change says with its leadership there’d be a better chance of achieving them.

Also in dispute are three other historically Kurdish-populated provinces of Diyala, Nineveh, and Salahuddin.

The Kurdish region has a 100-seat assembly. 11 seats are reserved for minorities such as Turkmen and Christians. During the last election in 2005, the PUK-KDP alliance won all but seven of the 100 parliamentary seats up for grabs.images-23

Iran : First VP Rahim-Mashaii quits post

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TEHRAN, July 25 (MNA) – Esfandiar Rahim-Mashaii quit his post as first vice president as the Supreme Leader’s letter to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on dismissing him was released on Friday.

“After the order of the Supreme Leader I do not consider myself the first vice president,” Rahim-Mashaii said in an announcement.

In the letter, date July 18, the Leader had stated that appointing Rahim-Mashaii as vice president is not in the interests of the government and causes “rift and disappointment” among the supporters of the president himself.

PROTESTERS WELCOME ISRAELI FM IN ARGENTINA

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Zionist regime Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman has arrived in Argentina as many took to the streets to protest his visit to the Latin American country. According to AP, Lieberman’s visit to Argentina is the latest leg of his 10-day tour of South American states.
In the capital, Buenos Aires, several hundred protesters demonstrated against his visit and Israeli policies in the Middle East.
The Zionist foreign minister arrived in Argentina after his first stop in Brazil, where he failed to drum up support for setting up an anti-Iran front in collaboration with the Latin American country.
The Brazilian official then took an apparent swipe at Israel over its blunt refusal to sign the NPT. He said: “Brazil would like all countries to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and wants to see a Middle East free of nuclear weapons.”
Zionist regime, which is the Middle East’s sole possessor of nuclear warheads, has shrugged off requests to join the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT).images-63

International Kashmir Conference concludes in Washington

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 25 (APP): The 10th International Peace Conference on Kashmir, concluded on Friday in Washington D.C., has demanded that the inalienable right to self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, as it stood on 14 August 1947, be recognized and instituted. According to Kashmir Media Service, the Conference was held under the auspices of the Kashmiri American Council/Kashmir Center, and the Association of Humanitarian Lawyers.

The declaration adopted as the Washington Declaration in the concluding session urged upon the United States Congress to persuade the US Administration to support the appointment of a special United Nations envoy to Kashmir. It pointed out that the people of Jammu and Kashmir were the principal stakeholder.

The Declaration underscored the need to bring about a democratic, peaceable resolution of Kashmir dispute in conformity with the United Nations Charter.

It demanded an end to state of impunity, and restoration of individual, civil, political, and legal rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

It stressed that the cessation of militarization and human rights violations and the implementation of justice should take place expeditiously.

The Washington Declaration deplored that the non-violent, civil disobedience, including the prolific agitation of 2008 and 2009, enacted by the people of Kashmir had been repeatedly met with brutal force and collective punishment by the Indian state.

The militarization, it added, has induced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, unlawful detentions, torture, phenomenon of half-widows, orphans, displacement, migrations, and mass graves.

The Washington Declaration appreciated the commitment to resume composite dialogue between India and Pakistan, adding that the egregious violations of humanitarian norms had induced a culture of crisis.

It emphasized that the violation of promises, laws, and conventions in international humanitarian law, and the enforcement of draconian laws and policies had empowered the security apparatus of the Government of India to act with impunity.

The Washington Declaration identified its premise as sixty-two years of irresolution had witnessed conditions of militarization and inhumanity endured by the people of Indian-administered Kashmir, and the violation of their inalienable right of self-determination.

The drafting committee of the Declaration comprised Ved Bhasin, Prof. Angana Chatterji, Gautam Navlakha, Zahid G.  Mohammad, Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, Dr. Najib Naqi, Jatender Bakshi, Dr. Ghulam N. Mir and Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai.

Dr. Fai, the Executive Director of Kashmir Centre talking to media men expressed satisfaction over the adoption of the Washington Declaration.

16 killed in plane incident northeast Iran

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A Russian made Illushin-62 with 153 passengers on board which was flying from Tehran to Mashad on Friday afternoon faced with a problem during landing in Hashemi-nejad Airport, Mashad, at 18:10 hours local time (14:40 hours GMT). 16 persons were killed in the plane incident on Friday, three of them passengers and the rest of them crew. Civil Aviation Spokesman Reza Jafarzadeh said that among the crew 9 persons were citizens of Kazakhstan and 4 of them were Iranian. He added that the plane, an Illushin–62, belongs to Kazakhstan and was chartered by Aria Airline. The Spokesman said that around 30 people of the 153 people on board have been injured. Qahreman Rashid, the provincial official, confirmed that names of 88 passengers who are healthy and alive have been checked by the passenger list. Rashid said that cause of the incident is under investigation.

Lebanon: Berri rejects to meet with US senior official

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Lebanese Parliament Speaker, Nabih Berri rejected to meet with Middle East Senior Director of the American National Security Council, Dan Shapiro on Friday. Berri only allowed his consultant, Ali Hamdan to meet with Dan Shapiro. The American Vice-President, Joe Biden and Foreign Minister, Hilary Clinton in their visits to Lebanon before parliamentary elections had rejected to meet with Berri. America usually interferes in Lebanon’s internal affairs. The Lebanese Foreign Ministry repeatedly has announced that the American ambassador to Beirut and many other American officials in their visits to Lebanon do not comply with diplomatic norms.

Iran:Statement of 50 Membars of Leadership Assembly of Experts(majlese khobregan)

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A majority of Leadership Assembly of Experts, a constitutional institution charged with designation of leader in the Islamic Republic of Iran, issued a statement to people to express views about the recent developments in the Iranian political scene. The statement thanked people for their 40-million-odd ballot in the June 24 presidential elections and described it a turning point in the history of the Islamic Revolution. The statement then affirmed that the notion of Velayat-e Faqih or the supervision and leadership of a devout expert in Islamic issues over the country’s affairs was a sequel to the track of Allah’s messengers and has its roots in the Holy Koran. It reaffirmed that no institution or authority, including the presidency would enjoy legality unless Vali-e Faqih, the person in the position, puts his signature of approval over the authority. “President is the executive arm of Velayat-e Faqih,” the statement noted. The experts of the assembly then renewed their approval of the leadership of Islamic Revolution Leader Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei. They then denounced the wicked campaign of the enemies of the Islamic Republic system following the tenth presidential elections, namely by fanning the allegations of major fraud. “By exploiting the negligence of some of polls candidates, they embarked on a full-blown psychological warfare and tried to ruin public minds through fanning the phony and myth-like allegation of major fraud which was taken from velvet revolutions projects,” the statement said. The statement then asked the head of the assembly, Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani to express his support to the notion of Velayat-e Faqih more than past and wrest the enemies an opportunity to deal a blow to Iran’s national unity. The statement also asked President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to strictly follow the recommendations of the IR Leader in promotion of religion and morality, serving people and resolving their problems. It also urged the President to use all committed and revolutionary experts in his cabinet and avoid appointing people who may incite sensitivities among elites and people. The statement concluded with the hope that the elites of society pass their Divine test regarding the political developments.

The necessity to recognize the Shiite Rights in Egypt

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An Egyptian Shia cleric, who wrote a letter to interior minister of Egypt, said: Egypt should recognize the right of Shiite, otherwise we file a lawsuit to administrative judiciary and we do our best to achieve our right.

According to (ABNA), Ahmed Rasim al-Nafis in his letter to interior minister, Habib al-Adil, said: “we have two choices to recognize our rights: firstly tolerate the present situation (ignore our rights), secondly we file a lawsuit to administrative judiciary based on recognition our rights.

Rasim al-Nafis, Egypt’s Prominent Shia leader, in a letter to Egypt’s interior minister, Habib Adil, asked for recognition of the Shiite doctrine.

“al-Azhar confirms that there are no fundamental differences between Shiites and Sunnis.” he affirmed.

“There is discord between Hizbullah and Egypt because of supporting Gaza inhabitants in 22 days war” he added “due that Egypt may do its anti-Shia acts and bring them to court. In spite of this we filed a lawsuit to administrative judiciary via law”.

Rasim al-Nafis in his letter warned that, in next 60 day the interior minister has time to reject or accept our request; otherwise we file a lawsuit to the administrative judiciary.

Rasim said the only way to recognize Shia rights are the articles mentioned in Egypt’s constitutional law, “according to Egypt’s law, all Egyptian citizenship enjoying equal rights and they are free to do their rituals. Due that there is not any limitation for citizenships.

“According to Egypt’s laws approved in 1937, any religious community can ask his rights from Minister of the Interior to get permission for performing Hajj and ritual practices” the Shia cleric said.

He added: they tried to distort thoughts against Shias by calling them as unbelievers or infidels but their plots foiled.

Dr. Rasim stressed: more than 6 times we asked the Egypt’s government to recognize Shia rights but every time they cancelled it and detained Shias. Because they believed that Shias are illegitimate groups and should not do their rituals.14884

Pak unique location best for international trade: Zardari

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ISLAMABAD, July 23 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday said that Pakistan with road links to China and rail and road links to India and Central Asia has a unique position for international trade and commerce. Talking to French  Minister of State for Foreign Trade Ms Anne Marrie Idrac, The President said Pakistan had the resources of   land, water and manpower and what it needed most was access to international market for its goods.

The French minister was accompanied by Daniel Jouanneau and President Sarkozi’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and  Pakistan, Thierry Mariani.

Minister for Commerce Makhdoom Amin Fahim, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Sardar Aseef Ahmad Ali, Mr. Salman Faruqui, Secretary General, Ms Hina Rabbani Khar, Minister of State, Ms Sughra Imam, and Secretaries Foreign Affairs, Commerce and Railways also attended the meeting.

Talking to the journalists about the meeting, Spokesperson to the President former Senator Farhatullah Babar said the President told the French minister that in the past because of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and situation in the region, the security concerns had been emphasized more than social and human development.

He said that as a result of such policies Pakistan’s exports were barely 25 billion dollars a year today which should have been more than 100 billion dollars a year.

The President appreciated the French offer to deepen cooperation between the two countries during his recent visit to France.

Farhatullah Babar said that during President Zardari’s visit to France it was decided to conclude two framework agreements including an agreement dealing with economic and energy issues.

The President also expressed satisfaction at preliminary engagement on the framework agreements.

President Asif Ali Zardari said that he looked forward to President Sarkozi’s visit to Pakistan later this year to give practical shape to the upgradation of the relations between the two countries to the level of strategic partnership.

The President also appreciated that during his visit the France government expressed willingness to consider pragmatic cooperation in the field of civil nuclear technology.

President Asif Ali Zardari said that Pakistan’s strategic priority now was economic development for which it needed peace and stability in the region and was therefore focusing on improving ties with both India and Afghanistan.

France had a crucial role in supporting it, the President said.

The French Minister said that she looked forward to fruitful discussions with her Pakistani counterparts to further upgrade economic cooperation between the two countries.

Israel plans to demolish Bustan area in O. Jerusalem

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OCCUPIED JERUSALEM- The Ir Amim organization said Thursday in a report quoted by the Hebrew media that the Israeli occupation authority (IOA) is preparing a plan to demolish the whole Bustan neighborhood in occupied Jerusalem and build in its place a Jewish historical park.

The report added that the Israeli municipality in Jerusalem intends to allow only Israeli settlers to build in the vicinity of the neighborhood.

The report said that the IOA gave 14 Palestinian real estates to Jewish parties without obtaining any approval from the legal advisor of the Israeli government.

BIN LADEN SON THOUGHT KILLED IN U.S. DRONE STRIKE

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Citing U.S. intelligence officials, U.S. National Public Radio has reported, Osama bin Laden’s son Sa’ad was probably killed by a U.S. missile strike in Pakistan earlier this year. According to Reuters, a missile fired from a U.S. drone aircraft is believed to have killed him sometime this year.
The officials said, U.S. intelligence agencies were “80 to 85 percent” certain Sa’ad bin Laden was dead, adding that he was not important enough to be targeted himself but was “in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
It was not clear whether Sa’ad bin Laden was near his father when he died.

Iran can rejoice at failure of Israel's missile defense

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despite attempts by the operators of the Arrow missile defense system in Israel to portray Wednesday night’s aborted test as “a partial success,” in reality it was nothing less than a resounding failure. The fact that the interceptor missile failed to launch in the direction of the target is damning proof that the test failed.

Overall, the goal of the test is not to assess various data systems that could be checked without launching the missile, but to launch the interceptor missile at the oncoming target. In this case, the target was a simulator missile of the Iranian Shihab, whose range exceeds 1,000 kilometers, more than enough to reach Israel.

when Iran holds in its arsenal the Shihab 3 missile which can reach any target in Israel, This was in essence the goal of the unsuccessful test in California. In addition, Iran is about to incorporate a missile with a range of 2,000 kilometers into its arsenal. Not coincidentally, even though there has been little media attention on the subject, Israel is mulling the purchase of the U.S.-made THAAD missile defense, which is still in the development phase.

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency said that the test involved a dummy missile that was fired from a C-17 aircraft, which was detected by the Arrow’s radar. The data was then transferred to the “battle management control center” on the ground. Yet, due to the fact that “not all test conditions to launch the Arrow Interceptor were met,” it was decided to abort.

This mishap will be thoroughly examined in Iran. There is no doubt that Tehran’s director of its missile program will be rubbing his hands with satisfaction., this failure is also a psychological blow for Israel and its partner in the project, the U.S.

Swine flu fears prompt Hajj curbs

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Arab health ministers have agreed to prevent vulnerable groups joining this year’s Muslim Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, because of fears over swine flu.

People aged over 65 and under 12, and those with chronic diseases, will be excluded from the event, a World Health Orgnization official said on Wednesday.
In June, Saudi Arabia asked elderly and sick Muslims not to visit this year.
At least two million people took part in the last Hajj, which falls this year in November.
The decision to keep the vulnerable groups away from the pilgrimage must still be ratified by the health ministers’ governments, Ibrahim al-Kerdani of the WHO said.
Reduction expected
The decision was made at emergency talks in Cairo between health ministers from around the Muslim world and WHO officials.
Saudi Health Minister Abdullah al-Rabeeah said his country would not reduce the number of visas it granted to pilgrims, but that he expected pilgrim numbers to be reduced this year.
The WHO says there are 952 cases of the virus – known as H1N1 in its Eastern Mediterranean region, which stretches from Afghanistan to Morocco.
The only death so far in the region was announced by Egypt on Sunday, and was a woman who had returned from a pilgrimage trip to Saudi Arabia.
As well as the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which all Muslims are required to make at least once if they have the means, the faithful can also make a lesser pilgrimage to Mecca, known as umra, at any time of year.
As of 6 July, there were more than 130,000 cases of swine flu worldwide , with more than 700 deaths from the virus

Iran:VP appointment pilloried

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TEHRAN, July 22 (MNA) — Ayatollah Nasser Makarem Shirazi has said the appointment of Esfandiar Rahim-Mashaii as the first vice president is unacceptable.

“Certainly, the appointment of such a person has no legitimacy,” he wrote on his web site.

Having the courage to accept one’s mistakes is one of the characteristics of a good manager, Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi added.

In a cabinet session in Mashhad on Saturday, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad issued a decree appointing Rahim-Mashaii, the director of Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Organization, as the new first vice president.

In 2008, Rahim-Mashaii said, “Iran is a friend of the Israeli people” in stark contrast to Iran’s stance on the Zionist regime.

Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has ordered President Ahmadinejad to dismiss Rahim-Mashaii from the post of vice president. However, he is still in office.

Rahim-Mashaii’s dismissal tests president’s commitment to velayat

Ayatollah Seyyed Ahmad Khatami of the Presiding Board of the Assembly of Experts stated here on Wednesday that the situation is a test of Ahmadinejad’s commitment to velayat-e faqih (rule of the supreme jurisprudent) which he can pass by swiftly dismissing Rahim-Mashaii.

“The firm expectation of those who have voted for Ahmadinejad because of his commitment to velayat is that he (must) show his obedience to the Supreme Leader in practice,” he told the Mehr News Agency.

Khatami also pointed out that those who have supported Ahmadinejad in the election are not demanding any privileges but are firm in asking the president to comply with the Leader’s decree.

Appointment will affect Majlis-administration relations

MP Sattar Hedayatkhah of the Majlis Cultural Committee emphasized that Ahmadinejad’s insistence on appointing Rahim-Mashaii as the first vice president will affect relations between the Majlis and the administration.

“The insistence on appointing Rahim-Mashaii will affect the stance of a number of members of parliament toward the administration,” he told MNA on Wednesday.

Hedayatkhah added, “Ahmadinejad has some opponents who are making a mountain out of a mole hill. Thus, he should not give a pretext to opponents because it makes the people pessimistic about him and his administration.”

The principlist MP insisted, “The serious supporters of Ahmadinejad among the principlists do not regard Rahim-Mashaii’s retention of this post as expedient.”

Rahim-Mashaii appointment contradicts Ahmadinejad’s slogans

MP Ali Banaii stated that the appointment of Rahim-Mashaii as the first vice president runs contrary to Ahmadinejad’s slogans.

“Ahmadinejad emphasizes choosing individuals from among the (common) people while we see the reverse in practice,” he told MNA on Wednesday.

Banaii suggested that Ahmadinejad should have waited until the ceremony in which the Supreme Leader confirms him as president.

Rahim-Mashaii should be swiftly dismissed

Seyyed Reza Akrami of the Society of Combatant Clergy has stated that Mashaii should be dismissed as soon as possible.

“We do not consider Esfandiar Rahim-Mashaii as a suitable element for Ahmadinejad’s administration and believe that he should be dismissed from the (post of) vice president as soon as possible,” he told MNA on Wednesday.

Akrami emphasized, “If the view of the Supreme Leader has been stated to Ahmadinejad, the president should certainly dismiss him. Otherwise, he has disobeyed the order of the Supreme Leader.”

“The first vice president should be head and shoulders above other vice presidents and ministers in thinking, understanding, experience, and record, while this is not true for Mr. Rahim-Mashaii in relation to the others,” Akrami said.

President should respect ulema’s views

MP Avaz Heydarpour of the Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Committee pointed out that the president should have respected the views of the ulema before appointing Rahim-Mashaii.

“It would have been better for the president to respect the negative impression of Rahim-Mashaii in the Majlis and among the ulema,” he told MNA.

He also rejected the remarks posted on Rahim-Mashaii’s personal website in which he claimed that his support for the Israeli people has been the stance of the administration, saying, “This is not true at all and the Supreme Leader rejected the remarks.”

Ahmadinejad should obey Supreme Leader

Ahmad Salek of the Central Council of the Society of Combatant Clergy said Ahmadinejad should follow the order of the Supreme Leader.

Velayat-e faqih (rule of the supreme jurisprudent) is the key to the nation’s success and Ahmadinejad should firmly hold onto this key, he told MNA.

Commenting on the claim made on Rahim-Mashaii’s website that the opposition to the appointment is out of “jealousy”, Salek insisted those who are opposed to his appointment as first vice president are all more empathetic than Rahim-Mashaii.

Rahim-Mashaii’s website has insisted that the opposition to his appointment is due to “jealousy or ignorance.”

President has violated main tenet of principlism

MP Seyyed Hossein Naqavi has stated that Ahmadinejad’s delay in dismissing Rahim-Mashaii violates the main tenet of principlism, which calls for obedience to the leadership.

Naqavi added, “This appointment was even against the will of Ahmadinejad’s supporters and they sharply reacted to the issue.”

Ahmadinejad was expected to demote Rahim-Mashaii in the new administration, he told MNA on Wednesday.

No reason to dismiss Rahim-Mashaii

Meanwhile, Ahmadinejad has said there is no reason to dismiss Rahim-Mashaii.

“Mr. Rahim-Mashaii is one of Iran’s innovative, empathetic, and pious managers and why should he resign,” the president’s website said on Wednesday.

Nuri al-Maliki and Barak Hussain Obama, to confirm the full sovereignty of Iraq and its reconstruction

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U.S. President Barack  Hussain Obama, Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, who is visiting the United States has been emphasized during the meeting to proceed
Forward to the achievement of full sovereignty of Iraq and to the withdrawal of U.S. troops, stressing that he did not want any U.S. military bases on Iraqi territory and to encourage foreign investors to return to this country, Maliki said at the press conference with U.S. President Barack Obama that strategic issues were discussed in the various fields of political and economic and scientific-Maliki also urged the United States to contribute to the support of the Iraqi government, for his part, President Obama, in a joint press conference that he was working to lift all sanctions on Iraq and he wants to develop relations with this country at various levels.

U.S. trials for H1N1 vaccine announced

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(CNN) — In a race to beat the flu season, medical institutes across the United States will begin human trials for a new H1N1 flu vaccine starting in early August, the University of Maryland announced Wednesday.

Concern about the H1N1 virus grew after it spread quickly around the globe earlier this year.

In the hope of getting the vaccine to those who will need it most by October, the clinical trials will enroll as many as 1,000 adults and children at 10 centers nationwide, said officials at the Center for Vaccine Development at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, which will lead the effort. The trials will measure the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.

The research is a first step toward U.S. health officials’ goal of developing a safe and effective vaccine against H1N1, also known as swine flu, which has been declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization

The time frame for developing a vaccine is a tight one.

Peaceful resolution of Kashmir dispute imperative for prosperity of region: Kaira

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BRUSSELS, Jul 23 (APP): Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas, Qamar Zaman Kaira has said peaceful resolution of Kashmir issue is imperative as it would bring development and prosperity in the region.Talking to journalists after his meeting with Member of European Parliament and Chairman All Parties Kashmir Group in EU Parliament, James Elles here, he said Pakistan has always supported amicable and peaceful resolution of Kashmir issue as per resolutions of United Nations.

Executive Director Kashmir Centre Brussels Barrister Abdul Majeed Tramboo was also present.

The Minister said the long-standing issue of Kashmir has been lingering on the UN agenda for last six decades and urged the participation of Kashmiris in composite dialogue process between India and Pakistan.

Kaira said, “In dialogue process,involvement of Kashmiri leadership was a must as it would help them achieve their right to self-determination.”

He congratulated James Elles over his re-election as member EU Parliament and lauded the role of EU for highlighting the Kashmir issue at the international level.

Answering a question, Qamar Zaman Kaira who also holds the portfolio of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, said at Sharm-el Sheikh meeting of Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani with his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh was a right step and composite dialogue process would be initiated soon between the two countries in which all important issues including Kashmir would be on agenda.

He said Pakistan is a sovereign country and it would not allow anybody to take any action against terrorists on its soil.

He said Pakistan is fully committed to eliminate terrorism and has sacrificed a lot to flush out this menace from the country.

“Pakistan is itself a victim of terrorism, and has been trying to eliminate extremism and terrorism in  all forms and manifestations and its efforts for this purpose have been appreciated world over,” he added.

The Minister stressed the need for addressing root causes of terrorism which include poverty, ignorance and sense of deprivation.

James Elles appreciated the agreement to re-initiate composite dialogue process between India and Pakistan on all issues including Kashmir and said peaceful resolution of this issue would bring development and prosperity in both the countries.

Replying to a question on any roadmap on the Kashmir issue by the EU, he said both India and Pakistan should prepare a strategy to resolve this vital issue and the EU would extend all possible support and assistance in this regard.

Barrister Abdul Majeed Tramboo highlighted the activities of Kashmir Centre, Brussels in creating awareness about the issue of Kashmir in European Union.

Meanwhile, Minister for Kashmir Affairs also visited an exhibition of Kashmiri arts and crafts held in connection with the Kashmir Week at EU. He also visited the picture exhibition on human rights violations by the Indian forces in the Occupied Kashmir.b4279e6f3adf579d7276b4cbd2dc639d

Russia: Iran reactor to be switched on this year

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ILNA: Russian news agencies quote the country’s nuclear agency chief as saying a Russian-built nuclear power reactor in Iran is still set to be switched on this year.

State-run RIA-Novosti and ITAR-Tass quote Sergei Kiriyenko as saying plans remain for a start-up of the reactor near the Iranian city of Bushehr by the end of the year.

Russia is helping Iran build its first nuclear power plant as part of a peaceful program

Saudi Arabia allocates 86 billion dollars to disseminate Wahhabism

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In a recent conference held in Cairo, the penetration of Wahhabis in al-Azhar Institution and its negative effects have been researched. Furthermore the research has revealed the role of Saudi authorities to establish Wahhabi sect and to expand its extremist culture in al-Azhar Institution.

The research revealed the subversive role played by the Saudi Arabian Wahhabis in Al-Azhar since 1960 till today (2009).

According to experts and specialists in  al-Azhar, Saudi Arabia had allocated 86 billion dollars for the dissemination of Wahhabism in the last thirty years of which 20 billion dollars to penetrate the Al-Azhar financially, economically and religious.

Some of Wahhabis’ activities are fascinating al-Azhar scholars to Saudi universities and converting them to Wahhabi missionaries in Cairo, establishing Wahhabi centers and publishing books based on Wahhabi thoughts.

In the seminar some of al-Azhar Scholars such as Sheikh Mahmoud Ashour, Sheikh Gamal Qutb, Sheikh Dr. Sabri Abdel-Raouf, d. Ahmed Al-Sayeh,  and researchers  Dr. Ali Abu al-Kheir, Fikri Abdul-Muttalib, Mahmoud Jaber, Mohamed Qayati, Dr. Radwan Abdullah, and others … have participated.