Life in Somalia's pirate town

By Mary Harper BBC Africa analyst
Whenever word comes out that pirates have taken yet another ship in the Somali region of Puntland, extraordinary things start to happen.

There is a great rush to the port of Eyl, where most of the hijacked vessels are kept by the well-armed pirate gangs.
People put on ties and smart clothes. They arrive in land cruisers with their laptops, one saying he is the pirates' accountant, another that he is their chief negotiator.
With yet more foreign vessels seized off the coast of Somalia this week, it could be said that hijackings in the region have become epidemic.
Insurance premiums for ships sailing through the busy Gulf of Aden have increased tenfold over the past year because of the pirates, most of whom come from the semi-autonomous region of Puntland.

In Eyl, there is a lot of money to be made, and everybody is anxious for a cut.
Entire industry
The going rate for ransom payments is between $300,000 and $1.5m (£168,000-£838,000).
A recent visitor to the town explained how, even though the number of pirates who actually take part in a hijacking is relatively small, the whole modern industry of piracy involves many more people.
"The number of people who make the first attack is small, normally from seven to 10," he said.
"They go out in powerful speedboats armed with heavy weapons. But once they seize the ship, about 50 pirates stay on board the vessel. And about 50 more wait on shore in case anything goes wrong."
Given all the other people involved in the piracy industry, including those who feed the hostages, it has become a mainstay of the Puntland economy.
Eyl has become a town tailor-made for pirates - and their hostages.
Special restaurants have even been set up to prepare food for the crews of the hijacked ships.

As the pirates want ransom payments, they try to look after their hostages.
When commandos from France freed two French sailors seized by pirates off the Somali coast this week, President Nicolas Sarkozy said he had given the go-ahead for the operation when it was clear the pirates were headed for Eyl - it would have been too dangerous to try to free them from there.
The town is a safe-haven where very little is done to stop the pirates - leading to the suggestion that some, at least, in the Puntland administration and beyond have links with them.
Many of them come from the same clan - the Majarteen clan of the president of Somalia's transitional federal government, Abdullahi Yusuf.
Money to spend

The coastal region of Puntland is booming.
Fancy houses are being built, expensive cars are being bought - all of this in a country that has not had a functioning central government for nearly 20 years.
Observers say pirates made about $30m from ransom payments last year - far more than the annual budget of Puntland, which is about $20m.
When the president of Puntland, Adde Musa, was asked about the reported wealth of pirates and their associates, he said: "It's more than true".
Now that they are making so much money, these 21st Century pirates can afford increasingly sophisticated weapons and speedboats.
This means that unless more is done to stop them, they will continue to plunder the busy shipping lanes through the Gulf of Aden.
They even target ships carrying aid to feed their compatriots - up to a third of the population.
Warships from France, Canada and Malaysia, among others, now patrol the Somali coast to try and fend off pirate attacks.
An official at the International Maritime Organisation explained how the well-armed pirates are becoming increasingly bold.

More than 30% of the world's oil is transported through the Gulf of Aden, and even though the pirates lack the means to hijack huge tankers, there are reports that they have fired at them.
"It is only a matter of time before something horrible happens," said the official.
"If the pirates strike a hole in the tanker, and there's an oil spill, there could be a huge environmental disaster".
It is likely that piracy will continue to be a problem off the coast of Somalia as long as the violence and chaos continues on land.
Conflict can be very good for certain types of business, and piracy is certainly one of them.
Weapons are easy to obtain and there is no functioning authority to stop them, either on land or at sea.
Story from BBC NEWS:
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Ethiopia calls for UN peacekeepers in Somalia

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Ethiopia's foreign minister on Monday called for the U.N. to deploy peacekeepers to neighboring Somalia, where Islamic militants appear to be gaining strength.
Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin's comments came just days after an attack on an African Union peacekeepers' base in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, killed at least 11 civilians.

Mesfin urged the U.N. Security Council to deploy a U.N. peacekeeping mission "as soon as possible," or provide resources to strengthen the current AU mission, which includes about 2,600 peacekeepers.
He praised the AU peacekeepers from Uganda and Burundi, who arrived in Somalia last year.
"It is never too late for others to follow their example," Mesfin told world leaders during his speech to the U.N. General Assembly.
Ethiopia, whose troops helped push the Islamists from the Somali capital in December 2006, says that it wants to withdraw.

Within weeks of being driven out of Mogadishu, the Islamists launched an Iraq-style insurgency that has claimed more than 9,000 people, most of them civilians.
Many in overwhelmingly Muslim Somalia resent the U.N.-backed Somali government's reliance on Ethiopia, a traditional rival with a large Christian population and one of Africa's largest armies.
Ethiopia and Somalia fought a bloody war in 1977, and many Somalis see the Ethiopians as abusive and heavy-handed.
Somalia has not had a functioning government since 1991.
A U.N. peacekeeping force including American troops met disaster in Somalia in 1993, when militiamen shot down two U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopters and battled U.S. troops, killing 18. The battle was recounted in the book and movie "Black Hawk Down."

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السعودية و‏9‏ دول عربية تحتفل بالعيد اليوموغدا أول أيام عيد الفطر في مصر

30 Sept. 2008
أعلنت دار الإفتاء المصرية أن اليوم الثلاثاء الموافق‏30‏ سبتمبر لعام‏2008‏ هو المتمم لشهر رمضان لسنة‏1429‏ هجرية‏,‏ وأن غدا هو أول
أيام شهر شوال‏,‏ وأول أيام عيد الفطر المبارك‏.‏ وكانت دار الإفتاء قد استطلعت بعد غروب شمس أمس الاثنين هلال شوال في أنحاء الجمهورية‏,‏وتحقق لديها شرعا عدم ثبوت رؤية هلال شوال من خلال اللجان الشرعية الست التي نشرتها لهذا الغرض‏.‏ وقد أعلنت الجهات الشرعية في ليبيا‏,‏ والسعودية‏,‏ والإمارات‏,‏ وفلسطين‏,‏ ولبنان‏,‏ واليمن‏,‏ والبحرين‏,‏ وقطر‏,‏ والكويت‏,‏ والأردن أن اليوم أول أيام العيد‏.‏‏..‏ والاهرام‏:‏ ينتهز هذه المناسبة‏,‏ ويتوجه بخالص التهنئة للرئيس حسني مبارك متمنيا له دوام الصحة والعافية‏,‏ كما يهنئ الأهرام الشعب المصري‏,‏ والأمتين العربية والإسلامية‏,‏ والمسلمين كافة في كل مكان بقدوم عيد الفطر المبارك‏.‏

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SAMOTALIS:EID MUBARAK AND MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY

EID AL-FITRE 2008.

Eid Mubarik and many happy returns of the day.
May Allah accept our fasting, our prayers and our charity during Ramadan and after.

May Allah bless us, our families, friends, neighbours and all Muslims worlwide with joy, prosperity and peace of mind.

May Allah free all oppressed, cure all sick, enrich all poor. May Allah guide us to his path and make us those whom he shields from all evil. May Allah make us those he freed from hell in the honour of Eid Al-Fitr Al-mubarak.Ameen.

Eid mubarak brothers and sisters in Islam.

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Eid-El-Fitr Message - Yar'Adua Promises More Changes

Daily Trust (Abuja)NEWS 29 September 2008
The Federal Government will be repositioned in the coming days to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery for rapid developments in critical aspects of the economy, President Umaru Musa Yar'adua said in Abuja yesterday.

In his Eid-El-Fitr message to the nation, Yar'adua said steps had already been taken to restructure the machinery of government to achieve greater results in the implementation of the seven point agenda. He reaffirmed his personal commitment to giving the desired leadership to overcome the many challenges of building a virile nation and attaining the collective aspirations of Nigerians. The President also urged citizens to use the festive period to reflect on how to contribute meaningfully towards making Nigeria great.

"With Almighty Allah guiding us, we are already taking steps to restructure and strengthen the machinery of government so as to achieve greater results in the implementation of our seven-point agenda," he said.

"This process of revitalizing and repositioning our Administration for enhanced efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery will be carried forward in the coming days to ensure that more positive developments occur rapidly in critical sectors of our national life," the President said.
The President's Sallah message also stated: "I greet and rejoice with you all on the happy occasion of this year's Eid-El-Fitr celebrations. I especially congratulate all adherents of the Islamic faith in our midst who have successfully completed the Ramadan Fast. As this year's Eid-El-Fitr celebrations fortuitously precede the 48th anniversary of our coming into being as an independent, self-governing nation, let us all seize the opportunity of the joint holidays to reflect on our spiritual life as individuals and how we can contribute more meaningfully towards making Nigeria the great nation envisioned by its founding fathers."
While wishing Muslims a happy and hitch-free celebration, the president prayed Almighty Allah to reward the pious observance of the Holy Month of Ramadan with even greater blessings for the nation.
In his own message last night, Senate President David Mark congratulated Muslims in the country on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr signifying the end of fasting and prayers in the Holy Month of Ramadan. In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary Mr. Paul Mumeh, Senator Mark canvassed for peace, unity and mutual cooperation among Nigerians irrespective of ethnic or religious differences.

He enjoined Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of perseverance, tolerance and good neighborliness saying, "I hope that the successful completion of the fasting and praying by Muslims preceding the marking of Eid-el-fitr would usher in peace and progress in the country."
The Senate President urged Muslims to inculcate the virtue of sacrifice, humility and service to the people which Prophet Mohammed stood for. He emphasized the need for religious harmony between and among religious groups in Nigeria adding that "whichever religion any one professes, the bedrock of it remains peace, unity and mutual co-operation."
Mark also said the Senate under his leadership will continue to be people-oriented by making good laws that would facilitate the executive's service delivery to the ordinary man. He said improving the lot of the ordinary man remains the watchword of the present Senate, saying, "we are totally committed to the achieving the goals of the seven-point agenda of the present administration."

For his part, Speaker of the House of Representatives Dimeji Bankole congratulated Muslims nation-wide on the Eid-El Fitr celebration and said their steadfastness and devotion during the Ramadan Fast was a reflection of their service to the Almighty Allah who will reward them abundantly for their efforts.
Bankole said "the long period of self restraint and self purification was a great spiritual exercise that has its heavenly blessings," adding that "it is only those who are genuinely convinced in their chosen faith that can successfully undergo the process."
The Speaker' statement, which was signed by his Special Adviser on Media Affairs Mr. Kayode Akin-made, enjoined all Muslims and Nigerians in general to imbibe the spirit of tolerance, love and good neighbo-urliness, amongst themselves as exemplified by the Prophet Mohammed (SAW). He said it is only by doing this that they will be living up to the expectations of God Almighty.

Bankole also said the Nigerian nation is currently passing through a major phase in its 48 years of nationhood, and urged all Muslims to remember the country in their prayers so that the efforts of the heroes past shall not be in vain.
Federal Capital Territory Minister Dr. Aliyu Modibbo Umar, in his message, felicitated with residents of the Federal Capital Territory, particularly the Muslim ummah on the occasion of the celebration of eid-el-fitr.
The Minister prayed to Allah to accept all sacrifices and supplications made by Muslims during the month but implored them to reflect on the lessons of Ramadan.
Dr. Modibbo called on Muslims to bring to bear the spiritual cleansing during the holy month to the growth and development of the Federal Capital Territory, being the greatest asset of the nation.

He appealed to Muslims to use this very important occasion in the Islamic calendar to pray for Nigeria and its leadership to be able to attain an enviable position in the comity of nations, especially the seven-point agenda of President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua.
The Minister called on religious leaders in the country to preach the gospel of unity, love and peace amongst their followers; insisting that it is diversity that is the strength of Nigeria.
Modibbo said all residents of the Federal Capital Territory are stakeholders in the Project Abuja and assured that the FCT Administration is more than ever determined to provide an enabling environment.
He said the FCT Administration will provide a safe and conducive environment for progressive collaboration through an effective and efficient service delivery system.

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52 Somalis Die in Attempt To Reach Yemen From Gulf

Associated Press Monday, September 29, 2008; A14
SANAA, Yemen, Sept. 28 -- At least 52 Somalis died after smugglers abandoned them on a boat in the dangerous waters of the Gulf of Aden, the U.N. refugee agency said Sunday. Seventy-one people survived the 18-day ordeal.

The boat broke down within hours of leaving Somalia on Sept. 3, bound for Yemen and carrying more than 100 Somalis, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees said in a statement. The crew abandoned the boat for another craft and never returned for the refugees, who threw bodies overboard as fellow passengers died, the UNHCR said.
The boat eventually drifted close enough to southern Yemen that three passengers tried to swim ashore. Two alerted rescuers; the third never made it.

The Yemeni coast guard rescued the survivors Sept. 21, the statement said.
Hundreds of Africans die every year trying to reach Yemen, with many drowning or being killed by pirates and smugglers in the waters separating Somalia and the Arabian peninsula. Those who survive the journey register with the U.N. refugee agency and stay in refugee camps in Yemen, while others take jobs in the cities as laborers for less than a $1 a day.
In a separate incident, a Somali pirate spokesman said his group was demanding a $20 million in ransom to release a cargo ship loaded with Russian tanks as a heavily armed U.S. destroyer patrolled nearby. He warned that the pirates would fight to the death if any country attempted military action to regain the ship, and a man who said he was the ship's captain reported that one crew member had died.

Pirates seized the Ukrainian-operated ship Faina off the coast of Somalia on Thursday as it headed to Kenya carrying 33 Russian-built T-72 tanks and a substantial amount of ammunition and spare parts. The ordnance was ordered by the Kenyan government.
The guided-missile destroyer USS Howard was stationed off the Somali coast Sunday, making sure that the pirates did not remove the tanks, ammunition and other heavy weapons from the ship. A spokesman for the U.S. 5th Fleet said the Navy remained "deeply concerned" over the fate of the ship's 21-member crew and cargo.
The Americans appeared to be keeping an eye on the Faina until the Russian missile frigate Neustrashimy, or Intrepid, reaches the area.

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Faysal Cali Waraabe Oo Sheegay Inuu Shaariqa Ku Soo Arkay Guri Uu Rayaale Ka Iibsaday

Hargeysa(Geeska)- Guddoomiyaha xisbiga mucaaradka ah ee UCID Md. Faysal Cali Waraabe, ayaa sheegay inuu magaalada Shaariqa ee dalka Imaaraadka Carabta ku soo arkay guri uu Madaxweyne Daahir Rayaale Kaahin ka iibsaday.

Md. Faysal Cali Waraabe, oo Jimcihii doraad ka soo guryo noqday dalalka Sucuudiga iyo Imaaraadka Carabta, waxa uu Madaxweyne Rayaale iyo qoyskiisa ku eedeeyay inay ku hawlanyihiin urursiga hantida qaranka, “Rayaale, arrimihii hore waxa uu hadda ku darsaday boobka hantida umadda, oo Shaariqa waxaanu ku soo aragnay guri uu ka iibsaday, Boramana waxa ku yaala guryo loo bixiyay booli qaran, Safarkiisan hadduna wuxuu ahaa mid lagu fushanayay dano gaar ah, oo waxaad ka warqabtaa inuu ka tagay safiirkiis Md. Fagadhe, sababta looga tagayna waxay ahayd safarku wuxuu ahaa danno gaar ah oo weliba qoys” ayuu yidhi Madaxweyne Daahir Rayaale Kaahin, oo shalay u waramay Wargeyska Geeska Afrika.

Mar la weydiiyay, inuu isagu shakhsi ahaan soo arkay gurigaas uu sheegayo in Madaxweyne Rayaale ka iibsaday magaalada Shaariqa, waxa uu yidhi, “Haa, anigaa soo arkay oo Shaariqa wuxuu ka iibsaday guri laga furtay xafiisyo ay ka mid tahay hay’ad la yidhaahdo AMAL iyo hay’ad kale oo la yidhaahdo First lady charity foundation, waxaana hay’adda guddoomiye ka ah nin la yidhaahdo Cismaan Sheekh, oo Hargeysa jooga, waana hal guri oo Fiila ah, waxaana loo samaystay mashaariic Talyaaniga lacag lagaga qaato.”

Guddoomiyaha, waxa la weydiiyay inuu cadayn karo eedaymahaas culus ee uu u jeedinayo qoyska Madaxtooyada, waxaanu yidhi, “Maxaan u cadayn waayay, waan cadaynayaa.”
Faysal Cali Waraabe, oo la weydiiyay sida uu u arko hadal Madaxweyne Rayaale uu dhawaan magaalada London ka sheegay, kaas oo nuxurkiisu ahaa inay mucaaradku beenta u yaqaanaan Dimuqraadiyadii oo la xoojiyay, waxaanu yidhi “Madaxweyne Rayaale, maanta wuxuu la shiryimaado oo la taaban karo oo uu yidhaa waan qabtay ma jirto, socdaaladadiisuna markuu tagayo wuxuu yidhaahdaa markaan soo noqdaan idiin waramayaa markuu soo noqdana wax la taaban karo oo uu keenaa ma jirto. Intaas waxa ka daran kursigii madaxweynenimada ayuu haybadiisii dilay oo maalin kasta safaro aan la casuuimin oo aan baratakool lahayn ayuu lacagtii umadda ku soo isticmaalaa, isaga iyo koox yari. Waxaanu la kulmaa dad aan la heer ahayn oo wasiir ku xigeen ku hagaagi karo.

Markaas hadday ciddi been shagayso waxa ku caan baxay Raayale waxaana loo yaqaanaa berrito iyo beeni ma dhammato, safaradiisanina may ahayn rasmi, ee waxa rasmi ahaa safarkii uu guddoomiyaha Golaha Wakiilada Md. Cabdiraxmaan-Cirro ku tagay dalka Kenya ee uu kula kulmay madaxda Baarlamaanada Bariga Afrika, laakiin kan Rayaale wuxuu ahaa dano gaar ah. Markaas mucaaradku waxa uu sheegayaa been maaha ee waa dhab oo waxa la weydiin karaa Meeye warshadihii, darajadii ciidamadu meeday, Idaacadii meeday, lacagtii aad lahayd waxaan ka bedelayaa Gobalada bariga meeday, mar waxa uu yidhi bil kasta umadda waan la hadlayaa, bal iyana halkee ayay ku dambaysay.
Adeer hoyga beentu waa madaxtooyada uu degenyahay, ee mucaaradku wuxuu sheegayaa waa dhab.”

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Eid Mubarik... Eid Alfitr 30 September 2008

الثلاثاء، ٣٠ سبتمبر هو أول أيام شهرشوال
يسرنا في لجنة التنسيق بين المؤسسات الاسلامية في لندن أن نهنئكم بحلول عيد الفطر المبارك، تقبل الله منا ومنكم الصيام والقيام
وأعاننا واياآم على طاعتة، وآل عام وانتم بخير.
المرآز الثقافي الاسلامي ومسجد لندن المرآزي، مرآز ميفير الإسلامي، مرآز شرق لندن، دار الرعاية الاسلامية،
المنار- مرآزالتراث الثقافي الإسلامي، مسجد التوحيد ومجلس الشريعة الإسلامي، المنتدى الاسلامي

Tuesday, 30 Sep is the first day of Shawwal
On behalf of the Coordination Committee of the Muslim centers in London, we would like to wish you all a happy Eid. May ALLAH (swt) grant all of us happiness and forgiveness. The Islamic Cultural Centre and London Central Mosque, East London Mosque, Mayfair Islamic Centre, Al-Manaar Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre, Masjid al Tawhid and The Islamic Share’a Council, The Muslim.
Information about Eid Prayer There will be 5 congregational prayers held on Eid day at the following times: 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM.

The Regents Park Bazaar //more information-->

Welfare House, Al-Muntada Al-Islami.

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`Eid Al-Fitr Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,…

Moon sighting has always been a controversial issue.CAIRO — Though the majority of Muslims worldwide were united in observing the first day of Ramadan on September 1, they are set to be widely divided on its end and the start of `Eid Al-Fitr.

Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa'ad, have confirmed Sunday, September 28, as the last day of Ramadan based on the sighting of the Shawwal moon.

In a special radio and television broadcast in Sokoto, the sultan declared Monday the first day of `Eid Al-Fitr, one of the two main religious festivals in Islam.
When Is Your `Eid?Muslims in south Nigeria, however, are still fasting Ramadan and would celebrate `Eid on Tuesday or Wednesday.Nigeria's federal government had earlier declared Monday and Tuesday as public holidays to mark this year's `Eid Al-Fitr.
The holy fasting month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, began in most countries on Monday, September 1.
The beginning of the Shawwal constitutes the start of `Eid Al-Fitr.
Libya, which began Ramadan on August 31, announced that Tuesday, September 30, will be the first day of `Eid.

Turkey, Bulgaria, Kosovo, Macedonia, Slovenia, Romania and Serbia, which all started Ramadan on September 1, will celebrate `Eid Tuesday based on astronomical calculations.
"There is coordination between the Euro-Asian Muslim Committee which groups Balkan countries and is headed by Turkish Fatwa House to determine religious holidays," said Naeem Trafana, the head of the Islamic Sheikhdom in Kosovo.
"We confirm Monday as the end of Ramadan and Tuesday as the first day of `Eid Al-Fitr."
Different Calculations

But `Eid Al-Fitr will fall on a different day according to other astronomical calculations.
"The Fiqh Council of North America and the European Council for Fatwa and Research have announced that September 30th is the 30th day of Ramadan and `Eid Al-Fitr 1429 will be on October 1st," FCNA said on its website.

The two scholarly bodies have based their announcement on astronomical calculations.
"The Fiqh Council of North America and the European Council for Fatwa and Research, after careful examination of the Shari'i sources and opinions of classical and modern scholars have concluded that it is permissible according to Shari`ah to use scientific calculations for determining the Islamic lunar months."
The Islamic Crescents Observation Project has confirmed Wednesday as the start of Shawwal and `Eid based on astronomical calculations.
The Islamic Center of Canberra announced on its website that Australian Muslims will celebrate `Eid on Wednesday.

Sighting
Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, will sight the moon of Shawwal on Monday.
This means `Eid Al-Fitr will fall on either Tuesday or Wednesday.
Also sighting the new moon Monday will be Egypt, Sudan, Tunisia, Algeria, Mauritania, Djibouti, Somalia, Eritrea, Kenya and South Africa.
The Asian countries of Jordan, Syria, Afghanistan, Malaysia and the Philippines will also monitor the birth of the new moon Monday.
Similarly, Iraqi and Lebanese Sunnis will sight the new moon on Monday.
Countries such as Morocco, Iran, Oman, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and
India will sight the moon Tuesday.
Shiites in Lebanon and Iraq will also sight the Shawwal moon Tuesday.
For those sighting the new moon on Tuesday, `Eid Al-Fitr will fall on either Wednesday or Thursday.
Moon sighting has always been a controversial issue among Muslim countries, and even scholars seem at odds over the issue.

One group says that Muslims everywhere should abide by the lunar calendar of Saudi Arabia.
A second, however, believes that the authority in charge of ascertaining the sighting of the moon in a given country (such as Egypt's Dar al-Iftaa [House of Fatwa]) announces the sighting of the new moon, then Muslims in the country should all abide by this.

islamonline.com

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Customs & Traditions, `Eid Prayer

Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.Dear brother in Islam, may you have a happy and blessed `Eid Al-Fitr! We implore Allah, Most High, to make the approaching `Eid Al-Fitr a moment of blessing for every Muslim.

Moreover, we look forward to the `Eid in which Islam regains its long-awaited victory and Muslims spread peace and prosperity all over the world.Brother, `Eid Al-Fitr is the day of benefits and blessings for all fasting Muslims, as they are promised great reward by Almighty Allah for their good observance of fasting. At the end of Ramadan, Muslims express their gratitude to Allah, Who has enabled them to observe fasting and, at the same time, granted them abundant provision during this blessed month. `Eid Al-Fitr, therefore, is a day of joy, acts of worship, thanksgiving to Allah, cooperation, solidarity, brotherhood, unity, and spiritual provision.Answering your question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states:

On the day of `Eid, there are some Sunnah acts that we should do, among which are the following:

1. Engage in takbir (saying “Allahu akbar”) from fajr until the imam comes out for salah. Takbir is recommended for males, females, young and old.
2. It is also important to make sure to pay zakat Al-Fitr before the salah. Ideally, it should be given in advance so that the poor can enjoy their `Eid.
3. Appear in the best clean clothes dress that you can afford to, that are reasonable and modest.
4. It is recommended to go early to the prayer place.
5. And most importantly, to wish every one the joy of `Eid and show true signs of Islamic brotherhood by shaking hands and embracing and supplicating: “Taqabal Allahu Minna wa Minkum” (May Allah accept it from us and you).
6. It is also considered a good Islamic practice to visit one another and exchange gifts. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Exchange gifts in order to foster love.
"7. Remember the true spirit of `Eid is reflected in our extreme generosity to the poor and the needy. So, be charitable as best as you can.
8. Make lots of istighfar (asking Allah for forgiveness) and pray that Allah accept our fast, prayers and devotion, and may He grant the Ummah glory and success.

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IFTAR 2008

Iftar in Vietnam. They differ in colour, nationality and language, but Muslims are united at heart. They perform their religious obligation in identical manner physically and spiritually.

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IFTAR 2008

WORKERS' COMMUNAL IFTAR IN DUBAI

They break their fast in unity, they identify themselves not by nationality, nor by colour. They are simply Muslims, united in destiny, purpose and style of life.

They fast together, pray together and perform their pilgrimage together. Islam is a religion of unity, faith of equality and life long practice of justice and brotherhood.

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IFTAR 2008

COMMUNITY IFTAR IN DUBAI 2008


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INTERNATIONAL HOLY QURAN AWARD...DUBAI 2008

Hamdan Honours Islamic Personality of the Year and Quran Award Winners
DUBAI — Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, on Saturday presented the Dh1 million prize for the ‘Islamic Personality’ to Prof Mohammed Salem Al Oufi, Secretary-General of the King Fahd Complex for Printing the Holy Quran.
The presentation was made at the closing ceremony of the 12th session of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award which was attended by prominent scholars, dignitaries, officials, and guests.

Shaikh Hamdan distributed prizes to the winners of the Quran competition, in which 86 contestants took part this year.
The first prize of Dh250,000 was presented to Mohammed Qasem Al Aajam from Yemen, the second prize of Dh200,000 was given to Nourul Deen Baleed from Libya, and the third prize of Dh150,000 went to Khaled Al Eitani from Kuwait.
The fourth prize of Dh65,000 was won by Majed Abdul Hadi A. Samea from Afghanistan.
Ahmadu Mohammed from Mauritania received Dh 60,000 for the fifth position.
Nazeeh Mohammed Abu Al Nasr from Lebanon was ranked sixth and proudly received a prize money of Dh55,000.

He also presented the winner of the seventh prize, Usama Yusuf from Taiwan, with Dh50,000; Mohamed Alem from Pakistan who was placed eighth collected Dh45,000; ninth prize winner Abdurrahman Qaji from Cameron received Dh40,000; and 10th prize winner, Tariq bin Mohammed Al Luhaidan from Saudi Arabia, received Dh35,000.
In addition, certificates and cash prizes were presented to other participants. Contestants, who scored above 80 per cent, were rewarded Dh30,000 each, while those, whose scores ranged from 70 to 80 per cent, received Dh25,000 each.

Participants scoring less than 70 per cent got Dh20,000 each. Addressing the gathering at the Cultural and Scientific Association in Al Mamzar area, Ibrahim Bu Melha, Chairman of DIHQA Organising Committee, said: “DIHQA, with its eight branches, has become one of the main cornerstones of Dubai.
“ It gives a boost to communication between the society and Islamic culture. It also encourages people to follow the teachings of the Holy Quran and avoid fanaticism.”
Prof Mohammed Salem Al Oufi, Secretary-General of the King Fahd Complex for Printing the Holy Quran, who received the 2008 Islamic Personality award, paid tributes to His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the DIHQA organising committee for bestowing the honour on those who have devoted their lives in serving Islam.


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Somali pirates surrounded

AP —MOGADISHU, Somalia: As a heavily armed US destroyer patrolled nearby and planes flew overhead yesterday, a Somali pirate spokesman told The Associated Press his group was demanding a $20 million ransom to release a cargo ship loaded with Russian tanks.
The spokesman also warned that the pirates would fight to the death if any country tried military action to regain the ship, and a man who said he was the ship’s captain reported that one crew member had died.

Pirates seized the Ukrainian-operated ship Faina off the coast of Somalia on Thursday as it headed to Kenya carrying 33 Russian-built T-72 tanks and a substantial amount of ammunition and spare parts. The ordnance was ordered by the Kenyan government.
The guided missile destroyer USS Howard was stationed off the Somali coast yesterday, making sure that the pirates did not remove the tanks, ammunition and other heavy weapons from the ship, which was anchored off the coast. A spokesman for the US 5th Fleet said the navy remained “deeply concerned” over the fate of the ship’s 21-member crew and cargo.
In a rare gesture of cooperation, the Americans appeared to be keeping an eye on the Faina until the Russian missile frigate Neustrashimy, or Intrepid, reaches the area. The Russian ship was still in the Atlantic yesterday, the Russian Navy reported.

Pirate spokesman Sugule Ali said he was speaking from the deck of the Faina via a satellite phone — and verified his location by handing the phone over to the ship’s captain, who also spoke with the AP. It was not possible to further confirm their identities.
“We want ransom, nothing else. We need $20 million for the safe release of the ship and the crew,” Ali said, adding that “if we are attacked, we will defend ourselves until the last one of us dies.”

Five nations have been sharing information to try to secure the swift release of the ship and its crew — Ukraine, Somalia, Russia, the United States and Britain.
Kenyan government spokesman Alfred Mutua, however, insisted his country will not negotiate with pirates or terrorists. Ali said planes have been flying over the Faina. It was not known which country the planes belonged to.

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Paris: Bank, driving school reject women with headscarf

The following statement was received by Islamophobie.net from a woman who tried to enter a BNP bank branch and was refused on account of her headscarf. Together with the story below they sees it as a sign of Islamophobia in France.

The woman says that she came to the BNP branch at the Paris suburb of Fontenay-aux-Roses on Sept. 23rd, 2008 at 9:15am to perform operations in her bank account. She wore a scarf on her head which covered her hair but left her face visible. She entered the door by pressing the green button, and then pressed the button to open the second door in order to enter. Here, one of the employees told her via loudspeaker that for security reasons she must remove her veil to enter." She was stunned as usually she goes into the branch without problems and without any concern or remark. She therefore remained shocked and stuck in the doorway, a customer behind her waiting impatiently did not understand why she wasn't going in. She pressed the button again and the employee said to her that as already explained she must remove her veil in order to enter. She responded that she didn't agree, to which the employee answered that if she doesn't remove it, she won't enter.

The woman was therefore obliged to turn around and go back through the entrance door. She asked the customer who witnessed this to have the employee write down what she'd said (regarding the prohibition of entering with a veil or scarf) and she answered that it was written outside. The sign outside (see source link) doesn't mention removing a headscarf, but rather removing anything which covers the face and not the hair. She remained outside the bank, crying, feeling humiliated for being prohibited from entering the bank (like an animal) where she and her family have always been clients. She feels she's been discriminated and had also sent the bank a letter about it.

Source: Islamophobie (French)

--------------

MRAP (Movement Against Racism and for Friendship between Peoples) announced Wednesday they petitioned HALDE (High authority for fighting discrimination) on behalf of a young woman who was rejected by a driving school in Seine-Saint-Denis since she was wearing a veil.

Sabeh Kadi (20) wanted to sign up at the Cabriolet Roadster driving school in Les Pavillons-sous-Bois and was told that 'chadors' and 'scarves' were 'prohibited'. She was advised to find a different driving school. The French woman of North African origin, mother of three children, told AFP that she was 'shocked' and 'injured'.

The instructor she met told AFP that his school doesn't prevent people from signing up but warns applicants that all head coverings must be removed in the room and during driving lessons. Their rules do not distinguish between applicants, ensuring that everybody is equal, he added, invoking 'the Republic'. He explained that religion is not taken into account and that the driving school doesn't discriminate racially. He also added that head coverings might also interfere with hearing.

In the internal regulations displayed in the school office it says that one must dress correctly and appropriately and disqualifies the following head coverings: caps, turbans, scarves, hats.

According to MRAP, the conditions posed by the school constitute 'refusal of service due to religious discrimination' according to the penal code. The association says it will lodge a complaint with the Bobigny prosecutor in the near future.

Source: Le Parisien (French)

via Islam in Europe by Esther

International Medical Corps Matched With Top 25 American Express Members Project Saving the Lives of Malnourished Children

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Sighting of new moon .....

Q. Sighting of the new moon to determine the start of lunar months, particularly Ramadan and Shawwal, is a problem in the countries of the Indian subcontinent. This problem often results in the start of Ramadan or the Eid day being declared on two or even three different days. Please comment. E. Khan


A. I have been asked this question more times than I can count. It is raised every year because the reality of what takes place as a result of such confusion is too disturbing to many people. They are right. It should not be the case. Yet this is merely a symptom of the miserable state of affairs in the world Muslim community of today. Unfortunately, there is no easy solution, because those who can provide the solution are either unwilling to undertake the initiative, or choose to turn their back on the solution. Yet a solution is easy and it should be put into practice without delay. The solution is to rely on astronomical data, which give us the exact time of the birth of the new moon and its time and place of visibility. Should we resort to such a method, the difference will not be more than one day, which is acceptable from the Islamic point of view.

Q. Some scholars produced Hadith collections such as Riyadh Al-Saliheen, Mishkat Al-Masabeeh, Kanz Al-Ummal. These include Hadiths from the anthologies of Al-Bukhari, Muslim, and others. However, they attribute these new collections to themselves. Nowadays, when people quote a Hadith from these later collections, they do not mention the original anthologies. Thus, the reward will be granted to the authors of the new collections, but not to the original ones. Please comment. Abu Aqeelah

A. When we speak of God’s reward, we must not apply our own measures. God rewards people according to His knowledge of their efforts, intentions, sincerity and indeed all factors that are at play in their work. Thus, suppose that you have written a piece of commendable work that serves the Islamic cause or helps Muslims, but you could not publish it. Someone else sees it and publishes it under his own name without your permission. Does this mean that he will get all the reward for it? For certain, your effort will not be wasted. God says in the Qur’an: “Whoever does an atom’s weight of good shall see it then, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil shall see it then also.” (99: 7-8)

Not only so, but when a person does something and it is used by many to advantage, that person will get a reward for every time his work was used by anyone, because it was through his action that such people made advantage. What those scholars did was to produce Hadith anthologies on specific subjects, or related to a general theme. They used the original anthologies and others, according to their own selection criteria.
These works have been widely used, making the Prophet’s Hadiths better known to a much wider audience. They receive rich reward from God, as will everyone that made it possible for them to produce their anthologies. Thus, nothing of the reward of the earlier scholars will be wasted. On the contrary, it will be increased, God willing.

source:Arab News
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The Importance of Marriage in Islam

Marriage, according to the Qur´an, is a desirable thing: "Marry the spouseless among you, and your slaves and handmaidens that are righteous" (Sura al-Nur 24:32). It is the religious tradition (sunna) of the Prophet Muhammad: "Wedlock [nikah] is my tradition in religion; whoever does not apply my law has no part with me.

Marry, because I will vie the nations in number by you. Whoever has the ability to marry, let him marry, and whoever has not the ability, let him resort to fasting; for fasting is as good as castration."(1) Marriage is also half of the faith: "When the servant marries, he completes half of his religion; so let him fear God in the remaining half."(2) According to the jurists it is an obligation when one has a strong desire; namely one is guilty if he has a desire for a certain woman, is financially able to fulfill it (in marriage), but does not marry. He has committed a cardinal sin.(3)
Muhammad has prohibited celibacy.(4) In Hadith we read: "There will be none in paradise but have two wives; he will be able to see their legs even if they are behind seventy garments."(5) In Musnad of Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, it says, "Our tradition [sunna] is wedlock. The most evil among you are those who are celibate, and the vilest among your dead are those who are celibate."(6) Muhammad once asked a man named `Akaf if he was married, the man replied, "No, by God." He asked, "Do you have a concubine?" The man answered, "No." Muhammad asked, "Are you well off?" He said, "Yes." Muhammad said, "You are, then, a brother of the devils. And if you are a Christian, you are also their brother.(7) But if you are one of us, our life-style is giving in marriage."(8) Muhammad aroused men's interest in marriage because women bring blessing and wealth: "Marry women because they bring possession"(9) and "Two prostrations by a married man are better than seventy by someone who is single."(10)

We learn from the stories of tradition that marriage is not only the law of Muhammad, but the law of all the prophets, as well. "Whoever embraces my religion, and the religion of David, Solomon, and Abraham let him marry so long as he can; otherwise let him fight for the cause of God. If he is martyred [dies in war], God will wed him to the wide-eyed houris. The only exception to this is that if he attends to his parents or if he is under binding obligation to people."(11) So the one who does not marry exposes himself to the curse of God and the angels: "The curse of God and of angels and of all the people is upon anyone who lives in celibacy-- there is no celibacy after John, the son of Zachariah."(12)
The most important reason for marriage is bearing children. Jabir narrated, "While we were returning with the Messenger of God from a certain incursion, I started driving my camel fast, as it was a lazy one. A rider came behind me... Behold the rider was the Prophet himself. He said, 'Why are you in such haste?' I replied, 'I am newly married.' He asked, 'Did you marry a virgin or matron [a previously married woman]?' I answered, 'She is a matron.' He said, 'Then, [seek to beget] children! Children, O Jabir.' "(13)

It seems that in oriental societies it is a tradition and a part of their history to despise and suspect celibates! Anyone who does not marry exposes himself to all sorts of accusations. Ibrahim Ibn Masarra narrated, "Tawus said to me, 'Get married or else I will say to you what `Umar said to Abu al-Zawa´id: "The only thing that keeps you from marrying is impotence or lasciviousness." ' "(14)

The Importance of Marriage from the Viewpoint of the Jurists

The jurists say: "The only worship that has been instituted since the time of Adam till now, which will continue in paradise, is wedlock and faith."(1) Ibn Humam says about the relationship of wedlock to worship, "It is the closest thing to worship; so that occupying oneself with it is better than abandoning it for mere worship."(2) The importance and high position that the jurists place on wedlock (nikah) lie in its being "A cause for the existence of Islam and the Muslim."

It is, therefore, preferred to worship and fighting (Jihad). It is the cause of the existence of the Muslim and Islam, while Jihad only furthers Islam.(3) In Radd al-muhtar, the author says, "It has been preferred to Jihad. Both of them are the cause of the existence of the Muslim and Islam, because the result of the marriage of one single Muslim is much more than the result of fighting. In Jihad you only kill and subdue non-Muslims."(4)

Moreover, there are "other interests regarding wedlock, such as keeping women and oneself from fornication. Wedlock is the only means of obtaining pleasure."(5) There are others, as well, who claim that wedlock is a religious obligation just like fasting, praying, and the other requirements of faith; so that any who abandon it, being capable of paying the marriage portion, supporting a wife, and having intercourse, is considered guilty of sin. Shafi`i, however, thinks it is merely permissible, just like selling or bargaining.

They infer that it is a religious duty or obligation from the fact that one is enjoined to abstain from fornication. They say, "Since abstaining from fornication is a religious imperative, and since this can only be attained by wedlock, then that which is the only means to attain to a religious imperative, is also an imperative."(6) The jurists, however, think that nikah cannot possibly mean lust; if it were so, they argue, the Prophet, who married more than one wife, should have sufficed himself with one wife.(7) Yet, it seems that there is no real agreement among the jurists that nikah is a religious obligation or duty. Those who disagree on the issue of having to marry as an incumbent religious obligation quote Sura Al Imran 3:39, "The angels called him [Zachariah] while he was standing praying at the shrine: 'God gives news of John, who will confirm word from God, masterful yet circumspect [hasur, i.e. celibate], and a prophet [chosen] from among honourable people.' " "This Qur´anic statement points out the celibacy of John as a merit worthy of praise. Hasur means someone who does not have sexual relations with women in spite of being able to do so.

If nikah was a religious obligation, then John wouldn't have been praised on the account of abandoning it; since abandoning an obligation is worthy of blame rather than praise."(8) Al-Sarakhsi rejects this view and argues that "nikah is the tradition of Muhammad, while celibacy was the tradition of John. A Muslim has to follow the tradition of Muhammad."(9) The consensus of jurists agree that the increase of the nation is for the public good, since Muhammad will boast over the rest of the nations on the Day of Resurrection because of the large number of his nation."(10)

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Ahmedinejd: US Empire nearing end

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Chavez says crisis-hit U.S. needs new constitution

LISBON, Sept 27 (Reuters) - Venezuela's leftist President Hugo Chavez said on Saturday it was the capitalist system that had caused the financial crisis in the United States and the country should come up with a new constitution.
Speaking to reporters in Lisbon on the last leg of a tour that included visits to China and Russia, he said: "I think the United States should start a constituent process to create a constituent assembly, a new truly democratic model."

A constituent assembly is a body elected to draft and sometimes adopt a new constitution.
"It was capitalism that caused the ruin" in the United States, said Chavez, who is one of Washington's fiercest critics, calling the financial crunch "the worst financial crisis in history".
"Let the U.S. empire end and let a great nation and great republic rise from the ruin ... It's time to shout 'Liberty!' again in the United States," Chavez said, calling for a new government to be free of the "dictatorship of the elite" such as big banks and corporations.

Critics accuse Chavez of running an authoritarian, Cuban-style regime in oil-rich Venezuela.
Chavez, who has signed various deals from weapons to energy this week in China and Russia also signed an agreement with Portugal's Socialist government on Saturday to buy 1 million ultra-cheap laptops for schools and 50,000 pre-fabricated houses in deals worth $3 billion.
They also signed a draft deal between Energias do Portugal and Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA for the development of a liquefied natural gas project from the Blanquilla Este reserve in northern Venezuela.
The computers, which the government started distributing in Portuguese primary schools this week at a subsidised price of 50 euros ($73.15), will be delivered to Venezuela from December. They cost 285 euros in stores in Portugal.
The laptop is based on Intel Corp's (INTC.O ) Classmate PC, a cheap computer that has been adopted in various formats in countries such as Brazil and Indonesia.

(Reporting by Shrikesh Laxmidas; Writing by Andrei Khalip)

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Who won debate? TV pundits don't agree on a winner

By DAVID BAUDER
NEW YORK (AP) — It was hard to tell if there were more disagreements voiced during the presidential debate between John McCain and Barack Obama or after it on television.

The networks' pundits moved quickly Friday to put into perspective a debate seen by tens of millions of Americans, although a clear winner didn't emerge. It was a reflection of cautiousness, the closeness of the race and the influence of furious spinning by both campaigns.
"There was no knockout, and maybe no knockdown, but McCain was on the offensive throughout," commentator William Kristol said on Fox News Channel.
His fellow panelist, Juan Williams, quickly retorted, "I thought Barack Obama put John McCain on the defensive all night."

David Gergen, CNN analyst, said, "McCain needed a clear victory tonight and I think that eluded him."
Said Fox's Chris Wallace, "I think the McCain campaign is very happy tonight."
And they weren't even the professional spinners, who try to buttonhole reporters backstage with opinions about as predictable as the sun rising every morning. It has become a cliche of debate nights, a room television networks know they should avoid but can't seem to help themselves.
Another useless TV trick: those meters that can be twisted up or down to show how a voter is responding to a particular passage. Mostly, they looked indecipherable.
Obama's campaign put forward vice presidential candidate Joe Biden for post-debate interviews, and he appeared on all the news networks. His Republican counterpart, Sarah Palin, was nowhere in sight.

Several commentators noted how Obama said at a number of points that McCain was right about something, which could either be construed as a sign of weakness or one in which he was willing to lead in a bipartisan manner. McCain pounded home the point that there were several things his opponent didn't understand about the world.
"McCain very often seemed like he was condescending, seeming like he was lecturing Barack Obama," CNN's Gloria Borger said.
The first debate, which was supposed to be centered on foreign policy, concerned the economy for about 40 minutes. Moderator Jim Lehrer of PBS kept his questions simple to get the men talking. He even tried to push the candidates to address each other instead of the camera, a request that had some success as more heated foreign policy exchanges came.

Snapshot polls by both CNN and CBS News showed Obama with a clear advantage among voters in how people perceived the debate performance. CBS monitored a roomful of uncommitted voters and when asked who won the debate shortly after it was done, the number of people who raised their hands for Obama was more than double than those for McCain.
Consensus for either side will undoubtedly harden as the debate quickly gets reduced to sound bites and Youtube clips.
"Is the race now different than it was at 9 p.m. eastern time?" asked ABC commentator George Will. "The answer I think is no. This wasn't a game changer. Both had their familiar personas. Barack Obama was the rather tweedy professor conducting a national seminar. John McCain was a rather hotter personality, the national scold."
Pundits didn't need a calendar to start anticipating the next debate, between Biden and Palin. It's scheduled for Oct. 2.
Television networks will find out in a few days whether the McCain-Obama debate could claim the ultimate record of most-watched presidential debate ever.

The standard was set in 1980, when 80.6 million people watched that campaign's only debate between President Jimmy Carter and Republican challenger Ronald Reagan. TV audiences that big typically gather only once a year, for the Super Bowl.
The most-watched debate since 1980 was the second of three between the first President Bush, Bill Clinton and Ross Perot in 1992, seen by just under 70 million people. The first debate in 2004 between President Bush and John Kerry was seen by 62.5 million, Nielsen Media Research said.
___
AP Television Writer Frazier Moore contributed to this report.
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FINAL DAY OF UN EVENT SPARKS ENDORSEMENT OF 11 TREATIES

New York, On the final day of the United Nations treaty event to promote universal participation and implementation of multilateral pacts, six Member States undertook nine treaty actions by signing or ratifying separate conventions, agreements, treaties and optional protocols.
Following Uganda’s lead from yesterday, Austria ratified both the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol.

Chilean President Michelle Bachelet personally ratified a second optional protocol to the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aimed at eliminating the death penalty.
Timor-Leste’s President, José Ramos-Horta, similarly took part in the event, signing the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.
The Bahamas actively endorsed four treaties, ratifying the Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, and three additional protocols concerning human trafficking and the illicit manufacturing and trafficking of firearms.
Small island nation Kiribati followed Burundi’s example and ratified the Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism.

In total 30 States took 57 actions during this year’s treaty event, the tenth in the series held on the sidelines of the General Assembly’s General Debate at UN Headquarters.
As 2008 marks the 60th anniversary of adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, this year’s event – which began on 23 September – centred on the theme “Universal Participation and Implementation – Dignity and Justice for All of Us.”

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FREEDOM OF SPEECH MISUSED TO ATTACK RELIGIONS, EGYPT WARNS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

New York, Sep 27 2008 2:10PMFreedom of expression is misused too often to insult the faiths and beliefs held dearly by millions of people, Egypt’s Foreign Minister told the General Assembly today, voicing concern at the “unconstructive state of cultural tension” in the world today.

Ahmed Aboul Gheit <"http://www.un.org/ga/63/generaldebate/pdf/egypt_en.pdf">told the high-level segment of the Assembly’s annual debate, taking place at United Nations Headquarters in New York, that speech was being used to incite hatted based on religion.
“I emphasize here – with the utmost respect to the importance of the freedom of expression – that we reject any depiction of the repeated affronts to religions and sanctities as a legitimate exercise of the freedom of expression, for there are many glaring slogans in the name of which crimes have been committed against thousands and millions of people through offending them and their beliefs and faiths,” he said.
“Egypt calls upon all to consider this matter sagely and objectively with a view to reaching the desired balance that protects the freedom of expression of some, and respects the rights and sentiments of others.”

Mr. Aboul Gheit said the attacks against religion were part of a broader problem that had led to increased cultural tensions, causing “severe digressions of both opinions and actions that inflame public emotions and increases the temperament and severity of the polarization between the followers of different cultures and creeds.”
He called for further action from “the creators of public opinion in all societies to promote moderation and to dissociate them from opinions and policies that only nourish tension and violence.”

In his address the Foreign Minister also turned to the question of human rights, saying it was unfortunate that economic, social and cultural rights were not “accorded the commensurate attention” that civil and political rights receive.
“This negatively affects on the public perception in many of our societies, particularly those which fare dire, and occasionally abrasive, economic and living conditions. To those people, it is believed that continuous talk about human rights represents a luxury they cannot afford and neglects their basic requirements for sustenance.
“Therefore, the promotion of economic and social rights must be seen as a vital reinforcement of the human rights regime that is indispensable for strengthening the implementation and awareness of other components of this regime.”

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Somaliland.Org » Somaliland: KULMIYE Statement on the Horn of Africa

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UN HELPS ETHIOPIA IMPROVE EMERGENCY HEALTH READINESS

New York, The United Nations World Health Organization today pledged support to strengthen Ethiopia’s emergency preparedness and improve conditions for people confronted by the food security crisis, cross-border displacement and communicable diseases.

“WHO wants to help these health actors expand and strengthen these efforts so we build on the health gains that have been made and improve the level of health and nutritional care available to the population,” Eric Laroche, the agency’s top humanitarian relief official, said in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital.

Dr. Laroche, Assistant-Secretary-General for WHO’s Health Action in Crises, welcomed major achievements that have been made in the Horn of Africa country, including the control of meningitis, in which a major outbreak was contained with the distribution of at least 2 million doses of vaccine, and acute watery diarrhoeal diseases, where mortality has been cut by 50 per cent. WHO contributed in both cases.
WHO has placed increasing emphasis on strengthening community-level health facilities by preparing guidelines, training and health materials to make local workers more able to respond to the various challenges they face.
During his visit Dr. Laroche met with Ethiopian Health Minister Shiferaw Teklemariam

(<"http://www.who.int/en/">WHO)

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(CNN) -- Pirates who seized a Ukrainian vessel loaded with tanks and weapons off the African coast have lowered their ransom demand to $5 million.

Russia has sent this frigate to the Somalia coast following the hijacking of a Ukrainian ship. The pirates initially demanded $35 million and no military action, said Andrew Mwangura of the Kenya Seafarers Association. They later decreased their demands for several reasons, Mwangura said.

Those reasons include that the crew is from eastern Europe and not the United States; the weapons the ship carries are secondhand; and there is no way to unload the tanks without coming onto land, he said.
The vessel Faina, flying a Belize flag, was headed to the Kenyan port of Mombasa after departing from Nikolayev, Ukraine, according to Lt. Col. Konstantin Sadilov, spokesman for the Ukrainian defense ministry. He said it was seized by pirates on Thursday not far from its destination.
According to the defense ministry, the ship was carrying 33 Soviet-made T-72 tanks, tank artillery shells, grenade launchers and small arms.

The weapons were sold to Kenya by the Ukraine, said Ukraine Defense Minister Yuri Yekhanurov, according to the Interfax-Ukraine news agency. He said the entire shipment was contracted and carried out by Ukrspetzexport, Ukraine's state arms exports monopoly, and it would know better exactly what was on board.
The ship deliberately took a route far from the coast of Somalia, where pirates are known to operate, in an attempt to avoid them, the minister said.
The Kiev-based source told Interfax on Saturday that radio contact was made with the ship's captain, who reported the crew has come down with malaria. However, the source said the claim might have been an attempt to hasten negotiations.

Ukraine's anti-terrorist center in its capital, Kiev, is analyzing the situation and consulting with military and security experts, Sadilov told CNN. Ukrainian diplomats are also working in Kenya to resolve the situation, he said.
The Pentagon said U.S. naval ships in the area are "monitoring the situation."
"I think we're looking at the full range of options here," Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said, because the United States does not want the pirates to dock the ship in Somalia and offload the weapons.

The ship's crew consists of 17 Ukrainians, three Russians and a Latvian.
U.S. officials said the ship reported being surrounded by three small boats of pirates while sailing 250 miles off the coast of Somalia.
The Russian patrol ship Neustrashimy, which left Wednesday for the coast off Somalia, may help crack down on pirates, a source in the Russian Baltic Fleet headquarters told Interfax-AVN on Friday. And the Russian Navy's commander, Adm. Vladimir Vysotsky, told Interfax that Russia plans to send combat ships to the Somali coast to fight piracy.
"We have such plans for the near future," he said. "However, Russian ships will not be involved in any international operations. They will do this job on their own."

U.S. officials, meanwhile, said they are urging all commercial shippers to carry security personnel on their decks when sailing near Somalia. Earlier this week, a U.S. Navy warship fired warning shots at a small boat that got too close to it, fearing a possible attack.
Meanwhile, Mwangura said an Egyptian ship previously seized by pirates has been released, and a Japanese ship was released after a $2 million ransom was paid.
In addition, a Greek ship was seized by pirates Friday, he said. The ship has a Romanian crew and was heading from Europe to the Middle East.

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ISLAMIC QUESTIONS ON ZAKAT AND FINANCE

Answered by: Dr. Monzer Kahf
Profession Scholar in Islamic Economics & Financial Expert
Subject Zakatul-Fitr & Ramadan Financial Issues
Date Sunday,Sep 21 ,2008
Time Makkah From... 13:40...To... 15:20 GMT From... 10:40...To...12:20

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Brothers and sisters, the session has already started. You can submit your questions. Please, make your questions short and clear so as to help us answer all your questions.
Yours, Islam Online Fatwa Editing Desk.


Name Anon -
Profession
Question Every year I give donations for mosque and Zakah. I haven't been claiming the income tax receipts. But for the last couple of years I have been claiming the income tax receipts for lillah (for sake of Allah) and Zakah. The money that I'm getting back on the donated portion; I have been giving it back to the mosque as lillah. Is this action appropriate, please advise.
Answer In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger. Dear brother Anon, it is always appropriate to give as much donation (Sadaqah) as one can and even a little more! It is never inappropriate to give the saved amount of taxes to charity. Whether this saving comes from claiming the donations and Zakah given to an Islamic charity or religious organization that is tax exempt. But please make your giving for the sake of Allah alone and give then as much as you can. There is no moral, religious or legal obligation that one should give to a charity the amount one saves on taxes as a result of claiming previous donations as tax deductibles.
Allah Almighty knows best.


Name Heba -
Profession
Question Is Zakah to be paid yearly for 12 months salary or one month and what is the percentage?
Answer In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger. Dear sister Heba, Zakah is on the savings not on the total salary. Once you own a small amount that is called Nisab, then whatever you save will be added and after 12 lunar month from the day you had a Nisab for the first time, you owe Zakah on the total balance that you have at the rate of 2.5%, then you repeat the same one full lunar year (354 days) later and each year then after. The amount of Nisab is approximately US$ 1500 (originally it considered in gold or silver, that is 452 grams of silver or 85 grams of gold). BTW, Zakah should be given to the poor and needy either directly if you know and can or through Islamic charitable organizations.
Allah Almighty knows best.


Name Ahmad -
Profession
Question We are building one primarily to serve the rural poor in Bangladesh. We will take funds from privileged people to help maintain the clinic, medication costs, nurse/doctor/'s salary, etc. We will not refuse care to privileged persons as their money will be used to allow us to provide free healthcare to the poor. Can we use Zakah money to build the clinic?
Answer In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger. Dear brother Ahmed, my answer is absolutely NO. Zakah Money should be given to the poor and needy in such a way that the recipient becomes the OWNER of what she/he is given. You cannot use it to build a clinic, school or mosque even if these building are to be used by the poor only. Building such institutions is necessary in Bangladesh rural areas and every where in the Muslim countries, this must be financed from donations and contributions of Muslim rich persons. This is a kind of Fard Kifayah (a personal assigned obligation on all those who can contribute but once the objective is satisfied those who did not give yet are relieved from this obligation). But when you use Zakah for such buildings you are actually charging it to the poor alone (who should not be contributing to financing these buildings to begin with) because Zakah is the right of the poor in the exact sense of the word.
Allah Almighty knows best.


Name Shah -
Profession
Question Is it preferable to pay Zakat Al-Fitr in cash or in kind as done by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)?
Answer In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger. Dear brother Shah, if the poor and needy who are targeted by it can use it in kind as was done at the time of the prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) that is better, but if the poor and needy cannot use it in kind and they go immediately to sell it because they need other kinds of food items or to satisfy other pressing needs it is then better to give it in cash, this is why Ibn Taymiyah, one of the great Muslim scholars of the Nineth century of Hijra said that it is better to give it the way that makes it more beneficial to the recipient poor.
Allah Almighty knows best.


Name fathima -
Profession
Question As-Salamu `alaikum! 1. Can Zakah be paid to grandparents? 2. Should Zakah be given to Zakah committee or can we give it among our poor relatives? Thank you.
Answer Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger. Dear sister Fathima, if you can give it to poor relative who really are in need, that is better because that will give you double reward being a payment of Zakah and at the same time a kindness to kin. Of that does not include parents, grandparent or children and grand children because you are personally responsible to spend on these relatives as you spend on yourself, they are your own financial responsibility. But if you don't have needy relatives or you cannot really determine their needs, it may then become better to give it to some specialized committee in the community or neighbourhood.
Allah Almighty knows best.


Name Pearl - Pakistan
Profession
Question Is it allowed to give Fitra (Zakat Al-Fitr) for the fiancee when Nikah hasn't executed yet instead of her own parents to do so, for her respect and with love?
Answer In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger. Dear pearl, I wouldn't recommend it. Zakah in general is money that cleans one's property and one's heart, so is Zakah of al Fitr (Fitra), I wouldn't suggest that you like to give it to would-soon-be your wife. You don't like to give her your dirty linen would you? Give her instead a gift to her and to her parents and give your Fitra (Zakat Al-Fitr) to some deserving stranger, it is a small amount anyway!
Allah Almighty knows best.


Name Hosam -
Profession
Question Can I send Zakat Al-Fitr to another country other than the country I am living in? I may do that a few days before Eid which means that the money may not reach the people in the other country before Eid Al-Fitr. Is this ok?
Answer In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger. Dear brother Hosam, yes, it is permissible to send Zakat Al-Fitr to another country if the need is more or if you give it to a needy relative living in another country. We are in the age of internet, it can reach anywhere in the world in seconds! This means it is your responsibility as a payer to make it reach its recipient before Eid day. Many Muslim charities pledge to do that if you give it through them now.
Allah Almighty knows best.


Name Ansar - India
Profession S/w Engineer
Question As-Salamu `alaykum. I happen to take a loan to buy property/ house. But lately I came to know that borrowing money on interest basis is also a sin. Will this way of acquiring property make it a haram for me?
Answer Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger. Dear brother Ansar, essentially, YES, but now you need to look forward, then do your best to pay the interest loan as soon as you can. I should also mention that the Fiqh Academy of India gave an opinion that it is permissible to use such interest-based mortgages for buying a residence for those who need it because of the necessity and need that touches a large number of persons.
Allah Almighty knows best.


Name Mazin -
Profession
Question These days, the US and the capitalist system in the world is passing through a touch time and the core of the capitalist theory seems to be collapsing? Is there is a solution in Islam for this dilemma?
Answer In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger. Dear Br. Mazin, essentially YES. But it is a total prescription not a partial one. What is needed is not only avoiding interest and interest-based transactions but also taking a moral position toward consumption, production and fairness.
Allah Almighty knows best.


Name Shifaaa -
Profession
Question How much should one pay as zakat Al-Fitr this year? can i pay it on behalf of my mother?
Answer In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger. Dear sister Shifaa, the amount of Zakat Al-Fitr in cash depends on prices in your country and the main food staple in your land. I can give you this amount now in America, it is about 6 US Dollars per person. What you need to take is the price of 2.25 Kilo gram of wheat, barley, rice or date whichever of these or the like that is considered a main food staple in the country.
Allah Almighty knows best.

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Brothers and sisters, we are so sorry for not answering all your questions because the time is over. We apologize for any inconvenience. Do keep in touch. Join us in coming sessions.

Islam Online Fatwa Editing Desk.



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GENERAL ASSEMBLY: AFRICAN STATES URGE RICH NATIONS TO MEET AID, TRADE PLEDGES

New York, Wealthy countries need to fulfil their much-vaunted commitments to spend more on aid and development to the world’s poorest nations and to liberalize international trade rules, the representatives of four African States have told the General Assembly’s annual high-level debate in New York.

Speaking during this morning’s session of the debate, Burundi’s Second Vice-President Gabriel Ntisezerana called on developed countries to live up to their collective pledge to contribute the equivalent of 0.7 per cent of their gross domestic product (GDP) for aid and development, despite the current turbulence in international markets.

“Special attention must be paid to the problem of order in international financial markets, the need to increase investments in Africa, the rational management of hydraulic and energy resources, the transfer of technology and international trade agreements, the issue of climate change and the management of toxic wastes,” he said.
“It is more urgent than ever that we harmonize the procedures and instruments to realize our common goals, namely the battle against hunger, the reduction of world poverty and the consolidation of peace,” Mr. Ntisezerana added.

Guinea’s Prime Minister Ahmed Tidiane added his voice to the chorus calling for greater assistance from affluent countries to those in need, noting the massive inequalities between different States.
“I call on world leaders, especially those of rich and emerging countries, to increase their support for poor nations,” he said. “A lasting peace cannot be built on the present asymmetrical fissures of our world.”

Mr. Tidiane cited the removal of all barriers to exporting poor countries’ produce as essential to their emergence from marginalization and said a reformed and revitalized UN adapted to the changes of the world was the appropriate forum for facing the current global challenges.
João Bernardo de Miranda, External Relations Minister of Angola, <"http://www.un.org/ga/63/generaldebate/pdf/angola_en.pdf">said it was critical that the international trade rules be liberalized if the world is going to resolve the food crisis. The latest set of talks, known as the Doha round, has stalled amid disagreements between rich and poor countries.

“The agricultural subsidies provided by developed countries to their farmers are ruining the production of farmers in poor countries, limiting their access to international markets,” Mr. Miranda said.
He noted that the collapse of the Doha round has “eliminated the chances of concluding, in the short term, a general trade agreement that would remove such subventions and other obstacles to international commercial exchanges.”
Mr. Miranda urged the key participants in the trade liberalization talks to “show the necessary flexibility so that countries that are underprivileged as a result of the lack of a global trade agreement will not remain eternally marginalized from the global economy.”
In his address yesterday, the President of São Tomé and Príncipe <"http://www.un.org/ga/63/generaldebate/saotomeandprincipe.shtml">said the international community must translate its promises and commitments into action, or risk many countries in sub-Saharan Africa missing out on achieving the anti-poverty targets know as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by the scheduled date of 2015.

Fradique Bandeira Melo de Menezes said his own country, a small archipelago, had made strenuous efforts to eradicate poverty and ensure food security, but was struggling to meet the Goals because of the combined impact of the current global food and financial crises.

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PALESTINIAN LEADER VOICES HOPE AT UN THAT ARAB-LED INITIATIVE WILL BRING PEACE

New York, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas <"http://www.un.org/ga/63/generaldebate/pdf/palestinianauthority_en.pdf">told the General Assembly’s annual high-level gathering today that an Arab-led peace proposal provides a “historic opportunity” to bring peace and security to the region.

The Arab Peace Initiative, a plan based on the principle of land for peace adopted in Beirut in 2002, calls for Israel to withdraw from all Arab lands occupied since 1967, recognize an independent Palestinian State and provide a just solution to the issue of Palestinian refugees. In return Arab countries would recognize Israel, end their conflict and normalize relations.

Mr. Abbas reiterated his call “to all concerned parties, including Israel, and all concerned regional and international powers to seize the opportunity provided by the Arab Peace Initiative, an opportunity that should not be missed or treated lightly.”
In the context of that proposal, he expressed his support for the indirect talks between Israel and Syria under Turkey’s auspices. “We hope this process will succeed in the achievement of justice and the implementation of international resolutions and the affirmation of international legitimacy.”
Also paramount is the peace proposal launched in the United States city of Annapolis late last year, the President noted.

An agreement on all final status issues “would lead to the realization of peace within our region, allowing it to enter a new era of relations characterized by good neighbourliness, mutual recognition, security and open borders and not by walls and barriers,” he told delegates at United Nations Headquarters.
The conference held in Annapolis in November 2007 witnessed the largest number of countries come together to discuss the issue, resulting in the consensus that obstacles – namely Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, especially East Jerusalem – be removed, Mr. Abbas said.

Earlier this month, a senior UN official told the Security Council that the peace process is at a crossroads and needs to make decisive advances in the months ahead, as disturbing developments counter-balance recent positive steps.“It appears so far that no agreement has been reached on the core issues,” UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO) Robert Serry told the 15-member body. “However, it also appears that there have been substantive discussions, the potential of which must be built on with a continuation of intensive negotiations.”

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BLUE HELMETS SHOULD BE DEPLOYED IN SOMALIA, GENERAL ASSEMBLY TOLD

New York, Somalia urgently needs a fully-fledged United Nations peacekeeping force to restore peace and stability in the war-torn country, the Foreign Minister of its Transitional Federal Government (TFG) told the General Assembly tonight.

Addressing the high-level segment of the General Assembly, Ali Ahmad Jama Jengeli said the deployment of a force of UN blue helmets would also help “create a secure environment for institution-building and socio-economic development.”
The UN-backed African Union Mission to Somalia, known as AMISOM, is currently trying to stabilize Somalia, which has been wracked by protracted war and humanitarian suffering since its last functioning national government was toppled in 1991.

But a peace accord between the TFG and the rebel Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia (ARS), signed last month in neighbouring Djibouti, calls on the UN to replace AMISOM with its own peacekeeping force, and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has begun contingency planning for such an operation.
“We are now in the process of implementation [of the Djibouti Agreement] – hopefully without undue delays,” Mr. Jengeli told the Assembly. “But we are also mindful, after 18 years of conflict, that delays occur… [because] of the tactics of those who have developed vested interests in anarchy and chaos.

“It is also important that the leadership, both on the Government side and on the opposition, show resolve and leadership in order for this process to succeed, and succeed it must.”
He also called on the international community to take “resolute action” against piracy in the waters off Somalia, which has become a massive problem in recent years. Many ships trying to deliver humanitarian relief supplies have been hijacked or robbed before they can reach their destinations.

“These criminal acts of piracy are unacceptable and should be put to an end,” he said, adding that the French Government deserves credit for its support of Somalia on this issue.
Mr. Jengeli’s address to the General Debate took place amid mounting concern from UN aid agencies after at least 15,000 residents of the Somali capital, Mogadishu, fled their homes this week because of deadly fighting in the city between the rebels, Government forces and the allied Ethiopian military force
<"http://www.un.org/ga/63/generaldebate/pdf/somalia_en.pdf">
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Work of Evil: Beyond the Worst-Case Scenario in Somalia

Work of Evil: Beyond the Worst-Case Scenario in Somalia
by Chris Floyd
I.Jim Lobe at Antiwar.com brings fresh news of what has become, proportionately, the most savage, brutal and ruinous front in the global campaign of military aggression known as the "War on Terror": Somalia.
We have been tracking the situation in Somalia here since American military and security forces and their Ethiopian proxies invaded the country in December 2006, in a "regime change" operation to overthrow the first quasi-stable government Somalia had seen in 15 years. As we noted earlier this year:
American forces have bombed fleeing refugees, slaughtered innocent herdsmen and destroyed villages in attempts to assassinate a handful of individual alleged, on shaky and specious evidence, to be "part of" or "associated with" or "linked to" al Qaeda. American agents have seized refugees from the Somali war, including U.S. citizens, and had them "renditioned" to the notorious prisons of the Ethiopian dictatorship. And as we have noted here many times, the Bush Administration has sent in death squads to "kill anyone left alive" after American strikes.

Not a word has been said in the presidential campaign about this ongoing atrocity, this open culpability in yet another vast war crime. Naturally one doesn't expect any comment or concern from John McCain, whose robotic neo-connism can only applaud this violent projection of American dominance in yet another Muslim land. (As neoconnist Michael Ledeen once famously proclaimed: "Every ten years or so, the United States needs to pick up some small crappy little country and throw it against the wall, just to show the world we mean business." This is about as perfect an encapsulation of the mindset of the bipartisan foreign policy establishment as can be imagined. For another example, see the "liberal" Thomas Friedman here.)

But neither has there been a single criticism or condemnation -- or even a mention -- of the murderous operation in Somalia by the Democratic candidate: a man whose own father was a black African Muslim like those being slaughtered with American backing today. Of course, Barack Obama has taken some pains to distance himself from the African side of his heritage -- perhaps understandable in a country where his own running mate brags about being from a "slave state" and not long ago expressed wonderment at the fact that an African-American politician (in fact, Obama himself!) could be so well-spoken and even "clean." And it goes without saying that an aspiring leader of the Terror War would want to renounce even more firmly any association with his Islamic background. Still, you would think that sheer partisan self-interest alone would entice the Democrats to bring up the subject of Somalia, pointing to it as yet enough botched and bloody catastrophe of Bush's foreign policy.

Then again, perhaps they know there is no political mileage in the issue. After all, who cares? No Americans have died in the operation (although some Americans were "rendered" to Ethiopia's notoriously draconian prisons). And after the initial barrage of refugee bombing and village destroying, America's direct involvement has been limited to the occasional lobbing of missiles into civilian homes -- and whatever secret missions are being carried out by U.S. covert operators and the death squads that clean up after them. And as the entire sordid enterprise has long been ignored by the mainstream media -- except for a rare story now and then, almost always shorn of any context or mention of America's instrumental role in the war -- it would require a great deal of background and explanation to make a denunciation of U.S. policy in Somalia comprehensible to a deliberately misinformed and blithely unconcerned American electorate. Who has time for that kind of boring stuff, when there are bumper stickers and sound bites to propagate?

There's also one other little point: the hearty he-man Terror Warriors at the top of the Democratic ticket obviously support America's actions in Somalia. If they did not, they would have condemned them long ago.
II.Lobe reports on a major new study that confirms what we have been saying here for months: the American-backed "regime change" in Somalia has created one of the world's worst humanitarian disasters -- and has radicalized much of the ruined country, incubating the very extremism and terrorism that the invasion was ostensibly -- ostensibly --designed to quash.
(The "War on Terror" has created so many vast new fertile fields for extremism and terrorism on all its fronts that a cynic might be forgiven for suspecting that the creation of more terrorism is, in fact, one of its principal aims. After all, who have been the chief beneficiaries of modern terrorism? Those who have reaped immeasurable riches and vastly augmented authoritarian power from "counter-terrorism."

If the "War on Terrorism" had not arisen -- just in time to replace the Cold War -- something else would have had to been invented to keep the loot and power flowing to (and from) the war machine. Of course, if we are sliding into a new Cold War with resurgent Russia and ever-burgeoning China, then we may see the War on Terrorism start to diminish in importance. But for now, terror is still trumps in the loot-and-power game.)
Lobe points us to a report issued this week by Enough, a human rights group created by a cooperative effort between the International Crisis Group and the Center for American Progress. Written by Ken Menkhaus, a leading American expert on the region, the report -- "Somalia: A Country in Peril, a Policy Crisis" -- presents the stark reality of this Terror War atrocity:

Over the past 18 months, Somalia has descended into terrible levels of displacement and humanitarian need, armed conflict and assassinations, political meltdown, radicalization, and virulent anti-Americanism. Whereas in the past the country's endemic political violence—whether Islamist, clan-based, factional, or criminal in nature—was local and regional in scope, it is now taking on global significance....Indeed, the situation in Somalia today exceeds the worst-case scenarios conjured up by regional analysts when they first contemplated the possible impact of an Ethiopian military occupation.

(Continued after the jump.) The report makes clear that the Bush Administration's malign intervention in Somalia began well before the Ethiopian invasion in 2006. Indeed, it was an application of the age-old American policy of "divide and conquer" -- deliberately fomenting violent conflict in the society of a targeted country -- that helped radicalize and empower extremist factions in Somalia:

The coalition of clans, militia leaders, civic groups, and Islamists which formed the Mogadishu Group [which opposed the Ethiopian-backed 'Transitional Federal Government' set up in 2004] were themselves divided, however, and war erupted between two wings of the group in early 2006. This war was precipitated by a U.S.-backed effort to create an alliance of clan militia leaders to capture a small number of foreign al Qaeda operatives believed to be enjoying safe haven in Mogadishu as guests of the hard-line Somalia Islamists, especially the jihadi militia known as the shabaab. The cynically named Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism, or ARPCT, as the U.S.-backed group was called, clashed with local Islamists and within months was decisively defeated. The clan militias' defeat paved the way for the rise of the Islamic Courts Union, or ICU, which for seven months in 2006 came to control and govern all of Mogadishu and most of south-central Somalia.

The first American intervention failed to bring its hired warlords to power, but instead paved the way for a coalition of moderate and hardline Islamist factions to govern. And for a few months, this worked well:

The ICU quickly delivered impressive levels of street security and law and order to Mogadishu and south-central Somalia. It reopened the seaport and international airport and began providing basic government services. In the process, the ICU won widespread support from war-weary Somalis, even those who did not embrace the idea of Islamic rule.

Factional disputes between moderates and hardliners -- with the latter taking increasingly strident public positions -- gave Ethiopia the excuse for its long-planned, American-backed invasion. As an April 2008 report for Enough by John Prendergast notes:

...In this volatile region, the U.S.-led "Global War on Terror" has become intertwined with Ethiopia's own response to regional and internal threats. When Islamists established a foothold in southern Somalia in mid-2006, Ethiopia began planning an invasion aimed at propping up a fragile and unpopular transitional government in Mogadishu. With encouragement from the Bush administration, Ethiopian forces attacked in December 2006, and 16 months later they are hunkered down with no end in sight. To make matters worse, neighboring Eritrea's support for insurgents in Somalia and oppositionists in Ethiopia means that Somalia is further complicated by a proxy war between Ethiopia and Eritrea, one that could contribute to a disastrous resumption of war between those two states.
The United States is concentrating most of its energies on capturing or killing three foreign Al Qaeda fugitives and a dozen or so of their Somali associates. U.S. support includes a vast and sustained intelligence effort, support for self-interested Somali "counter-terrorism" agencies, and obstruction of international efforts to broker a ceasefire and power-sharing agreement with Islamists...
U.S. counter-terrorism policy has failed to differentiate organic resistance movements in Somalia and elsewhere from real terrorists. By branding all resistance "terrorism" and providing aid to factions of the Somali transitional government that are simply warlords with titles, the United States has contributed to further polarization and made a political settlement less likely.

This is standard practice on every Terror War front, of course. Prendergast goes on to say:

U.S. policy since 9/11 has been a central ingredient in the Horn of Africa's descent into crisis and the growth of extremism. Concerned that Somalia might become a safe haven for Al Qaeda and a breeding ground for Islamist extremism, the United States has designated Somalia as a priority in the Global War on Terror. But not only have U.S. counter-terrorism efforts failed to mitigate the threat in any sustainable way, they threaten to blow it out of all control. By placing the desire to capture or kill three "high value" Al Qaeda targets above the welfare of millions of Somalis, the United States and its Ethiopian allies have engendered profound resentment, promoted radicalization, and created the conditions for thousands of young radicals to turn toward extremist groups.

Lobe has more from other experts who attended the most recent report's release:
"The (current) crisis is fundamentally different and fundamentally worse than the situation of the last decade and a half," said Chris Albin-Lackey, a Horn of Africa specialist at Human Rights Watch (HRW), who appeared with Menkhaus at the report's release at a conference sponsored by at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars here Wednesday.
Albin-Lackey, who has conducted some 80 interviews of Somali refugees in East Africa in the past month, said ongoing violence, including almost daily artillery bombardments by Ethiopian army and TFG forces on the one hand and opposition militias, including the Islamist Shabaab on the other, as well as assassinations carried out by both sides, have added to the insecurity.
"People have nowhere to turn for security," he said, adding that search operations by TFG forces, while nominally for the purpose of arresting suspected insurgents, had become "an excuse for murder, rape and looting on an incredibly large scale." As a result, he said, Mogadishu has become "largely depopulated" with about two-thirds of the population – or about 800,000 people – having left their homes there over the past 18 months.

The new report by Menkhaus details the humanitarian catastrophe:
The humanitarian nightmare in Somalia is the result of a lethal cocktail of factors. The large-scale displacement caused by the fighting in Mogadishu is the most important driver. The displaced have fled mainly into the interior of the country, where they lack access to food, clean water, basic health care, livelihoods, and support networks. Internally displaced persons, or IDPs, are among the most vulnerable populations in any humanitarian emergency. With 700,000 people out of a population of perhaps 6 million in south-central Somalia forced to flee their homes, the enormity of the emergency is obvious...
Second, food prices have skyrocketed, eroding the ability of both IDPs and other households to feed themselves. The rise in food prices is due to a global spike in the cost of grains and fuel; chronic insecurity and crime, which has badly disrupted the flow of commercial food into the country; and an epidemic of counterfeiting of the Somali shilling by politicians and businesspeople, creating hyperinflation and robbing poorer Somalis of purchasing power. Mother Nature is not cooperating either: a severe drought is gripping much of central Somalia, increasing displacement, killing off livestock, and reducing harvests in farming areas.
Third, humanitarian agencies in Somalia are facing daunting obstacles to delivery of food aid.

There is now virtually no "humanitarian space" in which aid can safely be delivered. Until recently, the TFG and its uncontrolled security forces were mainly responsible for most obstacles to delivery of food aid. TFG hardliners view the provision of assistance to IDPs as support to an enemy population—terrorists and terrorist sympathizers in their view—and have sought to impede the flow of aid convoys through a combination of bureaucratic and security impediments. They also harass and detain staff of local and international non-governmental organizations, or NGOs, and U.N. agencies, accusing them of supporting the insurgency. Uncontrolled and predatory TFG security forces, along with opportunistic criminal gangs, have erected over 400 militia roadblocks (each of which demands as much as $500 per truck to pass) and have kidnapped local aid workers for ransom.


Since May 2008, however, jihadist cells in Mogadishu linked to the shabaab have become an additional threat to humanitarian actors. They are engaged in a campaign of threats and alleged assassinations against any and all Somalis working for western aid agencies or collaborating with the U.N. and Western NGOs. Not all shabaab members embrace this policy (the shabaab leader Sheikh Mukhtar Robow has condemned the assassinations and is known to be working to provide protection for aid operations in his clan's home region), but jihadist cells in Mogadishu are now increasingly fragmented and answer to no one, and some of these cells are believed to have targeted national aid workers and civil society leaders.

As Lobe notes: "The UN recently estimated that, barring substantial improvement in the security situation, some 3.5 million Somalis will be dependent on humanitarian aid by the end of this year." That is more than half the population of the entire country reduced to the most absolute penury. An equivalent number would be 14 million people in Iraq -- or 150 million in the United States.
Meanwhile, as we have seen in Iraq, the violent extremism, government terror and sheer chaos unleashed by the U.S.-backed invasion is destroying Somali society itself. From Lobe:

The assassination campaign by TFG hardliners and fragments of the shabaab movement is the latest attack on Somalia's once vibrant civil society and has the potential to morph into a violent purge of all professionals and civic figures. Somali civic figures are in shock at this latest threat, and are either fleeing the capital or keeping a very low profile. This is an enormous setback for hopes to consolidate peace in the country...

A peace agreement signed last month by moderate factions of the opposition and the TFG is already in great peril from hardliners in both camps -- and from U.S. policies which continue to exacerbate the conflict. Lobe reports:
But the implementation of the agreement faces "steep challenges," warned Menkhaus, not least because "the moderates [who negotiated the accord] don't control any of the armed groups." While the Shabaab have already denounced the [moderate] leaders as "apostates," he noted, hard-liners in the TFG know that they can stay in power "if and only if the Ethiopians stay."
Only by reinforcing the moderates can the international community, including the US, enhance the chances for the agreement's successful implementation and, with it, the chances for reconciliation, according to Menkhaus. But that will require major changes in US and western policies, which have "actually worked to strengthen and embolden hardliners" over the past two years.

In that respect, the US emphasis on counterterrorism has been particularly destructive, not only in supporting the Ethiopian offensive in December, 2006, but, more recently, in placing the Shabaab on its list of designated terrorist groups last March. That step not only isolated opposition moderates from their own coalition but also gave the Shabaab "even more reason to sabotage" ongoing peace talks.

At the same time, Washington has provided "robust financial and logistical support to armed paramilitaries resisting the command and control of the TGF, even though they technically wear a TFG hat" to both fight the Shabaab and track down suspected terrorists.
"To the extent that these security forces also deeply oppose...reconciliation efforts with the opposition, the US counterterrorism partnerships have also undermined peace-building efforts by emboldening spoilers in the government camp," according to the report...
The Tomahawk missile attack that killed Shabaab leader Aden Hashi Ayro [and at least two dozen civilians] in May – the latest in a series of similar strikes against armed Islamists in Somalia, allegedly tied to al-Qaeda – resulted in a sharp radicalization in the group, which announced at the time that it would strike against US and western targets, including aid workers, as well as Ethiopian and TFG forces, compounding an already dramatic humanitarian crisis.

Again, these are policies that seem designed to produce more terrorism, more conflict, more instability, more death and suffering. Certainly, no sentient observer could believe that the American actions in Somalia are in any way designed to alleviate these conditions.
III.But perhaps we are being too cynical in suspecting subtle Machiavellian ploys behind U.S. policy in Somalia. It could be as brutally simple as this: the bipartisan imperial elite want to have their way -- they want to crush anyone they have designated as an enemy, they want to have their own clients and puppets in power, they want to "project dominance" over strategic regions, they want to frighten other nations into compliance with Washington's wishes, etc., etc. -- and they don't care what it costs. In other words, perhaps they have not deliberately set out to destroy a nation and grind its helpless people into the dust....but if that's what it takes to get their way, then by God, that's what they'll do. It's not their fault if these darkie Muslims won't play ball.

This is of course a gangster mentality: "If you do what we want, nobody gets hurt. Hey, we might even send you a turkey at Christmas, or get your nephew a job or something. But if you cross us, then you'll get what's coming to you -- and it'll be your own damn fault."
This hideous mentality is not restricted to the Bush Administration. It is the long-standing philosophy of America's bipartisan ruling elite. As Major General Smedley Butler noted back in 1933:

War is just a racket. A racket is best described, I believe, as something that is not what it seems to the majority of people. Only a small inside group knows what it is about. It is conducted for the benefit of the very few at the expense of the masses....
I spent thirty-three years and four months in active military service as a member of this country's most agile military force, the Marine Corps. I served in all commissioned ranks from Second Lieutenant to Major-General. And during that period, I spent most of my time being a high-class muscle-man for Big Business, for Wall Street and for the Bankers. In short, I was a racketeer, a gangster for capitalism....

I helped make Mexico, especially Tampico, safe for American oil interests in 1914. I helped make Haiti and Cuba a decent place for the National City Bank boys to collect revenues in. I helped in the raping of half a dozen Central American republics for the benefits of Wall Street. The record of racketeering is long. I helped purify Nicaragua for the international banking house of Brown Brothers in 1909-1912. I brought light to the Dominican Republic for American sugar interests in 1916. In China I helped to see to it that Standard Oil went its way unmolested.
During those years, I had, as the boys in the back room would say, a swell racket. Looking back on it, I feel that I could have given Al Capone a few hints. The best he could do was to operate his racket in three districts. I operated on three continents.

The racket is immeasurably more vast and more powerful these days. Somalia is its latest -- and one of its most cruelly ravaged -- victims. Yet among the great and good of America, not a word is raised in protest or opposition to the nation's complicity in this work of evil.