Israeli leaders welcome Saudi peace proposal
By DPA,
New York : Israeli President Shimon Peres and Deputy Prime Minister Tzipi Livni publicly endorsed Saudi Arabia's peace initiative to settle the Israeli-Palestinian conflict at a UN General Assembly meeting Wednesday.
Peres went out of his way by addressing Saudi King Abdullah directly during assembly's debate on how values of religion and peace can help settle political and armed conflict. But while Peres and Livni stressed the importance of the Saudi initiative, the king did not mention it in his address.
Ongoing Afghan battle kills over 220 militants in South
By Xinhua,
Kabul : The Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and the U.S.-led Coalition forces have killed more than 220 militants during clean-up operations in southern Afghan province of Helmand since Aug. 25, said a Coalition statement released hereon Monday.
The joint forces were attacked repeatedly by militants with small-arms and heavy-weapons fire during multiple engagements while soldiers responded with small-arms fire, heavy-weapons and close air support, eliminating the militant threats, the statement said.
18 insurgents killed in Afghanistan
By IANS,
Kabul : Eighteen insurgents have been killed in Afghanistan's Nuristan province in a cleanup operation, an official said Monday.
24 killed, 62 injured in three suicide bomb attacks in Baghdad
By Xinhua,
Baghdad : Up to 24 people were killed and some 62 others injured in three suicide bomb attacks, targeting Shiite pilgrims in central Baghdad on Monday, an Interior Ministry source said.
The source confirmed to Xinhua that a total of 24 people were killed and 62 others injured, most of them were Shiite pilgrims.
The attacks took place in the morning when three women suicide bombers struck groups of Shiite pilgrims in the neighborhood of Karrada, the source said.
Pakistan reacts cautiously to South Asian anti-terror force
By IANS,
Dhaka : Pakistan has described Bangladesh's proposal for a South Asian task force to combat terrorism as "a new and good idea".
"We have discussed the issue. Right now it is just an idea. We have to discuss the subject with the concerned persons now," Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari's special envoy Mirza Zia Isphahani, on a five day visit here, was quoted as saying by New Age.
The proposal was discussed at some length last week during the brief visit of Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee who welcomed the proposal.
US senators encouraged by Pakistani political leaders’ constructive approach
By APP
Washington : Two top Democratic senators, who observed last week’s landmark parliamentary polls in Pakistan, said Tuesday they have been greatly encouraged by Pakistani political leaders’ commitment to move forward in a constructive manner. “I think Senator (Joseph) Biden, Senator (Chuck) Hagel and I were all enormously encouraged by the conversations we had with the leaders of each of the parties and by their commitment to try to move forward in a constructive way,” Senator John Kerry told a Press conference.
Zardari to deliver lecture in London
By IANS,
London : Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari will deliver a lecture on the challenges facing Pakistan at the International Institute for Strategic Studies here Friday.
Zardari is expected to highlight the current challenges facing Pakistan, the war against terrorism, as well as the financial and economic problems, among others, the Online news agency reported Thursday.
2 Chinese engineers die in Pakistan mine collapse
By IANS,
Islamabad : Two Chinese engineers were killed in a mine collapse in Pakistan's Balochistan province, an official said Monday.
Blast kills two in Syria
By IANS,
Damascus : A booby-trapped car went off Tuesday in front of a church in northern Syria killing two people, Xinhua reported.
Saudi health ministry begins project to study flu during Haj, Umrah seasons
Makkah : The Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Institute of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for Haj and Umrah Research, Umm Al-Qura...
UAE guarantees deposits for three years to insulate economy
By IANS,
Dubai : In a measure to insulate its economy against the global market crisis, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has said it will guarantee deposits in all national banks and interbank lending operations within the country for a period of three years.
The guarantee of deposits in the national banks would also include foreign banks which have significant operations in the UAE, the official WAM news agency quoted a ministry of finance release as stating.
Homes for orphans to be set up across Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : The government would build homes for orphans across the country, said Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.
Carter says Israel has 150 atomic weapons
By IRNA,
New York : Ex-US President Jimmy Carter has said Israel has at least 150 atomic weapons in its arsenal.
Carter made his comments on Israel's weapons at a press conference at the annual literary Hay Festival in Wales.
He also described Israeli treatment of Palestinians as "one of the greatest human rights crimes on earth".
Carter gave the figure for the Israeli nuclear arsenal in response to a question on US policy on a possible nuclear-armed Iran, arguing that any country newly armed with atomic weapons faced overwhelming odds.
Soldier dies in Pakistan ammunition depot blasts
By IANS,
Islamabad : A soldier was killed and three others were injured in three massive explosions that ripped through an army ammunition depot near here.
Pakistani court charges US national for double murder
By DPA,
Islamabad : A Pakistani court Wednesday charged a US national on two counts of murder despite claims from Washington that the accused enjoyed diplomatic immunity.
Israel may resolve Middle East crisis unilaterally: Minister
By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Tel Aviv : Israel may take up "unilateral actions" if the Palestinian-Israeli peace talks do not move ahead, Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak said.
19 Afghan soldiers killed
By IANS,
Kabul : Nineteen Afghan soldiers were killed when Taliban militants launched an attack on an army checkpoint in Afghanistan, an official said Sunday.
"The...
US hails Pakistan’s plan to ban Haqqani Network
Washington : US has welcomed a reported step by Pakistan government to ban the Haqqani Network, blamed for attacks on American and NATO-led forces...
US to help improve India-Pakistan relations in ‘due time’
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : In a cryptic remark, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said the Obama administration would unfold its plans to improve ties between India and Pakistan in "due time".
"Well, everything in due time," she told reporters Wednesday when asked what action Washington was taking to help improve relations between the two South Asian neighbours given that it looks at Islamabad's India obsession as a big problem in the fight against Taliban.
US sends $656 mn to Pakistan for fighting terrorism
By IANS,
Islamabad: Pakistan Monday received $656 million from the United States under the Coalition Support Fund to reimburse the expense incurred while conducting operations against violent extremism in 2009.
The annual reimbursement known as Coalition Support Funds (CSF) is intended to aid in Pakistan's fight against terrorists and in achieving the mutually shared goals of peace and stability in Pakistan and in the region, the US embassy said in a statement here.
UAE charity hands out food aid in Palestine
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : A charity from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has distributed thousands of food parcels to people in Palestinian camps.
India to Pakistan: Talks have to be graduated
By IANS,
New Delhi: With Pakistan insisting on putting Kashmir on top of the agenda, India Monday made it clear that it was ready to talk about everything, but the process has to be a graduated one and it will continue to focus on cross-border terror.
Responding to his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi's remarks that he would not visit India for a "leisure" trip, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna said that his invitation was for "serious" discussions and made it clear that all issues cannot be "exhausted" in just one sitting.
Two former Pakistan PMs appear in court
By IANS,
Islamabad : Two former Pakistan prime ministers, Yousuf Raza Gilani and Pervez Ashraf, appeared before an accountability court here Tuesday in a graft...
British tourists advised to behave in Muslim countries
By IANS,
London : British holidayers have been warned off having extra-marital sex in Muslim countries.
The British foreign ministry has issued a strong warning over how to behave in Muslim countries, telling Britons in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) - an increasingly popular holiday destination - not to have sex outside marriage or kiss in public.
The advice, which goes further than the traditional admonition for women to dress modestly, follows allegations of drunken sex romps, the Guardian reported.
Rammell becomes UK minister for Middle East
By IRNA,
London : Higher Education Minster Bill Rammell has been moved back to the Foreign Office to replace Kim Howells as the UK Minister for the Middle East in the latest government changes announced by Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
Rammell, who previously served at the Foreign Office between 2002 and 2005 with the portfolios for Latin America and the Far East, is among three changes in Foreign Secretary David Miliband's ministerial team.
Iraqi Resistance Bombs US Consulate
By Prensa Latina
Baghdad : The most relentless attack on US facilities in the last few months occurred on Friday night when about 20 missiles were launched against the headquarters of US consulate in Hilla, south of this capital, confirmed official sources on Saturday.
The attack was concentrated in Al Jazair neighborhood and left one dead, nine wounded and several houses destroyed, according to a preliminary balance of the damages the Iraqi police reported this Saturday.
Seven killed, 20 injured in three attacks in Iraq
By DPA,
Baghdad : Gunmen killed five people, including an Awakening Council leader in a raid on his house in northern Iraq, while two civilians were killed in an explosion in Baghdad Sunday, according to local media reports.
The gunmen forced their way into Awakenings leader Amer Gassem Khadir's house, killing him and four others in Salahaddin province, a police source told the Voices of Iraq (VOI) news agency.
The gunmen escaped after destroying part of the house.
Death row convict hanged in Pakistan
Islamabad: A death row prisoner, convicted of killing four policemen, was hanged on Tuesday in Pakistan, a media report said.
The execution took place in...
British Muslims on jehad trip to Somalia: WikiLeaks
By IANS,
London : British Muslims are travelling to Somalia for "jehadi tourism" to get training for terrorist attacks in Britain, secret US diplomatic cables released by Wikileaks have revealed.
Pakistan’s flood-hit to receive aid before Eid
Islamabad : Under a chief minister's package for the flood-hit people of Pakistan's Punjab province, each family will be given a one-time financial aid...
21 militants killed in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least 21 militants were killed in a clash with tribesmen in northwest Pakistan, sources said Friday.
Xinhua news agency reported that during a Jirga (tribal council meeting) Thursday in Nekah Ziarat area of Kurram tribal agency, pro-government tribesmen opened fire on militants of the Pakistani Taliban, killing 21 and injuring several more.
The Taliban militants have an active presence in Pakistan's northwest where the security forces regularly conduct search and clearance operations in the tribal areas bordering Afghanistan.
India, Saudi Arabia cooperating in fight against terror: President
New Delhi : India and Saudi Arabia share many security concerns and have been cooperating in the fight against terrorism, President Pranab Mukherjee said...
Sheikh Hasina’s ailments caused by 2004 grenade attack: US doctors
By IANS,
Dhaka : American doctors attending to former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina have said that her poor vision and blood pressure problems as well as allergies are the result of a grenade attack on her rally here four years ago.
"The US doctors said that three of the complications except for the hearing problem are late consequences of the grenade attack," Hasina's personal physician Modasser Ali told The Daily Star newspaper.
Hasina is currently undergoing treatment in the US, which Ali oversaw before returning here.
Palestinian president says he is satisfied at outcome of talks with Bush
By KUNA
Ramallah : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, emerging from a meeting with US President George W Bush at his headquarters in the West Bank town of Ramallah on Thursday, expressed satisfaction at outcome of the discussions.
Abbas expressed hope that the talks with the Americans and the Israelis would conclude with an end to the occupation and establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.
Blank bullets sent to Berlusconi with ‘Islamist death threat’
By DPA
Milan : An Italian newspaper said Friday it had received a letter containing two blank bullets and threats against former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, warning he faced a fate similar to slain Pakistani political leader Benazir Bhutto.
The letter - the bullets attached to it with adhesive tape - was posted to the Milanese daily Il Giornale, owned by Berlusconi's brother, Paolo, who also received "threats of an Islamic character" in the letter, the newspaper said.
Israel calls UN probe on Gaza fighting outrageous
By DPA,
New York : Israeli President Shimon Peres lashed out Wednesday at a United Nations-commissioned investigation that found the Israeli Defence Forces were responsible for deaths and damage to UN compounds in Gaza Strip.
"It's outrageous," Peres said in reaction to the findings of the three-member investigative board established by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to seek the truth in the military incidents in the fighting between Israel and Hamas in December and January.
ISAF soldier dies of wounds in Afghanistan
By KUNA
Kabul : A NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) soldier died of wounds suffered by small-arms fire in eastern Afghanistan, the allied military said on Sunday. The soldier was injured in firing by militants in the mountainous Nuristan province, said a statement from the NATO headquarters here.
He was evacuated to a NATO medical facility where he succumbed to his injuries on Saturday.
"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of this fallen soldier," said Lt. Col. Claudia Foss, ISAF spokesperson.
Life of Imam Hussain, source of guaidance for all: Pakistani PM
By NNN-APP,
Islamabad : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said the life of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) is a source of guidance for all of us, as it creates the spirit of sacrificing everything for a greater cause.
This, he stated on Wednesday, in a message on the occasion of birthday of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA).
“I congratulate the people of Pakistan as well as the whole Muslim Ummah on this auspicious occasion of the birthday of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA)”, the Prime Minister said.
61 dead in Bangladesh accidents
By IANS,
Dhaka : Twenty one people were killed in road accidents in Bangladesh during the Eid-ul-Azha festival rush Saturday while 40 died in a boat capsize, media reports said Sunday.
The toll in the boat capsize at Bhola in the southern region touched 40 Sunday as rescue vessel M.V. Hamza arrived at Nizapur, 24 hours after the incident, Bdnews24.com website reported.
Some 25 passengers were still reported to be missing.
Dhaka closes schools, colleges during Ramadan
By IANS,
Dhaka : All schools and colleges across Dhaka will be closed during Ramadan after the Bangladeshi capital witnessed huge traffic snarls during the initial days of the holy month.
The government Thursday declared closure of educational institutions Aug 14-Sep 16 after the home ministry suggested that all schools and colleges in the capital be closed to help reduce traffic congestion, The Daily Star reported.
Iran vows to react swiftly to any Israeli attack
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran's reaction to any threat and aggression of Israel against its territory will be very swift and crushing, according to IRNA news agency.
UN condemns Christians’ persecution in Iraq
United Nations : UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon strongly condemned Sunday the persecution of minorities in Iraq by the Islamic State (IS) and related...
Hasina may go abroad for treatment, Zia unwilling
By IANS,
Dhaka : The health conditions of Bangladesh's jailed former prime ministers, Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia, and the government's plans to send them abroad for treatment, have once again triggered political speculation.
Their being sent out could mean revival of the "minus two formula" of the caretaker government of Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed. The government is perceived to be keen to keep them out of the political arena and especially this December's elections.
Bangladesh launches probe into faulty vitamin drive
By DPA,
Dhaka : Authorities in Bangladesh have launched an investigation into the reported death of a baby and illnesses among 400 other children following a nationwide administration of Vitamin A and de-worming medicines, media reports said Tuesday.
The health ministry Monday formed a five-member committee to probe the illnesses and report its results within two days.
The ministry also urged parents not to panic, and assured them the Vitamin A capsule is not harmful for children, according to report in Prothom Alo newspaper.
Have not left India, will be back when feel safe: Taslima
Kolkata : Controversial Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen, who has relocated to the US, on Wednesday said she hasn't left India permanently and would...
Malala ‘really happy’ to share Nobel prize with an Indian
London: Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai Friday said she is "really happy" on sharing the Nobel Peace Prize with a person from India and both...
Jamaat leader sentenced to hang in Bangladesh
Dhaka: A Bangladesh court Wednesday sentenced a Jamaat-e-Islami leader to death for leading pro-Pakistan militias to commit war crimes such as murders, genocide and...
Libya mission pretty close to end: NATO chief
By IANS,
Brussels : NATO announced Monday that its Libya mission was "pretty close" to its end, Xinhua reported.
Two rioters sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh : A special court in Saudi Arabia has sentenced two men to death and another person to 12 years in jail for taking...
UNIFIL to continue its duties in Lebanon – commander
By NNN-KUNA
Beirut : Reacting to the roadside bomb attack against Irish peacekeepers in south Lebanon earlier Tuesday, acting commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Brig-Genl Jai Prakash Nehra said the incident would not affect the role of UN peacekeepers in the country.
The UNIFIL will continue to discharge its duty in maintaining peace and security in south Lebanon, Nahra asserted.
IAEA considers Indonesia ready ready to develop nuclear energy
By NNN-Bernama,
Jakarta : The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) considers Indonesia ready to develop nuclear energy, reports Antara news agency quoting a BATAN official as saying.
"The statement was issued last November 2009," said Dr Taswanda Taryo, deputy head in charge of research and development result empowerment unit of the National Nuclear Power Agency (BATAN), at the Surabaya Institute of Technology (ITS) here, Wednesday.
Dr. Taryo gave the information when speaking in a seminar on "Technology and Safety of Nuclear Power Project".
UAE grants 500,000 tonnes of wheat to Syria
By NNN-WAM,
Abu Dhabi : President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has given orders for the dispatch of 500,000 tonnes of wheat as a grant to the people of Syria.
Sheikh Khalifa's grant is a token of the strong brotherly ties and solidarity between the peoples of the United Arab Emirates and the Syrian Arab Republic and is aimed at helping Syrians to cope with the rise of wheat prices on global markets.
The granted amount of wheat will be procured from the international markets and will be directly shipped to Syria.
Pakistani forces kill 15 militants in northwest: spokesman
By IRNA,
Peshawar : Pakistani security forces, backed by gunship helicopters and artillery, on Monday shelled positions of suspected militants, killing 15 militants and injuring six others, the army said.
A Spokesman for the army said that 11 miscreants were killed in Charbagh area of restive Swat valley when the Security Forces targeted their positions.
The militants, equipped with lethal arms were patrolling in the area, when they came under attack, he said.
Pakistan condemns US drone strikes in North Waziristan
Islamabad : Pakistan has condemned two pre-dawn US drone strikes Thursday on militant hideouts in North Waziristan, a media report said.
"The government of Pakistan...
Israeli airstrike kills senior Gaza militant
By Xinhua
Gaza : A senior Palestinian militant was killed and three others wounded in an Israeli airstrike at their car that was driving near the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Lahi, medics and witnesses said.
Mo'aweya Hassanein, chief of emergency and ambulance service in the heath ministry of the deposed Hamas government, said that Aamer Qarmout, was killed and three others wounded, two of them in serious conditions.
Bush says Iran not allowed to have nuclear weapons
By Xinhua,
Sharm El- Sheikh, Egypt : Visiting U.S. president George W. Bush on Sunday said that Iran will not be allowed to have nuclear weapons.
Bush made the remarks in a special address to the inaugural session of the World Economic Forum (WEF) on the Middle East in the Egyptian Red Sea resort Sharm el-Sheikh on Sunday.
He called for efforts from the Islamic world to stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, adding that, otherwise, it would be an unforgivable betrayal of future generations.
Syrian army pressing on to recapture key town
Damascus : Syrian army troops Friday made progress in recapturing a key contested town north of the capital Damascus, media reported.
The troops advanced in...
Brown in Afghanistan after blasts kill four British soldiers
By DPA,
Kabul : British Prime Minister Gordon Brown arrived on a surprise visit to Afghanistan Saturday, a day after four British soldiers were killed in suicide and roadside attacks.
A source in the Afghan presidential palace said Brown was scheduled to meet President Hamid Karzai, and the two would hold a joint press conference later in the day.
Brown's visit came a day after four British soldiers were killed in two separate blasts in Sangin district of southern Helmand province Friday.
Lebanon’s parliament majority leader visits Baghdad
By SPA,
Baghdad : The leader of Lebanon's parliamentary majority is visiting Iraq, the Associated Press reported.
Saad Hariri's trip is a diplomatic success for Iraq, which wants closer ties with the region.
A statement by the office of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki says he and Hariri discussed Lebanon's new government.
The statement says Hariri praised Iraq for its security improvements in the meeting Thursday.
Pakistan moves troops to Indian border
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan has deployed troops to protect "vital points" along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir and the international border with India, a media report said Friday.
"Sources in the defence department declined to give details of any fresh movement but did not deny reports that Pakistan was moving certain brigades towards Lahore," Daily Times said. Lahore is the largest Pakistani city near the border.
Assad, Abbas meet on Palestinian issues
By Xinhua,
Damascus : Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Sunday held talks with visiting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on a series of Palestinians issues, according to the official SANA news agency.
The two leaders held the meeting shortly after Abbas arrived here in the Syrian capital of Damascus.
Abbas stressed upon arrival that his talks with Assad aimed at discussing issue of mutual interest, including political issues, the negotiations and the pacification in the Gaza Strip as well as the Palestinian initiative for national unity.
Pakistan suicide blast in Chakwal kills 20
By IANS,
Islamabad : A teenaged suicide bomber blew himself up Sunday at a mosque in Pakistan's Punjab province, killing at least 20 people and injuring several others, media reports said.
The explosion ripped through a congregation at the Shiite mosque in Chakwal area, about 100 km south from here.
"We have received 20 dead bodies," a doctor at the District Headquarters Hospital in Chakwal told Dawn News.
Interior Ministry chief Rehman Malik said President Asif Ali Zardari has sent two helicopters to Chakwal to bring the injured people to hospitals in Islamabad.
350 Sikhs reach Pakistan for Ranjit Singh anniversary
By IANS,
Islamabad : Around 350 Sikh pilgrims from India have arrived in Pakistan by a special train to observe the 173rd death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
China vows support for Pakistan’s post-flood reconstruction
By IANS,
Beijing: Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao Friday pledged full support for Pakistan's post-flood reconstruction efforts, Xinhua reported.
U.N. Probe Chief Requests Extended Mandate into Hariri Murder
By SPA
United Nations : The head of the United Nations (U.N.) independent investigation commission into the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri on Tuesday requested an extended mandate from the U.N. Security Council for his team in their investigation.
Chief Commissioner Daniel Bellemare briefed the U.N. Security Council on Tuesday on the report and requested an extension on their mandate that expires on June 15.
Malaysia receives bodies of MH17 victims on day of mourning
Bangkok : Malaysia Friday paid tributes to victims of the Malaysia Airlines passenger plane which was shot down last month in eastern Ukraine, as...
Death toll from Baghdad’s car bombing rises to 7
By Xinhua
Baghdad : The death toll from the car bomb attack in central Baghdad on Thursday rose to seven, while 20 others were wounded, an Interior Ministry source said.
"Our latest reports said that seven civilians were killed and 20 others wounded by car bombing in central Baghdad," the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
The attack took place at about 2:00 p.m. (1100 GMT) when a booby-trapped car parking near the commercial building of al-Khaiyam in the crowded area of Bab al-Sharji detonated, the source said.
Secular leader announces new bloc in Iraq’s parliament
By Xinhua
Baghdad : Iraqi Sunni secular leader announced on Monday that his political bloc has merged with the Independents bloc and will be represented in the parliament under the name "Arab Bloc For National Dialogue."
Salih al-Mutlak, head of the Iraqi National Dialogue Front (INDF), which holds 11 seats in the 275-seat parliament, has gained nine more seats after the Independents joined the new bloc.
"The goal behind merging the two blocs was to resist the sectarian project which aimed at dividing Iraq," Mutlak told Xinhua.
Osama bin Laden’s new audio message released
By IANS,
Washington : An audio message purportedly recorded by Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden shortly before he was shot dead by US commandos in Pakistan has been released, a media report said.
Italy supports Arab plan on solving Lebanese crisis
By Xinhua
Cairo : Visiting Head of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Italian Senate Alberto Dini said Sunday his country is supporting an Arab initiative on solving the Lebanese political crisis, the Egyptian MENA news agency reported.
At the meeting between Dini and Arab League (AL) Secretary General Amr Moussa, they discussed recent developments in Lebanon and efforts made by Moussa to settle the ongoing Lebanese presidential crisis, said MENA.
Israeli airstrikes on Gaza Strip kills one militant
By Xinhua
Gaza : One Palestinian was killed and three were wounded on Wednesday night in a series of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza Strip, medics, security sources and witnesses said.
Mo'aweya Hassanein, chief of emergency and ambulance services in the Palestinian ministry of health said on telephone that one Palestinian was killed and two were wounded in an Israeli airstrike on northern Gaza Strip.
Pakistan senate pays tributes to Benazir Bhutto
By NNN-APP
Islamabad : Struggle by former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was for rule of law and strengthening of democracy in the country and the struggle would continue in the same spirit.
This was stated by Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Mian Raza Rabbani while opening debate on a condolence reference for the assassinated former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto on Thursday.
A democratic Pakistan, free from terror and imperialism having independent judiciary with fruits of economic progress shared by the working classes can be the legacy of Benazir Bhutto.
US gives $40 mn for Bangladesh health sector
By IANS,
Dhaka : The US Agency for International Development (USAID) Monday announced a grant of $40 million for the development of Bangladesh's health sector.
US official tastes Pakistanis’ anger at America
By IANS,
New York : President Barack Obama's efforts to convince Pakistanis that the US is their friend are not running smooth though America doles out billions of dollars for the country's infrastructure development, trade, energy, schools and jobs.
Judith A. McHale, the Obama administration's new under secretary of state for public diplomacy and public affairs, learnt how difficult the job is after she tasted the Pakistani anger during her meeting with Ansar Abbasi, a Pakistani journalist known for his harsh criticism of American foreign policy.
ICC discusses Pakistan’s FTP commitments
By IANS,
Dubai: A task team of International Cricket Council discussed strategies and possible solutions to assist the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in meeting its commitments under the Future Tours Programmes, an ICC statement said Sunday.
No team is ready to visit Pakistan for bilateral tours given the security situation in the country. The Sri Lankan team was attacked in March in Lahore following which Pakistan was removed as co-host of the 2010 World Cup.
Italy to back Afghanistan beyond 2014
By IANS,
Kabul: Visiting Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti has said his government will continue to support Afghanistan after 2014 when the foreign troops leave.
Four gang war suspects killed in Pakistan
Islamabad: At least four gang war suspects were killed on Thursday in Pakistan's Sindh province during a gun fight with police.
Sindh police claimed to...
China passes law to make Islam ‘compatible with socialism’
Beijing, Jan 6 (IANS) China has passed a new law that seeks to "Sinicize" Islam within the next five years, the latest move by...
Bangladesh moves against those responsible for 1971 killings
By IANS,
Dhaka: A Dhaka court Thursday remanded a top Islamist leader, already in detention, to three days custody in a case relating to the killing of 345 unarmed civilians during the country's 1971 Liberation War.
The move by the government sets the pace for the holding of trials for war crimes.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami secretary general Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mojahid was placed on a three-day remand by the third Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Ali Hossain, Star Online web site of The Daily Star reported.
10, including mayor, die in Peshawar suicide bombing
By IANS,
Peshawar : At least 10 people, including the city mayor, were killed and over 30 injured in a suicide bombing at a crowded livestock market close to this Pakistan frontier city, less than a fortnight after a massive bomb blast killed over 110 people here.
Police officer Liaquat Ali Khan said the bombing was targeted at Mayor Abdul Malik, who was wounded and taken to hospital where he died.
The attack took place outside a cattle market in the Adezai area, located 25 km south-west of Peshawar, the capital of restive North-West Frontier Province that borders Afghanistan.
Malaysian police officers head for MH17 crash site
Kuala Lumpur : Sixty eight Malaysian police officers left Wednesday night for Kiev to secure the crash site of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 and...
US Air Carrier, ‘Reminder’ to Iran
By Prensa Latina,
London : The US defence secretary, Robert Gates, said the deployment of a second aircraft carrier to the Gulf could serve as a “reminder” to Iran of American resolve to defend its interests in the region, reported The Guardian, UK.
Gates denied the arrival of a new carrier represented an escalation, pointing out that US naval strength in the Gulf rises and falls constantly with routine naval deployments, but it comes at a time of heightened rhetoric from Washington about Iran’s role in the Iraqi insurgency, said the London newspaper.
Taliban bomber attacks US base in Afghanistan
By IANS,
London : At least three Afghan civilians and a Taliban suicide bomber were killed Wednesday when a minibus packed with explosives blew up near a US base in Afghanistan, BBC reported.
Zardari to visit China
By IANS,
Islamabad : President Asif Ali Zardari will visit China from Aug 30 to Sep 1 to take part in an exposition and meet the Chinese vice premier.
Pakistani minister shot in leg, driver killed
By IANS,
Islamabad : Hamid Saeed Kazmi, Pakistan's religious affairs minister, was injured and his driver was killed Wednesday when assailants opened fire at his vehicle here.
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has ordered an inquiry into the incident.
The minister was attacked when he was passing through Melody Market, Geo TV reported.
Eyewitnesses said that two men on a motorcycle shot at the minister, injuring him in his left leg.
Palestinian officials: 4 killed in Israeli shelling of Gaza house
By Xinhua,
Gaza : At least four people were killed Monday in the shelling of a house in Gaza by Israelis, Palestinian health officials said.
The dead included a woman and a child, and several others were injured, they said.
Afghanis Say US Killed Civilians
By Prensa Latina,
Kabul : Hundreds of protesters blocked the east highway to Kabul to protest the murder of one Afghani man and two of his children by US-led troops.
The neighbors said the murders occurred during the morning attack on Hud Kheil District.
"Death to the Americans" and "Death to (Hamid) Karzai", president of Afghanistan, chanted the protesters that blocked the highway leading to several NATO military bases.
The sources said protesters also burnt tires on the Kabul-Jalalabad highway that links Afghanistan to Pakistan.
Susilo Asks Indonesian Muslims To Take Islamophobia In Stride
By Bernama
Jakarta : President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono urged Indonesian Muslims to take Islamophobia in stride, as many people think that Islam is not preaching justice and harmony.
"The world feared Islam or was gripped by Islamophobia because it had misunderstood Islam," ANTARA quoted Susilo as saying at a function to commemorate the Prophet Muhammad's birthday at the Kanzus Shalawat Mosque in Pekalongan, Central Java on Wednesday.
He called on Muslims in the country to face Islamophobia in a rational way by building a good understanding, dialogue and cooperation.
Killers of Benazir Bhutto will be exposed: Zardari
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has said Government will pursue investigations into assassination of Benazir Bhutto vigorously and will expose culprits before the whole world.
“Investigations will soon be completed and will be made public,” the President told a delegation of the Peoples Party, the Presidential spokesman said.
Last month the UN Inquiry Commission into the assassination of Benazir Bhutto released its report and suggested that the former government under President Pervez Musharraf did not take security measures for Benazir Bhutto.
India seeks Saudi support in pressuring Pakistan over Mumbai attack
By IANS,
New Delhi : In the wake of the Nov 26 terror attack in Mumbai, India Friday sought the diplomatic support of Saudi Arabia in pressurising Pakistan to act against anti-India terror outfits in that country. India underlined that terrorism is a global phenomenon that has to be dealt with jointly.
External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee held talks with his Saudi counterpart Prince Saud Al-Faisal and shared evidence of the complicity of elements in Pakistan in the Nov 26 Mumbai terror attacks, official sources said.
Pakistan denies border firing
By IANS,
Lahore/Amritsar : Tension prevailed at the Pakistan-India border after loud explosions were heard on the Indian side near the Attari-Wagah check post. However, Pakistan denied Saturday that its forces were responsible for the blasts.
The denial came at a flag meeting in the wee hours Saturday with the paramilitary Pakistan Rangers saying they were not responsible for the explosions that were heard on the Indian side around 10.30 p.m. Friday.
The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) had opened retaliatory fire after the explosions were heard.
Gilani condemns Quetta blast
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Friday strongly condemned the suicide bomb attack in Quetta city that left 40 people dead and over 100 injured.
Gilani ordered an immediate probe into the attack, Xinhua reported. Quetta is the capital city of southwestern Balochistan province.
The bomber blew himself up among thousands of people who were participating in a rally in support of the Palestinian people. The attacker was carrying 15 kg of explosives.
Maulana Fazlullah may be arrested soon: Report
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistani forces are "closing the dragnet" around Taliban leader Maulana Fazlullah and he could be arrested soon, a media report said Sunday.
Sources told The News that the noose around Maulana Fazlullah and his band of close associates has been tightened and "his arrest, or elimination, at the hands of security forces could happen within the next 24 hours".
Details about Fazlullah's whereabouts have been given by captured Taliban leader Muslim Khan. He is reported to have pinpointed a couple of most secret hiding dens of his commander.
Bangladeshi woman whipped over 200 times, critical
By IANS,
Dhaka : A widow was whipped 202 times and a man 101 times following a fatwa by a religious leader for their alleged involvement in "anti-social activity" in a village in southeastern Bangladesh, prompting local protests and action by the police.
Piara Begum, a widow of 40, and Mamun Miah, 25, were whipped before hundreds of people at Khaiyar in Comilla district Saturday night.
The woman fell unconscious and was rushed to hospital. Doctors said she was critically injured and needed to be given intensive treatment.
‘Pakistan’s pants are on fire’
By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : Several US lawmakers have questioned President Asif Ali Zardari's ability to control Pakistan with one of them comparing the country to a man whose pants are on fire but who does not realise the danger.
When one's pants are on fire one has to do two things to survive, said Democrat Gary Ackerman as a House panel Tuesday questioned Richard Holbrooke, US special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan on America 's strategy for the troubled ally.
German-sponsored confab eyes restoring US global credibility
By IRNA,
Berlin : A high-profile German-sponsored conference here Wednesday discussed ways of restoring America's credibility in the wake of the US wars in Afghanistan and Iraq as well as massive human rights violations in Washington's global anti-terror campaign.
The objective of the conference is "to present a blueprint or plan of action for the next US administration," former German ambassador to the US Wolfgang Ischinger told journalists here Wednesday at a press briefing in Berlin.
Malaysia will continue to receive large foreign investment
By NNN-Bernama
Putrajaya : Malaysia under Barisan Nasional (BN) will continue to receive large foreign investment, said Wanita UMNO Chief Rafidah Aziz.
"As long as the BN rules the country, foreign investment will continue to pour into the country as they know Malaysia's competitiveness," she told reporters at Seri Perdana on Sunday.
Rafidah was asked to comment on whether the BN's defeat in the five states in the just-concluded general election would have an impact on foreign investors.
She said the government would continue with its business-friendly policy.
Iran not violating IAEA rules: Ahmadinejad
By DPA,
New York : Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Friday denounced Western reaction to news that Tehran was building a second uranium enrichment plant and said Iran had complied with all international regulation.
Ahmadinejad told reporters in New York that he was surprised by the reaction because Iran had gone beyond its obligations by informing the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of the plant.
"We are completely within IAEA rules and its supervision," he said.
France reiterates opposition to Israeli settlement expansion
By KUNA,
Paris : France on Tuesday reiterated its opposition and disapproval of Israeli settlement policy that includes recently announced expansion of Israeli dwellings in the Occupied West Bank.
Israel announced earlier this month that it will build hundreds of new homes in the West Bank, in defiance of peace accords and the Quartets agreements on this question.
"We think that the extension of settlements is the major obstacle to peace, " said French Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Pascale Andreani.
In Iran showing US films is fine, writing about them not
By Farshid Motahari, DPA
Tehran : On the occasion of Noruz, the Persian New Year, Iran's state television network IRIB will broadcast 22 new Hollywood productions during the two-week holiday.
The Iranians welcome this decision and look forward to watching the latest movies, most of them blockbusters or academy award winning films from the "Great Satan", the term used by the Iranian political system for political arch-foe the US.
Suicide car bomb kills 7 in N Iraq
By Xinhua,
Mosul, Iraq : A suicide car bomb struck police headquarters of the northern city of Mosul on Monday, killing seven people and wounding 25 others, a local police source said.
The incident took place when a suicide bomber blew up his explosive-laden car into the headquarters in the Dawassah neighborhood in the central city in the evening, the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
The powerful blast killed three policemen and four civilians and wounded 25 people, including policemen, and damaged parts of the headquarters building, the source said.
Al-Sadr threatens ‘open war’ with Iraq government
By DPA,
Baghdad : Radical Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has threatened "open war" with the Iraqi government if the security forces continue to attack members of his militia.
Al-Sadr late Saturday said his statement was a "last warning" to the government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, according to media reports. He urged al-Maliki to choose a "path of peace".
The comments came after clashes broke out Saturday between joint Iraqi-US forces and members of al-Sadr's Mahdi Army in Baghdad and in the Hayaniya district of Basra in southern Iraq.
Egyptian police shoot a Darfurian, detain eight others trying to cross into Israel
By SPA
El-Arish, Egypt : Egyptian authorities shot and critically wounded a Darfurian man trying to sneak into Israel for work and detained eight other Africans in a pair of incidents Saturday, ap quoted security and hospital officials as saying.
In one incident, seven kilometers south of the Rafah crossing point, border guards opened fire at a group of three Sudanese, which included a woman, after they ignored shots fired into the air, said a security official, speaking on condition of customary condition of anonymity.
Iran, Turkey ink pact to fight drug trafficking, terrorism
By Xinhua,
Ankara : Turkey and Iran Thursday signed agreements to cooperate in the fight against illicit drug trafficking, organised crime and terrorism, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported.
The cooperation agreements were signed during a high-level meeting in Istanbul between the Turkish and Iranian delegation, chaired by Turkish President Abdullah Gul and his visiting counterpart Mahmoud Ahmadinejad respectively.
Pakistani province to arm 30,000 civilian crime busters
By IANS,
Islamabad : After buying peace with the Taliban by agreeing to impose Shariat laws in seven districts, the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) government is to arm 30,000 civilians to create village defence committees (VDCs) and also establish an elite police force (EPF) to take on criminal gangs operating in the province.
Station house officers (SHOs) across the province would recommend the names of civilians for the VDCs and the selected individuals would be given rifles after scrutiny by a committee headed by the respective district coordination officers.
Pakistan new premier asks militants to lay down arms
By IRNA
Islamabad : Pakistan's Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilnai on Saturday called upon the militants to lay down arms for dialogue with his new government.
Earlier the National Assembly, lower house of the parliament, unanimously gave vote of confidence to the Prime Minister after all the opposition groups extended their support.
"Unfortunately, some people have adopted violence as the source of expression of their opinion.
As the democracy has now started, I urge all those people to give up the way of violence and join us in the democratic journey.
Senior Pakistani journalist injured in attack
Islamabad: Pakistan's Geo News' senior anchorperson Hamid Mir who was injured in an attack by gunmen in Karachi Saturday, is now reported to have...
Musharraf signs notification to restore deposed judges
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf Wednesday signed a notification to restore eight judges who were sacked last year, TV channel Dawn News reported.
The law ministry will issue a formal notification to reinstate judges of Sindh High Court (SHC) shortly, said the TV.
Musharraf also approved the appointment of Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali as the new Chief Justice of SHC, the report added.
Iran to use force against pirates if talks fail
By IANS,
Tehran : Iran Monday said it might consider taking military action to free its cargo vessel which was hijacked by pirates off the Somali coast last week if the talks failed, the official IRNA news agency reported.
In a press briefing, foreign ministry spokesman Hassan Ghashghavi said Iran preferred the problem to be settled through an international cooperation, including maritime groups, the UN and countries involved in the case.
Judge who convicted Mujib killers is new chief justice
By IANS,
Dhaka: Senior Bangladesh Supreme Court judge Mohammed Tafazzul Islam, who confirmed death sentences on a dozen former army officers for killing the country's founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, has been appointed as the new chief justice.
His appointment by President Zillur Rahman was announced Tuesday evening, The Daily Star reported Wednesday.
He will succeed Justice M.M. Ruhul Amin.
‘Pakistan army chief exposed Imran-Qadri-US conspiracy’
Islamabd : Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Tahir-ul Qadri conspired with the US government to overthrow the...
UK unions seek to make Israel accountable for Gaza aid massacre
London, June 7, IRNA – British trade unions are backing the launch of a global petition to world leaders, to make Israel accountable for its massacre of nine passengers on board the Gaza Freedom Flotilla in international waters.
The Trades Union Congress is calling on its eight million members to sign the petition, which calls for an immediate, international investigation into Israel’s massacre, to bring to justice those responsible and to lift its three-year siege of Gaza.
International community continues to ignore Israel’s regular bombing of Gaza strip – UAE paper
By NNN-WAM
Dubai : Two UAE English language daily newspapers editorialised on the violence which erupted two days ago in Gaza after two Palestinian fighters stormed into southern Israel and opened fire eventually resulting in the deaths of at least 10 people.
The Gulf Today warned that the Gaza flare-up on Wednesday, which resulted in the death of seven Palestinians and two Israelis, is threatening a fresh outbreak of violence on the border.
Gunmen kill nine of a family in Iraq
By Xinhua
Tikrit (Iraq) : Nine members of a family were killed when unidentified gunmen stormed their house and opened fire in a village in Salahudin province north of Iraqi capital Baghdad, a police source said.
"Labib Ali al-Zaidan, his wife, and their seven sons were killed when unknown gunmen stormed their house in the Awja village, the birthplace of the toppled president Saddam Hussein," the source said.
The police are investigating the attack on the family which is affiliated to the al-Nasiri clan, which Saddam belonged to, the source said.
Pakistani PM leaves for Egypt on 4 day visit
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : Pakistani Prime Minister SyedYousaf Raza Gilani left here Saturday for a four-day visit toEgypt.
Pakistan to create immigration system along Afghan border
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan will put in place an immigration system along its border with Afghanistan to check illegal cross-border movement, Interior Minister Rehman Malik said Wednesday.
Protests build up in Gulf against Valentine’s Day celebration
By Aroonim Bhuyan, IANS
Dubai : Protests against Valentine's Day celebrations are building up in the Gulf region with the Saudi Arabian moral police banning the sale of red roses and an Islamic group in Kuwait warning the media against "glorifying the pagan celebrations".
Thawabet Al Umma, while condemning the Feb 14 celebration, has warned the media against misguiding Muslims "by glorifying such pagan celebrations", according to a report in the Arab Times website.
Five killed in Ukraine chopper crash
By IANS,
Kiev: Five people were killed after a military helicopter crashed Tuesday in Ukraine's Kirovograd region, about 300 km from the capital city, Xinhua reported.
Iran produces 70 kg high-grade enriched uranium
By IANS,
Tehran : Iranian Foreign Minister Ali-Akbar Salehi said Monday that Iran has so far produced nearly 70 kg of 20 percent enriched uranium.
Abu Dhabi shows rise in hotel guests
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : Abu Dhabi last year received over two million hotel guests, an increase of 13 percent over its 2011 performance.
Emirates launches ‘Arabian Adventures’
By IANS/WAM,
Dubai The Emirates airline group has launched a wide range of sightseeing tours, desert safaris and attractions with a new website called "Arabian Adventures".
Pakistan strongly protests with Nitherlands on film defaming Islam
By APP
Islamabad : Pakistan on Friday lodged a strong protest with Netherlands on the issue of release of Dutch Parliamentarian Geert Wilder’s film defaming Islam.
The ambassador of the Netherlands in Islamabad was called to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by Additional Secretary (Europe) and a strong protest lodged with him on the internet release of the film.
Ailing former Bangladeshi prime minister admitted to hospital
By DPA
Dhaka : Ailing former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina, detained under emergency laws, was admitted to a private hospital Tuesday, Dhaka central jail officials said.
Hasina's personal physicians said her health condition was worsening because of a critical attack by allergy, an unstable blood pressure and an impaired hearing.
The chief of the opposition Awami League, who was arrested last July and interned in a government apartment, has been complaining of ill health and demanded treatment abroad, said top prison officer Major Shamsur Haider Siddiqui.
Hamas slams Israel for stopping UN probe team
Gaza : The Islamic Hamas movement Monday slammed Israel for not allowing the UN inquiry committee to reach Gaza to probe the results of...
US withdraws aircraft from Pakistan flood relief work
By IANS,
Islamabad : The US has withdrawn its cargo aircraft from flood relief work in Pakistan as it was now possible to reach the affected areas by road, a media report said Wednesday.
Iranian President sends message to Zardari
By SPA,
Tehran : Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad has sent a message to his Pakistani Counterpart Asif Ali Zardari on the developments in Gaza.
The Iranian news agency reported that Iranian minister of oil Ghulam Hussein Nozari left today for Islamabad to deliver the message to the Pakistani President.
Hamas says willing to apologize for seizing Gaza during dialogue
By Xinhua
Ramallah : Hamas is ready to apologize to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement for taking over the Gaza Strip by force, but only after dialogue with Fatahis resumed, a Hamas spokesman said Sunday.
"We are ready to make an apology over taking control of the Gaza Strip as President Abbas demands, but this should be made on the table of dialogue," Hamas spokesman Ayman Taha said.
Taha stressed that his movement will keep rejecting conditions that Abbas outlined before any resumption of Hamas-Fatah dialogue.
Iranians Favour Logical, Fair Negotiations – President
By Bernama,
Qom : Iranians favours logical and fair negotiation instead of the current approach the bullying powers are practicing, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said in the holy city of Qom on Wednesday.
Addressing a large group of local residents of city, located about 200km south of Tehran, he was quoted by the Iran's Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) as saying that any negotiation should be based on justice and should preserve essential interest and rights of the nations.
Pakistan PM leaves for Saudi Arabia
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf left for Madina Sunday on a two- day official visit to Saudi Arabia.
Two Palestinians killed as Israeli-Palestinian violence flares
By Xinhua,
GAZA/RAMALLAH : Two Palestinians were killed and five injured in both Gaza and the West Bank on Monday as violence between Israel and the Palestinians had mounted.
Gaza emergency chief Mo'aweya Hassanein said that a Palestinian was killed and another was critically wounded in an Israeli air raid on their car that drove east of the southern Gaza Strip town of Rafah.
Israeli parliament pushes forward bill compelling resignation of indicted PM
By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israeli parliament, the Knesset, on Wednesday passed in the first reading a bill which requires a prime minister to resign if indicted, local daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported.
Should an incumbent prime minister be indicted for a felony, he or she will have to step down within 30 days since the indictment is filed, and the Knesset will consider the government to have resigned as well, according to the bill.
Report: Iran responses to 5+1 package
By Xinhua,
Tehran : Iranian Ambassador to Brussels Ali-Asghar Khaji on Tuesday handed in Tehran's written response to the 5+1 package of incentives to EU officials, the semi-official Fars News Agency reported.
The report did not give further details about Iran's reply, which has not yet been verified by Iranian official sources.
The EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana handed over to Iran in mid-June a package of incentives proposed by six major powers requiring the country to suspend its nuclear enrichment program in exchange for political and economic benefits.
37 killed, 70 injured in Iraq bombings
By DPA,
Baghdad : At least 37 people were killed and 70 injured in three devastating bombings across Iraq Wednesday, police said.
The deadliest attack struck the offices of the governor of al-Anbar province in the overwhelmingly Sunni city of Ramadi.
Qassim Mohammed al-Fahadawi, the governor of the province, and Abbas al-Dulaimi, the deputy director of the Ramadi police, were among those injured when a man detonated explosives packed into his car outside the governor's office, police told DPA.
Pakistani forces retake emerald mines from Taliban
By IRNA,
Islamabad : Pakistani security forces have retaken emerald mines from Taliban after heaving shelling in Swat valley, killing 35 militants, local media reported Wednesday.
Taliban had occupied extremely precious stone mines of ‘lapis lazuli’ near Mingora, main city in Swat, in February shortly after a peace deal was signed to end violence in the country.