aQIM
washingtontimes.com, Tunisia warned about al Qaeda's 'spectacular' hits, 29 Apr 08 "In various messages, some on the Internet, al Qaeda has warned of the "approaching punishment" for Tunisian President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali, "whose regime obeys orders of the West and combats the Islamic veil." Tunisia has banned women's head scarves in public buildings, considering them to be a political statement."
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Bank of Israel Hacked
Globes online, Fischer incensed at website security breakdown, 30 Apr 08 "Radical Islamic hackers using an Algerian server broke into the Bank of Israel's website for the public on the night of last Thursday-Friday. The website only came back on line on Monday. However, the hackers launched a new attack immediately afterwards, forcing the website back off the air for a few minutes. Although operating, the Bank of Israel's website is now less user-friendly than before."
Globes online, Fischer incensed at website security breakdown, 30 Apr 08 "Radical Islamic hackers using an Algerian server broke into the Bank of Israel's website for the public on the night of last Thursday-Friday. The website only came back on line on Monday. However, the hackers launched a new attack immediately afterwards, forcing the website back off the air for a few minutes. Although operating, the Bank of Israel's website is now less user-friendly than before."
Germany
Deutsche Welle, German Islamist Issues Call for Jihad in Internet Video, 30 Apr 08, "The video, posted on the "Time for Martyrdom" Web site, shows 20-year-old Eric B. from the western state of Saarland wearing an ammunitions belt and holding a machine gun. The mountainous backdrop has led some to believe it was filmed in the border region between Afghanistan and Pakistan."
Deutsche Welle, German Islamist Issues Call for Jihad in Internet Video, 30 Apr 08, "The video, posted on the "Time for Martyrdom" Web site, shows 20-year-old Eric B. from the western state of Saarland wearing an ammunitions belt and holding a machine gun. The mountainous backdrop has led some to believe it was filmed in the border region between Afghanistan and Pakistan."
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Facebook > Egypt
Diana Mukkaled, Asharq Alawsat, Egypt's Facebook Girl, 28 Apr 08 "To this day, the Egyptians still cannot fathom how this girl through a group invitation on Facebook managed to draw approximately 70,000 members who joined the group on the world's most famous interactive website.
"Esraa's Facebook group succeeding in doing what Egyptian political groups failed to achieve, and it would be hard to believe that she could have been aware of the magnitude of the response she got for setting up the group."
To get up to speed on this, see: dailystaregypt.com, MB chief denounces arrest of Facebook activist; mother appeals to President Mubarak, 21 Apr 08 and dailystaregypt.com,, Facebook activist released Wednesday, says she was well treated, 24 Apr 08. "Facebook activist Esraa Abdel Fattah was released from Al-Qanater women’s prison on Wednesday night after Minister of Interior Habib El-Adly issued a special release order."
Also see: Facebook, Free Esraa and her Companions! أفرجوا عن إسراء ورفاقه "Esraa has been released on the evening of the 23rd of April, after having suffered from physical illness secondary to ill-treatment as she was kept with ordinary criminals. She has been ordered by the authorities to avoid going back to her facebook activities and prohibited from participating in a planned strike on the 4th of May."
The protest blog relating to 6 Apr 08 can be found here.
A related story comes from the Ikhwan's European website: ikhwanweb.com, Blogger Mamdouh Al-Moniyar Referred to Forensic Medicine After Torture, 27 Apr 08 "Mahalla"s Prosecution has ordered Blogger Mamdouh al-Moniyar referred to forensic medicine department to examine his gross physical injuries as a result of torture at the hands of state security officers in Mahalla."
Diana Mukkaled, Asharq Alawsat, Egypt's Facebook Girl, 28 Apr 08 "To this day, the Egyptians still cannot fathom how this girl through a group invitation on Facebook managed to draw approximately 70,000 members who joined the group on the world's most famous interactive website.
"Esraa's Facebook group succeeding in doing what Egyptian political groups failed to achieve, and it would be hard to believe that she could have been aware of the magnitude of the response she got for setting up the group."
To get up to speed on this, see: dailystaregypt.com, MB chief denounces arrest of Facebook activist; mother appeals to President Mubarak, 21 Apr 08 and dailystaregypt.com,, Facebook activist released Wednesday, says she was well treated, 24 Apr 08. "Facebook activist Esraa Abdel Fattah was released from Al-Qanater women’s prison on Wednesday night after Minister of Interior Habib El-Adly issued a special release order."
Also see: Facebook, Free Esraa and her Companions! أفرجوا عن إسراء ورفاقه "Esraa has been released on the evening of the 23rd of April, after having suffered from physical illness secondary to ill-treatment as she was kept with ordinary criminals. She has been ordered by the authorities to avoid going back to her facebook activities and prohibited from participating in a planned strike on the 4th of May."
The protest blog relating to 6 Apr 08 can be found here.
A related story comes from the Ikhwan's European website: ikhwanweb.com, Blogger Mamdouh Al-Moniyar Referred to Forensic Medicine After Torture, 27 Apr 08 "Mahalla"s Prosecution has ordered Blogger Mamdouh al-Moniyar referred to forensic medicine department to examine his gross physical injuries as a result of torture at the hands of state security officers in Mahalla."
RFE/RL Attacked
AFP, US radio websites in Eastern Europe hit by cyberattack: bosses, 28 Apr 08 ""Within hours, eight RFE/RL websites (Belarus, Kosovo, Azerbaijan, Tatar-Bashkir, Radio Farda, South Slavic, Russian, and Tajik) were knocked out or otherwise affected," it added."
AFP, US radio websites in Eastern Europe hit by cyberattack: bosses, 28 Apr 08 ""Within hours, eight RFE/RL websites (Belarus, Kosovo, Azerbaijan, Tatar-Bashkir, Radio Farda, South Slavic, Russian, and Tajik) were knocked out or otherwise affected," it added."
aQ
IANS/thaindian.com, Terror groups in Pakistan focus on Britain, 28 Apr 08 "The Al Qaeda and pro-Taliban elements in Pakistan and Afghanistan are one of the main drivers of Islamic extremism and terrorism in the European Union, according to a report of European police. The Europol annual report on the terrorism situation and trend said terrorist plots linked to groups in Pakistan were focussed on Britain. It comes after the disclosure last week that 15 plots to attack the UK were foiled in three years since the London bombings."
There's a related report at Europol, EU Terrorism Situation and Trend Report TE-SAT 2008 (PDF), although this doesn't seeem to be the Annual Report (the latest one on the website is 2006)
IANS/thaindian.com, Terror groups in Pakistan focus on Britain, 28 Apr 08 "The Al Qaeda and pro-Taliban elements in Pakistan and Afghanistan are one of the main drivers of Islamic extremism and terrorism in the European Union, according to a report of European police. The Europol annual report on the terrorism situation and trend said terrorist plots linked to groups in Pakistan were focussed on Britain. It comes after the disclosure last week that 15 plots to attack the UK were foiled in three years since the London bombings."
There's a related report at Europol, EU Terrorism Situation and Trend Report TE-SAT 2008 (PDF), although this doesn't seeem to be the Annual Report (the latest one on the website is 2006)
Exhibition
I happened to see this exhibition (while attending a recent BRISMES conference). It is well worth visiting, if you are in London: Brunei Gallery (SOAS), Retracing Heinrich Barth (to 21st June 2008)
"19th century German explorer Heinrich Barth was one of the first Europeans to recognise the significance and richness of African history and culture. Travelling under the Arabic name Abd el Kerim, he crossed the Sahara desert and over the Aïr mountains into Central Africa, recording his journey in the five volume Travels and Discoveries in North and Central Africa 1849-1855."
It has some great photos and related multimedia (some examples are on the website).
There is also an exhibit on Cairo (which I didn't get to see) Cairo 1975: A photographic exhibition by Ted Gorton
I happened to see this exhibition (while attending a recent BRISMES conference). It is well worth visiting, if you are in London: Brunei Gallery (SOAS), Retracing Heinrich Barth (to 21st June 2008)
"19th century German explorer Heinrich Barth was one of the first Europeans to recognise the significance and richness of African history and culture. Travelling under the Arabic name Abd el Kerim, he crossed the Sahara desert and over the Aïr mountains into Central Africa, recording his journey in the five volume Travels and Discoveries in North and Central Africa 1849-1855."
It has some great photos and related multimedia (some examples are on the website).
There is also an exhibit on Cairo (which I didn't get to see) Cairo 1975: A photographic exhibition by Ted Gorton
Beliefnet
Beliefnet, Finding Common Ground Between Muslims & Jews, 28 Apr-9 May Online discussion between Akbar Ahmed and Judea Pearl: "This discussion grew out of Professors Ahmed and Pearl's shared concern about the deterioration of relationships between Muslim and Jewish communities. They have founded the Daniel Pearl dialogue for Muslim-Jewish understanding with the conviction that reconciliation between the faiths can be achieved through frank and respectful dialogue." This includes opportunities to place questions on the site.
Beliefnet, Finding Common Ground Between Muslims & Jews, 28 Apr-9 May Online discussion between Akbar Ahmed and Judea Pearl: "This discussion grew out of Professors Ahmed and Pearl's shared concern about the deterioration of relationships between Muslim and Jewish communities. They have founded the Daniel Pearl dialogue for Muslim-Jewish understanding with the conviction that reconciliation between the faiths can be achieved through frank and respectful dialogue." This includes opportunities to place questions on the site.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Facebook
BBC News, Facebook to track Darfur suspects, 25 Apr 08 "A group hunting war crime suspects has turned to the social networking site Facebook to try to find two Sudanese men sought for crimes in Darfur."
Article includes links to several related sites, including Facebook, War Crimes Wanted List, Wanted for War Crimes, and the associated GoogleMaps, Wanted for War Crimes page.
BBC News, Facebook to track Darfur suspects, 25 Apr 08 "A group hunting war crime suspects has turned to the social networking site Facebook to try to find two Sudanese men sought for crimes in Darfur."
Article includes links to several related sites, including Facebook, War Crimes Wanted List, Wanted for War Crimes, and the associated GoogleMaps, Wanted for War Crimes page.
Islamcrunch.com
Some interesting posts on Islamcrunch.com;
GreenDeen - Islam and the environment, 27 Apr 08 notes the emergence of the Green Deen
blog:
"Green Deen is a proactive effort of young Muslim activists from Southern California who have come together for the sake of Allah (swt) to raise awareness and change the current environmental conditions by promoting a healthier, greener and more environmentally conscious lifestyle."
Islamcrunch also mentions its Twitter List
Some interesting posts on Islamcrunch.com;
GreenDeen - Islam and the environment, 27 Apr 08 notes the emergence of the Green Deen
blog:"Green Deen is a proactive effort of young Muslim activists from Southern California who have come together for the sake of Allah (swt) to raise awareness and change the current environmental conditions by promoting a healthier, greener and more environmentally conscious lifestyle."
Islamcrunch also mentions its Twitter List
Saudi Blogger Fouad al-Farhan Freed
The Independent, Pro-reform Saudi blogger freed without charge, 28 Apr 08 "His release was revealed by a fellow blogger Ahmed al-Omran, 23,on his website Saudi Jeans. "Fouad has been released and he is back home with his family now," he said. "Just spoke with Fouad and he sounds fine.""
also see Fouad al-Farhan and Saudi Jeans, Fouad Released, 26 Apr 08
The Independent, Pro-reform Saudi blogger freed without charge, 28 Apr 08 "His release was revealed by a fellow blogger Ahmed al-Omran, 23,on his website Saudi Jeans. "Fouad has been released and he is back home with his family now," he said. "Just spoke with Fouad and he sounds fine.""
also see Fouad al-Farhan and Saudi Jeans, Fouad Released, 26 Apr 08
Australia
The Australian Higher Education, Uni chief lifted text from Wikipedia, April 26, 2008 "Griffith University vice-chancellor Ian O'Connor has admitted lifting information straight from online encyclopedia Wikipedia and confusing strands of Islam as he struggled to defend his institution's decision to ask the repressive Saudi Arabian Government for funding."
The Australian Higher Education, Uni chief lifted text from Wikipedia, April 26, 2008 "Griffith University vice-chancellor Ian O'Connor has admitted lifting information straight from online encyclopedia Wikipedia and confusing strands of Islam as he struggled to defend his institution's decision to ask the repressive Saudi Arabian Government for funding."
Cartoons Protest
AFP, Pakistani Islamic women protest 'anti-Islam' film, cartoons, 27 Apr 08 "Police said up to 4,000 women, mostly from an Islamic party, took part in the noisy demonstration, venting anger against the Internet release of a 15-minute film last month by far-right Dutch MP Geert Wilders and publication of the Prophet caricatures."
AFP, Pakistani Islamic women protest 'anti-Islam' film, cartoons, 27 Apr 08 "Police said up to 4,000 women, mostly from an Islamic party, took part in the noisy demonstration, venting anger against the Internet release of a 15-minute film last month by far-right Dutch MP Geert Wilders and publication of the Prophet caricatures."
Iraq
Independent, Barbaric 'honour killings' become the weapon to subjugate women in Iraq, 28 Apr 08 refers to the cases of Rand Abdel-Qader, Shawbo Ali Rauf, and Du'a Khalil Aswad. Tech links to some of these cases.
Independent, Barbaric 'honour killings' become the weapon to subjugate women in Iraq, 28 Apr 08 refers to the cases of Rand Abdel-Qader, Shawbo Ali Rauf, and Du'a Khalil Aswad. Tech links to some of these cases.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Response to 'Fitna'
npr, Saudi Produces Video Response to Anti-Islam Film, 25 Apr 08 "Raed al-Saeed, a young businessman from Saudi Arabia, is the creator of Schism, a six-minute video response to Fitna — a short film released last month that portrays Islam as a violent, fascist-like ideology. "Fitna" provoked anger in many parts of the Muslim world." Includes audio report. You'll find Schism on YouTube, together with related films (including 'Fitna')
npr, Saudi Produces Video Response to Anti-Islam Film, 25 Apr 08 "Raed al-Saeed, a young businessman from Saudi Arabia, is the creator of Schism, a six-minute video response to Fitna — a short film released last month that portrays Islam as a violent, fascist-like ideology. "Fitna" provoked anger in many parts of the Muslim world." Includes audio report. You'll find Schism on YouTube, together with related films (including 'Fitna')
Yvonne Ridley
Guardian, Ridley wins payout from Islam Channel, 21 Apr 08 "Her case, which was part-funded by the NUJ, was held in London in February and heard evidence from a number of figures in support of her claims including the Respect MP George Galloway.
"Ridley, who resigned from the channel in April last year, complained that she had effectively been dismissed after relations between her and the channel's chief executive, Mohammed Ali broke, down."
Guardian, Ridley wins payout from Islam Channel, 21 Apr 08 "Her case, which was part-funded by the NUJ, was held in London in February and heard evidence from a number of figures in support of her claims including the Respect MP George Galloway.
"Ridley, who resigned from the channel in April last year, complained that she had effectively been dismissed after relations between her and the channel's chief executive, Mohammed Ali broke, down."
Israeli Report
worldtribune.com, Israel report terms Mideast 'hate industry', 25 Apr 08,
a strategic threat, "An Israeli government report warned of growing hatred of Jews by Muslim governments and organizations. The report by the Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center said the trend could endanger Israel and the Jewish people." To see the report, go to terrorism-info.org.il, Contemporary Arab-Muslim anti-Semitism, its Significance and Implications, 14 Apr 08 (available as a PDF and HTML version). I haven't read this report yet. The Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center is part of the Israel Intelligence Heritage & Commemoration Center (IICC).
worldtribune.com, Israel report terms Mideast 'hate industry', 25 Apr 08,
a strategic threat, "An Israeli government report warned of growing hatred of Jews by Muslim governments and organizations. The report by the Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center said the trend could endanger Israel and the Jewish people." To see the report, go to terrorism-info.org.il, Contemporary Arab-Muslim anti-Semitism, its Significance and Implications, 14 Apr 08 (available as a PDF and HTML version). I haven't read this report yet. The Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center is part of the Israel Intelligence Heritage & Commemoration Center (IICC).
aQ
canada.com, Terror, without the terrorists, 25 Apr 08 refers to Marc Sageman's book Leaderless Jihad
canada.com, Terror, without the terrorists, 25 Apr 08 refers to Marc Sageman's book Leaderless Jihad
Germany
IHT, 9 people detained as Germans raid Islamic centers, 23 Apr 08, "The police said the individuals detained Wednesday would be charged with belonging to a criminal group whose aims were to encourage radicalism among Muslims, particularly Germans who had converted to Islam. They said the suspects had used the Internet, as well as audio and video materials, for anti-constitutional pursuits. They are also suspected of sedition."
IHT, 9 people detained as Germans raid Islamic centers, 23 Apr 08, "The police said the individuals detained Wednesday would be charged with belonging to a criminal group whose aims were to encourage radicalism among Muslims, particularly Germans who had converted to Islam. They said the suspects had used the Internet, as well as audio and video materials, for anti-constitutional pursuits. They are also suspected of sedition."
Quilliam Foundation and the British Muslims for Secular Democracy
Guardian, It is ludicrous to dismiss us as neocon former extremists, 25 Apr 08 "The Quilliam Foundation was not, as Sardar claims, established by two former members of Hizb ut-Tahrir - a group he rightly identifies as a cult. There are many people involved. Ed Husain and myself were the public face for the launch at the British Museum on Tuesday, but we had more than 20 former members of different Islamist groups attending in support, joining over 400 well-wishers from across British society."
This is in response to Zia Sardar's article in the Guardian,To lionise former extremists feeds anti-Muslim prejudice, 24 Apr 08, in which Sardar states "When one sinner repents, says the biblical adage, there is much joy in heaven. So the angels, along with the government, must be rejoicing at the launch of the Quilliam Foundation. The thinktank has been established by not one but two repentant sinners: Ed Husain and Maajid Nawaz, ex-members of the extremist Islamic cult Hizb ut-Tahrir."
Check the website for information on the Quilliam Foundation, which also contains links to related articles and publications.
On a related issue, see the Evening Standard column by Yasmin Alibai-Brown, What I now have in common with Jemima, 24 Apr 08, which mentions the Foundation, and also the British Muslims for Secular Democracy.
Guardian, It is ludicrous to dismiss us as neocon former extremists, 25 Apr 08 "The Quilliam Foundation was not, as Sardar claims, established by two former members of Hizb ut-Tahrir - a group he rightly identifies as a cult. There are many people involved. Ed Husain and myself were the public face for the launch at the British Museum on Tuesday, but we had more than 20 former members of different Islamist groups attending in support, joining over 400 well-wishers from across British society."
This is in response to Zia Sardar's article in the Guardian,To lionise former extremists feeds anti-Muslim prejudice, 24 Apr 08, in which Sardar states "When one sinner repents, says the biblical adage, there is much joy in heaven. So the angels, along with the government, must be rejoicing at the launch of the Quilliam Foundation. The thinktank has been established by not one but two repentant sinners: Ed Husain and Maajid Nawaz, ex-members of the extremist Islamic cult Hizb ut-Tahrir."
Check the website for information on the Quilliam Foundation, which also contains links to related articles and publications.
On a related issue, see the Evening Standard column by Yasmin Alibai-Brown, What I now have in common with Jemima, 24 Apr 08, which mentions the Foundation, and also the British Muslims for Secular Democracy.
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