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[26 Dec 2013] UN: One in five Lebanon residents Syria refugees - English
As Lebanon is grappling with an influx of Syrian refugees, the latest UN figures highlights the extent of the crisis. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has said one out of five...
As Lebanon is grappling with an influx of Syrian refugees, the latest UN figures highlights the extent of the crisis. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has said one out of five people living in Lebanon are refugees who have fled the conflict in neighboring Syria.
Some 30 percent of the Refugees live in substandard shelters. Lebanon\\\'s government has refused to set up official camps for the refugees fearing a crisis similar to that of the Palestinian refugees 52 thousand of whom were living in Syria. Many of Syrian refugees are unregistered and undocumented migrants and live in hundreds of unofficial tent settlements on northern and eastern peripheries. The figures provided by the UNHCR do not include hundreds of thousands of refugees who are not registered. But estimates show that there could be over one million Syrian refugees in Lebanon living in tents like these. Some, 280,000 are children of school age, and over 70% very much dependent on any humanitarian aid they can get. The greatest suffering in the camps is seen in the eyes of the children. This boy was eager to go on television hoping that our presence would attract humanitarian aid. The women complain about how they\\\'re not getting enough help for their children: This man was a school teacher in Syria\\\'s Hama. Now he\\\'s trying to help create an educational center for children of school age, many of whom have not received any education for two years: Lebanon currently hosts the highest number of refugees from Syria. More than a million other Syrians have fled to Jordan and Turkey. The United Nations has warned that the number of Syrian refugees will almost double over the next year to top four million.
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As Lebanon is grappling with an influx of Syrian refugees, the latest UN figures highlights the extent of the crisis. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has said one out of five people living in Lebanon are refugees who have fled the conflict in neighboring Syria.
Some 30 percent of the Refugees live in substandard shelters. Lebanon\\\'s government has refused to set up official camps for the refugees fearing a crisis similar to that of the Palestinian refugees 52 thousand of whom were living in Syria. Many of Syrian refugees are unregistered and undocumented migrants and live in hundreds of unofficial tent settlements on northern and eastern peripheries. The figures provided by the UNHCR do not include hundreds of thousands of refugees who are not registered. But estimates show that there could be over one million Syrian refugees in Lebanon living in tents like these. Some, 280,000 are children of school age, and over 70% very much dependent on any humanitarian aid they can get. The greatest suffering in the camps is seen in the eyes of the children. This boy was eager to go on television hoping that our presence would attract humanitarian aid. The women complain about how they\\\'re not getting enough help for their children: This man was a school teacher in Syria\\\'s Hama. Now he\\\'s trying to help create an educational center for children of school age, many of whom have not received any education for two years: Lebanon currently hosts the highest number of refugees from Syria. More than a million other Syrians have fled to Jordan and Turkey. The United Nations has warned that the number of Syrian refugees will almost double over the next year to top four million.
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[27 Dec 2013] US, Russia, China, Syria and OPCW to Discuss Syria chemical Arsenal - English
Representatives from the US, Russia, China, Syria and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons are to meet in Moscow to discuss ways of safely destroying Syria\\\'s chemical arms....
Representatives from the US, Russia, China, Syria and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons are to meet in Moscow to discuss ways of safely destroying Syria\\\'s chemical arms.
The meeting will be held behind closed doors. This, as a Russian official says Syria\\\'s chemical weapons will be taken out of the country through its maritime borders. The Arab country agreed to the destruction of its chemical arsenal after the August 21 deadly gas attack near Damascus. The Syrian government and Russia have repeatedly said that the attack was carried out by insurgents to provoke Western governments, particularly the U-S into a military intervention in Syria.
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Representatives from the US, Russia, China, Syria and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons are to meet in Moscow to discuss ways of safely destroying Syria\\\'s chemical arms.
The meeting will be held behind closed doors. This, as a Russian official says Syria\\\'s chemical weapons will be taken out of the country through its maritime borders. The Arab country agreed to the destruction of its chemical arsenal after the August 21 deadly gas attack near Damascus. The Syrian government and Russia have repeatedly said that the attack was carried out by insurgents to provoke Western governments, particularly the U-S into a military intervention in Syria.
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[01 Jan 2014] US alarmed over Afghan prisoners release - English
Bagram Jail is still packed with hundreds of prisoners. Some of these cells are being controlled by US forces and some by Afghans. And now these men are reviewing the files of each prisoner there....
Bagram Jail is still packed with hundreds of prisoners. Some of these cells are being controlled by US forces and some by Afghans. And now these men are reviewing the files of each prisoner there. They are members of a three-panel commission appointed by President Hamid Karzai. So far, they have met 764 prisoners and investigated their cases. And 650 of them have been let go.
Others have been found innocent too. They will be released soon. It may be good news for their families, but not for the US military men. They want this move to be blocked. An American military official has been quoted as saying \"These guys are tied directly to killing and trying to kill our forces and Afghan forces\". He also called it an issue of deep concern. And here is how the Afghan commission reacted to their concerns. The main dispute is over 88 inmates. Americans think they will soon return to the battle field and fight back. The move also comes as the relations between President Karzai and White House are already at very low ebb since Karzai refused to let American forces stay beyond 2014. Now, how will this latest dispute unfold, remains to be seen. U-S and Afghan officials have different views on the status of prisoners in Bagram Jail. Afghan government says the prisoners are innocent and there is no evidence to prove that they are terrorists. But the U-S military insists that these prisoners are very dangerous people. And the issue comes at a very sensitive time in relations between Kabul and Afghanistan.
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Bagram Jail is still packed with hundreds of prisoners. Some of these cells are being controlled by US forces and some by Afghans. And now these men are reviewing the files of each prisoner there. They are members of a three-panel commission appointed by President Hamid Karzai. So far, they have met 764 prisoners and investigated their cases. And 650 of them have been let go.
Others have been found innocent too. They will be released soon. It may be good news for their families, but not for the US military men. They want this move to be blocked. An American military official has been quoted as saying \"These guys are tied directly to killing and trying to kill our forces and Afghan forces\". He also called it an issue of deep concern. And here is how the Afghan commission reacted to their concerns. The main dispute is over 88 inmates. Americans think they will soon return to the battle field and fight back. The move also comes as the relations between President Karzai and White House are already at very low ebb since Karzai refused to let American forces stay beyond 2014. Now, how will this latest dispute unfold, remains to be seen. U-S and Afghan officials have different views on the status of prisoners in Bagram Jail. Afghan government says the prisoners are innocent and there is no evidence to prove that they are terrorists. But the U-S military insists that these prisoners are very dangerous people. And the issue comes at a very sensitive time in relations between Kabul and Afghanistan.
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[05 Jan 2014] Iraqi security forces are preparing for a major attack to retake Fallujah - English
Iraqi security forces are preparing for a major attack on Fallujah to retake the city from al-Qaeda-linked militants.
A security official says Special Forces have conducted operations in the...
Iraqi security forces are preparing for a major attack on Fallujah to retake the city from al-Qaeda-linked militants.
A security official says Special Forces have conducted operations in the city. The army has also been deployed around Fallujah ahead of the operation to provide residents with a safe passage. Earlier, a senior military commander said it will take Iraqi forces up to three days to fully dislodge al-Qaeda-linked militants from the two cities in the western Anbar province. Iraqi security forces have been combating al-Qaeda-linked insurgents in the western Anbar province in recent days. The fighting has killed many from both sides.
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Iraqi security forces are preparing for a major attack on Fallujah to retake the city from al-Qaeda-linked militants.
A security official says Special Forces have conducted operations in the city. The army has also been deployed around Fallujah ahead of the operation to provide residents with a safe passage. Earlier, a senior military commander said it will take Iraqi forces up to three days to fully dislodge al-Qaeda-linked militants from the two cities in the western Anbar province. Iraqi security forces have been combating al-Qaeda-linked insurgents in the western Anbar province in recent days. The fighting has killed many from both sides.
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[06 Jan 2014] israel announces plan for new settlements after kerry departure - English
israel has given final approval for the construction of 272 new homes in West Bank settlements, just hours after U-S Secretary of State John Kerry\\\'s departure.
Under the latest plans, 250...
israel has given final approval for the construction of 272 new homes in West Bank settlements, just hours after U-S Secretary of State John Kerry\\\'s departure.
Under the latest plans, 250 apartments were approved for Ofra and Karnei Shomron, in the heart of the West Bank, 53 of which have already been built without any permit. An Israeli Defense Ministry official said that the initial approval for new buildings was given several months ago and added that the latest announcement was just a formality. The Israeli anti-settlement group Peace Now criticized Israel\\\'s latest move, saying Tel Aviv had the option of suspending settlement plans and giving the so-called peace talks a chance, but instead chose to push ahead with the expansion of settlements. The latest announcement came shortly after Kerry\\\'s departure. The U-S secretary of state had earlier urged Israel to refrain from taking any steps that would derail the negotiations. The international community considers settlements illegal, and the Palestinians have long viewed settlement construction as a key obstacle to reaching a peace agreement.
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israel has given final approval for the construction of 272 new homes in West Bank settlements, just hours after U-S Secretary of State John Kerry\\\'s departure.
Under the latest plans, 250 apartments were approved for Ofra and Karnei Shomron, in the heart of the West Bank, 53 of which have already been built without any permit. An Israeli Defense Ministry official said that the initial approval for new buildings was given several months ago and added that the latest announcement was just a formality. The Israeli anti-settlement group Peace Now criticized Israel\\\'s latest move, saying Tel Aviv had the option of suspending settlement plans and giving the so-called peace talks a chance, but instead chose to push ahead with the expansion of settlements. The latest announcement came shortly after Kerry\\\'s departure. The U-S secretary of state had earlier urged Israel to refrain from taking any steps that would derail the negotiations. The international community considers settlements illegal, and the Palestinians have long viewed settlement construction as a key obstacle to reaching a peace agreement.
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[07 Jan 2014] Iran Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Weekly Press Conf. (P.3) - English
Iran\'s Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman says Tehran supports the Iraqi government\'s measures to fight terrorism and extremism.
During a weekly press conference in Tehran, Marzieh Afkham said...
Iran\'s Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman says Tehran supports the Iraqi government\'s measures to fight terrorism and extremism.
During a weekly press conference in Tehran, Marzieh Afkham said measures taken by Baghdad to crack down on terrorism will help boost Iraq\'s national unity. The Iranian official meanwhile noted that media reports about cooperation between Iran and the US on the issue of Iraq are inaccurate. She also called on the international community to take QUOTE balanced and unbiased steps in the fight against extremism, violence and terrorism.
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Iran\'s Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman says Tehran supports the Iraqi government\'s measures to fight terrorism and extremism.
During a weekly press conference in Tehran, Marzieh Afkham said measures taken by Baghdad to crack down on terrorism will help boost Iraq\'s national unity. The Iranian official meanwhile noted that media reports about cooperation between Iran and the US on the issue of Iraq are inaccurate. She also called on the international community to take QUOTE balanced and unbiased steps in the fight against extremism, violence and terrorism.
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[07 Jan 2014] Iran Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Weekly Press Conf. (P.1) - English
Iran\'s Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman says Tehran supports the Iraqi government\'s measures to fight terrorism and extremism.
During a weekly press conference in Tehran, Marzieh Afkham said...
Iran\'s Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman says Tehran supports the Iraqi government\'s measures to fight terrorism and extremism.
During a weekly press conference in Tehran, Marzieh Afkham said measures taken by Baghdad to crack down on terrorism will help boost Iraq\'s national unity. The Iranian official meanwhile noted that media reports about cooperation between Iran and the US on the issue of Iraq are inaccurate. She also called on the international community to take QUOTE balanced and unbiased steps in the fight against extremism, violence and terrorism.
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Iran\'s Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman says Tehran supports the Iraqi government\'s measures to fight terrorism and extremism.
During a weekly press conference in Tehran, Marzieh Afkham said measures taken by Baghdad to crack down on terrorism will help boost Iraq\'s national unity. The Iranian official meanwhile noted that media reports about cooperation between Iran and the US on the issue of Iraq are inaccurate. She also called on the international community to take QUOTE balanced and unbiased steps in the fight against extremism, violence and terrorism.
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[08 Jan 2014] Head of British Parliamentary Jack Straw: We want to improve relations with Iran - English
Former British Foreign Minister, Jack Straw, who is heading a four man parliamentary delegation during his visit to Tehran, held a press conference in the Iranian capital. The British delegation...
Former British Foreign Minister, Jack Straw, who is heading a four man parliamentary delegation during his visit to Tehran, held a press conference in the Iranian capital. The British delegation arrived in Tehran on Tuesday on a three day visit. British official at this event talked about the history of two countries.
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Former British Foreign Minister, Jack Straw, who is heading a four man parliamentary delegation during his visit to Tehran, held a press conference in the Iranian capital. The British delegation arrived in Tehran on Tuesday on a three day visit. British official at this event talked about the history of two countries.
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[09 Jan 2014] FBI alarmed over homegrown terrorist radicalized in Syria - English
Syria\'s war spillover affecting countries thousands of kilometers away: the US Federal Bureau of Investigation is sounding the alarm over radicalized homegrown militants.
FBI Director James...
Syria\'s war spillover affecting countries thousands of kilometers away: the US Federal Bureau of Investigation is sounding the alarm over radicalized homegrown militants.
FBI Director James Comey says he\'s concerned about the militants inside the US who would be radicalized after returning from Syria. He says dozens of Americans have gone to Syria to fight alongside insurgents against the Syrian government. Comey has expressed concern that Syria has turned into a training ground for a new generation of terrorists. The American official has also acknowledged that it would be very hard to track such radicalized homegrown terrorists.
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Syria\'s war spillover affecting countries thousands of kilometers away: the US Federal Bureau of Investigation is sounding the alarm over radicalized homegrown militants.
FBI Director James Comey says he\'s concerned about the militants inside the US who would be radicalized after returning from Syria. He says dozens of Americans have gone to Syria to fight alongside insurgents against the Syrian government. Comey has expressed concern that Syria has turned into a training ground for a new generation of terrorists. The American official has also acknowledged that it would be very hard to track such radicalized homegrown terrorists.
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[14 Jan 2014] Several US lawmakers introduce bill to bring legal end to war in Iraq - English
A group of lawmakers in the US have introduced legislation that would finally bring to an end Washington\'s authorization to wage war in Iraq.
The introduced bill has been led by Republican...
A group of lawmakers in the US have introduced legislation that would finally bring to an end Washington\'s authorization to wage war in Iraq.
The introduced bill has been led by Republican Senator Rand Paul. He says that US President Obama declared the war in Iraq over two years ago. Yet, it\'s necessary to bring the war to an official and legal end. Although Barack Obama has declared the war over, a loophole in the law green-lighting the March 2003 invasion allows for future U-S presidents to send troops back to Iraq. In 2003, the US attacked Iraq under the pretext that the regime of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction. WMDs were never found in the country and the war killed hundreds of thousands of people.
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A group of lawmakers in the US have introduced legislation that would finally bring to an end Washington\'s authorization to wage war in Iraq.
The introduced bill has been led by Republican Senator Rand Paul. He says that US President Obama declared the war in Iraq over two years ago. Yet, it\'s necessary to bring the war to an official and legal end. Although Barack Obama has declared the war over, a loophole in the law green-lighting the March 2003 invasion allows for future U-S presidents to send troops back to Iraq. In 2003, the US attacked Iraq under the pretext that the regime of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction. WMDs were never found in the country and the war killed hundreds of thousands of people.
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[17 Jan 2014] Comment - Syrian army clean-up operations continue - English
The Syrian army continues its clean-up operations in several areas across the Middle Eastern country, killing a number of foreign-backed militants.
According to a military official, who spoke on...
The Syrian army continues its clean-up operations in several areas across the Middle Eastern country, killing a number of foreign-backed militants.
According to a military official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the army killed 19 militants in al-Koum village in Lattakia countryside.
In al-Rabea village, the army stormed the militants\' hideouts, killing a number of them.
Elsewhere, in Salma countryside, the Syrian troops continued their operations, killing 23 militants and wounding 43 others.
In the village of Ghamam, the army killed nine militants fighting against the government.
Moreover, scores of foreign-backed militants were killed or injured in similar operations in many areas in Aleppo and its countryside.
Meanwhile the infighting among al-Qaeda-linked militants and armed opposition groups has claimed more than 1,000 lives over the past two weeks.
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The Syrian army continues its clean-up operations in several areas across the Middle Eastern country, killing a number of foreign-backed militants.
According to a military official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the army killed 19 militants in al-Koum village in Lattakia countryside.
In al-Rabea village, the army stormed the militants\' hideouts, killing a number of them.
Elsewhere, in Salma countryside, the Syrian troops continued their operations, killing 23 militants and wounding 43 others.
In the village of Ghamam, the army killed nine militants fighting against the government.
Moreover, scores of foreign-backed militants were killed or injured in similar operations in many areas in Aleppo and its countryside.
Meanwhile the infighting among al-Qaeda-linked militants and armed opposition groups has claimed more than 1,000 lives over the past two weeks.
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[17 Jan 2014] Islam and Life - Holy Quran desecrated in Saudi Arabia - English
State organizations in Saudi Arabia have desecrated the Holy Qur\'an by discarding over fifty copies in Taif city\'s street sewerage canals.
According to a Saudi official in the Commission for...
State organizations in Saudi Arabia have desecrated the Holy Qur\'an by discarding over fifty copies in Taif city\'s street sewerage canals.
According to a Saudi official in the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, the incident was reported by a local student, who saw the holy books on his way home in Al-Salama district of Taif.
The service company that specializes in opening drainage inlets was then called, and dozens of copies of the Quran were retrieved.
A photo that shows desecrated books has now gone viral on the internet and social media websites.
This is not the first time the Holy Quran has been desecrated in Saudi Arabia. Earlier this year, the move by prison officials in Al-Haer province to insult the Holy Book led to protests in different parts of the Kingdom.
The desecration of the holy Quran in a country, which is the birthplace of Islam, has raised eyebrows in the Muslim world.
This week\'s Islam & Life asks: How do certain stories affect the world\'s perception of Saudi Arabia?
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State organizations in Saudi Arabia have desecrated the Holy Qur\'an by discarding over fifty copies in Taif city\'s street sewerage canals.
According to a Saudi official in the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, the incident was reported by a local student, who saw the holy books on his way home in Al-Salama district of Taif.
The service company that specializes in opening drainage inlets was then called, and dozens of copies of the Quran were retrieved.
A photo that shows desecrated books has now gone viral on the internet and social media websites.
This is not the first time the Holy Quran has been desecrated in Saudi Arabia. Earlier this year, the move by prison officials in Al-Haer province to insult the Holy Book led to protests in different parts of the Kingdom.
The desecration of the holy Quran in a country, which is the birthplace of Islam, has raised eyebrows in the Muslim world.
This week\'s Islam & Life asks: How do certain stories affect the world\'s perception of Saudi Arabia?
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[18 Jan 2014] ISIL militants confess to direct Saudi links - English
/Members of the al-Qaeda-linked group, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant have confessed to having direct links with Saudi Arabia.
An Iraqi channel has aired confessions of members of the...
/Members of the al-Qaeda-linked group, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant have confessed to having direct links with Saudi Arabia.
An Iraqi channel has aired confessions of members of the militant group, admitting to have relations with Riyadh. In the Afaq TV broadcast, ISIL insurgents also confess to Saudi Arabia\'s role in terrorist attacks in a number of Iraqi provinces. One of the members says a Saudi military official ordered him to carry out several attacks. Iraq has arrested a large number of insurgents during several operations recently. This comes as the Iraqi army and Sunni tribesmen continue their fight against ISIL militants. Iraq is experiencing its worst cycle of violence since 2008, with al-Qaeda-linked militants flexing their muscles on Baghdad\'s doorstep.
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/Members of the al-Qaeda-linked group, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant have confessed to having direct links with Saudi Arabia.
An Iraqi channel has aired confessions of members of the militant group, admitting to have relations with Riyadh. In the Afaq TV broadcast, ISIL insurgents also confess to Saudi Arabia\'s role in terrorist attacks in a number of Iraqi provinces. One of the members says a Saudi military official ordered him to carry out several attacks. Iraq has arrested a large number of insurgents during several operations recently. This comes as the Iraqi army and Sunni tribesmen continue their fight against ISIL militants. Iraq is experiencing its worst cycle of violence since 2008, with al-Qaeda-linked militants flexing their muscles on Baghdad\'s doorstep.
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[20 Jan 2014] The Debate - Syria Solution (P.1) - English
Syrian President Bashar al Assad says the Geneva 2 conference should focus on the war against terrorism. He\\\'s also suggested he\\\'ll seek a new term in the upcoming presidential elections. How...
Syrian President Bashar al Assad says the Geneva 2 conference should focus on the war against terrorism. He\\\'s also suggested he\\\'ll seek a new term in the upcoming presidential elections. How successful can the conference be with the government objecting to the idea of Assad\\\'s departure, a fractious opposition and the growing threat from terrorists? Russia and the EU have welcomed the official UN invitation extended to Iran but why does the US want the invitation withdrawn?
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Syrian President Bashar al Assad says the Geneva 2 conference should focus on the war against terrorism. He\\\'s also suggested he\\\'ll seek a new term in the upcoming presidential elections. How successful can the conference be with the government objecting to the idea of Assad\\\'s departure, a fractious opposition and the growing threat from terrorists? Russia and the EU have welcomed the official UN invitation extended to Iran but why does the US want the invitation withdrawn?
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[20 Jan 2014] The Debate - Syria Solution (P.2) - English
Syrian President Bashar al Assad says the Geneva 2 conference should focus on the war against terrorism. He\\\'s also suggested he\\\'ll seek a new term in the upcoming presidential elections. How...
Syrian President Bashar al Assad says the Geneva 2 conference should focus on the war against terrorism. He\\\'s also suggested he\\\'ll seek a new term in the upcoming presidential elections. How successful can the conference be with the government objecting to the idea of Assad\\\'s departure, a fractious opposition and the growing threat from terrorists? Russia and the EU have welcomed the official UN invitation extended to Iran but why does the US want the invitation withdrawn?
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Syrian President Bashar al Assad says the Geneva 2 conference should focus on the war against terrorism. He\\\'s also suggested he\\\'ll seek a new term in the upcoming presidential elections. How successful can the conference be with the government objecting to the idea of Assad\\\'s departure, a fractious opposition and the growing threat from terrorists? Russia and the EU have welcomed the official UN invitation extended to Iran but why does the US want the invitation withdrawn?
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[21 Jan 2014] Iran Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Weekly Press Conf. (P.1) - English
Iran\'s foreign ministry spokeswoman regrets the decision by UN chief to withdraw an invitation from Tehran to attend Syria peace talks.
The Iranian official said Tehran has always stressed the...
Iran\'s foreign ministry spokeswoman regrets the decision by UN chief to withdraw an invitation from Tehran to attend Syria peace talks.
The Iranian official said Tehran has always stressed the Syrian issue should be settled through a political solution with the participation of all Syrian people. She noted that the Syrian people\'s right to determining their own destiny should be respected, adding that imposing any plan by foreign states on Syria will not be fruitful. She noted that if Geneva 2 acts within the boundaries of realism, it can be a step in the peaceful resolution of the issue.
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Iran\'s foreign ministry spokeswoman regrets the decision by UN chief to withdraw an invitation from Tehran to attend Syria peace talks.
The Iranian official said Tehran has always stressed the Syrian issue should be settled through a political solution with the participation of all Syrian people. She noted that the Syrian people\'s right to determining their own destiny should be respected, adding that imposing any plan by foreign states on Syria will not be fruitful. She noted that if Geneva 2 acts within the boundaries of realism, it can be a step in the peaceful resolution of the issue.
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[21 Jan 2014] Iran Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Weekly Press Conf. (P.2) - English
Iran\'s foreign ministry spokeswoman regrets the decision by UN chief to withdraw an invitation from Tehran to attend Syria peace talks.
The Iranian official said Tehran has always stressed the...
Iran\'s foreign ministry spokeswoman regrets the decision by UN chief to withdraw an invitation from Tehran to attend Syria peace talks.
The Iranian official said Tehran has always stressed the Syrian issue should be settled through a political solution with the participation of all Syrian people. She noted that the Syrian people\'s right to determining their own destiny should be respected, adding that imposing any plan by foreign states on Syria will not be fruitful. She noted that if Geneva 2 acts within the boundaries of realism, it can be a step in the peaceful resolution of the issue.
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Iran\'s foreign ministry spokeswoman regrets the decision by UN chief to withdraw an invitation from Tehran to attend Syria peace talks.
The Iranian official said Tehran has always stressed the Syrian issue should be settled through a political solution with the participation of all Syrian people. She noted that the Syrian people\'s right to determining their own destiny should be respected, adding that imposing any plan by foreign states on Syria will not be fruitful. She noted that if Geneva 2 acts within the boundaries of realism, it can be a step in the peaceful resolution of the issue.
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[28 Jan 2014] Araqchi says serious cracks have already begun to appear in sanctions against Iran - English
Abbas Araqchi even cited the increasing number of visits to Tehran by international business delegations as evidence for his comment. Araqchi says the visits show there is a growing willingness...
Abbas Araqchi even cited the increasing number of visits to Tehran by international business delegations as evidence for his comment. Araqchi says the visits show there is a growing willingness from the outside world to enter the Iranian market. He says the cracks in the sanctions regime against the Iranian nation have emerged despite the fact that Iran is keeping the main structure of its peaceful nuclear energy program. Araqchi, who\'s Iran\'s deputy foreign minister, says Iran is not obliged under the Geneva deal with world powers to dismantle any part of its nuclear energy facilities. The official says Iran has achieved what it wanted in its nuclear energy activities. He says Iran only needed to stop unnecessary costs, and that, he says, was materialized as a result of the Geneva deal which was reached in November.
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Abbas Araqchi even cited the increasing number of visits to Tehran by international business delegations as evidence for his comment. Araqchi says the visits show there is a growing willingness from the outside world to enter the Iranian market. He says the cracks in the sanctions regime against the Iranian nation have emerged despite the fact that Iran is keeping the main structure of its peaceful nuclear energy program. Araqchi, who\'s Iran\'s deputy foreign minister, says Iran is not obliged under the Geneva deal with world powers to dismantle any part of its nuclear energy facilities. The official says Iran has achieved what it wanted in its nuclear energy activities. He says Iran only needed to stop unnecessary costs, and that, he says, was materialized as a result of the Geneva deal which was reached in November.
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[29 Jan 2014] Tehran hosts intl minimally invasive surgeries congress - English
Discussing the latest techniques of minimally invasive surgery;
Tehran has hosted the 11th International Congress on Minimally Invasive Surgeries and Techniques and the first obesity surgery;...
Discussing the latest techniques of minimally invasive surgery;
Tehran has hosted the 11th International Congress on Minimally Invasive Surgeries and Techniques and the first obesity surgery; Aside from Iranian specialists, surgeons from 14 countries have also taken part in the three-day event to exchange views on the latest techniques in this delicate type of surgery. Minimally invasive surgery is becoming more and more common in hospitals. These procedures are performed through tiny incisions instead of one large opening. Because the incisions are small, patients tend to have quicker recovery and less discomfort than with conventional surgery all with the same benefits. Obesity by itself is a big threat to modern societies, but this very danger can be removed through minimally invasive surgery. According to official reports obesity has nearly doubled worldwide since 1980. Overweight and obesity are the fifth leading risk for global deaths. Although there are modern methods to cure obesity like minimally invasive surgeries, doctors advise people to have healthy diet and do daily exercises in order to stay away from such non-communicable diseases.
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Discussing the latest techniques of minimally invasive surgery;
Tehran has hosted the 11th International Congress on Minimally Invasive Surgeries and Techniques and the first obesity surgery; Aside from Iranian specialists, surgeons from 14 countries have also taken part in the three-day event to exchange views on the latest techniques in this delicate type of surgery. Minimally invasive surgery is becoming more and more common in hospitals. These procedures are performed through tiny incisions instead of one large opening. Because the incisions are small, patients tend to have quicker recovery and less discomfort than with conventional surgery all with the same benefits. Obesity by itself is a big threat to modern societies, but this very danger can be removed through minimally invasive surgery. According to official reports obesity has nearly doubled worldwide since 1980. Overweight and obesity are the fifth leading risk for global deaths. Although there are modern methods to cure obesity like minimally invasive surgeries, doctors advise people to have healthy diet and do daily exercises in order to stay away from such non-communicable diseases.
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[10 Feb 2014] Syria Deputy FM: Confronting terrorists our 1st priority in reaching solution - English
Syria\'s deputy foreign minister says the priority to reach a solution to the crisis there, is to stand against terrorism.
Meqdad made the comments at a news conference in Geneva, ahead of the...
Syria\'s deputy foreign minister says the priority to reach a solution to the crisis there, is to stand against terrorism.
Meqdad made the comments at a news conference in Geneva, ahead of the second round of negotiations with foreign-backed opposition there. He also warned that terrorist attacks could spread to the whole region if not countered. Meqdad also said that Western states must stop funding Takfiri terrorists in his country. Regarding the issue of transition, he said Damascus will discuss this whenever appropriate. The Syrian official stressed that his government is serious in pursuing peace and ending the conflict.
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Syria\'s deputy foreign minister says the priority to reach a solution to the crisis there, is to stand against terrorism.
Meqdad made the comments at a news conference in Geneva, ahead of the second round of negotiations with foreign-backed opposition there. He also warned that terrorist attacks could spread to the whole region if not countered. Meqdad also said that Western states must stop funding Takfiri terrorists in his country. Regarding the issue of transition, he said Damascus will discuss this whenever appropriate. The Syrian official stressed that his government is serious in pursuing peace and ending the conflict.
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[12 Feb 2014] Several killed, many injured in separate attacks in Baghdad - English
No end in sight to the deadly violence in the war-torn Iraq. Several people have been killed and many more injured in separate attacks in the capital Baghdad.
Two simultaneous bomb blasts in...
No end in sight to the deadly violence in the war-torn Iraq. Several people have been killed and many more injured in separate attacks in the capital Baghdad.
Two simultaneous bomb blasts in Baghdad left five people dead and fifteen others injured. Another explosion in the city\'s Kenani Market left scores of casualties. The attacks are the latest in a chain of deadly violent incidents hitting Iraq over the last months. The Iraqi government blames al-Qaeda-linked groups for the deadly unrest. Official figures show more than a thousand people lost their lives in violent attacks across Iraq last month alone.
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No end in sight to the deadly violence in the war-torn Iraq. Several people have been killed and many more injured in separate attacks in the capital Baghdad.
Two simultaneous bomb blasts in Baghdad left five people dead and fifteen others injured. Another explosion in the city\'s Kenani Market left scores of casualties. The attacks are the latest in a chain of deadly violent incidents hitting Iraq over the last months. The Iraqi government blames al-Qaeda-linked groups for the deadly unrest. Official figures show more than a thousand people lost their lives in violent attacks across Iraq last month alone.
2:10
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[17 Feb 2014] Saudi Arabia seeks Pakistan\'s help on Syria - English
Saudi Crown Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz al Saud is in Pakistan to discuss important regional issues including the Syrian crises.Salman, who is also Saudi deputy Prime Minister as well as minister...
Saudi Crown Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz al Saud is in Pakistan to discuss important regional issues including the Syrian crises.Salman, who is also Saudi deputy Prime Minister as well as minister of defense, is the second highest-ranking official to travel to Islamabad following a trip by Saudi Arabia\'s Foreign Minister last month.The flurry of visits by top Saudi officials has led to speculations that Riyadh is seeking Pakistan\'s help on Syria.
Some US media reports claim that Saudi Arabia after having lost faith in the Obama Administration to oust Syrian President Bashar al Assad\'s government, is now looking to Pakistan for training the insurgents in Syria.
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Description:
Saudi Crown Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz al Saud is in Pakistan to discuss important regional issues including the Syrian crises.Salman, who is also Saudi deputy Prime Minister as well as minister of defense, is the second highest-ranking official to travel to Islamabad following a trip by Saudi Arabia\'s Foreign Minister last month.The flurry of visits by top Saudi officials has led to speculations that Riyadh is seeking Pakistan\'s help on Syria.
Some US media reports claim that Saudi Arabia after having lost faith in the Obama Administration to oust Syrian President Bashar al Assad\'s government, is now looking to Pakistan for training the insurgents in Syria.
2:06
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[17 Feb 2014] Israeli soldiers force Palestinian farmers to leave their land at gun point - English
The Israeli army has forcibly removed a group of Palestinian farmers from their land in the occupied West Bank.The farmers from the Tuquoa village were trying to plant 400 olive trees on their land...
The Israeli army has forcibly removed a group of Palestinian farmers from their land in the occupied West Bank.The farmers from the Tuquoa village were trying to plant 400 olive trees on their land with the help of a Christian youth group when the Israeli soldiers stopped them at gunpoint and asked for proof of ownership.
After holding them for over an hour, and despite the farmers proving ownership of their land, the Israeli forces ordered them to leave the area and never come back unless they had a specific reason or an official order. The farmers said that the lands in question were 90 dunams or 22 acres and were owned by four families living in al-Asakira village.
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Description:
The Israeli army has forcibly removed a group of Palestinian farmers from their land in the occupied West Bank.The farmers from the Tuquoa village were trying to plant 400 olive trees on their land with the help of a Christian youth group when the Israeli soldiers stopped them at gunpoint and asked for proof of ownership.
After holding them for over an hour, and despite the farmers proving ownership of their land, the Israeli forces ordered them to leave the area and never come back unless they had a specific reason or an official order. The farmers said that the lands in question were 90 dunams or 22 acres and were owned by four families living in al-Asakira village.
4:47
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[18 feb 2014] A new round of talks over Iran nuclear program begins in Vienna - English
Iran\'s deputy foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi, says the dismantling of the country\'s nuclear facilities is not on the agenda of the ongoing talks with the five permanent members of the U-N...
Iran\'s deputy foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi, says the dismantling of the country\'s nuclear facilities is not on the agenda of the ongoing talks with the five permanent members of the U-N Security Council plus Germany, known as the P5+1 group
Arachqi-- who\'s also Iran\'s top nuclear negotiator-- says Iran has stressed that the basis of the talks must be an agreed action-plan. Any subject outside the framework of the plan cannot be negotiated. The Iranian official was speaking with reporters in Vienna, following the first round of the nuclear talks between Iran and the P5+1 group. Araqchi said the first round was a good start.
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Description:
Iran\'s deputy foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi, says the dismantling of the country\'s nuclear facilities is not on the agenda of the ongoing talks with the five permanent members of the U-N Security Council plus Germany, known as the P5+1 group
Arachqi-- who\'s also Iran\'s top nuclear negotiator-- says Iran has stressed that the basis of the talks must be an agreed action-plan. Any subject outside the framework of the plan cannot be negotiated. The Iranian official was speaking with reporters in Vienna, following the first round of the nuclear talks between Iran and the P5+1 group. Araqchi said the first round was a good start.
15:34
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[09 Aug 13] Sermons on Eid ul Fitr - Sayed Ali Khamenei - [English]
The following is the full text of the sermons delivered on August 9, 2013 by Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, during Eid ul-Fitr prayers in Tehran.
In the Name...
The following is the full text of the sermons delivered on August 9, 2013 by Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, during Eid ul-Fitr prayers in Tehran.
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, the Creator of all creatures, Whom we praise, from Whom we seek help, to Whom we repent, and Whom we rely on, and peace and greetings be upon His beloved and noble one, the best among His servants, the protector of His secret, the promoter of His message, the harbinger of His mercy, the warner of His chastisement, our Master and Prophet, Ab-al-Qassem al-Mustafa Muhammad, upon his immaculate, pure and chosen household, and upon those who guide the guided, and who are immaculate and respected, especially the one remaining with Allah on earth.
I advise myself and all of you dear brothers and sisters, who said your prayers in this magnificent meeting, to fear God and engage in piety which is the source of happiness and victory in this world and in the hereafter. I would like to congratulate all of you, all the people of Iran and all Muslims throughout the world on the occasion of the auspicious Eid ul-Fitr.
The month of Ramadan, which is full of divine blessings for our nation and other Muslims, is over and many happy people benefited from the blessings of this month. These people spent the day obeying God while they were fasting and while they felt hungry and thirsty in such hot weather and on such hot days and they avoided carnal desires and curbed their human passions.
At night, many people engaged in prayer and dhikr and they kept a vigil for God. Those who carried out their responsibility by worshiping God and fulfilling divine obligations in this month feel satisfied and happy. Engaging in spiritual deeds and fighting against human passions in this month gives a feeling of joy and spiritual happiness to you dear people who are the masters of determination and willpower and who exercised patience in fasting. One of the characteristics of carrying out responsibilities for the sake of God and making efforts and engaging in jihad for the sake of God is that one feels happy although one endures hardships and difficulties. And God has connected this happiness with the happiness that we feel on the day of Eid ul-Fitr. In order to show the greatness of this day, I should merely say that, during the nine qunuts of the auspicious prayers of Eid ul-Fitr, you swear by the blessedness of this day: \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"By the blessedness of this day I ask you...\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\" [Mafatih al-Jinan, Eid ul-Fitr]
I hope that Allah the Exalted accepts your prayers, bestows and showers His mercy and blessings on the people of Iran and bestows abundant rewards on you for the efforts that you made in this month. One of the great efforts that the people made in this month was the Quds Day rallies. One cannot describe in any way, how significant what you did is. Throughout the country, you marched on the streets in such hot weather and while you were fasting in order to prove the resistance of the Iranian nation on this important issue of the world of Islam and the history of Islam. This is the meaning of a living nation. I deem it necessary to express my gratitude, from the bottom of my heart, to the Iranian nation for this effort.
This year, more than previous years, a good tradition was witnessed. It is good to pay attention to this issue which is the act of providing the people with simple and unadorned iftar meals in our mosques and on the streets of many cities of the country. Unlike the act of offering extravagant iftar meals which we heard a number of people did, this is a very appropriate act. Under the pretext of offering iftar meals, these people engaged in extravagant acts. Instead of becoming an instrument for establishing a psychological relationship with the poor and the deprived in the month of Ramadan, they indulged themselves in carnal desires by doing this.
We do not want to say that if somebody eats a delicious food during iftar, this is forbidden. No, according to Sharia, these things are not forbidden. But extravagance and overindulgence are forbidden. The extravagance which is sometimes witnessed in such occasions is forbidden. It is so much better for those who want to offer iftar meals to do this by cherishing the tradition which has become common. In such traditions, a number of individuals offer free iftar meals - with great generosity - to people and passers-by and those who like to benefit from these iftar meals on the streets and in different Hussayniyyahs.
I hope that Allah the Exalted bestows His blessings on all of you people of Iran and accepts your actions. I hope that He bestows on you the blessing to preserve the achievements of the auspicious month of Ramadan until next year.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
I swear by the time,
Most surely man is in loss,
Except those who believe and do good, and enjoin on each other truth, and enjoin on each other patience.\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\" [The Holy Quran, 103]
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, and peace and greetings be upon our Master and Prophet, Ab-al-Qassem al-Mustafa Muhammad and upon his immaculate, pure and chosen household, especially upon the Commander of the Faithful, the Mistress of all Women, Hassan and Hussein- the children of mercy and the Imams of the guided, Ali ibn al-Hussein Zayn al-Abidin, Muhammad ibn Ali al-Baqir, Ja\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'far ibn Muhammad al-Sadiq, Musa ibn Ja\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'far al-Kadhim, Ali ibn Musa ar-Ridha, Muhammad ibn Ali al-Jawad, Ali ibn Muhammad al-Hadi, Hassan ibn Ali al-Askari and Hujjat al-Qaem al-Mahdi. Greetings be upon them all and upon the Imams of Muslims, supporters of the oppressed, and those who guide the faithful. We ask for Allah\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s forgiveness and we turn repentant to Him.
I advise all the brothers and sisters to observe piety in their speech, behavior and positions and in different social, economic and political arenas.
These days, many events are taking place in West Asia, North Africa and, generally, in Islamic regions. I will briefly refer to a number of these events. In our own country, the important event is the formation of the new administration. Thankfully, with the determination and all-out efforts of the people, this legal request was granted and this national tradition was preserved in the best way possible. By Allah\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s favor, after the Majlis carries out its responsibility of choosing competent ministers, the administration will be formed and it will start to fulfill the great and important tasks which it is in charge of although it has already started to fulfill many of the tasks. I hope that the honorable president and the executive officials of the country will benefit from divine blessings. I hope that the people\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s support and assistance will help them carry out the great responsibilities - great responsibilities have great advantages as well as great difficulties - which they have in the best way possible.
However in countries which are located around us - countries in West Asia and North Africa - the events that are taking place are not happy events. Rather, they are worrying events. One event is the event of the oppressed Palestine. After the passage of 65 years since the official occupation of Palestine, this oppressed nation continues to suffer from oppression and cruelty on a daily basis. Houses are destroyed, innocent people are arrested, children are separated from their parents and prisons are filled with people who are innocent or who have served their prison terms. What is distressing is that western powers support these criminals with all their power. One of the disasters of today\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s world is that an act of clear oppression, which is a combination of tens and hundreds of oppressive acts, is supported by those who claim they support human rights and democracy and who chant beautiful and colorful slogans, but who support criminals in practice.
Now, a number of negotiations have begun again between the self-governing government of Palestine and the Zionists. These negotiations will definitely not produce any results other than what happened during previous negotiations in which Palestinians gave up their rights and encouraged the transgressors to transgress more and stop the lawful political activities of the people of Palestine. They destroy houses, build unlawful buildings for the people who have occupied Palestine and then they say that they are negotiating. Now, they have announced that negotiations will be conducted in secret. The way global arrogance cooks these negotiations will definitely be to the disadvantage of the Palestinians.
We believe that the world of Islam should not back down on the issue of Palestine and it should condemn the usurping act of the predatory and wolf-like Zionists and their international supporters. It should not let these negotiations which are conducted with the so-called mediation of America lead to more oppression against the people of Palestine and to the isolation of Muslim Palestinian fighters. In fact, America is not a mediator. Rather, the Americans themselves are one side of these negotiations and they are on the side of the usurpers of Palestine, the Zionists.
Another issue is the issue of Egypt. We are concerned about what is happening in Egypt. Considering the things that are being done in this country, the idea that a civil war may break out in Egypt is gaining strength on a daily basis and this is a disaster. It is necessary for the great people of Egypt and political, scientific and religious personalities in this country to take a look at the current situation and see what catastrophic consequences this situation may have. They should see the current situation in Syria. They should see the consequences of the presence of western and Zionist mercenaries and terrorists wherever they are active. They should see these dangers. Democracy should receive attention. The killing of people is vigorously condemned by Muslims. Using the language of violence and bullying by different groups of people is absolutely useless and it will cause great harm.
The intervention of foreign powers - the way it is witnessed in the present time - will produce nothing except for loss and harm. The problems of Egypt should be solved by the people of Egypt and the outstanding personalities of Egypt. They should think about the catastrophic and dangerous consequences of this situation. If, God forbid, there is mayhem and if, God forbid, a civil war breaks out, what can then preclude this? In such conditions, there will be excuse for the intervention of superpowers which are the greatest disaster for any country and nation. We are concerned. We would like to offer a brotherly piece of advice to outstanding Egyptian personalities, the people of Egypt, political and religious groups and religious scholars. They should think of a solution on their own and adopt this solution on their own. They should not allow foreigners and powers - whose intelligence services have, most likely, played a role in creating this situation - to make more interventions.
Another issue is the issue of Iraq. In Iraq, a democratic administration and government has come to power with the votes of the people. Because superpowers and the reactionary forces of the region are unhappy about this situation, they do not want to let the people of Iraq feel comfort. These explosions, these killings and these criminal and terrorist activities results from the assistance and financial, political and arms support of a number of regional and ultra-regional powers which do not want to let the Iraqi nation live its life the way it wants. It is necessary for Iraqi politicians and officials, Iraqi groups, Shia and Sunni Muslims, Arabs and Kurds to take a look at the situation which exists in a number of other countries. They should notice that the consequences of civil wars and domestic conflicts, which destroy the infrastructures of any country, ruin the future of any nation. In all these events, the Zionist regime and usurpers sit and watch this situation with satisfaction and they feel comfort. Should this be allowed to continue?
Dear God, by the blessedness of Muhammad (s.w.a.) and his household (a.s.), awaken us from ignorance. Dear God, cut off the hands of malicious people and transgressors in Islamic nations and countries. Dear God, by the blessedness of Muhammad (s.w.a.) and his household (a.s.), make Islam and Muslims achieve victory wherever they are.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
To you, have We granted the Fount (of Abundance),
Therefore to your Lord turn in Prayer and Sacrifice,
For he who hates you, he will be cut off.\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\" [The Holy Quran, 108]
More...
Description:
The following is the full text of the sermons delivered on August 9, 2013 by Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, during Eid ul-Fitr prayers in Tehran.
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, the Creator of all creatures, Whom we praise, from Whom we seek help, to Whom we repent, and Whom we rely on, and peace and greetings be upon His beloved and noble one, the best among His servants, the protector of His secret, the promoter of His message, the harbinger of His mercy, the warner of His chastisement, our Master and Prophet, Ab-al-Qassem al-Mustafa Muhammad, upon his immaculate, pure and chosen household, and upon those who guide the guided, and who are immaculate and respected, especially the one remaining with Allah on earth.
I advise myself and all of you dear brothers and sisters, who said your prayers in this magnificent meeting, to fear God and engage in piety which is the source of happiness and victory in this world and in the hereafter. I would like to congratulate all of you, all the people of Iran and all Muslims throughout the world on the occasion of the auspicious Eid ul-Fitr.
The month of Ramadan, which is full of divine blessings for our nation and other Muslims, is over and many happy people benefited from the blessings of this month. These people spent the day obeying God while they were fasting and while they felt hungry and thirsty in such hot weather and on such hot days and they avoided carnal desires and curbed their human passions.
At night, many people engaged in prayer and dhikr and they kept a vigil for God. Those who carried out their responsibility by worshiping God and fulfilling divine obligations in this month feel satisfied and happy. Engaging in spiritual deeds and fighting against human passions in this month gives a feeling of joy and spiritual happiness to you dear people who are the masters of determination and willpower and who exercised patience in fasting. One of the characteristics of carrying out responsibilities for the sake of God and making efforts and engaging in jihad for the sake of God is that one feels happy although one endures hardships and difficulties. And God has connected this happiness with the happiness that we feel on the day of Eid ul-Fitr. In order to show the greatness of this day, I should merely say that, during the nine qunuts of the auspicious prayers of Eid ul-Fitr, you swear by the blessedness of this day: \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"By the blessedness of this day I ask you...\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\" [Mafatih al-Jinan, Eid ul-Fitr]
I hope that Allah the Exalted accepts your prayers, bestows and showers His mercy and blessings on the people of Iran and bestows abundant rewards on you for the efforts that you made in this month. One of the great efforts that the people made in this month was the Quds Day rallies. One cannot describe in any way, how significant what you did is. Throughout the country, you marched on the streets in such hot weather and while you were fasting in order to prove the resistance of the Iranian nation on this important issue of the world of Islam and the history of Islam. This is the meaning of a living nation. I deem it necessary to express my gratitude, from the bottom of my heart, to the Iranian nation for this effort.
This year, more than previous years, a good tradition was witnessed. It is good to pay attention to this issue which is the act of providing the people with simple and unadorned iftar meals in our mosques and on the streets of many cities of the country. Unlike the act of offering extravagant iftar meals which we heard a number of people did, this is a very appropriate act. Under the pretext of offering iftar meals, these people engaged in extravagant acts. Instead of becoming an instrument for establishing a psychological relationship with the poor and the deprived in the month of Ramadan, they indulged themselves in carnal desires by doing this.
We do not want to say that if somebody eats a delicious food during iftar, this is forbidden. No, according to Sharia, these things are not forbidden. But extravagance and overindulgence are forbidden. The extravagance which is sometimes witnessed in such occasions is forbidden. It is so much better for those who want to offer iftar meals to do this by cherishing the tradition which has become common. In such traditions, a number of individuals offer free iftar meals - with great generosity - to people and passers-by and those who like to benefit from these iftar meals on the streets and in different Hussayniyyahs.
I hope that Allah the Exalted bestows His blessings on all of you people of Iran and accepts your actions. I hope that He bestows on you the blessing to preserve the achievements of the auspicious month of Ramadan until next year.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
I swear by the time,
Most surely man is in loss,
Except those who believe and do good, and enjoin on each other truth, and enjoin on each other patience.\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\" [The Holy Quran, 103]
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, and peace and greetings be upon our Master and Prophet, Ab-al-Qassem al-Mustafa Muhammad and upon his immaculate, pure and chosen household, especially upon the Commander of the Faithful, the Mistress of all Women, Hassan and Hussein- the children of mercy and the Imams of the guided, Ali ibn al-Hussein Zayn al-Abidin, Muhammad ibn Ali al-Baqir, Ja\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'far ibn Muhammad al-Sadiq, Musa ibn Ja\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'far al-Kadhim, Ali ibn Musa ar-Ridha, Muhammad ibn Ali al-Jawad, Ali ibn Muhammad al-Hadi, Hassan ibn Ali al-Askari and Hujjat al-Qaem al-Mahdi. Greetings be upon them all and upon the Imams of Muslims, supporters of the oppressed, and those who guide the faithful. We ask for Allah\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s forgiveness and we turn repentant to Him.
I advise all the brothers and sisters to observe piety in their speech, behavior and positions and in different social, economic and political arenas.
These days, many events are taking place in West Asia, North Africa and, generally, in Islamic regions. I will briefly refer to a number of these events. In our own country, the important event is the formation of the new administration. Thankfully, with the determination and all-out efforts of the people, this legal request was granted and this national tradition was preserved in the best way possible. By Allah\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s favor, after the Majlis carries out its responsibility of choosing competent ministers, the administration will be formed and it will start to fulfill the great and important tasks which it is in charge of although it has already started to fulfill many of the tasks. I hope that the honorable president and the executive officials of the country will benefit from divine blessings. I hope that the people\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s support and assistance will help them carry out the great responsibilities - great responsibilities have great advantages as well as great difficulties - which they have in the best way possible.
However in countries which are located around us - countries in West Asia and North Africa - the events that are taking place are not happy events. Rather, they are worrying events. One event is the event of the oppressed Palestine. After the passage of 65 years since the official occupation of Palestine, this oppressed nation continues to suffer from oppression and cruelty on a daily basis. Houses are destroyed, innocent people are arrested, children are separated from their parents and prisons are filled with people who are innocent or who have served their prison terms. What is distressing is that western powers support these criminals with all their power. One of the disasters of today\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s world is that an act of clear oppression, which is a combination of tens and hundreds of oppressive acts, is supported by those who claim they support human rights and democracy and who chant beautiful and colorful slogans, but who support criminals in practice.
Now, a number of negotiations have begun again between the self-governing government of Palestine and the Zionists. These negotiations will definitely not produce any results other than what happened during previous negotiations in which Palestinians gave up their rights and encouraged the transgressors to transgress more and stop the lawful political activities of the people of Palestine. They destroy houses, build unlawful buildings for the people who have occupied Palestine and then they say that they are negotiating. Now, they have announced that negotiations will be conducted in secret. The way global arrogance cooks these negotiations will definitely be to the disadvantage of the Palestinians.
We believe that the world of Islam should not back down on the issue of Palestine and it should condemn the usurping act of the predatory and wolf-like Zionists and their international supporters. It should not let these negotiations which are conducted with the so-called mediation of America lead to more oppression against the people of Palestine and to the isolation of Muslim Palestinian fighters. In fact, America is not a mediator. Rather, the Americans themselves are one side of these negotiations and they are on the side of the usurpers of Palestine, the Zionists.
Another issue is the issue of Egypt. We are concerned about what is happening in Egypt. Considering the things that are being done in this country, the idea that a civil war may break out in Egypt is gaining strength on a daily basis and this is a disaster. It is necessary for the great people of Egypt and political, scientific and religious personalities in this country to take a look at the current situation and see what catastrophic consequences this situation may have. They should see the current situation in Syria. They should see the consequences of the presence of western and Zionist mercenaries and terrorists wherever they are active. They should see these dangers. Democracy should receive attention. The killing of people is vigorously condemned by Muslims. Using the language of violence and bullying by different groups of people is absolutely useless and it will cause great harm.
The intervention of foreign powers - the way it is witnessed in the present time - will produce nothing except for loss and harm. The problems of Egypt should be solved by the people of Egypt and the outstanding personalities of Egypt. They should think about the catastrophic and dangerous consequences of this situation. If, God forbid, there is mayhem and if, God forbid, a civil war breaks out, what can then preclude this? In such conditions, there will be excuse for the intervention of superpowers which are the greatest disaster for any country and nation. We are concerned. We would like to offer a brotherly piece of advice to outstanding Egyptian personalities, the people of Egypt, political and religious groups and religious scholars. They should think of a solution on their own and adopt this solution on their own. They should not allow foreigners and powers - whose intelligence services have, most likely, played a role in creating this situation - to make more interventions.
Another issue is the issue of Iraq. In Iraq, a democratic administration and government has come to power with the votes of the people. Because superpowers and the reactionary forces of the region are unhappy about this situation, they do not want to let the people of Iraq feel comfort. These explosions, these killings and these criminal and terrorist activities results from the assistance and financial, political and arms support of a number of regional and ultra-regional powers which do not want to let the Iraqi nation live its life the way it wants. It is necessary for Iraqi politicians and officials, Iraqi groups, Shia and Sunni Muslims, Arabs and Kurds to take a look at the situation which exists in a number of other countries. They should notice that the consequences of civil wars and domestic conflicts, which destroy the infrastructures of any country, ruin the future of any nation. In all these events, the Zionist regime and usurpers sit and watch this situation with satisfaction and they feel comfort. Should this be allowed to continue?
Dear God, by the blessedness of Muhammad (s.w.a.) and his household (a.s.), awaken us from ignorance. Dear God, cut off the hands of malicious people and transgressors in Islamic nations and countries. Dear God, by the blessedness of Muhammad (s.w.a.) and his household (a.s.), make Islam and Muslims achieve victory wherever they are.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
To you, have We granted the Fount (of Abundance),
Therefore to your Lord turn in Prayer and Sacrifice,
For he who hates you, he will be cut off.\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\" [The Holy Quran, 108]
0:30
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11:15
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41:24
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دیدار جمعی از بانوان برگزیدہ کشور - Aytaullah Khamenei | 19 Apr 2014 - Farsi
Ayatollah Khamenei\\\\\\\'s Speech in a meeting with outstanding women - April 19, 2014
The following is the full text of the speech delivered on April 19, 2014 by Ayatollah Khamenei, the...
Ayatollah Khamenei\\\\\\\'s Speech in a meeting with outstanding women - April 19, 2014
The following is the full text of the speech delivered on April 19, 2014 by Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, in a meeting with outstanding women. The meeting was held on the occasion of the auspicious birthday anniversary of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (God\\\\\\\'s greetings be upon her).
soucre
http://english.khamenei.ir//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1896&Itemid=4
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
First of all, I would like to welcome the ladies in this meeting and I congratulate you on the occasion of the auspicious birthday anniversary of Fatima Zahra (God\\\\\\\'s greetings be upon her) and Women\\\\\\\'s Day and Mother\\\\\\\'s Day. As was pointed out in this meeting, the coincidence of this important social occasion of the country with the birthday anniversary of Fatima Zahra (God\\\\\\\'s greetings be upon her) - particularly this year when our people remembered that great personality and held ceremonies for her two times in the beginning and at the end of the year - is an opportunity for understanding and learning lessons from the life of that great person.
First, the spiritual positions of Fatima Zahra (God\\\\\\\'s greetings be upon her) are among the best spiritual positions which belong only to a few individuals. She was infallible. Infallibility is particular to a few individuals who are chosen by God and that great Hazrat - Fatima Zahra (God\\\\\\\'s greetings be upon her) - is one of these few individuals. We should consider the fact that that Muslim woman and that mujahide in the way of God lived only to the age of 20. Of course, different narrations say that her age was from 18 to 25 years at the time of her martyrdom.
She was a young woman who enjoyed such a lofty position of spirituality which was equal to saints, prophets and the like and she was called the mistress of all women by divine messengers. Besides this spiritual position, each outstanding characteristic and each important role in the personal life of this great lady is a lesson.
Her piety, her modesty and purity, her jihad, her care for her husband, her way of raising children, her understanding of politics and her presence in the most important arenas of the life of an individual of those times - whether during her childhood and teenage years or after her marriage - are each a lesson. They are a lesson not only for you ladies but also for the entire humanity.
Therefore, this coincidence is a lesson for us. We should pay careful attention to the life of Fatima Zahra (s.a.), we should understand her life with a new outlook and we should make it a model for ourselves in the real sense of the word.
As for the issue of women in the Islamic Republic and in our country and society, first I would tell you that whenever I meet with Muslim, religious and educated women on such occasions, I deeply thank God. The fact that there are so many knowledgeable, educated, broad-minded and outstanding women - in intellectual and practical areas - in our society is really one of the greatest glories of the Islamic Republic. This is a very great blessing and a source of honor.
Today, only one honorable lady delivered a speech, but we have had numerous meetings with ladies in which many of them delivered a speech. When each of them made certain statements, this opened the door in our minds to new outlooks and new thoughts. Building such a large number of lofty, outstanding and broad-minded individuals is one of the greatest glories of the Islamic Republic. Today, when we take a look, we see that the name of our women have been written on many books including scientific, research-based, historical, literature, political and artistic books. The writings of our women - whether articles or books - are among the best writings in the Islamic Republic today. This is really a source of honor and it is unprecedented in our history.
We have witnessed previous eras and we have been familiar with the cultural environment of the country. We had never had such a large number of outstanding individuals in different areas, whether in seminary or academic areas. Besides, the emergence of the completely outstanding identity and the independent character of Iranian women in the arena of jihadi activities - such as the Sacred Defense Era and its aftermath until today - makes everyone humble. We have had so many wives of martyrs and disabled war veterans, so many mothers of martyrs and so many relatives of those people who laid down their lives in the way of God.
The strong willpower, firm determination and patience of these women make everyone humble. I really have a sense of humility whenever I meet with these outstanding women. I have many meetings with the mothers and wives of martyrs and disabled war veterans. When a self-sacrificing lady spends her entire life managing and improving the life of a disabled war veteran for the sake of God, this is not a minor achievement.
It is easy to say this, but it is very difficult to do it. A mother who has offered two, three, four martyrs in the way of God and who has stood firm despite this, advises us to stand firm as well. One really feels humility in the face of such greatness. These are the realities about the women of our society which are very glorious and important realities. Well, this is thankfully the bright and shining part of the issue of women in our country.
As for the issue of women in today\\\\\\\'s world and in our country, this is one of the issues which requires follow-up, deliberation and deep thinking because of different reasons. First, women form half the population of countries. How can countries - including ours - benefit from this capacity and this great resource in a healthy way? Second, how can the issue of gender - which is one of the most sensitive and delicate issues in creation - be at the service of the transcendence of humanity, not at the service of its moral decadence? Third, considering the natural differences between women and men, how can we establish and institute an unchanging pattern of behavior - whether in social environments or inside the family - through which women cannot be oppressed? These are very important issues.
If we make these two, three issues the pivot of thought, discussion and research, this will bring about a set of research-based and practical efforts. No one should think that the issue of oppressing women is particular to backward or, say, savage societies. This is not the case. If today\\\\\\\'s so-called civilized societies do not oppress women more than other societies, they do not definitely oppress them less. Well, these are important issues which should be attended to and worked on.
There were good points in the statements of the lady who delivered a speech. She pointed out the main issues that exist in our minds about this matter. Quoting from what I said before, she said that the country needs a supreme supra-governmental center for discussing and working on this important issue. These issues are our main issues.
The issue of women and the issue of family are our main issues. Of course, the issue of women is not separable from the issue of family. I would like to add that if someone wants to discuss the issue of women by separating it from the issue of family, they will face certain problems in understanding and finding the cure. These two issues should be studied together although they are two single issues.
Well, such a center is necessary. Of course, it has not been formed until now although we brought it up. We do not have a center which can study, follow up and implement a proper and comprehensive plan about the issue of women - all those issues which were pointed out in this meeting and a number of other issues. This center should be formed. Of course, this has certain requirements.
What I would like to discuss with you today is two, three points. One is that if we want to think and act in the right way about the issue of women - whether in the center which was pointed out or in any other center and organization - and if we do not want to make a mistake in this regard, we should completely clear our minds of the clichés of western products.
Westerners misunderstood the issue of women. They acted in the wrong way and they promoted this misunderstanding and these wrong, deviant and deadly actions throughout the world like common currency in a country. Besides, their propaganda apparatus, which is very broad in scope, does not allow those individuals who have different opinions from theirs to express them. If you want to find a correct solution on the issue of women and accompany it with its major requirements and if you want to move forward and achieve results in the long run, you should clear your minds of western thoughts about the issue of women.
I am not saying that we should be uninformed about their ideas. This is not what I am saying. We are not advocates of ignorance. I myself am an advocate of knowledge and familiarity, but we should completely reject the authority of these thoughts and ideas. Western thoughts and opinions on the issue of women cannot be a source of happiness and guidance for human societies at all.
First, their thoughts are based on materialistic and non-divine epistemology. Well, this is wrong. Any knowledge-based and intellectual school of thought which is based on materialistic understanding and belief is naturally wrong. The outlook towards the truths of creation should be known, understood and followed up together with the outlook towards divine epistemology, belief in the existence and power of God and divine presence and authority. Therefore, because the basis and root of western thoughts are materialistic, they are wrong. This is the first reason.
The second reason is that a businesslike, profit-based and economic view has influenced the western outlook on the issue of women. This can clearly be seen in the history of the industrial revolution. In Europe, women did not have the right to own something. Women\\\\\\\'s property belonged to men and their husbands. They did not have the right to possess something in their name. And when democracy was promoted in the west, women did not have suffrage.
In such a world, investors suddenly thought of the issue of the industrial revolution, factories and the efficient presence of women in factories with low costs. Then, they granted women suffrage so that they could draw them to factories and give them lower wages. Naturally, the entrance of women to the arena of employment had its own requirements and results which have continued until today. Therefore, besides the fact that the western outlook towards women is a non-divine and materialistic outlook, the policies which have brought about the current conditions in the western world - particularly in Europe - have been accompanied by a businesslike, profit-based and economic outlook.
Another reason why we should avoid the western outlook on the issue of women is that in this outlook, women are a means for satisfying lust. This is undeniable. If someone makes this claim, some people may create uproar. They may say, \\\\\\\"No, this is not the case\\\\\\\". However, when one takes a look at their lives, one sees that this is the dominant outlook. In social environments, the more women appear in an immodest way, the more appropriate it will be.
They do not have the same opinion about men. In official meetings, men should dress up. They should wear ties and suits. They should dress formally on such occasions. But in these formal meetings, women should appear in a different way. This has no other philosophy and reason except that women should entertain men\\\\\\\'s lustful eyes. Today, the western world is like this. It is practically the greatest oppression which the western world shows towards women.
I am not after finding newspaper clippings. But it was yesterday or the day before yesterday that I found something in a newspaper. I found it to be a very important writing. I have brought it to this meeting to read it for you. A book written by Jimmy Carter - the former president of America - has been published which is named \\\\\\\"A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence, And Power\\\\\\\". Jimmy Carter says in this book, \\\\\\\"Every year, 100,000 girls are sold as slaves in America where the owner of a brothel can buy girls - who are usually Latin American or African - at only 1000 dollars\\\\\\\".
He also refers to the rapes which occur in colleges where only one case out of 25 cases is reported. He goes on to say that only one percent of rapists are put to trial in the army. One cries when one reads such things. We can see many such writings in newspapers. I see such writings as well, but I never base my opinions on them. However, these are realities.
Jimmy Carter is a well-known personality after all and this is his book. What kind of situation is this? What kind of respect - towards women - is this? A well-known and famous western writer writes a novel for dignifying prostitution. This novel has been translated in Persian as well. This book points out how sex dealers go to Latin-American countries and take girls with them to sell them in such centers. They do this by giving the girls empty promises. Of course, this is related to Europe, not America. This book and this novel tries to pretend that prostitution is a dignified job. This is the western culture towards women. This is their respect towards women.
If we want our outlook towards the issue of women to be healthy, reasonable and precise, the first condition is that we should completely clear our minds of the statements that westerners make about women - about their employment, management and sexual equality.
One of the greatest mistakes of western thoughts about the issues of women is this sexual equality. Justice is a legitimate concept, but equality is sometimes legitimate and sometimes illegitimate. Why should we separate an individual who has been built for a particular domain - in terms of one\\\\\\\'s natural make up, whether physical or emotional - from that particular domain and drag her towards another domain which Allah the Exalted has built for another make-up? Why should we do this? What reason do we have for doing so? What kind of sympathy is this? Why should women be entrusted with carrying out male tasks? What kind of honor is to have women carry out male tasks?
I am sorry that sometimes women and ladies themselves show sensitivity over this issue. They ask, \\\\\\\"What is our difference with men?\\\\\\\" Well, there is no difference between men and women on many issues. Islam looks at men and women as human beings. There is no difference between men and women on the issue of humanity, spiritual positions and the many intellectual and scientific talents that they have. But they have two different molds. Each of these molds is shaped for a particular task. Of course, there are certain common tasks among them. Is it a service if we separate either of these two molds from their domain and put it in another domain? This is what westerners are doing. Many of their international conventions result from this outlook.
They have destroyed their own lives because of this wrong thought. They want to destroy other people\\\\\\\'s lives as well. Thankfully, you ladies are knowledgeable, well-informed and outstanding and I respect you. Whenever ladies deliver a speech in our meetings, I benefit from what they say. There was a meeting of strategic thoughts about the issue of women in this place. In that meeting, a number of ladies delivered a speech and I tell you honestly that I really benefitted from what they said.
In my opinion, if you want to think about the major issues and problems that the community of women everywhere in the world - including our country - is faced with, the first condition is that you should free yourselves and your minds of western thoughts which are a set of clichéd, wrong, fossilized and pseudo-progressive thoughts. On the face of it, these thoughts are new, but they are fossilized in actuality. On the face of it, they are helpful, but they are treacherous in actuality. You should think independently of western thoughts.
The second requirement is that you should refer to Islamic texts. You should derive the main principles and bases from the Holy Quran, the Sunnah, hadith, duas, Islamic texts and the words and behavior of the Imams (a.s.). This is revelation and revelation belongs to God. God is the Creator of you and me.
I am not saying that we should accept whatever people say in the name of religion. This is not what I want to say. Rather, we should benefit from proper religion. This can be done by employing proper methods of deduction and this is a task which can only be carried out by experts in this area. We should really benefit from God\\\\\\\'s book, the Holy Prophet\\\\\\\'s (s.w.a.) Sunnah and the infallible Imam\\\\\\\'s (a.s.) methods and words so that we can see what outlook we should adopt on the issue of women. We should derive the main guidelines from these sources.
In my opinion, these are the two main tasks. There is a third task as well which is: we should really attend to the main issues, not those issues which are of secondary importance, when working on the issues of women. Paying attention to the issue of family - particularly the issue of women\\\\\\\'s health, security, tranquility and respect in the family environment - is one of the main issues. We have a number of main issues. This is one of them.
You should see what factors take away women\\\\\\\'s tranquility and peace of mind inside the family. You should try to remove these factors with legal ways and with promotional and different other methods. This is the basis of the issue. Women are a source of tranquility at home. They are a source of tranquility for men and children including girls and boys. If women themselves do not enjoy psychological tranquility, they cannot share their tranquility with their family. A woman who is humiliated, insulted and pressured because of her job cannot be the lady of the house. She cannot be the manager of the family. This is while women are, in fact, managers of the family. This is the main issue. This is one of the main issues which has not received enough attention in our living environments - whether in the past or in the present time. This issue should receive enough attention.
The typical image of women at home is the image of a creature of secondary importance who is responsible for rendering services to others. This image is shared by many people. Some people openly express it and some people do not, although they believe it in their hearts. This is the exact opposite of what Islam has mentioned.
I have repeatedly quoted this well-known hadith: \\\\\\\"Women are like flowers. They are not servants\\\\\\\" [Nahjul Balaghah, Letter 31]. The Arabic word \\\\\\\"ghahraman\\\\\\\" means one\\\\\\\'s employee or servant. One example is: \\\\\\\"He said to his ghahraman to do such and such a task\\\\\\\" [Speaking in Arabic]. Another example is that a person who has many properties and lands orders his ghahraman to carry out such and such a task. This is the meaning of ghahraman. This hadith says that we should not think women are the servants of the house and that they should only do household chores. This is not the case.
Well, notice that this is one of the several chapters about women: the issue of respecting women\\\\\\\'s work at home. They are not obligated to do household chores and their work can be bought. That is to say, they can receive money for the work that they do at home. These are the things which exist in Islam and Islamic fiqh. As the lady who delivered a speech in this meeting pointed out, our fiqh is really advanced and outstanding. Some people highlight some aspects of it and forget about the rest. Besides, they completely distort certain aspects of it in order to make it compatible with western deceitful and fallacious thoughts. We have witnessed this as well.
Some people distort a number of Islamic obligations and truths so that westerners do not become annoyed. The Holy Quran says, \\\\\\\"And if you obey most of those in the earth, they will lead you astray from Allah\\\\\\\'s way. They follow nothing but conjecture. They do nothing but lie\\\\\\\" [The Holy Quran, 6: 116]. We should not be the followers of common thoughts in the world of ignorance and superstition. Rather, we should find and follow Islamic thoughts although some people speak ill of us. This is another issue.
Therefore, we should find the main issue. In my opinion, the main issue - or let us say, one of the main issues - is the issue of home and family. The basis of the issue is women\\\\\\\'s security and opportunities in the family environment and their home-making is for cultivating their talents. Nothing should prevent them from studying, reading, learning and writing. Of course, this is related to those women who are interested in such things. The ground should be prepared for them to carry out these tasks.
The issue of women\\\\\\\'s employment is not among the main issues. Of course, we are not at all opposed to women\\\\\\\'s employment. I myself am not at all opposed to their employment and their management as long as it does not clash with these main issues. If there is a clash, then the main issues have a priority. Naturally, one of the tasks that should be carried out in this third area is that we should see what jobs are suitable for women\\\\\\\'s characteristics. There are some jobs which are not suitable for women\\\\\\\'s make-up. Therefore, women should not pursue such jobs.
One of the tasks is that we should not impose on women those fields of study which lead to these jobs. Some people want to create uproar by saying that there is discrimination against women over the issue of universities, education and other such issues. Well, such discrimination is not bad in some areas. Discrimination is bad when it is against justice. Imagine that in a football team, you tell one player to play in attack, you tell another to play in defense and another to keep goal. Well, this is discrimination. If the player whose duty is to defend plays in attack, the team will naturally lose. If the forward is entrusted with goalkeeping - which is a task he does not know how to carry out - then, the team will naturally lose.
This is discrimination, but it is justice-based. In such discrimination, you entrust different tasks to individuals. Therefore, we should see what fields of study are suitable for women by paying attention to the lofty goals that have been specified for them. We should prepare the ground for women to study such fields. We should not force them to study certain fields just because of their performance and their grade in the entrance exam. Such fields may neither be compatible with their womanly nature nor with their lofty goals. Besides, the job that is given to them with respect to their field of study may not be compatible with their make-up. In my opinion, these things should receive attention when it comes to the issue of women\\\\\\\'s employment.
In sum, the fact that women cannot do all the jobs which men do should not be considered to be a disgrace or a flaw because this is not the case. Only those things which are not compatible with the divine nature are bad. This was what I wanted to discuss. Of course, I have written down some other points as well, but I think that this is enough.
The issue of women is an important issue. The best people who can follow up and solve this issue are women themselves. We do not suffer from a lack of educated, broad-minded, talented, literary and artistic women. Thankfully today, there are many such women in our country. As I mentioned before, we had never had such a large number of educated, knowledgeable and outstanding women in the history of our country, neither in seminary nor in academic environments. We had never had so many woman writers, poets and researchers in different fields of study.
Fortunately today, we have such women thanks to the Islamic Republic. These things have been achieved in the shade of Islam, the Islamic Republic and Imam\\\\\\\'s (r.a.) enlightening outlook towards the issue of women. This was pointed out in the statements of the lady who delivered a speech as well. We had never enjoyed such a condition in our country.
We should thank God for His blessings and we should ask Him to increase these blessings. We should thank Him for these blessings and the way to thank Him is what I pointed out in this meeting. We should look at the divine guidance and forget about the materialistic views which are promoted today by westerners and the Americans. They are very vile and they make extravagant claims. Besides, they have a propagandist outlook. If someone speaks against them, they launch a propagandist attack. But you should not pay attention to their propaganda and, by Allah\\\\\\\'s favor, you should move forward.
Greetings be upon you and Allah\\\\\\\'s mercy and blessings
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Ayatollah Khamenei\\\\\\\'s Speech in a meeting with outstanding women - April 19, 2014
The following is the full text of the speech delivered on April 19, 2014 by Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, in a meeting with outstanding women. The meeting was held on the occasion of the auspicious birthday anniversary of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (God\\\\\\\'s greetings be upon her).
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http://english.khamenei.ir//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1896&Itemid=4
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
First of all, I would like to welcome the ladies in this meeting and I congratulate you on the occasion of the auspicious birthday anniversary of Fatima Zahra (God\\\\\\\'s greetings be upon her) and Women\\\\\\\'s Day and Mother\\\\\\\'s Day. As was pointed out in this meeting, the coincidence of this important social occasion of the country with the birthday anniversary of Fatima Zahra (God\\\\\\\'s greetings be upon her) - particularly this year when our people remembered that great personality and held ceremonies for her two times in the beginning and at the end of the year - is an opportunity for understanding and learning lessons from the life of that great person.
First, the spiritual positions of Fatima Zahra (God\\\\\\\'s greetings be upon her) are among the best spiritual positions which belong only to a few individuals. She was infallible. Infallibility is particular to a few individuals who are chosen by God and that great Hazrat - Fatima Zahra (God\\\\\\\'s greetings be upon her) - is one of these few individuals. We should consider the fact that that Muslim woman and that mujahide in the way of God lived only to the age of 20. Of course, different narrations say that her age was from 18 to 25 years at the time of her martyrdom.
She was a young woman who enjoyed such a lofty position of spirituality which was equal to saints, prophets and the like and she was called the mistress of all women by divine messengers. Besides this spiritual position, each outstanding characteristic and each important role in the personal life of this great lady is a lesson.
Her piety, her modesty and purity, her jihad, her care for her husband, her way of raising children, her understanding of politics and her presence in the most important arenas of the life of an individual of those times - whether during her childhood and teenage years or after her marriage - are each a lesson. They are a lesson not only for you ladies but also for the entire humanity.
Therefore, this coincidence is a lesson for us. We should pay careful attention to the life of Fatima Zahra (s.a.), we should understand her life with a new outlook and we should make it a model for ourselves in the real sense of the word.
As for the issue of women in the Islamic Republic and in our country and society, first I would tell you that whenever I meet with Muslim, religious and educated women on such occasions, I deeply thank God. The fact that there are so many knowledgeable, educated, broad-minded and outstanding women - in intellectual and practical areas - in our society is really one of the greatest glories of the Islamic Republic. This is a very great blessing and a source of honor.
Today, only one honorable lady delivered a speech, but we have had numerous meetings with ladies in which many of them delivered a speech. When each of them made certain statements, this opened the door in our minds to new outlooks and new thoughts. Building such a large number of lofty, outstanding and broad-minded individuals is one of the greatest glories of the Islamic Republic. Today, when we take a look, we see that the name of our women have been written on many books including scientific, research-based, historical, literature, political and artistic books. The writings of our women - whether articles or books - are among the best writings in the Islamic Republic today. This is really a source of honor and it is unprecedented in our history.
We have witnessed previous eras and we have been familiar with the cultural environment of the country. We had never had such a large number of outstanding individuals in different areas, whether in seminary or academic areas. Besides, the emergence of the completely outstanding identity and the independent character of Iranian women in the arena of jihadi activities - such as the Sacred Defense Era and its aftermath until today - makes everyone humble. We have had so many wives of martyrs and disabled war veterans, so many mothers of martyrs and so many relatives of those people who laid down their lives in the way of God.
The strong willpower, firm determination and patience of these women make everyone humble. I really have a sense of humility whenever I meet with these outstanding women. I have many meetings with the mothers and wives of martyrs and disabled war veterans. When a self-sacrificing lady spends her entire life managing and improving the life of a disabled war veteran for the sake of God, this is not a minor achievement.
It is easy to say this, but it is very difficult to do it. A mother who has offered two, three, four martyrs in the way of God and who has stood firm despite this, advises us to stand firm as well. One really feels humility in the face of such greatness. These are the realities about the women of our society which are very glorious and important realities. Well, this is thankfully the bright and shining part of the issue of women in our country.
As for the issue of women in today\\\\\\\'s world and in our country, this is one of the issues which requires follow-up, deliberation and deep thinking because of different reasons. First, women form half the population of countries. How can countries - including ours - benefit from this capacity and this great resource in a healthy way? Second, how can the issue of gender - which is one of the most sensitive and delicate issues in creation - be at the service of the transcendence of humanity, not at the service of its moral decadence? Third, considering the natural differences between women and men, how can we establish and institute an unchanging pattern of behavior - whether in social environments or inside the family - through which women cannot be oppressed? These are very important issues.
If we make these two, three issues the pivot of thought, discussion and research, this will bring about a set of research-based and practical efforts. No one should think that the issue of oppressing women is particular to backward or, say, savage societies. This is not the case. If today\\\\\\\'s so-called civilized societies do not oppress women more than other societies, they do not definitely oppress them less. Well, these are important issues which should be attended to and worked on.
There were good points in the statements of the lady who delivered a speech. She pointed out the main issues that exist in our minds about this matter. Quoting from what I said before, she said that the country needs a supreme supra-governmental center for discussing and working on this important issue. These issues are our main issues.
The issue of women and the issue of family are our main issues. Of course, the issue of women is not separable from the issue of family. I would like to add that if someone wants to discuss the issue of women by separating it from the issue of family, they will face certain problems in understanding and finding the cure. These two issues should be studied together although they are two single issues.
Well, such a center is necessary. Of course, it has not been formed until now although we brought it up. We do not have a center which can study, follow up and implement a proper and comprehensive plan about the issue of women - all those issues which were pointed out in this meeting and a number of other issues. This center should be formed. Of course, this has certain requirements.
What I would like to discuss with you today is two, three points. One is that if we want to think and act in the right way about the issue of women - whether in the center which was pointed out or in any other center and organization - and if we do not want to make a mistake in this regard, we should completely clear our minds of the clichés of western products.
Westerners misunderstood the issue of women. They acted in the wrong way and they promoted this misunderstanding and these wrong, deviant and deadly actions throughout the world like common currency in a country. Besides, their propaganda apparatus, which is very broad in scope, does not allow those individuals who have different opinions from theirs to express them. If you want to find a correct solution on the issue of women and accompany it with its major requirements and if you want to move forward and achieve results in the long run, you should clear your minds of western thoughts about the issue of women.
I am not saying that we should be uninformed about their ideas. This is not what I am saying. We are not advocates of ignorance. I myself am an advocate of knowledge and familiarity, but we should completely reject the authority of these thoughts and ideas. Western thoughts and opinions on the issue of women cannot be a source of happiness and guidance for human societies at all.
First, their thoughts are based on materialistic and non-divine epistemology. Well, this is wrong. Any knowledge-based and intellectual school of thought which is based on materialistic understanding and belief is naturally wrong. The outlook towards the truths of creation should be known, understood and followed up together with the outlook towards divine epistemology, belief in the existence and power of God and divine presence and authority. Therefore, because the basis and root of western thoughts are materialistic, they are wrong. This is the first reason.
The second reason is that a businesslike, profit-based and economic view has influenced the western outlook on the issue of women. This can clearly be seen in the history of the industrial revolution. In Europe, women did not have the right to own something. Women\\\\\\\'s property belonged to men and their husbands. They did not have the right to possess something in their name. And when democracy was promoted in the west, women did not have suffrage.
In such a world, investors suddenly thought of the issue of the industrial revolution, factories and the efficient presence of women in factories with low costs. Then, they granted women suffrage so that they could draw them to factories and give them lower wages. Naturally, the entrance of women to the arena of employment had its own requirements and results which have continued until today. Therefore, besides the fact that the western outlook towards women is a non-divine and materialistic outlook, the policies which have brought about the current conditions in the western world - particularly in Europe - have been accompanied by a businesslike, profit-based and economic outlook.
Another reason why we should avoid the western outlook on the issue of women is that in this outlook, women are a means for satisfying lust. This is undeniable. If someone makes this claim, some people may create uproar. They may say, \\\\\\\"No, this is not the case\\\\\\\". However, when one takes a look at their lives, one sees that this is the dominant outlook. In social environments, the more women appear in an immodest way, the more appropriate it will be.
They do not have the same opinion about men. In official meetings, men should dress up. They should wear ties and suits. They should dress formally on such occasions. But in these formal meetings, women should appear in a different way. This has no other philosophy and reason except that women should entertain men\\\\\\\'s lustful eyes. Today, the western world is like this. It is practically the greatest oppression which the western world shows towards women.
I am not after finding newspaper clippings. But it was yesterday or the day before yesterday that I found something in a newspaper. I found it to be a very important writing. I have brought it to this meeting to read it for you. A book written by Jimmy Carter - the former president of America - has been published which is named \\\\\\\"A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence, And Power\\\\\\\". Jimmy Carter says in this book, \\\\\\\"Every year, 100,000 girls are sold as slaves in America where the owner of a brothel can buy girls - who are usually Latin American or African - at only 1000 dollars\\\\\\\".
He also refers to the rapes which occur in colleges where only one case out of 25 cases is reported. He goes on to say that only one percent of rapists are put to trial in the army. One cries when one reads such things. We can see many such writings in newspapers. I see such writings as well, but I never base my opinions on them. However, these are realities.
Jimmy Carter is a well-known personality after all and this is his book. What kind of situation is this? What kind of respect - towards women - is this? A well-known and famous western writer writes a novel for dignifying prostitution. This novel has been translated in Persian as well. This book points out how sex dealers go to Latin-American countries and take girls with them to sell them in such centers. They do this by giving the girls empty promises. Of course, this is related to Europe, not America. This book and this novel tries to pretend that prostitution is a dignified job. This is the western culture towards women. This is their respect towards women.
If we want our outlook towards the issue of women to be healthy, reasonable and precise, the first condition is that we should completely clear our minds of the statements that westerners make about women - about their employment, management and sexual equality.
One of the greatest mistakes of western thoughts about the issues of women is this sexual equality. Justice is a legitimate concept, but equality is sometimes legitimate and sometimes illegitimate. Why should we separate an individual who has been built for a particular domain - in terms of one\\\\\\\'s natural make up, whether physical or emotional - from that particular domain and drag her towards another domain which Allah the Exalted has built for another make-up? Why should we do this? What reason do we have for doing so? What kind of sympathy is this? Why should women be entrusted with carrying out male tasks? What kind of honor is to have women carry out male tasks?
I am sorry that sometimes women and ladies themselves show sensitivity over this issue. They ask, \\\\\\\"What is our difference with men?\\\\\\\" Well, there is no difference between men and women on many issues. Islam looks at men and women as human beings. There is no difference between men and women on the issue of humanity, spiritual positions and the many intellectual and scientific talents that they have. But they have two different molds. Each of these molds is shaped for a particular task. Of course, there are certain common tasks among them. Is it a service if we separate either of these two molds from their domain and put it in another domain? This is what westerners are doing. Many of their international conventions result from this outlook.
They have destroyed their own lives because of this wrong thought. They want to destroy other people\\\\\\\'s lives as well. Thankfully, you ladies are knowledgeable, well-informed and outstanding and I respect you. Whenever ladies deliver a speech in our meetings, I benefit from what they say. There was a meeting of strategic thoughts about the issue of women in this place. In that meeting, a number of ladies delivered a speech and I tell you honestly that I really benefitted from what they said.
In my opinion, if you want to think about the major issues and problems that the community of women everywhere in the world - including our country - is faced with, the first condition is that you should free yourselves and your minds of western thoughts which are a set of clichéd, wrong, fossilized and pseudo-progressive thoughts. On the face of it, these thoughts are new, but they are fossilized in actuality. On the face of it, they are helpful, but they are treacherous in actuality. You should think independently of western thoughts.
The second requirement is that you should refer to Islamic texts. You should derive the main principles and bases from the Holy Quran, the Sunnah, hadith, duas, Islamic texts and the words and behavior of the Imams (a.s.). This is revelation and revelation belongs to God. God is the Creator of you and me.
I am not saying that we should accept whatever people say in the name of religion. This is not what I want to say. Rather, we should benefit from proper religion. This can be done by employing proper methods of deduction and this is a task which can only be carried out by experts in this area. We should really benefit from God\\\\\\\'s book, the Holy Prophet\\\\\\\'s (s.w.a.) Sunnah and the infallible Imam\\\\\\\'s (a.s.) methods and words so that we can see what outlook we should adopt on the issue of women. We should derive the main guidelines from these sources.
In my opinion, these are the two main tasks. There is a third task as well which is: we should really attend to the main issues, not those issues which are of secondary importance, when working on the issues of women. Paying attention to the issue of family - particularly the issue of women\\\\\\\'s health, security, tranquility and respect in the family environment - is one of the main issues. We have a number of main issues. This is one of them.
You should see what factors take away women\\\\\\\'s tranquility and peace of mind inside the family. You should try to remove these factors with legal ways and with promotional and different other methods. This is the basis of the issue. Women are a source of tranquility at home. They are a source of tranquility for men and children including girls and boys. If women themselves do not enjoy psychological tranquility, they cannot share their tranquility with their family. A woman who is humiliated, insulted and pressured because of her job cannot be the lady of the house. She cannot be the manager of the family. This is while women are, in fact, managers of the family. This is the main issue. This is one of the main issues which has not received enough attention in our living environments - whether in the past or in the present time. This issue should receive enough attention.
The typical image of women at home is the image of a creature of secondary importance who is responsible for rendering services to others. This image is shared by many people. Some people openly express it and some people do not, although they believe it in their hearts. This is the exact opposite of what Islam has mentioned.
I have repeatedly quoted this well-known hadith: \\\\\\\"Women are like flowers. They are not servants\\\\\\\" [Nahjul Balaghah, Letter 31]. The Arabic word \\\\\\\"ghahraman\\\\\\\" means one\\\\\\\'s employee or servant. One example is: \\\\\\\"He said to his ghahraman to do such and such a task\\\\\\\" [Speaking in Arabic]. Another example is that a person who has many properties and lands orders his ghahraman to carry out such and such a task. This is the meaning of ghahraman. This hadith says that we should not think women are the servants of the house and that they should only do household chores. This is not the case.
Well, notice that this is one of the several chapters about women: the issue of respecting women\\\\\\\'s work at home. They are not obligated to do household chores and their work can be bought. That is to say, they can receive money for the work that they do at home. These are the things which exist in Islam and Islamic fiqh. As the lady who delivered a speech in this meeting pointed out, our fiqh is really advanced and outstanding. Some people highlight some aspects of it and forget about the rest. Besides, they completely distort certain aspects of it in order to make it compatible with western deceitful and fallacious thoughts. We have witnessed this as well.
Some people distort a number of Islamic obligations and truths so that westerners do not become annoyed. The Holy Quran says, \\\\\\\"And if you obey most of those in the earth, they will lead you astray from Allah\\\\\\\'s way. They follow nothing but conjecture. They do nothing but lie\\\\\\\" [The Holy Quran, 6: 116]. We should not be the followers of common thoughts in the world of ignorance and superstition. Rather, we should find and follow Islamic thoughts although some people speak ill of us. This is another issue.
Therefore, we should find the main issue. In my opinion, the main issue - or let us say, one of the main issues - is the issue of home and family. The basis of the issue is women\\\\\\\'s security and opportunities in the family environment and their home-making is for cultivating their talents. Nothing should prevent them from studying, reading, learning and writing. Of course, this is related to those women who are interested in such things. The ground should be prepared for them to carry out these tasks.
The issue of women\\\\\\\'s employment is not among the main issues. Of course, we are not at all opposed to women\\\\\\\'s employment. I myself am not at all opposed to their employment and their management as long as it does not clash with these main issues. If there is a clash, then the main issues have a priority. Naturally, one of the tasks that should be carried out in this third area is that we should see what jobs are suitable for women\\\\\\\'s characteristics. There are some jobs which are not suitable for women\\\\\\\'s make-up. Therefore, women should not pursue such jobs.
One of the tasks is that we should not impose on women those fields of study which lead to these jobs. Some people want to create uproar by saying that there is discrimination against women over the issue of universities, education and other such issues. Well, such discrimination is not bad in some areas. Discrimination is bad when it is against justice. Imagine that in a football team, you tell one player to play in attack, you tell another to play in defense and another to keep goal. Well, this is discrimination. If the player whose duty is to defend plays in attack, the team will naturally lose. If the forward is entrusted with goalkeeping - which is a task he does not know how to carry out - then, the team will naturally lose.
This is discrimination, but it is justice-based. In such discrimination, you entrust different tasks to individuals. Therefore, we should see what fields of study are suitable for women by paying attention to the lofty goals that have been specified for them. We should prepare the ground for women to study such fields. We should not force them to study certain fields just because of their performance and their grade in the entrance exam. Such fields may neither be compatible with their womanly nature nor with their lofty goals. Besides, the job that is given to them with respect to their field of study may not be compatible with their make-up. In my opinion, these things should receive attention when it comes to the issue of women\\\\\\\'s employment.
In sum, the fact that women cannot do all the jobs which men do should not be considered to be a disgrace or a flaw because this is not the case. Only those things which are not compatible with the divine nature are bad. This was what I wanted to discuss. Of course, I have written down some other points as well, but I think that this is enough.
The issue of women is an important issue. The best people who can follow up and solve this issue are women themselves. We do not suffer from a lack of educated, broad-minded, talented, literary and artistic women. Thankfully today, there are many such women in our country. As I mentioned before, we had never had such a large number of educated, knowledgeable and outstanding women in the history of our country, neither in seminary nor in academic environments. We had never had so many woman writers, poets and researchers in different fields of study.
Fortunately today, we have such women thanks to the Islamic Republic. These things have been achieved in the shade of Islam, the Islamic Republic and Imam\\\\\\\'s (r.a.) enlightening outlook towards the issue of women. This was pointed out in the statements of the lady who delivered a speech as well. We had never enjoyed such a condition in our country.
We should thank God for His blessings and we should ask Him to increase these blessings. We should thank Him for these blessings and the way to thank Him is what I pointed out in this meeting. We should look at the divine guidance and forget about the materialistic views which are promoted today by westerners and the Americans. They are very vile and they make extravagant claims. Besides, they have a propagandist outlook. If someone speaks against them, they launch a propagandist attack. But you should not pay attention to their propaganda and, by Allah\\\\\\\'s favor, you should move forward.
Greetings be upon you and Allah\\\\\\\'s mercy and blessings