Did Obama Lie about FATWA?? - Nuke Free World By Rehbar - English & Persian
DID OBAMA LIE ?????
September 30, 2013 – At his press briefing last Friday, Barack Obama practically ran to the podium to announce his “historic” phone call to Iran and to proclaim that the...
DID OBAMA LIE ?????
September 30, 2013 – At his press briefing last Friday, Barack Obama practically ran to the podium to announce his “historic” phone call to Iran and to proclaim that the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had issued a “fatwa” against nuclear arms.
The media salivated at the courageous, bold initiative by the president to negotiate with Iran and to obtain such a stunning diplomatic commitment. It sounded like the foreign policy coup of the century. And to think, all it took was a phone call. Not only that, it happened just days before Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was scheduled to meet with Obama about the situation in Iran
September 30, 2013 – At his press briefing last Friday, Barack Obama practically ran to the podium to announce his “historic” phone call to Iran and to proclaim that the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had issued a “fatwa” against nuclear arms.
The media salivated at the courageous, bold initiative by the president to negotiate with Iran and to obtain such a stunning diplomatic commitment. It sounded like the foreign policy coup of the century. And to think, all it took was a phone call. Not only that, it happened just days before Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was scheduled to meet with Obama about the situation in Iran
Reading Obama’s Iran speech
President Barack Obama addresses the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, September 24, 2013
President Barack Obama addresses the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Thu Sep 26, 2013 7:10PM GMT
2
Phyllis Bennis, The Nation
Related Interviews:
‘Rouhani’s remarks in US, conciliatory’
\\\\\\\'Rouhani speech, perfectly appropriate\\\\\\\'
Related Viewpoints:
Ziocons fume over Rouhani UN speech
All of a sudden we’re talking to Iran. Now, granted, that shouldn’t be such an astonishing bombshell. But given the reality of the last several decades, it pretty much is. And that’s all good. It’s been too long coming, it’s still too hesitant, there’s still too much hinting about military force behind it… but we’re talking. Foreign minister to foreign minister, Kerry to Zarif, it’s all a good sign.
There were lots of problem areas in the speech-President Obama was right when he said that US policy in the Middle East would lead to charges of “hypocrisy and inconsistency.” US policy-its protection of Israeli violations of international law, its privileging of petro-monarchies over human rights, its coddling of military dictators-remains rank with hypocrisy and inconsistency. And Obama’s speech reflected much of it.
But President Obama’s speech at the United Nations General Assembly reflected some of the extraordinary shifts in global-especially Middle East and most especially Syria-related-politics that have taken shape in the last six or eight weeks. And on Iran, that was good news. Yes the president trotted out his familiar litany that “we are determined to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.” But this time, there was no “all options on the table” threat. He added explicitly that “we are not seeking regime change and we respect the right of the Iranian people to access peaceful nuclear energy.” The reference to Iran’s right to nuclear energy represented a major shift away from the longstanding claim among many US hawks and the Israeli government that Iran must give up all nuclear enrichment.
Respecting Iran’s right to “access” nuclear energy is still a bit of a dodge, of course-Article IV of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) recognizes not just access but “the inalienable right of all the Parties to the Treaty to develop research, production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes without discrimination.” Iran is a longstanding signatory to the NPT, and is entitled to all those rights. Obama referred only that “we insist that the Iranian government meet its responsibilities” under the NPT, while saying nothing about Iran’s rights under the treaty. But the high visibility US recognition of any Iranian right to nuclear power-in the context of a new willingness to open talks-is still enormously important.
It was also important that President Obama spoke of Iran with respect, acknowledging Iranian interests and opinions as legitimate and parallel to Washington’s. He recognized that Iranian mistrust of the United States has “deep roots,” referencing (however carefully) the “history of US interference in their affairs and of America’s role in overthrowing an Iranian government during the Cold War.” In fact, his identification of the 1953 US-backed coup that overthrew Iran’s democratically elected Prime Minister Mohamed Mossadegh as a product of the Cold War may have been part of an effort to distance himself and his administration from those actions. (It’s a bit disingenuous, of course. The primary rationale for the coup was far more a response to Mossadegh’s nationalization of Iran’s oil than to his ties to the Soviet Union.)
Obama also paid new attention to longstanding Iranian positions. He noted that “the Supreme Leader has issued a fatwa against the development of nuclear weapons, and President Rouhani has just recently reiterated that the Islamic Republic will never develop a nuclear weapon.” Now anyone following the Iran nuclear issue knows that the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, stated at least as far back as 2003 that nuclear weapons are a violation of Islamic law and Iran would never build or use one, and the fatwa, or legal opinion, was issued at least as far back as 2005. This isn’t new. But for President Obama to mention those judgments in the context of “the basis for a meaningful agreement” is indeed new.
Mainstream US press and officials have long derided those statements, claiming that fatwas are not binding, that 700-year-old religious laws can’t have a position on nuclear weapons, etc. But in so doing they ignore the real significance-that President Rouhani, the Supreme Leader and the rest of Iran’s government have to answer to their own population too. After years of repeating that nuclear weapons would be un-Islamic, would violate a fatwa, etc., it would not be so easy for Iran’s leaders to win popular support for a decision to embrace the bomb.
There is a long way to go in challenging aspects of President Obama’s speech at the United Nations-his embrace of American exceptionalism and his recommitment to a failed approach to Palestinian-Israeli negotiations, his view that war and violence can only be answered by military force or nothing, and more. He didn’t explicitly state a willingness to accept Iran’s participation in international talks on Syria. There is a serious danger that any move towards rapprochement with Iran would be matched with moves to pacify Israeli demands-almost certainly at the expense of Palestinian rights.
But in the broader scenario of US-Iran relations, this is a moment to move forward, to welcome the new approach in Washington now answering the new approach of Tehran.
More flexibility will be required than the United States is usually known for. The usual opponents-in Congress, in Israel and the pro-Israel lobbies-are already on the move, challenging the new opening. But these last weeks showed how a quickly organized demonstration of widespread public opinion, demanding negotiations instead of war, can win. We were able to build a movement fast, agile and powerful enough to reverse an imminent military attack on Syria and instead force a move towards diplomatic solutions to end the war. This time around, the demand to deepen, consolidate and not abandon diplomatic possibilities is on our agenda-and perhaps once again we can
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DID OBAMA LIE ?????
September 30, 2013 – At his press briefing last Friday, Barack Obama practically ran to the podium to announce his “historic” phone call to Iran and to proclaim that the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had issued a “fatwa” against nuclear arms.
The media salivated at the courageous, bold initiative by the president to negotiate with Iran and to obtain such a stunning diplomatic commitment. It sounded like the foreign policy coup of the century. And to think, all it took was a phone call. Not only that, it happened just days before Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was scheduled to meet with Obama about the situation in Iran
September 30, 2013 – At his press briefing last Friday, Barack Obama practically ran to the podium to announce his “historic” phone call to Iran and to proclaim that the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had issued a “fatwa” against nuclear arms.
The media salivated at the courageous, bold initiative by the president to negotiate with Iran and to obtain such a stunning diplomatic commitment. It sounded like the foreign policy coup of the century. And to think, all it took was a phone call. Not only that, it happened just days before Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was scheduled to meet with Obama about the situation in Iran
Reading Obama’s Iran speech
President Barack Obama addresses the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, September 24, 2013
President Barack Obama addresses the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Thu Sep 26, 2013 7:10PM GMT
2
Phyllis Bennis, The Nation
Related Interviews:
‘Rouhani’s remarks in US, conciliatory’
\\\\\\\'Rouhani speech, perfectly appropriate\\\\\\\'
Related Viewpoints:
Ziocons fume over Rouhani UN speech
All of a sudden we’re talking to Iran. Now, granted, that shouldn’t be such an astonishing bombshell. But given the reality of the last several decades, it pretty much is. And that’s all good. It’s been too long coming, it’s still too hesitant, there’s still too much hinting about military force behind it… but we’re talking. Foreign minister to foreign minister, Kerry to Zarif, it’s all a good sign.
There were lots of problem areas in the speech-President Obama was right when he said that US policy in the Middle East would lead to charges of “hypocrisy and inconsistency.” US policy-its protection of Israeli violations of international law, its privileging of petro-monarchies over human rights, its coddling of military dictators-remains rank with hypocrisy and inconsistency. And Obama’s speech reflected much of it.
But President Obama’s speech at the United Nations General Assembly reflected some of the extraordinary shifts in global-especially Middle East and most especially Syria-related-politics that have taken shape in the last six or eight weeks. And on Iran, that was good news. Yes the president trotted out his familiar litany that “we are determined to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.” But this time, there was no “all options on the table” threat. He added explicitly that “we are not seeking regime change and we respect the right of the Iranian people to access peaceful nuclear energy.” The reference to Iran’s right to nuclear energy represented a major shift away from the longstanding claim among many US hawks and the Israeli government that Iran must give up all nuclear enrichment.
Respecting Iran’s right to “access” nuclear energy is still a bit of a dodge, of course-Article IV of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) recognizes not just access but “the inalienable right of all the Parties to the Treaty to develop research, production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes without discrimination.” Iran is a longstanding signatory to the NPT, and is entitled to all those rights. Obama referred only that “we insist that the Iranian government meet its responsibilities” under the NPT, while saying nothing about Iran’s rights under the treaty. But the high visibility US recognition of any Iranian right to nuclear power-in the context of a new willingness to open talks-is still enormously important.
It was also important that President Obama spoke of Iran with respect, acknowledging Iranian interests and opinions as legitimate and parallel to Washington’s. He recognized that Iranian mistrust of the United States has “deep roots,” referencing (however carefully) the “history of US interference in their affairs and of America’s role in overthrowing an Iranian government during the Cold War.” In fact, his identification of the 1953 US-backed coup that overthrew Iran’s democratically elected Prime Minister Mohamed Mossadegh as a product of the Cold War may have been part of an effort to distance himself and his administration from those actions. (It’s a bit disingenuous, of course. The primary rationale for the coup was far more a response to Mossadegh’s nationalization of Iran’s oil than to his ties to the Soviet Union.)
Obama also paid new attention to longstanding Iranian positions. He noted that “the Supreme Leader has issued a fatwa against the development of nuclear weapons, and President Rouhani has just recently reiterated that the Islamic Republic will never develop a nuclear weapon.” Now anyone following the Iran nuclear issue knows that the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, stated at least as far back as 2003 that nuclear weapons are a violation of Islamic law and Iran would never build or use one, and the fatwa, or legal opinion, was issued at least as far back as 2005. This isn’t new. But for President Obama to mention those judgments in the context of “the basis for a meaningful agreement” is indeed new.
Mainstream US press and officials have long derided those statements, claiming that fatwas are not binding, that 700-year-old religious laws can’t have a position on nuclear weapons, etc. But in so doing they ignore the real significance-that President Rouhani, the Supreme Leader and the rest of Iran’s government have to answer to their own population too. After years of repeating that nuclear weapons would be un-Islamic, would violate a fatwa, etc., it would not be so easy for Iran’s leaders to win popular support for a decision to embrace the bomb.
There is a long way to go in challenging aspects of President Obama’s speech at the United Nations-his embrace of American exceptionalism and his recommitment to a failed approach to Palestinian-Israeli negotiations, his view that war and violence can only be answered by military force or nothing, and more. He didn’t explicitly state a willingness to accept Iran’s participation in international talks on Syria. There is a serious danger that any move towards rapprochement with Iran would be matched with moves to pacify Israeli demands-almost certainly at the expense of Palestinian rights.
But in the broader scenario of US-Iran relations, this is a moment to move forward, to welcome the new approach in Washington now answering the new approach of Tehran.
More flexibility will be required than the United States is usually known for. The usual opponents-in Congress, in Israel and the pro-Israel lobbies-are already on the move, challenging the new opening. But these last weeks showed how a quickly organized demonstration of widespread public opinion, demanding negotiations instead of war, can win. We were able to build a movement fast, agile and powerful enough to reverse an imminent military attack on Syria and instead force a move towards diplomatic solutions to end the war. This time around, the demand to deepen, consolidate and not abandon diplomatic possibilities is on our agenda-and perhaps once again we can
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[24 Oct 2013] Terrorism on the rise in Pakistan - English
Pakistan continues to face the blow back of its decision to side with the United States in its so-called war on terror.
A new study shows that a 40 percent increase in terrorist attacks was...
Pakistan continues to face the blow back of its decision to side with the United States in its so-called war on terror.
A new study shows that a 40 percent increase in terrorist attacks was witnessed in the country after new government took charge in May this year.
The report prepared by the Conflict Monitoring Center reveals that September was the deadliest month as 215 violent incidents were reported.
In those attacks as many as 284 people were killed and over 500 injured.
Pro-Taliban militants have stepped up attacks following a unanimous resolution passed by the country\'s main stream religious and political parties last month to hold talks with them.
The report also says that in the first nine months of 2013, more than 800 violent incidents were recorded in different parts of the country leaving over 2000 people dead and many more injured.
Majority of the public here in Pakistan believe that the country is facing increased number of terrorist attacks due to its alliance with the US.
Official figures indicate that as many as 50,000 Pakistanis including thousands of security personnel have lost their lives in violent incidents since 9/11 attacks.
The current Pakistani government is pushing for a peace deal with the pro-Taliban militants. But many critics here believe that it will be a huge challenge for the administration in Islamabad to achieve that objective if militants continue their attacks.
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Pakistan continues to face the blow back of its decision to side with the United States in its so-called war on terror.
A new study shows that a 40 percent increase in terrorist attacks was witnessed in the country after new government took charge in May this year.
The report prepared by the Conflict Monitoring Center reveals that September was the deadliest month as 215 violent incidents were reported.
In those attacks as many as 284 people were killed and over 500 injured.
Pro-Taliban militants have stepped up attacks following a unanimous resolution passed by the country\'s main stream religious and political parties last month to hold talks with them.
The report also says that in the first nine months of 2013, more than 800 violent incidents were recorded in different parts of the country leaving over 2000 people dead and many more injured.
Majority of the public here in Pakistan believe that the country is facing increased number of terrorist attacks due to its alliance with the US.
Official figures indicate that as many as 50,000 Pakistanis including thousands of security personnel have lost their lives in violent incidents since 9/11 attacks.
The current Pakistani government is pushing for a peace deal with the pro-Taliban militants. But many critics here believe that it will be a huge challenge for the administration in Islamabad to achieve that objective if militants continue their attacks.
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[04 Nov 2013] UN humanitarian chief calls for greater access for provision of assistance in Syria - English
The UN humanitarian chief urges the UN Security Council to impose more pressure on all sides involved in the Syrian conflict to allow greater access for the provision of assistance.
Valerie Amos...
The UN humanitarian chief urges the UN Security Council to impose more pressure on all sides involved in the Syrian conflict to allow greater access for the provision of assistance.
Valerie Amos said the Security Council should put its full political weight on both the government and opposition parties to ensure that previous calls for access are realized. The UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator added that 9 point 3 million people currently need assistance to survive. The figure stood at 6 point 8 million in September. Amos also said that 6 point 5 million people are now internally displaced. On October 7, the United Nations estimated that over four million more people would be forced out of their homes in 2014 due to the escalation of the conflict. The UN said two million Syrians are expected to seek refuge outside the country, while another 2.25 million will be internally displaced next year.
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The UN humanitarian chief urges the UN Security Council to impose more pressure on all sides involved in the Syrian conflict to allow greater access for the provision of assistance.
Valerie Amos said the Security Council should put its full political weight on both the government and opposition parties to ensure that previous calls for access are realized. The UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator added that 9 point 3 million people currently need assistance to survive. The figure stood at 6 point 8 million in September. Amos also said that 6 point 5 million people are now internally displaced. On October 7, the United Nations estimated that over four million more people would be forced out of their homes in 2014 due to the escalation of the conflict. The UN said two million Syrians are expected to seek refuge outside the country, while another 2.25 million will be internally displaced next year.
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[04 Nov 2013] Amos calls for greater access for provision of assistance in Syria - English
The UN humanitarian chief urges the UN Security Council to impose more pressure on all sides involved in the Syrian conflict to allow greater access for the provision of assistance. Valerie Amos...
The UN humanitarian chief urges the UN Security Council to impose more pressure on all sides involved in the Syrian conflict to allow greater access for the provision of assistance. Valerie Amos said the Security Council should put its full political weight on both the government and opposition parties to ensure that previous calls for access are realized. The U-N Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator added that 9 point 3 million people currently need assistance to survive. The figure stood at 6 point 8 million in September. Amos also said that 6 point 5 million people are now internally displaced. On October 7, the United Nations estimated that over four million more people would be forced out of their homes in 2014 due to the escalation of the conflict. The UN said two million Syrians are expected to seek refuge outside the country, while another 2-point-25 million will be internally displaced next year.
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The UN humanitarian chief urges the UN Security Council to impose more pressure on all sides involved in the Syrian conflict to allow greater access for the provision of assistance. Valerie Amos said the Security Council should put its full political weight on both the government and opposition parties to ensure that previous calls for access are realized. The U-N Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator added that 9 point 3 million people currently need assistance to survive. The figure stood at 6 point 8 million in September. Amos also said that 6 point 5 million people are now internally displaced. On October 7, the United Nations estimated that over four million more people would be forced out of their homes in 2014 due to the escalation of the conflict. The UN said two million Syrians are expected to seek refuge outside the country, while another 2-point-25 million will be internally displaced next year.
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[08 Nov 2013] Anger raging across Pakistan over US drones attacks - English
Anger is raging in Pakistan as the U-S goes ahead with its deadly drone campaign in the country. Supporters of political and religious parties have held another anti-US rally throughout the...
Anger is raging in Pakistan as the U-S goes ahead with its deadly drone campaign in the country. Supporters of political and religious parties have held another anti-US rally throughout the country. The protesters blame Washington for much of the violence in the country since the U-S began its so-called war on terror.
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Anger is raging in Pakistan as the U-S goes ahead with its deadly drone campaign in the country. Supporters of political and religious parties have held another anti-US rally throughout the country. The protesters blame Washington for much of the violence in the country since the U-S began its so-called war on terror.
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[17 Nov 2013] Kurdish MPs discuss Iraqi election strategy - English
Preparations are already underway for Iraq\'s general elections in April 2014. Politicians in the northern Kurdistan Region are divided over running together as a united Kurdish bloc or as...
Preparations are already underway for Iraq\'s general elections in April 2014. Politicians in the northern Kurdistan Region are divided over running together as a united Kurdish bloc or as individual parties. Some officials argue that running as one bloc would ensure that Kurdish votes from across Iraq are not wasted.
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Preparations are already underway for Iraq\'s general elections in April 2014. Politicians in the northern Kurdistan Region are divided over running together as a united Kurdish bloc or as individual parties. Some officials argue that running as one bloc would ensure that Kurdish votes from across Iraq are not wasted.
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[17 Nov 2013] Opposition to US Afghanistan security deal growing - English
The Afghan government is to hold a Loya Jirga or grand assembly in the coming days to decide whether or not a security deal should be signed with the US. This deal-- if signed, will allow American...
The Afghan government is to hold a Loya Jirga or grand assembly in the coming days to decide whether or not a security deal should be signed with the US. This deal-- if signed, will allow American forces to remain in Afghanistan beyond 2014. But opposition to the pact is mounting. Political and religious parties are holding gatherings to voice their dissatisfaction with the presence of US troops.
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The Afghan government is to hold a Loya Jirga or grand assembly in the coming days to decide whether or not a security deal should be signed with the US. This deal-- if signed, will allow American forces to remain in Afghanistan beyond 2014. But opposition to the pact is mounting. Political and religious parties are holding gatherings to voice their dissatisfaction with the presence of US troops.
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[18 Nov 2013] Egypt: Anti Coup Alliance proposes exit strategy - English
The anti-coup alliance has offered an exit strategy to end the crisis in Egypt by calling for dialogue with the army, political parties and national figures. The proposal was met with skepticism...
The anti-coup alliance has offered an exit strategy to end the crisis in Egypt by calling for dialogue with the army, political parties and national figures. The proposal was met with skepticism and stirred different reactions.
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The anti-coup alliance has offered an exit strategy to end the crisis in Egypt by calling for dialogue with the army, political parties and national figures. The proposal was met with skepticism and stirred different reactions.
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[17 Nov 2013] Egyptians take to streets to remember slain protesters - English
Egyptians in Cairo commemorate the deaths of protesters killed two years ago. They also seek reforms, with many in the crowd calling for the power of the security forces to be curbed. But clashes...
Egyptians in Cairo commemorate the deaths of protesters killed two years ago. They also seek reforms, with many in the crowd calling for the power of the security forces to be curbed. But clashes between warring parties have once again brought to light the deep state of polarization in Egyptian Society.
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Egyptians in Cairo commemorate the deaths of protesters killed two years ago. They also seek reforms, with many in the crowd calling for the power of the security forces to be curbed. But clashes between warring parties have once again brought to light the deep state of polarization in Egyptian Society.
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[22 Nov 2013] US Secretary of State Kerry, French FM Fabius traveling to Geneva - English
It\'s the third day of intense discussions in Geneva between Iran and the five permanent members of the U-N Security Council plus Germany over the Iranian nuclear energy program. Now hopes are...
It\'s the third day of intense discussions in Geneva between Iran and the five permanent members of the U-N Security Council plus Germany over the Iranian nuclear energy program. Now hopes are rising that a final deal that many say could end a decade-long standoff over the Iranian nuclear energy program is just around the corner.
Friday has been a day of multiple meetings between the negotiating parties. The Iranian delegation has been engaged with one-on-one meetings with other delegations to hammer out the details of the draft in the past few hours. Now we are getting reports that Iran\'s Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Zarif has held a fresh discussion with EU foreig policy chief Catherine Ashton - the latest of a series of meetings throughout the day. The White House says U-S Secretary of State John Kerry is going to Geneva to join the talks. U-S officials say Kerry will try to narrow differences over a proposed deal that fell through a fortnight ago. The French and British Foreign Ministers are also heading to Switzerland. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has already arrived in Geneva and has met his Iranian counterpart Mohammad-Javad Zarif.
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It\'s the third day of intense discussions in Geneva between Iran and the five permanent members of the U-N Security Council plus Germany over the Iranian nuclear energy program. Now hopes are rising that a final deal that many say could end a decade-long standoff over the Iranian nuclear energy program is just around the corner.
Friday has been a day of multiple meetings between the negotiating parties. The Iranian delegation has been engaged with one-on-one meetings with other delegations to hammer out the details of the draft in the past few hours. Now we are getting reports that Iran\'s Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Zarif has held a fresh discussion with EU foreig policy chief Catherine Ashton - the latest of a series of meetings throughout the day. The White House says U-S Secretary of State John Kerry is going to Geneva to join the talks. U-S officials say Kerry will try to narrow differences over a proposed deal that fell through a fortnight ago. The French and British Foreign Ministers are also heading to Switzerland. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has already arrived in Geneva and has met his Iranian counterpart Mohammad-Javad Zarif.
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[26 Nov 2013] Lawyer takes legal action against Pakistan Government for not stopping US drones - English
Human rights lawyer Shazhad Akbar is spearheading a movement against the US assassination drone strikes in the Pakistani tribal areas.
Earlier this year he won a major legal battle when a top...
Human rights lawyer Shazhad Akbar is spearheading a movement against the US assassination drone strikes in the Pakistani tribal areas.
Earlier this year he won a major legal battle when a top court in Pakistan declared that drone strikes are amounted to war crime and directed the government to use all available means to stop such illegal strikes.
However, according to Shazad, Islamabad has failed to implement the court order.
Anger is growing with every passing day in Pakistan over the continued US drone strikes.
Last week several religious and political parties held a massive protest in the north western city of Peshawar blocking supply lines of the US-led forces stationed in Afghanistan.
Despite strong public opposition, the US has expanded drone campaign to beyond the tribal areas.
The development has prompted the provincial government in the North West of the country to file a legal case against the CIA for killing innocent people.
The Pakistani government is under pressure to take a decisive action against US drone strikes. Many experts here believe that authorities need to come up with a clear plan to stop the United States from violating the country\'s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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Human rights lawyer Shazhad Akbar is spearheading a movement against the US assassination drone strikes in the Pakistani tribal areas.
Earlier this year he won a major legal battle when a top court in Pakistan declared that drone strikes are amounted to war crime and directed the government to use all available means to stop such illegal strikes.
However, according to Shazad, Islamabad has failed to implement the court order.
Anger is growing with every passing day in Pakistan over the continued US drone strikes.
Last week several religious and political parties held a massive protest in the north western city of Peshawar blocking supply lines of the US-led forces stationed in Afghanistan.
Despite strong public opposition, the US has expanded drone campaign to beyond the tribal areas.
The development has prompted the provincial government in the North West of the country to file a legal case against the CIA for killing innocent people.
The Pakistani government is under pressure to take a decisive action against US drone strikes. Many experts here believe that authorities need to come up with a clear plan to stop the United States from violating the country\'s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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[27 Nov 2013] Pakistan anti-drone protesters block NATO supply route - English
These are activists from Pakistan Tehreek Insaaf or Justice Party which is now governing the country\'s northwestern province bordering with Afghanistan. For several days, the provincial government...
These are activists from Pakistan Tehreek Insaaf or Justice Party which is now governing the country\'s northwestern province bordering with Afghanistan. For several days, the provincial government has blocked land routes for trucks carrying war supplies for US-led foreign forces in Afghanistan.
The provincial government has avoided using police force to block the supply lines in order to prevent legal action because defense and foreign policies are the exclusive domains of the federal government.
Legally speaking the federal government in Islamabad can dismiss the provincial government in northwestern region for overstepping its authority to block the NATO supply line. But given the fact that the anti-US sentiment is rising alarmingly, the federal government is hard pressed to decide on a clear policy action that goes beyond routinely condemning U-S drone attacks.
The country\'s Interior Minister Chaudhar Nisar Khan says that it is time for Pakistan to choose between US economic assistance or self respect. The federal government is engaged in consultation process with major political parties to evolve consensus on how to bring an end to the US drone attacks that has effectively derailed the peace process with the pro-Taliban militants.
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These are activists from Pakistan Tehreek Insaaf or Justice Party which is now governing the country\'s northwestern province bordering with Afghanistan. For several days, the provincial government has blocked land routes for trucks carrying war supplies for US-led foreign forces in Afghanistan.
The provincial government has avoided using police force to block the supply lines in order to prevent legal action because defense and foreign policies are the exclusive domains of the federal government.
Legally speaking the federal government in Islamabad can dismiss the provincial government in northwestern region for overstepping its authority to block the NATO supply line. But given the fact that the anti-US sentiment is rising alarmingly, the federal government is hard pressed to decide on a clear policy action that goes beyond routinely condemning U-S drone attacks.
The country\'s Interior Minister Chaudhar Nisar Khan says that it is time for Pakistan to choose between US economic assistance or self respect. The federal government is engaged in consultation process with major political parties to evolve consensus on how to bring an end to the US drone attacks that has effectively derailed the peace process with the pro-Taliban militants.
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[01 Dec 2013] Thousands rally in Lahore against deadly US drone attacks - English
In Pakistan\'s eastern city of Lahore, thousands have staged a protest against the US drone strikes in the country. Some five-thousand people attended the rally organized by a coalition of around...
In Pakistan\'s eastern city of Lahore, thousands have staged a protest against the US drone strikes in the country. Some five-thousand people attended the rally organized by a coalition of around 40 religious and political parties also known as Defense of Pakistan Council. They chanted anti-US slogans and called for an immediate end to the drone strikes. The protesters also called for blocking NATO supplies for Afghanistan which goes through Pakistan. The U-S drones strikes are highly unpopular in Pakistan. Activists say the US drone operations have killed thousands of civilians and injured many more. Washington claims its drone strikes mainly target militants.
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In Pakistan\'s eastern city of Lahore, thousands have staged a protest against the US drone strikes in the country. Some five-thousand people attended the rally organized by a coalition of around 40 religious and political parties also known as Defense of Pakistan Council. They chanted anti-US slogans and called for an immediate end to the drone strikes. The protesters also called for blocking NATO supplies for Afghanistan which goes through Pakistan. The U-S drones strikes are highly unpopular in Pakistan. Activists say the US drone operations have killed thousands of civilians and injured many more. Washington claims its drone strikes mainly target militants.
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[01 Dec 2013] Egypt panel finished voting on draft charter, sends to interim president - English
Egypt\'s 50-member committee tasked with writing the country\'s new constitution finishes voting on the amended national charter.
Egypt\'s former foreign minister Amr Mussa-- who heads the...
Egypt\'s 50-member committee tasked with writing the country\'s new constitution finishes voting on the amended national charter.
Egypt\'s former foreign minister Amr Mussa-- who heads the constitution panel-- says the draft will be given to interim president Adly Mansour on Tuesday. The approval comes despite nationwide protests by supporters of ousted president Mohamed Morsi. Among many others, the panel has approved a controversial article that allows civilians to be tried in military courts. The new draft also bans the formation of parties based on religious grounds. It also specifies that the defense minister must be appointed in agreement with the military. Based on the new charter, procedures for the first election, either presidential or parliamentary, must begin between 30 to 90 days after the adoption of the constitution. Egypt\'s interim authorities suspended the previous constitution written during Morsi after his removal from power on July 3.
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Egypt\'s 50-member committee tasked with writing the country\'s new constitution finishes voting on the amended national charter.
Egypt\'s former foreign minister Amr Mussa-- who heads the constitution panel-- says the draft will be given to interim president Adly Mansour on Tuesday. The approval comes despite nationwide protests by supporters of ousted president Mohamed Morsi. Among many others, the panel has approved a controversial article that allows civilians to be tried in military courts. The new draft also bans the formation of parties based on religious grounds. It also specifies that the defense minister must be appointed in agreement with the military. Based on the new charter, procedures for the first election, either presidential or parliamentary, must begin between 30 to 90 days after the adoption of the constitution. Egypt\'s interim authorities suspended the previous constitution written during Morsi after his removal from power on July 3.
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[02 Dec 2013] Muslim Brotherhood rejects Egypt new draft constitution - English
Political turmoil in Egypt. The country\'s constituent assembly has approved a new draft constitution. The Muslim Brotherhood has already rejected the charter.
The Brotherhood has slammed...
Political turmoil in Egypt. The country\'s constituent assembly has approved a new draft constitution. The Muslim Brotherhood has already rejected the charter.
The Brotherhood has slammed interim authorities, saying they\'re distorting Egypt\'s legitimate constitution which was adopted during Mohammed Morsi\'s presidency. The final draft was approved by a 50-member constituent assembly and will now be handed to the military-backed interim president. Adly Mansour is expected to set a date for a referendum on the charter. The draft calls for elections, parliamentary or presidential, within 90 days after the adoption of the constitution. If approved, the new constitution will strengthen the army\'s hand. It will also forbid the formation of parties based on religious grounds.
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Political turmoil in Egypt. The country\'s constituent assembly has approved a new draft constitution. The Muslim Brotherhood has already rejected the charter.
The Brotherhood has slammed interim authorities, saying they\'re distorting Egypt\'s legitimate constitution which was adopted during Mohammed Morsi\'s presidency. The final draft was approved by a 50-member constituent assembly and will now be handed to the military-backed interim president. Adly Mansour is expected to set a date for a referendum on the charter. The draft calls for elections, parliamentary or presidential, within 90 days after the adoption of the constitution. If approved, the new constitution will strengthen the army\'s hand. It will also forbid the formation of parties based on religious grounds.
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[03 Dec 2013] The Debate - Egypt On The Edge - English
Some say it\'s an important milestone pushing Egypt towards a new political era but others, notably among them the Muslim Brotherhood say the new draft constitution to be put to a referendum within...
Some say it\'s an important milestone pushing Egypt towards a new political era but others, notably among them the Muslim Brotherhood say the new draft constitution to be put to a referendum within months, is a step backwards especially since the new draft is seen as giving sweeping powers to the military and banning political parties based on religions. Is Egypt headed to a new era of democracy or further rallies and violent crackdowns?
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Some say it\'s an important milestone pushing Egypt towards a new political era but others, notably among them the Muslim Brotherhood say the new draft constitution to be put to a referendum within months, is a step backwards especially since the new draft is seen as giving sweeping powers to the military and banning political parties based on religions. Is Egypt headed to a new era of democracy or further rallies and violent crackdowns?
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[12 Dec 2013] Ukraine political crisis - English
Ukraine has been hit with a wave of political unrest since late November when President Viktor Yanukovych refused to sign a trade pact with the European Union.
The refusal to sign the deal...
Ukraine has been hit with a wave of political unrest since late November when President Viktor Yanukovych refused to sign a trade pact with the European Union.
The refusal to sign the deal triggered major street protests by the opposition supporters, who want Ukraine to become closer to the EU and distance itself from Russia.
Clashes erupted several times between the anti-government protesters and police forces during the demonstrations. Several arrests were made in the course of the protests as well.
In an effort to calm the political unrest, Yanukovych on Wednesday invited all parties, including the opposition, to engage in dialog to resolve the crisis facing the country.
Ukrainian opposition leaders rejected Yanukovych\'s offer of negotiations, calling for dismissal of his government and release of detained protesters.
Russia has criticized Western nations for interfering in Ukraine, saying protests against Kiev\'s decision to back away from the EU deal were destabilizing the former Soviet state.
The Russian parliament, the State Duma, in a non-binding statement on Tuesday urged the West to \"stop mounting external pressure on the politics of a country that is brotherly to us.\"
The lower house of parliament also called on Ukrainian opposition forces to \"stop illegal actions\" over the political crisis.
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Ukraine has been hit with a wave of political unrest since late November when President Viktor Yanukovych refused to sign a trade pact with the European Union.
The refusal to sign the deal triggered major street protests by the opposition supporters, who want Ukraine to become closer to the EU and distance itself from Russia.
Clashes erupted several times between the anti-government protesters and police forces during the demonstrations. Several arrests were made in the course of the protests as well.
In an effort to calm the political unrest, Yanukovych on Wednesday invited all parties, including the opposition, to engage in dialog to resolve the crisis facing the country.
Ukrainian opposition leaders rejected Yanukovych\'s offer of negotiations, calling for dismissal of his government and release of detained protesters.
Russia has criticized Western nations for interfering in Ukraine, saying protests against Kiev\'s decision to back away from the EU deal were destabilizing the former Soviet state.
The Russian parliament, the State Duma, in a non-binding statement on Tuesday urged the West to \"stop mounting external pressure on the politics of a country that is brotherly to us.\"
The lower house of parliament also called on Ukrainian opposition forces to \"stop illegal actions\" over the political crisis.
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[13 Dec 2013] UN chief deplores use of chemical weapons in Syria - English
The UN secretary-general has deplored the use of chemical weapons in Syria and has called on the international community to sanction those responsible for the chemical attacks.
Ban Ki-moon\'s...
The UN secretary-general has deplored the use of chemical weapons in Syria and has called on the international community to sanction those responsible for the chemical attacks.
Ban Ki-moon\'s statement came a day after a UN report concluded that banned chemical weapons were used at least five times before Damascus agreed to dismantle its arsenal. However, the report did not lay blame for the attacks. The report said evidence indicated chemical weapons were probably used in Khan al-Assal outside Aleppo on March 19 against soldiers and civilians. The government and opposition accused each other of using chemical weapons at Khan al-Assal, and the report said none of the parties in Syria denied their use in the village. Swedish expert Ake Sellstrom, who led the UN investigation team that compiled the report, reminded reporters that the mandate did not allow him to point the finger at anyone.
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The UN secretary-general has deplored the use of chemical weapons in Syria and has called on the international community to sanction those responsible for the chemical attacks.
Ban Ki-moon\'s statement came a day after a UN report concluded that banned chemical weapons were used at least five times before Damascus agreed to dismantle its arsenal. However, the report did not lay blame for the attacks. The report said evidence indicated chemical weapons were probably used in Khan al-Assal outside Aleppo on March 19 against soldiers and civilians. The government and opposition accused each other of using chemical weapons at Khan al-Assal, and the report said none of the parties in Syria denied their use in the village. Swedish expert Ake Sellstrom, who led the UN investigation team that compiled the report, reminded reporters that the mandate did not allow him to point the finger at anyone.
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[13 Dec 2013] Bahraini regime forces arrest several people after filing request for peaceful protest - English
Bahraini regime forces have arrested several people after they filed official notice of peaceful protests in the Persian Gulf Kingdom.
The main opposition group al-Wefaq says that at least three...
Bahraini regime forces have arrested several people after they filed official notice of peaceful protests in the Persian Gulf Kingdom.
The main opposition group al-Wefaq says that at least three people were arrested after they gave authorities the required official request for a mass protest organized by opposition parties. Al-Wefaq condemned the move, saying authorities are using their power to punish the individuals through arrest. Bahrain has been rocked by anti-regime demonstrations since February 2011. The protesters have been calling for the downfall of the regime. Dozens of people have been killed and a large number of demonstrators arrested in the crackdown since then.
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Bahraini regime forces have arrested several people after they filed official notice of peaceful protests in the Persian Gulf Kingdom.
The main opposition group al-Wefaq says that at least three people were arrested after they gave authorities the required official request for a mass protest organized by opposition parties. Al-Wefaq condemned the move, saying authorities are using their power to punish the individuals through arrest. Bahrain has been rocked by anti-regime demonstrations since February 2011. The protesters have been calling for the downfall of the regime. Dozens of people have been killed and a large number of demonstrators arrested in the crackdown since then.
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[15 Dec 2013] Delhi govt formation seems impossible amid differences - English
The government formation in India\\\'s New Delhi State seems impossible for the time being, as differences remain.
The Bharatiya Janata Party, the BJP and the Congress have NOT agreed to 18...
The government formation in India\\\'s New Delhi State seems impossible for the time being, as differences remain.
The Bharatiya Janata Party, the BJP and the Congress have NOT agreed to 18 conditions set by the Aam Aadmi Party --- also known as the Common Man\\\'s party --- which led Delhi assembly elections last week. The BJP and the Congress Party came second and third in the elections. The Aam Aadmi Party is demanding unconditional support by the two other parties. Its leader Arvind Kejriwal says that the BJP and the Congress Party must back his election manifesto, which includes a campaign against corruption. The BJP has rejected that it offered support to the Aam Aadmi Party. The Congress Party has also criticized the Aam Aadmi Party\\\'s leader for setting conditions. If no political solution is found in the coming days analysts say Delhi could soon be heading for President\\\'s rule with a Lt Governor taking all decisions till the state goes in for a fresh poll again in the coming months.
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The government formation in India\\\'s New Delhi State seems impossible for the time being, as differences remain.
The Bharatiya Janata Party, the BJP and the Congress have NOT agreed to 18 conditions set by the Aam Aadmi Party --- also known as the Common Man\\\'s party --- which led Delhi assembly elections last week. The BJP and the Congress Party came second and third in the elections. The Aam Aadmi Party is demanding unconditional support by the two other parties. Its leader Arvind Kejriwal says that the BJP and the Congress Party must back his election manifesto, which includes a campaign against corruption. The BJP has rejected that it offered support to the Aam Aadmi Party. The Congress Party has also criticized the Aam Aadmi Party\\\'s leader for setting conditions. If no political solution is found in the coming days analysts say Delhi could soon be heading for President\\\'s rule with a Lt Governor taking all decisions till the state goes in for a fresh poll again in the coming months.
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[17 Dec 2013] Islamabad standoff with local govt. over US drones attacks - English
It\'s been more than three weeks since vital supply route for the US led forces stationed in neighboring Afghanistan remains blocked in the North West of Pakistan.The supply route at Torkham border...
It\'s been more than three weeks since vital supply route for the US led forces stationed in neighboring Afghanistan remains blocked in the North West of Pakistan.The supply route at Torkham border has been blocked by activists of religious and political parties to protest against the US assassination drone strikes in the tribal areas.
However, the move by the provincial government, which is run by Tehreek-e-Insaf or Justice Party, has put the central government in difficult position.That is why these top Pakistani civil and military authorities gathered in Islamabad to find a way out of the ongoing standoff. Despite efforts by the central government, the provincial administration has refused to allow trucks carrying supplies for the US forces in Afghanistan pass through the Torkham border.Pakistan is considered important for the US to ensure its forces\' smooth pull out of Afghanistan.The US has recently threatened to suspend billions of dollars in aid to Pakistan if supply routes are not reopened. In the face off continuing US drone attacks, Pakistan\'s civil and military leadership has promised to safeguard the country\'s national interests. However, they have not been able to come up with a clear strategy to pacify the growing public anger against the CIA\'s illegal and deadly drone campaign.
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It\'s been more than three weeks since vital supply route for the US led forces stationed in neighboring Afghanistan remains blocked in the North West of Pakistan.The supply route at Torkham border has been blocked by activists of religious and political parties to protest against the US assassination drone strikes in the tribal areas.
However, the move by the provincial government, which is run by Tehreek-e-Insaf or Justice Party, has put the central government in difficult position.That is why these top Pakistani civil and military authorities gathered in Islamabad to find a way out of the ongoing standoff. Despite efforts by the central government, the provincial administration has refused to allow trucks carrying supplies for the US forces in Afghanistan pass through the Torkham border.Pakistan is considered important for the US to ensure its forces\' smooth pull out of Afghanistan.The US has recently threatened to suspend billions of dollars in aid to Pakistan if supply routes are not reopened. In the face off continuing US drone attacks, Pakistan\'s civil and military leadership has promised to safeguard the country\'s national interests. However, they have not been able to come up with a clear strategy to pacify the growing public anger against the CIA\'s illegal and deadly drone campaign.
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[20 Dec 2013] Sons of 3 Turkish ministers, top business leaders among detainees - English
Turkish prosecutors in Istanbul have charged eight people with corruption and fraud. The defendants have been placed in pre-trial detention as part of a wide graft investigation.
The eight are...
Turkish prosecutors in Istanbul have charged eight people with corruption and fraud. The defendants have been placed in pre-trial detention as part of a wide graft investigation.
The eight are among 52 people who were arrested in a series of raids on Tuesday. They are accused of offences, including accepting and facilitating bribes for development projects. The sons of three ministers and several top business leaders are among those arrested. In the wake of the raids, several dozen police officers have also been sacked, accused of abusing power. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has labeled the corruption investigation a dirty operation aimed at undermining his government. The probe has prompted opposition parties to call for the government\\\'s resignation.
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Turkish prosecutors in Istanbul have charged eight people with corruption and fraud. The defendants have been placed in pre-trial detention as part of a wide graft investigation.
The eight are among 52 people who were arrested in a series of raids on Tuesday. They are accused of offences, including accepting and facilitating bribes for development projects. The sons of three ministers and several top business leaders are among those arrested. In the wake of the raids, several dozen police officers have also been sacked, accused of abusing power. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has labeled the corruption investigation a dirty operation aimed at undermining his government. The probe has prompted opposition parties to call for the government\\\'s resignation.