Two boys killed, saving hundreds from ISIS suicide bomber

Yesterday, a shia Mosque in the Saudi city of Dammam was attacked by an ISIS suicide bomber, killing three people. 

Mohammed Hassan Ali bin Isa and Saeed Abdul-Jalil al-Arbash (Left) were stationed close to the women's entrance for security (such measures were deemed necessary after an earlier attack on another mosque), eye-witnesses say, when a man disguised as a woman tried to enter to the building. After being refused entrance by the two brave boys, the terrorist detonated a bomb around five metres from the mosque, killing himself, the two boys, and a third victim who is yet to be unidentified.

Footage (Above) from inside the mosque at the time shows just how many casualties were avoided thanks to the actions of these dutiful young men. 

Saeed was a newly-wed, having married just a few days before his untimely demise. He was in Dammam after returning from his University studies in the US. He was identified to the Associated Press by eye-witness Mohammed Idris, saying "They chased the suicide bomber when he tried to enter the women's section of the mosque entrance".

Middle East Eye reports that the mother of one of the boys, Kowthar al-Arbash, is a high-profile writer at Al-Jazeera, saying "news of her sons death was greeted by an outpouring of support online".

This is the second time a Shia mosque has been attacked in Saudi Arabia's eastern province, which is majority shia. 21 people were killed and hundreds injured just a week earlier in Qudaih after a similar incident occured. Both attacks have been claimed by ISIS via social media.

Russia ready to up-scale Iran's Nuclear Power production

Bushehr Power Plant ProtoType

Construction of two new nuclear power plants in the Iranian city of Bushehr is now a likely prospect after recent talks between Russian Atomic Energy Giant Rosatom and Irans Atomic Energy Organization. According to Russian Media, the deputy heads of both organizations met and discussed the plan to triple Iran's nuclear power production by signing a contract for the construction of Bushehr's second and third power plants.

Progress towards scaling up Iran's nuclear programme has been slow since the construction of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant started in 1975. After many operational set-backs, mainly due to the instability that followed the '79 Iranian Revolution and the Iran-Iraq war during the mid '80s, the Power plant was finally operational in 2011. The future seems much brighter for the country's energy infrastructure, which is currently around 90% dependant on domestically produced oil and gas for its electricity. Rosatom's communication department projects that "as many as 9 million homes will be supplied with electricity by the expanded nuclear facilities, meeting around a third of the countries power needs".

The new reactors will produce 1,000 megawatts each, tripling Iran's nuclear power production capacity. Operating the reactors is currently a joint venture between Moscow and Tehran because of Iran's lack of experience in maintaining such installations, but the aim is to give Iran complete operational control after a few years, when the country is ready.

JKLF to launch "court arrest programme" against arrest spree in Kashmir

JKLF - Chief Mohammad Yasin Malik 27/05/15

Jammu Kashmir liberaation front (JKLF) is led by the chief Mohammad Yasin Malik. JKLF is a separatist movement, which demands an united Kashmir, independent from both Pakistan and India.
Yasin Malik, originally come to existence in JKLF as a militant who underwent military training. In 1995, Malik prohibited any form of violence from within the JKLF movement and called for strictly peaceful methodical approaches. 

Srinagar, May 27: The Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik, came down very heavily upon the state government, saying "it has chocked all the political space of people here and its tactics are unacceptable", this may be the reason for his following decision.

During this JKLF conference, Yasin Malik declared that JKLF would launch a 10-days "court arrest Agitation", from Friday 29th May against the arresting sprees of youth & political leaders by India forces in India-controlled Kashmir. Malik was quoted to saying " Choking political space not acceptable to us and we will fight this undemocratic behaviour of so called rulers at every level" this was said amongst many other things.

Iran and Kashmir: A never ending romance



Kashmir, presently held by India as its ‘integral part’, if described in any one word, for the sake of ease, would be ‘mesmerising’, what with its green meadows, lakes, Mughal gardens, pleasant climate and a plethora of flora and fauna both. The beautiful narrative that is Kashmir is punctured occasionally by green hues of military fatigues, guns pointing right at you, bunkers making the city centre look ugly and barbed wires blocking your entrance to armed fortresses, and empty wine bottles hanging by their necks on the wires.  That’s how we have grown, amidst all that military presence of the Indian state and the lullaby of bullets and ‘encounters’, fake or otherwise putting us to sleep every night for most of our childhoods. That and of course we love Iran. I might be accused of having used the pronoun very broadly but that’s how we have grown, with majority of the people comparing Kashmir with Iran. For most of the people, the similarities are in architecture, language (Kashmiri language has a fair amount of Persian in it), the scenic beauty and in the proximity of the people in appearance. But for a specific 10 per cent of the total population in Kashmir, Iran holds a special place in their hearts.

Shias in Kashmir revere Iran for reasons that are religious; Iran for Kashmiri shias happens to be the centre of their religious world. I have vivid memories of knowing Iran before I knew Kashmir. Ironically, I have never been to Iran but I have been in love with it like any other young Kashmiri shia. I have dreamt of wearing a ‘chador’ much more than I have worn my pheran (a long, loose cloak worn in winter) and have spent dark winter nights listening to the stories of the Islamic Revolution of Iran. Typically, in a Kashmiri shia house it is but natural to have the Iranian flag pasted, pinned and framed along with a mandatory picture of the Ayatollahs (Khomenei and Khamenei both). However the love for Iran sometimes transcends religious reasons and Kashmiris follow the political stances of the Islamic Republic just as enthusiastically. That might be the answer to those curious friends who wonder why former Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadenijad should find a place along with Ayatollah Khamenei and Ayatollah Khomeini.

 For most of the Kashmiri shia families, the muqalid (a religious scholar who is followed for living a life in accordance to the Islamic values) of their choice is Ayatollah Khamenei as opposed to Ayatollah Sistani of Iraq, with no disrespect to the latter who is equally revered. This process of taqleed is almost a legacy, carried on by families and generations unless a person chooses otherwise. It just goes on to say what influence Iran exercises over us. The anti United States stance that Iran has maintained post Islamic Revolution reverberates in Kashmir as well. The slogan ‘Marg bar amreeka, marg bar israel’ (death to U.S and Israel) is almost a given in the mourning month of Muharram or during protests against the Israeli state that bombs Gaza every now and then. The Friday congregational prayers are due to be followed with prayers for the well being of Iran and its Supreme leader.

Talk to any Kashmiri shia, young or old, the love for Iran seems omnipresent and obvious barring of course some people who might have different perspectives, which is always welcome. Kashmiri shias love Iran considering it almost infallible but well that is a cause of concern, for a state will never be infallible. To study in Iran or to visit it is a dream come true and a cause of joy and happiness. The architectural marvel that is Iran, beats in the hearts of many here in this vale and beyond in the mountains of Ladakh. What will be the outcome of this love affair and how long will it continue is a question left to be answered by individuals, entitled to their fair opinions. As they say in Iran, Khatam shud. 

Terrorist plots attack on Muslims in New York

Robert Doggart, a 63 year old Christian minister ran for congress last year, and failed. What kind of bullet was dodged that day we will, fortunately, never know.

 On April 10th of this year Doggart was arrested on charges of interstate communication of threats and attempted damage to religious property, specifically citing Islamic schools and mosques, after revealing to an FBI informant on wire-tapped phone conversations that he and his co-conspirators "will soon be faced with the fight of our lives. We will offer our lives as collateral to prove our commitment to our God.... We will be cruel to them. And we will burn down their buildings."

The target of his planned assault was Islamberg (self-named), a Muslim community in New York state. Doggart's own words pertaining to the operation revealed a startlingly well-planned assault: "The operation in mind requires about 20 expert gunners. Target 3 is vulnerable from many approaches, and must be utterly destroyed in order to get the attention of the American people.... If it gets down to the machete, we will cut them to shreds." Two weeks after his arrest, he was released to home confinement on a $30,000 bond after pleading guilty to interstate communication of threats. He faces 0 to 5 years in federal prison, along with a possible fine of $250,000.

Needless to say, many are outraged that this man was not brought up on charges of terrorism, which is clearly what he was planning to do. Many examples of similar failed plots can be cited to demonstrate the hypocrisy of this verdict (Iyman Faris, Kevin James et al., James Cromotie et al., Sami Osmakac, Shahawar Siraj, and more), all of whom faced between 24 to 40 years imprisonment, and the fact that all of Doggart's co-conspirators remain free citizens is even more disturbing.

However, for a story such as this, the amount of exposure is what has seriously been called into question. Although it has been 6 days since the story surfaced, there has been an extraordinary lack of coverage from any Major American news outlet. Fox News seemingly couldn't spare any air-time, but released an article online, which our readers can judge for themselves. One major outlet published the story, although they did include some baseless accusations against the Muslim Community that Doggart was targeting.

The accusations were propounded in January during a news broadcast, showing suspiciously unverified "footage" of militant-style training, but none of the claims can be substantiated.

In a news report by Al-Arabiya, cameras were welcomed to film throughout Islamberg and found no sign of any "obstacle courses","bunkers", or "airstrips" which some trespassers claim to have seen. Instead, Muhammad Haseeb, a spokesperson for Islamberg, said to the reporter, "If you listen to the radios, the neo-cons, you know, the right wing radio stations, they actually have said that this is a terrorist camp.... so their provoking the so called "patriot" to move on his own because the government hasn't." 

Walmart installs advanced Facial Recognition Cameras: VIDEO





Image of Facial Recognition Cameras

Walmart, a multinational retail corporation has been installing facial recognition cameras at eye level within each entrance of their new stores. These cameras are not only intelligent enough to cross refer you with any social networking site but rather has the technological ability to decipher multiple things in the near environment. The extent of these cameras intelligence remains unknown. but what can be examined from the video below is that, it not only can track individual faces but can classify objects and figures. 

One may say they are spy cameras and are clear privacy abuses, others may say its beneficial to our society, only you can decide such a conclusion. 

We have received specifications for these cameras: Tech Nerds Only :

- Content based Imaging, Dinion and Flexidome hdr cameras use Video Analysis software (IVA) to identify objects of importance and track their movements. To capitalise on  IVA, a special configuration called intelligent auto exposure (iAE) can be enabled in the camera. This is used, to detect important objects such as faces, people and vehicles and then dynamically re-vamp its imaging to produce a crystal clear photo.

VIDEO:

What are your thoughts ? 

Millions celebrate birth anniversary of Imam Hussein

Within Kashmir, a conference is held to pay tribute to the Birth anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS), the grand-son of prophet Muhammad (SAW)

Millions of people are celebrating, whilst the beginning of the eighth month in the Islamic calendar begins. Visitors from all over the world are marking the birth anniversary of the third Shia imam and grandson of Prophet Muhammad.The Birth Anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS), the grand-son of prophet Muhammad (SAW) was examined amongst many Kashmiri's and Iraq's and others around the world, and still is, with religious fervour and spirit led by multiple speakers. The Speakers highlighted the roles of Imam Hussein (AS) and the roles he played for the cause of Islam such as his efforts in uniting the Muslims. The Kashmiri's sat down and observed whilst asking multiple questions. An enjoyable remembrance of a great man in the eyes of many.

Iran Persists In Aiding Wartorn Yemen Despite Saudi's Efforts

Five hours ago, an Iranian vessel carrying 2,500 tonnes of humanitarian aid for the people of Yemen finally unloaded in Djibouti. After receiving word from the US warning them not to continue on their course towards Yemen's Hodeida port - the American naval blockade of the country would not allow them through- they headed to Djibouti, where the cargo was left with World Food Organization. Iranian officials have made it clear that the ship may be inspected fully by the UN, but refused inspection from any Saudi or US officials.

This distrust is not unprecedented. Three weeks ago an Iranian aid plane was intercepted by Saudi jets giving them orders to redirect the flight to a Saudi airfield, even though an Iranian Foreign Ministry official said that the Iranian Red Cresent Society (IRCS) had obtained the necessary permission for the flight from Oman and Yemen. After the Captain, Behzad sedaqatnia, refused to follow the order, he recalls "For five minutes there was no Radio signals, then Sana'a Airport officials told us that the Sana'a Airport was being bombarded and it is not safe for you to land here." The bombing of Sana'a Airport is one of many air strikes being carried out by Saudi Arabia in Sana'a, in an attempt to take down the Houthi rebels and restore the authority of President Abderabbo Mansour Al-Hadi, who has fled to Riyadh. 

Another Iranian aid plane carrying 20 tonnes of humanitarian aid to a UN relief hub in Djibouti was also not give permission to land. An unnamed Red Crescent official was quoted by the Iranian news agency IRNA as saying that "Despite coordination with the United Nations and the WFP, the plane was not granted permission to land in Djibouti." There are suspicions that the Saudi government may have pressured Djibouti into turning the plane away, but this cannot be substantiated.  

After all of the commotion, yesterday's cargo ship has unloaded in Djibouti, and "all the aid and humanitarian assistance will be sent on the WFP ships to Yemen" said Abeer Etefa, WFP spokeswoman. Let's just hope that this is the end of the excitement and that the people of Yemen will finally recieve the aid they desperately need.

Kashmiris Stage Pro-Morsi Protest

Kashmiris stage Pro-Morsi protest rally after Friday prayers in the city centre Srinagar.
22/05/15


- To Be Updated.

Obama Gives Congress A Say On Iran Nuclear Deal

Barack Obama has just signed a legislation which will delegate the element of power to the congress. This will allow the congress to review and possibly neglect a nuclear deal with Iran. Obama signed the bill without his familiar ceremony at the White House, a ceremony which some may deem to be his usual trip and a matter of course, not in this case. Negotiators ranging from China, France, Russia to Germany all seek deals with Tehran by the finale of June. Israel & Some Persian Gulf nations continue to worry that Iran are only prolonging their nuclear ambitions to get economic sanctions lifted. The newly implemented legislation will bar Obama from waiving congressional sanctions for at least 30 days while lawmakers examine the final cemented deal. In order for Congress to reject the deal they must pass a resolution of disapproval, one in which Obama can veto. What are your thoughts on this decision?

Comedians Spurred on by Censorship

"....otherwise you are dead. If you don't speak, if you can't speak your mind, you are dead.'"

Freedom of speech, increasingly seen as one of the most revered values of modern day democracy, is nonetheless still being undermined today by the censorship laws imposed by some governments, including that of the Islamic Republic of Iran. And though one could argue that this freedom is not the absolute right of every individual in the West - there are still laws against some forms of hate speech - when it comes to free speech western comedians really are the ones with the blank cheque. Generally. Consequently, the sight of an Iranian comedian flourishing in the west becomes all the more refreshing. The above quote is taken from a comedian, Shappi Khorsandi, during her time on stage hosting the 2015 Freedom of Expression Awards. After witnessing her father (Hadi Khorsandi) being persecuted by angry Iranians for his satirical criticism of the new regime of '79 even after he had fled to Britain with his family, the fire of free speech was well fuelled, and her successful career as a comedian in America lead her to that stage as a spokeswoman for freedom of expression. 

Iran has continued to export thriving comedians to America which, considering the level of competition over there, is impressive for any country. When you add in the fact that the country has some of the strictest censorship laws in the modern world, topped only by such extreme cases as North Korea and Saudi Arabia, the whole thing comes off as quite poetic. Most recently, Dar Hashiyeh, A popular Iranian sitcom, was cancelled following pressure from medical organizations, because of the shows unflattering (to say the least) portrayal of the countries hospital system and professionals, though some argue that the criticism of the system is not baseless. 

Recent years have seen a number of talented Iranian entertainers rising up to the top of the western industry, from five minute sets on a cosy stage at the Laugh Factory, to world tours, even landing roles in some very popular Hollywood productions. Omid Djalili, a 49 year old English born comedian, is a prime example. After a wildly successful run at stand-up, he's landed supporting roles In many notable movies such as Gladiator and The Mummy. The success of such comedians, who often utilize their acts to comment on their own country's religious, social and political issues which are often censored in Iran, represents the libertarian spirit that strives on within the wider Iranian community. Some artists, like cartoonist Bozorgmehr Hosseinpour, have even found ways around the censorship rules while working in the country, subtly introducing 'incisive commentary' to his caricatures 'without attracting the ire of Irans clerical-led regime'.
Parazit was a hugely popular satirical TV show broadcast on Voice of America's Persian service, influenced by Jon Stewart's The Daily Show, which made fun of Iranian politics. It could only be viewed from Iran via Illegal satellite dishes, Bootleg DVD's or the internet, but the audience continued to grow long after it went off air. 

Whether they left the country in search of a platform for their voices to be heard, or were born in the west observing the struggles of their homeland from afar, the rising tide of outspoken comedy personalities is always working to uplift the people Iran, and show the world that a countries politics isn't always indicative of the attitude within its many communities.

Tech

News

Iranian Users Migrate to Telegram

Prevention is better than treatment. This saying applies not only to medicine, but at least in Iran, to cyberspace as well. Thus the country’s prosecutor general has issued a letter to the Minister of Communications ordering the blocking of the very popular Viber, Tango, and WhatsApp applications in Iran within the next month. This has left Iranian users (as well as their friends and family members abroad) very worried about their means of communication and, as usual, put them in the search of a new replacement. There is still no native Iranian counterpart to these applications, and in any case, for now at least, Iranian users place more trust on these foreign services. In the past few days since the letter from the judiciary was issued, there has been a mass migration of Iranians users to the messaging application Telegram.

Telegram is a cross platform messenger with a focus on security and privacy. It allows users to exchange messages, photos, videos, and files that are encrypted and self-destructing. The app is officially available for Android and iOS, and has unofficial clients for the Windows Phone, Windows desktop, and Linux available from independent developers. As of March 2014,Telegram had 35 million monthly users and over 15 million daily active users around the world.

What makes Telegram stand out compared to its rivals is its focus on security. The company actually held a competition that would award any hacker that could intercept its traffic with 200,000 Bitcoins (they claim no one succeeded). Telegram says that even its managers cannot access user information and that every message sent is deleted off its servers after a set period of time.

Downloads of the application have skyrocketed among Iranian users in the past week. Popular local tech websites are putting out article after article introducing the software. For now, it seems that Iranian consumers have made their decision. Until a popular indigenous alternative is developed for popular foreign messaging services (or there is a significant shift in government policy) it seems that such mass migrations will increasingly be the norm in Iran.

Source: IranTech