When the volcanic ash cloud hit Europe last week I along with thousands of other Muslims was caught stranded in Saudi Arabia after performing the umra (minor pilgrimage).
As we set off for Jeddah Airport we were obviously concerned since our flight had been cancelled and we were unsure what assistance would be provided to us by the Saudi government's Hajj ministry and Saudi Airlines.
In the days prior to our departure from Makkah we watched the news reports showing passengers stranded at airports across the world. On the whole these airports were providing those stranded with food, blankets and makeshift beds in an attempt to ease their plight. Thousands of others were being accommodated in hotels by their airlines because any airline based in the EU must by law provide food, drinks, and hotel accommodation.
On reaching the Saudi Airlines terminal at Jeddah Airport it very quickly became apparent that unlike the hundreds of other airlines and airports across the world the Saudi government would be providing absolutely no assistance to those stranded. The Hajj ministry and Saudi Airlines refused to provide any financial assistance to those affected saying they couldn't afford to accommodate so many people. This is despite the fact that King Abdullah is the richest leader in the world with an estimated wealth of $21 billion!
The majority of those stranded and flying back to Europe were returning from performing umra and were not only guests in the country but were guests of Allah (Most High).
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: "The one who fights for the sake of Allah and the pilgrim who goes for Hajj or Umrah are all guests of Allah. He called them and they responded; they ask of Him and He will give them." [Ibn Majah: 2893]
The Buddhist convert to Islam, Sara, alias Malani Perera who had written two books about her conversion from Buddhism to Islam and was in detention on the orders of the Defence Secretary from March 19 was released today on bail of Rs 5000 cash with two sureties for Rs 50,000 each by the Colombo Additional Magistrate Mrs. Praharsha S. Ranasinghe
She was arrested allegedly for publishing a book deemed to defamatory and offensive to Buddhists. The Mirihana Special Investigation Unit submitting a report in court submitted that the suspect was arrested on a complaint made by a courier service and on checking the suspect the police found that her identity card contained her name as Malani Perera and she was dressed like a Muslim. Consequently they arrested her conducted investigation after detaining her till April 19 at Mirihana Police Station on the orders of Defence Secretary,
Turkey is launching initiative after ambitious initiative aimed at stabilising the Middle East. Building on the successes of its normalisation with Syria and Iraq, it is facilitating efforts to reduce conflicts, expanding visa-free travel, ramping up trade, integrating infrastructure, forging strategic relationships and engaging in multilateral regional platforms. For some, this new activism is evidence that Turkey is turning from its traditional allies in Europe and the United States. In fact, its increased role in the Middle East is a complement to and even dependent on its ties to the West.....Read more
There are estimated to be 15–20 million Muslims living in the EU; this population is expected to double by 2025. Muslims in Europe are a diverse population of citizens, as well as newly arrived migrants. Most live in capital cities and large industrial towns.
Though the majority of Muslims are a long-standing and integral part of the fabric of their cities, many experience discrimination and social and economic disadvantages. Muslims in Europe today are also under heightened suspicion and scrutiny. This complex situation presents Europe with one of its greatest challenges: how to effectively ensure equal rights and social cohesion in a climate of political tension, economic uncertainty and rapidly expanding diversity.....Read More
A shocking video leaked on the internet shows US troops in Apache helicopters itching to attack a group of Iraqis before repeatedly opening fire on the innocent men.
Around 12 people were killed, including two Reuters news staff, who were mistaken for insurgents after their long lens camera was thought to be a rocket propelled grenade launcher.
The gunsight video contains audio of a conversation between the pilots, saying: "Let us shoot!"
Bullets pelt the ground as the men scatter, desperate for cover, and at one point some men are seen trying to dodge bullets while rushing small children away.
The behaviour of the US troopers has been likened to them playing a computer game and aiming for high scores.
In the footage, one of the helicopters opens fire on the small group, killing several people and wounding others in the New Baghdad District of eastern Baghdad on July 12, 2007.
A pilot is heard to say "C'mon, fire!" while the words "light 'em up!" and "keep shooting, keep shooting" are also caught on camera.
The Iraqi men moments before they are attacked
As bullets impact the dusty earth, several Iraqis are seen falling to the ground and at least one person tries to run away.
Even more disturbing is what happens just seconds later.
A van arrives and begins trying to help the wounded, but the pilots are worried the vehicle was occupied by militants trying to collect weapons and help wounded comrades escape.
The US troops are itching to attack again and request permission to open fire. "Come on, let us shoot," said one voice, impatiently.
Permission was given to hit the vehicle and two men were seen trying to run for cover.
Among those killed in the first attack was Reuters photographer Namir Noor-Eldeen, 22, and his 40-year-old driver and assistant Saeed Chmagh. Two children were also wounded.
Reuters photographer Namir Noor-Eldeen and driver Saeed Chmagh
The Apaches had been called in to assist ground troops who had been pinned down by small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades.
The video provides a rare, disturbing close-up of modern urban warfare at a time when violence was near its peak in the Iraqi capital and the US death toll was mounting.
A US defence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the video and audio were authentic.
Major Shawn Turner said an investigation of the incident shortly after it occurred found that US forces were not aware of the presence of the news journalists and thought they were engaging armed insurgents.
"We regret the loss of innocent life, but this incident was promptly investigated and there was never any attempt to cover up any aspect of this engagement," Major Turner said.
What the footage does display is just how much modern warfare, fought from a distance, resembles computer games.
According to US officials, the pilots arrived at the scene to find a group of men approaching the fight with what looked to be AK-47 rifles slung over their shoulders and at least one rocket-propelled grenade.
A military investigation concluded that the 'RPG' was really a long-range photography lens and the camera looked like an AK-47.
WikiLeaks, a group that promotes leaking videos to fight government and corporate corruption, released the footage.
It said it had obtained the video from military whistleblowers and had been able to view and investigate it after breaking the encryption code.
A spokesman said: "The behaviour of the pilots is like they are playing a computer game and their desire appears to be that they want to get high scores in that game''
