Adventures in Kuwait

Kuwait & Terrorism

2011-11-28T12:14:00.000+03:00

Three Kuwaiti Officers Arrested For Ties With Terror CellsBahrain, Qatar Attacks Planned

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 27: The intelligence unit of the army has arrested three Kuwaitis working for the Ministry of Defence — one of them a captain and two sergeants - because of their alleged links with the terrorist cells that were recently busted in Bahrain and Qatar, reports Al-Shahed daily quoting knowledgeable security sources.
The sources said the arrest came following information received by the State Security police and details about interrogations with the arrested members of the cell conducted by the security authorities in Bahrain and Qatar.
The names of the three citizens working for the military came up during interrogations. Following this an unit from the military intelligence went to the workplace of the suspects and whisked them away for interrogation.
The source added the three Kuwaitis were in contact with the accused in Bahrain and Qatar and one of the ‘terrorists’ had even sent money to the Kuwaitis through a money exchange office.
The source added the recent visit of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior to Saudi Arabia was concerning this issue and to brief his Saudi counterpart on the latest developments of the investigation.
It had earlier been reported that a gang of terrorists was arrested in Bahrain and Qatar who were planning to carry out acts of sabotage on vital installations in Bahrain, including the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Manama and the King Fahd Causeway which links Saudi Arabia with Bahrain.

US Treasury Preps Report On Terror Funding By CharitiesKuwait Asked To Thoroughly Investigate Issue

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 25: The US Treasury has prepared a preliminary report on the terror financing operations allegedly being conducted by Kuwaiti charitable organizations and even forwarded a copy of it to Kuwaiti authorities, informed sources told Al-Dar daily.

Authorities have reviewed the report and will summon those accused in the report, said sources, adding more than one charitable society is involved in such suspicious activities. The US Treasury had been apparently monitoring the activities of these organizations and had asked officials to thoroughly investigate the issue.

Sources said authorities do not know exactly how much amount the charitable societies transferred overseas under the pretext of human aid, but know that some of the amount was used to aid terror operations.

A final report on the issue will be prepared and submitted to authorities at a later date, added sources.

Whoa! a Megachurch in Pakistan?!?

2011-11-21T17:41:00.000+03:00

On one hand, these Christians have....COURAGE.......cajones lol...to build a big church in KARACHI! But I am SO VERY WORRIED for them....what a way to wipe out all the Christians in the community by targeting this building during...Christmas or Easter. I'm nervous for them....but I guess they're not as nervous! They are trusting in God & will keep living for Him even in the face of danger. Though they are poor they are rich in faith!!! These are my Pakistani brothers & sisters! They are so much braver than me.

Anyway, this article is also from The Arab Times.

‘Now We Can Pray Together’

KARACHI, Pakistan, Nov 20, (AP): Pakistan’s tiny and downtrodden Christian community thought big when constructing its latest church — a domed, three-story building that towers over the sprawling slum it serves and is the largest yet in the violent, Muslim country.
St Peter’s of Karachi, which opened its doors this month and can fit around 5,000 people, is a sign of the resilience of a faith that has long suffered from state discrimination and attacks by extremists allied with al-Qaeda and the Taleban.
The church took 11 months to build and cost $3.8 million, raised from local donations and from Roman Catholics around the world, said Father Saleh Diego. It was built on the site of a smaller church in Azam Basti district, a jumble of lanes and simple brick houses that is home to around 15,000 Christians.
“There were so many people here it was not possible for us to accommodate them on Sundays. Some were sitting at the back, some in the corner, some on the terrace,” said Diego. “Now we can pray together, all 5,000 people, worship the Lord and really share and strengthen our faith.”
Pakistani towns and cities are dotted with striking churches dating back to the 19th century, when the subcontinent was ruled by Britain. Newer churches do get built, especially by Protestant and evangelical groups, but are smaller, single-room affairs.

Tensions
In some predominantly Muslim countries, such as Egypt and Indonesia, the construction of new churches can trigger tensions and even violence, but those built in Pakistan normally sit in poor Christian neighborhoods like Azam Basti, so they rarely spark protests. Those few that are built in Muslim or commercial areas can expect some problems, said a Western missionary whose church is about to begin construction of a school and church complex in Punjab province.
“We had some opposition at the start,” said the man, who has lived legally and openly on a missionary visa in Pakistan for many years, but declined to give his name for security reasons. “If we put up a big cross, and we called it a seminary, then we would expect that the locals would give us some problems. We will do it slowly.”

Christians are often discriminated against in Muslim countries, but in Pakistan they face unique problems.
Most are the descendants of low-caste, “untouchable” Hindus, who converted to Christianity when the region was under British colonial rule. Today, many still do the same work as their ancestors: street sweeping, domestic service or other menial jobs.
They tend to live in ghettos of extreme poverty, often separated from their Muslim neighbors by high walls.

In Pakistan, Christians account for between 3 percent and 5 percent of the country’s 180 million people, split approximately equally between Roman Catholics and Protestants. There are even smaller numbers of Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists.

Accommodate
St Peter’s is roughly the same size as Karachi’s imposing British-era cathedral, St Patrick’s. But it can accommodate many more worshippers because they sit on the floor, not on benches as is common in churches visited by wealthier Pakistanis like St Patrick’s.
The church is a simple rectangular building, adorned with arches and dozens of Gothic spires. Dozens of stained-glass windows depict the sufferings of Jesus Christ, while the walls inside are painted shiny white with large frescos.

On a recent evening, many hundreds flocked to the church, where several young girls were being confirmed.
Dressed in their best clothes, the worshippers took off their shoes — which, like sitting on the floor, is an Islamic custom adopted by some churches here — before walking inside. They sang hymns to the accompaniment of a piano and a ‘dhol’, a traditional drum.
Outside, conversation turned to the predicament facing the community.

Over the past 10 years, the rise of al-Qaeda and Taleban militancy has made Christians a frequent target of bombings and shootings, along with other non-Sunni Muslims. In March this year, militants shot and killed Shahbaz Bhatti, the sole Christian minister in the government, for his campaign to modify blasphemy laws used to persecute Christians.
“We are called sweepers, and Muslims do not like to share their meals with us,” said 18-year-old Joseph Messieh, one of the worshippers at St Peter’s. “It is disgusting.”

Sharoon Gill, another young man, disagreed, saying this was unfair.
“Most of my friends are Muslims and we dine out. I never feel discriminated against,” he said.
Father Diego said the church was concerned about rising radicalism, but that his building had received no threats.
“Without persecution there is no Christianity,” he said. “So we are faithful in persecution and we are faithful to the suffering.”

Kuwaitis Protest at the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait

2011-11-21T16:58:00.000+03:00

So yesterday I posted the email warning that was sent to me by the U.S Embassy about a possible demonstration being held. I had not seen anything on Twitter about a protest at our embassy or heard of any reason why.

But today I checked out The Arab Times Online and on their home page they had this as the feature article. So that answers my question!

‘Release Kuwaitis At Guantanamo’Citizens Protest In Front Of US Embassy

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 20: Around 400 Kuwaitis gathered in front of the US Embassy in Bayan Sunday to demand the release of the Kuwaiti inmates at Guantanamo Bay Prison, Fayez Al-Kandari and Fawzi Al-Awda.
Speaking at the gathering, MP Dr Waleed Al-Tabtabaei affirmed the protest action in part of efforts to secure the release of the two inmates. He condemned the detention without trial and called on the US government to release them as an act of friendship if it truly regards Kuwait as one.
Al-Tabtabaei said the WikiLeaks has published cables, quoting former Interior Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Khalid as saying that Kuwait does not want the inmates, while citing how the Israeli government went out of its way to secure the release of Gilad Shalit. He urged the Kuwaiti government to exert more efforts in demanding the immediate release of the Kuwaiti inmates in Guantanamo.
Meanwhile, head of the Guantanamo Inmates Support Group Fawzi Al-Enezi stressed the protesters have conveyed a clear message to the US embassy and its government, confirming the gathering of 20,000 signatures on a petition tilted “Guantanamo Prison is a Mark of Disgrace for the US.” He asked for the immediate release of the Kuwaiti inmates.
Also, attorney Adel Al-Abdulhadi appealed to the Kuwaiti and US governments to work together to guarantee the immediate release of both inmates.

By: Jaber Al-Humoud

While I definitely know America won't be releasing any prisoners from Gitmo just because they received a petition, these Kuwaiti's do have a point in that the prisoners should be getting a fair trial. But I don't think it will necessarily harm the friendship the U.S has with Kuwait. America isn't punishing Kuwait for their citizens being involved in plotting terrorism against the U.S, they are treating the individuals rather than the state. I think that's fair. Would Kuwait rather that we pull out of their tiny little country & let them defend themselves from...hmm...Iran & Iraq? Things between Iraq & Kuwait are getting a bit heated again since Kuwait is going forward with building this new port where Iraq says it will stop their only way of boat transportation.

But if Kuwaiti's want to play that game, why don't we quiz them as to why they released those 11 who plotted to attack Camp Arifjan (a U.S Military Base in Kuwait)? They found explosives, weapons, & their plans and thank God it never came to fruition, but because Kuwaiti Secret Service interrogated them too harshly they were freed!!!!!

Pakistan Blocks 'Obscene' Texts Including "Jesus Christ"

2011-11-20T14:19:00.002+03:00

BBC The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) has told mobile phone companies to begin blocking text messages containing "obscene" words.

Mobile phone companies Telenor Pakistan and Ufone confirmed to the BBC that the PTA has sent them a "dictionary" of banned words and expressions.

The PTA has reportedly ordered operators to begin screening text messages by 21 November.

Ufone say they are now working on how to block the offending words.

A letter dated 14 November, apparently written by Muhammad Talib Doger, an official at the PTA, has been leaked to Pakistani media.

It states that mobile phone operators should begin screening the words, provided on a list attached to the letter, within seven days.

"We have received both the dictionary and the memo and we're discussing a way forward," said Anjum Nida Rahman, corporate communications director for Telenor Pakistan.

The ban is a reaction to consumers' complaints of receiving offensive text messages, Mohammad Younis, a spokesman for the PTA, told The Guardian newspaper.

"Nobody would like this happening to their young boy or girl," he said. He added that the list was not finished and that the authority would continue to add to it.

'What am I missing?'

An unconfirmed version of the PTA's list is being circulated online, containing hundreds of words and expressions in both English and Urdu.

According to this version, the entries range from those too obscene to repeat to the bizarre.

Some of the choices on the list have baffled Pakistani mobile phone users, many of whom have taken to Twitter to ridicule the move.

Syed Adnan Yousuf, tweeting as @AdnanWhy, asked: "Why is 'head lights' banned? What am I missing here?"

Some people have suggested bypassing the ban by replacing words with their number on the PTA's list.

Pakistan has seen a big increase in mobile phone use in recent years - 100m Pakistanis are now estimated to be mobile phone users.

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Texters in Pakistan better start watching their language.

Pakistan’s telecommunications authority sent a letter ordering cell phone companies to block text messages containing what it perceives to be obscenities, Anjum Nida Rahman, a spokeswoman for Telenor Pakistan, said Friday.

It also sent a list of more than 1,500 English and Urdu words that were to be blocked.

The order was part of the regulator’s attempt to block spam messages, said Rahman. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority refused to comment on the initiative.

Many of the words to be blocked were sexually explicit terms or swear words, according to a copy of the list obtained by The Associated Press.

It also included relatively mild terms like fart and idiot.

The reasons for blocking some words, including Jesus Christ, headlights and tampon, were less clear, raising questions about religious freedom and practicality. Any word could conceivably be part of a spam message.

The letter, which was also obtained by the AP, was dated Nov. 14 and gave cell phone companies seven days to implement the order.

Rahman, the Telenor spokeswoman, said her company first received the letter Thursday and was discussing how to proceed.

“It’s a big issue, so it is being examined carefully from all points of view,” said Rahman.

The letter said the order was legal under a 1996 law preventing people from sending information through the telecommunications system that is “false, fabricated, indecent or obscene.”

It also stated that free speech can be restricted “in the interest of the glory of Islam.”

Under pressure from Islamists, Pakistan has blocked pornographic websites and ones deemed anti-Islamic. Last year, it temporarily banned Facebook because of material on the site deemed offensive to Islam.

There is a 1996 Pakistani Law where it states that free speech can be restricted "in the interest of the glory of Islam."

Some of the allegedly banned words

Athlete's foot
Flatulence
Jesus Christ
Monkey crotch
Back door
Bewaquf (foolish)
Bakwaas (nonsense)
Wuutang (a presumed reference to American rap group the Wu-Tang Clan)
Fart
Idiot
Tampons
Headlights

Emergency Warden Message for Americans in Kuwait

2011-11-20T13:56:00.001+03:00

Kuwait City, Kuwait

November 20, 2011

Subject: Possible Protest Gathering at the U.S. Embassy on November 20, 2011

Please circulate the following message without additions or omissions immediately to all U.S. Citizens within your area of responsibility.

There are unconfirmed reports of a possible silent protest gathering in front of the U.S. Embassy on Sunday, November 20 at 19:00. The gathering may take place near the main Embassy gate. An increased police and security presence around the Embassy compound is expected.

Spontaneous and planned demonstrations take place in Kuwait from time to time in response to world events or local developments. At times, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. Please avoid the areas of demonstrations and exercise caution if within the vicinity of any large gatherings. Please stay current with media coverage of local events, be aware of your surroundings, and practice personal security awareness at all times.

U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at the following website:https://travelregistration.state.gov. U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate at their destination. By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.

Updated information on travel and security may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

For further information, please consult the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov where the Worldwide Caution and Country Specific Information can be found. In addition, the Embassy encourages U.S. citizens to review "A Safe Trip Abroad," which includes valuable security information for those traveling or living in foreign countries. You can also follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and on Facebook.

The U.S. Embassy is located at Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa Street, Block 6, Plot 14, Bayan, Kuwait. If you are a U.S. citizen in need of emergency assistance in Kuwait, you may reach the U.S. Embassy by calling +965-2259-1001 and requesting the duty officer.

U.S. citizens in Kuwait who would like to receive future Emergency and Informational Messages from the Embassy directly by e-mail may sign up for this service by sending an e-mail to the following address: join-wardenmessagekuwait@mh.databack.com

This message may be accessed on the Embassy website, http://kuwait.usembassy.gov
Please note that the Consular Section is closed for U.S. and most local holidays. The current holiday schedule for 2011 is posted on http://kuwait.usembassy.gov/holidays.html.

Why I Left Islam

2011-11-08T04:51:00.000+03:00

'Musical Parties' During Holiday is "Moral Corruption"

2011-11-06T01:50:00.000+03:00

Sample Flyer of a party in Kuwait

I understand the serious reflection of a holiday as big as Eid. Maybe what they think of "musical parties" is more of a club scene. In any case....I just have to shake my head at this because this is something an American would never see in the news. I'm thankful that in the West, religion or religious traditions are not forced upon us.

Don’t Sanction Musical Parties During Holidays

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 4: MP Mohammed Hayef has warned the government particularly the ministries of Interior, Commerce and Industry and Information against organizing music parties during the Eid Al-Adha holidays. The warning came following advertisements placed by some people through the media outlets, reports Al-Rai daily.

In press statement, MP Hayef referred to the advertisements and campaigns on social networking website Twitter by a group of youths who talked about organizing music parties in some suspicious locations during the Eid holidays.

The parliamentarian said such functions should be stopped. He also said the Ministry of Interior must fight this moral corruption in “our society. We will be watching closely any violations that will take place in this regard and take to task the authorities which fail to do their duty.”

The Arab Times Online

Shop the Holiday Bazaar in Kuwait & You Fund Charity

2011-11-03T11:29:00.002+03:00

There will be a booth run by Operation Hope Kuwait selling baked goods which will fund their charity projects. I'm going to try and see if I can wake up early before work & go to this since it isn't far at all from where I live.

Kuwait is Finally Looking into Forcing Employers to Pay their Employees!!!

2011-11-03T11:24:00.001+03:00

I was just about to give three cheers for Kuwait after reading the following statement of the Ministry of Social Affairs & Labour stating they would look into enforcing sponsors to pay their workers by obligated bank transfers, when I realized....

This should have been law YEARS ago! Yes I applaud Kuwait for finally stepping up to protect their foreign national workers- God knows this will help bring them down a notch from the Human Rights Watch list. But this is only a STUDY OF THE PROPOSAL. So they could study all they want & still decide that is is not important to make Kuwaitis pay their workers. Now- given the fact that this legislation has actually made it up this far, is a good sign. I sure hope the Ministry goes forward with making this proposal law because it is the right thing to do. Especially since some Sponsors (Kuwaiti Employers) sometimes withhold payment from 6 months to a year!!!

Proposal To Bank Pay Of Domestics

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 2: The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, in coordination with the Domestic Labor Department at the Ministry of Interior, will study a proposal on obligating sponsors to transfer the salaries of their household workers to the local banks.

In a press statement Wednesday, Head of the Labor Relations Department at the ministry Hadi Al-Enzi disclosed the Higher Committee for Organizing Domestic Labor will soon refer the proposal to the concerned authorities for discussion.

Al-Enzi said two other proposals have been presented — one is requiring the sponsors to issue a receipt written in Arabic, English and the mother tongue of the workers, while the other is the submission of the monthly salary transfer advice to the relevant departments. He pointed out most disputes between the workers and their sponsors arise from the non-payment or delayed payment of salaries. He revealed some employers do not pay salaries for six months.

By: Al-Sayed Al-Qassas

Arab Times Online

Kuwait Arrests Tweeters

2011-11-03T11:10:00.000+03:00

Kuwait arrests FOUR 'Twitter Activists' on the typical ego-trip charge of insulting 'royal sanctity.' However, there is outcry from within Kuwait & they make a good point- what does this show the international community about Kuwait??? In my opinion as a Westerner, I expected Kuwait to be highly strict. But they aren't as strict as I expected (I expected a mini Saudi Arabia). They are very conservative of course but there is a lot of hypocrisy. Taboos are only taboos if no one knows or sees. It's human nature! But to arrest people because they insulted royalty? His Highness must know that there will always be critical people. We can't please everybody. If leaders have nothing to be ashamed of & they are sincerely making decisions for what is best for the people, then they need not worry about what the opposition thinks- especially since there are only 4. I guess I understand the possibility of 4 activists turning into 400 then 4,000 but if only 4 are active, then maybe the majority of Kuwaitis are ok with HH? I don't know...all I know is that Kuwait arrested 4 people for Tweeting. It's stupid & I'm reporting it so that the international community can read how ridiculous it is to arrest people for insulting each other.

Twitter Arrests Slammed By MPs, Political Bodies‘Dubai-Based Firm Monitoring Site’

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 2: Opposition MPs and political movements condemned on Wednesday the arrest of four Kuwaiti Twitter activists on the charge of insulting the royal sanctity, His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah.

The arrests were announced by the Ministry of Interior on Tuesday, which said in a statement that it had been following the activists and has seen evidence of the transgression on the social networking site. Two of the activists, Hamad Al-Alayan and Tarek Al-Mutairi, were referred to the Public Prosecution after investigations and are scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.

MPs Daifallah Buramiya, criticized the Interior Ministry’s interference with the basic freedom of opinion. He said the arrests have proved that the ministry is still being managed by ‘a repressive policing ideology’ that violates the Constitution and basic freedoms.

The method of “gagging” is useless, Buramiya added, it merely harms Kuwait’s reputation internationally. He said it seems Kuwait’s ministers are working with the prime minister, to protect him from criticism and warned Minister of Interior, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Humoud, of severe political repercussions.

For his part, Islamist MP Mohammad Hayef questioned what he describes as the “double standards” of the interior ministry. He said the arrests of Twitter activists, which only serve certain agendas, while ignoring those who have committed blasphemy against the Divine, the Prophet ‘s (PBUH) wife in the media and tore national unity, will not be tolerated.

MPs Abdulrahman Al-Anjari, Mubarak Al-Walaan, Musallam Al-Barrak and Falah Al-Sawagh further described the interior ministry actions as an attempt to transform Kuwait into a “police state.” The Islamic Constitutional Movement (ICM), opposition youth organization ‘the Fifth Fence’ among others also condemned the arrests and called on MPs and political movements to act in protection of democratic freedoms.

Al-Barrak said the Interior Ministry is interpreting of its own accord what it has seen on Twitter to intimidate activists justify arrests, not for the protection of the royal sanctity. He insisted the allegations are false as the Kuwaiti people have always respected the Amiri sanctity.

Al-Barrak further claimed that there is a Dubai-based company, owned by a Palestinian, which monitors Twitter activists and is paid by the prime minister’s office. He said the company sends reports to the Ministry of Interior on all what is tweeted on Prime Minister, Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah.
The opposition MP addressed Sheikh Ahmad Al-Humoud and urged him not to appease the PM at the expense of freedom, and to monitor Kuwait’s security status instead of Twitter activists.

By: Nihal Sharaf

Arab Times Online

Help The Needy in Kuwait This Winter!

2011-11-02T11:31:00.001+03:00

A Mission of Mercy

November 2, 2011

Mother Teresa once said, "We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love."

Tis the start of autumn in Kuwait, which means winter is just around the corner. While the cold season is relatively short-lived in Kuwait it can get quite cold - especially for the street sweepers, and others working in the labor industry. More often than not they are under dressed for the rain & cold while they perform their work duties. It has been the goal of OH-Kuwait to provide winter warmth for our brothers & sisters in need since 2005.

This year our goal is to provide winter warmth to 2,500 such workers each in one of three ways: 1) a winter warmth bag consisting of thermals, socks, gloves, and a hat, 2) a heavy-duty blanket, or 3) a coat.

Will you help us?

Further to that goal is another important project concerning the maids living at their embassy's shelter. We aim to provide each with a toiletry bag which contains: a toothbrush, toothpaste, body soap, shampoo, and sanitary napkins. We estimate at this time there are more than 1,000 such shelter residents in need of these basic toiletries.

Will you help us?

We have determined that the average cost per person for either campaign is KD 4. Here's how you can help:

1) sponsor 1, 2 or 100 needy people by presenting us with the funds in which to purchase these items.

2) purchase & bag the aforementioned items (for a set # of people) and bring them to our premises before December 1st, and we'll deliver them to the needy (our address will be provided upon request).

3) Or directly pay our wholesale merchant for the # of workers you wish to sponsor and he'll deliver your pre-paid goods to our premises, whereby our volunteers will bag them and deliver them (contact details will be provided upon request).

Mother Teresa was also noted for saying, "If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one." Your provision of support will mean a great deal to those receiving the help. Any of these means of service could be managed individually or corporately - you choose; but DO choose to help, please.

We always welcome new volunteers to sort, bag, and distribute aide to Kuwait's neediest ~ won't you join us?

Sincerely,

Sheryll Mairza

Founder

operationhopekuwait@yahoo.com

Gulf Women Have Vitamin 'D' Deficiency- DUH!

2011-11-02T00:52:00.000+03:00

It doesn't take a genius to figure out WHY Arab women in the Middle East have a deficiency in Vitamin D. Look at the photo! If they're not in their abayas then they're in really expensive, stylish designer outfits with arms, chest, hair (most of the time), & legs covered. But the article below doesn't mention that perhaps their dress code is the biggest reason for the cause. Look, I understand covering up is important to these women because they want to be very modest (or because they have to obey the man in the family who makes them cover up). But what they need is sun exposure and it's not going to happen when they are completely covered up like that.

Vitamin D Deficiency An ‘Epidemic’ In GulfOsteoporosis Risk Increasing: Kuwait Doctors

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 31: Kuwait doctors have warned that the lack of sufficient vitamin D intake is becoming a growing problem in the state and entire region, due to lack of exposure to sunlight, leading to an increased risk of the debilitating bone disease osteoporosis and associated bone fractures.

The warning was issued this week by doctors attending the “New Era in Treatment of Osteoporosis” Speaker Tour in Kuwait, where physicians gathered to listen to Professor Serge Ferrari, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Bone Diseases, Department of Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, Geneva University Hospital, Switzerland, a world expert in osteoporosis.

“The Middle East has the highest vitamin D deficiency worldwide, and this statistic is not decreasing at all and in fact we see younger people every day with severely low levels of the mineral. Younger patients have lower bone mineral density (BMD) levels compared to the standards, and fractures are occurring at a lower age than the equivalent in the Caucasian population,” said Nadia Al Ali, Head of Unit of Endocrinology and Metabolism at Amiri Hospital, Kuwait.

“Unfortunately the Gulf is synonymous now with bad lifestyle choices that increase the risk of contracting osteoporosis, such as lack of physical activity, bad diet, and reduced sun exposure due to the extremely hot summers,” she added.

Osteoporosis affects one in two women and one in four men over the age of 50, higher than the incidence of breast cancer and prostate cancer respectively, with the rate of osteoporosis-related fractures almost doubling over the last decade.

Statistics suggest an osteoporotic fracture occurs every three seconds, with one in three women and one in five men over 50 years old expected to be burdened with a fracture at some point.

“Once someone gets their first osteoporosis-related fracture, it doubles the risk for the second. Once a bone is fractured for the second time, it triples the risk for the third, and so on. BMD tests are therefore crucial in the Middle East for people over 60, which is still younger than the international standards of 65 for women and 70 for men due to the increased risk factors here,” added Dr Al Ali, who is also a Clinical Member of the Committee for the Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis, a committee under the umbrella of Kuwait’s Ministry of Health.

The committee established the first Kuwait-specific guidelines for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and also made available all drugs licensed for the treatment of osteoporosis.
Vitamin D deficiency is the result of lack of exposure to the sun and poor dietary intake of foods containing the vitamin, such as fish and eggs. Vitamin D is essential for bone health as it assists in the absorption of calcium, without which the bones become less dense and fracture easily.

Many people do not know they have osteoporosis until they suffer a fracture and undergo a Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan to check their bone density.

Treating osteoporosis involves reducing bone resorption using bisphosphonate drugs, which are either taken weekly or monthly orally. However, a new medication, which is given via an infusion, only needs to be administered once a year, so helping to improve medication compliance.

Spending 10 minutes per day, exposing 40 percent of the body area such as the back, arms and legs to the sun as well as eating sufficient foods containing vitamin D, are both recommended actions for helping to maintain vitamin D levels within the normal range that prevents osteoporosis.

The “New Era in Treatment of Osteoporosis” Speaker Tour took place 24 October at the JW Marriott Hotel in Kuwait City.

I Don't Get it...Do You?

2011-11-02T00:39:00.000+03:00

I'm not sure if this is some kind of joke...or if this is a serious "Important Public Announcement." I was on The Arab Times Online website when I saw a ticker at the top of the page saying "Important Public Announcement." So I clicked on it expecting something seriously important. All I saw was the photo above. I'm not familiar with animal slaughter-houses so...I don't know what to make of this.

Combat Troops in Kuwait instead of Iraq

2011-11-01T02:14:00.000+03:00

Remember when Obama said the troops will be home for Christmas because he was keeping his 'promise' of pulling out of Iraq??? Well- that's partly true.....but it's also very misleading! They're going from Iraq to next door!

From The Arab Times Online

US Said Negotiating ‘Combat Presence’ In Kuwait

WASHINGTON, Oct 30, (RTRS): The United States is planning to bolster its military presence in the Gulf after it pulls out its remaining troops from Iraq, the New York Times reported in its online edition on Sunday.

President Barack Obama said on Oct 21 that he had decided to withdraw all US troops from Iraq by the end of the year and the paper said that US military officers and diplomats worried that the withdrawal could bring instability to the region.

It said Washington was negotiating to maintain a combat presence on the ground in Kuwait and was considering deploying more warships in the area.

No one at the Pentagon was immediately available to comment.

The United States also wanted to expand its military ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) — Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman, it said.

The proposal needed approval by GCC leaders who are due to meet in the Saudi capital Riyadh in December, the paper said.

How to Drive in Kuwait

2011-10-29T21:33:00.002+03:00

Helping the Needy in Kuwait

2011-10-29T21:26:00.003+03:00

I am soooooooo excited!!!

If you've been following my blog at all (which is probably unlikely since my blog turned from personal to kinda political in a social justice sense thereby losing my audience), you may remember that I posted about wanting to be a part of an organization or ministry that aides expat labor & domestic workers who are abused or in need. I briefly came across a ministry through a Church that ministered to abused domestic workers in the Philippine Emabssy but I learned of it through a church bulletin that was given to me at work that I can no longer find. I googled it but could not find any more info.

There are organizations in Kuwait to help clean up the place, make it greener (LITERALLY), and even a human rights campaign against the abuse of foreign national domestic workers (mainly women who are physically abused, sexually abused, tortured, & trafficked). But I couldn't find ways to help.

Finally today I learned about a ministry with a sincere heart in aiding the needy in Kuwait. I came across it through Crazy in Kuwait's blog, a popular blog written by an American Muslim convert who married a Kuwaiti & uses her blog to help other expatriates. I immediately decided to check out Operation Hope Kuwait. Aside from my excitement to come across an organization that actually asked for hands on volunteers (b/c I want to get my hands dirty SO BADLY instead of just giving money all the time), I was taken back to learn that this organization was created from a sister in Christ, led by the Lord. So imagine my surprise to see a Muslim's blog supporting a Christian ministry for the sake of good.

To me, the founder of Operation Hope Kuwait is an unknown hero. She's just an average woman who was compelled by the Lord to offer a cup of cold water to a thirsty soul in the name of Jesus. She's not making a big production out of it- not trying to get her name in lights, billboards, or fliers- she's just doing what God has called her to do- in a Muslim country. She's a light. How I praise God for her. I just hope that I can actually do some volunteer work on my day off! I'm so frustrated that I have to work 6 days a week & that I haven't been able to even do much in Kuwait.

Anyway, even though this organization is in Kuwait, donations will be accepted from anywhere in the world- and I'm not just talking about financial donations. They need things like shoes, clothes, toiletries, feminine hygenic products, blankets (yes it can get very cold in Kuwait), household items, and much more.

Let me help paint a picture of the people who are receiving help:

She's actually a cleaner where I work

Makeshift shelter in an Embassy

So if you're living in Kuwait or would like to contribute in a creative way contact: operationhopekuwait@yahoo.com or call 9937-5613

Iranian Pastor Nadarkhani: Given Islamic Literature in Prison

2011-10-29T12:29:00.000+03:00

As some may have been following, Youcef's case had been turned over to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is supposed to be making the final decision on whether Pastor Youcef will live or die. Khamenei has ultimate authority over Iran’s judiciary matters, and is expected to announce Nadarkhani’s fate by Nov. 2.

“The ayatollah can make any decision he wants. He controls the judiciary, who’s executed, who’s not executed, the military. The list goes on,” Jordan Sekulow, executive director of the American Center for Law and Justice, told The Christian Post.

According to a statement released by Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Nadarkhani is not the only imprisoned Christian receiving persecution in Iran.

Iran has recently been cracking down on the Church of Iran, arresting pastors for “actions against the security the state” and transferring Christian prisoners to torture oriented prisons, so as to set an example for others.

According to CSW, one member of the church of Iran, Mehdi Furutan, has recently been transferred to an underground cell in the Adelabad Security Prison, which has a reputation for torturing prisoners.

“There is an increasing tendency by Iranian courts and officials to characterize legitimate Christian activities as crimes against the state,” CSW has said.

Although Iran’s court system strives to quell Christianity in Iran, the ACLJ contends that international pressure helps keep victims of religious persecution alive.

One Middle Eastern analyst told the ACLJ that international pressure “may be the only reason [Nadarkhani is] still alive.”

According to Sekulow of ACLJ, Iran’s court has a history of prolonging court cases in order to diffuse international attention. Therefore, CSW and ACLJ encourage religious leaders and various countries to urge Iran to stop religious persecution practices.“Our real goal is to keep [Nadarkhani’s] case in the spotlight,” Sekulow told The Christian Post.

Now there are new reports from Christian Solidarity Worldwide that Pastor Youcef and others have been given Islamic literature while in prison, which some say is a way that may be used to entrap him.

Katherine Weber at The Christian Post wrote the following concerning this situation:

The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) identifies two motives for providing Nadarkhani with literature; either to instigate a Christian response, which would result in an additional charge of blasphemy in court, or to convince him to recant his Christian faith.

“It is no surprise that security agents, who answer directly to the Supreme Leader, would try to either do away with the case or provide an alternative justification for continued punishment,” contends the ACLJ.

According to Dr. Khataza Gondwe, Team Leader for Africa and Middle East at Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), Christian prisoners who receive such literature have been advised to practice caution when responding to official interrogation pertaining to it.

Gondwe told The Christian Post that if prisoners read the literature and respond when interrogated, it must be “done very carefully because [the prisoners] may be open to further charges,” including blasphemy against Islam.

Please keep praying for him and the OTHERS in prison for their faith too!

Another Threat to National Security in Kuwait

2011-10-29T11:42:00.000+03:00

As if the suspension of services from the British Embassy in Kuwait due to terror threats weren't concern enough, the Brits tipped off Kuwait that al-Qaeda has been smuggling weapons into Kuwait through the border of Saudi Arabia! The article below states that Kuwaiti Intelligence is aware of the smuggle but does not report that anyone has been charged. Oh boy! Back in 2009, there was a planned attack against Camp Arifjan, the American military base. They found explosives & were able to arrest the perpetrators. GOOD news? Yes! BAD NEWS: It was found that Kuwaiti Secret Service was too HARSH during their interrogation so GUESS WHAT?!?! Those attackers were LET GO! HOME FREE! Kuwait has been amazing with being able to catch terror plots & prevent security threats but what the hell were they thinking to let those men go?!?

Anyway, read below for the current security threat as of 28 October 2011:

Light Weapons Cross Borders‘Abdali, Salmi’

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 28: Security and inspection procedures were intensified at all Kuwait’s land borders with Iraq and Saudi Arabia after the Interior Ministry re-ceived intelligence about the smuggling of light weapons into the country by al-Qaeda agents, reports Al-Dar daily.
Sources in the customs and security sectors said modern and high-tech inspection apparatus are being used at the borders to locate the weapons.
According to sources, the ministry took the step after receiving information that some light weapons had already been smuggled into the country through Abdali and Salmi borders to destabilize Kuwait. Reportedly, British security authorities, with whom Kuwaiti authorities are coordinating on security issues, passed on the information.
After Eid Al-Adha, officials of the Interior Ministry and the General Department of Customs will hold a meeting and form specialist committees in both sectors to inspect vehicles and trucks that could be loaded with weapons. They will also discuss inspection procedures at ports and marine borders, noted sources.
This is the second time in 10 days that security has been tightened. The last time was on Oct 19, 2011 when the British Embassy in Kuwait temporarily suspended its services in the wake of a heightened security threat.
In fact, the British embassy in Kuwait only reopened its doors to the public last Sunday.
“(But) we still have increased security for precautionary measures,” a spokeswoman has said when it reopened.
The embassy had suspended public services due to increased security concerns but did not elaborate on the nature of any potential threat.
In an update to the “terrorism section” of its travel advisory, the embassy also told British organisations and businesses to review their security measures, though the threat was aimed only at the mission.
The embassy also advised British nationals to exercise caution before sailing in Kuwaiti waters following maritime restrictions issued by Kuwait last month. No further details were provided.
The security alert came less than two weeks before British heir to the throne Prince Charles is due to visit Kuwait. He is also to visit Qatar. The visit to the two countries is due to take place on Oct 31 and Nov 1.

Travel Alert: Kenya, Imminent Terror Threat

2011-10-23T11:38:00.000+03:00

Nairobi, Kenya (CNN) -- The U.S. Embassy in Kenya warned American citizens Saturday of an "imminent threat of terrorist attacks" after Kenya sent troops across the border into Somalia to pursue suspected Islamic militants from Al-Shabaab.

"This is to inform U.S. citizens residing in or visiting Kenya that the U.S. Embassy in Kenya has received credible information of an imminent threat of terrorist attacks directed at prominent Kenyan facilities and areas where foreigners are known to congregate, such as malls and night clubs," the embassy said in an emergency message.

Kenyan government spokesman Alfred Mutua told CNN on Sunday about the advance into Somalia, which marks a dramatic shift in security tactics for the east African powerhouse.

Al-Shabaab, which is linked to al Qaeda and has been designated a terrorist organization by the United States, is fighting to impose its own interpretation of Islamic law, or sharia, on Somalia

Recent abductions of tourists and aid workers in Kenya have heightened tensions.

This is no joke! Al-Shabab has been responsible for the latest bombings in Somalia, contributed to one of the worst famines in Africa.

Al-Shabab threatens to attack Kenya

Fighters from Al-Shabab will attack Kenya unless it withdraws its troops from Somalia, a spokesman for the group has warned. Analysts say the group will try to follow through on its threat.

Hundreds of Kenyan troops entered Somalia on Sunday, backed by helicopters and tanks; officials in Somalia also said that jets had bombed al-Shabab camps, though Nairobi would not confirm the jets were theirs.
The troops are reportedly advancing towards Afmadow, a town about 120km east of the border. Kenya's government says they have been ordered to attack al-Shabab bases in southern Somalia. The group has been linked to several recent kidnappings in Kenya.

Sheikh Ali Mohamud Rage, a spokesman for Al-Shabab, told Kenya to withdraw its troops.

"Kenyan troops have entered 100 kilometres into Somalia and their planes bombarded many places and killed residents," Rage was quoted by the Reuters news agency on Monday. "We shall come into Kenya if you do not go back."

His claims about the Kenyan offensive could not be independently verified, and Kenya's defence ministry did not respond to a request for comment. Somalia's transitional government has endorsed the raid: Nur Ahmed, the Somali ambassador in Nairobi, said Kenya "has a right to defend its people."

'The restraint would be gone'

Al-Shabab has attacked Kenya's neighbours before - it killed more than 70 people in twin bombings last year in Kampala, the Ugandan capital - but the group has been reluctant to attack Kenya, despite repeated threats, because it feared reprisals from the Kenyan army.

But with that army already inside Somalia, analysts say al-Shabab might be more likely to carry out an attack inside Kenya's borders.

"Shabab was fearful that it would trigger a robust Kenyan response," EJ Hogendoorn, an analyst at the Brussels-based International Crisis Group, said. "If in fact you've already triggered that response, then to some degree the restraint on Shabab would be gone."

Sunday's Kenyan raid is largely a response to a recent spate of kidnappings in the country's coastal regions and along the border with Somalia.

Two Spanish aid workers were kidnapped last week, and their driver was wounded, in an attack on Ifo refugee camp in Dadaab, which houses tens of thousands of Somali refugees. Earlier this month, a French woman was kidnapped from her home in Manda, on Kenya's northern coast.

And last month, a British tourist was kidnapped from the resort of Kiwayu; her husband was shot dead.
"This is affecting their tourist industry and the security of international staff working for various aid agencies," Hogendoorn said. "If this affects regions along the coast, it's an enormous hit on their economy."

An Ethiopian parallel?

This is hardly the first Kenyan incursion into Somalia: Troops have pursued al-Shabab fighters across the border before. But those raids are usually brief and involve limited numbers of troops.

Sunday's incursion, on the other hand, was much larger, and it was announced in advance: George Saitoti, Kenya's interior security minister, held a press conference on Saturday and promised Kenyan forces would attack al-Shabab "wherever they will be."

Roger Middleton, a regional analyst at Chatham House, drew a parallel between the Kenyan incursion and Ethiopia's 2006 invasion of Somalia.

"It's a substantial and longer-lasting intervention, and if that's the case, the first thing that springs to mind is, Ethiopia tried this and it did not turn out too well," Middleton said.

The Ethiopian invasion, and the years-long occupation that followed, is widely credited with strengthening al-Shabab, which was able to portray itself as a resistance movement fighting an occupying power.
And the group is already attempting to frame the Kenyan incursion in the same way: A radio station controlled by al-Shabab asked Somalis if they were ready to "live under Christians" and urged them to fight.
"Get out of your homes and defend your dignity and religion. Today is the day to defend against the enemy," an al-Shabab official said in the radio broadcast, according to the AFP news agency.

Al Jazeera

British Embassy Suspends Service in Kuwait due to Terror Threat

2011-10-21T00:36:00.001+03:00

I'm telling ya...it's only a matter of time before terror attacks hit Kuwait- not IF, but WHEN. So far, Kuwait has been amazing with foiling plans, raiding cells, & preventing attacks from occurring. My prayers will remain with Kuwait.

I read another article that stated the US Embassy was resuming normal business operations.

The British Embassy in Kuwait has temporarily suspended its services because of a terror threat, the Foreign Office has said.

It advised British organisations and businesses to review their security measures, although it said the threat was targeted at the embassy itself.

Threats against other UK interests in Kuwait could not be ruled out, it said.

The Foreign Office said services were suspended until after the weekend.

A spokeswoman said all non-essential staff had gone home.

The statement issued by the embassy said: "There is a general threat from terrorism in Kuwait. Terrorists continue to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf region."

"These include references to attacks on Western including European interests... residential compounds, military, oil, transport and aviation interests," it added.

The embassy is also advising British nationals to exercise caution before sailing in Kuwaiti waters, following what it termed "maritime restrictions" issued by Kuwait last month.

Prince of Wales is due to visit the country in two weeks' time to mark the 50th anniversary of its independence.

When asked whether the visit would still take place, a Clarence House spokeswoman said: "We are keeping security under constant review as we would with any visit and we are taking advice from the Foreign Office."

About 20,000 British nationals live and work in Kuwait.

And according to Arab Times, they add:

Kuwait hosts Camp Arifjan, a vast US logistics base in the desert south of the capital that serves as a staging post for US forces being deployed in neighbouring Iraq.

Kuwait said in April an Iranian spy cell uncovered last year had monitored the US military presence and possessed explosives to attack “strategic” facilities.

A source at Kuwait’s foreign ministry source said he did not know the precise nature of the security threat against Britain, but did not expect the measures to last for long.

“They (the embassy) will resume operations on Sunday,” the source told Reuters.

Inshallah vs. Good Samaritan: Muslim Countries Don't Love Their Neighbors

2011-10-16T18:09:00.001+03:00

You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy [Moses]. 'But I [Jesus] tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

~ Matthew 5:43-44

Today I had to wake up early & go in on the day shift to take a CPR/First Aid re-certification course as required for my job. We reviewed the Good Samaritan Law that America has implemented:

Good Samaritan laws are laws or acts protecting those who choose to serve and tend to others who are injured or ill. They are intended to reduce bystanders' hesitation to assist, for fear of being sued or prosecuted for unintentional injury or wrongful death.

Then our Instructor reminded us where we are at. Kuwait. He said, that although it might be in our nature to help someone on the side of the road who is need of medical attention, we cannot. Muslim countries have this saying...

InshallahIt could mean any one of the following variations: If Allah (God) wills; When Allah (God) wills; If Allah (God) wishesIslamic Dictionary

That means, that if there was an auto accident, then it's up to God whether the person lives or dies. If anyone tries to help the victim, then they are interfering with God's will & will be charged for their injury or death. So save yourself & leave the victim there.

How sad. For a religion claiming to have Moses & Jesus as prophets, they are very misinformed about the laws of Moses. Of course, Muslims believe the Bible is 'corrupted' & that Moses was Muslim too...wow...but that's' not the issue!

They don't seem to understand the whole point of the 10 Commandments. And the Quran DOES have them in there. The first 3 commandments are directed towards God. The rest are directed towards your treatment to your neighbor. Jesus summed up the commandments by saying LOVE GOD & LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR.

For some of you not familiar with the Good Samaritan story, here it is in a nutshell:

"There was once a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he was attacked by robbers. They took his clothes, beat him up, and went off leaving him half-dead. Luckily, a priest was on his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other side. Then a Levite religious man showed up; he also avoided the injured man.
^33-35"A Samaritan traveling the road came on him. When he saw the man's condition, his heart went out to him. He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him comfortable. In the morning he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, 'Take good care of him. If it costs any more, put it on my bill—I'll pay you on my way back.'
³⁶"What do you think? Which of the three became a neighbor to the man attacked by robbers?"
³⁷"The one who treated him kindly," the religion scholar responded.
Jesus said, "Go and do the same."

Luke 10:30-37

I read an article entitled "The Entitlement Mentality" by John Agresto that showed America as a country guided upon Good Samaritan principles. Read on please, because this makes my point:

This morning I read the posting of one of my Iraqi students here on a student exchange program: “The words, ‘Americans are cold and unfriendly,’ and ‘America is a dangerous society,’ were the words that always completed the answers to my questions.” Yet, after spending a few months here, he and his friends “were convinced that almost all the rumors about American society and its people were wrong.” America, as it turned out, had “the friendliest people I have ever seen,” and, he added, every other student here with him agreed.

But this should hardly surprise us. When I first went to Baghdad in 2003, there was any number of suicide attacks. Whenever a bomb went off, the Iraqis would run for their lives. That’s only natural. But Americans were different: Whenever a bomb went off, our soldiers would run TOWARDS the bomb, not away. Why? Obviously, not to save themselves but, oblivious to their own safety, to see if they might help save their friends.

Or consider that day ten years ago when the planes flew into the Twin Towers. Beyond the picture of the falling buildings, perhaps the image most seared into our American memories is of policemen and firemen running UP the stairs of the towers while everyone else was running down. They ran up, and they died. Why did they run into those burning and crashing buildings? To save their neighbors, neighbors they didn’t know; neighbors so many of them would never meet.

There are more recent stories. I was in Missouri soon after the tornadoes that destroyed the city of Joplin. Yet, beyond the destruction, what was most evident was the repeated story of strangers sheltering strangers. And hospital workers with no hospital left to go to handing out sandwiches they made. And people no one knew keeping safe children they didn’t know. And the sign scrawled on one collapsed building, “We’re all OK in here,” with the unspoken words: don’t worry about us, help those who are worse off.

How can this be? Where did this concern for our neighbors – and even, in the case of my Iraqi student, for strangers – come from? Let me suggest that we are a charitable and neighborly people for the very reason that we tend to be a fiercely independent people. Look around at most Americans you know -- free men and women who do not wait with their hand out but who stand on their own two feet and give the world their best shot.

In so many places citizens are hardly citizens but subjects -- wards of the government, dependent on the state for their housing, their health care, their monthly salaries, their education, even their weekly food baskets. When troubles come, their first thought is not “How can I help myself and my community” but “Hurry up, government, and help me.” In this regard the contrast, say, between the decidedly independent citizens of the American Heartland on one hand and supinely dependent New Orleans could not be greater.

The excerpt above beautifully illustrated a Western nation that was guided by Biblical principle of loving your neighbor. In contrast, you see Muslim countries who, though give to Charity as required, will not stop to help a neighbor who was assaulted, injured, & in need on the road. LITERALLY.

That is the difference between Western cultures & the Muslim Culture. I'm not saying individuals do not show kindness, they do. But as a CULTURE, they do not. They do not have laws protecting 'Good Samaritans.' Instead, there are 'Moral Police' officers who will arrest their neighbor for having tattoos exposed or kissing in public. And in general I have witnessed Kuwaitis speeding up in their cars towards an Indian pedestrian crossing the street. In Kuwait, a CAMEL is worth more than a human life. You hit a Camel you're screwed.

I pray sincerely that all Muslims come to know the TRUE God & his perfect love in Christ Jesus. Really- though I disagree with their heretic doctrine, I love Muslims & pray for their salvation.

Nadarkhani: Re-trial or Not? Mixed Reports

2011-10-15T18:28:00.001+03:00

Ok guys, there is a LOT of misinformation circulating about Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani.
I saw a blog by CNN dated for 13th October 2011 whose blog title was misleading & claiming that Nadarkhani's Lawyer spoke to CNN directly:

With pressure mounting, Iranian Supreme Court could rehear pastor’s case

"Mohammad Dadkah, Nadarkhani's lawyer, confirmed the Supreme Court's statement [re-trial] in a Thursday conversation with CNN."

However, the American Center for Law & Justice says a re-trial is a LIE. This statement was put out by the ACLJ as of Friday October 14, 2011:

Christian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani’s attorney in Iran, Mohammad Ali Dadkhah, who we have been working with closely on this case, has just confirmed to the ACLJ that there has been no retrial ordered by the Iranian Supreme Court.

As we have been explaining, the media’s reports about a “retrial” in this case mistakenly refer to a hearing that already occurred on September 25-28th, in which Pastor Youcef was ordered to recant his Christian faith or die. As you know, he responded, “I cannot.”

His attorney in Iran also confirmed that the court has requested that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei weigh in on Pastor Youcef’s death sentence. Dadkhah says that while the Ayatollah can delay providing an opinion as long as he wants, he believes the response will come within the next 20 days.

Dadkhah stressed that NOW is the best time in the last two years to put pressure on the Iranian regime (and especially the Ayatollah). He also said that it is important that the United Nations (U.N.), the Special Rapporteurs on Iran and freedom of conscience, and the Pope be pressured to call for Pastor Youcef’s release.

Eighty-nine Members of Congress just sent a bipartisan letter to Secretary of State Clinton urging her to engage the U.N. and pressure Iran to free Pastor Youcef. The ACLJ, through our international affiliate the European Centre for Law and Justice (ECLJ), has also sent a letter directly to the U.N. urging direct action to engage Iran to save this Pastor’s life.

As Pastor Youcef’s attorney said, now is the time to engage. If you have not already done so, please join tens of thousands of Americans in signing ourpetition to pressure Iran for Pastor Youcef’s release, and continue to share his story on Facebook and Twitter.

Dadkhah also confirmed that he has appealed his own nine-year prison sentence for representing human rights cases, like Pastor Youcef’s. His appeal could takes months to be considered and Iranian authorities could pick him up and enforce that sentence at any time, leaving Pastor Youcef without legal representation in Iran.

Dadkhah further indicated to us that the Iranian regime is now threatening him for embarrassing Iran and the Iranian judicial system. At this point, he may no longer be able to speak freely to the American press. He is clearly weighing the cost of facing imprisonment, which leaves Youcef with no representation, and no longer asking for international pressure in statements to the American media.

We have been speaking out, asking for congressional letters, statements from the United Nations, and international pressure directly at the request of Dadkhah, Youcef’s attorney. The only reason this case has gone to the Ayatollah, is because of international pressure. The only reason that Iranian state media has been trying to back peddle away from the execution sentence is because of international pressure, and it is the only reason that Pastor Youcef is still alive. We must keep up the international pressure in order to save his life.

Since I know the ACLJ is working VERY closely with Pastor Youcef's Lawyer, I trust their information over CNN- who only recently started talking about the case about a week ago.

Pressure Egypt to Protect Copts! Sign this Petition!

2011-10-15T18:07:00.000+03:00

No Way Out: A campaign by Christian Solidarity Worldwide

Egyptian Christians need your support now more than ever.

After living with the threat of discrimination, harassment or violence for decades, they are highly vulnerable.

This long-planned campaign has the chance to bring hope and change to Egypt's Christians as the vital reform process begins.

After signing the Petition:

Thank you for supporting Egyptian Christians - your signature has been counted

Now that you've signed the No Way Out petition, spread the word and help us to reach our target of 50,000 signatures by 31 October 2011!

Twitter: Tweet using tag #EgyptPetition and short url http://bit.ly/egyptpetition or use one of ours that we're written for you...

I've just signed the #EgyptPetition to call for an end to violent attacks on the Christian community in Egypt http://bit.ly/egyptpetition
Last weekend demonstrators protesting attacks on churches in Egypt were attacked by the army. Sign the petition at http://bit.ly/egyptpetition
Join me in signing the #EgyptPetition to help protect Christian communities facing violent attacks in Egypt. http://bit.ly/egyptpetition
Have you added your name to the #EgyptPetition to help stop violent attacks on the Christian community in Egypt? http://bit.ly/egyptpetition
20,000 people have signed the #EgyptPetition to help end attacks on the Christian community in Egypt. Have you? http://bit.ly/egyptpetition

Facebook: Like our No Way Out Facebook page for the latest news and developments.

Email: Forward the email below on to your friends and family to encourage them to take action

Dear ...
I’ve just taken part in CSW’s No Way Out campaign, seeking to bring hope and change for Egyptian Christians through prayer and solidarity. Christians make up 10% of Egypt’s population and they live with the threat of discrimination, harassment or violence. And at the moment, the situation is getting increasingly tense for them.
I want to see the violence stopped, Christians protected, justice served and recompense for victims. You can join me by signing the No Way Out petition at http://bit.ly/egyptpetition.
From ...

Donate: Advocating to effect change does not come without cost. To see hope restored in Egypt and other desperate places where Christians suffer, we rely on your ongoing support.

A typical Freedom Partner gift contributes towards:
The cost of a fact-finding and solidarity visit to Egypt undertaken by CSW Advocates.
Vital advocacy training and support for victims and support workers.
The compilation and launch of one of our Human Rights reports in the UK Parliament, the EU and UN.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN PETITION

Asia Bibi Tortured in Prison

2011-10-15T17:58:00.000+03:00

Guys, this issue with Asia Bibi has been ongoing for a while now. I've posted about her before, just do a Google Search of my blog for "Asia Bibi" (the search bar is on the left column. Please read the recent article of her treatment & condition by a Christian Pakistani advocating for Minority Groups in Pakistan.

There is a creative way you can support Christians in Pakistan- by buying a Wristband, wearing it, & remembering believers in prayer.

Asia Bibi tortured by prison officers

By Wilson Chowdhry

British Pakistani Christian Association

According to a Pakistani newspaper, the Express Tribune, Asia Bibi, the poster-victim of Pakistan's wicked blasphemy laws has been tortured by one of wardens at the Sheikhupura jail where she is imprisoned in solitary confinement awaiting a death sentence for defending her Christian faith. The warden Khadeeja allegedly tortured her after claiming he found 'prohibited items' in her cell. Other prison staff watched and did nothing to stop the attack. (Well, she's only a kuffir Christian, after all.....) Thankfully, it appears that (eventually) the culprit has at least been suspended from duty (for how long, we shall have to see).

Don't forget to pray for Asia Bibi and also her family, who are being threatened and isolated by Islamic militants.

Also, spread the word - facebook this article, etc, and if you haven't already, sign our petition to free Asia Bibi and repeal the abominable blasphemy laws.

Travel Alert for U.S Citizens: Iran

2011-10-13T12:28:00.000+03:00

Kuwait City, Kuwait
October 13, 2011

To: All American Citizens
From: U.S. Embassy Kuwait-Consular Section
Subject: Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens 2011-17

Worldwide Travel Alert
U.S. Department of State
The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens of the potential for anti-U.S. actions following the disruption of a plot, linked to Iran, to commit a significant terrorist act in the United States. This Travel Alert expires on January 11, 2012.

An Iranian-born U.S. citizen, working on behalf of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Qods Force -designated by the Treasury Department in 2007 for its support of terrorism - is suspected of conspiring to assassinate the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to the United States. The U.S. government assesses that this Iranian-backed plan to assassinate the Saudi Ambassador may indicate a more aggressive focus by the Iranian Government on terrorist activity against diplomats from certain countries, to include possible attacks in the United States.

U.S. citizens residing and traveling abroad should review the Department's Worldwide Caution and other travel information when making decisions concerning their travel plans and activities while abroad. U.S. citizens are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
(STEP). U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly at the nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate. By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the embassy/consulates to contact them in case of emergency.

Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution. Follow us
on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well.
The U.S. Embassy Kuwait is located at Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa Street, Block 6, Plot 14, Bayan, Kuwait. If you are a U.S. citizen in need of emergency assistance in Kuwait, you may reach the U.S. Embassy by calling +965-2259-1001 and requesting the duty officer.
American citizens in Kuwait who would like to receive future Warden Messages from the Embassy directly by e-mail may sign up for this service by sending an e-mail to the following address: join-wardenmessagekuwait@mh.databack.com
This message may be accessed on the Embassy website, http://kuwait.usembassy.gov
Please note that the Consular Section is closed for U.S. and most local holidays. The current holiday schedule for 2011 is posted on http://kuwait.usembassy.gov/holidays.html.

Mormons vs Evangelicals in Politics

2011-10-13T04:19:00.000+03:00

Why Evangelicals Must Stand Up to Anti-Mormon Bigotry

As a boy from West Virginia, I disliked the negative stereotypes about my state. Nearly as bad was when you met a West Virginian determined to live up to them. Bigots are incorrigible enough, but encouraging them by playing to type empowers them.

A bigot can be an inexcusable ignoramus who does not understand a group, but insists on opining about them. Another kind of bigot insists on applying irrelevant standards to a person. This is not excusable even if the standards are relevant in a different situation.

Given my proclivities, my spouse had to be a woman, but gender would not be relevant in most other situations. A refusal to vote for a woman because she is a woman is bigoted and not made better because gender was once relevant to me as a basis for a good decision.

A Republican pastor says evangelicals should not vote for Mitt Romney, because he is Mormon. By itself, this might be acceptable, if unwise rhetoric, assuming this pastor has good reasons for his position. After all religious choices allow voters one way of guessing what a leader will be like.

Those most resistant to voting for a Mormon are on the left. Since most Mormons hold to traditional moral positions on abortion and marriage, and Romney agrees with those positions, this is relevant to contemporary politics. This might not be an example of bigotry, though it often veers there when mockery is deployed about private religious practices not relevant to fitness to hold office.

This evangelical pastor did not suggest that he disagreed with Romney’s views on life and marriage or any other religious issue with political implications. Instead, he attacked Mormonism for not being evangelical, Romney for not being born again, and Mormonism as a cult.

This is bigotry buttressed by irrelevance fortified with invincible ignorance.

Why?

First, being evangelical is not a relevant criteria for being president. It never has been in evangelical history. Lincoln appealed for our votes and got them without being (necessarily) one of us. Evangelicals have voted for Unitarians for president, because they rightly recognized that Trinitarian theology might be relevant in a pastor, but not in a president.

Give conservative Christians a small government atheist rather than a tyrannical evangelical!

Second, our civil leaders need not be born again. As a man I hope Mitt Romney goes to heaven, but as president I do not care. The man qualified for the life to come can rule there, but I am looking for a person fit leadership in the world now.

Rick Perry may be born again, but his incompetent tolerance of a bigot to introduce him suggests bad things about his competence in the here and now. As a result, I will look forward to seeing him at the Wedding Supper of the Lamb, but if he does not repudiate the comments, will pass on him for the Inaugural Ball.

He can retire to the theological life where he has such sterling qualifications.

To add insult to bigotry, the pastor decided to name call by saying Mormonism is a cult. The use of cult to describe the Mormon faith is foolish and offensive in a political context.

The word cult has many meanings, including a technical religious one. The Mormon Church is not “standard” historic Christianity as Mormons point out in their witness. They think they have something new and valuable to say religiously.

Most of the public does not think doctrine, but danger when they hear the term cult. He imagines scary folk living in compounds drinking Kool-aid, not Harry Reid or Mitt Romney.

In that popular sense, Mormonism is not a cult and should scare no American. Mormons have been faithful citizens, dying in our wars for republican values. Does Rick Perry’s pastor friend acknowledge this truth? Can a Mormon die for the Republic in battle, but still not serve as commander in the White House?

For mainstream evangelicals such bigoted attacks on Romney are an embarrassment. They often seem to rely on fear of difference, a sense that other groups are “weird.” Everybody seems weird to somebody some time, but loving people get past such feelings. If the Mormon who dies for my freedom doesn’t seem weird, neither should the Mormon politician.

Most evangelicals are horrified by lies told about Mormons in mainstream media, because we love our Mormon neighbor. They are friends, relatives, and allies in many fights. We disagree on vital theological issues, but those are not relevant to our vote for president.

Evangelical Christianity does not place all power in the state and so rejects messianic leaders. We want a president, not a prophet in office. A Mormon cannot be my priest, but he can be my political leader.

Worse is the impact of bigotry on my Mormon neighbor. It is a betrayal of the love Jesus commanded us to show. If I can love my enemy, surely I can easily love the Mormon next door. I hate the pain caused my Mormon neighbor by ignorance and bigotry.

My Mormon friends do not complain or become defensive. Like the Christ, my experience has been resignation and love when my Mormon friends see slander.

Mormons saw their first prophet murdered by an American mob, but still they loyally serve a Republic whose laws have often failed them. They created a paradise in a wilderness and great literature and a first-rate university against all odds.

Evangelicals recognize and admire this achievement. We must do as we have always done and vote the platform and the person and not the pulpit.

JOHN MARK REYNOLDS | OCT 10, 2011 8:14 AM

Director of the Torrey Honors Institute, Biola University

Professor of philosophy for Biola, Reynolds blogs regularly at Scriptoriumdaily.com along with other faculty from the Torrey Honors Institute, a great books program.
» All Posts by John Mark Reynolds

Most Recent Update on Iranian Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani

2011-10-13T03:57:00.000+03:00

If you're looking for the most recent updates, please keep checking back on the main page of my blog (click on "Adventures in Kuwait"). I post the most recent news as each day passes. You can also look to the right & see at least the 5 most recent blog posts.

The video above is the most recent update as of 12 October 2011.

Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani: Final Verdict Delayed 10/10/11

2011-10-10T15:28:00.001+03:00

Mon Oct 10 2011 14:48:45 GMT+0400 (Arabian Standard Time) Oman Time

Iran Court Refers Pastor's Case to Supreme Leader: Lawyer
AFB
Times of Oman

Iran: The court case of an Iranian pastor facing a possible death sentence for apostasy is being referred to Iran's supreme leader, the pastor's lawyer told AFP on Monday.

"The court has decided to ask the opinion of Mr (Ali) Khamenei," Iran's supreme leader, in the matter of pastor Yusef Nadarkhani, lawyer Mohammad Ali Dadkhah said.
Ayatollah Khamenei [WikiLeaks: Ayatollah Khameni has terminal cancer, could die within months] has ultimate authority in the Islamic republic.

However the move to involve him in the case is unusual, and suggested that a final verdict in the case -- which has garnered international attention -- could be delayed.

Nadarkhani's lawyer had previously been expecting a verdict any time from last Saturday.
Nadarkhani, a 32-year-old pastor of a small evangelical community called the Church of Iran, was arrested in October 2009 and condemned to death under Islamic sharia law for converting to Christianity when he was 19.

Sharia law allows for such verdicts to be overturned if the convicted person "repents" and renounces his conversion. After his conviction was upheld by an appeals court in Gilan province in September 2010, Nadarkhani turned to the supreme court. In July, the supreme court overturned the death sentence and sent the case back to the court in his hometown of Rasht, in Gilan province.

Several Western countries, including the United States, Britain, Germany and France, have condemned the death sentence against Nadarkhani and called for his release.
EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton has also urged Iran to free Nadarkhani and "respect its international human rights commitments."

On September 30, Gilan's deputy governor general said Nadarkhani should not face the death penalty for apostasy, but also referred for the first time to "security crimes" allegedly committed by the pastor whom he labelled a "Zionist". But Dadkhah said the only charge stated in the case was related to apostasy.

"The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water;
He turns it wherever He wishes."

Proverbs 21:1

Life in the Middle East

2011-10-10T05:56:00.002+03:00

Considering that I haven't really written about myself so much since before I went home on Leave in July, I think it's about time I write.

So I went home after a year for vacation. It was great! Got to see some dear friends & spend some great time with my family. Although it was a very busy vacation. I was always doing something & coming home late to crash. The last 4 days of my vacation were spent in Latin America.

I was only in Kuwait for half of Ramadan. The one thing I like about Ramadan is that restaurants are opened much later into the evening. And since I get home by midnight that helps!

Summer sucked of course. It began with a bunch of sandstorms & then BAM the blaring heat. The constant sweating. But there were some beautiful dusk nights. Now I can really feel the temps cooling. It's still over 100 degrees during the day but when the sun goes down you start to feel a cool breeze....perfect temperatures.

I got pinkeye for the very first time in my LIFE! It was horrible because it lasted 3 1/2 weeks. It started in my right eye. Went to the doc, said I had Viral Conjunctivitis & gave me Rx (antibiotic for a virus?). However, after 4 days my eye got worse. I go back to the doc & end up seeing someone else. I complain about my eye getting worse & that the drops started stinging my eye after a few days. He said I was probably allergic to the preservative. He looks at my badly swollen eye and then tells me I do NOT have a viral infection but I have Allergic Conjunctivitis. He was baffled that the previous doc gave me antibiotics too. This doc gave me eye drop steroids that were anti-inflammatory. It was EMBARRASSING having to go to work with a swollen eye, face the soldiers, & run events. The new anti-inflammatory drops had to be taken 6x a day! Ya....that never happened. I used the drops as often as I could for the first 2 days. But I took my mom & boyfriend's home remedy of using hot compresses as often as possible. My left eye started getting pink eye & I used a few steroid drops in it too. After 2 1/2 days of using hot compresses, I started waking up to clean, normal eyes!!! LOL gross huh!?

You know you wanted to see that

However, I haven't worn my contact lenses in about 2 months & so I'm back to wearing glasses. But hey, at least they're Fendi!

As for work- eh. I enjoy using my talents & creativity organizing events and such BUT I've never worked for a company as lame as the this one. BUT, I still have to be grateful to God that I even HAVE a job. Not just any job, but a job that provides housing & transportation. At least until the contract ends lol.

I haven't led worship since last December. But that's ok. I feel I have a new ministry- at least for the time that I'm here in Kuwait. It regards the Persecuted Church. I have a lot to say about this but quite frankly I'm pretty tired & I've emotionally dumped a lot on Twitter & Facebook about persecution that my FB friends are starting to tell me that I'm too negative. I see their point....but they've never lived in the Middle East either.

The ME... a place where you look at the local paper & read about maids setting themselves on fire for how badly treated they were by their Sponsor/Employer. Reports of couples being arrested for holding each other in a "passionate embrace" on the beach. Women having their babies taken away for committing adultery (sex outside of marriage). Human trafficking before your very eyes & with people (victimes) you talk to on a daily basis. Rapes EVERY DAY.

Every day on the news there are reports of bombings- not in Kuwait, but countries SURROUNDING Kuwait. I read about the horrible treatment towards people (especially Christians) in Pakistan. ABSURD crap from Pakistan like the story of an 8th grade girl misspelling a 'sacred' word & now she's accused of blasphemy- which is punishable by death- and her family went into hiding! Then there's Somalia's famine being denied by Islamic Militant group al-Shabab, Nigerian Christians being slaughtered, the war between south & north Sudan where the Arab Sudanese in the north enslaved Christian Sudanese who lived in the south, warnings from the U.S. Embassy about a terrorist group kidnapping Westerners in Saudia Arabia, and then Kuwait finds terror cells & Iranian spies in their country- along with weapons hid behind a mosque. Oh yeah, Kuwait has stopped a planned bombing of our U.S. military bases too. Oh, and did I mention all the Kidnappings of Christians in Iraq? And let's NOT forget what our Coptic Christian brothers & Sisters in Egypt are experiencing right at the moment either! Even though they've ousted their President, Christians have been attacked in increasing numbers in less than a year! On Christmas a church was bombed, villages destroyed, churches destroyed, & when the Copts decide to hold peaceful sit-in demonstrations to stand up against discrimination & violence towards them- people get violent with them. Like TODAY. A few days ago Indonesian Christians got blown up in church too! Miraculously, only the suicide bomber died, though I briefly read a headline that said 1 person did end up dying from injuries.

I post all the news reports on this. And I'm too negative. But it's reality. Reality that the main stream media in America seldom reports. But if we are brothers & sisters in Christ, we MUST be aware of what is going on.

So my goal is to be a voice for the voiceless. It's to create awareness of the realities of persecution to comfortable and easily-annoyed Americans. My goal is also to show American Christians that hey- there's MORE that we can do than just praying & turning a blind eye! Our brothers & sisters need our help! America needs to know the truth about our brethren! In America, Christians are a majority. But in the rest of the world (most countries), they're a minority, poor, & are considered 3rd class citizens. We won't be able to stop the violence against them, but we can certainly help rebuild destroyed villages, aide a widow, financially sponsor orphans, etc.

I've provided links at the top of my blog where you can check out ministries that work with the persecuted church if you're interested.

Ok, it's 6am now!!! I'm gonna end up sleeping my day-off away lol. Good morning & good night!

One more thing. Just as I finish writing this I see this Tweet:

SAUDI ARABIA: Authorities arrested Hamoud for writing about his conversion to Christianity online.

I don't know who Hamoud is, but I do know he's a brother in Christ. God be with him & protect him in Jesus' name.

American Bipartisan Support for Yousef Nadarkhani

2011-10-10T04:20:00.000+03:00

Major Bipartisan Support in Congress for Pastor Youcef

By
Jordan Sekulow

11:56 AMOct. 7, 2011

There is a major development today in the fight to put pressure on Iran for Christian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani’s release. Congressmen Joe Pitts (PA-16) and Heath Shuler (NC-11) are leading a bipartisan effort to save Pastor Youcef. They are sending a letter to Secretary of State Clinton calling on her to “use all the powers at your disposal” for “swift engagement with the international community to advocate for his release.”

This letter is still gaining signatures from Members of Congress. Currently, thirty-nine Members of Congress, including thirteen Democrats, have signed on to this letter, and that number continues to grow by the hour. Of critical importance, one of the early signatories for this letter is Congressman Keith Ellison (MN-5) – the first Muslim elected to Congress.

An early draft of the letter provided to the ACLJ states:

We implore you to raise your voice at this critical juncture on behalf of Pastor Nadarkhani. We must not stand by while the Iranian Regime executes a man who has committed no crime.

We will continue to update you as Congressional support for this important letter grows. The following is the most current list of Members of Congress who have signed on to this letter. Representatives:

Joe Pitts (PA-16)
Heath Shuler (NC-11)
Alcee Hastings (FL-23)
Sue Myrick (NC-9)
Chris Smith (NJ-4)
Frank Wolf (VA-10)
Jim McGovern (MA-3)
Jeff Fortenberry (NE-1)
Doug Lamborn (CO-5)
Joe Crowley (NY-7)
Robert Aderholt (AL-4)
Jim Moran (VA-8)
Keith Ellison (MN-5)
John Duncan (TN-2)
Rob Bishop (UT-1)
Eni Faleomavaega (American Samoa)
Tim Huelskamp (KS-1)
Jeff Duncan (SC-3)
Dennis Ross (FL-12)
Steve King (IA-5)
Ann Marie Buerkle (NY-25)
Randy Hultgren (IL-14)
Renee Ellmers (SC-2)
Mike Kelly (PA-3)
John Culberson (TX-7)
Louie Gohmert (TX-1)
John R. Carter (TX-31)
James Lankford (OK-5)
John Conyers (MI-14)
Steve Pearce (NM-2)
Bill Posey (FL-15)
Tim Walberg (MI-7)
Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18)
Julia Carson (IN-7)
John Olver (MA-1)
Donald Manzullo (IL-16)
Jean Schmidt (OH-2)
Steve Cohen (TN-9)
Thaddeus McCotter (MI-11)

Please join these Members of Congress in calling for Secretary of State Clinton to put pressure on Iran to release Pastor Youcef by signing our critical petition, and contacting your Member of Congress to urge them to sign on to the Pitts/Shuler letter

International Attention May Not Free, But Helps

2011-10-08T20:20:00.001+03:00

Who Are Iran's Political Prisoners? (Commentary)
http://www.roxanasaberi.com/blog/who-are-irans-political-prisoners/
By: Roxana Saberi

Ms. Saberi, an Iranian-American journalist detained in Iran’s Evin Prison in 2009, is the author of “Between Two Worlds: My Life and Captivity in Iran” (HarperCollins, 2010).

(6 October 2011) Just after my release from a Tehran prison in May 2009, an Iranian prisoner wrote an open letter entitled, “I wish I were a Roxana.” Haleh Rouhi, a follower of Iran’s minority Baha’i faith, was serving a four-year sentence for antiregime propaganda, although she said she was simply “teaching the alphabet and numbers” to underserved children.

She was happy I was released but wondered how her case differed from mine and why she had to remain in prison. “What kind of justice system condemned [Roxana] to such punishment,” Ms. Rouhi asked, “and which justice freed her at such speed?”

I asked myself the same question. Why was I released after 100 days, having appealed an eight-year prison sentence for a trumped-up charge of espionage? What is clear is that as a foreign citizen, I was fortunate to receive international support, while the plights of other innocent prisoners were less known outside Iran.

Last month, two American men incarcerated in Iran on accusations of espionage and crossing the border illegally—charges they contested—were freed after being sentenced to eight years in prison. Their release is welcome news and cause for relief.

At the same time, ordinary Iranians are suffering mounting abuses and prolonged imprisonment for exercising their basic human rights, making Haleh Rouhi’s question as valid today as it was two years ago. Officials from several countries have called for the release of a handful of Iran’s wrongfully imprisoned men and women, but this pressure is rarely consistent—and most of Iran’s hundreds of prisoners of conscience have never gained the attention of foreign governments or mainstream news media. The international community needs to apply the same pressure on Tehran to release these prisoners as it has for high-profile Western citizens.

At least 28 of Iran’s prisoners of conscience are journalists, according to the media rights group Reporters Without Borders, which ranks Iran the third largest jail for journalists in the world after Eritrea and China. In addition, six Iranian filmmakers were recently arrested for allegedly cooperating with BBC Persian. (The station insists no one in Iran works for it.)

Well-known attorneys such as Nasrin Sotoudeh, who has been sentenced to six years in prison, also are locked up in Iran. Last month, Abdolfattah Soltani, who like Ms. Sotoudeh defended many political prisoners, was arrested for the third time. I first heard of his courage from my cellmates in Tehran’s Evin Prison. I requested that he represent me, but the prosecutor threatened me against retaining “a human rights lawyer.”

Mr. Soltani was arrested while he prepared to defend several Baha’is detained for providing higher education to other Baha’is barred from university in Iran because of their religion. He was also an attorney for my two Baha’i cellmates, Fariba Kamalabadi and Mahvash Sabet, who are each serving 20-year prison sentences for various unsubstantiated charges including espionage.

Most recently, the headlines have focused on Youcef Naderkhani, a Christian convert from Islam who faces possible execution after refusing to renounce his faith.

Many of Iran’s prisoners of conscience have suffered torture—both physical and psychological. It is common for them to be held in solitary confinement for months, even years. They often lack adequate access to their families and attorneys and go through sham trials. Some are coerced to give false confessions and inform on their friends.

If detainees are lucky, their captors offer them release on bail, but the amount is typically exorbitant, and prisoners who can post it tend to live in fear that they could be sent back to jail any day. At the same time, a rising number of executions has made Iran the world’s largest executioner on a per capita basis. According to Amnesty International, in 2010, at least 23 Iranian prisoners convicted of politically motivated offenses were executed.

The Iranian regime needs to address human rights violations instead of denying their existence. If Tehran has nothing to hide, it would permit the recently appointed United Nations special rapporteur on human rights to enter the country. Tehran should also grant access to several other U.N. special experts who have been blocked from visiting since 2005.

U.N. officials—particularly Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay—plus member states and other individuals must place constant pressure on Tehran just as they have in cases such as mine. This will bring attention and justice to the real heroes, the everyday Iranians in prison for pursuing universal human rights and demanding respect for human dignity.

International pressure might not always result in their freedom, but at least they will know they are not alone and can gain courage to carry on. And it can help Iranian authorities realize that the many faces of their justice system will only continue to isolate the Islamic Republic among the family of nations.

This commentary was originally published in Wall Street Journal: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204524604576610983516265802.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Black Americans & Their Influence in the World

2011-10-08T19:51:00.000+03:00

The following post is from a dear friend of mine who is African American. Currently he has just moved from Yemen to Ethiopia & has spent this past year living in Turkey & Saudi Arabia. He has been to 20 different countries. Since I can relate to his passion in his post, I felt like his exhortation NEEDED to be shared. It is truthful & it is BOLD.

Ethiopia has been amazing so far. American culture is big here too. I went to an international church here to hear them play Kirk Franklin's "Imagine Me" and also to worship with the choir singing Tye Tribett's, "Chasing After You". Even this church did the "Holy Ghost dance". On Ethiopian TV, they play classic American sitcoms, like 'Sanford & Son' and 'The Jefferson's' , I see posters of Beyonce, 50 Cent, Kelly Rowland, Rihanna, Lil' Kim...

But how many black Americans have I met actually making a direct long term impact on Ethiopia -- learning their language(s), culture, helping fight against poverty, education, etc... answer is 0. How many black Americans do I estimate who are doing this kind of work here, probably less than 1% of the foreigners here. How many black American Christians who I have met or know who are serving here in Ethiopia... 0. How many black American Christians would I estimate who are serving directly Ethiopia for a number of years... less than 1%.

Is there is something wrong with black Americans that we think that it is everybody else's job to be a part of the international scene while we sit back complain about foolishness in America? Why do some black Americans call themselves 'African American' when it is apparent that more white people care and serve Africans and other continental groups exponentially more than blacks? It is easy to make music, write a book, give some money, or claim some mystic and foreign African heritage than to actually care and be a part of global solutions especially in Africa. But when Africans look to black Americans for inspiration, all they get is us on poster boards, movies, TV screens and the majority of that is us being absolutely foolish and self-centered. Wake up black America---you have a global responsibility and NO you aren't oppressed and NO you aren't really that poor.

I know that God is in charge. But as seeing the lack of response from black people even on this post is the reason why I and others need to speak up and highlight the absence of black Americans in anything important internationally (and cross-culturally in America) and how self-centered and insular our outlooks and culture can be. Even amongst black American Christians there is a lack of international consciousness and desire to be a part of solutions and representing Christ to other people cross-culturally. I believe God is sovereign but it doesn't keep me from acting, speaking up, and praying.

[I] just had an interesting conversation with an Ethiopian man and his view and his understanding of Ethiopians' views of black Americans. WOW! I do have a question for black Americans out there: what are some reasons why black Americans are largely absent in the international community? Can you give some insight? Do you think it is ok that black Americans are largely absent? Do you think that black Americans have a responsibility in the world besides music videos, staring in movies, books, limited tourism, US governmental service? I really would like someone to speak on this.

And to clarify, the background is so much more than this thread that I have posted. I have spent years doing what you have said in your previous post and also I have made it an issue of prayer a number of times in my past. I don't mind your rebuke, but if you did understand my heart and walk with the Lord, maybe your insight would be different. Since I grew up in the black church, been to 20 countries, served in many places and areas, also serving in the inner-cities of LA and SD, along with being a member of a black church in LA for the past 3 going on 4 years, I think my words aren't too critical or out of place, especially this being the first time I have publicly spoken up (second time outside of my church 3 years ago) about this issue. I will be praying about it more, but my words are necessary and really conveys the heart of matter.

Then there is my response to his post:

I completely understand how you can be misunderstood. Living abroad- as an expat- really does change you. It changes your perspective. For me, it changed the way I viewed Christianity. I see an American version of Christianity that is VERY superficial when looking at the rest of the world & seeing what Christianity is like. I share the same passion as you Randy- wanting to wake people up. Speaking up- for me though, I feel like challenging christian traditions- traditions that were mad made & church enforced. In fact, I've kind of developed a type of resentment towards the American Christians. I'm not saying that's good- I'm just saying that's what happened. All of a sudden I find myself wanting to challenge what someone says- sometimes in a hostile attitude because they just don't know! I had to refrain myself several times from snapping & checking my attitude. It's not that I feel I'm 'better' or more 'spiritual.' On the contrary- my views on life have changed SO DRASTICALLY that I went from being a political conservative to what you would call a liberal. I haven't been in fellowship in over a year and the only church I can get is if I can make it to a chapel service on the military base while I'm on the clock working.

I just.... I just KNOW how you feel and I can't even finish writing out how much I can relate b/c I feel like I can't put anymore words....I know where you're coming from, I know how you feel, and even though I am not in fellowship & my political views have changed, living abroad- specifically in the Middle East or Muslim countries, changes you because you end up seeing reality. So to me, "just pray about it" sounds like a lame cop out when there is actually something that CAN be done. Not that prayer isn't important, but it's what's more convenient for a Westerner. Meanwhile our brothers & sisters are treated as 3rd class citizens, slaughtered, raped, abducted, & are a minority.

His reply to me:

thank you so much for your words. Living abroad really does change things and I am so glad that we have been abroad roughly for the same amount of time.... we can relate! Yeah, I get outraged at injustice that simply pervades society here in the Middle East/Muslim world. And it is so true about not being in fellowship, largely I had to be my own fellowship really digging into the word, praying, being my own accountability, and pursue God on my own.. Being abroad really forces you in the ME/Muslim world either to really press into God or get lost into something else. The West has done a lot, but there is so much more to be done. For me as a black American Christian abroad over time the issue of the scarcity of black Americans doing anything for people who do/who don't look like them began to develop. I am typically the only one. Saudi Arabia was the only place where I saw a number of black Americans and 99% of them were there for religious reasons and were completely blind to the fact of injustices which were so prevalent in Arab society---especially towards black Africans (and lower class black Arabs) historically and today, South/Southeast Asians and poorer Arabs such as Yemenis.

It is so true when you say, "Meanwhile our brothers & sisters are treated as 3rd class citizens, slaughtered, raped, abducted, & are a minority." I always here black Americans fantasizing about Africa and talking smack about America, but in Africa where Christians live either in secret (Somalia), significant minority (Egypt), or at least 50% of the population (Ethiopia, Nigeria) there is not one black American Christian voice. It is like the struggles of Christians and even oppressed non-Christians are largely absent from a black American, especially a Christian. But let there be a PERCEIVED injustice toward a black American----then we speak up and then we are concerned and then we use our influence to garner world attention, and then the black American Christians develop an opinion and stance against injustice, then we are praying, then we demonstrate both black and white and everything in between.. best point in case: TROY DAVIS from Georgia.

So I am not bitter, but my world view accounts for much more sin, human depravity, and injustice than many people from my ethnic group back home. Black Americans have so much influence in the world, but most of us still walk around as we are oppressed and lack the ability to gain resources. I know that maybe this is the case for some, but I don't believe that it is for all. When black Americans get successful, they go and imitate selfish idiots like rappers or the Jones (a well-to-do American-dream family). Some of us do go back into the inner-cities help, but our responsibility isn't just black people but the world seeing how much status and influence we do have in it. In the words of Jesus, "Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more." (Luke 12:48). Wake up black America! May the Lord mature us so that we can be able to help to the poor, oppressed, and abused in the entire world and not just inner-city America. Amen.

Nadarkhani: Final Verdict Monday October 10, 2011

2011-10-08T03:22:00.002+03:00

Pastor Nadarkhani: Awaiting the final verdict

Pastor Nadarkhani’s trial ended on 28 September, and sources close to Christian Solidarity Worldwide indicate that the judges should issue their final ruling on and announce a timeframe for execution within one week. However, others fear that the death sentence could be implemented without any prior announcement, as has occurred in the past in Iran.

CSW is continuing to advocate on behalf of Pastor Nadarkhani - speaking up, raising awareness among the international community and media, and urging key international players to intervene on his behalf .

Continued international vigilance and pressure is vital: the life of this man is still very much in the balance.

Global response to Nadarkhani’s case

CSW has been advocating for urgent international action to prevent the pastor’s execution. As the momentum has grown, statements condemning the sentence have been issued by various international politicians, including UK Foreign Secretary William Hague,; US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton,; President Obama’s press secretary; the governments of France, Canada and Uruguay, and EU Representative for Foreign Affairs Baroness Ashton.

Prominent national and international media outlets have featured the case, including: The Times, The Guardian, The Telegraph, New Statesman, The Washington Post, Voice of America, SkyNews, ITN, Business Week, CNN and the BBC.

Within one week CSW’s campaign has mobilised over 40,000 activists through social media and the CSW website. The Facebook page group in support of Pastor Nadarkhani counts 11,400 international members. Thousands of people worldwide are praying and protesting locally.

Pastor Nadarkhani's case: Timeline

Oct 2011 - A final written verdict by the court is expected on Monday 10 October. As we wait for the formal verdict to come through, Pastor Nadarkhani’s life is in the balance. No conclusions should be drawn on this case until this verdict is received.

Sept 2011 - Pastor Nadarkhani was put on trial again from 25 to 28 September. In a session on 25 September, the court in Rasht ruled that the pastor had not practiced Islam as an adult, but still upheld the charge of apostasy because of the his Muslim ancestry. From 26- 28 September he appeared in court three times, and was asked each day to renounce his faith in order to secure an annulment of the apostasy charge and a lifting of the death sentence. He refused each time. On 28 September, Pastor Nadarkhani’ lawyer, Mr Mohammed Ali Dadkah, presented the final defense.

The conviction and sentence are illegal under Iranian law, since the penal code does not specify death for apostasy. They also violate article 23 of the Iranian Constitution, which states that no-one should be molested or taken to task simply for holding a certain belief. Moreover, the conviction and sentence are in violation of international covenants to which Iran is signatory, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which guarantees freedom of religion and the right to change one’s religion.

July 2011 – A written verdict was received by Pastor Nadarkhani’s lawyer; however, it was dated June 2011. Contradicting a verbal verdict received earlier, the written verdict upheld the death sentence , but included a provision for its annulment if Pastor Nadarkhani renounced his faith. The Supreme Court also asked the court in Rasht to re-examine whether or not Pastor Nadarkhani had been practicing Islam as an adult prior to adopting Christianity.

June 2011 - The appeal was heard by the Supreme Court of Iran and verbal notification of a lifting of the death sentence was given.

December 2010: Nadarkhani’s lawyer filed an appeal.

November 2010: the written verdict from the September trial was received by Pastor Nadarkhani’s legal team, confirming the verbal notification of a death sentence for apostasy,

Sept 2010 - Pastor Nadarkhani was tried and found guilty of apostasy (abandoning Islam) by the Assize court of Gilan province in Rasht, and received verbal notification of a death sentence, despite the fact that death for apostasy is not codified in the Iranian Penal Code. The court used a loophole in Iran’s constitution, basing their verdict on fatwas (religious rulings) by Grand Ayatollah Khomeini, the “father” of the Iranian Revolution, Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, and Grand Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi, currently the most influential religious leader in the country

Oct 2009 - Pastor Nadarkhani was arrested, soon after questioning of the Muslim monopoly of the religious instruction for children of Iran, which he felt was unconstitutional..

Iranian Officials Interview Pastor Nadarkhani
By Michael Ireland

Senior Correspondent, ASSIST News Service

RASHT, IRAN (ANS) -- Iranian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, who has been tried and convicted of apostasy, but who is facing new charges by Iranian authorities, has been interviewed by visiting government officials from the capital, Tehran.

According to Jason DeMars of Present Truth Ministries (www.presenttruthmn.com): “Today, Wednesday, October 5th, a group of officials from Tehran interviewed Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani about the behavior of the judges and the charges filed against him.

“It seems like a positive development, however, in Iran only the facts must be considered. Some observers are concerned that they could manipulate his words in order to prove their false charges against him,” DeMars told ANS in an e-mail update.

DeMars said: “We have been informed that the verdict has been delayed and is now to be delivered on Monday, October 10th. The delay could be interpreted as a sign that the judges have decided to consult with key religious and political leaders, such as the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei or President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.”

In his update, DeMars explained that: “Gilan province, Chief Justice, Mohammad-Javad Heshmati, was quoted by Iran Press TV as saying, ‘Youssef Nadar-Khani has been charged with a crime and is in a prison based on an arrest warrant issued against him. . . . There has been no execution order. No conviction at all has been issued yet and it is up to the court to finally decide the verdict after studying his case.’

“Now, Iran’s judiciary is on record telling a blatant lie,” DeMars stated.

According to observers, the statements by Deputy Governor Ali Rezvani, regarding the charges of “Zionism” and crimes against national security, demonstrate that there is pressure to bypass the legal system and execute him.

“Ali Rezvani is a hardliner and has shown that he is an enemy of Christians. According to some, Mr. Rezvani is the individual who pressured the judiciary to bring these charges against brother Youcef,” DeMars said.

He added: “We ask that you pray for both of these officials. Pray that God touches their hearts and opens their hearts and minds to the Gospel and the forgiveness offered in Jesus Christ. Of course, pray for brother Youcef, his wife Tina, and sons Daniel and Joel.”

Over 50,000 people have already emailed the Iranian embassies around the world – add YOUR VOICE to theirs and support Pastor Nadarkhani.

UPDATE: Sign the Petition to Save Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani

2011-10-07T11:39:00.002+03:00

UPDATE AS OF 13 OCTOBER 2011

Once again, in the face of the immense international pressure that you have helped place on Iran, its government is spreading more lies in an attempt to divert media attention away from Christian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani’s death sentence.

Now, a state-funded news agency is reporting that Pastor Nadarkhani’s conviction has been overturned by the Iranian Supreme Court for a new trial. However, this is a blatant lie – it is regurgitating old information as if it were new news.

What’s worse is that the mainstream media has begun to run these reports as fact. It is critical that we keep the pressure on Iran, as Pastor Youcef’s fate remains in the hands of the Ayatollah Khamenei – and ultimately, in God’s hands.

Please continue to sign our petition to pressure Iran for Pastor Youcef’s unconditional release.

We have sent this petition with over 160,000 signatures to Secretary of State Clinton, but we also made it clear that thousands of people are continuing to stand in support of her direct intervention with the Iranian government on behalf of Pastor Youcef.

Please continue to share this petition on Facebook and forward our email updates to prevent Iran from continuing to spread lies and confusion.

Here is what we know has really happened. This past June was the last time Pastor Youcef’s case was before the Supreme Court, which found that “further investigat[ion]” was needed to determine if Pastor Youcef was a Muslim before converting to Christianity. The Supreme Court sent the case back to the lower court, stating that “if it can be proved that he was a practicing Muslim as an adult and has not repented, the execution will be carried out.”

That hearing already occurred late last month, where the judges found that Youcef was a Muslim because his parents where Muslims; and he was ordered to recant or die – to which he replied, “I cannot.” As we await a written verdict from this court, the court has requested the opinion of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei.

Make no mistake; Pastor Youcef’s case is in the Ayatollah’s hands. Do not let yourself be duped like the mainstream media has been by Iran’s misinformation. Please read and share my latest article for the Washington Post, “Clearing up the facts on Pastor Nadarkhani’s fate,” where I clearly explain Iran’s latest attempt to divert international attention from this human rights’ abuse.

Earlier this week, the Justice Department revealed that Iran orchestrated a plot to assassinate foreign dignitaries on U.S. soil and bomb the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C. This is the same Iranian government that continues to spread lies about Pastor Youcef.

Now is the time to turn up the pressure on Iran to release Pastor Youcef. Please make sure that Iran is held accountable for their actions by using the “Like” buttons in this email to share this article on Facebook and to prevent Iran’s lies from continuing to spread.

Thank you for your continued support for Pastor Youcef. Your voice is having a tremendous impact on the unrelenting effort to save his life.

Jordan Sekulow
ACLJ Executive Director
jsekulow@action.aclj.org

US Embassy Warns Against Drinking Mineral Water in Kuwait

2011-10-07T11:31:00.000+03:00

There's a bit of a trend going on in Kuwait. First, the Ministry has found LOTS of meat & poultry unfit for human consumption that has been used in restaurants & sold- now THIS! Geez....

Warning to American Citizens in Kuwait

2011-10-04T20:06:00.000+03:00

Kuwait City, Kuwait
October 4, 2011

Emergency Message for U.S Citizens

Subject: Possible Rally on Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Please circulate the following message without additions or omissions immediately to all U.S. citizens within your area of responsibility.

An anti-corruption rally may take place in the early evening hours at Determination Square opposite the National Assembly on Wednesday, October 5 in downtown Kuwait City. An increased police and security presence is expected in and around the capital.

Spontaneous and planned demonstrations take place in Kuwait from time to time in response to world events or local developments. At times, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. Do not let curiosity get the best of you; avoid the areas of demonstrations and exercise caution if within the vicinity of any large gatherings. Please stay current with media coverage of local events, be aware of your surroundings, and practice personal security awareness at all times.

U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at the following website: https://travelregistration.state.gov. U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate at their destination. By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. Updated information on travel and security may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States
and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For further information, please consult the Worldwide Caution and other consular information, including Country Specific Information, for specific countries. These products and the latest international travel information for U.S. citizens are available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov.

The U.S. Embassy is located at Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa Street, Block 6, Plot 14, Bayan, Kuwait. If you are a U.S. citizen in need of emergency assistance in Kuwait, you may reach the U.S. Embassy by calling +965-2259-1001 and requesting the duty officer.

U.S. citizens in Kuwait who would like to receive future Warden Messages from the Embassy directly by e-mail may sign up for this service by sending an e-mail to the following address: join-wardenmessagekuwait@mh.databack.com

This message may be accessed on the Embassy website, http://kuwait.usembassy.gov Please note that the Consular Section is closed for U.S. and most local holidays. The current holiday schedule for 2011 is posted on http://kuwait.usembassy.gov/holidays.html.

Blasphemy Charges in Kuwait

2011-10-04T00:34:00.000+03:00

From the Arab Times Online

Man held for blasphemy :

Police have taken into custody an unidentified academician of the Kuwait University and charged him with blasphemy, reports Al-Rai daily. According to reports the academician and his friend were in a café in Salmiya and over an argument the former cursed God. A case of blasphemy and assaulting a friend has been filed against the academician.

Now I don't think they'll give him the death penalty for Blasphemy...but that made me wonder about the Blasphemy Laws of Kuwait. Below is some information on just that.

The state

Kuwait uses Sunni Islam as its state religion, and bases its legislation upon Sharia. The law against blasphemy is part of the 1961 Press and Publications Law. The usual targets of the law are the Shia, academics, and journalists.

Kuwait is a constitutional, hereditary emirate, which gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1962. The ruling family is Sunni. Almost all of Kuwait's 1.05 million citizens are Muslims. About 85% of Kuwait's population (3.4 million in 2008) are Muslims.^[1] The Government requires Islamic religious instruction in public schools for all students.^[2]

Constitution and laws

The Constitution of Kuwait makes Islam the state religion, and makes Sharia the foundation of all law. The 1961 Press and Publications Law prohibits the publication of any material that attacks religions or incites persons to commit crimes, creates hatred, or spreads dissension. The law provides that any Muslim citizen may file a complaint against an author if the citizen believes that the author has defamed Islam, the ruling family, or public morals.^[2]

Roughly half of Kuwait's judges are non-citizens—mainly Egyptians. The non-citizen judges are on one-year to three-year contracts. Most of the non-citizen judges are trained to use Sharia.^[2]

The Ministry of Communications has a Censorship Department. In 2008, the Director of that Department tried to keep the population from having access to YouTube. One Member of Parliament, Waleed Al-Tabtabaie, commended the Director for trying to deal with websites that "work on tarnishing the image of others, practice blasphemy and publish pornography." The MP said the Director did the right thing in trying to defend Prophet Mohammed.^[3]

On May 2011, five Islamic Members of Parliament, namely Waleed Al-Tabtabaie, Jama'an Al-Harbash, Falah Al-Sawagh, Faisal Al-Mislem, and Mubarak Al-Wa'alan, proposed a bill that makes any sort of defamation of God, Prophet Mohammad, or his wives, a crime punishable by death or a lifetime sentence in prison, reducible only once to a maximum of five years in prison if the convict expresses verbal and written regret and apologies, and gives an oath not repeat his/her crime.^[4]This proposal was a response to multiple incidents of writings on walls of Sunni mosques that defames Sunni figures like Aisha (one of Prophet Mohammad's wives) and Umar ibn al-Khattab (one the Prophet's companions) by Shiite teenagers.^[5]

Selected cases

On 10 August 2009, the Misdemeanor Court of Appeals acquitted a Special Forces officer, identified only as Ahmad A. Ahmad had been arrested on May 7 and sentenced to 6 months in jail for defaming Prophet Mohammed.^[6]

On 20 March 2005, an appeals court gave a suspended sentence of one year's imprisonment to a journalist for a 2004 article deemed to defame the Quran. The article's publishing-editor received a fine of 50 Kuwaiti dinars.^[2]

In April 2004, Sunni Islamist members of the National Assembly's Education, Culture, and Guidance Committee proposed separating an article in the Press and Publications Law governing the penalties for blasphemy and other crimes that defame religion into two distinct articles: one outlining the penalties for blasphemy and disparagement of messengers, prophets, angels, and the Quran; and the other specifying affronts to Prophet Mohammed's companions and wives as a separate offense (thus criminalizing Shia disparagement of Sunni doctrine).^[2]

In 2004, the Ministry of the Interior, General Customs Department, arrested and deported thirty-two individuals for allegedly practicing sorcery and confiscated alleged sorcery-related materials.^[2]

In January 2004, the Court of Misdemeanors sentenced a Shia citizen to one year in jail with hard labor, and fined him 1,000 dinars for producing and distributing an audiotape defaming the Islamic (Sunni) religion, degrading its rituals and rites, and defaming and abusing Prophet Mohammed's companions. In February 2004, the citizen was released from prison in error by an Emiri pardon issued on the occasion of the country's National Day. The government subsequently issued a warrant for the citizen's re-arrest, but he remained at large. In March 2004, the Appeals Court dismissed the original misdemeanor verdict, and referred the citizen's case to the Public Prosecutor for re-trial by the Criminal Court. As a result, the citizen also faced the more serious charge of violating the State Security Law. In May 2004, the Criminal Court sentenced him in absentia to ten years in jail for defaming (Sunni) Islam.^[2]

In 1999, University of Kuwait professor Ahmad al-Baghdadi was jailed for one month because he had expressed blasphemy in 1996. In that year, he had written that Prophet Mohammed failed in his mission to convert Mecca's non-believers to Islam.^[7]^[8]

In January 1999, the Court of Misdemeanors found Alia Shuaib (or Aliya Shoeib) guilty of "publishing opinions that ridicule religion." Shuaib is the author of "Spiders Bemoan a Wound," which was published by Yehya al-Rubaian in 1993. The court offered Shuaib a suspended sentence of two months' imprisonment if she paid a fine of 50 dinars. The court offered al-Rubaian the same terms for having published the book without prior government approval. On 26 March 1999, the Appeals Court overturned Shuaib's conviction.^[9]^[10]

Coming to America: Muslim Comic Superheroes!

2011-10-03T23:21:00.000+03:00

Islam-Inspired Comic Superheroes, Lauded by Obama, Head to N.Y. Film Fest

By Tamara Walid - Oct 3, 2011 2:00 AM AT

Even U.S. President Barack Obama took notice of them. Now, New Yorkers may do, too, as the Arab world’s first superheroes make their screen debut at the New York Film Festival.

Naif Al-Mutawa yesterday presented “THE 99,” his series starring supernatural characters. His creations have also appeared as comics, alongside Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. They are based on the 99 attributes of Allah mentioned in the Koran, such as wisdom, generosity and tolerance.

Batina, which stands for the Hidden, is a Burqa-wearing character from Yemen, while Hazel-eyed Widad, or the Loving, has long lustrous brown hair and originates from the Philippines. The giant Jabbar, or the Powerful, is a native of Saudi Arabia and resembles the Hulk. His sneeze can bring down a house and his touch can shatter a brick. These are some of Al-Mutawa’s heroes on a mission to conquer evil.

“It was about creating positive role models for my kids that are based on our culture but are universal in nature,” Al- Mutawa says in an interview. “It doesn’t matter what religion you are, it doesn’t matter if you have a religion -- they are basic human values.”

The 40-year-old clinical psychologist from Kuwait says he came up with the idea in 2003 while in a London cab. It’s all about “secularizing religious content”, he says. Western heroes such as Batman and Superman are based on biblical archetypes, and he wanted to create the same from the Muslims’ holy book, he says.

Twin Towers

It was also an attempt to alter the global perception of Islam, following the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center’s twin towers in New York in 2001. The comics have made a “dent” in how the religion is perceived globally, he says.

“If you get bitten by a snake you become afraid of rope,” Al-Mutawa says. “Our message keeps getting tied to bombs and guns. My thinking was if I go back to the same place where the bad guys pulled their messages and in their place put tolerant multicultural messages, they just become bad guys with bad ideas and you delink them from the religion.”

In his April 2010 speech at the Presidential Summit on Entrepreneurship in Washington, Obama praised “THE 99” and its creator for spreading tolerance, saying the comic books were “most innovative” and “captured the imagination of so many young people.”

Prisoner Torture

Al-Mutawa, who has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Long Island University, worked with former prisoners of war in Kuwait and survivors of political torture at in Bellevue Hospital in New York. Helping people who have been prosecuted because of their religious and political beliefs led him to the project.

“I heard too many stories of people growing up to idealize their leaders as heroes only to be tortured by them,” Al-Mutawa says in an interview in Dubai before travelling to New York.

A total of 26 half-hour episodes was created out of Al- Mutawa’s comics with the help of entertainment company Endemol, a writer in Hollywood, and production by a U.K. company and India’s Sanraa Media. The sequence of four TV series, which are being translated into various languages, is showing in New York.

Discovery Channel bought the rights for the series in the U.S., Cartoon Network in Asia andMBC in the Middle East.

Like all superheroes, there’s a big market for merchandise. Al-Mutawa is looking for the right partners to create a feature film and games. The first theme park based on the characters was developed in Kuwait and talks are continuing on a second park in an Arab Gulf country, he says, declining to be more specific.

Promoting the series, let alone making a feature film, will not be the easiest task for Al-Mutawa, who said he was accused of radicalizing kids and trying to spread shari’ah law through “THE 99.”

Wearing jeans and a black jacket, he speaks at an art gallery showing his TV shows before the festival. With a documentary film on the making of “THE 99” planned for release on Oct. 13 in the U.S., Al-Mutawa says he hopes people will realize “we are not the bad guys.”

Information: http://www.the99.org/, http://www.al-mutawa.com, http://www.filmlinc.com/nyff2011.

To contact the reporter on this story: Tamara Walid in Abu Dhabi at twalid@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Manuela Hoelterhoff in New York atmhoelterhoff@bloomberg.net.

My question is...will the heroes be beheading any of the 'bad' guys as their prophet did?

Worldwide Travel Alert for US Citizens

2011-10-02T18:31:00.000+03:00

Travel Alert
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of Consular Affairs

Worldwide Travel Alert

October 1, 2011

The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the potential for retaliation against U.S. citizens and interests following the deaths of key figures in the terrorist group al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula on September 30. This Travel Alert expires on November 30, 2011.

On 30 September, U.S. and Yemeni government officials confirmed that dual U.S.-Yemeni citizen Anwar al-Awlaki, the external operations leader of al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), was killed in Yemen. Open source information also indicates that U.S. citizen and AQAP propagandist Samir Khan was killed along with him. Awlaki played a key role in advancing AQAP plots targeting the United States.
The death of Awlaki, in the near term, could provide motivation for anti-American attacks worldwide from individuals or groups seeking to retaliate against U.S. citizens or interests because of this action. In the past Awlaki and other members of AQAP have called for attacks against the United States, U.S. citizens and U.S. interests. Awlaki’s standing as a preeminent English-language advocate of violence could potentially trigger anti-American acts worldwide to avenge his death.

U.S. citizens are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly at the nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate. By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the embassy/consulates to contact them in case of emergency.

Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.

Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on facebook as well.

For information on “What the Department of State Can and Can't Do in a Crisis,” please visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ Emergencies and Crisis link at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1212.html

Update on Iranian Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani

2011-10-02T16:48:00.001+03:00

Copy of the Supreme Court Ruling

As of September 30, 2011 the mainstream media FINALLY started to report on Yousef's case in America. Additionally, a petition was put out for people to sign to get the White House to make an official statment- and they did!

Now as October arrives, there have been reports that the charges of Apostasy are being changed to rape, extortion, security crimes & now Zionsim! As if THAT weren't enough, Iran is going after 11 other Christians threatening THEM with death sentences too if they don't 'repent' either!!!

Now folks let me inform you that Yousef is not the only victim of Iran's lack of Human Rights. Through this ENTIRE TRIAL, Yousef's Lawyer, Mohammad Ali Dadkhah, faces charges of campaigning against Islam & the regime because he's a human rights lawyer!

“I have been charged with “being a co-founder of the Defenders of Human Rights Center,” “acting against national security,” and “propagating against the regime,” and issued bail orders of $70,000, but I don’t have any court dates for either of my cases,” Dadkhah said about his new charges.

Continue to pray not just for Yousef & his family, but for his lawyer- who is moving forward in support of fair human treamtment while being attacked:

Lawyer Mohammad Ali Dadkhah, co-founder and spokesperson for the Defenders of Human Rights Center (DHRC), was sentenced by Branch 15 of the Islamic Revolutionary Court on 3 July, to nine years in prison, a ten year ban from teaching in universities, a ten year ban from practicing as an attorney, $300 in fines, and five lashes. Dadkhah’s charges were, “cooperation in the soft overthrow of the regime,” “propaganda against the regime,” “interviews with some media outlets,” “distortion of members of the regime,” “dark portrayal of the state of cultural heritage,” and “compiling the book ‘Writing and Reporting’”, which was published by the DHRC.

SOURCE: http://www.iranhumanrights.org/tag/mohammad-ali-dadkhah/

Pakistan Accuses Girl of Blasphemy for Misspelling

2011-09-30T21:22:00.001+03:00

Young Christian girl beaten and expelled from school for ‘blasphemous’ spelling mistake

On Thursday a simple spelling mistake by a Christian teenage girl in a test at school resulted in a chain of events that casts severe doubt on the suitability of David Cameron’s £650 million in education aid to Pakistan. The teenage girl, Faryal Bhatti, took part in a school Urdu test around a poem in praise of Muhammad, and made a tiny spelling mistake that resulted in a word roughly equivalent to ‘damn’.

"Faryal spelt the word "naat" (hymn), in the Urdu language as "laanat" (curse) during an examination in which she was asked a question about a poem written in praise of prophet Muhammad (PBUH)."

Her teacher, Fareeda Bibi, spotted it, recalled her, scolded and physically beat her. She then reported the matter to senior officers at the school. Overnight, word spread and male students at the school, aided by some local Muslim religious leaders, held rallies the next day demanding the girl be driven from her home and have criminal charges filed against her. At prayer sessions that day, Imam’s demanded that not only the girl, but her entire family should be punished. Officials called a meeting of the school and religious leaders where the girl and her mother were required to appear. They apologized and said that it was just a simple spelling mistake, but to no avail. The next day, not only did the school expel her, but her mother, a nurse was moved by authorities from her job in a nearby hospital to another hospital much further away from the school.

This is not an isolated incident. Christian and other minority children in Pakistani schools are forced to take Islamic lessons, often face pressure to convert or do Islamic worship, sometimes with beatings, and have to read textbooks that erase their faith’s contributions to history and the Pakistani state, and also often denigrate or demonise their own faiths.

The head of human rights organisation BPCA (British Pakistani Christian Association), Wilson Chowdhry said ‘This is the education system that Cameron has decided to pour UK taxpayers money into with very lax, if any, monitoring on their use, especially in relation to minority faiths. Part of the rationale of the aid was supposed to be to strengthen mainstream education as a bulwark against the Madrasa educational establishments of extremist Islamic groups. This latest incident demonstrates that too often there is all too little difference between the ‘mainstream’ and ‘extremist’ educational establishments in Pakistan. David Cameron and the coalition government have in effect committed £650 million of UK taxpayers money to a system that routinely and systematically discriminates against and oppresses children of minority religions, and effectively increases Islamic extremist practices. We call on the Cameron government in the strongest possible terms to reconsider its pledge of aid to the Pakistani education system, especially in the light of Imran Khan’s recent warning about the corrupting effect of much Western aid on Pakistani society. Without extremely stringent controls and monitoring, it is highly likely that even without any of the regular brand of corruption, Cameron will have pledged hundreds of millions of tax-payers money to an education system that effectively furthers Islamic extremism and imperialism at the expense of minority faith children.’

In the light of these conditions on the ground, BPCA has already floated the idea in recent months of bursaries for Pakistani students with strict conditions and on the ground monitoring of the lessons in the schools involved.

http://www.britishpakistanichristians.co.uk/appeals.php

Please sign our international petition calling for Britain to use foreign aid as a lever for change:

http://www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/noukaidtopakistan

Here is a further petition for UK residents only:

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/

Listen to Wilson's interview on Premier Christian Radio:

http://www.premier.org.uk/news/current/Girl%20beaten%20for%20blasphemous%20spelling%20error.aspx